We Dare Not Go A-Hunting

Previously on Starfleet: MiB…

Lightning Dawn, the young prince of Solaris, had always dreamed of joining the military forces of the Adeptus Spatium, unofficially known as “Starfleet”. He ended up getting his chance, however, when the ancient sorcerer known as Horus broke free of his prison on the moon of Tenebris, launching an assault on the royal palace of Grand Ruler Lux. When all hope seemed lost, however, Horus and his three most trusted enforcers were beaten back by Officer Andromeda Aquila and her team. Much more surprising, however, was the discovery that Lightning Dawn had, for a brief moment, harnessed his most powerful magic trying to defend his friend Titania, Princess of the Fae. Lux, sensing his son would need to better his newfound Power, made him an initiate of Starfleet under Andromeda’s tuteleage. Now, the new team of eight return to Solaris to begin Lightning’s training.

On Tenebris, however, Horus begins to formulate a new plan…

It had been four days since the return of Horus. In that time, Andromeda and her team had returned to the small base on the surface of Solaris they once called home, in order to begin training Lightning. Andromeda herself quickly proved to be a harsh teacher, punishing Lightning for every mistake he made. Currently, the two of them were sparring in the library, and Lightning, predictably, wasn't faring well. He was attacking only with punches, kicks, and ‘Lightning Blasts’, Andromeda dodging every single time.

“This isn’t fair. How are you so good?!” the alicorn prince whined. Andromeda caught his next strike, before her other hand, closed into a fist, connected with his chin.

“This isn't fair? Of course it's not!” she shouted at him as he staggered from the blow, before hitting him again.

“There is no such thing as a fair fight, recruit! Tell me: Do you think your enemies will wait for you to be ready? No, they won't.” Andromeda continued, hitting him again and again incredibly fast, giving him no chance to dodge.

“Death, recruit, will not wait for you to be ready! It is neither patient, nor fair!” She finished, before finally relenting, giving Lightning a moment of respite. Beaten, bruised, and fairly exhausted, he lay himself down on the library’s couch, trying to catch his breath. The library was, at least from the outset, a rather small brick-mortar-and wood building, with a sign welcoming visitors inside in order to quench their thirst for knowledge. The building’s owner, a slightly middle-aged pegasus mare with a sandy-brown coat, knew Andromeda fairly well; she was her aunt, in fact. Or rather, one of two. The other was her girlfriend, a rather well-known unicorn magician by the name of Propheta. The mares in question, the sandy-brown one dressed in rather plain clothes, her cutie mark of a pair of scales on a necklace around her neck, and the unicorn, an indigo mare with crystal-blue eyes, mane to match, and wearing a rather revealing leotard, watched as their niece stared intently at the new recruit that was now lying on their couch.

“Get up.” She growled at Lightning.

“I don’t wanna…”

“You’d better do as she says.” the pegasus, named Libra, said. “My niece does not take kindly to new recruits back talking her.”

“B-but…” Lightning insisted. “She’s just gonna beat me up again.”

“It’ll be worse if you disobey her.” Bridge said, looking at him with a deadpan expression. “Trust me, I was once in your spot.”

“Get. The fuck. Up.” Andromeda said, her tone promising untold amounts of pain if he refused again. Lightning immediately bolted upwards, much to the amusement of Libra, who nudged Propheta playfully.

“Look at them, dear. Aren’t they so cute together?”

“Oh, they're charming.” Propheta replied. “He's half in love already.”

“W-what?!” Lightning said, taken aback. “S-she and I are not in love! You don’t fall in love with your superior officer! You just don’t!”

He paid dearly for getting distracted, with Andromeda taking the opportunity presented to her and driving her knee into his groin. Lightning cupped his testicles in pain, letting out a soft groan, wincing. “What was that for…?”

“As I said, there is no such thing as a fair fight.” Andromeda replied. “You take advantage of any opportunity to strike, you hit as hard and as fast as you can, and you don't get distracted.”

“...Noted, ma’am.” Lightning groaned. “...Is it lunchtime yet?”

“No.” She said flatly. “Now get up. We're going again.”

Lightning obeyed, getting into a fighting stance once more, and readying himself for another sparring match. As the two of them went at it, Titania entered the room. She leaned against a wall, watching Andromeda and Lightning spar.

“Amusing.” She said, her tone as serene as ever. “Mortals hone their skills through use of their fists. How antiquated.”

Lightning ignored Titania’s comment, trying his best to focus on the fight at hand, blocking Andromeda’s attacks, or at the very least, trying. Titania turned to Libra and Propheta.

“I do not believe I have met either of you yet.” She said. “I am Titania, Princess of the Land of Nevernever.”

“Hello there, Princess. My name is Libra, and this is my lover, Propheta. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“You're one of the Fae, aren't you?” Propheta asked Titania, who nodded once.

“Indeed, I am. Am I not what you expected?” She replied. Propheta shook her head.

“No, you are not. When I think of Faeries, I think of the little creatures with wings.” She said. “Not...well, you. No offense.”

“Oh, I am not offended. If I was, you would know.” Titania said pleasantly.

Before Libra could respond, a rather loud explosion could be heard from deeper within the building. “Lux damn it, Quantum…” she muttered. “Can that stallion not go one day without blowing something up then excusing it with ‘FOR SCIENCE?!’?”

“I could remove his kidneys, if you like.” Titania said casually, as if it were completely normal to remove organs from others. Which, to her, it likely was. Libra looked at her girlfriend, then at Titania.

“T-that won’t be necessary.” she said.

The library only took up part of the building. In reality, the entire base was concealed inside it, with only the library being open to the public. A glamour placed over the building by Propheta was the reason it appeared much smaller than it was.

Nitro and Trini, meanwhile, were busy aiding their mentor, Professor Quantum Leap, in his experiments. He was a bit older than either Libra or Propheta, but not by much, with a green coat and a slightly receding mane line. Wrapped around him was the typical labcoat for a stallion of his position: a scientist in Starfleet’s R&D department. As such, he did not do much fighting in the conventional sense. However, this did not make him harmless. Far from it. He was often kept on hand when Andromeda was torturing captives, using his medical knowledge to keep the unfortunate stallion or mare alive. He was, by his own admission, insane, and often took great pleasure in being the stereotypical mad scientist.

Before any more experiments could be done, the door to the lab was kicked open, and Andromeda walked in, her expression making it clear she was not in a good mood.

“Just what in name of all things holy are you doing?” She asked irritably. “What the Hell just exploded?”

“Oh, just some nitroglycerin, Andromeda dear. Nothing to worry about.” Quantum said casually, pouring chemicals from one beaker into another.

“Nitroglycerin. You were fucking around with nitroglycerin? Do you know how dangerous that is? One mistake could blow this entire building sky-high.”

“I am aware of the dangers, Andromeda. But what’s the fun in SCIENCE without a bit of risk?”

Titania, who had followed Andromeda out of detached curiosity, stepped into the room.

“You mortal beings and your science. What use is scientific advancement compared to the arcane?”

“Magic and science go hand in hand, I think. They’re just the same idea, but with different names.” Trini replied, lighting a Bunsen burner and observing the flame with the same nonchalant expression as her mentor. Andromeda noted that Quantum was watching Titania, who he hadn't met yet, but had been told about.

“Are you a member of the Fae?” he asked with curiosity.

“I am the Princess of the Fae.” Titania replied.

“How exciting! I have read about the Fae, and unlike everypony else I’ve met, know the difference between them and sprites. Tell me, Princess Titania, how did one such as yourself stray so far from your paradise of a home?”

“I wished to see the world of mortal-kind for myself. Walking among the yungkine has been most enlightening for me.”

“I am sure it has. Do you mind if I do some simple tests? I assure you they are neither painful nor lethal.”

“Very well.” She said. Quantum retrieved several medical tools, carefully drawing some blood from Titania so as not to hurt her. He placed the blood samples under a microscope, and looked through it with interest. Her blood looked much different than any he had seen before. It wasn't red, but a bright green, and seemed to shimmer with light.

“Fascinating...Fae have a sort of bioluminescence in their bloodstream…” Quantum said, quickly scribbling down his observations on a notepad.

“What is the next test, doctor?” Titania asked.

“May I take some samples from you?” Nitro immediately turned green at the thought.

“You’re not saying what I think you’re saying, are you?” Trini asked.

“Yes. Bodily samples.” Normally, such immature humor would have made Trini laugh. Not this time, however. There was a time for silliness and fun, she always said. Laboratories were not those places. Titania, meanwhile, was unamused, her gaze cold.

“And what, pray tell, would you be taking samples of?” she asked.

“Stool and urine, what else?” Quantum replied. “Is that a problem?”

“No. That is, unless you are content with your genitals being a permanent home for maggots.” Titania said pleasantly. Quantum winced, and backed away.

“Never mind, then. Apologies.” he said quickly.

“Very good, then.” She replied, nodding.

Lightning, meanwhile, was improving his technique, punching a sandbag repeatedly. Rosebud sat nearby, watching him and idly filing her nails. “So, you got any family?” he asked casually.

“Yep. We don't talk much, though.”

“Why?”

“I prefer mares over stallions. They don't like that very much.” Rosebud said bitterly.

“Hey, my father swings both ways, so that’s nothing new to me.” Lightning said.

“Well, good for you.” Rosebud said dryly.

“She has the cutest little niece.” Libra gushed. “Daffodil, her name is.”

“Yep.” Rosebud replied. “She's the only member of my family that isn't an asshole.”

“Does she live with you?” Lightning asked, curious.

“Yep.”

“Like, here in Spectropolis?”

“Yep.” Rosebud confirmed, continuing to file her nails.

“Though, she does have a little flower shop down in Villa de Sapphirus.” Libra elaborated. “That’s where she works, Lightning, dear.”

Rosebud added, “Starfleet, unfortunately, doesn't pay all of our bills. All of us, save for you and Titania, obviously, have other jobs in addition to our Starfleet work.”

“Yeah, I know Bridge is a pulp writer and Walter’s an artist, but what do Andromeda, Nitro, and Trini do?”

“Andromeda’s a teacher, actually.” Propheta chimed in.

“A teacher, huh? What grades?” Lightning inquired.

“She teaches high-schoolers.”

“Ah, yes...hormonal teenagers.” Lightning reminisced. “I was tutored at home, so I have an idea of what schooling was like.”

“No, you don't.” Andromeda said, entering the room.

“Oh, uh...hi, Andie.” Lightning said awkwardly, noting the deadly glare she was giving him.

“Only close friends and family can call me that. You, recruit, do not have that privilege.”

“Ma’am, why do you hate me?” he muttered under his breath. Rosebud let out a sigh, while Andromeda bristled.

“Hate you? You think this is hatred?” She growled. “No. If I hated you, recruit, I would have told you father to go fuck himself when he told me to train you. No, I don't hate you. But I'm not your friend either.”

“Lightning, you must learn something about my niece: she is less of the ‘superhero’ that a Starfleet officer is portrayed as, and more of a ‘soldier’. She is only hard on you, because otherwise, your innocent outlook would get you killed. She is only abrasive so that you can look another member of Starfleet in the eyes, and respect them as your equals.” Libra spoke, her tone blunt, straightforward, and truthful.

“Truthfully, recruit?” Andromeda began. “I don't think you have any place in Starfleet. From what I have seen of you, you are reckless, ignorant, naive, and an adherent of outdated morals such as honor and fairness. If it were up to me, you wouldn't be on my team. You have no place here. But, I am a soldier above all, and I follow orders, no matter how much I may not like it. I hope you can do the same.”

“B-but isn’t honor and fairness what a hero values most?” Lightning asked.

“You’re partially correct.” said Libra. “As a former Starfleet officer myself, I can say I was like you once. Idealistic, hopeful, and wanting to be the best heroine I could be. But I trained under Lieutenant Andrus, just like you’re training with Andromeda. Honor and fairness are a value every officer should hold. But being a hero means you have to do things you may not want to in the name of what’s truly right.”

“They mean little to me. Aside from killing civilians indiscriminately, there is little I won't do.” Andromeda said. “Torture, assassination, poisoning enemy food supplies, threatening, and sometimes hurting and killing, the families of enemy commanders…”

“B-but friendship...kindness...teamwork…”

“Andromeda’s a jaded young mare, Lightning.” Libra said. “Believe me, she still holds the core values of Starfleet, she just doesn’t show it to anypony who isn’t close to her.”

“And right now, I’m at the bottom of her food chain.”

“Exactly.”

Rosebud snorted. “She still doesn't put much stock in kindness. Or friendship, for that matter. She's kind of an asshole sometimes.”

“Screw you too, Rosebud.” Andromeda said dryly, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, I wish you would. I wouldn't mind a night with you…” Rosebud replied, winking. Andromeda blushed.

Lightning, in a rather stupid move on his part, attempted to knee Andromeda in the groin. “Don’t get distracted!”

In less than five seconds, he was pinned to a nearby wall, with Andromeda holding a knife to his throat. She hadn't even thought about it; the move was made out of sheer instinct.

“Guess I deserve this.” Lightning snarked.

“Gee, you think?” Andromeda said dryly before letting him go and sitting down next to Rosebud.

Titania, meanwhile, was sitting near an open window in another part of the library, having left the lab behind. She held a flute, and was playing a tune she had learned when she was a child, ages before. She attracted several birds, who were drawn to the sweet, airy playing. Titania smiled, continuing to play her tune. Her mother had taught her this particular song. Few could match Queen Mab at flute playing, Titania knew.

“Hello, little birds.” She said, pausing briefly and outstretching one of her pinkie fingers. A blue jay chirped sweetly, walking over. Titania let it hop onto her finger, before gently stroking the bird’s head.

“I like you.” She told the bird. “You have such a sweet song to sing.” The bird chirped happily, nuzzling Titania’s finger. Titania decided to keep the blue jay. Not in a cage, but in her bedroom, where it could come and go as it pleased. She brought the blue jay to the room she had taken up residence in, along with a pair of robins, one male, one female. Once Titania reached her bedroom door, she opened it, walking in and looking around. Perhaps she would name the blue jay Mordecai. Perhaps. She would worry about it later.

Her bedroom was rather modest, especially in comparison to her room in the Nevernever royal palace, but it was liveable. There was a bookshelf against each wall, each one filled to the brim with books of all varieties. Various musical instruments, which she had ducked back home to retrieve, were scattered throughout the room. Her bed sat in the center of the room, the headboard just beneath an open window. Several potted plants rested on the windowsill, none of them native to Solaris. Titania let her new bird companions explore her room while she sat on her bed, beginning to play the flute once more.

Lightning overheard her, and went to investigate. He found Titania sitting on her bed, playing her flute. The remarkable part was that the three birds were singing along as she did so. Lightning had honestly not expected that, given her actions four days ago. Titania paused in her playing, turning to look at him.

“Hello, Lightning.” She said, putting away her flute and laying down. “What did you need?”

“I just wanted to listen to you play.” he said, lying down next to her and casually wrapping an arm around her waist. Her dress, he would note, provided a rather generous view of her breasts and legs. He blushed, but did not take his eyes off of the sight. “You’re lovely, you know that?” he whispered.

“You have told me so.” Titania purred, amused. “Are you merely going to look, or are you going to act?” Lightning kissed her.

“Does that answer your question?”

Titania smirked, before pulling him into another kiss. This soon led to groping. Then, it led to sex. They were rather loud, as Bridge noted.

“HEY, CAN YOU KEEP IT DOWN?! I’M TRYING TO WRITE HERE!”

He was ignored, and the noises continued. When Titania reached her climax, it was marked by a loud, ear-piercing shriek.

“...Fascinating…” muttered Quantum Leap. “Most fascinating, indeed.”

“Oh, sweet Lux.” muttered Nitro, facepalming. “I never took the Fae as screamers.”

“The more you know.” Trini observed. “I just wish she wasn’t so loud.”

Titania emerged from her bedroom not long after. She returned to the others in the main part of the library, wearing nothing but a robe.

“You had a nice roll in the hay?” Libra joked.

“Yes.” Titania said. “It is something that Fae do not experience often.”

“What’s the matter, Andie?” her aunt asked, a grin still on her face.

“What do you mean by that?” Andromeda asked flatly.

“I thought you swung both ways.” Libra said, nearly laughing. Andromeda nearly threw up.

“No thanks.” She said. “I'm as straight as a ruler.”

“Of coooourse you do.”

“Not all of us like the taste of pussy, auntie.” Andromeda replied dryly.

“I’m just joking around, Officer Tightpanties. Lighten up.”

“Tightpanties?” Rosebud cut in, nearly laughing herself. “Andromeda is many things, but she is no prude. Nor is she a virgin, for that matter.”

“Thank you, Rosebud.” Andromeda snarked. Rosebud grinned. Walter entered the room, having decided to read a book. Pulling out a uselessly unreadable blue book of Eccles from a nearby shelf, the orange stallion willingly ignored the rather awkward conversation between the mares.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Nevernever, a realm between every world, and yet, part of all of them, a Fae messenger approached the royal palace, entering through the ornate gates. He walked up to the doors leading to the throne room, before rapping an elaborate pattern on the wood. A moment later, they opened, and he walked inside.

The throne room of the King and Queen of Nevernever was absolutely enormous. The floor was made of black obsidian, while the walls were crafted out of white marble. At the other end of the room sat Mab and Oberon. Queen Mab wore a dress that was the color of red wine, with a long skirt and flowing train. A crown of gold, inlaid with rubies and sapphires, sat on her head. She had long icy blonde hair, pale skin, and blue eyes. Oberon was a blonde man, with blue eyes, long flowing hair, and a full beard. He wore black armor, emblazoned with four large blue circles, his mightiest weapon, the hammer Mjolnir, beside him.

“Ah, a messenger. What news do you bring from the mortal realms?” he asked. The messenger bowed before them both.

“My Lord and Lady, I bring news of Horus. He has returned.” He said.

“Ah.” Mab replied, her voice as calm as that of Titania, though there was an air of danger behind every word. “The bastard son of Lux has come back into the light of day. I wondered when that wretch would crawl out from his prison.”

“Yes.” Oberon said. “What care we that he has returned? He knows not to cross us.”

“That is not all, my Lord.” The messenger said. “One of his agents met me two days ago, and gave me a message to pass along.”

He took out a folded slip of paper, handing it to Mab. It was a letter, written by Horus himself. She read it through, before her face contorted into an expression of rage.

“What does it say, my dear?”

“He has the audacity to threaten our daughter.” Mab replied. “This letter reeks of Horus’ ego. He thinks himself invincible and infallible, and, in this message, demands we do what he wishes. To use his words, ‘I will have the Princess captured, broken, and made into my bride and slave. You will not resist, or you will pay dearly.’”

Oberon slammed his hammer into the floor, sparks of electricity crackling. “He dares think he can fool with us? Has he not learned the last time, from 10,000 years ago?!”

“Messenger.” Mab said. “Send a raven to Princess Titania, will you? Inform her that she needs to come home at once. There are we things we must discuss with her.”

“Yes, my Lady. And what of the Prince, Lightning Dawn?” He asked. “Should he be brought along, as well?”

“I leave that to my daughter.” Mab replied. “Now go.”

“At once.” He said, rising and departing the way he came.

Titania received the raven message soon after, the bird flying through an open window and landing on her arm. She took the slip of paper off the raven’s leg, unrolled it, and began reading. Once she finished, she wrote a reply, tied it to the leg of the raven, and send the bird on its way.

“What’s going on?” Lightning asked. He had entered the room soon after Walter, taking a seat next to Titania.

“That was a letter from home.” Titania replied.

“Yes, but what did it say is what he’s asking.” Walter replied.

“Take that tone with me again, and I will freeze the water in your eyes.” Titania hissed at him, bristling at the way he spoke to her, before turning back to Lightning.

“My parents, or at least, my mother, wish for me to return home. There are things she needs to discuss with me.”

“Hmmm?” came Bridge’s voice, walking into the library’s main room. “What sorts of things?”

“The letter does not say, and I have learned when Mother tells someone to do something, it is better to simply do it, and not ask questions.” Titania replied. Ten minutes later, the raven came back. Titania read the message, before burning it and sending the bird away.

“I asked if it would be allowed for me to bring all of you along.” She said to the other members of the team. “It is allowed.”

“SWEET!” said Nitro.

“Well, this should be interesting.” said Trini.

“I am curious.” Titania said. “How many of you think this will be an exciting adventure?”

“Me.” Nitro said.

Lightning raised his hand halfway.

Walter said nothing, as did Bridge.

Trini just shrugged.

Andromeda and Rosebud said nothing.

Titania said, amusement in her voice, “You are more wise than I thought. This will not be fun. At least, not for any of you. Tell me: How much do any of you know about the Fae, aside from what I've told you?”

“I’ve read books on the Fae, if that counts.” said Nitro. Nopony else seemed to answer.

Then, Propheta spoke, reciting a part of a poem she had heard as a child, a poem that had always scared her.

"Up the airy mountain
Down the rushy glen
We dare not go a-hunting
For fear of little men…”

This sent chills up everypony else’s spines; even Andromeda, the hardest of mares, seemed unnerved.

“I know more about Faeries than anyone here, save for you.” Propheta said to Titania, having lied earlier about her perception of the Fae. “Horror stories about your kind made up a large part of my childhood.”

Titania nodded. “Good. Children who hear those stories are less likely to run into a Keeper.”

“What, exactly, do we need to be prepared for?” Trini asked, curious.

“First, I need to tell you what to expect when you meet my parents. They are King Oberon and Queen Mab, and if you value your lives, you will show them respect. Do not call them by their given names. When speaking to them, refer to Mother and Father as either ‘my King’ and ‘my Queen’, or ‘my Lord’ and ‘my Lady.’ Either is acceptable. Addressing them in any other way is a gross sign of disrespect, and they will react accordingly.”

“Is it true that if mortals eat Fae food, they’ll be cursed?” asked Nitro.

“Yes. Once you taste the food of my kind, you will never wish to eat anything else. No mortal meal will satisfy you again, and you will eventually starve to death, refusing to eat anything that is not of Nevernever.”

“Do your parents know of me?” Lightning asked.

“Yes.” Titania replied.

“Do they know of our...well…”

“Yes, and they do not wish to kill you for it.” Lightning only nodded. Trini raised her hand like a young schoolfoal.

“How are we gonna get to this Nevernever?”

“We will get to that soon enough.” Titania replied. “Now, another thing to note about my parents: They are both very, very prideful.”

“Like Horus-prideful?” Nitro then covered his sister’s mouth awkwardly. Titania glared at Trini, completely unamused.

“I’m sorry about Trini here. She just doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut.”

“I will show her mercy. Mother and Father will not. If you wound the pride of either of them, they will take it in different ways. Father will smash your face in, while Mother will smile, then stab you in the back later on with a poisoned blade. Both of them are dangerous, and neither of them should be trifled with. Horus learned that lesson the hard way, 10,000 years ago.”

“Really?” Lightning asked. “I knew something happened, but never got the full details.”

“As his war with your father raged on, Horus, I think, knew on some level he couldn't win. Not on his own. So, with an army of 100,000 demons and horrors at his back, he tore his way into the Land of Nevernever, intending to steal the power held by the Fae for himself, in order to turn the tide. His army clashed with the Faeries defending the royal palace, and the fighting was rather ferocious. However, Horus and his forces crushed the very minimal defenses with ease. If the sorcerer had been wiser, he would have wondered why so few Fae were defending their King and Queen.

Once he reached the gates, my Mother and Father emerged. They and Horus exchanged words. They commanded him to depart while he could. Horus refused. The battle that followed, known amongst the Fae as the Day of Blood, was catastrophic for Horus and his army. Unleashing their full power, Mother and Father slaughtered the invaders to a man. Father used his hammer Mjolnir, unleashing lightning and mighty storms on his foes, while Mother cast deadly spells, weaving fire and poison into waves of death. When the dust settled, the fields in front of the palace were littered with corpses, while Horus himself fled for his life. While they did not slay him that day, Mother and Father did leave a permanent mark on Horus; Mother drove one of her blades into his left leg as he ran, leaving the sorcerer with a permanent limp.”

“I always wondered why one of his legs looked lame in illustrations.” Lightning replied. “That explains it.”

“Indeed.” Titania said. “Now, we must depart. Come. There is an entrance near this place that leads to Nevernever.”

With that, she rose, leaving the room. Lightning, Bridge, Walter, and Nitro followed without saying a word. Andromeda and Rosebud did the same, the former waving goodbye to her aunt and Propheta.

Titania led them to a nearby forest. Within this forest, she walked into a small clearing, before approaching a rock in the center of it. The rock was covered in strange markings, and almost seemed to hum. Titania ran her fingers along each marking, whispering words in the Faerie tongue. After she finished, she told the team to put their hands on the rock. Andromeda and Rosebud did as she said, instantly vanishing as soon as their hands met the stone. Nitro and Trini went next, followed by Bridge and Walter. All that left was Lightning and Titania.

“Go ahead, Lightning. Touch it.” She said.

“...I’m scared, Titania.” To him, this was basically the supernatural equivalent of a boyfriend meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time. Only replace ‘girlfriend’ with ‘closest friend who he has casual sex with’, and you had Lightning’s situation in a nutshell. One would also have to replace ‘parents’, with ‘supernatural beings who hold absolutely no regard for Solaran morality or life, and could kill him with a twitch of their pinkie fingers, who just happen to be Titania’s parents.’

“Lightning...trust me.” She said, taking his hand in hers, before gently placing it on the rock. Within seconds, they had disappeared in a bright flash of light.

Beneath Tenebris, Horus sat on his throne, awaiting the creature that Cassiopeia had created through the Golem Ritual, an arcane ceremony in which a model was fashioned from stone or clay, and given life. In the meantime, a message arrived, carried by one of Mab’s ravens. The letter it carried was a response to his demands. He snapped the bird’s neck violently, then read the letter. “So, they will not give me the Fae as a bride, hmmm? Then I will take her by force if necessary.” he growled.

Erebus, who was standing near the throne, kept silent. He knew very well how bad of an idea it was to trifle with the Fae, but he also knew Horus would not listen to him. Kratos looked at the living shadow, and sighed.

“My Lord, I mean no disrespect, but when the Fae say no, they mean no.” the brutish earth pony said to Horus, bowing before him. This did not amuse Horus. At all. “M-my Lord…” Kratos stammered. “I-I said I meant no disrespect!”

“Silence, you uppity fool.” Horus growled. “Unless, of course, you do not care about your head staying where it is.” Kratos’ eyes widened, and he trembled before him.

“I do indeed care, my Lord…”

“Then keep your silence, Kratos.” Horus replied. “I do not keep you on hand because I need advice. I keep you on hand so you can crush my enemies. Do not think you have any other uses.”

“Yes...as you always say, my Lord...what use are teammates but tools?” Kratos replied. “Isn’t Cassiopeia supposed to be bringing her first monster out here?”

“Yes, she is.” Horus said, before bellowing, “CASSIOPEIA, YOU FILTHY WENCH! WHERE IS THIS CREATURE YOU PROMISED?!”

Cassiopeia entered, a rather amused look on her face. “Here it is, my Lord.”

Horus watched as the Golem she had created lumbered in. The creature stood at about fifteen feet tall, with with arms, two legs, and bird-like wings. The Golem had skin that appeared to be made of stone, with a large, round face. On the creature's face was a large, toothy maw, a short, almost unnoticeable snout, and four eyes, all of them jet black. The Golem’s form rippled with muscle, the creature clearly designed to be strong.

“Does it have a name?” Horus inquired.

“No, I actually never considered it.” Cassiopeia replied, filing her nails as she looked at Horus thoughtfully. “Do you have any suggestions, my Lord?”

“No. It does not need a name, for it is not truly alive.” Horus responded. “Why give a creature such as this a name, when it cannot think for itself?”

“What is the target?” Erebus asked, speaking up for the first time in a while. “Where are we sending this Golem?”

“We are sending it...to the Land of the Fae.” said Horus matter-of-factly.

Erebus, who had less reason to fear Horus than his companions, due to not being entirely tangible, was blunt when he responded.

“Are you out of your bloody mind?!” The living shadow asked. “Or have you forgotten how poorly your last invasion of the Land of Nevernever went?”

“I have not forgotten.” Horus growled. “But this time will be different. This Golem will succeed where I failed. Now, be silent, Erebus.”

Erebus obeyed, though he wasn't happy about it.

Titania, meanwhile, led her companions towards the royal palace of Nevernever. Andromeda noted how beautiful the Fae realm was. However, this beauty was deceptive. Wandering off to explore was a very bad idea, a point she had to remind Nitro of every time he tried to leave the group. Nevernever itself resembled a forest, albeit something was incredibly off about it. The entire realm seemed to be alive, and not in a metaphorical sense either.

It quickly became clear Faeries and sprites were not the only sentient inhabitants of the Land of Nevernever. The group passed a pair of Leprechauns, which made Andromeda raise a brow.

“Are those…?”

“Yes.” Titania replied. “They aren't very friendly to mortals, contrary to what you likely heard as kine.”

“Do they have pots of gold?” Bridge asked.

“Yes, and they will gladly let you take your weight in gold...for a price.” Titania replied. “Leprechauns, like Fae, love to make deals, and cannot, will not, do anything for free. Saying thank you to one of my kind after they do you a favor is considered to be a horrible insult.”

“Being polite is an insult?” Walter asked. “Bridge’s right: you do have some weird morals.”

“Words, to the Fae, are not equal to actions. If you owe one of us a debt, merely expressing gratitude is not enough. Every favor is repaid by a favor in return, and if the owed debt is not paid...the Fae who is owed will come to collect it.”

“That’s fair, isn’t it?” Lightning asked the others. “Eye for an eye and all that.”

“It's still odd, though.” Andromeda replied. “After all, what stops the Fae who helps you from doing very little, then demanding a pound of flesh as payment?”

“Then again,” Trini pointed out. “This is Lightning who’s telling us this.”

“True.” Andromeda said. Titania, meanwhile, had turned to the pair of Leprechauns, regarding them with stoic curiosity.

“Greetings.” She said amicably.

“Greetings, Princess Titania.” they greeted, Lightning noting that they had thick accents that sounded remarkably similar to that of the Emerald Isle’s. “How do ya do today?”

“I am doing well.” Titania replied. “It is good to be home again. There are certain amusements to be found in the mortal world, but none can compare to Nevernever. I assume the pair of you are having a pleasant day, as well?”

“Of course, Princess. It’s always a pleasant day, isn’t it?”

“Indeed. Now, I must be going. Mother and Father are expecting me. Have a pleasant day, gentlemen.” Titania said, before taking a shiny gemstone out of her dress and flicking it to them. Like sniveling little halflings who had gotten possession of a deadly gold ring, the Leprechauns dove for it, screaming something about a ‘precious’.

“Come.” Titania said, gesturing for the group to follow her and leading them away from the pair of squabbling Leprechauns. Lightning would have made a snarky comment about how he did that earlier, but he knew better than to backtalk Titania.

As they walked along a wooded path, sprites emerged from a nearby bush, fluttering around the group. Titania watched the tiny creatures flutter about, her expression flat. “Oh, right.” Trini said. “You eat those.”

“Yes.” Titania said, before casually catching a sprite out of the air and biting its head off. That was the first time anypony had gotten a good look inside her mouth, and it became startlingly evident that Titania didn't have normal teeth. Instead, she had fangs. Lightning himself had always suspected something, but now it was confirmed. She had fangs, all right. Razor sharp ones too, by the looks of it.

Titania put the headless sprite in her mouth, chewing it up before swallowing. She looked at the others, who all had expression of disgust on their faces.

“What?”

“Erm...I’m no culinary expert,” said Bridge, coughing awkwardly. “But I’m pretty sure that’s called cannibalism.”

“Are you, now?” Titania asked, licking her lips clean. “You can speak to them if you like. The little pests will have plenty to say about me, I'm sure.”

“Erm...hello.” Bridge said to the sprites, waving awkwardly.

“Tell that brute to leave us alone!” one of them responded, her voice high and shrill. “She isn't welcome here!”

“She’s the Princess, so your argument’s kinda moot there.”

“She's not our Princess!” The sprite said, making sure she was out of Titania’s reach. “She's a monster!”

“Be silent, Krysta.” Titania said calmly. “Now.”

“I WILL NOT BE SILENCED! I AM THE MIGHTY KRYSTA, AND I AM INVINCI-” She was then interrupted by Bridge gripping her, and handing her to Titania.

“Normally, I wouldn’t condone this, but...bon appetit, as they say in Golden Fields.”

Titania, a wicked smirk on her face, pulled off one of Krysta’s wings. She took great satisfaction in the shriek of pain that followed. A moment later, the other came off, before Titania promptly devoured Krysta. Blood ran down her chin as she ate, much to Rosebud's disgust. Nitro looked on, morbid curiosity on his face. Bridge merely grinned.

“...I honestly just wanted her to shut the fuck up. Egotism drives me bonkers, you see.”

“One should only boast and brag if one has the power to back it up.” Titania responded, wiping her chin. “That sprite did not, and she paid for it.”

They continued on their way. As they walked, it became clear that area around them was constantly shifting. Trees disappeared, then reappeared. The path would change in width, growing narrow, then widening, before growing narrow again. It was all very surreal. One moment, they were cresting a hill. The next, they were climbing another hill, without having reached flat ground. They were very lucky to have Titania guiding them.

Eventually, the palace came into view, and it was as magnificent and opulent as one would expect from the Fae. Though it resembled a medieval castle common to Solaran nobility, it seemed to resonate with the same alien energies as the rest of the realm, constantly shifting and changing shape as if on a whim.

Titania said, answering the unspoken question, “Every Fae can change and reshape the area of Nevernever they rule over at will in order to suit their needs. This palace, ruled by Mother and Father, is no exception.”

Titania led them to the gates of the palace, which opened once they got close. After that, they entered the throne room. In sharp contrast to how empty it had been earlier on when the messenger had come to speak with Mab and Oberon, the room was now very lively. Tables, littered with food, lined each wall. In the center of the room, musicians sat, playing drums and flutes, the sound of their songs very alien to the Solarans. Mab and Oberon sat on their thrones, watching the rest of the room.

What was even more alien and unnerving were the Changeling servants. They moved among their Fae masters, with some of them dancing, and others offering food and drink to their lords and ladies. They resembled Solarans, and yet, there was something very, very off about them.

“Greetings, my Lord and Lady.” Lightning said nervously, bowing before the rulers of Nevernever. “We are here on your request, or rather, Princess Titania’s request. I am Prince Lightning Dawn of the Solaran Imperium, and your daughter’s closest companion.”

Mab regarded him for a moment, her expression flat, before speaking, “Greetings, Lightning Dawn. My daughter has spoken of you in her letters. I know a fair amount about you already.”

“Including your escapades in the bedroom.” Oberon said, a small smirk of amusement on his lips. “Do not fret, yungkine. I find it more humorous than anything.” He then went back to the same emotionless expression as his wife. “We have a very important matter to discuss, involving the fool known as Horus.”

“Yes, we do.” Mab agreed. “But, for now, we shall feast. After all, we need to give our daughter a proper welcome.”

Titania, meanwhile, was watching one of the Changelings dance. She was aware that they unnerved her Solaran companions, but, like most things related to morality, she saw the Changelings in a much different light. They didn't unnerve her in the slightest, and the fact that stealing Solaran children away in the dead of night could be considered evil didn't occur to her.

“Graceful, aren't they?” She asked the others after a few minutes went by, who were all sitting near her. Andromeda said nothing, while Rosebud merely grew a bit pale.

“Honestly? Yeah, they are graceful.” Nitro said, though understandably unsettled. Walter began to sketch them, not saying anything. Bridge didn’t comment, he was distracted at the moment by the Fae musicians. Lightning just took Titania’s hand, as if he were offering a dance himself.

“Shall we, my Princess?” He didn’t see Andromeda roll her eyes. Titania nodded once, getting up and walking out onto the floor with him. The two of them danced gracefully like the Changelings, Lightning being careful to match the beats of the musicians playing, or lack thereof to his ears, with his steps. Bridge nudged Andromeda after walking over to her, grinning.

“Jealous?” he asked her.

“Hardly.” She said, snorting. “If she wants him, she is more than welcome to have him.”

“Not even a little?” the yellow unicorn teased.

“Not in the slightest.” Andromeda responded dryly.

“You’re no fun, you know that?” Bridge said flatly.

“Have you forgotten where we are?” She asked, her tone lowering into a whisper.

“No, but what does that have to do with what I just said?” he whispered back.

“I am not joking around with you because I am busy trying to keep an eye on the Fae in this room. I don't trust them one bit.”

“Come on, Andromeda. They called us here for something very important. You need to stop being a soldier and start being a mare right now.”

“Command me again, Bridge…” Andromeda said coldly. “...and I will make sure no mare enjoys your company again. Is my meaning clear? I am a soldier to the core. It's all I have. Starfleet is the only family I've ever known.”

“...Duis amicitae fides, Andromeda. Starfleet values friendship, teamwork, and faith in yourself and those around you above all else. You and I both know that.” Bridge said. “As your fellow officer, I suggest you not make military life your only life. Friendship is magic, as the saying goes.”

“It's not my only life.” Andromeda replied. “Why do you think I teach? My students have no idea that I'm a Starfleet officer. To them, I'm just Ms. Aquila, the teacher who gets really excited about astronomy.”

“All I’m saying is you need to relax and not be so on your guard all the time.” Bridge said. “Is that so hard?” He gave a small, yet warm, smile.

“Let's kill Horus first. Then I'll consider it.” Andromeda snarked, though her lips twitched.

“Atta girl. I knew you’d understand.” Bridge said.

Titania, meanwhile, continued dancing with Lightning. They looked so calm, so peaceful in each others’ arms, like something out of one of those romance novels Lightning’s mother used to read. Mab watched them move across the floor, a small smile on her face. She, unlike most of her race, understood love, and it was clear her daughter, on some level, loved Lightning. Not in the ‘casual’ way that her letters described, either. As in true, romantic love.

The dance was interrupted, quite suddenly, by a Changeling stumbling, the jug in her hand spilling and drenching Lightning’s back with wine. Silence fell, with even the musicians going quiet. The Changeling seemed terrified, noting the expressions on the faces of the other Fae. Immediately, the poor creature fell on her knees, begging for forgiveness in some alien language, a garbled mixture of the Fae and Solaran tongues. Lightning said nothing, but merely gave a smile of forgiveness and extended a hand.

“It was an accident. You have nothing to be sorry for.” he said. “Here, I’ll help you clean up.” This came as a shock to the rest of the Fae in attendance, who had no concept of forgiveness as mortals understood it.

“You are just going to forgive her?” Titania asked, stunned. Lightning looked at her, and nodded.

“Of course. It wasn’t her fault.” he said simply. “It was just an accident, and that’s all that matters.” He then looked at the Changeling, and said, “I’m not going to hurt you, relax.”

“That is correct.” Titania said. “You are not going to hurt her.”

In an instant, she had drawn a knife, pulled the Changeling’s head back, and slit her throat.

“I am.” Lightning’s face changed into one of horror and anger.

“...You...you killed her for something she wasn’t at fault for…” he growled.

“Indeed.” Titania replied. “She brought embarrassment upon both herself and you through her fit of clumsiness. I could not allow a guest in our halls to be humiliated in such a manner.”

Lightning then did something that shocked even himself: he punched Titania in the face. When he saw what he had done to his closest friend, no, his lover, he immediately ran out out of the room, overcome with grief. Silence from the rest of the guests, until Oberon spoke up.

“He has the gall to not only forgive a Changeling, but disrespect my daughter?! I WILL PURSUE HIM TO THE ENDS OF NEVERNEVER, AND TEAR HIM LIMB FROM LIMB, ALL THE WHILE BATHING IN HIS BLOOD!”

Mab, at least on the surface, was far more calm, though it was quite evident she was just as enraged as her husband when she spoke.

“He dares spurn our hospitality by striking Titania? For this trespass, I want hishead.”

“...Wait!” Bridge shouted. “You can’t do that!” His tone was panicked and afraid, something his friends did not usually associate with him.

“And why not?” Oberon growled.

“B-because…”

“Because what?! Spit it out, mortal pony.”

“Because Lightning wants to marry your daughter!” This caused Walter to facepalm, and Nitro and Trini to go slack-jawed in shock. Mab stared at him, genuinely taken aback.

“...He wishes to-to marry my daughter?” Oberon said, just as surprised as his wife. On one hand, he wanted to forbid it. On the other, perhaps this could prove to be useful in ridding themselves of Horus. Titania being married, he thought, would convince Horus to reconsider his demands. “Mab, my dear, what do you think of this?”

“I. Want. His. Head.” She responded. “He will not wed our daughter. I do not wish it.”

“Neither do I.” he whispered. “But consider this: that fool Horus wishes to forcefully take Titania as his own. Perhaps if she marries Prince Dawn, that will convince that idiot to reconsider.”

This made Mab laugh. “Oh, my dear husband, that will not happen. Once the bastard son of Lux has his mind set on something, nothing will deter him from it.”

“That is true. But, as much as I wish to hunt for Lightning Dawn myself, I see this as beneficial at the moment. Think about your daughter, Mab. You understand love from the mortal standpoint, unlike I. Does Titania truly love this alicorn of Solaris?”

Their discussion was cut short by Titania herself, who said, “As beneficial as this may sound, what you were just told is a lie. Lightning Dawn has never expressed any interest in marriage.”

“And how do you know this, daughter?”

“I have known him for thirteen years. In all of that time, there is nothing that he hasn't told me. He has told me everything about his hopes, dreams, fears and doubts. Not even once has he ever mentioned a desire to marry.”

Oberon ruminated in his thoughts. His daughter never lied, he knew. But what other options did he have? He could not just let Titania be taken as a bride to Horus. On the other hand, he wanted to massacre a certain alicorn, but that would also mean taking away her daughter’s companion and dissatisfying her. What to do, what to do…

He never had to make a decision, for it was at that moment the Golem broke in, lumbering into the room. Once it reached the center of the room, a familiar voice spoke through the creature, one Mab and Oberon had not heard in 10,000 years. Horus…

“Hello, Oberon and Mab. Or, should I call you Mother and Father now?” he asked with a cold glee. “I am here to take your daughter as my wife.”

“I will never be your bride, you smug brute.” Titania replied.

“Oh, really? And who says you won’t?”

“Me.” came the voice of Lightning Dawn. “Yeah, I screwed up by punching Titania in the face, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to defend her.”

“And why is that, brother dear?”

“Because she’s my best friend. My confidant. And, dare I say it...my lover.” This sent Horus, and by extension, the Golem, into stunned silence in an effort to comprehend what he had just heard.

“A pleasant sentiment, Lightning.” Titania said. “However, I do not need a defender. This beast dies by my hand.”

With that, she summoned her ethereal blade, before rushing up to the Golem and cleaving off it’s head with one swing. Titania almost appeared bored by the whole affair, not even bothering to look at the Golem as it collapsed. Lightning could only stare, looking at Titania silently. She smirked at him.

“I thought you’d be pissed at me for what I did.” he said. “Believe me, I’m angry at myself more than anything.” He was interrupted, however, by Horus’ laughter.

“Fools! You cannot kill a Golem that easily!” he shouted as he forced the creature to get back up, grab its own head, and with a sickening crunch, snap it back into place. Titania stared the Golem down, completely unfazed.

“You will not have me, bastard son.” She said, her blade humming, her free hand crackling with magic. “I will never belong to you.”

“Who else will? Bastard Spawn?” Horus taunted, charging forth in the Golem’s body. “He does not love you.” The monster attempted a grab at Titania, but was stopped short due to the latter cutting the arm off of it with her sword.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Horus. I do love Titania. Not in the romantic sense, but she’s still my lover all the same. And she will kick your ass. GO GET HIM, TITANIA!” Lightning encouraged.

Titania obliged. The fight that followed was brutally one-sided. Titania was as skilled with magic as she was with her blade, making it very obvious why one of her titles was ‘Witch Queen’. Every strike with her sword cut deep, and the spells she cast were powerful enough to make the Golem stagger more than once. Titania was not restricted by the same amount of weight as the creature she fought, which made her much more nimble, allowing her to dance around the Golem, slashing and stabbing at its legs and easily dodging its attempts to smash her into the ground. She found it rather amusing how enraged Horus became as the fight went on.

“YOU WILL BE MY BRIDE!” he roared as he pounded the Golem’s fists into the floor like an impotent child. “OTHERWISE, YOU ARE OF NO USE TO ME!”

“Burn, wretched thing.” Titania spat, before setting the Golem ablaze. The creature fell in a fiery blaze, before as if it were a bomb, exploding.

“Did...did it just explode?” Lightning asked.

“I think it did.” Bridge agreed.

“AWESOME!” cheered Nitro and Trini in unison.

Titania kicked at the few pieces that remained of the Golem. “If there is a Hell, I am going to send that insufferable sorcerer to it.”

Lightning walked up to Titania, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Titania, I am so, so, so sorry for what I did. I know you won’t forgive me.”

What Titania did next was completely unexpected: She hugged him, before whispering three words.

“I forgive you.”

Lightning certainly did not expect that, his eyes wide. “I...I…” he stammered. “...I don’t know what to say.”

“Shhh…” Titania replied, putting a finger to his lips. “You don't need to say anything.”

He just continued to stare, absolutely bewildered by what was transpiring. Mab, from her place on her throne, did not bother to hide her smile. Perhaps forgiveness wasn't as alien a concept to the Fae as it was assumed.

“I have something I wish to say.” said Oberon. “Prince Lightning Dawn of the Solaran Imperium, I hereby give my blessing.”

“...What.” was the response from Lightning.

“Dumbass over here,” Nitro said, slapping Bridge upside the head. “Tried telling the King that you wanted to marry Titania after you stormed out.”

“That true, Bridge?”

“Yeah…” the unicorn said. “Sorry about that.”

“Oh, you’re going to be sorry. I’ll just wait for the right time to get back at you.” Lightning said, smirking devilishly.

Andromeda replied dryly, “Just don't kill him. The team needs bait after all, and Bridge is the most expendable member.”

“HEY!” Bridge protested.

“Sorry, buddy.” Rosebud said. “Andie’s right. If any member of the team is going to be bait, it's you.”

“If I may interrupt,” said Oberon. “Prince Dawn, will you accept my daughter’s hand?”

“I’m thinking about it. And, if I may be frank, I don’t think she and I are fit to be wed. At least, not right now.”

Titania nodded in agreement. “For now, I am content to be his friend.”

“Very well.” Mab replied. “If my daughter has seen fit to forgive you for striking her, Lightning Dawn, I will, as well. But if you ever do anything of the like again…”

“I am aware of what will happen.” Lightning reassured them. “I speak the truth. I will never hurt her, for as long as I live.”

“Given how long your father has lived, that is a moot point.” Oberon said bluntly.

“If you hurt her in any way, Lightning Dawn...I will make your curse your immortality.” Mab promised. “Now, all of you...go back to where you came from.”

Reality seemed to snap for a brief moment, before they were all sent back to the clearing where they had first entered Nevernever.

“Well, that was…” Nitro began.

“...something.” Trini finished.

“Indeed, it was.” Andromeda said. “Now, let's head back, shall we? I need something to eat.”

“Wanna head to the Palette?” Walter suggested. “I could use a hayburger.”

She nodded in agreement, and that's where the team went. They spent a while there, eating and enjoying each other’s company.

Erebus, meanwhile, who was on guard next to the throne of Horus, was beginning to regret his life choices, for he had to stand still and silent while the sorcerer raged at his defeat. It angered the shadow pony to no end that Cassiopeia was being punished in more ways than one for this outcome, despite the fact that where the Golem had been sent was not her decision to begin with. When Horus had finished brutally beating Cassiopeia, he stormed off, allowing Erebus to approach her.

“Are you alright?” He asked her, his tone much softer than usual.

“No. I am not, but thank you...for caring.”

“I want to kill him.” Erebus said calmly. “I want to tear him open and rip his guts out.”

“As do I. But we must wait for the right opportunity.”

He stroked her cheek gently, wiping away the blood leaking from an open wound.

“I feel...I feel pain every time he strikes you, every time he…”

“...I know. I know you love me.” she said. “But you must not show it. Horus despises the idea of love.”

“That is the beauty of being a shadow, my dear.” He replied. “My emotions are invisible.”

“Oh, how I wish you were whole once more, Erebus…” Cassiopeia said, tears running down her face.

“As do I. Maybe then I would be able to die.” He said, his tone so quiet it was barely audible.

“No...I don’t want to lose you.” Cassiopeia whispered, holding him close to her. They didn't have to worry about Horus returning; he never did after he stormed off. The sorcerer would not return for several hours. So, he embraced her without any fear.

“Shhhh….shhhh...it is alright.” He said. “I wish we both could cast off immortality. Settle down somewhere, live normal lives...start a family…”

“...perhaps be normal once more.”

But it was Kratos who spoke this time, not Erebus. “I am loyal to the master. But I want to satiate my bloodlust.”

“Then why don’t you?” Cassiopeia asked. Kratos pondered this fairly reasonable question.

“Because I have not found anypony worthy of being killed by my sword.” came the admittedly reasonable answer. “I would search for a worthy foe, but the master sees me as a mere tool, only to die at his discretion.”

“Then help us end him.” Erebus said. “Help us put an end to his wretched life, and you will be free to find your worthy adversary.”

“It is only fair. I only ask that you give me honor and respect, as I do to you both.”

“You are more worthy of honor and respect than any other.” Erebus said, bowing his head. “I grant this request gladly.”

“As do I, Kratos, warrior of Solaris.” Cassiopeia said, referring to the stallion by his former title. And so, a pact was made then. The three servants of Horus, motivated by resentment towards him for his cruelty, all swore to betray him when the time was right. Horus, as little value as he placed on kindness and teamwork, would only have himself to blame when the day of reckoning arrived…

Next time on Starfleet: MiB…

Erebus, Kratos, and Cassiopeia, bound together by their pact of betrayal, plot and scheme against Horus, with the sorcerer none the wiser. After all, in his mind, they could not possibly work up the courage to betray him, so why concern himself with outcomes he deems impossible?

Lightning continues to train under the harsh tutelage of Andromeda, chafing under her rather brutal training methods and no-nonsense attitude, until, finally, he snaps and demands to know why she is the way she is. Andromeda’s story, which she will only tell due to prodding from her fellow team members, who haven't heard it, either, is a tragic one, a tale that will finally lead to Lightning Dawn understanding his team leader and looking at her in a new light.

And, of course, there is the matter of his mother, an unresolved mystery that tugs at the back of his mind. Who, exactly, is she? What happened to her? And where is she now? These questions all have answers, but as Lightning begins to uncover them, he will learn that some mysteries are best left unsolved...

Author's Note

Whew! Now this was a fun chapter for myself and Gojirafan to write. We not only get to see where Titania comes from, but her motivations for coming to the mortal realm. We also get some (OK, a lot) of Ship Tease between herself and Lightning (in the original draft, we actually had Lightning propose to Titania, but we cut it out mainly because we didn't want accusations of shipping for the sake of being shipped), as well as some for Andromeda and Lightning too.

And, as an added bonus, we start to develop the villains as tragic figures.

As always, feedback and constructive criticism are appreciated.