Fifty years ago, under the searing gaze of a merciless sun, a battlefield lay drenched in blood. A haunting tableau of shattered lives that had been forever altered by war. The ground was littered with the lifeless bodies of buffalo and Earth Ponies alike, remnants of a conflict that once raged with untold ferocity and brutality.

The unforgiving sun cast long shadows over the expanse of this forsaken field, its rays beating down upon the earth as if mocking the devastation below. The air was thick with the stench of decay, mingling with the acrid scent of smoke and ash left in the wake of battle. It was not merely a physical battlefield. This place had been a peaceful haven, filled with laughter and camaraderie, reduced instead to a graveyard of dreams.

The conflict that unfolded was born from misunderstanding, fueled by deep-seated grievances that had simmered for generations. Earth Ponies, steadfast cultivators of the land, found themselves at odds with the buffalo tribes, resilient stewards of the open plains. Tensions escalated until diplomacy gave way to violence on that fateful day, where honor and pride clashed with dire consequences.

The events that transpired on that day were tragic. Families were torn apart, alliances shattered, and in the throes of battle, compassion was lost. It is said that those who witnessed the horrors found it difficult to articulate the extent of the brutality they encountered. All of it ending with the last agonizing cries of the wounded, the expression of sheer terror on their faces as none were spared.

All except two lone buffalo children. Found under the rotting corpse of their father who fought so bravely to protect them. They would never be the same again, their innocence and sense of security gone. As they were found by a group of earth pony scavangers. "They'll make fine slaves," the head of the group laughed, yanked the youngest away from the oldest, "This one looks like it'll bring us a nice price." He kicked the other child to the ground, but it refused to yield, standing strong and ever so silent.

The earth pony laughed harder at this level of bravodo, ephasized more with the elder child now covered in his father's blood, painting her face red. "Yes, Red Steel, that fine enough name for you!" He yanked up the other child hig in the air by his arm and cackled at the blue face of the younger one. "And this we will call Blue Bull."

That was enough for Red Steel as he charged forward, ready to defend his sibling and avenger his father's corpse that other earth ponies were now robbing. However, his attempted to fight back were fruitless as a mere child, knocked out ever so easily with a swing to the back of the head, his eyes glazing over as his vision became hazy, and a loud ringing in his ears.

"You are lucky I took an interest in you," the earth pony smirked down at him, his smile filled with greed and malice, "Such strong will is perfect for my new home." He chained both of them together. "Better to serve of under the great Servantus Gravestone, direct descendant of the very first earth ponies to use magic." His words were filled with such vanity and meant for him alone as his allies didn't care to hear a single word of it again for the tenth time in a row today. "Come, let us make haste to the city of Stalliongrad.I'm certain you two will make a find gift for my new wife. She's pregnant with a child that sure to keep my legendary line going on for all eternity."

Neither of the children dared to move, couldn't even understand him. Blue Bull felt ever so horrified upon seing his brother being dragged across the ground. "Big... brother..." He reached out, his little arms shaking as he tried to pull against the chains, easily overpowered by the wieght.

Red Steel's eyes were barely open, the blow wasn't critical, but was enough to rendered him near unconsciousness. His ears rang, but he could hear his brother crying. It hurt his heart more than his body, and he struggled to stay awake. He had no idea what lied ahead of them on this path. But he swore deep in his heart that he wouldn't fall like their father before. No, this buffalo would stand strong, even with this inslaved name and protect his species. Even if he had to die trying.

The years have flown by like a blur for this young buffalo, who has faced unimaginable torment. As the scars on his back grew in both numbers and length, his spirit remained unyielded, a testament to the power of the human will even in the darkest of circumstances.

Through agonizing sessions of pain inflicted by those who saw him as nothing more than a wretched beast, he found solace in his voice—the only ounce of freedom he had left in a world that had stripped him of everything else. With every scream and spittle of his native language, he proclaimed his identity, a declaration of independence that echoed against the cold, unforgiving walls of his prison cell.

His captor, Servantus Gravestone, epitomizes the cruelty of those who abuse power. A man of arrogance, he unleashed a torrent of violence upon Red Steel, hurling derogatory insults and inflicting painful blows intended to subjugate the buffalo. "Silence you filthy buffalo! Your kind are nothing but the dirt under our boot," he roared, kicking at the young buffalo's stomach with an unfeeling ferocity. Every word was laced with hatred, every strike a desperate attempt to assert dominance over one he deemed weak.

Yet, even in the throes of agony, Red Steel's defiance shone brightly. With a smirk that belied his pain, he uttered a word that, while simple, held immense weight, “Coward.” This one utterance served as a powerful rebuttal to his tormentor, enraging Gravestone further.

The violence crescendoed, the sound of fists battering flesh mingling with the muffled cries of a spirit that refused to be caged. With every crunch of Red Steel's nose, every splatter of blood across the cold stone floor, the buffalo's vision dimmed. But, even as he slipped into a daze induced by pain, his thoughts remained clear—freedom was worth fighting for.

As the shadows loomed and light waned in his cell, it became apparent that Red Steel's true strength lay not in his body, but in his unwavering resolve. He embodied a fierce determination to rise above the labels thrust upon him, to shatter the chains of subjugation through sheer will. His very name, Red Steel, became a symbol of resistance, an anthem for all who have faced similar struggles and have found themselves labeled as inferior.

In the face of overwhelming darkness, Red Steel stood as a beacon of hope... That was until the arrival of another earth pony in this home. Rolling forth in the strangest of ways, upon a unicycle of all things, the blackened clown priest was the only thing that Gravestone respected, and thus, was allowed free passage.

The clown was a strange figure, his very presence unnerving, yet strangely welcoming. He possessed a certain charm that drew others to him, almost like a moth to a flame. His attire was a sight to behold, a bizarre assortment of colors and patterns that clashed with one another in a way that only he could pull off. He seemed to exude an aura of mischief, a constant smirk playing upon his lips as he spoke.

Carnival Carnage loomed over Red Steel, battered and bloodied. The earth pony's words dripped with disdain as he regarded Red Steel, whose defiance stood in stark contrast to the submission of his brother. "He tells me you are too rebellious to keep... unlike your brother," Carnival taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.

Red Steel was not one to back down easily. With horns sharp and poised like weapons, he growled a fierce retort, "Coward!" In a moment of primal defiance, he spat in Carnival's face, a gesture of contempt that spoke volumes about his spirit.

Rather than retaliate with fury, Carnival responded with chilling amusement. He chuckled darkly, savoring the taste of blood that mingled with the filth that covered them both. "Yes, that’s what makes you a prize worth keeping," he mused, wiping the spit away with a sense of twisted glee. As he leaned closer, whispering with a voice as smooth as silk but laced with malice, "I have a use for your spirit."

Red Steel's eyes widened in disbelief, caught off guard by the unexpected shift in power dynamics. The clanking of chains echoed in the tense silence as the grip from his former master loosened. The heavy shackles that had bound him for so began to fall away. And with them, the weight of despair that had clouded Red Steel's mind. What could this mean? Would it be a trick, a cruel deception meant to ensnare him further in Carnival's web of manipulation?

"I have come to set you free... If you can earn it." Carnival declared, his voice filled with the kind of ambition that the buffalo hadn't seen before. Yet the irony in his words hung heavy in the air, this freedom was not a gift but a transaction.

For Red Steel, the moment felt surreal. Here he was, caught between the brutal demands of his master, Gravestone, and the dubious offer from Carnival. The golden collar was to be his new shackles disguised as salvation. "A few years in my circus and freedom is yours," Carnival had promised, but the weight of that promise was laced with uncertainty. How many years? What would he become in that time?

Gravestone's violence loomed over him like a dark cloud. "What about him?" Red Steel asked, his gaze shifting toward Blue Bull, his loyal brother who stood behind the child of Gravestone, his head bowed in shame. Gravestone made the position and obvious, kicking Red Steel to the ground "Go, or I will kill you right here!"

"Very well," Carnival chuckled, relishing in the chaos he had sown. He fastened the collar around Red Steel's neck, locking it with a finality that reverberated in the stillness of the scene. "Let's see what you can do."

******

Many years have passed since that day. After many hardships, the buffalo escaped from the nefarious Carnival Carnage. Yet, the reason for his return to this hellish place remained deeply entrenched in secrecy. Thanks to his common silence, none really questioned his motives. Assuming he wanted to help and nothing more. None suspecting his real desire for coming here. Truthfully, it wasn't even clear to himself until he realized that bastard clown priest was working with the wendigo.

He strolls through the familiar landscape now dotted with earth pony buildings and sites. Places that once held his tribe's most honor scenes, replaced by these dogmatic twisted shapes. His culture was the greatest symbol in this wasteland, snuffed out by these ponies. The weakest of his species were enslaved, while the strongest were forced to watch as their homeland was trampled and shoveled away by these ponies.

Red Steel’s intentions lie far beyond merely preserving the timeline. He cared not about the plans of Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer. His gaze hid depths of emotion and inner turmoil. Under all of it was a thirst for vengeance not only against the family leading the Earth Pony Conglomerate but also the one pulling the strings.

And today, his chance came. Ears flicked upon hearing that rolling and squeaking wheel. Eyes narrowed in the direction of a horrifying, but very familiar smell. Finally stopped cold upon recognizing the figure. Somehow, after all these years, Carnival Carnage had not changed. The twisted clown priest in all his disgusting glory.

Red Steel gritted his teeth upon seeing the earth pony rolling over to a fountain. Children just barely out of his reach, but clearly in the sick freak's view. Temper growing in the buffalo upon watching the clown priest stare longing at the colts and fillies with his despicable eyes. The monster began to lick his lips, and his hand started to shake

That was more than enough reason to step forward. Red Steel didn't hesitate, roaring out loud and charging for his long lost enemy. He didn't even wait for Carnival to react, tackling him off his unicycle. Red Steel barreled his fists with so much strength, slamming into the earth pony's face. The impact was so strong it cracked the marble underneath, but Carnival Carnage was unbothered, smirking upon seeing the buffalo's face.

"Hello, Red Steel. It has been a long time. Have you come to play?" Carnival opened his mouth and wrapped his teeth around the buffalo's fists, nibbling at the flesh. Red Steel hissed and yanked his arm away, his sweat trickling down the clown's jaws. The clown priest slowly jumped up, savoring the flavor he hadn't enjoyed in so many years. "So tough and tart, I told you a fine lotion works wonder for the flesh." His licked his hand and took a fair stance against his opponent.

Red Steel growled, his fist raised and ready. Carnival smirked and pulled out his phallic iron bar. The mere sight of it echoed painful memories of it breaking each of his bones every night. He gritted his teeth and lunged forward, swinging left an right, yet as always Carnival Carnage was too fast.

"Such a temper," the clown priest laughed and swung his bar. He hit the buffalo's ankle, dropping him to the ground.

However, Red Steel used this fall to his advantage, ducking his head down and avoiding the next attack. He used his momentum to roll into Carnival's legs, causing him to stumble back, less be trampled by the buffalo's bigger and much heavier size. Things had changed much since he was a child, this bastard couldn't abuse him the same way now.

"And yet, still so fluffy!" Carnival smiled dropped the bar downward and swung, hitting Red Steel's side. He was knocked off, but not without a price. He managed to get a hold on the bar, pulling it away from the earth pony's hand. This left the clown priest completely unarmed, a rare moment for him.

Red Steel barreled down his horns, kicking up dust off the ground. His target, the clown's leg, to break them, maybe even crush them, leaving Carnival to scream in pain. Yet, the bastard was fast, jumping backward, just out of range. Yet as long as his kept him away from that heavy iron bar, then his chances were better than in the past.

The buffalo continued the assault, swinging his horns left and right, trying to knock the clown priest off balance. Yet, he just kept jumping out of the way. "You're still too so slow," the earth pony laughed, taunting him, "Years were as kind enough to you as they were for me, boy!"

"Coward!!" Red Steel finally shouted out loud enough that even the bystanders were shocked by his words. and charged once more. This time he caught him, his horns sinking into the earth pony's side. He didn't stop, running forward and slamming him into the wall. His victory was assured until he felt dust splash over his face. Looking up, his eyes widened in confusion to see sand flowing out of the clown priest's wounds.

"You never learn, boy!" Carnival cackled and did the unthinkable. Taking his own arm in one hand and ripping it off at the stitches. The bystanders screamed in horror at the black iron bones sticking out. The secret of the clown's priest new power was clear as he bashed his metal limb into the buffalo's stomach so hard.

Red Steel lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for air, a sense of profound bewilderment echoing in his mind. The events leading to this moment were a blur, consumed by the weight of futility now pressing on his chest.

"You’re still so pathetic! Just like the rest of your kin!" The voice of Carnival boomed above him, laughter echoing through the desolate lot like thunder. His presence loomed larger than life, casting a long shadow over Red Steel's defeated form. Carnival tossed his severed arm aside, the lifeless limb landing with a dull thud on the hard earth. With a flicker of his magic the appendage danced back to life. Slowly and without any effort at all, it reconnected to his body. Allowing him snatching up the phallic iron bar with a commanding grip.

In that moment, the air crackled with an aura of power, and Red Steel felt the crushing weight of despair settle deeper into his bones. Carnival was more than an adversary, but embodied the very essence of domination. The buffalo, once proud and resolute, found himself utterly dumbfounded by the display of sheer strength and sorcery that seemed to defy the laws of their world.

As Carnival flaunted his monstrous might Red Steel's heart sank. How could he possibly fight against such overwhelming power? Every instinct screamed for flight, to escape and regroup. His mind raced, trying to devise a strategy, a glimmer of hope in the face of insurmountable odds.

But then, a chilling realization struck him like a bolt of lightning: no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t break any of this earth pony's bones. Not once since their confrontation began had he managed to land a blow of absolute damaged, despite him aiming for fatal. It felt as if he were trying to shatter an indomitable wall with bare hands. The reality of his situation closed in around him, a suffocating realization that the battle was not merely physical. Red Steel’s mind raced as he desperately sought answers, desperately searching for a weakness in his foe.

Carnival raised his iron bar, readying to strike. A flicker of determination ignited within Red Steel. This was not just about fighting back. It was about survival, identity, and a chance to reclaim his honor. This moment could define him, and he refused to succumb to despair.

Gathering his remaining strength, Red Steel drew upon his native tongue, channeling all the rage and sorrow he had harbored for years. Words were mere jibberish to the rest, but to him meant everything as he charged forward one final time. He let out a guttural cry, his voice ringing out like a clarion call. His words echoed with a primal ferocity, resonating deeply within his core. They reverberated across the field, resonating with the deepest fears of those who listened.

Red Steel charged at Carnival Carnage with everything he had left. Time seemed to stand still as his world slowed. He felt as if he could hear the sound of his heart beating, the rhythmic thumping fueling him with energy. His blood boiled, and his muscles tensed, ready for one last effort.

However, all of it came to a halt. His eyes widened and his feet struggled to stop. Another figure landed between the two fighters, breaking their resolve and bringing the confrontation to a sudden, abrupt end. As the dust settled, the lonely griffin stood in shameful defiance against his friend. Hermes held out his arms around Red Steel's chest, begging him. "Please stop, this isn't you..."

The buffalo's rage was not so easily quelled. However, feeling his friend shake in front of him, and tears streaming down his face, caused Red Steel to pause. He took a deep breath, calming his mind, and turned his focus inward. Tempering his will, he took a few steps back and picked the griffin up. He didn't say a word, just stared into Hermes's eyes.

"My friend, he's not worth it. Please, just let him go," Hermes whispered and hugged him tight.

It was at this moment, that the clown priest was the most surprised by this turn of events. To see the very same buffalo who once refused to yield after many years of beating him down, now dropping in submission to this lowly griffin. He took this chance the yank over his unicycle and hopped onto it. "Yes, much has changed for you, boy!! Until we meet again!" And rode away as fast as he could.

******

The day grew later than either realized. Before they could even sense it, the Moonlight traced overhead. Twilight stopped talking and looked around at the random bits of food and liquids they ate and drank throughout the day. A few other ponies were still wandering around, and yet it was not crowded anymore. In fact, it was so quiet, and peaceful going into night.

“I didn’t realize how late it was.” The words hung in the air, an admission wrapped in the simplicity of truth. For Twilight, it echoing the feelings of urgency and the fleeting nature of time. She had lost herself in a moment that should have been filled with anxiety over an impending bill or the overload of food on her plate.

The siren chuckled, his cheeks flushing with a lighter shade of red, as if he were sharing a secret joke. “Time displacement can happen after spending fourteen hundred years with the same pony,” he remarked, nonchalantly waving away the gravity of his words.

Her brow furrowed, a mixture of frustration and amusement bubbling beneath the surface. “You could have said something?” she retorted, the playful tone of her voice contrasting the seriousness of her earlier sentiments.

“And you needed to relax,” he replied with an ease that suggested he understood the complexities of her mind better than she did herself. He stood up and moved closer, his hands resting gently on her shoulders, grounding her in that moment. The pressure was soothing, a gentle reminder that she was present, that time, although fleeting, could be savored.

“In a week, ergo not a problem until later on,” he continued, the calmness in his voice washing over her like a wave, dissipating her worries. His tail flicked behind him and his his ocarina-dagger was pulled out of his pocket. As he placed it in his mouth, the air filled with a beautiful melody.

“Fine…” Twilight closed her eyes, allowing the music to envelop her. The sounds transform into a smooth jazz with a powerful saxophone, commanding double bass, hidden piano, beat-keeping drums. In her mind, she could see the notes move around her, matching the touch of each finger across her back.

The music was slow and gentle, a sound that echoed throughout the city. The earth ponies and buffalos stopped their arguing, looking around, wondering where the song came from. All their rages faded away completely, as did their will to fight. The stallions, the mares, the children, the elders, slowly came to a halt and listened to every detail of the melody.

As Twilight relaxed more, her horn began to glow. She could not control herself, nor did she feel the urge to. Her wings spread and her magic flowed out. She did not care what was going on, just that the music was playing. She did not notice the stallions and mares around her, coming closer.

All around her the ponies and buffaloes began to smile, and soon they were dancing along. Their steps were in perfect sync. Not a single soul was left out of the dance. They all began to sing along to the melody, their voices harmonizing perfectly.

Soon Twilight found herself on her feet, dancing with Cold Blue. The two waltzed and swayed across the floor, moving through the crowds of dancers. Their eyes opened and focused on each other. No one mattered, except them. The world could be falling apart, and it didn't matter.

Twilight could see the notes in her mind turn into a ballroom. Eventually it was enough for her with her eyes following the sounds of the park where Twilight and Cold Blue moved through. Their steps were precise and their hearts were beating the same.

The alicorn had no idea what was going on. She didn't understand, or care to contain herself. Her wings draped outward for all to see. As the tune moved through the air, a bright light surrounded the pair. The others watched with curiosity as the purple mare began to float off the ground with her siren by her side. They didn't panic, or feel fear.

Twilight felt her heart race, as if this was some kind of dream. Every step he took, she matched him, and the notes followed. Their eyes were locked on one another, their hands gripping, and their bodies in sync. Her mind was blank, but her senses were wide open. Their tails wrapped around each others, and her hands gripped his shoulders.

Her magic began to glow even more. The energy swirled and danced around her. Cold Blue didn't let go, instead he held on tighter, not a hint of fear in his eyes. He smiled as he let the magic take him. In seconds his body became covered with the magic, and soon his own was released.

The crowd could only stare at the two, as they floated higher into the sky. The moon's light shined down over them like a spotlight, giving the pair even more light. Everything reached a peak as the music reached it's finale. Twilight retracted her hands and hide away her blush. Ignoring the heart was pounding so fast, and her blood running hot, the mare sighed and leaned into his shoulders.

Cold Blue nodded and understood, bringing the song to a close. Dropped her down, he stabilized the emotions of everypony around them. His eyes narrowed in an icy manner, and the crowds began to disperse. Once they landed, Twilight broke the embrace and took two steps back.

"We should meet back up with the rest... It's getting very late." Twilight was trying to catch her breath, but her cheeks remained red. She had no idea what had happened between them.

"Of course..." Cold Blue's eyes softened a bit, but the smile faded. The two took their leave, not bothering to look back.

Neither noticed a certain clown priest watching from the shadows. A certain pair of eyes glared and snarled under his breath. He wanted to go after them but did not. Instead, he vanished into darkness to report this news to Sage and Vanity.

******

Back in the Everfree Forest, Clover slowly awoke, her senses gradually returning to her. She found herself lying atop a shimmering crystal table, its surface warm beneath her exposure. As she took in her surroundings, she noticed her body was bare, glistening with sweat with only her cloak covering the both of them. The air was thick with the scent of lingering passion.

Rex lay on his back, his form equally exposed, his expression a mixture of shame and regret that pierced through the golden haze of their shared experience. Clover felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she glanced over him, memories flooding back of a night filled with intense connection and love. It was a night that had been years in the making, yet the painful shadow on his face contrasted sharply with the joy she felt.

“Rex?” Clover’s voice was soft, laced with concern as she reached out to gently touch his cheek.

“I’m sorry, Clover…” The umbrum sat up, his gaze fixed on the ground, heavy with the weight of unspoken thoughts.

“Why are you sorry?” Clover wrapped her cloak around her body, shielding herself from the chill of the morning air. “It was wonderful…” Her voice trailed off as she noticed Rex’s reluctance to meet her eyes. “We both wanted this, right?”

“Yes… of course I did, but…” Rex's voice was barely above a whisper, filled with an uncharacteristic vulnerability. He placed his hand on the map table, the intricate patterns beneath his fingers shimmering into stillness. His eyes widened as it landed upon coordinates far beyond the Celestial Ocean.

Clover crawled over to him and looked down at the table, seeing the images for herself. The map had shifted so many times, changing and altering with their bodies' temperature and movement. The sight was so strange and the experience was beyond anything she ever experienced. She gasped at the sight of the strange landscape covered in thousands of changeling hives. The sight of such an alien place terrified her, she had only read stories of the world and it was so different from their own. She noticed a small marking on the map, a black circle with a six-pointed tree hanging upside down. "Is this... the hives of Morpheus, King of Dreams?"

"Indeed it is, the very last place I saw her... alive." His words were so cold as he stepped off the table.

Slowly the process hit her so hard. Clover winced and grabbed her belly. Her eyes glowed for a brief and chilling moment. In her mind's eyes the radiant mare appeared, dancing the same motions upon Rex's body she had caved hours ago. When it was done, she collapsed on the table and breathed deeply. Her heart ached as she tried to piece it together, her tears falling upon the surface. "What was that?"

"A confirmation." Rex walked over to her and helped her up. "An umbrum's power of visions can be so strong, they can sometimes crossover... with the seed." He stopped as she swatted him away. "What you just saw was the past, my past love."

"Yes, I know that?!" She turned over and coughed up blood. "I just didn't expect it to happen... within the same night of conception. This isn't supposed to happen until at least my first period after... right?"

Rex returned and placed his hand upon her belly. "If this is indeed Twilily... Do you really doubt her power?" He smiled at the thought, though Clover was still too confused. "I can sense a strong and powerful force of dark magic growing within you already..." He turned away making his shame more clear. "And that's what I fear."

"You fear having a child, your own daughter?"

"No, of course not!" Rex quickly denied it. "I want this, I really do, but I'm afraid... Afraid for you, Clover." He began putting his clothes back on. "Now that we have the table, we should find Princess Platinum." The umbrum quickly tried to changed the subject by giving her a clear answer.

"Rex, I don't understand." She pleaded for more details, but he refused to give it to her. Her eyes widened and realized the extra weight of this moment. "The radiant mare... She could have been in this position once before."

"Not could have been. Exactly was... until she..." His fist shook in anger. "The alicorns... Lord Red... They all feared the rise of more umbrums." He turned to face her, his eyes filled with sorrow. "I don't wish to see the same fate befall you."

"Obviously, I'm afraid, Rex." She stood her ground, trying to show her confidence.

“You shouldn’t feel that way. This is a blessing, not a burden.” Yet, Clover couldn’t shake the feeling that she had exploited his kindness, leaving her to grapple with the delicate dance between love and responsibility.

Clover decided to take charge of her emotions. With a determined smile, she invoked a cleaning spell, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. The spell glimmered like stardust, as her cloak shimmered and transformed, becoming pure and radiant. “No, no, you're right. After all, I'm the one who took advantage of you,” she whispered ever so softly.

Once the spell had settled, she felt a surge of clarity wash over her. She cloaked herself anew, not just with fabric, but with the renewed resolve to mend the cracks of their partnership. Blushing slightly under the weight of her revelation, she acknowledged the convergence of her emotions. “I let my emotions get the better of me too,” she confessed, feeling the warmth of vulnerability envelop them both.

In a moment of vulnerability that danced between fear and hope, Clover reached for Rex’s hand, wrapping her fingers around his tightly as if to bridge the rift she feared had grown between them. “Rex," her voice was steady and filled with conviction, “I trust you. Our daughter will be fine.”

He was surprised by her response, but smiled regardless. "Then let us move forward and prepare for the future." He walked back into the woods, Clover following him, her hand still gripping his tightly. Once they were far enough away from the map table, a strange figure came into shape.

It was giant copper red vulture with glowing cyan feathers trimmed around his collar. It stood three times their height. Yet moved through the sky with such grace they never noticed it watching them to whole time. It had flown overhead from above the entrance to the cave where Princess Platinum was resting to the spot multiple times throughout the night and none of them noticed a single moment. Now that the two lovers were gone, it dropped its wings and landed upon the map table.

Despite having no eye sockets at all, it seemed to watch them leave by darting it's cyan collar multiple times in their direction. Tilting it's head a few times before facing the map table with its beak. The images didn't flinch or shift at all. It was as if the table couldn't sense this strange being in the slightest. Its cyan feathers glowed brighter as if it was tracing the images. "You truly are an impossible object." The vulture spoke out loud. "Just as they said, combining my power and my brother's." His talons carved over the surface and it still didn't react to him. "You're nothing more than an empty shell. You cannot see beyond the time and space and cannot see beyond the boundaries of reality."

"This is a true paradox of fate." The vulture stopped tapping the glass and turned his attention back to the two lovers leaving. "I might be the god of light and time... but even I fear fate." With that final thought, he took his leave.

******

A week had swiftly passed since the announcement and now the day everyone had been eagerly anticipating was finally upon them. As the sun rose, casting golden rays over the assembly, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation.

A grand structure nestled within a vast crater that had formed thousands of years ago during the defeat of the demonic tyranical centaurs of old. This massive void in the ground was transformed into a vibrant celebration of cultures, showcasing the best of what earth ponies and buffalo tribes had to offer. A marvel in itself, the venue was adorned with decorations that beautifully reflected the rich tapestry of traditions and stories woven deep within their history.

From every corner, earth ponies brought their trades and marks. Filling the seats with earthy textures and floral arrangements that seemed to breathe life into the very walls of the structure. Above a desire for marketing and commerce that was clear is it was in this past timeline as it was in the present timeline that Twilight came from. This she could deny as she found a seat near the middle of the stands.

On the buffalo side tribes showcased their strength and heritage through towering totems and traditional trappings. Each piece was a testament to their craftsmanship, woven with stories that spanned generations. Elaborate carvings etched into the wood depicted heroic legends and key moments in their history, drawing the admiration of all who gazed upon them.

Families gathered on opposite sides, friends pressed close together, and young ones bounced with excitement, all eager to witness the feats of strength, agility, and strategy that would unfold. The arena transformed into a tapestry of laughter, cheers, and gasps, as the collective anticipation created a vibrant pulse of life that echoed for miles around. And for a moment Twilight began to wonder if her panic was for not.

Initially apprehensive about this old earth pony lifestyle soften as she took in the atmosphere. Maybe Cold Blue was right? She just needed to be patient and things would work themselves out. History was rocky, but things were on a sort of right track. It would only take a little nudge in the right direction and all would be fine.

The crowd grew silent and the competitors all turned to face the center of the field. They watched intently as a lone earth pony was rolled up to the top stand. Gravyback was dressed in a formal outfit befitting of his rank and carried the title and prestige associated with his position. He cleared his throat and adjusted his crippled and deformed body, trying his best to reach the speaker while all the fighters entered the arena.

Two hundred forty Earth ponies, over one hundred fifty buffalos, and around ninety competitors from varied species filled the crowded arena. The sights and sounds of vibrant banners, colorful costumes, and spirited conversations created an unforgettable scene. It was both a beautiful and frightening display for Twilight as she didn't how everything was going to play out in this tournament's first round.

"Greetings, my dear guests! Today is a historic day for all of us." He stopped as his breathing got so hard he had trouble getting the words out. "Today we are joined by warriors from across our great lands. All to find the right... body..." His eyes narrowed over them all and gestured Blue Bull over to hold up his hands to them. "For a truly incredible gift await the winner's... delicate flesh."

A hush fell over the crowd and the competitors, but Twilight's ears perked up at the last statement. The word choice seemed rather off. Sure earth ponies had such strong prides in their bodies and flesh, but she knew there was something more in his voice that left her shuttering.

"So with that in mind... we begin the first found." He gritted his teeth and gestured to Blue Bull to help him stand. His bone creaking and twisting in ways that were almost unnatural as he leaned against him. Finally his gaze came upon the Sun rising in the east. Flipping his head over to the west. "All of you within the ring, listen closely and hear the instructions."

Gravyback was silent for a moment, letting the anticipation build as a wicked smile formed on his face. Echoes of his cruel father and absence mother began to creep into his mind. The years of suffering and pain had all led to this point. The loneliness and the isolation only tempered by having his beloved Blue Bull by his side. He took a deep breath, knowing it was time to set the final wheels in motion.

"There is only one rule for this round." His gaze swept the audience and competitors as he licked his lips. "By the time the Sun sets on this day only 16 competitors will make it to the next round... alive." He paused again and let the words sink in with a final cold phrase. "Let the bloodbath begin."

******

Author's Note

Sorry this came out so late, been busy all week. Thank you for reading this chapter, by far one the biggest moments I've been waiting for through the whole series.