Chapters With a loud huff, she grit her teeth, braced her legs, and angled her sword. The blow only knocked her back a few paces, but she was already darting forward to regain.
She watched as he prepared to swing at her, coming in from the left. She dropped down, sliding right under as the blade swung over her. She twisted, using all of her momentum to throw out her leg.
Caught by surprise, right after stumbling from his swing not hitting, he went flying forward, face down. Springing up, she leapt forward, raising her blade for a final blow.
“Enough!” A loud, strong command was yelled from the sidelines. She let her body go slack, easing up her tensed muscles. Sheathing her blade, she reached down, offering a hand to her downed comrade.
He accepted her hand reluctantly. A grim chuckle came from his dented helmet. “Seems I’m no match for you, Sir Dash.”
“I did try to warn you.” Rainbow smirked back at him, turning to face the podium at the side of the ring. She paused after only a few steps. There, sitting on a dais usually empty, was the Solar Empress. Celestia. The instant they neared the podium, they both sank to their knees.
A soft, motherly, yet commanding, voice shook Rainbow to her core. “Sir Rainbow Dash, rise before your Empress.” She felt herself moving, her eyes meeting those of the Empress. Celestia turned to the knight beside her. “Is this not your squire, Sir Shooting Star?”
“Indeed, Majesty. I have been her mentor for a long time. Ever since she was but a child.” He replied, his face neutral.
“A father in all but name.” The Empress murmured.
Rainbow blinked, and found herself face to face with the Empress. A soft hand cupped her face, yet even that gentle touch failed to hide the power radiating from the woman before her. An eternity passed, and then another. She looked up into a pair of purple eyes, deeper than any ocean.
Celestia released her chin, and Rainbow gasped for a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. The Empress gave her an approving smile, and then she was once more on the podium. “I approve of your candidate. She is by far the most promising.”
The knight bowed his head, clenching a fist over his heart. “Your words are more than gracious, Majesty.”
Another blink, and she vanished again. Shooting Star turned to them. “Sir Black Mane, you are free to leave. Be sure to check with the healers on your way out. Sir Rainbow Dash, come with me.”
Black Mane saluted and began limping off. Rainbow watched him, until she felt a heavy hand fall on her shoulder. She looked up at Shooting Star to see him with a faint smile on his face. “I doubt I could be any prouder of you than I am right now.”
She frowned. “But why was the Empress even here? Wasn’t this just a preliminary round for the upcoming tournament?”
He shook his head. “For Black Mane, it was. And he will be moved forward to the next round, given that you gave him no serious harm. Black Mane was considered one of the strongest contenders, which is why you were pitted against him.” He turned and began his way out of the small stadium.
A sizable crowd still hung around. Rainbow caught a few of their furtive glances at her. “That doesn’t explain why the Empress herself was here.”
“It was a test, Rainbow. One of the final tests of your training.” Shooting Star replied. “When you came to me all those years ago, I saw in you something special. I have done everything I can to help bring it out. Pushing you to your potential, but only as long as it was something you wanted.” He sighed. “You want answers about your parents? This is the only way to possibly get any.”
“...you’re already trying to talk me into this, without even telling me what this is yet.” Rainbow’s frown deepened further. “I swear, Shooting, if this...”
“I put your name forward for the Dusk Ceremony.” He interrupted her. He stopped at the exact moment she did, meeting her shocked stare head on. Shock with a measure of hurt, possibly betrayal. “I know how against this you are, but you’ve never even given any mages a chance.”
“You...you put my name forward...to be bonded with the Witch of the Evening?!” Rainbow nearly shouted.
Shooting Star’s face fell. “That girl is one of the greatest magical prodigies of our age, not to mention personal student of our Empress. Try to at least show a measure of respect.”
“And I told you, I don’t want anything to do with mages!” She snarled.
Shooting stared back at her, his face hard. He leaned forward, getting right in her face. “Unfortunately for you, she’s your greatest chance at finding the Children of Umbra.”
He stood fast as her rage cooled, like a bucket of water dumped over a campfire. A war waged in her eyes. Reluctantly she looked away from his gaze. “What makes you so certain of this?”
“The Empress has given her protege charge over hunting their cult down. It’s why she’s holding the Dusk Ceremony: to find a knight suitable to be bonded to her student. A knight capable of withstanding that much magic. You want answers? Vengeance? This girl is your ticket. And the Empress will rest easy, knowing that her best knight is keeping her student safe.” Shooting said calmly.
Rainbow’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll go prepare myself.” She walked away without another word.
*******
Twilight Sparkle listlessly trudged through the hallway, her ceremonial cloak billowing about her. She’d already reluctantly agreed to take a knight. But if she’d already chosen the knight she would bond with, why bother with the Dusk Ceremony?
A hand clapped down on her shoulder. Her brother’s eyes were warm as always, though filled with concern. “It’s not going to be so bad. The bond is different for every pair. It doesn’t always end in romance.”
“I know, Shining. I’m not worried about that. By the end of this day, I know I will at least have a comrade. Maybe she’ll be my friend someday, but for now we at least share a common goal.” Twilight replied.
Shining frowned, tightening his grip on her shoulder ever so slightly. “You mean you’ve already chosen a knight? Before the ceremony begins?”
His sister nodded before answering. “And I’ve already gotten both Empress Celestia’s approval and blessing. She still insisted on carrying out the ceremony, no matter how unnecessary I pointed it out to be.”
A frown crossed his face. “Isn’t that a little biased, though? I mean, even Cadance didn’t know I was the knight she would bond with until the ceremony.”
“On the contrary. She may not have consciously known, that gbut she had already chosen you. Her heart had chosen you. Just as I have used my head to choose my own. In the end, logic won out. You know how hard I tried arguing with Celestia against this. I don’t need a knight, Shining, but if I am to take one, then I will choose the one that aligns closest with my goals.” Twilight replied. She slipped from under his hand. “I’m going to prepare myself for tomorrow.”
Shining Armor ran a hand through his hair as he watched her walk away. He did not flinch as a soft arm wrapped around his shoulders.
Cadance sighed as she leaned against her husband. “She’s still filled with anger. I wish I knew what Auntie was thinking, assigning her to hunt down the Children of Umbra.”
“Probably the same reason Shooting Star is pushing Sir Rainbow Dash into the Dusk Ceremony.” He barely suppressed a shudder. “Does The Empress really believe this is a good idea?”
His wife was silent for a few moments before answering. “To be honest, I haven’t a clue what she’s thinking. I certainly wouldn’t have chosen these two for such a task, but I probably would have tried pushing them towards friendship.”
“Regardless, tomorrow will be an interesting day.” Shining Armor murmured.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Rainbow’s mind came to three conclusions at the same time.
First, Celestia, the Empress of Equestria, had been incredibly sarcastic in wishing her luck.
Second, the sword and shield prepared for her awaited her in the center of the arena.
Lastly, it was now three against one. Three Elites. Worse still, she recognized them. To her left, Captain Spitfire. To her right Sir Fleetfoot. And straight ahead was Sir Soarin.
Well, Celestia wanted her to prove herself. She wanted a show, she’d get one.
Rainbow Dash was not a magus. Magi dedicated their lives to specializing in magic. Knights used two specialized types of magic: combat and void.
Without a delay, Rainbow burst forward. The three Elites were mere seconds behind her. Soarin was rushing her. She sensed Fleetfoot still to her right, but her position suggested an intercept path. That left... She leapt forward and up, barely avoiding a wave of fire. As she angled her body, she saw Spitfire prepping another spell. Diving into a roll, she sprang forward. The air sizzled behind her.
Soarin beat her to the center, holding aloft a two handed blade. He cooked himself as he watched her approach. Spitfire was no longer firing at her. Which meant Fleetfoot was right on her tail.
Rainbow had to time this right. Time slowed. Soarin swung; she watched the blade slowly come at her. With perfect ease, she stepped around it, as easily as if she had been walking.
From Fleetfoot and Soarin’s perspective, it was like she had suddenly vanished. Their eyes widened as the large blade came down and smacked Fleetfoot head on. A barrier formed around her upon impact, the runes on Soarin’s sword activating.
Fleetfoot would live, not even scratched. The force of the impact still knocked her off her feet, sending her flying a few feet. A loud clanking thunk signaled her landing.
Rainbow Dash finished securing her shield before grabbing her sword, just as a ball of fire came hurtling towards her. She threw up her shield, letting the flame disperse harmlessly off it. The small barrier she’d summoned on the shield fizzled out.
Fleetfoot was climbing back to her feet, shaking her head of the daze Soarin’s hit had induced. Soarin watched her appraisingly. Spitfire stood off to the side, fire playing across her fingertips.
They knew about her speed now. It was apparent in the way they held themselves. She’d caught them off guard, but now they’d be mentally regrouping. They were communicating, but no words were spoken. Telepathy? Made sense.
And this was just the start. Rainbow couldn’t help but grin.
Falling into one of her stances, she charged forward. Soarin barely moved his blade to block her strike, but she was already stepping around him. A quick kick to his back sent him stumbling forward. Two steps back, thrust her shield forward, she clipped Fleetfoot in the side, sending her to the ground again. Throw her shield up to block Spitfire’s next fire attack.
She did not see Fleetfoot’s fist coming from the side, followed quickly by a kick. Rainbow skid back several feet, her armor absorbing some of the blow. She would definitely be feeling the bruise later. For now, she grit her teeth and clung on.
Twilight Sparkle could not sit still. She wanted to yell. She wanted to shout. She wanted to crush something. Specifically, she wanted to yell at Celestia. The Empress of Equestria. Her teacher. And smash her favorite teacup.
Instead she sat calm looking. Poised. But also fixated on the fight down below. She had been impressed though. Rainbow Dash was certainly holding her own. Or, was.
Fleetfoot had finally picked up the two daggers prepared for her. Had to give Rainbow some credit. In all the Elite fights she’d witnessed, Soarin was one of the few that went for their weapon first. The others generally preferred to test their abilities to their max. Soarin was simply one who preferred to use his blade as a medium.
She flinched as Rainbow barely dodged a blow, only to get smacked by Fleetfoot. Seeing an opportunity, Spitfire unleashed a wave of flame. Twilight blinked, and Rainbow vanished. Her speed was most impressive, giving both Fleetfoot and Spitfire a workout.
Twilight risked a glance at her mentor. Celestia reclined in her seat, almost looking bored, even though everyone else in the arena was on the edge of their seats. The Empress met her eyes with a glance of their own. They narrowed, almost imperceptibly. Meant for her.
Her fists clenched at her side as she turned her gaze back down to the arena floor. ’You better not lose, Rainbow Dash.’
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Celestia absently itch the back of her right hand. A frown crossed her face, and she held it up to look. She looked back down at the fight, frown deepening even more.
Twilight froze, realizing she had been itching her own hand as well. She was wearing her arm length gloves, as she usually did, but just underneath, on the back of her hand, she could just make out a faint glow. But that couldn’t be. It only glowed when...
A loud frown from the crowd forced her eyes downward. Her eyes widened, and she gripped the arms of her seat so hard she heard a crack.
Rainbow was down on a knee, shield held up, keeping Spitfire’s flames away. Soarin and Fleetfoot were flanking in from the sides.
Rainbow’s barrier was flickering. It fizzled out completely just as Spitfire ceased her flames. All three approached until they were standing over her. Soarin raised his blade high, Fleetfoot wound up one last strike, while fire played across Spitfire’s fingertips.
Twilight ground her teeth. She couldn’t have been wrong. There was... Celestia gave a gasp, clutching her right hand as though burned. Further down, Cadance was doing the same. She opened her mouth, only to slam it shit. Her hand felt like it had been plunged into a bucket of ice, only for the ice to become molten silver. What was... The Elites had paused.
*********
Rainbow Dash ground her teeth. This was it? This was all she was capable of? What she was worth?
The voices in her head screamed. ‘Never Enough!’ ‘You? A knight?!’ ‘She should’ve been trained longer!’ ‘Sure, she has speed, but that’s it?’
Her grip on her sword tightened. The muscles in her legs coiled. Something inside her built up. With all the force of a volcano, she threw herself onto her feet, threw her head back, and roared to the heavens. The sound of it was amplified, bestial. Primal. A power, a force within her. Something far more ancient than herself welled up from within, and she overflowed with it. A circle filled with strange runes burned through the gauntlet of her right hand, adding fuel to her battle cry. She fell into a stance, surprised to see the Elites climbing back to their feet.
Had she knocked them over? Fleetfoot charge her, daggers held ready. Rainbow sidestepped out of the way as though she’d been walking. Rainbow threw her shield forward, catching the other woman in the gut and chest. The air left her body in a wheeze, and she went flying onto her back where she went down.
Soarin and Spitfire shared an unsteady look. Surprised. They hadn’t expected such a ferocious comeback. Glancing up, even Celestia was fully watching now. Gone was the look of boredom, her eyes held an almost interested look. Dark and stormy.
Rainbow didn’t care. She almost laughed out loud. Her body felt light. As though, had she not been wearing such armor, she would float away. And her speed. She couldn’t remember ever moving this fast before. It was like she had no wind resistance. The air simply...parted around her. Pushed her forward. Filled her. And her senses. Color was sharpened to the point of pain. Eyesight sharper than eagle vision. The sound of the crowd almost hurt, but she found she could tune it out. Probably could pick up a pin drop even through the din if she wanted.
The crowd, though, was cheering her. She thrust her blade up, another roar passing her lips. As the blade came down, she eyed her opponents. Fleetfoot was back on her feet, but visibly limping. Her armor was also dented in, pressing on her chest, possibly restricting her breathing somewhat. Soarin twirled his blade, clearly itching to go toe-to-toe again. Spitfire played with her fire as she stared back.
This was it. The break it or make it moment. Rainbow closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. When they opened, she was collected and focused. A plan formulated in her mind. The distance between the three was just barely within the stretch. She smirked.
She charged straight at Soarin. Things instantaneously went from there. Fleetfoot rushed toward her full speed. Spitfire lobbed a massive fireball right before Soarin, who stood with blade held ready and waiting.
Rainbow tossed her blade up high. She reached forward, grabbed the fireball. Hurled it off to the side. Fell to her knees, sliding right beneath Soarin’s blade. Caught her blade behind him. Twirled, slamming the sword hard across his back. Used the recoil as momentum to hurl herself at Spitfire.
Flames engulfed Fleetfoot, who went down for good. Soarin let out a cry as his armor dented to the point he couldn’t move. Spitfire just barely dodged Rainbow’s attack.
Her dodge sent her skidding several feet. She reached down, pulling the katana prepare for her from the ground. Slicing the air a few times, she held it at her side. A chuckle escaped her helmet, her face still unseen. “Come, Little One. Shall we finish this with one last dance?”
Rainbow narrowed her eyes. The rune on her hand pulsed. She ignored the three resonating pulses from above. One foot back, shield up and close. Spitfire stood, seemingly open and relaxed. Rainbow saw otherwise. Tensed muscles, firm grip on the jolt of her katana. It was just them, now.
Twilight clenched her right hand, trying to reign in the magic pulsing from her rune. So, this was what Celestia was after. She had wanted to awaken Rainbow’s rune. No wonder she was so strongly drawn to the knight.
Celestia sat straight in her chair, face betraying no emotion, hands folded in her lap.
Twilight could tell, though, that she had been affected. Celestia simply has years worth of mastery over control over herself. Glancing down the line to Cadance, she wasn’t that much better off than Twilight.
The rest of the crowd was oblivious to what was really going on. As far as they were concerned, Rainbow had simply knocked them off guard, having held herself back for the first part of this fight. Which was true, to an extent.
*********
Rainbow twirled her sword as she circled Spitfire. The woman still stood before her, watching her every move, but making none of her own. Rainbow would have to go to her.
She went through her options. If she charged right at her, she’d either strike with her sword, drawing out her shield, while following up with a strike with flames from her other hand, circumventing her shield. Or, she’d use fire to draw out her shield, striking with her blade. However, while her opponent wasn’t as fast as she, she was far more agile.
Even with Rainbow’s enhanced speed and senses, Spitfire had still dodged and evaded most of her attacks.
Pointlessly circling wasn’t going to resolve this match. She sprang forward, darting to the left, before cutting back to the right. A detail stood out to her when she had closed half the distance: Spitfire had no flames. All throughout the match, fire had graced her fingers. Now that she had her sword...
She threw herself to the ground, feeling an intense heat as a blade of fire sliced the air above her. She rolled and threw up her shield just in time to block the follow-through attack.
Spitfire used the recoil to bounce away. A chuckle escaped her lips. “So, you noticed. Good job.” Fire licked the blade of her katana. “A shame they only gave me one, though. You should see what I can do with two.”
Rainbow cracked her neck and rolled her shoulders. “Yeah, almost had me with that trick. Didn’t see it until I was practically in range.” She twirled her blade. “Rather is a shame; I won’t get to beat you at your best.”
Laughter filtered through Spitfire’s helmet. “If you think you can, Little One, then let’s see how well you dance!” She darted forward, twirling her blade of fire.
Rainbow blocked with a party of her own blade, causing Spitfire to backstep when she tried bashing with her shield. She quickly darted in from the left, Rainbow blocking with her shield. Spitfire retaliated with a flare from the right, but Rainbow sidestepped at the last second. Spitfire’s katana sliced in from the right.
Rainbow’s rune pulsed again. Time slowed as she sped up. Her blade left afterimages as it came up. She caught the katana head on, sending it up. With all the force she could muster, Rainbow slammed her shield into Spitfire’s chest.
Time sped up. A hush fell on the crowd. A soft thud, followed by a heavier one.
Rainbow panted as she stared. Spitfire was down, wheezing through her helmet.
The older knight reached up. Fiery orange hair spilled out as her helmet came off. A gasping laugh escaped her as she looked up at Rainbow. “Nicely done.” She hung her head as she struggled with the straps on her chestplate.
“Sir Rainbow Dash!” Celestia’s voice boomed from above. In a blink, she stood before her. Her feet touched down on a platform that had appeared before Celestia’s throne. Belatedly, she began to bow, but a wry chuckle from the Empress stopped her.
“That won’t be necessary, Rainbow Dash.” Celestia looked her over appraisingly. Her grinned unnerved the girl the longer it was upon her. “Twilight, I believe that this woman is the knight you have chosen. After witnessing her battle, have you anything to say?”
Twilight held her gaze firm. Her eyes met Rainbow’s before looking away. “Sir Rainbow Dash has more than proved herself. Her abilities and prowess are...beyond what I initially expected. You know that I already held her in high regard.”
“Hmm, that I do.” The Empress murmured. She stood, and Twilight stood with her. The girl’s hood fell, revealing long hair of dark indigo, highlighted with lavender and pink.
She stepped up beside her mentor, standing directly before Rainbow. “As a magus completes their training, one final task is to select a knight. Sir Rainbow Dash. I have chosen you. I offer you, here before our Empress and our nation, my abilities and knowledge to use as you see fit in whatever take we take to protect our people. Will you accept my offer?”
Holding her sword out horizontally before her, grip held tight on the hilt, Rainbow maintained eye contact with Twilight Sparkle. “By will of our Empress, I accept your offer. In return, I offer you my sword and shield. By my deed, shall our will be made manifest. By our might shall the Empress’ will be done. As it is said before our people, so shall it be.”
Celestia stepped forward at this, holding a hand out between them. “By oaths now spoken, and oaths now taken, your words bind you. In the presence of your Empress, in the sight of your people, your oaths now bind. You are bound, as magus and knight, in service to me, in service to our people. By sword and magic shall this be.” She turned to the gathered crowd. “Now May the feast of celebration begin!”
The banquet was still in full swing when Rainbow finally slipped out onto one of the balconies of the palace. As one of the guests of honor, it had been impossible for her to slip away until now. Her stomach let out a loud gurgle, causing her to groan and glance back into the throng of people. All that time and she hadn’t even made it to the food.
Always one more dignitary, three more nobles. She turned away, heading further out into the cool embrace of night. The clink of cutlery drew her attention. She stared.
Twilight Sparkle sat on the ground against the railing, several plates of food surrounding her. Her eyes widened when she looked up, cloak billowed about her. “Oh there you are! I was just about to go fetch you!”
Rainbow sat down next to her with a groan. “I just escaped the ambassador from Griffinsrone.”
Twilight visibly clinched. “That’s why I told you to talk to him first.” She looked the other girl over. Rainbow had discarded her armor, for once, and was dressed in a nice blouse and a skirt that came down to her knees. Her prismatic hair was done up in a nice bun. Practical. “You cut it a little close today.”
A growl escaped Rainbow’s throat as she bit into a roll. “The wards messed with the seal on my mark.” The still shone on the back of her hand, faintly glowing.
Twilight frowned. “And the seal is completely off now.”
“Something I would like to know how that happened.” Celestia said, leaning against the rail. Her white gown practically flowed in the moonlight. Her ethereal hair flowed in an unseen wind, reflecting moonlight in shades of light blue, green, and pink. A wineglass held white wine, from which she took a sip. She glanced at the two shocked girls. “Honestly, you really thought I wouldn’t notice your friendship?” She chuckled. A sigh passed her lips as she gazed at the stars.
“Which is why you put Rainbow through that Ceremony!” Twilight said. Magic clamped her mouth shut, preventing her from saying further.
“Before you begin on your rant, Twilight, know this. I was also the one who sealed Rainbow’s mark.” Both girls went rigid, but Rainbow found herself in the same predicament as Twilight. Celestia sipped from her glass as she continued. “Yet it should not have broken as it did.”
Rainbow licked her lips as she felt the pressure fade off them. “I get it. You sealed it because of where I was found.”
“Partly.” Celestia shrugged. “Yet I’ve watched you, not because of any connection you may have to Umbra, but because you’re special.” She held out her left hand, palmside down. Her rune glowed at her command, golden, flowery, strong. “Twilight, reveal yours please.”
Twilight’s glowed with a lavender light, filled with circular, logica, smooth tunes.
“And now you, Rainbow. Focus clearly. Hold your power, but do not grip it.
Tentatively, Rainbow held out her hand. Her rune pulsed blue, the other two pulsing faintly in response. Several runes ran the outer edge of the circle, in a script Twilight could never recognize. The inside consisted of jagged lines, interconnected with swirls and spirals.
“Already you see the difference. For a magus, their rune reflects themselves. Yours, however, reflects something else entirely.” Celestia continued. “But whatever it means, I have not been able to discover. Yet you will.” Another sigh passed her lips. “The answers are out there, not in this city. Perhaps not even in this kingdom. Which is why I am sending the two of you to the Lunar Confederacy. I may not have any answers here, but my sister might. Not to mention she will be your best lead on finding the Children. You may leave whenever you wish, and the gates of the city are open for you whenever you may return.” She finished off her wine. “Well, I feel I’ve been away from the party long enough. I swear the Griffinstone ambassador grows more long-winded with each passing year.” With a wink at them, the Empress turned and walked back inside.
Rainbow picked at her plate. “She unnerves me.”
Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. “What do you expect? She’s been alive since before our great-great grandparents were born. Even then, I think she’s older than that.” After a sip from her mug, she looked over at Rainbow. “When will be able to leave?”
Rainbow shrugged as she finished off her last plate. “Whenever AJ gets the tank done.”
“The tank?” Twilight sat up straight. “Granny Smith’s letting us use the Apple Howzer?!”
“That’s What AJ said. Though when I talked with her yesterday, she was having problems with a couple gears. We’ll have to see where she is with it tomorrow morning.” A yawn escaped her. “Wouldn’t be surprised if she and Applebloom are still working on it right now, though.”
Twilight’s eyes softened. “We’ll go check tomorrow. Right now, it’s best you get some sleep.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll head home for the night. Night, Twi.” Rainbow said. She climbed to her feet and walked off.
Twilight sighed. “I never meant to lie to you.” She seemingly said to the shadows.
A soft chuckle accompanied Cadance’s appearance. Dressed in a pink gown, she folded her arms across her chest. “I wouldn’t say you lied directly. I would like to know why you never told me.”
Twilight gave a non-committal shrug. “I just figured you would be like Shiny, try to stop me.”
Cadance knelt before her. She gently reached out and cupped her cheek. “Oh Twilight. I’ve done my best to help you, but there’s only so much I can do. If hunting them down is what you need to do, then I won’t stand in your way. You know that.” She closed her eyes. “You lost a father. I lost both my parents. Aunty Celestia and Aunty Luna lost a brother. And you were left with a broken memory. The only thing in all this that worries me is how Rainbow Dash ties in.” A long, frustrated sigh shook her. “But that’s why you both need to go. Just promise me one thing.” She forced Twilight’s up. “Promise me you won’t let your anger blind you. If things get bad, don’t press on. Head back, whether it’s here, or to the Confederacy.” She pulled the girl to her. “Shining and I couldn’t bear to lose you.”
Twilight shuddered. “I promise.”
The Equestrian Empire. It expanded from Gryphonia in the west to Saddle Arabia in the east. To the north lay a frozen wasteland. And to the south the Lunar Confederacy.
From atop the walls of the Imperial City of Canterlot, Rainbow Dash stared down at the south. The Badlands, which acted as a natural no-man’s land was a two day journey. If Applejack could get the Howzer running. Trains used to run across the Badlands, connecting the two nations peaceably.
For the past twenty years, the Badlands have become more and more dangerous. Tales of monsters, demonspawn, and bandits were abundant. A lone road remained the most reliable way through. Which is why Rainbow hoped AJ got the Howzer working.
Built fifty years ago, it remained a marvelous bit of tech. Automobiles were not a recent invention, the first having been built roughly a hundred years ago. Tanks had been conceptualizer twenty years later, but they had no practical application until just fifty years ago.
An incident had occurred in Saddle Arabia. The deserts were full of metals used for industry. Mines were abundant with manastones and gems, each growing naturally along the leylines that ran throughout the world. Not that Rainbow knew too much about that; that was more Twilight and Applejack’s field of work.
It had started with a protest. Safety concerns about one of the mines. Then the mine collapsed, and the whole province ignited into a war zone.
Celestia had sat back, at first, letting the local government regain control. Except the rioters had pushed back harder and far more organized than they anticipated. Worse, the rebels gained control of several key cities, down to their armories and factories. Now heavily armed, and threatening to move deeper into the empire, Celestia had no choice but to crack down hard and fast. The resulting battle only ended in a stalemate. Both sides were equal in terms of firepower.
With the conflict getting bloodier by the day, two Imperial soldiers, a knight and a magus, came up with a plan. Over the course of a week, they completely gutted a tank, remodeled and refitted it, using everything they knew about magic, machinery, engines, and every spare part they could find.
The resulting machine tore through the enemy line like a hot knife through butter. The Howzer, built by the unlikeliest of heroes: Henrietta Smith Apple of the Apple clan, Applejack’s grandmother, and Starshine Sparkle of House Twilight. The two families became good friends due to their actions.
Which is why Applejack was considered one of the finest, and toughest, mechanics out there. The eldest born always inherited the family farm, the second was taught the finer points of machinery. Every once in a while the roles would reverse, given personal preference and what not, but each were required to at least learn the other’s trade first.
Rainbow Dash chuckled. She always joked that AJ had two lovers: farming and machinery. Loud chiming broke her from her thoughts. The sun was climbing higher in the sky, and she still needed to finish her run before meeting Twi...TWILIGHT!
Taking off across the wall top, she practically flew. Shoot, shoot, shoot! If she were late in meeting Twilight, she’d never hear the end of it!
A curse slipped passed her lips as she slid under a cart, haphazardly shouting an apology over her shoulder. With a final burst, she tore into a courtyard, collapsing right in front of a particular bench.
Twilight Sparkle closed her book with a loud thump. Smiling, she stood, while Rainbow sat on her knees panting for breath. “Ah, right on time! Shall we go see Applejack?” Rainbow only waved at her. “It’s been a while since I last saw her, but at least now I know why! Oooh, I’ve always wanted to see the insides of the Howzer! I mean, THE Howzer! I’ve gone over Grandma Starshine’s blueprints, of course, but Granny Smith’s never let me see it up close before!”
“Cause she knew you’d want to gut it to see how it all works firsthand.” Rainbow snickered between pants. “Seriously, Twi, chill. I mean, they’ll probably ask for your help getting the core started again anyway. You’ll get your chance.”
Twilight tapped her chin. “I wonder if grandma is there now. Heh, wouldn’t be surprised if those two have been working on it this whole time.”
“Wouldn’t be too surprising. I know AJ said she would be helping out, doing most of the work.” Rainbow shrugged. She stopped at a stand, buying two hot, fresh sweet rolls. She handed one to Twilight.
“Thanks!” She said as she took a small bite. “Mmm! Think we have time to stop at Joe’s? I could use a coffee to go with this.”
“I was already planning to.” Rainbow said with a shrug. “His shop isn’t too far from AJ’s shop. Though Granny Smith still complains about her having a shop in the city. Wonder if Apple Bloom is up?”
“If Granny is, you can bet Bloom is too...” Twilight fell into Rainbow as they were nearly thrown off their feet.
Rainbow shook the ringing from her ears, looking up to see smoke rising from a few blocks away, several guards already hurrying that way. “Oh great, AJ, you blew up the tank!” She muttered, pulling Twilight to her feet and taking off ahead.
Twilight blinked . Lavender sparks of magic mixed with the black smoke pouring out of an open set of ceramic doors.
Bubbles of green magic formed and burst, clearing it all out before Twilight could move a finger. An elder magus stepped out, a faded set of robes hanging from her shoulders. Short white hair rested just above her shoulders. She huffed before turning to shout back inside. “It’s no good, Henrietta. We’re going to need to replace the whole array. I told you it wouldn’t handle the newer system.”
“Now listen here, Shine! I done told ya, we’ll get ‘er runnin again. An if you says we’ll need to replace the mana array, then we’ll just have to do it. Cause let’s face it, Shine, this system of Applejack’s would really solve the the efficiency issues. In both the canon, and the motor functions.” The grizzled voice of an old woman shouted back.
Starshine shook her head. “Now calm down, I’ve not said anything against Applejack’s system! That girl has the best head on her shoulder I’ve seen, after yours, of course. Given she’s your granddaughter only solidifies it. Still, if we’re replacing the array, then I’ll need to redesign the matrix.”
“Actually, Twilight has, like, fifteen different redesigns already made up.” Rainbow Dash said as she stepped in.
The Howzer was all but gutted. Raised up on a platform off the ground, all six wheels were off, most of the playing had been removed, and smoke was still rising from the still pulsing core.
Starshine raised a brow as she regarded her granddaughter. “You’ve made your own revisions?”
The girl fidgeted where she stood, before meeting her grandmother’s eye. “Well, it was only by going over the original blueprints, but when I knew Applejack was designing a new system, I went ahead and startied going over how to integrate it, as well as improve upon the enchantment matrix.” Several rolled up scrolls appeared with a flick of her wrist.
Starshine gently grabbed one and unrolled a part of it. After a brief glance over, her eyes furrowed in thought, and she reached for another one. She gently grabbed her granddaughter’s shoulder and ushered her into the shop. Not a second later, she was asking questions, Granny Smith joining them.
Applejack stepped out, wiping off her hands and face. Rainbow blinked at her. “You look like you’ve been helping Rarity with her forge again.”
“Mm, don’t even remind me of that. She’s been a right help, repairing several gears and such for the Howzer, plus I still owe her from that one time.” She replied, finishing wiping the grime from her face. “As you can see, Howzer’s still not quite done.” She sighed and looked back over her shoulder. “I should really get back in there. Works out, though, cuz Rarity told me to send ya her way whenever you and Twi showed up. Said she had your new armor done, finally, as well as a lil’ somethin extra.”
Rainbow sighed and rubbed the back of her head. “Finally! Alright, I’ll head on over to the Forge. You seen Pinkie or Flutters today?”
“Saw Flutters earlier this morning, gathering herbs. My guess, Pinkie’s been busy gettin everything ready on her end.” A couple shouts and loud bangs came from the garage. “Well, that’s my gue.” She held back a yawn. “If you come by later, I’ll probably be taking a power nap. Land sakes, I been at this for three days already.”
“And now Twi’s in on it all too. I’ll go see Rarity, then check in with Pinkie and Fluttershy. Give them a progress update on the Howzer. Catch ya later!” Rainbow waved, heading off.
Click.
She tested her arm, slowly bending and unbending it, carefully inspecting the vambrace. It was a good fit, definitely some of her best work. And, she had to admit, the color was just right. She could think of several skirts and leggings that would go well with it. All chainmail, of course.
She turned and looked herself over in the mirror before her. Violet tresses fell to her shoulders (her hair was usually up when she worked, but the shorter length kept her hair from singeing). A chestplate adorned her torso, hugging her figure. Vambraces adorned her arms; a pair of gauntlets lay the side on a table. Various shades of light blues and purple stained the steel.
She nodded, placing a hand on her hip. “I dare say, Rarity, you’ve done a marvelous job. Stylish and elegant, without compromising protection. Hmm, though it wouldn’t hurt to test the enchantment runes.” She flexed a band. “Yes. I can feel the slight tingle, so they’re certainly working.” She hopper from one foot to the other. “And feels light as a feather. Excellent.”
“Hey, Rares! You in?” She heard Rainbow call from the main area.
“Rainbow, darling! You’re just the person I’ve been waiting for!” Rarity exclaimed as she stepped out. “I’m dreadfully sorry I wasn’t able to get you’re armor ready when I said I would! Believe me, I had every intention of getting it all ready for you, when I suddenly got a priority order that absolutely had to be done!”
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Wasn’t my armor a priority order? Since I needed it? For the ceremony?”
Rarity scoffed. “As if you really needed it. Why, you took on all three of them without a scratch from what I heard.”
“You mean you didn’t even see it??” Rainbow gawked.
Rarity waved for Rainbow to follow her. “Of course not, darling! Between your and the Empress’ orders, it’s a wonder I’ve even been able to help Applejack and Granny Smith with that tank of theirs. But despite it all, I finished both orders early yesterday morning, and after I cleaned up a bit, I promptly went to sleep for the whole day. Didn’t wake up till this morning when Applejack came asking if I had heard news of your victory yet.”
She led Rainbow out her back door, through a small garden full of all manner of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, towards another building outback. The forge lay quiet, only a few smoldering embers within.
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I’ve seen the forge this dead in a while.”
“Well, I can’t leave it up and running while I’m in Tarbalon, now can I?”
Rainbow felt her neck pop as she whirled to look at her friend. “You’re coming with us?”
“Hitching a ride, more like. Plus, I do have a few ideas for a set of Mage armor for Twilight, should she desire it. I also am running low on some supplies I need, and I’ve heard about the markets of Tarbalon. So I figured I’d tag along. This will also give me a chance to see how your orders work out.” Rarity pulled a chain from within her shirt. The lock clicked, and she stuffed the key back where it came from. “Now, before we go in, I want to make this clear: I had strict orders from the Empress herself. I’ve only made one other like it.”
She opened the door and stepped aside. Rainbow raised an eyebrow at her, looking at her as she stepped through. Rarity simply smiled at her, waving her on in.
Racks of finely crafted weapons hung from stands and holders and the wall. Sets of armor rested on racks, standing at attention. Rainbow’s eyes fell on the far side of the room, where a set of armor had been set apart from the rest.
Sky blue. Streamlined. She picked up the breastplate: light, yet still strong. She opened her mouth to compliment Rarity, when another item caught her eye.
A box rested on a small table next to her armor. She slowly lifted the lid. She stared down for an eternity. Reverently, she reached down and pulled it up into proper lighting. A sword lay in her hands. Beautiful runes were elegantly carved into what looked like a silver trimmed scabbard. Her hand clasped around the simple hilt, adorned with a small gem.
Schling! A perfect blade. Double edged, well balanced for one handed use. Approximately thirty inches long. The hilt guard was a curious design: two dragons intertwining, a head on either side of the blade.
Rainbow gave a couple of practice swings. Twirling the blade in her hand, she turned to look at Rarity. “I...I don’t know what to say. This sword is...I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Rarity hummed. “I’ve only made one other like it, but even that blade had nothing on this one. The Empress commissioned it, just after you put in your order for your armor. I dare say, she even provided the starmetal I used to make the blade.”
“I’ve heard tales of starmetal blades before, but this is the first I’ve ever seen one. And this is mine?” Rainbow’s eyes were still locked on the blade as she slid it back into its sheathe.
“As I said, darling, the Empress had it commissioned for you. In fact, her payment is precisely why I will be able to travel with you to Tarbalon.” Rarity paused and raised an eyebrow. “Have you ever been outside of the capital, Rainbow?”
The other girl shook her head as she strapped the blade to her side. “Not since I was little.” She paused. “Well, technically I did leave for that wilderness survival course.”
Rarity snapped her fingers. “Ah, that’s right. I often forget you are not originally from here. Regardless, you are in for quite an experience. If you think Canterlot is grand, just wait for the captivating majesty of Tarbalon! The grand arches! The wondrous wares of the markets! The...”
“...countless diseases, horrid piles of garbage, and blatant disregard of natural beauty.” A young woman finished from behind her. A brown robe covered her from head to toe, hood drawn over her face.
Rarity frowned at the newcomer. “Really, Fluttershy, I have heard they’ve greatly improved upon that. Seems you created quite the...impression last time we were there.”
Fluttershy fidgeted slightly. “It’s just...it was such a waste. I mean, their architecture truly was marvelous. But just traveling through and not once seeing any flowers, or herbs, or vines was just so disconcerting. Not to mention unhealthy.” She looked past towards Rainbow. “I just wanted to check in with you, if that’s not to much trouble.”
“As if! You were next on my list of places to swing by!” Rainbow said, stepping out of the shop. “Granny Smith almost has the Howzer ready. Twi and her grandmother are currently working on making Applejack’s upgrade...you know, work. Something about upgrading the core matrix to make it all more efficient.”
“Pinkie said she almost has the potions. She just needs to bottle them today. Do you think the Howzer will be ready tomorrow, Rainbow?” Fluttershy titled her head towards her friend.
Rainbow rubbed her chin. “It’s possible. I’d say either tomorrow or the day after. I say we go see how the Howzer’s coming along, then go see it Pinkie needs help bottling.”
“Works for me, darling.” Rarity said as she locked her shop back up. “Though, do you suppose we could get some lunch afterwards? I’d rather not eat before helping Pinkie.”
Thud! Slam!
Applejack wiped the sweat off her brow. She had just loaded the last of the supplies and gear.
The Howzer sat proud out in the openness before the garage. Large, more of a sleeked out bulk, with six large tires on either side. Capable of climbing a near vertical incline, not that she’d recommend it, it was built and designed for all terrain except aquatic conditions. Mounted on the roof, accessed and controlled from within, lay the single barreled Hyperion canon, capable of firing specialized magical blasts as well as hard projectiles. Never hurt to have a backup.
Next she opened one of the small, more secured cargo bays, eyeing a few strong boxes warily. She trusted Pinkie to a fault, but she also fully trusted her to be herself. Plus Rainbow flat out told her a couple potions were explosive. Best to take extra precaution. Not to mention, though. Given worst case scenario, she wanted them within easy reach. Just in case.
“This...this is just amazing! Do you really not mind me going over your data?” Twilight was asking Pinkie Pie as they walked out of the garage. A cupcake rested in Twilight’s hand, but she was thoroughly examining it while also munching on it.
“I could actually use your opinion. Of course, I know potions aren’t your forte, which is why I also plan on talking to Zecora when we reach Tarbalon. Oh, I just know she’ll be impressed!” Pinkie squealed, clutching her hands and skipping in place.
“You’ve managed to successfully transmute a pebble into a cupcake. Granted, we can only use a pebble sixty four millimeters in diameter or less, but still.” Twilight blinked. “That’s...that’s actually oddly specific. I mean, sure pebbles are only classified to be any stone less than that number, but greater than four millimeters. But why that number so specifically? Your parents are miners, right?”
“Were miners. Now they’re the owners of the most successful mining company in the Equestrian Empire. My sister Maud is set to inherit, which is just perfect! Right now, she’s our top inspector! I know all I know about rocks thanks to her! Remember her collection?”
“Of course! I still have all six hundred pages of notes. I actually made them up into a book, even gave her a copy. You know she’s using it as one of the text books for the orientation for new workers?” Twilight asked.
“Oh, totally! Sure, she can be a bit...” she waved her hand, “but, the whole family kinda is.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow. “So how exactly did you get one of the elite alchemists to teach you?”
“That’s easy: her parents are good friends a hers. Not really sure how, though.” Applejack said, carefully closing up the secure hold. She frowned at Pinkie. “No other questionable potions, now, right?”
“Nope! The Insta Cake are the only questionable ones. All others are just the usual Pick-Me-Ups.” Pinkie replied.
“I dunno. They’re still pretty questionable. Seeing as if you take more than one whole potion a day, your heart could stop.” Applejack deadpanned.
“Pfft! Duh! That’s cause it’s super concentrated and super potent! One small sip and ZAM!! Instant energy, accelerated healing, and totally Fluttershy approved!” Pinkie cheerfully exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air.
“Only cause if it does kill ya, it’s an instant shock to the heart and doesn’t cause prolonged suffering.” She paused. “For a healer, you’d think she’d be a lot more cheerful.”
Pinkie tilted her head, confused. “But she is cheerful? I mean, she’s Fluttershy! She’s all smiles, kindness, calmness, and whenever you tell her something, she’ll likely tell you all the ways it could kill....okay, yeah, definitely see what you’re getting at.” She rubbed the back of her head, pink hair bouncing. “It’s not like that’s all her fault. A good deal of it comes from her training.”
“Ah, right. Rather surprising how often I forget she’s a priestess and not an actual ‘Healer’ healer.” Applejack asked.
“I’m not sure if she’s ever said which deity she serves.” Twilight wondered. “At least, I can’t recall her saying it around me.”
“She hasn’t. I don’t even know, and I live with her!” Pinkie muttered. “All I know is that it all has something to do with the oath she took when she ascended to full priestess.” She gave a small shrug. “Not that she’s ever said much about that either.”
“I just figured there wasn’t that much I can tell.” Fluttershy said said from behind them.
The three girls jumped in surprise, turning to look at her. She simply shrugged and placed the pack she was carrying into the open hold. She glanced at their expectant looks. She promptly ignored them.
The three exchanged a look before shrugging and dropping it. She could keep her secrets then.
Twilight glanced up at a nearby clocktower. “What’s taking Rainbow so long? And I would have figured Shining and Cadence would want to at least see me off.”
“For the last time, I said I’ll keep her safe! At least when she’s not trying to protect my own butt!” Rainbow’s voice carried around a distant corner.
They didn’t hear the reply, but they soon heard, “Oh for the love of Celestia!”
Rainbow cake storming around, clutching her pack like she was about to swing it. The reason was soon made evident.
Cadence stepped around, head held high, while Shining Armor was nursing his arm.
She was dressed as regal as always. Adopted by Celestia at a young age, hailed as one of the most beautiful women in the Empire, she rushed forward and swept Twilight into her arms.
“Please be safe.” She whispered. “Promise me you’ll be safe.”
“I promise, Cadence.” Twilight murmured, pressing her face into her sister-in-law’s shoulder.
The moment Cadence let go, Shining Armor swept her into another hug. “Grandmother wanted to come with, to see you off, but she got called away to a House meeting.”
Worry crossed her eyes as she looked up at him. “House Sparkle called for a meeting?”
Shinning rubber her head. “Hey, it’s nothing to be worried about. It’s just...” he sighed, “Mom’s in Tarbalon. Odds are, you’ll run into her. Just...try to keep a level head, alright? Don’t get caught up in one of her witch hunts.”
“But she could be a big help! She’s been hunting down the Children for years now!” Twilight protested.
Shining held up a hand. “I’m not saying avoid her. Just be reasonable and level headed about this. She can be...intense, sometimes.”
“And I’ll be with her the entire time.” Rainbow deadpanned. “Like I promised about a hundred times.”
As Twilight finished her goodbyes, Rainbow took one last look around. People went about their business. Cadence was getting misty eyed. Shining had his face slightly scrunched like he was going to sneeze, obviously trying not to cry. And that was it. No one else was there.
“Here.” A voice to her left said. Shooting Star held out a small package.
Rainbow took it gently. “Didn’t expect you to come.”
One eyebrow raised in amusement. “And not see you off?” He scoffed. He eyed her new armor appraisingly, eyeing the sheathed blade at her hip. “Rarity outdid herself. And the Empress gift will serve you well, though I pray you won’t have to use it often, if at all.” He clasped her shoulder, his grip strong. “Be safe out there. Go with the will of our Empress. And may the gods show you favor.”
“We’ll be fine, Shooting.” Rainbow smirked. “Who knows, we might even be back before you know it.”
“Good. I look forward to testing your blade in the sparring ring when you return.” He smirked back.
She shot him a grin as she helped Twilight climb inside. Then she reached up and pulled the door shut.
The engine roared to life. Turning onto the main road, Rainbow found Twilight looking back through a view screen. Turning back to the front, she took the seat next to Applejack. Ahead of them, the East Gate stood open.
As the tank left the city, Shining placed an arm around Cadence, Shooting Star still standing next to them. The elder knight let out a long sigh. “So it begins. When next we see them, things will be vastly different.”
“Yes.” Cadence murmured. “And they will never be the same. There is no going back, only moving ever forward.”
Sand.
Dust.
As far as the eye could see, the Badlands stretched out for infinity. Distant clouds signaled a dust storm far out along the horizon.
Looking back over her shoulder, she saw the straggling bit of green. It was fascinating, and disconcerting, seeing the land split almost evenly. Lush green gave way to faded brown, which gave way to nothing but coarse, harsh sand.
Applejack let out a whistle as she stepped beside her. “Heard tales of this, but first I’ve seen it personally before.”
The Howzer was parked off the road, next to a small building that served as the border outpost. The other girls were spread out, either chatting with the border guards, or else staring out into the bleakness before them. Fluttershy knelt off to the side, mumbling prayers.
“I’ll give ya a choice: would you rather drive or man the gun, when we head on out?”
Rainbow raised an eyebrow at her. “Which would you prefer?”
“Honestly? I don’t really care. Just...I’ve got this feelin, Rainbow. I’m sayin we should be prepared. The patrol’s saying it’s worse out there than what the capital knows.”
“You’re the better driver. I’ll man the canon, Twi’ll provide magic support, worst comes to worst...we throw Pinkie at them. Or Fluttershy.”
Both girls shuddered. Applejack turned to head back to the vehicle. “It’s my hope and prayer we don’t get to that point, but...we’ll, Who knows what’s waiting out there.”
“Monsters, marauders, and lots of dust.” Rainbow replied.
Turning back to follow Applejack, she took one last look at Canterlot, just visible on top of its mountain. She froze. A blink, and...it was gone. It almost looked like...
“Hey! Quit wasting daylight!”
Rainbow shook her head and ran back to her friends.
**********
Two days. That was how long it took to cross the Badlands. They were only three hours in, and Rainbow was already stifling yawns.
“If ya wanna nap that bad, switch with someone.” AJ said, eyes focused on the road. “At least the road is still somewhat paved.” She added in a mutter.
“It’s just...nothin but sand out there. But...I dunno. It’s weird. The land...it’s broken. Uneven. Wasn’t there some sorta war out here? Long ago?” Rainbow pondered.
“That’s actually a subject of debate. Some say this is where the original Umbral war took place, others claim it as where an experimental spell went horrifically wrong. There’s enough evidence to support both theories, hence why it’s so debatable.” Twilight said from her seat. Pinkie was leaning against her, fast asleep, reaching up to hug the girl. Fluttershy listened as she gazed out the window.
“So what’s your take, Twi? Which do you think it was?” Rainbow asked, eager to do anything to relieve her boredom.
Twilight shrugged, as much as she was able. “I’m inclined to say it was a little bit of both.”
“Shadow swallowed the world, causing the sun and moon to cast themselves down, leaving only stars to guide our way.” Fluttershy murmured. “One by one, each was snuffed out, and now only a few remain, shining upon a cold world.” She blinked, turning to see two sets of eyes staring at her. She blushed and retreated into the hood of her robe.
Twilight opened her mouth to ask, when Rainbow suddenly went stiff. “AJ? Might want to push it.”
“....so much for an easy ride. Everyone hang on!” Applejack gripped the wheel with both hands, pushing her foot down. The tank jolted as its engine came to life, startling Pinkie awake. “Where they comin from Dash?!”
“Southwest!” Rainbow shouted before letting out a curse. “They’re riding a storm!” She quickly buckled herself fully into her seat, bringing the gun online. Lining up the sight, aiming not right at them, but a little ways ahead, she waited. After the first pings of bullets and magic, she took a breath, exhaled, and pulled the trigger.
Sand blew up as the first truck flipped in the air. Two more trucks bolted out of the dust.
Rainbow shook her head. “More incoming! Using the dust as cover!” The wind howled around them. “Any chance of cover?! The storm’s almost on us!”
“Yeah, there’s the ruins of a town just ahead! Might be able to take shelter there!” AJ shouted back. She huffed. “So long as we don’t lose the road!”
Rainbow held off firing, the two trucks too busy trying to keep ahead of the storm to take shots. Twilight’s voice reflected her frown. “I don’t like this. The storm came out of nowhere.”
“The world howls and cries, yet none now know why. Secrets buried beneath the sand, the graves of a thousand stars.” Fluttershy murmured again.
“She’s really starting to creep me out!” Applejack muttered under her breath.
The wind shifted, dust billowing over them. The Howzer lurched as Applejack fought to keep control. One to the trucks suddenly flew past them, striking against the ground hard.
Applejack’s eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of the sands shifting just ahead. “Hang on to something!” She gunned it, a massive hole opening behind them.
The Howzer’s wheels spun as all the sand and dust went sliding backwards, the ground beneath them starting to give way. The world tilted. The storm howled around them. They slid down into inky darkness.
Author's Note
Apologies for the false alarm earlier. Was doing a small edit to Chalter 11, got confused about chapter numbers briefly, and accidentally published a blank chapter.
Chapter 12
Light. Pain.
Rainbow blinked, weakly raising a hand to block out the blinding orb piercing her eyes.
“Goodness, is everyone alright?! I swear, I try to catch up on sleep, and this is what happens?” Rarity’s voice pierced the blinding veil.
Rainbow reached down and fiddled with her harness.
Click. Thud!
“Landsakes, how are we even alive?!” AJ moaned. She suddenly bolted up, only to clutch her head, barely keeping from falling over. “Gotta check the Howzer! I swear, if he’s busted, Granny’ll tan my hide for sure!”
“I must insist you sit, Applejack, at least until I’m sure you don’t have a concussion. You hit your head fairly hard.” Rarity knelt beside her, examining her eyes. “Hmm, eyes dilating properly, doesn’t look too serious. Still, I wish I knew where Fluttershy went off to. Pinkie’s tending to Twilight. Poor girl is still out cold.”
Rainbow finally caught her breath and looked up. “You...were seriously sleeping this whole time?!”
Rarity pointed to one of two small cubby’s, just large enough for a person to crawl into. “I figured I might as well catch up on some sleep so I could either relieve you or Applejack. And might I remind you, I barely slept at all the last week or so, between your armor, your sword, and the Howzer.” She huffed. “I happened to wake up just as went slid down here.”
Groaning signaled Twilight’s awakening. Pinkie helped her to slowly sit up. “W-what happened?”
“Ain’t no expert, but I’d say we fell down beneath that ruined town we were headin to.” Applejack said, finally escaping Rarity. She began going over the controls of the tank. After some tinkering, soft light flooded the interior. “There we go. Now, let’s see about the exterior...”
Several lights flickered and then flashed on, illuminating some of the area around them. Forward and to their right, Fluttershy stood, staring out into the darkness.
“At least she didn’t go to far.” Rainbow muttered, forcing herself to stand. She stumbled out of the vehicle, bracing herself against the side for a moment. The air was heavy. Stale. Dust still trickled from above, a cloud hovering about them.
Pain! She stumbled, clutching her head. She bit her lip as it moved to her hand. Her rune pulsed, throbbing.
”Rain...bow...”
She hissed as it faded. Shaking her head, she stumbled to where Fluttershy stood. “Any idea what this...place is?”
The girl gave a long sigh, shuddering slightly. “This place is ancient. Sacred, once upon a time. Now tarnished by shadow.” She turned to Rainbow. “But regardless, there is only one way for us to go: forward.” She walked past her, heading back to the others.
Applejack was already outside, checking the Howzer over. Every now and then she’d mutter to herself, only pausing to give a nod to her friend.
Rainbow hissed, grabbing her right hand as her rune gave another pulse. Holding it up, it cast shadows on the ground, it glowed so bright. As she turned back towards the Howzer, the glow faded. She blinked. She held it out towards the tank, and the glow faded more. She turned and pointed her arm and hand towards the path the tunnel traveled, and the glow brightened.
“Great.” She deadpanned. “As if there were anywhere else to go right now.”
“Hey! Dash!” She turned to see AJ waving to her. “Howzer’s good to go! Get back here, so we can get a move on!”
Twilight looked at her as she climbed back in. Her eyes widened at the sight of her hand. “Your rune...it’s reacting to something?”
“Yeah. Not sure what it is, but...it’s like it wants me to go down this tunnel. Not like there’s anywhere else we could go.” Rainbow replied, holding it up. “Least it’s not stinging now. And...I....I don’t think we’re alone down here.”
“Alone? You...mean there is something down here with us?” Rarity asked, holding a cold press to Pinkie’s head.
Rainbow looked at Fluttershy. “Secrets buried beneath the sands? Is this what you were talking about?”
“There...is a purpose for our being here. But what that would be, I cannot yet say. Just...” Fluttershy took a breath. “I’m unsure.” She looked away, hanging her head.
Rainbow sighed. “Well, there’s only one way to go.”
“This tunnel ain’t natural. Walls are way too smooth. Perfectly circular. Stone almost looks...melted.” She glanced back. “This have anything to do with your ‘fallen stars’, Fluttershy?”
“I’m...honestly, I’m not all that sure.” Her head sank even lower. “I’m sorry I’m not that much of a help.”
“Don’t be like that, now.” Applejack assured. “Really, you’re mighty helpful. If any of your...priestess stuff comes to mind, by all means share it.” She sighed. “I mean, a little prophecy is to be expected right?”
“Yeah, it’s almost like those stories! A group of friends leave on a journey, end up finding some lost relic, and having to go on an epic quest!” Pinkie giggles. Then promptly groaned and clutched her head. “Though real adventuring hurts a lot more.”
Rainbow couldn’t help but chuckle. “It kinda is like the old stories. I mean, we’re hunting a cult that worships...some sort of demon thing...and now we’re going through a dark ruin that we just ‘happened’ to fall into.” She cracked her knuckles.
“And I suppose you’re rune will guide us the rest of the way.” Twilight added. She pointed at it. “It is glowing brighter now.”
“Yeah, well, I think Now would be the time to use it then.” Applejack said, gesturing ahead of them.
The tunnel opened up into a large circular chamber, with several new chambers off-shooting from it. Rainbow glanced at her hand. “Gimme a sec. I’ll see which one is the one we want.”
She hopped out and made her way forward. She held her hand out, then moved it towards each of the tunnel openings. Nothing happened. She frowned and groaned. She hissed as it suddenly pulsed again.
”.....Rainbow...”
Shaking her head to clear it, she looked at her rune, then began walking towards each tunnel. Upon getting closer to the far left entrance, the mark began pulsing. She waved at the Howzer, jumping in as it came past her.
“This way.” Rainbow pointed, holding her rune hand forward. “Definitely this way.”
“Looks like this one goes on for a while. Personally, I don’t wanna risk going to fast down. Might as well make yourselves comfortable again. As much as ya can, anyway.” Applejack called back.
Rainbow settled back into her seat, idly running a finger along the back of her right hand.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. She stumbled back from the door, blinking her eyes. Why were her arms heavy?
She held the boy closer to her, as she heard voices approaching her. Her friends gathered around her, several of them seemingly talking. She saw their lips move, she heard the echoes of their voices, but she just couldn’t understand them through the fog that clouded her mind.
Fluttershy stepped into her vision. She made no attempt to speak, but rather she mimed our actions. Breathing. In. Out. In. And out. Slow. Measured.
Her pulse returning to normal, she kept up the breathing. The others had all gone quiet, content with letting Fluttershy take control.
“Better?” Rainbow could only nod, holding onto the boy in her arms. “Now, can you tell me what happened? We’ve been very worried.”
“I...I’m not...I don’t know. But it...I just knew he was here.” Rainbow finally managed, gesturing to Spike, still asleep. “It was like...a call. Something...someone...called me here. And suddenly, I knew how to get here. To get him.” She turned back to the door. “This...it’s like...it was...some sort of portal. To...this other place. But...it’s so strange. I...It was all so familiar.” She shook her head. “I think...I can get us to the surface now.” A quick glance at her hand revealed her rune to have faded away once more.
”Do not linger, Rainbow. Go. Now.”
She shuddered, then gently handed Spike off into Fluttershy’s arms, where he snuggled back down. Rainbow gently pulled her along, falling over her shoulder. “Come on! We need to get out of here! I’ll try to explain as we go.”
“Doesn’t sound like you’ve got much more to say, though.” Applejack muttered, climbing into the gunner’s seat, while Rarity took the seat next to the driver. “Why exactly are we still in such a hurry? You’re not still possessed, are you?”
“I wasn’t possessed, AJ. I just...knew I had to retrieve him. He was in danger. He’s still in danger.” Rainbow replied, turning the Howzer back down the path they came before shooting off into one of the other tunnels.
“You also mentioned his name was Spike. Was there someone else....over there?” Rarity asked, examining him as he nestled in Fluttershy’s arms. A pair of green eyes blinked at her.
“No. Just...a voice. I think it was a message. Left by his mother. Though why he was left there...I’d really like to know the answer to that.” Rainbow replied as she drove on. “All questions and no answers.”
**********
Robes softly dragged across the floor as the group stopped before the door. Their leader partially raised a hand before letting it fall back to his side.
“It is as we feared. The Abomination got here before we could.”
One of the woman scoffed. “Impossible. Even with its companions, there is no way it could have done this alone. Check the door again.”
“No need. I too can feel that it has closed.” Another spoke up. “But I can just barely feel the echoes. It was closed only recently.”
“Still,” another spoke, “it’s traveling in that contraption. And if it has received outside help...we must alert the High Priestess. If the Abomination is beginning to reawaken, she must be alerted. At once.”
“Agreed.” Their leader spoke again. He pulled a gem out of his robes, and a ring from his finger, handing them both to a subordinate. “You know what needs be said. The rest of us will withdraw. We have no reason to tarry here.”
The first woman shook her head, her lips in a firm line. “Such misfortune. The High Priestess will not be pleased.”
“No, but she will be understanding. It was not in the predictions that the Abomination would become unshackled so early.” Their leader paused in thought. “This does not bode well. We need to reconfigure our predictions and reassess. If we were wrong about this, who knows what else could be off. We retreat to the Temple, warn the other groups.”
The group turned and slipped back into the darkness, unaware of the carved dragon’s glowing eyes watching them.
************
Rainbow stretched as she breathed in the cool night air.
Applejack and Twilight were studying the stars some distance away, trying to verify just where they were.
Spike had not left Fluttershy’s lap, choosing to sit and stare at Rarity as he sucked on his fingers.
Rarity took it all in stride, pausing to coo over him every now and then, causing the little one to grin and gurgle.
Pinkie sat on the ground just outside the Howzer, stifling a series of yawns.
“Hmm, I think you’re right, Twi. Which makes us still about a day and half from the Confederacy border.” She shook her head, looking over a rough map they had. “I don’t like it any better, though. For all we know, we could be in the middle of hostile territory.”
“It’s not like we have much choice, AJ.” Twilight responded softly. She next turned to Rainbow. “Can we stop here for the night, or do we need to press further on?”
Rainbow frowned for a moment before shaking her head. “Nah, we can rest. I’m not feeling that sense of urgency right now. I mean, sure there’s still this vague feeling of...something, but it’s nothin like the urgency I felt at the door.”
“Excellent.” Twilight said, rolling up the map. “I will take first watch.” She pointedly looked at Rainbow. “You get on to bed. You could really use some rest after everything that’s happened.”
Applejack gave out a loud yawn. “Wake me in a few hours and I’ll take over. Till then, night ya’ll.” Pinkie let out a loud snore in response.
Rainbow slowly sank down next to Pinkie. Everything just felt heavy all of a sudden. Even as she settled into a somewhat comfortable position, her eyelids began to fall. Releasing a small yawn, she relinquished consciousness for the bliss of sleep.
The grand city of Tarbalon. Capitol of the Lunar Confederacy.
High Archmage Luna tossed the file on a stack resting on her desk with a frustrated sigh. A day and a half late. Even if they had been stuck in a sandstorm, which was a given for the Badlands, the Howzer was a capable vehicle. No, something else had happened to hinder them. Her sister would not have been so specific with anyone else. She wasn’t worried. Still...she couldn’t help but wonder...
Knock Knock Knock.
The door opened of its own accord, the guard stumbling in. “They’ve arrived, Archmage. Miss Twilight Sparkle hurried on ahead to meet with you personally. Should I send her in?”
“But of course!” Luna said, a small smile tracing her face. “Come in, young Twilight, come in!” She urged, ushering the girl in. She took the dirt and grime that covered her. The maids would need to come clean afterwards. “I was beginning to worry!”
Twilight sheepishly took the seat offered her as the guard saluted and retreated back out the door. The door clicked shut without anyone touching it. “My apologies, Archmage Luna. It is good to see you again.”
“And you, Twilight Sparkle!” Luna said with a smile. Two pots, one a tea kettle and the other full of coffee, gently set down on the small table before Twilight, along with a bowl of sugar and a small pitcher of cream. “Please, help yourself. From the look of you, I’d say you certainly hit a delay! Sand storm was it? And where is this knight of yours? Rainbow Dash, was it?”
“Well, that’s...” Twilight broke off as she poured herself some of the coffee, adding both cream and sugar, “She wanted to be here with me, to meet with you, but...well, it’s about our delay.” She took a breath. “A sandstorm hit, just as you said, but...”
Luna listened as Twilight made her way through the ordeal, from the storm to the ruins, and what lay beneath them. When the girl had finished, Luna sank back into her seat. “And Rainbow is with this...boy? He only cried when she tried to leave him?” Twilight nodded. “Despite him seemingly fine in Fluttershy’s care?” Twilight nodded again. “Most curious. And most fortunate that you retrieved him first.”
Twilight frowned. “Rainbow said much the same, but she couldn’t really explain why. She just mumbled something about...a voice. That only she could hear. Of course, I was skeptical of it first. Wondered if the tunnels were having some...hallucinogenic affects. But when she led us to that Door...and came back with Spike...”
“You began seeing what really was.” Luna filled in for her. She leaned forward slightly. “There are...forces in this world, Twilight. Eldritch powers from days of old. Most of them are gone now, faded, but there are some that linger still. My sister and I, and up until a few years ago our brother as well, have walked this world for a long time. I can honestly tell you that whatever voice Rainbow heard, is no friend to Umbra.”
“Technically, she heard two voices. The one she heard from not long after we fell down into the tunnels. The other she thought belonged to Spike’s mother, which was little more than a plea for protection.” Twilight explained. “It’s...strange, though. Rainbow...her rune...”
“You found her rune on the Door.” Luna finished for her. “Not surprising.” Twilight blinked at her. “There are certain...things neither of you are ready for. For now, let it suffice that Rainbow, and you, are very, very special individuals. I know why you are here. I know what it is you seek. But I’m afraid I cannot simply tell you.” She held up a hand when Twilight opened her mouth. “Tarbalon is not secure. I have long held suspicion that the Children of Umbra have infiltrated the Confederacy. And I can currently do very little about it. But come! Let us go meet this...Spike was it?”
************
Spike sat in Rainbow Dash’s lap, sucking away at his fingers and giggling at Pinkie Pie’s antics to make him laugh. She cycled through several silly faces, changing her expression every time she passed her hand across her face.
Rarity let out a sigh. “Well, at least he’s stopped crying now that he knows Rainbow isn’t leaving him. Still, that was quite startling.”
“The poor dear, he was all alone for who knows how long, and now he’s become so attached to Rainbow. He was probably scared she was going to leave him too.” Fluttershy said, stroking Spike’s hair softly.
“Technically, I was, just while I went with Twilight to meet with Luna.” Rainbow grumbled, ruffling Spike’s green hair.
Applejack and Rarity chuckled, while Pinkie picked Spike up and spun him around. Fluttershy went off to the side, kneeling in a posture of prayer.
Tarbalon truly was a beautiful city. Plants of all kinds lined the streets. Trees grew at set intervals, flowering vines crept up the walls or hung from the eaves. All of made the already grand architecture stand out that much more. Towering spires. Grand arches. A multitude of clock towers, each with a unique design and chimes that, when combined with the other clocks, merged into marvelous song.
Rainbow glanced at the priestess. Rarity had said Fluttershy had something to do with the renewed greenery. Judging from the mixed looks the priestess got, she didn’t doubt it. Some looked at her with respect and admiration, others with slight disdain or mistrust.
“I trust you aren’t here to cause mischief again? You caused quite the uproar last time.” Luna asked. Her voice was soft, yet firm. It also contained just a hint of mirth.
Rainbow stared at the woman before her. Not quite as tall as Celestia, every bit as regal, Luna was dressed in a similar style dress and cloak, both a navy blue and covered with swirling silver stars and constellations. Her hair looked as the night sky and waved in the same ethereal wind. Rainbow felt her body stiffen, heart pounding. She held Spike just a tad tighter to her, surprised at feeling him just as rigid as she.
A shadow fell over her before passing. Luna stood over her, yet not invading her space. Her eyes were soft, but there was a hardness deep within. A deep...sorrow?...and joy? She slowly sank to her knees until she was eye level with Spike, maintaining eye contact. “It is a pleasure to meet you, little one.” She lifted one hand and slowly brought it forward to stroke his cheek. After a moment, the boy relaxed, watching Luna closely as he went back to sucking his fingers.
“Do you know him, Your Grace?” Rarity asked.
“It would be more accurate to say I know of him.” Luna sighed. “This little one is one of the last surviving members of a once proud people.”
Rainbow blinked. She had clearly heard Luna say that last part, but none of the others had. Luna smiled at something Pinkie said, laughing along with the others. ”You came here for answers, Rainbow Dash, and answers you will have. Know that I cannot tell you everything. Not yet. But I can give you something. Come to my chambers tonight, when the moon is high. Bring Twilight Sparkle with you.”
Rainbow gave a barely perceptible nod. Luna’s smile seemed to falter slightly, before she recovered quickly.
Rainbow laughed and fell in with the others as they went on their way.
***********
Their hand tightened into a fist beneath their robe, a mask hiding the malice of their grimace. Of all things to fail at, it had to be this.
The messenger fidgeted where he stood behind them. “What is Her will now? We failed to retrieve the...boy...”
A distorted voice fell on his ears. “Silence, fool! There are ears all around, some ours, some of theirs! Speak not of such things lightly! Come!”
The cultist scurried to follow after them. He was nervous. He had expected the contact to be another believer, like himself. Not...whoever this was. He couldn’t even tell if it was a man or woman. He shuddered as they passed through a doorway. He looked back only to see a veil of shadow shrouding the door. A rough hand pulled him along.
“Do not linger in this place, lest Her Shadow enshrouds you forever. Come.” The voice hissed in his ear.
He followed them down. The air was cold, musty, damp and dry at the same time. Things played at the edges of his vision. Thoughts of spiders and all other manner of creepers ran through his head. The draft that went down was like that of a grave.
They came out into a circular room, thirteen cultists kneeling in a circle, all at the edge of a circle filled with a jagged pentagram.
The masked one shoved him into the center, holding him there by his throat. “At last, my brethren, our ritual can be completed. As this one relinquishes his soul to our Mistress, let Her Shadow fill you!”
A flash of silver. Crimson fell to the ground. The cultist staggered as he held a hand to his throat. He pulled it away, soaked with blood. His mouth opened as his eyes rolled back. He collapsed like someone cut the strings from a puppet.
The circle blazed with a dark light. Distorted laughter filled their ears.
Night fell across the city. Carved moons, from mere crescents to full orbs, shone across the streets filled with the light of the full moon, enhancing its natural beautiful glow. Flowers closed during the light of day now opened in glorious bloom casting sweet scents to waft through the air, mingling with the savory and delicious smells from the myriad taverns, restaurants, and halls filled with noises. Singing, laughter, and always the quieter sounds of turning pages, or softest strokes of a brush or pen against canvas or paper.
It truly was a utopia of sorts. So thought the figure as they made their way through, the hood of their cloak covering their face.
Another time, they would be here to play. Not now. There was work to do this night, and not much time to get it done either. A distorted chuckle seeped out of their lips.
All the skulking, the rituals. Everything came down to this one night. The Empress and Archmage both had their role to play in things. Certain things had to happen, and other things were free to happen as they came.
This night was a perfect night to do it.
The Lunar Palace sprawled before them, its spired towers towering over the city. Guards leisurely patrolled the walls and grounds, a few scholars still lingering on the grounds. In a city of scholars, artists, and a multitude of night owls, the figure blended right in. Right until a priestess stumbled into them.
-——————-——-——
The castle was quiet as Rainbow and Twilight made their way towards Luna’s chambers, the shadows falling thick and heavy despite the moonlight streaming through the large windows.
“I still don’t get it. Why can’t she just tell us everything?” Rainbow muttered, sighing in frustration.
“Earlier she said something about....well, I’m certain she has important reasons. Considering the reason why we’re here at all.” Twilight narrowed her eyes at her.
Rainbow heard loud and clear what Twilight was saying. “Heh, that would be our luck. You raided her library yet?”
“Haven’t had the opportunity.” Twilight huffed. “I did at least find out where it is, and I plan on heading there as soon as we finish speaking with Archmage Luna.”
They fell silent as they neared the door to the room Luna had told them to meet with her in. Twilight reached for the handle but paused upon hearing voices from within.
Luna was speaking so someone else was with her, but upon the other person speaking, Twilight threw the door open and flew into the room. Rainbow rushed in behind her, hand on the hilt of her sword. She skid across the carpet to stop herself.
Lady Twilight Velvet of House Sparkle held her daughter within her embrace, gently stroking her hair. “My my, how you have grown. My little star isn’t so little anymore.” She pushed Twilight back a step to look her over, cupping her chin. “Look at you! An aura worthy of the heir of the Sparkle bloodline.”
Twilight Sparkle blushed and hung her head before her mother. “I’ve been studying and practicing everyday! And all your lessons! I haven’t forgotten a single one!”
Velvet smiled warmly at her. Her eyes rose to look at Rainbow Dash. Holding Twilight within one arm, Velvet greeted the other girl. “And you must be Rainbow Dash. Luna has spoken highly of you, though if I may, I would like to request to see your skills up close. Would you be willing to spar tomorrow morning? I assume that would be acceptable for part of your morning exercise?”
“Uh, sure? I mean, I’m always up for a good spar.” Rainbow replied, awkwardly rubbing her arm.
“Hmm, well I’m sure I won’t pose too much of a threat to you. I’m certain Twilight has been keeping you on your toes.” Velvet smiled. It faltered at the confused looks on their faces. “The two of you have been training together, have you not?”
Twilight started fidgeting, keeping her eyes on the floor. “I mean...we’ve practiced a couple times...like when I was teaching Rainbow magic...in what I thought was a secret from Celestia...”
“And no offense, but Twi doesn’t have that much interest in learning the ways of the sword. Or spear. Or daggers. Or even hand-to-hand.” Rainbow listed off. She stopped when she felt the searing burning from Twilight’s glare.
“Thank you, Rainbow Dash.” She muttered through clenched teeth. She looked up at her mother. “I do keep up the exercises you and Celestia taught me. It helps me keep focused.”
Velvet rubbed her temples. “Well, at least we aren’t at square one. You will be joining Rainbow and I tomorrow morning.”
“What?! But that’s so early!” Twilight exclaimed, eyes widening with horror.
“Then you had best get to sleep as soon as you finish talking with the Archmage then.” Her mother simply replied, retaking her seat and sipping from her cup of tea.
As Twilight took a seat, fuming, Rainbow frowned. “Are the cultists really that strong?”
“Cultists?” Velvet scoffed. She waved a hand to Luna. “If you would, Archmage. I’m afraid I’m too biased to fully answer her.”
“The Children of Umbra are no mere cultists, Rainbow Dash. They have a legitimate claim, and goal, that if left unchecked will the ruin of us all.” Luna sighed as she set her cup down. “And unlike many cults, Umbra is very real.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Before we go any further, are you perchance a believer, Rainbow Dash?”
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “I know what they teach in the temples. That great beings came and taught humans magic, and that they then became the basis for most modern religions. But I don’t often go to service, if that’s what you are asking.”
“It is not.” Luna replied. She raised her hands, touching her finger tips before her face so her eyes were just visible. “I am asking if you believe in dragons.”
“Dragons?” Rainbow frowned. “The temples claim that the gods slaughtered them, but...”
“You’re skeptical. It’s understandable. Especially since they’ve done such a marvelous job of hiding it.” Luna lifted her cup to her lips. “And yet they keep the truth right there in plain sight without anyone noticing. Those that do...end up becoming priests.”
“Tch, next you’ll be saying that the dragons are gods.” Rainbow clicked her teeth. She blinked. “Wait, hold on. What do dragons and gods have to do with Umbra?”
“Because, Rainbow Dash, Umbra is a dragon. The Dragon of Shadow.” She narrowed her eyes and fixed them on the girl before her. “And to you, she may as well be a god.”
“Are we looking for anything in particular or just whatever we think is interestin?” Applejack asked as she walked beside Rarity.
The two girls were in one of the many bazaars, this one specifically catering towards craftspeople. Booths and stalls filled the entire space, with all kinds of shops lining the outer portion. Despite its clustered nature, people were still able to browse and walk without bumping into one another.
“For the most part, Applejack, I’m looking to replenish some of my basic supplies, but be on the lookout for more exotic materials as well. What I wouldn’t give for some good high grade Saddle Arabian iron ore.” Rarity replied, pausing to inspect a table full of ore samples. She tapped her chin while checking the prices.
“Well I’ll be.” Applejack said from the stand next to her. All kinds of tools were arrayed out for display. “I could really get the Howzer purring with these.”
“D-did you just say Howzer?” The stall owner asked. He eyed Applejack before nodding. “Ah, you must be Henrietta’s granddaughter.” He leaned forward a bit, whispering conspiratorially, but everyone around him could hear him clearly anyway. “Just so you know, the Apple family gets quite a discount in these parts.”
Applejack stared at him, blinking. “Granny did always talk about getting the best prices in Tarbalon. Guess I know why now.”
The man chuckled as he crossed his arms. “Word is you’re not that bad a mechanic yourself.”
“Shucks, I ain’t no Granny that’s for sure. But she did teach me most of what I know.” Applejack replied.
“And the rest?” He asked, eyebrow raised.
“I learned a thing or two about magic from my friend, Twilight Sparkle.” She replied. “So how much...”
“Outrageous! I insist I pay full price!” Rarity exclaimed. “My connections withstanding, I am fully aware how hard this is to procure!”
“Well, that’s something you don’t see everyday.” The tools dealer said.
Applejack just sighed. “It is when you’re friends with her.” She walked up to Rarity’s side. “Rares, what’re you doin?”
“I’m trying to buy pure Taurian mythril, and she’s insisting on a ridiculous discount!” Rarity replied, pointing.
Applejack sighed and turned to the woman running the stall. “How low was your price?”
“Not a copper lower than forty bits a unit. Honest. Normal price is close to seventy.” She answered.
“Forty bits a unit.” Applejack muttered. After glancing at Rarity, she asked, “We talkin Equestrian Imperial bits, or Standard Provincial?”
“Standard, of course. But if you’re paying with Equestrian, the price comes out to around sixty a unit.” The woman replied.
A blush crept its way onto Rarity’s cheeks. “I...suppose the price was more fair that I originally thought.”
“Yes, well, it was hard not to take you for your offer, deary, but considering you have friends in high places...I think I’ll keep to the price I told you from the start.” The woman chuckled.
Applejack blinked. “Now hold up. Me being an Apple is easy enough to figure, but how do you know about Rarity?”
“Miss Apple. This city is, above all things, a great source of knowledge. Information is key to just about everything. As such, word spreads like a wildfire. You were all seen yesterday in the company of the Archmage, and you arrived with none other the Witch of the Evening, the star pupil of Empress Celestia.” She grinned. “That and I’ve heard whispers of you, miss Rarity. A rising forger such as you would bring me great business.”
Rarity finished writing out her order and handed it to her. “Could you have this delivered to the address listed there?”
“Of cour....” Rarity dove across the stand, tackling the woman to the ground.
Screams rent the air as a long heavy blade came crashing down right where Rarity and the woman had been standing.
Applejack had rolled to the side, ducking behind another stand. Her blood ran cold as her eyes traveled up the large creature before her.
Shadows billowing as a cloak, a horned skull looked down upon them with glowing blue points for eyes glaring down upon them all. It yanked the large sword from the ruined stand, hefting it over one shouldering. Towering over them, easily dwarfing the largest man, the creature swept its gaze over the emptying market. A fork tongue darted out as it raised its snout and sniffed.
Applejack barely made it to another stand as it crashed through the one she had cowered behind. Horror blossomed in her chest as cold realization crashed down upon her. Her eyes widened as it held its blade up, ready to bring it down upon her. “A demon?”
************************************
Twilight Sparkle sank down until she was sitting, knees bent on either side of her. She clung to the staff in her hands like a life-line; her breaths came in quick gasps.
She looked to her right. Rainbow was splayed out on her back, breathing just as hard. “You...could...have told...her....that I prefer...the staff...”
Rainbow weakly raised a hand. “I didn’t....didn’t expect...her to put us through the wringer...”
Twilight Velvet leaned upon her own staff, covered in a light sheen of sweat. She smirked at the two of them. “Honestly, the two of you still have quite a ways to go. Really, Rainbow Dash, just because I’m a magus does not mean I do not know how to use a weapon.”
“You used five different kinds. I think? I kinda lost count after you sent those swords chasing me.” The girl replied from the ground.
Velvet’s smile softened. “I doubt I’ll be as successful in our next session. I had the advantage of surprise this round. But this is another point to the lesson: always, always be prepared. Even more so when knowingly going into a situation where you do not know the capabilities of your enemy. Underestimation is a death wish. Still, you performed far...”
Shouting drew their attention. Soldiers hurried as they fell in line,
“An attack in one of the markets! Reports are saying a demon!” He saluted Velvet. “The Archmage is currently unavailable, ma’am! We could use your expertise!”
Rainbow and Twilight quickly stood and stepped beside Velvet. Velvet frowned as she tightened her grip on her staff. “A demon...within the city? That should not be possible!”
“Where is the Archmage right now?” Rainbow asked the soldier.
“She’s presenting her monthly report before the Senate right now. By law, the doors have been sealed: none get in; none get out. They’ll be within for the next three hours or so.” The guard grunted.
“I’ll go to the Senate, see if I can use one of the emergency protocols to get to the Archmage.” Velvet took a breath before turning to her daughter. “I want the two of you to get over to the area. Assist the guards however you can, but don’t try to take it on yourselves! I’ll be right over as soon as I get in touch with Luna. Now go! Hurry!” She took off running.
Rainbow grabbed her sword and secured it at her waist, grabbing her shield. Twilight gave her a nod, and the two of them hurried after the guard.
Author's Note
This was meant to be out ages ago, but circumstances kept me preoccupied. Next update shouldn’t be nearly as far away this time.
Author's Note
Edited a couple minor inconsistencies.
Chapter 18
Rarity grimaced as she tied cloth around Applejack’s forehead. The girl hissed as the cloth was pulled tight. “Sorry, darling, I’m trying to be as gentle as I can.”
“Can’t really complain, seein as I’m only still livin causa you.” Applejack muttered. She managed to pull herself into a sitting position.
The demon roared as it reared back, before swiping a clawed hand across the ground. Several more guards ran up from behind, attempting to flank it.
Rarity frowned as they too fell back. “Not a single demonspawn the whole way here, and once we arrive, a demon attacks?”
“I was just thinkin the same.” Applejack grunted, reaching for the closest thing to her that could be used as a weapon.
Rarity grabbed her hand, holding her back. “I think it best we get out of here, for now.” She glanced at the cloth around her friend’s head. “We need to get that cut on your head taken care of.”
“Leave that to me.” Fluttershy said quietly.
Both girls flinched, holding back shrieks. Applejack clutched her head. Rarity blinked at her, holding a hand over her heart. “I know you’re here to help now, darling, but might I suggest not scaring to death those you’re trying to heal?”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t let it know I’m here yet.” The priestess placed one hand on her friends forehead, a golden glow covering it. After a few seconds, Fluttershy removed her hand. “That’s all I can do right now. I need the two of you to help me evacuate anyone still in the area.”
Applejack exchanged a look with Rarity before nodding. “Alright, but it’d be bad if it sees us.
The girls ducked behind the remaining stalls. Rarity made a quick glance around the corner. “Couldn’t you...banish it, or something, Fluttershy? You are a priestess.”
The girl looked back at her, before checking the demon herself. “I could, but it would take time. Neither of you would distract it long enough before it killed you. If you had your armor and weapons, probably. But not as you are now.”
Rarity clicked her tongue. “Where are Rainbow Dash and Twilight when you need them?”
“Probably on their way, soon as they hear a demon is on the loose.” Applejack muttered.
“I sincerely hope not!” Fluttershy huffed. “I just about exhausted myself keeping them all away our entire trip to get here!”
————————
Th-Thump Th-Thump
Th-Thump Th-Thump
Panting breaths. Pounding feet. Clank of metal. Wrongness of the air.
Something stirred within her. A feeling unlike any she knew.
That...wrongness, like a foul scent in the air, an ashen taste in her mouth.
So familiar and alien at the same time.
She glanced at Twilight. The magus was there right alongside her. Their fatigue from the session with Velvet had been washed away by the anticipation of battle.
That was right. She was trained for this. She was more than capable. So why did her heart pound within her breast?
————————
The great blade crashed down once more, Rarity barely dodging out of harm’s way. On the far side, Applejack cautiously led a small group towards safety.
Rarity huffed, risking a glance towards Fluttershy. Her eyes were closed, deep in concentration. Soft, golden light spiraled slowly around the tip of her staff. Her spell was forming, but could she hold it off long enough?
Rarity clenched her jaw. She’d just have to make time for Fluttershy. She grabbed a metal pipe, dodged another swing, and swung it down into the back of the demon’s knee.
With a roar, the creature swung its free arm at the girl. A magenta field appeared between them; the demon’s arm bounced harmlessly off the solid wall of magic. Rarity quickly turned and got away.
Twilight stepped into the ruins of the market, her magic crackling along her arms and staff. As Rarity hurried to aid Applejack, Twilight began slinging spell after spell at the fell creature.
The demon raised its arm high, ready to bring its greatsword down, and...it stopped. It sniffed. And sniffed again. The glowing blue orbs within its empty eye sockets zeroed in on one particular girl.
Rainbow Dash panted, clutching at her chest. Images flashed through her mind. Her fingers tightened around her sword hilt. Rage blossomed within her. A bitter anger she didn’t fully understand. Her eyes narrowed as she looked the creature over.
The demon snarled as it moved towards her... BOOM It stumbled back from the spell Twilight thrown at its face.
Rainbow rushed forward, driving her blade deep into the demon’s left knee.
Its head went back in an enraged roar of pain.
Rainbow barely ducked beneath a swing from its unarmed claw, yanking her blade with her. She leapt back out of the way as Twilight pelted it with more magic.
The orbs had changed from a blue to an angry yellow. The demon hissed and snarled, the shadows of its body lashed out erratically.
A small voice in her head wished she’d had her armor, but Rainbow brushed it aside in her fury.
Why was she so angry?
She gasped, falling to her knees in agony as the rune on her hand began to burn. Her hand glowed with an angry, pulsing, light.
CRACK
Pain. Screaming. So much screams. Why? Why were they all screaming? And that smell....sulfur. Iron. Ash. Blood and ash. Where...? What...?
The demon towered over her.The demon cowered away. The demon crumbled to ash.
CLANG
Blade met blade. The demon’s in the iron grip it had with one claw; Rainbow had both hands on the hilt of her own. The demon pushed down. She pushed up. She braced her legs, willing them to lift her up beneath the crushing pressure.
Her fury, her rage, grew within her. It welled up, coursing through her arms, into the blade in her hands. The starmetal began to glow. It drew all her anger, the rage that festered, feeding on it, its glow brightening to near blinding.
Her blade rose up. The blade of the greatsword fell to the ground behind her with a clatter.
Rainbow used the momentum to rise up, keep going, pulling her blade back for one final strike at the demon’s head, just as a piercing light from her left struck true. The spell mixed with the fury within her blade.
The demon writhed and shrieked in agony. The light consumed it before it exploded into ash, the smell of sulfur filling the area.
The blast sent Rainbow flying back. Blackness crept along the edges of her vision, and as she slipped away, she saw two figures: brown and dark blue.
Pinkamena Diane Pie watched the flames through her welding mask. If not for the heavy black robes she wore as a member of her craft, she would have surely felt the heat. A beaker full of a bubbling yellow liquid hung over the flame.
A master baker, chef, as well as all around chemist, this potion was the pinnacle of years of training.
She felt sweat trickle down the back of her neck. Any second now. It was such a small window...
She pulled the beaker out of the flames, right when it turned a vibrant blue. Setting down the tongs, she pulled off the mask.
A meticulous alchemist, her lab was neat and tidy. Both surprising, and yet not at the same time, to all who knew the bubbly, energetic girl. Her teachers at the school still praised her, and upon graduation, she had been given an Imperial grant, a lab, and was told to work on whatever concoction popped into her head.
Three of the walls of her lab were filled with shelves full of all kinds of herbs, spices, powders, minerals, flowers, and all manner of questionable things.
Giggling almost to the point of cackling, Pinkie scurried to two of the shelves. From one, she retrieved a small dropper. From another, a few small pebbles.
She dropped the pebbles onto her worktable, pushing one out to the side of the rest.
Carefully, holding her body completely still, she siphoned a single drop into the dropper. She held her breath as the dropper dangled over the pebble before compressing the end. Time froze as she watched the tiny drop of liquid fall.
Closer. Closer.
Drip!
Poof!!
She brushed the smoke away with a small cough. Her breath caught. Tears filled her eyes.
There, sitting on the table before her, was a perfect looking, unfrosted cupcake.
Her whole body shook as a squeal escaped her lips. She pumped her hands in the air before calming back down. A bead of sweat trickled down her neck as she slowly, carefully, reached down and took hold of the small confectionary in both hands. She very carefully pulled it apart into two perfect halves, inspecting the consistency of the cake. She leaned down, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes as she processed the heavenly smell of the small cake.
Now was the most important part. She licked her lips, opened her mouth, and took a small nibble from one of the halves.
Her eyes closed. She stopped breathing.
She promptly shoved both halves in her mouth, chomping loudly.
She pumped her hands again. She pounded the table! She rang the...wait she didn’t have a bell...she needed to get a bell to ring!
She finally swallowed, gasping for breath.
As she panted for breath, Pinkie drummed her fingers as she eyed the remaining pebbles before they slid over to her shelves. Where even bigger stones and rocks rested. Waiting.
A devious smile slowly crept across her face.
*********
“Come on Rares! I mean, sure, Pinks doesn’t have the greatest track record, but she’s been good for a while now!” Rainbow shrugged as they continued walking.
“Oh very well!” Rarity huffed. She glanced at Fluttershy. “Just what is her current record?”
“It’s been four days and seventeen hours.” Fluttershy said quietly. She fidgeted with her hood. “Not even a small fire. It’s kind of disconcerting, really.”
Boom!!
Smoke billowed from a building just ahead. Already, people gathered on the other side. Most of them were just talking, a few look disappointed, while others just seemed impressed.
“Huh, four days...what was the current bet?” “I think you were down for six.” “Drat, I only said three.”
Rainbow waved as a couple fellow knights came running around a corner.
Fluttershy simply sighed and walked around her house to the lab out back. She paused at seeing the door unhinged; moaning could be heard deeper inside. “Um...you ok, Pinkie?”
Pinkie Pie was folded in half, upside down, against the shelves directly across from her worktable. The healer helped her unfold carefully after making sure she hadn’t broken anything.
The alchemist sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. “Right. So. It’s not what you’re thinking....entirely!”
Fluttershy just raised an eyebrow at her friend, arms folding across her chest. Rainbow and Rarity poked their heads in. Pinkie blinked up at them. “What? I promise! Here, I’ll show you!” She tried getting up, but Fluttershy pushed her back down.
Kneeling beside her, her rune formed as she called on her magic. The circle pulsed a soothing glow, full of soft, flowery circles. Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief. “You have no serious injuries. Just some minor bruising.”
Rainbow and Rarity stepped all the way in. Rarity helped Fluttershy get Pinkie back on her feet. Rainbow whistled at what was left of the worktable. “Looks like you’ll be needing a new table, Pinks, but doesn’t look like much else was damaged.” She knelt down, examining the ash and blackened area. Smoke still rose from a couple places. “You weren’t experimenting with explosives again, were you?”
Pinkie rapidly shook her head. “Absolutely not! I am not allowed to test any of my explosive concoctions within the city walls!” She grinned at her friends, all standing around.
Before she could say anything further, the two guards stepped inside, a tall woman, and a short man. The woman cleared her throat. “I am thoroughly impressed, Pinkie. You actually managed four, almost five days.”
“Ah, Rose! Good, good, you’re all here!” Pinkie shook in place, barely containing her excitement. “I finally succeeded!! Well, aside from a slight...oversight and miscalculation, but really, it actually works!” She bounded over to a side table, where the vial of vibrant blue liquid sat on its stand. She held it out for them to see. “I give you: Insta Cake! So far, it only works on pebbles. Another larger, and it gets...volatile.” She deflated a bit, wearing a sheepish grin.
“Whoa, you finally got it to work??” Rainbow asked, creeping forward.
Pinkie rubbed the back of her head. “I haven’t quite gotten the frosting but figured out just yet, but let me show you!”
Setting the vile back down, she retrieved a new dropper and grabbed five pebbles. Siphoning a little of the potion up into the dropper, she dropped one drop on each pebble, after spacing them apart a proper amount.
Poof! Poof! Poof! Poof! Poof!
Five perfect, unfrosted cupcakes sat where the pebbles used to be. Even the guards stepped forward to see. The woman picked one up. “This is amazing! And they’re safe to eat?” At Pinkie’s nod, she slowly took a small bite. “It’s perfect! Could use some frosting, but this is absolutely amazing!”
Rarity nibbled on hers. “You’ve been working on this for so long, darling, I was beginning to wonder! It seems all your hard work has finally paid off!”
“Y-yeah.” Pinkie said, fidgeting. “Just...just don’t use anything larger than a 64 millimeter diameter pebble. It...uh...it gets...volatile...exponentially...which means back to the drawing board.”
“Sure, but I wouldn’t rule this one out. I mean, it could be a good emergency food ration. And if you were in a real bind, it’d also serve as an explosive. I mean, what would happen if you just poured out the potion right now?” Rainbow asked, munching on the last of her cupcake.
Pinkie froze. Her eyes went wide. She visibly shuddered. “That...that would be the worst idea. Ever.” She warily eyed the vibrant vial. “Never underestimate the power of cupcakes.”
Rainbow thought for a moment, while the two guards conversed quietly. “So, as long as that vial is sealed, the potion is safe, right? I mean, it won’t eat through or anything?”
“I only use the top grade vials and beakers! As required by the Academy! In the event of potions exactly like this one!” Indignation was prominent in Pinkie’s voice, followed by a slight upturn of her nose.
The guards finished talking, the man speaking this time. “Alright Pinkie, no one was injured, only minimal damage to your lab; we’re just going to give you another verbal warning. Be more careful, pay attention to your ingredients, please don’t make us do paperwork, thank you for the cupcake. Have a pleasant day.” He waved over his shoulder as he left the building.
His partner glanced at the door on her way out. “I’ll send for someone to come fix this door. Can’t have you out of regulation for long. Take care!”
Rainbow clasped both of Pinkie’s hands as soon as both guards were completely gone. “How long does it take to whip that stuff up?”
Pinkie shrugged. “Give me a couple hours, I could probably have a few bottles worth.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“Ok, now, hear me out. I say, brew those bottles. It’d be easier to pack than actual explosives, or even magic runes. Plus Twilight will be fascinated when she finds out about this stuff. So...why not knock out two birds with one stone? We bring the Insta Cake with us, we’ve got both an emergency ration, and explosive, all in one. Win-win. Rarity, Flutters, and I, we can bottle the other potions while you work. What do you say? Plus, this could give you a chance to figure out how to improve it.” Rainbow maintained eye contact. Pleading. Begging.
Pinkie grimaced. “Not the face. Please don’t use the face. I can’t stand the face....Alright, fine!” Her frown was ruined by the excitement in her eyes. “It...it would be interesting to see just how kablooey this stuff can be. Ugh...you three go ahead and get started. This will take me a few.” She turned away, muttering and tinkering with her shelves.
Rainbow pumped her fist for victory. Rarity exchanged a look with Fluttershy, who simply shrugged. “What? A strong enough explosion would kill almost instantly, preventing any prolonged suffering. That is, unless they burnt to death. That would be terribly painful. Well, until their nerves...”
“Ok, that’s enough of that, I think.” Rarity exclaimed, rubbing her temples. “Let’s...let’s just get started on those potions, shall we?”
