Faerie Childe

Previously on Starfleet: MiB…

After the stress of training for an entire week gets to him, Lightning Dawn demands to know why Andromeda is so brutal. Through flashbacks, it’s revealed that she has had far from the best life, which not only makes Lightning Dawn see his teacher in a new light, but sparks memories of his own foalhood and adolescence, one without a mother. Deciding to contact the Grand Ruler for more information, Lightning discovers a startling revelation about himself: he is half-Fae. Going with what his heart tells him, the prince of Solaris ventures once more to the Land of Nevernever in the hopes that he may see his mother once more…

Titania led the way through the twisted woods of Nevernever, strolling through the thick and tangled underbrush with familiar ease. It quickly became clear Lightning was fortunate to have her with him; he would have gotten hopelessly lost otherwise. He smiled at her, taking her hand gently.

“You know, Titania. I’m glad you’re my friend.” Lightning said with a smile. “As well as my lover...wow, it still feels so odd saying it out loud.”

“You are most fortunate we are friends.” Titania replied. “Nevernever is not a welcoming place for mortals who stumble upon it without a Fae to guide them.”

“You’re telling me.” Lightning chuckled. “Where are we headed, anyways?”

“We are going to find your mothri, your mother.” Titania replied. “The journey to her abode is a very twisted and treacherous one.”

“Where does she live, exactly?” Lightning wondered. He was incredibly nervous, though he didn’t show it.

“It is...difficult to explain. Geography, much like time, works much differently in Nevernever than it does in the world of mortals. We will simply arrive there when we arrive there.”

“That still doesn’t calm me down one bit.” Lightning said.

“You are in the realm of the Fae, Lightning.” Titania replied. “You are not supposed to be calm. Many of my kin would, if you wandered into their domains, make you dance until your legs were worn down to bloody shin bones, or drag you underwater until your lungs burst, or fill your eyes with dust and make you claw them out at the roots. This is not the Imperial Palace of your father. Nevernever is not safe for your kind, and it never will be.”

“Guess that’s why it’s called Nevernever.” Lightning joked, then looked down as Titania gave a disapproving glare. “...Sorry.”

“Tell me something, Lightning: How old is your father? If you do not know exactly, guess.” Titania said, changing the subject.

“Well, I know he’s immortal, and he’s ruled the Imperium for millennia…” Lightning pondered, looking up at the ever-changing sky in thought. “...You know, even if I guessed, I still wouldn’t know the answer. My father is very secretive of his past.”

“My parents are ancient, as well, though Mother is far older.” Titania said. “She claims to remember what your father was like in his youth, if that tells you anything.”

Lightning’s ears perked up in curiosity. “She does?” Now this was intriguing.

“Indeed, she does, though as I am sure you are aware, we Fae are quite fond of twisting words. I would be careful when asking her what she knows.”

“Oh, I will, lover dear.” Lightning replied, deliberately sounding like a husband who had resigned himself to his wife’s demands. Titania smacked him on the back of the head, unamused. “...I swear, you Fae can’t take a joke…”

“Most Fae do not tolerate being mocked, joking or otherwise.” Titania replied. “My reaction to your ‘jokes’ is restrained compared to what some of my kin would do to you if you told them some of the same things you tell me.”

“...Right.” Lightning said, before immediately shutting up. They soon came across a group of sprites. It amused Titania to see the egotistical one known as Krysta among their numbers again, evidently having been brought back through some primitive sprite ritual.

“Oi!” Krysta called. “Lookee here, if it isn’t Princey-Prince and the bitch who ate me!” This got a reflexive chuckle from Lightning Dawn.

“I wouldn’t test her if I were you.” he warned.

“He is correct.” Titania said. “I am in no mood to be mocked.”

“Why are you here?” Krysta asked.

“That does not concern you.” Titania snapped. “Begone.”

“No.” another sprite said. “We’re curious as to why your ugly mugs are here again.”

“...Not I.” a female sprite replied. “I just wanna be left alone.”

“Well, if you must know, we’re going to see my mother.” Lightning informed.

“Your mother? Your mother’s a Fae?” Krysta began to laugh, before being grabbed by the neck by Lightning, and handing her to Titania.

“Here you go.” he said casually. Titania grinned, her razor-sharp teeth exposed to the light.

“Hello again, little sprite.” She said to Krysta, her tone remaining as calm as ever. Krysta began frantically buzzing her wings in an effort to escape, but it was no use.

“Ah, what is the matter?” Titania asked mockingly. “Are you afraid, little sprite? Good. I wonder: Which wing should I tear off first? The left...or the right?”

“N-neither.”

“Oh, where is the fun in that?” Titania replied. “Which one should I take first, little sprite? You must choose.”

“Ummm...can I say both and be done with it? I’ll just get revived again, anyway.”

Titania snorted, before igniting a fire spell in the hand that was holding Krysta. The little sprite screamed, but not for very long, and she was fried. The other sprites scattered, and Lightning looked at Titania.

“What?” She asked, biting off Krysta’s charred head. “I like them crispy.”

“...Of course you do. Come on.” Lightning said. “Let’s get moving.”

Titania began walking again, and they continued to make their way through Nevernever. Eventually, Titania began to hear a very familiar sound: Her mother’s flute. Lightning listened for a bit, before walking towards the noise, Titania’s hand in his. They found Queen Mab seated on a chair made of branches and brush, playing a tune on her flute that was beautiful and eerie.

“Hello again, my Queen.” Lightning said, bowing before her. “Apologies for interrupting, but I’ve returned to your kingdom for something rather important.”

“Oh?” Mab said, pausing. “Do tell.”

“I am here to see my mother, whomever she may be.” Lightning said. “Titania has also informed me that you knew my father in his youth?”

“I did, yes.” Mab replied.

“What was he like? Where did he live before he created the Solarans?”

The Faerie Queen set down her flute, before regarding Lightning for a brief moment.

“This information is not something to be given away lightly. You desire deeply to learn it, and I simply cannot tell you this without expecting a favor in return. That is how these things work.”

“I understand how these things work. What do you seek in return?” Lightning asked carefully. “I will provide whatever it is you desire, to the best of my ability.”

“The thing I desire from you will be made clear in the near future.” Mab replied. “For now, have my word that it will not be a lethal task. I am Mab, and I always keep my word.”

“Understood, my Lady.” Lightning said. “As you were saying, you knew my father in his youth.”

“Indeed, I did. He was hardly as mighty then as he is now, though that does not mean he was harmless. Far from it.”

“Was he born an alicorn, like I was?”

“No.” Mab replied. “He was born without wings.”

“...So, in other words, a unicorn.”

“Indeed.” She said. “When I met your father, he was rather intriguing to me. Not because of what he was then, but what he would one day do.”

“Which was create the Solaran Imperium.” Lightning said. “But what of before then?”

“Before then?” Mab asked. “How long before then?”

“...Before 10,000 years ago.” Lightning answered. “That is the only way I measure time when it comes to my father.”

“I presume you are asking for me to tell you what he accomplished before then. I will tell you this: There is a reason many worship him as a god, and it has to do with more than just the creation of the Solaran Imperium and the banishment of Horus.”

“Is that all?” Lightning asked, his mind racing. What could his father have accomplished before staking his claim in the galaxy, he wondered.

“Among other things, he fathered three of my children in the distant past.” Mab said. “He does not recall this, but I do.”

“Does that include Titania?” Lightning asked, understandably uneasy.

“No.” Mab responded. “Titania was born of my husband’s seed. You are not sleeping with your own half-sister, Lightning Dawn.”

“Oh, thank Lux.” he said. “What I wish to know is this: where did my father come from, and how did he become the Grand Ruler he is today?”

“He was born in a rather colorful valley, located on a world that is hardly worthy of notice.” Mab replied.

“A valley? Did it have a name?”

“Yes.”

“What was its name, if I may ask?”

“Dream Valley.”

Lightning snorted a bit. “Let me guess, it was a paradise.”

“It was...until I placed a curse upon everyone there.”

“What sort of curse?”

“Every firstborn was seized by the Keepers within a week of birth.”

“...Why? Why would you do that?” Lightning asked, horrified.

“Why? I will tell you why. I was mocked. Those mortal ponies thought to play practical jokes on me when I stayed in their town for a night. Their children tormented me, so I chose to torment any new parents in return.”

“...Titania was right: you can’t take jokes. I’ll admit it was wrong for them to prank you, but stealing their children is too extreme.”

“I am Mab.” She said firmly. “I always keep my word...and I always repay my debts.”

“But they were just pranks…”

“Enough.” Mab said coldly. “I will speak no more of the matter. What more do you wish to know about your father?”

“Is...is Lux even his real name?” Lightning asked, a bit afraid now.

“No.” Mab answered. “At least, it is not his birth name.”

“What is his birth name?” the Solaran prince asked.

“Truthfully, I cannot say.” Mab responded. “It has been lost to time.”

“I understand. My father was also not born with the body he has now, am I correct?”

“Yes.” Mab replied. “Now, I am certain you must be curious how, exactly, he and I ended up having children together. Or am I wrong?”

“I am, indeed, curious, as to who my technical siblings are.” Lightning replied matter-of-factly.

“Their names are Miranda, Prospero, and Puck.” She informed him.

“Fascinating. I will have to meet them sometime.”

“I am certain you will.” Mab said, pausing briefly, before continuing, “Love is a very strange thing, is it not? So many terrible things are done for love. I learned that from a species known as Man. For love, men will mutilate themselves and murder rivals. For love, even a peaceful man will go to war. For love, man will destroy himself, and do so willingly.”

“Exactly as my father said it.”

“He and I learned a lot from each other.” Mab replied.

“I can see that. Do Miranda, Prospero, and Puck dwell here in Nevernever?”

“They do.”

“Perhaps I will meet them later, if I have the time.” Lightning said.

“Perhaps. I would be cautious, however. They do not know you exist, and all three of them are quite prideful.”

“I understand completely.” Lightning responded.

“Good.” Mab replied. “Now, are there any other matters you wish to inquire about?”

“...Hmmm…” Lightning pondered the question, then shook his head. “No, my Lady.”

“Very well.” She said. “Go on, Lightning Dawn. Find your mother.” He nodded, looking at Titania. She took his hand, guiding him away from Mab. The Fae Queen was gone when he looked back a moment later, her chair empty, as if she had never been there at all. Lightning held onto Titania’s hand, a slight smile on his face as he walked with her.

“I remember my youth here.” Titania said. “I spent my days in the flower fields and by the flowing streams. I always have loved the sound of moving water. It is so very peaceful.”

Lightning nodded. “Do you miss it here at all?” His tone was curious, but with a slight sadness to it.

“Every Faerie that leaves Nevernever has a desire to return home.” Titania said. “I feel it frequently when I am in the mortal world. You are worried about me abandoning you, Lightning. Is that correct?” He nodded.

“You’re my best friend, Titania. You have been for 13 years, ever since my mother left without a trace.” Tears began to form in his eyes. “I...I love you…”

Titania blinked. That genuinely caught her by surprise. “Are you speaking of familial love...or romantic love?”

“...I don’t know.” Lightning replied. “I see you as my family, but at the same time, it kinda dawned on me the last time we were here that you had some kind of feeling for me. And besides, we have, to put it bluntly, fucked. Have we not?”

“I do not know how I feel about you.” She responded. “Fae cannot feel love in the usual sense. Mother and Father care about me, and would kill to protect me, but that is not love in the same way mortals understand it. Similarly, I care about you, and I would kill to keep you safe, but I do not know if that is love in the way your kind understands it.”

“Love is an odd thing sometimes.” Lightning observed. “Nopony can really understand it, I think.”

Titania nodded. “I am not a pony, and I do also do not understand it. To me, as I have said previously, it is meaningless, a curiosity and little else.”

Lightning said nothing as he walked alongside Titania, merely observing the beautiful view. Birds flew nearby, singing and chirping. He could hear, just out of sight, the gentle rumble of a river. The scents of various flowers hit his nose, the variety making a lovely mixture of smells. Lightning took a deep breath, and sighed contently. He looked into Titania’s eyes, his smile not fading. She continued to walk with him, humming to herself. Lightning hummed along with her, though it sounded alien to him. They made their way through Nevernever, the landscape shifting and turning around them. It was once again quite clear to Lightning that without Titania, he would have been hopelessly lost.

Soon, the two of them began to hear soft singing coming from nearby. The voice was female, her song soft and pleasant to the ears. Lightning was half-tempted to investigate, but at the same time his gut feeling told him not to. Titania began to lead him towards the sound, anyway.

“That is the voice of Miranda you are hearing.” She said. “I thought you might like to meet your half-sister.”

Lightning only nodded, becoming more entranced by the sound. They soon found Miranda. She was in a field of flowers, softly brushing her hair as she sang. She, much like Mab, had icy blonde locks, with light skin, not quite as pale as that of her mother, and grey eyes. Miranda wore a white, shimmering gown and nothing else, her feet and hands bare, her blonde hair free to fall down her back. She didn't notice Lightning and Titania.

“Should we say something?” the former asked. Titania nodded.

“Hello, Miranda.” She called. Miranda stopped her singing, turning towards the two of them.

“Greetings, Titania. Who is this you've brought with you?”

“I am Prince Lightning Dawn of the Solaran Imperium.” Lightning greeted. “...I am also, as I have found out from the Queen herself, your half-brother.”

“Are you, now?” Miranda asked. “An interesting, but not entirely unexpected, development.”

“Given that we share the same father, is it not unsurprising?” Lightning asked. “I extend my humblest greetings to thee, Miranda.”

“And I accept thy greetings, Lightning Dawn.” She replied.

“You resemble your mother, though I sense a bit of Lux himself in you as well.”

Miranda had the sharp, refined features of nobility, which both Lux and Mab had passed down to her. She snorted.

“I am sure you do. I have never met him. I am sure Mother told you why.”

Lightning nodded. Miranda gestured for him to come closer and sit next to her. After some hesitation, he did, and looking at her even more up close, he could see the resemblance between them more clearly.

“Half-Fae children are a curious thing.” Miranda said. “When the child reaches a certain age, they must make a choice: Stay in the mortal world, and die as such, or venture into Nevernever and become one of the Faeries.”

“It’s obvious you chose the latter, sister.” Lightning remarked.

“No.” She said, shaking her head. “My siblings and I are different. We were born in Nevernever, so we were born as Fae.”

“So all three of you are immortal, like I and our father.” Lightning continued. “Immortality is...a rather tender subject with the Grand Ruler, you know. Living for millennia among what you call ‘mortals’ can take a toll on one’s mental health.”

“I wouldn't know.” Miranda said. “For the Fae, time passes like a flowing stream. It goes by quickly, and none of us are affected by it.”

“I’m sorry to say, but I would suspect my father envies you in that particular regard.”

Miranda nodded in response. Outside of Nevernever, meanwhile, Andromeda was sitting with Rosebud on a park bench, the two of them enjoying the fading sunlight. The former exhaled, closing her eyes.

“This is nice, isn't it?” She asked.

“Mmm-hmm. I still can’t believe we’re together again, Andie. It feels...nice.”

Andromeda smiled. “It does, doesn't it?” Rosebud gripped her hand gently.

“I love you.” Andromeda told her. “I think I have since the day we met.” Rosebud snorted slightly with a smirk.

“You actually believe in that ‘love at first sight’ stuff?” she asked.

“I don't know if I loved you romantically, but I know that I quickly became quite fond of you.” Andromeda responded. “It didn't take long for me to properly fall in love.”

“I love you too, Andie. Always will.”

“Good.” She replied, smiling. “I missed holding you like this.”

“I missed it too.” Rosebud said, kissing her softly. Andromeda kissed her back, pulling Rosebud closer. As the sun set, the moon rising in the sky, it created a rather beautiful sight out of a romance film. The two of them made sweet, gentle love in the moonlight, melting into the other’s embrace. Who cared if it was in public, Rosebud thought. Nopony was out at this hour, anyway. Andromeda certainly didn't care. She was enjoying herself too much to think about anyone seeing them. After they finished, she held Rosebud close, panting.

“Damn. I haven’t done anything like that in years.” Rose purred. Andromeda smirked.

“I'm glad I could be of service.” She said. “I do hope you didn't wake anyone up. You were quite loud.”

“You bet I was.” Rose said, grinning. Andromeda kissed her cheek, chuckling a bit.

“Let's go back.” She said. “I'm tired, and sleep sounds awesome right now.” Rose got dressed, carrying her marefriend like a bride. Andromeda snorted, before getting down.

“Thank you, but I'm no blushing bride in a romance movie. I can walk.” She said, taking Rosebud’s hand and beginning to do just that. The former pouted.

“You’re no fun.”

Andromeda grinned, before picking up Rosebud and carrying her. “Is this better?”

“Yes.” Rosebud replied, her pout turning into a grin. Andromeda kissed her softly. They soon arrived at Andromeda’s home, the two of them having decided to stay there together for the time being. The others were staying at the library until they could find some good, affordable homes. Andromeda set Rosebud down once they were inside the house, flicking on a light. Her home was modest, but liveable. She didn't need much in the way of luxuries.

“I have classes to teach in the morning.” Andromeda said. “So, I should probably get to bed.” Rosebud sat on the couch, flicking on the TV.

“I’ll try and be quiet.” she said. Andromeda kissed her briefly, before saying good night and going to sleep in her bedroom. When she woke up in the morning, she smiled as she noticed that Rosebud was snuggled up against her. She awoke, before smiling back at Andromeda.

“Good morning, love.” Andromeda said, kissing her nose.

“Good morning.” Rosebud replied. “I need to get ready for work, sooo…”

“Oh, so do I.” Andromeda responded. She got out of bed, going to the bathroom and showering, before getting dressed and heading to the kitchen to get breakfast. Rosebud followed her, enjoying the view of the sun as it rose over the chrome-plated skyscrapers of Spectropolis. Soon after, Andromeda left, traveling to the school she taught at. It was the same one that had been bombed two years earlier, now rebuilt and looking as sturdy as the day it had been built. Still, the scars remained. Students and staff who were there when it happened still remembered that terrible day, and several of them refused to enter certain rooms. A memorial dedicated to the students that had died stood outside the school, and students would often leave gifts at its base. Andromeda noted, with deep sadness, that the sister of Legend Bringer was kneeling at the foot of the monument when she arrived. She walked over to the younger mare slowly.

“Hello.” She said softly, not knowing how else to begin. “I don't believe we've been intrigued properly. I'm Andromeda Aquila. I was your...brother’s teacher. He was in my class when…”

“...It isn’t your fault.” she whispered, tears in her eyes.

“I know, but it doesn't make me feel any better.” Andromeda replied, before asking, “What's your name?”

“My name? Story. Story Bringer. Our parents have a knack for the written word.”

“I can tell.” Andromeda replied, before adding jokingly, “We Solarans aren't very creative when it comes to names, are we?” This cheered Story up, and she laughed.

“No, we aren’t.”

Andromeda thought for a moment, before snapping her fingers. “I knew your name sounded familiar, and now I know why. You're in my first class today, aren't you? I thought I saw your name had been added to my roster.”

“...I love astronomy, and I wanted to make my brother proud.” Story said with a small grin. “Your name is made up of two constellation names, in fact.”

“Ah, a mare after my own heart.” Andromeda replied, patting Story’s shoulder. “Most of my students don't catch that. I think you and I will get along just fine.”

“Thanks, Miss Aquila.”

“Please, call me Andromeda, or Andie. Either is fine. Calling me Miss Aquila makes me feel old.”

“Old?” Story asked. “You’re what, 25? I’m 18. There’s a 7-year age gap between us. That isn’t old.”

Andromeda hesitated a bit, before replying, “I also don't like being called that because it reminds me of my mother.”

“What happened?” Story asked as they walked into the school. Andromeda considered how much she wanted to reveal, before deciding that Story deserved her honesty.

“We didn't get along very well. In fact, my mother was quite cruel.” She told the younger mare.

“While neither I nor Legend were raised in that kind of home, I understand completely.”

“...She was also a whore.” Andromeda added, her tone flat. “And I mean that in the most literal sense.”

“Pardon my language, but that is fucked up.” Story said, putting a hand over her mouth.

“My language isn't exactly squeaky clean when I'm not teaching, so you're all good.” Andromeda replied. “Technically, I shouldn't be telling you any of this, but you deserve honesty after everything that's happened.”

“Thank you, Andie. I need honesty after what happened.”

“Which is why I'm going to tell you something none of my other students know…” Andromeda began, right before the bell rang. “...right after class. Come on.”

She walked to her classroom, entering and sitting at her desk. Story sat at the front, awaiting the lesson. Andromeda waited for the rest of her students to file in. A few minutes later, they had all arrived.

“Good morning, class.” She said. “We have a new student with us today. Her name is Story Bringer, and yes, that last name should sound familiar.” A silence fell over the room. She cleared her throat after a few moments.

“Anyway, how many of you saw that meteor shower last night? I thought it was pretty cool.” Andromeda said. She got no response. “...Anyone?” Story awkwardly raised her hand.

“Good on you. It was quite the light show.” Andromeda said, smiling a bit. “What did you think of it?”

“Absolutely breathtaking.”

“It was, wasn't it?” Andromeda replied, looking at the rest of the class. “I can't believe the rest of you missed it. I mean, even you, Moonbeam? And you, Stardancer? I thought you two liked astronomy stuff.”

This was addressed to a pair of identical twins sitting in the back, both of whom had jet-black fur, much like Andromeda herself, though their coats seemed to have more of a shine to them.

“We did, but we both fell asleep before it finished.”

They had spoken in unison, Andromeda noted, much like they often did. It was rather odd, but she didn't question it. The rest of the class went well. At least, it did until the room shook a bit. It wasn't nearly as bad as the detonation of the bomb two years earlier, so Andromeda knew it couldn't have come from inside the school. She looked out the window, and saw something rather odd: There was a large hole in the ground not far away, and she could vaguely see several strange creatures crawling out of it. All of them were bipedal, and none of them looked very friendly. She walked over to her desk, taking note of the alarmed looks on the faces of her students, before pressing a button hidden on the bottom. A small, hidden compartment opened, and Andromeda took out a laser pistol, casually cocking it and setting the weapon down on the desk in front of her.

“...” Story’s jaw dropped, her eyes wide. Andromeda took an earpiece out of her bag of teaching supplies, putting it on.

“Any of you listening?” She asked, trying to connect to any member of her team she could reach. “We've got a problem.”

“Reading you loud and clear.” came Rosebud.

“...What’s the sitch?” Bridge asked, sounds of drinking tea coming from his end.

“Either of you seeing any holes in the ground, by chance?” She asked, walking over to the window again. “I've got a big one here. There are creatures coming out of it, and none of them look friendly.”

“...Now that you mention it, I did see some holes in the ground earlier. Big ones too.” said Bridge.

“Shit.” Andromeda said, startling her class once again, as they had never heard her curse. “Shit, shit, shit. Rose, are you working right now?”

“Yeah. Dafodil’s helping me today. Why?”

“Make whatever excuse you need to in order to get out of work and go get your gear. I need you to search for other craters, along with any more of...whatever these things are. Bridge, once you've finished your tea, I need you to inform the others of what's going on and tell them to be ready to go out and deal with the situation if the need arises. I'll keep you informed. Andromeda out.”

With that done, Andromeda turned back towards her class, before noticing how they were all staring at her. “You might as well ask what you want to ask.” She said.

“Are you a Starfleet officer?” Story asked. “Because that’s awesome!”

“Yep, I am.” Andromeda said. “I have been for nearly ten years.”

Rosebud, meanwhile, made an excuse and asked Dafodil to watch the store for her. As she ran out hurriedly, she attempted to contact Lux, as this was...an unusual situation. Unfortunately, the Grand Ruler was a bit preoccupied. Similar creatures had emerged in the Palace, and he was busy fighting them off. “Just what are these things?!” one of his guards asked.

“These creatures are part of the Infestatio hive mind.” Lux replied.

“...T-the Infestatio...you mean those bug creatures you fought during the war with Horus?”

“Yes.” He said. “Their Queen nearly killed us both.”

“Where, exactly, did you banish them to? Because I recall you sparing them.”

“Queen Pinsar is unkillable.” Lux admitted. “The stories say I spared her, but I couldn't kill the Queen if I tried. I only banished her by making use of a desperate ritual that required a fair amount to be sacrificed for it to work.”

“You mean you sealed them within the planet?!” the guard replied, both astonished and terrified.

“I did.” The Grand Ruler replied. “The ritual was flawed, of course, and I never expected it to last forever. The fact the barrier it created is failing around the same time Horus finally returned is a very cruel coincidence.”

Andromeda, meanwhile, was casually answering questions from her students...while also shooting the creatures emerging from the hole with her laser pistol. The creatures, tall grasshopper/bee-like beings, flew towards Andromeda. She shot each of them down, laughing a bit.

“YES! COME ON, YOU SHIT-CHEWING FUCKSTICKS!” she shouted, before calmly saying, “I'm sorry, Stardancer. What was your question?”

She was letting her students ask whatever they wanted, in order to help them stay calm.

“...Why do Starfleet officers have color-coded spandex as armor? Isn’t that a bit counterproductive?”

“It keeps attention on the rest of our bodies, so that our enemies don't shoot us in the head.” Andromeda replied. “We can't make our faces attack-proof, so we wear uniforms that draw enemy attention to other parts of the body.”

“I know what part of the body I’m attracted to.” a sophomoric colt said, grinning. Andromeda rolled her eyes.

“I know.” She said dryly, shooting off one of the creature’s wings and sending the insect crashing to the earth. “I'm quite used to having my ass stared at. You are all also welcome to ask about my life before Starfleet. I'll tell you, I haven't lived a boring normal life.”

“What was your life like before all this?” Moonbeam asked.

“I grew up in the shithole disguised as paradise known as Redwood Meadows.” Andromeda replied. “My mother was a whore, I've never known my father, and I beat a colt two or three years older than me within an inch of his life when I was 11. He overdosed on heroin two years later.”

“Damn.” Moonbeam said. “You go, girl!”

“I bit a chunk out of his cheek.” Andromeda said dryly. “You know, blood doesn't taste as bad as you'd think. It's just very coppery.”

“Still, you don’t take shit from no stallion.” Moonbeam said.

“Ummm...sis, I hate to be ‘that mare’, but your grammar is incorrect.” Stardancer said. Her twin blushed in embarrassment. Andromeda rolled her eyes.

“This ain't grammar school, kid.” She said dryly, shooting one of the insect creatures in the eye, causing it to shriek in pain and flee. “We Starfleet officers don't give a damn about proper speech.”

“Sorry, Andie.” Stardancer apologized.

“I say that because you two have potential.” Andromeda replied. “The life of a Starfleet officer is not for everypony, but I encourage you two to try, if you wish to.”

Suddenly, one of the creatures landed on the window, grabbing Andromeda by the arm and pulling her out of it. She responded by drawing a knife and repeatedly stabbing the creature in the throat, getting it to let go and fall. She managed to hold onto the window and avoid falling with it, before climbing back inside, her clothes stained with green blood.

While the creatures of the Infestatio hive began to emerge in Spectropolis, Horus’ minions had the thankless task of going to meet with Queen Pinsar. The sorcerer, Erebus noted as they descended into the cavernous depths of Solaris, had experienced a rare moment of cunning, and had decided to try and get the Queen on his side. Since, of course, Horus didn't wish to leave Tenebris and draw his father’s attention, he gave the task to his underlings, who accepted it with stoic obedience.

“You know, I never thought I would be descending into the innards of Solaris.” Erebus said flatly as they went deeper, searching for the Infestatio hive. “It's about what I expected: Rocks, water and darkness.”

“Why Horus doesn’t get off of his throne and do it himself is beyond me.” Cassiopeia replied.

“I will say, however, that this is probably the most intelligent thing he has done yet.” Kratos said.

“Indeed.” Erebus replied. “Horus is a coward, but he is not an idiotic coward.”

“Sociopathy presents a higher intelligence than most, after all.” Cassiopeia said.

“How he can dismiss you as a stupid, vain sorceress is beyond me.” The living shadow replied, shaking his head. “You're one of the most intelligent ponies I have ever met.” She blushed heavily.

Soon, they reached a massive underground cavern, the only way across the chasm in tbe center being a narrow ledge near the three of them. Before any of them could move, however, the buzzing of wings could be heard, and three creatures resembling giant wasps emerged from the chasm, their stingers large enough to skewer a pony. Erebus remained calm.

“We are here to speak with your Queen.” He said. “Can you take us to her?”

The wasps flew behind him, Kratos and Cassiopeia, grabbing the three of them with their long legs, before taking to the air and beginning to fly over the chasm. Cassiopeia crossed her arms, silently discontent with the entire situation. Once the wasps let them go, Erebus hung back a bit as Kratos and Cassiopeia walked ahead. He couldn't help but admire his lover as she moved, and took a brief moment to look her over. She wore a silky, almost see-through robe that accentuated her already massive bosom. He began walking to catch up with them, very glad that being a living shadow meant he wouldn't be seen blushing.

It wasn't long before they entered the Infestatio hive, and it became frighteningly clear just how massive the number of creatures Queen Pinsar had under her control was. The buzzing and fluttering of wings was almost deafening. Erebus felt unnerved for the first time in a long while. Cassiopeia felt fearful. Horus would have, in his misogynistic views, chalked it up to a “feminine” fear of bugs. There was more to it than that, though. It felt like the entire hive was one, massive organism. Which, to an extent, it was. Even the walls felt alive, Erebus noted. They seemed to inhale and exhale as the three of them walked through the massive caves that made up the hive, massive insects scurrying in and out of holes in the rock.

“I don't like this place.” He said softly.

“Neither do I.” Cassiopeia replied.

They soon reached the center of the network of caves, standing on a slab of rock overlooking a rather large and deep circular cavern. Erebus estimated it to be two or three hundred feet deep, and just as wide. After a few moments of silence, Queen Pinsar emerged from the darkness. Erebus was taken aback by her sheer size. The Queen of the Infestatio, who resembled a nightmarishly massive wasp, having wings, six legs, sharp jaws, and a stinger, was easily two hundred feet long from head to stinger tip, and one hundred feet tall from her leg bottoms to the top of her body. She climbed up the cave wall opposite them, each ascending step making the stone walls quake.

“Why have you come here?” her voice whispered in their minds. “What do you seek?”

“We seek to ally ourselves with you. Or, rather, Horus does.”Cassiopeia replied.

“Horus?” Pinsar replied, her tone scornful. “That arrogant sorcerer sent you? Pathetic. He did not dare face me himself, so he sends his pets to do it instead.”

“We are not his pets, Your Majesty.” Erebus said. “In fact, we seek to kill him.”

“Ah. The three pawns seek to topple their king. A most interesting development. What brought about this particular change of heart?” Pinsar responded, turning her gaze towards them.

“Years and years of abuse.” Kratos answered simply.

“He dismisses you as a mindless brute, but I can see your mind, Kratos. You are much more intelligent than he realizes. All of you are...which is why your betrayal will catch him off guard if it is planned well.”

“Which is part of why we came here.” Erebus said. “We wish to form an alliance with you.”

“Hmmm…” Pinsar considered it, buzzing her wings. “Very well. I wish to see Horus dead, as well, so our goals align. Return to Horus and tell him I will be joining his cause...until, of course, your coup begins, and I betray him along with the three of you. Now, go.”

She disappeared into the darkness again, and the three minions of Horus returned to Tenebris to inform him of his new ‘alliance’ with Queen Pinsar.

Titania, meanwhile, was walking with Lightning once again. They were approaching the home of his mother, but there was still a fair distance to cover. Titania was unconcerned by this, content to walk at a leisurely pace. Lightning was exhausted, but kept walking at a brisk pace. He had enjoyed spending time with his half-sister and promised her he’d visit Prospero and Puck after his mother.

Soon, the two of them came across a moderately large manor, the walls and roof crafted from white marble, while the windows were clear, shining glass.

“That is where your mother lives, Lightning.” Titania informed him. “She is among the nobility of the Fae.”

“Wow…” Lightning said, in awe of the manor. She gave him a gentle nudge.

“Go on. Knock. Talk to your mother. I'll wait out here.”

Lightning knocked on the door slowly and softly. After a few moments, the door creaked open, a Changeling servant peering out.

“Yes? What is it you need?” He asked.

“Does the lady of the house know a ‘Lightning Dawn’? For I am he.”

A pause. “One moment.” The Changeling said, before shutting the door. A minute later, he returned.

“My Lady will see you.” He said, gesturing for Lightning to enter. He did so, slowly looking around. He stood in a foyer, facing a flight of stairs flanked by a lavish living room with a roaring fire on one side, and a large dining hall on the other. After a moment, his mother emerged at the top of the stairs, looking down at him.

“Hello, Lightning.” She said, her voice a low, pleasant purr. “Titania has brought you to me at last.”

“...Mother?” he whispered, tears in his eyes. “Is that really you?”

“I am here, my child.” She said. Her hair was dark brown, much like his, the locks reaching her mid back, her eyes were bright blue, and her skin was very pale. She wore a light green dress with a long skirt, the sleeves almost transparent. His mother descended the stairs, before approaching Lightning and placing her hand on his shoulder. Lightning, tears now streaming down his face, embraced her tightly. She held him close until the flow of tears stopped.

“Come.” She said, leading him to the living room, sitting Lightning down in a chair next to the fire. She sat in a chair across from him, beginning to idly move the burning sticks with a poker.

“I’m...I’m just happy to see you after 13 years.”

“The tears told me as much.” his mother replied. “I knew you would come, sooner or later.”

“Father misses you.” Lightning whispered.

“I am sure that is true.” She replied, her tone unchanging. “However, I cannot say I return the sentiment.”

“Oh, right. Fae and all.”

“I did enjoy our time together while it lasted.” She said. “But, like all things I have enjoyed, I grew bored, and I departed. I did, however, do him one final service: I sent Titania to protect you.”

“I figured as much.” Lightning said. “And I couldn’t be happier. But why the Princess of Fae, of all people?”

“She is a mighty spellcaster and a fearsome combatant. Titania saved your life several times before you turned ten. She did it in such a way you never knew you were in danger.”

“Really?” Lightning asked, intrigued. His mother nodded.

“While Horus was still imprisoned then, his dark power still influenced the minds of Solarans. Many adopted his mad philosophy, and several of those souls attempted to assassinate you while you were a child. Titania killed them all.”

“...Thank the stars.”

“Indeed.” She said. “Titania did her job well, and you gained a friend in the process.”

“And a lover as well.” Lightning said.

His mother nodded. “Many mortals have written poems about how good at making love the Fae are.”

“But they never have lovers for long. As you very well know.”

“I do.” She said. “We Faeries are easily bored, and are not often satisfied with the same object of affection for long. Which is why your bond with Titania is rather remarkable.”

“I love her, but I’m not exactly sure where I stand on that. I want to remain her friend and mutual lover for now, until I can get myself sorted.” Lightning replied. “Though I can tell she loves me.”

“I doubt that.” His mother said. “At least, I doubt that she loves you in the same way you love her. To Titania, you are a curiosity, someone that has earned her affection, and kept it for a long while. However, that does not mean she loves you in the romantic sense as mortals describe it. I would be very careful with assuming you know for certain how she feels, Lightning. Even the most civil Fae are prone to violence if their pride is wounded, or if they grow bored and become irritated with the one they ‘love.’”

“...I see it in her eyes, Mother. She truly feels something for me.”

“I have known her for a very long time. She also ‘felt something’ for a Changeling once. She thought herself in love with him, and he seemed to love her, too. Their little tryst went on for a while, until, inevitably, boredom set in. She grew tired of, and annoyed by, the Changeling’s pandering words and touches. Titania ended up snapping his neck. The only emotional response she had to what she did was surprise at the sounds he made as he died. After that, Titania returned to her immortal life of flowers, flutes and magic, and her lover was forgotten. I very much doubt she even remembers his name, now.” his mother said. “Lightning, I am not attempting to destroy the feelings you have for her, and I am not saying that she does not feel for you. I am merely advising you to be cautious.”

Lightning nodded, deciding to return to that inquiry later. “What have you been doing since you’ve returned to Nevernever?”

“I have various things I do to amuse myself.” She replied. “Playing instruments, picking flowers from the nearby fields, reading books from my vast collection of tomes, venturing out into the mortal world to kidnap children, painting, and singing.”

Lightning’s eyes widened a bit at the mention of kidnapping children, but given he had grown up with Titania since he was a young colt, he was somewhat used to it. “...Why didn’t you take me with you?”

“Would you have wanted to spend your childhood here?” his mother asked. “From what you have seen of Nevernever, would you truly have wished for me to have taken you with me when I came home?”

“Given the erm, rather odd habits Fae sometimes have...no. And besides, I would have missed Father dearly. But at the same time, I wouldn’t have wanted to leave your side, Mother.”

“Leaving was not a choice I made lightly.” She responded, continuing to prod the logs in the fireplace. “However, I either had the choice of leaving you with your father, or taking you home with me. The former was wiser.”

“I understand. Horus would have released himself from his prison sooner or later, and he might have come after the both of us had you chosen the latter.”

“That is not what I meant. At least, not entirely. Horus, above all else, is a coward. If he does not think he can win, he will not get involved in battle, or will flee if the tide turns against him. He fears the King and Queen, and would not dare invade their domain himself unless he had some sort of advantage. No, I am referring to the realm itself being unsafe for you.”

“Oh.” Lightning said, mentally facepalming for his own stupidity.

“Now, you are grown.” his mother said, looking at him and really noticing it for the first time. “You look nothing like the scrawny child I left behind thirteen years ago.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Lightning said, before realizing she called him ‘scrawny’. “...Hey!”

She chuckled. “Come now. You know it is true. You were scrawny.”

“I was not!”

“Whatever you say, yungkine.” his mother responded.

Lightning immediately burst out laughing. She raised a brow, not knowing the reason he was so amused: Titania sounded the exact same way when she gave up on arguing with him when Lightning was being stubborn. “Apologies. What you just said reminded me of Titania.”

“I am sure there are many things that remind you of her.” She responded. “If there is one thing I know about love, it is that when someone loves another, they will be reminded of the object of their affections by many sights, sounds, smells and even tastes.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” She replied, nodding. “I am certain you have noticed many things that bring Titania to mind as of late since these feelings emerged.”

Lightning scratched his chin in thought. “...Now that you mention it…”

“Go on…” his mother said, her tone encouraging. Lightning kept thinking more and more.

“Music, for one. Nature too.”

“She loves her flute.” his mother said. “Music is one of Titania’s favorite things, as I am sure you know well.”

“Yes, I do. Though my taste is more in the popular music of Solaris.”

“I am sure you will admit, however, that her music is more unique and alien to the ears than any song created by a Solaran.” his mother responded. “In any case, I do not blame you for developing feelings for her. She is quite beautiful, even by Fae standards.”

“Yeah.” Lightning agreed.

While the two of them were having a peaceful conversation, Andromeda was fighting for her life. The insect creatures were emerging in force, and she was barely holding them off. Her students still hid behind her, forced to listen to the sounds of combat.

Andromeda activated her earpiece again. “Where the Hell are all of you? Are you dealing with the same shit show I am at the moment?”

“Yep.” Walter reported. “Nitro and Trini are frying these bug-eyed bastards.”

“What the fuck are these things?” Andromeda asked. “These creatures remind me of the stories I’ve read about the Infestatio.”

“...Holy shit, Andie. I think you might be right.” Walter replied, his tone urgent, as if the idea had suddenly clicked in his head. “I need you to contact Professor Leap, ASAP. He might be able to confirm your suspicions.”

Andromeda normally would have reprimanded Walter harshly for telling her what she ‘needed’ to do, but she let it slide.

“Professor Leap?” She spoke into her earpiece, hoping he was using his. “Come on, damn it. Are you listening?”

“Yes, Andromeda?” From the sound of his voice, he was slightly drunk. “What do you need?”

“Oh, you've been drinking. That's just dandy. Anyway, we've got insect creatures coming out of holes in the ground here. I think they may be Infestatio.”

Immediately, Leap’s tone became dry and humorless. “Infestatio, you say?”

“Yep.” She said, slashing at one of the creatures as it tried to enter the room, causing it to withdraw. “They're quite vicious.”

“I’ll ask Nitro and Trini to bring me one of their corpses so that I can dissect it.”

“You do that.” She responded. “I'm going to keep killing them. Andromeda out.”

With that, she took her transformation device, which she had brought with her that day just in case, and spoke the words to activate it. In an instant, she was in her Starfleet uniform, and she felt the familiar weight of her blades, sheathed on her thighs. Andromeda drew them, before leaping out the window, landing on one of the creatures and stabbing her blade into its spine. The Infestatio worker drone screeched as green blood spewed from its innards, and it fell, dead. She leapt to the next one as the creature fell, repeating the process of stabbing it in the spine, before beginning to use her embedded blade to guide the creature around, slashing others apart with her second blade. From the window she had leapt out of, her students watched. One of them, a colt, whistled.

“Wow, I never thought she could be so hardcore.” He said.

Stardancer nodded, as her sister offered her some popcorn. “...Where did you get that?” she asked, raising a brow quizzically. Moonbeam shrugged. Story, however, took the popcorn happily. Andromeda turned back to them, waving casually.

“SAVE SOME OF THAT FOR ME, YOU LITTLE SHITS!” She shouted, before yanking her blade free and leaping to another one of the drones. This one, she disemboweled, blood and guts spilling out. She held on as the creature fell, standing up on its corpse once it reached the ground.

“Come on, you ugly bastards.” Andromeda said softly to the approaching drones. “Come and get me…”

With that, battle began again, and Andromeda continued killing.

Meanwhile, Lightning’s mother continued to talk with him. “I assume your father has never told you how he and I met?”

“No, I don’t think he did. At least, not beyond vague details.” Lightning replied, deciding to poke the logs in the fire this time. “How did you two meet?”

“We met in a forest. Your father was strolling through a wooded glade, his mind clearly elsewhere, when he first saw me. He told me later on that he was instantly enraptured. This was mostly due to the fact that I was wearing nothing but a crown of flowers on my head when he first gazed upon me.”

“...I do not wish to picture you naked, thank you very much.” Lightning said dryly. “Anyway, what happened then?”

“He attempted to have his way with me. I danced away from him, and ran into the forest. Your father spent the next week after that in pursuit of me, while I danced just out of reach. Eventually, I let him catch up, and we made love in a flower field. That, my son, is when you were conceived.”

“...I was conceived in a flower field?”

“Yes, yungkine. It was very romantic, your father said afterwards.”

“I’m sure it was.” Lightning said. “And then I was born sometime later, as is the course of nature.”

“Indeed.” She replied dryly. “Your father and I disagreed a fair amount on naming you. I wanted to give you a Fae name. Your father did not.”

“What did you want to name me?” Lightning asked, quirking an eyebrow in curiosity. “I very much like my normal name, but you wishing to name me something else makes me wonder.”

“I considered a few names, such as Alfrigg, Aelfdane, Dain and Brokk.”

“...Why did my father suggest Lightning Dawn? It’s an admittedly badass name, but I never understood its’ significance.”

“He never told me.”

“Me neither.” Lightning shrugged.

“He always did like my name.” his mother responded. “Shaylee.”

“That is a beautiful name.” Lightning replied, hugging his mother again. She embraced him tentatively. It was affectionate, but also very distant, as one would expect from a Faerie. Lightning slowly pulled away.

“It is wonderful to see you again, mother dear.”

“The feeling is mutual, yungkine.” She replied, smiling a bit.

“I will always remember thee as family, even when we are far away.”

“Has Titania taught you how to speak our tongue?” Shaylee inquired. “I am curious.”

“No, but I would like to. I know ‘yungkine’, at the very least.”

“I am sure Titania would be more than willing to teach you.” She replied. “I cannot truly say whether she loves you, but she does care a great deal about you. I'm sure there is little she would be unwilling to do if you asked.”

Lightning nodded, holding up a finger, the ‘hold that thought’ sign among mortals. His mother raised a brow, but complied. He stepped outside, walking over to Titania. “Titania, I would like to ask a favor of you, a rather small one.”

“Oh? And what would that be?” She asked.

“I would like to learn the Fae tongue.”

“I am more than willing to teach you, Lightning. It is not an easy tongue for mortals to learn, but if you wish to do so, I will help you.”

“In exchange, I will give payment.” Lightning said. “As is customary.”

“Indeed.” Titania replied, smirking a bit. “I am sure you will enjoy this payment just as much as myself.”

“Oh, I will.” Lightning said, immediately catching on with a smirk.

Horus, meanwhile, was observing this.

“Disgusting.” he growled, a small snort escaping him. “They are letting love dominate their thoughts.”

“What do you suppose we do, my lord?” Kratos growled. Erebus noted, as he stood in his usual spot by the throne, that Kratos played the part of the mindless brute well.

“We? We will not do anything. I will deal with this.” Horus responded, standing up. “I am going to teach my dear brother about the futility of emotions such as love…”

With that, he disappeared in a flash of smoke and fire. Erebus exhaled, turning to Cassiopeia.

“You can put away the makeup and mirror now, my love.” he said.

“Thank the gods.” she sighed. “I do like keeping my appearance neat and tidy, but only when I want to.”

“We are not going to kill him yet, but, well...our dear Lord is quite fond of wine, and I may or may not have taken the opportunity to spike every bottle with laxatives. Horus will be shitting himself for quite a while.” Erebus said, amusement in his tone. Kratos snorted, as sophomoric humor always amused him. Cassiopeia, though not sharing this juvenile sentiment, thought it was a rather well-executed, if overused, practical joke.

“I can see you rolling your eyes, Cass.” Erebus told her. “This isn't the harmless joke you're thinking it is. This laxative is quite unpleasant. Even when he has nothing left to shit, his bowels will still force him to try. This will be quite painful for dear Horus. It will also be quite deadly for the servants who bottle the wine, but sacrifices have to be made.”

Cass nodded, conceding her point. “I suppose you’re right. After all, what’s the point in being ‘evil’ if you cannot have a bit of fun?”

“Exactly.” Erebus agreed. “Now, to be honest, I did not think Queen Pinsar would accept our proposal. I feared she would simply kill us and send our corpses back to Horus. I suppose I underestimated how cunning she can be.”

“Indeed you did.” Kratos snarked.

“Oh, do not attempt to say you were not afraid, Kratos.” Erebus replied dryly. “I could see you quivering when we were walking through that hive.”

“I was afraid.” Kratos pointed out.

“A rational fear, considering we were surrounded by thousands of massive insects that are quite capable of disemboweling a pony with minimal effort.” Erebus responded, before turning to the orb of glass Horus had used to observe Lightning and Titania.

“Now, let us watch this little confrontation, shall we?” He asked. With that, the three of them gathered around the orb, watching as events unfolded.

Titania, meanwhile, was interrupted as she was speaking by a soft noise. She paused, looking around. She looked over Lightning’s shoulder, and her eyes widened. Before she could move, a beam of energy shot out from behind Lightning, hitting Titania and freezing her solid. A moment later, cold laughter echoed. Horus had arrived. Lightning turned to face him, his eyes narrowing and teeth grinding. “...Horus…” he muttered. “What are you doing here?!”

“What? I cannot visit family?” The sorcerer asked, cackling.

“Do not act facetious, Horus. You and I are not family, as far as Father and I are concerned. I will ask again - why are you here? It is an incredibly stupid move on your part, considering how Oberon and Mab feel about you.”

“Ah, but it is not as stupid as you think, brother. You see, I sent the two of them a gift. One of my Golems will keep the King and Queen busy while you and I chat.” Horus replied.

“...We aren’t going to ‘chat’, Horus.” Lightning said, his horn starting to glow. “You and I? We are going to duel.”

“Oh, good!” Horus said gleefully. “A duel. I never was very good at those, you know.”

This was punctuated by Horus-the real Horus-striking Lightning from behind, knocking the Alicorn head over heels into a nearby tree. The Horus he had been speaking to was a decoy.

“Perhaps it is because I don't believe in fighting fair.” the sorcerer said, shrugging. Lightning groaned, getting up and charging at his brother, fist outstretched and wings beating heavily. Horus stood still, smiling crazily, before catching Lightning’s fist when he got close. This was followed by Horus headbutting Lightning. His head met the bridge of his brother’s nose, and the crack that followed was quite loud and painful sounding. Wincing, Lightning gripped his bleeding snout, in immense pain from the force of the headbutt. Horus then slammed his fist into his brother’s chest. The blow, made even more powerful by a bit of magic, sent Lightning flying backwards. Landing in a sprawling heap in the dirt, Lightning silently began crying, tears flowing down his cheeks.

Horus cackled again, slowly approaching Lightning. Before he could do anything more, he heard something. It was a soft, quiet sound, but it made him pause, all the same: The cracking of ice. Titania was beginning to break free from being frozen, and, after another minute, the ice shattered, shards flying everywhere. The Faerie Princess glared at Horus, eyes burning.

“Ah, you’re awake.” he said, psychotic glee in his voice. “And just in time, too. I’m about to finish Loverboy Dawn here. So sit back, watch, and kiss him goodbye, Princess Titania.”

Titania didn't say a word...but the sky spoke for her. Storm clouds rolled in, as an icy rain began to fall, and lightning flashed across the sky. The weather, it seemed, was reflecting her mood, and that mood was rage. Titania flicked her wrist, and a long, sharp blade appeared in her hand. She raised her arm to the sky, and lightning flashed, striking the tip of her sword. Electricity coursed through Titania, the power of the storm crackling at her fingertips. She continued to watch Horus, the scent of ozone permeating the air around her.

“Even the storm answers to me here, bastard son.” She said, her tone as cold and dangerously serene as the sky above. “I am Titania, the Witch Queen, and if you wish to have a dance of magic, then I will be happy to oblige.”

“Then let us dance.” Horus replied, casting his most powerful spells. Titania dodged each one with contemptuous ease, before striking at Horus, sending a powerful blast of electricity his way. This attack struck the sorcerer in the chest, bringing him to his knees. Titania struck again, this time rushing at Horus. Horus struggled to get up, but by then it was too late; Titania was already pounding him into the ground, shouting curses in the Fae tongue. Each curse was punctuated by a stab to the throat, chest or stomach. Getting stabbed was bad enough, but each strike also electrocuted Horus, causing him to twitch uncontrollably. By the time Titania was finished with Horus, he was a bleeding, cut-up, and constantly spasming mess. The Faerie spat on him.

“Killing you now would be mercy, bastard.” She hissed. “I will, however, leave you with a mark to remember me by.”

With that, she caught his flailing right arm, and severed his hand. Horus let out an ear-piercing shriek, causing Lightning to groan again after several minutes of saying nothing. Titania tossed the severed appendage aside, walking away from the sorcerer, who was now weeping. She hurried over to Lightning, kneeling at his side.

“Oh, yungkine, what did he do to you?” She whispered softly, stroking Lightning’s head. “Hold still, Lightning Dawn. I will repair the damage that bastard sorcerer has caused.”

Titania then began to softly sing, her hands glowing. She placed them gently on each wound, the healing magic working quickly and painlessly. Before long, she finished, and Lightning was in much better shape. He got up slowly, and immediately held her close to him. “Thank you.” he whispered.

“It is no trouble.” She said, turning around. Unsurprisingly, Horus was gone, having fled back to his fortress.

Erebus, meanwhile, stood in his usual position as Horus staggered in. The living shadow suppressed a smirk at the sight of the bloodied, battered sorcerer. “If you need me,” he said. “I will be in my quarters, taking my medicine.”

Erebus, who knew well that this ‘medicine’ was a bottle of wine, nodded. Not long after, loud, vulgar curses were heard, coming from Horus’ quarters, or, more accurately, his bathroom.

Cassiopeia snorted, which then turned into squealing laughter. Kratos soon joined her, his laughs deep and hearty. Erebus opened a bottle of his own, pouring wine into three glasses.

“This one is from my private stash.” he said. “It is clean, I promise.” Cassiopeia stifled her laughter, raising a glass.

“I propose a toast to our great master.” she said, her sarcasm evident. “May his plans be ever fruitful and successful.”

“Hear, hear.” Erebus said dryly, raising his glass as well. “And may our plans be ever the same.”

Kratos then added, “But ours will actually be successful.”

“I am aware.” The shadow pony replied. “After all, Horus was right on one count: I am a schemer, and my schemes are deadly.” Cassiopeia kissed his cheek, then downed her wine in one gulp. She then promptly gave a loud belch.

“What? You can’t expect me to be a vain, proper lady all the time.”

This made Erebus crack up, and he began howling with laughter, his pent-up amusement spilling out. Kratos continued laughing until he could no longer stand. Erebus walked over to Cassiopeia, pulling her close.

“He is quite something, isn't he?” The shadow pony asked dryly. She nodded, smiling softly.

“I love you, you cold, unfeeling shadow.”

“And I love you, you vain, egotistical harlot.” Erebus responded affectionately, continuing to watch Kratos laugh.

Andromeda, meanwhile, knelt in the dirt, using one of her blades to stop herself from falling over and passing out. She was exhausted, battered, and bleeding, but alive. The Infestatio drones had fled.

“Fuck…” She muttered, spitting out a glob of saliva and blood and sitting down. “That sucked…”

After taking a few moments to catch her breath, she rose to her feet, staggered a bit, and walked inside the school, heading to the room her students were in. She entered, walked over to her desk, and sat in the chair, exhaling shakily.

“Are you alright?” Story asked hesitantly.

“Yes.” Andromeda replied, taking a flask out of one of the pockets in her uniform, removing the cap and taking a large sip. “I've been through worse.”

Story could only nod as Moonbeam and Stardancer watched her chug what appeared to be alcohol. Andromeda grinned humorlessly.

“This is exactly what you think it is, girls. Best whiskey on Solaris. Good stuff.” She said, taking another sip. “Believe me, once you've seen what I have, alcohol will be your best friend, kids.”

“Joooy.” muttered Moonbeam.

“Hey, last I checked, I just saved your scrawny asses.” Andromeda replied. “I think you'll live if I have a drink.”

“That’s true.” Stardancer replied.

“Glad we can agree.” Andromeda responded, putting the flask away. “I'm guessing the fact that I'm a Starfleet officer took you all by surprise?” They nodded silently.

After a few moments of silence, she turned on her earpiece. “Anyone listening?” She asked. “Those damned bugs ran. Any of you seeing them right now?”

“Nope.” Bridge said.

“Negatory.” Nitro said.

“Nullum.” Trini replied.

“Nada.” Rosebud confirmed.

“Good.” Andromeda said, leaning back in her chair. “I think I surprised my students when I revealed that I'm part of Starfleet. I suppose my little teacher facade worked better than expected.”

“It sure did.” Moonbeam snarked. “OW!”

“...Shut the fuck up, Moon.” Story muttered.

“Hey, kid, watch your fucking mouth.” Andromeda said dryly. “I don't allow profanity in this classroom.”

“...You just contradicted yourself, Andie.” Story replied. “A bit hypocritical, hmmm?”

“Indeed, it is.” Andromeda responded. “What was your first clue?”

“...Touche.”

Andromeda chuckled, speaking to her team again, “Ah, I like these kids. They'll make fine Starfleet officers one day, if they go that route.”

“Lucky.” Rosebud commented.

“Indeed. Unlike the two of us, they actually get to choose what they want to do.”

“We chose to be Starfleet officers, Andie.”

“Yes, but what other options did we have? It was either that, or stay in Redwood Meadows forever. Starfleet let us get out of that shithole.”

“I see your point.” Rosebud replied.

“I don’t mean to interrupt,” said Trini. “But I think we should ask Grand Ruler Lux about this ‘Infestatio’ business.”

“You're right.” Andromeda said, sighing and rubbing her eyes. “He'll probably have a better idea of what we're dealing with.”

“I’ll open comms with him as soon as I can. Rosebud, out.”

Titania, meanwhile, was sitting with Miranda, the latter braiding her hair. Miranda had arrived not long after Horus had left. She hadn't specified why she had come, but Titania didn't mind that she was there. Miranda hummed to herself as she braided Titania’s hair.

“I would braid your hair, little brother, but I do not think you would enjoy it.” She said to Lightning.

“Yesh, I wouldn’t. Thanks for the offer, though.”

“Think nothing of it.” She replied. “Now, I have considered a certain matter, and I think I will go with the two of you when you depart Nevernever, if that is tolerable.”

This took Lightning by surprise. “...You mean...you want to see the mortal world for yourself?”

“Yes.” Miranda replied.

“But...isn’t it better here? You get to while your days away for eternity.” Lightning pointed out.

“I will admit, I am motivated by curiosity. I wish to see what it is like for you mortals. I wish to see what life is like for those who are actually bound by things such as the fear of death.”

“That isn’t unreasonable, I think.” Lightning said. “Besides, I would like to know my half-sister better anyway.”

“I am glad you are not opposed to the idea of me coming along.” Miranda responded, finishing her work on Titania’s hair. She had woven flowers into the locks of red, turning Titania’s head into a kaleidoscope of reds, blues and yellows.

“You look beautiful.” Lightning observed. “Well, moreso than you already are.”

“Thank you.” Titania said, standing up. “Lightning, if there is anything more you wish to say to your mother, now is the time. We depart soon.”

“Mother, I am sorry I must leave like this. I wish I could stay.”

Shaylee had stepped outside of her home after hearing the combat going on outside. Now, she stood by the three of them, and nodded once upon hearing Lightning speak, before handing him a small object, wrapped in cloth.

“That, my son, is a scrying mirror. I have a matching one. Whisper my name into it, and you will be able to speak to me.” She informed him.

“Thank you, Mother. I’ll treasure it as if it were my own child.”

“Good. Go on, now.” She said, waving to him as he departed with Titania and Miranda, heading back to Solaris.

Andromeda and the rest of her team, along with Professor Quantum Leap, meanwhile, sat with Grand Ruler Lux, who had met them all in their base. Andromeda had told him everything that she had experienced that day. Lux listened silently, his hand on his chin.

“What are we going to do, sir?” Quantum asked.

“For now, you must do all you can to suppress the Infestatio wherever they emerge. Kill them, fill in the craters, and burn any nests they build. I, meanwhile, will be doing my best to keep the barrier that contains Queen Pinsar from failing.”

“What did I miss?” Lightning asked as he entered the base, then noticed the serious looks on everypony’s face. “...This is serious, isn’t it?”

“Indeed.” his father, replied, before noticing that Titania wasn't the only who had followed Lightning in. “Who's this?”

“Father, this is my half-sister, Miranda.” Bridge promptly dropped his tea, shattering the cup.

“...You have a sister?” Rosebud asked.

“...Welcome to my world.” Nitro muttered, Trini slapping him.

“Hey, I think it’s exciting.”

Lux raised a brow, “So, your mother had another child?”

“No.” Miranda replied. “She did not. Hello, father.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Rosebud said. “You had another kid, your majesty? With whom?”

“...Queen Mab.” Lightning answered.

“I...I don't remember this event…” his father said softly. “What is your name, child?”

“Miranda.” She replied. “I am also not the only child that was born of your union with Mother. I have two siblings: Puck and Prospero.”

“...I almost misheard that as Fu-” Nitro said before Trini smacked him again. “OW!”

Miranda added, “You do not recall this, Father, because Mother placed a shroud over that portion of your memory. She wished for you to forget until the time was right.”

Lux could only nod, stunned into silence.

“So, ummm…” Rosebud began. “What brings you to Solaris, Miranda?”

“Curiosity.” Miranda responded simply.

“Just like Titania!” Trini replied.

“Yes.” Miranda replied. “I suppose that is correct. I wish to see for myself what the lives of you mortals are like.”

“As much as I would like to discuss our new friend here, we have more important matters to attend to.” Quantum said. Nitro and Trini caught Lightning up to speed, his expression becoming more and more afraid. This was a stark contrast to Miranda and Titania, both of whom appeared unfazed by this news. If anything, the former seemed to be unsettlingly indifferent.

Lightning turned to his father, his voice a hoarse whisper:

“...What are we going to do? It’s bad enough we have Horus to deal with. Add to the fact that I’m only starting my training, and you have a recipe for disaster.”

“For now, we must keep the Infestatio contained wherever they emerge. I will do my best to keep Queen Pinsar contained.” Lux said.

“I apologize, but I fail to see why you are all so worried.” Miranda stated calmly. “You mortals do not live long as it is. Why does it matter if some of you are killed now?”

“...You realize how incredibly callous that sounds, right?” Bridge muttered.

“...Alien moralities, remember?” Walter reminded him.

“Oh, yeah…”

“You have seen Changelings, I presume?” Miranda asked. “The things we do to break them, mind, body, and soul, would likely drive you mad if you caught a glimpse.”

“I bet.” Bridge replied, shuddering.

“I dissected one, once.” She responded. “I wished to see what makes their bodies tick, so I chained one of my servants to a table, acquired a knife, and began to cut. The bones were a bit difficult to break apart, especially the ribs and skull, but I managed, and my, did I learn a lot during that endeavor.”

“Like what?” Rosebud asked, about to vomit.

“The heart still beats when exposed to the outside world, for example.” Miranda replied. Nitro listened with disturbed fascination. Andromeda, who had seen her fair share of horrors, felt nothing but a faint sense of disgust, her expression flat. Walter shut her out, concentrating on sketching an outline for a painting. Titania hummed to herself, the three birds she had adopted flying into the room and landing on her head. Lightning sat by her, unconsciously holding her hand. Titania continued to hum, leaning against him.

Erebus, meanwhile, was laying in a bed, Cassiopeia next to him. Being turned into a shadow had robbed him of many things. The ability to please his lover, he noted with a bit of smugness, was not one of them. Cassiopeia snuggled into him, panting softly.

“Satisfied?” he asked, smirking.

“Oh, that is an understatement.”

“I am glad.” Erebus replied, kissing her head.

“I love you.” she whispered.

“I love you, too.” he replied, holding her close to him. “To Hell with Horus and his philosophies. I love you, and I am not afraid to say it.”

“Neither am I.” Cass replied. “Horus is a sociopath, plain and simple.”

They could still faintly hear Horus screaming from his privy. The laxative was working well, it seemed.

“IT’S NOT FUNNY!” he screamed. “MY ASS IS ON FIRE!”

The servants who bottled his wine were quivering. They knew well that once Horus emerged, he would have death on his mind, and they would be his first targets. Erebus, laying in bed with Cassiopeia, knew this, but couldn't quite bring himself to care. Neither could she or Kratos. They were, after all, just tools according to Horus. What did they have to lose?

Next time on Starfleet: MiB…

The plotting continues, as Erebus, Cassiopeia and Kratos continue to bide their time as their murderous conspiracy deepens. Miranda’s presence will prove to be more troublesome than expected, as her alien, often sociopathic morality plants the seeds of resentment in the minds of some of the other members of the team. And of course, there is Queen Pinsar, who is gradually growing in power and chipping away at the barrier keeping her imprisoned. Soon enough, she will send a powerful agent, a creature that will prove to be more formidable than anything Andromeda, Lightning and the other members of the team have faced so far...

Author's Note

Apologies for the long wait, I was taking a long break after putting out the first three chapters assembly-line style.

There isn't much to add here, aside from the first nightmare fuel-drenched appearance of Queen Pinsar, who is not only a composite of King Pinsar and Queen Ladybird from Starfleet Magic V, but has received a complete overhaul in appearance: she is now a behemoth of an insect, communicating telepathically with those who come in direct contact with her. Pinsar will provide more variety in terms of MOTWs, since the Infestatio are much more insectoid (being controlled by a hive mind) than the Insectos were. We also add two new supporting characters in the form of Miranda, Lightning's half-sister by way of Queen Mab and Shaylee, Lightning's birth mother.

A bit of Lux's backstory is revealed here: he was born a unicorn in Dream Valley,
AKA the setting on G1 MLP.

As always, constructive feedback is welcome.