The Infestation of Equiss Prime

Chapters

Harmony
Moving Day
Ramifications
Friends and Enemies
A Stern Discussion
A Hushed Conversation
Play Day
Check Ups
Hunger
Dreams and Nightmares
Time Now Passed
Mistakes
Unexpected Discovery
Questions and Preperations
Shopping
Homeward Bound
A Home No More
Aftermath
Whispers
Therapy
Changes
Mobilization
An Interesting Conversation
A Velvet Scalpel
An Inopportune Reunion
Testing Mettle
Cloak and Dagger
Rest and Recuperation
Decisions
Horizons
Relaxation?
Incursion
An Overdue Conversation
Freedom and Fear
A Tentative Alliance
Hope and Healing
Party Crasher
Into Darkness
Deeper Still
A Bridge Too Far
Visions
A Darker World
Returning Home
Companions, New and Old
Exfiltration
Desperate Defence
State of Affairs
Halloween 2020 Crossover Special
Contingencies
Sororicide
Mirrors
Director
Suiting Up
Red Zone
Chaos Incarnate
The Classroom
The Principal's Office
Justifications
Granting Power
Healing Minds
Healing Wounds
Operation Overlord
Truly Alien
Complications
Double Dealing
Frying Pan, Meet Fire
A Long Awaited Return
A Steel Heart
Cleaved In Twain
Steel and Concrete
Meeting Friends, Old and New
More Machine
Choosing Sides Part 1
Choosing Sides Part 2
Bootcamp Part 1
Bootcamp Part 2
Boralis Station Part 2
Boralis Station Part 3
Wasteland
Backwater Station
The Jacobs Installation
The Jacobs Installation Part 2
True Colors Part 1
True Colors Part 2
True Colors Part 3
Safe Haven
With Friends Like These
Brothers In Arms
First Strike
Curiosity
Troubled Dreams
Of Hearts and Vows
Recovery
Ponyville
Damage Report
Reintroductions
Old Foes
Boralis Station Part 1

Harmony

Twilight Sparkle shivered intensely, clutching the loose blankets that surrounded her, whimpering pathetically. “S-s-so c-c-c-c-cold,” she muttered through chattering teeth.

Her mother grimaced, placing a foreleg on the filly’s head, only to recoil. “She's burning up! What do we do?”

“I don't know. Her fever hasn't cracked a hundred yet, this might just be a bad cold,” her father lamented.

“I’ve never seen a cold this bad in my entire life!” the mare exclaimed, gesturing to the shaking filly who had cast aside all her blankets only to grab them a few seconds later.

“We will keep an eye on her, if it gets any worse, we will bring her to the hospital. Alright?”

The mare glanced down at her shaking child and slowly nodded. “Alright, but I will be checking on her constantly and if that temperature gets even a degree worse we are out of here, mister!”

Night Light smiled and nuzzled his wife. “Of course, my dear. I have to get some work done but after that I’ll come back down to watch her.”

Twilight Velvet planted a quick kiss on her husband’s cheek. “Alright.”

The male smiled and planted a kiss on the mare’s cheek as well. “She’ll be fine, Twilight is a tough filly. This won't keep her down for long.”

“I hope you are right, dear.”

Night Light turned and departed, slipping the door shut behind him, leaving Velvet alone with her child and her worries.

The filly squirmed under the blankets, clutching her stomach before suddenly belching loud enough to make her mother blink in shock. “You should have done that when your father was here, he would have been impressed.”

The filly tried to laugh, only to wince and clutch her stomach again. “Owie.”

“Where does it hurt?” The mare leaned down, lifting the filly’s hoof from her stomach and inspecting the normal, purple fur beneath.

“My tummy is rumbly again,” the filly whined before gripping her stomach with her forehooves.

“Alright, stay right there, I’m going to go grab the tummy-I mean stomach medicine.” The mare gently ran her hoof through the filly’s sweat stained hair before getting up and trotting towards the bathroom.

Twilight Sparkle doubled over and whimpered, her magic sparking randomly and sending small jets of sparks into the air, leaving tiny scorch marks on her pillow. The filly pulled the blankets over body, which had once more grown incredibly cold in an instant.

Inside the filly’s body the zerg parasite twisted and writhed, its form assaulted by unseen forces. Its expansion had been a simple task up until this point, growing larger and wrapping itself around the filly’s internal organs, preparing its host body for its eventual maturation into a true infested. That was until it tried to tap into several strange, fibrous strands that stretched through the filly’s body.

The parasite didn't know what to do with the strange extensions and had tried to infest them, believing them to be another set of veins it simply hadn't found. The second it had tried though, the parasite’s very being, and that of its host were suddenly filled with intense agony, their nervous systems too tightly intertwined to distinguish who was truly in pain.

Unknown to the zerg parasite, it had tried to tap into the filly’s Lambda system, which stored and moved mana throughout the young filly’s body and her magic did not appreciate intruders. Like all of the body’s systems, her mana network had its own defences, only this line of defence was not something the primitive zerg parasite knew how to undermine. Every attempt had left the parasite shocked and confused and in that confusion it had franticly cut off the source of this strange system, pinching off the point where it connected to the filly’s brain and retreating, hoping that would solve it. Yet even hours after it had cut off this strange system. it and its host still felt the after affects of its defence.

The filly breathed heavily, the worst of the cold abating for a moment, only to not be replaced by a sudden hot flash. The filly uncurled slightly, warily looking down at her traitorous stomach.

“I got the medicine, does it still hurt?” Twilight Velvet asked, walking into the filly’s room with a bottle and spoon held aloft in her magic.

The filly shook her head. “It stopped.” She winced, feeling another pang of pain. “Nevermind.”

The older mare shook her head and knelt close to the filly’s bed, medicine already filling the spoon. “Can you sit up for me?”

The filly nodded, slowly rising into a sitting position before opening her mouth. “Good girl. Now, it won't taste very good, but don't spit it out, okay?”

The filly nodded and the older mare placed the spoon in the filly’s mouth, who swallowed the medicine dutifully, only gagging once before swallowing and falling back to bed. “Thank you, mommy.”

The mare smiled gently, running her hoof through the filly’s tangled mane. “Are you sure you are alright to go to the exam tomorrow? I’m sure we can talk to the judges and get you another day…”

Twilight’s enormous eyes shot open suddenly. “No! You can't!”

“You are in no state to undergo the rigorous testing procedures of Celestia’s school.” The mare shook her head. “You can hardly move for Celestia’s sake.”

The filly jumped into a standing position. “Nuh uh!” she announced proudly, only to topple forward, landing on her snout. “Oof,” she muttered into the pillow.

Her mother shook her head. “That's good that you still have energy, but it's that stomach ache that worries me. Colds don't do that Twilight, this might be serious.”

“But dad said if I got better I could go!” the filly cried indignantly.

“Yes, well your father is a bit too much of an optimist.”

“What if I really do get better?” the filly asked with wide, sparkling eyes.

The mare sighed. “I suppose if you are all better by tomorrow morning, don't have a fever and don't have any more tummy rumbles, then you can go.” The mare held up a warning hoof. “But if you lie to me just to go to the exam, you are going to be in huge trouble missy, ya got that?”

The filly grinned weakly and nodded. “Yes mommy.”

“Good.” She sighed. “Now I’m going to make you some more toast, if you can hold that down I might let you have some stew before you go to bed.”

The filly licked her lips. “Okie dokie!”

The mare gave her one long parting glance before getting up and walking over to the door. “You just lay there and try not to move too much, mommy will read you a story when she gets back.”

The filly nodded enthusiastically, and the mare reluctantly turned and left, the sound of her hooves disappearing down the hall.

The filly turned down and glared at her traitorous belly. “You better not throw this up or we won't get any stew!”

Her stomach gurgled a little in response, making the filly’s glare harshen even more.

The judging room was filled with the soft glow of the morning light, illuminating a nervous filly in the center of the room, four judges sitting at the back, at the highest point of the lecture hall and two nervous parents looking on from the sidelines. The mother’s brow was creased with worry and she watched her filly shift nervously from hoof to hoof as she waited for the exam to start.

“Are you sure she's alright, dear? She was still running a bit of a temperature,” Twilight Velvet lamented.

Her husband sighed and rolled his eyes. “We went over this dear. The worst of her symptoms are gone, I even scried her room when she was alone and she didn't clutch her stomach anymore. Whatever she had is fading quickly, why I’d wager by this afternoon it will be gone completely.”

“You’re right, of course I just…”

Her husband draped a hoof over shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. “It's alright, I was scared too, but she just wanted to play in her new tree house. I’m sure it was just a cold or something.”

“I guess, but if it comes back we are taking her straight to the hospital.”

The stallion chuckled. “Yes dear.”

The two ponies turned back to the center of the room where their filly waited nervously, glancing from the judges to the door. Suddenly the double doors at the end of the room clattered open, revealing a cart filled with hay, on top of which a small purple orb sat nestled in the center. The light brown earth pony stallion pushing the cart nodded once to the filly before smirking and walking backwards out the room.

The filly blinked, glancing around to the front of the cart where a simple diagram of a hatching egg was displayed. She blinked, glancing from the diagram to the egg and back again.

An aged yellow unicorn mare with a poofy faded purple mane coughed into her hoof, drawing the attention of the filly. “Well, Miss Sparkle?”

The filly glanced at the egg, and laughed nervously.

As if that were the cue all four judges magically raised their clipboards and began furiously scribbling at their sheets. The sound of four identical pencils all scratching away made Twilight gulp, a bead of sweat dripping down her face.

The same unicorn mare from before frowned. “Well, Miss Sparkle?” she repeated, nodding towards the egg.

The judge at the end of the row coughed dryly, sparing a glance at the now nervous parents.

The filly turned back to the egg and took a few hesitant steps back before lowering her horn and willing everything she had into the organ. Power seemed to surge at her call only to falter before it reached her horn, stymied by some unseen force holding her mana at bay. The filly grunted with exertion, tiny sparks beginning to shoot from her horn, only to make it a mere inches before disappearing.

She looked up at the egg with wide hopeful eyes, expecting to see some sort of change, only to find nothing. The filly clamped her mouth shut once more, and strained every muscle she had, pointing her horn squarely at the centre of the egg. Again the power seemed to course through her, only to reach the base of her horn and sputter weakly, turning into another pathetic shower of sparks.

One of the older stallions with a greying mane yawned loudly and the yellow mare from before glanced at her watch. “We don't have all day,” she pointed out dryly.

The filly’s eyes grew wide and she looked back at the egg, her mind running a million miles a minute as she tried to figure out how exactly she was supposed to do to hatch this egg. In all her studies she had yet to find some manner of hatching spell, or even anything close. Not like it mattered, as for some reason her magic refused to obey her call, turning the already limited power she had into little more than a trickle.

She sprinted to the other side of the egg, trying a strange pose she had seen in an ancient history book. Again her magic didn't come and again her desperation increased. Running back over to the other side she struck another wild pose, this one she had seen in a Daring Do book, hoping it would help her magic. When the egg didn't react she ran back over, straining her horn once more and hoping the different angle would somehow help.

Nothing.

She leapt up onto the cart, wrapping her hooves about the egg and peering intently at the top, trying to pour magic back into her horn and getting rewarded by yet another small shower of sparks.

Nothing

She leapt back down and stood on her back hooves, pointing her forehooves at the egg as her muscles strained. She pulled back her forehooves and tried again, only to slump in defeat when nothing happened. In hindsight, she really hadn't expected the power of Celestia to compel the egg to hatch, but she didn't have any other leads.

She sprinted back around the other side of the egg and squinted her eyes, pushing everything she had into mustering every ounce of power she could bring to bear. Muscles coiled and strained and the filly’s cheeks puffed out as her face grew red. She gritted her teeth and leaned forward, putting everything she had into this blast of pure magic.

Nothing.

With a resounding flop she fell to the floor, hooves splayed in all directions and her breathing coming in short raspy bursts. On the sidelines her parents shared a worried look, her mother gulping nervously and glancing up at the judges who were furiously writing away at their clipboards.

The filly slowly picked herself off the floor and plunked into a sitting position. She glanced one last time at the judges and sighed, a tear beginning to form at the edge of her eye. “I’m sorry I wasted your time.”

Out of nowhere a massive explosion rocked the entire school, making the filly cringe and instinctively light her horn, her body readying its flight or flight response. Her magic doubled unexpectedly, growing from the small sputter to a raging river of power, her horn glowing brightly. As the rumbling continued her horn’s light grew and grew until the filly realized what was happening. She quickly put her head down and aimed her horn squarely at the egg, releasing the massive build up of energy that had managed to slip past whatever had been holding her back.

The beam connected with the egg with an explosion of light, leaving behind the shattered remnants of the egg’s shell. Within the crumpled bits of shell, a floating dragon the size of a foal uncurled and extended its forearms, yawning and smacking its lips. It floated there in mid air, blinking owlishly at the filly in childlike wonder.

The filly only had a second to witness the dragon’s adorableness before her magic surged once more, making her cry out in panic. Her body levitated off the ground, held aloft by the filly’s own errant magic, her horn growing brighter by the second.

With a tremendous flash of light, the energy exploded outward, rippling over the room and its inhabitants. The power lingered over the forms of the judges, picking them up and surrounding them in the filly’s dull purple magic. The sphere holding them bulged and twisted before a tendril of magic extended from the blob and reached toward the filly’s parents. The magic gripped them, lifting them into the air like the judges, only to falter when the two ponies spontaneously turned into a pair of potted plants.

With the magic having nowhere else to go, it leapt across the room, hitting the baby dragon like a lightning bolt and causing his body to glow brightly. The baby’s body twisted for a second before suddenly exploding with growth, its tiny limbs and hoof sized head were gone in an instant, replaced by a two story tall quadruped dragon whose upper body had burst through the roof.

The dragon blinked, a tiny smile on its lips as it looked around from its new vantage point, catching the eye of a certain passing alicorn.

Inside, the filly writhed in unrestrained panic, blinding white light filling her eyes and spilling out into the world. Great surges of raw magic arced throughout the room, shooting out of the windows and slipping through the cracks of the wooden roof and up into the sky.

Time seemed to slow and the filly’s mind was suddenly invaded by the sound of a voice whispering something the filly could barely hear. It was a strange, chittering, almost insect-like voice that sounded like it was coming from somewhere on the other side of Canter Mountain. The voice spoke in a language the filly couldn't understand, but after a moment it began chittering excitedly, its voice raising a few octaves. The filly felt a tug at the back of her mind, only for it to immediately falter. The voice grew confused, asking what sounded like questions. Then the voice was gone, vanishing just as suddenly as it had appeared.

Twilight Sparkle could feel her magic pouring through her in amounts she had never felt before, and despite her best efforts to stop the veritable flood of power, nothing seemed to work. She grunted, twisting her limbs in a vain effort to get the magic to stop. Suddenly, amidst the panic and terror that filled her, a hoof touched her shoulder.

It was gentle, but stern, commanding the filly’s attention.

The filly blinked, not noticing that with every blink the light changed from a pure white to a strange, sickly yellow. The blinding light that surrounded her faded as the filly truly saw the towering shape of a white alicorn looming over her.

The alicorn herself felt strangely unnerved by the orange light still emanating from the filly’s eyes, but wrote it off as a simple magical accident from the filly’s recent flare. She nodded, giving the filly a small, confident smile.

The filly couldn't help but smile back, the aura surrounding her slowly fading until all at once it disappeared entirely. As the magic vanished, the judges suddenly fell to the ground, her parents becoming ponies once more. Her father stared at his hooves in shock while her mother shook herself vigorously, trying to shake some unseen thing off her back.

Finally, the giant baby dragon flashed with a surge of magenta light before returning once more to its tiny, adorable form. It blinked, looking around the wreckage of the cart that had carried its egg before pulling its tiny spade-like tail up and into its mouth, sucking softly at the scale-y appendage.

The filly winced under the gaze of the princess, looking up at the damage she had accidentally wrought on the roof, avoiding the gaze of the alicorn whom was still staring at her with what looked like a mixture of pride and confusion.

Celestia shrugged off the persistent presence of the orange light still pouring from the filly’s eyes, merely thankful it was little more than a soft glow now. The light’s existence was hardly the strangest thing to happen to a pony who underwent a flare of that magnitude after all. “Twilight Sparkle-”

“I’m so sorry, I didn't mean to put a hole in the roof, I’ll fix it! I promise!”

The alicorn chuckled, shaking her head. “You have a very special gift. I don't think I’ve ever come across a unicorn with your raw ability.”

The filly’s jaw hung open. “Whuh?”

The alicorn tittered at the adorably shocked expression on the filly’s face. “But you need to learn to tame these abilities through focused study.”

“Whuh?” the filly muttered.

The alicorn pressed a hoof to her chest. “Twilight Sparkle, I would like to make you my own personal protege,” she gestured her hoof outards, toward the the school, “here at my School for Gifted Unicorns like you.”

“Whuh!” the filly exclaimed, her jaw somehow hanging open even more.

“Well?” the alicorn asked.

The filly blinked, turning back to her confused and slightly concerned parents. Upon meeting their filly’s strange gaze they instantly lit up, her father nodding her head enthusiastically while her mother danced on her back hooves, pumping a hoof into the air. Both parents doing their best to stow the fear that lingered in their hearts when they looked into their filly’s eyes.

The filly spun back around, all her coiled energy suddenly exploding out of her hooves and launching her into the air. “YEESS!” she squealed, jumping into the air with all her might.

“Two things first, Twilight,” the alicorn added.

The filly’s large eyes grew even bigger. “More?” She gasped.

The alicorn shook her head and pointed towards the filly’s flank that was now adorned by a six pointed orange star with five other yellow stars surrounding it and small white points poking out behind the main star.

The filly gasped, twisting around to get a better view at her flank. “My cutie mark!”

Twilight Sparkle leapt into the air. “YES YES YES YES YES!” the filly repeated as she continued to bounce around the alicorn.

After the second round around the princess, Celestia shook her head and laughed. “There is one last thing, Twilight.”

The filly stopped, dread suddenly filling her huge, featureless orange eyes. “What else?”

The alicorn pointed to her eyes. “I think you may have had a slight misspell during your little flare.”

“Whuh?” she muttered before turning towards the nearby window and blinking owlishly.

Her mother coughed awkwardly. “What exactly does that mean, Your Majesty?”

The alicorn shrugged. “Probably just a miscast having to do with the color orange, which would explain why her cutie mark clashes so oddly with her coat. Nothing to worry about. I’ll just have her checked up. Just in case, sometimes odd things happen during flares.”

The filly’s father gulped and glanced over to his daughter, who was staring in childlike wonder at her glowing orange eyes. “Nothing serious, I hope?”

“I’ll be honest. There's a chance, which is why I want to get her checked out. But while she was hopping about, I cast a quick scan and found that she isn't in any pain.” She smiled confidently at the parents. “I’ve seen this a dozen of times. It might be nothing, or it might be small like she didn't like the white light and wanted it gone, only to accidentally turn it this odd yellowy orange color.”

The parents sighed in relief, watching as their filly stopped making faces at her reflection and turned back around. “Does this mean I can shoot laser beams out of my eyes?”

Celestia blinked, caught off guard by the innocent question. “Not likely, but well see.” She winked at the filly who squealed in delight, and hopped around, making ray gun noises as she squinted at random things throughout the room.

“Come now, Twilight, we should go test to see if those flashlights on your face are able to shoot lasers,” the alicorn said while barely holding back a giggle.

The filly stopped squinting at the blackboard and trying to will lasers from her eyes. “But what about my mom and dad?”

“Oh, it will only take a minute. They can wait for you right here if they would like?” Celestia offered.

The pair exchanged a look before nodding. “Of course, Your Majesty,” Night Light offered.

Twilight Velvet smiled at her filly. “Now, you make sure to do everything Princess Celestia tells you, okay? And no shooting lasers without her permission.”

“Daww.” The filly kicked the ground. “Oookay,” she lamented.

The alicorn chuckled and turned to the door. “Come now, Twilight. It's not far from here.”

The filly giggled and ran after the alicorn. “Do you really think I have laser vision?”

The alicorn tried to hold back a laugh as the pair walked down the hall, her response and the rest of the conversation obscured by the sound of their hoofsteps echoing into the distance.

The alicorn and filly had not returned to the parents in the few minutes Celestia had first said, in fact they had not returned for so long that the princess had been forced to tell the parents to return home and await word. That was two days ago.

Celestia stood silently before the one way mirror, watching the filly on the other side of the window read one of the many books that grew in piles around her on her hospital bed. This area of Canterlot general hadn't seen use in decades, having last housed a pair of ponies that they believed had come down with cutie pox. Only to discover that they were simply using an illusion spell to scare the populace in an attempt to sell them the ‘cure’, which turned out to be a horseradish colored pink.

Since then, the observational containment rooms had been left unused, gathering dust in the nearly forgotten dangerous epidemiology wing. Celestia made a note of changing the name of the wing, it sounded far too intimidating for a simple set of rooms designed to contain and study ponies in isolation.

The filly flipped a page, having not bothered to open the blinds on her window more than an inch or two, due to the glowing yellow light emitting from her eyes that enabled her to read in near darkness. She continued to read, only to yawn suddenly, her mouth opening wide and revealing a small set of canines hidden amidst the flat molars that ponies were supposed to have. The filly smacked her lips and went back to reading, eagerly delving into the complex magical formula book that Celestia had given her as ‘homework’.

The alicorn glanced to her right, where x-rays of the filly’s barrel, which showed a spiralling growth of foreign matter coiled tightly around the filly’s spinal column and extending into most parts of her body and even brain. The alicorn’s jaw clenched and she slowly shook her head, going back to watching the filly as she continued to read.

This strange parasite was truly insidious, binding itself to not only most of the filly’s internal organs, but also her spine, brain stem and frontal cortex. Removal was outright impossible and worse still, it seemed to have changed more than just the filly’s orange glowing eyes and new, sharper teeth. The unicorn foal now had several new organs, an expanded stomach and several other minor anomalies that Celestia and her doctors had been unable to determine the purpose of.

Stranger still was the fact that despite watching and monitoring the parasite for several days, it had shown no changes. The filly’s parents had mentioned that she had been sick the day before, meaning the parasite might only have had twenty four hours to grow. In that time, it had apparently winded its way throughout the filly’s entire body and yet, since then, it had not showed any changes whatsoever.

Had it reached maturity that quickly? What was the purpose of remaining dormant? Was it a parasite at all or some new strange infection or disease? Was this filly just some sort of mutant? Celestia rolled her eyes at her own line of questions. Mutating randomly during a flare wasn't unheard of, but it was always random, with the worst such event being a mare growing an extra leg out the side of her barrel. Even still, the limb had not been complete, being mere fat, skin and bone without any sort of muscle or nerves.

This was on an entirely different level.

Celestia could not even begin to figure out what exactly happened to this filly, as the changes were so extensive and numerous that it would take years to truly figure out. Worse yet, the parasite didn't seem entirely dormant and the single, early attempt made to extract a sample had ended poorly.

As if the filly was remembering the same thing, she reached out and scratched her bandaged stomach, tugging at the gauze that bound most of her midsection.

The alicorn shook her head and went back through the mental list of things she knew about parasites. First, they would infest their prey, then usually reproduce or change their host in order to attract their next host. Celestia remembered studying the strange parasite that made snail’s eye stalks grow to ludicrous sizes and forced them to climb to the highest point available. All in an attempt to attract a bird from which the parasite could finish its life cycle.

Yet ponies were almost outside the food chain, they subsisted entirely on plants, nothing preyed on them and almost all known parasites had died off or been weeded out over the centuries. There was simply nothing left that hunted ponies, there existed only a very rare few predators that were even alive to this day that had tasted pony flesh and most of those were ancient dragons who preyed upon the modern pony’s distant ancestor.

Perhaps this was some ancient parasite meant to be eventually consumed by a dragon? The alicorn had never heard of such a thing, but right now she was open to any possibility, no matter how improbable.

Unless this was its goal.

She sighed and shook her head. She had no idea where to start, or how. Silently the alicorn watched as the filly read, her mind whirling with ideas, but nothing substantial.

A knock on the door shocked the alicorn from her thoughts.

“Come in,” she commanded.

A small, thin unicorn doctor with a silver coat and grey mane slipped inside and smiled at the alicorn. “You are looking well this evening, Your Majesty.”

Celestia smiled faintly. “And you are as kind as ever, Silver Scalpel.”

The doctor rolled her eyes. “Please, just call me Silver.”

“As you say then, Silver. Any more news on our patient?”

The doctor shifted nervously, her near permanent smile falling from her face. “No… unfortunately.”

“And the tests?”

“All negative.”

Celestia furrowed her brow. “Then the parasite is not transmittable.”

“It does not seem like it, Your Majesty.”

“Strange…”

“Quite.” The doctor coughed into her hoof. “If I may be so bold to ask you a personal question.”

Celestia turned to the smaller mare. “Of course.”

“Are you still going to take her on as your student?” The doctor scratched her neck. “It's all she ever talks about.”

“Afflicted though she may be, Twilight seems to be entirely herself and that doesn't seem like its going to change any time soon.”

The doctor sighed. “Oh, thank goodness.”

“I will just need to find her a permanent physician, one who can devote their time to studying this… parasite, and determining more of its origins and true nature.” She turned to the doctor suddenly, an intense look in the alicorn’s eyes. “Do you know somepony who might fit the bill?”

The mare pressed her hoof into the tiled floor, turning it awkwardly and avoiding the alicorn’s gaze. “Well… I was thinking of going back for my second masters and this would make for an interesting case study of entirely unheard of afflictions.”

The alicorn raised her eyebrow. “That doesn't sound secret.”

“I mean I wouldn't be able to get my second master’s until you eventually decide to declassify this…” she added, a slight hopeful expression spreading across her face.

“When we cure her, you will have your published study, and if even half of our guesses are true, likely another master’s degree to hang on your wall.”

The doctor let out a muffled squeal of delight. “You won't regret this, Your Majesty!”

“I will send you more information on this unique position in the coming days. Also, do you happen to know a good psychologist by chance?”

Silver blinked. “Why would you need a psychologist?”

“Whatever this parasite is, it has infiltrated her frontal lobe. Though no changes have been discovered, that may not always be the case. Having somepony familiar with Twilight Sparkle’s personality and habits would be able to detect any sudden changes. This pony would be able to monitor the more cerebral changes the parasite may have.”

Silver nodded thoughtfully. “I know this kinda sounds like nepotism, but my marefriend just completed her study at the Royal Manehattan Institute of Psychology.”

Celestia chuckled, looking down at the blushing mare who withered under the look. “I will check out her credentials. This will be a long posting, if my instincts are right, this may mean signing up for a decade or more of monitoring and secrecy. Are you sure that's something you two could commit to?”

Silver Scalpel nodded. “You can count on us, Your Majesty!”

“You don't have the job yet, but I will look at both you and your marefriend’s…”

“Oh uh, Velvet Touch.”

“...Velvet Touch’s resume and determine if you are right for this unique position.”

“Will I have to share lab space, or?”

“If selected, you will have an entire lab to yourself as well as assistants and whatever else you require, but more about that later.”

The two fell into comfortable silence, with Silver Scalpel grinning like a mad mare, her mind awhirl with possibilities, while Celestia stared grimly at the filly behind the glass.

She had put down her book and turned to the window, staring mournfully out over Canterlot, her thoughts surely going out to the family she had not seen in several days.

“You may go, Silver. I will be in contact with you soon about the position, one way or another.”

The doctor bowed low. “Thank you for this opportunity, Your Majesty.”

The alicorn merely nodded.

After waiting a few seconds, Celestia turned to the door that led to the filly’s room and after casting a few protection charms on her person, turned the handle and stepped into the room beyond, ready to give the filly the good news.

Author's Note

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This update was made possible by the wonderful support of:
Apollyon
DioKyo
Facinus
IamUknown
M
Michael
Random Reader.
Thank you so so much!

Moving Day

Twilight Sparkle was a patient filly, that came with a caveat of course, as she was only patient in comparison of someone her age and only when it came to certain things. For example, if a new book was coming in the mail, she would sit at the window sill, waiting for the mail pony every day, but after the mail pony passed her by, she forgot about it until the next day. If that book did not arrive the day it was supposed to though... she was liable to start harassing the mail delivery mare. Basically, if things went according to plan, she was fine, if not, well, she did things like this.

The filly ran down the list of things she had to pack for the fourth time. “What about my old textbooks, are they in there?”

Her father sighed, and lifted the flap of a box next to him, making a half-hearted attempt at peering inside. “Yes dear,” he droned.

The filly struck that off the list. “And what about my clothes?”

Her mother sighed as well, patting a box to her right. “Yes Twilight.”

“But mom, you didn't even look! What if it's not there!” the filly whined.

“It was in there a few minutes ago, why wouldn't it be there anymore?” Twilight Velvet asked, hoping to appeal to the filly’s logical side.

“B-but!”

Night Light stepped forward, putting a hoof on the filly’s withers. “Deep breaths, little star,” he gently reminded.

A spike of anger rose inside the filly but the calm expression on her father’s face seemed to help and she reluctantly took a deep, slow breath.

Twilight Velvet took a step forward, kneeling down to the filly’s height. “Better?”

The filly nodded glumly. “Good,” her father said, rubbing her back.

“Maybe we should just finish the checklist one last time?” Twilight offered weakly.

Her father suppressed an intense desire to roll his eyes and continued to rub her back. “It's all there Twilight. Trust us.”

Her mother smiled faintly. “What's bothering you, sweety? Did you forget to use the bathroom again?”

“M-mom!” the filly cried, shame burning hot on her cheeks.

The older mare merely giggled, shrugging her shoulders. “It wouldn't be the first time you forgot about it.”

“I was ten!”

Her father stifled his own laughter and shot his wife an unamused expression. “And now you are twelve, that's not exactly a long time, you know.”

“It's like forever, dad! That's like two whole years!” The filly shrugged off her father’s hoof and stomped over to the window, peering out at the road beyond, her glowing eyes reflecting on the glass. “I just wish Shining was here,” she whispered.

Twilight Velvet sighed and gently picked up her child in the glow of her magic, bringing the sad filly into a tight hug. “He would, if he could.”

Night Light shifted beside them, shooting the filly a wane smile. “It's the only day for tryouts though and you wouldn't want him to give up his place on the team, would you?”

“No,” Twilight muttered sadly.

“Exactly, besides, he is going to be there tonight, remember?” her father offered.

The filly’s features lit up slightly and she smiled a little. “Yeah…”

“How is your stomach treating you Twilight, no more rashes?” her mother asked, concern slipping into her voice.

Twilight blushed and shook her head. “No, it's gone.”

“Thank goodness, those bandages were just dreadful,” her mother remarked.

When the filly’s mood refused to lift, Twilight Velvet set the filly on her own hooves and picked up her chin, forcing their eyes to meet. “What is wrong, my little star?”

The filly mumbled, kicking a spot on the floor.

“What was that, dear?” her father asked.

“I’m leaving all of you…” she whispered to the floor.

Both parents sighed and moved to wrap their filly in another squishy hug. “You aren't going far, and you will be back home every weekend.”

Her mother nodded. “And we will be coming to see you every night after you done with your studies, remember?”

“Only for the first few weeks,” the filly muttered back, scowling at the wooden floor.

“You know I can't take that much time off work and Shining Armor is going to have his own homework by then,” her father offered. “We will see you every chance we get, won't we honey?”

Her mother nodded. “Absolutely.”

The filly looked up, concern evident in her pupilless orange eyes. “Why is everypony afraid of me, and why do you have to wear those charms all the time? Princess Celestia said I can't actually shoot lasers out of my eyes.”

The pair exchanged a brief look, with Twilight Velvet being the loser in their brief standoff. “It's just a… precaution, we don't want anyone to get sick like you did,” she offered.

Her father lifted the small charm he wore about his neck. “It won't be around for much longer, remember what Celestia said?”

The filly grumbled, but reluctantly repeated it, “‘You might still be contagious.’”

“Exactly.” He smiled. “It's not so bad though. You don't even have to go back to the hospital anymore.”

“I still missed a week of school,” she muttered.

Her mother chuckled, ruffling her mane. “You got a whole week of reading whatever you wanted, surely it wasn't that bad?”

For the first time a faint smile crept onto Twilight’s face. “It was kind of nice. Princess Celestia gave me so many new books to read.”

“Exactly.” Her father stood up. “So why don't we start bringing your boxes to the curb and I’m sure the carriage will be here in no time. Okay?”

Twilight smiled a little wider and hopped up as well, followed closely by her mother. “Sounds good!”

Her mother nodded, grabbing a few boxes in her magic while her husband and daughter did the same. “Are you sure you can handle all that, Twilight?” her mother asked, gesturing towards the straining filly carrying as much as her parents did combined.

Twilight forced the grimace from her face, and smiled up at her mother. “I’m fine.”

Her father shook his head and opened the door, subtly snatching a few boxes from her aura while pushing her out into the front yard. “Let's get going, you don't want to dump all your stuff across the house, now do you?”

Twilight Velvet smiled appreciatively at her husband, making her way behind the filly and bringing their train of boxes out onto the front yard.

In short order they had managed to bring the entire load of boxes, which encompassed nearly everything the filly owned, save for a few back up pairs of clothes and a few books she wanted to be kept at home. Just in case she needed something to read, wouldn't want to have to make an emergency run to the library after all.

The small mountain of boxes, and a few bags and suitcases were piled near the curb, arranged neatly by a very particular little filly who quickly organized everything just the way she liked it. “There,” she announced, taking a step back from the now perfectly ordered piles of stuff.

“Just in time too, look!” her father called out, pointing up the street.

Twilight’s heart leapt into her throat and she spun around, following her father’s hoof up to where she saw several guards trotting towards her, a pair of earth ponies hooked up to a large carriage behind them. “Wow,” she muttered, her eyes going wide at the sight.

Three pegasus guards trotted out front, occasionally taking to the air and zipping over head before returning to their position. Behind them a unicorn guard scanned the skies and streets around them, watching everything with a steely gaze. The two earth ponies bringing up the rear were no less impressive, wearing the same gold armor as the rest of their comrades. All had the same white fur and mane, and all appeared to be male, but Twilight knew that was just a part of their glamor and the truth might be very different than that.

The group came trotting up to the family, the lead pegasus had a grim look on his face and a large rune glowing faintly on his chest. “I assume you are the Sparkle family?” he asked in a gruff tone, hardly sparing a glance at the filly and speaking directly to the parents standing just behind her.

“Err, yes. Is everything alright?” Night Light asked nervously, looking out over the rather extensive military presence.

The guard nodded. “Everything is fine.” He turned and made a few quick gestures with his hooves.

The rest of his guard nodded, with the pegasi launching into the air and taking higher positions while the unicorn entered the carriage that was getting turned around.

Twilight Velvet didn't seem quite as concerned, though she was drawn to the glowing rune on the guard’s chest. “What exactly is that rune?”

The guard’s eyes narrowed. “For our protection, I assure you.”

The mother frowned, stowing away her concern for now and glancing down at her now quite excited young filly who was positively bouncing with excitement.

“Mister guard, are we going to the castle right away?” Twilight asked, her glowing eyes going wide with youthful exuberance.

The guard looked down at her, a flash of disgust pacing through his features. “Yes, is this everything?” he asked, quickly turning from the filly and pointing to the collected stuff that sat on the curb.

The filly nodded. “Yup! That's all my stuff except a few clothes and some books and my-”

“Excellent,” he interrupted, turning to one of the guards hovering just overhead. “Get Bright Shield and start loading everything.”

The pegasus in the sky saluted before swooping down and grabbing a box from the pile.

Twilight frowned, turning to her mother for support, who in turn tried to smile back as reassuringly as possible. “Why don't you come stand over here Twilight, don't want to get in the way, right?”

The filly shook her head and trotted over beside her mother who laid a leg over her shoulders.

Together the family watched in silence as the carriage pulled up and the guards all began loading Twilight’s things onto the carriage, but not before they passed by the unicorn who cast a quick spell on every box that passed. “What are they doing, mommy?” Twilight asked, turning her glowing orange orbs up at her mother.

“They are just checking, right dear?” she asked, turning to her husband for help.

“Right, gotta make sure you aren't sneaking in chocolate.”

The filly’s brow furrowed and she looked up at her father with confusion in her eyes. “Why chocolate?”

“Princess Celestia is on a diet, remember? They probably know you are her new student and they don't want her getting anymore chocolate and ruining her diet,” he said, adding a wink at the end that made Twilight giggle.

“Right.” She nodded, turning back to the carriage with a sly grin on her face.

Twilight Velvet shot Night Light a glare, to which he just shrugged, his wife merely sighed, rolling her eyes. I guess that is a decent enough excuse, she thought to herself.

They didn't have to wait long, as the guards moved quickly, stacking the boxes on top of the carriage and covering, then made them vanish with a short invisibility spell. Twilight turned, realizing what that meant. She looked up at her mother, the fear in her eyes barely held at bay by the excitement coursing through her.

Twilight Velvet didn't hesitate, hoisting her child up into a tight hug that Night Light quickly joined. “You’ll always be our little star.”

“Never forget that,” her father added.

The filly sniffed, giving her parents one last squeeze. “I won't.”

Reluctantly the trio parted, allowing Twilight to wipe the tears from her face and look over at the impatient guard standing at the curb and tapping his hoof. “Are you ready?” he asked gruffly.

The filly nodded, and her parents took a step back, watching her go.

Twilight stepped up into the carriage, only barely noticing the bright blue rune that glowed upon the roof. She was too busy, and hopped up onto one of the seats, allowing her to see out the window to where her parents stood nervously.

“Make sure to remember your manners around the princess!” her mother called, through misty eyes.

“Don't worry, we’ll come visit tonight once Shining Armor is back from practice!” her father added, subtly elbowing his wife.

Knowing her family was still close helped a lot and Twilight wiped away her tears, flashing her family a confident smile. “Can we go out for donuts later?”

Night Light chuckled. “Of course we can! You can even have your favorite.”

Twilight felt her grin more genuine and she waved as the carriage lurched, beginning her journey to the castle and her new life. The filly leaned out the window, waving at her parents until they were long out of sight and only settled back into her seat when they had turned down a side road and she could no longer pretend that her parents could still see her.

With a sad sort of smile, Twilight Sparkle sat in her seat, wondering what the future had in store for her.

The ride to the castle was quiet and uneventful, with Twilight settling in and watching as the city passed her by. Eventually they made their way to the castle, something Twilight had never seen this up close before and she hung out the side of the carriage, gawking at the sheer majesty of the numerous spiralling towers of alabaster stone. So caught up was the filly in her sightseeing that she nearly fell out the side of the window when they finally came to a screeching halt just before a side gate around the right side of the castle.

The filly was quickly herded inside, with the guard merely telling her that her things will be in her room before she even gets there. Trusting that the adult knew what he was doing, Twilight wandered over to the side entrance where a slightly aged brown earth pony mare stood with a clipboard and a frown.

She hadn't been rude neccessarily, but she had been terse, giving Twilight a brief, if a little too brief, tour of the castle before finally entering the royal suites, and passing by Celestia’s apartment. Twilight had paused to gawk at the massive golden doors that dominated the hall, reaching much taller than the other doors and absolutely filled with an intricate carving detailing a scene from history that Twilight had never seen before.

That had earned her a glare, and a sharp rebuke for dawdling, but Twilight didn't care, standing near that piece of history and art was well worth a pinched ear.

After that she was shown to her room, where all of her stuff was indeed waiting. Twilight had begun to ask if the mare was going to help her, only for the terse older mare to announce that she would be back in an hour to help Celestia test her general knowledge.

That had perked Twilight up, and the unicorn couldn't help but grin as she thought of the alicorn, even if that happiness was a little marred by the realization that she was being tested already. Even still, it was a test from Princess Celestia herself, this was special!

The filly had hurried to unpack her bags and boxes, stretching her telekinesis to its limit as she floated her toys and books into place. It was only halfway through the unpacking phase that she realized just how truly magnificent the room was.

The pile of stuffed animals she had been holding fell to the ground as she realized that she had been about to arrange them on an absolutely massive four poster bed. Her jaw fell open as she rubbed the incredibly soft sheets. Her attention was slowly brought away from the bed as she realized that the luxury didn't end there.

The large door that entered into her room was big enough to allow a minotaur easy entry, and numerous locking mechanisms both mundane and magical dotted the side of the door, with a small note posted beside them indicating they were only for emergencies. Next to the door was a hat and coat rack, a mirror and a closet large enough to fit everything she owned inside, complete even with a large shoe rack. Twilight scrunched her nose at the sight, unsure if she'd ever use such a thing.

She continued her inspection, noting that four enormous bookcases dominated the entire side of her room. She could easily fit her entire collection on two rows of the five row book case with space to spare. The filly’s jaw hung open as she ran a hoof over the finely polished oak furniture designed solely to hold books. The shelves even had small golden book ends designed to look like setting suns set out randomly in case she needed them. Twilight shook her head, tearing her eyes away from the minute details that seemed to cover every inch of the intricate bookcases.

Turning away, Twilight noted a large semi-circular alcove that was dominated by enormous windows and a small bench that served as the perfect reading nook. “Wow,” Twilight muttered, making her way over and staring out the window.

The view was amazing to say the least and Twilight quickly lost track of time, staring out over Canterlot. She eventually gave up looking for her house and hopped down from the bench, shaking her head slowly. “What did I do to deserve this?” she whispered.

When the empty room didn't answer, she turned to the next section, noting that it seemed to be a sitting area, complete with a table, piles of pillows, and a heat rune at the centre that could be used to keep food or tea warm while entertaining guests. Next to that was a small kitchenette, and an island, dominated by enormous windows that filled almost the entire wall of the room.

Twilight turned to her right, towards where she knew the bathroom was. The filly walked inside and flicked on the light, only for her to jaw to fall once more, the bathroom, far from being ornate was still amazingly detailed, with each tile being a different tiny scene of some kind before blending in with a soft blue about mid way up the wall that reminded Twilight of well, twilight. The tub was entirely disconnected from the wall, a series of crystals along the wall next to it, obviously connecting to the spells necessary to fill and drain it of water. The sink was a little high, forcing her to hop up onto her hind legs, but she had no trouble reaching the taps, and there was even a perfect spot for her toothbrush.

Shaking her head, Twilight turned back around, turning off the light as she left, something telling her she would need to set aside a few minutes just to figure out everything the bathroom could do.

Walking back into her room, the filly got a running start and leapt up onto the bed and lay on her back, just staring up at the ceiling. She shook her head slowly, a small smile spreading across her face. Even the ceiling was touched with luxury but not so much as to drift into the realm of garishness. It was stuccoed in such a way to create many valleys and peaks, that hid many small sparkling objects that resembled stars. Twilight made a note of looking up at the ceiling when it was dark out as she had no doubt it would be even more amazing then.

A knock on the door took her out of her reverie and she only then realized how much much time had passed without her brushing up on any of her past subjects. “Oh uh, just a sec!” she called, jumping off the bed and sprinting over to the book cases and tearing books out almost at random.

Fiction flew over her shoulder and gathered in small piles behind her, while all non-fiction was piled before her. The knock returned, this time louder, a voice yelling from behind the door, “Twilight Sparkle, what are you doing?”

Twilight groaned, noticing that it was that cranky old earth pony from last time. “Just give me five minutes! I haven't even studied yet!”

The filly silently cursed herself for having set aside the joyous task of organizing her collection for later. Just as she reached the end of the line and all the books were off her shelf, the door cracked open, admitting an annoyed-looking mare still clutching her clipboard to her chest. “What on earth are you doing, child?” she scoffed, looking out over the semi-organized mess Twilight had created in her haste to find all her old textbooks from school.

“Uh, studying?” Twilight answered weakly.

The older mare tsked and trotted over to the table and sat down, placing her clipboard on the table. “Come, sit. We have much to go over and not much time to do so.”

The filly frowned and gestured to her pile of non-fiction. “B-but I-”

“No buts, don't worry, this isn't a real test. You can't fail.”

Twilight sighed and sat down across from the mare, frowning at her. “Where is Celestia?”

“Princess Celestia is unfortunately busy, something more important came up and she asked me to go on without her. Now then, if you are ready?” she asked, looking out over the sharp rim of her glasses at the filly.

Twilight gulped and nodded. “Yes, miss…”

“Pots, you may call me Miss Pots.”

“Err yes, Miss Pots.”

The older mare nodded, flipping over the first sheet. “First, how much do you remember from magic kindergarten?”

Twilight groaned, this was going to be a long day.

Celestia trotted past the las security station in the long and ill-used hallway that was her top secret wing. Much like the quarantine wing of the hospital, this area had not been in use for years and Celestia made a note of getting some more trustworthy maids down here as though it had been cleaned, the alicorn could still see dust and dirt just out of sight. Evidently someone had grown lazy when it came to the maintenance of this particular wing.

She couldn't really blame them though, it had been years since she had walked these halls after all.

Putting that thought from her mind, she turned towards one of the many doors that lined the hall and stopped seemingly at random. The entire hall was black, featureless as were the doors, with only a small silver panel next to the door.

Summoning her magic, the alicorn pressed her levitation field against the square, after a second of silence, the square turned gold and the door clicked several times. Waiting patiently, Celestia stood as the door clicked, rattled, then finally, after a deep rumble, clicked one last time.

Taking the handle in her magic, the alicorn opened the door and walked into the next room which was just large enough for a small group of ponies to stand in comfortably. Across from her was another featureless door devoid of handle or silver square, while to her right was large tinted window with a silver rune next to it.

“Ahh, welcome to the lab, Princess, just give me a second to hit the... oh wait. I guess I should ask for the password,” a staticy voice muttered from the rune.

Celestia chuckled. “Yes, no matter who I appear to be, you should always ask for the password.”

“Sorry about that.” The stallion cleared his throat. “What is the password?”

“Sheep Skin.”

“Right, go on in.” The door across from her buzzed, cracking open slightly. “Bit morbid of a password don't ya- of course I turned it off, oh wait.” The voice clicked off, drawing another chuckle from Celestia and she made a note to remind that particular guard that he might have to review security procedures again as he had forgotten the decontamination procedures.

Celestia cast her own decontamination spell on herself and pushed aside such thoughts for now. With that done, the alicorn strode into the room, taking a moment to survey her surroundings.

All around, her hoof picked researches were busy unpacking various boxes, assembling work stations and generally getting everything ready. A few paused to nod respectfully to the princess while a few others stopped what they were doing to bow low to the monarch. “As you were.” She muttered, her eyes glazing over the wide laboratory.

A few quarantine rooms were already set up along the edges of the lab while a series of offices were on the far side of the room. Everywhere she looked, she was met by bright white surfaces, everything from floor to ceiling, and even the ponies were the same sterile white, just as it should be.

The alicorn made a second note to come down here to check on the scientists in more detail, for now she was here for one and one purpose only. Noticing the familiar silver fur of the doctor inside one of the offices, Celestia trotted over and knocked politely on the door.

“Just a sec!” the young voice called, before grunting. “Come on, you darn thing, get out of the- oof.”

Celestia rolled her eyes and waited for Silver Scalpel to call her in, which thankfully didn't take long. “Come in!” she called.

The alicorn pushed open the door and stepped inside, shutting it firmly behind her. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

The doctor blushed slightly. “Sorry about that, Your Majesty, just had a bit of a fight with the stapler.”

“Did you win at least?” Celestia asked slyly.

The mare giggled. “Barely, that thing weighs more than I do, but it's never failed to do its job.”

Celestia looked over to the indeed quite massive steel stapler sitting on her desk. “Yes, a most impressive stapler if ever there was one.”

Silver rolled her eyes and pulled her chair closer. “Is there something you needed, Princess? Or are you just here to tease me some more?”

The princess sighed. “Yes, unfortunately I am, but first, how goes the unpacking?”

The doctor shrugged. “About as well as one might expect. It's going to take awhile before we get everyone settled and the schedule worked out, but everypony is eager to get started.”

“Good,” Celestia remarked, looking over the mare’s office with disinterest.

Behind her on the wall was her first doctorate, several other diplomas, a picture of her and her family and finally another picture of her and her girlfriend at what looked like a fair of some kind. “The Summer Sun Celebration,” Silver offered.

The alicorn lifted an eyebrow. “Pardon?”

“The fair, it was at Velvet’s hometown. It's where we met, actually,” Silver added.

“Ahh. I must admit I was curious.” The alicorn finished her quick inspection of the room and sat down across from the doctor, her much larger frame making the plastic chair squeak in protest. “Speaking of curiosity, how has the analysis gone so far? Surely you have been able to spare a few minutes to look over some of the data we gathered.”

The doctor squirmed in her chair slightly, gripping her hooves a little tighter. “I have taken a few minutes out of my day to give it a look but it is… difficult.”

“How so?”

Silver shook her head slowly. “We gathered boxes and boxes of data thanks to the spells you used, but we haven't had the time to really start putting things together. Don't get me wrong, those spells were a massive help, and something us mortals are simply not capable of, but we just haven't had the time yet.” She sighed, tapping her hooves together awkwardly. “From what little I have looked at… Well, let's just say it's a good thing you hired so many ponies, as this one is quite the doozy.”

The alicorn nodded slowly, reminiscing about the alicorn spells she had used to help gather said boxes of data. If only the spells could be scaled down, or perhaps if a group of unicorns got together… Celestia pushed the thought away for now, giving her head a shake.

“Fair enough, and Velvet Touch?”

“Oh uh, she's doing well, getting settled same as us.”

“Has she had the time to perform an interview with Twilight yet?”

Silver shook her head. “No, I’m afraid she insisted on canvassing her family and neighbors first, before interviewing the filly.”

“And friends, right?” Celestia asked.

The doctor sighed. “It did not appear as though she had any friends. Classmates, even study partners, but never friends it seems. They were the first Velvet contacted, and the interviews did not take too long as nopony in her class seemed to know much about her.”

The alicorn’s brow furrowed and she made a mental note to address this later. “Any other concerns that come to mind, before you begin?”

Silver paused, tapping her chin and looking off into the lab with a thoughtful expression. “No, I don't think so. I would just like to thank you again for the opportunity, I can't wait to get started.”

“I eagerly await your discoveries and in time, a cure,” Celestia added.

The doctor frowned slightly. “Hopefully…”

“Regardless, if that's all, I have a meeting to attend.”

“Oh uh, one quick question.”

Celestia paused. “Go on.”

“What uh, what happened to the dragon? What are your plans for it?” The doctor asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice.

“As you know there were some complications in that regard, though I do plan on exposing it to Twilight.”

“Good thinking, maybe it will finally stop crying,” Silver added dryly.

“Quite, the bond is more powerful than first thought, and so soon no less.”

Silver tapped her chin. “I thought dragon bonds only happened after a week of contact. Or at least that's what my biology course said.”

“Normally they do… One of many mysteries around my student,” Celestia remarked.

Author's Note

Want to see stories like this before anyone else and get access to secret patron only stories, early releases for patreon supporters aaand other goodies? Drop just three bucks on my patreon and join the early release club! Edited by the ever wonderful, Everfreepony!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of:
Apollyon
DioKyo
Facinus
IamUknown
M
Michael
Random Reader.
Thank you so so much!

Ramifications

Twilight was alone in an infinite realm of absolute darkness, everywhere she turned there was simply nothing. The filly looked down at her hooves, noticing that not only could she see her body, but it also seemed to look and feel exactly as it should. She lifted a hoof up to her eyes, noticing the soft orange glow that illuminated her hoof. With a shrug, she began walking in a random direction, her luminous orange gaze inspecting her odd surroundings.

She frowned, noticing that the endless expanse was just that, endless. No matter how much she walked or in what direction, it earned her nothing but exactly the same darkness without pause or change. With a sigh she sat down on what felt like a hardwood floor and tapped her chin. “Where am I?” she pondered aloud.

“Think Twilight, what happened last?” Her face screwed up into an expression of concentration before her orange eyes suddenly snapped open. “I was in bed, which means this is a dream!”

She looked around, expecting something to happen, only for the darkness to remain unchanged. “A really boring dream,” the filly lamented.

With a shrug she focused, trying to remember what that guide to lucid dreaming had told her to do. Imagine what you wish to happen and realize that you can simply make it happen. The filly blinked, shocked that she had actually remembered the line she had been trying to think of. She pushed a little harder into her memory, finding that she was quickly able to recall the entire page that sentence had been on.

“Weird.” The pony had a good memory, but not an eidetic one. Well, until now it seemed. “Maybe it's a dream thing?” she wondered aloud.

She sighed, vaguely aware that she would normally be terrified of such empty void like this, but something about it didn't feel oppressive though, it felt almost homey, in a way. More than that, she also felt oddly warm, as if there was a blanket wrapped about her shoulders and tucked tight around her body, which helped stave off the fear and confusion.

Even the endless darkness and oppressive nature of such a void didn't seem to bother her, Twilight was simply annoyed that there was nothing there. “Well, what the hay am I supposed to do now?” Her eyes went wide and she covered her mouth with both hooves.

Only to realize that with nopony around, and this being her dream, she could swear as much as she wanted. “Hay hay hay! Pony feathers!” the filly burst into a fit of giggles, grinning like a child that had just gotten away with pilfering the entire cookie jar.

She looked around, as if her mother may burst from the darkness and stuff her mouth full of soap at any second. When such a thing didn't happen she giggled and whispered the worst word she could think of, “Shit.”

When nothing continued to not happen, she burst into another round of giggles, enjoying the fact that she could say the only swear she knew with complete impunity. “Shit shit shit!”

Another round of giggles saw her tumble to the ‘ground’ in a heap while clutching her sides.

Then a change, and the sound of strange clicking noises in the distance drew her attention, making her laughter die in her throat.

The pony jumped into a standing position, looking around the dreamspace curiously. “H-hello?” she whispered.

The chittering stopped, only to start up again a second later, this time far more excitedly.

Twilight frowned and tried to turn to the source of the clicking speech, only to find that no matter which direction she faced, it always felt as though the sound was coming from behind her. Such a sound should be scary, Twilight was vaguely aware of this fact, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that whatever creature was making the odd clicking speech was very happy.

“Is anyone there?!” she yelled, pouring power into her horn with the intent of casting a light spell.

Her immediate surroundings lit up, illuminated by the magenta light of her magic, only to reveal absolutely nothing at all. The ‘ground’ she was standing on did not seem to have any form whatsoever and the darkness quickly swallowed the light of her horn, ensuring she couldn't see for more than a few feet.

With a sigh she stopped the flow of magic and strained her ears, trying to find the source of the chittering sounds, only to find that it had stopped completely.

“Are you still there?” Twilight asked. “Mister buggy?”

The chittering returned, this time punctuated by what sounded like scratching, squelching and the odd squeak, ending with a slightly higher pitched squelch that made the entire thing sound like a question.

Twilight blinked. “Uh, I’m not sure I understand, Mister buggy… thing. Was that a question?”

The weird garbled speech was punctuated by an excited screech at the end of its sentence before babbling away in an excited, rapid fire tone.

“If you are talking, I can't understand you. Do you speak standard Equestrian? Or Prench? I know a little Prench,” Twilight offered, wincing at the confused squelch sound that followed her question.

“Hrarrghur?” the voice asked, having become strangely clearer and less nonsensical, but still complete gibberish.

“That's better, can you say pony? Poe-nee?” Twilight asked, clearly enunciating the word to ensure that she wasn't misunderstood.

Several excited squelching sounds punctated by a screech, then skitter followed the filly’s question, making her sigh in annoyance.

Then all of a sudden the voice spoke once more, this time in a strangely familiar tone. “Poe-neeee.” Granted, it was punctuated by a series of clicks and warbles, but the voice had managed to say its first Equestrian word.

“Yay! Good job! I am a pony.” The filly smiled. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, what is yours?”

The voice made more garbly noises, but it was quickly fading away, as if the being speaking was disappearing down a long tunnel. “Wait, where are you going!” Twilight called, her head turning this way and that, trying to figure out where the other being had went.

A light grabbed her attention, emerging from the darkness before her and drew closer with each passing second.

“Oh poo, I never found out her name,” Twilight remarked dryly before the light suddenly overwhelmed her.

The filly blinked owlishly, noting that she was no longer in the endless expanse of light and darkness, her room having replaced the featureless void she had been in a moment earlier. Her mouth hung open, a huge yawn causing her jaw to creak in protest. She looked up, noticing that the sun had only barely begun to crawl up the roof, indicating that it was still early. Around seven thirty if she had to guess.

“What a weird dream,” she whispered.

The filly pushed herself out of bed, landing with a thump on the cool ground. She let out another long yawn as she walked over to where her end table was in order to grab the glass of water she always left out for herself. Only for her hoof to pass through the air the glass usually occupied.

Twilight opened her eyes and looked around, only now realizing that she wasn't in her room at home, but rather the castle. “Oh yeah,” she mumbled, looking around at the much, much larger space she now occupied.

With a shrug the filly trotted over to the bathroom and pulled out a small stool that she had brought with her. With the advantage of a little height she was able to look into the mirror and thus was able to brush her teeth, provided she remembered where she put her toothbrush. “Duh.” She knocked a hoof upside her head and gently pulled on the massive ornate mirror, revealing an extra dimensional space behind that was easily large enough to fit the filly’s entire wardrobe into.

Which made it seem kinda weird that she really only stored a single cup with her toothpaste and a toothbrush in, but Twilight was sure she could think of something to help fill up that space.

With a clank the door shut and the filly smiled into the mirror, trying to find any stray bits of food that may still be stuck in her teeth. She didn't find any food, her smile slumped, but she kept her lips pulled back, her gaze glued to the pair of pronounced canines that stuck out from either side of her lips. When she closed her mouth she noticed that if she didn't take care to close her mouth perfectly they would poke out the sides of her lips, still visible.

Well that would explain some of the looks I was getting, she thought morosely.

The filly poked her right canine with a hoof, finding that it was indeed real and attached to her jaw. She closed her lips and frowned, noticing the way the twin spikes of pearly white poked out. She had been told it was part of her flare and that they might just fall out, but Twilight didn't really see the big deal. Sure, pointy teeth were for meat eaters, but the dragon she hatched was cute and he had pointy teeth and he wasn't a bad pony, err dragon, right?

She looked up to her eyes, gazing into the pupilless orange void that stared back at her. With a sigh the filly opened her lips once more and grabbed her toothbrush.

A few minutes later and she tromped out of the bathroom, tossing the door closed behind her.

As soon as all four hooves were back in her new room she felt her stomach rumble, reminding her that she had yet to eat anything today. The filly looked around the room, hoping to find something to fill the growing void in her midsection. The closest thing there was to food was a package of tea leaves that she hadn't noticed before and something about eating a bag full of dry leaves wasn't very appealing to the filly.

Remembering the words of one of the guards she had met, she walked over to the door.

If you ever need anything just ask a guard and they will be more than happy to help you.

The filly’s smile faltered somewhat when she remembered the rather gruff look that same guard had given her a second later when she asked a question.

Ultimately the filly decided to brave the potentially gruff guard once more, determined to find something to eat lest she be forced to possibly ruin her first lesson with Celestia by being too hungry to pay attention.

With a gentle tug of her magic, the orange eyed filly pulled open the door and peered outside, noticing a rather bored looking unicorn mare clad in gold armor already looking down at her. “Eep!” Twilight cried, pushing the door closed and hiding behind it.

The guard, rather than seeming annoyed, laughed at the sudden disappearance of her charge, catching the door before it could close all the way. “What is the matter, young miss? Is there something in my teeth?”

The filly blinked, this didn't seem like one of the grumpy guards from before. “Umm. No, I don't think so,” she whispered.

“Did you have something to ask me, or were you just trying to scare an old mare?” asked the guard.

“I was wondering where I can get some breakfast…” Twilight muttered.

“Do you mind if I come in?”

The filly gulped and released the hold her magic had on the door, allowing the guard to open it the rest of the way and smile down at the filly. “There we go. Now what would you like, young miss?”

“Umm... cereal? Please?” Twilight asked nervously, unable to meet the guard’s friendly gaze.

The older mare laughed and shook her head. “This is Canterlot Castle, you can have whatever you want and you choose plain old cereal?” She blew a raspberry and laughed. “You gotta think bigger!”

Twilight gasped, looking up at the guard in wonder. “Anything?”

The guard nodded. “The princess told me you can get anything you wanted so long as you don't eat just cake.” The filly’s eyes lit up both figuratively and literally, which made the guard raise an eyebrow. Now that's the strangest pair of peepers I ever saw, thought the unicorn guard.

“I want pancakes! And hay bacon and and an apple and, and orange juice!” yhe filly announced excitedly.

The old guard chuckled once more. “Is that everything, young miss?”

“Yup!”

The guard nodded. “I’ll be right back with your food, you just sit tight now, alright?”

The filly nodded. “I will, guard lady!”

“It's Silver Bulwark ,but you can just call me Bull, everyone does.” The guard threw the filly a wink and turned and left, leaving Twilight alone and excited.

Wow, she was nice. Maybe they aren't all bad, the filly thought to herself, trotting over to the small table and plopping down in her seat and levitating a book over from the shelf. With a book in one hoof and a glass of water in the other the filly looked out the nearby window, gazing out over Canterlot.

Maybe this all won't be so bad after all.

Twilight groaned, lying on her bed with her limbs splayed in all directions. The food in her belly turned, threatening to come up again, causing a second groan to spill from her lips.

“Sooo full,” she whined, painfully aware of the feeling of a half dozen pancakes, fruit bowl and several cups of orange juice rolling around in her stomach.

The guard had mentioned that the chef was so thrilled to finally be cooking for more than just Celestia that he had gone all out on her dish and Twilight couldn't just not eat it. Her parents had raised her better than that after all. Though after eating all that, she just might have to disappoint her mother if the chef kept this up for lunch.

She shook her head and heaved her body onto her side now that the gurgling and the pain had died down somewhat. A quick glance at the clock told her that she still had about twenty minutes to walk to the space that Princess Celestia had simply referred to as the magical training room. It didn't take a pony with an IQ like Twilight’s to figure out what that meant for her next lesson. Despite the excitement that built in her chest, the filly still felt a little… off. Like she had forgotten something, only she wasn't sure what.

Now that she thought about it, it felt more like that time her older brother had convinced her that fruit had feelings and she had nearly gotten scurvy because she had learned how to teleport the food out of her mouth and into a hole in the backyard. It was like she was missing something important that her body needed but wasn't getting...

But what?

She had pancakes with blueberries in them and on them, plus syrup and an entire fruit bowl with lots of orange juice! The filly shook her head, deciding that she was probably just a little homesick. The castle was nice after all, but she still missed her family intensely and all the pancakes in the world couldn't smother that feeling.

Or could they?

The filly shrugged and hopped off the bed, the grumbling in her stomach having died down enough that it at least was no longer audible. She may very well be capable of filling the void her family left behind with pancakes, but the more she thought about it, the more she was sure that she didn't want such an experiment to succeed anyway.

She trotted around the room, trying to get her stomach to settle completely before she had to leave for the first real lesson from Princess Celestia. She shrugged again and continued her slow pace, feeling the lethargy from her meal slowly lift.

With nothing else to do for the moment, she simply thought, her mind going back to the crazy events of the last few days. It had been quite the life changing week to say the least and the filly smiled as she glanced out her window. In a way that view was like a physical embodiment of those changes, which served as a bittersweet reminder of the things she gained and lost.

Sure her family was further away, but that wasn't so bad, right? They were still in the city, they would be coming to her room tonight, then in a few days she would be back home for the weekend.

Her smile faltered as she realized just how strange that entire thought process had been.

Normally she would have freaked out over being late and would have shown up for lessons at least a half hour early. Yet here she was, waiting for her stomach to settle before she left, burning valuable minutes. Even still, with the possibility of angering Celestia dawning on her, she still couldn't muster the urge to really act on that, or feel anything other than a slight agitation.

Emotional response is unneeded, we know the walk will take only two minutes at most, she thought to herself.

The cold logic of it all did wonders to assuage her nerves, but she couldn't help but wonder why she felt so different lately. She wasn't even overly bothered by the fact that her family was so far away, despite the fact that she had never left home for more than a single overnight sleepover a year ago.

She glanced down at her hooves, her thoughts wandering aimlessly until finally she gave her head a shake and trotted off towards the door. It was probably just her getting older, her mom did say she was going to start changing pretty soon. The filly was just glad that the weird hair and hormones part hadn't started yet.

The more she thought about it, the more Twilight thought that maybe staying for a few more minutes wouldn't be that bad of an idea.

The filly turned back to her bed and slung her saddlebags over her back, feeling the familiar weight of the notebook, quill, ink, extra paper, and a few other things that she may need for her first real lesson. With a nod, the filly reached her hoof up and pushed open the enormous wooden door.

Two minutes and eight seconds later, Twilight was standing in front of the doors to the magical training room, which were a pair of large iron clad sentinels that were almost as intimidating as the guard that stood next to them. The guard himself was thankfully not the kind that glared at her, nor was he the type that seemed to shrink from her gaze. Rather, he took one look at her and just seemed to shrug before turning back to his job of looking stoic.

Something that Twilight was immensely thankful for as she was beginning to dislike the way some of the guards looked at her. The thought was strange in hindsight, she was hardly even intimidated by most of them and she hadn't exactly lived here long. The filly reached up and pushed on one of the large doors, which did not so much as budge even when she threw her weight against it. She was about to light her horn and try to move the door but before her horn could light, the door opened, as if pushed by the mere force of her will.

She blinked and looked up, to notice that the guard had opened the door for her, and quickly shuffled back to his position, flashing the filly a small smile before turning away and returning once more to his silent stoicism.

“Thank you, sir,” Twilight whispered

The guard spared the filly a brief glance before nodding once more in turn, gesturing inside the room.

The filly did as she was told and scuttled inside, the heavy iron door booming closed behind her. With wide, inquisitive eyes she stared around the room, noting that it felt larger than the exterior would indicate.

“Hmm,” she muttered to herself, her gaze drawn up the walls, across the ceiling before finally back down the other side.

The walls themselves were simple white stone, with lines painted at what seemed like random angles, circles here, squares there, it all appeared deliberate but Twilight wasn't sure what any of it meant. The roof was made of the same stone, and was adorned with far less paint, with only a few dots marked here and there. The floor was marked similarly and other than a set of small unassuming wooden doors, the room was completely empty.

“Stone ceiling, feels larger on the inside…” the filly muttered to herself before tapping her hoof a few times and listening to the echoes. “Chamber seems out of place with the rest of the castle. Curious. Either the door is a subtle teleportation anchor or the room itself is an extra dimensional space,” Twilight wondered aloud, her tone becoming strangely devoid of emotion.

“Actually, it's a bit of both, I’m afraid,” announced a voice from behind her.

Twilight spun around, her eyes going wide. “Princess Celestia!” The filly stumbled into a hasty bow, nearly toppling to the ground when her bags fell forward and smacked into the back of her head.

Celestia sighed and rolled her eyes. “What did I tell you about bowing?” she asked, a hint of annoyance edging into her tone.

Twilight looked up. “To… not?”

The alicorn chuckled. “Exactly, so please rise.”

Twilight silently did as she was told, allowing her the first real look at the princess.

She seemed off to Twilight, as if she wasn't getting a good sleep, or ate something funny, or perhaps had heard one of Twilight’s father’s jokes. Beyond that her entire body seemed to glow more than usual and the longer Twilight stared, the more she realized that this was not the warm glow Twilight usually saw coming from the alicorn, but rather the golden light of spellform that clung to the monarch. She wasn't sure what the spells were or did, but they seemed complicated and powerful. Something niggled at the back of her mind, making Twilight think the largest, brightest spell was the mysterious and unheard of type of spells that were referred to as runic magic. Either way, Twilight decided that it was her job to cheer Princess Celestia up by being the best student ever!

The filly flashed the alicorn a wide smile, something that didn't quite have the effect she wanted, as the filly’s canines seemed to glint in the light, making Celestia frown slightly. “What do all those spells do?” Twilight asked happily, gesturing to the glow that enfused the princess.

Celestia smiled. “As sharp as ever I see.” The alicorn spread her wings, making the spells fan out and become more visible to the inquisitive filly. “What do you think they do?”

“Umm…” Twilight tapped her chin and strained her memory, searching for anything that resembled the strange circles and glowing symbols that floated around the alicorn’s body. “Scanning spells, and runic magic that protects against something?”

Celestia seemed about to say something, only to stop when she heard Twilight’s answer. “You are half-right, they are mostly there for our protection. They will stop harm from befalling anyone I’m in the room with.” Where did she learn about runic magic? The alicorn thought to herself.

“Ooooh,” Twilight murmured.

Celestia nodded, oddly uncomfortable by the entire interaction. “Now then, we have a good idea where your normal schooling is. But we have yet to really test your magic, which is what we will be doing today.”

“But I already got my yearly magic check up a month ago,” Twilight whined.

“That may be, but those tests have to be redone when something big happens, right?” Celestia said with a smile.

“My cutie mark!” Twilight squealed, her eyes lighting up at the realization.

Celestia was barely able to stifle a giggle at the sight of her student’s eyes glowing more intensely, the image of a mood ring coming unbidden to her mind. “Exactly. As you know a cutie mark can sometimes boost or change a pony’s magic. Especially when that pony’s special talent is magic itself. So today will be exclusively magical testing.”

“Daww.” The filly looked down at her bags, all her enthusiasm suddenly bleeding away.

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Is something wrong?”

“I was so excited for a real lesson and now I won't be able to take any notes.” She dug through her bags, pulling out her favorite quill complete with a tiny charm shaped like a fish that was held magically in place at the end. “Mister Swimmer loves taking notes.”

Only the decades of politicking with some of the best poker faced ponies in history stopped the princess from erupting in giggles, the sheer adorableness being nearly too much to handle. “Unfortunately that's true, but if we finish early I promise to give you and Mister Swimmer something to take notes on, okay?”

The filly jumped into the air. “Yippee!” she cried, earning a small chuckle from the alicorn.

“Why don't you put your bags and Mister Swimmer by the door for now? Wouldn't want to accidentally break such a wick quill.”

Twilight’s face screwed up for a second and she looked up at Celestia in confusion. “What do you mean by wick? What does a candle have to do with anything?”

“Err...” Celestia scratched the back of her neck, blushing awkwardly. “Is that not how the youth refer to something that is neat?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, we usually say something like cool, or awesome! We also don't call ourselves ‘the youth’.”

The older mare coughed awkwardly. “Good to know. It's been a long time since I’ve taken a student, sorry if my vernacular is not up to par.”

Twilight shrugged. “No biggie.” She trotted over to the door and deposited her bags, allowing Celestia a blessed few seconds to gather her wits and reform the mask she usually wore.

“We are going to need a few things to properly do this test, so while I acquire them, please do a few warm ups to make sure your magic is acting normally,” Celestia remarked before turning towards one of the wooden doors.

The filly straightened her stance, setting her legs far apart in order to allow her magical pathways to flow unhindered. Next she lit her horn and cast a small light spell, the magic glowing the familiar magenta that it usually did, save for the addition of a few flecks of orange that the filly didn't notice. With her attention focused on her light spell, she began to go through the usual motions. Moving the spell up and down, left and right before centering it once more and focusing intently on the glow, forcing it to grow brighter and brighter until the strain became too much to contain.

So focused was the filly that she didn't notice Princess Celestia watching her from the sidelines, a bag of bright orange balls on one side of her, and several larger heavier ones that grew in size from roughly the size of a medicine ball all the way to a beach ball. The princess watched as the filly’s oddly colored magic dimmed and brightened several more times until finally she seemed to catch sight of the alicorn and let her horn shut off completely.

“Ready!” she announced enthusiastically.

“Good, first we are going to test your multitasking skills as well as your ability to spread your magic out.” The princess hefted several of the small bright orange balls in her hoof. “To do that I am going to toss these balls on either side of you, right or left. I won't ever throw one at you, so don't worry.”

Twilight’s hoof shot up, making Celestia blink. “Uh, yes? You don't need to raise your hoof, Twilight.”

The filly blushed. “Oh um. I was just wondering why this time the test is different. Usually they just make me try and lift a bunch of blocks and stuff.”

“That is a good question. While that test is accurate in regards to seeing how well you can lift stationary blocks, this method tests your speed and accuracy as well.” She smirked. “Plus it's way funner than playing with blocks.”

Twilight nodded. “Do I toss them aside afterward or?”

“Try and put them in a pile in front of you, if you don't think you have the speed to do that then just do the best you can.” The alicorn smiled warmly, beaming down at the filly. “And don't worry, I called this a test, but you can't fail it so don't worry and try to have some fun.”

Something irked Twilight about being told to have fun while taking a test as she felt as though fun would get in the way of potential testing, but she brushed these thoughts aside for now. Her eyes narrowed and her horn lowered, her attention focusing to a razor’s edge. “Ready!” Twilight called.

Celestia nodded once before taking the balls in her magic and levitating them above her head. The first ball she tossed was low, and slow, little more than a test to make sure that there was indeed a small orange light that flickered inside the glow of the filly’s magic. Sure enough the filly caught it and confirmed that it wasn't just a freak occurrence and that her magic was indeed flecked with orange. The alicorn frowned, staring at the filly’s horn until she noticed Twilight looking up at her with a confused expression.

Celestia shook her head and grabbed the next two balls and chucked them one after another, each at a different side. They were spaced out slightly, allowing the filly to grab them one by one if she wished. Yet the filly didn't bother, simply grabbing both of them about midway between them and depositing them in the growing pile in front of her.

The elder mare nodded knowingly, happy to see that the notes taken by the filly’s old doctor were indeed correct. Next she grabbed four balls and tossed them two at a time, varying their speed and path slightly in an attempt to throw Twilight off. The filly was anything but surprised by the sudden jump in difficulty and instantly grabbed all four at once before depositing them in the pile.

She would have to up the ante a little if she was going to have a hope of grasping the depth of the filly’s skill it seemed. Next she grabbed ten of the balls all at once and noticed that instead of intimidation in the filly’s face, Celestia saw determination. With a smile she threw the next set of balls, and was instantly met with surprising turn of events.

Back and forth they went, with Celestia eventually having to drag the pile of testing balls back over to her in order to continue. Over the course of several minutes it quickly became apparent that the filly was well beyond that of her old classmates. Her connection was solid, as was her reaction time and speed which were well above the norm, able to multitask with an ease that would make a full grown adult green with envy. Though she faltered occasionally, Twilight didn't seem to get too down from it, focusing instead on what she did wrong and how to improve and over the course of ten minutes of testing most of the curve balls Celestia threw no longer caught the filly off guard.

Her mind was evidently quick to change and adapt to new situations, with analytical skills well above her grade level. All that adaptation wouldn't help her on the next test however, as it was focused on one thing and one thing only, power.

The alicorn levitated all the orange balls back to her side and smiled down at the panting filly. “Great work Twilight. You did far better than even a month ago.”

The filly beamed, her grin showing off her teeth. “Thanks! Shiny and I practice every summer!”

The princess chuckled, watching as the filly quickly got ahold of her breathing and brought it back under her control, no longer panting. “That's wonderful to hear. Now, this next test is going to have a lot less finesse than the last. I’m going to toss these weights at you one at a time and I want you to catch them, if you can't, don't worry. They won't hit you.”

Twilight looked from one weight to the next until her gaze lingered on the largest of which. “A-alright,” she stuttered.

“Relax Twilight. If you can't catch it, then let it fall, it's okay. Remember there is no winning or losing.” The filly nodded. “Are you ready?” Celestia asked, grabbing the smallest weight and easily levitating it above her waist.

Twilight took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

Celestia nodded before gently tossing the weight at the filly’s right side, sending it in a slow, simple arc.

The filly stared intently, and when the weight reached the apex of the toss she grabbed it, her magic wrapping tightly around the heavy weight. Her teeth clenched and she was forced to pour a little extra magic, but she caught the ball and gently brought it down to the floor in front of her.

Celestia nodded, hiding the small sliver of worry that wormed into her thoughts.

She brought the next ball up, and sent it into a similarly gentle arc.

And again the filly caught it, only to waver briefly before pouring more power into her spell.

Was her control hampered in some way? Celestia pondered, before tossing the third weight.

Again the filly caught it, but this time with much more struggling, the ball nearly slipping out of her magical grasp before being placed gently on the ground in front of the others.

“Remember Twilight, if you can't catch it just drop it, it's not worth hurting yourself,” Celestia reminded.

Twilight nodded, but didn't seem to be listening, her gaze focused on the second last weight that was held aloft in Celestia’s magic.

The alicorn sighed, mentally preparing herself for the possibility that she may have to stop the filly lest she hurt herself or perhaps worse still, flare. The last one didn't seem as likely but the filly was awfully focused on completing the test and it certainly wasn't out of the realm of possibility.

With one last hesitant look, the alicorn tossed the weight in the same gentle arc as the last.

Twilight’s face screwed up into a tight, if adorable, mask of concentration, her horn glowing brightly as she wrapped her telekinetic aura around the weight. The glow faltered almost instantly, slowing the descent slightly but flickering in and out as she struggled to control the weight’s fall. The weight dipped a few inches before the filly’s magic was able to slow its fall.

“Come on…” Twilight groaned, gritting her teeth tightly as her magic grew to the point that it very nearly blinded her.

The weight shifted this way and that, her magic unable to encompass it entirely, making it tumble out of her grip constantly. It was near the ground now, mere inches from the stone floor yet Twilight couldn't quite seem to get a handle on it. Then when it was a mere inch from the ground she pushed one final time.

Her horn sputtered, small jets of orange light shooting out before dissipating almost instantly. Despite stumbling up until that point, the additional effort seemed to work and she managed to gain control of the weight long enough to set it down in front of the others.

The filly nearly collapsed from relief, panting heavily, her legs shaking. “Yay,” she muttered weakly.

Celestia hid her disappointed frown and eyed the filly with concern. How could she have that much skill, yet lack strength? Her flare should have been all the evidence Celestia needed to conclude that Twilight was a powerhouse of mana, yet here she was, struggling with a weight that she should be able to lift. Yes it was a bit above her grade level, but compared to her other test this was a clear failure.

The filly’s eyes began to water and she looked up at Celestia. “Did I fail?”

“No, of course not, child. Like I said you can't fail this test.” Celestia tucked the weights back beside the others.

Twilight didn't seem convinced though and glanced forlornly at the last unlifted weight. “I should be able to lift it though, right? I mean I did super good with the last test! Maybe if I try again?”

Celestia stopped where she stood, noting the curious choice of words. “The test is over Twilight. You did well, remember that.”

The filly pouted. “But I lifted a weight like that before! I can do it, Princess, just let me catch my breath and I’ll-”

“You will do no such thing,” Celestia cut in, giving the filly a stern glance. “Magic changes, it fluctuates, I'm sure this is just a minor bump after getting your cutie mark. We can try again later.”

“I-...” The filly sighed. “Okay.”

The alicorn turned to put away the equipment, only to glance over her shoulder, her gaze lingering over the sad little filly. She sighed, and turned back, using her magic to pile the equipment next to the door.

As she approached she noticed the filly’s chest heave with a barely contained sniffle, prompting the alicorn to trot a little faster, fearing the worst. Sure enough the filly was on the verge of tears before Celestia got there. She wanted to reach out and assuage the filly’s worries but something held her back, making the alicorn hesitate.

The filly may still be contagious, and Celestia did not have the necessary spells to ward against such a thing. Sure she had some minor anti-infection enchantments to fight airborne pathogens, but she hadn't planned on getting close to the filly, meaning she didn't have anything prepared for potential contact. One look at the sniveling face of the downtrodden filly was enough to blow away such fear though and she reached down and scooped the filly up into a tight hug.

“There there Twilight, everything is fine,” the alicorn cooed, hugging the filly tightly against her chest.

Twilight tensed for a moment before awkwardly hugging the much larger pony back. She tried to speak but her tears always seemed to get in the way and eventually she gave up and cried into the alicorn’s shoulder.

The matronly alicorn sat patiently as the filly cried into her fur, until eventually her sniffles died out.

Celestia smiled gently and nuzzled the filly. “Are you okay, Twilight?”

“Mmhmm,” the filly whimpered back.

“Would you mind telling me what was bothering you?”

Twilight tensed for a second before relaxing once more, burying her face in the larger pony’s shoulder. “You aren't going to send me home, right?”

“I would never do that over one silly little test,” Celestia replied instantly.

The filly relaxed even more, pulling back from Celestia’s shoulder, prompting the alicorn to pull her back, while still holding her close. “Now tell Grandma Celestia what was bothering you.”

The younger mare slowly smiled as she looked up at the larger mare, a giggle slipping past her lips. “I was worried you would send me home since I am not as powerful anymore.”

The filly’s chin dipped and she started to look down, only to be caught by Celestia’s gentle hoof. “Excuse my language, but that's bull cookies.”

Twilight’s eyes widened with shock and she covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. “You are not supposed to say that!”

“Well it's true. You are already my student, Twilight, and unless you want that to change, it won't,” the alicorn stated.

Two glowing orange orbs looked up at the alicorn, searching her face for something in the alicorn’s expression. After a tense moment in which Celestia felt an odd tickle at the back of her mind, Twilight’s smile grew to encompass her face and she wiggled out of Celestia’s grasp. “Good! Because you promised something I could take notes on!” the filly announced proudly.

The alicorn chuckled and lay on the ground across from the excitable filly. “That I did, didn't I?”

“Mmhmm!” Twilight beamed.

“Well then, how about a story?”

The filly pouted. “I was hoping for a lesson.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “Stories can be lessons, and they can have facts, you just have to find them.”

At that, the filly seemed to regain her lost excitement and in a flash her bag was beside her, her quill, ink and paper all set out. “Ready!”

“Once upon a time, in the magical land of equestria, there were...”

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Friends and Enemies

The sound of humming filled the filly’s room as she hopped from her desk to the now less empty bookcase nearby. She ran a hoof down the spines of the books that had come into her collection, knowing their titles from touch alone. The ability to know so much was a strange new addition to her growing list of skills, but it had come in handy as she had stayed up late studying and ended up groping around in the dark with only her eyes for light. Closing her eyes, the filly continued down the line of books until she felt the familiar touch of the one she was looking for.

With a quick yank the book was free and the Life and meditations on magic was now safely in her hoof. Hopping back over to her desk, the filly laid it atop her to-read pile, which had shrunk considerably over the last several days and she made a note of visiting the library sooner rather than later.

Sighing contently, the filly sank into her pillows and glanced at her to-do list, only to chuckle at the sight. Every line had either been crossed out or had a check mark beside it save for one which simply said ‘Make another to-do list’.

Twilight tore the list from the wall and whisked it away to the garbage can.

Taking out her trusty quill, complete with Mister Swimmer, she wrote the first item on her new list. ‘Go to library and get more books for class and personal reading.’ Nodding contently, the filly looked at her reading pile, thinking which book she should read.

They were primarily fiction or personal study rather than something for Celestia as Twilight had already read well ahead of the meagre amount of books the princess had assigned to her. The list she had been given would have been intimidating a week ago, but something about her flare had made her already startlingly fast reading pace double overnight, allowing her to flip through a chapter book in minutes and demolish a textbook in a matter of hours.

Glancing over at her calendar, she noted that there were no upcoming tests to study for, or classes that she wasn't already weeks ahead in. The filly sighed, indeed there didn't seem to be anything on her calendar that was even remotely interesting, save for an appointment with that nice therapist lady she had to talk to once a week.

The filly found it strange that she had to talk to somepony like that as she didn't have any problems that warranted a mental health expert. Sure, her eyeballs were still all glowy, but she was pretty sure a therapist couldn't help her with that. She frowned, still a little annoyed that she didn't have any special powers despite her eyeballs glowing like Lady Cyclops’ which she had read about in one of her brother’s comics.

She had just barely lifted the next book from her pile when a knock came from the door. It was firm, even and unrushed, most likely Bull, Twilight figured.

“Come in!” she called, hopping up from her pillow and trotting over to the door.

Silver Bulwark popped her head inside, instantly noticing the excited filly scampering up to her. “Mornin’, young miss.”

“Good morning, Miss Bull!” Twilight yelled back, saluting the guard.

Bull chuckled. “Don't suppose you know this, Celestia lady, do ya?”

Twilight covered her mouth with her forehooves, holding back a giggle. “I don't know… What does she look like?”

“Great big bugger this one is, with flanks as wide as-”

“I think that's plenty enough description for young Twilight,” Celestia remarked with a smirk, stepping in behind the giggling guard.

Bull leaned in real close to Twilight, whispering conspiratorily to the filly. “I dunno, young miss. You think we should let her in?”

Twilight glanced up to Celestia’s amused expression before nodding. “She looks nice.”

The guard grunted. “Alright, but don't come crying to me if she makes off with your silverware.” The silver glow of her magic pushed open the door as she stepped to the side, bowing to the alicorn. “After you.”

The alicorn was obviously trying to maintain her usual poker face, but one look down at the giggling filly and it fell away instantly, morphing into a wide smile. “Why, thank you, Bull.”

“Your Majesty.” Bull nodded once to the alicorn then again to the still giggling filly. “Young miss.”

Twilight nodded back like the guard showed her, making her grin as she shut the door.

Once alone, the alicorn lay down on the floor and opened her hooves, allowing Twilight to scamper up to her and jump into her waiting embrace. With a smile on her face, the alicorn gently squeezed the filly while nuzzling her softly. “And how is my favorite iddy biddy filly?”

Said filly’s cheeks puffed up and she glared up at the alicorn with all the hate she could muster, which wasn't much. “Hey, I’m not iddy biddy! I’m actually big for my age.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “So you are saying you are just iddy, then?”

Twilight rubbed her chin thoughtfully before nodding. “That is acceptable.”

“Well, I’m glad we could get to the bottom of this very serious matter so quickly.” The alicorn ruffled the filly’s mane, making her giggle. “Now then, what have you planned to do today?”

“Visit the library, get more books, do more studying.” She shrugged. “The usual stuff since I don't have any work to do.”

The alicorn nodded. “I must apologize for that. I had assumed you would be a little slower to complete your coursework. Don't worry though, next week I will have more for you.”

The filly smiled. “Yay!”

“In the meantime though, why don't we go find some friends for you to play with?” Celestia offered.

Twilight visibly shrunk, glancing over at her desk. “But I don't wanna. Ponies are dumb and say mean things about my eyes.” She crossed her forehooves over her chest and pouted. “Besides, I have lots of friends here in the castle.”

“Oh, like who?”

“Bull! And uh, Night Shine, and Rose Bud, and uh… Chef Butter Roll!” the filly answered confidently.

Celestia shook her head slowly, placing a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. “I’m happy you are getting along with more of the staff, but you need friends your own age.”

The filly pouted. “But ponies my age always call me names.”

The alicorn hugged her a little tighter. “Well, I know one pony who is the nicest colt around, I’m sure you two would get along famously!”

The filly slowly opened up, looking up at the alicorn with a small optimistic smile. “Are you sure?”

Celestia’s smile filled her face and she beamed down at the filly. “Absolutely. Why, I even helped raise him for several years when he was young and I just know you will like him.”

Twilight’s smile grew and she hopped out of Celestia’s hooves. “Does he like books?” She glanced over her small collection. “Maybe I should bring a book.”

Rolling her eyes, Celestia stood up and gently pushed Twilight towards the door. “He is quite the avid reader, but I don't think bringing a book to the playground is the best idea. You don't want it to get wrecked, do you?”

The filly gasped and trotted over to the door. “That would be terrible.” She shivered. “Plus I’m pretty sure Miss Golden Stacks would eat me if I wrecked a library book.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “You mean Miss Stacks the librarian?”

The tiny pony gulped. “Yeah, she's scary.”

The alicorn made a mental note of it, determined to deal with that at a later date. With a magical tug she pulled open the door, nodding to Bull who waited on the other side. “Hey young miss, where you two off to?”

Twilight grinned, hopping up to the guard and saluting. “I am off to meet a new friend!”

“Well, ain't that just the bee’s knees,” the guard remarked with a smile.

Twilight turned to Celestia, a question already on her lips. “Do bees even have knees?”

“Technically, they do.” Celestia shook her head. “But that is a question for another time.” She nodded down to the guard. “Your services will not be needed, please remain here until Twilight returns.”

The guard’s face grew tense and she motioned for the alicorn to come closer.

Celestia lifted an eyebrow, but did as she was asked, coming in close to the guard, allowing her to whisper without the filly hearing. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Your Majesty?” she whispered, sparing a glance at the filly who had busied herself staring up at a painting that hung across from her door.

The alicorn followed her gaze to the filly before nodding slowly. “Yes, I do believe some socializing is in order. Why do you ask?”

Bull frowned, watching as the filly tried to mimic the overly pompous expression the unicorn in the painting was making. “I just have a bad feeling is all, plenty of ponies round here find her strange and you know what ponies are like around folk they find different.”

Celestia grimaced, already painfully aware of that fact. “I doubt this particular colt will be any trouble, but I may be wrong about this. With that in mind I’d like you close at hoof just in case things go poorly. We will be in the maze, so please remain at the entrance thereof, I will have somepony else cover her room.”

Bull nodded, breathing a sigh of relief, her smile growing as the filly suddenly burst into a round of giggling as she was no longer able to hold the pompous expression any longer. “Thanks, Your Majesty.”

With a nod the alicorn stood back to her full regal height. “Ready to go, Twilight?”

The filly nodded. “What were you whispering about?”

“Her majesty just wanted to talk to me, is all,” Bull remarked, reaching down and ruffling the filly’s mane.

“Hmm.” Twilight scrunched her face up tight, staring at the guard intently. “Hmmmm!”

Celestia raised an eyebrow and leaned towards the guard. “What is she doing?”

Bull shrugged. “She's trying to figure out what we said by reading my mind.” The alicorn’s eyebrow raised a little higher. “It's a game she likes to play. She ain't half bad at it either.”

“I got it!” Twilight yelled suddenly.

“Oh? What did you figure out, little one?” Celestia asked kindly, barely holding back a giggle.

“Something about a…. Maze?” she asked.

Celestia blinked, sharing a baffled expression with Bull. “Did you tell her about the secret playground?”

Bull shook her head. “No, did you?”

“No…” Celestia turned. “Say Twilight, why don't you tell me more about this game of yours…”

The filly beamed up at her, bouncing excitedly. “I got it right, didn't I?”

“Err, sort of.” Celestia began walking down the hall, her small charge easily keeping pace. “How did you come to start playing this game of yours?”

Twilight shrugged. “Bull said I wasn't supposed to know about how her date went and then it was like bam! I knew! And I was right!” She withered slightly. “Well, sorta right.”

“Interesting… Say Twilight, how are your visits with the therapist going?”

The filly’s smile remained in place, but her pace slowed slightly. “Okay. Velvet Touch is nice but asks lots of silly questions.”

“Really now, like what?”

“Like yesterday she asked…”

“And then Daring Do swooped down and swiped the goblet of fire right out of Ahuizotl’s hand!” the filly announced excitedly, bouncing beside the alicorn who nodded politely.

“Really now? She sounds like quite the adventurer.”

“Yeah!”

“So does that mean you want to be like her when you grow up?” Celestia asked, stepping outside and into the castle gardens.

Twilight glanced briefly at the immaculately kept grounds, her innate curiosity calling out for her to inspect the foliage in closer detail. She had more important things on her mind right now and that strange looking tree would reveal its secrets later. “Nuh uh.” She shrunk a little, her shoulders slouching. “Promise not to laugh?”

Celestia giggled. “I promise.”

The filly stopped before glancing right and left before looking up at Celestia. “You gotta put your hoof over your heart, like this. Dad says a promise made on the heart means you will never ever break it.”

The alicorn did as instructed, placing her hoof over her heart. “I promise not to laugh.”

“Okay.” Twilight glanced around before leaning in. “I want to be a super princess!”

“A super princess? What's wrong with just a regular princess?” Celestia asked curiously, holding back a laugh.

The filly shrugged. “A princess is cool, but I want super powers too! Like laser eyes or the ability to talk to fish.” She tapped a hoof to her chin. “Actually that last one sounds lame.”

“Well, I think it sounds radical,” Celestia commented, her smile faltering when Twilight didn't return the expression. “What, is radical not in use anymore?”

Twilight shook her head. “Not really, but you are getting closer.”

“Fi,” the alicorn cursed. “And here I thought I was getting good at this slang thing.”

Twilight giggled and got back up, prompting Celestia to continue walking deeper into the private gardens. “Good thing you got me around, huh?”

The alicorn smiled faintly, gazing off into the distance. “Quite so, young Twilight.”

Together the pair walked in relative silence, with Twilight humming some tune she only half remembered, her eyes flicking this way and that as gawked at all the different types of plants that grew in the royal gardens. Celestia smiled the entire time, her gaze occasionally glancing down to Twilight and watching the filly as she stared silently at some new type of plant she had never seen before. The innocent curiosity was both adorable and quite the change from the normal reactions she saw when guiding someone through the gardens for the first time.

Nobles would silently judge the worth of each plant as they passed them by, Celestia half convinced that she could see a running tally of bits slowly ticking away above their head. Occasionally they would point out a tree or flower that had a more expensive, and in their opinion, better replacement. Dignitaries always kept an air of polite judgement that was only slightly more enjoyable than the nobles who were more open in the way they judged the garden. After all, royal gardens, menageries and collections of art had been a measuring stick for the worth of a leader for centuries, which meant that every time she took one such individual, it turned into a subtle horn measuring contest.

She rarely if ever took anyone that didn't fit into those two categories through the gardens, partly due to the potential for damages, and there was the fact that a few of the plants in the garden were dangerous to ponies. Which was a shame as she genuinely enjoyed watching Twilight flit this way and that, drawn to each strange and exotic plant where she stared for a few seconds before trotting off to the next curiosity.

The alicorn felt a smile across her face, the alicorn silently thankful that they had discovered that Twilight didn't seem contagious in any way, lest this event have never happened.

By then they had worked their way deep into the maze at the centre of the gardens, and though it wasn't very large, it was designed to confuse and Twilight quickly found her head spinning, unable to remember which way the exit was. The filly turned around suddenly, looking up at the alicorn. “Where are we going?”

“To a secret playground I set aside for the castle’s younger inhabitants.” Noticing that the filly seemed unconvinced, she put a hoof on her shoulder. “Trust me, Twilight, it's going to be fun.”

The filly nodded. “Okay.”

Together they continued to walk deeper and deeper into the hedge maze, the walls of plants eventually meeting above their heads, creating a canopy that nearly blocked out the sun. Just as she was about to light her horn, the filly noticed that there were lanterns along the path ahead of them. The lanterns hung from either side of the wall and glowed with a soft blue light that felt both gentle and warm. The filly’s eyes went wide and she trotted up to one such lantern, staring up as the blue flame flickered within.

“Ooooh.”

“Would you like to know how to make a lantern like that?” Celestia offered.

“Oh, yes please!” Twilight exclaimed.

Celestia giggled, a hoof covering her lips. “I’ll make sure to include that on the schedule for next week then.”

The filly wilted slightly. “Could you at least tell me how you make the flame? Is it a spell, or alchemy?” Her eyes went wide and she spun around, staring up at Celestia. “Or is it both?”

“You are both right, and wrong,” she said.

Twilight blinked. “What do you mean?”

The alicorn leaned down and winked at the filly. “For that answer, you must wait until your next lesson.”

Twilight groaned, but her sour mood didn't last long, her mind already turning as it tried to figure out the newest mystery laid out before it.

Noticing that her student’s mind was occupied once more, Celestia continued deeper into the maze, weaving this way and that as Twilight stared up at each passing lantern. It wasn't long until the filly was completely lost and they neared their final objective. Just as they made the last turn in their journey Twilight stopped suddenly, her eyes opening wide as she lifted a triumphant hoof into the air.

“I got it!” she exclaimed.

Celestia lifted an eyebrow at the suddenly exuberant filly. “Oh? Did you figure it out?”

The filly nodded, using her magic to retrieve one of the lanterns from its hook and gently lowered it to her own height. Celestia was tempted to stop her, but the filly seemed gentle enough that there wasn't any harm in allowing her to continue. Twilight pointed a hoof to the bottommost part of the lantern.

“This part has the fuel which is alchemical in nature.” She moved her hoof up to the lowest point of the flame, where there was neither wick or any sort of readily apparent fuel source. “Where a spell array heats up the gas that escapes from the tank.”

Celestia clapped her hooves. “Congratulations Twilight, that was very well done. Tell me, what led you to that conclusion?”

The filly beamed under the praise, her back straightening as her head lifted a little higher. “The way you said it made it sound like both a spell and alchemy was at work, but not that they directly combined. With that in mind I just had to figure out the spell and after I figured out it was just a heat spell it was relatively easy to discover how it worked.”

“Bravo Twilight. Keep that in mind and I’m sure it will help you some day,” Celestia congratulated.

Twilight’s smile grew and she strutted proudly down the path, only to look up and just now realize they were walking towards a dead end. “Uh princess, are you sure this is the right way?”

Celestia smirked. “Oh, why do you say that?”

The filly trotted up to the wall of plant matter and just turned back to Celestia with an odd expression, as if asking, ‘seriously?’.

The alicorn chuckled and just stepped forward. “Sometimes, you must simply trust when your mind says otherwise.”

The alicorn strode confidently toward the plant wall, causing Twilight to grimace as her mentor was no doubt about to get a faceful of bush. Instead, she simply passed through the wall as if it wasn't even there.

“Huh?” Raising her hoof, Twilight mimicked the action, pushing it against the wall and finding there was no resistance.

Which wasn't what she was expecting, causing her entire body to topple forwards as she overcompensated, landing on her belly with a thump. The regal laughter of her mentor brought the filly’s eyes upwards where she saw Celestia looking down at her with a smile. “It's merely an illusion, Twilight. Meant to keep out the curious passers-by and allow the fillies and colts of the castle to enjoy some private time away from the prying eyes of their peers.” She extended a hoof to the filly. “Come. I will introduce you.”

Twilight nodded, taking the alicorn’s hoof and being helped to her hooves. Once standing, the filly slowly looked around, her eyes going wide as she beheld the secret playground.

The walls and impromptu roof were both made of the same hedge as the maze was, save for the fact that it rose much much higher and created an enormous domed ceiling over the entire area. This impressive amount of work had all gone into hiding a large play structure, complete with a slides, swinging bridges and just about everything a foal could ever want. Beside it were several sets of swings, and a jungle gym in the shape of an enormous tortoise. Next to the structure were several lavish benches for adults to sit and watch.

There were only a hooful of ponies in the secret playground, made up of a group of seven foals playing on the structure and a single adult sitting on the benches. The foals were many different colors and had a variety of cutie marks, however that is where the difference ended as they all sported finely manicured horns on their heads, and so did the single adult.

Twilight shrunk behind the alicorn, noticing that the foals had stopped playing and had all turned to Celestia and were gawking at the newcomers. The adult seemed to have a bit more class however and trotted over to them, a wide smile on his face.

He was tall, his limbs thin without being emaciated, his deep blue fur positively shimmered in the indirect light and his green eyes flashed with a quiet confidence. The stallion looked to be about his mid-forties and was sporting a small moustache that barely covered his upper lip.

When he drew close to the pair he bowed low, nearly sweeping the ground. “Greetings, Your Highness. To what do I owe the pleasure of your acquaintance?”

Celestia smiled down at the stallion, subtly motioning for him to rise. “I am here to introduce my newest student to the other foals of the castle. I was hoping she could make some friends.”

“Oh, and where is this newest prodigy of yours? I have heard many wild stories over the last several days.”

The alicorn crouched down, gently tugging the filly out from behind her hooves. “Come on, Twilight, this is one of the ponies I was talking about.”

The filly peeked out from behind the alicorn’s leg, however the second their eyes met the stallion’s face grew dark, making Twilight pull back to the safety of Celestia’s leg. “I don't wanna.”

“Come now, Twilight. You were just talking about how happy you were to meet new friends.” The alicorn frowned, gently tugging at the filly’s leg. “Where did that confidence go?”

Twilight whimpered softly, making Celestia sigh and lift her leg, robbing the filly of her cover and leaving her open. “Eep!” The filly turned left then right, finding no cover from the gaze of the strangers. A strange urge suddenly overtook her and with nowhere else to go she turned down.

The stallion blinked, watching as the filly used her hooves to frantically dig a hole in the dirt. “Pardon me, Princess, but is your protege alright?”

“What do you mean?” The alicorn looked down to where Twilight had somehow managed to already dig a foot deep hole, with only the top of her mane and horn still visible. “Twilight Sparkle, get out of there, it's dirty.”

The filly poked her head out of her hole and sighed. “Yes, Princess Celestia.”

Twilight dutifully crawled out of the hole she had made for herself, standing reluctantly in front of the alicorn as she shook her head. “This is Prince Blueblood the fifth, his son is the colt I told you about.”

The filly looked from the stallion over to the playground where a surprisingly well-built colt with white fur and a blond mane stood at the edge of the of the structure, staring down at her with what looked like a mix of curiosity and awe. Perking up slightly, the filly glanced from one Blueblood to the other, remembering what Celestia had said about the son being a kind and gentle pony that was also a fellow book lover.

With a sigh, she stepped out from Celestia’s shadow. “Okay,” she mumbled.

“Wonderful. I just know you two are going to be fast friends,” Celestia announced happily.

The elder Blueblood nodded his assent. “I agree, it seems as though these two have a lot in common.” He glanced down at her, a hint of something dark in the corner of his eye. “Quite a lot in common.”

Celestia smiled, gently pushing Twilight toward the play structure. “Go on, Twilight, I’ll be right here talking to Mister Blueblood for a few minutes. After that Bull should be right outside so if you need anything, seek her out, okay?”

Twilight nodded hesitantly, making her way over to the play structure.

A colt that looked to be about the age of Twilight hopped down and trotted right up to the filly, his eyes going wide as soon as he got close. “Woah, that's crazy. Hey guys! Her eyes really are all glowy!”

The fillies and colts all stopped what they were doing and climbed down, crowding around the now terrified filly. A curious unicorn filly that looked a little younger than Twilight walked up to her, only to wince when Twilight’s orange orbs looked down on her. “Eep!” she cried, scampering back and hiding behind a bigger colt.

Twilight gulped and awkwardly waved a hoof. “H-hi!” she muttered weakly.

“Woah,” the first colt muttered again.

An older filly suddenly leapt in front of her, peering into Twilight’s eyes with wonder. “That is so cool! Can you shoot lasers out of your eyes?”

Like a soap bubble being popped, the tension suddenly evaporated and Twilight shook her head sadly. “No, not yet.”

“Woah,” the foals all mumbled in unison.

And just like that the ice was broken and the foals bombarded Twilight with increasingly ridiculous questions until their interest finally wavered and the golden haired colt managed to convince them to start a game of tag. Before the game could begin he trotted up to Twilight just after the other foals had started bickering over who was going to be it.

Extending his hoof, the colt smiled warmly. “Greetings. My name is Blueblood, but you can just call me Bluey.” He shrugged. “Everyone does.”

Twilight blushed, extending her own hoof and clopping it against the colt’s. “My name’s Twilight Sparkle.”

“I assumed as much. Not too many ponies have glowing yellow eyes.” He smirked.

Something about the way he said it made Twilight realize It wasn't a jab, just a small joke, like the kind two friends would share. “Princess Celestia said you liked to read.”

“I do indeed. I am a big fan of the ancient unicorn philosophers, but…” He glanced over the filly’s shoulder, looking to where his father was engaged in a close conversation with Celestia. He leaned in, whispering in the filly’s ear. “I’d much rather read Daring Do.” He took a step back and smiled. “But my father thinks it's too low brow for royalty.”

The filly giggled, her blush growing. “They are really good, maybe we could go to the library sometime?” she asked hopefully.

The colt pondered it briefly before nodding his assent. “That sounds nice, when-”

“Hey are you two done kissing yet? We’re trying to play a game over here.” An upside down colt yelled from atop the slide.

Twilight’s face grew even redder, while Bluey merely chuckled. “Did you decide who’s it?” he yelled back.

“Nah,” the colt remarked with a shrug.

“Hmmm, well I think the rule is the newest pony is…” He tapped Twilight’s shoulder before sprinting off towards the structure. “It!”

Twilight blinked, glancing from her shoulder to the shrieking foals clambering over the structure to get further away from her. “Oh, it is on.” With a manic grin on her face, the filly charged into the structure, chasing down a slower grey maned filly with a dull white coat.

Across the playground Celestia smiled faintly, distracted by the sight of Twilight finally joining the other fillies and apparently being accepted by them.

“Princess?”

Celestia turned down to where the elder Blueblood looked up at her with a smirk. “The troubles of teaching weighing you down?”

The alicorn shook her head. “No, actually quite the opposite. It's been a treat to teach someone so young and innocent, even if she is eating through my coursework a little fast. Still, it's a nice change of pace.”

“Oh? I thought you would have preferred to teach someone more learned in the proper mannerisms.” He coughed awkwardly. “Not to say she is not intelligent. I merely understand better than most the problems that may arise if the proper respect is not shown to some individuals.”

Celestia hummed thoughtfully, remembering back to the few instances Twilight had met a rather overly important noble, most of such instances having ended in at least a partial disaster. “True, but she is learning quickly.” The alicorn’s gaze returned to the filly as she leapt down some stairs in order to catch a filly in the shoulder, tagging her before spinning around and sprinting back up the stairs and out of reach. “I don't foresee any real trouble coming from her.”

Blueblood turned as well, his own gaze lingering over his progeny, who was currently standing atop the highest point of the play structure and was sticking his tongue out at the aforementioned filly who tried to reach him. “If it ever turns out that you have another opening for a student, I know Bluey would love the chance to spend more time with you.”

The alicorn sighed, watching as the colt finally was reached by a leaping Twilight, forcing him to climb down from his position and chase after the giggling glowy eyed filly. “Somedays I wish my attention was not so divided amongst important matters.” She smiled faintly as she watched Twilight and Bluey go back and forth, tagging each other back and forth before Twilight faked him out, making the colt accidentally touch Twilight and thus tag himself, allowing Twilight to get away. “I would probably spend most of my days simply teaching. It truly is a joy.”

Blueblood shared the alicorn’s smile as the two sat and watched quietly.

As the game progressed it eventually morphed into a game of hide and seek, with Twilight running past the alicorn, a giggle on her lips. They shared a brief wave, with Celestia barely containing the urge to greet the filly out of fear she would give her away. The alicorn watched as the excitable foal ran past her and towards the bushes before disappearing into a small nook that allowed her to hide from sight.

“With that, I should be going now. I fear I have left the court unoccupied for far too long already.” She turned and nodded to the stallion. “Please, do let me know if you have any problems with my Twilight. She doesn't have a lot of experience with friends, I am afraid.”

Blueblood nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched his son scamper around the playground, finding other foals with relative ease but unable to locate Twilight. “Absolutely, Your Highness, I am sure she will take to the other foals like a duck to water.”

Celestia spared one last glance at Twilight’s hiding place before turning to leave. “Good day, Sir Blueblood.”

The stallion merely nodded, his gaze drawn to the small group of fillies all spreading out and searching for Twilight who had yet to be found.

After a few minutes of fruitless searching had passed the noble frowned, glancing over to where he could see twin orbs of yellow peering out of the bush. They eyes quickly vanished, ducking behind cover and disappearing from sight. One last glance at the group of searching foals told him it would be a while before they made their way over to the other side of the playground and over to Twilight’s hiding spot.

Making sure to not give the filly away, he trotted over to the hedge wall stood beside her hiding spot, looking at the group of foals. “You know Celestia’s pity will only go so far.”

Twilight blinked, peeking out from her hiding spot and finding Blueblood standing all but over her. Ducking back inside the tuft of bushes, the filly shrunk down, trying her best to ignore the adult.

“And that is why you are here, pity. She has a soft spot for lepers and commoners and it is only because of these weaknesses of hers that you are here in the castle,” the stallion remarked in a hushed and vitriolic tone.

Twilight shrunk down a little further, her hooves unconsciously digging into the dirt as she tried to retreat from the angry stallion.

“You waste the princess’ time with your mediocre intelligence.” He huffed. “It's not your fault really, you come from a long line of failures and fools.” He spat his distaste, staining the earth. “The Sparkle family has been a disgrace to the honored houses for too long.”

The filly sniffed, pushing her hooves tight against her ears, yet still she could hear his cruel words.

“You should not have come to the castle. Every step you take further desecrates those hallowed halls.” Blueblood hissed. “Leave now and there will be no further complications. This is the only time I will offer you such a kindness.” He leaned down, whispering directly into the foal’s ear through a few inches of foliage. “I shouldn't have to tell you this, but if you try and tell anyone, no one will believe you.”

Though there was a part of the filly that had grown cold, calculating and very efficient in figuring out just how to make it out of any situation, she was, at the end of the day, just a filly.

With a scream of panic the overwhelmed child bolted out of her hiding spot, sprinting past the grown up, tears streaming down her face. She didn't even notice as the junior Blueblood and the rest of the foals all turned and watched as Twilight ran screaming out of the playground, bolting through the illusionary wall and vanishing completely.

The rest of the fillies and colts were slow to get back to their game, lingering near the exit to the playground and watching the illusionary wall hesitantly, waiting for their new friend to return.

“I don't think she's going to come back. I’m sorry children, I had hoped to ask her a few questions, but it seems as though she didn't take it well.” The elder Blueblood sighed, his features falling. “I am sorry for accidentally scaring away your friend. Why don't you all go back to your game, I’m sure she'll be right back?”

To most, this would seem a heartfelt and meaningful apology, to the junior Blueblood it was an empty lie, one of many his father had weaved over the years. The colt’s eyes narrowed and he watched his father throw on his trademark overly exaggerated expressions, coaxing the foals back to their games.

Bluey lingered, watching for his friend’s return for a moment before his father approached him. “Why don't you go join the others? I heard they are going to try a new game out. Something called grounders, I think.”

Bluey’s gaze lingered, and though he wanted to stay and wait or better yet go looking for her, there was a hard edge to his father’s tone that assured him that this was not actually a question. “Yes father.”

“Good. Wouldn't want to leave your friends waiting after all. Oh and son,” the elder stallion placed a hoof on his son’s shoulder, “forget about that filly, she's nothing but trouble. Star Tracker on the other hoof is a wonderful young mare, don't you agree?”

The younger Blueblood looked over to where a slightly pudgy filly was standing on a small balance beam, her tongue sticking out of her mouth as she tried to cling to the small board. “Yes father.”

“Good, good. Her parents are honorable and good ponies, unlike the filth that seems to have begun to clutter the castle these days.”

The colt sighed. “Yes father.”

Silver Bulwark grumbled silently to herself, turning down another of the seemingly endless rows of hedges only to find herself in another dead end. “Great. It wasn't good enough that you stayed a little too far behind Celestia and got lost, but now you can't even find your way back out.”

The unicorn turned, mumbling curses under her breath. Celestia is going to have your head, she thought to herself, her mind wandering to the shrill cry she had heard minutes earlier.

She had recognized the voice’s owner as her young charge, meaning something had already happened to her. What exactly that was unknown and in the minutes since she had started to look she had yet to find heads or tails of the filly. Thankfully she had set up a flare, which should alert the guard and the princess herself but that was no excuse to stop now.

The aged guard turned around and put her head down, intent on sprinting deeper into the maze. Something made her stop though, some strange urge stayed her hooves and she looked around once more. She knew better then to dismiss her instincts, even if they felt more like someone tugging at her hoof.

Slowly turning around she scanned the hedges for any sign of somepony small passing through, and just as she was about to give up, she found a small clump of dirt near one of the hedge walls. Without the plant ceiling of the other part of the maze, Silver could make out a small trail of dirt leading to the corner of the dead end.

Trotting closer made the feeling of being tugged along grow more and more with each passing second and when she drew within mere feet of the corner, she swore she could hear a voice. It was small, barely above a whisper but the guard could have sworn she heard a filly ask why? Speeding up, the guard sprinted to the corner and peered down a small hole that looked freshly dug.

Down in the bottom of the hole was a small purple mass that had curled in on itself, her tail tucked tight against her chest, the filly’s tiny hooves running down it in a slow coaxing motion. Silver’s heart fell, sorrow threatening to overwhelm the guard, and only her years of training stopped her from breaking down and weeping then and there. Swallowing hard, the guard turned her horn skyward, casting a small firework spell that should alert everyone to her position. With her job done she fell to her knees and reached into the hole. “Twilight, it's me, Bull. What happened?”

The ball tucked even tighter and a wave of sorrow exploded from the filly, causing even the well-trained guard to crumple in defeat, tears crawling down her face, her limbs falling slack. She tried to stand, to move, but all she could think about was that terrible, soul crushing sorrow that made her want to curl up in a ball and weep the day away.

Seconds ticked by and through it all Silver’s will was unable to push past the crushing sorrow. Until finally she felt a sudden warmth and calm radiate from behind her. Like the coming of the dawn, the darkness lifted from Silver’s heart and she found strength in her limbs once more. Looking up she saw a concerned Celestia looking down at her.

“Are you alright, Silver Bulwark?” she asked, extending a regal hoof to the downed guard.

The guard shook her head, pointing to the small hole. “She needs you more.”

The alicorn nodded, looking into the hole with a deep sigh. Extending a hoof down, the alicorn pushed past the waves of sorrow and scooped up the filly and pressed the small bundle against her chest. Celestia swayed slowly back and forth, humming a strange and ancient tune in a language Silver had never heard of.

Over time the sorrow seemed to dull until Silver was able to ignore its presence until finally it faded completely. The purple bundle slowly opened, yellow eyes peering up at a concerned Celestia.

“Are you hurt?” the alicorn whispered.

Twilight shook her head. “N-no.”

“What happened?”

The unicorn thought back to the last words Blueblood had spoken to her. No one will believe you. Doubt flashed through the infested filly’s mind and she wondered if she should even say anything. She considered just doing as the stallion had told her to do and leave, never to return.

A voice seemed to take exemption to this, suddenly filling the back of the filly’s mind with its booming presence. Adapt, overcome, destroy.

Panic fled the filly’s mind, and in an instant her confidence surged to new found heights. She looked up at the alicorn with sudden steel in her gaze. “It was Blueblood senior, he said-”

As the filly recounted what happened, the trio slowly made their way out of the hedge maze, with Silver Bulwark hanging a respectful distance back while the two spoke. Her mind still whirled with questions, and she wondered just what, if anything, could explain that sudden feeling of absolute misery that had overtaken her. She shook her head and focused on the tall pony walking in front of her, noticing that Twilight had fallen still, clinging tightly to the alicorn’s chest.

With the filly having grown silent, Silver Bulwark walked a little quicker, matching pace with the longer legged alicorn. “Permission to speak, Your Highness?”

The alicorn nodded. “Granted. What is on your mind, Corporal?”

“I…” She wanted to ask about what had happened to her, to ask about the misery and whatever magic may be at work, but there were more important matters to figure out. “...was wondering what happened to my charge.”

Celestia sighed, hugging the filly tight against her chest. “It seems as though the courtly rumours I had thought were mere slander had more truth to them. Something is very wrong in the house of Blueblood, something I did not think possible.”

Her gaze lifted up to the easternmost tower of the castle, one she knew housed the Blueblood family. “What happened to you BB?” Shaking her head, the alicorn let out a sigh. “Suffice it to say the elder Blueblood will not be allowed within a hundred metres of your charge from now on, understood?”

Silver Bulwark saluted. “It will be done, Your Majesty.”

“Good, now if you would please locate my wayward nephew, I would like to have a talk with him,” the alicorn growled, rage boiling just beneath the surface.

The guard nodded hesitantly, an under current of hate flowing through the alicorn’s words. “Right away, ma’am.”

Celestia didn't bother watching the guard go, merely listening to her hooves as she trotted back towards the maze. Now alone with her student, Celestia paused, looking down at the now sleeping filly, tears still staining her cheeks. Using a wing, the alicorn gently cleared her student’s face of moisture.

“Another mistake. When will you learn, Celestia?” she whispered.

Author's Note

A Stern Discussion

Celestia tapped her hoof on the desk, staring impatiently at the door across from her. Though she could be working on any number of projects that needed her attention, or catching up on the reports she should be reading, all that took a back seat as her worrying got the better of her.

The alicorn sighed and turned to the window behind her, gazing out over the sprawling towers that dotted the Canterlot skyline. They were tall, majestic, but after yesterday, seemed oddly sullied. Celestia sighed, trying to push thoughts of her nephew from her mind, but the ‘conversation’ they had still stuck in her mind, refusing to leave her in peace.

Celestia stared down at the small pony, her voice barely above a whisper. “Blueblood the fifth.”

The aforementioned stallion smiled, ignoring the glare the monarch was leveling his way. “Good evening, Your Majesty.”

“I heard you had a very interesting afternoon.” The alicorn’s glare hardened, drawing a bead of sweat from the stallion’s forehead. “Tell me about it.”

The stallion’s smile remained plastered against his face and he moved towards one of the chairs across from the alicorn’s desk. “May I?”

“You may not.”

Blueblood blinked, subtly shifting back to the spot he had been standing in. “Okay then. Um, where to begin. You know most of it as I informed you of such during our meeting at the secret garden. After that Bluey and I returned home for a mid-afternoon snack and after that-”

“Aren't you leaving something out?” she asked, leaning into her desk and steepling her hooves.

The elder Blueblood shrugged. “I suppose there was a little kerfuffle after you left.” He sighed. “One of those Starshine foals tried to jump over the other one and it turned into this whole debacle. Fortunately they were both fine.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Was that what you were referring to?”

“I was referring to when you told my student that she was a leper and a commoner,” Celestia scolded.

The stallion stared right at her and after a moment of silence burst into laughter. “Oh, that is a good one, Your Highness. You really do have the world’s greatest poker face.”

Celestia’s brow furrowed and her hooves pressed together with such force that she could have shattered bone. “I assure you, that was not a joke.”

Blueblood lifted an eyebrow, only now noticing that the room was growing warmer by the second. “I beg your pardon? I can assure you, Your Majesty, that no such interaction happened.” He smirked. “If it bothers you so much, why don't you ask my son? I’m sure he’ll tell you the same thing.”

The alicorn’s eyes narrowed, as the rest of the light in the room lowered, leaving only her radiant form as any sort of illumination. “I am giving you the chance to come clean, Blueblood. If you make me regret giving you this chance, I will ensure that you regret it as much as I do.”

“I-” The stallion’s voice hitched and he stood there awkwardly, his words having gotten caught in his throat. For a second he seemed to consider the alicorn’s offer, his usual jovial mask being disrupted, but it was only for a second. The stallion’s trademark smile plastered right back on his face a second later. “I am sure your student must have been confused. It's alright though, I understand that sometimes a foal’s mind can get a little mixed up.” He chuckled. “Are you sure you are not working her too hard?”

Celestia let out a slow breath, the building heat suddenly dissipating, her shoulders sagging. “I tried.” Her horn lit up and a golden wave washed over them. “Now then, could you repeat that?”

The stallion looked around. “What was that spell you used?”

“Answer the question, Blueblood,” Celestia commanded.

Blueblood tried to light his horn, but found he couldn't break through the cloud of mana that hung over the room. “What was that spell, auntie? Surely you didn't cast anything you shouldn't.”

“I did no such thing,” Celestia growled. “Now you have three seconds to repeat what you said or I will personally carry your family’s things to the curb. Am I understood?”

“Crystal, just give me a second to analyze the spell and-”

“Three.”

“Please auntie, you know how rude it is to cast a spell and not-”

“Two.”

“Two seconds! Please just give me that and I could-”

“One.”

The stallion raised a hoof and sighed, shaking his head. “Alright alright. It seems as though you are hellbent on having myself repeat, so I will reluctantly relent. What exactly was I repeating anyway?”

Celestia tapped her hoof on the table. “Simply tell me what you said to my student.” She opened her hooves and smiled. “That isn't too hard, is it?”

“No, of course not.” He smiled warmly. “If that's what you want to hear.” He cleared his throat and stood up a little straighter. “I just told her that she was wasting your time with her-” He stopped, shaking his head. “That's not what I said at all. What I really said was, her family was a disgrace.” The stallion clapped a hoof over his mouth, his eyes going wide.

“Interesting. She didn't even tell me about that part.” Celestia gestured to the stallion. “Please, do go on.”

“Did you cast a zone of truth on us, auntie?” His eyes narrowed, his stance instantly regaining the tall and regal standing it had only moments ago. “You know that casting such a spell requires the express permission of all potential targets.”

“Unless there was such an instance in which I have probable cause to assume a crime may have been committed such as a child and minor being alone and the adult in that picture refuses to tell the truth.” The alicorn frowned. “Just a tip, Blueblood, but do not quote laws at the pony who wrote them!” Celestia slammed her hoof into the desk with enough force to send her quills rolling off the side, the entire piece of furniture shuddering under the blow.

Blueblood took a quick breath and plastered that same smile back on his face before ducking into a deep bow. “My sincerest apologies for angering you, Your Highness. I assure you this is all taken terribly out of context. What I had said previously was simply blown out of proportion by what may or may not be the filly’s overactive imagination.”

“Ahh, duplicitous statements and no definitive answers, cute.” The alicorn smirked. “I remember when I learned how to get around a zone of truth when I was young.”

The stallion waved a hoof dismissively. “Well, I did have a wonderful teacher after all.”

Celestia tapped a hoof against the desk. “Alright then, tell me the context of what you had said. Oh and if you try that again, I will turn this conversation into one where you only answer yes or no questions, understood?”

The stallion’s smile wavered and he nodded his head. “Absolutely.”

“What was the context?” Celestia offered.

Blueblood hesitated, looking around the room. “I don't suppose you have any tea by chance, do you? I’m afraid I may be feeling rather parched.”

“You may be or are parched?” Celestia asked simply.

The stallion wavered once more, opening his mouth to speak before closing it.

“The fact that you would stall for time with such a weak excuse is all the proof I need.” The alicorn sighed. “I am terribly disappointed in you, Blueblood. To think I considered you family.”

“B-but, I just.” He growled, stomping his hoof. “She's just jealous! We have everything those peasents want, and instead of working for it, she's here, getting handouts!” He gestured wildly towards the door. “You can't honestly say my son isn't a better choice.”

“You will watch your tone, Blueblood or-”

“Or what? You’ll take another opportunity from my family and give it to some filthy peasant that has all the honor of a street beggar?” The stallion snarled.

“I am going to give you one last chance-” The stallion opened his mouth, only to find it slammed shut by the princess’ magic. “You will be silent and let me speak.” She rose from her chair, trotting around the desk and looming over the much smaller pony. “I am giving you a final chance to take it all back, to say you are sorry and that you were wrong.”

She walked around the sweating stallion, her magic holding his mouth firmly shut. “I know it won't be a wholly truthful statement, but that's alright. I want to hear you try, that's all.” She turned and looked him dead in the eye. “The Blueblood I knew wouldn't treat others so poorly based solely on wealth. Be that pony for me again and nothing will come of this. Or don't, and I swear you will reap the whirlwind that you have sewn.”

The princess nodded, lifting the magic from around his mouth.

The stallion rubbed a hoof across his muzzle, after determining that he wasn't actually injured, he looked up at the alicorn with a fire in his eyes that was only exceeded by her own. “She is a disgrace to everything the crown stands for and the honored houses all know it.”

Celestia sighed and slowly trotted back to her desk, her pace slow. With a heavy clunk, the alicorn sat in her chair. “Get out of my office, Blueblood.”

The stallion scoffed. “You must know this, auntie! If you weren't so biased towards the rabble, you would understand just how bad this looks on all of us!”

The alicorn’s jaw clenched and she looked up at the unicorn with such intensity that for a second Blueblood didn't know if he would leave this office on his own four hooves, or in a dust pan. “Get. Out.”

This time there was no graceful exit, no haughty scoff, the stallion merely sprinted out of the room, careening down the hall with all the speed he could muster.

Closing the door to her office, the alicorn sighed, burying her head in her hooves, feeling the hot sting of tears as they ran down her face. “Where did I go wrong?”

The stallion felt his mind finally catch up with his body and he frantically slowed his desperate sprint, already casting a glance over his shoulder to ensure nopony saw him running so ridiculously. Already a plan was forming in his mind in case anyone asked him why he would be running through the halls with a terrified expression.

He stopped suddenly, turning to a nearby window and staring out over the city, catching his bearings as he looked out over the bustling cityscape. Breathe, Blueblood, fix yourself, then we can think about what happened. We cannot let anyone see us like this.

Running a hoof through his mane, the stallion began to fix the damage the sudden sprint had done to it. With a careful application of magic, his mane and fur were in perfect order and he began to trot towards his family’s tower, his mind whirling with too many thoughts.

How could she do such a thing? Me, her own nephew getting threatened with eviction like a common peasant! His teeth ground together as his steps grew heavier.

The houses warned me she was tainted by the common filth. Why didn't I believe them? His anger faded, replaced by a strange pity. I must get home and speak to Bright Horn, she’ll know what to make of this.

At the thought of his wife the stallion hesitated, his mind going back to all the warnings she had uttered over the years. Maybe she was right, maybe Celestia isn't as great as she has made herself out to be.

His hooves slowed, his anger now gone completely, indecision suddenly gripping him. But is the houses’ plan truly the right thing to do? He shook his head, dismissing the thoughts and filling them away for later.

First and foremost he needed to get home, he could worry about the implications of the great houses’ plans later.

Celestia watched as a patrol of guards flew in a slow arc around the edge of the palace grounds, the pegasi both maintaining a slow and easy pace, confident in their positions. The alicorn shook her head and sighed, turning from the window and sitting heavily on her chair, the wood straining under her weight.

The princess morosely dug through the drawers of her desk, searching for something she had not sought in many years. Eventually she found it hidden away at the bottom drawer at the very back.

Before she removed it from the drawer, the alicorn made sure the room was properly secure with every manner of anti-scrying spell she knew. With the room impossible to see into or enter without her permission, the alicorn retrieved her prize.

Her golden magic gently levitated a long wooden pipe from the depths of her drawer, placing it gingerly on the desk.

Next she used her magic to access a very private and ill-used pocket dimension she had made for such an occasion. Her horn glowed, and her hoof reached into thin air, after a short search she pulled back, a small brown bag in her grip. The alicorn chuckled at the sight of the bag, good memories coming to mind.

She tugged open the draw strings and gingerly reached inside, gripping a small pinch of the dried plant matter within before pulling her hoof out and depositing her prize into the pipe.

Placing the pipe against her lips, the alicorn summoned a brief flame, lighting her pipe. With a deep breath she inhaled the potent mix and held it for several seconds before finally exhaling through her nose.

Her eyes closed and for a minute she didn't move or think of anything, focusing solely on her breathing and the act of just relaxing contently. She puffed occasionally on her pipe, but it had quickly run out of the relaxing substance and she tucked it back in her desk.

The alicorn sighed one last time, feeling a faint smile cross her face. It wasn't much, but it was still nice to get a moment of solitude before Velvet Touch would be here. She glanced over at the clock only to blink. “Oh poo,” she muttered.

Celestia shot to her hooves and threw open the window, brushing aside the curtains and summoning a quick wind spell to push all the smoke stained air out. A sudden knock on her door drew the alicorn from her panicked spell casting, causing her to accidentally put a little too much power into the spell.

Papers went flying and things flew off her desk, the nick nacks and reports caught up in the surge of wind that flew out the window. Thinking quickly the alicorn hastily grabbed the few reports that flew outside before slamming the window shut, shoving everything back onto her desk and sitting quickly.

“Come in!” she yelled.

The confused face of Velvet Touch popped through the crack in the door, eying the messy room with trepidation. “Are you sure now is a good time? I can come back later if you would like.”

The alicorn shook her head, hastily reorganizing her desk. “No, just had a bit of a gust of wind is all. Please, sit.”

The psychologist sat in the offered chair, placing her bag beside her and smiling faintly at the alicorn as she finished her rearranging.

Once complete, Celestia looked up and nodded. “Whenever you are ready.”

“I’ll just jump right into it then.” Velvet Touch sighed.“Twilight’s mental health has suffered from this recent run in. That much is obvious, but I fear it goes a little deeper than that.”

“I had feared as much. How bad is it?” Celestia asked.

“For one, I doubt you will get her back out there anytime soon. She has expressed distaste for the elder Blueblood and has even gone so far as to start drawing pictures of him getting eaten by something with many, many teeth.” The psychologist retrieved a slip of paper from her bag and placed it on the desk, pushing it closer to the alicorn.

Celestia frowned, studying the drawing closely. It was surprisingly well done, showing the elder Blueblood held in the jaw of a four limbed creature of some kind. The creature itself was a bizarre one, having bug like wings, and long arm-like appendages coming out of its back, with hook like extremities at the end of them. Its back legs were thick, supporting its weight while the front limbs sported large claws. Its mouth was filled with razor-like teeth and on either side of its head it had large growths that morphed into horns. The entire thing was a mix of purples and browns that blended together to make a truly disturbing creature.

The princess frowned and set the drawing aside. “That is quite disturbing. Did she say where such a creature came from?”

The other mare shook her head. “Just a dream, she said.”

“Odd.” She cast one last glance at the drawing before shaking her head. “Has she said why she avoids the other foals? She seems to do her best to pretend they aren't there when they meet in the halls of the castle, even while I’m there and Blueblood is not.”

Velvet sighed. “She seems to believe that she is not liked by the other foals. I believe this may be a reaction to the incident and she simply associates them with the trauma that has occured.” She shrugged. “That is just my instinct talking though, I don't have a lot to back that up.”

“It sounds logical at least,” Celestia remarked. “Is there anything we can do to remedy this?”

“There is. I would suggest setting up playdates with individual foals with your supervision, or this Bull pony. Twilight seems to trust them.”

The alicorn chuckled. “She does seem to have a way with Twilight, yet not any other foals.” She shook her head. “Regardless, that is a good suggestion, any others?”

“Playing with less judgemental ponies? Perhaps from poorer families. Other than that, simply paying stricter attention to her interactions with other foals her age would go a long way,” Velvet offered.

Celestia nodded. “All good suggestions. How bad do you think it is?”

“Honestly?” She shrugged. “It could be nothing provided we can find her some more friends, but if left to fester, this might be a moment that really pushes her towards further antisocial behavior.”

“Most disconcerting.” The alicorn frowned, glancing nervously at the drawing, her frown deepening.

The unicorn hesitated, her hoof half extended towards the alicorn. With a shake of her head she placed her hoof on the other mare’s, drawing the princess from her reverie. “It’s not your fault, you couldn't have known.”

The alicorn pulled her hoof away. “I could have, there were rumours that he had gone down a darker path since he married this new mare of his.” Her expression darkened. “But I only remembered all those times I held him when he was a foal, the way he used to call me-” She sighed, shaking her head. “Perhaps that is one of the weaknesses of my longevity. I can't help but remember seeing you mortals as the foals you used to be.”

An uncomfortable silence settled over the room, with Velvet nervously shifting in her chair while Celestia gazed off into space. Just as the silence had grown a little too awkward, the alicorn sighed and shook her head. “I am sorry, Velvet. This entire thing has rattled me more than I care to admit.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Velvet reassured.

Celestia chuckled. “Thank you. If only I had the time to investigate these rumours more thoroughly.” She shook her head. “Regardless, thank you again for all you've done. Twilight seems to enjoy talking with you.”

The psychologist smiled faintly. “Just doing my job. Don't beat yourself up too much, princess, she is easily the most intelligent filly I’ve ever spoken too.”

“That is good, though I hope to instill more than just a love of reading and learning,” Celestia remarked. “It is not enough that a pony be smart or strong, they need experience and understanding to guide them, lest they fall down a darker path.”

She stood suddenly, extending her hoof. “I assume that was the rest of your report?”

Velvet blinked, quickly handing over the manilla envelope in her bag. “Yes, it's all here. If I may, I was hoping to request an interview with this Bull individual.”

Celestia placed the papers on her desk and nodded. “That should be easily done. Though I am curious as to why you would make such a request.”

The psychologist tapped her hooves together. “It's nothing. I just had a hunch that I was hoping to test out.”

“Oh, what kind of hunch?”

“I can't help but think that Twilight might be having an affect on those that interact with her.” She shook her head. “It's probably not possible, but I figured it couldn't hurt to build a profile on her, just in case.”

Celestia nodded slowly. “Granted, though I would remind you not to ask anything that may be classified and that such conversations are not spoken of to anyone.” The alicorn’s eyes narrowed. “Am I clear?”

“Crystal, ma’am,” Velvet stuttered nervously.

The alicorn stared for a second longer before relaxing. “Excellent. Secrecy on this subject is paramount.”

“I understand the need for secrecy, but why the sudden reminder?” Velvet asked.

The alicorn steepled her hooves. “I fear we may already have someone sniffing around the castle, seeking out information on my student. I do not want anyone to hear of our little project. Have you memorized your cover?”

Velvet nodded. “I reread it this morning, Your Majesty.”

“Good.” She sighed. “If that's everything, I should let you get back to work.”

The mare stood, quickly throwing her bag on her back. “Thank you again, Your Majesty, and don't worry, my lips are sealed.”

Celestia chuckled. “Hopefully not literally, I think Silver would have my head.”

The psychologist blushed hard enough to make her face go bright red. “P-princess!”

“I still got it.” The alicorn lit her horn and opened the door. “Good evening, Miss Touch.”

The psychologist ducked into a quick bow before stopping suddenly, her nostrils flaring. “What is that smell?” she muttered.

Celestia coughed awkwardly, causing the mare to jump back up. “Oh, sorry Your Majesty, good evening to you too.”

The mare turned and scampered out of the room, leaving a relieved alicorn to fall back into her chair. “That was close,” she muttered to herself.

Shaking her head, she turned to the window, throwing open the shades once more and gazing out over Canterlot. She sighed one last time, her gaze drawn down to the royal gardens below, a frown on her lips.

“What other dark portents might there be, lurking just beyond my sight?” She sighed. “I may have eternity, yet I still feel like I don't have enough time in the day to investigate everything.”

Author's Note

A Hushed Conversation

Slow, methodical hoofsteps echoed through the castle’s lonely hallways, Blueblood walking at a more sullen pace than he had a minute ago. Despite how badly most of him wanted to go home and talk to his wife, another, smaller part of him was reluctant to do so. She wasn't an intimidating mare by any stretch of the imagination, but when the topic of the princess or unicorns came up, she could probably shout down a manticore and the stallion wasn't wholly sure if he was ready to deal with that right now.

But he had to, his conversation with his ‘aunt’, proved just that, and this was one conversation he couldn't put off anymore. Still, that didn't mean he had to like it.

He tramped through the halls, his usual smile plastered back on his face, as if he hadn't just been reamed and demeaned like a petulant child. Passing through the castle, he stopped and nodded to a few of the other nobles and dignitaries he recognized, even exchanging greetings with a well revered general who was lingering near a balcony, a pipe in hoof.

Must keep appearances, he reminded himself, though he knew at least one of the nobles saw right through his facade, it hardly mattered, only the act did.

As he neared his family’s tower, his pace quickened slightly, the familiar sight of his blue and gold guards coming into view, filling him with a sense of pride and oddly enough, peace.

The two guards he saw before him were non-descript in the extreme, the enchantments on their armor making them appear as identical stark white unicorns, with piercing blue eyes and long finely filed horns. The stallions themselves weren't what made a sense of pride well in the stallion’s chest but rather their weapons and armor that marked them as his family’s personal guard. They each wielded a pair of sleek, gold handled short swords, with mana infused blades that turned the ordinary grey steel into a sparkling blue. The weapons themselves were meant to be wielded by telekinesis, and were light, yet strong and tied to the wielder's mana signature, meaning they couldn't be used by the enemy, or wrenched away by an opponent.

What was the true pride and joy of the Blueblood armory was not the blades, though they were effective, but not nearly as significant as the armor. The armor covered most of the wearer’s body in a thick shell of finely woven golden plates. The artistry and craftsmanship was beyond compare, blending form and function in a way that only the Firstborn could truly accomplish. Blue gems were inset at joints, shoulders, chest, and near the hooves of the wearer, linking together to create an automatic shield that deployed the instant the armor detected danger. Each set was over nine hundred years old and it took the work of several maintenance ponies to ensure that these ancient suits of armor continued to remain as effective as the day they were forged.

He had personally started a program to try and recreate the suits and blades, but many of his ancestors had tried, and he didn't hold out much hope that he would be able to accomplish what his predecessors had not. Still, it would be quite a sight to see an entire battalion of unicorn soldiers all wearing this powerful armor and wielding the ancient weapons of his Unicornian people.

He shook his head and flashed his personal guards a wide smile. “Good evening, Night Bloom, and Sudden Spark,” he announced, giving a slight nod of his head to the two guards.

The guard to the right immediately burst into laughter, slapping his partner across the shoulder. “I told you he would figure it out, Nighty!”

The other guard rolled his eyes and ducked into a more professional bow. “Good evening, Master Blueblood. I hope your conversation with Celestia went well.”

Sudden Spark ducked into a bow as well, stifling his laughter.

Blueblood grinned and motioned for them to rise, which they eagerly did. “It certainly was… enlightening, to say the least.”

Sudden Spark raised an eyebrow. “That doesn't sound good, the old mare busting your chops again?”

“Pfft, I wish it was just that.” He sighed suddenly, shaking his head. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m feeling rather thirsty.”

“Of course, Master Blueblood,” Night Bloom remarked, bowing slightly before opening the door for the master of the house.

Sudden Spark quickly followed suit, parting the other door that made up the entrance, bowing low.

As the elder stallion passed between them, Night Bloom cast his companion a sharp look, causing him to wilt slightly. All of which Blueblood saw, but didn't care to note, he did after all usually enjoy the bit of banter his guards often partook in, but now was different.

He trotted inside at a solemn pace, barely noticing the heavy oak doors slamming shut behind him. Ahead of him the grand splendor of his personal tower lay before him, and though he usually stopped to take in the grandeur of his family’s home, this time he kept his head low. Passing by paintings that cost more than the average pony made in a year, and hardly even lifted an eyebrow as he trotted past a bowing maid, offering her only the smallest of smiles before making his way up stairs and into the more private area of the tower.

As he climbed the spiral staircase, he heard the soft sound of string instruments coming from above, signalling that his wife was listening to her favorite record again. Though he hadn't been a fan at first, the all string orchestra had grown on him, impressing his logical side with the sheer complexity of the songs. It was also written and played entirely by unicorns, as most other races had trouble manipulating the finely stringed instruments.

Before he could go towards the origin of the music he turned down a side hall and made his way to his son’s room, noticing the door to which was open, and his son was leaning over his writing desk, his horn alight. Smiling faintly, the elder Blueblood trotted down the hall, hoping to judge if his son held any love for the old nag, and if he did, to try and quash that notion.

As he neared the door, his son stopped suddenly, the door slamming shut mere inches from the elder stallion’s nose. Blueblood raised his hoof to pound on the door, but found that he couldn't really muster the energy to be angry at the foal, it had only happened today after all. Maybe it was best he simply gave up for now and came back tomorrow when he had more energy in his bones.

The stallion let his hoof fall to the floor once more and turned away, trotting back down the hall and pushing his way into the kitchen, silently wondering if he had anymore of that good brandy from that party he threw a number of weeks ago. As soon as he entered the room, he instantly noticed the form of his second wife, Bright Horn. She was sitting at the small breakfast table, a book titled The Rise and Fall of the Third Unicornian Empire in hoof, tea cup set just off to the side and the record player resting beside that.

The mare herself was thin, ash grey with long dirty blonde hair tied into thick braids that draped down the sides of her neck. Her eyes were an electric blue that nearly glowed in the low light of the room, and on her flank was a picture of exactly what anyone who had heard her name would assume, a bright white horn surrounded by a sharp blue glow.

“Hello dear,” she greeted. “How was your little talk with the old hag?” The mare licked her hoof and flicked the page, not looking up from her book.

“It was… interesting,” he remarked lamely, turning towards the kitchen and rifling through the liquor cabinet in search of the one bottle he knew would satiate his unique thirst.

Behind him, Bright Horn frowned and placed a bookmark in her book, setting it aside, and shut off the music. “What do you mean by interesting?” she asked, the joviality leaving her voice.

He grunted. “I need a drink first before I sour my palate with such talk.” Blueblood stood up, bumping his head on the counter and cursing under his breath. “Did you happen to know where my Henri Dodgedon went? I could have sworn there was some left.”

The mare rolled her eyes and opened a cabinet just above his head with her magic. “It's near the top, remember?”

“Right,” he mumbled, leaning back and plucking the bottle from the shelf and hastily pouring himself a tumbler of the stuff, making sure to add the perfect number of ice cubes.

With a sigh he plunked down in the seat across from his wife, sniffing the brandy, before putting it to his lips and taking a small sip. “Ahh.” The stallion closed his eyes and breathed deeply, his shoulders relaxing as he did.

“It didn't go well, ” Bright Horn stated simply, sipping her tea.

The stallion grimaced. “No, it did not.”

“She didn't like how truthful you were.” Bright Horn’s eyes narrowed, her expression darkening. “She yelled at you, didn't she? Yes, she yelled at you, then she threatened you, like a common peasant.”

Blueblood sighed. “As usual you are right.” He chuckled, taking another sip of his brandy. “No matter how many times you do that, I’m always amazed by your little trick.”

“It is no little trick,” Bright Horn stated. “If you merely trained in the Khala more, you could do the same, or at least shield yourself from others.”

“Ahh yes, your ancient unicorn fighting style, magic without magic, right?” he asked, downing the last of his drink and sighing contently.

“That is a crude translation, but it isn't a wrong one.” Bright Horn leaned across the table, taking the stallion’s hoof in her own. “It really is a considerable boon, you know.”

Blueblood sighed, giving her hoof a squeeze. “I know, but I simply don't have the aptitude.”

“Nonsense!” Bright Horn remarked dismissively, squeezing his hoof. “All noble unicorns have the capability to undergo the training in the Khala, those descended from the Firstborn even more so!”

Blueblood sighed, releasing her hoof. “Still, this is a topic for another day, we have much to discuss right now.”

“Very true,” Bright Horn muttered, sitting back in her seat and sipping at the last of her tea. “Though I would insist that we come back to this discussion later, as training in the Khala is natural for those of us of noble birth. We have, after all, a moral imperative to rule over the lesser races.”

He snorted in amusement, levitating his cup over the counter. “I wish it were that simple. All we rule over is a hoofful of businesses and a small swath of land on the north face of Mount Canter.”

“That is true, we can only claim ownership over small bits of land, but the houses as a whole control a significant amount of the Equestrian economy, and can claim at least indirect ownership over a third of the country. Which is more than the average pony can say,” she pointed out, downing the last of her tea and placing the cup next to her husband’s before casting a quick sidelong glance at the door to the kitchen.

A glance her husband didn't seem to notice. “Why must you always speak as though we are not ponies?” he asked with a sigh. “You always say that word as if you are trying to spit it at the floor.”

“Through the Khala we can become more than we were born with, more than just mere ponies.” She sighed, sinking back into her chair and forcing her body to relax. “We just need time.”

“Well, for once time seems to be on our side.” He pointed out, leaning forward on his chair.

“Really?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Time does not usually aid those who try to rise against an immortal alicorn.”

“After my conversation with the peasant child, I spoke with a contact and confirmed that the great houses have indeed been able to infiltrate most offices of government. Though I had hoped such underhooved tactics would be a moot effort, it seems as though their fears have been realized.” He sighed. “Yet despite the houses’ resources and efforts, no one knows what secret projects the princess is working on.”

“That is most unfortunate,” Bright Horn lamented, tapping the table nervously. “She has had millenia to plan, what in Equestria could be taking up so much of her time?”

“I would put my money on something about this strange peasant she’s been training. Other than that, you know as much as I do.” Blueblood shrugged. “Regardless, now that we know she doesn't have the time to devote to properly countering the houses’ efforts, it shouldn't be more than a few years before we control just about everything.”

“We?” Bright Horn asked, a slight smile spreading across her face. “So you have finally decided to join the houses in their efforts?”

He sighed. “I may not agree with everything they have planned, but they are right on one thing, the honor of the crown has been besmirched irredeemably, and something must be done.”

A wide smile slowly spread across the mare’s face. “I knew there was a good reason I married you.”

The stallion gasped, placing a hoof over his heart. “And here I thought it was for my charming wit and dashing good looks.”

The mare giggled. “Well, that too.” She clasped his hoof in hers and grinned. “Imagine it, Blueblood, the restoration of your family and of the path of ascension.” Bright Horn laughed giddily, squeezing his hoof tightly.

He smiled, squeezing her hoof back. “It would be a dream come true, but we have a lot of work to do.”

She nodded, leaning across the table and planting a kiss on his lips. “A meeting of the families can wait, why don't we go relax? You look tense.”

The stallion smirked, kissing the mare back before standing. “That does sound nice. What do you feel like tonight? Bach, or your favorite?”

“I think you know what I’ll pick.” The mare slipped from the table, and smacked her husband’s butt. “Just let me go put this book back and I’ll be right there.”

Blueblood smirked, trotting towards their room. “I’ll be waiting.”

Bright Horn turned and with book in hoof walked down the hall, depositing it next to her favorite chair before continuing down the hall. This is amazing! Celestia is completely distracted by her secret projects, giving us enough time to do something which would have taken another few decades in only a fraction of that time. Her smile grew into a cruel, almost predatory grin. Now to take care of a few loose ends.

The mare raised her hoof and knocked on the door to Blueblood Junior’s room. “Oh Bluey, can I speak with you a moment?”

There was a pause, followed by a brief scuffle before the latch to the door flipped and the portal opened, revealing the frowning face of the younger Blueblood. “Yes stepmother? What do you need?”

“Oh nothing, really.” She smiled down at him. “May I come in a moment?”

The colt glanced over his shoulder, and towards his bed before nodding. “Of course.”

“Why, thank you, Bluey,” Bright Horn replied, stepping into the room and closing the door firmly behind her.

The colt trotted over to his bed and hopped up onto the plush sheets, watching his step mother enter his room.

The mare raised an eyebrow, glancing around the room at the numerous band posters, statutes of comic book characters and numerous other ‘improper’ things that littered his private living space. She shook her head, pointedly ignoring just how much this room annoyed her. “Tell me, Bluey, you wouldn't happen to be doing something you shouldn't.” She turned to him, glaring down at the colt. “Would you?”

He shook his head. “Of course not.”

“Of course, of course.” She smiled and nodded. “I just knew you weren't writing a letter to Celestia, but you know how your father gets.” Bright Horn shrugged, noticing the small tremor of unease that flowed through the colt.

“Well, dad can be kind of paranoid,” Blueblood said with a shaky smile.

“Yes... Quite,” Bright Horn muttered. “But sometimes he can be right. Like now, when he told me that you had a habit of hiding things under your bed.” She turned suddenly, glaring down at him once more. “But I told him that was ridiculous, but now I find myself wondering what the truth is. So, Bluey, you wouldn't have written a letter to Celestia and tucked it under your bed, would you?”

“N-no,” he stuttered.

“Oh, really now?” she asked in mock surprise. “And I suppose you also weren't listening in on your father and I’s conversation a few minutes ago.”

The colt trembled. “That's silly,” he whispered.

“Yes, very silly.” her eyes narrowed and her horn lit up, a second later a scroll emerged from beneath the colt’s bed, making his shoulders fall in defeat. “Very silly indeed,” she remarked sadly.

“I suppose there isn't a way this ends with you letting me speak to Celestia, is there?” Blueblood asked tiredly.

“Of course not.” She huffed. “Just be glad I won't send you away for training.”

The colt shivered, hugging his chest and making himself smaller. “P-please no. I did good before. It was just a little mistake!” He looked up at her, tears at the edges of his eyes. “I’ll be good, I swear!”

The mare’s eyes narrowed dangerously and she gripped the scroll tight in her magic. “I will speak to your father about this, and we will see what punishment would best fit your little transgression.”

Bright Horn turned, and walked out the door, the scroll held aloft in her magic.

With a slam, the door closed, leaving Blueblood alone in the dark.

The colt crawled under his sheets, wrapping the satin blankets tight about his body, imaging for a moment that his mother was here, holding him tightly. He felt a trickle of tears roll down his face as he realized he couldn't remember her face anymore, or even what she sounded like. In the absence, Celestia’s smiling face came unbidden to his mind, and he latched onto the image tightly, remembering the years he had spent with her.

As the room grew dark and the night set in, the colt whispered a lullaby Celestia used to sing to him. Though he didn't know the words, and the language was incomprehensible, he remembered enough of what it sounded like to soothe his soul and help whisk his spirit into the realm of dreams.

(The Next chapter is already up on patreon! But will be out next week!)

Author's Note

Play Day

“You did very well, Twilight,” Celestia remarked with a smile, wiping a sheen of sweat from her brow. “Quite well indeed.”

“R-really?” Twilight muttered while panting, her legs quivering and barely holding her upright.

Celestia smiled, using a quick refreshment spell to cleanse herself of the stink of sweat. “You have done admirably, my student. Your strength is improving quite quickly and as always your multitasking is phenomenal.” The alicorn smiled gently. “Would you like me to use the refreshment spell on you as well?”

The filly nodded. “Yes please.”

Celestia lit her horn and cast the spell again, curing Twilight of the stench that clung to her. “Are you sure you are feeling alright though? You seemed a little distracted.”

Twilight frowned, rubbing one hoof over her stomach. “I’m fine. I just have a bit of a stomach ache, is all.”

“Hmm, well try to go easy on the sugar for a little while, okay? I’ll see if your doctor can figure out what's bothering that tummy of yours,” Celestia quipped, poking the filly’s stomach and making her giggle.

“Stop iit,” Twilight whined, blushing hard.

The alicorn giggled and trotted over to the exit of the room where she lifted a hoof, turning a knob that jutted out from the wall. Slowly the subtle oppressive aura that had settled over her magic began to lift, making her horn spark as it got used to the removal of the anti-magic field.

The filly sighed, rubbing a hoof over her horn. “Why do we train with a dampening field on anyway?” she asked.

“Sometimes an opponent or an area can suppress your magic, making it harder to cast spells, meaning it becomes necessary to use more power than what you would normally require.” Celestia tapped her horn for emphasis. “It's important that you know how to overcome these obstacles, and it helps grow your mana pool, and strengthen your connection to your magic. Something you, little filly, need help with.”

“But I thought you said I’m improving,” Twilight said with a pout.

“You are, and quite quickly at that, which means it's working.” Celestia smiled, and picked up the filly’s chin. “Only a week or two more and I think you’ll already be back to your old self.”

Twilight’s eyes went wide. “And if we keep going I could get stronger?” the filly asked, the three words that had boomed in her mind a week ago returning to her.

Adapt, overcome, destroy.

She shook her head, purging her mind of the strange thoughts and trying to listen as Celestia spoke.

“Theoretically, you could keep getting stronger with this type of training, but I’m not wholly certain if that is a good idea.” The alicorn ran a hoof over the dial on the wall. “It puts quite a strain on your body and your magic and should be used sparingly.”

The filly nodded, before grinning up at the alicorn. “Hey Celestia, does the dial go all the way to a hundred percent?” she asked innocently.

“Technically yes, but again that's dangerous as completely suppressing a pony’s magic is a recipe for long term damage to a pony’s health including numerous complications.” Her features grew stern and she glanced down at the filly with a grave expression. “That mode is only for the elite guard and I want you to promise me never to try it, okay?”

The filly nodded. “Yes, Princess Celestia.”

“Good.” Celestia smiled. “Now then, are you ready to go see the dragon you hatched?”

“Uh huh!” Twilight proclaimed happily, pumping her hoof in the air.

The alicorn’s smile widened. “That's wonderful as I’m sure he would like to see you again as well.”

Together they walked back to the apartment section of the castle, passing by maids, guards and dignitaries, all of whom Celestia exchanged brief, polite greetings with. Twilight for her part remained close to Celestia’s side, nearly walking under the much taller pony, and utilizing the safety that the alicorn’s commanding presence garnered. Throughout it all the filly remained quiet and subdued, not speaking unless spoken too, and jumping whenever it did happen. When they made their way down the last hall to Twilight’s room that nervousness seemed to fade and, they both smiled when they noticed Silver Bulwark standing beside the door, leaning heavily on her spear and snoring loudly.

A little too loudly.

“Ahem,” Celestia barked loudly, yet the guard did not flinch.

Twilight giggled and stepped up in front of the ‘sleeping’ guard. “Good morning, Miss Bull!”

The guard leapt to attention, saluting the filly and yawning. “Morning already? Sorry, young miss, late night last night.”

The filly giggled again, returning the salute. “Would you mind opening the door for us?”

“Sure thing, so long as you don't mind this vagabond following you in,” Bull remarked, jerking her head in Celestia’s direction and smirking.

“Nope! Not at all,” Twilight announced happily, stepping inside when Silver opened the door for her.

The two older ponies shared a grin, and a slight bob of the head, before Celestia followed after her student and stepped inside Twilight’s room. A room that had come a long ways in the last week, gaining the appearance that somepony actually lived here. Several posters were pasted on the walls, a few more books sat in the shelf, and all manner of nick nacks both large and small were littered throughout, the filly having found time in her busy schedule to start emptying some of the boxes. Celestia smirked, evidently reality had finally settled in and Twilight realized that she was truly going to be living here, contrary to her first assumption.

With the door now shut firmly behind them, Celestia raised an eyebrow, gazing down at the smaller pony. “Was there something bothering you, Twilight? You seemed tense.” Her eyes narrowed. “No one was bullying you again, were they?”

The filly shook her head. “No, nothing like that. I just…” The filly pursed her lips. “His name is Spike, you know, he isn't an it.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Usually dragons name themselves.”

Twilight nodded. “He did, and he likes being called Spike.”

“You only met once, and he was barely a minute old at the time, how do you know that's what he likes to be called?” Celestia asked innocently.

The filly nodded determinedly. “I just have a feeling that's what he likes.”

The alicorn leaned down and nuzzled the filly. “That's good, trust those feelings. Some may say trusting your emotions is the wrong thing to do, but oftentimes your heart knows before your head does.”

“That's silly, the heart can't think, it's just a mass of muscle and stuff!” Twilight replied.

Celestia rolled her eyes. “Metaphorically, Twilight.” She shook her head. “Now enough about that, do you want to see Spike now?”

“Yes, please!” she announced happily.

“Good, but remember after this you must have a bath.” The alicorn wagged her hoof at the filly. “Just because you don't smell bad anymore doesn't mean the sweat is completely gone.”

Twilight nodded. “Right.”

“Good.” Celestia chuckled. “Because I had a student many decades ago that always used that spell every morning and night, merely using a towel to keep herself dry and when she finally forgot to renew the spell I thought she was dead because of how bad she smelled!”

Twilight giggled. “Ewww!”

“Ew is right. I was just about to plan her funeral before she suddenly woke up.” Celestia chuckled, rolling her eyes at the mere memory. “Now just hold on a second, I will send a quick notice to his nurses.”

The filly nodded, eagerly bouncing on her hooves and looking at the door expectantly.

Beside her, Celestia lit her horn and reached out across the castle, ringing a bell that would alert the nurses to the fact that the pair were now ready to receive the baby dragon. Trusting her staff, Celestia sat back down, waiting for the nurses to arrive with their package. In the meantime she chatted idly with Twilight, pressing her on various topics and discovering what she was doing during her self-guided study time. If Celestia was being honest, it was really just time that the alicorn hadn't had a lesson plan, but still, self-guided study sounded better than ‘Twilight turned out to learn faster and know more than Celestia had accounted for, time’.

The filly regaled the alicorn with her research into dreams, launching into an eager retelling of all the different ways one could interpret a dream. “And if your teeth fall out it's probably anxiety, like if you went to work in your pajamas.” The filly pointed out with a smile.

Celestia nodded. “Very interesting. I never was very good when it came to dream interpretation, or magic.” Her face grew dark for a moment, before she shook her head, her dour expression replaced with an eager smile. “Tell me, Twilight, do you suffer from nightmares at all? I remember Miss Touch saying something about a particularly nasty dream you had about a week ago.”

The filly sighed. “Yeah, it was kinda weird, it was after that whole Blueblood thing.” The filly growled the name, but quickly shook her head, distracting herself from the sudden bout of anger.

“And what happened in the dream?” Celestia prodded.

“It started off normal, I was playing in my old room when all of a sudden I started dreaming about this place really far away.” The filly pointed upwards for emphasis. “Like on another planet or something. I was like this bug thing, and my mommy had told me to go away, and though I didn't want to, I went anyway.”

“Why did you do that?” Celestia asked.

“She was my mommy, so of course I would do what she said.” Twilight frowned. “But then it started getting stranger, everything went wrong and then there was just darkness.” She shivered suddenly, clutching herself with her forehooves. “And cold.”

“Odd,” Celestia lamented. “Dreams don't usually let you feel such things like heat, though the mind usually does remember such details.”

An uncomfortable silence hung over the room, until suddenly Twilight perked up and stared at the wall to the right of the door. Celestia blinked, following her gaze and listening to the sound of the distant cry of an infant, one with a slightly strange voice. “Ahh, that would be the nurses,” Celestia remarked.

Twilight nodded, her eyes following something only she seemed able to see, tracing along the wall as the wailing got closer, until all at once it stopped. The filly smiled, her gaze turning to the door, which opened a second later to reveal a pure white unicorn nurse with bright red hair and a needle for a cutie mark.

She smiled faintly and tugged at the trolley she was pulling behind her. “Good afternoon, princess,” she greeted warmly.

Celestia nodded. “Good afternoon to you as well. How has your charge been?”

The nurse’s smile faltered. “He was a bit of a hoofful until we got near your door.”

The smiling face of an infant dragon poked out from behind the nurse, his tiny hands gripping the edge of the small cart he had been wheeled in on. The nurse smiled and gently picked him up in her magic, an action the dragon did not seem to notice at all, his gaze locked onto Twilight’s orange orbs.

“He seems to like you.” The nurse remarked with a smile before turning towards the cart, reaching inside. “Just let me get his sucky, and you can hold him.”

Twilight shook her head, quickly trotting over to the dragon. “He doesn't like his sucky, he wants his tail.”

The nurse opened her mouth to speak, but found her telekinetic aura overpowered by the filly, who grabbed the dragon and brought him close to her chest, where Spike used his small claws to grip her fur, clinging to the filly’s chest. “Okay then,” the nurse remarked, before turning to Celestia, who merely shrugged, prompting the nurse to drop the soother back in the cart.

“It's fine, Nurse Prick,” Celestia dismissed.

The nurse winced. “I prefer Little, if you don't mind.”

“Of course, Miss Little,” Celestia remarked offhandedly.

The alicorn watched as the two children sat on the ground, both grinning and staring at each other, the dragon’s tail stuffed into his mouth. The alicorn tapped her chin, her mind deep in thought as she tried to read into just what was happening between her student and the dragon she had hatched.

“I’ll be right here in case you need anything,” Little Prick remarked before standing next to the alicorn.

Celestia didn't respond, merely watching as the two children hugged tightly, before Twilight pulled back, sitting him down in her lap. “You know I missed you while I was studying,” she pointed out.

The dragon held tightly to the filly’s fur, babbling incomprehensible baby talk that seemed to go a mile a minute.

Twilight nodded. “I know, but I have to study, I can't see you all the time.”

Spike’s face contorted, before he grinned and spouted another line of baby noise at the filly.

“Yeah, it is kind of stuffy in here,” Twilight replied, before turning and opening the window. “Better?”

The baby dragon smiled and erupted with happy gibberish.

The nurse blinked, staring from one child to the other before looking up at Celestia expectantly. “What is going on?”

The alicorn’s brow furrowed and she shrugged. “Those who bond with a dragon whelp often display an uncanny knack for understanding their needs and wants,” she replied. “And it's hypothesized that this is the work of harmony connecting the two in order to make sure the dragon gets what they need from a pony that wouldn't instinctively know.”

“But I’ve been with him for weeks, as had the rest of the staff, yet we can't get him to stop crying no matter what we try.” She frowned, glancing down at the dragon. “Even after studying every single book on dragons that the library had and consulting every expert we could find.” She sighed. “We just give him every toy and try everything until eventually one of them works.”

Celestia was about to ask a question when Twilight suddenly gasped, and whispered, “Really?”

“What is it, Twilight?” Celestia asked, leaning closer.

“He's hungry.” The filly grinned. “Aren't you, Spike?”

The dragon nodded his head and burbled more nonsense.

Turning back to the cart, the nurse quickly produced a bottle of formula and was about to start warming it with a spell before Twilight suddenly spoke up. “He doesn't like it like that. Let me do it.”

The nurse glanced from the filly to Celestia, who nodded. “If you say so,” she lamented, before handing the bottle to the filly.

Twilight gripped the bottle in her magic before using a simple heating spell to warm up the bottle until the contents therein were boiling hot. Little raised her hoof and was about to step in when Celestia placed a hoof on her withers. “Trust her,” she said simply, pointing to the filly, whom was staring lovingly at the dragon. “Do you think those are the eyes of someone who would hurt a child?”

The nurse watched as the dragon eagerly began to suck away at the bottle held aloft in Twilight’s magic. “N-no,” she stuttered, awestruck by the strange exchange.

“Exactly.” Celestia smiled faintly, sitting down next to the filly and smiling at the pair. “Why don't you wait outside for a bit, Miss Little? Something tells me we are going to be here awhile.”

Little nodded, and beat a hasty retreat, slipping out the door after one last look back at the strange pair, the mare shaking her head before vanishing as the door slammed shut behind her.

“You two sure made fast friends.” Celestia pointed out with a smile. “Enjoying your time with your little helper?”

Twilight smiled. “Uh huh! But he isn't my helper.”

“He isn't?” Celestia asked, looking down at the bright green eyes of the baby dragon whom was staring up at her inquisitively.

“Nope.” The filly smiled, hugging the dragon close as he continued to drink the last of his milk. “He's my son.” She looked up at the alicorn hesitantly. “I mean, if that's okay.”

Celestia paused for a moment. “First tell me why you said it like that.”

Twilight frowned, looking down at the dragon, who turned to her, a small smile spreading across his face. “I don't know, it just feels right, like there is a piece of me in him.” She extended a hoof to the dragon, who in turn gripped the hoof tightly in his tiny claws.

The alicorn tapped her chin, deep in thought, she was, after all, right in a way.

The eggs they had been given were the equivalent of magical stillbirths, with the dragon’s mother not having the necessary magic to hatch the egg. After the first few months spent without the magical infusion necessary, the egg required extraordinarily more magic, making it all but impossible for the mother to hatch. This rarely happened, but sometimes if the mother was injured or starving they may not be able to muster enough magical fire necessary to hatch the egg. When that happened it required immense magical concentrations or continual low grade exposure to magic to eventually hatch.

This was the reason why Celestia used to have a number of the eggs at her school so they may eventually be saturated with enough magic that they could eventually be given back to the dragon whom would finish the process with natural dragon magic. But Spike’s egg had been here for centuries and been all but written off, the amount of magical energy necessary to hatch reaching far beyond what any mortal pony should be capable of wielding. And that was without even factoring in the fact that the actual hatching should only be possible of being completed by the egg’s progenitor.

So the assertion that she was the dragon’s mother wasn't too far off, after all, the filly had, in essence, breathed life into the long dormant egg.

Said filly looked up at Celestia expectantly, an expression mirrored by the dragon who had replaced his bottle with his tail, his claws still gripping Twilight’s coat as he stared up at the alicorn. “Being a mom is a lot of work, Twilight.”

Her eyes lit up. “I know, but he’ll be good! Won't you Spike?” She looked down at the dragon and nodded. “Right?”

The dragon seemed to half nod, but whether he was actually agreeing or just mirroring Twilight wasn't certain.

Celestia giggled, ruffling the filly’s mane. “Well, in that case, I guess you two are going to have to see a lot more of each other, huh?”

Twilight grinned. “Did you hear that, Spike? We can hang out more often!” She gasped. “I can even show you my book collection!”

The alicorn placed a hoof on the excited filly’s shoulder. “He will still has to stay with the nurses sometimes. A baby dragon needs a lot of attention and care and you still have schoolwork to do.”

Twilight frowned, an action the baby dragon quickly mirrored. “Okay, but when I get all my homework done I can go see him, right?”

Celestia leaned in, booping the dragon’s nose and giggling when his eyes crossed, staring at the alicorn’s hooved limb. “Tell you what, Twilight, I’ll tell the guards to let you in whenever you want. But,” she raised a hoof, “you must be done with all your homework and all other responsibilities, okay?”

Twilight grinned. “Yes! Oh, thank you, princess!” The filly lifted up the dragon. “Say thank you, Spike!”

The baby dragon popped his tail out of his mouth and burbled something that sounded close to thank you.

Celestia giggled. “You are welcome, Spike, and Twilight.” Her lips pursed and she placed her hoof on the ground. “Do you know what he's saying?”

Twilight shrugged. “Not exactly.” The filly frowned. “It's like a feeling, sometimes it's stronger, other times it's not.”

The alicorn nodded slowly. “I will have to include more lessons on dragons now, won't I?”

The filly nodded. “Mmmhmm!”

Celestia smiled, watching as the filly began patting the dragon on the back, aiming his mouth away from her while she did. Sure enough a second later the tiny dragon let out a belch, before burbling happily, grabbing Twilight’s hoof and clinging tightly to the limb.

“Oh and Twilight, could you do me a favor?” Celestia asked suddenly.

The filly looked up at her quizzically. “Sure.”

“Could you ask Spike to try not to bite the nurses or cry quite as much? Maybe if he heard you say it, it might stick.”

Twilight nodded, pulling the dragon up to her eye level and fixing him with a stern expression. “Spike.” The dragon blinked, staring into the filly’s golden orbs. “Please don't bite the nurses, and only cry when you need something. Okay?”

The dragon pouted, and burbled something before pouting again and muttering some more.

“I think he’ll be better now,” Twilight said, placing the dragon back in her lap and watched him curl up on her tail.

“It looks like someone is tired,” Celestia remarked.

“Daww, I wanted to play some more.” The filly sighed before shrugging her shoulders. “Spike is kind of tired though, maybe next time.”

Celestia watched as the dragon curled into a tight ball, Twilight’s tail in his tiny claws, his eyes closing. Using her magic, the alicorn opened the door to the hall. “Nurse Little, I think your charge is ready for his nap.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” the nurse muttered before trotting inside and finding the dragon nearly asleep.

Twilight reluctantly watched as the nurse leaned down and picked up the dragon, using her hoof to cradle the dragon against her chest. Despite how gentle she was, Spike still woke up, his eyes snapping open, and a growl already on his lips. Just as he was about to bite the object of his ire he suddenly turned to Twilight, who shook her head disapprovingly, prompting the dragon to close his mouth and pout.

The nurse, who hadn't noticed any of this, calmly placed the baby back into the cart and tucked some of the blankets under him, which Spike promptly ignored, standing back up and gripping the side of his cart in order to look back at Twilight. Nurse Little smiled, and began to push the cart from the room, watching as the dragon began to tear up the further away he got, yet no matter how much his eyes watered, he did not cry.

By the time his cart had disappeared around the corner, Twilight had to wipe her own eyes of the numerous tears that had begin to build there.

“Are you alright, Twilight?” Celestia asked, draping a wing over her back, and pressing a worried hoof against her student’s shoulder. “You were crying.”

The filly sniffed, wiping away the last of her tears. “I’m okay, just… proud.”

Author's Note

Check Ups

“Ahh Twilight, you made it. Come in, come in,” Velvet Touch announced happily, opening the door for the young filly.

Twilight feigned a weak smile before trotting into the small room, noticing the now familiar couch that sat across the therapist’s tall chair, which had a small coffee table complete with a tiny candy dispenser sitting between them. With a resigned sigh the foal hopped up into the couch and sprawled out into her usual position, a frown on her lips.

Velvet raised an eyebrow at the filly’s downcast expression, but said nothing for now, merely closing and securing the door and then activated the privacy filter that would ensure complete confidentiality would be maintained. The mare quickly turned and sat at her chair, drawing forth a pad of paper, pen and a wide smile.

“And how are you this afternoon?” she began, clicking her pen and peering intently at the still frowning filly.

“I’m okay, I guess,” Twilight muttered.

The therapist raised an eyebrow but said nothing, adding a quick note to her page. “It's been awhile, hasn't it? I’m surprised how quick the weeks can pass us by.”

The filly shrugged. “I guess.”

“Is there something bothering you, Twilight?” she asked, smiling gently and leaned forward. “Are you having trouble with your studies?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, Celestia’s curriculum isn't difficult, though the physical tests are challenging.”

“Oh? Tell me about these tests of hers.” She smiled. “They must be tough if a smart pony like you is having trouble.”

Twilight smiled a little, before replacing the expression with a frown once more. “They aren't too hard, she's just trying to help my magic grow and my connections to become better.”

Velvet nodded, remembering the report she had received a few days ago. “It doesn't hurt when you two train like that, does it?”

Again Twilight shook her head. “No, not really, it's kind of exhausting but really not that bad.” She paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “It's like running for a really long time, but with magic.”

“Ahh, I think I understand now,” Velvet remarked. “Are you having trouble sleeping perhaps?”

“No, the beds here are really nice, and with Bull watching over me I always get to sleep when I’m supposed to.”

“Ahh yes, Miss Bull. How is she doing by the way?” Velvet offered.

The filly shrugged. “Fine, I guess. She hasn't been as talkative lately though…” Her frown returned and she suddenly extended a hoof towards the candy dispenser. “May I?”

“Of course, it's why it's there,” Velvet replied quickly.

The elder mare waited in silence as Twilight cranked out a hoofful of chocolates before tossing one into her mouth while levitating the rest in her magical aura. The therapist smiled faintly, grabbing a treat for herself and savoring the sweet milk chocolate that melted on her tongue. The filly’s frown lessened as she watched the older mare enjoy her chocolate, smiling slightly as she leaned forward suddenly. “Don't tell Silver, okay?”

Twilight giggled before making a zipping motion over her lips. “I promise.”

Velvet smiled before grabbing a second chocolate and tossing it back, an action that Twilight mimicked. With a smile now on her face, the therapist grabbed her paper and pen once more before leaning back in her chair. “Alright, now where were we?” She clicked her pen twice before her eyes suddenly lit up. “Oh right, we were figuring out why you got a case of the frownies.”

The filly narrowed her eyes, trying to hold back the urge to laugh. “I am not a baby, you know.”

The other unicorn held up her hooves defensively. “Everyone gets the frownies you know, even me.”

“Well, still,” the filly grouched, crossing her hooves over her chest while stifling a laugh.

“So, are you going to tell me what's bugging you or are we going to have to play twenty questions?”

The filly’s amusement fell away in an instant, a hoof going to her right foreleg, a limb that now appeared slightly thicker than the others, sporting a slight discoloration around the middle point between her knee and her hoof. The filly remained silent, looking down at the ground, absently popping another chocolate into her mouth.

The therapist frowned, tapping her pad of paper. “And how are your parents and brother, or is it brothers now?”

The filly bit her lip for a second, revealing her sharp canines and drawing an unconscious shudder from the mare. “My parents are fine, dad got a promotion and mom is starting a new book. Oh and Shining is doing well, so is Spike.”

“That's good, that's good. How is the little rascal? I heard he used to be quite a handful for his nurses before you two started spending more time together.”

Twilight smiled wistfully, staring out the window as her thoughts drifted to her ‘son’. “He was just scared and confused. It took a little while, but I don't think he is quite as much of a little rascal now.” She giggled. “Though I don't think I could talk him out of his habit of stealing treats, the little guy has as big a sweet tooth as me.”

The therapist raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Now that's saying something.”

The filly crossed her hooves over her chest and harrumphed, tossing the last chocolate into her mouth only to stop and chew slowly, her face burning with embarrassment. “Mmabe sho,” she muttered.

Rolling her eyes, Velvet picked her pen and paper back up and quickly scratched down a few thoughts before turning back to Twilight just as she swallowed the last of her treats. “So, Twilight, if it's not family or school that's bothering you, then would it happen to be your stomach still giving you issues?”

The filly frowned, a hoof rubbing her stomach absently. “I still get weird rumblies sometimes, but it's not so bad.” As if on cue her stomach rumbled audibly, making the filly wince.

“That doesn't sound very good, are you eating enough?” The filly nodded, drawing a frown to the therapist’s lips. “I assume you are following the chef’s meal plan and are not eating too many treats?” Again the filly nodded. “Hmm, I will have to let Celestia know.”

Twilight frowned. “Could you not?” She winced, noticing the therapist’s confused expression. “I just don't want her to worry too much, she already does so much.”

“If you really don't want me to, I won't, but I still have to write it down. Okay?”

The filly nodded weakly, while wincing and clutching her grumbling stomach once more.

Alert Celestia to possible dietary issues, stomach problems have persisted and have grown worse. Velvet Touch clicked her pen and looked back up. “Now then, if all that isn't what's bothering you, what is?”

The filly frowned once more, looking down at the floor and grumbling silently.

“If you really don't want to talk about this we don't have to, but I’m worried about you, Twilight.” Velvet Touch smiled, putting down the paper and pen for a moment. “Hurt that you don't let out sits inside you, slowly turning you sour like some sort of pickle.”

Twilight giggled. “A pickle? Really?”

Velvet shrugged. “Hey, you know I’m not very good at the whole metaphor thing, but you know what I mean.”

Twilight nodded, her face turning sour once more. “Promise you won't get me in trouble?”

The therapist placed a hoof over her heart and nodded. “I promise.”

“I tried to make some friends,” she whispered.

“That's wonderful, but something tells me it didn't go well, did it?”

“No,” the filly muttered.

“What happened, Twilight?” Velvet urged.

The filly’s face scrunched up in anger as she clutched the arm of the couch in a death grip. “They are all scared of me.” She ground her teeth together. “Or think I have some sort of disease or something.” She squeezed a little harder, the wood groaning beneath her hooves. “But I don't have some weird disease. I’m not a freak.”

She released the arm rest, barely noticing the way it now bent slightly. “I'm not a freak…” she whispered.

“What happened Twilight, what made them so scared of you?”

“I’m not scary.” The filly fell back into the couch, curling into a ball with her tail tucked between her legs. “They turned out to be a grumpy bunch of meanie heads, end of story.”

“Those were the Magisteel twins, right? They never struck me as the bullying type before,” quipped the therapist, scratching down a few notes in her book.

The filly leapt to her hooves, a snarl on her lips. “Not the bullying type? Not the bullying type?! They broke my leg and tried to kill me.”

Velvet quickly stood up, offering the filly a calming smile. “Whoa there, let's take it back a second alright. They both said it was the wind under a truth spell, I don't think they-”

The filly’s eyes burned an angry orange light, stopping Velvet Touch dead in her verbal tracks. “You want to know so bad? Fine, I’ll tell you, I’ll show you I’m not a liar.”

They had sent me a letter, telling me about how they wanted to hang out with me near the east wall, alone. I thought it was kind of weird that they would want me to ditch Bull, but some ponies are scared of her, so I asked her to give me some space for a bit. When I got there nopony was around as normally the area was off limits. This was in part due to the fact that it tended to get slick with dew, and there was a small section that were starting to heave, making it slightly slanted, but they said it was fine.

After meeting them near the wall in one of the towers closer to the castle, they challenged me to a race. I didn't feel like it, but then they said the winner got twenty bits and I could buy a whole bunch of books for twenty bits so I agreed, though I was confused as to why they even wanted to race as they were both scrawnier than Shining Armor when he was little.

They told me they wanted to race because they were trying out a new spell, one that would enable them to run faster and jump higher. I never heard of such a spell and they wouldn't show me, but I agreed anyway as it sounded like fun, and they really seemed to want to be friends, which I found out later was a total lie.

So those jerks convinced me to race them along the wall, and though I had my reservations about running on the wall it did sound like fun, so I did it. We lined up in a row, with those two jerks to my left, leaving me right next to the side of the wall with no railing on it. Again, they told me it was fine as there was some room left for us and it didn't look too dangerous.

Then we started running, and those two jerk faces were surprised to see me run out in front of them so quickly, and started whining about cheating, even though they said they were testing that spell. I didn't want to seem like a meanie pants though so I slowed down, pretending to get tired quickly, which they bought. After that they started really getting into it, running as hard as possible along the wall.

Most ponies don't know this, but that section of the wall is actually the longest unbroken part of the Canter Castle wall. It also has a really nice view of the city and the gardens, making it a nice place to watch the sunset. So anyways, we are running on the wall and they start to get tired, like really tired, and though I’m pretending to be tired too they seem to be catching on, so they look at each other like two thieves would before they mug somepony.

Up ahead I can see a slight bend before the next tower, and with my victory in sight they push me right off the wall! I nearly died! But I was too powerful, catching myself in my telekinesis with the help of Bull who was nearby. We only just managed to stop me before I broke my neck, but I still messed up my leg which hurt a whole lot!
Oh and those two stupid jerks didn't even try to help me! They seemed sad to see that I survived.

“That's quite the story, Twilight,” Velvet Touch remarked, jotting down a few notes before folding her hooves over her lap. “But have you ever considered that you may have slipped? You did say that the wall was heaving and that it did get slick.”

The filly wilted slightly, some of her anger blowing away. “B-but then why did they say they didn't want Bull there?”

“Silver Bulwark is rather intimidating, perhaps they were scared of her, again, you did say as much yourself,” Velvet pointed out.

Twilight wilted even more, her anger blowing away completely as she crumpled back into a heap. “Well, they still shoulda helped.”

“Twilight, you are a very powerful and talented unicorn, not everypony can match your skill and power.” The unicorn lit her horn for emphasis, picking up the pen that had been resting on the table. “Plus, I’m sure you know that telekinesis is harder the heavier and the faster something is moving.” She zipped the pen in the air before picking up the candy dispenser and doing the same with much more difficulty.

With her point made, she set the candy down and smiled. “They might not even have mastered their telekinesis by now, you never know.”

“B-but they are my age! They have to know telekinesis by now, that spell is for babies,” the filly whined, crossing her hooves over her chest and pouting.

“That may be, but do you know if they have fully developed magic and don't suffer from learning or magical disabilities?”

“No…” the filly muttered, unable to meet the therapist’s gaze.

Velvet smiled faintly. “Don't be discouraged, you might be right and I’m sure Silver Bulwark or whomever is in charge of investigating this matter will get to the bottom of this.”

“I guess so…”

“Hey, why don't you say we go and find some better treats and blow this popsicle stand,” Velvet whispered, leaning in conspiratorially towards the filly.

“Really? But what about the rest of the interview thing? Celestia said I have to be here for at least an hour,” Twilight remarked, her enthusiasm barely held back.

The therapist shrugged. “That's just a suggestion, I can cut it short if I want. So, what do you say we go find out what the royal baker has been up to?”

Twilight hopped out of the couch and bounded over to the door. “Well, what are we waiting for?”

Velvet Touch laughed, hopping down from her chair and following close behind the filly. “I have to put my notes in my office first, why don't you see if Miss Fine Tooth has a minute to chat while I file this away?”

The filly seemed about to agree before she suddenly stopped and turned, nervously shuffling her hooves. “Hey, Miss Touch...”

The therapist lifted an eyebrow. “Yes, Twilight?”

“I was wondering if you…” She gulped. “Would be my friend?”

“Of course, I’m your friend, Twilight.” The mare leaned down and pulled the filly into a short hug before gathering up her things. “Now then, why don't you see if Fine Tooth has any more cool stories left to tell you?”

The filly nodded, beaming up at the mare. “I hope so!” With that, the filly turned and bounded away, running across the busy office space and disappearing around a corner.

The elder mare’s smile fell away instantly, and the unicorn wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. “I better hurry before she gets bored,” she muttered, before turning to her own office and trotting away at a brisk pace.

Slipping inside her office, the mare turned the rod for the blinds and trotted behind her desk, flicking on the small lamp and made her way over to the filing cabinet in the corner. It was devoid of labeling save for a six pointed orange star that had five other yellow stars surrounding it and small white points poking out behind the largest one. With the ease of someone that had done this dozens of times before, the therapist opened a drawer, ripped out the sheet containing today’s notes and slipped it into the file with today’s date written on it.

Next she turned back to her desk and dug out a simple manilla folder, and extracted the x-rays and notes inside of it. The x-rays seemed normal at first glance, showing a healthy leg bone which was perfect save for the fact that it was a little thicker than most. This single strange aspect was compounded when one looked closer and realized there were many other odd things being captured in that picture.

Thin tendrils seemed to snake from the bone, and the bone itself was far denser than what should be possible. It also had a weird secondary structure around it that was vaguely reminiscent of scaffolding one might see on the side of a building, though it was for the most part already disintegrated. Along with the x-rays were also several normal pictures displaying a purple furred limb, that again seemed normal at first glance, with only slight discoloration making it seem anything less than average.

And though the limb itself seemed perfectly healthy save for a few strange lines of deep purple discoloration around where the break had occurred, it was also not the limb of a child, or at least it didn't look that way. The notes attached to the picture indicated that the subject had been administered a light shock an instant before the picture was taken, making her muscles bulge and making the limb itself seem like one that belonged to a body builder rather than a filly.

The picture after that seemed completely normal, with the filly’s muscles no longer bulging obscenely. Velvet Touch shook her head and filled it all away before making a note to review what she had discovered and write a full report, one that would indicate just how strange this all truly was.

Though she wasn't a scientist by any stretch of the imagination, she knew something was wrong. The parasite had finally acted, except it didn't seem to be negatively impacting the filly’s life, rather it seemed to be doing the exact opposite. It both strengthened and repaired the break she had experienced, pulling the bone back through her skin and knitting it perfectly before going even further and strengthening the bone itself, allowing the filly to stand after mere hours of the devastating incident.

That limb would need to be hit by quite a large amount of force to be broken again, and Velvet Touch was certain that Twilight would only bounce back and become even stronger if such a thing did manage to occur. The therapist shook her head and purged her thoughts of such worries, it wasn't her place to consider such things, only what it meant for Twilight’s mind and nothing indicated that she had acted out of the ordinary. Yet anyway.

Celestia set the report that she had just received down on her desk, tapping her chin thoughtfully as she mused on the news she had received.

It wasn't readily apparent that she had an attempted murder on her hooves, and though she was confident Silver Bulwark would ensure such a thing wouldn't happen again, the monarch was less sure that the guard could get to the bottom of things. Bull was very emotionally invested in Twilight, which made her unfortunately rather biased, add to that the fact that she just wasn't the greatest investigator and Celestia was almost certain she wouldn't get to the bottom of things without a set of keen eyes to help her out.

Something she could probably supply, all she needed to do was clear a little time, set up some interviews and- Her train of thought was derailed by a mental alarm sounding in her mind. “Not now,” she mumbled angrily.

The alicorn lit her horn and stood up from her desk, her mind going out along the familiar lines of magic, seeking out the source of the alarm bells sounding in her head. With a sigh, the bells stopped and she was forced to drop the response she had been writing, setting it aside into a now perilously large pile that sat in her ‘to do’ box.

Celestia spared the pile a sidelong glance before frowning at the way it tipped one way and then the next, barely able to keep standing anymore. “Maybe one day I will have time for you,” she muttered, making a quick note to check the loyalty of her officers in hope of delegating more of her duties only to realize she had already made such a note, and that it was somewhere in the perilous pile.

A long, shuddering sigh broke the silence of the alicorn’s private office, before she stood a little straighter, reminding herself that this was, after all, both necessary and vital. Shaking her head, the mare lit her horn once more, and after ensuring her teleportation spell would be unable to be tracked, disappeared in a flash of light.

The alicorn reappeared in another flash of light which illuminated the small room she appeared within briefly. Four perfectly flat stone walls surrounded her, featureless save for a glowing circle on the ground and an iron door across from her.

Lighting her horn, the mare waited as the circle below her lit up, along with several other glyphs and writing that sparked to life a complex weave of spells that washed over her. She had done this hundreds if not thousands of times, yet the spells were still as irritating as ever, making her skin crawl as they washed over her. Thankfully it didn't take long and after the glyphs discovered she was indeed the pony that had cast the spells in the first place, allowed her to move, the door across from her opening automatically as the spells dulled and the room lit up.

Several torches sprung to life, illuminating the room in the gentle glow of spell light, allowing the mare to trot through the room and into the area beyond. Much like the first room, this one was also relatively featureless, merely turning into a long hallway that had the the same featureless gray stone walls, floor and roof as the last room. Along the walls were more blue flame torches, illuminating a long carpet that led from one end of the hall to the other, wherein another, much larger iron door stood.

As she walked the hall, Celestia felt the various protective measures come to life and scan her before falling silent. Her hooves passed over a pitfall trap that did not open, while several magically aimed crossbows emerged from the ceiling, only to recede back into their hiding places. Traps and spells the likes of which nopony had ever seen before having been employed to defend this lone, narrow stretch of hallway.

Confident that her defences were still up to snuff, the alicorn walked a little faster, eager to find out what exactly had changed. Making her way to the end of the hall, the mare stood quietly before the final door, barely able to push down the urge to tap her hoof in annoyance. A second later the floor next to her bulged, a quadruped shape emerging from the stone and quickly taking a more distinct form of an earth pony

“Otium superat,” Celestia stated clearly.

The stone pony bowed once before reaching forward and pushing open the door, allowing a rush of wind to rush out from within. The stone pony didn't seem to notice, but Celestia could instantly feel the difference compared to the stale air of the hall, and she breathed deep of the crisp, cool breeze, instantly refreshed. She shook her head and slipped inside, pushing the door closed firmly behind her, only allowing herself to turn around after she heard the familiar click, whir that meant the room was sealed and her work could begin.

Celestia smiled faintly as she gazed out over the singular object that took up nearly the entire room, a hint of pride welling in her chest.

The room itself was much, much larger than the last, roughly the size of the training arena wherein she had begun to test Twilight’s unique magic. Except this room was nearly completely filled with strange and glowing streams, most of which were teal, while a few were black, which were, in turn, intermingled with thousands upon thousands of gears. The entire thing shifted and moved nearly completely soundlessly, with the only noise being the soft clink of the occasional gear sliding into place. Between this seemingly endless array of parts were the thousands upon thousands of thin streams of teal and black that seemed to emanate from deeper within the room, growing out from some unseen central point.

With a smile on her lips, the alicorn pumped her wings and lifted off the ground, flying into the great machine. The gears and lines seemed to ebb and flow around her, allowing the alicorn to make her way deeper through its many twists and turns before eventually emerging into the centre-most chamber. From here there were several thicker, seemingly more important lines of flowing teal light that caught her eye and made her smile fall away.

She looked down, towards where all the strands emerged from, noting that the egg-like centre point was now marred by more of the strange black-tinted streams. Now that she saw just how many of those streams were corrupted, her heart sank, and though she felt sorry for those poor fools that have strayed too far from harmony, she didn't have time for them.

She turned her attention deeper into the machine, gently gliding between the opening until she was able to behold the centre-most point and the six, powerful streams of the purest teal that surrounded it. The alicorn sighed, noticing that some of the black had begun to seep into three of the six streams, though she noticed that Twilight’s remained as pure as ever, even though it was marred by a little red that indicated she had experienced a considerable amount of rage in her recent past.

The alicorn sighed, making another mental note to check up on the afflicted unicorn in order to ensure she was indeed alright after meeting with Velvet Touch. Putting those thoughts out of her mind for now, the alicorn lit her horn and focused entirely upon reaching deep into herself, drawing forth power from the very depths of her soul.

Then, when she felt as though her body was filled with all the magic it could possibly hold, she began to sing. The song itself was wordless, and uttered in a tongue beyond the comprehension of mortals. It wasn't even wholly right to say that she was singing at all, rather she was giving voice to emotion itself, allowing the most primal part of her being to resonate through her magically enhanced vocal cords.

At the sound of the alicorn’s soul, the egg shook, the many streams of purest teal vibrating along with it. As she sang, the egg-shaped orb became still once more, though occasionally a thin tremor could be seen emanating from the countless streams that grew forth from its bulk. Those streams that echoed with the alicorn’s empathy lost a shred of the darkness pressing down upon them, the darkness flaking off and vanishing amidst the aetherial wind that gently shifted through the cavern.

As her song continued, Celestia looked down, noticing that it seemed to have the desired effect, as the three streams she focused on began to lose a hint of the darkness that clung to them. She peered intently at the thinnest most stream, peering into the river that was this being’s life. She could see pain, and sorrow the likes of which would make any other being quake with fear and grovel for relief, yet this pony seemed to bear it with a stoicism bordering on madness. Celestia could feel her heart break all over again as she stared deep into the pony’s life, reliving how she had nearly lost it all, only to be cast out by the only thing that she truly cared about, her family.

Shifting gears, Celestia chose to dedicate more of herself to that unfortunate pony, knowing well the signs of sorrow and loneliness that came with ostracization. Within minutes she could see the pony within the stream begin to still, her nightmare slowly dissipating and leaving her in a dreamless slumber. It wasn't much, but Celestia hoped desperately that the small kindness would help the poor thing as she struggled onwards on her uncertain path.

Her mood slowly lifting, the alicorn continued to sing, the minutes flying by as she continued to pour herself into the sound, hoping desperately that it would be enough to help push back the tide of darkness she knew to be coming.

The alicorn stumbled back into the small room she had first appeared in those many hours ago, her hooves having become dull, useless things that seemed to catch on every surface. The weight that had settled over her body having grown oppressive, weighing her down physically, mentally and spiritually. Though she had accomplished her goal and had staved off the alarm bells for now, she knew it wouldn't be long before the weave required more attention.

The thought of spending another sleepless night in those chambers was not a pleasant one, and it was with a heavy heart and even heavier limbs that she stepped back into the chamber and lit her horn. In a flash of light she was back in her office, only for her eyes to go wide when she realized exactly what time it was, her internal clock alerting her to just how close she had cut it.

Sprinting over to the window, the alicorn threw open the curtains, revealing the moon hanging low in the sky. Serendipity may have been on her side and allowed her to return mere moments before she had to lower the moon and raise the sun, but Celestia wasn't ready to count her lucky stars quite yet, as she had one last struggle left before the day could truly begin.

Lighting her horn once more, the alicorn reached out to the moon, her magic passing through the aether and beyond, until finally it touched upon the stark white orb hanging in the sky. The alicorn gritted her teeth, refusing to recoil from the ensuing hatred that poured through the connection. For a moment her hooves shook, and her mind trembled as the rage and fury of the moon’s mistress poured into her. Then her jaw clenched and the powerful alicorn stood once more, brushing aside the dark mistress’ influence and forcing her will upon the moon, lowering it from the sky completely.

With her sister’s prison now hidden from sight, she reached out and with only the gentlest of prodding, encouraged the sun to rise above the horizon. An action the sun eagerly complied with, moving into position and even giving the alicorn a piece of itself, temporarily pushing the pain and weariness that clung to the alicorn’s mind.

“Thank you, old friend,” she whispered, before standing proudly once more.

The alicorn turned back to her desk and noticed a new addition to her inbox, a small hoofwritten note from her secretary that told of complications with the most recent trade deal with Griphonia. With a deep sigh she crumpled up the piece of paper and tossed it into the trash, and reluctantly glanced over the pile of paper she wanted to get to.

She brushed a hoof over the top of the pile, desperately wishing that she had the time or the extra mare power to truly get to her many, slightly less pressing concerns. Turning away, the alicorn sighed once more, reluctantly putting off her those many problems in order to focus on the most recent trouble to plague her.

“I’m sorry Twilight, hopefully Silver Bulwark will be able to get to the bottom of this on her own,” the alicorn muttered. “And hopefully those foolish unicorns can wait to be investigated another day.”

A sudden knock on the door alerted the alicorn that she was no longer alone, and after pulling herself up into her more regal posture, opened the door with her magic. “Ahh, Raven, what is it?”

The demure mare on the other side of the door opened her mouth to speak, only to squint into the relative gloom of Celestia’s office. “Are you- are you alright, Your Highness? The guards said you didn't return to your chambers last night.”

“It's nothing, I was just doing some last minute work that needed some extra attention,” Celestia remarked.

The mare frowned, her gaze lingering on the alicorn’s eyes. “Alright… but you should really get some sleep, Your Majesty.”

“I will,” Celestia stated evenly. “Now, what do you have for me today?”

“Err, well it's about the griffon ambassador, Ma’am, she's been causing trouble again and demanding to speak to you about the negotiations.”

Celestia sighed, rolling her eyes and stepped around her desk. “We better see what old Storm Beak wants this time.”

“Are you sure you don't want to get-” The mare winced. “Sorry.”

“Put it out of your mind, Raven.” The alicorn smiled. “Just tell me what she is raising a ruckus over this time.”

“Right, it all started when a group of nobles showed up and-”

Author's Note

This bonus chapter made possible by veiwers like you! Consider backing me if you want to see even more content like this and help enable me to do less commissions and work more on stories you love!

Want to see stories like this before anyone else and get access to secret patron only stories, early releases for patreon supporters aaand other goodies? Drop just three bucks on my patreon and join the early release club!

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This update was made possible by the wonderful support of:
Kali, Craig, Ozzy, Robert, Quill, JPMK, Tommy, Ivar, Mikhaila, Pacsik, Matt, Brendan, Peter, Nicky, Princess Pudding, Nofreedom, T Sparkle, Apollyon, Luckyfanisaac, Azin, Zairvin, Random_Reader, Iamunkown, Facinus, M, Nfreak, Doomgooey, Michael, Ceepert, Diokyo, Starless.

Hunger

“Hello again, Twilight Sparkle. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” a middle aged unicorn doctor asked kindly.

Twilight looked him up and down, noticing that his brown coat and incense cutie mark was remarkably clean for once. The filly couldn't help but smile at the sight of his enormous, goofy looking glasses that nearly completely obscured his orange eyes. “Celestia said I have to go for another check up.”

“My my, is it that time of the month already?” The doctor smiled. “Time flies, doesn't it?”

“I guess.” Twilight shrugged.

The stallion took a step back and gestured to the bed next to him. “Please sit.” He turned to the lingering earth pony nurse standing by the door and flashing him a smile. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, Nurse Forceps.”

The nurse frowned, glancing from the filly to the doctor before shaking his head. “If you are sure…”

The doctor scoffed. “I think I can handle a single filly. Besides-” he turned around and smiled at the young unicorn, “-Twilight isn't going to be a hoofful, are you?” The filly shook her head. “See?”

The nurse reluctantly sighed before bowing out. “If you insist, Doctor Feel Good.”

“I do.” The older stallion closed the door to the room and made his way over his desk, which was absolutely littered with personal effects, and took a seat in the ancient, well worn office chair. “Alright, let me just grab your file and we can get right down to it.”

“Okay,” Twilight muttered, absentmindedly kicking her hooves while staring at the floor.

The doctor’s gaze lingered over the despondent filly a moment longer before turning to his enormous filing cabinet and pulling open the appropriate drawer. With a deftness that belied his age, the stallion gripped the appropriate file from the numerous others before clearing a spot on his desk amidst the hoard of pictures and files that had yet to be organized.

“Alrighty then,” he announced, slamming the heavy file onto his desk. “First off, how have you been?”

The filly shrugged. “I’ve been okay, I guess.”

“That doesn't sound very enthusiastic, are your studies becoming too much?” Doctor Feel asked, while tapping his pen against the open file.

“Not really,” she muttered.

“Hmm...” He turned, made a note of the apparent stress she was suffering from. “Twilight, do you think you would mind doing a few tests today?”

“Whatever,” the filly muttered.

Frowning deeply, the doctor tapped his page a few times before standing up and retrieving a reflex hammer from a drawer. “Alright, first thing I’m going to test is your reflexes. Do you remember how we did this last time?”

Twilight giggled. “Yeah, you hit my knee and nearly got kicked in the face.”

“Yes, well, we’ll try and skip that last part this time.” He chuckled, levitating the hammer over to the filly’s knee. “Ready?”

Twilight nodded, and received a light knock to her knee, causing her to swing her leg out a second later.

“Hmmm.” The stallion rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Reflexes are a little delayed.”

The filly frowned, looking down at her leg with disdain, a hint of worry beginning to worm its way into her mind. “Is there something wrong with me?” Twilight asked nervously.

“I don't think so, but we better make sure.” The stallion smiled widely before plunking back in his chair and causing a small wave of dust to billow out. “So, are you getting enough to eat?”

“Why is everypony worried about that?” Twilight frowned. “I’ve been eating lots, and sticking to the strict diet Celestia put me on.”

“Odd,” Feel Good remarked. “Have you been getting enough exercise?”

“Yeah. Celestia put me on a routine and everything,” Twilight remarked sourly, hooves crossed over her chest.

“And have you been keeping away from sweets like we talked about last time?”

“Uh huh.”

“And…” The doctor stopped, tapping his chin while deep in thought. “Have you been getting enough sunlight?”

“Uh…” Twilight scratched her head. “How much is enough?”

Feel Good frowned, turning back to his desk and made a few notes. “Nevermind that. Would it be fair to say that you feel lethargic, unenergetic or sickly?”

Twilight thought about it for a second before nodding. “All three, I think. Lethargic means lazy, right?”

The stallion nodded. “Pretty much.”

“Then yeah.”

“Do you mind if I scan you for a moment?” the doctor asked. “It will only take a second.”

“Alright…” Twilight frowned, crossing her hooves back over her chest. “But try not to take too long. Scans always make me feel funny.”

“I’ll go as fast as possible, I promise.” Feel Good made a crossing motion over his heart, earning him a slight smile from the still grumpy filly.

Lighting his horn, the unicorn quickly went through the motions of casting the scanning spell, before finally pushing a little extra magic through his horn, causing the spell to take form. A shimmering sphere of light green magic encapsulated the filly’s body in its dull glow. Twilight shivered briefly but otherwise didn't move, merely sitting patiently as the stallion’s magic focused on one part of her body and then another.

As his magic shifted, the stallion’s frown deepened until finally the light of his horn dulled and died. It was clear that something was wrong with her, that much was obvious, but due to the parasite’s machinations any information he gathered was borderline useless. Twilight had a new normal from any other filly, and as such the metrics he always looked for in a healthy pony, foal or adult, were simply irrelevant here.

He mentally set that information to the side, putting it out of his mind and focusing on what he could say for certain. After all, the information he gathered wouldn't help, not until he had built up a larger database anyway.

With that in mind the stallion rubbed his chin thoughtfully, staring off into the distance.

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle had grown increasingly paranoid, her thoughts starting to run faster and faster as she pondered just what this might mean for her. It was obvious from the doctor’s expression that whatever was wrong with her was serious, but without any clues other than her general laziness over the last month and a bit she couldn't draw any conclusions. Was it some sort of flu? Or perhaps something far worse then a mere flu?

The filly gasped, chewing idly on her hoof as her mind continued to race with possibilities.

The cutie pox? No, worse! Cooties!

Then, just as her brain was starting to overheat with all her panicked thoughts, Doctor Feel Good suddenly perked up, jumping out of his chair. “This must be some sort of deficiency. It's the only thing that makes sense.”

“What? But I’ve been sticking to the diet, I promise,” Twilight whined.

“And I trust that you have, but perhaps you need something you are not getting.” Feel Good grinned. “After all, you are a growing filly, and it's not like the cooks have had to make anything for a young mare in a long time.”

“I guess.” The filly’s eyes lit up suddenly. “Does that mean we get to go back to the kitchens?”

“Unfortunately not. I am going to get to the bottom of this right now.” The doctor smiled at the filly, ruffling her mane. “You should probably scamper back to Celestia.”

“Daw fine…” The filly hopped down and trotted to the door before stopping. “Can I at least get a sucker?”

Doctor Feel Good stopped, and mulled it over for a moment before making the mistake of looking down at the strangest pair of puppy eyes he had ever seen. His heart melting, the doctor retrieved a blue sucker, her favorite, and hoofed it over before he even knew what he was doing. “Alright, but that's all the sugar for today, understood?”

The filly squealed in delight, tearing through the packaging in seconds. “Thanks, Doctor Good!”

Shaking his head, the doctor made his way out of his office, making sure to close and lock the door behind him, remembering well the princess’ warning about security when it came to anything about his special patient. With his wards up and his locks now secure, the stallion turned, smiling faintly as he heard the distant sound of the filly humming happily as she walked down the long hall, accompanied by the steady thump of steel clad hooves.

Turning down a different path, the stallion made his way deeper into the castle, winding through ill used side passages and other less traveled sections of the castle. He knew well these strange and winding side paths, his habit of walking as he thought leading him down many of the lesser known halls of Canterlot Castle.

With his knowledge of the castle layout, the stallion made short work of the distance, emerging into the castle kitchens in mere minutes from leaving the small hospital found deep within the castle itself. As he looked around, trying to find the distinct tuft of silver mane that signalled the presence of the one pony he knew could help, he idly wondered just how he might be able to cure the filly’s most recent ailment.

With the sheer alien nature of the parasite that now lay dormant inside the filly’s body, there was a chance that her cravings could be for something truly unnatural and before his mind could go down any more darker paths, he shook his head. “That is not logical,” he reprimanded himself, forcing his mind away from the dark thoughts and towards a potential solution like vitamins or some other dietary supplement. “I wonder if…”

“Hey Feel, still talking to yourself I see,” a voice whispered from behind him.

Turning around, the doctor smiled, instantly recognizing the voice and its owner. “Miss Tea Spoon, so nice of you to stop by the kitchens today.”

The chef’s eyes narrowed for a second, before she threw back her head and laughed aloud. “Still as sharp as ever I see. Here I would have thought your self prescriptions would have dulled your wit by now.”

The stallion chuckled nervously, tugging at a collar he wasn't actually wearing. “Well, be that as it may, I’m actually here on business today.”

“Really?” The pegasus leaned against the door jam, using her dull grey wing to move the bangs from her eyes. “What can I do for ya?”

“Do you know of a filly named Twilight Sparkle?” he asked.

Tea nodded. “I sure do. She's Celestia’s new student, the one with the special diet.”

“Indeed.” He nodded. “I’m assuming Celestia sent you a list of guidelines, correct?”

“Sure did, was right ticked too.” The mare shivered. “Boy is she scary when she's pissed.”

“You are telling me.” Feel Good shivered as well, remembering well the thankfully few times he had the poor fortune of being near the alicorn when she was legitimately angry.

“Right, anyway. You are in luck, I was just about to go see Needle Beak and check how he was doing with the whole diet thing anyway.”

“Not very well apparently,” Feel Good remarked before sighing. “On second thought, he might be doing just fine, but there are certain… complications. Does he know who he's cooking for?”

“No one in the kitchens does,” Tea Spoon whispered, leaning in close. “It's just another security precaution put in after that whole chowder incident.”

“Ahh.” The stallion gulped, his stomach doing backflips at the mere mention of chowder. “I don't suppose you could direct me to this Needle Beak pony?”

Tea Spoon lifted an eyebrow. “What? Oh, he ain't a pony, thus the name.”

Feel Good slapped a hoof against his forehead, groaning. “Right, that's obvious.” He gestured towards the kitchens. “Lead the way.”

“As usual,” Tea remarked with a giggle, flicking Feel Good’s cheek with her tail.

Blushing furiously, the doctor followed the mare closely, weaving in and out of the many working ponies that all labored over a multitude of varied dishes. The stallion only stopped for a brief moment when his nose caught the scent of the most delectable pie he had ever smelt. Shaking his head, he quickly trotted back up to the head chef as she approached the corner of the royal kitchens where an aged griffon tom was dicing tomatoes.

“I see you are already starting on supper,” Tea Spoon announced.

The griffon blinked, placing his knife to the side before turning around, his eyes widening. “Head Chef Tea Spoon, what a delight. Give me but a moment.” He deftly cleaned his knife and put it in the waiting block before turning back around, cleaning his claws on his apron. “And to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“There were some… concerns about the dishes you have been making recently,” she said dourly, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly, clearly unused to the seriousness of the conversation.

“Oh?” The aged tom caressed his beard and looked from the chef to Feel Good who was now standing next to her. “I’m assuming you are the one who has these ‘concerns’?” he asked, adding air quotes to the last word.

“I was actually hoping to see the list you are working with first before I pass judgement,” Feel Good responded.

“Ahh good.” The old tom chuckled. “About time one of you horn heads actually asked some questions before judging me.” He chuckled harshly, turning back to his workspace and deftly pulled out a scroll from behind his chopping block and handed it over to the unicorn. “Here it is, all the weakly schedules for the last two weeks as well as for this one.”

Looking over it, Feel Good did a few calculations in his head before frowning. “This seems perfect. I assume you stuck to this menu plan the entire time?”

Needle Beek’s eyes narrowed for a moment. “Other than not having carrots for the stew last weak due to someone missing an order, everything has been done by the book. Or in this case, scroll.”

“Interesting,” Good remarked, handing the scroll back to the griffon. “For the record I’m the recipient’s doctor and I am merely chasing a lead, I didn't mean to assume any foul play or incompetence.”

The griffon nodded slowly, eying the doctor up carefully. “This whole cloak and dagger may not be my style, but I sure hope you lot wise up and start giving this little chickee what she needs.” He snorted. “All this pony food is good and all, but growing chicks need meat. Plain and simple.”

“She's not-” Tea Cup said only for Feel Good to step closer, raising a hoof and silencing her.

“Why do you think she's a griffon?”

Needle raised an eyebrow. “Well, you ain't in a hurry, so it's probably something small and if I had to guess she's probably just acting mighty sluggish. To me that sounds like a griffon who hasn't gotten their fill of meat, which is something I’ve seen plenty of over the years.”

“You are not wrong…” Feel Good admitted. “She has been rather lethargic and has been losing a little weight despite the diet.”

The griffon sighed, running a clawed hand down his face. “You ponies do a lot of things right, but you sure seem to have trouble thinking outside the box sometimes.” He snorted. “As soon as someone's not feeling up to snuff you think something’s wrong, as opposed to what they might be missing.”

“Hey that's not true!” Tea Spoon interrupted.

Feel Good raised his hoof once more, silencing the mare and earning himself an irritated glare. “He's not wrong, Spoony.”

A blush spread across her face and she shot the stallion a second, more intense glare. “I thought I told you not to call me that.”

The old tom chuckled. “Sorry to interrupt, but I just wanted to say that it's perfectly natural to fall into what you know.” He sighed, running a claw through his beard. “I’ve seen it plenty of times when I was working in soup kitchens. If ponies were in charge they made pony food, and if a griffon was in charge they made sure to cook for both.”

“Is that still an issue?” Feel Good asked nervously, his heart going out to the griffons who may be suffering because of some ignorant pony.

“Not so much anymore. Celestia had me go around the various orphanages and whatnot to teach the staff how to cook for a griffon’s special diets a few years back.” He smiled faintly at the thought of the alicorn. “Helps that we standardized the whole meal thing for schools and whatnot a few months after that.”

“I’m sure it was difficult to add meat to the menu for so many places,” Feel Good remarked.

The tom shrugged. “It was at first, but it helps that fish ain't as intelligent as other animals.” He snorted. “I’ve seen flies smarter than most things I’ve caught.”

“That makes sense.” Tea Spoon tapped her chin. “Most chefs have to at least learn how to clean a trout during schooling and if you want to work here, you have to know a lot more than that.”

“Exactly.” Needle Beak smiled. “Plus it's cheap protein and the only pony tribe that can't actually process fish at all are earth ponies.”

“I remember that from first year med school,” Feel Good remarked.

Needle Beak nodded. “If you want I could whip something up that's nice and subtle. Even if your little chick hasn't eaten meat in her whole life she won't even notice it.”

Tea Spoon and Feel Good exchanged a look before they nodded. “If you wouldn't mind, of course,” Feel Good responded.

The old tom raised an eyebrow. “Right now?”

Tea Spoon smiled. “I think what Feel Good is trying to say is that he wants to test this hypothesis as soon as possible. That isn't a problem, right?”

Needle Beak frowned, looking over the small array of vegetables he had already cut. “Well…” He tapped his chin. “I could probably make a pretty good stew out of this, but it might take an hour or so before I have everything ready.”

“Perfect, that should put it right on time for supper.” Feel Good turned to Tea Spoon. “Give me a heads up before the food is delivered so I can be there.”

“Of course.”

The stallion smiled. “Thank you for all your help, Needle Beak.”

The old tom shrugged. “Just doing my job, now would you mind getting out of my kitchen? I have work to do.”

“Absolutely.”

Feel Good and Tea Spoon turned and left, quickly trotting into the hall before ducking into an alcove and dodging a maid. “This is perfect,” Feel Good announced happily.

“We are sneaking meat into a filly’s food,” Tea Spoon pointed out. “That doesn't exactly sound like a good thing.”

“If it helps, it is.”

“I don't know…”

“Spoony, look at it like this. It's just fish, and if it works she’ll feel better and we’ll know more about her condition,” Feel Good pointed out.

The mare winced, rubbing the back of her neck. “I guess. It just doesn't sit right with me, you know?”

The stallion sighed. “Me neither, but it's the hand we've been dealt.”

The chef frowned. “Hopefully this works.” Shaking her head, the grey coated mare smiled, throwing a foreleg around the stallion’s shoulders. “So, are we still on for friday?”

Feel Good smirked, bumping his hip against hers. “You know it.”

The stallion trotted up to the door in the royal wing, nervously glancing around at the guards standing beside what seemed like every door he passed by. He gulped, trotting a little faster under the intense gaze of a random guard and making his way over to the door he had been pointed to.

“Ahh, you must be Doctor Feel Good.”

“Bwah!” The stallion stumbled back, somehow not noticing the white coated unicorn mare that stood next to the door.

“You are a flighty one, ain't cha?” The mare snickered, offering a hoof. “Name’s Silver Bulwark.”

“Feel Good, Doctor.” He winced, facehoofing. “You know what I mean.”

“Yup.” She smiled. “The princess already told me you were coming, so go right on in.” She lit her horn, pushing open the door with her magic before stepping aside.

“R-right.” He gulped. “Thank you.”

She shrugged. “Just doing my job, better hurry up though. Twilight was told to wait for you to arrive and I can just tell she's already chomping at the bit to get at that stew that nice chef lady brought by.”

The stallion chuckled. “I won't dawdle any longer then.”

Scurrying inside, the stallion looked around the room, his gaze lingering on the high ceilings and the other very generous accommodations. Shaking his head, he looked down to where the filly sat, staring intently at the bowl before her, a thin line of drool dripping from the side of her lips. “Hello there, Twilight Sparkle,” he announced loudly.

The filly shook her head, wiping the drool from her face and sitting up a little straighter. “Oh hey, Doctor Good. Does that mean I can eat now?”

“Go right a-” Whatever he was about to say was completely ignored as the filly dove right in, abandoning the use of utensils entirely and using her magic to shovel food directly into her mouth.

The stallion trotted over and plopped down across from the filly, watching in stunned silence as she ate the entire bowl in mere minutes. Not satisfied with just the entire contents of the bowl, she tipped the dish back, consuming the last of the liquid within before using her tongue to lap at what little remained.

The doctor took the moment to grab his notebook from the bags hanging from his sides. By the time he had his book out, and had found a quill and an ink well, the filly was already reclining in her pillows, a satisfied smile on her face and a perfectly clean bowl resting before her. “How was it?” he asked.

Twilight smiled faintly, rubbing one hoof over her belly. “I don't know what was in there, but that was amazing.” She sighed. “The second it came in the room it was like a light popped on in my head.”

“Huh.” Feel Good scratched down a few notes. “And how does it feel? Satisfying, I hope?”

“You could say that again,” the filly mumbled happily.

“Good, good.” He smiled, adding one last note before closing the book. “How did it taste?”

“Really, really good. There was something in there that I’ve never had before, but that was the best part.” The filly glanced at her bowl, as if checking more food hadn't magically appeared within.

“You know the staff, they like to make fancy food,” Feel Good remarked.

The filly shrugged. “I guess, but this was like, super different.” She frowned. “Do you know what it was?”

“Err. No, sorry.” He shrugged. “I’m just here to see if it fixed your stomach issues.”

The filly nodded, a smile slowly spreading across her face. “Whatever it was, it was yummy.” Her smile widened even more. “And I haven't even gotten any more rumblies since then!”

“That is most excellent, young Twilight. I was beginning to worry you may have had something serious.” Doctor Feel Good smiled as well, the filly’s innocent happiness almost infectious in a strange way.

“Thanks.” The filly hopped up onto her hooves and trotted over to the stallion. “I’m going to hug you now, ‘kay?”

The doctor blinked. “I, er, sure?”

The filly leaned in and gave him a bone crushing hug, squeezing the air from his lungs and making him wheeze like a balloon that was having the air squeezed out of it. “Mercy,” he whimpered, tapping the filly's shoulder.

Twilight’s eyes went wide and she hopped back, hoof over her mouth. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry! Celestia says my magic is doing funny things and, and-”

“It's okay.” He wheezed, forcing himself up. “I was a smoker in my younger years, not your fault at all.”

The filly breathed a little easier. “Still… I hope you are not mad.”

“Nonsense.” He smiled, standing on shaky hooves. “I’m just glad you are okay now.” He used a hoof to ruffle the filly’s mane before grabbing his book. “I’ll make sure to tell Celestia and alter your meal plan accordingly.”

“Does this mean I’ll still be on a diet?” Twilight asked nervously.

“Maybe…” He smirked, flashing the filly a wink. “But not if I have anything to say about it.”

“Yes!” The filly pumped her hoof in the air.

Chuckling, the stallion turned to the door. “I’ll be checking back with you tomorrow just in case. Until then I hope you have a wonderful evening.”

“You too, Doctor Good!” The filly waved, watching as the doctor caught his breath, before giving her a wave and slipping out the door.

Now alone, the filly frowned, her smile falling away in an instant and her gaze drawn to the bowl. Her thoughts wandered to what could have possibly been in the food, her mind combing through her surprisingly detailed and easily accessed memories. Her frown deepened when she came up with nothing that could truly compare to what she had just eaten. Stranger still, she could not even recall having smelled anything like it either, further deepening the mystery.

Still, even then she couldn't be too angry, as it had been just as amazing as she had said it was. Even more than the wonderful taste, it also seemed to have stopped the incessant rumbling in her stomach that had been bothering her more and more over the past few days.

With a shrug of her shoulders, she stood up and made her way over to the bathroom in order to pour herself a cup of water. As she watched the glass slowly fill, she couldn't help but realize that although she felt full for the first time in a long while, there was still a hunger deep in her belly that could not be so easily answered.

She gave a shake of her head, pulling her cup from the sink and downing it quickly before placing it back behind the mirror and making her way over to her bed and flopping onto her luxurious covers. Running a hoof over her stomach, the filly idly wondered what it was that had caused this in the first place, drawing the frown back to her face.

Turning in her bed, she looked through the open door of her bathroom, into the mirror and the glowing orange orbs reflected therein. “What is wrong with you?” she muttered softly.

Author's Note

This update was veiwable a week early for patrons! Head on over there if you want to keep up to date and dont want to wait! (also the next in process update after this one is already out for patrons!
Want to see stories like this before anyone else and get access to secret patron only stories, early releases for patreon supporters aaand other goodies? Drop just three bucks on my patreon and join the early release club!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of:
Kali, Craig, Ozzy, Robert, Quill, JPMK, Tommy, Ivar, Mikhaila, Pacsik, Matt, Brendan, Peter, Nicky, Princess Pudding, Nofreedom, T Sparkle, Apollyon, Luckyfanisaac, Azin, Zairvin, Random_Reader, Iamunkown, Facinus, M, Nfreak, Doomgooey, Michael, Ceepert, Diokyo, Starless.

Dreams and Nightmares

Silver Scalpel was a patient mare by both nature and nurture, her family being almost completely made up of introverts so intent on not conversing that their home could have been confused with a museum. It also took a considerable amount of patience to deal with Velvet Touch, and though Silver never regretted dating the mare, she was beginning to wonder if her little idiosyncrasies were getting worse as time passed. With all that in mind, she was still beginning to run out of patience as she stood outside the throne room, one hoof tapping impatiently as she stared at the door.

She glanced up to the clock above the door, noting that it was now over an hour since Celestia’s last appointment was supposed to be up. Next she cast a look over at the receptionist who sat behind a desk to the right of the door, and noted the way that she absently filed her hoof while blowing a bubble, having evidently not received any new word from Celestia since the last time Silver asked. Silver sighed and rolled her shoulders, working out the stress that had begun to build within the muscles.

The guards certainly didn't help, as they stood there silently, staring straight ahead and hardly even seeming to breathe. They too were unconcerned by the fact that Celestia had spent the last hour in a soundproof bubble, unable to send or receive word. The doctor pressed a hoof to her chest, trying to calm her stubborn heart and assuring herself that this wasn't something to panic over, evidently this had happened before, or else the guards would be more nervous.

Just as she finally began to get ahold of her nerves, the doors opened, revealing two earth ponies wearing the most ridiculously bulky armor she had ever seen, followed by a grave looking Princess Celestia.

The armor was huge and strangely skeletal, covering nearly the entirety of the earth ponies’ bodies with huge metal plates. It also made them taller, nearly as tall as Princess Celestia herself, with large packs on their backs that seemed to connect to the armor. Every step they made was accompanied by the mechanical hiss of some unknown mechanism whirring within. This seemed to be important though, and if Silver Scalpel had to guess, it had something to do with just how massive the suit was, as it no doubt weighed several hundred pounds.

They stopped just outside the door, with the two armored ponies turning slowly to Celestia before flipping up the visors of their helmets, revealing the smiling faces of a brown, square jawed stallion, and a slightly larger blue furred earth pony mare. The male bowed briefly, only to realize that his armor couldn't complete the motion, forcing him to rise once more.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. With this investment your soldiers will be walking tanks!” he declared excitedly.

“And will also enable earth ponies and pegasi alike to serve alongside unicorns,” the mare added, to the annoyance of the two guards whose gaze narrowed at the comment.

“It is my pleasure, you two. I can already tell that great things are going to come of this,” Celestia announced, a small smile gracing her lips.

“I assure you the pleasure is all ours! With your investment in the company we can do so much!” the stallion proclaimed excitedly, only for Celestia to raise a hoof, silencing him.

“One moment, I forgot to mention something,” the alicorn announced.

The mare lifted an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance at her partner. “Err, what's that, Your Majesty?”

Celestia lit her horn and cast a quick message spell, enabling them to speak without moving their mouths. I’m sorry for this, but I would like to keep your innovations secret until such time that Equestria is… ready, she thought at the pair. Also, keep your expressions solemn and neutral, please.

The armored ponies blinked, sharing a look before looking back at Celestia, the male speaking first, Absolutely, Your Majesty. Though I’m curious as to why you would keep our innovations hidden from the populace. There are so many implications ranging from prosthetics to large scale machinery, to so much more!

Celestia smiled faintly. I have no doubt you are going to do a great many good things. And suffice it to say there are potential elements in my cabinet that may or may not be linked with, ah uh, foreign entity.

The two ponies’ faces grew dark, and the mare nodded somberly. Understood. We will keep this secret and will come directly to you with reports on our progress.

Good, Celestia thought back. With that personal investment you should be able to keep up your rapid pace of innovation and even accelerate your timelines. I don't wish to add too many stipulations, but I must insist that you construct your labs and factories in the fringes.

Again the pair exchanged another look, only this one was of understanding. Anything else, Your Majesty? the male asked.

Yes. Celestia sighed. When you start to see progress, sell your suits and weapons to the militias around the villages first and come back when you need more money, consider this a blank cheque.

Both ponies’ mouths hung open and the male stuttered audibly, trying to speak only to remember the message spell used on him. You can't be serious, I thought this would be enough to keep us going for at least a decade! You've already moved up the timeframe from decades to mere years.

This is far too generous! What would we even do with so much capital? the female added.

Expand your scope. I’ve seen many, many implications for your armor and weapon technologies and I want you to explore them, thoroughly. Also, play along. Celestia’s grim expression was gone, and she lit her horn once more, dismissing the spell, and leaving the two ponies shocked and confused. “I apologize that I cannot fund your projects as much as you would like. I’m afraid they are simply no match for unicorn enchanted armor and combat spells. Though I wish you the best with your, what do you call it, high dro lifts?”

“Uh,” the male gulped, “don't think anything of it, Your Majesty. With this we will at least be able to improve our hydraulic systems, maybe even replace limbs that magic cannot regrow!”

“Fascinating,” Celestia remarked, dismissively. “Now if you will excuse me, I believe I have another appointment.”

“Err, right away, Your Majesty. Sorry for the misunderstanding earlier,” the male offered, sweeping into a slight bow.

One that was quickly followed by the female who bowed as low as her armor would let her. “By your will.”

The two ponies turned and left, expressions dark and gait solemn and slow. When they finally turned the corner and left earshot, Celestia chuckled and wiped her brow. “My apologies, but they were not taking very well to my attempts to get them to leave. I assumed it was best to let them down in a manner that would leave their pride intact.”

The two guards seemed to relax slightly, with the slightly taller one to the right grinning. “Excellent work, Your Majesty. I’m sure there are better things they could be spending their time on.”

“Yes, quite. Though in the future maybe I should consider a less subtle method of communication,” Celestia remarked sadly, only for her expression to perk up when she noticed Silver Scalpel’s presence. “Sorry about the wait, Silver. Please, follow me. I would like to continue this conversation in my study.”

The smaller mare blinked, stepping aside and allowing Celestia to pass. “Of course, Your Majesty. We can speak wherever is most comfortable for you.”

Celestia smiled. “Thank you, Silver Scalpel.”

The alicorn turned and spoke quickly and quietly to her now quite at attention secretary, who nodded eagerly. After a brief, hushed conversation, the secretary bowed slightly, and the alicorn turned and began to walk down a side passage, Silver Scalpel close behind. The mare glanced over her shoulder, noting that the guards and secretary were now breaking the bad news to the last two ponies still waiting in line. Though annoyed, they seemed more tired than anything, and it didn't take long for them to leave.

Silver Scalpel turned back and hurried her pace, forced to run for a few feet in order to catch up with the much longer legged pony. Together they trotted silently through the halls, with Silver attempting conversation a few times, only for it to fizzle almost immediately. Evidently the princess was not in a pleasant mood, though why exactly that was a little beyond the doctor.

Sure she had just come out of a rather awkward encounter with a group of earth pony scientists who didn't seem to take no for an answer or understand subtlety, but beyond that Celestia seemed… tired. It was barely perceivable, the alicorn having a poker face that would make even a golem envious. However Silver Scalpel had been around the princess long enough to be able to spot the hint of something that was bothering her and if it was something stressful enough to make even Celestia seem tired, Silver Scalpel was hesitant to even bring it up.

The pair turned down another corridor after just ascending a final set of stairs, the royal apartments opening up before them. Celestia nodded to the guards to her room, flashing them a small, appreciative smile before stepping inside, followed close by Silver Scalpel, who nodded to the stoic guards.

The door behind them clanged shut, leaving the unicorn alone with a very tired Celestia.

The room they entered was large, and the longer Silver Scalpel looked, the more it felt like a small library rather than something so simple as a study. The unicorn sat down in the same chair she usually sat in, waiting for Celestia who made her way over to a book at random, before pulling it out and revealing that there was a small bottle of brandy hidden behind it. More surprising than that was the fact that the bottle was nothing special, and was little more than one of the cheapest you could buy.

Evidently Celestia didn't seem to mind though and she swiftly placed the book back, sat down, and produced a cup. “Would you like some?” she offered, gesturing to the bottle held aloft in her golden magic.

“No, thank you,” Silver replied quickly.

The alicorn shrugged before pouring herself a tall glass of the stuff and placing the now nearly empty bottle in a drawer. After a sip, Celestia sighed and walked over to the window, glancing out the window while she rolled the liquid around in her simple glass tumbler. “I know why you are here,” she remarked bitterly, her attention held by something outside the window. “It's been over a week since Twilight started getting little to no sleep and this last event worries me as well.”

She sighed, closing the blinds and turning to the desk and taking a seat in the plush high back chair. “But first I would like to hear your retelling of the events as you've heard from Twilight, as well as your own medical opinion.”

Silver Scalpel frowned. “Should I assume that you wish to hear my interpretation of events?”

Celestia nodded. “Yes. I may have been there, but I admit I am not sure what to think of it.”

“Well, one thing you must understand is just how little of this has any real, medical backing.” Silver Scalpel chewed her lip nervously. “What I’m trying to say is this is nearly all speculation. We’re treading on virgin soil when it comes to whatever the hell happened.”

The alicorn smiled. “And that is precisely what I was hoping for.”

Silver sighed, sitting a little straighter. “Alright, so the way I see it Twilight-”

Twilight’s horn glowed brightly, her face twisted into a mask of barely contained frustration. Yet despite her body screaming out for her to stop, she pushed on, raising her head a little higher and pushing more power into her horn.

Celestia stood nearby, ready to turn on the magic dampeners at a moment’s notice. The filly continued to strain herself, trying to reach the magical output necessary to complete the spell. Only to find that no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't seem to do it, prompting Celestia to worry for her health.

“Twilight, please release the spell and allow it to fizzle,” she commanded, taking a step forward.

The filly shook her head, the deep circles under her eyes becoming more apparent under the intense glow of her own magic. “I can do this, just give me another minute.”

Celestia’s frown deepened, and she glanced nervously to the switch that would end this charade, then back to the filly. She knew that Twilight should be able to cast this spell, the filly knew all the practical parts of the spell, and had nailed the theory, as well as what little math such a spell had, yet there was something missing. A diagnostic spell told the princess that her student lacked the connection necessary to channel enough magic, as if there was a bottleneck somewhere in her system that made such channelling impossible.

Evidently their resistance training needed to be continued if she was going to have any hope of casting the relatively simple, yet mana intensive continuous flame spell. “Alright, Twilight, let it go,” Celestia remarked sadly, taking a step forward. “We can keep working on the resistance training for a few more days before trying again.”

“I can do this, I just have to- hrng.” The filly grunted, her legs just about buckling under her.

“Twilight, stop!” Celestia commanded, her magic already reaching out to the switch that would turn off not only the filly’s magic but all magic in the room. “You need to let it go, now!”

“I can do this!” the filly yelled, her horn glowing brighter than ever. “Just a little bit more!”

The alicorn gripped the switch, intent on shutting down the filly’s magic through force, yet even her lightning fast reaction wasn't enough. In the time it took for her to activate her magic and begin to engage the field, the filly’s magic flared, and a resounding crack filled the room.

Fearing the worst, Celestia cranked up the field, shutting down any magic, and possibly even the filly’s flare. Yet where she expected to see a flaring corona of magic, there was nothing, the filly having collapsed into a heap, her horn cracked and smoking, her eyes closed and her body still.

“At this point I assumed her horn cracked, but imaging and diagnostics spells have come up with nothing to back up this claim,” Silver Scalpel remarked. “During my interview with the filly she was more disappointed that she initially failed, and remarked that the traumatic event was little more than a sudden bout of narcolepsy due to her poor sleeping habit.”

Celestia placed the empty glass down on the table and eyed the other mare curiously. “Is that all she said?”

“Well, she did say you were really soft, and that you smelt a lot like her own mother, only super duper strong, and I quote, was trying to squeeze the life out of her.” The doctor chuckled. “I know it sounded traumatic, but surely it couldn't have been that strange. I mean she's fine now, better than fine really. She was so proud that she could cast the spell that she nearly lit my ceiling on fire.”

“You need to hear the more complete series of events before you can make that judgement. But first, did you measure her horn?” Celestia asked, leaning closer.

“I er…” The doctor paused. “No, I did not. Should I have?”

“I am not surprised that you didn't. I wouldn't have expected such a thing normally, but if you had you would have been surprised by what you found.” Celestia leaned back in her chair, her gaze staring off into space. “It grew, you know. More than that it also got a little sharper.”

The doctor raised an eyebrow. “But how? Horn growth takes many months. It shouldn't be possible to grow over a period of minutes or even days for that matter.”

“I think I should finish explaining what happened. You’ll understand better once you hear the entire story.” Celestia sighed, leaning back in her chair and staring up into the ceiling. “Things are more or less as you’ve heard so far, with the exception being-”

As she lay there in my forelegs I feared the worst, I checked her pulse, ran spells, and was about to use healing magic before I remembered the damage that may occur from using healing magic on a broken bone, or worse, a horn. I barely managed to stop myself, and was just about to carry her to the nearest doctor when I noticed something strange.

It was… horrifying to say the least.

Her horn… moved. I don't know how to explain it but at the base of her skull suddenly became alive, as if there were snakes writhing mere milimetres beneath her flesh. They squirmed up her head, focusing around her horn before climbing up it, the keratin shifting and morphing as if it was being remade before my very eyes.

A part of me wanted to stop it, wanted to try and hold off whatever it was that was happening, but then I remembered that the parasite seemed to do everything it could to help the filly. So I just stood there, watching as her horn shifted and moved, the snake like appendages beneath her horn restructuring it in a few minutes.

As time passed the cracks seemed to vanish and the horn was pushed back together, before filling with keratin once more, healing the crack completely. The entire process took only a few minutes, and by the end of it I was left shocked by just how complete it was.

If a pony doctor had attempted something like that either through magic or by traditional surgery Twilight would have been in for months of recovery before her years of magical therapy could even begin. Yet when it was over and done with, her horn looked new, and was, in fact, better than new.

I am no expert, that much is obvious, but I have been able to learn a few things over my many long years. An accident like that should leave scars, damage, yet this parasite seemed to not only heal the damage, but actually helped Twilight grow stronger.

Did you know that there are minotaur warriors that break their fingers in order to prompt additional bone growth? They do so in order to hit harder without having to worry if their hands are going to break under the impact. It's crude to say the least, but it's hard to argue with the results.

This is the closest I can compare Twilight’s startling change to.

After that I used every diagnostic spell I knew, trying everything I could think of in order to figure out what had happened. I was left even more confused than I had been moments earlier, as not only was her horn longer, and sharper, but her connections were improved, substantially at that.

The closest I can reason is that the parasite learned more about Twilight’s horn through the break, and was able to both improve and heal her through this accident.

Celestia sighed, and shook her head. “If I did not know any better, I would say that this parasite acts more like a sentient being than the primitive intelligence I once assumed it had.”

Silver Scalpel blinked. “I…” She paused. “I think we are giving this thing too much credit, it could be a reactive response to damage to the host. This would explain why her bones have become so much stronger after she broke her leg.”

“It's possible,” Celestia concluded. “Forgive an old mare for her musings. I have too much time to think and too few ponies to bounce ideas off.”

The younger mare leaned forward in her chair. “Did anything else happen after that? How was she after she woke back up?”

“Fine. She was more confused than anything,” Celestia remarked. “She even mentioned that she felt more well rested than she had in the past few days.” The alicorn sighed tiredly. “After that I made her promise to stop before such a thing could happen again. After that I determined her horn was fully healed and she cast the spell without trouble. As if she had been casting it for years without issue.”

“That is… baffling,” Silver Scalpel remarked, tapping her chin, her mind a million miles elsewhere.

“It makes me wonder if we ponies have the knowhow to even deal with whatever this thing is.” Celestia frowned. “Something like this must exist in greater number somewhere. There are no species of one and I shudder to think what these parasites could do if they had the inclination for evil.”

The younger mare blinked. “And infecting fillies is not evil?”

“All it's done so far is heal her and though it might be possible that it hurt her magical conduits to begin with, it more than made up for this shortfall,” Celestia explained, her expression becoming more and more strained by the second. “Have you had any luck finding a way to fight this… thing?”

“No.” Silver sighed, running a hoof down her face. “All the samples we have of it seem to be resistant to well… everything. Fire is really the only thing that seems to have a modicum of success in destroying it, but even then it has to be exceptionally hot.”

The doctor stood suddenly. “We have to tell ponies about this.”

“It would cause a panic,” Celestia remarked dismissively. “I would love to be able to tell the general population about the potential harm but what good would that do if we don't have any idea how to possibly counteract it?”

The doctor fell back into her chair and sighed. “I suppose you are right. I mean, we don't even know how it is able to reproduce, it might be airborne for all we know.”

“That is a… terrifying possibility,” Celestia admitted, her face growing tight as she thought of the potential implications. “All I know is that the charms have detected nothing this entire time.”

The two ponies shared a collective sigh, sitting back in their chairs and becoming lost in their own worlds. Eventually Celestia sighed and gave her head a slow shake. “On an unrelated note, has Twilight been able to give an explanation on the creature she drew a few weeks ago?”

Silver Scalpel blinked. “I don't think so, why?”

“Mere curiosity, I assure you.” Celestia smiled. “The mind of a child is a strange and wondrous thing. I’m sure it was merely from some nightmare of hers.”

“I will make sure to check back in with Velvet Touch tonight and inquire on this subject.”

“Don't bother.” Celestia waved her hoof. “I’ll just dig out the report on the subject, no reason to worry yourself.” The alicorn blinked and looked up at the clock. “Speaking of which, I should let you go, it's getting rather late.”

Silver Scalpel followed the alicorn’s gaze, her eyes going wide when she noticed the time. “Velvet is going to be so pissed.” The mare stood quickly, only to be stopped by the golden glow of Celestia’s magic.

“Thank you again by the way.” The alicorn chuckled. “And if you get in trouble, you have my permission to blame me.”

The younger mare chuckled, ducking into a brief bow. “You are far too generous, Your Majesty.”

“Good evening, Silver Scalpel.”

“And to you as well.”

Celestia watched the mare turn and leave, closing the door behind her and vanishing, leaving the alicorn alone in the silent room.

With a swift motion the mare locked the door and activated her wards, ensuring her privacy was complete before she began to dig through the files on her desk. Finally locating the one she was looking for, she hesitated a moment, her hoof mere millimeters over the lip of the file, doubt clouding her mind. It didn't last long though, and the alicorn brushed aside such notions, determined to see this through.

Flipping through a few papers, she picked back up where she had left off, tossing aside the sticky note she had used as a bookmark.

The sightings have grown more common over the last week or so, as if something has riled them up. My commanding officer does not agree with this sentiment, but I remain convinced that something has changed. Regardless, no one has been injured, and other than a few ponies that remain missing, no damage has been done save for some cattle that haven't turned up yet. Though this is possibly due to the increased timberwolf activity over the last month.

Attached is private Quill Stroke’s impression of the only creature he supposedly caught a glimpse of.

Brass is still telling us this is little more than wild boars, but that doesn't look like any boar I’ve ever seen.

Captain Steel Shod.

Celestia sighed, picking up the picture that Twilight drew and laying it next to the one attached to the most recent report. Her gaze lingered on the papers for a moment longer, her conclusions all but unavoidable at this point.

“What in the hell is going on?” she whispered.

Author's Note

(updated with better grammer and spelling)

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This update was made possible by the wonderful support of:
Kali, Craig, Ozzy, Robert, Quill, JPMK, Tommy, Ivar, Mikhaila, Pacsik, Matt, Brendan, Peter, Nicky, Princess Pudding, Nofreedom, T Sparkle, Apollyon, Luckyfanisaac, Azin, Zairvin, Random_Reader, Iamunkown, Facinus, M, Nfreak, Doomgooey, Michael, Ceepert, Diokyo, Starless

Time Now Passed

Twilight sighed, her gaze lingering on the ceiling as she lay on her back, limbs splayed in all directions. The pillow beneath her head was soft, warm and had just the right amount of support. The blanket that lay spread across her body had just enough weight to it while still being extremely comfortable. Yet despite all the comforts of the room and her bed, it wasn't enough, and for the second night in a row she knew she was going to go without sleep.

Sure, there was a small part of her that had grown strangely used to not sleeping or only getting in short naps, but in the end it still sucked. No matter how much she got used to it.

The filly groaned and rubbed her hooves against her eyes, only to stop when she pulled them back, noticing that her forehooves were lit by the strange orange glow coming from her eyes. Stupid eyes, she thought to herself, cursing her strangeness for the upteenth time in the last hour or so.

Her life had been so normal until right before her test, now she was a freak with glowing eyeballs and no friends. Everypony she met seemed to treat her as though she was either infectious or was three seconds from biting their head off. Only Celestia and Bull seemed to treat her as the filly she was, as even her parents had grown a little distant. She had only noticed it the last time they had visited when Twilight caught her father staring at her horn.

She had a bit of a growth spurt, it wasn't that big of a deal. Or at least that's what Twilight thought. Her father seemed to eye her with a mix of pity and concern while her mother seemed to look at her with what could only be described as fear.

The filly sighed and rolled over. Glowing eyes aren't that strange, right? It wasn't the weirdest thing Twilight had ever seen or heard about, yet everyone seemed to freak out whenever she looked at them.

I hope Princess Celestia finds a cure soon, she thought to herself.

Twilight closed her eyes and tried to drift off to sleep, but her thoughts seemed stuck on Celestia for a strange reason. The longer Twilight thought about it, the more she realized just how strange her life had gotten over the last three months.

She had ended her summer break at the end of July, only to become the princess’ personal pupil. After that she moved into a literal castle, got a giant new room, a whole ton of stuff, and then there were the lessons themselves!

Twilight had always considered herself a fast learner, but over the past three months she felt as though she had learned more than in the last three years combined. She knew dozens more spells, was stronger than ever, and could even manipulate more objects at once than Shining Armor!

Sure, things were weird, her horn was a little longer, her eyeballs were glowing, and she seemed to have gained a knack for finding trouble, but throughout it all she knew Celestia was there for her. The kind old mare had taken the filly in without a second thought, and Twilight hesitated to even consider a life without the alicorn’s presence.

Never in her wildest dreams had Twilight dared to believe that the princess could be so perfect. It was like she had gained a second mother.

The filly’s blushing face was promptly buried in her pillow and she groaned audibly. “I can't believe I almost called her mom the other day. What was I thinking?” she muttered.

With a soft sigh, the filly lay still, her mind wandering as she tried to think of anything other than that incredibly embarrassing moment that had nearly happened.

Unfortunately that led her towards the rather unpleasant memory of when Celestia had nearly nodded off the last time Twilight had given an oral report.

Come to think of it, the alicorn was looking even more tired than usual.

Twilight hadn't noticed it at first, but now that she thought about it, it made sense. The alicorn seemed stressed, and Twilight was fairly certain she hadn't been getting much sleep lately. By now her thoughts and worries were so compounded that she knew she would find no sleep this night.

With a long, tired sigh, she rolled onto her side, cast off the blanket and slipped out of bed.

The floor was warm, the heating ward placed on it ensuring that even during the middle of the night it was of a pleasant temperature. Twilight didn't have time to marvel over the small comforts she now enjoyed, instead she trotted over to the window and stared out over the city.

The dark shapes of the night guards were little more than specks, save for the few pegasi she could see making the rounds several stories up. The rest of Canterlot looked so small, and insignificant from up here. It was almost enough to make the filly swell with wonder, but her exhaustion sapped such enthusiasm before it could even reach the surface.

She looked up, noticing that the sun was just behind the horizon, the first rays of morning reaching out and touching the clouds, but not quite the earth. In this strange light, the world looked almost picturesque, with a few orange leaves floating through the air and catching the odd ray.

The filly blinked, only to sigh when she remembered that fall had started not long ago. Even though Twilight remembered vividly all the hustle and bustle as the weather team got to work, she could not for the life of her seem to remember time in between. Everything seemed to be passing her by so quickly, it felt as though it had only been yesterday that Celestia had pointed out that it was the first day of fall, and already the season was in full swing.

“Augh.” Twilight groaned, pressing her face into the glass and staring out over the city.

Lack of sleep had already made her irritable and lazy and now it had apparently managed to rob her of her very perception of time.

The filly pulled back and gave her head a shake, she may not be getting any sleep tonight, or this morning, but she refused to waste her time on feeling bad for herself. Celestia had wizened up over the last month and a half and had begun to give her more homework and self-guided studies, something Twilight wanted to get a head on before the field trip Celestia was taking her on.

Twilight shuddered, thinking about all the other fillies and colts that will also be on the field trip. The alicorn had been insistent that Twilight start taking more classes with other foals her age, and had ruled this field trip as the best way to introduce her to the class.

No matter how much whining, pleading, and begging Twilight did.

The filly turned and walked to the door, silently wondering if she was going to be lucky enough to find someone willing to give her some coffee. She couldn't help but lick her lips at the thought, her mind already turning with ideas of what she would do with her newfound energy.

I wonder where we will be going for this field trip, I hope it's that new museum that opened up in west Canterlot, Twilight thought to herself, her smile beginning to grow.

Hooves clattered against stone, and an ancient alicorn that had witnessed the breadth of ages pass her by, stumbled and fell. Only a hoof against the door jam held her somewhat upright, her breath coming in labored gasps. She cursed her weakness, her frail body, and above all, her complete inadequacy.

Luna had been a hundred times the dream whisperer she was, a comparison that was only growing more and more apparent the longer Celestia spent singing to her subjects and hoping against hope that this would be the time that it would work. Yet once more the alicorn had sacrificed her sanity and slumber for a futile attempt at assuaging the nightmares that plagued her populace.

“What a waste,” she whispered, head hung low in defeat, tears already beginning to form at the edges of her vision.

Her grip suddenly vanished entirely, leaving the alicorn sprawled out on the floor, as helpless as a babe.

As the tears began to crawl down her cheeks, Celestia reached up and grabbed at the door jam, trying to find purchase in order to heft her hooves under her. Just as she thought she had it, and began to pick herself back up, she slipped once more, landing back in the same heap she had nearly crawled out of.

“Look at you,” Celestia remarked wryly, “lying on the floor like you've just learned to walk.”

The alicorn let her head fall to the ground, the weight of her responsibilities carrying her to the floor and holding her down, forcing her to embrace the cool stone.

“A millennia of plans, of ensuring for every eventuality only to be undone by a chance encounter by a thing from beyond the stars.” The alicorn chuckled darkly even as the tears continued to roll down her face, smearing the makeup she had ironically applied to hide the dark circles that clung to the underside of her eyes. “What's your plan this time, Celestia?”

“Lay on the floor and talk to yourself until you finally lose it completely?” She sighed. “And to think, I found the elements, their bearers and even coerced harmony itself to ensure things came together in just such a manner that you would finally be free.”

“But now two are nearly lost to loneliness and isolation while another is no longer connecting with her very element.” The mare sniffed. “And that's not even including Twilight…” Celestia sniffed harder, her trickle of tears threatening to turn into a river. “Poor, poor Twilight. What hope do I have against a plague from beyond the very stars?”

For several long minutes she lay there, wallowing in self-loathing and crying silently, the cool sensation of the stone floor being her only company.

“I will not be undone by fear before I have even had a chance at failing,” she announced suddenly, using her magic, the alicorn wiped away her tears. “If fate wishes to throw me a curve ball, I will not lay here without even giving a swing.”

Pushing her hooves under her, the alicorn stood on shaky limbs, her jaw clenched tight as she fought against her own weakness. With one last heave, she was standing once more, her weakness slowly being replaced by determination born of pure, unrelenting stubbornness.

“Breathe, Celestia, just breathe.” The alicorn closed her eyes and focused on the simple act of breathing and forcing out all other thought of failure and fear.

With a final breathe, the mare opened her eyes and lit her horn, feeling the familiar tug of the sun as it waited patiently below the horizon. With a small burst of magic, the alicorn completed the familiar spell, giving the sun all the encouragement it needed to begin its ponderous journey across the sky, while simultaneously putting away the petulant moon which had stubburly tried to cling to the sky.

With victory came relief, which in turn felt like a splash of cold water across the mare’s face, startling her out of her own internal problems and once more reminding the alicorn of her greater place in the world. “Get moving, Celestia,” she chided herself.

Putting a hoof in front of the other, Celestia trotted into the centre of the room, confidence surging with every consecutively less shaky step. A quick spark of magic told her that she had only a few hours left before she would have to pick up Twilight and meet up with the class. Which should be just enough time to get a power nap, or at least to make some very powerful coffee.

After one last deep breath, the alicorn straightened her spine and forced a smile to her lips. With that same smile on her face, the alicorn lit her horn, and tried not to think about how terrible she must look right now.

Twilight groaned, glancing nervously between Celestia’s legs and sneaking a glance at the small group of fillies and colts waiting around a statue of some unicorn noble Twilight didn't care enough about to know anything on. “Do we have to do this? Can't I just read about the places on this field trip?”

Celestia sighed, and looked down at the filly using one of her legs as a shield. “Twilight, you cannot remain a recluse forever. Plus didn't you say you wanted to see that new museum of…” The alicorn scratched her head. “Pegasus history?”

The filly rolled her eyes. “It's a museum dedicated to the Highwind wars.”

“Exactly. See, I remembered.”

Twilight shook her head, dodging behind the alicorn’s leg when a curious filly glanced in their direction. “So are we going to go back to the castle or what?” Twilight asked pleadingly, looking up at the alicorn with big, watery eyes.

“She's in the middle of a lecture, it would be rude to interrupt, don't you think?” Celestia asked, smiling down at the nervous filly.

“I guess,” Twilight muttered.

Together the pair stood silently, waiting for the yellow and orange unicorn teacher to finish her lecture on the statue, though most of that fell on deaf ears as the majority of the students were already staring at the alicorn that stood a dozen feet away. Twilight rolled her eyes, wondering what the point of waiting was, if they were already distracted. Thankfully she didn't have to wait much longer as the mare finished her lecture and turned towards them.

“And today we will be having two very special guests joining our field trip,” Busy Bee announced excitedly, raising a hoof towards the pair and smiling widely. “Please give a warm middle Canterlot welcome to Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle.”

The colts and fillies clopped their hooves in admiration, though most of them merely stood there quietly, either still stunned, or bored with very few falling between the two extremes. Celestia strode forward, smiling down at the class with her usual serene expression. “I hope you don't mind me and my student joining you for your field trip.”

“No way!” one student yelled.

Busy Bee chuckled. “I’m sure that's fine, right kids?”

A chorus of agreement answered the teacher’s question.

“Why thank you.” Celestia smiled, gently pushing Twilight out from between her legs. “Go on, Twilight. Don't worry, I’ll be right here.”

The filly blinked, looking from the alicorn to the foals and back again. “I’m not getting out of this, am I?”

“Nope.” Celestia smirked. “So you'd better make the most of it.”

Twilight sighed and walked over to the group, taking a spot next to a group of fillies, who instantly began a hushed conversation, occasionally glancing in Twilight’s direction. Sighing to herself, Twilight picked up her hooves and began to follow the group, not even hearing the brief description Busy Bee gave of their next location.

Giving Celestia a final glance, Twilight fell into line with the rest of the class, desperately trying to bring as little attention to herself as possible.

The next location was a lot like the first, another statue, another plaque, another story that went along with it. Unfortunately this one she actually knew, leaving her bored, and anxious in the midst of so many other ponies.

“What school do you go to?” avoice asked, startling Twilight.

“What?” Twilight squeaked, spinning around to find a short, brown and white mottled earth pony looking at her.

“What school do you go to?” the colt repeated, cocking his head. “Do you speak Equestrian?”

“It's actually called Equish, and yes, I speak it.” Twilight frowned. “And I don't go to any school, Celestia teaches me.”

“Wooow,” the colt muttered, mouth agape. “That's so cool. I bet you know like tons of spells and stuff, right?”

“Not to brag, but I know sixty-seven spells,” Twilight announced, a hint of pride worming into her voice.

The earth pony cocked his head. “Is that a lot?”

Twilight slumped. “Yeah.”

“Cool.” The colt smiled, only to blink, and slap a hoof to his face. “Oh my bad, I forgot to introduce myself, I’m Mouse Trap.”

“Twilight Sparkle.” The filly extended her hoof and clopped it against the colt’s.

“Yeah, I remember.”

“Right.” Twilight rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

A glance over at the teacher told her that she was not anywhere near the end of her lecture, drawing a sigh to her lips. What do I even say? Should I just walk away? Twilight blinked, looking at the smiling colt and then back to the teacher.

Without any clear idea what to do, Twilight turned away awkwardly, trying to pay attention to the teacher. That was interrupted when she felt the presence of Celestia, who had walked up next to them and was now leaning down. “Ask him what his favorite book is,” she whispered.

Twilight looked up at her teacher in confusion. “Shouldn't I pay attention to Miss Busy?”

Celestia shrugged, a coy smirk on her lips. “We both know you've read all about May Weather and her many exploits, now go on, ask him.”

Twilight looked back to the strange colt and smiled awkwardly. “Hey uh, do you like to read?”

The colt shrugged. “Not really, just Daring Do and stuff.”

The filly’s eyes lit up, drawing a bemused expression from Mouse Trap. “Which one is your favorite?”

“Hmmm.” The colt tapped his chin. “Daring Do and the Temple of Doom is pretty awesome, but so is Cloudstone Curio.” He shrugged. “I guess both of them, what about you?”

“Temple of Doom is pretty cool, but my favorite is definitely Daring Do and the Crystal Skull!” Twilight smiled widely, forgetting about her enlarged canines and earning her a shocked expression from the formerly friendly colt.

“I, uh...” He gulped, unable to pull his eyes from the filly’s sharp teeth.

Twilight blinked, only now realizing what he was looking at. “S-sorry.”

“Augh, isn't that the one with the aliens?” Twilight turned to the source of the disgusted voice, and found that it belonged to a purple filly with a long white mane.

“Yeah, so?” Twilight asked defensively, looking around for Celestia, only to notice that she was distracted by a small group of colts all peppering her with questions.

“That is so dumb.” The filly scoffed. “Everypony knows aliens aren't real.”

“Yeah,” asecond filly added with a smirk. “Only dumb earth ponies believe stuff like that.”

“Hey!” Mouse Trap yelled.

“That's not very nice,” Twilight added, taking a nervous step back and looking around for the teacher.

The first filly rolled her eyes. “Who cares what some freak thinks.”

Twilight gulped, desperately searching for anyone capable of pulling her out of the awkward situation she seemed to have found herself in. A gentle hoof against her shoulder seemed to ease her worries, and she didn't even have to look up to know who was there.

Celestia leaned down, a smirk on her lips. “How do you know there aren't aliens here already?”

The two fillies exchanged a confused glance, the second shaking her head while the first seemed unconvinced, and took a step forward. “My daddy says aliens aren't real and that's just an excuse dumb farmers make to explain crop circles.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “And what if I told you it wasn't an excuse?”

The first filly gulped, her eyes going wide. “Is there really aliens?”

The alicorn shared a wry smile with Mouse Trap and Twilight. “Aliens landing on our planet would be incredibly unlikely...” Her smirk grew and she suddenly leaned in close, whispering to the two fillies. “But not impossible. Isn't that right, Twilight?”

Twilight blinked, looking up at Celestia she was about to speak, only to be interrupted by the unspoken words of the alicorn. I wonder if this kid is related to Sergeant Bull Shot? That would explain the mane, and the poor attitude. Twilight blinked, shaking her head.

“Right, Twilight?” Celestia asked again, concern evident in her voice.

“Errr… Daring Do fought ancient crusader ponies that somehow became immortal. Nevermind that whole story when she fought a nightmare.” Twilight shrugged. “Aliens don't seem that farfetched.”

Both fillies blinked, with the first one opening her mouth to speak, only to stop. “I… never really thought of it like that.”

“Ha.” Mouse Trap chuckled. “Who's dumb now?”

Celestia placed a hoof on the colt’s shoulder. “There's no reason to be like that. We’re all just having fun, right girls?”

All three fillies nodded, with Twilight beginning to smile.

“Now then, you better listen to what Miss Busy Bee has to say,” Celestia remarked

“Yes, Princess Celestia,” the two fillies droned.

Twilight smiled up at her teacher, who in turn leaned down and whispered in the filly’s ear, “I’m going to talk to Busy Bee, let me know if you need anything, okay?”

Twilight nodded. “Okay.”

Celestia smiled and ruffled the filly’s mane. “Keep out of trouble.”

The filly pouted and ran a hoof through her mane, trying to fix the damage her teacher had wrought, not even noticing the smile that slowly grew across her face.

Author's Note

(Updated for better grammer and spelling)

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Mistakes

Velvet Touch sat at her desk, her hoof tapping rhythmically on the open notebook lying before her. Notes of all kind lay spread out across the desk, distributed into piles that only had meaning to the tired mare. After staring at the spread of words and paper for what felt like a small eternity, Velvet Touch gave up and sighed, grabbing her coffee cup and drinking deeply of the sludge-like drink.

After polishing off the last of the long-cold beverage, she set the cup aside, focusing intently once more on the puzzle laid out before her. “What are you hiding?” she muttered to herself.

The filly’s mental state was obviously frayed, and had become worse over time, most likely due to her decreased sleep, yet that wasn't what had Velvet so confused. What disturbed her and had made her grow increasingly paranoid was the possibility that the filly was somehow reading her mind, or had gained some sort of bizarre mind power. Picking up one of the notes, she read it over again, her face growing tight as she recounted Bull’s explanation of the strange game they now played regularly.

Though this in itself wasn't overly concerning, it was the fact that Twilight had grown increasingly good at it that drew the psychologist’s attention. Over the last week she had grown out from her vague guesses that only sometimes hit their mark and had begun to somehow gleam details that no one had told her.

With a sigh, the mare glanced up at the clock and noted that she only had a few minutes before her next appointment, and knowing well how early Twilight liked to be, began gathering up her notes in preparation for the filly’s appearance. With swiftness born of constant repetition, the unicorn gathered her papers and deposited them into the ever-growing folder labeled ‘Twilight Sparkle’, putting it in the small filing cabinet next to her desk, between the folders for every guard and every non-guard personnel the filly had interacted with. Velvet Touch dumped her coffee cup in the garbage, stood up and looked around the room, rather enjoying her new digs. Her new office was large, big enough to also contain the sitting area that she used to interview her subjects.

Which made sense she supposed, as the powerful privacy spells placed on this room were no simple cantrips, and Celestia was a surprisingly frugal mare. With that in mind Velvet Touch was forced to admit that it was nice to know that nothing short of an alicorn could pierce the protective wards now placed on her office, but it was also disconcerting. She was in charge of keeping an eye on everyone who interacted with the filly, up to, but not including the princess herself. Which made the target on her back grow to the point that the wards were an apparent necessity, a realization that made the mare uneasy whenever she thought about it.

Shaking her head, the psychologist turned and using her magic, filled the bowl of candy that sat between her chair and the lounging couch that rested on the other side.

Just as the last piece of candy landed in the bowl, a knock came from the door.

“Come in,” Velvet Touch yelled, already forcing down a sliver of worry that wormed into her thoughts.

The nose of a curious purple filly poked through the open door, peering intently within, followed closely by the rest of the young mare who was wearing a comically large pair of blackout sunglasses. Stepping into the room, the filly walked nervously forward, waving her hoof in front of her as if she could hardly see where she was going. “Hello, Miss Touch,” Twilight greeted.

“Hello, Twilight. How are you today?” Velvet Touch asked, watching closely as the filly stumbled over to the couch and tentatively climbed up.

“I’m fine, I guess. You?” the filly mumbled, her hoof blindly searching for the chocolate bowl at the centre of the table.

Lighting her horn, Velvet Touch gently placed the chocolate into Twilight’s waiting hoof. She in turn greedily pulled it back, discarded the wrapper and popped it into her mouth, only relaxing after the chocolate began to melt in her mouth. “I’m alright I suppose. The weather could be better, I’m getting tired of these dreary, rainy days,” Velvet Touch commented idly, grabbing a chocolate for herself.

The filly munched quietly, chewing and swallowing the candy with gusto. “Celestia says it's necessary to keep all the gardens and the mountain watered without risking the chance of a mudslide or flood.” The filly frowned, crossing her hooves over her chest. “I just wish it could just rain already so the clouds can stop hiding the sun.”

Velvet chuckled. “True enough.”

The psychologist turned and grabbed her notebook from the table in addition to her pen. “Now then,” she began, “may I ask why you are wearing such thick glasses?”

“You may,” Twilight replied with a snicker.

Velvet Touch blinked, only to laugh. Appears to still have a sense of humour, though this may be a coping technique. “In that case, why are you wearing such thick glasses?”

The filly pressed her hooves together nervously. “Celestia is making me some eyeglasses that change my eyes and teeth to make me look normal, but they aren't done yet. So in the meantime I got these.”

Velvet nodded solemnly, making a note of this most recent development. “Do you feel like this would help you fit in better?” she asked.

Twilight hesitated once more, a hoof going up to the large sunglasses resting on the end of her nose. “I hope so. Everypony seems so scared of me at first. Maybe if I didn't look so weird I could make some friends…” the filly trailed off, twiddling her hooves.

“What happened to that friend you talked about last time? Mouse something?”

The filly smiled faintly, her hooves stopping their nervous movement. “He's nice, but he lives across town. We exchange letters every few days.”

“See? You can make friends even while you look the way you do.” Velvet smiled. “Why don't you take them off? It's just me and you here.”

Twilight shrunk in on herself, a shaky hoof reaching up to her glasses and gripping them tightly. Then, after a second of hesitation, she took them off, opening her eyes to reveal the same strange orange glow they always had. “Is this okay?” she asked cautiously.

Velvet nodded. “Yes.” She leaned forward suddenly, steepling her hooves. “I must ask though, Twilight. Do you plan on wearing those glasses all the time whenever Celestia finishes them?”

The filly stared down at the dark glasses she held in her hooves. “I don't know,” she whispered.

“Do you think it's a good idea to hide who you are?” Velvet asked pointedly.

The filly shrunk even more. “I don't wanna talk about it.”

Velvet Touch sighed, sitting back in her chair and making a quick note. Her logical side told her that this was a habit that was fundamentally unhealthy, something to be disassembled piece by piece. Her emotional side however, knew better than to push too hard too quickly, forcing her to rethink her plans. “How have things been going with Spike? I hear he's doing a lot better now that you're visiting him every few days. I’m sure the nurses appreciate everything you've done.”

Twilight nodded, the small smile returning to her features when she thought of the baby dragon. “Yeah, he was just misunderstood. The nurses were doing a good job but they were just missing a few things.” Her small smile grew, becoming more prideful. “Now that they both understand one another, I bet they will get along perfectly.”

“I sure hope so,” Velvet remarked, quickly adding a few notes to her book. “How were you able to understand him anyway? Even the nurse who understands dragon didn't seem to know what he was saying.”

The filly shrugged. “I dunno. It just feels like there is a flavor to his words, like a meaning or something that is just underneath.”

“Interesting.” Velvet added another line before placing the notebook down on the table. “Do you enjoy spending so much time with Spike?”

Twilight nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes. He's a very smart little dragon, and I just know he's going to be a big help once he grows up.”

“Oh? Are you planning on having him help you with your studies? He is only a baby, you know,” Velvet pointed out.

“I know.” Twilight pouted, crossing her hooves over her chest. “Dragons grow up quickly, and I’m going to need an assistant if I’m going to keep studying under Celestia.”

“Do you think he would like to help you with your studies?” Velvet asked, peering down her nose at the filly, watching as the young mare squirmed under the question and its implications.

“Kind of?” The filly frowned. “It's just, he's so smart and I just know he wants to help me with stuff. Like yesterday! He tried to open the door for me, but he was too small, and got upset when I tried to do it for him.” The frown suddenly vanished and the filly giggled. “You should have seen him trying to push the door with his tiny little fingers.”

Velvet Touch smiled as well, her worry that this desire to help was being pushed on the dragon going up in smoke. “That's good to hear. It's nice to have a friend who likes to help out, just remember to always thank them and to not get too reliant on their help.”

Twilight nodded dutifully. “Yes, Miss Touch.”

“Good.” The psychologist grabbed her notebook and cracked it open. “Now then. How are your… studies going? I heard from Celestia that you are keeping on top of your homework and that your self-guided studies have been going well.”

Twilight nodded. “Yup! It's been nice to have the time to go and explore the library by myself.”

“I thought Bull was joining you,” Velvet interrupted.

The filly shrugged. “I mean I guess she's there but she mostly just hangs out at the librarian’s desk, hitting on the librarian stallion.” Twilight stuck out her tongue and faked a gag.

Velvet Touch chuckled, shaking her head. “What have you been reading about?”

“Oh all sorts of things,” Twilight began, her eyes lighting up. “I read about the Griffon Wars of Succession, the Broken Peak crisis, the borderlands. I just wish there was more material about the fringes and what lies beyond.”

“That's the area to the far east of Equestria, right?” Velvet asked.

Twilight nodded. “Uh huh. They aren't that far away geographically, but with the badlands and the Canter mountains between us and them, no trains can reach them and it's not easy to travel that way. Nevermind the fact that the hills they live in aren't exactly prime growing regions, and their only real export are precious metals”

Velvet Touch raised an eyebrow, tapping her chin. “Why are you interested in that area anyway, if you don't mind me asking?”

The filly shrugged, her gaze becoming distant. “I don't know, it's just mysterious I guess. I almost feel like I’m being pulled that way sometimes.” She shook her head suddenly, her gaze returning to the here and now. “It's just neat to think about a bunch of pegasi and earth ponies trying to make their own towns and cities so far from everyone else, and without the help of many unicorns.”

“And so close to the eastern reaches and the boglands,” Velvet added. “It sounds like a harsh life.”

“I guess. It must be nice though, freeing in a way.” The filly stared off into the distance, deep in thought.

Velvet Touch used this moment to scratch down a few more notes before inevitably returning to the discussion she knew she had to be having. “Twilight, do you think it's healthy to wear the glasses all the time?”

The filly blinked, looking down at her dark glasses. “I guess not, I keep bumping into stuff because they are so dark.”

“Do you think you should have to hide who you are just to make friends?” Velvet asked, pressing forward.

“N-no,” the filly stuttered, her body pulling inwards as she gripped the glasses tighter.

“And don't you think wearing them is almost a little bit like lying?”

“No,” the filly stated, shaking her head. “I’m still me, glasses or not.”

“Are you though? You are hiding who you are, Twilight. Your physical differences didn't matter to Mouse, and they don't matter to me, Celestia or Bull.” Velvet smiled, noting the way Twilight seemed to be deep in thought, her gaze distant as she was forced to face the points the psychologist was making. “A true friend doesn't care about such little things like that.”

“B-but I scare everyone away before I can even talk to them,” the filly muttered halfheartedly.

The psychologist sighed. “Face it, Twilight. This isn't you.” The mare smiled faintly. “Hiding who you are isn't right.”

“I-” The filly bit back the remark, stopping suddenly, her body becoming tense. “I am not just freaky eyes and weird teeth.”

“I’m not saying you are, but hiding these facets of yourself isn't right,” Velvet Touch remarked.

The filly remained tense for a moment longer, her mind deep in contemplation, only to explode into motion, standing up on the couch and glaring at the other pony. “But I can't even talk to ponies without them thinking I’m weird or some kind of a monster. These glasses would help me!” she exclaimed, eyes growing brighter as her conviction strengthened.

The older mare frowned at the filly. “Twilight Sparkle, you are a smart pony, you should know that hiding behind something superficial like this isn't right, it won't truly change who you are.”

“Maybe if you were a freak like me you would hide too!” the filly shouted, her voice turning into a wave of energy that rolled across the room, sending papers flying, and a cacophony of other objects clattering across the floor.

Velvet Touch sat there for a moment, blinking in shock as realization settled in. The filly was angry, that much was obvious, but more than that Velvet Touch had fundamentally misunderstood what the true issue was, and may have just cost herself all the good will she had just built up. Stranger still was the fact that the filly’s horn had never lit up during the entire episode, meaning some other force had knocked her stuff around, but she didn't want to think about that right now.

The psychologist carefully put down her notebook, placed the bowl of chocolates back on the table and looked down at filly, who was by now on the verge of tears. “I’m so sorry, Twilight. You are right,” she whispered.

The filly’s throat hitched and she suddenly fell to the couch, tears streaming down her face. “O-okay,” she whispered back.

Velvet Touch trotted around the table and knelt down next to the couch, pulling the filly into a tight hug. At first she resisted, and Velvet Touch was forced to wonder what she could possibly do to make up for the mistake. As if on cue, the filly collapsed into her forehooves, sobbing into the older mare’s shoulder. The larger pony barely held back her own tears, the realization of what she had accidentally done hitting her like a brick. “I’m so sorry, dear. I thought wrong and I should have known that. What can I do to make it up to you?” Velvet whispered.

Twilight sobbed for another few seconds before getting her emotions under control and mustering the nerve to speak. “D-do you have anymore of the chocolates with the blue wrappers from last week?” she asked tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ve got a whole bag left.” Velvet pulled back, a grin plastered on her lips. “I can't let you have them all, but I’m pretty sure Celestia wouldn't mind if you took a little baggie of them back to your room. Right?”

Twilight sniffed, wiping away her tears and nodding. “Uh huh.”

“Good. I was pretty sure they got your diet figured out, but I wouldn't want to accidentally mess something up,” Velvet Touch remarked offhandedly as she walked around to the other side of the room.

“N-no,” Twilight muttered, shaking her head. “They make me a special soup every few days. It tastes really good and makes it so my tummy doesn't hurt anymore.”

“That's wonderful news, Twilight.” Velvet extended her hoof, offering the filly a small baggie filled to the brim with chocolates in blue paper. “I better not hear that you ate them all in one night though or we’ll both be in trouble.”

Twilight pouted, swiping the chocolates from Velvet’s hoof. “Hey, I’m responsible.”

“I know you are, Twilight.” Velvet chuckled, settling back into her seat. “But I also know how you get around chocolate.”

The filly continued to pout, but found that her fierce expression was somewhat undermined by the blush that was spreading across her face. “Fair,” she muttered, grabbing one of the chocolates from the bag, unwrapping it and popping it into her mouth.

“Now I know we just began, but I thought that would be enough for now,” Velvet Touch remarked, sitting across from the filly and grabbing a chocolate for herself.

“Bwut I-” Twilight began.

“What did Celestia say about speaking with your mouth full?” Velvet shot back, shaking her head.

The filly rolled her eyes, chewed, then swallowed. “But I have another half hour left before Bull comes back to pick me up.”

“Hmm.” Velvet Touch got up suddenly, walking around to her desk and opening up the bottommost drawer on the right side. Reaching past a bottle of wine, and even further to the back, she grabbed a small deck of cards she kept hidden for moments just like this one. “Have you ever played Rummy before?”

Twilight shook her head. “I’m too young to drink.”

The mare chuckled, making her way back to the table and opening the pack of cards. “Rummy has nothing to do with drinking, you see the point of the game is to get the most points and you get points by-”

Together the two ponies played Rummy for the remaining half hour, with the filly quickly getting a handle on the game and soundly beating Velvet Touch at her own game several times, ending with a rather depressing score of two hundred fifty to negative ten. Still, even with being trounced quite handedly, Velvet Touch couldn't find it in her heart to be too disappointed, as Twilight was nothing if not a prodigy.

When the filly finally left, it was with a small smile on her face, something Velvet was immensely thankful to see after the blunder she made. With her door now firmly closed and locked, the mare walked back to her desk and settled into her chair with a resounding sigh, her face landing in the middle of her desk. “You are an idiot, Velvet,” she muttered to herself.

After a few seconds spent wallowing in her own self pity, the mare picked her head up and levitated her notebook before her. There were too many questions left unanswered, and the psychologist had a rather embarrassing report to write.

One which would have to inevitably include her own stupid misunderstanding, and the rather bizarre realization that Twilight had some form of power that relied not on her unicorn magic to operate. Try as she might, Velvet couldn't even conceive of anything that could possibly replicate the frankly baffling set of abilities the filly now possessed.

Opening the drawer once more, the mare reached past the wine bottle and placed the cards back into their spot, her hoof hesitating as it passed the bottle once more. She shook her head, withdrawing her hoof and closing the drawer. “No. You need a clear head, Velvet,” she muttered to herself, going back to her report.

Yet try as she might, she couldn't seem to put the thought of the wine from her mind, the bottle remaining clear and present in the mare’s thoughts throughout the time she spent writing her report.

A report that she was more than certain would upset her ruler and employer.

Celestia sighed, rubbing her brow with a carefully conjured telekinetic aura. “Oh, Velvet, you really need to take a step back and think about things every once in a while.” The alicorn chuckled darkly to herself. “You must be a real pain to get in an argument with. I don't know how Silver Scalpel puts up with you sometimes.”

The alicorn placed the report back into the pile with the rest before running a hoof through her mane and sitting back in her seat, staring out over her dark office. The sun hung low in the sky, casting her office in an eerie half light and drawing an odd sense of melancholy from deep in the mare’s heart.

Shaking her head, the princess looked up, only now realizing the time. “Oh poo,” she muttered to herself, looking down at the pipe ready to be lit just waiting on her desk. “You will have to wait, my friend.”

With that she placed the pipe back in its place and instead pulled out a pair of glasses with thin black rims, sized perfectly for a filly. Lighting her horn, the alicorn did one last test of her wards, and after finding that everything was in order, placed the glasses into a case at the forefront of her desk.

As if on cue, a knock came from the door. “Come in, Twilight,” Celestia announced.

Twilight’s glowing eyes peered from around the open door, looking inside. “How did you know it was me?”

The alicorn winked, tapping the side of her head. “It's a secret.”

The filly frowned, but ultimately walked inside, closing the door behind her and taking a seat across from the alicorn, a small smile on her face. “Is this it?” Twilight asked hesitantly, gesturing down to the case sitting before her.

“It is,” Celestia announced. “Though I would issue a word of caution before you put them on.”

Twilight hesitated, looking up at Celestia in confusion. “Why?”

“The process of shrinking the illusion wards down and tailoring them specifically to what you want was a difficult process and as such they only work for several hours at a time before needing to recharge for up to eight hours,” Celestia explained.

“How long do they last?” Twilight asked.

“About five or so hours. If you take them off before they are expended completely it shouldn't take long to recharge them.” The alicorn shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

The filly removed the glasses from its case, eying them up cautiously and turning them this way and that, intent on figuring out their secrets. “This is going to be part of a lesson, isn't it?”

Celestia’s pride, and her smile, grew. “Of course. But that won't be for another few months, we have a lot of preliminary work to do on wards before we can even get close to miniaturizing them.”

Twilight nodded, gently placing the glasses on her face and adjusting them so they sat properly. “Do you have a-” Twilight started to ask, only to realize Celestia was already holding out a mirror in her outstretched hoof.

Turning her head this way and that, Twilight was surprised to see her old self in the mirror. Gone was the Twilight with scary, glowing orange orbs and sharp pointed teeth, replaced by the Twilight with normal, violet eyes and the flat even teeth of a herbivore. The filly reached up and tapped the spot where her tooth usually poked out from her lip, only to find that it was indeed still there.

“Unfortunately the illusion cannot hide it completely,” Celestia added.

“I know,” Twilight replied sadly.

“Now I know you wanted a spell to help you sleep, but are you sure you really want to go through with it?” Celestia sighed, extending a hoof across the table and gripping Twilight’s. “It's not a pleasant experience having your dreams torn away, even if those dreams are sometimes nightmares.”

The filly pulled back her hoof, nodding her head. “I know.”

Celestia sighed, her features downcast and her mood dark. In the privacy of her own mind she cursed her own inability to master dream magic, or even to gain the slightest hold over it. If only the spellform was more powerful, maybe then I could banish these nightmares forever. But even then the thought was a hollow one, for she knew better than to give too much power to the spellform, her experiences reminding her of the drastic consequences that may come with such an action. Even still, there was a small part of her that wondered if it would be worth it to ensure that her sister would be returned to her, safe and whole.

No, I will not meddle in the minds of my subjects, even if it means risking my plan, Celestia thought, sighing once more. The alicorn stood up suddenly and walked over to a small corner of the room where several sitting pillows were set aside. “Come, sit with me.”

Twilight didn't hesitate, hopping off the hard and uncomfortable chair and plopping down in a small pillow next to the looming alicorn. “Are you going to teach me the spell?” she asked hesitantly, hope in her eyes.

“I will, but you have to promise me something first.” The alicorn reached out and pulled the filly closer, gripping her hoof in her own. “You have to promise not to abuse it. Promise to not fear what the night brings, and when you are strong enough, to face these nightmares head on. Can you do that for me?”

Twilight blinked, the alicorn’s words carrying a certain weight to them, as if she had vast experience with this spell, and its potential applications if it were abused. “I will,” Twilight replied, smiling confidently.

Celestia stared at the pony for a few seconds before nodding. “The spell is all here. If you have any trouble, or find that you are sleepwalking, sleep talking, or have trouble falling asleep then talk to me as soon as possible.” The alicorn offered the filly a thin scroll.

Twilight reached out, grabbing the scroll, only to find that Celestia’s grip held tight. Looking up, Twilight looked the mare in the eye, finding herself face to face with such an intense look the filly considered backing out, but only for a moment. With a confident nod, Twilight assured her teacher that this knowledge would not be misused. Satisfied with the filly’s response, Celestia released her hold on the scroll, allowing Twilight to pull it close, opening it wide and reading the contents within.

Several minutes passed in silence, only for Twilight to pipe up suddenly. “Is this it?” she asked incredulously.

Celestia nodded. “It's remarkably simple, but remarkably easy to screw up. Do not underestimate this spell, Twilight.”

“I won't.” The filly paused, scratching the side of her head. “I just thought there would be more to the spell. This is almost… too simple.”

The alicorn chuckled darkly, humorously. “It was written by a mage far more…” the alicorn sat there a moment, jaw hanging open, mind searching for the right word, “concise than I.”

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. “Really? Who is this pony?” She gasped. “Or creature?”

Celestia winked at the filly. “I’m afraid that's a secret. Maybe one day I’ll tell you more about her.” The alicorn gasped dramatically, clapping a hoof over her mouth. “I’ve said too much.”

The filly giggled, hardly even noticing Celestia’s magic tucking the scroll near the door.

“Now then.” Celestia smiled faintly, patting the spot on her pillow directly before her. “Come tell old lady Celestia all about your day.”

Twilight eagerly bounded across the space, hoping into the spot and turning, pressing her back against Celestia. “It was okay. I guess.”

“Did those fillies bother you again?” Celestia asked in a low tone, her magic running through the filly’s mane and untangling the knots that seemed to form almost constantly.

“A-a little bit,” Twilight muttered, shaking her head. “But they left me alone really quickly when I reminded them you are my teacher.”

“Twilight Sparkle using her position in order to put some bullies in their place. I never thought I’d see the day,” Celestia exclaimed in mock shock.

Twilight pouted, sticking out her tongue. “Well they deserved it.”

Celestia laughed her pleasant, almost chime-like laugh, pulling the filly close. “I know exactly how you feel.”

Twilight frowned, looking straight up at Celestia. “But you are an alicorn. Who would tease you?”

“You would be surprised, my young apprentice.” The alicorn leaned down, booping the filly on the nose. “There was a time when we were considered freaks.”

“Now that's a load of bologna. Everyone knows alicorns are the immortal personification of all three tribes,” Twilight stated, only to second guess herself. “Right?”

“That may be what ponies believe today, but that’s not how it always was.” Celestia sighed, her smile gaining an almost melancholic edge to it. “Can I tell you a story, Twilight?”

“Uh sure.”

“It's a secret, so you have to promise not to tell anyone,” Celestia stated, leaning close.

Twilight nodded dutifully, pantomiming the act of placing a lock over her lips and tossing away the key. Celestia smiled, ruffling the filly’s mane and earning another indignant pout for her actions. “Thank you, Twilight.”

She took a deep breath, and sighed suddenly, looking off into the distance. “One day there was a bully who always stole my doll. She-” Celestia frowned suddenly, looking down at a grinning Twilight desperately holding back a laugh. “Yes, Twilight?”

“N-nothing,” Twilight stuttered. “I just find it hard to believe you had a doll.”

“Am I not a mare?” she asked incredulously.

Twilight blinked. “Uh, I guess?”

Celestia nodded sagely. “And do mares not grow from fillies?”

“I guess it's not that crazy, what was your doll of?” Twilight asked.

Celestia smiled. “It was of bear. My family lived near the woods and occasionally I would see a bear when I went flying and ever since the first time I saw one I alway thought they were cute. It took a lot of talking for my mother to convince me that bears were not pets.”

“That would be so cool,” Twilight muttered.

“Yes it would, and though I would never suggest trying to tame one, they do make good pets if you do manage to,” Celestia commented with a smirk.

“Really?” Twilight asked, eyes wide with wonder.

“Hugging a bear is like hugging a giant fuzzy blanket that hugs you back.” Celestia shook her head. “But that's not the story I was going to tell.”

“Aww,” Twilight whined.

Celestia rolled her eyes. “The bully always stole Mister Bearington and she…” The alicorn sighed, looking down at a giggling Twilight. “If you keep interrupting my story, I’ll never get to my point.”

“I know, but really, Mister Bearington?” Twilight giggled.

“I will have you know that Mister Bearington is a very respected name in the bear community.” Celestia smirked. “Probably.” She shook her head. “The point is, she always stole my doll every few days, putting it up trees or hiding it in the village and forcing me look for it constantly.”

The alicorn sighed. “And every time I brought it up, the other foals would just shrug and ask what the problem was, since I had both a horn and wings I could just fly and get it or use magic and get it. I was an other, an outsider, and to them, a freak.”

Twilight sat in stunned silence, looking up at Celestia in wonder. “What did you do?”

“One day I beat the snot out of her. Something you are not allowed to do,” Celestia added pointedly, jabbing her hoof at the filly.

“Fine,” Twilight muttered, crossing her hooves over her chest.

“The point of the story is that bully still thought I was a freak, even when it was revealed that alicorns were natural and that we were not some sort of mistake.” Celestia smiled. “Even with evidence to the contrary that bully believed I was some sort of monster for her entire life and there was nothing I could do or say about it.”

“Wow.” Twilight frowned. “What a moron.”

The alicorn suddenly erupted with laughter, which she quickly cut off by slamming her mouth shut, realizing what a terrible precedent she might be setting. “That may be,” Celestia stated in a much more reserved tone. “But she wasn't alone in this opinion. Some other, smarter ponies believed this too, they wanted to believe it, and would not see otherwise.”

Twilight rubbed her chin. “You are saying that no matter what I do, there might be ponies out there that just won't see reason?”

“Exactly.” Celestia sighed, a sad smile crossing her face. “There are ponies out there that will always see you as a thing, and not the pony you are. They already decided what they thought of you before they even saw you and won't be convinced no matter what happens.”

“Surely there is some way to show them that I am a pony,” Twilight pleaded.

Celestia shook her head sadly. “That's a nice thought, but sometimes ponies are just too set in their ways to be convinced otherwise.” Twilight sighed sadly, staring down at her hooves. “But, those ponies are always drowned out by the good ones, trust me.” Celestia smiled, running a hoof through Twilight’s mane.

The filly however, was no longer paying attention, her mind running over the story Celestia had just told her. Realization dawned slowly on the filly, but when it did, she was forced to come to the realization that Celestia was truly a lot like her, and was a fellow freak who understood what she was going through. When she looked up at the alicorn again, Twilight understood the melancholy in her gaze, and without thinking, turned and hugged the pony as much as the tiny filly could possibly manage.

A soft smile slowly spread across the alicorn’s face and she ran a hoof down the filly’s back. “What brought this on?”

Twilight shook her head, not releasing her grip on the older pony’s midsection. “Nuffin,” she mumbled, face pressed into the alicorn’s white fur.

“Oh I know that look, what do you want?” Celestia asked, prodding the filly’s side with a hoof.

Twilight looked up at the alicorn, eyes filled with hope. “Can I sleep in your bed again?”

If it was possible for a heart to literally melt, Celestia was pretty sure she would be scooping hers off the floor right about now. “Fine, but you have to make the bed in the morning.”

“Ya-wait.” The filly’s happy cry died in her throat when images of the enormous blanket popped into her head. “Daww come on. Your bed is ginormous!”

“Ah ah ah,” Celestia tsked. “That's the price that comes with sleeping in my bed.”

The filly pouted. “Fiiiine,” she whined.

Celestia rolled her eyes. “Think of it like a test of both skill and power.”

Twilight poked a hoof into the alicorn’s chest. “You are just saying it like that so you don't have to do it.”

The alicorn gasped dramatically, gripping her chest in mock indignation. “Are you saying I would abuse my powers just so I don't have to make my own bed?”

“Yeah!”

Celestia chuckled at the fire in the filly’s eyes. “Well what are you going to do about it, little filly?”

“I’m…” she tapped her chin, only for her eyes to go wide, “...going to start a revolution!”

“Really now?” Celestia asked, placing her hooves on her hips and looking down at the filly.

“Yeah!” The filly announced triumphantly, pointing a hoof at the alicorn’s chest. “And it starts now!”

Twilight leapt into the air, plowing straight into Celestia’s midsection and a second later, causing them to both fall over and land in a heap. “Oh no, my government has been toppled. What are you going to do now?” Celestia asked in mock horror.

The filly stood proudly on the toppled monarch’s body, posing proudly. “My first command is no homework for anypony! And no bedtimes ever!”

Celestia rolled her eyes and pushed into a standing position, tucking the filly firmly under her wing. “Come on, you little revolutionary. We better get moving if we want to get to bed at a decent hour.”

“No!” the filly yelled, squirming in vain against her feathery prison. “The revolution will never die! Ra ra fight the powa!”

Celestia rolled her eyes, and walked towards the door, the squirming filly held tight against her side. “Kids,” she muttered under her breath, a wide smile on her face.

Author's Note

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Unexpected Discovery

“That will be all, thank you,” Celestia stated evenly, stepping into the large, indoor gymnasium.

The two white coated unicorn guards flanking her stopped, exchanging a glance before looking around the room they found themselves in. “Your Highness?” the first one asked. “Why are we here anyway?”

The second one nodded. “This old gymnasium hasn't been used in years, surely you could use the outdoor one. This dingy old thing doesn't even have any windows to speak of.”

The alicorn’s eyes narrowed, and she looked down on the guards with naked disdain, the shock of their backtalk stopping her from hiding her distaste. “I am here to go for a run with my student.” She leaned in close, nearly pressing her muzzle against the first guard’s face. “Is that a problem?”

“I, err.” The guard gulped, shaking his head. “No, of course not. Would you like us to wait outside or-”

“That will not be necessary,” Celestia replied, only now realizing how much her mask had slipped, prompting her to take a deep breath and a step back. “You are dismissed.”

The second guard blinked, about to say something, only to receive an elbow from his compatriot. “Right, sorry, Your Majesty,” he muttered.

The first guard bowed slightly. “My apologies. I let my curiosity get the better of me.”

“Make sure it doesn't happen again,” Celestia stated, in a tone that brooked no argument.

The two guards, not wasting any time, turned and left without a word, leaving a rather irritated alicorn to stand there and berate herself. You don't know if they were disloyal or just curious, she thought, shaking her head and stepping into the gym. Keep it together, Celestia, no need to tell them you know their plans quite yet.

The alicorn closed the doors behind her and looked around the room, the dim light of a half dozen lighting crystals doing a half-hearted job of keeping the room lit. The wooden slat floor was a dull orange, the bright gold it was originally painted fading into a cruel mockery of its former self. Lines were painted here and there, signifying numbered lengths for distance running, while others were for games which Celestia couldn't even remember the name of. The walls were much the same, with hoops placed on either end, as well as large targets painted in several colors below them. Only a trio of small windows near the tip top of the twenty foot walls allowed any natural light to enter, and the meagre amount that did come through created thin slats of light that barely reached the floor.

There was only one other door in the room, and it lead to a room that used to hold gym equipment of all shapes and sizes and now was used as little more than a storage room for old supplies bereft of a home. A quick scan told her that there was nothing magical within, but Celestia wasn't about to take any chances and a few wards now held the door shut and sealed firmly. A routine that she repeated on the rest of the room, ensuring no one could see inside without tripping her wards and alerting her to their presence. For extra flourish she enchanted even the tiny windows so that anyone who looked within would only see a line of magical text telling the viewer not to spy.

“You know for once I’m rather glad I didn't knock you down and put up that greenhouse like I wanted,” Celestia remarked to the empty room.

The room said nothing in response, though Celestia liked to think that the creek in the ceiling was a forlorn sigh of resignation.

With a chuckle, the mare turned and trotted a quick circuit around the room, tapping into her earth pony magic and getting a feel for the rarely used connections. Her morning workout routine simply wasn't challenging enough to make her need this aspect of her magic, and prolonged disuse made the magic slow to react. As she felt the magic stir and begin to fill her limbs with strength, the alicorn ruminated on the reason she was here, thinking back to several days ago when she had a rather interesting meeting with Silver Scalpel.

“It's as you predicted, Your Majesty,” Silver Scalpel remarked with a confused frown. “She has the extra connections exactly where you thought.”

“And her history? She has several earth pony ancestors, correct?” Celestia responded, tapping her desk impatiently with a hoof.

Silver Scalpel nodded again. “Yes, her family actually has a surprising number of earth ponies in it. I would have assumed that there would be less, considering her family’s propensity for magic. Then again, I am not a geneticist.”

Celestia smiled. “Me neither, but I had close friend who was, and he had some rather interesting discoveries. Namely that a good mix between earth pony and unicorn genes actually empowers the magic of both tribes. I couldn't even begin to explain to you the details, but apparently the two tribes’s genes work in concert, empowering one another. To the point that most powerful unicorns have a lot of earth pony ancestry, and vice versa.”

Silver Scalpel nodded slowly. “Fascinating.” She blinked suddenly, cocking her head and looking at Celestia in a different light. “Wait. You are not saying that those connections are capable of actually channelling earth pony magic?”

“I’m not so sure anymore,” Celestia replied. “A pony’s body is only supposed to be able to use one type of magic, without being an alicorn the second system some ponies are born with would simply not work and then be reabsorbed completely by the body after a number of years. This is usually where most ponies reach magical maturity as the body is able to focus itself entirely towards the remaining one system. This is of course rare to begin with, but not unheard of.”

“A number of… How old is Twilight?” Silver Scalpel asked suddenly.

“My thoughts exactly.” Celestia’s smile fell away, replaced by a grim look unfitting the normally upbeat or kind looking mare. “She is about the age that it would be reabsorbed and should have been significantly broken down by now.”

“Which would explain why those extra connections of hers look like one from an earth pony with thaumatic degeneracy syndrome,” Silver announced suddenly, standing up from her chair. “Her body didn't have any magic flowing through those connections so the parasite didn't touch them.”

“I need you to keep this between me and you,” Celestia stated. “I know your non-disclosure agreement already covers this, but I want to be perfectly clear that if any of this knowledge were to get out, things would not go well.”

Silver Scalpel gulped. “Is that a threat?”

Celestia blinked, cocking her head to the side only to burst into laughter. “Oh no, that's not it at all. It's just not something that's common knowledge, and the potential ramifications are unpleasant to say the least.”

The doctor breathed easier, falling back into her chair with a sigh. “Sorry about jumping to conclusions.”

“Don't worry about it,” Celestia remarked. “The last time I was less tight-lipped with a discovery on par with something like this we got the eugenics movement and I refuse to let that happen again.”

Silver Scalpel shuddered. “Agreed. But if you don't mind me asking, how did you know to even look for these connections?”

“Simple, she's heavy,” Celestia stated with a smirk. “Heavy in a way that only an earth pony can be.”

“Your Majesty?”

The alicorn shrugged. “If you ever have an earth pony foal you will understand.”

Silver Scalpel blinked. “I never knew you were a mother.”

“Oh dear, when you get to my age you are, or were a lot of things.” Celestia winked. “Now then, let's get back to the lab, I have a few tests in mind.”

“Err, right. Of course,” Silver Scalpel replied dutifully.

Celestia shook her head, her thoughts dominated by the tests and the strange results they gave. By the end of it was clear that Twilight’s dormant earth pony connections were not quite as dormant or as gone as they should be, and the fact that this angle went so long before being explored was a point of embarrassment for the alicorn who thought she had planned for everything. She sighed, letting out a long breath of air as her thoughts returned to the same sentiments of guilt and self-loathing as they usually did whenever she thought of the poor filly.

“No one could have predicted aliens, Celestia, cut it out,” she chided herself.

With a shake of her head she lit her horn and teleported a simple potted plant into her outstretched hoof. Placing it at the centre of the room, the alicorn took a step back and observed her handiwork. Everything seemed in place and ready for her student’s arrival, and something told her that same student was fast approaching.

Turning to the door, Celestia smiled widely, and a second later a grinning Bull pushed through the door. “-and then I said, that's not a chicken, that's my mane!” she exclaimed, bursting into a round of laughter.

The filly trailing behind her laughed along, but it seemed more out of politeness, as she wore a good amount of confusion on her face. “That's an odd story, Miss Bull,” Twilight pointed out.

The guard shrugged. “When you are an adult all your stories get a little weird.”

“I should hope that you have at least a few stories that aren't weird,” Celestia commented.

Bull chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. “Well you see, Your Majesty, she knows the rest of my stories by now. All I got left is the weird ones.”

The alicorn chuckled, looking down at the filly who took a spot to her right. “If you wouldn't mind I’d appreciate it if you remained just outside the door for the extent of the exercise,” Celestia commanded.

The guard nodded. “Don't work her too hard now. I don't want to have to carry your giant butt back to your room.”

“Hey!” Twilight yelled, cheeks puffed and face red.

Bull just snickered and left, taking position just outside the door.

Celestia smiled down at her student and pressed a hoof against her shoulder. “How was your weekend, Twilight? I heard you went home to visit your family again.”

The filly squirmed uncomfortably under the alicorn’s attention, staring down at the floor forlornly, her smile gone. “It was okay,” she whispered.

Celestia lifted an eyebrow, and pressed her hoof reasuringly against the filly’s shoulder. “Are you sure? It doesn't seem like it was okay.”

Twilight sighed, looking up at the alicorn with eyes ringed by dark circles. “Mom and dad are worried about me. Shining Armor disagrees and this caused some arguments.”

“Ahh.” Celestia sighed, making a note to speak to the parents when she had a minute. “I’m sorry to hear about that, my dear. Other than that I hope you had a good weekened.”

The filly shrugged. “I guess. I slept for like forever after using that spell.”

“Well that's… good.” Celestia shook her head. “Now then, I had a number of short tests for you today if you are feeling up for it.”

Twilight looked up at the older mare in wonder, eyes wide. “What kind of tests?”

“The physical kind.”

Instantly the wind seemed to leave the filly’s metaphorical sails and her features fell, a scowl crossing her face. “Physical education, my old nemesis,” she muttered, shaking her hoof.

Celestia chuckled. “Oh it's not so bad.” The alicorn squeezed Twilight’s shoulder reassuringly. “In fact it should be quite easy for you.”

“What are we going to do, exactly?” Twilight asked, looking around the empty room.

“We are just going to start with a little jog. Nothing too difficult. Think you can handle it?”

Twilight nodded confidently, spreading her legs slightly and getting into a battle stance. “I got this, Princess!”

Celestia did her best to hide the giggle that threatened to spill past her lips, only barely succeeding. “Well, if you are ready I thought a short one kilometer jog would be a good warm-up.”

“A whole kilometer?” The filly gulped. “I mean, I got this.”

Celestia pointed a hoof to the blue outline that created a tight circuit around the room. “We’ll follow this line and go around the room twenty five times which should be just about a kilometer.”

“Right. When do we start?” Twilight asked.

The alicorn suddenly leapt forward, yelling, “Right now!” as she did so.

The filly stumbled a moment as her hooves all tried to move at the same time, nearly making her land on her face. With her hooves now under her and her brain no longer fighting against her, Twilight was quickly able to catch up to the jogging alicorn, shooting her a disdainful look. “That was mean,” Twilight remarked.

Celestia smirked. “I’m sorry, it looked like you needed a laugh.”

Twilight hid her own budding smile, trying to hold onto the bitterness inside, only to fail, the edges of her lips rising into a slight grin.

The pair quickly fell into a routine of running the circle in slow, ponderous laps, neither going too fast or too slow while remaining quiet the entire time. Twilight kept her gaze forward, her thoughts focused on trying to figure out why she was suddenly being tested in such a way, while Celestia was busy keeping an eye on the filly, her senses keen to pick up any spike of earth pony magic.

By lap fifteen Twilight had begun to get winded, her breathing coming in harder and harder, until by lap eighteen she was audibly wheezing, barely able to catch her breath, with sweat pouring down her coat. Celestia frowned, noticing no rise in the magic she had assumed she would see by now. “Twilight, have you done any reading on how the other tribes access their magic?” Celestia asked suddenly.

Twilight blinked. “Not. Really. Just. The. Basics,” she replied between breaths.

“Really? I would have assumed you would be intimately familiar with how the other tribes’ magic works.” Celestia shrugged. “Would you like to know how they access it?”

The filly nodded, not trusting herself to speak while so short on breath.

“A pegasus must grasp onto their emotion, letting themself feel the right thing in order to complete certain tasks.” Celestia extended her wings. “The joy and freedom that comes from flight helps the pegasus to do just that by making their body lighter, and makes their wings grip the air better.”

“Grip the air?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh yes.” Celestia nodded, noting the way Twilight seemed to have gained a second wind. “It's why pegasi can fly with such small wings as their magic effectively makes their wings twice as large as they are. This gripping pulls the wind under their wings in whatever way they choose, allowing them to glide for far longer than a bird, or to go faster than the wind current should allow.”

“Wow,” Twilight muttered, watching close as Celestia summoned a small updraft of wind that caught her wings and held her aloft for over a dozen metres before she hit the ground jogging.

“Pegasus magic is difficult to master but not anywhere as hard to master as earth pony magic,” Celestia stated.

“Really? Why is that?” Twilight asked, keeping close behind the alicorn despite the fact that Celestia had picked up the pace considerably, approaching a running speed.

“It's different than the rest,” Celestia concluded. “While unicorn magic is made through logic, calculations and willpower, and pegasus magic is formed through emotion and the channelling thereof, earth pony magic cannot be called on in the traditional manner.”

Twilight watched her teacher closely, her attention held so clearly that she didn't even notice the fact that her hooves now pounded against the ground, keeping a close pace with the running alicorn.

“Only the masters of earth pony magic can call it to do something other than to help a plant grow,” Celestia remarked. “Earth pony magic is easily formed when attempting to help the earth, and in strengthening one’s body. But if you are a master, you can actually control this subconcious desire, and bring to bear as much strength as necessary at a moment’s notice.”

“Wow,” Twilight muttered, eyes wide. “Does that mean you could get like super strength or something?”

Celestia smirked. “Oh yes, and much much more. There were even rumours that the ancient earth pony republic had a whole school dedicated to teaching such subjects.” The alicorn’s tone grew low and she leaned in, Twilight unconciouslly mimicking the action. “Some legends say they could even control the very earth itself, making it rise, fall or bend to their will.”

“Whoah,” Twilight whispered, mouth hanging open. “Not even unicorn magic can do that.”

“Indeed.” Celestia smiled, her pace slowing and quickly coming to a stop. “And that's lap twenty five. How do you feel, Twilight?”

The filly skidded to a stop, only now realizing how fast she was going and once more nearly tripping over her own hooves. “What the-” Twilight stuttered, only to finally lose her battle against gravity when her hoof hit a loose board, tripping over her own hooves and tumbling ass over tea kettle.

Thankfully Celestia was close at hand and caught the filly in her magic, placing her back on all four hooves while giving her head a shake, a laugh on her lips. “You should watch where you're going little one, I won't be there to catch you every time you fall.”

“T-thanks,” Twilight muttered, her cheeks hot with a large blush.

“No problem,” Celestia replied, her mind still trying to piece together the strange bits of information that Twilight had incidentally given her.

She clearly was able to use earth pony magic, but had to be completely distracted in order for it to be even used, as her brain wasn't wholly sure it was even there. Something that although Celestia found strange at first, quickly realized made a lot sense, as that explained why the connections were very weak, but still present.

Twilight wiped the sweat from her brow with a hoof, looking up at Celestia with a smile. “That was awesome, Princess. I don't think I’ve ever ran that far before.”

“Then we will have to make sure to include a harder routine with your daily schedule,” Celestia replied, noting the way Twilight’s features fell slightly. “Now if you wouldn't mind holding still for a second I was hopping to test a quick spell.”

“Oh, of course,” Twilight replied instantly, her body becoming perfectly still as she waited for whatever Celestia was doing.

Lighting her horn, Celestia cast a simple, and secret spell, allowing her to see the remannts of magic like whisps of colored light that floated through the air. Tuning out the overwhelming presence of her own magic was an easy task, almost as easy as seeing Twilight’s own bright unicorn magic. Fascinating, your power seems to grow by the day, my young apprentice, Celestia thought, almost shocked by how much the filly had grown over the past several months.

Pushing that thought from her mind, the alicorn focused her sight deeper, tuning out the bright purple light that was the filly’s unicorn magic and instead focusing on the light whisps of green that clung to Twilight’s legs. Only for the color to immediately jump out at her as odd, as the light was a sickly purplish green, the sight nearly bringing a bad taste to the alicorn’s mouth. Well it's confirmed, though I can't even begin to imagine what that coloration means.

“Princess?” Twilight whispered nervously, looking up at Celestia with wide, panic-stricken eyes.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Twilight. I was caught in a thought.” The alicorn dismissed the sight and leaned down, hugging the filly tightly, ignoring the present sensation of sweaty fur. “Nothing to be alarmed about.”

The filly breathed easier, pressing herself against the mare’s stomach, the touch relaxing her significantly. “What did the spell do?” she asked quietly.

“Just checking your muscles to see if they are okay,” Celestia lied. “Turns out you are perfectly fine, even better than fine. Your diet must be doing wonders.”

Twilight’s smile grew and grew and she whispered a soft, “Yes.” under her breath, reveling in her apparent victory over the force of gravity.

This time Celestia couldn't resist giggling at the filly’s adorableness. “I’m glad you are excited, physical fitness is very important.”

The filly blinked, raising an eyebrow and looking the alicorn up and down in a long, drawn out look. “Ookay,” she muttered.

Celestia frowned, booping the filly on the nose. “Don't give me that look. I will have you know I am quite strong and these are just the curves of a full-figured mare.”

Twilight blushed profusely. “T-that's not what I-” The filly stopped and planted a hoof in her mouth.

The alicorn giggled, turning and trotting towards the centre of the room. “Come now, I have one last test for you before we are done for the day.”

“Done already? But what about my magic lesson?” Twilight asked, clearly hurt.

Celestia however, merely rolled her eyes. “We both know you've more than mastered that spell already, but I suppose if you wanted to reveiw it a few more times I could spare a couple minutes.”

The filly nodded eagerly. “Yes please. I want to make sure I’m getting the form right.”

“I have no doubt that you are,” Celestia commented before stopping and lifting up the small seedling. “Now then, I want you to hold this plant on your hoof.”

Twilight did as she was asked, levitating the small budding flower over to her outstretched hoof. “Now what?”

“Next I want you to try and make it grow, without using your horn.”

“I can't do that!” Twilight exclaimed. “I’m a unicorn, remember?”

Celestia chuckled softly, her laughter like the soft tinkling of chimes. “Twilight, Twilight, Twilight. Trust me. There is no way you can fail this, it's just a simple exercise.” The alicorn rolled her hoof in the air nonchalantly. “Think of it like a little fun. Just pretend you are an earth pony, channel the magic and imagine the great flower you would make if you weren't a unicorn but rather an earth pony.”

Twilight frowned, glaring down at the potted plant with a mix of disdain and confusion. After a long moment of silence she nodded. “Okay, what do I do?”

Celestia smiled serenely, leaning down and placing a hoof on Twilight’s foreleg. “Close your eyes, then hold out the plant, feel its weight, the way it sits heavy in your hoof, waiting for you.”

“Waiting for me?” Twilight asked, cracking open an eye and looking up at her teacher quizzically.

“Yes, it's waiting for you, a single mote of energy ready to be unleashed, to bloom and become more than what it could be on its own.” The alicorn leaned down. “All it needs is a little help from you. Focus, keep your eyes closed, extend yourself into the plant and then simply give it a nudge, a helping hoof in the right direction.”

Twilight’s face screwed into a frown for a moment, only for her to focus to win out and she pushed herself to do exactly as her teacher had commanded, her eyes closed tight.

Celestia didn't know what to expect, only a few days earlier she had assumed such a mixture of biology was impossible, half a year earlier she considered life beyond this planet to be a fool’s notion. Every day a new firmly held belief that had stood the test of centuries and sometimes eons, was shown to be that, little more than a belief that was as true as anything else that existed only because it was believed in.

What she hadn't expected to happen was exactly what was happening, which was... nothing.

The filly stood there straining herself, her leg muscles taut and her body strained, as if she was trying to push against something that wasn't there. Her face was twisted in deep concentration, prompting Celestia to apply her extra sight and gaze within the filly’s body, her attention seeking out the connections she knew existed yet didn't seem active anymore. What she found once more confounded her.

There was magic in her limb, but it was not the strange, sickly greenish color she had seen earlier, nor the distinct, crisp lavender of Twilight’s unicorn magic but a blending of them both, stemming directly from the filly’s horn and flowing down from there. Celestia sat there in shock, amazed that such a thing could even happen, once more proving that another long held opinion no longer held water.

Unicorn magic can't be forced through earth pony channels, this is… She wanted to say impossible, but the word that came to her mind was not impossible, but rather, amazing.

She stood there in stunned silence, watching as the filly pushed more and more magic through her hoof until after several minutes of intense concentration, something amazing happened. The flower bloomed, not only opening up, but also growing several inches taller, its stem widening considerably to hold up the bulb which had doubled in size.

Celestia took a step back, noting the way the small pot cracked along the edges and the dirt placed within heaved as thick cordlike roots emerged from the too small pot.

Then, just when Celestia thought she had seen it all, something truly disturbing happened.

The bulb twisted, shivering as something else rose from the base. A dark pulse of disgusting green energy emerged from the deepest points of its roots, traveling up the plant and causing rapid mutation the likes of which Celestia had never seen before. The stem seemed to hold its shape more or less, though it became far darker, gaining an almost brownish purple tinge to it. More disturbing than its change in color was the way it seemed to pulse and shift, writhing under the alicorn’s attention. The exterior also seemed to gain a slimy texture to it, its viscous external layer pulsing occasionally as it drew material out from the dirt, further enabling it to grow and change.

As it morphed and grew even stranger events occurred, with Celestia’s disgust and amazement peaking when the pulse reached the flower itself. Instantly the white petals were replaced by wide flat tongue like appendages of a slimy green-purple coloration, the petals being consumed by the strange appendages that replaced them. The center-most point seemed alive with movement, the stigma become a single tentacle nearly two inches long, its length twitching this way and that as if tasting the air.

Thinking quickly Celestia lit her horn, activated the teleport rune she had placed on the bottom of the pot, teleporting the plant away, the entire thing vanishing in an instant.

“What happened?” Twilight asked, opening her eyes for the first time. “Did it work?”

Celestia, not missing a beat, leaned down and smiled sadly. “Unfortunately not.” She sighed, running a hoof down Twilight’s face. “But that's okay. Like I said, it was just a silly test.”

“I felt...” Twilight frowned, looking down to where the potted plant had been a moment earlier. “It felt like something happened, like I could taste something weird for a second.”

For once Celestia was at a loss for words, though she recovered quickly, flashing the filly a wide silly smile. “I think someone worked a little too hard.” She stood suddenly. “How about we go grab a snack from the kitchens, I bet you worked up quite the appetite after our little work out.”

“Yeah…” Twilight muttered, looking to her hoof one last time before sighing and following her mentor. “I guess.”

“Now, Twilight, what did I say about those long faces,” Celestia admonished.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “That long faces are only for long days,” she droned.

“Exactly. And we are not even to supper yet.” Celestia smiled. “But I suppose it can't be helped, a little filly like you is probably right tuckered out.”

“I am nooot,” Twilight whined, trotting behind her mentor as they made their way to the door.

“So you don't want a piggyback ride there?” Celestia sighed. “That's too bad because-”

“N-no!” Twilight shouted suddenly, stepping forward. “I mean um, no. I would like a piggyback ride please.”

Celestia giggled and scooped up the filly in her magic, depositing her onto her own back in a single swift motion. “Well then, I think you've earned that much at least. Now come on, I think the chef was making stir fry today.”

“Mmmm, stir fry,” Twilight muttered, settling in between the alicorn’s wing joints.

The alicorn smiled with her usual serene grace, bellying a deep uncertainty that threatened to ruin the careful mask she wore.

I am so out of my depth, she thought.

Author's Note

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Questions and Preperations

“But why do you have to go?” Twilight whined from her place in Celestia’s bed.

“I just need to check up on something,” the alicorn replied, smiling weakly. “It won't take long at all.”

The filly grumbled and crossed her hooves over her chest, glaring up at the ceiling from under Celestia’s covers. “Well, I don't like it. You said it was bedtime. Why do you get to stay up late?”

“Cause I’m the princess,” Celestia shot back with a smirk, giving the filly a gentle noogy. “When you become a princess you can stay up as late as you want.”

Twilight tried to maintain the grumpy expression on her face, but she couldn't help but smile under the attention of her teacher. “Okay, but you better not wake me up when you get back!”

“I won’t.” Celestia leaned down and gently kissed the filly’s forehead. “Goodnight, Twilight.”

Twilight, however, did not seem entirely at ease, and she watched Celestia get up and cross the room before building up the courage to speak, “C-Celestia?”

“Yes, Twilight?” Celestia replied, turning to face the filly as she donned her regalia.

“What are you really doing?” the filly asked.

Celestia paused as she was about to don her tiara. “What do you mean?”

“I, uh…” The filly tapped her forehooves together nervously, unable to meet the older pony’s gaze. “I know my food has meat in it.”

For a moment the princess said nothing, only for the alicorn to place her tiara on its pedestal and turn back to the filly, crossing the room once more and sitting on the edge of the bed. “I’m sorry I didn't tell you earlier, Twilight. I’ve been trying to find a cure for your eyes and the other things that have changed in you.”

“It's just fish, right?”

“Yes, and even then it's only really water boiled with fish in it,” Celestia replied, laying a forehoof over the filly’s. “I promise to tell you more soon, but right now I really must get to my appointment.”

The pair’s eyes met, with Twilight peering within the gentle pink orbs of the alicorn as if searching for something. For several long moments they remained there, with the filly trying to use her newfound abilities to suss out the meaning behind the alicorn’s cryptic words. Though Twilight could not pierce the guarded mind of the ancient alicorn, she could tell that she was saying these things not out of malice, but rather love, and with that in mind, Twilight sighed and relaxed.

“Okay,” Twilight muttered.

“Thank you,” Celestia whispered, giving Twilight’s hoof a final squeeze, “for trusting me.”

“Yeah yeah,” Twilight murmured, turning over in the bed and looking away from the alicorn.

Whom, in turn smiled, made her way over to the door, and donned her tiara once more before straightening her posture and pushing through the portal and into the hall beyond. The guards on either side of the door greeted her silently, casting only a quick sidelong glance of acknowledgement before turning back to their duties, their faces becoming stony masks once more.

Celestia, on the other hoof, did not acknowledge them at all, a small sneaking part of her mind silently wondering if they were already moving against her, or if it was possible that they still remained loyal. With a shake of her head the alicorn dismissed such thoughts and turned to the left, beginning her long trek towards the lab, only to stop and realize she accidentally disrupted Twilight’s usual schedule without contacting her dedicated psychiatrist whom the filly was supposed to have met with.

Turning back around, Celestia began to trot towards Twilight’s room, hopping to find someone who could get word to Velvet Touch in order to inform the mare that today’s session was cancelled. When she did though, something else made her stop, namely an elderly blue-eyed mare clad in stately golden armor who was walking confidently towards the alicorn. The mare’s armor was heavy and bulky to the point of cumbersome, but the unicorn wearing it didn't seem to notice the weight of it, or the large tower shield strapped to her side. The deep orange gems set near joints and prominently displayed on the centre of her breastplate glowed faintly in the evening light, illuminating the unicorn’s aged features and shock of golden hair that barely poked out from beneath the helmet she wore.

“Ahh, Golden, and to what do I owe the pleasure?” Celestia began, stopping only a foot from where she began.

The armored mare smiled widely, her blue eyes almost glowing under the scrutiny of her sovereign. “I was hoping to give you a report on the project you had me begin, in pony, that is.”

The alicorn nodded, motioning towards her office that lay only a few doors down. “I believe this conversation would best be taken in private.”

“Of course. Lead the way, Your Majesty,” Golden Glaive replied with a nod.

Together the mares trotted down the hall and into Celestia’s private office, with the alicorn holding the door for her subordinate before they both took their seats. Once seated, Celestia lit her horn and activated the various charms and wards that stopped any would-be eavesdropper from listening in. With that done, Celestia allowed herself to relax, a large, proud smile crossing her face. “Golden Glaive,” the alicorn muttered, a grin growing across her face. “I assume you have nothing but good news for me?”

The aged mare laughed a deep, rumbling laugh that seemed to emanate from the mare’s very stomach. “As always, Your Majesty, as always.”

Celestia smirked. “Well, don't keep me in suspense.”

“Right.” Golden nodded, her smile falling away, and being replaced by a stern, serious expression. “The loyalty test you devised is working well, for one. It's subtle enough that I don't think anyone has caught on to its true purpose.”

The alicorn leaned back in her chair, tapping her chin. “That is good. I had concerns I had made it so subtle as to become useless.”

“We’ve already weeded out numerous recruits, and…” The unicorn’s face grew grimmer still. “I just never would have guessed their agents would be so numerous. What are those damn fools planning, anyway?”

“I’m going to be honest with you.” Celestia sighed. “I have no idea. That being said I have plenty of theories but not much to go on I’m afraid.”

Golden ground her teeth together before giving her head a firm shake. “Anyway, the training itself is going well, and we should be up to a full company by the end of the year, and a battalion within three…”

“I’m sensing a but in there,” Celestia pointed out.

Golden chuckled, flashing the alicorn a wide smile. “There's always a butt in here, Princess! The griffons may have nicked ol’ lefty but I assure, my ass is as amazing as ever.”

The ancient alicorn stopped and blinked, only to break into her own fit of laughter. “Oh, Golden, I missed your presence in the castle.”

The unicorn snorted. “I’m just glad you finally let me out of retirement. I was just about ready to strangle that husband of mine.”

“How is Shoe Shine anyway?” Celestia asked, leaning forward and resting her chin on her hooves.

“Annoyingly happy.” Golden grunted. “He's taken to retirement like a fish to water. Sometimes I think he loves that garden of his more than me.”

Celestia chuckled. “That's good to hear. And the kids?”

The unicorn stared down at the floor suddenly, shaking her head. “The last one finally flew the coup after his divorce to that bastard he shacked up with finally went through.”

“That was… Brick, right?” Celestia inquired.

“Yeah…” Golden mumbled. “He always did have a spot for fixer uppers.” The mare suddenly breathed deep and shook her head. “But you don't have time to hear about what my fool children have been up to. What else do you want to know?”

“Hmm.” Celestia tapped her chin. “What about the new weapons and armor? How are they faring?”

Golden Glaive raised an eyebrow. “Before I answer that I gotta ask, where in the hay did you find the designs for those things? I ain't never seen anything like that in all my years, not here, not in Griffonia, and not even in the minotaur lands.”

Celestia leaned in and winked. “It's a secret, I’m afraid.”

Golden glared at the alicorn for several seconds before snorting. “Well, wherever you got them, you better thank whoever made them, before giving them a smack upside the head.”

“Oh? Proving too heavy even for Mrs. Never Takes Off Her Armor?” Celestia shot back.

The unicorn laughed loudly, covering her mouth with a hoof as she shook her head. “Oh stars above, no. But it has been quite challenging to even teach them how to put on the damn things. It wouldn't be so bad, but that big circle thing-”

“Shade Projector,” Celestia corrected.

“Yeah, that thing.” Golden agreed. “It’s been quite a pain just to put together and get working, and then you have to attune to it, maintain it and you can't even swap a busted one without first unattuning the last user and reattuning the new one.” The mare threw up her hooves in frustration. “And you haven't even told me what it does yet!”

“I suppose you should know that at least,” Celestia began. “The recovered documents mention that it should be able to create a temporary copy of the user, but it also went on to list several other abilities that the copy, or shade, would have, including the ability to swap places with the original, potentially saving them from harm.”

Golden Glaive sat back in her chair and shook her head slowly. “Well I’ll be… Where was this thing when we were putting down that riot on fifty-third street?”

Celestia’s features hardened and she sighed. “Lost, I’m afraid.” She shook her head. “More to the point, how soon do you think your battalion could be trained with the full suit, including the shade projector?”

The aged unicorn sat back in her chair, tapping her chin with an armored hoof. “I’m gonna be honest here, I am not entirely sure. The armor isn't too difficult for some recruits to even use, but add the fact that we have to move slowly, and secretly while screening all recruits and ensuring they get the training they need and we’re looking at a six to seven year deployment window. I could get the numbers up there like I mentioned before in a much shorter time, but doing everything at once, well that takes time.”

The alicorn, rather than be shocked or annoyed as Golden expected merely nodded slowly. “That is acceptable. Will you be able to train a second in that time as well?”

“Trying to make me retire again, are ya?” Golden remarked with a chuckle. “And to answer your question. Six years. I got a good idea of who I want to replace me, but they are young, they need guidance, and more importantly, they need life experience, and varied experience at that.”

“Good,” Celestia murmured.

The alicorn continued to stare off into space for a few moments before she suddenly stood up and made her way around the desk. “I’m glad you're willing to take on this task. There is nopony else I would trust this to.”

The armored mare stood up, and shook the offered hoof, squeezing tightly. “Think nothing of it, Your Majesty. I’d follow you to Tartarus and back if that fool Tirek needed a second whoopin’.”

Celestia smiled, and squeezed back, silently impressed that the mare had stayed so strong despite her age, and the years since spent in retirement. “I don't think it will come to that, but you know what they say-”

“-Murphy has a funny sense of humour,” Golden Glaive finished. “Good to be back, Your Majesty.”

“Good to have you.” Celestia released the mare’s hoof and gestured to the door. “Now if I may. I have an appointment to keep.”

“Absolutely.” Golden turned and trotted out the door, stopping only briefly and casting a glance over her shoulder, a small, genuine smile crawling across her face.

The alicorn chuckled and shook her head, following behind the mare, after closing the door behind them. Once more in the long halls of the royal apartments, Celestia took a moment to watch her old friend trot away, a slight spring evident in the armored mare’s steps. The alicorn turned back around and made her way towards Twilight room.

Only to once more notice that there was a pony waiting for her, only this time she was looking away from Celestia, and shifting nervously from hoof to hoof while she chewed on her bottom lip. The alicorn smiled faintly and rolled her eyes, surprised to see the usually calm and collected unicorn so out of sorts.

“Velvet Touch,” Celestia stated when a good distance away, hoping to not startle the pony too much.

Unfortunately her good intentions meant little as the squirrly mare nearly jumped out of her skin before spinning around, her eyes going wide. “Oh, Princess Celestia! I, uh, didn't see you there. Don't worry about me, I totally did not lose Twilight.”

Celestia rolled her eyes and chuckled. “She's in my room. The poor filly is tired and a little lonely, so don't worry, she is definitely not lost.”

The other mare opened her mouth to speak only to sigh deeply, her entire body visibly relaxing. “Stars above, that's good to hear. I assume tonight’s session is cancelled?”

“Indeed it is.” Celestia gestured further down the hall, prompting the mare to walk in that direction, sticking close to the alicorn’s side. “I must apologize for not sending someone to notify you, but I’m afraid I was blindsided by an old friend who popped up unexpectedly.”

“That's fine. I was just letting my nerves get the better of me,” Velvet remarked dismissively.

“Still,” Celestia continued, “this breach of communication will not be repeated, I can assure you.”

The unicorn beamed, smiling wide, her face lighting up. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Think nothing of it.” They turned down a side hall and passed by another duo of stone-faced guards. “I don't suppose you would know how late Silver was planning to stay in the office, would you?”

Velvet paused, catching the subtle undertone of worry that had wormed its way into the alicorn’s speech pattern. “I think she is going to be there for another hour or two, she mentioned something about chasing a lead and keeping her staff a little later than usual.”

“Ah, excellent,” Celestia remarked serenely, her calm tone bellying her hidden worry. “I must apologize again, but it might be that she will end up being a tad later than anticipated.”

Velvet was about to glare at the alicorn, but something about the serious way the alicorn held herself coupled with how calmly, yet seriously she stated things told Velvet that Celestia had good reason to give her girlfriend a little overtime. “Alright, but you better let her out before Donut Joe’s closes, we had a late night date planned.”

“I will make sure to dismiss her before ten thirty then,” Celestia remarked.

Velvet stopped and looked up at the alicorn, startled, yet not completely surprised by the fact that the ruler knew the odd time that the late night diner closed at. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“It is my pleasure, Velvet Touch,” Celestia remarked, giving the mare a slight nod. “Good night, and pleasant dreams.”

The alicorn paid the younger mare little mind, and simply made her way deeper into the castle, turning a corner and proceeding down a hidden staircase towards the labs she had sequestered away in the deepest parts of the castle. Making her way there was quick, and relatively easy, as she knew well the safety protocols at this point, and easily passed through the screening procedures in record time. Her quickened pace was so different from her normal speed that a few of the ponies milling about the halls at such an hour stopped and stared at the alicorn. Concern evident in the way she briskly trotted deeper, making short work of the security posts placed at even intervals.

In no time at all, she had reached her destination, and after one last mana signature test, she pushed open the double doors to the largest of her hidden labs. The enormous room ringed with smaller offices had changed dramatically since the first time she had been down here. Most notable of which was the fact that it had gained a rather lived-in look, which for a lab, meant experiments covering nearly every conceivable surface not obscured by papers of all shapes and sizes. Several large blackboards had also been wheeled in, and contained numerous technical drawings, as well as an equally numerous amount of expletives and question marks.

The few scientists left at such an hour, all looked up in shock, the clang of the doors hitting the wall startling them from their work. Several made short bows, others gave a simple nod while fewer still simply turned back to their work, unable or unwilling to show the alicorn a modicum of respect. Celestia didn't have time to overthink this particular aspect of her arrival however, and quickly scanned the room, and found what she was looking for in the form of a silver white unicorn leaning heavily on a water cooler, a coffee cup in her hoof.

As she trotted up to the mare, Celestia made sure to make her hooves clack heavily against the floor, only for the mare to not even notice the approaching alicorn until she was only a few feet away. “What, who?” she muttered, turning and looking at the alicorn’s chest, her eyes crawling up Celestia’s neck until finally their eyes met. “Oh uh… hello?” she half asked, half greeted, dropping into a slight bow.

“No need for such formality right now. I have a stunning development that requires you and your best’s eyes immediately,” Celestia stated evenly.

Silver’s eyes went wide and she turned, threw back the last of her coffee and gave her head a firm shake before yelling, “Beaker, String Theory, Bunsen, get over here!”

Two unicorns and an earth pony all stopped what they were doing and ran over to the lead scientist, each one with questions burning on their lips. Questions that were ultimately silenced when they noticed the alicorn’s dominating expression.

Raising her hoof, Celestia lit her horn and teleported a rather strange potted plant onto the outstretched limb. “Twilight grew this without using her horn. I need you to tell me how, and what the heck it even is.”

“What in the hell?” Velvet muttered, a sentiment shared by the rest of the scientists who gawked at the bizarre, twitching abomination.

“What was she doing when she grew this… thing?” one of the scientists, whom was an older unicorn stallion with a greying orange mane asked.

“I taught her how to grow a plant like an earth pony does,” Celestia began, gesturing to the plant. “This was the result.”

The younger, brownish red colored earth pony scientist stepped forward, his jaw falling open. “That's amazing. I mean even if she was an earth pony that would still be quite a feat for somepony her age.”

“It's miraculous, but I’m more confused by the fact that it seems alive, in the animal sense and not the plant sense,” the third, shorter unicorn scientist muttered, turning her head this way and that as she stared down at it.

Silver pressed a hoof against her face and sighed long and hard, shaking her head. “Now she can grow plants like an earth pony, great. Back to square bucking one yet again!”

Celestia snickered to herself. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m afraid I must insist that you get as much information as possible on this… thing. I have a feeling it won't last for much longer.”

As if on cue the tentacle like appendage at the centre was already beginning to rapidly lose its color, the limb falling still as it became more and more grey by the second. Silver frowned. “Right. Bunsen, get the arc scanner up and ready.” She pointed to another scientist. “Beaker, I want you to take tissue samples and do everything in your power to try and keep them alive for a little longer. String Theory, I want you on preliminary scanning. Use every spell you know, starting with the ones you think would be most beneficial and working down from there. I want as much information as possible before this thing kicks the bucket on us.”

The three scientists all nodded and started their task, with the bizarre plant quickly being whisked away by a lab hand. Leaving Silver Scalpel and Celestia standing alone, the unicorn having pulled over a black board and was now hastily erasing a small section before grabbing a piece of chalk. “Have you ever seen a plant like that?” Silver asked.

“Not in all my years have I ever seen something quite so grotesque before. The closest I can imagine would be the canopy wraith from the eastern zebra lands,” Celestia remarked, Silver already writing notes on the blackboard. “It uses a long flesh-like appendage to grapple and kill small rodents, pulling them back into the central mass wherein they are digested.”

“That is… disturbing.” Silver tapped the board a few times, deep in thought. “Is there any chance she came in contact with one of these plants?”

“Unless she made a trip to the eastern zebra lands, it would be impossible,” Celestia remarked. “The wraith itself is extremely finicky and cannot be replanted easily. Only one was able to be recovered during an expedition thirty years ago, but it died in less than three weeks after reaching Canterlot.”

“Hmmm,” Silver muttered to herself, staring off into space. “What about the actual texture of the uh, organism? Is there anything that appears that, flesh-like?”

Celestia hummed, tapping her chin. “Not that I can recall. There is a flower that mimics a rotting rat corpse fairly well in both smell and appearance, but even that doesn't look quite as fleshy as this… thing.”

Silver wrote a few more lines of notes on the board, ending it with a question simply stating hybrid? in bold letters. “Is there anything you can think of that would look or act at all like this new organism? Or any other information you may have gathered.”

Celestia shook her head. “As far as I’m aware it's an entirely new organism. As for other information, I can produce a memory crystal of what I saw when she was growing it. If you think that will help.”

“That would be an excellent idea,” Silver remarked, adding another line, simply stating see memory crystal #404 at the bottom of her notes.

“I’ll have that to you shortly,” Celestia remarked, looking over her shoulder to the buzz of activity and the various scientists and lab assistants running this way and that. “Do you have any theories on the sudden way it started dying?”

Silver frowned, her gaze lingering over her personnel. “It appeared to be some sort of cellular degeneration. I’ve seen something like it in Equestrian journal for health, but that was when a flower was exposed to high levels of thaumatic radiation.”

“Which wouldn't be applicable here, unless it's background tolerance was much, much lower than most Equestrian plant life,” Celestia concluded. “It was also fine, at first anyway, and only showed signs of degradation when it was brought down here.”

“Perhaps it's the lack of organic lighting down here?” Silver half stated, half asked. “Interesting.”

“Quite,” Celestia murmured, looking on as the scientists continued to run this way and that, the plant at the centre of their attention slowly becoming greyer, until within a few minutes the thing had lost its color entirely.

The two mares leaned in, watching closely as the plant trembled a moment before disintegrating into a pile of ash, just as the large array of crystals around it stopped humming. For a moment everyone stopped moving, the scientists and Celestia all staring at the strange organism that was now little more than a small mound of grey. Printouts continued to spit out of machines, spells fizzled, and then all at once the ponies began to move once more, gathering up whatever data they had managed to acquire so far.

Great piles of data printed on what looked like miles of paper were folded and placed in piles, the various assistants already beginning to organize their findings as the more senior members of the staff began to comb through the more interesting sections. Celestia meanwhile, was staring closely at the pile of ash, noting that the dirt had lowered significantly since the organism’s death.

“Complete cellular death,” Celestia remarked with a shake of her head. “I never thought such a thing was even possible.”

Silver snorted. “Impossible is the new normal, apparently.”

The alicorn merely shook her head and watched the experts as they read through the results, most either shaking or scratching their heads as they did. A few could be heard mumbling their confusion, muttering such phrases like “What the hell?” “What does this even mean?” and “How, just how?”

Celestia’s frown deepened, and Silver took a step forward. “Did she grow the plant from nothing or was there a seedling already present?”

The alicorn shook her head, and looked down a the unicorn. “There was a seedling present and it was an ordinary flower.” The alicorn rolled her hoof in the air as she tried to remember what exactly it had been at first. “I believe it was a dandelion.”

“That certainly did not appear to be an average weed,” Silver muttered.

“Evidently not,” Celestia agreed.

“I’m gonna be honest with you, Your Majesty, but I don't have a hot clue what this means and judging from the baffled looks on my staff’s faces neither do they,” Silver Scalpel remarked. “It's probably going to be matter of days or even weeks before we can comb through all this data and really figure out what exactly happened to your dandelion.”

“Wait!” Bunsen suddenly yelled, standing up and waving a chunk of paper in the air.

“Or apparently someone will find something right away,” Silver muttered.

The stallion ran over to the pair, his eyes wide. “I think I found something you may find interesting.”

“Well? Go on,” Celestia invited, motioning for the stallion to speak.

“From these readings here I can tell that the plant still had some base genes of your weed,” Bunsen exclaimed, gesturing to a large chunk of numbers in the bottom left of his sheet of paper. “It also has what I think is our subject’s aura attached to it.”

“Let me see that,” Silver demanded, grabbing the sheet of paper and scanning down the page.

Celestia raised an eyebrow and leaned closer. “Is that true, Silver?”

“I think so…” the mare muttered, shaking her head. “It seems to have part of the filly’s magical signature implanted within it.”

“And what does that mean, exactly?” Celestia inquired.

“I don't know…” Silver murmured.

“She may have been exerting some level of control over the plant,” Bunsen offered. “I’m not exactly sure but when an earth pony grows a plant their essence lingers within it for a little while. It's theorized that this is where the experience of connection earth ponies feel comes from.”

“I want a team looking into this,” SIlver commanded, turning to her staff member. “Take as many junior staff members as you need.”

Bunsen frowned. “May I pull a few hooves from other projects?”

“Low priority projects only,” Silver clarified.

“Alright,” Bunsen muttered before turning and leaving.

Silver Scalpel’s frown deepened and she looked up at the alicorn with worry on her face. “I don't suppose this means we are going to get any more hooves down here eh?”

“I’m moving as fast as I can but it's difficult to find someone whose expertise you would find useful, and whom is also not compromised by outside influences,” Celestia remarked, a frown crossing her own face.

Silver looked down, her jaw clenching and unclenching before she stood suddenly. “I should go over the results with my team quickly if I want a chance of getting out of here anytime soon.”

Celestia chuckled. “See that you do. Velvet would have my hide if you didn't make it to your date.”

Silver Scalpel’s frown deepened and she trotted away from the alicorn, leaving Celestia alone with her thoughts. The alicorn studied her chief scientist’s body language as she crossed the room, and was unable to stop herself from wondering if she was uncorrupted by the houses’ promises of power and money.

Just another thing to check up on, Celestia thought to herself, before turning and walking away, heading back to her bed, and a filly who needed a little love and attention.

Author's Note

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Shopping

“Let me get this straight,” Celestia began, running a hoof down her face. “You left your window open all night without waking up, and without the guards noticing?”

Twilight nodded. “Uh yeah, I don't like hearing them walk around all night, so I put a towel under the door.”

The alicorn sighed, eying her student up and down, and noting the way the filly only seemed to shiver beneath the blankets that covered her when being directly observed. “I suppose you can have the day off then, since you gave yourself a cold.”

Twilight’s eyes went wide and she threw back her bed sheets. “N-no, I don't want that! I just wanted to maybe go and buy a jacket.” She tapped her forehooves together nervously, looking down. “I think that would help.”

Celestia’s frown deepened as she stared at the filly, noting the fact that she had stopped shivering despite the fact that she had shed her blankets. “Twilight, are you sure you are sick? I’ve seen you bounce back from the flu in a matter of hours.”

The filly coughed into her hoof, or at least tried to, her fake cough sounding every bit as forced as it truly was. “See? A coat would help me stay warm, don't you think?”

The alicorn stared down at the filly for several long moments, her glare softening as time passed. “If that's what you want, we can go buy you a coat.” She raised a hoof, cutting off the excited yell that was building in Twilight’s throat. “But when we get back, you are going to do all your homework, and then read ten pages from Sapphire Flare’s first treatise on magic. Got it?”

Twilight nodded dutifully. “Yes, ma’am!”

“Good.” The alicorn nodded, pushing herself off the edge of the filly’s bed and standing tall. “So are you ready to go?”

“Oh, uh. You are not just gonna send me with Bull?” Twilight asked nervously.

“Am I not good enough?” Celestia asked while pouting profusely.

“N-no, I just…” Twilight crossed her hooves over her chest and pouted right back. “You are not supposed to tease foals, you know.”

“I’m the princess, I get to do whatever I want,” Celestia shot back, sticking her tongue out at the filly.

Twilight glared at the alicorn, yet couldn't resist the urge to smile, an expression that slowly grew across her face. “Yes, I’m ready,” the filly muttered finally.

“It's about time,” Celestia remarked.

Twilight grumbled silently to herself as she donned her glasses and trotted over to the door where Celestia stood waiting. “Well, it's not my fault you just sprung this on me.”

The alicorn smiled. “I’m just teasing you, Twilight. Are you sure you want to go, you can stay here if you really are sick.”

The filly shook her head. “No, that's okay. I think I’m good enough to go shopping.”

Celestia rolled her eyes and pushed her way into the hall, where Silver Bulwark stood next to the door, a bored expression on her face. An expression that vanished the second she noticed the pair of ponies standing next to her. “Oh, hello, Your Majesty, little miss,” she greeted, turning from Celestia to Twilight. “Where are you two off to?”

“We are going shopping for a coat for Twilight, as she seems to have caught a bit of a cold,” Celestia replied, pointing towards the filly.

Who in turn did her best attempt at faking a cough.

“Riiight,” Bull muttered.

“So we are going to get this little one a coat, to help keep her warm,” Celestia concluded. “Your help would be much appreciated.”

“Sure thing, boss lady,” Bull replied, snapping off a quick salute before clamping her spear to barding with a light use of magic.

“Excellent, but first, we need to stop off at my office,” Celestia added.

“Whysat?” Twilight asked, keeping pace with the older mares as they began to walk down the hall.

“You’ll see,” the alicorn replied.

The filly frowned, but kept her mouth shut, knowing well that such a tone was reserved for when Celestia wanted to ensure the filly stayed silent until the alicorn had a chance to reveal whatever said secret was.

So she did just that, staying perfectly quiet as the trio traversed the hall down to Celestia’s office, where the alicorn stopped. “You two can wait here. I’ll be right back.”

“Sure thing,” Bull replied, taking position beside the door.

Twilight merely glared at the alicorn, and said nothing, tapping her hoof impatiently.

Celestia vanished into her office, and returned exactly seven seconds later with a large overcoat the likes of which Twilight had never seen before. With eyes wide, and filled with wonder, the filly looked up at the alicorn and the coat she held. “What is that?” she whispered.

The alicorn raised the coat up, allowing the pair to get a good view of its high collar and long flowing black leather that would cover a pony nearly from head to hoof. Lapels studded with gold stars and large copper buttons going down the front completed the outfit, adding an air of intimidation and prestige that Twilight had never experienced from other coats before.

“It's a griffon naval jacket that was left here by a friend who passed away many years ago,” Celestia replied, smiling faintly as her gaze drifted over the jacket. “I haven't known what to do with it, and couldn't bring myself to throw it out.”

“Cooool,” Twilight whispered in awe. “Can I try it on?”

“That is indeed why I brought it out,” Celestia remarked, levitating the coat down towards the filly and offering it to her. “It's too large for you now but it is quite warm, and I think it would serve you well one day, as for today we’ll have to roll up the sleeves a little.”

Twilight gaped silently, levitating the coat over her body before slipping her hooves through the sleeves. Sure enough it was much too large for the filly, but with a few minor alterations and a liberal amount of folding, it no longer touched the floor. The filly shuddered under the weight of the heavy coat, hugging herself tightly. “It's so warm.”

“It is indeed. Plus it's probably very good at keeping the wind out. Griffon leather work is second to none after all,” Bull added.

“This is leather?” Twilight remarked, a hint of disgust working into her voice.

“Faux leather, actually,” Celestia interjected. “Hunting for skins has been banned, and the griffon I mentioned was quite against the practice in the first place.”

The filly relaxed, and resumed running her hoof down the coat’s hard exterior. “It's nice.”

“You look ridiculous,” Bull remarked. “The collar is so high I doubt you can even see what's right next to you.”

Twilight frowned. “I can totally see!” she exclaimed, before looking to the right and realizing that she could not in fact, totally see. “Oh poo.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “Come on, you two. Twilight will be fine not being able to check her corners until we find her a suitable replacement.”

Bull shrugged. “You laugh, but it is a very important thing, you know.”

Twilight blinked, looking back from one adult to the other. “What are you talking about?”

Celestia shook her head. “It's nothing. Now then, are we ready to go? Or should I find something a little more in your size? I’m sure your family sent something along with you since your last visit.”

Twilight shuddered as images of the bright pink and purple monstrosity with the built in mittens that her father had all but demanded she take with her flashed through her mind. “Nope! This is totally good.”

Bull chuckled, elbowing the filly’s side. “What, don't you like string mittens?”

Celestia giggled. “That is adorable.”

“Augh!” Twilight exclaimed, while stomping away. “If you need me I’m going to be shopping for a jacket!”

Bull and Celestia stowed their laughter and followed after the angry filly at a more sedate pace.

Bull perked up, glancing to her left where a rather dejected-looking Twilight, as well as an irritated Celestia, stepped out of the latest store. “Find anything?” the guard asked.

“No,” both replied in unison.

“Somebody is being a little picky today,” Celestia remarked.

“Hey, it's not my fault they keep trying to give me these silly frou frou jackets!” Twilight exclaimed, puffing up her cheeks and trying to stand as tall as she could.

The alicorn sighed. “That's quite alright, my dear. I did say we could make a day of it after all.”

“Not even Quick Stitch could sell you on something, eh?” Silver Bulwark asked. “Now that's a surprise. That mare could sell an ice maker to a yeti.”

Celestia chuckled. “That may be, but I think my young student has her heart rather set on what she wants. Isn't that right?”

Twilight blushed, nestling a little deeper into her coat and whispering, “Maybe,” in a volume low enough to be obscured by the click clack of the trio’s hooves.

“Fear not, my student, I have one last destination in mind, though it's a little further away than most of the places we’ve visited so far.”

“Really?” Twilight asked, eyes not literally glowing behind her simple black rimmed glasses.

“Indeed I do,” Celestia replied. “I haven't checked in with him for many years, but I assume the old bird is still kicking around.”

“Awesome,” Twilight replied, pumping a hoof in the air and inadvertently causing her sleeve to unravel. “Whoops.”

Celestia rolled her eyes, leaned down and gently rolled the sleeve back up. “There we are. Ready for a little more walking?”

“Yup!” the filly exclaimed happily.

“Good, because we have to go all the way up to the docks,” Celestia added, gesturing further up the Canterhorn towards a small secondary plate that extended from the mountain side.

“Whoa,” Twilight muttered. “I’ve never been to the docks before, what's up there? Is it cold?”

“Well it's not that high up, so it's only a little cooler. Plus just ship building stuff, as the name would imply,” Silver Bulwark answered. “But it's the wind that gets you up there since there ain't much cover that high on the mountain.”

“Exactly. So stay close to us so you don't get blown away,” Celestia added.

Twilight shivered, and took an extra step closer to Celestia’s leg. “I will, Princess.”

Bull chuckled and rolled her eyes. “We better get going if we wanna make it there before they close. It's just about five already.”

“I wouldn't worry about that. The old bird is a bit of a night owl,” Celestia replied.

Twilight giggled. “Good one, Princess.”

The trio quickly set off in the direction of the docks, with Silver Bulwark taking point and Twilight sticking close to Celestia’s right. As they walked, ponies occasionally stopped and bowed, or at least nodded their respect as the alicorn passed, though as Twilight was watching, she noticed more earth ponies and pegasi bowed, while the unicorns either ignored her, or offered the alicorn little more than a terse nod. The filly also seemed to notice that there were fewer non unicorns than the last time she had went shopping with her mother, though the number was not so few that it was apparent at a single glance.

As they continued to walk further into the city, Twilight began to completely ignore the conversation Celestia and Silver Bulwark were having, focusing entirely on the reactions of the various ponies they passed by. Twilight was keenly interested in the non ponies they saw, watching closely as they passed by several zebras and even a small flock of griffons that were eating outside a restaurant. Twilight couldn't help but frown when they passed by the pack of zebras making their way down the street, the lot of them clustered close to another and eying the various ponies with naked suspicion.

The filly’s mind suddenly filled with images of bills, hidden glares and tense conversations when they neared the black and white creatures, though even still, the small herd all stopped what they were doing and bowed low when the alicorn approached. Who in turn, stopped and offered a nod of her own, making the zebras smile and begin speaking animatedly to one another in their own tongue.

Twilight smiled at that, noting their more traditional garb of gold rings and grassy skirts that marked them as either tourists, or recent arrivals. The filly silently wished them the best, watching the group until they finally turned a corner and vanished from sight.

As they neared the wall that was the mountain side, the stark contrast between the number of unicorns and non unicorns became less and less apparent, until they began to proceed up the long path along the mountainside that lead from Canterlot proper to the densely crowded streets of the docks district. Twilight didn't notice this change at first, as she was too busy staring at the zeppelins and other ships that were docked above her, filling the sky.

When she did finally look groundward, she nearly ran into a large earth pony mare wearing the heavy barding of a mechanic, with various tools and instruments poking out of her many pockets. The earth pony seemed tired, her pace slow and her gaze downtrodden, though even still, she paused and offered a deep, if short, bow of respect when she noticed the alicorn. As the mare lowered herself, Twilight stopped, noticing that there was a patch on the front of the mare’s uniform that was half blue, half red, divided straight down the middle, and dominated by a golden sunburst in the center.

Realizing she had nearly wandered off accidentally, Twilight turned back and scampered back to Celestia’s side, who was watching the filly closely the entire time. The filly breathed easier once she was standing next to the alicorn once more, with Bull visibly relaxing, and releasing the grip she had on her spear. “S-sorry,” Twilight muttered.

Silver Bulwark nodded sagely, while Celestia smiled serenely, neither saying anything.

Twilight nodded. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course, my student,” Celestia replied.

“What was that flag that lady had on her shirt?” Twilight asked, gesturing back to the earth pony she had nearly run into. “I’ve never seen it before.”

“That's the flag of the Frontier,” Celestia answered.

“The Frontier?” Twilight cocked her head. “Why do they have their own flag, I thought they were a part of Equestria?”

“Oh I know this one,” Silver Bulwark added. “The Frontier is its own province, and is different from most other places in Equestria which are run by the largest city in the area, which act as hubs for local governments.”

“Oooh, like how Equestria started off as a collection of city states, right?” Twilight inquired.

“That is why we organize towns into governing regions controlled by the major cities, but the Frontier doesn't have any cities on par with Canterlot, Manehattan, or any of the other major cities so they share control via large council,” Celestia remarked while nodding to another group of earth ponies that had stopped to bow at the royal. “All major cities have their own flag, though they are rarely flown or used.”

“Why did that mare have one on her shirt then?”

Bull shrugged. “Despite the fact that they are often thought up as small or insignificant, the Frontier actually boasts one of the largest populations but they are mostly pegasi and earth ponies.”

“What does that have to do with the flag?” Twilight muttered, looking up at Celestia.

“It's a point of pride, to be able to accomplish so much without the help of magic, which has made them fiercely independent,” Celestia replied. “The flag itself has become quite a potent symbol over the last few months.”

“Huh, ” Twilight muttered, her gaze lingering over the crowd of ponies and other creatures that clogged the tight city street that lead up to the second plate.

“It's fascinating, isn't it?” Silver Bulwark remarked with pride. “I hope to visit one day and see how they accomplish such feats of ingenuity.”

“We are almost there,” Celestia interrupted, pointing to a large intersection just ahead, the long street they had been walking until now having finally reached the second plate where it connected with a trio of other streets.

The hustle and bustle of the connecting road they had been on was considerable, though even that was nothing compared to the numerous creatures which filled the intersection. Carts laden with goods went this way and that, directed by a steely-eyed guard at the centre of the intersection, who waved her baton this way and that, ensuring nopony ran into each other. Overhead griffons and pegasi zipped crisscrossed the streets, carrying their own aerial carts who were in turn being guided by a winged guard standing above his ground bound coworker. Everywhere Twilight looked she saw another group of creatures going about their day at a breakneck pace.

“Whoa,” Twilight muttered, unconsciously stepping closer to the alicorn for fear of being run over or forgotten.

Few ponies stopped or even acknowledged the alicorn, their frantic paces meaning they had little time to, even if they had the desire. Celestia herself seemed to enjoy this change of pace, and smiled widely as she gazed out over the intersection. “Fascinating, isn't it?” Celestia announced, sweeping a hoof out over the crowd. “And to think just a few months ago this was a relatively quiet section of the city.”

“I thought the docks were always busy?” Twilight inquired, following behind the alicorn, who was now crossing the street at the direction of the baton wielding guard.

“They have been relatively busy over the years but after investment into air travel began to dwindle there were rumours that the docks would be shut down or at least restructured,” Silver offered. “My uncle nearly went belly up before Her Majesty here made a significant investment into his business.”

“Really? Why did you do that, Princess?”

Celestia smiled down at a pair of gawking pegasus foals who suddenly remembered who they were looking at and ducked into a hastey bow. “It was nothing. They were successful, but they were also aimless, with each company going in a different direction, muddying the entire industry. A guiding hoof was needed, that was all.”

Silver Bulwark snorted as she shooed away a gawking trio of mares clad in dusty long coats who had been staring at Celestia. “If you call buying a controlling stake in nearly every aeronautics company in Equestria ‘offering a guiding hoof’ then yeah, that makes sense.”

The alicorn smiled and shrugged. “Regardless of definition, their aimlessness has been fixed and air travel will become cheaper and more reliable.”

“But why?” Twilight asked, only to shrink when both adults turned to look at her. “Did I say something bad?”

“No, your curiosity is invigorating, I just didn't expect such a question,” Celestia muttered, her features straining for a moment.

“Now that you mention it, why did you suddenly step in and buy into so many companies?” Silver asked. “They had been under pressure for years already.”

Celestia looked out over the crowded streets, her face an unreadable mask. “I simply saw an opportunity to help drive innovation.”

Twilight frowned. She knew that wasn't the whole story, and it wasn't just her new senses that told her that the alicorn was suddenly feeling guarded, but also how she looked away, as if hiding her face from her companions. What Twilight did know was that Celestia didn't do so for a malicious reason, and in fact the filly could feel waves of agitation, and worry rolling off the ancient alicorn.

“And here we are,” Celestia announced, gesturing to small run down two-storey building that appeared ready to collapse at any moment.

The eavestroughs drooped, rain barrels sat filled with tepid water, shutters hung by a thread, and what little red paint that covered the exterior was peeling and worn. Only the sign above the simple wooden door seemed to have earned any care, and it sparkled with a shine of its own. The Red Baron was written upon the sign in neat, simple script that was primarily made up of sharp straight lines. In the window of the door sat a simple open sign written in the same script as the sign.

“What a dump,” Silver remarked, shaking her head.

“Maybe the owner is just old or something?” Twilight offered, looking up at the alicorn.

Celestia shrugged. “If it's the same owner as the one I knew, he would be older, but not that old.”

“Should we go inside?” Twilight asked.

“We did come all this way,” Silver replied, stepping up to the door and turning the handle.

The door swung inwards, revealing an empty shop filled with rows and rows of jackets, coats and other leather and faux leather items, almost all of which were covered in a thin layer of dust. Silver gulped, and opened the door wide, taking position next to the exit. “Well, you two have fun in there, I’ll remain out here where my allergies won't make me sneeze my nose off.”

Celestia rolled her eyes and stepped up to the door, motioning for Twilight to follow. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right Twilight?”

The filly nodded and scampered up to the door. “R-right.”

Inside was just as dusty as it appeared from outside, with the various rows of clothes stretching in all directions, nearly filling the shop to the brim, and leaving little room to walk around in. Twilight could see little from her low vantage point, meaning she had to wander through the rows at random, searching for a coat that would fit her diminutive stature with increasing frustration. “It's all mixed up!” she exclaimed in irritation.

Celestia raised an eyebrow and looked around, noting that hats, coats, ties, and even bracers and other bits of armor were intermixed seemingly at random. “How unseemly,” Celestia muttered to herself.

“Who’s there?” a voice suddenly bellowed from the back of the shop, where a large display of long, flowing capes made up an impromptu wall. “I have a cudgel and I’m not afraid to use it!”

“Is this shop not open?” Twilight whispered nervously, glancing from Celestia to the back of the room.

“Let's ask, shall we?” Celestia smiled and cleared her throat. “Scaring off paying customers again, Razor Wind?”

The awkward shuffling heard from behind the wall of capes came to a stop, and was parted by a gnarled staff, revealing the even more gnarled being that looked like someone had carved a griffon out of wood. Brown feathers in the same shade scorched oak surrounded the griffon’s deep green eyes, which in turn were surrounded by black feathers that covered nearly the entirety of the griffon’s body. His beak had several deep scratches in it, one of which was so deep Twilight could see into his very mouth.

“Celestia?” he muttered, his voice losing the angry tenor it had a minute ago.

“Did you lose your glasses again, you old bird?” Celestia shot back with a smirk.

The griffon snorted in irritation before turning, vanishing and returning a moment later with a pair of spectacles at the end of his beak. Glaring down the end of his face, Twilight swore his eyes grew twice as large as he looked through the thick glasses. “Well I’ll be,” he muttered, before a scowl suddenly crossed his face. “Finally come to pay your tab? Or do I have to write you another angry letter?”

Celestia snorted. “I paid that twenty years ago, ya old coot.”

The griffon continued to glare at the alicorn before pointing his stick at Twilight. “What's this one doing here? You putting chicks in the guard now, huh?”

“I’m-” Twilight began, only to get cut off when the griffon waved his stick at her angrily.

“Nobody is talking to you, girly!” the griffon shouted.

Celestia rolled her eyes. “She's my new student, we are here to purchase a coat to tide her over until she grows into this one.”

The griffon’s eyes narrowed and he stepped through the wall of capes, revealing a pair of tattered wings that were a few shades lighter than the brown feathers around his eyes. Slowly, he walked over to the filly and eyed her up and down, jabbing her with his staff before suddenly stepping back and huffing. “Those your stars, girly?”

“N-no, sir,” Twilight muttered.

Razor Wind stood there silently before huffing again and turning away. “Good. Ain't nothing worse than an honor thief.”

“An honor thief, what's that?” Twilight asked, following the griffon as he weaved his way through the rows of clothing and leaving a smiling Celestia behind.

“Someone who takes stars that ain't theres and pretends that they are,” the griffon muttered, stopping at an intersection before looking both ways and turning down a path seemingly at random.

“No, sir. I would never,” Twilight replied, trotting beside the griffon and looking up at him with wide, curious eyes.

“Good,” he muttered, peering down the length of his beak and squinting as he looked around. “Ain't nothing worse than that. ‘Sides, you seem like the type of chick to grow up and earn some stars of her own.”

Twilight stopped and stared, her eyes going wide as a smile grew on her face. “Do you really mean that, sir?”

The griffon stopped and turned around, scowling suddenly. “Did I stutter, missy?” Twilight shook her head. “I didn't think so.”

Razor Wind turned back to the rack before him before pulling out a coat at random, peering at it closely and then placing it back and repeating the process all over again.

From a safe distance, Celestia observed quietly, a frown crossing her face. She didn't like where this particular conversation was going, nor the implications it had, as the alicorn was immediately repulsed by the very idea of putting Twilight into harm's way. That knee jerk, motherly reaction was quickly suppressed though, as Celestia had to reluctantly admit to herself that she was planning on doing exactly that to the innocent filly.

Alone, and away from the gaze of the public, Celestia sighed, running a hoof down her face, wondering not for the first time if she even had the guts to follow through on her plan which was now almost a millennium in the making.

Pushing such thoughts from her mind, Celestia continued to watch the pair as Twilight shed her oversized coat and instead donned several smaller ones of various sizes, one after the other. Though not quite her size, it was quickly becoming apparent that the griffon had nothing tailored for a young pony and was instead testing the waters with various styles, seeing which ones the filly liked and disliked. The alicorn shook her head at the sight, a smile quickly replacing the frown when she noticed just how lively the griffon had become over the last several minutes.

The slight hunch in his back seemed to vanish, and the reliance he had on his gnarled staff began to wane. Even his gruff tone of voice was softening the longer he was around the filly, and Celestia could already tell he was taking a liking to her young student.

“I like this one!” Twilight announced excitedly, doing a little spin as she looked up and down the latest coat she had donned.

Razor Wind nodded slowly, noting that it was nearly identical to the one the pony had come in wearing. “I knew you would like that one.” He extended a clawed hand. “Now take it off, I need to make some adjustments before you can wear it.”

“Aww, okay,” Twilight muttered, reluctantly unbuttoning the front and lifting her hooves from the sleeves.

An act that she accidentally messed up when she brought a hoof down against her face when she nearly tripped over the too long sleeve. “Ouch,” she muttered, rubbing her nose, only to realize her glasses were no longer there.

With eyes wide and filled with panic she looked up to see the griffon looking down at her, concern etched on his wooden features. Rather than fear, or trepidation she felt a wave of pity and respect coming from the aged creature, a sad frown crossing his face. Yet despite what her new senses told her, Twilight couldn't help but be afraid of what he may say after seeing this ugly side of her.

“Stars and stripes, what happened to ya?” he muttered in a low tone, his joints creaking as he lowered himself to her height.

“Y-you are not scared?” Twilight whispered, peeking out from behind the coat she had been hiding behind.

The aged griffon snorted in irritation. “Nothing scares me, girly, least of all some glowy eyes.”

“Don't you think I’m a freak?” Twilight whispered, retreating until only her eyes poked out from behind her hiding spot.

Razor Wind shook his head, placing his staff on the floor and staring intently at the young filly. “Let me show you something, little one.”

Twilight pursed her lips and waited patiently, watching as the griffon opened his right eyelid wide using his talons before gripping the eye itself and plucking it right from its socket. The filly’s jaw hung open and she watched in stunned apprehension as he rolled the eyeball around in his outstretched hand, revealing that it was little more than a painted white orb of some unknown material.

“Whoa,” Twilight muttered.

The griffon smirked. “So girly, do you think I’m a freak?”

“Nuh uh!” Twilight exclaimed, not noticing the fact that she had hopped out from her hiding spot.

Razor Wind chuckled to himself, rolling the eyeball around in his palm before popping the entire thing back into his empty socket. A few blinks later and the eye appeared natural once more, with the griffon sporting an odd smirk. “So we gonna sit on the floor all day or am I gonna get you a coat?”

The filly sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye. “A coat,” she muttered.

“Good, ‘cause my old knees don't work like they used to,” Razor remarked, wincing as he returned to a standing position, one hand on his back.

“Are you alright?” Twilight asked, taking a nervous step forward in case the old griffon fell over.

“It's nothing, missy. Just the joys of getting old.” The older creature winced once more, his back making several loud popping sounds before he was able to stand up straight.

From across the room, Celestia let out a sigh, no longer bothering to pretend to look at the various wares that filled the old griffon’s shop and instead staring intently at the griffon and filly as they made their way towards the capes, where Razor Wind disappeared. Only to reappear a few moments later with a tape measure and pad of paper in a clawed hand. In short order he acquired the filly’s measurements and had them written down, placing the pad of paper and the the coat on a previously unseen table, obscured by the rack of capes.

“There we are, shouldn't take more than a few minutes before I can get it all hemmed up for ya!” Razor Wind announced. “Feel free to go get food or whatever it is your ponies do. It shouldn't take long.”

Twilight cocked her head. “Can't I just stay here?”

Razor Wind paused halfway through the wall of capes, turning and looking over his shoulder. “Now why would you want to go and do a silly thing like that?”

“I never seen anyone work with leather before, and I thought it might be interesting,” Twilight muttered, looking down at her hooves nervously. “I mean if you and Celestia will let me, that is…”

The griffon looked up at the alicorn, his eyes asking the question he couldn't bring himself to give voice to. Celestia, understanding immediately, nodded and smiled, in turn bringing a small smile to the old griffon’s face.

Which he promptly hid by turning back around and walking through the capes. Twilight’s features fell even more, right up until a long gnarled staff parted the wall of leather, revealing a frowning Razor Wind who was staring down at the filly in irritation. “What are you doing just standing there, I thought you wanted to watch?”

“Yes!” the filly squealed excitedly, following the griffon into the hidden back area of his shop.

Celestia could hear an animated discussion begin almost immediately, and she hesitated to follow the pair to the back of the griffon’s shop. Her hoof reached out, but did not grab the wall of capes, her ears listening intently to the conversation happening just beyond.

The filly was eagerly drilling the griffon with a seemingly endless slew of questions about his home, his life and his experience in the military. Throughout it all, Razor Wind remained calm, if a bit irritable, his answers short, to the point, but still worded carefully in order to answer the filly’s questions fully. The alicorn quickly came to the conclusion that the old griffon was no threat, and as she stood there she wondered what she should do.

It was evident that they had taken well to one another, but Celestia still worried that the blunt old griffon would say the wrong thing and hurt the filly’s feelings. As seconds turned into minutes and the filly’s questions continued unabated, Celestia relaxed, a small smile crossing her face as she continued to listen. Their conversation had shifted to the topic of military strategy, and by the sounds of it, Razor Wind was regalling the filly with a tale of heroism and bravery, his normally reserved and harsh tone softening, and growing deeper as he painted a vivid verbal picture.

Celestia chuckled, and decided then and there to trust the old bird, going so far as to step outside and brief Silver Bulwark on the events that had occured within before finally returning several minutes later.

Once back in side, Celestia quickly realized that the conversation was now gone, and with a hint of worry in her heart, Celestia trotted to the back of the room and pulled open the wall of capes. There she found the two creatures sitting on either side of a large wooden plank dotted with small wooden shields standing upright on checkered squares. Twilight was peering intently at her pieces, which had various numbers painted on the side facing her, a hoof hovering over her red piece which was approaching the blue mass of Razor Wind’s pieces on his side of the board.

The old griffon on the other hoof, was hardly paying attention at all to the game, his talons gripping tight a length of fabric which he was glaring intensely at. “Darn, stupid pony needles,” he grumbled.

“Now that's a game I haven't seen in a long time,” Celestia remarked.

Twilight’s eyes lit up as she turned to Celestia, surprising the alicorn with the fact that her glasses had remained off. “Hey Princess, have you ever played this game before?”

Celestia rolled her eyes and maneuvered her way through the piles of unused leather scraps and various garments in a variety of stages of completion that littered the back area of the shop. “I may have, why?”

“Do you have any tips? Mister Wind is kicking my butt,” Twilight whispered.

The aforementioned griffon chuckled under his breath. “You ain't gonna get much help from old golden keester,” he remarked with a smirk.

The alicorn frowned. “I distinctly remember beating you the last time we played.”

“And I distinctly remembered beating you several dozen times before that,” Razor Wind replied without looking up. “Aha, there we go,” he muttered, having managed to remove the offending needle from the coat he was working on.

Celestia decided to stay silent and merely watch as the game progressed, the filly’s pieces slowly dwindling over the next several minutes. Until Twilight sat there, hooves crossed over her chest, a dozen blue pieces surrounding the last three red pieces on the board. “How did you beat me? I had the perfect plan!” she exclaimed, pouting even harder.

“You also didn't change your plan after it started going sideways,” Razor Wind replied without looking up. “Old goldy here was the worst for that.”

The alicorn’s frown deepened. “I will have you know I became quite adept at changing my plans, thank you very much.”

“It only took forty or so games, and probably as many years,” Razor shot back, jabbing a claw at the alicorn.

“Twilight, don't you think it's getting a little late? You still have homework to do,” Celestia pointed out, barely holding back a chuckle.

“Well don't scamper off too quick, I’m just about done here,” Razor Wind remarked.

Celestia looked down and smiled, noting how the filly was dutifully putting away the game, depositing the pieces gently back into the box before placing it high up in a nearby cupboard. “Make sure you thank Mister Wind for playing with you,” Celestia reminded, placing a hoof on the filly’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Mister Wind!” Twilight exclaimed happily, hopping off her chair and placing her glasses back on her face.

“You are welcome,” he muttered, as if embarrassed to even utter such a set of words.

Celestia stifled a chuckle, ushering Twilight back into the main section of the store, leaving a blushing old griffon to clean up the last of his work. A few moments later he emerged as well, a small, filly sized coat in hand. “That will be a hundred and fifty bits,” he stated.

The alicorn raised an eyebrow, remembering the fact that the coat had previously had a slightly higher price tag on it mere minutes ago. “Oh, giving us a discount? That's rare.”

Razor Wind grumbled quietly to himself, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly and looking away. “No. This one was just labeled wrong. Now are you gonna pay up or am I gonna have to call the guard?”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, but remained silent, watching the two adults speak.

With flash of her horn a bag of bits appeared in the griffon’s outstretched claw, where it was carefully weighed in his hand before the griffon nodded and placed it behind the wall of capes. “Seems to all be there, but if there is even one bit missing I will call the guards on you, missy!”

“I would expect nothing less,” Celestia replied with a chuckle, turning to her student and noticing that the filly was already wearing the coat. “Ready to go, Twilight?”

“Um…” The filly gulped, looking up at the alicorn with wide, watery eyes. “Can I come back someday? Mister Wind said he would teach me how to play stratego.”

“Oh, did he now?” Celestia remarked, lifting her eyebrow and eying the griffon out of the corner of her eye. “I never heard that part.”

Razor Wind grunted, waving off the alicorn’s attention. “It was nothing, I just figured she would make a better student than you did.”

“Whatever you say, you old coot. Now we better get going, Twilight, it's getting late,” Celestia replied, turning and walking over to the door, only to stop when she noticed Twilight wasn't there.

The filly was instead awkwardly hugging the griffon’s forelimb, before finally being brushed off by the ornery old creature a few seconds later. “Unless you are buying something else, get out of my shop.”

“Yes, Mister Wind, see you later!” Twilight exclaimed, not even seeming to notice the griffon’s gruff attitude.

Now outside, Celestia stopped the filly with a hoof on her shoulder. “That was quite a feat, my young apprentice.”

“Why do you say that?” Twilight asked innocently. “Mister Wind is a nice stall- err, griffon.”

“That old coot is nice?” Silver snorted. “Looked and sounded about as ornery as an old goat if you ask me.”

“He is so nice!” Twilight retorted, glaring at the guard. “He doesn't show it much, but I can feel it!”

Silver raised an eyebrow, and nodded slowly. “If you say so, kiddo.”

With that the trio began to move back towards hill street and home, with Twilight becoming more and more restless as time passed, an unspoken question burning on her lips. After a while Celestia slowed her pace and looked down at the filly in a way that prompted Twilight to sigh, and finally speak.

“Why was it so surprising that he gave us a discount anyway? He really is nice!” Twilight exclaimed suddenly.

“I have no doubt that he is,” Celestia replied with a faint smile. “It's just that griffons do not respect any foreign power, be it princess or police. Yet he choose to give you a discount. Something he never once gave me.”

“R-really?” Twilight murmured. “Wait, I don't even have any bits! Princess Celestia, I-”

The filly had her panic-filled rant shut down by the golden glow of Celestia’s magic which wrapped around her mouth and gently held it shut. “Don't worry, Twilight. I merely took it out of your stipend.”

“I have a stipend?” Twilight asked, only for her face to screw into a tight mask of confusion. “What's a stipend?”

“It's an allowance, kiddo,” Silver interrupted, earning her a glare from Celestia. “What? That's totally what it is.”

“There is more to it than that,” Celestia grumbled. “But yes, it is like an allowance.”

“Whoaaaah,” Twilight muttered, the filly suddenly eying up all the shops and stalls that dotted the sides of the wide, busy streets.

“An allowance you now used up,” Celestia shot back.

“Daw, come on!” Twilight whined. “I just wanted a few bits for a snack!”

“You have eaten quite enough already,” Celestia replied. “If you are still hungry you can have an apple when we get back to the castle.”

The two continued to argue back and forth, with Twilight managing to convince her guardian to at least chop up the apples and sprinkle a little cinnamon over them. Leaving a bemused Silver Bulwark to shake her head and chuckle, watching as Celestia and Twilight both began to smile even as they continued to argue. “You two were made for each other,” Silver Bulwark muttered to herself, shaking her head.

Author's Note

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Homeward Bound

A pencil rolled through the air, held aloft by a light purple aura that surrounded it. The being who controlled the telekinetic field was staring off into space, looking out the large window and out over the busy city of Canterlot. The day was not yet late, but neither was it early, the city just reaching that strange twilight that comes between the time when the work day is over, but the evening has yet to begin. It was an awkward time, Twilight thought, a time wherein everyone seemed to be too tired from a long day to do much more than laze around.

The filly remembered times when her mother and father would return home from work after Twilight had finished school, and then simply sat in the living room, too exhausted to move, but knowing full well that they must. Twilight was not a fan of this time, and even less so now that she found herself in that same awkward position she had seen her parents in so many times.

She had finished her last equation for the day, and though there was a part of her that wanted to go over the material one more time, that was a small part and was ultimately made silent by the fact that she knew it all. Indeed, Twilight had gotten considerably better at math over the last few months, to the point that even division, the one thing she hated more than anything, was now easy for her.

Yet, she didn't want to go home, and didn't feel that siren song of relaxation that came with the promise of rest. She knew she would find no rest within those four walls, and neither did she have reason to remain within the ones she sat now.

She sighed and continued to make her pencil float through the air, rolling around on imagined waves as it ventured through the skies. She continued to imagine the many adventures of sky ship number two and its brave directive to go out into the great beyond as she tried not to think of what was coming soon.

That was until Celestia suddenly shattered the fantasy by speaking up, “Would you look at that, it's four thirty already.” The alicorn stretched, lazily from her spot to Twilight’s left. “Did you complete all your work?”

Twilight froze, her pencil falling from the heavens as she hastily closed her books. “N-no!”

Celestia turned her head and raised an eyebrow. “Really now? Because last I checked, you nearly had everything completed. Do you need help with something?”

The filly hastily shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Just got caught daydreaming.”

The alicorn eyed her student carefully, concern evident on her features. “You wouldn't happen to be putting off going home for the weekend, now would you?”

“No really! I just… want to make sure I have this all memorized, is all,” Twilight replied weakly, smiling a little too widely as she held up her math book.

“Well alright, but if you need help, I’ll be right here,” Celestia said, turning back to her own desk and donning a small, dainty pair of reading glasses.

The filly looked down at her own glasses which rested on the desk before her. She was tempted to put them on, as it did fit the look of her new coat rather well. She still didn't have a real reason to though, and without prompting she didn't really want to put them on, no matter how cool it looked.

She lifted a hoof and inspected the copper stitching that held together the button-clad hoof cuff. It was intimidating and pretty darn cool, two things Twilight never really thought she valued until a few months ago. She had been a bit of a stereotypical filly until that point, loving the frills and laces that came with the dresses she owned. Now though, something had shifted inside her, and she couldn't even bear to look at the dresses that filled her closet, a small part of her mind telling her that they were opulent, and useless.

What she had now was useful, utilitarian, even the small visual flourishes serving the purpose of intimidating any viewer if she wasn't the shortest pony in the room, that was. This was something Celestia had initially been concerned about, the alicorn humming and hawwing over the potential looks Twilight might get. Her concerns didn't last long though, the alicorn taking one look at Twilight’s beaming face and choosing to drop any such concerns right then and there.

The rest of her coat fit that same style of copper on black, the buttons, stitching and embroidery all being the same shade of orange. The stark black that the rest of the coat was a perfect contrast, and Twilight knew the first time she gazed upon the finished result that it would be a style that would stay with her for years.

Dropping her hoof, Twilight turned to her textbook and gazed down on it, wondering if she should even bother pretending to work, as Celestia had no doubt already figured out that she was merely putting off the eventual family reunion Twilight knew was coming. Now that she thought about it though, the astute alicorn was rather busy, she probably wouldn't even notice if the filly no longer pretended to work.

Glancing over her shoulder, Twilight looked to where Celestia sat, noticing instantly the way she leaned forward, her entire body pointing towards the small bundle of papers held aloft in her magic. The filly also noticed that she was staring at those same papers rather closely, so intently in fact that she didn't notice that her face was scrunched up slightly. Her jaw was tight, her lips thin, and her brow furrowed, the older mare evidently drawn deep into the contents of the papers.

It didn't take the use of Twilight’s newfound powers to be able to tell that whatever was within the report, was as interesting as it was worrying. The filly didn't even want to think about something bad enough to make even Celestia worry, and yet she couldn't help but want to see it. Morbid curiosity had always been something Twilight easily succumbed to, and with a slight push of her mind, she tried to hear what Celestia was thinking.

Or at least she had been about to, but the filly quickly realized what she was doing, and pulled back, mentally reprimanding herself for considering intruding on her mentor’s thoughts without permission. She didn't know how she was able to listen to a pony’s thoughts, but she refused to simply eavesdrop whenever she was tempted to.

“You know reading over someone’s shoulder is considered rude,” Celestia exclaimed without looking away from the pages before her.

Twilight gulped and nervously tapped her forehooves together. “S-sorry, I was just done with my work and was curious. How did you know I was looking anyway?”

Celestia nodded and slowly placed the papers on her desk before turning to the filly, a sly smile on her face. “You are not the only one with unique skills, you know.” The alicorn chuckled, and plucked the reading glasses from the edge of her nose and let them fall to her chest, the small golden chain around her neck keeping them from falling far.

“What are you reading anyway?” Twilight asked hesitantly. “You were looking at it really closely.”

“It was a report from a group I am helping to fund,” Celestia began, her face lighting up slightly. “A talented group of earth ponies looking to protect frontier towns, and help in all aspects of life.”

“Wow,” Twilight muttered, the alicorn’s enthusiasm becoming strangely infectious. “Aspects like what?”

“Aspects as wide as they are groundbreaking,” Celestia remarked while leaning in conspiratorially. “Hydraulics, defence platforms, and even advances in computing and engineering. I daresay they may very well change all aspects of life as we know them.”

“Thats awesome!” Twilight’s eyes sparkled. “How long have you been funding them? This must have been going on for a while if they were able to do so much!”

“Not long, actually,” Celestia explained, giving her butt a slight wiggle as she found a more comfortable spot to sit in. “They have apparently been working on these projects for many years, the group of inventors having formed sort of collective in order to get a better deal. Unfortunately for them some of the nobility caught wind of their advances and ensured investors stayed far away.”

“I guess that makes sense, but why would anyone want to make them not get money if they have the potential to help so many ponies?” Twilight asked, muzzle scrunching up. “‘Cause that sounds stupid.”

Celestia sighed, shaking her head slowly. “I don't know. Some of the old unicorn families have begun to act… strange in recent years, but I never assumed their corruption ran quite this deep.” She stared off into the distance, her gaze lingering over the horizon. “There must be some sort of outside influence.”

The alicorn continued to stare off into the distance for several more seconds, making Twilight become increasingly agitated as the silence dragged on. “What do you think it is?” Twilight asked suddenly.

Celestia shook her head, her eyes refocusing as she looked down on the filly. “I don't know,” she lamented. “These things are strange, and I may very well be reading too far something that may not exist. Politics is never black and white, and only becomes more grey once you throw old noble houses and dogma into the mix.”

Twilight opened her mouth to ask another question, but found that Celestia’s features had grown darker, stopping the words before they had a chance to pass the filly’s lips.

The alicorn quickly wiped away the expression and stood up suddenly. “Now then, you must be getting awful homesick by now.”

“N-not really,” Twilight murmured. “I like hanging out with you.”

Celestia smiled gently and placed a hoof on the filly’s back. “That's very sweet of you, Twilight, but you must be getting at least a little tired of hanging around a stuffy old mare like myself. Come, let’s get your bags packed and ready for you to go home.”

“Do I have to?” Twilight pouted, crossing her hooves over her chest. “I like it here.”

The alicorn sighed and shook her head. “I’m afraid you must go home sometime. You wouldn't want your parents to worry, would you?”

The filly ground her teeth together and pouted vicioucly, but even that wasn't enough to resist Celestia’s gentle pushing. “B-but what about my math?”

“You and I both know you completed that hours ago,” Celestia continued. “Now, do I have to threaten detention or are you going to get up, young filly?”

“Yay detention!” Twilight exclaimed, throwing up her hooves.

“Oh, did I say detention? I meant expulsion.” Celestia smirked evilly. “Three days of no class, no homework and no library access.”

“Nooooo!” Twilight cried, raising her forehooves to the heavens and crying out in agony.

The adult, meanwhile, was busy rolling her eyes at the sight of the dramatic filly, before sighing and gently picking her from the floor. “Come now, don't make me follow up on that threat, I have a fun learning plan for Monday that I think you’ll enjoy.”

“Oh fine,” Twilight muttered, slowly allowing herself to be pushed along the floor by the chuckling alicorn.

Her saddle bags now filled with her things, and her head held high, Twilight paced silently in front of the door to her room, trying to come up with some excuse, or something that would get her out of having to go home. She bit her lip as she thought about it, already imagining all the stares she would get, combined with what was waiting for her at home, and Twilight was left with little desire to make the journey back.

Looking around the room, Twilight breathed deep of the scent of books, ink and her finely pressed sheets. The mix of smells, and subtle comforts was a potent one, and the filly took strength from the familiar scent of her room. A place, she now realized, felt more like home than even her real home.

Like with all good things, this too had to end, and a heavy knock on the door to Twilight’s room alerted her to that fact. “Twilight, are you ready to go?” the gentle voice of Silver Bulwark asked through the door.

“N-no! I just have to… use the washroom!” Twilight yelled back.

“Twilight Sparkle, you used that same excuse ten minutes ago. Now are you going to come out here or do I have to come in there?” Silver replied, her irritation getting the better of her.

Twilight sighed and kicked the floor. “I’m coming,” she muttered as she made her way over to the door, pushing the heavy object open.

“There she is,” Silver remarked with a smirk, gesturing down the hall. “Ready to get going, Twilight?”

“Can I talk to you first?” Twilight whispered, standing firmly on the threshold of her room.

“Sure, what about?” Silver Bulwark replied.

“Can I maybe, walk home by myself today?” Twilight asked nervously, shifting from hoof to hoof. “I know the way, and I have money for the trolley. You don't have to waste your time.”

The guard lifted an eyebrow, and looked down at the infested filly curiously. “Are you worried about getting too much attention again? Because you can't let them get to you, Twilight. Once we go back and forth a few more times ponies will get bored and won’t gawk quite as much as that first time.”

“I know, but it's just…” The filly looked down at the ground, pawing the floor awkwardly. “I’m already a freak and walking with you makes so many ponies look and it doesn't feel very good.”

The guard sighed, her knees cracking as she kneeled down before the filly. “Twilight, is this another head thing again?”

Twilight nodded awkwardly. “Even if they don't say anything, I can still hear what they want to say and I was thinking that maybe if you weren't there, I wouldn't get so much attention.”

Silver Bulwark sighed. “Twilight, I know I don't have to bring you home, but there are ponies out there that well, they wouldn't be kind to you.”

“I know,” Twilight said sternly. “But I feel like I would be able to hide if I didn't have a royal guard with me.”

The guard stared down at her charge long and hard before sighing once more and standing back up. “I can't force you to do anything, but just remember what I told you, okay?”

“Always stay in well-populated areas, no back alleys, if someone approaches start screaming, and never ever accept anything from strangers,” Twilight replied, rolling her eyes. “You only told me like a million times.”

Silver chuckled and ruffled the filly’s mane. “That just means I’m making sure it sticks in that noggin of yours.”

Twilight grumbled silently, hiding her smile while she fixed her mane. “Well, if you are done wrecking my hair, I’ve got a trolley to catch.”

“At least let me walk you to the gate,” Silver interrupted, a strangely hesitant smile on her face. “You can handle walking with me that far, right?”

“I guess,” Twilight replied with a hint of snark. “And before you ask, yes, I have everything in my saddle bags.”

“Good,” Silver muttered, her gaze oddly distant as she stared down the hall. “We better get moving.”

Twilight frowned, noticing the odd look that suddenly overcame her guard. “Is something wrong, Bull?”

“No, it's nothing. Just a bit of a tickle in my throat is all,” Silver lied, gulping down her trepidiation before turning and walking away.

The filly easily kept pace with the guard as they trotted the halls of the castle, Twilight’s mind trying to reach out and discover what exactly was wrong with her companion, ruling that her privacy wasn't that important when compared to the help Twilight might be able to give her if the filly understood what was bothering the guard. Even without the use of her powers Twilight knew she was lying, as Silver was simply too honest of a pony, and her tells were numerous. That being said, even Twilight’s newfound powers couldn't manage to eke out a hint as to what was truly going on. All she could find was a haze of distrust, guilt and worry that seemed to hang over the guard’s mind like a fog, her thoughts too random for Twilight to truly grasp.

The flickering thoughts were simply too difficult to grasp, leaving Twilight with little to do but follow the silent mare as they walked through the halls, slowly making their way towards the exit. Throughout it all the various guards they passed eyed Twilight with mixed emotions, most being able to hide what they felt behind a mask of indifference. To Twilight though they may as well be shouting their opinions, as most guards didn't have the mental discipline to hide their thoughts from the filly.

By the time they reached the enormous gates of the castle, Twilight’s heart was fluttering in her chest, her emotions all over the place. Some guards liked her, their thoughts and expressions displaying this admiration or appreciation. More than that, most guards simply didn't care, seeing her as nothing more than another charge and a VIP they may have to protect if the time ever came to that. Some though, they were a truly terrifying, their thoughts and emotions expressing such a depth of hatred and disgust that shook Twilight to her core.

This may not have been a new thing for the filly, but it was not a part of her new life that she had time to adjust to yet. Leaving her confused and oddly angry by the time Silver stopped just inside the gate.

Around them several ponies moved about, guards searching visitors, while a group of nobles walked towards the castle, speaking animatedly about a play they had seen the night before. When Twilight looked up, she noticed that Silver Bulwark had another strange expression, this one was oddly serious, as if she was intensely concerned about something.

“Twilight I need to talk to you about something,” Silver Bulwark announced suddenly, motioning away from the gate and towards a small area off to the side under the shade of a large oak.

“Err, okay Bull,” Twilight muttered, following the guard over to the spot.

Who in turn looked around nervously before leaning in close. “Do you remember that silence spell I taught you?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you cast it on us?”

“I guess,” Twilight muttered before lighting her horn and going through the motions necessary to cast the silence spell over both of them.

When the spell completed Bull lit her horn and inspected Twilight’s handiwork. Finding the spell work acceptable, Silver Bulwark sighed. “Twilight I know that you can feel that something is wrong in the castle.”

“That's one way of putting it,” Twilight muttered, kicking a chunk of dirt in irritation.

Silver Bulwark frowned, and placed a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. “Most of us are uninvolved and trust me when I say you can trust the old guards to protect you if you ever needed it. But that's not why I wanted to talk to you now.”

“What's wrong?” Twilight inquired. “I know you are worried, and guilty, but whatever it is, I forgive you!”

“Oh, my sweet little filly,” Silver murmured. “It's not something I’ve done, but something that some ponies are trying to do to do me.”

“Well whatever it is, it's not your fault!” Twilight exclaimed in an almost panicked tone. “It's the bad ponies, not you, Silver Bulwark!”

The guard gulped down a lump that had formed in her throat. “It's not that easy, Twilight. I haven't always been the best pony. When I was young I made mistakes, and some ponies are using that to try and…” She sighed, guilt weighing heavy on her shoulders. “Try and make me resign.”

“W-what, why?” Twilight muttered, the filly falling on her butt.

“I don't know. All I know is that it's what the bad ponies want, and I refuse to give that to them.” Silver Bulwark flashed the filly a winning smile and pulled back her hoof. “It's important to never give the bad ponies an inch, Twilight, if you do that, they’ll take a mile.”

“I don't understand,” Twilight whispered weakly.

“I know you don't, but just…” The guard took off her helmet, revealing her silver mane. “I won't be here in the castle for you as long as I’d like to be.”

“B-but you can't go!” Twilight exclaimed, grabbing the guard’s hoof and hugging it tightly. “You are not allowed to go! I still need you!”

“Oh I know, dear,” Silver whispered, hugging the filly tightly. “But there may come a time where I will not be able to serve you as a guard. But that doesn't mean I can't keep helping you.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked nervously, looking up at the guard through tear-strewn eyes.

“It means that I’m promising you that no matter what, I will always be there for you.” Silver set her jaw and banged her hoof against her chest. “In my hometown a promise is a sacred thing, one that cannot be broken. And I’m promising you that no matter what, I'll be there for you.”

“But thats wrong! You can't give up yet, Celestia would be able to help, right?” Twilight asked weakly, squeezing the mare’s leg tightly.

“Celestia can't be everywhere at all times, and even an alicorn is bound by rules.”

“B-but thats stupid!” Twilight exclaimed, releasing Silver Bulwark’s hoof and stomping her own tiny limb in anger. “They can't do this!”

“It might all turn out to be nothing, so let's just pretend like I’ll be here forever, okay?” Silver Bulwark reached forward and gently picked up the filly’s chin, forcing their eyes to meet. “Can you do that for me, sweetie?”

“Fine,” Twilight mumbled, pouting as hard as she could.

“Thank you.” Silver pulled Twilight in for a short hug. “Just remember that the old guards, or at least the ones with balls, will also help you day or night so don't fear, just remember their names, okay?”

“I will, Bull,” Twilight announced confidently, putting on a brave face for the guard.

“Remember, you just say the word and old Bull will come a-running, got it?”

Twilight nodded, a small smile crossing her face. “I remember.”

“Alright.” The guard stood, only to wince half way up, her knees cracking audibly. “Holy guacamole, these joints are going to be the death of me one day.”

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked hesitantly, her horn already glowing. “Should I cast a healing spell?”

“I’m fine, Twilight, it's just another joy of aging that you have to look forward.” Silver stood fully, stretching her back. “Now then, don't you have a trolley to catch?”

“Yup.”

“Then you better get moving.”

“I guess so,” Twilight muttered, looking up at Bull with wide eyes. “Oh and Bull?”

“Yeah kiddo?”

“Thank you.”

“Just doing my job, little miss.” The guard smiled. “Just doing my job.”

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A Home No More

Canterlot was not a kind city.

For all of Celestia’s attempts to make it such, it was as if the city itself resisted this attempt at change. Sure, it tolerated you, even when most would push you aside for fear of being labeled, but it was never kind. It tolerated the beggar, but did nothing to elevate him, it tolerated the different and the eccentric, but it did nothing to try and understand them. In this way, it was almost cruel, for it could be more, as it had the tools and necessary cultural language to be a kind place, but it did not desire to truly accept or understand others, only tolerate them.

This was more true now than at any point in Twilight’s life and she once more did not need her newfound powers to see this fact, though the strange sense of awareness she had gained recently did help in this regard. Ponies who had tolerated her, and were even kind to her in the past now seemed cold, and indifferent, staring as she passed, whispering amongst each other. No comments were thrown her way, and nopony stopped or insulted her, but they almost universally seemed to sneer down at the filly when they thought noone was looking.

Twilight knew in her heart that this was in part her own fault for projecting these thoughts on some ponies, but it was difficult not to, given that a lot of ponies seemed more than willing to scream their thoughts at her. The filly nervously glanced around the street car, noticing that nearly everypony around her had a horn, or wore the uniform of the street car company, which she couldn't remember the name of off the top of her head. The few earth ponies and pegasi seemed indifferent to her, too mired in their own problems to even spare the strange unicorn filly a thought.

Other than them, there was an elderly unicorn glancing occasionally in Twilight’s direction, a strangely judgemental and yet confused expression on his face. Twilight didn't even have to try and listen to his thoughts to know that he was suffering some inner turmoil due to Twilight being of noble birth yet apparently having some sort of flaw that made him view her as defective in a way. The other unicorns either guarded their thoughts or simply didn't care, with a strangely angry white coated mare near the back being one of the few who could guard her thoughts but didn't.

Twilight shuddered as she thought about the strange pony, trying not to think of her, but unable to not to. She wore old golden armor that appeared more ceremonial than anything, and though she seemed to be of noble birth she was still down here riding the streetcar with the middle and lower class. Her thoughts were the worst, and Twilight got the distinct impression that she was all but shouting them at the filly.

Though the exact words were lost in the haze of rage, one thing Twilight could hear distinctly was the word freak being thought over and over.

When the streetcar slowed to let off passengers, Twilight could take it no longer and without thinking hopped from the car, and scampered across the road, putting as much distance between herself and the strange pony as possible. The filly could feel the eyes of the hateful pony on her until the street car picked back up, and Twilight disappeared into the crowd.

Here amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, the unicorn filly was at least partially hidden, her small stature and unassuming expression leaving little reason for anyone to give her a second glance. This anonymity was a breath of fresh air for the filly, who felt the beginnings of a smile coming on, only to accidentally bump into a large unicorn stallion who said nothing after brushing against her.

Twilight frowned, opened her mouth to speak, only to think better of it and trot over to the very edge of the sidewalk before continuing on. As she began to trot further in the direction of home, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in a passing window and couldn't help but stop and look for a moment, a thought occurring to her.

Why do they stare? Surely I’m not that strange, she thought, looking at her reflection.

With her glasses on, her eyes did not glow, and in fact looked more normal than before, her eye color having been changed to the most common eye color in Equestria, blue. Sure her coat was rather odd to see on a filly, but that alone wouldn't have earned her that much ire, right?

As she thought about it, the filly found her thoughts going out to the unicorn word for harmony, the academic mare remembering the ancient tongue of her ancestors and all its strange translations. While earth pony language or Terran, as the earth ponies called it, had largely died out and was only used by the few druid circles still hidden away in Equestria, unicorn language, or Celestial as the noble houses referred to it, was still used semi-commonly. Or at least that was true amongst the rich and elite, though even then Twilight had begun to notice scraps of conversation spoken entirely in the ancient dialect while even on the street.

Unlike the straight forward and relatively simple language of the earth ponies, Celestial was flowery in the extreme, with most conversations taking nearly twice as long. With multiple definitions for each word based on the small inflections it was a nightmare for those who did not learn it when they were young.

The language itself wasn't what struck her, what struck her was the particular way that Celestial translated its word for harmony into modern Equish.

It was pronounced Aleventria in Celestial, and when translated it meant harmony, but had the inflection of comforminity or order, and was used in different ways than the word harmony was.

It also seemed to shape unicorn culture, and Twilight wondered if that was the reason old unicorn families considered those that bucked Aleventria to be worthy of shunning. It wasn't Aleventerious of an individual to not fit what society wanted of them, which explained much in the filly’s opinion.

Twilight shook off such ruminations for the moment though, making a note to read more on the subject when next she returned to school, and her true home.

For now, she had paused long enough, and with a confidence swirling within her, Twilight puffed out her chest and strode through the crowd, making sure to stay off to the side and out of the way this time. Whether it was the attitude change, or simple luck, Twilight didn't find herself slowed by any ponies thinking hate at her or even thinking much of her at all for that matter.

The filly slipped down one street and crossed over to another, knowing well the way home from all the times Bull drilled street names into her head during their last journeys back. Twilight frowned as she thought about the old guard, conflicted by the thoughts that emerged when she considered her.

The sound of someone weeping nearby drew the filly from her thoughts and Twilight looked up to notice a mare crumpled in a heap next to the gate to the mare’s house. The property itself was coming up on her right, and though it wasn't the largest house on the block, it was still a modest three story structure with a wrought iron gate and an architectural style that placed the house’s construction recent but not too recent. An admirable feat to own such a structure, that much Twilight was certain about, though upon looking closer she realized such an assumption may be incorrect.

The mare was sitting with her back against the fence, her head in her hooves as she sobbed uncontrollably. On the step of her house two stallions were arguing while a third and fourth hefted a large couch through the door and out unto the street where they tossed it into a growing pile of goods piled haphazardly on the curb. Even at half a block away Twilight could hear the argument, though she wasn't sure how much she was perceiving due to her new sense and how much of that was simply having ears.

“-and I told you that I had over two weeks left before the bank foreclosed! I had time, you can't just-” the earth pony stallion began, only to be cut off by a tired unicorn raising a hoof.

“And I told you that the bank got bought, as well as its assets, including the deed to your house and per the agreement that you signed when you took out the loan, the minimum amount of time needed to evict you is twelve hours,” the tired unicorn replied.

“But that's insane! How am I supposed to find a place to live in less than twelve hours? The old bank had a two week policy!” the first stallion exclaimed, glaring at the movers who were now carrying out an old grandfather clock which they placed next to the couch.

Twilight found her hooves slowing and her attention fixated on the two stallions, feeling the waves of anger and desperation that rolled off one, as well the irritation and guilt that came from the other.

“That's just it, it was a policy, not a rule and not something upheld by law. Blue and Gold have given you the legal necessary amount of time to-” the unicorn began, only for him to be cut off by the earth pony shouting over him.

“Blue and Gold? I should have known those assholes were behind this! First the factory and now my house? When will it be enough for them?” the earth pony demanded angrily, stomping his hoof. “Is there enough bits in the world to satisfy those hornheads’ greed?”

“Woops,” one of the movers mumbled, before the grandfather clock tipped over, smashing against the pavement. “Sorry sir. I guess it's a little hard to see past this horn on my head. You know how it is.”

“How dare you! That clock is worth more than your rinky dink moving company!” the earth pony shouted, stomping up to the mover’s face. “You are going to pay for that or so help me I will sue the pants off you!”

“Yeah whatever, the insurance will take care of it,” the unicorn replied smugly. “Come on, boys, let's get lunch. Maybe when we get back things will have cooled off a little.”

“You can't leave yet! My stuff is still sitting in the street,” the stallion muttered, his confidence beginning to wane.

“Law says I got another four hours to get your stuff out, plenty of time to get lunch,” the mover replied, motioning for his crew to follow him as he turned and left.

Twilight gulped and picked up the pace, passing by the house and trying not to look at the earth ponies but unable to turn off her newest sense, making her accidentally pick up the hushed conversation between the distraught couple.

“I’m sorry, Lotus Breeze. We’ll find something, we always do,” the stallion whispered.

The mare sniffed. “I know, but where will we go? No bank in Canterlot will touch us now, not after this.”

“I know you don't like it, but my uncle offered me a small plot of land out in the frontier,” the stallion replied, his tone betraying the fact that he expected resistance to his suggestion.

“I guess that's it for us, huh? It's the frontier or the street,” the mare murmured.

Now out of earshot of the two ponies, Twilight winced and put her head down, picking up speed and weaving around the moving ponies that were in front of her. As she passed Twilight made herself as small as possible, trying to avoid the gaze of the strange ponies, yet seemingly inevitably that was not meant to be, and she felt the gaze of the unicorn boss on her backside. Though he said nothing, he didn't need to, the disgusted snort, and his thoughts saying everything.

Freak.

Twilight bit her lip and ran a little faster, sprinting down the street and putting some space between her and the moving ponies.

The word swirled around in her mind for several minutes, running back and forth through her mind without rest. Freak, freak, freak, it was all she could think of, and as time passed Twilight felt the word settle into her soul, making her doubt herself and wonder if she was even a pony anymore.

The image of her parents drifted through her mind, and even that wasn't enough to stop the whirlwind raging inside the filly’s head. She was a freak, and though her parents meant well, thoughts of them would not dissuade the sentiment that she was something to be reviled. But then something changed, and out of the blue Twilight thought of Shining Armor and all the pleasant memories that came with such an image and suddenly she didn't feel quite so anxious.

Her parents may have been caught up in the whirlwind of change that had come with her acceptance into Celestia’s school but throughout the months Shining Armor hadn't changed, much anyway. She could still count on him, of that she was sure, and as she trotted up to the small gate that separated her house from the street she lived on, Twilight smiled and looked up at the place she had once called home.

She smiled, not because she was happy, but because she knew she would be. When Shining Armor came home tonight, things could would go back to normal, at least for a while, and that alone was enough to bring hope to the filly’s heart.

Brushing past the gate, Twilight trotted up to the front door and pushed it open, or at least tried to, as it turned out to be locked. The filly paused and then lifted her hoof, knocking twice on the heavy oak portal.

“Hello?” she called, still confused by the sudden change in locking procedures.

There was a second, before the door suddenly opened, startling Twilight as she could always hear someone coming to the door every other time she had gotten locked out. The filly quickly surmised that there had been a charm placed on the house, one that obscured the sound of hooves from within and for a moment she wondered what other magic may have been placed on the aged structure.

“Oh it's just you, Twilight,” Night Light muttered, relief flowing through his voice. “Thank the stars.”

Twilight smiled up at her father, only for that smile to falter when their eyes met and Twilight looked away. The expression on his face was one of worry, the same one it always had when Twilight was around. It was a look that always made the filly feel bad for existing, as it seemed to remind her that there was something wrong with her.

She couldn't fault him for that, not really, as it was a parent’s duty to worry about their child, but the aged stallion always seemed to take this to an extreme.

Twilight stepped inside and shrugged off her bags, hardly noticing the hasty manner in which Night Light closed and locked the door behind her, picking up her bags within a second of them hitting the floor. “Oof, that's quite the load you got there. You didn't bring home the whole library again, did you?” Night Light asked as he levitated the bags up off the ground.

“Just a few textbooks,” Twilight muttered, looking past him and up the stairs expectantly. “I can get it though, really. I was going to go read in my room anyway.”

“But you just got home, you must sit for at least a little bit and tell us about your week at school,” Night Light replied in a tone usually reserved for the very old, or the very young.

“It was good, nothing really different, just got a coat.” Twilight shrugged, glancing past the other side of the stallion and looking for an opening up the stairs. “Same old same old.”

“I uh see that. Your mother is in the kitchen, why don't you at least give her a hello before you go off to your room?” Night Light offered, gesturing to the filly’s right and towards the aforementioned room.

Twilight frowned, and looked up at her father, knowing from just a glance that this was not something she was going to be able to weasel out of. “Fine,” she muttered.

The stallion breathed a sigh of relief. “Just try and be nice okay? Your mother loves you very much.”

Then she has a strange way of showing it, Twilight thought to herself, biting back the remark before she could speak it.

The filly wiped her hooves and made her way towards the kitchen at a ponderous pace, her thoughts lingering on her father and the way he seemed to dwell on the filly’s health, perpetually distraught by the changes that had occured. Twilight knew he loved her, but his worry ran so deep that she found it difficult to speak to or even be around the older stallion over the last month or so.

Unlike her mother.

Where Night Light’s worry emerged as a fear for the filly’s safety, Twilight Velvet’s worry came out as a fear for not only the filly, but for everyone. This was perhaps the strangest change Twilight had seen occur in her family, as her mother had always been the most honest and upfront person in her family. Yet she was afraid, no, terrified of the young filly, for reasons Twilight couldn't imagine.

Not wanting to startle her mother, Twilight clopped her hooves audibly against the tiled floor, ensuring everyone in the kitchen was able to hear her coming. Despite this, her mother peeked nervously around the corner, as if Twilight was some sort of home invader she had to worry about.

When their eyes met Twilight could feel her mother’s body tense up, her paranoia coming across as a slap in the face to the telepathic filly. “H-hi, mom,” Twilight muttered awkwardly.

Twilight Velvet’s mind was not difficult to read, and despite the fact that the filly could detect a good amount of guilt for having made her daughter feel unwelcome, it was eclipsed, as it always was, with fear. “Hello, Twilight, how was school?” the older mare asked in an oddly strained tone of voice.

“Not bad. Just the usual stuff, and I got a coat,” Twilight replied.

“That's wonderful dear, though it is a little dark though…” the older mare replied, humming disapprovingly.

“I like it,” Twilight announced sternly.

The statement seemed to cause the older mare to take a step back and raise a hoof defensively. “And that's what matters. If you’ll excuse me I have supper in the oven and I really should keep an eye on it.”

Twilight Sparkle watched as her mother disappeared around the corner once more, leaving the filly alone with her thoughts.

Shaking her head, the filly turned to leave. “Nice to see you too,” she muttered under her breath.

Twilight passed her father wordlessly, knowing full well that her books were upstairs in her room by now, probably having already been organized. At this point it thad become so routine that they didn't need to speak, with Night Light knowing full well that his daughter wasn't going to emerge from her shell until Shining Armor came home. Something that she may not be looking forward to as much if she knew what he knew.

“Hey, Twilight,” Night Light muttered as the filly stopped on the landing halfway up the stairs.

“Yes, father?”

“Just wanted to let you know that Shining Armor got called out to another fancy get-together with one of his guard friends so it might be a little while before he gets home.” Night Light smiled weakly. “Would you like to join me and your mother for dinner or should I bring it up?”

Twilight frowned, and glanced up the last few steps and towards her room. “I’d like to eat in my room please.”

Night Light sighed, but nodded his head regardless. “I understand. Make sure you come down to grab dessert at least, I bought an apple pie.”

The filly giggled at the memory of the last time her father had tried to cook a pie. “I will.”

The stallion nodded. “Have fun reading, Twilight. I love you.”

Twilight smiled. “I love you too, dad.”

She walked up to her room, energized by the warmth and love that emanated from her father, the filly knowing full well that his love was as honest and genuine as ever. Even though the news of Shining Armor being late again was an unpleasant one, it was good to know that he was making friends.

Closing the door behind her, Twilight plunked down at her desk and pulled out one of the advanced textbooks she had signed out from the library. It was on trigonometry, a subject she was not well versed in, and it was going to serve as an interesting challenge for the formerly math inept filly. With such a large hurdle before her Twilight hoped that it would help the weekend fly by, but as she read through the opening, she couldn't help but feel that same worry that infected the rest of her family suddenly crawl up her spine.

The older guards were nice, but the younger ones seemed to be… different and though Shining Armor having friends certainly wasn't a bad thing, Twilight wondered just what kind of friends he was making. She wouldn't assume any control over his life, but the filly blanched when she considered the possibility that Shining Armor had made friends with one of those cruel noble houses Silver Bulwark always talked about.

Shutting that thought from her mind, Twilight focused on her textbook and began to take notes, drawing an extra piece of paper and setting her mind to task.

Hours flew by, food came, and pie was had, and throughout it all Shining Armor had yet to return. Twilight frowned as she stared out the window, the sun setting in the distance and casting what little of the city she could see from her window in the long rays of twilight.

“Where are you, Shiny?” Twilight whispered to the night.

Twilight knew instinctively what time it was, even while she lay on her back in her bed, her hooves balancing her textbook over her head. The bookmark in the textbook was a good third of the way through the book and the small mountain of notes on her desk was a testament to how far she had come over the last few hours. Yet even that small success couldn't break her funk.

It was nearly ten o’clock and Shining Armor had yet to come home.

“What is keeping you?” she asked the book, which she was now levitating in her magical field.

She rotated the object around and around, unable to concentrate enough to go back to work, but also not so aimless that she was actually able to calm down and simply enjoy the small comfort of her bed. Placing the book back on the desk next to her notes, Twilight turned over and tried to relax, or at least stop her mind from running in circles with worry.

Just as she felt her brain start to spiral out of control again she heard the door downstairs creak open.

Hoping out of bed, Twilight trotted over to the door to her room and threw it open and snuck to the top of the stairs in order to look down on the scene playing out on the entryway to her house. Shining Armor stood a little taller, his cheeks slightly rosey, though that wasn't what grabbed Twilight’s attention. For on his cadet scarf was a small pin of a golden egg like object behind which had a slightly larger blue circle. It was a mark Twilight had seen before on a few of the younger guards, guards who seemed to be the most hateful of the bunch.

Twilight didn't even hear the warm greetings her parents gave the stallion, but she didn't have to, for the filly knew well just how they greeted him compared to the greeting she was always given. Her teeth ground together and Twilight stared down at the trio as her mother pulled Shining in for a hug, a wide, genuine smile on her face. A smile Twilight hadn't seen in a long, long time.

She waited until her parents retreated, and her father moved back to his lounge chair while her mother went back to the kitchen, having said something about breaking out some wine for the occasion. With the coast clear Twilight hastily hopped down the stairs, hoping against hope that Shining hadn't changed as well.

“Shiny!” she yelled excitedly, trotting up to him and reaching up to hug the stallion.

Only to be stopped by a shimmering wall of force that kept her at bay. “Hey, Twilight,” Shining Armor remarked in a firm neutral tone, his barrier only falling when Twilight blinked and took a nervous step back.

“I’m not infectious, remember?” Twilight muttered weakly. “Princess Celestia even said.”

“I know what she said,” Shining Armor shot back. “But then again I’m not sure I trust what she says.”

“But it's Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed. “I don't think she even can lie.”

The stallion snorted. “I wouldn't go that far.”

“I…” Twilight’s jaw slammed shut and she stared up at Shining Armor with tears in the edges of her eyes. “What did I do?”

Shining Armor looked around, and after noticing that their parents weren't in the immediate vicinity, motioned towards the hallway which led to the back of the house. “Come on, we can talk about it downstairs.”

“Why though?” Twilight asked.

“Just trust me,” Shining replied before turning and walking away, not waiting for a response.

Twilight frowned, but followed the stallion dutifully, making her way down the hall and to the other side of the house, staying close even as he opened the door to the basement and trotted down the stairs. The few lights that illuminated the small basement were lit, revealing the large open room and the many boxes piled haphazardly within. A small area to her right had been cleared for the purpose as serving as a small hidden space where her father could retreat to do woodworking. In addition there was a small bar pushed into a corner but other than that the rest of the area was filled with things that had simply never been unpacked, despite the fact that they had lived here for nearly a decade at this point.

Shining Armor used his magic to close the basement door behind them and turned to face his sister, a grim expression on his face. “Do you eat meat now?” he asked suddenly.

“It's not like that, Shining Armor, I just have this soup I’m supposed to eat,” Twilight offered weakly.

“Yes or no, Twilight?” Shining Armor demanded, taking a step forward.

Shrinking back, Twilight nodded weakly. “Yes. Princess Celestia says I need it for my diet or else I get a really bad tummy ache.”

“Then it's true,” Shining Armor murmured, looking down at the filly with a hint of more disgust in his eyes.

“It's not like I want to!” Twilight exclaimed. “Princess Celestia says that if I don't eat the soup that I would eventually get sick and might even die!”

“Ponies don't eat meat,” Shining remarked.

“I am a pony…” Twilight whispered, staring down at the floor.

“I doubt that.” Shining Armor frowned. “Is it also true that you can read minds?”

Twilight winced, shrinking even lower, and wishing desperately that she had her glasses or at least her coat on at a time like this. “I don't know… kind of? Princess Celestia says-”

“I don't care what Princess Celestia says.” Shining Armor’s eyes narrowed. “Is that a yes, or a no?”

Twilight sighed. “Yes.”

The stallion slowly shook his head. “Is it also true that you made friends with a griffon?”

“Hey, Razor Wind is nice! He plays games with me and likes my eyes!” Twilight yelled back.

Shining Armor took a step back, a disgusted look crossing his face. “He's a griffon, Twilight! They went to war with Equestria, you can't trust them.”

“That was over a hundred years ago!” Twilight shot back.

“Griffons hold grudges, Twilight, they aren't like ponies.”

“The only one with a grudge here seems to be you.”

Shining Armor’s eyes narrowed. “Is it true you attacked your therapist?”

Twilight instantly felt all the confidence that had been surging inside her suddenly vanish and she pawed nervously at the floor. “N-no.”

“Really, Twilight?” Shining Armor stepped forward, the stallion looming over the filly. “Because from what I heard, there was a big mess after you two got in an argument.”

The filly gritted her teeth, choking back a sob. “That didn't happen,” Twilight whispered, remembering the promise of confidentiality that Velvet Touch had given her.

“So it is true then.” Shining Armor shook his head slowly, fear suddenly creeping up his back.

Twilight could all but taste the emotions currently swirling in the stallion, and what she felt nearly made her retch in disgust. Fear bordering on paranoia was the most prominent feeling, second only by disgust, the rest of the emotions being fouler still than even that.

In that moment Twilight realized something she had known for over a month by now. This was not her home, and she no longer belonged here now that the last pony in this house had finally turned on her. Tears flowed down her face, and though Shining Armor continued to speak, the filly didn't hear a word of it, her magic already building in her horn.

She didn't have to look up to know that Shining Armor had cast a shield spell over himself, already convinced Twilight was trying to build up some sort of attack. A second later that assumption was proven wrong when Twilight teleported up to her room.

Now alone, Twilight grabbed her notes, books and other things she had brought with her and stuffed them into her saddle bags, her legs already carrying her towards the stairs. She could hear the sound of shouting as Shining Armor ran up the stairs, yelling something to her father, who stood near the entryway, eyes wide, a confused expression on his face.

Her mother was there too, standing off to the side with a glass of white wine in her hoof, staring in shock at Twilight who ran down the stairs.

“What's going on?” Night Light demanded, stopping Shining Armor before he had a chance to intercept Twilight.

“She's a freak, dad, she admitted to attacking somepony and-” Shining Armor began, only to be stopped by a firm glare from Night Light.

“We will talk about your punishment later. Now go sit down in the living room.” He turned to the filly only to notice that she had already thrown open the door and was two steps outside. “Twilight, stop, we can talk about this. Where are you going?”

Twilight stopped at the gate, turning back to her father. “Home,” she replied, before turning and sprinting off into the night.

Night Light ran after her, but quickly realized that the filly had already teleported away. Stopping on his front lawn, the stallion frowned, his worry and anger slowly morphing into rage.

The stallion turned and stomped back into the house, glaring at both Shining Armor and Twilight Velvet in equal measure. “What were you thinking, calling your sister a freak?” he demanded, jabbing a hoof into Shining Armor’s chest. “You know she hates that word.”

“B-but she is, she eats meat and hangs out with griffons and-”

“She's your sister,” Night Light stated in disgust. “How could you? I don't care that her diet has changed, or that she's making friends. In fact I’m kind of elated by that second thing.”

“Now dear, we should listen to the colt,” Twilight Velvet interrupted. “What if it's true and she really is a predator now.”

“No,” Night Light stated, glaring daggers at his wife. “I’ve put up with this for far too long, and I will not tolerate it any longer.” The stallion spun towards Shining Armor just as he was about to say something, making the colt wince and recoil slightly under the angry glare of his father. “Did you know Mister Star Forger has to take protein supplements for his condition?”

“Yes,” Shining Armor whispered.

“And do you hate him too?” Night Light demanded.

“N-no, but this is-”

“Not different in the slightest,” Night Light finished. “We can hate the fate that destiny has bestowed upon the sick, but we must never hate the sick. You will spend the rest of the weekend at home, in your room. Got it?”

“But dad, what about the game?” Shining Armor replied pleadingly.

“The game will go on without you,” Night Light stated.

The colt withered, staring down at the floor guiltily before turning and trotting slowly up the stairs.

Now alone, his wife turned to Night Light. “Are you sure about this, Night Light?”

“I have not been more sure of anything else in my entire life,” Night Light replied. “And don't worry, I will be making up the spare room.”

“You don't have to do that, Nighty-” Twilight Velvet began, only to be cut off by another harsh glare.

“For you.”

Author's Note

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Aftermath

Silver Bulwark sighed as she trotted down the hall once more, her partner for the night having predictably called in sick, leaving her alone as usual. She didn't want to even think on the rule that no guard was supposed to be alone, or that this rule was changed seemingly only for her, as she knew if she went down that train of thought she would just end up getting angry again.

Even while isolated once again, Silver Bulwark kept her head high and a smile on her face, confident in the knowledge that not only did she have Celestia’s backing but also the backing of one fiery little foal. A kid who might end up needing her, a kid worth staying in the guard for, and she would be damned if they were going to force her out without a fight.

With her confidence surging and her smile returning, Silver Bulwark strode confidently down the hall, ignoring the looks that came from both her fellow guards and the few nobles that lingered at such a late hour. So invigorated was the mare that she stopped just outside the door to the gardens in order to take a whiff of the pleasant aroma that drifted into the castle. The night lilies, flowers that only began to bloom at evening, were her favorite, and they were especially potent due to the full moon that hung over head.

With a sigh, she opened her eyes and continued her patrol after making a note to return to the garden before she clocked out for the night, which would be in about an hour or two if her guess was correct. Either way, she was looking forward to a long rest and another day of sticking it to those prick nobles and holier-than-thou jerks she worked with.

Turning the corner, she proceeded up the stairs that led to the royal suites, winding her way through the labyrinth of corridors and floors that were intended on making any attacker search every single room in order to just get up to the fifth floor where the princess had her primary quarters. Most days she cursed this extra layer of security, as it meant that her patrol was extra long and included climbing more stairs than she liked, but today she enjoyed it, taking every chance she got to flaunt her happiness in front of those that didn't like her.

Reaching the fifth floor didn't take long though, as she knew where she was going, and the guard quickly found herself trotting up to the door of her charge where she would remain at attention for the next hour before finishing her patrol and going home. Taking a spot to the right of the door, Silver Bulwark placed her spear firmly against the ground and leaned heavily on the weapon, yawning deeply as she began to settle into the now familiar spot.

That yawn ended suddenly when the guard experienced a sensation that she couldn't quite describe. The only word she was really able to put to the feeling was a distinct sensation of having missed something, like someone had called her name, but she hadn't heard it.

Looking around revealed that other than the guards that stood outside of Celestia’s room, there was nopony else around and those guards had not so much as flinched in the entire time Silver Bulwark had stood there. Shrugging it off, the guard settled into her spot and put on the usual cold and neutral expression that all guards were trained to don when guarding a fixed position.

Only for the strange sensation to return, this time far more powerful and far more close by. Looking around revealed nothing out of the ordinary and she was about to chalk it up to being paranoid for Twilight’s safety when she heard a crash come from the staircase to her right.

For a moment she merely looked over at the stairs, unsure of what was happening and trying to listen in order to figure out what was going on. Her instincts told her that it was just another clumsy maid, probably Tipsy Tender, but her heart told her otherwise.

Before she even knew what she was doing, she was already running over to the staircase, unsure of why she was even moving until she heard a familiar and terrifying sound. It was the sound of consuming sadness, of desperation and loneliness, all of which tugged on her heart strings as if someone were attempting to tear the organ from her very chest.

Skidding to a stop, Silver Bulwark looked down in time to find the tear-strewn face of Twilight Sparkle look up at her, the filly hastily shoving books back into her bag. “Do you need assistance, Twilight?” Silver Bulwark asked, already reaching for one of the books.

“N-no! I can do it myself,” declared the filly, her magic grabbing the book before Silver Bulwark could.

Taking a step back, the guard looked down at the filly, trying to piece together what had happened judging only by her appearance. The child was haggard, as if she had been running for as long as she had been crying which had evidently been quite a while. Her coat was equally as disheveled, her mane a mess and the fur beneath her eyes was matted with tears.

“What happened, dear?” Silver whispered, lowering herself to the filly’s height.

“N-n-nothing,” the filly stuttered, unable to look the guard in the eye and turned away, stuffing the last book into her bag.

The guard watched as her charge climbed the last of the steps on shaking hooves before brushing past her and making a beeline for the room. “Did someone hurt you?” she asked, keeping her voice quiet and her tone respectful as she followed close behind the filly.

The filly sniffed. “M-maybe.”

“What happened, dear?” Silver Bulwark repeated, placing a hoof on the filly’s shoulder, making her stop in her tracks.

“I-I...” Fresh tears began to trickle down Twilight’s face and she turned suddenly, brushing off Silver Bulwark’s hoof and sprinting into her room.

Leaving a confused and concerned Silver Bulwark standing outside the now closed door, the guard leaned against the wooden portal and listened in. “Are you sure you don't want to talk about it? I could fetch Celestia or perhaps doctor-”

“No!” came the tiny cry from inside. “I’m fine, I don't want to bother them.”

“Clearly something is not okay, would you mind if I came inside so we can figure this out together?” Silver Bulwark tentatively asked.

There was a long pause before the filly finally whispered back, “No, I’m going to bed.”

“I’ll be right here when you need me, okay?” Silver Bulwark whispered, only to receive no response.

Sighing to herself, Silver Bulwark turned and took her usual spot, ready and willing to stand there for as long as it took, no matter how long that was. With her resolve hardened, and her fatigue now non-existent, she stood vigil, trying to think of something she could say when Twilight finally gave in and asked for help.

Something she hoped would happen soon.

Twilight lay on her stomach, tears staining a pillow that was probably more expensive than all the allowance she had ever received combined and yet she couldn't bring herself to feel bad about that fact one bit. Thoughts and emotions whirled in her mind, each more dark and terrible than the last. Rage at her brother for what he had said, but also guilt on her own part for what she had done. Apathy for the mother that refused to stand by her and confusion for her father who had only now done just that.

It was all too much for the young filly and she used her magic to toss her book bag at the end table, unconcerned when that bag missed and toppled from its perch, spraying her books across the floor for the second time in as many minutes. Normally such a thing would be grounds for a minor panic attack as they were books after all, and not even her own books for that matter.

Now though, now it all seemed so small, so insignificant compared to the pain and trauma that weighed heavily on her mind. Confusion was most unfortunately the single thing that weighed the heaviest on her, confusion over how she felt about this recent change, and confusion over even how she should feel. In the end, the only thing that was constant was the feeling of numb acceptance that now swallowed her whole.

Which was much like how sleep unexpectedly took the filly in its tender embrace, whisking Twilight off to a place far from all the anguish she had recently experienced.

Twilight’s eyes snapped open a second later and she looked around to realize that she was no longer in Canterlot, or anywhere she knew for that matter. The world was dark and empty and it seemed to stretch on forever in every direction, and the filly knew then and there that she was dreaming. Except it wasn't quite a dream, for it had the same sensation that the vision of that strange creature from a while ago had, with the strangely disquiet song she heard last time gaining a distinctly harmonious edge to it.

She was both asleep, and not asleep, in Canterlot and not in Canterlot and though these facts would usually be enough to disturb the filly, or at least make her curious, for now she merely accepted their existence passively, uncaring as to where she was, or what happened to her.

When the now familiar tug and accompanying song came in full force, she didn't fight it and quickly found herself being yanked hundreds of miles in the span of seconds. A sensation that normally would have made her nauseous, but was now little more than an afterthought as Twilight Sparkle merely sighed, happy that at least here she didn't have to worry about her messed up hair and tear-stained face.

This time as she neared the destination of whomever was pulling her, she did not begin to get the feeling that she was entering a body not her own and instead she was surprised to feel that she had her own body, though it felt strangely disconnected. Looking down, Twilight realized that her hooves, and even the rest of her body were almost completely see through. Again, these changes were met with only apathy and she looked around, much to the shock of someone nearby.

Turning to the sound of the gasp, Twilight’s jaw hung open as she instantly recognized the source. There stood the strange half grey, half purple pegasus, her one good glowing eye looking down at the filly while the other looked off to the left somewhere. Her wings twitched excitedly and the small arms that emerged from her chest clutched each other tightly. “Can. You. Understand. Me?” she asked in a slow and deliberate tone of voice.

Twilight nodded, noting that the same strange green bubbles adorned both of the pegasus’ flanks, making the filly wonder what kind of special skill she could possibly possess. “Yeah, I can understand you, but you still sound funny,” Twilight replied.

“Hmmf, it's about time,” grunted a stranger, more alien voice from her right.

Turning her head, Twilight instantly recoiled when she noticed how truly strange the second creature was. Though the top half of her body seemed vaguely pony-like, with only a pair of mandibles on either side of jaw being out of the ordinary, that all stopped at her waist. The pink fur slowly morphed into scaly purple flesh just below her forehooves, and the purple mane that sported a single band of bright teal was tied into a single large braid that fell down her back. Her horn which appeared normal on first glance was actually slightly longer than normal and was far more curved than anypony’s horn Twilight had ever seen.

The bottom half of her body was where the truly strange part begun as though she still had two forehooves, she lacked any other limbs that Twilight would consider normal for a pony to have. Her torso bulged and twisted from there, growing far larger and sprouting six long limbs that had spikes growing from each joint, three on each side of her body. Each of these limbs ended in a remarkably sharp point and a thin purple membrane stretched between these limbs. Stranger still was her lower torso which seemed to resemble a large vertical maw complete with massive teeth, though what such an oddly placed body part could possibly be used for Twilight didn't know. Last and perhaps the most strangest feature of them all was the teal sacks of something that emerged from her back, which occasionally pulsed and shook for an unknown reason.

All in all the pony… thing, looked like a cross between a unicorn and some horror that no sane creature would possibly dream up and Twilight couldn't even imagine what had brought on such a horrible change.

“It's rude to stare, you know,” the creature exclaimed, crossing her forehooves over her chest.

“S-sorry,” Twilight stuttered, only to realize that not only did the creature speak the same chittering, guttural language Twilight heard in her head, but Twilight herself seemed to speak this odd language, though it sounded like Equestrian to her for some reason.

“At least she can speak now,” the pony thing remarked with a snort.

“Now child, that is no way to speak to a fellow sister,” admonished a kind, though strained and almost pained voice from behind her.

Spinning around once more, Twilight realized that the room they were in was likely a cave of some kind, and a strange, pulsing mass covered every last inch of the walls, ceiling and floors. There was also a vat of what looked like bubbling green liquid which sat in a corner. A vat that Twilight somehow knew was referred to as a breeding pool, though how and why she knew those things were beyond her. Though the room itself was strange, and warranted consideration on its own, that was not what drew Twilight’s eye.

For the voice of kindness she had heard before was coming from what was quite possibly the most terrifying entity she had ever witnessed, a creature so horrifying that Twilight knew she should run, yet she could not. The filly remained rooted to the floor, an alien will reminding her that this was the great mother, the sower of wills, and the only being in the universe that she owed allegiance to. An assertion that she didn't fully accept, not yet anyway, and though she could feel the chittering wall of voices in her mind continue to make that assertion, its potency diminished slightly, as if the great mother was granting her time to consider it on her own.

Twilight could scarcely tear her eyes from the creature’s strange features and instead forced herself to look up, searching for a head or a place she should speak at. Only to find many eyes where she assumed there would be only two, with the eyes being arrayed in two groups of four on either side of its head. The creature lacked any discernible nose, with a thin, dagger-filled mouth being the only facial feature to speak of other than a pair of small mandibles that sprouted from either side of its jaw. Though clearly feminine, the creature’s face was so unlike anything Twilight had ever seen before that she struggled to imagine anything in nature even remotely akin to it.

Its body, though lithe, was covered in segmented plates that jutted prominently from its chest, giving a clearer impression that it was female. Two sets of long spindly arms emerged from its shoulders and were now wrapped tight around the forefront of its body, a small space in its plates allowing its arms to slip between them, though why that was Twilight couldn't imagine. Its body was long and snake like, a comparison that was driven home by its deep brown coloration that was speckled occasionally with an equally deep green.

This snake comparison worked at least somewhat as its lower body was a single great tail. Though even then Twilight could see that many sets of smaller limbs much like her forearms were slipped between her plates, ready and waiting for the time when they are needed. A sudden movement from behind her head drew Twilight’s eye up to the crest she only now realized stretched back nearly a foot from the creature’s skull, wherein four long tentacles sprouted. Two for each side of her body, all of which ended in a long spike of some kind, another thing that made Twilight confused as there was no obvious reason for these spikes save for self defence.

The creature rose far above the small filly, her entire body nearly fifteen or so feet long and roughly the same width of a few of the female minotaurs she had seen on the upper Canterlot plate. The longer the filly gawked at this great mother, the more she realized something was wrong with her, the first thing being that although all her eyes seemed to work, some were slightly milky as if they had been damaged recently. More than that only one of her tentacles actually moved, while the other three merely hung at her sides uselessly. As Twilight looked down she realized that she was far more injured than the filly had first thought and she couldn't help but feel her fear evaporate and pity surge in her chest.

Some plates only barely clung to her body, and some of the many arms that slipped between them either weren't there or were obscured by a thick greenish substance that held them in place. Even a single glance up at the great mother’s face told her that the creature was clearly in pain. Constant, deep pain.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked, not realizing that the room had fallen silent, its occupants looking down at her, analyzing the filly for some inscrutable purpose.

“I am fine, my child. Merely tired from a long, long journey,” the creature replied, while slowly lowering itself to the filly’s height. “Do not concern yourself with my health, tell me, how are you? You have not been discovered yet, have you? You seem to have suffered some manner of mutation in your ocular nerves.”

“Discovered?” Twilight asked.

The creature nodded slowly and deliberately. “Yes, you are not in immediate danger, are you?”

The pegasus smiled and shook her head. “Her fight or flight responses were triggered several hours ago, but it seems like she is now fine.”

“How did you know?” Twilight asked, already piecing together that the strange pegasus thing was referring to her clash with her brother.

“There are remnants of epinephrine in your blood,” the pegasus creature replied.

“It was just…” Twilight paused, unsure of how to describe what had happened with her brother and family. “An argument,” she concluded.

“Interesting,” the snake-like creature remarked, rising up slightly. “I must commend you on being able to appear before us like this, it takes a considerable amount of psychic energy to project this far.”

The many limbed unicorn snorted, and skittered forward, glaring down at the filly. “I managed such a feat with ease, it is not such a great accomplishment.”

“You are an adult, and a fully mature member of the swarm, she is a mere filly that has not benefited from my experimentation,” the larger creature clarified and waved a hand over the many limbed and heavily mutated unicorn, visibly calming her. “Do not take this as a slight, you do not have to worry about your position being taken by a mere filly.”

The unicorn thing bowed slightly, one hoof going over its stomach as it did. “My apologies, great mother, I let my emotions get the better of me.”

“You would do well to tame that anger, child, though it has its uses in encouraging our warriors, you are no mere warrior,” the larger creature intoned, laying a hand on the unicorn’s head.

“Ahem,” the pegasus interrupted, “I don't believe as though we have introduced ourselves yet.” The pegasus bowed slightly, one eyeball looking somewhere to the right while the glowing one looked directly at Twilight. “I am Bubbles, and this is-”

“Starlight,” the unicorn replied proudly. “But you may call me Underqueen Starlight.”

“Err okay…” Twilight muttered, before turning to the largest creature in the room. “And what is your name?”

“I am afraid I have yet to earn one,” the snake creature replied solemnly. “You may simply call me Mother.”

“With that out of the way, do you have a report by chance?” Starlight replied, slowly slinking her way around the filly, eying her carefully. “We have yet to hear from most of the other infested as Mother has suffered greatly from her long time spent in hibernation.”

“Report? You mean like my report card?” Twilight asked while scratching her head. “Because I got all A’s other than gym class, but I still passed.”

The underqueen stopped and facehoofed, only to be interrupted by Bubbles who took a step forward. “Excuse her, Twilight, she is just a little irritated as we were unable to locate any of the other infested save for us two, and well, yourself.”

“Indeed,” Starlight added, this time appearing much more calmer. “We have unfortunately suffered injuries too grave to be able to go incognito in pony society, and as such we were hoping that you may be able to connect us to our lost infested agents.”

Mother slithered forward slightly and looked down on the filly with renewed intensity. “You do not have to worry about this quite yet though, young one, we have many questions but first an explanation is in order. Our psionic potential has also been damaged significantly so that is why you need not worry about our infested quite yet as they are well out of our range of control right now.” Twilight could tell that last sentence was only half pointed at her, and she noticed that Starlight bristled slightly under the comment, though she tried not to show it.

“So, your name is Twilight Sparkle, correct?” Bubbles inquired, leaning forward and smiling at the filly.

“Um yes, how did you know?” Twilight asked.

“Mother has tasked me with serving as her coordinator as she heals, allowing me to see into your mind, though I did not look further than your name as I did not wish to intrude,” Bubbles explained.

“And because you can't do anything more,” Starlight muttered under her breath, hooves crossed over her chest.

“Regardless,” Mother interrupted, “you must be near this Canterhorn, yes?”

Twilight nodded. “I live in Canterlot, yes.”

“Ahh, good. You are safe then, I presume,” Mother continued.

“I guess so, the castle is safe, well… sorta,” Twilight muttered, looking down.

“Wait, you live in a castle?” Starlight asked, skittering forward. “You don't mean the Sunspire, do you?”

“Celestia doesn't like it when ponies call it that,” Twilight corrected. “She prefers that ponies just call it Canterlot Castle.”

“I am glad you are safe, little one. Your life is very important.” Mother leaned down until she was eye level once more with the filly. “Do not take any grave risks and value your life over others, understood?”

Twilight nodded slowly, baffled by the command but unable to find a reason to argue against it. “I will,” she whispered.

The larger creature nodded and slowly rose once more. “Good, now tell me more of this Celestia, it sounds like you two are close.”

Starlight stepped forward instantly. “She is the ruler of Equestria and the only known alicorn to still live.”

“An alicorn, interesting, they are both immortal and quite powerful so I hear…” The creature slithered back slightly, her hands emerging from their resting places and folding before her. “What is your relation to this Celestia pony, Twilight?”

The filly gulped and took an unconscious step back, slightly disturbed by the other three creatures’ combined looks of interest. “I, err, uh.” She stumbled a bit for a moment and considered lying to the three but for some reason that felt wrong, and she felt bad for just considering it. “I’m her student,” she blurted suddenly.

“Really now?” Mother remarked idly, a hand tapping her chin. “Bubbles, scan her mind and find out everything she knows on the subject of this alicorn princess.”

“Yes, my queen,” Bubbles replied instantly, bowing slightly to the large creature before trotting over to the scared filly and crouching down. “Don't worry, it won't hurt and I promise Mother will be very pleased to know what you know.”

For some reason the prospect of pleasing the enormous snake creature she had only just met felt… good to the filly and she nodded reluctantly, some of her worry bleeding away as she allowed the other creature to come closer. Bubbles raised her hooves to either side of the filly’s head and closed her eyes, focusing intently on something. What that was became clear a second later when Twilight felt a strange presence in her mind that was unlike the smaller voices she had grown used to. One that sought out and latched onto every memory she had made that had Celestia in it, combing through them for information as well as a few memories that did not. Slowly, reluctantly, Bubbles pulled back, a sad smile on her face as she moved to stand beside the larger creature once more.

“This is most fortuitous, is it not, Mother?” she asked, her smile growing a little wider. “They may know a little of our operations but they have not found our base or truly understand us.”

“But they have found us.” Starlight growled. “Worse still, this… fool, has been giving them information and has been actively working with them.”

Mother shook her head. “This is still acceptable. We were desperate for sustenance and the gambit has paid off. Furthermore their information gathering will be diminished by their infighting as well as their fractured support for these ‘frontier towns’.”

“This will give us more than enough time to fortify ourselves and find a way to heal our great mother,” Bubbles explained, her enthusiasm growing by the second.

“If we acquire more subjects that is. The survivors from my village did not have enough biomass to do even the most basic of experiments and I will need far more test subjects if I am going to have a hope of mastering gene magic,” Starlight continued, a frown crossing her face.

“Be that as it may, we have an interesting option before us,” Mother declared, smiling down at Twilight. “An infiltrator inside the highest office in the land, one that is well trusted no less.”

Bubbles placed a weary hoof on the larger creature’s side. “I would warn caution, my queen. The princess is quite formidable and has been alive for at least two millenia, perhaps longer and she will not be unprepared.”

“But if it were possible to infest or harvest her in some manner, we would be looking at acquiring arguably the most powerful essence in all of Equestria,” Starlight muttered before turning upwards to the larger creature. “I must request that we attempt to infest the princess at the earliest possible convenience.”

Twilight gaped silently at the three creatures, too shocked by the sudden change in conversation to have any idea what she should say.

Unaware of the filly’s sudden fear and confusion, the queen nodded slowly. “Normally I would agree, as her genetic material may hold the key to dominating this planet, but this is not normal circumstances and we find ourselves pushed to the brink already.”

“I agree, my queen,” Bubbles added. “We are too few, and our essence is weak and damaged by your slumber, if we reveal our hand too soon, we may find ourselves wiped form the face of Equis before we are even able to heal you.”

“We are already revealed,” Starlight declared angrily. “Or did you not see the filly’s memories while you were busy trying to find mention of some other unicorn filly?”

“I did not!” Bubbles yelled back.

“Quiet, you two!” Mother barked, making her advisors quail and become silent. “Though I agree it is too early to reveal our hand, we are also already revealed somewhat, though infesting the princess may make us the public enemy of the entirety of Equestria.”

“It is a small price to pay,” Starlight declared. “Her essence is incredibly strong and her genetic material may be what we need to heal Mother, as well as create a new breed of zerg that is capable of using the magic of all three tribes.”

“We don't even know if the princess can even be infested. She is an alicorn, the only one left of her kind and other than having vast magical stores of energy that eclipse anypony else, she is also closer to a god than a pony,” Bubbles explained, glaring at Starlight.

Who merely shrugged in return. “It matters little whether or not she can be infested, for regardless of the possibility we must try, the reward would far outweigh the life of a single child.”

“W-what?” Twilight stuttered, shocked to hear that her life meant so little to the the unicorn creature.

The other three didn't even seem to notice her fear though and continued their debate unabated. “If they make the connection between us and her, we will be wiped out. Gone, exterminated down to the last zergling.” Bubbles growled, taking a step closer to the other creature and jabbed a hoof into her chest. “They are divided now, but how long do you think they would stay divided after we attacked the princess in the seat of her very power?”

This time Mother seemed more than happy to merely watch the two bicker, carefully considering her advisors’ words and not making the attempt to stop them.

“You assume much, pegasus.” Starlight growled, jabbing a hoof right back into Bubbles’ chest. “If we simply overload the filly’s body and force it to produce as much spores as possible, I estimate a seventy eight percent chance of successful infestation of the princess.”

Overload? Twilight thought to herself, the filly catching a stray image of her body becoming bloated before exploding near the princess, showering the alicorn in gore and bright orange spores. The thought made the filly sick and she spun around, searching for an escape from this horrifying conversation, only to find that there were no doors other than a strange orifice that seemed built into the fleshy wall.

Mother frowned and continued to caress her chin. “Are you sure the child is even capable of such a thing?”

Starlight nodded confidently. “All infested are able to use this trait, though it would take several hours to accomplish, I do believe it could be done.”

“You don't know that,” Bubbles hissed. “The genes of every single parasite were damaged, and she may not even be capable of producing the normal spores. Besides, what you are suggesting is cruel beyond measure. I supported the taking of your village as we require sustenance and they were not on any map, but this is insane!”

Twilight searched around frantically, and after finding no available exit turned and looked up at Mother expectantly, trying to scan the alien creature’s face for any sign of who she may agree with. The creature’s features were drawn, her mind intensely focused on the predicament before her and despite Twilight’s best efforts, the filly could not seem to figure out what Mother was thinking. With little else to do, Twilight focused on simply praying for her safety, and silently hoping that Mother saw the wisdom in Bubbles’ words.

Starlight sneered down at the winged creature. “We are here to dominate this world, to infest its peoples and await the coming of the swarm, do you think such a goal can be accomplished without cruelty? Furthermore, may I remind you that we all suffer the effects of the slumber, and that Celestia is the key to fixing everything!”

“You don't know that!” Bubbles shouted back. “Furthermore, we do not even have the right to demand this filly to die by our command, she knows nothing of our struggle, of our mission.”

“We may not have that right, but Mother does! She commands every zerg on this wretched planet, which includes you, me, and that loathsome filly!” Starlight declared, gesturing to Twilight.

“This was not supposed to happen, I wasn't supposed to be in charge,” Mother whispered, her arms drooping. “My orders were merely to remain underground until the fleet arrived, only then was I to act. You both make excellent arguments.”

“That doesn't matter,” Starlight declared, stomping several of her pointed limbs. “If we obtain the essence of a several thousand year old alicorn, we can create the perfect zerg, one capable of wielding all three tribe’s magics while also able to bring down the full psychic might of the swarm!” Starlight stepped closer, looking up into Mother’s eyes. “Think about it, we could conquer Equis before the fleet is even here, imagine our queen’s pleasure when she realizes you already control everything.”

All eyes turned to the queen who had risen to her full height, her expression unreadable as she looked from Bubbles to Starlight and back again. Twilight studied those features closely, desperately clinging to the hope that someone with the name like Mother would not throw away her life so easily.

As she watched she noticed those same features grow ever more strained, Twilight’s anxiety reaching a fever pitch as the seconds turned into minutes. Mother’s advisors remained silent throughout it all, their voices both mental and physical remaining still, allowing their queen to contemplate Twilight’s fate.

That was until, Twilight noticed that Mother had made up her mind and seemed ready to announce her decision. A decision that Twilight knew she would not like, one that may very well end with her death and the death of her mentor. Though the filly valued her own life relatively lowly, the instant she realized that this may very well harm the one pony that had never done wrong by her, something flipped.

She was no longer content to wait for judgement to be delivered, and though she hoped Mother would ultimately agree that this was a bad idea, she was not going to chance it. She would not allow anyone to harm Celestia, no matter what they said about powerful essence or the healing of herself and others.

With a psychic shove she recoiled, trying to recreate the feeling that had brought her here only in reverse. It worked surprisingly well and surprisingly quickly, her body flickering as the endless guttural voices began to dim. Unfortunately the room’s occupants quickly realized this and Twilight watched in horror as they all began to approach her, each one speaking at the same time.

Her hearing had already begun to become muddied though and the words blurred together as their thoughts became more and more distant. With desperation fueling her actions, Twilight shoved as hard as she could, using as much energy as possible in order to get away from the strange creatures. Her senses finally dulled completely, her body flickering and vanishing from the room.

The feeling of weightlessness coupled with the endless darkness quickly returned, with the filly falling backwards as she traversed the space between space. For a moment she felt her efforts resisted, and the tugging returned, the feeling emanating from the place it had first originated from. With fear now aiding her desperate bid to escape, her psychic might increased and for a moment they were at a stalemate, the filly unable to break away from the pull she still felt but also no longer slowly backsliding towards them.

That was until she closed her eyes tighter and tried to focus on what she felt, the fear, and desperation had given her the strength to get away but were not enough to fully return her to her body. Panic had begun to creep up her spine, until Celestia’s smiling face suddenly flashed through her mind, reminding the filly that not only was she fighting for herself, but also for the one pony that she cared about more than perhaps any other.

With a grunt of exertion Twilight put everything she had into her efforts to push away from the strange creatures that had so coldly called for her death. Her efforts were rewarded and she quickly found the strength of the tug vanish, allowing Twilight to continue her flight through the void, the unicorn landing in her own body a few seconds later. She did not want to wake up quite yet though as she knew that she would be summoned back to that strange place the second her defences wavered. With that fear firmly in mind, Twilight summoned all her power and did everything she could to erect a wall between herself and where she felt the tug originate from.

It was a strange process, one that she did not know how to truly begin, or how to even accomplish for that matter. Yet despite this lack of experience, she continued to shove every last ounce of the strange strength that had filled her, putting it to use in order to keep her mind walled off from Mother and the others.

After what felt like eternity, something clicked in Twilight’s mind and she realized she had fortified her psyche as much as was possible. The voices which had first dulled to the point of nearly becoming inaudible were now muted entirely, leaving Twilight alone in her own mind for the first time in what felt like forever. Even the thoughts of the ponies of the castle seemed dulled somewhat, and though Twilight had never been able to truly read their minds before, now she could hardly even detect their thoughts at all.

A wide smile came to the filly’s face and she couldn't help but grin when she realized that she was at least a little more normal. That smile faltered when she realized what had just happened and that she was still asleep.

With a sudden gasp, Twilight returned fully to her body, her eyes snapping open and revealing her pitch black room. Her curtains were closed, meaning the room should be shrouded utterly in shadow, yet Twilight’s eyes picked up nearly every detail of the small room, her glowing orbs easily able to pierce the mundane darkness that surrounded her.

Lifting a shaky hoof, Twilight thought back to those terrifying last moments she had spent in the presence of those creatures. Her limb appeared normal, yet Twilight knew it was not the hoof of a pony, for she was not truly a pony any longer. She was one of them, one of the zerg, and from the impression she received from the others, this was not a change that would be easily undone.

Author's Note

Whispers

I can't believe she sent me back anyway, Blueblood thought tiredly to himself, the colt trudging silently through the long halls of the ancient mansion.

The hall itself was long and filled with far too many columns for his sake, as it bordered on silly in his mind. The closest he could think of as far as a metaphor was like having each piece of a salad on a different plate just to show off your silverware. With a sigh he continued to walk the hall, all while giving absolutely no mind to the many busts, paintings and statues of unicorns who were at various stages of worm food by now. Though his accommodations and company had been first rate, and the food he had eaten had been nothing short of culinary delight, all that pageantry meant nothing to him.

He was here against his will after all, forced to partake in lessons that he felt stripped him of who he was. Just thinking about it made the colt shudder as he imagined the last lesson he had been forced to partake in. From the way he fell into the Khala, to the way he had a distorted memory of what had happened shortly thereafter. It was strange, and not unlike sleepwalking, only a hundred times more disturbing for numerous reasons.

The young colt shook his head vigorously and tried to imagine something more pleasant than the life thrust upon him, only for such a line of thinking to end up conjuring an image of Twilight Sparkle. Though the filly was strange, Blueblood couldn't help but both pity and respect her, as she had been given an unfortunate lot in life and continued on regardless. He remembered fondly the few secret library meetings they had managed to have over time, and how they had always met in the biography section of the royal archives. Though she had been awkward every single time and seemed to believe that it was all an elaborate trick at first, Blueblood was confident that she no longer considered him the enemy his father had nearly made him into.

The colt clung tightly to those images he had of his friend, of how he made her smile, of her laugh. A small part of his brain tried to pick her apart, by reminding him that her smile was slightly tainted by a set of sharp teeth, or how she had a way of laughing slightly too loud when she found something really funny, but he refused to listen to that voice. She was his friend, and he was going to be damned before he allowed himself to think ill of her.

Unfortunately for the colt, those memories would have to be put on the backburner for now as he neared the door he had come to dread. The wooden object itself was unassuming, following the same white, gold, and electric blue of the rest of the house, with only a small symbol standing out to his well-trained eyes.

It was difficult to explain, as the symbol itself was in three parts, with one part being a simple circle that was nestled into a slightly distorted square that hung over the top of it. These two shapes were then cradled by a third that looked almost like a curved blade save for the fact that it had three holes punched in it.

With a sigh he raised his hoof, flicked his golden mane from his eyes and entertained the notion of simply not knocking and running away.

For about all of three seconds anyway, then he knocked.

“Come in,” a voice commanded from within the room.

Blueblood gulped down his trepidation and pushed open the door, looking up at the very tall, grey unicorn that was already glaring at him. “You are late,” announced the stallion, his electric blue eyes glaring down at the young prince intensely.

“My apologies, Ardent Faith, but I’m afraid I got lost on the way to the bathroom,” Blueblood explained only half-heartedly.

Though it was clear that the tall, grey stallion saw through his half-truth in an instant, he did not immediately call him out on it. “Make sure you get another tour, so you do not get lost again,” Ardent Faith replied before turning and gesturing to the rest of the room. “Please take a seat, we were about to begin.”

Blueblood nodded, hardly paying attention to the rest of the small, personal classroom he now found himself within. Though there were nearly fifteen desks in the room, only one other was being used by another pony. A pony who was a slim, purple filly with a fair complexion and long braided black hair that hung down past her shoulders. Her orange orbs flicked past BlueBlood with disinterest, the pony merely sighing before continuing to stare off into space.

Not wanting to look clingy, Blueblood made sure there was a desk between herself and the other student before taking his own seat. “Good morning, Stoic Star,” he greeted as he sat, smiling politely at the filly, taking note that her bright yellow seven-pointed star cutie mark was as eye catching as ever.

“Morning, Bluey,” she replied lazily, not even bothering to look over at him when she said it.

“That is quite enough chatter, you two,” Ardent announced suddenly. “Take a seat and pull out your notebooks.”

The two students did as they were told, though Stoic took much longer to do so as she chose between three such notebooks before deciding on one that wasn't quite as bright as the rest. Opening his own notebook, Blueblood readied his quill after carefully ensuring that there was the perfect amount of ink on it.

Looking up, he noticed that Ardent Faith had already begun to write. “We will begin your lesson today with the Unicornian moral imperatives,” he announced before turning back to the class and pointing at the filly. “Stoic Star, what is the first of such imperatives?”

She sighed, and without looking up, answered, “That the weak be ruled by the strong, not out of malice, but out of compassion, for the intelligent have an obligation to assist them in bettering themselves.”

“Good.” Ardent’s smile faltered somewhat before he turned to Blueblood. “Master Blueblood, what is the second imperative?”

“That we control the means of production and keep them out of the hooves of lesser ponies because they will squander their opportunities,” Blueblood replied, already sweating.

“You are partially correct, as usual,” Arden replied. “We must also keep control of the means for not only will they be wasted on the peasant class, but it will also be used for frivolous and often nonsensical purposes, thus morality demands that we ensure this does not happen.”

The stallion spun back around and continued to write on the blackboard, his chalk moving in long, elegant motions. “Now then, we will continue with our lesson of the history of Unicornia starting with chapter thirty six of-”

The stallion droned on and on, continuing to berate the foals with facts of their history and constant assertions that everything had been better back when unicorns had their own nation. Though Blueblood knew it hadn't been quite as good as Ardent Faith made it out to be, it was difficult to dismiss his arguments out of hoof either.

Something Stoic Star didn't seem to struggle with at all, as she merely stared forward, her expression distant and her face slack, as if she were asleep without ever closing her eyes. Blueblood had gotten to the point that he wondered if she actually were asleep before she unexpectedly turned to him, making him flinch and pay more attention to the lesson being presented. He moved so quickly that he nearly missed the small smirk that his classmate shot him, before it too vanished under the careful mask she donned.

The lesson continued for over two hours before Ardent slammed shut the book he was holding and placed it on his desk. “-and that concludes this month’s lesson on the history of Unicornia, next week we will pick up with the succession wars.”

Blueblood sighed and placed the quill back in his now significantly lower inkwell before waiting a moment and finally closing his notebook and sliding it back into the desk. He nearly stood up and began to prepare for lunch when he noticed Stoic had remained seated and was looking forward. Following her gaze, he noticed that Ardent had already erased everything on the board and simply written the words.

Live training.

In the center of it.

Putting the chalk away, the teacher turned to Blueblood, his glare growing in intensity. “Before you leave this classroom, I need to ask you a few questions. Namely, Master Blueblood, is it true that you mentioned to one of the butlers while reading the morning paper that you were quote unquote ‘rooting for the confederacy’?”

“Uhhh.” Blueblood blinked, thinking back to this morning when he had indeed said such a thing. “Yeah? Kind of?”

“Kind of, how?” Ardent asked, his eyes narrowing.

“Well, it's just they are doomed, right? They are mainly mud ponies out in the middle of nowhere trying to grow crops in sand,” Blueblood explained, the lie quickly coming to mind. “It's like rooting for a snowball’s chance in Tartarus, it's not supposed to be taken seriously.”

Ardent Faith stared down at him for several long seconds before reluctantly letting it go. “Understandable, but do try and keep such sentiments to yourself, not all of our maids are as understanding as Subtle Sweep.”

Blueblood gulped and glanced over at Stoic, who flashed him a brief, appreciative smile, an expression that vanished the instant Ardent glanced in her direction.

Still, the expression was nice, as Blueblood received the distinct feeling that he had an ally in the class. One that he hoped may very well be able to offer him a sense of reprieve from this palace of intolerance he now found himself held hostage within. Plus she was also very attractive, so that was a thing that the colt did his best to try and not think of, only to fail utterly.

“Is it also true that you have not been connecting to the Khala fully while you are in Blue Blade’s lessons?” Ardent continued.

“Whuh?” Blueblood muttered, shaking the thoughts of the cute filly’s out of his head and forcing himself to look at his teacher.

Who sighed and ran a hoof down his face. “I said: Is it also true that you have not been connecting to the Khala fully while you are under the instruction of Sir Blue Blade?” he repeated, his glare somehow gaining even more intensity.

“Err, maybe?” Blueblood muttered, looking down. “It's just, really hard.”

“Thinking yourself better without embracing the Khala and gaining the strength of our ancestors is an arrogant notion that only fools believe!” Ardent boomed, glaring down at the colt. “Tell me, boy, are you a fool, or are you a unicorn?”

Blueblood nodded weakly. “I am a unicorn, sir.”

“Good.” Ardent stood back up and tapped the board. “You will be going straight to Blue Blade’s class, but before you do, I would like to say a few words.”

The teacher sighed slowly and looked down into Blueblood’s eyes before glancing briefly at Stoic. “We are approaching strange and troubling times, your generation will be the ones to finally bring glory unto the Firstborn, do not shirk from this duty. To stray from the path of ascension, and to not embrace the Khala fully is abhorrent and as a true born son of Unicornia you are called, neigh, commanded to give yourself to the Khala fully, lest you be forgotten by the great historia.”

“Yes, Ardent Faith,” Blueblood replied, bowing slightly. “I will not forget your words.”

“See to it, young Blueblood. You may be from a more prestigious house than I, but I will not hesitate to break out the paddle should I think that you are following a dark path,” the stallion intoned solemnly before sighing and taking a step back.

“Now, if you would please proceed to the practice room, I believe Blue Blade has your armor and weapons ready and waiting for you,” Ardent announced before turning away, already moving to his desk and ignoring the two students entirely.

Knowing that this command was not to be ignored, Blueblood proceeded hastily to the door only to realize that Stoic had fallen behind somewhat. Waiting just outside, Blueblood glanced nervously as the filly slowly caught up with him before proceeding to walk with him towards their next class.

For nearly a minute things were quiet, and though Blueblood would usually consider such a silence awkward, Stoic Star seemed unconcerned by it and merely kept walking. The colt tried desperately to think of a way to come up with some manner of conversation that would enable him to subtly discover if she had truly bought into Ardent’s endless tirades on honor, duty and moral obligation. Only to come up with a fat wad of nothing, leaving him with little to do but trot awkwardly beside her, until she suddenly spoke up.

“There is a way to take without giving, but you know not how it is done. Follow my words and I may be able to teach you just that, though if you speak of this to anyone, I will deny every word,” she announced suddenly in a low, hushed tone. “Listen closely and take heart, for you must walk the path of ascension as lightly as possible, give to the Khala only your errant thoughts, your idle musings and passing ideas. It will be satiated with such mindless drivel and the rest of the houses will not suspect that you do not embrace it as they do. All the while you will revel in its power.”

Blueblood gaped like a fish, a million questions came to mind, all of which fought for a spot on his tongue in order to be the first to be spoken to the filly. In the end he settled for the simplest question he could muster. “Why?”

A small hint of a smile grew at the edges of her lips. “You lied to him about the incident this morning, you have not drunk the kool aid as the common pony says, and may be a useful ally… one day.”

“I, er, what? How do I-” Blueblood began, only to get a hoof stuffed in his mouth for his efforts.

Stoic stopped and shot him a brief, but intense look. “We are here.”

Blueblood gulped and nodded, prompting the filly to remove her hoof from his mouth. “Got it.”

“We will speak more after dinner, for now we have lessons to complete,” Stoic replied before turning and opening one of the many doors that lined the endless hallway.

This one had the same strange symbol as the last, a symbol Blueblood knew was only used by those who followed the Khala and took its principles to heart. Stepping inside the room, Blueblood quickly looked around, the colt having found himself inside the mansion’s training room where an almost unnaturally tall, thin unicorn mare of advanced age stood near the front of. Stoic didn't even give a glance at the painted floors or the numerous circles and lines that covered it, nor did she look at the walls which were covered in glowing symbols meant to protect the room’s occupants from accidental harm.

The filly merely trotted over to the two floating sets of armor and quickly donned the golden plate, clasping it into place and securing the chest piece with a firm tug. Blueblood didn't want to fall behind and quickly trotted up next to her, taking the other set of armor and following her lead.

“Good of you to join us, Blueblood,” the tall mare whispered, her voice low, but containing a surprisingly menacing tone.

“Sorry, Blue Blade,” Blueblood replied, dipping into a short cordial bow as he secured his helmet in place with a magical tug.

“You are getting faster at that,” the mare remarked emotionlessly, the silver-furred unicorn slowly circling him, her purple eyes staring down at him intensely. “Good. Though I want you as fast as Stoic by the end of the week. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Master Blue Blade,” Blueblood replied, securing the last of his armor and looking up at his instructor.

Though the instructor’s deep blue mane hung over both eyes and came down to just above her nose, Blueblood knew that she was glaring at him through her hair. “You two will begin the day with a practice fight,” she began, before turning to his only other classmate. “Stoic, I want you to go easy on him at first and when it seems like he's finally getting the hang of things, show him what a true Firstborn is capable of.”

The filly hesitated only a moment before dropping into a short bow. “As you wish, Master Blue Blade.”

“Excellent. The match will begin when I give the signal. As usual I want you to keep quiet throughout the fight and when I am speaking, you are expected to listen while also staying focused on your opponent,” Blue Blade announced before taking a step back and gesturing towards the center-most circle of the room.

Knowing the routine by now, both Stoic and Blueblood trotted over to their proscribed places, taking position and watching each other closely. Blueblood remembered the first day he had been in this position, his armor hanging heavily over his body as he glanced warily at his opponent. He remembered how scared he had first been to hurt her, to fight a girl with not only real weapons, but truly deadly ones at that. That time was far behind him now though, and this day he knew that it was more likely that he was going to end up hurt rather than the other way around.

Stoic herself seemed calm in the extreme, standing perfectly still in her tight fitting, perfectly maintained golden armor. Armor that covered most of her body while still leaving large gaps that were meant to be obvious, in order to better get rookies to start aiming at the joints and neck. The shin protectors were the thickest points of the armor, as it was both meant to shield the wearer’s hooves and was also from where their weapons would emerge.

“No magic, no blows to privates or eyes,” Blue Blade announced before nodding. “Honor and Duty.”

“Honor and Duty,” both children replied while stomping their forehooves.

“Begin!”

And with that, the battle was joined, with Blueblood launching into the first attack by raising his right hoof and lurching at his enemy. At the halfway point the shin guard blazed to life and a foot long shimmering wedge of blue force emerged, crackling audibly as it made contact with the air. His strike was fast, and he thought, unannounced, two things he had anticipated would help him in acquiring first blood.

Stoic Star was far faster than him however, and the filly simply batted his blade aside with her own identical weapon before leaping forward and swinging at the colt’s exposed side. Her swing was fast, but Blueblood had enough skill to know it was coming and deflected it before taking a hasty step back. When their hooves neared the floor, the blades automatically turned off, allowing them to not have to worry about accidentally destroying the ground they walked on.

The two foals stared at one another, each one circling the other slowly, waiting for an opportunity to strike while scanning the other’s form. That was until Blue Blade took a step forward and cleared her throat. “Your forms have both improved, take positions once more and begin again,” she commanded.

Both students nodded to their teacher, with Blueblood silently wondering how she had managed to come to such a conclusion after such a brief encounter. But he wasn't about to air any such concerns, lest he be forced to repeat the same exercise again.

Both students took their positions quickly and faced off once more, this time they did not look one another in the eye, as they had closed them and were focusing intently on the connection they felt at the back of their minds. This connection felt strange, and altogether alien to Blueblood, no matter how many times he touched upon it. His mind went back to the spot wherein the Khala rested, the connection radiating a feeling so unlike his own mind that he hesitated to indulge at all in what it offered.

His teacher’s close proximity dashed any such notion however, and the colt was forced to grab hold of the connection and carefully push a section of his mind into the recess from which the Khala had lay dormant. Instantly a feeling of unreality settled over him, and thoughts, emotions and sensations not his own suddenly poured through the breach in his psyche, filling him with terror.

Strangest of all was the whispering that he could hear at the very edge of perception, the feminine voice speaking words he could not understand, but instead, could feel. The connection that was forced upon him as a child had opened considerably since such a time and though it had only been a few short years since the ceremony, the voice was already much, much louder than what it once was. Thus allowing the colt to tell that it was pleased with his connection, yet it also wanted more, to be allowed fully into his mind, offering him power unlike anything he could dream of.

Something he refused vehemently.

His muscles tensed, his mind seemed to accelerate, his thoughts briefly becoming faster than his body was able to move before it finally caught up. Then he stopped, his mind pulling back from the connection and refusing to allow it to occupy the entirety of his mind as he knew it wanted to. He had, after all, increased strength, speed and reaction time and that was enough in his mind, as the loss of self was far too high a price to pay.

Opening his eyes, he looked into the glowing white orbs of his fellow student. A student that now lacked iris or pupil, her orbs glowing with a pale light that exuded twin wisps of equally white smoke from the corners. Her face was as expressionless as he knew his own was, and he also took note of the fact that her muscle mass had increased even more than his own had, the rail-thin filly having been replaced by a muscle-bound foal that rippled with a disturbing amount of power.

“Begin!” Blue Blade shouted.

This time the colt did not even have the opportunity to consider attacking before Stoic closed the distance, both hooves raised, her blades igniting. Caught off guard by the sheer speed of his opponent, Blueblood took several steps back, only narrowly dodging the cross slash that would have turned his head into mincemeat. In the span of an eyeblink she was already upon him, her right hoof coming down and being deflected by his own before her left followed.

The sheer weight of the blows staggered the colt, and her speed was such that he was struggling to keep up, the sharp sound of clashing psionic blades filling the room. Each strike came faster than the last as she twisted this way and that, driving Blueblood further and further back as he was forced to give ground to his attacker.

Already he was nearly forced back onto his heels, his forehooves almost becoming numb as the blows continued. Suddenly, he heard the whispering voice change and the emotions slipping through his mind shifted erratically. The voice still spoke in its strange, wordless way, this time promising him even more power, and strength if only he give her more of his mind. Though tempting, he already felt like he was no longer himself, and was even now looking down at a mere puppet of himself from the third person, an experience as unpleasant as it was alien.

This resistance to the voice’s offer fluctuated when Stoic Star came close to hitting him several times in a row, the colt forced to leap out of the way of another cross slash aimed for his face. Anger flared in his chest and the voice grew louder, more demanding, yet still he resisted, trying to walk that fine line between giving and taking without committing too much to one or the other. Something that became increasingly difficult as he felt his teacher’s glare become more intense with each poorly timed block and half-hearted counter attack.

In only two short minutes the two had fought all the way across the room, weapons clashing together so frequently that the crackle of the blades meeting become near constant. Throughout it all Blueblood could offer little in the way in challenge, though he had begun to notice that Stoic favored powerful dual weapon attacks that would have overpowered most foes. Something that his own defences were able to absorb with relative ease, though not without strain.

So when another powerful cross slash descended towards him, he raised both hooves and shoved back as hard as he could. For a moment the filly seemed about to topple backwards, only for his opponent’s eyes to glow brighter and her strength to double in an instant, allowing her to shove Blueblood right back and knock him onto his back. Before he could even move, he felt the heat of her blade over his throat, making him sigh and lay there in defeat.

“You win again, Stoic,” Blueblood muttered, his eyes dulling as he pulled away from the connection at the back of his mind, the strange emotions and whispering slowly fading away.

The blade at his throat vanished and when he looked up, the terrifying filly was replaced by an utterly normal one, who had a hoof extended, offering assistance. “You fought better than usual, Blueblood,” she remarked dryly, easily pulling the colt up when he took her offered hoof.

“Though that is low praise, considering just how weak you are,” Blue Blade spat, stepping forward and glaring harshly at the colt. “You still resist the Khala no matter how many times you lose.”

“I tried, it's just-” he began, only to get shut down by an increasingly terrifying glare.

“You resist the Khala’s influence and have the gall to say you tried?” The teacher snarled, her lip curling in anger and disgust. “The Khala connects all of the Firstborn to one another, it is meant to be embraced, not shunned, given to, not taken from.”

The mare took a single thundering step forward, her sheer height making the colt feel tiny and powerless in the extreme. “Taking without giving is abhorrent in the extreme, young Blueblood. To do so is arrogance of the highest order! What do you have to say for yourself, hmm?”

“I’m sorry, it just makes me feel strange, like I’m not myself, like I’m sleepwalking while still awake.” He winced prematurely, only realizing how traitorous his words were after they left his mouth.

The colt didn't get a chance to apologize before he felt a hoof upside his head, making him stumble forward. “If you had allowed yourself to become immersed in the Khala fully, you would not be bothered by this sensation, and would instead realize the true power that looking at one’s self would grant. To be whole and empty, is to be able to act within an instance while also viewing it impartially, allowing you to escape the trappings of your emotions, if only for a moment.”

Blueblood gulped, silently happy that the helmet had taken most of the blow, though it still hurt even through his armor. The colt looked up at his teacher, only to realize that she had only begun her half rant, half explanation and was even now towering over him.

“Tell me, colt, do you have over a millennium of knowledge, of skills, of experience, do you? Or perhaps you already have all that as well as the strength of an earth pony and the speed of a pegasus?” Blue Blade continued, her voice growing more shrill by the moment.

“I, uh, well.” He gulped, his mouth moving as he tried desperately to come up with some excuse no matter how lame it sounded. In the end he merely hung his head in defeat and sighed. “No, ma’am.”

“I did not think so,” Blue Blade whispered, taking a step back before leaning down and looking him in the eye. “Remember my words well, boy. Any attempt to use the Khala without giving to it will be met with harsh retribution, do you understand me?”

The colt nodded weakly. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good, this time I want you to try again, and if I see you taking without giving, you will be training with me from now on,” Blue Blade whispered before taking her usual spot off to the side of the room.

Knowing the routine, Stoic Star and Blueblood trotted slowly back into position, with the colt catching a flicker of pity from his opponent. That was until her face became a neutral mask once more, with the stony expression returning in full. Blueblood chose to not think about this particular change as his emotions were already too garbled for his liking, and were inevitably going to get in the way of his training.

This time when their eyes met, and closed, Blueblood found the spot in his mind that the Khala occupied quickly and though he hesitated a moment, he ultimately gave it more of his mind than he usually dared. The whisper was encouraging, the feelings of calm and relaxation easing the irritation that came with feeling emotions that weren't his, aiding him transition more fully into the Khala. Though he refused to give himself utterly, he passed the usual threshold.

This time when his eyes opened, they blazed with inner fire, dwarfing the intensity of his opponent’s by an order of magnitude. Though he felt no fear himself, he saw fear in the eyes of his fellow student, fear that quickly vanished when Blue Blade spoke once more. “Begin!” she yelled.

Blueblood’s corded muscles bulged beneath his fur, his flesh barely able to contain the raw power that he brought to bear. This time he was on the offensive before his opponent could blink, his cold and calculating mind knowing that since she was smaller than him, he would ultimately be able to use this increased size to his advantage. Hooves raised over his head, the colt brought his roaring blue blades down towards his opponent, utilizing his lightning fast speed to cover the distance in a flash.

The filly hesitated, taking a moment to consider blocking, only to roll away at the last second, a stray strand of hair being lopped off as he narrowly missed his target. Blueblood knew he shouldn't let his opponent have so much as a moment to think and instantly pushed his advantage, rearing back and delivering a trio of fast stabs aimed at the filly’s face.

The result was instant, and Stoic was forced to rear back in order to bring both of her own blades to the task of blocking his fast strikes. This meant she could not back up without nearly falling over herself and getting knocked prone, which was another advantage that he pushed.

Switching suddenly, the colt brought both blades down against his opponent, forcing her to block lest she slip and be forced into an awkward situation. Blades met and roared against one another, with the filly forced to give ground as her larger opponent drove his forelegs down against her, making their weapons grow louder as he multiplied the force he exerted down upon her.

Then, just as she had seemingly adapted to the force he exerted and began to push back, he took a risky step back and slammed his blades back down against the filly’s guard. The result was immediate, with the filly’s defences beginning to crumble as her legs began to shake. Blueblood’s own muscles strained to keep up with what he demanded of them, but the colt knew that they wouldn't give out until he had already won and he chose to continue to slam his weapons down repeatedly, knowing that his tactic would ultimately give him victory.

Sweat poured down the filly’s face, not only from the closeness of her weapons, and the exertion she was under, but from the pure and unfiltered fear she even now experienced.

The mana blades clashed repeatedly, their crackle turning into a roar each time this happened, leaving the filly dazed and reeling. This brutal assault continued until she had very nearly been broken completely, her guard beginning to crumble as the colt brought his weapons down in another thunderous crash of blade on blade.

This time he did not pull back and instead leaned forward, throwing his entire weight into this last push, intent on shattering her guard completely and finally claiming victory. As their weapons roared against one another, the filly’s hooves beginning to slip, their eyes met. In that moment Blueblood saw the naked fear in his opponent’s eyes for the first time.

For a moment both foals remained there, staring into one another’s eyes, one whose pure white orbs blazed like an angry sun and the other that contained only a soft and patient glow. Stoic Star looking up at him with a pleading expression, the filly desperate to dissuade Blue Blood from doing… something. An expression that first struck Blueblood as the desperate bid of a pony about to lose, only for the colt to dismiss such a notion when he truly began to understand the depth in those pleading eyes.

They pleaded not for victory, or even the avoidance of defeat, but rather for him, for the colt to refuse to give away the part of himself that he was now handing over to the Khala. With a mental jerk he pulled away from the link, his senses returning to him suddenly and with the force of a hammer blow.

To make matters worse, the filly reacted quickly to his sudden shift, shoving hard against his attack and forcing him to break away from the melee. Something that forced him into an awkward position as he had been standing tall on his hind hooves until then. He had learned his lesson though and quickly stumbled back, swiping wildly and keeping Stoic Star at bay long enough for the colt to regain his bearings and enable him to get his guard back up.

Or at least, that's what he tried to do, as Stoic pressed harder and faster than before, keeping him perpetually off balance and forcing each subsequent block to become wider and wider. Until finally the colt’s midsection was completely wide open, allowing Stoic to slide forward and press the tip of her blade against Blueblood’s breastplate.

The second that happened, a soft golden glow encompassed them both, stopping them dead in their tracks. For a second nothing happened, only for Blue Blade to suddenly realize what she was supposed to do, causing the mare to stumble over to the pair and light her horn, dismissing the enchantment’s hold on them.

“That certainly was… interesting,” she muttered, looking down at Blueblood with a mixture of awe and confusion. “What pray tell caused you to stop your attack, young Master Blueblood?”

“I was worried that the protection charms wouldn't work if I accidentally used her own blade against her,” Blueblood lied. “I wasn't aware of a time where this had happened and I did not want to test it and end up with blood on my hooves.”

“That is…” Blue Blade stopped, the angry tirade she had already planned falling by the wayside. “An excellent thought, though you should know for next time that the enchantment works if it detects any strike that would be considered lethal, even your own.”

“Ahh, my apologies, Blue Blade,” the colt remarked, bowing slightly to his teacher.

“Yes, well, see to it that you do not let another victory slip between your hooves and all will be forgiven,” the mare muttered before turning to Stoic Star. “You did well, little Star, but you let him maintain the advantage for too long, you must learn to dodge or offer a counter attack, lest you be trapped in a situation that your enemy planned for you to be in.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Stoic muttered, casting a cautious glance at her classmate.

“Now then, I can tell you are both quite exhausted, so while you disarm, I will be available for questions, after which I will demonstrate form three,” Blue Blade explained, trotting back to the forefront of the room.

As Blueblood began to remove the armor he wore, fatigue set in and his movements began to slow as he struggled to remove the larger parts of his equipment. A particularly troublesome strap saw him struggling for nearly a minute before Stoic unexpectedly assisted him, unshackling him from the back plate that he had been fighting against.

Noticing that his teacher was eying their interaction a little closer than he would like, Blueblood suddenly spoke up, “Yes, I had a question.”

“Go ahead, child,” Blue Blade replied.

“Where did these weapons and armor come from? My father has only a single book on the topic, but it makes no mention of their origin, only that it was invented by my family for unicorns to use,” he asked as he placed his helmet to the side.

“That is an excellent question,” Blue Blade declared. “The arms and armor you use today are based on ancient designs that Celestia believes were lost during the unification wars. It was only with the noble houses’ vast wealth and the whispers found deep within the Khala were we able to rediscover them in hidden vaults beneath what once was Unicornia.”

“Fascinating,” Blueblood muttered, with as much mustered enthusiasm as he could bring to bear.

Thankfully his teacher didn't seem to notice and continued to ramble, stars coming to her eyes as she recounted the tale in an increasingly fervent tone. “Oh, it truly is, for you see the Khala not only links all worthy unicorns with one another, but also to the whispers of our ancestors that lay within the link. It is with their help that we are able to uncover lost secrets and learn what has been forgotten by nearly all of pony kind.”

“Pardon me, ma’am,” Stoic interrupted, raising a hoof. “But aren't the unification wars commonly referred to as the long night or the Nightmare rebellion?”

The proud unicorn mare furrowed her brow and snorted irritably. “That is merely what she would have you believe. We fought not for the Nightmare, but for our independence, for the chance of regaining the glory and honor that was lost when we were forced to recognize the lesser races as equals.” The mare smirked and suddenly regained her proud posture once more. “But I would not worry about that happening again, the great houses have managed to create enough confusion in the castle that Celestia will spend all of her time putting out minor fires and allowing us to move unseen behind the curtains.”

“I thought the goal was to make Celestia join us?” Blueblood asked, feigning ignorance.

The mare was too distracted by her own emotions to notice this fake ignorance however and visibly shook as she spoke. “That fool has turned our offers of peace down one too many times and after slighting even your revered father, it is clear that she cannot see the light.”

“But doesn't she control the sun and moon?” Stoic asked. “It sounds like a bad idea to work against the pony that is able to move the celestial bodies.”

The mare smirked and puffed out her chest even more. “Trust me, child, that has been considered, and we have a plan for such an eventuality, should it come.” She shook her head and gathered up the gear that now lay on the floor, levitating the sets of armor off to the side with slow, careful movements.

Blueblood raised his hoof and was about to speak when his teacher interrupted him, “Question period is over, and though I know you have more concerns, I cannot answer them for now. Simply remember that with the Khala’s guidance, we can overcome any obstacle, and through its power we will be masters of our destiny once more, and will reclaim our lost homeland.”

“I guess, but-” Blueblood began, only to be interrupted not by his teacher, but by a knock at the door, followed by the door opening to reveal a stern-faced butler.

“Master Blue Blade, your presence is requested in the war room immediately,” the butler announced in a neutral, even tone.

“Did they say why?” the mare asked hesitantly, a look of worry overcoming her features.

“I am afraid not. Only that they detected a surge in the Khala,” replied the butler.

“In that case tell them… no, I shouldn't make them wait. I will leave immediately,” Blue Blade announced before turning to her charges. “You two remain here, review the literature I have set aside, and if I am not back within the hour, you are dismissed.”

The two foals both nodded, and watched as their teacher hastily trotted out of the room, following the stony-faced butler.

Once it was clear that Blue Blade was not about to return, Blueblood deflated, flopping out onto the ground and letting out a deep sigh. “Augh, that was terrible,” he muttered.

“Tell me about it, I thought you were going to kill me,” Stoic remarked with surprising calm.

The colt winced. “I’m sorry, Stoic, but-”

“You have no need to apologize, I saw how deep you had become,” Stoic interrupted, a small smile slipping onto her lips. “I experienced it once before and vowed that such a thing would never happen again.”

“I think I’ll do the same. That was terrifying, it was like I was looking down at myself and was moving a mere chess piece rather than my own flesh and blood,” Blueblood trembled at the memory.

“Me and several others have been working on a way of getting around this while also not tipping off our parents. If you are interested, I could teach you a few techniques,” Stoic explained while smiling down at the colt.

Blueblood’s eyes went wide and he stood quickly, his fatigue forgotten. “You could? Wait.” He took a step back and eyed her closely. “Though I agree with you, what are you trying to accomplish with this little club of yours?”

The filly sighed and rolled her eyes. “First of all it is not a club, or a secret society, no matter how much Subtle Script calls us ‘The Never Zim’ or whatever. And secondly, how do I know I can trust you with this?”

“For one you’ve already trusted me with information that would see you exiled from your family and given me one of the names of your club members,” Blueblood remarked with a smirk. “At this point I don't think it matters.”

The foal raised her hoof and opened her mouth to speak, only to shrivel somewhat and sigh. “I suppose it doesn't then, does it? Damn, we really need to get better at this whole secret society thing.”

“Anyway,” Blueblood prompted.

“Right, well, don't tell anyone but we are hoping to ultimately close ourselves from the Khala, but also keep the power it gives,” Stoic explained. “It's a little far-fetched now, but Quick Quill seems to think that it's possible.”

Blueblood found himself grinning from ear to ear by the time Stoic had finished her explanation. “You have no idea how much I like that idea.”

“R-really?” Stoic stuttered, looking up at him with wide eyes.

“Absolutely, this whole thing has felt wrong since day one and after hearing the whisper more intensely, I can say with absolute certainty that there is something wrong in there,” Blueblood explained.

“I know, right?” Stoic grinned. “Our next meeting is during Quick Quill’s birthday party. I’ll get you an invitation.”

Blueblood grasped the filly’s forehoof in both of his own, squeezing the limb tightly. “Thank you, Stoic, I won't forget what you've done for me.”

The filly hastily tugged her limb from Blueblood’s grip, a blush sprouting on her cheeks. “D-don't mention it. Seriously, don't mention it.”

“Don't worry, our secret is safe with me,” Blueblood remarked, flashing the filly a wink.

Author's Note

Therapy

Twilight Sparkle shifted nervously in her chair, the filly squeezing the hoofrests of her seat as she waited impatiently for her therapist to get ready.

Velvet Touch shuffled a small group of papers, attached it to her clipboard and pulled out a pen. “Alright, so let's start at the top. What happened the other night?” she asked, looking over the rim of the clipboard and down to Twilight.

The filly gulped and continued to shift nervously in her seat. “Well my brother said some mean things and I ran away and then I had a really bad nightmare when I got home.”

“What did you argue about?” Velvet asked, her pen hastily scrawling a plethora of notes on her page.

“He knew about what we were talking about and-” Twilight began, only to be cut off.

“Wait, he knew what exactly?” Velvet asked, unconsciously leaning forward in her chair.

Twilight gulped. “He knew I have to eat a little bit of meat, and that I was friends with Mister Razor Wind and that we had an argument and I messed up your papers and... and that I can hear people’s thoughts sometimes and that I’m a freak!” The filly’s voice rising more and more, she listed off the things her brother had said, tears budding and finally trickling down her face by the time she reached the end of her sentence.

Velvet carefully discarded her clipboard and walked around the coffee table, carefully seating herself next to the sobbing unicorn filly. Placing a gentle hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, the therapist sighed and pulled her closer. At first she resisted, the filly pushing back against Velvet’s hoof, but she quickly melted into the embrace, hugging Velvet Touch’s leg and sobbing into the mare’s fur.

Using her free foreleg, the therapist gently rubbed the filly’s back, merely staying silent and allowing the young mare to get it all out. Mood swings are getting worse, trauma no doubt the cause, Velvet thought to herself, the mare trying to stay as clinical as possible. Familial distance will exacerbate loneliness and emotional detachment.

Her thoughts petered out when she noticed that Twilight was now sniffling and wiping away her tears. “It's okay, Twilight, take all the time you need,” Velvet whispered.

The filly nodded, wiping her face with her hooves and accomplishing nothing more than wiping her tears across her nearly her face. With a sigh, the therapist levitated a hoofkerchief to the filly and wiped away her tears before placing the square of fabric on Twilight’s lap and allowing her to finish the task. Something that Twilight initially resisted, but soon allowed Velvet Touch to do for her before taking up the rest of the task for herself.

“T-thanks,” muttered the filly as she wiped clean her cheeks.

“It's okay, Twilight. Why don't we talk about something else for a little while? How’s Spike doing by the way? I hear he's getting quite big already,” Velvet Touch offered, continuing to rub the filly’s back.

“Y-y-yeah.” The filly sniffed. “Celestia says that dragons grow fast at first but after a year start to slow down for a while.”

“Well, that certainly explains how he got so big so fast,” Velvet offered with a smile.

Twilight grinned weakly and nodded. “Celestia says that because I’m giving him so much attention he is growing faster than most dragons raised by ponies.”

“And why is that?” Velvet Touch pressed.

“It's ‘cause I know what he wants to eat, something that doesn't happen much with pony parents.” Twilight grinned a little wider, and a little more sincerely. “Celestia says it's because harmony is telling me what he needs, isn't that cool?”

“I bet there are plenty of moms out there that would love to know exactly what their baby wanted,” Velvet continued, gently pulling her hoof from Twilight’s back.

“I-I guess…” Twilight muttered, suddenly staring off into space with a contemplative expression on her face.

“Is something wrong, Twilight?” Velvet Touch asked, leaning a little closer.

The filly shook her head. “I never thought of him like he's my baby, just that I was helping raise him, but I guess he would probably see me as his mommy. I mean, I hatched him.”

“I wouldn't worry about that too much, Twilight, I don't think anyone is expecting you to raise a dragon while also going to school. Nevermind the fact that you are so young,” Velvet replied.

“I guess… is it weird that I wouldn't mind being his mom?” Twilight asked, looking up at the older mare with hope in her eyes.

“I think it's wonderful, Twilight, just don't push yourself, remember you have plenty of helpers including staff and even Celestia,” Velvet answered, a small smile on her face. “And you are just a kid, Twilight, you don't have to worry about that kind of responsibility until you are much older.”

The filly nodded. “I know you're right, but it kind of makes me warm and fuzzy inside when I think of Spike calling me mom.” She frowned. “I’m not weird, right?”

The therapist chuckled and shook her head. “Plenty of fillies want to be mommies when they are younger, though most usually have dolls instead of dragons.”

Twilight chuckled. “I never thought of it like that. Oh yeah and Celestia said that she's going to start letting me take care of him more soon! The sitters are nice, but he’s getting so big he's starting to be a hoofful and she says that so long as I keep up on my work, he can even sleep in my room!”

“That's wonderful, Twilight!” Velvet Touch declared, taking a step back and walking back over to her spot across from the filly. “I can't wait to meet him one of these days.”

“That could be fun! He may be a little grouchy sometimes, but he really does like meeting new ponies,” Twilight declared proudly.

“That's great to hear, and speaking of new friends, how is Razor Wind doing?” Velvet Touch inquired as she grabbed her clipboard once more.

“He's okay, I guess,” Twilight muttered. “He's old and has a weird sense of humour though.”

“Really? Why do you say that?” Velvet pressed, the mare scratching a few notes in the margins of the page.

“He just says funny things like jalopy, and he always calls unicorns horny toads,” Twilight muttered, a frown on her face.

The therapist’s face lit up and she nearly lost her grip on her clipboard. “I wouldn't repeat that phrase again, Twilight, it's an old griffon swear that's quite crude.”

“Really?” Twilight cocked her head. “But frogs are kind of cool. They got great big mouths and are all slimy and ooooh... Now I get it.”

“Yes well, let's just say there are several ways to refer to our kind in a less than pleasant manner.” Velvet coughed into her hoof. “Moving on, I was hoping to apologize to you. I have no doubt that you may feel betrayed by your brother knowing these things and I know I shouldn't tell you this, but there was an incident not too long ago.”

“An incident? What kind of incident?” Twilight pressed, shifting forward on her seat.

“One where one of your files went ‘missing’ and ended up in the hooves of someone that should not have it.” The therapist sighed. “He was fired and promptly jailed when Celestia caught him in the act, but I’m afraid he still made off quite a few of my notes and apparently sold it.”

Twilight frowned and crossed her hooves over her chest. “What a bad pony, I hope he learns his lesson.”

Velvet Touch coughed into her hoof awkwardly. “Yes, well, let's just say he will never be doing that again as Celestia threw the book at him.”

“How does getting hit with a book mean you never do it again…” Twilight’s eyes lit up, a panicked expression crossing her face. “She didn't kill him with a book, did she?”

Velvet Touch giggled and shook her head. “Oh no, she just charged him with treason and tossed him in a dungeon so deep I don't think he’ll see his own shadow for the rest of his days.”

Twilight frowned and sat back down, tapping her chin as she looked off into the distance. “Isn't that a bit much?” she asked suddenly, looking up at the mare. “I mean, it was just some papers, right?”

“Yes, but if a mean pony got it they could do many nasty things with that information and it was shown that he was quite erm, unrepentant,” Velvet Touch muttered, remembering well the zealous screaming she had heard from all the way down the hall. The mare shook her head suddenly, dismissing the memories that threatened to drag her down a dark path. “Regardless, he won't be a problem anymore and I promise we have increased security tenfold since then.”

The filly breathed a little easier, relaxing into her chair and resting her chin on her forehooves. “That's a relief, ‘cause I don't want to go through that again.”

“I don't want to pry, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask for more information on the disagreement you had with your brother.” Velvet Touch sighed. “If at any point you are uncomfortable with the conversation and want it to end, just let me know and we can pick this up another time, okay?”

Twilight nodded slowly. “I g-guess.”

“Okay, first question. What did your father say before you left?” Velvet asked.

“He didn't want me to leave,” Twilight muttered, her gaze drifting off. “He wanted me to stay home and for things to work out.”

“That's good, do you think he really meant it?” Velvet continued.

Twilight nodded weakly. “I think so.”

“Your father loves you very much. You know that, right?” Velvet Touch smiled. “Why he even came to the castle several times to try and see you, but you were either in class or weren't in the castle.”

“R-really?” Twilight asked, hope burning in the depths of her glowing orbs.

The therapist nodded confidently. “Celestia was unsure of whether or not to tell you since your little falling out, but I managed to speak with him briefly the last time he was in the castle. He wanted me to tell you that he cares about you very much.”

Twilight sniffed, tears building at the edge of her gaze. “Dad…”

“So I wouldn't give up hope in your family quite yet either.” Velvet Touch smiled. “Your father also said that he had a long conversation with the rest of your family and I think there is a chance to fix things between you guys.”

Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the hope in Twilight’s eyes vanished and she pulled back, crossing her hooves over her chest. “Why should I talk to them when they were mean to me?”

“Twilight, they are your family, they love you very much,” Velvet Touch insisted.

“Maybe dad does, but Shining Armor was a big meanie and doesn't like me anymore. He even called me a f-freak,” the filly remarked, her jaw clenching tightly.

The therapist sighed. “I know you don't want to hear this, but he is just a kid too. He said something stupid, something I’m sure he now regrets very much.”

Twilight’s jaw clenched tighter and she looked away. “I don't need him. I have Celestia and Mister Razor Wind and Spike and Bull and that's all I need.”

“And your father? Would you push him away after he stood up for you?” Velvet Touch asked.

The filly’s anger melted for a moment, revealing the angry and hurt child beneath, though that lasted only a moment as Twilight gritted her teeth. “Maybe. For now I have all I need right here in the castle.”

That's something at least, Velvet Touch thought. “We are going to talk about this again later, but for now I want to talk to you about something else, okay?”

Twilight nodded. “Okay.”

“It's about your hearing thoughts comment. How much are you able to hear and is it some ability you are able to use consciously? I know we haven't really talked about it much, but both Celestia and I are curious about your new abilities,” Velvet Touch explained, smiling gently.

Twilight looked down, avoiding the therapist’s gaze. “A little, I could hear more but after my nightmare I can't hear as much.”

“What can you hear then?” Velvet Touch pressed.

“Big thoughts, like if you are really angry and really hate pens or something, I would know that, but like right now you're thinking of so many things that it's all just… noise.” Twilight gulped, pressing her forehooves together awkwardly. “I try not to listen, but sometimes some ponies think so loud that I can't help it.”

Velvet Touch paused, mere millimeters from the paper. “What happened in this dream, Twilight?”

“I dreamt there were these monsters, but it wasn't like any dream I’ve ever had before. It felt real, like I was there in that creepy cave with that monster and those ponies,” Twilight remarked, shivering as she imagined what had occurred only a night ago.

“Can you draw these monsters?” Velvet Touch asked, already bringing over a large pad of paper, and a plethora of pencils. “Just do your best, it doesn't have to be perfect.”

“I guess, it might take a while though,” Twilight replied, grabbing the pencils and paper out of the air with her magic, laying them out before herself.

“That's okay, Twilight, take all the time you need, in the meantime I’m going to ask you some more questions if that's alright with you,” Velvet Touch half asked, half exclaimed.

“I guess,” Twilight muttered, her horn alight as she began to sketch the first monster she had seen.

“Excellent.” Velvet Touch smiled as she grabbed a new pen and tossed the old one into the trash. “Now then, you said there were ponies and a monster, just one?”

Twilight nodded. “One looked like a monster and a pony mixed together, but she was nice. So was the other one who looked like a monster.” A frown crossed the filly’s face and her pencil moved faster across the page. “And the last one looked like a pony and monster squished together, but she acted like a monster and not at all like a pony. I don't like her ‘cause she wants to hurt the princess.”

“Hurt the princess how?” Velvet Touch asked hesitantly.

“She wanted to make me explode and hurt the princess, but the other two didn't want me to explode.” She frowned. “I thought they were gonna make me explode at first too but now that I think about it, I don't think they would do that.”

The mare paused mid-notation and rubbed her temples with her forehooves. “How exactly would they make you explode, Twilight?”

The filly shrugged. “They said something about overloading me and making spores come out of me, but the other two didn't want to hurt Celestia.”

“Right. Did you happen to know where these monsters were? Did you see any mountains or forests or discernible landmarks by chance?” Velvet Touch pressed.

Twilight shook her head. “We were in a creepy cave and the walls were all gross and covered with this fleshy stuff.” She stuck out her tongue. “It was super gross.”

“Yes, I suppose that would be quite unpleasant,” Velvet Touch muttered, her cheeks growing a little green as she tried to imagine it.

“There was also this pool of green goop called a breeding pool. Does that help?” Twilight asked, looking up at the mare.

Who nodded awkwardly. “Oh yes, I’m sure somepony will know what that is.”

Twilight smiled to herself and went back to drawing, only to stop after several seconds and take a closer look at her drawing and grin. “There, I made the nice pony I saw first,” she announced, turning and revealing the image she had just completed.

Velvet Touch raised an eyebrow as she took the picture, eyeing it carefully. Though clearly drawn by a child and its proportions were off significantly, it at least looked like a pony, save for its one eye, and its mandibles. “And its cutie mark is bubbles?”

Twilight nodded. “That's her name too! Also the bubbles were green but you don't have any coloring pencils.”

“Right…” Velvet Touch muttered, her mind churning with possible reasons for the mare’s strange disfigurements. “And why does she have mandibles and that stuff all over her?”

Twilight shrugged. “I am not sure, but I think it's because she was infested.” The filly frowned. “I’m not sure if I’m saying it right.”

Velvet Touch nodded absently, her gaze never pulling away from the picture for a second. “And what was this Bubbles like?”

“She was nice!” Twilight frowned. “Kinda. She looked around in my brain for another unicorn filly and didn't even ask permission, but when she did I could tell that she was really scared for some reason.”

“That is… interesting,” Velvet Touch muttered, her pen flying back and forth across the page, her every thought being committed to paper at a breakneck pace. “Please continue the next drawing.”

Twilight nodded and did just that, her face screwing up in concentration as she stared at the paper, strugglingly to draw what she could already see in her mind’s eye.

Velvet Touch however, was baffled by the drawing already before her, already imagining the many exhausted sighs that her partner would utter once she heard this most recent bit of news. Silver Scalpel already came home every night mentally and physically exhausted to the point that Velvet Touch was beginning to have doubts of taking this job, despite the pay and the prestige, and this new information wouldn't help that one bit. If she was already exhausted with just the few samples she was already able to take, Velvet Touch didn't even want to think about how bad things were going to get if she told her about this other pony.

“Done,” Twilight declared. “I couldn't draw her legs super good but they were like a spider’s, only with weby things between them.”

Velvet Touch lifted an eyebrow and took the page hesitantly, gazing nervously down at the strange drawing of what looked like a twisted version of the mythological Arachne. Only it was larger, more disturbing and had a weird vertical mouth in its waist, all things combined to make one of the most horrific sights Velvet Touch had ever imagined. It was at this point that she was quite glad that Twilight wasn't a better artist as she wasn't sure if she could keep her dinner down if the full disturbing nature of this creature was brought to light.

“And who is this?” Velvet Touch asked.

“Starlight Glimmer,” Twilight replied, the filly scowling at the simple drawing. “She is the meanie that wanted to make me explode.”

“She certainly looks… mean,” Velvet muttered, noticing the big angry frown drawn on the creature’s face. “And is she also like Bubbles?”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah, I think so.”

“What is that thing on her head?” Velvet Touch asked, pointing to the zerg’s crest.

“I don't know, but it was really big and gross-looking,” Twilight explained. “I might be remembering it wrong though…”

“And the last picture?” Velvet Touch asked, already fearing what might be coming.

Twilight shrugged and hoofed the third paper over. “Mother is really detailed but she's generally like a worm with arms all over her, see?” The filly pointed to the picture, indicating all the small arms that grew out of the snakelike creature’s body. “She's got two big arms as well.”

Velvet Touch nodded meekly. “I see that, Twilight, and what was she like?”

“She was kind of scared and confused and wasn't sure if I should explode or not, but I think she didn't want me to explode.” The filly shook her head vigorously. “I didn't want to take the chance though so I made sure she can't make me explode.”

“And how did you do that?” Velvet Touch asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m not really sure but it's like there was this part of my brain that was connected to them and I put a wall over it.” The filly shrugged. “I don't know how to explain it.”

“Well that's certainly… interesting,” Velvet Touch commented.

“Maybe I should take out a book on drawing the next time I’m at the library,” Twilight muttered to herself, tapping her chin and staring off into space, deep in thought.

“That might be a good idea,” Velvet Touch remarked offhandedly, never taking her eyes off the drawing.

The filly sat there for a few seconds, the room silent save for the tick of the clock, until she suddenly lifted an eyebrow and looked up at the mare. “Hey, isn't our time up already?”

Velvet Touch blinked and looked up at the clock. “Oh, uh, yes, would you look at that.”

“So can I go then?” Twilight asked tentatively.

“Absolutely. Don't forget your books and some candy,” Velvet Touch muttered, already ignoring the filly in order to give her attention to the three drawings fanned out before her.

Twilight lifted an eyebrow at the strangely distracted mare, but ultimately shrugged off that bit of oddness. Grabbing her book bag, the filly also grabbed one of the foil wrapped chocolates in the bowl in the centre of the coffee table, only to look up at the distracted mare and grab a whole hoofful before scampering out of the room, bags stuffed full of candy and books.

Velvet Touch however didn't notice or care in the slightest, uncomfortable realizations flying through her brain at a million miles an hour. There were more of these strange infested, they were able to alter a pony’s anatomy considerably, and they were being commanded by a great snake creature that looked so unlike anything that the therapist had ever seen. There was now no longer any doubt in her mind that this threat was extraterrestrial in nature. This Mother thing, was obviously a command oriented creature of some kind, but what exactly it was capable of was not clear upon first glance.

More disturbing than even those terrible realizations was the fact that at least one of the ponies was even more violent than the thing from outer space. Was this some sort of accident of becoming infested or had she been chosen for her apparent readiness to commit violence, or were these infested meant to all be violent and Bubbles was merely an outlier?

The therapist placed the three pages face down on her desk, forcing herself to not think about them at least for the time being. She added a few more notes to the file before placing it on her desk overtop of the drawings, the mare breathing deeply, a hoof placed against her chest.

This was officially above her pay grade, if Twilight was to be believed anyway, something the grown mare never once doubted in the slightest. The filly was so earnest, so desperate to please that Velvet Touch doubted that she could even lie, at least to any authority figure anyway. Furthermore the minor enchantments placed on the room made lying more difficult, and she certainly hadn't noticed Twilight struggling to speak even once.

Taking a deep breath, the mare stood up and rounded her desk, her hoof reaching for the bottom right drawer and pulling it open. Pushing past all the random nick nacks and nonsense that seemed to accumulate in the glorified junk drawer, the unicorn grabbed the small bottle of wine hidden in the back and pulled it out. She looked around for a cup only to sigh and pop the cork and take a swig straight from the bottle.

After several glugs of room temperature chianti, the mare felt her nerves begin to settle and she placed the bottle back on the table. Though the alcohol had yet to truly enter her veins, the mare already felt more relaxed, and she took a deep, steadying breath.

“Celestia is going to want to hear about this right away,” she muttered to herself, the mare staring down at the file resting on her desk.

With one last deep sigh, she reached forward, grabbed the package of papers and stood slowly. “Well, this should be… interesting,” Velvet Touch remarked.

Author's Note

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Changes

Nine years later.

Twilight tugged her overcoat into place, the coat which was designed for a griffon soldier in his prime, fit the unicorn perfectly. A magical pull ensured that the black collar was pulled straight and flipped up properly, ensuring her neck was slightly protected by the deep black leather outfit. The unicorn’s magic flowed over her coat, smoothing away any creases and ensuring that the outfit was perfectly fitted. The well-worn and much loved piece of clothing easily covered nearly every inch of the mare’s body save for her back hooves, where only the coat tails protected the hooved limbs.

Not like she was worried much though, as the unicorn flexed each of her thick, corded limbs in turn, ensuring that each felt as they should. Sure enough she had managed to shed the last vestiges of sleep by then, and no fatigue lingered in her powerful legs. Looking up and into the mirror, Twilight gazed back into her glowing orange orbs, while turning her head left and right, inspecting her features carefully.

Her complexion was perfect as ever, her jaw just as chiseled, and her mane, at least on first glance, was as perfectly short as ever. The mare’s eyes narrowed and she peered into the mirror, leaning against the sink and staring at her mane, which she used her magic to lift and inspect. It was getting long, well longer than usual anyway, as it was only just below her horn, and as perfectly straight as ever. A short look told Twilight that her bangs were nearing three inches long, which was too much for the mare, who sighed and made a note of seeing the same barber she had gone to last time since he didn't ask as many questions and was merely happy for the business.

With a snort of irritation she turned and gave herself one last look over.

The lapels, complete with the dual gold stars were as perfect as ever, as were the large copper buttons that went down the front of her outfit. The tight black shirt she wore under the coat hugged her body perfectly, and kept her surprisingly cool due to the enchantments she had placed upon it. Last and perhaps most importantly, were the mare’s combat boots which were black with gold stitching and were polished to a shine, as per usual. With everything in order, she nodded and trotted out of the bathroom, her heavy footsteps rendered silent the second she trod upon the soft carpet of her room.

Twilight paused and looked around, the familiar sights, sounds and smells of her room greeting her warmly. The many book shelves that surrounded her filled her with warmth, and a slight feeling of pride, each one being a small trophy to the knowledge within which she had consumed. The smells of all those books combined with the lilac fabric softener that she insisted be used on her bedding made for a pleasurable aroma, one that made her grin.

That was until she looked down at the dragon sprawled out on her bed, a dragon that was now snoring loudly, his eyes closed.

Twilight rolled her eyes and stepped over to the drake, glancing down at his lanky form with irritation. The large green scales that emerged from just above his brow and proceeded along his skull and down his back were now large enough to list slightly to one side. The trio of short fins that were on the side of his face now resided slightly further up his head, also becoming slightly longer and more angular, losing the rounded edges they had in his younger years. This theme of no longer being quite so round followed through with the rest of his body, which was far leaner than most dragon’s his age who usually had yet to grow out of their roundness.

Long, well-muscled arms fell from his shoulders and had been flung randomly across the bed, his much shorter legs following suit, one being under the blanket, while the other was over. His long tail emerged from the bottom of the sheet and fell to the floor, twitching occasionally as if he really were asleep. His purple scales shone brilliantly in the indirect sunlight coming from the small window across the room, illuminating his light green underside and the twin fangs that poked out from either side of his jaw.

Twilight’s frown deepened, and she glared at the dragon’s closed eyes for several seconds, as if willing him to rise before wilting slightly and coughing into her hoof. “I get it, you were impatient and fell asleep. Now get up before we are late for my first day back,” Twilight commanded, her voice having lost the distinct high pitched tone of a filly and having been replaced by a deeper, more baritone voice which had a slight masculine edge to it.

“Sorry, boss, I’m having a nice dream, come back later...” Spike muttered, his eyes remaining closed, the dragon pretending to snore.

Twilight’s gaze narrowed and she focused her mind towards the dragon, probing his psyche before forcing a memory to return to the forefront of his mind. “Gah! You didn't have to go that far!” he yelled, the dragon sitting bolt upright in Twilight’s bed. “I was two at the time for crying out loud!”

“Maybe next time you will think before you sass me, maybe then you won't be forced to remember that time you laughed so hard you puked,” Twilight declared before turning to the door. “Now come on, we are going to be late, and I refuse to make Celestia waste her time.”

The dragon rolled his emerald green eyes and shifted to the edge of the bed. “You know there wouldn't even be the possibly of us being late in the first place if you didn't take forever getting ready. What were you doing in there anyway?”

“My boots weren’t polished,” Twilight replied with a shrug.

Spike sighed and fell in behind the unicorn. “Sure. It's definitely not that you’re nervous about seeing your mom.”

Twilight’s face lit up and she ground her teeth together. “She is not my mom.”

“She might as well be, or need I remind you of that incident last year, hmm?” Spike shot back, the dragon sticking his tongue out at the mare.

“That doesn't count, I just woke up!” Twilight countered.

“Sure,” Spike muttered, raising his hands. “Whatever you say, boss.”

Twilight sighed and opened the door. “Come on, you lanky galoot, we got a long walk ahead of us.”

“Okay, mooom,” Spike droned.

“And don't you forget it. I brought you into this world and I can take you right out again,” Twilight replied with a smirk.

Spike rolled his eyes and groaned, following close behind Twilight as they made their way down the hall and into the living room. Where a stallion sat on his well worn chair, book held aloft in his magical grip while his hoof held a pipe that had long since gone out. Upon hearing the clatter that Twilight’s heavy boots made, he perked up and smiled at the duo. “Ahh, I was wondering when you two were going to be ready.”

“Oh not you too, dad,” Twilight groaned.

Night Light chuckled and placed his book aside, a long slim bookmark having been placed in the spot he had left off at. “I should have known Spike was taking my job. First he's a better chef than me, now he's the one teasing my daughter, what next?”

Spike laughed aloud as he leaned on the back of the stallion’s chair. “Maybe next I’ll take your pipe habit from you. Maybe then less tobacco will be wasted in this house.”

“I wouldn't do that, it will stunt your growth, ya know,” Night Light shot back, the stallion emptying the ashes from his pipe into a nearby garbage.

“He could use with a little growth stunting, he's already twice as large as he should be for his age,” Twilight replied with a snort.

“You both could for that matter,” Night Light interjected, the stallion standing directly across from the mare meeting her gaze directly. “Ponies are gonna start wondering if you’re mare or a stallion at this rate.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I don't care what they think, besides, I kind of like making them wonder, it's funny.”

Night Light sighed dramatically and wrapped a hoof around Spike’s shoulders. “At this rate it will be up to you to give me grandkids. Where did I go wrong?”

Spike snickered. “I think it was letting her wear that coat and boots. She's gone full butch since then.”

“I’ll show you butch,” Twilight declared, jabbing her hoof at the dragon’s chest.

Night Light chuckled and stood off to the side. “As much fun as it is to trade quips with you two all day, I think you guys have a long morning ahead of you.”

“True,” Spike murmured. “We better get going.”

“Right.” Twilight turned and quickly pulled her father into a bone crushing hug. “Love you, dad.”

“Could you maybe love me a little less? I don't think I’m going to have a spine if you do that again,” Night Light murmured, a hoof pressed against his back.

“Oh pisha, you big baby,” Twilight replied flippantly as she made her way to the door.

“I love you too, ya brute,” Night Light replied snarkily.

Spike and Twilight shared a chuckle before heading out the front door and entering into the long hallway that connected their apartment to three others. They didn't pause long though, the duo making their way off to the left where the stairs down emerged. A staircase one wall of which was made entirely out of glass, allowing both dragon and unicorn to look down from the fifth floor and out over the cityscape.

Without a word they both proceed down the many steps that lead from the fifth floor to the first, pausing only briefly before entering the small foyer on the first floor. Spike turned back to Twilight and lifted an eyebrow. “Are you not putting on your contacts today?” Spike pressed.

“Oh right, I nearly forgot,” Twilight murmured before lighting her horn, the greenish purple light of her magic quickly enveloping both her eyes before flashing briefly and disappearing, revealing two normal looking pony eyes, save for the fact that her formerly magenta orbs were now a sickly orange color. “Did it work?”

Spike nodded. “Looks great, but I thought you were going to try and get your old eye color back.”

The mare shrugged nonchalantly. “It's too much effort, besides I think the orange looks intimidating.”

“Well it certainly is different,” Spike remarked, the dragon pushing open the door. “After you, my lady.”

“Why, thank you, my good gentle drake,” Twilight replied with a smile.

The dragon nodded and followed to the unicorn’s right as they made their way through the small foyer and towards the front desk. Where a much older unicorn stallion sat, his nose pressed so deep into a book that everything below his horn wasn't visible, his brownish grey mane even falling over the cover of the book. “Morning, Twilight, Spike, y'all have a good one,” he announced in a voice so gravely that he must have started smoking at age five.

Spike shook his head in disbelief as the pair pushed their way through the large glass doors at the front of the building. “How does he do that? I didn't even see him look up,” he whispered.

“He no doubt heard us coming, we have a very unique walking cadence,” Twilight replied. “It's probably why he still has that job despite the fact that he's pushing seventy.”

“True, plus he's tougher than he looks. You remember when he threw out Yellow Jacket the other week?” Spike murmured, the dragon shaking his head slowly.

“Yeah, I’ve never seen a telekinesis spell wedgie someone while also throwing them out the front door,” Twilight replied with a small chuckle of her own.

“I don't think he’ll be bothering Miss Turner anytime soon,” Spike concluded.

Twilight nodded, silently agreeing with the dragon’s assessment.

The hustle and bustle of Canterlot quickly enveloped the duo, most ponies hardly giving the strangely tough-looking teenager a second glance, though a good percent at least gave the dragon a wary look. For the most part they were anonymous however, the sheer amount of traffic hiding their presence from others who mainly kept their head down and their eyes forward, intent on reaching their destination and paying little mind to anything else.

It was through this storm of ponies that Twilight and Spike waded through with little effort. Those that found themselves before the imposing unicorn and tall dragon usually scampered out of the way, giving the pair a wide berth. Twilight was taller than most her age, and Spike was almost the same height as the nearly adult pony he walked behind. Meaning they towered over most ponies save for the few earth ponies left in their district.

As they trotted up the street, the two creatures paid little attention to the small snipes and rude things muttered about them. Though most did not utter such words until they assumed the pair was out of earshot, there were a few bolder unicorns who eyed them with naked disdain. Something that the pair were unfortunately used to, considering just how few non-unicorns were left in the city. There were very few ponies that they passed that did not sport a tall spike atop their heads, and those few who didn't were usually following behind the many who did, carrying the unicorn’s burdens or otherwise serving them in some capacity.

Twilight had long since gotten used to this sight, though she did note that there seemed to be even less non-unicorns than usual, meaning the troublesome nobles may very well have pushed through more of their so called reforms. The unicorn snorted in irritation as she strode confidently up the hill and towards the district gate that barred the small residential area they called home from the rest of Canterlot.

Glancing back at Spike, Twilight noticed that the dragon had acquired a newspaper at some point, and was nose deep in the paper, not even looking where he was going. Not like he had to as their connection was deep enough that Twilight could keep him from veering off with merely a thought.

“Anything new?” Twilight asked as she maneuvered around a pair of unicorns struggling to lift a safe from the back of a cart and towards a nearby house.

“Yeah, the Confederacy is back in the news again,” Spike muttered, folding the paper neatly and displaying the frontmost picture.

Twilight frowned at the image displayed before her, both saddened and unsurprised by the picture taken by the Canterlot Sun. On the front of the paper was an earth pony stallion sporting a headband with the Confederacy flag on it, his face askew with rage, his mouth frothing and his hooves bloody. Though bound by manacles, he appeared ready to leap out of his bindings at a moment’s notice and tear the reader asunder, an idea made more potent by the unicorn mare that lay broken and bloody behind him.

“Disgusting,” Twilight muttered.

“Since when were they allowed to show such things in the paper anyway?” Spike inquired. “That has to have been altered. right?”

“Oh it's been altered alright, I have no doubt about that, but as far as your first question, I think it was last year when they allowed the printing of such ghoulish imagery,” Twilight replied with a frown. “It was under the fair printing act of nine hundred and ninety-eight.”

“Oh yeah. Wasn't that supposed to make the news more truthful though? At least that's what all the articles claimed at the time anyway,” Spike muttered.

“You read too much of the news, just about everything is owned by those old noble pricks and they are about as dishonest as they come,” Twilight remarked.

“True. I am more curious about where the truth truly lies in the article though.” Spike pondered.

Twilight took a moment to glance through the article itself, trusting in Spike to guide them around a corner and towards the gate through the link. “It says the Confederacy supporter attacked the mare completely unprovoked, but it also said that he had several burns on his left side, the kind only mana bolts can make. He might very well have been defending himself against a racist attacker and went overboard, but they also don't give a name of the supposedly dead mare, meaning she may not actually be dead, or simply may have never existed at all,” Twilight explained.

Spike sighed. “More quote unquote evidence that the Confederacy is an insurgency, like that makes even a lick of sense.”

Twilight snorted and as they approached the gates, magically lifting both her own, and Spike’s identification for the nearest guard to see. The guard gave them only a brief glance before nodding and allowing them through the large gates. “It's ridiculous, they are only trying to defend the frontier towns that the nobles refuse to help, not start a civil war,” Twilight remarked, once through.

Spike folded up the newspaper and tossed it in a nearby trash can. “Well that's about as much of that as I can take.”

“Yes, let us speak of something more pleasant, like…” Twilight paused and pursed her lips. “Wait, you never did tell me how the Summer Sun Celebration with Celestia was. It must have been quite the event since we are so close to the thousandth celebration.”

“She didn't go,” Spike grumbled.

“Wait, Celestia didn't go to her own Summer Sun Celebration?” Asked Twilight. “But who raised the sun then?”

“Oh, Celestia raised the sun, just from inside her study.” Spike crossed his arms over his chest. “She was so busy that she didn't want to take time away from her reports in order to show up to the parade grounds.”

“Well, that's… odd,” Twilight muttered. “Though the Summer Sun Celebration isn't one of Celestia’s favorite times of year, she always makes time to go to it.”

“Tell me about it.” Spike groaned. “I ended up watching her work for an hour before heading back to our tower and napping most of the day. What did you do anyway?”

Twilight frowned, the unicorn brushing past a trio of colts running down the sidewalk, animatedly describing what candy they were going to buy with their allowance. “Father made me visit mother and we were supposed to go to the celebration, but she was in one of her moods.”

Spike sighed, the dragon shaking his head. “Let me guess, the same old argument reared its ugly head again, eh?”

“You guessed it,” Twilight affirmed. “She started rattling off her usual buzzwords and rhetoric driven nonsense about non-unicorns and even had the gall to demand that we move back in with her and Shining Armor.”

“I thought he was still posted out west, in the Old Crone Mountains or something,” Spike guessed.

“He is,” Twilight assured. “But his stuff is still there, and apparently mother holds out hope that he won't immediately take another posting once his latest tour is done unlike the last two times.”

“How are you two by the way?” Spike asked hesitantly, the dragon and pony turning around a bend and entering into a broad street, at the end of which lay the canterlot castle itself.

“I haven't had a real conversation with him in years, he's not as bad as he was, but he makes sure we are never alone,” Twilight remarked with a sigh. “Which is fine by me, as he's still hanging out with those noble pricks anyway.”

“Too bad, Night Light says he used to be really nice,” Spike added.

“Indeed,” Twilight muttered to herself.

The unicorn stared off into space, her eyes drawn to a nearby shop window that displayed proudly the many banners of the noble houses, the center of which was the strange three striped flag of the nobility itself. It hadn't been flown much until recent years, but now the alternating royal blue and shimmering gold of the flag was displayed prominently in most shops and stalls. Along with a smaller flag of whatever family or house owned the stall, shop, or building, which Twilight didn't care to look at.

Shaking her head, Twilight forced herself to look away from the many signs of the nobles’ influence and towards the sidewalk before her. Only for the unicorn to feel Spike’s unease, the unicorn easily picking up on the fact that he wanted to say something, but was having trouble finding the right words. Glancing over to the drake, Twilight noticed that her assumption was correct and he was clutching his claws together before him and was busy twiddling his thumbs awkwardly.

All the mare had to do was lift an eyebrow, and the drake sighed in defeat. “I was just wondering if you were going to send me away again, like during the Summer Sun Celebration,” Spike murmured, unable to look Twilight in the eye.

“Oh Spike, I didn't do that out of malice, but rather I just didn't want to subject you to anymore of mother’s rants,” Twilight explained. “You know how she gets around non-unicorns.”

“I know, it's just…” Spike sighed, his hands falling to his sides. “I feel so dull when you are not around, like the world gets a little greyer or something. I don't know, I probably sound pretty stupid, huh?”

Twilight smiled and gently bumped her hip against the dragon. “I love you too, ya big dork.”

“Does that mean you are not gonna leave me alone this year?” Spike murmured hopefully.

The mare nodded confidently. “Don't worry, Spike, I’m sure Celestia wouldn't mind you joining in on most of my lessons given that it is my last official year of classes, but if you are gonna be there, you are going to have to help me with my notes,” Twilight declared.

Spike grinned from ear to ear. “Thanks, mom. And trust me, I’ll make the best notes you’ve ever seen!”

Twilight’s proud smile faded somewhat when she heard someone nearby gag in disgust, a unicorn couple turning up their noses and trotting away from the dragon and pony. “Good, because I’m trusting you with an important job, you know,” Twilight muttered, trying to ignore the other unicorns.

Spike frowned and nodded his head. “Y-yeah. Hey, have you ever thought of moving away once you are done studying with Celestia? I know our family is here, but Canterlot isn't the nicest place nowadays.”

“I’ve thought about it…” Twilight admitted. “I don't know if I could leave Celestia though.”

“True, she seems to have another bunch of nobles snapping at her heels every other week,” Spike replied with disgust evident in his tone.

Twilight nodded. “She's overworked as is. I’m hoping that after I graduate, I could start helping her in some more official capacity, you know?”

“Didn't she say that she wanted you to live your life without having to worry about her constantly?” Spike shot back with a smirk.

The infested unicorn sighed. “I know, but after everything she's done for not only myself, but you and father, I don't think I could just leave her.”

“True, and hey, maybe she’ll take you on as a guard or agent, or something,” Spike added.

“That would be interesting…” Twilight muttered. “Special agent Twilight Sparkle does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it?”

Spike rolled his eyes and pointed forwards, towards the gates to the castle and the line that had formed outside of it. “Hey, check it out, I wonder what's going on.”

“Celestia said it was business as usual in her last letter,” Twilight murmured, her neck craning to see over the ocean of ponies spread out before her.

Several dozen unicorns were clustered near the gate, wielding signs and shouting slogans, though most of the crowd simply stood there and watched the devout few at the front yell at the royal guards. A glance at the signs told Twilight all she needed to know, and she groaned aloud when she saw all the references to bill c137.

“Augh, not these guys again,” Spike huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “That stupid bill doesn't stay dead, does it?”

“No, and worse yet every time Celestia kills it, they save the damn thing and merely put debate around it on permanent hiatus.” Twilight stuck out her tongue. “Which is a fancy word for ‘will spring on Celestia whenever we think it has a chance of passing’.”

Spike sighed and walked a little closer to the buildings to his right, giving the gathering a wide berth, followed closely by Twilight who kept a very close eye on the ponies nearest to them. Cries of “No Citizenship for terrorists!” and “Aptitude knows no race!” could be heard from various members of the crowd gathered outside the castle walls. Each one of these slogans and bite-sized bits of rhetoric were yelled by a unicorn with perfect poise and perfect teeth.

Twilight could barely contain her disgust, but held it in check until they managed to slip around the protestors and towards the small side entrance in the castle walls reserved for V.I.Ps, such as her and Spike. Those guards were unmolested by protestors, and though they kept an eye on the crowd, did not seem nearly as worried as the trio of guards standing at the gates who were struggling to deal with the barrage of shouting.

“I still can't believe Celestia actually let them build the wall around the castle,” Spike murmured, his gaze drawn upward to the impressive battlements that loomed over them.

“It sure beats that ceremonial fence they had up,” Twilight replied with a shrug.

“Halt, present identification and submit to a magical identification scan,” the slightly shorter guard barked, taking a step forward.

Twilight sighed. “How many times do we have to do this before you relax, High Tower?”

“There will be no exceptions for anyone, even you, Twilight Sparkle,” the other guard declared evenly, though Twilight could detect a hint of barely contained disgust behind his otherwise emotionless tone of voice.

The infested mare nodded and presented both hers, and Spike’s identification cards. Cards which had such basic information as primary residence, height, weight, a picture of them, sex, race, tribe, and other such minute details that Twilight cared very little about.

The shorter guard lit his horn and took the cards, his gaze hardening as he stared at the two slips before looking up to the duo and then finally back down to the cards again. “You may have these back, now please cast an illumination spell when informed to,” he commanded.

Twilight nodded and looked to the second guard whose horn was glowing. “You may begin,” the second guard announced.

Twilight cast the simple illumination spell before them, her magenta and green aura coalescing into a simple orb of white illumination. The second guard’s horn grew brighter still, his gaze hardening as he went through the motions of scanning the orb of magic. “Slight deviation of three point oh four thaums detected. You are going to want to update your card at the earliest opportunity,” the guard announced, his magic dissipating completely.

Twilight dismissed the simple illumination spell and frowned. “You can't be serious, I just barely updated it two weeks ago.”

The guard shook his head. “Current information on thaumatic output is mandatory for access to the castle, you will update your card within the next three days or be denied access should you refuse.”

Spike sighed and tugged on Twilight’s coat. “Let's just go, Twilight, we are going to be late.”

“Fine, but I will be speaking to Celestia about this,” Twilight declared, only for the guards to both shrug.

“Good luck,” the second one announced with a smirk.

“Yeah, this rule is law and I doubt she has the time to change it just for you,” the first one declared, a little more emotion coming through in his voice when compared to his companion.

The infested mare gritted her teeth and ignored the comment, merely allowing herself to be pulled through the gate by an annoyed Spike. Once out of earshot of the two, and on the main path from the gate to the castle door, Twilight brushed aside the dragon’s hand. “We shouldn't have to put up with this every single day,” she declared angrily.

“I know, but not everyone has to worry about becoming a stronger mage like you every month,” Spike declared with a chuckle. “Heck, I think you are one of like ten ponies that have to go back as often as you do.”

“It's not my fault my magic hasn't stopped growing,” Twilight muttered angrily.

“Woe thy name is Twilight Sparkle, truly she is cursed with power that most unicorns can only dream of,” sassed Spike.

“Yeah yeah, it's still annoying,” Twilight remarked, a small blush crossing her cheeks.

The duo approached the large gates of the castle itself, the guards on either side paying little attention to the coming and going of the ponies that passed them by. Though most were indeed unicorns, and seemed to be employed in some manner by the government, there were a few supplicants that were coming in and out as well as a trio of griffons who wore large trench coats and glowered at everyone they passed by, save for Twilight who they eyed curiously.

Twilight paid them little mind though, her attention utterly fixed on one thing and one thing only, namely her destination and finally seeing Celestia again. Her newer senses kept a watchful eye on Spike while her eyes searched for the semi-hidden staircase that would bring them quickly up to the royal floor where Celestia’s apartment was. Together they passed by a few guard stations, which were manned by unicorns who paid them little attention, their expressions distant and their eyes seemingly looking through the pair as much as at them.

Spike shivered when he passed them by, but Twilight had grown used to the strangeness that several guards exhibited. Though their perfectly neutral expressions were disconcerting, Twilight was more put off by the fact that their thoughts were so silent that they seemed nearly dead upon first analysis. The infested mare knew from experience that such a low amount of activity was unheard of, as even the sleeping and unconscious had more activity than what they displayed, yet they seemed fine.

Pushing that thought away for now, Twilight made her way to the desired floor after only a brief interruption by another security stop, one that took little time to get past, as Twilight recognized them as some of the few guards that were still here since she was a foal. She wanted to stay and exchange pleasantries with the older guards, but she refused to make Celestia wait any longer than absolutely necessary, only giving them a polite hello before continuing on. Plus she was getting kind of anxious to see Silver Bulwark again, a sentiment that Spike seemed to share as well, the dragon’s gaze flashing this way and that, searching for the older guard as intently as Twilight was.

When they reached their old room, where they usually met up with the old guard, they saw not the familiar shape of the strange older pony that had been with her for so many years but rather two new faces. Faces that were expressionless, distant, and seemed to peer straight through both dragon and unicorn with dispassionate looks.

“Where's Silver Bulwark?” Twilight demanded instantly.

“She has left the guard of her own volition,” the leftmost guard replied in an even, monotone voice.

“We are your new guards, my name is Aegis Shield, and this is Zealous Strike,” the second continued in an equally monotone voice.

“Yeesh, these guys are cookie cutter,” Spike whispered.

“Cookie Cutter works in the kitchen,” the first guard replied.

“Er, alright then…” Twilight muttered before turning to Spike. “I have to go speak with Celestia alone for a little bit, could you wait for me here or do you want to head back to the tower?”

Spike sighed and nodded. “I’m fine here, but you better hurry back.”

“I will,” Twilight vowed before kissing the drake on the forehead and trotting away.

Leaving a furiously blushing Spike to grumble silently as he leaned against the wall, trying desperately to act cool. “You two didn't see anything,” he muttered, his face bright red.

“See what?” the first guard asked in the same monotone voice.

Spike shivered as he looked out a nearby window. Those guys creep me out, he thought to himself, noticing that they hadn't moved an inch since the pair had first arrived

Twilight trotted confidently down the hall and made her way towards where she knew Celestia’s door lay. Though she was happy to be back in the castle and able to see Celestia again, that joy was hampered by what she had seen and experienced up to this point.

She could tell that the number of guards coming from noble families was still rising despite Celestia’s efforts to halt the tide of nepotism. The bill that would make magical aptitude a necessary part of being accepted to post secondary education had yet to be killed and worst of all, Bull was missing. The last fact alone was enough to make Twilight’s chest tighten and anger to surge through her veins, a feeling she refused to allow simmer, as she knew it wouldn't help her, not yet anyway.

Approaching the alicorn’s door, she noticed that both of the guards who stood outside had the same milky look in their eyes, making the dying embers of Twilight’s anger glow hot. “I need to speak to Celestia,” she declared. “Is she here?”

“She is indeed within this next room,” the first one began.

“But she is in the middle of an important meeting right now,” the second one continued in what sounded like the same exact voice.

“She also informed me that I should seek her out the very second I entered the castle,” Twilight explained, her jaw clenching tightly.

The two ponies stood strangely silent for a moment, though Twilight could tell that they were thinking about the priority of the orders and how they should follow them. Other than that though, their thoughts and emotions were carefully guarded with only a general aura of hostility being something that she could detect with her newfound senses. A fact that Twilight found unnerving even more so than their vacant expressions and strange manner of speech.

“You may enter,” the guard on the left announced suddenly.

The guard to the right pushed the door open with her magic, the mare’s body not moving an inch as she did so.

“Thanks,” Twilight replied on instinct before stepping into the room beyond.

The door shut swiftly behind her, leaving her mere feet away from an irate looking older unicorn stallion who glared down at her. Twilight ignored him for the moment, and sought out Celestia, finding her half asleep and standing half on the balcony half in the room. “I’m sorry for interrupting, but I was told to check in as soon as I returned to the castle,” Twilight explained, trying to disrupt some of the anger she could already see bubbling inside the unicorn.

“You announced yourself, now you may go,” the unicorn replied tersely, the stallion throwing up his nose in disgust. “I have a long report to get through and Her Majesty has asked that I leave no details unexplained.”

Celestia sighed, an act that made the wrinkles on her face grow longer still. “You don't need to do that Councillor First Strike. I will read the rest of your report myself, as right now my student needs me.”

The general turned to Celestia and glared up at her. “But Your Majesty, this is incredibly important, the agricultural sector south of Manehattan requires your immediate and undivided attention.”

“Which is why I will finish reading the rest of your report within the hour, but first I have other matters to attend to,” Celestia declared, the alicorn’s face growing tight as she glowered down at the stallion.

For a moment it looked like the unicorn was going to try and resist once more, but he sighed and bowed his head instead. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you, I will speak to you later, Councillor,” Celestia exclaimed sternly.

The unicorn stallion bowed low, to the point that his golden pocket watch nearly slipped from his blue and gold shirt before standing and trotting out of the room, his head held high.

When the door was closed behind him, and the two mares were alone, Celestia sighed, a great weight falling from her shoulders and a wide smile blossoming on her face. “It is good to see you again, my student,” bubbled the alicorn, taking a step forward and pulled the smaller mare into a hug.

“It's good to see you too, Celestia,” Twilight replied, a warm smile coming to her face as she squeezed the alicorn tightly, only to frown when she felt less resistance than usual. “Are you eating enough?”

Celestia took a step back and chuckled mirthlessly. “Oh Twilight. I’ve been eating just fine, thank you.”

“Are you sure? Because you felt a little… thin,” fretted Twilight, who was busy giving the alicorn a once over.

“I’m fine, Twilight, really, I’ve just been missing some sleep, is all,” Celestia explained.

“You really should be getting more rest, Celestia, you may be immortal, but even alicorns need sleep occasionally,” Twilight began, tugging gently on the alicorn’s wing. “You also need a thorough preening and a higher calorie diet.”

“I’m fine,” Celestia replied a little more sternly, the alicorn pulling her wing back and shooting the younger mare a firm look, a look that quickly melted into a smirk. “Though looking at your build makes me think that putting you in charge of my meals may not be a bad thing. Why, you are bigger than the councillor!”

Twilight snickered. “Not like that's difficult, the guy was a twig.”

“True,” Celestia murmured, before turning away and trotting over to the bed and flopping down into the lavender-scented sheets. “So tell me, Twilight, how was your break? Did you make any new friends?”

Twilight shrugged as she quietly trotted over to the small table where the councillor's report was laid out. “I met up with Razor Wind’s grand daughter for a few games of chess, but other than visiting her and the old geezer, I didn't do much other than study.”

Celestia sighed. “That's my student for you, always a quick learner save for when it comes to learning how to make friends.”

Twilight rolled her eyes as she brushed aside the topmost page of the report. “I don't need friends, Celestia. I have all I need right here, well other than Silver Bulwark.”

Celestia sighed, a deep line of worry crossing her face. “Ahh yes, I was hoping I would have the opportunity to explain the situation.”

“Explain what?” Twilight shot back with a little more anger than she had first desired. “She was a good guard, a wonderful friend and a faithful employee. Why would she just leave?”

“She didn't leave you, Twilight, she simply had other circumstances that required her full attention,” Celestia explained.

“I know she wouldn't leave me, but I’m more concerned with who forced her out,” Twilight muttered angrily as she skimmed the councillor's report.

“Her mother is sick, and has fallen on hard times recently. I offered to give her a leave of absence to look after her sole remaining parent.” Celestia’s smile fell away suddenly. “Unfortunately that offer was modified slightly before it reached her and she will not be returning anytime soon. Regardless, she will be well-looked after, as will her mother.”

“So someone changed your offer without your consent and now she will only be able to return to work after I have quote unquote graduated,” fumed Twilight.

“That is not… wholly incorrect,” confessed Celestia. “I haven't had the time to speak with her, as well as Captain Pure Heart as right now it seems like the amendment was done legally and was well within the guard’s guidelines.”

“What a stupid name,” Twilight muttered to herself.

“Quite,” Celestia agreed. “I’ve finally managed to move ahead with proceedings that will have him removed, but the process has become more lengthy due to the regular meddling and I fear the houses may simply insert one of their own ponies if I don't ensure otherwise.”

“I wouldn't put it past them,” Twilight groused before jabbing a hoof into one of the documents seemingly at random. “There was an attack in Cold Harbor?”

Celestia sighed and nodded. “Yes, I’ve withheld it from the press for now, but it won't be long before there is another leak.”

“Let me guess, more patsies?” Twilight half asked, half stated.

“Indeed,” Celestia grumbled. “Each one is a low ranking member of the guard easily replaced by another willing to take the next fall. So despite me ‘catching’ every pony who leaks something to the press, it's never the end of the leaking.”

“I never understood why you didn't get rid of the aristocracy years ago,” Twilight exclaimed, the unicorn turning to Celestia and trotting up to the mare. “They seem more nuisance than assistance.”

“That hasn't always been the case,” Celestia began. “Back in the day they served the same position as the modern day councillors, advisors and administrators, but with slightly more autonomy. A hundred years ago I began to chip away at their power and up until a decade ago everything was going smoothly, and my ultimate goal of leaving them with little more than worthless titles was going well.” The alicorn sighed. “Unfortunately at the same time I found you, several other issues cropped up and they've managed to claw back nearly all the power I stripped from them.”

“So if I-” Twilight started, only for Celestia to shoot the mare a firm, silencing glare.

“It is not your fault in the slightest, and I will not allow you to say such things in my presence. Understood?” Twilight nodded, and Celestia smiled, lifting a wing and patting the spot next to her. “Come sit next to your mentor, we have much to discuss and having someone to lean on would be nice.”

Twilight grumbled and blushed, but did as she was told, climbing up onto the bed and lay down next to Celestia, only to get tugged closer to the alicorn by a firm hoof. “Better?” Twilight huffed.

“Quite,” Celestia declared with a wide smile, one wing landing over Twilight’s side and hugging her tightly.

“So, about this attack.” Twilight murmured, wiggling a little closer to the alicorn. “The report didn't go into much detail, but did say that there were ‘significant issues’ in the area.”

The alicorn nodded grimly, her gaze lingering on the open door leading to her balcony and the lands that lay beyond the horizon. “The creatures are likely zerg, but they've been surprisingly merciful, only raiding poorly defended caravans, and small villages and most of the time leaving most infrastructure and ponies unhurt.”

“Most of the time?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

“Indeed, the few who resisted were mercilessly killed, while others were abducted for seemingly no reason,” Celestia explained.

“What about age, race, or sex? Surely there must be some correlation between those they abducted,” Twilight asserted.

“Though there were slightly more females abducted early on, now it seems split evenly amongst genders, ages and races. To the point that the only correlation is the fact that there is none,” Celestia continued.

“Odd,” Twilight murmured, a hoof rubbing her chin. “The report went on to explain that they were raiding mostly earth pony villages and were largely ignoring the unicorn settlements in the area.”

“We think it's due to the fact that magic still works surprisingly well against the creatures who have gradually grown stronger, but still can't survive even a direct, well-aimed mana bolt,” Celestia replied.

“Which would make sense as they know how to counter blunt force and bladed weapons to a degree, but not magic. You would think they would have adapted to accomplish that after all this time,” Twilight murmured, the mare stroking her chin.

“It could be that magic is so different from everything they've experienced that they can't manage to adapt quickly.” Celestia sighed. “Speculation aside, it's leading to some unfortunate casualties, and my hooves getting tied once again which is due to the fact that they are so mobile and lack a discernible base of operations, meaning the guard can't respond in time. The one time they were in the area already, my ponies were able to cut them down with relative ease using overlapping magical shields and well placed fireballs, but that was pure luck more than anything.”

“A tactic that would easily negate their numbers advantage,” Twilight muttered before looking up at Celestia. “I presume none surrendered, and no bodies were able to be discovered as usual?”

“Indeed,” Celestia answered. “The house guard also did very well versus these horrors, their training and steely resolve making their line unbreakable, though their response time is dismal.”

“That's just like those noble pricks. I bet they were keeping them back in order to ensure their own hide was safe,” Twilight spat.

“Regardless, the praetorians did fantastically, and were more than able to hold their own against the creatures whenever they managed to meet them on the field and even felled one of those great big creatures with the scythe appendages,” Celestia declared proudly.

“You mean the ultralisks?” Twilight asked, eyes wide. “That must have been quite a feat.”

“Indeed it was, though I’m afraid the honor went to your brother, who delivered the killing stroke,” Celestia admitted, eyeing the unicorn carefully.

Though Twilight’s eye twitched, she refused to comment on her brother’s take down. “So what's stopping you from commanding more resources to be diverted to earth pony settlements?”

“My viceroy has volunteered to handle it, and so far has done a poor job of things,” lamented Celestia. “She has kept our forces centered around the larger, more unicorn-dominated settlements in the Canter mountains, using them to build up defences before pushing east. Her decisions are sound, as covering their backs and creating defences in order to ensure Canterlot and the west’s safety is a good one. It doesn't do much to change the fact that while she does that, good earth ponies and pegasi are dying or being taken from their homes.”

“Hold on a second, viceroy? When did this happen? Also what happened to those earth pony engineers you funded over a decade ago?” Twilight uttered in disbelief.

“The viceroy was a good idea, at first,” Celestia remarked sadly. “She was loyal, she was able to take some of the work off my plate and generally help me get ahead of the houses. Somewhere along the line though she was turned against me, and now actively works against nearly every single one of my orders.”

“That's terrible, and you can't get rid of her?” blurted Twilight.

“Her term limit is only a year and she is appointed directly by me, but unfortunately she falls under the elected candidates category meaning I could only oust her with overwhelming support from the parliament,” Celestia began.

“Which is overwhelmingly controlled by those horny toads who would rather sit in their mansions,” Twilight concluded.

Celestia snickered. “Well put, Twilight, as for the engineers, they have done well, but their weapons have been unfortunately outlawed before they’ve even unveiled them. Though I am certain that the houses know not of the burgeoning Confederacy’s true power, Viceroy Tight Ledger has heard enough rumours to preemptively make a move to ban the private ownership of guns. Which means if I move to quash the bill it would look like I would be trying to put dangerous weapons that any tribe can use in the hands of civilians.”

Twilight ground her teeth together and glared at the door, and the closest objects of her distaste. “Those assholes are going to get ponies killed all to ensure they hold onto their power, it's disgusting.”

“And trust me, the second I’m able to give them the attention they deserve, I will undue their power structures one by one. Until then they control nearly the entire parliament, as well as the house guard, which has become quite formidable over the last few years,” Celestia declared.

“Good, because if you weren’t going to do it, I would be tempted to try and that wouldn't go well,” Twilight declared with a smirk.

“Now that's a good idea,” Celestia teased, bumping the younger mare’s shoulder. “I should just sic you on them, maybe burn down a few of those garish mansions that they so enjoy building.”

“Stars above are they ugly,” Twilight agreed. “It's like they are trying to make tiny, shitty versions of Canterlot Castle.”

“That is a most elegant way of putting it, my student,” Celestia acknowledged.

The two fell into a comfortable silence, with Twilight grinning despite the slew of bad news she had just been subjected to. “Oh, I guess there is one thing I did over the break, do you want to see?” challenged Twilight.

“Oh? Is it another spell?” Celestia replied.

The unicorn shook her head. “Nope, it's better than just any old spell. Watch and be amazed.”

Celestia lifted an eyebrow and remained silent, watching intently as Twilight poured them both a glass of water without moving from the bed, or lighting her horn, the pitcher seemingly moving all on its own. Once the glasses were full, they levitated over to the pair, were Twilight took her cup, as Celestia did the same.

The alicorn looked down at her hoof in shock and then over to Twilight who was breathing a little harder, but otherwise showed little sign of strain. “That's amazing, Twilight, what else have you learned?”

“It's been hard, but I can levitate multiple things without magic, can read most ponies’ thoughts and can even lift my own weight if I really push it,” Twilight declared proudly.

“That's wonderful, Twilight, I’m glad you've taken our lessons to heart and have expanded more than just your magical abilities,” Celestia proclaimed, only for her eyes to go wide. “Tell me, what am I thinking about right now.”

“Well I don't want to pry, but…” Twilight’s disagreement vanished when she noticed the giddy look on Celestia’s face. “I suppose I could try, but the more powerful the pony, the more difficult it is to read them.”

“I will try to make it easier on you,” encouraged Celestia.

“Alright…” Twilight closed her eyes and focused her mind outwards, in the direction she felt Celestia’s mind was.

Though it was difficult to get past the first barrier that she usually felt over the alicorn’s mind, it wasn't as difficult as the few other times she had made an attempt to look past the alicorn’s surface thoughts. It seemed like Celestia’s offer of assistance was genuine, and Twilight probed the ancient mare’s mind deeper, hearing the faint sound of someone speaking as if from deep within a cave.

Following the source deeper and deeper, Twilight was able to hear the words being whispered in the alicorn’s mind. I bet you are still ticklish.

The unicorn’s eyes shot open and she tried to escape the feathery clutches of Celestia’s wing, but was held tight and her ticklish spots along her belly were assaulted by a cruel and giggling Celestia. “Gotcha!” Celestia cackled.

“Noooo!” Twilight shouted back in mock pain, the mare already giggling while her legs twitched and spasmed.

Celestia chuckled as she used her magic to hold Twilight down while continuing to use her wings to tickle the mare’s barrel ruthlessly. “Mwahaha, you have fallen once again for one of my classic pranks.”

“S-stop!” Twilight yelled between bursts of giggling, the infested mare trying desperately to wiggle out of Celestia’s magical grasp, only to find herself unable to do so.

“Finally the rebellious Twilight Sparkle has been brought to her knees!” Celestia declared in her best evil bad guy voice, which sounded about as evil as you would expect.

“I surrender, mercy!” Twilight proclaimed, throwing her hooves up in defeat.

Celestia stuck her nose up like she was imitating some of the unicorns she had seen around the castle. “I suppose I can give you clemency if you offer up the names of your conspirators.”

Twilight gasped dramatically, recoiling from the alicorn and covering her mouth with a hoof. “Truly you are the most dastardly of villains to make me choose betwixt my freedom and my friends.”

“Don't forget pretty, I am dastardly and pretty,” Celestia added, poking the younger mare in the chest.

“True, you are indeed pretty. Pretty dastardly that is!” Twilight smirked.

Together the two mares broke into a chorus of laughter that left them weak, and leaning against one another, a hoof over each other’s backs. After several minutes, and long after any laughter had finally died down, the two parted, with Celestia wiping away an errant tear from her cheek. “I needed that, thank you, Twilight,” bubbled the alicorn.

“It is my pleasure.” Beamed the unicorn. “Though you know, I could help a lot more if you told me what you are so busy doing. You don't have to do everything alone, not anymore anyway.”

Instantly all the mirth was wiped from Celestia’s face and she sighed morosely. “I wish I could, Twilight, truly I do and though I cannot speak of it now, I promise that time is coming closer by the day and I intend on keeping the promise I made to you all those years ago.”

Twilight frowned and looked into the other mare’s eyes, only to find the same love and empathy the unicorn always found, prompting Twilight to sigh and nod reluctantly. “Fine, but you better tell me before I graduate, because Spike wants to move away the second that happens.”

“And what do you think?” Celestia inquired.

“I don't know yet,” Twilight remarked noncommittally. “I want to help you, but I don't really know how.”

“Oh Twilight,” Celestia murmured proudly. “You just being my friend helps me.”

“I know, but I want to help you more, to do something against these jerk bag nobles, or the zerg,” Twilight declared, before sighing. “I just feel so useless right now.”

“Then you will be glad to hear that this year is going to be the most grueling, difficult year of them all,” Celestia stated without a hint of mirth. “It won't be a stretch to say that you will learn more this year than in your first three years combined.”

“I, er… wow,” Twilight muttered, aghast. “Can Spike sit in on some of them? He offered to help take notes and stuff.”

Celestia nodded. “That would be acceptable. We are also going to be doing a considerable amount of casting and having an assistant would help matters.”

“Does that mean you are finally going to be teaching me those spells?” Twilight inquired giddily.

“Indeed,” Celestia replied evenly. “We are entering strange times, and you will need to learn things that most ponies don't even know is possible. I pray you are ready.”

Author's Note

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Mobilization

A mare clad in a thick cloak peeked out from a small, mostly hidden sidestreet that lay off the main thoroughfare of an earth pony village she was now in the heart of. Though the sun had set over an hour ago, the city remained tense, and active, with militia ponies patrolling the streets in groups of three or more. Though their organization could use work, they were quite diligent, and surprisingly observant, the mixed earth pony and pegasus force having a good understanding of their surroundings.

The mare stopped and watched as the trenchcoat-clad ponies trotted down the street, earth ponies wielding polearms while pegasi flew above with crossbows at the ready. The meagre leather dusters they wore seemed to be reinforced with plates inside the stitching of the armor, giving the poorly equipped frontiersfolk at least a small modicum of protection. And yet, with rusting weapons and poor equipment, the ponies held their heads high and seemed ready to put their inefficient tools of death to the test.

Smiling, the mare gave one last look around the main thoroughfare, noting that the small groups of ponies were illuminated by electric light sources that hung from above on long dark poles. Though the mare found these light sources strange, as she had never seen them in person before, she had heard enough on them to know that they were harmless and were in fact quite useful. Something that was clearly evident as almost every house she had passed had been lit by these same light sources. This increased level of technology was evident wherever she looked, from the light sources the town used, to the rudimentary self-pulling carriages that trundled down the road, to the heavy, machine-woven clothing most ponies wore.

These sights would have normally made the mare lament the loss of the simpler times, but she knew that such advancement was necessary now more than ever. Despite just how necessary she knew this technology was to save her ponies, she still couldn't help but feel a little saddened by its appearance. The wave of advancement she had held back for centuries had finally been allowed to propagate, and for once in the mare’s life, she was treading new and ultimately unfamiliar ground.

With a sigh, she pulled her hood up over her face, obscuring her green fur and brown mane. Cloak now secured tightly around her, the mare gave one last look around before trotting across the street and making a beeline for a local watering hole.

The building itself was relatively new, with thick metal walls the color of rust occasionally broken up by patches of dull grey metal tack-welded over holes or other damage. The result was a building that appeared to be one part bar, one part fortress, and the mare couldn't help but chuckle as she walked up to it. Most Canterlot natives would have passed by the structure without giving it another glance, as it was an unseemly building that appeared to be a simple dive, but the mare knew otherwise.

The vents near the top of the structure blew a little too much exhaust for such a squat one level structure, and the large jut out that rose into the air and displayed the name ‘JoeyRay’s’ was a little too big for such a simple sign. The mare made a note of berating the owner of said establishment for his boldness but otherwise stuffed any such worries away for now. After all, they had avoided detection for nearly a decade at this point by almost completely relying on the arrogance of the nobles, so it was a tried and tested strategy if nothing else.

Pushing her way inside, the mare gave a quick look around, noting how little it had changed over the years. The same old jukebox sat in the corner belting out a tune pretty much no one paid attention to while overtop of it hung the skull of some enormous creature the mare didn't initially recognize. A second glance told her that it was a skull from one of the creatures that had ravaged some of the nearby towns, with the weapon that killed it left embedded in the front of it.

The rest of the bar was as dingy and poorly lit as one might assume from the outside, with only a trio of larger windows able to bring in the dismal lighting from the street lights. Not like it needed that light however, as large electric torches hung along the walls while a fake golden candelabra hung in the center of the room. All of which was more than enough to illuminate all of the ten customers who dotted the room at such an odd hour. Some of which gave the mare a passing glance before going back to their drink while others gave her a long, lingering, suspicious look.

Said looks all but stopped the second she pulled back her hood and revealed that no horn grew from her head. Only a stallion standing beside the bar and the bartender herself kept their gazes locked firmly on the cloaked mare after that. One keeping himself between the nearest pony and the door to the backroom while the other idly cleaned an already spotless glass with a rag held in her wing.

Smiling faintly to herself, the mare trotted past what few patrons still lingered, and made her way up to the counter. “Good evening, may I have a cider please?” she asked.

The two other ponies exchanged a curious look. “What do you think, Joey?” the bartender asked.

The stallion frowned. “I’m not sure, Ray. You seen her around before?”

The earth pony mare merely smiled at the suspicion leveled her way, already pressing two bits against the bar. “I just got back into town, though I’ve been here plenty of times over the years,” she explained, pushing the bits a little further up the bar.

Ray looked down at the bits, then back at the mystery mare, only to shrug, and swiftly fill the glass with cider and push it across the bar. “Well your money is good, that much is certain.”

“Though I don't know about your story, outsider,” the stallion added. “I ain't never seen you around before, and I make a point of seeing everyone who passes through these parts.”

“Really now?” the mare replied, feigning shock while she sipped her drink. “Why I remember us having this very conversation the last time I was in town.”

The stallion’s eyebrow raised slowly. “What do you do exactly, miss?”

“I’m something of an investor you could say,” the mare answered, smiling faintly as she put her mug back on the table. “That's good,” she declared. “Local, eh?”

The bartender nodded. “Everything but the wine is local ‘round here.”

“Something we’re mighty proud of,” the stallion added.

“And you have every reason to. That's quite exceptional,” the mare murmured before taking another long sip.

“So, you a banker then?” the stallion pressed, the pony leaving heavily on the side of the bar. “Been a while since we had one of those try and show up around here.”

“Oh no, nothing of the sort,” the mare quickly replied. “I’m more in the charity business than anything, as the results I expect are more… indirect, you could say.”

Joey and Ray both exchanged a confused look. “Say, you wouldn't happen to be in the solar business by chance, would you?” asked Ray hesitantly, while Joey scanned the room.

“Just a second,” murmured the mystery mare before throwing back the last of her drink and smacking her lips. “Ah, I’ll never get over just how good it is to enjoy a drink without having to think about appearances.”

“‘Cause if you ain't, you, me and Joey are going to have to have a talk,” warned the bartender.

The mystery mare smiled. “I am indeed in the solar business, and business is good.”

Instantly the suspicion and veiled anger vanished, replaced by a nervous optimism most evident in the bartender who leaned over the bar. “R-really? And why are you here, miss?” she pressed.

“Just checking on local investments, and was hoping to grab a bottle of champagne,” the mystery mare replied. “That is, if you think this outsider deserves such a privilege?”

The stallion gulped and snapped a quick salute. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Only to receive a swift smack upside his head. “How many times do I have to tell you to cut that shit out goddes sdammit?” growled the bartender.

“S-sorry, sis,” whimpered the stallion.

“Man the counter. I’ll attend to our paying customer here,” commanded Ray, trading spots with her brother. “If you follow me, I think you’ll find that we have a surprisingly large selection of champagne for any occasion.”

The mare nodded, following Ray closely as she made her way into the backroom. “Lead the way.”

The room they entered was small, confined, and utterly dominated by three large walls of bottles, most of which had a fine layer of dust covering them. Once the door was shut behind them, Ray moved to the wall and tugged on a spare broom, prompting the door to clang loudly, signalling that it had been firmly locked behind them. Once that was done, Ray’s serious demeanor fell away in an instant and she sighed, her shoulders falling slack.

“Thank goodness you're here, ma’am. The higher-ups were beginning to worry about you,” Ray remarked, the pegasus flitting from wall to wall pulling bottles at seemingly random.

The mare nodded. “Things have become… difficult over the last few months. I apologize for making you worry.”

Ray stopped and laughed. “If my momma were alive today she’d probably bend herself into a pretzel trying to make you take back that apology.”

The other mare chuckled. “Well, regardless, I am sorry I haven't been able to check in. Canterlot is…”

“A goddamn nightmare of stuck up nobles, miles of red tape and more horned assholes than you can shake a stick at?” finished the bartender.

“Not the most tactful response, but certainly not an incorrect one either,” the mare replied with a smirk.

“Well, either way I’ll make sure to pass along the kind words when I see the bosses next time,” Ray responded, pulling the last bottle and taking a step back. “For now, let me welcome you back.”

The mare smiled and watched as the wall directly before her slid into the floor, and revealed a second square room, one just large enough to fit both ponies inside. The second room was cramped, and had metal grating that started at shoulder height and went up the sides, revealing a wall beyond that. It was dingy, illuminated only by a single bulb in the center of the elevator, which was barely enough to see in. Ray trotted in beside Celestia and pressed a large red button, prompting the wall of bottles to clang back into place, and after a small click, the elevator shuddered into motion, slowly descending into the unknown.

With a sigh, the mare dismissed her glamor and rose to her full height once more, silently proud that she had managed to hold it for as long as she did, while also lamenting the pain in her neck that always arose when she wore such a disguise for such a length of time. “Feel good to be back in your own skin again, ma’am?” Ray asked, glancing up at the alicorn.

She nodded, whilst rubbing her aching neck and wincing. “You have no idea, my friend. Illusion spells never get easier, no matter how many times I seem to have to use them.”

“Ha, you are just too honest for your own good,” Ray shot back.

Celestia chuckled. “That might very well be true. All of this sneaking around always saddens me.”

Ray nodded sadly and turned forward once more. “I can only imagine. We don't have to lie much after, those damn jumped up sissies in the guard only come ‘round once a month, if they even bother.”

“Speaking of which, they haven't found this place, have they?” Celestia asked, looking closely at the mare next to her.

The bartender shook her head and laughed. “Nope, the damn hornheads just scan the place with their magic and leave after finding no magic in the place.”

“You shouldn't use that word, my little pony,” Celestia admonished. “Though the nobles are an unpleasant bunch, unicorns as a whole are the same as you or I.”

Ray winced and rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “Sorry, ma’am. It's just hard not to with everything that's been going on lately.”

“Just remember that kind of language might drive away potential allies, don't give those monsters a single reason to try and turn the blame on you,” Celestia continued.

“You are right, you are right,” Ray admitted. “And before you ask, no we don't need any assistance hiding any of the entrances. Between the enchantments you placed, and the fact that we don't use any magic, no patrols have even bothered searching one of our places with any degree of thoroughness.”

“Good,” Celestia declared. “Their reliance on magic may make them oblivious to a certain extent, but that doesn't mean they are complete idiots.”

Ray sighed. “I know.”

For the next minute both mares remained silent as they traveled the last length of the shaft before finally coming to a screeching halt, gears grinding as the elevator came to a stop. Ray reacted first, stepping forward and pulling open the steel plate that had slid into place when they reached the bottom and revealing a long metal hallway that ended with an enormous set of steel doors that lacked any form of handle.

The metal walls were fairly plain, and were bolted together in such a way that aided in keeping up the roof while also hiding the cables, cords, and bundles of wires that Celestia knew were just beneath. The dull grey and rust colored walls were accented by gold bolts and the occasional strip of gold colored patches placed here and there at random. The floor was identical to the walls, save for a path of orange tiles that stretched from the exit of the elevator to the doors across from them.

A few artificial torches lit up the room, and illuminated everything in an eerie, artificial orange light. Not that Ray seemed to notice or care though, as the bartender trotted down the hallway confidently, her hooves clanging against the metal floor. Once she reached the doors, she raised her hoof and knocked twice before taking a step back.

“Bill is working the door tonight, so watch out if he tries to show off,” muttered the pegasus.

Celestia frowned. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As if on cue, two panels above the door slid back to reveal a duo of quad-barreled weapons that emerged from the panels and swiveled forward on metal arms, pointing menacingly at the pair. “Halt, who goes there? And what's the password!” demanded a metallic voice that echoed down the hall and originating from just above the door.

“We don't have a password for the door, you dumbass, and I have the VIP with me, so you had better lower those weapons!” Ray shouted back.

The weapons both drooped slightly, their barrels pointing away from the pair. A second later and the voice gasped, and the weapons slipped back into the wall and disappeared behind the plates which slid back into place. “My apologies, Your Majesty, I just wanted to give Ray here a hard time,” the voice replied in a quiet, almost pleading tone.

“Just open the door, you nincompoop. We can talk about you not checking your damn screens and making stupid assumptions later,” Ray growled.

“Though I like a prank as much as the next pony, perhaps you should not use weapons in your next one,” Celestia offered with a hint of anger.

“R-right,” the voice muttered. “Opening the doors now.”

A second later the two doors clanked, and a spinning sound could be heard within, a sound which grew louder and louder until both doors made a clunk sound and slid backwards, revealing themselves to be fake and the actual entrance more akin to a vault than a simple set of double doors. A few seconds of grinding and whirring later and the massive entrance hissed before turning to the side and revealing a sheepish stallion who was rubbing his foreleg awkwardly.

“So uh, don't suppose we are still on for that date later, huh Ray?” he muttered, the grey coated and brown maned earth pony already cringing before he could even get a response.

“We’ll talk about the possibility of you even being allowed down here after the princess leaves,” Ray shot back, giving the stallion a firm, withering glare. “Just radio Hammer Smith and tell him that wer’e coming.”

The stallion sighed, and kicked the floor. “I shoulda seen that one coming. Sorry again.”

As the stallion sulked away and slipped through a metal door off to the side, Celestia bumped her hip against her guide’s. “He does seem to have learned his lesson,” she pointed out.

The pegasus continued to frown, but that frown was alleviated slightly as they began to trot forward. “I know, and he is a smart guy for the most part. He just needs to stop and listen to that brain of his before he does something stupid.”

Celestia chuckled. “Too many ponies know what to do only do not listen to that voice, I’m afraid.”

“True,” Ray agreed.

The two mares trotted forward, passing through the metal room and through a second door, this one opening inwards and revealing a long hall, with a few doors leading off it, at the end of which stood a tall metal-clad pony. The pony was easily the same height as Celestia, her steel clad body giving her a height advantage over those who were unarmored. The metal itself was a simple matte black devoid of any insignia or rank, save for the word ‘security’ spraypainted in white on her pauldrons.

On her back was a large arm that emerged from her armor and wielded a long square-shaped weapon with a string of ammo feeding out of it and onto the other side of her armor where an enormous hopper was bolted on. Her visor opened, revealing a grinning earth pony mare underneath, her orange fur spattered with black grease. As the other mares approached her, the grin on her face grew, and she snapped into a quick salute, her bulky armor whirring as she moved.

“Well shoot, Princess, we were starting to get worried about ya,” announced the armored mare.

“You don't need to worry about me quite yet,” Celestia replied, her eyes narrowing as she reached the pony and stopped just in front of her. “Grease Slick, right?”

The armored mare grinned even wider, to the point that she looked like a filly that had just received a piece of candy from a parent after being told they did a good job. “You remembered!”

Celestia chuckled. “I try to remember everypony that points a gun at me.”

“Oh come on, that was one time. I have much better trigger discipline now,” whined the mare, her features falling, as did the gun arm on her back.

Ray cocked her head. “Don't tell me Greasy threatened you too? What is with ponies around here and waving guns at you?”

“It was a number of years ago, before you put in the vault entrance and Grease Slick was guarding the old entrance,” Celestia explained.

“Her Majesty didn't remove her illusion before coming down here,” Grease Slick added. “The armor detected it and I panicked, okay? I’m sorry.”

“I forgive you, dear. I’m just giving you a hard time,” Celestia replied, patting the mare on her armored shoulder.

Grease Slick chuckled. “I know, I know. Say I don't suppose you are hanging around for a few hours eh? I’m almost off shift and I’d love to take you up on your offer to have that cider.”

Celestia sighed. “I’m afraid not, my friend. There are too many things going on in Canterlot, and I cannot stay long. Perhaps one day when things return to a… well not normal, but at least not quite as hectic as they are now.”

Ray snorted. “Good luck with that.”

“Well either way, the boss is waiting for ya just inside, heard him give the ol’ ten four through the radio,” Grease replied, tapping the side of her armored head.

“I appreciate it,” Celestia responded before motioning for them to continue. “Shall we?”

“Err, I oughta head back upstairs,” Ray replied, rubbing the back of her neck. “My brother ain't the sharpest tool in the shed, I’m afraid.”

“Nonsense, take a few minutes off. How much damage could he do?” Celestia asked, only to chuckle. “On second thought you better head back, I might have jinxed it.”

“If he's somehow lit the bar on fire again I’m blaming you,” Ray insisted, poking the alicorn in the chest with a hoof.

Celestia chuckled. “Agreed, and thank you, Ray.”

“Think nothing of it, Your Majesty.” Ray beamed before turning around and jogging down the hall.

“Ya better head on through, ma’am. You know how Hammer gets when you make him wait, plus I’m pretty sure he wants to show you something,” Grease mentioned.

“A deadly combination,” Celestia mused. “I won't make him wait a moment longer. It was a pleasure seeing you again, Grease Slick.”

The armored pony slammed her hoof against her chest plate and beamed, servos whirring softly. “The pleasure was all mine,” she declared.

Smiling to herself, Celestia stepped through the next door, only to stop the second she had pulled the portal open. Lighting her horn somewhat dissipated the cacophony of sounds that had rushed out and engulfed her the moment the door opened, allowing the mare to hear herself think once more. Note to self, use the spell before you walk through, not after, Celestia mentally berated herself, the alicorn wincing slightly and making a note to check her ears on the way back to Canterlot.

The alicorn took a brief look around and found that she was in a massive room with enormously high ceilings. A room which was filled with ponies running this way and that, some so intent on their destination they didn't notice Celestia while others stopped and bowed. More important than that were the metal creations of towering height that were parked in some of the stalls which lined either side of the room. It was not only giant metal constructs that filled the stalls though, as some contained numerous bubbling concoctions or simple black boards filled with formulas and arguing scientists. The many experiments were too numerous to list, and Celestia promptly ignored them as well as the many ponies who noticed her but did not bow, the ponies mostly casting her curious and awe-filled glances .

“There you are!” arough, male voice announced from Celestia’s right. “I thought you got lost for a second there, Your Majesty.”

Celestia chuckled and looked over to where a tall black coated and grey maned stallion stood. Though he wore armor similar to the marine she had passed only seconds earlier, it lacked the raw protection that the other armor had, as well as the boxy gun and ammo box. Leaving behind only the exposed exoskeleton and the maneuverable arm on his back, allowing Celestia to see his cutie mark which was of a hammer impacting an anvil, with sparks erupting from all sides. The stallion was large, well-built, and clearly muscled, and though not old, he appeared to be in his forties, his features weathered by a lifetime of physically demanding work done mostly in front of a forge.

“Well, I thought about taking a nap before I came to see you, but I figured you’d get your knickers in a twist by then,” Celestia shot back with a smirk.

The stallion glared at the alicorn for a few seconds before erupting in hearty laughter. “It is you!” he announced. “I keep telling the ladies that we gotta figure out how to detect changelings but they are too convinced that their silly scanners are enough.”

“The enchantments I placed should be enough to drive away most changelings,” Celestia pointed out. “Though now that you mention it, that may be a good idea. I assume you have someone on it already?”

“Officially? No.” Hammer Smith smirked. “Unofficially, of course! Better to be overprepared than caught unaware as I always say.”

Celestia nodded. “Good. I may be able to offer your researchers a few pointers next time I drop by, I kept the notes on changeling anatomy locked away somewhere in the archives.”

“Aye, that would be a big help,” Hammer Smith replied, his stark blue eyes flashing with barely contained excitement. “Well then,” he announced suddenly. “I suppose you are here for a tour and an update, eh?”

“Indeed I am,” Celestia answered. “And I hear you have something interesting to show me,” she added, leaning in and smirking. “It isn't another pair of exploding pants, is it?”

“No, it isn't.” Hammer Smith deadpanned. “Plus I’d appreciate it if you didn't mention that, I was only a junior researcher back then.”

Celestia shrugged. “If you insist. Now then, where shall we begin?”

“Before we get into it, some of us just wanted to thank you again,” Hammer Smith began, grinning at the alicorn. “The first real sets of armor are rolling off the assembly line soon and it won't be long before we can really defend ourselves.”

“That's wonderful,” Celestia declared. “It is good to know that we have evened the playing field so to speak. Oh and before I forget, here.” The alicorn lit her horn and conjured forth a file of paperwork, which she hoofed to the stallion. “My praetorians did an exhaustive report on the combat ability of these zerg creatures. It should aid in your weapons testing at the least.”

Hammer Smith’s eyes went wide and he delicately took the folder into his armored hooves. “I don't know what to say, Your Majesty, thank you.”

“Knowing that my ponies are safe is all the thanks I need,” Celestia replied with a smile. “I hope it helps.”

The stallion used the mechanical arm on his back to flip through the folder while he held it open on a hoof, his eyes flashing back and forth, scanning the information quickly. “This is… this is amazing. We should be able to speed up production on the mark three impalers by a few weeks and maybe even figure out some sort of weakness.”

“I wouldn't count on that last part,” Celestia cautioned. “They are able to adapt quickly, and only magic seems able to bypass that thick hide of theirs with any kind of ease.”

Hammer Smith snorted. “Nothing a well oiled C-14 can't punch through.”

“Yes, your guns certainly are impressive, but I would advise you not to fall down the path the nobles have,” Celestia began. “Reliance on one weapon will ultimately leave you open to others.”

Hammer Smith nodded confidently. “Don't worry, Princess, we made sure we won't get pigeonholed like those high faluted jerks.”

“Good,” Celestia declared, sighing slightly. “Now then, where to first?”

“Right, first I wanted to show ya what we were cooking up to help the laborers around here,” Hammer Smith began, turning and trotting down the central, and mostly empty, part of the enormous underground structure. “The T-278 Special Construction Vehicle seems to be coming along nicely.”

Celestia followed close behind the stallion, watching as he gestured to one of the first stalls where several ponies of mixed race and gender were gathered around an armored pony in the center of the stall. The pony in the middle was wearing armor similar to Hammer Strike’s, save for the variation that it was just lightly armored, and was slightly smaller, though the limbs were also slightly bulkier. The main difference was in the fact that it had two pillars on its back on either side of its flank, as well as having an empty space between those stacks, allowing the wearer to cart around a considerable load.

“What are those stack things? I don't remember them being there before,” Celestia pointed out, gesturing to the back of the armor, while still watching the gathered ponies listen to the operator of the armor as they spoke animatedly on the suit’s functions.

“Containers,” Hammer yelled back over the din of conversation and noise. “We may have found a gas just beneath Equestria’s crust that does wonders when refined, and we’ve been working on retooling the S.C.V. to both construct heavy duty buildings with ease while also being able to gather both minerals and this gas.”

Celestia nodded, glancing over the many, many design documents that covered one wall of the stall. “And the plan to add an extra arm on either side? How is that coming along?”

Hammer Smith shrugged. “They are still working on not overloading the actuators on the legs, but I think they get that mostly worked out.”

Celestia hummed to herself, her gaze lingering on the drawing of an S.C.V. much like the one she was looking at, save for the fact that it had two large mechanical arms sprouting from its torso on either side of its body. The arms themselves were both different, with one ending in a large drill and the other being a simple two-pronged claw. It was at this point that the various ponies seemed to realize who was watching them, and after a brief hushed conversation they each turned and gave the alicorn a deep bow.

Celestia gave them a smile and a wave, before making a shooing motion, urging them to ignore her presence and to get back to what they were doing. Something they did only after they had all bowed deeply, with even the S.C.V. pilot bowing as much as her armor allowed. “And the pilot, will they be comfortable?” Celestia asked suddenly.

“About as comfortable as we can manage.” Hammer Smith snorted. “Those things are tight, what with all the gizmos we gotta cram into it, but they should be able to trot for upwards of twelve to fifteen hours without getting exhausted.”

“Well that's something, I suppose,” Celestia murmured. “And the defences?”

“Minimal, I’m afraid,” Hammer Smith murmured. “The fusion cutter they use to slap defences together can cut through anything that gets too close, but it's unwieldy, and unlikely to help against a real opponent.”

“We will have to keep a close eye on these S.C.Vs then,” Celestia murmured.

“The pegasus variants are in the works as well, but unfortunately we’re having problems with thrust, as it's just too much weight,” Hammer remarked. “I think we should scrap that particular variant entirely but that's just my thought, as we don't need S.C.Vs to be able to fly.”

“I wouldn't be so hasty.” Celestia cautioned. “If you have begun work on a thruster capable of lifting a stripped down set of CMC armor, perhaps you can retool it into an offencive variant for use on a marine’s armor.”

“True,” Hammer muttered, tapping his chin with his mechanical arm.

“Speaking of which,” Celestia announced, turning to the left. “Other than seeing Grease Slick wearing one, I have yet to truly be shown one of the new CMC-225s you talked so much about last time I was here.”

Hammer Strike grinned like a school filly. “You are right! The bosses have been hard at work making sure everything is ready for the mass roll out and they only finished it a few days ago.”

“I hope they didn't rush anything,” Celestia remarked, as she followed the stallion. “I would hate to find that there is some error that made your first deployment a difficult one.”

Hammer Strike nodded slowly. “I can't lie to ya, Princess. They are bulky, and need to vent exhaust out the back a little too much for my liking, but they are tough, and will give us the edge we need against the monsters at our doorstep.”

Celestia remained silent behind the stallion, her eyes flicking over the many stalls they passed until they reached the one they were looking for, wherein a marine was getting suited up. The stallion in question had a rust-colored mane, and orange fur, and was busy stepping into the armor, the whole thing having split open at the back to allow its wearer to get inside. The second all four hooves were inside, the armor clicked, whirred and slid into place, collapsing around the stallion’s back and encapsulating him completely.

“Why is he wincing like that?” Celestia asked, gesturing to the stallion in question, who was gritting his teeth as his armor continued to make a light whirring sound.

“The suits gotta connect with your magic, otherwise the arm doesn't work, but once it's all done your body thinks the arm is a part of you, which is why it's so easy to manipulate,” Hammer Smith explained, waving his own back-mounted mechanical arm around for emphasis.

“That seems unpleasant,” Celestia pointed out.

Hammer Smith shrugged. “It's not much worse than a brief pinch, after that it's fine. Though it does feel a little weird for the first little while.”

Celestia nodded, and stepped aside as the stallion approached, his arm drawing a weapon from the rack near the exit of the stall and clicking into place, the mechanical appendage gripping the weapon tightly. He offered the alicorn a brief nod, before his visor slid down, and he passed the two ponies by, his hooves thumping audibly with every step, and his body whirring and clicking as the armor moved with him. Celestia watched the various moving parts shift around inside his armor as the stallion walked, her ears picking out the sound of hidden servos and a thumping power supply as he passed by.

“That weapon is larger than last time,” Celestia remarked.

Hammer Smith grinned. “Oh yeah, we figured that since a pony can brace all four limbs at once while shooting, we can afford to slap some more fire power on our marines. The pegasus variant is a little different, and has two arms, and two weapons, as the system effectively convinces their brains that the arms are their wings.”

“But they can't fly?” Celestia asked, looking around and noticing that there were a few pegasus variants littering the bay area, though not as many as the more predominant earth pony version.

“Nope, too heavy. You’d have to be some sort of super flyer to get more than a few feet while wearing one of these bad boys,” Hammer Smith announced, clanging his hoof against his chest for emphasis.

“I see,” Celestia muttered.

“Would you like to see a test firing?” Hammer Smith asked, already grinning.

“I suppose,” Celestia muttered unenthusiastically.

“Oh it's not that bad,” Hammer Smith remarked with a snort. “Why it's a lot better than getting disemboweled by a sword.”

Celestia grimaced. “I’d rather we not need such weapons at all.”

Hammer Smith merely grunted. “I can't fault you there, but these are the times we live in.”

“Indeed they are,” Celestia muttered to herself.

Together the ponies trotted one stall over, Hammer Smith having grabbed one of the large rifles before they left. Now that Celestia had a second to really look at the things, she found herself slightly confused by its odd design. The thing was roughly squarelike, with several holes near the firing mechanism, where the clawed extra appendage found on the back of every marine would connect to in order to get a better grip. The magazine clipped in at the back, where it could be attached to a chain fed mechanism, if the suit was outfitted with one like Grease Slick’s had been.

It was at the midway point where things changed, and two long barrels emerged from the gun. The bottom one was wider, and lower, and was obviously not involved with the actual firing of the projectile, while the topmost barrel had a strange cagelike metal casing around it, evidently aiding in the firing, though Celestia knew not how. The sheer length of the two tubes at the front was off putting, as they were as long as the entire rest of the rifle, further confusing the quite technology-illiterate mare.

With a shrug, she followed the stallion as he entered into a firing range and stopped to adjust the blocky headset he had grabbed from a bench, no doubt to adjust for the loudness of what he was about to do. “You might wanna step back a bit!” he yelled.

Celestia nodded, and adjusted her own hearing spell, turning down the volume of incoming noises to the point that she could hardly even detect the sound of Hammer Smith’s enormous, clunking hooves. Watching closely, the alicorn studied the stallion as he tromped over to the second lane, hit a button on the wall, and summoned forth a wooden cutout of what looked like a zergling. With another click of a button under the firing range partition and several more zergling replicas sprung up and began to move in lazy zigzagging patterns.

Raising an eyebrow, Celestia studied the stallion’s appearance, idly noting that the rifle was nearly half his total length, and was positioned over his left shoulder, the barrels extending beyond his head. Then, the silence was broken, and a strange thumping noise erupted from the flaming end of the weapon, making Celestia jump backwards and look on in horror. The wooden cutouts exploded one by one, each zergling getting turned into little more than a stub attached to the firing range mechanism.

This continued for a total of six seconds before the stallion’s weapon began to beep angrily, alerting him to the fact that it was now empty. With a smirk, the stallion’s mechanical arm pulled back the weapon and pointed the smoking barrel in the air. “Whoowee, it's been a while since I hit the range,” Hammer Smith remarked jovially.

Celestia blinked, glancing down the range where no more targets moved. “That didn't seem so bad,” she murmured, raising an eyebrow.

Hammer Smith shrugged. “I used to be better.”

“If you say so.”

“So, what do you think?” Hammer Smith asked, a proud smile on his face.

“It seems quite effective,” Celestia began, only to frown. “Though I worry about what may happen if anyone were to get in close.”

Hammer Smith nodded. “We have a bayonet attachments, but we’ve also been working on something far more impressive, something I was hoping to show you.”

“And this thing you are going to show me will help aid our troops in some manner?” Celestia continued.

The stallion nodded, and began to trot in a different direction, dropping off the weapon back where he had found it before tuning his headset once more and crossing the enormous vault floor. “You guessed it, boss. This baby will make those zerg sons of bitches regret ever being born, or brought into existence as come to think of it, we don't even know if they are born.”

Celestia frowned, something in the stallion’s voice strangely off putting to the ancient alicorn. “I hope this thing is as effective as you seem to hope it will be.”

The stallion merely grinned and trotted over to one of the few contained stalls, which was surrounded on all sides by steel walls and a high metal ceiling. After hitting a combination of buttons next to the entrance, it beeped and opened, allowing the stallion and mare to trot inside. Where another suit was standing empty, a technician underneath the barrel of the armor, a wrench held aloft in his light magic. “I’ll be right with ya, Hammer,” shouted the voice, as he continued to crank some unseen component.

“We have a guest, Mister Star Fire,” Hammer Smith replied, smirking slightly.

“R-really?” shouted the stallion, before he lurched into a standing position, a wide smile on his face. “It's really you, you are really here!”

“I am indeed myself and I am really here!” Celestia declared. “Well at least, last I checked anyway.”

Hammer Smith chuckled. “Would ya explain to our guest what our little project is all about?”

Star Fire nodded eagerly, his long, bright red braided mane bouncing against the back of his head. “Absolutely, Mister Hammer Smith, sir!”

The unicorn all but pranced around the front of the suit, his smile growing larger with each step. “This is CMC 230 XF!” he declared proudly.

Celestia blinked, looking up and down the enormous set of armor, her gaze drawn inevitably to its lack of mechanical arm, and the twin canisters bolted along the thing’s back. “Interesting,” she muttered.

“It's a prototype armor meant for close combat,” began the scientist, who placed a proud hoof on the armor’s shoulder. “It uses twin tanks of refined vespene gas to incinerate any zerg who gets in too close.”

“Incinerate?” Celestia asked nervously. “You don't mean this thing shoots fire, do you?”

“I do!” declared the scientist, who ran over to the armor’s forelegs. “The fire is emitted from the top of the wearer’s hoof, and allows them to alternate between raising one hoof at a time, or standing on their back legs to unleash a truly devastating wave of destruction that will immolate any zerg that gets too close.”

“Are you sure this is the best way to protect our troops in close quarters? It seems…” Celestia trailed off, her gaze lingering on the twin emitters at the end of each hoof.

“Brutal?” Hammer Smith finished.

Celestia nodded. “Though I know the zerg are little more than animals, this leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

The exoskeleton-clad stallion nodded. “I feel the same way, but nothing we have tested can reliably drive back the zerg and keep our forces from getting overwhelmed. Mana weapons are the only thing that can reliably puncture their hide and we don't have nearly enough unicorns to make that feasible. Nevermind the technical challenge that would come with just making the damned things.”

“Plus it burns so hot that any enemy is usually immolated in seconds, meaning it might be more humane than a glancing shot from an impaler,” Star Fire added, quite unhelpfully.

Celestia’s frown deepened. “I acknowledge it's a necessity, but I’m afraid I can't bring myself to see this as anything less than an immense cruelty. This will only be used against the zerg, understood?”

Hammer Smith nodded confidently. “I understand completely, Princess.”

“Good,” Celestia announced. “Now show me something less disturbing before I have to go back to Canterlot. I would hate for my last memory of this place to be this dreadful thing.”

“This next thing we are going to show you is the last big thing we’ve come up with, and you’ll be happy to know that it might even have civilian applications as well,” Hammer Smith declared.

“Are you talking about the vulture system, sir?” Star Fire asked, his eyes sparkling.

“I am indeed,” Hammer Smith replied with a confident grin. “It should be able to help pegasi that have lost one or more wings to fly again, though it has its issues as it stands right now.”

“I actually have a spare in the corner of my lab if you wish to show our esteemed guest,” Star Fire offered, gesturing over to the far corner of his cluttered lab, where something the size of a pony and twice as wide was hidden beneath a large black tarp.

“Then I will give you the honor of showing the princess,” Hammer Smith replied, taking a step back and extending a leg. “After you, Princess.”

Celestia nodded, her frown slowly disappearing as her curiosity grew. “I must say I’m thankful you are considering other potential more often. Cybernetics, and more importantly prosthetics is a vein of research I am intensely interested in, and will be very valuable in the coming years, I’m afraid.”

Star Fire nodded eagerly, his long, wild mane bouncing everywhere. “Oh yes, though I’m not particularly adept in such a field, I can say with absolute certainty that your desire for better prosthetics is being valiantly pursued.”

“It's true,” Hammer Smith added. “Though not handled in this facility, we have an entire research lab devoted solely to replacing the use of limbs, and even horns.”

“That is wonderful,” Celestia declared. “A conflict lasts far shorter than the scars it leaves behind.”

“Truer words have not been spoken,” Hammer Smith agreed.

“Now then, I present to you, the vulture pegasus assisted propulsion system!” Star Fire yelled, excitedly, while using his magic to pull back the tarp and expose the strange contraption beneath.

Celestia looked on in confusion, more than a little baffled by what she saw. There before her was a life sized ponequin with pegasus wings, and an enormously wide metal rectangle with turbines at the end of each side.

“It looks… heavy,” Celestia murmured, noting that it was easily as wide as a pony was long, and was made from some sort of silvery metal.

“It is, but we believe with training most ponies will be able to use it to fly effectively and for long distances,” Hammer Smith replied confidently. “Star Fire, if you would.”

The unicorn nodded and stepped up to the contraption. “It straps to the pegasus’ body here and here.” He pointed to the straps in question which were wrapped at two points around the pony’s midsection. “After that the wings slide into the straps on the underside of the airfoil, which then links with the machine’s systems, harnessing the pegasus’ own natural instincts to enable it to fly effectively.”

“It doesn't seem to have any offencive capabilities,” Celestia pointed out.

“Oh it does, see?” Star Fire lifted a pair of gauntlets that had twin tubes protruding from the underside, tubes which hooked up to magazines higher up the gauntlet. “These are a relatively small caliber compared to the rest of our weapons, but will allow the wearer to defend themselves while also not adding too much weight.”

“The vulture also functions with a far lighter version of our powered armor. Adding a bit more protection to the wearer and securing the entire thing more thoroughly,” Hammer Smith added.

“Aaand, if all goes well, we could create a foldable version that could replace a pegasus’ lost wings while not being as unobtrusive as this thing is,” Star Fire continued.

“Indeed, though that's a good way off right now,” remarked the earth pony.

“Fascinating,” Celestia murmured, a hoof gently caressing the long metal faux wings. “I suspect it moves too fast to reliably use any heavier weapon systems.”

“Indeed, anymore armor or weapons and it falls out of the sky, limiting its fighting potential significantly.” Hammer Smith replied with a hint of sadness.

“But we believe the maneuverability granted by its extreme speed will be a defence which will more than compensate for its admittedly lightly armored exterior,” Star Fire pointed out.

“I suspect you are still working on it?” Celestia inquired, lifting an eyebrow.

“Indeed we are,” Hammer Smith replied. “The current idea we are running with would be to use these in conjunction with well-trained pegasi in order to scout areas, and potential construct traps ahead of the enemy. This will also allow us the chance to create a fast response squadron able to reinforce key areas and quickly move to defend smaller towns and villages that are too remote to have their own designated garrison.”

“Or lay mines,” Celestia finished.

“Yes actually, how did you know?” Star Fire asked.

The alicorn shrugged. “They don't weight a lot, if I remember correctly, and weight wouldn't be an issue later, as you will have dropped your payload.”

“I told you she was more than a pretty face.” Hammer Smith snickered, elbowing the other male in the shoulder.

“I never doubted you for a second, sir. Celestia’s genius is well known in Canterlot,” Star Fire added, blushing slightly.

Celestia chuckled. “It was only a minor leap in logical thinking. I assure you.”

“Well, that's about all we have to say on the vulture,” Hammer Smith remarked with a shrug. “Unless you wanna see the design specs for it.”

“That won't be necessary,” Celestia replied. “Though I was hoping to speak to you about our more… experimental projects.”

Instantly Hammer Smith’s features grew dark and he turned to Star Fire. “Would you mind waiting outside for a little bit?”

“S-sure,” stuttered the other male, who awkwardly stumbled out of the room, glancing back rather nervously at the alicorn.

With him outside, the earth pony clicked a few buttons next to the door, prompting it to clang loudly, signalling that it had been closed and was now locked. “Now then, what exactly did you want to know?” he asked, his voice having a strangely guilty tone to it.

“First I want to know how your tank and goliath platforms have been coming along,” Celestia began, noticing that the other pony’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and he breathed a small, almost indiscernible sigh of relief.

“The tank works, but not well. We are having difficulties with the engine, and the gun’s range leaves a lot to be desired,” Hammer Smith replied, leaning against a workbench as he stared up at the ceiling. “The goliath is going a little better, as it's just a scaled up version of the CMC armor, but it's also experiencing its own set of problems with weight and weapon load out.”

Celestia nodded slowly. “I know just throwing money at the problem won't always help, but do you require additional funding?”

Hammer Smith blinked, and looked up at the princess in disbelief. “P-princess, you’ve already given us hundreds of millions of bits at this point, you really don't have to do that.”

“I will do whatever is necessary to protect my ponies, even if that means emptying my personal finances. That's a small price to pay to know that you are safe from those creatures,” Celestia vowed

“I…” Hammer Smith gulped, and looked down, unable to meet the alicorn’s gaze. “I don't know what to say.”

“A number would be a good place to start, and perhaps a list of supplies, or personel you require but have not been able to secure as of yet,” Celestia quipped.

“Yes, I’ll have Star Fire do a full breakdown on our requirements and we’ll send the list through the usual methods.” He winced slightly. “Are you sure this is wise, Princess? This many bits changing hooves is bound to catch some attention.”

“I’ve been working on certain… back channels, that will aid in the delivery,” Celestia explained coyly. “As you know, almost all air travel that originates or passes through Equestrian territory is under my control as of this year.”

“Ahh, and with the heavy use of gryphon and pegasi workers, the nobility have shunned involvement in the industry,” Hammer Smith concluded, nodding knowingly. “Very smart.”

“Indeed,” Celestia murmured, before lighting her horn and casting a quick bubble of silence over the room. “I had one last thing I was hoping to speak to you about before I leave.”

The earth pony’s shoulders slumped and his features fell once more. “I assumed as much.”

“So, how has the, special project, been going?” Celestia inquired, her gaze fixed on the earth pony’s face.

Hammer Smith winced, and rubbed the back of his neck with his robot arm. “Successful, in regards to the outcome, but unsuccessful in just what it takes to get there.”

“So you have managed to manipulate this energy?” Celestia questioned, raising an eyebrow at the stallion’s wishy washy response.

“Yes,” he declared. “That much is certain.”

“So where's the problem? Has Project Midnight failed in some way, or has gone over budget?” Celestia pressed.

“It's within budgetary restrictions,” Hammer Smith began. “But it has taken more intensive prompting than we’d like for our inductees to learn how to manipulate this psi energy. The drugs and training necessary to bring out the latent psychic powers is anything but pleasant, and unfortunately anything less than that fails to bring out the desired change in our neophytes.”

Celestia frowned, but nodded slowly. “And how went the last round of testing? Was it only unicorns capable of utilizing this energy like we feared?”

Hammer Smith laughed grimly. “No, no, no. Thankfully that's one thing they can't claim ownership of. In fact, just about any species can utilize this energy you’ve spoken of, provided they have the aptitude for it.”

“Let me guess, the training must start young and the neophytes are forced to undergo intense stressful scenarios in order to bring out their full potential,” Celestia assumed.

“Y-yes,” Hammer Smith muttered, looking down at his hooves. “We've had no shortage of volunteers, but I’m afraid the success rate is very, very low.”

Celestia sighed. “Continue your work, but I want the majority of your research to go into the more theoretical aspect of this energy, and how it's able to be manipulated in addition to trying to reduce the stressful nature of the training.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty, it lightens my heart to hear you say that,” Hammer Smith exclaimed with a small smile.

“Though I fear these ghosts as you call them might be necessary in the future, we can at least ensure we understand this energy in better detail before we are forced to put anymore foals through this training you mentioned,” Celestia concluded. “Speaking of which, how has their power level fared when compared to Midnight herself?”

Hammer Smith shook his head. “Compared to her our ghosts are little more than foals playing with a power they couldn't comprehend. The energy your mystery pony can wield easily eclipses the sum total of all our graduates so far.”

“It is as I feared,” Celestia murmured, tapping her chin. “Regardless, I want the main brunt of your research to remain in the more mundane sciences, this tank and goliath of yours sound promising as well as the quickly constructable buildings and defences.”

“Of course, Your Highness, the boys should have a fully functional command center and prototype fast erection bunker by the time you come visit next time,” Hammer Smith announced with a hint of pride.

“Excellent, because something tells me that traditional static defences will do little against such an agile opponent,” Celestia explained. “Plus I admit I am not a fan of monkeying around in a pony’s mind, there are so many poor outcomes to such an endeavour.”

“That is very true, Your Majesty,” Hammer Smith agreed.

“Now then,” Celestia began, a smile on her face. “I have to get back to Canterlot before my viceroy does something stupid, and I end up with more work on my plate. Walk with me.”

Hammer Smith nodded, and trotted over to the door before clicking it open and following the alicorn out into the noisy facility. Together they passed by a slightly smaller amount of ponies, staff having evidently finally gone home for the night, or at least switched out with a smaller overnight skeleton crew. Though some stopped and bowed to the alicorn, most kept their distance and didn't look away from their work, which was just fine for Celestia, who was rapidly running out of leisure time.

“Have you contacted the rest of the towns?” Celestia asked suddenly, turning to Hammer Smith as they walked.

The stallion frowned, but nodded. “We have been able to secure an alliance with nearly all elders, councils, and mayors in the area, though a few holdouts remain, especially along the border with the rest of Equestria.”

“They have yet to experience what your people have,” Celestia pointed out. “Give them time, and if that doesn't work, I would advise you use those cameras of yours to film the aftermath of one of the zerg’s raids, and do interviews with the survivors. These other towns may be distant from the suffering, but they are ponies all the same and their empathy will win out in the end.”

“It will be done, Your Majesty,” Hammer Smith vowed.

“Good,” Celestia replied. “Though I’m tempted to ask you to circulate this video to a wider audience, I fear we may very well start a civil war if that were to happen.”

“I won't let that happen, ma’am,” Hammer Smith swore. “You have my word.”

“I must reiterate this point, Mister Smith. We cannot allow anyone to divide this nation anymore than it has already been, not while we have allies that have yet to choose a side,” Celestia pointed out. “Their assistance may very well make or break the frontier, and I refuse to allow harm to come to my little ponies.”

Hammer Smith stiffened, and said nothing, his voice hitching before he could even spit out a complete word.

“Have you thought up a name for your organization?” Celestia asked as they neared the exit, the alicorn glancing over to the stallion quizically.

“Most have started calling us the Confederacy anyway, and I think it fits.” Hammer Smith shrugged. “After all, we are nothing more than a loose confederacy of engineers, isolationists and folks with nowhere left to go.”

“It does have a nice ring to it, though I’m sure that one day your confederacy will become so much more than just that,” Celestia replied wistfully, before giving her head a firm shake. “I’ll abstain from regular reports for a while. I’ve attracted enough heat as it is, and I fear I may have to wait until the next time I can get away to receive a full briefing.”

“Of course, ma’am,” Hammer Smith replied instantly.

“Though I would like to be kept abreast of what the cybernetics department is doing for my next visit. The technology being developed there is fascinating, and I hope the notes I delivered have aided them at least a little,” Celestia mused.

“I can tell you with absolute certainty that the scientists down there have been thrilled by your attention, and have made great strides with the experimental medical papers you’ve been able to give them,” the earth pony maintained.

“That is wonderful news, make sure you stress to them, and your superiors, that I want the ability to replace just about every part of a pony of any tribe,” Celestia commanded before stopping next to the exit and smiling at the stallion. “You and your ponies have done excellent work, though I fear that work is far from over.”

The servos in the earth pony’s suit whirred and the black coated stallion ducked into a low bow. “We would work day and night if it meant we could better serve you, and protect our own. We will never forget what you’ve done for us, Princess.”

Celestia smiled gracefully. “Please rise, my good stallion, and remember my words carefully. The shadows will be your friend and I will most likely have need of you sooner than anticipated. Be ready.”

“Our loyalty is without question,” Hammer Smith stated confidently. “There isn't a mare or stallion here who doesn't know what you’ve done for us, and there isn't a single soldier who isn't ready to lay down their lives for you if given the order.”

“Pray it doesn't come to that,” Celestia warned. “War does not prove who is right, only who is left.”

With that, the alicorn gave the earth pony one last nod, and walked away, disappearing through the open door and trotting down the hall. Her mind was abuzz with memories, concerns and ideas, the most dominant one being a memory of the last great conflict she had participated in. The stench of death had permeated the air, buzzards had flown overhead, and the moans of the dead and dying could be heard in all directions.

Thousands of bodies littered the ground, some dead, others wishing they would join the former. Medical personel moved from pony to pony, picking up some who were alive and able to be moved while others were given their last rites and put out of their misery. While this macabre scene played out in a hundred different places across the great field, the moon hung low overhead, its newest addition sticking out like a sore thumb and bringing a tear to Celestia’s eye.

This time, dear sister, I will free you from your corruption, but I will not be caught unaware. This I swear.

Author's Note

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An Interesting Conversation

“That will conclude our combat exercises for the day,” Celestia announced, the alicorn using her magic to place her claymore in its sheath.

The weapon itself was relatively simple, meant only to replicate her true weapon, Dawnbringer, without copying any of the weapon’s power or majesty. Only its length, weight, and general feel was truly recreated, which was exactly how Celestia liked it. Twilight, on the other hand, wielded a quarterstaff, the long metal weapon being the only thing currently keeping her from falling to the floor.

“Is that it?” Twilight asked between short, quick breaths, her forehooves desperately gripping her weapon as her back legs shook. “I thought that was just a warm up.”

“In that case, maybe we could move ahead tomorrow’s lesson.” Celestia smirked, pulling her blade back out and ducking into a defensive stance. “How does another three rounds sound to you?”

Twilight gulped, and slowly pulled herself into a standing position. “You know what? You're probably tired and hungry, we should just call it a day.”

Celestia chuckled and resheathed her sword before levitating it over to its stand. “I admit I am feeling rather peckish. Why don't you place your weapon off to the side so we can sit and chat before grabbing some well-earned lunch.”

The mortal mare nodded and trotted to the other side of the gym, while Celestia conjured a small mound of pillows for herself and her companion and sat atop her pile. While waiting for her student to return, the alicorn carefully watched as Twilight gently laid her weapon in its proper place and trotted back. The ancient mare’s eye caught the way Twilight’s musculature flexed and moved, the younger pony having evidently grown much stronger in more than just her magic.

Plopping down across from her mentor, Twilight wiped the sweat from her brow. “So, what did you wanna talk about?”

“I was hoping to resume the discussion we started on your first day back,” Celestia explained. “You seemed hesitant to follow through with my lesson plan.”

Twilight sighed and looked away. “It's not that I don't want to. I just don't understand why you have me taking such… strange courses. How to spot a liar and those other manipulation tactics are interesting lessons, but leadership? I’m a lot of things, but one of those things is not a leader.”

Celestia smiled gently. “Tell me, Twilight, if you were in a group with a few other ponies and you noticed they continually messed up your collective project, what would you do?”

“I would tell them what needs doing, and how to do it,” she replied quickly, shrugging her shoulders. “Why?”

“That's what a leader does,” Celestia pointed out. “You may believe that you are unfit to lead due to your unique personality, but in reality leadership is not all poise and grand speeches. It's about seeing something that needs doing, a role that needs filling, and simply getting it done.” She waved a hoof dismissively. “The rest is simply presentation and practice.”

Twilight frowned, but reluctantly considered the elder mare’s words carefully. She had always known that she had a low tolerance for stupid, but to have that intolerance described as a trait that made her worthy of a leadership role was a bit much for the infested pony to accept. She was an outsider, in her mind, and she struggled to imagine a pony that would want to be led by the creepy pony that could read her mind and always wore a coat.

Sighing deeply, the pony reluctantly nodded and looked up at the alicorn. “If you insist, but I really don't think the average being would want to follow my orders. I mean, look at me.”

“You know, most ponies flirt with me a little more subtly,” Celestia remarked with a smirk.

Instantly Twilight’s face grew bright red and the pony began to stammer, only for Celestia to cut her off with a giggle.

“I’m teasing you, dear,” Celestia quickly explained. “I know what you mean, but just trust me when I say that during an emergency, few ponies are going to argue with the biggest, smartest pony in the room.”

“Well, you are right about one of those things anyway,” Twilight murmured.

Rolling her eyes, Celestia sighed and leaned a little closer, extending a hoof. “Look, I know the value of these lessons is not immediately evident, but you trust me, right?”

“Of course I trust you,” Twilight replied instantly.

Celestia smiled widely, her heart leaping in joy at hearing such a quick and confident affirmation of trust. “Then just continue to trust me on this one. Think of it like another kind of challenge. After all you're learning things you aren't immediately good at, for once.”

The unicorn’s blush nearly lit up both of her cheeks, and she tried to hide her face behind a hoof. “Oh stop. I’m not that smart.”

“Well, you’ve excelled in just about every academic course and test I’ve thrown at you, so I’d say you are pretty smart. This is just another trial, one that will merely take more effort to pass than usual I’m afraid,” Celestia continued.

Twilight nodded slowly. “I suppose, though it does make me wonder what kind of plans you have for me if you think I’ll need leadership skills and a better understanding on how to spot a good liar, among other things.”

Celestia smiled mysteriously, one side of her grin rising a bit higher than the other. “That's for me to know, and you to find out. Soon, I might add. I promise you won't be in the dark for much longer.”

“Well, I hope not,” Twilight muttered. “As much as I trust you I don't enjoy being moved around like a chesspiece.”

The alicorn laughed and shook her head. “Oh, Twilight, you are not a piece on the board, you are playing the game with me, I just haven't let you see that board yet.”

Twilight’s jaw hung open and she stood there awkwardly, confused, but also oddly flustered by the strange compliment. “Thanks? I think.”

“It is indeed a compliment, my dear friend,” Celestia continued, patting the mare on the hoof. “Now then, I had a few other questions to ask before I had to return to my duties.”

The younger mare straightened her back and nodded. “Fire away, Princess.”

Rolling her eyes, Celestia sighed. “You know I hate it when you use honorifics, Doctor Sparkle.”

“Hey, that one’s low! You tricked me into becoming a doctor,” Twilight replied, crossing her forehooves over her chest while wiggling a little more into her seat.

“You know most ponies would be happy that they had accidentally earned a doctorate before the age of eighteen,” Celestia pointed out.

“And I am not most ponies,” Twilight shot back.

Celestia nodded slowly. “That you aren't, my young friend. Regardless, I was just wondering how your father and Spike were doing. I heard the divorce finally went through.”

Twilight winced. “Dad is doing… alright, but he's not taking this whole unicornization of Canterlot well. He has been talking about moving away recently, but I don't think his idea of helping uncle Star Shine on his farm out east is the best idea.”

“Why do you say that?” Celestia inquired. “The confederacy may not be the most… well-liked of provinces, but it is remarkably safe, all things considered.”

Twilight nodded. “I know you’ve been trying to help them, and that it's been working, but it just seems silly. Why run from tribalist pricks only to go to the one place you are most likely to get strung up from a lamp post for having a horn.”

The alicorn frowned deeply, but couldn't help but agree. “Though I don't like it either, I would suggest your father follow that instinct of his. Canterlot’s troubles may be more than skin deep, but eventually those troubles will reach the surface and when that happens, things will not be pleasant.”

The younger mare stared at her older counterpart for several long seconds before nodding knowingly. Twilight knew that the alicorn’s words were only ignored by the foolish, and the dead, and she was determined to not end up as either of those things. “I’ll tell him that when I get home tonight, but I don't think he's going to leave Canterlot while I am still here.” She smiled faintly. “He's too loyal a stallion for that.”

Celestia felt her frown melt away, replaced by a soft smile. “Perhaps I could come up with a possible solution then.” She shook her head suddenly. “Regardless, how is Spike doing? Is he adjusting well to the tower? Or is he still scared of heights?”

Twilight giggled, and shook her head. “Oh, he got over that fear years ago, now he's just convinced the whole tower is just going to topple over one day.”

“Mature, yet so young at the same time,” Celestia mused aloud. “Such is youth, I suppose.”

“I’d say he's a smart dumbass, but I suppose that's a nicer way of putting it,” Twilight concluded with a small smirk.

Celestia chuckled, her gentle laughter akin to the sound of many tiny bells in Twilight’s opinion. “Regardless of however way you slice it, I’m glad you three are getting along so well.” The alicorn readjusted her hooves, all levity leaving her features in an instant. “Would you mind if I ask how your mother and brother are doing though? If you don't wish to speak of them, that's understandable.”

“No, it's fine,” Twilight remarked dismissively. “They are not worth of my anger,” she declared.

Celestia winced slightly, the alicorn able to detect the small, subtle shift in her annoyed student’s more rigid body language. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” Twilight affirmed. “Mother was attending some manner of meditation course that was mandated by her work last I checked. She hasn't spoken to me in a long time, not since dad stood up for me a few years ago. As for Shining Armor…” She shrugged. “He's been distant, always looking away from me like he's ashamed or something. I don't think he's bought into mom’s bullshit, but he also won't leave her.”

“It is hard for any child to leave their family, especially when they are the last thing that family has,” Celestia replied softly. “I would not give up on him quite yet.”

“Well, some of us don't have that kind of patience,” Twilight muttered. “So, was that it?”

Celestia nodded slowly. “That is indeed it, my student. Have a wonderful evening, and I’ll see you bright and early for our seven o’clock start.”

Twilight hopped up, gave the alicorn a short, quick bow and left, her mind and attention elsewhere. A small part of her felt bad for treating the alicorn so rudely during the end of their lesson, but no matter how prepared she thought she was, conversations about the other half of her family always left her bitter. Bitter and angry, and she channeled that anger into her hooves as she stomped out the door, ignoring the looks she got from the guards that were present on either side of said door.

Just focus on getting back to the tower, Twilight, after that we can focus on how to apologize to Celestia, she thought to herself, her jaw clenched tight, and her gaze set on the distance, where she knew her destination lay. Hopefully Bull is working, I haven't seen her since I left for summer break.

The thought of the crotchety guard made her smile, and she silently hoped that the guard was waiting at her door, a smirk on her face, and a joke waiting on her lips.

Twilight’s boots clacked against the stone floor, her gaze lingering on the long line of windows to her right, and the cityscape that lay beyond. The view was amazing from the sky bridge leading from the central castle to her tower that lay just beyond the main structure. She could see for miles out over the city, and though the vista no longer filled her with awe and hope, the pony could not deny it was still pleasant to look at.

A stark contrast from what her new senses were telling her.

She detected no emotion from up ahead, and little to no thoughts either, making Twilight fear the worst. Images of Bull having been turned into one of those mindless servants of the old houses filled her head and she had to forcefully banish them lest the visions color her perception. She told herself that would never happen, but she remembered a time when she would have said the same about her brother and mother.

With her will steeled, she turned and glanced down to the end of the hall where a single lone guard and two doors sat. One, she knew led to the lower levels of the tower, while the central-most door led to her level, and was a pleasant sight. The guard however, was not, as he appeared to have the same glassy look that just about every other did. Though the sight gave Twilight hope that Bull had not fallen to the houses, it also left her fate up in the air.

The guard’s gaze remained locked on her the entire time Twilight approached, and though the younger mare towered over the full grown stallion, he did not waver in his gaze. When she finally drew near, he nodded slightly, a greeting of politeness, but not one of respect.

“Greetings, Twilight,” he began, his milky teal eyes betraying no emotion.

The young mare stopped for a moment, realizing that despite his somewhat bland exterior, that he wasn't quite as generic as he first appeared. Though his armor was a bog standard gold and he wore the same thing every other guard did, his fur was a soft orange, and a few strands of his electric blue mane poked out from the cracks of his helmet. Twilight brushed aside those small, subtle details and focused on the male more fully, finding that his mind was as seemingly blank as every other guard she had tried that on.

“Greetings to you, guard,” Twilight muttered. “Where is Bull? I was told she was assigned to me for another year.”

“She retired,” the guard replied quickly and evenly. “In disgrace, I’m afraid.”

Twilight bit back the angry retort she felt building in her throat and forced away all emotion. “What happened?” she demanded.

“I’m afraid I’m not authorized to give you such information,” the guard answered, bowing his head slightly. “I am sorry.”

Twilight probed the guard’s mind a second time, and after finding no manner of entrance, brushed him aside and pulled open the door to her home with her magic. “No matter then,” she muttered, passing by the guard without another thought.

Once inside, she quickly shut the door, and closed it firmly, using her magic to seal the portal tightly. Without having to worry about the guard’s uncomfortable gaze, Twilight looked around her abode with a small grin on her face. It was huge, easily three-storeys tall, witha large open area in the center. On either side of her were two storeys of bookshelves that ended where another full storey of windows began.

The central area was large, and had three-storey tall windows on either side that joined with the ones behind and above her. The result was an absolute flood of natural light that ensured that Twilight rarely had to burn a candle no matter the time of day. Not like that was even necessary anymore, as she found her natural night vision to be excellent, but she still used them regardless, just to keep up appearances if nothing else.

The other side of the structure was broken up into three layers, one, a simple reading nook tucked underneath the upper levels. It contained a large flat table piled high with various books, with a plethora of pillows stacked underneath. It also had a bathroom, and a small kitchenette complete with an enchanted fridge and dishwasher, luxuries that Twilight had rarely seen before she moved in. Above that was a floor where her bedroom lay, accessible by stairs tucked away in the right corner of the tower.

Above that was a large open area suitable for magical testing and star gazing, the second activity made easier by the large telescope in the corner. All in all it was a wide open and amazing place, and Twilight loved it, though that love was stifled somewhat by all the glaring security flaws that had been present when she had first arrived. Ultimately those had been fixed by a layer of wards and enchantments that made her home into a fortress.

Though that didn't explain why Spike was sitting in the reading nook, his hands clasped tightly together and a worried expression on his face. “H-hey, mom,” he greeted, waving a claw.

Raising an eyebrow, Twilight trotted over to the young dragon, stopping herself from taking off her boots and jacket due to the uttering of the word mom, which he rarely used. “What happened, Spike?” Twilight asked, her mind going out to his and finding that although he was worried, his thoughts were too tumultuous to read.

“I had an… interesting conversation,” he began, relaxing slightly when Twilight settled in next to him and rested a hoof on his back.

“Oh really, and with whom?” Twilight pressed, her consciousness brushing against his and forcing his thoughts into a more orderly state, while also placing her glasses on the table.

“H-him,” Spike whispered, pointing towards a seemingly random wall.

Instantly Twilight’s senses spun towards where Spike had pointed, psionic and magical power alike coming to her call. “Blueblood,” Twilight muttered, disgust dripping from every word.

The stallion emerged from a swirl of smoke, stepping forth from wisps of smoke and revealing himself fully. He was tall and lanky, the stallion appearing to be every bit the adult he carried himself as. Other than the increased height, he had evidently changed in other, more subtle ways, as his usual long blonde mane and tail had been cut so short they were both hardly visible and were bound in a tight braid.

His eyes also seemed to glow a faint green, smoke of the same shade of jade billowing from the edges. His normally nude body was wrapped in a tattered purple cloak bound to his form by dark purple wrappings of some kind. On one hoof he had one of the energy blade gauntlets she had seen a few of house Blueblood wear, though it seemed vaguely different. The weapon wasn't activated yet and Twilight wasn't going to give him time for that to change.

A mere second had passed since the smoke shrouding him had vanished and Twilight was already on him. Her large frame flew across the room, her right forehoof connecting with his chest hard enough to knock him back a few feet. He hardly had a chance to groan before Twilight appeared before him in a flash of light, her back hooves already extended and aimed at his chin.

The stallion went flying, the buck strong enough to send him airborne, his hooves leaving the ground fully and sending his mind reeling. He didn't have a chance to even land before he felt his body enraped by a field of some kind, though he didn't see the glow of Twilight’s magic. Then he was flying once more, this time tossed into a bookshelf which crumbled under the strength of the throw, and the stallion’s own body weight.

Twilight stomped her way across the floor, ignoring the strangely conflicted Spike standing off to the side, his spines raised, and his muscles ready, but his features unsure, and his mind awash with warring emotions. Brushing aside the dragon’s worry, the infested mare stomped her way up to the groaning pile of books which contained her target.

Extending a hoof, Twilight pulled the stallion from the ground by will alone, her hoof gripping his robe. “What do you want?” she hissed, her glowing yellow eyes burning brighter than ever.

The stallion’s gaze seemed distant, the male unable to gather his thoughts quickly enough for Twilight’s liking. The infested unicorn, already irritated by his presence, began to summon her magic in order to channel a spell powerful enough to eliminate the offending male. A second before it was complete however, Blueblood seemed to finally gather his bearings, and a hoof suddenly shot out and pressed against the mare’s head.

“Calm,” he whispered.

In an instant all rage was forgotten, the anger from having her sanctum invaded and the protective urges riled by Spike’s words, all just… slipped away. Stumbling backwards, the mare’s magic sputtered and fizzled, and she looked down on the stallion in a new light. She had been hasty, she knew that, but in her eyes this was her enemy, an emissary of the old houses sent against her. Now though, those feelings of anger were hard to rouse, and she watched him slowly rise and dust himself off, determined to hear him out at least before she reduced him to ash.

“Speak, noble,” Twilight spat.

Blueblood gave his body a quick shake, before turning and giving the broken bookcase a forlorn look. “We sure have changed, haven't we? I mean, here you are, destroying books and damaging a library,” quipped the stallion, who lifted one such destroyed book up, displaying its ruined spine.

Twilight yanked the book from the male’s grip and used the mana she had been building for an offencive spell to make the book glow and quickly fix itself. “There, now would you tell me why you are here?” Twilight reiterated.

Blueblood nodded and stepped out from the pile of books. “I apologize for intruding and speaking to your… son without your knowledge, but I’m afraid it was necessary.”

“Oh, and why is that, huh?” Twilight replied, her glare hardening. “I doubt gloating about isolating me or taking all my friends is that important.”

The male winced visibly, his gauntleted hoof rubbing the back of his neck. “No, I am not the same pony I was nearly a decade ago.”

“Right, now you are one of them. Albeit with a weirder dress code,” Twilight added.

“Just hear him out,” Spike interrupted, the dragon wincing when Twilight’s blazing orbs settled on him. “He has something important to say.”

Twilight relaxed slightly, the words of her most loyal companion weighing heavily on her. “Well, go on then.”

“Please, allow me to apologize for my tacit endorsement of my father’s actions. I wish I had stood up for you all those years ago.” He sighed. “But that is neither here nor there. Long story short, I’ve learned just how truly mad my father and his allies are and I’ve come to offer you aid in the form of information.”

Twilight eyed him carefully before she finally relaxed completely. “Out with it then. I don't have all day.”

“Right.” Blueblood took a deep breath. “Something big is going to happen a year from now. I have allies within the ranks of the houses, allies that wish to break away from the houses’ control, but not before we are able to deal them some kind of blow.”

Nodding slowly, Twilight brushed against his mind and found that what he said was true, though the rest of his thoughts lay below an impenetrable layer of something she could not push past. Pulling back, the unicorn was pleased to find that there was indeed the activity she had been searching for, but the layer of white noise over top of it was too much like the empty space inside the other guard’s minds for her liking.

“A blow we wish to deal in one year,” Blueblood continued. “Though we know not what this blow will take the form of. Our mutual enemy seems to think that their plan will quote unquote, win their freedom. Whatever that means.”

Twilight scoffed, a sneer growing across her face. “You know nothing but vague portents and have nothing to offer but empty promises.”

Blueblood took a step forward, his brow creased with worry. “We need to work together when we act, you have Celestia’s ear, she must know what you now know.”

“What would I tell her, huh?” Twilight challenged. “That some random stallion thinks something bad is going to happen next year, but don't worry his shadowy cabal is going to try and help us to stop it? Get real.”

Sighing, Blueblood shook his head. “I am not your enemy, Twilight. I am just-”

The infested unicorn lurched forward, teeth bared and eyes glowing brightly. “You, your family, the old houses and everyone else that wants to get in my way is my enemy. So take your prophecies and nonsense and fuck off.”

Blueblood shook his head slowly, a strangely sad expression crossing his face. “That is exactly what they want you to say. Abandon hatred, Twilight.” His form began to blur as smoke billowed all around him. “For hatred is a weapon they can turn against you. And they will use it against you.”

The smoke vanished as quickly as it appeared, the stallion it had hid having disappeared.

With an angry shout, Twilight grabbed a random book and whipped it as hard as she could against a window. “Fuck!”

Author's Note

A Velvet Scalpel

“Ahh, Silver Scalpel and Velvet Touch, please come in!” Celestia exclaimed, gesturing to the open chairs across from her.

The two ponies paused in the doorway, unused to seeing Celestia’s study so barren. The usual displays of knick knacks and random historical items were all gone, replaced by flat white walls and an open, empty area. Even Celestia’s usually cluttered desk was almost completely devoid of paperwork or random objects, only two neat stacks labeled ‘in’ and ‘out’ were left. Most of the colors in the room seemed to have been stripped away, leaving behind only the stark white marble and the red and gold window coverings.

“Gotten into minimalism I see,” Silver Scalpel remarked as she sat across from the princess.

“It certainly feels bigger…” Velvet Touch added, the mare taking a seat next to her partner before looking around the comparatively empty room.

“Yes, well, it was about time I cleaned up this place and put the non-essential items in storage,” Celestia replied dismissively, before tapping her desk. “I assume you have brought your final report as requested?”

Silver Scalpel scowled, but produced a slim manilla folder regardless, placing it on the desk in front of the alicorn. “I’m telling you right now, this is a mistake.”

“Your concerns have been noted,” Celestia replied simply, the alicorn flipping through the folder before nodding and placing it in the ‘in’ stack to her left. “Everything seems to be in order.”

“Celestia, if I may,” Velvet Touch piped up.

The alicorn nodded. “Yes, what is it, Velvet Touch?”

“Though I agree with Silver, I’m curious as to why you are scrapping the entire project so suddenly,” Velvet remarked.

“Yeah, and right when we were starting to really figure this thing out as well,” Silver added.

Celestia sighed and steepled her hooves before her. “Though I regret not being able to continue this program, it had its issues that could not be ignored. For starters the costs associated have ballooned out of control.”

“If we didn't have so much damn security that wouldn't be a problem,” Silver Scalpel growled.

“And if your team would stop leaking things to the press or the great houses for so much as a single day, they wouldn't be necessary,” Celestia shot back.

“I don't think that's completely fair,” Velvet Touch interrupted, interposing herself between the alicorn and the unicorn. “They are under a lot of stress. A few bad apples shouldnt ruin it for us all.”

“Yeah!” Silver shouted, slamming her hoof on the desk. “You’ve fired and rehired nearly my entire staff at this point, surely you’ve weeded out all of them by now.”

Celestia slowly raised an eyebrow. “You really don't know, do you?”

“Know what?” Silver Scalpel asked.

Shaking her head, Celestia opened a drawer, rifling through a few folders before grabbing a rather hefty-looking one and slamming it on the desk. “This.”

“And what is this anyway?” Velvet Touch inquired, the mare sitting a little taller in order to see all the writing on the folder.

“This is a record of every single leak in both of your departments,” Celestia declared, tapping the top of the folder. “There have been over six hundred and thirty-two succesful or attempted leaks.” The mare shook her head slowly. “Calling it a department isn't even accurate anymore, they are more like sieves than anything.”

“I…” Velvet Touch gulped. “Are there really that many?”

Celestia nodded and opened the folder. “It took three days for the first leak to happen, and since then there’s only been a single month where you have gone without a leak and it was directly after I was forced to try Beaker for treason against the crown.”

“Woah,” muttered Velvet Touch, who watched as Celestia flipped through the folder.

“Silver Scalpel, did you know your second-in-command is implicated in over thirty seperate leaks?” Celestia pressed.

“That's impossible,” declared Silver. “Graduated is a fine stallion, and does good work.”

“That doesn't mean he hasn't also directly overseen the leaking of over five hundred and ninety pages of classified information,” Celestia stated, before closing the file and tucking it back away in her desk.

“So there have been a few leaks, what does it matter?” Silver announced.

“Silver,” Velvet Touch hissed.

“What? It's true. We’re a research division working on a potential cure to a plague that could wipe out all life on the planet. The more information that is out there the greater the chance that someone else is able to crack this thing wide open and help us all,” Silver exclaimed, throwing up her hooves.

Celestia tapped her hoof impatiently against the desk. “Are you done?”

“Yes,” Silver declared.

“Let me tell you what your leaking has done, and when I’m done if you still think it was worth it, I’ll admit defeat,” Celestia replied.

The alicorn stood before anyone could mutter a word and walked over to the window. “A mother and child in Ponyville were burnt alive in their homes because it was assumed they were infected.”

“That's ridiculous, we said the infection was-” Silver began, only for Celestia to shoot her a glare so strong that she closed her mouth on reflex.

“I will not be interrupted,” Celestia stated before turning back to the window. “And that was only one such event, there have been over thirty-two known attempts on the lives of innocents, some which have been unfortunately successful. Most of which have been burnt alive, sometimes locked in their own homes. Do you know why this has happened, Silver Scalpel?”

The mare gulped. “N-no.”

“Several years ago, one of your reports that suggested fire as a potential weapon against the infection was leaked. Since then it’s been spread amongst the population, whom have used it as justification to immolate their very neighbors.” Celestia turned to the mare, glaring down at her. “Do you still think it’s worth it?”

“Well, I…” Silver Scalpel breathed deeply and nodded. “If it ends up saving us all from a viral apocalypse, then it's regrettable, but not the worst possible outcome.”

“Silver Scalpel, how could you say that?” Velvet Touch asked in shock.

“We are weighing the lives of every known creature on this planet, anything less than genocide is not enough to be truly weighted against that,” Silver Scalpel justified.

“Do you think you could do it? Could you board the windows of your neighbor’s house, lay the kindling on her doorstep and light the match?” Celestia asked, turning back to the mare and trotting towards her. “Could you hold true to your justification as you watched the flesh melt off the body of a child no older than five? A child, whom had not done anything to deserve it save to be born with a minor genetic mutation that made her skin a little harder and her hair slightly thinner?”

“I uh, well I’d never-” Silver sputtered.

“Could you? Would you be able to watch her single mother as she desperately shielded her foal with her own body, hoping against hope that the fire would burn out before her progeny perished?” Celestia continued, stepping closer and towering over the other mare.

“I…” The mare looked down. “I couldn't.”

“Unless you yourself are capable of committing every atrocity that is a result of your actions, do not speak to me of whether or not it is ‘worth it’.” Celestia spat before stepping back and sitting back down. “There have been many other effects of the leaks, such as a certain faction claiming unicorns are not affected, and using that to justify racism and bigotry, but I think I’ve made my point.”

“Yes, you have,” Velvet replied as she rubbed her partner’s back while she looked down at the ground.

“Furthermore, my efforts are required elsewhere, and budget concerns have been raised. The funds would better be spent on other projects,” Celestia added.

“What about Twilight’s mental status? Is someone else going to be keeping an eye on her?” Velvet Touch asked as she rubbed Silver’s back in slow circles.

“I will,” Celestia declared. “I’ve studied your work, and taken some time to study recent advances in psychology. Though my doctorate is over a hundred years old at this point, I believe I have caught up with the modern times enough to do an adequate job.”

“Wait, you have a doctorate in psychology?” Velvet muttered.

Celestia nodded. “I’ve studied a good majority of modern sciences over the years, and though I don't like to mention it, I’ve gained around a dozen doctorates in various fields over the millenia. Though a few of those are useless considering modern advances.” The alicorn shook her head. “The point is, I will be taking over this duty, and slotting it into my daily lessons. It is my belief that a more natural approach to monitoring her will work better.”

“I don't know about that,” Velvet Touch began, retracting her hoof from her partner’s shoulder now that she was sitting straight once more. “The more professional setting helps to calm most patients and allow a deeper understanding of their ills.”

“If they could not read your mind and know exactly what conclusions you are drawing from what they are saying,” Celestia countered.

“I don't think that's wholly fair,” Velvet Touch stated.

“It isn't, but it is just how things are now, I’m afraid,” Celestia replied. “Twilight has remarked on more than one occasion that she has lied to you when she knows you will think ill of her if she spoke the truth.”

Velvet Touch winced and rubbed one foreleg with the other. “I did remember those reports, though I had hoped we had worked past it.”

“Look, Velvet,” Celestia whispered, reaching across the table and taking the mare’s hoof in her own. “You did fantastically for nearly a decade and have no doubt significantly assisted in her mental stability, but I simply don't have the time or the funds necessary for you to carefully rebuild that trust. Twilight trusts me implicitly, and it's simply easier for me to take over this duty, though it pains me to let you two go in the process.”

Velvet Touch sighed and shrugged off the other mare’s grip. “I suppose you are right, Princess,” she conceded. “It's just sad to go out like this. I really felt like she was more a friend than a patient.”

“And Twilight has said something similar as well.” Celestia sighed. “Just not lately, I’m afraid.”

“I guess it's for the best then,” Velvet Touch murmured, turning to her partner and gently touching her shoulder. “Come on, Silver, we should go.”

“No,” Silver declared suddenly, sitting up as straight as possible. “This isn't right. Even with the leaks, and the other… issues. I don't think the correct response is to destroy all our laboratory equipment and mothball the entire thing.”

“I can appreciate that this news is unpleasant, but I assure you there is little I can do at this point. The order is given, and is being carried out as we speak,” Celestia replied calmly.

Silver stood up and slammed her hoof against the desk. “Bullshit! We could have used that equipment. I could have used the possibility of being able to include this on my resume. Velvet could have used the chance to get her Ph.D.!”

“It's fine dear, I’ve already got another study I’ve been working-” Velvet Touch tried to interrupt.

“But you shouldn't have to,” Silver shot back, her mane flying as she turned on the other unicorn. “You had committed almost a decade of your life to looking after a hoofful of patients. You should be able to use that experience.”

“If bits are your primary concern, you should know that won’t be an issue,” Celestia explained. “Though it is lamentable that you are not able to directly advertise what you’ve done, working directly under the crown on a secret project you are not allowed to speak of is a form of recognition in its own right and although I can't comment on your work, I can tell any future employers what a good job you did.”

“Celestia is right,” Velvet Touch added quickly. “Though it may not be the best outcome, that doesn't mean it's all bad. I could work in that orphanage we visited the other week. You could work in the children’s hospital without having to worry about the pay cut.”

“I know that's a possibility, but we shouldn't have to change our dreams, our aspirations in the first place,” Silver Scalpel declared, sitting back in her chair. “This entire thing feels wrong.”

“Be that as it may, it's already done and if that is all, I would ask that you return home and plan the next phase of your lives,” Celestia exclaimed.

“Come on, Silver, we better go,” Velvet Touch remarked, standing up and turning to the door.

“Wait, there is just one last thing I wanted to talk about before this chapter of our lives is closed for good,” Silver Scalpel interrupted, catching her partner on the shoulder.

“Go ahead, Silver,” Celestia invited. “I owe you at least some closing remarks.”

The mare nodded and set her jaw. “I have just one last question, namely, what do you intend to do with the subject?”

“Excuse me?” Celestia replied, forehooves pressing tightly against one another.

“Silver Scalpel, this is not the time,” Velvet Touch hissed, grabbing the mare’s shoulder.

“No, I’m serious. She represents a risk we cannot ignore, even you have to realize this,” Silver Scalpel pressed, the mare looking up at the alicorn intensely.

“What exactly are you implying, Silver Scalpel?” Celestia whispered harshly, her voice low and gaining an almost menacing edge to it.

Though intimidated, Silver Scalpel didn't give up, the mare rising from her seat. “I mean to ask what your plans are for it. No matter how you want to frame it, she represents a risk that no one can afford to take.”

“That’s enough, Silver, now come on we-” Velvet touch interrupted, only to be silenced by Celestia raising a gentle hoof.

“No, I want Silver to finish her thought. Tell us what you really want to say,” Celestia invited, an obviously fake smile spreading across her face. “We are all friends here, after all.”

“Look. I won't try and pretend like I have the moral high ground here, but you cannot deny that this thing has the very real chance of turning into a global pandemic. No matter your feelings on the matter, it represents a risk that is connected to the creatures harassing the farmers out there in the wastes,” Silver continued, growing bolder with each word.

“Those tests were inconclusive and unsubstantiated,” Celestia shot back. “The inability to take a subject alive means that any and all genetic studies will be useless due to the rapid degradation.”

“But what we have managed to gather is more than enough to indicate that they share a disturbing amount of genetic similarities and that's without even considering the other things they have in common,” Silver Scalpel replied.

“And what, pray tell, does a mere child have in common with ravenous beasts?” Celestia asked calmly, her gaze fixed unblinkingly to Silver’s.

“Oh, you know I didn't mean anything personal with that,” Silver replied.

“Than what did you really mean then?” Celestia responded.

“They adapt quickly, they are more aggressive than most animals and they are the only species, or group of species that have been shown to have the capability to replicate your student’s psionic abilities,” Silver declared.

Velvet Touch chewed on her hoof nervously as she looked back and forth from mortal to immortal, unable to muster a word.

“Though they have a passing similarity, one has been changed and afflicted by a sort of parasite. The other seems to be a collective group of creatures following the will of some yet unknown master,” Celestia remarked dismissively. “Though they have similar abilities, they diverge too much for a comparison to be reliably drawn between them.”

Silver Scalpel scoffed. “It is enough that they are both psionic or at least receptive to psionics to prove a link. It is not a skill that any native Equiss species has exhibited.”

“Over a third of the species on our very planet have yet to be fully studied,” Celestia countered, waving away the mare’s concern. “And that is without considering the very real possibility that changelings operate in a psionically linked hivemind.”

“Changelings haven't even been proven to exist at all,” Silver Scalpel fired back, leaning forward on the alicorn’s desk. “All we have to prove they are real is a few firsthoof accounts and a single dismembered hoof that is too badly damaged to gain any meaningful information from.”

Celestia scoffed. “You cannot be serious, you actually believe such a conspiracy theory? I was there, I have witnessed what they leave in their wake and fought them firsthoof!”

“Conspiracy theory? Is that what you think the complete lack of scientific evidence is?” Silver scoffed right back, shaking her head. “I’ll give you a conspiracy theory. Like how you are funding those rebels out in the wastes!”

“I have done no such thing and they are not rebels. They are a province like any other,” Celestia replied dismissively.

“Yeah, sure, which is why they don't pay taxes and don't have an elected official in parliament,” Silver countered.

“But I thought they were exempt from taxes due to their continued struggles with the zerg,” Velvet Touch interrupted, drawing the ire of her partner and an appreciative nod from Celestia.

“That they are, Velvet Touch,” Celestia agreed. “Their last elected official was killed by a group of zerg on her last trip to the capital and as they are currently embroiled in a deadly struggle against said zerg, they are not in a good place to elect a new one.”

“The death toll has yet to even hit the hundreds!” Silver Scalpel shouted. “How is it even an emergency if more ponies have been killed by gangs in Manehattan in the last year than have perished on the frontier since this entire thing began?”

“Because that report you are citing has chosen to not include the missing, who were either abducted or were more than likely eaten,” Celestia deadpanned.

Silver Scalpel sat back in her chair with a thump, the mare shaking her head. “I still don't think this is right. At a time when we should be figuring out as much as we can, you are shuttering the leading researchers.”

“I’m shuttering an inefficient team unable to stop the constant leak of highly classified government documents and redirecting those funds elsewhere,” Celestia clarified. “Saying that I have stopped researching this new foe because I’m closing one lab is like saying you’ve stopped doing the dishes forever because you ignored them for a day.”

“You must understand how one might see it that way, can't you?” Velvet Touch intercepted. “Despite the leaks, their effectiveness was proven.”

“Oh, I understand where she's coming from, but what I wonder is if Miss Scalpel can grasp why I would not want a team that leaks as much as hers had.” Celestia steepled her hooves. “As far as we know, the zerg are smarter than we realize and are aware of how far we’ve come in researching their physiology.”

“I-!” Silver began, only for her jaw to hang open. “I never…”

“Never considered that on top of killing entire families that you also may very well have been handing information to the very enemy on our doorstep. One that you yourself claimed to be a potential world-ending threat of pandemic proportions?” Celestia finished, her features firm and her jaw set.

“Y-yeah…” Silver Scalpel murmured softly.

“Ponies sometimes ask me what benefits immortality has, and one thing I always tell them is perspective,” Celestia began, her tone losing some of the edge it had only moments earlier. “We considered yaks to be too stupid to be a truly sentient species at one point due to their lack of written language and nomadic life style. Only for those very same yaks to read this quote unquote study in our own newspapers. The experience of millenia gives perspective that most lack.”

“That is certainly something to consider,” Velvet Touch replied diplomatically before turning to her partner and pulling her up and off her chair, ushering the still distraught pony in the direction of the door. “We really should be going before someone puts their hoof in their mouth again.”

Silver nodded and merely allowed herself to be pulled along, staring at the floor, unblinking.

“Oh and if you two even give me the impression that you have used what you know against the crown in any capacity, or if I even get a whiff that you’ve broken your oaths, expect to become intimately familiar with the deepest cell I can find,” Celestia called out, stopping the pair at the door. “I do not make this threat idily, but nor do I want to have to back up said threat.”

“We won’t, Your Majesty,” Velvet Touch replied, before giving her partner a light smack on the shoulder. “Isn't that right, Silver?”

“Yeah, don't worry about it, Princess,” she muttered, unable to look the alicorn in the eye.

Nodding slowly, Celestia pulled a sheet of papers from her ‘in’ folder. “I wish the rest of your days are more peaceful than what these last few days have been.”

And with that, the door slammed shut, leaving Silver Scalpel and Velvet Touch standing outside the alicorn’s sanctuary, a pair of dead-eyed guards standing on either side of them. “Come on, Silver, we should get home. Maybe that pizza we ordered the other day is still good.”

Silver nodded and followed closely after the other mare, her gaze low and her shoulders drooping. “I can't let their sacrifice be in vain,” she whispered to herself.

“What was that?” Velvet asked, stopping and waiting up for Silver.

“N-nothing. Just thinking aloud is all,” Silver replied quickly.

“Maybe we should grab something to eat on the way home instead,” Velvet offered. “Maybe that would help take our minds off this whole thing.”

Though the other mare nodded, her gaze was distant, as was her mind. “Sure, whatever you say, dear.”

Frowning, the other pony began to trot down the hall once more while keeping a closer eye on her special somepony who lagged slightly behind.

A few feet away, the two guards standing vigil by the door exchanged a knowing look, the one to the left of the door nodding after a brief, silent exchange passed between them. The plan already formed, and set into motion, the guards turned back to their duty, both pretending like nothing happened.

Silver Scalpel had been rendered unstable, they had realized, and had accidentally given them a hook to which they could drag her to their side. There was no doubt in either guard’s mind that it would take little prompting to get the mare to work for them, as her desire to make things right was as obvious as it was all consuming. The only detail left up to chance at this point was what to do about her mate, who seemed to side with Celestia more often than not.

Something both of them knew was not a good indicator of a long life.

Author's Note

An Inopportune Reunion

Twilight groaned as she plodded down the street, crowd parting around her and Spike as if guided by the cool, fall wind that nipped at their heels. “I can't believe Celestia is working me so hard,” she moaned, shoulders slumped.

Every last inch of the pony’s body ached, even her horn, which was still warm after the rigorous workout she had put it through. Though she had showered, she still felt sweaty, her clothes feeling ten times their usual weight despite the fact that nothing had changed. Even Twilight’s enhanced strength strained under the amount of work she had put her body through, and her hoofsteps were heavy and slow.

“I know what you mean. I feel way stronger after carrying all your books,” Spike added, while striking a pose and flexing.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Those books were nothing. Did you even see the size of those weights she had me lift?”

Spike shrugged. “I could probably lift them easily, I mean, look at this.” The dragon struck another pose and flexed even harder, showing off his almost non-existent muscles. “Oh yeah, that's what I’m talking about.”

“Your arms look like noodles, just like the rest of you,” Twilight pointed out, jabbing him in the stomach.

The dragon winced and clutched his belly. “Hey, it’s not my fault I’m part noodle. You are what you eat after all and grandpa only now figured out how to cook.”

“True,” Twilight admitted. “I don't think we ate anything that wasn't reheated or came out of a box for the first few years after him and mom broke up.”

“Seriously, the guy needs to figure out how to make something other than spaghetti,” groaned Spike. “I mean it's good, don't get me wrong, but it feels like we have it at least twice a week.”

“Either that or pancakes,” Twilight added, ignoring the pointed stares and judging looks from many of the unicorns she passed.

The glares and looks had long since stopped bothering her, and the pony hardly even noticed them nowadays, having learned to focus on Spike in times like this. Something she did now, watching as he continued to hike down the street, his backpack filled with books, as were her own saddle bags. Going home for the weekend was always a bittersweet adventure for them, as it meant leaving Celestia, but seeing her father again.

Thinking of the older stallion, Twilight couldn't help but wonder what the surprise he had mentioned in his letter the other day was. They didn't exactly have a lot of bits, though thanks to Celestia, they never had to worry too much, or consider the possibility of going hungry. He also wasn't likely to have learned how to cook anything new, as that took the stallion months to do. Perhaps he had managed to get some of the stuff they had left at her mother’s?

She shrugged and dismissed her pondering, focusing on the road before them and the ponies they passed by. Only to remember why she hardly gave them a second thought when she received a scowl from a random unicorn who was followed closely by a blank-looking servant. Whose thoughts were dulled and unpleasant, reminding Twilight that it wasn't just the guards who were changing.

She didn't even want to know how they ended up like that, as it was no doubt an unpleasant experience.

Sighing, the infested pony walked a little closer to Spike, keeping a close eye on the drake, who was watching the crowd. His expression was reserved, the male no doubt wondering what Twilight had been pondering only a few minutes earlier. The dragon was surprisingly empathetic, as the fire-bellied lizards were supposedly largely selfish and cared little for others. Yet here he was, frowning, as he looked out over the judgemental and cruel crowd of unicorns and only a few earth ponies and pegasi.

“So, what do you wanna do when you get home?” Twilight asked, bumping her hip against the drake’s. “‘Cause I was thinking of convincing dad to play a game of risk with me, if you’d like to join, that is.”

Instantly the dragon’s mood shifted and he smirked. “Good luck with that. I think he’s finally learned that there is no way to beat you, even if he always seems to have better luck than you.”

The unicorn snorted and cursed under her breath. “Stupid dice. One day I’ll make a game that doesn't rely so heavily on chance, and then you’ll all be sorry.”

Spike laughed. “Yeah, but then you’ll never get anyone else to play with you. See, it’s a balance between luck and skill that…”

“Okay, I’m going to stop you right there,” Spike interrupted, holding up a clawed hand. “That is way too many rules.”

“What? No, it’s not. We’re only on rule number what, thirty-nine?” Twilight replied.

“Yeah, but that's thirty-nine subrules, to forty regular rules. That’s crazy, that's like a bajillion rules,” Spike replied, throwing up his hands.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “I suppose that is a lot for people to remember.”

“Thank yo-” Spike began, only to be interrupted.

“Which is why we’ll have a rule where one person has to read all the rules and act as a judge!” Twilight declared. “It's brilliant.”

The dragon groaned and slapped a hand against his head. “It is not. That's just ridiculous. Noone is going to want to just serve as a judge for a game. That’s boring.’

“Fine,” Twilight replied with a pout. “I suppose that is a lot to expect of someone.”

Spike perked up suddenly, pointing down the road to the house next to their apartment building, where a unicorn was raising a flag on the small pole that sat in the middle of her yard. “Hey, look.”

“Daring, but I would hate to hear what her neighbors think,” Twilight replied, watching closely as the unicorn raised the flag proudly, before taking a step back to admire her handiwork.

“Nice flag!” shouted Spike, who gave the mare a wave.

The pony blinked, and recoiled slightly, shooting the dragon a glare. “I don't appreciate being mocked you know.”

“But I wasn't-” Spike began.

“He was being serious, we both are,” interrupted Twilight, who walked up to the tall fence that lined the mare’s property.

The pony gave them both a look before sighing and nodding slowly, taking a step forward. “Sorry about that. This is just the third flag I’ve raised. The others keep getting stolen.”

Spike shrugged. “It’s okay, we know what it's like supporting the confederacy. Don't we, Twilight?”

The infested mare nodded. “That we do.”

“Wait, Twilight… Twilight Sparkle?” asked the other pony with wide, curious eyes.

“Err yes?”

“Oh wow, I didn't know you lived around here,” remarked the mare in shock. “Hey, is it true what they say about Celestia and that she is helping the confederacy in secret?”

Twilight smirked. “Maybe, depends on who's asking.”

“That is so awesome. Those poor ponies deserve all the help they can get!” exclaimed the mare with a grin.

“If only that stupid vizier or whatever wasn't around,” complained Spike.

“True. It seems like everything has gotten worse since they showed up,” agreed the pink maned, and blue furred unicorn.

“Well, we better get moving, Spike. It was nice meeting you…” Twilight announced hesitantly, extending a hoof towards the pony.

Who promptly clopped her own hoof against the taller mare’s. “Star Bright. For family, friends, and the Confederacy!”

Twilight chuckled as she returned the salute with one of her own. “Good luck with your flag.”

“Have a nice weekend!” Spike added before the pair trotted away, leaving a grinning Star Bright to wave after them. “What a nice lady.”

“Let's hope she's not another plant,” Twilight murmured with a snort.

The dragon’s smile vanished and he sighed. “Yeah.”

Together they walked the rest of the way to their apartment, stopping only to greet the elderly security guard who was muzzle deep in another book. After that it was a silent plod the rest of the way up the stairs, and to the entrance of their home. Using her magic to unlock the door, Twilight was about to open it when she stopped and sniffed the air.

“Do you smell that?” Twilight asked, turning to Spike.

The dragon shrugged. “You mean the spaghetti? ‘Cause I can smell that from down the hall, what with all the garlic grandpa throws in it.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Not that, I thought I smelled perfume for a second. It must have been nothing.”

Opening the door, Twilight was greeted with a wave of garlic, making her nose wrinkle and her stomach rumble. Despite all her complaining, her father’s cooking was still quite good, and entering the small kitchen revealed that he was busy cooking at that very moment. “Hey dad, how was your day?”

Her father spun around and gasped, placing a hoof over his heart. “Holy jumping jelly beans. You darn near scared the poop out of me.”

“Really dad? Jumping jelly beans?” Twilight deadpanned, as she unslung her bags and set them aside.

“What? It was the first thing that came to mind and I was distracted,” declared Night Light, pointing to the spaghetti he was stirring in a pot.

Spike sniffed the air and grinned. “And is that garlic bread I smell?”

“It is indeed,” Night Light replied, only to frown. “Though I may have gone overboard on the garlic.”

“Ya think? We could smell it all the way down the hall.” Twilight remarked flatly, before levitating her, and Spike’s bags into their room before returning to the dining room and plunking down in her favorite chair. “So, what was this surprise anyway? Unless the surprise was you trying to make garlic bread again.”

“Yes, and no,” Night Light answered, turning off the stove, and retrieving a pan of garlic bread. “I also invited someone over and she said yes.”

Spike sniffed the air and sat down next to Twilight, noticing only now that the table was already set, and that everything was ready for supper. “Isn't this all a little early?”

The stallion shrugged. “It's only a half hour early, besides, I’m hungry.”

“Fair enough, though I am curious as to who you invited.” Twilight smirked as she leaned over her chair. “Are you finally getting back into the dating scene?”

“Not exactly,” Night Light murmured, before ducking into the fridge and pulling out a pitcher of water and placing it on the table along with a plate of garlic bread and a bowl of pasta. “You already know her, and though you had a bit of a falling out, I think we can work it out together.”

“Wait, you aren't talking about mom, are you?” Twilight demanded, glaring at her father as he sat down at the head of the table.

“Now, Twilight, I know things haven't worked out well these past few years, but she is still your mother,” Night Light replied with more force than he usually used. “And she deserves to at least be listened to.”

It was at this point that the door to the bathroom opened, and everyone turned to face the familiar sight of Twilight Velvet, who was using her magic to arrange her hair. “Oh, Night Light, I just love what you’ve done with the bathroom. I guess I should have let you decorate all those… Oh… hello Twilight, Spike.”

The dragon could barely restrain from growling, while Twilight’s glare made the older mare shrink slightly as she walked up to the table. Taking a seat to Night Light’s right, the mare plunked down and smiled warily, looking around the table. She hadn't appeared to have changed much over all this time, other than gaining some more wrinkles and grey hair.

“What are you doing here?” Twilight asked, hooves crossed over her chest.

“Look, Twilight…” began her mother, who leaned forward on the table, “I know what I did was wrong and letting this fester between us for as long as it has not been good either. But your father and I have been talking and we have agreed that it is in all of our best interests if we try and work towards putting this behind us.”

Twilight tapped her hoof against the table, glancing from one family member to another, conflicted. Her father was cautiously optimistic, the paranoid stallion smiling despite just how nervous he was. Spike seemed ready, as if waiting for word on how to feel or what to do, the drake staring intently at Twilight. Her mother meanwhile looked scared, that much was obvious, but there was also a hint of hope that made Twilight pause.

In her heart, Twilight wanted to forgive the pony, but she knew that the houses had already begun to increase their attempts on infiltrating her life. If they had managed to convert the elder pony to their side, they would no doubt use her against Twilight. With that thought firmly in mind, Twilight used her new senses and began to study the pony in a more intimate manner.

She was surprised and relieved to find that she didn't feel blank like the guards, though her mind still felt oddly familiar to those other unicorns. Had she been fully converted? Or had she stopped mid-way through the indoctrination? Had they simply began to send regular, unbrainwashed spies into her midst, utilizing good old-fashioned intimidation and charisma to make the older pony spy on her own daughter?

There were too many questions, too many variables, and it bothered the analytical pony, who couldn't help but imagine all the ways this situation could come back to bite her in the ass. Crossing her hooves over her chest, she sat back in her chair and shook her head. “Apology not accepted. You hurt me, badly, and you coming back like this out of the blue is too perfect,” announced Twilight.

Spike sighed, relaxing somewhat, and scooched closer to the unicorn, while her father seemed defeated, as did her mother. “Look, I know this is all rather sudden, but your father and I thought that if we told you first, that you would just not come home,” pressed the elder unicorn, who looked to the lone stallion for help.

Night Light nodded. “I know this might seem like we are springing it on you, but I really wanted you two to sit down and have a chance to talk it out.”

“Well, we talked it out, she can leave now,” Twilight snapped.

Before anyone could say anything, the stallion grabbed Twilight’s hoof, and forced their eyes to meet. “Twilight, please just listen to her, talk to us. This isn't another game of stratego, sometimes people are as they appear to be.”

Twilight Velvet nodded. “Please Twilight, talk to me, tell me what I can do to help make this work. To prove that I’m sorry and that I was wrong.”

Carefully, Twilight removed her father’s hoof and stood up, pushing out her chair. “You want to do something, to prove yourself? Go back all those years and untraumatize me. Take back all those nights I spent crying alone in my room, knowing that my mother no longer loved me. Until you can do that, I have nothing to say to you.”

Twilight turned and was ready to walk away when she heard another chair move and hooves clatter across the floor. She turned and found that her mother was kneeling before her, tears in her eyes and a desperate look on her face. “Please Twilight, I know I can't take it back, but give me a chance at least,” she begged, latching onto the unicorn’s foreleg and holding it in her own forehooves. “I admit I was scared, and that I still am, but unlike before, I’m not scared of you. I’m scared of going back home knowing I’ve failed you again.”

Taken aback by this sudden change, Twilight could only stand there as the other mare poured her heart out unexpectedly. “The ponies I thought were my friends told me such terrible things, feeding on my fear and getting me to buy into their bullshit. I was a fool, you hear me? A complete and utter fool that they took for a ride, and left by the wayside.”

“So this is it then?” Twilight snapped, tugging her hoof from her mother’s grip. “You lost your friends, and now you are back not because you want to make things right, but because you are terrified of being alone. Pathetic.”

Tears streamed down the older unicorn’s face and she nodded slowly, shoulders slumped. “I know that's how it must look and I admit that is part of it. This decisiveness going on recently, combined with being dropped like the garbage I am made me realize how it felt. That doesn't excuse what I did, or make it even or anything, but I promised myself I would never lie to you, not again.”

Twilight paused mid-turn, and breathed slowly, her emotions threatening to overtake her senses. She had never considered the possibility of this even happening, and without any plan or time to think she was left in a strange place. Normally she would ruminate on the pros and cons of every action before settling on what was the most logical and best outcome, something she couldn't exactly do right now.

With a sigh, Twilight turned back around and looked down on the still kneeling mare with pity, gently probing the older pony’s mind. Regret flooded in, and though there was indeed still fear there, it didn't feel like it was directed at her. Yet still, she could feel that same emptiness, that same dullness she had sensed in every guard she had scanned, stopping her from simply forgiving her then and there.

“Fine,” she announced suddenly, extending a hoof, “I won't forgive you, but I will give you a chance.”

Twilight Velvet sniffed and took the younger mare’s offered hoof. “R-really?”

Nodding slowly, Twilight observed her mother closely, noting just how distraught she looked, with make-up smeared all across her face. “Yes. Maybe in time things can go back to the way they used to be, but it won't be for a very, very long time.”

The older mare nodded slowly. “That's better than what I expected.” She sniffed, and pulled back her hoof, only to realize how stained it now was.

“Go clean yourself up, we’ll be here,” Twilight assured, gently pushing the other pony towards the bathroom.

Twilight Velvet sighed and did just that. “Okay, oh and Twilight, thank you.”

Being wrapped in a tight, yet brief hug made Twilight frown and reluctantly sit back down once it had ended. Without the older pony around, Twilight pulled her chair forwards and glared down at her plate. “I just want you to know that I’m doing this for you. Not her,” she whispered, turning to her father.

Who nodded knowingly. “That's fine. I don't care why you do it. Only that you follow though, and actually give her a chance.”

“That was intense,” Spike muttered, only for his stomach to rumble. “So are we going to eat or what? ‘Cause all of this emotional stuff is making me hungry.”

Night Light chuckled, and gestured to the food arrayed in the center of the table. “You can dish out, but we’ll wait for Velvet to come back before we eat.”

“Daww, but she's going to be there forever,” grumbled Spike, who was already heaping a load of spaghetti onto his plate.

“Now Spike, it isn't polite to eat before everyone is sitting. Even if it’s her,” Twilight added.

The dragon groaned but did as he was told, impatiently sitting there and occasionally glancing over his shoulder towards the bathroom. Thankfully for Spike’s patience, it wasn't long before Twilight Velvet returned, now sans make-up. Though still a little disheveled and emotionally shaken, the older pony seemed calmer and happier.

She smiled faintly when she returned to her seat, and soon after, the meal was joined. For a while no one spoke, each party gathering themself and considering what had just occurred, or hungrily devouring pasta as it was in Spike’s case.

Eventually, Twilight couldn't help but wonder something that made her feel rather unpleasant now that she thought about it. “So, how's Shining Armor doing?” she asked hesitantly, her brother’s full name sounding clumsy and forced.

“He’s… okay,” Twilight Velvet replied at length, before putting her fork down. “I tried to invite him over as well but he was resistant to the idea, though he did say he might be by later.”

“Really?” Twilight replied, raising an eyebrow and taking a bite of garlic bread.

“We will see if he meant it soon enough, I suppose,” Twilight Velvet answered, having chosen her words carefully.

Night Light snorted irritably. “He's probably out drinking with his new guard buddies,” declared the stallion as he waved a fork at his ex wife. “Mark my words, those guys are no good, no good at all.”

The mare nodded slowly, pushing around a roll of spaghetti on her plate. “They aren't all bad, though there are more than a few who buy the nonsense the great houses put out.”

“And Cadance?” Twilight asked hesitantly. “How is she doing? She isn't caught up in all of this, is she?”

Her mother shook her head quickly. “No, thankfully she's taken the high road and is doing community service while they are on a break, of sorts.”

“Really?” Spike asked, mouth still filled with food.

Twilight jabbed the drake in the side and shot him a glare. “Don't talk with your mouth full, you know better.”

The male gulped. “Sorry.”

Twilight Velvet smiled faintly at the pair and nodded. “I’m afraid it's true. It seems like Shining Armor and her had a bit of a falling out. A shame too, she was such a good influence on him.”

“Do you happen to know what it was about? I haven't spoken to Cadance in a while,” Twilight continued, nibbling occasionally on her food.

“I think it was about the confederacy,” Twilight Velvet replied hesitantly. “But I’m not sure to be honest. Those two seemed to fight about something else every other week. This was definitely the worst one though.”

“Dagger Hill!” Night Light declared suddenly. “That's where she's volunteering.”

“How do you know that?” asked Twilight Velvet.

“It was in the paper not too long ago. She's helping to build an orphanage and a hospital there,” Night Light explained. “She went with Celestia’s praetorians on an outreach mission.”

“Well, at least she’ll be safe,” offered Spike, who turned to Twilight. “Right?”

The young unicorn mare nodded. “The praetorians are quite skilled, and well-outfitted. I don't see anything bad happening to Cadance while they are around.”

“Enough of this political talk,” Night Light announced suddenly. “How was school today, Twilight?”

“It was good,” began the mare, silently considering just what she could, and couldn't say about her day. “Celestia has been grilling me pretty hard lately, but-”

“So you are saying Celestia trains you in all of that and spars with you as well?” Twilight Velvet remarked in disbelief. “I can't believe you didn't pass out immediately after getting home.”

Twilight Sparkle smiled and leaned back in her chair, swirling her tea with her magic. “Oh, it's not that difficult. Plus Celestia tends to blur the lines of one lesson and another so her sessions don't actually take a lot of time. It's kind of nice actually, nothing ever feels rushed, and it helps ensure she has time to get her own work done.”

“That's good,” muttered the elder mare. “I have heard such dreadful stories about how the princess is overworking herself.”

Twilight bit her tongue and resisted the urge to point out that it wasn't as though Celestia was choosing to do that of her own free will. They were doing well, and conversation was flowing nicely, something Twilight wasn't about to mess up quite yet. If for no other reason than she didn't want to upset her father, who was looking rather pleased with himself as he sat back and sipped on his own tea. Meanwhile, Spike was curled up in front of the false fireplace, half asleep, and only barely paying attention to what was going on.

“Yes, she does work quite hard,” Twilight tactfully replied.

Silence reigned over the family, who sat and simply enjoyed the quiet, each sipping their tea, munching on a small slice of cake or lounging like a cat by a radiator. It was nice, Twilight thought to herself. She may not trust her mother, not by a long shot, but learning to guard her words and reveal little was a skill Twilight had become quite adept at over time and this was just another chance to practice that same skill.

As it stood right now, the young mare wasn't certain if she ever would trust the other pony, but the content smile on her father’s face made her want to try at least. Which wasn't the best reason in the world, but Twilight wasn't about to give anything to the great houses to which her mother may be aligned with. So she decided she would do as she was doing now, merely sitting back and watching, waiting for things to develop.

The infested mare brushed a hoof down her coat, noting how strange it felt to be without her clothes or even her boots. They had become a second skin to the unicorn, and the loss of the familiar weight was oddly unpleasant in a way she couldn't quite explain. Her musings were cut short though, as something heavy banged against the entrance to the apartment.

“That's probably just the neighbor, Mister Lilly Pond has issues walking straight and-” Night Light began to explain, only to be interrupted by another bang against the door. “I guess that's not him, Twilight could you get the door?”

The infested mare nodded, already extending her new senses towards the door and finding the same odd emptiness which hung over most guards, only it was different. There was very little time to wonder about that bit of strangeness though, as midway to the door, it opened on its own, admitting a very intoxicated Shining Armor.

The stallion was taller, had broader shoulders and was generally larger than the last time Twilight had seen him, but that wasn't what stuck out about him. It wasn't even the way he stumbled forward, with a frown on his face, nor the fact that he reeked of wine. Rather it was the slightly glazed expression he had, one that Twilight had seen too many times which drew her ire, and irritated her before he even had a chance to say anything.

“Shining Armor, please tell me this is all an elaborate joke and you are not currently drunk before eight in the evening!” exclaimed Twilight, moving to stop the stallion from getting more than a hoof in the door.

The stallion stumbled back a step before stopping himself and peering intensely at the unicorn mare. “I don't remember needing your permission for nothing. I’m just here checking on my mother. Who I am worried for. What with her being in this less reputable part of town and all.”

“I’m fine, dear! Why don't you wait outside? I’ll be out in a minute,” yelled Twilight Velvet who winced at the sight of her disheveled son.

“No way, we are leaving right now. This is no place for a lady,” Shining Armor declared, while wobbling on his hooves.

Twilight sighed and placed a hoof on his shoulder, hoping to steady the stallion. “Look, Shining. I know you are probably pretty sad about Cadance, but you can't just come in here and demand mom leave with you, we were having an… okay time.”

The stallion batted his sister’s hoof from his shoulder and shot her the harshest glare he could muster. “You don't understand anything! I loved her more than anything else in this stupid terrible world. I won't lose anybody else, you hear me?”

Twilight frowned, only now noticing just how puffy and red her brother’s eyes were. “Why don't you come in? We have some cake left over, tea, and some dinner if you haven't eaten yet.”

“No. Mom and I are leaving, and that's that,” he announced, before trying to push past Twilight and make his way into the apartment.

“She doesn't want to go with you while you are like this,” Twilight declared, shoving the stallion right back into the hall.

Stumbling back a few feet, the male struggled to stay standing only to glare back at the female, and jab a hoof in her direction. “First you take my dad from me, now you are trying to take my mom too? When will it be enough for you, you freak!”

Twilight could feel her heart pounding in her chest, and for a moment she considered running the impudent male through with her horn, only to stop herself. Instead, she used her considerable magical might to shove the stallion to the ground and hold him there. All attempts at spellcasting were nullified the second the other unicorn attempted them, and he looked up in fear, realizing he was helpless.

“Here's what's going to happen. You are going to leave, and you are never going to come back,” Twilight stated, one hoof keeping him down while her horn blazed with energy. “Understood?”

For a second it seemed like he was going to continue to resist, only for him to stop when he realized he couldn't even move. “Fine,” he spat, looking away from Twilight. “I don't need you. I don't need them. I have friends in royalty, real royalty.”

Twilight took a step back and allowed her horn to dull, and the stallion to rise and shoot her a glare before stomping away. He stopped only for a moment at the end of the hall, casting one last glance over his shoulder before disappearing. In that moment, Twilight could sense guilt, regret, and pain, but also anger and resentment.

With Shining Armor gone, she sighed and turned back to the apartment, noting that her parents stood in the doorway, mixed expressions of sadness and shock on their face. “Oh, my poor Shiny,” whispered Twilight Velvet.

Night Light wrapped a hoof around the mare’s shoulder and gave her a light squeeze. “The boy is old enough to make his own decisions now, this is his choice.”

“Still. Shouldn't we go after him or something?” Twilight Velvet replied.

“What we should do is go back inside,” Twilight announced, gesturing around them, to where several ponies either peeked out their doors or stood in the halls, gawking.

“Right, come inside, we can talk about it together,” urged Night Light who held the door open and stood off to the side.

Twilight nodded, and was about to walk back inside when she glanced at the spot Shining Armor had disappeared in. “Oh Shining. Who has gotten into that thick head of yours?”

Author's Note

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Testing Mettle

“Again,” Celestia asked, lifting a pair of short swords and leveling them at the infested pony.

Who breathed hard, her body trembling as she tried to stay standing, knees quaking and heart fluttering. “I need a second,” Twilight replied weakly, the mare unable to even power her horn, much less enact the shield spell she was being told to use.

“Your enemies will not give you time to rest. Bring up your shield,” Celestia demanded, the swords floating around her pointing towards the unicorn, ready to strike.

Twilight gritted her teeth and grunted as she poured magic into her horn, causing it to light up briefly before showering the ground in sparks. With one last heave, the pony collapsed to the floor, unable to even stay standing anymore. “I’m sorry, I can't go on,” Twilight muttered, struggling to stand again.

A gentle wing pressed against her back, keeping her down. “No, it is I that am sorry,” Celestia replied hesitantly, her magic depositing her swords into the rack across the room. “I should not have pushed you so hard.”

Twilight wanted to assure the alicorn that it was okay, and that she understood why Celestia was training her with such intensity, but she could only lay there and gasp for breath. The alicorn smiled faintly and lowered herself to the ground, allowing Twilight to lean against her and be pulled into the fluffy depths of the alicorn’s vulumous wing. There she enjoyed the tender embrace while waiting for her body to stop shaking and her breathing to even out.

Eventually, she was able to relax a little and pushed Celestia away, only now realizing just how matted Celestia’s fur was. “You probably shouldn't do that. I’m all gross, you know.”

“I was going to have a shower anyway, don't worry about it,” replied Celestia, who pulled the unicorn right back under her wing, squeezing her tightly.

Twilight reluctantly accepted the hug, grumbling to herself all the while.

For a while they just sat there, enjoying one another’s company, until Twilight began to feel guilty for wasting as much time as she had, and stood up, brushing off the alicorn’s wing. “Alright, I’m ready,” she declared.

Celestia eyed her student carefully, noting that although she was vertical once more, her legs still trembled, and her horn still glowed slightly from overuse. “No. You are not. Sit, I have something to tell you.”

Twilight tried to muster some sort of denial, only to frown when she realized Celestia had seen clear through her ruse. “Fine. What did you have to say?” Twilight asked before plopping down next to Celestia again.

The alicorn hummed thoughtfully as she stared out into the distance. “I am not entirely sure how to put this eloquently, so please forgive me if this doesn't come out well.”

Twilight shrugged. “I’m sure it’s fine, go ahead.”

Celestia nodded and wrapped her wing around Twilight’s barrel once more, pulling the smaller pony close. “I know that your condition allows you to get stronger the more I push you, which is why I’ve been so insistent that we train as hard as we have. That being said, I don't think we will be able to get to a point where you are strong enough to defend yourself properly without you exploring your… unique abilities more.”

Twilight blinked and looked up at the other mare in confusion. “What abilities do you mean, exactly?”

“For one, your psionics have not expanded much since you were a kid. Practice that skill, and try to expand its uses, I’m sure it will come in handy,” Celestia began, tapping the smaller pony on the head. “You are a smart girl. I’m sure you will come up with a brilliant new application for that special talent of yours.”

“I guess….” Twilight muttered, placing her head in her forehooves. “I just can't use it very much without risking my defences so to speak.”

Celestia nodded slowly. “I’m sure you’ll figure out a balance between offence and defence, but that is not all that I was hoping to speak to you about.”

“What else is there?” whispered the younger pony nervously.

“You have other abilities, abilities that are more… biological in nature,” Celestia began hesitantly. “Your body is different and is both adaptable and strong. We are training your strength as much as we can, but I know you are capable of much more, if you put your mind to it.”

Twilight bit her lip and looked away from the alicorn, very aware of just how different she was from the average pony in this moment. “I know something is going to happen next year, something dangerous, but is this all necessary?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

“Your friend’s warning may be vague, but trust me when I say it lines up with information that I have gained from other sources as well,” Celestia reassured. “He may not have been telling the whole truth, but he wasn't lying.”

“He's not my friend,” Twilight grumbled.

“Friend or not, he’s helped you, and me,” Celestia pointed out. “Furthermore, I don't think we will have to wait a year until something happens. Danger lurks around this very castle, Twilight, and I will not always be there to help you.”

“But you are immortal, you are always going to be there,” Twilight shot back, looking up at the alicorn.

“I may not age, but that does not mean I can be everywhere at once, nor am I truly immortal,” Celestia reminded. “There will come a time where you and I will need to take different paths, and when that time comes I need to know that you will not require my presence.”

Twilight wrapped her hooves around Celestia’s neck and buried her head in the alicorn’s soft fur. “Don't say that. I’ll always need you.”

Celestia smiled faintly and hugged the smaller pony, rubbing a hoof down the unicorn’s back. “You’ll always be my friend, Twilight, but there will come a time when you will not want to be around an old nag like me all the time.”

“You are not an old nag,” Twilight muttered.

The alicorn chuckled. “I’m pretty sure that after your two thousandth birthday you are officially an old nag.”

Twilight grumbled, and slowly slipped her hooves from Celestia’s neck. “So, what should I do then?”

“Practice. When not with me, you will do all you can to strengthen those other parts of yourself,” Celestia began, poking the unicorn in the chest. “I know you have abilities and skills that you have been scared to explore, but now is the time to do just that.”

“Are you sure? What if I-” Twilight began, only to have Celestia’s hoof pressed against her lips.

“I swear on the stars, Twilight, if you were about to say something about being a monster, I am going to ground you for a thousand years,” Celestia vowed.

Twilight winced and rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “I mean, you have to admit it is rather… weird.”

“Twilight, I’ve seen ponies born with the gifts of necromancy, blood magic, and biological manipulation. I’ve fought monsters, gods, and creatures from beyond this plane of existence, and none of them were truly monsters, at least in the way that you are imagining anyway.” Celestia paused, and tapped her chin. “Except maybe shogoths. Those things were monsters in every sense of the word.”

“I guess when you put it that way, it's not that strange, is it?” Twilight asked hesitantly, looking down to her left leg.

“Some may think so, but they are wrong,” Celestia assured, placing a hoof on the unicorn’s shoulder. “Your abilities may be different and not the prettiest, but I have no doubt that, if trained and tested, will come to serve you well.”

“If you are sure…” Twilight muttered, tucking her leg back under her.

“I am indeed. These skills of yours are unique, and will give you an edge over most enemies who will not know how to counter them,” Celestia explained. “Provided you are able to train these skills in secret, or in such a way that noone will know that you are training them.”

“I have a place where I can be alone which no one knows about save for well, you know,” Twilight admitted.

“Good, make sure to hide it well, and use the spells we talked about last week,” Celestia reminded. “You need to be able to hide your little warehouse from even my sight.”

Twilight nodded. “I’ll make sure to enchant the entrance a little more heavily tonight and use those new warding glyphs you taught me about.”

“Good, because I have no doubt that they will try and watch you whenever possible,” Celestia exclaimed grimly. “The importance of good reconnaissance is one thing you can learn from them.”

“I would rather not learn anything from them,” Twilight muttered angrily.

“Ah ah ah, what did I say about learning from your enemy?” Celestia gently chastised.

“That your enemy will teach you many lessons, including how to beat them,” Twilight replied tiredly.

“Exactly,” Celestia declared. “A foolish enemy will give you the weapons to defeat them, while a smart enemy will hide them, but if you watch them closely, you can still find them.”

“I know, I know,” Twilight murmured.

“Now then,” Celestia announced suddenly, squeezing Twilight with her wing. “Are you ready for another round?”

“Of course,” Twilight replied with a smile, only for that smile to falter somewhat. “Are we doing more shield training?”

“Yes. I know you aren't thrilled about it, but you must admit you need work in that area,” Celestia pointed out.

Twilight grumbled, but reluctantly stood anyway, a frown on her face. “Fine, but after this you are teaching me that better teleportation spell.”

Celestia sighed. “Don't get frustrated if your accuracy doesn't improve right away.”

“Deal.”

“You know I could help with those bags if you want,” Spike offered.

Twilight grunted and hefted her saddle bags up a little further on her back. “I’m fine.”

Spike raised an eyebrow and looked over the mare, noting how hard she was breathing and how slow and deliberate her steps were. The sidewalk wasn't even uneven, meaning there was little excuse for her to be taking so long and being so careful. Her muscles also bulged beneath her coat, serving as more evidence for a recent and very extensive training session. Which was no doubt the reason why she was exhausted, both physically and magically, as her horn was wrapped in a layer of gauze.

“You didn't try to master that teleportation spell again, did you?” Spike deadpanned.

Twilight frowned. “So what if I did? It's useful, Spike. Imagine how convenient it would be if I could just teleport directly from home to the castle.”

“I have no doubt it would be useful, but that spell was intended only for ponies twice your age to use,” Spike pointed out, quite unhelpfully in Twilight’s opinion.

The mare snorted. “I don't care who it's ‘supposed’ to be learned by. I want to master it, and that’s just what's going to happen.”

The dragon shrugged. “I guess, but shouldn't you pace things a little? You might hurt yourself.”

“I’m fine, really.” Twilight smirked. “Besides, pushing the limit of what should be possible only makes me stronger. This is nothing.”

Spike sighed. “Still. You might be tougher than the average pony, and bounce back from injury quicker as well, but that doesn't mean you're invincible, you know.”

“I know, Spike, and I promise, I won't go too far,” Twilight replied. “But you can't improve if you don't push your boundaries.”

“Just promise me you won't push your luck,” Spike demanded. “I worry about you.”

Twilight smiled and nodded. “I know, and I promise.”

Spike snorted a small gout of smoke from his nostrils. “Good. ‘Cause I don't want to have to be the one to tell grandpa something bad happened to you.”

Twilight brushed past a rather large unicorn, quickly returning to the dragon’s side. “Don't worry, Spike, I'd sooner send Celestia to deliver the news than rely on you.”

“Speaking of which, has she mentioned what the whole plan was for the… you know.” Spike waved his hand around randomly, gesturing to everything.

Twilight shook her head. “No, she's been sticking to training me in a bunch of different things and is trying to get me to branch out from just magic.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “I can tell. You are getting even more jacked than last summer. Is it really worth it though? I mean you are really, really good at magic, can't you rely on that?”

Twilight chuckled. “You should know better than to rely solely on one strategy every time, you know. Mister rush the dragon isles and turtle.”

The dragon shrugged. “What can I say, it's a great strategy in risk.”

“It's also a predictable one,” countered Twilight. “If you changed up your strategy more, I wouldn't be able to just keep you off the deployment advantage and eventually crush you every time.”

Spiked sighed, and kicked a stone. “I guess.”

“You must be adaptable, and besides, I’m already a great mage. Imagine how formidable I will be once I’ve studied the blade, amongst other potential things,” Twilight added, pointedly.

“Does that mean you are going to finally stop losing to bombs whenever you play stratego?” Spike asked, a smirk already on his face.

“Celestia may be the best teacher I’ve ever had, but even she can't do the impossible,” Twilight quipped, laughing right along with her son.

“Well, that could have gone better,” Spike muttered.

Twilight sighed. “I know, father’s paranoia is getting rather irritating.”

The dragon nodded as the pair walked down the street, most ponies moving out of their way and allowing them to pass without issue. “I didn't think he’d launch into a whole rant about it though. That was out of left field.”

Twilight shrugged. “He's getting a little more unnerved ever since his boss made that strange threat the other day.”

“That was rather weird,” Spike remarked absently as they turned down a side street and began the long trot to the dock’s district. “Do you really think they would fire him?”

“For what? Having a kid who is being taught by the Princess of Equestria?” Twilight asked. “Never, and if his boss tried it, he would be in for years of litigation and issues, something I have no doubt Celestia would help out with.”

“Still… That job is like, his life. Could you even imagine what he would be like if he didn't work at the observatory?” Spike replied.

Twilight frowned. “That would be weird. He's been working there as far back as I can remember.”

“Maybe moving would be for the best,” Spike remarked after they made another turn, the sun now on their backs.

“Maybe. But I’ll have to graduate or at least master long range teleportation matrices before that happens.”

“True. I doubt he's going to go anywhere before he knows you can defend yourself. Which is funny, ‘cause I don't think that old stallion even knows how to cast a mana bolt very well,” Spike announced with a snort.

“Remind me to teach him a few things when we get home later tonight,” Twilight reminded. “Just like he won't leave until he knows I’m safe, I won't let him leave without knowing he can defend himself.”

“Good thinking, he can't rely on his old man strength for everything,” Spike added with a snicker.

Twilight chuckled along with her son as they trotted ever further into the city. Around them, the buildings grew shorter and more closely packed together, until there was almost no space between them. The district loomed over them by this point, the large plate that supported most of the actual docks and shipping industry suspended several hundred feet over their heads. Though it didn't stick out far, it still made Twilight feel uneasy, and a part of her to begin worrying about it falling, despite how unlikely that was.

Twilight pointed to a small, narrow alleyway, prompting Spike to nod and proceed in that direction before stopping just outside of it. The unicorn entered first, walking relatively deep into the passage before turning to Spike, who stood at the entrance. After giving the street one last look, the dragon flashed Twilight a smile and a thumbs up.

Lighting her horn, Twilight cast a quick notice-me-not spell on both of them, and followed that up with several anti-scrying measures, and a myriad of other spells intended to help ensure they wouldn't be detected. After she had expended every spell she knew of that would help, Twilight let her horn dull and gave Spike a quick nod.

The dragon could no longer actually see the pony, but he didn't need to, as their connection was such that the intention was still understood, even if the nod wasn't seen. He peeked back out into the street, and after finding no one was approaching them nor looking in their direction, stepped out. Following closely behind, Twilight made sure to keep a close eye on Spike by utilizing her psychic abilities as her normal senses no longer helped in this regard.

Keeping the young drake in front of her wasn't hard, and the pony focused her mind on trying to find anyone who may be tailing them. By the time they reached their destination, Twilight was fairly certain they weren’t being followed. Spike had stopped a second earlier, and was now tugging at a dumpster that had been placed next to a seemingly random wall at the end of a short alleyway.

Twilight rolled her eyes, and gently pushed him out of the way before grabbing the dumpster in a hoof and moving it out of the way with ease. The unicorn didn't have to read Spike’s mind to know he was annoyed by this, but she merely pushed that thought aside for now and pointed towards the hole she had just revealed. Obediently, Spike knelt down and slipped through the small hole in the wall before disappearing and leaving Twilight behind.

The unicorn wasn't bothered though, merely stepping into the hole and swiftly moving a poster over the exposed space before positioning the dumpster back into the spot she had found it in. With that done, she paused, lit her horn, and cast a few more defensive enchantments she had recently learned around the area. Now at least slightly more confident that she wasn't about to get some unexpected guests, Twilight shimmied backwards out of the hole and into the space beyond. Which happened to be a large, relatively empty warehouse which Twilight knew was abandoned.

Officially it had been due to dark magic contamination, but Twilight had uncovered that it had merely been a company trying to get away with insurance fraud due to nearly going out of business. Since then, she had convinced Celestia to do nothing about the case, as it was beneath her notice to begin with and Twilight had her own designs for the warehouse. Celestia was no fool, and was no doubt only pretending to not know about it in order to not accidentally leak Twilight’s whereabouts.

All of which made Twilight swell with pride, even as she made her way around the rusted and moldy wracks of long forgotten boxes. She had put quite a bit of effort into this place over time, and had layered more enchantments than she could count during that time. She doubted the great houses knew of this place, or could enter it even if they did, but Twilight also knew they were no doubt in the area. Meaning she needed to keep her defences up, and not allow herself to relax, even while in her special lair.

Winding her way through the warehouse, Twilight slipped through a door, and locked it tight behind her before turning and proceeding down the stairs. At the end of which stood an impatient Spike, in front of a heavily padlocked and magically sealed door. Twilight rolled her eyes, not needing to see Spike to know that he was looking at her closely, already itching to get into the basement and get back to his nap.

He didn't have to wait long though as Twilight lit her horn, lowering the defences one by one, and finally unlatching the physical locks within a matter of moments. Once open, the dragon threw himself into the room, while Twilight took on a more sedate pace, stopping immediately after entering, and erecting her defences on the door once more. Only after she was certain that they were safe, and alone, did she turn around and dismiss the enchantments placed on herself and Spike.

She smiled and breathed deeply, inhaling the strange, potent scent that rose from the thick, slimy green and purple floor. The pony paused in order to take off her boots, and let her hooves sink into the porous ground, feeling rejuvenated within seconds of being inside the slime-filled chamber. A chamber that was surprisingly large, having served as an employee meeting place, as well as what must have been a lunch room at one point.

Though just about everything had been pulled out of the room, there was still a couch, a few chairs, and a table left behind, as well as everything they had found in the bathroom was still there. Add to that a duo of beds tucked into one corner of the room and it was a veritable home away from home. Made all the better by the slimy green and purple matter that grew all over the ground, and halfway up the walls.

Twilight smiled as she caressed the wall, whispering softly to the alien structure. “Shh, mommy’s home. Don't worry.”

The floor and walls both seemed to slump slightly, as if the green mucus-like structure that grew upon it had truly been worried for Twilight’s safety. Extending her mind into the creep enabled Twilight to gauge its health, and note that it had managed to sneak into the sewer without being noticed. With water secured, it needed no other nourishment, merely waiting for word from its mistress before it grew any further.

It was a simple being, which was so basic that it was a stretch to even call it a being. To Twilight though, it was like a pet, one that she was responsible for, and would thus take care of, even if it was little more than a bundle of alien instincts. Still, the sight of it thriving made Twilight smile, and she trotted over to the corner of the room, where a tall, twisted orange, green, and purple flower grew from the floor and rose to waist height.

Gently cupping the petals of the flower, Twilight subtly reassured the strange, alien creature that it did not need to grow any further, and should remain as it is right now. After that was done and Twilight was certain that the structure wouldn't spread any further, she sighed. “It’s nice to be back,” she exclaimed.

Spike leaned back in his favorite easy chair and nodded. “Heck yeah it is. Plus old Greeny is still doing fine, aintcha Greeny?” Spike asked, patting the ground, which seemed to vibrate strangely after receiving his touch.

Twilight chuckled as she walked over to a spot a good distance from Spike’s chair. “I don't know how you make it do that. I can't even make that happen.”

“It's about respect,” Spike declared, patting the greenish purple mass near his chair.

“Well, tell it to get ready for some tests. I want to see what it can do,” Twilight announced.

Spike frowned and patted the floor one last time. “I think she means it, Greeny, you better get ready.”

The small green mound sunk back into the rest of its mass before emerging once more, this time directly in front of Twilight. Who extended a hoof towards it and focused her powers outwards, and into the slimy growth. Closing her eyes, Twilight tried to imagine the creep growing until it could serve as cover, and she used a bit of psychic ability to ensure that happened.

Upon opening her eyes she was surprised to see that a small, chest high wall had appeared. Though it wasn't particularly dense, it was about the dimensions that Twilight had been imaging at least. She focused once more, trying to make the wall thicker and harder, capable of shielding her from an explosion, or incoming spells.

For a moment nothing happened, then Twilight felt the floor beneath her twitch, and the wall begin to change. Wanting to make sure everything happened as she wanted it to, Twilight focused more of her power onto the spot, funneling psychic energy into the creep. Which had the desired effect, making the wall grow thicker, stronger, with a layer of scales appearing on one side.

“Huh,” Twilight muttered, circling the wall and noticing the scales were about the same size, and thickness as the ones that covered Spike.

“Woah. That’s intense,” exclaimed Spike.

“It's too bad we don't have more space and food. I’d love to see if I could grow entire structures like this,” Twilight remarked, only to frown. “Though that would be kind of weird and a little gross, come to think of it.”

“As much as I like Greeny, I think an entire building that pulsated like that would be an odd sight,” Spike agreed.

“True. Plus I’m not always going to fight someone in a location of my choosing,” Twilight replied, waving a hoof over the creep and allowing it to disperse into the floor once more.

She wanted to try and test a few other things with her plant, but Twilight could tell that it had exerted itself significantly just making the wall. “Rest now,” Twilight whispered, patting the ground.

With her main ideas now no longer viable, the unicorn began to pace and consider more esoteric possibilities. She knew that her magic turned plants into whatever the green and purple mass beneath her hooves was, but she had very little understanding of what exactly it was. She moved faster while standing on it, and could nearly skate across the surface if she wanted, as could Spike. In addition she also felt a lot better while in the room with it, something her and Spike also shared. Other than that, it grew fast, didn't care about the surface it was forced to grow on, and could do so quickly, turning nearly anything it encountered into food.

Boxes, the odd rat, water, apples, Twilight had tried just about everything she could think of and only magically enchanted items could not be recycled by her plant. Did that mean it could break down and use minerals and stone if it wanted to? After all, it did eat the sword Twilight fed it, after she had dismissed its enchantments first.

As she continued to think, she strode back and forth, occasionally tapping her chin, and looking around the room. “So uh, whatcha thinkin’ about?” asked Spike.

“I was just considering what other ways I could utilize my newfound abilities,” Twilight murmured, still deep in thought. “The plant life I can grow is useful, but I won't be able to count on it. My own body is strong, but is still the body of a pony.”

“What's wrong with a pony body? You guys get a horn, magic, and other cool stuff,” Spike pointed out. “All dragons get is fire and flight.”

“Those are two very advantageous adaptations,” replied Twilight. “The ability to fly would be very convenient.”

“Well, why don't you try growing wings then?” Spike inquired.

“That's not how this works, Spike. I can't just grow wings whenever I want,” Twilight exclaimed, while rolling her eyes.

“How do you know? You’ve never tried it before,” Spike pointed out.

Twilight paused mid-stride and frowned. “I guess you have me there. It's not like there is a book on how to utilize weird alien powers.”

“So why don't you give it a shot?” Spike pressed. “Wings would be pretty awesome.”

“Hmm, fine. I suppose I could at least try,” Twilight exclaimed before casting off her coat, and standing perfectly still, legs spread, and eyes closed.

Without any real idea of what she was doing, Twilight focused on recreating the same feeling she had when commanding her plant to do what it did. Her will steeled, and her attention centered on her back, Twilight imagined what she would look like with large, draconic wings. She imagined what the bone structure would look like, how big they would have to be in order to lift a pony of her size, and even what color it would be in order to match her coat. Once she had imagined what it would look like, she tried to use her psychic abilities to force her body to change.

Power flowed through her, and towards her back, but she didn't feel anything different, other than a slight strain on the amount of energy she could bring to bear. Grunting from the effort, she pushed more and more power into it, trying to force her body to change the way she wanted it to. Her spine tingled, and the muscles along the center of her back began to ache, as if she had just put them through an intense workout, yet nothing happened. She focused for an extra few minutes before finally giving up and nearly falling to the ground, her breathing ragged.

“Damn, too bad too. I know how much you enjoy flying,” Spike remarked with genuine concern in his voice.

Twilight nodded. “I suppose my dreams of flight will have to wait another day.”

“So, any idea on how that works?” Spike asked.

Twilight shook her head. “It seems fairly random, but I was able to make scales appear on the wall that formed, so maybe I could make that happen on myself.”

The dragon shrugged. “It's worth a shot at least, right?”

“I don't know. It feels like there is something missing,” Twilight muttered, resuming her pacing.

“Like what?”

“I’m not totally sure, but it feels like my body wants to move the way I tell it to,” Twilight began. “It just can't, like there's a wall or something. Maybe the body simply can't make changes that quickly?”

“Or maybe Greeny is just special?” Spike added.

“That could be it,” Twilight murmured, while looking down at the mass of green and purple that spread out beneath her. “It is a unique ability, one that I’ve not seen replicated on any creature. Either from Equis or otherwise.”

“Is there a spell or something that would help things along? I mean you do know like, a bajillion spells, there's gotta be one that would help you,” Spike added, now leaning forward on his ratty recliner.

“There was one, but it's meant to combine two types of minerals that are relatively similar,” Twilight answered, her mind already churning with potential solutions and changes for the spell. “But with a little tinkering, it might be able to do more.”

“Huh, well good luck not turning into some sort of plant monster,” Spike muttered before reclining on his seat once more.

Now alone with her thoughts, Twilight began to formulate a way to alter the spell so it would give her the properties she wanted without turning her into a mass of green and purple goop. “Wait, what am I doing, this is crazy!” she exclaimed, only to turn and begin pacing, occasionally nibbling on her lip. “But if I was able to change my body in such a manner, I could become far more powerful. Maybe even strong enough to complete whatever mission Celestia is planning for me.”

The thought of being able to help the alicorn made Twilight consider her options much closer. It was no secret that the elder mare had a grand plan for Twilight and she had hinted as much when she promised to eventually disclose all of her secrets. What that mission or plan actually was though was still a mystery. All Twilight had to go on was that whatever Celestia had planned, had the possibility of being dangerous, incredibly so.

Did she want Twilight to become a general of some kind? Twilight dismissed that notion quickly, as it would mean she would have to be in the military, something she doubted Celestia would want. Perhaps a special agent of some kind? The unicorn considered it for a moment before brushing aside such thoughts for now and focused on the one thing she did know. And that was that she needed to be stronger, better, and gain the skills and abilities that would give her an edge.

“Alright, let's try this out,” she muttered, pulling forth a plethora of writing supplies from one of the few remaining cabinets and arraying them before her.

Spike yawned and curled up in his chair. “Wake me up when you are ready to go,” he muttered, before closing his eyes.

Twilight hardly even heard him, as she was scribbling several notes onto several pieces of paper which levitated all around her. “I just need to substitute the matrix here and here, and alter the parameters here… but then I’ll need to rewrite the underlying spell formula there and there.”

The pony plunked down onto the thick mass of green and purple, a frown on her face. “This might take a while.”

“Aha,” Twilight declared, lurching into a standing position and raising a hoof over her head. “I’ve got it!”

Spike yawned and stretched out like an enormous scale-covered cat. “Got what?” he asked sleepily. “Also, what time is it?”

Twilight shrugged. “I don't know, and I got it! It, Spike! The spell should work, and I wrote in a quick failsafe that should only alter my foreleg, so at worst I would lose a limb.”

“That's still a lot to lose, Twilight,” Spike pointed out. “Losing a leg isn't like losing a finger, you know.”

“I know, but this will be worth it, if it works, that is,” Twilight replied hastily, papers flying this way and that, some of which collected themselves into a pile while others were crinkled up and tossed in a random direction, where they were consumed by the creep.

“If you say so. So, what's it supposed to do?” Spike asked, leaning forward on his chair.

“It should allow my foreleg--” she raised her left leg, “--to gain the shape altering properties that the plant has.

“Neat. Then what?”

“Well, that would leave the possibility open to expanding it and even growing wings, or horns, or maybe even the necessary organs to breath fire,” Twilight continued, grinning madly. “The possibilities are endless, Spike!”

“Well, don't go too quickly,” Spike cautioned. “I don't want to have to carry you home.”

Twilight snorted. “Nonsense, this will work perfectly. You’ll see.”

“Alright then, but if you end up in agonizing pain, or unconscious, then you can't be mad when I say I told you so,” Spike added, before reclining in his chair once more.

“Nonsense. The process should be painless,” Twilight declared, only to gulp. “Should be, anyway.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?” pressed Spike.

“Right,” Twilight murmured, before lighting her horn.

The original spell itself wasn't terribly complicated, but she had never cast the unmodified version before, nevermind the much more complicated, much more difficult, modded one. So it was with a slow, ponderous pace that she worked through the minute aspects of the spell, hyper aware of potential issues. It was only after the spell was nearly complete, and Twilight had triple-checked her work did she follow through with the last steps.

Magic pulsed and formed several glowing matrices in the air directly over the ground and her leg. The glowing symbols and runes twisted, and shifted until the spell’s parameters were met. Then, it began to work, glowing brightly causing both Twilight’s left foreleg to light up, as well as the ground directly under her. Twilight could sense a strange, almost fearlike response from the plant which now covered the ground, but she quickly ignored that.

It wasn't truly sentient, so that was impossible. Or at least, that's what she hoped anyway.

Either way, her musings and worries quickly vanished when she felt white hot pain erupt up her leg. Gritting her teeth, Twilight refused to call out, bearing the worst of it, and focusing on what was happening to her. The ground shifted, and moved, tendrils of green and purple sinking into her flesh, and snaking up her limb. The process was agonizing, and she could feel the plant slithering beneath her flesh.

“Are you okay?” Spike asked hesitantly, standing up and hesitantly approaching the mare.

Twilight raised a hoof and warded him off, the pony unable to mutter a word while her jaw was clenched as tight as it was.

The dragon seemed to get the message, though it was clear he was still worried, and the slightest bit annoyed.

Twilight had much bigger concerns though, namely the way that a good chunk of the floor had broken away from the rest of the mass, and was now flowing into her limb. Muscles heaved, bones shifted, and nerves flared as her body was forcefully altered in order to accept the new mass being added to it. Twilight briefly considered stopping the spell, but she knew that it would only cause worse problems if she did that. Instead she was forced to merely sit, and wait for the process to complete itself.

Something that thankfully didn't take much longer, the spell flaring one last time before dulling, and finally vanishing completely. Leaving a small hole in the living carpet that covered the ground, and a burning sensation throughout Twilight’s now larger foreleg.

Looking down at it made Twilight realize that it was thicker, heavier, and more well-muscled but was also unpleasant to look at. Her fur was warped, with her flesh having shifted and moved in bizarre, and often seemingly random directions. Twisted masses of skin stretched across the limb which was also a darker purple that had the odd bit of green added to it.

“Woah,” Spike muttered, taking a step forward and pointing to the pony’s leg. “How does it feel?”

“Heavy,” Twilight muttered, the unicorn thankful that the pain had already begun to dull. “I don't think I will be doing that again anytime soon.”

“Were you trying to do that?”

Twilight snorted. “Not exactly.”

“No, not that, that,” Spike corrected, pointing to the unicorn’s cheek.

Twilight quickly conjured a mirror and looked at the spot Spike indicated. “No, I definitely did not intend for that to happen,” muttered the mare.

Though her leg had sustained the most changes, her shoulder had also become larger, and a small section of her back and chest and also been warped. It was a strange alteration, but paled in comparison to the odd scar that stretched from her neck to midway up her cheek. It didn't look deep, and wasn't terribly noticeable, if it wasn't for the fact that it glowed the same shade of orange that her eyes did. Poking the spot made Twilight frown feel uncomfortable, but she pushed down that feeling for now, focusing on creating a quick illusion that would hide it.

A quick cast later, and it vanished. “There. Gone,” Twilight declared nervously.

Spike nodded slowly. “You are going to need to add a whole bunch of illusions to your daily routine.”

The unicorn groaned. “I know. Hopefully I won't have to go back to those damn glasses.”

“What, they weren’t that bad, right?” Spike asked hesitantly.

“I looked like a librarian, Spike,” Twilight deadpanned. “I like books, but I don't like books that much.”

“Didn't you dress up as a librarian for Nightmare Night one time?”

The unicorn groaned. “I should have never let dad show you the family photo album.”

“And you also should have never put me in a tootoo when I was younger,” Spike added.

Twilight chuckled. “What, I liked the pun? A tootoo for a two year old isn't that bad. Besides, nopony even knew what gender you were anyway.”

“Augh, that's not the point,” Spike groaned while blushing furiously.

“Right, I suppose we have gotten rather off track,” Twilight muttered, lifting her hoof. “Let’s see if this worked at least.”

Once more the pony closed her eyes, and imagined the flesh of her foreleg becoming harder, and more resilient. This time when she put a bit of her power into the limb, it reacted instantly, shifting and changing until it was exactly as Twilight designed. Opening her eyes, Twilight confirmed that it was as she had felt, her flesh now no longer soft, but covered in thick greenish purple scales. Touching the limb made Twilight realize that it was every bit as hard as a dragon’s natural hide.

“Huh, it worked,” Spike muttered, poking the scaled limb nervously. “Feels real too.”

“That's a good defensive ability, but let's see if we can't do something to assist in the offence department,” Twilight muttered, before lifting her hoof and focusing once more.

This time she imagined gaining a spikelike extension from the bottom of her hoof, something that would be able to emerge at a moment’s notice, but remain undetectable for the most part. Sure enough, after a little extra focusing, a spike of bone emerged from the bottom of her hoof, grew several inches long, and stopped abruptly. Waving it around, Twilight realized that it was sharp, and could no doubt pierce armor if she were to really lean into the blow.

“That's intense,” Spike muttered.

“It's certainly something,” Twilight replied, before focusing once more and retracting it back into her body.

The unicorn could feel the weight of the bone weapon inside her hoof, but after a few seconds, it began to feel a little more natural, and within a minute, she hardly noticed the added heft. She summoned her psychic powers once more, intent on experimenting further, only to nearly collapse when a headache suddenly assaulted her. Groaning, the pony was distinctly aware that she had suddenly fallen face-first into the squishy ground.

Spike was there in an instant, picking her back up, and placing her back on her own four legs. “Easy there. I think you might have pushed it a bit too far,” he warned.

Twilight nodded weakly. “Y-yeah. I haven't used that much psi energy in a while.”

“Psi energy?” Spike asked. “Is that what you are calling it?”

The unicorn rolled her eyes. “Do you have a better name?”

“No, it just sounds like something from a comic book, ya know?”

“That doesn't matter now, we need to get home,” Twilight declared, stumbling over to her discarded coat and boots.

“Do you need some water or something?” Spike asked.

The unicorn shook her head as she pulled the coat over her forelegs. “No, I should be fine until we get back.”

“Alright. But I’m fairly certain if you collapse, I won't be able to carry you,” Spike deadpanned. “‘Cause I could hardly lift you anymore.”

Twilight grimaced as she tugged on her boots, noticing that one hardly fit anymore, and the leg of her coat was also stretched tight over the large limb. “It's fine. We’ll just stick to well populated streets and open areas. If anything happens, make a ton of noise, they can't have every guard in their pocket, not yet anyway.”

Spike hummed and hawed, before shrugging. “Alright, you are the boss.”

“Damn right I am. Now let's go, before I fall over.”

“Oh and Twilight? I told you so.”

“Report,” announced a stern, yet surprisingly neutral female voice.

The guard lowered himself from the edge of the roof and closed his eyes, focusing on the voice. It is as you feared, my lord. The creature has… changed.

“You have been able to confirm this?” asked the voice from seemingly everywhere, and nowhere.

Her clothes no longer fit and I could sense that she had significantly exhausted her psi energy. Permission to engage? asked the guard, clutching tight his gauntleted wrist.

“No, there are too many variables,” replied the voice, which gained a cold, calculating edge to it. “This is good though, it means our inside agent was correct after all. Continue to hunt down her base of operations. We cannot allow her to infect the population with her vile taint.”

Yes, my lord, the guard replied instantly, his worried thoughts getting the better of his usual calm and cool mindscape.

“I can sense your worry, and can say with confidence that you have no need to feel such a thing,” the voice announced evenly.

My lord? the guard asked nervously.

“We are sending in zealot one. A plan is already underway and our victory all but assured,” declared the voice.

The guard breathed easier and let his head sink slightly. Forgive me for my assumption.

“We all have worries, so long as you keep yours under your control, that's all I care about,” stated the voice.

Thank you, my lord, that is all I have to report.

“Stay vigilant, child. The time of becoming is nearly upon us, our faith will be vindicated,” vowed the voice.

The guard nodded. May the khala guide you.

“As it does, us all,” answered the voice.

Author's Note

Cloak and Dagger

Twilight tapped her hoof against her desk as she stared out the window. Outside, the cool wind of fall blew, carrying with it promises of snow and cold in a matter of weeks. Only a few pegasi dotted the skies, the majority of the weather now being handled by spell work alone, cast by large cadres of unicorns. It required far more pony power than if pegasi did the work, but with so few left living in the city, the method had been deemed necessary by the all-unicorn weather council.

As such, there were a scarce few clouds that were being pushed or pulled across the sky by pegasi. None of whom were making clouds, as that was handled by a massive sigil that glowed high above the city which spat out flat, dull grey cloud cover. As she watched, the spell flickered and died, and the clouds which had been building dissipated as well. The few pegasi Twilight could see seemed angry and relieved, with most shaking their heads at the futility of it all.

With a sigh, Twilight activated a spell, causing the window to darken significantly, while doing her best to ignore the sorry sight playing above the streets of Canterlot. Instead, she picked up the letter she had received, a small smile overcoming her features as she perused the contents of the correspondence once more. Though short, it was a pleasant affirmation of where her and Cadance still stood, with the young alicorn brushing off her break up with Shining Armor. In the letter Cadance also urged them to meet again, and soon, but Twilight hesitated to pen her response, despite their shared enthusiasm for such a meet-up.

Seeing the young alicorn would be nice, but with Twilight’s schedule so full and her lessons so intense, Twilight knew she would have precious little time to waste socializing. Even if she really wanted to see her childhood foalsitter and close personal friend, whom probably needed to see a friendly face about now, time was at an unfortunate premium. There was another, darker reason that Twilight wanted to see her, but the unicorn brushed off that thought for now, reassuring herself that Cadance would never fall into the clutches of the great houses.

She was simply too kind for that, Twilight reasoned.

“There is always Hearth's Warming break,” she muttered as she tapped a quill against an empty sheet of paper, her letter still only sporting two words.

Greetings, Cadance.

The rest was empty, and though Twilight’s heart told her that meeting up during Hearth's Warming would be a great idea. Her head told her that it would be a waste of time and would ultimately take away from the personal study time she had planned.

She hummed and hawed a few times while tapping her quill before she picked up the writing utensil, putting it away in a drawer, determined to deal with the letter at a later date. When the drawer was opened though, something grabbed her attention. Looking down, the pony saw her favorite quill as a child and the small charm still attached to the end of it.

The quill itself was useless, having been worn down far past the point of being able to write, yet she had kept it anyway. She ran a hoof across the nearly flat face of the tiny blue fish and smiled faintly, remembering well those early days she had spent by Celestia’s side. She thought back on how the alicorn had never once looked at her funny due to Twilight’s unusual eyes. Or her other, less obvious quirks, and never judged her for her strange habits, or overall bookish personality.

With a sigh, the unicorn pushed the drawer closed, wiping the corners of her glowing orange eyes, dismissing the tears that had begun to build there.

Spike stirred on his bed of pillows nearby, the dragon sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “What's wrong?” he asked while yawning.

Twilight shook her head. “It's nothing, Spike. Sorry for waking you.”

“Well, I’m up now,” he declared, before stumbling up from the small nest he had made for himself. “And you are going to tell me what’s wrong.”

“Just… getting nostalgic, is all,” Twilight replied with a sigh.

Spike walked up to his mother and draped an arm around her shoulders, giving the pony a gentle squeeze. “You know, I don't think you are allowed to be nostalgic yet. You are not even old enough to drink, after all,” he pointed out.

“Hey, I will be next year,” Twilight shot back.

“True, and then and only then will you be allowed to get sappy over something that happened in your childhood,” Spike added, giving his mother one last squeeze before taking a step back. “So, what are we doing for lunch? I’m hungry.”

“Wait a second,” Twilight interrupted, the mare standing and turning towards the door, her horn glowing with power.

A second later a small slip of paper was tucked under the door of her room, tempting Twilight into frying it. For a moment she simply glared at the small object, her horn glowing brightly, magic ready to be unleashed at a moment’s notice. When nothing happened, she changed the flow of her mana, and focused it away from a disintegration spell and towards a scanning spell.

When her horn flashed, she was instantly assured that it was nothing more than a scrap of paper, with a small ward placed on it that allowed it to bypass Twilight’s defences. With a frown on her face, Twilight hesitantly approached the piece of paper only to be stopped by Spike who grabbed her shoulder.

“Are you sure you should even look at it?” Spike asked nervously.

Twilight nodded. “The only spell on it allows it to get through my defences, not hurt anyone. Besides, I want to know what someone would go through all the effort of sending us.”

Spike frowned, but let go of his mother’s shoulder. “Alright… be careful though.”

The unicorn turned, and gently lifted the piece of paper from the ground and towards her. A quick spell made a forcefield spring into existence around the note, making doubly sure it could do no harm. With something between him and the paper, Spike leaned in, his curiosity getting the better of him.

The paper itself was plain in the extreme, and was folded haphazardly down the middle. Opening it up revealed only two, short lines of text written in slightly crooked letters.

Meet me in the training room in ten minutes.

Come alone.

Twilight snorted, dismissed the shield spell, and disintegrated the note. “Like hell I’m doing that,” she muttered in disgust.

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure that's a good idea? What if they have information, or if it’s Blueblood again?”

“If it’s Bluey, he would just show up like he owned the place,” Twilight retorted. “And if they had information, why not just include it in that note of theirs? No. This is clearly a trap. One that is designed to suggest that my defences are not enough, and that my tower is compromised somehow.”

“Really? I mean it just slipped through your wards, surely you can patch that hole, right?” Spike asked while scratching his head.

Twilight sighed. “It's a show of knowledge. They know how to get past one, meaning they likely know how to get past the other defences I have erected. We aren't safe here.”

“Then what do we do?” Spike pressed, as he nervously began to wring his hands together.

“We go straight to Celestia’s apartment,” Twilight declared. “I won't be able to teleport inside the castle due to the interdictor spell they have placed on the premises, but that should mean no one else can either.”

“So we just walk over there then?” Spike asked. “Because I like the idea of sending her a letter and hunkering down here.”

“We can't do that,” Twilight replied. “Celestia is in a meeting with her cabinet for the next six hours, your letter won't go through until it's over.”

Spike mumbled a curse under his breath. “So what do we do then?”

“Celestia taught me the key spell needed to get into her private apartment. She has more defences on that place than anywhere else in Canterlot. Except maybe the royal treasury,” Twilight answered. “If we can make it to her room we will be safe from everything from invading armies to a direct meteor strike.”

“That's if we can make it that far,” Spike replied.

Twilight snorted. “We are stronger than the guards, and they haven't been able to corrupt them all, meaning they couldn't afford to attack us in a large number.” The unicorn began to pace back and forth. “They probably aligned some sort of distraction so there are no staff between here and the training room. This also means that most of the distance to the royal apartments is also empty, but that's acceptable.”

“It is?”

The unicorn smirked. “We got this, Spike. Come on. We just need to get to Celestia’s apartment.”

“Are you sure this is the best idea?” Spike asked.

“It is. Now hold still while I cast some quick enchantments on us,” Twilight exclaimed, the unicorn already summoning her magic.

In no time at all, both Spike and Twilight glowed faintly, as numerous defensive wards and other spells fell into place. Her horn dulling, Twilight nodded slowly, appraising her work. “There, that should protect us at least a little bit.”

“I don't suppose I can talk you out of this, huh?” Spike pressed.

Twilight shook her head. “Celestia’s room is the safest place in the castle.”

“I guess…”

The unicorn sighed and ran a hoof down the dragon’s frills. “Don't worry about it, Spike. We can handle anything those fools throw at us. Celestia has been teaching me for almost a decade at this point, and training me in offencive magic for the last year.”

Spike took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “You are right,” he declared. “You know tons of magic. They don't stand a chance.”

“That's the spirit, now let's get moving,” Twilight announced before turning to the door and lighting her horn once more.

A ping of magic alerted Twilight to the fact that the area just outside of her tower was empty, the guards that had been stationed outside vanishing within the last few minutes. Pushing the door open a sliver, the unicorn peeked outside and found neither sign of struggle, nor a note left behind to explain their disappearance. With a frown on her face, the unicorn pushed open the door the rest of the way and silently ushered her son into the hall before closing and locking the door behind them.

She knew it wouldn't do much since they knew about her defences, but it put her mind at least a little more at ease to have her room locked. With that done, she lit her horn and began to creep down the hall, with Spike eyeing the stairs to their left closely. When nothing happened, and they had made their way over the skyway, and entered the castle proper, both creatures relaxed slightly.

“It’s empty,” Spike muttered.

“It sure seems that way,” Twilight only half agreed.

“Why do you say it like that?” Spike asked as they turned down a hall and made their way towards a spiral staircase that lead up a floor.

“Because something isn't right here,” Twilight replied, her horn still glowing, though not nearly as much as it had been a minute ago. “Why lure me out only to not do anything? They evidently expected me to leave the room or they wouldn't have bothered to clear the castle halls.”

Spike paused as the pair reached the stairs, with the unicorn peeking around a pillar before nodding to the dragon, and prompting the pair to begin climbing. “That is weird. What do you think it means?”

“I don't know,” Twilight admitted. “I still feel like our best chance of safety is Celestia’s apartment though. Noone should know we are able to enter without the princess’ presence.”

“I still don't like this,” Spike muttered.

“Just keep a look out and warn me if you see anything,” Twilight replied.

The dragon nodded.

Twilight strode forward, standing tall and silently hoping to attract any attention first and spare her son from any potential harm. Harm which never seemed to come as empty halls proceeded only more empty halls, all of which were utterly devoid of any staff or sign of battle. The sheer emptiness was beginning to get to the pony, as several minutes had already passed, and they had yet to see another soul.

Twilight peeked her head around a corner and surveyed the next hallway closely, her nerves beginning to fray after so much silence. Sure enough, another empty hallway opened up before them, one which was surprisingly bereft of other exits, be it doors or windows. Frowning deeper, the unicorn trotted into the hall, her hoof going up to where she knew there should be a pane of glass.

“Odd,” she muttered.

“This is really starting to weird me out,” Spike muttered, crouching slightly as he looked left and right. “Where is everyone, and where are we? I don't remember this hallway before.”

“That's because we are either not in the castle anymore, or this is an illusion.” Twilight lit her horn and cast a quick dispel, only for nothing to happen. “A very, very good illusion.”

“But it feels real,” Spike muttered as he tapped the wall. “Shouldn't there be a window here?”

“Powerful illusions can replicate all of the senses and convince the mind that what it perceives is indeed real,” Twilight explained, her horn flashing once more, to the same effect as last time. “And this is the work of a master.”

“So what do we do then?” Spike asked as he looked over his shoulder.

“We could stay in place, fire off a few flares and attract a lot of attention,” Twilight began, the unicorn leaning towards the wall and tapping it several times. “That should be able to attract at least a few guards not under the great houses’ sway. Or we could-”

“Hey look, it’s Celestia!” Spike interrupted, the dragon already running down the hall. “Hey, Princess, it’s us! Come back!”

Twilight cursed and spun around. “Spike, wait, that's not her!”

Despite her warning coming as quickly as she could speak it, the dragon was already at the end of the hall, vanishing around the corner a second later. Muttering a string of curses under her breath, Twilight silently reminded herself that despite his appearance, and his general maturity, Spike was still a kid at hear. One that was in a stressful and strange situation.

Putting anger from her mind, Twilight focused on what needed to be done and began to sprint after him, her head down and her horn blazing with life. Thankfully she wasn't wearing her usual boots, and had only thrown on her coat earlier due to the slight chill that pervaded her tower. Without anything slowing her down, the unicorn was able to easily catch up with the dragon, who was standing in the middle of an intersection.

“Princess Celestia!” he shouted. “Where did you go?”

“She isn't here. That was an illusion,” Twilight remarked sadly.

The dragon stumbled back and raised his hands as if he were about to karate chop the pony in the face only to stop when he realized who was standing there. “Oh, thank goodness. I thought I lost you for a second there,” he remarked.

Twilight reached out and gripped the dragon by the shoulder, looking him dead in the eye. “Do not do that again. Our opponent is master illusionist, and likely intended for you to run off.”

“S-sorry. I just thought I saw the princess and…” He stopped and blinked, looking around the room. “How did we get here?”

“What do you? Oh no,” Twilight muttered in shock, before turning around and bolting towards the exit.

The door she had just passed through slammed shut, clicking audibly and making her screech to a halt as something heavy was placed against the otherside of the wooden portal. Cursing, she spun around and scanned the area, only to find that the training room looked empty still. “How did we get here?” Spike asked hesitantly, the dragon close at his mother’s side.

“More illusions, these ones even better than the last,” Twilight explained, before pushing the dragon back a step. “Give me a moment and I can knock down this door.”

The unicorn lit her horn and began to summon forth the necessary mana to knock the door clean off its hinges with a well-placed fireball. That was until her horn suddenly flickered and died, the second an oppressive wall of force sprung out of nowhere and stopped her spell dead in its tracks. Wincing, Twilight did her best to mitigate the backlash quickly before stumbling over to Spike and placing herself between him and however else was in the room.

“Ah ah ah. There will be no cheating on my watch,” teased a female voice that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

Twilight tried and failed to bring light to her horn once more, grumbling when she found the act completely impossible. The force was powerful and the unicorn guessed that the training room was probably set for ninety or so percent magical reduction. More than enough to make all spell casting impossible, and to leave her with a pounding headache. Spike winced, the dragon clutching his head with both hands as he stumbled backward a few paces.

“W-what’s happening?” he asked in confusion.

“Magical reduction field. Focus on your breathing and don't move unless I tell you to,” Twilight commanded.

“Ahh yes, that would help, wouldn't it?” remarked the distinctly female voice. “If you weren’t an abomination deserving of oblivion!”

Twilight shoved Spike hard, pushing him out of the way of a bolt which had been aimed at his head. The dragon toppled into a heap and Twilight quickly stood over him, her muscles flexing as she turned this way and that. “Show yourself,” she shouted. “Unless you don't think you can take me in a fair fight.”

The voice laughed. “Oh please. You came here loaded to the gills with enchantments. The game was rigged from the start.”

“What do I-?” Spike began, only to be shushed by Twilight, who kept him down.

“So what if I put on a few enchantments? They are gone now, yet you are still hiding, cowering in the dark and relying on your illusions and weapons while I have neither,” Twilight spat back.

“Me? Cower? I long for combat and with honor guiding me I will strike down the enemies of our great nation!” the voice exclaimed, a second before Twilight heard hooves hit the ground.

“So predictable,” Twilight muttered before raising a hoof and bringing the full power of her psychic might to bear.

Her opponent flickered into existence a few feet away, whatever ability that had kept her invisible dissipating now that she was moving, only to be thrown back by Twilight’s psychic push. Rather than be caught off guard, the pony simply slid back, her hooves gripping the floor tightly and stopping herself relatively quickly. She threw her head back, throwing her long, light teal braided mane back over her shoulder and out of the way, subtly shifting her large gold and blue gauntlets back into place on her hooves.

“You are stronger than they gave you credit,” mused Twilight’s opponent, who slowly began to circle the unicorn, her golden armor and large, bulky bracers clacking audibly with every step she took.

Twilight snorted in irritation and stepped forward. “Your masters are fools to believe I am easy prey. And even more foolish to only send one of you.”

If Twilight’s opponent was unnerved, she didn't didn't show it, the pony merely scowling from behind the bit of cloth that obscured her mouth and nose. “That is where you are wrong. Wherever I go, I bring the might of my ancestors. And you are no match for us all!” she yelled before charging forward, magenta eyes flashing dangerously as she did so.

Twilight gritted her teeth and focused on the ill-used part of her mind dedicated to bringing forth her psychic abilities. Reaching out, she tried to grab the other unicorn, only to find that her opponent was ready, and an alien will rose up to rival her own. The other pony slowed as her eyes blazed with fury, pushing back Twilight’s attempt to batter the other pony senseless through psychic might alone.

Having never felt resistance to her psychic abilities, Twilight found herself struggling to figure out the correct course of action. Gritting her teeth and pouring all she had into the act seemed to do little, and she quickly abandoned the effort, not wanting to take away from her mind’s defences. Stumbling back, Twilight glared at the other pony, who was smirking victoriously at the infested mare.

“Is that it?” she asked, throwing her nose into the air haughtily. “And here I thought you were going to be a challenge.”

Twilight snorted and pawed the ground with a hoof. “You may be able to resist me and your mind may be shielded, but I could feel that power is not your own. You are but a mare. A scared and angry little mare.”

“I am not scared of you, or anyone!” shouted the other unicorn, who suddenly lurched forward with hate in her eyes, burning away the grey emptiness that had been at the edges of her vision.

Taken aback by the response, Twilight moved subtly to the left, knowing instinctively where her draconic progeny was without having to look. With the other unicorn barreling directly at her, and with little time to figure out a plan, Twilight slammed her forehooves together and used what little psychic energy she had left to cover her forelegs in a thick, scaley hide. Just in time to deflect a knife which had flown out of nowhere, and had been aimed at her face.

Knowing it was a feint, Twilight leapt back, dodging out of the way of another dagger strike, this one coming from the mare who wielded a pair of short, sharp weapons. Seeing her prey duck out of range, the attacking unicorn screamed and threw herself forward once more. “For the empire!”

Twilight stood on her back legs and brought her forehooves up in time to knock aside a series of lightning fast attacks aimed at her midsection. The blows were short and quick, lacking any true power behind them and forcing Twilight to rapidly shift her weight in order to stop herself form being poked full of holes. After a few seconds Twilight managed to create an opening and brought her left forehoof down hard on her enemy's foreleg, knocking her weapon to the ground.

Utilizing the brief disruption of her opponent’s concentration, Twilight grabbed her enemy's foremost limbs and brought her forehead down hard against her opponent’s face. Twilight felt and heard the familiar crunch of cartilage buckling under her strength, signalling that she had shattered the enemy unicorn’s nose. A second later and the sound of falling metal alerted her to the fact that she had also managed to make the other unicorn drop her remaining dagger.

She wasn't out of the fight yet though, and the teal unicorn spat a wad of blood directly into Twilight’s eyes, forcing her to stumble back and blink the foreign matter away. The unicorn raised her heavy, scale covered forelegs up, expecting the enemy to have not given her any time to prepare, only to find noone there. Instead, the other unicorn had taken a step back, and was staring down at Twilight, a disgusted look on her face.

“You are even more hideous up close,” she remarked. “I mean your eyes are one thing, but your face is scarred and deformed, almost as bad as that foreleg of yours.”

Twilight snarled. “Only the weak fret over aesthetics and mere appearances. The strong care only for results.”

“Well, if you were planning on being ugly as sin, then congratulations,” remarked the other unicorn, who hopped up onto her back legs and ignited the bright blue blades that extended from her bracers. “Let’s see how well you fare against the weapons of my people!”

Twilight was hesitant to put her hoof in the way of the glowing energy blade that had sprung from her enemy’s wrists and tried to dodge out of the way, rather than potentially sacrifice a leg. That was easier said than done though, and she quickly found herself forced to decide between getting a weird, glowing energy weapon to the chest, or losing a limb. Thinking quickly, Twilight deflected the blade away from her with her bulkier left leg, her scales faring relatively well against the odd weapon.

The daggers hadn't so much as left a scratch on her natural armor, unlike the odd, humming blue blades the enemy unicorn now sported, which burned even her hardened scales. Grimacing, Twilight pushed down the pain that threatened to distract her, focusing instead on her opponent who was still bearing down on her. Deft cuts and quick thrusts were either dodged or blocked by scaled limbs, ensuring that Twilight gained several more burns, but did not take a blow she couldn't afford to.

Spike, feeling the pain now coursing through his mother, began to look for an opening, in order to unleash his own attack. Only for Twilight to feel his aggression without having to look, and quickly stifle his urge to defend her. Stay back, you’ll only get in the way, she mentally commanded.

Spike, shocked to hear someone else’s voice in his head, stumbled back, and did as he was told, nervously watching as the two unicorns continued to duel only a few feet away from him.

Glowing blue blades were turned aside by tough, scaly flesh, adding numerous burns to the mare’s forelegs. Twilight’s limbs were heavy and slow, while her opponent's strikes were fast and precise, meaning she was stuck on the defensive with seemingly no way out of it. Without magic or her psychic abilities, she knew it was only a matter of time before this newest foe wore her down and struck a blow Twilight could not recover from.

Thoughts of her own demise didn't trouble her terribly, but thinking of what would happen to Spike if she were to perish made Twilight’s blood boil. If careful calculation, planning, and intelligence could not win the day, there was only raw brute strength and the power that came from rage. Throwing caution to the wind, Twilight brought about as much psychic power as she dare use before releasing it all at once into her opponent’s face.

The spike of telekinetic power was enough to knock the pony’s forelegs outwards, her defences forming a millisecond later and saving her from being knocked across the room. That was more than enough of an opening though, and Twilight let out a snarl of rage before leaping forward and bringing her hooves down over head.

The other pony was fast though and recovered quickly from the shove, raising both blades above her head in order to block the coming strike. Not like Twilight cared, for she had something the other pony did not, earth pony strength and far more muscle mass. The blades ultimately slowed Twilight’s attack, but did not stop her completely, forcing the opponent’s forelegs into a weird angle and battering her in the head with her own limbs.

“What the-” Was all the other unicorn could mutter before Twilight brought her forelegs down again and again, batting aside her enemy’s defences and pounding her face in.

Steel bent and the mare’s helmet warped before being knocked clear off her head, allowing Twilight to see the faintly familiar features of a pony whom looked a few years older than she did. There was just enough time to commit most of the pony’s face to memory before she was able to bring her guard back up and burn Twilight’s hoof bad enough to force the larger unicorn back a step.

Though she had managed to get her guard up and adapt somewhat, it was clear the other unicorn was still a little off balance from the battering she had just received. Ignoring the cries of pain along her forelegs, Twilight snarled, and was ready to throw herself forward once more when the other unicorn reached back and produced another dagger.

Knowing what was coming, Twilight raised her burnt forehooves in order to cover her face and other vital areas. Only for the dagger to fly right past her, and across the room, right where she knew Spike was standing. Eyes wide and filled with fear, Twilight reached out with her mind and forced the blade to stop mid-air, only a few feet away from the terrified dragon.

“For all your talk of strength you sure are weak,” spat the other unicorn before stabbing the infested mare in the shoulder and delivering a cross slash across the front of her body.

The simple leather cloth couldn't stand up to the mare’s strange weapons and didn't even slow the blades before they met the pony’s flesh. Searing pain flashed through the infested unicorn’s mind, making her cry out as she stumbled backward. Twilight tried to get her hooves up in time to block the next attacks. She was too slow however, and as she felt hot blood begin to cascade down her left foreleg, and chest she felt the heat of her opponent’s weapons as they neared her neck.

White hot panic coursed through her body, making the young pony realize that this may very well be the end. In that moment, time seemed to slow, leaving Twilight with ample opportunities to ponder her own mortality. Such grim musings were tossed away quickly, the pony too stubborn to even consider the possibility that this was indeed the conclusion of her story.

In that moment, she realized that she had never given it her all before, never truly allowed herself to delve into the true depths of her own soul. Her psychic abilities were always distant, and Twilight had feared what possibilities they may bring about if used and expanded.

Yet she would need to do so now, to give in to the most primal emotions that had warred within her for so long. That seemingly endless, yawning abyss of power that she had been too frightened to touch would finally be put to use. With grim determination, she tugged, no, ripped the power she felt swirling around her wellspring for over a decade, putting it to use for what felt like the very first time.

The teal unicorn’s smile began to slip away as the milliseconds passed, and she saw her enemy’s form begin to build with purple light. Putting everything she had into her attack, she desperately tried to cut off whatever the infested mare had planned only for the world to go white. Then she was airborne, the pony flying through the air until she hit the opposite wall, near a certain lever, her armor crumpling, but ultimately saving her life.

The first thing the assassin heard was a scream so powerful she felt it in her very bones. Her mind cried out in agony as it was attacked as much as her physical body was. Her ears bled, and crimson tears dripped down her face, yet despite all that she forced herself to look up, hoping desperately to find a bloody and broken opponent. Though Twilight’s wounds remained, the assassin no longer considered ways of attack and focused instead on escape.

For the infested mare was humming with power, the pony levitating several feet above the ground with massive glowing, ethereal purple wings having appeared on her back. Her eyes pulsed with an angry orange glare, promising the assassin a quick, but utterly brutal end. Grunting, the illusionist quickly pulled herself up, one hoof going to the hidden compartment in her armor which contained her daggers.

Twilight meanwhile was so shocked by her sudden transformation that she didn't notice this shift in her enemy’s attention until she saw a dagger in her enemy’s hoof. Reacting quickly, she reached out and tried to tug it out of the assassin’s hoof with her mind, only for it to slip out of her grasp as it was thrown past her. Growling in irritation, Twilight knocked it aside, as well as the next dagger which was thrown at Spike.

“Coward! You are fighting me, not my son!” Twilight boomed, her voice echoing in the minds of all who heard her.

“Oh, I’ve already gotten what I came for. I’m not fighting anyone,” the assassin replied with a smirk.

Twilight blinked, and looked over to where she had knocked aside the enemy’s daggers, only to see a trio of small black orbs on the ground. She was about to curse her own obliviousness, when the orbs exploded, filling the room with smoke. Reacting on instinct, Twilight half flew, half levitated over to where she knew Spike was, wrapping her ethereal wings around the drake and erecting a barrier between them and their enemy.

Spike clung to the pony desperately, his confusion palpable even while he coughed his lungs out. Twilight cursed herself for knocking the pony so close to the activation lever, but kept her mind focused on her surroundings. There was time for regret later, when they weren’t in danger, as now she had better things to do.

Opening her wings wide, Twilight let out a powerful flap, one which dissipated the glowing appendages and returned Twilight to the ground once more, their job done. Smoke billowed away from them, forced back by the sudden surge of wind Twilight had managed to summon.

Allowing Twilight and Spike to breathe a little easier and see that they were alone, the smoke now gone, as was the assassin. All traces of the unicorn’s daggers and broken armor were gone as well, leaving only a few dents in the walls and floor of the training room as evidence of their struggle.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked, her voice weak.

Spike nodded and squeezed his mother harder. “I’m fine. But you are bleeding.”

Twilight snorted and straightened her back. “It's nothing. Now get ready to move, we still need to get to Celestia’s apartment.”

“That won't be necessary,” announced the kind and gentle voice of the alicorn herself.

Twilight stumbled back and lit her horn, nearly slipping on her own blood as she did so. “Don't believe her, Spike, she's probably another illusion.”

The alicorn smiled and trotted toward them. “Your first crush was on Feather Duster, your second maid.”

Twilight’s jaw hung open, and her shield vanished. “But I never told anyone that. Not even Celestia…”

“You talk a lot in your sleep,” Celestia replied with a smile. “It's actually quite adorable.”

“I think that's really her,” Spike added.

“But how did you get here so fast?” Twilight asked, hardly even noticing that she had fallen to her knees, her world spinning.

Celestia frowned, and gently wrapped the young unicorn in her golden magical aura. “I don't know, to be honest. It was like I heard you cry out in pain and I knew you needed me. So I teleported here as quickly as I could.”

“No way…” Spike muttered in disbelief.

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, only for Celestia to cut her off. “Now is not the time for talk. Sleep now, and know that you are safe.”

Twilight hardly had time to contemplate the alicorn’s words before she felt a low grade stun spell wash over her, knocking her out. The last thing she saw was Celestia’s warm, inviting smile, and then darkness.

Author's Note

Rest and Recuperation

Twilight groaned as she pushed open the heavy door to the bathroom. The wooden portal was made for an alicorn, and her burnt and bandage-clad forelegs could hardly open the damn thing. If it wasn't for the fact that her magic was on the fritz, this would be easy, as she could have just pushed the dang thing open that way. Not even her psychic abilities seemed to have recovered yet either, meaning she was stuck doing everything the earth pony way. Something made even more difficult by the injuries on her chest and shoulder which thankfully didn't reopen.

Which was a way of doing things that the young unicorn had not had to experience since that one time when she was seven and suffered magical burnout practicing spells in the backyard. This was worse than even then though, as it felt like her everything had been used to the point of exhaustion and then some. Her horn ached, her hooves still felt warm due to the sheer number of second degree burns she had accumulated, and her head pounded, all despite the numerous healing spells used on her over the last few days.

Turning the tap on the sink, Twilight stuck her head underneath and gulped down mouthful after mouthful of the stuff. Sure she could have gotten a glass, and gotten something out of the fridge, but Celestia’s kitchen was similarly alicorn sized, meaning it was a struggle to even get a drink. This was just easier and meant that she didn't have to try and use her horn, or psychic powers, which were both temporarily off limits anyway.

Having gotten her fill, Twilight turned off the tap and trotted back out of the room, muttering “ouch” with every step she took. The bandages were thick, the gauze turning her already bulky legs so cumbersome that it made walking slightly difficult. Not like Twilight was about to complain though, as the young mare knew how lucky she had gotten.

Her second flare was something nopony had seen coming and was not something anyone had even deemed possible, until now. Her first flare had been half fluke, half the effect of whatever had infected her. The result had been an explosion of magic that opened up her magical pathways to the point that they were nearly exploding with mana. Whatever had happened in the training room felt familiar, and much, much different at the same time.

She wasn't sure why her horn also ached if she had been using psychic energy for the most part, but Twilight tried not to think of that right now, as she had enough things to worry about at the moment.

Grunting, the unicorn pushed the bathroom door closed behind her and began the long trek back to her temporary room. Around her were tall countertops, a table, and everything one might expect to see in a kitchen designed for an alicorn. Just about everything was out of Twilight’s reach, despite the fact that she was taller than the average full-grown unicorn mare, despite her relatively young age.

The sight alone was enough to remind Twilight that despite looking like them, Celestia was still an entirely different type of pony, one that grew far taller than the average mare could ever dream of. Though this realization would normally make Twilight ponder why this would happen, now it only made her slightly irritated. “Stupid alicorn and her stupid tall stuff,” she muttered to herself as she crossed the kitchen and made her way towards a long hall on the other side of the room.

She passed by the small dining area and flicked on the light to the hall, despite the fact that it was hardly needed, given that it was only two in the afternoon and sunlight filled the apartment. Regardless of the necessity, Twilight did so anyway, the unicorn stopping and scanning the hall for a second. What little shadows that had existed were now banished by the light, and Twilight breathed easier, having found that it was the same empty hall that was always there.

“Relax, Twilight. This is Celestia’s apartment. Nopony can get in or out without express permission from the princess herself,” she muttered under her breath as she made her way over to the door leading to her room.

Pushing it open, Twilight peeked inside and found her assistant asleep on her bed, his body curled into a ball as he snored loudly. The dragon had been quiet since the attack and more reserved than normal, spending most of his time sleeping or reading. It was enough to make Twilight begin to worry about him, even though he had not been injured in the fight.

The unicorn sighed and silently hoped that her new overcoat came in soon, as walking around with nothing more than gauze and bandages covering her made the pony feel naked and vulnerable. The black leather had done little to stop her attacker, that much was true, but that was something which would hopefully be addressed with this latest coat. Her old gryphon gaming partner had been insistent that the destruction of the coat was an acceptable loss, and that he had something better coming, though he wouldn't elaborate much in that regard.

It was enough to make Twilight’s mind wander as she considered just what he meant. It was obvious that he was going to make her some manner of new coat, but how could it protect her if it was just a coat? She put those thoughts away for now and plunked down at her desk, sighing heavily before grabbing a book which she had set aside.

It wasn't exactly the most stimulating of books, given that it was little more than a great collection of riddles, but she felt oddly drawn to it. It felt nostalgic for some reason, and she eagerly flipped back to the spot she had left off at and began to read once more.

With nothing but the sound of snoring, and the occasional gust of wind against her window, the unicorn was quickly whisked off to a world where there were only her thoughts and the riddles she read. Time flew by relatively quickly, unnoticed by the oddly entranced unicorn, that was until she heard the door to the apartment open. Shooting out of her chair, Twilight put the book back down and sprinted over to the door, which she pressed her ear against.

She could hear the distinct clip clop of Princess Celestia’s heavier, yet also daintier hooves, but also a second pair of hooves which were shorter and even heavier still. Hearing those hooves approach her temporary residence, Twilight opened the door and beheld a surprised Celestia who smiled down at her.

“Ahh, Twilight. Good, you are awake,” Celestia exclaimed. “How goes your studying?”

“Not bad…” Twilight muttered, glancing to the left, and finding no one else there. “Did you come alone?”

“I did not,” proclaimed the alicorn, who shook her head. “But that can wait. Please wake Spike and bring him and yourself to the sitting room.”

“Why?” Twilight replied hastily.

Celestia smiled cryptically. “It's a surprise. One you will like. I assure you.”

Twilight eyed her carefully before nodding. “Alright, give me a minute.”

Celestia nodded. “Thank you.” With that being said she turned away and trotted down the hall, leaving Twilight to ponder what the alicorn had planned for her.

The unicorn sighed and looked over to where Spike was still curled in a ball, though he had stopped snoring at least. “Hey, Spike. Celestia is back, she wants to talk to us,” she exclaimed while walking over to the bed and giving him a poke in the side.

The dragon grunted and slowly uncoiled, scowling as he did so. “Did she say what it was about?” he asked sleepily.

Twilight shook her head. “I’m afraid not. There was someone else that came with her though.”

“Hmm.” He shrugged. “We better get moving then. Are you going to be alright to walk all the way there?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “It's only across the apartment, it's not like I’m going for a run or anything.”

Spike sighed. “Sorry. This whole thing is just… weird.”

“I know what you mean, Spike,” Twilight agreed.

The young drake hopped off the bed and together the pair made their way over to the other side of the apartment, where the sliding door to the sitting room was closed, and Celestia stood before it. The alicorn wore a bemused expression on her face, and shook her head as the duo approached her.

“You know, I overheard a maid who assumed you were actually my lover,” Celestia announced out of nowhere, making Twilight stop and blink in shock.

“Uh r-really?” Twilight muttered, looking away as she blushed profusely, her brain already struggling to imagine such a strange idea.

The thought itself wasn't wholly unpleasant, but felt a lot like having a crush on your cousin, distant or not, that was just too weird for Twilight’s taste. Celestia merely chuckled, not noticing how hard Twilight was blushing. “Oh yes, they were whispering about it quite a bit as I walked past.” She paused and pursed her lips. “I really should hint that I can hear them one of these times.”

“But then you wouldn't get all the latest gossip,” Spike added with a smirk.

“True,” Celestia admitted, a gentle smile crossing her face. “So, are you ready to meet the pony I trust to guard your person when you are out of my sight?”

Instantly Twilight’s blush was gone and she looked up in confusion. “I thought you said there wasn't anyone that you trusted for the job.”

“I said there wasn't anyone currently in my employ that I trusted to do such an important job,” Celestia corrected, her smile growing a little cheeky.

“Err, what's the difference?” Spike asked while scratching his cheek.

“It means that I had to dig back through my archives in search of someone who used to work for me whom I could trust with this.” Celestia took a step back and reached towards the sliding door. “And I think I found the perfect pony to handle something so important.”

Twilight was about to ask a question when the alicorn pulled the sliding door back and revealed Celestia’s cherished sitting room. All the usual things were there, including the roaring fire, the large bay windows that opened up onto a small balcony which oversaw Canterlot. The large, suitably alicorn sized couches sat against two of the walls, the final wall being completely dominated by a floor to ceiling bookcase. All the usual seemingly random nick nacks, ancient banners, and flags whose importance had been all but lost to history were all there, but there was something else there as well, something new.

“Silver Bulwark?” Twilight muttered, her jaw hanging open.

The older mare chuckled as she got off one of the couches, the furniture squeaking as she moved. “Did I surprise ya? Celestia wouldn't let me put on the helmet and make you guess who I was, but I thought that would've been more fun.”

“Oh my gosh you are back!” Spike shouted, the dragon leaping towards the pony and wrapping his arms about her.

Silver Bulwark chuckled as she hugged the dragon back, though she winced slightly as she did so. “Whoa there, big guy. I ain't as young as I used to be, you know.”

“You are not even forty yet,” Twilight deadpanned.

“Hey, that’s older,” replied the other unicorn, who flashed Twilight a wide, genuine smile. “So, what has my favorite little rugrat been doing these days?”

“Not being a rugrat, for one,” Twilight shot back, a smile of her own threatening to build at the edge of her face, though she stifled that urge for the moment.

Summoning what little psychic powers she had left, the infested unicorn reached out and touched the other pony’s mind. Though not enough to get anything more than even the simplest of snapshots, it was enough to tell Twilight that Silver Bulwark had none of the emptiness she had feared. The older pony’s mind was as vibrant and expressive as ever, with no trace of the great houses’ influence.

Breathing a little easier, Twilight no longer resisted the urge to smile and wrapped her hooves around Silver Bulwark, who had just escaped Spike’s scaled limbs a second earlier. “Oof, you are bigger than I remember. What have you been feeding her, Celestia?” Silver Bulwark asked jokingly.

“Just the usual, a mix of growth hormones and animal feed,” Celestia replied smugly.

Silver Bulwark blinked and was caught off guard for a second before erupting with laughter. “I forgot how good your poker face can be!”

Twilight took a step back and eyed the older pony carefully, noting that despite her slight increase in age, she was as in shape as ever. Though she had apparently been out of the guard for several months she didn't seem to have gained much, if any. Though her mane had gone from a bright silver to a slightly duller, more grey color, her fur remained a stark white. Her eyes still held all the same kindness and intelligence that Twilight had come to expect from the pony.

Twilight also noticed that her armor looked very different from the suit she wore as a guard, and Twilight took a step back in order to figure just what about the golden plate that made her realize that. “Wait, is that from…” Twilight half muttered, half asked as she turned to Celestia.

“It is indeed,” replied Celestia. “Behold, the Corvus pattern full plate armor.”

“I even got the nifty helmet. See?” Bulwark added, reaching behind the couch and producing the slightly angular, beaklike helmet and displaying it for all to see.

“That's so cool,” muttered Spike, who took the helmet in his hands and began to turn it this way and that, inspecting it closely.

“I even added a few enchantments of my own design,” Celestia offered. “Ones I hope to teach you one day, Twilight. Though that won't be for quite a while.”

Twilight blinked and turned to the armor, stopping herself a second before she tried to light her horn. Cursing her poor luck, she grumbled quietly to herself, bemoaning the circumstances that left her unable to inspect another one of Celestia’s legendary enchantments. The alicorn was a master of the art, and it was said that Celestia herself had pioneered the entire field of enchanting. It was also said that the alicorn kept all her greatest discoveries to herself, something that was only partially true.

“Why does it look like it was made for a gryphon?” asked Spike, who poked the beaklike portion of the helmet that jutted from the front of the helmet.

“It’s to allow enough space for a mechanism I enchanted, which cleans the air of whomever is wearing the helmet,” Celestia replied, turning the helmet upside down and pointing to the spot the magic was located. “See?”

“Woah,” Spike muttered again.

Meanwhile, Twilight simply looked on, conflicting emotions rising in her chest, ones which made her feel quite uneasy. On the one hoof she liked the familiar sight, but it also meant that Silver Bulwark was at risk now too, and the possibility of losing not only herself, but Silver Bulwark made the infested unicorn uneasy. Furthermore, there were several other questions which made Twilight wonder about the finer details of their arrangement, questions she decided to open up about now.

“So is she my bodyguard then or what? Because something tells me the guard isn't just going to let her back in,” Twilight half asked, half stated.

Celestia nodded. “She is a private contractor hired by myself. Her contract is for the next five years, but if you wish to break that contract for any reason, you may.”

Twilight paused and considered the alicorn’s words for a moment. It was obvious that this would only happen if Twilight wanted it to, but the alicorn was also all but telling the young unicorn to go along with her plan.

“That makes sense,” Twilight muttered while tapping her chin. “So would you be under my command then?”

Silver Bulwark snorted and pulled the other unicorn into a sidelong hug, giving the mare’s neck a light squeeze. “Why? Are you thinking about making me do your laundry or something? ‘Cause I’m telling you right now, that was not what I signed up for.”

Celestia chuckled lightly, her laughter as gentle and kind as ever. “We can discuss the finer details of her contract and how exactly it would work a little later. Suffice it to say she would be with you pretty much twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.”

“No matter where you go, I’ll be watching you,” Silver Bulwark added, while wiggling her hooves at the unicorn and making spooky noises.

Twilight rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I’m not sure about this. What if that zealot comes back?”

“Then you will be better protected next time. I will also teach you some methods to break the illusions of others so you will not be caught unaware,” Celestia replied quickly.

“Didn't you say you wanted someone who could watch your back who you could trust?” offered Spike.

Twilight sighed. “I did. It's just... I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me.”

Silver Bulwark snorted and squeezed the pony a little tighter. “Don't you worry about me none there, young lass. Both my husband and my wife left me for caring too much about the guard. So it ain't like I’m going to be having kids anytime soon, meaning I gotta look after other pony’s rugrats.”

Twilight paused when she was just about to say something, and merely chuckled instead. “I missed you and your Bullisms.”

“Bullisms?” Celestia asked.

Spike smirked. “Bull has an interesting way of saying things sometimes.”

The older unicorn scoffed and released the hold she had on Twilight. “What they mean to say is I’m a font of wisdom which they struggle to understand!”

“Sure. It's definitely not that you are just plain hard to understand sometimes,” Twilight shot back.

“Pffft whatever. I like my explanation better,” replied Silver Bulwark with an indignant snort.

“So what do you say, Twilight?” Celestia interrupted.

Twilight paused and looked to Spike, who was nodding eagerly. “I suppose it couldn't hurt to have someone else watching my back. I want to take a short trip downtown though.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow, but quickly caught the subtext and frowned. “Are you sure that's the best idea, Twilight?”

“I need to test something, and the sooner I do that, the better,” Twilight replied.

Silver Bulwark looked from Celestia to Twilight and finally to Spike. “What the hay are they talking about?”

“Twilight has a secret lab in Canterlot,” Spike replied.

Twilight nodded. “And if you are going to become my bodyguard, I need to check something.”

Silver Bulwark shrugged. “I don't see the big deal. What do you say, Princess?”

The alicorn sighed. “Fine, but you are going to also visit your father and take a taxi most of the way down. It won't be the best cover, but it's better than nothing, and I’m sure he's still worried about you despite his frequent visits.”

The infested mare sighed. “I suppose that works.”

“Um, do you mind if I ask something as well?” Spike requested with a hint of nervousness.

Silver Bulwark grinned. “Of course ya can, big guy!”

The dragon stood a little straighter. “I want you to train me. If that's okay with you.”

The older unicorn blinked and seemed shocked for a moment before grinning like a mad pony. “Oh, this is going to be good,” she exclaimed.

Celestia sighed and planted a hoof against her forehead. “I feared you were going to say something like that.”

“What's the big deal?” Twilight interjected. “You’ve been training me for a while. Why can't Spike learn a thing or two as well?”

The alicorn shook her head. “It's not that I don't want him to learn how to defend himself, but rather I worry what Silver Bulwark will do to him.”

“I never told you this, but I used to be a drill sergeant back in the day,” Silver Bulwark added with a smirk. “It's actually where I got my nickname, kinda.”

“Kind of?” Spike asked.

The older unicorn puffed out her chest, making her armor clink. “They used to call me the Silver Bull.”

“On account of her being tough and as stubborn as a bull made of silver,” Celestia added.

Spike shrugged. “How bad could it be?”

Silver Bulwark smirked and shook her head. “Oh my sweet summer child. You will see.”

Twilight chuckled. “Just remember, Spike, you asked for this.”

Spike laughed nervously. “It can't be that bad, right… right?”

Twilight paced back and forth, her hooves squelching against the organic floor of her secret hideout. Already her psychic energy was nearly full once more, the presence of the creep easing the worst of her aches and making her feel complete once more. She also felt far more secure now that she was here, the familiar room, and strange healing properties of the organic floor assisting that feeling.

The hideout itself had recently been reinforced by several alicorn-level enchantments given to her by Celestia in the form of scrolls which could only be used once. Originally, Twilight had wanted to put them on her tower, but by now everything in it had been transferred to Celestia’s royal apartment, and it felt like a waste to use it on the tower. Even if she mourned the loss of her privacy, she also silently rejoiced being so close to Celestia.

Sighing, the mare pushed down those thoughts for now and focused on what she had in mind for her newest bodyguard. Which wasn't much other than a vague desire to help her in some manner, though she knew not how that would happen.

She mentally pinged Spike’s location and found him just above the room, still repeating the same drills that he had been doing the last time she had pinged him. Though it put the unicorn’s worries to rest, it made her wonder just how deep their connection was after her psychic flare. Which was something she hadn't thought about a lot since her powers began to wane after she had erected her mental wall all those years ago.

The unicorn had been content being able to tell what someone was feeling, and do light, non magical telekinesis if it meant being able to keep out their influence. Now though, now she could tell that those powers were beginning to grow more powerful by the day, while her mental wall remained as strong as ever. She wondered how long it would take until she was as strong as she used to be, and how great her new powers would become now that she was intent on training them.

Setting her jaw, she focused on the connection she shared with Spike, noting that the dragon felt like an extension of herself. It was strong and stable and Twilight knew that if she focused even more, she could control his body, though she vowed to never do that. The dragon himself seemed only barely aware of her, and Twilight could very easily mask her presence if she wanted.

She quickly pushed away from the dragon’s mind, already feeling uneasy upon hearing his thoughts in her head and choosing to focus on something else entirely.

Namely, Silver Bulwark, and how different their connection was. Twilight could hear her surface thoughts, feel her most outward emotions, but that was just about it. Pushing against that connection could yield something, but she knew the pony’s mind would resist her attempts and that was not something she wanted to try just yet. Silver Bulwark’s mind also felt… different for the lack of a better word.

It was like hers and Spike’s existed on the same wavelength, and were able to communicate clearly while Silver Bulwark’s was just a little bit off. They could still communicate, but it was difficult, like a radio that was only a single tick away from the right frequency. Twilight knew that this meant something, but the true significance of this difference was lost on her for the moment.

Either way, Twilight wouldn't be able to aid the pony in the same way she could mentally guide Spike or change his body structure like she did her own. With a snort of irritation the pony continued her pacing, wracking her mind for something that could make her bodyguard stronger. Twilight knew it was an arrogant thought, as the unicorn was already decked out in some of the best armor Celestia had ever made, and had received extensive training.

Still, Twilight knew she had something that Celestia did not, and she was determined to put her unique skill set to the test and come up with some sort of way to aid the older mare.

Twilight stopped and looked down at the ground, an idea suddenly coming to her. If she couldn't aid her bodyguard directly, perhaps she could create a second bodyguard. She knew the creep was capable of shape shifting to a lesser degree. It could also grow in strange ways, but she had never tried to create something out of it, until now that was.

Focusing, Twilight tried to imagine growing a small doglike creature from the creep, her newly enhanced senses telling her that the creep had more than enough stored nutrients for the job. Closing her eyes, Twilight pushed hard, shoving as much of her psychic power into the creep as she dared. Almost immediately the ground began to bubble and contort, a small pustule the size of an ostrich egg emerging from the creep.

It took a considerable amount of power to push the egg into growing faster, but Twilight got the feeling that if she let it grow more naturally that it wouldn't take more than a day or two. Still, she wanted to see the fruits of her labor now, and so it grew faster and faster, the thin, snakelike creature within twisting and contorting as it grew.

Unbeknownst to the unicorn, her burns and other injuries were also rapidly healing, her bandages falling away to reveal new, undamaged flesh just beneath. When finally it felt like her job was done, and her energy was nearing depletion, Twilight stopped and nearly collapsed, surprised by just how hard that was.

“That was intense,” she muttered, gazing down at the now slightly larger egg-like pustule. “You aren't much to look at, are you?”

Twilight frowned as the thing within continued to twist and writhe, its form only barely visible due to the low light coming from a few glowing spots on the creep. Looking down, Twilight only then noticed that her burns were gone and her legs looked brand new, as did her chest and shoulder. Lifting a foreleg, the unicorn inspected herself thoroughly, a sense of wonder filling her.

Even the best healing magic around couldn't do that, she thought to herself, noting how complete the regeneration was, even though it had left behind some uncomfortable-looking scars.

A resounding crack drew the unicorn’s attention back to the egg which had begun to shake visibly. Inside, the creature pulled back, and rammed the side of the egg again and again, before a chunk flew off. With an opening secured, the thing shot out of its egg, and emerged into the light, squirming and twitching as it did.

“What the fuck is that,” Twilight muttered, hastily backpedaling at the sight of the creature.

It was about a foot long, and resembled a snake, only with many legs and a diamond like head. It had no mouth to speak of, and its eyes were small and beady, looking around the room curiously. The mere sight of the creature made Twilight’s stomach churn for a reason she couldn't quite explain. The creature itself didn't seem overly bothered by this and gazed up at Twilight, as if expecting an order of some kind.

Disturbed and slightly panicked, Twilight made a shooing motion with her hoof. “Go to sleep or something,” she hastily commanded.

The snake creature nodded, and curled into a tight circle, its body shrinking to the size of a tennis ball before losing its purple and green coloration and becoming slightly grey. It felt oddly inert, like it was asleep, yet more than that at the same time. Hesitantly, Twilight approached the ball and prodded it, only for it to roll over and not react one bit.

“What the hay?” muttered the unicorn. “How would this thing help me?”

She looked up and idly noted that the creep was rapidly absorbing the egg, but left the creature alone. Though it was uncomfortable to look at, and made Twilight nauseous for some reason, the unicorn still gently lifted the ball in her magic and tucked it into a pocket dimension. “You can stay there, you creepy parasite thing,” Twilight whispered, only to stop and blink. “Wait, how did I know what that thing even was?”

Twilight placed a hoof on her chest, and closed her eyes, her mind already churning with possibilities. This thing could make someone into whatever Spike and I are, she realized, before looking down at her burnt legs. And I can rapidly heal whatever we are.

Being able to rapidly recover from wounds was quite a boon, but the thought of giving a parasite to Silver Bulwark made her incredibly uncomfortable. Shivering in disgust, Twilight began to trot towards the door, intent on gathering up Silver and Spike and heading to her father’s place as soon as possible.

Let’s hope I never have to use that creepy thing.

Author's Note

Decisions

(This update thanks to your donations. More info on that here.)

Twilight sighed and tapped her desk idly as she stared out the window for what felt like the thousandth time. Another letter from Cadance sat on her desk, and another half-written response sat next to it. The alicorn was urging them to meet once more, and spoke about the possibility of Twilight coming out to the frontier, in order to assist the elder mare in her charity work. Though Twilight was intrigued by the idea, and had grown interested in seeing what was going on out there, it was also undeniably dangerous.

The zerg had never been spotted near Cadance’s position, yet the sheer fact that they were in the area made Twilight reconsider her former foalsitter’s idea. The possibility of having her body controlled by some other entity was only slightly less unpleasant than being forced to turn against Celestia. A possibility which was unfortunately very real, considering how the conversation she had with those strange half-ponies and mother had gone.

Shaking her head, Twilight dismissed all such thoughts, and tried to focus back on her letter, only for her attention to dwindle quickly. Would Cadance even recognize me anymore? Twilight wondered, painfully aware of how pronounced her changes had become since she had last seen her.

Would she still accept me if she knew what I was? Twilight thought, the mare staring down at her hoof, only to shake her head and force the thought away. Cadance is kind, smart, empathetic, and understanding. She would know that this wasn't my choice, and that I am not one of those monsters.

Right?

Twilight sighed and planted her face into the center of her desk, her mind at war with itself over what to do, and what to say. Placing her quill aside, Twilight determined that she would deal with the letter later, maybe after she talked to Celestia about it and had gained some perspective. The unicorn doubted that such perspective would change anything though, as she wanted to spend time studying and perfecting her magic as well as her psionic abilities. Though even still, she couldn't help but admit that seeing Cadance would be nice right about now.

Especially after all this time had passed, and what had happened between the alicorn and Shining Armor.

Twilight’s hoof reached out to the book of riddles and for a moment she considered opening it, only to push her chair back, grinning as she did so. She just remembered that her horn had fully healed and her magic had likely completely returned by now, meaning she could finally check out some of the spells Celestia had placed on her private domicile.

Lighting her horn, Twilight looked around the room, taking in the lavish space while looking for a good spot to start. Her gaze stopped over the window, which looked normal at first, but considerably less so after Twilight reached out and touched it with her magic. Strands of fine gold sprung into existence, repelling Twilight’s magic, though not forcefully, the strands only visible for a second or two before vanishing.

Her smile grew, and Twilight repeated the motion a few times, before getting a handle on how the strands on her window connected with the spells placed on the rest of the apartment. Rubbing her hooves together, Twilight grinned and looked around, wondering where to start.

“Oh this is going to be fun,” she declared.

A few minutes later and Twilight was lying on her back in the middle of the kitchen floor, her legs flopped out in all directions, an awestruck expression on her face. “How is that even possible? How does she even layer magic that efficiently?” she muttered.

Truly the alicorn was a master of the school, having layered her home in so many wards and enchantments that the castle around it would fall before it would. Was it paranoia that made her do it, or perhaps to the alicorn this was all merely a practice in order to hone her skills and challenge herself?

Either way, Twilight was fairly certain that if she spent the rest of her life studying only enchantment spells, she still wouldn't be half as good as Celestia was currently.

The sound of hooves outside the apartment made Twilight lurch back up into a standing position, her gaze settling on the door as her body tensed slightly. Logically, she knew that such precautions were wasted as no one could enter the apartment without Celestia’s permission, but that didn't stop her from worrying anyway.

She would not be caught unaware again…

The large wooden portal opened to reveal a haggard-looking Spike, who stumbled into the entrance before draping himself over the backside of a nearby chair. Behind him strode a tall, confident Silver Bulwark who wore the armor Celestia had given her, a wolfish grin on her helmeted face.

Twilight mentally reprimanded herself for not simply using her new psionic abilities to figure out who was behind the door before trotting over to Spike and placing a hoof on his shoulder. “Are you alright? What happened?” she asked hastily.

“This little munchkin thought he had come far enough to challenge me,” Silver Bulwark declared with a smirk. “Needless to say he wasn't up for the task.”

“How... can you... run... in armor?” Spike asked between deep, heaving breaths.

A quick mental probe revealed that the dragon had indeed challenged his trainer to a race and had summarily been beaten by a fully armed and armored Silver Bulwark. “I told you she was tough, Spike,” Twilight pointed out.

“Augh, I know, but still. She was in full armor!” Spike exclaimed, while gesturing to the mare in question.

Who chuckled as she wiped off her hooves and kicked the door shut behind her. “Oh, and before I forget, there was a package for ya, Twi,” Silver Bulwark announced, before reaching into her saddle bag and producing a large brown package.

“Did it say who it was from?” Twilight asked as she tentatively reached for the package.

Silver Bulwark smirked. “Just look at it and you tell me.”

Curious by Bull’s choice of words, Twilight ignored her son who was now sprawled out on the floor, and focused on the mysterious arrival. Only for all such mystery to vanish the second she saw the note taped to the top of the package.

To Bombgirl, from your better, was written across the top.

Only one being had ever called her Bombgirl before, just as there had only ever been one person whom would even know the context for such a reference in the first place. Already knowing what was inside the package, Twilight tore through its exterior with glee, her magic shredding the paper packaging in a millisecond. Sure enough, her assumption was correct, and in her hooves was a carefully folded pile of black leather with the occasional piece of bronze sticking out here or there.

“Wuzzat?” Silver Bulwark asked, glancing at the pile curiously. “Someone send you some new digs?”

“New digs? Really? You are as bad as Celestia,” muttered Twilight, who shook her head. “No, this is from an old friend, who made me a replacement for the coat I lost to that assassin.”

“Really now? Seems mighty heavy to just be a coat.” Silver Bulwark pointed out before trotting over to Spike and roughly hefting him to his feet. “Come on, big guy, let's get you to the shower so you don't stain the floor with your greasy sweat.”

“H-hey, I can get there myself,” whined Spike.

“Alright then,” Silver Bulwark replied, releasing the dragon and letting him fall right back to the floor.

“On second thought,” he muttered, “why don't you toss me in the bathroom first?”

Silver Bulwark chuckled and offered him another jab at his expense, but Twilight had stopped paying attention to the pair, as she had realized just how truly heavy her new coat was.

It felt like she had a suit of half plate in her hooves, rather than a leather coat, and she was intrigued to find out why it was so heavy and felt so bulky. Tucking the bundle under one leg, Twilight trotted hastily into her room, and locked the door. Pulling out a floor length mirror, the unicorn quickly got to work donning her new coat, becoming more and more excited as time went on.

The first thing she realized was that the coat was thick, very thick, with plates sewn into the leather at crucial points. The thickness was obviously intended to hide the fact that it was armored, but there was also a good amount of insulation in there as well. As she put the coat on, it didn't clink, or make a sound either, on top of fitting the infested mare like a glove despite the fact that one foreleg was larger than the other. It was obvious that her griffon friend had put a lot of effort into the piece of clothing, and she marveled that it had taken him such a short time to make it.

Sewing plates into leather armor was also seen as wasteful or stupid by conventional wisdom, and yet he had done it anyway. Was this one of the griffonian secret techniques that the old bird had mentioned before? Twilight didn't know, but she was certain that it would be effective, otherwise he wouldn't have included it.

“Wow, I look good,” Twilight muttered as she shifted this way and that in front of the mirror.

The thick black leather outfit made her appear even larger and more imposing than she already did, and Twilight was certain she was even more intimidating than ever. Thick lapels, a large collar, and a row of bronze buttons down the front completed the look quite well, mixing perfectly with the overall militaristic appearance of the piece of clothing. Combined with her heavy boots and broad shoulders, Twilight was fairly certain that if she cut her mane, no one would even know that she was a mare.

The pony’s gaze fixated for a moment on her cheek and neck, her gaze drawn to the lines of glowing yellow that emerged from beneath her flesh. It had been a while since they had appeared, but Twilight still found herself unnerved by the sight. Her eyes made her look even more alien and unnerving, her figure and unique features sure to scare more than a few ponies. If she ever let anypony see them anyway.

Forcing down those negative feelings, Twilight put away the mirror and trotted back out into the main area. Having sensed that Spike had already finished his shower and was now lying face down on a couch. Following his presence, Twilight trotted into the sitting room and plopped down next to the dragon.

“So, how'd it go?” she asked.

The dragon lay there with his face pressed against the couch for a few seconds before sighing and turning to the side. “Fantastic,” he muttered bitterly.

Twilight shook her head and ran a hoof gently down the dragon’s spines. “I’m sure you will do better next time.”

“Augh, remind me never to bug you after your done training with Celestia,” Spike murmured.

The unicorn chuckled, silently glad that the dragon had received a less than subtle kick to the ego, as his teasing had been getting annoying. “Did you learn something at least?”

Spike nodded and rolled onto his side fully, allowing him to look at Twilight. “I did, and nice coat by the way. I’m assuming the old bird came through?”

“He did indeed. It's even got plates inside of it, as well as a thick layer of insulation.” Twilight explained with a grin, extending a leg. “Here, feel it.”

Spike tapped the coat in a few places and nodded. “That is so cool. When can I get something like that?”

“You are a dragon, Spike, you don't need armor,” Twilight replied, while tapping his scales.

“I do,” replied Spike, who smirked. “Think of the cool factor, mom. We would be all matching and stuff.”

Twilight tapped her chin as she thought about it, her mind conjuring an image of a similarly coated Spike standing by her side. “I think ponies would start thinking we were in the navy then,” she remarked after a brief pause.

“Ha, true. So, did you come up with any way to help Silver Bulwark out? She's tough, but she's still just a pony, you know,” Spike asked before sitting up next to the unicorn.

“First, where is she anyway?” Twilight asked, her psionic powers telling her the unicorn had disappeared from the immediate vicinity.

“She went to go grab some grub, mentioned something about forgetting to eat this morning,” answered Spike.

Twilight nodded, and reached into her pocket dimension and produced the parasite she had created not long ago. “This is the pitiful fruit of my labor.”

Spike shuddered at the sight of the creature, and pushed her hoof away. “Is that a parasite or something? Why would you make that?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I didn't intentionally make it. I was trying to create something which could serve as a guard dog. Something that would help us, or at least guard our base while we were gone.”

“And that's what came out?” Spike replied, slightly dumbfounded.

“And that's what came out,” Twilight answered grimly.

“Gross,” Spike muttered, the dragon shifting away slightly. “What use would that be?”

“It would make whomever it infects into one of us, I’m fairly certain,” Twilight began, the pony rolling the hibernating parasite around in her hoof. “Meaning we could communicate across great distances, and I could heal them like we tested the other day.”

Spike relaxed slightly. “I mean, I guess. But who would sign up for something like that? Unless you are thinking of-”

“No,” Twilight interrupted. “I know what you are thinking and I will not infect someone without their consent. And to answer your next question, I was considering asking Silver Bulwark about it, but I decided I’ll wait until something comes up.”

The dragon relaxed even more, breathing a sigh of relief as Twilight put the parasite back into her pocket dimension. “That's probably for the best. I think she would be kinda freaked out if she knew about that thing.”

“Yeah…” Twilight muttered, while looking down. “Still, it could be useful.”

Spike snorted. “So have you decided-”

Twilight held up a hoof, silencing the dragon. “Someone’s coming,” she whispered.

Spike leaned over the side of the couch and glanced over at the door, waiting patiently for whomever was coming to arrive.

When the door opened, it revealed a frowning Silver Bulwark who slammed it shut behind her before snorting irritably. “Stupid stick-headed morons,” she muttered.

Twilight snickered, as did Spike. “That wasn't long,” Spike pointed out.

Silver Bulwark nodded. “They were being total asses about getting food from the cafeteria, so I grabbed a muffin and some coffee from Joe’s instead.”

“Well, we got plenty here. I’m fairly certain Celestia wouldn't mind sharing,” Twilight offered, gesturing to the fridge door.

The elder mare looked the fridge up and down before snorting and shaking her head. “I don't want none of whatever feed you two eat to get so big. I rather enjoy fitting into all my clothes, thank you very much.”

Twilight glared briefly at her bodyguard before falling back into her chair and hiding a snicker. Spike laughed as well, the dragon watching as Silver Bulwark trotted across the room and into the chair across from them.

Spike slapped his knees. “Did you see Celestia while you were out and about? She said she was going to take it easy today.”

“Ha! Good luck with that,” Silver Bulwark declared with a laugh. “That girl can do anything other than slow down, but yeah I saw her. She said she should be back in a little bit.”

“Well, that's good,” Twilight muttered, the unicorn relaxing visibly. “She has been run ragged recently, and I worry she’s not getting as much sleep as she should.”

“That reminds me when I was younger, there was a rumour that alicorns didn't need to sleep,” Silver Bulwark remarked offhandedly, the still-armored pony wiggling into a more comfortable spot on her chair.

“I read about that,” Twilight replied, while tapping her chin. “I heard there was a whole cult that thought that alicorns were truly immortal and required no sustenance at all.”

“Like food and water right?” Spike added.

“Or air, or anything,” Twilight responded.

“Weird,” muttered the dragon.

“Yeah, that was a weird time,” remarked Silver Bulwark, only to laugh suddenly. “Though it's got nothing on the times we live in nowadays, eh?”

“You are telling me,” muttered Twilight.

“So,” Silver Bulwark declared, the armored pony plunking her helmet down on a nearby end table as she did so. “What are we doing for winter break?”

“We?” Twilight asked, the mare’s right eyebrow raising slightly.

“Well yeah. I’m going to be sticking with you through the whole thing, remember?” Silver Bulwark reminded.

Spike nodded. “Well, I’m hoping to get more training in. Regardless of what we do, or where we go.”

“To answer your question, Bull, I’m not totally sure what we are going to do, to be honest.” Twilight began, leaning back in her seat. “It should be no problem for you to train Spike more, no matter where we go.”

“Where we go?” Silver Bulwark asked, perking up slightly. “You are thinking of getting out of the city then?”

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “I’m not sure. I would like to stay and do more studying and training, but it would be nice to see Cadance again. Especially considering all that's happened, and all that will happen soon enough.”

“It might be the last peaceful time we get for a while,” Spike added sadly.

“Yeah…” Twilight muttered, while hanging her head. “It would be nice to see her, but with all of that coming, it would be irresponsible to spend it being unproductive.”

Silver Bulwark scoffed. “You are a kid! You are supposed to be irresponsible.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I’m the princess’ personal student. I do not do irresponsible.”

The elder unicorn raised an eyebrow at that. “You mean like pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion over a test Celestia said would not impact your grade?”

The infested mare grumbled and crossed her forehooves over her chest. “That’s different.”

“How so?” asked Spike with a smirk.

“It was with the goal of being responsible,” Twilight declared, only to deflate slightly, her shoulders sagging. “Alright, so that was a little irresponsible of me, so what?”

“Well, I’m not trying to nag ya ‘bout it, I’m just sayin’ that maybe you should consider going to see her is all,” Silver Bulwark offered. “You are allowed to be irresponsible sometimes, you know. We all are. Heck, even Princess Celestia does something irresponsible on occasion.”

Twilight opened her mouth to retort, only for a solitary raised eyebrow to silence her response before it could even leave the unicorn’s lips. “Fine. You got me there,” Twilight admitted.

“So we’re going to go see Cadance then?” Spike asked hopefully.

“If we can get permission and figure out accommodations and whatnot,” Twilight reluctantly admitted. “But I don't like it. The only safe place left is by the princess’ side.”

Silver Bulwark scoffed. “But you got me now! Wherever you go is officially a safe place. Provided you don't take off without me or something.”

“She is pretty awesome,” added Spike with a smile.

“See? Even Scales over here knows it,” Silver Bulwark remarked while exchanging a hoof-fist bump with Spike.

Twilight groaned. “Well, I still don't like it. There are too many moving pieces around here and I don't want to leave Celestia by herself.”

Silver Bulwark nodded, and pushed her way out of her seat, coming to rest next to Twilight, her weight making the couch sag slightly. “Twilight, I’m going to be honest with ya. Celestia can handle herself, and whatever she's planning is going to go down next spring or so. Which means you got like half a year left to just be a kid.”

Twilight sighed and stared down at the floor, unbothered by the other mare’s hoof being draped over her shoulder. “I suppose. Cadance always did feel like a sister to me,” Twilight admitted.

“And when you are out there, you can teach Cadance to help defend herself,” Spike chimed in. “You can also tell her all about the dangers she might not know about.” He grinned and spread his arms. “See? It wouldn't be a waste of time after all.”

“Plus if I remember correctly, she's helping out the frontier right now, so I bet you could learn a lot from them confederate folk while you are out there,” Silver Bulwark added with a smile.

Twilight shook her head. “Fine. But I’m going to go on the record and say this sounds like a bad idea and that I liked you better when you kept your accent in check.”

Silver Bulwark blinked and seemed confused for a second before laughing loudly. “Well I’ll be. I guess it has been coming out a bit more recently. Must be the more relaxed atmosphere gettin’ to me.”

Spike seemed confused as well, the dragon cocking his head slightly. “Is that why you say ‘eh’ all the time?”

“You go it,” replied Silver Bulwark. “Everypony back home in Vanhoover talked like I do. Some ponies worse than others. Why, there was this one old guy who worked at the bakery who even I couldn't understand. He said ‘eh’ so much he didn't make a lick of sense.”

Spike snickered. “That would be pretty funny to hear, eh Twilight?”

Twilight wasn't paying attention though, as she had turned towards the entrance, her ears standing up straight. Spike was the first to react to this sudden change, the dragon leaning to the side and glancing towards the entrance as well, while Silver Bulwark laid a hoof on her helmet. What little tension that had built disappeared the second the door opened, and Princess Celestia trotted into the apartment, a tired frown on her face.

Upon seeing the three faces peering at her from around the bend, that frown became a smile, and Celestia strode into the sitting room. “I hope you all had a better day than I,” announced the alicorn and sat down on her favorite oversized chair.

The old wood squeaked under the weight of the ancient pony, and Twilight swore she saw a small puff of dust come from the aged and cracked cushion, though Celestia didn't seem to notice or mind. “It wasn't too bad,” Twilight replied, before turning to Spike. “Isn't that right?”

The dragon nodded. “I learned a bunch, got my scales kicked and had a shower. So, all and all, not bad.”

Silver Bulwark smirked. “I didn't learn nuthin’, got to kick some dragon butt, and get denied some grub down at the mess. Can't complain though.”

Celestia frowned and tapped the arm of her chair idly. “It’s that irritating blight, Bright Star, isn't it?”

Silver Bulwark shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “It might have been, but I wouldn't worry about it. I’ll just make sure to bring something from home going forward.”

The alicorn sighed, and sunk into her chair. “If it's not one thing, it's another around here. I can't wait until I have the time and resources to cleanse this castle down to its core.” She straightened her back and breathed in before clopping her forehooves together suddenly. “No matter. Now then, who wants pizza?”

“Again?” Twilight asked.

Spike raised a hand. “I do!”

“A pizza does sound good right about now,” admitted Silver Bulwark.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Fine, but I want extra anchovies on mine.”

“Good, because I already assumed as much,” Celestia announced with a knowing smile. “It should be here in about twenty minutes.”

“Heck yeah,” shouted Spike, pumping a fist in the air.

Twilight sighed and resisted the urge to roll her eyes again. “So, Celestia. We were talking about what we were going to do for winter break and Bull here has talked me into seeing Cadance again. Could that be arranged?”

The alicorn’s eyes lit up and she nodded eagerly. “You bet. In fact, I have a supply caravan going out there the day your break starts. You can hitch a ride with them.”

“That's… convenient,” Twilight muttered, only to turn and glare at the alicorn. “You planned this, didn't you?”

Celestia put on her best innocent expression. “I don't know what you are talking about. I guess you're just lucky like that.”

The young unicorn sighed. “I should have known. I bet you were the one who put that idea in Cadance’s head in the first place, weren’t you?”

“I may have mentioned how nice it would be to see you again,” admitted Celestia. “Though I wonder what your parents would think about you missing Hearth's Warming.”

“I wouldn't miss it completely. I could probably get back on at least Hearth's Warming Eve. Right?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

“That could be arranged,” remarked Celestia slyly.

Spike blinked, and looked back and forth from the alicorn to the unicorn. “So, that's it? Were going then?”

The alicorn nodded slowly. “You will be joining a military transport and will be going to a military outpost. You won’t need to worry about security, especially with your own guard watching your back.”

Silver Bulwark grinned and banged a hoof against her plated chestpiece. “You can bet on it, Princess!”

“I expect I’ll still need some form of permission slip then?” Twilight asked.

“Unfortunately yes. Your parents must be notified of your location, though I’m fairly certain they will let you go,” answered Celestia.

“Well, alright then. Sounds like a plan,” Spike announced with a smile.

“That's great news, Princess,” added Silver Bulwark.

Celestia nodded slowly. “Now if you two wouldn't mind, I was hoping to speak to my student in private for a minute.”

Spike and Silver Bulwark exchanged a glance before shrugging in unison.

“Sounds good to me,” remarked Spike.

“Ditto. You want us to wait in the kitchen, Princess?” Silver Bulwark asked.

“If you wouldn't mind,” replied Celestia.

“What is this about, Princess?” inquired Twilight.

“I will tell you in a moment, but suffice it to say it's not something serious. Yet, anyway,” replied Celestia with the usual level of crypticness.

Spike and Silver Bulwark hastily stood up and left the room, with the dragon giving his mother an inquisitive look before departing.

Twilight shook her head, dismissing Spike’s curious thoughts. “So, what was it you wanted to say?”

Celestia summoned her magic to shut the door, as well as turn both of the locks and cause the room to briefly glow a soft gold color. “It has to do with what is coming,” she began, the alicorn choosing her words carefully and slowly. “Things are… advancing, and though I cannot tell you anything right now, I promise that upon your return from break, I will tell you everything.”

Twilight grinned. “Really? That's amazing. I’ve always wondered what you were keeping from me.”

Celestia sighed, the alicorn suddenly seeming much older than she had been a second ago. “Yes, and for that you have my deepest apologies. I always meant to tell you but only when the time was right and not for a couple of years.”

Twilight’s enthusiasm faded and she quickly settled back into her chair once she realized the full weight behind Celestia’s words. “What changed?” Twilight asked, shuffling a little closer to the alicorn.

“So much has changed.” Celestia replied while looking off into the distance. “I struggle to imagine how we are going to get out of this.”

“Is it really that bad?” Twilight inquired.

Celestia shook her head. “You will discover that fact for yourself soon enough. For now, be warned that the knowledge I will give you will weigh heavily on your heart and I fear that what little peace you have known will be lost.”

The younger mare stood up suddenly and wrapped her forehooves around Celestia’s shoulders. “I know you wouldn't do this unless it was necessary. I trust you,” whispered Twilight.

The alicorn smiled faintly as she hugged the younger mare back. “I fear that you won’t after I tell you all which I have kept secret.”

Twilight squeezed a little harder, nuzzling the alicorn’s cheek slightly. “And I know you wouldn't keep such a secret from me unless it was in my best interest. Whatever comes, we will be ready, and we will face it together.”

Celestia chuckled bitterly as she gently pushed the younger mare back slightly. “You truly are wise beyond your years, Twilight Sparkle.”

“That's only because I have a great teacher,” Twilight replied.

The alicorn laughed, a sad grim laugh. “If only that were true, then perhaps we wouldn't be in this mess to start with.”

Twilight shook her head and reached forward, wiping away the tears Celestia hadn't noticed she was shedding. “We are strong, resourceful, and above all adaptable. We will get through this,” declared the mare.

Celestia smiled faintly and sniffed. “If only I had your courage, my pupil.”

“You do. You are just too exhausted to find it,” replied the younger mare.

Again, the alicorn laughed, this time with genuine humour. “Alright alright. Let's cut this pity party short. I think the pizza is just about here.”

“You got breadsticks too, right?”

Author's Note

Horizons

Twilight’s gaze lingered on the horizon, her attention fixated on the mountain which was slowly sinking into the distance. Canterlot felt so far away, even though they had only left it a mere two hours ago, the train evidently going remarkably faster than a civilian vessel. Then the mountain was gone, replaced by a sheer rock wall that seemingly rose from nowhere, startling Twilight from her thoughts.

Shaking her head, Twilight dismissed the worry that had plagued her all day, and tried to focus on the here and now. Looking around the car, Twilight noticed that most of the other passengers were giving them a wide berth, leaving only Spike, Silver Bulwark, and a gaggle of military ponies who sat near the back. Bull and Spike were still speaking in hushed tones about their plans to get more training done, and a brief look into the dragon’s mind told Twilight that he was becoming slightly nervous.

The unicorn smiled and sent a soothing wave of confidence to the young drake through their connection, making his shoulders fall slack. His worries now assuaged, Twilight turned back to the window, which once more displayed the wastes which the confederates called home.

From the low lying hills and mountains near the Canterhorn, to the wide open expanses of the wastes, dry and barren ground dominated her sight. The cool weather and near constant snow had vanished within the first hour after departure, winter apparently forgetting all about the wastelands. Here summer reigned eternally, the heat of the sun beating down on the mare and her dark black coat. Not like she minded the change, indeed she found herself relishing the heat, finding it much more tolerable than the cold they had just left behind.

She wasn't sure why, but the temperature here made her feel at home in some strange way, like she was meant to be somewhere that was hot every day of the year. Was it due in part to what she was? Or perhaps Spike was simply rubbing off on her? Either way, Twilight was glad that the land was so different here.

Those differences were greater than just the heat though, as Twilight had done her research before she had left and had discovered why the badlands were called just that. Though originally called the steppes of Canter, that name had long since lost all meaning to all but the scholars. For during the eclipse wars, many battles had been fought on these plains, ravaging the once pristine landscape and reducing it to its current state.

Which was little more than a barren expanse of rock, the occasional hill and the odd cliff or plateau, beneath which was a vast churning web of geothermal activity. Between the heat and the currents of strange, lingering magic, it wasn't difficult to understand why no one had tried to resettle the area for close to a thousand years. Yet as Twilight thought about the land’s history, she also spotted a few scattered farms here and there, most of which could be found on the hills they had passed by earlier.

There were other, smaller farms here and there, but they were few and far between, the majority of towns being built around factories or other centers of industry. Twilight contemplated looking back through her notes on the area, but was jarred out of her geographically focused thoughts by a pulse at the back of her mind.

Gritting her teeth, Twilight pushed aside the uncomfortable presence of mother and her council. Though the unicorn was certain that her presence was not discovered, it was obvious from the intensity of the pulses that the zerg at least knew she was in the province and were actively searching for her. A quick check told her that the wall she had built between her and mother was well-reinforced with psychic power while still leaving Twilight with a large reserve. Though the constant reinforcement of which left her weaker than normal, it was an acceptable weakness.

She had backup after all.

Spike and Silver Bulwark were with her, but there was also an entire platoon of Celestia’s chosen who would be in town as well. All of whom seemed clear of the great houses’ taint. Though that didn't mean they were all perfect, it was nice to see that there remained a group of ponies still loyal to Celestia.

As Twilight watched out the window, she noticed their destination rise in the distance, the distinct square plateau catching her gaze. The plateau itself was just over a hundred and fifty meters into the air, with one side sloping all the way to the ground. Burninghill was apparently the camp of some general whom had chosen that spot due to the aquifer inside the plateau in addition to the height advantage it gave him. Though his actual name and what side he belonged to were lost to history, what happened there was well-remembered.

The camp had been razed to the ground by pegasi who utilized fire bombs to trap the general and his company atop the plateau, their exit cut off by magical fire. The largely ground-bound force was then forced to choose between burning to death or leaping off the side of the plateau. Though the stories aren't clear as to what fate befell the general, what is known is that the steepest side is referred to as General’s Leap by the locals.

That was in the past however, now the town itself was quite larger than the simple camp that had been there nearly a millennium ago. Short walls encapsulated the town and the town itself covered the entire top of the rock formation and even spilled down the slope, ending at the trainyard at the bottom. Though their soil was poor, mineral deposits had recently been discovered and there was a bounty of fresh water just beneath the ground.

Twilight couldn't help but grin as she looked out over the town, the tall red stone buildings clashing with the metal ones that sprouted up randomly between them. Despite the inelegant overall design of the town, it was quite orderly, the buildings arrayed in a proper grid structure. It made Twilight’s heart happy to see at least one place where the streets were designed not to make some noble’s view a little prettier but rather for the convenience of those who lived there.

“One hour out, briefing is in ten, you maggots!” shouted a voice from the back of the car, startling Twilight from her thoughts.

Glancing over at Spike and Silver Bulwark, she noticed that they seemed ready to move at a moment’s notice, but Twilight decided to keep her distance from them for a bit longer. She had wanted more time to think and plan, though she had a feeling her time would end up being spent worrying and accomplishing nothing. With a sigh, the unicorn tapped the hoofrest of her chair, idly listening to the surface-most thoughts of her companions while also keeping tabs on the ponies at the back of the car.

The mare wasn't certain how her vacation would go, but something told her that it was not going to go according to plan. The only question left in her mind was if this was something that she could adapt to, or not.

“That didn't take too long,” announced Spike as he stopped off the train and onto the platform.

Beside them, Silver Bulwark levitated what meagre bags they had brought along, the well-armored unicorn grinning beneath her helmet. “Military trains can use magic to make them faster, but more importantly, do you all smell that?” Silver Bulwark asked.

“Smell what?” Twilight deadpanned, the unicorn sniffing the air and finding nothing out of the ordinary.

“That's what it smells like when you don't have a whole city full of unicorns with their heads up their asses,” Silver Bulwark replied with a smirk.

Twilight rolled her eyes as she scanned the platform, noting that the troops they had joined on the train were mostly helping to unload various supplies. The open air platform was relatively large, with all exits blocked off by at least two guards who held the civilians at bay while the military unloaded their cargo. Before them lay the station itself, and beyond that the slope which lead to the bustling frontier town of Burninghill.

Looking around, Twilight realized most of the ponies she saw were earth ponies, though she did see a good number of pegasi, and a handful of unicorns, most of whom were wearing armor marking them as Celestia’s chosen.

“So, where to next?” Twilight asked, turning to her personal bodyguard.

Who pointed to the ticket stand where two earth ponies wearing thick leather armor stood, primitive firearms strapped to their sides. “We gotta talk to the local guard and get our passports checked before we can enter the town proper. Come on, I got them all ready for ya,” announced Silver Bulwark who stepped forward, leading the way.

Spike and Twilight were quick to fall in behind the unicorn, trotting up to the two stern-faced militia ponies who were watching the hustle and bustle with an intense scrutiny. Upon approaching the pair, Twilight noticed their gaze shift and fall upon them, inspecting them critically. To the left stood a slightly taller and more heavyset stallion with a deep brown mane, and a thick orange coat. Beside him was a slightly less stern pony, who at first glance appeared to be a stallion, only for a second look to tell Twilight that it was actually a mare.

The mare had a stark black mane, and grey fur, her deep blue eyes peering intently at the trio as they approached. “You are Twilight Sparkle and company, correct?” she asked, a small amount of curiosity breaking through her guarded tone of voice.

“That is correct,” replied Silver Bulwark, who raised the grille of her helmet, and handed over the small stack of passports. “And here is our identification.”

The stallion snatched the pile of papers from the armored guard’s grip and glared down at them without saying anything.

“Well, hello to you to,” whispered Silver Bulwark slyly.

Spike snickered.

“And what is the reason for your visit?” asked the mare, who spared only a single glance at their paperwork before turning her attention back on them.

“I am visiting a friend,” Twilight declared, taking a small step forward. “Princess Cadance, to be precise.”

The mare’s eyes narrowed as she looked up at the towering unicorn. “Really now?” she asked. “And what brought that on?”

The infested mare raised an eyebrow. “I was not aware I needed a reason to see an old friend of mine.”

“She asked you a question, stick head,” interrupted the stallion.

Twilight’s eyes narrowed and she could feel her companions stiffen, waiting for her response.

It never came though as the militia mare slapped her fellow guard upside the back of his head. “Dessert Cream!” she hissed. “Cut it out with the racism. You know what she said about that kind of thing.”

The stallion wilted slightly, his angry expression replaced with a guilty look. “That it just makes us as bad as them... Sorry, miss.”

The infested mare still wanted to offer some kind of rebuttal, but stifled that urge quickly. “Apology accepted. Now, may we pass?” she asked, gesturing to the gate just beyond the pair.

The female guard nodded. “Go right ahead, Miss Sparkle.”

“Enjoy your stay in Burninghill, ma’am,” added the male guard, while handing back their passports.

Twilight ignored the duo and strode past them, forcing her companions to hastily trot after her.

Spike was the first to catch up, the dragon grinning from ear to ear. “That was so cool. You put that jerk right in his place.”

Twilight smirked. “Actually, I think it was his companion who did that for me.”

Silver Bulwark nodded. “It is good to see that not everyone has forgotten the lessons of harmony.”

“Agreed,” Twilight replied, the unicorn stopping off to the side of the busy street while looking up at the long rows of buildings. “Cadance mentioned she would be helping with the construction of a new apartment building on the east end of town. There should be a motel a block away which we can drop our stuff at first.”

“Lead the way,” encouraged Spike.

“Well, that wasn't the nicest place ever,” Spike muttered as they trotted down the hot asphalt road.

“It was affordable at least. Though I worry about our stuff,” added Silver Bulwark, who had taken up a position to Twilight’s right, the mare still wearing her armor.

“I wouldn't worry about it. If anyone tries to steal our luggage, I will be able to track it, provided they don't die from all the lightning runes I placed on it,” Twilight replied with a cruel smirk.

“There's no chance of us getting electrocuted, right?” Spike asked hesitantly.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and looked to the dragon walking on her left. “Do you really think I would do that?”

The dragon shook his head. “No, but after getting zapped by that test rune you made, I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

The unicorn shook her head and went back to simply walking, her gaze sweeping over the shops and homes which lined the street. She found herself struck once more by just how different it all was, as there were no grand front gardens, or lawns at all really. With only a few homes having even a few feet of greenspace between the house and the road. It was nice in a way, Twilight decided, as it was orderly, efficient, and though it wasn't much to look at, the actual architecture of the buildings made up for that.

Efficient and robust dwellings of varied height flanked them, and helped block out some of the surprisingly hot afternoon sun. It was quite the change from the sprawling mansions and flowery designs which dominated Canterlot, that much was certain. Though the people seemed every bit as paranoid as the ones who populated the many streets of Canterlot.

Curious gazes looked upon the trio from all angles, though Twilight could sense that these looks were less malicious than she had first assumed them to be. That alone made Twilight feel at least a little better about this whole thing, though it was a far cry from being welcomed with open hooves.

“Yeesh. What's their problem?” whispered Spike, who gestured to a group of local militia ponies who stared openly at the trio as they walked the street.

“We are strangers who may very well be spies for the great houses,” Twilight replied idly, nodding to the militia ponies as they passed. “We should not bemoan their curiosity, but seek to prove ourselves.”

“Well said, Twilight,” added Silver Bulwark.

“So where is this place anyway?” Spike began, while looking around. “I don't see any construction sites anywhere.”

“It should be right around this corner,” Twilight replied.

Sure enough, after they turned the next corner, they were faced by a large open construction site where dozens of ponies were hard at work. The skeleton of the structure had already been erected, metal beams rising five stories up, scaffolding allowing a handful of welders to attach new pieces to the frame. Earth ponies and pegasi filled the area, each one intent on completing whatever task they had been assigned, few even giving the trio so much as a passing glance.

“I don't see Cadance anywhere,” Spike muttered as he looked up at the apartment complex.

Twilight focused herself, and reached out towards the ponies, brushing her mind across the surface of their thoughts. Most were devoted to simply doing their jobs, while a few were thinking about food, or what they were going to do once the day was over. She was about to give up, when she felt something familiar, and after following it to its source, Twilight found what she was looking for.

“There,” Twilight declared, pointing to a spot off to her right.

Spike and Silver Bulwark both turned just in time to see Cadance trot out from behind a pile of bricks, a large metal I-beam on her shoulder. All but Twilight raised an eyebrow at that, the two startled by just how strong the alicorn was, while Twilight was wondering why Cadance didn't just use her magic. Though the beam was heavy, it wouldn't be that difficult to simply use a telekinesis spell to move the piece of metal with relative ease.

As she watched, she saw the dirt and grime-covered alicorn pass the beam off to two large earth ponies, who both struggled visibly under its weight. Now free from her burden, Cadance rolled her shoulders and looked around, only for her and Twilight’s eyes to meet.

Though the infested mare had worried quite a bit about this moment, that worry dissipated as Cadance happily trotted up to the trio, her smile wide and genuine. A cursory scan of the mare’s thoughts revealed that there was nothing to indicate she was under the thrall of the great houses. Though Twilight wanted to push a little deeper, she wouldn't do so without permission first at least.

“Twilight, Spike! It's wonderful to see you two!” Cadance explained, before grinning like a mad filly at Twilight.

Who blushed hard, already knowing what was coming and that she was powerless to stop it.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake,” they both sang, the two females mirroring the actions of the other, one more enthusiastically than the other.

Cadance giggled and quickly wrapped the infested mare in a tight hug. “You are as adorable as ever. Even with that giant metal coat of yours,” declared the alicorn.

Silver Bulwark blinked, and leaned closer to Spike. “What was that?”

“A greeting they did since Twilight was a foal,” Spike replied, holding back a snicker.

Twilight grumbled. “Cadance, I’m an adult now. You can't just do that whenever we meet.”

“You may look the part of an adult, but I know you are still seventeen, young lady,” Cadance shot back.

The infested mare continued to grumble, only to notice that a few of the earth pony workers had stopped and were now staring at them. “What are you looking at, huh?” she shouted.

Cadance giggled. “I’m glad to see you are more confident than the last time I saw you.”

“That's not all that's changed,” Twilight muttered before taking a step back and looking Cadance up and down. “And speaking of changes, you sure have come a long way from that chubby mare I knew when I was a kid.”

The alicorn giggled and rubbed the back of her neck, flexing as she did so and showing off her large muscles. “Yeah well, when you work hard, you get strong or you quit,” Cadance remarked.

“Fair enough,” Twilight admitted.

“So, who is this?” Cadance asked, gesturing to Silver Bulwark. “Don't tell me Celestia finally convinced you to ask one of your many crushes on a date.”

“I didn't have that many crushes!” Twilight blurted out while stamping a hoof.

Silver Bulwark slid next to Twilight and wrapped a hoof around the large unicorn’s shoulder. “Why yes, she finally did ask me out after all these years of pining. Come here, sweetie,” Silver Bulwark exclaimed before making exaggerated kissing faces at the other mare.

Twilight shoved her bodyguard hard, causing her to nearly fall over, laughing all the while. “Silver Bulwark is my bodyguard, not my whatever you thought she was,” Twilight declared.

“Really now?” Cadance muttered, eyeing the mare in a new light. “Well, it's nice to meet you either way, Silver Bulwark, I’m Cadance.”

“Not a fan of Mi Amore?” asked Silver Bulwark, who was busy dusting herself off.

The alicorn scoffed. “Only nobles use that title.”

“And anyone who wants to get under her skin,” added a passing earth pony, who snickered as he walked away.

“I’ll get you for that, Nails!” Cadance shouted after the male, who merely kept laughing and walking away.

“So we were just about done for the day. Do you guys want to help out a bit?” Cadance offered, gesturing to the site behind her. “I’m sure Blue Prints can find you a job to do for a little while then after that I can show you around town.”

“Sure,” Spike offered.

“I suppose a little manual labour wouldn't kill me,” Twilight added, before turning to Cadance. “Alright, Cadey, you got a deal, but I gotta ask. Is there a reason you aren't using magic?”

“All these buildings were designed to be built the earth pony way, plus it’s a good way to shed some pounds,” Cadance exclaimed with a giggle.

Twilight nodded, the mare hardly able to take her eyes off of her former foalsitter or her now quite impressive set of muscles. “I’ll say.”

“Come on, I’ll show you around and introduce you to the team,” Cadance offered.

“I’ll stay nearby in case you need anything,” Silver Bulwark added.

Twilight smiled, happy to know that Silver Bulwark was staying serious despite the change in situation. “Alright then. Just tell us where to go.”

“Excellent!” Cadance declared with a grin. “If you follow me I’ll grab you a hard hat and we can get started.”

“One more thing, why an apartment building? I thought you were building hospitals and stuff,” Spike added as they followed after the alicorn.

“This is all meant to house refugees coming from other towns,” Cadance began, stopping at the entrance to a small shed. “The residents want to help give a sense of dignity to the ponies fleeing from the zerg.”

“That is really nice of them,” Spike remarked. “We aren't going to do anything too exhausting, right? I don't want to get too tired and not be able to see the town with you guys.”

Cadance scoffed. “You are a big tough dragon. I’m sure this won't be anything you can't handle.”

Twilight smirked. “Unless you don't think you can keep up with two girls?”

Spike’s eyes narrowed and he squared his shoulders, standing a little prouder as he did so. “You’re on.”

“That... was... a terrible... idea,” Spike proclaimed between breaths.

Twilight snickered. “D’aw is the poor wittle baby dragon too tired from working with girls all day?”

Spike lifted his head from the back of Silver Bulwark and glared. “I hate you.”

“I love you too, big guy,” Twilight replied, while ruffling his scales.

Grumbling to himself, Spike slumped back down onto the guard’s back. “So, what's the plan now?” Silver Bulwark asked. “‘Cause something tells me this tough guy ain't up for a tour quite yet.”

Twilight shook her head. “I’m afraid not. You will take him back to the motel and get him cleaned up while Cadance and I proceed with the tour.”

Silver Bulwark raised an eyebrow at that. “Are you sure? If you wait a little bit, I’m certain Spike can get a second wind. Or we could just wait to take the tour tomorrow.”

“Silver Bulwark is right. We could just pick this back up in the morning,” Cadance offered.

“We will be fine by ourselves and I would rather you keep an eye on this lump anyway,” Twilight declared while gesturing to the exhausted dragon draped over the guard’s back.

“Fair enough,” Silver Bulwark admitted.

“Are you sure about this, Twilight? I’m not worried about our safety or anything, but it's just a tour,” Cadance asked as the trio turned a corner, their motel coming into view a few houses down.

“I am,” Twilight replied, while looking directly into the alicorn’s gaze.

The look Twilight had made Cadance rethink what she had been about to say, the intensity making the alicorn realize that there might be a hidden meaning behind the other mare’s words . “Well, if you are sure about that, Twilight, I guess we can just take a shorter one tomorrow if Spike wants to see the town,” conceded Cadance.

“That would be nice,” muttered Spike.

The group stopped just in front of a U-shaped building with a small greenspace in the middle. A large sign out front indicated that it was their motel, The Oasis. Upon stopping, Spike peeled himself off Silver Bulwark’s back and stood on shaky feet.

“You won't be long, right?” asked the dragon hesitantly.

Twilight shook her head and smiled. “No, and I won't be too far either.”

Spike relaxed visibly and turned to Silver Bulwark. “Well Bull, wanna start finding out what kind of take out they got around here?”

The guard chuckled. “I doubt they are going to have any gems, but there was an interesting noodle shop I saw on the way here. I bet they deliver.”

“Oooh, noodles. Now that's a good idea,” Spike muttered as the pair turned and walked away.

Twilight and Cadance watched them go, only proceeding on their way once Spike and Silver Bulwark had entered their suite on the ground floor. With that done, Twilight breathed a sigh of relief and turned to her old foalsitter, a grim look on her face. “Where can we speak in private?” she asked quickly.

“I’m staying in an old guard house at the edge of town that is just being used as storage. We can speak there if you’d like,” Cadance offered, the mare eying Twilight closely. “Why? Is there something wrong?”

“It’s nothing,” Twilight replied quickly, glancing around at the ponies who walked to and fro down the quiet street.

Cadance nodded, and though she seemed conflicted, went along anyway. “It's on the south end near the edge of the mountain.”

“Lead the way then,” Twilight offered, gesturing down the street.

The alicorn did just that, though she did give Twilight one last lingering gaze as she did so, concern etched plainly across her features.

“This is rather close, isn't it?” Twilight declared, while looking down from atop the small structure which was serving as Cadance’s home away from home.

The wall which surrounded the plateau wasn't particularly high, or thick, given that it was already impossible for it to be sieged by ground forces. With that in mind, the wall served mainly to keep people from falling over the side, while also serving as a good lookout point, in addition to housing some of the local militia. Though that was evidently its primary purpose in the past, it was obvious that this was no longer true, as dark, empty towers and guard houses dotted the wall at regular intervals.

“It is a nice view though,” Cadance offered, sweeping a hoof out over the horizon. “When the sun sets on Canterlot, it feels like everything else is a world away.”

Twilight nodded solemnly, the unicorn looking out over the expanse of broken, desolate earth scattered occasionally with patches of lush green. Behind her she could sense the shifting mass of ponies as they went about their day, few straying near their location.

“Thank you, Cadance,” Twilight exclaimed suddenly. “I think I needed the perspective.”

The alicorn smiled. “It sure felt like you did. Are you ready to talk about whatever it was you wanted to talk about?”

Twilight nodded slowly and turned to the hatch which lead down into the old guard house proper. “I am, though I would ask that you not repeat a word of it to anyone else.”

Cadance’s smile vanished as she followed after her friend. “You are not in trouble are you? Is it those stupid nobles again?”

Twilight paused midway down her descent, her head poking out the top of the hatch. “Yes, and no. Please, we can speak more inside.”

“Alright, but then I am going to want answers,” replied Cadance.

“And I promise you I will give you them, but first I must catch you up to speed on what's been happening back home,” Twilight announced, before she slipped off the ladder, and stepped out into the small second story room which served as the alicorn’s bedroom.

“That’s fair,” replied Cadance who followed after her, the alicorn closing the hatch with her magic as she sat down on her bed. “So, where do you want to start?”

Twilight took a deep breath. “From the beginning.”

The alicorn shook her head slowly as she stared blankly into space, her body sprawled out on her small twin-sized bed. “I can't believe it. Aliens are real, and you… then they…” Cadance muttered, still shaking her head slowly.

“I know it’s a lot to process, but Celestia thought it best if this information came directly from me,” Twilight replied, a hint of nervousness worming into her voice. “I hope this doesn't change anything between us.”

Cadance sat up and turned to the other mare who sat at the end of the bed. “Of course not! You are still the same adorable filly I foalsat, and nothing will ever change that,” she proclaimed.

Twilight’s smile was strained somewhat as a blush spread across her features. “I would have hoped age and experience would change that,” she muttered with a hint of irritation.

Giggling, Cadance sat next to the other mare and wrapped a hoof around her shoulders. “I’m afraid not, ladybug.”

“I hate it when you call me that,” Twilight all but whispered, her face turning a bright red.

“You love it and you know it,” Cadance shot back, giving the other mare one last squeeze before sitting back a little bit. “So, what is the real reason you are here then?”

“Real reason?” Twilight asked. “Is it not enough that I just wanted to see my old foalsitter?”

“Well yeah, but knowing you, there is probably more you wanted to do,” Cadance pointed out. “Or did Celestia finally talk you into taking a plain old vacation?”

“Well, I wouldn't say it wasn't a vacation,” Twilight remarked while scratching the back of her neck. “I just have a few other goals to accomplish while I’m here is all.”

“I knew it,” Cadance exclaimed with a giggle. “What's the plan then?”

“I was hoping to get you to submit to a few enchantments and train with me a little,” Twilight admitted. “I know you are an alicorn, but there are forces out there that will want to capture you because of that and I fear you may not be strong enough to resist them.”

“That mother character, right?” Cadance asked.

Twilight nodded. “The zerg will want your essence. I don't know what that means, but it can't be good.”

The alicorn stared off into space, worry evident across her features. “These enchantments. What would they do?”

“Reinforce your body and magic and make it impossible for you to be stunned or knocked unconscious against your wishes,” Twilight began. “I would also recommend you find a bodyguard, or at least start traveling with a few of those militia ponies.”

“Are you sure that's necessary? I know the zerg are after me, but they don't exactly seem the type to just sneak into town,” Cadance replied.

“The houses will also want you out of the picture. Whatever they have planned, they seem intent on being the sole power in Equestria,” Twilight answered grimly.

“And another alicorn would only make that rule more uncertain,” Cadance added with a frown. “The more I hear of these great houses, the more I dislike them.”

Twilight snorted irritably. “That's not the half of it.”

“I trust you, Twilight,” Cadance whispered, placing a hoof on the other mare’s leg. “If you think these enchantments and training would help me, then I’ll do it.”

The infested mare nodded, and lit her horn. “Just hold still. This will only take a moment.”

Cadance nodded and sat back a little, retrieving her hoof from Twilight’s leg before sitting straight, tall and unmoving.

Twilight’s magic twisted this way and that, the mare quickly working her way through the necessary steps to cast the spells she had told Cadance of. With a flash of her magic, the first enchantment was placed upon the alicorn, a glowing sigil appearing above her back for a brief moment before fading into nothing. Two more sigils of varying complexity and intent appeared one after another, each one causing the mare to glow briefly before fading, the magic sinking into her body. The last one took slightly longer, and Twilight hesitated to cast it, for it was not one she had mentioned to the alicorn.

Swallowing her hesitation, Twilight cast the final enchantment, this sigil being far smaller than the others, and appeared directly over the alicorn’s heart before fading away. Igniting her horn one final time, Twilight closed her eyes and focused on the spell, moving quickly through the necessary steps to cast it. With one last flash, her magic faded, and the unicorn could suddenly feel the alicorn’s heart, and know instinctively where Cadance was.

“There,” Twilight declared with a hint of hesitation.

Cadance blinked and looked down over her breast. “What was that last one? I’ve never seen a spell like that before.”

“It just reinforces the other enchantments and serves as an anchor point,” Twilight lied.

Nodding slowly, Cadance flexed one of her forelegs before extending her wings. “I do feel stronger, more resilient even, like there is a slight weight over my whole body.”

“Just make sure to feed the enchantments a bit of magic every week or so and they’ll stay for as long as you want,” Twilight explained before pushing her way off the bed. “I should really be going though, I bet Spike is worried sick by now.”

“One last thing, Twilight,” Cadance interrupted, causing Twilight to stop in place.

“What is it?” Twilight asked nervously, the apprehension in her friend’s voice putting her on edge.

“Could you… take off your coat and dismiss your illusions?” Cadance asked, gesturing to Twilight.

“Are you sure you want to see that?” Twilight pressed. “It is not a pretty sight.”

“I swear to you it will not change anything between us,” Cadance promised.

Twilight sighed. “Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you.”

“I’m sure it's not that… bad,” Cadance muttered, her voice trailing off as Twilight’s illusions fell away at the same time as she began removing her coat.

The light coming from the infested mare’s eyes immediately caught Cadance’s attention as it with its intense, almost maleficent glow. Caught in the gaze of those glowing orange orbs, Cadance felt as though she were standing before a true predator. Not even her experience meeting griffons, minotaurs, or dragons could prepare her for what it was like to stand before the other being.

They were truly the eyes of an alien, of a creature so unlike a pony, that it made the rest of the mare seem less equine. That wasn't all that Cadance saw in Twilight’s eyes, as beyond mere strangeness there was also sadness, and a deep empathy hidden beneath a layer of cynicism. They might not be the eyes of a pony, but they were still the eyes of a thinking, feeling being, one who had been aged prematurely by the strife that surrounded her.

The glowing yellow lines which emerged from the infested mare’s neck reached up and wrapped around the former pony’s jaw like a large clawed hand. Though the glow was not nearly as intense as the one emitted by the creature’s eyes, they were still unnerving to say the least. A primal feeling of unease rose in Cadance’s belly, she pushed that feeling away quickly, another experience quickly replacing it.

Pity, guilt, and empathy consumed the alicorn, for the other being’s pain and grief were obvious not only in her eyes but her body as well. A body that was slightly misshapen, her proportions slightly off and her left foreleg slightly larger than the other one. Patches of fur were shorter than the surrounding sections, and lumps were visible intermittently across her form, though most were found on left foreleg.

“What happened to you?” Cadance whispered, a hoof brushing across the other pony’s chest.

“I...” Twilight caught herself, her mind overwhelmed by the pity and guilt that poured from her former foalsitter. “I need to be stronger, better. So I experimented, altering my body to better serve my needs.”

“And you did that much at least,” Cadance muttered, the mare easily able to tell that the other being’s skin was harder, her muscles denser, and her body all around stronger. “Is that why you wear that big heavy thing?”

Twilight chuckled, the unicorn relaxing slightly as she felt Cadance’s hoof pull away from her body. “Yes and no. Intimidation can be very useful, and the plates sewn into the leather are quite durable.”

“Well, you should get better at this experimenting thing. Otherwise you’ll never find a girlfriend,” Cadance chided.

Twilight blinked in shock, only to chuckle. “Oh Cadance, only you would worry about me finding love after I’ve been turned into some half-pony, half-zerg monstrosity.”

“You are not a monster,” declared Cadance, her tone brooking no room for argument. “Not even a manticore is a monster. You can only be a monster if your heart grows dark.”

Twilight raised her forehooves defensively. “I know, I know. It's just hard to think that way sometimes. Especially when you look as hideous as I do.”

Cadance sighed. “Good, because one day I will find you a date, and I will not allow some misplaced sense of self pity to ruin it for you.”

The infested mare rolled her eyes and did her best to hide a blush. “I’ll endeavor to not disappoint you.”

“Good,” Cadance exclaimed with a smirk. “I wouldn't want my sister to be alone forever.”

“S-sister?” Twilight blurted.

“Well, I may no longer be marrying your brother, but I was looking forward to gaining a sister,” Cadance replied with a hint of nervousness. “If that's alright with you, I would still like to have that.”

Twilight lunged forward and wrapped her forehooves around the other mare. “I’ve always wanted a sister.”

“And I’ve always thought of you as one,” Cadance replied while hugging the mare back. “Now and forever little, ladybug, I’ll be here for you.”

Author's Note

The next 2 chapters come tommorrow!

Relaxation?

“I’m surprised that son of yours isn't an early riser like you,” Cadance remarked as the pair trotted down the asphalt road, the sound of their hooves drowned out by the numerous other ponies walking under the mid-morning sun.

Twilight rolled her eyes and sighed. “He’s reaching that magic age, I guess. Though I’m glad he's not actually mine, otherwise I think I would be the target of more of his angst.”

“He is yours, you know,” Cadance reprimanded lightly.

“I know that. I just mean biologically,” Twilight replied as their hooves turned and the construction site loomed over head.

“I don't know about that. Spike doesn't strike me as the angsty type, even if you were his quote unquote real mom,” Cadance exclaimed.

“You should have seen his goth phase then,” Twilight remarked with a sigh.

“Goth phase?” Cadance asked. “Really?”

Twilight nodded. “Oh yeah, he had the makeup and outfits and-”

“Sparkle!” boomed a deep voice from just within the construction site.

The infested mare reached out with magic and psionics alike, her muscles tense and ready to strike as a shape emerged. Striding out from a flap in the scaffolding was the largest earth pony Twilight Sparkle had ever seen, the mare standing a good head and shoulders above even her. In an instant the unicorn went from confident and ready to strike, to slightly unnerved by the small mountain of muscle trotting towards her.

“Who is that?” Twilight whispered.

“That's Steel Heart. Don't take her seriously, she's just trying to rattle you,” Cadance whispered back.

Twilight nodded and watched closely as the enormous grey mare strode up to her, the unicorn quickly scanning her appearance. Her mane was very short, and even shorter on the sides, while her cutie mark was an image of a heart made of steel. Though enormously tall, with a voice deeper than most males, her eyes shone through with an inner, almost childlike glee.

Steel Heart stomped up to the smaller pony, stopping only when their noses were about to touch. “So this is Princess Celestia’s prized pupil. They told me you were tough, but they didn't tell me you had a terrible sense of fashion too.” The mare brushed Twilight’s lapel and scoffed. “I mean, black leather is so last season.”

Twilight knew she should be unnerved or at least annoyed, but even the briefest look into the other pony’s mind revealed that she was thrilled at the sight of Twilight, and that this was all just a game to her. “It's more fashionable than going in one’s birthday suit,” Twilight replied with a smirk.

Though the other pony’s physical exterior seemed to darken, Twilight could tell that inside, Steel Heart was holding back the urge to laugh. “Hmm, this one’s got a mouth on her,” declared the enormous earth pony before taking a step back. “I overheard one of my boys talking about how you might be the first unicorn to give me a run for my money. You up for a little hoof wrestle?”

Twilight could tell the other pony was genuinely curious about Twilight's strength, and the infested mare was feeling confident from an entire day of hard labor. “Alright, sure,” Twilight proclaimed, puffing out her chest. “Where are we doing this?”

Steel Heart smirked and gestured to her right, where a table sat covered in plans and random tools. “Right here.”

Twilight nodded and was about to follow Steel Heart, only to be caught by Cadance’s hoof on her shoulder. “Don't feel bad if you lose,” she cautioned. “Just being challenged has already earned you some bragging rights around here.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I know she's big, but she’s just a pony. I can take her.”

Cadance shook her head and released the hold she had on Twilight’s shoulder. “Alright, but don't complain when you can't walk after this.”

“Oh, she can't be that bad,” Twilight replied dismissively, before plopping down across from the construction worker.

“Glad to see princess didn't talk you out of it,” Steel Heart exclaimed with a sneer.

“No way. You are going down,” Twilight declared, while pulling her left forehoof from her jacket and pounding her elbow against the table, hoof in position.

“Alright. That's what I like to see!” Steel Heart shouted. “Gather round, boys. This is going to be a good one!”

Twilight smirked as a small crowd formed around them, Cadance amongst them wearing a smirk of her own. “Till one hoof hits the table, right?” Twilight asked.

The larger mare nodded and took Twilight’s hoof in her own. “Right.”

Twilight grinned, the pony channeling a bit of her psionic power into her foreleg, causing it to bulge visibly as she flexed. Around her, ponies whispered and bits were counted, with a smaller stallion collecting the money in a hat.

“Ready?” Twilight asked.

“Ready.”

“Augh, that was a terrible idea,” Twilight muttered, the pony lying half on the table, half off.

Cadance shook her head, a small pile of bits floating before her. “I told you to not get overconfident,” she remarked.

Twilight wanted to say something, but all that came out of her mouth was a strangled groan.

“You put up one hell of a fight,” Steel Heart declared, the pony grinning from ear to ear. “You and me are going drinking, and soon.”

Without saying another word, or waiting for a response, the hulking earth pony turned and trotted away, leaving Twilight feeling slightly confused. “What just happened?” Twilight asked, turning to her former foalsitter.

“It seems like Steel has taken a liking to ya,” Cadance declared, before teleporting away her bits.

“I can't believe you bet against me,” Twilight muttered, as she peeled her aching foreleg out of the dent it left on the table.

Cadance shook her head. “You are strong, but you are not ‘crush rocks with your bare hooves for fun’ strong. Besides, I made more than enough to treat us to some ice cream.”

“Ice cream?” Twilight asked, looking around the job site. “But I thought we were going to start work.”

“Trust me, you are going to want some ice cream right about now,” Cadance replied knowingly.

“I’m fine,” Twilight insisted, only to fall over the second she put weight on her left foreleg. “Okay, maybe a little ice cream would be good.”

Cadance chuckled, and slipped in next to her friend, tossing Twilight’s aching hoof over her shoulder. “Come on, let’s go get you some tiger tiger.”

“Cadence, I am not a baby,” whined Twilight as she hobbled down the road, Cadance supporting some of her weight.

“So you don't like tiger tiger anymore?” Cadance asked.

“I never said that.”

“So where are we going to be training tonight?” Cadance asked as the pair trotted down the asphalt road, ponies going to and fro without giving the alicorn or unicorn a second glance.

Twilight smiled, the shift in atmosphere as obvious as it was pleasant. “The roof of your place should be fine with what I had in mind. Though you should probably-”

“Sparkle!” shouted a now familiar voice.

Twilight and Cadance stopped to see the grey-coated mare trotting through the crowd, a small group of construction ponies following in her wake. Most were from their job site, but Twilight could tell a few weren’t, though it was obvious they all shared a profession given their mostly tool related cutie marks.

“What is it now?” Twilight groaned. “Don't tell me you are here to try tearing off my other leg?”

Steel Heart chuckled, her laughter sounding almost like something heavy rolling around inside of a steel barrel. “No, no. I’m here to take you out for drinks.”

Twilight paused. “Well, the drinking age is seventeen here…”

Cadance shook her head. “Nuh uh, no way. You go way too hard, Steel Heart, and Twilight has never drank before.”

“Hey, I have so. Dad let me have some of his beers before,” Twilight huffed indignantly.

“See? She can totally handle it!” Steel Heart declared before patting Twilight on the back hard enough to make the unicorn almost throw up in her mouth. “So what do you say? The night’s on me, Princess.”

“Well that is really generous of you…” Cadance admitted.

“Come on, I can handle this, Cadance. It's just a few drinks,” Twilight reiterated.

“The last time you said something like that you ended up with your hoof stuck in a table,” Cadance pointed out.

“This time will be different,” Twilight offered. “You are going to be there to make sure I don't overdo it.”

“See? It's a perfect plan,” added Steel Heart.

Cadance sighed. “Fine, but I don't like this.”

“Score!” Twilight shouted, pumping a hoof in the air.

“Wait, she's only seventeen?” someone asked.

“Augh, that was a terrible idea,” Twilight murmured, her voice being distorted slightly due to the fact that her head was currently inside of a toilet bowl.

Cadance shook her head as she ran a hoof down Twilight’s back. “I told you that wasn't going to work out. Why did you do that anyway? You’ve never expressed interest in drinking before now.”

Twilight paused, her conversation with Bull coming to mind, namely the part where the guard had mentioned that this was going to be one of the last times Twilight could truly act like an irresponsible kid. “I just… I just… Hurgh.”

Projectile vomit cut off whatever Twilight had been about to say, leaving Cadance to sigh, and continue stroking her friend’s mane, her magic levitating the pony’s bangs out of the way. “There there, Twilight. After this we’ll go get you some water, and you can lie down, okay?”

Twilight nodded.

Twilight pushed the thick sunglasses further up her nose, grumbling as she walked down the street. The clip clop of her hooves was deafening, as was the general din of the crowd, nevermind all their thoughts. It was enough to drown every sound in a veritable sea of noise, and leave Twilight stumbling around blindly, relying completely on Cadance for direction.

“Would you three keep it down?” Twilight asked all of a sudden, turning to Cadance, Silver Bulwark, and Spike who walked next to her.

“We weren't even talking,” Spike pointed out.

“Maybe you should go back to bed for a bit,” Silver Bulwark offered.

“No, I can handle it,” Twilight replied tersely.

Cadance put her hoof on Silver Bulwark’s shoulder. “I got something in mind for her, trust me. It will be fine.”

Silver Bulwark shook her head slowly. “I’m still disappointed you left me looking after Scales while you went out partying. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a good excuse to drink?”

“Didn't you get drunk the night Celestia hired you?” Twilight pointed out irritably.

“I said a good excuse to drink,” Silver Bulwark replied pointedly.

The infested unicorn grumbled to herself as they turned and made their way towards the construction site.

Upon reaching said site, Twilight found that the thoughts of the ponies around her changed suddenly, going from either unconcerned or curious to awestruck. It was enough to make Twilight peek over the rim of her sunglasses and look out over the gathered ponies. The looks of shock and admiration were evident, though they only lasted a second or two at most before they turned and went back to work.

“What's with them?” Twilight asked, while gesturing to the other ponies working on the now half complete apartment building.

“They are impressed by your exploits, it seems,” Cadance replied with a gruff snort. “Though they should be as disappointed in you as I am.”

“So what am I doing today anyway?” Twilight inquired, while looking around. “And where's Steel Heart?”

“She’s probably in the office, come on,” Cadance announced, before trotting towards the small trailer parked at the edge of the construction site.

Without the energy to offer a reply, Twilight merely fell in behind the alicorn, her bodyguard and son trotting alongside her.

Upon reaching the trailer, Cadance pushed open the door and stepped inside before motioning for Twilight to do the same. After the unicorn did so and fully entered into the surprisingly cozy trailer, she found herself feeling better already, as most sound and light could not pierce the walls of the building.

“You’ll be helping Steel Heart with organization today,” Cadance whispered, gesturing to the other side of the room where the pony in question sat hunched over a mess of paperwork, a familiar set of sunglasses resting on the end of her nose.

Twilight nodded and trotted forward, hardly even noticing that the alicorn had slipped out behind her, closing the door as she went.

Plopping down across from the larger pony seemed to startle her from her reverie though, and for a moment their eyes met. “Nice glasses,” Twilight commented.

Steel Heart nodded. “You too.”

“So that was quite the night, huh?” Twilight offered.

“You are telling me,” Steel Heart muttered with a grunt. “Are you the one that’s going to help me coordinate all this?”

Twilight nodded as she looked out over the pile of work orders, funding requests, permits, and other paperwork that covered the large table that sat between them. “Apparently.”

Steel Heart smiled faintly. “Well alright then, let’s see if you can handle your paperwork better than your whiskey.”

Twilight smiled as she looked out over the land below, which seemed less desolate, and all the more beautiful after the recent rain they had received. The mare marveled at all the small signs of life which sprouted out of seemingly nowhere upon receiving a healthy dose of water. Small, withered shrubs Twilight assumed were dead had bloomed overnight, revealing bright flowers. Even the air smelt fresh, the scent of new growth carried on the gentle breeze billowing up from below.

“Beautiful, isn't it?” Cadance asked, gesturing to the land around them as she continued to trot along the wall surrounding the town.

“It's amazing how it all comes alive like it this,” Twilight murmured.

Cadance nodded. “The presence of so many earth ponies brings the very land back to life and soon they might even be able to replant the lush grass this place used to be known for.”

“Really? It seems like that would be at least a decade away, if not longer,” Twilight remarked idly.

Cadance smiled. “With earth pony stubbornness and a little magic, it can apparently happen in a quarter of that time.”

“Wow,” Twilight murmured. “It’s sad that they don't teach you any of this in school.”

Cadance sighed. “Yes, I’m afraid the curriculum is focused more on the learner’s tribe than the others, leaving many ponies ignorant of what the other types of ponies can do.”

Twilight nodded, only to perk up and turn her head when she felt the unique sensation of another pony’s thoughts. Looking ahead, she found that they had walked nearly the entirety of the wall, and were reaching one of the few towers which were actually manned. Glancing within, Twilight could see the flicker of candles, and hear a hushed conversation happening just inside.

“Would you like to meet them?” Cadance offered, the pony stepping forward and reaching for the door to the tower.

“I shouldn't,” Twilight replied quickly. “I wouldn't want to make them think I was trying to learn something I shouldn't know.”

“Nonsense. I’m sure they are just playing a game of poker or something. The town’s militia don't exactly have a lot to do now that Celestia’s soldiers are here,” Cadance replied before knocking twice on the heavy oak door.

Instantly, all sounds of conversation vanished, replaced by a single pony trotting across the room. The door opened slightly, revealing the deep green muzzle of an unarmored militia pony, a suspicious look already on her face. Upon seeing Cadance that suspicious look lightened somewhat, only to come right back when she noticed Twilight standing just beyond.

“It's nice to see you, Cadance. What can I do for you?” the militia pony inquired.

“We were just out for an evening stroll and saw the tower was occupied. You aren't having a game of chance, are you?” Cadance asked with a smile.

“Not exactly…” admitted the the militia pony, her brow furrowing, causing a strand of teal hair to fall over her face.

“It's fine, Cadance, we don't have to intrude on these ponies,” Twilight interrupted.

“I guess it was rather presumptuous of me to assume our company would be welcomed,” Cadance admitted.

“Hey, is that Cadance out there? You should get her in on this!” shouted a male voice from within.

The green-coated militia pony turned and glared at her companion. “But captain, this is for our eyes only,” she whispered harshly.

“Bah, she's a princess. I’m sure she would be able to help us out,” replied the voice.

The green pony sighed and opened the door. “Come on in then, I guess.”

Cadance took a hesitant step inside. “Well, I don't mean to intrude. If you all are doing something important we can leave you to it.”

Twilight followed close behind her friend and was shocked to find that the captain in question was a unicorn with a short, stumpy looking horn with purple fur and a black mane. To his right sat a silent earth pony with brown fur and a grey mane, the militia pony whom had met them at the door being revealed as a pegasus. On the table was a small scattering of maps, most of which were of the town, and included layouts of the sewers, as well as a topographical map of the area.

“Nonsense,” declared the unicorn, who used his magic to pull up a pair of chairs. “The assistance of an alicorn and Celestia’s personal student would be a great boon. Isn't that right, Granite?”

The earth pony merely nodded slowly while giving the newcomers a slow inspection.

“Well, I don't like it,” added the pegasus, who turned her chair around and rested her chin on the back. “This is a military matter, we shouldn't invite civilians in here.”

“Mossy, you are a farmer who just learned how to shoot last week,” deadpanned the unicorn. “If anything these ponies consider you the civilian here.”

The pegasus mare crossed her hooves over her chest and frowned, but said nothing.

“Sorry if we were interrupting anything, Twilight and I were just out for a walk on the wall when we saw the candle light,” Cadance remarked.

“And Cadance was hoping you were playing cards so she could gamble more bits away,” added Twilight with a smirk.

“I was not… nevermind,” grumbled Cadance, shooting Twilight a good humoured glare.

“Well regardless of why you are here, I’m glad you are,” announced the unicorn, who gestured to the maps. “We were just in the middle of creating plans to defend the town should it be attacked.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, her interest instantly piqued, a fact that did not go unnoticed by the pegasus sitting next to her. “Why would you bother doing that? I thought Celestia’s soldiers were supposed to be here for indefinitely. Aren't they in charge of the defence of this town?”

“Officially they are,” murmured the earth pony, whose voice sounded more like two rocks grinding together than any words created by a normal voice box.

“But they are planning on an excursion in the coming days,” added the unicorn. “And though they shouldn't be gone long, I had hoped to review our plans in case the worst comes to pass.”

“They’ll miss the big celebration we planned,” Cadance exclaimed with a hint of disappointment. “What exactly are they doing anyway?”

The pegasus shrugged. “We haven't been told much, only that there is some zerg force that was straying too close, and they want to put it down.”

“I’d start by creating a failsafe at your water treatment plant, should it ever be breached,” Twilight suddenly declared, while pointing to the facility which lay at the base of the town.

“Why? The pipes are too small to transport enemy forces,” replied Mossy.

“And they would be full of sewage,” added the unicorn.

Twilight nodded. “Yes, but the zerg are unbothered by such things, and zerglings can fit into any place a foal could.”

“It will be done,” declared the earth pony, writing out a few notes on a scrap piece of paper.

“Is there any other insight you could give us?” asked the unicorn, who leaned forward expectantly in his chair.

Twilight paused, only now realizing that everyone in the room, including Cadance, was watching her expectantly. “I… might have a few suggestions, but I would need a full tactical breakdown of the forces and weaponry you have available to you.”

The three militia ponies exchanged a glance, before the unicorn nodded, and pointed to a file cabinet in the corner of the room. “Mossy, give the mare what she needs. Let’s see what she can do.”

Twilight kicked her forehooves idly in the air, letting them swing back and forth from her position at the edge of the apartment's roof, a smile on her face. Another day had passed, and another sunset could be seen in the distance, its last fleeting rays illuminating the now complete structure she sat atop of. Beside her, Cadance sat quietly, the alicorn watching the same sunset Twilight was, her thoughts similarly consumed by the majesty she beheld

“This is nice,” Twilight remarked idly.

Cadance smiled. “I’m glad you came to visit me, Twilight. I don't think the apartment would have been completed on time otherwise, nor would this week have been as much fun as it was.”

“It was pretty fun, wasn't it?” Twilight muttered, a smile slowly crossing her face. “I am glad we were able to include Spike as often as we did.”

Cadance’s smile grew ever so slightly. “The kid has a great mom, you know. Even if she's a little on the young side.”

Twilight chuckled. “And I wouldn't trade him for the world. Well, except for maybe a version of him that isn't scared of heights,” Twilight remarked, shouting the last four words over the ledge of the apartment building.

“Hey, was that an insult?” Spike shouted from the ground floor. “Because there is nothing wrong with disliking heights you know!”

“Come on, Spike, let’s go get some noodles one last time and leave those two weirdos to do their best gargoyle impression,” Silver Bulwark shouted.

“A gargoyle is a waterspout for a building, we would be grotesques!” Twilight corrected.

“You are grotesque!” Spike shouted back before scampering away with Silver Bulwark, the pair both giggling as they did so.

Cadance chuckled. “Maybe he does have a little youthful rebellion in him after all.”

“At least his sense of humour is good,” Twilight remarked with a chuckle of her own.

The two ponies stared off into the distance together, their gazes lingering on the town, and the fluffy white clouds that floated above it. Several minutes passed in relative quiet, both mares content to hang their hooves off the edge of the building while watching the world turn. The serene quiet couldn't last forever though, and soon Twilight found herself unable to resist speaking her mind.

“So… We only have one day left before we’re going back. What do you think we should do?” asked the unicorn with a slight edge of hesitation.

The alicorn hummed thoughtfully and tapped her hoof against the roof’s edge. “I know you wanted to do more training, and to teach me more spells but why don't we take it slow instead?”

“Slow like how?” Twilight inquired.

“We could do board games, a little sightseeing, and enjoy some more of the local cuisine,” Cadance offered. “I know you wanted to get more done, but at least one day of your vacation has to be relaxing. I’m pretty sure that's a rule.”

Twilight found herself nodding along with the alicorn’s idea. “That does sound like a good idea. Besides, I’ve pretty much covered everything I had hoped to cover.”

“Really? I would have thought you had a bunch more planned,” Cadance remarked with a hint of surprise.

The unicorn smirked. “Oh I had a bunch extra planned just in case, but this is all I assumed we had time for.”

“Makes sense,” Cadance admitted.

“You know, I’m going to miss you, Cadance,” Twilight announced with a slight, sad smile. “I have really enjoyed catching up these past few days.”

“I may not be planning on coming back to Canterlot anytime soon, but that doesn't mean we aren't going to see each other again,” Cadance explained.

“I suppose. It's just, with everything that's happening, there isn't really going to be a chance to do this again anytime soon, you know?” Twilight replied.

“What, get black out drunk and throw up on my tail?” Cadance asked with a smirk.

Twilight punched the other mare playfully on the shoulder, only to send the alicorn tumbling forwards, off the building. The infested mare was milliseconds from panicking, only for her psionic powers to catch the playful glee emanating from Cadance. Crossing her forehooves over her chest, Twilight lay there, waiting for Cadance to come back up, which she did a second later.

“Oh come on, nothing? Not even an apology?” Cadance teased as the alicorn flew before the irritated unicorn.

“That was mean, Cadance. I thought you really fell for a second there,” Twilight stated.

“Oh come on, it was just a prank. I have wings, remember?” Cadance exclaimed, flapping her wings a little harder in emphasis.

“You know the old Cadance wouldn't play a prank like that,” Twilight pointed out.

“Well the old Cadance was a sucker, who almost let herself get brainwashed just to keep her boyfriend,” Cadance shot back.

Twilight sighed and looked into the other mare’s eyes, only now seeing the hurt buried deep down inside. After a long moment of silence, Twilight grinned and began to laugh. “You know, I think I like this new Cadance. She's slimmer and easier to talk to. Not like you weren't easy to talk to before, but you know what I mean.”

Cadance nodded and flew back onto the roof, taking a spot to Twilight’s right. “I have always been in tune with my pegasus side and Celestia taught me a lot about what it means to be a unicorn, but after spending time here I finally feel whole. Like there was a part of me always yearning to be set free, and now I’m who I was meant to be from the very beginning.”

Twilight smiled. “I’m glad. You look brighter, more confident even.”

Cadance nodded. “Thank you, Twilight. That means a lot coming from you.”

“So, what do you wanna do for supper? It seems like we are on our own again,” Twilight offered.

Cadance hummed thoughtfully, and tapped her chin. “What about pie?”

“Pie, for supper?” Twilight asked, with a hint of confusion.

“Oh right, you are probably still full on humble pie after Steel Heart fed you so much of it,” Cadance teased.

Twilight growled, and lurched toward the mare, only to catch a whole lot of nothing, as Cadance had taken flight and was giggling just overhead. “I think I’m changing my mind about this whole new Cadance thing,” Twilight lamented.

Cadance blew a raspberry at her friend. “You just say that because you suck at the whole witty banter thing.”

“Well I… At least I don't smell!” Twilight shouted, jabbing a hoof at the other mare.

“Really, that's the best you got? You smell too, dummy. We worked all day,” Cadance replied while shaking her head.

Twilight grumbled under her breath while glaring at the alicorn. “Shut up.”

Twilight trotted through the more or less empty town, putting a good amount of distance between herself and the bustling city hall she had just left behind. The party was nice, and the ponies had largely grown used to her presence, but there were simply too many minds all shouting at her. Spike and Silver Bulwark’s presence had been calming, but the infested mare could only take so much before she needed her space.

Twilight had been quite surprised that Cadance had managed to talk the event organizers into turning it into a celebration meant to welcome the new wave of refugees which had just arrived. The alicorn herself had been in her element the last time Twilight had seen her, the pony mingling with all the new arrivals while also ensuring everything went swimmingly. Spike had been nearby, the dragon accepted surprisingly easily by the general populace, many of whom had met the drake over the last week. Silver Bulwark was the only pony they seemed to still be suspicious of, but that hadn't lasted very long, as the unicorn’s calm demeanor was surprisingly infectious.

A mental ping told the infested mare that her young son had left the hall, and was standing outside with Silver Bulwark. Pushing that thought from her mind, the pony trotted down the almost empty street, smiling as she thought about her little vacation.

Sure, it may not have been as long as she liked, or as productive as she had hoped, but it was undeniably good. All the regrets Twilight had built up in her mind bled away, leaving only a pleasant warmth and a soft smile. The memories she now had were quickly becoming treasured possessions and the pony was already planning on when next they might be able to do this again.

That was until she heard the colossal crack and snap of a mass teleportation spell, one powerful enough to make her horn ache and her ears ring. A second later and a deep rumble emanated from all around her, like a great many heavy objects had just been dropped from several feet. Looking up, Twilight saw a glyph of magical power hover above the city, its power already waning, and causing the glyph to fade rapidly.

“How the hell did...” Twilight muttered in shock a second before the screaming started.

The first came from somewhere to Twilight’s right, and she turned in that direction just in time to feel the full psionic weight of a thousand unthinking minds all pressing against her. Her vision swam, and she could feel her knees go weak, her body struggling to stay vertical under the pressure now assailing her.

She could hear them, feel them, all around her, their incredible hunger and wild animalistic minds tearing at the wall she had built at the back of her mind. With a shove of her power, she reinforced the barrier several times over, making the feral minds fall into the background. With the pressure now dissipating, Twilight pushed her way into a stand, and gave her head a firm shake.

Looking around, Twilight found herself in the middle of a desperate melee, ponies of all shapes and sizes locked in combat with various zerg creatures. To her right Twilight saw an earth pony crush the head of a wide, flat creature with membranous winglike appendages that grew from either side of its body. Two large pincer-like claws sprouted from the forefront of its body, each one easily large enough to crush a pony’s head.

The creature flailed weakly in its death throes, the large red earth pony continuing to stomp on it until there was little left but paste, only to be tackled when a trio of smaller creatures leapt upon his side. Twilight quickly realized that the creatures were the same doglike monsters Twilight had seen in her dreams when she was very young. Instantly the thin, emaciated zerglings began to tear into the earth pony with tooth and claw, yet the earth pony did not falter, keeping them back with a few well placed kicks.

Summoning her magic, Twilight shot a concentrated beam of energy straight through the three zerglings, bisecting one, decapitating another, and cutting all four limbs from the last. The red earth pony took advantage of the opening Twilight had given him, and hopped back up before delivering a stomp to the last living zergling’s head.

“Hey tha-” Was all he could say before a hail of acid reduced his head to a smoking mound of gore.

Ducking into a nearby alley, Twilight heard the scuttling of many tiny legs, and a quick glance from her hiding spot revealed two heavily armored bug-looking creatures scuttling towards her. Their backs were covered with a hardened, spike ridden exoskeleton, with a pair of scythelike appendages sprouting from their shoulders.

Wasting no time, Twilight teleported to the roof above her, putting as much distance as she could between herself and the roaches who had been bearing down on her only a second ago. Her first thought was to end the creatures, and Twilight was in the middle of casting a fireball spell when she caught a glance of the town and the destruction she was made to witness.

All around her, zerg ran rampant, hordes of starving, half-mad creatures rampaging without direction. Some even attacked each other while others simply stood there motionless, as if their very will had been torn out of them. The one thing that remained constant was the fact that they were all starved, thin, and showed signs of torture or experimentation.

“What the hell is going on?” Twilight whispered in shock.

Author's Note

Incursion

Looking around the rooftops, Twilight found herself horrified by what she beheld. All around her ponies fought desperately against the tide of confused and feral zerg, whose numbers were far greater than Twilight had first sensed. Already she could hear shots ringing out in all directions as the militia joined the fray, and in the distance she could hear the sound of bells, signalling the town was under attack.

“Spike!” Twilight exclaimed, her gaze turning back in the direction of the hall, and to where she knew the dragon was.

A quick glance into the drake’s mind told Twilight that he was okay, and that Silver Bulwark and him were held up in a bookstore not far from here. The immediate danger now gone, Twilight scanned the rooftops once more, her horn glowing as she tried to follow the now dissipating field of magic back to its source. The process of tracking another’s magic was usually a futile effort only possible by the most well-trained ponies around, but this was different.

The spell was so large, so powerful, and used so much magic that it was less searching for a needle in a haystack as it was looking for a cart in a haystack. After a short channel Twilight found herself looking towards the east, and at one of the empty guard houses which overlooked the town. Though at first she saw nothing, a brief shimmer told her there was at least one pony standing atop the tower, though they were obscured by an imperfect invisibility spell.

Utilizing her other powers, Twilight reached out with her mind, and found two beings standing atop the tower, each one looking out over the town emotionlessly. Looking away, Twilight ground her teeth together, rage building in her chest the moment she realized just who was looking down at them. It was obvious that the houses’ agents were here, and worse yet, one felt familiar, very familiar.

Pushing their presence out of her mind, Twilight looked down at the town, a battle plan forming in the back of her mind. The zerg were feral, likely captured by the houses’ scientists and turned loose for the purpose of testing the town’s primitive defences with a secondary objective of taking her and Cadance out of the picture. She would need to find the other mare, secure her, and then work with the guard to eliminate the zerg threat.

The first step would be reconnecting with Spike and Silver Bulwark, a plan that was easier said than done given that there were a small horde of zerg between her and the besieged bookstore. Twilight considered the connection she shared with the other zerg, only to qual at the thought of all those hungry, angry minds intruding upon her own. Worse yet, it might very well be a trap, Twilight realized, one meant to make her open herself to the zerg only to end up being controlled.

Which was something she simply could not risk no matter how unlikely it may be.

Summoning her magic, Twilight stomped her hooves and chanted the necessary words to open a portal and summon forth a trio of medium-sized fire elementals. The floating masses of living flame hovered above the ground, their bodies vaguely bipedal with a pair of enormous fiery arms extending from equally large shoulders. They lacked any legs to speak of though, their torsos ending in a pillar of flame that kept them aloft despite no apparent means of flight.

“Slay every zerg you encounter and secure the perimeter of the hall,” Twilight commanded.

The fire elementals nodded briefly before descending upon the streets, each one wading into a small throng of zerg and burning their way towards the hall. Twilight contemplated the intelligence of letting loose a bunch of fire elementals, but the spell that summoned them should keep them under control, and most of the buildings were stone or metal anyway. Putting that thought aside, Twilight leapt from the rooftop, and began to follow in the wake of her elemental soldiers.

Twilight paid little mind to the already dead and dying zerg which littered the area, her body already in motion, and headed towards the bookstore she had seen in Spike’s mind. Sprinting down the street, Twilight stopped briefly to fire a mana bolt through the window of a house just as an armless hydralisk was about to bite down on the neck of a father who was shielding his children from harm. Twilight only paid them enough attention to confirm the zerg was dead before running away, ignoring the confused cries coming from within the house.

Sprinting around the corner, Twilight readied herself for resistance, the pony knowing that this street would not be as clear, given that her fire elementals were going in a different direction. She wouldn't let a little danger slow her though, and didn't stop for a second as she surveyed the battlefield that lay before her. To her right a trio of Celestia’s soldiers were in the middle of a fight with a small pack of zerglings, while to her left a group of stallions were kicking a roach to death.

Without slowing, Twilight reached out and crushed the zerglings with her mind, before lighting her horn and whipping a fireball at a strange winged zerg who swooped down from the cover of a four story building. Wings now useless, the mutalisk tumbled to the ground, killed by its own momentum and splattering its burning guts all across the road. The soldiers hardly had a chance to realize what was going on before the unicorn sprinted past them.

Looking down the road, Twilight could see the bookstore near the end of the street, a whole host of zerg all banging on the entrance and trying to force their way inside. Twilight couldn't think about them yet though, as something large was coming this way, the very ground under her hooves trembling. A second later an enormous two story tall beast thundered down the road while letting out a fearsome cry of challenge.

Though the infested mare could instantly tell that this creature was malformed, with the beast sporting only a single scythe-like arm and standing half the height it was supposed to, it was still quite large, and incredibly dangerous. It was also ignoring everything else and focusing completely on Twilight, its comparatively small eyes staring intently into the unicorn’s own. Gardens, corpses, and stalls were crushed beneath the ultralisk’s great bulk, yet Twilight didn't flinch.

Summoning her magic, Twilight remained motionless, merely picking up a stone, before building more and more power into her horn even as the creature bore down on her. She could hear the cries of panic, coming from the celestial soldiers, as well as the stallions Twilight had seen earlier but she ignored them. Thirty feet, twenty feet, the creature continued to barrel down on her, bellowing a distorted cry the entire time.

With a grunt, Twilight released her spell and the small rock she had picked up a few seconds ago all but exploded, shooting out with such speed that it broke the sound barrier. In an instant the ultralisk went from confident to confused, its legs giving out from under it as it struggled to process its own death. Brain matter leaked out of the whole in its head and pulped organs oozed out of holes in its sides as blood rushed out of its mouth. By the time the beast hit the ground it was already gone, and Twilight was in motion once more.

With a pulse of magic she teleported further down the street, landing in the midst of the other zerg just as they were about to break through the hastily erected barrier placed at the forefront of the book store. Landing on top of a drone, Twilight tore the eyes from the creature’s head before lashing out at a nearby hydralisk, sending the contents of its skull splattering across the road with the power of her kick. The zerg were quick, and their surprise didn't last as long as Twilight wanted, with the entire group turning towards her.

Lighting her horn, Twilight leapt up from the drone as it sputtered and shot acid randomly, screeching all the while. As she came down, Twilight punched a hoof into the head of a zergling, causing all the flesh above its neck to instantly necrotise, killing it before it knew what had happened. As she hit the ground she pulled on her psionic power and shoved the nearest attackers away from her. Stunned and confused, the closest roach was turned into a teacup before it had a chance to even know where its enemy was.

With only two hydralisks left, Twilight brought both of her powers to bear simultaneously, forcing the creatures to face upwards and utilizing both kinds of telekinesis at the same time. The dagger like projectiles they fired at her went wide as the creatures struggled against the forces holding them back. They didn't struggle long though as Twilight grunted and poured power into her abilities, tearing them in half with sheer psionic and magical might.

Panting, Twilight trod forward, unbothered by the ichor and blood that pooled all around her. As she approached the shattered window, she reached forward and grabbed the still flailing drone by the claws before driving her horn directly through one of its empty eye sockets. After pulling back her horn, and whipping her head to the side, Twilight discarded the bloody remnants of the zerg’s brain which had clung to her.

She could hear commotion coming from within, as well as see several pairs of curious, and fearful eyes peering out from between the cracks in the wall of furniture. Not wanting to waste any time, Twilight simply pulled aside the debris with a wave of her hoof, causing the ponies inside to stumble back in panic. Silver Bulwark was quick to fill the gap, a greatsword in her telekinetic grip, her armor stained red and green by blood and gore.

“Silver Bulwark, stand down, we have work to do,” Twilight commanded.

The guard pushed her helmet up to reveal her shocked face. “Holy shit, is that you, Twilight? I didn't recognize you under all… that,” Silver remarked, gesturing to the unicorn’s body.

“I told you she was coming,” Spike declared, shoving his way past the guard and sprinting up to his mother.

“Good, you are both safe,” Twilight exclaimed with a sigh, only now catching sight of who the other sets of eyes belonged to. “And you did well protecting them.”

Spike grinned and nodded. “Bull wanted to go help you, but I knew you were fine.”

“You did the right thing, Spike,” Twilight announced before motioning for her guard to exit the building. “I’ll erect a barrier that will keep the zerg out. We have to locate Cadance.”

Silver Bulwark pushed the grille of helmet back down before placing the greatsword on her back. “Sounds good, but how do you even know where she is?”

Twilight lit her horn and quickly conjured a partial dome shield over the entrance to the bookstore. “I placed a life detection enchantment on her earlier this week in case something like this happened, so if she's alive, I can track her. Right now she’s still in the hall, no doubt protecting the partygoers as we speak,” she explained.

“Did you tell her? Because that doesn't sound-” Silver began, only to be interrupted by Spike.

“We can argue about the morality of it later. We have a princess to save,” declared the drake.

“Right, which means we need to move, now,” Twilight added.

“I’m right behind you,” proclaimed Silver Bulwark.

Twilight nodded briefly, giving one last glance to the still terrified foals inside the store, their fear making her spine itch for some reason. Looking away, Twilight focused on the job ahead of her and began to sprint back the way she came. As she ran, she noticed the stallions she saw earlier were mingling with the guards, who seemed confused and directionless.

“I’ve set up a safe zone in that store,” Twilight shouted, gesturing to the shop she had just came from. “Start directing survivors into that building and fortify it with everything you have.”

It seemed like the guards were going to argue for a second, only to nod, with the tallest one stepping forward. “You heard the mare, get on it. Stout Staff, Breakwater, you are with the locals, start rounding everypony up. The rest of you lot is with me, let’s secure that area.”

Both the stallions and guard fell into line, following the orders of the tall, well-built pegasus.

Twilight didn't give the group a second glance before she continued on, both her son and her guard close on her heels. The unicorn could feel the worry emanating from her companions as she ran, but didn't let that get to her, she needed to stay focused. Using her psionic abilities, Twilight sent out a mental pulse and created a crude mental map of nearby enemies and allies.

Few zerg were around, most having dispersed after the death of the ultralisk, though if this was some sort of response due to the beast’s death or coincidence, Twilight wasn't sure. Either way she didn't have time to think of the great monster as she could feel two more zerg coming down a nearby alley. Throwing out her hooves, Twilight slid to a halt, and spun in the direction of the creatures, her horn already blazing with life.

Confused and surprised, Silver Bulwark reacted quickly, the mare drawing her weapon as Spike fell in behind her, the dragon holding a spear he had picked up at some point. No words needed to pass between them, and a second later the enemies emerged, the creatures rolling towards them. Bright green liquid filled their abdomens, barely contained by their thin, fragile carapace.

“Wait. Use spells, these have acid,” Twilight shouted, holding back Silver Bulwark with a hoof.

Silver Bulwark nodded before lighting her own horn and extending her hoof towards the banelings rolling towards them. A second later and two phantom daggers sprung into existence from the end of the mare’s hoof before flying towards the creatures. The magical constructs tore through the banelings with terrifying efficiency, spilling acid and organs across the ground.

Tugging her companions along, Twilight forced them onwards, silently thankful that she could sense there were no enemies left between herself and the hall. Now on the main road once more, Twilight followed after the scorch marks left by her elementals. Her connection to the summons told her that they were still alive, or as alive as semi-sentient fire could be anyway.

Only for all three to flicker and die one after another, making the mare pick up speed, her companions quickly following suit a second later.

Careening around the final corner, Twilight saw the hall come into view and nearly stopped as her senses caught up with her. A veritable swarm of zerg were centered on the large, three story stone building, many banging on the walls, or ramming their heads against the stonework. Worse yet, Twilight could feel some sort of tug at the back of her mind, directing her towards the hall itself.

Brushing aside that feeling, Twilight continued to sprint towards the building, her companions easily keeping pace with her. Both unicorns’ horns blazed with life, and with an explosive crack, Twilight let loose a bolt of white hot lightning. Upon hitting the first zergling, the bolt jumped to the nearest zerg who happened to be a slightly malformed hydralisk who was already missing half of its face. From there it jumped to several other targets, frying a drone, another zergling and one final roach, who was left stunned but not killed.

The barrage didn't end there though, as Silver Bulwark skidded to a stop for a moment before raising her hooves above her head and chanting in ancient unicornian. With one final shout to the heavens, the guard brought her hooves down hard against the ground, a pulse of white magic exploding from the point of impact. A second later, and a great ethereal battle axe sprung into existence above the main entrance and came down with such thunderous force that the ground shook.

The zerg not initially annihilated by the axe’s impact were pulped by the shockwave that emanated from the point of impact. With a good two thirds of their enemies now reduced to paste or smoking corpses, Twilight was finally able to see the entrance. Tables, chairs and desks were piled behind the doors, though at some point they had been breached, yet the zerg didn't seem smart enough to relay that information to their brethren.

Only a handful of the creatures were left, though Twilight could already feel dozens of new ones swarming from all directions. Not wanting to lose her momentum, Twilight used her magic to grab a nearby baneling which had sat frozen until now in her magic and squeezed it out over a group of nearby zerglings. The ensuing shrieking made the pony wish she could turn her ears off, but the job was done and the immediate threat was dealt with.

Spike skidded to a stop just outside the door, the drake clutching his spear tightly. “So what's the plan? Do we hold here, or what?” he asked quickly.

Twilight shook her head. “I’ll put up a quick barrier, but we have to move inside and find Cadance. I can sense she is close.”

Silver Bulwark nodded. “Right.”

Lighting her horn once more, Twilight erected a barrier over the opening before she trotted into the hall. Bodies of zerg and ponies alike littered the floor inside, the stench making Twilight’s nose crinkle in disgust. The smell of death hung heavy in the air, and Twilight and her companions were forced to see the ugly results of this surprise attack.

The zerg did not discriminate as bodies of mares and stallions, young and old littered the ground sporadically, some having been partially torn apart. Forcing her eyes up, Twilight used her connection with Spike to ensure he did the same, keeping down his urge to vomit while also ensuring he stayed focused. Trotting past the corpses, Twilight entered into the hall proper, leaving the small entryway behind and stepping onto what had once been a dance floor.

Bodies continued to litter the ground, though here at least, most seemed to be of zerg whom had been foolish enough to get in the way of someone incredibly strong. Zerglings lay strewn across the ground, their legs torn from their bodies and tossed aside without a second thought. Bodies were crushed, organs pulped, and few ponies could be seen amidst the carnage, most being large earth ponies whom had evidently died in the room’s defence.

“There! The back room!” Silver Bulwark shouted before pulling her blade from her back and charging a duo of hydralisks slashing at a wooden door.

Leaping over the corpse of a headless roach, Silver Bulwark brought her magically keen sword down hard against the backside of the first hydralisk, cutting it clean in two. The second hydralisk seemed to be faster than most, and quickly turned and fired several dagger-like projectiles, which bounced harmlessly off Silver Bulwark’s armor. With a snarl of rage, the guard lit her horn and charged, projectiles continuing to bounce off of her like they were little more than toothpicks.

With a flash of magic she tackled the hydralisk and crushed it against a nearby walls, turning its head, and most of its midsection into a bloody goo. Twilight was quick to follow her up, and ran up to the door, quickly realizing that there was a large bookcase behind it.

“Hey, open up! We got survivors here!” Twilight shouted.

A relieved sigh could be heard from behind the bookcase. “It’s Celestia’s student. Get this thing out of the way!” a voice shouted.

A second being grunted, and through the holes in the door Twilight could see a stallion and a mare shuffling the bookcase out of the way for them. Not waiting for the other ponies, Twilight pushed it open and strode inside, ushering her companions in after her before turning to the ponies.

“Where is Cadance?” she demanded.

The two ponies blinked in shock. “She went up to the roof to try save some ponies who panicked,” the mare quickly responded.

“Yeah, just go down the hall but watch out, a few of those monsters got in before we could seal the door and we haven't had the chance to deal with them yet,” added the stallion.

Twilight nodded. “Let’s go.”

Knowing that her companions would be right behind her, Twilight took off at a sprint, leaping over fallen debris and passing by a long row of closed doors before taking a left at the bend. More doors lined either side of the hallway, while most were closed, one had been torn off its hinges, blood splattering across the entryway. Zerg cries and a familiar bellow of pain could be heard just beyond, one that Twilight recognized all too well.

With panic coursing through her, Twilight sprinted to the door and was just in time to watch as Steel Heart pulled apart a zergling by grabbing its front legs and ripping it straight down the middle. Gore and blood cascaded over the enraged and bloodied mare who didn't seem to care about the fact that she was now covered in the blood and organs of her slain foes. Hydralisk projectiles stuck out of her body at various points, and dozens of shallow slashes were visible all over her coat, yet she did not seem weakened by this one bit.

Behind her cowered a small group of foals who hid under the stairs which lead up to the floor above and beyond that, presumably the roof. That wasn't the only enemy in the room though, and a splatter of acid made Steel Heart stumble back in pain, the mare desperately trying to clean the burning liquid from her foreleg. The roach in the corner didn't have time to fire a second time though, as Twilight grabbed the thing with her mind and crushed it into a ball about one third of its original size.

“Help’s here, we got you,” Silver Bulwark announced before sliding in next to the pony, her horn glowing, a healing spell already partially complete.

Steel Heart looked up and sighed, her small smile turning into a grimace as Twilight pulled out one of the hydralisk daggers that had been embedded in her shoulder. “Took you long enough. Thought for a second I was going to have to crush all these bugs myself,” Steel Heart muttered, the enormous pony stumbling slightly and falling on her rump.

Looking over the pony’s many injuries, it was hard to imagine the earth pony surviving them for long without assistance. Twilight’s thoughts instantly went out to the parasite she had in her pocket dimension, and she considered using it before Silver Bulwark’s spell completed and the worst of the mare’s wounds closed.

“You should live, but be careful with that leg. Acid isn't exactly easy to heal,” Silver Bulwark cautioned.

Steel Heart chuckled bitterly. “Don't you worry about me. It's going to take more than a few puny darts and a couple of ugly dogs to take me down.”

The foals peeked from around the corner, revealing that there were over a dozen of them. “Is she going to be okay?” one rather brave one asked.

“She’s going to be fine,” Spike declared.

“Do these stairs go all the way up to the roof?” Twilight asked.

Steel Heart blinked and nodded. “It should. I don't think anything got past me otherwise there would be a hell of a lot more screaming.”

“Good, let’s go,” Twilight commanded, already sprinting up the stairs.

Silver Bulwark and Spike were quick to follow, leaving a grinning Steel Heart to pick herself off the ground and motion for the foals to follow behind the infested mare. “Get to the second floor kiddos, I’ll watch your back.”

The children all did as they were told, leaving a suddenly exhausted Steel Heart to nearly slump back to the ground. “Come on, old girl. We still got work to do,” she muttered.

Upstairs, Twilight sprinted across the mayor’s office space, making a beeline for the roof access and ignoring the looks coming from the huddled, fearful ponies hiding in the various offices. The clank of Silver’s steel-shod hooves and the distinct sound of a panting dragon told Twilight that her friends were still right behind her. A quick check of her detection spell told her that the alicorn was right above her, and her psionic abilities told her there were several zerg up there as well. One whom was clearly more powerful than the others and was likely the source of the tugging feeling she had detected earlier.

The psionic potential of this newest creature was staggering, at least compared to the usually non-existent power levels of most creatures she met. There was also something else about the zerg’s mind that made Twilight feel uncomfortable, though she couldn't quite put her hoof on why she felt that way. Shouldering her way through a door, Twilight didn't slow for so much as a second, the pony leaping up the stairs three at a time.

Upon reaching the roof Twilight was forced to trod over the corpse of a middle-aged stallion who had a long, dagger-like projectile sticking out of one of his eyes. Though it seemed different from the usual ones she had seen hydralisks use, Twilight didn't have time to think about that, and simply kept going. Upon reaching the rooftop, Twilight found the reason she had felt the tugging at the back of her mind, and also the source of this greater zerg she had sensed.

In the center of the wide, flat roof stood one of the strangest creatures Twilight had ever seen before. Though it resembled Starlight, it was clearly completely zerg, unlike the half-pony creature who had so desperately wanted Celestia’s essence. One half of its body was smaller than the other, and she was missing an eye due to a good part of her face being scorched black, but that didn't stop her from firing strange projectiles with deadly accuracy.

Projectiles that flew towards two foals and their mother who were cowering off to the side of the roof near the edge, Cadance standing tall before them. Before the spines reached their target, Cadance brought her wing down, the limb glowing and causing the objects to bounce harmlessly off of her. Seeing the alicorn alive made Twilight’s heart leap in her chest, only for her obvious wounds to fill the mare with fear.

Spines riddled the alicorn’s body, and though none seemed to have hit anything essential, one wing hung limply at the side and a great pool of blood lay beneath her hooves. Seeing such damage instantly made Twilight’s mind go to the parasite she had been ready to use a moment earlier. Before she could do that she would need to kill the queen currently attacking her foalsitter though, as she would need time to work.

With a slight push of her will, she kept Spike back, not trusting his scales to stand up to the queen’s spines. “Hey ugly, over here!” Twilight shouted.

With a wordless cry of rage, the queen spun towards Twilight, projectiles already shooting from her body. Twilight was ready though, and using her psionic abilities, she knocked aside each one of the queen’s attacks, batting them easily aside, before reaching out and grabbing the creature, intent on simply crushing its head with her mind. That didn't happen though, as the feral queen seemed to fight back, its own psionic powers just barely holding Twilight at bay.

It didn't seem able to multitask though, and it was forced to devote itself completely to fighting back against Twilight, leaving an opening Silver Bulwark could exploit. Hefting her sword high into the air, Silver Bulwark charged, yelling a wordless battle cry as she did so. Trapped between defending herself psionically and physically, the queen looked back and forth between Twilight and Silver Bulwark.

Then in a split second, it tried to scuttle backwards out of the guard’s swing, giving Twilight just enough of an opening to crush its skull and destroy its brain. Skidding to a stop, Silver Bulwark gave the crumpled queen a kick for good measure before stopping and putting her sword on her back.

Twilight didn't give the zerg a second thought though, only stopping long enough to notice the deep burns across a good third of its body and ponder how it had destroyed her elementals. Then she turned, and ran over to the wounded alicorn who still stood half over the two ponies, panting heavily as her blood ran in great rivers.

“Thank the stars,” Cadance muttered. “I don't know how long I could have held out.”

“Shh, it's okay,” Twilight replied, while motioning for Spike to join them. “I have something that can heal-”

“There's more!” screamed the tiny voice of the foal Cadance was still protecting.

Spinning around, Twilight saw two zerglings scamper up onto the side of the building, having taken an old fire escape staircase up to the top floor. Growling irritably, Twilight mentally commanded Spike to watch over Cadance before bringing her psionic power and magic to bear. A trio of manabolts brought down the first zergling while a wave of force caused the second to fly off the roof and splatter across the ground below.

The sound of claws scrabbling against metal made Twilight realize that more were coming up the stairs, a fact confirmed by her psionic abilities detecting multiple incoming zerg. Sprinting over to the edge of the building, Twilight began working on a spell which she planned on unleashing shortly after her target came into view. Dozens of zerg of various sizes and types were all climbing up the metal stairs, making the entire thing sag slightly under their weight.

A quick visual scan told Twilight that her plan would work, and after one final push of magic, she released her spell. A beam of white hot energy tore through the supports holding the staircase to the wall just as a zergling reached the top. Without anything keeping it bolted to the building, the entire thing went crashing to the ground, crushing most of the zerg and causing the rest to attack one another in confusion.

Spinning back around, Twilight was ready to reach into her pocket dimension once more, only for the entire building to shake unexpectedly. “What is it this time?” Twilight growled and spun back around.

Only to come nearly face to face with an enormous ultralisk who was eye level with the top floor of the three story building, its body glowing faintly, runes carved into its flesh at various points. “With me you two, Cadance watch the family!” Twilight shouted.

“But Silver Bulwark isn't done, Cadance is injured and bleeding every-” Spike began.

“If we don't kill this thing, everyone on or in this building is going to die,” Twilight barked back. “Cadance is strong enough to hold on a little longer before we heal her.”

The alicorn nodded wearily. “I can hold on for a few more minutes, focus on that monster first.”

Silver Bulwark, and Spike both seemed to hesitate before joining Twilight at the edge of the building. The ultralisk itself seemed confused, the beast looking around for direction, only for a lightning bolt to hit it in the back and cause it to roar in rage. Twilight had just enough time to notice a pair of unicorns standing atop a nearby building before they teleported away a second later.

The four great scythe-like limbs of the beast opened wide before coming down, intent on crushing the entire building in a single attack. With little time to plan, or cast a spell, Twilight was forced to use her mind alone, grabbing the ultralisk’s limbs and giving everything she had into holding them back. The sheer exertion made Twilight cry out in pain, the beast’s enormous muscles straining against Twilight’s hold, though they remained locked in place for the moment at least.

Noticing this opening, and how hard Twilight was struggling, Spike breathed deep and spat a ball of flame directly into the ultralisk’s unguarded face. The greenish purple ball of fire never connected though, as a rune etched into the creature’s forehead flashed briefly, causing the dragon’s attack to vanish. Silver Bulwark launched her own attack immediately after, her magic conjuring a rain of silver daggers that fell upon the beast. Only for another set of runes to light up and cause most of the daggers to vanish, and the rest to lose the majority of their momentum and bounce off the ultralisk’s thick hide.

“Do something, hurry!” Twilight shouted, veins bulging on her forehead as a thin dribble of blood trickled from her nose.

“Now’s the time to put your training to use, Spike!” Silver Bulwark shouted as she began to cast another spell, this one evidently much more complicated, requiring her to move and chant at the same time.

Spike nodded, gripped his spear, and blew flames over the tip, causing the end to light up with a bright blue flame that burned incredibly hot, yet didn't damage his spear. Without missing a beat, he wound up and hurtled the weapon directly at the beast’s face, his weapon flying straight and true. The first rune lit up again, and caused the flames to wither, but not die, only slowing his spear slightly.

Upon hitting his target, Spike found his weapon did little to hurt the enormous monster, but it did make it roar in pain, giving Twilight the breathing room she needed to shove the beast back a few feet. Collapsing to the ground, Twilight panted hard, her breathing ragged, and her head pounding from the toll her powers had placed upon her. She wanted to command her friends, to tell them to attack while the time was right, but she couldn't so much as muster a single word.

Thankfully for her, she didn't have to say anything, as Spike and Silver Bulwark leapt off the building. Silver’s magic wrapped around them both, causing their fall to slow just enough to leave them unharmed. Upon hitting the ground, Silver Bulwark ran straight at the monster, while Spike went around its side, scooping up a dropped sword as he did so. Twilight wanted to go to them, but with her head pounding and a bleeding, and panting Cadance close by, she was conflicted.

Looking back revealed that the alicorn had pulled most of the spines from her body, and though her wounds were terrible and she was rapidly losing blood, she was still standing. “Cadance, I-” Twilight began, only to be cut off.

“I’m fine, Twilight. A little blood loss won't kill me, I still have time. Your son and friend have even less than me,” Cadance replied.

Twilight took a glance down at the small ocean of scarlet liquid pooled about the mare’s legs, and nodded solemnly, trusting in the alicorn’s natural toughness. “Alright. But you are not allowed to die on me,” Twilight reprimanded before turning and leaping off the roof.

Cadance chuckled. “Don't worry, I’m not going anywhere.”

Leaping down from the building, Twilight was just in time to see Silver Bulwark get knocked through the wall of a nearby shop, the armored mare having gotten backhanded by one of the ultralisk’s great limbs. Twilight knew how tough her armor was though, and didn't spare the pony a second glance, focusing instead on Spike, who had somehow climbed atop the beast’s crest and was slashing and burning away at the rune placed upon it.

Without Silver Bulwark to distract it though, Spike was swiftly bucked off the creature’s head, and sent flying into the air. Sensing his panic, Twilight reached out with her magic, and grabbed the drake before he could get launched out of range, placing him down at the edge of the road. Now face to face with the great monster, Twilight realized just how well and truly massive the creature was. It easily towered over her, and weighed in at probably a thousand times her current mass, and that was only just her initial guess.

Without any enemies to distract it, the beast shook itself, before gazing down upon Twilight and letting out another roar of challenge. Twilight knew she had mere moments before it bore down on her, and so she chose to break out the one spell Celestia had told her to never use. Muttering an apology to her mentor, Twilight began the casting, the pony chanting while also waving her forehooves in an intricate series of motions. While this happened, she used her psionic powers to slow the beast down, stopping it from simply taking a few steps forward and crushing her underfoot.

She didn't try to stop it completely though, as that was simply out of the range of possibilities for her now that she had used so much of her power. Instantly the beast’s movements slowed as if it were slogging through neck-high water, giving Twilight time, and further enraging the enormous monster. Its bellow of rage made Twilight’s bones rattle and the ground under her shake, and Twilight made a note to complain to Celestia about just how long the spell took to cast.

Stupid old spells and their semantic and physical components, Twilight mentally cursed, her headache increasing tenfold by the second.

The ultralisk continued to slowly plod down the street, until its great limbs were in range, Twilight’s spell reaching its final stages just as the zerg’s blades were closing down around her. I won't have enough time, Twilight realized a second before the ultralisk found itself slowed even further, a silver aura surrounding its bladed limbs.

Out of the corner of her eye Twilight could see Silver Bulwark stride out of the rubble of someone’s house, her armor badly dented but not destroyed. The extra few seconds Silver Bulwark bought her were just enough for Twilight to complete the spell, her head pounding so hard it was difficult to see straight. She had done it though, and with one final thrust of her forehooves, Twilight cried out the primal name of the sun and called forth its power.

And the sun responded in kind, a great pillar of flame coming down from the heavens and slamming into the ultralisk’s back. For a moment it seemed like the runes were going to be enough to hold out, the pillar stopped in mid-air just above the top of the creature’s head. Then, with a great crack, the runes shattered like glass, and the concentrated beam of sunlight crashed down around the beast.

The ensuing howl of pain was completely erased by the far greater roar of energy currently filling the street. With the spell completed, Twilight stumbled to the ground, Silver Bulwark and Spike quick to rush in and grab her before she fell completely. Dragging her back a step, Twilight muttered an unheard thank you, the pony temporarily blinded by the sheer radiance of her spell’s effect.

All sound was consumed by the roar of the flames, all color erased by the raw intensity of the sun’s unbridled fury. The heat of which made Twilight wonder if she was on fire, her nerves temporarily shot from the exterion she had been placed under. The great pillar lasted only a few seconds longer before vanishing all at once, leading to a moment of silence before air rushed in to fill the void. Revealing the smoking body of the great beast lying inert on the ground, the rock beneath it having been heated to the point of it now resembling lava.

Twilight’s horn ached, her head pounded, and though she had strength left in her limbs, it was fleeting and growing more distant by the second. Sending out a ping, Twilight found that there were only a few scattered zerg left, most of whom were fleeing in all directions.

“-alright?” a voice asked, the ringing in Twilight’s ears dissipating just enough to allow her to hear what was going on.

“What?” she muttered, turning to where she assumed the voice had come from.

“Are you okay?” asked the distinct voice of Silver Bulwark, Twilight realizing in that moment that she had indeed been on fire, though Spike was taking care of that by patting her down.

“Fine, where’s Cadance?” Twilight croaked, her lips, face and throat burnt by the heat. “Not much energy left. Need to help her before she bleeds out.”

Silver Bulwark’s helmet was gone, allowing the unicorn to give Twilight an incredulous look. “Twilight, you were just barely on fire, we need to worry about you first.”

“No,” Twilight growled, pushing the unicorn back. “I can take it, Cadance does not have my regenerative abilities, she will die without my help.”

“Look! More of them!” Spike shouted, pointing to the sky.

Twilight spun around in horror, the unicorn looking up to where a four perfectly healthy mutalisks bore down on the roof of the hall in a V-formation. Twilight struggled to stand, limping weakly as she watched the unicorn foal Cadance had been guarding stand in front of her former guardian, her horn glowing brightly. Tiny mana bolts shot out of her horn, and whizzed past the creatures, the foal’s bleeding mother weakly crawling after her, desperate to protect her child.

“Get up there, now!” Twilight shouted, gesturing to the hall roof.

“I’m spent,” Silver Bulwark replied weakly. “I don't have any magic left.”

“We’d have to go through the building,” Spike added.

Twilight didn't hear either of them though, as her eyes were glued on the foal who through tear-strewn eyes continued to launch her tiny mana bolts at the fliers. The mutalisks ignored her attacks, the lead-most flier casually firing some manner of projectile at the foal in order to silence her forever. That attack never landed however, as Cadance dove in the way, protecting the child with what little of her life she had left.

Twilight felt her body hit the ground at the same time she saw Cadance’s do the same, a large glaive sticking out of the middle of the alicorn’s torso, severing her remaining wing and dropping her like a stone. All she could do was watch as the lead-most mutalisk swooped down and grabbed the alicorn with its four-pronged tail before attempting to fly off.

“Cadance!” Twilight shouted, the unicorn pouring everything she had left into her horn.

A thin beam of purple energy sliced the mutalisk in half, severing its tail, and making Cadance plummet to the ground. With one final grunt, Twilight reached out, and using the last of her psionic power, caught the alicorn before she hit the ground. The mutalisks were faster than her however, and by the time Twilight was about to lay her former foalsitter safely out of the way, the fliers were already coming back around.

Seeing the outstretched claws of the new lead mutalisk, Twilight could only scream in wordless rage, helpless as the zerg grabbed Cadance and flew off with her. Something rumbling nearby wasn't enough to distract Twilight as she tried to muster anything she had left. Her horn sparked uselessly, her head pounded with such ferocity that she could hardly think, and there wasn't even a weapon which she could throw at her enemies.

She was defeated, Cadance was gone, and nothing could change that, a fact reinforced by her life detection spell failing as there was no life left to detect.

And then Twilight was airborne. When she landed, the ground shook not from her impact, but because of something else, something very, very large.

Glancing over her shoulder, Twilight saw the ultralisk’s foot lift from the spot Twilight had stood a moment earlier, revealing a broken guard clad in gold armor. Spike was quick to snatch up the pony, but it was a wasted effort as the ultralisk had nothing left, and with one last wheeze it toppled to its side. Spike didn't make it far though, the drake tripping on a piece of rubble and falling before Twilight, Silver Bulwark’s broken body tumbling to the ground once more.

“Silver Bulwark, Bull!” Spike shouted as he gripped the mare’s shoulders. “Twilight you have to give me the thing. It's the only way!”

Twilight couldn't hear his cries however, as her attention was fixated on the broken body of the pony who had just saved her life. Her horn was cracked, as was her skull, her entire head slightly misshapen, yet still she breathed, and looked up at Twilight with hope in her sole remaining eye.

“You are alive. Thank goodness,” she croaked weakly. “Celestia woulda killed me.”

“Twilight, the thing, do it now!” Spike shouted.

Shaken from her stupor, Twilight lit her horn only for her spell to fail. “I can't, I don't have anything left,” Twilight replied.

“Take what you need from me,” Spike pleaded, tears cascading down his cheeks.

Twilight didn't know if that was possible, but she wasn't about to argue. Reaching out, Twilight tried to pull in what energy she could from the dragon, only to find that such a task was far easier than she would have thought. Strength flowed through her, rejuvenating her broken form and giving the unicorn just enough power to retrieve the parasite from her dimensional pocket.

Silver Bulwark, do you want me to save you? Twilight thought, connecting her mind to the dying mare’s.

I swore I’d lay down my life for you, but I have gotten rather fond of being alive, Silver Bulwark thought bitterly, a tiny smile growing on her face.

Without wasting a second longer, Twilight activated the parasite, and shoved the creature towards the mare. The unicorn wasn't sure what happened next, only that Silver Bulwark went limp, and Twilight poured every last bit of borrowed energy into the mare. As she did so, consciousness became more and more difficult to hold onto, until Twilight could no longer see, or sense what was happening before her, and yet still she pressed on.

Only when the last of her power was gone, and darkness loomed, did she finally let go, falling into the void just in time to hear someone gasp for breath.

Author's Note

An Overdue Conversation

Celestia reclined in her chair, the alicorn tapping her chin while she stared off into the distance, her gaze unfocused as she contemplated what she had just been told. “Then it is as my sources feared. They are growing bolder than ever, and have managed to get ahold of scientists knowledgeable of zerg biology,” Celestia remarked.

“I’m afraid so,” replied Twilight. “Though I’m worried about that mass teleportation spell they used. Such an affect is rare, and difficult to create without gathering dozens of powerful unicorns together in one place.”

“And then there was that queen they had,” added Spike.

“Indeed,” muttered Celestia. “Between the attack and all of the events surrounding it I am beginning to worry that they are preparing for something big like Blue Blood warned us.”

“Likely some manner of invasion, considering that they have not deployed their own forces up to this point,” Silver Bulwark warned.

“True. If they are testing both the strength of the zerg and the frontier towns, it makes me think they are going to strike there first,” Twilight exclaimed.

Celestia sighed. “I would refrain from making too many assumptions in that regard for there is information you do not know, which will no doubt change your thoughts on this matter.”

“And I am going to learn this information soon I hope,” Twilight replied with a hint of irritation.

Celestia nodded. “In mere minutes. I just wished to discuss a few things with Spike and Silver Bulwark before we begin that particular conversation.

“Oh? Like what?” Spike offered, leaning forward in his seat.

“I am about to tell Twilight a great number of very dangerous secrets. Secrets that mustn’t be repeated anywhere,” Celestia stated, the alicorn’s gaze falling on Spike and Silver Bulwark in turn.

“Are you calling me a blabber mouth?” Silver Bulwark accused with a smirk.

Celestia chuckled. “You two may believe you are good at keeping classified information to yourself, but you've never known secrets like these. You can't even so much as hint that you know what Twilight will soon know. Do you understand?”

Spike nodded. “I think we got it.”

Celestia frowned. “I will leave it up to Twilight’s discretion on whether you are let in on any of this confidential information.”

“Understood,” exclaimed Silver Bulwark.

“So was that it?” Twilight pressed, the mare’s anticipation getting the better of her.

“More or less,” Celestia admitted. “Though I had hoped we would have more time to talk, so that I may inquire about your most recent changes, Silver Bulwark.”

The guard nodded and ran a hoof down the back of her armored head. “Not much to say honestly. It's better than dying, and as far as I’m concerned I’m better for it.” She smirked. “Feels like I’m ten years younger too.”

Celestia smiled. “I’m glad. I trust you will keep these new abilities of yours reserved only for extreme cases, correct?’

“Of course,” Twilight replied instantly.

“If we had the time I would start researching this regenerative ability of yours, but that is merely another plan that must be put aside for now,” Celestia remarked, the alicorn sighing and leaning back in her chair.

“So is that everything?” Spike asked, the drake sitting on the edge of his seat, eagerness evident in his voice. “‘Cause I got some cold pizza and half read comics with my name on them.”

Celestia slowly stood, her joints creaking as she rose to a stand. “That is indeed everything,” remarked the mare, who winced after a particularly loud pop came from her right foreleg. “I really gotta make time for those yoga classes again.”

Twilight smirked. “Maybe you could get the council to meet in the yoga room.”

The alicorn smiled. “Then they could give me their reports while I practice my downward dog.”

“No way. You should get them to join you. Maybe then they wouldn't be so stuck up and inflexible,” added Silver Bulwark.

“True,” Celestia admitted, the alicorn thinking about the suggestion for all of a second before shaking her head. “We will be back soon, until then make yourself at home as usual.”

“Sounds good,” exclaimed Spike before he slipped out of the room, followed by a slightly more hesitant Silver Bulwark.

“Are you sure you don't need some backup there, boss?” asked the guard.

Twilight looked to Celestia, who shook her head. “After our conversation we’ll be going to one of the most secure locations in Equestria. I think we’ll be okay without you,” Celestia stated.

The infested guard nodded, before giving Twilight one last look and slipping out of the room.

Leaving the younger pony to look up at her mentor expectantly. “We’re not leaving Canterlot, are we?” inquired the unicorn.

Celestia shook her head. “It's not far, a short teleportation spell will bring us right there.” The alicorn lit her horn and shut the door before enacting even more privacy measures on the already well-warded room. “Now then, first things first. Please save any questions until the end. At which point if you do not believe you are capable of keeping these secrets I will use a gease to remedy that.”

“Isn't that a bit much?” Twilight asked. “I mean a gease is dark magic, after all.”

Celestia snorted. “Dark magic is merely magic that wants to be cast, remember?”

Twilight nodded grimly. “Its ease of casting, combined with its power has made it vilified by the unicorn nobility, and other groups who wished to keep such high level spells available only to them.”

Celestia smiled mirthlessly. “Exactly. It may be seductive, but it is only psychologically addictive, as the actual spells do not corrupt you like they would want you to believe they do.” She waved a hoof dismissively. “But I understand your hesitation and promise to only use such magic if absolutely necessary.”

“So, where do we start?” Twilight inquired.

“We start with something you may have already guessed. Namely that the nobility have managed to snatch up key researchers, as well as your former therapist,” Celestia began, the pony placing a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “I wish to apologize for this oversight. I do not understand how they have managed to get past the physical and mental contingencies put in place to stop such a thing.”

“Why would you apologize to me?” Twilight asked nervously, gently removing Celestia’s hoof from her shoulder.

“Because they will use that information against you in the future,” Celestia declared before taking a step back. “Every little thing you may have given either of them is now likely to be in the hooves of our enemies.”

“So expect that all to come back and bite me,” Twilight concluded with a nod. “I accept your apology.”

“Thank you, dear.” Celestia sighed. “Now then, why don't we-” The alicorn stopped, her brow furrowing as her attention shifted suddenly.

“What's wrong?” Twilight asked quickly, the mare looking around the room, as if expecting an attack at any moment.

“Well, let’s just say I’m going to have to give you a demonstration of something I had hoped to explain first.” Celestia lit her horn. “Hold still.”

Twilight did as she was told, the infested mare remaining completely motionless as Celestia’s horn began to glow brightly. Magic swirled around the mare's head, forming an intricate teleportation spell the likes of which Twilight had never seen before. It was powerful enough to send someone to the moon if need be, yet it was aimed somewhere close by.

The spell was completed a second later and Twilight was subsequently almost blinded by the ensuing flash. The usual snap, crack of a teleportation spell came from the other pony’s horn, though the moment of weightlessness between departure and arrival was longer than normal. It was enough to make Twilight begin to wonder if something had gone wrong, only for cold ground to suddenly appear under her.

Her head spun, and her body felt strangely light, magic clinging to her horn for some reason.

“Stay still, don't cast any magic, and don't utter a sound,” Celestia warned.

Twilight did exactly that, the sternness in her teacher’s voice telling her that she was serious. She dared not even move her eyes, merely staring forward into the gloomy stone grey room until something strange washed over her. White and blue light covered her form, making her skin crawl as the scanning spell picked her apart, atom by atom.

When finally the light dulled, and several torches sprung to life, Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, the spell leaving her feeling oddly naked for some reason. A shiver ran down her spine, and she looked up at Celestia expectantly, finding that the alicorn had her horn still lit and her eyes closed. With little else to do, Twilight looked around and realized she was in a moderately sized room that was oddly devoid of decoration.

There was only the dull, lifeless glyphs on the ground, plain stone all around them, a few torches on the walls and a large doorway before them which opened up into a lengthy hallway.

“There,” Celestia announced suddenly before turning to her student. “Sorry about that, Twilight. I programmed the defences to make an exception for you, but I had to make sure they were still working as intended before we could continue.”

Twilight nodded. “Understandable. So, what is this place anyway?”

“It’s somewhere deep beneath Canterlot, carved out in order to house something of great importance,” Celestia began with a faint smile. “But first, I must ask you if you believe in Harmony.”

“I assume you are not simply talking about the concept itself, right?” Twilight replied.

Celestia nodded. “I am not.”

Twilight pursed her lips. “There are plenty of magical beings with power the likes of which I cannot even fathom, so in that context it's certainly possible.”

“You are pragmatic as always, my student,” Celestia exclaimed with a chuckle. “I should have expected such an answer from you.”

Twilight cocked her head. “Why do you say it like that? You are not seriously suggesting that there is some sort of force that works through all of pony kind, manipulating us to some unknowable end. Right?”

“It is not unknowable, and it is not just ponykind that it moves through,” Celestia countered, the alicorn trotting forward, walking through the door and down the hall, her student close behind her. “Harmony exists in all living things, giving ponies magic, the hydra its regeneration, and much much more.”

“Okay, so why bring this up, exactly?” Twilight pressed.

“Because now that you know that Harmony itself is real, you must have many questions, like how does it work, or what does it want?” Celestia began, the sound of her trotting hooves being muffled by the long ornate carpet she walked upon. “I will not be able to answer many of those questions however as Harmony is as mysterious as it is powerful.”

“How powerful, exactly?” Twilight questioned, the pony only giving a brief glance to her surroundings before focusing on Celestia once more.

“It alters the very course of history, changing each and every one of us, steering us towards some future only it knows,” Celestia continued. “What I do understand is that it is truly benevolent, and that in times of chaos, it grows weak.”

“Times like the one we find ourself at this very moment,” Twilight remarked.

“Exactly,” Celestia declared, stopping before a large iron door that lacked a handle or any obvious method of opening. “Its plan for this world, for us, has been changed, altered by something dark that happened in the past and which has brought about untold suffering. Namely, the arrival of the zerg.”

“So if they had not arrived we would... What? Live in some perfect, peaceful utopia?” Twilight deadpanned.

“Most likely, yes,” Celestia replied with a soft smile, before lighting her horn again.

Twilight frowned, and was about to ask another question before she noticed the floor begin to bulge, and slowly take on the shape of an earth pony. “A stone golem? Interesting,” Twilight remarked idly

Celestia nodded before turning to the golem and speaking directly to the construct. “Concordia praevalet.”

Twilight lifted an eyebrow, and watched as the golem sunk back into the floor. “Is that the password?”

“It is, and should you ever require access to this place it will be the one you use,” Celestia announced. “I will also teach you the unique teleportation spell that brought us here later tonight. For now I will just say that my plans were all but ironclad, but with the addition of more variables things have changed, and the dark force which looms over this world has also changed.”

“What dark force are you talking about exactly?” Twilight questioned.

“I will tell you that in a moment. For now, I must welcome you to the Sanctum of Harmony,” Celestia announced as the large iron door opened on its own, revealing an enormous room.

Twilight blinked, temporarily taken aback by what she beheld.

The area was large, probably as big as the training arena that her and Celestia had spent so much time in. The walls remained a dull grey like the last room, but the carpet vanished, as did the torches, though the room itself remained brightly lit.

For in the center of the room was an enormous structure of bronze gears and glowing strands of light. The gears varied in size and shape, though one feature they always maintained was the way they effortlessly fit together, turning soundlessly. The entire thing moved and shifted in a manner reminiscent of an organ of some kind, reminding Twilight of a massive heart.

The light itself was also not all one color, though it was mostly dominated by the teal hues Twilight noticed earlier, there were also black, red, and purple lines intermingled here or there. More concerning than its bizarre appearance was the raw pressure it exuded in such amounts that Twilight could feel her horn begin to ache. Wincing, Twilight rubbed the base of the appendage, trying to make the uncomfortable sensation go away.

“Here, allow me,” Celestia whispered.

Twilight grimaced and nodded her head, allowing her teacher to touch their horns together and dispel the pressure that had previously assailed Twilight. “That is much better,” muttered the younger pony. “What was that exactly?”

“This room exudes so much magical energy that it could even refill your spell-casting reserves if you were suffering from something like magical exhaustion,” Celestia began as she trotted towards the enormous entity at the centre of the room. “Which you weren’t, so I went ahead and sapped some of your magic, relieving the pressure.”

Twilight snorted. “I never thought I would thank someone for doing that to me.”

Celestia smirked. “It is the only reason I’ve remained standing after so many long nights, and brutal days. Come now, I have something to show you.”

Pursing her lips, Twilight followed close behind her teacher even as they neared the great mass of gears and light. “Are you sure we should get so close to it?” Twilight nervously asked.

“It couldn't harm you even if it wanted to. Though that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful, as it is quite delicate, despite its appearance,” Celestia cautioned.

Twilight silently doubted such an assertion, given that some of the gears looked heavier than her childhood home. “So what is it you wanted to show me?” Twilight questioned.

“The future,” Celestia replied cryptically before kneeling. “Hop on my back and I’ll explain everything.”

“Are you sure about that?” Twilight muttered, eyeing the relatively thin alicorn closely. “I don't want to squish you.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “Twilight, I’m part earth pony. I’m sturdier than I look.”

Twilight’s frown deepened and she sighed. “Fine, but don't complain when your legs start giving out from under you.”

“Oh it will be f-ine!” Celestia cried as her student slipped onto her back and nearly knocked her off her hooves.

“Are you sure you are okay?” Twilight pressed, even as Celestia slowly rose to a stand once more, the younger mare now sitting atop Celestia’s back.

“Yeah I just probably should have done some stretching before this,” Celestia muttered under her breath before leaping into the air and flapping her wings.

It took a few seconds, but eventually Celestia managed to get Twilight right where she wanted to. “Wow, you are really warm,” Twilight muttered, the mare awkwardly holding onto Celestia’s neck with her forehooves. “And boney.”

Celestia sighed. “Can we pretend like this part didn't happen? I had a whole dramatic entrance planned.”

Twilight chuckled. “Sure.”

Clearing her throat, Celestia raised her head high in the air. “What you see before you are all the lives of those who live within the borders of Equestria. The ones furthest out are the least important to Harmony’s plan while those at the centre are the most important. The black ones are those who Harmony can no longer reach, and have fallen out of its ability to influence while the teal ones remain pure.”

“Then what about the purple and green ones?” Twilight pointed out.

Celestia sighed. “Their state of mind has been altered in such a way that their connection to Harmony has changed. This is only recent, and I assume it has something to do with the zerg.”

Twilight gazed over the few lines she could see which weren’t either teal or black, and found them to be few and far between. The majority remained bright teal, but several knots of black lines were visible near the exterior of the mass of gears and light. Around those particularly dense spots, the gears didn't move quite as quick, or as elegantly for that matter. A thought suddenly occurred to Twilight and she tore her gaze from the last knot she had found and gazed as deep as she could into the machine.

“Who's at the centre?” asked the young mare.

“I’m glad you asked,” Celestia replied before pumping her wings and flying directly into a hole which neatly opened for them. “Let's find out.”

For a second Twilight gripped her teacher’s body tightly, her fear getting the better of her until it was discovered that absolutely nothing bad was about to happen. Then her hooves loosened, and she relaxed, taking a deep steadying breath. With panic no longer coursing through her, the unicorn found her gaze drawn to the center, which seemed to be their destination.

Here the many lines seemed to converge at certain important points before flowing off into another part of the machine. Twilight’s gaze lingered over one such convergence point and found that she could see someone inside the thicker point of light. It was a teacher she had in her youth, one that had done a wonderful job instilling a deep love of learning in all of her students. Her name was Quick Quill and her light was as one of the brightest and most vibrant of the ones Twilight had seen.

Then it was gone, lost amidst the ever churning mass of gears and light, and a second later they came to a stop. Looking down, Twilight found that Celestia had conjured a floor for them to stand on, and began to lean down, allowing Twilight to step onto the glowing bit of golden light. After testing her new footing, Twilight looked around, and quickly discovered they were in a small alcove of some kind.

Beneath them shone a bright teal light which drowned out most others, though there were a grouping of lights near them which nearly did so. Though of that grouping only a select few seemed to have many connections of their own, and one had only two lines which touched it. They were also varied in color, one being a purplish teal, while two were black, and the others were a mix of teal or green.

“What is all this?” Twilight asked, looking up to her mentor.

Who smiled. “These are the Elements of Harmony. The group of ponies whom are destined to wield six ancient artifacts of unimaginable power.” Celestia pointed to the bright teal and purple speck Twilight had noticed earlier. “This is you, and the other five are friends who you will soon meet.”

“That seems a bit presumptuous. Don't you think?” Twilight muttered as she stared at her point of light, only to find that she was looking down over her own shoulder.

Celestia chuckled as Twilight hastily turned around and found no one looking down at her. “Harmony has a destiny for us all, and after I discovered yours, I made sure to move things in such a manner so that Harmony’s plan would be fulfilled.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow and studied her mentor closely. “So you’ve been manipulating my life without telling me?”

Celestia grimaced. “I wouldn't say manipulating persay, as Harmony’s destinies are not painful things. In fact when it is able to do what it wants without meddling, the ponies live their best life. They accomplish all they ever desired without suffering more than minor inconveniences.”

Twilight frowned and tapped her hoof, looking down at her point of light again. “I’m just going to assume you are right, and that this force is in fact completely and utterly benevolent. With that being said, what exactly is this destiny of mine? Or does telling me it change things in some way?”

Celestia sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Things have already changed immensely, and at this point I am going to need you in on my little schemes if we are going to avoid catastrophe. For you see, Twilight, you were meant to wield the Element of Magic and become the leader of the Elements of Harmony. Together with your friends you were intended to become Harmony’s agents and use your power to cleanse corruption from several enemies from Equestria’s past.”

Twilight’s features tightened and she bit down nervously on her lip. “How do you know all this?”

“That I’m afraid is one secret I can't divulge. At least not yet,” Celestia replied.

The unicorn started to groan, only to chuckle. “You know what, maybe that's for the best,” she exclaimed. “At this point I’m already going to lose sleep, and if you reveal some manner of divining the future, I may never see my pillow again.”

Celestia smiled. “That's more likely than you may think.”

“Alright, so we were supposed to be the Elements of Harmony and save the world a bunch of times,” Twilight began. “But from what exactly? My list of potential threats to Equestria is long, but most of them are relatively new.”

Celestia frowned. “Discord, the God of Chaos will return shortly after you and your future friends become the Elements of Harmony. He will be awakened by the dwindling chaotic energy in the world, something I don't think we have to worry about anymore.”

Twilight snorted. “Well, at least that's one less thing to worry about.”

“I wouldn't rule him out completely. Chaos isn't exactly known for being consistent and obviously the arrival of the zerg has dramatically changed our future,” Celestia cautioned. “I wouldn't be entirely surprised if Discord is awakened by too much chaotic energy as well.”

“Alright, we’ll worry more about the exact details of these threats later. For now, who else are we dealing with?” Twilight pressed.

“I have told you of the changeling species, and how they nearly dominated the planet a long, long time ago, right?” Celestia asked.

Twilight nodded. “You have. You also said they went extinct, though I think there is an addendum needed on that statement.”

“There is indeed,” Celestia admitted. “The inter-hive wars that destroyed their empire also nearly killed them all and only a single queen known for her propensity towards scavenging the scraps of other hives survived the conflict. In time she too will become a threat that needs to be dealt with by you and your future friends.”

“Shapeshifters, possible infiltration, high likelihood of working with, or being absorbed by the zerg. Got it.” Twilight looked up at the alicorn. “What's next?”

“Next is King Sombra, a unicorn who thought himself the rightful ruler of the entire planet.” Celestia chuckled. “He would be right at home with the nobles, though I wouldn't count on them working together.”

“Really, why is that?” Twilight questioned.

“He is arrogant in the extreme, perceiving even other unicorns as inferior to himself. He is an island of one, and in his mind he is the only one with the intellect and drive necessary to run the world properly.” Celestia scowled. “He was a truly blackhearted stallion who was not above mind-controlling whole hordes of innocent ponies, using them like cannon fodder against his enemies. He was defeated by myself and another, but he was able to fling himself and the Crystal Empire into the time stream before we could deliver the final blow.”

“Another alicorn I presume?” Twilight questioned.

“I will tell you about her in a moment. First I must tell you of the last threat, a centaur by the name of Lord Tirek,” Celestia replied sadly, the mare shaking her head. “His tale is long, and saddening, but after his race perished, he blamed those beings who had magic and sought to take it from everyone. He too was defeated, and locked in Tartarus, though I fear he may eventually escape as well.”

Twilight’s frown deepened. “Maniacal, mad, and driven by grief. Unlikely to work with the nobles unless intending on stabbing them in the back. Also unlikely to work with the zerg, though they are likely to hunt the centaur down in order to obtain his essence.”

“If they acquired his unique ability to steal magic for themselves, they would be unstoppable,” Celestia remarked grimly.

“Our priority should be to recapture him, or destroy him utterly if necessary. The zerg cannot be allowed to gain such a power,” Twilight stated sternly.

“I unfortunately agree.” Celestia sighed and shook her head. “Regardless. I promised you an answer to your earlier question so here it is. The last, but also the first villain you must face is my sister, Nightmare Moon, though at one point her name was Luna.”

Twilight’s brow furrowed and she looked up at her mentor closely, studying her features. “What happened?”

“Something corrupted her, something not from this planet and I fear it may be connected to the zerg, though they only showed up much, much later,” Celestia began, her gaze becoming more and more distant the longer she spoke. “She controlled the moon, and for this reason there were some who distrusted her, associating the mystery and danger of her night with her personally. Jealousy, distrust, and envy allowed this entity into her mind, and turned her into a monster who tried to bring night eternal.”

“Which is why you cannot simply destroy her, but you need to deal with her one way or another,” Twilight concluded. “These Elements of Harmony will purify her, right?”

Celestia nodded. “It is within their power, that much is certain. For it was their power that imprisoned her on the moon in the first place.”

Twilight was unbothered by this information, and merely tapped her hoof, deep in thought. “This will not be easy.”

Celestia sighed. “I know I have no right to ask this of you, but please get my sister back. If you awaken the elements and meet with the other five ponies that were destined to become your friends, then I’m certain it's still possible.”

“And if I can't?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Then I have contingency plans in place to ensure she does not take the throne,” Celestia exclaimed grimly. “She cannot be allowed to roam free without being cleansed, and if that means she needs to be destroyed, then that is a possibility I am willing to consider.”

Twilight eyed her mentor closely, the unicorn knowing quite well that the alicorn did not have the guts to do such a thing. Though after thinking about it for a moment, Twilight wasn't quite sure about that assumption, as this was a unique situation, one that may affect the fate of the entire world. With a frown, Twilight looked down, her gaze lingering on each of the five lights that surrounded her own.

“So, what's the plan then?” she asked.

Celestia smiled. “I would ask that you go to Ponyville in one year’s time, and act as my emissary in order to organize the one thousandth Summer Sun Celebration. Once there, you will need to reconnect with the other five Element Bearers and bring them to the Castle of the Two Sisters at the heart of the Everfree Forest. There you will find the Elements, and after you awaken them, you will then use them to cleanse the nightmare from my sister.”

“And then go down in history as big damn heroes,” Twilight added with a slight smirk.

“Indeed, and if all goes well, I would ask that you stay in Ponyville for a little while after that so you may connect more with your new friends,” Celestia continued, pointing down to the lights. “The bonds you share will strengthen the Elements, and enable you to face the rest of Equestria’s foes when they crop up.”

“Assuming this all goes according to plan,” Twilight remarked.

“I know it's a long shot, but I intend to stack the deck in your favor and give you all the information you will need to complete this mission,” Celestia finished, before stepping closer to the young mare. “So, what do you say, Twilight? Will you save Equestria and potentially the world?”

The unicorn grumbled to herself before looking up once more. “I want to say yes, but I can't help but feel like my place is in Canterlot, by your side. Especially with these unicorn supremacists running around, nevermind the zerg.”

Celestia chuckled. “Your concern is endearing, but I can take care of myself, you know. Dealing with upstart nobility is something of a specialty of mine, and as soon as we have cleansed my sister, I will be able to divert a lot more resources to handling them.”

“Still, it doesn't feel right to send me away when there is so much danger here in Canterlot already,” Twilight stated, though her convicting was beginning to falter.

“Know that I do not send you away for your safety,” Celestia began with a sad smile. “If Luna is not cleansed, then this world will suffer greatly, and I fear my back-up plans will be insufficient to deal with her at full power.”

Twilight sighed and stared off into space, her attention slowly drawn to the five lights which surrounded her own. Upon looking closer, she found that more lights surrounded hers, though they weren’t as bright, including a teal and green one which contained a slumbering Spike who had a piece of cold pizza sticking out of his mouth. She could also see a similarly distorted light that contained a worried Silver Bulwark who paced near the entrance to Celestia’s private residence.

Looking deeper revealed a clear teal light which showed an image of her father who was asleep on his chair, a book draped over his face. She could also see her mother staring out a window, a half-finished draft sitting forgotten on the desk before her. Even Shining Armor was visible, though his light was even blacker than his mother’s. The stallion could be seen polishing a sword.

With one final sigh, Twilight stood up, straightened her back, and looked Celestia in the eye. “Fine. But after that is done I am coming back to Canterlot and you are not leaving my sight for like, a month.”

Celestia chuckled. “Sounds like a plan.”

Twilight smiled as her mentor pulled her into a tight hug. “So you ARE going to tell me everything about these mares right? And about these contingencies of yours?”

“And so much more,” Celestia concluded before relinquishing her hold on the other pony. “But first thing’s first. You must learn about the ponies whom you will soon be your closest allies, for if even a single one of you does not realize your potential, the entire plan will fall through.”

Twilight nodded and peered down at the lights. “I’m ready.”

Author's Note

Freedom and Fear

“What happened to you?” Twilight muttered in shock, silently amazed that there was anything left of the pony inside the twisted mass of alien flesh.

“You are not supposed to be here, no one is supposed to know or else they will take me away. Please just go and don't tell anyone of what you saw,” Applejack pleaded, the zerg pony hybrid recoiling until she reached the ends of her chain and hissing pathetically.

“Noone is going to take you away,” Twilight declared, taking a step forward and raising her hoof in a calming manner. “Just tell me what happened and I might be able to help you.”

“N-no. I just hurt everyone who comes close,” Applejack whispered. “You should leave. If you do I, I… I won't tell Granny Smith you were here.”

“I am not leaving without you, Applejack. You deserve to be free, to not be chained up in some basement like an animal,” Twilight stated, taking a step closer.

“Don't you get it, lady? I’m not even an animal, I’m a monster. Just look at me!” Applejack declared, opening her forelimbs as wide as possible and revealing a twisted mass of organic plates, and a few patches of fur.

“I don't see a monster. Just someone who needs a friend, and to understand that they are more than just what they are on the outside,” Twilight continued, taking another step forward and causing Applejack to strain against her bindings, recoiling as far as she could.

“You don't understand! I hurt everyone I come close to, everyone I’ve ever cared about!” Applejack shouted, her voice becoming more distorted as time passed. “And if you don't leave, you’ll get hurt too.”

Twilight smiled. “I think you’ll find that I’m pretty tough.”

Applejack let out a violent hiss and slammed a boney limb against the ground, causing a chunk of dirt to fly off and bounce off Twilight’s shoulder. “Get back! I’m warnin’ you!” Applejack shouted desperately.

Twilight’s smile faded, the other pony’s tear-filled eyes sapping her of any mirth she felt. “Trust me. I know how you feel. If you tell me what happened, I promise I can help you,” Twilight urged.

“No, you don't!” Applejack shouted, slamming her forelimbs into the ground and causing several spines to erupt from her body.

Twilight was ready however, stopping the duo of thick dagger-like spines in mid-air and eyeing them curiously. “Fascinating. I didn't think the hydralisk strain could be incorporated into pony physiology,” she remarked before tossing them aside.

“You didn't even use yer horn,” Applejack muttered in shock. “Who and what are you?”

“I told you, I’m like you,” Twilight declared before pulling back the sleeve of her jacket and raising a hoof. “I too have been changed in some manner by the zerg.”

“Sure yer tall and mighty big for a unicorn, but…” Applejack’s jaws hung open, her face becoming an odd mixture of fear and confusion as Twilight’s hoof grew thick and familiar plates.

“I have also figured out how to hide some of my more… outward changes,” Twilight declared before causing her foreleg to return to its natural shape, though not without the glowing lines, and other changes she could not easily reverse. “I admit that such extensive changes are beyond my ability currently, as there seems to be a genetic component to making larger changes.”

“So can ya help me or not?” Applejack asked, hope and confusion brimming in her voice.

“I can't. Not yet anyway, but I swear that if you trust me. I’ll never stop trying to help you,” Twilight declared, while extending a hoof.

The hydralisk hybrid eyed the unicorn’s hoof carefully. “I’m not sure what ya want mah help for, but I’d do just about anything to see mah family again.”

Twilight frowned. “Are they the ones who locked you up down here?”

Applejack nodded. “I… hurt some ponies and they knew I’d get taken away if anyone found out, so they put me down here. For my own protection, and everyone else's.”

Twilight grumbled, anger burning in her chest even as her analytical mind came to the realization that this was probably the right decision on their part. “Let’s ignore that part for now.”

“Why do you smell so good?” Applejack blurted, only for her eyes to go wide. “I don't know where that came from.”

“Don't worry about it. Do you also feel smarter and more focused by chance?” Twilight pressed.

The hydralisk pony nodded slowly. “Yeah. I do. It feels like I’m seeing things clearly for the first time in a long time. What's happening to me?”

“My abilities are a little more cerebral in nature, but suffice it to say I make ponies like you feel a little more normal when you are around me,” Twilight clarified.

“Ponies like me…” Applejack whispered, the zerg’s gaze drifting off.

“Which is why I’d like to try something with you Applejack, if you’ll trust me,” Twilight began.

“Anything,” replied the other pony instantly.

“Close your eyes and try to focus on me while putting all other thoughts out of your mind,” Twilight continued.

“Alright.” The hydralisk closed her eyes, her facial muscles twitching for a moment before she seemed at peace.

Stepping out of the way of Applejack’s potential firing arc, Twilight placed a hoof on the hydralisk’s shoulder and focused her own mind on the tenuous connection they shared. Though small, it was enough to allow Twilight to briefly touch the other creature’s mind before reinforcing that strand that bound them together. As she did so, Twilight was able to feel more and more of the other creature’s thoughts and feel the fear and curiosity currently flooding her system.

Before she finished what she had set out to do, Twilight searched the neural pathways of the other pony’s mind until she found what she was looking for. One mental flick later, and Twilight finished strengthening their connection, fully opening herself to the other zerg, and vice versa. The reaction was immediate, with Applejack recoiling in fear, and confusion, her mind awash with new sensations.

“What in the hay did ya do to me?” Applejack shouted in shock.

“I have connected your mind to my own. Only with this connection can I help you,” Twilight warned.

“That was not part of the deal,” Applejack declared. “You need to leave, now.”

Twilight frowned. “I had hoped I wouldn't have to do this, but you must understand what is at stake.”

“What are you-” Applejack began, only for her eyes to roll into the back of her head as information poured into her mind.

A second later and they opened once more, only now the fear and confusion was gone. “Was all that, true?” she whispered with a strange sense of caution.

“What you saw were my memories, whole and unaltered,” Twilight declared. “It's about as honest as one can possibly be.”

Applejack nodded slowly. “I may not understand a lick of what's going on, but so long as you hold up to your end of the bargain I’ll follow you to the ends of Equiss and back.”

“Well. Hopefully we won't have to go that far,” Twilight replied with a smirk.

“So what's first there, boss? Or what do I call you?” Applejack asked.

“Just Twilight is fine, but if you insist on using a title, boss works fine,” Twilight declared.

Applejack nodded, her lips curling into as much a smile as the zerg pony could manage. “Alright then, boss.”

“Right, well. First thing’s first. I need to bust you outta here. Then I’m going to cast an invisibility spell on you. After that you should stay close, but not too close to me,” Twilight explained, the pony getting a brief alert from Spike indicating that they were wrapping up their visit.

“Close, but not too close. Got it. What else?” Applejack asked.

“Don't say anything. If you need to contact me just direct your thoughts towards me and I’ll receive them,” Twilight added before lighting her horn. “Get ready. I’m going to have to teleport you out of here, and the first teleport is a little… disconcerting to say the least.”

Applejack gulped and nodded again. “Alright. Ready when you are.”

Twilight decided to cast the invisibility spell first, quickly doing that and rendering the hydralisk completely invisible, though she was still bound by several chains. A quick zap from Twilight’s horn and the thick steel was turned to dust, but before Applejack could get used to the freedom, she was teleported into the nearby woods, giving her the space to get over the effects of one’s first teleportation without the worry of alerting anyone to her presence.

Shaking her head, Twilight put the entire morbid scene behind her, before crawling out of the hole, and back into the world. The mental block placed upon her by the dessicated timberwolf lifted the second her head emerged from the hole, and she breathed a sigh of relief. One quickly cut short by an irritated snort from someone standing only a few feet to her right.

Looking in that direction revealed a rather irate red-furred pony with a slightly darker straw colored mane. He wore a yoke around his neck, and on his flanks was the cross section of a large green apple. Scanning through the minds of Spike and Silver Bulwark revealed that this was indeed the same Big Macintosh that Celestia had told her about, though neither of her assistants could tell her how he had managed to slip away.

“Ya got about five seconds to explain yourself before I knock that head of yours right off yer shoulders and if you even think about lighting up that horn, ya won't even make it the five seconds.” Big Macintosh declared.

Twilight took a second to fire off a brief set of orders to Silver Bulwark, Spike, and Applejack before looking up at the large red pony. “I know how this may look, but trust me, one day you are gonna think back to this moment and thank me for what I just did,” Twilight replied.

“What are you-” Was all Big Macintosh managed to say before Twilight’s full psionic weight bore down on his mind, turning his legs to jelly and knocking him to the ground.

Twilight’s eyes narrowed as she dug through his memories, witnessing events only he had experienced before now. Twilight didn't have time for the details and went straight to his earliest memories, focusing on the relatively normal childhood he had. Which proceeded to be completely changed when something hit his sister, after which things got fuzzy. His parents passed away suddenly, and after that things became grim, forcing the young male to grow up quickly. Twilight was about to press deeper and figure out what had happened to his parents, when she felt a familiar presence.

“Are you alright?” Twilight asked without turning around.

“What are you doing to him?” hissed Applejack defensively.

“Looking through his memories,” Twilight began, only to grunt when she felt the male start to fight back. “And hopefully going to expunge these last few minutes from his mind.”

“Just be careful is all, he's as stubborn as a mule sometimes,” Applejack cautioned.

Twilight nodded and eased off on the male, redirecting her efforts to simply altering what had happened since he had come around the corner to find the ground dug up. It took a little more effort than Twilight would have liked, but eventually she managed to change things just enough to fit her plan. After she was done Big Macintosh would now remember that he had been the one to dig it up and that he did not need to go down there for an entire month.

It wasn't a fool proof way to cover her tracks, but it gave Twilight time to come up with something better, and perhaps if they were lucky, even return Applejack to a more normal state. Though that last possibility was an incredibly unlikely one, as Twilight hardly had a clue where to start on that particular front. Still, her abilities had grown quite a bit in the past few months so she was still optimistic that she could do something for the poor pony.

“Perhaps I could transfer her consciousness?” Twilight remarked idly as she worked.

“What was that?” Applejack asked.

Twilight shook her head. “It's nothing. We’re almost done here.”

Pulling back on her psionic presence, Twilight made sure to cover her tracks well, knocking Big Macintosh out for a minute or two. Leaving them just enough time to duck around the corner and slip away, meeting up with both Silver Bulwark and Spike near the farm’s entrance. The two other infested both gave Twilight a worried look, with Spike eyeing the unicorn critically, while Silver Bulwark watched the spot she knew Applejack stood.

“So, how'd it go?” Spike cautiously asked.

“Good,” Twilight declared before trotting down the long dirt road which connected the farm to Ponyville proper. “The first asset was acquired with minimal interference. I assume the planning for the Summer Sun Celebration went well?”

“It did and we got stuffed in the process,” Silver Bulwark happily explained, the pony patting her stomach with a grin.

Twilight glanced over near the ditch where she knew Applejack was, and smiled as the pony seemed too amazed at her surroundings to give Spike and Silver Bulwark any attention. “I’m not sure if the Summer Sun Celebration will even occur, but if it does, it's nice to know that at least the food will be acceptable. I’m concerned about the asset though, as well as this other presence that has been plaguing us, but we don't have the time to deal with either of them right now,” Twilight exclaimed.

“So what are we going to do right now then?” asked Spike curiously.

“We need to secure the asset at the library, and then move on to the next pony on our list,” Twilight declared.

The two other beings nodded, and the group proceeded to do just that, all four of them making a beeline to the large semi-hollow tree that they had already passed earlier. While they walked Applejack was busy marveling at all that had changed since she was a kid, and all the new faces she saw. Twilight was forced to regulate the other infested pony’s emotions a few times as she was a little overwhelmed at a few points.

In the end Applejack seemed to have adapted to the changes of her hometown relatively well, Twilight’s influence strong enough to ward away the worst of the panic and fear she had felt. By the time they reached the library Applejack was also much quieter, despite her enormous bulk, and Twilight no longer had to worry quite as much. Still, even with Twilight having turned off the part of Applejack’s brain that made her shoot spines on impulse, the infested pony was not exactly in the best place either mentally or emotionally which worried the unicorn.

If Applejack was going to stick with them, they were going to have to find her help, when they could. That time was not now though, and Twilight put such concerns from her mind for the moment while lifting the welcome mat to reveal a small silver key. Nodding to Silver Bulwark, Twilight grabbed the key and hastily threw open the door, her guard charging in first, followed closely by Twilight, Spike, and finally an invisible Applejack.

The room seemed normal, if a little quiet, with dusty shelves surrounding them, and small mountain of mail sitting on the ground just inside the room. Snatching the pile out of the way before Applejack could crush it under her bulk, Twilight flipped through them while her guard searched the area. Though they were mostly ads and flyers that were largely out of date, there were a few letters addressed to the former librarian. Whom, if Twilight remembered correctly, had moved back to Manehattan to take care of her ill mother rather suddenly.

Twilight put those letters aside before tossing the rest in the trash and closing the door behind Applejack. Turning to Silver Bulwark, Twilight noticed that she seemed to have completed her initial sweep and was eyeing the hydralisk carefully.

“Everything in order?” Twilight asked.

Silver Bulwark nodded. “It seems as though Celestia has indeed learned subtlety after all these years.”

“Ha, like that would happen,” Spike exclaimed before hopping onto the couch and causing a cloud of dust to erupt from the piece of furniture.

Twilight rolled her eyes as her draconic assistant began coughing and rolling around on the floor. “How long do you think it will take to reinforce this building to the point that you would be confident of its security?” Twilight asked.

“A couple hours at least,” Silver Bulwark declared, her eyebrows rising as she watched the strange hydralisk pony poke open a children’s book and begin reading it. “More, if I’ll be watching over her while I do it.”

“I’ll leave Spike with you as well, that should be enough to handle things while I find the rest of the assets,” Twilight declared, before smirking. “I’m amazed you managed to see through my invisibility spell so easily.”

The guard shrugged. “Your spellwork has come a long way, but the guard isn't quite as inept as you might believe. Or at least, it wasn't anyway.”

Twilight nodded. “Alright. I’ll be proceeding with the next part of the plan alone then. Applejack, Silver Bulwark, Spike and you will be staying here while I go back into town and find the other ponies we need. After which we will meet back here and discuss the plan.”

“Do I have to keep being invisible?” Applejack asked.

“Until we can secure the premises and ensure no one sees you, yes. I’m afraid so,” Twilight replied.

The pony seemed ready to argue for a second before she sighed. “Don't suppose you could work something out so I could at least read, could ya? These chopsticks aren't the best when it comes to doin’ anything delicate.”

“I could read to you for now. I got nothing better to do,” Spike offered.

“Err okay, but aren't you the least bit confused?” Applejack inquired. “I mean you haven't even seen me yet.”

“Yeah, but Twi already showed me what you look like,” Spike replied while tapping the side of his head.

“Oh…” Applejack murmured, her large bulk skidding back a little.

Spike shrugged. “I wouldn't worry about it. I’ve seen plenty of scarier people than you.”

Twilight quickly tuned out the rest of their conversation and turned back to Silver Bulwark. “She is emotionally unstable, cloistered, and no doubt traumatized. When you get the time, try to give her a space of her own which isn't in the basement. Oh and maybe have a talk with her about her experiences if possible.”

“Will do, boss lady,” Silver Bulwark declared. “And don't worry about her none. I got a feeling in my gut that she's going to be one of the easier Elements to get on our side.”

Twilight frowned. “Well now that you jinxed it, she is.”

The guard grinned and slapped the other unicorn across the back. “Ahh, what's a little challenge to Celestia’s chosen?”

Shaking her head, Twilight shrugged off the guard’s hoof and turned to the door. “I’ll be back soon. Oh and if you can, get Spike to make a quick run for groceries. Something tells me whatever is left in the fridge won't be edible.”

“Aye boss,” Silver Bulwark replied.

Twilight gave the invisible hydralisk one last glance, noting that even though she was still a little guarded, Applejack had begun to warm up to Spike. A soft smile came across the trench coat-clad pony, and Twilight made a note to do something nice for the no doubt traumatized farm mare when she could. After all this was said and done, of course. They couldn't exactly have a party while the world was being threatened after all.

Slipping outside, Twilight hastily put the library behind her, confident that her two assistants would be able to handle the tasks she had left for them. Though she couldn't help but worry about the newest addition to their little cadre of half zerg hybrids, Twilight knew she was in good hands. Putting that worry from her mind, Twilight continued on her mission, seeking out the next Element of Harmony on her list.

It took a couple of minutes and casting the harmonic resonance spell a dozen or so times, but finally, she found who she was looking for. Looking up at the sky, Twilight smirked, noting that Celestia’s intel had been bang on for once, as a thin trail of rainbow-colored mane spilled over the side of a cloud. Right where the alicorn had said she was likely to be, doing exactly what she had said she was likely to be doing.

Looking around, Twilight noticed that despite glowing recommendations of the pony’s skill, clouds still littered the sky. Having committed Rainbow Dash’s psyche profile to memory on the way here, Twilight already knew just what to do.

“I wonder who is in charge of the weather around here? All these clouds should be gone already,” she loudly exclaimed, as if talking to someone.

The cloud stirred, and Twilight got the distinct impression that she was being watched. “Oh well, no matter I suppose. I guess I’ll just have to call in the Canterlot weather team to fix this before the Summer Sun Celebration.”

That seemed to work, and a prismatic blur shot down form the cloud and landed an inch from Twilight’s muzzle. Inadvertently landing in a mud puddle and causing the unicorn to be splashed by a wave of brown mud. “If you call those creeps to come mess around with our weather, I’ll give you a taste of my hoof, unicorn!” declared the teal pony confidently.

“Oh really? Then you had better prove to me that this town’s weather team is up to the challenge,” Twilight countered while leaning forward, emphasizing the considerable difference in height.

Rainbow Dash was unmoved by the act of intimidation though and merely snorted. “You are on,” she shot back.

Exploding into the sky, the pegasus caused another splash of mud to land on Twilight’s jacket, making the unicorn sigh and wipe the worst of it off. “I just had this dry cleaned,” she muttered to herself.

Up above her head, Rainbow Dash shot through the air like a rocket, destroying cloud after cloud until the sky was clear, and the sun shone brilliantly and unimpeded once more. Nine seconds after she had started, the pony skidded to a stop before Twilight once more, the unicorn ready this time, erecting a barrier that caught the ensuing spray of mud.

“Well, would you look at that,” Twilight exclaimed with a grin. “I guess this town doesn't need help after all.”

“Heck no we don't!” Rainbow Dash declared while puffing out her chest. “Ponyville may not be the biggest, but there is no way we need some namby pamby unicorns to help with the weather.” She snorted. “As if they could do anything to help anyway, the stick heads.”

“Rainbow Dash, I presume,” Twilight announced while extending a hoof.

The pegasus cautiously clopped her hoof against the offered appendage. “And who are you supposed to be? Nightmare Night isn't for another few months.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I’m Celestia’s student. I’m here to oversee the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration.”

The other pony’s eyes went wide. “R-really? So Celestia really is coming here of all places?”

Nodding, Twilight smiled. “She is indeed planning on it. Provided everything goes according to plan, that is.”

“Well shoot. Why didn't you start with that?” Rainbow Dash declared, only to wince when she looked at Twilight’s mud-covered clothes. “Oh, did I do that? Here, I’ll fix that in a jiffy.”

A firm hoof held Rainbow Dash in place. “No need. I can handle it myself just fine.”

Twilight lit her horn and cast a quick spell, cleansing her person of the mud and dirt which clung to her.

“Cool trick,” declared Rainbow Dash who grinned. “Say, you aren't so bad, for one of those pointy headed know-it-alls. We should hang out sometime.”

“I’d like that. Maybe you’ll be tough enough to actually beat me in a hoof wrestle,” Twilight shot back.

The pegasus grinned. “You are so on! Come by my cloud house at the end of Birch street whenever you are ready to lose!”

Then without waiting for a goodbye, the pegasus rocketed into the sky, quickly disappearing as she shot off into the distance.

Twilight shook her head and smiled. “You are an interesting one, I’ll give you that,” she whispered to no one.

Lighting her horn, Twilight cast the now familiar spell and found that the last two element bearers were nearby, though one was closer than the other. Which was probably at the town hall, while the other was near the Everfree, which meant Rarity was probably closer, as the unicorn was in charge of decorating said hall. Twilight was already dreading her meeting with the fashionista, but soldiered on regardless, knowing full well what must be done to avert potential calamity.

While she walked, the unicorn pondered as to why the information they had received on Rarity was so spotty. The parents were unremarkable, one being a traveling salesman while the other worked at a travel agency. Despite the humble beginnings, Twilight knew Rarity had traveled to Canterlot several times, sometimes on her own, sometimes with family. The frequency of said visits were perhaps the most off-putting to Twilight as it represented the first real chance that one of the assets had been corrupted by the families.

She had recently gotten back from a rather lengthy and secretive trip, adding to the air of mystery and unease that surrounded her. Gulping down that particular worry, Twilight tried not to think about what she may be forced to do if it turned out that Rarity was beyond hope. Still, the spell had at least worked, meaning the fashionista’s connection to the Elements wasn’t completely severed.

Ignoring the nervous glances and paranoid looks of the general populace, Twilight trotted through the central square and up to the town hall. Pushing open the doors, Twilight looked around to find that the large, circular room was decorated quite elaborately. Streamers of blue attached to decorative suns were plastered everywhere, connecting the various balconies with strands of colored paper.

Banners hung from the walls and chairs were placed around the central two-story stage, yet there was no one around.

Pinging the spell again, Twilight found that she should be standing right next to the other Element Bearer, and the unicorn began to wonder if Pinkie Pie had managed to master her invisibility technology in the past hour.

“I’ll be with you in a moment, darling. I just noticed there was a dreadful cobweb up here and I absolutely had to deal with it before the princess arrived,” announced a female voice that seemed to echo despite the apparent impossibility of such a thing.

Twilight’s blood instantly turned to ice, and she looked up to see Rarity floating near the ceiling, duster in hoof as she cleaned away a stubborn cobweb. Her horn was dull, her eyes glowed a faint blue, and draped over her form was an elaborate dress of a familiar gold hue. Her mane was bound into a tight cord that hung over the side of her head, blue and gold fabric intertwined in her hair.

No wonder there was a hole in her intel, Twilight thought to herself, her worst fears now suddenly realized. Rarity is a high templar.

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: Apollyon, Astor, BeenMcsqueen, Blade Tech, Calum, Canary in the Coal Mine, Ceepert, Corey, Craig, Dale, DioKyro, Doomgooey, Facinus, Free, GruB, I am Unknown, Ivar, Jacob, Jeffrey, Kali, Lich-Lord Krosis, M, Makani, Megatyrant, Menthol Qtip, Mephia, Mike, Mikhalia, Mirvra, Mophop, Nathan, Neverborn, Nfreak, Octavia and lowbar, Pacsik, Peter,Prysm, Random reader, soundtea, Starless, Steven, Tiwake, Todd, Trash Panda, Vigilant Watch, annnnnnnd Xvos!

A Tentative Alliance

“There we are. Much better,” Rarity declared, the fashionista’s voice echoing slightly as the gold and blue-clad mare descended from on high.

Numerous defensive spells sprung to mind, and for a moment Twilight considered using them, only to remember what she had felt a minute earlier. Namely the fact that Rarity was still connected to her Element, and though that connection had felt tenous, it was still there, which meant Twilight still needed her. Gritting her teeth, the infested pony tried to relax by breathing deeply, but that did little to calm her nerves.

“Are you alright, darling?” Rarity inquired.

Twilight forced herself to smile. “I’m fine. It's just been a long day, is all.”

The unicorn nodded slowly. “I’m sure it has. What can I do for you?”

Twilight felt the usual prick of a templar’s mental intrusion, and though she quickly rallied her defences, she found the act ultimately unnecessary. It seemed as though the other pony only wanted to know if Twilight was angry with her and did not seem intent on going any deeper than that. Confused, Twilight felt herself relaxing a little, though she kept herself ready to ward off any further intrusions.

“I’m the event planner for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Twilight declared while straightening her back and squaring her shoulders. “I am here to ensure the decorations are complete for Celestia’s arrival.”

“You must be Twilight Sparkle then,” Rarity concluded, prompting Twilight to nod. “I guessed it was you the very second you stepped into the room. You carry quite the aura of command, you know, and to refer to the princess in such a casual manner... Well, if anyone else did such a thing, it would be quite scandalous.”

Twilight cocked her head slightly. “I, uh. Yes, I suppose it might.”

“And your sense of fashion is so… out there,” Rarity replied, her telekinetic powers lifting one of Twilight’s lapels. “It would be quite garish on anyone else, yet you pull it off quite well. Very intimidating.”

“Yes, well.” Twilight brushed her lapel and dismissed the other pony’s telekinetic touch. “My own sense of fashion aside, I was hoping to speak to you about the decorations.”

“Oh, yes of course. Where are my manners?” Rarity bowed low, her braided mane nearly touching the ground. “The name is Rarity Silver Belle of the Belle family. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Twilight of the Sparkle family.”

That made Twilight lift an eyebrow. “You know my family name. That's rare, most folks don't remember the old houses, and especially not the old, disgraced ones.”

Rarity waved a dismissive hoof after rising back into a stand. “Oh, pish posh, darling. Even scuffed gold is still gold after all. Besides, I don't put much stock in all that noble house business.” She leaned a little closer to the infested mare and lowered her voice. “Too many ponies use it as a replacement for a real personality, if you ask me.”

Twilight couldn't help but feel herself grin. “That is very true.”

Rarity nodded and took a step back. “I also make it a habit of doing my best to judge someone based on their actions, rather than their reputation and the rumours that may surround them.”

“Oh, and what kind of rumours have you heard about me?” Twilight pressed.

The unicorn blushed slightly, running a hoof down her braided mane. “Nothing polite, I can assure you, and nothing I shall repeat in pleasant company if you don't mind me saying.”

“You know. Now that you mention it, I am rather curious about what you do know of me,” Twilight continued, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Rarity blushed a little harder, the blue aura which surrounded her eyes flickered slightly. “Oh, just that you're the princess’ student and your family name. Nothing more, I assure you.”

“Uh huh,” Twilight exclaimed. “You know, it is a little unfair that you know more about me, than I do about you.”

The designer nodded vigorously. “Oh quite so. Allow me.” She cleared her throat. “I was born here in Ponyville, but my family is originally from Canterlot as you may have already guessed. I am the eldest of two sisters, and I own and run the Carousel Boutique which is actually just down the street. Please do come see me if you need any manner of clothing.”

Twilight nodded slowly, silently surprised to find that one of the great houses’ pawns were so honest, the other unicorn having passed Twilight’s little test with flying colors. “Interesting. Though I’m curious about how you became such a high ranking member of the houses’ little cult.”

“It is not a cult,” Rarity growled, the unicorn lurching forward, her voice having suddenly become far deeper than normal.

Rarity coughed awkwardly before taking a step back and placing a hoof over her heart. “Pardon me, but I assure you it's no cult. The khala and the connection it gives us is quite real and is a powerful gift.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, but remained unfazed by the sudden shift, having had enough experience with ponies like her to know that such a jab would elicit a similar response. “Really now? Seems like slavery with extra steps to me,” Twilight countered.

“It most certainly is not,” Rarity declared with a stomp of her hoof. “I will have you know that I entered into this union with full knowledge of what it entailed, and I was not under any manner of duress. In addition, I have been given powers I had only dreamed of while not under any obligation to give the houses anything in return.”

“Other than your loyalty and fealty,” Twilight replied.

The other unicorn scowled. “Loyalty is earned, and my fealty is owed only to Equestria. All other obligations are secondary.”

Twilight nodded. “That is quite admirable. I must apologize for my earlier statement. It seems as though there exists a great amount of misinformation on the topic.”

Rarity’s scowl quickly vanished, the mare quickly gaining a wide, confident smile. “Apology accepted, but I really must reiterate that the khala truly is a force for good,” she urged, the unicorn floating into the air while wrapping her arms about herself. “To be one with every unicorn is to never be lonely, sad, or without a comforting, helpful voice.”

Twilight frowned, the pony already conjuring images of people constantly looking over her shoulder every moment of the day. “Yes, that certainly does sound… nice.”

“Oh, but it gets better, for you see, it is quite a magical experience to truly understand your fellow unicorns,” Rarity gushed. “To speak with one that is connected is to understand not only what they said, but what they meant and intended. It is a connection that goes beyond the physical. To be able to do things you only read of in cheap paperbacks is the perfect icing on the cake.”

Twilight’s frown deepened, her irritation slowly growing hot in her chest. “Well, it's certainly not for me. I enjoy my privacy. Thank you very much.”

Rarity surged forward, cupping the infested mare’s cheeks in her hooves. “O,h that truly is a shame. With your power, your knowledge, and your abilities, you would be a wonderful member of our little family. Think about it, darling! You could partake in what we know, and in turn all of Equestria would benefit from your talent.”

Rage burned hot in the infested mare’s chest, her irritation growing to the point that her horn sparked, and her muscles tightened. Rarity didn't seem to notice any of this, the pony taking a step back and levitating into the air, spinning in circles.

“Oh, it would be absolutely wonderful, and with your influence we could help make all of Equestria understand how beautiful our union truly is,” Rarity exclaimed. “That would be just…” she sighed, “amazing.”

The other unicorn’s infectious joy was pressing against Twilight’s mind, Rarity’s exuberant declarations only annoying Twilight further. With her horn sparking and her muscles coiled, Twilight considered decking Rarity the second she floated close enough, only to receive a sudden tug at the back of her coat. Turning around, Twilight was ready to lay out whoever had distracted her, only to realize a certain lanky dragon was looking at her curiously.

“Are you alright there, boss?” Spike inquired.

Most of the rage Twilight felt vanished from the mare’s mind. “I am now,” Twilight muttered. “Why are you here anyway?”

Spike shrugged, the dragon watching as Rarity continued to sing the khala’s praises, unaware that no one was even listening to her anymore. “I was going on a grocery run when I felt like you were gonna do something stupid,” he explained.

Twilight snorted. “I just might have.” She waved a hoof. “Forget the groceries for the moment, we’ll do it together. Something tells me I’m gonna need help keeping a level head if the last one turns out even half as irritating as Rarity.”

“-and that is why it is the destiny of not only unicorns, but all of Equestria to join us,” Rarity declared as she floated down before them.

“Very interesting,” Twilight muttered.

“It was, wasn't it? Oh, how I do so enjoy telling ponies of all the benefits that await them, should they choose to join us,” Rarity continued to gush.

“You said your shop was just down the street? Where exactly might it be?” Twilight inquired.

The fashionista blinked, temporarily confused by the question. “Oh yes, right. It's right down Maple. You should be able to see the sign easily enough from the street.”

Twilight nodded. “Thank you for your time, Rarity. But I have several other things to organize before the day is done, so if you’ll excuse me.”

“Of course, of course. Don't let me keep you, darling,” Rarity replied before turning to Spike with a wide, genuine smile already on her face. “It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Sir Spike.”

This time it was the dragon’s turn to act confused, a small blush coming across his features. “Wait, Sir Spike?”

“Oh, but of course. You are officially part of a noble house, even if you are a dragon,” Rarity declared.

“Let’s get those groceries done. Were on a schedule,” Twilight announced suddenly, grabbing Spike by the scruff of the neck and all but dragging the dragon after her.

“It was nice meeting you too, Rarity!” Spike shouted as he was pulled out of the building.

Now outside, Twilight deposited the dragon onto his own two feet, eying him curiously. “What was that?” Twilight demanded.

“What was what?” Spike asked, his gaze lingering on the door which now stood between him and Rarity.

“Those goo goo eyes I saw,” Twilight declared, jabbing a hoof at the dragon’s face.

“I was not making goo goo eyes at her,” Spike shot back. “Also, who says goo goo eyes? You’ve been spending too much time with Celestia. You are starting to use her one thousand year out of date slang again.”

“I might have spent some… You know what, it doesn't matter. You know exactly what I mean, mister,” Twilight countered, her glare fixing on the now suddenly defensive dragon.

“Alright alright. So she’s cute. What's the big deal?” Spike replied while throwing up his arms.

“She’s the enemy, Spike,” Twilight hissed. “The enemy is not cute.”

Spike raised an eyebrow and looked over the unicorn’s shoulder, prompting Twilight to blink and follow his gaze to where a pony stood awkwardly, a bundle of decorations in her hooves.

Shuffling out of the way, the pony quickly walked past the pair, giving them both a wide berth.

Twilight frowned. “Come on. We can talk about this while we head to the store.”

Spike shrugged. “I’m not sure what the big deal is. It's not like I’m interested or anything. I’m just sayin’ she's cute. You have to admit she does pull off the whole blue and gold thing quite well.”

Twilight’s frown deepened and she grumbled under her breath. “Okay, fine. So she maybe kinda sorta does a better job pulling off the look than most of the houses’ pawns.”

“See? That's all I’m saying,” Spike declared. And if you don't believe me, read my mind, he added, sending the thought to Twilight.

“Fine. I’ll drop it. Just don't get too friendly with her, alright?” Twilight whispered as the pair proceeded down the steps and began to trot in the direction of the market. “You don't know who else may be listening through those ears of hers.”

“Yeah yeah. It's not like I’m going to go spilling my life story to her or anything,” Spike muttered. “Hey, do ya think she could be a potential ally?”

“An ally, Spike, really? She’s a pawn of the houses,” Twilight deadpanned. “Once you become one of them, there is no coming back. Besides, you heard her little spiel back there. She loves the whole khala thing, and is a high templar for crying out loud.”

“I mean, yeah, but she was also nicer than most of those jerks we usually run into,” Spike countered.

Twilight’s frown returned, and the pony considered the dragon’s words carefully as they proceeded across the square and into the market. Most ponies avoided them or shot them fearful looks, but already it seemed as though some of the suspicion was beginning to dissipate. Twilight didn't care for any of that however, her thoughts focused completely on the enigma that was Rarity Belle.

Sure, she was nicer, but she still evidently cared a great deal about her heritage, her family line, and Canterlot itself. Those were usually enough to make Twilight a little disgusted, but the unicorn somehow managed to make those things seem less dirty when she spoke of them. Rarity’s appreciation for these concepts and ideas was simply purer than most of the unicorns Twilight had met, and that was admirable in Twilight’s opinion.

She sighed. “Rarity may not become one of the most steadfast of allies, but she is one of the Bearers. Which means we will have to win her over regardless of my feelings on the matter,” Twilight declared after a long pause.

“Great work on that front, by the way,” Spike replied with a smirk.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah. I nearly lost my cool. Sue me.”

“It's not a big deal. Just ya know, try to remember that she’s important. Even if she’s one of them,” Spike pointed out.

Twilight nodded and levitated over a selection of vegetables from a nearby stall, swiftly leaving the appropriate amount of bits before turning and departing. The startled shop keeper merely took one look at the goods, and then the bits before nodding, depositing the money into an unseen bag behind the counter. Twilight didn't give him a second look, her gaze already fixed on the next stall they would need to stop at.

Have you seen them around? Twilight asked, the unicorn sending her companion a quick image of the suspicious unicorns who had accompanied them on the train.

No, I haven't, Spike replied quickly, the dragon taking the bags of food from Twilight. It's like they vanished the second we got here. I even talked to a few ponies on the way to the town hall, and they all said they haven't seen them.

Twilight smiled as she paid another pony for a bag of flour. That is strange. I would have expected that they would be watching me closely and perhaps even done everything they could to disrupt my duties.

Now that you mention it is, that is kinda weird, Spike replied, grabbing another bag from Twilight. It's almost a little unnerving that they haven't even done anything. Do you think they are planning some sort of surprise attack?

Twilight hummed thoughtfully as she looked over a stand piled high with baked goods. I don't think so. Their best chance to do so would have been when we split up, but by now Bull likely has the library locked down tight.

Which means they could attack us, Spike replied, the dragon nervously glancing over his shoulder.

Twilight merely rolled her eyes as she selected a few good loaves of bread as well as a box of muffins, paying the mare for her food before walking away. I doubt they would want to make a scene somewhere so obvious. They don't have the support here like they do in Canterlot, so it's not like they could get away with attacking us in broad daylight.

I suppose you are right. Still, I almost wish they would attack us. It's scary thinking that they might be out there. Watching us, Spike replied, the dragon grabbing the final bag from Twilight and following her as she began the long trot back to the library.

I don't think we have to worry about them quite yet. Something tells me they are waiting for something important to happen, Twilight thought.

You don't think they are connected to Nightmare Moon, do you? Spike asked, slightly nervously.

I seriously doubt that. Celestia told me all about the banishment spell, and how it works. Nothing can get through that, so unless they are a cult that just so happens to be operating on a thousand year old orders, I don't think Nightmare Moon is in on it, Twilight explained with a shrug.

So are we going to go looking for the last Bearer after this? Spike inquired as they turned the last corner and began to approach the library.

We are. I’d appreciate it if you came with me. I think Bull can hold down the fort while we’re gone, Twilight explained before reaching out and opening the door to the tree building.

The inside of the library was quiet, with the only sound being the clack of hooves as Silver Bulwark came out of the kitchen. “Well, would ya look at that. You are back early,” she exclaimed.

Twilight nodded to Spike, who trotted into the kitchen before Twilight turned back to Silver. “We still need to track down the last one. How goes the defences?” Twilight asked.

“Woah, this fridge is enormous,” Spike exclaimed from the other room.

Silver Bulwark smiled. “Surprisingly easy. There are no other exits other than the doors and windows since it's, well, a tree.”

“And the wards?” Twilight added while looking around.

“Should be up in about an hour or so,” Bull replied. “And before you ask, Applejack is upstairs in a spare bedroom. I figured we’d bunk up like usual in the largest bedroom.”

Twilight nodded. “That sounds good, and how is she?”

Silver Bulwark sighed. “Not good, frankly. She’s going to need years of therapy to get over what happened to her, and that's assuming we can turn her into something more pony-shaped.”

“Well, it's not impossible. Though it might take a while,” Twilight exclaimed before turning back to Silver Bulwark. “Keep working at both. Spike and I will find the last Bearer and start formulating a plan.”

“Aye, boss. Should I have Apples do anything in the meantime?” Silver Bulwark replied while snapping a lazy salute.

Twilight shook her head. “No. She just needs to relax and enjoy being in the presence of friends for a little while. She has a lot to heal from and has recently undergone a considerable life change.”

“So if she needs a friendly ear, give it to her. Got it,” Silver Bulwark added.

“Exactly.”

Spike stretched as he reentered the main room. “Groceries are away. Are we ready?”

“We are,” Twilight declared.

Twilight stepped out into the wide open plain which surrounded the town and separated it from the dangerous Everfree. As she did so, Twilight lit her horn and cast a familiar spell, the pony intent on finding the final Bearer and gathering the last piece to that particular puzzle. The spell, once completed, tugged Twilight in several different directions at once, though the main pull was directly behind her.

That wasn't her focus though, as one final thread tugged her towards the edge of the Everfree, near where Fluttershy lived. Celestia’s information on the hermit was decent, but had some holes in it given Fluttershy’s extreme isolation. The pegasus rarely emerged from her house, and when she did, it was either late at night, or early in the morning while wearing a heavy cloak of some kind.

Twilight wasn't sure what that meant for the pegasus, but Twilight had a few theories, theories which would have to be put to the test once they met the mystery pegasus.

“Do you feel that?” Spike whispered, leaning in close to Twilight as they crested a hill.

Twilight closed her eyes briefly and then nodded. “It's that zerg presence again. It also feels like there is another zerg as well, but it's somewhat muted .”

“Do you think Fluttershy is infested as well?” Spike asked.

“I don't know, but someone near her certainly is,” Twilight replied.

The dragon nodded slowly. “Should we be on guard?”

“I don't think so,” Twilight quickly answered. “Fluttershy is an avowed pacifist, and I doubt this other zerg is aggressive, given that it has spent so much energy trying to avoid us.”

“That could be because it wants to ambush us,” Spike pointed out.

Twilight shook her head. “Whatever it is, it's weak. It won't be a problem one way or another.”

“I’ll follow your lead then,” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight nodded and turned left after her hooves landed on an ill-used trail which steered a little to their right and got dangerously close to the Everfree. Neither Spike nor Twilight felt intimidated however, as they knew exactly what monsters the forest held, and none of them stacked up against the monsters they had already faced. Except maybe a hydra, but Twilight felt confident that her spells could take down such a beast before it even got close.

A slight hill rose before them, the sound of birds singing in the distance reaching their ears at about the same time. It sounded oddly good for a bunch of animals, though there were one or two of them which were slightly off key. Proceeding around the hill, Spike and Twilight saw the source of the bird song, which was a tall stand covered with avians that stood before a robed figure.

The figure was covered from nearly head to hoof in thick brown fabric, the cloak obscuring almost all physical details, but a quick and familiar spell confirmed that this was indeed Fluttershy. Who had been in the middle of coordinating the bird’s singing, though that had stopped the second Twilight rounded the bend and laid eyes on her. The infested unicorn could also sense the now familiar zerg presence which lay to her right, only a few feet away from Fluttershy. Yet when Twilight looked, there was no one there.

Fluttershy hastily spun around, her hooded face and long flowing pink mane hiding all but a single glowing yellow eye.

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: Apollyon, Astor, BeenMcsqueen, Blade Tech, Calum, Canary in the Coal Mine, Ceepert, Corey, Craig, Dale, DioKyro, Doomgooey, Facinus, Free, GruB, I am Unknown, Ivar, Jacob, Jeffrey, Kali, Lich-Lord Krosis, M, Makani, Megatyrant, Menthol Qtip, Mephia, Mike, Mikhalia, Mirvra, Mophop, Nathan, Neverborn, Nfreak, Octavia and lowbar, Pacsik, Peter,Prysm, Random reader, soundtea, Starless, Steven, Tiwake, Todd, Trash Panda, Vigilant Watch, annnnnnnd Xvos!

Hope and Healing

The pegasus’ eye bore into Twilight’s skull, the sheer amount of fear and anxiety behind it making Twilight a little uneasy. Yet as they stared silently at one another, Twilight could feel a new emotion slowly rise within the other mare. Namely curiosity, her body becoming slightly more relaxed, and her eye narrowing, the other pony considering Twilight carefully.

“Greetings. My name is Twilight Sparkle and this is my son, Spike,” Twilight greeted before extending a hoof. “And you are Fluttershy, correct?”

The robed figure nodded weakly. “Y-yes. I-I-I am,” she stuttered.

“And you are in charge of the music for the Summer Sun Celebration, aren't you?” Twilight continued, gesturing to the agitated flock of birds which sat behind the pegasus, the avians eying Twilight curiously, as if they were ready to dive bomb the unicorn at a moment’s notice.

Again, Fluttershy nodded. “I am.”

“And how is that going by the way?” Twilight pressed, her voice remaining calm and even as she spoke.

Fluttershy looked from Spike to Twilight and back again, her fear fading more and more with each passing second. “G-good,” she whispered after a long pause.

“Do you think it would be ready for Celestia’s arrival?” Spike asked.

Fluttershy sized up the dragon quickly and nodded. “They s-should. Mister B-B-Bluejay just needs a little w-w-work.”

Twilight looked up to where a flummoxed blue jay stood, blushing slightly. “So I heard. I don't mean to interrupt you, so if that's all, we’ll be going,” Twilight declared.

Spike grabbed Twilight by the coat the second she turned around and whispered hastily in her ear, “What are you doing, Twilight? We need to get her on our side.”

Twilight gently pushed the drake back a step. “Trust me.”

Spike frowned, but followed her. “Fine,” he muttered.

Together they turned and began to slowly walk away, only to make it a few feet before Fluttershy suddenly spoke up. “W-w-wait!” she shouted.

Twilight smirked to her companion before turning back around. “Oh? What do you need?” she inquired.

“W-who are you. I mean, who are you r-really?” Fluttershy pressed, her yellow eye glowing brightly.

“What do you mean?” Twilight replied.

“I m-m-mean. Why do you smell so good?” Fluttershy blushed and looked down, muttering to herself.

Twilight and Spike exchanged a look before Twilight glanced back at the pegasus. “I’m not sure what you mean,” Twilight admitted.

“It's just...” Fluttershy paused and inhaled deeply through her nose. “You smell really good, like h-home.”

“That's new,” Spike muttered.

“I’m sorry. That was w-w-weird of me,” stuttered the pegasus, who shuffled backward, nearly bumping into her bird stand.

“It's quite alright,” Twilight replied. “I probably smell that way because I’m like you.”

“L-like me?” Fluttershy whispered, her eye containing the unmistakable look of hope, tinged with a slight edge of fear.

Twilight smiled and extended her mind, brushing it against Fluttershy’s. Like you, I am different.

The pegasus’ eye went wide. “How d-d-did you d-do that?”

“I told you, Fluttershy. We are alike,” Twilight exclaimed, gesturing to both her and Fluttershy, as well as Spike.

“R-r-really?” stuttered the mare, who glanced at Spike.

Who nodded. “Yup,” the drake added with a grin.

“I t-t-thought you were d-d-different,” Fluttershy whispered, the pegasus taking a nervous step forward. “I f-f-feel better around you. C-c-clearer. It's l-like I can think again.”

Spike sniffed the air. “Now that you mention it. I don't smell anything different.”

Twilight lowered herself slightly and took another tentative step towards the mare. “I’m unique. I help people like us become smarter and assist in keeping their minds clear as well as help them fulfill their purpose.”

“P-p-purpose?” Fluttershy asked nervously. “What do you mean?”

“I don't know what yours is. But I know you are unique, like me,” Twilight exclaimed, extending a foreleg. “Take my hoof, and I’ll help you even more. I promise.”

The pegasus glanced nervously at the offered limb while biting her lip and shifting from hoof to hoof nervously. As she did so she inadvertently revealed a second pair of clawed limbs which sprouted from her shoulders and were mostly hidden by the cloak. Twilight made sure to keep her expression calm and neutral, but in her mind she was already running through what she knew about Fluttershy and comparing that knowledge against what she knew of the various zerg strains.

She wasn't any of the obvious ones, such as a hydralisk, zergling, or ultralisk, as the extra limbs Twilight had seen had no manner of blades or other obvious defences. They didn't even seem adept at defence in any manner, the two three fingered hands being far too thin to do much other than maybe poke someone in the eye. Twilight quickly came to the conclusion that this was no normal mixing of zerg and pony as whatever Fluttershy had started to become, she was completely new.

“W-what happened to you?” Fluttershy asked suddenly, a hoof pointing towards Twilight’s shoulder and glowing foreleg.

“I’m not injured if that's what you are worrying about,” Twilight hastily replied, pulling her collar a little higher and straightening her coat. “I’ve merely made a few alterations. Is all.”

“Primitive, bulky, inefficient use of tissue,” Fluttershy muttered under her breath, a hoof poking Twilight’s shoulder again, only for the pegasus to take a nervous step back all of a sudden. “S-sorry. I don't know w-w-what came over m-me.”

Spike raised an eyebrow at that. What are you thinking, Twi?

I’m going to bring her into the fold. Then we can figure out what's different about her. While I do that, please keep an eye on our little guest, Twilight replied before turning back to Fluttershy. “Would you like me to be able to help you more? I promise this isn't a trick or a trap of some kind.”

Fluttershy glanced at Twilight’s hoof. “W-will I always b-b-be able to think this c-clearly if I s-say yes?”

“You will,” Twilight declared.

The pegasus almost immediately reached out and gently took hold of the other pony’s hoof. Twilight quickly got to work, reaching forward with her mind and connecting Fluttershy to their little collective. Unlike with Applejack, this connection was a simple matter, and Twilight could have sworn that the other pony was even helping her somehow. It was like the difference of dragging someone and just holding their hoof as they both walked towards their shared goal.

In mere seconds Fluttershy was connected, her thoughts ringing in both Twilight’s and Spike’s minds. The startled look on Fluttershy’s face was fearful at first, but it quickly morphed to one of curiosity, and finally, joy. In her glee, Fluttershy accidentally let her hood fall, revealing the extra pair of arms which grew from her shoulders, and the thick green pustules which were mostly hidden beneath her mane.

Then the joy was gone, replaced by fear once more, with Fluttershy quickly stumbling back and pulling up her hood. Before she could say anything however, Twilight took a step forward, and stopped Fluttershy’s panic before it could truly begin.

“It's okay. We are all different,” Twilight declared, opening her mind to the other pony. See?

Fluttershy stopped as images of Twilight without her coat, an undisguised Silver Bulwark, and a sad Applejack flashed before the former pegasus’ eyes. “Oh my goodness,” Fluttershy whispered. “That p-poor thing.”

“I’m trying to help her. Like how I’m trying to help you as well,” Twilight pressed.

“You don't know how we could do that, can you?” Spike added.

“Process incomplete. Possible sequence damage,” Fluttershy whispered under her breath, only to shake her head. “N-no. Or maybe? I’m n-not sure.”

“It’s okay,” Twilight urged. “We can talk about it again later. For now just relax. You are among friends.”

“F-friends,” Fluttershy whispered happily to herself, a small smile crossing her face.

“Right,” Spike muttered, turning to Twilight. “So should we let her in on the plan, or are you going to use that brain download thing again, like what you did to Applejack?”

Twilight shook her head. “That was… strenuous on us both. We can discuss the plan and why we are here like normal people. But I think we need to deal with our little voyeur first.”

Spike raised an eyebrow and merely watched as Twilight stepped over to a seemingly random spot of dirt before discarding a boot and rolling up the leg of her coat. Twilight stood completely still as she stared down at the chunk of earth, hoof pulled back and ready to strike. Spike and Fluttershy exchanged a glance, and the dragon was about to ask what was going on before the unicorn’s leg suddenly shot into the ground.

The soil parted like water, allowing nearly the entirety of Twilight’s leg to vanish into it without a trace. A second later Twilight pulled back, now holding a thrashing orange and purple shape that had too many legs to be a pony, but was too bright to be a zerg. The whirling mass of impotent fury snarled and spat, scratching at anything it could, but doing little damage for its efforts.

“Scootaloo!” Fluttershy shouted, the robed pony running over to the imposing unicorn. “Don't hurt her, please!”

“I have no intention of harming this one,” Twilight stated, only to wince when the ball of angry orange fur and purple scales managed to nick her leg with a bladed limb. “One moment.”

The unicorn lit her horn and focused her gaze on the infested filly’s eyes, freezing her mid-flail. Now that she wasn't attempting to escape Twilight’s grip, Spike was able to get a good look at the creature, only to immediately cringe in sympathy. Scootaloo was young, very young, and judging by her scruffy appearance and emaciated form, had likely been abandoned at an early age.

Her vibrant purple hair was unmarred by her infestation, though that didn't mean the rest of her features were safe from her mutations. Her jaw was larger than normal, her mouth was filled with sharp teeth and flanked by an imposing pair of spikes that made Spike think back to the zerglings he had seen not long ago. From there the changes were similarly random, with three of her hooves having been replaced by clawed limbs while one was completely normal.

Her tail was a mix of flesh and hair and ended with a spike, while two large malformed growths sprouted from her shoulders, ending with thick bladed appendages, one of which looked dull. A pair of tiny, relatively normal pegasus wings emerged from the pony’s fur-covered chitin, and she wore a wide, terrified look on her face. As Spike watched, he was able to gleam enough from his connection to Twilight to know that this poor creature had suffered greatly due to her affliction.

“What is she doing?” Fluttershy asked nervously, turning to Spike.

“Just talking to her and trying to figure out what happened to her,” Spike explained. “If you focus, I’m sure she’d let you listen in as well.”

Fluttershy closed her eyes and focused, the mare finding that the connection she sought was easier to acquire than first anticipated.

-can really help me? Scootaloo asked, her thoughts excited and jumbled.

Twilight nodded. I do. I have someone else with me who has suffered as you have, and I hope to help her as well.

It’s Applejack, isn't it? Scootaloo replied.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “And how did you know that?” she asked aloud.

Scootaloo scratched her neck with one of her bladed limbs. “I’m not supposed to say. But I guess it doesn't matter now anyway.” She sighed. “Apple Bloom leaves out food for me sometimes and even books and stuff. She’s really nice. We even played hide and seek one time, but I was too good at it, and she didn't want to play anymore after that.”

“Oh, thank g-goodness,” Fluttershy exclaimed. “I thought I was the only one t-t-trying to help you. I get so worried when I see you haven't eaten what I l-l-left out for you.”

Scootaloo blushed and turned away from the infested pegasus. “S-sorry. I thought you were one of the bad ponies who would take me away. I know it's silly now that we are… ya know.” The filly pointed to her head and then gestured to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy nodded. “Well, I’m g-g-glad we’ve been able to get over this little m-m-misunderstanding.”

“She’ll be staying with you,” Twilight declared, before gently placing the zergling pony back onto her own four legs. “She’s malnourished and has developed severe social anxiety and agoraphobia.”

“And why do you think Fluttershy would be the best to help with that?” Spike replied, quickly turning to Fluttershy. “No offence, Flutters.”

The pegasus quickly shook her head. “None t-t-taken, Spike. I’m c-c-curious as w-well.”

“When I connected to your mind, I felt as though there was something locked away deep down inside you. Something that may help us fix Applejack as well as Scootaloo.” Twilight frowned. “I can't explain it, but I felt like you may have the physiological and genealogical component that I need to alter our zerg half.”

“What's a zerg?” Scootaloo asked.

“That word sounds f-f-familiar,” Fluttershy muttered.

“It's part of what we are,” Spike exclaimed.

“But I can explain that in more detail later,” Twilight interrupted. “We need to get somewhere more private first.”

Fluttershy’s eye went wide and she looked around nervously. “You are r-r-r-right. Come on, guys. We’ll p-p-practice more back home.”

The birds all nodded before taking to the air, and Fluttershy grabbed the stand before turning eastward. “F-f-follow me.”

Twilight nodded and did just that, with both Scootaloo and Spike following close behind the unicorn.

Twilight looked around from her seat, her gaze drawn to the strange abode that Fluttershy called home. It was certainly not something she had seen coming, but none of Celestia’s spies had managed to enter the pegasus’ home before, so a certain amount of surprise was to be expected. However, seeing the walls covered with some manner of organic plaster went a little beyond what Twilight had assumed was possible.

Not like she was bothered by this though, and despite just how dingy Fluttershy’s abode was, it was surprisingly homey, and already the unicorn could sense that both of her companions were beginning to relax. What little light they needed was given by a small lamp that sat at the center of the small cottage, illuminating the large living room as well as the attached kitchen. Like the brown walls, the furniture was also relatively drab, with all the colors being somewhat muted and ranging from grey, brown, and dull green to faded yellow.

There were also numerous creatures skittering about, including dozens of insects, a few different kinds of bats, a family of bunnies, several ferrets, and numerous other nocturnal creatures of various shapes and sizes. They had hidden from the cottage’s new arrivals for a few minutes, but had quickly warmed up to them after a large snake had emerged. The reptile had slithered out from under the couch and climbed atop the the window sill, before eying them criticly. Its gaze carried with it the distinct look of an intelligent being, one who was clearly wary of the three new ponies now residing within its domain.

Fluttershy appeared a second later with a silver platter in her clawed grip. “I m-m-made some t-tea. I h-hope you like lemon.”

Scootaloo immediately stuck out her tongue. “Gross.”

“Oh, come on. Lemon isn't that bad,” Spike remarked as he grabbed himself a cup.

“Maybe not for you. It makes me puke though,” Scootaloo replied.

“Thank you, Fluttershy. That's very kind of you,” Twilight exclaimed.

The pegasus blushed hard beneath her robes. “T-thank you, my q-queen.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Queen? That's a rather new one.”

All four of Fluttershy’s forelimbs immediately slapped over her mouth. “Oh my g-g-gosh. I’m so s-s-s-sorry.”

Twilight placed a steadying hoof on the other infested’s shoulder. “It's okay. It's just different, is all. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing,” Twilight quickly explained.

“Ya, relax, Flutters. Twilight ain't the type to make a stink about something as small as a nickname,” Spike added.

Twilight nodded and slowly removed her hoof from Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Exactly. I’m just curious as to why you said it, is all.”

Fluttershy gulped and slowly stood back up, her two clawed arms disappearing beneath her voluminous robes. “I d-d-don't know. It just sounded r-r-right,” she whispered.

“Well, regardless. You may call me whatever you want to call me.” Twilight leaned forward, and gestured to the empty seat. “For now we need to discuss why I am here.”

The snake suddenly hissed, its black beady eyes glaring at Twilight as its large copper-colored bulk rose into the air.

Fluttershy glared at the reptile. “S-S-Serra, what have I told you about hissing at our g-g-guests.”

“That sure is an interesting name for a snake,” Spike muttered.

“She ch-ch-chose it for herself,” Fluttershy quickly explained.

“She also seems surprisingly smart,” Twilight mentioned, unfazed by the snake’s sudden aggression.

“I h-h-helped her when she w-w-was little,” Fluttershy exclaimed before turning to glare at the snake in question. “Would you r-r-relax? These are f-f-friends.”

The snake’s jaws slowly closed, and it looked from Fluttershy to Twilight before slowly lying back down on the windowsill, though it never stopped staring at the unicorn.

“S-s-sorry about h-her,” Fluttershy said.

Twilight nodded and sipped her tea. “Moving on. We have much to discuss and little time to do so. I need to get back to the library in order to better figure out how to deal with what's coming.”

“Pfft, whatever it is, you can take it. Right, boss?” Scootaloo declared, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at the unicorn.

The sheer amount of admiration in the zergling hybrid’s gaze made Twilight pause mid-thought. “I, er. Intend to do just that,” Twilight murmured.

“I m-m-may not be the m-most useful pony, but if you n-need my h-h-help, it's yours,” Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight nodded. “Thank you. Your assistance will be appreciated.”

“I’ll help too!” Scootaloo shouted, the hybrid waving her dagger arms as well as her forelegs in the air.

“Your assistance won't be necessary in accomplishing our main goal,” Twilight quickly replied.

The filly shrunk. “Daww.”

The unicorn winced. “But I suppose I could still have a little side job for you.”

“I’m so in!” Scootaloo declared, beaming.

“I need you to guard Fluttershy’s house. There are some bad ponies out there, and I don't want them to set a trap for us,” Twilight stated, eying the filly closely. “Can you handle that?”

Scootaloo snapped a quick salute. “You got it, my queen!” she shouted, before leaping off the couch and sprinting right out the door.

“Was that really necessary?” Spike asked, jerking a thumb in Scootaloo’s direction.

Twilight used her magic to close the door. “It doesn't hurt. Though I don't understand why she was so eager to help all of a sudden,” Twilight admitted.

Spike and Fluttershy exchanged a brief, incredulous look.

“You really didn't notice how excited she was getting?” Spike asked.

Twilight raised an eyebrow at the drake. “What do you mean?”

“She was t-t-talking about y-y-you the whole time,” Fluttershy pointed out.

“I may not have been paying attention,” admitted Twilight.

“Well, the filly seems to worship the ground you walk on, Twilight, so be careful with her,” Spike warned.

Twilight nodded. “Noted.”

“So w-w-what was this p-plan you were talking about?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Nightmare Moon is returning shortly, and I am going to stop her. Provided everything goes according to plan,” Twilight declared.

“B-b-but I thought that was just a s-story?” Fluttershy replied while wringing her clawed hands together nervously.

“Totally real, I’m afraid,” Spike remarked.

“And when she returns, she will use her power to make it night forever,” Twilight continued. “I should not need to tell you how devastating that would be.”

Fluttershy gulped and nodded.

“Heh, speak for yourself. Us dragons will be totally fine,” Spike exclaimed while puffing out his chest.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Spike, you wore two parkas all last winter and still managed to catch both a cold and the flu.”

“Well yeah, but they only lasted like a day or whatever. My immune system is awesome,” Spike countered.

“Regardless,” Twilight began, “we need to avoid this scenario at all costs. Which means activating the Elements of Harmony and using them to seal Nightmare Moon away permanently this time.”

“The E-Elements of H-H-Harmony?” Fluttershy muttered. “What are th-those?”

“Ancient artifacts of unimaginable power. You don't know it, but you are connected to one of them, as is myself, and a few others,” Twilight explained.

“This is all s-s-so m-much,” Fluttershy whispered as she shook her head.

“The fate of Equestria depends on you six. So uh, no pressure, eh?” Spike teased.

Twilight punched the drake in the shoulder before turning back to Fluttershy. “Ignore him. You’ll do just fine. Trust me.”

“I-I do. It's just a lot to t-t-t-take in at once,” Fluttershy stuttered.

“Look. I need to get back to the library and start planning how we are going to get everyone together in order to cast the seeking spell and find the Elements,” Twilight continued, the unicorn standing up from her seat. “After that it shouldn't be difficult to find Nightmare Moon and banish her forever.”

“Forever d-d-does sound a little m-mean, but I guess if she's going to f-f-f-freeze the whole w-world, then it's okay,” Fluttershy whispered.

Spike snorted. “She's trying to destroy the planet. That kind of evil should get you life without parole.”

“Exactly,” Twilight declared. “She has to be dealt with for good, to hesitate would endanger the entire world and all its peoples.”

“R-r-right,” Fluttershy muttered.

“Get your affairs in order and meet me at the library tonight. Hopefully by then I’ll have had the time to coerce the other Element Bearers into joining us,” Twilight commanded.

“Please,” Spike added pointedly.

Fluttershy bowed her head. “Y-y-yes. My queen.”

Twilight nodded. “Good. This will be dangerous, but if we follow my plan, then not only will Equestria be saved, but you’ll be back in time for dinner tomorrow.”

The infested unicorn turned and walked away, her assistant close on her heels.

Spike paused and laid a gentle hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder, an action that earned the dragon a glare from Serra. “We really do appreciate this by the way. You are going to be invaluable against Nightmare Moon, and I just know you’ll be able to help both Scootaloo and Applejack in time.”

Fluttershy smiled, a small blush crossing her features. “T-thanks,” she whispered.

“Spike, are you coming?” Twilight yelled from outside.

Spike rolled his eyes. “Oh and please forgive Twilight. She’s a little stressed.”

“I can f-f-feel it,” Fluttershy whispered, tapping her chest. “There is s-s-so much w-weight on her shoulders.”

Spike frowned and turned away, making a beeline for the door and closing it swiftly behind them. “Coming, Twilight!”

The unicorn snorted, tapping her hoof impatiently as she waited just outside. “All of these detours have cost us precious time. We won't have long before the Summer Sun Celebration, and I refuse to risk the princess’ life.”

“Chillax, Twi. Celestia isn't going to show up until you give her the all clear, so it's not like she's going to be in any danger,” Spike replied flippantly.

“She's in Canterlot, Spike,” Twilight muttered through gritted teeth. “She’s always in danger.”

The dragon winced. “You know what I meant.”

Twilight sighed. “You are right. Let's just get back to the library so I can start planning our next move. Maybe then I’ll be able to relax a little.”

The pair trotted over the bridge which separated Fluttershy’s out of the way property from the rest of Ponyville, only to be interrupted by an orange, furry face peeking out from under the wooden platform.

“Psst, down here,” Scootaloo whispered.

Twilight sighed and leaned down to Scootaloo’s level. “Yes, what is it?”

“I was, uh… just wondering if when you fix me, you could make it so I could… well you see, I was hoping…” Scootaloo muttered, her voice growing quieter and quieter until it was barely louder than a whisper.

The unicorn sighed and ran a hoof down her face. “I do not have time for this,” Twilight muttered.

“Relax, boss. I got this,” Spike interrupted, the dragon sitting down on the edge of the bridge. “Breathe deep three times, then try again.”

Scootaloo nodded, and took three deep breaths before speaking. “I want to be able to fly.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Is that it?”

“Twilight, this is obviously something she cares about,” Spike retorted.

The unicorn frowned as she gazed down on the distraught orange face which looked up at her. “You misunderstand. Enlarging your wings should be relatively easy to do,” Twilight explained.

“R-really?” Scootaloo asked, her eyes going wide.

Twilight nodded. “In fact it should be easier to grow your wings than it is to fix the rest of you. Though it will still be some time before we could do either.”

Scootaloo leapt up onto the bridge and hugged the unicorn’s leg. “Thank you so much. I promise I’ll do everything you say forever!”

Twilight awkwardly patted the pegasus on the head. “Thank you. I think.”

Spike shook his head and gently pulled Scootaloo away. “Now squirt, you better get some food in that belly of yours. You don't want to pass out on the job, now do ya?”

“B-but I need to guard the-” Scootaloo began, only for her rumbling stomach to cut her off.

“I think Spike’s got a point there, Scootaloo,” Twilight added.

“It has been a few days since I ate,” she admitted.

“What are you waiting for? Go on,” Spike urged, pointing back to Fluttershy’s cottage.

Scootaloo began to sprint towards the older pegasus’ home, only to stop after a dozen feet. “Don't worry, my queen. I’ll be back on duty before you know it!” she shouted.

Twilight nodded. “See to it that you do. I’m counting on you.”

The filly giggled excitedly before turning back around and running the rest of the way to the house.

Spike stood back up and shook his head. “You better follow through on that promise of yours, Twi. ‘Cause it looks like you got the poor thing’s hopes up.”

Twilight frowned as she stared at the remote cottage. “As soon as Nightmare Moon is defeated, I will dedicate my every last waking moment to ensuring that both her and Applejack can live normal lives.”

“How exactly do you plan on doing that anyway? You seemed hesitant to promise such a thing to Applejack, but now you are all gung ho about fixing Scootaloo as well,” Spike pointed out.

“There is something in Fluttershy that will be able to help us in this matter. I can feel it,” Twilight declared confidently.

“And her connection to her Element? You aren't still worrying about that, now are you?” Spike inquired.

“Her connection is weak, but no weaker than Rarity’s,” Twilight remarked before turning back towards town. “Come. We don't have any time to waste.”

“Right. Let's hope Silver Bulwark has got the library locked down by now,” Spike added.

“I have no doubt that she does,” Twilight replied.

As Spike walked back from Fluttershy’s cottage, the dragon couldn't help but notice that the denizens of Ponyville were going about their evening with a sense of trepidation and fear. Something was about to happen, and it seemed like everyone knew it, though no one truly understood why they felt the way they did. To the dragon it was as though the world was holding its breath, waiting for whatever cosmic event to arrive and finally pass.

Twilight didn't seem to notice this at all, the unicorn completely unconcerned with the passing ponies and whatever they may be doing with their lives. Her mind was focused utterly on the task ahead of her, namely bringing the rest of the Element Bearers together in order to find the Elements of Harmony themselves. It wouldn't be difficult to do once she managed to get them in a room together, as the same spell she had been casting non-stop all day would also tell her where they were located.

Then all she had to do was get the Bearers to follow her, activate the Elements themselves, and then banish Nightmare Moon forever, which would hopefully leave behind an uncorrupted Luna. Twilight wasn't sure if her plan would work though, given that Luna and Nightmare Moon shared a body, but either way the world would be saved. After that Celestia could divert all of her focus back onto their little nobility problem, and with Twilight’s help, drive them out of Canterlot.

The thought brought a smile to the infested unicorn’s face, and she silently wondered if it were possible to eradicate the zerg after the Equestrian heartland was secure once more. Either way, that was a consideration for future Twilight, not current day Twilight who had a lot to do before she could daydream. Looking up, Twilight realized she was closing in on the library, and even from here she could feel magic emanating from the structure.

As well as something else…

M-my queen? asked a familiar and slightly nervous voice.

Yes Applejack, what is it? Twilight replied, the unicorn stopping a few feet from the door.

A bunch of ponies showed up not too long ago. Silver Bulwark let them in, but I don't know what they are doing, Applejack explained.

Did you recognize any of these ponies? Twilight inquired.

Spike stopped and eyed the unicorn closely. “Why are all the lights off?” he muttered.

I think I heard Silver Bulwark say the name Pinkie Pie, Applejack offered. Sorry, that's all I know.

It's okay, Applejack, Twilight replied before turning to Spike. “Relax. I think I know what's going on.”

“And what's that?” Spike asked.

Twilight smirked. “Let's just say that not everyone agrees with my assessment of when is the appropriate time for a party.”

“A party? Are you sure it isn't a trap of some kind? What if they captured Bull?” Spike asked nervously while gesturing to the library.

“Do you remember what Celestia said about trusting in the good intentions of others?” Twilight countered.

“To uh, do that sometimes?” Spike replied while scratching his head.

“Exactly,” Twilight declared, before reaching forward, opening the door and stepping into her temporary home.

“Surprise!” shouted several different voices as all the lights flicked back on, revealing a grinning Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Silver Bulwark.

Twilight smirked and turned down to her assistant. “Told ya.”

Spike smiled as he surveyed the food and games. “I love being wrong,” he muttered.

Author's Note

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Party Crasher

“So, did I surprise ya?” Pinkie Pie inquired, the pony now without her suit, though her mane remained in a tight ponytail.

“You sure did,” Twilight declared. “I haven't had a surprise party thrown for me since…”

“Five years ago, when Celestia threw you a party for graduating highschool,” Spike pointed out before walking past the unicorn and making a beeline for the snack table.

“Yeah, then,” Twilight murmured.

“Well that sounds nice. I’ve always wondered what Celestia is actually like,” mused Pinkie Pie.

“Well it seems as though she is every bit as wonderful as we have been led to believe,” added Rarity, the high templar sporting a different, but still somehow nearly identical gold and blue set of robes.

“Yes, she is,” Twilight replied with a little more force than intended.

Rarity nodded. “I believe you wholeheartedly, darling. There are so very few accounts of her being intentionally mean that I’ve largely disregarded the reports regarding her apparent hidden cruelty.”

Twilight blinked, her retort dying on her lips the second she realized that it wasn't actually needed. “Yes, well. There are certainly a lot of ponies trying to discredit her these days.”

“That is unfortunately quite true,” Rarity agreed.

“Oh! I didn't take you on the tour yet,” Pinkie Pie declared, the earth pony trotting over to Twilight and extending a hoof over the mare’s shoulder. “Over here we got my favorite games, some of which are my own personal creations. And on that table we have the snacks, and of course the tunes.”

Pinkie Pie hopped past the small pile of activities and over to the long table of party food, at the end of which sat a record player. Quickly turning it on, the party pony placed the pin at the right spot and grinned as a jaunty, upbeat tune emerged from the clearly aged device. Twilight smiled and quickly cast her attention to Applejack, suddenly realizing that all of this commotion may have put the mutated mare on edge.

Calling upon the connection they shared, Twilight found that her worries were unfounded, as the hydralisk hybrid was upstairs, hiding just out of sight. Though Applejack’s closeness bothered Twilight slightly as the unicorn didn't want to reveal the farm pony’s presence quite yet, Twilight ignored that worry. Applejack had spent a good majority of her life locked in a hole, and Twilight wasn't about to rob her of what little pleasure that listening brought her.

Looking around the room, Twilight discovered that both Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Silver Bulwark were chatting and eating desserts. The sight made Twilight’s stomach rumble, but she put that out of her mind for now, focusing on the conversation. Just in time to catch Rainbow Dash asking for more details on one of the missions Silver Bulwark had gone on during her time under Celestia’s personal employ.

The guard was in turn lapping up all of the attention, spinning grand tales that were only slightly exaggerated. Her armor and disguise remained on so there wasn't much to worry about there, other than Silver’s head getting too big for her shoulders. Thankfully Spike was quick to butt in whenever Silver’s story delved a little too far into the realm of fantasy, so that worry wasn't totally necessary.

Twilight had been about to turn to Pinkie Pie, when the party pony hopped over to her with a small bucket of mini-donuts in her hoof. “Here! I saw you eying them up, so I got you a bunch,” she announced with a small smile.

“Thanks. But why the tiny bucket?” Twilight asked as she took it.

“‘Cause it's cute. I mean look at it, it's so tiny,” Pinkie Pie replied, shaking the bucket in emphasis.

Twilight couldn't help but smile. “You know what? That is kind of cute. It wouldn't even make a very good sand castle bucket.”

“I know, right?”

Twilight grinned as she chewed on one of the tasty confections, the simple powdered donut making the pony briefly shudder. This was exactly what the doctor ordered, and already Twilight was beginning to relax as she stood silently with Pinkie Pie. Though Twilight’s thoughts were still marred by the threat that loomed over all of Equestria, it was nice to know that she had managed to gather almost all of the Elements. All that was left to do was to contact Fluttershy and invite her to the library, but that could wait until Twilight was done with her donuts.

“So what do you think?” Pinkie Pie asked, poking Twilight in the side.

Twilight swallowed. “It's a great party. Not too many people and some really wonderful snacks.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “I was worried about the turn out, because despite my frequent attempts at throwing parties, it always seems like nopony wants to come.”

“Well, the atmosphere around town isn't exactly… conducive to a party,” Twilight remarked.

Pinkie Pie sighed. “Yeah. I’m kind of new to the whole party thing, and I think I’m getting good, but the whole town just feels so… blah. You know?”

“There is a lot of fear and mistrust these days,” Twilight acknowledged.

“No kidding. When I first got my cutie mark, I wanted to set out into the world and find my own path right away, but obviously I was still a little young for that,” Pinkie Pie began, her gaze growing distant. “When I grew up and was ready to go out on my own, my ma and pa made sure to find me a job at a rock farm near town.”

“It's sad to see such hostility infect even a small town like Ponyville,” Twilight remarked.

“Yeah…” Pinkie Pie grinned suddenly and gave the larger mare a brief squeeze. “Hey, at least you and your friends all showed up. It's rare that I get even seven ponies to come to one of my shindigs.”

“And I appreciate it, Pinkie Pie. I can already tell I’m going to have fun,” Twilight declared.

Pinkie Pie smiled. “That's great! Oh, and I hope you got room in your fridge for leftovers ‘cause I maaaay have had too much fun making mini-donuts.”

Twilight chuckled as she glanced over at the small mountain of powdered treats waiting for her. “I can tell. I’ll join you in a second though, I just need a moment to think, if you don't mind.”

“Okey dokey,” Pinkie Pie replied before trotting over to the snack table and joining the other’s conversation.

Now alone, Twilight turned and walked over to the window, gazing out over the quiet, barren streets of the small town. Her attention quickly turned inward however, and she focused on the connection between herself and Fluttershy. Bringing it into focus, Twilight was able to reach out and gently touch the other infested pony’s mind.

M-my queen! What do you require? Fluttershy thought excitedly.

Pinkie Pie has thrown a welcome party, and I would like it if you joined us. The other Element bearers are here, and I had hoped to bring them in on my plan before the night was out, Twilight replied while munching on more sugary treats.

Oh um, I got her invitation, but well… Fluttershy’s thoughts petered off.

You’ll enjoy it, trust me. Plus I need you here in order to cast the spell which will allow me to locate the physical manifestation of the Elements, Twilight explained.

Oh, yes of course. I’ll just finish up the last of my evening chores, and I’ll be right over, Fluttershy hastily replied.

How long will that take? Twilight questioned.

An hour or so? That's not too long, is it? Fluttershy nervously replied.

That's more than enough time. I’ll see you soon, Fluttershy, stay safe, Twilight stated.

I will, thank you, my queen, Fluttershy exclaimed before the connection between them was allowed to fall away.

Now relatively alone in her mind once more, Twilight considered her course of action carefully. The time between now and Fluttershy’s arrival wasn't a lot, but it should be enough to get a good feel for the other bearers. After all, Twilight still had to convince them that an old mare’s tale was true, that they were destined to become the embodiment of harmony, and that Celestia was personally counting on them.

“Easy,” Twilight whispered before chuckling to herself.

She sighed and turned back to the group just as Spike finished a joke, causing the other ponies to laugh aloud. All save for Silver Bulwark, who had heard the same bit of humour a few dozen times already. The sight made Twilight’s chest swell with pride, and she began to walk in their direction, determined to accomplish the job set out for her by Celestia.

Don't worry, Princess, you can count on me, Twilight thought to herself.

Twilight, Spike, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash all sat around a table, cards held in their hooves. Each one looked at one another closely, several mounds of candy of various sizes sitting before them while one mountain of the stuff resided in the center of the table. While the players remained silent and were busy trying to stare one another down, Silver Bulwark and Rarity sat near the bottom of the stairs, sipping from wine glasses as they conversed quietly.

Twilight smirked and pushed her pile of colored treats into the center. “I’m all in,” she declared.

Spike stared at the infested pony, their connection temporarily disabled, forcing the dragon to trust his ability to read facial expressions. “I call,” he replied, pushing his own pile into the center.

“Oof, that's too rich for my blood. I’m cashing out while I’m ahead,” Rainbow Dash announced before dumping her sugary snacks into a bag and taking a step back.

Leaving Pinkie Pie to stare at the dragon and then the unicorn. “I’ll call your bluff,” she declared.

With the central mass of candy now the size of a small foal, Twilight flipped over her cards. “Four of a kind, read ‘em and weep.”

Spike smirked and flipped over his own cards. “Straight flush. Now come to papa.”

Pinkie Pie smacked the dragon’s claw before he could reach for the pile of candy however. “Ah ah, you haven't seen what I got yet.”

“Oh uh, right.” Spike leaned back. “Go ahead.”

Pinkie Pie eyed her opponents carefully before dropping her cards and erupting with laughter. “I got nothing. I’m just messin’ with ya.”

“You were one off from a royal flush though,” pointed out Twilight.

“Ah oh well. I should probably stop eating so many sweets anyway,” Pinkie Pie replied with a shrug.

Spike laughed as he dumped his loot into multiple paper bags. “Well, it was nice playing with you girls, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to eat myself into a food coma.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You are not eating all of that. You can have ten, mister.”

“Aww, come on!” Spike whined.

“No way. I saw you pig out on chips earlier,” Twilight retorted.

A knock made everyone’s attention turn to the door, and Pinkie Pie leapt up from her spot. “I got it!” she shouted.

Twilight and Spike stood next to her, both creatures already aware of who stood behind the door. Sure enough, when the portal was pulled open, a familiar hooded figure could be seen standing nervously on the other side. Fluttershy wore the same cloak from earlier, and though she appeared a little nervous, Twilight could tell she was also a little excited.

Upon seeing who was standing there, Rainbow Dash perked up, her eyes going wide. “Fluttershy, what are you doing here?” asked the pegasus.

“She’s here for the party of course! I’m so glad you could come,” Pinkie Pie excitedly proclaimed.

“Really, you're coming to a party? I’ve been trying to get you out of the house for years!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, clearly stunned by this sudden turn of events.

“Yes well, I um, thought that it m-m-might be g-good to get out,” Fluttershy muttered while shifting from hoof to hoof and glancing at Twilight.

A look that grabbed Rainbow Dash’s attention, who eyed the infested mare curiously.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Come on in!” Pinkie Pie shouted before grabbing the cloaked pony and all but dragging her into the room.

Unfortunately for her, that action looked a bit too much like she intended to choke the shy mare, prompting her tiny defender to erupt from the ground, yelling a frenzied battle cry as she did so. Both Twilight and Spike were too shocked to move, and Fluttershy was so baffled by what had just happened that she didn't think of telling Scootaloo to stand down, giving the screaming zergling hybrid time to fly at Pinkie Pie’s face, claws and hooves outstretched.

Pinkie Pie nimbly stepped out of the way, giggling as she did so. “Oh, and you brought a plus one, wonderful!” she proclaimed with a grin.

“Taste claw, meanie pants!” screamed the filly before flinging herself at the pink pony once again.

Rather than be surprised or offended, Pinkie Pie batted aside each of the smaller pony’s attacks. “Don't you think you're a little old to play patty cake?” asked the pony as she continued to easily rebuff each swing of the zergling’s limbs.

“What in the hell is that?” shouted Rainbow Dash.

Rarity levitated into the air, her eyes going wide. “Hold still, darling, I’ll get it!” yelled the templar.

“Wait, she doesn't mean anyone any harm,” Twilight interrupted, grabbing Scootaloo’s back end while she continued to try and attack Pinkie Pie.

“Good thinking. Hold it still and I’ll deal with the creature,” Rarity muttered, her eyes glowing brightly as she raised a hoof towards the zergling.

“You will not hurt her!” shouted a new voice from atop the stairs.

Rarity hardly had a moment to process the newcomer’s shout before said individual slammed into her, knocking the wind out of the templar and pinning her to the ground. Her spell fizzled, and the templar lay on the ground panting as her eyes rolled around in their sockets. Rainbow Dash leapt into the air, jabbing a hoof at Applejack as the hybrid held Rarity against the ground.

“What the fuck is that?” screamed the pony.

“Oh, there she is! I was wondering when you were going to come out. Donut?” Pinkie Pie inquired, offering a sugar treat to the confused hydralisk hybrid.

“Come on, Fluttershy, we gotta get the guard. Something screwy is going on here,” Rainbow Dash urged while pulling the other mare towards the door.

“W-wait, this is p-p-part of the plan,” Fluttershy urged.

“Well, I wouldn't say that,” muttered Spike.

“Get off of me, you brute!” shouted Rarity, eyes glowing dangerously.

Twilight sighed as Scootaloo sat motionless in her grip. “Uh, sorry?” muttered the filly.

“It's fine. Just give me a second here,” Twilight replied.

Applejack began to glow, and Rarity seemed ready to toss the zerg hybrid aside, while at the same time Rainbow Dash had nearly pulled Fluttershy out the door. Silver Bulwark was attempting to put herself between the two combatants, and Spike was shoveling candy into his mouth. Pinkie Pie was the only one unbothered by the circumstances, holding a plate of food which she was trying to use in order to bribe Applejack away from Rarity.

“Quiet!” shouted Twilight, her horn glowing brightly as did her eyes, inadvertently shattering the illusions placed upon them.

A powerful force both magical and psionic suddenly pinned the panicky ponies to the ground. Rainbow Dash found herself facefirst against the floor, unable to move an inch, as did Rarity, and Applejack, though the two had been pulled apart first. Spike calmly walked over to the door and closed it behind them, the dragon taking position next to his mother.

“Now that I have your attention, I only need to say this once. Calm the fuck down. Got it?” Twilight barked, glaring at each party before settling on Rarity.

Each one nodded as much as they could.

“S-sorry, Twilight,” muttered Rainbow Dash.

“Sorry, my queen,” murmured Applejack.

“I have no idea what's going on, but it appears as though I am in the wrong,” Rarity regretfully added.

“It's fine, you guys. Now I’m gonna let you up, and we are going to have a long conversation, at the end of which I will answer any questions, okay?” Twilight stated.

Everyone nodded.

“Alright.” Twilight sighed and released the hold she had on everyone.

“Just uh, one question first. What's with your eyes? Are you like Rarity?” Rainbow Dash inquired while dusting herself off.

Twilight blinked and looked over at a window. “Ah, horse apples.” The unicorn tugged the blinds closed before turning back to Rainbow Dash. “And to answer your question, it's something like that.”

“I doubt that, but regardless, go ahead,” Rarity muttered.

Twilight breathed deeply. “Alright, so here's the thing, we are the Elements of Harmony and--”

“--that's pretty much the gist of it,” Twilight finished.

The room was silent, the various inhabitants now seated before the mare, some on the ground, others on chairs, while one stood to the side, eating popcorn.

“Wow. That's quite the story,” Pinkie Pie muttered through a mouthful of salty goodness.

“That certainly is one way to put it,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

“You speak with such conviction, and after what I’ve seen and heard, I’m inclined to believe you,” Rarity admitted with a hint of reluctance.

“Which is why we gotta go with her to wherever these Element things are, so we can save Equestria,” Applejack stated.

“I normally wouldn't buy such a farfetched story, but…” Rainbow Dash glanced to Fluttershy. “If Flutters is convinced it's real, then I’m coming to. Even if it's just so I can look after her.”

“T-thanks, Rainbow,” Fluttershy whispered while blushing profusely.

“Right, and Pinkie Pie, what do you say. Are you gonna help us save the world?” Twilight asked, turning to the party pony.

Who gulped down the last of her popcorn and tossed the bowl aside. “Yupper doodle. If Equestria is in trouble, then Pinkie Pie is on the job. Though I’d like to be able to run home and get my stealth suit first.”

“That could come in handy,” pointed out Silver Bulwark.

Twilight nodded. “It's imperative that we move as soon as possible, but if we have the time to grab it, then I suppose it's possible that it may end up saving our hides.”

“Now hold on, darling. I haven't agreed to anything yet,” Rarity pointed out, the templar standing from her pillow and gazing down on the gathering of ponies and zerg hybrids. “If what you say is true, we should at least acquire additional allies or at the bare minimum hire a guide.”

“Pffft, why bother? I know most of that forest like the back of my hoof,” Scootaloo declared.

Fluttershy frowned. “What did I tell you about g-g-going in there? It’s d-dangerous.”

Scootaloo blushed. “Oops, sorry.”

Twilight stood as well, facing the other unicorn fully. “Look, I know this is a lot to take in, but trust me when I say that this is the best possible course of action. All I need to do is use the spell one more time.Now that we are all together, I should find out where the Elements are. After that we just need to get them and then use them on Nightmare Moon.”

“Why don't you use it now, so we can start planning? They might be in Vanhoover or something,” Silver Bulwark pointed out.

“Yeah, good thinkin’. We should use it now, just in case,” Spike added.

“It’d assuage my worries, if you did,” ddmitted Rarity.

Twilight nodded and lit her horn, casting the spell in mere moments. This time when it finished, the magical energy didn't dissipate immediately, and instead a rainbow of lights erupted from Twilight’s horn. Each one of the colors connected with the six Element Bearers before rebounding and meeting once more in the middle, where they shot up through the roof and into the sky where the rainbow exploded in a shower of light, briefly illuminating the small town.

“Woah, neato,” Pinkie Pie remarked while peeking out the window.

“That certainly was quite the lightshow,” Rarity muttered.

Twilight’s eyes remained closed as information began to pour into her mind. “That's… odd,” she whispered, her eyes flickering open. “It seems like they’re in a dilapidated castle, likely in the Everfree.”

“The Castle of the Two Sisters! I know where it is!” Scootaloo proclaimed.

“I guess Celestia’s hunch was right, after all,” Silver Bulwark exclaimed.

“That's not far either, we could get there tonight. Which would give us at least a little time before old moony makes her return,” Spike pointed out.

“That's good, right?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Any advantage we can get against an ancient evil alicorn is a good thing,” Twilight replied.

Rarity’s frown deepened. “I still don't like this, but if I’m wrong, the entire world may be plunged into darkness. That is something I cannot allow.”

Silver Bulwark smacked the unicorn on the back hard enough to almost knock the wind out of her. “Atta girl! I knew there was a brain in that head of yours,” exclaimed the guard.

“Yes, well.” Rarity coughed. “I would at least like the opportunity to change out of my vestments at least. I would hate to ruin them.”

“Yeah, that would be terrible,” Spike mocked.

Rarity sighed. “It is my only demand. Surely if Pinkie Pie is getting her ridiculous suit I can at least shed my clothes in the comfort of my own home.”

Twilight nodded. “That does sound fair. Does anyone else have anything to contribute?”

Everyone shook their heads.

“Right, then let's get moving,” Twilight declared. “We’ll start by splitting up and meeting at the edge of the Everfree next to Fluttershy’s cottage.”

“I would advise that if you are trained in any manner of weapon or have experience wearing armor, that you bring them with you,” Silver Bulwark added.

“But if you aren't, don't grab any as you’ll just end up hurting yourself or others,” Spike exclaimed.

“Pfft, of course, everyone knows that,” Pinkie Pie remarked.

Rainbow Dash blushed and quietly pretended as though she wasn't planning on going home and grabbing the katana that hung over her mantle. “Yeah, totally. I’m ready when you are,” muttered the pegasus.

“Thank you, by the way,” Twilight proclaimed with a soft smile. “I know that was a lot to swallow, and I promise your trust in me is not misplaced.”

Applejack smiled. “Course, now let’s go kick some bad guy’s butt!”

“Here here!” Rarity added, prompting the rest of the gathering beings to add their own shout of excitement to the mix.

Author's Note

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Into Darkness

Twilight nodded and took a step back. “Alright, you are back to being invisible again, but just remember the spell doesn't muffle any sounds you may make.”

Applejack nodded, only to realize that she was no longer visible. “Right. I’ll hang back a little and watch your back.”

“I’ll be counting on you, Applejack,” Pinkie Pie declared with a small smile.

“Can you make me invisible too?” asked Scootaloo excitedly.

Twilight shrugged. “Yeah sure. But it won't last for more than an hour or so. I have to conserve my mana.”

Scootaloo grinned and pumped a hoof in the air. “Awesome!”

A second later the zergling hybrid shimmered out of existence, though everyone around could still hear her as she hopped around the room.

“Right, well. I will see you in a few minutes and don't worry, darling, I shan't tarry long,” Rarity proclaimed, gently touching Twilight’s shoulder as the templar passed the other unicorn.

“In that case I’ll see you girls shortly. Remember, don't tell anyone what we’re doing or repeat what I’ve told you,” Twilight sternly declared.

Rarity nodded, and Pinkie Pie gave the unicorn a brief salute. “You got it, boss lady,” exclaimed the pink pony.

With the two mares now behind her, Twilight turned to the rest of her friends. “Anything else?” she inquired.

Spike, Rainbow Dash, Silver Bulwark, and Fluttershy all shook their heads.

“Good, then let's go,” Twilight ordered.

“Relax, Twilight, they will come, you’ll see,” Spike softly stated, doing his best to reassure the pacing unicorn who walked back and forth in front of the entrance to the Everfree.

“I know they will, but I keep thinking about Celestia and how much she wants us to succeed. This may be the only chance to get Luna back, we have to give it our all,” Twilight replied before resuming her pacing.

“We totally got this,” Rainbow Dash announced with a grin. “I mean sure, we got a motley crew with us, but so long as I’m around, you got nothing to worry about.”

“Your confidence is so reassuring,” Twilight muttered bitterly.

Rainbow Dash didn't have time to give a response however, as the sound of incoming hooves made the small group turn to where Pinkie Pie was running towards them. The straight-maned pony now wore the same bulky suit and homemade battery that she had when Twilight first met her, though her usual grin was gone. Her expression was grim, and strapped on her shoulder was a long thin blade within easy reaching distance.

“You girls ready?” asked Pinkie Pie as she trotted up to the group.

“Woah, cool knife. Can I see?” inquired Rainbow Dash, who reached for the hilt of the earth pony’s dagger.

Pinkie Pie swatted the pegasus’ hoof away. “It is a dangerous weapon, not a toy,” she replied.

“Right. Sorry,” muttered Rainbow Dash.

“Now we just have to wait for Rarity,” Twilight exclaimed.

“You won't have to wait long,” interrupted Silver Bulwark, who peered intently from behind the shadows of her hood.

Following the other pony’s gaze, Twilight was able to see a floating shape that was approaching them from a distance. Rarity had removed her clothing in addition to the colored fabric that had been in her braided mane, which was now pulled further back. She also appeared far more serious then a few minutes ago, and though she remained unarmed, her eyes blazed like a bluish inferno.

Twilight remained silent, watching closely as the pony approached them at a good pace. “You made good timing,” Twilight remarked once Rarity was in ear shot.

“Yes, well. I would have made even better timing, but I was interrupted for a moment. Nothing to worry about though, I assure you,” Rarity hastily exclaimed.

Twilight’s gaze lingered on the floating unicorn for a moment before turning towards the rest of her group. “Remember. This is no walk in the park, the Everfree is dangerous, and though I am confident that we could overcome any foe, it's important to stick together,” Twilight stated.

“You got it, Twi!” Spike replied.

“Understood,” added Silver Bulwark.

Looking to the rest of her group revealed expressions of acknowledgement.

“Alright, so this is what's going to happen. Scootalooo will be at the front, and I’ll be right behind her. After that the rest of you will fill in the middle with Spike and Silver Bulwark on either side, and Applejack taking up the rear,” Twilight announced.

“Hey, I can totally take point,” Rainbow Dash declared with a stomp of her hoof. “I’ll have you know that I’m a black belt in-”

A sudden scream from somewhere in town caused the small group to turn in unison.

“What was that?” Applejack whispered.

Cries of confusion, followed by shouting, could be heard coming from the centre of Ponyville, setting everyone on edge.

“She’s here, and early too,” Twilight muttered. “Come on. We have to move. Haste is now more important than ever.”

“Wait, shouldn't we check on them? What if it's not Nightmare Moon?” Rarity questioned.

“Then it doesn't matter,” Twilight stated evenly.

“But-” Rainbow Dash began, only to be cut off by a firm glare from Twilight.

“Nothing else matters,” declared the unicorn. “Nightmare Moon can end all life on this planet, remember? Even if it's a fire, or a monster attack, it's nothing compared against the fate of our entire world.”

The screams died down suddenly, and a hush fell over the landscape.

“I’m not sure if I’m more relieved or terrified,” muttered Pinkie Pie grimly.

“We should move, it's already late,” Silver Bulwark interrupted.

Twilight turned. “Remember what I told you and we may very well end up saving the world before the day is out. Don't fall behind and don't get separated.”

One by one the group slowly fell into place, each pony settling into their prescribed positions with Twilight at the forefront. The mood was grim, the sudden scream having shattered any remnant of joy left over from the recent party. Even Pinkie Pie seemed utterly focused on the path ahead, a sight that made hope kindle in Twilight’s chest.

I won't let you down, Princess, Twilight thought to herself before plunging head first into the dark forest.

Twilight frowned as she looked over the thin ledge, which on one side was flanked by a tall wall of stone while the other went straight down for a considerable distance. The unicorn turned to their guide, or where Twilight knew Scootaloo was standing anyway, given that she was still invisible.

“Are you sure this is the fastest way to get to the castle? This seems unnecessarily risky,” Twilight remarked, gesturing to the ledge.

“Totally,” Scootaloo declared. “After that it's a straight shot through this dry ravine, over a river, and then bam, we’re there.”

“I assume there is a bridge over this river,” Silver Bulwark inquired.

Scootaloo nodded. “A great big stone one,” she proclaimed.

“I suppose I could levitate everyone across, but that would take quite a while as this ledge stretches for quite a while,” Rarity remarked, the mare floating over the side of the cliff and glancing further down the path.

“That would negate the time advantage we are getting from this route,” Twilight murmured.

Spike stepped forward onto the ledge and looked around. “It isn't too bad. Though I think Applejack might have some problems.”

“She’ll take up the rear, and I’ll keep my eye on her. Should anything happen, I’ll teleport both of us to safety,” Twilight quickly interrupted, the unicorn well aware of the worry already building in the hydralisk’s mind.

“And me and Rarity will fly beside and catch anyone if they should fall,” Rainbow Dash added.

“Excellent idea, darling,” Rarity declared.

“Alright then, Spike and Scootaloo should go first then. They are the lightest, and after that I would suggest that the order be Pinkie Pie, myself, Fluttershy, Twilight and finally Applejack,” Silver Bulwark explained.

“Distribute the weight at least a little more, I like it,” Twilight murmured.

“I don't know why you guys are spending so much time planning this all out. This is easy,” Spike declared before he and Scootaloo rounded the first bend in the path.

“Slow down, Spike!” Twilight shouted before gesturing to the group. “No point in waiting now, Pinkie Pie, you're up first.”

The earth pony nodded and slipped onto the ledge with ease, her surprisingly slim frame and dexterous hooves making it look easy despite her bulky armor. Silver Bulwark followed at a reasonable distance, her larger frame and bulky armor somehow not slowing her down one iota. The guard’s practice and years of training were evidently coming in clutch, as she strode confidently down the narrow path.

“Woah, she is good at that,” Applejack murmured.

“You're telling me,” Twilight replied.

“S-should I g-g-go now?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

“Just give her a few more feet,” Twilight said. “Alright, now you can go.”

Fluttershy gulped and walked out onto the ledge, her steps shaky and unsure, though her natural pegasus grace seemed to compensate at least somewhat. Her cloak thankfully didn't get in the way too much, but it still bothered Twilight, as she worried the mare may trip. When that didn't immediately happen, Twilight breathed a sigh of relief and stepped out onto the ledge, only to be stopped when Applejack coughed nervously.

“Are you sure about this?” whispered the mutated mare.

“I am,” Twilight declared, turning to the infested pony. “All you need to do is yell, and I’ll turn around and teleport both of us to the beginning of this path. Unfortunately I can't see the end of it, so it's not possible for me to skip straight there right now, but at least we won't be crushed by falling rocks or fall to our deaths.”

Applejack chuckled nervously. “You sure know how to calm a pony down.”

Twilight smirked and began to trot forward. “Your safety is assured, and I have a plan, that's pretty calming in my book.”

“I guess so,” Applejack mused.

After getting a good amount of distance between them, Applejack began to slither out onto the ledge, her enormous body and strange method of locomotion making things difficult for her. Still, she had just enough room to move, and with Twilight’s confidence bleeding through their link, she began to set out in earnest. Ahead of her, the train of ponies and dragon moved at a slow but steady pace, winding around the many bends.

Time passed by slowly, with each member of the group fixating completely on their own progress and little else. While this happened both Rainbow Dash and Rarity hovered nearby, ready to swoop in and help should the need arise. Twilight for her part had quickly gotten used to traversing the ledge, gaining a bit of Silver’s dexterity somehow.

Which meant Twilight had plenty of time to study the enormous boulders and piles of rocks hanging on the slope overhead. A sight that grew increasingly unpleasant the more Twilight observed it, though she did at least manage to tear her gaze away from it after a while. Just in time to see Fluttershy’s hoof slip and the pony tumble to the ground in a terrified, panicked heap.

Twilight lit her horn, but couldn't get a telekinetic grip on the mare before she was already on the ground, mere moments after slipping. It happened so fast that almost no one noticed what had happened before Fluttershy was lying there, panting hard with one of her legs hanging off the edge. Everyone who saw her slip collectively let out a sigh of relief, and the hybrid mare rose to an unsteady stand.

“S-s-sorry. I don't know what h-happened,” Fluttershy whispered. “It felt like my l-leg was pulled out from under me.”

“The rocks aren't even that slippery,” muttered Twilight, before a sudden noise brought her attention to the wall to her right.

A dark shape moved swiftly out of sight, but not before kicking a boulder down the side of the cliff. Twilight lit her horn once more, but by the time she was able to grab the boulder it had already started an enormous chain reaction.

With wide eyes, Twilight turned back to the ledge. “Run!” she screamed.

The rumbling of the rocks quickly grew to a great cacophony, and everyone began to sprint as fast as they could manage. Stones varying from the size of an apple all the way up to small homes tumbled down the side of the cliff face. A brief flash of images told Twilight that they were nearing the end though, as both Scootaloo and Spike were now safe and out of harm's way.

With that knowledge in mind, Twilight kept as close to the rock wall as she could manage while keeping an eye on the rest of her group. Silver Bulwark weathered the pelting stones with ease, the guard indomitable and utterly unshakable as she sprinted down the path. Pinkie Pie was the picture of grace, dodging around every obstacle that she faced with the ease of a trained dancer.

Fluttershy however was breathing hard and struggled to keep her hooves from getting tangled or from getting knocked off the side of the cliff by the rocks. A problem Applejack also shared, as her sheer size meant that the hydralisk was constantly assaulted with falling stones. Thankfully her chitinous exoskeleton protected her somewhat, unlike Fluttershy, who was one good hit away from plummeting over the side.

As the end neared, and the ledge began to widen, Twilight felt a brief burst of hope to flare in her chest. That hope was dashed the second she noticed an enormous misshapen boulder hurtling down the sloping cliff above them. The trajectory would put it directly on top of Fluttershy, who was too terrified to notice what was about to happen. Focusing on her magic, Twilight tried to run and cast at the same time, but she could barely budge the boulder given what little focus she could muster.

The unicorn didn't have time to try her psionic abilities however as the boulder was already mere feet away. Thankfully she wasn't the only one to notice this coming danger, and a prismatic blur swept in from behind, snatching Fluttershy out of danger. Twilight could tell that Rainbow Dash had been forced to take a few nasty hits, but the flood of relief from Fluttershy over their link told the unicorn that they had at least both reached safety.

Unlike her.

“Look out!” Applejack cried.

Twilight realized two things in that moment, one, that in her attempt to save Fluttershy, Twilight had inadvertently slowed down to a mere walk, and two, that it was suddenly very dark. The boulder never hit her however, as Applejack leapt overtop of the unicorn, using her larger bulk to shield Twilight from harm. Though not herself, as Applejack cried out in pain as the hunk of stone bounced off her back with a sickening thump.

Twilight wished she could heal her savior, but she didn't have time, and instead the infested unicorn made a snap decision and teleported her and Applejack away. She had only seen snippets of her destination in the eyes of the others, but it turned out to be enough information as they appeared safely out of harm’s way. Though they did both end up falling a half dozen feet, and ended up sprawled out on the ground, that was a small price to pay.

Silver Bulwark was the first to appear, the guard nervously checking Twilight over. “Are you injured? Where does it hurt?” shee asked.

Twilight winced and rolled onto her stomach. “I’m fine. Check on the others,” she muttered.

Silver Bulwark gave the infested mare a nervous look before doing just that, leaving Twilight standing there while trying to catch her breath. “You alright?” Spike asked nervously, the dragon followed closely by a nervous and still invisible Scootaloo.

“I’m fine. How are the others?” Twilight asked, the mare’s horn glowing as she assessed her own injuries.

“Rainbow’s wing doesn't look good and Applejack is a little banged up, but other than that, everyone is okay,” Spike hastily replied.

“I’m so sorry,” interrupted Scootaloo, who hugged Twilight’s leg tightly. “This is all my fault.”

“The decision was mine. Don't worry about it,” Twilight declared before gently brushing the zergling aside and observing her companions.

Sure enough, Rainbow Dash was indeed injured and though the pegasus was still standing, one wing hung limply at her side. Fluttershy was doing her best to help, but it was clear from even a glance that there wasn't much she could do. Turning to Applejack revealed that although she appeared bruised and battered, the hydralisk was relatively uninjured.

A spike of guilt still shot through Twilight’s heart though, and she walked over to the pony as she was slowly rising back into a stand. “Here, hold still,” Twilight whispered.

Applejack nodded and remained calm as Twilight channeled a bit of the strange energy she carried within her. Within moments, Applejack’s wounds began to heal, and the pained expression quickly left her face.

“Thanks,” Applejack murmured.

“No, thank you. That was really brave of you,” Twilight replied, touching the hydralisk’s shoulder.

The other infested mare blushed slightly. “Just returnin’ the favor, is all.”

Twilight was about to rebuff such a sentiment, only to be interrupted.

“Relax, I’m fine,” Rainbow Dash insisted.

“You are not fine,” Fluttershy hissed.

Twilight sighed and trotted over to the pair, the rest of the group checking themselves for injuries, all save for Rarity who was nowhere to be seen.

“How bad is it?” asked Twilight, who pushed her way next to Fluttershy.

“Possible broken bone, definitely some ligament damage, cast required,” Fluttershy muttered before shaking her head. “It's not good, b-b-but I c-can't do much.”

“It's fine,” Rainbow Dash insisted, only to wince immediately. “So I can't fly for a bit, it's no big deal.”

“Yes, it's a big deal. If left untreated or further aggravated, this could lead to permanent, irreparable damage,” Pinkie Pie interrupted.

“Exactly. If you take another big hit like that, your wing may never recover,” added Silver Bulwark.

Rainbow Dash paled, though she quickly shook her head. “So I just won't get hit again. Easy peasy,” she announced.

“This is serious,” hissed Fluttershy who quickly turned to Twilight. “Can you heal her like you did Applejack?”

“I’m afraid she's not like us,” Twilight replied sadly. “But I can at least ease her pain and use a low level healing spell.”

“Actually I think my triage spell will be a little more effective,” interrupted Silver Bulwark who stepped forward, horn glowing an odd mix of teal and orange.

Twilight nodded. “Do it.”

“Hey, wait, don't I get a say in--Oh, that's kinda nice,” Rainbow Dash murmured, the pegasus instantly relaxing as Silver Bulwark’s spell cascaded over her wing and upper back.

After the spell had run its course, Silver Bulwark sighed. “It's not much, but so long as it doesn't get hit again, it will heal completely, given time.”

Fluttershy let out a sigh. “Oh, thank goodness,” she whispered.

“So do we go back, or?” Pinkie Pie asked nervously.

Rainbow Dash shook her head. “No way. We got this far, and I ain't giving up yet.”

“Then we should move soon,” Twilight urged, only to look around. “Wait, where's Rarity?”

“Right here, darling,” announced the mare as she levitated down from the cliff. “After you were safe, I gave chase to whomever was following us, but I fear they have managed to evade me.”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed, but despite her misgivings, Rarity didn't seem as though she was lying. “Then you saw it too,” Twilight muttered.

Rarity nodded grimly. “I did. Though unfortunately all I was able to see was a shadow. They were definitely strong though, that's for sure.”

“Am I missing something?” Spike asked while scratching his head.

“I’ll tell you on the way,” Twilight replied before turning to the path once more. “For now, we gotta keep going.”

The group crept slowly down the path, a looming wall of stone rising before them and blotting out the light of the moon. The wall was strangely smooth, though there was at least a narrow opening that would allow them to get past it relatively easily. Silver Bulwark, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity were up front while the others hung back with a pouting Scootaloo.

“Why can't I stay at the front?” Scootaloo whispered.

“Because it's dangerous. You heard what Fluttershy said, a manticore is in the area,” Twilight whispered back.

Fluttershy nodded. “And they are v-v-very t-territorial.”

“Is it just me or does it also smell a little funny?” Pinkie Pie asked suddenly.

Twilight sniffed the air, her nose scrunching up instantly. “You are right. Fluttershy, what is that?”

“I don't know…” Fluttershy muttered, her brow creased.

“Stop,” Silver Bulwark whispered.

Instantly the group stopped moving, save for Twilight who crept a little closer to the guard. “What is it?” whispered the unicorn.

“Look here,” Silver Bulwark exclaimed, pointing to the ground. “Something big went down.”

Twilight followed the mare’s hoof and found that such an assessment was indeed true, as the ground was rough and uneven. Footprints both large and small could be seen all over the place, and the dirt was torn up in some spots. Blood could also be seen splattering the now dry earth and though most looked old, there was some which appeared bright and fresh.

“At least two assailants, and… is that a manticore footprint?” Twilight murmured.

Fluttershy nodded. “It's likely injured and though it looks like it l-l-lost a lot of b-blood, it's still d-dangerous”

“Noted,” Twilight replied before nodding to Silver Bulwark. “Let's proceed slowly, I do not want to be surprised by some angry manticore out of nowhere.”

Silver Bulwark took point and slowly crept forward, while the rest of their companions fell in close behind. Compared to the rest of their adventures, a manticore didn't seem that scary to Twilight, though the waiting certainly wasn't helping matters. As time stretched on, the group grew increasingly nervous, save for Twilight and Silver Bulwark, who were able to keep their cool.

“Incoming, right side!” Silver Bulwark shouted a second before a crash alerted the entire group to something big coming from that direction.

Twilight, Silver Bulwark, and Applejack lined up, while Rarity and Rainbow Dash levitated just overhead. They had just enough time to get into position before a nearby tree toppled over and an enraged manticore emerged into view. It stood taller than even Applejack.Its paws were massive, its hide scarred from many, many battles. Its stinger was a blood red, while its large, voluminous mane was a deeper crimson color, like the skin between its wings. The beast landed before them and let out a great roar that filled the area, shaking everyone who heard it to their very core.

Even Silver Bulwark seemed a little unnerved, though it didn't stop her from charging forward, hoof raised. Twilight was also quick to act, casting a lightning bolt that ripped through the air and impacted the manticore’s thick hide to little effect. Even a hail of organic missiles from Applejack did little to stop the beast, though that may have been due to the hydralisk’s poor aim.

The creature, shocked by the sudden counterattack, roared one final time before leaping into the air and attempting to pounce on Silver Bulwark. The guard was too fast however, and she leapt to the side before stabbing forward with a long blade which extended from her hoof. The blade was sharp, but the manticore’s hide proved tougher once more, ensuring Silver Bulwark hardly left a scratch.

“Get some fire on those wings!” Twilight shouted.

Spike, now shaken from his stupor, charged forward and breathed a gout of purple flames onto the closest batlike wing while Applejack unleashed on the other one. This time their attacks seemed to do something, though that something was enraging the manticore even more. The beast backhanded Spike off of his feet before slashing Silver Bulwark across the chest with a clawed paw.

The guard was able to block in time, but she too was knocked aside by the force of the blow. Rainbow Dash and Rarity took advantage of this opening and leapt into action with the pegasus jumping onto the manticore’s back and punching it in the back of the head. While this happened, Rarity waved a glowing hoof at the manticore, causing the beast to suddenly stumble to the side, temporarily dazed.

Rainbow Dash’s punch landed squarely at the base of the creature’s spine, but the manticore’s hide seemed as adept at deflecting blunt objects as it was sharp ones. A second later and the pegasus was forced to leap aside when the manticore’s tail began to descend, the blunt part of its stinger aimed for Rainbow’s back. Rolling off the side of the creature, Rainbow Dash immediately kept running before leaping into the air and dodging another swipe.

“Stand back. I’ll finish this,” Twilight declared, a fireball spell building on her horn.

“Wait! Stop!” Fluttershy cried, the infested pegasus leaping to the forefront of the action and putting herself between Twilight and her target.

“Watch out, Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

The shy mare spun around just as the manticore’s stinger came down, putting the companions in an odd spot. Noone was in a position to do much of anything, even Pinkie Pie, who had spent her time sneaking up on the manticore and was still too far away. Twilight could unleash her spell, but it was as likely to hit Fluttershy as her target, leaving her in a strange position.

The stinger never hit her though, and the manticore’s eyes popped open, its body suddenly becoming rigid. Confused, Twilight turned to Rarity only to find that she and Silver Bulwark were just as perplexed. Noticing that the creature hadn't attacked, Twilight quickly gestured for Spike and Applejack to stand down.

A move that turned out to be the correct one, as Fluttershy somehow managed to make the manticore sit and then lay down. Twilight was tempted to use this moment to deliver a coordinated attack on the monster, but she could tell that her shy friend was onto something. Taking a cue from Fluttershy’s confident expression and calm mind, the infested unicorn silently took a step back, urging the rest of her friends to do similarly.

Though they were as nervous as Twilight was, they complied, leaving Fluttershy relatively alone with the creature. This increased space seemed to put the manticore even more at ease, and it settled its great head on the ground before Fluttershy. Immediately, the creature let out a low, pained moan, and turned slightly, as if trying to draw attention to its large mane.

Fluttershy nodded, and while still maintaining eye contact, trotted up to the manticore and began to slowly part its hair. The sound of nervous chewing made Twilight notice that not everyone was as calm as Fluttershy was. Rainbow Dash was biting on the tips of her hooves while staring intently at her friend, who was seemingly searching for something in the creature’s mane.

The shimmer of something metallic caught Twilight’s eye, and Fluttershy slowly parted the creature’s mane to reveal a dagger. The weapon was long and sharp, and stuck fast in the manticore’s thick hide, having somehow managed to pierce it just deep enough that the wound wasn't fatal but also didn't slip out. The manticore’s moan of pain made all but Fluttershy nervous, the pegasus’ gaze still focused on the creature.

Her hoof settled on the hilt of the blade, and while keeping her eyes locked with the manticore, Fluttershy ripped the weapon free. The beast roared in agony, rising to a stand and using its great paws to tear a deep furrow of earth. Twilight stood ready, a spell already formed, but Fluttershy remained confident, and so the infested unicorn waited patiently.

The manticore roared and tore at the ground for several more seconds before it seemingly burnt itself out and stood there, chest heaving as it stared down at Fluttershy. The shy pegasus smiled and tossed the dagger aside before nodding slowly to the great beast. An action the creature returned before backing a few feet away and then taking off into the woods.

Fluttershy remained in the same spot for several seconds before letting out a deep sigh. “Whew, that w-w-was c-c-lose,” she stuttered.

Twilight was the first to react with the unicorn rushing over to her friend and pulling her into a tight hug. “That was amazing!” Twilight declared.

“Yeah, Fluttershy, that was crazy,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

A small chorus of agreement made the shy pegasus’ blush grow to encompass nearly her entire face. “Oh it w-w-was n-nothing,” whispered the mare.

“I hate to interrupt, but I think you should see this,” exclaimed Silver Bulwark.

Twilight turned to see the guard holding the dagger aloft in her hoof. “What's so special about… Oh.”

“Well, that's not good,” Spike murmured.

Twilight nodded and took the blade, rolling it over so the symbol on the hilt could be seen by all. A symbol that most were able to recognize as one which belonged to the great houses, and the first empire. The sight made an angry flame ignite in Twilight’s belly, an anger shared by several of her companions.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions, maybe it was planted there by another group,” Rarity offered.

Twilight frowned. “It's not impossible, but we should be on the lookout for anymore of your kind.”

“Don't you think that's a bit mean?” offered Pinkie Pie.

“Mean or not, the great houses do not just give these things away,” Twilight retorted, hefting the finely honed and well-crafted dagger for all to see. “These are incredibly expensive to make, and from my understanding are given only to high ranking members of their cult.”

“Now that was just uncalled for. It is not a cult!” exclaimed Rarity.

Twilight snorted. “Debatable, but regardless, we need to move. This detour has wasted enough of our time already.”

The group eyed one another nervously before reluctantly falling in behind the infested mare and proceeding deeper into the dark, twisted forest.

Author's Note

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Deeper Still

“Did you really have to break that dagger, Twi?” Spike whispered.

Twilight snorted, her gaze lingering on the rest of her little troop which marched before her. “None of us save for Rarity could have even used it with any degree of skill, and I will not hand her another weapon,” stated the mare.

Spike frowned, his gaze lingering on the aforementioned unicorn’s backside, as did Twilight’s. “You know I’m as leery of them as you are, but even you gotta admit that she seems different,” he pointed out.

“She may be different, but that may also be due to her planning on winning us over before stabbing us in the back.” Twilight raised a hoof, silencing Spike’s retort. “And before you say anything, I will grant that there is the possibility of her truly being on our side, but you must remember that anyone could be looking through her eyes. They share their every thought and emotion, which includes our location and what she’s currently doing.”

“But we also know that they can learn to subdue that part, only sharing what they want to share. Like with Blueblood,” Spike remarked.

“If they have the right motivation and training,” Twilight replied. “Neither of which I believe she has.”

“Fine, I suppose you have me there,” Spike murmured.

Twilight glanced down at her slouching companion and sighed. “One way or the other, we’ll see where her loyalties lie soon enough.”

“And hopefully you're wrong,” Spike added.

“And hopefully I’m wrong,” Twilight admitted.

If it makes you feel any better, I think you're both wrong, exclaimed the voice of Silver Bulwark, echoing in the minds of the infested. She's too naive for all that. If anything, they are likely using her because she's so good-natured.

I want to say that would be mean even for them, but I think they are well past that, remarked Spike.

True, agreed Twilight.

Well I think she's nice, and wait, what was that? Fluttershy thought, the pegasus stopping suddenly and spinning around, staring with wide fearful eyes at a seemingly random tree.

Twilight lit her horn, eyes scanning the darkness. “What did you see?” she shouted.

“It l-l-looked like a p-pony,” Fluttershy murmured.

Silver Bulwark frowned and moved her hoof away from the hilt of her blade. “I don't see anything-”

“It's above us! It's got great big wings and huge red eyes!” Scootaloo shouted, jabbing a hoof straight up before scuttling under Fluttershy, the invisibility field surrounding her sputtering and dying suddenly.

Twilight’s horn blazed with life, and she stared up at the spot Scootaloo had pointed to, while at the same time Spike stood ready, as did Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. For a moment, noone moved, and the troop merely stood there, staring into the darkness and waiting for something to happen. Then a shriek, and Rarity let loose a storm of electricity which ripped apart the earth, decimated several trees and incinerated a dozen bushes.

“Eek, kill it!” she shouted, before flying up into the air and conjuring a shield around herself.

Twilight readied another spell, but by the time she was facing the spot Rarity had already destroyed there was nothing there other than shattered wood and chunks of dirt. “What did you see?” Twilight shouted.

“It was huge, bigger than an oak, but it was super--There it is again!” Rarity shouted before unleashing a bolt of lightning from her hooves.

Twilight followed the path of her attack, only to see nothing but trees, shadows, and a now smoking stump. “Silver, what's out there?” Twilight called.

“I don't know, it's like something is scrambling my senses,” retorted the mare, who had drawn her blade and now eyed the forest cautiously.

“I don't know what you guys are talking about. I don't see anything,” Rainbow Dash declared, only to gasp. “Wait, what in the hell is that huge ugly thing over there?”

Twilight spun around to face whatever monster had managed to sneak up on them, only to find that there was nothing but more trees, bushes, and darkness. “What in the hell is wrong with you guys?” bellowed the infested unicorn.

Spike suddenly grabbed hold of her coat, clinging tightly to the mare, his eyes wide and filled with terror. “Can't you see them? They are all around us, just waiting to strike!” he shouted before collapsing to the ground and cowering in fear.

Twilight closed her eyes and focused inwardly, trying to use their connection to force the fear from Spike’s mind. The second she entered the dragon’s psyche that plan was dashed, as the sheer weight of the terror he felt forced Twilight to close herself off lest she too be washed away in a sea of panic. Clutching her head, Twilight tried again to fight back against this strange, unnatural fear, but found that she was unable to make any headway. Worse yet, the sheer amount of despair felt by the other infested beings was beginning to take its toll on her as well, grinding down her willpower.

Twilight forced her eyes open, only to find a screaming Rainbow Dash heading straight for her. “They are right behind me!” she shouted.

Twilight rolled out of the way, narrowly avoiding getting knocked over by the panicked pegasus. Grabbing hold of her draconic assistant, Twilight roughly hefted the teenager to his feet and glared into his eyes.

“Snap out of it, Spike, it's not real!” shouted the mare.

The dragon didn't even seem to hear her and merely curled into a ball, rocking back and forth as he was held aloft by Twilight.

“Snap out of it, Jacky, you're scaring me,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, prodding the hybrid who lay on her back, eyes wide and body twitching.

Upon recognizing that Pinkie Pie was also unaffected, Twilight ran up to her, grabbing the earth pony by the front of her homemade stealth suit. “Pinkie Pie, you have to do something! I won't be able to hold out much longer, their fear is too much!” cried Twilight.

“I don't know what to do though!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight was about to reply, only for a sudden movement to catch her eye and she dove to the side, firing off a trio of mana bolts into the forest. Leaving a confused pink pony to stand there amidst the chaos that was now all around her. Magic whizzed past her head, dirt went flying, and a prismatic pegasus ran screaming through the forest.

“Wait, I know what to do, this reminds me of a song!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

The earth pony took a comically deep breath before rising onto her back legs. “Oh, when I was a little filly and the sun was going down,” she sang as she dodged, ducked, and otherwise avoided the various projectiles flying about the area. “The darkness and the shadows would always make me frown.”

She hopped over to a spot of dirt and rammed her hoof shoulder deep into it, retrieving a terrified looking Scootaloo. “I’d hide under my pillow, from what I thought I saw, but Granny Pie said that wasn't the way to deal with fears at all,” continued Pinkie, before tossing the still terrified and now utterly confused zergling hybrid onto her back.

“She said, Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall, learn to face your fears. You’ll see they can't hurt you, just laugh and make them disappear,” Pinkie Pie sang, instruments springing from nowhere and adding a bouncy melody to the pony’s impromptu song.

“Ha, ha ha,” Pinkie Pie laughed.

Scootaloo’s eyes went wide, and in an instant all traces of the unnatural fear fled, leaving behind a deep well of joy that quickly spilled past her lips in the form of furious laughter.

The earth pony picked up the catatonic Applejack around the shoulders and held her upright. “So giggle at the ghostly. Guffaw at the grossly,” she continued to sing.

Applejack laughed suddenly, as if she were being forced to do so, though it became more and more natural as the fear was replaced with confusion and, finally, relief.

“Crack up at the creepy, whoop it up with the weepy,” Pinkie Pie shouted, plucking Rainbow Dash mid-sprint and holding her tightly.

Again, the pony reluctantly began to chuckle, until she collapsed to the ground, laughing so hard that tears spilled down her face.

“Chortle at the kooky. Snortle at the spooky,” Pinkie Pie sang, face plastered against the outside of Rarity’s bubble.

Inside, the fashionista found herself unable to continue lashing out as she was too transfixed by the pink pony staring at her. A moment later and she too found her fear giving way to joy, laughter springing unbidden to her lips. Her defences fell a second before the pony herself did, landing in a heap along with Applejack and Rainbow Dash who were still giggling uncontrollably.

Pinkie Pie appeared before Fluttershy, who had retreated into her hood and was now shivering violently while lying curled up on the ground. “So let’s tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave us alone!” she exclaimed.

Fluttershy’s wide eyes shrunk slightly, and a second later she too found herself unable to resist the urge to laugh aloud.

Grinning from ear to ear, Pinkie Pie leapt atop a nearby stump which Spike was hiding behind and raised her hooves to the heavens. “And if they think they can scare us, then they've got another thing coming, and the very idea of such a thing just makes me wanna-” Pinkie Pie continued, her voice becoming twice as fast before stopping completely and devolving into half-stifled giggling, “laaaaaaaaaaaaaugh!”

The music rose to a crescendo as the pink pony held the final note for several long seconds. Until finally, it broke, and the forest was silent once more, the haze which had fallen over Twilight and Silver Bulwark dissipating as their friends’ fear fell away completely. The group sat in silence, slowly catching their breath as they gathered their bearings and came to grips with what had just occurred.

“What the hell was that?” Spike muttered, the dragon slowly rising from the ground and dusting himself off.

“A very powerful fear enchantment placed on a very powerful illusion,” Twilight exclaimed whilst frowning. “Likely tied to a perception filter and a few other less than pleasant little surprises.”

“Who would cast such a nasty thing?” Rarity asked while pulling leaves from her mane.

“Someone who wanted to keep us from reaching the castle and defeating Nightmare Moon,” Silver Bulwark exclaimed, shrugging. “Either that or someone got really bored and wanted to fuck with the animals.”

“Either w-w-way, they are a m-mean,” Fluttershy stammered angrily.

“You said it, Flutters,” Rainbow Dash added.

Twilight plucked a branch from the pegasus’ mane and tossed it aside. “You girls go on ahead, I just need to talk to Pinkie Pie for a moment.”

“Sure thing,” Silver Bulwark replied. “Alright, you heard the mare, let's get moving.”

Most of the group’s members complied without question, though Fluttershy’s gaze lingered on the pink pony for several seconds before she too turned and left.

“I didn't do anything wrong, did I?” Pinkie Pie asked, cocking her head.

“No, you did not do anything wrong. I just wanted to check something, if you don't mind,” Twilight replied.

“Oh, uh sure. Is it about the song thing?” Pinkie Pie continued.

Twilight nodded and stepped forward, placing a hoof on Pinkie Pie’s forehead. “Something like that.”

Closing her eyes, Twilight mentally poked and prodded at the other mare’s mind, scanning it for any irregularities and trying to compare what she found to what she already knew. Which admittedly wasn't much, given her own poor experience with psionic abilities, though even then she was able to figure at least something out. Namely that whatever part of Pinkie Pie’s brain that controlled her psionic powers didn't have very many connections with the part of her that controlled empathy.

“It feels like you don't have the connections necessary to properly access your powers,” Twilight exclaimed, withdrawing her mind and taking a step back. “My knowledge isn't complete, but it feels like if you were to get in touch with your empathetic side and perhaps spent more time among other ponies, that you could wield those abilities with greater control.”

Pinkie Pie frowned. “I guess that makes sense, I did grow up on a rock farm after all. It still kind of freaks me out that anyone else has this kind of power to be honest. The only other pony I knew who could do stuff like that was my Granny Pie.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “So you're saying it might be genetic?”

The inventor shrugged. “I have it, Granny Pie did, and apparently her grandma did too. So I think so? But then again, that ain't the biggest sample size.”

“True, but it is consistent.” Twilight shook her head. “Regardless, we are getting off track again. We better catch up with the others.”

Pinkie Pie caught Twilight by the shoulder just as she was about to pass her by. “Wait, I just wanted to thank you. Everyone else who has found out about my abilities has treated me like a freak because of what I could do.”

Twilight chuckled. “That would be a lot like the pot calling the kettle black, don't you think?”

The pony giggled. “True. We are all a little strange, it's just if it's on the outside or not.”

“Exactly, now come on. I don't want to make them wait.”

“Right behind you, Twi.”

The group had continued their march through the woods at a steady pace, the moon hanging over them the entire time, bathing the land in its eerie glow. Interruptions from the wildlife were few, infrequent and easily dealt with, unlike the terrain itself which was as chaotic as ever. Thankfully no one was so out of shape that they had to stop, though it was becoming apparent that doing such a thing may become necessary sooner rather than later.

“Are we there yet?” Scootaloo whined.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “No, and I swear if you ask me that again, I’ll-”

“Wait, do you hear that?” Spike muttered, holding up a hand.

“Sounds like waves,” Rainbow Dash remarked. “But there shouldn't be any lakes around here.”

“There is a r-r-river around h-here,” Fluttershy offered.

“Hmm, we better check it out. Stay close and quiet,” Twilight urged.

Her friends all nodded, and together the cadre of misfits crept slowly along the winding and slightly descending path. The trees parted, revealing the supposedly calm river was anything but, as the water churned in a violent and chaotic manner.

The sound of the waves was incredibly loud, and the aroma of the forest was washed away by the mist which surrounded the banks. As Twilight stared, the sense of strangeness only grew more prevalent when she realized that the water wasn't even flowing normally. The waves seemed to emerge from the center of the river, as if some great beast writhed in agony just below the surface.

“What do we do now?” Rainbow Dash asked, the pegasus stepping nervously from hoof to hoof. “I mean I could normally ferry you each across, but even without a busted wing I couldn't help much.”

“I thought you said you were the best flier in Equestria,” Scootaloo remarked.

Rainbow Dash waved a hoof dismissively. “Nah, I’m the fastest. Plenty of ponies can carry more or fly further than me.”

“I could teleport us across or simply use telekinesis,” Twilight began, pursing her lips. “Though that might drain my magic quite a bit, considering just how wide it is.”

“Hmm, between us, I don't think that would be difficult, though I am curious as to what manner of creature may be causing such a disturbance in the first place,” Rarity offered, the templar floating several feet up and staring intently at the raging water.

“True…” Twilight turned to Silver Bulwark suddenly. “Do you have any idea what may be causing this?”

The guard shrugged. “I got a couple ideas, but nothing solid. You want me to try figuring it out?”

“Yeah, and then we can tell them off for destroying the bridge thats supposed to be here,” Pinkie Pie added with an irritated snort.

“D-d-don't rush to c-c-conclusions,” Fluttershy warned.

“Yeah, it might have been someone else,” Applejack remarked.

Silver Bulwark placed a hoof against the side of her head and closed her eyes, focusing intently on the river. “They seem intelligent, and--Wait, hold on. Here they come.” Silver Bulwark took a step back and drew her sword.

All around her weapons were drawn and fighting stances taken, all save for Fluttershy, who ducked behind a nearby tree. A second later the water calmed, only for a massive serpentine shape to emerge from the surf, towering over the gathered ponies. Though the creature didn't have any legs, it did have a pair of long, spindly arms and a body that was easily dozens of metres long.

The creature’s scales were a vibrant purple, quite thick and polished to a resplendent shine. Despite the monster’s enormous size, its face was surprisingly expressive, with bushy orange eyebrows, a long snout, and a pair of fins on either side of its head. It also had an enormous well-coiffed mane, as well as half a moustache, which had been enough to convince Twilight that it was indeed male.

“And who are you? Come to destroy another bridge and rob me of the other half of my moustache, hmmm?” boomed the great serpent, his voice warbling slightly and sounding vaguely like a fashion designer Twilight had met when she was much younger.

“Uh, no?” Rainbow Dash remarked, shrugging her shoulders. “Unless one of you girls went ahead and somehow blew up a bridge.”

“Now how would we even go about doin’ something like that? We’ve been together pretty much no-stop since we left Ponyville,” Applejack deadpanned.

“I dunno,” muttered the pegasus.

Twilight took a step forward. “Mister Serpent, we were hoping to cross the river, if at all possible.”

The serpent blinked. “Well, at least this bunch of ponies have some manners.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Unlike the last bunch of brutes who came through here.”

“Could you m-m-maybe t-tell us about them?” Fluttershy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The serpent leaned down until his huge head was level with the small group. “What was that, dear? I didn't catch what you said.”

“She asked if you knew anything about the last group,” Spike offered.

“I don't know much I’m afraid, but I’ll do my best to paint the scene as it were.” The serpent sighed. “There I was relaxing underneath my favorite bridge when all of a sudden it started falling apart! I narrowly avoided getting crushed, however in the chaos I lost half of my amazing moustache.”

“It is quite fitting,” Rarity offered.

The serpent smiled and batted his eyelashes. “You're too kind.”

“Where was the bridge anyway? I don't see anything left.” Scootaloo pondered aloud.

“Looks like it was over here,” Rainbow Dash answered.

Twilight frowned when she saw the handful of stones still stuck into the earth. “Well, that's unfortunate,” she muttered.

“Yes indeed. Now, however, will I get any company in this place?” bemoaned the serpent.

“Have you thought about moving closer to a town or city perhaps?” Rarity offered.

“I have, but I do so enjoy the calmer waters,” replied the serpent who suddenly perked up. “Oh, and the name is Steven Magnet, and you all are?”

The group introduced themselves one after another, ending with Twilight.

“--and were here to reach the Castle of the Two Sisters,” exclaimed the infested unicorn.

“Then you will need to get across this river,” Steven Magnet stated, scratching his chin. “I don't suppose you know a spell to give me back my moustache perhaps? You ponies are ever so good with magic.”

“If that is what is necessary to acquire your aid, then I suppose I could come up with something.” Twilight turned towards the group. “I don't actually know a spell capable of doing something like that, so I’ll need a minute to invent one.”

“No need, darling,” declared Rarity who levitated into the air until she was face to face with Steven. “I know just the thing.”

Steven Magnet clapped his hands excitedly. “Oh, that is just fabulous, thank you, dear.”

“Just hold still and…. voila!” Rarity exclaimed as Steven Magnet suddenly regained the missing half of his moustache in a flash of magic. “Good as new.”

The serpent looked down into the water, marveling at his facial hair. “Oh, my goodness, it really is as good as new!” he exclaimed.

“Not quite as good, I’m afraid,” Rarity warned. “Though it is a complicated illusion that should stick long enough for your real moustache to grow back.”

“Good thinking, Rarity,” shouted Spike.

“Yeah, that’s some real fancy spell slingin’,” Applejack added.

“Thank you, darlings. Now, Steven, if you wouldn't mind,” Rarity exclaimed.

The serpent bowed slightly. “Of course.”

Steven extended his body from one side of the river to the other, creating an impromptu bridge which Twilight gingerly began to walk across. Her friends soon joined her, and in no time at all they were on the other side, and Steven Magnet pulled his body beneath the waves once more.

“There we are. Right as rain,” he announced with a smile.

“Thank you again, M-m-mister M-magnet,” Fluttershy announced, her voice rising above a whisper.

“It was my pleasure, ta ta now. Do come back for tea sometime!” Steven exclaimed before slipping back beneath the water’s surface.

Twilight gestured to her right. “The path should pick back up where the other side of the bridge would be.”

“Right, and remember the marching order, ladies,” Silver Bulwark declared before slipping her sword away and taking point.

Spike snorted bitterly and crossed his arms. “Were not all ladies, you know.”

“So where did you learn that spell from?” Twilight inquired, turning to Rarity.

Who shrugged and continued to float along the water’s edge. “Just an acquaintance of mine who knows quite a bit about illusion magic. They even pioneered a method of blending psionics and magic, creating some quite amazing and unique spells.”

“Oh really?” Twilight replied, raising an eyebrow. “Like ones capable of making all who gaze upon it to become terrified?”

The templar turned and cocked her head at the other unicorn. “I suppose that is possible. You don't think they had anything to do with that little trap, do you?”

“It certainly is possible,” Twilight murmured. Keep a close eye on, Rarity. It's likely that she personally knows who set the last trap, as well as the one that was sprung on myself and Spike all those years ago.

Twilight set her jaw and continued walking, ignoring the chorus of mental affirmations she received to her order. Around her, the rest of the companions had already done the same, trotting or floating deeper into the forest.

Some more conflicted than others.

“Well, this is annoying,” Twilight muttered as she gazed over the misty crevice separating them from the castle which lay just beyond.

“Too bad the ropes were cut, otherwise we could just walk across,” Scootaloo exclaimed, brushing a foreleg against the dangling bit of frayed rope which hung from a pole half-buried in the rocky earth.

“It l-l-looks r-recent,” Fluttershy added.

“Wonderful, those jerks put another obstacle in our way, and I can't just fly over there and grab the bridge,” Rainbow Dash muttered, kicking a stone into the crevice.

“How do you know it's not destroyed?” asked Spike.

“It's never destroyed in the movies,” Rainbow Dash retorted.

Silver Bulwark chuckled and gently patted the pegasus on the back. “Well, if you didn't already notice, this isn't a movie. Otherwise you’d be hotter, and I’d be played by Silver Star.”

“Really, Silver Star?” Rarity replied. “You look more like a Red Letter type of girl.”

The guard cocked her head. “Like, pre-Beach Watch Red Letter, or post-Beach Watch Red Letter?”

“Need I remind you girls that we are on a tight schedule,” Twilight interrupted, stepping forward. “Besides, if Silver Bulwark was going to be played by someone, it would be Steel Girder.”

“Oh yeah, she's got the pipes to pull that off,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Regardless. I think I may have a solution,” offered Rarity who levitated into the air. “I will simply cover the distance and ascertain if the bridge is still functional. If it is, then I shall recover it, and we can rebind it to its moorings as it were.”

“Out of all the days to be grounded,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

“Good thinking, any other possible solution would just end up wasting too much magic.” Twilight nodded. “Alright, Rarity, go ahead. We’ll wait here.”

“I shan't be long, darlings,” Rarity exclaimed before floating out over the chasm.

“B-b-be c-careful,” Fluttershy half-whispered, half shouted.

The fashionista merely gave the infested mare a brief wave before continuing on, disappearing into the mist, leaving behind her newfound friends and passing over the deep expanse without looking down even once. The sound of rushing water from somewhere below her was unnerving enough as is, and that was without the mist which obscured her destination from view.

“Come on, Rarity, you can do this,” she muttered to herself. “Oh, thank goodness, the other side.”

The mists parted and a landing was suddenly made visible, as well as a pair of poles from which hung an entire, mostly intact bridge. Though clearly damaged from the fall and the ravages of time, a quick inspection told Rarity that it would likely still function as intended. All she had to do was grab the bridge in her magic and then lift it back up for her friends to secure it.

“Going to need to focus for this one,” Rarity whispered aloud.

Landing on the other side, she closed her eyes and focused on her levitation ability, crafting it in such a manner that she gripped the entirety of the bridge in her power. She had nearly done so when she heard the clop of hooves from behind her, though she hadn't sensed anyone approach her. Reacting quickly, she abandoned the bridge, rose into the air, and spun around, ready to deal with any potential attacker with a bolt of psionic lightning.

“Oh, zealots. What are you three doing here?” Rarity asked, cocking her head slightly. “And why can't I feel your thoughts?”

The three identical white unicorns stood several feet away, eying Rarity curiously. Their golden armor was resplendent and shimmered in the light of the moon, as did their weapons, which for the moment remained unignited. The arms and armament of the trio was fairly standard, and though not quite as fancy as the ones created by house Blueblood, were leagues ahead of what a civilian should be capable of acquiring.

The centermost unicorn stepped forward suddenly. “It doesn't matter. We have an important mission, one that you will be required to complete,” they commanded, their voice sounding almost as if it were actually a mix of several other ponies all whispering in unison.

“I’m sorry, but do I know you?” Rarity inquired.

“We spoke briefly through the khala back when you stopped at the boutique,” offered the zealot to the right.

“Oh, of course. Your assistance was most welcome,” Rarity exclaimed.

“Yes, everything is proceeding exactly as planned.”

Author's Note

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A Bridge Too Far

“I wouldn't say that” retorted Rarity. “You may have helped to guide us towards the castle, but I have a feeling that you were also responsible for all the road blocks placed in our path.”

“Of course we were. That was all part of the plan, remember?” the centermost zealot asked.

“What plan are you talking about exactly? I had merely assumed you were guiding us here in order to assist in our own plan to vanquish Nightmare Moon,” Rarity replied.

The three zealots exchanged a glance, and a quick, silent conversation seemed to pass between them.

“It seems as though there was a misunderstanding of sorts,” the left zealot began.

“Regardless,” continued the one to the right. “You are hereby ordered to abandon the undesirables and proceed to Canterlot with us.”

“You will then join the assault in Canterlot, where your skills will be required,” exclaimed the centermost zealot.

“I will do no such thing,” Rarity scoffed. “These people need my help, and I will not turn my back on them now.”

“This order does not come lightly, Dame Rarity,” warned the same zealot. “This is the will of the houses, and it must be obeyed.”

“And you would be forever dishonored if you ignored it,” added another.

Rarity snorted. “The only dishonorable thing would be to rescind my offer of assistance after promising it. I will have no part in whatever clandestine actions you have planned for my newest friends.”

“You will face grave repercussions for your actions, seamstress,” growled one of the zealots, who took a threatening step forward.

“The houses demand obedience and do not look kindly on those who have been given autonomy, only to shirk that gift,” added the second unicorn.

“You dishonor yourself and the houses with this cloak and dagger routine,” Rarity replied, eyes glowing with barely contained anger. “And while I still retain my rank, you would do well to refer to me by such.”

The centermost zealot grit his teeth. “You will not be a high templar for long. After the lords hear of this, they will-”

“I don't care what those stuffy old stallions think. I have worked for the betterment of all ponykind and refuse to stop doing so just because to attack whatever it is you’re attacking. Now begone, before this turns messy,” growled Rarity as she floated into the air, sparks crackling from the tips of her hooves.

“So be it,” declared the zealot who raised her hoof and ignited her blade.

Rarity was ready to reply with an attack of her own, only for the three zealots to freeze in place before they could leap into action. They continued to stand stock-still for several seconds before relaxing suddenly, deactivating their weapons and taking a step back.

“Things have changed, we are required elsewhere,” the centermost zealot exclaimed. “You will be dealt with, in time.”

Rarity frowned and watched as the three unicorns slipped away, vanishing into the mist. The high templar remained on guard for nearly a minute before finally relaxing her posture and turning back to the bridge. Hefting the long object into place wasn't terribly difficult considering just how much power she had already gathered, and it didn't take long before it felt secure.

Releasing her hold on the suspension bridge, Rarity took a step back and watched closely as the first of her friends appeared through the mist.

The second their eyes met, Twilight trotted forward a little quicker. “Did you not hear us yelling?” she asked.

“No, I’m afraid I was a little distracted as it were,” Rarity murmured.

“Oh, by what?” asked Rainbow Dash, who had been close behind Twilight and almost completely hidden by the enormous unicorn’s bulk.

“I just accidentally got some mud in my mane, is all,” Rarity remarked.

“Yeah that sounds like Rarity,” remarked Rainbow Dash, snickering.

“Yes well, it is remedied now,” Rarity muttered, lifting her mane in emphasis.

“So I can see,” Twilight muttered. “Are you sure there isn't anything else you wish to tell us?”

Rarity shook her head. “No, I’m afraid that's all it was. Just a momentary fashion emergency, nothing more. We can speak again after this Nightmare Moon business is dealt with.”

“Come on, Twi, I’m pretty sure she's trustworthy,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, throwing a foreleg over the infested unicorn’s shoulders and ending up partially hanging off the larger mare.

Twilight snorted. “Fine, but I’ll be watching you.”

“Yes well, trust is a two-way street, you know,” Rarity remarked.

“That it is,” Silver Bulwark announced. “We better keep moving, that took longer than anticipated.”

“Right, of course,” Twilight muttered.

“Lighten up, Twi. We’re in this together, aren't we?” Rainbow Dash offered, squeezing the unicorn’s shoulders one final time before slipping away, following the rest of their friends towards the castle in the distance.

Twilight didn't move right away, however, merely gazing up at the ruined parapets, towers, and overgrown battlements, wondering if this had all happened before. Shaking off that strange throught, the infested unicorn made her way towards the entrance, silently chastising herself for wasting important time. The rest of the gathered ponies and lone dragon had already done the same, some reluctantly, others eagerly, with the only thing in common being the aura of dread they felt pressing down around them.

Twilight held up a hoof. “They should be just through this door. Are you all ready?”

The gathered beings all nodded, their bodies tense as they stood nervously in the stairwell, waiting for Twilight to open the enormous double doors which barred their way. Thankfully for the small group, the climb up to the top of this particular tower had not been lengthy, nor was it exceptionally difficult. Though that didn't mean they had reached it unaffected, as the aura of darkness had become so thick that it felt as though it was physically weighing them down.

“Ready to do this, Twilight?” Silver Bulwark whispered.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Twilight exclaimed, before lowering her shoulder and throwing her weight against the pair of oaken doors.

Which were thrown inward by the force of her entrance, one falling off its hinges and clattering against the ground while the other slammed into the wall. With the final obstacle out of the way, Spike and the ponies piled into the room beyond, taking up positions and readying themself for anything.

Only to be greeted by a cool breeze and a more or less empty, dilapidated room devoid of a terrifying nightmare alicorn. The ceiling was completely gone, allowing numerous vines and weeds to grow up the walls or in the cracks of the floor. Stone columns flanked either side of the room, though they held up nothing but their own weight now. The windows which had been spaced between the columns were empty of glass and now only contained a thin metal skeleton that still clung to the empty space.

The room contained only a single object, a large and clearly ancient stone structure near the other side of the room. Though it had somehow managed to resist the ravages of time that had not stopped moss from growing on its surface. The base of the structure was a wide flat circle from which a pyramid of stone rose, at the top of which sat a cylinder. That cylinder had atop it a stone orb, and long straight arms sprouting from it, which held several other orbs that were nearly identical to the first.

“They really are here,” Spike muttered.

“It seems so,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Now what?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Weren't you listenin’ before? We gotta attune to the Elements before Nightmare Moon shows up,” Applejack retorted.

“Oh yeah, right,” Rainbow Dash muttered, trotting towards the pedestal.

“Hold on,” Twilight exclaimed, stopping Rainbow Dash with a leg. “We should check for traps.”

“Excellent thinking, darling. I doubt they would leave such a place defenceless,” added Rarity, who floated forward, her hooves and horn glowing brightly.

Twilight followed the other unicorn’s lead, and together they scanned the area, only to come up with the same result. “It’s safe,” Twilight claimed.

“Strange, I know it's been a while but surely there should be something,” Rarity muttered.

“Regardless, you lot should grab your elements and start lickin’ ‘em or whatever it is you gotta do,” Silver Bulwark announced, gesturing to the pyramid at the center of the room.

“I’ll watch the door,” offered Spike.

Twilight lit her horn and plucked all six orbs from their pedestals, laying them down before the five ponies and herself. “Alright, girls, find which one speaks to you and touch it, after that the orbs themselves won't matter as we’ll have absorbed their essence,” Twilight explained.

“This one seems right,” murmured Pinkie Pie who plucked a seemingly random stone orb from the floor, her hoof glowing a faint pink the second she touched the object. “Fascinating.”

One after another, the other ponies picked out the orb which spoke to them the most, each one lighting up faintly before fading and returning to normal. All save for Rarity and Twilight, who stared at the remaining two orbs with differing levels of nervous energy.

“Go on,” Twilight urged.

“But I’m not sure which one is the right one,” Rarity muttered, chewing on her hoof. “They both feel right.”

“What's the problem?” asked Applejack, who hefted her own orb awkwardly on her scythe limb. “It seems pretty cut and dry to me.”

“Just give me a second, okay?” Twilight exclaimed.

The infested unicorn closed her eyes and focused on one orb, before shifting to the other, trying to search her feelings for whichever one felt more right than the other. After several quiet moments of contemplation, Twilight reached out and touched one of the orbs, which immediately glowed a faint purple. Breathing a sigh of relief, Twilight opened her eyes to find that she did indeed hold the Element of Magic in her open hooves.

“One left,” remarked Silver Bulwark.

“R-right,” Rarity stuttered, reaching out towards the Element and gently lifting it with both forehooves.

The group stared intently as the pony hefted the orb into the air, only for no light to emerge from her hooves.

“Why isn't it working?” asked Scootaloo, who sat nearby.

“I don't know,” muttered Rarity.

“N-n-now, Twilight, let’s not j-j-jump to conclusions,” Fluttershy warned, having already read her queen’s mind.

The infested unicorn glared daggers at the fashionista, causing the pony to flinch under the sheer hatred within the orange orbs. “I knew you were working with them, and this confirms it. You’ve become too corrupted to connect to your Element,” declared the unicorn.

“I have not-” Rarity began, only to be interrupted when a pair of hooves slammed into the stone ground with enough force to knock poor Scootaloo airborne.

“She's here!” shouted Spike.

All eyes turned away from Rarity’s glowing orb and toward where Nightmare Moon stood tall and proud, her great bat-like wings flared and her armor sparkling. Her fur was as black as night, and her eyes were a light teal, split down the middle by a thin, slitted black pupil. The alicorn’s mane and tail billowed all around her, seemingly unnaffected by both wind and gravity.

“Excellent, you have finally arrived,” declared the nightmare, her voice crawling into the ears of all who heard it, leaving the listeners strangely unnerved.

Twilight stared up at the towering alicorn, her gaze lingering on her long pointed horn and the silver armor which covered a majority of the Nightmare’s body. A dark moon was painted atop the metal which obscured her cutie mark from sight. Though the design of her armor felt familiar to that which she had seen the armies of the great houses wear, the alicorn’s was different, bulkier and thicker, yet at the same time seemed to allow the pony a stunning amount of maneuverability.

“And you have found the Elements as well. Perfect, now all I must do is eliminate you, and they will be out of the picture,” exclaimed the mare, her horn glowing brightly a second before the Elements flew from their bearers’ grasp and were crushed by the alicorn’s magic.

Spike, Scootaloo, stay back, strike only if you know you can get away with it. You’re going to get in the way more then anything, Twilight quickly commanded. “We don't need them anymore, not when we’ve already connected to them once,” she shouted.

“Oh, so Celestia did tell you everything after all. A shame, it would have been much easier to destroy you if she hadn't,” Nightmare Moon remarked offhandedly.

“Summon your Elements and do as I instructed,” Twilight shouted to her friends, the unicorn’s horn glowing brightly as she conjured a shield between her and the dark alicorn.

Which was completed just in time to intercept a trio of black bolts of magic, causing the spells to dissipate rapidly. All around her, the rest of Twilight’s troop assembled, each one focusing on repeating the motions Twilight had told them about not long ago. One by one the ponies managed to recall their Element, starting with Twilight herself, who suddenly gained a golden crown, atop of which stood a deep purplish green gem in the shape of a six-pointed star.

After that was Rainbow Dash, who gained a golden neclace at the middle of which was a jagged red lightning bolt. Applejack was next, the infested mare suddenly wearing another much wider necklace with a greenish purple apple at the center. Fluttershy followed closely after with the shy pony’s hood falling away and revealing that she wore a golden necklace which had a half purple, half pink butterfly on it.

Pinkie Pie was second last, the inventor having acquired a slightly smaller golden necklace with a teal balloon in the center. Each pony and zerg hybrid stared in wonder at their new jewelry and the energy which seemed to radiate from them.

Lightning bolts, fire balls, and a several splashes of acid impacted the glowing purple wall, only to slide uselessly off. The dark alicorn’s smile slowly waned with each one of her spells that Twilight was able to block, the unicorn forced to use more and more magic with each passing second.

“You cannot resist forever!” shouted Nightmare Moon, spells continuing to rain down upon Twilight’s shield.

The infested unicorn recoiled from a particularly unpleasant blast of blood red lightning, her horn beginning to glow hot as she poured more and more magic into it. “I can't hold it for long, what are you guys waiting for?” Twilight shouted.

“It’s Rarity, she can't use her Element!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Silver Bulwark stepped forward and cast off her cloak, revealing her warped visage for all to see. “Tend to yer friend, I’ll hold off old moon flanks,” declared the guard.

Twilight didn't like it, and for a moment she considered ignoring the guard’s suggestion before reluctantly slowing the flood of magic into her spell. “Fine, but you better not lose anymore parts, otherwise you won't be able to pass as a pony anymore,” Twilight exclaimed.

Silver Bulwark chuckled and flashed the other unicorn a wide smirk. “Don't worry about it, Twilight. I got this.”

Twilight’s shield flickered, and a second later it died, having been snuffed out by a trio of mana bolts which pounded against it.

“Fool! What does one measly guard think she can do against me?” shouted Nightmare Moon, who stalked dangerously up to the armored and infested mare. “I, who have drained the sun of power for the last ten centuries!”

“Girly, you’re more talk than a... than…” Silver Bulwark paused. “I actually don't have a reference point for a pompous dickhead who is anywhere close to your level of snooty assholery.”

Nightmare Moon snarled and conjured forth a long, serrated sword from a deep purple portal. “After I cut off your legs, I’m going to bring you to Canterlot, so you can watch me kill my sister. Maybe a nice show will help you learn to respect your betters.”

“Yeah, I wouldn't hold out hope for that to happen,” Silver Bulwark declared, drawing her own, much smaller sword. “I never was cut out for that kinda thing.”

Twilight turned away just as the two mares’ blades met with a deafening clang, steeling her resolve and forcing herself to look away. Instead Twilight reluctantly turned to where Rarity sat on the cold ground, her eyes squeezed shut as tears poured down her face. The unicorn’s chest heaved as magic swirled about her horn, yet no magical piece of jewelry came forth.

“I’m sorry, Rarity, I didn't mean what I said back there,” Twilight hastily exclaimed, trotting over to the distraught pony.

“It's not that,” Rarity sniffed. “It’s like something is stopping me from connecting to it. I can feel the Element deep inside of me, but there is a wall between me and it.”

Twilight stiffened suddenly and pointed to Applejack. “Assist Silver Bulwark, but stay at range, utilize your spines.”

The hydralisk hybrid nodded. “R-right,” she stuttered before slithering away, spines shooting out of her shoulders the second she had acquired a clear target.

Twilight paid her and the ensuing fight no mind however and merely crouched low. “Fluttershy, give me your strength. I’m going to try and help Rarity, as for Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, you two try to cover us as best as possible, but otherwise stay out of the fight.”

“Hey, I know taekwondo, I can totally take her,” Rainbow Dash declared.

“And Nightmare Moon knows a dozen ways to turn you into little more than a burnt pile of meat,” Twilight retorted, shooting the pegasus a glare. “She is a hardened killer with millenia of experience. If you want to be useful, throw rocks at her whenever there is an opening.”

Rainbow Dash wilted and took a step back. “Y-yes, Twilight.”

“Pinkie Pie, are you good?” Twilight asked.

The pink-maned pony nodded, shimmering out of sight. “You can count on me,” she replied.

Fluttershy wasted no time in crouching down beside Twilight. “What d-d-do you n-need me to do?” she asked.

“Place your hooves over mine and follow my mind,” Twilight hastily declared. “This may not be the most comfortable sensation.”

Rarity gritted her teeth. “Do it.”

Twilight nodded, and after summoning all the psionic might she could muster, pierced the other pony’s mind. Rarity’s jaw tightened, and her body suddenly went rigid while the two very foreign entities suddenly entered her thoughts. Though unsubtle in her infiltration, Twilight had managed to punch through the barrier of the Khala, Fluttershy’s presence and the crown atop her head giving her the boost she needed.

Once within, Twilight’s confidence immediately began to falter, as thousands upon thousands of openings presented themself to her. Thoughts and feelings that were neither hers nor Fluttershy’s poured into their heads, nearly drowning Twilight in their weight. Pulling on the well of energy emanating from her new adornment, Twilight shoved through it, brushing aside the attempt to stymie her progress.

Once free to think and feel for herself, Twilight found herself at a loss, as there didn't seem to be any obvious solution to even finding Rarity, nevermind freeing her from the Khala’s grip. A sudden urge to shift her perceptions prompted Twilight to do just that, following Fluttershy as she forced the mindscape to twist and change. The second it settled back into something more solid, Twilight found herself floating in a great stone tower.

Hundreds, if not thousands of cells lined each of the four walls, stretching above and below them into the distance. Scanning the rows of golden-barred cells, Twilight was quickly able to find Rarity who was pounding her hooves against the bars. Shifting her conjured form over to the pony, Twilight suddenly found herself looking down at a slightly younger Rarity.

“Hurry, before it's too late!” shouted the young unicorn.

Twilight nodded and conjured forth a pair of clawed arms from her ethereal mass, using them to grip the bars and begin to tug. The sounds of battle still rung in Twilight’s ears, and her body tensed, ready to lend aid at a moment’s notice. Shutting out those feelings and urges was difficult, but ultimately Twilight managed to change those frustrations into fuel for her newly conjured limbs.

The bars strained, and cracks immediately began to grow along the length, from which golden light poured. Twilight didn't flinch, merely pushing more and more energy into her fingers, while the younger Rarity tugged valiantly on one of the bars. Fluttershy’s presence was constant throughout this process, reinforcing Twilight’s will and giving strength to the powerful pair of limbs which tugged at Rarity’s cage.

“They are coming, hurry!” Rarity shouted suddenly.

Twilight could feel several other presences emerging from somewhere in the mindscape, each one rushing towards her location. The infested unicorn ignored them however and merely funneled her growing sense of panic into her body, hoping to simply tear her way through before they could disrupt her plans. All that was interrupted when Twilight suddenly heard a cry, one which was accompanied by a warning sent from Silver Bulwark’s mind to hers.

Get down!

Twilight obeyed without thinking, breaking her connection to the Khala and shunting both her and Fluttershy out of the strange dreamlike realm. Throwing herself to the ground, Twilight narrowly avoided a spinning magical blade which would have bisected her, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Together the trio toppled to the ground, with the only loss being the majority of Rarity’s mane and a good chunk of Fluttershy’s tail.

Rolling to the side, Twilight threw up a shield, blocking an ethereal hammer which slammed into it with enough force to make the unicorn’s horn spark with effort. Thankfully Nightmare Moon’s attention was quickly diverted, as a dozen spines suddenly slammed against her barrel. Though none seemed able to pierce the alicorn’s armor, the weight behind them was enough to shift her attention, and the hammer vanished.

“New plan! Just kill her,” Twilight shouted.

Nightmare Moon cackled as she backhanded Silver Bulwark’s sword aside. “You really think that is even an option? You are nothing compared to the power of an alicorn, and I am only getting started!”

“I d-d-d-don't think w-we have a cha-” Fluttershy stammered, only for Twilight to ignore her before sprinting into the fray.

“I’m coming, Bull!” yelled the infested unicorn before unleashing a psionic shove.

“I’m so sorry, Fluttershy,” Rarity whispered, tears streaming down her face. “This is all my fault.”

“Shh, n-n-no, it isn't,” Fluttershy corrected.

“It is, now we are all going to die for a choice I made nearly a decade ago,” Rarity slumped, her eyes losing some of their signature glow.

Fluttershy wanted to offer some sort of disagreement, but a thought from Spike alerted her to incoming danger. Grabbing Rarity in both hooves, Fluttershy flung them both towards the pyramid, using the stone structure to block a wall of fire. Putting Rarity down, Fluttershy took several deep steadying breaths and glanced over the side towards the battle.

“Queen requires assistance. Stay behind cover,” Fluttershy commanded before leaping from behind the strange pyramid and sprinting away.

Rarity stared with wide, terrified eyes as even the formerly meak pegasus charged into battle, spitting a glob of greenish slime at the dark alicorn. Who used her magic to fling the glob aside and force Pinkie Pie to roll out of the way, abandoning her own attack. While this was happening Spike had managed to sneak up on Nightmare Moon and unleashed a gout of magical flames on the alicorn’s flanks.

The metal almost immediately began to glow, but before the dragon could pierce her defences, Nightmare Moon suddenly threw a leg out, kicking him hard enough to send him flying. Seeing her assistant get launched across the room and into a nearby pillar, Twilight let out a cry and began to rain dozens upon dozens of magical bolts into the alicorn’s side.

Though numerous, the bolts seemed to do little other than slowly push Nightmare Moon back as well as distract her from casting a spell. Raising a wing to shield herself, the alicorn gripped her blade and pointed it towards Twilight, intend on dealing with the infested unicorn once and for all. Rainbow Dash interrupted this plan by whipping a well-placed stone into the armored pony’s face, causing her aim to go wide and the sword to fly out a window.

“Pour it on, now!” Silver Bulwark cried, the unicorn guard sending a lance of golden energy into Nightmare Moon’s foreleg and causing the alicorn to fall forward.

She barely had a chance to cry out in pain before Scootaloo suddenly leapt into the air and bit down on her wing joint, causing the limb to recoil and Nightmare Moon’s chest to get buffetted in purple magical bolts. An opening that Applejack was quick to exploit, firing as many spines as she could into the alicorn’s exposed face. Most missed, or bounced harmlessly off the other mare’s armor, though one managed to pierce the alicorn’s cheek and embed itself into her muzzle.

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy’s attacks landed milliseconds later, with the invisible pony ramming her dagger into the joint of Nightmare Moon’s leg armor and drawing forth a gush of crimson. Fluttershy’s next glob of toxin-filled split splashed against the small space between Nightmare Moon’s neck guard and helmet, filling the inside of her armor with the burning liquid. All while Twilight continued to rain down as much concentrated magical and psionic fire as she could muster, hoping to keep their enemy on the defensive.

“Enough!” boomed Nightmare Moon, the power of her voice knocking everyone back.

Before anyone could react, the alicorn became a blur of movement, retrieving her blade with a flash of magic and bringing it down against Silver Bulwark. The guard managed to draw her own weapon up in time, but it proved no match for the midnight blade which sheared straight through the lesser sword. Silver Bulwark’s block hardly even seemed to slow her opponent’s attack, and Nightmare Moon’s sword cut right through the infested mare’s meager defence and into her head crest.

With her first target now slumping to the ground, Nightmare moon tore her weapon free of the hybrid’s skull and swung it at a now terrified pegasus. Who found herself surpassed in speed for the first time in her life and unable to do anything more than duck. Though she managed to avoid getting beheaded, Rainbow Dash wasn't safe yet, as the blade cleanly severed both of her wings, and a chunk of her back, digging deep into the pony’s flesh and staining her coat with blood.

Nightmare Moon shifted to the next enemy before Rainbow Dash even had a chance to hit the ground, abandoning her sword for a moment in order to conjure forth a powerful spell. One that was subsequently unleashed into the face of Spike, who had just barely managed to rejoin the fray by the time Rainbow Dash lost her wings. Nightmare Moon spared the terrified dragon only a single brief glance as her spell impacted him, sending him flying and engulfing him in purplish black fire.

Knowing what such a spell was capable of, the alicorn didn't even bother to check if her opponent was down before shifting her attention once more. At that point, only a single second had passed since the alicorn had begun her counter attack, and already Pinkie Pie was attempting to flee, her invisibility field shimmering into existence. Nightmare Moon didn't need to see her enemy for what she had planned next however, and the alicorn began her next spell. A second later an enormous ethereal hand stomped down on the spot Pinkie Pie had been standing a second earlier.

The inventor let out a scream of agony as her suit was crushed beneath the mare’s conjured limb. Her legs snapped, and her body twisted unnaturally, but Nightmare Moon didn't even see this happen, as she had already grabbed Scootaloo in her telekinetic grip. The alicorn wasted no time in tossing the zergling into the air and punting her across the room like a soccer ball, blood and vomit spraying from the young filly’s lips.

Though mere moments had passed, Fluttershy and Twilight were already reacting, the two infested ponies making a run for a nearby column. Nightmare Moon was faster though, and her horn glowed brightly a second before a powerful bolt of lightning shot towards the pair. Fluttershy seemed to see this coming, however, and threw herself in front of the bolt, only for the electricity to arc straight from her, and into the pony she had been trying to protect.

The pegasus hybrid’s cloak exploded into flames, and Twilight’s boots melted as the pair was thrown aside by the force of the alicorn’s spell. Again, Nightmare Moon didn't spare them a second glance, merely turning towards the final threat just as the hydralisk hybrid rammed into her. A feral scream erupted from Applejack’s lips and her scythel-ike arms slammed into Nightmare Moon’s armor, tearing straight through and into the flesh beneath.

The alicorn herself seemed unbothered by this and thrust her sword straight through the hydralisk’s stomach and out the otherside. Applejack tried to continue fighting, to stab the mare who had taken her queen from her, but her limbs were heavy and unresponsive. Blood erupted from her mouth, and the farm pony didn't even have the chance to collapse before Nightmare Moon kicked her to the ground.

Grunting, the dark alicorn lit her horn, healing her wounds with a spell and stalking towards Rarity, a twisted, wolfish grin spreading across her lips. “And then there was one,” whispered the former princess.

As Nightmare Moon’s hooves clopped against the cold stone floor, the confusion, fear, sadness, and guilt which had left the unicorn unable to move suddenly began to lift. All the anger which had been suppressed by the Khala came flooding back in, filling the unicorn with an almost uncontrollable fury.

Which had but one place to go.

With hate pumping through her veins, Rarity rose into the air, every molecule of her body now stuffed to the brim with power. Electricity poured from the high templar’s eyes, and the air around her thrummed as energy coursed through her. With a feral cry, the mare unleashed every ounce of that rage, creating a veritable storm of psionic lightning around her target.

Bolts of empowered lightning slammed into the alicorn, hitting her from seemingly all angles at once. Some went wide, hitting the ground, ceiling or walls, though most found their mark, pumping their destructive power into the alicorn’s body. A cry of pain could be heard, though it was quickly drowned out by the cacophony of thunder that came whenever a bolt of lightning hit home.

The storm drove the alicorn to the ground, though the sheer number of flashing lights made it difficult to see Nightmare Moon’s expression. Rarity didn't care however, Nightmare Moon would not survive, no matter how much it took out of her, there was simply no other option. A bolt hit the alicorn’s leg, the back of her neck, her flank, her barrel, not one inch of her was left untouched by Rarity’s attack.

Even after several seconds, Rarity held on, maintaining her assault even as her mind and body began to scream at her to stop. The strain grew so great that Rarity could feel her legs go limp, and she slowly fell to the ground, focusing every last bit of her essence into destroying Nightmare Moon. Until finally her body gave out and she fell to the ground, unable to move anything below her neck, no matter how hard she tried.

Smoke and steam billowed off of her fallen enemy, and Rarity uttered a silent prayer to Celestia as she lay there, hoping against hope that it was over. Her prayers went unanswered though, and slowly, the alicorn rose from the ground, dusted herself off and strode forward. Parting the wall of smoke like a curtain, Nightmare Moon emerged, her skinless face slowly regrowing the flesh she now lacked.

“Impressive. Had I not been stealing Celestia’s power for a millenium, I may well have died there on the cold floor,” Nightmare Moon announced.

“I won't let you hurt them,” Rarity growled, horn sparking and eyes beginning to flicker. “Even if it kills me.”

Nightmare Moon laughed suddenly and waved a hoof at Rarity, causing her horn to dull and her eyes to lose their signature glow. “I don't think you’ll be doing much of anything,” she retorted.

“W-what? How did you do that?” Rarity exclaimed. “It's like the Khala is gone, and my magic--I-”

“Oh, will you just stop?” Nightmare Moon sneered as her eyelids grew back. “Have you truly not figured it out by now?” She leaned down, peering directly into Rarity’s eyes. “Your powers are mine, your abilities are mine, your magic is mine. I am the voice in the abyss, she who weaves the web you call Khala, and you are nothing more then one of the gnats I have caught in it.”

Rarity’s mouth hung open. “N-no. It’s an ancient unicorn technique, they-”

“Were fooled. Before I went to face my sister, I put several back-up plans into motion and of course the one which preyed on unicorn pride worked most efficiently.” Nightmare Moon chuckled. “I shouldn't have even bothered with the others, to be honest. This has worked better than I could have ever dreamed.”

Rarity was about to offer some manner of retort, but the Nightmare’s face suddenly twisted, and a scream of pain tore from her lips. Turning, Rarity was able to see a sword sticking out of the alicorn’s back, one which had been buried nearly hilt deep into the pony’s barrel. It also revealed an enraged Silver Bulwark, who was mid-sprint, bloody head lowered, ready to ram into the Nightmare with every bit of strength she could muster.

The alicorn wasn't defenceless though, and she lit her horn, firing a beam of magic into the oncoming guard. A purple shield suddenly sprang into existence, deflecting the beam into the sky and allowing Silver Bulwark to close the distance. All while Twilight looked on from the sidelines, her forehooves hovering over Fluttershy, whose flesh was slowly knitting itself back together.

Nightmare Moon tried to dodge out of the way, but Silver Bulwark was faster, catching the alicorn on the chin and making her head snap backwards from the sheer force of the blow. Her momentum didn't end there though, and Silver Bulwark plowed into the other pony, knocking her onto her back. Now standing atop the alicorn’s stomach, Silver Bulwark reared up and extended two long bone blades from her hooves before stabbing them in the alicorn’s belly.

“H-how are you even alive?” Nightmare Moon sputtered, teeth spilling out of her mouth with each word she spoke.

Silver Bulwark grinned. “Let’s just say I’ve always been a little bull-headed.”

The alicorn gritted her remaining teeth. “Then you will die a stubborn fool.”

Twilight readied a counter spell, while also reaching out with her psionic abilities, trying to shield Silver Bulwark from what she could feel was coming. Silver Bulwark didn't waste any time either and ripped her blades from Nightmare Moon’s belly before aiming both of her weapons at the alicorn’s head. This time she didn't hit her mark, as her forelegs were suddenly torn from her body, Nightmare Moon’s psionic abilities having brushed aside Twilight’s meagre resistance with relative ease.

Before Silver Bulwark could even fall, the guard was gripped by an unseen force and thrown with enough force to crack the pillar which ended her impromptu flight. Blood exploded from her lips, and from the stumps which had once been her forehooves, the mare finally landing several feet away from a stunned Twilight Sparkle. As the unicorn looked on, she saw her friend and mentor sputter and wheeze, her fierce look of determination finally slipping from her features.

“Save them,” Silver Bulwark muttered before her eyes closed and her body fell still.

For a moment Twilight felt conflicted, as a part of her wanted to assist Silver Bulwark, but she could also feel Fluttershy’s body was only just holding onto life. Remembering Silver’s final words, Twilight kept one hoof against Fluttershy’s chest while the other reached out towards Nightmare Moon, who had stumbled back up onto her hooves. A psionic shove knocked the alicorn back tearing off her helmet as well as several plates, revealing several gaping wounds which had yet to heal.

Before Twilight could continue though, Nightmare Moon tore the sword from her back and erected a bubble around herself. With blood pouring from several large, deep wounds, the alicorn wheezed, desperately gulping oxygen while struggling to stand.

“You may have won this round, but this is not over. After I am done with Celestia, I will finish what I started,” Nightmare Moon announced, voice wavering slightly.

“Not unless I kill you here and now!” Twilight cried, horn sparking with life.

Nightmare Moon said nothing as she opened a portal and stepped through, only just barely dodging the stone spikes which shot out of the ground a second later.

With her enemy gone, Twilight collapsed to the floor, her body unable to keep up with the punishment it had been put through. Dragging herself closer to Fluttershy, Twilight used the last of her power to stablize the young mare’s breathing. With that done, Twilight began to pull herself towards Applejack, gritting her teeth all the while.

“Gotta heal them, get to the trainyard, and return to Canterlot,” Twilight muttered weakly, her vision swimming and her body growing heavy. “Have to save Celestia, have to save them all.”

Twilight managed to get several feet before collapsing, her gaze drifting over to the stairs where a shadowy figure was pouring something into Spike’s mouth. Twilight raised a wobbly hoof, only for the limb to fall weakly to the ground, her last thoughts being a quick prayer for her son’s safety.

And the last thing she saw were four striped hooves as they walked toward her.

Author's Note

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Visions

Twilight opened her eyes and found herself looking down over her own shoulder as she stood next to Spike. Wind whipped about the pair as they traveled towards a distant Ponyville, the open window helping to alleviate some of the tense atmosphere in the train. Though the pair was silent at the moment, Twilight remembered the mental conversation they would have been having at this very moment.

Though the exact words were lost, Twilight did know that Spike and her were discussing some of the worries that the dragon felt. At this point they likely would have moved onto the fear that they may not be able to best Nightmare Moon if they don't activate the Elements in time. It was the shock of this small realization that made Twilight think about how strange her entire situation really was.

First she was watching over her own shoulder, and even stranger still was how she didn't feel overly disturbed by this. It felt natural for reasons Twilight couldn't quite explain, and the unicorn found herself thrust firmly into the role of a casual observer. She wondered why this was and quickly deduced that this was some manner of dream, or perhaps she was in a coma right now, though a strange magical affect wasn't ruled out.

Though the coma possibility made sense given how much electricity had been pumped through her magically, physically and psychically exhausted body. Nevermind the strain put on her from the beating she had received and the effort she had put into healing Fluttershy. Combined, it was enough to make Twilight wonder if she was dead and that her grandmother had been correct in stating that one’s life flashes before your eyes when you perish.

Either way, the two beings she was observing were already leaving the train in Ponyville and her past self was running through the plan of attack for what was likely the three hundredth time. Something felt off however, as the discussion they had while leaving the train station felt strange, as it were missing something, but Twilight didn't know what that may be. Brushing that feeling off for a moment, Twilight and Spike continued deeper into the town while ignoring the strange glances shot their way.

After passing through the town, they ran into Pinkie Pie, and all at once Twilight found herself overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. She felt pity for the young mare, admiration for her ingenuity and rage after remembering what had happened to her. The image of Pinkie Pie’s still body lying on the ground of the tower stuck in Twilight’s mind and the unicorn desperately hoped the pink pony was okay.

Twilight may now have known Pinkie Pie for very long, but she didn't know any of the other bearers for a lengthy period of time either, and yet Twilight felt the same way about all of them. Even Rarity, who had only failed to connect to her Element due to the meddling of their enemy and who had given it her all when it mattered most. Sadness washed over the mare, and Twilight found herself silently wishing she had a body so she could let out her grief.

Her prayers went unanswered however, and Twilight’s past self continued to go about her day.

The conversation with Pinkie Pie was brief, and Twilight chose not to listen to the words themselves but rather how she had spoken to the other mare. Her tone had been terse at first, and deep down Twilight knew that she had been overly defensive the first time she had met the pink pony. Twilight could have chalked such a response up to stress, but after getting to know Pinkie Pie, that excuse felt oddly flat.

Perhaps if things were different and they had met under better circumstances, perhaps they may have even become close friends. Yet Twilight had likely killed the strange inventor with her poor leadership skills and unwarranted confidence. Twilight silently hoped that the earth pony was still alive as it would have been a shame for such a brilliant and profoundly joyful person to be struck down so early.

Time ticked by at a snail's pace. The pair had arrived at the Apple family farm, intent on finding the location of Applejack. Again the feeling of wrongness assaulted Twilight’s mind, yet when she looked around, nothing really felt off. Pushing that thought aside again, Twilight watched the scene play out once more, already dreading the coming meeting between her and Applejack.

The promise Twilight had made stuck out to her the most, and though it had indeed been genuine, Twilight couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. Especially when Twilight considered all the pain and agony she would put the poor mare though mere hours after meeting her. Now Applejack was likely dead or dying, the pony having become another victim of Twilight’s foolhardy ego.

She hoped Applejack was alive and that the poor mare would one day be cured of the affliction that had robbed her of her life. Maybe if Twilight had even the slightest idea of how to go about fulfilling her promise, then it wouldn't feel like the unicorn had taken advantage of her. That lingering sense of self-hatred only grew when Twilight watched herself make that faulty promise a second time.

Her past self had seen a way to manipulate the mutated mare into joining her and had taken it without thinking. Sure, there was a small part of Twilight that genuinely wanted to cure her, but that didn't change the fact that she was promising Applejack the moon. In the end it just felt cruel and more than a little evil, now that Twilight had time to really consider her past actions in greater depth.

Her interaction with Big Macintosh made that feeling worse, as did the casual way her past self had declared that a month would be enough time to cure the infested earth pony. At the rate Twilight was currently going, it may not even be a month before she was even healed enough to walk, nevermind cure Applejack and have her back home to her family. Twilight had also been less than polite with the stallion’s mind, having viewed memories of his that she had no business looking at.

It was with a heavy heart that Twilight continued to watch herself plod through Ponyville, utterly focused on her mission and ignoring the pain she was causing. Yes the heartbreak of Applejack’s experiences weighed on her past self, but to that Twilight Applejack’s feelings were just another puzzle to solve. At least her interaction with Rainbow Dash had been relatively pleasant and left Twilight without feeling overly guilty.

That was until she remembered seeing the pegasus’ wings lying several feet from the unconscious form of the mare herself. Then the guilt returned with a vengeance and Twilight couldn't help but wonder if the pegasus may be better off dead. After all, Rainbow Dash had prided herself on her skills as a flier, which was also the very thing that had helped her get her cutie mark.

And now Twilight had taken away the one thing Rainbow Dash was better than anyone at.

Twilight’s mood darkened even more after her past self met Rarity, the other Twilight stiffly rebuking the templar’s attempts at polite conversation. Twilight could forgive herself for a bit of rudeness, but she also remembered how much that same paranoia had likely cost them in the end. Twilight thought back to the knife they had found stuck in the manticore’s back and how it would have been a potent weapon in Rarity’s loyal hooves.

Yet Twilight had broken the weapon rather than give it to an ally who would soon prove herself.

Twilight hadn't respected Rarity, but the templar had respected her, listened to her, and had even followed her orders when necessary. It was with no small amount of shame that Twilight watched herself go about her business and eventually head in Fluttershy’s direction. The feeling of wrongness returned again just after they left the library, but still Twilight couldn't figure out why.

She had Spike, and the other bearers with her, so it wasn't like anything was amiss in that regard.

Twilight watched as she spoke to and eventually brought Fluttershy over to their side with a few honeyed words. Again Twilight’s diplomatic tactics were ham-fisted and felt a lot like a mix of how she had handled getting both of the earth ponies onto her side. All the same guilt that came from speaking to Applejack returned, as did the pity and admiration that came along with meeting Pinkie Pie.

This appreciation stemmed from the fact that Fluttershy had survived and, though damaged, the pegasus had persevered through it all, coming out strong despite appearing weak to some. Their psychic connection had allowed Twilight to understand the infested pegasus on a deep, personal level which had enabled her to see through to that hidden strength beneath the surface. These thoughts only served to make her eventual sacrifice even more tragic, driving a spike deep into Twilight’s heart.

It had been a bold, selfless act, one that had likely saved Twilight’s life given just how much healing Twilight had used on the pegasus immediately after. A sudden movement caught Twilight’s eye, and she watched as her past self met Scootaloo. This in turn caused the guilt to return with a vengeance unrivaled by pretty much anything Twilight had felt so far. The infested pegasus was little more than a filly, and yet Twilight had seen fit to bring her into a fight that the unicorn knew may end poorly for them.

Twilight silently hoped that she wasn't in a coma but rather dead, as the unicorn certainly didn't feel as though she deserved to live after what she had done.

A small part of Twilight reminded her that Scootaloo had insisted on coming with them, but she quickly brushed that thought aside. Twilight had been the adult, and she should have put her hoof down after the filly had demanded to be brought along. And now Scootaloo was likely dead because of Twilight, the filly another victim of a false promise and Twilight’s bloated ego.

Twilight didn't even want to think about how she had been rude and dismissive to the young filly, practically brushing off her heartfelt plea to have fully functional wings. Thankfully for current Twilight, past Twilight was already making her way back to the library and the party that would happen there. Though the unicorn continued to observe her past self, time suddenly became a blur and the pony found herself stuck in a loop of grief and regret.

The laugh of someone kind and caring made Twilight turn to where Silver Bulwark stood next to her, a smile on her face. Twilight found herself struck dumb by the realization that she had forgotten one of the most important ponies in her entire life. Suddenly the odd feeling of wrongness that had been doggedly nipping at her heels vanished, and memories of the pony began to well within her.

That surge of memories became a flood of recollection which assaulted Twilight’s mind, leaving her dazed and reeling as she tried to make sense of it all. The guard had served as an emotional anchor for so long that Twilight felt almost a little lost without her. Even the memory of her death felt strange, as the very though of Silver Bulwark having dying felt strangely absurd, as if such an event was somehow impossible.

After all, the guard had gone through incredible personal sacrifice and had always come out smiling in the end. Twilight watched her past self fight and struggle at a rapid pace right up until Silver Bulwark had been struck down. Then everything slowed as Twilight’s gaze settled firmly on Silver Bulwark, watching as she spoke her final words.

“Save them,” she had whispered.

Those words hit her like a one two punch, as Twilight knew she had likely already failed. Yet that wasn't the type of dour, absolutist attitude Silver Bulwark would have tolerated from her young charge. Twilight knew that if the gruff older pony was still alive, she would have told Twilight to keep her chin up. She also likely would have reminded Twilight that so long as there was breath in her body, there was work to be done.

And though the question as to whether or not Twilight was even alive remained unanswered, Twilight desperately hoped that was the case. After all, the void had not claimed her yet, meaning there was still the chance that her body was alive somewhere. Closing her eyes, Twilight thought about her newfound friends and did something she never thought she would do.

With every ounce of her being, Twilight prayed they were alright and that Harmony would see fit to heal them.

She didn't think only of them however, as there was one creature that deserved to be healed more than any other. An individual who had stood steadfast at her side for as long as Silver Bulwark, and who Twilight would give everything for if needed. Thoughts of Spike flickered through Twilight’s mind and with one final prayer she hoped against hope that the dragon would be okay.

If Spike lived, then Twilight knew a part of her would survive, and that would be enough, Twilight thought to herself.

As the last of her will trickled from her being, Twilight felt tendrils of cold begin to snake up her body, a smile remaining on her face even as the void claimed her.

Twilight didn't reside in that strange space between the living and the dead for long however, and the unicorn quickly found herself falling. The first thing Twilight noticed was that it was still night out and the bright full moon had yet to move from its spot in the sky. Then her hearing returned and wind began to thunder in her ears and yet Twilight felt no urge to panic for some inexplicable reason. Instead she merely focused on trying to figure out where she was and what she was falling towards.

The first thing she noticed was that the city which she was falling towards was Canterlot itself and that she would likely land near the south end of the city. The closest gate was easily the largest of the three entrances to the city, yet despite its high walls, it was completely obliterated. The only proof of its existence were the shattered remnants of its foundation. The trail of destruction didn't stop there though as numerous fires and leveled buildings dotted the entirety of the once great city.

Twilight could even see a distant bubble of magic around Canterlot Castle as well as signs of a battle raging across the city. That fighting wasn't exclusive to the ground however as squads of pegasi fought against hordes of summoned creatures. Nor was the fight contained to the city itself as there were a platoon of guards fighting on the very slopes of the mountain itself.

Though the zealots were outnumbered two to one by the returning platoon of guards, little progress was being made and they seemed evenly matched. Twilight watched them go back and forth for several seconds before turning her attention back to the city at large. She wasn't sure if this was a dream, a vision of the future or what, but either way, she was determined to commit all she could to memory.

One of the major things Twilight noticed was that although fighting was fairly constant, it also felt sporadic, with there being no clear battle lines. As Twilight continued to fall, she saw numerous groups of random citizens wielding clubs, knives, or bits of debris as weapons. Some were more organized and had a guard to lead them while other groups seemed to be families trying to escape the fighting.

Those not trying to escape ambushed the houses’ infantry at every turn, though it was clear that they could do little even with the element of surprise. The armor and supernatural abilities of the unicorn zealots were simply too much for them, though even still they fought on. When those brave ponies died, they died with either a curse or Celestia’s name on their lips.

The sight of so much death and destruction was enough to make Twilight’s heart ache, and as Twilight’s descent began to slow, she watched as a desperate fight began in a small destroyed market square. A group of militia ponies armed with little more than knives and pots were suddenly struck from the side when a group of zealots burst out of an alley. In mere seconds it was clear that the militia ponies were going to lose, yet the group fought with the vigor of someone who was sure they would win.

It didn't help much, and Twilight had been ready to turn her attention elsewhere when all of a sudden one of the zealots dropped dead. Then, before his comrades had a chance to act, a trio of shadow-clad unicorns appeared out of seemingly nowhere, striking down several more zealots. Instantly the battle turned, and the militia surged forward, beating a confused zealot with pots and pans until even his golden armor crumpled under their furious wrath.

The battle was over in mere seconds, and the militia ponies gave their saviours a nod before the unicorns disappeared, and the group continued on as if nothing had happened. A scene that Twilight knew was playing out all over the city in dozens and dozens of different locations at once. Yet even with these powerful shadowy figures, Twilight could tell that things were not going well for the citizens and what little guard forces remained.

By then the houses had nearly gained control of the air after several batteries of unicorns had secured the highest towers the city had to offer. No pegasus could near those fortified locations, and the few who dared were shot down before ever getting close. Worse still, all major routes into the city had either been destroyed completely like the railroad tunnels or were being fortified by waves of golden soldiers.

Though that thought bothered Twilight, the unicorn remembered well the many secret entrances Celestia had told her about before Twilight had left Canterlot. From her current angle, Twilight couldn't tell if those ways into the city were compromised yet, and so she turned her attention elsewhere. Gazing down on the battlefield, Twilight felt her attention drawn towards the higher points in the city and towards the docks.

Which looked to have been taken without a fight, though now that Twilight was paying attention the unicorn could see clear signs that a great battle had occurred there. The slopes leading up to the docks themselves were utterly ravaged, and bodies and debris littered the area. Evidently the toll had been a heavy one for both sides, if the bodies of the victors had been left to rot on the ground. Turning her attention from that grizzly scene, Twilight inspected the many mooring points along the side of the cliff, noting that they were almost completely empty.

Twilight hoped that meant that Celestia had managed to evacuate a good chunk of the population, but the unicorn couldn't know for certain. All she did know was that there weren't any burnt out husks of destroyed airships littering the burning city. She also knew that this was a battle that Celestia wasn't about to win, not unless she got a lot of help and soon. A thought that only felt truer the closer Twilight got to the castle which lay at the highest point in Canterlot.

It was then that the invisible hand that pulled Twilight along began to tug faster, dragging the ethereal unicorn towards what had once been her home. As she neared the white walls of the castle, Twilight quickly realized that the shield covering Canterlot Castle was the same color as her mentor’s magic. Hope began to bloom in the young mare’s chest, though that hope was dashed the second she saw an enormous fireball slam into Celestia’s barrier.

The power of the attack scattered nearby clouds and leveled what little buildings were still standing near the castle’s western exterior. Looking towards the source of the spell, Twilight saw the familiar sight of Nightmare Moon who was surrounded by a horde of zealots. Looking closer, Twilight could tell that although Nightmare’s armor had been mended, her body had not fully healed as the distinct white of clean fresh bandages could be seen poking out around her barrel and a few other places.

Even still, the corrupted alicorn seemed as powerful and as confident as ever, a wide smile remaining plastered firmly on her face. Twilight didn't pay much attention to her, however, as the unicorn was busy scanning every available terrace for any sign of her mentor. Yet all she found was the odd burn mark and broken window as well as dozens of guards running to and fro, boarding up holes in the walls or merely peering out at the destruction.

Though Twilight was silently glad that her mentor had managed to keep a good chunk of guards loyal to her, she couldn't help but worry. And that worry only grew each second Twilight failed to pick out her mentor amidst the chaos below. It was then that Twilight spotted Celestia’s personal balcony and the two ponies who stood upon it.

As she neared them, Twilight realized that her hunch had been correct, and the figures were Celestia and Blueblood who were looking down on the city below them. The dark templar appeared haggard, with deep rings under his eyes, though he did not bear any obvious injuries. Unlike Celestia, who had bandages covering her right eye as well as her right leg, or at least half of her leg as the other half was gone.

There were other smaller injuries that covered the alicorn’s body, but those were secondary compared to the loss of her leg. Even while maimed, injured, and clearly exhausted, Celestia appeared as regal as ever, her jaw was firm and her gaze was focused on the alicorn hurling spells at her shield. Blueblood meanwhile seemed to be focused on the city itself, his hooded gaze flicking this way and that, as if he were watching every battle even from such a great distance.

Twilight felt herself begin to slow as she approached the balcony, her body coming to a rest a few feet from Celestia’s right. For a moment Twilight just sat there, silently baffled by the strange turn of events, then she turned and tried to speak. The effort turned out to be useless as she couldn't seem to utter a sound, and yet Celestia’s ears twitched and the alicorn glanced in Twilight’s direction.

Though there were no recognition in those violet orbs of hers, Twilight could tell that her mentor had sensed something at least.

“Auntie? Are you alright?” Blue Blood inquired, his strange voice filled with obvious concern.

“It was nothing, dear nephew,” Celestia replied quickly, turning her attention to the city. “Just a feeling.”

“Oh? I hope that means we are finally going to finish trying to evacuate,” Blueblood half asked, half stated.

Celestia shook her head. “We need their forces spread thin so we may finish teleporting the relics and contents of our vault to our allies on the frontier. Though it pains me to trade lives for the safety of objects, if even one of those artifacts falls into the hooves of Nightmare Moon, the results would be apocalyptic.”

Blueblood raised an eyebrow. “Oh? So what is this mysterious feeling then?”

The alicorn smiled faintly. “Just that Harmony is with us, even now.”

Twilight wanted to yell, to shake Celestia, to tell her mentor that she was coming, that she wasn't dead, at least not yet, anyway. Yet try as she might, Twilight’s efforts were in vain as nothing the unicorn did seemed to have any effect on the other pony. Twilight’s vision began to fade a second later, and she felt the familiar feeling of the void reaching out towards her.

This time she fought it, clawing her way towards Celestia and shouting that she was alive and coming to her. Twilight was certain that Celestia believed she and her friends were dead, as Nightmare Moon was here and they were not. The unicorn screamed soundlessly, hoping to at least succeed at this one, tiny little thing.

The void was relentless, however, and Twilight quickly found herself falling towards some unknown destination once again.

Twilight’s eyes flew open and she hastily looked around, only to find herself floating above an enormous desert that stretched to the very horizon. Though it was broken occasionally by the odd canyon or hilly lowland, for the most part the land was flat and featureless. The desert itself was vaguely familiar, and Twilight was only able to put two and two together when she saw something in the distance. Looking closer, Twilight was able to make out the shapes of several damaged Equestrian airships making their way towards what looked like a city.

A city that Twilight recognized as the location where Cadance had died, and where the threat the zerg posed was realized in full. Which was also where the invisible string seemed to be pulling Twilight towards, and more details came into view with each passing minute. The first thing Twilight noticed was just how big the city had grown, and how many small villages and towns had sprung up around it.

Train tracks and roads connected each one of the settlements, though Twilight noticed that there were very few of the old tracks that still remained. Twilight would have let out a sigh of relief if she could, as the lack of rails meant that her earth pony friends knew of the threat that lay just over the mountains. That relief was doubled when she noticed the small secret line established by Celestia only a few months earlier.

It was not connected to any of the other major railroads and was designed specially for a small steam engine to use. A steam engine that was hidden near the edge of the Everfree beneath a powerful illusion enchantment. When Twilight shifted her attention, the unicorn noticed that several defensive lines had been dug into the tough dessert ground, making it abundantly clear that the confederates were ready for an attack originating from either side of them.

A distant boom startled Twilight and drew her attention towards a far off valley which lay well beyond the large city. Though she couldn't see much from this angle, what Twilight could see were several airships as well as a few dozen metal flying machines engaging a group of airborne zerg. The great winged beasts swooped down from on high, harrying the slower airships, but ultimately doing little to slow the earth pony aircraft.

Who in turn rained destruction on some unseen target below them, having largely ignored the aerial enemies attacking them. The sight made Twilight wonder what was so important that they would ignore the enemies attacking their exposed, yet armored sides. That question seemed like it was going to get an answer soon, however, as the force pulling Twilight along didn't slow as the unicorn passed over the city.

Twilight did take a peek at the many towering pillars of metal and stone though, idly noting that the entire place looked absolutely packed to the brim. When last Twilight laid eyes upon the stepped city, it had at least a few open spaces and some primitive defences. Now the entire place was bristling with weapons and a curtain of metal had replaced the old stone one that had stood in its place.

The building her and Cadance had helped to construct was there too, Twilight noticed, though it was now dwarfed by the buildings around it. She also noticed that there were more than a few gryphons wandering around between the tall metal structures. Why they were there wasn't readily apparent, but if Twilight had to guess, she would have assumed that they were refugees escaping zerg attacks.

Turning back to the distant fight, Twilight studied the air battle taking place just below the clouds. Older and former Equestrian star siege airships huddled near the center of the formation, their huge balloons now covered in thick metal. The ships had changed as well, now clinging tight against the bottom of the balloon and no longer being attached by mere rope and wood.

Their powerful broad side of cannons was now much narrower, with the majority of the guns now poking out from the bottom of the ship. The sight looked rather silly to Twilight, but judging from the amount of shells flying out of it, the retrofit must have served its purpose. They had also been painted in the confederacy’s colors, and the various names of the airships could be seen even from afar.

What was harder to see were the streamlined planes that zipped around the slow-moving airships. Their speed was impressive, and they weaved around their comrades with ease, chasing down the flying zerg attackers. Quad barrels mounted on both wings put a considerable amount of lead into any zerg who was too slow to dodge out of the way.

Twilight silently wondered how flying under one’s own power would compare to the flying of the strange planes. Shaking off that thought, Twilight looked down, watching as the ground battle slowly came into view from behind a hill. Rows of metal-clad ponies wielding large guns stood behind dozens of lightly armored creatures who had shouldered much smaller rifles.

Behind both of them were several rows of enormous cannons pointed at the sky, each one thundering every few seconds and sending its payload high into the air. Which came down as a concentrated rain atop a sea of green and purple that spilled out from the side of a nearby canyon. Zerg of all shapes and sizes poured out of the narrow pass, only to be gunned down by the confederate defenders.

The overlapping rows of fire, air, and artillery support were clearly doing a number on the zerg, yet the aliens kept coming anyway. Some packs managed to get close to the confederate line, only to be burnt to a crisp by a squad of armored earth ponies with flame throwers attached to their arms. A few fliers got close as well, but were shot down by concentrated barrages of lead which tore them apart before they could even get in range.

Though the battle was clearly in the confederacy’s favor, Twilight could tell that if they stopped their barrage for even a moment, there was a good chance they would be overwhelmed. The zerg were simply so numerous that the smaller force of earth pony defenders would have little chance of stopping them. Thankfully the zerg seemed content to funnel themselves directly into the overlapping lanes of fire and be cut down with ease.

It was at this point that Twilight had begun to approach what looked like a command post of some kind, as she could see several dozen unarmored earth ponies running to and fro with papers in their hooves. At the center towered a rather unique and familiar earth pony who stood stock still in the center of the commotion. Though she had lost a foreleg and had it replaced with metal parts, Twilight could still easily recognize Steel Heart from here.

She could also recognize Hammer Smith who was nearby, a cigar rolling around in his mouth while he looked down at a screen. The huge earth pony had the same grey fur and steel-colored mane as the last time Twilight had seen her, though her fur appeared a little lighter than last time. That and she had significantly less hair on her head. One thing remained unchanged however, and that was the fact that Steel Heart was still a walking pile of muscle that easily towered over the majority of her much smaller staff.

And then she had passed over them, Twilight’s body being pulled inexorably towards the zerg line. Twilight wished she had time to study the confederacy’s weapons and tactics, but a sudden shift in the zerg drew her attention elsewhere. Looking closely, Twilight could see the larger, more important zerg beginning to withdraw while the smaller, more expendable creatures continued to charge.

Though Twilight was repulsed by the callousness of the act, she could tell that it made good tactical sense at least. The zerglings could still easily tear through the lightly armored front line of confederates which meant the earth ponies couldn't give chase. Not without abandoning their formation and opening them up to the possibility of the zerg simply turning around and overwhelming them in the chaos.

Twilight floated past the small ocean of dead and dying zerg which littered the ground, their bodies twitching as their greenish blood pooled beneath them. Already Twilight could see dozens of corpses deflate, flesh liquifying in order to leave nothing behind to study or dissect. Those zerg not already dead fell upon their claws, leapt into oncoming fire or otherwise killed themselves in order to buy the main bulk time to retreat while leaving no survivors.

Above the battlefield the aerial assault intensified, keeping the larger ships stuck in place while the planes dealt with the crazed zerg fliers. The end result was that the main bulk of the zerg forces were able to slip away without anyone following them. Through the general chaos of the retreat, Twilight could see a lone figure standing off to the side, her attention fixated on the distant ponies.

The lone creature was familiar to Twilight, and her appearance on the battlefield prompted a shiver of disgust to run down Twilight’s spine. The figure was as tall and as haughty-looking as ever, her long mane having been bound into a single braid which flapped gently in the breeze. The top half of her body was relatively normal for a unicorn, with the only strange points being the mandibles which grew out of her jaw and the fact that her horn was longer and curved slightly near the end.

Her pink fur ended at her waist, where her body had merged with that of a zerg queen’s in a manner akin to that of a centaur. Six long, pointed limbs sprouted from her large bulbous body, with a thin purple membrane connecting each leg. Most disturbing was the strange vertical mouth just below her torso and the teal, pulsating sacks which twitched upon her back.

Twilight felt her ethereal form come to rest next to the strange creature, and the unicorn followed the other zerg’s gaze to the pony defenders in the distance.

“Soon, very soon you will fall,” whispered the creature, her gaze narrowing. “And then your mares and children shall join us and be made equal under the swarm.”

Twilight felt the void open up behind her, and this time she didn't fight it, merely spending her last moments studying the strange zerg’s features and committing them to memory.

And I’ll make sure to stop you, Twilight thought a second before she fell once more into darkness.

Author's Note

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A Darker World

Twilight trod through the underbrush, her heavy hooffalls rendered silent by the thick spongy layer of moss that covered the ground. Behind her she could hear her friends and allies making their way quietly out of Zecora’s home and waiting just out of sight. In time she would join them and return to Ponyville under the cover of night, before leaving for Canterlot.

But first there was something she needed to do, something that she had desperately hoped would never need doing. It was a selfish thought, Twilight knew, yet despite how mature she was, the unicorn was still young, and youth had a way of blinding people to what they knew was coming.

Even death became strangely distant, turning into something Twilight wouldn't have to deal with for another fifty years or perhaps longer still. Even after choosing a more dangerous career and deciding to stand by Celestia’s side as enemies gathered, Twilight had hoped for the best. Now that she was actually faced with the ramifications of those choices, Twilight felt all her vaunted willpower and determination begin to bleed away.

The unicorn brushed aside a stray branch and trotted down a slight indent before hopping up over the other side. Flattening a spiky bush with her magic, Twilight strode into the small grove, her eyes scanning the area she found herself in. The space she now stood in was small, almost cramped due to the huge, silver-leafed tree standing before her, its bark reflecting the moonlight.

The result was surprisingly beautiful, though that beauty was besmirched by the sight of the moon and the memories it brought back. Despite the sting and budding anger that welled in her chest, Twilight couldn't bring herself to curse the pony who caused such pain. In that moment she felt tired, exhausted even, though she had spent a week doing nothing but sleeping.

Her knees felt like gelatin, and the mare collapsed before the recently disturbed earth that lay before the base of the tree. Looking down, Twilight imagined that her old friend was now nestled in the bosom of the strange silver plant. Twilight wiped a stray tear from her eye before turning her attention upward to where the moon poked through a hole in the foliage.

The familiar shape of the Mare in the Moon was gone, turning the celestial object nearly completely white. All save for the scattered craters which dotted its surface, giving it a slightly worn look to the otherwise pearlike object. In the silence that followed, Twilight wondered what kind of words would best be spoken in a time like this.

After coming up with a whole lot of nothing, Twilight decided to do what Silver Bulwark likely would have done.

Trust her gut.

“Thank you, by the way,” Twilight announced suddenly. “You really helped me when I was younger, and though I think I may have been fine without you, I don't think that pony I would have become would have been me.”

The mare chuckled bitterly, her gaze lingering on the metallic bark which covered the silver leaf tree. “You know, it's kinda funny. One of the first things I felt after having heard you died was relief. I thought to myself, hey, at least she doesn't have any close friends or family, so I don't have to feel guilty about burying her in the woods.

“I know how that sounds,” Twilight hastily added, tears dripping down her cheeks. “But I know that I would have carried your body all the way back to Canterlot if that had been what you wanted. And well, that would have certainly complicated matters.”

Twilight chuckled bitterly to herself. “At least here I can say goodbye and feel like I have given you at least some of the respect you deserved. Maybe after I avenge you, I’ll come back and give you at least a head stone of some kind, but knowing you, you probably wouldn't care either way.

“You probably would’ve looked me in the eye, scoffed, and said something like, ‘Why bother? If I’m dead, it's not like I’ll be around to give you a pat on the back and tell you the epitaph looks nice.’ And then you probably would have told me to stop talking about such nonsense.” Twilight sniffed.

“I’m still going to do it, anyway,” she whispered. “Get you that headstone, I mean. I might even write something nice on it. Or maybe I’ll just scratch Here lies an old goat on it and call it a day.”

Twilight sniffed, wiping a hoof down her face. “You’ll be happy to know I ditched the jacket at least. Though now that I can't cast any of the usual illusion spells, I can hardly even pass as a pony anymore. I only hope that people have bigger things to worry about than one weirdo with freaky eyes and a weird foreleg.

“But I’m rambling,” Twilight stated. “I admit that a part of me thinks that if I don't ever stop talking, then I won’t ever have to say goodbye, but in the end it's going to have to happen. Which is why I’m going to do it right now.”

Twilight took a deep breath. “Goodbye.”

She stood up suddenly and was about to turn around, only to stop. “I knew I couldn't do it. There is something left undone,” she muttered.

The mare paused and looked around, quickly locating a sharp rock poking out of the ground. Gripping it in a hoof, Twilight trotted over to the tree and quickly scratched a message into the surprisingly soft bark. Once done, Twilight tossed the rock aside and walked away, putting the grave as well as her message firmly behind her.

A message that was as simple and straightforward as the pony it was addressed to.

Here lies Silver Bulwark, the kindest old goat in Equestria.

Leaping over the slight indent, Twilight paused just before she broke through the treeline, using her hoof to wipe away her tears. Once she was certain that she was at least slightly more presentable, Twilight pushed her way past the tree cover. Where she could see most of her friends standing patiently, some quiet, others shifting from hoof to hoof and looking around nervously.

Zecora, are you almost ready? Twilight inquired, sensing that the strange zebra hybrid was nearby.

I am, my queen. I also have enough supplies to get us to Canterlot, Zecora thought back, the zebra appearing from around the bend of her house, a tentacle shaking out the last contents of a bottle onto the ground.

“Alright, are you ready to move?” Twilight asked, stepping up to the group.

“Are you sure you don't need more time?” asked Spike, his clawed hand gripping tight the heavy shawl Zecora wore.

“I’m sure,” Twilight declared.

“Do you want to talk about it?” inquired Applejack gently, the towering hydralisk lowering herself to Twilight’s height.

“If I do that I’ll just get angry, and sad.” The unicorn sighed. “Besides, we still have a job left to do.”

“I suppose,” murmured Applejack.

Rainbow Dash stepped forward and nodded before turning towards the path leading to Ponyville.

“Well, I suppose that answers that,” remarked an orange-eyed Rarity, who moved to follow the pegasus.

Twilight nodded to the infested members of her party, who all fell into a loose formation with Twilight at its center. “We should try to move quickly. While we are walking, I’ll tell you all about the strange vision I received while I was recuperating,” Twilight announced.

“Are you sure it was a vision and not just some sort of dream?” Scootaloo asked, poking her head out from under Fluttershy’s barrel. “Nightmare Moon was supposed to be able to control the dream space thingy, wasn't she?”

“She does, though I have a feeling she's too busy to split her attention quite yet,” Twilight exclaimed.

“I h-hope we d-d-don't have to w-worry about nightmares t-too,” Fluttershy whispered nervously.

Spike shuddered. “I don't like the sound of someone else being in my dreams. It's bad enough having Twilight in my head.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I have some theories on how to shield us from such a thing, should it become a problem. Right now we need to focus, as I’m hoping you guys will be able to help me understand just what that vision meant.”

I for one believe you, Zecora offered.

Thanks, Zecora, thought Twilight before taking a deep breath. “Okay, so it started by showing me all of the events that happened since my arrival in Ponyville, but something was different, and I didn't notice it at first…”

“That certainly is strange,” remarked Applejack as she lifted a large, low-hanging branch out of the way.

“I think it w-was r-r-real,” Fluttershy offered, the mare stepping over a fallen log and helping Scootaloo and Spike over the small obstacle.

“I’m glad you think so,” Twilight replied. “Because that didn't feel like any dream I’ve ever had before. It was too detailed and far too strange to be the product of my unconscious mind.”

Rainbow Dash snorted almost as if she were laughing.

An orange-eyed Rarity nodded. “I’ve never heard of a vision or whatever, but there was one time I drank the strange water daddy hides in the cupboard, and I couldn't see straight. Maybe you drank something funny before you went to sleep.”

The unicorn sighed, her face becoming bright red as her eyes became teal. “That was alcohol, you ditz, you could have killed us,” murmured the pony.

Twilight cleared her throat, stopping the argument before it could take off. “Regardless of whether or not it was a vision or a dream, I feel as though it would be wise to act as if it were showing me real events. After all, there may very well be enemies around every corner.”

I know of several potions that may induce such a state, though none that could impart such detail, Zecora remarked. The spirit of Equus must have visited you, though I do not know what it wishes for you to do with the information it’s given.

“It does sound like the most logical scenario,” Spike pointed out, the nearly blind dragon stumbling over a patch of moss and being caught by Scootaloo. “Thanks.”

Scootaloo blushed. “No problem.”

“We can speak more on the subject later, I think we are almost there,” Twilight declared, the unicorn stepping forward, only to be stopped by a thought from Zecora.

Wait, something is strange, alert our companions, Zecora exclaimed.

Applejack reached out with a claw, stopping Rainbow Dash in place. “Wait a sec. Zecora has a bad feeling.”

The pegasus turned back to the hooded zebra, shooting her a curious look.

The zebra stepped forward and leaned down, several tentacles weaving in the air before her. Then, just when Twilight was convinced the zebra was confused or simply wasting their time, Zecora lifted a wide leaf and tossed it aside, revealing a large patch of blue and purple mushrooms that grew several inches high, small spikes sticking out of their tops.

“Extremely poisonous, advise alternate route,” Fluttershy announced suddenly, the infested pegasus tugging at Spike and Scootaloo.

Agreed. We need to give these a wide berth. The cloud of poison they emit is deadly even to a manticore, Zecora explained.

Twilight pursed her lips and used what little magic she had to clear the detritus away from the rest of the path, revealing dozens of the same mushroom. “Lead the way, Zecora,” Twilight declared.

Rarity seemed ready to argue, but her eyes shifted to teal, and all such resistance vanished.

Together the group walked around the patch of fungus, making slow, but steady progress towards the treeline. No other obstacles presented themselves however, and only a minute later they were standing at the edge of the forest. Nothing could prepare them for what they were about to witness, however, and even Twilight was surprised by what they beheld.

For what they saw was not the quiet, peaceful Ponyville they had left behind only a few days earlier, but rather a town overrun with chaos.

Strange flowers sprouted everywhere, their bulbous heads having opened to reveal sharp, triangle-shaped petals colored a deep red. Their stems were a vibrant orange, and the grass around them was stained crimson, as if blood had replaced pollen. Those weren't the only strange plants that dotted the town however, as large vines grew up the sides of many houses. In addition, several gigantic mushrooms had sprouted from the earth, towering over most of the one-story homes.

The ponies didn't seem much better off, as even from a distance, Twilight could tell there had been at least one major fight. Several homes were little more than burnt out husks, and Twilight could see groups of armed ponies patrolling the outskirts of town. Though they seemed to be normal ponies, and not zealots sent by the houses, Twilight couldn't get a good enough look to be certain of that.

“Here's the plan,” Twilight whispered, lowering herself below the ridge line. “Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and I will go into town while the rest of you wait here.”

“G-good thinking, my q-q-queen,” Fluttershy stuttered.

“I wish I could come with you, but I think that would do more harm than good. Maybe we can at least find some more food or something,” muttered Applejack bitterly.

“If you can, that would be great, but don't risk it.” Twilight sighed. “I wish I could bring you as well, but only I can pass as a normal pony, while the rest of you… not so much.”

“Rude,” Spike remarked.

“I m-might be able t-t-to,” exclaimed Fluttershy.

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy, but we can't risk it,” Twilight replied firmly. “Now stay low. I do not want to have to fight the town guard because someone got a little too curious.”

It will be done, my queen, Zecora declared, bowing slightly.

“I suppose we could at least watch and try to figure out what happened ‘round here,” Applejack offered.

“Y-yes. Though I h-h-hope that no m-monsters come,” Fluttershy murmured nervously.

Scootaloo’s eyes went wide. “That's a possibility?”

Their natural way of life has become disrupted. We were lucky to have not run into any on the way here, Zecora explained.

“Just lay low, is all. Hopefully we can avoid any wandering monsters, or ponies, for that matter,” Twilight interrupted.

“Right,” exclaimed Spike.

“Are we going or what?” Rarity replied, tapping her hoof impatiently.

“We are. Come on, Rainbow Dash. Let's get moving,” Twilight announced, stepping over the small hill and proceeding towards town, Rarity and Rainbow Dash tight on her heels.

As she approached Ponyville Twilight couldn't help but wish she had her magic, or at least more of her psychic powers. If she had magic, she could turn them invisible or, if she had her powers, she could simply wipe the mind of any who may find them. Without either of those things, she was just a weirdly strong unicorn who may have known how to fight, but did not currently have a weapon.

Now all she had were her wits and her companions to count on as she hastily sprinted her way across the field. Though her muscles ached, and a few bolts of pain ran up her legs, Twilight was able to reach the edge of town in little time. Leaning against the burnt out husk of what had once been someone’s home, Twilight peeked around the corner.

A pair of ponies with weapons strapped to their sides stood down the road, one alert while the other looked on with a bored, placid expression. Though they wore leather armor, only the alert young stallion had one fitted for a pony his size while his companion’s was far too large. The older unicorn mare tugged at her loose leather jacket and muttered bitterly under her breath.

They didn't seem to be official guards, that much was obvious, but they also didn't seem to be opportunistic raiders either. The age difference between them was also significant, and after mentally contacting Fluttershy, Twilight was able to figure out their former professions. Namely that the young stallion had been a wood cutter with a penchant for exploring the Everfree while the other was a retired school teacher.

Which meant that some kind of militia had been formed, likely by whoever had survived the battle that had taken place here. When the duo turned to leave, Twilight signalled for Rarity and Rainbow Dash to stay down, only moving after the militia ponies were completely out of sight. After that they sprinted from one house to another, avoiding any that appeared to be occupied until they neared Rarity’s boutique.

Crouched in a narrow alleyway between two now abandoned stores, Rarity’s eyes went wide. “Woah. I own that?” she whispered, looking up at the large structure.

Her eyes shifted. “Yes, now would you stay quiet? We need to check if anyone is there and see if we can locate our emergency supplies.”

Rarity nodded, turning to Twilight. “Ready when you are.”

Twilight glanced to Rainbow Dash, and after getting the impression that she was ready as well, peeked out around the corner. Three ponies were dragging rubble out of a destroyed building down the road, but their backs were turned. Giving one last nod to her two companions, Twilight sprinted across the road, her horn alight with a simple unlocking spell.

Which turned out to be needed as the entrance to the boutique was firmly locked, though there were no lights on inside. After pushing open the door, Rainbow Dash and Rarity quickly slipped inside, followed by Twilight who slowly closed the door behind them. Breathing a sigh of relief, Twilight turned around to find that everything seemed to appear normal, at least on first glance anyway.

A toppled rack of clothes set Twilight immediately on edge, and she lowered herself slightly, creeping through the shop. Her psychic abilities remained dull and ineffectual, but from what Twilight could tell, someone or something was nearby. However, she couldn't tell the distance or even if they were above or below the trio.

Creeping to the back of the shop, Twilight slipped through a door and into what looked like a kitchen. One that had been used recently, if the smell of burnt toast and dirty dishes were anything to go by. Slipping down a side hall, Twilight paused at the bottom of a flight of stairs, glancing to Rarity curiously after the mare prodded Twilight’s shoulder.

“I have a feeling they are upstairs, but I don't want to surprise them,” Rarity whispered. “I’m going to try something. Just trust me, okay?”

Rainbow Dash shrugged.

“Fine, but be ready to run in case you're wrong,” Twilight replied.

Rarity nodded, cleared her throat, and turned towards the stairs. “Sweetie Belle! Are you here?” she called, raising her voice slightly.

After a second of silence, a door opened somewhere above them, and the flickering light of a candle was barely visible. Whispering could be heard from above them, and though Twilight wanted to run, or at least find a knife to defend herself, she stayed put. The hushed conversation ended a few seconds later after which a large, heavyset unicorn with a short stubby horn peered out from around the top of the stairs.

The stallion’s shoulders fell the second he laid eyes on Rarity, his jaw falling open. “Is that really you, my little pin cushion?” he whispered in disbelief.

Rarity nodded. “It's really me, daddy.”

“W-wait,” exclaimed the moustached stallion. “Who are these two and what’s up with that one’s eyes?”

Rarity gently pulled Twilight out of the shadows. “This is Twilight Sparkle. She was sent by Princess Celestia in order to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration, and this is Rainbow Dash, who had been in charge of the weather. They saved my life after, well… you probably know why.”

The brown-maned stallion furrowed his brow as he stared closely at Rainbow Dash. “How did she manage the weather if she doesn't have… oh, goodness.” He gulped and quickly stepped aside. “I’m very sorry for my crass remark, please come in.”

Rainbow Dash merely nodded slowly, while trotting behind Rarity, who was eagerly hopping up the stairs two at a time.

Upon reaching the top, Rarity immediately wrapped her hooves around the stallion’s shoulders, squeezing him tightly. “You have no idea how much I missed you,” exclaimed the mare.

“I missed you too, Rarity, but what's wrong with your eyes? You don't got whatever she does, do ya?” asked the stallion, gazing curiously at Rarity’s now orange orbs.

Twilight chuckled to herself. “No, she definitely doesn't have what I do.”

“I’ll explain everything, but first, where is Sweetie Belle?” inquired Rarity.

“She’s in the other room,” replied the stallion.

“And mommy?” asked Rarity hesitantly.

The stallion sighed. “Right before this whole thing happened, she just up and left. Didn't say a word either, just teleported away in the middle of dinner.”

Rarity nodded slowly. “We need to talk. A lot has happened.”

“Sure seems like it,” murmured the stallion who turned towards Rainbow Dash and Twilight. “You two make yourselves at home. We don't have much, but feel free to help yourselves to whatever is in the fridge. May as well make sure it doesn't go to waste.”

“Thank you. We’ll wait down stairs for whenever you're done, Rarity,” Twilight whispered, touching the other unicorn’s shoulder.

“T-thanks,” muttered the mare, who sighed and turned to the stallion. “Now I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but-”

Twilight put the rest of the conversation out of mind, trotting down the steps and back into the kitchen. Once there, she cracked open the now room-temperature fridge and peered inside, quickly finding a half-eaten salad. Taking it out, Twilight sat down at the table and levitated the first bunch into her mouth, chewing the slightly soggy leaves slowly.

Following her example, Rainbow Dash plunked down across from Twilight, a pear in hoof. Together the pair ate their meals in silence, after which they located two cups and a pitcher of clean water. Sipping at the warm liquid, Twilight felt her mind begin to wander, her thoughts going to her own parents.

Though neither of them were perfect, one even less so than the other, Twilight still found herself hoping they had both made it out okay. The apartment they had been living in was at least somewhat close to the docks, so it was possible in Twilight’s opinion. Though without any idea of how the battle had started, or how things had gone down, Twilight couldn't be sure.

That feeling of hope remained though, and Twilight refused to give up on them unless she was faced with their lifeless bodies. Then and only then would she allow herself to believe that they were truly gone and until that happened, Twilight chose to believe they were safe. The unicorn was startled out of her reverie by the sound of hooves coming down the stairs, with Rarity’s father appearing around the corner a second later.

He looked dishevelled, as if he had aged several years during the brief conversation he had with his daughter. His hoofsteps were heavy and plodding, the stallion not looking up even as he passed the two mares by. Only after he had retrieved a bottle of what looked like bourbon from above the sink and sat down next to Twilight did he say anything.

“This just keeps getting worse, huh?” he muttered.

Twilight nodded. “I don't think it's going to get better for a long while, Mister…”

“Hondo,” replied the stallion, who unscrewed the cap and took a swig straight from the bottle. “Augh, why did I even keep this stuff?”

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.

“Out of all the things to save from our burning home, I grabbed this stupid thing,” Hondo continued, shaking the bottle for emphasis. “Sure I grabbed other stuff, but for some reason my brain thought this was important. I may have been saving it for a couple years, but it's just booze.”

“Well, at least it could be used to disinfect wounds. I think,” Twilight offered.

“It's certainly got a high enough percentage anyway,” Hondo admitted. “Would you like some?”

Twilight shook her head.

Rainbow Dash, however, swiped the bottle and took a gulp of the liquid, grunting as it slid down her throat.

“Your friend is a tough one,” remarked Hondo.

“That she is.” Twilight turned to the male. “I would like to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind.”

“Shoot. I got a few of my own, but you can go first,” Hondo replied.

“First. What happened here?” Twilight began, the unicorn gesturing toward the nearby window.

Hondo’s gaze fell, and he stared blankly down at the table. “After everyone realized the sun wasn't rising on time, ponies started freaking out. It didn't last long thankfully, as the mayor quickly got the crowd under control, but it was clear ponies were shaken. It didn't help that everyone who had trained with the khala had vanished at about the same time.”

“And why didn't you?” Twilight asked pointedly. “After all, both your daughter and wife both fell in with that cult.”

Hondo tapped his short, stubby horn. “Underdeveloped wellspring and too much earth pony in me. The houses didn't want me, just my girls.” He sighed. “Thank the stars Sweetie Belle was too young. I don't know what I would have done if she had vanished as well.”

“And the fires?” Twilight pressed.

“They started sometime during the uh ‘night’,” Hondo explained, adding air quotes around the word. “We aren't sure how it started, but in the panic some less than scrupulous ponies took it as an opportunity to settle old grudges. After that Mayor Mare set up a curfew, a militia, and has been keeping everyone near the center of town.”

“Any word from the rest of Equestria?” Twilight inquired.

Hondo shook his head. “The telegram lines were cut. A few pegasi tried to see what was happening near the other major towns, but only Derpy made it back, and she hasn't been the same since.”

Twilight sighed, massaging her temples. “Great. Just great.”

Rainbow Dash tapped the table, gathering everyone’s attention before pointing up.

“We haven't been able to deal with the weather given what's been going on. That and the clouds have grown tougher for some reason,” Hondo replied.

“I think she's asking about Cloudsdale,” Twilight offered.

Rainbow Dash nodded.

“Oh. They pushed the city higher into the sky, but I don't know how long they are going to be able to stay up there, given how cold it's gotten,” Hondo remarked sadly.

Frowning, Rainbow Dash tapped her hoof and stared out a nearby window, her gaze distant.

“And where do you plan on going?” Hondo asked, leaning on the table.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“Now don't give me that. I can tell you aren't about to stick around. Plus you got the look of a planner about ya, so I figured you're the person to ask,” Hondo retorted.

Rainbow Dash smirked.

Twilight nodded slowly. “You are right, I don't plan on staying here long. I intend on going to Canterlot and sending your daughter as well as most of my companions to the confederacy where we will meet back up in a few days hopefully. After that I’m going to have to muster an army and defeat Nightmare Moon.”

The stallion slowly raised a bushy eyebrow. “Now that's quite the plan you got there. Is this confederacy place safe?”

“Safer than here anyway,” Twilight replied simply.

Hondo hummed thoughtfully to himself. “Would they take other refugees?”

“I assume so,” Twilight answered.

Rainbow Dash shot Hondo a questioning look.

“I ask because staying here doesn't seem to be an option anymore,” Hondo explained. “We’ve managed to harvest what we can before the cold took the crops, but it isn't a lot. Worse yet, the Everfree is out of control, and I doubt that the militia could fight off even a single manticore if it came down to it.”

“And that's without considering the possibility that the great houses may send their forces in this direction,” Twilight added.

Hondo nodded slowly. “Exactly. We won't survive a month out here without help. Something that seems less and less likely with each passing day, or night, or whatever.”

Rainbow Dash nodded confidently.

Twilight hummed, tapping her chin while deep in thought. “I’ll draw you a map and send word ahead that you’ll be coming. You might have to walk for quite a while, but it will be easy to follow the tracks once you find them.”

I don't mean to interrupt, my queen, Zecora thought. But Applejack wishes to interject in your conversation, though she does not believe she has the right to do so.

“One moment,” Twilight muttered before turning away from the stallion. Yes, Applejack, what is it?

S-sorry, boss. I just wanted to see if you could ask that Hondo fella to try and talk my family into joining him when he leaves Ponyville, Applejack hesitantly declared. I know they are right stubborn, but even they gotta see the writing on the walls when it's this obvious. Plus maybe if they knew I was out there, they would come.

Good thinking, Twilight replied, turning back to Hondo. “Sorry about that. I’ve had a bit of a migraine recently.”

The stallion lifted an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well, getting back on topic, I think that may be our best shot. Though I’ll have to talk to Mayor Mare as well as the others.”

“In return for the map and help, could I ask a favor of you?” Twilight inquired.

Hondo nodded slowly. “I suppose I owe ya that much. Though it depends on watcha want.”

“I just want you to try and get the Apple family on board with this plan of ours,” Twilight replied. “Tell them that their daughter will meet them at the confederacy.”

“If that's all it is, then I suppose I can do that much,” Hondo exclaimed, leaning forward suddenly. “But we should get this map of yours sketched out before we go any further.”

“Do you have one of the surrounding area? It will be easier to explain things then,” Twilight replied.

Hondo nodded. “Sure do. Just give me a sec.”

The stallion promptly got up and left the room.

Rainbow Dash turned to Twilight, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

The unicorn tapped her head. “Applejack put in the request.”

The pegasus nodded slowly.

A few seconds later Hondo re-emerged, a large topographical map held aloft in his weak magical field. “I hope this is good enough,” he exclaimed, plunking back down beside Twilight.

The unicorn smiled. “This is perfect. Now what you are going to want to do is start here and then work your way towards-”

Twilight and Rainbow Dash stood near the main entrance to the boutique, a new set of saddle bags draped over their withers. Though not exactly bulging, they were relatively full, including a decent amount of medical supplies. Twilight had even managed to find a loose-fitting black hoodie that would better hide her stranger features.

The only thing missing was Rarity, though a few seconds later the unicorn appeared from around the corner. The pony’s eyes had returned to their original teal color, signalling that the older version of Rarity was in charge. She too wore a pair of new saddle bags, though these weren't quite as full and had her cutie mark sewn onto them.

“Ready?” asked Twilight.

Rarity nodded. “I am, though my other self may need time to come to grips with our new reality.” She sighed. “I think seeing Sweetie Belle and realizing that they are now essentially the same age was enough to disturb the poor girl.”

Rainbow Dash placed a hoof on the fashionista’s shoulder before nodding slowly and deliberately.

“Thank you, darling,” Rarity whispered, patting Rainbow Dash’s hoof. “We’ll survive.”

Rainbow Dash took a step back and straightened her saddle bags.

“Alright, let's get going,” Twilight declared.

The infested unicorn leaned against the door, and after detecting no nearby ponies, pulled it open. Peering outside, Twilight’s assumption was proved correct, and the mare swiftly ducked around the side of the building. This time they went straight to the Everfree, traveling down the main road in front of the boutique all the way to the edge of town.

Once there, Twilight checked for any passing ponies, and after finding none, sprinted towards the tree line. Rainbow Dash and Rarity remained only a few steps behind the entire time, the two ponies easily keeping pace with Twilight’s longer legs. As they neared the trees, several shapes emerged, revealing themselves to be the rest of their companions.

With the only difference being that they seemed to have gained cloaks which obscured most of their forms. Even Pinkie Pie wore one of the rough brown outfits, her straight pink hair having been tucked away as to make her even harder to see. She was the only one of her friends who did not wear a saddle bag, her injuries making it difficult enough to walk without adding extra weight.

Crossing over the slight bump, Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash rejoined their friends, with Twilight quickly doing a headcount.

“Good, were all here,” declared the infested unicorn. “I’m glad to see you found some more food and clothes”

Applejack waved a scythe-like limb towards the trees. “We raided Fluttershy’s cottage, plus we got lucky. There was a whole bush of fresh strawberries not far, as well as a pear tree.”

“This forest is weird,” remarked Spike.

That it is, and it is only going to grow weirder, I’m afraid, Zecora exclaimed. I sense that something foul is growing within the Everfree.

“W-whatever it is, I h-h-hope it doesn't like the cold,” murmured Fluttershy.

“Either way, we won't be here to deal with it,” Twilight declared. “I’ll fill you all in on what I’ve learned on the way. For now we should get moving.”

“Lead on,” declared Rarity.

Twilight collapsed to the ground, Pinkie Pie tumbling off her back.

The earth pony landed in a heap, only to be swiftly helped back up by Rainbow Dash.

“Thanks, Rainbow Dash, and sorry, Twilight. I didn't think I was that heavy,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight waved a dismissive hoof, her chest heaving as she sucked in air. “It's nothing. I guess sleeping for an entire week took more out of me than I thought.”

You may be zerg, but you are also still a pony, Zecora pointed out, the zebra hybrid leaning against a nearby tree.

Spike sniffed the air. “I smell water. Are we close?”

Twilight glanced down from the hill they stood atop to where a hidden pair of tracks poked out through the underbrush. Next to it was the small creek Spike had already detected while around it stood towering redwoods which obscured the sky above them. Though far less chaotic than the Everfree forest, the White Tail Wood was evidently suffering under the endless night.

Strange mushrooms and odd flowers dotted the ground while thick vines grew around the trunks of many of the trees. It gave off the impression of a landscape being choked by the moonlight which continued to bear down on them despite having traveled for several hours. The wild life wasn't much better off, though thankfully the group had managed to evade the more dangerous predators.

Hopping over the creek, Twilight levitated Applejack across after her before doing the same for Spike. The rest of her friends followed shortly thereafter, sticking to Twilight’s heels as she followed the tracks. It wasn't long after that they ran into the simple hand car and the flat rail car attached to the back of it.

“You know, I was expecting more than this,” remarked Rarity.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “It's better than walking, and after you get past the Canterhorn, it will be all down hill.”

“I suppose there's that, though let's hope that’s not metaphorically down hill,” murmured Rarity idly.

Spike frowned and turned towards Twilight. “I suppose you're going to send me away, huh?”

Zecora patted the young dragon on the back. Do not be sad, young one. She will be safe in our company, as will you be in theirs.

“Still, I’m supposed to be with you through thick and thin,” muttered Spike bitterly, arms crossed over his chest.

Twilight sighed. “I know this isn't ideal, but they will need you there. You’re the only one of us who can confirm that you guys are not a threat.”

“You’re right, and I know that, but that doesn't change the fact that this still sucks,” Spike exclaimed, shoulders sagging.

“Chin up, Spike,” Twilight whispered, gently touching the dragon’s cheek. “You have an important job. Not only do you have to be there in order to ensure that Fluttershy and Scootaloo are accepted, but you also have to find the rest of our family.”

“True. I bet grandpa is worried sick right now,” Spike exclaimed.

“Exactly,” Twilight declared. “And right now you’re the only one who can put his mind at ease.”

“After this I’m not leaving your side though, got it?” Spike announced suddenly.

Twilight chuckled. “I know, Spike. You’ve told me this before already.”

“I’ll say it as many times as I need to,” retorted Spike.

Twilight smiled and gently pulled the dragon into a tight hug. “Be safe, my son.”

“I will, mom,” Spike whispered, squeezing Twilight tightly.

After several long seconds, the pair parted, with Twilight leading the dragon over to the cart, which was now packed with ponies. Rainbow Dash stood on the hand cart, ready to begin pumping the second she received a partner. Spike quickly filled this role, scrambling up the side and fumbling for the other half before settling into place.

“P-please c-c-come back to us soon, my queen,” pleaded Fluttershy.

Scootaloo grinned. “But also kick some Nightmare but while you're there!”

“I will. I promise,” Twilight declared.

“Don't do anything too crazy, alright?” asked Pinkie Pie, the earth pony having pulled back her hood.

“I won't let my anger get the better of me. Right now the only thing on my mind is saving Celestia and getting everyone back together in one piece,” Twilight announced, smiling confidently.

I will ensure our queen’s safety, this I swear, Zecora added, her pointed limb banging against her chest in emphasis.

“You can count on us,” added Applejack.

Twilight smiled. “This time will be different. This time we’ll win.”

“And I’ll have a welcome party waiting for you,” announced Pinkie Pie.

“I look forward to it,” replied Twilight.

Author's Note

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Returning Home

Twilight paused at the edge of a ditch, the infested unicorn peering intently at the landscape before her. Though most of the land was open plains which lead up to Canterlot, there were a few minor hills and some scattered woodland. This offered the trio of infested at least a modicum of cover, though it also granted the same privilege to their enemies.

“There,” Twilight whispered, gesturing to a nearby patch of scraggly trees and sickly bushes. “Looks like a dozen or so lying in wait.”

I see them, my queen, Zecora replied, her glowing eyes narrowing. Should we be rid of them?

“Now hold on there,” whispered Applejack. “We don't know for sure what they are doing out here. They might be waiting for someone.”

Twilight frowned. “There is a destroyed wagon tucked away in the bushes, and the one at front has blood on their weapon. Worse still, they are laden with gold and more food than they could eat before it went bad.”

Applejack’s eyes narrowed, her body stiffening. “The whole damn world is fallin’ apart and they want to rob refugees.”

“We can't afford to engage them. I’m still too weak, and I don't want us to get bogged down in meaningless fights,” Twilight replied, raising a hoof to stop the response she knew was coming. “But we also can't just leave them to prey on someone else.”

“Then what do you have in mind?” asked Applejack.

Twilight hummed to herself. “I’m not sure. Normally I would finish this with a well-timed fireball, but that isn't possible right now.”

I have an idea, my queen, Zecora began, retrieving a jar of blackish, tar-like liquid from her bag. Simply teleport this above them, and it should make them rethink their life choices.

“What does it do exactly?” Twilight inquired, hefting the jar.

They will believe that they are on fire for a few minutes. The pain is quite acute, but it leaves no scars or lasting marks, Zecora replied. Perfect for teaching someone a lesson.

Twilight chuckled. “Just let me double check if they actually are bandits first, then we can move upwind before deploying it.”

The infested unicorn’s eyes narrowed, and she summoned what little psychic ability she could. The earth pony bandit posed little challenge to Twilight, who perused his recent memories with the same ease one may flip through a magazine. Thankfully for Twilight, the pony was inadvertently helping her, as the bandit was actively thinking back on the moment in question.

The standoff had been brief, but tense, with several ragged refugees handing over everything they had. After that the gang of thieves settled back into the corpse of woods, waiting for the next group of passersby. Twilight snorted irritably, her magic levitating the jar close beside as she turned back to her companions.

“Lets go,” she commanded.

The other two infested nodded, and together they made their way along the ditch, up the hill and out of sight of the bandits. Once there, Twilight lit her horn, did a few quick calculations and fired off a teleportation spell, causing the jar to vanish. A second later a distant crash could be heard, followed by a few startled yelps as well as some movement.

It didn't take long for the screaming to start, several bandits running out of the woods and throwing themselves onto the dusty road. The dirt and gravel did little to ease their pain however, as they continued to cry out in agony. Shaking her head, Twilight turned and walked away, her companions close behind her.

“I sure hope they learn their lesson,” murmured Applejack.

I believe they will, replied Zecora.

“Next time they’ll think twice about robbing scared and hungry ponies of what little food they have,” Twilight exclaimed, turning to Zecora. “I’m impressed by your potion though. I wasn't aware that devil’s root could be grown in our climate.”

It can't, Zecora explained. My body is able to synthesize components I have previously ingested. It feels as though my physiology has been altered as such that I could reproduce more complex organisms, though I would need a sample of one before I could do that.

“How do you know that?” questioned Applejack.

How do you know how to shoot spines or move utilizing your unique method of locomotion? Zecora questioned.

Applejack winced. “It wasn't easy to get used to my spines, though at least I didn't have to learn how to walk again.”

“We can explore this line of thinking once we have a roof over our head,” Twilight interrupted. “For now just focus on keeping an eye on our surroundings.”

“Right. Don't want to run into more of those ruffians. Or any of those zealot fellers,” murmured Applejack.

“Exactly. Which is why we’ll be staying off the roads for the most part,” Twilight added.

Excellent idea, my queen, Zecora declared. Let us go.

What do you think they are doing way out here? Applejack thought as she peered out from behind a large oak tree.

Twilight frowned as she watched the small cadre of zealots march quickly down the dirt road, their eyes trained forward. Their movements were perfectly organized, and though they didn't seem aware of their surroundings, Twilight knew better. Even now their collective unconscious was sweeping the surroundings, passing right beside the hidden group of infested.

Their resplendent gold and blue armor was buffed to a shine, the gleaming plates twinkling in the moonlight. At the head of the formation marched a slightly taller, thinner unicorn who seemed to be leading the more blank-eyed group of ten behind her. Though Twilight could tell that she was actively trying to route out any would-be ambushers, it was also clear she wasn't trying very hard.

If it was simple confidence or arrogance, Twilight wasn't sure, either way it allowed the trio of infested to easily remain undetected.

“I don't know,” whispered Twilight as the group of zealots disappeared around a bend in the road, the distinctive clank of their armor vanishing into the distance. “It can't be good, however.”

There doesn't seem to be any large movement of troops either, Zecora reasoned, the zebra stepping out from her hiding spot and running a spiked appendage across the road. Furthermore, they don't seem intent on conquering the rest of Equestria.

“Perhaps they are merely going to wait until the major cities have succumbed to anarchy while the houses rally their forces,” Twilight theorized.

“They gotta be stirring up trouble, keeping ponies from organizing,” Applejack reasoned. “They wouldn't be able to stand against the whole of Equestria, right?”

“I don't know,” Twilight muttered. “They have an alicorn on their side and control of the celestial bodies. Maybe Nightmare Moon really just wants to kill everyone.”

Illogical, wasteful, Zecora exclaimed with a hint of resentment. Why go through all that effort just to rule a lifeless ball of ice?

“I don't know, and I don't want to find out,” Twilight murmured. “Come on, let's keep moving. I don't want to be around in case they decide to double back.”

“How far away are we?” asked Applejack, the hydralisk slipping back into the woods.

“It's not far to the vinelands, after that it’s a straight shot to Canterlot village, and our way into the city,” Twilight explained. “Provided we don't run into any more of these assholes.”

Let us hope we don't, Zecora added, the zebra tugging her hood into place as she followed the infested unicorn deeper into the blighted woods.

“Is that what I think it is?” Twilight muttered, the unicorn peering over a low fence, her gaze settled on a distant mound that had been erected at the center of a crossroad.

Vineyards spread out in all directions, though most had been flattened by the passage of many armored hooves. Blood and broken weapons scattered the area as well as a dozen or so fires, as well as several destroyed buildings. Though the battlefield was intriguing, it wasn't what grabbed the three infested’s attention, rather it was the fifteen-foot tall pyramid at the center of it all.

I do believe they have piled the bodies into a crude mountain. Perhaps to serve as a warning of some kind, Zecora explained coldly.

“Why would they do something so horrible?” muttered Applejack.

“To instill fear into any who may come this way,” Twilight quietly remarked. “To reach Canterlot, you have to come through the vinelands. Like those poor fools have done.”

Together they stared at the grim pile of bloody and broken bodies that were piled at the center of the crossroads. Most still wore their armor, others still clutched their weapons in their hooves, all were dead, their eyes glassy and distant. From what Twilight could tell, they were likely militia from a nearby town, as their armor was a step above leather, though not quite to the level of a royal guard.

“Come on,” Twilight whispered. “We better get moving.”

“I ain't leavin’ ‘em here,” Applejack replied, the hydralisk slithering out of their hiding spot. “These folk didn't deserve this.”

Your queen has given you an order, Applejack, Zecora hissed, the zebra stomping her back hoof in emphasis.

“It's alright, Zecora,” Twilight interrupted, holding up a foreleg. “We don't have time to give them a proper burial, but perhaps we could at least make a funeral pyre.”

That is… much more feasible, Zecora admitted, the zebra reaching back into her bags and producing a clear jug filled with some manner of see-through liquid contained within. Here, this will help.

Applejack grunted as she ripped a section of fence out of the ground before tossing it against the mound of corpses. “You get that stuff figured out. I’ll get some kindling.”

Twilight nodded to the zebra. “I’ll help Applejack, you know what to do.”

I will need time to refill my supplies soon if we keep using them at such a rate, Zecora remarked with a hint of irritation.

“That's fine. When we bed down for the night, you should have enough time,” Twilight replied, the unicorn kicking down a teetering outhouse and using her magic to toss its remains on the pile.

The zebra made an irritable gurgling noise before reluctantly doing as she was told. Uncorking the bottle with a tentacle, Zecora carefully splashed the liquid on the mound, unbothered by the stench of rot which bathed the area. If Applejack was irritated by the smell or the sight, she said nothing, merely tossing more and more sections of fence onto the pile.

In only a few minutes before they had a decent amount of wood piled around the mass of corpses. It took only slightly longer before Zecora had shaken out the last of the clear liquid onto the mass. With that done, the zebra stepped back, joining Applejack a dozen metres away from the pile of bodies. Twilight stood next to them a second later, her horn glowing faintly as she conjured a weak ray of fire before sending it at the mound.

The second Twilight’s spell touched the disturbing pyramid of bodies, flames leapt up all around it, engulfing the entire thing in fire. After watching for several seconds to ensure it stayed alight, Twilight turned away and resumed her walk towards the mountain which loomed over them. Her friends were quick to follow her a second later, the trio remaining silent even as the thick acrid smoke billowed into the sky.

“There were some real young ponies back there,” Applejack whispered.

“I know,” replied Twilight quietly, her mind conjuring an image of the young mare she had seen halfway up the pile.

They are beyond pity now, Zecora stated evenly, her mental voice having lost some of its icy edge. We can honor them only through action now.

“That was nice of you to say,” Twilight remarked.

Zecora nodded slowly. Applejack’s thoughts are surprisingly convincing and insistent.

The hydralisk hybrid smiled faintly. “Sorry about that. I just can't help but feel like we have somethin’ in common, given our shared circumstances.”

There does seem to a be an underlying theme in our pasts, Zecora admitted reluctantly.

“I don't mean to break up your awkward flirting, but we gotta start movin’ a little quicker. I think someone saw our little bonfire,” Twilight whispered.

“We weren't-” began Applejack.

To the east, only five of them. They don't seem to notice us, Zecora interrupted.

“They can't put out that fire, can they?” Applejack whispered, the hydralisk glancing over her shoulder at the crossroads they had left behind.

Impossible. The fire will continue even without air, Zecora explained.

Twilight nodded. “Then let's focus on just getting out of here. If one zealot knows about our fire, then all of them will know.”

True. We should make haste, Zecora added.

Applejack put her head down, easily keeping pace with the other infested as they began to sprint. Thank you, by the way. Noone deserves to be left like that, she thought.

Y-you are welcome, Zecora replied, casting a quick, sidelong glance at the other infested.

Twilight meanwhile simply ran on, a small smile crossing her face.

“I think it's clear,” whispered Twilight.

Applejack peeked her head out of the abandoned stone building they had been hiding out in. Though it lacked a roof, the structure was still more or less intact, save for the broken windows and shattered furniture. Dust hung heavy in the air, and it was clear that noone had been in this particular ruin in quite some time.

It was also much darker than before, the mountain and Canterlot itself now looming directly overtop of the abandoned village. Which was made up of only a dozen stone houses that remained standing, while the other fifty or so structures were now little more than rubble. The buildings that were still upright lay at the center of the town and were evidently more important, such as the town hall.

Leaning out a little further, Applejack glared down at the mine shaft which opened up right at the end of the street. The village’s placement was such that the entrance to the mine lay close to the town’s center. Though convenient for the workers, the plan had not apparently helped the town’s overall longevity.

Popping her head back inside, Applejack glanced down at Twilight. “Say, why did they shut down this place anyway?”

“It was supposed to serve as a base of operations for the construction of Canterlot. In addition they needed to set the anchor points and dig out some of the special crystals required to keep the plate from collapsing,” Twilight explained. “Thus the mine, though after Canterlot was completed, some ponies stayed behind. Until a plague wiped out a third of them, and a fire finished the job, driving off whoever remained.”

Suspicious, remarked Zecora.

“Some say that it was a noble plot, but Celestia’s investigation revealed that it was little more than bad luck. The plague killed the town’s elders and thus noone was there to organize a bucket brigade when the fire broke out.” Twilight shook her head. “Regardless, inside one of the mine shafts is an opening to the sewer. From there we can reach my old hideout, which is where we can bed down for the night.”

“Y'all are being pretty secretive of this base of yours,” Applejack pointed out.

Twilight grinned. “You two are going to like it. I just want to surprise you.”

We should get moving. This place has a foul energy about it, Zecora remarked, the zebra tapping her clawed forelimbs impatiently.

“Agreed. These ruins give me the heebie jeebies,” Applejack murmured, shuddering.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You guys act like ghosts are real.”

Though I never completed my training to become a shaman, I learned enough to know that this world is a strange place, Zecora stated. Do not underestimate it.

“Let's just get moving before I end up with a butt full of spines,” Twilight muttered.

Applejack huffed silently to herself, following Twilight a few feet back. “Well, I for one ain't lookin’ forward to crawlin’ around in the sewers.”

And I am not looking forward to the prospect of fighting zealots and mad gods, Zecora added.

“And yet you are here anyway,” Applejack pointed out. “Why is that? And don't give me none of that she's the queen business. You know she’d let you go if you wanted to leave.”

Zecora’s tentacled appedanges twitched, her gaze lingering on Twilight’s backside as the unicorn crept slowly through the town. I feel myself around her. That, and she represents the chance at community I lost so long ago.

“I know what you mean, sister,” Applejack added.

“Hey are you guys coming, or what?” Twilight shouted from a block away.

We are coming, my queen, Zecora announced.

Applejack waved a forelimb. “Yeah yeah, we’re coming.”

Twilight trudged slowly through the sewers, most of her body now covered in the refuse which came up to her belly. Though Applejack was slightly better off given just how tall the infested earth pony was, Zecora on the other hand was having a hard time. The zebra was slightly shorter than the other two, and her entire body was closer to the ground.

Meaning that she was in an absolutely foul mood after wading through what felt like an endless series of tunnels and waste.

How close are we? she asked.

Twilight sighed. “Only a little closer than the last time you asked.”

“It shouldn't be long now, right Twilight?” inquired Applejack placatingly.

“It shouldn't, but the sewers are fuller than the last time I was down here,” Twilight murmured bitterly, raising a leg and nearly gagging. “At least back then the walkways were above the water level.”

I am going to need a very, very long bath when we get to wherever it is we are going, Zecora exclaimed, her mental voice growing more irritated by the second.

“Just hold up a second, and I’ll try to find our destination again,” Twilight muttered, the unicorn squeezing her eyes shut.

“I’ll take point. You watch our rear,” commanded Applejack, the hydralisk slinking into position at the forefront of the group.

Zecora nodded and did just that, allowing Twilight to focus.

The connection with her hideout was strangely distant, and Twilight had a feeling that it wasn't just her own fatigue that was at fault for this. The base itself was quite large and though it didn't have a mind of its own, Twilight used to be able to feel its presence clear across the city. Searching it out with her mental abilities now was difficult, and Twilight struggled to locate it, though she could at least feel that she was in the right area.

Then, just when she had been about to give up, something clicked and all of a sudden her mind expanded. Twilight’s eyes snapped open, and the unicorn felt her entire body be pointed towards a distant intersection. Though she couldn't explain why, she had the feeling that her hideout had been obscuring itself, until now.

“It’s right around that corner. Let's move, something doesn't feel quite right,” Twilight shouted.

Her companions were quick to follow behind her, both infested remaining quiet and alert.

Dashing around the corner, Twilight sprinted down the tunnel before coming to a screeching halt at a seemingly random section of wall.

“What is it?” whispered Applejack nervously.

“It's here, but I don't remember expanding it this deep,” Twilight replied, reaching a hoof towards the wall.

The second her limb pressed against the stone, the entire wall shifted, blocks slipping apart and parting to reveal a fleshy passage. A dozen thin purple tendrils gripped each individual brick and moved it in such a way to create a small ramp leading into the tunnel. Peering into the depths, Twilight instantly knew that she was in the right place, even though everything she saw was new growth.

“What the heck is that?” muttered Applejack in shock, her shoulders pointing towards the entrance.

Fascinating. I assume this is your surprise, Zecora half asked, half stated.

“It is. But something is wrong. It shouldn't be hiding itself from me like this,” Twilight exclaimed, trotting up the ramp. “Applejack, you’re on my right, Zecora I want you on backup.”

“Got it, boss,” replied Applejack, the hydralisk slithering up next to the unicorn.

As you will, my queen, added Zecora.

Twilight crept low to the ground, her mind constantly trying to secure the connection with the mass of creep, only to find it impossible to do so. It was as if the semi-sentient biomass was afraid, though Twilight couldn't imagine why, or even how it felt that way. Either way, those questions would come later, right now she needed to focus on locating the source of these feelings.

The trio stepped out of the passageway, which sealed itself behind them, before emerging into a wide, open area. Though it was as large as Twilight’s initial hideout, this floor hadn't existed last time she had been here. It also resembled the top level of her childhood home before she had been taken in by Princess Celestia, though the rooms lacked any doors.

Zecora peeked into one of the fleshy rooms, the zebra seemingly unbothered by the writhing mass of purple and green that made up every surface. Odd. I assume you recognize this all?

“I do,” replied Twilight. “Though I have a feeling we should keep moving, as the problem remains above us, I believe.”

“I’ll say. This is the weirdest place I’ve ever seen,” Applejack shuddered. “Though it does feel oddly homey for some reason. I ain't even as tired as I was a minute ago.”

Twilight merely grunted, slipping her way down the corridor and to where the stairs down were located in her old home. Instead of leading into a living room, several dozen stairs lead up to where a second story could be seen. Hastily hopping up the flesh-covered stairs, Twilight stopped at the top of the landing, holding up a hoof towards her companions.

Listening quietly, Twilight extended her mind, trying to feel out the presence of any intruders. When she didn't sense any, she was about to pop around the corner when a hoof suddenly grabbed her and yanked her into the room. Though Twilight was quite strong, the slog through the sewers had sapped the last of her strength. Thus the unicorn found herself lying on her back, a glowing green dagger pointed to her throat.

“Do not move, or I will not hesitate to…” The shrouded unicorn paused, his brow furrowing. “Twilight?”

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, only for a cry of rage to drown out what she had been about to say. That cry was punctuated by the dull thump thump of spines shooting out of the doorway and nearly hitting the strange stallion. Deftly spinning out of the way, the dark-cloaked unicorn leapt back, his form fading into the shadows.

Applejack emerged a second later, her face twisted into a snarl as her gaze flicked back and forth, searching for her target. Twilight was about to tell her to stand down when a sudden spike of panic drew her attention to the corner of the room where several ponies huddled. On first glance they seemed fine, but after a moment Twilight was able to see that one of them was lying on the ground, a blanket covering most of his body.

Temporarily distracted, Twilight wasn't able to stop her other companion before she entered the fray, the zebra throwing off her cloak. Revealing that her body was covered in the same organic plates as her face, and that her back was abnormally large. Orange sacks pulsated beneath the white and black organic armor, several more pointed limbs sprouting from her side.

Rearing back, the infested zebra spat a wad of purplish-yellow goo at a seemingly random corner of the room. When the blob erupted into a cloud of spores, Twilight was shocked to find the dark templar stumbling out of the darkness. With a target in sight, Applejack let loose another stream of organic bolts, her aim nearly perfect.

Twilight had enough time to gather herself however, and she swatted the daggers out of the air with her magic before slamming her hoof into the ground. “Everybody stop!” shouted the unicorn, her words laced with a hint of psychic power.

The terrified ponies huddled in the corner of the room stopped trembling all at once, and both Zecora and Applejack found themselves frozen in place. Breathing deeply, Twilight snapped towards the zebra hybrid, her eyes blazing with fury.

“What was that gooey thing?” Twilight demanded.

It was just a choking orb, Zecora replied quickly. It does not harm, only disrupts focus.

Twilight turned to the dark templar, who was coughing and hacking on the ground. “Can you stop it?” Twilight asked, turning to Zecora.

The zebra shook her head. It lasts mere moments and does not leave any permanent damage.

Breathing slightly easier, Twilight slowly approached the stallion, noting that his coat was white beneath the ragged black cloak he wore. His mana blade had been deactivated, and by the time Twilight reached him, he had managed to clear his throat. Once face to face with the stallion, Twilight couldn't help but sigh as she recognized the male.

“Blueblood. I should have known you’d be the one to muck with my mud,” remarked Twilight with a hint of bitterness.

“This is mud? No wonder it smells so bad down here,” retorted the prince, who turned and spat an orangish wad onto the ground.

“Actually, I’m fairly certain that's us,” stated Applejack, the hydralisk relaxing slightly.

Blueblood looked Twilight up and down, shaking his head. “How you manage to always end up neck deep in shit is beyond me.”

“You are one to talk. Why are you here, and who are they?” Twilight asked, gesturing to the still clearly terrified ponies.

“Refugees I was guiding to the castle when we were hit by zealots,” Blueblood explained, the prince rising to his full height. “I used my powers to open a door to a nearby building and ended up in the warehouse above somehow.”

“That explains how you got past my wards,” muttered Twilight. “I hadn't had the time to calibrate them to your unique energy signature. Though it does not explain how you got in here.”

“It let us in,” offered a young filly who stepped forward.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Did it now?”

I apologize, my queen, but I had thought it prudent to make allies since they already breached the wards, whispered a strangely young, yet alien voice. Unfortunately without your presence, I was unable to synthesize anything I could use to heal these creatures.

Twilight sighed. “Great. One more thing to worry about.”

Author's Note

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Companions, New and Old

“One more what to worry about?” asked Blueblood, looking around.

“I’ll deal with it later,” Twilight replied dismissively, waving a hoof. “Applejack, keep an eye on the entrance. Zecora, do you have any healing potions on you at the moment?”

The zebra hybrid stepped forward cautiously, glancing at the ponies standing in the corner of the room. I do, though I would caution against using them on such creatures. We will need everything I have if we are going to have a hope of reaching the princess in one piece.

“Blueblood may not look it, but he's an adept warrior. We will be fine,” Twilight replied.

I agree with Twilight. We will need allies if we are going to have a hope of slogging through this quagmire, Applejack added, slithering over to the far door.

The second the towering hydralisk was further away, most of the ponies relaxed, though that didn't stop them from eying the remaining two zerg hybrids closely.

That does have tactical merit, Zecora admitted, walking back over to her cloak and slipping it on. Though I would advise you to scan them and figure out their injuries before I administer anything.

“Perfect,” Twilight declared.

Blueblood scratched his head. “Well, at least I’m not the only one who is part of a conversation no one else can hear.”

Twilight chuckled mirthlessly. “I aim to get your refugees on their hooves so we can move, though my ponies and I will need to rest before we can do so.”

“Understandable. We too were about to bed down for the night before we detected your presence,” Blueblood admitted.

“Um, Prince Blueblood, who exactly are these people?” inquired a curious filly.

“And what exactly are they?” asked a stallion, who stared intently at Twilight’s glowing, yellow eyes.

“What we are is a long and complicated story that doesn't exactly have a nice, neat ending,” Twilight warned, trotting up to the male. “All you need to know is that right now we are your friends and we intend to get you out of here alive.”

Blueblood raised an eyebrow curiously. “Though my eyes tell me otherwise, it seems as though you are more pony than last we had met.”

Twilight smiled. “Making friends will do that.”

Zecora stepped forward and gestured towards the older pony lying on the ground. I suggest we move quickly. This one does not appear to be long for this world.

“Right,” Twilight declared, extending a hoof towards the unicorn who stood before her. “I’m here to help, if you will allow me.”

The middle-aged stallion stared down at the offered appendage, his wrinkled brow furrowing slightly. His mane was two shades of light purple while his fur was a slightly brighter shade of the same color, the short cut hair parting to reveal a well-filed horn in the center of his head. He appeared to be in good shape. His cutie mark was that of a dark flower in bloom.

After a long pause, the stallion clopped his hoof against Twilight’s. “The name’s Moon Leaf, this is Sun Sprinkle, and the injured pony is named Willow. I’ll introduce you to the rest after you’ve healed my uncle.”

The young filly bounded forward. “I’m so glad you weren't a bad guy. Is this your house?” she asked curiously.

Twilight chuckled, the unicorn noticing the other four ponies breathed a collective sigh of relief the second Moon Leaf had accepted her help. “It is one of my homes. Though I have a feeling it is the only one that still stands,” Twilight explained.

Sun Sprinkle nodded eagerly, her long golden locks bouncing up and down. “That's so cool. I don't suppose you have some food or blankets, do you? The ground is actually kind of comfy, so we don't need beds.”

An older mare stepped forward and cleared her throat. “Though if you had extra, I certainly wouldn't mind not sleeping on... whatever this is.”

Twilight nodded. “I have some rations and water, but first Zecora and I need to ascertain the depth of this stallion’s injuries and get some rest.”

Moon Leaf gently crouched down and, using his magic, pulled back the blanket, revealing that the white-furred stallion was completely covered in bruises. “Willow here saved young Sun Sprinkle’s life earlier today when he leapt in front of some kind of summoned rock spell,” Moon Leaf explained. “We did all we could, but he fell unconscious shortly afterward.”

Potential for concussion is very high. If that is the case, it would be a very bad sign that he is unresponsive, Zecroa reasoned, the zerg hybrid kneeling down next to Twilight.

“True. I’ll use a diagnostic scan to figure out if that is indeed what happened,” Twilight replied, already lighting her horn.

The magic took a second to build due to how exhausted she was, but after a moment to gather, it was released in a wave of purple energy. It cascaded over the older stallion’s body, starting at his cutie mark of a bent tree branch and ending at his light blue mane. Once complete, Twilight closed her eyes, silently going over the data she had received, calculating the damage.

After a long pause, she let out a sigh. “He’ll probably be fine, but he's got a lot of internal bleeding as well as some bruising on his liver and pancreas that we will need to address,” Twilight explained.

“That does not sound good,” muttered Moon Leaf.

I think I will be able to deal with both issues at once. How bad is it, my queen? Zecora replied, only to have her mind injected with a sudden burst of information. Ah, I see. He was very lucky to have gotten away as well as he had.

“I’ll say. If that one rock had been a little to the left, it may very well have broken his spine,” Twilight remarked.

“That doesn't sound good at all,” added Blueblood.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Zecora will take care of it. For now we have a bit of catching up to do.”

“Are you sure you don't want to rest first? It appears as though your journey was even more arduous than my own,” offered the prince.

“No. I have a few questions that need to be answered before I can even think of closing my eyes,” Twilight replied, stepping away from the group.

Blueblood nodded slowly, turning his back on the refugees and lowering his voice. “You want to know how things are going, and more specifically, how auntie is doing.”

“Yes, and I also want to know if any refugees managed to escape via air. I noticed that the docks were heavily damaged, but there were startling few wrecked ships,” Twilight replied, in a low tone.

“Your assessment is correct. Celestia seemed to have seen this coming, as her guards managed to evacuate a good seventy percent of the population before Nightmare Moon even arrived,” Blueblood remarked, snorting irritably. “After that it was a fight to get them launched, but ultimately we managed to send them to the confederate provinces. Oh and before you ask, yes, your parents both made it out safely.”

Twilight let out a long sigh, deflating somewhat. “Well, that's something at least.”

“Before you get too relaxed, I must tell you that auntie was injured in her initial battle with Nightmare Moon and let me tell you, it was not pretty,” Blueblood warned.

“I figured as much. Old tall dark and brooding mentioned something about sapping Celestia’s strength for the last thousand years when I fought her a few days ago,” Twilight replied.

That made the unicorn pause and look Twilight up and down. “I’m honestly quite surprised you survived such an encounter. Nightmare Moon was handedly beating Celestia before we were able to intervene and get her out of there.”

Twilight gritted her teeth and breathed slowly, forcing herself to relax. “She's alright though. Like now?”

The prince nodded, glancing over her shoulder and watching as Zecora poured a bright orange concoction down the injured stallion’s throat. “Alicorns are as tough as nails, and auntie is no exception. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if she was already back to a hundred percent by the time we got back.”

“Good.” Twilight let out a sigh. “Very good.”

“I’d ask about your companions, but the hour grows late, and I have a feeling sleep will not come easily to my own compatriots,” Blueblood exclaimed, turning back around. “We will speak more soon.”

Twilight watched the stallion go, trading places with the zebra hybrid, who stopped next to Twilight. He will make a full recovery, though it will take some time before he is able to walk without pain.

“Will he be able to walk in a few hours?” Twilight questioned, watching closely as the refugees spread out and did their best to get comfortable on the fleshy ground.

Most likely. He will be slow, however, Zecora cautioned.

“That is acceptable. I don't think it likely that we will be able to simply sprint to our destination anyway,” Twilight replied.

So should we speak with this strange entity we heard earlier, or… Zecora trailed off, her gaze focusing on Prince Blueblood who had begun to sing.

Not only sing, but several instruments could be heard, though Twilight could see no source of the sounds. The words he spoke were quiet, little more than a whisper, and his strange band played just as quietly. The lyrics themselves spoke of the night and the quiet slumber promised by the dark, each other sentence rhyming.

Even after listening for only a few seconds Twilight could already feel her eyelids begin to grow heavy, and she could see that Sun Sprinkle had fallen asleep. Even a few of the older ponies were snoozing soundly, and though Twilight wished to join them in dreamland, she forced herself to stay awake. It was at this point that Twilight realized the strange, almost archaic way Blueblood spoke, his words using terms and phrases that had fallen out of favor centuries ago.

Either way, it certainly didn't detract from his lullaby, and after only a few short minutes, all of the ponies were asleep. A soft thump signalled that Applejack had joined them, and though Twilight considered waking her up, she ultimately decided against it. After all, the former farm pony had quite a large day and no doubt needed to sleep more than the rest of them.

Shaking her head and dismissing the lingering desire to close her eyes, Twilight turned to find that Zecora had done something similar. “I’m sorry, what were you about to say?” Twilight asked.

I was going to ask if we should speak to whatever entity is responsible for this place, Zecora exclaimed, her very thoughts sounding sleepy somehow.

“I will in just a moment. I want to check in with Blueblood again,” Twilight replied, stepping over to the dark templar just as he walked away form the group of slumbering ponies. “Where did you learn that?”

Blueblood raised an eyebrow at the accusatory tone. “If you are asking if it was learned from her, then you will be happy to know that was not the case.”

Twilight relaxed slightly, lowering her voice to a whisper. “I’m sorry, I shouldn't have assumed.”

“It would have been a fair assumption,” Blueblood conceded. “I learned it after becoming a dark templar, though I had been taught the phantom instrument spell when I was a child. A part of my required studies in order to become more cultured, as my father put it.”

The unicorn hybrid chuckled. “At least he gave you one useful skill.”

“Indeed,” Blueblood admitted. “Though I’m afraid I too will have to retire in a moment as well, as I have spent the last of my energy.”

Twilight stepped back. “Go ahead. I won't bother you anymore.”

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. It is good to see you are alive and well. A sentiment I’m sure Celestia will share as well,” exclaimed the dark stallion before he trotted over to a nearby wall and knelt down into a meditative stance.

Your friend is a strange one. Jovial one minute, wise beyond his years the next, Zecora pointed out.

He is odd, but his heart is always in the right place, Twilight remarked. Now I need to discuss things with my suddenly sentient hideout. You can join if you wish.

Zecora shook her head. I trust you to fill me in on anything important. For now I simply need sleep and to gather my strength for the coming battles.

Twilight nodded, watching as the zebra hybrid trotted over to Applejack and rested next to the slumbering hydralisk. Now relatively alone, Twilight trotted back down the steps and into the strange, fleshy version of her old house. Once there, she turned to where the living room would be and lay down on the floor, sprawling out in order to get more comfortable.

Okay. Let’s talk, Twilight began.

The floor shivered and the round head of a small equine-shaped creature emerged, followed shortly by a neck and a pair of shoulders. At that point it stopped, the purple mass of twisting flesh contorting briefly before a pair of bright, slit-pupiled eyes opened. A mouth followed a second later, though the rest of the mass remained featureless, only the size of a filly’s upper body.

“Greetings, mother,” it offered in a warbly, yet feminine voice.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Okay, so first question. How are you even sentient?”

The mass of purple flesh shrugged its miniscule shoulders. “I don't know what to tell you. After you left, I began to study my surroundings closer, and after several months had passed, I began to experiment.”

“Which would explain why you hollowed out the layer below you and created this strange copy of my old house,” Twilight remarked.

“I saw it in one of your memories and thought you may find a familiar atmosphere to be more relaxing,” explained the creature.

“I did infuse you with a bit of my magic in order to give the wards an extra bit of glue to hold onto…” Twilight murmured, tapping her chin. “Though that doesn't quite explain why you're sentient, I think it's about the best explanation we are going to get.”

The creature wilted ever so slightly, sinking visibly into the floor. “I hope you are not angry with me. I merely wished to create a more inviting atmosphere for whenever you finally returned.”

Twilight smiled and laid a gentle hoof on the creature’s shoulder. “I wouldn't have left you alone for so long had I known that you were more than a semi-sentient mass of flesh.”

“Thank you, mother,” replied the creature, bowing its head slightly.

“Alright, well I don't really have the time or the energy to really study you in greater detail. For now let's focus on connecting you into my mental network, so you won't be alone again,” Twilight began, rising up from the floor. “After that though, you’ll have to focus on merely staying invisible, as there are many enemies all around us.”

“Are they dangerous?” asked the creature nervously.

“Very. So you will have to be very diligent not to give yourself away,” Twilight replied.

The creature nodded. “Then I will make sure to stay out of sight and while you sleep, I will attempt to figure out how best to integrate myself into the overmind.”

Twilight paused at the strange word choice, but ultimately brushed it off. “Don't stress over it. If you can't figure it out by the time we wake up, then I’ll help you do so before we leave.”

“Thank you again, mother, and sweet dreams,” exclaimed the creature before sinking into the ground and vanishing.

Twilight paused, her gaze lingering on the spot for several seconds before the unicorn turned and walked back upstairs. Hopefully you are able to hide yourself well, as something tells me we won't be returning for quite a while.

Twilight awoke to the sound of several voices speaking in her mind, though the unicorn could tell that they weren't talking to her directly. Shaking off the grogginess of sleep, the pony wiped her eyes free of grime and stumbled into a stand. The soft fleshy mess that had served as her bed for the night receded into the ground, becoming flush with the floor once more.

Shaking her head, Twilight looked around and found that she was in a replica version of her childhood bedroom, only if it had been moved onto the first floor of her old home. Dismissing that bit of strangeness, Twilight trotted towards the exit, which parted for her, allowing the unicorn to stumble into the next room, where both Applejack and Zecora sat or rested on couches grown from the creep floor which were perfectly sized for their odd dimensions.

“Mornin’, my queen. Hope we didn't wake ya,” greeted Applejack.

We did our best to keep the conversation between ourselves, Zecora added.

“It's fine. I’m rested and ready to go,” Twilight replied. “How are the others?”

“The prince was up real early and said something about not needin’ much sleep. The ponies, however, are still out. Looks like they needed it,” Applejack exclaimed.

“That's understandable. They’ve gone through a lot recently,” Twilight remarked.

I have a feeling that our time alone is limited, and that Mister Blood will be joining us in a few moments, Zecora began, rising up from her couch, which receded into the floor. As such I had hoped to ask your permission for something.

“Just one second, Zecora. I need to check something,” Twilight replied, putting a hoof to her head and focusing on the mental connections she shared with her and the other zerg hybrids.

Spike, Fluttershy, and Scootaloo were distant, and though Twilight could no longer hear their thoughts, she got the distinct impression that they were okay. Unlike Zecora, Applejack and the creep, whom she could read the minds of and exercise some manner of control over if she wished. Focusing on the sentient mass of creep, Twilight could sense that she had the same level of connection with the others, though its mind was different.

It was larger for lack of a better word, yet lacked memories or as many thoughts as the others in her group. Focusing on the connection between them, Twilight found that it was quite strong and after a little more effort, it was as good as it was going to get. Opening her eyes, Twilight was relieved to feel that she could sense the location of the sleeping ponies as well as Blueblood.

Who was near the door on the floor above them, crouched in a meditative stance, his eyes open, but distant and unseeing. All of this information came to her non-visually, but Twilight could still piece it together into something that made sense.

“There we are,” Twilight exclaimed.

Thank you, mother. It feels good to be connected to my sisters, replied the creep.

“They aren't…” Twilight sighed. “I’m glad you feel better. Though it occurs to me that you still need a name.”

Actually if I may, my queen. I have already accidentally given her one, Zecora added slightly shyly.

“Oh really, and how does one accidentally give another a name?” Twilight questioned.

Applejack chuckled. “We were trying to think of something and Zecora thought back to her native word for house, which was misunderstood.”

Zecora sighed. I was thinking of nyumbani, but our newest ally heard numbi and it stuck.

Is it bad? I thought it sounded kind of nice… muttered the sentient mass of creap.

“It's… fine. Though now that I think about it, Numbi, kinda sounds like Gumbi,” Twilight mused.

I remember you thinking about that one time when you were here! Numbi declared. And it makes perfect sense since I’m all goopy.

“This is weirdly adorable,” Applejack remarked.

Twilight nodded. “That it is.”

About what I was going to ask you for… Zecora started.

“Absolutely, go right ahead,” Twilight offered.

Zecora cleared her throat and shifted awkwardly. Numbi spoke of you growing a parasite before, and I was hoping you could produce another one, if possible.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “I suppose I could do that, but why exactly do you want such a thing?”

I have always known that this body was capable of reproducing more complicated structures, but something felt as though it was holding me back, Zecora explained. After meeting you, however, I felt as though that part of me was unlocked, so to speak, and I am confident that I could create more, should the need arise.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “It would be nice to be able to produce more whenever needed, but this does worry me slightly. I don't want to give ponies a reason to hate and fear us.”

“But think of all the advantages,” Applejack interjected. “Numbi mentioned hearing about how you saved that Silver Bulwark pony.”

Twilight wilted. “I suppose you’re right there.”

Applejack, that was very rude. You shouldn't have brought her up, Zecora admonished.

The hydralisk rubbed the back of her neck with a scythe limb. “R-right. Sorry, my queen.”

“It’s fine, just promise me that you will not infest anyone without my express permission,” Twilight stressed.

Zecora nodded as much as she could. I promise to not infest someone who is unwilling unless you give your permission or if one of us is in life-threatening danger.

“That is acceptable,” Twilight concluded after a short pause. “Now then. Give me a bit of space please.”

The other zerg hybrids walked or slithered away, the last of Numbi’s growths vanishing into the ground and giving Twilight an open spot to work with. Though it had been quite a while since she had last done something like this, Twilight remembered what her intentions had been in that moment. Thoughts of creating something to help her and the way she had pushed a bit of her magic into the creep returned, only this time it felt different.

Where before it felt as though her magic was being pushed only in a single direction, with nowhere else to go, now it felt as though there were options. Confused, Twilight let her magic and psionic power probe the various pathways, feeling out which one felt right. After finding the correct one which would grow her parasite, Twilight paused and shifted her focus to a different avenue.

She had more than enough energy to grow a parasite, and the unicorn could tell that Numbi had more than enough biomass saved up as well. A little experimentation couldn't hurt, Twilight thought to herself, the unicorn choosing one of the other pathways for her magic and beginning to push. Funneling her magical and psionic might into the flesh-covered floor, Twilight focused not on growing a parasite, but rather some other helpful creature.

The ground beneath her hooves shifted and undulated, a mass of creep slowly building at the point directly in front of the unicorn. Small ripples and waves built on top of each other, growing until a spherical shape the size of an ostrich egg burst forth. Though separate, the pulsating mass was still partially connected to the creep floor by a deep purple latticework that held the entire thing together.

The green sack pulsed with a purple light, growing slightly as some shape twisted within the egg.

“What in the hay is that?” Applejack asked, poking the egg with a scythe limb.

“I don't really know,” Twilight admitted. “I felt as though there were new pathways which my magic could take and decided to experiment a little. I assumed it was just going to take the form of a different kind of parasite though. Not this.”

Fascinating. It is the size of a large dog, though I can't tell its other features, Zecora remarked.

“Here, I’ll grow the parasite while you inspect whatever this is,” Twilight remarked, focusing on the creep once more.

I am at your service, mother, Numbi happily chimed in.

Thank you, but this will be the last thing we grow for now, Twilight replied.

Focusing her magic and energy once more, Twilight grew a parasite from the twisting mass of creep, the small, orb-shaped creature simply emerging from the mass after a short pause. Plucking the thing from the ground, Twilight inspected it and found that it looked slightly stranger than the last one she had grown. Although horrifically ugly, it was the same color as Twilight, with the main mass being centered around a bright orange bulb.

Around which grew a purplish, arrow-shaped body with tentacles on the back and several pointed limbs and a beak-like mouth on the front. Shrugging, Twilight handed the nearly foot-long creature over Zecora, who eyed it curiously for several seconds. Then, just when Twilight was about to ask what the zebra had in mind, Zecora popped the entire parasite into her tentacle-filled maw and swallowed.

“I know that's how you study things, but…” Twilight’s voice trailed off.

Zecora shifted from limb to limb, her expression changing slightly. Yes. This is perfect. Its structures are so familiar and though inelegant, they are robust.

“Well, that's good. I think,” Twilight murmured.

It should take me a few hours, but I think I will be able to create more of these fascinating creatures, Zecora exclaimed.

Applejack looked a little green. “Are you sure you’re alright? That thing was mighty nasty-lookin’.”

Zecora nodded. It has already been dissolved. Though your thoughts are… appreciated.

“If you say so,” muttered Twilight.

A sudden crack made everyone turn back to the egg which had lost a lot of its color over the last few seconds. A spiked limb rammed against the inside of the egg, followed by a second, each one piercing through the thin membrane. Pulling the egg apart, the creature crawled up through the opening, emerging out into the world and shaking itself clear of purple slime.

“It's a zergling,” Twilight remarked, her eyes narrowing. “A strange-looking zergling.”

“Kinda looks like Scootaloo,” Applejack pointed out.

“It sort of does, doesn't it?” Twilight replied.

Indeed. Though smaller than the ones you have seen, this one appears to be more pony-like, Zecora exclaimed.

Twilight nodded, silently admitting that the zebra was right, as it looked far less intimidating than the ones fielded by the nameless queen. While theirs were covered in spikes and were obviously not capable of prolonged flight, this one had large wings and was covered in fur. Its back mounted spear-like limbs also folded neatly into its carapace, vanishing after they were no longer needed.

Those same limbs also only had a single sharp spike, unlike the other zerglings which usually had several smaller protrusions as well. This one also had hooves on its back legs, and thicker palmed hands on its forelimbs, which sported three large clawed fingers. The creature’s dual set of wings were also larger, and one was feathered while the other was insect-like in nature. Twilight got the impression one was used for flight and the other for simply jumping short distances.

Though its eyes were the same deep orange as the other zerglings the unicorn had seen, they were also slightly more rounded, and its entire body was smoother. Its chitinous plates linked together nearly perfectly, and a layer of short, soft fur covered the majority of its body. Even its teeth seemed less intimidating, only being visible when the creature opened its mouth rather than all the time.

The zergling shook itself another time before stretching out like a cat, extending its wings and limbs as far as they could go.

“Daw, that's adorable,” Applejack murmured.

Twilight blinked. “Huh. I guess growing zerg is a thing I can do now. Though I think I’ll have to keep it here for now.”

“And you better keep that secret from the others,” remarked a familiar voice. “I don't think they would be quite so understanding as I.”

Author's Note

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Exfiltration

Twilight jumped slightly, spinning to where Prince Blueblood leaned against the entrance to the room, a smirk on his face. “You know when auntie told you to go make friends, I don't think she meant literally,” Blueblood added.

“Relax, everybody. Blueblood is just being an ass, as usual,” Twilight remarked.

“I would prefer being called a smart ass at the bare minimum, though I suppose I deserved that,” Blueblood exclaimed, leaning down and extending a gauntleted hoof towards the zergling. “Did you decide on a name for the little guy?”

“Not yet, though he was only born a few seconds ago,” Applejack replied, the hydralisk lowering herself into a more relaxed posture.

My queen, are you sure it is wise to let this creature live after what he has seen? Zecora inquired. He may well use this information to turn the others against us. Furthermore, he knows of your only base of operations.

Blueblood may be insufferable, but he's not all bad. Though I am curious as to why you didn't call him a pony, Twilight replied, while also talking to the stallion in question and petting the curious zergling who was sniffing everyone as well as everything.

His mind is strange and unreadable. He emits a strange energy and his ability to conceal himself is unnatural, Zecora explained, the hybrid zebra donning her cloak once more. Whatever he is, it is not a pony. Not anymore at least.

Twilight thought back to all the times she had seen the prince and quickly concluded that he did appear to have changed over the years. His mane was now bound into thick braids which were in turn held together into one central mass by a silver circle etched with images of the moon in its various phases. Wisps of green energy could be seen occasionally emanating from the corners of his eyes, and both his skin and fur were noticeably darker.

The stallion’s weapons and cloak were also similarly alien, resembling the equipment of the great houses, only slightly different. Where theirs was bold and stuck out, Blueblood’s equipment was muted and slim, allowing him to remain stealthy. None of it appeared to be new either, but it also didn't appear to have been repurposed from any captured items he may have acquired.

“Your curiosity is getting the better of you,” Blueblood remarked without looking up, the stallion scratching the zergling behind an indent where one of its ears would be.

Twilight shook her head. “Sorry. I just realized how little I know about this club of yours.”

“Answers to those questions will come in time, for now we must move. For I sense that our companions are waking,” Blueblood replied, rising to a stand.

The zergling hopped up and down, trying to get the prince’s attention, to no avail.

“Right. I suppose we should discuss our plan then,” Twilight exclaimed, taking a step back.

The prince pulled his hood up, obscuring most of his face save for the corners of his eyes. “I have already formulated a route through the city. All we have to do is follow it, and we should reach our destination by mid-day.”

“Wait, why don't you just send those refugee folks through the sewers and out the way we came in?” Applejack inquired, slithering forward.

That does seem the most optimal solution, Zecora chimed in.

“Because we would just be putting them back into harm's way once again,” stated the prince. “If we get them to the castle, we can utilize the long range teleportation circle that Celestia established and send them somewhere they will be truly safe.”

“So that was one of her less than secret projects!” Twilight proclaimed excitedly. “You don't know how she managed to bypass the essence transfer limit, do you?”

“That's the point where teleporting something basically takes infinite energy, right?” Blueblood replied, scratching his head.

Twilight frowned. “Of course you wouldn't get it. I don't know why I thought otherwise.”

The stallion rolled his eyes. “I’m sorry, Twilight, but I’ve been kind of busy fighting a war.”

Would you two stop flirting long enough to ask the prince how he even knows of a route in the first place? Zecora intruded.

Twilight’s face went red, and she shot the hybrid a glare. I was not flirting!

Applejack slithered forward. “So uh, how exactly do you even know of a safe route anyhow?”

“Don't tell anyone, but we have an informant in Nightmare Moon’s army,” Blueblood explained. “They have been able to clear out a path in their patrols.”

“That is interesting. I just assumed that planting a spy would be impossible due to the whole mind control thing,” Twilight remarked.

“It took a lot of effort, but it certainly wasn't impossible,” Blueblood replied.

I do not like the added baggage of all those ponies, but I suppose our chances of survival are exceptionally good, Zecora exclaimed. In fact, now that I think about it, I even feel more rested than I have in years and feel ready to take on anyone.

“I don't like having to worry about a bunch of extra bodies either, but this is the hand we’ve been dealt,” Twilight reiterated. “As such, I would like you and Applejack to watch over them while Blueblood and I take the lead.”

“The extra assistance is unnecessary,” retorted Blueblood. “No offence, Twilight. You may be powerful, but you are not exactly adept at stealth.”

The zergling stuck out its tongue at the prince.

“I don't mind being on guard duty,” offered Applejack. “I ain't exactly sneaky anyhow.”

“And though I may not be either, I know I will be able to assist you,” Twilight stated firmly. “I insist.”

The prince sighed. “Fine, though while we are out there, you will have to do everything I say, when I say it without complaint.”

“That is acceptable,” Twilight conceded.

May I spit more spores at him now, my queen? Zecora offered, her distaste for the prince palpable even through her thoughts.

“Maybe later,” Twilight replied. “For now, join the others upstairs. After ensuring they are ready to go, we will move out.”

“Will do, my queen,” replied Applejack, giving the unicorn a salute before slithering through the entrance.

I will make sure they are ready to move, added Zecora, the zebra eyeing Blueblood closely as she passed him by, disappearing up the stairs along with Applejack.

“Queen, huh? I always assumed you’d go for princess myself,” Blueblood mused.

Twilight shrugged. “It wasn't exactly my first choice of honorific either.”

“Fair.”

“Before we get moving, I have one final question,” Twilight leaned in, her glowing orange orbs boring into Blueblood’s green ones. “Who is this informant of yours?”

“Just a low level unicorn that we managed to turn to our side, nothing more,” Blueblood quickly replied, waving a hoof in the air. “They are only useful because their special talent is not being noticed.”

Twilight frowned, her psychic abilities unable to gleam anything from the stallion save for the vague fact that he was partially telling the truth. “If you think I’m working for her, then you should know she nearly killed all my friends, my son, and put me in a coma for a week,” Twilight exclaimed, eyes narrowing.

The prince snorted. “You are one of the most steadfast ponies I know. If she had gotten to you, we would already be dead.”

“I suppose you don't owe me that information,” Twilight admitted.

“The less people who know, the better.” Blueblood chuckled. “You know how secrets work, after all.”

“That I do,” muttered Twilight somberly.

Twilight peered out from the small alleyway her and her companions had been packed into. Before them lay a wide road, one that led from the main gates of Canterlot all the way to the castle. Broken carts, random pieces of debris, ten or so bodies, and even a few fallen chunks of masonry littered the grounds. Throughout it all wound several patrols of great houses’ soldiers, each six pony squad being led by one taller, more clear-eyed unicorn.

A partially collapsed gatehouse lay to her right further up the road while the street was mostly obstructed by a fallen building to the left. Which meant that there was at least some cover for them to hide behind in order to avoid sight, but they would have to move quickly after a gap presented itself. Glancing back down the row of zerg hybrids and ponies, Twilight knew they simply were not fast enough to make it.

“Are you sure this is the only way?” Twilight whispered.

Blueblood nodded. “We have a minute thirty until we are going to have to sprint to the alleyway across from us. After that we’ll have to run through a few side streets before going through an apartment building and a university.”

“Don't worry, miss, I can go real fast,” Sun Sprinkle exclaimed.

Applejack chuckled. “I don't think you’re one of the ponies she's worrying about.”

“And remember, no magic while out in the open,” Blueblood added. “They have established scanning locations all over the city in order to root out any remaining resistance. Thirty seconds.”

Twilight shuffled back towards the white-furred stallion who had surprisingly few injuries given that he was absolutely covered with bruises only a few hours earlier. “Willow, I’ll be carrying you over,” Twilight stated.

The stallion grunted. “I don't suppose I have a say in this, do I?”

“Not unless you want to get left behind,” countered Twilight.

Willow nodded slowly. “Go ahead, darlin’, I trust ya.”

Twilight deftly slung the stallion over her back, shifting his weight just enough that she could still run. Just as she got him settled into a decent spot, Blueblood turned back towards them.

“We move.”

As one the group began to sprint out from the alleyway, weaving through the destroyed carriages, carts, and other debris. With her injuries healed due to spending a night surrounded by the creep, Twilight was almost back to full strength. Meaning that even though she was carrying a fully grown stallion on her back, she managed to easily keep up with the prince.

Bounding around the obstacles was a little more difficult, but not so much that she had to slow down and in no time at all she was on the other side. Where she hastily deposited Willow and started a headcount beginning with the prince, herself, the stallion, and her hybrids. After that she counted up the ponies, only to find that they were short one young filly who was nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s Sun Sprinkle?” She demanded.

Behind us, she's still on the street! Zecora replied, extending a pointed limb to a downed cart.

Spinning around, Twilight quickly located the filly who was kneeling down and staring at a dead mare who lay half under a fruit stand. Activating her psychic abilities, Twilight reached out and grabbed the little girl, yanking her across the street. She caught the filly in her forehooves and quickly ducked back into the alleyway, a hoof covering her mouth.

Everyone remained silent for several seconds, all eyes on Blueblood who looked off into the distance. “They saw nothing,” he whispered after a long silence.

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief and looked down to the terrified filly in her hooves. “Why in Equestria did you stop? You know it's not safe!”

The unicorn sniffed, tears welling at the edges of her eyes. “I’m sorry, Miss Twilight. I just saw the nice lady who always gave me an apple when I went to school, and she was… she was…”

Blueblood stepped forward and waved a hoof over Sun Sprinkle’s forehead, causing the filly to suddenly relax. “Be calm, young one. There will be time for grief later,” he whispered.

Twilight nodded and positioned the girl on her back. “Hold on tight, okay?”

Sun Sprinkle sniffed. “Okay.”

“Can we keep movin’ now? That patrol is getting mighty close,” Applejack warned.

“Stay close, stay quiet, and keep an eye on another from here on out,” Blueblood exclaimed before running deeper into the alley.

Easy for you to say. Your hooves don't even make a sound when you walk, Twilight thought bitterly to herself.

“What are they doing down there?” Twilight muttered, the unicorn peering intently over the lip of what had once been a child’s bedroom.

Several stories below them lay a small courtyard that stood at the center of the large donut shaped apartment block. Though it now looked more like a child’s toy which its petulant owner had smashed with a long, thin stick. Both the east and west wings had been hit by something, collapsing inward while somehow not taking the rest of the structure with them.

The courtyard however remained relatively free of debris, as what had littered the area had been piled neatly to one side. Allowing the dozen or so Nightmare Moon’s soldiers to stand in one of two lines, with a few squad leaders away from the others.. One line stood in front of a table stolen from someone’s kitchen, which was covered with perfectly square packages of food and water. While the other group waited patiently in front of what looked like an outhouse, only with a door on either side.

“It appears as though they are dealing with the body's needs,” Blueblood remarked.

Twilight shook her head slowly as she watched the unicorns move at a quick, yet not hurried pace. “They move like golems. Taking exactly as much energy as each task requires and absolutely no more,” Twilight’s eyes narrowed. “I’m pretty sure they are taking the same number of bites out of that gruel they’ve been fed.”

“Nightmare Moon doesn't allow many to remain free,” Blueblood muttered bitterly. “Even the conversation the two squad leaders are having is the same one they had five minutes ago.”

Twilight frowned. “That's awful. Though it makes me wonder what Nightmare Moon actually wants. I mean, if it's not to rule over Equestria, could it be that she truly desires a dead world?”

“Her hatred is a vast ocean which many have lost themselves in, but I do not think it is quite large enough to swallow the world,” Blueblood replied. “She must have some manner of end goal or hidden agenda that she hasn't revealed.”

“You say that as if we are dealing with someone who is sane,” Twilight countered.

Blueblood turned to his companion and fixed her with a firm look. “She is terribly, horribly, sane. Let me make that abundantly clear.”

“I’ll take your word for it, but frankly, I just don't see it,” Twilight exclaimed. “If she wanted to freeze everyone else out and then emerge with her handpicked ponies to repopulate Equestria, then she has too few soldiers. Not only that, but her population’s genetic base is already limited due to the houses being made up mostly of family members.”

“True, though perhaps she has some way to make them immortal or at least unaging,” Blueblood shook his head. “Either way, it matters not, our moment has arrived and we must move.”

Twilight glanced back over the ledge one final time, watching as the dozen unicorn soldiers filed out of the courtyard in either direction. Their steps were perfectly timed, their equipment perfectly organized, and they were perfectly lockstep with one another.

“What the hell is going through your head?” Twilight murmured.

Twilight again peered out of what had once been someone’s room, only this time she was now in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in all of Canterlot. Even the rubble she was using as cover to watch the enemy had bits of gold sticking out of it at random angles. The street lamps that were still standing were a brilliant sterling silver color and had been fixed with expensive light crystals.

The building she was crouched in wasn't even someone’s home, but rather a half destroyed gatehouse which sat at the entrance to a rather large mansion. Behind her crouched the rest of her group, all save for Blueblood who had vanished a few minutes earlier. The shadowy stallion had mentioned something about things feeling off before disappearing, leaving Twilight with an unpleasant feeling at the pit of her stomach.

She didn't doubt that Blueblood was indeed on their side, but the sheer fact that she was now counting on someone else left Twilight uneasy. Furthermore, she was left in a relatively open area with only two halfway decent fighters and several ponies who couldn't even throw a punch. Even saying she had two warriors wasn't wholly true as neither hybrid was very good at close-range combat.

Making a note to remedy that when she could, Twilight was about to turn towards her allies when a sudden movement caught her eye. A second later the shadows in the corner of the room flickered, before rising to reveal Prince Blueblood. His hood was drawn back, and the stallion had an aggravated scowl on his face.

“I take it something was indeed wrong,” Twilight offered.

Blueblood nodded. “There is a squad of soldiers inside the premises, no doubt looking for the secret entrance we’ve been using to get into the castle grounds.”

“It still baffles me that Lord Fancy Pants built a tunnel right into the gardens,” muttered a light-colored mare. “He never struck me as the nefarious type.”

“He served as a spy for Celestia,” Twilight clarified.

“Though not a good one, I might add,” Blueblood remarked.

“Anywho…” interjected Applejack.

“Right. What do you plan to do about these no-good interlopers?” asked Willow.

“I don't suppose you can just ask them to go home, right?” whispered Sun Sprinkle.

Twilight winced and motioned towards the brown-coated mare. “She doesn't need to be here for this conversation,” remarked the zerg hybrid.

The unicorn nodded and leaned down. “Come on, honey, let's go see how Mister Boulder Dash is doing after that nasty slip he took.”

Sun Sprinkle seemed ready to argue, only to sigh and nod. “Okay,” she whispered.

When the two had left, Blueblood let out a sigh. “Frankly, I’m not sure. There is one last rather large group that needs to come through this way, but as it stands right now it's only a matter of time before they either find the tunnel or us.”

And we cannot let either of those things happen, Zecora added.

“And what's stopping us from, say… slaughtering this patrol and then simply waiting for the next group?” Twilight offered.

Blueblood quickly shook his head. “They would overwhelm us in no time, and that's even assuming we could take out an entire squad with only four fighters.”

“Hey, I can swing a sword,” interjected Moon Leaf.

“Which is why you will be guarding the rest of the group in the tunnels, waiting for the others,” Twilight exclaimed.

“No. It's too risky. We need to cut our losses and hope the other group can find some other way through Nightmare Moon’s blockade,” Blueblood stated.

I don't like agreeing with this strange one, but that seems to be our only option, Zecora remarked.

“How many of them are there?” Applejack whispered.

“Six. Unless you mean the refugees in which case about thirty,” Blueblood replied.

“I don't care if it's only me, but I’m staying back and fighting until the last,” Applejack stated firmly.

Zecora hesitated, her eyes shifting rapidly before she looked down. I wish to remain as well.

“Me too,” Moon Leaf added.

A small chorus of agreements came from the rest of the ponies.

“So are you going to leave us to fight on our own?” Twilight inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Blueblood looked out over the grim faces of his companions and sighed. “Fine, though I had never thought I would have been taught equinity from you of all people.”

“And I never thought I’d have to remind you of the value of life and freedom,” Twilight countered.

“Perhaps my time spent under her influence has had a more profound affect than I would have liked.” Blueblood shook his head. “Regardless, if we are going to do this, we should strike hard and fast. For if we meet them in battle before they discover the entrance, they will send far fewer soldiers than they would otherwise.”

“And the rest of them?” Applejack asked, gesturing to the non-combatants among them.

“Moon Leaf, do you remember what I told you about the tunnel and how to get down there?” Blueblood inquired, turning to the stallion in question.

Who nodded. “Right candlestick forward, left candlestick back, tap twice on the bust of Celestia, and request safe passage in old Equish.”

“Stay near the emergency release lever and if you hear me yell to open it, then-”

“Pull it and start running,” Moon Leaf finished.

“Excellent,” Blueblood exclaimed, turning to the rest of the group. “Twilight and I will engage them at the front of the house. Zecora and Applejack will guard the civilians and go around the side before entering through the covered lanai. After which they will meet us on the driveway.”

Applejack nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

A sound strategy, Zecora added.

“So we’re all in agreement?” Twilight asked, looking around.

Everyone her eyes met nodded, all save for Blueblood who chuckled darkly. “If I die on the lawn of my family’s greatest business rival, I’m pretty sure my ancestors will kill me a second time.”

Twilight chuckled and patted the stallion on the back. “Then just don't die.”

Blueblood sighed. “Truly you are a fountain of wisdom.”

Twilight looked through the eyes of her zebra friend, noting that the group was now in position halfway down the block. With her psychic abilities, Twilight could tell there was absolutely no other minds in the immediate vicinity, save for her targets. That would change very soon, though not before they eliminated the final obstacle which stood between her and Celestia.

Opening her own eyes, Twilight looked to her shadowy companion. “They are ready, and so am I.”

“Good, I’ll focus on the leader, you keep the rest distracted. As soon as he is dead, there should be a slight delay as command shifts to someone else,” Blueblood explained. “Hopefully whoever the local commander is doesn't immediately inform Nightmare Moon.”

“If that doesn't happen, then we should have more than enough time to cut the rest down,” Twilight finished, gazing out over the bubble which covered the distant castle.

“And remember, while I walk the shadows, I am still with you and will strike when you do,” Blueblood added, the stallion drawing his hood.

Twilight lowered her head. “Right, let's do this.”

Two zealots stood stock-still outside of the relatively undamaged home, their postures straight and their eyes staring forward. Inside they could hear their allies as they tossed over tables, kicked down walls and smashed pottery. Though anyone else may assume that their search was random, in actuality they were being incredibly thorough and strikingly exact.

Much like the lamp post that skewered the right guard straight through his chest and all the way to his flank, his body getting carried along with the projectile into the wall. Now hanging limply from the side of the mansion, pain erupting through his empty mind, the soldier looked down. Laying eyes on his killer would be the final thing he would ever do, and with a ragged sigh, he released his last breath.

Twilight stepped onto the circular driveway, a grim look on her face. I may have put a bit too much power into that one, she thought as she looked at the zealot now impaled several feet off the ground.

By the time she reached the small circular patch of trees and flowers in the center of the roundabout, her second opponent was already upon her. With blade ignited and raised, the zealot leapt into the air, throwing himself at his enemy with a striking intensity. A little shocked by the stallion’s speed, Twilight snapped off a teleport, reappearing several feet behind where she had been a second earlier.

The zealot was unfazed by this trick however, and merely sprinted towards her, his steps light, eyes trained on Twilight’s horn.

Knowing full well that her opponent would likely know almost any spell she could throw at him, Twilight focused on using a different one of her skills. Reaching out with a psychic hand, Twilight grabbed the stallion’s forelegs and yanked him forward, nearly knocking him off his hooves. Confused and temporarily off-balance, the zealot attempted to ignite his second blade and bring his forehooves up into a crossguard.

It didn't matter however, as Twilight raised her hooves above her head, and the second he was in range, slammed them down atop his helmet. Metal buckled, bone shattered, and a second later the zealot lay dead on the ground, his head partially jammed into his chest cavity. The unicorn gave her defeated opponent a brief glance before stepping past him, her horn already glowing brightly.

We have crossed the street and entered the property, my queen. It won't be long now! Zecora exclaimed.

Twilight merely nodded and released her spell, which took the form of a lightning bolt that leapt towards the entryway.

A deep blue shield leapt out of nowhere, blocking the bolt and protecting the three zealots who were now sprinting towards her. The second her spell had been defeated, the barrier vanished, allowing Twilight to see that she had garnered the attention of most of the zealots. Two lower ranking enemies sprinted towards her, while a high ranking soldier strode confidently through the entryway, his horn alight with power.

Stomping her forehooves into the ground, Twilight pushed her magic into the driveway before conjuring her own shield. Which absorbed and then was shattered by a lance of blue magic which shot from the leader’s horn. As this happened, his guards flanked their target, trying to hit Twilight from both sides at the same time.

Exactly as Twilight assumed they would do, putting one of the guards directly into the path of her little surprise. Stone spikes burst out of the ground, nearly impaling the zealot, who managed to dodge the majority of the attack. One still struck his barrel with enough force to knock him airborne, though not enough to pierce his armor.

With one opponent out of the picture for the moment, Twilight turned to her next enemy, only to find he was already upon her. Dual blades ignited, the zealot jabbed both hooves directly at Twilight’s face, intending to finish the fight quickly and decisively. Thankfully Twilight wasn't quite as surprised the second time, and she gave a psychic shove before launching a dozen bolts of mana at her foe.

Every single one of which was dispelled in under a second by the squad leader who had reached the bottom of the stairs and was making his way toward her. Not liking the position this put her in, Twilight teleported back again, narrowly avoiding the first zealot who had managed to recover and press his attack once more. Their speed was incredible, and by the time Twilight had completed her next spell, they were already a dozen feet away.

The ball of fire which shot from her horn almost made it to her target before the leader dispelled it, or at least he thought he did. Unfortunately for him, Twilight had seen such a course of action coming, and had ensured that rather than be destroyed when countered, her spell would explode prematurely. Fire bathed her opponents’ polished armor, scorching their pristine exterior and making a set of defensive wards flare into existence.

Twilight knew it wasn't going to be enough to kill them, but it would give her enough time to enact a few enchantments of her own. As she cast a thin shell of magical armor over her, the pony also used her unique physiology to harden her flesh. By the time the smoke cleared, Twilight was ready for a long, protracted battle, only to find that only one opponent was still alive.

And he was in the middle of a desperate fight with Blueblood, their blue and green blades meeting repeatedly. Both of the lower ranking soldiers were dead, one of whom was missing his head while the other had a deep wound in his back, right below the neck. The squad leader was fighting well, but it was obvious even at a glance that the prince was a much more skilled combatant.

Every attack the gold-armored pony made was deflected with ease, while Blueblood’s own swipes usually got through. His armor sporting several holes and blood flowing from a multitude of wounds, the zealot’s movements grew more erratic by the second. Until in a fit of desperation, he reared back and summoned a storm of psychic energy, bathing the area in white lightning.

He only hit smoke, with Blueblood vanishing and reappearing behind the soldier, swiftly removing the zealot’s head with a single swipe. The prince deactivated his blades and took a step back, watching as the soldier’s body twitched several times before finally slumping over. Bowing his head, the unicorn uttered a quick prayer for the fallen soldier’s soul before sighing and facing Twilight.

“Apologies for leaving you alone. The last soldier was trying to continue the search while you fought,” Blueblood exclaimed.

Twilight shrugged. “It's fine. It wasn't like these jerks posed much of a threat.”

Blueblood smiled. “I had the utmost faith in you. Though we should move quickly and plant as many traps as we can. It won't be long until we get more company.”

Twilight frowned as she looked up at the large three-story mansion which loomed above them. “That would help to thin the herd so to speak, but what about the other group? If we attract too much attention, they will have to fight through house soldiers to get to us,” Twilight exclaimed.

Blueblood shook his head. “I’ve already sent word to adjust their approach. They will be coming from the right and will go straight to the tunnels while we will occupy them at the forefront of the house.”

Twilight nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on the horseshoe-shaped home and the two large garages on either side of her. One was half open and revealed a large carriage while the other was closed, the owner’s house insignia painted in vibrant blue upon it. A deck exited on top of one garage while the other had what appeared to be a library on it, though Twilight couldn't quite tell for sure due to her angle.

In the center were a dozen stairs which lead up to a covered entry flanked by flowers which had now died due to the lack of sun. Two sets of windows looked out onto the driveway from that first floor, while dozens upon dozens covered the second and third stories. Though it had far too many entry points to Twilight’s liking, at least the two garages created a narrow area at the front which they could funnel enemies into.

Two zerg hybrids emerging from the front doors made Twilight’s mind turn from plans to her followers.

“Is it over?” Applejack asked, looking around the area, her gaze lingering on the corpses.

Twilight chuckled. “Not by a long shot.”

Author's Note

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Desperate Defence

Twilight grunted, pouring every bit of strength she had into shoving a large chunk of cut stone back into place. With a dull thump, the cube of rock fell, returning to its spot in the road and hiding the kinetic rune that Twilight had placed upon the bottom of it. With that done, Twilight looked down at her handiwork, letting her eyes roam over the mansion’s front lawn and circular driveway.

Though not much appeared out of place other than the rows of trees on either side of the driveway being denser than a few minutes earlier, Twilight knew better. Dozens of traps lay spread out over just the frontmost entrance to the home, though far more lay on either side. This was by design, as Twilight knew getting surrounded would be a death sentence due to just how few of them there were and how many their enemies may number.

Applejack, Zecora, and Blueblood had been sent to secure their flanks while Twilight handled the main entrance. Trotting back to the front of the home, the unicorn sent a powerful spark of magic over her many hidden surprises. After feeling out each one individually, she fired a series of pulses, activating them and ensuring that they were ready for when their enemies arrived.

The driveway is armed, Twilight mentally announced.

We are nearly done here, Zecora dutifully noted.

Just trapping the last window on the first floor, Applejack added. Ain't no one's gonna be able to sneak up on us now.

Good. At least now we’ll hopefully be able to hold long enough for the last group of refugees to get here, Twilight remarked, turning towards the entrance where Blueblood appeared, the stallion strutting out of a plume of pitch black smoke. “Things went well, I hope?” Twilight inquired.

The dark templar nodded. “As well as can be expected, I’m afraid. It won't be able to stand up to more than two squads however.”

“Let's hope that's all they send,” Twilight replied.

Blueblood nodded. “It won't be long before we will be able to test this hypothesis.”

The zerg hybrid frowned, her gaze turning to the south, down the road. “I can sense at least one full squad, though there might be more. There is also quite a bit of movement out there.”

“I will return to the roof and notify you when they are nearing our position,” Blueblood announced.

Before Twilight could even think of uttering a response, he vanished into a twisting mass of smoke that coiled up the side of the structure and vanished.

“Showoff,” Applejack muttered, the hydralisk bending down as she slithered through the doorway and onto the front step of the home.

“It's a good thing he's so useful,” Twilight pointed out.

Quite so, my queen, Zecora agreed. I feared as though the art of the trap would be outside of his wheelhouse as the ponies say.

Applejack nodded eagerly. “He laid down quite a bunch of strange hexes that are supposedly some sort of dark templar trick he picked up from a friend.”

“Perfect.” Twilight turned and watched as Zecora emerged a second later, the infestor hybrid’s shawl having been discarded, several potions held in her tentacles.

Tucking three thick green vials into one of the planters near the door, Zecora trotted up to the others and gazed out over the area that would serve as their battlefield. Are we ready? she asked, seemingly directing the question at the hydralisk.

“Well, I don't know about y'all, but I’m about as ready as I can get,” Applejack snorted. “It's the waitin’ that's botherin me.”

“You’re not nervous for the fight?” Twilight questioned.

The former farm pony shrugged as best as she could. “Not really. It may be only the third time I’ve ever fought anyone, but the longer I spend with ya, the more confident I get. It's like you’re unlockin’ something in my head.”

“Odd. Zecora, have you experienced something like that?” Twilight asked, turning to the zebra.

Not yet, though I do feel… different. I don't believe as though I have had enough time in your presence, replied the zerg hybrid.

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, only to notice a flicker of movement out of the corner of her eye. A second later Blueblood appeared beside her, the templar’s gaze facing south, a grave expression on his face.

“Lemme guess, we got company?” Twilight inquired.

Blueblood nodded. “We do indeed. A small group of soldiers are on their way as we predicted, however, they have a high templar serving as their leader. The local commander must have recognized one of us and bumped us up the list of priorities.”

“That's not good, is it?” Applejack inquired.

Twilight shook her head. “It sure isn't. Our defences should hold though. Let's just pray that they only send one group at us.”

Let us also pray that this commander has an ego and won't immediately request that Nightmare Moon intervene on her behalf, Zecora added somewhat bitterly.

“Yeah, that would be really bad,” agreed Applejack.

“Places everyone, here they come,” interrupted Twilight, who erected a quick chin-high wall from the front of one garage to the other, her zerg soldiers already moving in behind it.

Blueblood vanished, though Twilight paid him no mind, merely joining Applejack and Zecora at the shimmering magical cover. Firing off another quick spell, Twilight created two rows of spikes in the front of the barrier before making the construct permanent with a third spell. The unicorn silently thanked her brother for at least teaching her something useful before he turned into a prick.

A second later a full squad of nine zealots marched into view, a high templar floating above them. Each of the soldiers appeared nearly identical, their appearances having been no doubt magically altered, though at least their genders were apparent. The high templar, had at least some semblance of personality left as the tall slender mare had a flowing fiery mane.

She wore blue and gold armor like the others, and her eyes crackled with barely contained psionic fury. Which fixed on Twilight the second the templar appeared from around the corner, her squad of soldiers wordlessly fanning out. Evidently there would be no trading of barbs or grand displays of power as a thorn bolt of psionic lightning signalled their intention perfectly.

Ducking behind the barrier, Twilight watched as the attack flew over her head and splashed uselessly against the ground, leaving behind a black scorch mark. Trusting that her companions would know what to do, Twilight used her magic to lift one of the garage doors and grab the vehicle within. Sure enough, by the time Twilight had dragged the carriage out into the open, Applejack had begun firing spines at the closest opponent while Zecora had lined up a glob of orange goo at the high templar.

Who disintegrated the projectile with a small flourish of psionic power, causing the attack to explode violently. Her underlings sprinted straight at the wall of magic, obviously not expecting much in the way of resistance. Only for a rather tall, slender zealot to suddenly find himself being shot into the air after the ground beneath him erupted with purple fire.

Both sides turned to watch as the soldier flew straight up, vanishing into a cloud which hung low in the night sky. Without a sound the remaining attackers fell back, and their leader flew higher into the air, a bubble of deep blue energy enveloping her. Her soldiers were beginning to gain the same shielding, though it took them longer to summon the required amount of power.

Keep the zealots busy. I’ll try to distract their leader, Twilight commanded.

Applejack and Zecora did just that, firing spines and blobs of goop at the gathering of zealots. This didn't seem to do much however, as their weak personal shields deflected most of these attacks. One unlucky soldier had not managed to get that far, and after Applejack noticed that he lacked any kind of defence, she focused her fire on him.

A dozen dagger-sized spines buried themselves in the unicorn’s tender flesh, punching straight through his armor. The other zealots stopped, turning as one to their fallen comrade before summoning their innate magic at an increased rate. While this happened, their leader was firing bolt after bolt of psionic lightning and growing increasingly irritated as Twilight conjured small shields which blocked each of the other unicorn’s attacks.

The high templar wasn't the only one who was on the offensive, however, and between bolts, Twilight used her telekinesis to grab one of the small trees which lay at the center of the circular driveway. Thinking that the strange mare was trying to pull the plant out by the roots, the high templar smirked and began to conjure a much larger amount of psionic energy. Gathering the psionic power between her upraised hooves, the unicorn grinned as thoughts of victory flashed through her mind.

Her plan to simply pierce her enemy’s conjured shields were quickly tossed out the window when Twilight hurled the entire tree at her. Unknown to the high templar, Twilight had already cut most of the way through the trunk, enabling her to quickly use them as impromptu projectiles. Forced to choose between defending herself or attacking her enemy, the templar diverted the energy into her shield just in time for the small pine to explode against it.

Flickering briefly, the templar’s shield threatened to fall, only to be strengthened with another burst of psionic power. Leaping at this opportunity, Twilight snapped two more trees at the base of their trunks before firing them at the templar like a pair of spears. Dodging one, the templar was forced to take the brunt of the other, her shield once more nearly dissipating as chunks of shattered wood rained down from the heavens.

At that point the other soldiers had succeeded in their goal and now sported shields equal in strength to their leader’s. Forming into a wedge formation, the zealots marched slowly and steadily at the three defenders, a single soldier hiding behind in order to feel out the location of any more traps. The zerg hybrid’s attacks did little to slow their advance, and even when they concentrated on a single target, the zealots’ shields held firm.

Twilight ground her teeth together as she watched the zealots deactivate a hidden ward which would have impaled the unfortunate soul that had stepped on it. She didn't focus on them for long though, knowing full well that to do so would be a grave mistake. Her opponent, however, didn't flinch from her task, and with a thrust of her hoof, she sent a veritable storm of psionic lightning at the three hybrids.

Lightning bolts erupted from all directions, forcing the mares to the ground lest they be caught up in it. This also allowed the zealots to advance unopposed, destroying more and more traps along the way. Cursing under her breath, Twilight did her best to undo the psionic storm raging around them, but after finding herself unable to do so, decided to shift her focus.

Grabbing the carriage in her magic, Twilight heaved it as hard as she could, aiming it for the same spot the commander had been levitating a few moments earlier. Trusting that the mare would be too arrogant to even bother shifting her position, the zerg hybrid was relieved and a bit amused when the lightning attack disappeared. Popping out from behind cover, Twilight saw that the high templar had managed to catch the vehicle in her psionic grip, but was struggling to not drop it onto her own soldiers.

Smirking to herself, Twilight sent out a bolt of magic at the carriage, activating her second trick and causing the entire thing to explode in flames. Bits of shattered wood rained down over the battlefield, and for a moment the zealots slowed, their focus wavering. With a mental command, Twilight and her forces directed all their attacks at the centermost soldier, the unicorn bringing down her opponent’s shield with a powerful beam of negative energy.

A storm of dagger-shaped projectiles brought the attacker to her knees, and a vial of acid melted her face clean off, reducing her screams to a faint gurgle. Their formation crumbling, the remaining zealots broke rank and sprinted the rest of the way, while at the same time their leader emerged from the smoke. Though now without a shield and badly burnt, the templar didn't seem particularly slowed by her injuries as she continued to throw bolt after bolt of psionic energy at the three defenders.

In front of them, the zealots surged forward, undeterred by the counter attack of spines and vials that threatened to kill them. Their speed and dexterity was impressive, allowing them to dodge most attacks, though that didn't help them much when it came to traps. One rather unfortunate soul fell into a pit trap and became impaled on several spears, her scream vanishing when the stone reformed above her.

Another made the mistake of crossing the small hill at the center of the circular driveway and was grappled by dozens of sharp thorny plants that burst from the ground. The plant was undeterred by the zealot’s mana blades, merely growing another tentacle for each that the soldier cut off. In the end the unicorn found himself crushed beneath the sheer weight of the veins, his entire body getting pulled into the earth and vanishing.

As they neared the targets, the zealots split off, each one choosing an enemy, only for another two to make the mistake of focusing on Twilight. Triggering the same trap and causing an explosion of cold to freeze them both solid, a secondary spell activating a moment later and shattering them into a thousand pieces. With only three zealots left, the odds looked even, but with their leader still alive, albeit injured, the zealots still held a slight advantage.

One which Twilight was determined to eliminate, and the zerg hybrid teleported away, trusting her subordinates to take care of themselves. The high templar canceled her attack the second she noticed her target was gone, her eyes scanning the rooftops, expecting the strange unicorn to appear there. That didn't happen however, and a second later she felt an immense weight settle onto her back, causing her entire body to lurch towards the ground.

Twilight knew this bit of confusion wouldn't last long though, and she followed up her teleport with a powerful punch to the back of the high templar’s head. Now thoroughly discombobulated, the templar plummeted out of the sky, her rider grabbing her about the neck and beginning to squeeze. With a desperate cry, the templar tried to remove her attacker with a burst of psionic power, but she found that Twilight was unusually strong for one of her race and continued to hold firm.

Even when the high templar’s legs snapped and her ribs broke, Twilight remained atop of her, squeezing as hard as she could. The templar gasped for breath, thrashing feebly as her eyes bulged and her world began to fade, her focus slipping. Thankfully for her, one of the zealots that had been about to gang up on Applejack turned and sprinted to her aid, driving Twilight back with a powerful jab of her blade.

Applejack and Zecora held their own, the hydralisk keeping her enemies at bay with sweeping strikes of her scythe limbs and allowing her to fire off short bursts of spines. Her opponent was too quick for this strategy and easily dodged out of the way of Applejack’s ranged attacks. However, he was not fast enough to get past her other attacks, leaving them in an odd stalemate with neither able to land an attack on the other.

Zecora fared slightly better, having landed a glob of orange goo on her own attacker, following it up with a strike of her spiked forelimbs, piercing straight through a chink in the stallion’s leg guard and going right through the limb then out the other side. The zealot didn't even flinch, merely striking with his other mana blade and cutting off one of Zecora’s tentacles.

The zebra hybrid let out a garbled yelp of pain before withdrawing her forelimb and stumbling back. Lurching up onto his back legs, the zealot swiped left, then right with his one good hoof, aiming for Zecora’s chitinous face. Though she managed to keep him back, the infestor struggled to land another attack of her own, focusing instead on just keeping her head attached to her body.

Meanwhile, Twilight found herself surprised by the ferocity of her enemy’s attack, the female zealot driving forward with a lightning fast series of jabs. Each one was delivered and recoiled in the blink of an eye, getting followed up a second later by another and leaving Twilight with little option than to keep backing up. Lacking any weapons of her own, Twilight focused on her magic, but found that her opponent was pressing too hard and too fast for the unicorn to muster anything complicated.

Refocusing instead on just getting some breathing room, Twilight snapped off a quick kinetic blast, knocking away her opponent. Not before the zealot managed to nick Twilight’s shoulder, drawing a spurt of blood and leaving behind a surprisingly deep wound. Pushing through the pain, Twilight shoved with her psionic powers while working a more complicated spell, one that would make short work of her opponent.

Though the zealot was able to counter the psionic shove, it gave Twilight enough time to work, and a beam of superheated plasma dropped her attacker. Now missing almost every major organ and sporting a one foot wide hole in her midsection, the zealot fell to the ground. Her eyes flickered briefly, returning to a more natural coloration before they fixed on the fallen high templar lying nearby.

Twilight watched as the soldier shakily extended a hoof towards the downed templar, only to fall limp before being able to reach her target. More than a little unnerved by the sudden shift, Twilight was thrown back into the heat of the battle by a scream. Spinning towards Applejack, Twilight gasped as she saw a good portion of one of the hydralisk’s forelimbs go flying through the air.

Her blood now boiling, Twilight reached out with her magic and yanked the offending soldier back, causing him to miss the attack which would have seen Applejack decapitated. Twilight was about to follow this up by casting a lightning bolt, but was startled once more when Zecora leapt out of seemingly nowhere. Spiked forelimbs raised, the zebra rammed the blade-like appendages through the pony’s eye sockets, killing him instantly.

Forelegs now stuck in her enemy’s skull, Zecora toppled forward, leaving her vulnerable to be attacked from behind. Thankfully Twilight noticed this and conjured a shield, deflecting the incoming blow from a zealot and creating an opening of her own. One which Applejack exploited by firing a barrage of spines into his barrel and continuing to pump him full of projectiles even after he hit the ground.

“Enough!” Twilight shouted.

Applejack stopped, chest heaving, thick viscous blood pouring from her open wound.

Zecora extracted her legs with a sickening squelch, the limbs now covered in a mix of pink and red visera.

Ignoring the rather gross scene playing out before her, Twilight ran up to the hydralisk and called upon her innate magic to heal the other creature. Within seconds the bleeding stopped, and not long after the wound closed completely, hiding the formerly exposed muscle and bone. Taking a step back, Twilight quickly looked over Zecora and, after finding that the zebra was relatively uninjured, breathed a sigh of relief.

“Okay, sound off. How is everyone?” Twilight asked.

Applejack sniffed, using her elbow to wipe the tears which spilled down her face. “B-better now, boss.”

Angry, but okay, Zecora muttered, the zebra stumbling back to the entrance where she retrieved a hidden vial of blue liquid which she offered to Applejack. Drink this, it will help you heal.

“Thanks, Zecora,” Applejack whispered between sobs. “That hurt a lot.”

Twilight winced. “I’m sorry to have dragged you into all of this, Applejack. At least it should grow back relatively quickly.”

The hydralisk sniffed hard and nodded. “It’s okay. I thought somethin’ like this might happen. I just didn't think it would happen to me, as silly as that sounds.”

“I shall do much worse and if I fail, the eternity engine will not,” exclaimed a garbled voice from somewhere nearby.

All eyes turned to the downed high templar, whose eyes blazed with an intense blue light, one hoof gripping tight the zealot which had fallen in her defence while the other was raised and glowing. With only a split second to decide what to do, Twilight threw herself forward, her forehooves raised in an effort to shield her friends. Her daring sacrifice turned out to be unnecessary however, as just before the templar was able to unleash her attack, Blueblood stepped out of the darkness.

Hoof raised and a glowing green mana blade ignited, the stallion drove his weapon through the back of the other pony’s head and out through her bottom jaw. Retrieving his hoof, the former noble stumbled back as the high templar’s gathered psionic power exploded in all directions, sending blood and brains everywhere. Now thoroughly disgusted, but relatively alright, Twilight looked around to find that Blueblood was stumbling away, while trying to wipe his face clean of viscera.

“Come here, I’ll help you,” she whispered, trotting towards the stallion.

Who grunted, his eyes remaining closed. “You think I’d be used to such bloodshed after all this time,” he remarked bitterly.

Zecora meanwhile was nervously patting Applejack down, searching for any sign of puncture wounds while the hydralisk tried her best to not look like she had been sobbing a minute earlier.

Twilight ignored this all and merely conjured a small ball of water which she dropped on Blueblood’s head. The dark templar jumped, but quickly realized what was going on and began to cleanse his besmirched features. While he did this, Twilight inspected the stallion closely, noticing that his cloak was now even more damaged and his armor was dented in two places.

“I assume we had more visitors,” Twilight began.

Blueblood grunted. “I’m afraid they weren't quite as nice as this bunch and decided to try and slip in the back without an invitation.”

“And our traps?” Twilight asked.

“Mostly useless as they only began to move after your little spring went off,” Blueblood murmured, giving his head one final shake. “They levitated their soldiers over most obstacles, but after their leader died, it was a simple matter of picking off the rest.”

“How many were there?” Twilight pressed.

“Only six zealots and one high templar,” Blueblood remarked, his gaze sweeping over Zecora and Applejack. “I see you three are more or less unharmed.”

“We suffered some injuries, but none that are permanent,” Twilight replied.

Blueblood shook his head. “I wish I could treat the loss of a limb with the same level of dismissal as you do.”

Twilight chuckled. “Yes, well, infestation comes with some perks, you know.”

The former noble shuddered. “I will take your word for it.”

“Good to see you’re still in one piece,” Applejack remarked, nodding to Blueblood.

Who brushed a hoof down his tattered cloak. “They didn't make it easy, I’ll tell you that.”

What is the plan, my queen? Zecora inquired.

“The traps on the driveway may have been used up, but our flanks should still be at least partially covered,” Twilight offered, glancing at Blueblood expectantly.

“Indeed, they should be and I will remain on overwatch, until….” the stallion started, his voice trailing off as his attention shifted towards the row of homes across from them.

Twilight followed his gaze, lifting an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“Do you hear that?” he whispered.

No, but I feel it. Something very large is approaching, Zecora added.

“It sounds like… footsteps,” Applejack remarked, the hydralisk rising to her full height as she peered intently at the line of mansions.

Soon all four could hear the dull, repeated thumping of something metallic walking towards them. Numerous spells ran through Twilight’s head, the unicorn rapidly attempting to figure out how best to dispatch a metal enemy. That was until she heard the first scream, then all such thoughts vanished, and her gaze settled on the terrified faces of several distant ponies.

Ponies which were pouring out of the ruined grounds of the mansion opposite of them, some of whom had suffered burns while others carried those who could no longer run. Most were normal citizens of Canterlot, but there were also a few non-ponies in their midst, though they were in the minority. Fewer still were the dark templar soldiers which accompanied them, all of whom were either carrying wounded or had been injured themselves.

The refugees’ eyes were wide with fear, and they seemed to be running mostly on instinct, as they began to scatter after clearing the other mansion’s grounds.

“Hey, over here!” Blueblood shouted, running into the street.

“Get out of sight. We don't want to startle them. Time is of the essence,” Twilight urged, gesturing towards the open garage door.

But that thing is coming, urged Zecora.

“I’ll watch, you two be ready,” Twilight retorted.

Applejack tugged at the other hybrid’s shoulder. “Come on, Zecora. We can't afford to waste time.”

The zebra nodded, following Applejack into the garage with Twilight close behind her. Peeking out around the corner, the unicorn watched as the trickle of refugees funnelled towards Blueblood. The former noble quickly directed them towards the house, sprinting ahead of the group and approaching Twilight.

“Something big is following them, it's not far. I’ll guide them towards the castle. Try to hold it back for a minute before joining us,” Blueblood hastily exclaimed.

“Right, their injured will slow us down too much otherwise,” Twilight replied.

The prince nodded. “Exactly,” he reached out and grabbed the hybrid by the shoulder and squeezed. “Be safe and keep an eye out for a grey earth pony.”

Blueblood turned and motioned towards the door. “Everyone inside, follow me!” he shouted.

Twilight watched him go before trotting out behind the group of frightened refugees, her hybrids following her a second after the last of the group had entered the mansion. Zecora went about grabbing the last of her potions, while Applejack rose to her full height, scanning the street. Twilight began to draw on as much magic as possible, pulling deep from the now diminished well within her.

Magic capable of punching through the thickest armor and breaking down the heaviest of plating flashed through her mind. Only for all that to be thrown out the window the second her opponent strode into view, its massive bulk exploding from what remained of the neighboring mansion. Standing at nearly five meters tall and sporting two bulky cannons as well as four spider-like legs, the great death machine was a true giant.

Clad from head to toe in gold and blue armor, the engine strode forward with the confident gait of a predator seeking its prey. Its central torso resembled a great golden coffin which was adorned by a single blue window, no doubt allowing its operator to survey the battlefield. Upon its back was a great crescent moon which peeked out from between its torso and the great rectangular cannons mounted therein.

Twilight’s magic nearly sputtered out of her grasp when the enormous weapons spun unexpectedly to the right. Where an older earth pony stallion was sprinting across the road, his chest heaving, sweat pouring down his body. Reworking her magic into a teleportation spell, Twilight had been about to get the innocent male out of the way when the machine’s weapons fired.

Two orbs of blue energy tore across the street, leaving twin burn trails in their wake and converging on the lone stallion. Though he tried to dive out of the way, his joints were no longer capable of such sudden movement and he fell short of his target. One moment he was there, the next there was not even dust, the stallion having completely vanished in the rush of blue energy.

Unable to change the course of her magic, Twilight grunted with effort, the unicorn targeting a carriage she had seen down the road. The wooden vehicle disappeared in a pop before reappearing a dozen metres above the great machine’s head. Just when it was about to crash into the beast, an enormous blue shield ten times as thick as the one the high templar had erected suddenly appeared around the metal behemoth.

Like water around a stone, the carriage burst into a thousand pieces, each one of which landed around the monster in a perfect circle. The barrier didn't flicker or even seem to be damaged, and the great beast merely looked around in apparent confusion. Before setting its sights on Twilight, its twin cannons pointing directly at the pony which stood between it and its targets.

“Run!” Twilight commanded, gesturing towards the door.

Though the hybrids wanted desperately to disobey the order, it was shouted with such power that they felt compelled to follow it. Their legs moved before their minds could even catch up, and the pair quickly found themselves running towards the hidden tunnel. Now alone, Twilight lit her horn once more, weaving one of the most powerful shield spells she had ever attempted.

The creature’s great body began to hum, power building in its torso before being sent towards its cannons. With two dull thwomps, the cannons fired, while at the same time Twilight’s horn popped, releasing an incredibly overcharged spell. A wall of purple magic large enough to cover the entire front half of the mansion sprung into existence just in time to meet the monster’s attacks.

Magic collided with energy and for a moment Twilight felt the spell begin to slip out of her grasp. Images of not only her companions, but even the refugees suddenly sprung to mind, prompting the mage to pour the last bit of power she had into the barrier. A mix of electric blue flames, and twisting psionic energy spread out across her shield, dissipating until there was nothing left.

Both the machine’s operator and Twilight herself were in awe at what had just occurred, the unicorn looking up from the ground as her joints had given out. Then like a bubble being popped, the tension was gone, and energy began to flow from the torso into the cannons once more. Doing her best to try and mimic what the zealots had done earlier, Twilight poured her psionic power into the spell, weaving the foreign energies together as best as she could.

The wall of magic turned a slightly darker hue but otherwise didn't appear much stronger, making Twilight worry about the incoming attack. The orb’s impact nearly knocked Twilight to the ground, though they didn't hit her nearly as hard as the first two had. Emboldened by this success Twilight pushed more of her psionic power into the spell, strengthening it as much as she dared.

The next two shots slammed into her barrier with the force of a runaway freight train, and though Twilight felt the strain starting to get to her, she also knew she was getting better at this with each shot. Her surging confidence grew even greater when she noticed that the monster’s twin cannons were beginning to smoke, and one was even starting to warp under the strain. That same confidence waned when she noticed that rather than walking away, the metallic monster was charging straight for her.

Pushing herself to the absolute limit, Twilight dumped every bit of magic and psionic energy she dared into the spell before bracing herself for the coming impact. Again there was a moment where it seemed like she might prevail, only for the behemoth to win out, shouldering its way straight through the barrier. Chunks of purple magic fell like shattered glass, while the unicorn’s horn nearly cracked under the shear strain it had been put under.

Worse still, the hybrid’s mind felt like it was being split in two, the massive headache threatening to knock Twilight unconscious. The pony held on, rising into a shaky stand as the monster thundered towards her, its legs shattering cobble stone with every step. Raising onto her back hooves, Twilight lifted her forelegs into a boxing stance, ready to offer one last spit in the eye of her enemy.

“Come on, then, if you think you’re tough enough,” exclaimed the unicorn.

“Sorry, Twilight, but I’m not letting you be a martyr. That's my job,” muttered a voice.

“Bwuh?” was all the zerg hybrid managed to utter before being thrown over someone’s back.

As the beast crossed the small hill, Twilight passed through the entrance to the mansion, her savior sprinting quickly down the lavish halls. Glancing down, Twilight noticed the familiar tattered cloak and shadowy appearance of the prince himself. She managed a grunt of thanks before falling limp against the other pony, her already damaged mind threatening to slip completely from her grasp.

She held on, however, doing her best to track the metal monster as it strode through the structure, its cannons having been reduced to oversized clubs. Its torso pivoted, knocking down a support beam, and threatening to bring down the already damaged building along with it. Another step forward and the walls and ceiling began to come apart just as Blueblood leapt down the stairs leading into the tunnel.

Twilight winced as her not insignificant weight bounced off Blueblood’s back, though if the stallion was injured by this, it didn't seem like it. He just kept on running, sprinting down the long dark hallway as wood and plaster filled the hole they had left behind. Twilight did her best to watch their back, but with so much debris pouring through, there was little she could make out.

If the behemoth knew what happened, she wasn't sure, all the unicorn knew was that it looked safe and she hoped she was right. With the threat of danger now growing distant, the mare finally allowed herself to slip away, falling completely limp on Blueblood’s back. She awakened minutes later to feel the sun on her face, or what felt like the sun anyway, as the unique heat was strangely familiar to the pony.

She could hear voices around her, and though she recognized some, one stood out from the rest. It was kind, gentle, and though quiet, it split through the cacophony of sound like a hot knife through butter. Focusing on it, Twilight pushed through the nausea, confusion, and general haze that hung over her mind.

Opening her eyes, Twilight smiled at the alicorn that stood before her, and the odd, straight hedges which surrounded her. Glancing around, Twilight nearly chuckled when she realized where she was, and the cruel irony of it all.

“You got a weird sense of humour, Celestia,” Twilight croaked.

The light surged, and a gentle hoof grabbed the unicorn’s chin. “Twilight, are you okay? Can you hear me?” she asked, a hint of desperation slipping into her voice.

“Yeah, I hear ya. I just gotta take a little nap, is all…” Twilight murmured before slipping away once again.

Author's Note

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State of Affairs

When Twilight awoke, she was surprised to find there was no beep of a heart rate monitor, or the sound of a nervous nurse at her bedside, only the dull clack of distant hooves. In her mind, however, Twilight instantly felt two distinct voices rising to meet her, each one exuberant and clamouring for her attention. Her headache demanded that she push them aside and instead take stock of her situation, starting with opening her eyes and observing her surroundings.

The first thing Twilight noticed was Celestia standing in the door to her room, the alicorn engaged in a hushed conversation with an elderly stallion. Twilight’s gaze immediately became fixed on her mentor’s injuries and the fresh scars she now sported across her body. A hairless section on her right flank the size of Twilight’s hoof served as evidence of a bad burn while a long discolored line down Celestia’s side had likely been gained from a close call with some manner of bladed weapon.

There were far more, but Twilight had seen enough to conclude that the elder mare’s regenerative abilities had likely been overwhelmed. At least the only bandaging Celestia wore was a pad of gauze taped to her neck and a larger square that had been affixed over her right shoulder. Seeing as how Celestia seemed tied up for the moment, Twilight observed her own body and found that other than a saline drip in her right forehoof, everything seemed normal.

That was until her headache returned with a vengeance, and Twilight winced, clutching her head in her hooves while gritting her teeth. After several tense seconds the migraine began to pass, and Twilight looked around once more. The room was small, private, and the mare knew from the dark blues and purples that they were in the ill-used night wing.

For a moment Twilight couldn't help but think about the irony of taking refuge in the section of the castle Celestia had rebuilt for the express purpose of making Luna feel more at home. Then the guilt came, and Twilight struggled to keep herself from sinking into her bed and covering her face in shame. Celestia had done so much under the assumption that Twilight would succeed and now she had not only failed to return Luna, but Twilight had also not been able to stop Nightmare Moon.

Celestia nodded, took a step back and closed the door, turning towards Twilight and smiling when she noticed her student was awake. “It is wonderful to see that you are well, Twilight,” she greeted, trotting over to the side of the bed and seating herself upon a pillow. “Your new friends spoke highly of your exploits, but I still worried for your well-being.”

“They are too kind,” Twilight muttered.

“They are also quite unique and quite safe,” Celestia assured, clutching Twilight’s hoof tightly and squeezing. “Now, as much as it pains me to get right back to work so soon, I must know about this so-called ‘eternity engine’ you supposedly faced off against.”

Twilight gently removed her hoof from the other mare’s grasp. “It was big, probably four to six metres tall and sporting two huge cannons that fired some kind of energy at an incredible speed.”

“Does it have any manner of weakness?” Celestia pressed.

Twilight nodded. “If it fires its main guns in quick succession, they may overheat and begin to warp the barrel.”

The alicorn sighed. “Well, at least there’s that,” she muttered.

Squeezing her bed sheets tightly, Twilight looked down. “I’m sorry that I-”

Was all the young pony managed to say before Celestia reached forward and pulled her into a tight hug, squeezing her gently. “Shh, it was nobody’s fault. You did your best, and that is all I could have ever asked for.”

“But I failed,” Twilight muttered, her own forehooves lying limp at her sides. “I couldn't activate the Elements. Then I nearly got everyone killed.”

“You also saved them all and fared better against Nightmare Moon than even I did,” Celestia pressed.

Twilight tried to offer another retort, but her willpower couldn't hold up against the gentle waves of warmth which fell over her. Between the comforting heat, the kind words, and the downy soft fur of the alicorn, Twilight couldn't help but give in, hugging her mentor back with all she had. Tears spilled from Twilight’s eyes, the unicorn’s entire body trembling like a leaf as she released all the pent-up guilt and shame she had been desperately burying deep down inside of herself.

The young unicorn clung to the side of her mentor like Celestia was the last refuge in the midst of a raging storm, which in a way was true. Twilight’s mind was awhirl with thoughts and emotions, each one clashing with one another until there was nothing left but a dull ache in the pit of her stomach. The memories still hurt, the failure still stung, but knowing Celestia still cared for her had silenced a small, cynical voice in the back of Twilight’s mind.

“Feel better?” Celestia whispered, patting the young unicorn on the shoulder.

“Y-yeah,” Twilight stuttered, gently pushing the other mare back.

The alicorn slipped back into her seat next to the simple twin bed. “That is wonderful to hear, my most faithful student. How is your head doing?” Celestia gently inquired.

“I have a feeling the headache is going to linger for quite a while, but at least it stopped throbbing,” Twilight explained.

“Excellent. Are you up to joining me in the war room? Your experience with our enemy would be greatly appreciated and perhaps then you could properly introduce me to your new friends,” Celestia smirked. “Or should I say subjects?”

Twilight’s blush nearly lit up the room. She quickly shook her head. “They are definitely not my subjects.”

“That's not how they tell it,” Celestia remarked as she retrieved the IV from Twilight’s leg and rose into a stand. “In fact, I think I heard young Applejack refer to you as a queen no less, so perhaps even I am your subject now.”

The unicorn’s face grew redder still, and she sunk beneath the bedding, hiding under her blanket. “Why couldn't she at least be like Spike and just call me boss all the time?” Twilight muttered to herself.

“Probably because he doesn't feel quite so indebted to you,” Celestia countered.

“Great,” Twilight muttered bitterly to herself.

A pulse of magic gently pulled the blanket from Twilight’s grip, stripping the unicorn of her cover. “Now, Twilight, do I need to threaten to take away Mister Swimmer in order to get you out of bed?” Celestia teased.

“The last time that threat worked I was like ten!” Twilight proclaimed, throwing up her hooves. “Plus I’m fairly certain Mister Swimmer is gone by now.”

Celestia put a hoof to her mouth and giggled playfully. “It is good to see that you are still as serious as ever, my student.”

Twilight rolled off the bed and walked over to the other mare on shaky hooves. “And it is good to see that you are still as annoying as ever, my teacher.”

“Come. We have much to discuss and precious little time to do so,” Celestia exclaimed, motioning towards the door.

“Lead the way, Princess,” Twilight replied.

Stepping out into the hallway, Celestia waited patiently as Twilight exited the room, only for the unicorn to stop when she passed through an invisible wall of silence. Immediately the dull clop of distant hooves was replaced with an ever present clatter of dozens upon dozens of ponies sprinting this way and that. Some carried boxes of supplies while others were fortifying doors or treating one of the many wounded which lay on stretchers, beds or even piles of pillows.

Most of said injured were guards, but there were a few castle staff as well as the odd civilian that were being tended to by a scant few professionals. Twilight immediately recognized a few familiar faces, her heart sinking when the true depth of their situation sunk in. She had known they were not going to be striking back at Nightmare Moon anytime soon, but to see that things were as desperate as they looked made Twilight reconsider what few plans she had started to make.

Worse yet were the looks of terror and barely contained panic on the faces of those guards who were still standing. Some of whom had their own injuries, but continued on regardless, the presence of their princess seemingly bolstering their morale. It wasn't by much, however, and the miasma of hopelessness which hung over them was so thick that Twilight didn't even need to read anyone’s mind to feel it.

Turning away from the grim sight, Twilight looked up to find that Celestia wore a sad expression on her face. “It isn't good,” she whispered. “The other major wings are too damaged and it won't be long before she breaches the barrier.”

“Then what do you plan on doing?” Twilight asked in a hushed tone.

“I can't speak of that here,” Celestia warned. “Let us first meet with your new friends. After that I will locate my remaining advisors and we can discuss our strategy.”

Twilight wanted to object, to ask more questions, but resisted that urge. “I understand,” she whispered.

“Good,” the alicorn’s expression lightened as the pair began to trot down the hall. “I must congratulate you on making such loyal friends. That couldn't have been easy with the stress you must have been under.”

Twilight nodded, the unicorn finding herself smiling despite the circumstances. “I don't think I can even take any credit for that. If anything, they made me their friend rather than the other way around.”

Celestia giggled as they passed through a large set of double doors and turned down a side passage. “When wielded by average ponies, the Elements seem to have a way of ensuring their bearers get along. Speaking of which, are Spike and the others okay? Applejack didn't mention them when we spoke earlier.”

Twilight cringed at the thought of her crippled friends. “They were hurt pretty bad, but they’re alive. I sent them to the frontier in hopes that they could find help there.”

“That is a relief,” Celestia remarked with a sigh. “I had a feeling they were okay, but when Applejack avoided the question, I admit I couldn't help but fear the worst.”

“I’m surprised she opened up to you so quickly. She tends to be rather guarded,” Twilight explained.

Celestia smiled and opened a door with her magic. “She may have recognized my singing voice when I was looking after you, which may have prompted her to trust me a little sooner than she would have otherwise.”

Twilight blinked. “Okay, first of all. How long was I out? Second, what do you mean by singing voice?”

“To start, you were only out for a few hours. Just long enough for that healing factor of yours to do some work on that magical burnout you experienced earlier today,” Celestia replied. “And to answer your other question, I must ask you one of my own. What do you remember of my dream machine?”

“That thing somewhere below the castle?” Twilight replied, the unicorn doing her best to resist staring out the line of windows they were passing by.

“Indeed,” Celestia answered.

“You could assuage the nightmares of a few select ponies and help to guide them back to the path of Harmony,” Twilight whispered after casting a glance back at the empty hallway behind them.

“By using an ancient song that my mother used to sing to Luna and I. One which I sang to the ponies I was most worried about, such as our dear Applejack,” Celestia finished.

“That does explain a few things,” Twilight murmured. “Though now that I’m thinking about it, I’m more surprised that Zecora let you speak to her. She has become rather protective of Applejack.”

Celestia chuckled. “Your zebra friend was indeed quite domineering at first, but after Applejack reminded her of our relationship, she relented.”

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. “I worry about that mare.”

“Zecora has quite a bit of respect for you, by the way,” Celestia pointed out. “Though some of that respect seems to be directed at the idea of you, rather than actually at you.”

“I didn't notice that,” Twilight admitted.

“You will learn to sniff these kinds of things out, in time,” Celestia exclaimed, flashing the unicorn a wink before pushing open a tall oak door.

Twilight had been about to respond before she felt the presence of her friends, and more specifically the crushing grip of a happy hydralisk. With a single limb around Twilight’s shoulder, Applejack managed to nearly squeeze the oxygen out of the unicorn. At the same time as she was being hefted off the ground, her mind was being invaded by an excited zebra who stood anxiously next to the door.

You are okay! Zecora exclaimed. After you pushed us away, I began to worry and-

“I’m fine now, but I won't be that way for long,” Twilight exclaimed, gently pushing Applejack back a step.

“Sorry…” muttered the hybrid.

Twilight sighed. “It's okay. How are you two? Have you managed to get any rest?”

The infestor hybrid stepped forward and nodded. Celestia granted us a comfortable room, plenty of food, and ample space to sleep.

“Though there was only one bed,” Applejack whispered, her cheeks lighting up.

Twilight looked around the room to find that they now stood in one of the larger master bedrooms. Unlike the rest of the halls and spaces Twilight had seen so far, this one was still under construction as none of the walls had received their final coat of paint. Everything was stark white and empty, save for the incredibly large bed that had been outfitted with the finest black linens Twilight had ever seen.

“I hope you didn't find it too awkward,” interrupted Celestia, who slipped into the small circle. “It was merely the only one large enough to fit a pony of your frame.”

Applejack bobbed her head eagerly, the farm pony’s tail swishing back and forth. “It was fine, right, Zecora?”

The zebra nodded. It was… acceptable. Please thank her on my behalf.

“She says thank you,” Applejack quickly interpreted.

Celestia flashed the pair a cheeky smile before turning to her student. “Now then, Twilight. Why don't you introduce me to your new friends?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Sure. This is Applejack, and the zebra standing next to you is Zecora. They have both become very important to me over the last week.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you both. I hope you continue to enjoy your accommodations for however long I can provide them,” Celestia replied, bowing slightly.

Applejack bowed back while Zecora remained rigid, her glowing eyes narrowing briefly before flicking towards Twilight. She is quite strange. Is she not aware that we are in a warzone?

“I know that I am a little odd, but that just comes with age, I’m afraid,” Celestia replied.

“Can she…?” Applejack muttered, gesturing frantically to the alicorn.

Twilight shook her head. “She's just messing with you.”

“You caught me red-hooved,” Celestia replied, raising a hoof and flashing the zebra a wink. “Just a lucky guess.”

I like this one, Zecora remarked, her eyes glinting mischievously.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Well, I’m glad that everyone was finally able to meet one another.”

“Oh, don't be such a stick-in-the-mud, Twilight. I always said that you would introduce me to the friends you would make while on your journey and now you have,” Celestia retorted.

“So what's the plan my queen?” Applejack interjected. “Resting up has been nice, but I kinda wanna lend a hoof or claw.”

Twilight blinked and looked down to see that her friend’s injured limb has partially grown back, the appendage appearing bone-thin, though muscle had started to return. “Well, if you’re feeling up to it, I’m sure Celestia won’t say no to your offer to help, but I have a feeling we need to have a different discussion before we can broach this particular topic,” Twilight reasoned.

Celestia sighed. “It is true. My advisors are likely already gathering, and it won't be long before we will be able to send off the next group of ponies.”

The teleportation room is still operable then. Good. I hoped this mission would not be both our first and last, Zecora exclaimed.

Applejack elbowed the dour zebra in the side. “Come on, Zecora, have a little faith. Of course our queen has a plan. She always does.”

Twilight’s eyes opened wide and she spun towards Celestia. “That reminds me. I assume you closed the shield behind us, right?”

Celestia smiled and nodded. “As soon as you were safe. And don't worry, they won't be coming through there or any underground passage for that matter. This castle is sealed from all possible angles and though it won't last forever, the shield is still holding.”

Twilight exhaled slowly, visibly deflating. “Good.”

I assume we are simply going to retreat and gather our forces then, yes? Zecora inquired, glancing expectantly at Applejack who quickly conveyed the zebra’s question.

“Indeed we are, but I have a surprise or two in store which I intend to hide before we can do that,” Celestia explained.

“And after?” Twilight pressed.

“After everyone is safe in the frontier, we will begin work on the next phase,” Celestia replied, raising a hoof. “The details of which will be revealed soon, trust me.”

Twilight nodded. “Good. I had little doubt that you had a plan, I was merely hoping that it was something more than just hiding and hoping she gives up.”

“Yes, well, that idea went out the window the second it was apparent that Nightmare Moon wasn't about to let the sun back up,” Celestia remarked with a sigh. “But we will speak more on that particular subject as soon as we meet the rest of my command staff.”

“I’m ready when you are,” Applejack offered.

As am I, added Zecora.

Twilight nodded. “We’ll follow you, Princess.”

Celestia smiled. “Excellent, and perhaps while we make our way towards the war room, you can tell me more of how you three managed to get into the city. From what little I heard, it sounded like quite the tale.”

“It was a bit hair raisin’. Though it was nothin’ what like y'all must have gone through,” Applejack replied with a tinge of pity.

Celestia waved a hoof dismissively. “Nonsense. Suffering is never a contest.”

Twilight held the door open for the alicorn. “If we tell you how we got here, you have to tell us what happened between you and her.”

Celestia nodded as she passed the unicorn by. “I suppose it is only fair, but you must go first.”

“Right, so we started by going to Ponyville,” Twilight began, her and her two friends walking on the alicorn’s right as the taller pony made her way further down the hall. “Almost as soon as we left, things started to go downhill.”

Celestia sighed as she came to a stop in front of a set of doors flanked by a pair of guards. “Your assessment is correct, Twilight. If I had my full power, then I could have matched Nightmare Moon in our confrontation, though the effects would still have been devastating. At least this way we can regroup, figure out what was wrong with the Elements and try again.”

“She won't make things easy,” Twilight warned.

“Nothing ever is with that jerk,” Applejack remarked.

Indeed. Though I sense there is more to this plan than what Celestia may be letting on, Zecora added.

“Is everyone assembled?” Celestia asked, turning to the guard who stood to her right.

The stallion nodded. “Everyone but Sir Blueblood, though he sent a message saying that it wouldn't be long and that he was busy relaying orders to his officers in the field.”

“Excellent,” Celestia proclaimed, glancing at Twilight. “If you wouldn't mind waiting outside for a moment. I need a private word with my generals.”

“It won't take long, will it?” Twilight questioned.

Celestia shook her head. “Not long at all. There are merely a few pertinent details I had hoped to be briefed on before we get our discussion underway.”

“We’ll be right here, Princess,” Applejack declared.

Twilight nodded. “Take your time, Celestia. We will be patient.”

Speak for yourself, Zecora remarked in a bitter tone. All of these ponies watching us are making me nervous.

“We’ll be fine, Zecora. It won't be long,” Applejack stated.

“Mere minutes, I promise,” Celestia claimed before slipping through the door and vanishing into the room.

Now alone with her friends and the two guards, Twilight’s shoulders slumped. “Well, that was a relief.”

“It is good to know that the princess has thought this through,” Applejack offered.

Twilight nodded. “And that Celestia’s little plan does not include her shouldering the burden of everything.”

“I wouldn't rule that out quite yet,” countered the voice of Blueblood.

Twilight jumped along with the guards and hybrids, who spun towards where the prince stood leaning nonchalantly against the wall. “Miss me?” he asked, a smirk on his partially obscured face.

Twilight chuckled and punched the stallion in the shoulder. “Like chicken pox.”

Blueblood smiled. “It is good to see that you are up and about. I assume our illustrious leader is getting a last minute briefing and didn't wish to bore you with the nitty gritty?”

Or she's preparing them for our arrival and ensuring we don't get attacked on sight, Zecora retorted bitterly.

“Or a bit of both,” Applejack muttered.

“Yes, and before that happens, I was hoping to ask you a quick question,” Twilight began, stepping closer to the dark templar. “What exactly did you mean back there when you saved me?”

“What did I mean by what?” Blueblood replied, eyes narrowing.

“When you said something about me not being a martyr and that it was your job,” Twilight countered.

The prince lifted an eyebrow. “I’m not sure what you're talking about. I just told you not to do anything stupid.”

“So you’re saying Twilight’s a liar?” Applejack asked, the hydralisk bristling at the mere suggestion of such a thing.

Blueblood shook his head. “Nothing of the sort. Merely that she was misremembering things. Which makes sense as you had taken quite the hit.”

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “I suppose that may have been possible.”

“I mean, come on, do you think I would have said something so eloquent?” Blueblood replied, opening his forehooves.

“You can be quite the talker, or at least when you aren't speaking to me that is,” Twilight remarked, chuckling lightly.

Blueblood flashed her a wink. “Exactly.”

The sound of a hoof meeting wood made the four creatures turn to the door.

“They are ready for you now,” explained a guard.

“Good luck,” offered the other.

Twilight smirked. “We won't need it.”

Author's Note

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Halloween 2020 Crossover Special

The sudden flash of a powerful light woke the theatre's inhabitants, shocking them out of their strangely deep slumber. Each one found themselves unable to move, or look away from the spotlight which shone down on the center of the stage, to where a small pony sized hole could be seen. Though the inhabitants of the theatre could see the stage, they could not seem to turn their heads, or look away from the single point of light.

Even still, they could sense that others were nearby, a fact that none of them could confirm as a heavy aura suppressed their magic. This would normally make most of them feel rather terrified, but there was something about the theatre that made them feel strangely at ease. Maybe it was the surprisingly comfortable chairs which seemed to have been custom molded to their unique bodies, or perhaps it was the smell of aged paper and popcorn that lingered in the air.

Either way, the assembled creatures could only watch and wait, which fortunately for them was something they didn't have to do for very long. A faint clunk signalled the activation of an unseen mechanism, and a second later a distant rhythmic thumping could be heard emanating from beneath the stage. After several seconds of near silence the head of a pony could be seen poking out from the hole, followed closely by the rest of their body shortly after.

The pony themself was missing most of the normal attributes of an equestrian citizen, lacking wings, horn, and the larger build most earth ponies sported. Standing only as tall as the average eighteen year old mare, they had a lithe frame, and a smile that lit up the room. Their eyes were a bright green, their fur a resplendent orange, and their mane was a combination of their fur color and a bright red. Done up in a wild looking mohawk, the pony oozed excitement, and reminded most viewers of Pinky Pie. A comparison that only became more apt when they saw that the pony had a multi colored jester’s stick for a cutie mark.

“Welcome, welcome!” shouted the pony, leaping onto the stage the second the floor was complete once more. “To the greatest game of Twilight’s outside of a certain natural born Derpy story.”

The pony all but bounced to the front of the stage, their grin as wide as ever. “I am Jest, and I will serve as your referee and game master for this evening. But before we get into the nitty and or gritty of all that, let's have a joke shall we?”

They cleared their throat. “Did you guys hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers? He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them!”

A few creatures laughed, though it was awkward, and came out a little forced.

“I see math jokes do well with you, so here's another,” Jest remarked, straightening an invisible tie. “How many times can you subtract ten from one hundred?”

After a brief moment of silence, the pony grinned and threw up their hooves. “Once! The next time you would be subtracting ten from ninety!”

Their joke was met with a few more laughs, though not many, they were at least a little less forced.

“I guess I’ll save the jokes for when you aren't trapped in your seat. So without further ado, let's get into it,” Jest declared, clopping their hoof twice against the stage and causing the spotlight to vanish. “You are here to play a game, and don't worry its not some sort of stupid cliche death game where if you lose here you die. In fact you wont even remember being here when you are returned to your lives.”

Jest raised a hoof in the air. “But that doesn't mean this can't be both fun, and illuminating. For you see, I will be able to answer any one question the winner of our little game desires.”

“And to answer your next question, yes it will be one hundred percent truthful, and I have complete knowledge on all possible subjects you may ask,” Jest concluded. “So without further ado let's get this game started!”

The pony clopped their hoof twice against the ground, causing the ground to fall away only to emerge again a second later. The stage now had a large poker table as well as several chairs of various sizes, each seemingly designed for a different kind of creature. The second the stage had been set the various audience members felt their bodies start to respond to their commands once more.

Looking around the room, the creatures found that they were surrounded by what could only be described as themselves. Twilights of various shapes and sizes jumped or otherwise hopped out of their seats and began to look around in wonder. Though they were busy looking at one another, they also noticed that there were no exits to the theatre, nor any windows of any kind. The anti magic field remained as oppressive as ever, though the Twilights who were capable of magic found that they could at least use telekinesis.

Only one of the audience members seemed truly alien, and shared only purplish scales with the others. She stood taller than the rest, with great horns which covered the sides of her head and bent up, then down before curving upwards once more. She also had enormous clawed hands, legs which bent backwards after the knee, and a tail that was as long as a normal pony.

She also had keen purple eyes, a thick hide of dark purple scales with two small bumps on her chest serving as the only clue as to her gender. Overall she appeared to be some form of enormous reptile that was clearly out of place amongst the other Twilight’s who appeared mostly normal. Two of whom were alicorns, though one looked visibly stronger, while the other had a strangely empty gaze.

“Great, I bet none of them know morse code either,” muttered the towering lizard who blinked. “Wait, did I just speak normally?”

“Technically you all have different languages since you originate from wholly different realities or time lines, so I figured I’d translate for you,” Jest shouted from the stage. “I’m also ready whenever you are by the way.”

The various Twilights moved slowly, eying one another up carefully, and curiously, with most watching the Twilight in their midst who appeared to have been turned into a demon of some kind. A large black book was bound in silver chains about her neck, and her ethereal mane flickered behind her, shifting from black at her scalp to a light purple at the tips. Stars could be seen within the demon’s hair, though most were too busy staring at the large sword-like horn which protruded from her head.

A horn which was in the shape of a curved blade not unlike a khopesh, an appendage which she was evidently quite adept at carrying if her smooth confident steps were anything to go by. She too looked back at the other creatures, her piercing gaze looking down on them, scouring their very souls and weighing them each individually. Something she didn't have much trouble doing considering she was one of the tallest in the room, her svelte figure allowing her to tower over most other Twilights.

As one they collectively turned away from the demonic Twilight and her shimmering, deep purple fur to a rather strangely gaunt Twilight who towered over all save for the horned lizard among them. Her body was thin, almost skeletal in its appearance, the mare giving off the impression that she wasn't truly alive given just how unnaturally empty her torso appeared to be. She at least had the same cutie mark as the others, though hers shimmered slightly, and the six smaller stars that adorned it were each different colors.

That wasn't what grabbed the eye however, as it was her shattered horn which did just that, making each visitor wince at the sight. Her fur and mane were also significantly darker then the other two more normal looking Twilights who had a much lighter coloration in comparison. She also had an unnaturally deep shadow, and her eyes glowed a menacing purple, from which wisps of purple magic emanated.

The last Twilight among them was perhaps the strangest among them, though it wasn't quite as readily apparent as to why. She was one of the few unicorns among them who at first glance was not either crippled, or had been turned into a different species. That was until they noticed just how strangely well muscled she was, and the way her eyes glowed a bright yellow color.

This Twilight sported an unnaturally long horn and glowing yellow lines which traveled down her body, though most could be seen on her left foreleg. Which was slightly thicker, and wider than the rest of her tree trunk like limbs which clopped audibly against the wooden floor. All who met her gaze felt unnerved by the experience, the pony’s eyes containing a strange alien quality to them that made each creature realize that she was no normal unicorn.

“Done eying one another up like a pack of jackals?” Jest teased as they riffled and shuffled a deck of cards.

“Yes well, pardon me for taking stock of my strange companions,” remarked the demonic Twilight who was the first to climb the stage and take her seat next to Jest.

“You are all quite strange,” remarked the dead eyed Twilight. “Save for you, that is. In your reality did I get a gym membership?”

“Not quite,” remarked the slightly buffer alicorn Twilight. “I did spend the last twenty odd years adventuring and saving the world though.”

“Were you always an alicorn?” questioned the demonic Twilight.

“No. I was a unicorn at one point but after defeating Tirek I was ‘ascended’ if you could call it that,” remarked the alicorn, who found and sat at the seat which seemed to have been designed for her.

“I feel like we should probably go around the table and introduce ourselves, lest we end up wasting time asking one another an endless stream of questions,” declared the alien Twilight who sat on a wider, more reinforced chair.

“Ahh, that does seem like the best idea, though I have more than a few questions about this place that I would like answered first,” stated the undead Twilight.

“Ahh yes. The theatre,” Jest began, raising a hoof. “It is a pocket dimension gifted to me by a close friend. Here I control all facets of reality, all the way down to the subatomic level.”

“Curious,” murmured the demonic Twilight, who placed her chin in her hoof and leaned forward. “Just what are you then?”

“Just a humble entertainer. It is my creator who happens to have the real power here, but we shan't get into that,” Jest assured. “All you need to know is that violence is not allowed, you can leave at any time, though doing so would forfeit your chance at the knowledge I promised.”

“But if we will forget then why should we bother playing?” questioned the dead eyed Twilight.

“If you will forget anyway, why not enjoy yourself, and relish acquiring the answers you seek, if only for a moment?” Jest countered. “Yes it may be fleeting, but that just means there is no reason not to enjoy it while you can.”

“Sounds like a metaphor for life,” murmured the enormous lizard.

“Quite right my friend,” Jest proclaimed. “Now then, why don't you each introduce yourself, starting with the Twilight who suggested you do so in the first place?”

The undead Twilight shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “My name as you likely already guessed is Twilight and in my world, universe, timeline or whatever, Celestia rules Equestria with an iron hoof.”

“Did she experiment on you as well?” questioned the buff alicorn.

“No, though she did have my mother, and technically me killed,” replied the undead.

“I am so sorry,” whispered the great lizard, who tentatively touched the undead pony’s shoulder.

“It's fine,” muttered the other Twilight. “After that I fled into the Everfree, learned necromancy and have been steadily helping my friends all while I uncover many of the world’s secrets.”

“Fascinating. I assume necromancy can do more than simply make zombies in your world,” inquired the dead eyed Twilight.

The undead Twilight nodded. “It is also called soul magic and can be used for a great many things.”

“Which we don't have time to get into,” Jest added pointedly.

“Yes well, I suppose I should go next then,” stated the dead eyed Twilight. “My given name is Twilight, though if I am being honest I am not sure why I am here.”

“Why do you say that?” asked the lizard.

“Because I am spell, and am not truly alive, nor was I born in the traditional sense,” stated the Twilight. “If I had my magic I could show you what I mean, but in my reality I was created by Celestia as a stand in for Sunset Shimmer. The princess needed someone who could wield the element of magic after her former student ran away and to that end she implanted within me a spark of her magic in order to give me life, as well as control my actions.”

“Yeesh, and I thought it was bad that my Celestia created me in a more metaphysical sense,” remarked the muscled alicorn.

“That’s horrible,” muttered the undead Twilight.

The spell shook her head. “It is not as bad as it may seem. I can still enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. Though for reasons which should be obvious I cannot get pregnant. I am also immortal, incredibly powerful and I can freely alter my being if I desire.”

“But do you have free will?” questioned the demonic Twilight.

“Celestia told me that I didn't, though I was hoping to get a second opinion,” stated the spell, who glanced at the dealer.

Jest smiled. “And if you win, I will gladly give you such information.”

“I suppose I’m next,” offered the other alicorn. “Like I mentioned earlier, my friends and I are adventurers. The six of us became slightly isolated, considering we were constantly traveling and fighting various monsters. As such we sort of fell into relationships with one another. The last adventure saw us nearly losing to an incredibly powerful minotaur chieftain, and we only just barely survived because the nightmare within me saved us.”

“Strange, I had always assumed that an alicorn’s darker half only emerged after the pony experienced an extended period plagued by negative emotions,” the undead Twilight remarked.

“In my reality each alicorn has a second mind of sorts, which lies dormant until some event causes it to emerge,” explained the muscled alicorn. “Celestia attempted to remove my darker half after she ascended me, and only managed to make it revert to a more childlike state.”

“Fascinating,” whispered the demonic Twilight.

“Though I have questions of my own, perhaps we should continue,” pressed the alien Twilight.

The great lizard nodded. “I was perhaps most like the last Twilight before I was dropped into a different dimension by some unseen force. Before that point I had defeated Nightmare Moon along with my friends using the elements of harmony much like how the other alicorns both did by the sounds of it.”

Said alicorns nodded.

“Yes well, after that things were going well until I unexpectedly found myself in the body you see before you,” explained the lizard, who swept a hand down towards itself. “Which is apparently called a deathclaw. After that I was found by my companion Janey and we have since set out into the wasteland in search of my friends.”

“Wasteland?” questioned the alien Twilight.

“Yes apparently the mirror world, which some of you may know about, has a dark reflection of its own where the humans nearly wiped themselves out using nuclear weapons,” the great lizard answered.

Several Twilight’s nodded knowingly, while the rest merely blinked in confusion.

“These nuclear weapons you spoke of, how do they function?” pressed the alien Twilight.

“I don't know,” admitted the lizard.

“And it wouldn't matter if you did as none of you will remember what happens here,” added Jest pointedly.

The yellow eyed Twilight sighed, and leaned back in her chair. “It was worth a shot.”

“Unlike the rest of you, my name is Kanathara, and I am a keeper of secrets. Though at one point I was a unicorn like you all I was abducted by Tirek at a young age, and have since become a demon,” remarked the demonic mare. “Before you ask, yes I have met a few of these friends I think we have in common, and no I am not evil.”

“You sure appear evil,” remarked the buff Twilight. “In fact I think I defeated one of your kind a decade ago in the badlands. She was trying to resurrect some dead god to bring about the end times, though her plan was rather convoluted.”

“Aren't they all?” deadpanned the spell.

“Yes well, appearances aside I don't desire the death of the world or anything of the sort,” explained the demon. “In fact if I was not contracted to acquire the elements of harmony I’d likely spend the next century studying in relative isolation.”

“Now that sounds nice…” murmured the undead Twilight, who rubbed her chin. “Maybe after my friends pass on I’ll take a century off from public life.”

“As much as I’d like to hear your exhaustive reading lists you all have prepared, I must insist that we keep things going,” Jest interrupted, the pony glancing expectantly at the final Twilight at the table.

Who snorted. “I’m Twilight and like a few of you I was taken on as Celestia’s protege. In my world she is kind to a fault, and though I was infected by some form of alien parasite at a young age, she took me in. Since then I’ve trained nearly every day in order to defeat Nightmare Moon, something I turned out to be ill prepared to do.”

“She didn't really bring about eternal night did she?” the more muscled Twilight inquired. “In my world Luna claimed the whole night forever thing was a metaphor for people appreciating it more than the day.”

The infested mare snorted bitterly. “It hasn't been long, but since her return she has not allowed the sun to rise for even a moment. I’m starting to believe that she's trying to freeze the entire planet out of spite.”

“That seems slightly… unwarranted,” undead Twilight remarked.

Kanathara raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure she's not a prime evil? My nightmare Moon is likely a demon borne from the first act of planetary genocide, which fits the bill of yours quite nicely.”

The infested hummed thoughtfully and rubbed her chin. “That is a possibility, though to be honest I’m not wholly certain that demons are even a thing in my reality. Sure they are referenced in literature and stuff, but I’m fairly certain they are fictitious.”

“See? They are two very different things that are totally not the creator being lazy,” Jest proclaimed, riffle shuffling the cards in a dramatic fashion.

“The creator? You’re not religious are you?” questioned the spell.

“Not exactly,” Jest replied mysteriously or hamfistedly, depending on your perspective.

“Before we start, I presume that time doesn't flow normally here and that I won't come back five years later or something, right?” prodded the buff Twilight curiously.

“You will return to the exact moment I plucked you from your story and no one will be the wiser. Trust me,” Jest proclaimed, flashing the table a knowing wink.

“Right then. As curious as I am about you guys I would rather like my answer sooner rather than later,” infested Twilight proclaimed.

“Quite,” agreed the lizard.

“So, let us begin,” Jest proclaimed, the pony dealing the first hand in mere moments, his movements precise and lightning fast. “The game is Texas hold 'em, which I assume everyone knows how to play, yes?”

The assembled Twilights all nodded.

“Excellent, you will each find a set of chips with numbers on them before you, and the starting bet is one hundred points,” Jest finished. “Now then, Kanathara, you will be starting us off, and no I’m not just starting with you because everyone else answers to Twilight.”

“Uh alright, I’m in,” declared the demon, who tossed a hundred point chip into the middle.

And with that, the game had begun.

“Just call it or don't, but either way make up your mind already,” implored the infested Twilight.

The spell Twilight leaned forward. “I for one believe she is bluffing.”

The more well muscled Twilight grit her teeth and stared at the only other opponent left in this hand. Who sat behind a small mountain of chips, her cards laid against the table and a smile on her demonic face. Though no one was out yet several hours had passed and the more athletic Twilight was down to her final points.

In her hand she had a pair of threes, and combined with the pair of aces on the table it meant that she had at least something, though it wasn't much. Certainly not enough to bet what little she had left, though at this point if she didn't win something here she was going to end up out the next hand. Add to that the fact that their demonic counterpart seemed to bluff near constantly, plus was an absolute master at it and the more athletic Twilight found herself leaning on going in.

“I’m all in,” she declared, flicking her final chip into the middle.

Jest nodded knowingly. “Alright ladies, lets see what you got.”

“Two pair,” declared the first Twilight, who flipped her hand.

The demonic Twilight chuckled. “Not a bad hand but it's got nothing on my full house.”

Sure enough, when she flipped her cards over, the demon had exactly that, trouncing the other Twilight’s hand quite well… handedly.

“Dammit,” cursed the alicorn. “I don't suppose I can mulligan that hand eh?”

Jest shook their head. “I’m afraid not. It looks like this is where you get off.”

The pony sighed. “Well it was nice meeting you all.”

“It was nice meeting you as well,” offered the lizard, a sentiment which the rest of the Twilight’s shared immediately after, all save for one.

“Don't let the metaphysical door hit you on the way out,” teased the demon.

“Yeah whatever. I hope you choke on it,” spat the athletic Twilight.

“Before you go, what were you going to ask?” inquired the undead Twilight.

“I was going to ask if my story was ever going to get updated again,” replied the other Twilight who glanced expectantly at Jest.

Who chuckled, and tapped the table, causing a button to merge from the wood. “Totally!”

“Wait, really?” she questioned.

“Pfft no, this is all you’re ever going to get,” retorted Jest who slammed their hoof on the bottom, causing the floor to fall out from beneath the alicorn Twilight.

“I just wanted to be relevant again!” She cried while plunging into the darkness.

A second later and the hole vanished having been obscured by two pieces of wood which swiftly covered it and Jest’s button vanishing along with it.

“Alright then, with that done let's start the next hand,” Jest happily proclaimed.

“Oof, that was kinda dark don't you think?” pressed the undead who glanced at the spot their counterpart had been sitting a second earlier.

“Who cares?” remarked the demonic Twilight flippantly.

The other Twilight’s exchanged a knowing look with one another, a silent pact being formed between them as cards flicked across the table.

“Alright then, the buy in has been doubled, and with that let us start with Kanathara once more,” Jest offered, gesturing to the demon, who tossed the necessary chips into the middle.

“Lets see where this goes,” she remarked offhandedly, leaning back in her chair. “Say, I don't suppose you have a kitchen back there by chance do you?”

Jest chuckled. “Don't need one, here. Take a look at the menu and lemme know if you need anything. Something tells me we’ll be here a while.”

The strange pony clapped their hooves together and a set of menus appeared before the gathered Twilight’s.

“Finally, now things can really get going,” remarked the infested hungrily.

“This is ridiculous,” stated Kanathara bitterly, the demon leaning forward in her chair, her whiskey sour nearly toppling over onto the table. “How did things end up this way?”

The lizard shrugged. “I don't know how but at least it's over. It feels like we’ve been here for days.”

“Three days to be exact, but don't worry I got rid of the need to use the bathroom or sleep after it became apparent that this was going to take a while,” Jest replied.

“No wonder I haven't had to use the little girl’s room after I drank all those dacquires,” muttered the undead.

“Well, everything else aside it was rather nice to enjoy a caesar salad done exactly as I like it, among pleasant company” remarked the dead eyed Twilight, who tapped her lips with a napkin. “Noone seems to get the intricacies of making a good salad these days.”

“I’m glad you liked it,” replied Jest with a smile.

“Curiosity over this whole pocket reality aside, I’m more than a little baffled how things ended up like they did,” remarked the infested, who gestured to the table, wherein a great mountain of chips sat at the center. “How did this even happen exactly?”

“You girls were so bent on getting Kanathara out of the game that things got a little out of hand,” Jest replied, chuckling to themself. “Or should I say in hand?”

The deathclaw snorted. “At least it's over after this. I think my tail is about to fall asleep again.”

“Yes well, I suppose I’m glad that it will be finally done with,” agreed the undead.

“We are ready when you are, Jest,” declared the spell.

“Alright, let's make this as dramatic as possible, on three I want you all to flip your cards,” Jest offered, glancing around the room.

“Sounds fair,”

“Fine by me,”

“Acceptable,”

“If I have to,”

“We might as well,”

“Excellent, now before we get into the end game I would just like to say how much I appreciated your cooperation here. The porn Twilight’s were much more difficult,” Jest proclaimed, the pony shuddering briefly.

“Wait, porn Twilight’s what are you-”

Jest cleared their throat. “But enough about that. Three, two, one, and flip em!”

“Huh, I won,” muttered the infested mare, every Twilight looking down to find that she had indeed managed such a feat, with only a three of a kind at that. “I just assumed you girls had better.”

The spell sighed. “I knew this was a bad idea. Why did I stick with such a poor hand?”

“I don't know, but either way I’m glad I at least got a single pair,” remarked the deathclaw.

The undead Twilight shrugged. “I may have only had one pair as well but I never really cared about winning anyway.”

“Well I sure planned on it,” muttered Kanathara bitterly.

“Oh don't be so mad, at least now you all get to go back to your own worlds,” Jest offered. “Oh and if you ever find yourself back here you’ll have the memories of this place restored.”

“Well it was nice knowing you all,” offered the undead.

“Likewise,” remarked the lizard.

“Too bad, I would have liked to know if I truly had free will,” stated the dead eyed mare.

“And I would have liked to know how to defeat that wretched hag,” muttered the demon.

“Yes well, better luck next time,” Jest exclaimed before slamming his hoof against a button and causing all but one Twilight to vanish into the floor.

Once gone, the earth pony hopped off his chair, and clopped his hoof twice against the stage, making the table, and the last chair to slip beneath the ground. A second tap of Jest’s hoof later and a set of lights settled on them, a microphone popping into the strange pony’s grip.

“Alright then, this is it ladies and gentlemen. Twilight has won, and now it's time to get an answer to a burning question,” Jest began. “A question which has likely bothered you ever since Celestia told you of the destiny she laid out for you. Go ahead Twilight, fire away as they say.”

The infested pony nodded. “Alright, before I ask the question may I make a few other inquiries?”

“You may,” Jest grinned. “And with that question answered I will send you back to your own world and-”

“Hey you said I could make some inquiries first!” Twilight shouted.

Jest chuckled. “Oh relax. I’m just teasing you. Go ahead.”

“Do you know the future? My future to be exact?” Twilight pressed.

“I do,” Jest replied, nodding his head.

“Do my friends and I save the world?” Twilight asked, only to pause. “That was the question by the way, not another inquiry.”

Jest giggled. “I figured as much and to answer your question, you will save a world.”

“A world, but not my world?” Twilight inquired.

“You will save at least one world,” Jest continued.

“Well that's good… I think,” Twilight muttered.

“Sorry about that,” Jest began, scratching the back of his neck. “I’d really like to give you a straight answer but technically I wasn't supposed to give you any kind of qualifying questions.”

“I suppose since I wont remember it anyway that it doesn't really matter,” Twilight murmured, the infested sighing. “Though I kind of nice knowing that I’ll save at least one planet.”

Jest chuckled. “Oh you won't be saying that in the moment. Heck you’re probably going to be pretty pissed about that fact at first.”

“Wait what?”

“Oh look, were out of time, ciao!”

Author's Note

Queen Of The Wasteland . The Grand Marionette. Born In Light. The First Law of Magic. The Infestation of Equiss Prime (you are here)all received similiar updates, though the ending is changed depending on which fic you are reading so if you think you are suffering from deja vu then just scroll down or press ctrl+f and search "Three, two, one, and flip em" to get to the new content!

Thanks again for all your support and I hope you enjoy this not very spooky but still special update.

Contingencies

Twilight trotted confidently into the windowless room, her hybrids fanning out along the wall while she herself walked over to Celestia’s right. The sight of the three infested made a few of the ponies shift uncomfortably, but they said nothing and did their best to give them only a passing glance. Noticing this, Twilight realized that her friend’s assessment must have been correct, as the advisors didn't act surprised by their appearance.

Looking around the area, Twilight found that they were in what must have been intended to serve as a tea room at one time. Several large comfortable pillows had been pushed to the edge of the room, and a tall, hexagon-shaped table sat at its center. A round chandelier made of a silvery blue metal hung overhead, and plastic sheets covered most of the barren white walls.

Evidently this room was still partially under construction, though it appeared that the floor at least had been completed, as it was adorned by a close-up view of the moon rendered in stunning detail. Twilight wondered how long it had taken someone to paint something with such precision. A small part of her couldn't help but feel bad about the fact that this piece of art would likely never be appreciated properly.

Giving her head a shake, Twilight turned her attention towards the mess of papers and chess pieces that sat atop the table in the middle of the room.

A map of Canterlot as well as a blueprint of the castle itself were spread out across the aged oak, both with numerous markings and notes written on them. There were also small blue pieces of paper placed everywhere, upon which were written short descriptions of troop emplacements. The blueprint also had a large red X at the base, which was where Twilight assumed Celestia was storing her little ‘surprise’.

Looking away from the table, Twilight inspected the room’s other inhabitants, starting with the two guards which stood near the door. They appeared to be fairly standard at first glance, but Twilight quickly realized that they were both high-ranking members of the guard. They were likely here to receive a debriefing more than they were here to actually guard the room, especially considering just who was already there.

Starting from the right of Celestia was Twilight herself, and then a pegasus that Twilight had never met before, who was joined by a timid-looking earth pony aide which stood next to him. The pegasus was slim, wore only a large breastplate as well as a set of greaves and had a short sword belted along his side. He didn't seem particularly old, though he had a certain intensity about him that made Twilight think he had seen more than his share of combat.

He was also rather short, had dull silver fur, and a snow-white mane, which served to make his bright blue eyes stick out even more. The pegasus was staring at the table, his gaze distant and his expression strangely unreadable even to the psychic. Twilight was tempted to mentally prod the stallion, but thought better of it and turned to the only other unicorn at the table.

Who was watching Twilight closely, his gaze intense, but yet not judgemental, as if he were more curious than anything. Twilight didn't mind it, though the small gathering of aides which flanked him on either side irritated the infested unicorn due to their open fear. It was an unpleasant feeling, and so she shifted away from him, to one of the few people at the table she could truly say she had met before.

An earth pony named Zealous Seal who had a golden coat, white mane, and bright blue eyes the same color as the sky. Though she had no aides with her she was the Captain of the Guard and the two ponies by the door likely filled just such a role. The mare herself had several scars, bulging muscles, wore plate mail and a wide, confident grin that reminded Twilight a little of Silver Bulwark.

Pushing those thoughts out of her mind, Twilight noticed that Blueblood had taken a seat to Celestia’s left and was whispering something in the alicorn’s ear. After a brief pause, Celestia nodded to the stallion, who in turn leaned back in his seat, a small smile visible on his shrouded features.

“Well then. Now that everyone is here, we can begin in earnest,” Celestia declared. “We will start introductions with my student, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight nodded. “I just wish this meeting was under better circumstances and that Zee and I had a chance to settle our last bet beforehand.”

“It's good to see you’re still in one piece there, Twilight,” Zealous Seal offered. “Though maybe we should wait to settle up after all of this is said and done, just in case ya don't make it. and I end up unable to collect my twenty bits.”

“Like that will happen,” Twilight replied with a smirk.

“My name is Karmic, head of reconnaissance,” stated the pegasus, who gave Twilight a brief nod. “And I apologize for interrupting.”

“I am Captain Air Heart,” stated the unicorn, “leader of what few war mages we have left.”

“Now that is out of the way, I must open this discussion with a bit of news,” Blueblood began. “I have discovered that Nightmare Moon has been immunizing her troops. Though against what, I do not know.”

“That hardly seems like news,” Air Heart remarked dismissively.

“Nightmare Moon has shown a strange distaste when it comes to putting her soldiers into harm’s way. Perhaps this is simply an extension of that,” Karmic pointed out.

“I believe it is, and that it isn't. These vaccines were heavily guarded and from what I gathered, were not designed to repel any normal, terrestrial infection,” Blueblood continued.

“Then you mean the zerg, right?” Twilight asked.

“We believe so,” Celestia exclaimed. “Our enemies seem to have managed to find copies of my research and have perfected the formula somehow. Evidently Nightmare Moon sees the zerg as a credible threat.”

“She should be more worried about getting my hoof up her ass,” added Seal with a snort.

“Do you think my old doctor joined them?” Twilight questioned.

Blueblood shrugged. “It's a possibility, but I can't confirm it.”

“Regardless, that's all we know on the topic. So unless you have some insight, then I say we move onto the next point of discussion.” Celestia tapped the X. “Our little surprise.”

“Though I still disagree with this course of action, everything is ready and a few minutes after Celestia is no longer present in the castle, the spell will fire,” stated Air Heart.

“Robbing our enemies of critical infrastructure will make assaulting the city easier in the future,” Karmic pointed out.

The unicorn stallion sighed. “I know, but this castle has such a history that it feels like killing a thinking, feeling thing.”

“Trust me, there is no one more upset by this action’s necessity than I,” Celestia remarked. “These grounds have been my home for nearly ten centuries at this point, and I will miss this place dearly. However, home is where my ponies are, and when we retake Canterlot, the structure we build in its place will be far greater.”

“Maybe then you can install real plumbing instead of having to magic away all of our refuse,” Seal remarked, the mare snickering to herself.

“Yes, well, I’ll certainly add that to the list of desired features,” Celestia muttered. “Now then, does anyone have any questions about the surprise in question?”

“I’m assuming it's some sort of magical bomb then, yes?” Twilight inquired.

“I’ve tied fifty-six delayed fireball spells into a sub-matrix that will first release an immense amount of explosive gas,” stated the other unicorn. “The combination will have roughly the same blast yield as several hundred tons of TNT.”

“That's considerable,” muttered Applejack absently.

“It is,” added Celestia. “The blast itself will be mostly contained by the castle, destroying it utterly and turning it into a tomb for anyone foolish enough to be inside of it when the bomb goes off.”

“If we get lucky, Nightmare Moon will get greedy and move her troops in immediately after we have finished evacuating, though at this point I’m estimating only a handful of casualties,” offered Karmic.

“Nightmare Moon has been cautious, though hopefully she's been frustrated enough by the barrier that she throws such caution to the wind,” stated Air Heart.

“And if we are really lucky, Nightmare Moon herself will be put out of commission,” Seal added.

“Yes, well. If nothing else, we will have deprived them of a major fortification,” Celestia clarified.

“Speaking of evacuation, how far along are you on that front?” Twilight questioned.

“With your assistance, I was hoping to push ahead our time table, provided Celestia allows it,” offered the other unicorn, who glanced expectantly at their princess.

“A most excellent idea,” Celestia declared, turning to her student. “Do you feel up to helping teleport the rest of the refugees? I was hoping to have them and our injured out within forty-eight hours, followed by the rest of our troops a day or so after that.”

Twilight nodded slowly. “I can do that for sure, and in the meantime Zecora can assist the wounded, while Applejack helps wherever needed.”

“I could use a strong arm or claw reinforcing the perimeter,” Seal exclaimed, turning around in her chair to eye up the enormous zerg hybrid. “I’ll be honest, I don't trust ya, but me and mine will give you a chance at least.”

Applejack nodded. “That's all I ask.”

My queen, are you sure about this? I will not be able to communicate with them, Zecora cautioned.

“How far away are your wounded from the teleportation room?” Twilight questioned.

“Just down the hall,” replied Air Heart.

“Don't worry, I’ll be close in case you need me,” Twilight declared, turning to Zecora.

Zecora let out a gurgled sigh before nodding. If that is what you wish.

“By the way, you need not worry about my forces in your teleportation estimates,” Blueblood began, gesturing to the map of Canterlot. “We can easily slip through their ranks and escape the city on our own terms. After which we will regroup and meet back up with the main army at a later date.”

“Provided you don't just sneak off and never come back,” declared Seal, who shot a glare at the dark templar.

“I think my nephew has proven his loyalty several times over by now,” Celestia interrupted, the alicorn placing heavy emphasis on the word nephew.

“My apologies,” Seal quickly replied, the mare giving Blueblood a curt nod.

“I don't blame you, this entire fiasco has left everyone more than a little paranoid,” Blueblood remarked.

“Very true,” Air Heart murmured, his gaze flicking over Twilight and the two other infested in the room.

Ignore him, Twilight thought, I feel as though he is just putting on a show.

If you say so, my queen, Zecora replied, the zebra’s thoughts making it abundantly clear that she did not appreciate the pony’s remark.

Celestia cleared her throat, gathering everyone’s attention. “Before we resume our duties, I was hoping to open the floor, so to speak, and get everyone’s opinion on what exactly Nightmare Moon is planning. Starting with Twilight, as you’ve actually seen what her troops have been doing outside of Canterlot, have you not?”

Twilight nodded slowly. “I have, and I think she is trying to sow chaos in order to stop the ponies of Equestria from mobilizing en masse. Her forces are powerful and well organized, but not numerous enough to stand up against the rest of the country.”

“But… why?” questioned the armored earth pony. “Does she hope to bleed out the entire nation and then rule over a country of corpses?”

“Or a world of the dead,” remarked Karmic.

“I want to disagree with you, as Nightmare Moon only ever desired people to appreciate her night more than the day. She even allowed the sun to rise in the past, though evidently something has changed,” Celestia explained. “Now I’m not quite so certain as to what her end goal is. Or even if she has one for that matter.”

“She has to, though, right?” Applejack inquired.

“One would assume as much,” Karmic stated.

“You’ve been rather quiet, Prince Blueblood. What do you think?” Air Heart asked in an almost conspiratorial tone.

“I think that it is very possible that she intends on killing the world,” Blueblood remarked after a moment of silence. “She desires her control to be absolute, and she could never do that unless she could recreate the whole of society in her image.”

“Which wouldn't be possible unless she started with a very low population and altered all facets of their existence,” Twilight concluded.

“That is… disturbing,” Celestia murmured, her features darkening for a moment. “Let us set aside such grim thoughts for the moment and return to our duties.”

The other creatures all nodded, and Celestia watched as they left before filing out behind them with Twilight and her hybrids close on the alicorn’s heels. Once out of the rather dark room, Celestia gave her wings a single flap, stretching the appendages before looking down at her student.

“Right then,” Celestia began. “Applejack, you will find Zealous down this hall and to the left.”

The hydralisk hybrid nodded. “I will see you soon, my queen,” Applejack offered.

“Try to have some patience with this lot. They seem to be a little more open-minded than most,” Twilight replied.

Applejack smiled faintly. “I will try.”

With that, the towering zerg turned away, slithering her way down the hallway and weaving around visibly unnerved ponies.

Do you think it is wise to split up like this? Zecora questioned as they turned and followed Celestia deeper into the wing.

We are fine, Zecora. Celestia has explained our circumstances and vetted every pony here. Plus we are only a teleport away form one another, Twilight thought back.

If you say so, Zecora replied after a short pause.

The three walked the rest of the way in silence, with Celestia’s gaze becoming distant, the alicorn clearly considering her advisor’s words carefully. Twilight felt her attention drawn to the windows, where she could see squads of Nightmare Moon’s soldiers hacking away at the barrier. Some wielded great pickaxes while others fired beams of energy, and a select few stood at the back, building large dispel runes into the ground.

None of which seemed to affect Celestia’s shield in the slightest, but that didn't stop them from trying and Celestia’s own soldiers from eyeing their enemies carefully. Though few in number, Twilight could see that squads of golden-armored soldiers patrolled the perimeter or flew over head. None got very close to the bubble of magic, and while some were calm, the majority of the ponies outside the safety of the castle eyed the nearest enemy closely.

Zecora on the other hoof was unreadable, the zerg hybrid’s mind exuding an aura of worry, though Twilight wasn't sure if it was for the three of them, or all of the castle’s residents. Either way, the unicorn got the impression that her newest friend wouldn't let her down, despite her own fears and doubts. That, in Twilight’s mind was all that mattered, and the unicorn focused herself on the path ahead, letting the world fall away so she may better plan her coming moves.

A few minutes later the trio arrived at a particularly well-guarded hallway near the center of the night wing where every set of double doors had at least one soldier standing guard. Every window had also been sealed with hastily stacked bricks, as well as glowing runes of reinforcement, doubling their protective benefits. Not only that, but there were far more ponies in this section, most of whom hardly gave Celestia and her small entourage a second look.

Some were hauling heavy boxes or wounded, while others were readying defensive lines, or were part of a select few who were bedding down in the impromptu barracks built in what used to be a kitchen. Either way, it was a hive of activity that made the previous area appear ill-used by comparison, and in an odd way this picked up Twilight’s spirits. So many ponies had remained loyal to Celestia and even a good number of unicorns had resisted the houses’ machinations.

“Where is the legion you formed all those years ago?” Twilight questioned. “I don't see them anywhere.”

“I sent them either with the refugees, or utilized their services in securing the castle grounds after Nightmare Moon’s initial assault before sending them through in order to start establishing a base,” Celestia explained, nodding to a passing guard. “We will need space to house everyone as my calculations were slightly off in that regard.”

Twilight smirked as she remembered the sheer amount of dwellings Celestia had ordered constructed for seemingly no reason. “That's a shocker. I would have thought you would have nailed that one perfectly,” Twilight remarked.

Celestia chuckled. “It was you who ruined my plan by distracting Nightmare Moon and ensuring that more Canterlot citizens escaped the devastation.”

“Pfft, you totally calculated for that possibility, you aren't fooling anyone,” Twilight replied.

“True--oh, here you are, Zecora.” Celestia stopped and gestured to a set of double doors guarded by two golden-armored unicorns. “You will find the wounded through here and don't worry, like I said, Twilight and I will be right at the end of this hallway.”

Zecora peered down to the end of the hall and nodded slowly. I will require an assistant, access to all available alchemical equipment, and a chalkboard.

Twilight turned and quickly relayed the zebra’s request to Celestia.

Who nodded. “Shimmer Spear, did you catch all that?”

The guard jumped. “Oh uh, yeah. Would you like me to do all that?”

“If you would be so kind,” Celestia replied.

The guard nodded quickly. “Right away. ma’am.” He opened the door wide with his magic. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll make sure you get everything you need.”

Zecora looked him up and down before letting out a slow exhale. I suppose you will have to do. I will speak with you soon, my queen.

“Don't work too hard,” Twilight offered as the zebra hybrid trundled through the door and vanished into the hustle and bustle.

“I hope she gets along with the other healers. I would hate for her presence to become an issue,” Celestia exclaimed, the pair trotting down the hall together as they continued to speak.

Twilight shook her head. “What she lacks in tact, she more than makes up for in skill. If they give her the chance to show her worth, then things will go smoothly.”

Celestia smiled warmly. “Then I don't see it being a problem at all.”

“That is good to hear,” Twilight declared.

Celestia paused before the final set of doors, which rose all the way to the ceiling and were constructed from some manner of pitch black wood. Two more unicorn guards stood on either side of them, their spears resting against their shoulders and tired expressions on their faces.

“Not enough guards to replace you two?” Celestia questioned.

The mare to the right sighed. “I’m afraid not, ma’am. Don't worry though, Dauntless and I are just fine.”

The other guard nodded. “That’s right.”

“Well, we don't need both of you here at the moment, so flip a coin or something to see that at least someone gets the rest they need,” Celestia offered.

The two guards exchanged a nod and a shrug. “Sounds fair, what do you think?” asked the mare.

“Quite fair indeed,” replied the other.

“Best of luck,” Celestia remarked before pushing her way inside.

Twilight followed her mentor closely, the unicorn’s comment dying on her lips the second she laid eyes on the strange space which she had just walked into.

The room itself was hexagon-shaped and was completely dominated by an enormous set of matrices inlaid in the floor. The deep purple ground was broken up by glowing golden lines which fed towards a circle that lay at the center of the room. This raised platform stood only a foot from ground level and was just barely large enough for a handful of ponies to stand comfortably upon.

Glancing over the many symbols which were spread across the floor and fed into the middle, Twilight quickly understood two things. One, it could only send a group to the location it was linked with, which was presumably somewhere in the confederacy. Two, there was a secondary protection matrix which caused a bubble of force which would spring into existence a second before the teleport fired.

Filing that information away for later, Twilight looked once more about the space, scanning the many dutiful attendants and crates of supplies which ringed the exterior. Detailed scanning spells flashed every few seconds as a squad of unicorns inspected the circle for any damage. Several other ponies could be seen operating a trio of large orbs which looked out over various points of the castle’s exterior.

Occasionally a higher-ranking guard would speak to one of the operators and cause their image to be blown up before being displayed on the wall. All in all, it looked like the nerve center of Celestia’s operation, her only escape route, and her last bastion of defence all rolled into one. It was also positively humming with energy, the matrix no doubt being powered up at this very moment in order to move the next batch of important ponies.

“This is quite impressive,” Twilight remarked.

Celestia smiled. “It was originally planned as a simple proof of concept which would allow government VIPs to escape in case of an emergency, but after everything that idea needed to be scrapped.”

“Well, at least it's sort of serving its original purpose,” Twilight added.

“That it is, though it was never intended for such high volumes and needs to be repaired frequently,” Celestia admitted. “Now then, we have a few minutes before the technicians give us the all clear. Which should be enough time to go over the power transfer spell I taught you last year.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and lit her horn, moving through the various steps of the spell in a matter of moments. “You mean like that?” Twilight countered.

Celestia blinked. “Well, I guess a refresher wasn't needed after all.”

“Which gives us time to discuss the backup plan you have put in place, should you be rendered unconscious before you could destroy that,” Twilight whispered.

Celestia sighed. “Would you be angry if I said I didn't have one?”

Twilight massaged her temples with her forehooves. “Yes, yes I would.”

“And now you’re going to argue that I should entrust you with the knowledge of how to accomplish my mission, should I be incapacitated and thus unable to do so,” Celestia continued.

Twilight nodded. “I think we’ve had this argument one too many times.”

“Yes, it is getting rather repetitive, isn't it?” Celestia mused aloud.

“Quite,” Twilight concluded.

Celestia’s gaze grew distant, lingering on the many ponies which scurried this way and that, each one going about their tasks at a quick, yet unhurried pace. For a long moment the two mares stood there, one deep in contemplation, while the other was simply wondering if this was going to end like most other arguments did.

And she was right, as it did indeed end as it usually did.

“Fine, I suppose having a backup would help,” Celestia reluctantly admitted.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You always have a plan B except when your plan A amounts to you shouldering ninety percent of the burden. At what point are you going to realize that’s not the best idea?”

Celestia chuckled mirthlessly. “Probably another decade or so. You are wearing down over a half millennium of stubborness, after all.”

“Well then, I guess I know what I’m doing for the next ten years,” Twilight quipped, smirking up at her teacher.

Who smiled back at her. “And I look forward to every moment of it.”

Author's Note

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Sororicide

Twilight bowed as low as she could manage, stretching her forelegs before raising her head as high as possible and doing the same with her back legs. While she limbered up and prepared for the day, Twilight also recalled the steps she would need to take in order to destroy the dream machine. Her magic twisted and flared as she woke herself fully from the brief sleep she had just managed to squeeze in.

Once every part of her body was fully awake and alive, the pony finished recounting what Celestia had told her of the machine. With all that out of the way, Twilight looked around the room, curious as to whether or not her hybrids had awoken by then. Only to find that the two were snuggled close together in the much larger bed which sat a few feet away from Twilight’s small cot.

Applejack’s injured limb had finished coming back in at this point, though there was a small scar still visible where it had been severed. It and its twin were wrapped around Zecora’s back, while the zebra hybrid had her own spiked forelimbs around Applejack’s midsection. It was a rather adorable sight, and for a moment Twilight considered letting them stay like that, as they had earned a bit of a break.

Images of Applejack training along with the guard flashed through her mind, accompanied by more than a few strange looks she had received. Despite their fear, Celestia’s soldiers had treated the hydralisk well, and the former farm pony found that she was quickly becoming proficient in combat. Twilight thought it was a good change, though a small part of her felt bad about turning such an innocent creature into a warrior.

“That is her lot in life, though,” Twilight murmured, her gaze lingering on the enormous blade-like limbs and deadly openings on her shoulders which could shoot bony daggers capable of punching straight through platemail.

Just about every part of her was made for combat, and Twilight wondered if she was ever going to be able to fulfill her promise to the mare. Whether she could or not, Twilight was determined to try for as long as she lived, and the unicorn hoped that would be enough. Turning her gaze from one zerg hybrid to another, Twilight couldn't help but frown as she looked over Zecora.

The zebra’s strange physiology aside, she was also mentally quite different, having suffered a crushing loneliness much akin to what Applejack herself had experienced. Yet where Applejack retained some of what made her a pony, when Twilight looked down on Zecora, she saw only zerg. Fiercely loyal, incredibly deadly, and seemingly without the morals that weighed down her companions, Zecora was a strange subject to say the least.

Perhaps Celestia’s song helped more than I originally thought, Twilight considered.

Twilight wondered if Zecora’s strain of zerg was meant to spread terror in the ranks of their enemies, as it would explain why Zecora thought the way she did. Brushing that aside, Twilight trotted back over to her cot and folded it and her blankets before leaning it against the wall. They wouldn't be needed anymore, and with that out of the way, the unicorn trotted over to the sole window in the room.

The moon hung ominously overhead, sitting in the same spot as it had the previous day, and the day before that. Its pale light bathed the city below in a cruel light, lengthening shadows and deepening the darkness without completely obscuring the landscape. Twilight had no such weaknesses, but she knew from being around the guards that the average pony struggled to see across the street.

Not only that, but some were beginning to complain about troubled dreams, though Twilight reasoned that it was likely due to the stress of their situation. A thought which became more poignant when Twilight’s gaze settled on the many, many shapes which surrounded the castle on all sides. Their spells and pickaxes were leveled against the magical barrier in a strange rhythm, as if the ponies she saw were little more than machines.

A thought which wasn't far from the truth, Twilight realized as she focused on their blank, empty stares. She shuddered, not because the sight of the strange ponies was truly that upsetting, but rather it was their sheer number which unnerved her. It seemed as though Nightmare Moon had brought every single soldier she had under her command to the castle’s grounds in preparation for the coming battle.

Rows of armored soldiers glittered in the moonlight, their formations tight, and their siege weapons arranged behind them. Simple trebuchets and ballistas were interspersed with cannons the likes of which Twilight had never seen before. Not only that, but there were several of the so called eternity engines ringing the perimeter, occasionally adding a shot or two of their own at the shield.

Unlike the one Twilight had fought, these were patient and only fired once a minute or so, ensuring that they did not suffer the same fate as their brother had. More intimidating than all of that was the distant form of none other than Nightmare Moon herself who stood tall atop a podium that had been constructed a day prior. There she had stood for the last twelve hours, the alicorn having hardly moved, her gaze focused entirely on the castle before her.

If Twilight hadn't seen her speak to an officer a few hours earlier, the unicorn would have assumed that Nightmare Moon had been replaced by a statue at some point. Still armed for battle and wearing a thick layer of intimidating armor, Nightmare Moon seemed to be trying to glare her way through the castle’s defences. A thought which would have been amusing, had Twilight been unable to see the glowing lines of power which surrounded the castle.

Twilight didn't need to see the entire battlefield to know that what she was looking down on was one part of an enormous dispel rune. One which was even now being etched by Nightmare Moon’s most powerful unicorn soldiers and powered by the dark alicorn herself. Once complete, it would bring down Celestia’s shield, that much was certain, the only other variable was just how much time they had left.

All the chipping away at the shield seemed to do was drain Celestia even more, keeping the alicorn pouring more and more energy into the barrier. The thought of their best fighter being brought down to the level of a mortal mare was not a pleasant one.

With that uncomfortable idea in mind, Twilight sighed and turned to the bed where Applejack rose shakily. “What's wrong, my queen?” inquired the hybrid as she tried to rub the sleep from her eyes with the back of her forelimbs.

“Our time is running out, and our enemy seems poised for the coming battle. Though I have a feeling it's mostly for show, as Nightmare Moon doesn't seem to be the type to let one of her underlings get the chance to kill Celestia,” Twilight replied, striding confidently across the room.

“Do you think all the traps and fortifications will be able to hold them long enough?” Applejack asked, the hydralisk peering out the window curiously.

“I don't know,” Twilight admitted.

It had better, Zecora commented dryly as she stumbled out of the bed. They’ve been fortifying this place for almost a week without stopping.

“We will find out soon enough,” Twilight exclaimed.

“How soon do you think that will be? It has to be today, right?” Applejack questioned.

“It will. Judging from how things are going outside, I’m assuming we only have a few hours before they bring down the shield and mere minutes after that before they breach the final barricade,” Twilight explained.

Zecora trod up to the unicorn’s left. Then we had best get moving.

“Agreed and this time, we can't split up,” Applejack declared.

Twilight nodded. “You’re right. The end is too close to risk getting separated at such a stage.”

Without waiting for a response, Twilight turned and pushed open the door, making her way into the castle proper and putting the bedroom behind her for the final time. Each of the zerg hybrids carried nothing with them as they strode down the empty hallways devoid of the frantic activity they had witnessed only three days earlier. Where there had once been panicked guards and piles of half assembled barricades, there were only more fortifications.

Windows had been bricked shut, doors boarded up completely, and hallways blocked off by walls of glowing force. Only a scattered few unicorn soldiers could be seen tending to the final defences, their gazes distant and their movements hurried. Everyone seemed to know exactly what was coming and were making all due haste to ensure they weren't here when Nightmare Moon arrived.

The straight shot from their room to the teleportation array was the only space free of traps or barriers, and the trio made the short trip in under a minute. Arriving outside the huge blackened doors, Twilight noted that the same two guards she had seen all those days ago were still here. A gentle smile came to the infested’s face, and she gave the pair a nod as they pushed open the door for Twilight.

No words needed to be spared, nor breath wasted, for they had already said everything that needed to be. Once inside, Twilight was surprised to find that there were only a select few ponies left manning the central area. There was a single scry operator who was peering down on the castle from three separate angles and hastily scrawling notes on a pad of paper.

A squad of soldiers were piling the last of their gear on the teleportation array, while three other groups of ponies stood nervously off to the side. Twilight could tell from the fact that they stood in clusters of six that they were likely waiting for their turn to be sent to the confederacy. Other than that, the only advisor left on the scene was Zealous Seal, who was busy coordinating the final defences off to one side of the room.

In the middle of it all stood Princess Celestia, her regal white coat having dulled with time and several sleepless nights. Her ethereal mane had lost all of its usual glamour and had been bound into a large bun at the back of her head. Even her tail had been trimmed to keep it from touching the ground, it too losing the glittering appearance it once had.

Her features were strained, her gaze narrowed on a single point of the matrix, and her horn glowing brightly. Though few would be able to tell just how tired the alicorn had become, Twilight could spot the small bags under her teacher’s eyes as well as how her magic flickered occasionally. Clearly she was aware of what little time they had left and was doing everything in her power to ensure her ponies escaped safely.

“The princess seems kinda… tired, doesn't she?” Applejack whispered.

“Don't worry, everything will be fine,” Twilight assured the hydralisk in a strangely calm tone.

Will she still be able to operate the teleportation array with so few assistants? Zecora questioned.

“Don't worry. I’ll be with her through it all,” Twilight added. Remember what we discussed.

You got it.

We know what to do, my queen.

With her friends’ assertions still ringing in her mind, Twilight trotted up to the alicorn, making no attempt to hide her approach.

“I’ll be with you in a moment,” Celestia announced, her voice sounding slightly strained.

Applejack, find us some tea and something with plenty of calories in it, Twilight commanded. Zecora, you go with her.

The hybrids said nothing, both able to sense the urgency in their queen’s thoughts and quickly moving to carry out her orders.

Twilight stood patiently next to the alicorn, watching closely as her teacher finished the last of her inspections and rose to her full height once more. “Ahh, Twilight, did you have a good sleep?” Celestia asked, her voice noticeably rising a few octaves, as if the alicorn were trying to hide just how exhausted she would have sounded.

“It was just what I needed after that all-nighter,” Twilight declared. “And yourself? I assume you ignored my warning and stayed up in order to keep working.”

Celestia chuckled. “No no. I managed to squeeze a nap in at around twelve or so.”

“Mmhmm,” Twilight murmured, turning towards the door where two familiar infested had just walked in. Using her magic, Twilight levitated over the tall cup of tea and a pair of heavily buttered scones. “Here, you have to eat something.”

“No really, I’m fine, Twilight,” Celestia insisted, her gaze never leaving the tea for even a second.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Celestia, you’ve lost probably ten pounds over the last few days. If things keep going the way they are, pretty soon you’ll be half of your old weight. Now, do I need to keep laying on the guilt ,or are you going to take a short break?”

Celestia sighed. “Sometimes I wonder who is the elder in this relationship.”

“So is that a yes?” Twilight pressed.

Celestia nodded sheepishly and extended her hoof. “Yes, I’ll have something to eat.”

“Good, and while you do that, I’ll finish checking the array and ensuring everyone is in position,” Twilight replied.

“It just needs to be primed before we can feed it more energy,” Celestia pointed out before stuffing an entire scone into her mouth and chewing noisily.

Someone was hungry, remarked Applejack.

“Then just sit back while I handle this,” Twilight commanded, the unicorn stepping forward and lighting her horn.

Celestia did just that, trotting out of the way while she sipped her tea and occasionally nibbled on her final scone. “Now I see why you refer to her as your queen,” Celestia remarked with a hint of mirth. “She can be rather commanding, can't she?”

Applejack chuckled as they watched Twilight work. “It is quite apt, isn't it?”

Quite, agreed Zecora.

“And you’re sure you’ll be right behind me?” asked Zealous Seal, the mare shifting uncomfortably amidst the small group of ponies standing in the center of the array.

“For the last time, yes. I am absolutely certain,” Celestia declared.

“Because there are seven of you, and this teleporter can only do six at a time,” explained Zealous.

Twilight stepped forward. “Blueblood will escape on his own.”

“Trust me, I’ll be fine,” Blueblood assured the captain.

The earth pony let out a low sigh and nodded. “Fine, I’m ready whenever you are, then.”

Celestia smiled. “I will see you soon, Zealous. Make sure to not butt heads with Air Heart too much. I need that command center operational as soon as possible, after all.”

“And you had better get back to us in one piece,” countered the armored mare.

Celestia lit her horn and began to enact the final phase of the teleportation array, the glowing lines of power humming audibly as energy coursed through them. “You left me two of your best, remember? I’ll be fine,” Celestia replied.

The two guards on either side of the door gave their captain a quick nod.

“I don't know about my best, but I guess these two will do the job,” Zealous remarked, the earth pony chuckling mirthlessly.

“Twenty seconds,” Twilight called.

“Remember your training, don't move until you are certain that you are where you should be,” Celestia cautioned. “Such a long range teleportation spell comes with a whole host of problems and simply staying still negates the majority of them.”

“Aye, we remember, right girls?” Zealous remarked, turning towards her squad.

Who all nodded.

“Ten seconds,” Twilight chirped.

Celestia put her hoof to her forehead. “Don't let me down, Captain.”

Zealous returned the gesture, giving Celestia a quick salute. “I won’t, Your Majesty.”

“Five, four, three-” Twilight’s countdown was interrupted by a thick golden dome springing up around the squad of ponies. “Two, one, zero!”

The energy pulsed one final time, starting from the edges of the array and ending at the middle where it flashed brightly. When the light cleared, the six ponies were gone, as was the shield which had powered down the second they had vanished.

“Start with the east side, Twilight will start at the west,” Celestia exclaimed, the alicorn stepping over to her predetermined spot. “Let's get the major pathways cleaned of residue before moving onto the smaller ones.”

“On it!” Twilight yelled back, the unicorn already doing as her teacher had commanded.

“Uh, guys, is it supposed to be glowing like that?” Applejack questioned, pointing to the wall where one of the scrying screens displayed the exterior of the castle.

Cancelling her spell, Twilight stood up and looked over to where she could see every last one of Nightmare Moon’s army being lit up by an eerie purple light which poured out of the ground and made up the single largest rune Twilight had seen in her entire life. In the midst of it all stood Nightmare Moon herself, who was grinning wolfishly, her horn burning with the same color as the ground.

“Impossible, we should have had another hour before she finished it!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Why fire it now?” Celestia questioned.

“She must have figured out how to track when the array was used,” Blueblood explained, the dark templar peering up at the image.

“What do we do?” Applejack questioned. “We need more time.”

“I’ll hold them,” Blueblood declared.

“No, wait-” Celestia began, only to be interrupted when the rune pulsed once before vanishing along with the barrier holding back Nightmare Moon’s army.

The alicorn let out a strangled gasp before hitting the ground, her chest heaving and her horn sparking sporadically.

“I’m sorry, auntie, but you know as well as I that magic was never really my thing, so I can't help you here,” Blueblood stated, his expression darkening as he turned to Twilight. “Take care of her.”

The infested unicorn nodded. “I will.”

“I’m going with you,” declared one of the guards.

“As am I,” added the other.

“W-wait,” Celestia shouted, the pony struggling to get back to her hooves. “You can't throw your lives away like this! Nightmare Moon will kill you all.”

“We aren't throwing them away, right, Dauntless?” asked the mare.

“That's right, Staunch. We’re spending them wisely,” answered the stallion.

“I order you to stay!” shouted Celestia, the alicorn slamming her hoof into the ground in emphasis.

“Then I guess we quit,” remarked Dauntless with a shrug.

“I guess so,” added Staunch, who turned to the dark templar. “Ready, my prince?”

Blueblood nodded. “I am. Stay close.”

“No, stop!” Celestia yelled, but it was too late, and all three of them were wrapped in darkness before disappearing.

“Zecora, use the scrying orbs to monitor their progress, Applejack, watch the door,” Twilight yelled, before sprinting over to the fallen alicorn. “Come on, Princess. We got work to do.”

Celestia looked up at her student with tears falling down her weathered features. “I can't leave them, Twilight. He's the last family I have left.”

“That ain't true,” Applejack interrupted. “We’re all your family, Princess. Heck, I’ve known you longer than both my parents.”

“I swore an oath to watch over them, Applejack. I can't turn my back on him,” Celestia croaked.

“Then fix the teleporter so he doesn't need to risk his life,” Twilight whispered.

Celestia breathed deeply. “Yes, of course. If we got the array working, he would have to return to us.”

Blueblood is faring well against our enemies, Zecora pointed out, the zebra adjusting the scrying sphere in order to get a better view of the dark templar.

Who was leaping from one dark corner to the next, cutting down every Nightmare Moon’s soldier who made the mistake of charging into the castle. Most of whom seemed to be simple mindless grunts who were probing their defences with little regard for their own life. Behind the prince stood the two royal guards slightly further back, both firing bolts of magic and generally dealing with the stragglers that Blueblood left behind.

“What would happen if we cleared out the main brunt of the magical residue and fired the array without bothering with the smaller bits?” Twilight questioned.

Celestia paused. “I don't know. Worst case scenario we get teleported in more than one piece, but even if things go well, we may end up temporarily displaced with some arriving sooner than others.”

“That is a chance we are just going to have to take,” Twilight declared, tapping her hoof. “Are you ready, Celestia?”

“I am, let's get this done,” Celestia replied confidently.

Twilight immediately got to work, while across from her Celestia did the same, their horns glowing brightly as they began the arduous process of maintaining the array. While this happened, the infested unicorn gently prodded Zecora, allowing Twilight to see through the other mare’s eyes to where Blueblood and the guards were holding a hallway against a great throng of Nightmare Moon’s soldiers.

Who had created an enormous wall of blue force in front of them, keeping them safe while also allowing them to slowly push forward. It wasn't the fastest breaching method, but it ensured that Nightmare Moon’s forces suffered few casualties in the process. Something Nightmare Moon herself didn't seem to mind, as the alicorn strode behind her wall of soldiers, head held high.

Diverting her attention fully to the task before her, Twilight poured everything she had into her spellwork, silently hoping that in the end it would be enough.

We are running out of time, my queen! Zecora exclaimed, jabbing a pointed appendage at the screen above her.

Twilight looked up to find that Nightmare Moon’s forces had entered the final hallway and were pushing towards where Blueblood and the two guards were making their last stand. The prince sported numerous wounds, though remained upright, while one of the guards had lost both of his front legs and was propped up against a wall. Though alive, it wasn't by much, and the light of his horn was weak, his spells splashing uselessly against Nightmare Moon’s personal barrier.

The only one who on first glance seemed no worse for wear was the female guard, though Twilight could tell that she was suffering from extreme magical fatigue. Her horn smoked, her eyelids struggled to stay open, and she appeared visibly disoriented, her spear held slack in her loose grip. Few of the alicorn’s soldiers remained, and with a wave of her hoof, they charged forward, abandoning the slow push they had been utilizing up until this point.

Traps fired, soldiers were injured or killed, but the group was not slowed, with Nightmare Moon’s forces leaping over the bodies of their dead and dying without pausing even for a moment. In seconds they were atop the defenders, leaping over the thin barrier of fallen stonework they had erected. Where Blueblood lay in wait, his bright green blades slicing through flesh and armor with ease while the stallion himself danced through the carnage.

Every move brought death to his enemies, the unicorn flowing like water between one opponent and the next, his form shifting like the shadows which surrounded him. Yet even the dark templar himself struggled to counter the sheer weight of his enemies, and within seconds he was surrounded. Only to surprise everyone when he became a blur of motion, seemingly striking each enemy at once, every blow hitting its mark with deadly proficiency.

The bodies of his foes didn't even have a chance to hit the ground before Nightmare Moon was atop him, hoof raised. The unicorn tried to bring his blades up to block, but the alicorn was too fast and punched him hard across the face. Then before Blueblood could get back up, Nightmare Moon picked him up in her magic before tossing him through a solid stone wall.

Though Twilight couldn't see what had happened to the stallion, she held out hope that he was okay. Right up until Nightmare Moon fired a beam of purple energy through the hole he had disappeared into. The triumphant smirk on Nightmare Moon’s face told Twilight everything she needed to know about what happened. Twilight looked away just after the guards were beheaded with a pair of summoned crescent moon-shaped blades, their attacks not having phased the dark alicorn in the slightest.

“This is as good as it's going to get!” Twilight shouted. “Everyone onto the stand!”

Celestia stood up suddenly, her gaze instantly going to the scrying screen. “Stars above, those poor souls… Did my nephew escape?”

“We don't know, but we need to go,” Twilight shouted, stowing down the slight pang of guilt that came with lying to her teacher.

“Come on, Zecora, let's get out of here!” Applejack yelled as she slithered over to the center of the array.

The zebra gave Nightmare Moon one last glance before sprinting away, her alien features twisted into a grimace of disgust. This is going to be close.

“We’ll make it,” Twilight replied, the unicorn lighting her horn, and pumping her magic into the array, beginning its start up routine.

“Thirty seconds,” Celestia exclaimed, the alicorn standing at the edge of the magical field, her horn glowing brightly.

Twilight stood nervously atop the pedestal at the center of the room, her hybrids flanking her on either side. She didn't need to look at them to know that they were ready, and that they remembered the plan she had constructed the day they had arrived. Though she knew doubts were swirling through the other infesteds’ minds, Twilight could tell that they would do what she had asked of them.

So it was that they stood there, eyes plastered on the enormous black doors, their minds conjuring images of the alicorn they knew was coming ever closer. Traps fired, spells went off, and magical barriers were shattered one after another, their enemy making short work of their defences. Celestia was doing her best to concentrate on just getting the array to fire properly, though Twilight could tell that her teacher was trying hard not to steal a glance at the door.

Twenty seconds, Zecora reminded them.

“Come on, come on,” Twilight muttered.

A sudden cold draft drew everyone’s attention to the bottom of the door where blue crystals had begun to form. It took mere seconds for the ice to crawl up the interior of the barrier, seconds which Twilight spent preparing one of the most powerful spells she knew. Applejack aimed at the center of the ice-covered entrance while Zecora was readying herself to lob a wad of poison at their foe.

Ten seconds, Zecora dutifully noted.

As if one cue, the door exploded outwards, shattering into a thousand shards which shot across the room, some burying themselves in the walls or floor while others bounced harmlessly off the defenders. The second this happened, Twilight released her spell, firing off a swirling orb of dark smoke which erupted into a great sphere of white hot embers upon nearing the door. The cloud of flame swirled angrily, twisting inwards on itself and burning everything it touched with the intensity of an angry sun.

All of which seemed to amount to pretty much nothing, as Nightmare Moon merely pumped her wings once and caused the entire spell to dissipate a mere second after it had formed. The alicorn that emerged had no visible wounds whatsoever, and not even her mane seemed marred by Twilight’s attack. She was also completely unfazed by both Applejack’s assault, and Zecora’s projectile, as she conjured a wall of ice to block them both.

With the seconds ticking down, Twilight used the brief distraction of her hybrids’ attack to cast another spell, this time sending a burst of black energy at the alicorn. Who strode through her wall of ice and caught Twilight’s spell in the chest, stumbling for a moment. The negatively charged energy poured into her, and for a moment Twilight thought her hoof of death may have worked.

That was until the other mare pushed aside the attack like it was nothing, her eyes narrowing balefully at the unicorn.

“I will deal with you later, this ends now, Celestia!” roared the dark alicorn.

“Sister, I-” was all Celestia could utter before the other alicorn began to move.

Seven.

Seeing her opportunity rapidly approaching, Twilight began to cast a twinned teleportation spell, weaving the spell as quickly as she could. While this happened, Nightmare Moon leapt across the room, the sheer force of the act causing the stone beneath her hooves to be destroyed. Celestia released her hold on the array long enough to create a golden barrier between her and Nightmare Moon but it was too little too late.

Five.

The dark alicorn’s hoof punched straight through the shield like it didn't even exist, shattering it completely. In the blink of an eye, Nightmare Moon conjured a crescent blade mid-fall and brought the weapon down against Celestia’s torso. The sword cleaved through flesh and muscle with disturbing ease, severing the other alicorn’s spine, and cutting the mare cleanly in half.

Three.

With a scream on her lips, Twilight cast her spell the very millisecond it was ready, trading places with the upper half of Celestia’s body. The look of terror and confusion she saw in Celestia’s eyes tore at Twilight’s soul but the unicorn pushed through, her rage overcoming her grief. Trusting her friends to do as they needed, Twilight fired off her next spell in record time, entombing the dark alicorn in black ice which erupted up from the ground.

One.

Before Nightmare Moon could escape her newest prison, Twilight conjured a cage of force around the ice with a second spell. Glancing out of the corner of her eye, Twilight watched as the terrified faces of her friends vanished, their bodies tensed, as if they were ready to jump in and help, only to be held back by Twilight’s final order. For a single horrifying instant Twilight caught a glimpse of her teacher’s broken form and the look of complete agony visible on her features.

As if realizing that her prey had escaped her grasp, Nightmare Moon emerged from her prison like an angry god, the mare tearing through the force cage like it was made of paper. “How dare you rob me of what is rightfully mine!” she screamed, her voice buffeting the unicorn from seemingly all sides.

Twilight considered fighting the alicorn for all of a second before remembering how easily she had been bested by her before. With a single mighty shove, Twilight pushed down all the rage, guilt, and pain which swirled within her and focused on merely escaping with her life. Lighting her horn, the unicorn began to cast the long range teleportation spell, and though it would take mere seconds to cast, she knew that would be all the time Nightmare Moon needed.

A beam of purple energy ripped through the air at such speed that Twilight only narrowly managed to escape it. Even then the unicorn could feel the hair on her legs briefly catch flame before being quickly burning itself out. The pain was manageable, but with her magic occupied, Twilight was forced to rely entirely on her other powers to save her.

She tried to shove Nightmare Moon back when the alicorn lunged at her, but Twilight’s push did nothing to slow the enraged alicorn. Another white, crescent-shaped blade descended towards Twilight’s head, her attacker attempting to split the other mare’s skull with a single downward strike. Hastily stepping back, Twilight managed to partially escape, though not completely, as she received a cut from her forehead across her eye and down her cheek.

Closing her eyelid on impulse, the unicorn could feel hot blood cascade down her torn features and pain lance across her face. She shoved all of that agony down into the pit of her stomach and decided to switch tactics, pushing herself back rather than trying to stop Nightmare Moon. Yanking herself out of the next swipe, Twilight desperately kept her spell from fizzling due to her split attention, and just barely succeeded.

Knowing full well that her attacks would do nothing, Twilight grabbed her own body in her psychic grip and lifted herself out of the way of a sweeping strike which would have cut her off at the knees. With an enraged snarl, Nightmare Moon leapt into the air after her enemy, conjuring a fan of ice as she did so and nearly impaling Twilight.

The unicorn had to lift her legs and squeezed herself into as slim a profile as possible, slipping between two twelve-foot spears of ice. Emerging onto the other side, Twilight yanked herself upward, narrowly dodging a ball of swirling darkness which fluctuated wildly. As Twilight flipped through the air she saw the black orb incinerate its way clear through several floors without stopping.

Then, it clicked, and as a skeletal hoof wreathed in black fire reached out towards her, Twilight released her spell, winking out of existence and transporting far from the dark alicorn.

Where she landed in a tangle of her own limbs, her vision blurred, her body aching and blood pouring down her face. Looking down, Twilight tried to gather her bearings, only to notice that her right forehoof was glowing faintly. Her first instinct was to panic, thinking this was some sort of delayed attack, but she quickly realized that it wasn't going to kill her.

It was merely a tracking rune that would tell Nightmare Moon exactly where she was.

Author's Note

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Mirrors

Snapping off a quick dispel, Twilight didn't dare hope that she had caught it in time and swiftly began to survey the room. After finding that she was indeed where she intended to be, Twilight gathered her bearings and found that her relatively minor injuries were already healing. Lighting her horn, Twilight cast the slightly convoluted identification spell Celestia had taught her not long ago.

A glowing mass of twisting symbols sprung into existence a foot above the mare’s horn, a corresponding set of images appearing on the wall before her. Moving through the steps at the exact pace Celestia had dictated, Twilight silently wished this part could be skipped. Unfortunately, she knew just how many magical defences were waiting to atomize her should she fail.

Thus with little else to do, the pony cast the spell as quickly as she dared, completing it a short eternity later. With a flash, the room lit up, revealing a circular space illuminated by flickering golden torches made of pure magic. The walls were dull grey stone, as was the floor which had the perfect smoothness that only came with magical construction.

Brushing that thought aside, Twilight stumbled forward and threw open the double doors beyond and trotted down the long hallway. Muttering curses under her breath, Twilight shook her foreleg, trying to make the minor sprain she had suffered to heal faster. Her attention was split when she noticed a bright flash come from the room behind her.

Spinning in place, Twilight half expected to be facing Nightmare Moon, only to find that a ward had flickered, its magic bleeding out in a stream of yellow light.

She's getting through already! Twilight thought, quickly turning back around, and ran down the hall. That's impossible! The castle should have exploded already... Unless she disarmed it somehow.

As she ran, she could hear more pops and sizzling noises as the wards came down one by one, no doubt pierced by the dark alicorn herself. That was until the ground suddenly shook with a violent intensity, nearly knocking Twilight to the floor. The rumble continued for several more seconds until finally it ceased, and for a brief moment Twilight dared to hope that the blast had taken out her foe.

The pop of another ward proved that thought wrong, and Twilight hastily sprinted down the last of the hall. At the end she grabbed the open doors and slammed them shut before activating the defenses placed upon them as well as the hall beyond. When this happened, several dozen new lights burst into existence all around her, revealing the strange dream machine in all its alien glory.

Twilight didn't even give it a glance as she was busy deactivating the identification spell and ensuring that Nightmare Moon would have to fight her way here. Even still, the unicorn knew that wouldn't be enough to stop the alicorn, though it would at least buy Twilight time to complete her work. Turning back around, she gazed up at the bizarre machine, temporarily struck by its otherworldly appearance.

It resembled an entire galaxy of bright multicolored dots connected by numerous lines which sometimes stretched on into the distance. Ghostly gears and alien machinery twisted between these dots, some unseen force turning these eldritch pieces for purposes Twilight couldn't understand. Even after being told more about the device, Twilight struggled to comprehend its purpose or what the strange kaleidoscope of colors meant.

Stepping up to it, Twilight thought back to what Celestia had mentioned earlier, and after a moment of concentration, she lit her horn. A second later a perfectly circular greenish-purple disc appeared before her. Standing atop the manifested object, Twilight magically urged it to proceed deeper into the machine.

While Twilight lifted off the ground and into the swirling mass, she heard what sounded like the distant boom of a muffled explosion. Knowing full well that her pursuer was likely not far behind, Twilight pushed the small disc to move as fast as it could. Passing through and by the many gears at a rapid pace, she silently regretted not being able to take the time to observe her surroundings in more detail.

Enchanting on this scale had likely taken entire lifetimes to create, and here she was floating through it with the intent to destroy the entire thing. This spell was a marvel of pony ingenuity and alicorn forward thinking, a true masterpiece that eclipsed almost everything that had come before it. Even still, Twilight knew she wouldn't hesitate, as leaving it in the hooves of Nightmare Moon was something they simply couldn't allow.

Descending deeper into the web of interconnected stars, Twilight noticed how many of them had a dull glow to them. Not only that, but there was also a good number which had turned completely black and gained a second smaller, more vibrant star which orbited close to the first. The unicorn wasn't sure what this meant, but judging how each one of these black orbs were connected, Twilight had a good idea, though her thoughts were interrupted by an odd sight.

In the distance floated a strangely large pitch black orb which was several orders of magnitude bigger than every other star in the sea of lights. Attached to it was every single last blackened sphere Twilight had seen so far, its mass pulsating with the same otherworldly heartbeat as the rest. Around its mass floated a much smaller, deep blue globe which only shared a connection with its larger orbital neighbor as well as a select few others.

That must be Nightmare Moon and Luna, Twilight thought, before slipping past the strange gelatinous orb.

Descending deeper into the twisting miasma, Twilight wondered how she was getting this deep into the spell when it had initially appeared to be the size of her old living room. Brushing that thought aside, she focused downwards where she could see an oddly familiar orb. Gazing upon its purplish-green surface made Twilight feel like she was staring into a mirror, only one that gave her a slightly more unflattering view of herself.

Around that orb rested several others that she recognized as belonging to her friends, which were all either the same shade as her own, or were seemingly normal. The only exception to this was likely Rarity’s which was in an odd binary relationship with two nearly identically sized stars. One of which was a muddy grey while the other was a slightly lighter shade of the same color, the two orbs spinning quickly around one another.

Other connections spread from this central tangle, though Twilight didn't bother looking at them, as her disc had seemingly reached its destination and had come to a stop.

“Right. Now I just have to hit it with a simple mana bolt and the whole thing will come crashing down just like that,” Twilight murmured, horn glowing faintly. “I really wish this wasn't necessary.”

Stifling that urge to study the machine in more detail, Twilight pushed a little more power into her horn before directing the magic into a spell. A brief flash later a purple bolt shot from her horn before slamming into her orb, cracking it and causing the entire apparatus to shudder. All at once the stars stopped spinning, the gears ceased their endless turning, and the entire bizarre magical apparatus lurched to a halt.

Then, one by one, the gears began to flicker and cease to exist while the stars around them began to lose their shine. Twilight’s own orb was one of the first to shatter, causing a dull ache to suddenly emanate from deep within her chest. The feeling didn't last long, and Twilight watched as her friends’ spheres crumbled to dust next, followed closely by the ones nearest to them.

Like a set of dominoes, the many spheres disintegrated, the surrounding machinery cracking and crumbling a moment later. Each one winking out in a small flash of golden light which grew so numerous that it became a constant source of illumination. Growing brighter by the second, Twilight was forced to shield her eyes, waiting patiently until she could safely open them a few seconds later.

Revealing that she was back in the same room as before, only now she was standing in the very center, and before her stood another door, this one was much smaller. Remembering her teacher’s words, Twilight began to sprint to it, not wasting a second. As she ran, she heard a dull boom followed by the air being charged with static electricity, signalling that someone had cast a rather powerful lightning bolt spell.

Shooting a bolt of magic into the air, Twilight saw the torches around her flicker, briefly turning the same color as her spell.

“Nox in lucem exitum!” Twilight shouted.

The torches flickered once more before becoming red a second before she heard another distant rumble. Knowing that she had mere moments to escape before the entire cavern came down atop her, Twilight threw open the door and was nearly blown off her hooves a second later. The doors behind her had exploded outward, revealing an enraged and clearly injured Nightmare Moon.

The alicorn’s body was covered in burns and scratches, though all of her injuries seemed to be minor and were rapidly healing.

“You!” she bellowed, jabbing her hoof at Twilight.

A primal bolt of fear shot through the unicorn’s body, her hooves clattering beneath her. Running through the open door, Twilight quickly closed it behind her before activating the defences placed upon it. Knowing that they wouldn't last very long, Twilight sprinted down the hallway, trying to ignore the dull boom which came from behind her.

All around her spells activated, wards were powered up, and traps clicked into position, ready to unleash their deadly payloads. All of which would mean little to the ancient and terrifyingly powerful alicorn that remained hot on Twilight’s heels. Throwing open the door at the end of the hall, Twilight heard the exit behind her explode into splinters, the alicorn’s gaze burning into the back of Twilight’s skull.

Pushing herself onward, Twilight leapt through the second doorway, narrowly dodging another scorching lightning bolt. The spell flew over Twilight’s head, crossed the room and vanished into a strange mirror resting against the stone wall. Shaped vaguely like an elongated mauve horseshoe studded with gems, the actual mirror part seemed strangely bland in comparison.

The room itself was also a dull slate grey like the two Twilight had seen before, its surfaces perfectly flat, or at least they had been. For a moment after Twilight threw herself through the opening and threw it shut behind her, a chunk of the ceiling came loose. Slamming down into her path, Twilight was forced to scramble out of the way of a second enormous boulder which threatened to crush her flat.

Thankfully her sprain had healed by then, giving her just enough dexterity to weave her way through the falling debris and reach the mirror. Leaping towards it, Twilight held her breath, silently hoping that wherever this mirror lead was better than where she was. She didn't make it that far, however, as a dark aura wrapped about the mare before yanking her backwards.

Slamming into an enormous slab of stone, Twilight looked on in horror as Nightmare Moon strode through the destroyed door. Her wounds closing rapidly, the mare sported no injury worse than a small scorch mark or light cut. Though only a few feet from the dimensional mirror, Twilight knew she wouldn't make it if she didn't deal with the alicorn across from her.

Leaping off the ground, Twilight took a blast of concentrated mana to the shoulder burning off skin and muscle alike. Biting through the pain, Twilight reached out not with her magic, but her yet unused psionic power, gripping the walls and roof of the structure. With a grunt of exertion Twilight pulled as hard as she could, causing the entire already collapsing ceiling to come completely loose.

For a split second Twilight and Nightmare Moon’s eyes met, and then, with a bitter sneer, the alicorn vanished in a wisp of smoke. Not wanting to test her luck any further, Twilight turned and leapt through the portal just as a boulder the size of her house fell on where she had been standing a second earlier. Hitting the mirror’s surface felt akin to leaping into a pool of water, though once Twilight had pierced the outermost membrane, that familiarity quickly ended.

For unlike being underwater, sound was not muted, rather it twisted around her, turning the pony’s scream into a warbling, distorted shout. Her limbs felt heavy, light, then long, her entire body morphing and twisting like she was little more than dough in the hands of a mad god. For a moment Twilight felt wings sprout from her back, then the flesh was stripped away and her hair writhed like snakes.

Then everything twisted again, and she felt her form begin to solidify, as if the mirror had settled on what manner of form to mold her into. Limbs stretched, her spine shifted, and then, just as Twilight felt like she had gathered her bearings, she landed face-first on the ground. Limbs still twitching from the sudden transformation, Twilight found herself unable to move and merely lay on the ground, groaning in pain.

Pushing her new arms beneath her, Twilight tried to rise, only for her stomach to lurch into her chest and pain to flare in her one shoulder. Vomit sprayed past her lips, splattering the ground in a mixture of orange juice, oatmeal, and what looked like a considerable amount of blood. Wiping her lips, Twilight lay on her side, breathing heavily and trying desperately to keep whatever was left in her stomach from exiting her body.

After a tense few minutes, the former pony felt her organs stop writhing inside of her torso, allowing her to glance down at her altered form. “Thank the stars,” muttered Twilight. “Now let’s see what I’m working with.”

Feeling her new body, Twilight immediately noticed that she had been clothed, and that she was now bipedal. Having seen minotaur officials in Canterlot before, Twilight knew what to do, and pushed herself into an awkward stand using her one good hand. Her balance nearly immediately failed her, and it was only due to some inelegant arm flailing that she didn't fall over.

“Alright then, that's step one,” she whispered to herself.

Directing her attention down to her own body first, Twilight noticed that her gryphon-made coat had returned, only this time it had come with a white undershirt. Inspecting herself revealed that she wore tall black leather steel-toed boots, a pair of heavy dark grey trousers, and the hat of a navy officer. Which she immediately took off her head and tossed aside, unsure of why the mirror had given her such a thing.

The rest of her appearance was strange, but not totally unlike a minotaur’s, with the only difference being the fact that she lacked some of the more beastial features. She also had two rather large lumps on her chest, which were slightly confusing to the pony, until she remembered what they were. A blush now crossing her face, Twilight then noticed that her form was not completely free of zerg influence.

Her one arm was far larger than the other, her shoulder glowing faintly as an orange light emanated from within. Not only that, but she had also gained a pair of sharp taloned appendages which sprouted from her back and hung over either side of her head. Looking down at her enormous purplish-green fist, Twilight frowned, noting that her limb had stretched her clothes to the point of tearing at several points.

Even still, she couldn't complain, as at least it appeared fairly similar to a minotaur’s arm, though she didn't think their fingers ended in claws. Putting that thought aside, Twilight tried to summon her magic in order to conjure a mirror, but found that it was impossible. The pain in her more normal-looking shoulder stopped her, though even after she healed it, her magic refused to answer her call.

“Figures. It's not like I have a horn now,” Twilight murmured, glancing at her surroundings. “What the hell happened here? I thought this was supposed to be a school of some kind?”

Behind her was what at one point had been a horse statue, though its head had been knocked off and now rested on the ground several metres away. On the other side of her stood a three-story tall structure which still displayed the words Canterlot High School across the front. Though it had clearly not been a place of learning in some time given the extensive damage it had suffered. Windows were shattered, floors collapsed, but that wasn't even the worst of it as an entire wing was covered in a pulsating purple flesh-like substance.

Reaching out with her mind, Twilight felt that the substance which covered the exterior of the school was indeed creep, but only wrong somehow. She could feel that it was unintelligent and unfeeling, unlike her own creation which radiated emotion even before it had gained a mind of its own. Unlike her creep, this felt like connecting to grass or some manner of insect devoid of understanding and knowing only instinct.

It was a bit repulsive, Twilight thought to herself and quickly pulled back in order to finish inspecting her surroundings. The town around her seemed to lay in a deep valley, as hills surrounded her on all sides, though most of the foliage had been replaced by creep at some point. The fleshy substance could be seen covering nearly every available surface, with spots of withered trees poking out at random.

Most of the homes seemed to have been destroyed by fighting or the roiling wave of creep while the road that lay between them was mostly clear. All in all, it looked like some other zerg organism had tried to take over the place, but had been met with heavy resistance. Though a little disquieting the only thing that gave her pause was the distant presence of a very powerful psychic.

Their attention was elsewhere, however, and though Twilight didn't want that to change, she couldn't help but search for its source. Inspecting the town, Twilight found herself temporarily confused as she gazed upon what had at first glance appeared to be a mountain. Only it was far too narrow to be natural, prompting Twilight to narrow her gaze in an attempt to peer through the evening gloom.

What she saw after letting her eyes adjust made her recoil in a mixture of confusion and disgust. She had been right, it wasn't natural, but it also wasn't made by the original inhabitants of this land either. For despite standing at nearly five hundred metres tall, the structure was made completely out of purplish-green flesh.

Her own creations had only ever reached a single story, but this thing was easily taller than anything Twilight had seen in Canterlot. It also towered over its surroundings, dwarfing even the hills and mountains that surrounded the valley in which the town lay. So enormous was the structure that Twilight only now realized that she stood in its shadow, feeling strangely small.

Twilight’s shock was interrupted when she felt the presence of several minds from further within the school begin to draw near. Ones that felt strangely familiar, and yet altogether different at the same time.

Reaching out to them, Twilight felt like they were zerg, but not like her brand of zerg hybrids, or even the zergling and creep-mind she had accidentally created. Rather these creatures were fierce, single-minded and more a ball of instinct than a true thinking being like the individuals Twilight knew. Though even then Twilight could feel that some other mind was piloting them, driving them directly towards her for a purpose she couldn't grasp.

The sound of their many feet prompted Twilight to consider running, only to take a single step and feel a twinge of pain shoot up her leg.

Evidently her sprain had not been as healed as she would have liked, and with that slowing her down, she doubted she would be able to heal it in time to escape. With running now no longer an option, Twilight tried to activate her magic again, not willing to give up her most potent form of offence after such a meagre first attempt. Searching for the magic she knew lay within her, Twilight eventually discovered the well of power that resided deep in her chest.

After getting a handle on the magic, Twilight tugged and directed it towards where her horn would be with the intent of channelling it like a unicorn would. Upon reaching its destination, the power fluctuated, unable to exit Twilight’s body and manifest fully. Redirecting that flow Twilight pushed her magic into her smaller arm, remembering how it felt to use her earth pony connections.

While she concentrated, several dark shapes emerged from within the destroyed structure, revealing themselves to be a pack of zerglings overseen by a pair of hydralisks. Upon seeing her, they seemed confused more than anything, chittering some manner of greeting while trying to mentally reach out to the former unicorn. As Twilight activated the leylines from her chest and her arm, she wondered what to do about the curious creatures.

That question was answered a second later when one of the hydralisks suddenly narrowed its eyes on her. A second later it turned and announced something in its guttural tongue, prompting the rest of the zerg to slowly encircle the unicorn. The zerglings’ tiny wings extended and their clawed limbs rose menacingly into the air while behind them the hydralisks readied themselves.

Feeling her fingers fill with energy, Twilight lowered her body and balled the larger of her two fists. “Well, alright then, if you want a fight, let's do this,” she muttered.

A guttural yell from one of the hydralisks preceded twin bursts of dagger-like projectiles fired from their shoulders while the zerglings charged. Twilight had seen this coming, however, and had conjured a purple shield around her body, deflecting the attacks but also forcing her to use more power than she liked. Though her magical reservoir had taken a hit during the two back-to-back fights and a rather draining teleportation, Twilight was confident that she had enough to deal with these creatures.

Raising her clawed hand, Twilight reached out with her psionic power and squeezed a zergling as hard as she could. Its chitin cracked, its limbs twisted into uncomfortable directions, and its cries came out as a series of squeaks before ending abruptly when its skull caved in. The rest of the zerg hacked away at Twilight’s defences with increased fury, but she hardly paid them any mind.

It may have taken a steady flow of magic to keep her shield up, but that was fine, as she had power to burn. Curling her hand into a fist, she used her psionic ability to telekinetically punch a zergling so hard that its head was forced into its chest cavity. She didn't pause to ensure her target was dead, however, and swiftly brought down her phantom limb atop a third creature, crushing it flat against the pavement.

Gripping a fourth zergling tightly, Twilight threw the thing as hard as she could into a wall, where it splattered like a bug against a windshield. With only two zerglings left, as well as the hydralisks, Twilight made a mental note to keep one of the more intelligent creatures alive. Which meant she didn't need either of the zerglings and with a quick pulse, she conjured a long spear of pure force. Invisible to the naked eye, Twilight rammed it through one of the zerglings, before bringing it down hard against its friend. The pair thrashed around on the strange weapon before it unexpectedly expanded, causing both of them to explode violently and paint the ground with their entrails.

Twilight hardly even had a chance to turn towards her final two enemies before one of them barreled into her shield and shattered it. Stumbling back, Twilight didn't have the time to conjure either magic or psionic power before the hydralisk was upon her, though she didn't need to. Deciding now was a good time to test her physical strength, Twilight reached out and grabbed the hydralisk’s arms a second before their scythe-like limbs could slam down against her.

Her foot slid back a few inches before coming to a stop, the former pony easily holding her opponent at bay. For a second what could only be described as confusion flashed past the creature’s face, though it was short-lived. Noticing that it was leveling its shoulders down at her, Twilight bent the creature's arms to the side before ramming them through its head.

Pushing aside the twitching hydralisk, Twilight strode forward and deflected the last creature’s attack with her psionic abilities. After the third burst was tossed aside like nothing, the hydralisk growled and lurched forward, arms raised above its head. Twilight didn't let it get another inch closer and grabbed it tightly in her telekinesis while reaching into its mind.

“Let’s see what's going on here, hmm?” Twilight murmured.

Piercing through its memories was a difficult process, as the beast's mind didn't seem designed to remember anything that didn't help it kill. Still, Twilight managed to find something at least, namely a voice, one that sounded almost like her own, yet different in a way. Where Twilight’s seemed almost normal, but with only a slight warble, this one vibrated and was completely alien.

“It's almost uncanny,” Twilight murmured. “It sounds just like… me?”

The voice was distant and was growing even more so with each passing second, as if it were retreating from the creature’s mind. Chasing after it, Twilight tried to nail down the source of the influence, curious as to what manner of being could take control of a hydralisk. Her investigation hit a dead end when the psychic connection was suddenly severed and a strange hum vibrated at the back of Twilight’s mind.

She barely had time to grapple with the unexpected hampering of her psionic powers or the way it made it hard for her to think before the creature suddenly died. A dull thump came from behind her before a gaping hole opened on the side of the creature’s head, allowings its brains to spill out. Growling irritably, Twilight threw the dying beast aside, ignoring its pained gurgle as she turned towards the source of the strange sound.

“Who dares interfere with my… what the?” Twilight muttered.

Standing a few feet away were what looked like most of her new friends, only they were human and were not accompanied by a certain pink-haired girl. They were armed with tube-like projectile throwers Twilight recognized as the so called ‘guns’ Celestia had warned her of. Each one wore what looked like armor, though it was fairly light and really only effectively covered their torsos. All save for the person Twilight assumed was Applejack who wore an incredibly heavy set of midnight black armor that covered nearly her entire body.

“What in the hell is going on here? Where did that strange energy reading come from?” shouted someone who looked almost like Celestia’s wayward former pupil Sunset Shimmer, though her red and yellow hair had been cut short and was partially hidden beneath a black cap.

“Wait, is that… her?” whispered the individual next to her. “No, it can't be. She stopped trying to clone herself months ago.”

Twilight assumed the speaker was Rarity, given that the human’s gear was clean, and she wore no manner of head coverings, allowing her long hair to flow freely. The only weapon she seemed to have was a far smaller black gun with a long barrel and six visible chambers.

“No way is she a failed clone, she doesn't have those weird skeleton wings,” remarked Applejack.

The woman carried a large double-barreled gun that immediately made alarm bells go off in Twilight’s mind. Her face was partially obscured by a helmet that left only small slits to reveal her vibrant green eyes peering out from within. Around her waist was a thick black rope, while strange red shells covered the front of her chest in a line from top right to bottom left.

“I know not who you are talking about,” Twilight replied dismissively. “Though I’d appreciate it if you lowered your weapons.”

“That's exactly what she would say!” growled Rainbow Dash, the helmeted girl holding a slimmer gun with a long black brick sticking out of it.

“M-maybe we should just ask her,” offered Fluttershy, who nervously hid behind Applejack, the human bearing no weapons, a red plus sign emblazoned upon her chest.

“She's clearly infested, and we need to bring her in before Twilight regains control of her. Applejack, would you mind cuffing her? Fluttershy, be ready to counter any psionics, Rainbow Dash, you are on support, tranqs only,” commanded Sunset Shimmer, her eyes narrowing dangerously as she pointed the long tube at Twilight. “If you have any intelligence left in that head, I’d advise you let this happen without a fight. Believe it or not, we are trying to help you.”

“So just try and relax now,” added Applejack, who slung the double-barreled weapon over her shoulder and approached Twilight with a pair of very large handcuffs. “I don't want to hurt ya.”

“I’m not under anyone’s control and if you would just listen to me for two seconds, I can-” Twilight began, her irritation getting the better of her.

“She's psionically active!” exclaimed Fluttershy. “And very powerful, it's like the psi disruptor can't even touch her.”

“Make it quick, girls, we might not have much time!” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

“Right,” Applejack murmured before surging towards Twilight and attempting to tackle the much taller being.

Despite the continued hum at the back of her mind, Twilight could still focus enough to defend herself before being bowled over by the armored woman. Their hands met, and their muscles bulged as both parties attempted to wrestle down their opponent with Twilight gaining an early advantage. Only for Applejack’s chest to glow a faint yellow and her strength to nearly double in the blink of an eye.

Grunting in pain, Twilight began to be pushed back, her hands bending uncomfortably in the other direction. She wasn't beaten quite yet though and shoved hard with her much larger arm, pushing the human off balance. Letting out a confused yelp, Applejack stumbled back, allowing Twilight the chance to twist the girl’s arm and force her to the ground.

“You're strong, but I’ve wrestled dragons!” Twilight shouted, reaching for the human’s throat, intent on taking a hostage and giving her a chance to talk things out.

“Oh no, you don't!” yelled Rainbow Dash who unleashed a flurry of sharp needles into Twilight’s side.

Though most didn't manage to puncture the thick jacket Twilight had been given, the pony still felt several sharp points jab into her torso. The flood of chemicals into her veins was small but potent, her side becoming numb before Twilight could tear them out. Growling irritably, Twilight tried to reach out and pluck the weapon from her enemy’s hand, but in a flash of blue light the woman became a blur, dodging her attack.

“You’re never gonna catch me,” Rainbow Dash gloated from behind.

“I don't have to touch you to do that,” Twilight’s smaller hand shot out, summoning her psionic power and grabbing the woman by the neck and hoisting her into the air.

“Ack, too tight,” Rainbow Dash gurgled, legs flailing wildly beneath her.

“Let go of her, you overgrown lab experiment!” Applejack shouted, scrambling up off the ground.

Without flinching, Twilight dodged her punch before she grabbed Applejack by the shoulder and, with a swep of her leg, brought the armored woman to the ground. A swift boot atop the back of her neck stopped her attempt to get up, and a subtle press of her heel stopped her from reaching for her weapon. Twilight had no chance to try and negotiate however, as something large and heavy slammed into her gut, knocking the wind out of her.

She narrowly managed to stand her ground, keeping her hold tight on Rainbow Dash’s neck but not so tight that she accidentally harmed the girl. Glancing up at Rarity, Twilight noticed that she was now holding a long tube-shaped gun which she cocked and leveled Twilight’s way once more. The infested woman wasn't about to let her have a second free shot, however, and raised her free hand, working a simple enchantment to heat the metal to unbearable levels.

The girl let out a cry of panic before throwing the weapon away, quickly tearing off her half-melted gloves. “You brute, that was my favorite shotgun!” Rarity yelled bitterly.

“I don't care if it's your bloody life partner, now would you please listen to me for two second-” Twilight began, only for the rest of her words to come out as a garbled yell due to the several thousand volts of electricity pouring through her body.

Collapsing forward, Twilight lay there spasming, her psychic abilities faltering before being cut off entirely when a collar closed tight around her throat. Worse yet, the tranquilizer darts had not stopped doing their work and within seconds Twilight’s entire lower half was completely numb.

“Thanks for the save,” Rainbow Dash remarked between fits of coughing.

“Yeah, she was tougher than she looked,” muttered Applejack as she picked herself off the ground.

“You three toss her in the back of the jeep,” Sunset commanded. “Fluttershy and I will check to see if the mirror has been reactivated.”

“Right away, darling,” Rarity replied, summoning a large gem-shaped shield next to where Twilight’s still twitching and lightly smoking body lay.

As she was roughly dragged onto the smooth gemlike surface, Twilight watched as Sunset waved a thin wand-shaped device in front of the statue. Fluttershy stood nearby and after the other girl nodded, Sunset reached out and touched it. Sunset’s hand pressed against stone without passing through, and Twilight deduced that her mission had been successful in the end.

A second later she was dumped haphazardly into the back of a metal vehicle, an act that would have been painful, if she could even feel anything below her neck. As she lay there and tried to get sensation to return to her tongue, Twilight felt the other six take their seats somewhere behind her.

“Do you really think that energy fluctuation was magic?” asked the soft voice of Fluttershy.

“I don't know, but either way, this one shares too much of a resemblance with our Twilight to just be a coincidence,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

Rarity scoffed. “You don't think it's the version of her from your world, is it? I mean, come on, Sunset, this one is nearly twice as tall as the other Twilight and looks like she's been hitting the gym since she was eight years old.”

“Well, she didn't kill any of us when she definitely had the chance. Seems like an Equestrian thing to do, considerin’ how nice they supposedly are,” remarked Applejack.

“There are some differences between the two realities, though the fact she isn't an emotionless killer means there is a chance she is from my world,” Sunset Shimmer answered, the vehicle humming to life. “Either way, we’ll dump her at base before continuing on our mission. Hopefully it won't be long until we get to the bottom of things.”

Twilight let out a low sigh as her vision started to become dim. At least they aren't planning on killing me, she thought bitterly before darkness closed in on her.

Director

Passing through the large vault doors, Twilight immediately began to feel the pressure at the back of her mind begin to lift. It was a slow process, but after she heard the exit slam shut behind them, Twilight finally felt her magic return to her in full. Not only that, but the dull headache that had been plaguing her since she woke up vanished mere moments later.

“Twilight, are you okay?” Sunset Shimmer inquired.

The former pony nodded. “Just fine. That field was beginning to grow irritating, is all.”

“Well I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

As silence fell over them once more, Twilight allowed her gaze and mind to wander.

She briefly wondered if it would be better to simply teleport away and leave the humans to their fate before brushing that thought aside. She wouldn't ditch them, especially while they had something which would aid in her return to her own world. Her changing surroundings drew Twilight from her considerations to where the almost futuristic look of the lower levels had quickly vanished.

The clean metal walls had been replaced by dull white stone that hinted at the true age of the structure. Visible pipes ran across the ceiling, with the infested woman nearly bumping her head against the particularly large ones as she walked the long halls. Doors occasionally dotted the hall, and so did a few personnel who didn't give the pair more than a passing glance before proceeding on their way.

Though clearly much older than the vault, this area had received some upgrades, with thick cables having been taped or otherwise secured to the walls. Wiring ran everywhere, and relatively new-looking cameras gazed down on them from on high. Even the lights seemed dated, with their glow being an off-yellow rather than the bright white of the vault.

Though Twilight’s curiosity urged her to ask more about this place, there was something slightly more pressing on her mind.

“You know that after I use the final portal, there will be no way to return you to Equestria,” Twilight began. “If you wanted, I could take you with me.”

Sunset Shimmer shook her head. “There is nothing left for me in Equestria, at least not anymore.”

“I know you have at least some family left back home,” Twilight encouraged.

“I suppose I might have some aunts and uncles as well as cousins, but that's about it,” Sunset Shimmer remarked with a shrug. “As you likely already know, I never met my father, and my mother passed away shortly before I left Equestria.”

“And with Celestia…” Twilight sighed. “I’m sorry. I should have considered my words more carefully.”

“It's fine,” Sunset quickly replied. “My family is here now. Some of the girls… well, we are all we have left.”

Twilight nodded slowly, glancing further up the hall to where an elevator could be seen. “Tell me about your time here. How did you turn things around?”

Sunset Shimmer chuckled darkly. “As you likely already guessed, I came here with revenge in mind. I wanted to use my magic to create an army of enslaved students which I could use against Celestia and force her to make me an alicorn.”

“You do know that's not how it works, right?” Twilight questioned.

“I figured that out later. When getting back at Celestia no longer consumed my thoughts,” Sunset Shimmer admitted. “At the time I was convinced it was going to work. Although I quickly realized that not only was there no magic here, but I couldn't carry over any low-level artifact either.”

The girl put her hands in the larger pockets at the forefront of her tactical vest. “After that I tried to cut and run, coming back through the mirror, only to find it no longer worked. Even after I waited the allotted amount of time.”

Twilight nodded. “By then Celestia had realized that her plans had been disrupted by the zerg’s arrival on our planet and hid the mirror away in order to ensure that if she lost the conflict, they couldn't infect another world.’

Sunset Shimmer chuckled darkly, shaking her head. “Oh, the irony of that is just something else.”

“That it is,” Twilight agreed. “So, what happened next?”

“Well, I gave up on revenge and just sort of went to school again,” Sunset Shimmer began, her tone becoming wistful. “I was still a bit of a bully, but without a way of returning home I was listless and no longer had a reason to go on.”

“Well that's… better. I guess,” Twilight murmured.

“It was.” Sunset Shimmer stopped in front of the now closed elevator and pressed a button on the wall. “I didn't really do much until the sirens started to make a mess of things. Then I helped to defend the school by joining up with the rest of my friends.”

The door opened to reveal an empty interior, which she quickly entered along with Twilight, who made the cargo elevator dip slightly as it adjusted to her weight. Once inside, Sunset Shimmer reached down and clicked a button that had the words ‘Cargo Bay Access’ written above it. A second later the doors closed, and they began to rise quickly, the floor numbers ticking by at a rapid pace.

“At first I told myself that I was only helping because I claimed ownership of the school, but after defeating the sirens, something changed,” Sunset Shimmer continued.

“You realized what they meant to you,” Twilight inferred.

“Yeah,” Sunset Shimmer murmured. “I knew in that moment of victory that helping people is what I was always supposed to do with my life. My grief over the death of my mother and the perceived slight of Celestia not rewarding me with alicornhood had distracted me from that.”

The smaller girl smiled. “I always wanted to be a healer, to research magic in order to better aid the average individual, only to get wrapped up in the pursuit of power to the point that I forgot why I even wanted it in the first place.”

“I’m glad you realized it in the end,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Me too,” Sunset Shimmer declared.

A moment later and the doors opened to reveal that they were indeed standing near what could only be described as a cargo bay. Only a short hallway lined with a half dozen doors lay between them and a wide open space filled with movement. The doors which would have barred them access from the area hung open at the end of the hall, inviting Twilight’s gaze deeper into the facility.

Walking out into the open area, Twilight quickly realized the true scale of their little operation, as dozens upon dozens of humans were going this way and that. The majority of the space had been turned into a science lab of some kind, with towering beacons and caged specimens visible. The rest was occupied by two slick black planes as well as a pair of motor vehicles and what looked like a fully operational tank, though one far more futuristic than what Twilight had ever seen.

The ceiling high above them resembled the rib cage of a massive metal beast from which dangled several sets of lights. At the highest point hung a long hanging structure from which dozens of windows looked out onto the organized chaos below. To Twilight’s right stood the enormous door that likely led outside, given its sheer, mammoth size.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

Twilight nodded dumbly. “I’ve heard that they were starting to build bunkers like this back in Equestria ,but this dwarfs what they’ve been doing by quite a large margin.”

“Wow, really? Because when I left, we were basically in the dark ages,” Sunset Shimmer retorted.

“What did I tell you? A lot has changed,” Twilight stated.

“So it seems,” Sunset Shimmer admitted, motioning to the left. “Come on. I’ll tell ya more about this place while we head to the observation deck.”

“Yes, please. I’m curious as to why they would build something like this.” Twilight turned to her companion. “Celestia didn't tell me much about this place. Do humans have many enemies?”

“Only themselves,” Sunset Shimmer dryly replied. “For a while there the United States thought they were going to get invaded by the Soviet Union and built bunkers like this all over the country. They wanted to be able to protect the population while also serving as bases where an insurgency could be mustered in case they lost this theoretical conflict.”

“That sounds rather paranoid,” Twilight murmured. “If their military had already been defeated, how could a couple of armed civilians change things?”

Sunset shrugged. “That's probably why they got decommissioned so quickly. After that the division of extra-worldly affairs took over the place and did some retrofitting as you no doubt noticed.”

The pair entered another elevator, this one being much smaller and packed full of now uncomfortable humans. After pressing a button marked ‘Observation Deck’, the metal box began to sluggishly ascend to the higher floors, chugging audibly all the while.

Twilight shifted awkwardly, doing her best not to squish a rather small white-skinned man against the wall and failing miserably. “So uh, what happened after that?” Twilight remarked.

“Well, that pretty brings us up to now,” Sunset Shimmer concluded. “We’ve helped dig out some more space for better facilities, but it's slow going, considering how hard it is to acquire building supplies in the middle of a war zone.”

“Sorry,” Twilight muttered after they reached the next floor and several humans filed out through the back of the elevator. “Pardon me.”

As soon as the lift began to ascend once more, and Twilight no longer had to worry about accidentally squishing another human. She let out a sigh of relief.

“Since then we’ve been using this as our main headquarters, but they have tunnels all throughout the mountains here,” Sunset Shimmer explained. “We even have a helicopter pad up top, and ways of getting into Canterlot’s older buildings without being noticed.”

“That sounds handy. No wonder you haven't been found out yet,” Twilight remarked.

“Well, between that and our early discovery of the psi emitter, it's fairly easy to stay hidden,” Sunset Shimmer stated evenly.

“It helps that we don't do too many operations nearby,” Sunset Shimmer continued. “Most of the people here are either remnants of the national guard or armed locals, so they aren't trained for that sort of thing.”

“That explains the variety of uniforms I saw earlier,” Twilight murmured.

“Right. Well, we’re here,” Sunset Shimmer claimed a second before the elevator dinged. “Let me do the talking initially.”

Twilight merely nodded and faced forward as the doors opened to reveal a long room filled with dozens of screens. On either side of the elevator stood a pair of guards with assault rifles dangling at their sides. The many workstations were manned by twenty or so humans, some of whom were locked in important-sounding conversations with individuals on their monitors.

On the whole it seemed fairly slow, with some terminals sitting empty and the majority of the screens being filled by simple text. At the forefront of it all stood a towering woman with long, two-toned blue hair which had been tied into a tight ponytail. Even when viewing her from the back, Twilight got the distinct impression that this person was vaguely familiar for some reason.

She wore a simple, long-sleeved black shirt along with a pair of grey jeans, with the only thing out of place being a pistol holstered on her hip. The weapon itself was rather odd, as unlike the rest of the weapons Twilight had seen, this one looked much older. The thing had six chambers, a long intimidating barrel and a flat black paint job that only added to its menacing aura.

Upon entering the room, the guards on either side straightened and glanced briefly at Twilight before noticing Sunset’s presence. Upon seeing that the towering infested woman was accompanied by the much smaller former pony, they relaxed. That didn't mean the various attendants did however, and Twilight noticed more than a few nervous glances being shot her way.

She didn't pay them any mind and merely followed a step behind Sunset, her gaze returning to the woman who stood impassive amidst the chaos which now surrounded her. As they drew closer, Twilight realized that this director of theirs was studying a large map of what was likely earth displayed in front of her by some unseen hologram projector in the ceiling. Red dots swallowed the coast of one continent, nearly covering it completely in an angry crimson wave.

Other blips and small concentrations of scarlet could be seen across the globe, though they were usually outnumbered by the green triangles. Which were scattered all over the place, some blinking, others of which were turned upside down. Twilight wasn't sure what it all meant, but she was certain that this director knew, as her gaze didn't leave the map until the pair were a few feet away.

“Sunset Shimmer,” declared a surprisingly deep, steely voice. “I allow you and your friends greater autonomy due to your unique skills, but you really should notify me if you are coming here.”

“As if you wouldn't already know that anyway,” Sunset replied with a smirk.

The woman chuckled. “Very true. Now then, why don't you introduce me to your new friend?”

Twilight set her jaw, the infested woman having already realized who this was before she turned around. Sure enough, the woman had pale teal skin, sharp, navy blue eyes, and a firm countenance. Though tall and well-muscled compared to the humans Twilight had seen so far, she was nothing compared to Twilight herself.

Who had to maneuver her head as she had walked through the room in order to not hit one of the many fluorescent lights dangling from the ceiling. Still, even with her assumption confirmed, and her logical side reminding her that this was not Nightmare Moon, Twilight still struggled to keep calm. It took several long, deep breaths before Twilight felt confident she wouldn't lash out at the woman at the first opportunity.

“And this is the other Twilight, from my world,” Sunset Shimmer declared, giving the taller woman a worried look. “Who seems to be having a bit of trouble at the moment.”

“I’m fine,” Twilight muttered. “Just had some bad experiences with your director’s counterpart in my reality.”

The woman raised an eyebrow. “And I’ve had my own fair share of poor experiences with yours.”

“So I have been made aware,” Twilight murmured before breathing deeply one final time. “Though I doubt they quite rival global genocide.”

The director raised an eyebrow and glanced to Sunset questioningly. “What is she talking about? Oh, and I assume you had her cleared?”

“I did. This Twilight has some kind of magic placed on her that stops her from being controlled by the other Twilight,” Sunset Shimmer explained. “As for what she's talking about, well… it seems as though the other version of you is a power-mad demigod trying to kill all life on Equestria.”

“That is…” The woman frowned. “The first time I’ve ever found myself at a loss for words.”

“But you aren't her,” Twilight stated.

“And you aren't our Twilight either, now are you?” questioned the director.

“No,” Twilight replied.

“Excellent, and I assume you are willing to help us? Given that you are not trying to fight your way out,” continued the shorter woman.

“I am. Provided you supply me with a magical detection device,” Twilight answered. “I could spend days or even months searching, but this seems to be the most expedient way to return to my world.”

“I assume you are the one to make such a promise?” the director continued, glancing expectantly at Sunset.

“Yes, well… I assumed that since she would be able to get us into the citadel, that it would be worth it,” Sunset Shimmer murmured, shrinking slightly under the intense gaze.

After several long, quiet moments punctuated only by the faint tapping of a keyboard, Luna let out a long sigh.

“You are correct in your assumption. Though I wish you would have consulted me first,” she remarked in a slightly defeated tone. “It would have been quite useful to reclaim that technology.”

“So, do we have a deal?” Twilight pressed. “I help you get into this citadel place, and you let me have this magical detector.”

“We do,” Luna declared, extending a hand. “You should count yourself lucky that we’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this to present itself. Otherwise we may not have been able to offer you such a trade in a timeline that you would find acceptable.”

Twilight shook the offered hand with her smaller appendage. “I am curious though. From what I was told, you were some manner of teacher on this side of the mirror.”

Luna chuckled. “I was deep undercover and not even my own sister knew that I was anything less than a humble vice-principal. Or did you really think your little portal went completely unnoticed?”

“Celestia always hoped to establish friendly relations when the time was right, but due to circumstances, that has since become impossible,” Twilight explained.

“So it's true then. She is actually a pony princess?” Luna asked, her voice a mix of amusement and guilt.

“She was, yes. Circumstances have since changed, I’m afraid,” Twilight replied.

“Then we have something in common,” Luna muttered before sighing. “But that is neither here nor there.

“Sunset, have you explained to our guest the issues our Twilight has experienced during her attempt to take over the world?” Luna questioned.

Sunset Shimmer shrugged. “Sort of. I didn't go into much detail and only mentioned that she has trouble controlling them all.”

“Right, well as you can see on this map, our Twilight, hereby designated as the black queen, can't coordinate all of her forces alone,” Luna stated, gesturing towards the map. “She needs these psionically powerful infested humans to relay her orders across vast distances and act as her lieutenants.”

“Understandable,” Twilight murmured. “Controlling something over such a distance is difficult.”

Luna glanced to Sunset briefly, who shrugged. “Do you have experience commanding psionic armies?”

Twilight quickly shook her head. “In my world there is no one domineering force controlling the zerg, allowing my friends and I to remain free. My connection to them has proven difficult to maintain over vast distances.”

The older woman hummed thoughtfully to herself before turning back to the map. “Well, as you can see, she hasn't engaged in any kind of wide-scale offensive after the growing pains of her army were made more apparent.”

“A whole bunch of zerg broke off from the main force and turned into mindless animals a month or so back,” Sunset Shimmer interjected. “They slaughtered each other and apparently even injured Twilight herself during the chaos.”

“After which the black queen set her forces into a holding pattern while she attempted to remedy that little problem,” Luna continued. “Before we can assault the citadel, we need to obtain any information we can from her research center here.”

The woman tapped a screen twice, prompting a much smaller map to appear, one which was helpfully labeled as Canterlot. A second after it opened, Luna pointed to a large four leaf clover-shaped building on the north end of the city. Though called ‘The Community Center’ it clearly hadn't served that purpose for some time, given the fact that it was covered in a pulsating fleshy exterior.

“We need to know what other manner of zerg she's been brewing up,” Luna stated. “We also have reason to believe that a number of high value civilian non-combatants are being experimented on. Their recovery is paramount. For not only does it mean depriving the black queen of more potential lieutenants, but it allows us to bolster our numbers.”

“In addition to saving them from a fate worse than death,” Sunset Shimmer added, to which Luna nodded.

“How do you know this is the right place?” Twilight questioned.

“Simple. It's the second greatest concentration of psionic energy in the city, and not only that, we’ve been able to detect massive spikes of what we assume is some form of magic,” Luna continued. “If she's figured out how to cast the type of spells that Sunset mentioned, then there is a good chance we won't last much longer. Even if she hasn't figured out how to control more zerg.”

Twilight nodded slowly. “Putting so much strategic importance on a single place. Surely it's well-guarded?”

Luna nodded. “It is, but we have a plan of our own. One which we have not been able to execute due to the fact that we have not had an agent capable of interfacing with the biological machines at the site.”

“Due to the black queen’s poor control, she only has a single anti-air structure in the area. If we are able to take it out a second before we deploy a psi emitter, they won't be able to ask for backup,” Sunset Shimmer added.

“Exactly,” Luna declared firmly. “Immediately after that a team will land atop the structure, enter through the rooftop access, and find the data we need. While this is happening, a second team will deploy a bomb which will reduce the building to rubble after you’ve left.”

“And then I can assist you in hitting the citadel and fulfilling my end of the bargain?” Twilight pressed.

Luna nodded. “Unless we uncover something which makes the attack impossible to pull off.”

“Which isn't likely,” Sunset quickly interjected. “We’ve been watching the citadel for months and know with absolute certainty that she hasn't left the building once in all that time.”

“And with this last bit of information, we will hopefully be able to confirm our suspicions and prepare our assault,” Luna stated.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “How do you plan on doing so anyway? There are hundreds of those things between us and her.”

The older woman pointed to several square blocks absolutely covered by a mass of zerg creatures which milled about around the enormous tower. Though the majority happened to be either zerglings or hydralisks, there were ultralisks present, but they were few in number. None of the more complicated life forms Twilight had seen were represented in the vast army.

“They are being controlled by a dozen lieutenants,” Luna began, pointing to the few unaffected structures in the area. “We only have a single missile salvo left, but they should be enough to kill the majority of them and throw the rest into disarray.’

Luna then pointed to a half destroyed mall a block away. “There is an old access tunnel here, which we will use to deploy our forces near the citadel itself. Utilizing the chaos, we should be able to enter the structure and bring it down, killing the black queen and ending this entire war.”

“Bold,” Twilight declared. “You assume quite a bit.”

“We’ve done the homework. We know this will work,” Sunset Shimmer stated.

“If you say so,” Twilight murmured, rising back to her full height. “What now then?”

“Now you can retire to the barracks. Enjoy a good meal, a decent bed, as well as some peace and quiet,” Luna answered.

“I assume Sunset will be my guide once more?” Twilight questioned.

Sunset glanced to Luna, who nodded slowly. “She will, but after that is done. I expect her to return in order to give me her full report on the situation as well as her previous mission.”

The red-haired woman snapped off a quick salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Alright, get out of here and make sure to grab some food while you're down there. You make me hungry just looking at those skinny arms of yours,” Luna barked before turning around and going back to studying the map.

Sunset motioned back towards the elevator. “Shall we?”

Twilight nodded. “After you.”

Together the pair returned back to the small elevator, passing between the stoic guards, who gave them each only a single glance before facing forwards once again. A second later Twilight was ducking into the small square space, hunching over slightly due to the low ceiling. This time it was empty however, and soon they were descending back to the chaotic hangar area.

During the short trip Twilight couldn't help but contemplate what she had been told, picking apart the information she had gathered while there. Her own psionic abilities were only dampened somewhat while out of the lower areas of the base. This allowed Twilight to read anyone’s surface level emotions, which all but confirmed that this Luna had been telling the truth.

Even still, it wasn't impossible that the human woman had received training to fool such readings. Sunset meanwhile didn't seem to hold back on any of her emotions and could easily be read even without Twilight being a psychic.

“Do you really believe that's all it will take to bring her down?” Twilight asked, turning to the other woman.

“I do,” declared Sunset. “We've done extensive probing of her defences and made it seem as though we have run out of missles. She won’t know what hit her until we are already inside her base of operations.”

Twilight frowned and remained quiet until they had finished passing through the open area. She pointedly ignored all the stares she got, quite used to the barely contained malice of a few passersby given her experience in Canterlot. At least most humans were more curious than anything, though the pity of a few left a bad taste in Twilight’s mouth.

Once they had entered the larger elevator and put the majority of the base’s population behind them, Twilight turned to her companion once more.

“Tell me. If you were able to isolate the harmonic energy inside of my body, could you replicate it somehow?” Twilight questioned.

Sunset Shimmer blinked. “I don't know, to be honest with you. I don't even know how you have it. Or how it's even produced.”

“Would it be impossible with your level of technology?” Twilight pressed.

“I wouldn't say impossible, but it would take years at the bare minimum,” Sunset cautioned. “Why, what are you thinking?”

“Your Twilight. She's in there somewhere, I know it,” Twilight claimed. “You don't put giant holes in your defences or make such easily exploitable weak points unless you are trying to sabotage yourself.”

“You’ve been listening to Pinkie Pie,” Sunset shimmer remarked.

“Am I wrong?” Twilight challenged.

Sunset sighed. “I don't know what to believe. I want there to be some good left in her, but she's killed millions. Nearly everyone here has lost family, friends, and partners to her or her zerg.”

“But that wasn't her,” Twilight exclaimed. “I have felt the touch of whatever is influencing her when I was a child. I have felt its hate, its desire to dominate, and I understand that is not what she wants.”

“Look, if we can find a way to free her in the next few days, I promise to try, but we are talking about the fate of the world here. I can't put everyone’s lives on the line here even if it's the right thing to do,” Sunset Shimmer claimed.

“I’m not asking you too,” Twilight retorted. “Just try, that's it.”

Sunset Shimmer nodded. “I can do that much at least.”

“Thank you, Sunset,” Twilight exclaimed.

The doors opened to a new floor, and Sunset Shimmer stepped out. “Come on. Let's go find some food before we locate a bed for you. You must be starving.”

“That I am,” Twilight admitted.

Author's Note

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Suiting Up

The dull boom of a distant spell made Twilight’s heart quicken, and she gazed nervously to the source of the sound. Despite her worry, the door held firm, the thick oaken wood unmarred, though the pony knew it wouldn't be that way for long. Nightmare Moon was coming, and no matter what obstacles they put in her way, there was nothing they could do to stop her.

Looking around, Twilight found that Celestia was standing next to her, the alicorn deep in concentration. Her horn burned brightly, and after a moment an ethereal golden armor surrounded her body on all sides. Twilight wondered why she didn't have real armor, but decided to stow that question away for the moment.

They had bigger problems.

Like how they were completely alone against the most powerful being in Equestria, with absolutely nowhere to run. The walls around them didn't even have windows, and with only a single entrance, there was no chance of escape. This fact bothered her slightly, but Twilight couldn't exactly figure out why it vexxed her so badly.

“What do we do?” Twilight asked her mentor.

“We fight,” Celestia declared sternly. “We fight with everything we have and hope we can defeat her.”

Twilight nodded and lit her horn. “Right. Together we can do this.”

“I don't think so,” exclaimed a deep booming voice that seemed to come from every direction at once. “Your power is insignificant when compared to my own.”

“You’re wrong!” Twilight shouted. “We have each other, and that will be enough to defeat you!”

“My student and I are more than a match for you, sister!” Celestia added.

“Sister? You are mistaken. I am no sibling of yours,” replied the rumbling voice of Nightmare Moon. “After all, you have been drained of nearly every last speck of magic while my own abilities have grown exponentially. At this point I am a god, while you are a mere ant.”

“Quit your posturing and fight us, coward!” Twilight yelled, her horn glowing brightly with barely contained power.

“So be it, child,” replied Nightmare Moon.

“Hold fast, Twilight. Together we can do this,” exclaimed Celestia, who briefly pressed a reassuring hoof against the smaller pony’s shoulder.

Twilight nodded. “I know, Princess.”

Together the pair stood ready, their horns blazing with magic while they stared intently at the door before them. All of Twilight’s training and Celestia’s experience was about to be put to the test in the most brutal fight imaginable. Twilight knew the possessed alicorn was stronger, but she was certain with Celestia beside her, this was a fight they could win.

All of her bravado vanished the second she felt the room rumble, a crack forming at the point where the wall met the roof. A second larger tremor nearly knocked Twilight off her hooves, all her unspent mana turning into a wisp of energy as she lost concentration.

“What was that?” she yelled in surprise.

“I don't know, but be ready!” Celestia warned.

Another rumble was followed by a crash, the crack widening as the roof was torn straight off the building, revealing an empty black sky, which hung ominously above them. The darkness was devoid of any stars or even the moon. In its absence there was only the infinite abyss of space which stretched on into infinity.

In the face of such a sight Twilight couldn't help but feel small.

“Do you understand now, worm? You fight not a mortal mare, but the void itself!” boomed Nightmare Moon’s voice which was loud enough to make the ground shake.

“You shall not defeat us without a fight!” Celestia shouted, the alicorn firing off a burst of magic.

The bright gold flare shot up into the sky and exploded high above their heads, illuminating the towering figure of Nightmare Moon herself. The alicorn was massive, her great body so large that compared to her Twilight and Celestia were the size of insects. The possessed alicorn didn't even flinch when Celestia’s spell went off near her face, merely smiling wolfishly as the magical energy was quickly swallowed by darkness, obscuring her form once more.

“Now, Twilight!” Celestia shouted, firing another spell.

Pushing down the fear she felt, Twilight shot a fireball up at where Nightmare Moon was last seen. Her attack as well as Celestia’s did nothing, the golden ray and bright red flames hitting the great alicorn to no effect. With a wave of her hoof, Nightmare Moon deflected a bolt of lightning and sent it flying off into the void.

“You struggle not against an enemy, but the one true god of Equestria!” Nightmare Moon bellowed before reaching down into the room.

Twilight leapt to her right, avoiding the enormous black hoof by mere inches. Scrambling back onto her hooves, Twilight lit her horn and searched for her companion, anticipating that Celestia would have a plan. The golden alicorn was nowhere to be found, however, and Twilight looked up in horror as Nightmare Moon held her sibling far above the ground.

“Your magic means nothing. Your experience means nothing. You are nothing!” Nightmare Moon exclaimed.

Celestia tried to escape the other alicorn’s grip, but her spells flickered and died before completion. “Twilight, hurry, do something!” Celestia cried in desperation. “Save me!”

“I’m trying!” Twilight shouted back while chaining one spell into another, all to no avail.

Lightning bolts dissipated on contact, fireballs didn't even leave a scorch mark, and not even buckets of conjured acid left so much as a blemish on the pony’s leg. In desperation Twilight tried to grab the enormous black hoof in her magic, only for her telekinetic field to slip harmlessly over the alicorn’s limb, unable to find purchase. While she struggled, Nightmare Moon lifted Celestia higher and higher until she was mere inches away from the black alicorn’s face.

“Say goodbye, sister,” sneered Nightmare Moon before opening her mouth wide and swallowing Celestia whole.

Twilight screamed in rage and panic, falling to her hooves as Nightmare Moon began to cackle madly. She had failed, Celestia was gone, and now there was but one alicorn left in the world. An alicorn who would doom that world all to spite a mare who was already dead.

Then it was gone.

The infinite blackness was replaced by a slate grey ceiling, and the teleportation room was completely gone. In its place was the small officer’s space that Sunset Shimmer had secured for Twilight, the small bed sagging under the infested woman’s weight. The insane cackling of the mad god was mercifully gone as well, leaving behind a silence which seemed to stretch on into for hours.

Realization hit the woman like a ton of bricks, knocking her back into her bed and forcing the very breath from her lungs. As she lay there, struggling to breathe, Twilight ran a hand down her sweat-slick forehead, noting how hot she had become.

“It was all just a dream,” she murmured to herself.

As that realization fully settled in, and her muscles began to relax, Twilight stared up at the ceiling, wondering what to do next. That question was answered for her when the bed gave out beneath her, shattering into a thousand pieces and depositing her on the ground with a thump. For a moment her entire body became as rigid as a board, her fight-or-flight response kicking into high gear.

“Just my luck,” Twilight muttered to herself.

Glancing to her right, Twilight looked over to find that the small radio she had been given displayed the numbers nine forty-five across the front. The woman sighed once again and began to extract herself from the shattered remnants of her bed. With that done, she donned her clothes once more and for a moment, considered rebuilding the piece of furniture with her magic.

Then she shrugged and decided she didn't care.

Exiting the small room, the infested woman glanced up and down the long narrow hallway, noticing that a few soldiers were moving about. Most seemed to be about thirty or so, but there were a good number who were either much younger or much older. This fit with what she had been told about recruiting from among Canterlot’s survivors, though it was still a little startling to see.

She also noticed that most of them gave her a wide berth or wary glance, though not like Twilight could blame them. She towered over these diminutive humans, and they no doubt knew about her abilities both psychic as well as magical by now. Twilight didn't care in the slightest and merely made her way towards the mess hall in order to find some food.

She had been told that the cramped eating area had initially been built when the base was half its current size. Which explained why the majority of the soldiers took their meals with them back to their room or sat in the hallway. Unlike six girls who sat at a table near the edge of the room, plates, half assembled weapons, and pieces of armor littering the area. Twilight ignored them for the moment and walked over to the back of the line, waiting patiently as the few people before her grabbed food.

The short, red-headed woman before her stepped as close to the person in front of her as possible, while the cook merely eyed the towering woman with cold, dead eyes. Evidently the man had seen some unpleasant sights as he didn't even flinch as Twilight dished out her plate with a flourish of telekinesis. Now with a plate stacked high with what was probably oatmeal as well as a few dense slices of bread, Twilight made her way back to the table.

As she approached, all eyes were on her, and the infested woman raised a hand politely. “Morning,” she offered.

“Mornin’,” replied Applejack before stuffing a slice of jam-covered toast into her mouth.

Rainbow Dash merely waved while guzzling what was likely a protein shake of some kind.

“Good morning, dear,” remarked Rarity who continued to polish a rather large revolver.

“Did you have a good sleep?” inquired Fluttershy, who had just put down her data pad.

“Could be better,” Twilight murmured diplomatically.

“Nightmares?” whispered Fluttershy in a gentle tone.

Twilight merely nodded as she sat down and stuck a spoon into the thick porridge.

“If you need a sleep aid, let me know, I have plenty,” offered Sunset Shimmer in a knowing tone.

“Or you could always join me in my room for the night,” added Pinkie Pie, who shot the other infested woman a wink.

Twilight chuckled. “I’ll consider it, though something tells me you wouldn't stay on your side of the bed.”

Pinkie Pie giggled, the girl wrapping her long tail around her body. “Noper doper! I’m a cuddler. What can I say?”

Sunset Shimmer blushed and pointedly looked away while sipping her orange juice.

“So,” Rainbow Dash began, slamming her cup down against the table. “What can you do?”

Twilight eyed the girl curiously. “What do you mean?”

“That was pretty vague there, RD,” Applejack remarked.

“Sunset said you had magic, right? Well, what can you all do?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

“I admit I am rather curious,” added Rarity. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like if I could do more than make simple shields.”

“You’re asking for quite a list, you know,” Twilight began, putting down her spoon. “How many spells did you know before you left, Sunset?”

“A hundred and thirty or so? Not counting all the derivative versions of other spells like Tenser’s disk and Tenser's floating disk,” Sunset Shimmer replied, scratching her head.

Twilight grinned. “I know about six times as many, a third of which are combat-oriented.”

“R-really?” Sunset Shimmer murmured, mouth agape.

The infested woman chuckled and rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “There are a lot of utility spells I’ve memorized, so it's less impressive than it sounds.”

“Still,” Sunset Shimmer remarked, “that's quite something.”

“That's soo cool,” Pinkie Pie gushed. “Could you turn my hair green, or give me laser eyes?”

“Yes to both, though the laser eyes can't actually hurt anyone.” Twilight chuckled. “I made that spell mostly as a test due to a foalhood obsession.”

“Maybe with your magic and our technology, we could reverse the infestation process,” Fluttershy offered gently.

Twilight sighed. “I don't know about that, and unfortunately I can't stick around to find out. My world needs me.”

“Don't you worry none, we’ll get ya back right quick,” Applejack confidently exclaimed.

“Speaking of which, when are we supposed to leave for this mission of ours?” Rarity inquired, turning to Sunset Shimmer.

“A half hour from now,” replied the red-headed girl. “We have just enough time to clean up here and get sorted before heading to the helipad.”

“I suppose I should meet you at the elevator then?” Twilight half asked, half stated.

Sunset shook her head. “R and D managed to cook something up for you, so you’ll be coming with us.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What is that?”

“You’ll see soon enough,” Sunset Shimmer replied cryptically, smirking knowingly at Fluttershy.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, but decided to drop the subject, focusing instead on her food.

“Soo, is there a reason you smell like, super sweet?” Pinkie Pie whispered, leaning in close.

“From what I’ve gathered, more important zerg bioforms exude a sort of primitive scent marker encouraging lesser zerg to gather around them,” Twilight explained with a shrug. “I’m not sure why it comes off as sweet though. I’ve never smelt it before.”

“That is soo freaky,” Rainbow Dash declared. “It's like you're some sort of big ant laying down pheromones.”

“Don't make it weird, Rainbow,” Applejack remarked, punching the other girl in the shoulder.

“It's fine,” Twilight interjected. “I’ve been different since I was very young, and I’ve been called much worse.”

“How young?” Sunset Shimmer asked curiously.

“Ten, or so? Those early years were a bit of a blur though, I must admit,” Twilight replied before swallowing another mouthful of food.

“Oh, darling, that is absolutely dreadful,” Rarity exclaimed. “To think you would have had to deal with that while you were a little more than a child.”

“I don't feel quite so bad about my own circumstances anymore,” Pinkie Pie whispered.

Twilight snorted. “Please, spare me your pity. I’ve long since come to grips with what I am and have even learned to take pride in my unique abilities.”

“Let's just finish our food, huh?” Sunset Shimmer offered. “We have a lot to do, after all.”

The girls all muttered their agreement, allowing Twilight to eat quietly, her mind consumed with thoughts of what could have been.

Twilight leaned against the metal wall as she watched the various soldiers suit up.

Fluttershy and Sunset were the least armored of the bunch, with the shy girl wearing only a bullet proof vest over what looked like a black wetsuit. Her clothing had numerous pockets, and the helmet she wore covered her entire head, a large air exchanger built into the side. A few scientific instruments of some kind were belted at her hip as well as a single relatively small pistol and a pair of flash bangs.

Sunset Shimmer wore a similar set up, though unlike Fluttershy she had a submachine gun slung across her back rather than the smaller side arm. She also had extra pieces of armor strapped to her arms and legs in addition to a secondary pistol as well as a rather impressive knife strapped to her right thigh. While Fluttershy had numerous pockets, and a small backpack, Sunset Shimmer had only a bandolier of pouches strung across her chest.

Applejack wore the same raven black armor she had before, only with the addition of the same full helmet and skin-tight under suit. She also had an axe strapped against the side of one leg, and her chest was absolutely covered in large shotgun shells just waiting to be used. It was very clear that they expected trouble, and that they would require a lot of ammunition as well as backups.

Rainbow Dash was similarly armored though much slimmer, the girl wearing the same combo of wet suit and full helmet like the others. She also had two belts of grenades strapped around her midsection as well as a good number of spare magazines. Rarity followed a similar theme to the rest, with the only difference being that she was outfitted with a chrome shotgun, as well as a pair of revolvers.

“Soo,” Twilight murmured. “What is this surprise you have in store for me? Also, why do you have those tight suits underneath your armor?”

“They stop any accidental infestation,” Rarity explained, her voice sounding slightly off given that it was coming through a speaker. “Ever since our first raid, the black queen has taken to filling the air with spores.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Spores which my body would easily be able to fight off. Right?”

“You will be fine,” Fluttershy interrupted, her voice similarly distorted. “I ran your bloodwork last night and found that you should be completely unaffected by them.”

“Well, that's good to know,” Twilight muttered to herself.

“As for your surprise, well, that should be arriving any moment now,” Sunset Shimmer explained.

Twilight glanced out over the small cordoned off area of the main hangar that had been set aside for them. A dozen feet away the rest of the soldiers and pilots were similarly gearing up, most checking the seals in their armor. Watching them test their gear quickly grew dull, but thankfully that ended when the curtain was pulled aside to reveal a massive green box getting wheeled in.

Once inside, the nine foot tall crate was pushed off the dolley and the pair of soldiers that had wheeled it in immediately doubled over. Twilight didn't even give the two exhausted men a second glance however, as her curiosity was piqued. Activating her magic, Twilight popped the primitive locks holding the crate shut and physically pulled it open.

“I was going to unlock it,” Fluttershy murmured.

Sunset Shimmer sighed and put a hand on the much taller girl’s shoulder. “Just be warned, Twilight. This armor was intended for some kind of super soldier program that never got off the ground.”

“It's also super heavy,” Applejack remarked with a grunt. “Like sink into the dirt heavy if you aren't paying attention.”

“She can handle it,” Rainbow Dash declared. “I mean, come on, look at her.”

Twilight heard none of this, as her gaze had immediately set on the set of strange dark green armor contained within. Though it was missing one arm, and lacked any kind of helmet, it didn't take away from the intimidating figure it cut. Large heavy plates were attached to a jet black under armor that held the entire thing together.

Each piece fit seamlessly into one another, with even the connecting parts having thicker reinforcement than even the heaviest part of Applejack’s suit. A quick spell told Twilight very little, as the sheer amount of unknown compounds and alloys made the information all but indecipherable. What she could tell was that there was supposed to be a series of artificial muscles built into the suit, though they had been mostly removed.

With a quick test lift of the crate Twilight gauged that wearing the armor without any kind of hydraulic assistance would be the equivalent of wearing more than a dozen sets of plate at the same time. The infested woman didn't notice the jealous looks the still heaving men gave her, her hand still glowing faintly as she continued to inspect her new toy. The next realization she made was that there was supposed to be some manner of electronic subsystem in the armor, though it too had been almost completely gutted.

“Twilight, are you with us? Earth to egghead!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

The infested woman shook her head. “I’m sorry, were you saying something?”

“I was explaining the history of the armor and its capabilities, but I think I’ll just sum it up quickly,” Sunset Shimmer remarked in a slightly bitter tone as she walked over to the crate. “This is the Mark one Stormbreaker armor. It was built for a theoretical set of genetically enhanced super soldiers which were never made.”

“Thank goodness for that,” Fluttershy murmured.

“It was supposed to have a super powerful computer built into it as well as a set of artificial muscles which would allow the wearer to pull off incredible feats of strength,” Sunset Shimmer continued. “It was also supposed to have optional attachments like a jet pack as well as a grapple hook, but those were deemed useless due to how heavy the armor is.”

“That would be really cool though,” Rainbow Dash added. “Even if it would be kinda stupid at the same time.”

“It was even supposed to have a built-n shield,” Rarity offered. “Though nothing quite as amazing as mine. I assure you.”

“All of that was scrapped, leaving us with an incredibly heavy set of giant armor no one could wear. Until now, that is,” Sunset Shimmer explained, gesturing to Twilight.

“Wouldn't something like this need to be tailor made for the individual?” Twilight asked, picking apart the individual pieces of armor and inspecting them one by one.

“Normally yes, but there was a certain group of scientists who were so thrilled to find out a nine foot tall woman fell into their lap that they stayed up all night refitting it for you,” Sunset Shimmer replied.

“How did they know my dimensions?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy blushed and raised a hand. “I got them when I was scanning you earlier… I may have also helped them, a little bit.”

The infested woman chuckled. “I don't suppose I get to take it with me by chance?”

Sunset Shimmer glanced left and right before leaning in close. “Officially no. But it's never going to get used, so if you happen to teleport away while still wearing it, I don't think they’d send anyone after you.”

“Not like they could,” Applejack pointed out.

“Very true,” Twilight murmured. “Alright, now how do I put it on?”

“Allow me, darling,” Rarity exclaimed, stepping up to the towering woman. “I have read all about this piece of artistry.”

Rainbow Dash snorted. “It ain't art, it’s armor.”

“Armor is merely another type of clothing, which is art,” Rarity replied in a dismissive tone. “Now then, stand here while Fluttershy and I help you into it.”

“Wait, me?” Fluttershy replied, pointing a finger to her chest.

“Of course, darling. We did study the entire manual together,” Rarity stated.

“Oh, right,” Fluttershy murmured, trotting awkwardly up to Rarity. “Don't you think we should have a little privacy though?”

Rarity nodded. “Quite right. Sunset, if you would?”

“Wait, why do you need privacy?” Twilight inquired.

“The armor was designed to be worn in the buff, I’m afraid,” Rarity cautioned while pulling pieces of armor out of the foam molds which held them tightly.

“Oh, is that it?” Twilight replied.

“Yes, it's just a small bit of--Oh my,” Rarity muttered, staring slack-jawed as Twilight shed her jacket followed by her shirt.

Fluttershy’s mouth hung open once Twilight’s chest was exposed, a bright red blush crossing her face. This reaction was shared by nearly everyone who happened to be glancing in Twilight’s direction. Including Applejack, who seemed to be the only one capable of responding before Twilight discarded her pants.

“Woah there, pump the breaks,” Applejack cautioned, lifting the girl’s jacket up against her chest in order to hide her decency. “Let's just wait until all the guys leave.”

“I think my armor sprung a leak,” remarked a slack-jawed female soldier.

“I think mine has a hole,” murmured an equally stunned male soldier.

Rainbow Dash got down on one knee and looked up at Twilight. “Marry me?”

The infested woman merely blinked. “What?”

Author's Note

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Red Zone

“I still don't get it,” remarked Twilight as she rotated her armored arm in a circle.

“Do they not have a sense of decency where you lot come from?” Applejack asked in an irritable tone.

“Don't listen to them, Twilight. If you wanna walk around without your shirt on, that would be just…” Rainbow Dash smiled blissfully, “...fantastic.”

Sunset Shimmer slugged the athlete on the shoulder. “Cut it out, you.”

Rainbow Dash winced and rubbed her arm. “Jeez, calm down. It was just a compliment.”

“You must admit we’re getting a bit creepy,” Rarity pointed out.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “Oh, come on. I’m definitely not the only one who thought our visitor here is hot as hell.”

Fluttershy awkwardly cleared her throat. “Yes, well, you should still probably reel it back a bit.”

“Fine, whatever,” Rainbow Dash muttered irritably.

“I still don't understand,” Twilight remarked. “It's just a part of my body.”

Sunset Shimmer stepped forward. “It's the equivalent of walking around with your tail raised in public.”

Twilight’s cheeks glowed a faint red. “Oh. Now I get it.”

“We’re pretty much all done here,” Fluttershy interrupted. “Normally we’d have to do some calibrations, but that part isn't necessary due to the lack of a helmet.”

“A shame,” murmured Rarity. “It would have been quite a boon to have such a sophisticated set of sensors on our side.”

“At least now we don't have to worry about our biggest asset getting blown away by some random hydralisk,” Applejack remarked, shouldering her weapon.

“It's too bad I don't have time to learn how to use one of those gun things,” Twilight exclaimed. “They seem quite useful.”

“I think you have enough weapons in your arsenal already,” Sunset Shimmer deadpanned before hopping up off the ammo crate she was using as a chair. “Right then. Let's get moving.”

“Before I forget again. Rarity, how are your hands doing?” Twilight offered.

“I could use a bit more of your magic, it seems,” Rarity replied, wincing slightly.

“I’ll help you on the ride up the elevator,” Twilight stated, turning to Sunset Shimmer. “Provided that is the way out.”

“It is, though the first trip up will have to be just you, me, and Rarity,” Sunset Shimmer remarked. “Anymore and I’m fairly certain it would break under our weight.”

“I’ll try not to think of that as an insult,” Twilight teased.

“Fascinating,” murmured Twilight as she gazed out of the window to the helicopter. “Celestia gave me a brief bit of information on your technology, but she never mentioned any of this.”

“At least you aren't freaking out like Sunset did the first time,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, gripping the railing attached to the ceiling. “Seriously, I thought she was going to throw up.”

“It was really fast. Nothing back home moves anywhere near this speed,” muttered Sunset Shimmer bitterly, arms crossed over her chest.

“I’m just glad that suit of yours at least has a radio in it. I really wasn't looking forward to yelling when we open the door,” Applejack stated, leaning on an enormous gun Twilight had learned could be pointed out the side of the flying machine when needed.

“That would be quite annoying,” Twilight whispered half to herself, her eyes flicking about her surroundings.

The black metal box wasn't the biggest, but at least it had enough room for Twilight to kneel in the back of it while also allowing the rest of their little squad to sit relatively comfortably amongst what little extra supplies they could bring along. There were seats enough for twice the number of individuals to join them, but Twilight knew the weight limit was low due to the bomb strapped to the side of the machine.

If she strained her ears, she could hear the distinct thumping of the second helicopter as it followed behind them. The sound of the blades cutting through the air was a strange one, and Twilight briefly wondered how difficult it would be to recreate the machine once she was back in her own world. A thought which made her wonder how much Celestia had truly known about this place and its people.

It would certainly make sense how the confederates advanced so quickly. Pony engineers being held back by stuffy nobles and Celestia’s own worries are one thing, but even that doesn't explain how far they’ve come in such a short time, Twilight reasoned. Maybe I’ll ask them if she gave them any otherworldly assistance once I get back.

The omnipresent cloud cover parted, startling Twilight out of her reverie and bringing her attention down to the world below which was almost completely coated in the weird fleshy growth that she had seen earlier before her capture. It was still somewhat patchy, but the further they went, the less normal ground Twilight could make out through the ever-present biomass.

Twisted, pulsing structures dotted the landscape, some having no doubt been built by human hands before being perverted by alien claws. Others were clearly zerg in design, made entirely from the same flesh as the creep was. These structures were bizarre, and even Twilight struggled to imagine what purpose three vats of what looked like acid could serve.

Twilight wondered if she could replicate the building techniques of this swarm, provided she spawned more creep in a different location in Equestria. It was clear from the brief conversation she had with Numbi that she might be able to do something similar. Though the weird buildings’ unnatural appearance and intimidating exteriors stifled Twilight’s planning a little bit.

There had to be a way to grow structures in a way that didn't make it look quite so horrible and downright ugly for that matter. Even still, she couldn't help but admit that it would make things easier if she could simply grow any building she needed rather than haul around raw materials. She made a note to try and pull the knowledge of construction from one of the enemy zerg if given the opportunity.

For now she had bigger concerns.

“Five minutes out,” Sunset Shimmer barked over the radio, pointing out the right side of the helicopter. “The missile should be passing us any second now.”

Rainbow Dash pressed her helmet against the window. “Ooh, I can't wait to see this. I’m still pissed I missed the last big explosion.”

“Hey, shove over, I wanna see too, ya know,” Applejack retorted, squeezing in next to Rainbow Dash.

A strange woosh sound zipped past them a few seconds later, Twilight just barely catching sight of the backside of the missile as it flew by.

“Was that it?” Twilight asked, looking down to Fluttershy. “It didn't seem that powerful.”

The scientist nodded grimly. “It is terribly powerful. Here, look. I hooked up to the cameras on the front of the helicopter.”

Twilight glanced down to the small pad in Fluttershy’s hand which now displayed the view from the front of the flying machine. In it Twilight could see the glowing end of the missile as it flew towards its distant target, the object leaving behind a nearly invisible line of exhaust behind it. The thing was tiny at this distance, and to Twilight, it looked like little more than a flickering candle soaring through the midafternoon sky.

Ahead of them, Twilight could see the compound which housed their target, as well as the small army of zerg which guarded it. Though there were a good number of them, at least hundred in Twilight’s estimate, she wasn't bothered by their presence. Rather it was the lone towering mass which stood near the entrance to the area which drew her eye.

The main stack of biomass was dominated by a spiked tube from which multiple redish sacks pulsed quietly. The whole structure twitched and shifted occasionally, scanning the sky for enemies, ready to strike them down the second it detected them. Even a glance at it made Twilight think that it was somehow imperfect, and she couldn't help but think that it should be hitting them by now.

The missile suddenly turned downwards, diving towards the enemy controlled area at an incredible speed. Its tail blazed brilliantly while its target quickly swiveled towards the projectile, spitting a greenish mass directly at the tiny rocket. Yet despite the speed at which the spore colony adapted, the missile was faster still, weaving out of the way of the cloud of spores.

Mere seconds later the missile made contact with the base of the colony, vanishing into the structure, only to explode a millisecond later in an enormous ball of fire. The windows of the helicopter rattled, the metal floor vibrated, and Twilight’s jaw hung open as she watched chunks of zerg flesh fly high into the air. She was dimly aware of the psychic dampening field returning, but that was a small consideration next to observing the carnage left behind.

The colony was utterly annihilated, now little more than a twitching, bleeding stump. Twilight didn't have long to contemplate this sudden change as a male voice rang out over the radio.

“This is Viper two two, going hot, over,” remarked thesurprisingly calm, static-filled voice.

“Viper two one, unleashing hell on the target, over,” added another voice.

A second later Twilight watched in growing fascination as scores of zerg were cut down by a hail of bullets. The loud vrrr of the gatling cannons nearly drowned out the duller whoosh of launched rockets, though the effects were much harder to ignore. Relatively small explosions rocked the area, pounding any of the larger zerg organisms that hadn't been caught in the fallout of the cruise missile’s detonation.

Immediately the slightly subdued scene of chaos turned into all out panic, with zerg surging into the surrounding areas, attacking one another or standing perfectly still. Within seconds the two human pilots had cut down pretty much any resistance to their assault. Their weapons fell silent as they continued to approach the massive, pulsating round building which sat in the center. This structure had a few dozen hydralisks sitting on the top of it, most of whom seemed to still have their wits about them.

“Open the doors, we can't risk damaging the building with our higher calibre weapons,” Sunset Shimmer barked.

“Give ‘em hell, Applejack!” Rainbow Dash shouted, clapping the much larger woman on the shoulder before taking a step back.

“As if I would go easy on these alien jerks,” Applejack remarked.

She threw open the sliding metal door, and with a flick of her wrist, shifted the minigun into place. The rush of wind might have knocked Twilight off her feet, had she not been wearing nearly a metric ton of armor. Turning away from Fluttershy’s now dark display, Twilight watched as Applejack activated the weapon and began to search for targets.

A glance out the window told Twilight that the other helicopter was doing the same thing, with its door having been opened to reveal a similarly garbed black soldier. Together the two flying machines circled around the building, their gunners unleashing a hail of bullets on the confused creatures below. Half of them were cut down before the hydralisks even managed a counter attack, though even then their fire was sporadic at best.

Most of the organic daggers bounced off the armored exterior of the helicopter, though a few of them stuck into the side. None hit anything vital however, and both gunners were able to clean up the last of their enemies before the zerg could even mount a proper counterattack. Immediately after the last one went down, the helicopters began to rise once more, maneuvering atop the three story structure with careful precision.

Twilight watched the landing area, idly noting that not a single one of the hydralisks had survived the assault, their bodies now littering the purplish green roof. On the northside of which stood the rooftop access which was unguarded and hung partially open. Evidently the flat roof had served little purpose before the community center had been revamped by its newest owner.

After the zerg had moved in, however, it had become a defensible position for a small army of hydralisks, and now it was a helipad as well as a small graveyard. Together both helicopters landed with a mix of crunches and pops, crushing anything unfortunate enough to end up beneath them.

Applejack hastily pushed the large gun out of the way before leaping out, her own weapon at the ready. The rest of their little troop filed out a second later, all save for Sunset Shimmer and Twilight who walked to the end of the helicopter. Sunset hit several buttons and prompted the back door to open up behind Twilight, startling the infested woman out of her thoughts.

“They certainly know how to kill,” Twilight remarked softly.

Sunset Shimmer chuckled. “They certainly do. Now out ya go. The black queen will eventually come and when she does, it won't matter how many spells you know”

Twilight nodded and crouch-walked backwards out of the helicopter. She nearly tripped over a hydralisk corpse in the process. She then hastily walked away from the slowing rotating blades before rising back to her full height and stretching her arms. Black soldiers fanned out over the top of the building, some beginning to unstrap the bomb attached to the underside of their helicopter.

Others moved to the edge of the building, produced long rifles from seemingly nowhere, and took up positions which overlooked the surrounding area. Twilight’s own squad was already making their way towards the access door, and she hastily caught up to them. Twilight and Sunset Shimmer had just barely taken up breaching positions before several zerglings burst through the entrance.

The dog-sized creatures didn't make it more than a foot before they were mowed down with careful precision. Twilight barely had the chance to blink before the creatures had been reduced to steaming mounds of blood and guts. After reprimanding herself for not paying closer attention to her surroundings, Twilight used her magic to toss the corpses aside.

Sunset Shimmer gave her a nod of appreciation before descending into the building, her squad close behind her. Including Twilight Sparkle, who, due to her immense size, had been relegated to rear guard duty so as to not slow them down. The former pony didn't mind this position as she was still adapting to the irritating effects of the psychic dampener which constantly plagued her.

Still, her magic remained potent, if a little dulled, and after a moment of concentration, Twilight was able to feel the minds of the zerg. For once she was glad she had guarded her own mental space so jealously over the years, as it had given her the skills she now found necessary. Without all the paranoid nights spent agonizing over her psychic barrier, Twilight doubted she could successfully guard her thoughts while seeking out the minds of others.

As they entered the stairway, Twilight focused on that connection, immediately sensing the presence of three other individuals stronger than the average zerg. She wasn't certain if it would be a good idea to probe them further, as she wasn't completely sure how strong they truly were. So with that in mind, she withdrew, noting their locations and focusing her attention on what was happening around her.

Twilight tapped her radio button. “Three coordinator minds left. None of them seem able to extend their influence past the building, however.”

“So the only organized resistance we will face are from zerg already inside,” Sunset Shimmer finished.

“Easy peasy,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Applejack stopped at the bottom of the staircase, a hand hovering over the flesh-covered door. “Are we ready to proceed?” she asked.

“Negative. I wanna take a few readings now that we are inside,” Sunset Shimmer replied, turning to Fluttershy. “Got anything yet?”

“There is definitely magic around here,” murmured the woman as she glanced down at her datapad. “It's definitely not the same kind as our Twilight has. It almost looks… chaotic. For lack of a better word.”

Sunset Shimmer hummed thoughtfully before turning to the towering armored woman standing on the landing above her. “What do you make of this?”

Twilight summoned her own magic and raised her hand, scanning the immediate vicinity for anything out of the ordinary. “Feels like chaos magic, only… different,” she replied.

“How so?” Sunset Shimmer questioned.

“You know how chaos magic is so finicky, right? Like, the stuff is impossible to contain for more than a second,” Twilight began. “Yet there is a pool of the stuff just sitting to our north.”

“That is one of the last known locations of one of our targets,” Rarity offered.

“As well as where I can sense one of the minds,” Twilight added.

“Well, I guess we know where we are going first,” Sunset Shimmer stated, raising her weapon. “Remember, Twilight. You just make sure no one sneaks up on us while also monitoring the area. Should we find anything big, we’ll leave it to you and focus on mopping up any of the stragglers.”

“Got it,” Twilight exclaimed.

A chorus of agreement came over the radio, each one of their squad expressing their acknowledgement of their current orders.

“Command, this is Wonderbolt one. We are beginning our insertion,” Sunset Shimmer stated. “Proceeding north to one of the primary targets, over.”

“Good luck, Wonderbolt one,” exclaimed a slightly staticy female voice. “You got fifteen minutes before it hits the fan, so move quickly, over.”

“Acknowledged, over,” Sunset Shimmer replied before turning to her squad. “Let's get moving.”

Applejack nodded and, after taking a step back, rammed her boot in the center of the flesh-covered door. Wood and mucus went flying everywhere, the exit exploding outwards and leaving behind nought but splinters. On the other side stood two very surprised zerglings, one of whom immediately got a face full of buckshot, its top half reduced to a spray of red and purple.

The next closest zergling didn't last much longer as Rainbow Dash buried a knife into its head, and then used the next two seconds to stab it another thirty-six times just for good measure. It was over in an instant, and like a well-oiled machine, the squad continued to move without having to utter a word to one another. Rarity and Sunset followed behind them, each one checking their corners before continuing on into what looked like an office.

Unlike the stairwell which was only partially covered in the strange fleshy growths, in here every possible surface was coated in the stuff. From floor to ceiling, every last inch pulsed and twitched, as if it were a single enormous living thing. It writhed bitterly, the very building seemingly irritated by the human presence that had infiltrated it.

Twilight half expected to feel a twinge of revulsion upon seeing how truly alien the interior was, yet she felt oddly calm at the moment. Her feet felt lighter, her mind less troubled by her recent woes, and even the mild headache which had begun to build was now gone. Putting those thoughts out of her mind for the moment, Twilight followed after the rest of the squad as they worked their way through the offices.

The sound of gunfire was nearly constant, but Twilight could tell just from listening that it wasn't desperate, and that no one was in danger. There didn't even seem to be any enemies worth their time, as the zerglings were easily mowed down before they could even get close. The lone hydralisk they crossed didn't even seem to notice the squad before it got one of its arms blown off by Rarity.

After that it lived for only a few seconds before Applejack removed the majority of its head off with a blast from her own weapon. Twilight didn't notice any of this, and instead reached down and plucked a dismembered zergling from off the ground. Though it was missing all four of its legs, the creature snapped its jaws uselessly at Twilight.

Twilight reached out and tried to grip the zerg’s mind, only to be met by a wall of psionic power as strong as her own. Upon bumping into the barrier, Twilight immediately knew that whoever had created it was in the center of the building. She also knew that the instant that individual was struck down, Twilight would be the sole remaining creature with enough will to take control of the remaining zerg.

“Are you coming?” asked Fluttershy who stood across the room from Twilight.

The infested glanced past the array of chest-high cubicles to where Fluttershy waited patiently at the lone exit. Weapon in hand, the armored girl seemed oddly nervous, and Twilight could tell she was watching her closely from behind her jet black visor.

“I’m coming,” Twilight replied.

A short squeeze was all it took for Twilight to crush the poor alien’s skull, ending its life before flicking her wrist and tossing it aside. She then wasted no time in following after Fluttershy, though the infested woman got the distinct feeling that the scientist was slightly disappointed in her. Together they wasted no time in exiting the office area and entering what seemed to be a cafeteria.

Where the rest of the squad had already cut down what minimal resistance had been waiting for them there. Dead and dying zerg lay scattered all across the surprisingly large room which doubled as a break area complete with couches. Purplish-green flesh covered everything, including the exit, which now resembled a bizarre looking orifice of some kind.

“Rainbow Dash, you’re up,” Sunset Shimmer commanded.

“Hell yeah, let's get this party started already!” Rainbow Dash eagerly exclaimed, drawing forth a grenade from her bandolier.

She then lobbed the orb up to the exit before taking several steps back in order to stand amidst the rest of her squad. Who were bracing themselves behind tables, chairs or pillars, whatever looked tough enough to catch any possible shrapnel. Twilight took no such precautions and simply raised the larger of her hands to guard her eyes against the flash of the explosion.

A second later a dull boom echoed throughout the room, followed by the screech of enraged zerg. With all guns pointed to the entrance, the now charging beasts had little chance to make it more than a few feet before being cut down. Only an injured hydralisk made it all the way through the doorway before getting cut in half by the concentrated fire.

With a wave of her hand, the dead were swept aside, and Twilight motioned to the exit. “After you,” she offered.

“Thank you, darling. You have no idea how irritating it is to have to stumble through a pile of bodies every few feet,” Rarity exclaimed.

Twilight chuckled. “Well, at least I’ll save you guys some time if nothing else.”

“Don't forget were on the clock, people,” Sunset Shimmer called, sprinting towards the door. “We need to head for that chaos magic and find out what the black queen has been cooking up.”

“Right,” Applejack replied before shouldering her way through the dripping remnants of the exit.

The rest of the group followed close behind, with each member taking their position in a quick and orderly manner. Twilight was the last into the room, and thus missed a good chunk of the fighting that had happened immediately after breaching. A pulse of her magic turned into a ray of flame, immolating a zergling which had been sneaking up on Applejack.

With that done, it seemed as though the others had the situation firmly under control, allowing Twilight to look around. The first thing she noticed was just how much the space had opened up, with the ceiling going all the way to the roof. Just as she had been told, the area was quite large, and dominated the majority of the community center’s interior space.

To the left Twilight could see that there were several entrances to what had apparently been a hockey rink at one time. While to the right there was a large auditorium in addition to what was the curling half of fame for this state. Twilight cared very little about the later, as the former contained within it another powerful mind surrounded by dozens of others.

No matter how impressive the individual mind may have been, it was the final being she detected which grabbed Twilight’s attention.

As it was the one which sat within the circular building at the center of the community center. The two story structure contained the bathrooms and more office space which lead up into several board rooms on the floor above. It was there that Twilight could sense the oddly familiar thoughts of a very powerful psychic entity.

This central area was also completely covered in a much thicker and almost completely bone white fleshy exterior which shimmered in the low light of the dully lit community center. Just glancing at the strange material was enough to tell Twilight that they wouldn't be getting through it in a timely matter. With no doors visible and no easy way in, she wondered how they could reach their final target without a lot of explosives.

Sunset Shimmer reloaded her weapon and approached Twilight. “What do you make of it?” she asked, gesturing to the central pillar.

Twilight frowned as she used a spell to scan the strange barrier. “Whatever it's made of is conducting psionic energy which is in turn being supplied by what I assume is our other two targets.”

“So when we take them out, boom, we’re in,” Applejack inferred, brushing chunks of dead zerg off her shotgun as she approached the pair.

“Though we could simply incapacitate them as well,” Fluttershy interjected.

“We may not have time, but that would be preferable,” Sunset Shimmer remarked. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it though.”

“Hopefully we don't have to rough 'em up too bad,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Cheerilee was always my favorite teacher.”

“We don't know fer sure that she's here,” Applejack replied.

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “A girl can hope.”

“Cut the chatter, and let's get moving. I don't know about you, but I don't wanna be down here when our ride leaves or that bomb goes off,” Sunset Shimmer barked.

“Right, rink’s first then. I don't like the feeling of that chaos magic,” Twilight added.

Author's Note

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Chaos Incarnate

“Do ya think they are trying to breed zerg that can stomach the cold in there?” Rainbow Dash asked as the group walked up to the entrance of the rink. “The whole lot of ‘em do seem to slow down during winter.”

“Zerg don't breed in the traditional sense,” Fluttershy hastily replied. “Though its possible they could be attempting to induce new mutations through environmental exposure.”

“That ain't happening. The ac is dead,” Applejack remarked, pointing to a large pipe that hung loosely from the mostly flesh-covered ceiling.

“It would be more efficient to locate a creature capable of enduring the harsh winters and simply take its genes. Though I admit such a process is only theoretical and not something I’m capable of,” Twilight continued.

“Speculation will get us nowhere,” Sunset Shimmer quickly claimed, turning towards the squad. “Remember, we don't know what we are walking into here, so stay sharp.”

“Now that we are close, our new friend may be able to learn more,” Rarity offered, glancing at Twilight.

Who frowned. “I can try, but the psychic dampener really puts a well… damper on things.”

“Do what you can. The rest of you get ready to breach that entrance,” Sunset Shimmer barked, pointing to a set of double doors standing nearby. “The viewing box is just on the other side and from there we should be able to figure out where to go next.”

Twilight heard none of this however, nor did she notice the chorus of affirmations or the movement of the humans. Her entire focus was centered completely around trying to push past the haze of white noise that made it so hard to focus. It took a bit of effort, but it wasn't long before Twilight sent out a primitive pulse, briefly touching the minds just on the other side.

She was immediately tempted to send out a second wave, as she detected not the small horde she expected, but rather a measly two individuals. One was fully sentient, complex, and seemed to be waiting for something while the other was primitive and completely enraged. All its anger seemed to be bottled up by the more powerful being as it could do nothing but sit still and silently fume over its fate.

Pulling back, Twilight’s frown deepened.

“Well?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“Two minds, one is likely this Ed Lorenzo guy you were looking for,” Twilight began. “The other is a zerg of some kind. Likely a small ultralisk.”

“How can you be certain?” Rarity pressed.

“From what I could gather one of them is brilliant in the extreme and utterly mad. The other is mad in the extreme and doesn't have an ounce of brilliance to its name,” Twilight answered. “They also seem to know we are coming.”

“Oh, I don't like this one bit,” murmured Fluttershy.

“Trap or not, we need him out of the black queen’s hands,” Applejack exclaimed.

“I know. Which is why we are going in regardless,” Sunset Shimmer stated confidently. “They’ll be expecting us, but they won't be expecting Twilight.”

“Let us hope that is enough,” Rarity murmured.

“I will be,” Twilight stated confidently.

“Right, let's go,” Sunset Shimmer commanded before taking position to the right of the door, submachine gun in hand, finger placed just above the trigger.

The rest of her friends took position on either side, with only Fluttershy and Twilight being the odd ones out and standing a few feet away. Like a well-oiled machine, Rainbow Dash detonated the breaching charge a second before Sunset Shimmer tossed a flashbang inside. After it had gone off, Applejack charged inside followed closely by Rarity and the rest of the group, with Twilight taking up the rear.

This time there were no gunshots, yells or the clatter of spent shells bouncing across the ground. Only a tense quiet as the group moved silently into the viewing area. Which would have normally looked out over a hockey rink, but now allowed the group to gaze in on one of the most bizarre scenes they had ever witnessed.

Before they could turn their attention to the otherworldly laboratory just beyond a strangely thick set of glass, they dutifully looked around the room. Which had a simple six step bleacher set within a small, air conditioned room separate from the rest of the stands. The door to the rest of the mostly demolished rink was covered by a tough fleshy exterior that made entry completely impossible.

Though most of the mass of twisted skin and muscle tissue was the same color and general composition as in the other room, there it was different. Twitching, hooked appendages grew from the walls while tentacles hung limply from the ceiling. The floor pulsated and shifted on occasion, and an oddly viscous liquid pooled in random places on the ground.

That alone was strange enough to grab their attention, though all six found themselves drawn to the scene just behind the glass wall. There, right where one of the nets would normally be, stood a tall man with a wild look in his eye and an appearance that unnerved even Twilight. Overall he looked human, but his white lab coat bulged in odd places, and something seemed to writhe just beneath his clothes.

One arm had been completely replaced by dozens of tentacles while the other split in two identical limbs at the elbow. He had also gained an odd claw appendage which sprouted from his back and was currently folded up near his shoulder. His eyes were also different sizes, in addition to being a mix of yellow and red, one of which was bloodshot.

He wasn't alone though, as a tank-sized ultralisk was standing several feet away from the edge of what looked like a deep pit of some kind. One which was filled to the brim with the same strange oily green liquid which pooled wherever it found the space to do so. All who gazed upon the pool were immediately struck by a sense of awe, none more so than Twilight Sparkle herself.

For she knew that what she was gazing down upon wasn't just some weird pool of unknown substance, but a concentrated mass of liquid chaos. Magic that had been condensed into a viscous state and captured within a twisting mass of flesh that seemed designed to contain it. Twitching pillars of flesh ringed the exterior, each one of which rose between six and twelve feet in the air.

“Finally, you have reached my little sanctum,” announced the infested human through the still intact speakers attached to the inside of the room.

His voice was strange, like most who bore the taint of the zerg, while also standing apart from the others. For his words warbled, rising and falling in pitch as well as volume in addition to shifting octaves at random. Everything about him was, for lack of a better word, chaotic, with each alien part he had gained seemingly coming from a different kind of zerg organism.

“Damn, crazy Eddy, what did she do to you?” Rainbow Dash remarked, shouldering her weapon.

“I am not crazy Eddy the janitor any longer! Now I am a teacher once more, just as I was in my homeland,” shouted the infested into a microphone he clasped tight in a tentacle. “And as before, I teach the necessity for chaos in this ordered world of ours!”

The ultralisk stomped one of its titanic feet and shifted its enormous bladed limbs irritably.

“Let’s not do anything too hasty,” Sunset Shimmer shouted, stepping towards the glass. “We’ve broken the control the black queen has on you, and we can work something out.”

“Yes, come with us, and we promise to find a cure for your infestation,” Fluttershy urged.

The man immediately broke out into an eruption of laughter. “Cure? This is no disease, young one. This is a way to unlock humanity’s genetic destiny, and the next phase in our evolution as a species!”

“This guy is nuts, can we please just knock him out now?” Rainbow Dash asked, bouncing eagerly on the balls of her booted feet.

Sunset Shimmer shook her head and glanced expectantly to Twilight. “Not yet, we want to be able to take him quietly.”

The infested woman shook her head. “I know what you’re going to ask. I’m afraid I can't break the control he has on the ultralisk without first rendering him unconscious.”

“You know it's rude to whisper amongst yourselves while talking to someone,” barked the infested man.

“Apologies, Mister Lorenzo. Is there anything we can do to convince you to send your beasty away and come quietly?” Applejack offered, stepping forward with her hands on her hips.

“I appreciate your kind tone, young Applejack, but if I am to be captured, I want to be able to do one final test before that happens,” stated the male.

“What could you possibly be testing?” Fluttershy asked.

“Why, the results of maximum exposure, of course!” replied the infested human. “Willpower seems to be an important part of staving off madness and the more detrimental mutations that come with exposing one’s self to raw chaos. Something this little beasty has in spades.”

The ultralisk stomped a foot and scythed its bladed limbs through the air, the creature barely able to contain its murderous impulses in the face of its enemies.

“She would never let me do such a dangerous experiment, after all,” he continued. “But now that you have so helpfully severed that connection, I have free reign to do just that.”

Sunset Shimmer nodded to Rainbow Dash. “Get us through that window.”

“Aye, captain,” Rainbow Dash replied before shouldering her weapon and unleashing a hail of lead.

Which bounced uselessly off the strangely thick barrier.

The infested human laughed through the speaker system. “It seems as though someone is done with talking. That's fine, I was about to get things started anyway.”

Twilight frowned and stepped forward, pushing Rainbow Dash out of the way. “Allow me.”

“Sure, whatever, hot stuff,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“Be careful, that glass seems to be psychically reinforced,” Fluttershy warned.

“She’ll be fine. She has magic, after all,” Rarity assured her friend.

“Just a second,” Twilight muttered as she pushed magic into her hand, conjuring a narrow blue flame.

Which she then focused down to a single point before applying it to the wall and beginning the slow process of cutting through the barrier. Though the magical fire was hot, and Twilight’s spellwork was immaculate, the psychically reinforced material seemed especially resilient. So much so that Twilight wondered if the pool of chaos magic wasn't somehow at fault, as it was known to not react well to more orderly spells.

Meanwhile, the ultralisk had taken a lumbering step forward followed by another, inching ever closer to the strange pool of liquid at the center of the room. With every thunderous footfall the pool grew more agitated, bubbling violently as if it were eager for the ultralisk’s arrival.

“And so it begins,” whispered the ex janitor. “Try not to kill it too quickly. I want to see just what my little pool is capable of.”

“How long do you think this will take?” Sunset Shimmer demanded, shouldering her weapon along with the rest of their group save for Fluttershy. “Because I really don't want to have to fight that thing in here.”

“Soon,” Twilight replied.

Twilight grunted irritably to herself as her flame continued to cut through the glass at a glacial pace. While this happened the rest of their little group were readying themselves for the inevitable confrontation, all save for Fluttershy. While her friends were doing last minute checks on their suits and making sure their extra ammo was within easy reach, the scientist remained at the back of the room.

One finger pressed to the side of her head, she peered intently at the pool which lay where center ice would have been. The girl watched on as the great lumbering beast stepped foot into the concentrated mass of chaotic magic and immediately began to change. The flesh around its leg twisted and convulsed, shifting from one color to another so rapidly it looked like an LED of some kind.

Then a second leg entered, followed by the rest of the creature which swiftly vanished beneath the now still pool. The sudden shift from the angry bubbling and constantly frothing surface of the liquid to one of utter stillness was almost enough to shock Twilight from her work. After reminding herself to stay focused on the task at hand, she quickly rounded the top of the circle she had nearly completed.

“Do you think it died?” Muttered Applejack curiously.

“I sure hope so,” Rarity replied.

“That poor creature,” Fluttershy whispered.

“I wouldn't count it out yet,” Sunset Shimmer warned.

“Alright, I’m through,” Twilight exclaimed, her spell flickering and dying.

The infested woman then took a step back and slammed her foot against the glass, snapping off the last bit of her circle that had yet to be completed. She didn't wait to hear the response of her friends and quickly barreled through the opening, landing with a squelch on the other side. Her heavy boots dug into the fleshy floor, sinking an inch into the ground and having to be physically pulled out lest she get stuck.

The others followed close behind her a second later, save again for Fluttershy who remained in the observation area, one hand holding her pistol while the other remained fixed to the side of her head. The rest of the squad assembled on either side of Twilight, each one leveling their weapons towards the still pool of magic.

“How are we going to do this?” Applejack asked. “Do we go after him first or what?”

“No point,” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “Something tells me he's no longer in control of the ultralisk.”

Twilight frowned. “You’re right. It’s like it’s-”

Whatever Twilight had been about to say was cut off by an enormous foot bursting out of the pool and landing at the edge. There it grew clawed fingers which dug into the fleshy earth, allowing another arm to reach up out of the pool. Not a word was uttered before the relative quiet was shattered by the sound of shots ringing out through the air.

Dozens upon dozens of rounds sunk into the creature’s clawed hand, slicing through flesh and bone with relative ease. Two fingers were severed, followed by a third, forcing the creature to recoil its injured limb even as its flesh twisted and flowed, repairing itself at a rapid pace. Its grip faltered when Sunset’s squad turned their attention towards the other hand, though they found their assault did much less the second time around.

The majority of their bullets did strike home, but most bounced off a fresh layer of thick scales which burst from under its skin. The biological armor served its purpose relatively well, and grew only more effective the more rounds it deflected. By the time the group was reloading after the first onslaught, the ultralisk’s first arm returned from the muck.

Only now it sported extra thick digits as well as a layer of purple fleshy armor identical to that which had sprouted from its other arm.

“Stop, you’re just making it stronger!” Sunset Shimmer shouted, raising a closed fist above her head.

Immediately the rain of gunfire stopped as everyone took a moment to reload.

Twilight meanwhile was so shocked by the strange surge of otherworldly thoughts that she had yet to even begin casting an offensive spell. Gone was the ultralisk’s simple, but efficient mind, replaced by what felt like dozens of individual psyches. Each one of which screamed madly into the void, its thoughts like nails clawing at the edge of Twilight’s mind.

“If it's going to adapt to everything we throw at it, then how do we kill this thing?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

The answer to that question would have to wait, as the creature heaved its front half over the lip of the pool, revealing its grotesque form for all to see. Gone were the four scythe-like limbs which adorned the front of its body, as well as the relatively small horned head which sprouted from beneath a massive armored crest. Now it had dozens of similarly dangerous bladed limbs, with the same number of heads, if not even more.

Its entire body continually twisted and contorted with new limbs sprouting from its body while others sunk back beneath its undulating flesh. Heads, armored sections of skin, spikes, tentacles, dozens of body parts grew from between its armored plates. It was a horrific sight to behold, though a small part of Twilight couldn't help but marvel at the incredible pace of the creature’s evolution.

Yes, it was utterly mad, and would consume or destroy everything it came across, but it was also the perfect killing machine. For a moment Twilight considered putting more effort into dominating the beast before quickly discarding such a thought. It was too insane, and even more pressing was the distinct possibility that trying to invade its mind may lead to different kinds of adaptations.

Adaptations which may lead in Twilight being controlled rather than the other way around. Right now it was stark raving mad, but still little more than an animal, and Twilight aimed to keep it that way. This realization lead to another, and soon Twilight had a primitive plan in mind, one she desperately prayed would work.

“Cover me, and only shoot it when it comes too close! I have an idea!” she shouted.

“You heard the lady, let’s keep this overgrown lab rat busy!” Sunset Shimmer yelled.

Twilight began the fight by conjuring an enormous vat of acid above the ultralisk just as it managed to pull its back limbs out of the pool. The infested woman released her spell the second she had created enough to completely cover the monster from one end to the other. The instant the bright green liquid splashed against the creature’s armored form, a dozen tortured voices roared in anguish.

The creature stumbled to one side, its limbs flailing wildly as it attempted to dislodge the unpleasant liquid burning away at it. In its panic one of the larger tentacles swung down at the group, only to be blocked by one of Rarity’s shields. The gem-shaped barrier shattered a moment later, but that was all it took for the rest of the group to focus their attention and drive the limb back with a burst of concentrated fire.

The tentacle recoiled back into the beast’s body which now sported an extra layer of armor that covered parts of it left exposed by the plates it had grown previously. Acid ran off its body in rivers, where it burned through the flesh-covered ground and disappeared beneath the dirt. The beast had also absorbed the majority of its extra appendages and seemed to focus on the four main ones it had before its impromptu swim.

Twilight was already casting her next spell, however, and thrust a glowing hand at the beast. Purple light briefly filled the room a second before an enormous glowing fist slammed into one side of the still unsteady monster. It was then joined by another, and another, each one of the numerous blows striking another part of the beast’s body.

The rapid flurry of car-sized fists initially knocked the monster back, but it rallied quickly, its armor growing thicker still. Surging forward, the beast swung the longest of its four remaining scythe limbs at the small group, but was stopped dead in its tracks by Applejack who unleashed both barrels of her shotgun into the boney appendage, causing it to crack before bringing her axe down on the same point a second later.

Bone shattered, and the monster recoiled as if struck in the face, the severed bit of its limb briefly contorting before turning into an orangish-green paste. Bursts of fire aimed at the beast’s face kept it from launching another attack before Twilight had amassed enough power. This time she created two orbs, one of which resembled a tiny sun while the other was a perfect sphere of ice.

Throwing the spinning balls at her foe, Twilight struggled to catch her breath due to the sheer amount of power she had been forced to expend just to get through the dampener. Pushing the pain and exhaustion from her mind, Twilight watched as her attacks exploded the second they came in contact with the monster. The fire orb was the first to detonate, briefly bathing the creature in a flurry of white hot flames before its twin rapidly cooled the monster’s exterior.

This time the beast barely even recoiled from the hit before surging forward, a roar spilling forth from its half frozen mouth. The concentrated stream of rounds slamming into its now armored face wasn't even enough to slow it. The only thing that was able to give it reason to pause were the pair of flash bangs Fluttershy threw directly in front of its beady orange orbs.

Now blinded, the creature’s eyes sunk into its head and vanished completely. Twilight reached upward, her hands glowing brightly as static electricity danced between her fingers. After gathering the necessary charge, she brought her arms down before thrusting both arms at the monster.

Lightning burst from the space between her hands and immediately leapt across the room. Thousands of bright white bolts impacted all across the creature’s armored body, making its limbs convulse. This time the rest of the squad didn't let up for even a second, with Rainbow Dash tossing a half dozen grenades at the monster before it could even adapt to the electricity coursing through its body.

More gunfire accompanied the deafening explosions which rocked the area, dislodging parts of the ceiling in the process. Throughout it all the monster continued to roar defiantly, its body twisting as it adapted to the electrical assault as well as the concussive force of Rainbow Dash’s grenades. It wasn't long before it emerged once more, its body now completely encased in biological armor so thick and so well insulated that it appeared impenetrable.

“Great! Now what are we supposed to do?” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“It doesn't even notice our shots anymore!” Applejack added.

“Trust me, this will work,” Twilight retorted. At least it better.

As the towering mountain of corded muscle, steel-like skin, and enormous pincers closed in, Twilight prepared one final spell. With a hand pressed firmly against her chest, she breathed deeply, the glow of her magic flowing through the suit and into her body. With her now terrified friends looking on, she exhaled a great cloud of deep purple gas.

Which billowed outwards in all directions, filling the room and blinding everyone including herself. Together the small squad of humans stood rigid, waiting for the monster’s attack which would surely kill them all. Seconds ticked by without a sound, save for the occasional crackle of the now broken PA system.

The mist began to dissipate, allowing all to see the calcified monster standing only a few feet away. Claws extended, the beast didn't seem to have any visible orifice to speak of, lacking even a nose. Now the same color as table salt, the creature appeared to be more of a statue than a ravenous monster capable of slaughtering everyone it came across.

“What just happened?” Rainbow Dash asked, her arms falling to her sides.

“It adapted away its mouth, and all of its senses in order to defend itself against every attack Twilight threw at it,” Fluttershy muttered in a shocked tone. “At least, I think that’s what happened.”

“I can't believe that worked,” Rarity murmured.

“You and me both sister,” Applejack agreed while holstering her weapon.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Sunset Shimmer warned, turning towards the infested woman. “Please tell me that thing is dead.”

“It is,” Twilight replied after a short pause. “Either that, or it's in a state of hibernation and it adapted away its aggressive urges.”

“Find out which it is, please,” Sunset Shimmer commanded before walking away. “I do not want that thing waking up after adapting to a micro nuke.”

“Right,” Twilight whispered, closing her eyes and bringing the full weight of her psychic might to bear.

Though the dampening field made such an act difficult, it was not impossible, and after a few silent moments Twilight was able to discern that it was indeed dead. From what she could tell, the ultralisk had tried to evolve to become so durable that nothing could harm it while also rebuilding its organs to function without oxygen. Thankfully its ability to adapt had been stretched thin already, and it had only managed to lose its lungs before becoming completely brain dead.

With a sigh, Twilight turned around just in time to see the doors to the announcer’s box open and reveal the twisted scientist who had nearly gotten them all killed.

“Amazing, astounding, stupendous! That was the most wonderful-” was all he managed to say before getting a boot to the stomach and dropped to the ground where he lay wheezing pitifully.

“That's for sicing that monster on us,” spat Applejack.

Rainbow Dash gave him a firm kick to the side. “And that's for always leaving a puddle of water in front of my locker.”

“Rainbow Dash…” muttered Fluttershy in a threatening tone.

The athlete threw up her hands. “What? It was super annoying! Do you have any idea how many times I almost ruined my gym shoes?”

Sunset Shimmer shook her head and walked up to the man. “Come quietly, or else I’ll have Applejack here break your legs.”

“That won't be necessary,” muttered the infested male between fits of coughing. “I offer you my unconditional surrender.”

“Why though?” Inquired Fluttershy.

“Isn't it obvious?” declared the man as he hauled himself back onto his own two feet. “All I’ve ever wanted is to study the nature of chaos, and you have someone with you who knows quite a bit on the subject.”

Twilight frowned. “I don't know as much as you likely think I do. Though I admit my understanding is likely greater than any in this dimension.”

“And she is from beyond this reality no less. Truly you have made powerful allies,” exclaimed the man, a wide smile crossing his vaguely Eastern European features.

“Not like we needed her though,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You do know that you will not be allowed to restart your experiments, right?”

The man chuckled. “Maybe not right now, but in time the government will want the power my queen already has and when that time comes, I will be waiting.”

“They wouldn't do that!” Applejack declared. “Even they aren't so stupid as to think they can control the zerg.”

“Really now? Even I, a former citizen of the Soviet Union know of Operation Paperclip,” deadpanned the man.

“Operation Paperclip?” Twilight asked.

“After the Second World War the US government coerced a great number of nazi scientists to come work in the United States,” Rarity answered grimly. “The government has and will coddle monsters in order to get what it wants.”

“Woah, that’s messed up,” Applejack murmured.

“I’m just surprised Rarity is the one who knew about it,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Rarity scoffed. “Just because I’m a pretty face doesn't mean I am not as curious as our dear friend Sunset.”

“Your country isn't exactly the beacon of morality you seem to believe it is,” stated the infested man.

“Regardless,” interrupted Sunset Shimmer, “you’re coming with us.”

“Well, hold on a minute, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Applejack exclaimed, stopping Sunset before she could take a step towards the man. “We should think about this.”

“Yeah, you don't want all of this to happen again, now do you?” Rainbow Dash added.

“You can't be serious. We aren't going to off the guy just like that,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

“It's not right, he's not a threat anymore,” stated Fluttershy.

“But he knows all about the zerg, and the chaos pool thingy!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Do you really want all this to happen again in like ten years when Twilight isn't around to help?”

“But with his help we could find a cure,” Fluttershy implored.

“I would do no such thing,” rebutted the man.

“You are really not helping your case here, dude,” Sunset Shimmer muttered.

Twilight sighed and stepped forward, brushing past both Sunset Shimmer as well as Rainbow Dash. “Allow me.”

The infested woman didn't even wait for a response before wrapping one enormous hand around the male’s head. All he could do was let out a startled yelp of surprise before his eyes rolled into the back of his skull and the world fell away. While at the same time Twilight felt her universe expand as she crushed the man’s feeble willpower beneath her metaphorical bootheel.

His memories, thoughts, and emotions surrounded her in a great kaleidoscope of swirling lights. Though it may at one point have been a daunting task to maneuver through such an enormous amount of experiences, Twilight was used to being connected to multiple minds at one time. Compared to handling a half dozen other minds at one time, just one was a walk in the park.

Before she could get to work on the entire reason she was here in the first place, Twilight pulled forth everything he knew on the topic of the zerg. Which turned out to be quite a lot, though it wasn't what she was expecting from the male given how confident he had been a minute earlier. Yes, he knew how to draw forth and collect chaotic energy from the environment, but he didn't actually know much about spawning or commanding zerg bioforms.

Years of study had given him a vast understanding of physics both mundane and exotic, but it had not given him a firm grasp on the underlying biology he was toying with. What he did know was that zerg DNA had the ability to rapidly adapt given the proper amount of environmental stresses. He also knew how to encourage the growth of certain zerg structures, though they were fairly basic in their purpose.

Constructing a primitive hatchery was his crowning achievement, and nearly every other building had either never been tried or was only in the planning phases. His actual knowledge was limited, if not completely non-existent, though Twilight could tell that was by design. His psyche had strange edges to it that made the infested woman think that certain memories had been cut out of him at one point.

A twinge of guilt shot through Twilight before the former unicorn ruthlessly crushed that emotion. She needed to know what he knew, and she needed to ensure he no longer had said information. The choice was obvious, and yet she still couldn't help but feel a little bad for what she was about to do.

A second later she returned to the material world once more, her eyes snapping open to find the other members of her squad fighting. They all seemed to be either trying to pull Twilight’s arm away, or to get between Twilight and those attempting to move her. Thankfully they all stopped when Twilight looked down on them once more, as the man crumpled into an unexpected heap.

“Oh my gosh, you killed him!” Fluttershy shrieked.

“Great job, Twi, I knew you would make the right choice,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“I didn't kill him,” Twilight quickly replied. “I merely removed what he knew of the zerg, and chaos in general.”

Sunset Shimmer breathed a sigh of relief. “That's perfect.”

“But what if he decided to figure it out all over again?” Applejack questioned. “He may not know it now, but he's figured this all out before.”

“That won't happen,” Twilight stated simply.

“How can you know for sure?” Rarity asked.

“Because I also took away his ambition,” Twilight replied. “He will be happy to serve as a janitor until the end of his days.”

The infested woman didn't notice the strained looks her companions were exchanging as she was already walking towards the door, a migraine building at the back of her mind.

“Let’s, uh, get moving,” Sunset Shimmer offered.

The rest of the girls silently followed after them while Sunset Shimmer closed the distance between her and Twilight.

“Hey, you alright?” Sunset Shimmer offered.

“I’m fine. The field is just taking its toll, I think,” Twilight muttered bitterly.

“Are you still up to finishing the mission?” Sunset Shimmer pressed.

Twilight sighed. “Of course.”

Author's Note

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The Classroom

The small group made their way out of the former rink in silence, the women eying Twilight hesitantly. Twilight herself barely noticed the looks she was receiving, as she was busy massaging her temples with an unarmored hand. The dull pressure at the back of her mind had become difficult to suppress, though thankfully not debilitating.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” inquired Fluttershy, a hand on her medpack.

Twilight grunted. “Unless you’re volunteering to bring down the field, then no. There isn't.”

“Why would ya want that?” Applejack asked.

“I don't,” Twilight growled. “I’m just saying that's the only thing that would help at this point.”

“Let’s hurry things up. The next target is just on the other side of the building,” Sunset Shimmer interrupted, stepping forward.

Twilight grunted and double-timed it across the hall, her gaze lingering on the central pillar holding up the ceiling. Though the strength of its defences had been dulled with the capture of the first infested human, Twilight could tell it was still quite strong. She also felt as if she were being watched the entire time she was out in the open, though she couldn't pinpoint the source.

By the time they reached the half dozen doors which barred their entry from the concert hall, a prismatic blur rejoined them.

“The target is secure, Sunset,” declared Rainbow Dash.

“Good. Now let's acquire the second one so we can crack that barrier and get out of here,” Sunset Shimmer replied and turned to Twilight. “What do you sense?”

Twilight sent out another psionic pulse. “Dozens of minds, each one sleeping. All save for one who has somehow managed to mask their presence from me.”

“How is that possible?” questioned Rarity.

Twilight frowned. “I don't know. Her thoughts are… slippery, for lack of a better word.”

“We hitting this place or what?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

“No breaching charges. We may have civilians in there,” Sunset Shimmer replied.

“Allow me,” offered Applejack.

Sunset nodded. “Go ahead. Everyone else fan out. I don't know what we’re walking into, but it can't be good.”

Applejack slung her weapon over her shoulder and stepped up to the door. “Let’s see what we got here.”

Slowly turning the knob, Applejack expected to find it locked or barred, but the door opened easily and without resistance. The entrance simply swung open to reveal a large, poorly lit room filled with rows upon rows of glowing green pods. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all covered in zerg growth, as were the stage entrances on the other side of the room.

The lavatories and changing rooms were similarly obscured, the entrances engulfed by twisted purple flesh, leaving only a single large space. One illuminated only by the dull orange glow that came from the base of each of the seven-foot-tall green pods. This light also emanated from the floor where many twisting, pulsating veins joined into a central bundle that disappeared beneath the stage.

“What the hell?” muttered Applejack.

“So this is where they’ve been making their officers,” Sunset Shimmer muttered.

“Are those people?” Fluttershy whispered in horror.

Rainbow Dash slipped between Applejack and the door, making her way over to the nearest of the pods. Wiping a hand across the strange surface, she cleared away the green residue which had gathered upon it, revealing the unconscious face of a yellow-skinned and blue-haired young man that seemed vaguely familiar to Twilight.

“Flash?” Sunset Shimmer muttered.

Walking up to the front of the group, Sunset quickly wiped away the rest of the slime, further showing the former highschooler. Including the extra limbs that had been grafted onto his body, and the chitinous flesh growing from his midsection. More disturbing than even the added claws and tentacles was the mass of thick veins which connected to his back.

The male was left with only his underwear to conceal his dignity. Though that was a small consolation, given that most of his humanity had been stripped away and replaced with alien flesh. Though an unpleasant sight to the rest of her group, Twilight found herself intrigued by the strange process playing out before her.

She knew from experience that simple infestation would require only a handful of spores and time. It didn't require a safe environment, a warm temperature or what looked like a nutrient bath to sustain the process as it completed. Though the end result was usually little more than a mindless, ravenous husk, while this human seemed to still have all his faculties.

Brushing up against his mind revealed that was indeed true, though his consciousness had been partially rewritten at a base level. Delving deeper, Twilight found that he contained a spark that the other humans he had encountered had not. More than that, his mind was also sharper than the others, and Twilight could tell that he was psionically active.

“Fascinating. This other version of me has found a way to bring out the latent psionic spark in your genes,” Twilight muttered. “Though his mind will remain intact, he will be utterly devoted to his queen.”

“How ghastly,” Rarity murmured.

“Can we save him?” Sunset Shimmer asked, a hint of desperation audible in her tone.

“I don't know,” Twilight admitted.

“What do you mean you don't know?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“Just that. I don't know,” Twilight reiterated. “This is not something I’ve ever seen before.”

“Preliminary analyses?” Fluttershy pressed.

Twilight shrugged. “I would need to unhook him slowly and monitor both his vitals as well as his mind. A process I don't think we have the time for.”

Sunset Shimmer cursed under her breath and stomped angrily. “Godamnit.”

“Is there any way we can sabotage the infestation process without endangering them?” Fluttershy continued.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, her hand glowing faintly as she scanned the encased human. “It seems possible. If we stop the flow of nutrients, the process should stop, and the individuals themselves will enter a sort of hibernation.”

“Giving us time to come back and bust ‘em out after we woop the black queen’s butt,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Sunset Shimmer sighed. “I don't like leaving them here like this, but we don't have the space even if we could save them.”

“Follow the veiny things, then?” Rainbow Dash inquired, kicking the lump of organic cables in emphasis.

“Slowly,” Sunset Shimmer warned. “There hasn't been any defences yet, and it isn't like her to leave something so important unguarded.”

“Got it,” stated Applejack who stepped to the front of the group and unslung her shotgun.

“Wait,” Fluttershy interrupted. “Shouldn't we avoid the use of guns? We may injure one of the civilians.”

Twilight tapped her armored knuckle over one of the pods, causing it to jiggle slightly, its occupant grimacing in response. “Seems likely.”

“How unfortunate,” Rarity remarked as she slung her shotgun over her shoulder and pulled out a long, serrated blade. “Melee combat always gets so… messy.”

“It's better than the alternative,” Applejack replied, following her friend’s lead and unlatching her axe.

“Speak for yourself. I’ve been dying to try these babies out for a while,” Rainbow Dash added as she slipped a pair of spiked knuckle dusters over her gloved hands.

Sunset Shimmer unsheathed a long narrow blade from a hidden pocket. “Right, let’s go.”

Together they slowly made their way towards the distant stage, each one keeping an eye out for danger. Twilight quickly grew annoyed that her psionic abilities weren’t as reliable as she would like, so she switched tactics. The quick scanning spell she cast didn't make it far before it dissipated into nothing, disrupted by the field placed over the building.

Just great, Twilight thought to herself. The only thing I learned was the temperature of the room.

With little else to do but watch and wait, Twilight readied a concussive spell, her gaze sweeping over the rows of pods. Around her, the rest of their little squad was doing the same, each one gripping their weapon tightly. All save for Fluttershy, who was holding a flash bang closer to her face than what was likely advisable.

No ambush came, and the only sound was the clomp squish of their boots treading through the unpleasant ground. That was until they neared the stage itself, then a dull thumping noise, not unlike the beating of a heart, could be heard emanating from within.

“What is that?” Rarity muttered in disgust.

“It sounds like a heart,” offered Applejack.

“Whatever it is, it's under the stage,” Sunset Shimmer offered.

“I got it,” declared Rainbow Dash who leaned down and lifted open the flap at the base of the stage.

A space previously occupied by hundreds of chairs was now completely filled by a pulsating black organ. Deep veins extended from the organic mass and into the walls as well as the floor. With each pulse a thick sludge was pumped up from somewhere far below and then contained within several thin pustules growing off the side of the heart-shaped object.

“That is downright nasty,” Applejack remarked.

“How disturbing,” muttered Rarity.

“So this must be the linchpin of their conversion process,” Sunset remarked.

“I think so,” added Twilight. “If we destroy it, we should be able to stave off the infestation long enough for you to return at a later date.”

“Right. Rainbow Dash, grab the charges. We need something relatively low yield, but focused,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

“Hell yeah. It's about time I get to blow something up,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, plucking a trio of flat explosives from her belt.

“Hold on, something isn't right,” Fluttershy whispered. “Do any of you hear that?”

“I think-” was all Sunset Shimmer managed to utter before a foot-long spike embedded itself in the lower section of her left arm.

Sunset’s sentence turned into a scream of pain, her weapon clattering to the ground. Thankfully for the rest of them, Rarity reacted quickly, conjuring a shield above them and blocking three more spikes. Each one of which was fired with enough force that it caused a spiderweb of cracks to form on the barrier.

“Get its attention, I can’t hold it for long!” Rarity exclaimed, her voice cracking under the strain.

“I got this!” shouted Rainbow Dash a second before she was replaced by a prismatic blur.

The rest of the squad separated, grabbing their weapons and scanning for any sign of their unseen attacker. All save for Fluttershy and Twilight who were moving to help the screaming girl now lying in agony on the ground.

The injury was brutal, and it was remarkable that the limb hadn't been cleanly removed due to the sheer amount of damage done to it.

While Fluttershy scrambled to open her medical kit, Twilight knelt down and grabbed the other woman’s shoulder, holding her still. In an instant a dozen plans were considered and quickly tossed aside, discarded due to the most pressing matter at hand. Sunset Shimmer’s suit had been breached, not only that, but her heart was likely sending spore-filled blood to every part of the girl’s body.

Even if Twilight could save her friend’s arm and heal the damage dealt, it would mean allowing her to be infested. A fate that would likely result in the poor girl becoming a mindless slave to Twilight’s darker reflection. This couldn't be allowed to happen, not while Twilight still had magic and more psionic power than she knew what to do with.

“Treat the wound. I’ll handle the spores,” Twilight stated.

“But I have to inject the stims. Without them, her body won't be able to fight it off!” Fluttershy yelled back.

“It's too late for that. If I don't move now, she’ll lose more than just her arm,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Trust her,” Sunset Shimmer muttered through gritted teeth.

Fluttershy seemed hesitant, but reluctantly put away the needle and pulled out a form of medical gel that Twilight had never seen before. Ignoring what Fluttershy was doing, Twilight focused on Sunset and the zerg presence she could feel rising within her. It took only a moment of calculation, but Twilight quickly surmised that she would need to divide her magic and psionic power in order to stop the spread.

The first thing Twilight did was enact a low grade healing and sterilizing spell around the other girl’s arm, bathing it in a soft golden light. Within seconds the source of the infection had been neutralized, though it would quickly become a problem again if she stopped. Worse still, the strain of the spell would quickly grow over time, but Twilight knew she could handle it. She just needed to hurry.

Reaching out with her mind, Twilight tried to order the individual zerg spores to self-destruct, but there were too many. Like trying to grab a handful of sand, Twilight couldn't hold onto them all long enough to kill them. She would need to change her approach, which meant starting with the most important part, Sunset’s mind.

Gripping the other girl’s helmet with her armored hand, Twilight ignored the continued sounds of fighting and focused only on Sunset Shimmer. Extending her senses into her head, Twilight wrapped a psionic glove around a newly formed mass of zerg cells and issued a self-destruct order.

For a moment, Twilight worried that they might be too different from her own harmonized cells for the command to be effective. Thankfully a moment later she felt a chunk of the infested cells die off suddenly. Though not a significant number, the process was a success, proving that Twilight could win if she moved quickly.

Sunset shimmer groaned, the sedatives pumping through her veins no doubt dulling the pain to the point that it was manageable. Around them Twilight could hear shouting punctuated by the dull thwump of a spike flying through the air. Though there weren't any more screams, Twilight could hear Rarity grunt in pain every few seconds, blocking another wayward shot with a conjured shield.

Please don't let me get turned into one of those things. I would rather die, Sunset Shimmer thought, squeezing her eyes shut.

I won’t let that happen, Twilight declared, quickly getting to work.

Hunting down groups of infected cells felt a lot like playing some horrible version of whack-a-mole, but Twilight quickly gained the upper hand. Though successful, clearing Sunset’s brain of infested tissue took considerable effort, and Twilight could already feel her migraine returning. Pushing such minor considerations away, Twilight continued on, clearing out more and more of the wayward spores.

Vast swathes of tissue needed to be purged, but in time Twilight managed to remove the vast majority of the infestation. Right before she was about to shift her attention to the other girl’s extremities, Twilight felt something strange. Behind and to the left of the girl’s heart was an organ Twilight hadn't expected to find within a human.

A bundle of nerves joined together to create a wellspring capable of gathering mana, and stranger still, Twilight could tell it was pure. Even then, it was barely enough to cast a simple light spell and was roughly comparable to that of a child. Yet despite the presence of it and several secondary wells, her body seemed unconnected to the source of Sunset’s magic.

It neither reached up into her skull like in a unicorn or to the ends of her limbs like in an earth pony. The entire series of organs felt half constructed, as if they were meant to be better connected, yet weren't for some reason. Twilight was tempted to inspect this strange set of circumstances closer, but Sunset Shimmer wasn't out of the woods yet.

Whatever Fluttershy was doing must have been working, Though Twilight could tell that Sunset had already lost a lot of blood at this point. Not only that, but they couldn't remove the spike, nor could Twilight afford to stop her search for more of the infested tissue.

By then the constant flow of magic was beginning to make the larger of Twilight’s hands start to glow brightly. Heat began to bloom from within the distorted limb, burning the infested woman’s limb from the inside out. Despite the pain and increasingly wavering focus, Twilight continued on, determined not to lose anyone.

While she continued her hunt for the last remnants of infestation, the battle with their mysterious opponent raged on unabated. Unknown to Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Applejack had been locked in a heated fight for several minutes. A struggle which had begun with Rainbow Dash pulling out her submachine gun and aiming up at the ceiling with one hand.

“Come on out so I can fill you with lead!” shouted the girl as she sprinted between the many podded humans.

“Yeah, come on down here, you varmint!” added Applejack.

“I would love nothing more than for you to get your wish,” replied a strange, reverberating voice similar to the other infested.

Though there was one part of the creature’s words that was different, namely the soft undertones the pair found oddly familiar. The gentle, educated way the creature spoke reminded them of a person they had both seen many times over the years. So poignant was this familiarity that the pair quickly slid to a halt and exchanged a nervous, knowing glance.

“It can't be,” muttered Rainbow Dash.

“Cheerilee, is that you?” Applejack asked, her axe hanging slack in her grip.

A sudden whoosh of air drew their attention above the row of pods, to where the twisted form of their former teacher waited for them. Her arms had become hideously long, deformed to the point that they had become large leathery wings. The woman’s torso had narrowed, her legs having fused into a long segmented tail that ended in a strange, toothy orifice.

Cheerilee had a strangely peaceful expression on her partially plated face, though the spines which sprouted from her back twitched angrily. Gone was the older woman’s soft pink skin, replaced almost completely by a mass of brown chitinous plates.

“What the hell happened to you?” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“What do you think happened to me?” Cheerilee shouted before a long spine shot from the end of her tail.

The attack only narrowly missed the girl, thudding into the ground where she had been standing a second before she rolled out of the way. Three more attacks followed after the first, the long spines all burying themselves in the fleshy ground. Unable to hit her target, Cheerilee dipped to the left, lining up a shot on Applejack and releasing another salvo of spines.

Applejack quickly raised her shotgun like a shield. The first spike bounced off, but not before denting the barrel while the second tore off the stock and the third shattered the weapon completely. Now stuck out in the open with little cover, Applejack hesitated briefly before ducking behind one of the podded humans.

She expected to hear a gurgled scream as the unfortunate soul was killed in the crossfire, but thankfully that didn't happen. Instead she heard the sound of leathery wings beating hastily as the infested creature tried to get a better line on her target. Applejack tapped the pod and noted that it certainly wouldn't have stopped such an attack, but before she could contemplate her next move, she was forced into motion once again.

Rolling further down the line, Applejack took a glancing blow to the shoulder and tumbled into an undignified heap. Before the infested human could capitalize on this, however, Rainbow Dash returned, her submachine gun spraying wildly. Barely able to control the weapon while moving so quickly, Rainbow Dash kept her spread high in order to ensure no pods got caught in the crossfire.

Forced to dodge out of the way of the counterattack, Cheerilee gained altitude before swooping away once again. Leaving just enough time for Applejack to pick herself back up, and for Rainbow Dash to get beside her.

“We can't let her near Sunset, but we can't take her down with guns. What are we supposed to do?” Rainbow Dash half asked, half stated.

“Well, she won't hit the pods, so it's safe to use them as cover,” Applejack replied.

“But how do we fight back?” demanded Rainbow Dash.

Applejack grunted. “I got an idea. You lead her off, then hide. I’ll create an opening for you.”

“Right!” Rainbow Dash replied.

Leaping out from behind cover, Rainbow Dash was forced to jump, duck, and roll out of the way of a trio of attacks. Even with her speed, it was close, with each one of the projectiles missing by mere inches. Now more than a little startled by the surprising accuracy of her enemy, Rainbow Dash quickly broke into a sprint.

Pouring on the speed and abandoning her gun, the girl gripped her knuckle dusters tightly as she wove in and out of the rows. Numerous spines thudded into the ground behind her, growing closer by the second, all while leathery wings flapped hard overhead. Despite how close the enemy’s attacks were getting, Rainbow Dash remained confident she could keep dodging for as long as she needed to.

That was until she turned back down a row she had already ran down a second earlier and found that it wouldn't be quite so easy. With dozens of foot-long spikes now sticking out of the ground, It was hard not to trip on the many hazards. Forced to move in a more predictable pattern, Rainbow Dash had to duck under a shot which would have gone straight through her skull.

With time the paths available to her were growing narrower, decreasing the amount of room she had to dodge. A fact that would only become more apparent as time passed and additional spikes were fired, leaving Rainbow Dash with even fewer options. With death now breathing down her neck, Rainbow Dash felt her heart begin to pound noisily in her chest.

You better hurry up, Applejack, 'cause I can't keep this up forever! Rainbow Dash thought.

Zipping around a corner, Rainbow Dash nearly stumbled to a halt when she saw Applejack had shed a layer of armor. Though still adorned with her heavy black suit, and helmet, the girl had discarded her most potent protection. Not only that, but she was standing directly in front of a pod, her axe raised and ready to kill the podded individual she stood in front of.

“Hey, over here!” Applejack shouted.

“What do you hope to accomplish by being so foolish?” Cheerilee demanded.

“If you shoot me, you’ll kill the person behind me, but if you don't fight me, I’ll kill them myself!” Applejack shouted.

The second she heard those leathery wings stop, Rainbow Dash rolled out of the way, running down a side row.

Cheerilee didn't notice this, however, as she was busy glaring down at Applejack. “You wouldn't.”

“You wanna bet?” Applejack replied, raising her arm slightly higher.

For a second the pair faced off in silence, then with a grunt, Cheerilee surged forward. Wings flapping hard, the infested human seemed intent on using her spiked lower appendage in melee. In an instant the zerg had nearly reached her target, only for a prismatic blur to burst from the shadows and collide with her in midair.

A desperate scramble ensued as Rainbow Dash tried to pin Cheerilee’s wings with minimal success. Unfortunately for the infested human, Rainbow Dash was more than heavy enough to weigh her down. Once she hit the ground, a flurry of blows knocked the sense out of Cheerilee, leaving her dazed, bloody, and confused.

Though she scratched and scrambled, the infested human could barely offer a counterattack before something much heavier landed atop her. It took only a few seconds until Applejack had the ex teacher face down on the ground, wings pinned securely. Cheerilee’s continued struggles quickly turned into a wasted effort as the young woman was simply far too strong.

And so with a sigh, she fell slack. “Well, you did it. Now finish this,” she muttered bitterly.

“We’re going to save you, Miss Cheerilee. You don't have to fight us anymore,” Rainbow Dash stated.

“The eggheads have been working on a way of fixin’ people like you,” Applejack added.

“Living like this for even a moment longer would be a fate worse than death,” Cheerilee angrily spat. “Even without her presence, I can't escape the orders she programmed into my head. The second you let me go, I’ll be forced to attack you again.”

“I know it sucks right now, but we got ways of helpin’ ya,” Applejack exclaimed. “We can even help get yer arms and legs back.”

“I don't care about my body,” Cheerilee shouted. “I’ve done horrible things to the children I was supposed to protect. Things I can't live with.”

“It couldn't have been that bad,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

Cheerilee’s glowing gaze fixed firmly on the athletic young woman, making her flinch. “I was the one who figured out how to secure their loyalty while keeping their intelligence. I am the only reason this damned war has gone on as long as it has!”

“N-no. It can't be,” Applejack murmured.

“It’s the truth, and you know it! So unless you have a time machine in those rubber pants, there isn't anything you can do to help me,” Cheerilee muttered.

“There's gotta be something…” Rainbow Dash’s voice trailed off.

“There isn't,” Cheerilee whispered. “Please, just end this.”

Rainbow Dash exchanged a look with her companion, and though they could not see each other’s eyes, they knew what needed to be done.

“I’ll hold her, you grab my axe,” Applejack whispered.

“I don't like this,” Rainbow Dash muttered, picking the weapon from the ground.

Cheerilee smiled. “Thank you, girls. I always knew you’d grow up to become-”

The ex teacher never finished her statement as her head was suddenly removed from the rest of her. Cheerilee’s wings twitched vigorously, as if her body had yet to realize it was dead. It didn't last long before it fell still, and a small, somber smile crossed Cheerilee’s face.

Applejack dropped the limp form and quickly rose, snatching the axe out of Rainbow Dash’s hand. “What the heck was that? You can't even let a poor woman utter her final words in peace?”

Rainbow Dash sniffed. “I knew if she did, I wouldn't be able to do it.”

Applejack sighed. “Just… just grab your gun. We still got a mission to do.”

“Right,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

After gathering themselves once more, the duo made their way over to the front of the room at a slow, steady pace. Rainbow Dash reloaded her weapon, tucked her knuckle dusters away, and did everything she could to distract herself. Applejack was hastily piecing her armor back together and fitting it in place one plate at a time.

When they reached the front of the room once again, they found that Rarity was kneeling on the ground and breathing hard. Though clearly exhausted, the fashionista was uninjured, as were Twilight and Fluttershy. Sunset was a different story entirely, as the long spike still stuck from her arm.

Bandages and gel covered the wound, and the entire arm now hung in a sling across Sunset Shimmer’s chest. She had long since lost the strength to stand and was now being cradled like a child by the towering infested woman.

“Is she okay?” Applejack inquired, gesturing to Sunset.

“She’ll live,” Twilight replied.

“Is she going to turn?” Rainbow Dash added, a hand on the butt of her gun.

Fluttershy quickly shook her head. “Twilight managed to stop it with magic, but she’s going to be out for a while.”

“Status?” Sunset Shimmer asked weakly.

“Sunset, you're supposed to be resting!” Fluttershy admonished.

“I can rest when I know what happened,” Sunset Shimmer murmured, turning her head to Applejack. “Report.”

The farm girl sighed and hung her head in defeat. “We failed.”

“Failed?” Rarity inquired, the girl struggling to stay upright.

“We couldn't take her alive,” Rainbow Dash elaborated.

“Was that what she wanted?” Sunset Shimmer gently inquired.

Rainbow Dash nodded slowly.

Sunset sighed. “Then it's an unfortunate, though acceptable outcome.”

“What now?” asked Applejack.

“You all proceed on without Rarity and I,” Sunset answered. “We’re either too exhausted or too injured to be much help at this point.”

“Who’s in charge then?” inquired Rainbow Dash.

“I am,” Twilight stated confidently.

“Bullshit you are!” Rainbow Dash spat. “Who's to say you didn't mind freak Sunset while we weren't looking!”

Sunset Shimmer raised a hand weakly. “You both know that neither of you understand what you are about to walk into. Only Twilight has even the foggiest idea as to what we’re up against.”

“I don't like it, but it makes sense,” Applejack admitted.

“You’ll need to follow her lead if we are going to make it out alive,” Fluttershy added.

Rainbow Dash angrily kicked the fleshy ground. “Fine, but after you’re all fixed up, we are having a long talk about who’s number two around here.”

Sunset Shimmer chuckled, the laugh coming out more like a dry heave. “So long as we all make it out of here, I’ll accept any punishment you see fit, now set those charges already.”

“Whatever,” Rainbow Dash muttered, brushing past Twilight.

“Are you sure about this, Sunset?” Twilight asked.

Sunset Shimmer shrugged as best as she could manage. “Not even a little bit, but I have a feeling they are going to need you.”

Rarity conjured a long shield in front of her. “I’m ready for her, Twilight.”

The infested woman gently laid the other girl on the makeshift stretcher. “Don't worry. I’ll bring them all home.”

“You better, ‘cause they’re all I got left,” Sunset whispered.

“Oh, Sunny,” whispered Fluttershy.

“Get us out of here, Rarity. Crying in this suit sucks,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

“Don't I know it, darling,” Rarity murmured.

A trio of dull thuds could be heard a second before a tidal wave of black goo gushed out around their boots. Thankfully the sticky mass of unpleasant liquid quickly drained into the floor, leaving behind only an unpleasant residue.

A second later Rainbow Dash returned, though the bounce had yet to return to her step. “It's done,” she declared.

“Good, now let's get this over with,” Applejack muttered, shouldering her axe.

“Right, stay behind me,” Twilight commanded.

Author's Note

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This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

The Principal's Office

Twilight stopped just outside the door, her skull pounding the second she was in view of the central office. Gone was the strange barrier, replaced by an immense pressure that Twilight had to struggle tooth and nail to stop from crushing her. Though the alien presence was disturbing, it was even less unsettling than the faintly sweet smell she could taste in the air.

You smell kind of sweet, Twilight remembered, her mind going back to something Fluttershy had said. Does that mean that this creature is more powerful than even I am?

“Something the matter?” Applejack asked, shouldering Rarity’s shotgun.

“It's hard to explain,” Twilight replied.

“Try me,” declared Rainbow Dash.

Twilight sighed and watched as Sunset was carted away on Rarity’s shield. Only when the two other women were gone did Twilight speak once more.

“Zerg have a sort of primal need to submit to a more powerful organism,” Twilight began. “This comes off as a sort of sweet scent that is only detectable by weaker zerg.”

“Is that a sex thing?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Applejack coughed suddenly, lurching over. “Rainbow Dash!”

“What?” replied the girl, who threw up her hands.

“Zerg don't even have sex characterstics or reproduce in that manner,” Twilight deapanned, only to chuckle. She really is a lot like the other Rainbow Dash.

“So, what does it mean, then?” Applejack offered, extending a hand.

“I’ve never smelt it before as I’ve been stronger than every zerg organism I’ve ever faced…” Twilight hesitated, her gaze going up to the central office. “Until now.”

“You're not going to turn on us, are you?” Applejack questioned.

Twilight quickly shook her head. “The field weakens psionic abilities enough that such brute force domination should be impossible. They will still possess immense psychic powers, however.”

“Like, how immense?” Rainbow Dash questioned, a hint of fear seeping into her voice.

“It isn't going to be too much, is it?” Fluttershy questioned. “Maybe I should go with the others.”

“They’ll need you,” Twilight stated, turning to the girl. “I’ll have to focus on countering that thing’s abilities, meaning that you three will have to do most of the fighting.”

“Are you sure this ain't just an excuse to be lazy?” Applejack questioned, a teasing edge audible in her voice.

Twilight chuckled. “I wish it were that simple. I’ve never had to fight someone with this much psychic power before.”

“Can you do it?” Rainbow Dash hesitantly inquired.

Twilight frowned as she looked up at the office. “There’s only one way to find out.”

“Don't push yourself,” Fluttershy cautioned. “If we need to fall back, we can. We’ve already cleared two out of three objectives.”

“Yeah but we didn't get the most important one,” Applejack pointed out. “If we don't find the information on the black queen’s tower, then this will have all been a waste.”

“Don't worry,” Twilight interjected. “I’m certain we can do this.”

“Great, now can we get moving already? We don't have much time left to get this done, and I don't wanna get left behind,” Rainbow Dash stated.

“Right, let’s go,” Twilight declared.

“We’re safe and ready for evac,” announced a familiar feminine voice over the radio. “Good luck, girls.”

“Heh, we don't need luck,” replied Rainbow Dash.

Twilight kept her mouth shut, abundantly aware of how low the other’s morale was at that moment. Sure, Rainbow Dash acted confident, but Twilight could tell she was beginning to tire, as was Applejack who was also quite shaken. Fluttershy was a different story altogether, the girl seemed ready to explode into tears or run away at a moment’s notice.

Yet she continued to follow close behind Applejack, gripping a flash bang in one hand and her pistol in the other. Despite her fear, she continued, but Twilight knew it wouldn't take much to send the poor girl fleeing in terror. Twilight wanted to reach out and subtly influence them to be braver, but she simply couldn't, her abilities were nearly spent.

A migraine pounded at the back of Twilight’s mind, and she was reminded of her fights with Nightmare Moon. The way she had been beaten so handedly, her abilities stripped away, made meaningless by the alicorn’s overwhelming power. It was a feeling Twilight prayed she would never experience again, and yet she feared that might just happen.

Twilight stepped forward and pulled open the door to reveal a relatively plain-looking office space. Save, of course, for the creep which covered everything from the lights to the odd stapler. Without that it might even look like a normal room, except for the stairs on the left side as well as the overwhelming pressure that beat down on Twilight’s mind.

It was growing stronger still, and worse yet, it felt almost like she were being pulled towards it somehow. The tug drew her to the stairs which she hesitantly walked up, ducking under the low hanging ceiling. Upon reaching the second level, Twilight looked around to find that she was in a sort of waiting area outside of a meeting room.

“Are we ready?” Twilight asked, even though she already knew the answer.

Rainbow Dash shouldered her submachine gun while Applejack chambered a round and took her position next to the door. Even Fluttershy seemed ready, having drawn her weapon, the barrel wobbling ever so slightly.

“It seems so,” Twilight murmured.

“Want me to do the honors?” Applejack inquired.

Twilight shook her head. “Allow me.”

Summoning a concussive wave of magical force into her hand, Twilight aimed it at the double doors. She hesitated for only a moment before releasing the magic and causing the wooden entrance to explode outwards in a shower of splinters. Immediately, all four of them scanned the room, eager to find their target while they had the drop on them.

That was until their gaze landed on the target, then all the bloodlust they felt suddenly slipped away. Even Twilight felt like she had been punched in the gut, as the creature before her defied explanation. Not only was she twisted beyond recognition, but she also felt familiar in a way that the former pony couldn't initially place.

The lesser two creatures that stood on either side were at least sort of recognizable, due to their distinctly doglike appearance. The zerglings were larger than normal, however, and had a larger head crest not unlike the kind sported by hydralisks. Their wings were also far bigger, and the creatures had a thicker hide that was a faint pink color as opposed to the usual greenish-purple.

Though intriguing, Twilight hardly even looked at them, as it was the largest of the room’s inhabitants that drew her attention. It was obvious that she had once been human, but was now unlike any beast Twilight had ever laid eyes on. Her arms and legs hung uselessly from an enormously bloated head so large that it lifted its body off the ground. Her cranium wasn't just oversized though, as it actually extended back a dozen meters, turning into a strange centipede-like structure.

Light purplish-green flesh covered her head and neck before ending abruptly at her shoulders. Her glowing purple eyes contained within them the distinct spark of intelligence, though it was an intelligence marred by urges not their own. She hadn't had her clothes removed, though the yellow blazer and long, deep magenta pants had clearly taken a beating.

“Greetings, students,” whispered the creature.

“P-Principal Celestia?” Rainbow Dash muttered in horror.

“Cerebrate Celestia,” corrected the creature. “Let me guess. You’re here to kill me and take the information I have with this pet zerg you have in your company.”

Twilight’s eyes opened wider still, her mind conjuring the last moments she had shared with her Celestia. So overwhelmed by the memory, the former pony barely even heard the conversation playing out before her, that was until she heard Applejack yell.

“You have to fight it! This doesn't have to end in violence!” shouted the farmer.

“I’m afraid it does,” stated the cerebrate. “Though her presence may have lifted, the instincts she put inside me remain. Now prepare yourself, children. For I cannot let you leave this place.”

In an instant the pressure doubled, and Twilight was forced to her knees, unable to even lift her arms. She fared better than Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy who lay sprawled out on the floor, their armor starting to crack under the force. Only Applejack remained standing, though it was only just barely, and Twilight could see the girl’s legs begin to wobble.

She's stronger than I thought, Twilight noted.

The weight on her body increased even more, growing to the point that Twilight could feel her armor begin to buckle under the strain. Her companions fared even worse, with Applejack being forced to her knees while a zergling slowly walked over to her. Its long pincers twitched with anticipation, the limb extending, poised to ram itself into the defenceless soldier’s neck.

Come on, Twilight, think.

Without the ability to concentrate on her magic, Twilight knew it would be impossible to cast any spells. Even her psionic abilities were hard to use, though they at least had a chance of working, unlike her other abilities. Simply overpowering the cereberate wouldn't be possible, but there was a small chance that Twilight could utilize a different tactic.

A whimper made Twilight glance down to Fluttershy whose visor was begging to crack. Not only that, but the other zergling was walking into position on Twilight’s right, readying itself to strike Rainbow Dash when given the order. Time was running low and without a way out, Twilight was beginning to grow desperate enough to consider something she had never used.

Here goes nothing, Twilight thought before putting everything she had into a single psionic attack.

The pulse Twilight sent out didn't negate the pressure or turn the zerglings, though it did connect their minds, allowing Twilight to invade the other creature’s consciousness. A foolish action given Celestia’s immense psionic strength, but one that would at least occupy the cerebrate’s attention. Sure enough, the second Twilight had established the bridge, all three of the black armored soldiers were able to rise out of the ruts they had been placed in.

So shocked was the controlling zerg that her zergling pets didn't initially react, giving the three humans a chance to grab their weapons.

“What happened?” Applejack asked.

“Doesn't matter, just fight!” Rainbow Dash replied, ducking out of the way of a zergling’s swipe.

Applejack grunted as she deflected the creature’s swipes with Rarity’s shotgun, the weapon coming apart after the third hit. She lamented the loss for only a second, her hand already enclosing around the axe at her hip. The flurry of wild slashes didn't slow for a second, and Applejack only just barely managed to avoid them.

Unlike her companions, Fluttershy’s first instinct wasn't to fight, but to check on Twilight. Who was still down on one knee, having not moved an inch even after the pressure had lifted.

“Twilight, are you… oh my,” Fluttershy whispered in shock.

For the lively expression Fluttershy expected to see was gone, the other girl’s eyes containing only a white empty void. A look that was shared by their former principal, who stared off into space, her gaze distant and unfocused.

“What is going on?” Fluttershy asked.

“Need some help here!” Applejack shouted, ducking under a swipe, only to get peppered with tiny spikes that erupted from the zergling’s shoulders.

The attacks did little against Applejack’s thicker armor, but Fluttershy knew right away that if they hit a joint, that would be a much different story. Rainbow Dash didn't have this advantage and had to dodge everything, even the short bursts of tiny projectiles. Thankfully neither had yet been hit, though they also hadn't managed a counterattack due to the zerglings’ impressive strength. Rainbow Dash couldn't even line up a shot, her speed having been slowed due to all of the constant fighting.

Hurry back, Twilight. We need you, Fluttershy thought.

I think I overdid it, was the first thing Twilight thought when her senses returned to her.

For the infested woman found herself not in the empty boardroom, but rather the destroyed remnants of Canterlot City. Or at least, some version of it, as this one was completely empty and devoid of movement, save for the subtle undulations of creep. Stranger still was the faint wisps of fog which seemed to cover everything, making it impossible to see very far.

Houses surrounded her on both sides while a road was visible beneath her hooves.

Wait, hooves?

Twilight looked down to find that she was still bipedal, yet despite that she had hoofed feet. Inspecting her body revealed that she was at least still wearing her armor, which covered her half human and half pony features for the most part.

Did I enter her mindscape? Twilight thought to herself as she inspected her four-fingered hands. I must have, but where is this other Celestia?

Before she could seek an answer to that question, Twilight heard the familiar sound of feet sprinting towards her. Twilight raised her fists and found that a zergling had sprinted out of the fog, its mouth open in a silent roar. In the seconds that it took for the zergling to close the distance, Twilight found out that both her magic and psionics were unavailable.

I assumed as much, but held out hope regardless. I guess I’m doing this the old-fashioned way, Twilight reasoned.

Falling back a step, Twilight dodged out of the way of the zergling’s attack before delivering a powerful blow to the back of its head. The punch would have obliterated the skull of such a creature, but rather than erupt in a fountain of blood, its form dissipated. Like dust on the wind, the zergling was gone a second later, leaving nothing behind but a faint wisp of green light.

“Odd,” Twilight muttered.

I’ve read about the mindscape and its defences, but I’ve never tried to enter someone else's before. Even Spike’s, Twilight realized. I’ll have to find this other Celestia and figure out how to purge the orders left in her mind.

“Though where to begin…” Twilight murmured.

Glancing to the road, she noticed that numerous zerglings as well as a few hydralisks had emerged from the mist. Glancing over her shoulder, Twilight noticed that none were trying to sneak up on her. It was as if they were merely standing between her and something that lay further down the road.

“Well, I guess I know where I’m going,” Twilight muttered, cracking her knuckles. “Let's get this started already.”

With fist raised, Twilight sprinted towards the gathering horde.

“That stung,” Applejack cursed, sweeping a hand down her leg and clearing her armor of the dozen needles protruding from it.

Fluttershy emerged a second later, unleashing a full clip into the zergling which had been about to leap atop Applejack’s shoulders. Though the shots did little and most missed, the zerg was forced back, covering its more vulnerable parts with its heavily armored limbs.

“Is your suit okay?” Fluttershy shouted while reloading.

Applejack grunted. “I don't feel any leaks yet. It just hurts like a mother.”

“At least you didn't get hit in the boob!” Rainbow Dash shouted, one hand covering her injured chest while the other batted aside a spiked limb.

“How are these guys so tough?” Applejack muttered, stepping forward when Fluttershy’s pistol ran dry. “They are just zerglings!”

Fluttershy yelped and was forced to step behind Applejack as another flurry of spines burst forth from the zergling in front of her. If the farm girl was bothered by this, she didn't show it, merely deflecting the blows with her heavier arm guards. Leaping forward, she tried to swing her axe at the zergling’s exposed neck, only for the smaller creature to dodge out of the way.

“Damn fast too,” Applejack muttered.

“What the hell is wrong with Twilight?” Rainbow Dash shouted as she backflipped out of the way of an attack.

“I don't know, but I think she's fighting the principal somehow!” Fluttershy shouted while drawing the last of her flash bangs.

“What do we do?” Rainbow Dash yelled back.

“I can't land a hit on these little buggers!” Applejack added.

“W-we…” Fluttershy’s hand trembled, and she raised her pistol towards Celestia, only to hesitate. “We hold out until Twilight wins.”

“She better move quickly then!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, ducking under another swipe and unleashing a spray of bullets that her opponent easily dodged.

“I don't know how long my armor’s gonna hold out,” Applejack added.

Please hurry back soon, Fluttershy prayed.

Twilight panted, her chest heaving as she came to a stop outside of a strangely familiar sight. Unlike the rest of town, the school was not covered in creep, nor was it even damaged for that matter. A low growl made Twilight’s attention shift to the slavering hordes slowly assembling behind her.

Damn things just don't let up, Twilight thought bitterly. At least if I get inside, I’ll be able to form a choke point in the hallway.

Putting her head down, the infested woman broke into a sprint, running straight towards the entrance. Behind her the sound of many feet could be heard close on her heels, though the sound stopped rather abruptly a few seconds later. Twilight didn't notice this until she was about to pull open the door and saw the line of zerg in the reflection of the window.

Turning back around, she noticed that the creatures couldn't step past the creep, though that didn't stop them from spreading out all around her. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Twilight quickly moved inside, only relaxing after she had locked the only way in.

This must be the principal’s true mindscape, Twilight reasoned. The rest of her consciousness must be devoted to organizing the other zerg around this facility. I wonder if the black queen plans to fix her command and control issues by creating a number of these things.

Putting such minor considerations from her mind, Twilight focused on the path before her. Namely the long and surprisingly clean, empty hallways. Moving deeper, Twilight glanced into the various rooms, only to find noone around, nor any sign of habitation. Just when she was beginning to grow anxious from the quiet, she heard an odd thumping noise from further in.

Following it took little time and ended near a pair of offices next to a large gymnasium. One of the rooms was slightly larger than the other, which was where the sound was coming from. Opening the door, Twilight was greeted with the sight of her unmutated opponent who was chained to her desk.

Her appearance was haggard, the tall, pink-skinned woman having been reduced to little more than skin and bones. Her wavy, multi-hued hair was also in disarray, and her clothes were caked with dried blood. The second their eyes met, Twilight saw a primal bolt of fear course through the human, and the principal ducked beneath her desk.

“Please god, stop. Don't change me anymore. I’ll do anything you say, just don't put me back in a pod!” shouted the woman.

Twilight sighed. “I am not the Twilight Sparkle you know. I’m from… a different world.”

The room was quiet for several long seconds before the human peeked out from the lip of her mahogany desk.

“You… you’re not her,” whispered the woman. “How did you get here if you're not her?”

“This other Twilight and I have some similarities, though our ethics are obviously much different,” Twilight explained somewhat awkwardly.

“Then you came to kill me, right?” Principal Celestia inquired in a strangely hopeful tone.

“I actually came to free you from my doppleganger’s control,” Twilight replied.

The human’s shoulders slumped, and she fell back into her chair. “It's impossible. I’ve been tugging at this chain for what feels like months and haven't put a dent in it.”

“Allow me,” Twilight offered, walking around the desk.

“By all means,” exclaimed the principal.

Twilight walked around the desk and grabbed hold of the chain, giving it an exploratory tug. Sure enough, the wooden desk creaked with even a small amount of force, yet something still felt off. Despite how easy it should be to simply destroy the piece of wooden furniture, Twilight got the impression that wouldn't actually help her.

“Is something wrong?” asked Celestia. “Are you not strong enough?”

“It's not that. Something isn't right,” Twilight replied.

“Well, you had best hurry, your friends aren't likely to last much longer,” Celestia stated, pointing down to the screen built into her desk.

Glancing down Twilight watched as her friends battled the two zerglings. Blows were traded, attacks dodged, yet the three girls couldn't land a single meaningful hit. Meanwhile they were only growing slower, their close calls coming closer still with each passing second.

All while Twilight had remained unmolested despite being defenceless.

“You designated me a non-threat, didn't you?” Twilight asked.

Celestia nodded slowly. “I can't do much to resist her orders, but since you weren’t attacking, I was able to at least do that much.”

Twilight’s brow furrowed, and she gazed down at the ground. “Where is it.”

“I’m sorry to bother you, but would you please free me, or at least end my suffering?” Celestia pleaded, tugging at her chain.

“There is something…” Twilight’s voice trailed off.

Looking down, Twilight noticed that the principal’s shadow was longer than normal, and after following it up the wall, she realized something else. Namely that it didn't even look like the human who was supposedly casting it in the first place. A crest adorned the dark figure’s head, and long hair hung down her body, all while clawed hands rested at her sides.

Twilight balled her larger fist and after taking a knee, plunged it into the pool of inky blackness. Reaching into the shapeless void, Twilight felt something slimy brush against her fingers after a few seconds of searching. A quick grab was all it took to snag the strange object, and with a firm tug she tore it from the human’s shadow.

“What was…” Celestia collapsed to her knees, a hand grabbing at her chest.

Twilight grimaced as she looked down at the squirming, multi-headed worm held in her grip. Though tempted to inspect it further, Twilight didn't have time to do so and crushed it with a single squeeze. The second it was gone, the human let out a gasp, her shadow returning to normal.

“You… but how?” Celestia asked.

“I just thought about what I would do in this situation. Which would be to make a really obvious solution that would actually serve as a trap,” Twilight explained, tapping the chain. “I think this is all that's keeping you alive.”

The principal frowned and regretfully fell back into her chair. “You should go. We can speak normally now.”

Twilight hesitated, but nodded anyway. “Sorry about this, by the way.”

Celestia sighed. “This wasn't your doing.”

“That wasn't… nevermind,” Twilight muttered, closing her eyes.

With a gasp, Twilight jerked upward, her eyes opening to find her new friends staring at a pair of unmoving zerglings. Each of the humans looked pretty badly beaten up, though Applejack was easily the worst off out of all of them. The farmer was absolutely covered in quills, and several chunks of armor had been torn clean off.

Though Rainbow Dash only had a few dents in her armor, her chest was heaving constantly. Clearly even her vaunted speed meant nothing in the close quarters she was forced to fight in. Even Fluttershy had taken a few hits, though thankfully none seemed too bad.

“Status?” Twilight demanded.

“We got beaten up pretty bad, but our suits have yet to be breached,” Fluttershy quickly stated.

“Did ya win?” Applejack asked nervously, her gaze never leaving the zerg.

“Why don't you ask her?” Twilight replied.

The principal’s eyes flickered open to reveal her normal violet orbs. “Oh, thank goodness, you are all okay,” she muttered.

“Principal Celestia, what happened?” Fluttershy asked.

“Your friend saved me, but there's no time. I can feel your ride preparing to leave,” Celestia interrupted. “You came here for information, so please take it.”

Twilight raised a hand. “This may not be the most pleasant of sensations.”

“I’ve been through far worse,” Celestia replied sadly.

The room was silent as Twilight ripped the information straight from Celestia’s mind, copying vast swathes of memories into her own mind. It was a difficult task, given just how much the poor human had been through, but in the end Twilight had taken all that she could. Though she had been tempted to acquire only what she needed, Twilight had found a veritable treasure trove locked within the infested human’s mind.

Procedures on how to create zerg larva, evolve existing infested, and most crucially, how to command a vast number of linked creatures at once. Combined with the information she had already gathered from the first infested human they had taken down, Twilight knew she could start her own army. Though she wished that they had been able to subdue the human in charge of the infestation, Twilight figured that was likely for the best.

Such tactics were morally beneath her, and not only that, but they were a temptation Twilight knew she might succumb to in the future if things grew desperate.

“Did you get it?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

Twilight nodded. “I have the full layout of the black queen’s tower.”

“Good, now let's get the principal out of here,” Applejack exclaimed, slipping her axe back through its holder.

“I’m sorry, but I can't let you do that,” Celestia stated, her zerglings moving to stop Applejack.

“What the heck, lady. I thought you were free!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“I am, but I am not,” Celestia replied sadly. “I won't be fully free of her until I am no more.”

“You want to die,” Fluttershy realized.

“I’m afraid so,” Celestia admitted. “Though I will leave you with one more bit of information before I go.”

“Wait, we can help you!” Applejack yelled. “We’ve been working on a cure and-”

“We don't have the time to argue. This isn't our choice to make,” Twilight interrupted.

Celestia smiled. “Thank you, child. Now if you didn't already figure it out, this is how our queen hopes to take over the world. Or at least it's the first part of her plan anyway.”

“There are more of you, aren't there?” Fluttershy inquired.

“There are, and some secretly wish to rebel, but that's not what I need to tell you,” Celestia exclaimed. “She is trying to create some sort of super brain she calls the overmind.”

The word sent a shiver down Twilight’s spine, though she didn't know why or how it had elicited such a response.

“So what, now you're just going to send us away after we rescued you?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“I’m afraid so,” Celestia replied sadly. “Your choppers are already warming their engines, and I suspect that your commander is likely to recall you soon.”

“I-”

“Would you like me to make it quick?” Twilight offered.

“If you wouldn't mind,” Celestia answered. “Oh, and tell Luna that I always knew, and that I love her.”

“I will,” Twilight replied.

“Wait, you can't just kill her!” Fluttershy yelled, grabbing Twilight’s arm.

The infested ignored her, conjuring forth a bright lance of purple energy and throwing it at the cerebrate with all the force she could muster. The magical construct entered between the principal’s eyes and exploded out the back of her enormously elongated head. Her entire body twitched and trembled before falling slack, the corpse lying still as thick black blood pumped out onto the ground.

“Let’s go,” Twilight declared before turning and walking out the door, leaving behind three confused and slightly scared humans to exchange a worried glance.

Author's Note

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Justifications

Twilight grunted as she finally removed the last piece of the borrowed armor. Placing it aside, the hulking woman now wore only a thin black lining that did little to hide her fatigue or impressive physique. Though her migraine was gone, as was the suppression field, her entire body still ached, and the hard stone slab she was sitting on didn't help.

The rest of her companions were in a similar state, the girls having shed all but their last layer of protection. Even Sunset Shimmer, who still had a foot-long spike sticking out of her arm, had been forced to disrobe and sit in decontamination along with the rest of them. Noone was very happy about being forced to stew in the small white room, but thankfully they weren’t in desperate need of medical assistance.

Sunset still needed help, but Twilight had been burning through the last of her magic by steadily casting a low grade healing spell on the girl. This kept the pain at bay and reduced the potential damage to a minimum, though Sunset Shimmer maintained a constant grimace. As a fresh surge of unpleasant acidic air was pumped into the room, its inhabitants let out a collective sigh of disappointment.

“How many cycles are they going to do?” Rainbow Dash muttered bitterly.

“We were pretty banged up. They are just making sure we aren't infested and that we didn't bring any spores with us,” Fluttershy murmured, glancing to Applejack.

Who had taken the most hits, yet had only welts and bruises to show from the desperate fight. All the damage she had received had certainly stacked up though, and she lay in a heap against the wall, one arm done up in a sling.

Twilight glanced towards her armor which sat in a pile in one corner, the sophisticated suit having taken only a few blows. Though Twilight was glad her life had not been in as much danger, she would have liked to take a few of those strikes. If for no other reason than to spare Applejack the agony the girl was currently experiencing.

“I’m surprised they didn't even let Sunset through,” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “I mean, you’d think they’d fast track her at least.”

“They won’t risk it,” Sunset Shimmer stated grimly. “Even with my safety on the line, they couldn't compromise the base’s integrity. Besides, Twilight is helping quite a bit, so I’ll be fine.”

Applejack snorted. “Let’s just hope she doesn't help you like she helped Principal Celestia.”

“Pardon me, darling, but didn't you ‘help’ someone like that only a few minutes earlier?” Rarity pointed out.

Applejack grumbled, “That was different.”

“Yeah, the principal was the boss’ sister. We needed her,” Rainbow Dash earnestly announced.

“It wasn't our choice to make,” Sunset Shimmer cautioned. “It was hers.”

“Well, she should have made that decision after she had time to really consider her options,” Rainbow Dash stated.

“We’ve been over this, Rainbow. There was no time left,” Fluttershy remarked. “There are some people who can't be saved.”

“Would you have said the same thing if it were Pinkie down there?” Applejack pointed out.

Fluttershy winced. “N-no, I-”

“That wasn't fair and you know it,” Twilight interjected.

Applejack glared at the other woman for several long seconds before letting out a sigh. “Whatever. What's done is done, I suppose.”

“Still bites,” Rainbow Dash murmured. “We are supposed to be saving the people we care about, and all we came back with was the annoying Russian janitor.”

“He is a victim as much as the others are,” Rarity pointed out.

“And he will be helped just like the others,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed and turned to the other former unicorn. “I have a question for you.”

The larger woman raised an eyebrow. “Go ahead.”

“How did you manage to keep the infestation at bay when I got hit?” Sunset Shimmer questioned.

Twilight frowned and stared down at the glossy white floor. “I’m not wholly certain, to be honest. I’ve never tried to control something so small before, so I may not have done the best job.”

“She isn't still contagious, is she?” Rarity inquired somewhat nervously.

Twilight quickly shook her head. “No. Nothing like that.”

“Well, that's a relief,” murmured the fashionista.

Twilight’s frown deepened as she remembered the clump of cells she couldn't seem to destroy. Though she hadn't spoken a word about it to the others, Twilight wasn't worried about them reactivating. For such a thing to occur, they would need someone as experienced with psionics and zerg biology as her, and there was only one other person who met that criteria.

Shaking her head, Twilight dismissed the worries plaguing her.

She would destroy the remaining cells or use them before they would go out on their next mission, she just needed to rest first.

Perhaps I could even… Twilight hummed to herself.

“You know, you didn't seem the most confident in your response…” Rainbow Dash pointed out in a slightly hushed tone.

Twilight blinked. “I was using bits and pieces of information I picked up from that first guy to figure out how to control it. Though even then it felt like I was just barely managing to stay ahead of the infection.”

“You are sure you got it all right?” Applejack stressed.

Twilight nodded. “Sunset Shimmer is not infectious. Nor is there a chance that she will become infested.”

Fluttershy frowned. “So long as you’re sure…”

“I am,” Twilight stated. “Though I did find something interesting while I was inspecting Sunset.”

“Oh, and what is that, darling?” Rarity inquired.

“Nothing bad, I hope,” Sunset Shimmer added.

“Not necessarily,” Twilight began. “You just have a rather primitive well of magic.”

“What, really?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“Yes, though it is unconnected to any focal point like your hands or brain which is probably why you can't feel its presence,” Twilight answered.

“What's this well thingy anyway?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“It's a series of bundled nerves which collect and store mana,” Twilight explained. “These help us cast spells, provided there is a focus to pass through, like a horn.”

“And you think we might have these wells as well?” Fluttershy inferred.

Twilight blinked. “Uh, yes actually. It would explain your anomalous abilities.”

“Do you think it has to do with the geodes we absorbed?” Applejack remarked.

“I do,” Twilight replied. “I think they served as a catalyst for these wells to grow in the first place. After that they connected to you, but only in a very small way.”

“So, if I was connected fully, would I get my magic back?” Sunset Shimmer inquired in a hopeful tone.

“You might,” Twilight answered.

“What's the catch?” Applejack demanded.

“Yeah, this does seem a little suspicious,” Rainbow Dash added.

Twilight frowned. “I would need to get my hands on a rather large amount of zerg spores which I would use to grow the proper organs.”

“You mean you’d have to infest us?” Rainbow Dash shouted, leaping off her seat.

“No, nothing like that. Think of it as…” Twilight trailed off momentarily. “Using the spores to create the necessary building blocks your body doesn't know how to make on its own.”

“Sounds a lot like infestation,” Applejack stated.

Twilight sighed. “It sort of is, but after I connected you to your source, I would destroy the rest of the infested cells, leaving you with no chance of ending up as the black queen’s pawn.”

The room fell silent, and Twilight could tell immediately that they were contemplating her suggestion. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were more disgusted than anything, and only seemed to think about it for a moment. Though Rarity seemed to seriously consider the possibilities for several long seconds she ultimately frowned and crossed her arms.

Fluttershy and Sunset Shimmer, on the other hand, seemed intrigued.

Twilight didn't need to be a mind reader to know that Sunset was thrilled by the prospect of getting her magic back. A fairly understandable response, given just how many years the former pony had devoted to studying the craft, only to have it all rendered useless because the mirror didn't know how to construct the necessary series of organs.

Sunset’s desire to have all that power returned to her when she needed it the most was no doubt a big motivator for the woman. Though Fluttershy didn't have that, Twilight assumed it was likely curiosity that captivated her. The studious girl had proved herself to be quite brilliant and was likely the only one who truly understood just how impactful magic truly was.

Yet even with that knowledge, Fluttershy seemed to have weighed the options and decided against it, as she quickly looked away, leaving only Sunset Shimmer interested in Twilight’s proposition, though the infested woman knew that might change in time.

“I’m afraid I am going to have to pass on that, darling,” Rarity stated. “As intriguing as it might be to use magic, I’m afraid the process would be a bit too… invasive.”

“It’s vile, is what it is,” Applejack added.

“Yeah, no offence, but how can we be sure you wouldn't control us like she would?” Rainbow Dash declared and jabbed a finger at Twilight.

“Simple. I will be leaving this world the second I get the chance to, and you can't come with me,” Twilight replied, crossing her arms over her chest. “What good would it do for me to make a pawn, only to get rid of them immediately?”

“Maybe you’re just saying that, and you actually plan to usurp that other Twilight the second you get the chance,” Applejack offered, her gaze narrowing.

Twilight bit back a growl that had begun to build in the back of her throat. “Look me in the eye and tell me I don't want to leave this place.”

Applejack leaned closer and looked into the other woman’s eyes, her features drawn tight in concentration. For several seconds no one said anything, merely watching as the two towering females glared at one another. Then with a grunt, Applejack sat back and let out a long breath.

“She's telling the truth,” Applejack remarked.

“Still… I’m afraid it is a little too creepy for me,” Rarity quickly stated.

“I, um, might be interested in that case,” Fluttershy whispered meekly.

“Fluttershy? Why would you want to let that creep to muck around in your head?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“Watch your tone,” Twilight warned, her eyes flashed dangerously.

Fluttershy stood quickly, cutting off Rainbow Dash before she could offer a response. “I want to help more. You all know how to fight and use your abilities to save people, but mine are useless.”

“Hey now, that's not true. You tamed that zergling that one time,” Sunset Shimmer pointed out.

“They might be animalistic, but they lack the reason and empathy that other creatures do. I can't get through to them,” Fluttershy stated sadly, falling back to her seat. “That one time was just a fluke.”

“Your abilities are probably more psionic in nature,” Twilight offered. “I might be able to unlock those for you without anything… invasive.”

“Could you?” Fluttershy asked, her eyes lighting up.

“I can't promise anything, and I’m too exhausted to do it now, but I could try at least,” Twilight replied.

“Only if you let me sit in and watch,” Rainbow Dash stated.

“I don't need your permission, Rainbow,” Fluttershy retorted.

The athlete shrunk slightly, her shoulders falling slack. “R-right. Sorry, Fluttershy.”

“It's fine,” Twilight cautioned. “You can have anyone you like sit in with us, though they would need to be quiet.”

“Wait!” Rarity suddenly exclaimed and stood up from the bench. “Does this mean you could fix the infestation process in the other infested?”

Twilight blinked. “I am not sure. I don't think I would be able to alter a lot but, I should be able to remove their psychic imprint at least.”

“Psychic what now?” Applejack inquired, scratching her head.

“It makes them psionically active, but only just barely. This allows more dominant zerg organisms to control them,” Fluttershy explained. “It's why we can't let them out of the lower levels.”

“That means we would be able to let them go throughout the facility or even on missions,” Applejack muttered.

“I wouldn't go that far,” Sunset Shimmer cautioned, only to wince. “Twilight, would you mind helping me with my arm?”

The infested woman nodded. “Of course. Though I don't have much left at this point.”

Sunset Shimmer grimaced. “Just do it. We should be winding down from the last round by now anyway.”

“Hopefully we’ll be out of this place soon,” Applejack muttered as she leaned against the wall.

Twilight focused, pushing some of the last remnants of magic she had into her hand, forming another healing spell. Releasing it caused Sunset Shimmer to gain a little more color in her cheeks and her jaw to finally unclench.

“Thank you, Twilight,” Sunset Shimmer murmured.

“No problem. Just know that I’m officially spent at this point,” Twilight tiredly replied.

The vents hissed, and instead of more acrid air entering the space, the heavy steel door began to wur. A second later it opened to reveal a whole cadre of medics already equipped for surgery. Behind them were a pair of soldiers armed for battle, though neither seemed particularly alert.

“Sunset Shimmer. Please come with us,” stated the tallest of the doctors.

“Anyone else in need of treatment should follow us as well,” added another of the white-coated men.

“As for everyone but Twilight, you can go back to your bunks. Luna wishes to speak to the infested alone,” stated one of the soldiers.

“We aren't getting debriefed right away?” Rainbow Dash asked.

One of the black-armored soldiers shook their head. “The boss lady ain't that cruel. You all can rest and recuperate.”

“Except for me,” Twilight stated evenly.

“Except for you. There are urgent questions that need to be answered,” replied the other soldier.

“Come seek me out tomorrow. We can talk more then,” Sunset Shimmer stated before standing up and extending an arm. “I’m going to need a hand here.”

“Right away, ma’am,” exclaimed one of the doctors who quickly stepped up to support her.

The rest of the girls silently trotted out of the room without complaint, exhaustion weighing heavily on their shoulders. Not even Rainbow Dash offered a comment as she left, her features worn down by a heavy frown. Now relatively alone, Twilight looked up to find that the two soldiers were waiting patiently for her.

“I assume you are my escort,” Twilight remarked dryly.

“Think of us more like guides,” offered one of them.

“We wouldn't want you getting lost,” added the other.

Twilight snorted bitterly, abundantly aware of just how vulnerable she was in her current condition. Without her spells, psychic power, or even her armor Twilight had only her larger size. Which meant nothing, considering just how tired she now was.

“Lead the way,” Twilight muttered, gesturing to the door.

“Right, follow us.”

The elevator thunked into place, signalling that the small group had finally reached their destination. The doors parted a second later, revealing a surprisingly empty command center devoid of almost all personnel. Only Luna herself remained, the enigmatic woman standing before a window, her hands clasped tightly behind her back.

The many stations were empty, their screens dark, the only source of illumination being a single overhead light which stood above and behind Luna, casting the woman in deep shadow.

“You may wait at the bottom, gentlemen,” Luna remarked without looking away form the window. “Your services will not be needed.”

The pair shared a glance. “If you’re sure,” one of them exclaimed.

“I am,” Luna stated.

Twilight stepped forward, allowing the pair of guards to take the elevator back down and leaving her alone with the other female. The atmosphere immediately grew tense and weighed heavily on Twilight’s shoulders. She suddenly wished she had brought a weapon with her, though she got the feeling it wouldn't have done any good regardless.

“Come, stand next to me,” Luna exclaimed.

Twilight pushed the hesitation she felt down into the pit of her stomach, dismissing it as best as she could. With that done, she slowly crossed the room and took position next to the remarkably intimidating older woman.

“You wished to see me,” Twilight stated.

“I did,” Luna replied after a short pause. “I want to hear what exactly you found while on your last mission.”

“Anything specific you wish to know?” Twilight asked.

“Strategic information pertaining to the black queen and her subordinates,” Luna answered.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “They were experimenting on zerg soldiers attempting to breed more powerful variants. Though successful, the results were unpredictable and also uncontrollable.”

“Will we have to fight these chaos-spawned zerg in the future?” Luna inquired in a way that made it obvious that she knew the answer to that question.

“No. They are a wildcard which would only be used if desperate,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Our new guest. What exactly did you do to him?” Luna continued.

Twilight stiffened. “I removed the knowledge he had accumulated while in the black queen’s employ.”

“That wasn't all that you removed,” Luna added.

“It wasn't,” Twilight admitted. “I also excised the part of him that wanted to recreate his experiments no matter who was controlling him.”

“You neutered an asset,” Luna stated. “And then ensured that he would never be useful to us in the future.”

Twilight hesitated, clenching her fists tightly. “I did.”

The room was silent, with only the distant whir of a fan to break the quiet.

“I am supposed to detain you,” Luna nonchalantly remarked. “With lethal force, if necessary.”

“But?”

“But my superiors are fools who do not understand how close to the edge of oblivion we now stand,” Luna continued. “Their orders mean nothing to me.”

“So will I be allowed to return to my world with your assistance as planned?” Twilight pressed.

This time it was Luna’s turn to hesitate, her already drawn features growing tenser still. “That is still up for consideration and will be decided by the end of this conversation.”

“What else do you want to know?” Twilight inquired.

“What did you learn about the infestation process?” Luna replied. “I have heard you had little time to study the facility, but given your unique perspective, I assume you learned something.”

“I did,” Twilight answered, her gaze drawn down to the busy hangar below them. “They need humans to serve as lieutenants and commanders ,meaning the black queen cannot breed psychically gifted zerg.”

“And?” Luna pressed.

“And that the process to unlock such potential takes time, a considerable amount of power, as well as careful monitoring,” Twilight answered. “It is unlikely that the batch of infested we found in the auditorium will be available to your enemy during the next conflict.”

“Your enemy?”

Twilight frowned. “I won't lie to you. I don't care what happens here.”

“Have you not become friends with the rest of Sunset’s squad?” Luna pointed out.

“They are friendly,” Twilight admitted. “But friends? I don't think so.”

The older woman hummed to herself. “Honesty is rare to come by and though I appreciate it, I would have liked if you sympathized more with our predicament.”

“It is a pitiable situation,” Twilight replied, “but it’s ultimately dwarfed by the problems facing my own world.”

Luna unclasped her hands and let them hang loosely at her sides. “It's hard to fathom that someone would want to kill everyone and everything. Or at least it would, if we had not faced something similar.”

Twilight laughed aloud. “You have faced nothing close to Nightmare Moon. She is a god beyond your non-magical understanding who could single-handedly lay waste to your planet.”

“Is that not equivalent to the black queen?” Luna asked, her question coming off as genuine for once.

“Not even close. While terrible, this version of myself needs minions, armies, and underhanded tactics. Nightmare Moon could annihilate your peoples and lay low your nations without need for assistance,” Twilight explained.

“That is… unfortunate indeed,” Luna admitted. “I had hoped that we could help one another.”

“Maybe once this is finished and the mirror could be rebuilt, but even then…” Twilight frowned. “The chance for strife between our worlds is great, and certain precautions would need to be put in place on both sides.”

“There are many who would find the existence of magic to be even more disturbing than when we found out that psychic powers were real,” Luna remarked.

Twilight nodded, watching as a soldier scrubbed the floors of the hangar below. “Our worlds are divided, our peoples divided and in conflict. It will be some time before either will be able to look to the other.”

Luna sighed. “Enough of the future, I have delayed this question long enough.”

She turned fully towards the younger woman, her gaze boring into Twilight. “Tell me what happened with my sister and don't leave out a single detail.”

Some instinct at the back of Twilight’s mind told her to run or give some half-hearted response that the other woman wanted to hear. That might only make things worse, however, and Twilight was determined to remain truthful until the end.

Even if it caused her problems in the long run.

“She had been infested and altered to an incredible extent. Worse still, her bodyguards were highly evolved zerglings capable of holding their own in single combat with Rainbow Dash and Applejack,” Twilight began.

“Is there a chance that these highly evolved zerg are being mass-produced?” Luna asked.

“No. At least I don't think so,” Twilight admitted. “They were only effective due to the cerebrate’s direct control and were a rare, inefficient variant of the base zergling.”

“So more like a specialized assassin rather than a replacement for the base zerg soldier?” Luna half-stated.

“Indeed,” Twilight agreed.

Luna hummed, stroking her chin absently. “The report indicated that you engaged in some manner of psychic combat. Is that true?”

“Sort of…” Twilight muttered. “I had intended to simply disrupt her control and create an opening for my comrades, but I put a bit too much strength into the attack.”

“Then you fell unconscious,” Luna remarked.

“My body became unresponsive, yes. Though my mind entered your sister’s head,” Twilight explained, shifting uncomfortably.

“What did you find?” Luna demanded, crossing her arms once more.

“That her mindscape was dominated by the zerg she was no doubt controlling. These imprints attempted to fight me off, but I managed to pierce what I believe was the last remnant of your sister’s true psyche,” Twilight continued. “Once there, I was able to speak with her and remove the black queen’s imprinted commands.”

“What did she say?” Luna demanded, and her jaw clenched tightly.

“She gave me the information we needed, and informed me of her desire to die,” Twilight reluctantly uttered.

“And then you killed my sister with her permission?” Luna half asked, half stated.

“I would have had to fight her guards as well as her, if I was to try and subdue her,” Twilight exclaimed.

Luna raised an eyebrow. “Could you have done so?”

Twilight sighed. “At that point she would not have seen an attack coming, so yes, I could have used a sleep spell or the like on her.”

“You’re not making a good case for yourself,” Luna pointed out.

“I mean, even if I did manage to do so, we would have had to abandon some personnel in order to take Celestia with us and that's assuming we would even be able to move her,” Twilight exclaimed tiredly. “Best case scenario, we would have taken fifty to eighty percent casualties in that case.”

Luna looked down, her hands clenching and unclenching as she struggled for the right words.

“That does not change the fact that you killed my sister,” Luna remarked at length.

Twilight balled her fists. “I saw her mind. I knew that if I did not do so, she would have tried and would have been forced to endure incredible agony.”

The other woman sneered. “I’m just supposed to trust you on that?”

“Your sister did,” Twilight retorted.

For a moment the infested woman was absolutely certain that she was seconds from being shot, only for Luna’s shoulders to suddenly fall slack.

“Did she really always know I was working undercover in order to observe the mirror?” Luna whispered.

“Since the moment you returned from your mystery assignment and were suddenly interested in becoming her vice-principal,” Twilight answered.

Luna chuckled bitterly. “She would have made a better director than I.”

“A better agent maybe, but director? I don't think so,” Twilight replied.

Luna raised an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?”

“Though brilliant and quite observant, I don't think she would have what it takes to make the hard choices. Though I admit I might be getting my Celestia mixed up with yours,” Twilight explained.

Luna let her arms fall to her sides. “Regardless. I only have a few questions left, starting with your thoughts on this super brain thing that was mentioned in the report.”

“The overmind,” Twilight muttered.

“So that's what it’s called,” Luna remarked.

“I am not sure what exactly this overmind thing is, but I know it's powerful. Incredibly so,” Twilight stressed.

“How do you know for sure?”

“It's an instinct… A part of me says to run, to flee this place as soon as possible and to take my chances finding my way back on my own,” Twilight shivered. “I’ve never felt such primal revulsion before. It's quite unpleasant.”

“And if completed, it would allow the black queen to win,” Luna assumed.

“Your planet would be conquered in a heartbeat. I don't know how I know this, but I just do,” Twilight stated.

Luna frowned. “Then our timetables have advanced significantly. Do you have the information on our target?”

Twilight nodded, raising her mutated arm and creating an illusionary copy of a large tower. “These cerebrates serve as generals as well as local commanders, meaning they have a considerable amount of information. Such as the complete layout of the black queen’s base as well as the location of the other cerebrates in the area.”

“Interesting,” Luna murmured as she inspected the illusion closely. “With their destruction, could we launch an assault on the tower proper?”

“I believe so,” Twilight replied, her illusion flickering. “Hrng, sorry about that. My abilities are spent for the moment.”

“Return here tomorrow morning so we can finalize our plans,” Luna commanded. “Until then, you are dismissed.”

“Thank you, commander,” Twilight exclaimed, bowing slightly.

“No, thank you,” Luna replied. “Without your assistance, my soldiers would be dead or worse, and we would be no closer to stopping the black queen.”

“Despite what I said before, I do genuinely hope that you are victorious,” Twilight stated.

“I feel the same about your own struggles,” Luna replied.

Twilight smiled. “Now, if that's everything…”

“Oh, and feel free to do your experiments on our infested population. Though I will be assigning Fluttershy as your observer,” Luna exclaimed, turning back to the window.

“You heard that?” Twilight questioned.

“I hear everything that happens in this facility,” Luna stated simply. “And yes, that is everything.”

“Err, thank you,” Twilight muttered, turning and walking away. For a mere human, Luna is surprisingly intimidating. I should be more careful around her.

Author's Note

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Granting Power

Twilight lay quietly in her bed, left arm raised above her head. Her gaze ran down the twisted contours of her altered limb as her mind wandered aimlessly. Without direction, her thoughts inevitably returned to the strange infested variants she had come across in her time here.

Compared to the creatures she knew back in Equestria, the infested she saw here were quite disturbing. Some had alterations that were specific and clearly planned, while others grew extra limbs seemingly at random. It was clear that this variant of zerg was more chaotic, almost primal in a way that she couldn't quite explain.

“Differences and similarities,” Twilight muttered to herself.

With a sigh, she let her arm fall to the bed with a dull thud, her gaze lingering on the grey ceiling as her mind wandered elsewhere. Memories of the principal’s final moments returned, and for the first time since that event, Twilight wondered if she had done the right thing. It was what her Celestia would have wanted, but this version of her was no immortal alicorn or a princess.

Perhaps… Twilight thought before shaking her head. No. I can't start doubting myself now.

Despite the firm declaration, Twilight couldn't help but remember the scathing looks she had received on the flight back. The doubt she had accidentally spawned when she had mind-wiped the janitor had evidently bloomed into full blown paranoia among her squad. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were the most disturbed of the bunch, though Twilight could tell that both Rarity as well as Fluttershy eyed her nervously.

All save for Sunset Shimmer, who seemed to trust Twilight far more than Twilight did her.

With a sigh, the infested woman sat up in her bed and swung her legs over the side. I may not be able to fight all their battles for them, but I can still help them. I’m just glad my meeting with Luna this morning went so well, even if it left me so drained I needed a nap.

Standing up, Twilight was about to don the clothes she had been given upon passing through the mirror, only to stop. For on top of them was a note as well as a small bundle of cloth that hadn't been there a few hours earlier.

Twilight.

Thank you for your assistance with our mission. Despite what the others may say, I know that they appreciate what you’ve done for us. Take this as a token of my thanks.

Rarity.

Putting the note to the side, Twilight carefully unfolded the clothing to find a full set of undergarments. Not only that, but a large and rather comfortable-looking hoodie complete with an extra long left arm accompanied it, as well as an equally cozy pair of soft sweatpants. All of which were a grey color, save for the panties and bra which were an off-white.

Running her fingers along the fabric, Twilight was surprised by just how luxurious the cloth actually was. She wondered how the girl had managed to find such a rare thing in a military base of all places. Twilight brushed aside such curiosities and swiftly went about donning the clothes as she was instructed to a day ago.

Though she nearly snapped the bra and was forced to use magic in order to secure it into place, the outfit felt good. With her new clothes on, Twilight couldn't help but sigh contentedly, a relaxing warmth blooming deep in her chest. Even the lingering cold she had felt since first entering the facility had been banished by the wonderful new clothes.

“This is nice,” Twilight murmured. “Kinda wanna lay back down.”

Twilight shook her head and donned her boots, dismissing the thoughts that told her to go back to sleep. I’ve wasted enough time napping already.
“I wonder if I can bring these with me somehow,” Twilight murmured, scratching her chin. “The dimensional pocket may work.”

Putting one foot in front of the other, Twilight walked out into the hall, immediately noting the soldiers that had been posted outside were now gone. Though their absence might have signalled that she had gained some trust, Twilight knew she was being watched. After all, the numerous cameras of theirs meant that the soldiers’ physical presence was hardly even required.

Turning away, Twilight began to make her way towards the infirmary, plucking the directions out of a passing soldier’s mind as she did so, while also pointedly ignoring how that same man was imagining himself swimming in a pool of grape jelly for some reason. Twilight shuddered briefly before stepping into a thankfully empty elevator and clicking the appropriate floor number.

She briefly considered trying to locate Fluttershy first, but a quick pulse told her that the scientist was close by. As was Sunset Shimmer, whose unique thoughts were detectable even before the elevator finished moving.

“You can't be here,” stated a guard immediately after Twilight stepped out of the metal box.

Twilight lifted an eyebrow as she inspected the five-foot nothing two hundred pound female who was standing before her. Beside the human, only a set of double doors large enough to admit a hospital bed stood between Twilight and her target. Noone else was around, though the infested woman could hear and sense many other people in the next room.

“Who said that?” Twilight demanded, leaning down and staring at the dark-skinned soldier closely. “And more importantly, are you going to stop me?”

The soldier gulped, a shiver running down her spine. “I, uh, got orders, ma’am. I c-can't just l-let anyone through without c-clearance.”

Twilight contemplated simply using her powers to change the human’s mind, but quickly thought better of it. Instead of brute forcing her way, she read the surface thoughts of the soldier and quickly found a solution to her problem.

“The male you have a crush on has two broken arms. Let me in, and I will heal him,” Twilight stated confidently.

The soldier’s jaw hung open, her nervousness quickly melting away and reforming as an intense wave of embarrassment.

“Y-you can?” she asked.

Twilight nodded. “There is a good chance I will be able to heal the majority of your long-term patients. Though if I’m not allowed in, then I guess I will go back to my quarters.”

“W-wait!” the soldier quickly interjected, stepping to the side. “I just realized you have the proper clearance. Go on in.”

Twilight smiled. “Thank you, Private Wilkins.”

Ignoring the slight shudder of fear that ran through the woman, Twilight pushed her way through the doors and looked around. The room she now stood in was far longer than average with a much higher ceiling as well as better lighting. A row of beds numbering at about twenty or so ran along the right side of the place, going all the way from one end to the other. The only other door went to a pair of bathrooms on the left side of the room.

Making her way past the beds, Twilight noted that this seemed to be the long-term care facilities for those with more serious injuries. She only stopped at the fifth bed, where a young and rather handsome young man lay sleeping on his back. Sure enough, both of his arms were wrapped in thick casts, in addition to being elevated slightly.

Summoning a bit of magic, Twilight scanned the fellow, and after assessing the damage, began to cast another spell. This one was a little more intensive than the last, and once it was complete, the man’s arms glowed a faint purple.

After ascertaining that the male would likely regain use of his limbs within a few days, the infested woman walked on, until she reached the far end where she knew Sunset Shimmer and Fluttershy were waiting for her. Only the former turned out to be awake, the other sat on a chair next to the rather simple cot Sunset lay on. Dark circles were visible under Fluttershy’s eyes, and the girl was somehow still holding onto the railing on the side of the bed despite having passed out from exhaustion.

Sunset Shimmer flashed Twilight a smile upon seeing her. Her left arm was wrapped in bandages, while also being suspended in a simple cloth sling. Though clearly exhausted, she seemed in good spirits, but that may have been due to the IV drip connected to her other arm.

“Hey, Twilight. I’m glad to see you’re okay,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

“I’m surprised that I can say the same about you,” Twilight exclaimed.

Sunset Shimmer chuckled. “Thankfully between your magic and the medical miracles these humans can pull off, they were able to save my arm.”

“Really? ‘Cause that was a pretty nasty injury,” Twilight pointed out.

“I was a little surprised as well, but apparently they’ve been cooking up some serious advancements due to experimenting on the zerg,” Sunset Shimmer replied.

“That will not end well,” Twilight stated dryly.

“My sentiments exactly, but it's not like I have the kind of pull to shut down such an operation,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

Twilight sighed. “Your government is going to get you all killed.”

“Unless the black queen manages to do so first,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

“True,” Twilight admitted and glanced down at Fluttershy. “How long has she been here?”

Sunset Shimmer’s smile softened, and she laid her one good hand on Fluttershy’s upper arm. “All night, apparently. I just hope she managed to get at least some sleep.”

The other girl stirred briefly, crossing her arms and turning to one side. “I don't wanna,” she muttered in her sleep.

“So,” Sunset Shimmer offered suddenly, “wWhat brings you here? Unless you just came to heal the other patients.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow curiously. “You noticed that?”

Sunset Shimmer nodded. “My specialties were abjuration and evocation with a focus in pyromancy and healing magic.”

Twilight smirked. “Which came first?”

“The pyromancy. After the fourth trip to the hospital, I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands,” Sunset Shimmer replied with a chuckle.

“On your hands?” Twilight asked. “You really have adapted well to this place.”

Sunset Shimmer blinked. “Oh, I didn't even notice, and yeah, I guess you could say I’ve gone native.”

Twilight flicked her wrist and summoned a nearby chair to Sunset Shimmer’s side before sitting down. “That certainly answers why you were okay with staying here, though I’m curious as to why you’ve placed so much trust in me.”

“Oh, that… sorry for not mentioning it before, but I’m an empath,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed, raising her one good hand and wiggling her fingers. “When I touch someone, I can find out a basic amount of information about them like their general personality and the like.”

Twilight frowned, immediately raising a series of mental fortifications. “Is that all you can find out?”

Sunset Shimmer nodded quickly. “I can discover more if I really push, but I hadn't done that to you, nor would I.”

“That's a relief,” Twilight murmured.

“Plus I saw nothing but good things in you.” Sunset winced. “Save for the pain and surprisingly capacity for violence.”

“A capacity you and your squad seem to have as well,” Twilight pointed out, a whiff of anger swirling in her chest

Sunset Shimmer shook her head. “It's not quite the same. Humans are very good at empathizing with anything remotely similar to them, but that empathy is more or less gone when it comes to the zerg.”

“What does this have to do with me?” Twilight questioned.

“No offence, but you don't have that same level of empathy even for other creatures similar to you,” Sunset Shimmer answered.

“I beg to differ,” Twilight retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.

“If destroying this facility saved your world, would you do it?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

In a heartbeat, Twilight thought, only to frown. “I get your point.”

Sunset winced. “Sorry. I know that doesn't sound the nicest.”

“I understand,” Twilight stated firmly.

“I’m glad, and for what it's worth, I think you’re a genuinely good person. Life has just… not been kind to you,” Sunset Shimmer remarked in a soft tone.

“It seems life has been cruel to a lot of people recently,” Twilight remarked.

“It has, hasn't it?” Sunset mused.

Twilight stared off into space, mulling over Sunset’s words as she absently inspected the wall.

“Oh my. I didn't miss anything, did I?” Fluttershy asked.

Sunset Shimmer smiled. “Oh no, you’re fine, Fluttershy. We were just talking.”

“Though we should proceed with the experiment soon,” Twilight stated.

“That's right. You’re going to help the other infested today, aren't you?” Fluttershy inquired.

Twilight snorted, crossing her arms over her chest. “Not of my own free will, but yes.”

Sunset blinked. “You wouldn't do it unless commanded?”

“No, it's not…” Twilight let her arms fall to her sides. “I just don't like being forced into things, is all.”

“That's understandable,” Fluttershy murmured, wiping the sleep from her eyes. “So, how are you going to start?”

“I was going to begin with Sunset first and run a few scans,” Twilight replied.

The injured woman extended her one good hand. “Would you mind if I held your hand for a moment?”

Twilight hesitated before reluctantly extending her unmutated arm. “You may.”

Sunset gripped the offered limb tightly, closing her eyes and focusing.

For several long moments nothing happened, but just as Twilight was ready to break the silence and ask what Sunset was doing, the infested woman felt something strange. Feelings, thoughts, and memories not her own flowed unbidden into her mind. Though her first instinct was to push these things away, Twilight could also feel a strange sense of calm emanate from the other girl.

So with great reluctance, Twilight closed her eyes and let the feelings wash over her.

The first thing she felt was the intense sting of rejection Sunset received after Celestia had told her that she was not destined to become an alicorn. After that she saw Sunset’s plans for the human world unfold rapidly, ending with the moment that had birthed the black queen. Once that particular memory had passed, Twilight felt Sunset’s presence lessen, leaving behind only feelings of regret and loss.

Though it happened over the course of mere seconds, Twilight felt as though she had experienced days worth of events. Events which painted a much more in-depth picture as to what she had been told of earlier. Not only that, but she also understood the context for those occurrences in greater detail than what would normally be possible.

In the end, all other emotions faded until there was only regret.

Then Sunset pulled back her hand and smiled faintly at the infested woman. “Now we both understand one another,” she exclaimed.

Twilight nodded slowly. “I did not know your ability could go both ways.”

“I didn't either,” Sunset Shimmer admitted with a chuckle. “But I felt like we needed to establish a firmer level of trust before we continued.”

Twilight briefly glanced down at her hand. “Well, you certainly did that.”

“Did you…” Fluttershy’s eyes lit up. “Oh my. I always theorized it could go both ways before.”

Sunset Shimmer coughed awkwardly. “Yes, well. As Rainbow Dash would say, enough mushiness. We got stuff to do.”

Twilight chuckled. “Yes, that we do.”

“Hold on, let me grab my notepad and pen,” Fluttershy interjected, reaching for a nearby end table. “Alright. I’m ready when you are.”

Twilight couldn't help but smile at the eager expression on the young scientist’s face. “Would you like me to describe what I’m doing?”

Fluttershy’s already wide eyes grew wider still. “Could you?”

Twilight nodded and pushed a bit of magic into her hand. “I’m going to start with a generalized scan which should give me a better understanding of Sunset’s physiology. From there I’ll move onto something more targeted, so I can find out if Sunset’s well is atrophied or not.”

“Would it get that way from not being used, or does it have to be damaged somehow?” Fluttershy questioned, furiously scratching at her pad.

“Like a muscle it can fade due to ill use, though I have a feeling that my empathy powers use mana and thus have helped to stave off any damage that may come from not using magic,” Sunset Shimmer continued, glancing to Twilight expectantly.

Who waited a moment until her spell finished before responding, “It looks like it, but I’ll have to do another one to check before we can really know for certain.”

Fluttershy wrote away while Twilight continued to cast spells. Sunset Shimmer merely lay there as a faint magenta light encapsulated her before focusing solely on her midsection. After a few more minutes, a half dozen more spells, and a few curious questions from Fluttershy, Twilight nodded confidently.

“It is as we assumed,” Twilight concluded. “When I return your magic, you will likely be unable to cast a spell anywhere near the level that you used to.”

“Though I could work my way back up, right?” Sunset Shimmer asked hopefully.

Twilight nodded. “Yes, but it will take time. Not only has your well atrophied, but it has also never been pushed very hard in the first place.”

“Which means?” Fluttershy questioned.

“It's like any muscle group,” Twilight began. “It's easier to get back into shape again if you already used to be in shape rather than doing so for the first time.”

“Great, I have to repeat magic kindergarten all over again,” Sunset Shimmer muttered in a slightly humorous tone.

Twilight chuckled. “I’m sure it won't be that bad.”

Sunset sighed. “So, what do you have to do now?”

“I need to strengthen your wells, connect them to your spine, and then create a leyline from your core to one of your hands,” Twilight continued.

“Why not both?” questioned Fluttershy.

“That would require me allowing the zerg cells to replicate, and I’m not certain if that's a fire I can put out twice,” Twilight cautioned.

“Just my left is fine. It's the one I assign magic to in Skyrim,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

“Skyrim? Isn't that a yak city?” Twilight replied, scratching her head.

“It's a video game,” Fluttershy quickly explained.

Twilight blinked. “Regardless, I would try to relax. It's going to feel rather… strange, to say the least.”

“It's not everyday you grow a new organ,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

“Very true, though it would be more like growing an extra arm. Now lay back, try not to move, and please remain quiet,” Twilight continued.

Sunset Shimmer did as she was told, while Twilight settled the larger of her hands on Sunset’s midsection. After a moment of concentration Twilight was able to feel the remaining clumps of zerg cells inside the other former unicorn’s body. Reawakening them without allowing them to multiply took considerably longer, but Twilight was nothing if not patient.

Eventually she managed to maneuver the clumps of cells to where she needed them. Once done, Twilight began the difficult process of getting a bunch of unintelligent microorganisms to follow her commands. To say it was a far cry from commanding fully sentient creatures would be an understatement, though it thankfully wasn't impossible.

It merely required the infested woman to change how she thought of things and instead impart intent upon the cells. Sure enough, after a bit more struggling, Twilight could sense that the first stage of her plan was nearly complete. Sunset’s wells were growing steadily, their connective nerves thickening as they filled with mana for the first time.

Sunset Shimmer shifted uncomfortably, and Twilight could tell that this was not a pleasant experience for her. Despite the strange sensations no doubt coursing through her body, Sunset remained quiet and relaxed, even when a particularly large ball of nerves reached out and began to wrap itself around her spine.

By then the strain was becoming significant, though Twilight could already feel things growing easier for her as time passed. The knowledge she had acquired from both the principal and the janitor was beginning to make sense after some experimentation. Drawing connections between the two vastly different perspectives was difficult, but Twilight was steadily beginning to understand.

Unfortunately one of the things she was starting to grasp was that this strain of zerg was far different from her own. Though she had already assumed that the things she had learned here wouldn't be applicable back home, she hadn't truly comprehended just how right she had been. This variant of the zerg felt far stranger, and she could sense a deep longing to connect to a specific higher power.

It was like they had been born with the desire to to be commanded by a vast intelligence far, far greater than their own. Unlike her and her friends who seemed to have an inherent desire to forge their own path or at least to choose their master.

Shoving those thoughts from her mind, Twilight focused on the job before her, pushing the cells to create one last pathway. Starting from just above her heart, a long thin band of nerves began to grow and extend up Sunset’s shoulder and then down her arm. With a limited number of cells to work with, Twilight was growing worried that she may run out.

Thankfully that didn't happen, and with the last fibres connecting to the tips of Sunset’s fingers, Twilight canceled her psionic power. Releasing a breath, the infested woman took hold of the edge of the bed and steadied herself after expending so much energy.

“Are you alright?” Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight waved her off. “I’m fine. That just took a lot out of me. Micromanaging cells is a lot like arranging individual rice in order to paint a picture.”

“That is an… interesting metaphor. Though it seems apt,” Fluttershy murmured.

Sunset gasped as small bolts of electricity jumped from between her fingers. “I can feel it.”

Twilight couldn't help but smile, briefly revelign in the small victory. “I wouldn't advise using magic for at least a few days. Your connections are… limited, to say the least.”

“It was worth it,” Sunset stated, flexing her hand briefly before wincing in pain. “Damn that hurts.”

“Should I get you some morphine?” Fluttershy quickly asked.

“That would be excellent. Thank you,” Sunset replied.

Twilight cast a brief scanning spell before finally relaxing into her seat and watching as Fluttershy walked away. Sunset closed her eyes and began to meditate with one hand placed over her heart. The position was a familiar one that Twilight remembered being taught to her by Celestia.

Fluttershy returned a few seconds later, inadvertently saving Twilight from the flood of memories she could feel growing at the back of her mind.

“Here you are. Now how does that feel?” Fluttershy inquired.

Sunset sighed. “Wonderful.”

“Excellent,” Fluttershy exclaimed. “Now what would you have me do?”

Twilight blinked. “Oh, right. Um, I’m not sure, to be honest. Just sit there and allow me a moment to consider things.”

Closing her eyes, Twilight tried to think back to the information she had acquired. The principal had overseen everything, but her knowledge wasn't wholly complete, likely due to the death of her subordinate. Without those key bits of information, Twilight could only make educated guesses as to how she could actually accomplish her goal.

“Lay back and focus on defending yourself. I’m going to try something a little odd,” Twilight warned.

Fluttershy shifted uncomfortably. “Will it hurt?”

“It might be a bit… uncomfortable,” Twilight admitted.

“O-okay,” Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight closed her eyes and reached out towards Fluttershy with her mind. The connection was easily established, with Twilight quickly being overwhelmed by just how potent Fluttershy’s latent psionic gift was. It took effort to ignore the girl’s surface thoughts and the pressure Fluttershy seemed to exude constantly. With those distractions gone, Twilight gathered a bit of psionic power, formed it into a dulled attack, and unleashed it at the girl.

A sudden numbness spread across Fluttershy’s body, though it left as quickly as it came. Confused, but holding strong, she kept her eyes shut tightly, focusing even harder than before. Even as Twilight launched several more attacks, Fluttershy remained stalwart, the effects lasting less and less time.

Until she stopped noticing them entirely.

“Is that it?” Fluttershy whispered, cracking open a single eyelid.

“Now try to send out an attack like the one that I used on you,” Twilight encouraged. “And don't worry about holding back. I’ll be fine.”

“Well, if you’re sure,” Fluttershy whispered.

“I am,” Twilight stated.

The other girl closed her eyes and focused, her face scrunching up rather adorably in the process. Twilight sat patiently across the bed, her curiosity growing with each passing second. It was a primitive technique, but Twilight knew that strengthening the mind in such a way was the quickest way to spark Fluttershy’s latent abilities.

It was also a lot more humane than the more brutish technique used by the black queen.

Twilight was about to tell Fluttershy to give up and try again in a few minutes, when all of a sudden the infested woman lost all feeling from below her neck. Not only that, but a powerful gust blew Sunset’s bed sheet right off while also causing her hospital gown to flip up into her face. As Twilight slipped off her seat and fell to the floor, she saw Fluttershy’s jaw hang open, a blush crossing her face.

Then she was lying on the cold ground.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“It's fine, I’m used to nudity,” Sunset replied, smoothing out her gown without batting an eye.

“I, however, am not used to lying on the floor,” Twilight remarked.

Fluttershy gasped. “Hold on. I’ll be right there.”

Twilight watched as the other girl came around the bed and grabbed the infested woman’s arm in an attempt to hoist Twilight into her chair.

Fluttershy grunted, managing only to lift Twilight’s back by an inch or two before dropping her back to the ground. “S-sorry!”

Twilight chuckled. “Just grab me some coffee. I’ll be fine.”

“Right away!” Fluttershy exclaimed before quickly turning and sprinting away.

Twilight leaned to the side and watched the doors close behind the fleeing scientist. “Think that was enough of a confidence boost?”

“She won't forget that any time soon,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

Twilight quickly picked herself up off the ground and brushed off the dirt. “You know, you could have warned me she was that strong.”

“Nah, this was funnier and totally worth it,” Sunset Shimmer replied with a giggle.

“Oh? I thought revealing one's nude form was an embarrassing event if you are not dating,” Twilight pointed out.

Sunset Shimmer coughed awkwardly. “Oh, it is. I’m just too high right now to care.”

This time they both shared a laugh.

Author's Note

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Healing Minds

Twilight hummed thoughtfully as she strode slowly through the hospital, her gaze flicking from one injured human to the next. While she observed the many strangers, Twilight’s mind quickly calculated what it would take to heal them fully. Then she discarded such calculations as none were mission-critical or in such poor condition that they required her immediate help.

She did notice that the few who were awake and cognizant of their surroundings viewed her with a mixture of awe and fear. It was a natural response, Twilight decided and ignored almost all of the looks shot her way. All save for the young guard she had manipulated only a few minutes earlier, whose wide smile was observed closely.

The expression radiated warmth, assuaging any of the discomfort that Twilight felt from being feared. No words were spoken as they passed one another, though Twilight gave the girl a small nod of thanks. A move the soldier returned heartily, snapping off a quick salute before returning to her more neutral stance a second later.

Now wearing a smile of her own, Twilight clicked the button for the lowest floor this elevator could reach. A second later, the metal box lurched downward once more, the ride silent, save for the distant whir of machinery. This time her descent was not made alone, as Twilight shuddered to a stop a floor later, where she was joined by two soldiers.

Whose hands went to their weapons for half a second before they noticed who they were looking at.

“Apologies,” one muttered before stepping inside.

His partner was less trusting and only followed after his fellow when he had given Twilight a thorough visual inspection. This might have made Twilight uncomfortable, if she wasn't able to easily read his mind and find that he had nearly lost an arm to an infested school child. With that tidbit in mind, Twilight merely ignored his look and leaned against the wall, staring off into space.

A second later, the elevator began to move once more, with both of the uniformed soldiers remaining silent. Her curiosity already sparked, Twilight couldn't help but pry just a little more into their minds. From the more battle-worn of the two, she was able to discern that they were headed down to change shifts at the vault.

His partner wasn't thinking about the job ahead though, but rather Twilight, which he viewed with naked curiosity. That curiosity was tinged with appreciation though, and Twilight quickly discovered that he had already heard of her recent accomplishments. It seemed as though a broadcast had gone out to everyone who needed to know that Twilight had saved some of their comrades who had been at death’s door.

Though Twilight was glad that she was being trusted more, she couldn't help but wonder what else the average soldier had been told about her. That was a thought for another time though, as they had arrived at their destination with a firm clunk. The soldiers quickly stepped out, with the more battle-worn one giving Twilight a small nod before departing.

Twilight smiled faintly before following after the male a moment later, subtly ensuring that there was a good amount of space between her and the two humans. Together they unknowingly made their way to the vault together, where they stopped once more. This time she had evidently been expected, as the two current guards were staring directly at her. Not only that, but the huge door had already been opened, revealing the long empty hallway beyond.

“Good afternoon,” stated a tall, slightly androgynous female with dark skin and even darker hair. “Why, may I ask, are you here?”

“Would you deny me entry?” Twilight inquired despite already knowing the answer.

“No,” stated the soldier. “The boss merely wants to know what exactly you have planned.”

Twilight hummed to herself, silently tempted to give some sort of bullshit answer, only to stop herself before doing so. “I hope to help as many of your infested as possible,” she stated.

“Help, how?” asked the grizzled soldier from earlier.

“I hope to remove the programming left behind by the black queen and do what I can to ease their physical afflictions,” Twilight calmly remarked.

“And you can do that how?” asked the dark-skinned woman.

“I’ve picked up a few things during our last mission,” Twilight explained. “Your boss should know all these details already, considering they were in the after action report I filed.”

The woman held up a finger before turning away, a hand covering her left ear. After several long moments of silence, the soldier nodded and gestured to her subordinates. “Buckshot, Auto. You two are on guard detail while the sergeant and I will escort our VIP here,” she commanded.

Twilight raised an eyebrow as the two of the men quickly took positions by the entrance after snapping a crisp salute. This left Twilight in the company of the dark-skinned woman and the experienced soldier from earlier. He didn't seem surprised in the slightest, leaving Twilight to wonder if they had planned this entire encounter in advance.

Either way, it didn't concern her so long as she was able to continue her mission without interruption.

“And what are your names? If you don't mind me asking,” Twilight inquired. “Mine is Twilight Sparkle, as you likely already know.”

The darker-skinned human gestured to her name tag. “I’m Double TIme, and this is…”

“Charlie Foxtrot , though you can just call me Charlie, everyone does,” muttered the man.

“Well, it's wonderful to meet you both. Now then, may I continue?” Twilight replied.

Double Time nodded. “Just pretend we aren't here.”

Twilight briefly scanned the female soldier’s surface thoughts, but found nothing. You were hand-selected for this job due to your low-grade psionic ability. Either that, or the dampener is affecting me more than I care to admit, Twilight thought to herself before ignoring the two humans who moved to shadow her as she walked into the vault.

Just like the last time Twilight was here, her psychic senses were muted somewhat, though not quite to the same extent. She had assumed it would be worse, and was left slightly confused when she could still feel the thoughts of the other infested in the area, though only the loudest of which were audible to her. Still, even that was a marked difference from last time.

Am I getting stronger, or just more used to it? Twilight wondered before her gaze settled on the first target she had been hoping to see. Namely a certain former human who was close friends with her new squad.

Pinkie Pie lay on her bed with arms and tail sprawled all over the place, a magazine covering her face. Said publication floated up into the air each time the infested exhaled, only to land back in the same spot a second later. The sight made Twilight snicker as she stared through the glass wall into the well-furnished room beyond.

The former human seemed to hear this and turned her head to look to where Twilight stood.

“Bwuh, isat you Twilight?” she muttered sleepily.

“It is, Pinkie Pie, and I have a surprise for you,” Twilight declared.

“Ooh, I love surprises. Just give me a second to get my clothes on,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight blinked, only now realizing that her friend had been nude up until that moment. Not like there was much to see, given that her chest was a mass of chitinous plates devoid of features. It had still been enough to make one of her escorts blush though, which made Twilight only more confused.

There is nothing there. Why are they so awkward? Twilight thought before focusing her attention on Pinkie Pie. Who was now standing in front of the two way glass, a familiar hoodie draped over her form.

“There we go!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Now, what kind of surprise do you have for your favorite snakey snake?”

Twilight chuckled. “How would you like to be able to leave this cell and go anywhere on the base and maybe even on missions with your friends?”

“Is that possible?” Pinkie Pie asked, glancing at the soldier who stood behind Twilight’s right.

“Maybe,” Double Time replied simply. “We will have to verify the effects before we can okay such a thing, but if Twilight is capable of all she says she is, then I don't see why not.”

Pinkie Pie inhaled a massive lungful of air before letting out an excited and high pitched cry of “Yipee!” while spinning around in circles all the while. Both guards winced, and though Twilight was slightly annoyed by the sound, she couldn't help but share in the girl’s joy. Eventually, the infested ran out of oxygen and was forced to stop and begin to breathe in again.

“Once was plenty,” Twilight quietly stated.

“Oh, okay,” Pinkie Pie replied, only to bounce back almost immediately. “So, what do you have to do to me? Will there be knives involved? Or would they be scalpels?”

“None,” Twilight answered. “I merely need access to your cell.”

Everyone turned to Double Time who was quiet for a moment before whispering something into an unseen microphone. A second later, the steel door next to the window popped open and allowed Pinkie Pie to peeked her head out.

“Come on in, everybody. I just cleaned up,” Pinkie Pie excitedly remarked.

Twilight was the first to take up the offer while Double Time was close behind, and Lewis remained outside. The first thing the former unicorn noticed was that the enclosed space was indeed clean, it was also fairly luxurious. There was a television across from a specially designed bed, which itself sat next to a similarly sized desk upon which was a computer. The girl also had a well-stocked bookcase, a weight set, and numerous nick-nacks as well as posters which added some charm to the slate grey walls.

It was nice, though still a jail cell in Twilight’s mind.

“Now then, please lay on-” Twilight began, only to be interrupted when Pinkie Pie surged forward.

“Wait a second!” shouted the girl.

Twilight blinked. “Go ahead. What is it?”

“Can you fix Sweetie Belle first?” Pinkie Pie inquired.

“I could…” Twilight replied.

Pinkie Pie nodded. “Then do her first. I don't want her to be away from her sister for even a moment longer than necessary.”

Twilight shrugged and turned to her escort, who was already whispering into her earpiece. After several moments of silence, Double Time nodded to her fellow, who repeated the motion before walking away. Twilight assumed this meant that Pinkie Pie’s request had been approved, though without the ability to read their minds, she couldn't be sure of that.

Either way, it left Twilight with little to do but consider her circumstances and wonder about what she could do. Eliminating the programming from the various infested was a start, but getting rid of their more inhuman features would take time. Though now that she was thinking about it, Twilight realized that she didn't have to do it all at once. She could instead empower the human parts of the brain through some careful manipulation and ensure that they would shed their more alien appearance over the course of months.

Possible, and well within my abilities even considering how much effort I was forced to put into unlocking Sunset’s magic and activating Fluttershy’s latent psychic spark, Twilight thought to herself. I may even be able to fix the majority of those infested trapped here. Though now that I’m thinking about it, should I even bother?

Twilight dismissed the thought as quickly as it came, reminding herself that such lines of thinking were morally abhorrent. She would help them not only because they suffered in a similar manner to her, but also because it was simply the right thing to do. Though a small voice in Twilight’s mind reminded her that by removing the queen’s latent programming, she could install her own.

That consideration was harder to ignore, though thankfully the sound of boots stomping down the hall was enough of a distraction to get rid of it. A second later, the second half of their escort return with Sweetie Belle, but also Rarity. The older girl wore her combat uniform sans armor and had only her side arm on her at the moment.

Someone must have been hitting the range when they got the message, Twilight thought.

“I came as fast as I could,” Rarity exclaimed, quickly walking into the room and grabbing Twilight by the shoulders. “Is it true that you can cure Sweetie Belle?”

Twilight glanced down to the slightly mutated young girl holding fast to her sister’s pant leg. Visually, the infestation did not appear deep, and a quick psychic pulse backed up that assumption.

“I can. Most of the physical signs of infestation will take time to wear off, and there will be side effects, but at least the queen’s programming will be gone,” Twilight hummed. “I might even be able to erect a mental wall in the girl’s mind which will stop her from being controlled in the future.”

Something I could do for them all. Though by doing so, I would not be able to control them either, Twilight reasoned. Irrelevant. I require no army and need not the help of civilians.

“Oh, that's wonderful. Do you hear that, Sweetie Belle? We may not be able to leave this place, but at least you could stay with me in my room,” Rarity happily exclaimed.

“R-really?” murmured the younger girl and looked up at Twilight quizzically.

Twilight nodded. “Provided your jailers agree.”

“It shouldn't be a problem,” Double Time quickly remarked.

“But what about the rest of my friends?” Sweetie Belle whispered. “Will they be able to leave as well?”

Pinkie Pie leaned down and flashed the young girl what Twilight imagined was a smile. “We’ll all be coming with you, but first we gotta get that mean lady’s thoughts out of your head,” Pinkie Pie explained.

Sweetie Belle nodded slowly. “What do you need me to do?”

So calm, and that look in her eye. She has seen terrible things, Twilight thought before turning and gesturing to the bed. “Sit there and let me take a look at you.”

The girl obediently did as she was told, sitting down at the edge of the mattress.

Twilight crouched before her and held up a hand, scanning the girl’s body with what little magic she could bring to bear. Sure enough, Twilight’s assumptions were only proven further, allowing the infested woman to begin the process of healing the young girl. Twilight started this process by linking to her mind and sinking her feelers in as deep as she could manage, rooting out any sign of hidden commands.

Sweetie Belle winced briefly, but recovered a moment later, keeping her mind open despite the discomfort Twilight’s presence brought her. Twilight could feel Rarity’s own fear grow, though thankfully she didn't move to intervene and merely wrung her hands nervously in silence.

Pushing on, Twilight was able to root out several hidden command words that when spoken would flood the young girl’s body with adrenaline, testosterone, and serotonin. There were also several more hormones which would be produced en masse, but Twilight wasn't sure of their names. Either way, if activated either verbally or mentally, the girl would be forced to enter a sort of berserker-like state that would last until she was subdued or killed.

Grim, effective, but utterly reprehensible, Twilight thought to herself as she removed the command.

She then moved on to the other hidden commands and got rid of them as well, until at long last the girl was free of them. After that, Twilight breathed a small sigh of relief and went about erecting a mental barrier in the young girl’s mind. It was only while she was doing this final bit of psychic gymnastics that she felt something strange tickle her perceptions.

The odd sensation was not unlike the feeling of being watched from afar, only this individual was incredibly powerful. Despite all that raw power, Twilight got the impression that they couldn't quite get a lock on her position. Nor could this other being do much but peer through the tiny crack in the wall that was left in the psychic nullifier.

In the end, Twilight ignored it and finished up the mental wall she had been erecting, ending the problem before it could truly even become one.

“Her commands are gone, and no one should be able to take control of her again,” Twilight stated confidently.

“How do you feel, Sweetie?” Rarity quickly asked.

The girl shrugged. “Fine, but also kinda lonely.”

“That will come from psychic isolation. You're likely used to connecting to the other infested in the area, even though you couldn't actually do anything with that connection,” Twilight explained.

“So that's how I know whenever any of my friends are sad,” Pinkie Pie murmured.

“This connection doesn't pose a potential security risk, does it?” questioned Double Time.

Twilight shook her head. “It shouldn't, but as soon as I’ve been able to treat everyone, it will be a non-issue. Pinkie Pie is also especially psychically active, so I’d like to move onto her as quickly as possible ”

“That's good,” Rarity muttered in relief. “Can you also fix the other less-pressing physical issues?”

“In just a moment. Though be warned that the majority of changes will take weeks, if not months to truly take affect,” Twilight cautioned. “I don't have the skill nor time to micromanage all of the physical changes myself and will instead let her body do that for her.”

Sweetie Belle’s glowing eyes widened. “R-really?”

Twilight nodded slowly. “Though it may be a little more unpleasant than the first part.”

“That's okay,” Sweetie Belle hastily exclaimed. “I can be really tough, can't I, Rarity?”

“You are the toughest little girl I know, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity replied with a smile.

Twilight couldn't help but grin as her hand began to glow once more. “Alright then, just relax. This shouldn't take very long at all.”

She started by casting a low-grade healing spell, then used the anatomical information it fed her as a jumping off point. Within a few seconds, Twilight had found the right spots in the girl’s brain which when altered ever so slightly would allow Sweetie Belle to fight off the infestation herself. A touch of magic and a bit of psionic power later, those parts of the young girl’s physiology had been turned up to eleven.

It took far longer to locate and turn off the still active parts of Sweetie Belle’s infestation, however. Still, it was good practice in Twilight’s mind, and it ultimately wasn't long before the woman had gotten the hang of things. Before she stopped the flow of magic, Twilight focused her attention on the young girl’s eyes, remedying the unnerving glow.

“There we are,” Twilight murmured. “And it took far less time or power than I had anticipated.”

“I don't feel any different,” Sweetie Belle remarked, only to blink. “Wait, my eyes, are they…”

Rarity wrapped her arms around the younger girl’s body, pulling her into a tight, tearful hug. “Oh, Sweetie Belle, I’m so glad to have you back.”

“But I never left,” Sweetie Belle murmured through her sister’s shirt.

Twilight smiled and glanced at their escort. “I assume you will have your local medical professional check on her soon?”

“It's already been scheduled,” Double Time remarked.

Twilight nodded. “That is good to hear, for although I am confident of my technique, her hormone levels will need to be monitored. Even still, other than a little extra muscle density and some added height, I don't anticipate any complications.”

“I suppose that is a small price to pay,” Rarity murmured.

“That sounds awesome though,” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, pushing at Rarity’s arm. “I need to breathe, you know.”

Rarity blushed and took a small step back. “I’m sorry about that, dear. I’m just so happy.”

“This is so beautiful,” Pinkie Pie tearfully remarked.

Twilight chuckled and stood up to face the other infested. “Now then, let’s get that head of yours looked at.”

“Actually, would you mind doing that part last? I want to send out as many good vibes to my friends as I can,” Pinkie Pie gently inquired.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully for a moment before shrugging. “I don't see why not. Unless the nullifier goes down, we should be fine, after all.”

“Yipee!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed before sitting down on her bed with a thump. “Whenever you're ready, Doctor Sparkle.”

The infested woman chuckled and began to channel her magic once more. This time the same progress took far less effort, though it also didn't bring back nearly as positive results. Pinkie Pie had obviously been altered far more than Sweetie Belle had, and there was little Twilight could do about that.

It was possible to eventually regain her legs, but that would take surgery of both a magical and mundane nature, as well as long-term treatment. Without those options available to her, Twilight focused on the girl’s face in addition to her mutated arm.

“Now, this may feel incredibly weird, but just bear with me, okay?” Twilight warned.

Pinkie Pie raised an eyebrow. “Is it my face noodles?”

“I’ll be rebuilding your face to make it more human, but your noodles will need to be removed, as will your arm,” Twilight replied.

“You don't need to agree with that,” Double Time quickly interjected.

“I…” Pinkie Pie hesitated. “Is there a slow way of doing the arm part?”

“There is,” Twilight admitted. “Though you will still likely have to undergo a sort of limited molt in a few weeks, if that is what you choose.”

Pinkie Pie let out a sigh. “I think I can handle that. Sorry, Twi, but I don't want to lose Righty just yet. I’m left handed anyway, so it's not such a big deal.”

Twilight nodded. “Fair enough, though your face will still need some minor reconstruction.”

“That's okay. I trust you,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight smiled and quickly got to work again, summoning her magic in order to numb the girl’s facial features. Once that was done, Twilight cast a subtle scanning spell in order to discern if Pinkie Pie even had a nose. To her relief, Pinkie Pie did and not only that, but the majority of her jaw was intact, though it would take a bit of effort to make it look normal again.

Thankfully Twilight’s skill in manipulating someone’s flesh in such an intricate manner had increased significantly in only a few minutes. It was relatively easy for her to reconstruct the jaw and nose before cutting off the flow of blood to the tentacles. After that, Twilight just had to remove the nerve endings and amputate the now useless flesh with a carefully focused mana fire flare spell.

Pinkie Pie trembled visibly when the flame neared her face, though remained steadfast throughout the procedure. In the end her tentacles had been replaced by a mass of scar tissue which wasn't the nicest to look at, but was still better than the alternative. The hydralisk mutant checked this for herself, wincing only slightly as she touched a sensitive spot on her cheek.

“It's all there,” she murmured.

Twilight smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“Oh, thank you so much!” Pinkie Pie shouted, pulling Twilight into a tight, one-armed hug. “I can hardly wait to hug people properly again, but this is good enough for now.”

Twilight sighed. “I can't do much about your lower extremities, however. The hips have fused together, and your organs have been rearranged so that some are slightly lower in your body.”

“That's fine,” Pinkie Pie quickly replied, giving her tail a wag. “I can deal with being a snakey snake, but what about…”

Pinkie Pie motioned for Twilight to lean in close, a request the infested honored.

“What about my boobs and other bits? Could I still have kids and stuff?” Pinkie Pie awkwardly asked.

Twilight chuckled. “I can't be certain, but you should be fine in that regard.”

Pinkie Pie leaned back and released a long sigh. “Oh, thank goodness. Though my parents won’t be able to see them, I still want to give them grandkids.”

“Won't be…” Twilight nodded slowly. “I’m sure they would be quite proud of you, Pinkie Pie.”

The girl smiled sadly. “They will be, when I find Maud.”

Twilight nodded and rose once more. “Now then. From what I’ve been able to discern, your skin should be harder than a normal human’s, though the chitinous growths should fall off in time.”

“Will my hair ever come back?” Pinkie Pie asked, running her lone hand over her smooth scalp.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “Maybe. Though it's unlikely to return the same way it left. In my estimation, it will look more vaguely alien, for lack of a better word.”

“Oh oh, what about our teeth?” Sweetie Belle inquired.

“Your teeth?” Twilight muttered, only now realizing that Sweetie Belle had teeth as sharp as a shark. Pinkie Pie shared this physical attribute with the sole difference being that she also had two much longer fangs. “Your body may keep them, though in Pinkie Pie’s case she will definitely have to keep those fangs as they are connected to a set of poison glands inside her nasal cavity.”

“Farewell, salads,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, only to shrug. “Oh well, at least I still got my dracula chompers.”

“Good. I hate salad,” Sweetie Belle murmured.

“Now, Sweetie. Salad is good for you,” Rarity reprimanded.

“Actually both Sweetie Belle and Pinkie Pie will likely need a much higher dose of protein-dense food until the changes are reversed and Sweetie stops growing,” Twilight replied.

Sweetie Belle stuck her abnormally long, tubelike tongue at her sister.

Rarity merely rolled her eyes. “Be that as it may, you will still eat your greens.”

Twilight shook her head. “Now then, Pinkie Pie, shall we finish things up here?”

“Just a second,” Pinkie Pie replied, squeezing her eyes shut for several long seconds before opening them once more and flashing the other girl a wide smile. “Good vibes sent. Go ahead.”

“Again, I must warn you that this will feel rather strange,” Twilight stated.

Pinkie Pie nodded her head. “That's fine. It will be worth it to know that big meany can't make me do anything I don't want to.”

Twilight channeled her psionic power and connected her mind to Pinkie Pie’s, immediately extending her mental feelers. Digging deep into the other girl’s psyche felt strange, for unlike the time she had been working with Sweetie Belle, now Twilight felt this other presence much stronger. The shadow it cast on Pinkie Pie’s mind was nearly overpowering, and Twilight worked hastily to remove all of the commands.

As she discarded them one after another, Twilight couldn't help but feel as though this other entity was closing in. The crack left open by the nullifier was widening somehow, and with each passing second, the entity drew closer to reaching through that opening.

Pinkie Pie grunted and grabbed her head tightly as two foriegn entities rooted around in her brain. “Augh, it feels like my head is going to explode,” she exclaimed.

“What is going on?” Double Time demanded.

Twilight gritted her teeth as she channeled more of her psychic might. “The black queen is bypassing the nullifier somehow. Her influence is limited, but if she is able to activate the berserk command, it could spread from Pinkie Pie to the others.”

“I won't let that happen,” Pinkie Pie muttered angrily.

“I’m scared,” Sweetie Belle murmured.

“Get your sister out of here,” commanded the soldier. “And get emergency plan alpha ready to deploy at a moment's notice.”

Twilight didn't hear any of this, as she was racing to remove every command word and hidden trigger in Pinkie Pie’s mind. A task that was difficult enough to do without struggling against both Pinkie Pie herself, as well as the overwhelming psychic will of this other Twilight.

Her jaw tightened, her brow furrowed, and for a moment Twilight was almost certain that she wasn't going to succeed. Then a break, as she discovered the final hidden order and removed it from Pinkie Pie’s mind. The black queen’s presence was distant, yet Twilight got the feeling that she was pleased with herself.

You may have been able to save this one, but I have already used her to relay my order to the rest of my wayward children, spoke a voice not dissimilar to Twilight’s own.

How? Twilight replied in shock.

Did you think that when you glimpsed my mind, I did not look back? replied the black queen.

When I first arrived, Twilight realized.

You were special, your thoughts flowed in a way which ignored their infernal machines and soon my entire army will have this skill. Then nothing will stand in my way! declared the voice which slowly dissipated, leaving Twilight with the sound of distant laughter ringing in her ears.

Only to be replaced by a cacophony of noise which filled the room utterly. Screams of rage intermingled with yelled orders, and the quiet panicked mutterings of a terrified Pinkie Pie. In an instant, Twilight was able to discern that the rest of the infested had been activated and were tearing their way through the cages which had contained them.

Twilight knew Luna could contain the threat, though whether or not she could do so without having to kill the afflicted infested was another question entirely.

Right. Back to work then, Twilight thought grimly.

Author's Note

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Healing Wounds

Twilight strode past Pinkie Pie and waved a hand, conjuring a bubble of silence around herself and Double Time.

“What is your plan?” Twilight demanded.

“Evacuate all non-affected persons behind the vault and wait it out,” replied the soldier.

“That won't work. The afflicted individuals need to receive an off command or else they will continue to fight until they die,” Twilight retorted.

“Then we will evacuate and liquidate all assets,” Double Time stated.

Twilight shook her head. “Unacceptable. You will run and hide while Rarity and I secure the infested through non-lethal means.”

“I-”

“I was not asking for your opinion,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Wait! I’m coming with you!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

“So be it, but you do as I say,” Twilight added.

“Yes, ma’am,” Pinkie Pie replied with a salute.

Double Time grimaced. “You have ten minutes, Sparkle. If there are still hostiles in the area after that, then I will activate the protocol.”

Twilight ignored the soldier and strode out into the hallway, where a terrified Rarity stood with weapon drawn and hand extended. The woman had conjured a shield across the long hallway in front of them, blocking off a screaming middle-aged woman with an extra pair of clawed arms.

“What happened?” Rarity shouted.

“The black queen broke through using Pinkie and I’s connection, but don't worry. With your help, we will subdue them,” Twilight stated.

“Good. I would hate for Mrs Crabtree to die down here,” Rarity exclaimed.

Twilight was dimly aware of the two other soldiers fleeing from behind them, while Pinkie Pie took position to her right. Rarity strode up Twilight’s left, conjuring a second shield in order to block the hall off from the wave of rushing infested. With nearly half a dozen berserked creatures now scrambling against Rarity’s barriers, she was beginning to falter.

With her left hand glowing brightly, Twilight began to channel a powerful sleep spell. “Rarity, I want you to do your best to funnel them towards us one at a time. Pinkie Pie, subdue any smaller infested that may attempt to sneak past and generally support us as best as you can.”

“Got it, boss lady,” Pinkie Pie declared.

“Affirmative,” Rarity added.

Twilight’s hand glowed brighter still, a small orb of blue light growing until it was the size of a basketball. Cracks rippled down Rarity’s shields as more and more infested crashed into them, their many claws slowly breaking down the barriers. With her allies eying her nervously, Twilight continued to focus her spell, waiting until Rarity’s shields fell.

A short, slightly younger girl in torn clothes scraped her long-clawed hands against the obstacle, her many eyes glaring banefully at the trio. Beside her a towering human covered in chitin and sporting a single enormous club-like arm pounded against the barrier. Next to him were three diminutive, nearly identical middle-aged women with wings, extra limbs, and baleful expressions.

All were driven wild, spittle flying from their mouths as they threw themselves against Rarity’s diamond-shaped shields. Which broke not long after a particularly large, middle-aged woman slammed all six of her scythe-like limbs against it.

In response, Twilight slammed her hand into the ground, creating a wave of blue ethereal energy which crashed against the surge of bodies. The effect was immediate and pronounced, with most of the smaller infested being knocked out immediately. Their larger, stronger allies didn't make it much further before they too succumbed to the teal fog which surrounded their heads.

Nearly a dozen infested humans lay slumbering on the ground, only for their unaffected comrades to immediately move to trample them. Seeing this, Twilight grabbed the various unconscious individuals in her telekinetic aura and heaved them behind her. With them out of the way, Twilight was able to focus on channeling another sleep spell, which she knew would take time, given the presence of the dampener.

Time which was bought by Pinkie Pie surging forward and batting an eight-legged middle school student out of the air with her tail. The youth landed hard, but due to his heavily plated body, seemed unbothered by the strike, scrambling back up only to be caught by Pinkie Pie’s tail again. This time he didn't make it far before being bitten in the neck by Pinkie Pie who carefully laid him aside after he had been knocked out.

Rarity was busy blocking the spines launched by a pair of former classmates who shot said projectiles from mouths which opened in the middle of their hands. The pair wore raggedy dresses recently torn during their escape, and had larger than average eyes. They also screeched incoherently as they continued to fire long, jagged daggers at the three women.

Deflecting each and every attack, Rarity waited until they could shoot no more and began to sprint towards her. A sloping shield forced the pair to run up and at them, only for the barrier to vanish, causing them to stumble. A pair of diamonds pinned them against the ground before they could rise, leaving them little to do but flail wildly.

With her hands tied, Rarity couldn't do much about the winged, middle-aged man swooping towards Twilight, whose sickle-shaped arms were extended menacingly. He didn't make it far, as Twilight used her psionic power to telekinetically pin his wings to his back. Flapping uselessly against the ground, the infested was quickly passed by a pair of former humans who had been fused into a crude approximation of an ultralisk.

One part of the creature had at one point been a human male that appeared to be about thirty, while the other was a slightly larger, heavy set woman of nearly the same age. The male made up the upper half of the ultralisk while the woman had been forced onto all fours, her hands having morphed into plated purple feet. Together they cried out in anguish as their four padded limbs pounded against the ground and their scythe-like arms lurched towards their enemy.

Twilight ensured they didn't reach her however, as a focused blast of psionic energy rendered the infested creature’s legs completely numb. Now stumbling forward, the poor monster was hit by three more quick numbing blows before Twilight had completed a second sleep spell. A second later another roiling wave fell over the gathered mass of infested humans, knocking out over a dozen of them.

With the crowd thinning, and the number of infested falling to manageable numbers, Twilight refocused her magic towards rapid, low-grade stun spells. Though Twilight knew she could keep up this fight for much longer, she cast a curious gaze towards her friends. Her allies showed no signs of slowing, though Twilight could tell that they would tire as soon as the adrenaline wore off.

A trio of small levitating infested with fang-filled maws surged towards them and were slowed by a pair of shields that sprung up around them. These barriers forced them to attack their foes one at a time, only for the bravest of the bunch to be grabbed by a surprisingly dexterous tail. The young man flailed his claw-like arms wildly, firing several spines randomly before being bitten in the neck by Pinkie Pie and falling slack.

Twilight handled the next in line by grabbing him in her psionic telekinesis and aiming his body upward so his short-range spines hit the ceiling instead of her. She followed this up by launching a trio of rapidfire stun spells that rendered the partially dronified human unconscious. Which was exactly what happened to his last ally when Rarity used one of her shields to batter him against the ground.

Only two final foes remained, though they had emerged from the black cells and surged towards the trio with a calmer expression than the others. These more fully mutated infested were only vaguely human, with one resembling a queen from Twilight’s world while the other was some sort of centipede abomination.

The centipede-like infested’s only human features was his face, though the enormous toothy maw which hung from beneath it was anything but. From his head extended a long, segmented body from which sprouted dozens of spindly insectoid legs that propelled his body forward. A quartet of his legs were longer than the others and reached out in front of him.

The queen-like of the two had two massive tusks sprouting from her mouth and strode forward on four long limbs connected by purple, leathery hide. She also had two long eye stalks and a strangely insectoid torso that gave her a bizarre loping gait. She didn't mindlessly attack like the others and instead fired a mass of sticky webs at Twilight.

Caught completely unaware, Twilight didn't have any time to get out of the way, left with little to do but raise her arms and hope she could block the attack somehow.

“Watch out!” shouted a familiar voice.

“Wha-” Was all Twilight could mutter before a familiar slender form leaped out in front of her.

Pinkie Pie was immediately cocooned from tail to neck by the mass of grey webbing, and though she struggled, the girl could not escape her bindings.

Rarity immediately moved to help her downed ally, but was stopped by Twilight who pointed forwards. “Shield, now!” shouted the infested woman.

Reacting on instinct, Rarity did as she was told, bringing forth a large diamond barrier just in time to stop a strange mass of orange slime from hitting them.

“What the heck was that?” Rarity exclaimed.

Twilight didn't answer and instead thrust her hands forward, creating a cone of rapidly cooling air. Ice crystals formed across the queen’s body and grew in number until she was left completely immobilized. Her ally was faster and, using his two dozen insectoid limbs, crawled up the wall while continuing to sprint towards them.

As he ran, the centipede-like creature fired several more globs of rancid orange goo that Rarity managed to stop with her shields. What she couldn't stop was a strange dark swarm of buzzing insects that somehow sapped the very light from the air. Unable to see her foe, Rarity stumbled back, raising her pistol nervously in case it was needed.

Twilight, however, was unaffected, and calmly strode forward, her hand shooting up and catching the lurching infested creature by the throat. Its clawed, forward-facing appendages scrambled to try and reach her, but were restrained by purple magical aura. Two more close range stun blasts knocked him out before he could try anything else though, and Twilight roughly dropped him to the ground.

“Back away from the orange liquid,” Twilight barked.

“What is it?” Rarity asked.

Twilight’s response was interrupted when Pinkie Pie exploded out of her cocoon, clawed arm held high.

“Aha, I knew Righty would come in handy!” she proclaimed.

Twilight chuckled. “Good work, Pinkie. Please notify Double Time that all hostiles have been neutralized.”

“You didn't hurt any of them, did you?” Pinkie Pie asked, glancing over to the two heavily mutated infested.

“They have not sustained any permanent damage,” Twilight declared.

“Oh, thank goodness,” Rarity murmured, holstering her pistol. “I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if we hadn't stopped them all in time.”

Twilight pointed to the small, inconspicuous air ducts visible above some of the cells. “Some manner of flammable gas would have filled the space and we would have been flashfried.”

“Oh right. I think I remember that briefing now,” Rarity murmured with a shiver. “I didn't think they actually went through with it though.”

“The boss lady has been notified!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed from down the hall.

Twilight turned to find that not only was the excitable young infested waiting for her, but also Double Time and a small squad of armed and armored soldiers.

“You’ve done exceptionally well,” stated the surprisingly calm woman. “I’m glad to see that I did not need to take drastic actions.”

“So it seems,” Twilight remarked. “Though I am curious as to why your soldiers didn't help us.”

“I can answer that,” Rarity interrupted. “Sadly all of our munitions are lethal and save for a few stun batons, we have little to take down a target without killing them in the process.”

“Yes, the last few have been expended recently,” added Double Time grimly.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully and gestured to the destroyed remnants of a nearby metal door. “And why exactly didn't these barriers prove very effective?”

Double Time sighed. “They were never meant to serve as anything more than deterrents and were graded for normal humans. We have been unable to acquire building materials from headquarters in some time.”

Twilight shook her head. “This still seemed like it was avoidable.”

“It was at one point. What changed?” Double Time asked pointedly, glaring up at Twilight.

“Upon arrival to your world, I glimpsed the black queen’s mind, and it seems as though she was able to look back,” Twilight replied. “I am not sure how, but when I connected to Pinkie Pie, she managed to finish analyzing my thought patterns. Now she is in the process of immunizing her troops against your psychic nullifiers.”

The soldier’s eyes widened for a split second before a grim frown spread across her face. “The attack will need to move up. How long do you think we have?”

Twilight shrugged. “A day or two? She wouldn't have revealed this information to me unless it was either a lie, or she was sure it wouldn't matter in the long run.”

“We can't take that chance,” muttered Double Time who drummed her fingers on the butt of her weapon. “Our time table will need to be advanced significantly.”

“You do that,” Twilight declared flippantly. “I still have work to do.”

“That's great to hear, darling,” Rarity added. “I feared you would give up on them.”

“I knew you wouldn't do that,” Pinkie Pie declared.

Twilight grunted and knelt down next to one of the drone-like infested. “I know what it's like to make morally questionable choices, and if helping means you don't have to do that, then it will all be worth it.”

Double Time remained motionless for several seconds before turning to Rarity and fixing the woman with a firm look. “My men are at your disposal until such time that each one of our residents have been cured of their mental compulsions.”

Rarity blinked in surprise before quickly snapping off a salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

Double Time returned the gesture before walking away. “Good luck, Specialist Belle.”

Pinkie Pie slithered up next to Rarity and together the two watched the older woman leave the room. “She’s really intense,” murmured the infested girl.

“That she is,” Rarity agreed.

“Are you two going to stand around all day, or are you going to secure these humans before they wake up?” Twilight barked.

Rarity jumped. “Oh right.”

The former fashionista spun around and pointed to a trio of soldiers waiting nearby. “You three, bring down as many hospital beds as possible. You grab all the straps the infirmary has and you acquire all of the sedatives they have on hand.”

The armored soldiers all gave Rarity a curious look before departing, leaving the woman unsure if they would return. In the end she was fairly certain they would and quickly turned back to Twilight and Pinkie Pie.

“Alright, now I am going to fortify their minds and disable the commands. Rarity, I want you on the lookout for any who might be waking up while Pinkie Pie untangles them all from one another,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Right. Wouldn't want anyone getting smothered by accident,” Pinkie Pie added.

“Exactly,” Twilight declared.

“You can count on me, Twilight,” Rarity added.

Twilight nodded. “Now let's get to work before they wake up and this becomes even more of a headache.”

Twilight groaned as she massaged her temples. The headache she had been holding at bay had returned with a vengeance, and the ibuprofen was barely taking the edge off. Not only did her head hurt, but her entire body ached, the day’s events weighing heavily on her.

The sheer amount of magical and psionic power she had expended had been significant. Injuries had to be mended, while many a broken psyche had to be held together by mere force of will. In the end Twilight was left with so little energy that she could only lay there and stare up at the ceiling.

Thankfully her room was quiet, which was a change of pace Twilight appreciated, given just how loud things had been for the last eight or so hours. Many words had to be exchanged with the infested she was treating, and the scientific personnel that had joined not long after. Between the actual work and all the explaining Twilight had to do for the curious humans, she was left annoyed and exhausted in equal measure.

Still, it was done and without further complications to make things even more difficult. In the end every infested had survived, all had been freed, and most would recover their more or less normal physical forms. A few would still appear quite alien, but at least they would no longer need to fear being controlled by a hostile outside force.

“That is the last time I do so much charity work,” Twilight murmured. “At least in one day, anyway.”

Her arms flopped to her side.

“It's too bad that very little of this will be applicable in Equestria,” Twilight ruminated. “The cells are just so different that it will take a bit of learning to apply my newfound knowledge to my friends. If only I knew how to replicate that rainbow wave, maybe it was responsible for the harmonic energy I have.”

Twilight sighed as she continued to stare up at the ceiling, the aches and pains she felt slowly melting away until at long last she could relax. For a moment she considered getting back up, only to think better of that plan and scrap it entirely. She would need her rest, and despite it still being fairly early, Twilight knew it would be wise to try and get some shut-eye.

Or at least that's what she wanted to do, right up until someone knocked on her door.

“Who the hell is it now?” Twilight muttered as she rose from her bed. “It better not be that stupid Doctor Manchouser.”

She walked over to the entrance and pulled it open just as Applejack had been about to knock again. Noticing the dour expression on Twilight’s face, Applejack took a tentative step back, flashing the other woman a wide smile.

“Well, howdy there, Twilight. Hope we didn't catch you at a bad time,” Applejack greeted.

Twilight blinked, only now realizing that within the towering woman’s shadow stood Rainbow Dash. Who wore a smile of her own, though one far less believable than the one Applejack had on her face.

“What do you want?” Twilight deadpanned.

“Hey, no need to be rude. We came here to apologize,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Twilight blinked, her eyes narrowing on the smaller woman. “For what?”

“For doubtin’ ya,” Applejack exclaimed.

“Apology accepted,” Twilight muttered before moving to close the door.

An action she was unable to accomplish as Applejack stuck her foot inside at the last moment. “Woah there, partner. We were hopin’ to talk to ya for a bit. Iffen you don't mind,” Applejack interjected.

Twilight let out a long sigh before opening the door once more. “Fine, but keep your voices down. I have a killer migraine.”

“It won't take long at all,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Twilight walked back over to her bed and sat down in the middle of it, ignoring the whine of the springs which struggled to hold her bulk. Across from her Applejack and Rainbow Dash awkwardly squeezed into the glorified supply locker Twilight called a bedroom.

“Damn, this is all you got?” Rainbow Dash muttered.

Twilight shrugged. “It's fine. It's not like I’m going to be here much longer anyway.”

“I guess so, but damn this sucks. After all the good you did, you’d think they’d at least give you a computer or something,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Applejack cleared her throat. “Speakin’ a which. We just wanted to thank ya for what you’ve done.”

Twilight waved a hand dismissively. “Don't worry about it, really. I merely wished to guarantee the mission’s success by ensuring that assets didn't need to be diverted to keeping the infested contained.”

“Sure, that's totally why ya did all that,” Applejack doubtfully replied.

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Face it, Twi. Ya got a heart full of gold under all that cynicism.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “It matters not if you believe me. Now, is that all you came here to say?”

“Nah, we wanted to tell ya that we’ll have your back tomorrow during the big attack,” Rainbow Dash stated.

“So she moved it up then?” Twilight inquired.

Applejack nodded. “The boss lady doesn't want to chance things, so we’re moving all ahead full as soon as possible.”

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “That is a very pragmatic plan. Without the cover granted by the psychic nullifiers, I doubt that the mission would even be feasible without extreme casualties.”

“Which is why you can count on us to watch your back tomorrow,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “I really don't see why you would say that. I won't be joining you for the climactic battle with the black queen.”

“You won't?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Course she won't,” Applejack interrupted. “Twi’s got a world to save back home. She doesn't owe us nothin. Hell, I’d say we owe her at this point.”

“Err, right,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

Twilight snorted. “Noone owes anyone anything. I need that detector to get back home, and you need an edge in the fight against the black queen. This was all a simple exchange.”

“Ha, now who is understating things?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, poking the infested woman in the chest with a finger. “You didn't have to heal those guys, nor did ya have to give Sunset back her magic.”

“I was merely curious,” Twilight muttered. “The knowledge on how to manipulate an individual’s biology in such a manner will benefit me greatly in the future.”

“Suuure,” Applejack remarked with a sly smirk. “And making sure that you set all those poor folk back on the path of getting their bodies back?”

“Repeated tests are needed to establish that my methods are working,” Twilight replied. “That's all.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Whatever you say.”

Twilight frowned. “What do you want from me?”

“Nothin’,” Applejack answered. “Was just hopin’ to let ya know that you’ve got friends here, and that if we could help you with your problems back home, that we would.”

“That would be impossible,” Twilight stated, only to sigh. “Though the thought is appreciated.”

“What do you think, Applejack? Is that about as close to a ‘you’re welcome’ as we’re going to get?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Applejack smirked. “I think so.”

“Yes, well. Now if that's everything, I was hoping to get some rest,” Twilight muttered.

“Aye, that's all,” Applejack remarked before walking out the door.

Rainbow Dash was close behind, though she stopped at the exit and flashed Twilight a wide smile. “Oh and hey, in case you change your mind, we really would appreciate the help in beating the evil you.”

“I’ll think about it,” Twilight murmured.

“That's all I ask,” Rainbow Dash replied before slipping out the door.

Alone and surrounded by quiet once more, Twilight released a long sigh after flopping back onto the bed.

“Can I leave them, knowing the danger they will be facing?” Twilight asked the empty room. “Would joining them mean that I would be abandoning my other friends?”

Try as she might, she couldn't come up with a response that felt quite right. So she merely rolled onto her side and used the last of her magic to conjure forth a small blue prism. Condensed mana was weaved into a crystalline form and infused with what little power Twilight had left.

After a few minutes of careful crafting, Twilight was confident in her creation and set it aside before rolling onto her back. It wouldn't be perfect, but at least now if she left them behind, she’d leave Sunset with a parting gift. All she needed to do now was power it up a little, but that would need to wait for a more opportune moment.

Soon, my friends. Soon I’ll return to you, Twilight thought before closing her eyes.

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

Operation Overlord

Twilight stood silently outside what had once been referred to as the vault, a hand running down her smooth undershirt. With the infested freed, and little worry that they would attack anyone, the door had been wide open and altered so it could no longer lock. Through the crack in the entrance, Twilight could hear many voices discussing various topics, though most seemed focused on the coming assault.

Worry tinged many of their words, and Twilight could sense the palpable unease that hung over the area. The endgame was upon them, yet despite this realization, Twilight could also detect a good amount of optimism. With their bodies healing and their minds free of the black queen’s influence, the infested seemed to be bouncing back quickly.

It was a pleasant atmosphere all things considered, and Twilight was tempted to immerse herself within it. She resisted this urge, mostly out of respect, but also because she didn't want to get too attached to anyone. She would need to leave them all behind in mere hours, after all, and she was already dreading the moment of separation.

She sighed, ruminating on the people she met, and the friends she had made. Those who had also been touched by the zerg were especially dear to her heart, as were the six girls she had a rather rocky relationship with. Yet it was perhaps because of the turns they took while getting to trust one another that Twilight felt oddly protective of them.

“I have my own friends and family to return to,” Twilight muttered to herself, her smaller hand digging into her pocket while the other clutched her stomach. “They need me.”

Retrieving the two small stones from her pants, Twilight gazed down at them idly, noting that they were both still intact. The crystalline object had only been partially powered, while the rune trap was charged and ready to be activated. A quick scan told her that her little back-up plan had been set up perfectly and needed only a little more power.

One brief bit of magic would be all that was necessary to send Twilight to a location just outside the base itself. The enchantment on it was a simple one, though it had been costly to create and would only be usable once. A get-out-of-jail free card that Twilight intended on using once she had acquired the device she had been promised.

Unlike the other object, which had a much different purpose that Twilight chose not to think of at the moment. She had larger concerns, or at least that was what she told herself to distract from the imminent departure in her future. Stuffing both items back down into her black military style jeans, Twilight distracted herself by listening in on a distant conversation.

“Are you sure she can't control us anymore? I feel like I’m being watched,” one slightly alien, yet still male-sounding voice whispered.

“I know I have an extra few appendages than last time, but would you like to go out sometime?” asked another infested.

“No, Pinkie, I’m certain that you can't fly a helicopter,” the exasperated voice of Rainbow Dash declared. “Just because your eyesight is super good now doesn't mean you can pilot such an aircraft.”

“Are you sure?” Pinkie Pie pressed. “Because I played like a bajillion hours of helicopter simulator.”

“Pinkie. I know you want to help, but you can't come with us,” whispered Sunset. “It's too dangerous, and you don't have any training.”

“That's not true!” Pinkie Pie whined. “Why, I sparred with Scratches the other day!”

“I’m pretty sure he was trying to eat you,” Fluttershy whispered.

Pinkie Pie scoffed. “My skin is like super tough. There is no way he could eat me.”

“I’m pretty sure he was still tryin’. That guy is a little messed up,” Applejack added.

“Either way, it doesn't matter,” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “After we’ve dealt with the black queen, we’ll need a huge victory party. And I can only think of a single person I’d trust with such a task.”

Pinkie Pie gasped. “Oh my goodness, how could I have forgotten? That is such a splendiferous idea!”

“Think you’re up to the task, Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Oh, you bet I am! There is going to be cake and games, and all my new friends are going to be able to relax and just be themselves again!” Pinkie Pie loudly proclaimed. “This is going to be the best party ever!”

“I’m glad you found something you can do, darling,” Rarity offered.

“But after you guys rest up, you are so teaching me how to fight,” Pinkie Pie retorted.

“And once you can hold your own, you’ll be able to join us in the field,” Sunset Shimmer replied.

“Great! I guess I’ll see you guys soon then, huh?” Pinkie Pie inquired.

“You betcha!” Rainbow Dash answered.

“Oh, and one more thing before you go,” Pinkie Pie interjected.

“What is it, darling?” Rarity asked.

“Why, it's a group hug of course!” Pinkie Pie loudly proclaimed.

Twilight smiled as she heard the girls giggle and whisper several more hushed goodbyes. Then, after a final round of well-wishing from Pinkie Pie, they departed, and Twilight hastily stepped back from the door. Straightening her back, the infested woman tried to appear aloof as the five girls dressed in mostly black clothes entered into the hallway.

“How'd things go?” greeted Twilight.

“Oh, not bad. Pinkie was just having some trouble accepting that she won't be much help,” Sunset Shimmer explained.

“She perked right up after we suggested throwing a victory party though,” Fluttershy offered.

“That's nice. Too bad I won’t be here for it,” Twilight murmured.

“Pfft, and why not? You could totally hang out for a bit longer,” Rainbow Dash encouraged, smirking up at the towering infested woman.

“Now, Rainbow, you know she's got family back on the other side,” Applejack corrected.

“And they might very well be in life-threatening danger,” Twilight exclaimed.

Sunset Shimmer winced and stepped up to the other woman. “Why don't we just get to the briefing. I’m pretty sure it's going to start soon.”

“We have just enough time to get to the upper decks before it begins,” Fluttershy added.

“We better get moving then,” Twilight offered.

Together the group made their way back to the elevator, with Fluttershy subtly falling in next to the much taller woman. Twilight glanced down and immediately saw how nervous the medic was.

“What's wrong?” Twilight opened.

“Oh, it's uh nothing. I was just hoping to ask you about the mental shield you taught me,” Fluttershy replied.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What about it?”

“Are you sure it's going to work against her?” Fluttershy exclaimed, quickly throwing up her hands. “I don't mean to be rude. I just want to be sure.”

“No rudeness assumed,” Twilight replied as they stepped into the spacious elevator. “And to answer your question quickly, yes. I am certain that it will hold out. I’ve been resisting forces far stronger than this doppelganger since I was a mere foal.”

Fluttershy released a small sigh of relief, her shoulders falling slack. “Oh, thank goodness. I guess this whole thing has me a little overwhelmed.”

“You did just become psychic after spending your entire life lacking this power. I expect you to be more than a little confused for quite a while,” Twilight replied.

“It feels like I’ve gained a whole new set of limbs or something,” Fluttershy murmured as they departed the large metal box.

Twilight smiled, her gaze drifting over to Sunset Shimmer who had taken up the lead and was speaking animatedly to both Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “And how is your fearless leader doing now that her magic is back? She certainly seems happier,” Twilight asked.

“It's like night and day,” Fluttershy murmured. “She always told me stories about her magic and how much it meant to her, but I never truly understood what it meant until now.”

“You’ve been peeking into her mind,” Twilight pointed out with a smirk.

The medic blushed and prodded her forefingers together awkwardly. “It was, um, mutual.”

Twilight chuckled. “Figured as much. When did you two finally get together?”

“A while ago?” Fluttershy shrugged. “Everything has been on hold because of, well… everything.”

Twilight lifted an eyebrow and glanced down at the girl. “What changed?”

“We decided to live without regrets,” Fluttershy whispered solemnly, her own gaze settling on Sunset’s backside.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully to herself as the group made their way down the last series of hallways. At long last they entered the core of the underground base and were surrounded by humans for the first time in a while. All but a pair of guards were staring forward, listening to Luna describe a series of offensive actions the bulk of her forces would be carrying out. It took a minute or two for Twilight to realize that this particular information was useless to her, though she could tell that was about to change.

“-and that is everything you squad leaders need to know. If you have any questions, level them towards your commanders. Good luck, soldiers. Dismissed,” Luna finished, giving the gathered humans a nod.

The small group of black-armored soldiers saluted before turning and making their way towards the elevator. As they passed the group by, most gave Twilight only the smallest of looks, though she could easily tell that they respected her a great deal. There were a few outliers, but even a cursory scan of their surface thoughts confirmed that the majority appreciated Twilight’s recent actions.

It was a pleasant change and made her stand a little taller despite the fear mixed within their emotions.

With their departure, Twilight and her smaller squad joined the four humans who had remained behind. Two were pilots, given their sleeker outfit and lack of a main weapon while the other remaining soldiers were guards. Twilight’s gaze swept past the pair and landed on Luna, who appeared to be suffering from minor sleep deprivation. Despite this, she was as determined and sharp as ever, giving Twilight little doubt that she would serve as a capable leader even if she was a little tired.

“Good morning, soldiers,” Luna greeted, folding her hands behind her back. “I won't bore you with the details, as you all know why you are here.”

“Yeah, why bother with this talk at all?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“It's simple. Twilight here has volunteered to turn your ride invisible so you may land ahead of the main force,” Luna began, nodding subtly to the infested woman.

“Are you sure you can handle that? It would be a lot of strain,” Sunset Shimmer offered.

“And what about the pilot?” Fluttershy added.

Twilight cleared her throat and stepped forward, removing a familiar stone from her pocket. “They would be using one of these. Which will send them back to base.”

“After which point the helicopter will be detonated in order to cause a distraction,” Luna added.

“How would we get out then?” Rarity asked somewhat fearfully.

“Additional air support can be called in once the mission is complete,” Luna answered, clearing her throat and turning to Sunset. “Now, with this change in vector, we will need to discuss the rerouted insertion method we devised earlier.”

Sunset stroked her chin and nodded. “That makes sense. Are we still entering through the former investor’s group tower?”

“Indeed. Though we will be landing atop the building and starting your infiltration through the third floor entrance,” Luna answered.

“But what about-”

Twilight tuned them out, her mind wandering as she was left with little to do but listen. She had already gained all this information earlier, and she knew the girls wouldn't ask anything Twilight hadn't considered. So with little else to occupy herself with, Twilight felt her thoughts begin to drift, just like her attention. Which eventually landed on a small display Luna had left open.

The image within was of the flesh citadel the humans creatively referred to as the tower. Though it was an interesting structure, given its great size and strange make-up, that wasn't what had caught Twilight’s eye. Rather it was the smaller image in the bottom left corner which drew her attention and made a small bubble of disgust well in her belly.

Her own face looked back, sneering at whomever had taken the picture with such venom that the emotion came through the still image. It was immediately recognizable to the infested, though there were several notable differences that quickly jumped out at Twilight. Her own features were blockier, more well-muscled and also more harmonious, with her zerg parts blending with her more natural ones.

This Twilight on the other hand was sleek and angular, and appeared almost sickly, with her skin having been turned an unpleasant green color. Dark veins could be seen crawling across her alien flesh and focusing mainly on her stark black lips. Her eyes had deep shadows every bit as inky as her lips, which only made her bright orange eyes stick out even more.

Within those sunken pits, which contained the hateful orbs, was a malice Twilight had rarely seen before. Her hair was also a mass of blackish green organic cords which draped halfway down her back. The rest of her appearance wasn't much easier on the eyes, with the infested creature sporting what had once been some manner of containment suit.

Though mostly broken, the gorget and tattered remnants of the flayed sleeves were mostly intact. Her choice of clothing combined with her overall alien appearance and baleful gaze gave her an aura of chaos. She also appeared to be every bit the wild, barely contained animal that most soldiers had described her as.

It was hard to even imagine her as having once been human, given how few of her natural features were present. All her natural color was gone, and the only thing that remained of the former girl was the general facial structure Twilight shared with her. This dark mirror drew Twilight in and made her wonder if there had been a chance that she too would have ended up like this creature.

Without her friends, her father, Spike, and Celestia, would she have fallen as this other version of her had? Or was this a vision of the future, and Twilight was bound to lose her fragile grip on what was important in life? Either way, it was a haunting vision, and one that Twilight found repulsed by in an incredibly visceral manner.

Are you okay? whispered the familiar thoughts of a certain timid human.

Twilight shook her head and cleared her throat. I’m fine. I’ve just been avoiding seeing any images of this other version until this moment.

Fluttershy subtly followed her friend’s gaze, sighing when she saw what Twilight had. It's not the nicest photo.

That's an understatement, Twilight replied. I wonder if a bit of well-timed harmony magic was all that stood between me and succumbing to the alien urges which had been implanted in my mind.

Harmony magic? Fluttershy questioned. What does that do?

It's nothing, Twilight quickly replied. Just a very fancy kind of magic that is difficult to create or control, which helps blend disparate magical forces together.

Twilight didn't wait for a response and simply cut off the communication there, allowing herself to return to her musings. This time she didn't even look at the image, but rather let her gaze grow ever more distant as she stared off into space. Her mind churned with calculations, theories, and ideas, all of which were centered on recreating the rainbow wave she had seen as a child.

She wondered what powers she could gain from its use, and if it could aid in healing her friends of their deformities. It was a long shot, given how complicated the entire thing was, but it had the highest chance of giving good results. Though the chaos pool certainly had unique possibilities that Twilight didn't wish to rule out, despite the apparent dangers it posed.

“-dismissed,” Luna barked.

Twilight blinked and looked down to find Sunset staring at her curiously. “You alright? You seemed preoccupied for a bit there.”

“It was nothing,” Twilight hastily replied, waving a hand in the air. “Just thinking about my plans for when I return to Equestria.”

“Ah, well, we’re heading to the armory to get suited up if you’re ready,” Sunset offered.

“Always,” Twilight replied.

“Are you sure you can scramble our psionic signature at such close proximity to the tower?” Sunset yelled over the radio, the girl sitting nearest the large bomb located near the back of the helicopter.

Twilight turned her attention from the rolling waves of flesh which covered the ground hundreds of metres below her to where Sunset Shimmer sat across from her, the girl now strapped to a seat, her jet black armor covering her entire body. The rest of their little squad was present and wearing their familiar armor, though they sat much further from the explosive device.

Including Twilight, who was wearing the same heavy suit she had before; what little damage it had sustained having been fixed. Unlike her companions, she had no visible weapons save for a combat knife she had been given for emergencies. The rest all carried their usual array of deadly guns and sharp blades.

“I'm certain,” Twilight shouted back. “Like I’ve told you before, we should be more or less invisible to the majority of the zerg.”

“Relax, Sunset. Twi’s got this,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Ain't that right, Flutters?”

Fluttershy didn't respond, her gaze fixed on the window and the city visible through it.

“Flutters?” Rainbow Dash whispered.

The squad followed their shy friend’s attention to where the relatively scattered zerg buildings were now growing more numerous. The ground was absolutely carpeted in thick creep, and there were few structures not taken by the alien mass. New, more hideous constructions emerged from the destroyed city, their numbers increasing with each second.

Most were nearly as big as a soccer field, and had large fang-filled maws atop a sloping pyramid. Others were enormous bulbed towers from which draped dozens of incredibly long tentacles that went all the way to the ground. There were even odd green pools where numerous zerg seemed to work, regulating the strange lake carefully.

The zerg themselves were beyond counting, with vast armies assembled within the few empty spaces left. The only thing they didn't have in great numbers were flying zerg, who were sparse and mainly consisted of bulbous floating creatures. The ugly things hung lazily in the air, their gas-filled bodies somehow allowing them to hover around at a lethargic place.

It felt like a sight from another world, complete with alien architecture and creatures which were vastly different from this world’s native species. Twilight was tempted to inspect the many strange bioforms, but kept her focus on the anti-air turrets. Their fungus-launching tubes swiveled and moved, as if searching for something they couldn't quite detect.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully and decided to push a little more power into her spell, just to be certain.

“I knew there were a lot, but this is… Are you sure the diversionary force is even going to survive?” Fluttershy whispered.

“If we do our jobs correctly, they will,” Applejack exclaimed.

“Right, so let's run over the plan again,” Sunset encouraged, leaning forward. “We land atop-”

The dull thwomp boom of an exploding fungus ball jolted the girls from their seats and caused the entire helicopter to shake briefly. Looking out the window revealed that more were on their way, though the shots seemed almost random and desperate.

“I thought you said we were invisible?” Sunset barked.

“We are!” Twilight replied. “They probably detected the disruptions in the air currents and are firing blindly.”

“In that case you had better serpentine!” Sunset Shimmer yelled to the pilot.

“Already on it,” replied a surprisingly calm and crisp female voice.

Sure enough, a second later they banked hard to the right, weaving their way towards the tower in the distance. Around them the enormous spores grew more and erratic, their already semi-random shots going even wider than before. It was just enough breathing room that Twilight was able to sigh in relief, though her human counterparts remained worried.

Save for Rainbow Dash who seemed slightly thrilled by the entire bout of turbulence.

Turning her attention to their destination, Twilight calculated that they had only three minutes before they were able to set down. It was clear their descent was going to be a difficult one, though thankfully the pressure was alleviated somewhat a few seconds later as the scream of missiles briefly overwhelmed the thud of detonating fungus flak.

The anti-air guns turned their attention to the new arrivals, though they proved far too fast for the enormous organic artillery. Explosions rippled from all directions beneath them, and the mid-morning sky briefly lit up, banishing all shadows for a single terrible instant. Then the screams began, and the duller thuds of secondary detonations added to the cacophony of sound.

Twilight could sense that Luna’s missiles had struck true, and that her forces were mere moments from launching their attack. Sure enough, gunfire could be heard in the distance, joining the loud boom of rockets and distinct thwomp coming from the few tanks they could field.

In an instant the alien world was a battlefield as dozens of smaller skirmishes began to erupt in their midst. Command structures had been shattered, and some broods of zerg mindlessly tore one another apart. The grim sight was strangely unpleasant for Twilight, and she quickly looked away, focusing her attention on her destination.

Which was rapidly drawing near now that they didn't have to concern themselves with the sporadic anti-air fire. The pilot was an expert, and in what felt like no time at all, had begun her final approach on their target. The landing zone itself was obvious even from a distance, as the half-absorbed office building stuck out like a sore thumb.

Standing only six stories tall, the structure was mostly still intact, with many of its numerous windows remaining. The top-most floor was what really interested Twilight as it was completely clear, save for a small staircase that likely led inside. It was also very small, just barely having enough room for their helicopter to fit on top of without encountering any issues.

Their pilot turned out to be every bit the expert they needed, as she angled the craft in quickly, yet dexterously. With the ground rapidly approaching, Twilight rose from her seat at the same time as her companions did the same. This time there were no words of jubilation or excitement, as the sounds of war had filled the air, sapping what good humour had remained.

This was no small conflict or rescue mission, they realized. Hundreds, if not thousands of people were going to die very soon. This was a fact everyone was forced to face.

When the helicopter sat down on the structure, the small squad was already in motion. The door was quickly pulled aside, and the shimmering field which had obscured them from sight fell away. Glancing over the large bomb, Twilight was able to see that the pilot had found her teleportation rune. A second later the human vanished in a brief flash of light, leaving them alone with the empty helicopter.

Turning back around, Twilight put her head down and dutifully followed behind the other girls. Each one of which wore a stony expression beneath their helmets, the group silently readying themselves for what would come next.

For a moment they assembled outside the door, and, with a nod, Twilight took point, delivering a solid boot to the very middle. Then the barrier was gone, and their final adventure together began.

Here goes nothing, Twilight thought.

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

Truly Alien

Proceeding down the relatively normal flight of stairs, the small squad remained silent, with only their boots breaking the quiet. Twilight had chosen to hang back along with Fluttershy who was the second last in the long line of black-armored soldiers. Their steps were hasty, and soon they had descended down into the first real floor of the abandoned office building.

Some signs of zerg infestation were visible along the walls and floors, though it was minimal, with the building having been mostly ignored by the black queen. Twilight couldn't fathom why her other self would leave this building unconverted, but she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. She also didn't give the dusty cubicles more than a single glance before entering a second staircase and going down even further.

Ahead of her, the rest of the girls remained relatively silent, their weapons raised and ready to unleash lethal force at a moment’s notice. It turned out to be unnecessary, as there wasn't so much as a single zerg guard posted anywhere in the structure. That was until they found the bridge between the office building and the citadel of flesh, which had a small group of zerglings standing outside it.

“Allow me,” Twilight whispered.

Sunset held out a hand, stopping the infested woman from moving out from their hiding spot. “No, wait. I want to test something,” Sunset Shimmer interjected.

Twilight shrugged and settled back down again. “Go ahead, but try to leave one that I can interrogate.”

“I’ll try,” Sunset replied.

“What's the plan, boss lady?” Applejack whispered.

“Just testing a spell. Stay back here unless something goes wrong. I shouldn't be long,” Sunset answered.

“Be safe,” Fluttershy whispered.

Sunset nodded and walked away, her hands beginning to glow as she moved, conjuring a bright blue ball of flame. It wasn't far until the zerglings noticed her presence and let out a shriek before charging her with all the fury they could muster. They didn't even make it halfway down the hallway before Sunset thrust her hands towards them, palms out and fingers splayed.

The ball of blue fire shot into the middle of the creatures before exploding with a strangely suppressed thwomp. Though it didn't sound that intimidating, it certainly was effective, with the entire group having been reduced to little more than ash. The hallway itself wasn't overly damaged, with the zerg growth having somehow managed to absorb the majority of the heat.

“Woah,” Rainbow Dash murmured through the radio.

“Is everyone’s seals secure?” Sunset inquired as she walked back to the group.

“We are ready when you are,” Rarity replied.

Applejack rapped a knuckle on the side of her helmet. “You betcha. Let's go kick some ass.”

“Right. You girls secure that entrance,” Sunset began, gesturing to the flesh-covered door nearby. “I need to speak to Twilight for a moment.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow as the others all moved to follow their leader’s orders, while Sunset walked up next to the towering infested. “How does it feel?” Twilight offered.

“Amazing,” Sunset Shimmer replied without hesitation. “But that's not what I was hoping to talk to you about.”

“Then what is it?” Twilight prompted.

Sunset frowned behind her helmet. “Are you sure you're not going to stay and help us?”

“Have I not done enough?” Twilight retorted.

“You’ve done more than most could hope to accomplish,” Sunset admitted.

Twilight sighed and ran a metal hand down her face. “Look, I know you mean well, but I simply can't. My people need me, and I’ve been gone for far too long as it is.”

Sunset nodded slowly. “I know it's selfish, but with your help this fight would be far easier.”

“Which is why it's so hard to leave you guys,” Twilight remarked. “My assistance would be considerable, but I also don't feel like things would turn out for the best if I stayed.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset questioned.

“This world isn't mine, and its problems aren't my own,” Twilight began. “Something tells me that you should be the one to decide its fate, and not me.”

Sunset Shimmer hummed thoughtfully as she stared at the assembled soldiers waiting patiently for her. “I suppose so. Still, I’m glad you can at least join us this far.”

“Trust me, Sunset,” Twilight exclaimed, placing a hand on the smaller female’s shoulder. “I have one last gift in store which I think will aid you quite a bit.”

“Are you two going to yap all day or what?” Rainbow Dash shouted from up ahead.

“I don't mean to be a bother, but I would rather not be here when that bomb goes off,” Fluttershy added.

“We’re coming,” Sunset Shimmer quickly replied as she jogged up to them. “Go ahead, Applejack.”

The girl nodded once before walking up to the door and delivering a firm kick which knocked the entire thing off its hinges. In an instant, her and Rainbow Dash were in the next room, weapons drawn and searching for trouble. After a few tense moments, the pair relaxed, and Applejack peeked back into the hallway.

“We’re clear,” she called. “Grossed out, but clear.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow as they entered the next room, scanning the interior curiously. Purplish-green flesh covered the walls, floors, and ceilings completely, unnerving the infested somewhat. Twilight became even more unsettled when she realized that the flesh wasn't covering the walls, but rather it made up the very walls.

Bony growths supported the ceiling while a mixture of muscle and skin protected the walls from damage. It wasn't even either, with strange nodes and random bumps growing at irregular intervals. It was the most alien architecture Twilight had ever seen, and though she felt unnerved, she was also intrigued.

It was well-designed and utterly spartan, with no thought or effort having been given to making it appear visually appealing unlike even the community center which had at least an odd symmetry to it that made it look like a human building. Here there were few straight lines, with the exit resembling more of a fleshy orifice rather than a door.

Twilight’s musings were interrupted by the stomp of feet as the rest of her squad jogged across the room towards the sole exit. Applejack drew back and holstered her shotgun, readying herself to kick it open, only to be stopped a second before she did so.

“Wait. I think I can help with this,” Twilight interrupted.

Applejack shrugged and took a step back, raising her weapon once more. “Be my guest.”

Twilight focused on her psychic connection, noting that although the ambient pressure was significant, it wasn't enough to break her concentration. She had quite a bit of know-how, and even though the black queen was powerful, it was clear that she lacked experience. Giving Twilight enough of an edge that she could continue hiding her friends’ thoughts from the other infested while still touching the exit with her mind.

With an uncomfortable, wet noise, the portal opened, and the group was surprised to see a hydralisk standing on the other side. The zerg seemed just as startled as them, though both parties quickly overcame their surprise not long after. Fluttershy was the first to react and used her new psionic powers to shove the creature off-balance, allowing her friends to fill it full of lead before it could even aim its shoulder-mounted projectile weapons.

Dozens of rounds tore through the creature, cutting it to ribbons and leaving it a twitching mess on the ground. Applejack moved forward a second later, peeking through the opening with her shotgun raised, though she returned not long after.

“It's clear,” she exclaimed.

Sunset Shimmer reloaded her pistol. “Well, that’s-”

A dull boom followed by the clatter of debris raining down from the sky made all eyes turn back to the way they came. The sudden detonation was powerful, though thankfully it was not so strong as to damage anything nearby. Everyone still felt the shockwave, and for a moment the fleshy building shook before coming to rest a second later.

“That was close,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

Whatever her friends were about to say in response was cut off when a voice suddenly boomed from every direction at once.

“I know you’re here, and I know why you’re here,” bellowed the oddly familiar voice of the black queen. “You’ve come to kill me and stop me from elevating mankind to a race worthy of claiming ownership over our solar system.”

“Does she know where we are?” Sunset Shimmer whispered nervously, her pistol raised.

“No. She's just shouting everywhere at once,” Twilight replied.

“Your arrogance and foolhardy resistance have slowed the inevitable, but rest assured that progress is quite impossible to stop,” continued the black queen, her voice undulating strangely. “You will be assimilated, and you will take your position at my side, as you already should have.”

“Progress, my butt. Sounds more like slavery to me,” Applejack muttered.

“And no matter how much I detest the flat black of our uniform, I hate that dreadful mix of purple and green of yours even more,” Rarity added in a disdainful tone.

“I advise you seek out the nearest zerg and submit yourself to them. You have my word that you will be treated well, as will all who give themselves up,” continued the black queen. “Though if you wish to continue throwing away your lives in some vain attempt at killing me, then I will have no choice but to oblige you.”

For a moment the group sat quietly, waiting for an additional response that never came.

“That certainly was… dramatic,” Twilight murmured.

“At least she didn't say resistance is futile again,” Sunset Shimmer muttered.

“She really can't resist being a nerd, even now,” Rainbow Dash added.

The room was silent for several seconds, though Twilight was quick to break that silence by clearing her throat.

“We should keep moving,” she offered.

“Right. Which way are we going again?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“We need to locate a moderately powerful zerg so I can read its mind and find out where the magic detector is located,” Twilight explained.

“Which means we keep going forward, and this time we’ll be a little less trigger-happy,” Sunset Shimmer added.

“And maybe a few less incinerations as well?” Applejack asked.

Sunset Shimmer coughed into her helmet. “Yes, well. That too.”

“Let's go,” Twilight declared.

Sunset Shimmer flicked a finger across the odd glass-like object held in her other hand, causing the scene within to shift as she did so. Which in turn revealed that further down the hall was a larger room that ended in what looked almost like an assembly line of some kind. Only instead of making some manner of physical good, this factory produced zerg organisms contained within large green eggs.

The process had been halted however, and numerous zerglings, hydralisks, as well as other, more specialized creatures moved amongst the eggs. They seemed to be looking for something, though had yet to find it, and were paying little attention to the surroundings. None even noticed the small, nearly invisible silver sphere which zipped among them and disappeared in a tiny flash of light.

“That spell is… convenient,” Applejack remarked.

“Imagine how easy our missions would have been if we always had magic,” Rarity mused.

Sunset Shimmer closed her hand and stood up. “We can't think of that right now. Twilight, did you see any targets which may be suitable candidates? Twilight?”

Twilight blinked and looked down at her. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Are you alright? It looks like you’ve seen a ghost,” Fluttershy inquired.

Twilight frowned as her mind conjured the image of a serpentine zerg with vaguely human features and tentacles which grew from her head. It almost resembled the queen that Twilight knew was ultimately responsible for her own infestation as well as that of her friends. It wasn't quite the same, however, as this creature was much smaller and seemed bound to the flesh citadel itself somehow.

“It's nothing,” Twilight muttered. “But yes. The snake-like zerg we saw is a viable target.”

“Great. You’ll focus on blanking the zerg’s connection and maintaining an anti-sound barrier over the area while we deal with the other obstacles,” Sunset Shimmer said.

“Hell yeah. It's about time we kicked some butt. I’ve been getting bored walking down these gross hallways,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Don't get too excited. You and Applejack will move to secure the exits while Fluttershy, Rarity, and I destroy the other, unimportant zerg organisms,” Sunset Shimmer continued.

“Yer side-lining us? But we do most of the work!” Applejack declared.

“Which is why I’m entrusting the most important part of the mission to you two,” Sunset Shimmer retorted.

“If they realize they can't call for help using their connection to the black queen, they will likely scatter in an attempt to reach her the old-fashioned way,” Fluttershy explained.

Rainbow Dash’s shoulders slumped. “I guess that makes sense. Still sucks though.”

“We’ll handle it, darling. Don't you worry,” Rarity exclaimed.

“Well, I’m ready when you are,” Twilight offered.

“We are too,” Sunset Shimmer replied. “Now then, let's get to it. Fluttershy, you worry about the hydralisks while Rarity protects us and I handle the zerglings.”

“Right,” Fluttershy declared, nodding confidently.

“Let's get this done then,” Sunset Shimmer announced.

The group immediately began to move, with Twilight building a spell which would ensure no one would detect what was about to happen. Before her, the other members of their little squad were already leaping into action, with Applejack and Rainbow Dash fanning wide. Emerging out onto the second story of the large room, they were given a bird’s eye view of the strange factory.

Besides two large exits on either side of the space which allowed the eggs to travel through the odd inspection room, there were no other escapes. With a flash, the walls rippled briefly before all sound was crushed beneath the eldritch might of Twilight’s spell. In the silence she watched as the squad pinned their opponents before they even knew what was going on.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash sprinted into position after leaping over the sides of the narrow walkway, cutting down a few zerg as they did so. Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, and Fluttershy got into position a second later, with the former pony unleashing her attack first. Which came in the form of a wave of fire that shot from her hands, down to the bottom floor where it became a roiling tsunami of destruction.

Powerful enough to burn zerglings to a cinder, but not strong enough to seriously damage the factory floor, the wave only singed the larger zerg. Who reacted in a predictably panicked manner now that they were cut off from their queen. Some turned and ran, while others stood stock still, as if waiting for their death. More concerning than them were the band which formed up around the snakelike creature, their ranks closing in order to protect it.

These zerg didn't have time to really focus on counter-attacking, and the scattered fire they sent at their attackers was easily deflected. Rarity’s shields proved more than a match for the organic daggers and small jets of acid launched at them, giving Fluttershy more than enough time to reach out and send a bolt of psionic energy at the closest bunch of hydralisks.

The attack was a powerful one, with the chaotic bolt tearing through flesh and bone with startling ease. With two less hydralisks in their midst, the defending zerg units had already been cut in half after only a few seconds. A surge of motion drew all eyes towards where a half dozen drones were moving to attack Rainbow Dash, small blasts of acid shooting from their mouths.

Sunset pointed from Fluttershy to the snake creature, then from herself to the drones, sending orders without uttering a sound all while gathering power for a spell.

A moment later, a surge of fire erupted from the ground beneath the drones, though the zerg were smart enough to scatter a second earlier. With only one of their number dead, they moved to swarm and surround Rainbow Dash while two of them attempted to slip past. The lightning-fast woman proved more than capable of defending herself, though she was only able to stop a single one of the flying drones.

Sunset Shimmer cut down the other with a jet of flames, and was about to further help her friend when she heard a shout echo within her mind.

It was a trick, they are attacking Applejack! Fluttershy exclaimed.

Turning her attention in the other direction, Sunset noticed that was indeed the case, and the farm girl was under assault from every last remaining zerg. Gem barriers leapt up to provide cover, saving Applejack from a hail of acid and organic spines fired her way, though it didn't stop the zerglings. They weaved around the barriers and leapt at the girl with a silent scream bursting from their mouths.

The silent blast of a shotgun removed the upper half of one and the right side of another before a powerful punch turned a third into red paste. The distraction had worked, however, and the main group of zerg were now upon the beleaguered apple farmer. Thankfully she wasn't alone, and a hail of psionic attacks rained down from above, pummelling and killing her foes.

Almost immediately the zerg’s momentum stalled, and though it was obvious the snake creature was attempting to rally the others, it wasn't working. Between the renewed fire-based attacks, and Rainbow Dash hitting them from the other side, it was losing underlings quickly. They continued to fight on, but it was clear that defeat was inevitable at that point.

Sure enough, they were almost all cut down by a mix of gunfire, magic, and psionics, with only the more powerful zerg being left alive. Out of desperation, it attempted to wrap its tentacles around a nearby Applejack, but was stopped dead when something exploded against the ground next to it. Turning around, the zerg was incredibly confused to find itself standing before what appeared at first glance to be its queen.

It didn't get the chance to wonder why Twilight was wearing armor and working with the humans however, as a psionic battering ram slammed into its mind. Its defences buckled immediately, and all at once it felt every last bit of information be torn from it with all the finesse of an angry bull. Then its neck was shattered under an ironlike grip, and its world faded before it could even figure out what had just happened.

Dropping the dying creature to the ground, Twilight pondered the newfound information carefully, dispelling the enchantment as she did so.

“Did ya get it?” Rainbow Dash inquired, skidding to a stop next to Twilight.

Who nodded slowly, still trying to piece together everything she now knew. “The lower levels are a maze of tunnels and defences, but somewhere down there is the magical detection device. Though the creature didn't know the exact location and seemed to believe that it was missing for some reason.”

“Missing? Why would it be missing? It was one of the other Twilight’s most prized inventions,” Rarity replied.

“Are we not gonna talk about how cool that was? I mean, damn, you cooked those zergies like they were Sunday dinner,” Applejack exclaimed as she reloaded her shotgun.

“I told you I was an expert mage,” Sunset Shimmer replied before turning to Twilight. “Now what was this about the detector not being where we thought it was?”

“Just that,” Twilight replied with a shrug. “It's gone and hasn't been accounted for in at least a year.”

“She must have lost it almost immediately after constructing this awful building,” Rarity pointed out.

“Why hasn't she made another?” Sunset inquired.

“Hey ya. A nerd like evil Twi would never just forget about the existence of magic,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Twilight frowned. “I’m not sure, but from what I’ve gathered, there was some special piece to the machine that made it impossible to replicate.”

“Seems mighty fishy if you ask me,” Applejack exclaimed.

Sunset Shimmer nodded. “Quite. It's not like any zerg can resist the black queen’s will, so it couldn't have been stolen, could it?”

Twilight shrugged. “I have no idea. Though I’m sure if we start our search in these lower levels, we can eventually come across someone who knows where it is.”

“What if we don't?” Fluttershy posited.

“We will,” Sunset Shimmer stated calmly. “The entire mission hinges on us incapacitating the black queen before she is able to regroup and wipe out the resistance.”

“Do we have a backup plan in case we don't find this detector thingy?” Applejack inquired.

“You will have to continue on without me then,” Twilight answered.

“I told you that won't happen. So let's not even consider the chance of that right now,” Sunset Shimmer angrily retorted.

“It's a possibility you must be prepared to accept,” Twilight countered.

“We will find it, hold up our end of the bargain, and then we will defeat the black queen,” Sunset Shimmer stated.

Twilight held up her hands in defeat. “Whatever you say, Sunset. Whatever you say.”

Author's Note

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Complications

“And you’re sure this is going to work?” Fluttershy whispered somewhat apprehensively.

“Do you doubt me?” Twilight retorted, hands glowing faintly.

“Well, no, but…” Fluttershy trailed off.

“It does seem a bit out there,” Applejack remarked.

“Do you have a better idea on getting past that horde?” Twilight replied, gesturing towards the large warehouse-like space which housed nearly a hundred zerg.

Ranging from the humble zergling to the towering ultralisk, the aliens were clustered in small groups in a sort of stasis. Their eyes were closed, though their bodies remained upright while a number of rat-like zerg scampered around them. These smaller bioforms looked a lot like zerglings, though they were slightly furry and had two large fangs jutting form their mouths. They seemed to be patrolling the area and stopped occasionally to sniff the air before turning around once again.

“It will be fine. Trust me,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed in a low tone.

“Fine. But I still don't like this,” Rainbow Dash murmured. “And I think I should be able to just fly over them.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “We went over this, it's too loud. Which is why I’ll be teleporting after you.”

“I’m sure it will be fine, darling,” Rarity offered.

Twilight raised her glowing hands high before fanning her fingers and pointing them at her friends. Who all lit up with a faint purple light before returning to normal a second later, with nothing seemingly having changed.

“I don't feel any different,” Applejack deadpanned.

“Follow my lead,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed before walking straight from the fleshy ground to the wall and then the roof.

“Right behind you, Sunset,” Fluttershy added, clambering after her friend with only minor difficulty.

“This is easier than it looks,” Rarity exclaimed as she too walked up onto the roof above them.

“You two going to join them?” Twilight encouraged.

“Hurry up. I don't want all the blood to rush to my head,” Sunset Shimmer whispered as loudly as she dared over the radio.

“Here goes nothing,” Applejack murmured, awkwardly walking up the wall and almost falling in the process.

“I wish I could just fly over,” Rainbow Dash muttered before following.

She stumbled briefly before catching herself and slowly making her way next to her friends. Who, upon seeing that they were all ready, moved towards the doorway which led from the odd pump-like room they were in now to the space beyond. With slow, deliberate motions they mounted the upside down doorway and proceeded into the warehouse.

Which seemed to be at least partly made of wood now that Twilight was paying attention, and she could even see a few old shelves. Though most had been destroyed, and the space itself reconstructed to serve as a staging area for a minor army of zerg, small parts of the original structure were visible. A few old windows could be seen, though they revealed nothing but more zerg flesh or the odd bone-like structure.

Twilight turned her attention away from the room itself and up to where her friends were clambering through the metal struts that supported the ceiling. The process was a slow one, given how much fleshy obstructions stood in their way, though they were at least quiet. Each member of the group was patient and took their time maneuvering past the various barriers.

Now alone, Twilight was quite aware of just how noisy the odd structure was. Fluid pumped through unseen veins, and sections of the wall heaved as if breathing deeply. It all drilled home the fact that this building was itself a living thing, though Twilight doubted it was truly sentient.

Directing her attention back to her friends, Twilight noticed that they were nearing the other side and that they had remained undetected. None of the ratlings, as Twilight had named them, had noticed her friends, nor had they even turned their attention skyward. Without any surprises in their way, the group had made relatively quick progress, though something nagged at Twilight.

“What is… Fluttershy!” Twilight exclaimed, her attention going to the medical pack which was hanging upside from the medic’s belt.

The black box had evidently not been designed to be flipped upside down, and with Twilight’s enhanced sight, she could tell that it was about to give. Extending her magic, Twilight realized that they were just out of range of the spell, as was her psionics. For a moment she considered teleporting early, but deduced that there was simply too little time.

Fluttershy, your medical supplies! Twilight mentally shouted, ignoring the potential consequences of doing so close to other zerg.

Fluttershy spun around, inadvertently applying more force on the strap and snapping it in the process. Without anything holding it, the pack flew towards the ground before being stopped by an invisible force. The medic then drew her hand back, reeling the object into her waiting grasp and letting out a sigh of relief.

“Damn, that was close,” Twilight muttered to herself before charging her spell.

As she waited for the magic to gather, Twilight scanned the factory floor and was relieved to find that there were no changes. With that bit of good news in mind, she weaved the correct runic pattern and was whisked away in a small flash of magic. Reappearing across the warehouse, Twilight landed with a small plop on the oddly wet ground.

Around her, the other members of her squad were clambering off the walls as best as they could. Rainbow Dash immediately fell to the ground, clutching her head, while Applejack shook herself vigorously.

“I hope we never have to do that again,” Applejack muttered.

“I feel oddly violated,” Rainbow Dash whispered while hugging herself.

“Oh, get up,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed. “Just be happy we dodged a bullet.”

“How much further do we have to go, darling?” inquired Rarity.

“Not super far. I’ve been able to detect a more powerful zerg biosignature a floor below us, which should give us more answers. Unfortunately, we’ll have to go through a narrow choke point to get there,” Twilight replied.

“Which means more fighting,” Fluttershy muttered sadly.

Rainbow Dash leapt up from a sitting position, a grin visible behind her helmet. “Alright. Now that's what I’m talking about.”

“Any trouble between here and there?” Sunset inquired.

“Unlikely. Most of the corridors are narrow, meaning resistance will be light, if we even meet anything at all,” Twilight replied.

“Good. I wanna keep fights to a minimum, lest the black queen find our location,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

“Shall we?” Rarity offered, gesturing towards the curving fleshy hall.

“Right, let's go,” Sunset Shimmer declared.

The small group all peered intently at the glass panel levitating above Sunset’s open palm. In it they could see that the stairwell which lay just beyond a nearby door was filled with zerg creatures of all shapes and sizes. The steps themselves wrapped around the walls, stopping at three large landings that were all well-fortified.

Hydralisks stood ready, their shoulders pointed towards the larger entrance at the bottom floor. A pair of ultralisks stood sentinel nearby, while numerous zerglings filled nearly all the empty space between them. There were even a few zerg fliers, mutalisks, which floated lazily, their tails aimed downward.

“What are we waiting for? We have the drop on them,” Rainbow Dash whispered.

“It isn't that easy,” Twilight countered. “Each of those landings lead onto other subfloors, two of which have their own barracks.”

“So blanket them with that psychic whatchamajigger you do and drop a fireball on the jerks,” Applejack exclaimed.

“If only it were that simple,” Sunset murmured, shifting her spell towards one of the nearby walls. “The black queen has also installed what looks like vents on the walls.”

“Which will fill the stairwell with a deadly nerve gas that won't bother you guys, though will probably kill me in seconds,” Twilight explained.

“That is quite the doozy,” Rarity admitted.

“So what do we do?” Fluttershy inquired.

“I’m not sure. My initial thoughts would be to blank the area and use a spell to filter the air while we fight them. Though there are problems with that plan,” Twilight remarked.

“If we were going to get bogged down anywhere, it would be here,” Sunset continued. “These stairs would mean we would have to fight in all directions and likely against a much larger force.”

“Wait, why do some of those zerg have colorful stripes painted on them?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“What stripes? Oh, I didn't notice that before, but you are absolutely right,” Rarity replied.

“Let me see,” Twilight asked, leaning in close.

Peering into the scrying sheet, Twilight noted that just over half of the zerg had small stripes of purple and teal somewhere on their bodies. It almost looked like paint and was relatively small, only two or so inches long and half as wide. The markings were also located primarily on the more intelligent zerg, with the zerglings lacking these alterations.

“I wonder what it means,” Fluttershy murmured, only to stand up suddenly. “Wait, do you feel that?”

“It's almost like a psychic black out,” Twilight replied, putting a finger to her temple. “But how is that possible? I haven't used it yet.”

“Woah, what the heck,” Applejack muttered in shock.

Twilight didn't even have to look down to know what was going on as the sudden roar of an ultralisk alerted her to the sudden outbreak of fighting. Glancing down, Twilight was shocked to find that the zerg were fighting amongst one another, yet it wasn't utterly chaotic. The striped zerg were working well with one another, closing ranks and firing down on their former comrades.

The resistance was far less organized, as the majority of the normal zerg merely ran, though there were a few exceptions. The two ultralisks turned and charged towards the stairs, crushing several panicking zerglings in the process. Following in their wake was the rest of the loyalist zerg while their few remaining allies fired down from above.

The battle itself was wild and bloody, but Twilight wasn't interested in the finer details of what was going on. Judging from the way they moved, the striped zerg were being guided by a higher intelligence while their foes were simply following the in-built commands and impulses placed there by the black queen herself.

Facing such a well-organized foe, the loyalist zerg posed little resistance, and as Twilight observed the last be cut down, she saw him. A tall infested human wearing the shattered remnants of what had once been a combat suit like the ones her friends wore. Unlike the more harmonious and less alien infested seen within the community center, this creature was far stranger.

Where the other infested seemed to at least have their zerg and human halves melded somewhat, this creature had none of that. Fleshy tentacles and bulbous masses extended from holes in his armor, covering the majority of his body. From the shattered remnants of his helmet grew a strange tube-like structure growing from where his mouth and nose should be. This mass twitched and contorted as he breathed.

He hefted the rifle which had grown into his arm. Firing off a quick burst of greenish rounds, the monster cut down a hydralisk which had appeared from a nearby door. The twin pincers which grew from the infested’s back then slammed down into a zergling which had managed to reach him.

With all resistance now slaughtered, the infested human turned his strange glowing green gaze across the battlefield, inspecting his handiwork.

“What the hay is going on?” Applejack remarked.

“I don't know, but there seems to be a civil war of some kind going on down there,” Rarity replied.

“Either way, it's an opening we can use,” Twilight declared, jabbing a finger towards the infested human. “And he likely knows where my detector is located.”

“Plus over half of them are dead now,” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

Sunset Shimmer nodded and stood up. “Twilight, you focus on blanking them and shutting off any calls for reinforcement they might make while also keeping yourself out of danger. I’ll blast the first landing with a fireball while the rest of you charge in.”

“And we keep the freaky dude alive, right?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“We should try to help him,” Fluttershy offered.

“I’m not sure there is anything left to help,” Twilight exclaimed.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Right now they are still uncoordinated and reeling from the last fight,” Sunset Shimmer remarked, dismissing her spell. “Which means we found our opening.”

“Hell yeah,” Rainbow Dash declared, hefting her submachine guns. “Let’s kick some ass.”

“Wait, what if they are good guys?” Fluttershy offered.

“Then we’ll apologize for killing his grunts,” Sunset Shimmer replied, drawing her pistol while gathering magical energy in the other. “Now let's move.”

Twilight focused her psionic and magical senses towards the room beyond, readying herself for the fight. When her friends burst past the door, Twilight shut off the flow of psionic energy before erecting a sphere of air around her head. With her own defences now up and no chance of their enemies receiving any reinforcements, she began to gather her magic.

Only to quickly find that she was unneeded as the squad of black-armored soldiers were cutting through their foes like a scythe through wheat. Scattered, confused, and not prepared for a counter-attack, the various zerg barely managed to return fire before they were killed.

Sunset’s fireballs incinerated the majority of their foes while a hail of gunfire fired from a rainbow blur perforated those not already dead. Applejack landed with a titanic thump amidst the remaining few hydralisks on the ground floor, her shotgun spitting hot death into her foes. With fist and gun alike, the towering farm girl dealt with the zerg so quickly that they barely even responded before they died.

Combined with Rarity’s shields and well-timed shots, in addition to Sunset’s spells, the striped zerg barely managed to fight back. Before their leader joined the fray, his pincers slamming down on the spot Rainbow Dash had been standing on a second earlier. The athlete easily dodged his pincers, fist, and spray of gunfire before delivering a solid kick to his chest.

The attack did nothing, though thankfully the infested soldier didn't get a chance to use the opening granted to him. A blast of ice froze his entire bottom half to the ground under him, stopping him dead in his tracks. While he struggled to escape, his remaining forces were put down with extreme prejudice, with only a few of the hydralisks managing a resistance, before they too joined the dead, their bodies creating a bloody carpet that covered the majority of the ground.

Twilight couldn't help but nod in pride as the black-armored soldiers swept over the dead and dying, finishing off the few who still lived. Without a word passing between them, they assembled before the struggling infested who remained stuck fast. He raised his gun arm, but had the limb knocked aside by a glowing golden force which pinned it to the side of his body.

“I wouldn't do that if I were you,” Sunset Shimmer declared.

“‘Cause if you haven't already noticed, your goons are dead, and y'all got no chance of winning,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, jerking a thumb over her shoulder.

“Their fate is of little consequence,” exclaimed the infested soldier in a watery, garbled voice.

“Damn, old queenie did a number on you,” Applejack remarked.

“I sure hope we can help him,” Fluttershy murmured, remaining firmly behind Sunset Shimmer.

“I am no product of that self-styled monarch,” retorted the infested soldier. “My mistress is the true heir of the overmind and thus the swarm itself.”

“Does any of this make sense to you, Twilight?” Rarity inquired as the infested woman joined them.

“Not exactly,” Twilight admitted. “Though I remember hearing about this overmind thing he's speaking of.”

“You are… her, yet not. How is this possible?” murmured the corrupted soldier in a confused, almost disbelieving tone.

“I’m a Twilight from another reality, one where magic exists, though none of that matters now,” Twilight quickly exclaimed. “You will answer my questions, or I will rip them from your mind, is that understood?”

“I would rather die than betray my mistress,” he spat, throat undulating angrily as he spoke.

“Woah there, this guy is an infested soldier. Surely there is something you can do for him,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed, stepping in between the two.

“This infestation is different,” Twilight quickly replied. “I’m not sure if I even could help him.”

“I don't want your help or your pity,” he exclaimed, struggling against the psionic field holding his arms against his sides. “I have reached my full potential and need nothing, save for my freedom, so that I may slaughter you in her name.”

“Can't you at least try, darling?” Rarity inquired.

Twilight sighed. “I could, but it takes a significant amount of psionic energy and a good bit of magic. With so much on the line, I can't afford to waste such power on a single individual.”

“So just mind wipe and dump him in a locker,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a shrug. “If we win, we’ll come back and help him later.”

“I agree with RD,” Applejack added.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and glanced at Sunset. “Is that alright with you?”

“I guess,” Sunset sighed.

Fluttershy squeezed the other girl’s shoulder. “It's okay, Sunset. We can always come back.”

“Do I not get a say in my own fate?” the infested man asked bitterly.

“Not really, no,” Twilight deadpanned, reaching forward and grabbing his shattered helmet in her steel-clad hand. “Now let's see what secrets you hold.”

Twilight extended her senses into the man’s mind, crushing his defences and ruthlessly submitting his consciousness. In seconds she had full access to his every thought and emotion, and within a minute Twilight had found what she was looking for. She also now had more than a few questions that did not have answers, though she ignored those for the moment.

Images of a woman wearing a labcoat and bearing clear signs of infestation filled Twilight’s head. The woman’s attire was dirty, ripped, and still bore a nametag marking her as a one Starlight Glimmer. The only purely human part of her biology seemed to be her face, at least from the nose up anyway, as everything below was a mix of purple and green flesh.

Sporting a pair of mandibles, the former human had sharp teeth more at home in the mouth of a shark than a human being. Her hands were larger, and her fingers ended in long claws, while a pair of retractable blades lay partially hidden within her wrists. Upon her back grew a large crest, a third arm, and a green stinger that retracted when not in use.

Twilight knew all this and more, memories flashing through her mind as her psyche came to grips with the new information. She remembered conversations held with the woman, plans, and secrets whispered when the pair were alone. Yet most of it was blurred, fuzzy, and it was as if his thoughts were shrouded with a layer of encryption Twilight couldn't break.

“Ya’ll right there, sugarcube?” Applejack offered, extending a hand and catching Twilight around the waist.

“I’m fine. He's just got some weird layers on his thoughts that stop me from decrypting it all,” Twilight murmured, massaging her temples. “I did get a name though, and…”

Images of a house, an old one with a tower, and a big garage as well as a large bay window in the front popped into mind. Vines grew around the pillars which supported the roof of the porch and hid a pair of large double doors emblazoned with a starburst. It looked like it cost a considerable sum to say the least, and Twilight got the impression that it was also close, very close.

“A house,” Twilight began. “Old, with a big starburst on the door. I think this Starlight Glimmer person is hiding there.”

“Wait, did you say Starlight Glimmer?” Fluttershy whispered in shock.

“But she’s dead,” Rarity added.

“My mistress is no more dead than you are,” murmured the infested male, his eyes slowly focusing once more as he recovered from having his thoughts violated.

“That's enough out of you,” Twilight declared, flicking the half-frozen infested in the face and knocking him out cold. “Now then, who is this Starlight Glimmer person?”

“A nutjob,” Rainbow Dash declared, arms crossed over her chest.

“A complete psychopath,” added Applejack.

“And a quite uncouth woman,” Rarity exclaimed.

“I’m gonna need more than that,” Twilight replied.

“She was a scientist working for Luna. She was in charge of studying the infested and was supposed to be working on a cure,” Fluttershy began.

“Only to infest herself and her staff, sabotage the base, and leave in the middle of the night,” Sunset Shimmer finished. “We tracked her down to one of the old facilities overrun early on in the fighting and brought the entire place down on her head.”

“Are you sure she survived?” Rainbow Dash inquired. “‘Cause we used like, a whole ton of C4 on that place.”

“He seems to believe that this person is indeed alive, and that she is hiding out in this old house somewhere below us,” Twilight replied.

“Right, the house,” Sunset smacked a hand upside her head. “That must be the black queen’s parents’ home.”

“Was it old, with a tower above the entrance that had an old-timey lightning rod on top?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

Twilight nodded. “Bay window to the left, detached garage to the right.”

“That's the place,” Applejack murmured, shaking her head. “I knew it was here, but I always assumed it was leveled or incorporated.”

“Well, it seems to be standing,” Twilight replied. “Or at least it was not long ago.”

“Do you think she has the detector?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight squeezed her eyes shut and focused, trying to dredge up any memory that contained reference of such a device. “I’m not totally sure… I think so though,” Twilight remarked.

“One way or the other, Starlight Glimmer is up to something awful, and we are going to have to deal with her eventually,” Sunset Shimmer began. “So we had best go there and find out what it is before she is able to unleash whatever terrible thing she has in mind for us all.”

“Are you sure? I’m already dragging you guys further from your mission than I would have liked,” Twilight offered.

Sunset Shimmer shook her head. “No. Like I said, we will have to deal with her anyway, and it's not that far out of the way.”

“Alright, but if this takes much longer, I’m going to have to insist that I go on alone,” Twilight replied.

“Pfft, that won't happen,” Rainbow Dash dismissed.

“And didn't you say there was an express elevator down there somewhere?” Rarity offered.

Twilight closed her eyes briefly before nodding. “Yes. It should be relatively close by.”

“Then we go,” Fluttershy firmly declared.

Twilight chuckled. “Alright then, follow me.”

Author's Note

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Double Dealing

The girls all stared silently at one another, an uneasy quiet falling over the group. Most wore an expression of confusion or shock, their gazes immediately falling on Twilight.

“Before negotiations can begin, I will need certain assurances,” Twilight began.

“You can't seriously be-” Rainbow Dash began, only to be cut off.

“Silence! There will be no words from the hanger-ons. Not until after our deal is concluded,” Starlight Glimmer barked, turning back to Twilight. “Now then. What manner of assurances do you require?”

Rainbow Dash grumbled and fell back to the couch, teeth gnashing angrily beneath her black helmet.

“I need to see the other Twilight’s parents and check if the detector is working,” Twilight claimed.

“Why would you need to see them? You share no relation to these humans,” Starlight Glimmer retorted.

“I admit that I’m curious,” Twilight exclaimed with a shrug. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I don't wish to squander.”

“You aren't going to try anything, are you? Because I don't need to tell you all the reasons that would be a bad idea,” Starlight Glimmer stated, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

“To use teleportation magic of such magnitude would take a considerable build-up of energy, as you’ve likely already seen in our little scuffle,” Twilight explained.

“All observations indicate that you are correct,” Starlight reluctantly admitted. “Fine. No magic, no funny business, and you have five minutes with them. I will supervise.”

Twilight nodded and turned to Sunset. “Don't go quite yet. I’ll let you know if they are okay.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow behind her visor. “What exactly are you planning?”

“Think of this as an apology for what I am about to do,” Twilight replied.

“What you’re about to… You can't be serious. If Starlight learns magic, she will be nearly unstoppable. Humanity will be doomed!” Sunset exclaimed.

“I haven't given her that information yet,” Twilight retorted, giving Fluttershy a small, subtle nod. Trust me.

The medic nodded hesitantly, her unease bleeding through the weak connection they shared.

“I am ready when you are,” Twilight announced.

Starlight Glimmer smiled and extended a hand towards the back of the house. “Please, follow me. As for the rest of you. Try not to break anything or leave unexpectedly. I’d rather not be forced into using certain… redundancies.”

“Yeah yeah, you got us by the short and curlies. Now get on with it,” Applejack bitterly announced.

Twilight restrained her urge to laugh, following after a rather confused and amused Starlight Glimmer.

Together the two infested walked to the back of the home, passing through a kitchen and a dining room in the process. There Twilight saw the only true sign of zerg tampering in the form of a purple and green door that she assumed led to the basement. With a wave of the other woman’s hand, the flesh recoiled, allowing her to push open the barrier.

Revealing a seemingly normal set of stairs which lead down into a large, open space dominated by a king-size bed. The area had likely been designed as a rec room or second living area, though now it was one large bedroom. Only a bathroom and a now unneeded mechanical room extended from the main area.

Which contained a couch, other living arrangements like a television, computer, and radio, though all were off at the moment. Only the couch was occupied, a pair of rather startled humans sitting upon its aged, brown surface.

“T-Twilight?” the female muttered in shock, her book falling from her grip.

The woman appeared to be in her mid-forties or early fifties; her white and purple-striped hair containing the odd grey protrusion. She wore a relaxed dress and an oversized hoodie, that had likely been her husband’s at one point. The woman's expression quickly morphed from mild confusion to one of absolute shock.

Unlike her partner, a slightly older male, who wore a cardigan and a pair of grey slacks. He had a scowl on his face, and Twilight could see that his hands had already balled into fists.

“That's not Twilight,” he remarked in a low tone.

“How observant, Night Light, and here I thought your wife had all the brains,” Starlight Glimmer teased.

“Starlight. What did I tell you about showing your face here?” Night Light growled.

Starlight chuckled and waved a hand over her features. “It's a good thing this isn't my face then.”

“Calm yourself,” Twilight quickly intruded. “Yes, I am not your daughter, though I’m something close to her anyway.”

“That mirror thing, right? Twilight spoke of a strange other world before she…” Twilight Velvet trailed off, her expression turning sour.

“Yes. I am her duplicate from another world, and I will be leaving soon. Though before I go, I was hoping to satisfy a certain curiosity of mine,” Twilight began. “So, if you wouldn't mind answering a few questions, I’d appreciate it.”

“No way,” Night Light quickly stated. “We will not answer anything asked of us from one of Starlight’s abominations.”

“But honey, she doesn't seem like one of them,” Twilight Velvet retorted.

“Your wife is right. This one is not one of mine, nor one of your daughter’s either. She is… different,” Starlight Glimmer remarked, eying the towering infested curiously.

“I hold no allegiance to anyone on this world,” Twilight added, raising her chin.

“No matter where you come from, you’re one of them, and we will not speak to you, monster,” Night Light spat, grabbing his wife around the shoulders.

Twilight sighed. “It would not be anything intrusive. I merely wished to ask a few simple questions.”

“Absolutely not,” Night Light declared.

“Feel free to dig around in their minds, if you’d like,” Starlight Glimmer offered, extending a hand. “They have yet to be infested, and thus have few mental defences.”

Twilight shook her head. “That would be needlessly cruel. Besides, I suppose I’ve at least been able to confirm that they are indeed alive.”

“A pity. Though I suppose it's not like they know anything useful anyway,” Starlight Glimmer sneered.

“Is that all?” Night Light demanded, pulling his wife closer to his side.

“No. There is one thing I wish to say to you, and it's important,” Twilight declared, walking slowly up to the pair. “Your daughter walks a dark path, though it is not one entirely devoid of illumination. Soon, she will reach a crossroads, one that will lead to destruction, or redemption.”

“How can you know this?” Twilight Velvet asked in a shocked tone.

“My powers are beyond your understanding,” Twilight replied.

“You speak nonsense,” Night Light spat.

Twilight ignored the comment and walked up to the duo, her hand going from her pocket to Night Light’s hand. Gripping it tightly, the former pony pressed something small into his palm, closing around it before Starlight could see what had passed between them.

Keep it secret, keep it safe. In fifteen minutes, press and hold the center for ten seconds, Twilight thought at the pair.

“You may not be my own parents, but you remind me of them. Of their kindness and their acceptance. Stay safe, Night Light, Velvet,” Twilight exclaimed, nodding from one human to the other.

The couple awkwardly nodded back, with Night Light pulling his hand from Twilight’s grip and swiftly stuffing it into his pocket.

“I wish I could say it was nice to meet you,” Twilight Velvet awkwardly exclaimed.

“You’ve said your piece, now go,” Night Light stated, though his tone had lost some of its bitter edge.

“I will, and good luck,” Twilight replied, giving the pair a nod before turning and walking away.

Starlight Glimmer was swift to follow the departing infested, a curious look on her face. “That was… dramatic. You certainly share that trait with our false queen,” Starlight Glimmer exclaimed.

“What is the fun of being evil if you can't also be mysterious?” Twilight remarked with a smirk.

Starlight’s puppet laughed her strange, gurgling laugh. “Are you sure you’re not my doppelganger? We certainly seem to share more than a passing similarity.”

Twilight bit back her angry retort and maintained her flat, neutral expression. “I’m certain. Though I have met your copy.”

“Oh? What is she like?” Starlight questioned, a hint of genuine curiosity worming its way into her voice.

“She is… similar. To say the least,” Twilight tactfully replied, biting back the words she wanted to say. An amoral sociopath with a thirst for power.

“Interesting,” Starlight Glimmer muttered. “I take it you don't know her well?”

“I only met her the one time,” Twilight answered.

The infested puppet nodded as they returned to the kitchen, the fleshy barrier reforming behind them. “Now then. Let's test the detector, shall we?” Starlight Glimmer offered.

“Yes, let’s,” Twilight replied, watching as a zergling sprinted in through a back door, a small metallic device clutched within its mouth.

Starlight retrieved the device without looking back at the zergling and raised it up so Twilight might see it. “Now then. I shouldn't need to repeat myself, but again, no funny business. Understood?” Starlight Glimmer half asked, half demanded.

Twilight nodded and extended an armored hand. “Of course.”

The two infested stared at one another for several long seconds, one brushing their mind across the other, who continued to hold her defences. Not only hold, but reinforce, the brief psychic intrusion telling Twilight that the other party wasn't nearly as powerful as her. Not only that, but Starlight’s own mental defences were formidable, but not so great that Twilight could not crush them in an instant. Twilight’s experience was simply too vast, and it was clear that Starlight Glimmer had not engaged in a psychic war on the scale that Twilight had.

This small realization fit perfectly into Twilight’s plans, and the towering infested woman could barely contain her smile. Starlight Glimmer didn't seem to notice this, however, and merely placed the detector in Twilight’s open palm.

“Do you know how to operate it?” Starlight inquired.

Twilight hummed as she turned the thing over, pointing at several knobs and a single switch. “Range finders, on slash off switch, and… volume?” Twilight asked.

Starlight smiled and nodded. “Excellent guesses. You are indeed correct.”

Twilight hummed. “I need to test it. Do you mind if I cast a small light spell?”

“I think we understand one another enough for me to allow such a thing,” Starlight Glimmer declared. “Though be warned. I will not be toyed with.”

“Of course,” Twilight replied, quickly summoning a small mote of light that hovered in the air. While doing so, she also gripped the stone in her pocket tightly, funnelling a considerable amount of magic into the object.

She then flicked the on switch and began to calibrate the device while Starlight stared at the small glowing white orb curiously. “Such a small thing, yet so magnificent,” she murmured.

“It works,” Twilight declared, extending a hand. “You have my thanks.”

“So we have a deal then?” Starlight replied, taking the device back from the other infested.

“We do,” Twilight announced.

Starlight Glimmer smiled from ear to ear, revealing her puppet’s sharp teeth. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that.”

“Before I impart what I know, perhaps we should dismiss the riff-raff. They will likely attempt to get in the way,” Twilight exclaimed, gesturing towards the front of the home.

“Of course. They can go on their way immediately,” Starlight Glimmer excitedly announced.

Twilight nodded and walked back towards the front of the home, where several expectant soldiers sat. Upon entering the room, the group rose as one, their gazes immediately falling on Twilight, an unspoken question already filling the air.

“I’ve decided to take her offer. You are free to go to your destination,” Twilight announced.

“You bastard. We trusted you!” Rainbow Dash shouted, jabbing a finger into the infested woman’s chest.

“Come on, Dash. This is a problem for another time,” Applejack exclaimed, tugging the other girl back towards the door.

“I’m so disappointed in you, darling,” Rarity muttered before turning to leave.

“This isn't over, Starlight! Even with magic, we’ll still get you! Mark my words, you’re a dead woman!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“You will certainly try,” Starlight replied with a smirk.

Applejack grunted bitterly, shooting Twilight a glare before leaving with her still raging cargo in tow.

“I still believe there is good in you,” Fluttershy whispered, briefly clutching Twilight’s fleshy hand before turning to depart.

Twilight merely grunted, stowing her response until Sunset attempted to leave. “Wait,” Twilight exclaimed, catching the girl by the shoulder.

“What do you want?” Sunset spat.

“You were the least unpleasant of the bunch, and I must thank you for giving me this suit,” Twilight exclaimed, grabbing Sunset’s hand.

The former pony swiftly closed her hand around the small object passed to her, tucking it into a pocket. “If I knew you would do this, I wouldn't have given you so much as the clothes on your back,” Sunset muttered.

“Still. Thank you,” Twilight exclaimed.

Sunset snorted in disgust and departed, leaving Twilight alone with Starlight.

“Fools,” remarked the puppet. “They don't understand how close we are to perfection, though they will. In time.”

Twilight nodded slowly. “Yes, yes they will.”

The armored woman watched from the window as her former team walked away, none gazing back at her. Save for Fluttershy, who flashed Twilight a brief, tentative smile before disappearing around a corner. Twilight remained there for several more minutes, her mind counting down until she could enact the next phase of her plan.

“They are gone,” Starlight announced. “Now fulfill your half of the bargain. I have great plans in mind and little time to enact them.”

“I suppose you would, considering that your greatest foe will soon be removed from the picture,” Twilight offered.

Starlight nodded wearily, a curious gaze fixed on the other infested. “Obviously. Which means I have little time to waste chatting.”

Twilight nodded and turned back to her host. “Then I suppose we should finish our little transaction then, shouldn't we?”

“Of course. What do you need?” Starlight inquired, her eyes shining with barely concealed excitement.

“Only your cooperation. I will simply plant the information you require into the mind of your puppet, and thus allow you to review it at your leisure,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Perfect,” Starlight purred, a sinister intent flashing behind her strange eyes.

Twilight smiled back, extending a hand. “I believe it is human custom to shake on it, correct?”

Starlight nodded, retrieving the detector from a pocket. “Indeed it is my friend, indeed it is.”

The puppet clasped Twilight’s hand, and immediately the Equestrian felt Starlight’s mind attempt to pierce her defences. Compared to the years and years spent guarding her mind against the zerg presence on Equestria, her attempts were laughable. In an instant the other presence was beaten back, forced to retreat into the sanctity of her own mind, but Twilight didn't stop there.

While she grabbed the detector and placed it into a dimensional pocket, Twilight continued to press deep into the other infested’s mind. As suspected, Starlight was no match for a concentrated and determined foe, the woman having seemingly relied solely on her hostages. A plan that likely would have worked, had Twilight not finished counting down from the moment she handed them the rune.

Sure enough, she felt a dull throb of magic emanate from beneath her, followed by the dull psychic imprint of the two humans vanishing. With them gone, Twilight’s focus redoubled, and she roughly shoved the puppet to the ground, subduing her both physically as well as mentally. Her eyes were wide and flickered desperately as Starlight tried to flee back to her own body, but Twilight had already found her connection.

“You will not threaten anyone, fool,” Twilight spat, her glowing yellow gaze growing brighter.

“S-stop. Mercy,” pleaded Starlight, her voice switching from her own to that of her puppet’s. “We can make a deal. I’ll-”

“You will bleed, and you will die. Nothing short of that is acceptable,” Twilight retorted.

“Aagh!” cried the striped infested, swinging her additional appendages.

Twilight caught the stinger in her magic, then snapped the limb off at the base.

Too overwhelmed with shared agony, the infested couldn't manage another attack, not like it would have mattered. For already Twilight had bridged the gap from between puppet and puppeteer. There she found that the infested woman was using some manner of slug-like amplifying creature to project her consciousness.

Twilight wasn't interested in such minor details, however, and thrust deep into the woman’s mind with all the finesse of a sledgehammer. She tore through her foe’s memories, clawed at her personality, crushed everything she could grasp. Then with a snap, she was forced back into her own body, a resounding bang filling Twilight’s ears a split second before she gazed through her own eyes.

The puppet dropped to the floor, a small pistol falling from her grip as thick green blood oozed from the hole in her head. Scowling, Twilight tossed aside the limp body, a small amount of respect building inside of her. Somehow Starlight had known that shooting her would do little, and chose instead to sever the connection in a more direct manner.

“Hmmm, it will have to do,” Twilight muttered, raising her hands above her head and focusing.

She extended her will out onto the zerg which had been seconds away from breaching the house. Crushing Starlight’s influence took mere moments and even less time to force them to turn on their former allies. Though Twilight could feel Starlight’s influence clawing at the edge of her perceptions, it was a weak, half-hearted attack.

“Now then,” Twilight began. “Let's see how you like a bit of real magic.”

Twilight strode out the front door, idly noting the hundred different skirmishes going on around her. Allies clawed, shot, scraped, and crushed one another, the ground quickly growing slick with alien blood. Though it was nearly impossible to visually distinguish between who was on what side, Twilight could tell even at a glance.

Years spent intimately connected with another being had given Twilight a level of control that Starlight couldn't hope to match. A zergling blocked the swing of his former ally, saving a hydralisk who swiftly planted a trio of bolt’s in the diminutive alien’s skull. Together they turned, moving and flowing around one another like water, while Starlight’s zerg fought not as an army, but as a mass of individuals.

With her command structure temporarily shattered, Starlight’s forces relied on instinct, with the nearest lieutenants still scrambling to organize. Chaos would be Twilight’s closest ally and fear her finest blade. She merely hoped that she could sow enough seeds of disorder to help her friends achieve their goals while also allowing for her own escape.

A difficult task indeed, given the sheer amount of cannon fodder and intelligent infested on Starlight’s side, but that didn't matter. Twilight didn't need to kill them all, nor could she, given how depleted her magical reserves now were.

I hope Sunset puts that power boost to good use, Twilight thought to herself.

She reached out and crushed the head of a hydralisk with her psionic power, then swatted a leaping zergling from the air and shattered its spine with a punch. A trio of magic missiles brought down a cadre of hydralisks attempting to rally next to the house, cutting the number of foes she faced in half. It wouldn't be long before more emerged, tying Twilight down into an endless stationary fight she could never win.

Redirecting a half dozen organic daggers into the chest of an ultralisk with magic, Twilight swiftly gathered up what soldiers she could. Then she turned and with her small force assembled around her, she charged towards her distant objective. What few creatures Twilight left behind fought defensively, tying down their pursuers and allowing the main group to escape.

Together the group made a beeline towards the nydus canal, with Twilight striding in the center of the mass. While she ran, Twilight called forth every last bit of remaining magic she could safely use and funneled it into a single spell. Within the infested woman’s enormous fist flickered a bright crimson flame, one which grew with each second.

Until only moments later it was barely contained, embers shooting constantly from between her fingers. With a grunt of exertion, Twilight threw the spell up and forward with all the power she could muster, sending it high above the heads of her soldiers. Streaking through the air like a comet, the fireball expanded rapidly before collapsing in on itself and sending hundreds of smaller orbs in all directions.

The dull thwomp of the first implosion was followed by a great cacophony of explosions and unearthly screams. All around her, fleshy buildings designed not to burn, took alight, their purplish exterior quickly charing under the extreme heat. The ground writhed in agony as the entire structure quaked from the sudden and intense pain now clawing at it.

The already spotty resistance quickly became even less cohesive as Starlight’s forces were forced to split between fighting fires and Twilight. The few who did charge out in front of her were cut down in short order, with Twilight rarely having to even help. Her soldiers were organized, her mind focused, and whenever one fell, Twilight quickly stole another, filling out her ranks once more.

Skidding to a sudden stop, Twilight turned to find that the nydus canal had been undamaged by her spell. Though guarded by a small throng of zerg, Twilight saw only a single infested human in their midst. The former scientist looked confused, and the second Twilight’s intense gaze fell upon her, she ducked behind a hydralisk.

Twilight didn't care and merely reached out towards them, grasping both in her psionic grip. With a jerk, Twilight hoisted them into the air and began to squeeze, causing her foes to panic, firing shots or darts randomly. While half of the defenders broke rank to attack, the other remained still, their commander’s fear bleeding through their connection.

Twilight’s fist closed, and the twisting, screaming mass of zerg flesh suddenly became far less recognizable. Limbs were pulped, bones snapped, and the two creatures became a single ball of flesh that fell to the ground with a wet splat.

The battle that occurred immediately after was as brief as it was one-sided, with Twilight swiftly crushing her foes. She barely even needed to offer her stolen soldiers any assistance, as the zerg defenders were too busy fleeing or fighting one another to offer much resistance. Only a few psionic bolts were all that was needed to give Twilight enough of an upper hand to reach her target mere seconds later.

With the sounds of alien screams filling her ears, Twilight paused at the entrance of the great fanged maw. There she turned and looked out over the disorganized mass of zerg scrambling to beat down the flames. Already Twilight could feel that her magic was beginning to grow dull, the fire’s strength waning with every passing second.

“Such is the fate of tyrants,” Twilight muttered.

Without sparing the destruction a second glance, Twilight turned back to the canal, her mind reaching out to the strange object. Upon touching the alien, almost animalistic sentience, Twilight nearly recoiled, only to press on after a brief delay. With a fine application of her will, Twilight forced the canal to connect to an exit at the edge of town, one far from the fighting.

In response, the depths of the tunnel began to glow a sickly green, a strange gurgling coming up from below. Without a second thought, Twilight sent her soldiers into a frenzy and leapt into the maw, vanishing from sight.

To any outside viewer, the infested woman was merely swallowed whole by the strange mouth-like tunnel. For Twilight however, it felt as though she had fallen into a strange green nexus of power, one that stretched on into infinity. Her body shifted and stretched, contorting in ways that shouldn't be physically possible, all while an alien voice whispered in her ear.

Then it was over, and Twilight tumbled out onto the ground, her body reforming into a single, physical thing once more. The voice vanished at the same time, along with the uncomfortable influence that it had on Twilight. With its passing, Twilight couldn't help but feel a strange relief wash over her, though she couldn't help but wonder what had spoken to her.

She didn't dwell on that for long, however, and swiftly got up and began to inspect her surroundings. Though pitch black, Twilight could see that she was in what seemed to be a cave of some kind. Behind her opened another maw, and beneath her feet was a thin layer of creep. The fleshy mat didn't extend far; the zerg infestation spreading no further than a meter before dying off.

Though intrigued by the situation she now found herself in, Twilight didn't contemplate it for long. Instead she climbed up the steep incline before turning and glancing back at the entrance once more. It almost felt like a shame to kill something so mysterious, but it needed to be done, and with a blast of psionic power, Twilight collapsed the ceiling.

She didn't wait around to watch the creature be destroyed, merely sprinting further into the caves and silently hoping she had not made a huge mistake. Thankfully that wasn't the case, and after a few minutes of navigating the winding tunnels, Twilight saw sunlight. The thin slat revealed only a sliver of the stuff, yet it gave Twilight the hope to push on with renewed zeal.

Upon seeing the simple mass of boards meant to keep out any curious onlookers, Twilight lowered her shoulder and charged. With a titanic crash, the infested woman destroyed the barrier and emerged out on the other side with a smirk on her face.

“That was easy,” she remarked.

Inspecting her newest surroundings, Twilight found that she stood at the edge of a narrow cliff, one that overlooked a small, naturally forming valley. Dominated by forest and what had likely been a sawmill at one point, the valley had likely served as a hub for local industry. It had long since been abandoned however, likely before even the emergence of the zerg, given the state of the place.

From her position atop the cliff face, Twilight could see that only a single road connected the valley to the city beyond. The sparse smattering of houses that ran along it sported no obvious signs of recent habitation, save for some wildlife. That was all Twilight could pick out from such a distance. With a bit of magic, she recovered the detector from her dimensional pocket.

“Ow,” Twilight muttered, running an armored hand over her shoulder. “Felt like I pulled something.”

The sensation was almost like mana exhaustion, though not quite as intense.

“I think I overdid it again,” Twilight muttered.

Brushing off the headache she could feel building at the back of her mind, Twilight activated the detector.

“Let’s see here,” Twilight whispered to herself as she turned the various knobs and dials.

It took a few minutes, but eventually she managed to locate a distant signal, one that felt oddly familiar and was only a mile or so away. By then the sun hung high overhead, its light filtering through the smattering of dark clouds that crawled across the sky. Though the storm had yet to start, a cool wind nipped at Twilight’s cheek, and the scent of rain hung heavy in the air.

Twilight sighed. “Well, better get moving.”

“It should be right around… here,” Twilight muttered, stopping at the edge of a small pool only a foot or two deep.

The strange indentation resembled a horseshoe and was seemingly cut out of solid stone using advanced machines of some kind. Perfectly round, save for the ends, the pool immaculately reflected the sun’s light, creating an almost glassy surface. One that was only marred by the occasional rumble coming from Canterlot.

Twilight turned and gazed off from the mountainous peak she stood near the top of, her gaze landing on the spire of flesh that pierced the skyline. The once oddly pristine structure now sported dozens of gaping holes and several trails of smoke rose from within. Few other details were visible from such a great distance, though Twilight felt as though a battle was occurring at the very tip of the building.

As she stood and stared, Twilight noticed several beams of energy that shot through the roof of the citadel and vanished into the sky. In time they stopped, though fighting below continued on unabated. The sudden shift made Twilight begin to worry, and she very nearly started the long descent down the mountain before stopping herself.

“Just leave it,” Twilight told herself.

Stomping her feet, Twilight glanced down at the pool and muttered the correct words to bring forth the magic hidden within. A brief shimmer preceded a rolling wave of rainbow light that, after passing over the surface of the water, revealed a portal. Though it was impossible to see through to the other side, Twilight knew in her heart that it led home.

Yet she couldn't bring herself to step inside, not while the fate of her friends remained in limbo.

Glancing up at the citadel, Twilight pondered what she should do, or even what she could do. Her magic was pretty much gone, her strength was waning, and even her psionic powers had been significantly expended. She had either given it away to Sunset, or used it fighting Starlight, having just enough to defend herself.

Her unspoken question was answered a minute later when a sudden rumble shook the mountain top.

Swiftly looking up to the citadel, Twilight noticed that the clouds around its tip had formed into a dark circle. Swirling chaotic energies built in the space between, and bright purple lightning arced wildly through the air. As Twilight watched, this power built and built, only to be somehow interrupted at the last second.

With a deafening boom, the top of the tower exploded, sending hunks of flesh several miles into the sky. Already Twilight could see the shockwave emanating from the structure, the pressure knocking houses flat and forcing all fighting to cease. As it crossed the city below her, Twilight realized that the destructive circle had not slowed one bit.

Now with nowhere to go but home, Twilight knew what she must do, yet even still she felt a hint of regret. She wished she could be there, she wished she could aid her friends, yet in the end Twilight had to trust them. Trust that they would do the right thing and bring peace to both this world and this other version of herself.

“Goodbye, Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight muttered.

With one final glance at the tower, Twilight gulped down her fear, bent her legs, and leapt into the portal, vanishing moments before a wave of pressure washed over the area.

Leaving the human world behind, Twilight tumbled through the space between, her body reverting to a similar shape. Her armor bent and warped around her, conforming to the equine’s form with a surprising ease. Unlike before, the portal seemed to know her, and with this knowledge it returned Twilight to her previous form with few alterations.

Allowing the pony to finally return to her body, as well as her world.

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

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This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

Frying Pan, Meet Fire

An aged pegasus with white coat and mane bitterly pushed a mop across the floor of an empty, sterile room. His mane was hidden by a wide-brimmed hat, though it did not obscure the intense pair of blue, almost purple eyes that stared intently at the room’s other occupant. Who happened to be a soldier outfitted with black leather armor from which hung a sword as well as a pistol.

Her mane, though subdued somewhat by the helmet she wore, still managed to stick out the sides, the large blue curls falling down the side of her face. Her expression was neutral, though her gaze fell on the elderly stallion with a yarn ball for a cutie mark.

“Are you still angry about me bumping into you?” she asked.

The male scowled. “You could have broken my hip, you know. Why wouldn't I be angry?”

The soldier sighed and blew a stray curl from her view. “Look, I said I was sorry. This helmet doesn't exactly fit me right, and hair keeps getting in my face.”

“How long have you been serving, a week?” he retorted, jabbing the head of his mop at the soldier.

“Th-three days,” she replied, tugging at her armor.

“Land sakes, girl,” muttered the janitor. “I can't believe they got you guarding this place!”

The elderly stallion waved a wing out over the pristine white room and the golden pedestal that sat in its center. Adorned with symbols of arcane power and thrumming with energy, the artifact was the only object worth guarding. Other than that, there were only a few boxes in one corner which were covered in a fine layer of dust.

“What's so special about this thing anyway?” asked the soldier, gesturing to the pedestal. “Excluding the fact that it's the weirdest night stand I’ve ever seen.”

“This ain't no table, girl,” the stallion exclaimed. “That right there is a mystical connection bound to a whole nother world.”

“Another world?” she replied quizzically. “That doesn't sound real.”

“Ha!” exclaimed the male. “You obviously haven't seen what's down below then.”

“What's down below?” whispered the mare.

“Whole research labs dedicated to training ponies with psychic powers, giant robots, and even infested ponies,” he replied in a low, conspiratorial tone.

“Pfft. There's no way the big mares upstairs would keep live infested. They’re a liability,” she deflected.

“What's yer name?” asked the janitor.

“Uh, Blueberry Curls, why?” she replied.

“Well, Curly, after you get the real tour of this place, you come find ol’ Foggy Fleece. I want to see yer face when I say I told ya so,” exclaimed the stallion.

“Pfft, whatever, old timer,” Blueberry dismissed.

“You’ll see. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I was proved right real soon,” Foggy Fleece remarked, glancing to the pedestal.

Blueberry frowned, her hoof going to her pistol as they both collectively stared at the golden object together. After standing silently for nearly an entire minute, Blueberry was ready to relax, only to be startled so badly she nearly threw her weapon.

“Boo!” Foggy Fleece shouted, throwing up his forehooves and spreading his wings.

“Gah!” Blueberry cried, stumbling back into the door.

“Ha. You lot are too easy to startle. Makes me a bit worried for the future, if I’m honest,” Foggy Fleece remarked.

Blueberry scowled, a hoof pressed over her heart. “You are the worst. I could have shot you, you kn-”

The pony’s words were cut off by a powerful pulse of magic that washed over both pegasus and earth pony alike. The golden wave was followed by a bright light that began to emanate from the artifact, bathing the relatively dark room in its radiance. Nearly blinded and with their senses still scrambled from the eruption of unfocused energy, both ponies scrambled away from the object.

While they struggled to resist the sudden pressure that assaulted them, the pedestal continued to pulse. Wave after golden wave emanated from the artifact, growing in number, though lessening in strength. Until the beginning of one bled into the start of the next, creating a constant aura of intense magic.

Blinking rapidly, Blueberry Curls forced herself to stare at the artifact, her hoof trembling as she held her pistol aloft. No threat had been spotted, but that didn't assuage the mare’s worries, as a square portal had opened on the ceiling. Though she couldn't see through the bright golden barrier, the soldier instantly knew that something was coming.

The pressure increased suddenly, knocking Foggy Fleece to the ground and causing Blueberry Curl’s legs to shake. Yet despite the intense weight that had settled on her shoulders, the mare remained upright, her weapon still trained on the golden door. One second passed, then another, and just when Blueberry began to question her instincts, something large fell through the opening. The creature bounced off the artifact and clattered to the ground in a tangle of limbs, a low groan spilling from its lips.

It may have been shaped like a pony, but it was far larger than even the tallest of unicorns and the burliest of earth ponies. In fact, its height and size was matched only by an alicorn, and even then it would be a toss up over who was bigger than who. Though its increased bulk may have partially been from the strange black armor it wore, that couldn't account for everything.

Such as her long, slightly curved horn, or the twisted mass of alien flesh that sprouted from her shoulder. Other signs of infestation were evident all across the pony, from the bulging orange veins visible on her neck, to the mare’s glowing eyes. Even her scraggly purple mane sported several greenish hairs that sprung from her scalp and clustered together into braids.

Blueberry Curls wanted to continue inspecting the strange new creature, but her training quickly kicked in.

“Stop, identify yourself!” she barked, pointing her weapon down at the creature.

“Woah there, girl. Can't you see this poor mare needs a hoof?” Foggy Fleece exclaimed.

“That's no regular mare. She's infested,” Blueberry whispered.

Foggy Fleece gulped and took several nervous steps away. “Shouldn't you be shooting first then?”

“I wouldn't do that, if I were you,” muttered the strange pony, who rose up from the floor and scowled down at the pair. “I would hate to have to hurt you.”

“I…” Blueberry gripped her weapon tighter, stopping it from shaking. “Identify yourself!”

“Twilight Sparkle,” remarked the pony, waving a mutated hoof in the air. “Now drop the weapon already. Almost everything hurts, and I really don't want to add something else to the list of aches and pains I now have.”

“Twilight Sparkle?” Blueberry Curls muttered. “But I thought she-er, you were dead.”

Twilight snorted. “Not dead. Though I’d almost prefer to be at the moment.”

“Wait, yer Celestia’s student!” Foggy Fleece declared. “I remember reading about you.”

“Hopefully nothing but good things,” Twilight muttered while rubbing her temples.

“How are you here?” asked Blueberry Curls, weapon dipping. “I thought you were killed after getting trapped in Canterlot.”

“Just had to take a brief detour through another dimension,” Twilight exclaimed. “Could you put that thing away already?”

“Err, right,” Blueberry muttered, holstering the pistol.

“I can't believe that pulp magazine was right. Celestia’s student really is infested,” Foggy Fleece remarked.

Twilight grunted. “Yeah, but don't worry. I can't be controlled by anyone. Though I’d kill for a glass of water right now.”

“I got ya,” Foggy Fleece declared, pulling a plastic water bottle of clear liquid from his shirt and handing it to the unicorn.

Who swiftly took it, unscrewed the cap and threw it back, only to immediately begin coughing. “What the hell is that? Vodka?” she spat.

“Oh, whoops. Wrong bottle,” Foggy Fleece muttered.

“No, wait,” Twilight replied, taking another firm swig. “Thanks.”

“No trouble, miss,” Foggy murmured, taking back the container.

Twilight cleared her throat and looked down at the soldier, her glowing eyes boring into the younger mare. “Now then. Where am I?” Twilight demanded.

“Err, the badlands. The capital of the confederacy. Augustgrad, to be exact,” Blueberry replied.

“Wait, Augustgrad? You guys renamed it?” Twilight quickly waved a hoof. “Nevermind, that doesn't matter. Tell me, what happened to Celestia and my friends?”

“I don't know about your friends, but Celestia is…” Blueberry glanced expectantly at Foggy for help.

“She's not good. Alive last I heard, though,” Foggy added.

Twilight sighed. “That's… something. Their names are Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike, and I guess Scootaloo as well as Zecora.”

“I haven't heard of any of those people, well, except Rainbow Dash,” Blueberry remarked. “She's been making a name for herself testing out the new flight suits.”

“Is she okay?” Twilight pressed.

Blueberry shrugged. “Seems like it. Noone really talks to her. She just flies around until she runs out of fuel, then goes straight back to her room.”

“I heard about that Pinkie mare once. They say she can read minds and go invisible. Haven't heard hide nor hair of the others though,” Foggy Fleece added.

Twilight sighed and ran a mutated hoof through her mane. “They were probably detained. What about Night Light and Twilight Velvet? Did they make it out of Canterlot?”

“I haven't heard of them,” Foggy Fleece remarked with a shrug.

“They were coming from Canterlot after… well, you know,” Twilight explained.

“Most of the ships made it over, if that's what you’re asking. I think we only lost one due to a mix of zerg fliers and some bad weather,” Blueberry Curls added.

“That's…” Twilight breathed in, then out, a hoof pressed against her chest. “Right. One thing at a time. You, find out if there is a registry or list of refugees and locate the ponies I mentioned.”

Blueberry blinked. “Er, what? I don't take orders from you. No offence.”

“You were here to guard this, right?” Twilight replied, gesturing to the pedestal.

“Yeah,” answered the soldier.

“Well, it can never be used again, and thus you have no reason to be here anymore,” Twilight continued. “Now that you have nothing to do, I’d appreciate it if you were to locate these refugees for me.”

Blueberry scratched her head. “I still don't know.”

“Go on, girl. Ain't no point in you standing around here no more,” Foggy Fleece exclaimed.

The soldier sighed. “Fine. But if I get in trouble, I’m blaming you.”

“That is an acceptable trade,” Twilight declared.

Blueberry Curls gave the towering unicorn one final glance before trotting somewhat angrily out the door.

“Now then. I know you know where my friends are. So let's skip the part where you deny it,” Twilight declared.

The stallion cleared his throat. “I, uh… don't know what you’re talking about.”

“The infested mares I can see in your memories. The ones you saw being led into the levels below,” Twilight pressed, stepping closer to the male.

“Oh, those are yer friends? I didn't know. They’re just a few levels down, actually,” Foggy Fleece replied.

“Take me to them,” Twilight commanded.

Foggy Fleece gulped. “Right away.”

Twilight trotted after the stallion, only to stop when she noticed how weirdly tight it felt inside of her armor. Not only that, but it also felt unnaturally light, and if Twilight focused, she could even sense a light breeze brushing against her back. The cool gust came from an overhead vent she hadn't noticed before, the pleasant sensation somehow coming through her armor.

Running a mutated hoof over her chest, Twilight noticed that she could feel the limb as it brushed across her body. Not only that, but if she focused, Twilight could sense something slowly drawing on her magical reserves. Something that felt connected to her armor somehow, as if she were feeding the radio and other systems.

“Is it fused to me?” Twilight muttered, her hoof searching for the armor release switch and finding nothing.

“Are you coming?” Foggy Fleece inquired, the stallion peeking his head back into the room.

“A moment, please,” Twilight muttered.

Trotting after the stallion, Twilight sent a psionic pulse over her body, noting that her fears were indeed proven true. Despite how seamless the transition back to her own reality had felt, the portal had evidently been unable to differentiate between Twilight and her suit. Organic veins ran throughout the metal exterior, and electronic systems had somehow been shifted inside her body.

The realization was unpleasant, though also curious, as Twilight could tell that her zerg half had somehow melded with the suit almost seamlessly. She knew, almost instinctively, that if damaged, her body could naturally repair any piece that may come loose, or any system which may become inoperable. Provided she had the magic and the necessary bodily components to reproduce any part that became harmed.

She just hoped it wouldn't make using the washroom more difficult.

Twilight frowned as she looked around, her heavy hoofsteps overshadowing her guide’s much smaller ones. The clang of her booted hooves hitting the ground filled the quiet, metal confines of the long hallway she found herself in. One lit only by the occasional flickering overhead light that seemed ready to give out at any moment.

The walls that surrounded Twilight were seemingly made of the same grey brown metal that now encapsulated her. The wooden door that they had just passed through was an exception, as all others that she passed by were also made from steel. The abrupt shift in decor was expected, and Twilight was glad to find that the ceilings were tall enough for her to walk without bending down.

Passing through a sliding metal door that split in half to allow them to pass, Twilight began to extend her mental radius. Dozens of ponies could be sensed all around her, as well as a few gryphons and a small cadre of minotaurs. None seemed to be on alert, however, though that was a small kindness given that she had yet to locate anyone she knew.

Then she felt it, a pull from somewhere below her, one that was familiar and brought a smile to her face.

“Hurry, please,” Twilight encouraged.

“I’m going as fast as my old knees can handle,” Foggy Fleece muttered.

Twilight grunted and though she wanted to berate the stallion, she resisted that urge for the moment.

Another turn, another set of stairs, and the pair ended up in front of what could only be a security checkpoint. The large steel blast door before them was flanked by armored guards wielding rifles and wearing a pair of disinterested scowls. Upon seeing Foggy Fleece and Twilight, however, the two jumped up, with the taller of the two stepping forward and extending a hoof.

“Stop. Identify yourself,” he demanded.

“Twilight Sparkle, back from my excursion into another reality. I’m here to see my friends,” Twilight demanded.

“Friends? But all we have are captured infested and…” the helmeted stallion murmured..

Foggy Fleece cleared his throat. “Ya best let her through, young'un.”

The guards exchanged a pair of shrugs before looking over at the window in the wall. Where a third guard quickly tapped out a response onto the keyboard before her, causing the doors to part.

“Star Hunter, could you please send word to command that Twilight has returned. The comms are acting funny again,” cracked a male voice through the intercom.

“Err, right,” murmured the other stallion.

Twilight ignored them both and trotted through the set of open double doors, her gaze sweeping left and right. She could tell she was close, but had yet to reach the same level as her friends. The hallway she found herself in primarily stretched to her sides with a half dozen smaller metal doors leading off from it.

“Take the elevator straight ahead. The other doors on this floor lead to supply closets or the armory,” Foggy Fleece declared.

“Thanks,” Twilight quickly replied, sprinting up to the closest entrance.

“Ya gotta hit the keypad here,” Foggy exclaimed, pointing down to a glowing green screen set next to where the handle of a normal door would be.

“Would you mind?” Twilight inquired.

Foggy shrugged. “Sure.”

The stallion quickly input a code and stepped back. “There ya go. The big number two will take ya where ya need to go.”

“I appreciate it,” Twilight exclaimed, hastily stepping into the elevator the second the doors had opened.

“Best of luck,” Foggy exclaimed, giving the mare a quick salute.

Twilight couldn't think of anything to say and merely nodded to the pegasus before hitting the button. The elevator’s doors quickly slammed shut and something overhead began to whir as the entire machine descended deeper into the earth. With each second that passed, Twilight could feel her excitement slowly build, and she couldn't help but shift from hoof to hoof.

The pull she felt grew stronger and stronger, yet it couldn't quite seem to connect no matter how hard Twilight reached for it. It was like there was a barrier keeping her influence at bay, even when she was only a few feet away. With her friends not far, Twilight all but leapt from the elevator, stopping only when she noticed there was another checkpoint.

“You two, stand aside,” Twilight barked, her words laced with potent psychic suggestions.

The mare and stallion barely had a chance to open their mouths before a glazed expression crossed their face. As they stepped out of the way, Twilight used a bit of her psionic might to simply pull the door open, her impatience getting the better of her. The second she did so, she felt her friends’ minds immediately connect to her own, and a sharp gasp of surprise filled her ears.

There, standing in front of her were Fluttershy, Spike, Scootaloo, Applejack, and Zecora, the quintet of infested smiling brightly. No words passed between them as they embraced their lost queen, arms, hooves, and other appendages wrapping about the unicorn tightly. Fluttershy sobbed openly, as did Scootaloo, who wrapped all of her limbs around Twilight’s unarmored foreleg.

Applejack was a little more reserved, though Twilight could see tears building at the edges of the hydralisk’s eyes. Spike sniffed, but held back his tears, face buried in Twilight’s shoulder, arms wrapped around the unicorn’s midsection. Zecora meanwhile laid her head on Twilight’s side, an immense sense of relief wafting from the strange hybrid.

“Don't worry. I’m back,” Twilight whispered, nuzzling Spike gently. “And I promise nothing will separate me from you again.”

“We felt you, but it was so d-distant,” Spike stuttered, maintaining the tight grip he had on Twilight.

“I thought I’d n-never s-s-see you again,” Fluttershy blubbered.

I am glad you have returned, my queen, Zecora exclaimed.

“Oh, thank the stars yer back,” Applejack murmured. “We were all startin’ to worry.”

“How are the others? Did they make it here okay?” Twilight quickly asked.

Spike took a step back, wiping a tear from his eye. “We don't know. We were locked up the second we arrived.”

The equine vermin claim we are a security risk, Zecora spat.

“They are s-s-scared of us,” Fluttershy added.

“I’ll find them all soon,” Twilight murmured, glancing at Spike. “Did you hear anything about grandma and grandpa?”

The dragon shook his head. “Most refugees made it here unharmed by the sounds of it, but I haven't been allowed to make contact with anyone outside.”

“Outside of where?” Twilight asked, glancing around the room.

The grating beneath her hooves spread from left to right and extended along the walls of the two level open space. On the far end she could see a set of metal stairs going down to what looked like a large open living area. Along the walls of both levels were two dozen sets of doors that opened to smaller bedrooms and bathrooms. The last space she noticed was a communal kitchen that could be seen through a large hole in the wall directly across from her.

Though sporting several nice additions like couches, books, games, tables, chairs, and even a pool table, there was no doubt that this was a prison. A nice one that allowed those contained within to have their own rooms and make their own food, but a prison nonetheless. A realization that made Twilight’s blood boil and a righteous indignation to burn hotly in her chest.

“Who is in charge around here?” Twilight demanded.

“We d-don't know,” Fluttershy murmured.

“I told ya, it’s some Duke guy, apparently,” Applejack exclaimed.

“Edmund Duke,” remarked a voice from behind her. “I can set up a meeting if you’d like.”

Twilight glanced over to the guard she had passed by a few seconds earlier and nodded. “I’d appreciate that. I won't let this injustice stand for even a moment longer than it needs to.”

“Hey, we were just doing our jobs, lady. We don't like this much more than you do,” added the other.

Those who flee from responsibility deserve neither respect nor mercy, Zecora spat, her tentacles waving menacingly at the stallion.

Twilight growled. “Agreed.”

“Give them the chance to explain, please,” Spike urged.

“They have b-been nothing but k-k-kind,” Fluttershy murmured.

“I’ll worry about them later,” Twilight muttered, stepping back and gently peeling Scootaloo from her leg. “For now you must have a lot of questions.”

Scootaloo latched onto Twilight’s neck. “No questions. Only snuggles.”

Applejack chuckled. “Well, first off. The rest of us have all healed up since our encounter, or encounters with she who shall not be named.”

Spike smiled and waved a hand over his eyes. “It took a while, but I can see just fine. Even if my eyeballs look all messed up still.”

Twilight frowned, noting that they did indeed appear milky and white. “I’m glad. And the rest of you?”

The others nodded, or muttered their agreement, bringing a smile to Twilight’s face.

“I’m so glad to hear that,” Twilight exclaimed.

“But what about you? Where did you get that armor?” Spike inquired.

“Did you get even taller?” Scootaloo whispered, the zergling having crawled onto Twilight’s back.

What happened in this other world? Zecora inquired.

“Take a look for yourself,” Twilight offered, drawing all members of her cadre into her memories.

For several minutes the group stood in silence as they processed the information given to them by their queen. Looks of confusion, awe, fear, and righteous indignation flashed across their faces, with each one reacting slightly differently.

“That's so sad,” Scootaloo muttered softly. “What happened to the other you?”

“I don't know,” Twilight admitted. “Her presence vanished a second before the explosion, but that could mean anything.”

“Good riddance to bad rubbish, if ya ask me,” Applejack murmured. “She wasn't half the mare you are, my queen.”

“If only she had another version of us to help her,” Spike exclaimed.

Cold, logical, but ultimately flawed. She should have sought out the assistance and guidance of others, Zecora reasoned.

“She was everything I hope to never be,” Twilight concluded.

“You got some wicked sweet armor though,” Scootaloo exclaimed, jumping up and down on the unicorn’s back.

Twilight chuckled. “Yeah. I guess it wasn't all a bust.”

“D-do you really think you c-c-could recreate the harmonic e-energy?” Fluttershy questioned, eyes wide with hope.

“With your help, I think I’ll be able to. Though I’m not sure if that will be necessary,” Twilight replied. “I have a feeling that we might be able to use what I’ve learned to alter your bodies to a more harmonious state. Though I’d still need more time to test and work things out.”

“We can worry about that later,” Spike exclaimed.

“Yeah. Right now I need to get you out of here and find out what happened to Celestia as well as the others,” Twilight concluded.

“That's great. This place ain't bad, but I’m not a fan of being stuck down here,” Applejack muttered, shuddering in disgust.

“Don't worry. With the door breached, I’ll be able to keep in contact with you,” Twilight declared, settling a hoof on Spike’s scaly shoulder. “I’ll have your freedom secured within the hour. I promise.”

“I don't want to interrupt, but we still have orders to keep these ones contained on site,” remarked one of the guards.

“Sorry again, by the way,” added the other.

“It's fine…” Twilight muttered angrily. “I’m sure this was a misunderstanding, and if it wasn't, then… I’m sure I’ll find an expedient solution to this problem.”

“Just… hurry back,” Spike muttered, plucking Scootaloo from Twilight’s back and setting the zergling filly on the ground.

“Yes, p-please hurry b-back,” Fluttershy implored. “Being away f-f-from you is t-terible. My thoughts are s-slow, and my body aches.”

Have faith. Our queen has crossed the void between realities in order to return to us. What is another hour apart? Zecora declared.

“Don't you worry none. We’re together again already,” Applejack exclaimed, tapping her head in emphasis.

Twilight smiled. “Applejack’s right. You’ll be with me every step of the way. Now, please excuse me.”

“Stay safe,” Scootaloo whispered.

Twilight gave the young filly a wave before turning and trotting back the way she came, a determined expression spreading across her face. Now then. Let's find out whose ass I need to kick to fix this little issue, Twilight thought to herself as she passed by the still slightly shell shocked guards.

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

A Long Awaited Return

Twilight’s pounding hooves echoed down the corridor, her impromptu company hurriedly following after her. The guard mare wore similar armor to the others: light, minimal, and borderline antique given the confederacy’s technology. Twilight couldn't fault them for their lack of modern weapons or defences though, as this was likely very low priority.

Still, her own irritation was made greater by the fact that everyone she passed wielded little more than knives and pistols. It gave Twilight the impression that these backline soldiers would be incapable of resisting an actual breakout. Not like she planned to use force to escape, but it was a consideration that Twilight couldn't rule out, at least not yet anyway.

With that thought firmly in mind, Twilight turned a corner and stepped into an elevator, her newest companion joining a second later.

“Damn, you’ve got long legs,” she muttered between breaths.

“I wasn't aware that I needed an escort,” Twilight coldly declared.

The mare’s features were almost completely obscured beneath her dark armor and all-encompassing helmet. Only a sparse few patches of teal fur were visible, as well as a few stray pink hairs that poked out from around her shoulders.

“All visitors are supposed to be assigned someone for the duration of their stay,” she replied after swiftly catching her breath. “Even the general has one down here.”

Twilight sighed, easily able to detect that the mare was not being duplicitous. “Fine, you may accompany me, but you must at least tell me your name.”

“Vigilant Watch, at your service,” exclaimed the excitable young earth pony as she snapped off a salute.

“That name is a little on the nose, eh?” Twilight remarked.

“Every generation of my family has a Vigilant Watch, even my cousins. Traditionally it's the eldest that carries this title, but… well, you don't care about all that,” she exclaimed, quickly deflating.

Twilight shrugged. “Not really. If I was not busy, I would probably question your family history, but I have a lot on my mind at the moment.”

“Oh yeah, I guess you would, given everything you’ve been through,” remarked the mare.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and glanced down at the guard. “What do you know of me?”

“Oh, I’ve read your whole file,” she gushed. “Most new recruits don't bother, but I couldn't help but be sucked into your life story after hearing about how you helped defend this very city all those years ago.”

“I’m glad to know my involvement wasn't downplayed too much,” Twilight exclaimed.

“I mean, officially it was, but I got to see the unfiltered reports,” Vigilant replied.

“Unfiltered? So they did censor my involvement?” Twilight replied.

Vigilant Watch nodded hesitantly. “Unfortunately the brass was worried that it may create sympathy for the infested, so your official actions were attributed to some Steel Heart mare. Apparently Steel Heart refused and nearly quit the military over the incident.”

Twilight chuckled. “Well, at least the glory went somewhere fitting.”

“What do you mean?” Vigilant questioned.

Twilight waved a hoof. “It's nothing. Tell me what else have you learned about me from your little file?”

“A lot,” exclaimed the earth pony as the pair stepped out of the elevator and began trotting down another cluttered metal hallway. “I know about your time as the princess’ personal student, but even then a lot of stuff was classified beyond my clearance. Still, it's so cool that I’ve been able to meet the white queen.”

Twilight stumbled and turned to look down at the other mare. “What did you call me?”

“It's your designation. The white queen,” Vigilant replied, turning her helmeted head towards the infested. “This isn't an insult, is it?”

The universe has a strange sense of humour, Twilight thought to herself. “No. It's nothing.”

“Right, so…” Vigilant paused. “Where are we going exactly?”

“To find a certain mare,” Twilight replied cryptically.

Vigilant Watch hurried to catch up to the long-legged infested, who strode confidently around a corner and walked straight up to another security detail.

“Halt,” commanded an earth pony stallion. “State your business here.”

Twilight waved a hoof at the duo. “Move along.”

The pair donned a glazed expression and in a complete monotone repeated the phrase Twilight had just uttered.

“Thank you,” Twilight remarked.

“Hey, you can't do that!” Vigilant proclaimed, trotting after the other mare.

“Really? It sure looks like I can,” Twilight retorted, not slowing down one bit.

Vigilant wanted to stop her, but was nearly knocked off her hooves when a mare carrying a stack of paper sprinted in front of her. Forced to slow down and really observe her surroundings, the young guardsmare was a little startled to find herself in one of the communication hubs. All around her, ponies ran back and forth, speaking animatedly into radio transceivers or writing some manner of report.

It was so loud that the pony could barely hear herself think as she chased after the fleeing infested. Who had stopped beside the workstation of another young soldier who sat at a desk with a great mass of papers spread out before her.

“You’ve found them,” Twilight declared, stopping directly in front of this new pony.

“Holy crap,” she cursed, a hoof going over her heart. “You just about scared me half to death.”

“So, did you locate them or not?” Twilight pressed, unconcerned by the sudden shock she had just caused.

Behind her, Vigilant remained quiet, merely observing the pair, as did a good chunk of the other ponies in the communications room. It was obvious that their curiosity was piqued by the enormous mare that had suddenly appeared in their presence. A few were even subtly trying to maneuver close enough to eavesdrop, but Vigilant Watch shot them a quick glare, scaring them off.

“Yes, and no,” replied the other guard, who plunked back down into her chair and smoothed out her deep blue mane. “I was able to gather that they left Canterlot and were onboard one of the ships, but they didn't make it here.”

“So they were in the ship that went down then,” Twilight reasoned.

Blueberry Curls shrugged. “I assume as much, though I can't know for certain. Fighting a two-front war while also dealing with food shortages and internal division has left precious few ponies to account for the Canterlot refugees.”

“Surely you’re not that low on supplies,” Twilight pressed. “Celestia was rather adamant on constructing far more greenhouses and apartment blocks than what the confederates needed.”

“That has been a huge help, but…” Blueberry Curls cocked her head. “Wait, how did you know about that?”

“She's the white queen,” Vigilant Watch whispered.

“Oh, that makes sense,” Blueberry Curls murmured.

“So,” Twilight began, clopping her hoof against the desk, “where exactly were they last seen, and has there been any attempt to locate the lost ship?”

“We think it crashed somewhere in the badlands. A couple squads of pegasi went out looking, but zerg fliers were too numerous for them to get very far,” Blueberry replied with a shrug. “Anything more than that is either rumour or above my pay grade.”

Twilight hummed softly to herself before finally nodding. “You have done well, thank you, Blueberry Curls.”

“No problem,” replied the mare. “I’m glad I could help, but I should really get back to my unit commander. I don't want him to think I’ve gone awol.”

“Go ahead,” Twilight dismissed. “And send any complaint you receive my way.”

“Will do,” Blueberry exclaimed, giving the towering infested a nod before departing.

“Now where?” Vigilant offered.

“I wish to locate my other friends, and then I…” Twilight muttered as her attention suddenly shifted towards the entrance to the room.

“What are you looking at?” Vigilant inquired.

Twilight didn't answer, as a second later the sliding metal doors parted to reveal an enormous earth pony. One so tall that she nearly reached Twilight’s impressive height, with shoulders as wide as a boulder and muscles so massive that they’d make a minotaur jealous. Her grey fur was partially hidden beneath well-worn orange engineering overalls bearing a pair of steel hearts on the flanks. Though built like the toughest marine Vigilant had ever seen, this strange pony had the outfit of an engineer and a single metal hoof.

Upon this new arrival spotting Twilight, the pair immediately began sprinting at one another. Ponies scrambled to get out of their way, and for a moment Vigilant wondered if she should draw her sidearm. Then they slammed into each other like a pair of runaway trains, a hoof wrapping about the other’s back.

“Are they… hugging?” Vigilant muttered to herself.

“Looks more like they’re trying to strangle each other,” remarked a nearby stallion.

“Blue Bic, where are those reports?” barked a feminine voice.

“Right here, ma’am!” replied the male and quickly sprinted off.

Leaving Vigilant Watch to stand there as the two enormous mares hugged one another for several long seconds. They then took a step back from one another and Twilight grinned from ear to ear.

“Steal Heart, you old goat,” exclaimed Twilight before locking forehooves with the other mare.

Steal Heart smiled right back, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Twilight. It's good to see you.”

Muscles bulged as the pair engaged in a sudden and intense bout of hoof wrestling, one which the infested was quickly winning. Steal Heart wasn't about to give up though, and her metallic limb pushed back, though she only gained the smallest amount of breathing room.

“What's this? Does that Duke fella have you pushing too many pencils?” Twilight asked with a smirk.

“I’m just makin’ it easy for ya,” Steel Heart replied, her hoof slowly dipping further and further away from her body.

“Had enough?” Twilight teased.

For a moment it looked like Steel Heart was about to lose, but the pony quickly released her grip and stepped back. “Okay, okay, okay. Damn, Twilight, you sure have grown.”

“What is with the metal leg? Last I saw, you still had all your limbs, though you’d lost a few of your marbles,” Twilight pressed.

Steel Heart chuckled and sat down on the floor, tapping her metallic limb with its fleshy counterpart. “Oh, you know. Decided to wrestle a hydralisk,” she replied with a shrug.

“As one does,” Twilight murmured, watching closely as the other mare’s leg split apart to create a primitive set of grasping claws that clanked together. “Now that’s a sweet upgrade.”

“Yeah, they tried to give me a plain old replacement, but after almost dying again, I decided to go back to my roots. Building stuff,” Steel Heart exclaimed. “Figured at least there if I lose another leg, it would be my own damn fault as opposed to Steve forgetting to watch our flank again.”

“There's always a Steve,” Twilight exclaimed with a smile.

Steel Heart chuckled. “There is, isn't there? Now then, as much as I’d like to invite ya back to the barracks and check out those sweet new digs of yers, I figure you’re on a mission.”

“I need to find out the status of my friends. I also need to get ahold of this Duke person and figure out why he's imprisoned my family,” Twilight declared.

“Whoowee, now that's a tall order. The big guy has a whole lot on his plate, what with this war and whatnot,” Steel Heart exclaimed.

“I will not be taking no for an answer,” Twilight retorted.

Steel Heart raised her forelegs defensively, the metal one folding back into a hoof. “As you shouldn't, as you shouldn't. I’m just sayin that we might have to go check out yer friends before we can see the head honcho, is all.”

Twilight hummed thoughtfully for several seconds before nodding. “I suppose that is fair, but they will be free before the day is done. The only question is if they will be walking or fighting out.”

“Ahh, don't get yer knickers in a twist. Old Dukey boy ain't that bad once you get to know ‘im. I’m sure he had a reason fer locking up your kin,” Steel Heart exclaimed.

“He had best hope it's a good one,” Twilight muttered, only to receive a metal hoof to the back, nearly knocking the wind out of her.

“Enough of all this doom and gloom. Let’s see some of these friends of yours,” Steel Heart declared.

“Sounds fair,” Twilight remarked.

“You can roll on out of here,” Steel Heart stated, turning to Vigilant Watch. “I can handle this one.”

“Are you sure, ma’am?” Vigilant hesitantly replied, shooting Twilight a sidelong glance.

“Of course I’m sure. Why would I bother flappin’ my jaws if I wasn't?” Steel Heart barked.

“S-sorry, ma’am!” Vigilant shouted back, snapping off a quick salute before sprinting away.

Steel Heart chuckled. “Sometimes you gotta remind these newbies who’s in charge.”

“Before we go any further. I must ask, how did you know where to find me?” Twilight inquired. “I’ve been in this dimension for less than an hour at this point.”

“Really? Twilight, you’re about as subtle as a firebat,” Steel Heart declared. “Half the damn base is whispering about some mystery VIP who showed up out of nowhere and is intimidating all the damn guards.”

“I would have assumed that there would be better information discipline around here,” Twilight muttered, suddenly feeling rather silly for her bold entrance.

“There is. I just got some of the highest security clearance around,” Steel Heart proudly proclaimed. “Now who are these creatures you wanna see?”

Twilight paused and thought about it for a moment. “Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. I don't really care what order they are in, but those are the ponies I need to see.”

“Hmmm, Pinkie Pie, you say,” Steel Heart murmured, stroking her chin with a metal hoof. “I’ve seen that mare around the shops recently. She's got quite the head for engineering, even if she's got a few screws loose and creeps most folk out.”

“That sounds like her,” Twilight replied.

“She's probably down in one of the engineering bays. Either there or off with that group of psychic folk that the general’s been rounding up,” Steel Heart exclaimed.

“Do you know why he's doing such a thing?” Twilight inquired.

Steel Heart shrugged. “No idea. Rumour is that they got some kind of program going to make a bunch of soldiers with mind powers, but I’m not so sure. I mean, we got plenty of tech nowadays, but there ain't much we know about psychic whatsits save for the stuff that Celestia told us.”

“Speaking of Celestia. How is she? The other guards didn't know much,” Twilight asked, her eyes lighting up.

Steel Heart winced, her gigantic form shrinking somewhat. “I’ll be honest with you. It ain't good. She’s been in and out of surgery ever since she dropped out of that portal over a week ago.”

“She's okay though, right?” Twilight pressed.

“About as can be expected, given what happened to her,” Steel Heart replied, squeezing Twilight’s shoulder briefly before taking a step back. “Look. Why don't we start moseing our way over to the bays? I'm pretty sure I also saw some pegasus chick with crazy rainbow hair down there as well.”

“Right, of course. We’ve caused enough of a scene already,” Twilight remarked.

The pair glanced around to the small crowd that had gathered nearby, the gawking creatures all swiftly turning away once they were found out.

“Follow me. Just hold up at the door for a sec though. I’m going to have to send word up the chain that you want to see ol’ Duke,” Steel Heart remarked.

“Just be quick, please. I am suffering from minor mana burn and a bad case of psychic whiplash,” Twilight exclaimed.

“I don't know what those things are, but I’m going to assume they are bad,” Steel Heart exclaimed, turning towards the entrance. “Either way, I promise it won't take long.”

“I’ll be right behind you,” Twilight declared.

Steel Heart nodded and quickly set off for the exit, stopping briefly to speak to one of the guards standing outside. While she exchanged words with the male, Twilight’s attention drifted to her psychic connection she had with her friends. By the time Steel Heart had managed to get a message sent up the chain of command, Twilight had filled everyone in on what was going on.

It was a nice change from the mental solitude Twilight experienced in the other world, and she couldn't help but smile despite her exhaustion. Twilight had so much to worry about, so many things to consider, but at least she could sense the other infested at the back of her mind.

“Ready?” Steel Heart asked, waving a hoof in front of Twilight’s face. “Not falling asleep on me, are ya?”

“I’m fine. Just thinking,” Twilight murmured.

“Good, ‘cause we got a bit of a walk to the bays,” Steel Heart explained.

“While we go, would you mind regalling me on how the war is going? I don't suppose you’ve made any headway against the Nightmare’s forces by chance, have you?” Twilight inquired.

Steel Heart snorted bitterly. “Unfortunately not. We’ve been fighting the zerg since forever, and even though the Nightmare hasn't attacked us, she also has us sandwiched.”

“With the zerg on one side and the great houses on the other, I’m surprised you guys are even in this fight,” Twilight exclaimed.

Steel Heart shot the infested a playful glare as they rounded a corner. “We’re tougher than you give us credit for, besides. The Nightmare seems content sitting back and creating a giant wall of defences, rather than hitting our exposed flank.”

“Is it that bad?” Twilight pressed.

“Girl, you don't know the half of it,” Steel Heart replied.

Twilight stepped off the small boxy train and out onto the station, her attention remaining fixated on Steel Heart. “Even knowing how much technology Celestia had stored away, I still can't believe you’ve come so far in such a short amount of time,” Twilight remarked.

Steel Heart smiled as she followed Twilight. “We earth ponies have always been known for our technological innovation. I’m just glad that the other tribes finally get to see us in our element,” Steel Heart declared.

Twilight hummed to herself as she gazed out at the underground facility they had stepped out into. The first thing she noticed were the numerous scientists and technicians moving purposefully around the area. Each one so intent on their destination that few gave the pair of towering mares so much as a passing glance.

It was a pleasant change from being gawked at, though Twilight had to worry about accidentally bumping into someone. Not just ponies either, but also a smattering of gryphons, minotaurs, and even a few dragons were scampering from one point to another.

It was a sharp departure from the rest of the base which was largely dominated by earth ponies and pegasi. Though earth ponies were still in the majority, the other tribes and races were well-represented down here. A demographic shift which made sense, given the sheer number of refugees the confederacy had taken in recently.

“Over here,” Steel Heart exclaimed. “One of the guards should know where your friends are.”

Twilight nodded mutely, her lingering exhaustion beginning to weigh heavily at the back of her mind. With little to offer, the infested merely followed the bulky earth pony at a slow pace. Still marveling at the many technological wonders the confederacy had birthed into the world, Twilight barely paid attention to her surroundings.

Until they approached a pony clad in a cumbersome metal suit and armed with an enormous gun that hung from a mechanical arm attached to their back. With their visor down, it was impossible to tell what tribe or sex the pony inside was, though that became clearer when she spoke.

“Well, I’ll be. What are you doing down here Swan? Last I saw, you were taking off like a bat out of hell,” exclaimed the distorted, feminine tone emitted from a speaker on the armor’s exterior.

“To answer your question, Private. I was meeting an important pony,” Steel Heart declared, bumping her shoulder against Twilight in emphasis.

“Damn, you’re tall,” muttered the marine.

“Thanks. I think,” Twilight exclaimed.

“So what can I do for ya? Don't tell me you need me to tell you where you left your spanner again,” teased the marine.

Steel Heart snorted. “I ain't some foal, ya damned fool. I’m lookin’ for a pony named Pinkie Pie. Or I should say that this one’s lookin’ for her.”

Twilight nodded. “And I’d appreciate it if you made it quick. I have little time to waste chatting.”

“You must be one of them new officers that came from Canterlot. Every last one of ya is as impatient as a bee in springtime,” remarked the marine.

“Just answer the question,” Steel Heart exclaimed in an uncharacteristically exasperated tone.

“Relax and smell the flowers. Why don't ya? Where's the fire anyway,” retorted the other mare.

“Just tell us where she is already,” Twilight growled.

“Alright alright. She’s in bay thirty-two with the rest of them spooky folk,” answered the marine. “I’d avoid them if I were you though. You can never tell which one of ‘em is about to read your thoughts and mess with your head.”

Twilight paused, narrowed her eyes, and smirked. “Whatever you say… eyebrows.”

Steel Heart blinked. “What was that all about?”

“Wait a second,” Twilight whispered.

A moment later, the sound of sobbing suddenly erupted from the marine’s armor, the pony inside quickly doubling over. Her companion was quick to offer aid, though his soft reassurances did nothing to stop the guard from bawling her eyes out.

Twilight snickered. “There we go. Come on. I got places to be.”

Steel Heart gave the marine a hesitant glance before following Twilight into the next room, the metal door sliding shut behind them. Immediately cutting them off from the sounds emanating from the sobbing marine as well as her partner.

“Damn, Twilight. That was cold as ice,” Steel Heart exclaimed. “Well deserved, though. Willowbrook gossips more than an old mare at bingo night.”

Twilight snorted. “So what did you do to earn such a nickname anyway, Swan?”

Steel Heart waved a metal hoof over the front of her body. “My coat color combined with quitting the army is what's earned me such an unfortunate moniker.” She snorted. “Not like I had much of a choice in the matter given my age.”

“There's worse things to be called,” Twilight pointed out. “I mean, they could call you the white queen.”

“Ha! I suppose so,” Steel Heart exclaimed. “But maybe we should stow this conversation for later. Looks like we’re here.”

Twilight glanced away from the long, wide metal hallway they occupied and looked over to the large sliding metal door waiting to her right. Most of the other bays were unopened, though the few that were contained a great number of creatures. All of whom were working on an array of projects so numerous that Twilight doubted she could count them all.

“Right,” Twilight declared, turning towards the door emblazoned with the number thirty-two across the front. “Let's see how Pinkie Pie’s been doing.”

Author's Note

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This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

A Steel Heart

Twilight stepped up to the door, expecting it to open automatically, only to be surprised when it remained shut. Her first instinct was to ask Steel Heart for a hoof, but she stopped before she could do so, instead extending her psychic senses out into the world. Where they immediately brushed against the familiar mind of a certain pink pony.

T-Twilight! she thought. Oh my goodness, where are you?

I’m on the other side of the door, Twilight replied simply. I don't suppose you could let me in?

“Now then, if you're done staring at the wall. I’ll just input this code and get us inside,” Steel Heart exclaimed.

“Don't bother. Pinkie’s on it,” Twilight replied.

“Well, ain't that convenient,” Steel Heart murmured.

Oh, and sorry in advance, Pinkie Pie remarked a second before the door opened.

“What di-” Twilight began, only to be cut off when a snarling, barking form leapt at her.

Still exhausted and low on magic, Twilight was forced to rely on her natural strength to defend herself against the flying mass of teal fur. Thankfully the loud pony-shaped mass was easily dodged, giving Twilight enough time to place an unmoving hoof against the center of its back.

The pony growled and thrashed, but Twilight’s firm hold offered no room for movement.

“What the hell?” Twilight muttered.

“She's just being overprotective,” explained another odd pony wearing a yellow beanie.

Twilight blinked, only now realizing what strange company she was in, the oddest of which was the mare she had pinned beneath a hoof. She had a wild grey mane and tail, violet eyes, and a cutie mark of a screw that was emblazoned upon her teal fur. She also sported numerous shallow scars that resembled burn marks that had not been properly cared for.

The other female that had approached her was almost as strange, though the most startling aspect of her person were her eyes. Which had swirly pupils that seemed to turn slowly in the low light of the repurposed engineering bay. Save for that, she seemed fairly average, with her purple fur having been recently combed, as had her grape colored mane. Upon closer inspection, Twilight saw that she had several streaks of white hair in her mane and tail. That, and she also had a screw as well as a ball for a cutie mark, the meaning of which Twilight couldn't deduce.

“She doesn't have rabies, does she?” Twilight asked, glancing down to the oddly well-muscled mare still barking and flailing under her hoof.

“No,” declared the purple mare. “Now, if you would please release my sister. I would greatly appreciate it.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you can contain her? Because I really don't want to get bit by some crazy pony.”

“She won't hurt anyone, now let her go,” demanded the beanie-wearing pony.

Steel Heart shrugged. “She looks harmless enough.”

Twilight reluctantly lifted her hoof and took a step back.

Sure enough, the snarling pony was quick to continue attacking the infested mare, but was intercepted by her supposed sibling. Who managed to catch her around the shoulders, then tackled her to the ground, swiftly and expertly pinning her.

“Shhh, Screwy, this is a friend of Pinkie Pie,” murmured the beanie-wearing pony. “Relax. You wouldn't want to hurt a friend, would you?”

“F-friend?” stuttered the other mare.

“That's right, friend. You wouldn't want to make Pinkie Pie sad, now would you?” whispered the purple earth pony.

Screwy vigorously shook her head.

“I’m going to let you go now. Be good,” declared the other mare before doing just that.

The siblings quickly untangled themselves from one another, with Screwy hesitantly trotting towards Twilight while her sister stood back.

“S-sorry,” whispered Screwy.

“Isn't that much better than all the barking and biting?” exclaimed the purple pony, extending a hoof towards Twilight. “The name’s Screwball, and like you might have already guessed, this is my sister, Screwy.”

“What happened to her?” Twilight asked, directing her attention towards Screwy’s sister.

“Same as me,” Screwball began. “We are both psychically gifted, but that wasn't enough for our unicorn parents who wanted us to have magic. So they gave us to the great houses, who experimented on us.”

Steel Heart shook her head in pity. “That's just about the most disgusting thing I’ve heard all day.”

“It gets worse,” Screwball cautioned, watching as Screwy sniffed both of the newcomers before sitting down next to her sister. “I could hide my gift, but Screwy couldn't, so they focused most of their cruel efforts on her.”

Screwy growled, the hair on the back of her neck rising.

Screwball pulled the other mare closer, squeezing her shoulders gently. “They were so cruel that Screwy here reverted to a more… base state of being.”

“And the dog thing?” Twilight inquired.

“Our golden retriever, Chaser, was the only creature she interacted with which didn't electrocute or beat her,” Screwball finished. “She kind of latched onto that.”

“Ponies bad,” whispered Screwy.

“Interesting,” Twilight muttered.

“She's been getting better though,” interrupted a familiar voice. “Isn't that right, Screwy?”

“Screwy talk much better,” replied the other mare enthusiastically.

Twilight turned to find that Pinkie Pie stood only a few feet away, her long hair having been tied into a braid. She also wore a tight greyish-black suit adorned with several bulky devices that created a web of wires and metal that nearly covered her from head to hoof. Other than her change in fashion, the young earth pony hadn't seemed to have changed much.

She wasn't alone, however, as a nervous young buffalo as well as a tall earth pony with the bearing of a noble followed close on her heels. The younger of the two was nearly as tall as Pinkie Pie, though the orange-coated cow was thin to the point of appearing malnourished. She also wore nothing save for a simple headband with alternating purple and white triangles across her brow. This seemed to serve the purpose of keeping her fluffy wheat-colored mane out of her eyes, though she hid so close behind Pinkie Pie that it didn't matter.

Contrary to the thin, cowering young buffalo, the other newcomer stood resolute and proud. His light grey fur had been combed to perfection, and upon his nose rested a pair of circular spectacles. His mane and tail were two tones of even lighter grey that had been cut short in the style of a butler or personal assistant. A professional-looking black tie and unrolled scroll for a cutie mark confirmed Twilight’s suspicion that he was involved with the nobility in some way.

“It’s good to see you, Pinkie Pie,” Twilight exclaimed, trotting up to the mare, and opening her hooves wide.

Who, after a moment’s hesitation, mimicked the gesture and clasped Twilight in an awkward hug. “I’m glad to see you’re alright,” whispered the earth pony.

Twilight squeezed the other mare gently, noting that Pinkie Pie’s limbs were stiff and barely able to bend. “How have you been?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie Pie smiled faintly, giving Twilight a squeeze back before gently stepping away. “I’ve been better,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “But before we continue, I’d like to introduce you to Tall Order, a former butler for the Blueblood family. And this little cutie is Little Strongheart of the Great Plains buffalo tribe.”

The grey stallion crossed a hoof over his chest and bowed low. “It is an honor to meet the elusive Twilight that Miss Pie has spoken so highly of.”

“H-hi,” stuttered the young buffalo, who had shifted so that most of her body was obscured by Tall Order’s torso.

“Nothing but good things, I hope,” Twilight offered, glancing to Tall Order.

Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded. “Of course. We also have a final seventh member, but she's sulking in her room at the moment.”

“Is it that blue dragon lady?” Steel Heart asked.

Pinkie Pie nodded. “Ember is still a little disappointed that we can't attack Nightmare Moon right now.”

“Why would that matter to a dragon?” Twilight inquired, only to wince and rub her head.

“Princess Ember’s father, Dragonlord Torch, was assassinated by the she-devil in question,” Screwball exclaimed.

Twilight scowled. “Let me guess. She’s similarly disrupted the rest of the other nations?”

“Pretty much,” Pinkie Pie replied with a shrug.

“At least she too has the gift,” offered Tall Order.

“I think she’d trade her psychic powers to have her father back,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Tall Order coughed and ran a hoof down his tie. “Ahh yes, of course. My apologies, I spoke before considering my words.”

“It's fine. You don't have to apologize to me,” Pinkie Pie replied with a shrug.

“Have the confederates been able to help heal you?” Twilight asked. “I can see you still wear limb braces.”

“I am still very weak,” Pinkie Pie reluctantly admitted, shifting from hoof to hoof. “The suit helps, and I hope to be able to alleviate the worst of it with the next prototype.”

“What are you all doing here anyway?” Steel Heart inquired, stepping forward. “I’ve been too busy working on project Odin to look over the reports I’ve received on your work.”

“Have you truly not heard a word of Miss Pie’s amazing innovations?” Tall Order exclaimed in shocked tone. “But they are so groundbreaking!”

“I, err, have not,” Steel Heart admitted.

Pinkie Pie waved a hoof. “It's fine T.O, I haven't been working on anything that amazing. Just some new guns, a suit, and some chemicals, though that last one’s mostly one of Screwball’s projects.”

“Which you’ve easily contributed about half the work to,” Screwball replied.

Pinkie Pie blushed and looked away. “Yes, well. I just noticed a few areas you could have improved on, is all.”

Twilight didn't pay attention to the short back and forth, as her gaze had been drawn to the engineering bay itself. It had at one point likely served as a space to test vehicles or other large objects, though it had not done so in a long time. It had been divided into primitive rooms, small work areas, and even a spot for cooking, as well as relaxation.

It looked to be one part ramshackle town, another part barracks, and finally the last bit was a mixture of a laboratory as well as firing range. Most of which looked rather ramshackle, with the rooms having been created from spare sheets of metal welded or simply leaned together. Despite how haphazard it all appeared, Twilight could tell that it was well-loved by those who lived there. Small nick nacks, drawings, or other bits of personalization dotted nearly every surface, giving it a certain charm Twilight couldn't help but appreciate.

“Fascinating,” murmured Steel Heart as Twilight paid attention to the conversation once more. “How did you solve the power issue? We tried to minitiruze the suit before but always ran into a problem with the batteries.”

“Simple. There are far fewer features,” Pinkie Pie replied. “When a current is run through it, the bodysuit augments a creature’s natural strengths. The only other function it currently has is a rangefinder, communications, and a minor psi-booster. Though these can be changed out as needed.”

Steel Heart slowly nodded her head. “That certainly wouldn't draw as much as our combat suits.”

“I just wish I didn't have to give up so much protection,” Pinkie Pie remarked.

“Pfft,” Screwball scoffed. “Why worry about that when you can just turn invisible?”

Pinkie Pie giggled. “Very true. But I don't think Twilight came all the way down here just to hear about what we’ve been building.”

“I don't know. That whole psi-boosting drug cocktail, and set of augmentations might be of interest to her,” Steel Heart offered.

“That could be useful, but no, that's not why I’m here,” Twilight exclaimed. “I actually came to see how you were doing, and if you were alright.”

Pinkie Pie smiled. “Things have been better, but at least the confederacy has helped me get in contact with others like myself.”

“So I can see,” Twilight stated, glancing around the room. “Did you keep in contact with the rest of our friends?”

The pink pony wilted, her shoulders slumping. “I visit Rainbow Dash and Rarity fairly often, but I haven't been allowed to see the others since we first got here.”

Twilight’s bitter response was stopped before it started, with Steel Heart wrapping a hoof around the infested mare’s shoulders.

“Don't you worry about that,” exclaimed the older pony. “I’m sure once you explain everything to the general, he’ll let yer people go. Probably just worried about a security breach, what on account of them being infested and all.”

“I am too, yet I wasn't detained,” Twilight pointed out.

“Pardon me for saying this, but you seem a mighty bit stronger than the others,” Tall Order remarked.

Twilight sighed. “Be that as it may, I was going to discuss matters with this Duke individual, after which I was hoping to speak to you and the rest of our friends shortly after. We have much to talk about and even more to plan.”

“You’ll be looking for Rainbow Dash and Rarity then, huh?” Pinkie Pie offered.

Twilight nodded. “Indeed.”

Pinkie Pie’s face scrunched up, and she looked left, then right before pointing at a wall. “Rainbow’s over there testing out a new flight suit, and Rarity is… still in the hospital observation area.”

“Thank you, Pinkie Pie. I promise to explain everything once we all meet back up again,” Twilight proclaimed.

“No problem, Twilight. I’m just glad everyone’s alright. Oh, and you totally gotta tell me all about that suit of yours!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight nodded. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you soon.”

The two mares hugged once more, this time Twilight was more careful to not squeeze too tight or lean heavily on the other pony. Then they parted, offering one another only a small nod before Twilight turned towards the door, leaving the strange menagerie of creatures behind. Once outside and with the door closed, Twilight stopped and pressed a hoof against her head, groaning in pain.

“Is everything alright?” Steel Heart hastily inquired, the mare ready to hold Twilight up if necessary.

“It's nothing,” replied the unicorn. “They all have such little training that they can't help but shout their thoughts at all times. The only one of the bunch who wasn't constantly yelling in my metaphysical ear was Screwball and, to a lesser extent, Pinkie Pie.”

“Even Ember?” Steel Heart asked.

Twilight frowned. “Unfortunately. The poor girl was all but screaming about her dead father and how badly she wanted revenge. I didn't have much of a choice but to live out the entire experience against my wishes.”

“What was it like?” Steel Heart pressed.

Twilight paused. “It was-”

Ember hummed as she looked over the wagon that had stopped atop the mountain which served as her father’s throne. The draconic merchant who stood nearby remained silent, merely observing as the young princess picked her way through his goods. Occasionally she would stop, run a clawed hand over the light blue scales which covered her chin, or cross her arms over her chest.

Throughout it all the seller remained silent, shifting from standing on his feet to resting on his surprisingly strong tail. His pulse quickened whenever a breeze rolled over him, making the young male to shift uncomfortably. He tugged nervously at his brownish red cloak, or to touch the wand he kept inside of a hidden pocket.

Dragonlord Torch saw it all, yet didn't move from his position hovering over the two other dragons. Towering over even most of the local mountains and armored by a black breastplate larger than a small farm yard, the ancient dragon cut an intimidating figure. The only thing off about the giant male was the comparatively tiny staff he held in his right hand, pinching the object between a pair of claws.

A sudden shift in the night sky above them prompted the mountain-sized dragon to gaze up at the starry expanse. A deep rumble emanated from the male, and he briefly pondered if he had seen a star moving, or if it was the product of his own bored mind.

“It seems like the night is lasting strangely long today,” shouted the merchant in an awkward attempt at conversation.

“It is,” Torch rumbled. “I would not worry about it. I’m sure that the ponies will get their business settled soon.”

“How can you be sure?” replied the merchant, only to quickly backpedal. “Not like I am doubting you, oh great Dragonlord.”

If Torch had been annoyed by the remark, he didn't show it and continued to look up at the now blank moon. “I know because I have received certain assurances from their ruling monarch,” Torch replied.

“I have made a decision,” Ember announced, grabbing an armload of goods. “I will take these four books, this bottle of perfume, and that hat.”

The merchant released a sigh of relief, turning to the much smaller dragon. “A wonderful choice, Princess. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any of those things outside of the pony lands.”

“Not like we need such items,” Torch muttered in a low tone which was still loud enough to be heard by everyone in a quarter mile.

“Come now, father. You must be at least a little curious as to what it's like,” Ember replied as she placed the large bright purple sun hat on top of her head. “If nothing else, then you must admit that my new chapeau is quite fetching.”

“Fetching? Chap oh? What are these nonsense words you use?” Torch demanded.

The merchant awkwardly cleared his throat. “I don't mean to interrupt, but I was hoping to get my payment please.”

The dragonlord grunted and dropped a small bag of gold half the size of his head next to the smaller male. “I think that should cover your expenditure and future expeditions.”

“I--yes, it will. Thank you, oh great and powerful dragonlord,” groveled the merchant.

Torch merely snorted, watching as the scrawny male hastily hooked up his cart and began to sprint away. Only when the dragonlord was alone with his daughter did he look down on her, a mixture of concern and irritation on his face.

“Why do you waste time on such useless baubles?” Torch demanded.

“They are not useless,” Ember retorted. “Each book contains knowledge we do not have. The hat will keep the sun from my eyes, and the perfume will help me get a mate.”

“At least one of those things is useful,” Torch murmured.

“I knew you saw the value in knowledge,” Ember teased.

The dragonlord grumbled, his voice causing the ground to vibrate. “You know that's not what I… Get down!”

Ember barely had a chance to blink before an incredibly bright white light lit up the volcanic crater she called home. The young princess was then immediately knocked off her feet by the sudden shockwave which shook the caldera. Her hat blew away, her books were scattered to the wind, and somewhere behind her she heard the bottle of perfume shatter against the rocks.

She didn't have time to mourn the loss of her new possessions, as a roar almost as powerful as the first impact could be heard. Scrambling to her feet, she peered from behind a pile of rocks to find that her father had been wounded. By who, Ember didn't know, but what she could tell was that her dad’s chest was now sporting a brand new hole.

One so wide that Ember could likely fly into it and gaze at the other dragon’s insides. Somehow, the projectile that had hit him had pierced through the black armor he always wore, as well as his natural scales. Tears welled within the young female’s eyes.

Torch let out a second, less powerful roar, the great dragon somehow managing to stay standing despite the blood now pouring out of his chest. Bright red and coursing like a raging river, the elder dragon’s life essence was quickly pooling around Torch’s feet. He wasn't defeated quite yet, and after a moment to steady himself, he raised the Bloodstone Scepter above his head.

“Come to me, my-” was all he could say before a concentrated blast of moonlight caused him to stumble backwards.

With his grip on the staff interrupted, the dragonlord dropped the tiny artifact and crossed his arms over his chest. Doing his best to block the magical attack, Torch stumbled back several steps, nearly tripping at the edge of the caldera. Only when it seemed as though he may be pushed right over did the attack stop, allowing Ember to see the damage it had left behind.

The elder dragon’s scales were scorched white, the attack having somehow robbed him of his distinctive blue green pigment. The impact had done more than discolor his body; it had also blasted away almost every last bit of armor the dragonlord wore. Leaving Torch open to a spear of darkness that fell from the heavens and screamed towards his chest.

The male was not so distracted as to be completely unaware, however, and he deftly twisted to the side. Trusting in the strength of his scales, Torch was relieved to feel the spear skid across his tough exterior without breaking through. With that dealt with, he turned towards where he had seen the projectile be thrown from and where a dark alicorn now stood.

“Your resilience is commendable, but you are nothing compared to the elder dragons of old,” Nightmare Moon declared in a deep, booming voice.

“I think you’ll find that I am more than a match for some tiny little pony who has to rely on hiding and hitting me when I’m not looking,” Torch exclaimed.

Nightmare Moon scowled, drawing forth another spear of darkness from the depths of her own shadow. “I will make you eat those words,” she declared.

“You will try,” Torch retorted, flashing Ember a quick sidelong look and subtly pointing to the ground. Stay hidden, commanded the dragonlord without uttering a word.

Before the alicorn could attack, Ember ducked back behind her cover, hiding from the shockwave she knew was coming. She wanted to rise back up immediately after, to wait until she saw an opening to help her father, but her feet wouldn't move. Fear combined with Torch’s unspoken order kept her rooted to the same spot, unable to even look over her small wall of rocks.

Yells of defiance met roars of rage, the battle continuing for several more minutes. Though she didn't dare even peek over the side of her pile of rocks, the princess could tell her father was losing. His voice grew quieter each time he bellowed a challenge, and the weight of his titanic blows had diminished significantly.

Until at long last the great dragonlord Torch was knocked to the ground, where he lay unable to rise again. The only thing Ember heard was the sound of something heavy repeatedly slamming into a wet object. In the silence that followed, Ember felt her curiosity slowly begin to win out, and she slowly peered over the lip of the rocks.

Though her heart beat fast and loud in her ears, the princess steeled her resolve and pressed on. The first thing she saw was her father lying on his side, eyes closed and missing one of his great horns. The titanic mass of bone had evidently been used to bludgeon the dragon to near death as the appendage was covered in blood.

While her father sported numerous wounds and lay inert on the ground, the mysterious pony was unharmed. Not only that, but she seemed completely unconcerned with her surroundings and was scanning the ground below her.

“What is she…” Ember murmured, trailing off when the alicorn plucked the Bloodstone Scepter from a pile of shattered stone.

Ember’s eyes went wide, and for a moment she worried that her and the rest of dragonkind was about to be made into slaves. Such a fear vanished a second later when the alicorn gripped the ancient artifact and, with a twist, snapped it in two. A wave of red light rippled outwards, causing a flurry of dust to rise into the air and forcing Ember to duck once more.

After the air cleared, the young princess peeked over the rocks once more. Where she found nothing save for the bloodied form of her father and the shattered remnants of the Bloodstone Scepter.

“F-father,” muttered the princess.

Taking wing, Ember flew as fast as she could to the elder’s side, tears already falling from her cheeks. In only a matter of moments, the young dragon had flown across the caldera, landing next to Torch’s one remaining eye.

“Father, please. Don't leave me,” Ember pleaded.

The great eye opened to reveal a yellow, bloodshot iris which stared sadly down on the princess. “I’m sorry, dear one,” he croaked. “But it seems like I will.”

“No, don't say that. You’ll be fine,” Ember shouted. “I’ll fix the scepter, summon the doctors, and-”

“It's too late for me,” Torch interrupted. “It's not too late for you, though. Go to the pony land, seek out Celestia. She must honor the old treaties.”

“B-but…” Ember stuttered.

“Go!” shouted the elder dragon.

Ember couldn't help but leap to her feet and take flight a moment later, flying as fast as she could for pony lands. As she flew, she peered over her shoulder, watching as the still form of her father grew smaller and smaller.

Until at long last even his monstrous form vanished from sight.

“-unpleasant. To say the least,” Twilight concluded after a long pause.

“How didn't the others notice this if it's so loud?” Steel Heart inquired.

“They aren't as powerful, nor as experienced as myself,” Twilight explained. “I doubt they even notice what they are doing.”

“Still,” Steel Heart murmured in a rare moment of quiet.

Twilight cleared her throat. “I believe that's one down, and two to go.”

“Right. The flight tests shouldn't be far, but it will be a bit of a hike to the hospital,” Steel Heart replied.

“Then we had best get moving,” Twilight declared.

Author's Note

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Cleaved In Twain

Twilight trod silently through the metal hallway, her mind barely even recognizing the concerned glances shot her way. Foot traffic was constant, though thankfully the denizens of the base stayed mostly out of Twilight’s way. The infested hardly even noticed the few who bumped into her, and she didn’t see how Steel Heart was subtly shooing away those who wished to stop them.

A glare was usually all it took to make the odd researcher turn away and stow the questions they had for the infested. This same strategy worked just as well on the people who wished to question if Twilight should be down here. That was until they neared the engineering bay that Pinkie Pie had told them about, and a particularly tall minotaur held out a hand.

“Please wait. There is a live test going on,” he cautioned in a quiet, kind tone.

Twilight paused and looked up to him, her brief bout of indignation melting the second she laid eyes on the male. There was no anger on his face, nor shrouding his mind, only a genuine concern for those involved. Steel Heart seemed to notice this as well, as she relaxed the second she was certain Twilight wasn't about to snap at him.

“Thank you, though I think we can handle ourselves,” Twilight replied.

“Respectfully, ma’am, I still don't know if that's a good idea,” replied the minotaur who tugged at the poorly fitted platemail he had been forced to wear.

“Is it a flight test of the Reaper class jumpsuits?” Steel Heart inquried.

The minotaur nodded slowly. “It is.”

“Then we should be fine. I worked out the kinks a couple days ago. It shouldn't blow up anymore, come on,” Steel Heart exclaimed, waving a hoof to the door.

“If you say so,” replied the towering bovine.

After the guard input the access code, the large steel door split at the middle and receded into either side of the wall, allowing Twilight and Steel Heart to enter the facility proper without any further molestation. Or at least it would have, as the doors themselves were nearly as wide and as tall as a small house, it took time for them to fully part.

“Not able to arm your non-ponies?” Twilight inquired, directing her question half at the guard and half at her companion.

Steel Heart winced and rubbed the back of her neck. “Not really, no. Properly outfitting other races has been a bit of an afterthought, so most non-ponies have been stuck in less essential positions or as vehicle pilots.”

“Fingers really help with that,” remarked the minotaur and wiggled her armored digits at the infested.

The door finally thumped open, releasing twin bursts of steam from either side.

With her goal now before her, Twilight strode confidently into the room, her gaze sweeping from left to right. On one side of the bay were numerous racks of armor in various states of completion or disrepair. Unlike the bulky sets worn by marines, these ones had less plating and bore the addition of two boosters strapped to the back.

They also lacked the cumbersome circular helmet, trading it for what looked like a complicated gas mask over a mesh underlay. Or at least that's what the pony standing directly in front of Twilight wore, her features obscured, making her identity not easily discernible to most. Twilight was not like most, however, and she could easily figure out who the wingless pegasus was, even at a glance.

Though Rainbow Dash didn't initially respond, Twilight could tell that she had recognized the infested’s presence. Her attention was merely fixed on securing the dual cables connecting her mask to a heavy pack located on her back. A task made easier with the help of a pair of technicians, each one of which stood on either side of the mare.

The one on her left was a short female earth pony with a spanner for a cutie mark, and a pair of large red goggles over her eyes. She hastily cranked a set of tubes strapped to Rainbow Dash’s left hoof while the other assistant was running through a checklist. The unicorn stallion stood taller than most, though almost the entire rest of his body was obscured by either a helmet or a voluminous white lab coat.

“Fuel pressure?” an assistant asked.

Rainbow Dash reached above her head and thumped a hoof against the bulky central mass of her jump pack. “Nominal,” she replied, her voice coming out slightly muffled due to the mask.

“Suit integrity?” asked the unicorn technician.

“One second,” warned the other tech, who cranked her wrench one final time. “Perfect. One hundred percent.”

“Good. We are ready when you are, Private Dash,” offered the unicorn.

“Roger that,” Rainbow Dash replied.

“We should take a step back,” Steel Heart offered as the metal doors slid shut behind her.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “But we’re already a good twenty feet away.”

“Best to be careful with this particular bit of tech,” Steel Heart exclaimed, gesturing to the right where a small observational booth had been set up. “There's a reason we got this thing bolted to the floor.”

“Is it that volatile?” Twilight questioned.

“It doesn't explode anymore, if that's what you're asking. Steel Heart here made sure of that,” replied the shorter of the two technicians.

Twilight raised an eyebrow as the four of them all assembled behind the shield. “Then why is it such an issue?”

“It's very, very hard to control,” answered the other tech. “So much so that the only pilots capable of controlling it are winged creatures who have lost the ability to fly.”

“If you have a perfectly functional set of wings, then it won’t work?” Twilight inquired.

“Pretty much,” Steel Heart remarked as the engines strapped to Rainbow Dash’s back began to engage. “If their wings work, they will subconsciously try to compensate by using them. If they don't, then the brain thinks the jets are their wings and adjusts their course properly.”

“It's why most Reapers can't jump more than a dozen feet without spiralling wildly off-course,” added the unicorn technician.

Before Twilight could continue her train of questions, the dull whine of the engines had grown too loud to speak over. Left with nothing to do but watch, Twilight did just that, observing as Rainbow Dash steadied her footing and gave her equipment a onceover. With that complete, the mare twisted her hooves in a series of rapid, precise movements.

With a click, the barrels attached to her wrists sprung forward, folding into a pair of small, yet high calibre machine pistols. Another series of twists seemed to activate the engines which soon became loud enough to make all conversation impossible. Then Rainbow Dash was airborne, shooting up until she very nearly hit the ceiling but stopping just in time before that could happen.

The Reaper soon gained control of her upward momentum and began to swivel left, then right. This seemed to reassure the pegasus that all was well, for she soon launched into a series of more elaborate moves. A short barrel roll was the first, and though a little shaky, Rainbow Dash did not crash, continuing to fly around the room with increasing ease.

“Commencing live fire demonstration,” Rainbow Dash’s mechanical voice barked.

“We did not clear you for weapons discharge!” yelled the unicorn tech, his horn alight with energy.

“Cut it out. You know she ain't gonna listen,” retorted the other.

The unicorn sighed. “Fine. But if she eats it again, you are fixing the boosters this time.”

Twilight tuned out the rest of the conversation and merely observed as Rainbow Dash swiveled towards a pair of previously unnoticed wooden targets. Two of whom were of zerglings, while the last was a rather lumpy-looking hydralisk. Rainbow Dash took a moment to line up the barrels attached to her wrists before unloading two dozen loud, rapid cracks.

The targets were almost completely obliterated, with the hydralisk being cut in half while the two zerglings vanished amidst the hail of lead. The attack was not without its repercussions however, as Rainbow Dash pitched backwards slightly. Try as she might to compensate for the blowback, the Reaper struggled to stop herself from tilting dangerously away from the targets.

“Here she goes,” remarked the unicorn.

“Oh, I can't watch,” muttered the other technician.

Twilight frowned and though tempted to grab the pegasus in her magic, she stopped herself. For despite the dangerous trajectory she was now on, Rainbow Dash remained completely and utterly confident. So Twilight restrained herself while at the same time staying ready to grab her if the worst occurred.

Sure enough, Rainbow Dash transitioned into a swift backflip and landed heavily on the ground a second later. A quick twist of her wrists, and the barrels of her guns were away, allowing the mare to put all four hooves down. The suit reacted without any need for commands, its boosters shifting so they folded against her back and began shutting down.

“Is she okay?” murmured the shorter tech, hooves still covering her face.

“She's fine,” Twilight declared as she stepped out from behind her cover. “Better than fine, I’d say.”

“That went better than anticipated,” Rainbow Dash remarked, trotting over to meet Twilight halfway. “I assume you saw all that?”

“We sure did. That was some dang nice moves,” Steel Heart remarked.

Twilight nodded. “Quite so. If every Reaper was as skilled as you, the zerg wouldn't stand a chance.”

For the first time since her arrival, Twilight sensed a brief flicker of happiness come from the pegasus, though it vanished a second later.

“Yeah, well, most of us haven't lost both of our wings,” Rainbow Dash bitterly remarked.

“What about the suit? Was it damaged by any of your maneuvers?” inquired the unicorn technician.

“It's fine,” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Come on. Let's go grab lunch and let these guys catch up,” urged the other pony.

“But the checklists. We should be running diagnostics,” exclaimed the taller of the two.

“Come on, let's go find a snack,” Steel Heart encouraged, all but dragging the other two ponies out of the room and flashing Twilight a wink as she did so.

The infested mare gave her a smile in return before glancing back at Rainbow Dash. “So, how have things been since the last time we met?”

Rainbow Dash sighed through her respirator. “Not great, but I suppose things have been getting better. Almost got shot the second we arrived though,” Rainbow Dash replied.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Oh? That sounds like a story.”

The pegasus chuckled. “I assume you’ve found out where our infested friends ended up, eh?”

“I have,” Twilight replied simply.

“Yeah, well. I objected to their treatment. Quite vehemently, I might add,” Rainbow Dash declared.

“I’m surprised you weren't tossed in there with them,” Twilight remarked.

Rainbow Dash growled and pawed a metal hoof against the ground. “I tried to be, but they told me that they were too much of a security risk, and that they couldn't allow it. I assume you have a plan to bust them out, right?”

“I am hoping it won't come to that,” Twilight reluctantly stated.

“Well, I’ll be ready for it either way,” Rainbow Dash declared, punctuating her point by activating a mechanism which reloaded her weapons.

Twilight nodded slowly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You’ve checked in with the others already, right?” Rainbow Dash half asked, half stated.

“I have,” Twilight answered. “All save for Rarity now.”

Rainbow Dash grunted. “Then you left the worst for last.”

“Did something else happen? Last I checked, both versions of Rarity were doing okay,” Twilight exclaimed.

“They were fine for a while, but then they just collapsed and can't seem to move. Noone knows what to do with them,” Rainbow Dash muttered, her voice falling to the point that it was barely above a whisper.

“Noone?” Twilight pressed.

Rainbow Dash shook her head. “They think it's something to do with her having two personalities. Other than that? There's just been a whole bunch of guessing.”

“That is unfortunate,” Twilight murmured.

“You had best go give her a look yourself. Something tells me you might be the only one who can help the poor mare,” Rainbow Dash remarked as she walked over to a nearby table and began to refill the now empty magazines on her wrists.

“Meet us down there in a couple hours. I should have everything settled by then, so we can talk about what happened and where we are going,” Twilight exclaimed, she too turning and trotting away.

“Got it, boss,” Rainbow Dash replied.

Twilight’s smile faltered as she made her way over to the exit, pausing next to the door activation panel in order to glance at Rainbow Dash. The mare made no effort to remove her suit, merely reloading the spent compartment before cleaning the barrels with a special tool. Though calm,and collected on the outside, Twilight knew better than to simply trust her eyes.

Rainbow Dash was in pain, a lot of it too.

Sure she hid it well, and was at least talking more, but Twilight knew better than to assume Rainbow Dash was returning to normal. That wouldn't happen until she got her wings back, a possibility that was extremely unlikely, even if she was infested.

With that dark, bitter thought in the forefront of her mind, Twilight hit the large green button. This time she didn't wait for the door to open fully and merely hopped through the center of it before trotting towards the train station. As she did so, Twilight’s mind extended, sweeping over the area and swiftly locating Steel Heart nearby.

The earth pony was standing next to an air vent, a lit cigarette between her lips, and a distant, almost glazed expression in her eye. Twilight’s heavy hoofalls alerted the mare to the fact that she was no longer alone, and she blinked in confusion as the infested approached her.

“Done already? I woulda thought you two needed more time alone,” Steel Heart remarked, puffing rapidly on her quickly dying smoke.

“She is a mare of few words, as am I,” Twilight replied.

“Evidently.” Steel Heart stamped out the butt before tossing it in a nearby garbage bin. “I assume you two will be talking more later, eh?”

Twilight nodded. “This was just to confirm if she was okay and judge how she's adapted to her new role.”

“In that regard I’d say she's been doing pretty well,” Steel Heart exclaimed. “That mare is about the only reason the Reaper program is still going. Before her there weren't many who could control the jets long enough to fly even short distances. Which is why we’ve reconfigured most to just boost short distances.”

“Rainbow Dash was an incredibly adept flyer. I’m not surprised she's mastered it so quickly,” Twilight remarked. “Let us continue to our next destination, however. I need to have several important discussions before this day can finally be over.”

“Right. Follow me,” Steel Heart replied.

Together the duo trotted over to the train once more, though Steel Heart paused before she entered through its doors. “Hey, are you sure you don't want some coffee or something? It's a bit of a trot to the hospital, and I doubt the head honcho will be able to fit ya into his schedule right away.”

Twilight snorted. “I wish. My body thinks caffeine is a dangerous chemical and breaks it down before it can do much more than make me need to pee.”

“You haven't had the stuff we make down in the bays,” Steel Heart exclaimed, grabbing Twilight by the shoulders and turning her towards a hallway that ended with what looked like a breakroom. “Just trust me, a cup of this will set you straight, or burn through your stomach lining like boiling acid.”

“Ha, bring it on,” Twilight declared.

Twilight tapped her right hoof rapidly against the ground as they stood in a non-descript grey elevator.

“Pretty good, eh?” Steel Heart remarked.

Twilight shook her head and glanced over to Steel Heart. “Oh yeah, very. I feel disturbingly awake.”

“Just don't have too much of it, or that ticker of yours might beat its way through your chest,” Steel Heart exclaimed, pounding a hoof against her own chest in emphasis.

“Or liquify my insides,” Twilight replied.

Steel Heart chuckled. “Yeah, or that.”

“So, how far away were we again?” Twilight asked. “It feels like we’ve been riding this elevator forever.”

“Palliative care is fairly high up, I’m afraid,” Steel Heart replied.

Twilight frowned, but ultimately said nothing, her mind running through every possibility she could imagine. Last she had seen the unicorn, Rarity had been physically fine, though her mental state was an entirely different story. Even then, she had at least established a working relationship with her other self, so that seemed unlikely to be the problem.

Thankfully Twilight’s train of thought was put to a stop when the doors of the elevator opened to reveal a mostly white waiting room. A single nurse sat behind a desk, several monitors arrayed before her, and a chess set sitting next to her. The only other pony around was an elderly earth pony who was crouched on a chair and was busy staring intensely at the board.

“Can I help you?” asked the nurse, who rose quickly from the desk.

“I’m here to see Rarity,” Twilight declared.

“And you are?” the nurse demanded, her rose-colored eyes narrowing.

“A friend, and if you don't believe me, you can ask her yourself,” Twilight exclaimed.

“It's fine,” Steel Heart interrupted. “Twilight here is something of an expert, and one of the few who may be able to help your patient.”

The nurse slowly sat back down, though she continued to peer intently at the infested mare. Until at long last she nodded and gestured to her left where a long hallway filled with doors waited for them.

“Number thirteen. I’ll buzz ahead and warn her of your arrival,” offered the other mare.

“Don't bother, she knows,” Twilight replied, trotting towards the hall without waiting for a response.

Steel Heart and the mare shared a shrug before one followed after her charge, and the other turned back to the board.

“Have you still not decided on a move?” whispered the nurse.

“Don't rush me. I gotta concentrate,” muttered the stallion.

The nurse sighed.

“So did ya tell her with your mind powers?” Steel Heart asked after catching up to Twilight.

“Rarity isn't as powerful as Pinkie Pie, but she does have practice and training,” Twilight explained. “Though distracted, the second we reached this floor, she knew of our presence. I am a little surprised she has regained so much of her power, however. I would have thought Nightmare Moon had neutered her permanently.”

Twilight pushed her way through the door and into the hospital room, her gaze immediately fixing on Rarity’s prone form.

“H-hello, d-d-darling,” muttered the pony, her eyes flickering from one color to the other with each noise she uttered. “So g-g-good to see y-y-you are okay.”

“I wish I could say the same for you,” Twilight remarked as she looked around.

Though small, the space was private, with a small ensuite bathroom and enough room for several chairs to rest next to Rarity’s bed. Which itself sat near a large window that overlooked the settlement and its many towering metal structures. Though nearly everything was a blinding white, there were splotches of color such as a row of get well soon cards sitting on the windowsill.

“I’m f-f-f-f-” Rarity bit her tongue and closed her eyes. “Fine.”

“Doesn't look like it,” Steel Heart retorted.

Twilight sighed. “As much as it pains me to agree with Steel Heart on such a subject, I’m afraid it's true, Rarity. You look like shit.”

The mare did indeed look like she had seen better days, as her fur was falling out in clumps, and her mane was in disarray. Not only that, but her hooves had also been strapped to the sides of the bed, though they were mostly hidden by a white blanket that covered up to Rarity’s neck. It didn't look like she had slept much either, as her eyes looked sunken, and had dark bags hanging under them.

“I’ve j-j-j-just b-b-been s-stressed,” Rarity stuttered, her body twitching visibly as she struggled to speak.

“What happened?” Twilight asked, pulling up a seat and resting next to the mare. “You seemed like you were going to be alright the last time I saw you.”

“I suppose things have n-n-n-” Rarity stopped herself and took a deep breath. “I admit it's-not been g-g-going as w-w-well as w-we h-h-hoped.”

“May I enter your mind? Perhaps this conversation would be easier there,” Twilight offered.

Rarity seemed conflicted for a moment, her face flashing from one emotion to the next before finally settling on grim acceptance. “Y-you m-may,” she muttered.

“Don't worry, Steel Heart. I won't be long,” Twilight remarked.

“I’ll go rustle up a donut or something so you got something to suck up all that coffee,” Steel Heart offered as she rose from her seat.

Twilight nodded and turned back to Rarity, who wore a strained smile on her weathered features. “We’ll figure this out,” Twilight whispered as she took the other mare’s hoof.

“We hope so,” Rarity muttered.

Closing her eyes, Twilight reached out with her powers and connected herself to Rarity’s turbulent mindscape. Just touching the roiling mass of emotions and thoughts felt like dipping her hoof in boiling water, but Twilight pushed on. She wasn't about to give up when her friend was suffering, not when she could potentially do something about it.

So with that thought firmly at the forefront of her mind, Twilight soldiered on, her physical body swiftly falling away. It was then replaced by a metaphysical one that, although didn't exist in the strictest sense of the word, still felt like it did. Unfortunately for Twilight, it gave her all the normal feelings her regular form did, like vertigo from falling upwards while spinning around.

All around her, memories, thoughts, and emotions sprawled out into a mix of sound and sight. Doors opened to reveal tender moments between mother and child while others contained only darkness. These endless hallways were occasionally marred by swirling masses of reddish hatred, dark blue regret, and cancerous envy. The raw emotions quickly become bulging tumours on the unicorn’s mindscape.

“Enough,” Twilight uttered, using a small amount of her power to force Rarity’s mind into a more orderly state.

The hallways and color fell away until there was only the small hospital room and a single double-wide bed containing two ponies. One a mere foal, the other an adult, both besmirched by whatever affliction had blighted Rarity in the waking world. They seemed confused for a moment, that was until they both laid eyes on Twilight who stood tall at the end of their bed.

“We are in our mind now, right?” asked the elder Rarity.

“We are,” Twilight answered. “And I already have a good feeling as to what is troubling you.”

“What is it?” asked the younger of the two, who tried to rise from her bed, only to be caught by something.

Glancing down, the two Rarity’s found that they were bound together by thick black chains wound around their wrists. Both old and young seemed ready to panic, the walls crumbling as the roof started to lower. Twilight was quick to put this to an end, however, and clopped her hooves, gaining their attention.

“That is the source of your discontent,” Twilight stated. “It is also your life line. Destroy it, and you both shall suffer.”

“How do you know that? You’ve only been here for a few seconds,” replied the elder.

“Your sense of time is skewed. It's actually been ten minutes since I first entered your mindscape,” Twilight replied, trotting over to the window and gazing out over the great white expanse beyond. “In that time I have been able to deduce that your minds both see the other as some manner of foreign entity.”

“And our fur falling out?” inquired the younger. “Why would that happen if it's our mind that's hurting.”

“It must be due to the overabundance of magic we now have, but can barely use,” reasoned the elder, glancing expectantly at Twilight. “But why would it only happen now? I thought the system you made would keep us in balance.”

“I thought so too, but I was wrong,” Twilight admitted. “I had assumed that both of you were missing a part of yourself that the other had, which would have allowed the both of you to exist within the same brain. As your younger self came into her own and settled into her, or your body, her consciousness did not merge or form a symbiotic relationship with your own. This is likely due to her unconsciously attempting to take over what she saw as her own body.”

“But I didn't want that to happen,” interrupted the younger. “And I don't want to hurt old Rarity either.”

“I am not that much…” the older of the two stopped and took a breath. “It doesn't matter because I have a solution.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Well, that's good, because I don't really know how to help if I’m being honest.”

“It's simple,” the older Rarity exclaimed, glancing at her counterpart. “You have to kill me.”

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

Steel and Concrete

“What?” yelled the younger. “No way, not happening!”

“It has to,” declared the mare’s older half. “We are dying. Furthermore, my personality, my very being was created and molded by the great houses. I am no more real than this room is.”

“You are real!” shouted the other. “I’ve seen your memories. I know what you’ve been through. You're not just some caricature of me, you are me.”

“Hogwash,” Rarity retorted. “I am a puppet, a pawn, and I will not endanger the true Rarity all because she is acting like a foal.”

The smaller of the two gaped in shock, glancing expectantly over at Twilight, hoping that the other mare may be able to offer some words of assistance. The infested unicorn didn't notice the shift in attention or the conversation itself as she stared off into the distance. Her gaze was intense, yet unfocused, as if Twilight was studying the seemingly blank wall for some hidden secret.

“That doesn't mean you aren't real,” the younger Rarity replied. “We were duped by the great houses and both turned into something awful against our will.”

The other pony scoffed. “I hardly think that's equatable. I got to live our life free of control, while you languished in some hellish void without any company save for the ponies imprisoned alongside you.”

“But you were forced to serve the houses, unknowingly or not, you were a slave to them. At least in that stupid prison thingy I could think for myself!” exclaimed the smaller of the two.

“This is not some sort of suffering competition, you know. You are real, I am fake. Thus you deserve your body and your life,” Rarity stated in a firm tone.

“We both deserve to be free, to have the lives we want, and to live how we want. Neither of us deserve death,” retorted the other.

“If Twilight is unwilling to end me, then I will find a way to do so myself!” Rarity declared, glaring hard at her counterpart.

“And if you do it, then I will do it too!” shouted her other half.

“That would mean my entire death would be in vain!” Rarity scoffed.

“I don't care!”

“Stop,” Twilight commanded, turning back to the pair. “You are both being ridiculous.”

“I am not!” the two Rarity’s shouted in unison.

Twilight merely raised an eyebrow and waited until they both wilted under her gaze and fell back to the bed.

“Okay, maybe we were being a bit silly, but that doesn't mean my points were any less salient,” the elder of the two declared.

“I don't know what salt has to do with this, but you’re wrong,” retorted the other.

“The entire premise is flawed,” Twilight interrupted, stepping up to the end of the bed. “You can no longer be separated without both dying.”

“Bwuh?” the younger Rarity muttered.

“How is that possible?” demanded the older.

“It's simple. Your minds have both essentially taken over or split the responsibility for certain unconscious actions that your brain naturally does,” Twilight declared. “Such as breathing, using magic, and other more active things like just being able to walk properly.”

“So Rarity has to learn how to walk again, or go on a breathing tube for a while. So what?” asked the older mare.

“You don't get it. The mind is one part physical and one part magical. You can't just cut it out of a body without some serious ramifications. Your heart could just stop beating, for one,” Twilight explained.

“Duh. Even I knew that,” the younger remarked.

“But I thought we were two pieces of a larger whole. Shouldn't we fit together, in essence?” Rarity pressed.

Twilight shook her head. “It's not like that. You two have… You know, I’ve never been very good with metaphors, so I’ll just show you.”

The walls of the room fell open before disappearing into the earth which rose up from nowhere. On it stood a small flat expanse of bright green grass as well as a single sapling that was only a foot in height.

“This is you at the point that you went to the houses,” Twilight declared, pointing to the young tree. “This represents your memories, personality, everything. Now this is what they did to you, as far as I’ve been able to gather.”

The two Rarity’s sat and watched as a knife appeared out of nowhere and lopped nearly the entire tree off, leaving behind only a clean wound stretching several inches in length. The tree struggled to repair itself. Thankfully it had help, as a leafy branch cut from a slightly darker sapling had appeared and was swiftly grafted in its place.

The part that had been amputated was then planted alongside the first, the two trees swiftly growing into their own. Though one was larger, the removed segment had somehow managed to sprout new roots, and had survived. While its counterpart grew large, and the two halves meshed together, the smaller stubbornly continued to grow, albeit at a slower rate.

“There,” Twilight declared, gesturing to the trees. “Now do you see?”

“I don't get it,” muttered the younger Rarity.

“Though we were the same person at one point, we have both grown beyond that,” remarked the elder. “See how the small tree has sprouted new branches, and has roots of its own? That's you.”

“So the big one with the weird multi-colored trunk is you then?” replied the other.

“Exactly,” Twilight interrupted. “You are both your own people. The smaller continued on, while the first tree has melded with the graft, becoming something unique.”

“And you got all that by staring at a wall for a few seconds?” deadpanned the younger one.

“It's actually been a half hour,” Twilight retorted.

The two Rarity’s shared a strained look before glancing back at Twilight expectantly.

“So… Is there any way of surviving this?” asked the younger one.

“I don't know,” Twilight admitted with a sigh. “Earlier when you mentioned having too much magic, you were more right than you knew. On top of this whole two personalities thing, you also have two souls.”

“Which means two wellsprings,” concluded the older mare.

“That's bad, right?” asked the smaller Rarity.

“It is,” Twilight answered. “Two complete souls have never survived within the same body before, and even the blackest of magic cannot fix this issue.”

“But I swear that I’ll come up with something,” Twilight quickly added. “All of this power must be capable of doing some good, after all.”

The Rarity’s exchanged a knowing look, a silent conversation passing between them.

“Twilight,” murmured the older one in a soft tone. “You have already done so much for us and the others. If you draw yourself any thinner, you’ll be two dimensional.”

“Yeah, we can handle it,” added the younger.

“This isn't up for debate,” Twilight declared. “I will help you whether you like it or not.”

“It's not up to you, Twilight,” began one.

“We will save ourself,” finished the other.

Twilight opened her mouth to respond, but found herself unceremoniously dumped back into her own body. Immediately her eyes flew open, and she looked over to find that Rarity appeared to be asleep, a wide smile on her face.

“Stars above,” Twilight cursed. “This isn't something you can cure with stubbornness alone.”

The other unicorn remained silent, her breathing strong and her body twitching every few seconds.

“I’ll save you,” Twilight whispered. “I promise.”

The infested pony then turned and walked into the hallway, leaving Rarity alone in the now quiet room. Seconds ticked by at a slow, pendulous pace with little to break the silence save for Rarity’s breathing and the distant sound of a fan. Then she cracked a single eye open and glanced at the door Twilight had disappeared through a minute earlier.

“And we will fix ourselves, all on our own,” she muttered before turning her head and closing her eyes once more.

“Did you have to be so stern with that nurse?” Steel Heart asked rather gruffly.

“No,” Twilight admitted. “Rarity’s circumstances have put a strain on what little patience I had left.” She sighed. “I’ll make sure to apologize later when she delivers Rarity to the barracks.”

Steel Heart nodded. “See to it that you do. I haven't seen her around much myself, but she sure seemed like the nice sort.”

“I will,” Twilight declared. “So, getting back on topic. Were you able to arrange a meeting with this Edmund Duke person?”

Steel Heart perked up. “Yes, actually. He was rather interested in meeting you and offered to do so at your earliest convenience. Mentioned something about keeping his schedule clear for you.”

“That's a start,” Twilight muttered, her gaze drifting up to the top of the elevator and the line of numbers that slowly counted down. “Where exactly is he anyway?”

“That's just it. He said he’d find you and--” Steel Heart’s explanation was cut off when the doors opened, and a tall, grizzled minotaur stood in the opening. “Well, would you look at that. Twilight, this is Edmund Duke, Major general of the Confederate Army.”

The minotaur merely nodded at the pair, the barest hint of a smile gracing his aged features. “It is good to see the old bat’s protege isn't just a horn,” he exclaimed in a cold, yet not insulting manner. “Got an impressive height on ya too. Musta been that crazy diet she mentioned the last time we spoke.”

Twilight was temporarily taken aback by the elderly minotaur’s appearance, as well as the odd haze which hung over him. Though not physical, this miasma seemed to obscure his thoughts and hide his emotions from the infested despite her best efforts.

“Don't bother tryin’ to get a read on me,” he remarked, tapping a gloved knuckle across his mostly hairless head. “Got my head cracked open during the guild wars of forty-three. Had to bolt a plate of steel over the hole to keep my brains from pouring out.”

Twilight nodded slowly. “I apologize. I was merely caught off guard. I assumed we would meet somewhere private.”

“I’m a busy man. Not even Tia’s protege can take much of my time,” Edmund declared, gesturing down the hall. “Now we best get moving. Don't want to hold up the elevator all day, now do we?”

“And myself, sir?” Steel Heart inquired.

“Do what you please, engineer,” replied the minotaur before abruptly turning around and walking down the hall.

Twilight quickly trotted after him, her mind still grappling with his odd appearance and strange impression. Not being able to read even the loudest of surface thoughts or most potent of emotions had certainly put her on the back hoof. Not only that, but Twilight had never seen the old minotaur before, yet he was apparently quite familiar with Celestia.

He also wore what looked like an old breastplate with a tall rigid collar overtop of a thick, heavy red coat. His legs were similarly covered with crimson garb, though his hooves remained unadorned by the boots Twilight had assumed she would see. The only small bit of decoration were the four gold stars seemingly welded to a part of his armor that covered his throat.

Though likely an utterly massive and no doubt impressively strong specimen in his prime, Edmund Duke had seen better days. The slight limp he had in his right leg would be unnoticed by most casual observers, but Twilight was not most people. She could also see that his horns had been carefully cut down to little more than flat nubs on either side of his balding head, leaving only the many wrinkles and his thick, prominent brow to serve as landmarks on his scarred face.

“Well, ya gonna look at me all day, or are you going to tell me what this is about?” Edmund barked, glancing briefly over to Twilight.

“I want my friends released,” Twilight replied without hesitation. “I will not suffer their containment for even a moment longer.”

The minotaur paused and looked down at the mare, his gaze narrowing dangerously, or at least Twilight assumed as much. Without any thoughts to read or emotions to gleam, Twilight was forced to rely on plain old intuition when figuring him out. Yet there wasn't much to go on, as Edmund Duke’s expression was stern, but beyond that, unreadable.

So Twilight merely returned the same look of determination, hoping that this was some simple stare down and that responding in kind was the correct response. Together they peered intently at one another for several quiet seconds, Steel Heart merely standing nearby, confused and slightly nervous.

“The eggheads tell me that they could turn on us the second a queen comes in range of the base. Can you guarantee that won't happen?” Edmund Duke half asked, half declared.

“For that to happen, they would need to kill me first,” Twilight retorted.

“That wasn't a yes,” Edmund Duke replied.

“Yes,” Twilight shot back.

Edmund Duke nodded slowly. “Then they’ll be released the second I get back to my office and give the word. It's good to know that my gut was right, and that my science officer was wrong.”

“What did they recommend?” Twilight asked.

“Emil recommended vivisection, experimentation, and all kinds of bloody nonsense,” Edmund Duke barked, turning back and resuming his swift, steady pace. “The lad’s brilliant, but I think losing his family to the zerg knocked something loose in that head of his.”

Twilight nearly stumbled for a second. “That's… horrible.”

“That's what I said,” Edmund Duke replied. “Figured if we put enough steel and concrete over their heads that it wouldn't be an issue.”

Steel Heart subtly breathed a sigh of relief, her shoulders falling slack.

Twilight, meanwhile, was at odds with herself, unsure if she should trust the strange minotaur, or if this was all some kind of game. Not being able to confirm his intentions left Twilight uncertain of herself, though his tone and body language seemed to indicate he was sincere. Regardless of whether or not his words were true, Twilight had gotten what she wanted, and without bloodshed no less.

“They will not be a problem,” Twilight stated.

“Good. I’d rather not waste a potential asset,” Edmund Duke exclaimed. “Stones know we need more people we can count on around here.”

“Well, if your ultimate plan is to unseat the Nightmare and save the world, then you can count on me,” Twilight replied.

Edmund Duke nodded while he strode down the hall, turning abruptly down a side passage. “That's exactly what I want to hear. Though I warn you, as long as I live and breathe, we are not putting Celestia back on that throne.”

This time Twilight really did stumble for a moment before quickly catching back up with the minotaur. “What do you mean? She’s the only reason we even have a fighting chance,” Twilight exclaimed.

“And she's also the whole damn reason we’re in this mess,” Edmund Duke declared. “Generational wealth and power creates a class of people fundamentally disengaged from the general populace. The noble system is flawed at its very core, and preserving such a hierarchy is antithesis to the principles of freedom that this confederacy was founded on.”

Twilight gaped silently, glancing over to Steel Heart for help.

“He's a man of principle,” Steel Heart whispered.

“Don't get me wrong, I ain't knocking old fire pants. I’d vote for her in a heartbeat, but the organizational structure of the Equestrian government will need to be rebuilt from the ground up,” Edmund Duke continued, his voice gaining the edge of a lecturer. “After experiencing a true meritocracy, without the pressures of xenophobia, no one here would consent to be ruled by a select group of plutocrats.”

“You taught philosophy, didn't you?” Twilight asked.

The minotaur smirked, though he never looked away from his destination. “A bull can't stay a mercenary forever. The job will either kill you, or kill your mind. Either way, you’ll be a worthless slab of meat, the only difference is if you’ll still be twitching or not.”

“The Žižek Institute for Higher Learning in Little Rock, right?” Twilight continued.

This time it was Edmund Duke’s turn to pause and glance appreciatively at his conversation partner. “That's impressive. Not many ponies care to learn about our particular brand of philosophy, or where it's taught,” Edmund Duke exclaimed.

“Knowledge comes from many places,” Twilight declared.

“That it does,” Edmund Duke agreed. “But enough talk about the future. We must secure the present before we can even have a hope of creating a more equal and equitable society.”

“What can I do to help?” Twilight offered as the trio entered into another indoor train station.

Edmund Duke stopped just as he was about to pass through the only open door on the small machine. “The council is meeting tomorrow evening to discuss the progress we’ve made against the zerg threat. I want you to be there,” he declared, jabbing a gnarled finger into Twilight’s chest.

“I will,” Twilight replied.

“See to it that you are. There will be some who disapprove of your presence, but I don't rightly care about their opinion. Yours, on the other hand? Well, yours is unique and valuable,” Edmund Duke declared. “Too many of us are coming at our problems like this is just another conflict, but you know better than that, don't you? I can see it in your eyes.”

“That I do,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Be at the bridge, five A.M. sharp. No lollygagging, now ya hear?” he barked.

Twilight nodded confidently.

Then the minotaur turned and disappeared into the car, the door slamming shut behind him. A second later, the engine began to whir as the train departed the station and went down the dark narrow tunnel.

“Whew, that was intense,” Steel Heart murmured.

“Is he always so… commanding? I could barely get my mouth to utter more than a few words at a time,” Twilight muttered, watching the train slip into the gloom and vanish around a bend.

“Edmund certainly has a unique way with words,” Steel Heart mused. “You can't help but feel like a babe when you’re talking to him.”

“No kidding,” Twilight remarked. “It was almost like Celestia was giving me another lesson.”

Steel Heart erupted with laughter and clasped the other mare around the shoulders. “Don't go telling him that. Being the general of the army has made his head big enough already.”

Twilight chuckled. “Either way, I’m glad I was wrong.”

“Oh, what did you expect?” Steel Heart prompted.

“To be honest? The worst,” Twilight replied with a sigh. “My life has been one long string of failures, and I had no reason to expect that this time would be any different.”

Steel Heart scoffed. “You saved this city and Celestia. I’d hardly count either of those things as failures.”

“Yes, but-” Twilight began.

“Butts are for sitting,” Steel Heart interrupted, squeezing Twilight’s shoulders. “I ain't going to be host to any pity parties, now come on. I’m sure your friends are dying to hear about your adventures.”

“I suppose,” Twilight murmured after a long pause.

Steel Heart stepped back before leading the way towards another elevator, followed by more long hallways. Dozens of ponies and other creatures passed them by while the two of them remained silent. Steel Heart was unreadable, her thoughts focused purely on the path ahead of her and leaving little to be deduced.

Though it was possible to delve deeper, Twilight refused to breach such trust and merely walked quietly. Her own mind was awhirl with questions, considerations, and half formed plans she wasn't sure if she should even think about. The weight of her exhaustion coupled with the stress had begun to physically drag her down, her shoulders slumping under the weight.

So distracted was the infested unicorn that she barely even noticed that something was amiss. The only clue she got that everything was not as it seemed was the fact that the barracks was quiet and empty.

Passing through the still broken doors, Twilight looked around, her mouth opening as she summoned her psychic powers to seek out her friends. Only to have her search ended before it began as every single one of them appeared from a dozen shimmering clouds. Twilight’s adrenaline spiked for the briefest moment before she noticed the party hats sitting atop everyone’s heads.

“Surprise!” they all shouted.

Twilight’s horn dulled, her body released its tension, and with a sigh she fell to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.

Spike blinked and prodded the unicorn’s side. “I think your surprise was a bit too good there, Pinkie.”

“Daww, and I worked so hard too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight waved a shaky hoof in the air. “It's great, just someone get me some coffee please. Oh, and the strongest ibuprofen you got.”

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.
This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

Meeting Friends, Old and New

“You know, I d-d-don't think chasing ibuprofen with c-coffee is a good idea,” Fluttershy remarked.

“Doesn't that make you sick?” whispered Scootaloo who peeked out from behind Fluttershy’s foreleg.

Twilight merely grunted as she took the medication and chased it with a mouthful of brownish sludge. She then swallowed the rest of her coffee, ensuring that everything stayed down and that her stomach was going to obey her. Only when she was certain she wasn't about to throw up, did Twilight glance to a slightly uncomfortable Spike standing before her.

“It's fine. I’ll be getting some sleep immediately after the party,” Twilight reasoned.

“Ahh’ that's good, ‘cause no offense there, boss, but ya look like a whole heap a manure,” Applejack remarked.

Fluttershy bobbed her head in agreement.

Twilight snorted. “I think I’ll survive a simple party. Unless Pinkie Pie was planning on playing pin the tail on the donkey, because I don't think I’d survive getting spun around in circles.”

“Although fun, I don't think this is quite the right crowd for a game like that,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, hopping up next to the infested unicorn.

“So, how did it go with the big guy?” inquired Applejack.

I assume that it went well, since you are not preparing any escape plans, Zecora inferred, joining the small crowd.

“It did indeed go well,” Twilight replied, glancing at the infested zebra. “And let's just keep those plans on the back burner for now. I still need to feel out the opinions of the council once they’ve assembled.”

“I wouldn't worry about it too much,” Pinkie Pie declared. “They are all pretty reasonable people. Barring a, uh... few exceptions.”

Rainbow Dash snorted bitterly before downing the cup of punch she had been holding.

“I gotta say, Pinkie, you were exceptionally quick on the draw with this party,” Spike offered, gesturing to the tables of snacks and food which had been carried into the room while Twilight had been waiting for her coffee. “I dare say you have better organizational skills than mom over here.”

Pinkie Pie giggled. “Oh, I wouldn't go that far, your old ma is quite the multitasker.”

“Thank you, Pinkie Pie, though I think you’ve got me beat in the speed department. Why, you’ve even got a few seafood dishes… and are those pigs in a blanket I see?” Twilight inquired, licking her lips.

Pinkie Pie bobbed her head excitedly. “Yupperdoodle! There are tons of different creatures that live on base, so it wasn't hard to find a chef willing to help a mare out in her time of need.”

“Well what are we waiting for, let's get this party started already!” Spike exclaimed.

“Wait!” Rainbow Dash gestured back to the entrance leading from their private barracks.

“What are we waiting for?” Scootaloo asked.

Her question was answered a moment later when Rarity got wheeled into the room, the unicorn still locked in a deep sleep. The nurse attending to her was familiar to Twilight, who winced upon seeing the uninfested pony so soon after their rather imperfect first meeting.

“Err, are you sure she should be here?” Applejack asked, a scythe-like arm scratching her head. “She ain't even awake.”

I do not understand why an unconscious pony would be invited to a party. Though I have never been to one myself, so perhaps my assumptions are flawed, Zecora reasoned.

“Well’ if she woke up and found out that she didn't get invited, Rarity would be awfully sad, don't you think?” Pinkie Pie replied.

Zecora blinked. How did you just do that without me noticing? Noone should be able to read my mind.

“I might have been eavesdropping just a little bit,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed before giggling and hopping away.

Twilight quietly ignored Zecora’s demands for answers and walked over to the nurse, clearing her throat when she had drawn close.

“Sorry about earlier. Things have been stressful, to say the least,” Twilight offered.

The nurse chuckled. “You could say that. After our meeting, I was granted access to your file, and I’m honestly surprised you weren’t even more snippy with me.”

Twilight rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “Yeah, well… It's still not an excuse.”

“Don't worry about it, dear. I’ve dealt with plenty of unruly patients in my time,” the nurse dismissed.

“Speaking of which, how has Rarity been?” Twilight inquired, glancing down at the still slumbering mare.

“She's been quiet,” muttered the nurse. “It doesn't seem like it on first glance, but it feels like there is a lot going on just under the surface.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked, peering intelty down at Rarity and poking her in the side with a claw.

“Her body twitches like she's walking, and her eyes move rapidly behind her eyelids,” explained the nurse. “It isn't random either, it’s like she's traveling somewhere.”

“Any idea what's going on with her?” asked Spike, glancing expectantly at Twilight.

Who shook her head. “No idea. Her mind is locked down tight. The only way I’d be able to get in is if I hurt her in the process, and that would be counterproductive.”

“D-d-do you require my h-help?” Fluttershy offered, slipping up next to the other infested.

“No, it's fine. I don't think we can help her at the moment,” Twilight replied.

“I feel like this is one journey she needs to take alone,” remarked the nurse. “Now why don't you all go join the party, hmm? I’ll keep an eye on your friend.”

“Please do. She's been through a lot,” Spike murmured.

“Don't worry, I will,” she replied.

Twilight cleared her throat and took Spike by the shoulder. “Now then, why don't we see about getting a snack and some punch?”

“That s-s-sounds l-lovely,” murmured Fluttershy.

“Can we get some sweets?” whispered Scootaloo, the zergling hybrid searching the room for any sign of chocolate.

“If you're good,” Fluttershy replied.

“Waaaait!” Pinkie Pie interrupted, sliding in front of the small group. “We have one last important guest that will be joining us.”

“Aww, come on, Zecora’s already eating!” Spike pointed out.

The zebra retracted her tentacles, quickly swallowing the dozen or so prawns she had stolen from a platter.

“Just wait another few seconds, and he’ll be here,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Wait, he?” Twilight murmured, her gaze growing distant.

Extending her mental powers, she sought out the mind of anyone in the immediate vicinity whom she could not see. The second after she did so, Twilight became equal parts happy and confused, glancing expectantly to the shattered doors. Where an aged griffon ambled through along with a worried-looking earth pony dressed in the garb of a confederate soldier.

The trooper had been one of the same Twilight had seen guarding the door earlier, though his companion was someone she hadn't seen for some time. Razor Wind looked nearly the same as Twilight remembered, with the sole exception being a fresh scar that went down his cheek and ended just above his collar bone. Save for that, the old griffon still looked like he had been carved from some nearly petrified oak, his every feature gnarled by the long march of time.

“Oh, would you quit crowding me, you nervous child?” barked the older male.

“But sir, your condition,” offered the soldier.

“I don't have any stars-damned condition. I’m just old!” shouted the griffon, who waved his walking stick at the pony menacingly.

“Err, sorry,” muttered the colt who swiftly walked away.

“Is that… Razor Wind?” murmured Spike.

“Who else would it be? King Whisper Beak the Third?” barked the griffon as he ambled up to the pair.

“It's so good to see you. I thought you were dead,” Twilight remarked.

Razor Wind snorted. “Surviving wars ain't even that hard. Just keep your head down and don't volunteer for nothin’.”

“I like this guy,” Rainbow Dash declared.

“Then get me a chair. The walk down here did a number on my back,” demanded Razor Wind.

“How did you escape?” Spike asked. “I thought you got caught up in one of those riots on the upper levels.”

“If you think a couple jumped up stick-heads are enough to stop me, then yer ma here hasn't told you much of me,” Razor Wind shot back, sitting down on the chair Rainbow Dash had brought for him and giving the pegasus a nod.

“Still. That couldn't have been easy,” Twilight offered.

Razor Wind shook his head. “Not even close. Those blasted fools tried throwing me over the side of the city wall, thinking I couldn't fly.”

“You can?” Rainbow Dash whispered in a low tone.

The griffon opened his tattered wings and grinned wolfishly. “These babies can't rightly get me off the ground anymore, but that doesn't mean I can't glide on ‘em if given the chance.”

Rainbow Dash nodded slowly, peering intently at the griffon as he folded his wings once more, wincing as he did so.

“Does it hurt?” she asked.

“Only when the wind is dry,” Razor Wind replied, then looked the pegasus up and down before leaning in. “Lost a fight, did ya?”

“Yes, sir,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“But did ya lose the war?” Razor Wind inquired.

“No, sir,” Rainbow Dash answered.

“Then ya didn't lose nothin’, now get me some of them fishy things, and I’ll tell you a tale or two,” Razor Wind barked.

Twilight smiled, and pulled Spike away from the griffon. “Come on, let's get ourselves some food.”

“Daww, but I wanted to talk to the old-timer,” Spike whined.

“It seems like someone else needs to do that a bit more than we do,” Twilight replied, glancing at Rainbow Dash.

“--and that just about covers it all,” Twilight murmured. She paused to clear her throat. “Would someone mind grabbing me some--Oh, thank you, Spike.”

The dragon nodded as he handed over a tall cup of punch. “No problem. Try to let your voice rest for a bit, that was one long recap,” Spike offered.

“No kidding,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“I c-c-can't b-believe you went through all that in s-s-such a short t-time,” Fluttershy whispered.

“Now I feel bad about wanting you back sooner,” Scootaloo admitted, peeking out from between Fluttershy’s forelegs.

“Spike did great while you were away though,” Applejack interrupted as she slithered next to Twilight. “He kept everyone’s hopes up and made sure we could all think somewhat clearly.”

Even if it was rather hard without you, my queen, Zecora added somewhat reluctantly, the zebra’s tentacles writhing angrily beneath her hood. I am not sure if I could have maintained my sanity if I was to lose the intellectual edge your presence grants me.

“Well, don't worry, it's not like I can go back,” Twilight exclaimed and downed the rest of the drink in a gulp.

“Too bad though. I would have loved to meet my doppelganger. I wonder if her hair was as pink as mine,” Pinkie Pie pondered.

“I’d sure say so,” Twilight replied.

“So, what do you think happened back there anyway?” Applejack interjected. “You don't think that big explosion took ‘em all out, do ya?”

Twilight shook her head. “I don't suspect so. Sunset Shimmer had enough of my magic to perform one big group teleport, and I doubt she’d leave her friends behind.”

“She m-m-might not have b-been given the ch-ch-chance,” Fluttershy whispered.

“Sunset was strong, as was the bond she shared with her friends,” Twilight replied. “She made it out, of that I’m sure. The only question left is if they were able to save that other version of me.”

“I think so,” Spike stated.

“Now that we got that wrapped up for everyone else, do you think we could start the party for real this time?” Spike asked.

“For sure, but before that happens, let's welcome the rest of our guests!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Everyone turned to the shattered doors to find a small cadre of strange individuals walking inside. Twilight recognized all of them, including the janitor and soldier she had met upon returning to this reality. She also recalled the names of Pinkie Pie’s psionically gifted squad, though she wasn't exactly enthused by their presence.

While Pinkie Pie began introducing everyone, Twilight took a step back, pulling Zecora and Fluttershy with her. The two infested creatures silently followed their queen’s lead, all while staring intently at the newest arrivals.

“You’re w-w-worried they aren't n-nice,” Fluttershy reasoned.

“I am,” Twilight admitted, glancing at Zecora. “Just keep your distance for the moment. I would rather not cause a scene, but if they dare insult any of you…”

“I w-w-wouldn't w-worry. Pinkie Pie is smart,” Fluttershy whispered.

I admit the pink one has shown a remarkable aptitude for reading others. I don't think there will be any problems, Zecora added.

“We shall see,” Twilight remarked.

The trio stood away from the others, with Twilight watching the larger group closely, while also remaining apart. Extending her psionic senses, she could tell that the newcomers were uncomfortable being around the infested. Those feelings were surprisingly dull however, as if they had been tempered by something.

As they stood there uncomfortably, with Pinkie Pie introducing everyone in the room to one another, those strained emotions faded even more. A few half-hearted greetings and several awkward jokes later, both groups seemed more or less at ease with one another. All they needed were some kind words from Pinkie Pie, as well as a bit of prompting from Spike. A bit of fear and a sliver of hatred remained, but they were minor, having been subdued by the budding acceptance they all felt.

“S-see?” Fluttershy muttered, gesturing to the two groups as they began to intermingle.

All is as predicted, Zecora stated.

“I suppose you were right,” Twilight admitted. “I must have spent too much time with humans. Their xenophobic ways have infected my mind.”

“A b-b-bit of p-paranoia is h-healthy,” Fluttershy offered.

Especially given the climate of the times, and the threat unbound infested pose, Zecora reasoned.

“Fair enough,” Twilight muttered. “Shall we join them?”

“If y-y-you w-want,” Fluttershy stuttered.

I will remain at your side, my queen, Zecora replied.

“Then let us enjoy ourselves,” Twilight exclaimed.

“So what's it like, getting stuck in that thing?” Tall Order asked, clopping a hoof against Twilight’s semi-organic metal exterior.

“Fine, I suppose,” Twilight replied. “It doesn't limit mobility, nor does it impede me in any other manner.”

“What if you need to do a tinkle?” whispered Little Strongheart, the buffalo clutching a small cup of punch like it was her sole lifeline in a tempest-tossed sea.

“The, uh, suit takes care of it,” Twilight cautiously replied.

“Well, it's a good thing you never attracted a partner, otherwise that last bit might have been a problem for you,” Spike remarked with a snicker.

“She has another hole though,” Tall Order offered, only to immediately wince. “I meant to kiss. Terribly sorry about my phrasing there.”

“For a butler to the Bluebloods, you sure aren't the best at being subtle,” Applejack pointed out.

Tall Order sighed. “It's a part of my… condition. Everyone’s thoughts are so loud that I struggle to hear what I’m saying amidst all the noise.”

“That sounds quite disconcerting,” Spike remarked.

“You have no idea how right you are, my boy,” Tall Order muttered.

“You know, I might be able to assist you with that,” Twilight offered.

Tall Order’s eyes immediately lit up. “You might? Oh, that would be delightful. Pinkie Pie has been an excellent help, but I’m afraid we know very little about our new abilities.”

“Twi here can totally help ya out. Why don't you come on by the barracks sometime tomorrow?” Spike offered.

“Provided Miss Twilight has the time,” Tall Order added.

“A short session shouldn't be too hard to fit into my schedule,” Twilight replied, sipping her punch.

“That is most wonderful. Hopefully I’ll be able to resist complimenting your legs until then.” The stallion blanched. “I said that last part out loud, didn't I?”

“I don't get it. Do you like metal or something?” Applejack muttered, tapping one of Twilight’s forelegs in emphasis.

“They are really big. I bet you are really strong, Miss Sparkle,” Little Strongheart muttered.

“Err, yes. That's what I was going to say,” Tall Order quickly added. “I am envious of your physique!”

Twilight chuckled. “Sure you were, that's why you're imagining me stepping on you right now.”

“What? No!” Tall Order rose suddenly. “Well, would you look at the time. I really must be turning in for the night.”

“But it's only seven o’clock,” murmured Little Strongheart.

“You know what they say. The early bird gets the worm!” Tall Order shouted before chuckling awkwardly and making a beeline for the exit.

“Oh, I like him,” Spike exclaimed.

“That's not a surprise. You two do have at least one thing in common,” Twilight whispered and popped a prawn into her mouth.

“What--I just like tall females, is all. It's not weird!” Spike shouted.

“Yeah, at least he doesn't have a crush on his mom or somethin’,” Applejack added.

“Like you're one to talk!” Spike declared, jabbing a claw at the hydralisk hybrid.

“I don't know what yer talkin’ about,” Applejack murmured, shrinking down until she was small enough she hoped Twilight couldn't see her.

“I see Tall Order’s poor phrasing has infested you all,” Twilight muttered.

“Now, Screwy, the point is to throw the dart closest to that red part in the middle. Like this,” Screwball declared before lobbing her dart and netting herself a whole three points.

Screwy nodded her head eagerly and tried to follow up, but was struggling to hold the tiny metal projectile in her hooves. After several seconds of trying, she gave up, the dart falling out of her grip and landing point down onto the ground.

“Can't,” Screwy declared.

“Use your mind, Screwy,” Little Strongheart whispered. “Like we practiced.”

The buffalo grabbed the dart from the floor before levitating it using her mind and throwing it at the board, scoring thirty points.

“C-can I play?” whispered Scootaloo.

Screwy’s eyes narrowed, the hair on the back of her neck rose, and a growl began to spill from her throat. The zergling winced in pain, stumbling back a step and rapidly attempting to slip away from the group.

“That's fine, I’ll j-just g-go,” Scootaloo whispered.

“Hold on there, kiddo. Screwy here was just being silly. Isn't that right, Screwy?” Screwball interrupted, glaring at her sister.

“I…” Screwy frowned. “Sorry.”

“She's just a little scared of new people, is all,” Little Strongheart whispered, lowering herself to Scootaloo’s level.

Scootaloo glanced nervously from one pony to the other. “Are you sure? I don't want to intrude.”

“It's fine, see, Screwy? She's just like you,” Screwball declared, gently pushing her sister towards the filly.

Screwy resisted for a moment, but upon nearing Scootaloo something clicked, and her eyes went wide. Then before Scootaloo knew it, she was getting every inch of her being smelled by a curious mare that had no concept of personal boundaries.

“H-hey, that tickles!” Scootaloo exclaimed, pushing the pony’s nose away from her underbelly.

“She's never been this friendly before. What did you find, Screwy?” Screwball asked.

“Digger. Lonely, like us,” Screwy muttered between sniffs. “Part of our pack now.”

“I am?” Scootaloo murmured in shock.

Screwy bobbed her head.

“Well it looks like you're in, kid. Why don't you give it a go?” Screwball asked, extending her hoof and offering the infested a dart.

“Make sure to throw it real hard so it sticks,” offered Little Strongheart.

Scootaloo didn't reply, as she was too focused on the dart, grabbing it in her mouth and looking up at the board. For a moment no one said or did anything, as nearly everyone was silently wondering what Scootaloo was planning on doing. Theories ranged from simply lining up the shot, to thinking that the zergling had decided to chew on the thing, rather than throw it.

Then she spat the dart out with such force that it flew unerringly into the bullseye, slamming home with enough force to rattle the board.

Screwball blinked. “Woah.”

While the rest of the party continued to swell with laughter and the general sound of merriment, not everyone had joined in. Away from the other party-goers were Ember, Zecora, and Fluttershy. The dragon stood with her arms crossed over her chest, glaring at anyone who dared look at her. Zecora and Fluttershy stood nearby, both locked in a conversation that was inaudible to nearly everyone else.

“Hey girls. Why don't you join in on a board game? I just know you’ll like it,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, suddenly appearing in the trio’s midst.

“Board games are for babies,” Ember muttered, unsurprised by Pinkie Pie’s abrupt appearance.

“S-s-sorry, P-pinkie, but we d-don't like board games,” Fluttershy whispered, gesturing to herself and Zecora.

“Not even if it's about conquering the world?” Pinkie Pie replied, lifting a box marked by the word RISK in bold red letters across the top.

“You h-h-have our at-t-tention,” Fluttershy murmured.

Zecora bobbed her head in agreement.

“It's still just a board game,” Ember muttered.

“But it's strategic,” Pinkie Pie countered, opening the top to display the contents within. “Plus look at all these cool little army dudes you get.”

“Pass,” Ember retorted.

Leave her. We will play without the whiny blue one, Zecora declared.

“Hey, she is so not whiny, just… okay, I can't actually refute that one,” Pinkie Pie muttered.

“Wait, are you saying I’m whiny?” Ember demanded, glaring down at the hooded zebra.

“Now h-h-hold on a s-second,” Fluttershy tried to interrupt.

Tell her she is a whiny child, and that I do not respect her. Tell her, Fluttershy. Tell her what I said, Zecora exclaimed.

“I’m n-n-not telling her-” Fluttershy began.

“She said you’re whiny and a child,” Pinkie Pie interrupted.

“I’ll wipe that smile off that freakshow you call a face. Set up the board, Pinkie Pie. I have a game to win,” Ember declared, seating herself at the nearby table.

I relish the opportunity to improve, Zecora declared, sitting down at the dragon’s right.

“W-w-well, alr-right,” Fluttershy whispered, following Zecora’s lead.

“Yippee, let’s get it on!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“I don't suppose you’d mind sharing a bit of your drink by chance, would you?” asked Blueberry Curls as she dropped three cards on the table before placing one of her remaining four in the discard pile.

Razor Wind paused as he was about to tuck his flask back under a wing. “Now why would you want that? This here is just a bit of water, is all,” he exclaimed.

“Oh, come on, don't gaslight me, old-timer. I can smell the booze from here,” Blueberry retorted.

“Doesn't smell half bad either,” Foggy Fleece added, swirling his punch while eyeing his cards. “A lot better than whatever they put in this stuff anyway.”

Rainbow Dash snorted in agreement, the mare downing her own drink before discarding a jack of hearts.

“I mean, what do you think she even used for mix, a few drops of vodka?” Blueberry muttered.

“Well, she did just put the kids to bed. Maybe Pinkie Pie will break out the good stuff soon,” Foggy Fleece offered.

“And in the meantime Razor Wind could give us a shot of his mystery booze,” Blueberry Curls offered.

The griffon hummed thoughtfully while he shuffled his cards around in his clawed hand. After placing two sets of three on the table and discarding an ace of clubs, he placed the flask on the table to his right.

“Ya know what, girly, you convinced me. Watch out though, it's pretty strong,” Razor Wind declared, shooting Rainbow Dash a sidelong wink.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, but ultimately shrugged, choosing not to question it. Gripping the small piece of metal tight in her hoof, Rainbow Dash threw back a shot's worth of the bitter liquid. The pegasus swallowed hard, but didn't make a face, pushing it along to Foggy Fleece who sat next to her.

“Yer just sharin’ because yer about to win,” Foggy Fleece exclaimed.

Razor Wind chuckled darkly. “Oh, I’ve been ready to win for three rounds now. I just want a few more points before I go out.”

Foggy Fleece snorted and threw back a good amount of the griffon’s mystery drink, swallowing a second later. A surprised expression crossed his face, and he eyed the other player with a newfound respect.

“That was actually pretty good. How long has it been aged?” Foggy Fleece inquired.

“Thirty years,” Razor Wind replied.

“Not bad at all,” Foggy Fleece exclaimed, passing the flask along to Blueberry.

“Ha. That didn't look very strong at all,” Blueberry Curls declared. “You’re just blowing hot air.”

“Issat so?” replied the griffon, eyebrows raised.

Blueberry Curls aimed to prove the old card shark wrong, and tossed back a whole mouthful of the stuff. The second she tasted the vile concoction sitting on her tongue, she considered spitting it right back out. She bit back that urge however, and swallowed hard, only to immediately begin coughing as soon as her mouth was empty.

“Augh, that was awful. How do you even drink that stuff? It was like swallowing condensed smoke!” Blueberry Curls shouted between attempts to cough up her own lungs.

“Oh, it wasn't that bad. You youngsters just have no taste,” Foggy Fleece exclaimed.

“I’ve had worse,” muttered Rainbow Dash.

“Told ya it was strong,” stated Razor Wing before dropping all but one of his cards which he placed in the discard pile. “Rummy.”

“Hey, where's Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked, stopping next to Pinkie Pie.

Who placed the spoon she had been using to mix the next bowl of punch and glanced curiously at Rainbow Dash.

“Why do you need her?” Pinkie Pie replied.

“Razor Wind and I wanted to talk to her,” Rainbow Dash answered.

Pinkie Pie glanced from the slightly wobbly pegasus to the griffon who was speaking animatedly to a small crowd. This group was mostly made up of the infested party-goers, though a slightly queasy Blueberry Curls had also joined.

“Is it important?” Pinkie Pie inquired.

“Kinda,” Rainbow Dash admitted.

“Then follow me,” Pinkie Pie offered.

She led the way down the stairs to the bottom floor of the barracks with Rainbow following close behind. Upon reaching their destination, the pair made their way around the rest of the party-goers who had gathered around a table. Though a drinking game was in the midst of being played, almost no one paid attention to what card was being flipped.

Neither Rainbow Dash nor Pinkie Pie paid much attention, and instead walked over to one of the rooms on the main floor. There Pinkie Pie punched a few buttons, prompting the doors to part and a sliver of light to pierce the darkened space.

“Is she…” Rainbow Dash trailed off when she saw Twilight laid on the sole bed, her entire body pulled into a tight ball.

The unicorn who usually towered a good head and shoulders over everyone now looked small and helpless. Even Twilight’s organic metal exterior seemed to be so relaxed that the unicorn appeared to be dead at first glance. If it wasn't for the soft sound of breathing that came from her, Rainbow Dash would have assumed that Twilight had indeed passed on.

That, and Spike, who sat next to Twilight’s unmoving form, would have likely been freaking out and would not be gently stroking his mother’s hair.

“Still important?” whispered Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash shook her head.

“Come on then,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, pulling Rainbow Dash away.

Leaving Spike alone with the unicorn, a soft smile on his face.

“You’ve earned the rest,” Spike murmured.

Author's Note

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This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: John, MestreJ, Starless, Gear Change, DioKyo, Tacocat598, Canary in The Coal Mine, Ceepert, Doomgoey, Tiwake, Vigilant Watch, Joshua, Nfreak, Facinus, M, John, Rhys, Corey, Blade Tech, Mephia, Peter, Apollyon, Nightwing, 浩民簡, Hannibal, Dragon's Sheperd, BeenMcsqueen, Mop Hop, Dale, Xvos, Nathan, Octavia and Lowbar, Lich lord krosis, Prysm, Mike, Astor, Travis, Soundtea, Menthol Qtip, Craig, Mirvra, Ivar, Pacsik, Kali, Makani, Steven, Fiamgoku, free, GruB, Todd, Megatyrant.

In case you dont remember what Ol' Razer looked like.
Wooden Brown feathers in the same shade scorched oak surrounded the griffon’s deep green eyes, which in turn were surrounded by black feathers that covered nearly the entirety of the griffon’s body. His beak had several deep scratches in it, one of which was so deep Twilight could see into his very mouth. Tattered wings that were a few shades lighter than the brown feathers around his eyes. He's also got a wooden eyeball!

More Machine

Twilight swallowed a mouthful of leftover food from the party in a single large gulp before grabbing another hoofful of the stuff. Though they were not the most filling thing in the world, Pinkie Pie had packaged all the remaining appetizers and placed them in the fridge. Having yet to go bad, the dry prawns and cold sausage rolls went down easy despite they had lost flavor overnight.

Chewing loudly, Twilight had brushed aside any attempt to eat with any degree of politeness. Her stomach burned, and her body required sustenance, a desire she was going to fulfill as soon as possible. Sure enough, in no time at all she had inhaled nearly all of the remaining finger food. She sighed contentedly, swirling a cup full of punch in her hoof.

“Feel better?” asked Spike.

“Like you wouldn't believe,” Twilight replied before tossing back the red liquid and gulping it down.

“You weren't kidding when you said you were spent. It's a good thing Pinkie Pie made so much,” Spike remarked.

“She knows how hungry one can get after using their powers for an extended period of time,” Twilight added, picking up the plates, cups, and empty packaging before making her way over to the metal sink.

“So, where ya off to now?” Spike asked.

“Out. Gotta see this council of theirs and find out if we are going to have a problem,” Twilight replied, dumping her dishes in the shallow metal tub.

“I’m coming with you, ya know,” Spike declared.

Twilight stopped and turned to the young dragon, eyeing him closely. For a moment she considered telling him to stay here, but quickly thought better of it.

“You know, I’m going to see Celestia,” Twilight reasoned.

“Of course,” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight nodded. “I wouldn't keep you from her. Come on, we better get moving if we want to see her and still have time to meet whomever is holding the reins of the confederacy.”

“How are we going to find her? This place is enormous,” Spike asked.

“Simple, we ask directions from someone who knows,” Twilight replied with a wink.

The pair trotted out of the barracks, idly noting that the broken doors had finally been removed and had not been repaired. The guards were also gone, replaced by a lone sentry sitting further down the hall. The stallion was a bit on the older side, and gave the infested only a brief glance before looking back down at his newspaper.

Twilight resisted the urge to comment on this change until she was in the elevator and the doors had closed.

“I guess they’ve given up attempting to keep us locked down here,” Twilight stated.

“I mean, there is only one elevator,” Spike pointed out. “If they wanted to, they could just disable it, and we’d be stuck down here.”

“No stairs? What if they lose power?” Twilight inquired, the numbers above her head slowly rising until stopping with a quiet ding.

“I think there might be a ladder or something in the shaft, but I don't know how that works. Zecora was determined to figure out how to escape, though she gave up on that pretty quick,” Spike explained.

“Why is that?” Twilight pressed.

Spike shrugged. “There wasn't much to go on, and everyone else was convinced that you were coming back, so we didn't want to push our luck.”

“That's fair, though it seems as though Zecora was unconvinced I would return,” Twilight pointed out.

“Yeah she was certain that you were gone for either good, or a long while, and wanted to get us to form an escape plan,” Spike continued.

“I’ll have to keep an eye on her,” Twilight muttered.

“I wouldn't worry about it too much. Zecora is just a bit too analytical for her own good. Got a bit too much zerg in her or something,” Spike exclaimed with a shrug.

Twilight merely hummed to herself as the elevator came to a stop, allowing the pair to depart and pass through another security checkpoint. This one was only slightly more thorough than the last, as there were two guards, one of which asked how Twilight’s day was going. After a very brief exchange, Twilight and Spike were on their way once more, with Twilight leading them further into the facility.

Several twists, turns, elevators, and security checkpoints later, the pair had still not reached their destination. In fact, the metal hallway they were in seemed to be the exact same as the other dozen which had come before, at least in Spike’s opinion.

“Who or what are you looking for again?” Spike groaned. “It feels like we've been walking forever.”

“Just a little bit further,” Twilight encouraged, her metal-clad hooves clanking loudly against the floor.

“You’ve been saying that for like, an hour,” Spike whined.

“This time I mean it,” Twilight stated.

“You’ve been saying that for a while too!” Spike exclaimed.

The unicorn came to an abrupt stop in front of a seemingly random door, causing Spike to nearly collide with her backside. Thankfully the dragon stopped himself a moment before he would have gotten a faceful of unicorn butt. Spike was about to ask where exactly they were, but Twilight had already raised her hoof and knocked twice, causing a pair of loud clangs to echo down the hall.

“I keep forgetting you’re covered in metal now,” Spike muttered as he rubbed the scales located immediately around his ear holes.

“Err, what? Who is it?” shouted a familiar female voice.

“You know who!” Twilight yelled back.

A moment later, the still slightly confused face of Steel Heart emerged from between a crack in the door. Her bewildered expression was made even more ridiculous by the tiny hat complete with pom pom which sat atop her head. Twilight also noticed that she wore a white onesie covered in tiny red hearts and had yet to don her prosthetic leg.

“Just a second,” Steel Heart murmured before slamming the door shut.

“Was she wearing what I think she was wearing?” Spike muttered.

“She looked cozy,” Twilight remarked.

The pair exchanged a snicker while Steel Heart clattered around within her domicile. A minute later, the large mare emerged once more, now wearing her usual mechanic outfit and metal leg.

“Sorry about that,” Steel Heart whispered, a slight blush creeping onto her face. “Your sudden arrival yesterday left me with a lot of paperwork, and I might have overslept a little.”

“That explains why you couldn't make it to the party,” Spike added.

Steel Heart sighed. “Unfortunately, it does. I tried slipping out the back and handing my work off to one of my underlings, but that… didn't go so well.”

“It's fine, Steel Heart. That just means we’ll have to throw another soon,” Twilight replied with a soft smile.

Which Steel Heart eagerly returned. “Thank you, Twilight. Now then, what did y'all need from me? Or did ya just want to shoot the shit a bit over a pot of coffee?”

“I’m afraid not,” Twilight answered. “We were hoping you could point us in the direction of Celestia.”

“We haven't seen her since well… you know,” Spike muttered in a low tone.

Steel Heart winced and rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “I suppose I should tell you that officially no one is allowed to see her.”

“But?” Twilight pressed.

“But I’d never forgive myself for barring a child from seeing her mother,” Steel Heart finished.

“Are you sure you won't get in trouble?” Spike inquired.

Steel Heart chuckled bitterly. “Oh, I will. I just don't rightly care, if I’m being honest with ya.”

“Thank you, Steel Heart,” Twilight offered, clasping the other mare around the shoulder.

“Yeah yeah, just don't get all mushy on me, or I’ll lose my edge,” Steel Heart muttered, brushing off the unicorn’s foreleg. “Speaking of which, we better get going.”

“Did ya get a good sleep at least?” Spike asked as they all began to move down the hall.

“Not bad, weird dreams though,” Steel Heart muttered.

“Would you kindly bugger off already? You’ve seen my clearance level!” Steel Heart shouted, looming over a guard positioned in front of a large blast door.

“But we aren't supposed to let any--Help me out here, Leafy,” muttered the male, glancing expectantly to his partner.

“Don't drag me into this. I told you to just let her in,” replied the other guard.

“You really should listen to your betters,” Spike exclaimed, flashing the young pony a wide, toothy grin.

Twilight tapped her hoof on the stone floor, her restlessness growing as the seconds ticked by. The constant metallic thump didn't do much to ease the royal guard’s nerves, and he tugged awkwardly at his golden armor. Unlike nearly everyone else Twilight had seen, these two were outfitted like Celestia’s personal army had been back in the day.

That wasn't all that was different though, as the building they were now in was made of stone, and had been set apart from the others. Guarded by every single living and loyal member of the Royal Guard, this structure was probably one of the most well-defended places in the city. Magic hummed in the air, and Twilight could tell that despite being granted access to most areas without complaint, she was still being watched.

“Alright, fine,” muttered the first guard, who threw up his hooves. “But if I get in trouble, then I’m passing the buck to you.”

“Yeah, whatever. Just open the door already,” Steel Heart barked.

The royal guard took a step back and lit his horn, joining his ally as they cast the necessary unlocking spell. A second later, the hulking wall of metal released a heavy thunk, falling backwards a few inches. It then rolled to the side, revealing what at first glance looked like a massive indoor greenhouse nearly the size of the Canterlot gardens.

Tall trees grew all over the place, their trunks spotted with moss, and were occasionally crowded by bushes. Grass and flowers filled what space was not occupied by larger plants or the dozen or so walkways criss-crossing the space. All of which began or ended at the enormous glass box sitting at the center of the area, the walls of which were several floors high.

“Woah,” Spike murmured.

“She always did love her plants,” Twilight murmured.

Together the trio trotted towards the glass box, the metal door rolling back into place and sealing the exit behind them. Once inside, Twilight detected the sounds of birdsong and the occasional chirp of an insect which could be heard over the dull whir of a distant set of fans. Twilight’s mind idly noted that there was also a giant rune replicating the sun at about two in the afternoon set into the ceiling.

Pushing all such minuscule considerations from her mind, Twilight focused entirely on what lay before her. The glass box itself seemed to be foggy, but it slowly began to clear the closer they got, until eventually they were standing right next to it. From that angle, the interior of the cube was completely visible, revealing that it was a large hospital room dominated by the suspended form of a metal pony.

No, not metal, Twilight quickly realized, as there were patches of Celestia’s skin which had not been covered by steel, wires or tubes. Those small sections were definitely in the minority however, as the vast majority of Celestia’s body was encased in a dull grey material. Her bottom was a different story, as it had been seemingly replaced by an incredible number of tubes which snaked all over the place.

Suspended upright, Celestia hung motionless as several doctors poked, prodded, and monitored the alicorn’s vitals. These most trusted of ponies wore all white, save for a small golden sun patch which had been sewn into their collars. Surrounded on all sides by equipment, assistants, and various monitors, the scene looked chaotic, and yet orderly at the same time.

Twilight placed her hoof on the glass, curiously extending her senses into the room beyond. Though she sensed Celestia’s mind hidden away beneath all that metal, Twilight could barely detect even the most surface level thoughts. It was clear that there was some kind of dampener at play here, though even that didn't explain why Celestia was as difficult to contact as she was.

Peering intently up at the alicorn, Twilight studied the partial mask which covered Celestia’s nose and mouth. Though it replicated Celestia’s features relatively well, the false visage could not hope to do so perfectly. Feeling her teacher’s mental presence, Twilight was tempted to brush against it and speak with Celestia directly, but she stopped herself before that could happen.

“Is she going to be okay?” Spike whispered.

“I’m not sure,” Steel Heart admitted. “An alicorn’s natural magic is strong, and Celestia is unconsciously resisting our attempts to save her, though she likely doesn't even know it.”

“And all the tubes?” Spike asked.

“Those machines you see arrayed around her are replacing the use of the organs she lost,” Steel Heart answered. “There were plans to create a proper body for her, but she's far too weak to undergo such extensive surgery at the moment. That, and we’ve been scrambling to even create a usable prosthetic replacement.”

Twilight ignored the rest of the conversation, focusing on Celestia’s mind and creating a small, narrow bridge between them. Crossing over that threshold, Twilight sent all the calming emotions she could muster towards the alicorn. Twilight accompanied these feelings with sensations of acceptance and relaxation, though she was unsure if they would even get through.

The alicorn didn't seem to notice this attempt on Twilight’s part, at least not at first anyway, for after a few seconds her body relaxed. Muscles fell slack, her wings falling to her back, and the mare seemed to rest for the first time. The alicorn’s doctors immediately started to panic, only to stop when they found out Celestia was not dying. The shock of the sudden shift washed over the orderlies, and soon they were frantically moving around the area, readying themselves for the next surgery.

Let the doctors do their work, Twilight thought, directing the statement at Celestia herself.

Twilight? Celestia inquired, her mental voice weak and fading rapidly.

Rest now. We are all okay, Twilight encouraged.

Celestia’s mind began to still, her thoughts falling away as she slid into true unconsciousness.

“I assume that was you,” Steel Heart murmured.

Twilight nodded slowly. “She was worrying about us.”

Spike sniffed. “Oh, that silly old mare.”

“What now?” asked Twilight.

“They’ll be able to give her the implants she needs, and hopefully undo the damage done to her brain due to all the blood loss,” Steel Heart replied. “Not sure what they all need to replace, but it's quite a bit, or so I heard anyway.”

“There isn't much left of her,” Spike whispered.

Twilight couldn't help but agree, though she didn't dare utter it, her eyes too busy roaming across the alicorn’s torso. Which was indeed almost completely gone, Nightmare Moon’s blade having sliced through Celestia’s back just below her wings. Twilight couldn't help but wonder if there was even a single fully intact organ within the alicorn’s body at this point, save, of course, for her brain.

All she has left are her wings and forelegs, Twilight thought to herself.

“Are you alright, Twilight? Your thoughts are so turbulent I can't really tell what you’re thinking,” Spike whispered, leaning in close.

“It's nothing,” Twilight replied. “Just… sad. That's all.”

“I’ll just be, uh, standing over here whenever you’re done,” Steel Heart offered.

“No,” Twilight interrupted, glancing over at the other mare. “I’d appreciate it if you stayed with us.”

Steel Heart nodded solemnly, walking back to Twilight’s side and standing quietly.

Are you thinking about infesting her? Spike asked, his thoughts piercing the veil of grief which had briefly overcome Twilight’s mind.

Yes, and no, Twilight replied. At this point infesting her would likely do more damage than good, but if I had the necessary biomass to rebuild her body…

It would be different, Spike finished.

It would, Twilight admitted.

Then what are we waiting for? We should get out there and gather everything we need! Spike exclaimed, pulling on Twilight’s forehoof.

No, Twilight stated. I can't do that to Celestia. She needs to be able to consent, and right now she can't do that.

So we get everything ready, wait for her to get a little better, then ask her, Spike reasoned.

We still can't, Twilight replied, glancing down at Spike’s frowning face. To infest Celestia would mean making her subservient to myself. Not only that, but then I would have her DNA.

So? Spike retorted.

So if we got captured by the nameless queen, then we’ll have accidentally given them everything they need to take over the world, Twilight exclaimed.

Still. This is Celestia. We can't just do nothing, Spike continued.

We won't do nothing, Twilight stated. We’ll fight to protect her ponies, and make sure that when she does wake up, there will be a world worth waking up into.

“I hate it when you’re right,” Spike muttered, blowing twin smoke circles at the glass wall.

“Me too, Spike, me too,” Twilight whispered.

Spike turned away, joining Steel Heart as they walked towards the exit, silently giving Twilight a bit of space. Space which the unicorn desperately needed, as she was busy grappling with a tidal wave of guilt and uncertainty. She wanted to help so badly that it hurt, yet she knew there wasn't much she could actually do at the moment.

Growing a body without alicorn DNA would be borderline impossible, and infesting Celestia was out of the question for a myriad of reasons. Leaving Twilight little to do but heed her own words and focus on protecting what Celestia had sacrificed so much to protect.

That thought alone made Twilight’s gaze return to Celestia’s shattered, mostly metal form. The dozens of tubes running from the alicorn’s midsection made Twilight wince in sympathetic pain. Yet there was an odd beauty amidst the exposed wires, gunmetal grey, and visible bolts riddling Celestia’s body.

The alicorn looked, for a moment at least, like an angel, one that was simply incomplete at the moment.

Twilight couldn't help but smile, giving Celestia a bow of appreciation before turning away from the alicorn. Keeping all of her teacher’s lessons in mind would be difficult, but Twilight was determined to do just that. Celestia had given so much for a chance at peace, and Twilight would not soon forget the pain her mother had gone through.

“Sorry if I wasn't exactly the most helpful back there,” Steel Heart muttered. “I never was good with… delicate situations.”

“Don't worry about it, Steel Heart. You did great,” Spike offered, patting the mare on the back.

“Thanks, Spike,” Steel Heart murmured.

“Just your presence was enough,” Twilight added. “Though if you don't mind, I was hoping to change the subject.”

“I’d give my left ovary to talk about literally anything else,” Steel Heart stated.

“Even the fact that you gave up the chance to challenge Twilight to another game of poker last night?” Spike asked.

Steel Heart snorted. “Anything but that.”

“I was hoping you would confirm a few things for me. Such as whether or not there was a dampening field in Celestia’s vault,” Twilight inquired as the trio continued their long trot down another long metal hallway.

“Sorta,” Steel Heart muttered. “After finding out that putting a ton of metal and concrete over the heads of a few infested people kept them from sensing much, we worked to refine that effect. It's still in the early stages, but we believe that with proper experimentation we can discover the right mix of magic and metal that will be able to block psionics entirely.”

“That seems like a bit of a long shot,” Spike offered.

“It is,” Steel Heart admitted.

“So, that's still… what, a few months out?” Twilight inquired.

Steel Heart shrugged. “Or years. It's not a science we’ve explored much, and there isn't a ton of demand for it either.”

“Well, I would argue otherwise. If you could create a device capable of being moved onto the battlefield and deployed near the zerg front lines, you would have quite the advantage in the ensuing fight,” Twilight pointed out.

“How so?” Steel Heart replied.

“Simple, with a link to the hive broken, most zerg bioforms will turn feral and either run or attack one another,” Spike answered.

Steel Heart hummed thoughtfully. “That would be pretty useful, but still. I wouldn't hold your breath for some kinda psi-dampener to be made anytime soon.”

“Which brings me to my next question,” Twilight began. “What seems to be the zerg’s primary objective?”

“To be honest? We aren't totally sure,” Steel Heart admitted. “They ain't exactly chatty, and we have yet to take any queens alive.”

“They will have probably already sensed Celestia’s presence and are likely moving to capture her even now,” Twilight reasoned. “They have a few infested ponies on their side. So we should assume they know that an alicorn is the only one capable of moving the heavenly bodies.”

“Duke mentioned that was a possibility, though I didn't believe him at the time,” Steel Heart murmured.

“Well, either way, it's something to consider,” Spike offered.

“True. Now...” Steel Heart clomped a metal hoof against the grated floor. “Was there anything else you want to ask? Because we’re getting awful close to the command center.”

Twilight shook her head. “No. I’m ready.”

Author's Note

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Choosing Sides Part 1

“Well, this is it,” Steel Heart exclaimed, stopping a dozen feet from a large metal door. “Before you head in, I was hoping to speak to you.”

Twilight glanced down the hall to where a single power-armored pony stood quietly next to the entrance. Marked by the confederate crossed stripes and emblazoned with a dozen or more stars, this was clearly the right meeting room. Though hidden away within the bowels of the seemingly endless facility, this area was far more important.

Unlike nearly everywhere else, here the walls were smooth, the floors made of wood and covered with carpet. Paintings hung from the walls while small cameras kept a constant vigil on all who darkened the long silver hallway. Though there was little in the way of security forces, Twilight could tell that there were numerous defences waiting to spring into action.

“Of course, Steel. What did you want to talk about?” Spike asked.

“Wait. Are you sure you want to chat here?” Twilight exclaimed, subtly gesturing to the power-armored guard down the hall, who was no doubt staring at them behind her blackened helmet.

Steel Heart nodded. “It ain't that serious. I just wanted to give you this, and it seems like the best time to do so.”

“Give me…” Twilight blinked. “What is this?”

“It's that medal I promised you,” Steel Heart exclaimed with a smile. “See?”

Twilight leaned forward and inspected the small hunk of gold dangling from an arrow-shaped strip of blood red cloth. Only about the size of a bit, the medal was shaped into a six pointed star with a small sun emblem emblazoned into the middle. It was incredibly ornate, with every inch carved to give it a slightly rugged texture that drew the eye towards the center.

“Is that a star of courage?” Spike asked.

Steel Heart nodded. “For your efforts saving the early confederacy and putting the lives of its citizens above the value of your own, I do bestow upon you this humble medal. Let all who see it know what you have risked for your fellow pony.”

“I- but…” Twilight muttered

She gazed down as Steel Heart placed it against Twilight’s chest, only to pause when she realized that wasn't going to work. Undeterred, the older mare began to fish around in her pockets before producing a small magnet which she used to clamp the medal to Twilight’s chest with a distinctive thump of odd finality.

“Congrats, boss. You deserve it,” Spike commended, grinning from ear to ear.

“I absolutely do not deserve this,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Are you officially rejecting it?” Steel Heart retorted, eyebrows raised.

“No… I just…” Twilight lifted the medal up with her hoof and gazed down at it. “Don't think it should be given to a person like me.”

“Hogwash,” Steel Heart replied with a snort. “The medal of courage goes to brave people, and you have shown yourself to be incredibly brave.”

“Best just accept it,” Spike whispered. “I don't think Steel’s gonna back down on this one.”

Twilight chuckled mirthlessly and dropped the medal. “Thank you, Steel Heart.”

“Why are you acting so surprised? I said I was going to pin a medal on you, didn't I? Did you not expect me to honor my word?” Steel Heart blustered, puffing out her chest and bumping Twilight.

Who laughed a little louder. “I should have known you would do something like this. No wonder I could sense an odd bit of trepidation from you for the last few minutes.”

“I just needed to work up the courage, is all.” Steel Heart laughed heartily and pounded a hoof against Twilight’s back. “Now then. We don't got long, and you really should get a little heads-up on what you’re walking into.”

“A meeting with the council to discuss the war, right?” Twilight replied.

“Yes, you know about what will be discussed, but do you know anything about who you will be talking with?” Steel Heart pointed out.

“No, I do not,” Twilight admitted.

“Well, you already know one of them,” Spike offered. “Edmund Duke is on the council. As is Nagglfar, though he is only holding that position until Celestia is fit to take his place.”

“Wait, Nagglfar. That was that huge black dragon who invested his entire hoard early on, right? I heard he owed Celestia a really big favor,” Twilight exclaimed.

“He did. He's also not exactly interested in fighting, or much other than writing really, but he is as wise as he is old, and he's apparently old enough to know Celestia when she was young,” Steel Heart explained.

“I remember that. Celestia never did say what she had done to earn such a favor. Just mentioned something about chasing shooting stars and laughed,” Twilight muttered.

“Well, regardless. He's usually pretty quiet, but when he does speak, everyone listens,” Steel Heart continued.

“What about the others? I heard that there was a mercenary, a merchant, and a pegasus noble of some kind,” Spike continued.

Steel Heart nodded. “That's true. The mercenary in question is Stalwart Steel of the Tygores clan. She is pretty young, but was tough enough to beat her old man in a fight and earn her place as the patriarch. Smart too, she threw in everything she had after only a few minute long conversation with Celestia and even pulled her entire clan out of their ancestral labyrinth.”

“Woah. I did not hear that,” murmured Spike.

“And the merchant?” Twilight pressed.

“From a long line of earth pony traders who can trace their family history past even the first founding of Equestria,” Steel Heart exclaimed. “Real money-smart and with more bits than the royal treasury in its prime, if you believe the rumours.”

“They were another early investor in the confederacy project,” Spike added. “Celestia mentioned them in passing a few times.”

“I remember that as well. She mentioned their elder is a stallion by the name of Silver Spirit, though she didn't say much about him. Only that he was traditional and about as likeable as moldy bread,” Twilight remarked disdainfully.

“That's putting it mildly. He is about as ornery as they come, but despite being as old as dirt, he's still as sharp as a tack,” Steel Heart whispered. “Doesn't look too bad either. A shame he's a right bastard.”

Twilight snorted. “So that leaves what, the noble and…”

“Shannon,” Steel Heart answered. “She was the secretary for the first administrator of the province, but was promoted by Celestia herself after his office was made redundant due to governmental restructuring.”

“I’ve never heard of this Shannon person before. What is she like?” Twilight inquired.

“Professional to a degree that would make even Inkwell think she is going a bit overboard,” Steel Heart exclaimed with a grumpy snort. “She's a griffon to boot, and was born to an impoverished pair of shoemakers. Apparently made her parents rich after she took control of their business and swiftly moved up from there.”

“If she was so smart, why was she some guy’s secretary?” Spike inquired. “It seems like she could have had whatever job she desired.”

“Some say she was aiming for her boss’ job and wanted to gain the necessary contacts. Others think she saw the war coming and was angling for a meeting with Celestia. Either way, she is a control freak who has a knack for management and always looks exactly the same as the last time you saw her,” Steel Heart remarked.

“Plenty of serious people,” Spike muttered.

Steel Heart snorted. “That's nothing. The last guy, Valerian Mengsk, takes the cake by far. Guy has a thousand yard stare that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. I don't even think it's physically possible for the dude to smile.”

“Wait. I heard about his family in history class with Celestia,” Twilight interrupted. “The Mengsk clan holds dual citizenship as both griffon and Equestrian nobles. Not only are they one of the two families to have ever become griffon nobles, but they are also one of the oldest pegasus blood lines on record.”

Steel Heart nodded. “Yup. They say they can track it back to the first Equestrian-Griffon war where their family was gifted a parcel of land for valorous actions. Since then they’ve interbred quite a bit, and get this. Valerian has a set of huge fangs.”

“A mutation borne from those pegasi who have a considerable amount of griffon blood in their veins,” Spike added.

“Guy’s as tough as nails. Though his family was wrecked pretty bad during the fall of Ironhall,” Steel Heart continued. “I think they only got like, three of their folk still left, and the majority of their wealth was destroyed during the fighting.”

Spike winced. “He's not going to be a fan of us. That's for sure.”

“Wait, what happened at Ironha-” Twilight began.

“The council will see you now,” announced the guard in a mechanical tone.

Zerg wiped out the town, Spike explained.

“Good luck, you two,” offered Steel Heart.

“You aren't coming with us?” Spike asked.

“Nah. This is above my pay grade. Besides, I got work to do,” Steel Heart replied.

“I’ll see you again soon, Steel,” Twilight murmured, clasping the earth pony around the shoulders and squeezing her tightly.

“Aww, don't say it all grim like that. I’ll see ya for coffee tomorrow,” Steel Heart retorted.

“Sounds good,” declared Spike, who was swiftly picked up into a tight, brief hug. “Oof. A little tight, dontcha think? I ain't covered in metal like Twilight is.”

“Ahh, you can handle it. Have fun in there,” Steel Heart exclaimed as she walked away.

Twilight strode towards the door without looking back, though Spike did glance briefly over his shoulder before following after the unicorn.

“Twilight and Spike Sparkle. You are cleared for entry. Please seat yourselves at the end of the table while the other council members connect,” remarked the guard a second before the metal door split in half and disappeared into the walls.

Gazing inside the newly revealed room, Twilight was immediately surprised at how bright it all was. The walls had been replaced with screens displaying a sunny afternoon day in Canterlot and were made to look like windows. The room was also fairly narrow, with just enough space for a large mahogany table in the shape of a hexagon and seven chairs.

All of which were empty, save for the one directly across form the duo, that was taken by Edmund Duke. The minotaur had seemingly not noticed Twilight and Spike’s arrival however, and was tapping angrily at a tablet. The earth pony mare standing next to him looked like she was about to have a coronary. She was frustrated and trying to pull the small computer away.

“Sir, please. The invite has already been sent. You don't need to keep tapping it,” she stressed in a low tone.

“But I thought you needed to hit it once for each person,” Duke replied.

“No. You are all in the group chat. See?” replied the young mare who pointed at the screen.

Edmund Duke blinked and peered in close at the screen. “Oh. I see that now. Thank you, Ruby.”

“No problem, sir. Now remember. You don't have to touch the tablet again. They’ll connect automatically after accepting your invite,” stressed the mare.

“Yes, yes. I can handle this simple piece of machinery,” Duke retorted.

The mare merely sighed and quietly excused herself, giving Twilight a small nod as she passed them by.

Wow, she has got some angry thoughts, Spike noted.

I didn't even know that particular curse word, Twilight replied.

“Ahh, Twilight and young Spike. It is good to see you both,” Edmund Duke exclaimed, gesturing to the chair across from him. “Please, sit. The others should be arriving shortly.”

“He said connect, does that mean they are joining virtually somehow?” Spike asked.

Twilight sat down, only for the chair to groan under her weight, prompting the unicorn to rise almost immediately.

“Why don't you take the seat?” offered Twilight.

“Sure,” Spike exclaimed with a shrug.

“Huh. I would have sworn that the chair was strong enough. It took all of Stalwart’s weight,” remarked Edmund Duke.

“You know I can hear you even if it hasn't finished connecting, right?” boomed a deep, yet still feminine voice from Twilight’s left.

“I knew that,” muttered Edmund.

Twilight turned and watched as a flickering blue light quickly solidified, becoming a towering female minotaur. Taller than even Edmund Duke, the new arrival wore what looked like a loose-fitting set of robes held tight around the middle by a thick band of some silky material. Though the projection was unable to reproduce color with any degree of success, Twilight assumed the clothes were likely either black or brown.

“Giant woman,” murmured Spike under his breath.

Twilight followed her son’s gaze as it traveled up the new arrival’s massive, hulking form to the surprising plain features. Bearing no scars and containing the last remnants of youth, the female’s face bore a strong jawline. She also had a large pair of ram-like horns jutting forward from either side of her head, framing her face. Young, yet stern, the minotaur definitely looked the part of a seasoned warrior, her hands resting atop the table, a fist placed inside her palm.

“So this is Celestia’s heir…” remarked the new arrival, her eyes narrowing. “Curious.”

“I am Twilight Sparkle, and this is Spike. Stalwart Steel, I presume?” Twilight replied.

Stalwart nodded slowly. “It is good to finally meet you.”

“Yes, most excellent indeed,” exclaimed a new voice, this one even deeper and more rumbly than even Stalwart’s. “Though I am curious. What did you think of the last package I sent you?”

“The last…” Twilight’s response fell away as the head of an ancient black dragon coalesced to her immediate right. “You mean ‘The Catcher in the Rye’?”

The scaled head solidified completely, revealing the aged and slightly round features of an elder dragon. His electronic ghost only went down to his neck, and for good reason, as Twilight assumed a single one of his teeth would likely fill the very room she now stood in.

“Yes, what did you think?” he pressed, his closest eye peering intently at the unicorn.

“It was… different,” muttered Twilight.

“She hated it,” Spike exclaimed.

The black dragon scoffed. “What? Why? It's a masterpiece!”

“It's whiny and downright annoying,” Twilight reluctantly added, shooting Spike a quick glare.

“But the characters, the themes, the meaning!” shrieked Nagglfar.

“Was nothing more than a rather poor attempt at a coming of age story,” Twilight finished with a shrug. “Hardly worth the praise heaped on it.”

“I like this one,” Stalwart Steel declared.

“Apologies,” offered a crisp, slightly sharp tone. “There was an error with my terminal that required a professional’s attention.”

Twilight turned to her right, glancing past Nagglfar to where the sharp-pressed features of a suit-wearing griffon had appeared. Her age was difficult to figure out, as the former secretary looked as though she were nearly forty, though that seemed to be on purpose. Twilight assumed she was slightly younger, but that couldn't be discerned for certain. What was certain however was that this sharply dressed griffon was the perfect picture of professionalism.

“Do not worry, administrator. You are still technically early,” Edmund Duke remarked.

“Good. Though I am surprised Nagglfar beat me here. I assumed I’d have to send for a technician after he crushed another computer,” Shannon remarked coldly, beak raised slightly and a teasing sparkle in her eye.

The great dragon snorted. “I will have you know that I am not completely incompetent with technology. I simply don't have the experience you lot have.”

“Weren't you amazed by indoor plumbing?” remarked Stalwart Steel.

“I simply enjoy my rustic living accommodations. That is all,” Nagglfar exclaimed, scoffing angrily at the minotaur’s remark.

“Rustic? That cave of yours didn't even have a hole for you to shit in,” added a gravelly tone coming from Twilight’s left.

The unicorn turned to see one of the oldest earth ponies she had ever laid eyes on appear next to her. Wearing the robes of a merchant circa four hundred years ago, the stallion seemed strangely youthful in spite of his advanced age. For despite his wrinkled features and saggy skin, his dark hair was still styled perfectly, and his clothes were immaculate.

“Silver Spirit. So glad of you to join us,” Edmund Duke remarked. “I thought you’d be the final member to arrive, given your predilection for counting beans.”

The earth pony snorted. “Someone must count them, lest your fledgling confederacy go broke. It is bad enough that we are in essence an insular economy.”

“Oh no. You can't grow your own personal fortune. What a shame,” Stalwart Steel muttered in a bland, flat tone.

“If I cannot prosper in this situation, then no one can, and that, may I remind you, is a bad thing,” spat the earth pony.

“Prosperity is measured in more than simple bits and dollars,” Shannon retorted.

“Yes, yes. We’ve all seen your production estimates and all the weapons you are making,” Silver Spirit flippantly replied, waving his hoof at the griffon.

They don't exactly seem like fast friends, now do they? Spike thought.

Twilight stifled her laughter. No. No, they do not.

“Has Valerian mentioned when he will arrive? I was hoping to get this meeting underway soon,” Edmund Duke exclaimed.

“Present,” whispered a powerful masculine voice from Twilight’s left.

Everyone turned to watch as a robed pegasus stallion coalesced into being, his form occupying the majority of his chair. Larger than most ponies, the pegasus’ stature nearly rivalled Twilight’s own, with the tip of his head reaching the unicorn’s nose. His features were definitely at least partially avian, he sported a set of large fangs, massive wings, and narrower, more predatory eyes.

His voluminous robes were tied around his waist by a cord and were in the style of griffon nobility. Which was at the same time both relaxed and practical for the mountain-born creatures who lived in sub-zero temperatures for the majority of the year. Twilight’s attention flickered from his dress to his face, which was narrower than most and which faded from one color at his nose to another when it reached his neck.

I need to look up a picture of this Mengsk character after the meeting, Twilight thought.

Does someone have a crush? Spike teased.

Twilight shot her son a glare, though one that had lost some of its edge due to the unicorn’s wide blush. I do not have a crush on him. I’m merely curious about his appearance. That is all.

You know you could at least be more honest with your love of dangerous people. I mean, everyone knows I love giant women, Spike replied.

Twilight smirked and leaned towards the male. Don't you mean giant people? Or do I need to remind you what happened when you met your first minotaur? What was his name again? Iron Will?

I don't know what you’re talking about, Spike thought back, his mind briefly overcome with images of a buff minotaur in a tight white tank top.

The slam of someone’s fist against the table drew Twilight’s attention back to the conversation playing out right in front of her.

“Now, if you lot have gotten all the snide jabs and underhanded remarks out of your system, we have an important discussion before us,” Edmund Duke pressed.

“Though before we get to the meat of this little talk, we should at least briefly mention how our projects have been going. Starting with Nagglfar. I have not received a report from your little ‘Ministry of Morale’ project in quite some time,” Shannon declared, glancing at the black dragon expectantly.

Who squirmed as much as a floating head was capable of. “It has been… difficult to turn people’s attention away from their troubles. Especially given how numerous those problems have recently become.”

Before anyone had a chance to offer a word in edgewise, Shannon turned to Stalwart Steel. “I assume training on the new units have been going well, and that the use of extreme force within the police has decreased? I wouldn't have to ask, but your reports are bereft of most details.”

The minotaur woman crossed her arms over her chest and nodded. “Violent incidents are down, and graduation rates are up. What else do you need to know?”

“Plenty. Though that is a conversation we will have to have at a later date. Silver Spirit. Your documentation is, as always, excellent,” Shannon declared.

“Thank you, administrator,” replied the earth pony.

“Though if I see one more request to start a vineyard, I will cut the gin rations in half,” stated the griffon, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

“Understood, administrator,” muttered the old stallion bitterly.

“Nearly everything has been retrofitted to deal with the cold,” offered Valerian before Shannon could even ask the question. “We are just waiting on the final design revisions for the main battle tanks.”

“Exceptional as usual, Mengsk,” Shannon stated, her avatar scribbling something on an unseen notebook.

“Now then. If Shannon is done antagonizing everyone, I believe we have important matters to discuss,” Edmund Duke declared.

“Starting with the zerg,” stated Twilight.

Author's Note

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Choosing Sides Part 2

“Yes. They are the most pressing of concerns,” Shannon muttered.

“I would think the alicorn attempting to freeze the planet solid would be,” Spike offered.

“I mean, if we threw absolutely everything we have at her immediately, there is a chance we could kill her,” Twilight added hopefully.

“Out of the question,” Edmund Duke declared with a decisive sweep of his hand. “Noone would follow that order.”

“And why not, exactly?” Silver Spirit asked. “Not like I’m behind this strategy mind you, but a swift defeat of our more existential foe would be optimal.”

Stalwart Steel snorted. “Isn't it obvious? My soldiers are disciplined, but even they would not choose to abandon their families to the zerg. Even if the alternative is slowly freezing to death.”

“If the choice is between dying and dying with one’s family nearby, the choice should be obvious,” Nagglfar muttered grimly.

“I suppose I have been thinking of things too logically,” Twilight murmured.

“We cannot simply abandon our people to the jaws of the zerg while dealing with the Nightmare. At least the demon seems content to sit and fortify her borders,” Edmund Duke remarked.

“So we hit the zerg then, but where?” Spike inquired.

“That is not an easy question to answer,” Edmund Duke replied, tapping several keys on his tablet and causing a floating electronic map to appear above the table. “As you can see, our forces are drawn thin, and we have no definitive front line.”

Twilight rubbed her chin as she gazed down at the color-coordinated map and quickly found that was indeed true. The borders were broken up into three obvious segments, with the Nightmare in blue, the confederacy in green and the zerg in red.

The Nightmare’s border was long and straight, becoming jagged at key positions which were marked with stars. In the center was the confederacy, its mostly squarish land mass pressed between its foes on either side. While the first two’s territories were mostly square, the zerg’s zone of control was a twisting cancerous mass.

Focused primarily within the deep badlands, this growth spiralled out in nearly all directions equally. All save of course, for the confederate held territory which had been pierced by several long red tendrils. These extensions all seemed intent on reaching Augustgrad, the capital of the confederacy, and current location of Twilight as well as her friends.

“When you look at it like this, it's obvious what their goal is,” Spike murmured.

“Yes, though that doesn't mean they haven't also targeted other strategic resources,” Valerian Mengsk exclaimed in a cold tone. “The zerg seem rather adept at this.”

“There are few key areas not unmolested by these beasts, though thankfully we have maintained control over most,” Stalwart Steel added.

“Not without losses and not without a fair few lost shipments,” muttered Silver Spirit bitterly.

“Irrelevant,” interrupted Shannon. “We are still in this war, and force estimates indicate that we may be on the verge of turning the tide.”

“Yes, as our new tech rolls off the assembly lines, we have gained an edge, though it is one without a point,” Edmund Duke exclaimed, his gaze latching onto Twilight.

“I may have something in mind to truly turn the tide, but I have several rather burning questions,” Twilight cautiously replied.

“And we have answers,” Edmund Duke declared.

“Must we? I am not in the mood to play twenty questions with some hornhead,” Silver Spirit muttered.

Nagglfar growled, shooting daggers at the old stallion. “You had best hold your tongue, little pony. You speak to Celestia’s final disciple.”

“Your love for our former monarch has shrouded your vision. She is but one pony and could not grant us the numbers we need,” Silver Spirit dismissed.

“I second this motion,” Stalwart Steel exclaimed, uncrossing her arms and jabbing a finger at Twilight. “Though she may be capable of robbing us of our thoughts, this one has the combat capability of maybe a squad of marines, and that's being generous.”

“Hold, Silver, Steel. Let her speak,” Valerian exclaimed, holding up a hoof. “I would hear what she has to suggest.”

Immediately both the minotaur and the earth pony sunk back into their chairs, remaining quiet even though they wore unpleasant expressions. Edmund Duke was quick to fill the silence and gestured back to Twilight with an open hand.

“Whenever you are ready,” he offered.

Twilight bit back what small bit of hesitation burned in her chest, and leaned forward, pointing to the map.

“The zerg presence seems to grow from this central point. Do we have any information on this particular bit of land?” Twilight inquired.

“You are Celestia’s genius pupil. Why don't you tell us?” spat Silver Spirit.

“Gladly,” Twilight cleared her throat. “Encompassing nearly seven million square kilometers, the badlands vary greatly from one area to the next. This point, however, is at the center of the deep sands. Or the old dessert which is one of the least hospitable places in all of Equestria. Its resources are few, its population numbering in the hundreds, and with the only established town in the area being supposedly run by a cult.”

“Everyone knows that,” muttered Silver Spirit.

Twilight tapped her hoof, continuing her speech unabated, “This, however, is information gained through official Equestrian resources before the Nightmare came and was likely tampered with by the great houses. The reason for which is currently unknown, though I discovered inconsistencies in the reports I read. This led me to discover that it was the houses that had experimented with live zerg specimens.”

“That's classified information. You shouldn't have access to that!” Stalwart Steel announced, shooting up from her chair and slamming her hands against the table.

Or at least Twilight assumed that's what the woman had tried to do, as her electronic avatar could do no such thing.

Twilight smiled. “This was information I gathered on my own. Though thank you for confirming it for me.”

“Relax, Stalwart,” Edmund Duke muttered. “We are all friends here.”

“Are we?” Valerian exclaimed in a cold, quiet tone of voice. “Perhaps in time your allegiance can be verified, but for now I must warn you that most here consider the infested as a liability rather than an asset.”

Twilight could feel Spike’s anger beginning to boil, and she held out a hoof to stop him before he could spout the insult she knew was coming.

“And we will prove that we are latter, rather than the former. I merely require additional information,” Twilight stated calmly.

Before anyone else could interrupt him, Edmund Duke spoke up, “We believe that is the source of the zerg infestation of our planet. It is also the only reason why they are not a greater problem than they already are. The land is about as infertile as my second wife, and there is little in the way of mineral deposits.”

“It also has very little biomass, next to nothing in the way of other natural resources, and is only partially even habitable,” Nagglfar added.

“Then we should assume that the zerg’s mission is twofold. They wish to obtain Celestia, as well as the resources which they do not have in their home territory,” Twilight reasoned. “Have they taken anything particularly important?”

“A few fertile valleys and the odd mining town, but that is about it,” Stalwart Steel exclaimed.

“Then your focus should be to free these regions. Maintaining control over them is likely the only reason the zerg have managed to put up the fight that they have,” Twilight finished.

“I agree,” Valerian declared, his face a cold mask of neutrality.

“Which brings me to my next question. Spike, you’ve been eager to ask this, so go ahead,” Twilight offered.

Spike leaned forward and pointed to the map. “Why aren't there any other factions listed? I mean, the minotaur city states lay to the north, the griffon kingdom to the east, and heck, even the yaks had a few trading villages established in the area.”

“Locked underground, in a civil war, and in the middle of a mass migration event,” Nagglfar answered. “Our allies are few and far between, it seems.”

“It is true,” Stalwart Steel muttered. “My people have chosen isolation in hopes of simply outlasting the cold, unaware or purposefully ignorant of the doom awaiting them.”

“The others aren't much better off, I’m afraid,” Edmund Duke picked up. “The griffon king went mad shortly after the Nightmare’s arrival and sparked a civil war which is unlikely to conclude any time soon. We would offer aid in order to stabilize the region, but we would have to go through or around the zerg to do so.”

“Which is impossible at the moment,” Valerian Mengsk stated. “As is getting help from the dragons as they are taking this chance to either raid each other or nearby towns. Which all began after the dragon lord was eliminated.”

And even Cloudsdale is gone. Remember what Rainbow Dash said at the party? Spike reminded.

The city council thinks they can hide amongst the clouds, Twilight thought grimly.

“Yes, as you are now aware, the situation is rather dire,” Edmund Duke stated bitterly. “With few other governments even standing, our options are limited in scope. That does not mean we do not have a plan, merely that it will be difficult.”

“The refugees swarming in from these other places have been accepted with relative ease, however,” Shannon interrupted. “It seems as though Celestia’s demand for so many housing units and extra greenhouses was a smart one.”

Stalwart Steel snorted, the minotaur having no doubt argued in the past that such structures should not be built.

“Perfect,” Twilight stated. “But I see several problems with your plan.”

“What problems? You don't even know what we had in mind,” Silver Spirit exclaimed.

“It is obvious,” Twilight pointed to a large settlement called Tarsonis, then Mar Sara, and finally Dylar. “You will muster your armies at these locations and strike at either the captured vallies or at the zerg supply lines. From there, two of these forces will rejoin and thrust towards the zerg’s weakened underbelly while the other flanks south.”

“Whose mind have you taken, worm? Noone outside this room should know that!” spat Stalwart Steel, her gaze boring into Twilight’s skull like a pair of angry hornets.

“None. It is obvious,” Twilight stated flippantly. “And if it is obvious to me, it is obvious to them.”

“Because you gave them this information,” Silver Spirit declared. “I knew we should have simply killed you when we had the chance.”

“No. It is obvious,” Valerian stated calmly. “I deduced as much long before the plans were drafted.”

That seemed to stifle the agitation of both Silver Spirit and Stalwart Steel, though they were both still on edge. The other members of the council also relaxed, even Shannon, who had appeared tenser than usual up until a moment ago.

“So. What do you propose?” Edmund Duke offered, leaning forward on the table and lacing his fingers together.

“We drive a wedge into them before you even launch your assault,” Twilight declared.

“And where would we get this entire extra army from, hmm? The moon, perhaps?” Silver Spirit exclaimed, scoffing and sitting back in his chair.

“I will steal it from them,” Twilight retorted, tapping the main zerg tendril piercing confederate territory.

“You aim to rest control of the disparate zerg broods?” Valerian Mengsk exclaimed, eying Twilight curiously.

“I do,” Twilight replied.

“You seem confident,” Stalwart Steel declared. “From where does this confidence stem?”

“I have already done so in the past,” Twilight concluded.

Nagglfar grinned. “Oh, how intriguing. Allow me to speculate. This happened in that other world, did it not?”

“It did,” Twilight replied, walking back around the table and standing to Spike’s right.

“And that was without us even being there to support her,” Spike added.

“Interesting,” murmured Shannon.

“You can't seriously be considering this proposition,” Silver Spirit exclaimed. “She's going to gain control of the swarm and turn on us! She's using us, can't you see?”

“I said be silent,” growled Valerian.

Silver Spirit recoiled as if struck, and swiftly schooled his expression. “My apologies. It seems as though I have overstepped my bounds.”

“No matter what I think of the infested, I know this one at least is loyal to Celestia. So long as we have the alicorn, we can count on her disciple to not stab us in the back,” Stalwart Steel exclaimed.

“It seems as though you are using Celestia as a bargaining chip,” Nagglfar pointed out.

“Whatever sees us through this war, dragon,” Stalwart Steel spat.

“You genuinely believe this is possible?” Edmund Duke exclaimed, eyebrows raised. “The queens we have fought are strong, both physically and psionically.”

“I am stronger,” Twilight stated simply. “I have faced off against a foe more psionically gifted than any this world has produced. The fledgling queens of this swarm are nothing.”

Coming off a bit strong, aren't ya? Spike pointed out.

We must come off as strong, lest they think us weak, Twilight declared.

“We would need to free up additional resources first,” Shannon offered.

“A not impossible task,” Nagglfar added.

“I propose that we grant Celestia’s disciple the use of Boralis station and task her with reaffirming control of the region,” Valerian Mengsk declared.

“Isn't that near the town where…” Stalwart Steel bit her tongue.

“It is,” Mengsk replied simply.

Edmund Duke raised an eyebrow and glanced about the room. “Are there any objections to this proposition? I certainly have none.”

“I request that a small team accompany Twilight in order to facilitate faster travel time and provide assistance,” Shannon added.

“That goes without saying. Though are you sure there are no other locations that could serve as a base? Boralis station is rather… damaged,” Nagglfar offered.

“Destroyed,” Valerian declared. “It is the only available facility in the area, though it will require work. I am sure our young disciple is not against a little grunt work, is she?”

Twilight shook her head. “I am not.”

“Then I believe the matter is settled,” Valerian Mengsk stated, glancing briefly from Silver Spirit to Stalwart Steel.

Who remained quiet, with Silver Spirit visibly struggling to contain himself while Stalwart Steel seemed genuinely intrigued by the proposition. Edmund Duke was as unreadable as ever, as was Shannon, while Nagglfar appeared to be all for it, though he had reservations. The old dragon flashed Twilight a knowing glance, one the unicorn understood as a request to speak at a later date.

“It is,” Edmund Duke stated a moment later. “You will be provided a full briefing while you are en route. For now I would suggest simply doing a bit more research on the area. You will of course be granted the prerequisite security clearance, which will be increased after the mission begins.”

Nagglfar cleared his throat. “Do you not think it prudent to mention the possibility of terrorist activity in the area? The daughters of Ironhall are no doubt operating out of the region, given all we’ve seen.”

“I doubt that very much,” Silver Spirit flippantly remarked. “Despite the ruins of Ironhall being en route to the station, that is not the location of their headquarters. We have checked before.”

“I never said it was, pony,” Nagglfar muttered angrily. “I am merely suggesting we brief our newest commander, lest she be surprised by their presence.”

Daughters of Ironhall? Did anyone mention them before? Twilight inquired, subtly glancing at Spike.

Who shrugged. Don't think so.

“Their presence has been vastly overblown in my estimate,” Stalwart Steel declared. “Though they do have operatives and sympathizers, most are smart enough to understand that a united front is necessary for our very survival.”

“What exactly is this terrorist organization?” Twilight inquired.

“Fanatics who would jeopardize not only the fate of the confederacy, but our entire world,” Edmund Duke explained. “They blame our leadership for the fall of Ironhall and seek to annihilate the zerg as well as any infested while toppling us.”

“That seems foolish,” Twilight remarked. “With so much on the line, we must grasp what weapons are possible, rather than leave them on the table for our foes.”

“I agree,” Valerian Mengsk offered. “While we are on the backfoot, it would be wise not to discount any strategy nor any ally.”

“Then it is settled,” Edmund Duke declared, pounding his fist against the table. “Twilight and her group shall be ferried to the station by a small force who will remain in the area in case she requires assistance. She will also be granted full access to the station in question, proper security clearances, and will be given the official designation of a foreign volunteer commander.”

Twilight blinked. “That is most generous. Though I am curious as to why you would not wish me to be under your more direct command? As it's my understanding that foreign volunteers do not directly fall under the confederate military umbrella.”

“Not officially, no. Though this is by design, I believe,” Stalwart Steel offered, glancing at Edmund Duke. “If we officially had a force of militarized infested under our banner, terrorist recruitment would sky rocket and support for our leadership would plummet.”

Nagglfar sighed. “So many see the free infested and the zerg as one and the same. It is a shame.”

“Regardless of its validity, the stigma cannot be shaken so easily,” Mengsk added. “I second this motion.”

So our support would be less than if we fell directly under them, but our freedom is greater? Spike questioned.

It seems so, Twilight replied.

Not a bad trade-off, if you ask me, Spike remarked.

“I graciously accept,” Twilight replied, bowing slightly. “When could I leave?”

“You would have a few days to ensure your followers are ready, and that you’ve had the chance to review mission data,” Edmund Duke declared. “Also as much as it pains me, we have paperwork that needs doing, and finalizing your rank will take some time.”

“Officially the volunteer force only exists on paper, as so few foreign nationals have sought to join us in our fight against the zerg,” Shannon explained.

“I believe three days should be more than enough time?” Silver Spirit offered.

“Agreed,” Valerian Mengsk stated firmly.

“That timeframe is reasonable. I will leave Shannon to muster the appropriate forces and brief our newest commander. The rest of you have much to do in preparation for our offensive,” Edmund Duke exclaimed.

“That we do. Perhaps we should get back to it then?” Nagglfar suggested.

“Yes, let's,” Valerian Mengsk remarked.

A second later his avatar vanished, followed closely by Silver Spirit, and then nearly everyone else. Shannon was the last to deactivate her connection, with the others having swiftly followed the pegasus’ lead. The griffon seemed worried, eying Twilight carefully before flipping an unseen switch and vanishing.

“That wasn't so bad,” Twilight murmured.

“I believe it went quite well. Though I was serious about the paperwork. So if you’ll excuse me,” Edmund Duke stated, glancing expectantly towards the exit.

“Come on, Spike. We got a lot of planning to do,” Twilight replied, rising and trotting out the door.

So what did you think of those guys? Other than the S.S. gang being a little rude, they seemed competent, Spike offered.

At least they listened to this Mengsk fellow, Twilight replied.

Silver Spirit for sure. Stalwart Steel seemed to respect him, but was not quite so whipped by the old stallion, Spike continued.

True, Twilight agreed. The others were a bit more independent thankfully. Though I am less certain as to what value they truly bring to the table.

A sudden burst of static from Twilight’s collar made her wince and reactively dial down the volume on her radio. Thankfully the grainy noise died down a moment later and was replaced by a familiar deep masculine voice.

“Can you hear me? Twilight, are you there?” Nagglfar inquired.

“Yes, I am here. You don't have to shout into your receiver,” Twilight replied.

Nagglfar coughed. “Right. Sorry. Still getting used to all of this new fangled technology. Now I hope you weren't too put off by your first real meeting with the council.”

“The result was… within my initial estimates,” Twilight replied after a short pause.

“That is good to hear. Edmund Duke runs a tight ship, but the balance of power is a tenuous one. So much of the confederacy is held together by duct tape and momentum that if we ever slowed down, I feel like the entire government would fall apart,” Nagglfar continued.

“Some instability is to be expected,” Spike offered.

“True, though I sometimes feel as though we are one bad argument away from a civil war,” Nagglfar muttered.

“Not that I don't appreciate the call, but is there a point to this discussion?” Twilight demanded.

“Well, I just wanted to pass along a warning. The daughters are not to be underestimated, nor should you make your presence in the area too obvious,” Nagglfar warned. “The infested represent an uncomfortable existential threat to most of the populace, and the individual generals have a considerable amount of leeway, if you catch my meaning.”

“Don't be too obvious about our true nature and appear normal as long as possible while out amongst the general populace. Got it,” Twilight muttered somewhat bitterly.

“I hate that things have come to this, but I would hate it even more if I were to hear about you being involved with a friendly fire incident,” Nagglfar pressed.

Spike snorted angrily. “I don't understand why everyone has to be so antagonistic. We saved this city before it was even called Augustgrad.”

“Yes, well. Without Celestia’s leadership and firm guiding hoof, many individuals have shown some desire to replace her,” Nagglfar remarked. “Noone has succeeded, obviously, but there are several who wish to gain the level of power your former monarch had.”

“Power breeds jealousy and sycophants like rabbits in a rice field,” Twilight murmured.

“Exactly,” Nagglfar agreed. “These would-be tyrants see the confederacy as the perfect place to form a new kingdom, despite our official guiding creed being against such a thing.”

“We will keep that in mind. Thank you,” Twilight exclaimed.

“It is no trouble at all, Twilight. Watch your back out there and remember, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask,” Nagglfar offered.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Twilight out,” Twilight stated.

Spike sighed. “So now where to?”

“We rally our forces and prepare to build an army of our own,” Twilight declared.

Author's Note

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

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Bootcamp Part 1

“It can't be that easy,” Spike retorted.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “And why not? You saw the information I was able to gather from the other world. We should be able to produce large numbers of soldiers, buildings, and even enhance our own bodies now.”

“And I also saw how you lack the skill and finesse necessary to do so,” Spike retorted, jabbing a clawed finger into Twilight's chest. “You need someone who can manipulate things with a much more careful hand.”

“Don't worry,” Twilight replied. “I already have someone in mind for that.”

Spike blinked, a smile slowly crossing his face. “Oooh, I totally see it.”

“Then come on. Let's go see what the girls are up to,” Twilight encouraged.

Twilight strode across the bottom level of the barracks at a quick, yet unhurried pace. Beside her walked Spike, whose growing curiosity and eagerness were beginning to become infectious. His thoughts were so loud at the back of Twilight's mind that she very nearly told him to restrain himself. Thankfully upon reaching the door, Spike seemed to remember himself, straightening his back and gathering his thoughts.

Twilight shook her head and knocked on the metal panel, despite the redundancy of such an action.

“Oh, um, c-come in,” Fluttershy whispered.

The slate of metal slid into the ground a second later, revealing that Fluttershy had been in the middle of braiding Scootlaoo’s hair.

“How is that even possible?” Spike muttered.

“I don't know, but Miss Fluttershy’s hand thingies feel nice,” Scootaloo murmured, the zergling hybrid purring like a kitten in Fluttershy’s lap.

Twilight smiled and seated herself on the floor next to Fluttershy.

“Your hair looks wonderful, Scootaloo,” Twilight remarked.

“Thank you, my queen,” Scootaloo proudly exclaimed.

The zergling filly ran one of her scythe limbs through the braided, strangely organic tentacles that made up her mane. The result made them appear even more prominent than before, and the young mare sat a little straighter on the bed.

“That looks great. Now, would you mind running along for a moment? I need to speak to Fluttershy,” Twilight gently asked.

Scootaloo hummed thoughtfully before shrugging. “That's fine, I guess. Later, Miss Fluttershy!”

“G-g-good b-bye, Scootaloo,” Fluttershy replied.

“How did you do that anyway?” Spike asked while watching the zergling hybrid trot out of the room, the door closing behind her. “Her hair certainly wasn't like that a few hours ago.”

“Well, h-h-hair isn't exactly important anymore, s-so I used the DNA for chitin to make a flexible a-a-alternative,” Fluttershy explained, her small three-fingered hands rubbing together as she spoke. “It s-s-should free up m-more room for adaptation.”

“Speaking of which, you’ve had access to the information I gathered while on the other side of the mirror for a little while now, and I was wondering what you may have learned from it,” Twilight offered.

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up, glowing intensely as her curiosity overcame her shyness. “You have no idea how much knowledge you have acquired, my queen. The power, it is immense, and I’ve only just barely been able to crack its surface.”

She rose from the bed and began to pace, with Spike and Twilight silently giving her more space.

“The things I could do with a bit of biomass and a few other raw components is… immeasurable,” Fluttershy continued to gush. “Whole armies, defenses made from living tissue, regenerative properties that would make alicorns jealous. That is without even considering the possibilities that lie within this… forced evolutionary pool.”

“I don't think we should mess with that,” Spike interrupted. “Seems pretty dangerous.”

“Oh, um… y-y-yes. Of c-course,” Fluttershy murmured, coming to an abrupt stop.

“Show me everything you can make,” Twilight encouraged, tapping the side of her head.

“Right away, my queen!” Fluttershy eagerly exclaimed.

The trio closed their eyes and allowed themselves to fall into the collective unconscious that was their hive mind. Though it began only as a vast expanse of darkness, Twilight quickly swept it all aside and painted a simple scene. A vast stony ground spread out in all directions while the sun hung overhead, illuminating everything in the gentle light of noon.

The second she had ground to work with, Fluttershy raised her small hands and conjured forth an orb of purplish green. She then placed it upon the ground where it immediately began to spread, growing rapidly and extending tendrils across the earth. Within seconds, a good thirty feet of rock was covered in the stuff, with a fleshy tree stump-like shape emerging from its center.

“This is the creep colony,” Fluttershy began. “I’ve adapted it from the larger ones you saw on the other side. It won't extend the creep nearly as far, but it will cost far less organic matter to create. In fact, you could probably do so yourself after having a particularly large meal.”

“Huh, neat,” Spike muttered, poking the twisting mass of flesh that covered the earth like an inky carpet.

“The creep’s limited psychic imprint will allow you to see and hear everything that treads upon it,” Fluttershy continued, striding back and forth excitedly. “Infested or zerg units will also move faster and heal while on it, provided we have the necessary organic matter to convert.”

Twilight nodded. “I see you’ve adapted my rather… primitive earlier design.”

Fluttershy winced. “I’m s-s-sorry, my queen. Your m-method was… wasteful.”

“That's no problem at all,” Twilight declared, waving a hoof. “You seem to have a much greater aptitude for this kind of thing. I doubt I needed to dump so much organic matter into our little home away from home.”

“She is beautiful, but wild,” Fluttershy replied, conjuring images of the sentient mass of creep they had left behind in Canterlot. “Her evolution was guided not by you, I’m afraid, but by your subconscious, and the factors imposed upon it by the need for stealth.”

“I’m just glad it turned out at all,” Spike remarked. “You would not believe how many failed versions came before that.”

Twilight snorted. “Quiet, you.”

Fluttershy giggled. “Yes, well, this will be far more reliable, and it also will not be intelligent, so you can just as easily discard it when you no longer require it. Thus getting back some of the investment you put into it.”

“Kinda like a carpet you can just roll back up,” Spike remarked.

Fluttershy nodded. “It will also serve as the perfect point to grow a hatchery.”

The pegasus hybrid conjured forth a great mass of half broken-down bio matter and dropped it onto the creep. She then waved her small three fingered hands over the mass, silently urging it to consume the meal. Which it did with gusto, absorbing the pile in no time and spreading slightly wider before stopping on Fluttershy’s order.

It didn't remain still for long, as Fluttershy raised her hands high, as if building towards the crescendo of an orchestra she was conducting. The creep did not disappoint, sprouting a massive spiraling tree nearly a dozen meters tall with numerous thick branches. Amidst the fleshy purple boughs hung many eggs, each one of which sat patiently, waiting for the command to grow.

“Woah,” Twilight murmured.

“Double woah,” Spike muttered.

The pair stared at the huge tree in wonder, their gazes drawn to the thick pulsating purple roots and upwards from there. The system which fed the hatchery tree was significant, and Twilight could see that it was drawing nutrients from the creep itself. Masses of necessary materials were carted through large roots and brought up into one of the enormous, semi-translucent multifaceted trunk.

The many tube-like masses twirled and intertwined with one another, creating a singular pulsating entity. Fibrous growths extended from between the individual tubes which made up the trunk, joining them together and creating a chitinous armor around it. From there the branches thinned and extended, unwinding and ending at a point just large enough for an egg to pass through.

The boughs themselves were all turned downwards, and were not layered, but rather resembled a giant umbrella. The top of which Twilight knew to be thick enough to take a few direct bombs if absolutely necessary. All in all, it was a far more… harmonious version of the giant hatcheries she saw back on Earth.

“W-w-what do you think, m-my queen?” Fluttershy offered, extending a hand towards the tree. “It's o-o-only theoretical at the moment, b-but I think it will work quite w-well.”

“It's fascinating,” Twilight murmured in a hushed tone. “Tell me all about it.”

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up, and she followed after the other infested as they strode around the trunk.

“Well, as you can see, it can be scaled however you like, going down to the size of a house plant if necessary or nearly twice the size of this one,” Fluttershy declared.

“Such utility,” Spike muttered. “You’ve thought of everything.”

“That's not all,” Fluttershy quickly added. “This hatchery has a greater production capability than even the ones you saw on Earth. Where those were giant masses that were one part citadel and one part organizational point, these are utterly focused on unit production.”

Fluttershy waved a hand towards the hatchery, and all at once the eggs fell, dropping onto the ground. Hitting the creep with a wet slap, the eggs didn't crack, though they did seem to prime themselves upon being released, glowing a faint green. Fluttershy ignored them for the moment and walked up to the tree trunk, stroking it lovingly.

“We could grow entire fields of these hatcheries if necessary, and not only that but they produce deep boring roots which will be able to gather resources from the crust,” Fluttershy continued, pressing her face against the trunk. “With a slightly larger investment of bio matter and minerals, I could even enable the hatchery to harvest resources all by itself.”

Fluttershy jumped back up and sprinted over to one side, conjuring forth what looked like a trio of vents in the ground. Ones which belched a thick greenish smoke that traveled a dozen feet into the air before dissipating. As the excitable infested continued to work, Spike leaned in close and whispered to Twilight.

“Did she really get all this from you?” he asked.

“Some of it,” Twilight replied. “I feel like she's been working on this for a lot longer than a few days though.”

“Doing all this must be the true purpose of her strain,” Spike reasoned.

Twilight nodded. “She takes to it like a duck to water.”

“Okay, see how this gas vent is relatively close to the hatchery?” Fluttershy asked, clearly uncaring if her question was answered or even heard. “So long as it's within a few meters, the tree can actually extend its root system above ground and effectively tap the reserve without the need for any outside assistance.”

Sure enough, the hatchery’s roots emerged from the ground and then snaked down the trio of holes. Where they widened, thinned, and extended until they covered the vent completely. Once that was done, they thickened once more, becoming rock hard cables that seemed resilient to most forms of damage.

“The processing of the gas actually happens beneath the surface too,” Fluttershy continued, tapping the creep triumphantly. “So if the vent gets targeted by the enemy, all you’ll need to replace are the roots rather than the entire system. Like the hatchery design of those other zerg, their extractor was larger than necessary. Inelegant, wasteful, and pointless.”

“Unlike your designs, which are surprisingly beautiful,” Spike exclaimed.

Fluttershy spun around, an enormous smile crossing her face.

“I’m so glad you think so!” she gushed. “I admit there is certain level of superfluousness to these designs, but I believe their scalability will be essential in our mission.”

“I agree,” Twilight stated. “The wasteland isn't exactly a bountiful garden as far as bio matter goes, though it at least has plenty of other resources.”

“Which is why I’ve optimized the majority of our units and buildings to rely on raw minerals,” Fluttershy added, only to wince, her hair falling across her face. “This h-h-has come with unique d-downsides, however.”

“Like what?” Spike asked.

Fluttershy trudged over to a different section of the creep and waved her hands over it, calling forth several pits. These different-sized holes soon filled with a deep green liquid which bubbled and undulated, stirred by unseen appendages grown from the creep.

“This is the b-b-breeding p-pool,” Fluttershy murmured. “N-n-normally it is where the g-genetic information for zerglings is stored.”

“But I’ve instead compartmentalized that information into the hive mind,” Twilight reasoned.

“W-w-whic is g-good,” Fluttershy offered. “But it also m-m-means the eggs n-need to be primed in the p-pool.”

Fluttershy demonstrated by trotting over to a nearby egg and dropping it inside the vat. A moment later, the exterior melted away to reveal a zergling which swam to the side. It then crawled out and shook itself like a dog before staring up at Twilight expectantly.

“It looks like the one back in Canterlot,” Twilight remarked, leaning down and peering at the creature closely. “Only slightly different.”

The zergling was the same size as most, being about as big as a rather large dog. It also had two feathered wings which folded neatly into its body when not being used. Though not large enough for true flight, the appendages would be more than enough to glide or leap short distances.

Its appearance was also more sleek and harmonious than the ones Twilight had recently become familiar with. Lacking the numerous spikes or seemingly random bits of chitin, this one had layers of armored plates that fit neatly together. Its maw contained the same number of needle-like teeth, though its eyes were slightly larger than in the normal zergling.

Another small difference were its two forelimbs which sported sickle-like appendages as well as small five fingered hands. The sickle-shaped weapons also had a unique joint that allowed them to be folded out of the way when not in use. All in all, they looked far less intimidating than the other zerglings, while also appearing far more intelligent.

“Your a-a-assumption is c-correct, my queen,” Fluttershy murmured. “These z-z-zerglings can serve as workers or as frontline s-soldiers, if necessary.”

“You couldn't replicate the drones I saw?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy shook her head. “That design was flawed. Mode of locomotion far too complicated. Unnecessary, irrelevant, replaced.”

“Are these as efficient?” Twilight pressed.

Fluttershy hummed thoughtfully. “Potentially. It is my opinion that the zergling’s capability to use tools will give it an edge.”

“We will primarily be scavenging supplies around old mines,” Twilight murmured. “I suppose that will probably prove useful.”

“If it doesn't, I can create an alternative design that would put the zergling into a more work-oriented role,” Fluttershy exclaimed. “Though doing so would mean sacrificing some of our fiercest fighters.”

“I think it's perfect,” Spike exclaimed. “Imagine a drone trying to use a scavenged drill or some power tools. It would be ridiculous.”

“True. I rather enjoy the flexibility this form will allow,” Twilight stated.

Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. “That makes me feel better.”

“Are there any other buildings or units we can make at this time?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, um, y-yes,” Fluttershy replied, hopping up and trotting over to a free section of creep. “We should be able to construct the sunken colony as well as the spore colony that you saw on Earth.”

With a wave of her hands, Fluttershy brought forth two new structures from the mass of creep. One a tall mass of pustules around a central triangular tube ribbed with spikes, the back of which bore a line of green sacks. Several chitinous sections extended across its main bulk, shielding the tube and allowing it to turn around as needed.

The other building was much lower to the ground and far more compact in its overall design. Unlike the towering spore colony, the sunken colony stood only a few feet tall at its highest point. It resembled a spread hand, only with the fingers replaced with long tubes and a larger tentacle extending from where a wrist would be. Other than that, it was just a hole in the ground, though Twilight knew very well that it was quite deadly.

“I’ve adapted both designs,” Fluttershy began, her tone quiet and expectful. “The spore colony fires a burst of fungus-like flak that should make it more useful here on Equestria.”

“Oooh, good thinking,” Spike exclaimed, snapping his fingers. “We don't exactly have to deal with giant spaceships or those super advanced planes.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Fluttershy continued. “Our most likely airborne foe will either be other zerg fliers or… pegasi.”

Twilight wrapped a hoof around the other mare’s shoulders and squeezed gently. “Don't worry. I’m sure we won't have to fight ponies very often.”

Fluttershy shuddered. “E-e-either way, it should prove m-most effective against these smaller targets. Should l-l-larger, more heavily armored t-targets become numerous, it can be altered.”

“An acid payload, perhaps,” Twilight reasoned.

“Possible,” Fluttershy answered. “Right now it can be overloaded in order to fire larger projectiles, though doing so will damage the structure itself.”

“And the sunken colony?” Spike asked, kicking the mass. “How different is it?”

“As you’ve likely already gathered, it's oriented towards combating other zerg,” Fluttershy replied, gesturing to the structure in question. “The four smaller spines will strike in a circle around the main target, creating a much larger area of effect.”

Twilight nodded slowly. “A wonderful alteration. With a few of these, we could easily defend a base against an entire horde of zerglings.”

“Y-yes,” Fluttershy murmured. “The thought is n-not pleasant, but it would be… efficient.”

“Just remember, these are the bad guys we are talking about. That, and it's not like they give their zerglings brains,” Spike exclaimed. “They're basically mindless robots.”

Fluttershy sighed. “I know. It just s-s-saddens m-me to think about.”

“Well, gird your heart, Fluttershy, because were about to jump neck-deep into a war pretty soon,” Twilight cautioned.

“I will be ready when the time comes, of that I promise,” Fluttershy stated, fixing Twilight with a hard look.

“See to it that you do. Now…” Twilight looked around. “Is that everything?”

“The rest of the buildings will take more time to design,” Fluttershy replied. “Their structures are more complicated than these, though I believe it won't be long before I am able to replicate them.”

“And hydralisks? Can we make them?” Spike asked eagerly.

“I… don't know,” Fluttershy murmured. “Theoretically, but I’m not quite sure what they would even look like.”

“What do you mean?” pressed Spike.

“I’ve almost finished crafting them, but creating a projection based on abstract sequences is… difficult,” Fluttershy murmured. “Especially since it's not even completely done yet.”

Twilight waved a dismissive hoof. “It's fine, Fluttershy. We will simply test them out in the field once we get the time.”

“Oh, how exciting. Is that soon by chance?” Fluttershy asked.

“This morning I was told we had a week to prepare,” Twilight answered. “Speaking of which, how would you use that week? Is there anything I can do to help you?”

“I’m not sure,” Fluttershy admitted. “It will take time to go through the information you’ve brought back, but other than that, I’d appreciate some testing space.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Twilight replied, stomping a hoof against the ground and causing the mindscape to fall away, returning them to the real world. “Before I go, however, I was hoping to inspect you for a moment.”

“Inspect m-me?” Fluttershy murmured.

“You could at least stop sounding so menacing there, boss lady,” Spike remarked with a snort.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Fluttershy knows I mean no harm.”

“That's t-t-true, b-but your intentions are h-hidden,” Fluttershy replied.

“I just don't want to get your hopes up, now come here please,” Twilight half asked, half ordered, opening her hooves wide.

Fluttershy reluctantly obeyed, crawling to the edge of the bed and allowing Twilight's hooves to hover over her head.

“Is there s-s-something you’re l-looking for?” Fluttershy whispered.

“While on Earth, I discovered much about the essence of living things, and how to harvest it,” Twilight murmured, her eyes closed as her forelimbs twisted this way and that.

Spike’s eyes opened wide. “You don't think that Fluttershy here has been gathering it unconsciously, do you?”

“It may explain your love of animals,” Twilight replied. “You could have been seeking out essence even if you didn't even know it.”

“But I l-l-love my a-animals,” Fluttershy whispered.

“We aren't saying you don't. We’re just saying it might be part of the reason you are so drawn to them,” Spike replied with a shrug. “It's like how bread plays second fiddle to peanut butter and jam despite it being integral to the sandwich experience.”

“Your metaphor could use work, but you’re not wrong,” Twilight exclaimed, a frown crossing her face. “I think I’ve got something.”

“I can feel it,” Fluttershy replied, her face contorting into a grimace. “It's like you’re in my memories, and yet not at the same time.”

Twilight grunted. “Hold on, I’m not sure what's going to happen when I-”

Fluttershy hummed softly to herself as liquid trickled out of her watering can and onto the flowers below. The yellow orchids were beautiful in her eyes, even if they had yet to fully bloom this year. A little bit of water would help in that regard, Fluttershy knew.

Just as she was about to move on, she heard the faint tweet of a bird. Turning towards a nearby tree, Fluttershy saw a bluejay sitting there, peeping at her sadly.

“Hello, um, it's Bluey, right? I’m afraid my mind is a little hazy today,” Fluttershy asked.

The bird nodded.

“That's good. I think I’ve finally learned the names of everyone near my new home,” Fluttershy whispered half to herself.

The bird chirped loudly, grabbing Fluttershy’s attention.

“Oh, what's that? You want me to come with you?” Fluttershy inquired.

Once more the bird nodded, peeping sadly.

“It's time then, huh? Lead the way, Bluey. I’ll be right there with you,” Fluttershy replied.

The bluejay turned away and began flying under the low branches, making his way into the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy wasn't far behind, stopping just long enough to tie her cloak tight about her body so no one accidentally saw her. With that done, she hastily trotted after the departing bird, easily catching back up with it as it wove through the trees.

They made their way into an older part of the forest and towards a short, gnarled oak that may or may not have been alive. Either way, it had within its branches a large nest, in which sat a mostly gray and white hawk nearly as large as its home. Upon spotting Fluttershy, its dull eyes lit up slightly, and what seemed like a smile came to its beaked face.

Fluttershy smiled back and deftly climbed up the tree, using her small clawed hands to aid in her ascent. Upon reaching the correct branch, Fluttershy leaned over and gently ran her hoof down the hawk’s back, smoothing some of its feathers.

“Hello, old friend,” whispered Fluttershy.

The hawk weakly chirped back, leaning into the touch.

“I know it hurts, but it will be over soon,” Fluttershy replied.

A second later, the bluejay landed at the edge of the nest, though it remained silent.

“Thank you for getting me, Bluey,” Fluttershy exclaimed.

The bluejay bowed its head to the hawk in difference.

Fluttershy chuckled. “You two have been quite the pair, you know. Why, when you first let Bluey into your nest, it felt like the whole forest had to come tell me.”

The hawk made a strained squawking sound not unlike laughter.

“It's not that unbelievable. You have a reputation for being both tough as well as a little bit prickly,” Fluttershy exclaimed. “In fact, I think Mister Squirrel even had a bet that you’d end up eating Bluey within a week.”

The hawk cawed in confusion, using its good wing to reach out and pull the bluejay tight against its chest. Much to the joy of the smaller bird, which cooed happily, burying its tiny face in the hawk’s chest fluff.

“I know he's adorable, that's why I bet against Mister Squirrel,” Fluttershy remarked with a giggle.

The hawk sighed, releasing the hold it had in its mate.

Who smiled and rubbed himself up against the underside of the hawk’s cracked beak.

Fluttershy smiled and watched as the hawk slumped back down, its body nearly going limp as its eyes partially closed.

“Would you like to hear a song?” Fluttershy asked.

The hawk whispered something to the bluejay who turned and nodded its head.

Fluttershy smiled faintly, a song all but leaping to her lips.

“Let it be the morning star
Which shines down on you
Let it be when the darkness comes
Your soul is still strong-”

The hawk swayed gently, its nearly sightless eyes turned towards the evening sky.

“You travel through empty country
Far, far from the place you did roam
Now darkness has come
Have faith and you will find your way-”

Its mate joined the hawk, wrapping a wing around the back of the much larger creature and supporting its weight as they drifted.

“The shadow looms over you
A promise whispered in your ear
Let it be when doom comes
Your heart is still strong-”

The hawk’s eyes began to close, and though its body began to slump, the bluejay kept it upright, continuing to gently sway.

“Let it be on your long wanderings
That your days are long
Your nights are short
And the sun is a friend of yours-”

The hawk went nearly completely limp, its entire body sagging downward as its advanced age quickly caught up with it.

“Lo, the moon looms overhead
In its shadow you must search
For the shadow has come
And you will need to find your way
And you will find your way.”

When Fluttershy’s song ended, she smiled down at the bluejay as it lay the inert hawk against the side of the nest. Though sad, the young bird seemed oddly proud of its deceased mate, though for what reason Fluttershy couldn't be sure.

“Is there anything else you need?” Fluttershy whispered in a soft tone.

The bluejay didn't respond initially, merely hopping up to the hawk’s damaged wing and pulling a feather from it. He then turned and waddled over to Fluttershy before presenting the grayish bit of plumage up to her.

“For me? Are you sure? All I did was set her wing once,” Fluttershy asked.

The bluejay nodded, peeping several times.

“Well, if it's what she wanted…” Fluttershy reluctantly agreed, hoping that she didn't sound too eager.

Using one of her three fingered hands, Fluttershy plucked the feather from the bird’s beak and tucked it into her mane.

“I’ll leave you two alone then,” Fluttershy murmured. “Make sure to ask if you need anything else.”

The bluejay waved a dismissive wing at the pegasus, his attention already turned back to its deceased mate.

Taking that as her cue to leave, Fluttershy pushed herself off the tree and glided down to the ground. Once all four of her hooves were on solid earth, the infested pony began to trot in the direction of her home; her mind occupied by the sad passing of one of the first animal friends she had met upon coming to Ponyville.

So occupied was the pegasus that she barely even noticed as the feather began to glow an odd pink color. The faint illumination became slightly brighter before a spinning strand of what looked like DNA emerged. The strange bit of energy floated next to Fluttershy for a moment before being pulled towards the pony.

Where it was captured within one of the smaller green pustules growing from the back of Fluttershy’s head. Hidden by her cloak and mane, the mare didn't even notice as she absorbed the hawk’s essence.

She winced and rubbed the back of her neck.

“Those darn mosquitos,” she muttered.

Author's Note

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Bootcamp Part 2

Twilight blinked rapidly, her vision returning to the real world as soon as Fluttershy’s memory ended. The pegasus was similarly confused, though she was more contemplative than truly baffled. Spike on the other hand seemed as though he had been about three seconds from a panic attack.

“What happened? You just froze up for a minute there, and I couldn't even sense your mental presence. Was it an attack? Is there another queen around?” Spike demanded, his spines rising as he rapidly glanced around the room.

“Spike, calm down. We’re fine. We're all okay,” Twilight stressed. “I just… stumbled upon one of Fluttershy’s memories and got dragged into it. Sorry about that, by the way.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “It's fine.”

“What are you talking about?” Spike demanded.

Twilight rolled her eyes and sent the brief memory directly into Spike’s mind.

“There, does that answer your questions?” Twilight exclaimed.

Spike blinked, visibly relaxing though not appearing any less confused.

“I think so,” he murmured.

“Fluttershy was gathering essence this entire time. Which explains her expertise with spinning,” Twilight began. “She's got a whole bank of samples already.”

“So it seems,” Fluttershy murmured. “This is going to take some time to process. I feel like an entirely new part of my mind has been opened, and it's all a little much.”

“Relax, take the day off and just focus on getting your head in order,” Twilight offered in a firm tone.

“That's probably for the best,” Spike reasoned.

Fluttershy nodded. “I think I’ll do just that. Thank you, my queen.”

“It's no problem at all, Fluttershy. Thank you for all your hard work,” Twilight exclaimed.

Twilight nodded to Spike as she turned to walk out, signaling for the dragon to join her as they left. As soon as they got outside, they were met by horrified Scootaloo who seemed ready to pounce.

“Oh, thank goodness,” Scootaloo murmured, relaxing the moment she laid eyes on Fluttershy. “For a second there I thought I’d have to fight you or something.”

“You’d definitely lose,” Spike exclaimed.

“Yeah, but if you hurt Miss Fluttershy, I’d have to try,” Scootaloo declared.

Twilight chuckled, patting an armored hoof on the zergling’s head. “Your loyalty is praiseworthy, though remember who you’re talking to, Scootaloo. I would never hurt you guys. You’re my family.”

“I know,” Scootaloo replied. “I just like Fluttershy more.”

With that the filly scampered through Twilight's legs and disappeared into the other room. Spike turned and watched as the young mare immediately curled up next to the other pegasus hybrid. Who barely even noticed Scootaloo’s presence until several seconds later, at which point she extended a wing over the zergling.

“You know, it's almost too bad we can't make her bigger somehow,” Spike exclaimed, gesturing to Scootlaoo’s prone form. “She’d make a much better bodyguard if she was covered in armor and had two great big scythe arms on the front of her.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I think she's perfect the way she is. Besides, Fluttershy needs a cuddle buddy.”

“True,” Spike admitted. “So, where are we off to next?”

“I was thinking of checking in with Applejack and Zecora. Gotta make sure they have everything they need for our first real mission,” Twilight answered.

“I think they’re down at the range right now,” Spike replied,sticking his tongue out as he focused. “Yup, they’re one level up and a bit further to the east.”

“You’re pretty good at that,” Twilight replied, already trotting towards the stairs.

“Well, it's not like I had much else to do but practise while you were gone,” Spike remarked with a shrug. “It was either that or lose to Applejack in checkers for the millionth time. Like seriously, how does she do it?”

“I guess it must be a hydralisk thing,” Twilight exclaimed, only to sigh. “So, I guess I should ask you what you are going to spend the next week working on.”

“Continuing my hand-to-hand combat training with the guys who used to be our guards. It's really cathartic knocking them on their asses,” Spike answered, launching a few punches at the empty air.

Twilight perked up. “Oh really? Well, that's great to hear. Are they decent ponies?”

Spike shrugged. “They aren't bad. Kinda fun to hang out with, even if I can tell they only do so because they pity me.”

“Don't feel obligated to practice with them just because you don't have many other options,” Twilight warned in a motherly tone. “Your self-worth is more valuable than the company of others.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “Yes, mooom.”

“Don't take that tone with me, young man. Respecting one’s self is important,” Twilight retorted.

“I’m well aware. Besides, once I actually talk to the new guy, he’ll stop pitying me so much,” Spike continued.

“That's because they get to meet the real charming you,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Either that or they realize I’m not about to eat them at the drop of a hat,” Spike added.

Twilight chuckled. “Or that.”

The pair stepped into an elevator and, after the click of a button, left behind the barracks level completely. A few short seconds later, the metal box dinged loudly, announcing their arrival at the next floor. It wasn't long before the doors opened on their own, and the pair trotted out into yet another dull gray hallway.

Nearly identical to the rest of the building, this level was mainly storage with a few minor alterations. Including the warehouse space which had been repurposed into a shooting range near the far end. To get there, however, Spike and Twilight needed to maneuver past a number of enormous shelves stacked high with supplies.

“You know, you should really consider giving us ranks,” Spike offered.

“Ranks? Why? Everyone understands their purpose quite clearly,” Twilight declared.

“Yeah, well, now that you’re officially a volunteer commander you could totally promote people,” Spike replied.

Twilight chuckled. “You just want to be Sergeant Spike.”

“Hey, it rolls off the tongue!” Spike exclaimed. “I don't know if that would work though. We are infested, not ponies. Our military structure isn't going to be like theirs.”

“True,” Twilight replied, a frown crossing her face. “Fluttershy would be some kind of advisor, or like a supply officer of some kind, as would Zecora. Applejack, on the other hoof, would probably be a second lieutenant or something.”

“And what am I? Chopped liver?” Spike demanded.

“You'd be, buck, Private Spike,” Twilight stated with a smirk. “That way I can keep you at my side forever.”

Spike stuck out his long tongue in disgust. “You are such a sap, you know.”

“Yeah, well, bite me,” Twilight retorted.

He chuckled. “Don't tempt me.”

The duo made their way around one final stack of supplies before appearing at the end of a slightly improvised shooting range. A line of boxes served as the barrier to the range, while a bunch of paper cutouts hung down from the rafters on wires. There were few ponies around, and fewer still nearby, any stragglers having given the pair of infested a wide berth.

One of whom was standing tall in between a pair of towering boxes, the small flaps on her shoulders having opened. Applejack’s expression was strained, and she focused on the distant target slowly moving back and forth on the primitive rail system. With a thwump, she launched a pair of dagger-like projectiles, which cut straight through the piece of paper and bounced off the far wall.

Zecora nodded knowingly, taking a moment from whatever she had been focusing on to congratulate the taller infested. Who smiled down at her companion, speaking animatedly about how far she’d come since she first started practicing. It was at this point that Twilight and Spike trotted up, prompting the other two to pause their conversation.

Greetings, my queen, Zecora exclaimed, bowing slightly.

“Howdy, Twi,” Applejack greeted and bobbed her head. “What brings y'all down here today?”

“I was just hoping to catch up with you both in person, so to speak,” Twilight exclaimed. “As you likely already know, we’ve received our first mission.”

So that is what you’ve been hiding from us in the hive mind. I had wondered what secrets you were keeping, Zecora exclaimed.

“Isn't it awesome?” Spike declared. “We get our own base, and we have an important job. This is going to go a long way to making them trust us.”

“Well, that's iffen we don't muck it up,” Applejack countered.

Though I do not understand why we need their approval in the first place, Zecora stated with an indignant huff, you are queen. Your word is law.

“Our enemy is much more powerful than us,” Twilight quickly replied. “Allies will be essential for survival. In the future that may change, but for right now they are necessary.”

“Relax, Zecora. Boss lady’s already planning on building our own army anyway,” Spike added.

Ahh, my apologies. Being cooped up here has made me… testy, Zecora remarked, giving Twilight an apologetic nod.

Twilight waved a hoof dismissively. “Think nothing of it. Though if you have a moment, I was curious as to how you two were going to spend the week.”

Other than resisting the urge to strangulate these impetuous ponies? Very little, Zecora answered.

“Oh don't be such a downer, Zecora,” Applejack exclaimed, patting the zebra on the back. “Y'all just need a hobby that doesn't involve you imagining new and creative ways to kill people.”

Impossible. It is very important that I continue my work, Zecora shot back.

“Right, and coming up with a way to hurt that poor fella who accidentally bumped you in the hallway is important how exactly?” Applejack retorted.

Zecora sputtered briefly before turning away. That was merely a thought exercise. I was not upset by him or his actions.

“Either way, you really should come up with something to do to pass the time,” Twilight stated firmly. “The others will all be practicing or training in some way.”

I suppose I could review these ponies' knowledge of toxins and see if I could refine my blends, Zecora reasoned. Though I would need access to their books or, what did you call them, computers? Either way, I would also require a cache of chemical components.

“I’m sure the boss lady will be able to get that to ya,” Spike exclaimed, smacking a hand against Twilight's back. “Ain't that right?”

“Probably,” Twilight replied with a shrug. “Just don't go making napalm or something. I don't want to get on the base commander’s bad side until after we’re a hundred miles away.”

Zecora laughed a strange, gurgling chuckle. Understandable. I will only attempt to replicate such a substance after they are no longer watching us.

Twilight winced. “Normally I’d dissuade any attempt to research such a topic, but given how numerous our foes will surely be, I suppose it behooves us to employ some manner of fire-based attack.”

“You should see some of the preliminary tests they’ve been doing with that firebat suit,” Spike exclaimed. “That thing cuts through zerglings like a thresher through a wheat field.”

“Right scary those things are,” Applejack murmured, her body shuddering. “I don't know who could pilot such a thing.”

“Nutjobs, mostly,” Spike replied.

Twilight cleared her throat. “I think we’re getting a bit off topic.”

“Oh yeah. We were talkin’ about what we planned on doing, and as for me I was just gonna keep practicing,” Applejack exclaimed, gesturing to the range. “I’ve had these things all my life, but I never actually had control over ‘em till I met you, so my aim is a mighty bit rusty.”

Twilight nodded slowly. “That sounds like an excellent plan.”

“Don't forget about the thing you were thinkin’ of,” Spike whispered.

“Oh, right.” Twilight cleared her throat. “I might be able to change your appearance a bit. I hinted at this before, but in time I am hoping to be able to completely rewrite your genetic information.”

“So, are there any changes you might want?” Spike finished.

Negative, Zecora replied, only to pause. Correction. Is there any way to further embrace my infestation and perhaps discard my zebra heritage entirely?

“You want to throw it all away?” Twilight asked.

Affirmative, Zecora answered. If I had additional limbs, I could support a larger mass and thus be capable of processing a greater number of chemicals as well as a wider range of parasites or other organisms.

“Are you sure that's what you want? Such large scale changes would be irreversible,” Twilight exclaimed.

Good, Zecora stated confidently.

“Maybe you should think about this for a bit? I mean, I doubt you could go back home if you were some kinda giant centipede looking thing,” Spike added.

I… Zecora hesitated for a moment, and in that brief instance Twilight caught a glimpse into the enigmatic zebra’s mind.

There Twilight saw a deep burning desire to return to her homeland and to see her people as well as her family. Such yearning was buried beneath a mountain of newly acquired instinct, guilt, anguish, and shame. Then it was gone, and Zecora’s inner machinations were hidden once more beneath the firm layer of control she maintained almost constantly.

Irrelevant, Zecora retorted. My place is at my queen’s side. Nothing else matters.

“I mean, I’m all for giving our queen my all, but you can think about yourself a little bit,” Applejack whispered in a low tone and glanced expectantly at Twilight.

“Yes. Don't think of yourself as only a tool to further our goals,” Twilight declared. “You’re an individual after all, and not some mindless slave.”

I don't wish to be anything more, Zecora shot back. All I desire is to protect the swarm and to increase our brood’s strength.

Spike shrugged. “I don't see what the big deal is. Zecora here is just a team player.”

Yes, what the purple one said, Zecora quickly added.

Twilight sighed. “Fine, though there will come a time when you will be able to take time for yourself, and I expect you to take it.”

By your will, Zecora exclaimed, bowing slightly.

Twilight resisted the urge to sigh a second time, and gestured towards Spike. “Come on. Let's go check in with the rest of our friends. I promised to teach Pinkie Pie’s group a thing or two anyway.”

“Oh, uh, leaving already?” Applejack inquired in a hesitant tone.

Twilight gently laid a hoof on the hydralisk’s side. “I’ll be back shortly. Until then, you practise up so you can really impress me, okay?”

Applejack snapped off a hurried salute. “Yes, ma’am!”

Twilight gave Zecora a simple nod before turning and walking away alongside Spike.

As they left the range behind, Spike occasionally shot a glance over his shoulder, noting that Applejack had gone right back to shooting. Zecora, however, seemed distant, though her alien features were difficult to read, even for a fellow infested.

“I don't see why you’re worrying about Zecora,” Spike exclaimed. “She just seems to want what's best for us as a group, you know.”

“What do you think will happen when she locates a more powerful zerg to follow?” Twilight asked, glancing over at the dragon.

Who paused mid-stride and shot Twilight a confused look. “What do you mean? She’d stay loyal, of course.”

“Are you so certain? Yes, she's a team player, but she values strength above nearly everything,” Twilight replied.

“I mean, I guess,” Spike reluctantly admitted. “I still don't think you have anything to worry about when it comes to her.”

Twilight shrugged. “I’m not wholly convinced she’d be so quick to jump ship, but you must admit it is a possibility.”

“So,” Spike began, quickly changing the subject as the pair entered an elevator, “what are you going to spend your week doing?”

“I'm not… wholly certain,” Twilight murmured. “Probably test this new body and see what it can all do.”

“You should totally get me a suit like that. You can never have too much armor,” Spike declared.

Twilight jabbed Spike in the stomach with a hoof. “Add anymore ‘armor’ on that belly of yours, and people might start thinking you’re fat.”

“I’m just thick-scaled!” Spike retorted, his face turning slightly red.

“You are too easy to tease sometimes,” Twilight remarked.

Spike snorted. “That's just because you can look into my head and see everything that bugs me.”

“That does help,” Twilight replied with a shrug. “So, what do you think Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash are going to get up to?”

“Rainbow Dash will do two things and two things only,” Spike extended a pair of claws. “Mope and train. That's pretty much it.”

“A fair assessment,” Twilight agreed.

“As for Pinkie Pie, well if I had to guess, I’d say that she’d spend the whole time working on some kinda crazy contraption. Either that or training with her squad,” Spike finished.

The pair paused their conversation as they left the elevator and began trotting down another long metal hallway. One far more occupied than the relatively barren expanses they had passed through up until now. Here traffic was constant, as were the curious onlookers and whispered conversations.

I feel like there are a lot more people staring this time, Spike remarked, glancing past a trio of partially armored marines staring intently at the infested as they passed.

They must have made some kind of announcement by now. Come on, the sooner we get down to the labs, the sooner we can leave these crowds behind, Twilight exclaimed.

This was one thing I do not miss about Canterlot, Spike thought idly.

You and I both, Spike, Twilight sadly agreed.

Twilight raised a hoof to knock, only to feel the warm and somehow sugary aura of Pinkie Pie wash over her. Instead of announcing her presence, Twilight took a step back and simply waited along with Spike. Who stood there patiently until a ragged-looking Pinkie Pie appeared in the doorway, a strained smile on her face.

“Oh, hey guys,” Pinkie Pie muttered. “What are you doing around here?”

Twilight raised an eyebrow and noted that her pink friend had her mane tied back into a tight ponytail. Not only that, but she wore a pair of mechanic’s overalls that were stained with grease. The earth pony’s attire wasn't what interested Twilight however, rather it was the chaotic state of her mind.

“Would you please dial it back a little?” Spike asked, clutching the sides of his head. “Feels like you’re trying to shout directly into my ears.”

“Sorry, Spike,” Pinkie Pie murmured, quickly closing her eyes and focusing inward until her mind had closed itself off.

“That is going to have to be the first lesson I teach you all,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Sorry again. Just… had a bit of a fight, and I’m still a little shaken,” Pinkie Pie admitted, shrugging weakly.

“What about?” Twilight asked.

“About whether or not she’ll be sending us into the field with barely any training, limited powers, and shit equipment!” shouted the familiar voice of a certain dragon.

“I don't know what's louder, her thoughts or her voice,” Spike muttered.

“It's like a foghorn inside my skull,” Twilight murmured.

“What was that?” Ember demanded after walking up to the small group.

“I think they are having trouble because you’re shouting your thoughts again,” Pinkie Pie remarked.

“Then stop listening,” Ember rebuked.

“You inconsiderate little shit. Come here,” Twilight demanded.

“What are you--Hey!” Ember shouted as Twilight magically pulled her across the threshold and grabbed her head in both hooves. “Get your filthy hooves off me!”

Twilight merely grunted, using her considerable psychic might to forcefully quiet the girl.

“There,” Twilight declared. “And your next lesson will be in humility, or pain. Your choice.”

Ember tore herself from Twilight's grip and glared at the pony angrily, a clawed hand rubbing the side of her head.

“Thank you, Twilight. If I had to know anymore about how much she likes the color of my scales, I might have just blown a gasket,” Spike muttered.

Ember’s eyes went wide. “I didn't think that at all! You’re lying!”

“So you’re not even in tune with your unconscious thoughts. Unfortunate,” Twilight remarked.

“Would you quit teasing the poor girl? She’s going to explode again, and I don't have my ear plugs with me,” Pinkie Pie interrupted.

“I am simply telling you how it is,” Ember growled.

“So, what was this all about, some kind of equipment shortage?” Twilight asked, glancing at Pinkie Pie.

“Not exactly,” replied the earth pony. “Their custom light suit should be done soon enough, and we should all have a bit more training by the time we deploy.”

“But she refuses to utilize the chemicals we discovered,” Ember declared. “We need this boost if we are going to have a hope of surviving against the zerg.”

Pinkie Pie sighed and ran a hoof down her face. “I told you, just because it seems like it might boost your psionics, it doesn't mean it will and that taking it won't have extreme consequences.”

“Yeah, well. The way I look at it, we have next to no armor, or training, or advanced weapons, so we’re going to need something,” Ember retorted.

“What are these chemicals she's talking about?” Twilight asked.

“It’s a compound Screwy and I discovered that may result in a greater psionic potential,” Pinkie Pie answered. “Though again. I don't know what kind of side effects it may have or if it will even work.”

“Then test it,” Ember interrupted. “I volunteer.”

“She's got a point,” Spike remarked. “It seems like it needs to be refined before being put to use, so why not do just that?”

“So long as you take the necessary precautions, then this could be a huge benefit for you all,” Twilight added.

Pinkie Pie sighed and did her best to ignore Ember’s triumphant smirk. “Fine, fine. But I’m going to need you here every day in order to train these guys. My time will be occupied with refining the formula and working on the best method of delivery.”

“That's fine,” Twilight replied. “I should have a few hours in the morning in order to give a lesson or two.”

“That's great,” Pinkie Pie murmured, releasing a long exhale of relief.

“Hmph. Maybe you’re not all bad,” Ember muttered before turning and walking away.

“Please tell me I can help you train that brat,” Spike stated the second Ember was out of earshot.

“I’m counting on it,” Twilight replied.

“Just try not to be too hard on her. She acts tough, but it's a big act to cover for, well… you know,” Pinkie Pie whispered.

“Of course,” Twilight answered.

“So, did ya see Rainbow Dash around?” Spike asked.

“She's training again. Trying to nail down some kind of issue with the flight suits,” Pinkie Pie replied.

“Better not interrupt her then,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Yeah, that probably wouldn't turn out well,” Pinkie Pie pointed out.

“So, back to the range for now and then return to the labs tomorrow with a lesson plan?” Spike asked.

Twilight nodded. “Sounds good.”

Author's Note

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Boralis Station Part 2

Walking over the shattered remnants of the double doors, Twilight found herself in a short, unlit hallway. Powering her horn, Twilight conjured a flowing orb of purple light which hovered a few feet above her head and illuminated their surroundings. With that done, she was able to see that the space was mostly occupied by ill-used mine carts which were clustered against the right wall.

“Is that an elevator?” Spike asked, peeking over Twilight's shoulder.

“Looks like it,” Twilight agreed, maneuvering the light a little higher.

Revealing that there was indeed a large service elevator waiting for them at the other end of the building. Big enough to fit an armored transport and have room for a squad of marines, it was of considerable size. It was also the only way down and unlike seemingly everything else, was not overly damaged. Sure it had a few scratch marks but nothing integral was rendered inoperable, at least that Twilight could see.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Spike murmured.

“M-me t-t-too,” Fluttershy added.

I think we should send the elevator on a test run, Zecora offered.

Twilight nodded. “Agreed.”

Extending her magic, Twilight clicked the button for the bottom floor and engaged it before waiting patiently. She half expected nothing to happen, given how damaged everything had been and the complete lack of lights. Only to be surprised when the elevator lurched into motion and began to descend down into the earth.

Holding a hoof back to her friends, Twilight glanced down into the opening where the elevator was descending. A sudden whine followed by a lurch alerted Twilight to something amiss, and she quickly backpedalled. Just in time to avoid the motor and most of the rigging to fall down the elevator shaft with a rattling clatter.

A noise which was quickly eclipsed in scale by the calamitous plummet of the actual elevator. Which screeched loudly the entire way down before seemingly exploding at the very bottom of the shaft. Once the ensuing wave of dust cleared, Twilight looked down, levitating her magic orb deeper into the earth.

She noticed the seven distinct layers, the bottom of which had the shattered remnants of the elevator sitting in it. Recalling her orb, Twilight stood at the top of the elevator shaft, a hoof rubbing her chin.

“What now?” whispered Scootaloo.

“Simple, we use magic,” Twilight replied, lighting her horn.

“Or this,” Rainbow Dash declared.

Before anyone had a chance to stop her, the reaper leapt down the hole and plummeted a dozen meters. Upon nearing the first layer, Rainbow Dash gunned her engines, arrested her fall and landed safely on the ground.

“That was very rude,” Fluttershy huffed indignantly. “I was worried.”

“Let's go give her a piece of your mind then,” Twilight offered, extending a hoof.

Fluttershy instinctively knew what was going to happen, and graciously accepted the appendage. Wrapping all four of her forelimbs around her queen’s armored hoof, Fluttershy waited patiently while the rest of the group repeated this motion. Zecora held onto Applejack, and Spike picked Scootaloo up, much to the filly’s annoyance.

“Can we hurry this up? I don't like being held,” Scootaloo muttered.

Spike rolled his eyes. “I know you do. We have a hive mind. You can't hide this information from us.”

“Still,” Scootaloo grumbled.

“It's just to make fewer anchor points which will help me levitate us all down. It won't be long,” Twilight explained.

“I think we’re ready here, boss lady,” Applejack exclaimed.

“Hold on tight,” Twilight exclaimed before leaping over the edge with Fluttershy in tow.

The infested pegasus yelped in surprise, her body wrapping around Twilight as best as it was able. Twilight barely even noticed the added weight, and soon landed with a graceful thump on the first layer. She then turned and guided in the next few groups, Fluttershy finally calming down when the last had arrived.

“W-warn me n-n-next time,” Fluttershy murmured.

“Of course,” Twilight replied, turning to Rainbow Dash. “Now then, did you find anything?”

“Doesn't go very deep,” Rainbow Dash replied, clicking off the forward facing lamps attached to her suit. “Nothing but clumps of dirt and some discarded mining equipment.”

“Then we shall continue on,” Twilight declared.

“Are you sure you have enough energy to bring us all the way down then all the way back up?” Spike asked, glancing at his mother.

Twilight merely chuckled. “I could probably do so a good dozen times before getting winded, now come on.”

Right behind you, my queen, Zecora stated.

Just as the final pair landed on the second layer, Rainbow Dash arrived, and this time her tone carried a hint of confusion.

“I think you should see this,” she stated.

“Is it s-something d-d-dangerous?” Fluttershy whispered.

Rainbow Dash shook her head, only to pause. “I mean, probably not? Looks like a big cage.”

“Lead the way,” Twilight commanded, walking out to the front of the pack.

Rainbow Dash trotted up ahead, guiding them down a few winding paths before ending at rubble-strewn dead end. Or at least it was at one time intended to appear as such, as the fake wall had been knocked down to reveal a large room filled with cages. Big enough to house a hydralisk, there were nearly two dozen of the things, each one of which was empty.

“The locks are all busted,” Spike muttered.

Or melted, Zecora added, gesturing to one such half-liquified door.

“What do you think they were keeping down here?” Applejack inquired.

“If I had to guess, I would say either some very exotic animals, or zerg,” Twilight muttered.

Rainbow Dash snorted. “I’d put good money on the second one. You don't go through all this just to smuggle a few white tigers into Equestria.”

“True,” Twilight admitted. “We had better keep moving, but stay wary. My scanning spells don't work well in this place, nor can I sense very far.”

“I don't think we’re going to find anything alive down here,” Rainbow Dash remarked. “This whole place echoes like crazy, and I haven't heard anything from further in.”

“S-still. We should b-b-be wary,” Fluttershy warned.

“You stay in the lead, Rainbow, I’ll get everyone down to the next level,” Twilight commanded.

“You got it, boss lady,” Rainbow Dash replied, giving a quick salute before jetting away.

Twilight finished placing the last member of her rather small brood down next to the broken elevator and turned to Rainbow Dash.

“More cages?” Twilight inquired.

Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Nope, unlike the dozen or so levels or layers above us, now we got something big. Real big.”

“Let me guess, secret laboratory?” Spike inquired.

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Didn't go too deep, but maybe.”

“Right, you all know the routine. Rainbow Dash and I will be upfront, Fluttershy and Scootaloo at the back. Zecora, help where you can,” Twilight commanded.

By your will, my queen. Zecora replied.

“We’re ready,” Applejack declared, her shoulder flaps flipping open.

“Rainbow Dash, you’ve got point,” Twilight stated.

“I don't think we’ll find anything living, but I’ve been wrong before,” muttered the pegasus.

“Just stay frosty. I don't want to run into any surprises,” Twilight replied.

With that, the troop began to move once more, with Rainbow Dash slowly walking ahead of the pack. Twilight followed a few feet behind her, careful to give the other pony some room to retreat if necessary. Thankfully that wasn't required, and they made their way deep into the winding maze of tunnels before stopping near a strange, artificial wall.

Though it was meant to be flush with the rest of the tunnel, a large hydraulic piston had pushed it open. Giving enough room for even the largest of zerg to walk out into the winding caverns beyond.

“There might be more traps inside, so I want you to fall back a bit, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight exclaimed, stepping forward. “I’ll take point along with Spike as his dark vision is better than mine.”

“Right,” Rainbow Dash muttered, falling back to the end of the pack.

Spike hastily took his place at Twilight's side. “What do you think we’ll find?”

“Probably a whole bunch of broken tech, but if we’re lucky maybe there’ll be some answers left,” Twilight replied.

“And traps?” Spike inquired.

“Unlikely,” Twilight answered. “I've been thinking about the elevator, and I have a feeling that it was simply pushed past the point of operational safety. After that a little extra shove is all it needed to fall apart completely.”

“Still, let's move slowly. I don't like this place,” Spike muttered.

“You and me both,” Twilight agreed.

Together the pair creeped through the dimly lit passage, senses on high alert the entire time.Though they stopped frequently and inspected every little thing that was even remotely out of place, they couldn't find any traps. Just a long hallway that rapidly changed from semi-natural stone to a perfectly square metal tunnel.

Which would have stopped at a decontamination room of some kind, though both of the vault doors were knocked down, leaving only an empty walkway that was overlooked by an observation room visible through a shattered window. Though this space was splattered with blood, there were no bodies, and the various terminals were all smashed in. Every lever, button, and bit of machinery was broken into a million pieces, including the exit at the back which was twisted in place.

“Looks like they broke out of here as well,” Spike reasoned, kicking one of the fallen circular vault doors.

“How many zerg do you think they could have kept in the cages above us?” Twilight asked suddenly, turning to Fluttershy.

Who blinked. “Oh um… a c-couple h-h-hundred maybe.”

“Not enough to overrun Ironhall, right?” Twilight pressed.

Fluttershy nodded. “They w-would n-n-need far more.”

“You don't think they all came from here, do you?” Spike inquired.

“I don't know what to believe,” Twilight replied.

“Well, I believe our answers are inside,” Rainbow Dash declared.

“Most likely,” Twilight agreed.

They began to move once more, this time moving a little quicker, paying less attention to any lingering traps. A move which did not backfire, as there were no more surprises left for them, save for the sprawling laboratory. Which they found after traveling down a second hallway and stopping at an intersection before choosing to go right.

Stepping over the half crumpled metal door, Twilight noted that this place had seen a significant amount of fighting. Not only were there blast marks and long scratches in the wall made by sharp claws, but there were also chunks of the room missing. Someone had been desperate enough to use explosives in close quarters, but that had evidently not panned out for them in the end.

For despite their attempts, the room beyond had been breached and all could see the vast laboratory beyond. Though now it was torn to shreds, it would have likely been rather impressive given its large size. With ceilings tall enough for a hydralisk to stand comfortably, they contained numerous specimen tubes of various sizes.

Most were big enough to house a relatively well-proportioned pony or most smaller varieties of zerg. There were a few which were much larger, those werent very numerous however and were set further in the back. This space seemed primarily interested in the storage of specimens, as there were few real scientific instruments save computers.

“‘Course everything is smashed,” Applejack remarked. “Would it have killed them to have left at least one a them things behind so we’d know what they were up to round here?”

“We should get a technician in here regardless. See if there is something salvageable,” Twilight declared.

“I’ll radio for one as soon as we’re out,” Rainbow Dash offered.

“No,” Twilight quickly exclaimed. “I need to know if there's something salvageable here before I make a full report.”

“Wait, I thought those armored ponies were our friends?” Scootaloo openly wondered.

“They are,” Twilight answered. “But by the looks of it, these scientists were investigating something to do with zerg and possibly the infested. If they found out something damning like how to turn every infested to mush with the use of a radio signal, I wanna know before we hand that info over.”

“You're the boss,” Rainbow Dash replied with a shrug.

Very astute, my queen. We should be careful not to hand them a weapon they could turn against us, Zecora reasoned.

“But couldn't s-such a w-w-weapon be used against the z-zerg?” Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight snorted. “This discussion is irrelevant. Until we have the information, we can't make a decision one way or the other. Once we know exactly what, or even if any information is stored here, can we make an informed decision.”

“Let's just keep searching. I don't want to leave a single stone unturned before we move in,” Spike declared.

A statement which was met with a few nods, as well as the odd grunt of agreement. Moving deeper into the facility, they found another doorway, this one leading to a much larger area which was itself home to many smaller labs. These seemed designed for one or two purposes, as their equipment and orientation varied wildly from one to the next.

“Everything’s busted,” Applejack muttered.

Twilight hummed to herself, prodding an unresponsive computer tower. “Everything in here has been torn to shreds. I doubt there are any drives left undamaged from the fighting.”

“Back to the other hallway?” Spike offered.

“Seems like the only direction we can go in,” Twilight replied.

“Wait!” Fluttershy cried, holding up her small forearms. “There's something you should see.”

Twilight and the rest of her group walked over to the infested pegasus, their gazes inevitably drawn to the nearby tube. Unlike most, it was large enough to fit a fully grown alicorn inside of it, but more importantly it was empty. Furthermore, there seemed to be a hole in the bottom, one that went down so far that Twilight couldn't see the bottom.

“Interesting find,” Twilight began. “I didn't notice that.”

“I think most of them have this,” Fluttershy murmured. “At l-least that's my th-th-theory.”

“So they transported the next test subjects up from somewhere down below then,” Spike offered, peering down the tube curiously.

“I think it goes up to,” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

The others all looked up to find that the tube did indeed extend into the ceiling before turning after a dozen feet.

“They must have been stored somewhere beneath us, then once they were done being experimented on they were deposited in one of the containment areas above,” Twilight reasoned.

“No wonder they are havin’ so much trouble mining any deeper. They must have tunnels runnin’ all over the place,” Applejack exclaimed.

“That would explain why this layer is so unstable,” Spike muttered.

“Ya want me to see what's down there?” Scootaloo offered, clinging to the lip of the shattered glass tube.

“N-no,” Fluttershy quickly exclaimed, scooping up the zergling.

“That won't be necessary,” Twilight added. “We still have other avenues to try, and furthermore I would use a scrying spell before I’d send you in.”

Twilight tousled the filly’s mane which earned a grumpy frown from the small infested.

We should press on, Zecora stated.

The group agreed and swiftly began to move out, marching down the other hallway at a quick, curious pace. Once there, they found a narrow room which had an empty elevator shaft visible to one side and a set of stairs on the other. Ahead of them was another smashed open door which led to what looked like a recreational area of some kind.

“Let's check out the rest of the floor first. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, you two remain here for the moment,” Twilight commanded.

“Yes, my queen,” Applejack replied with a nod.

“Sure thing, boss,” Rainbow Dash answered.

Twilight gave them both a nod before proceeding towards the broken door and into the room beyond. There she found that her previous inkling had been correct as this was a mess hall slash entertainment room. Two hallways extended from this space on either side, linking to what looked like two sets of barracks, likely to house each sex.

“Let's split up and give them a look. I don't sense any life forms but stay vigilant for traps,” Twilight stated.

And like that they went in each direction, searching the many rooms, all to find a variety of destroyed items. Once they met back up, they knew that they had found nothing of value given that their fellows shared their expressions.

“Busted?” Spike asked.

“Everything of note was destroyed,” Twilight answered.

We go deeper then, Zecora stated.

“It seems as though we must,” Twilight replied.

They reconveined with Rainbow Dash and Applejack a few seconds later, with Applejack relaxing visibly.

“Oh good. You’re back, find anything?” asked the infested earth pony.

“No. We’re heading deeper. Same formation,” Twilight exclaimed.

No words needed to be spoken, and the group immediately fell into a similar arrangement as before. This time they trotted down the long, wide steps before reaching a landing and continuing even further still. There at the bottom lay another broken door, and another hallway with an empty elevator directly across from them.

The layout of this floor seemed to mirror the one above to some extent, with the other set of barracks being to the right. These seemed more combat oriented, as they were more spartan and featured an armory devoid of weapons. There was also a shooting range which like everything else, was completely destroyed and had seen a good amount of fighting.

“This place was the site of a rather intense amount of combat,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Twilight nodded slowly, noting that the number of bullet holes had dramatically increased from the top floor.

“It seems like the security managed to suit up in time to try and stop them, but if that's true, then how did topside get caught unaware?” Twilight inquired.

Perhaps one of the zerg managed to cut the communication long enough to strike, Zecora reasoned.

“That seems to be about the only logical explanation,” Twilight murmured. “Which also explains how they overran the defenders but were unable to stop some of them from escaping. The final elevator was a bottleneck they couldn't easily overcome.”

“The other side is half lab, half supply area. There are a bunch of redundant systems in there as well as a water treatment facility and a small hydroponics farm,” Rainbow Dash declared, stomping back into the room. “Everything’s busted as usual.”

“Someone really took out their aggression,” Fluttershy whispered.

“Whoever defeated the guards had obviously been contained here, which would explain all the misplaced rage,” Twilight remarked, gesturing to the torn up room absently.

“Ready to continue?” Spike asked. “There is still another set of stairs that go deeper.”

We should peer down the elevator shaft first, Zecora suggested.

“Good thinking. Wait here,” Twilight commanded, stepping over to the hole and peering deep into the abyss.

Though she could see much further than the average pony, even Twilight's enhanced vision couldn't find the bottom. She also couldn't make out any other floors either, so she conjured another ball of light and urged it down. And down, and down until finally after a full minute, it reached its destination.

“Only one floor left, and it's deep,” Twilight muttered, giving her brood the memory of what she had seen. “Looks like we’re in for a walk.”

“Meet you down there,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Twilight caught the pegasus by the collar before she could jump down the shaft.

“Thank you, my queen,” Fluttershy whispered before turning and glaring at Rainbow Dash. “And you should know by now the importance of looking before you leap.”

Rainbow Dash was ready to argue the point, or at least it seemed that way. Right up until she sighed and shrugged her shoulders.

“Fine,” muttered the wingless pegasus. “I just don't like stairs.”

“Well s-some c-c-cardio is good,” Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight released her hold and turned to the slow way down before trotting in that direction. A few minutes later, the group finally made it to the very bottom and put the many metal stairs behind them. There they found another door which had been unceremoniously removed from its hinges through a considerable amount of force.

Twilight held up a hoof and used a quick scanning spell followed by a psychic ping directed at the room beyond.

“Nothing,” Twilight declared. “We’re alone here, but the room beyond is… very large.”

“How big exactly?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“A hoofball field? More? It's like one big warehouse for test subjects,” Twilight replied.

“Lead the way,” Spike offered, extending a hand.

Twilight nodded and eagerly trotted past through the threshold to where she beheld a rather strange sight. Dozens, hundreds, no, thousands of empty pods sat atop one another, each of which fed up to a small number of holes in the ceiling. There, nearly five stories above Tiwlight’s head, the tubes merged into groups, and continued on, likely going up to the floor above.

“Woah nelly,” Applejack murmured, her shoulders sweeping over the many, many smashed out cases. “Looks like one helluva jailbreak occurred down here.”

“No wonder they don't have any supplies for the zerg they captured. They kept them frozen until they needed them,” Twilight remarked.

Efficient, Zecora added.

“Should we even bother checking the place out? I doubt we’ll find anything useful,” Spike exclaimed.

“No,” Twilight replied. “Remember, no stone unturned. A mystery is solved by gathering the smallest of details.”

“Right, right,” Spike muttered, waving a hand in the air.

“Split up and spread out,” Twilight declared. “Choose a row and inspect any you can see while Rainbow Dash checks out what she can about the higher ones.”

A chorus of agreement soon met Twilight's ear, and she nodded slowly as her group dispersed throughout the room. The sound of their limbs impacting the hard metal grating drew Twilight's attention downwards. To where she saw a small sub level beneath the floor, likely made to house the minimal life support systems of the pods.

She ripped a small section of floor out and began to follow up on that thought. Sure enough, though she knew little of engineering or the like, Twilight could tell that every system was tied into the pods. Tubes extended to large vats of greenish liquid, which, once scanned, told Twilight that they were housing a calorie dense slurry of organic material. The exterior of which suffered numerous scratches, as if someone had tried to get inside but had given up.

“Interesting. This will make initial expansion relatively easy. Though that would mean I’d have to start all the way down here,” Twilight thought aloud.

“Boss, I think we found something!” the familiar voice of Applejack shouted from up above.

Twilight ignored her more far off concerns and focused on the odd tremor in the other infested’s voice. It contained a bit of fear, a bit of worry, and a small amount of hope. Twilight was eager to find out why, and all but sprinted across the room to where her group had gathered.

There, at the very end sat a much, much larger pod, which, like the others, had been smashed open from the inside. Though unique due to its increased size, there didn't seem to be anything notable about it.

“What is it?” Twilight asked, walking to the forefront of the small gathering.

Spike pointed to a small section of jagged glass. “Look. There’s writing on the inside,” he whispered.

Twilight leaned inside and inspected the interior of the pod, angling her light above her head the entire time.

“Are those the lyrics to Hush Now?” Twilight whispered in shock.

“There was more writing, but that's the only one that's even a little intact,” Spike replied.

“What does it mean?” asked Scootaloo curiously.

This must have housed an infested, Zecora reasoned.

“Perhaps even someone we might know,” Spike added.

Twilight snorted. “I know you’re thinking of Cadance, but that's impossible. I know she died in that attack, I had the necklace on me.”

“But they flew off with her, this has to be it,” Spike urged.

Twilight shook her head. “I appreciate you holding out hope, but the life detection spell was perfect. It would have worked even if Cadance was a hundred miles away.”

“Do you still have it?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“No,” Twilight answered. “I disposed of it after the funeral. It hadn't worked since her death.”

“So she was dead for at least a few days,” Spike murmured.

“And she's still dead,” Twilight growled. “I can appreciate that this all seems very convenient, but these lyrics are incredibly common and the fact remains that she died. Cadance wasn't just gone, but she would have had to have been gone for half a week at that point. There is no coming back from that, Spike. Not even necromancy could stall that.”

“But these zerg were experimented on, as were the ones we fought all those years ago,” Spike retorted.

Twilight leaned down in front of the dragon and pulled him into a hug. “No amount of magic can bring you back from that point, and there is no technology capable of such either.”

Spike sniffed. “I just always hoped, you know? It's hard not to when you don't get to bury a body.”

“I know,” Twilight answered, tightening the embrace. “I know.”

Author's Note

This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: Ech, Tailsic, Chrisb32, Nightwing, Tonoz, CoreyPeters, Thane, Renegade, Sunset Flash, Kyokimute, Monsterkittie, Louts Petals, Tacocat, Tom, MestreJ, Aang Slyver, Canary in the Coal Mine, Ceepert, Starless, Vi Watch, Facinus, M, Nfreak, Venerable Ro, Blade Tech, Cryil Shadeclaw, John Gonzales, Nightwing, Peter Coulthard, Srgtartman, Thane Kull, Victor, Dale, Dragons' Sheppard, Egery007, Gear change the earth pony, Ivar, James, Kali, Lich Lord Krosis, Menthol Qtip, Midnight Serenade, Mop Hop, Nathan Brown, Octavia Lowbar, Pacsik, Soundtea, Hannibal, Fiamgoku, Grub, Matias Duran, and Steven.

Boralis Station Part 3

Twilight ran her metal hoof across the sharp point of glass, her gaze distant and unfocused. Her mind wandered to memories of Cadance, of the joy they had shared, and ultimately the alicorn’s sudden end. Those calming words which the older mare used to usher Twilight to sleep returned to mind, though the infested was swift to banish them.

“She isn't alive. She can't be, it's impossible,” Twilight muttered to herself.

“My q-queen. Is this an acceptable t-t-time?” Fluttershy whispered.

“It is,” Twilight declared, turning towards her subordinate and away from the large, empty tank. “Are you ready to start our first true hive?”

“M-me? B-b-but I thought you’d d-do the h-h-honors,” Fluttershy murmured, her small forearms clutching one another tightly.

“In this respect, you are far more skilled than I,” Twilight replied.

“But I d-don't have the p-p-power,” Fluttershy retorted.

“You will be borrowing mine,” Twilight answered, extending a hoof towards the other infested. “All you must do is take it.”

“I’m n-not s-s-sure,” Fluttershy murmured.

“It's alright. We’ll do it together,” Twilight encouraged.

Reluctantly, Fluttershy walked up to the other infested, and took her offered limb in two of her own. Clutching the hoof, Fluttershy breathed slowly, focusing herself inward and drawing upon Twilight's psychic energy. Twilight in turn felt this pull and allowed Fluttershy free reign over her strength, though she was careful to not give too much too quickly.

While this happened, Twilight used her magic to drag over the pile of organic material and minerals they had scrounged. The mound of rock-laden food waste didn't look like much at first, though that changed when Fluttershy’s eyes began to glow. No longer was the dull orange light faint, but now it was bright, and an inner fire glowed hot within Fluttershy’s twin orbs.

The pile then lifted into the air and formed a neat ball which began to spin gently at first, but soon began to pick up speed. Within a few seconds the sphere was perfectly smooth, the organic contents within having been rendered into a fine paste. The minerals were soon crushed and added to the mass which was itself beginning to twitch as if it were alive.

“Now just place it wherever you feel is natural,” Twilight whispered.

“But it won't be enough to reach the mineral veins,” Fluttershy replied.

“It doesn't have to. There is a vat of organic material hidden beneath the floor. See?” Twilight pressed, sharing the necessary memory with her subordinate.

“Okay,” Fluttershy murmured.

Feeling Fluttershy’s confidence growing, Twilight gently expanded the flow of power, giving the other mare a greater supply. Which she put to use tearing off the grated floor and levitating the still spinning mass down to the ground beneath. The orb then shaped itself into something resembling a drill that in turn began to push into the steel.

The noise was harsh and sharp, but ultimately brief, as the greenish purple ball soon disappeared. A second later, Fluttershy used a considerable amount of Twilight's reserves before releasing a shuddering sigh. The pull on her psychic energy dulled quickly before dissipating entirely, leaving Twilight curious about their success.

Twilight glanced over the side of the grated floor and peered down to where a small greenish purple stump stuck out of the ground. Already Twilight could feel its growth, the tiny psychic signature the creep put out alerting the zerg to its progress. Then, just as planned, it reached the vat just as it was starting to run out of the material necessary to grow any further.

The second that thin appendage breached the barrier, it greedily began to suck up the contents within. Though plagued by rot, the organic slurry was still a potent source of resources, giving the creep exactly what it needed. Growing considerably in only a few seconds, the semi-sentient mass extended deep roots burrowing into the rock and started to hollow out a space for its processors.

“It is done,” Flutteshy murmured.

“How long until we’ll be able to produce our own units?” Twilight inquired.

Fluttershy hummed thoughtfully. “A week? Unless you’d rather we skip some of the resource extraction and go right to constructing the boughs and the pool.”

“No,” Twilight replied immediately. “I want to focus completely on ensuring that we have more than enough resources before we move on. Only once that is done will we move on to defences and growing more zerg.”

“Would that not leave us vulnerable?” Fluttershy asked, only to wince and shrink down. “N-not that I’m s-s-suggesting I know m-m-more than y-you.”

“We currently have the element of surprise, and the assistance of our allies. Nevermind the fact that current enemy forces in the area are minimal at best,” Twilight answered. “In the coming weeks all of those things will likely change, and when they do, our strategy will as well.”

“Good thinking,” Fluttershy murmured.

“You can let go of my hoof now,” Twilight remarked with a smirk.

Fluttershy immediately blushed and recoiled, stumbling back a few steps. “Oh, I’m s-s-s-s-s-sorry.”

Twilight chuckled. “It’s okay. I’m going to oversee the rest of the base. Feel free to do whatever it is you’d like with your free time. I’ve got a feeling we won't be able to move out for a little while at least.”

“Y-yes. Thank you, my q-q-q-queen,” Fluttershy stuttered, each word being uttered with enough force to sound like the infested was physically spitting them out of her mouth.

“Take your time, Fluttershy. You’ve earned a break,” Twilight remarked.

The infested unicorn then trotted away, swiftly leaving the many racks of experiment tubes behind her. Ascending the many stairs, Twilight's pace slowed, and only then was she aware of how fast she had been walking. Twilight took a moment to calm down and remind herself that Cadance could not be alive before continuing on.

“Seems like everything is going well down there,” Spike exclaimed, leaning on the rocky wall just outside the hidden base.

Twilight nodded, stopping once more upon leaving the secret laboratory behind her. “It is. Fluttershy is doing well, and if she had a bit more psychic potential, she could probably guide the creation of a hive all on her own.”

“Maybe in the future she will,” Spike offered, joining Twilight as they walked towards the bottom of the mine shaft.

“It's possible. Us just being together like this has changed everyone. Even me,” Twilight continued, grabbing Spike by the arm and levitating them both slowly up to the top of the shaft.

“Well, just about everyone,” Spike retorted.

Twilight waited until they reached the top before pausing to look at the drake. “What do you mean?”

“I mean just that. Not everyone’s changing,” Spike stated with a shrug. “I’m still just as useless as ever.”

“You are not useless,” Twilight declared.

“What have I done to prove otherwise, huh?” Spike exclaimed. “Face it. I’ve been moral support, and that's about it.”

Twilight sighed. “We are going to table this discussion and come back to it when we go on a mission shortly. First off, we need to check with the others.”

“Are you sure you want the dead weight?” Spike muttered bitterly.

Twilight rolled her eyes and ignored Spike’s comment, focusing instead on where exactly Applejack was. Locating the hydralisk hybrid wasn't difficult, as she was hauling supplies just outside the exit to the mines. Upon spotting Twilight and noting the curious look in her queen’s eye, Applejack stopped dead in her tracks.

“Something I can help ya with?” Applejack inquired.

“How have things been going up here?” Twilight inquired while trotting over to her subordinate.

Applejack hefted the box she was carrying and hummed thoughtfully. “Pretty darn good, all things considered. Zecora thinks that she can use some funny sounding chemicals to break down the majority of the equipment into usable components. So that's good.”

“Provided the creep can utilize it, this would speed things up a little,” Twilight reasoned.

“That's what Zecora was thinkin’,” Applejack replied. “Aside from that, Scoot’s been monitoring that radio those confederates dropped off, and Rainbow Dash should be back with a couple ladders real soon. Apparently there is some big supply drop comin’ in a few minutes or so.”

“Let's go take a peek then and see how Scootaloo is doing,” Twilight offered.

“Have fun. I’ll keep haulin’ all this junk outta the way,” Applejack replied before slithering away.

Twilight and Spike soon walked off as well, making their way up onto the one cleared section of the wall close to the gate. Where Scootaloo sat, the zergling hunched over the small radio and peering intently off into the distance. Her ears were covered by the device’s headphones, the chatter of distant ponies spilling out from around the sides.

Hear anything interesting? Twilight asked.

“Bwah!” Scootaloo shouted, throwing off the headphones and spinning around to face Twilight. “You scared the pants off me!”

Spike rolled his eyes. “You should be more aware of your surroundings. If you were, you’d be able to feel us coming.”

“I was just distracted, is all,” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Have you figured it all out?” Twilight inquired, gesturing to the radio.

Scootaloo eagerly bobbed her head. “Oh yeah. It was super easy once Rainbow Dash explained what all the knobs and buttons do. I even managed to figure out what signal they were using for their communication dealies.”

“Find out anything interesting?” Spike reiterated.

“Not really,” Scootaloo replied. “Other than that supply thingy coming, they’ve just been talking about us a bunch. Most of it’s been nice but there are two of them that really, really don't like us.”

“I suspect they’ll only dislike us more once they find out what we are capable of,” Twilight remarked.

“Idiots,” Spike muttered under his breath.

“Their opinions are irrelevant. Keep up the good work, Scootaloo,” Twilight declared, rubbing the infested filly’s head affectionately.

“Will do, boss! Oh, that's a good spot. Lower please,” Scootaloo murmured, her back legs twitching as Twilight scratched away.

Twilight chuckled and continued to lavish the small child in attention while also imparting appreciation for her efforts.

“I think I see them,” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight looked over to find that a plume of dust was approaching, one which was headed by a large and familiar vehicle. This time the small convoy it led was a little bigger, though it had far less members than the last time. Now it had only two trucks and an additional unarmed APC behind it, though they were transporting far more than just simple personnel.

Several large shipping containers sat packed into the long boxy truck immediately behind the escort. The one following after that had only a single massive circular object, one which resembled a small command center. Strapped to the roof of the final vehicle was a large radar dish, along with a few extra boxes of supplies.

“Two more squads,” Spike remarked. “Other than that, just a whole lot of supplies and that command center.”

“Very good, Spike. Your precision is impeccable,” Twilight commended.

Spike shrugged. “It's nothing. Just a little practice, is all.”

“Dang, dude. Just take the compliment,” Scootaloo murmured.

“If your skill is easily learned, then it ain't much to gloat about,” Spike retorted.

“That's enough of that,” Twilight interrupted. “Come on, let's go.”

“Where?” Spike asked.

“Out. We’re going to gather some of those escaped zerg while the others hold down the fort,” Twilight stated, leaping from the wall and landing on the ground with a dull thump.

Spike followed a second later, stumbling briefly when he touched down. “W-wait. What about the girls?”

“They’ll be fine,” Twilight retorted. “And we won't be going far. Now then, up for a run?”

“Of course,” Spike replied, straightening his spine. “I haven't had the chance to break a sweat in weeks.”

“That changes now, because we are going to sprint all the way to those hills and back,” Twilight stated, pointing off into the distance.

“Like, right now?” Spike muttered.

“Like right now,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Alright then,” Spike replied, falling forwards and planting all four limbs on the ground. “Ready when you are.”

“Try and keep up,” Twilight teased.

Spike scoffed. “If anything, it's you who's going to be struggling. Miss metal legs.”

“We will see,” Twilight whispered.

Twilight slowly looked over her surroundings, eyes easily adjusting to the low light of early evening. Usually this would be difficult to figure out as the moon had remained almost stationary in the sky and the sun had yet to return. Yet a quick glance up at the pale white orb above revealed that its light was fading ever so slightly. It was as if the Nightmare was attempting to mimic the actions of the sun, but either way Twilight was just glad it was a little easier to tell time.

Turning her thoughts away from the Nightmare was difficult due to the hate Twilight felt, but distracting herself by inspecting her surroundings proved successful. Around her lay many sloping inclines, some deep, others mostly flat, the majority of which had some kind of minor vegetation. A hearty tree, a small section of grass, and even a few small clumps of forest were visible amongst the many, mostly rust-colored hills.

It was a rather pretty sight, one marred by several abandoned farms, empty houses, and destroyed villages Twilight occasionally spotted. Some were obviously the work of zerg, others time or perhaps neglect, either way there wasn't a pony around for miles. Only Twilight and Spike, who was slowly stumbling up to her, chest heaving as he sucked in air.

“How. Did. You. Do. That?” Spike asked, stumbling to a stop on Twilight's right and speaking between breaths. “We. Ran. For. Hours.”

“Yeah, I suppose we did,” Twilight mused. “A nice warm-up, if nothing else.”

“You’re… crazy,” Spike muttered.

Twilight chuckled, waiting patiently for Spike as he gathered his bearings and stood up fully. It took another minute for the infested drake to finally get his breathing under control and start looking around.

“Better?” Twilight asked.

Spike nodded. “I still think you're crazy. We can't sprint for two hours without pause.”

“Hmmm,” Twilight grunted.

“So,” Spike began. “What now?”

“That's up to you,” Twilight replied. “This entire mission hinges on your ability to gather the disparate zerg and bring them here for me to dominate.”

“Pfft, I can't do that,” Spike exclaimed.

“Yet you haven't even tried,” Twilight pointed out.

“It's not a matter of trying,” Spike claimed. “I don't have the power necessary to reach that far. Nor do I have the will necessary to command them.”

“You do,” Twilight stated, extending a hoof. “Borrow a bit of my strength and get it done.”

Spike gnashed his teeth silently, but took the offered limb despite his annoyance.

“Fine,” he muttered. “But when I inevitably fail, I get to say I told you so.”

“And when you succeed, I get to do the same,” Twilight stated.

“Whatever. Let’s just get this over with,” Spike murmured.

The dragon then closed his eyes and reached out to Twilight in a non-physical manner. Feeling this, Twilight completed the connection and once more gifted another with a portion of her psionic power. This time she knew what her partner could handle, and thus she gifted Spike a considerable amount of the stuff.

Immediately Spike faltered, his own indecision causing him to flounder as the energy fluctuated rapidly. Despite the air starting to crackle, and her strength beginning to slip away due to Spike’s poor handling, Twilight didn't let up. The dragon’s thoughts were scattered, his focus split between his own inner worries and the task suddenly thrust upon him.

Yet as time passed, things didn't get worse, and as seconds turned to minutes, Spike’s confidence slowly increased. Sure he had yet to accomplish his goal, but he had yet to fail, furthermore he could sense his grip on Twilight's power growing stronger. Then, just as Twilight was beginning to worry, Spike mentally reached out in all directions, connecting to dozens of zerg, some of whom were many miles away.

A pair of zerglings gnawed at the tires of a parked vehicle, their stomachs a burning void that yearned to be filled. Their sharp claws scratched away at the machine, some instinctual urge demanding that they keep them sharp. This was despite the fact that neither had truly used them since they had been allowed to go feral. After that they had raided an abandoned home and spent nearly every waking moment eating, scrapping with each other or sleeping.

Without anyone around to challenge them, the pair were aimless and without purpose. Occasionally they would stop and scratch at the cybernetics implanted in the sides of their head. Or they would chew on their metal legs, though they swiftly grew bored with such thoughts and went back to eating rubber.

Then there was a voice that was not a voice, a feeling that was mostly instinct which drifted in on the wind and captured their attention. This string of emotions promised them food, real food. More important than even that, it stated that they would have purpose. With a reason to exist now in their grasp and the tempting presence of a more powerful zerg bioform, they took off at a sprint towards the source.

They knew not where their final destination truly was, but that didn't matter to either of the semi-sentient creatures. A queen called, and they would answer.

The undersized and slightly malnourished ultralisk slammed its enormous bladed appendages down on the command center with a deafening thump. Somewhere within the building, someone screamed, and the sound of over a dozen feet could be heard from inside. The great beast didn't care about any of these small details however. Its final command had been to enact violence on all non-zerg, and it was loyal to the memory of its final queen.

So it continued to assault the fortified structure, unbothered by the many injuries it had sustained. Bullet holes, bruises, and worse covered its exterior, though none had struck deep to slow the creature’s attacks. Not even its missing eye could stop it from carrying out its last master’s cruel, lingering orders.

Then, something changed, and the ultralisk paused before it could slam its arms down one final time. It was not mercy which stayed it however, rather it was an almost familiar presence it had not felt in a long time. Though not completely identical to the last creature to command it, the feeling was close enough for the ultralisk to give it pause.

So it abandoned its attack and sprinted away, heading for the rust-colored hills which lay in the distance.

Leaving behind several very scared and very confused confederates.

“Are you sure about this, Winch?” whispered an earth pony, shotgun cradled in his forehooves. “Wasn't there a whole buncha them butt-ugly critters down there?”

Next to him stood a taller, more physically impressive pony with wide shoulders and a bold, unshakable smile.

“That's why we’re here, Pinch,” she stated. “Old man Jenkins apparently left behind nearly everything he owned before he evacuated to Augustgrad.”

“So?” muttered the fatter, shorter earth pony.

“So that means we can take it!” declared the other pony, hefting a large revolver. “Now get that gun ready. I don't want one of those things to come up from the cellar and catch us both by surpr-”

The mare’s speech was cut off when a hydralisk surged past her, its towering form bursting from the now destroyed cellar door. It was followed by several zerglings and a few drones, all of which immediately charged down the street without looking back. Seemingly forgotten, the two ponies watched in confused horror as the small army disappeared into the hills beyond the small collection of mostly metal houses.

“Eh, boss,” whispered the stallion.

“Yeah, Winch?” replied the mare.

“Ya wanna just… go home?” asked the rotund earth pony.

“Yes, Winch. I’d like that very much,” replied his compatriot.

“Whew,” Spike muttered. “That's the last of them.”

“Great work. How many this time?” Twilight replied.

“Nine,” Spike declared. “Making fifty-eight, right?”

“You are correct,” Twilight exclaimed, a wide smile crossing her lips. “You did amazingly.”

“It's nothing you couldn't do,” Spike flippantly replied.

Twilight shook her head. “That kind of precision is simply beyond me. You have a real skill, Spike.”

“I…” Spike smiled. “I guess I do.”

“That isn't the only one of your special skills, but it's an important one,” Twilight reiterated. “Don't forget that.”

“I won't,” Spike muttered.

“Good, because I’m tired of you pouting and complaining,” Twilight stated.

Together the pair watched as another group of zerg made their way into the growing ranks assembled around them. The new arrivals soon calmed as Twilight's control was cemented, and they were added to her burgeoning army. An army which sported numerous mechanical additions or replacements, most of which were attached to their heads or upper body.

“Never forget how important you are to the group,” Twilight began. “We are all a part of this greater organism, and each one of us is integral to its survival.”

“All cogs in a machine,” Spike remarked.

“No. A cog can survive on its own once separated from the larger mechanism. We need each other if we are going to make it in this world,” Twilight stated. “There are too many threats larger than any one of us.”

“Well put, boss lady,” Spike agreed.

“So, got all that self-loathing out of your system?” Twilight teased.

Spike chuckled. “Yeah. I guess I do.”

“Great. Then you can help me name all these guys while we wait for the stragglers to arrive,” Twilight offered.

“Why do you insist on naming all of them? You know they are expendable, right?” Spike inquired.

“Of course I do. But Fluttershy is going to name them all anyway, and this way we can make sure she doesn't pick anything lame like Lavender or Snuffles,” Twilight replied.

“Ha! Very true,” Spike exclaimed. “Let’s start on the left side with Rex, Tank, Gunner, Buster, Whiskey…”

Author's Note

Wasteland

Author's Note

A new story of mine is out on fimfiction! If you enjoyed this one I think you might like that one! Give it a look over here!

Wasteland

Twilight stood atop the walls of her new stronghold and watched as her cobbled-together army assembled within it. Guided by Spike’s sharp, detail-oriented mind, the scavenged group of zerg coaxed from the hills maintained perfect discipline. Even as the small confederate force on the hill nearby aimed weapons at them and remained at the ready.

The warnings indicating that the oncoming zerg were non-hostile had gone seemingly unheeded and unconsidered. Thankfully they had yet to start shooting and were merely assembled into firing lines near their partially completed headquarters.

“Are you done?” Twilight asked, opening the radio channel she knew the confederates used.

“I think it's clear that the uh, new arrivals, are not hostile,” a slightly shaky Jetstream remarked.

“Good. Now the next one of you to point a rifle at my people will find their weapons shoved so far up their behinds that they’ll be tasting gunpowder for a week. Understood?” Twilight pressed.

“Understood,” Jetstream replied.

“Good,” Twilight stated.

The infested unicorn watched as the confederates slowly went back to what they were doing, leaving a few on watch. Though annoyed, Twilight turned away from the nervous ponies and towards her newly acquired brood. Several of whom were being fussed over by Fluttershy, their injuries carefully inspected while a nervous Applejack waited nearby.

Zecora had already concluded her own inspection of the assembled army and had gone back to her other duties. Leaving Rainbow Dash to watch over the small horde curiously, her weapons depowered, though her gaze was steely and vigilant. Spike was standing amidst them, his eyes closed tightly while he sifted through their sometimes jumbled memories.

Find anything yet? Twilight inquired.

No. Whatever process they used to control the zerg also screwed up their memories. Some don't even have the ability to retain information for long periods while others struggle to know where they were five minutes ago, Spike exclaimed somewhat angrily. I know that these zerg are little more than animals, but even animals deserve to be treated better than they did.

If you find anything of note, let me know, Twilight paused and squinted down at an ultralisk. And tell Scootaloo to quit climbing all over them. Until we get a chance to deprogram the new arrivals, they might react poorly to a filly clambering across their backs.

Right. Fluttershy and I will bring them up to fighting shape in no time, Spike offered.

Don't rush anything. These guys will only be needed for guard duty at the moment. I loath to leave the base without greater defences, but these zerg will have to suffice, Twilight continued. Speaking of which. How many of each variety do we have currently?

We have twenty-one zerglings, sixteen hydralisks, three ultralisks, what I think is a lurker, and fifteen drones, Spike replied after only a moment’s pause. Or at least that's what the numbers will be once all the injuries have been treated.

Twilight blinked and quickly picked out the spike-covered hydralisk variant barely visible between two ultralisks. Standing as tall as the spine throwers, it lacked the long serpentine-like tail and instead sported several limbs that ended in sharp points. It also seemed slightly more intelligent than the others and eyed its newfound masters with what Twilight assumed was a curious gaze.

Hopping down from the walls with a dull thump, Twilight walked up to the creature, now very aware of the height difference between them. The lurker wasn't much shorter, but it was also much wider, with a far more bulky body than all but an ultralisk. The only augmentation the strange variant had received were several studs and a bulky metal box embedded into his head crest.

Come forward, Twilight beckoned.

The lurker hesitated a moment before obeying, scuttling towards the pony on its six pointed legs. It then lowered itself to Twilight's height and bowed its head in subservience, though its eyes remained sternly fixed on the unicorn. Pushing down the slight trepidation she felt, Twilight reached out and gripped the creature’s mind, scanning its contents.

“You were an experimental breed,” Twilight murmured. “Pushed to evolve from a hydralisk by a series of pressures put upon you by your pony tormentors.”

A frown creased her face as Twilight saw the horrors they had put the zerg through.

“Something is off though,” Twilight whispered. “Perhaps we should-”

Twilight found herself trapped behind glass, her body suspended in a thick viscous liquid that made movement difficult. Her many bladed limbs twitched, the violent urges to rend her foes limb from bloody limb stymied by her imprisonment. Beyond the murky depths that bound her, she saw the same usual assortment of ponies, each of whom had a horn on their head.

Most wore minimal armor, while their guards sported large form-encasing sets of gold plate. Either scientist or soldier, each one of the ponies had faintly glowing blue eyes, and none of them ever seemed to speak. The silence was eerie, though Twilight quickly grew used to it as she had spent the majority of her life with only the faint bubble of her tank as company.

Then an explosion and a crack of what she knew instinctively to be gunfire. The scientists and soldiers alike turned to the entrance, energy blades flaring in the dull light of the facility. A rush towards the exit occurred a second later, and for the first time in a long time, Twilight was alone.

The sounds of fighting continued for what felt like an hour, the crack of guns occasionally punctuated by a scream. In the end the attackers seemed to win out however, as the unicorns did not return, rather a griffon in black armor appeared. His helmet was strapped to his side, a large gouge cut across it, rendering it likely inoperable, though not unrepairable.

He was followed by a half dozen lightly armored creatures who fanned out throughout the room. They all seemed to be searching for something, as they scrambled to stop some unforeseen event from coming to pass. Then the lights dulled, and a strange tingle ran across Twilight's body, leaving her nerves electrified.

“Damn. We’re too late,” muttered a minotaur.

“It's fine,” stated the griffon, who slowly walked over to Twilight's tank and stared up at her. “We have their research, we have their base, and we have almost all their test subjects.”

“But sir. A force of that magnitude will wreak havoc wherever it is sent,” replied the bipedal bovine standing nearby.

“And there is nothing we can do about that. All we can do now is deal with the cards we have,” he continued, gaze running up and down Twilight's body in an almost predatory manner. “Speaking of which. Were they able to scuttle any of their servers?”

“I don't believe so,” offered a bespectacled griffon. “It seems as if they were under the impression that they’d win.”

The black-armored griffon snorted. “Typical stickheads. Though I suppose I should give them some credit. They haven't fought a true marine until today.”

“Their armor proved remarkably effective against our rifles, and their energy blades are still quite potent even against our new CMC power suits,” added a nearby earth pony.

“Regardless. We have acquired what we sought to acquire, and now we have a chance to gain an edge on both of our foes,” stated the black griffon.

“But sir. Shouldn't we scuttle the base?” offered the minotaur. “It was a key research station for the great houses.”

“Would you throw away a good sword even if you found it on a fallen foe?” retorted the griffon, who glanced at the technician curiously.

The minotaur shook their head.

“Exactly,” stated the marine, his attention turning back to Twilight. “A blade remembers not its wielders. We will use their research to our advantage. Though you will tell no one of what you discovered here today.”

“Why?” inquired the earth pony.

“Because the others lack foresight,” continued the griffon, his armored hoof caressing Twilight's glass tube. “The rest of the council thinks they can win this war without dirtying their hooves when such actions inevitably become necessary. Thus it is up to us to do what must be done to preserve the confederacy and all of the free peoples of this world.”

Twilight stumbled back a step and put a hoof against her head. “What in the heck was that?”

“Twilight, are you okay? What happened?” Fluttershy exclaimed, the infested pegasus sprinting over to the other mare.

“What did you do, you oversized pile of spikes and refuse?” Spike shouted, flames spilling from the edges of his mouth.

“It's nothing,” Twilight quickly interjected. “The lurker merely showed me a memory without being kind enough to warn me first.”

The recently feral zerg merely cocked its head slightly, unbothered by the angry dragon a foot from its face.

“Are you sure? ‘Cause you felt really confused and really annoyed for a second there,” Spike replied.

“I’m certain,” Twilight answered. “I’m also certain that there was more.”

“B-be c-c-careful,” Fluttershy warned.

“I will, trust me,” Twilight exclaimed, focusing mainly on Spike.

“Whatever, just don't go too deep,” Spike remarked.

“I won't,” Twilight declared.

The infested unicorn then turned back to the lurker and reached out a hoof, coaxing it to approach her. Sure enough, the creature did just that, though it remained rather stand-offish and reluctant in its movements. In the end Twilight once more reached into its mind and began to plumb the depths of its psyche. This time she was careful not to push and instead allowed the lurker to lead her to their final destination.

Twilight was once not herself, though this time she was looking over the lurker’s shoulder rather than through its eyes. They were again in the tube and felt an incredible urge to commit violence that they were ultimately incapable of acting out upon. The numerous unicorns were replaced by individuals of many races, some of whom had horns atop their head, though none sported glowing eyes.

The iconography of the lab’s previous owners had been removed and it seemed as though some time had passed. There were also more zerg visible in other tanks, their bodies twitching with barely contained rage. Those new zerg were what captured the lurker’s attention, but not Twilight's, who was staring intently at a familiar sight.

In the center of the room and surrounded by scientists was a single tube, one which contained not a zerg, but a pony. The alicorn had no visible wounds, though she was completely still. The arrival of a griffon with familiar black feathers caused the various scientists present in the room to immediately spring to attention.

“Status?” he barked, walking straight up to the tube containing Cadance’s body. “How has our little princess been doing?”

“Well, sir, she's still dead. So, not good?” offered a technician with a shrug.

“And the DNA extraction?” replied the griffon.

“Impossible,” answered the earth pony scientist. “As you know, it degraded incredibly quickly, and tissue samples are almost completely useless.”

“How is this possible? Her body is intact,” demanded the soldier.

The pony shrugged. “We have no idea. Alicorn physiology is incredibly strange, and as you already know, about as well-studied as alicorn magic is.”

The griffon huffed angrily to himself. “What are our options?”

“Frankly? Not many,” exclaimed the scientist. “Even the most powerful necromancer in history couldn't raise an alicorn, and we barely have one capable of bringing back a small animal.”

“Infestation?” asked the griffon.

“Impossible. The cells we introduce merely slide off the dead flesh,” replied the tech.

“What about the creature the houses bred? Does it have any suggestions?” inquired the griffon.

The scientist winced and looked away. “It does… though you aren't going to like it.”

“Take me to it,” demanded the soldier.

“Y-yes, sir,” murmured his subordinate.

“She was here,” Twilight muttered. “Though dead, she was indeed here.”

“And you said it was impossible that she was alive!” Spike exclaimed.

“It's still incredibly unlikely,” Twilight replied. “Their best scientists were unable to find a solution, and even infestation was out of the equation.”

“But they still had options left to explore,” Spike retorted.

Twilight sighed. “I admit it's possible, but we should not get our hopes up quite yet. If she hasn't been lobotomized or enslaved, then she is likely dead and they merely used her body for some other purpose.”

“Still, there's hope,” Spike exclaimed, his eyes gleaming in the faint light of the moon.

“Just finish getting these guys ready for guard duty. I have a feeling like we are going to be getting company fairly soon,” Twilight muttered.

Sure enough, the radio on Twilight's armor sparked to life a moment later, and a voice could be heard.

“This is Jetstream. We got a mission. Report to the HQ for debrief,” barked the familiar voice of the confederate commander.

“Got it,” Twilight replied before shutting down the connection. “Well, that was a bit rude. I guess they didn't appreciate my threat very much.”

“They w-were being a b-b-bit mean b-before,” Fluttershy murmured.

“So what's the plan, boss?” Applejack asked.

“Applejack, Zecora, Rainbow Dash, and I will be going on this mission,” Twilight began, glancing immediately at Spike. “The others will stay here to defend the hive and ensure it grows properly.”

“But-” Spike began, only to be cut off.

“I know what you are going to say, and I am not protecting you,” Twilight stated. “You have the most important and potentially the most dangerous job out of anyone here. If the hive falls, it's game over, and we’ll have proved we can't defend ourselves.”

Spike sighed. “I hate it when you’re right.”

“You must hate me quite a bit then,” Twilight teased.

“You’re not wrong,” Spike replied with a smirk.

“Come on. We better see what Jetstream wants,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Right behind ya, boss,” Applejack declared.

Lead the way, my queen, Zecora added.

Twilight nodded and turned back to the gatehouse, her retinue forming up behind her. Together they made their way out of the half-destroyed compound and towards the confederate outpost at the top of the rise. There they were watched by a dozen or so marines, none of whom raised their weapons or even stared at the trio for too long.

“Seems as though they learned their lesson,” Applejack whispered.

Unfortunate. I would have loved to see our queen fulfill her promise, Zecora added.

Twilight ignored the comments and continued on to the headquarters, where a pair of armored soldiers were waiting for them. Adorned in their signature powered armor and wielding long, powerful-looking rifles, the duo were swift to open the door. Allowing Twilight to see inside where there was a rudimentary set of work stations along with a central map area at the center. The rest was under construction with bare support beams and cables running haphazardly all over the place.

Among the few ponies inside were Jetstream as well as her assistant, a small, short and quite young earth pony stallion with brown mane. The second Twilight took a step inside, Jetstream turned to her with a grim expression on her face.

“You have my apology for the behavior of my men,” Jetstream began. “Most are green and fresh out of basic, though that is no excuse.”

“I appreciate the apology,” Twilight replied. “I was merely making a point that if we are to work together, then we must trust one another.”

“Exactly,” Jetstream agreed. “I cannot expect you to take me at my word if I do not do the same.”

“It’s fine,” Twilight dismissed, waving a hoof. “It's just growing pains, we’ll likely face worse soon enough.”

“I hope not,” Jetstream muttered. “Now then. Our first mission is a rather small one, or at least that is my hope anyway.”

“Explain,” Twilight demanded.

Jetstream turned and nodded to her aide, who rapidly tapped away at the keyboard attached to the map display terminal. A second later, a globe appeared before swiftly growing larger, the image centering on their current location. It then shifted rapidly until it displayed a large town called Backwater Station as well as its many hilly surroundings and deep nearby valleys.

“Backwater Station and its subsidiary towns have not been meeting their food quotas,” Jetstream continued. “It's assumed by the brass that this is a simple mismanagement issue, but there is enough concern among the council that we have been tasked with checking in on them.”

“What exactly do we gotta do?” Applejack interjected.

“Check for zerg, smuggler, and terrorist activity,” Jetstream answered, straightening slightly. “The current theory is that a few ponies are hoarding what they shouldn't while others are selling crops on the black market.”

“But nothing more than that?” Twilight asked.

Jetstream shrugged. “That's just the current assumption.”

“What kind of fire power are we bringing to this mission?” Twilight pressed.

“Three squads of marines and whatever you’ve managed to muster,” Jetstream answered.

Twilight hummed to herself. “The trust of the local populace will be of paramount importance. My forces will remain here, and we alone will accompany you.”

“Probably for the best. Reports indicate that folk are getting jumpy, and I don't want some trigger-happy farmer to knock that pretty head from your shoulders,” Jetstream exclaimed with a chuckle.

“It will take more than that to get rid of me,” Twilight stated. “Now then, are we ready to move?”

“In a moment, there was some more news I thought you should be privy to,” Jetstream replied.

“Like?” Twilight offered.

“Like the fact that Pinkie Pie and her squad are on their way, along with Rarity and a significant number of reinforcements. Or so I’m told anyway,” Jetstream answered.

I assume from the tone that Rarity has yet to return to the realm of the living, Zecora pointed out.

“Rarity is still out of it?” Twilight interpreted.

“She has not moved since. Pinkie Pie is insistent that it would be best for her to come along regardless,” Jetstream exclaimed.

“She likely isn't wrong. Sitting there wouldn't do them much good,” Twilight thought aloud.

“Regardless, they should be here by the time we return from the mission. Provided that there aren't too many complications along the way,” Jetstream finished.

“Fair,” Twilight murmured.

The thump of an opening door alerted the headquarters’ occupants to the arrival of a new marine. Who stood in the entrance, his helmet dangling from a strap, allowing all to gaze upon his remarkably young face.

“Transports are prepped and ready to go, ma’am,” he offered after snapping off a quick salute.

“Right. I’ll be joining you on this mission, though we’ll have dual operational control,” Jetstream continued. “I want to stick together for the most part, but if you do break off for any reason, stay in constant radio contact. I don't want to end up accidentally firing on friendlies because of a mix-up.”

“Will do,” Twilight stated.

The vehicle thundered down the ill-used country road, its occupants constantly jostled due to the uneven terrain. Twilight remained impassive, though Zecora twitched constantly and eyed the marines across from her with naked contempt. Applejack wasn't much better, though she was primarily dealing with a stomach that refused to settle down.

“Please tell me we’re getting close,” Applejack muttered, her forelimbs springing to her face and holding back a wave of vomit from spilling past her lips.

Twilight reached out with her mind and plucked the information from the memories of their driver.

“Another few hours,” Twilight replied. “Depending on if the road ahead is washed out.”

Washed out? So we’ve actually reached these fabled valleys of plenty then? Zecora inquired.

“We are entering the surrounding lowlands, yes,” Twilight replied.

A sudden crackle from the speakers prompted Twilight to sit a little straighter in her seat.

“We’ve got some hostiles on the scope. Commander’s ordered us to dismount and engage the enemy on hoof,” declared the driver.

“Belay that order,” Twilight interrupted, activating her radio. “I’ll deal with them myself.”

“Current force estimate is nearly thirty zerg. Command advises against this action,” replied the driver.

“I will not have my first mission be delayed by such a paltry force,” Twilight retorted. “Lower the ramp halfway.”

There was a long moment of silence before the driver returned to the radio once more.

“Acknowledged. Opening hatch,” he declared.

“I’d tell you to be careful, but I’m pretty sure you can handle this,” Applejack remarked.

Show them our strength, my queen, Zecora added.

“I plan on it,” Twilight replied, flashing her companions a smirk.

The sudden rush of wind billowing into the back caused conversation to cease. The noise of the machine doubled, and Twilight was greeted by the sight of the mostly green plains beyond. Illuminated by the darkening moon, vision was minimal, though the infested mare was unbothered by this fact.

She merely waited patiently until the ramp had lowered down to the halfway point as requested. Twilight then trotted forward and leapt upward, hooves extended towards the lip of the machine. Metal met metal, and her hooves gripped tight the top of the armored personnel carrier. With a single titanic heave, she pulled herself atop it, swiftly establishing her footing on the vehicle’s roof.

“Right then, let's see where you are,” Twilight murmured.

Glancing around, she was able to see that the other transport was making its way into a closer formation from the right. In a few seconds it fell behind the one Twilight was standing astride, allowing the unicorn to gaze out over the entire field without obstruction. There she saw several groups of zerg moving to engage the transports, though it would be a while before they would be in range to properly intercept them.

“Eight zerglings with a few hydralisks for support,” Twilight murmured. “Easy enough.”

Her horn glowed, and she quickly conjured a spell, one which once unleashed turned into a bolt of lightning. This bolt slammed into the first zergling with enough power to disintegrate it utterly, leaving behind only dust. The energy then shot out to the next closest foe, turning it too to nothing more than fragments of half-annihilated bone.

The rest of the group tried to split away but they had maybe a single second before the energy bounced to them too. Most were completely destroyed outright, but the last two the bolt hit were just dazed, though severely injured. Twilight put them out of their misery with a forked bolt that blew holes through their chests and killed them in an instant.

Turning to the left, Twilight noticed that up ahead was an ultralisk, its titanic bulk causing the ground to rumble with each step. Though far off, it wouldn't be long before the convoy crossed its path.

“To be showy, or not to be showy?” Twilight shrugged. “It's not like I’ve used my magic much recently anyway.”

Summoning forth more power than before, Twilight weaved a great spell. One that took the form of a bead of black energy no larger than a marble. This small orb then shot out from the tip of Twilight's horn and flew unerringly towards the charging ultralisk.

Upon hitting the beast, nothing seemed to happen, at least at first, as it soon stumbled to a stop, its face twisting in confusion. It didn't have long to contemplate its circumstance, as its entire body was suddenly pulled inwards on itself. Skin broke, limbs shattered, and organs were turned to paste in a single horrifying second of intense gravity, killing the beast instantly. All that was left was a sphere of flesh roughly the size of a basketball which rolled down the hill before coming to a stop in the ditch.

Twilight then sent out a ping of psychic power and found that a horde of zerglings was waiting near the next turn. Positioned on a cliff-face above the path of the convoy, they were ready to leap out at a moment’s notice. Though they numbered at over twenty, Twilight considered them to be the smallest of her concerns and didn't immediately kill them.

Instead she reached out with her mind and gripped one of them at random. She then attempted to delve into its mind, but found that a barrier kept her out, one that was almost familiar in a way. It was reminiscent of her own psychic block, only this one was far more skillfully constructed and did not rely on raw strength. Worse still, the zerglings seemed to realize that they had been found out and attempted to flee. They didn't make it far, as Twilight used her magic to cause a great number of stone spikes to erupt from the ground beneath them.

Twilight didn't bother finishing off the few who survived the initial attack, her mind already wandering.

“Hmm, I wonder who you work for,” she mused aloud.

Backwater Station

“We've slowed down,” Applejack murmured. “Does that mean we’re close?”

Twilight blinked rapidly, shedding the last vestiges of drowsiness from her being. She then reached out with her mind and felt the surrounding area, searching for other creatures. What she found were a great number of ponies, as well as a good mix of other races, though they were in the minority.

“It seems so,” Twilight muttered.

“We’re moseying through Little Havana right now,” remarked the marine across from them, the male rolling a cigar around in his mouth. “Quaint little town, with a nice bar, but it ain't our final destination.”

Twilight peered a little closer at the grizzled soldier, noting that he had several facial scars. The more obvious of which were a pair of scratches over one eye, though there were other signs of battle all across his face. Among these features were his bright blue fur and deep green eyes that appraised Twilight critically.

His armor also bore a large white lock painted on his chest, while his shoulders were adorned with other images. On his left were the numbers four, three, and five in sequence, contrasting with the salaciously posed mare on his other pauldron. The male was also quite large, but still a full head shorter than Twilight and missing about fifty pounds on the infested, even with his armor.

“You’re one of the prisoners, aren't you?” Twilight exclaimed, gesturing to the symbol on his chest.

The stallion rolled the cigar to the other side of his mouth and released a puff of black smoke. “Does it look like I’m someone’s prisoner here, missy?”

We should remove his tongue for taking such a disrespectful tone, Zecora declared, hissing angrily at the stallion across from her.

“Someone doesn't appreciate honesty,” remarked the male.

Twilight waved a hoof and dismissed the tension which had built up in the back of the vehicle.

“It's fine. Did they say how long it is until we arrive at this Backwater Station place?” Twilight asked.

“Ten minutes, give or take,” exclaimed the male, who leaned forward suddenly and shot Applejack a sly smirk. “The name's Quick Buck, by the way, but you can just call me Buck.”

“Err, I’m Applejack,” murmured the hydralisk weerily.

“Applejack, eh?” Quick Buck mused aloud. “Ran with an Apple a few years back. Stand up guy, even if he refused to drink anything that wasn't cider. What about you? Got a drink of choice?”

“Uh, water?” Applejack replied. “Why do you ask?”

Twilight chuckled and leaned in close. “He's hitting on you.”

Immediately the infested farmer’s face lit up, and she hid behind her scythe arms. “Why would he do that?” blubbered the baffled hybrid.

“‘Cause I like a challenge,” Quick Buck exclaimed, puffing from his cigar. “Figured I’d slayed enough of them hydrawhatsits, thought I might try laying one.”

Zecora lurched forward, toxic spittle spilling from her maw, a furious rejection on her lips. She would never partake in the flesh of one so barbaric as you!

“Woah there. I don't know what in the Sam Hill you're saying, but keep them creepy tentacles away from me, lady!” Quick Buck shouted, a hoof going to the butt of his weapon.

“Relax,” Twilight exclaimed, gently but firmly pulling Zecora back into her seat. “He's just trying to get a rise out of us.”

“I’m as dead serious as my late father,” Quick Buck retorted. “Harmony rest his soul.”

Applejack leaned in close and whispered into Twilight's ear, “Am I having a stroke?”

Twilight chuckled. “No, but I’m pretty sure Zecora is about to have one.”

It is this simpleton which will perish this day! Zecora retorted.

“Calm yourself, we-” Twilight's exclamation was cut off when the radio sparked to life.

“We’re reaching the drop-off point now. No hostiles expected,” barked the masculine voice.

“Right,” Twilight began, rising from her seat. “You two stay here and wait for my signal. I don't expect trouble.”

Please tell me Buck here is going to remain in my company, Zecora half asked, half stated, her poison glands working so hard that Twilight could hear the noxious fluid sloshing around.

“Do play nice,” Twilight exclaimed with a small smile.

“We’ll be fine… I think,” Applejack murmured in a clearly still confused tone.

Twilight smirked to herself and walked to the back of the armored personnel carrier just as it slowed to a stop. Upon losing all momentum, the vehicle dropped its ramp, allowing Twilight to trot out into town. Only to find herself in a back alley, one guarded by the other two vehicles the rest of the squads were using for transport.

Jetstream stood at the entrance to the narrow alley between two large, metal buildings. The mare wore a simple camouflage jacket and pants that bore the confederate insignia, her rank, as well as a large pistol. In her hoof was a jacket of some kind, one bearing Twilight Sparkle’s full name on its front on a pin.

“Here,” offered Jetstream. “Put this on.”

“What's this?” Twilight asked, gesturing to the cloth hanging from the other mare’s unarmored hoof.

“Just put it on please. The folk around here are jumpy enough as is, and I wanna eliminate any potential friendly fire incidents before they happen,” Jetstream replied.

Twilight nodded slowly before using her magic to grab the light jacket and tossing it over her shoulders. After slipping her forelegs through the holes, Twilight flexed her body and was surprised to find that the clothing didn't rip.

“Not bad,” Twilight remarked.

“Come on, let's get going,” Jetstream urged. “I think your friends are safe and out of sight here, but I don't want to push my luck.”

Twilight gave her infested friends a nod before turning back and walking alongside Jetstream as she trotted out of the alleyway. Now bathed in the light of the moon, Twilight noticed that the streets were almost completely bare. Few had the courage to tread them, and even fewer did so with anything less than barely contained panic.

A minotaur hurried into a home with several plastic bags hanging from her arm. A pair of griffons tugged a half broken down market stall into their home, too paranoid to finish the job of disassembling the thing. Down the street several guards were standing near an intersection, their eyes flickering this way and that with incredible speed.

“What's gotten everyone so jumpy?” Twilight asked.

“Zerg attacks, if you can believe it,” Jetstream replied.

The pair trotted out into the main thoroughfare, their security detail of four marines falling in behind them. Twilight paid them no mind and instead inspected the large metal buildings that surrounded them on either side. They were made of the same cheap metal as most confederate buildings, though these at least had a bit of charm to them.

Adorned with signs marking businesses or important points like the local constabulary, it had a lived-in feel. Unlike most towns which seemed to be nothing more than prefab structures raised in a hurry and with little thought put into construction. Here at least they had been around long enough to receive some kind of customization and decoration.

That didn't change the fact that the homes and businesses themselves were ugly, boxy affairs not built with aesthetics in mind. Worse still, they were tall, so much so that they loomed over the street, making the shadows even deeper. None were larger than the structure in front of them though, which rose above them all with ease.

At the center of town was this strange construction which almost looked like a watchtower in its design. The town hall almost resembled that of Ponyville, but only in passing as it was much larger and made almost completely from metal. Its many rooms were seemingly all occupied as light were visible in each of its dozens of grate-covered windows.

“Apparently they sneak right into town sometimes and make off with supplies,” Jetstream continued. “Injuries have been few, but that almost makes things worse.”

Twilight blinked, tearing her gaze from the structure before them. “And why would you say that?”

“Simple,” Jetstream replied. “Because then we’d know what they wanted. If you ask me, the whole dang story sounds like a cover up for a smuggling operation. I mea,n come on, who's heard of zerg stealing food or cleaning out a general store?”

“It certainly does seem a bit far-fetched,” Twilight admitted.

“Hopefully the local magistrate will have a better clue as to what's going on around here,” Jetstream continued. “Speaking of which. Can you pick up anything useful with yer, uh, senses?”

Twilight gritted her teeth and shook her head. “I’m afraid not. It's like there's some kind of fog lying over the whole place. Makes using my powers to search the minds of others a bit more difficult.”

“Well, do your best,” Jetstream exclaimed. “Any clues you could gather would be a godsend, as something tells me this magistrate fellow ain't exactly going to be much help.”

Twilight grunted her affirmation but said nothing, her attention already focused elsewhere. Namely on her surroundings and all the many people she could detect with her mind. Though that seemed to be about the only thing she could do, as delving into the thoughts of anyone in particular was strangely difficult.

Twilight mentally latched onto a small child peeking out from a second story balcony and tried to dig for something as simple as their name. Only to meet a strangely hazey brick wall, her attempts stymied by a flurry of conflicting signals that together left Twilight baffled. All Twilight came back with was a general feeling of unease and paranoia, though it was mostly directionless.

The infested immediately checked her connection with the rest of her squad and was relieved to feel that they remained strong.

My queen? inquired Zecora.

It's nothing, Twilight was quick to reply. There is a fog hanging over everything. It's making it difficult to read the minds of others.

But not ours, Zecora reasoned.

I don't know, Applejack chimed in. I can certainly feel something off. I just can't put my hoof on it.

Stay on your guard. Something is amiss here, Twilight cautioned.

She then pulled back into her own mind and focused on the physical world once more. Upon doing so, she realized that they were nearing the town hall, but still had a few more blocks to go. Giving the infested enough time to seek out and mentally prod at the various creatures that she could detect in her area.

Again, most were ponies, though there were a few outliers. Not a single zerg was detected, nor were there any infested, or at least none that Twilight could pick out from the fog. Which was making things increasingly annoying to the infested mare, who found herself feeling oddly exposed.

I suppose I’ll just have to rely on my wit, Twilight thought to herself before turning to Jetstream. “What do we know about the magistrate?”

“He's a minotaur named Long Haul,” Jetstream replied. “Was at one point the owner of a few mines in the area and managed to trade them to the confederacy in return for his current job.”

“I thought there was no private property in the confederacy. How did he manage such a deal?” Twilight pressed.

Jetstream shrugged. “There isn’t, but early on a couple of mine owners had gotten together and were mounting a resistance. They called themselves the something combine. Didn't last long, given the confederacy’s technological superiority, but some folks on high were worried that he might raise a stink or join them.”

“So the confederates get a potentially corrupt official in return for not having to deal with any potential resistance,” Twilight exclaimed, glancing over to where a speeder bike was parked next to the town hall entrance. “Not the worst trade-off in the world. Though I would have simply crushed him and taken what I wanted.”

“Well, not all of us are interested in unnecessary violence,” Jetstream retorted before coming to a stop. “We’re here.”

Twilight grunted, standing aside while Jetstream pushed her way into the large town hall. Wherein she saw numerous creatures milling about, each one hastily avoiding Twilight’s gaze. So obvious was their discomfort that Twilight was immediately able to tell that they had been watching her from the window. Though Twilight felt as though they knew she was infested, she couldn't be sure, as the mental fog was present inside as well.

Ahead was a long slab of metal that a pair of minotaurs were using as a desk. The one on the right wore a dress and was typing at a computer while the slightly smaller of the two was filing his nails. This second minotaur perked up upon Jetstream reaching the desk and elbowed his companion, causing her to glance lazily over at the soldier.

“Your the boss’ eleven o’clock, right?” asked the male.

“Fairly certain,” Jetstream replied. “Unless he's meeting with another task force.”

“I’ll buzz you through,” exclaimed the male.

His hand was stopped a second before it could reach its target, intercepted by his partner grabbing his wrist.

“Hold on a second,” she remarked. “We gotta ID everyone, remember? No exceptions.”

“Err, right,” the male muttered. “Do you have some kind of identification, miss?”

“Jetstream, and not on me. Though I can tell you that I am authorized to shoot anyone who I think might be trying to impede my investigation,” Jetstream declared.

Now who's uninterested in resorting to violence? Twilight thought to herself.

The male sitting across from Jetstream began to sweat while his partner continued to glare balefully at the annoyed soldier. It seemed like the stalemate was going to last forever, unless Twilight stepped in and broke it up. Only for someone to do it for her, as the large oak door behind the pair of minotaurs opened suddenly.

“And you can take your assertions and shove them where the sun doesn't shine!” shouted a well built and partially armored pegasus.

“You will get back here this instant, Free Flier, or so help me I will strip you of your position!” snarled a large, slightly overweight minotaur dressed in an ill-fitting suit.

“You can court marshal my ass for all I care. Folk need help out there, and if you ain't gonna be the one to give it to ‘em, I will be,” declared the pegasus before flying out of the building in a flash.

Twilight only got a second to inspect the pony before she vanished, but what she saw intrigued the infested. Free Flier wore the lightly armored jumpsuit of a marshal, her heavy leather clothing reinforced with plates sewn into the fabric at key points. Her fur was a gun metal grey, and her eyes were twin beacons of intense blue, resembling a pair of white hot flames. The black mane she had was short, so much so in fact that she likely would have been mistaken for a stallion. That was of course, if she didn't have a certain rustic charm that Twilight Sparkle couldn't help but appreciate.

A few seconds after she vanished, an engine revved to life, and the sound of a speeder could be heard peeling out down the street.

“Damn it, Free. Why must you always rock the boat?” muttered the well-dressed minotaur Twilight had seen a moment earlier.

“Problem with one of your marshals, Long Haul?” Jetstream asked.

“Nothing I can't deal with, miss,” the minotaur’s eyes narrowed. “Jetstream, was it?”

“And this is my… assistant,” Jetstream exclaimed. “Twilight Sparkle.”

“Hot damn if you ain't a big mare,” Long Haul exclaimed. “Wait a second, I was warned about you. Aren't you one of them inf-”

“Let's continue this conversation somewhere private,” Jetstream interrupted, gesturing towards the office he had just come out of.

Long Haul glanced to his two receptionists, and then to the nearly dozen other creatures all looking at him curiously.

“Right. Don't want to start a panic and all that. Business is bad enough as is,” Long Haul muttered.

Jetstream nodded to her guards, then to Twilight before trotting through the large doors and into the office beyond. The infested mare hesitated a second before following, now painfully aware of the paranoia directed her way. She noted that one of the town guards eyed the exit rather intensely, while his minotaur partner had a hand on his pistol.

Twilight knew that they weren't a true threat, given her own strength and their relative lack thereof. But fighting them would mean that Twilight had failed in her mission, and failure was not an option. She also knew that there was a good chance that she could simply talk them down, but that doing so wasn't necessary.

At least not yet, anyway.

“What was that all about?” Twilight asked as she stepped into the room, and gestured back towards the exit. “Seemed like quite the argument.”

“That was just Flier being a pain in my ass again,” Long Haul declared, the minotaur dropping his bulk into an extra wide chair. “She thinks that there is some kind of queen zerg hiding in the hills. Which is nonsense. The daughters might be up there, and maybe a few opportunistic smugglers, but a queen? We’d know if that was the case.”

“It's not impossible,” Twilight remarked.

The minotaur snorted and leaned back, lighting a cigar as he spoke, “The zerg are simple creatures. They crush, they kill, and they destroy when given the chance. And trust me, they have been given that chance.”

Twilight bit her tongue and glanced expectantly at Jetstream, who cleared her throat and stepped forward.

“If our expert believes it's a possibility, then it is one,” offered the soldier. “I would not be so quick to dismiss the word of your subordinates.”

Long Haul rolled the cigar to the other side of his mouth and inhaled slowly. He then exhaled while running a hand over his hornless, mostly bald head.

“If you insist,” he replied after a long pause.

“I do,” Twilight declared. “These people are afraid of something more terrible than bandits or opportunists looking to make off with a few misplaced supplies.”

“Respectfully, these people don't know a goddamn thing,” Long Haul shot back with an irritable grunt. “The most educated of the bunch is that agronomist from Canterlot, and she doesn't have a head for anything that ain't a plant.”

“People might be easily frightened, but they still need something to spook them in the first place,” Jetstream retorted. “It can't have come from nowhere.”

Long Haul snorted derisively. “They got long memories, is all. There hasn't been a zerg attack in this area for months. The patrols always come back unharmed, and we haven't had a death that wasn't natural in nearly a year.”

“Then why did Free mention that people were dying?” Jetstream inquired.

“Because she's an idiot,” Long Haul declared with a scowl. “That featherbrain thinks that a missing farmer got eaten by a zerg. The old coot probably just got drunk again and wandered off somewhere. We’ll find him passed out in a ditch by tomorrow night. I guarantee it.”

“You sound awfully confident for someone shutting down a potential search party before it could even form,” Twilight pointed out.

“Go on, look then!” shouted Long Haul. “See if I care.”

“I think we got off on the wrong hoof,” Jetstream exclaimed, stepping between Twilight and Long Haul. “Just tell us everything you know about these disturbances so we can both get back to our real jobs.”

Long Haul snorted. “I already told your boss every bit of info I gathered. There ain't nothing left but rumours. Unless you need to know what the cafeteria is serving tonight?”

Twilight ignored the banter and focused on the minotaur, using her powers to try and gleam some unspoken information. What she found was a predictable lack of anything important, the fog hanging heavy over his mind. All Twilight could pick up on was that the magistrate was more irritated than he let on, and that he desperately wanted them both to leave.

“What are you doing staring at me like that?” Long Haul exclaimed suddenly. “You aren't trying to get in my head, are you?”

Twilight snorted. “Not like you’d even notice. You got so little going on between the ears that it would only take a few seconds.”

“Twilight,” Jetstream hissed. “Let's not be too antagonistic now.”

“Yes, listen to your handler, freak,” Long Haul spat.

“You're hiding something,” Twilight accused, pointing to the minotaur with a hoof. “That much is obvious. Now are you going to tell us what that thing is, or do we have to extract that information through other means?”

“I am not hiding anything! How dare you accuse me of such!” Long Haul shouted.

“Twilight, outside, now!” Jetstream yelled.

Twilight gritted her teeth. “You're lucky someone’s looking out for you. Otherwise I would have simply ripped what I needed from your worthless, empty cranium.”

The infested then teleported out of the building, cutting off any retort the minotaur might have tried to make. Now outside the hall, Twilight breathed deeply, relishing the relatively fresh air and using it to clear her mind. Once her anger was gone, and she had purged the last of her irritation, she decided to shift focus to something more productive.

“Right. Let's go find where this Free Flier person ended up,” Twilight muttered.

The infested lit her horn and was about to cast a quick scrying spell, only for a splotch of black to catch her eye. Glancing down, the pony noticed that were was a small splatter of oil on the ground. It was accompanied by several others, all of which led towards the outskirts of town.

“Well, that was easy,” Twilight remarked to herself. “Let's get a second opinion.”

Author's Note

The Jacobs Installation

“The tracks head out of town,” Twilight muttered to herself.

She leaned down and touched the small puddle of oil before lifting her hoof up, inspecting it closely. She then lit her horn and cast a quick spell, causing a purple arrow to appear directly in front of her. The magical manifestation pointed forward, well beyond the city limits and back towards the way they came.

“Little Havana,” Twilight muttered. “What did that stallion say? It had a nice bar?”

My queen? Jetstream has returned and is looking for you, inquired Applejack. She doesn't seem very pleased with you either.

Twilight grunted. That's an understatement. She's been trying to reach me over the radio for ten minutes at this point.

What should I tell her? Applejack followed up.

Tell her I require you two and that Quick Buck fellow to meet me at the edge of the city with a vehicle. I’m following up on a lead, Twilight replied.

There was a short pause before Zecora’s neutral tone entered Twilight's head.

She didn't like that, Zecora remarked.

I don't care if she liked it, did she send a transport or not? Twilight pressed.

She did, though she included two extra marines, Zecora explained.

That is acceptable. I’ll be waiting, Twilight stated.

Moving now, Zecora replied.

Twilight turned back to the town and looked out over the settlement while waiting patiently for her ride to arrive. It was quiet, with the inhabitants having remained indoors for the most part. The only thing that had changed since Twilight's arrival was the abundance of eyes gazing down at her from on high.

Shrouded by darkness and obscured by distance, it was difficult to make out who exactly was watching her. Worse still, the mental fog remained, leaving Twilight unnerved by the attention she had garnered. Lacking the ability to determine their motives made things difficult for the mare, but she persevered.

It was unlikely that anyone harbored any ill will, and if they did, Twilight was well-armored. Even with those thoughts firmly in mind, Twilight couldn't help but feel exposed standing out in the open. Thankfully she wasn't alone for long as her ride could be seen speeding towards her in the distance.

Within seconds, it rolled up to her position and stopped, releasing a plume of black smoke when it did so. The back ramp soon engaged, and by the time it hit the ground Twilight had rounded the transport. As she trotted up into the back of the large machine, she noted that both of her infested were there along with the three marines Zecora had told her about.

“So,” Twilight began, sitting down across from the still unhelmeted stallion. “What do you know of Little Havana?”

Quick Buck paused as he waited for the ramp to ascend, its grinding gears making conversation impossible. Once that was done, the engine roared, and they began to accelerate towards their destination in relative quiet.

“Now? Probably not much,” Quick Buck admitted. “Ran a few jobs through there back in the day. Nice bar and decent people. Even if they tend to be a bit goody goody for my tastes.”

“You mean raiding?” Applejack accused.

Quick Buck raised his forehooves defensively. “Woah there. We weren't getting paid to do anything quite so bloody. Just some security work for a couple of smugglers who operate out of the old mines around these parts.”

“Tell me more about these mines,” Twilight pressed.

Quick Buck shrugged. “Ain't much to tell. Before they tried to grow stuff, they mined the hills for everything they were worth. They were too lazy to decommission the mines properly, so plenty of smugglers used them as warehouses.”

“Interesting,” Twilight murmured.

“What about this goody goody you mentioned?” Applejack asked.

“They're the reason I’m stuck in this thing,” Quick Buck declared, clanging a hoof against his chest. “The bitch had a crisis of faith after diggin’ around in some crates they weren't supposed to. Musta found somethin’ awful ‘cause she went straight to the powers that be and turned us all in.”

“That bar you mentioned, what was it called?” Twilight demanded.

“Joeyray’s,” Quick Buck replied. “Owner’s some minotaur fella that damn near lost everything to the zerg. Now he serves some of the foulest swill this side of the capital.”

“I thought you said it was a good bar,” Applejack deadpanned.

“It is,” Quick Buck exclaimed. “The old cow only serves minotaur beer, which, let me tell you, might be gross, but it will put hair on your chest. Right before it knocks your ass onto the floor.”

The stallion then laughed like a set of enormous billows rapidly exhaling.

“Then that's our first stop,” Twilight stated, tapping her hoof and activating her radio. “Driver, drop us off at-”

“Joeyray’s,” Quick Buck muttered, clanging a hoof against his armor. “Never thought I’d ever end up back here. Not while I still wore this stupid thing anyway.”

The building before them resembled a slightly lopsided triangle that featured a large neon sign that simply said ‘bar’. Made from what looked like random shipping containers welded to what had once been a simple habitation block, it was not a pretty sight. Rust was everywhere, and even at midday, there were a pair of ponies lying face down in the gutter mere feet from its entrance.

“We aren't here to reminisce, so keep your visor down,” Twilight commanded.

Quick Buck grunted. “Yeah yeah, keep your horn on straight.”

Twilight glanced back at the transport parked between a pair of squat metal habitation structures. After locking eyes with the hydralisk and zerg hybrids hidden within the dark of the alley, Twilight turned back to the bar. Only to be surprised when she saw the three marines had actually listened to her and were waiting for her patiently.

“Stay behind me,” Twilight commanded. “I want a private word with our target, so keep any onlookers out of my sight.”

“Let's move,” replied the gravely, radio-distorted voice of the stallion inside the armor.

Twilight nodded and trotted inside, pausing briefly as the automatic doors slowly and loudly opened before her. Upon stepping into the bar, the unicorn was immediately hit with the scent of vomit, dust, and some of the foulest alcohol she had ever smelled. So powerful was the booze that she could almost feel it sticking to the inside of her mouth like a layer of slime.

“Smells like home,” Quick Buck remarked.

“Smells like piss,” Twilight retorted.

“You ain't wrong,” Quick Buck exclaimed.

Twilight scowled. “Let's keep going.”

Despite her demand for them to continue on, Twilight found herself forced to stop once more. Only this time it wasn't a faulty door that opened a bit slow, but rather because she didn't immediately locate the female she was searching for. There were plenty of ponies as well as few other creatures, but neither hide nor hair of Free Flier could be seen.

Only a dozen or so grimy tables and as many patrons, most of whom gave her only a glance before returning to their drinks. The sole exception to this rule was the towering minotaur standing sentinel behind the bar. In one hand he held a dirty glass, and in the other was an even dirtier rag he was rubbing inside the cup as if that would help matters.

Twilight trotted up to the bar and cleared her throat. “Have you seen a marshal come through here?”

“I ain't seen no one,” growled the minotaur in such a low tone that it sounded like two enormous boulders grinding against one another.

Twilight gritted her teeth. “I will not ask again. Tell me where my target is, or I’ll-”

“Woah there, girly,” Quick Buck interrupted. “Let me handle this one.”

“Quick, is that you?” muttered the minotaur.

Twilight restrained her anger and stepped back, allowing the conversation to play out.

“Sure is,” Quick Buck replied, pulling his visor down. “Long time no see.”

“No kiddin’,” murmured the minotaur in astonishment. “They told me you went away for life.”

“And leave such a capable pair of hooves behind bars? Not while the zerg are runnin’ about,” Quick Buck declared.

“No shit, eh?” murmured the minotaur. “I’d offer you a drink, but you seem to be on the job.”

“When has that ever stopped me before?” Quick Buck retorted.

The pair exchanged a laugh that only ended when the minotaur retrieved a cup and filled it with a thick brown liquid. “On the house,” exclaimed the bartender.

“Appreciated,” thanked the stallion, who downed the drink in a single gulp followed by a grimace.

“Need I remind you that we are on a schedule?” Twilight whispered.

Quick Buck coughed into his hoof. “Yeah yeah. Just give me a second, would ya?”

Twilight grumbled to herself but restrained herself from saying anything more on the subject.

“Right,” Quick Buck cleared his throat. “We’re looking for some marshal that might have come through here. You seen any that fit that description?”

“Just one, but you ain't going to like what you find,” warned the minotaur.

“And I also ain't going to like going back to the boss with empty hooves,” Quick Buck countered.

For a moment the two males stared at one another without either giving any ground. Then the minotaur cracked, his aged features sagging into a deep frown.

“Just remember the rules about fighting,” he remarked in a tired tone.

“Take it outside or you’ll throw me outside. I remember,” Quick Buck replied.

The minotaur grunted. “Good. Now, who yer lookin fer is back there, behind the VLTs.”

“You got slots here?” Quick Buck exclaimed, turning around and gazing at the wall of glowing machines partially hidden behind a booth. “Well, I’ll be damned. I thought you said you weren't going to put another bit into this place.”

“What can I say? I like money,” answered the minotaur with a shrug.

“Fair enough. Lead the way, oh fearless leader,” Quick Buck exclaimed.

Twilight snorted.

She then trotted ahead of the small group, weaving her way through the crowd with practiced ease. Most gave her a wide berth, and those who didn't only needed a firm glare to realize the error of their ways. In no time at all, Twilight had reached the other side of the smokey room and was about to round the wall of slot machines when she heard something.

“Stop bullshiting me,” hissed a familiar, female voice. “I know you know something about this rash of disappearances. Now are you gonna tell me what you know, or do I hafta tell old Joey about you dealing out of the bathroom again?”

“Stars above, Free, relax,” whispered a nasally male-sounding voice. “All I said was that it was probably the daughters. They’ve been using the old mines ever since the combine finally gave up the ghost and bit it for real this time.”

“Is that…” Quick Buck muttered.

Twilight was about to ask what the stallion was talking about when the burly male brushed past her at a sprint. Cursing under her breath, Twilight rounded the corner just in time to find Quick Buck holding his rifle against Free Flier’s head.

“I guess today really is my lucky day,” Quick Buck exclaimed.

“What the hell… Quick?” muttered Free Flier in shock.

“In the flesh, no thanks to you. Traitor,” stated Quick Buck through gritted teeth.

“What the hell is going on here?” Twilight demanded.

“This is the bitch I told you about,” Quick Buck replied. “The one that sold me and my crew out.”

“Get that fucking thing out of my face. I did what I had to do,” Free Flier replied.

“Bullshit you did,” Quick Buck spat. “You didn't have to turn us all into marshals. You didn't have to ruin the biggest score of our whole dang careers?!”

“Put the gun down, or I’ll turn you inside out before you get the chance to blink,” Twilight hissed.

Quick Buck and Free Flier both glanced nervously at the glowering unicorn currently towering over them.

“This doesn't concern you,” Quick Buck shot back in a slightly shaky tone.

“It does know,” Twilight retorted. “Drop the weapon, or I’ll tear your lungs out through your throat.”

Quick Buck hesitated a moment before disengaging his rifle with an annoyed huff. “This one deserves her comeuppance, but I ain't laying down my life for the chance.”

“I don't give a shit what you want,” Twilight spat. “Get in my way again, and I will kill you so fast your head will still be spinning by the time you get to Tartarus.”

“You made your damn point,” Quick Buck muttered angrily. “Now ask your questions so we can get outta this dump.”

“Hey, hold on a sec,” Free Flier interrupted, catching the large stallion by the shoulder. “Did they ever tell you what was in those crates?”

“Guns, right?” Quick Buck dismissed. “That was about all the combine ran in those last days.”

Free Flier shook her head. “Those weren't guns, Quick. They were… kids.”

“Bullshit,” spat the marine. “I seen those crates. Weren't even any damn air holes on those things.”

“Didn't need any,” Free Flier replied. “Had them hooked up to these gas masks with a bunch of needles stuck in ‘em. Turns out the combine were getting real desperate and were selling to some nutjob up in Canterlot.”

“That's…” Quick Bucks’s shoulders fell. “You ain't kiddin’, are you?”

“I know you don't like me right now, but can you remember a time I ever lied to you?” Free Flier asked.

Quick Buck cursed under his breath. “No. You were always decent. A bit too decent, given our occupation.”

“We good?” Free Flier asked, extending a hoof.

“I ain't about to invite you out for a drink, but I also ain't about to put a bullet in your back. If that's what your wonderin’,” Quick Buck replied, clopping his hoof against the mare’s.

“That's all I’m askin’ for,” Free Flier declared. “Now then. What can I do for ya, miss?”

“Twilight Sparkle, and I’m looking into some of the strange events that have been happening around here,” Twilight replied. “And I need your help.”

“Well, you came to the right place. I was about to go check out an old spot used by the combine, and reportedly, now the daughters,” Free Flier exclaimed.

“Do you, uh… still need me?” murmured the short, wiry young griffon currently hiding between a pair of slot machines.

“What do you think?” Twilight retorted.

“Right,” murmured the male before extracting himself and all but sprinting out of the bar.

“He's got his uses, but not a spine,” Free Flier remarked.

“He should get the hell out of the game then. Peddling around here ain't exactly a long-term career,” Quick Buck added.

“I don't care if he's dealing in death sticks,” Twilight stated. “I have a mission to complete. Now, where is this abandoned mine?”

“The hills west of town. I’ll lead ya right to it. Just follow me,” Free Flier offered.

“Perfect. Meet us out front. I need to notify the rest of my team,” Twilight ordered.

Free Flier snapped off a lazy salute with her wing. “You got it.”

Twilight nodded. “Good. We have no time to waste.”

Then before the pegasus had a chance to reply, Twilight turned and departed, leaving her escort to scramble in order to catch up. Quick Buck was the first to do so, a frown on his face.

“Not sure how to take gettin’ bossed around like that,” he remarked.

“Don't do anything to hamper my mission again, and we won't have any trouble,” Twilight replied without turning her head.

“I suppose I can do that,” Quick Buck muttered. “Didn't think you had the guts. Until you looked me in the eye, that is. Thought you were going to kill me for sure.”

“I wouldn't have hesitated,” Twilight replied.

“No shit. Felt like you were ready to unscrew my damn head if I didn't back off,” Quick Buck murmured under his breath.

“I thought about it,” Twilight admitted.

“Well, you're certainly a league apart from most of the greenies I get paired with,” Quick Buck stated as they boarded the transport together. “Half of these kids ain't never seen a dead body before they get dropped into the shit. Hell, stims and training can only get you so far.”

“I think you’ll find that none of my staff hold any qualms with killing,” Twilight explained.

“Not one bit,” Zecora muttered in her watery, unintelligible speech.

“I’d rather avoid it, but if it's the queen’s will,” Applejack added.

“I wouldn't order it if it wasn't necessary. Now then.” Twilight paused and clicked a button on her right foreleg, opening a radio channel. “Follow Free Flier. She should be on a vulture waiting for us on the main road.”

“Got it, over,” replied the staticky voice of the driver.

“Now then,” Twilight began, leaning toward the stallion across from her, “tell me everything you know about these caves.”

Twilight tromped off the ramp, her escort only a few feet behind her. The second she was outside, the marines fanned out, while Twilight herself remained stock still. Her gaze swung this way and that, observing the strange layout of the surrounding landscape with a sharp, critical eye.

Where she stood now was at the lowest point, and around in nearly all directions save behind her rose high rocky walls. Which sported nearly a dozen openings, most of which still seemed usable, while a minority had collapsed. Ruined mining equipment littered the area, though most were piled near a dilapidated structure to Twilight's right.

Her psychic senses could detect nothing living within the mass save for a family of raccoons, so Twilight ignored the building. The thing had mostly collapsed, so the chances of it actually holding anything except a small mammal was unlikely. With that in mind, Twilight turned her attention back to her surroundings and the layered manner in which it was arrayed.

Each level rose a good ten to twelve feet above the previous one and sported a minecart track that wound down to the level below it. Bushes, trees as well as other small plants had sprouted up all over the place, granting considerable cover to anyone defending the area. Though Twilight could see no one save for the marines, she could sense that something was out there, but she knew not what.

“It's clear. Ish,” Twilight shouted.

A second later, both Applejack and Zecora emerged, with the two infested taking positions on either side of their queen. They too inspected their surroundings to mixed reactions, with Applejack being unnerved while Zecora was unbothered.

“Feels like we're being watched,” Applejack murmured.

The fog remains even out here, Zecora pointed out.

“It’s lightened somewhat at least,” Twilight added.

“We’re not seeing any movement on the scanners,” remarked one of the marines. “Something definitely came around here, and recently too.”

Twilight followed his gaze down to a great number of tracks that made a mess of the dirt path leading to the mine. The sheer amount of them made it difficult to pick out who or what had made them all. Kneeling down and inspecting them closer didn't help much, though Twilight wasn't exactly a well-accomplished tracker.

There are tire tracks here as well as footprints from several species of zerg, Zecora reasoned, her spiked appendages digging into the earth. The tires are older, but I can't tell if they were accompanied by any marines due to their age.

“Looks like there was some kinda dust-up here,” Applejack added.

“You think these smugglers got into trouble with the local wildlife?” Twilight asked.

Possible. But whoever won made sure to cover the majority of their tracks, Zecora replied.

The roar of an engine alerted everyone to a new arrival, causing the marines to jump to attention. Twilight didn't need to look to know who it was, as the distinct whine of the vulture engine was hard to forget. By the time she bothered to turn around and look, Free Flier had parked her bike next to the transport.

“Sorry ‘bout that,” Free Flier apologized as she dismounted. “Set up a few proximity nodes back near the entrance to the hills. Don't want anyone sneaking up on us while we snoop around.”

The marines relaxed, as did Twilight's subordinates, though Twilight herself couldn't help but remain skeptical. Focusing her psionic abilities on the mare, Twilight was able to sense that she was abnormally willful. Not only that, but she was far more intelligent than she let on and had a few minor augmentations that made her mind difficult to read. Despite this, Twilight could detect the marshal’s surface thoughts, which proved that Free Flier had been honest so far.

“Makin’ sure I’m not a changeling?” Free Flier asked with a smirk.

“Something like that,” Twilight admitted.

“Well, don't bother. If the zerg didn't eat them, then those damn bugs died out in the badlands years ago,” Free Flier replied.

I know little of the doppelgangers, though from what I’ve been told, making others assume they are dead is one of their top strategies, Zecora pointed out.

“Never assume a foe is dead until you see their corpse lying before you,” Twilight exclaimed. “How did you even learn of them? Knowledge of their very existence wasn't exactly widespread.”

“You’d be surprised what you could learn from the folk who fled or were exiled from quote-unquote normal society,” Free Flier explained.

“Are you girlies going to jabber all day, or are we going to do a job?” Quick Buck barked over the speaker built into his suit. “I don't like this place one bit.”

“Right, which mine shaft did they use to store supplies?” Twilight asked.

“Third row, second from the left,” Free Flier replied.

“You got a weapon on you?” Twilight inquired.

Free Flier nodded and retrieved a large hoof-held revolver from an unseen pocket in her armor. “Never leave home without it.”

“I can't believe you still have that old thing,” Quick Buck remarked. “Can you even still get bullets for it?”

“I bought a ton of the things before they went outta style,” Free Flier replied, spinning the revolver around and popping open the cylinder to reveal that six rounds were already loaded. “It may be old, but it can still punch through armor like a hot knife through butter.”

Quick Buck shook his head. “You always were the sentimental type.”

“Now then, we ready to move or what?” Free Flier asked, flicking the cylinder closed with a twist.

“Quick Buck and I will take point. Applejack and Zecora will be in the center, while the other two marines will watch our backs,” Twilight declared, pointing to each person in turn. “Free Flier, I want you on overwatch. Let us know if you see anything. If it does go sideways, help where you're needed most.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Free Flier agreed.

“Rock and roll!” shouted one of the marines as they extended their weapon from its mount.

“Let's move,” Twilight declared.

Together the group moved out just as Twilight had ordered it, their pace quick but not hurried. After ascending the first ramp onto the second level, Twilight paused to peek inside the cave. She found that it had collapsed a dozen feet in and now contained nothing but dust as well as the odd loose stone.

Just to be certain, she used her magical and psionic powers to ensure that there was nothing hidden inside. When that came up with nothing, she continued on, repeating this procedure with each mine shaft she came across. Each one either collapsed or didn't go far before they ended, with none having anything of note save for the odd busted mine cart.

Soon the second level had been searched, and the group had yet to find hide or hair of anything out of the ordinary. No smugglers were caught crouching in the shadows, and no zerg could be found skulking within the caves. Only dust, debris, and the odd forgotten bit of equipment left to rust in some dirty corner.

That was until they neared the mine shaft Free Flier had mentioned earlier. Then they stopped.

“Hold on. I’m picking something up,” Twilight whispered. “Life forms, inside, but faint.”

“Scanner’s picking up movement, but not a lot,” Quick Buck added. “What are ya thinking?”

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. “If it's zerg, take one or two alive. If it's smugglers, then do the same.”

“Just gimme something to shoot,” Quick Buck replied, his gun swiveling towards the entrance.

Twilight gave her infested subordinates a nod before carefully trotting out in front of the mine shaft entrance. There she found that a few meters in lay a pair of zerglings chewing on the same leg bone. Both were thin and wiry, with little meat remaining on their bones. Together or apart, they posed little threat to Twilight who had already lit her horn and was readying a spell. Only to be interrupted by a sudden shout.

“We got bugs, boys. Frag ‘em!” Quick Buck declared.

Before Twilight had a chance to offer a word in edgewise, the marine’s rifle erupted, sending rounds down the corridor. The first zergling was blown apart before it even knew what was happening, its head pulped by the powerful projectiles. Its buddy didn't last much longer, though it was at least able to shriek before a three-round burst tore through its midsection.

“I was going to take them out quietly,” Twilight hissed.

“Respectfully, fighting them all in this here tunnel is the best course of action, as their numbers mean nothing,” Quick Buck retorted.

“It doesn't matter now. Here they come!” Applejack shouted before releasing a burst of spines from her shoulders.

The organic projectiles slammed home, burying themselves in a zergling that had been sprinting down the tunnel. The beast toppled over, green blood oozing from its deep wounds, and though not killed outright, it died a second later. Its former allies tore into it with cannibalistic glee, ripping limb from bloody limb in the process.

The mass of zerglings, drones, and hydralisks made short work of their downed ally before continuing their charge. Though numerous, Twilight and her entire force had already arrayed itself at the tunnel entrance, allowing them to fill the tight corridor with a mix of hot lead, acidic bile, organic spines, and scorching magic.

A fireball tore through the bravest or most hungry of the zerg squatters, cutting them down and sowing confusion. Which was all the small squad needed to mow down the mass of barely sentient zerg without any trouble. A couple of hydralisks shot at them, but the attacks were half-hearted and mostly went wide.

Leaving the horde of zerg easy prey to the carefully aimed shots of Twilight's squad. Within seconds the majority of the feral zerg were down, their numbers and poor coordination leaving them vulnerable to their foes. Who picked them off one by one until only a couple of confused zerg remained, their eardrums blown out from one of Twilight's fireballs.

“Hold,” Twilight commanded, raising a hoof.

The marines stopped, taking the moment of quiet to reload while Twilight unleashed another spell. This one took the form of not a magically contained miniature explosion, but rather a wave of bluish energy. Which, upon reaching the injured trio of zerg, knocked them out cold, their bodies hitting the ground with a dull series of thumps.

“Zecora, Applejack. You’re on me. The rest of you, watch our backs,” Twilight barked.

“Standin’ by,” remarked one of the marines.

“Sounds fun,” added Free Flier.

Twilight stepped forward, wading through the mass of gore without a second thought given to the dead zerg until she reached the injured duo of drones and the lone zergling who yet lived. Using her magic, the unicorn gathered them all up and placed them on a section of ground that was less smeared with blood or brains.

“Now then. Let's see what you have trapped within that prison of bone,” Twilight muttered to herself.

Be careful, my queen. This one is quite wild, Zecora warned.

“I am aware,” Twilight dismissed.

The infested unicorn then pried open the mind of the zergling and delved within using her psionic powers. She was immediately assaulted by a ferocious hunger and a directionless savagery known only to those zerg who had gone feral. Though powerful in its intensity, Twilight was stronger still, and through sheer force of will, she brushed aside the creature’s animalistic impulses.

Delving into its memories, Twilight found that it had spent a considerable amount of time in or around the mines. Between hunting, lounging, and scrapping with the other feral zerg, it had all the same routines of a rather ferocious predator. Yet at the edge of its mind lingered a feeling that was not one of hunger, rage, or terror, but rather purpose.

It had been gathered, along with other feral zerg found within the hills nearby, by a powerful will. One which commanded it to assault the mines along with its wild brethren. Following this command, the zergling did just that, throwing itself at the stunned mix of ponies and other races.

Caught with their pants down, the defenders put up a brief, yet intense fight before eventually being overwhelmed. They were then stripped of armor and consumed by the ravenous horde, who settled into the area, waiting for more food. No confederate reinforcements arrived, however, though there were more people who came to the mines.

These individuals were blurry, their forms scrubbed from the zergling’s mind through powerful psionics. Though the zergling had its mind tampered with, it didn't seem bothered, nor did it fear the strange zerg that had come. Rather it felt oddly loved, its feral hunger subsiding for several hours before the creature departed, relinquishing the hold it had on the zergling. With its brief master’s departure, the usual routine of hunting and quarreling with its kin returned only a few minutes earlier.

“Odd,” Twilight muttered, pulling her mind back from the zergling. “I’ll need to see the drones.”

“I’m afraid one of them have, uh… died,” Applejack murmured.

Twilight looked down to find that the acid which had been bubbling on one of the drone’s back had eaten straight through it, leaving the creature without any functional organs, save for its brain as well as half of a lung.

“Unfortunate,” Twilight muttered, tossing aside the dead zerg. “At least we have one more.”

She then picked up the unconscious drone in her magic and peered deep into its blank, unseeing eyes. The unicorn was once more assaulted by the usual ferocity, though it was dampened somewhat, the drone’s impulses to build and grow limiting its more predatory tendencies.

Its memories were nearly identical to the zergling’s, Twilight soon discovered, though there was one major difference. After the drone had finished consuming the skull of a griffon, it was called into the abandoned mine shaft. There it was commanded to ferry all of the crates and boxes contained within, back outside where its new master waited.

The worker did so quickly and without complaint, with the drone happy to finally have a purpose again. Though that purpose vanished after the last crate had been moved and the strange slug-like creature which had dominated it left. Without that guiding force, it had returned to the cave, the last vestiges of its former master’s commands lingering in its mind.

“Still blurry, but at least I got a vague outline,” Twilight murmured, closing her eyes and imagining what the drone had seen. “Long, wide, like a huge anaconda that had recently gorged itself on a some manner of wild beast.”

“That doesn't sound like any zerg I know,” Applejack remarked.

Twilight frowned. “I know of one, but she is the queen of the entire zerg swarm and would not lower herself to coming all the way out here.”

“Maybe there was a mutiny?” Applejack offered.

Impossible. No true zerg would, or even could, betray their queen, Zecora dismissed.

“Regardless,” Twilight began, rising to her full height once more. “We have questions that require answers, and I think our mayor friend may be able to help us.”

Author's Note

The Jacobs Installation Part 2

Author's Note

Its my birthday, and I'll be streaming all day over on Twitch! I got some fun guests lined up and I'll be playing one of my favorite games ever made. See you there!

The Jacobs Installation Part 2

“Before we head back though, let's finish scouting the interior of this mine. There might be something they missed,” Twilight concluded.

“So, what's the plan, exactly?” Quick Buck asked, his weapon pointed skyward. “‘Cause I don't much like the idea of leaving our ride hanging out to dry, knowing there might be more of them zerg around.”

“Free Flier and you will join us inside, the rest of the marines will wait outside just in case,” Twilight ordered.

Quick Buck looked to the other soldiers and nodded. “Right. You lot better find a good position and hold it.”

“Roger that,” one replied.

“Affirmative,” added the other.

The two marines then tromped off, disappearing around the corner.

“Free Flier and Quick Buck, I want you two up here with me while Zecora and Applejack watch our sides,” Twilight continued, pointing to the people she was ordering around. “You may know something about this place, and I don't want to leave a single stone unturned.”

“What's the point?” Free Flier asked, kicking a corpse. “I doubt there are any more zerg round here, and we got what we came for, didn't we? Proof that there's something going on.”

“Yes, there might be zerg here, but there is more to it than that,” Twilight explained. “They were being ordered by something powerful, and they assaulted what seemed to be a cell of combine remnants.”

“How can you be so sure of that?” Quick Buck demanded.

Twilight kicked one of the unconscious zerg with a metal-clad hoof. “They may not be able to speak in the traditional sense, but that doesn't mean they can't tell me what I want to know.”

“More a’ that fancy mind stuff again?” Quick Buck shuddered. “That shit gives me the heebie-jeebies.”

“We managed to get some valuable information though,” Applejack pointed out.

Quick Buck snorted. “Still.”

“Regardless of your comfort, there might be a clue on what the zerg wanted and what was being smuggled through here. Two things we have yet to figure out,” Twilight declared.

“Probably just more food,” Free Flier remarked, drawing her sidearm. “Speakin’ a’ which, what are we doing with these two?”

Perhaps they could be of use, Zecora offered.

“No. We don't have the time to heal them and undo all the orders lingering in their heads,” Twilight answered, walking past them. “Just put them down so they don't become a problem later.”

“They ain't feelin’ a thing,” Free Flier exclaimed.

Two loud thumps echoed down the corridor, signaling that the zerg had been put down. Twilight didn't flinch, nor did Zecora, but Applejack jumped a little, though she soon relaxed. They were rejoined by the two uninfested a moment later with Free Flier replacing the spent rounds.

With a click, she closed the cylinder. “Anytime you’re ready.”

“Trigger finger’s gettin’ itchy,” Quick Buck remarked.

“Just don't shoot me or mine,” Twilight warned.

“I never make promises I don't intend to keep,” Quick Buck replied with a chuckle.

Twilight spun around and glared at the stallion. “Was that a threat, worm?”

“Hey now, was just makin’ light,” Quick Buck exclaimed.

“He don't mean nothin’ by it,” Free Flier added.

Twilight sighed and turned back around. “Let's just get this done.”

“Fine by me,” Quick Buck muttered.

Together the small group walked deeper into the mine, making slow but steady progress. Twilight continued to scan her surroundings every few seconds, ensuring that there were no surprises left for them. The effort turned out to be wasted, as what defenses there had been long since smashed to bits.

Only dead zerg and chunks of broken bone remained, with the odd equine skull sporting a good number of teeth marks on it. There wasn't even much trace of the mine’s former inhabitants, as only empty crates were left behind. Seemingly everything of value not nailed down had been carted off somewhere, leaving behind old, ill-used tracks.

The tracks were rusted and barely holding together due to their age. Forgotten and left to slowly crumble, they sported a few carts that had become fused to the rails. At the end of the current track, the group found that a primitive turning device waited, its machinery mostly escaping the ravages of time.

Used to send minecarts down separate tunnels that branched off from the large open room they now stood in, the machine was old. It likely hadn't carried anything in a very long time, especially since there was no reason to, given that nearly every other side passage had collapsed. Only two remained: a larger passage to the left and a narrower one that lay to their right.

Twilight peeked down the smaller of the two and found that it had likely been used as a latrine for the zerg. The smell was incredible, and she quickly backed away, a hoof over her nose.

“Didn't find shit, did ya?” Quick Buck joked.

Twilight snorted. “Har har.”

Applejack chuckled, but did her best to stifle the noise, lest her queen hear her mirth.

Walking back down the other side, Twilight led the way once more, her horn alight. She found no traps, enemies, or hidden entrances, only more broken equipment and bits of bone. That changed once they turned another corner and entered a much larger room.

Here they found another turning mechanism in the center of the space, along with a pulsing mass of flesh. Standing as tall as a pony, it seemed like something that had been half grown, with bones sticking awkwardly from the mass. Though alive, it was only just barely so, with the creature twitching occasionally when air moved across its exposed organs.

“What the hell is that?” Quick Buck muttered.

“Looks like some kinda zerg buildin’, only it stopped growin’ halfway through,” Free Flier reasoned.

“I think you’re correct,” Twilight muttered, stepping closer and extending a hoof. “Its mind is too malformed to gather anything useful from.”

Wait, a moment, Zecora interrupted.

Twilight stepped aside, allowing the infested zebra to approach the lumpy mass. Which gurgled faintly as the other zerg neared it as if detecting the other creature’s presence.

Zecora then knelt down and extended her tendrils from their hiding place, gliding the thin appendages across the flesh.

“You just had to figure out how to make it weirder,” Quick Buck muttered, only to gag when Zecora’s tentacles jabbed into the blob of skin and muscle. “Nevermind, I take that back.”

They had gathered enough biomass to produce a hive but were ordered to stop midway through, Zecora explained. The supplies it was going to use were then moved somewhere off-site.

“Let's put this thing out of its misery,” Applejack offered.

Zecora nodded and stepped away, her tentacles slipping back within her cloak once more. I agree. It has no additional information.

Twilight lit her horn and conjured another fireball, turning the mass of pulsating flesh into a pile of ash. The miniature explosion barely made a sound, detonating with just enough force to incinerate the malformed entity completely.

“Right, let's keep going,” Twilight urged.

The group did just that, with Twilight remaining at the head while they walked ever deeper into the hillside. Like before, there were more side passages, but they were mostly collapsed and hid no secrets nor contained anything of value. In fact, there was nothing save for more tracks, more rusted carts, and the odd piece of bone to mark where another pony had died.

That was until they reached the final room, which was far larger and had likely served as a warehouse at one point. Now, however, it was a graveyard of chewed bone, broken armor, and a scattering of spent bullet casings. The circular space was nearly as large as the city hall they had recently left and had three smaller side passages extending from it.

There were no zerg present, and a bit of magic confirmed this for Twilight, who couldn't help but be a little frustrated. There was nothing, just bits of dead pony, zerg droppings, and a few shattered, empty crates arrayed against one wall. A look into these side passages revealed that they too contained little of value, annoying the infested pony.

“Well, that was a waste of time,” Twilight muttered.

“Wait a second, Sparky,” Quick Buck exclaimed, stepping forward. “Those combine fellers sure loved putting the good stuff behind secret doors. Maybe you should put that horn of yours to use.”

Free Flier holstered her pistol. “Not much point in that. If the zerg haven't found it in the weeks of them bein’ here, then what chance do we got?”

“The zerg located here are mindless,” Twilight corrected. “They can't even read, never mind muster the brainpower to search for a hidden passage.”

“Do what you will,” Free Flier exclaimed. “I’ll watch our backs.”

“What's up with her?” Applejack asked.

“Bad memories, I guess,” Quick Buck offered.

“Regardless, let us continue our search. Quick, do you have any tips?” Twilight inquired.

The stallion shrugged. “There ain't much to tell, honestly. They liked fake walls, what with most of them being retired miners.”

“I can work with that,” Twilight remarked. “Fan out, search the walls.”

As her friends and Quick Buck, moved out, Twilight lit her horn and began running through a few scanning spells. A sonar pulse revealed nothing, as did a temperature sweep designed to find any unnaturally warm spots. A physical examination of the premises brought up nothing and took much longer to complete even with help.

“Anything?” Applejack inquired.

Twilight shook her head. “Nothing. None of my scans are bringing up anything useful.”

We have found no irregularities, my queen, Zecora added.

“Seems on the level to me. Weird, the zerg musta found it or the stash is in one of them collapsed tunnels,” Quick Buck offered.

“I don't…” Twilight paused, a faint tickle at the back of her mind stopping her in her tracks. “Hold on a second, I have an idea.”

The pony summoned her psionic power and sent out a different kind of pulse, this one intending on finding other minds. She had reasoned against this plan already, but a niggling feeling at the edge of her thoughts made her curious. That probe, once released, found little, but not nothing.

“There is someone else here,” Twilight whispered.

Quick Buck’s weapon raised and swung about the room. “What? Don't tell me there is some kinda invisible zerg lurkin’ about.”

“It's not zerg,” Twilight murmured. “Nor is it infested.”

“Then what is it?” Applejack asked.

“I don't know,” Twilight admitted. “But it's distant, like they are asleep or something.”

Twilight slowly felt out the source of the faint psionic signal and stopped in front of a section of wall she had already searched. A few more seconds of careful study revealed that this had to be the location, as the sleeping entity lay just beyond. Between them stood only a few inches of what felt like stone, though they would find out for certain in a few seconds.

“Stand back,” Twilight warned.

She pulled back her hoof and slammed it forward with all the strength she could muster. The impact was tremendous, cracking the stone and causing chips of rock to fly off in all directions. A second blow deepened the fissures, and a third caused an entire section to come loose, falling to the floor.

“Is that some kinda control panel?” Applejack whispered.

It looks like it, Zecora agreed.

“Stuff me in a dress and call me Sally. There was a secret behind there after all,” Quick Buck murmured.

“What? Really?” Free Flier called from the other side of the room. “I thought for sure you were wastin’ our time.”

Twilight snorted. “Just give me a second.”

The infested unicorn swept aside the debris, revealing a panel sporting some manner of scanner.

“They probably just waved some kinda key in front of the rock, and it opened up,” Applejack reasoned, scratching her chin with a pointed appendage. “But how are we going to get in?”

“The old-fashioned way,” Twilight muttered.

Stepping back from the wall, she lit her horn and activated her psionics. Reaching out and following the seam along the panel, she was able to feel out the door with her power. Then, after gripping it tightly, she braced herself and heaved with all of her might.

The pony grunted, her horn flaring brightly as unseen metal squealed and stone cracked. Then with a titanic crunch, the entire section of wall came loose and was thrown aside with incredible force. The concrete-covered metal door clanged noisily before coming to rest against the far wall, utterly forgotten.

“I didn't see that one comin,” Free Flier admitted.

Crammed into a narrow opening before them was what looked like a young minotaur female. She wore a loose set of white robes, marking her as a scientist, under which lay a plaid vest of purple and black. The space she was trapped within could barely be called a locker, as she only just barely fit inside despite being almost completely skin and bones.

She had a gaunt appearance and a see-through mask placed over her face. Her fur was a faint purple while the scraggly mess of hair on her head was a darker shade of the same color. She looked young at first glance, barely old enough to be an adult, and was completely unarmed, save for a pen protector tucked into a breast pocket.

“What the hay?” Applejack murmured. “Is she… alive?”

“I’m detecting thoughts, but it's distant, like she is in a coma or some-” Twilight was cut off by a sudden gasp.

The minotaur’s eyes snapped open, and she slumped forward, hitting the ground in a heap and beginning to cough. A weak and uncoordinated hand grasped at her mask, ripping it off of her face completely. That didn't seem to help her much as she continued to hack repeatedly until finally spitting a wad of blackened goo on the floor.

She then fell onto her side, wheezing and gasping for air while her body twitched randomly.

“This is going to sound like a stupid question, but are you okay?” Twilight asked.

“J-just fine, weird blob,” the minotaur replied, squinting at Twilight, the dark circles covering her eyes slowly clearing. “Might have some permanent nerve damage from using untested chemicals to put me into a coma, but hey, it sure beats getting eaten by z-z-zerg!”

Twilight looked around. “Where?”

“I think she means you, Sparky,” Quick Buck remarked.

Twilight looked down to find that the minotaur was pointing a shaky finger up at her.

“Cut it out,” Twilight barked, smacking away the other creature’s hand. “I’m infested, not a zerg. I am my own pony, thank you very much.”

“Best not try the boss’s patience, she's in a mood,” Applejack warned.

How odd. I wonder how she survived for so long. Perhaps a vivisection is in order, Zecora offered.

“Absolutely not,” Twilight stated.

Just an autopsy then? Zecora replied.

Twilight snorted and looked away, pointedly ignoring the zebra and looking down at the now less scared, more confused minotaur.

“So, you’re… not about to eat me?” she muttered in a slightly nasally tone.

“Not if you tell me everything you know about what happened here,” Twilight replied.

The minotaur released a sigh of relief. “I assume from the general lack of combine remnants and zerg, that you have cleared the mines of both factions.”

“One took out the other, and we mopped up the stragglers,” Quick Buck offered.

“Good, good.” The minotaur released a second sigh and fell back to the ground. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that. I was worried I’d wake up to my overseer hauling me out of the smuggling hole and demanding to know what I had been up to.”

“What were you doing in there anyway?” Twilight asked.

“After I heard the zerg coming, I tossed out all the real pricey drugs they were smuggling, popped some pills I had been designing, and sealed myself up,” the minotaur replied, stretching out on the ground, her arms open wide. “I knew that such a surprise attack would take them totally off guard and didn't want to end as lunch, so here I am.”

“That's quite ingenious,” Applejack remarked.

“You mean lucky,” retorted the minotaur. “I made the stuff out of a mix of fertilizer and a couple of pharmaceuticals the boys stole from some confederate base.”

“Wait a second,” Quick Buck began, his weapon pointing down at her. “You’re with the combine.”

“Was,” she replied without flinching. “And not voluntarily, mind you. They caught me during a raid and were about to sell me off as a, uh… escort. When I revealed that I was fairly smart with machines.”

The marine’s gun swiveled away. “Them combine folk may be a lot of things, but altruistic ain't one.”

“Oh, it was purely calculated,” exclaimed the minotaur, who pushed herself up on her elbows. “They didn't exactly have many skilled technicians at that point and figured my brains were more valuable than my body.”

“Well, you’re free now,” Free Flier stated.

“So you’re confederates then?” she asked.

“I’m a marshal, these two are military. We’re on the trail of something big,” Free Flier continued.

“And we’d appreciate it if you told us more about what was being kept here,” Twilight added.

“Oh, and tell us your name,” Applejack exclaimed.

“Oh, uh, it's Tiny,” exclaimed the minotaur. “And I didn't know much. The combine were little more than glorified raiders at that point and were trying to offload a bunch of meds. That deal had weird written all over it though, so I prepared my little back-up plan well in advance.”

“Weird? How so?” Twilight pressed.

“A note just showed up outta nowhere one day. Just stickin’ on the front door to the cave and everything,” Tiny exclaimed, sitting upright. “Claimed they had the dough to buy everything and demanded a meeting only a few clicks north. Musta ambushed the guy they sent to negotiate, then came back here and cleared out the rest.”

“That is a might bit weird. Why would they go for somethin’ like that?” Quick Buck asked.

Tiny shrugged. “Same reason anyone does something stupid. Desperation, I guess. It wasn't like there were many buyers for stolen goods, and supplies were starting to run low.”

“Hmmm, interesting,” Twilight muttered.

“So, uh, how long have I been out for anyway?” Tiny inquired. “And are you guys going to arrest me or what?”

“Judging from what the zergling told me, probably close to a month and a half,” Twilight offered. “And no, we are not going to arrest you.”

“Over a month… wow,” Tiny murmured, falling back to the floor and staring up at the ceiling. “I didn't think my drugs would work that well. I’m going to need a long physical examination once we get back to wherever you guys are holed up.”

“Now hold on,” Quick Buck interrupted. “We haven't decided what we're doing with you.”

“She’s with us now,” Twilight stated. “Your testimony is important and will be useful in getting the local authorities on our side.”

“So long as I don't get eaten or arrested, I’ll do whatever the hell you want me to,” Tiny exclaimed.

Twilight nodded and turned towards the exit. “Right then, let's move.”

“And that brings us up to now,” Tiny exclaimed, the female sprawled out in a chair sitting across from Long Haul. “There is most definitely a queen working near town, and they are more intelligent than the usual rabble.”

Long Haul pinched his nose shut and gestured to his desk, which was covered by the still bleeding corpse of a zergling. “Why exactly did you need to bring this in here to make that point? The witness testimony would have been enough.”

“Because you're a dick,” Twilight retorted.

Jetstream stepped forward. “I’ve followed up on Twilight's investigations myself and have determined that everything Tiny has said is true. The only unverifiable bit of information was the note apparently delivered to them by this mystery queen.”

“Isn't that convenient?” Long Haul asked, stepping back from his desk. “The only hard evidence that would indicate this was anything more than a deal gone wrong has disappeared?”

Twilight gritted her teeth and was ready to lash out when Tiny raised a shaky hand.

“Actually, you don't even need that,” she offered. “The fact that none of the supplies ended up on the black market would be enough to imply that the zerg were at fault.”

“Or it could be that the daughters hit ya, and they are stockpiling it,” Long Haul pointed out.

“Can you cut it out?” Twilight demanded, throwing up a hoof. “Yes, we can't definitively say who or what was at fault, but the evidence points towards a queen operating in or around your city. If you do not, or will not respond at this point, it would imply a dereliction of duty on your part.”

Long Haul stood up straight. “I suppose you're right. I didn't want to make anyone panic, but as soon as this gets out, that's going to happen anyway.”

“Exactly,” Twilight stated. “So do you have any other leads for us? Or are you giving us some of your marines so we can start searching the hills?”

“I suppose there's one thing, but even knowing what I do now, I don't think it's important,” Long Haul muttered.

“Tell us,” Twilight demanded.

Long Haul sighed and raised his arms. “Alright, alright. Don't get your knickers in a twist. There is an old fort up on the hill a couple of miles out of town that hasn't checked in. It's got a skeleton crew with old equipment, so the discrepancy wasn't really note-worthy until now, that is.”

“I’ll check it out,” Twilight volunteered.

“And I’ll remain behind,” Jetstream added, turning to Long Haul. “You’ll need help organizing a sweep of the city and the surrounding area.”

“Right, I suppose there is a chance zerg has already slipped through the town gate,” Long Haul cursed under his breath. “This is going to really hurt our quotas, but it can't be helped. You’ll have the full support of my security forces.”

“I’m glad you’ve changed your mind,” Jetstream exclaimed. “This menace must be stamped out as quickly as possible. Who knows what that queen has planned.”

“Of course,” Long Haul agreed, a frown coming to his face. “And if you lot find something, then I guess I’ll owe you an apology, and one hell of a victory feast.”

“At the bare minimum,” Twilight stated.

Long Haul chuckled mirthlessly. “I still hope I’m right though. If there really is something nefarious going down here, then food production will suffer, and a lot of folk are going to go hungry.”

“But at least they’ll be alive,” Jetstream countered.

“True,” Long Haul agreed, rising back to his full height. “I’ll have my assistant send the exact location to your driver. Meanwhile, I’ll be working with your commanding officer to start the search here.”

“Good luck,” Twilight offered, clasping Jetstream’s shoulder. “Keep us updated.”

“I will, and happy hunting,” Jetstream replied.

Twilight nodded, and then walked away, passing through the doors to Long Haul’s office. A minute later, she was seating herself in the back of the transport, her squad looking at her intently. There was a nervous energy amongst the infested, while the marines were stoic, save for Quick Buck.

“So we got a lead, eh? Here I hoped we would have some downtime. It's been a long day,” muttered the stallion between puffs of his cigar.

“I know it's getting late in the evening, but we need to check out this fort,” Twilight stated. “It could be our only chance to catch this mystery queen in action.”

“Are you sure we have the numbers for that?” Applejack inquired.

Twilight nodded. “From what I could tell, the slug queen doesn't have many non-feral zerg under her banner, so we should be able to manage it. Plus we can count on the marines defending it to help us out.”

“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's get at it already,” Quick Buck exclaimed.

“Right then, let's move,” Twilight declared.

“That looks like the place,” Twilight murmured, staring deeply into the scrying sheet splayed between her forehooves. “It looks like an old hill fort, only a bit wonky.”

Built on a plateau overlooking the hilly lowlands around it, the fortress would have been impressive for its time. Tall stone walls rose over the edge of the cliff-like sides, making the battlements appear ten times their actual height. With only a single sloping entrance, it would have been difficult to assault for any ancient force looking to attack it.

Modern improvements in the form of artillery pieces and outward-facing cannons added to that difficulty. Thankfully they were about the only new addition to the fortress, which still relied on several stone buildings to house personnel. Even the gatehouse had minimal changes, with a hastily overlaid metal barrier covering the entire front side of the structure.

“They got big guns, but no little ones,” Applejack pointed out. “They’d have a hard time fighting off an attack.”

Probably relying on their artillery, Zecora reasoned.

Quick Buck sat upright in his chair and peeked down at the scrying sheet. “Doesn't seem to be on fire either.”

“A good sign, but this mystery queen isn't quite so blunt as most zerg,” Twilight added. “We need to get inside before we can confidently state that it has not been compromised.”

“Should we send Free Flier ahead?” Applejack inquired. “She could get there quicker, and she's just following behind us at the moment.”

“No,” Twilight replied. “We should be getting into radio range soon, and I want to check in with them first.”

“Speakin’ a’ which, we should be close,” Quick Buck added.

Twilight reached down and tapped her leg before bringing the limb up in front of her mouth. “Fort Sandhome, this is special operative Twilight Sparkle operating under the command of your local magistrate Long Haul. What is your status, over?”

The line was quiet, save for the odd static-filled crackle.

“This is the right band, correct?” Twilight asked.

Quick Buck shrugged. “Hell if I know.”

Twilight grumbled and was about to complain when the radio sparked to life once more.

“This is Fort Sandhome, we see you,” replied a female voice over the radio. “We are green across the board, recommend you turn back the way you came, over.”

“No can do, Fort Sandhome,” Twilight continued. “We’ve been sent to inspect your base for possible zerg infiltration, over.”

“Funny, we were told something similar about you,” exclaimed the voice.

“Eh, boss, them guns supposed to be facing that way?” Applejack asked, pointing down to the still active scrying sheet.

Twilight cursed, disabling the spell and hopping up from her seat, a hoof changing channels on her radio.

“Evasive maneuvers!” she shouted. “Free Flier, fall back and stay out of the line of fire. We’re going in!”

“Going in? Damn, Sparky, we should be turnin’ around!” Quick Buck yelled back.

Right before the first shell detonated only a dozen meters from the transport’s right side. The explosion rocked the vehicle, which swerved to the left, avoiding a second round that briefly deafened everyone on board. The APC wasn't slowed by the assault, however, and began to swerve erratically, throwing off the artillery’s aim.

“They waited until we were in range, if we turn around now, we’re mincemeat!” Twilight shouted, shoving the marine back into his seat. “Just sit down and shut up. I’ll handle this.”

My queen? Zecora inquired.

“That goes for you two as well. I’ve got this,” Twilight declared.

The unicorn then yanked down the lever, activating the ramp and causing it to descend downward. Before it even reached the halfway point, the entire vehicle was thrown to the side, a nearby explosion causing the transport to nearly turn onto its side. With a thump, the heavy APC landed once again, losing only a bit of speed before rapidly accelerating.

Twilight was unfazed and waited until the ramp was a good three-fourths of the way down before disengaging it. She then leaped outside, using her unnatural flexibility to grip the top of the roof and flip up onto the roof of the vehicle. A magnetism spell adhered her metal hooves to the transport just as it swerved to avoid another artillery shell exploding near its side.

With her perch now secure, Twilight scanned her surroundings, quickly taking in her situation. Free Flier had managed to escape, her vulture having peeled off and slipped away while the guns focused on the transport. It made sense, as it was much larger and a lot easier to hit than the nimble jet-engined bike the pegasus drove.

Without having to concern herself with the safety of another vehicle, Twilight focused back on the fortress approaching in the distance. Though fairly far off at this point, the infested mare could pick out the gun swiveling along and behind its walls. The long, narrow tubes of the artillery spat fire into the sky, sending explosives into their path while the smaller cannons were more direct.

Twilight had little time to think or plan before the first shell whistled down at her position from high above. A lightning bolt caused it to explode prematurely, raining down tiny bits of shrapnel all around them. These metal fragments did nothing to deter Twilight as she continued to protect her friends with a series of quick spells.

A pillar of conjured stone blocked a cannon shot that would have hit the vehicle dead center and no doubt killed the drivers. Allowing those very same ponies to swerve around the mostly destroyed cylinder sticking straight up out of the earth. The debris from which was gathered by Twilight's magic and shot upwards like flak, hitting a shell that had been about to hit them.

The close proximity forced Twilight to conjure a barrier around the top half of the vehicle, shielding it from harm. The flames were mere feet above her head, and the concussive force knocked Twilight to her knees. Despite the power behind it, the unicorn remained standing and quickly dismissed the shield after it had done its job.

Looking up, Twilight noticed that the artillery was no longer firing and, after a quick mental calculation, figured out why. They were too close, which meant that only a trio of emplaced cannons needed to be defended against. Or attacked, as Twilight's anger demanded that she do more than just deflect or block their projectiles.

A powerful lightning bolt flew unerringly from her horn and slammed into one of the guns. The shell already loaded inside of it detonated, causing the entire battery to erupt in a fiery cacophony. Armored soldiers flew through the air and landed out of sight, revealing that they were indeed the magistrate’s security forces.

Twilight didn't pay them much attention, however, as the other cannons were already firing at her. A quickly conjured barrier placed almost directly in front of the barrel of one knocked it out of the fight. The other, however, couldn't be dealt with in time and spat its lethal payload at the oncoming vehicle.

Immediately Twilight realized that they wouldn't have time to dodge, so she picked up the entire vehicle with a herculean heave. Using her psionic powers, she levitated the several-ton APC up and over the shell which exploded behind them, having missed by mere inches. The driver, though no doubt shocked, continued gunning the engine the second the transport hit the ground.

Now close enough that she could see the individual ponies operating the cannon, Twilight lit her horn. She then tossed the armored creatures over the front of the wall, leaving the gun unmanned and unable to fire. With that done, she breathed a sigh of relief, though remained standing tall atop the armored box as it trundled up to the gate.

“This is Twilight Sparkle to Fort Sandhome,” shouted the unicorn, using her magic to open the radio channel. “Unless you want me to flatten this fort and kill every last person inside, I advise you to open up this gate, over.”

There was a moment of silence as the vehicle came to a stop, its engine idling loudly.

“Received,” muttered a defeated female voice. “Standby.”

The metal blast shield rose first, followed closely by the portcullis, revealing a motley assortment of soldiers waiting inside. Everyone was armed, though not all were armored in the thick articulated metal plates of the marines. Who they themselves numbered less than a dozen, with the majority of their forces made up of what appeared to be non-combat personnel.

“I’m assuming you got a plan,” Quick Buck explained over the radio. “‘Cause I don't really feel like killin’ all these folk, but at this point, I wouldn't mind gunnin’ down a few of ‘em just to send a messege.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a plan,” Twilight replied as the APC slowly rolled forwards. “Find out who started this whole mess and rip the information out of them.”

Quick Buck chuckled. “Hooah, Sparky.”

We are right behind you, my queen, Zecora added.

Twilight stood tall atop the vehicle, gazing down at the poorly coordinated security forces arrayed before her.

“Now then,” she began, voice loud enough to carry over the rumble of the engine. “Who's in charge around here?”

True Colors Part 1

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

True Colors Part 2

“Still not sure why you ended up sending your buds away,” Quick Buck muttered, pausing to slip around a burning car sitting near the edge of the road.

Ahead of him, Twilight leaped over a small barricade hastily erected by defenders who had long since abandoned it.

“Simple. I needed someone I trusted to make sure the mission gets done,” Twilight replied.

“Then why put Free Flier in charge?” Quick Buck asked. “Wait a sec, I see another patrol. Let's lay low over there.”

The pair trotted over to the former restaurant along with their escort of marines. The group knelt down amidst the burnt out ruins of what had once been a cafe. Outside a large gathering of zerglings, a few infested confederates, and a single hydralisk passed by without looking in their direction. Though the danger was no longer present, Twilight and her squad remained quiet as well as motionless for a few minutes longer.

“They’re gone,” Twilight whispered.

The infested mare rose from behind the counter and, with the others close behind, made her way back onto the street. There they quickly scanned the area for movement, and after finding none of note, they continued on. The constant pressure of roving patrols, waiting bands of zerg, and exploding buildings spilling their infested contents seemed to be in the past.

“They must really be razing hell over there,” Quick Buck whispered over the radio. “We’ve barely seen any resistance.”

“A little stealth, a bit of magic, and one large distraction make for an easy mission,” Twilight replied.

The group crept through the remnants of another confederate barricade at the center of which sat a destroyed APC. Stopping next to the armored vehicle, Twilight held up a hoof before clambering atop the personnel carrier. There she peered out at the road which led up to the community center, her mind quickly tallying up all the foes before her.

“Fifty plus zerglings, a few dozen infested, and nearly thirty hydralisks along with a couple of short ultralisks,” Twilight whispered. “We’ll have to go around.”

“Wait, how short are we talkin’ about here?” Quick Buck asked.

“Still about a good thirteen feet tall,” Twilight replied, hopping back down. “They likely can't even grow a full-sized one out here, given the limited resources available to them.”

Quick Buck snorted. “So, we waiting or what?”

“No,” Twilight pointed to the left. “There is a park over there, and an uninfested apartment building that we should be able to slip through.”

“We’d be able to go around most of 'em,” Quick Buck reasoned, poking his head up over the layer of sandbags. “Those ultralisks will still be a problem though.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Twilight retorted.

The stallion huffed silently, but fell in behind the other pony without complaint.

Not one to wait, Twilight slunk off down the narrow side street barely visible between a pair of collapsed market stalls. The heavy clunk of metal-clad hooves signaled that her squad was right behind her with Quick Buck taking up the rear. Together they slipped down the access path at a slow and silent pace, careful not to brush against the wall or any of the many garbage cans that littered the area.

Near the end, Twilight saw green, and not the twisted kind that grew across an infested’s body. Rather it was a small park, complete with trees, a rusted play structure, and a couple of benches. Though whoever had built it had evidently not put much effort into making it an enjoyable space, it had been much beloved.

Now, however, it was deserted, with neither any residents nor zerg present.

“There,” Twilight whispered, pointing to the still intact set of double doors leading into an apartment. “I think we should be able to get through there.”

“Wait. You hear that?” Quick Buck whispered.

Twilight quirked her brow and was about to ask what he was talking about when he heard the snap of a branch. The infested mare along with the rest of her squad all tensed, searching the area for the source of the noise. They found it a moment later when a seemingly completely normal pony stepped out from a bush nearby.

She didn't notice the armored group of soldiers clustering near the alley, her eyes low, searching the ground. She wasn't alone, however, as a moment later a group of zerglings bounded out of cover and began to sniff around. The lesser aliens seemed to be following the first mare’s lead, looking around for something on the ground.

She's probably one of the infested who were able to sneak into the city, Twilight reasoned, directing her thoughts at Quick Buck. If we capture her, we should be able to get answers to how this all happened.

Quick Buck nodded back, his weapon pointing down range at the zerglings. The rest of his compatriots did the same a moment later, each waiting for Twilight's signal. Which came a moment later, after the unicorn had charged a spell and was about to release it.

Just as Twilight dropped her hoof and silently commanded the slaughter to begin, a zergling released a shrill cry of shock. The others in its small troupe tried to dodge the incoming projectiles, but were only partially successful. Nearly all of the zerglings were cut down in a single volley of concentrated fire, though most importantly the pony was able to dodge in time.

She avoided the undulated circular mass of energy that Twilight had hoped would have incapacitated her. Leaping to the side, the bright orange mare unfurled her wings and jumped into the sky, hastily flying away. While she tried to leave, her zergling escort rushed the small squad, though none were able to reach their targets. Short, well-timed bursts of fire blew them apart, distracting the majority of the marines for a few tense moments.

Aim for her wings, Twilight commanded.

Quick Buck raised his rifle high and fired where he was ordered, blowing apart one of the feathered appendages. Bluish blood spattered across the pony’s body, and she released a shrill ear-piercing scream as she plummeted to the ground. As she fell, Twilight used the same spell again, knocking the mare unconscious before she could even land.

When she did, her body slammed into a metal slide before bouncing off behind a large bush.

“Go, secure that asset,” Twilight barked.

Immediately the entire squad began to sprint towards the patch of green, but stopped halfway when an explosion annihilated the plant. Centering seemingly from the mare herself, the dull boom sent gore flying in all directions, leaving only a blue smear on the ground. For a moment they all just stood there, staring at the mess that had once been a seemingly infected pony.

“What the hell was that?” Quick Buck muttered.

“She seems to have been a suicide bomber of some kind,” Twilight reasoned, crouching down next to the remnants of the bush which were burning a bright green color. “Weird. There isn't even a shred of their essence left, nor a chunk of flesh large enough to analyze.”

“No kidding. Should we warn the others?” Quick Buck asked.

“No time,” Twilight replied, rising back into a stand. “Radio won't work, and there is just enough mental fog that I can't reach the others with telepathy.”

“So, onward then?” Quick Buck offered.

“Hold on a second. Think I found something,” offered one of the marines.

Twilight turned to find that one of the marines was holding what appeared to be a wedding band of some kind. The large bangle bore three small gems, one purple, one green, and one yellow all in a line. The ring of metal was simple iron, but the gems were well cut and looked expensive even from a casual glance.

“Leave it,” Twilight commanded. “We can't afford to have random junk weighing us down. Loot the dead when the job’s done.”

“You heard her,” Quick Buck barked. “Let's get moving.”

“Right,” replied the marine, a hoof tucking behind his back.

Zecora, Applejack, and Free Flier walked at a brisk pace down the road, Banana Fluff as well as the rest of their squad right behind them. Their pace was quick but unhurried, more than aware of how much attention their group would gain otherwise. Their caution didn't seem to be needed however, as the apartment building down the road commanded nearly all of the zerg’s attention.

Though fighting had died down for the moment, it wasn't hard to see that it would begin again, and soon. Infested pegasi circled overhead, zerglings bounded through dark alleyways, and hydralisks occasionally took the odd pot shot at the defenders. The few who did notice the squad of creatures didn't pay them any mind, and in turn, they were ignored right back.

“My hoof’s gettin’ itchy over here,” muttered a marine. “I don't know how much longer I can watch these creepy crawlies run past me without shootin ‘em.”

“Hold on just a minute longer,” Free Flier replied. “We’ll hold up in that post office, then wait for the attack to begin. Then at just the right moment we’ll burst from cover and hit them from behind.”

The pony’s plan is a good one, Zecora added. We wouldn't survive if made the focus of the entire horde, but our timely aid may go a long way.

Without another word being spoken, the motley crew ducked into the partially destroyed post office. Inside there were a few blood smears and signs of struggle, but other than that it was undamaged. The entrance was swiftly barricaded using the receptionist desk while the two large windows were manned by marines.

Peering out over the head of one such soldier, Applejack looked across and down the street to the apartment building. Inside she could see confederate soldiers constructing barricades, stacking ammo crates, and otherwise preparing themselves. Signs of destruction were everywhere, with the entire front half of the main floor wall being completely gone.

There were no windows left intact on the five-story structure, and only the top two levels were in one piece. Chairs, beds, and any other furniture left behind had been repurposed to either serve as a cover or were now being used to patch the numerous holes in the walls of the structure. Despite how slapdash the entire thing looked, Applejack could see that there were a good number of ponies still alive inside.

See Jetstream? Zecora inquired.

“No,” Applejack replied aloud, “I can't see… Wait. That marine’s got darker armor like the ones that came with us from the fort. He's not one of the locals.”

“This Jetstream of yours must be inside,” Free Flier added. “She’ll probably know more about what's going on around here.”

“Let's hope so. This whole thing makes my head hurt,” Applejack murmured.

Free Flier chuckled, elbowing the hydralisk. “What? Not a fan of puzzles?”

“Nah,” Applejack replied before Zecora could utter some angry retort. “Seems like a waste of time.”

“Just think about it like-” Free Flier paused, a loud echoing shriek cutting her off mid-sentence. “Well, here we go folks. Get ready.”

Weapons were lifted, attacks readied, and gazes directed outward onto the street in front of the post office. There a mass of twisted flesh surged towards the waiting defenders inside the apartment block. Hundreds of zerglings, half that number of hydralisks, and dozens of infested former ponies descended upon the housing complex.

The opening salvo of organic darts, sporadic gunfire, and occasional spell crashed against a series of multihued magical barriers. A couple shattered, but the majority managed to resist the onslaught and continue protecting their occupants. This was only cover, however, for as they poured on the fire, zerglings and other ground-bound units swarmed forth.

Like a tidal wave of mutated flesh, the oncoming zerg horde charged as one toward their target. The outgoing fire was far less numerous, but far more effective, cutting down dozens of the aliens in little time. Only a few seconds later, the horde slammed into the first barricades and slowed, their covering fire stalling almost immediately.

Shooting back from their protected positions higher up in the apartment building, the embattled soldiers took out numerous targets. Mainly the hydralisks or other ranged foes firing at them from across the way, though a few unloaded upon the ocean of zerg that had swallowed the street. With only a few inches of road left bare and now slick with zerg blood, it was impossible to miss, and they knew it.

Despite this, the defenders were still patient in picking their targets, killing the most imposing. Hydralisks, infested marines, and other high-priority targets were struck down with carefully aimed bursts. At the same time, stun grenades were thrown into the midst, the bright flash briefly blinding Applejack.

When she was able to shake off the effects, she noticed that the attack had slowed to a crawl. Despite how well organized the zerg swarm was, the defenders had all the advantages necessary to ward them off. Within seconds, the horde’s own numbers began to become a hindrance, as they had to push past the bodies of their dead brethren. Despite all this, they continued, throwing themselves at their entrenched confederate foes.

“Whoever or whatever is leading these buncha mongrels must be about as bright as a desert lizard,” Free Flier muttered.

“Wait, look there,” Banana Fluff indicated.

Applejack followed the pony’s hoof to where she saw a bloated zergling leap upon one of the apartment’s supports and explode. When the dust cleared, the I-beam was no more, and in its place was a twisted greenish mass of liquified metal. It was at this point that Applejack saw more of these zerglings sporting bulging masses filled with an unknown substance.

“They ain't trying to take the apartment block. They are tryin’ to knock it down,” Applejack murmured.

“Load up, everyone. This is worse than we thought,” Free Flier exclaimed. “They only got three more of those beams and judging from the way that building is starting to tilt, they can only lose one more of ‘em.”

As everyone began pulling aside the barricades and checking their weapons, a deep groan could be heard coming from nearby. The apartment block creaked and cracked, sending hunks of plaster tumbling to the street. Looking up, Applejack saw that the entire thing was now leaning forward, having stopped after moving only a few inches.

“Go, go, go!” Free Flier shouted.

Applejack was first out the door, the hydralisk shoulder-checking her way through the simple wooden barrier. Once outside, she immediately began to pick off targets, firing bursts of spines into the closest foes. Four, then five zerglings went down before the swarm was even aware that they were facing a second foe.

By the time they turned and began to attack, the others had assembled behind Applejack. The distinct thwip, thump of the hydralisk’s spines were punctuated by the staccato rhythm of high-powered rifles as well as the wet belch of Zecora vomiting a mass of acid on the lone zergling who actually managed to get close.

The initial barrage only left the swarm startled for a few seconds, but they made those few seconds count. Dozens of dead zerg hit the ground before a force split off from the main group and began to charge the attackers’ position. Applejack counted nearly forty in total, with the majority being zerglings, though there were a few hydralisks and several infested.

Firing on the move and among their companions left Applejack’s enemies with poor aim. Even still, she was forced low, ducking under a spray of machine gun fire sent by the only infested marine in their ranks. She didn't slow, however, continuing to fire shot after shot into her enemies with barely a heartbeat between one enemy and the next.

Applejack lost track of how many she had killed after the number had reached nearly twenty. Then the leading ranks of the swarm were near, forcing Applejack to abandon her ranged attacks entirely. She knew that her allies had little chance in melee, so she met the charge with scythe arms raised and a battle cry on her lips.

“For the queen!” bellowed the former farmer.

Zecora mimicked her cry as she charged alongside her companion, hurling a mass of yellow sap that erupted into a swarm of angry hornets. Once more the swarm was surprised, giving Applejack the chance to impale an unfortunate zergling on one of her limbs. Applejack then tossed its still squirming body aside before finding herself locked in a close fight with another hydralisk.

The alien lowered its shoulder and surged into Applejack, driving her backward. This also exposed her belly, leaving her open to a chop from the hydralisk. That attack never landed, however, as Zecora was swift to seize the creature’s limb, dissolving it in a deluge of acid.

The hydralisk recoiled backward, its cry of pain ending suddenly when it was turned into a pin cushion by Applejack. The former farmer didn't waste a second thought, immediately leaping upon a zergling and cutting its forelimbs off. She was about to finish it off when she saw the infested marine charge her, bayonet affixed to its weapon.

Zecora. Knock him out! Applejack thought.

It will be done, Zecora replied.

She charged forward, dodging several lightning-fast jabs of the weapon before leaping suddenly. Gripping the actuator in one of her tentacles, Zecora tore the rifle from the marine’s back and tossed it aside. She then gripped his helmet, forcing it open and revealing the stallion’s twisted visage beneath.

Their eyes met for only a moment before a dark blue mist billowed out from Zecora’s mouth. The faintly mint-smelling fog knocked the infested out almost immediately, dropping him to the ground. There he lay, while the rest of his former comrades were cut down one after another.

“I got this one,” Free Flier declared.

The mare then fired off two rounds, blowing the forelegs off an infested and dropping it to the ground. Moaning in agony, the pony was knocked out by another burst of dark mist courtesy of Zecora. With that, what few remained were forced to flee, retreating back the way they came and leaving those that remained to die.

“Whew. Thanks,” Applejack muttered.

“Just doin’ my job,” Free Flier declared. “Speakin’ a which. Let's go see this Jetstream person. I don't like sitting out in the open like this.”

“Me and you both,” Applejack agreed.

“Hmmm, this is going to be difficult,” Twilight muttered to herself.

Across the way, sitting outside the community hall, was the same horde of zerg they had seen earlier. Including the short ultralisks, and the nearly forty-strong force of support creatures, most of whom were zerglings. Behind them was Twilight's goal, the structure standing tall, its exterior completely normal and sporting no signs of infestation.

“What are you talking about? You can take these guys easily. I saw those fireballs you were throwing before,” Quick Buck exclaimed.

Twilight snorted. “It's not that easy. The only reason we’ve been able to get this far is that whatever force is controlling these zerg is distracted. If we strike at their command structure, their attention will shift, and we will be facing potentially hundreds of enemies.”

“Hmm, yeah. That might be a problem,” Quick Buck admitted.

“Our support should be here by now,” Twilight whispered. “Maybe we should wind our way back to the others and-”

A surge of motion caught the mare off guard, and in response, she ducked back down behind the car her squad was using for cover. Peering out from around the edge, Twilight saw that nearly all the community center’s defenders were leaving. They also seemed to be heading towards the greenhouse, their pace quick with the ultralisks taking up the rear.

Once gone, only a small force composed of only a handful of zerg remained at their post. These were mostly hydralisks, with a few zergling support units filling in the gaps left by the others.

“I think the distraction is working,” Quick Buck whispered.

“That it is,” Twilight conceded, rising back up. “Each of you pick different targets. I’ll take the four on the left.”

The squad of marines carefully slipped out from behind the car, creeping into more advantageous positions. Their targets sat motionless nearly a block away, merely staring straight ahead. Shrouded in darkness and behind cover, the marines could barely be seen amidst the debris, their forms hidden from sight.

“Ready, over,” was repeated several times while Twilight calculated.

Once she had readied her spell, she lit her horn, let the magic build, and released it.

“Fire,” she exclaimed the second the beam of energy left her horn.

Quick as a flash, the superheated mass of eldritch power zipped across the way and split into four sections. Each one of which hit its target, slicing straight through the heads of a trio of zerglings and their hydralisk companion. At the same time as that was happening, the soldiers all fired in unison, the crack of their rifles breaking the relative calm that had fallen over the area.

The defending zerg died in an instant, their insides painting the wall of the community center. Only one survived longer than a single second, though he perished a moment later, his collapsed lungs unable to make a sound. With their enemies now no longer a problem, Twilight's squad stood up and began to creep forward at a quick pace.

Within a few seconds, they had maneuvered through the mess of discarded carts, broken vehicles, and zerg corpses. Without a command having to be issued, the group separated into two groups, positioning themselves on either side of the entrance. Flashbangs were prepared, weapons cycled to replace the missing rounds, and Twilight readied another spell.

“On three,” Quick Buck whispered. “One-”

The doors exploded from their hinges, a large four-legged creature emerging a moment later. Before Twilight could even get a good look at the thing, it grabbed one of the marines and threw him onto the street. Twilight didn't bother checking on the fallen soldier before rapidly backpedaling and altering her spell.

Her magic fluctuated and nearly slipped from her grasp the second she saw just what was standing before her. The two secretaries she had seen before had been fused together into a horrific abomination. The larger female minotaur made up the bottom half of the quadrupedal entity, her hands having morphed into feet.

Atop her shoulders came the twisted malformed features of her former fellow employee. His legs joined with the other minotaur’s shoulders, while the rest of his body rose up into the air like a cruel imitation of a centaur. They also sported horrifically elongated limbs, greatly enhanced muscle structure, and visages so twisted that they unnerved even Twilight.

“You don't have an appointment,” the two-headed abomination shouted.

“Kill it!” Quick Buck shouted.

As the various marines backpedalled, they unleashed everything they had into the beast, though the small arms’ fire did little. The unnaturally thick muscles and a layer of hardened black flesh that covered them shrugged off most of the attacks. A few managed to pierce the creature’s thick hide however, but none struck anywhere particularly important.

The abomination grabbed another marine too slow to avoid the attack and seemed intent on pulling him apart with its arms. Twilight had finished her spell however and unleashed the blast of cold into the creature’s left arm. Quick Buck followed this up with a burst from his rifle, causing the limb to shatter and leave the beast reeling.

The marine landed hard, but quickly scampered away, limping all the while.

Twilight followed this up with a telekinetic shove meant to knock the creature off balance. Which was exactly what happened, as the monster stumbled backward and struck its topmost head on the wall. By then the remaining marines had formed up and were pouring on the lead, driving the creature further away.

Twilight could tell that their attacks were doing little but annoy the creature, but that's all they needed to do. The infested mare leaped forward, punching an armored hoof through the bottom head, crushing it utterly. She then used her mind to twist the topmost head from its place atop its shoulders, the attached muscles resisting as best as they could but ultimately getting overwhelmed.

With both of its primary cortexes dealt with, the creature stumbled briefly before collapsing like a puppet with its strings cut. For a moment the squad merely stood there, weapons trained on the thing, waiting for it to get back up. When that didn't happen, they reloaded and breathed a collective sigh of relief.

“Flower Stand! Go grab Private Windy Wings!” Quick Buck barked. “The rest of you, on me!”

Twilight took point, charging into the reception area, her horn already alight. When she saw not another abomination waiting for her, but instead a mostly empty room, she relaxed. She scanned the area regardless, glancing over the destroyed remnants of the previously respectable space.

When no hidden trap was triggered, and no unseen zerg leaped out of nowhere, Twilight crept forward. She could hear the heavy thump of metal-clad hooves follow after her as she approached the entrance to Long Haul’s office. There she paused, her mind reaching out into the space beyond in search of anything that may be amiss. As like every other time she had tried, it came back with nothing, a strange psychic static filling her mind.

“Ready?” Quick Buck whispered.

“On three,” Twilight replied, lighting her horn. “One, two, three!”

A blast of psychic power knocked the doors open a second before two flash bangs were thrown inside. The group was about to run inside when the two hoof-thrown disrupter grenades flew right back at them. Twilight was faster still, using her magic to toss them outside the building a millisecond before they detonated.

“Go, go go!” Twilight shouted, charging into the room.

She was forced to stop almost immediately after entering the spacious office, as the ground gave way before her. Falling several stories into a fleshy pit, the hole sported dozens of pearly white teeth and twisting tentacles. Standing atop a single pillar of purple flesh at the center was Long Haul himself, an amused smile on his face.

“I’m surprised you didn't give up,” he exclaimed while clapping slowly. “Bravo.”

“Uh, what?” Quick Buck muttered.

“I’m complimenting your commander,” Long Haul expressed, extending a hand. “She did a remarkably good job getting all the way here and powered through that little disruption to her plan. Her essence will make the swarm stronger than ever before.”

“Then it is you who was the cause of all this,” Twilight stated, gesturing around the room.

“Indeed I am,” Long Haul exclaimed, his voice becoming feminine and strangely buzzing. “Though I would hate for you to believe as though a disgusting minotaur was the one to beat you.”

Then before Twilight had a chance to ask what Long Haul meant, his form was covered in a wave of green fire. When the flames dulled, there stood a chitin-clad creature that Twilight immediately recognized from her lessons. A changeling, only this one was as large as Twilight and was clearly infested, sporting a longer horn, a pair of massive fangs, and two extra scythe-like appendages sprouting from its back.

“A changeling,” Twilight muttered in shock.

“Ahh, so you do know of our race,” buzzed the cat-eyed changeling. “Good to know that the destroyer hasn't forgotten us completely.”

“How did you create this mental fog?” Twilight demanded.

The changeling sighed. “You are strong, that much is plain to see, but we changelings have had psionic powers for millennia. None can match our skills. Certainly not some mere pony.”

“So are we killing her, or…” Quick Buck muttered, gesturing to the changeling.

“Oh, we are. Just thought I’d satisfy my curiosity first,” Twilight replied.

The changeling chuckled. “Then prepare to die in the name of subqueen Pupa. Know that your bodies will not go to waste.”

“I’ll go ahead,” Free Flier offered.

“Good thinking. Wouldn't want to uh… spook 'em,” Applejack murmured.

Free Flier departed swiftly, leaving the infested as well as the rest of their squad waiting at the edge of the carnage. With her weapon placed in its holster, Free Flier approached the defenders, a wide smile on her face.

“Hey, uh, it's us. The cavalry,” Free Flier called.

Bodies were tossed aside to reveal several confused, but quickly relieved confederate soldiers.

“Thank the princess you’re here,” muttered one of them. “I don't think we would have survived that assault if your squad didn't intervene at the last moment.”

“You do have a squad, right?” asked the other.

“We do. Just a forewarning, we have infested in our ranks. They are good though,” Free Flier hastily explained.

“Applejack and Zecora, right? Jetstream made sure to tell everyone about them,” replied the marine.

Free Flier exhaled. “Alright, good. Now speakin’ a Jetstream. I’m assumin’ she's still alive and kickin’, right?”

“Last I checked,” replied the marine, who reached down and tapped his leg. “Hey, boss. You still alive up there?”

“Last I checked,” answered the staticy voice of the confederate commander. “I assume you're thanking whoever’s been put in charge of Twilight's squad.”

“We are,” stated the marine.

“Good. I can see ‘em standing awkwardly in the alley over there. Tell them to meet me on the main floor. I have a mission for them,” Jetstream continued.

“You heard her, and hurry it up. I don't want to be here when this whole place starts coming down,” barked the marine.

Free Flier nodded and took wing once more, flying over the dozens upon dozens of corpses that covered the ground like a blanket. Within a few flaps, the pegasus was back amongst the squad explaining what had just happened. They then returned to the apartment building once more, gathering in the lone space cleared of bodies, though not blood. There, in the center, stood an armored Jetstream, her helmet pulled back to reveal her dishevelled face.

“Gross,” Banana Fluff murmured, lifting her boot to reveal she was standing in a pool of zerg ichor. “I sure hope this doesn't seep through the seals.”

“Who is this?” Jetstream barked.

“The base commander of Sandhome,” Applejack replied. “Twilight drafted her after they tried to kill us on Long Haul’s orders.”

Jetstream snorted. “Yeah, that sounds like her. Now lemme guess. She’s off to the community center to deal with Long Haul herself?”

“Pretty much,” Free Flier replied.

“Just what I need…” Jetstream inhaled sharply. “Right. Here's what's going to happen. This position isn't exactly secure anymore, so we are going to move out and rejoin Twilight along with these idiots.”

“H-hey! We were just following orders,” Banana Fluff exclaimed.

“I don't care. Now shut up and start hauling ammo,” Jetstream barked. “You three, I’ve got a mission for. Something a bit more important than serving as a glorified distraction.”

“We’re listening,” Free Flier stated.

“Good. I want you to extract our botanist from the greenhouse. We got bogged down before we could reach her and need her out in order for this mission to be a success,” Jetstream explained.

“What are the details, and why do you think such a small squad will succeed where a whole damn platoon failed?” Free Flier asked, gesturing to the numerous marines pouring out of the apartment building and into the street.

“Because you all can sneak. I am barely capable of stealth when I’m not wearing half a ton of armor, and I sure as heck ain't capable of it now,” Jetstream answered. “As for the details. There is a back lab present on the far south-eastern side right next to the warehouse. It's where the cloud seeder was being built, and it's where our scientist is holding out in a panic room.”

“This machine sounds important,” Free Flier pointed out.

“It is, but it's more important that we get its creator, Ariel Hanson, secured. We can always build another one,” Jetstream stated. “Oh, and the panic room is in her office behind the shelf. Knock in the morse code for Project Sky Seed, and she should open up.”

I don't like being ordered around by this… pony, Zecora commented. Though something tells me that our queen would give similar such orders if she was here.

“We're in,” Applejack stated. “So long as you lot are backin’ up Twilight, then we're at your command.”

“Good. Your unique nature should give you an edge in there,” Jetstream added.

“Let's hope it's enough of an edge. Come on, I think I know where we're going,” Free Flier exclaimed.

Applejack and Zecora exchanged a nod before following after the pegasus as she slipped back outside. Avoiding the wary gazes of the confederate soldiers, the trio entered back into the body-strewn road once more. They didn't remain there for long, trotting further away from the signs of battle and towards the greenhouse nearby.

Even from their current distance, they could see that something massive was moving within the structure. Tentacles occasionally emerged out of broken windows, wiggled around, and then receded back inside. The central mass was easily the size of a house, and sported many of the strange appendages, though how big it was exactly wasn't known.

Thankfully no zerg moved to block them, and no obstacles presented themselves, allowing the group to make their way over to the greenhouse. There they peered through the glass and saw what looked like a huge zerg-infested plant the size of a command center. With many enormous limbs, the creature was huge but utterly immobile, creating a massive barrier between them and the labs further inside.

“That thing is huge,” Free Flier murmured.

Quite. I don't know how we could even kill something so massive, Zecora remarked.

Applejack rolled her eyes and moved off to the side, ignoring the one-sided conversation entirely.

“We’ll have to go back, gather some grenades, and maybe an extra gun or two,” Free Flier offered.

What we need is aerial support or perhaps some of that artillery my queen mentioned, Zecora reasoned.

“Maybe even some C4 or other big explosive,” Free Flier continued. “I could drop it from up top and blow the thing to hell.”

That might cause damage to the superstructure though, Zecora pointed out.

“Might attract too much attention though,” Free Flier muttered.

“Over here,” Applejack called. “I found an alley that should go around the lab.”

Zecora and Free Flier looked over to find that Applejack had indeed located what seemed to be a back alley. The burnt-out armored personnel carrier covering its entrance had been pushed aside just enough to allow them to peer inside. Where they were able to see that there was indeed a path that wound around the exterior of their target.

G-good work, Applejack, Zecora exclaimed.

“But… big monster,” Free Flier murmured pathetically.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Come on. Let's go already.”

“Fine,” Free Flier agreed.

The trio moved out once again with Applejack in the lead. Squeezing into the tight confines of the narrow alleyway was easy enough for all present as they were working their way around the building and to where the lab in question was supposed to be.

“There's no door, how are we going to get in?” Free Flier asked.

Is this the spot? Zecora inquired.

“She's asking if this is the spot,” Applejack interpreted, gesturing to the wall right next to them.

Free Flier glanced one way, then the next before nodding. “Sure seems like it. This is the corner they were talking about, and it is right next to the warehouse.”

“Best stand back for this then,” Applejack warned.

Free Flier did as was sugged, as did Applejack herself.

Now with free range to work, Zecora coughed several times, each exhale becoming more and more watery. Until with a wet squelch, she vomited a torrent of acid over the wall. Bright green liquid melted through the metal exterior like it was little more than absorbent toilet paper. Within seconds there was a hole large enough to see through, and a little after that it grew large enough to serve as a door.

“Looks like a machine shop or somethin’,” Applejack muttered.

Peering in through the small opening, Applejack did indeed seem to be correct. The main laboratory area was dominated by large metal parts, work tables, and a central raised dais. This space was empty but was obviously designed to house the in-construction cloud seeder, as numerous bundles of cables lead up to it.

“Whew. There's no one in there, and look, there's her office,” Free Flier whispered.

“I’ll take the lead,” Applejack offered before doing just that.

Slipping inside, the hydralisk quickly scanned the area, but found it empty save for the forgotten equipment. Free Flier and Zecora were quick to join her a second later, swiftly trotting through the melted opening they had created. Then without a word needing to be said, Applejack made her way over to the office door, where she waited.

Free Flier peered into the room. Finding that it looked like normal office space, she pulled open the door. She and Zecora then entered, with the pegasus moving to the lone bookcase on the wall. The zebra helped, and soon the makeshift barricade had been pulled back, revealing a solid metal door about two feet high.

Free Flier rapped her hoof against the door in rapid succession, pausing occasionally between letters. Once the message was sent, she sat back and waited for the door to open. That, however, didn't happen, and instead, a series of short taps could be heard from inside the panic room.

“The door is jammed. You’ll need to cut your way inside,” Free Flier interpreted. “Great, just great.”

Zecora pushed Free Flier aside and began coughing up thick wads of greenish slime onto the panic room door. The pegasus scowled in disgust, but remained close by, pointing out the various structural weaknesses she saw. Now swiftly growing bored and paranoid, Applejack scanned the interior of the laboratory once more.

Behind her, along the wall were a few other offices, while to the left were two large doors. These no doubt lead further into the greenhouse, while in front of them was a large cavernous entrance. Though unlit, Applejack could tell this was the warehouse Jetstream had mentioned earlier. She also noticed that a wide expanse free of clutter had been made from where the cloud seeder should be back to the opening.

“That's odd,” Applejack murmured.

The hydralisk wound her way through the room and over to where the large machine should be resting. There she knelt down and noticed that a pair of tracks could be seen as someone had recently wheeled away the invention. Then she heard a clang, and in an instant, the hydralisk hybrid was winding her way over to the warehouse, shoulder hoods open and ready.

Surging into the next room, Applejack felt as though she was ready for anything. That turned out to be wrong, for she was not prepared to see the cloud seeder getting wheeled into a flatbed truck. That wasn't the startling part, however, rather it was the familiar red stallion atop the APC attached to the trailer which so surprised Applejack.

“Big Macintosh?” she whispered.

Author's Note

True Colors Part 3

Twilight's squad readied themselves, aiming their rifles, priming their spells, and spreading out as quickly as they could. Quick Buck was the first to fire, his burst of rounds screaming across the room, only to stop dead in mid-air. An upraised hoof was the only indication they received that the queen had even been responsible for the sudden halt.

“Your weapons are useless,” she explained.

As if just to prove her point, the infested changeling stood perfectly still, allowing herself to be fired on from nearly all sides. The rounds stopped in the same exact place, hovering in mid-air before being dropped after the marines ceased firing.

“I was already more powerful than you before I was embraced by the swarm, now you are naught but toys to play with,” Pupa continued.

“Play with this!” Twilight spat, unleashing what she had thought was a bolt of lightning.

The deadly bolt of electricity turned out to be little more than a burst of sparks that sputtered uselessly across the ground.

“Funny how the brain works,” remarked the queen. “A simple tweak, and your body does one thing while your mind believes it did another.”

“How…” Twilight's eyes went wide.

The unicorn tried to erect another mental barrier around her thoughts, but found her powers out of her reach. Her attempts at casting another spell vanished a moment later, the mare’s mind unable to stay focused for more than a second. Each time she tried to cast something, anything, no matter how brief, it was disrupted with ease.

Not only did she keep Twilight dazed, confused, and unable to use her magic, but the changeling queen also held back the marines at the same time. The unseen wall of psionic energy blocked every bullet fired into it no matter the number or angle. With guns spent and empty, the soldiers hastily reloaded while Twilight struggled to even stay standing.

“You are strong, but your will is a blunt instrument, easily turned aside by an expert,” Pupa declared.

Twilight grunted and tried to use her own psionic powers in an effort to crush the changeling’s head. Yet just reaching out past her own body was impossible for the unicorn, and she abandoned the attempt within moments. The crushing weight of the changeling queen’s psionic power was just too much, leaving Twilight back at square one.

“Magic, psionics, and guns, all neutralized. Tell me, ponies. Do you have any more tricks?” Pupa taunted.

“This is bad, what do we do?” Quick Buck shouted.

“I don't know,” Pupa exclaimed, miming Twilight's voice perfectly. “Nothing I’ve ever fought has had such power before. That was what you were going to say, wasn't it?”

Twilight growled and clenched her jaw.

“Ahh, good. I didn't want to think my skills had dulled after being tested against such simpletons such as you,” declared the changeling queen. “Speaking of which, I should hurry and be rid of you. I have a city to take control of and a populace to infest.”

Pupa made a circle in the air with her hoof and twisted the guns from the backs of the six marines, tossing them aside. She then gripped one of the pony soldiers at random and lifted them into the air using only her psionic powers. Wriggling and twisting, the earth pony mare tried to draw her sidearm, but found herself unable to reach it.

“Dinner time, my pet,” Pupa called.

A moment later, she dropped the marine into the pit below, the pony making it only a foot or so before being grabbed. Long tentacles snaked around her midsection and dragged the soldier down into the unseen depths. A shot was heard, followed by a second and then a loud crunch, as her armor was crushed between a pair of enormous jaws.

“Ahh, what delicious biomass. And to think we had been forced to subsist on plant matter for these past months. Pathetic,” muttered the changeling queen.

Twilight tried to stand, to cast, to use her powers, or do anything at all, only to be stymied each time. Her legs barely seemed to work, her strength fled her, and any attempt to help her situation was negated. No matter how small the spell, how brief the application of psionic power, or how tiny the movement, Twilight couldn't manage it. She couldn't even use her telepathy, as the crushing fog caused her mind to recoil and a migraine to quickly set in.

Her panic was shared by the rest of her squad, with the marines either firing their sidearms or running for the door. The first to reach the exit was plucked from the ground and hovered over the pit to where Pupa stood waiting. The marine tried to raise his pistol, but his hoof didn't have the strength to resist the psionic weight keeping it down.

“Such cowardly behavior. Why, I bet you’d shoot your own just for a chance to escape. Isn't that right?” taunted the changeling queen.

The marine then found himself turned bodily in mid, his gun raising and pointing at his fleeing comrade. For a moment it seemed like he was going to be able to resist, to keep his weapon just barely off target. Then it jerked back to the stumbling form of his comrade before spitting the entire clip into the back of her head. The helmet did its job well, but it wasn't made to take so many rounds to the back of it and on the last shot it crumpled. The marine collapsed a split second later, a muffled cry being all that could be heard of her final, pained cries.

“My gosh, how dare you!” exclaimed the changeling, who chuckled at her own comment. “Such cowardice cannot be rewarded or encouraged!”

“N-no, please!” shouted the marine.

He screamed as his captor unhinged her jaw and bit down on his skull, the large fangs going clear through the metal. The armor held up for only a second before folding inward, killing the soldier it had been intended to protect. A single flex of her muscles was all it took to cleave the marine’s head clean in two, with the body falling into the pit. The rest of him was cooped out of his helmet by a long tongue and swallowed, the changeling queen sighing contentedly.

“There is nothing quite like a mid-fight snack,” Pupa remarked.

Twilight tore her gaze from the dominant creature, focusing on Quick Buck who had managed to pull out a grenade. Twilight shook her head while using all of her power just to obscure her thoughts for a moment or two. Though successful, they weren't any better off than they had been a moment earlier, but at least Twilight had options.

“You know, Twilight. You're strong, you have magic, psionics, and strange otherworldly armor, but I wonder how good you are at hoof-to-hoof fighting,” remarked the changeling queen.

Twilight looked up to find that another marine had been forcibly levitated above the chitin-clad creature. This time Pupa seemed intent on merely staring into the soldier’s eyes, but Twilight knew there was more to it. The infested unicorn could sense some mix of psionics and magic being used by the changeling queen.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough of a distraction to let Twilight cast anything, the mare’s mind remaining muddy. Her faculties only returned after the marine had been dropped before her with a wet thump. Twilight immediately attempted to cast magic, but found that part of her cut off somehow like she no longer had access to it.

“Now that I’m certain she won't cheat, go, my champion!” Pupa exclaimed.

“For the swarm!” gurgled the marine, their expression glazed and distant.

They lurched forward and attempted to slug Twilight in the face, but were easily dodged by the agile unicorn. Caught between simply mercy killing the unfortunate soul, or trying to incapacitate them, Twilight continued backpedalling. It was only when her back hit the wall did she realize that she would have to choose, and choose quickly.

“Die!” shouted the mind-controlled marine.

Twilight watched as her opponent turned and attempted to buck her in the chest with all the strength they had. Not exactly interested in seeing if she could regrow her head, Twilight leaped to the side and shoved the pony hard. The marine fell onto their back and was immediately set upon by the larger unicorn, quickly getting pinned.

With quick, dexterous hooves, Twilight found the latch release of her opponent’s helmet and removed it. She was resisted at every turn, the furious marine fighting furiously to throw Twilight off of them. With Twilight's increased size and weight, the efforts of her opponent were wasted, and soon she was able to squeeze down on the soldier’s neck.

Their eyes went wide, and they battered Twilight with increased intensity, aiming for the other pony’s head. Each impact was significant, but Twilight's body had gone through considerable adaptation by then. So the bone-crunching impacts did little more than knock her about slightly, hurting, but not incapacitating her.

After a few seconds of increasingly weak attacks, the pony passed out, falling limp to the ground. Twilight tried to reach for the marine’s sidearm but found herself blasted back into the wall by a wave of psionic force.

“Tut tut. The game’s not over yet,” Pupa exclaimed. “You may have been able to avoid losing one of your soldiers, but I think this one has what I need to end you.”

As Twilight struggled to stand, she watched as the final marine other than Quick Buck was hauled over to the queen. He was the smallest of their squad, but Twilight didn't remember his name nor did she recall what he sounded like. The silent soldier hadn't said a word the entire time, merely following orders and staying at the back of the group.

“A grenade, now that should do the trick,” Pupa exclaimed, reaching into the stallion’s armored pockets and finding a familiar metal orb. “No, we’ll need more than one for you, now won't we?”

Twilight struggled valiantly, wrenching her hooves towards the door at a slow, ponderous pace. It would take several minutes at her current rate to reach the exit, but she was desperate enough to try anything. Across the room, Pupa dug through the simple pocket until she produced not another grenade, but a band of metal.

“What, how did you…” The changeling queen’s jaw fell open as she stared down.

The bangle was exactly as Twilight remembered, thick and sporting three small gems, one purple, one green, and the last one was yellow. Though it held no significance to Twilight, it evidently sparked some recognition in the eyes of the changeling. Whose head frills raised, muscles tensed, and scythe arms twitched, eager to rend flesh from bone.

“You!” she shouted loud enough to temporarily deafen the marine.

The scavenging soldier was dragged over to the changeling and forced to meet her gaze. Again Twilight felt that same flicker of recognition as Pupa used a mix of powers on her victim. Only this time she was so focused on the marine that Twilight was able to rise fully and brush off the mental fog.

As she worked to remove the mental block and fortify her mind, she looked over to see that Quick Buck was in a similar state. Able to rise and get his hooves under him again, the stallion was searching around for his dropped pistol. As he looked, and Twilight mustered her defenses, Pupa continued to stare into what seemed to be the marine’s very soul.

“You killed my husband!” Pupa yelled suddenly, grabbing the marine by the forehooves. “He wasn't even in a combat role, you monsters. I’ll kill you!”

With a scream of rage, she tore the forelimbs from the marine and tossed them aside. She then wrenched him up from the ground and used her psionic powers to cleave through his back limbs. It didn't stop there, as she quickly sealed up the injuries, healing him just enough to ensure that the limbs couldn't be sewn back on.

Twilight didn't care to watch the torture continue, and with a flash of her horn, she enacted a mental ward on herself. As she reinforced it, she nodded to Quick Buck.

Keep her distracted. I’ll finish this, Twilight mentally commanded.

Quick Buck nodded and leveled his firearm at the changeling queen, firing the moment his hoof stopped shaking. The bullet slammed home, blowing off a chunk of natural armor and stopping her just as she was about to remove the captive marine’s eyes. Looking around in confusion, the changeling queen only then seemed to realize how focused she had become on her prey.

She wasn't quick enough to stop herself from getting hit by the rest of the clip, however. Hunks of chitin, one of her scythe arms, and several teeth went flying, but the damage was minor. When the gun clicked empty, Quick Buck attempted to reload, but found the gun wrenched from his grip.

“The most foul creatures of Tartarus shall have nightmares when they think of what I’ve done to you!” Pupa screamed.

With a psionic heave, the changeling threw Quick Buck across the room, sending him through the wall. She then turned and was ready to unleash her full rage on Twilight when the grenade at her hooves detonated. Tossed bodily through the air, the changeling queen landed in a bleeding heap, still not seriously injured, but now thoroughly rattled.

“Go, my pet,” Pupa gurgled. “Save your mistress.”

Several bladed tentacles emerged from the pit and surged at Twilight, intent on skewering the unicorn. Still building her spell, Twilight split her focus between finishing her attack and using her psionics to maintain her defenses. A task she found unusually difficult, as Pupa’s mental assault had left Twilight's powers weakened.

Even still, she managed to hold back three, though that left two still surging right at her. One was aimed low at her heart while the other would surely plunge through her eye if she didn't move. Yet if she did, she would have to give up the spell, as it required her to stay rooted to the ground, unable to move.

Faced between certain death or certain death, Twilight was unsure of what to do. Her decision was made for her when Quick Buck appeared between them, the stallion blocking the attack with his body. The tentacles fell alongside the marine, though Twilight quickly pushed him out of her mind and focused on the spell.

A move Pupa didn't see coming, the changeling’s eyes going wide as she attempted to disrupt the magic. When her attack met Twilight's mental barrier and struggled to find purchase against the pony’s defenses, she shifted tactics. Charging her own horn, the changeling attempted to attack Twilight more directly, but was far too late.

With a bright flash, Twilight's spell was completed, and the entire room began to rapidly heat up. Pupa tried to complete her spell, but the moment she felt her body begin to lift into the air, she abandoned that completely. Realization had dawned on her, and she tried to scramble out of the way of the attack, though her efforts turned out to be largely wasted.

“Suck plasma, bitch,” Twilight muttered.

A lance of pure white energy slammed down through the ceiling, vaporizing the wood and timber that got in the way. Twilight didn't see what else it destroyed, as she was shielding her eyes from the blast, waiting out the spell. After two full seconds, the light died, and Twilight opened her eyes to find that a nearly fifteen-foot wide hole had been cut through the building.

Fires flickered and burned along the edges, including the deep pitfall that had been cut into the ground. It incinerated layers of zerg creep and strange organs Twilight could only guess the purpose of. She didn't care about all that, however, and instead looked down to where Pupa lay, or at least a good twenty-five percent of her anyway. Her head, neck, and a portion of her upper torso were all that remained, with the rest of her having been annihilated. Coughing and twitching, the changeling looked around, her eyes glazed over slightly.

“What did you say again? Oh right, your essence will make my army stronger than ever before,” Twilight gloated.

“Ha,” Pupa spat, blood flying from her lips. “I go now to Sweet Breeze triumphant.”

The changeling’s horn glowed briefly before what was left of her suddenly melted in the blink of an eye. The greenish puddle that was left behind then evaporated, leaving nothing behind but an ugly stain on the floor.

“Damn, it was worth a shot,” Twilight muttered.

“Gonna help your savior out now or what?” Quick Buck muttered.

Twilight turned and looked down at the stallion, quickly appraising his injuries. His right forehoof had been severed, and he had sustained a shot to the gut, though it wasn't life-threatening. A scan determined that a few less than important organs were damaged, but he wasn't at risk of bleeding out anytime soon.

“Oh shut up, you're fine,” Twilight muttered.

Quick Buck laughed, though it soon devolved into a fit of coughing. “Shit, that hurts,” he muttered.

Twilight ignored him for a moment, focusing instead on her own mental powers and assessing the damage. She would need time and meditation to repair everything, but Pupa had been remarkably precise with her attacks. Other than being weakened for a while, she was okay, and already she could feel her mind-expanding, brushing against the rest of her forces.

Opening her eyes, Twilight gazed down at Quick Buck, a soft smile on her face.

“So, how do you wanna do this?” Twilight asked. “I could infest and heal you right now, or let you suffer.”

“Suffering is fine,” Quick Buck interjected. “Having my mind palace infiltrated once was bad enough. Besides, then I can get a cool robot leg.”

“Mind palace? More like mind bar. That place is a dump,” Twilight exclaimed, removing the tentacle with her magic and sealing the hole with a simple first aid spell.

“Damn, that smarts,” Quick Buck muttered.

Twilight hefted the stallion across her back, pausing to shift his weight slightly so he didn't slide off.

“You alright back there?” Twilight asked.

“Err yeah, just dandy,” Quick Buck muttered.

“Don't get any ideas now,” Twilight warned.

Quick Buck chuckled. “Too late for that now.”

“Big Macintosh?” Applejack whispered aloud.

The hydralisk then ducked back around a large box, hiding out of sight before one of the sentries could see her. There she remained, holding her breath for several seconds until finally she felt confident enough to look around the corner. As assumed, the sentry who had nearly spotted her was looking elsewhere, a hoof hovering over the trigger of his gun.

The soldiers wore only the standard armor of the militia which was little more than a reinforced flak vest along with some other minor additions. The only difference from what most of the confederate soldiers wore was that the Daughters of Ironhall were completely black. Or at least their armor was, and their fur had been dyed a similar shade with their manes all being grey.

The sole exception amongst them was Big Macintosh himself, as the stallion clambered out of the APC and revealed his custom marine armor. With two standard rifles mounted to his back and a pair of rocket pods on his enormous shoulders, he stood almost as tall as Applejack.

At the moment his helmet was down, allowing Applejack to see that it was indeed her brother in there. He had a few new scars since last she had seen him, and he seemed older, more weathered, but it was indeed him. Like the other Daughters of Ironhall, his armor was black as pitch, and upon his pauldrons was the red stamp that marked the rebels.

It was blood red and composed of a foreleg holding a whip upright. The weapon curled around almost the entire circumference of the symbol, stopping a few inches from hitting the hoof that wielded it. Though the less armored soldiers had mere patches on their breast, Big Macintosh also had a golden stripe on his chest, marking him as their leader.

This sentiment was backed up by the way he ordered everyone around. He didn't use many words, merely gesturing and pointing where he wanted his underlings to go. About half of whom were ponies, while the other half were griffons. There were others, like a minotaur and a dragon, but they were in the clear minority.

As for their cargo, the machine was nearly loaded at that point, or at least Applejack assumed that it was the device she required. She couldn't quite remember what it was supposed to look like, given how brief her look at the picture had been. It was made primarily of four relatively small orbs connected by wires to a fifth, much larger one that sat atop a pedestal that put it above the others. Exposed segments and missing panels made it obvious that it was still incomplete, though was just about done.

Applejack glanced down the long rows of crates stacked high on the many pallet racks, spotting a soldier walking slowly nearby. Clearly relaxed despite the active warzone, he only lazily inspected his surroundings and let his weapon to dangle low around his neck. Applejack thought about taking him out quietly, but couldn't bring herself to kill the random pony.

Allowing the cloud seeder to fall into the hands of the Daughters was not something Twilight would approve of. But to stop them, Applejack would need to kill numerous other creatures, most of whom may be innocent. Her brother wouldn't take it lying down either, which meant conflict with him would be all but inevitable.

I could shoot the tires, but then they’d hear me, and even if they didn't, they’d come lookin’, Applejack thought to herself. That would likely mean this whole mission would be a wash, and we’d get nothing. Even with Zecora and Free Flier, it would be a messy fight.

The hydralisk sighed, shrinking back behind the crate and trying to think of some way out. In the end, she couldn't think of anything that didn't end up with her mission failing or her brother ending up dead. So she relaxed, allowing her natural weapons to fold away while she slipped back towards the exit.

There she paused and glanced back at her sibling one final time, wondering what had happened to him. Her ponderings were interrupted by the stallion turning and staring directly at her, a small smile on his face. He then nodded once and turned back to helping one of his soldiers fasten the machine down to the flatbed.

“Did he…” Applejack murmured. “It doesn't matter.”

Slithering away, Applejack slowly and gently pulled down the sliding metal door down over the entrance to the warehouse. With the exit locked, Applejack briefly wondered if she had made the right call, only to shake her head. Dismissing the worry that plagued her, Applejack made her way back to the office and peered inside.

Zecora stood back slightly, as did Free Flier, the pair watching as the metal door sizzled and sloughed away. Acid bubbled and popped as it worked away at the entrance to the panic room, quickly dissolving the barrier.

“Hey,” Applejack greeted.

Zecora raised an eyebrow. You seem… down.

“There was a complication, but it's been dealt with for now,” Applejack explained.

Zecora appraised the hydralisk slowly and carefully before nodding. I trust that what you say is correct. Though I am certain that Twilight will want a more detailed report than that.

“I’ll tell you about it later,” Applejack dismissed.

We should also get more information out of Jetstream later as well, Zecora added.

“What do you mean?” Applejack pressed.

Zecora raised an eyebrow and glanced up at Applejack. We already secured Ariel Hanson. She was one of the infested we crossed upon arriving after Sandhome.

“That's… right,” Applejack muttered.

I don't believe it is malice, mind you. Rather they wished to also secure whoever is trapped back here and thought that we wouldn't go along unless they told us it was the botanist, Zecora reasoned. Either way, we shall discover the truth of the matter soon enough.

The infested turned and watched as a hole became visible in the door, revealing the small room beyond. There was only a single occupant, that being a heavily injured griffon who was lying on the ground nearby. Her wing was broken, as were her back legs. Her eye had swollen shut, becoming a mass of bruised tissue. She wore the tattered outfit of a security guard, though she had no weapons on her person.

“Finally,” she croaked. “I thought for sure Ariel died out there. Good to see she got the message out.”

“Who are you?” Free Flier asked. “And what are you doing here?”

The griffon chuckled and raised her one good wing, revealing that its feathers were bright gold, unlike the others which were grey. “I used to be a racing star by the name of Bright Wing, for reasons which should be obvious,” she began, her voice low and hoarse. “Nowadays I’m just a lowly security guard, but more importantly, I’m supposed to be keepin’ an eye on my partner, Ariel Hason. Don't suppose you’ve seen her around, have ya?”

“We have,” Applejack muttered.

The griffon narrowed her one good eye and recoiled slightly, only to look to Free Flier and relax. “I also don't suppose you can prove you ain't one of them changey things that nearly killed me ‘bout an hour ago, huh?” Bright Wing asked.

“I don't really have any magic or nothing, but I have lived here quite a while,” Free Flier exclaimed.

Bright Wing peered intently at the pony for several seconds, only to sigh. “Well, that doesn't prove a thing, but the fact that you haven't killed or dragged me away yet sure does. Now have ya seen my better half? That girl insisted on finding help for me and took off before I could drag her back here. Even sabotaged the door to keep me from chasing after her, the right git.”

Free Flier, Zecora, and Applejack exchanged a look, the infested clearly not wanting to broach the subject.

“Uh, right, about that,” Free Flier began.

“She’s dead, ain't she?” Bright Wing asked.

“No,” Applejack replied. “Just infested.”

“Just infested, just infested?” Bright Wing shouted. “That's worse than dying! I know you're okay for whatever reason, but they ain't turning folk ‘round here into thinkin’, feelin’ people. Just mindless monsters ready to chew their neighbor’s head off.”

She is agitating her wounds. Any more, and I fear she may end up bleeding out, Zecora remarked.

“Relax, she’s okay. We put her to sleep, and my queen, Twilight Sparkle, has the power to break the hold the swarm has on her and can undo some of the mutations,” Applejack quickly interjected.

Bright Wing seemed ready to argue for a moment before falling back. “I’m gonna choose to believe you. Now unless one of y'all is ready to give me a blood transfusion, I think we should get moving. Everything’s starting to get a bit blurry.”

I will render what aid I can. You should make her ready to transport while our guide carries her, Zecora ordered.

“Right, Free Flier, can you carry her? Zecora’s gonna help out as much as she can,” Applejack offered.

The pegasus nodded. “Sure thing.”

“Don't suppose I get a say in this, eh?” Bright Wing asked, gazing up at the infested zebra looming over her.

Zecora shook her head.

“Well damn, make it quick, I guess,” Bright Wing muttered.

Soon the griffon was sedated and had a cocktail of chemicals coursing through her, which helped to speed up her natural healing. With that done, she was hauled onto Free Flier's back with great pains done to ensure her wounds weren't made worse. The second she was in place, the group began to make their way back towards the exit they had already put in the back wall.

“So what outfit are you all with? Can't be the regular army. I ain't heard of no infested signing up, nor any having the rank of queen for that matter,” muttered Bright Wing.

“We’re irregulars, I guess you could call us,” Applejack remarked. “We still work with the confederacy, but we are in essence our own army under the command of our queen.”

“Like a volunteer force,” Bright Wing murmured absently. “Interesting, and you?”

Free Flier blinked. “Oh uh, I seem to have been drafted into their ranks, though I’m no infested.”

“Shh, I think I hear a pack of zerg up ahead,” Applejack interjected.

Zecora raised a tentacle and waved the rest of the squad back before slipping ahead. Down the narrow alleyway she went, sticking to the shadows until finally reaching the end and peering out. She cast a hasty glance through the crack they had made, her mood falling the moment she laid eyes on what was waiting for her.

A whole pack of zerglings, a couple of hydralisks, and even a few infested citizens, Zecora informed. They don't seem to know we are here, but do know that something is wrong.

“We got company, a lot of company,” Applejack whispered. “We might have to double back or find another way through.”

Free Flier cursed under her breath. “I knew we shoulda gone back to grab some explosives. If we took out that plant, we coulda gone around ‘em.”

“Might have to leave me,” Bright Wing exclaimed. “I can't fight at the moment, and at this rate, I’m just gonna get y'all killed.”

“We ain't leavin’ ya behind,” Applejack stated.

Free Flier nodded. “If we have to set ya down for a moment, then so be it, but we’ll be back.”

Zecora was about to add her own thoughts to their predicament, only to stop when a psychic wave rolled over her. A moment later Applejack shuddered as well, the two infested turning in unison and glancing to where the community center lay. The two uninfested didn't feel anything quite so potent as the full body twitch the other two received, getting only a faint tickle that ran up their spines.

“What the hay was that?” Free Flier muttered.

“Whoever was controlling the zerg around here just wound up dead,” Applejack muttered. “And I think it was our queen who did the deed.”

I can feel her mind, but it is distant, quiet, Zecora thought, her mental voice filled with worry. We should hurry back.

Applejack was ready to agree when they were interrupted by an alien scream followed by the sounds of conflict. Outside on the street, the zerg split off into groups and attacked one another, went mad, or simply fell over unconscious. It seemed to be a roll of the dice over what happened to them, but regardless of their fate, it was chaos out there.

They are slaughtering one another, Zecora reported. The infested are mostly unconscious, but a few have gone feral. I think… I think we have an opening.

“We gotta move,” Applejack exclaimed. “They’ve gone crazy, and Zecora thinks we have a way out of here.”

“Well, what are we waitin’ fer? Lead the way!” Free Flier declared.

Applejack nodded. “Right, follow me.”

Twilight pointed back to the row of APCs and civilian vehicles that had been set out alongside the outside of the gate. “Once sedated, get the infested back to the trucks. Hurry it up, people, my spells won't last forever!”

Ponies and other creatures scuttled about with increased fervor, moving the various infested which had been placed in stasis. Shots rang out every once in a while, the soldiers going about the grim business of executing those zerg who had fallen unconscious upon Pupa’s death. Twilight paid close attention to each one of these shots, ensuring that the trigger-happy soldiers didn't kill one of her infested.

“You know, technically I’m the highest ranking officer here,” exclaimed Jetstream.

Twilight didn't look away from the impromptu field hospital slash killing field. “Are you saying you will stand in the way of me helping these people?” Twilight asked.

“‘Course not,” Jetstream replied immediately. “I doubt such an order would even be heeded anyway. Seems like you’ve got these Sandhome folk firmly under your hoof.”

“They owe me after nearly killing me,” Twilight declared.

“So I’ve heard,” Jetstream muttered.

The two stood in silence for several seconds before Jetstream sighed suddenly.

“You did good back there. Real good. I doubt we woulda survived if you hadn't taken out that changeling,” Jetstream offered.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and glanced at the mare. “What is this? An apology?”

“It's a blank cheque,” Jetstream answered. “Do whatever it is you want with the remaining zerg and infested. I expect a report later, but until then you have my authority to do whatever it is you think is best for these people.”

“I appreciate it,” Twilight exclaimed, extending a hoof.

The other mare returned the gesture, clopping their hooves together. “I’m going to get back to mop up detail. Good luck, commander.”

Twilight nodded and was about to go back to inspecting the various creatures moving about the street, only to detect the familiar sensation of friendlies approaching. She turned towards the two infested hybrids. Immediately Twilight's mood lifted, and a smile crossed her face as she trotted up to Applejack, then opened her hooves wide.

“You’re back, and I assume you are victorious,” Twilight exclaimed.

Applejack awkwardly hugged her queen. “That we are, though it turns out we were lied to, sort of.”

We were told to acquire Ariel Hanson after we had already done so. Turns out they wanted to secure her less than secret lover and bodyguard, Bright Wing, Zecora explained.

“We were also sent to check on the cloud seeder, but there were… complications,” Applejack added.

Twilight took a step back and nodded. “I had some complications of my own.”

I assume that is why the mindscape feels so… damaged, Zecora guessed.

“It is,” Twilight admitted. “I was bested by a leader of the swarm and only made it out through luck.”

“But you’re so powerful!” Applejack declared aloud.

Twilight sighed. “All strength has a lynchpin, and it seems as though mine is my poor training of psionics. My defences are strong, but crumble the moment they are assailed by a skilled enough enemy.”

I assume you have a plan to remedy this shortfall? Zecora pressed.

“Of course, but it will take time,” Twilight answered. “For now we just need to round up who we can and secure as many zerg as possible. Oh, and make sure that Bright Wing individual comes back with us. I would hate to separate them.”

“We are yours to command,” Applejack intoned, bowing her head.

“See to it, you two. I’ll send word ahead that you act with my full authority while I remain here in order to coordinate our extraction,” Twilight finished.

An excellent plan, my queen, Zecora added.

Twilight nodded. “You had better get moving. The soldiers are already antsy, and I don't want anyone getting trigger-happy. There has been enough death already today.”

“Of course,” Applejack declared.

The hybrid then turned, and along with Zecora, made her way back down the street. Once out of earshot, Applejack leaned over.

“Are we gonna talk about how much she was thinking about that Quick Buck fella?” Applejack whispered.

Zecora thought about it for a few seconds before replying with a simple, No.

Author's Note

Safe Haven

Twilight stared off into space, her chest expanding and contracting ever so slightly. Her biomechanical shell was clean, but still sported a few fresh dents and a couple of scratches. That too would soon heal, but in the meantime it itched at the pony, reminding her of how close she had come to defeat.

“My queen?” Applejack whispered.

Twilight blinked and looked around the back of the APC, only now aware of the fact that Zecora and Applejack were staring at her expectantly.

“I’m sorry, I spaced for a second there. Did you say something?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, I was just telling you about my little, uh, run-in with my brother,” Applejack offered.

“Right, he joined the Daughters and was stealing the cloud seeder,” Twilight replied.

We were hoping you had some insight into the events of the last few days, Zecora added.

“I…” Twilight hummed. “It's obvious that the changeling wasn't the one who wiped out the Combine remnants from the cave. She was far too precise, too detail-oriented to leave behind so much evidence. Never mind the fact that she had no real reason to even bother destroying them.”

“Perhaps she simply wished to clean up loose ends,” Applejack offered.

“No,” Twilight replied. “So long as the Combine were there, she had something to point to which would explain any discrepancies in her quotas.”

It would have been the perfect excuse, Zecora reasoned.

“Exactly,” Twilight agreed. “The attack on the Combine was most likely the work of the rogue queen that escaped from the facility we now control. Though why they would go through the effort of raiding some no-name Combine remnants is beyond me.”

“Maybe they needed the stolen medicine,” Applejack remarked.

Twilight sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “Regardless. Speculation at this point is rather pointless, so I’d much rather focus on something more concrete.”

“Like what to do with all the infested we suddenly, uh, acquired,” Applejack exclaimed.

It is going to take some time to undo the rather haphazard infestation they suffered, Zecora reasoned. Most have lost a good majority of their mental faculties.

“We will rehabilitate them as best as possible, but as Zecora said, it's going to take some time,” Twilight repeated.

“Right,” Applejack murmured, scratching her chin with a scythe-like appendage. “How many did we end up, uh, taking into our care?”

“Nearly two hundred zerg, most of whom are zerglings, and almost the same number of infested,” Twilight answered. “The trucks are packed tight, and let me tell you, it's a pain keeping a hold on so many nearly feral zerg without Fluttershy and Spike to assist.”

We shouldn't be far from the base now, Zecora assured.

“We shouldn't, but until then, I am going to have to deal with this headache,” Twilight muttered.

“Don't you worry, my queen. The moment we get there, I’ll explain everything to the others,” Applejack assured. “You can take care of your report while we handle the rest.”

Twilight nodded, a faint smile crossing her face. “Thank you both. That fight took more out of me than expected, and I’m running on empty at this point.”

“Well, I mean, we ran from one thing to another for nearly twenty-four hours at this point,” Applejack pointed out.

True. Why, I bet it's nearly day outside, Zecora added.

Twilight blinked and was about to cast a scrying spell to confirm that when all of a sudden she felt a mental link connect. All at once, her mind was flooded with the concerned voices of Spike and the others, each one vying for her attention. A shove silenced them all and allowed the infested unicorn to think clearly now that she wasn't fighting for real estate in her own head.

I will address you all once I have a moment. For now, just handle the new arrivals as I told you over the radio, Twilight informed.

Though they grew silent, and no more questions assaulted the infested, Twilight knew that wouldn't last for long.

“They are just worried about you,” Applejack whispered, a scythe limb gently rubbing Twilight's back.

“I know. Please, remind them that I am okay and that I will speak to them all soon,” Twilight stated.

We will, Zecora replied.

Twilight breathed a little easier, momentarily becoming lost in the rhythmic thump of the APC bumping down the road. The moment of relaxation passed unfortunately quickly, and soon Twilight could feel her ride beginning to slow. Around her, she could hear the other trucks and vehicles starting to stop and unload while her transport continued.

The APC ground to a halt a minute later, with the exit squealing loudly before thumping against the ground. Together the trio hastily maneuvered around the piles of supplies they had brought back with them and out into the open. Where Twilight was able to see that it was indeed early morning and that the sun was peeking just over the horizon.

There Zecora and Applejack wordlessly split off, making their way over to where Fluttershy, Spike as well as the others were waiting. Twilight said nothing, giving the group only a brief wave before turning towards the sound of incoming hooves.

“Ahh, Banana Fluff, was it?” Twilight offered.

“It was,” replied the marine

“What can I help you with?” Twilight asked.

“I was hoping you could tell us who we’d answer to,” Banana Fluff replied, the mare shifting awkwardly in her ill-fitting suit. “The sudden drafting and transport of all those, uh, afflicted, kind of left a few questions up in the air.”

“You’ll be reporting to Jetstream after you have offloaded all of the infested and zerg,” Twilight replied, gesturing towards a distant Spike. “You’ll be taking orders from Spike, the dragon, until your job is done.”

“Ahh, I see,” Banana Fluff murmured.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Is there anything else?”

“Err, yeah. I was kind of hoping to apologize, again,” muttered Banana Fluff.

“You don't need to do that. I’ve already forgiven you,” Twilight retorted.

“Yeah, but it still doesn't feel like things are good between us. I mean, I tried to kill you,” declared Banana Fluff.

“A lot of people have,” Twilight tiredly replied.

“That's… kinda messed up,” Banana Fluff pointed out.

“Yeah, it is,” Twilight agreed.

Together the pair stood there, either too exhausted to think of a witty way out or too awkward to. Then Banana Fluff stood up and opened her forehooves.

“Can I hug you?” she asked.

Twilight took one look into those watery eyes and immediately melted.

“Fine,” she grumbled.

One awkward embrace later, Banana Fluff was on her way.

“Thank you! I won't forget what you’ve taught me!” the pony shouted over her shoulder.

Twilight was barely aware of this interaction and simply kept waving until she was certain Banana Fluff wouldn't turn back around. Then Twilight left as well, walking in the direction of the command center which sat atop the rise. Between it and her lay dozens of truck, and a slowly growing mass of zerg as well as infested that were being hauled off.

Her lieutenants moved amongst them, guiding zerg into pens, while the infested found bunks, or were brought deeper into the base. It was a slow process, as there were simply so many of them, but thankfully no fights broke out and no one resisted. Seeing her friends, Twilight was tempted to go to them but knew that once she did, she wouldn't want to issue a report.

So she soldiered on, ignoring the others as they went about their assigned tasks dutifully. That was until she noticed that Ariel Hanson was being brought towards the command center on a stretcher. Twilight swiftly caught up to them and flagged down Bright Wing, stopping them before they could get far.

“What is it?” barked the griffon. “My lead is injured.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at the term lead, but didn't mention it. “You should bring her to my camp. They will not be able to treat her properly,” Twilight explained.

“I think we can manage a few broken bones,” offered the other stretcher bearer.

“Do you know how painkillers interact with zerg tissue?” Twilight asked, stepping closer. “What about allergies? Do you know what kind of substances react adversely to an infested’s altered physiology?”

“You made your point,” Bright Wing interrupted. “But you had better know what you're doing.”

“I don't, no. But I have people who do,” Twilight assured.

Bright Wing grunted and turned towards the base, her pace quick. Behind her, Ariel rested silently, her breathing remaining slow and steady.

Twilight watched them for a moment before turning back to the command center. Noone, marine or otherwise, dare stand in her way. Ponies scampered hastily out of sight, averted their gaze, or gave her a simple nod of respect. Those who didn't have a healthy appreciation for the infested mare feared her or felt a mix of both emotions.

That didn't concern Twilight, who simply kept on walking, her mind focused utterly upon her destination.

Brushing past a pair of door guards near the entrance to the command center, Twilight paused briefly. Standing amidst the hive of activity that was the large round structure, she was briefly unsure of where to go. Then she noticed the map table set near the center, the raised platform overlooking the rest of the area.

“Excuse me,” Twilight muttered.

The tech nodded and hastily dodged out of the way, allowing Twilight to walk past her. After a few short hops as well as several brushes with the ponies who staffed the command building, Twilight had reached her target. There she saw a pair of unicorns pouring over various thaumaturgical maps and diagrams spread across the table.

“I assume this has a direct line with Jetstream?” Twilight asked.

“Of course. Please, go ahead,” offered one of the unicorns, a hint of fear worming its way into his voice.

Twilight nodded and waited for the pair to excuse themselves before locating the transmission button.

“Jetstream, this is Twilight Sparkle. Do you read?” Twilight spoke clearly.

“I’m assuming from the quality of your transmission that you have returned safely back to base,” Jetstream’s slightly staticky voice replied.

“I have,” Twilight answered.

“Then you may deliver your full report,” Jetstream exclaimed.

A quick summation of the events later, Twilight was standing there feeling slightly awkward. “I should have brought additional forces. If I had, we could have ensured that the cloud seeder had not fallen into the hands of the enemy,” Twilight explained.

“You couldn't have known that would happen. Furthermore, they would have likely been diverted in the distraction,” Jetstream pointed out. “Yes, that development was inopportune, but given the circumstances, you performed exceptionally.”

“Yes, but-”

“But nothing,” Jetstream replied. “You and your squad single-handedly turned that shitshow around. Furthermore, I will not allow anyone to level a complaint about my co-commander’s performance on this mission.”

Twilight chuckled. “Fair enough.”

“Now, is that everything?” Jetstream asked.

“Just one question. What happened with Free Flier?” Twilight inquired.

“Ahh, yes, the marshal,” Jetstream muttered. “I believe she is remaining here as am I, though once the reinforcements arrive, she will be returning with me.”

“That is a relief to hear,” Twilight offered.

“Her service has been quite exceptional,” Jetstream stated.

“It has,” Twilight agreed. “She is far more observant than I initially gave her credit for.”

“So you thought she was some dumb, backwater hick too, eh?” Jetstream asked.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Is that a Vanhoover accent I hear?”

Jetstream went quiet for a moment.

“You heard nothing,” stated the mare before the line went dead.

Twilight chuckled to herself and shook her head. For a moment she simply enjoyed the relative quiet of the command center before taking a deep breath. Her mind now back on task, Twilight made her way back through the throng of ponies and back outside.

There she noticed that a field tent had been pitched, and a new command module was being unpacked. From the look of things, the new expansion was a hospital, and the tent was a simple triage area that would soon be taken down. She was about to ignore it and walk back to base, but then a thought occurred to her and Twilight decided to head towards the tent.

Less than a minute later, the infested unicorn was trotting between two long rows of cots. Doctors and even a few field medics were tending to the many wounded with all the haste they could muster. Thankfully noone was on the verge of death, so the atmosphere was tense, but not unbearably so.

Twilight's curious gaze scanned the many beds quickly, locating her target after only a few seconds. Trotting in his direction, Twilight couldn't help but smile when she saw the stallion reclining with a beer in one hoof. Though his midsection was covered by a thin white blanket, Twilight could easily tell exactly who it was.

“Attention!” Twilight shouted.

The stallion crunched the beer can against his head in his hurry to salute whoever had been yelling at him. His rigid posture faded the moment he laid eyes on the infested, a scowl quickly replacing his stony look.

“Stars and stones,” he muttered, falling back into the bed. “You damn near scared the piss out of me.”

“Oh, you need a catheter now?” Twilight asked, glancing over to the nearest doctor. “Oh, nurse!”

“That won't be necessary!” Quick Buck yelled.

Twilight chuckled and laid a hoof on the stallion’s shoulder. “So, are they treating ya right here? You know, I could have you back on your feet in a matter of hours.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. The white coats ain't much to look at, but I wouldn't trade ‘em for the world,” Quick Buck exclaimed.

“So when will you be out of here?” Twilight asked.

“Coupla days,” Quick Buck exclaimed, pausing to take a drink, only to scowl. “Do you have any idea how hard it was to talk them into letting me have that? I damn near had to bribe one of them, orderly fellas.”

“I think Spike found a whole crate of whiskey in the base,” Twilight offered.

“No kidding,” Quick Buck muttered, scratching his chin. “Don't suppose you could spare a bottle or two for a war buddy, could ya?”

“Oh, is that what we are now? War buddies?” Twilight prodded.

Quick Buck blinked. “This may just be the meds talkin’, but you got me right confused, girlie.”

“Oh, I can tell that you aren't that confused,” Twilight replied.

Quick Buck chuckled and waved a hoof. “Ahh, it's nothing. Yer just gettin’ all hot and bothered ‘cause I saved yer life, is all.”

“Sure,” Twilight retorted, rolling her eyes. “Regardless. It's good to see that you're doing well. I’ll be back later to bring you a victory drink.”

“You know, I may not be one who shares easily, but I could be convinced to split it with ya,” Quick Buck offered.

Twilight made a show of contemplating it before finally nodding. “I suppose that's fair.”

“Well, hot damn. I wonder if they can fix my funny face by the time you get back,” Quick Buck muttered.

Twilight chuckled to herself as she walked away, a smile remaining firmly on her lips. That was until she felt a spike of curiosity that bordered on mania. Turning to its source, Twilight noticed that a doctor was making a beeline straight for her, a clipboard held tight to his chest.

“Miss Twilight. Miss Twilight, do you have a minute?” asked the doctor.

Twilight sighed. “Make it quick.”

“I’ll cut to the chase then.” The stallion stopped and cleared his throat. “I was hoping you would allow me to study a few of your zerg as they healed. The speed at which their cells divide makes for an amazing opportunity to study the process.”

Twilight's vision narrowed, and she gently probed the stallion’s mind, immediately finding tons of plans. He wanted to know… everything, and his desire to find this all out was immense, but that wasn't all she located. There was a darkness there, a limitless curiosity unbound by morality or ethics, and then it was gone, as suddenly his mind was filled with rubber ducks.

“I must say that was quite rude, you know, but I would be willing to forgive you if you would just allow me to observe,” he pressed. “Perhaps even take a few tissue samples or-”

“No,” Twilight interrupted. “And if I see you in my base, I will have you killed. Is that understood?”

The stallion blinked and recoiled as if struck. “I hardly think that's an appropriate response to such an innocent question.”

“The question may have been innocent, but the asker was far from it,” Twilight stated.

The infested then turned around and walked away before the stallion had a chance to say or do anything other than stand there stuttering. Twilight left the male in the dust, having never bothered to get his name or even commit his description to heart. It hardly mattered though, she knew he wouldn't be able to hide that curiosity of his, no matter how hard he thought of ducks.

Her mood completely ruined for the moment, Twilight tromped bitterly towards her base. As she did, the mare took note of how few zerg were left standing around or floating in mid-air, trapped in stasis fields. Evidently, efforts to have them added to the hive mind and get them triaged were well underway, a fact she was able to quickly find out for herself.

Many, many new minds were within her grasp, though Twilight refused to touch them at the moment. Any use of her psionic powers, no matter how minimal, made her head pulse angrily, and she could feel a migraine coming on. Worse still, now that she was finally nearing safety, her body was beginning to relax and slow down considerably.

“I gotcha,” Spike whispered, catching Twilight mid-stumble.

The infested unicorn straightened herself and looked over to find that her draconic assistant was holding her upright.

“Thanks,” Twilight muttered. “I didn't think I was that tired, but…”

She trailed off and looked around to find that she had wandered into the central building of her small base. Mostly cleaned of refuse and damaged furniture, it was currently housing dozens of sleeping zerglings and a few infested ponies. The small groups of six or so zerg were nested tightly, and left little room for Twilight to get past them, the mare only able to do so because of Spike’s help.

Together they walked in silence until they came across the commander's old room which had been mostly restored. The bed was incredibly inviting, and even more intriguing was the fact that it had been reinforced in several places.

“I really shouldn't,” Twilight stated. “I have to check on Ariel, and then Tiny is going to need a check-up and get shown the computer banks in the vault.”

“I can handle that,” Spike assured her. “Really, Twilight. Just get some rest. We can manage without you from here.”

“But the girls… I haven't even talked to them yet,” Twilight retorted.

“They know how exhausted you are, and are okay waiting for tomorrow,” Spike replied in a low, respectful tone.

Twilight sighed and allowed herself to be guided to the bed, where she stopped.

“Fine, you win, Spike,” Twilight exclaimed. “I leave the rest in your capable claws.”

“Good, because I really didn't want to have to choke you out, but I was totally ready to,” Spike declared, squeezing his right bicep in emphasis.

“Heh, good night, Spike, and thank you,” Twilight muttered.

Spike pulled the weary unicorn into a hug, patting her metal back. “No worries, Twilight, and good morning.”

Twilight chuckled as she crawled into bed, the mare managing to pull the blanket nearly halfway up before passing out. For a moment Spike just stood there, staring down at the pony, wondering how it was that she looked so small. Then she started snoring loud enough to rattle his bones, and he made a hasty exit, then closed the door firmly behind him.

“Right then, what did she all say again?” Spike paused. “Right, Ariel and Tiny.”

Spike hastened down the steps, eager to leave the snoring Twilight far behind him. Down one flight of stairs and then another, he paused upon reaching the courtyard of the small base. All around him, zerg and infested alike moved about like a horde of bees, each destined for a different location.

Thankfully with his carefully monitored and maintained mindscape, the many individuals acted like a true swarm. Never bumping into one another, they swiftly made their way to wherever it was they were going without having to slow down once. Spike joined the flow after a moment of waiting, falling in behind a limping zergling as the creature heading towards the north wall.

There a simple lean-to had been constructed, hiding the large green pools that had been grown beneath. In the shade, dozens of the most severely injured new arrivals lounged, their bodies all but submerged in the strange liquid. Several others waited patiently on the fleshy strips that surrounded the pools, eager for their turn.

Despite the presence of zerglings, hydralisks, and even a few miniature ultralisks, it was a calm scene. No one fought or jockeyed for a spot, or at least there wouldn't be if there hadn't been a commotion on the other side of the pools. Bright Wing stood between a still unconscious Ariel, Fluttershy, Zecora, and the small personal-sized vat of greenish goop waiting for its occupant.

The raised voices were audible even at a great distance, and Spike hurried over, eager to end any disagreements before they could balloon out of control.

“Hey, what seems to be the problem here?” he offered.

“I made a mistake and want my partner back, but these two won't let me,” Bright Wing growled, the feathers on the back of her neck rising threateningly into the air.

“And I have been trying to explain that Miss Ariel needs a protein bath in order to recover her strength and regrow any damaged tissue,” Fluttershy sternly retorted.

Zecora nodded. Our queen tasked us with this one’s health, and we intend on seeing that order through.

Spike sighed and stepped a little closer. “Bright Wing, look. I know this seems weird and like a vat of acid, but it will heal your partner and-”

“This is only going to make things worse. I can feel it,” hissed Bright Wing. “She is a pony, not some kind of monster. She should have a doctor!”

“But they don't know how to treat infested. She could get hurt or worse!” Fluttershy urged.

“If it means she does not end up as some kind of abomination, then that is a chance I am willing to take,” Bright Wing retorted.

Spike raised a hand and stepped between the two groups, then knelt down in front of the griffon. “Look into my eyes, Bright Wing,” Spike demanded. “Look into them and tell me if you see any malice there.”

Bright Wing clenched her jaw and reluctantly looked into the dragon’s eyes, staring intently for several seconds. She then sighed suddenly, her shoulders falling slack.

“I know it looks crazy, I know it seems like it's going to make things worse, but it won't,” Spike stated firmly. “And when the bosslady wakes up, she will personally see to it that Ariel here has her mutations removed painlessly.”

“What about this hive mind thing you talked about? Is she going to be stuck as a part of that?” Bright Wing demanded.

“I won't lie to you, Bright Wing. She will have to be for the rest of her life,” Spike stated, raising a hand. “I know this sounds like slavery with extra steps, but we would never force her to do anything she wouldn't want to do.”

“Then why bother with it at all?” Bright Wing asked.

“Because if she is not a part of ours, then she will be vulnerable to any passing queen or higher ranked zerg,” Spike answered. “I know you don't like the prospect, but you must admit that it is better than the alternatives.”

Bright Wing nodded slowly, her gaze falling on Ariel.

“You may proceed with the treatment,” whispered the griffon after a few seconds of silence.

Zecora and Fluttershy moved the other infested pony into the open pit, gently setting her down so just her head bobbed above the liquid. The pair lingered for a moment before being waved away by Spike, who stayed close, silently watching Bright Wing.

“I was readying for my final flight when I met her,” Bright Wing stated suddenly. “Purpose was a balm my wounded heart desperately needed.”

“Apology accepted,” Spike replied.

Bright Wing frowned. “A griffon does not apologize for defending what is hers.”

“Apology not accepted then,” Spike corrected.

Bright Wing chuckled. “I will be staying at the base. I know your queen offered me a bed here, but this is not my place, nor my people.”

“I’ll have someone contact you the moment she’s been cleared for visitors,” Spike offered.

“See to it that you do,” Bright Wing declared.

The griffon then turned and walked away, not once looking back at her partner or any of the other zerg. Spike watched her go before squatting low and peering intently at the infested mare bobbing in the pool. Her eyes were closed, but Spike could feel that her mind was stirring lethargically within the shared mindscape.

She loves you quite a bit, you know, Spike thought.

Ariel twitched once.

Rest now. The less you resist the pool, the faster it works, Spike explained.

For a moment Spike wasn't totally certain if the pony had received his message. Then she relaxed completely, and a small smile crossed her face.

Now confident that his work there was done, at least for the moment, Spike stood back up. With a bit more confidence in his step, he walked back into the courtyard and over to the small side building. Within he saw a dozen other zerg waiting, as well as Fluttershy and Zecora.

“I’m g-glad that y-y-you were able to help,” Fluttershy whispered.

“I knew someone like her when I was younger, it wasn't difficult to convince her to relax,” Spike replied.

The griffon was too emotional to make a rational decision, Zecora added. She should have excused herself earlier.

“True, but we got there in the end, right?” Spike retorted, bumping his hip against the robed zebra hybrid.

Zecora grumbled, her facial tentacles twitching in disgust.

A moment later, a large flesh-covered mass of steel appeared before them, lifted into position by a series of chitinous chains that went up into the ceiling. Everyone present dutifully assembled on the lift, spacing themselves out just enough to not overload the thing with their weight. The moment they were in position, the lift started to descend, no button having been pressed or command issued.

In silence, they disappeared into the dark, the lift stopping occasionally to let several zerg off before continuing on. By the time they reached the bottom of the vault, the walls were completely covered in creep, the mass pulsing every few seconds. The last group departed, with the two remaining hydralisks taking position next to the open vault door.

Fluttershy, Zecora, and Spike passed them by, before making their way into what had been the command center. There the creep was completely absent, the ever-present fleshy substance having given the area a wide berth. There waited a single hunched minotaur, her back turned to the group as she peered intently at a computer tower.

“No, but that would be…” Tiny murmured to herself, pausing to take a bite of her sandwich.

“Weren't you supposed to stop at Jetstream’s command center to get a thorough physical inspection?” Spike loudly proclaimed.

Tiny leaped into the air and spun around, her wide eyes narrowing slightly when they landed on the trio. “By my ancestor’s bones. You scared me half to death!” Tiny proclaimed, a hand going to the spot over her chest.

“You didn't even take a shower,” Spike pointed out.

“This place smells worse than I could ever hope to get,” Tiny retorted. “Besides. I figure if my health goes south, you can just infest me.”

I agree with the biped. Let's infest her, Zecora eagerly declared.

“I m-mean, it w-w-would speed things up,” Fluttershy murmured.

“We are not doing that. At least not yet,” Spike retorted, stepping forward. “But seriously. You should at least go to sleep or something. This can't be healthy.”

“Can't,” Tiny declared, hoofed foot tapping rapidly. “Endocrine system is in overload after being in a coma for so long. Feels like I drank a quadruple espresso and injected some of that illegal stimulant the Combine guys made by the fifty-gallon drum. Speaking of which-”

“No, we do not have any more of that stuff,” Spike interrupted.

Tiny snapped her fingers. “Damn. I was not looking forward to withdrawal.”

If infested, we could simply flush her system of toxins. I could even do so myself, Zecora offered.

Spike sighed and ran a hand down his face. “It's her choice. Just give it a day at least.”

If you insist, Zecora muttered.

“Anywho,” Tiny began, turning around and jabbing a finger into one of the computers. “You got some serious issues here, bossman. Like, I am going to need a team, a truckload of parts, and a month before I’ll be able to get anything useful out of this mess.”

“But can it be salvaged? Is there any data or info even left?” Spike asked.

Tiny hummed and hawed. “I’m fairly certain there is. The real important stuff was shielded against EMPs, which also deflected most of the bullets.”

“Th-that's g-g-good,” Fluttershy offered.

“Also, this stuff is really freakin’ cool,” Tiny blurted out. “I mean, this tech isn't even on the black market yet. They musta made it specifically for this wicked vault thing they made.”

“Yes, it's all very advanced, but getting back on topic here. I was hoping to do a thorough physical examination. Preferably before you collapse,” Spike offered.

“Yeah, just gimme an hour,” Tiny exclaimed, waving a hand in the air. “My brain should stop producing the go-go juice soon. Just gotta wait it out.”

Spike frowned, but after looking to Zecora and Fluttershy for help, he shrugged.

“Fine,” declared the dragon. “But I want you two to remain nearby in case she keels over,” Spike stated, jerking a thumb in Tiny’s direction.

“S-sure,” Fluttershy whispered.

That is acceptable, Zecora added. Though I demand that Applejack join us. For security purposes.

Spike raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I never thought you would ask, but sure. I’ll arrange it.”

Thank you, Zecora offered.

Spike glanced to Fluttershy, who shrugged, clearly as confused as Spike. The dragon then turned and left, his mind awhirl with plans and possibilities. With so much work before him, he was certain that there wouldn't be a free moment available for at least a day.

Such a monumental task might have overwhelmed him not long ago, but now it merely energized the dragon.

“Right then, let's get to it,” he declared.

Not far from where Fluttershy and Spike spoke, Tiny was buried shoulder deep in a mass of wires and computer parts, an annoyed expression on her face.

“Where did I put that screwdriver?” Tiny muttered.

“Here it is,” offered a voice.

“Oh, thanks,” Tiny replied, taking the tool offered to her on an orangy hoof.

Several turns of the rod later, the minotaur paused, pulled her head from the device, and looked down. To see that there sat a small orange zergling filly, a bright cheerful smile on her face and a belt of tools around her midsection.

“Huh. So are you my assistant?” Tiny asked.

“I guess so,” Scootaloo answered.

“Neat,” Tiny muttered. “Hand me that wire stripper while you’re at it.”

Scootaloo grinned. “Sure thing, bosslady!”

Author's Note

With Friends Like These

Twilight groggily awoke from her rest, hooves flailing as she struggled to figure out which way was up. A sudden and mercifully short trip to the floor later, she had gained a small modicum of spatial awareness. That did not, however, clear up the overpowering fog that clung to the inside of her head and made the world seem weirdly opaque.

“What fucking year is it?” Twilight muttered aloud.

Rubbing her head with a hoof, the mare blinked and looked down to find that it was the same biomechanical shell she had fallen asleep in. The sight of her leg prompted her brain to begin firing on all cylinders once more, and the infested shook her head. After one final grunt of exertion, she clambered into a stand and looked around.

It took another moment for the reality of her situation to really hit her as the dream she had just left continued to plague her. She remembered her mother before the fights, her father before the stress, and young baby Spike before he could utter a word. It was peaceful, serene even, and she almost wished she could stay in that moment and just enjoy the quiet of it all.

“Gotta get back to it,” Twilight Sparkle muttered to herself.

Focusing herself once more, Twilight explored the hive mind, intent on locating some coffee, only to find more than that. Many, many new individuals had been added to the network, and those recently infested individuals were suffering. The others were doing what they could, but there were simply too many of them, and no one knew how to handle it all.

Twilight, you're awake. Thank goodness, Spike exclaimed, his voice clearly audible in Twilight's mind. We’ve healed all the new arrivals, but the ponies are panicking, and it doesn't look good.

Bring them out into the courtyard, and I’ll speak to them myself, Twilight replied.

The dragon seemed ready to argue, but held back and hurriedly began completing Twilight's command. The unicorn herself took her time and looked around the room, locating a pot near the door which had some fresh water in it. A bit more scrounging, and Twilight had made a rather unpleasant, but serviceable pitcher of coffee.

As she began to chuck the deep brown liquid, she made her way outside and through the central structure. The many zerg that now called the place home were quick to avoid the mare, giving the infested a wide berth. Twilight paid them little heed and continued on to her destination, stopping only once to put the empty pot on a table.

By the time she stepped outside and looked around, nearly two hundred recently infested stood before her. The majority of them were ponies, but there was a scattering of other races present, such as minotaurs and griffons. They were quickly quieted by the other members of Twilight's swarm, though mainly Zecora who was less than polite in her demand for silence.

Twilight took a moment to locate a spare supply crate and dragged it over to herself, then stood atop it. From there she could gaze out at the gathered throng with relative ease, scanning their worried and confused faces. A cursory scan of the hive mind told Twilight that the majority didn't even know what had happened to them. A small percentage were so far gone from the rapid and haphazard process that they stared emptily ahead, barely thinking anything.

“Greetings, all,” Twilight began. “As you may have noticed, your life has recently changed and taken a much different direction.”

She paused and looked over the crowd to find that a collection of zerg had surrounded the infested. Twilight wanted to dismiss them but decided to keep them there for the moment, at least until the panic died down.

“A cruel and unfeeling entity has taken much from you, but rest assured they have been dealt with. Permanently,” Twilight continued. “Though they are dead and buried, you will carry their sins with you.”

Twilight noticed that the confusion remained prevalent despite her continued explanation.

“Perhaps I am being a bit too obtuse,” Twilight muttered before clearing her throat. “You all have been infested against your will and used as cannon fodder in an attempt to slaughter or convert your neighbors.”

She held up a hoof, stopping the wave of questions she could feel building in the hive mind.

“No, you are no longer slaves. Yes, I can help you, but no, you cannot go back to your old lives,” Twilight quickly rattled off. “I can remove the majority of the physical signs of your infestation but there will be a part of you that will forever be zerg. By having your mind linked to my network, you are able to live without the fear of having your will stolen from you again.”

That seemed to calm most, but a simmering anger and directionless fury remained.

“You will now be grouped according to the level of your infestation and needs. We will then spend the rest of today attempting to remedy the worst of those amongst you,” Twilight finished. “Now then, any questions?”

“Why can I hear you in my head?” shouted a voice.

“Because you're a part of the hive mind. Next,” Twilight replied.

“Do I get a say in this?” demanded a griffon.

“Yes, and no,” Twilight began again. “Your connection to the hive mind may be severed, but it is not a pleasant process, and it would leave you vulnerable. Any particularly large or advanced zerg could make slaves of you with ease. By remaining with me, you shield yourself against that possibility.”

“And if we still don't want to be here?” pressed the same griffon from earlier.

“Then it is likely you will be imprisoned by your former government,” Twilight stated with an apologetic shrug. “You will be easily taken over, which makes you a dangerous liability and massive security hazard. Those in power will probably view your presence as a risk they aren't willing to take.”

The crowd was silent, and Twilight could feel that the true weight of their predicament weighed upon them. Even those who had already known and accepted what had happened found themselves struck by the moment. Their old lives were effectively over, and now their choice was to go to prison, remain where they were, or test their luck with the wasteland.

“I promise that we will get as much of your old life back as possible,” Twilight pressed. “After you have been cleared for visitation, we will start doing trips back to your home city. You will be given room, board, and the opportunity to avoid fighting. I will still require some assistance maintaining the base and growing food, but other than that, you will want for nothing.”

“What if we want to fight against the people who did this to us?” asked a rather large minotaur with a single unbroken horn.

“Then you will be trained and given the opportunity to get whatever modicum of revenge you may seek,” Twilight answered. “Though if you go down that path, you will be expected to work as a group and under my direction.”

Quiet reigned once more, though within the hive mind it was anything but silent.

“I will teach you to cut yourself off from others so you may keep your thoughts a secret,” Twilight answered. “And yes, I will likely be able to help even the most far gone of you. To prove my point, I will do so with one of you.”

Bring Ariel to me, Twilight ordered.

A short shuffle later, the mare was trundling awkwardly up to the impromptu stage being built at the front of the keep. A few more boxes had been assembled by the time Ariel reached the front, her warped spine and haphazard infestation weighing her down. Now a little closer, Twilight noticed that her gaze was slightly empty and her movements jerky.

“Ariel Hanson. Your infestation was rushed, and I can feel that you no longer have the ability to speak,” Twilight began.

Ariel groaned, though, in her mind, she spoke clear and true, My voice box has been damaged it seems, as has my locomotion.

You are handling this well, Twilight pointed out.

I believe as though I am still in shock. The strangeness of it all has left me in an almost dissociative state, Ariel replied.

Twilight lit her horn and levitated the mare up onto the pile of boxes so the crowd could see her from their position. They were greeted by the sight of a pony severely warped by the infestation process, one who struggled to stand upright and was weighed down by her new limbs. They could also feel how hard it was to breathe, and how uncomfortable the entire experience was to her.

Channeling her newly renewed well of psionic and magical power, Twilight began the arduous process of removing most of the newly grown extremities. In the following half hour, nearly every bit of altered flesh was removed or changed back to the way it had been. The internal modifications were relatively quick, though at their end the pony’s eyes suddenly began glowing orange.

“Well, that's odd,” Twilight muttered.

“What is?” Ariel gasped and clutched her face. “I can talk.”

“You should be able to move around much easier,” Twilight added.

Ariel nodded mutely and began to trot back and forth, pausing briefly to glance down at the extra limbs cut from her body. Then she ignored them and simply enjoyed the fact that she could move around without the process being a struggle. She caught her reflection in a window and eyed it hesitantly, paying close attention to her face.

“That is slightly unnerving, but not unpleasant,” Ariel muttered.

“I’m not sure why that happened,” Twilight remarked. “I might be able to fix it though.”

“Don't bother. There are others far more in need than I,” Ariel replied.

“Well, alright then. Your partner is waiting for you in the command center just up the hill, by the way,” Twilight pointed out.

“Thank you, Queen Twilight,” Ariel exclaimed, bowing slightly. “I will return shortly.”

“Take your time,” Twilight offered as the other mare trotted hastily out of the base.

Twilight paused and glanced out over the gathered crowd, noting that their anger had turned to hope. That rage still burned, but it was deeper and was belied by a yearning to obtain a modicum of what they had lost.

“Now then.” Twilight clopped her hooves together. “Let's start with those with damaged mental faculties.”

An orderly line quickly formed, and the panic faded completely, leaving a surprisingly unchoatic hive mind. Immediately Twilight began to work, with Fluttershy and Zecora joining soon after, assisting as best they could. While she went about giving a pony back the ability to see past a chitinous mask of twisted flesh, Twilight’s thoughts wandered.

She couldn't help but realize how profoundly powerful she felt, at least when it came to her own mental powers. She had always been a powerful psionic, but now she felt that she had much finer control within the hive mind. She could feel the various minds now linked to her own, and soon summarized that they were aiding her somehow.

The weight of numbers gave her a strength she hadn't known she’d been missing until then. Though not quite the psionic training she had hoped for, it would be enough to shore up her mental defenses. At least until she could obtain some better training and experience.

I just hope it's enough, Twilight thought to herself.

Twilight wiped the sweat from her brow and sat down on one of the boxes. Exhaustion weighed heavily on her shoulders, but for a moment there was a bit of relief from the burden. Then the wood gave out, and the infested pony was laying in a pile of MREs with two creatures staring down at her.

“Are you okay?” Fluttershy whispered.

I didn't even know we had any of those around here, Zecora added, plucking one of the MREs from the ground with a tentacle.

“I’m fine, and me neither,” Twilight murmured, pulling herself from the destroyed crate. “We should have time to do a full inventory though.”

The job could perhaps be delegated to a few of the newly infested. I believe several warehouse workers were recently brought into the fold, Zecora added.

“Possible,” Twilight agreed. “Though I think I’ll leave that job to Spike. In the meantime, I want to see about assembling a tech crew for Tiny. She is going to need a lot of help to get those computers working again.”

“I’ll l-leave you t-t-to it then,” Fluttershy muttered.

“You two can do whatever you like, though I’d ask you to keep a close eye on the newly infested. I don't want anyone panicking or trying to run off into the badlands,” Twilight exclaimed.

I believe you have them properly cowed after you yelled at that one minotaur, what was his name again? Steve? Zecora half asked, half stated.

Twilight groaned. “Don't even get me started on that moron. The entire time I was yelling at him, he was imagining me performing fellatio upon him, and everyone else knew it. I have half a mind just to cut him off and let him wander.”

“W-well, I think that was v-v-very nice of you,” Fluttershy added.

I still think he should be flayed for his insolence, Zecora declared.

“I won't rule that out,” Twilight muttered, pausing to clear her throat. “But that is neither here nor there, and I was hoping to speak to Fluttershy about our little project.”

“Oh, um, of g-growing our t-t-troops, you mean,” Fluttershy murmured.

“Yes,” Twilight replied. “I knew we required additional genetic samples and far more essence, but I believe we have a fair base to work from now.”

“W-we d-d-do, but only for z-zerglings,” Fluttershy offered, wincing prematurely. “We have y-yet to c-c-come across any z-zerg buildings.”

“And the information I gathered from the other world?” Twilight asked.

Interesting, but difficult to use, as you expected, Zecora picked up. Their proteins are wildly different, and the minerals necessary to reconstruct them don't exist in this reality. Furthermore, they were already damaged in some way, likely during hibernation.

“That explains why they were all so weak,” Twilight offered, tapping her chin. “It felt like they should be able to shrug off one of the confederacy’s new gauss rifles, but they could barely take a fireball.”

“It will t-take some t-t-time and many s-s-samples before we can c-c-continue,” Fluttershy concluded. “I am s-sorry, my queen. I know I p-p-promised so much m-m-m-”

“It's alright,” Twilight interrupted. “I assumed more complications would arise when it came time to actually begin reproducing what you’ve designed. That being said, I love how you adapted the spawning pool to double as a sort of hospital.”

“Oh, um, th-thank you, my q-queen,” Fluttershy whispered, ducking into a quick bow. “It was already c-close, so it didn't t-t-take much adjustment.”

It was actually a considerable amount of work, Zecora remarked.

Fluttershy pouted. “You weren't supposed to tell her that.”

“Regardless,” Twilight began. “Do you think we could perhaps retrofit the existing zerglings into the worker hybrids you designed?”

“Possible,” Fluttershy muttered, her face downtrodden. “Existing design contains superfluous armor that could be reabsorbed to further fuel our alterations. Yes, that's very possible.”

Twilight nodded. “Then get to it. Also, how goes the construction of the burrowing tentacles? I assume they’ve begun to gather resources.”

“They have,” Fluttershy answered. “As you commanded, the majority of our initial supplies went to securing additional minerals. Though this has left us undefended, it has returned a bounty of raw resources.”

We require additional organic matter, however, Zecora added. Thanks to your inadvertent discovery in Canterlot, we could even use sewage to replace our requirement for organic matter.

“Possible,” Twilight muttered. “Though not exactly enticing. Could we perhaps cannibalize the hydralisks we’ve acquired in order to speed up the design of the new strain?”

Fluttershy’s eyes went wide, and her three-fingered hands tapped excitedly. “Oh, yes. That would greatly assist me. The genetic information you delivered was expansive but incomplete.”

“And those miniature ultralisks we captured?” Twilight asked.

“Rudimentary, defective,” Fluttershy declared. “Suggest reprocessing biomass. Current combat effectiveness, subpar.”

“An acceptable solution,” Twilight reasoned. “Though I am saddened that we can't make our own. They can be truly impressive fighters if only we could perfect them.”

If we could locate and capture a pure strain ultralisk, we could construct our own version relatively quickly, Zecora offered.

Twilight tsked. “Yeah, that likely won't happen any time soon. Even the nameless queen hasn't seemed to nail down their design.” Twilight cleared her throat. “Regardless, I’ll have more organic matter delivered soon. Until then, make do with what you have.”

Fluttershy bowed slightly. “I’ll have the zerglings reformatted very soon, my queen.”

“Good. Zecora will assist you,” Twilight declared.

Zecora bowed alongside the other infested. It shall be done.

Twilight nodded once more before trotting away, her mind wandering to the many other plans she had in motion. So many concerns, so many ideas, so many warring desires all playing out within her expanding hive mind. Thankfully there were very few negative emotions there, and in fact, a burgeoning well of hope had popped up relatively recently.

This is so weird, but I feel so good. I think my bad shoulder got fixed.

I can run again. I can't believe I can run again.

You know, this who everyone having glowing eyes thing is kinda cool. I wonder if I’ll finally be able to get a boyfriend now.

I don't know how, but Stiff Breeze really pulls off the glowing orange eyes look. I should totally ask her out.

It feels so nice to have purpose again.

Twilight smiled, and though she took note of the negative thoughts, she also noticed that they were in the minority. A few wanted to go home, a few raged directionlessly, and several had completely succumbed to loss.

I should hire a few therapists, Twilight remarked to herself.

A sudden buzz from her wrist drew Twilight from her musings, and she tapped the device once. “This is Twilight,” she declared.

“And this is Tiny,” replied the familiar, slightly staticy voice through the radio. “And before you ask, no, I haven't gotten anything working, and yes, I’m okay now.”

“Good, then why did you contact me?” Twilight inquired.

“We just got hooked up to the confederate net, and I found something uh… distressing,” Tiny answered.

“Explain,” Twilight demanded.

“It's probably best that you just come down here,” Tiny offered.

Twilight sighed. “I’m on my way.”

“What is it?” Twilight demanded.

Tiny didn't look up from the sole computer she had managed to get working amidst the mostly junked bunker. A few other technically minded infested were working nearby, along with Scootaloo who sat on the floor next to Tiny. The minotaur tapped the keyboard and clicked on something before stopping and craning her head back around.

“This is something I picked up this morning,” Tiny began. “Seems like someone spliced together a bunch of security videos and some helmet cam footage to make things look rather… incorrect.”

Twilight blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“Here, I’ll show you. But be warned, it gets kinda gruesome,” Tiny replied.

The minotaur then turned back around and clicked once more, activating a video displayed on the sole operational monitor. Immediately the sights and sounds of battle filled the room and Twilight was met with what looked like the fight after her return from Sandholme. Only it was being portrayed from strange angles, and with a voiceover from a computer-like voice.

“The confederate attack zerg brutally put down this minor worker strike and killed or infested nearly everyone present,” declared the androgynous voice. “Watch as this once peaceful town is turned into a charnel house all because a few farmers wanted better hours.”

The way the footage was put together made it appear as though Twilight and her forces had been assaulting the town. It also added in bits of footage from Sandholme, which when combined made the comparison plausible. Though the footage was amateurish in some places or shaky, it was undeniably effective in its aim.

“What, but we didn't do any of that!” Twilight exclaimed. “Well, I mean, we did, but, augh, I can't believe this! We saved that town!”

“Hey, I believe you,” Tiny offered. “And most folk seem to as well, but the confederate censors can't seem to stamp it out fast enough. Whoever is—Hold on, listen to this.”

Twilight gritted her teeth and watched as the scene changed, and they were greeted by a street filled with stasis fields. Inside were the numerous infested zerg captured during the battle, though the details were difficult to make out. The glow of the spell obscured what exactly was being transported, as only vaguely equine shapes were visible.

“And for a job well done, your confederate overlords granted their pet zerg a boon. Your own population, served up to them to be eaten, or worse, infested,” declared the robotic voice.

The next minute or so of the video showed the long process of Twilight loading the trucks and APCs with stasis-fielded individuals. Then just as the camera was about to pan over to the unconscious people nearby, it cut off, replacing everything with a slowly turning logo of the Daughters of Ironhall, accompanied by the sound of an orchestra.

Twilight ground her teeth together with such fervor that the noise was audible clear across the room. “Those lying, sniveling little worms will regret besmirching my name,” Twilight declared in a low tone. “If I catch who is responsible for such drivel, I will turn them inside out.”

“Well, it doesn't seem to have much reach at the moment,” Tiny remarked. “Really only had to check out the more lawless area of the net to find it.”

“That is… good,” Twilight muttered. “I will have to contact the brass and see if there isn't something we could do.”

“You do that, boss lady,” Tiny added.

Scootaloo placed a hoof on the larger infested’s leg. “Don't worry. I know you wouldn't do that.”

Twilight smiled and gently hugged the filly. “Thank you, Scootaloo. Would you mind staying here and helping? I’m going to make a call.”

“You got it, my queen!” Scootaloo proclaimed, snapping off a quick salute.

Twilight smiled before turning and leaving.

“I can't believe they’d try winding people up over nothing. I saved that damn town,” Twilight muttered to herself as she moved the various mechanical components into place.

Her new command room had begun to shape up in her absence, with any last remnant of its former owner having been stripped. A few other pieces of furniture had been brought in, and a coffee machine had been added, along with some seating. It was far from done, but once she got the long-distance communication device working, it would at least be functional.

“There we are,” Twilight murmured.

With a click, she managed to get the final part in place, completing the small personal holographic display. She was about to try turning it on when she realized she had no idea how to do that. Though thankfully someone who did was already en route and arrived a few moments after Twilight had begun poking every button possible.

“Need a hand?” Spike offered.

“Oh, Spike, yes I do. How did you-” Twilight sighed. “I probably wasn't exactly being quiet about my irritation, was I?”

Spike chuckled and tapped the side of his head. “You were practically screaming up here, so no. You know you can ask for help, right?”

“I was kind of hoping to use this opportunity to learn for myself and take it apart, but I lost my patience.” Twilight sighed. “Oh, how much I’ve changed.”

“And not just because your skin has been replaced by a biomechanical carapace,” Spike added, rapping a thick knuckle on the pony’s shoulder.

“True,” Twilight admitted.

Spike smiled and stepped past her, tapping a few keys in rapid succession.

“Since when did you get so good at this?” Twilight asked when the screen flickered to life a moment later.

“I didn't have a lot to do when you were gone, save micromanaging everyone that stayed behind,” Spike replied. “So I figured I’d shore up our knowledge a little. Go ahead and take a look.”

Twilight closed her eyes and brushed against Spike’s mind, taking in his recent experiences.

“Oh wow,” Twilight murmured. “You have been quite diligent. Great work.”

“Heh, thanks mom,” Spike remarked. “Just doing my part as your number two.”

“Honestly, I don't know what I’d do without you,” Twilight admitted. “Please, don't ever think we don't appreciate what you do around here.”

“I would be hard-pressed to do so considering how easily I can read your mind,” Spike replied, pausing for a moment as the table whirred. “Ahh, there we go. I inputted all your command codes so you should be able to connect to the secure channels now.”

“Yes, I’m seeing it all now,” Twilight murmured, her eyes closing briefly as she skimmed the information Spike had already taken in. “Hopefully I can get some kind of explanation for how that trash is allowed to be disseminated on the net.”

Spike chuckled. “You’re worrying too much. No one who matters believes that garbage, and those who do, don't matter.”

“Still. It's this kind of disinformation that could significantly hamper our future missions,” Twilight retorted.

Spike shrugged. “If ya say so.”

“Right, now to call—Wait. What's that?” Twilight murmured, glancing down at the flashing red light on the edge of the table.

“You have a high-priority call from command on a command channel,” Spike answered. “Best answer it quickly.”

Twilight nodded and hit the indicated button, prompting the head of a seemingly random royal guard to appear above the table. Their identity was hidden by the protective enchantment they all wore, the pony seemed at once familiar and altogether different. They smiled faintly upon locking eyes with Twilight, their grin genuine, yet restrained.

“Greetings, royal student and ward of the crown,” began the guard. “I hope you both are doing well this evening.”

“We are. Why are you calling exactly? You wouldn't happen to have updates on Celestia’s condition, would you?” Twilight immediately pressed.

“I do in fact, though before I transfer you to the pony authorized to give you such information, I have been informed you must swear yourself to secrecy,” stated the guard in a neutral but still serious tone.

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. “I swear that nothing said or seen here will leave this room. Spike, is there any way for someone to spy on us?”

“Not that I’m aware. I swept the room for bugs before we moved anything in here,” Spike answered.

“Good,” declared the royal guard. “Then I will transfer you immediately.”

Without a second spared, the guard’s face vanished and was replaced by what looked like a metal copy of Celestia’s. The copy was nearly perfect, so much so that if it weren't for the bundles of wires emerging from the back, it would appear lifelike. The many cords and wires snaked off out of sight, their thick gold connectors covering where Celestia’s mane would be.

“It can't be…” Twilight trailed off, her gaze immediately grabbed by the stranger’s eyes.

Though surrounded in metal, with even the eyelids having been replaced by metal the color of polished brass, they stuck out as organic. Those bright pink orbs contained all the kindness and gentle mirth that Twilight had seen a million times in her mentor. The second this clicked in Twilight's mind, she knew that the gold and brass robot before her was indeed-

“Celestia!” Spike proclaimed.

The metal pony chuckled in that same soft, almost teasing way that Celestia was known for. Though a mechanical hint slightly marred the tone, there was no mistaking it for anyone else's laugh.

“It is good to see you both are still in one piece, even if I am not,” Celestia replied, raising a metallic forehoof and waving at the pair.

“Were they not able to save your forelegs or wings?” Twilight asked, craning her neck in a desperate attempt to see more of the image.

Celestia nodded slightly, the many wires extending from her scalp limiting her movement. “They have indeed managed to save them, though I have chosen to hide this fact.”

“What, why?” Spike asked.

“That would require some explanation, though I’d like to catch up a bit first,” Celestia replied. “Please, tell me what you have been up to. Have you been on any more daring adventures? Oh, what am I saying, of course you have.”

“You don't know the half of it,” Twilight remarked. “Between going to another dimension, fighting an infested changeling, and meeting my evil copy, I’ve been busy.”

“It sure sounds like it,” Celestia remarked. “Please, go on. I’ve got all night for you, my faithful student.”

“You have no idea how nice it is to hear you say that,” Twilight murmured.

“Everyone around here either calls her boss or queen,” Spike added.

Twilight groaned. “I don't even bother asking them to use my name anymore because I know they won't.”

“Queen, that's quite the step up. I know you mentioned that before, but I can tell you aren't quite as put off by the title as you were the last time,” Celestia pointed out.

“Yeah. It's grown on me, I’ll admit,” Twilight murmured.

“So, start with this other world. I assume you found the mirrors I left for you,” Celestia offered.

“Oh yeah, but unless you planned on me playing a pivotal part in saving this other world, then I’d say that something didn’t happen as you assumed it would,” Twilight exclaimed.

Celestia made a soft, machine-like hum. “I foresaw that it was a possibility, but that was it. Our worlds do enjoy mirroring certain important events, though they rarely turn out the same.”

“Did you foresee that their world would nearly fall to the zerg, and that my alternate universe copy would be the cause?” Twilight questioned.

“It was a possibility I considered, but it was an unlikely one. That world’s problems were always so small, so localized that I assumed the zerg would be dealt within a half hour of arrival,” Celestia exclaimed.

Twilight released a short, bark of a laugh. “I wish. Alright, so it all started when-”

“So much has changed, you have changed,” Celestia exclaimed.

“I’m not the only one who's changed,” Twilight pointed out.

Celestia sighed, the noise coming out like the mechanical hiss of an overworked engine. “I suppose not,” she remarked, lifting a mechanical leg and extending one of her steel-clad wings. “Though our forms alter, our minds remain unaltered and absolute, even still.”

“Are you, uh, sure about that?” Spike asked, raising a finger. “You seem kind of distracted at times, and there are whole lotta wires sticking out of your head.”

Celestia chuckled, dark and mirthless. “I remain the master of my mind, though I must apologize as my attention is currently, split.”

“Split?” Twilight stepped forward. “Does this have to do with hiding your remaining biological parts?”

“It does,” Celestia admitted. “The story is a long one, but to summarize, things got rather out of hoof when they were attempting to heal the damage done to my brain.”

“You had lost a lot of blood,” Spike muttered.

Celestia nodded slightly. “I had indeed. But that was merely the precipitating factor that led to my current form. For you see, in my doctor’s rush to save me, they created an experimental bridge between a newly completed, but blank supercomputer. The intention was to create a back-up or copy of me in case my biological components could not be saved.”

“So, you're not really Celestia?” Twilight asked somewhat hesitantly.

Celestia paused, and after a brief moment of stillness, a series of bright gold lines emerged all across her face and chest. These parts shifted and pulled back to reveal that beneath them was the same motherly face that Twilight recognized. Only now they sported deep pulsing lines and numerous scars that crisscrossed every inch of Celestia’s features.

“I am indeed Celestia, as you can see,” Celestia replied, turning her head this way and that. “Though I am also more.”

The plates receded, slipping seamlessly together and reforming into the perfect metal facade once more.

“The copy was not required, though the databanks destined to carry a part of me did not end up unused,” Celestia continued. “For as you both know, an alicorn’s regeneration is not purely physical, but also magical.”

“I’m not sure I understand,” Spike muttered.

Celestia paused. “Perhaps some numbers will help. I am having three hundred and thirty-one other conversations at this very moment. I am connected to thirty thousand nine hundred and twenty-six devices and see the stars from nearly fifty thousand new eyes.”

“You’re… part-machine now,” Twilight murmured. “Your mind expanded into the available space, like magic does when isolated in an empty container.”

“Precisely,” Celestia agreed. “My working theory is that with half of my body removed, my magic went into overdrive attempting to rebuild what it could.”

“So now you’re… what? A computer assistant?” Spike asked, only to chuckle. “Oh, Raven would be laughing her butt off right now.”

Celestia laughed. “You are partially correct. I assist the confederacy as an adjunct while pretending to be nothing more than a simple machine codenamed Sol.”

“That's…” Twilight shook her head. “A lot to take in.”

“It has been quite the learning curve for me as well, but as you know, I am nothing if not an excellent multitasker,” Celestia exclaimed, flashing the infested a wink.

“No kidding, you must have a lot on your plate,” Spike remarked.

“I do,” Celestia admitted. “But at least now no matter how much I must do in a day, I will always have time for my student and her son.”

“That’s nice,” Twilight paused and smiled. “When can we see you in the flesh, er, metal?”

“Soon,” Celestia promised. “And until then, we may video call as much as you’d like. In fact, I believe with a little alteration, your suit could be used to connect directly to my secure channel.”

Twilight's already glowing eyes little up even brighter. “Really? That would be… very convenient.”

“Indeed, though my processes would be limited due to the narrowness of the bandwidth, I’d still be with you,” Celestia proclaimed.

“I’m assuming a tech would be able to do that?” Spike asked.

“I have already scanned you and sent schematics to the head of your technology division. I believe her name was… lower case x, capital x, lower case x, one three three seven haxor, ninety-nine, lower case x, capital x, lower case x,” Celestia exclaimed, the mare half giggling the entire time.

Twilight groaned. “Please tell me Tiny didn't make that her official designation.”

“Oh, she didn't, but it's official now,” Celestia declared.

Spike chuckled. “That is so funny.”

“I’m going to go have a serious discussion with Tiny. Can we pick this back up later?” Twilight asked, gesturing vaguely at Celestia.

“Of course,” replied the alicorn. “But before you go, I should also let you know that I sent over schematics for my personal long-distance teleportation rune.”

Twilight's eyes went wide. “Really? That would be a huge help.”

“I am unsure if sharing it with the confederacy would be a good idea, but I can trust this knowledge with you at least,” Celestia stated. “I’ve also done a few alterations to the base formula which I think you’ll find interesting.”

“Come on, Spike. Let's get down there immediately,” Twilight commanded.

“Err, right away. Thanks for telling us all that. It was good to see you’re okay!” Spike called while being dragged out of the room.

“Yeah, great to see, love you, got stuff to do now!” Twilight shouted.

Celestia chuckled. “Have fun, you two, try not to work too hard! Love you!”

“We won't!”

Author's Note

Brothers In Arms

Twilight rose from her bed in a robot-like state, her mind already running through her day planner before her hooves hit the ground. She mentally reached out and set her coffee to brew without even looking while at the same time blearily stumbling across the room. Tapping the command panel, the infested cycled through the various reports sent her way, marking each one as read when she was done.

“I don't care how much coal is being extracted from the area or how your rollout of new farming equipment is doing,” Twilight muttered to herself. “Pass, pass, pass. Oh, what's this?”

She paused and poured herself a cup of coffee, then sipped the dark beverage while she read.

“A combat mission to relieve the beleaguered forces of Mar Sara from zerg invaders. Local forces are stretched too thin to be of assistance,” Twilight muttered aloud. “This could be very interesting indeed. Full information has been sent to local command.”

The infested unicorn threw back her cup and swallowed its contents in a single gulp.

“Well then. It looks like we have a real opportunity on our hooves,” she muttered to noone. “I better get moving, and I also better stop talking to myself.”

Just a heads-up, but a few ex guards and soldiers are planning on surprising you with a proposal of theirs, Spike declared, his calm voice emanating from the back of Twilight's mind.

What manner of proposal? Twilight inquired.

You’ll see, Spike replied cryptically.

Twilight could press, demand the information, or simply obtain it herself by force, but decided not to. Spike assumed that she would find the entire event amusing, so she chose to trust the drake once again. Pushing that thought from her mind for the moment, Twilight trotted down to the main floor, noting the changes as she went.

The fleshy growths that marked the expanding creep were now visible all the way up to the second floor. There it divided the two segments of the building, the bottom which housed mostly full-blooded zerg and the top that had mostly infested staying there. This wasn't a hard and fast rule, but rather an unspoken law that noone really needed to formalize in any way.

Passing through those upper floors, Twilight took note of just how vibrant the small community was becoming. Families both new and old clustered together, turning ill used office spaces into new homes. The central area of these stories became one part nest, one part market where the various infested gathered.

Strip away all the extra limbs, glowing orange eyes, and frequency of pet zerglings, and it would resemble some apartment blocks. Only things were far more intimate, at least when it came to the feeling of community. True walls were rare, and doors rarer still. Noone seemed to mind just how open it was, and there were a sparse few who desired to change that.

Twilight waved and nodded on occasion, passing by the many smiling faces with a small amount of pride. That pride swelled when she reached the lower levels and was greeted by the many zerg nested there. Those infested who had taken to the more zerg-like qualities thrust upon them were found there. Lounging amidst piles of zerglings, hydralisks as well as other creatures, their eyes closed, but their minds active.

Within the hive mind the various creatures fought, played, were drilled, or simply recalled their previous lives. Though there was little discipline at the moment, there didn't need to be. The zerg required only a moment’s notice to return to full readiness. In the meantime, they enjoyed their downtime as much as their primitive animalistic minds could allow them.

Twilight paused, allowing the fleshy orifice that had replaced the main entrance to open. There on the other side stood a dozen or so infested of mixed race and gender. The only thing they had in common was that they were all more grizzled or worldly than the average creature.

“My queen,” greeted a one-horned minotaur whose name Twilight didn't bother to recall. “We hoped for a moment of your time.”

“Then you have it, so long as you walk while you talk,” Twilight replied.

The minotaur nodded, and together the group headed in the direction of the distant confederate outpost at the top of the ridge.

“This past week has shown us all that you are serious about your commitment to freedom and dignity. Furthermore, you have impressed us all with your military acumen and martial prowess,” continued the minotaur.

Twilight noted that the vast majority of the other followers nodded, grunted or otherwise voiced their agreement in some way.

“I know you said we would not be required to fight, but we wish to volunteer to do so,” offered the minotaur.

“We believe that a force of seemingly normal creatures would be beneficial to your operations,” added a unicorn from amidst the group.

Twilight nodded. “That it would. I assume you all have some kind of military background or previous training of some variety.”

“We do, and we’ve spent most of the last week drilling in secret so that we can work effectively as a group,” replied the minotaur.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and stopped. “So that's what you’ve all been doing these past few days. I just assumed that when you demanded privacy that you were having an orgy or something.”

The minotaur cackled, while the unicorn just blushed and looked away.

“Oh no, no. Though it's funny you should say that. I’m fairly certain I’ve seen more than a few of those break out recently,” remarked the minotaur.

“Yes, well. When you’ve shared in the intimacy of another’s mind, the intimacy of another’s pants is only a short hop away,” Twilight exclaimed, walking quickly once more.

“I suppose,” agreed the minotaur. “So, what do you think? I’ve got three squads at the moment, but I know that there are at least two more squads worth of potential recruits who are eager to fight.”

“I’ll requisition you better arms and armor immediately,” Twilight replied, stopping at the edge of the confederate territory and facing the minotaur. “What will you call your little makeshift platoon?”

“I was thinking the Fists of Dawn,” answered the minotaur. “Figured it was fitting, given everything.”

Twilight chuckled. “That it is. Consider it approved. Oh, and what is your name, soldier?”

The minotaur grinned and pounded a fist against his chest in a salute. “Sergeant Lock Jaw at your service, my queen.”

“And your second?” Twilight asked, glancing to the unicorn mare that had remained firmly attached to Lock Jaw’s side the entire walk over.

“Marching Orders,” answered the pony.

Twilight nodded. “Use whatever ammunition we were able to scrounge around the base to practice. No need to hold back, as we’ll be moving out relatively soon.”

“Yes, my queen,” Lock Jaw declared, turning to his gaggle of recruits and throwing up his arms. “You heard the bosslady, get to it!”

“Thanks, by the way,” added Marching Orders.

Twilight nodded and watched them go, paying close attention to the leaders of their little group. Lock Jaw was tall and broad-shouldered, but lithe, with a more dexterous, agile frame than most minotaurs. He also looked to be only a few years older than Twilight herself, with a soft, youthful face that hadn't quite faded with age. He wore a beaten up uniform of the local militia, one that had recently received a great number of new patches. Signs of infestation were limited, as he sported only claw-like nails and the signature glowing orange eyes like nearly everyone else.

Marching Orders was a little older, a little wiser, and a little more withdrawn than her more boisterous leader. She walked with the confidence and grace of a royal guard, her head held high despite her circumstances. The mare wore a flak jacket over a militia uniform, only this one had its name tag and rank removed.

“Note to self. Get to know those two more,” Twilight muttered to herself.

Twilight shook her head and continued on, passing the various guards posted outside the command center. Once inside, she deftly avoided the doctor who she knew wanted to ask her more questions, and made her way deeper. To where Twilight found Jetstream waiting for her, a curious eyebrow raised.

“You sure have been busy,” Jetstream exclaimed, taking a step back and clearing enough space for Twilight to join her near the command module. “I feel like given a few more days, you’ll spread beyond your initial walls.”

“Nah. We need additional biomass and resources,” Twilight replied. “Speaking of which, I have an eager group of recruits looking to be outfitted with more traditional arms and armor.”

“The group you were walking with earlier?” Jetstream questioned.

Twilight nodded.

“That could be arranged. Having a group that doesn't look quite so intimidating would be quite valuable, as you’ve no doubt already thought,” Jetstream remarked.

“My thoughts exactly,” Twilight agreed.

“I have some extra stored on base. I can loan that out to you for now and have custom suits sent over soon,” Jetstream leaned forward and tapped a few buttons on the console, bringing up a zoomed out image of a city as well as the surrounding area. “I assume you are here for the briefing?”

“I am,” Twilight answered.

“Good. It's as the report said. We’ve got a city under siege, and though holding, reinforcements are a long ways off,” Jetstream began.

Twilight nodded, leaning forward in order to get a better look at the tactical map before her. The city, which she recalled was named Mar Sara, sat nestled at the base of a mountain. Pressed tight into a defensible valley, it would likely be difficult to siege successfully, but impossible to retreat from.

On the way to the mining settlement, there were several smaller villages and outposts. All of whom sat on or near the large railroad that served as the primary transportation method for the area. These towns’ names were crossed out and were now sitting within a tide of green that went all the way up to Mar Sara’s walls.

“The brass is unbothered by the siege, given how difficult it would be to actually take the valley,” Jetstream continued. “That being said, so long as the siege continues, no new resources can be moved out of the city.”

“Which is where we come in,” Twilight picked up. “You want us to liberate these towns along the railroad and hopefully break the siege.”

“Exactly,” Jetstream replied, clopping her hooves together. “Once you’ve cut a path, we’ll send an armored transport through with enough supplies and technicians to bring their artillery online.”

“I was wondering why this was even an issue in the first place. A few well-placed guns on that mountain would turn that city into a fortress,” Twilight stated, tapping the point in emphasis.

“If the zerg had waited a day later, they would have found themselves at the mercy of the brand new artillery and likely wouldn't have even reached the gates in the first place,” Jetstream added.

“Interesting,” Twilight murmured.

“Right, so how you handle this is up to you, but we need that outpost and those two villages cleared of hostiles,” Jetstream stated. “You also have a small requisition budget if you’d like to request any transport or additional reinforcements.”

“I should be able to make due with what I have, though I’m wondering if you could send over a couple of dump trucks or other vehicles with a large carrying capacity,” Twilight inquired.

Jetstream raised an eyebrow. “And why would you want that?”

“Transporting troops and supplies,” Twilight answered.

“Hmmm, fine,” Jetstream declared, waving a dismissive hoof. “You aren't asking for tanks, aircraft or any other experimental weapons, so consider it done. Your heavy-duty equipment will be ready when you depart.”

“We should be able to start moving as early as this evening. Does that still fit your timetable?” Twilight pressed.

Jetstream nodded. “A local outpost has a ton of the things just sitting around collecting rust after a mine was destroyed by the zerg.”

“Well, that's convenient,” Twilight murmured.

“Now, was that everything?” Jetstream asked.

Twilight took a moment to observe the map once more, committing it firmly to memory. “Yes,” she replied. “I’ll begin mustering immediately.”

“See to it that you do,” Jetstream replied.

The commander nodded to Twilight and turned back to her display, inspecting it for herself.

Twilight trotted out of the confederate base in a haze, barely aware of the hustle and bustle of the soldiers. She walked past the newly built bunkers, barracks, and other structures without truly looking at any of them. For she was busy constructing plans and organizing troops within the confines of the hive mind.

By the time she reached her own base, it was abuzz with activity as well, with zerg scrambling in all directions. From humble zergling to captured hydralisk, they all gave Twilight a respectful berth as their queen made her way to the elevator. Taking it down to the bottom level, Twilight found that a slightly nervous Spike was already waiting for her.

“I was wondering,” Spike began.

“Yes, you can come along,” Twilight answered. “And yes, you will have troops under your command.”

Spike sighed. “You didn't even have to read my mind, did you?”

Twilight chuckled. “I only had to read your face.”

“Well, can you blame me? This place is already pretty well-defended, so it's not like you really need me sitting around twiddling my thumbs,” Spike offered.

“You would benefit greatly from commanding your own zerg,” Twilight stated. “I want you to be able to take over for me, should I become indisposed.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “I know I’m your number two, but you’ve never put it like that before. You aren't thinking about heading to another dimension again, are you?”

Twilight laughed aloud, this time more heartily. “I assure you that I plan to do no such thing. Nor do I plan to perish, become grievously injured, or take an unexpected vacation.”

“Ahh, well, that's good. I don't think we’ve been working for these guys long enough to get vacation days,” Spike added.

“True,” Twilight muttered.

The infested unicorn motioned for Spike to follow, and together they walked deeper into the facility. There, just beyond the command and control center where Tiny was still working, were the rest of Twilight's upper command. Fluttershy, Applejack, Zecora, and for some reason Scootaloo were all waiting eagerly for their queen’s arrival.

I sense much anticipation in you, my queen. We have a mission, Zecora reasoned.

“We do,” Twilight admitted. “I’ve compiled all the relevant information in the hive mind, but thought it best to discuss the details in person.”

“Like why we need Fluttershy on this one,” Applejack added, turning down to the smaller infested. “No offence.”

“N-none t-t-taken,” Fluttershy murmured.

“Given that the zerg forces have settled in for a siege, there is a good chance that they have also constructed buildings of their own,” Twilight began, beginning to pace in front of the others. “Meaning we will have a chance to gather the essence we require to further our own advancement.”

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up and surged forward, her small three fingered claws rubbing together excitedly. “You wish to capture additional specimens and to gather more biomass, correct?” Fluttershy inquired.

Twilight nodded. “We will assault each of these locations as one, then split into two groups. Group A will be the more offensive-minded of us, who will continue to push on while group B will remain behind to gather everything we need.”

“Oh, like candy!” Scootaloo offered. “We ran out of like everything that’s sweet a few days ago.”

“I’m sure we’ll find the time to raid a bakery,” Spike offered.

“Yes!” declared Scootaloo, pumping a hoof into the air.

“You will be happy to know that nearly half of your zerglings have been reprocessed and are ready for combat,” Fluttershy declared.

“Excellent,” Twilight stated. “We will have those who have yet to be changed serve as the tip of the spear. They will be supported by hydralisks as well as the infested who have volunteered to fight.”

Twilight turned and pointed at Applejack. “You will serve as Spike’s bodyguard. The rest of us will remain behind while Spike pushes on alone.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Applejack asked. “Not like I don't trust your judgement or think Spike’s a bad commander or nothing.”

“I trust Spike,” Twilight stated firmly. “We won't be far, and should he become overwhelmed, he can always retreat and regroup.”

“It is the most optimal use of our numbers,” Spike muttered, scratching his chin. “You alone could defend the gathering operation while I keep up the assault and ensure that we don't lose our momentum.”

“Any other questions?” Twilight asked, glancing about the room. “Good. You have three hours to gather the troops and supplies required.”

“Alright, you heard the bosslady, let's get moving,” Spike barked.

Twilight took a step back and merely watched as her underlings moved about their duties in a hasty, yet unhurried manner. They were all eager to prove themselves, none moreso than Spike, who was relishing this opportunity. Twilight noted the young dragon’s naked excitement, but did nothing to curb his enthusiasm. The battlefield would temper such desires where mere words would fail to quench the flames of want.

In fact, Twilight did nothing to aid her brood as they gathered themselves for the mission. She merely sat back and observed from atop the walls, studying their movements. As time passed, and her mental checklist of pointers and lessons began to grow long, things started to become more orderly.

Rows of troops, crates of supplies, and a small crowd of gawking infested had assembled in the fort’s interior. Noticing that they were all nearly ready, Twilight was about to radio Jetstream when the transports began to roll in. The larger APCs were accompanied by the massive dump trucks promised by Jetstream.

Without a word needing to be spoken, the troops piled into their waiting vehicles in an orderly fashion. Spike and Applejack went along with the infested soldiers, sitting on the bench closest to the driver compartment. The others clambered inside a moment later and found that their weapons and armor were waiting for them in the overhead supply area.

The rest of the rank and file of Twilight's army made due with what little room they had left. Her friends, minus Spike and Applejack, piled into another APC alongside a half dozen zerglings. The small animalistic creatures reacted surprisingly well to the cramped conditions, squeezing into whatever available space was left.

“It's a b-bit c-c-cramped,” Fluttershy murmured.

“It won't be on the way back,” Twilight replied.

Fluttershy fell silent, the grim reminder weighing heavily on her mind.

A minute later, the last zergling had scrambled into the back of the dump truck. The command was then given, and the force rolled out, making their way eastward. The journey took several hours, giving everyone ample opportunity to talk, meditate, or scrap with their fellow warriors. Twilight spent that time chatting with her friends as well as Celestia over the radio.

Spike was in a similar situation, though he was far more nervous than the cool and collected Twilight. Around him, the other infested had suited up and now wore the heavy armor that had recently been phased out. It didn't have the utility or strength of the powered variety, but it provided surprisingly effective protection. The downside was the sheer weight of the thing, though none of the infested complained.

“We’re almost there,” Twilight declared, her voice echoing from the radios of everyone present in Spike’s APC. “Spike, have a unicorn use a scrying spell and choose a location for where we set out.”

“On it, bosslady,” Spike replied.

The dragon looked up just as Marching Orders finished the spell, and the magical sheet of energy appeared before him. Gazing down at it, Spike saw that they were ways off from the first outpost they were supposed to take. Little more than a small number of metal buildings set around a large radio tower, it wasn't much to look at. Now especially so since its defensive bunkers had been razed to the ground, along with the majority of the other buildings.

Spike paid little attention to the zerg milling about inside or the other fleshy structures that had since been erected. His focus was on the surrounding hillside and the closest available zone where they could safely disembark. There were a lot of factors, such as the size of vehicles, the sight lines of the hills, and location of the outpost itself.

“Here,” Spike remarked, mentally sending the image of the chosen location to Twilight. “We’ll disembark behind that rise and approach from the right. We should be able to get fairly close before they even notice us.”

“Excellent choice. I’ll inform the drivers,” Twilight replied.

Spike released a sigh he hadn't known he was holding.

“Good one. I didn't even think of the sight lines,” Lock Jaw exclaimed.

Spike blinked and looked up at the hunched minotaur. “Oh, uh, thanks.”

“Try to relax,” Marching Orders encouraged. “I know it's hectic going into your first real fight, but you’ll do fine.”

“You wouldn't think I’d be this shaken considering we fought Nightmare Moon,” Spike muttered.

“Nothing can prepare you for leadership. Having dozens, if not hundreds, of lives on the line is a feeling you can't replicate,” Lock Jaw remarked in a wisened, knowing tone.

Spike nodded.

A few minutes later, the APC was starting to slow down, prompting Marching Orders to stop her spell. When they finally came to a full stop, everyone stood up and readied themselves for what they knew was coming. The door went down, and they all filed out, weapons and equipment already stuffed into bags or pockets.

They joined the rest of the army as it disembarked, forming long lines made mostly of zerglings. A quick count in Spike’s head told him that he had nearly a hundred and fifty zerg under his command. Hydralisks and infested only numbered around forty total, though that wasn't counting non-combatants like Fluttershy or the drivers.

Twilight levitated herself up onto the cab of a nearby dump truck, her presence demanding the attention of all present.

“We are about to begin our operation, so ready yourselves,” Twilight began. “I expect that this outpost will be lightly defended and mostly used to simply alert the main group of any attack. As such, we must move quickly.”

Twilight jabbed a hoof down at Spike, nearly making the dragon jump. “Spike will take command after the first outpost has been cleared. You will follow his commands as if he were me, understood?”

The true zerg remained silent and still while the infested nodded or grunted.

“Good. Open your minds to my presence, so that I may know all you know,” Twilight ordered.

The infested did as was commanded.

“Alright then, form up!” Twilight bellowed.

The group felt orders be barked directly into their minds and found themselves following them before they were even consciously aware of them. Their initial formation was little more than a blob, but as they got moving and proceeded out onto the plain, it began to lengthen. Within only a hundred metres, they had become an enormous spearhead, with zerglings at the front and the ranged units behind.

In the distance, the outpost slowly appeared, rising up above the horizon like a jagged horn. The sensor mast sat at an odd angle, dangling wires sparking on occasion. The rest of the small settlement lay dark, illuminated only by a few flickering flood lamps and the ever-present moon that hung overhead.

Spike ran alongside his squad, noting idly that the entire group was surprisingly quiet given their number. For a moment, he began to wonder if they would be able to make it the entire way without even being spotted. Then he stepped foot on the fleshy ground extruded by a local creep colony. The moment he did so, a cry of surprise went up, and a zergling was raised into the air, impaled on the end of a large tentacle.

Twilight refused to let panic ruin things and shifted their formation once more. In the span of mere seconds and without slowing down, the spearhead became one of many. Grouped into squads with zerglings in front and ranged fighters in the center, they charged onward.

In the distance Spike could see that the defenders were beginning to scramble into defensive positions. Hydralisks took cover while zerglings grouped up, readying themselves for the counterattack. They wouldn't get the opportunity to do even that, however, as Twilight rose above the battlefield, her horn glowing like a beacon.

A scattershot of fireballs shot from her horn and exploded amongst the defenders. Half incinerated zerglings flew into the air, and for an instant it looked like the sun had risen. The burning panicked creatures were just enough illumination for Twilight to clearly see her targets.

With another flash, the infested unicorn vaporized a squat zerg structure that resembled a splayed hand. A second burst of light was all the warning the enemy zerg got before a dozen zerglings were turned into frogs. With her foes now confused and weakened, Twilight landed amidst her troops, trusting the rest to them.

Crossing the remaining distance took little time, though a few more zerglings died during the trek. However, they served their purpose, protecting their more valuable allies from the incredibly dangerous sunken colonies. Their lives were well spent, as the hydralisks and infested were quick to destroy each one of the dangerous structures as soon as they came in range.

A few zerglings attempted a counterattack, but were thrown into the air by Twilight's psychic might. Landing amidst Twilight's brood, they were easy prey for the prepared attackers. Who, after executing the confused and lightly injured zerglings, pressed on once more.

Enemy hydralisks fired out from cover, but found their attacks going wide, diverted by an unseen barrier. Twilight's invisible shield did not slow the shots of her own soldiers, whose blows landed with devastating results. One by one the hydralisks went down, joining what few zerglings charged out at the wall of death.

Spike pitied the unfortunate creatures and silently wished he didn't have to watch them get cut down with such ease. However, he didn't dare avert his gaze from the battlefield, and ran alongside the others. Until they reached their destination and found the outpost to be seemingly deserted.

No new defenders surged out from the buildings, no spines flew down from the rooftops and no tentacles attempted to impale anyone. In that quiet, the various squads fanned out, breaching the buildings, half destroyed bunkers, and other structures. Spike merely observed it all, watching as Twilight disabled a single sunken colony sitting at the edge of town. The entire hand-like zerg structure had its form covered in a thick stasis barrier, stopping it from harming anyone.

Spike turned his attention to Lock Jaw’s squad. He followed their progress through the hive mind. By then they had nearly cleared the building next to the half destroyed sensor tower, and had found nothing. Like the ground outside, the interior of the structure was completely covered in a thick layer of flesh-like creep. The stuff even grew over the confederate forces that had given their lives in the place’s defence.

The dragon was about to divert his attention elsewhere when he saw something interesting in the main command room. There, a single computer sat flickering in the relative darkness of the unlit building. The lone monitor displayed the surrounding area from a variety of angles, though most were up high. Noticing that one was looking down on himself, Spike searched for the camera and found it on the second story of a burnt out building.

Uh, boss, what do we do about this? asked Lock Jaw.

Leave it. The queen will want to see it. In fact, guard the location, just in case, Spike replied.

The dragon hastily sprinted off to where Twilight stood at the base of a three-story zerg structure. Shaped like a strange oozing tree, Spike recognized it as a creep colony. Though it was far uglier than the ones Twilight used. Twilight was inspecting the structure closely alongside Zecora and Fluttershy.

“Effectiveness beyond reproach,” Fluttershy remarked in a callous, almost mechanical tone. “But form mostly superfluous. Majority of structure could be moved underground with little effort.”

“I like your version far more,” Twilight added.

Before Spike could speak, Applejack slithered past them and threw an injured zergling before her queen. “We haven't been able to subdue many of them,” Applejack remarked. “They are surprisingly stubborn.”

“We won't be able to reliably convert them until after we’ve taken out whoever or whatever is controlling them,” Twilight replied.

“Speaking of which. We’ve got something weird,” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight turned to the dragon and glimpsed through his recent memories.

“That is most strange,” Twilight muttered. “Let's go check it out.”

The group moved in the direction of the command building, but was stopped by what sounded like hooves banging against wood. Only it was muffled somewhat and seemed to be coming from a nearby home, one less damaged than its neighbors. Twilight held up her hoof, signalling for Fluttershy to step back while the others moved over to the source of the noise. The creep was thick, but with the majority of the colonies destroyed, the topmost layer was already dying.

Twilight closed her eyes and reached out with her psychic powers, seeking out the presence of other minds. What she found confused her, as there were nearly a dozen ponies trapped in a cellar not far from where she was standing. She shared this information with the others and then moved to where she had detected the entrance, her horn glowing faintly. A beam of energy peeled away the creep and revealed a standard-looking cellar door.

“There is no way they would have missed this,” Applejack reasoned.

“Be ready for an ambush,” Twilight exclaimed before taking a step back.

A hoof pounded against the inside, only for the pony to stop almost immediately. A moment later, something clicked and the door was thrown open, a grinning stallion stepping out of the hatch.

“Oh, thank goodness, we’re… saved,” he muttered, enthusiasm draining when he realized he was surrounded by zerg and their infested allies.

“We are with the confederacy,” Twilight assured. “We’re here to rescue you.”

“Move out of the way, Wave Length. We want to get out too,” muttered a voice.

“Hold on, old lady Needles,” retorted the stallion.

“Look. We don't have time to deal with any theatrics, I’ve got an APC on the way. Have any injured ready for transport ASAP,” Twilight declared.

That seemed to snap the stallion out of his reverie. “Oh, uh, that won't be needed. We don't have any injured.”

“None?” asked Spike.

The pony nodded. “We were all able to get to the shelter in time.”

“Come with me,” Twilight demanded. “My associates will assist in evacuating your companions.”

“Who rescued us? Don't tell me it was that dashing Miss Racing Stripes,” remarked a voice. “I always did think she was… oh my.”

“Don't worry. We’re here to help,” Spike exclaimed, extending a hand to the baffled mare peering up at him from the hatch.

“Uh, right. Lead the way,” muttered the stallion.

Twilight guided him away from the confused mass of survivors spilling from the cellar. To where the broken sensor mast hung over head, its sparks illuminating the entrance every few seconds. It was there that Twilight looked the stallion up and down, noting his slim build, greyish white colors and most importantly, cutie mark.

“Judging from your name and the radio signal on your flanks, I assume you worked in this building,” Twilight half asked, half stated.

The stallion nodded mutely. “I was a, uh, junior technician. Mainly just kept the place clean, but I occasionally took the night shift in the monitoring station.”

“Come with me then,” Twilight urged.

Together the pair trod into the flesh-filled building and over to where the infested squad sat waiting for them. There Twilight paused and waited for her companion to finish resisting the urge to vomit before finally entering.

“Was this here when you left?” Twilight asked.

“Was what…” Wave Length paused, staring intently at the computer. “Uh, no. We used cameras to survey the wasteland, but didn't have any placed inside the compound. Command said it was pointless.”

“Then you can't explain why this is here at all?” Twilight inquired.

The technician shook his head. “No. All I can say is that it's likely sending the feed to an off-site location. That's what that tiny tower thing in the bottom right hand corner of the screen means.”

Twilight hummed. “This complicates things.”

Author's Note

First Strike

“What do you think it means?” Spike asked, gesturing back to the radio tower behind them.

“I don't know Spike,” Twilight admitted. “The zerg have no need to monitor their periphery using such non biological means.”

“You said you fought mind controlled zerg in the past though, right? Like, ones with metal bits in their brains?” Applejack offered.

Twilight shook her head. “This isn't like that I’m afraid. Those zerg had bulky helmets and cybernetic enhancements. These are completely natural.”

“I d-don't know about th-th-that,” Fluttershy interjected.

The trio turned to where Fluttershy was crouched over the body of a zergling, its body partially scorched during the fight. Staring down at the thing it wasn't readily apparent as to what Fluttershy was talking about, but then Twilight looked a little harder. Then she noticed that the corpse had an underdeveloped front limb, while one of its eyes was almost too big for its socket.

“These couldn't have happened due to the fireball,” Twilight remarked.

Fluttershy knelt down, and with her sharp three fingered hands, tore open the zergling’s midsection. With dexterous and surprisingly strong fingers the pegasus pulled apart the thing’s ribcage and began inspecting the half cooked organs inside. It looked like a gorey mess of blood and viscera to most but to the infested pegasus, it was anything but.

“Zerg tissue growth accelerated to dangerous degree. Mutations rampant,” Fluttershy murmured to herself. “Organ failure all but inevitable.”

“What does that all mean?” Applejack questioned.

“Unsure,” Fluttershy replied. “Rapid growth suggests panic on the part of the queen in question, either that or experimentation. Manipulation of essence brutish, and subpar.”

“I assume the rest are like this one?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy stood back up and wiped her hands on a towel handed to her by a zergling. “If preliminary visual inspections are true, then yes,” she turned to Twilight and immediately frowned. “W-why would they d-d-do this?”

“I don't know,” Twilight admitted. “Though it seems to me like they don't have a talented spinner and are learning the old fashion way.”

“Trial and error,” Spike muttered, giving the corpse a kick.

“They are still dangerous, even if their combat potential has been lowered somewhat,” Twilight continued. “Either way we have a mission to complete, and a city to liberate.”

“Right. I’ll get everyone moving,” Spike offered.

“It shouldn't be long until we’re done taking samples,” Twilight offered.

With that, the two parties dispersed, with Twilight and Fluttershy rejoining Zecora near one of the creep colonies nearby. Spike and Applejack meanwhile, made their way over to the edge of town, where the survivors had been gathered. Far from the true zerg, they were being guarded by the mostly relaxed but still vigilant infested soldiers.

“Status,” Spike asked.

“Everything’s green here commander. Civies are unhurt, just like they said they were, and the APC is on approach,” Lock Jaw offered.

“Thanks for the hand by the way,” offered the stallion Spike immediately recognized as Short Wave. “I don't know how they didn't find us.”

They one hundred percent could have found them if they tried. Marching Orders mentally offered. They werent even that well hidden and by what I’ve been able to gather they went house to house abducting everyone else in the town.

Spike eyed the small group of still shaken ponies closely, seeking out any clue as to the mystery of why they had been spared. There wasn't any readily apparent reason for it all, but Spike was able to pick up on a few small details. One, there was a group of ponies detached from the rest, the seven creatures staying as far from Spike as possible.

Peering a little closer, Spike was able to see that they were easily the least surprised, or panicky of the bunch. They eyed their saviors closely and without fear, as if they had expected this entire turn of events. Not only that but they seemed to all have a cutie mark related to combat in some way or another.

A cartoonish explosion, a crosshair, a sword, a twinkling star symbolizing magic, all were half hidden by rags or clothing. Spike had access to the eyes of everyone nearby though so it wasn't difficult to peice together what they were. Accessing the recent memories of his squad and their interactions with the survivors confirmed that the other group had been quiet the entire time.

Spike strode forward with a smile on his face, arms spread wide “greetings,” he opened. “I hope your brief incarceration has not left you too shaken.”

The small group of ponies glanced nervously about themselves, mostly at one pony in particular. That same individual took a step towards Spike, a wary smile on her ashen face.

“No. Thankfully my squad are a bit more used to it then the civilians are,” she opened, voice clearer and more confident then her expression would otherwise convey.

“So you are soldiers then?” Spike asked.

“Ahh yes. We were on a bit of R and R when the fighting began,” the mare scowled. “Unfortunately we had left our gear with the local command.”

“I told you we should have insisted on keeping it,” hissed a tall, slender stallion.

“Not much we can do about that now,” murmured the mare.

“Its for the best. If you had been out there fighting you’d likely be dead right now,” Spike replied.

“Or we could have helped turn the tide,” muttered a rather bitter member of the small group.

“Shut it,” barked the mare. “We kept the civics safe and thats all that matters.”

“The APC will bring you to the closest confederate outpost. Hopefully next time you have a chance to lend a hoof,” Spike offered.

The group glanced over to where the low, brick shaped vehicle trundled down the street in their direction. It wasn't long before it stopped nearby and began to open its back, revealing an empty bay waiting to be filled.

“I hope so to. Thanks again,” offered the mare.

The survivors all made their way over to the armored personnel carrier, with the civilians being aided by the small squad. As Spike watched them go, he was approached by Lock Jaw and Marching Orders, the pair observing the departing ponies as closely as he was.

“You don't think that was it. Do you?” Lock Jaw inquired.

“No,” Spike replied. “I can only read their surface thoughts but they were clearly telling only half truths.”

“They may be sabatuers,” offered Marching Orders.

“Maybe. Either way we don't have the time to deal with them at the moment. Flag them for inspection with the local confederate outpost and let them deal with the headache,” Spike replied.

“It will be done commander,” Lock Jaw declared.

“Good, now lets get this campaign moving again. We’ve spent too much time just sitting around,” Spike retorted.

“Aye commander,” Marching Orders remarked.

Together the trio trotted back over to where they knew Twilight and the rest of their forces were waiting. In the distance, the APC rounded a corner, and disappeared from view, speeding off into the night. With the civilians out of the way, the rest of their zerg forces made their presence known, emerging from the deep shadows to rejoin their infested comrades. As silent as death, the combat group made their way back to where Twilight stood alongside Zecora and Fluttershy.

“Find anything interesting?” Spike asked.

“Sort of,” Twilight muttered. “The zerg were indeed deformed in some way or another. Even the buildings were in a similar state, with the fire rate of the sunken colonies being noticeable hindered.”

“I was wondering why we werent getting hit harder,” Spike added.

It will be a kindness to kill these wretches. Zecora remarked.

“So, what's the next town called again?” Applejack inquired.

“Supply point delta charley,” Twilight answered. “Not the most descriptive name, but then again it was never intended to be anything more then a simple outpost.”

“As the needs of Mar Sara grew, so to did these little outposts. Either way we should move quickly. If those were indeed civilians left behind by accident then there is a chance there are other survivors,” Lock Jaw offered.

“Not likely, but we can't rule it out,” Marching Orders added.

“True. Spike. You’re leading the op from here. Tell us how were doing this,” Twilight declared.

Spike cupped a hand over his chin and began to pace back and forth. “They know were coming, but they were also disorganized and seemed to think they had more time before confederate reinforcements arrived.”

“So if we hit them hard and fast, we should be able to maintain the element of surprise at least slightly. For even if they managed to get the word out, they’ll still have to get into position,” Spike concluded, pointing towards the train tracks. “We go straight at them, full speed ahead.”

“You heard the man, full march!” Twilight bellowed.

With a few quick mental commands, and a short conversation over the radio, things were set in motion. The zerglings, freshly out of the vats, and with new wings, began to run alongside the tracks towards the next town. Those who had not had their speed dramatically increased by the addition of new appendages, quickly piled into the APCs.

Without having to worry about the zergligns, there was just barely enough space for everyone inside the vehicles. Though cramped, Spike set up an impromptu command station, Lock Jaw sitting on his right, and Marching Orders on his left. The pair offered tactical advice, and the use of their magic respectively, allowing the dragon to swiftly plan things out.

First order was to leave behind a small skeleton crew to gather up the larger samples of the buildings as well as a few of the zerg corpses. The tiny handful of forces would be barely enough to deal with even a single enemy squad, but that didn't matter. With hostile forces directly ahead of them they were unlikely to go around, as they had no reason to do so.

Still, it was a risk, though one Spike was willing to make.

With that out of the way he reaxamined his surroundings, starting with the scrying sheet showing off their assault force. Sure enough, the zerglings were more then keeping up with the APCs, even when they hit flat ground and opened up the throttle. The half flying, half running creatures were incredibly nimble, able to avoid every obstacle they came across. The personal carriers werent quite so well off, though there were few craters, or natural barriers that they couldn't simply ignore.

Thankfully for them It was mostly a flat expanse of blasted wasteland all the way to the horizon. A horizon which was beginning to grow oddly bright at least when compared to the rest of the night sky. Spike’s first fleeting hope was that the sun had finally risen, but he pushed that swiftly from mind.

Nightmare Moon must die first. Spike reminded himself.

Looking a little closer, Spike could see that fires flickered in the burned out rubble of what had been a thriving community. Clustered around the tracks, a series of large warehouses gave way to residential buildings and structures meant to facilitate the population’s needs. Each one different in purpose, though similar in how damaged they were.

“Is that… gunfire?” Spike muttered, peering a little closer.

Staring at the scrying sheet, Spike was able to pick out the distinct appearance of tracer rounds flying up into the night sky. The lines of bright orange streaked through the darkness like macabre fireworks. Though sporadic, they were consistent enough to make Spike begin to wonder, a bit of doubt worming its way into his mind.

“Theres no way there are still holdouts,” Marching Orders muttered.

“Its not… impossible,” Lock Jaw remarked.

“We can't discount the possibility,” Spike stated as confidently as he could muster. “Though it is like a trap, we must take the bait…. Right?”

It is your call Spike, but for the record I do agree with you. Twilight mentally added.

Spike took a steadying breathe and nodded. “We’ll dismount right near that hill. It should provide us cover in case they counterattack.”

“A smart move. Even if it doesn't seem likely,” Marching Orders remarked. “I don't see any defensive structures, or troops lying in wait. Though the town is so dense, and tightly compacted that you could hide an entire army in there and you wouldn't see them till it was too late.”

Can you sense anyone inside? Spike asked, directing his thought at Twilight.

No. Replied the infested unicorn. I’m facing another wall of psychic static but its not as powerful as last time. Telepathy will have limited range, but my powers will be unaffected.

A novice then. Or they are attempting to draw us in first. Spike offered.

Unlikely. Zecora chimed in. This feels like they are putting everything they have into it.

“Were here,” offered a staticy voice over the radio.

Spike waved his hand, dismissing the conversation. “We’ll reexamine that assumption after we’ve had a chance to better anylize our foe. For now, we move.”

Marching Orders and Lock Jaw nodded, the pair readying themselves for the ensuing dismount.

A short few minutes later and the small group was standing in long columns within the shade of a small hill. The zerglings needed only a moment to relax and stretch before they were ready, giving time for everyone else to fall in. Once that happened, Spike split everyone up into familiar groups, with zerlings out front, and ranged squads behind them.

After glancing to Twilight for confirmation, the pair exchanged a nod, and the charge was commenced. The most eager of the zerglings were swiftest out of the gate, charging forward along the left side of the track. The rest of the army group did their best to stay relatively close to that front line, weapons in hand, but not yet raised.

As they sprinted towards the ruined city, Spike used his superior nightvision to survey the area a little closer. Sure enough, he could see no mounds of pulsing flesh, no looming shadows ready to spring, or even any creep. There were only the flickering fires illuminating the dark city, and the distant sound of fighting.

“Sounds like its comin from the center of town. Probably the train station,” Applejack offered.

“I think so,” Spike agreed.

As they reached the city’s edge, Spike noted that there was only a single road not completely filled with debris. This made the dragon even more suspicious but with innocent lives potentially hanging in the balance, he moved swiftly and without doubt. His squads came together, zerglings forming an outer shell around the ranged units, with Twilight near the forefront of the spear.

He himself, and his command squad, stayed closer to the center in order to ensure he had sight lines on everyone. The small army moved as they were ordered, slipping into position while Spike nervously contemplated what may be waiting for them. It was a prime spot for an ambush, and seemed designed that way, but it could also have been coincidence. There also didn't seem to be any drag marks, or any indication that this situation was deliberate but he didn't have time to inspect his surroundings.

“Ignore doubt. Stamp it out if you must,” Marching Orders offered.

“Right,” Spike murmured.

The army paused briefly as they entered the city, their sheer numbers forcing them to enter at a staggered pace. The road itself didn't help much as it was just barely wide enough to allow a cadre of ten units to space themselves comfortably. Five of these self contained blobs were broken down, the APCs speeding off to a safe distance to refuel and await further orders.

The moment Spike himself stepped into the shadow of an apartment block, his thoughts grew slightly sluggish. Not enough to impede him significantly, but the difference was noticeable, and uncomfortable to the dragon. Thankfully it wasn't difficult to ignore it, and focus on his units, who he could still feel clearly within his mind. The others shared in his irritation, with the infested most annoyed by the sensation of having their head clouded in such a way.

Pushing deeper, Spike watched the shadowy openings of the various structures closely, imagining foes in each one. His relatively limited psychic power didn't help much in this regard, as he could barely feel beyond the edges of his units. Pushing any further would take significant expenditure of energy, and would distract him too much to warrant the attempt.

Despite his own rising anxiety, Spike saw no danger, and sensed no movement beyond the occasional flicker of a fire. Twilight confirmed this as well, the biomechanical unicorn noting that there were few obstacles, and noone nearby. Meanwhile the gunfire remained semi constant, serving as a potent lure to the convoy of zerg and infested.

“Its like Griffonstone all over again,” Lock Jaw muttered to himself, hands gripping his weapon so tight his knuckles went white.

“Hmmm. It’s not that bad,” Marching Orders retorted.

Spike ignored the pair, and focused on monitoring the situation as they wormed their way deeper into the city. Forced to turn every once and a while upon reaching a toppled building, or blockaded side street, their path was a winding one. The unease grew and grew until finally after nearly twenty minutes of relative silence, they neared the source of the gunfire.

With only one final turn left, Spike ordered a brief halt and turned to Marching Orders. “Can you get a scry sheet over a street over?”

The infested unicorn lit her horn, only to frown when the spell fizzled a moment after being cast. The sheet of magic displayed a fuzzy mess of color before erupting in a shower of sparks.

“Magical jamming. Feels amatuer, but powerful. As if they are making up for a lack of talent with raw strength,” Marching Orders offered.

“Figured as much. Had to try anyway though,” Spike muttered, chewing on a clawed finger. “We should probably scout more.”

Lock Jaw eyed his commander closely, a single brow raising.

“No, you’re right. Gotta stick with the plan,” Spike murmured.

With a mental command, the first group rounded the bend and beheld the battlefield. There at the center of the city on the right hand side of the road, lay a large, sprawling railway station. The main structure had sand bags and various other cobbled together defences filling nearly every nook and cranny visible.

What few ports or holes were left had guns sticking out them, the weapons spitting lead across the way. To where hydralisks, and a few visibly infested creatures were hunkered down in the various burned out structures. Fire was exchanged semi frequently, with little headway being made by either side of the conflict.

A million questions ran through Spike’s mind. Were the defenders so successful that the main siege force simply ignored them? Was this a trap? Why had the zerg not crushed them?

Bodies of both sides littered the street, making Spike realize he had not seen any corpses until now. He had noted plenty of signs of battle, including blood stains but until now their had been no tangible physical evidence. Spike brushed aside the grim though and immediately set a plan into motion, ordering the groups to fan out.

Twilight and the others sprung into action, assaulting the dug in zerg troops while Spike moved to establish contact with the resistance. His command squad fell in without question, though they kept their weapons at the ready and pointed towards the train station. Just as Twilight's first fireball slammed into its target, Spike reached the top of the steps and began to approach the main entrance.

There he could see that a great many guns were poking out and at the street, though their weilders were mostly shrouded in darkness. Equine in shape, they didn't fire at Spike’s group, but neither did they drop their weapons entirely. Carefully, Spike approached, a hand on the revolver he had chosen for himself not long ago.

“Greetings,” he called. “We are here to relieve you. Perhaps you could send out your commander so we may better talk strategy.”

The dragon barely finished his offer when his eyes adjusted and he realized something was off. The closest pony, a mare of considerable size, had a large sythellike appendage growing from her neck. The flicker of light granting Spike vision was brief, and a moment later she was too obscured by shadow to be clearly visible.

“Its a trap!” Spike shouted.

The jig was up, and without a word being uttered, the wall of guns opened fire on Spike, forcing him back. Several Zerglings sprinted forward, spending their lvies distracting the defenders long enough for the command squad to retreat. They didn't do so without damage however, Lock Jaw caught a round to the shoulder, Applejack took three to the body and Marching Orders received a scattering of pellets across her face.

Noone was out of the fight just yet however, and with a little luck and a whole lot of teamwork, they were able to pull back. Crouched in a deep crater, Spike looked on in horror, as hundreds of zerg and infested emerged from the various side streets. His army was holding, but pressed on all sides it did not look good, even with Twilight wiping out scores of foes with ease.

“This is why you don't send a child to do a man’s job!” yelled a voice from on high.

Spike arched his neck, looking up to find an infested dragon standing on the roof of the station building. Tall, with wide shoulders a thick jaw, and two enormous horns, the scaled creature was easily three times Spike’s size. The enemy wore a patchwork of armor scavenged from various confederate soldiers and wielded a machine gun usually mounted on tanks in one pair of arms and a greatsword in a hand that had too many fingers.

“I guess I’ll just have to teach you another lesson,” murmured the towering dragon.

The large male’s muscles bulged, revealing how lopsided the dragon truly was, his entire right half visibly larger then the other. Despite his imperfect infestation he was clearly powerful, and he drove this point as he leaped into the fight. Enormous slugs rained down upon Spike and his squad, mostly missing, but forcing the group to focus on finding cover.

Allowing the dragon to hit the ground in front of them, gun still firing even while he brought his greatsword up. A zergling eager to leap to Spike’s defence was turned to mulch, dying alongside the second who was cleaved in half by the dragon’s blade. Still reeling from the sudden betrayal of those he had thought of as allies, Spike fired wildly with his revolver, his shots going wide.

The singular bullet that didn't dly wildly off course bounced harmlessly off the advancing dragon’s armor. This was barely even acknowledged by the towering drake, who strode towards the pack with an almost feral grin on his face. With each swing he cut down another of Spike’s zerg, and with each burst of fire he tore another of Spike’s allies to shreds.

As he frantically reloaded, Spike glanced over his shoulder in Twilight's direciton, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mare. He did, though the sight was not one that made him feel an ounce of relief. Locked in a three way conflict with advancing hordes of infested and their zerg masters, she was single handedly ensuring their flank didn't fall.

“Eyes forward!” shouted Marching Orders.

Spike spun back around just in time to see Applejack lurch towards the dragon, scythe arms raised high. She was faster, stronger then the others he had faced, and was able to come at him from his sword side. Though she didn't have to worry about being killed by a hail of bullets, she wasn't completely safe as he easily blocked her swipes.

A downward stroke was stopped by a block, followed by a shove that sent Applejack’s shots high. With her one two punch thwarted, Applejack attempted to weave out of reach only for the dragon to lurch forward. A booted foot slammed into her chest with enough force to send the confused hybrid over the lip of the crater and onto her back.

Marching Orders and Lock Jaw were swift to take up her place, shooting or hacking at the dragon while Spike looked on. The minotaur dropped his rifle to his hip and unleashed everything he had on the foe, to seemingly no effect. The attacking dragon had simply too much armor, and too much infested bulk for the shots to peirce deep enough to matter. Marching Orders was in a similar boat, her slim sabre finding no purchase against the mishmash of welded armor he wore.

Lock Jaw was the first to fall, his gun cut in half by by a swipe of his attacker’s sword. A second strike forced the minotaur to abandon his attempt to draw his side arm lest he lose a limb. The follow up stroke would have cut Lock Jaw’s head from his neck, but Marching Orders had just enough time to intervene.

Driving her narrow blade into the crack of the dragon’s defence, she was able to draw her foe’s attention while disabling his gun. Whirling back at her, the towering infested dragon swung his sword down at her head in a powerful cutting motion. A magical sheild sprung up to block it, but was shattered immediately upon the blade meeting it.

Recoiling with a hoof going to her smoking horn, Marching Orders was an easy target. Or at least she would have been had Spike not stepped up and with a bellow, unleashed a torrent of fire. As hot as he could muster, and with every once of strength he had to his name, the flames roared louder then he ever could.

The gout of bright green fire slammed against his foe’s chest and billowed across his form, obscuring him almost completely. Despite no longer being able to see his enemy, Spike pressed on, screaming his indignation into the other creature’s torso. For a moment he allowed himself to feel a tiny sense of victory, though it only lasted an instant.

A hand burst from the fire, and caught Spike in the chin, snapping his jaw shut. His draconic foe stepped out of the flames and tossed aside his half melted weapon flippantly. With mere fists alone he battered Spike with a right hook, then a left, before grabbing the smaller creature by the throat.

“When you get to tartarus, tell em Boiling Stone sent you there,” whispered the larger dragon.

Before he had a chance to snap Spike’s neck, Boiling Stone was sent flying by a blast of psionic energy. Laying on the ground and panting hard, Spike turned to find that Twilight had turned her attention in his direction. With blazing eyes and ethereal bone like wings appearing from her back, the unicorn floated across the battlefield. Each spell or twitch of her hoof destroyed another foe, turning one unfortunate hydralisk completely inside out.

“This ain't over, weakling,” called a voice.

Whirling back in the other direction, Spike saw as the dragon who had identified himself as Boiling Stone had retreated. Falling back into the train station he avoided a flurry of lightning launched in his direction by mere inches. His subordinates were quick to cover his departure, throwing themselves into harms way without a thought to their own survival.

Several more spells and psionic attacks followed the dragon but swiftly petered out when they missed their mark. Twilight's strange aura faded as she approached Spike, features relaxing and allowing her lips to turn up into a soft smile.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Spike bobbed his head. “Yeah I’m-” he coughed twice. “Fine. Just a bit shaken is all.”

“Good,” was all Twilight said.

She then turned and like some kind of god of battle, rejoined the fray, her magic splitting a charging zergling down the middle. In the distance Spike could see Zecora and the others were still fighting, their combined assault pushing back the encroaching zerg. A similar situation was playing out all over the battlefield, with the defenders suffering casualties but not an overwhelming number.

With their ambush broken, Boiling Stone’s soldiers fell back into the shadows while a select few remained behind. Serving as sacrificial lambs, these poor unfortunate infested were discarded by the uncaring hand of their master. The majority of these poor souls were magically disabled or put in stasis by Twilight though a number were killed in the process.

Spike picked himself up and looked over his squad, noting that they were mostly okay. Marching Orders would be nursing a headache for a while, but was uninjured, much like Applejack. The hydralisk hybrid had hit her head on a rock and was standing unsteadily off to one side, eyes rolling around in her skull. Lock Jaw was the worst off, though it took only a few seconds for his inherent zerg healing to close the wound.

“Is everyone alright?” Spike called.

“Just dandy,” Marching Orders muttered.

“Gimme a sec,” Applejack added.

Lock Jaw nodded. “It’ll sting a bit but I’ll be okay.”

“Okay, good,” Spike murmured, mostly to himself.

The dragon turned and watched mutely as Twilight wrapped up the battle by bubbling the final two infested. The pair were barely old enough to have their cutie marks and sported large, unpleasant growths on the sides of their heads. Much like the rest of the enemy infested who been used like cannon fodder by their overlord.

“That could have gone better,” Applejack remarked.

Spike didn't have to look up to notice that the hydralisk was standing next to him. “Its my fault. I walked us right into their trap,” he retorted.

“I woulda done the same,” Applejack declared. “You gotta stick by your principals.”

Spike merely snorted in reply, his face marred by a deep frown.

“For what its worth I thought you had him back there,” Lock Jaw remarked, wincing briefly as he donned a new segment of armor to replaced the damage peice. “Not sure about the whole using fire on a dragon thing though.”

“I enfuse my flames with magic. They shouldn't have been able to shrug it off like that,” Spike shot back, though his voice lacked any conviction.

Sitting quietly, Spike took mental stock of their forces, and the casualties they had sustained during the fight. Twenty one zerglings, four hydralisks, and one infested lay dead on the ground, with twice that many injured. All in all it wasn't a terribly high number, though it still shook Spike to his core.

Trodding silently over to where the wounded were gathered, Spike brushed past them and continued on. To where the dead were piled haphazardly, their bodies lain out in rows not quite as straight as they could be. The dragon stopped at the foot of an earth pony only a little older then Spike himself was.

The infested wore a pained expression on her face, a hoof still clutched against the gaping hole in her chest. Despite the very obvious injury she still looked like she was ready to stand back up and ream Spike out for his mistake. She didn't though, and continued to lay there inertly, blood pooling around her form and trickling down the street.

“It ain't your fault,” Applejack offered in a low tone.

“It was,” Spike retorted, the dragon holding up a hand and cutting off Applejack’s reply. “Don't waste your breathe. I was arrogant and thought that with Twi’s strength we could make out of any trap unharmed, no matter what was waiting for us.”

Spike frowned. “I should have sent someone with wings in first to anylize the situation. Then I should have found or made an alternative path to the train station. We would have likely walked into another trap, but at least that fight would have been from only a single angle.”

Applejack stood there silently, watching as Spike knelt down down next to the body of the deceased pony. Withdrawing a handkerchief from one of his pockets, he draped the fine white fabric over the infested’s eyes. He then stood, and after a moment to compose himself, turned back to the battlefield.

Already Twilight had nearly finished cleaning things up. The various infested they had subdued were gathered in a small group next to the zerg that had been captured. Both werent exactly numerous, barely two dozen in total, with the majority being infested ponies.

We wont be long here. You should gather your forces and begin scouting the next area. Twilight mentally ordered, glancing at Spike from across the way.

He could sense that there was more the unicorn wanted to say, but she held back so as to not distract Spike. The message was clear, and after a moment to gather himself, Spike set out, his mind reaching out to those forces still standing. With a quick command he gathered them up, and had them gather on the larger of the two side streets not completely blocked with debris or broken vehicles.

The mission continues. Spike thought.

Author's Note

Curiosity

A nameless zerg queen sat motionless at what would amount as a helm of her ship. All around her the flesh walls of her ship pulsed in shared anxiety, its relatively small size easily dwarfed by the leviathan that was nearby. The Queen of Blades had chosen this moment to test the nameless queen’s new capabilities and the zerg couldn't help but feel a strange sense of nervousness assault her mind.

Organs the queen did not have names for had been grown within her body, granting her new abilities beyond those usually associated with queens. Her abilities to infest, to spread her parasites and dominate a population were now unparalleled by the other queens. Though she didn't understand why, she had also been given the ability to remain dormant, enabling her parasites to remain undetected within the population for an indefinite period. She could even force herself and those zerg in her proximity to enter a sort of suspended animation, though it was suggested she not use this ability to the potential damage that extended suspended animation posed on zerg physiology. The queen hadn’t truly understand the point of dormancy as aggressive expansion had been the zerg way for years.

Her queen had been quick to show the confused underqueen the projections of such a virulent plague of infection which satiated the upstart. The queen of blade’s visions filled the nameless queen with pleasure, for she would be tasked with the infestation and domination of an entire planet of terrans. Their bodies and essence were weak, but with the ability to enable her infested to use terran technology, they would serve her well. With their service the glory of conquest would be all hers and with that victory, she would be elevated far beyond the ranks of a mere queen. No longer would she serve under the broodmothers, but become their equal or even their greater!

Even with this promise of power and ascension, the nameless queen’s anxiety was still palpable.

For her enhanced coordination and infestation were not the only gifts she had been given.

Deep within her experimental miniature leviathan ship pounded something strange and powerful. The queen of blades had abandoned her use of wormholes to transport the many minor ships of the swarm, preferring to launch from the safety of the leviathans but she had not forgotten the useful ability. This great writhing mass of flesh and unknown liquid pulsed with a dark light, imitating a small part of the queen of blade’s vast power. When in range of their queen, it would be capable of tapping into a part of her immense psionic potential and could send the small ship across the vast reaches of the darkness of space in an instant.

But, it was the first, and though tested, she was the first queen to ever ‘pilot’ such a craft.

The first of what the queen of blade’s hoped was many and this ‘dark organ’, as it was called, was the first thing that had ever instilled true fear into the nameless queen.

The raw power that the organ pulsed with dwarfed even the nameless queen’s and though it lacked sentience, it still exerted a pressure that pushed at the back of the queen’s mind. The queen glanced over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the hundreds of rows of parasites that sat nestled in their chrysalises. As her gaze ran over the many suspended creatures, a cruel facsimile of a smile crossed the queen’s face and the parasites writhed in shared pleasure.

The queen of blades had confidence in her, had confidence in the dark organ, thus the nameless queen had confidence in those same things.

With doubt gone and anxiety wiped from her mind, the zerg faced forward, waiting patiently for the order to engage and begin her infestation of the terran world of Korhal.

Her patience was rewarded quicker than the nameless queen had dared hope as she felt the will of her queen flow through her very being, causing her to pulse with energy. Her mandibles clacked together excitedly and the zerg waited eagerly for direction.

Commence preparations and ready the dark organ. For the swarm! the queen of blade’s psionic voice boomed within the lesser queen’s mind.

For the swarm! she cried in triumph.

Her ship pulsed around her, the joy she felt echoing through the zerg ship and the many parasites that hung at the ready.

With a mental command the ship began to move, its relatively small, but not insignificant length twisting through the darkness of space, quickly reaching the desired speed. When the queen was sure that her vessel was ready she extended her mind deep into the dark organ. The pressure in her mind doubled and the organ initially resisted the queen’s order to move, its undirected will pressing back.

However, it was quickly overwhelmed by the psychic might and will of the nameless queen, bending to her desire. With the dark organ once more willing to follow the queen’s demands, she pressed her will deeper, inputting the necessary commands to ensure they would arrive within the atmosphere of their target planet and under any radar that would detect them. It would be tricky, as something this precise had never been attempted before, but she trusted her queen’s orders and knew she would ensure success.

The organ pulsed with baleful energy, as if it were angry that it had received orders. Reluctantly it allowed the nameless queen to input her orders and with a flare of sickly orange light it pulsed, beginning the first steps of its preparations. Great liquid filled sacks twisted and contorted, the deep organelles of the dark organ, filling with energy.

The queen sat silent, her mind combing through the operations of her ship and the dark organ, double and triple checking that her orders were being followed. The queen of blades had been insistent, her orders absolute and the queen refused to fail in her mission. With the independence granted to her by her specialization, the queen relentlessly ran over every check she could think of.

Orange light suddenly poured through the ship, seeping through the flesh bulkheads and casting the chrysalises in an eerie light. The organ pounded in the distance, its pressure growing by the second. Still the queen sat silent, her mandibles clacking nervously as she poured over the organ’s preparations. When everything was as the queen of blades had commanded, she opened the mental connection once more.

We are ready, my queen!

Good, now activate the organ! Infest the terran fools! the queen of blades commanded.

For the swarm! the nameless queen cried back.

The queen pushed her mind into the organ, activating the massive build of sickly energy that poured through the miniature leviathan. The organ pulsed one last time before the built up energy exploded outward in a massive wave of orange that engulfed the ship completely, obscuring it from view. The nameless queen felt her entire being and the bodies of her ship and parasites crushed to a single infinitesimally small point, only to bounce back an instant later.

The queen’s senses spread through her ship and poured outwards, expecting to find the world of Korhal just beyond, only to find… nothing.

No atmosphere, no cities, no vegetation, no planet, just nothing.

Only the distant swirl of galaxies and stars met the queen’s enhanced senses of her and her ship. My queen, something is wrong! she called out, recalling the mental connection they had mere moments ago.

Only to find that connection was gone, and with it, the guiding will of her queen and the constant voice of the greater swarm. The thousandfold voices of the nameless zerg that the unnamed queen had known since the moment of her birth were utterly silent. In her desire to see the planet she had not noticed the hive mind’s absence but now, now it was unbearable.

She had been elevated to a position below the broodmothers and though she knew her new mental prowess could keep her brood in line, it was not something she had been truly prepared for. White hot panic surged through the queen’s body and her muscles twisted and contorted as her mind ran circles around itself. Her mind expanded outward, through the ship and her parasitic brood, searching for damage.

As her mind brushed across the dark organ, she stopped, the organ felt distant, its pressure gone. As the queen’s will searched for its presence, she felt the shattered remnants of the organ. The pressure had been too great and its massive bloated sack of twisted orange energy had ruptured, destroying vast sections of the small ship.

The queen tried to reign in their propulsion, hoping that she could stop her forward momentum. Only to find that part of her ship unresponsive, the damage too severe, rendering the entire organic propulsion system inoperable. The queen gripped her head tightly, shutting off the agony coming from the damaged ship. With a mental command the ship detached its sense of feeling from the damaged section, cutting itself off from the damaged propulsion system and a good third of the ship’s bulk.

With no way to stop their forward momentum, the queen extended her senses outward once more, searching the stars and galaxies she felt through the ship’s exterior, looking for some hint of familiarity. As the queen’s search continued, so did her dread.

The stars were like nothing the queen had seen, and the rudimentary course calculation that had been pressed into her mind could find no viable solutions or even somewhat familiar star clusters.

Alone, the queen stared on for several minutes, desperately searching for anything that might signal the way back to her queen and the swarm. Her limbs fell slack, her jaw hanging open, for there was nothing. No psionic signatures, no familiar galaxies, nothing that could indicate the queen’s or the swarm’s location.

Old instincts bubbled to the surface of the queen’s mind, forcing down the well of panic and the primal urge to return to a more feral state. She had her independence, she had her mission, perhaps she was merely further out than planned. Despite the impossibility of such an occurrence, the queen chose to believe it, chose to continue on, hoping against hope that Korhal would soon appear before her.

It would take days, months, perhaps even years but she could not give up, not while there was still a chance. The queen found the dormancy protocols implanted with her mind and hesitantly ran a mental digit over the protocol.

She would need to shut down everything, not only the ship, or the parasites, but her very mind, if they were going to have a chance of reaching her target before the ship was forced to consume itself. Not just the ship, not just the parasites, but every single biological function would need to cease utterly. Only then would the nameless queen even have a tiny glimmer of hope that they would survive long enough to reach their destination.

Her instincts screamed at her to stop, to do anything other than damning her and her parasites to a slow, inevitable end but with no other options, she was forced to ignore those instincts. She knew the protocols would damage not only the ship, but the genetic makeup of her parasites and even herself. As they were never intended to be used for long and activating them indefinitely had risks that the queen had hoped she'd never have to consider, yet here she was, her digit placed over the mental button that would send the order.

With a mental shift, the protocols activated and the ship began to still, its occupants falling silent as their mental voices were put into a deep, dreamless sleep. The queen sat on the now still mound, that connected her to the ship, her mandibles clacking nervously as she glanced around the now silent hull of her dormant ship. Behind her she could feel her parasites cease their anxious twitching, some of which she knew would never wake again.

What had she done wrong? The question hung in the queen’s mind for what felt like hours, silently staring out into the darkness of her ship. Until finally she was forced to admit that she must join her children, and soon. The queen consoled herself with the knowledge that when significant gravity tugged at the ship once more, it would reactivate, and hopefully reawaken the queen, if she were still alive, that is.

The protocols were reluctantly activated once more, and several of the queen’s new organs shifted inside her as they were forced into use for the very first time. Her senses dulled, her mind began to grow distant all the while the queen looked out over her children, what amounted to a frown pressed firmly against her face. Her world grew dimmer and dimmer until all that was left was one final thought.

I will fulfill your mission, my queen, for the swarm… With that, the last of her mental energy was depleted and the queen fell still, her body falling into a heap, her now closed eyes still looking out over her payload of parasites.

As the drifting energy dissipated, the queen of blades leaned forward in her flagship leviathan, gazing out through the empty expanse of space. Her powerful mind searched as her more mundane senses did as well, only to come to the same disappointing conclusion.

She is gone, the queen of blades lamented. Not only from our position, but from the swarm entirely.

Instantly the queen directed her will towards the one creature she knew that would have an inkling as to what had happened. Abathur, the swarm’s psionic presence extends to Korhal, correct?

The zerg spinner twitched suddenly, nearly overwhelmed by the unexpected pressure of his queen’s emotions. Subject queen of blade’s influence spreads throughout the Korpulo sector, Korhal included.

The queen rocked back on her heels. Did she defect? No, that is impossible. Then where is she?

Her eyes gazed out into the endless cozmos, searching in vain for any sign of her wayward underqueen. “Where did you go?” Kerrigan whispered.

Years, centuries, millennia, time beyond counting passed through the wayward zerg queen and her ship. There was no one left aboard to recount the endless pass of aeons as the dark void of the great beyond slipped past the craft until time itself seemed to forget the zerg ship’s existence.

After endless years spent drifting by momentum alone, something changed.

Gravity began to tug at the ship, and not the distant gravity of some stellar object or passing by debris, but the insistent tug of something large, and close.

Instinct flared within the depths of the ship, slowly awakening to feel the tug of gravity pull harder upon it. It pushed its mind toward the queen’s, only to find it unresponsive. It was still whole, and sapient, having not been lost to the ravages of time or the insistent tug of an urge to become feral, but only walled off somehow. With no ability to move, or any direction from local queen, the ship was left to its more base instincts of survival and more importantly, mission success.

In its rudimentary comprehension, it knew that the mission depended upon reaching a planet, releasing the parasites and landing somewhere safe, away from civilization so as to allow their queen to hide and guide the infestation.

The tug of gravity became more insistent and the ship knew time was drawing short. Whatever this object was, it was directly in front of the craft. With no propulsion and no way of guiding their momentum, there was little it could do other than wait for the opportune moment to release the parasites and wait for further instructions.

Gravity asserted its dominance, its slow acceleration now increasing at a drastic pace. The ship was barely able to measure the new speeds it had achieved due to the damage and it was only dimly aware of a smaller, less gravity dense object that whizzed past the ship. The ship had barely enough ability left to glance at the object, registering it as a small moon with craters in the shape of the head of a horse. A strange tug seemed to pull the ship, making it jerk upward and adjusting its course into one that wouldn't see the ship plow straight into the planet.

The insignificant consciousness of the ship had barely managed to register this strange shift in gravity as within seconds it could feel its exterior begin to burn as it breached the atmosphere. Heat extended across the entirety of the ship, wreathing the entire thing in a bright red and orange flame. The ship was never grown for such a task, its entire reason for existence was to come in quickly and silently within an atmosphere after all and this brutal punishment was damaging its already crippled capabilities, reducing its resources even more.

Despite the punishment, and the ravages of time, the bulkhead held out against the worst of the atmospheric burn, only barely managing to keep the ship in one piece as it hurtled towards the planet. Seconds flew by and soon enough they breached the lower atmosphere, the curvature of the vast world coming into view and the resistance of several atmospheres bled off.

Green plant life, blue oceans, wide expanses of white tundra and orange dessert and a small patch of dark clouds spread out below the craft. Sensory organs flared deep within the ship, analyzing and finding the most suitable place for their landing while also extending the primitive rudders and tentacles that would have served as mooring and breaching points. Haphazard and desperate, the attempt was only mildly successful, with the rubbery extensions burning off in seconds and only barely managing to guide the craft into a more suitable trajectory and towards a mountain and a vast woodland beyond it that would hide the zerg well.

As the last of the ship’s extensions burned off its exterior, it reached deep within itself and prepped the passages that would guide the parasites towards the planet below. Of the nearly five hundred drop pods a paltry nine were operational, the ship, if it was capable of feeling annoyance would have lamented the loss. With its instincts screaming at it, the ship released eight of the pods randomly across the surface, unable to tell where they landed unless it took away from its attempt to find a proper landing location.

All at once its sensory organs began pulsating rapidly, warning the ship of something large looming ahead of it. The ship forced the last of the stuck drop pods through the opening just in time to drop the pod into the swirl of rain clouds and wrench itself to the right with the few limbs it had left, narrowly dodging a massive outcropping of rock that stuck randomly from the center of the landmass and almost directly in its way.

The desperate maneuver was only a partial success however and a great chunk of the ship was forced to scrape across the exposed rock, shearing off great sections of the zerg ship and sending it careening away from the vast wooded area it had chosen and towards a massive wasteland that spread for hundreds of miles.

The ship could do nothing but wait until mere seconds later it crashed into an enormous dune, bleeding off some of the massive kinetic energy it carried behind it. A second dune was right behind the first, its massive size blown asunder as the ship crashed through it, sending a second plume of sand hundreds of metres into the air.

The next time the ship crashed into the earth it dug a deep furrow into the ground, nearly a kilometre long. With a good chunk of its energy now bled away thanks to the large sand dunes, the ship managed to survive, with enormous but not irreparable damage.

Stillness overcame the ship and in the darkness a mind finally awoke, her senses spreading outwards with a single thought coming to the forefront of her thoughts. It's about damned time.

Minutes ago, above the planet’s surface a single equine stood motionless on the moon’s surface. Its body was the size of an average horse, its fur a soft teal, its eyes were large and a horn grew from its head while a pair of wings extended from its back. The soft teal of its coat extended down its barrel and towards its hindquarters where it became muddied by a deeper blue that in turn had white crescent moon emblazoned on it.

Its eyes narrowed, though they remained closed in deep concentration.

The creature’s mind focused to a razor point, seeking out the strange sensation that had disturbed it. When it was finally able to reach the distant yet familiar feeling, she recoiled in shock, stumbling backward across the empty expanse of grey rock.

What is that? she mouthed soundlessly, her eyes opening and staring upwards towards the infinite dark.

The sensation was not unlike the dream world that she had been shut off from for centuries, and yet it was different. Whomever was dreaming was experiencing what felt like the most terrible nightmare that the equine had ever felt. Adding to the strangeness of it all was the fact that this dream was not from any creature the equine knew of. For it did not have the taste of any of the numerous races that dreamt upon Equestria’s surface, instead having a strange, almost slimy presence that made the equine wish for a bath.

The dream was completely alien and filled utterly with such absolute panic and shame that the mare couldn't help but feel a sympathetic pang of the same emotions.

As the dreaming entity drew closer, a dark speck that the equine had passed off as an asteroid began to grow in the night sky. Seconds turned into minutes and as the dream came more and more into focus, so did the speck.

The equine’s eyes fluttered open once more, abandoning her attempts to gather more than the passing glimpse at the alien dream. Instantly she noticed that the speck was growing closer by the second as it barrelled toward the planet below with growing speed. It was larger than any asteroid that Luna had ever seen and its massive size lacked the oblong shape of any space rock she had studied. Whatever it was, it was coming in too fast and from its current angle it would impact Equestria with devastating consequences. Luna knew instantly that if this object was as dense as an asteroid, the destruction it would reek would be unparalleled.

Suddenly a presence she had not felt in over nine hundred years suddenly bubbled to the surface, a solitary thought emerging from her mind. This world is mine!

A dark cascade of rippling unlight coursed over the equine’s body, instantly changing it. The dark imitation of the former equine stood on shaky hooves, her already bright horn doubling in intensity. Her fur was darker, her pupils slitted and fangs jutted out from her tensed jaw. Magic surged up through the moon, as both the original equine and the darker creature, that now stood in her place, agreed upon something for the first time in nine centuries.

The shape had grown massive in the night’s sky and with a tug, it shifted slightly, pulling it closer to the moon and guiding it on a less direct path with the planet below. The bright glow of magic flickered out and the creature tumbled to the grey ground, sending a small plume of dust upwards. She would have panted if there was air to breathe, she would have sought out the refreshing taste of water to quench her sudden thirst if only that were possible.

Instead she lay there, the darkness bleeding away to reveal the smaller, blue equine that had first seen the object and felt the strange touch of the alien dream.

What was that? she mouthed.

Thousands of kilometres below a filly sat motionless, peering intently out her bedroom window. Beneath her, mere metres away was the tree house her brother and father had made for her, its oak boards currently being pounded relentlessly by the rain. The filly wanted to sit inside its walls and listen to the rain, but her mother had forbidden her, on fear of catching a cold only a few days before the big exam.

The filly had reluctantly agreed, remembering the scourning she had received after she had tried to sneak out the first time. “Twilight Sparkle! You better not be doing what I think you are doing!” her mother had yelled, much to the filly’s dismay.

She sighed, rolling onto her back and staring up at the grey clouds above and pushing the painful memory from her mind. “Pony feathers,” she cursed.

Twilight continued to stare upward into the sky, for several minutes, wondering what she could do to salvage her evening before her mother inevitably tucked her in a matter of hours. She blinked, a flash of orange catching her attention. She watched in stunned silence as the orange shape blew through the cloud cover and careened right towards her. The filly leapt up, staring intently at the object.

The orange light had faded, leaving only a dull purple cylindrical object that was barely visible against the backdrop of the storm, which rocketed toward her. Wait, not toward her, towards her backyard and her brand new-

CRASH!

The object flew right through the open window of her tree house and crashed into the interior of the small wooden structure. The filly blinked, wide eyed at the bizarre sight she had just witnessed. Instantly her curiosity took control of her and before she could think twice she had thrown open her window and leapt onto the branch that extended towards her bedroom.

With a fearlessness that would make Daring Do green with envy, the filly leapt towards her tree house. Her tiny hooves gripped the windowsill of the tree fort as her back hooves scampered to find purchase. Leveraging what little strength the unicorn had, she pulled herself up and into the tree house proper, landing with a thud that made her wince.

The filly’s eyes flitted this way and that, searching for the object that had fallen from the sky. Yet there didn't seem to be anything there, with only the cracked boards just under the window on the other side of the tree house as evidence that she hadn't been seeing things.

The filly crept closer, edging her way towards the small divot in the center of the room. Remembering her lessons, she lit her horn, using the light spell her father had taught her. With the room now lit up, she looked down, into the divot and the bizarre sight it held.

A small pile of dark green mucus and shards of what looked like purple glass lay in the center. Twilight reached out and brushed a hoof across one of the shards, only to pull her limb back and sniff the green goo that stuck to her. The smell reminded her of a hospital almost, like that funny gunk that nurses and doctors used on their hooves, but not quite. She watched in wonder as the mucus and glass seemed to bleed away, breaking down further and further until the wind simply blew them away.

A sudden click was all the warning she got before something heavy landed on her head, knocking her to the ground. A scream instantly filled her throat, but instead of life-giving oxygen her lungs were filled with orange gas, killing the scream before it had a chance to be loosed. The filly struggled to stand, her head instantly swimming as her eyes rolled around in their sockets. With a heavy thump she fell back to the ground, completely unconscious in a matter of moments.

The thing on her head shifted, its tiny, insectoid limbs carrying it over the filly’s cranium. Its feelers brushed against the hard keratin of the filly’s horn, causing it to stop. It wrapped several of its tiny feelers across the hard surface before retracting and ignoring the strange outgrowth. The long, spindly parasite crawled across the filly’s face before settling over her closed mouth.

Two long, more dexterous feelers extended from the central mass of the creature, reaching forward and prying the filly’s lips apart. The many legs of the creature pushed its nearly foot long exterior forward, pressing its body into the filly’s mouth and down her throat. The journey was difficult and the parasite was forced to shift and adapt its body when it realized it may accidentally choke its host to death before it could even infest it.

Inch after inch of the large parasite disappeared into the filly’s mouth, its bulk causing the filly’s neck to bulge as the creature descended into the filly’s stomach. After several minutes of painfully slow progress, the last few inches of the creature’s bulbous purple body disappeared into the filly’s mouth, gently closing her jaw behind her before descending completely into her gullet. Now secure in its new home, the parasite pressed itself into a tight ball, activating the process that would repair its damaged genetic material while further infesting its new host.

The bulging, shifting weight within the filly’s stomach slowly settled, melding further and further with its new host until the bulge was gone and the creature had integrated almost completely into its host. Now, it waited, biding its time until its host took in additional nutrients, which it would use to further its infestation and eventually, its spread.

Twilight Velvet banged her hoof on the door of her daughter’s room for the second time in as many minutes. “Twilight Sparkle, open the door this instant!”

When no response came she reached for the handle. “I’m coming in!”

Still no response.

The mother pushed her way into the room. “Why didn't you answer… me?” She looked around the room to find hide nor hair of her daughter. Only the deafening crack of distant thunder greeted the aged mare.

“Twilight?” The mare ran over to the closet and threw it open, half expecting her daughter to leap out and yell ‘gotcha!’ at the top of her lungs.

But no filly emerged.

The mare closed the closet door and looked out over to the windowsill that was now soaking wet, a small pool of water gathering on the bench in front of it and leaking down onto the floor. She trotted over to it, extending a hoof to close the slightly open window only to stop, a flash of lightning in the distance illuminating something inside the tree house that lay at the end of a branch that extended all the way to the window. “Oh no,” she muttered.

In a flash the mare had leaped down the stairs and sprinted towards the backyard, ignoring the odd look her husband gave her. “What's going on! Honey?” he called after her.

The mare ran on, bursting into the backyard and sprinting over to the tree house and leaping up the ladder. The thin wood strained under her weight but still managed to hold her, allowing her to slip inside the narrow opening into the tree house. There, lying in the center of the tiny room was her darling filly, lying in a small divot in the centre of the tree house.

“Twilight!” The mare bent down, crawling over to her filly whose only movement was the slow rhythmic motion of her chest rising and falling.

She extended her hooves, turning the filly over and searching for any signs of injury. Other than a thin matt of green and purple slime that stuck to the side of her body, Twilight Velvet couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. Brushing aside the strange slimy substance, the mare watched as it disintegrated almost instantly after being exposed to air.

“Oh, my sweet little girl, what happened?” Twilight Velvet pressed the filly tight against her chest, tears streaming down her face.

“Mom?” a small, weak voice asked.

The elder mare stared down into the twin orbs of her daughter’s magenta eyes. “What happened? Are you hurt?”

The filly blinked, a hoof going to her stomach. “My tummy is all rumbly.”

The mare shook her head slowly, panic slowly draining from her limbs. “You scared me half to death, young filly! What in Equestria possessed you to come out here in the rain, you could have gotten sick!”

The filly blinked owlishly, her eyes gazing off into the distance. “I don't know…”

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Troubled Dreams

Night’s cool touch graced the land, and the halls of Canterlot Castle had grown quiet as the hours crawled by. Silver Bulwark stood silently beside her charge’s door, leaning heavily on a spear she had been forced to carry. The aged mare sighed, shifting away from the room, only to move back, trying to wake up the foreleg that had fallen asleep while she was staring off into space. The last hour of her shift was always the most difficult, and though she fought valiantly against the grip of exhaustion, she could feel that her age was certainly not aiding her in this fight.

The mare shook her head and forced her thoughts towards some topic that would help keep her awake and get her brain do something for once. After a few seconds of thought her mind inevitably returned to contemplating the recent melancholy that had overtaken her charge. It was a strange sort of sorrow, as it seemingly came out of nowhere, one day the filly simply wake up and didn’t answer Silver when she said good morning. Though not terribly strange in itself, Twilight had been diligent about being polite and always responding enthusiastically to the guard’s morning greeting and this absence struck Bull as odd. Twilight’s melancholy only seemed to grow over time, despite Silver Bulwark’s attempts to defuse the lingering feeling.

She glanced over at the door, and not for the first time considered simply marching in there and demanding to know what was wrong, but after a few seconds of thought she knew it was not her place to do something so bold. Shaking her head once more, the mare made a note to really drill the filly in the morning, and hopefully even manage to shake loose whatever cloying thought continued to bother the young pony. But that was a thought for another time, now she needed to focus on the blank, empty expanse that was this stupid, boring hallway.

Silver Bulwark sighed. “It's going to be one of those nights, isn't it?”

Inside the room, Twilight Sparkle lay under her soft covers, the edges of her blanket having been pulled up around her body, forming a sort of cocoon of blankets that normally seemed to make Twilight’s mind rest easy. She wasn't sure if it was the way the blankets caressed her body with their soft warmth, or if there was some part of her that found the cramped space comforting, but what she did know was that tonight, it was not working.

With a sigh, the filly threw her hooves out, wondering what had gone wrong with her blanket cocoon. It had worked wonders helping her sleep over the past month and a bit, ever since she saw that shooting star…

The filly gulped, pulling the blanket up to her nose and forcing the thoughts away, or at least trying to anyway. Memories that she had tried desperately to suppress now returned to her mind, reminding her of something she dared not even dream of.

She thought of the change, the way her guts seemed to move around inside her body and though she had been distracted by pain and discomfort at the time, her memory had no such blocks in place. The filly clutched her belly absently, finally managing to force the memory away and turned onto her side.

She wasn't sure why she was a freak, but something had happened to her, something before the rainbow and her entrance into Celestia’s school. But what exactly that was seemed to elude even her newly enhanced memory, the memory having become vague and blurry when she tried to think back to that night she had seen a falling star.

Then there were the dreams, the voices, and the creatures… The filly shivered, giving her head a firm shake and slipping even further under the covers, wanting nothing more than for the angry, nasty thoughts to simply go away.

As she lay there, wishing desperately to be left alone, the breeze flowing gently through her open window seemed to pick up slightly, gaining an almost musical quality to it. It had no beat or harmony, or any real flow to speak of, but after listening to it for a few seconds Twilight knew it indeed was music, though not any kind she had ever heard before.

Her thoughts quieted, her memories came less readily, and for a moment she smiled faintly, feeling the cool embrace of sleep begin to creep up her spine.

What usually took many long minutes took only seconds, and just like that, the pony was whisked away to the land of dreams, the strange, unearthly song carrying her away. The last thing Twilight thought of before sleep claimed her was a word of thanks to whatever entity had heard her pleas and released her from her own mind’s torment.

Opening her eyes, the filly found herself greeted by the sight of soft brown of aged wood and a thin stream of light pouring through the window at the other side of the room. With frantic hooves Twilight tore the bedding from her body, tossing it aside and hopping to the floor of her childhood room, eyes wide.

“I’m home,” she whispered softly, relief flowing over her.

Though she never admitted to feeling homesick, she did occasionally feel the pang of regret that came with leaving her home behind. Being here, with the warm carpet beneath her hooves, fixed all of those lingering feelings of regret and homesickness.

With a smile overflowing with mirth on her face, Twilight threw open the door to her room and dashed out into the hall. Turning right, the filly quickly reached the door she was looking for and gazed up to find all the same posters she had come to expect. Pictures of ancient heroes were intermingled with ads for the royal guard as well as Shining Armor’s favorite hoofball team, making an interesting collage that displayed the colt’s many passions.

Lifting a hoof, the filly banged hard on the door. “Shining Armor, come quickly, a terrible monster is chasing me!” Twilight giggled, hopping from hoof to hoof as she heard her brother groan behind the door.

“Tell the monster to come back in an hour,” he half muttered, half yelled.

“I can't! It's going to get me!” Twilight yelled back.

“Augh, fine.” The colt groaned.

“I’m going to hide in the castle! Hopefully the monster won't be able to find me there!” Twilight yelled back, barely holding onto a giggle that threatened to slip past her lips.

All she got in return was a grunt, and the sound of four hooves hitting the floor.

With her playmate now awake and ready to join her, Twilight turned around and sped off, hopping down the stairs two at a time. Hitting the landing at a run, the filly deftly turned and leapt down the last few steps and took off running. The living room and kitchen sped past her as she ignored the usual sights, sounds and smells that came with her house in morning.

Exploding into the backyard, Twilight flew through the doorway, giving her barely enough time to pass through the portal before she leaped into the backyard. The filly slid across the dew covered grass, making it a few feet before she finally managed to slow down.

Unable to hold back her glee a moment longer, the unicorn let out an excited burst of laughter as she breathed deep of the crisp morning air. Doing a slow circle, the filly took in the sights and sounds of her backyard before finally turning to her treehouse and looking up at the structure in all its glory. It stood tall, painted white to resemble Canterlot castle and was complete with a small tower and battlements that rose from one corner of the structure.

With dexterous hooves, the filly climbed up the ladder, making her way into the tree fort and looking around at the pillows, blankets, books and other toys and games that littered the room. Her father had, of course, reinforced the small structure with a few enchantments to make sure the fort was warm and comforting at all times, which meant the filly no longer had to fear the cruel touch of the morning breeze.

Making her way over to the corner, Twilight hopped up another ladder, making her way up to the solitary tower and peeked out through the hole in the top. Staring down at her yard below, Twilight found herself able to see not only her own backyard, but also the yards of her neighbors, and even her neighbor’s neighbors.

The filly watched closely as a small dog zipped around the yard directly behind her own, watching the canine as he chased a rodent scurrying beneath the grass. Twilight chuckled, only looking away when she heard the back door open to reveal a yawning Shining Armor. The colt was clad in his signature cardboard armor and held his cardboard longsword, Foe Ender in one hoof.

“Oh no, the monster is still after me! Save me, Shining Armor!” Twilight called down from the tower.

The colt shook his head and chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. I’m coming.”

Twilight watched her brother trot over to the base of the treehouse before Twilight giggled and climbed back down the ladder and out of the tower. Eagerly hopping from hoof to hoof, Twilight waited until she saw the tip of her brother’s horn peak out over the lip of the entrance before gasping.

“The mean monster is in here, Shining Armor!” she called, scampering back and pretending as though some great creature was in the other corner of the room.

Her brother hoisted himself over the side, sword held in his teeth. Levitating his sword with his magic, the colt looked around dramatically, eyes narrowing as he peered around the room. “Where is it? I don't see it!”

Twilight restrained another giggle before pointing at the corner to her left. “The dragon is right there! See it?”

Shining Armor nodded, his gaze narrowing. “I see the foul creature! Have at you!” The colt swung his cardboard sword at the invisible monster, pretending to grapple with the beast for a few seconds before stumbling back.

“It's too strong!” he shouted.

Twilight pointed a hoof at the creature’s midsection. “It's got a weak spot over its belly!”

The colt’s eyes narrowed. “Good job, Twilight! Hold tight while I slay this foul creature.”

The filly giggled, nodding her head and pretending to hide and watch as Shining Armor dueled with the invisible monster. Shining Armor ducked under a claw swipe before delivering a follow up swipe from his sword, slicing across the dragon’s belly and making it stumble backwards.

“You got it now, Shining Armor!” Twilight yelled.

Shining Armor smirked, flashing his sister a winning smile. “Was there ever any doubt? Now stay back while I defeat this monster once and for all!”

“Watch out, it's using its tail!” Twilight added, pointing to Shining Armor’s right.

The colt jumped in the air, narrowly dodging the tail swipe. “Good eye!”

Lowering the visor on his cardboard helmet, the colt jumped forward, brandishing his sword in a flurry of wild strikes that drove the beast back. Scoring a decent hit on the dragon’s midsection, the creature reared back, hoping to finish things with a-

“Fire breath! Watch out!” Twilight warned.

The colt reacted quickly, putting up a bubble over himself and saving his hide from being scorched by the dragon’s fiery breath. When the dragon’s wrath stopped Twilight hopped forward, punching a hoof at the dragon’s face. “It ran out of breath, now's your chance!”

Shining Armor nodded grimly before dispelling his shield and charging forward, yelling bravely as he plunged his sword into the beast’s belly, making it fall over, utterly defeated. The colt struck a pose, with his sword raised high, one hoof on the imaginary dragon’s belly, and a proud look on his face.

“You did it, Shining Armor!” Twilight giggled. “You saved me!”

“All in a day’s work for the royal guar-” His eyes widened and he turned to his sister, sword pointed directly at her. “Wait, there's another one!”

Twilight blinked, looking around. “I don't see another dragon. Where is it?”

The colt’s sword gleamed in the soft light of the tree house, his armor reflecting the gaze of the sun. “Don't play games with me, monster!” He jabbed his sword forward, narrowly zipping past the filly’s cheek and drawing a thin line of blood that cascaded down the filly’s face.

Stumbling backwards, Twilight reached out to grab her cheek, tears already beginning to form. “B-but, I’m the princess,” she stuttered.

The colt drew his sword back, flicking the blood off and splattering it over the floor beside him. “You aren't fooling anyone! The princess doesn't have glowing eyes or whatever it is that's growing out of you.”

Twilight blinked, summoning a mirror with her magic and finding herself looking not into the normal eyes of her former self, but her glowing orange ones. “N-no. This can't be.” She looked on in horror as two extra scythe like appendages waved menacingly from her back, the flesh around which a strange distortion of her natural purple coupled with grotesque looking green.

“Be silent, creature!” Shining Armor boomed, stepping forward and forcing Twilight back. “You are no princess, the true Twilight is right behind you.”

“N-no. I’m -” Twilight began.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle,” a voice announced.

The monster turned, only to stop and stare in horror as she found herself looking into the eyes of her old, unchanged self. Unblemished by the recent changes Twilight had gone through, this filly stood tall and proud, her cutie mark lacking the orange stars that the monster’s had.

Anger burned hot in the monster’s chest “You are not! I’m Twilight Sparkle!” Or at least that's what she tried to say, unfortunately her voice had become strange, and distorted, as if her vocal cords were not intended to speak Equish.

“Zerlight Swarmle?” Shining Armor recoiled in disgust. “What a truly foul name for a truly foul creature.” He pointed his sword at the monster and smiled confidently. “No matter! I shall defeat you like every other monster that threatens the princess!”

The princess smirked, stepping closer to Shining Armor. “Oh, thank you, Shining Armor,” she whispered huskily, placing the stallion between her and the monster. “I just knew you would save me.”

The monster recoiled as if struck, barely aware of the strange music coming back, only for it to be unable to pierce the terror and confusion that flowed through the monster. “You have to listen! I’m Twilight Sparkle, that thing is actually the monster!” the monster yelled.

Shining Armor chuckled, shaking his head. “You really don't get it, do you? Just look at yourself, you are no princess, you are not even a pony and every second I look at you I become more and more disgusted by what I see.”

Shining Armor raised his shield, the perfectly polished steel reflecting the grim visage of the monster back on herself. “N-no,” the monster sputtered, her glowing eyes going wide at the sight looking back at her.

Thick purple scales covered the monster’s body, the foreleg she had previously broken was now huge, with a massive clawed hand sprouting from the base, replacing her hoof. Stepping backwards, the monster’s jaw hung open, giving her a perfect view of the two rows of serrated teeth now resting in her mouth. “This is wrong! I’m not a monster, she is!” the monster boomed, one of the scythe like appendages on her back pointing at the smirking, normal looking filly standing behind Shining Armor.

The colt shook his head. “Truly you are the most deluded creature I’ve ever met.” He clanged his sword against his shield and stood tall, taking a menacing step forward. “Putting you down would be a mercy.”

The monster continued to back up until finally she ran out of room and her back hit the wall. “P-please, Shining Armor, it's me, your sister,” the monster sputtered, tears crawling down her altered face.

Shining Armor set his jaw and raised his sword. “My sister is right beside me. You are little more than a poor, deluded freak of nature.”

The last thing the monster saw was the gleam of steel as her brother’s sword came down on her, before a pulling sensation suddenly sent her mind reeling. She expected to taste the bite of Shining Armor’s sword but after several terrifying seconds and nothing happening she opened her eyes, all eight of them. The monster blinked several times, taking a second to get used to the extra eyes she had suddenly gained.

A sudden sense of wholeness, pride and worry welled inside her and for a moment she wasn't sure what was happening. Then, the voices returned, this time they were not the tide of guttural sounds like last time, the primal sound being replaced by what seemed like words, but not in any language she had ever heard before. Yet still, even though the monster couldn't tell what they were saying, she seemed to understand what their intentions were.

“Where am I?” the monster muttered, raising one of her forelegs only to recoil when she realized it was a long, four fingered hand that was unlike anything she had seen before. “What the heck?”

The chittering noise increased in volume, evidently becoming more excited by the second and only growing louder as the monster turned and looked out to where the rest of the strange chittering speak came from. Her jaw hung open as she looked down over a small army of strange, mismatched creatures that looked like they came from the deepest depths of her nightmares.

Most were small, strange looking creatures like the ones she had imagined eating Mister Blueblood, but there were also a few taller, more slender creatures that were far larger and far more terrifying among them. They were for the most part a patchwork of green and purple flesh that seemed almost haphazard in appearance, with extra scythe-like limbs and strange appendages she had no names for appearing all over the creatures’ bodies. Yet despite their disturbing nature, the monster felt no fear, indeed she felt almost a sense of pride when she looked down on them, but that feeling was marred by guilt and it took a few seconds for Twilight to understand why.

The creatures’ forms were imperfect for the lack of a better word and were covered in what could only be described as abnormalities. Some of the smaller creatures lacked eyes, or their legs were too short, while others were too long. The taller creatures were stranger still, and were sometimes outright missing arms, or had grossly malformed heads, among many other random and uncomfortable mutations.

A surge of pity welled within the filly and she reached out, caressing the closest creature with one of her strange, four fingered forelimbs. The creature shuddered, chittering happily and rubbing itself against her leg, drawing a smile to the monster’s face. She wasn't sure why, but she felt bad for these creatures, and though she wished she could do something, a part of Twilight knew this was impossible.

“These are your children, aren't they?” Twilight whispered softly, gently rubbing the top of the small four legged creature’s head.

The answer was a short burst of chittering noise that Twilight knew meant yes. “Something went wrong, and they… they are hurting, aren't they?”

Again, the same burst of chittering noise responded, making Twilight sigh. “I’m so sorry.”

Whatever creature she now inhabited didn't seem to notice, and was busily mentally chittering away at someone to her left. Twilight blinked, turning their head towards where she felt the creature was trying to point her. “Who…” Twilight’s jaw hung open, instantly noticing the familiar shape of a pony standing to her left.

Only it wasn't quite as familiar as Twilight first thought as one side of its face was replaced by the same strange features as those of one of the smaller creatures. Purple flesh grew over the normally fuzzy face, replacing the grey fur that usually covered the pony’s features with more of the not quite scale-y substance that covered the strange creatures’ bodies. Its mouth had a mandible over one side of her jaw and a pair of small claws emerged from the pony’s chest. The half pony creature smiled up at her, its one glowing eye looking directly at her while its normal eye was pointed off to the left somewhere. It spoke excitedly, its mouth moving rapidly as it spoke, yet Twilight couldn't hear anything over the sound of the chittering noise coming from all around her.

“What are you saying? I can't hear you,” Twilight muttered, watching closely as the excitable young pony hybrid frowned before flapping its wings and flying up to Twilight’s face.

The pony’s mouth continued to move, yet still Twilight couldn't hear what the pony like creature was saying. Leaning closer and trying to open her ears more, Twilight caught only the scrap of a single sentence. “-Too fast, she's not ready.”

“Not ready for what?” Twilight asked, watching closely as the grey coated pegasus monster reared back in shock, revealing three strange green bubbles that adorned her flank where her cutie mark would be.

Twilight opened her mouth to speak again, wanting desperately to figure out what was going on, only to feel the return of the same pulling sensation that had brought her here. Only this time the feeling came in the reverse. The strange sensation shoved her out of the creature’s mind and back through the void, making Twilight feel as though she were floating in some sort of space between space. For a second the creature she had been inhabiting seemed to reach out, trying to catch Twilight, but the pony fell too far too fast and it was too late. The creature’s efforts were in vain and she was forced to watch as Twilight slipped out of her grasp.

Tumbling through the void, Twilight found herself filled with an immeasurable number of questions, her mind struggling to come to grips with the strange sights she had beheld. Then, just when she began to worry she was trapped in this space between space forever, feeling suddenly returned to the pony and her eyes shot open.

“Wait, what?” Twilight muttered, now finding herself looking up at the ceiling of her room in the castle.

Turning over, Twilight glanced at the clock on her end table which read four twenty-five. The filly flopped back onto her back, her limbs splayed in all directions, her moist blankets clinging to her sweaty body.

“Was it just a nightmare?” Twilight wondered aloud.

The first part was definitely a nightmare, but the second half didn't seem like any dream she had ever had. It was too real, too well detailed, as if she really were inside the head of some enormous creature. Even though a part of her mind was sure that last part was not a dream, she couldn't even begin to imagine how that had happened or where she had been transported. As far as she knew, you couldn't just fly into something else’s head and look through their eyes, no spell or magical item she knew of could do such a thing.

The filly rubbed her eyes and tried to force away images of the nightmare, pretending as though what had just happened, had not. This is crazy! I was not in some monster’s body! Twilight berated herself. That's nuts and impossible!

Feeling a little better about herself, the filly opened her eyes and tossed aside the blankets, making her way over to the bathroom. “Yeah, this is all just stress from the doctor and the…”

She stopped, her gaze having lingered over the mirror and the strange sight therein. For a moment her mind went back to the strange image of the enormous monster she had been in her dream, then it was gone, replaced by her semi-normal glowing eyes.

The filly shook her head, chuckling nervously. “Just a trick of the light. Yeah, that's it.”

Shaking her head, Twilight made her way into the bathroom, poured and drank a cup of water, and turned back to bed. Using her magic, the filly quickly aired out her sheets, using a spell she hadn't had to use since she was young, and hadn't had the bladder control she now had.

With her sheets clean of sweat, the filly slipped beneath them, quickly finding the groove she had made and settled in. After almost a minute of lying there, the filly sighed, pressing a hoof against her forehead. “It was just a dream, you are not going crazy.” She lay there a moment, wondering if she should tell Celestia or her therapist, only to quickly shake her head. “No, they’ll think you lost your marbles and might send you home!”

Twilight turned over, tucking the blanket in closer as she tried to force herself to sleep.

Several minutes later she rolled onto her back, and stared up at the ceiling, her mind entertaining a rather grim possibility. “But what if it did actually happen?”

Author's Note

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Of Hearts and Vows

“-and well, that's everything I was able to gleam, Your Majesty,” Velvet Touch exclaimed, her gaze falling to the ground, unable to look the alicorn sitting across from her in the eye.

For several long seconds the room was silent, with the only sound Velvet Touch heard being the pounding of her own heart. Across from her, the alicorn had the three drawings as well as the contents of nearly every note Velvet Touch had gathered since she first started looking after Twilight’s mental state lying before her. The ancient alicorn’s gaze lingered over each one of the documents in turn before she finally sighed and telekinetically brought all the papers back together and placed them at the end of her desk.

“Well… That certainly changes things,” Celestia declared.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I honestly don't see a way that she could remain in the general populace.” Velvet Touch sighed. “It's unfortunate, but I think it would be best if she was placed in stasis or perhaps put under permanent quarantine.”

“And why would you suggest that, Doctor Touch? That seems like a bit of a knee jerk reaction, don't you think?” Celestia replied evenly, her gaze hardening as she looked down on the other pony.

“If she is truly capable of bursting into a cloud of spores, it could endanger not only yourself, but the entire legislative body,” Velvet Touch began. “If she were to detonate at the right time she could take out every single high ranking member of the Equestrian government in a single action. Worse yet they might all become ‘infested’ like the other creatures Twilight saw. The damage that would be wrought by that singular act would destabilize Equestria and possibly the world.”

“The world?” Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Doesn't that seem a bit hyperbolic?”

The mare shook her head. “The griffon kingdoms are ruled by several squabbling nobles as you know, and if rallied under a single banner, they could overrun our eastern borders with ease. If they sensed a weakness on the scale of your loss, I have absolutely no doubt they would be under that singular banner within a month’s time.”

Celestia stood and slowly walked around the desk. “And the minotaurs? They have been stalwart allies of Equestria for over five hundred years. Even if the entirety of the griffon kingdoms came crashing down, we would still be able to call on their aid, nevermind others.”

“W-well I’m just a psychologist, Your Majesty, my opinions hold as much importance as a sieve does water,” Velvet Touch replied nervously, only now realizing what she was suggesting.

“Everyone’s opinion holds at least some value, and I wish to hear yours to its conclusion!” Celestia exclaimed, the alicorn stopping just behind the mare and leaning in close. “So please, tell me why I should lock away an innocent child for having done nothing.”

Velvet Touch gulped. “I didn't mean to insenuate anything like that, I just-”

“You did,” Celestia interrupted. “But that isn't the point right now. Reach the conclusion of your thoughts, please.”

The younger mare took a deep breath, a hoof over her beating heart. “The minotaurs have signed a comprehensive non-aggression treaty with the griffon kingdoms. This treaty is iron clad, and though the treaty with Equestria is similarly made of iron, they have not been tested in international court. If they wished to stay out of the war entirely, they could very easily tie up legal battles for years, well until the point that the war was either won, or a stalemate reached. They are after all, nothing if not a pragmatic species and may stay out of the war until it's clear one side may win.”

“And what about the yaks, and zebras?” Celestia asked, raising an eyebrow as she circled the mare.

“The yaks are a backward people that are too far away to offer much in the way of assistance,” Velvet Touch replied. “As for the zebras, they have been facing several years of crop shortages, if they were to attempt to reform the black army, they would have to choose between feeding their warriors or their people. I don't think it's a stretch to imagine that they would choose their own people.”

“Interesting,” Celestia began, sitting back down in her chair and steepling her hooves. “You assume that every single one of our allies would succumb to their more base nature and abandon a friend in their hour of need.”

The mare shrunk in her chair, her shoulders falling. “Well, when you put it like that, it doesn't sound very nice.”

“I don't have to put it any one way, you said so yourself.” Celestia sighed, her hooves falling to the desk. “Regardless, your words have at least some merit, which warrants consideration.”

“So you are considering putting her away?” Velvet Touch pressed. “Because I don't see how anyone could justify teaching a bomb.”

“She is not a bomb, she is a child,” Celestia declared, her gaze bearing down on the mare, making her unable to look away. “Do you know how easy it is to make a bomb with either simple household chemicals or a spell? Anyone of my advisors may very well accomplish what you think this mere foal capable of.”

“I didn't mean to insin-” Velvet Touch began, only for Celestia to slam her hooves down on her desk with enough force to send papers flying everywhere.

“You did exactly that, whether you acknowledge it or not. The question should never be, what they could do, it should always be, what they are likely to do!” Celestia proclaimed. “So, let's answer that question, do you think Twilight would blow herself up?”

“B-but that isn't a fair question. She may be able to be triggered remotely, by these things, this Starlight Glimmer monster perhaps,” Velvet Touch declared, throwing up her hooves. “It doesn't matter what Twilight wants if she isn't the one pulling the trigger.”

“Yet you have also stated that she no longer hears the voices after her nightmare, and has blocked herself off from them,” Celestia stated, the alicorn slowly sitting back in her chair and steepling her hooves once more. “Or was that part of your report an error?”

“It…” The mare sighed. “It was not.”

“Remember your equinity, remember what makes you a pony. If we locked up a child based on what she might be capable of, where does it end? Until everyone is in cages? Until we speak to one another through the bars that contain us?” Celestia asked, spreading her hooves. “I agree that she must be tested and watched, with mechanisms put in place in case of that possibility, but if you think for a second that I will abandon an innocent on a possibility, then you are truly lost.”

“You are right. I was just… scared. This thing is bigger than me, bigger than even you it feels like.” The therapist sighed. “I just feel so small.”

“We are all small, even I. It is only through harmony that we are made a part of the greater whole.” Celestia smiled. “Now then, let us forget this unfortunate conversation for a moment, and move on to something else.”

Velvet Touch nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty, what did you have in mind?”

“It is evident that Twilight is realizing that something is… different with her, and she is going to continue to ask uncomfortable questions until we give her something. What do you propose we do?” Celestia inquired, leaning forward and peering intently at the mare.

“A convincing lie,” Velvet Touch answered confidently. “If she were to believe that she truly was infected by some sort of alien parasite or virus, she would only be isolated further from her peers. This may spawn more antisocial behavior that could become problematic later on down the line.”

“And what are you suggesting then?” Celestia queried.

“Some condition that causes night terrors would explain her dreams, and her damaged mental state combined with a magical affliction caused by her flare,” Velvet Touch replied. “It would explain her symptoms without making her feel like an other, only that she was unlucky in the extreme.”

“Interesting,” Celestia murmured. “I will consider your words carefully, as it stands right now I must speak to your partner before I make a decision on this matter.”

The alicorn stood suddenly, prompting Velvet Touch to do the same. “R-really? Should I join you or are you going alone?”

“I will go alone. There is something I wish to discuss with Silver Scalpel mare to mare.” Celestia smiled faintly, patting the smaller pony on the back. “I’m sure you’ll hear all about it tonight anyway, so don't worry.”

“S-sorry, Your Majesty, I didn't mean to presume,” Velvet Touch explained as she stepped nervously out the door and into the hallway.

“Worry not, my friend, I knew very well what you meant,” Celestia exclaimed. “Have a wonderful rest of your weekend.”

In a flash of light the alicorn was gone, leaving the therapist alone with the two guards who stood motionless on either side of the door. “That could have gone better,” Velvet Touch muttered.

Celestia reappeared within the sprawling labs beneath Canterlot Castle, where only a hoofful of ponies were laboring at such an hour. All of whom were in their own offices that branched off from the central laboratory. Looking around the room made Celestia realize that it seemed a lot less sprawling than the last time she had been down here. Test equipment, black boards and piles of books filled nearly every conceivable space and left little room to walk.

The alicorn lifted a book randomly and began to flick through it after noticing that it looked brand new. The text within was dense with jargon the alicorn didn't understand and loaded with concepts she had never heard before. “DNA, the building blocks of life,” she read aloud.

Brushing past the pile of books, she made her way over to a very particular office set aside from the rest, where a frazzled mare sat hunched over a desk. Her normally clean pressed look was gone, with the mare’s mane sticking out at odd angles, her eyes strangely haunted, with dark bags hanging underneath.

Knocking twice, Celestia didn't wait to be announced before pushing her way inside, where the mare didn't even seem to have noticed her entry, as she stared down at a sprawling equation that nearly filled an entire sheet of paper. “Ahem.” Celestia coughed into her hoof.

Causing the mare to rocket out of her chair, and look up at the alicorn in shock. “Who, what, oh… it's you.” Silver Scalpel breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down into her seat. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“You really should be more aware of your surroundings,” Celestia teased, smirking at the scientist.

“My apologies, but I’ve been rather distracted with this newest equation is all,” Silver remarked, gesturing down to the pile of math before her. “It's been blowing my mind all day.”

“Hopefully not literally as I would hate to have to scrape my finest scientist off the wall,” Celestia remarked with a smirk.

“And I don't think they make spatulas that big,” Silver shot back with a smirk of her own.

“True.” Celestia plunked down across from the unicorn, her bulk making the chair groan under her. “Now then, I hate to dismiss this pleasant atmosphere so quickly, but I had hoped to ask you a few questions before you finished for the day.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I am at your disposal,” Silver Scalpel announced.

“First thing’s first. How goes the cure?” Celestia inquired, hope evident in her voice.

Silver Scalpel snorted and shook her head. “I’m sorry to say, but a cure is impossible. An immunization? That might be feasible, but right now you would need to remove all infected tissue, which would mean the destruction of over ninety percent of the filly’s spinal column. After that you would need to replace nearly every major organ and then do extensive deep brain surgery to remove nearly an entire hemisphere’s worth of grey matter.”

Celestia nodded slowly. “And what about immunization?”

“Theoretical at best,” Silver Scalpel stated with a sigh. “The spores she emits are incredibly virulent, but also much different to the body's normal cells, it's possible that we could reinforce the body through magic as these extraterrestrial cells do not interact well with mana-based systems.”

“Then that should be one of our focuses,” Celestia declared. “It is paramount that we ensure the containment of an outbreak, should it occur.”

Silver Scalpel chuckled humorously. “If an outbreak occurred, we’d be dead or infected within a matter of days, containment is a pipe dream at this point.”

“Explain,” Celestia commanded.

“It's simple, this thing, whatever it is, is clearly not from Equis, noone has a natural immunity to anything like it,” Silver Scalpel explained. “Furthermore, I have discovered evidence that this plague waiting to happen has been artificially created, though how or why is beyond me.”

Celestia nodded. “I assumed as much. I also assume that it mutates at a rapid pace?”

“That's an understatement,” Silver remarked with a cruel snicker. “This thing is transferable by air one minute, then blood, then contact, then all of the above at once. Only magic seems to have any hope of holding this thing back for any length of time, though that might not last forever as I would put money on it adapting its way out of any containment we tried, given enough time.”

Celestia nodded. “I’ve also noticed that your laboratory has produced a number of interesting side projects that might very well become their own fields of study one day.”

“Yes, we’ve been able to study so many aspects of DNA, pony physiology, and alien biology that if we stopped inspecting Twilight completely, we’d be able to spend decades just exploring the avenues of research already open to us,” Silver Scalpel explained.

“Interesting, and I’ve also noticed that you were hoping to work with this Moebius Foundation for the purpose of better exploring these opportunities,” Celestia continued, tapping her hoof against the desk. “What do you hope to accomplish, Miss Scalpel?”

“Well, there are many different things I hope to see achieved, but the main goal is simply helping us shore up our own understanding of what we are looking at,” Silver Scalpel began, opening her desk and pulling out a business card before hoofing it over to the alicorn. “A Mister Moebius Finch has been assisting with some manners that we simply haven't had the time to put into. All non-classified, non-xeno oriented of course.”

“I’ve noticed. He's done an admirable job with secondary research and support,” Celestia added, nodding confidently. “He also seems honorable, his father was a guard, and his mother was a maid here in the castle back in the day, so I met him several times when he was younger.”

“Yes, they both expressed their desire to assist in any manner possible and have convinced Moebius to waive most of the lab fees after being told that you were personally funding part of this research,” Silver Scalpel replied.

“I’ll look into bringing his team on in a more official capacity soon, but that won't be for a number of weeks I’m afraid,” Celestia clarified.

“That would be very welcome as I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we are a little understaffed, given the sheer volume of research before us,” Silver Scalpel concluded.

The alicorn nodded slowly, turning the business card over in the air, memorizing the information upon it. “I will see to it that you get more help, and perhaps a bigger lab, for now you will just have to work with what you have, I’m afraid.”

“That's fair. Is there anything else you require, Your Majesty?” Silver Scalpel queried.

“Yes, I am curious what you would have me do with Twilight, given what you know of this pathogen,” Celestia challenged.

The scientist let out an exasperated sigh and fell back into her chair. “If it was anything but a pony, I would say that it should be destroyed, preferably with extreme heat and then teleported into the upper atmosphere or space just to be safe.” She sighed. “But since we are speaking of a pony, I’m less sure. If the only thing we take into account is her ability to spread this plague, I would at least have her contained somewhere safe.”

Celestia frowned and tapped her hoof against the desk. “The fact that we would be quarantining a foal for potentially decades through no fault of her own doesn't bother you?”

“Oh, of course it does, but you have to realize just how big this thing could be if it decided to change for whatever reason,” Silver Scalpel cautioned. “If it ever did so, it would make the black death look like a mild flu.”

Celestia sighed. “I was afraid you would say that. It seems like my course is set, thank you for your time.”

“Are our priorities remaining the same?” Silver Scalpel asked hesitantly. “Because I don't even know if a cure is even conceivable against something like this.”

The alicorn paused for a moment before shaking her head. “Your priorities are unchanged, I want nothing less than a cure, but I will be bringing on this Moebius Foundation for your secondary research and potentially bringing in another wing of researchers to focus solely on a potential vaccine of some kind.”

The researcher let out a deep sigh of relief. “That is wonderful to hear, Your Majesty, I’m sure the team will be ecstatic once they get the news.”

“Just hold off on telling them for a little while, I’m hoping to properly screen the additional team members and further inspect this foundation first,” Celestia cautioned.

“Of course,” Silver Scalpel replied.

“Now then, I’m afraid I must speak with one last pony before I retire for the evening,” Celestia announced as she stood slowly.

“Thank you again, Your Majesty, I will be sending my next report Tuesday,” declared Silver Scalpel.

“Have a wonderful evening, Silver Scalpel,” Celestia replied.

Silver Scalpel stood and ducked into a deep bow as Celestia left the room.

Once away from the scientist, Celestia trotted out of the room, putting the equations, books and experiments behind her. The alicorn paused in the hallway and ran a hoof down her face, sighing deeply. “How am I going to put this?” she muttered to herself, already wondering how she could break the news to Twilight.

The alicorn shook her head and turned in the direction of the stairs, putting her worry behind her and choosing instead to take the long way back to her study. This would give her the time to think of what she would say, and hopefully help clear her mind of the new set of worries that now rested firmly on her shoulders.

Another day, another problem, Celestia thought cynically to herself.

Celestia stared up at the full moon that was rising just above the horizon, the stubborn object having fought Celestia harder than usual, leaving the alicorn drained. To the point that Celestia was glad her chair was so comfortable and supportive as she was sure without it she would be on the floor, struggling to stand.

This position at least offered her a view of the large glowing orb and its crater-ridden surface. Is this what it's going to come down to? Celestia asked the moon. Choosing between sacrificing an innocent to a miserable existence and coming up with another plan, or sticking to my plan and hoping that Twilight is truly the one that will free and purify you?

Celestia stared intently at the moon, her gaze lingering on the distinctly darker craters that made up the Mare in the Moon. My time is so divided that I have little left at the end of the day to try and keep your nightmares at bay. Nevermind look after the future bearers, Twilight’s health, and give proper attention to this newest threat. Celestia snorted angrily. And that's without constantly trying to ensure the loyalty of my ponies while recruiting more of whose loyalty is beyond reproach.

The alicorn considered going for her pipe, but refused herself that pleasure for now, as she knew Twilight would be here soon and though not illegal, she didn't want to expose the filly to such a habit. Plus she could only imagine the hubbub that her little calming ritual would cause if it got out, as she could already imagine the tabloids having a field day with the information that Celestia was one of those old farts that smoked Zebrican pipe weed when stressed.

A sudden knock on the alicorn’s door brought her thoughts back to reality. “Come in, Twilight,” Celestia announced.

The door creaked open slowly to reveal a nervous filly with glowing orange eyes staring up at her. “Y-you called for me, Princess?”

“I did indeed, please come inside.” Celestia beckoned, prompting the filly to close the door behind her and trot over to the chair across from Celestia, only to be stopped by the alicorn. “Actually, if you don't mind, I was thinking we could have this conversation on the balcony.”

Twilight nodded. “Sure.”

Celestia stood and slowly trotted over to the balcony where she sat, her back to Twilight. The filly hesitated to follow the alicorn at first, strangely put off by the shaky way that she walked from her chair and out into the small area beyond. “Are you coming?” Celestia asked, glancing over her shoulder.

“R-right,” Twilight muttered, following closely behind the alicorn and sat down next to the larger pony, only to be gripped on both sides and gently lifted up and placed between the alicorn’s forelegs.

“You don't mind this spot, do you?” Celestia asked, her body heat dismissing what little cold could be felt from outside.

Twilight shook her head and made a mental note of finding out what manner of spell Celestia used to keep the cold out and the heat in. “No, this is nice, thank you.”

“I’m glad,” Celestia murmured.

For several long seconds neither pony said anything, with Celestia staring up at the moon while Twilight simply reveled in the intimacy of the moment, a massive grin on her face. That grin slowly faded though as Twilight’s new senses quickly tuned into the whirlwind of worry that was even now blowing through the larger pony’s mind.

“Is something wrong, Princess?” Twilight asked, looking up at the alicorn.

Celestia shook her head slowly. “Please just call me Celestia.”

“R-right, sorry,” Twilight muttered, looking down.

“Don't worry about it, my faithful student. In truth something has been bothering me,” Celestia replied. “I have been faced with a problem that seemingly has no right answers, one that concerns us all I’m afraid.”

“Like what?” Twilight inquired.

“First, I’d like to ask you a question, one that I stress has no wrong answers,” Celestia began.

“Err okay, but I didn't study for anything…” Twilight muttered.

The alicorn chuckled and shook her head. “You need not study for such a question, you need only to speak your mind. Are you ready, Twilight?”

Twilight nodded vigorously. “I am.”

“What is better, to be good, or to be right?” Celestia quizzed.

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, only to close it and frown, the filly rubbing her chin with a hoof. “In what context?”

“In the context of you can only be one or the other,” Celestia answered.

The filly frowned deeper and looked off into the night sky, for several minutes, as if searching the star-filled sky for her answers. After a long while the filly nodded suddenly and announced her answer, “Good.”

“Why do you say that?” Celestia pressed.

“Because all the bad guys I read about in my stories always believe what they are doing is right,” Twilight began slowly, only to nod confidently. “And being good is more important than being right, ‘cause my dad said that it's better to tell a little fib rather than hurt someone’s feelings.”

“Two very good answers, Twilight,” Celestia affirmed. “Answers I wholeheartedly agree with.”

“R-really?” Twilight stuttered, looking up at the alicorn with wide eyes.

“Indeed I do, my little pony,” Celestia agreed. “A dear friend of mine once said that it is better to do what is good even if you know it's not right, rather than do what is right, knowing that it is not good.”

Twilight frowned. “Still, I mean that seems a little black and white, right?”

“True,” Celestia concluded. “But I’d rather strive for the best possible solution and fail, than to sacrifice and to be forced to live with the fact that I might have saved everyone.”

“So what does this all have to do with what's bothering you?” Twilight implored.

“You have…” Celestia’s face tightened and she absently ran her hoof down the filly’s side. “You have an infection of some kind. I’ve been trying to cure it in secret, as I didn't want to worry you, but it's clear now that even if we can cure it eventually, you will have it for many years.”

“W-what's wrong with me?” Twilight stuttered, her voice wavering.

“You have an infection that disrupted your magic, but through therapy and a good diet we have fixed that particular part,” Celestia began, pulling the filly tight against her. “Your eyes are a part of it, and you also might have some earth pony magic now due to the disruption in your magic. This infection also connects you to those other things that you saw the other night as well as gives you the ability to read minds.”

“Am I going to turn into one of those things?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

“We don't think so, but I have my best ponies working on a cure,” Celestia explained. “I tell you all of this because we aren't sure if it even can be cured, and I can't keep this from you any longer, but you must understand that you musn’t tell anyone about this, do you understand?”

Twilight nodded meekly. “Yes, Celestia.”

“Good. I don't want ponies to look at you differently because of this, you are a smart and wonderful pony and I will keep trying to make you better,” Celestia declared, the alicorn smiling faintly.

“Y-you are not gonna leave me, r-right?” Twilight asked, looking down at her hooves and shuffling nervously.

Celestia smiled a little wider and gently gripped the filly in her magic, bringing Twilight up to her height and forcing their eyes to meet. “I will never give you up, Twilight, I will never leave you and I’ll always be your mentor, this I swear.”

The filly sniffed, trying desperately to hold back the waterworks only for the dam to break and Twilight to reach out and grab Celestia’s neck, sobbing deeply into the alicorn’s fur. Celestia herself smiled and gently held the filly with a forehoof, while stroking her back with the other. “There there, Twilight, it's okay.”

For a long while they remained in that position, with the alicorn gently rubbing the filly’s back as she let out every last bit of her pain and confusion. Then, when her tears were spent and her mind felt more at ease, the filly pulled back, sniffling and wiping her face with a hoof. “T-thanks,” she whimpered.

“Fret not, dear Twilight,” Celestia declared with a smile. “Now then, I’m sure you have questions, feel free to ask away.”

“I have just one actually, but it's going to sound kind of mean and I don't want to say it…” Twilight muttered, looking away from the alicorn.

Celestia smiled confidently and gently pulled the unicorn’s chin so their eyes met once more. “I promise you I won't be mad.”

“O-okay. Well I just got the feeling that um, you might be well, hiding something else?” the filly muttered before wincing. “I’m sorry that didn't come out right I-I-”

“Shhh, it's okay, Twilight. I understand why you would ask that, you have every right to be wondering such a thing,” Celestia affirmed. “And the answer is that I am, but I can't tell you, not yet anyway. I swear to you that one day I will tell you, but I can't. Not yet.”

Twilight stared into the alicorn’s violet orbs for several seconds, her newfound abilities reaching out and doing their best to determine what the ancient mare’s true intentions were. Anger, exhaustion, disappointment and more all flowed through the alicorn’s mind and though Twilight couldn't tell what she was thinking, there was one emotion she could tell that dominated all others.

Love.

Whatever her reasons, whatever her secrets, Celestia kept them not out of malice, but out of a genuine care, and that eased the filly’s worries. “O-okay,” Twilight declared.

Celestia smiled a little wider and hugged the filly again. “I will make sure your faith in me is not misplaced, my student.”

“Thank you, Celestia,” Twilight whispered, hugging the alicorn’s neck tightly.

“It is my pleasure, my dear,” Celestia murmured, squeezing the filly almost as tightly as Twilight hugged her.

Slowly, Twilight pulled away from the hug and smiled up at Celestia, the filly not noticing or caring that her fur was matted with tears, and that her mane was all over the place. Celestia herself cared very little that her own fur was similarly matted around her neck, and that her a few of her own tears had marred what little make up the alicorn wore. “It's late,” Celestia remarked with a sigh. “You had better get to bed soon.”

“Can we…” Twilight gulped. “Can we stay here and look at the stars for a little bit?”

“Sure,” Celestia capitulated, placing the filly down between her hooves once more. “You know I was going to save this lesson for later, but would you like to learn a little about the constellations?”

Twilight nodded vigorously. “Yeah!”

“Alright, so do you see those three bright stars in a row over there?” Celestia asked, pointing up to a spot at the midway point of the sky.

“Uh huh.”

“That is the Sirusian’s belt, and if you look below, there are seven stars that connect with those three that make up the legs of Sirusian. See them?” Celestia whispered, pointing to the stars themselves.

“Oh yeah! And the top part is the other half of Sirusian. Wasn't he a minotaur king?” Twilight inquired.

“You are right, do you know why he was placed among the stars?” Celestia pressed.

“Because he-”

Celestia smiled as Twilight began to recount the entire myth of the Great King Sirusian and his many accomplishments. Though she paid close attention to the filly as she continued her tale, Celestia’s main attention was elsewhere, her gaze drawn to the bright moon that hung over them all.

I won't give up. On either of you, Celestia vowed.

Author's Note

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Recovery

Twilight’s return to reality was a jumbled one, with the pony’s senses mixing together and leaving her confused as to what was going on around her. This bizarre synesthesia dominated her senses and left her with the strange ability to hear the blood on her tongue and taste the sound of quiet conversation happening nearby. Spike and someone else's thoughts also came to her sporadically, and became so jumbled with her own that she struggled to pick them apart.

Until a voice cut through the fog. “Twilight, can you hear me?” asked the familiar tone.

With hope surging inside her, the infested mare cracked open her eyes. “Cadance?” she asked.

“I’m afraid not,” said the voice, whose owner was slowly reforming into what looked like Silver Bulwark, only wrong somehow.

The pony’s eye which had been missing had regrown, but was now vastly different from her normal teal orb which rested next to it. To start, her new eye glowed with an intense orange light much like Twilight’s did, only even brighter still. Her face was also slightly off, as all of her mane was gone and a thick carapace covered the majority of her skull. Her horn was also fixed, but not perfectly, the cracks still evident in the structure, though the horn itself was straight at least.

Orange light spilled from the cracks in her horn and her jaw seemed slightly thicker, her mouth sporting a row of new, sharper teeth. Blinking, Twilight cleared the gunk from her gaze and realized that her bodyguard had been changed more than first anticipated. The carapace she had noticed before had several thick spikes coming out of it, resembling the top of the ultralisk. Only in miniature, staying glued to the pony’s head and not forming a crest like the monstrous zerg had sported.

Her forelegs were also much thicker, and ended with three-toed feet much like the ultralisk had. Stranger still was the fact that Twilight could hear her thoughts plain as day, their connection as strong and deep as the one Twilight shared with Spike. Focusing on that for a moment, she found that the other pony was healed, though her changes were deep.

Her body was denser, her skin now much harder and her body more built for combat than before. Twilight also knew instinctively that her bodyguard could extend long, bladed appendages from her forelegs if she felt like it. A scan of her own body told Twilight that she had not changed very much, the infested mare staying relatively the same, though she did feel a little tougher for some reason.

“Twilight, are you alright?” Spike pleaded. “I knew I should have taken her to the hospital.”

Looking around, Twilight realized she was in her old motel room, with Spike standing to her left, and Silver Bulwark nervously shuffling to her right. “Where is Cadance?” Twilight demanded.

Silver Bulwark winced and rubbed the back of her bony head. “We don't know. She was taken by that creature we saw earlier and hasn't been seen since.”

Spike nodded. “They sent hunters after her, but they lost it somewhere over the burning sea.”

Twilight frowned and sunk into the bed, the pony only now realizing just how badly she needed to use the washroom. “Help me up, please.”

Silver Bulwark leaned forward and assisted the pony as she crawled off the bed, Twilight standing on shaky hooves. After a moment of hesitation that nearly saw her topple to the ground, Twilight gathered her bearings and made a hasty trot towards the ensuite bathroom. After relieving herself and drinking a few gulps of water straight from the tap, she stumbled back into the bedroom, leaning heavily on the door jam.

“Status of the town?” Twilight asked, her features stern and stoney.

Spike and Silver looked at one another nervously. “Maybe you should lie down first before we start worrying about that?” Silver Bulwark offered.

Twilight grunted. “No time. If there are any more zerg holding out they are going to need me to track them down.”

Spike gestured to the bed. “At least lay down while I grab you something to eat.”

Twilight was about to argue only for her stomach to rumble audibly, reminding her that it had been empty for far too long. “Fine, but while you prepare the food, Silver Bulwark will fill me in on what's been happening while I was out,” Twilight concluded.

The mare nodded, and Spike quickly walked to the other side of the room and readied a hot plate. “Well as you might be able to tell, I’m alive,” Silver Bulwark began with a smirk.

“Though not without changes I see,” Twilight remarked, the infested mare awkwardly stumbling into the bed and sitting neatly back into the groove she had just gotten out of.

“Yeah well, it's better than dying, I’ll tell ya that much,” Silver Bulwark remarked with a shudder. “Boy was it close though, saw the light and everything.”

“How was it?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Weird,” Silver Bulwark muttered. “But hey, now I can see in the dark, my already hard head is even harder and I can do this.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow as Silver Bulwark lifted a forehoof and extended a nearly two foot long blade from her foreleg. “That sure is interesting. It looks a lot like the ultralisk’s natural weapons, only more… elegant for lack of a better word,” Twilight exclaimed, the pony a little shocked by the sight, even though she knew it was possible beforehand.

“Yeah,” Silver Bulwark agreed. “It's also really long, yet I can't even feel it when its retracted, and I hardly even notice it at all unless I focus on it.”

Twilight nodded, watching as the blade retracted into an unseen flap of skin just above the mare’s three-toed hoof. “I’m assuming Spike filled you in on what it means to be one of us.”

Silver Bulwark nodded. “Sure did and all in all this ain't so bad. Sure I mean having some young filly in my head isn't exactly how I thought I’d be spending my retirement, but hay, could be worse.”

Twilight chuckled. “Yeah, it certainly could be.” She sighed. “I’m glad you are okay, Silver. I don't know what I would have done if I lost you both.”

“Hey now, she isn't gone for sure, right?” Silver Bulwark offered, the mare placing a hoof on Twilight’s leg.

“No,” Twilight muttered sadly. “My tracking spell was based on isolating her life force and pointing me to it. Yet it completely failed before shattering. Meaning she's well and truly gone.”

Silver Bulwark’s frown deepened and she pounded a hoof into the bed. “Goddamn those arrogant pricks. When I get my hooves on them, I’ll skewer the bastards.”

“Well, I don't think they are out of the shadows yet,” Twilight cautioned. “Meaning we need to keep playing the game.”

The older mare sighed. “Since when did you get so patient?”

Twilight snorted. “Celestia has taught me much about how they operate and even with… all that's happened. I know the princess has a plan, and we should trust her.”

“Well said,” added Spike, who placed a small tray over Twilight’s lap before placing a bowl of soup on top. “It isn't much, but with Silver’s appearance we couldn't go far without causing a panic.”

“Right. I’ll have to craft an illusion before we go out again.” Twilight grabbed the spoon only to pause. “How long was I out for, exactly?”

“About two days,” Silver Bulwark announced.

Twilight frowned and looked down into her meal before reluctantly gulping down the first mouthful of the stuff, finding that it was a good mix of hearty vegetables. The food felt good in the pony’s dry mouth, and the deep yearning she felt in her stomach was also slowly being filled. Two days without food or water had done a number on her, but Twilight knew she had the strength to bounce back quickly.

“The train back to Canterlot is going to be leaving later today,” Spike warned. “We are going to have to figure out Silver Bulwark’s disguise quickly if we are going to have any hope of getting back to Canterlot before the new year.”

Twilight nodded and shoveled several more loads of soup into her mouth, the pony quickly gulping down her meal before setting the bowl aside. “Well at least we won't miss Hearth's Warming then, I guess,” Twilight remarked.

“Oh yeah, it's gonna be close though,” Silver Bulwark warned.

“No matter,” Twilight declared before pushing her way out of bed and standing tall. “Is everything packed and ready?”

Spike nodded. “When you are.”

“Please stand still for a moment, Bull. This may feel a little strange,” Twilight continued, turning to her guard, who remained motionless. “Now how are we going to do this?”

“You could give me back the flowing blonde mane of my youth.” Silver Bulwark fluttered her eyelashes at the other pony.

Who chuckled, only to stop and think about it. “Wait, did you even have a blonde mane at any point in your life?” Twilight asked.

Silver Bulwark smirked. “What do you think?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I’m going to wrap your head in bandages and then use an illusion spell on your eye, spikes and feet. Don't let anyone see your blades, or the top of your head, for obvious reasons.”

With that being said the pony lit her horn, and quickly worked out the necessary formula to her improvised spell before casting it. Upon completion Silver Bulwark’s eyes were now an identical soft teal, and a visual inspection revealed that they, and the rest of the pony’s illusions were near perfect. Next she worked her own illusions before grabbing a small pile of bandages that Spike had at the ready and wrapping them around the guard’s head.

After that, she pulled her way out of bed and stood on steady hooves, her strength more or less returned to her at this point. “Alright, let’s go.”

Twilight’s frown deepened as she looked out over the devastation.

Homes had been reduced to rubble by fire or zerg attacks, and though the bodies had been cleaned up, a few blood splatters could still be seen here and there. What few ponies that walked the street seemed either haunted or carried a deep-seated rage in the pit of their bellies. A feeling that Twilight shared with them, though she kept her emotions buried deep inside of her at the moment.

Something that was oddly easy for the infested mare to do, as she found even the intense feeling of grief and loss to be strangely distant. Her analytical mind filled it away to deal with at a more opportune moment with all the ease of an emotionless automaton. That alone would normally make Twilight worry, but she was too relieved to really give that notion much consideration at the moment.

If the circumstances needed her to be cold, calculating, and detached, then so be it, Twilight thought to herself. After all, the world was no place for the weak, and she was many things, but never, ever weak.

The pony was pulled from her thoughts when she realized that a small cadre of militia ponies were staring at her and her group with a mix of awe and fear. Twilight recognized one of them from when she had brought down the first ultralisk, but the rest were fresh faces unmarred by conflict. Twilight didn't give them much mind though, as she had more important things to consider than the rumours that may be circulating about her.

Striding down the street, Twilight and her group turned down the main road only to stop when the true scale of the damage was visible. From this new vantage point they could see the majority of the town, as well as the train station which sat far below them. Everywhere they looked, ponies sprinted this way and that, some carrying supplies while others transported the wounded down to the base of the town.

Many, many buildings were destroyed, and had groups of earth ponies picking through the rubble, either in search of belongings or missing loved ones. Tents had been raised in nearly every empty space and Twilight noticed a particularly large group of them coming up on her right. As she neared it, the pony realized that it was likely an impromptu hospital, as ponies in white gowns moved this way and that, accompanied by many injured or dying ponies.

Twilight couldn't help but stop and stare at just how many ponies filled said tents, her gaze lingering on stretchers of wounded which were laid on the cold ground outside. For a moment Twilight felt the compulsion to help, to do something, but she knew there was little she could offer them. Her own healing magic was weak, and even if she had more parasites, she wasn't about to use them on some random pony.

“Over three hundred ponies have perished already, and thousands were injured,” Spike remarked sadly, the dragon stopping next to Twilight as they stared at the tent hospital.

The infested unicorn nodded slowly, before tearing her attention away from the tents. “We should go,” Twilight murmured.

“Hold on, someone’s coming,” Silver Bulwark interrupted, before pointing towards a stallion who was running at them, his eyes wide.

Twilight paused. “Hammer Smith?” she asked.

The stallion stumbled to a stop before the unicorn, his breathing harsh and ragged. “You remembered me. That's a surprise,” he exclaimed while panting.

Twilight pushed down the urge to blush and looked the male over, noting that although he sported over a dozen large, nasty bruises, he seemed relatively unharmed. “What do you need?” she demanded.

“Spike said you were leaving today, so I was hoping I could catch you. Someone wants to talk to you,” Hammer Smith announced with a small smile. “You are a hero by the way.”

Twilight snorted irritably. “Some hero I turned out to be.”

The male winced. “I’m sorry about Cadance. If it makes you feel any better, the commander promised to keep looking for her.”

“That's… nice of them,” Twilight admitted, before sighing. “Who wants to speak to me, exactly? I have a train to catch.”

“Through here,” he declared before turning and disappearing into one of the tents.

Twilight exchanged a glance with her companions before stepping forward, an unspoken command passing between them. Now alone, Twilight walked through the tent, noting that although the entire set up was very improvised, everything was clean and orderly at least. Rows of beds with cloth dividers lined both sides of the tent and at the far end she noticed Hammer Smith standing in the aisle, waiting for her.

Walking a little faster, Twilight began to ponder just who she was being led to, only to feel a familiar presence.

With a grin on her face Twilight turned the corner and shook her head. “Well, I’ll be damned. I was certain you had kicked the bucket,” remarked the infested mare.

The bandage-covered earth pony snickered. “Didn't you hear? I’m invincible,” she declared while raising a cast-clad limb.

Twilight smiled, her gaze lingering over the broken form of Steel Heart, the earth pony mare covered from nearly head to hoof in gauze, regular bandages and multiple casts. Beside her was an IV drip which had a clipboard hanging from it, though Twilight couldn't tell what it said from where she was standing.

“Though not as invincible as you,” added the stallion pointedly.

“I’ll say,” remarked Steel Heart. “You took quite the hit back there. I’m amazed you are not in a bed with a buncha doctors fussin’ over you every twenty minutes.”

Twilight shrugged. “I am pretty awesome. What can I say.”

The stallion chuckled. “It's good to see you are okay, Twilight. I know you probably won't be coming back this way anytime soon, but I just wanted to say that what you did the other day won't be forgotten anytime soon.”

“Hell no it ain't,” Steel Heart declared. “They are already calling you the Herald of Celestia. What with that pillar of flame coming out of nowhere and making everyone think the princess had arrived. Really gave everyone a kick in the pants and made ‘em fight harder thinkin’ she was here.”

Twilight blinked. “I think you are overstating my importance a little bit.”

Hammer Smith snorted. “If anything we are understating it. Noone could have taken down that big ugly zerg, nevermind give us the moral boost that came after we thought Celestia had come to save us.”

“You saved yourselves,” Twilight corrected.

“Only ‘cause we had a little help,” Steel Heart exclaimed. “But we ain't here to argue. I just wanted to thank ya for what you did before ya waved goodbye to our little town.”

“I doubt those namby pamby nobles would pin a medal on ya, but we would if we could,” added the stallion with a smile.

“Now that's going too far,” Twilight pointed out, a blush building at the edges of her cheeks.

Steel Heart scoffed. “Nonsense, why I wouldn't be surprised if next time you came out this way we do pin one on ya!”

Hammer Smith laughed. “I think she's blushing!”

Twilight grumbled and shot the earth ponies each a glare. “Well, if you are just going to tease me then I may never come back,” Twilight warned without any intention on following up said threat.

“What? And miss out on all this exciting country living?” Steel Heart asked.

Twilight shook her head. “It was nice to see you, Steel Heart.”

“It was good seeing you too, Twilight,” Steel Heart replied solemnly.

“Make sure those unicorns don't muck up the capital too much now,” added Hammer Smith.

“I won't,” exclaimed the infested mare before she turned and left, a smile on her face.

Walking back outside, Twilight was met with a smiling Silver Bulwark. “Well, that was sure nice of her,” exclaimed the guard.

“It was. It makes me wish I could stay out here and help them more,” Twilight replied sadly.

“I mean, can't we?” Spike asked hesitantly.

Twilight shook her head. “As nice as it would be, we can't leave everyone else behind.”

“But it wouldn't be hard to get grandpa to move here, and I bet Velvet wouldn't be hard to convince either,” Spike continued.

Sighing, Twilight placed a hoof on the dragon’s shoulder. “We can't, Spike. Even if my parents both moved, how would I continue my studies? Or help Celestia?”

Spike hung his head and frowned. “I guess. It's just… This place may be dangerous, but it's simple here, you know? Things make sense.”

“Having an enemy you can actually hit does feel pretty good,” Silver Bulwark added.

“You may change your mind after the great houses finally stop beating around the bush,” Twilight warned.

Silver Bulwark nodded knowingly. “True, though I sympathize with Spike. At least out here the difference between friend and enemy is a little more obvious.”

Twilight retracted her hoof and began to walk towards the train station, her companions falling in on either side of the infested pony. “I know what you mean, Spike, but don't worry. I have a feeling we’ll find our way back here at some point or another.”

“I guess,” Spike admitted. “I will miss their noodles though. They were great.”

“Augh, same,” Silver groaned. “I don't even understand how it can be so good. They can hardly grow anything yet it’s always fresh and always really good.”

Twilight shook her head and smiled. “I’m glad you two found something to bond over. Maybe when we get back I can ask Celestia if the kitchen could start making more of those raw men noodle dishes.”

“It’s ramen, and you really think so?” Spike corrected.

Twilight grinned. “I’m sure it wouldn't be that hard. Now come on. It's going to be a long train ride and I don't want to be late.”

Spike and Silver Bulwark both nodded, the two creatures following close behind Twilight as she trotted towards the station in the distance.

The train ride was indeed long, and rather boring, leaving Twilight with little to do but contemplate the most recent events. Guilt, anger, and bitterness took root in Twilight’s chest and it was only her companions’ presence and optimism that kept her from falling into a dark place. Cadance may be gone, Twilight thought to herself, but the infested mare could not rest, could not waste time wallowing in petty anger and grief.

After all, her sister’s killers were still at large, and Twilight was absolutely determined to see them dead at her hooves. Only then would she allow herself to break down and truly experience all the pain her death had wrought. To that end Twilight spent the majority of the time on the train contemplating how best to accomplish such a thing, though most of said plans were mere fantasizing and would help little.

Still, it made her feel at least a little better, that was until they got off the train and emerged into a brightly lit Canterlot street. Snow fell from what few puffy white clouds that loitered above the city, making Twilight remember that despite her brief vacation it was still winter. That wasn't what made her mood fall though, rather it was the papers she could see ponies walking around with that made her scowl in disgust.

Spike shook his head, and Silver frowned deeply, the guard hefting her backpack full of broken armor a little higher on her back in order to hide the disgusted face she made. Twilight was a little less tactful than that, and she growled audibly as she stomped in the direction of the castle. While she did this, she did her best to not look at the papers most unicorns read, but her gaze was inevitably drawn to their horrific headlines.

Princess of Love joins terrorist organization and dies after resisting lawful arrest, one newspaper read, while most others simply regurgitated the same headline with only minor changes. A cursory look into the mind of one reader confirmed Twilight’s assumption that the entire story was utter madness and made little real sense.

Stomping her way through the city, Twilight hoped her mentor had a plan to combat all this rampant disinformation. For if she didn't, Twilight wasn't sure if she would be able to stop herself from breaking a few choice heads.

Namely, whomever had written the original flimsy hit piece.

“Twilight, thank goodness you are back,” exclaimed the worried tone of Princess Celestia, who swooped in from behind the infested pony and picked her up by the barrel.

Twilight blinked, the pony shocked to suddenly find herself locked in a warm embrace just as she had neared the alicorn’s door. “Hello to you too, Princess.”

Celestia gave her student one last squeeze before depositing her back onto her own four hooves. “You have no idea how hard it was to not run off the second I heard what happened,” she proclaimed.

Twilight blinked, and looked up at the distraught alicorn, only now realizing how distressed she appeared to be. A casual observer would think nothing of Celestia’s appearance, as they would see only the same stalwart expression and cool exterior they always did, but Twilight was more adept than most. She had enough experience to see the small wrinkles visible on the mare’s brow, and the way her makeup was layered a little thicker than normal, hiding the dark rings that would have been visible under her eyes.

“I’m perfectly okay, as is Spike, and Silver Bulwark,” Twilight replied with a smile as she gestured to the pair.

Celestia’s frown deepened when her gaze fell over the bandaged and unarmored form of Twilight’s guard. “I wouldn't say that. It seems as though your personal guard is a little worse for wear.”

Silver Bulwark shrugged. “Eh, I’ve had worse.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and resisted the urge to point out just how close the other pony had come to dying only a few days earlier. “It's a long story, and one I will tell as soon as we are in private.”

“I’m fine too though, thanks for asking,” Spike muttered.

“Of course I didn't forget about you,” Celestia replied, the alicorn scooping Spike up and giving the dragon a tight hug. “I didn't worry about you because I knew you were the responsible one.”

Spike smiled, and stuck out his tongue at his mother. “Hear that, Twilight? I’m the responsible one.”

The infested unicorn snorted. “The only thing you are responsible for is eating up half our budget at that noodle shop.”

“Well, sorry for enjoying the local cuisine and supporting an independent small business owner,” Spike replied, before sticking out his tongue.

Shaking her head, Twilight motioned towards the door near the end of the hall. “How about we continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable?”

“Of course,” Celestia replied. “And then I want to hear your personal account of all that occurred while you were on vacation.”

Twilight nodded. “I won’t leave out a thing, Your Majesty.”

Author's Note

Ponyville

Twilight tapped her armrest as she stared out the window of the train, the rolling plains passing her by without ever truly registering in the unicorn’s mind. Her thoughts were in a different place and time, when Celestia had opened up to her and told Twilight about all that she had planned. The burden of potentially saving the world a half dozen times wasn't quite as bad after all those months of careful consideration and planning. Though that wasn't to say that weight was gone entirely, as the fate of the world wasn't exactly a simple thing to dismiss.

Still, with Silver Bulwark sleeping soundly next to her and Spike reading the paper across from her, Twilight had all the allies she needed. At least until she met her fated friends and connected to each of them, that was. That particular thought made Twilight’s stomach turn a little, the pony more than a little uncomfortable with the idea that her life had been altered so that she was destined to end up where she currently was.

She brushed such considerations from her mind though, she had bigger things to consider, and more pressing concerns than some possibly fictional force of nature. Such as the locations and personalities of the other Element Bearers as well as the plan she had come up with. Her cover was easy to remember, since it wasn't strictly speaking a cover as she was indeed the coordinator for the coming Summer Sun Celebration.

The first location and asset would probably be the most difficult considering who she was, who her family was, and the situation she was likely in. Twilight’s frown deepened, and she silently hoped that her connection to other zerg-infected ponies would give her the edge she needed as this was going to be tough without it. If that connection wasn't enough or if this family of farmers had figured out a way to block that connection, well, then things might get a little messy.

Twilight tried not to think about such a possibility though and instead ran through the steps of her plan once more. Only to suddenly sit up when she remembered that she had yet to practice the harmonic resonance detection spell Celestia taught her. Closing her eyes and lighting her horn, Twilight quickly went through the motions, casting the spell in mere seconds.

The strangely familiar tugging sensation popped into her mind, pulling her towards Ponyville and herself. With her worry now sated, Twilight settled back into her spot and breathed a long sigh of relief.

Spike peeked over his reading material and eyed Twilight curiously. “You are not still worrying about the other passengers, are you?”

Twilight’s elation vanished and she half turned towards the aforementioned other travelers sitting at the back of their car. “I wasn't, until now,” she muttered.

Twilight glared at the three unicorn ponies out of the corner of her eye, her psionic abilities confirming what a casual glance already had. Their cold, dead eyes hid a mind blanked by whatever changes they had been subjected to at the hooves of the great houses. They sat rigid and unmoving in their seats, large bags on their laps as they looked at one another as if having a hidden conversation or perhaps just staring off into space.

“I wouldn't worry about them,” Spike remarked before turning back to his paper. “Whatever training they've undergone no doubt pales in comparison with what we've been through.”

Twilight felt a small hint of satisfaction when she thought back to all that Celestia had done to ensure they were ready. From the grueling physical training, exhaustive lessons, and wisdom imbuing tales of events long since passed, the unicorn felt ready for just about anything. Even that feeling of readiness was stifled by her logical side however, which warned that such arrogance could easily get them all killed.

“I wouldn't write them off completely. They’ve evidently come prepared,” Twilight commented, the pony turning her gaze from the three unicorns and back out the window.

Spike shrugged his more muscled shoulders. “So what? They may have some of that old armor or one of those weird magic blades but we got all that and more. Plus we don't have to take an hour to put it all on.”

Twilight nodded slowly, the pony rubbing a hoof over the sleek black outfit she had worn for almost a year at this point. “Overconfidence is still to be avoided. Remember what Celestia told us. Always assume your enemy can, and will, kill you.”

Spike sighed. “I know, but still. We can be at least a little proud of our accomplishments, right? I mean I can actually wield a weapon now, you learned a bunch more spells and we got Silver Bulwark with us.”

The hooded and armored guard snorted in her sleep and rolled over, facing away from the duo.

Twilight chuckled. “I suppose we do have an edge or two, but we should still assume they have one as well. They aren't trying to hide, which means they aren't here for us, or they are, and they don't care that we know of their presence.”

“Which means they are confident as well,” Spike finished.

Twilight nodded. “Exactly.”

The dragon folded up his newspaper and set it aside. “So, where were we going first again?”

“Sweet Apple Acres. We need to find Applejack, make sure the food is acceptable, and guage who her and her family may or may not be allied with,” Twilight stated.

“I don't suppose you could put me on taste-testing duty, could ya?” Spike asked while leaning forward, an expectant grin on his face.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “If I say yes, would you pay attention next time I go over the plan?”

Spike shrugged. “Maybe. Depends on how good the food is.”

“Fine, but try to relax while you can. We’re still a half hour away and something tells me we aren't going to get much rest during this little mission of ours,” Twilight pointed out.

Spike yawned and leaned back in his seat. “Good thinking. Hey, I don't suppose you could give us all whatever gene that enables Silver Bulwark to fall asleep at the drop of a hat.”

Twilight chuckled. “I don't think that's a gene.”

“It’s practice!” Silver Bulwark exclaimed suddenly.

“How do you do that? I didn't even notice you were awake,” Spike muttered in shock, the dragon shaking his head and removing the hand which had been over his heart.

The guard smirked from beneath her hood. “Practice, young one. That's all it is.”

“So, what did you two think of the town so far?” Twilight asked as she plod slowly down the dirt road.

“It was interesting…” Spike began, the dragon’s gaze lingering on the many apple trees which loomed over them. “There doesn't seem to be much of the great houses’ influence around here. Plus they seem pretty independent for being so close to the Everfree and Canterlot.”

“I admire their spirit,” Silver Bulwark exclaimed, the heavily armored guard tugging her hood into place, and keeping her face firmly in shadow. “They are resilient, adaptable, and friendly even in this day and age.”

“It does seem rather homey, doesn't it?” Twilight remarked idly, the infested unicorn looking up at the clear blue sky. “I can certainly understand as to why Harmony wanted us to stay here. The honesty of these town folk is invigorating, especially when compared to Canterlot.”

Spike spat an angry loogie into the ditch. “It doesn't even compare.”

Twilight’s brow furrowed, and she felt something tickle at the back of her mind. “Do you guys feel that?”

Silver Bulwark nodded, a hoof went to the blade at her side at the same that Spike’s claw gripped the mace around his waist. “Yeah, like we’re being watched or something,” Spike muttered.

The three infested looked around, only to find themselves alone on the dirt road, not a creature in sight and not a sound to be heard other than the gentle wind which washed over them. Focusing on her psionic abilities, Twilight reached out with her mind and immediately felt another zerg presence, one that she had already picked up a few times as they were walking through town.

“That follower is back, but she's staying hidden as usual,” Twilight began. “There is someone else here as well. They are powerful, but… different and muted somehow.”

“Is it the great houses? Did one of those high templar dudes finally decide to show themselves?” Spike asked, the grip on his weapon tightening.

“No, this is different. That other presence was shielding itself, this one is muddled somewhat,” Twilight muttered, only to turn suddenly and glare at a seemingly random spot in the trees. “We have a guest.”

“Where? I don't see anyone,” Spike asked, looking around desperately for whatever Twilight had seen.

“You can come out now,” declared Silver Bulwark, who had removed her hoof from her blade.

The air shimmered, and a pink gadget-clad pony appeared on the side of the road, a baffled expression on her face. “How did you see me? I thought I finally got my cloaking field perfected,” she exclaimed in shock.

Twilight lifted an eyebrow and quickly inspected the strange mare, noting that although she seemed normal at first glance, having neither the taint of infestation, nor the blankness of the houses’ influence, she was still very strange. Her outfit was the obvious first thing to grab Twilight’s attention as the pink pony wore a bulky suit absolutely covered in lights and various electronic bits. On her back was a large, obviously homemade battery pack of some kind which fed into her suit through numerous and sometimes exposed wires.

Her hair was straight, and pulled back into a tight, short ponytail, her tail a similar style and length as well. Twilight held up a hoof, stopping Spike before he could move, the infested pony already able to tell that the dragon was going to react poorly to the pony’s sudden appearance.

“Hello, Pinkie Pie,” Twilight greeted with a smile. “It's wonderful to finally meet my stalker.”

“Stalker? I’ve been standing here the whole time,” Pinkie Pie replied.

Silver Bulwark tapped the other unicorn’s shoulder and jerked her head back and to her right. It’s coming from inside the orchard, and it feels zerg.

Twilight nodded, extending a hoof. “Ah, so that wasn't you. Still, it's a pleasure to speak to you.”

Pinkie Pie hesitantly shook the other pony’s hoof. “Err same, random pony whose name is...”

Twilight was about to answer when she felt a psionic intrusion coming from Pinkie Pie, who had narrowed her eyes intently at the infested pony. Rather than be shocked by this, Twilight created a small mental space and put some basic information about herself inside of it. Sure enough Pinkie Pie found it and smirked to herself, satisfied by her acquisition, before pulling out.

“...Twilight Sparkle! And you are here to help set up the Summer Sun Celebration!” Pinkie Pie declared with a grin.

The infested unicorn nodded, mentally commanding her companions to stand down and not respond to the mental poking. “That's a neat trick,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Thanks! There is only so much you can do on a rock farm,” Pinkie Pie explained before her eyes went wide. “Oh my gosh! I just realized something super duper important! I guess you’ll have to tell me how you found me later!”

The pink pony’s form shimmered briefly before she ran off, her hoofsteps audible as she sprinted back in the direction of town. Twilight watched the invisible mare go before smiling and turning back down the road and continuing on as if nothing happened.

“So uh, you gonna tell us what the heck all that was?” Spike asked, the dragon relaxing only slightly as he walked to Twilight’s right.

“She's one of the Element Bearers, remember?” Twilight replied.

“It was all in the briefing,” Silver Bulwark added.

“I really shoulda paid more attention to that,” Spike muttered.

“She’ll likely try to throw us a party of some kind in the next week or so,” Twilight explained. “Did you get a fix on our zerg follower?”

Silver Bulwark shook her head. “It ran off again, though I get the feeling it's not hostile. Just curious.”

“Either way we should try to figure out what exactly it is,” Twilight began, a plan already forming in her mind. “A zerg bioform this far from the badlands is strange enough already, especially if it’s managed to survive alone for so long.”

“So, do we just keep going then?” Spike asked.

Twilight nodded. “We do. The food still requires checking and our first objective still needs to be reached. Strange presences or not.”

“We’re right behind you, boss,” Silver Bulwark declared.

“Right, let’s go taste some apples and find us a friend.”

“Nice place they got here,” Spike murmured, the dragon looking around at the extensive orchard, numerous pens of animals, and a large barn.

“They got quite the operation, that's for sure,” Silver Bulwark muttered.

“She's around here somewhere, but there is more interference,” Twilight exclaimed, her horn dulling as the harmonic spell was cast once more.

“Well if you need us to run distraction, just give us the signal,” Spike whispered.

Twilight nodded, and turned towards the farm house, the infested pony stomping up to the door, making her presence known. The thud of her booted hoof against the aged portal ensured that no one on the entire property was unaware of her presence. Sure enough, the pony could hear the skid of a chair being pushed out, followed by the thump of hooves coming her way from within the house.

“I heard ya the first time!” shouted an elderly female voice, one Twilight assumed belonged to Granny Smith.

With the interior door being opened, Twilight’s assumption was proven right, and she looked down on an aged green-furred and white-maned mare. Who also happened to have a terrified expression on her face as she looked up at the towering unicorn.

“Are you Granny Smith?” Twilight asked, doing her best to keep her voice even and professional.

“Aye, that I am,” Granny Smith muttered in a mixture of shock and apprehension. “You wouldn't happen to be from the bank, would ya?”

“I am not,” Twilight declared. “I am actually Celestia’s student, Twilight Sparkle. I’m here to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration and more specifically the food for said celebration.”

Instantly all the fear and confusion fled from the other pony’s face, and she grinned before throwing open the screen door. “Well, why didn't ya start with that? Come on in. The whole family is down for a big reunion, but don't worry, that won't put a hamper on the preparation.”

Twilight turned and nodded subtly to her guard, who stepped forward, swiftly stepping into the other mare’s place. “I’ll be looking over the spread if you don't mind,” Silver Bulwark declared. “Twilight has to ensure that the facilities are up to Her Majesty’s standards.”

The elderly pony seemed confused but nodded anyway. “We ain't cutting any corners if that's what yer accusin’ us of.”

Spike scoffed. “Nah, it's just a formality. As unlikely as a violation is, we have to check the premises regardless.”

“What, you think one of mah family is tryin’ to poison the princess or somethin’?” Granny Smith shot back, poking a hoof into the dragon’s chest.

Silver Bulwark shook her head. “Not at all, ma’am. Rather someone else might want us to think that.”

The older pony blinked in shock before nodding solemnly, her paranoia subtly shifted away from them. “Good thinkin, youngun. I’ll send my grandson Big Macintosh to show ya around.”

“Actually, I do not require assistance,” Twilight declared, pushing a little bit of psionic power into her words.

Granny Smith’s eyes glazed over for a second before she nodded vigorously. “Alright, but only ‘cus yer sent by the princess.”

“My thanks, ma’am,” Twilight replied before nodding and slipping away.

Leaving just as a few members of the Apple family came up behind Granny Smith and began asking questions about the strange black-coated unicorn who had just left. Chuckling, Twilight only paid attention to said conversation for a few seconds before quickly putting it out of her mind. Though she did find it rather amusing that there was one pony who was utterly convinced that she couldn't be a mare, due to her height and overall size.

Shaking her head as she walked, Twilight cast the harmonic resonance spell again, only to come back with another confusing reaction. It felt close, and it was vaguely southern, but the actual location of this other Element was indistinct, like it was being jammed by something. A scan through Spike and Silver Bulwark’s minds revealed that the Apple family had next to no unicorns and none of whom seemed powerful enough to craft a ward powerful enough to stop her.

Though it was still possible that someone had cast an obscuring ward on their location, it was unlikely considering just how distrustful of magic the family seemed to be. Plus Twilight couldn't detect any magic on the level necessary to stop her, worse yet the entire area seemed to be a dead zone of sorts. Walking along, Twilight did her best to pretend like she was inspecting the area while continually trying the spell and reaching out with her mind.

The familiar zerg presence was still gone, but it had been replaced by another, this one as muddled as her spell had been. Twilight had never felt such a response before, and as she poked around the area, she continued to search both psionically and magically. Minutes passed, and Twilight had managed to do a sweep of nearly the entire farm before she acquired an inkling as to where this interference was coming from.

Trotting over to the barn, Twilight found that the tug was stronger, and the zerg presence closer. Casting a quick glance over her shoulder, Twilight found that there was no one around and so she hastily pulled open the double doors and slipped inside. She was greeted with stacks of hay, a few confused animals, and all the usual items one might expect to see on a farm.

“This is strange,” Twilight muttered to herself.

A scan of the animals found that they were completely normal, and a visual inspection of the area revealed that everything seemed normal as well. Hopping down from the loft, Twilight landed with a thud and a crack, making her look down suddenly. The wooden floor had managed to take her weight well though, remaining undamaged, and Twilight was about to look away when a thought suddenly occurred to her.

Why did they even bother to put a wooden floor in a barn? Twilight thought. Unless they have something to hide.

Grinning to herself, Twilight hastily slipped back through the double doors and closed them firmly behind her. Turning to her right, Twilight followed around the edge of the barn, searching for some manner of entrance. Only to come all the way around the other side, having found nothing of note save for a patch of dandelions.

Pursing her lips, Twilight did another circle of the barn, paying closer attention to the ground while also using the harmonic spell constantly. She was about to give up when she noticed that a section of the grass seemed newer than the rest and, pushing her hoof into the dirt, Twilight found that it was looser than normal. Someone was definitely trying to hide the cellar entrance, that much was certain, but why they would bother doing that was still a mystery.

But she would find out soon enough.

Glancing over her shoulder again, Twilight found that she was still as alone as ever, and both Spike and Silver Bulwark had not noticed anyone leave the house. Confident that she was safe from any prying eyes, Twilight conjured an enormous hard magic shovel before sinking it into the ground. With her strength, skill, and practice with shields, the improvised spell easily managed to remove a good chunk of dirt in no time at all.

A thump told the pony that she was on the right track, and after dismissing her shield, Twilight used her magic to clean away the last bit of dirt, piling it carefully next to the hole. And was thusly greeted by the sight of a bright red entrance the same color as the barn. Other than the cellar entrance being about a foot beneath the ground, it looked normal, save for the lock which bound it shut.

Lighting her horn once more, Twilight pushed her aura into the lock before solidifying the magic and turning her improvised key. With a click, it opened, and Twilight hastily tossed it aside before throwing open the cellar doors. Stairs and darkness was what met her, as well as a blast of strange, psionic signals that emanated from within.

Though garbled like everything else, Twilight could feel panic, confusion, and fear amongst them. Focusing on that, Twilight found that the zerg presence she had noticed earlier was much, much stronger here, though she still couldn't quite get a lock on it or connect to it. The harmonic resonance spell was also clearer, but still imperfect as well, and with nothing else left to try, Twilight crept down into the unknown.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, Twilight closed her eyes tightly before opening them and revealing a bright room illuminated only by a few thin strands of light which shone through the cracks in the ceiling. It was all she needed though, as Twilight’s eyes were more than a match for such mundane darkness. Looking around revealed that she was in what at one time had likely been a storage area for farm equipment, and a large door was situated directly across from her.

Though there was still equipment down here, it certainly wasn't mundane in the slightest. A rack of spears lined one wall, and a homemade suit of armor rested on the floor next to it, propped up by an obviously improvised stand. There were other strange items like a large bucket filled with what looked like water, as well as a brush long and large enough to scrub the back of an elephant.

All that strangeness paled in comparison to what she saw next though.

Random bits of wood with large black nails hammered through them were spread evenly across the ceiling, unnerving the unicorn. Upon closer inspection Twilight noticed that the bits of wood were moving, and twitching in place as if they were alive. Reaching up, Twilight prodded one of the sticks and noted that it seemed to react to her touch, spasming as if trying to get away.

“Strange. Is this…” Twilight’s question ended before she could finish it, the answer already coming to her. “Timberwolf.”

Someone had pulled apart a timberwolf and nailed every single piece of it to the ceiling, using its spiritual essence to create a barrier against magical and psionic intrusion. Though primitive, it was remarkably effective, and more than a little messed up in Twilight’s opinion. Timberwolves didn't exactly feel pain, given that they were a crude mix of necromancy and golemancy, but it was still alive, at least in a sense anyway.

“Mac, is that you?” whispered a heavily distorted, but still obviously female voice from behind the door.

Twilight’s eyes narrowed and after casting the harmonic resonance spell again, she found that one of the Element Bearers was definitely in the next room. Though it could be anyone, Twilight’s money was on Applejack, as Celestia’s monitoring had always come back incomplete when trying to observe her. Trotting forward, Twilight realized that whomever was behind this door was definitely infested, or was at least affected by the zerg in some manner.

“No. I’m not one of the ponies that did this to you,” Twilight declared.

Something large and heavy shuffled backwards, chains rattling. “S-stay away! You don't know what yer doin’, lady.” shouted the other pony.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I know exactly what I’m doing,” declared the unicorn who stepped forward and wrenched the door right off its hinges with a single hoof.

Revealing a large room that filled the rest of the space under the barn. The ceiling of which was similarly covered in bits of timberwolf nailed to it while the ground was covered in fresh hay and a few tiny daggers of some kind. What little light managed to pierce the slats of the floor above them was enough to illuminate one of the strangest amalgamations of pony and zerg that Twilight had yet to see.

It was definitely Applejack, the pony still retaining her bright orange fur, and some of her straw colored mane, though both were significantly different compared to the last known image Celestia had acquired. For one, only a single green eye remained, the other having been replaced by a glowing emerald orb that instantly marked her as part zerg. Only the tattered remnants of her mane remained, most having been replaced by a large crest reminiscent of the ultralisk Twilight had fought all those months ago. Though that resemblance wasn't perfect, as Applejack’s crest was far longer, more angular, and had hidden nooks and crevices in it.

Applejack’s alterations also reminded her of Silver Bulwark’s transformation, though it was clear that this one was much less complete, and significantly less harmonious a change than her guard’s. Most of Applejack’s body was covered in thick chitinous material, the heavy plates a mixture of green, purple and yellow, and leaving only her joints exposed. She also had an extra set of jaws that didn't connect together, each one sporting a row of sharp fangs the likes of which Twilight had seen on some of the zerg she had fought before.

Only the pony’s left eye, nose and mouth seemed unchanged, or unaltered, as she no longer had normal forelegs but rather a pair of great sickle like arms with two smaller blades attached to the same limb. Her back legs were also completely gone, having been replaced by a long slithering tail that was also covered in thick, organic plates. She was also easily twice the size of a normal pony, towering over even Twilight, with the former farm pony’s head nearly brushing the eleven foot ceiling. Chains wrapped about each of the creature’s forelegs, neck and waist, binding her to the stone floor in multiple locations and forcing her to look down at the ground.

“What happened to you?”

Author's Note

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Damage Report

When Twilight next opened her eyes, she was surprised to find that she was no longer being pulled along by an invisible force. Rather she was her normal fleshy self, lying in a bed and looking up at a ceiling not unlike she had last woken up to in Ponyville. Though it was obviously made from a living tree like the library, this space was much smaller, and the tree itself was a different species.

“T-Twilight?” someone whispered.

Twilight turned her head towards the source of the voice, her neck protesting the movement by sending a jolt of pain down her spine. Sitting next to her bed was none other than Spike, whose hands gripped Twilight’s foreleg tightly, his eyes milky and his gaze distant. Twilight’s stomach lurched into her throat and she tried to reach out with her mind to find out if the dragon had truly been blinded, only to wince.

“Stars above, that hurts,” Twilight muttered bitterly, her voice so deep that she almost sounded male.

Spike smiled, his hands reached for the unicorn’s shoulders. “Oh, thank goodness, you're awake. It's about time.”

“What do you mean? How long have I been out?” Twilight croaked, looking down at herself.

Her body seemed intact, but her clothes and boots were nowhere to be seen, worse yet, her body was covered in light burns. Other minor injuries marred her skin, but the unicorn didn't seem to have suffered anything more pressing than the worst headache of her life. It was even more painful than the time she had suffered magical burnout, or the time she had pushed her psionic abilities too far. If she had to guess, Twilight would have assumed that she had pushed both of her powers to their absolute limit and was now suffering for it.

“You were asleep for… a while,” Spike warned, his hands gripping Twilight’s shoulders and keeping her from rising. “Don't move. Just wait until Zecora gets back. She’ll want to speak to you before you get out of bed.”

Twilight grunted and fell back down, idly noting that her resting place was surprisingly comfortable and actually fit her larger frame. For a moment the unicorn merely lay there, observing her surroundings while she gathered her bearings. The room they were in was small but cozy, having clearly served as someone’s bedroom up until recently.

A dresser, end table, and chest sat along one wall while the bed rested against the other with only a few feet of space between them. Above her on the wall was a small circular window which likely looked out over the Everfree Forest, but she wouldn't be able to tell either way as it was dark out. Other than that, a large mask hung above the chest, and at the end of the bed was a tall, rounded opening covered by a wall of hanging beads.

Beyond the small barrier burned a fire, upon which was a large pot and though Twilight could see shapes moving around, she couldn't make out any details. Relaxing into her bed, Twilight pressed her hooves against her eyes, focusing herself and trying to think of what to do next. That was until she thought of Spike as well as her freinds, and a pang of guilt stabbed at her heart.

“What's the status of our… friends?” Twilight whispered.

Spike sighed. “Not good. Nightmare Moon gave us a real thrashing.”

“Did… did Silver Bulwark make it?” Twilight asked.

Spike slowly shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Her injuries were too severe.” He paused and looked off to the right. “We buried her out back under a silverleaf tree not far from Zecora’s hut.”

Twilight felt tears building at the edge of her eyes, but she refused to shed them before she visited Silver Bulwark’s grave. “And the rest?” she asked.

Spike frowned. “You’ve been out for about a week and though you’ve suffered severe exhaustion of multiple different kinds, you're more or less okay. You’re going to be pretty achy though, not even being part zerg can stop your legs from cramping after not being used for seven whole days.”

“I suppose that's… good,” Twilight murmured.

“As for myself. Well let’s just say Nightmare Moon’s fire burns a little different than normal.” The dragon waved a hand in front of his eyes. “I can't see much, only blurry shapes, but it's gotten better already. Those first days they were… well, the less said about them, the better.”

Twilight nodded to herself, already imagining how horrible it would be to wake up blind and in an entirely new location. “You’ll heal, right?”

Spike nodded. “My scales still itch because I got burnt under them and my eyeballs don't work too well, but I’m healing really fast, or so Zecora says anyway.”

“Wait, who is this Zecora creature anyway?” Twilight asked.

“She's a zebra, though not really.” Spike winced and rubbed the back of his neck. “You’ll have to see for yourself, I’m afraid, I’m not great with the whole seeing thing right now.”

“Right,” Twilight fell back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling, “go on.”

“Well, Rainbow Dash lost both of her wings and is pretty depressed. I don't think she's said a word since she woke up a couple of days ago,” Spike remarked. “The closest she's gotten to talking is waking up screaming in the middle of the night.”

Twilight’s frown deepened and though a part of her wanted to tell the dragon to stop, she refused to listen to that urge. This was her fault, her burden to bear, and she wasn't about to shirk from that duty, especially before she even saw them.

“Pinkie Pie has trouble walking very far, she took a mean hit and can't really feel her legs anymore. She might heal, but it will take months before we know for sure if she’ll recover.” Spike smirked. “She’s tough though, I think she’ll walk again no problem.”

Twilight merely nodded.

“Scootaloo made it out surprisingly well, given what happened.” Spike smiled faintly. “Her wounds healed remarkably quickly, but she's a little scared and tends to stick to Fluttershy’s side like a burr.”

“And how is Fluttershy?” Twilight inquired.

“She survived, thanks to you,” Spike replied.

“That's not what I asked,” Twilight retorted.

Spike frowned. “She’s blind in her left eye, but she's part zerg, so there's still hope it will heal. It's deep though, like fried nerves and everything. Other than that a couple of light burns and that's it.”

“Mixed blessings, I suppose,” Twilight muttered to herself.

“Speaking of which, Applejack made it out more or less okay. She has trouble holding food sometimes and for a while there she had trouble breathing, but her lungs seemed to have healed,” Spike announced.

“And what about Rarity? How is our resident high templar doing?” Twilight asked, turning back towards the dragon.

“It… isn't good,” Spike murmured, tapping his claws together. “She can't move anything from the neck down and spends most of her time talking to herself.”

“Talking to herself?”

Spike nodded. “Fluttershy tried to help, but she’s like an amplifier and needs you there in order to do much. Either way, Zecora says it's like there are two minds in one body, but she doesn't know how such a thing could happen. There also doesn't seem to be anything physically wrong with her anymore, now that her exhaustion and light injuries have been treated.”

“That is disconcerting,” Twilight remarked.

“You could say that again. I know you weren't her biggest fan, but-” Spike began.

“That wasn’t fair of me,” Twilight interrupted. “I should have trusted her as she trusted me.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Well, that's good to hear. Hopefully she’s cognizant enough to hear you say those words.”

Twilight nodded and was about to ask for more information when the beads rustled, revealing a hooded figure standing in the doorway. Held aloft by a tentacled appendage was a wooden cup filled to the brim with some sort of bubbling green liquid. Though the shadows cast were deep and hid much of the figure’s appearance, Twilight could tell that the creature was not a normal zebra.

Her body was bulkier, lacking the lithe stature that zebras were known for, and the only thing Twilight could see were two orange orbs peering out from beneath the deep hood. Other than that, there was a single strange tentacle poking out from where her mouth would be, which jabbed the cup into Twilight’s chest. Taking the hint, Twilight downed the strange mixture in a single massive gulp, unbothered by the foul flavor or burning aftertaste.

“I told you she was tough,” Spike remarked.

Twilight swallowed again, trying to dismiss the irritating taste which continued to linger at the back of her throat. When it was finally gone, Twilight felt her headache vanish and her connection to the other infested beings suddenly return to her. Almost immediately she could feel relief and fear flowing from Scootaloo, Fluttershy, and Applejack, though Twilight held them at bay for the moment.

She could tell that they had reservations about Twilight’s decision and that they wanted to come speak to her, but Twilight held firm. They would have time to talk shortly, right now she had a feeling that this Zecora individual would require her full attention. As if on cue, Zecora and Spike exchanged a glance and a nod, prompting the zebra to tug back her hood.

Revealing one of the strangest countenances that Twilight had ever seen before, including the strange zerg creature she had seen in her dreams all those years ago. The normal pony muzzle was gone, replaced by large organic plates which covered her entire face save for two beady orange eyes and a maw filled with half a dozen tentacles. Zecora’s eyes were the most striking part about her, reminding Twilight of her own, only even more fierce for lack of a better word.

The tentacles which sprouted from Zecora’s maw retracted into the creature’s orifice before she extended a sharp segmented limb to the mare. It then pointed towards Twilight’s forehead before gesturing to its own while making a garbled warbling noise. Putting two and two together, Twilight closed her eyes and focused on the connection she shared with the other infested beings already in her neural network.

After doing that, Twilight found that it was a simple matter to strengthen the bonds Zecora had already created with the others. Then Twilight linked herself to the strange zebra and was instantly awash with joy as well as a lingering sense of guilt.

I am sorry, Queen Twilight, but I was unable to save your guard, Zecora announced solemnly, the zebra’s thoughts filled with the bitter taste of disappointment.

It’s… fine, Twilight thought somberly. There was likely very little you could do at that point.

You are unfortunately correct. Even my finest elixirs did little to aid her. Zecora shook her head from side to side. Though the rest of your brood have survived, I fear that your uninfested companions will not be able to overcome their injuries without assistance.

Twilight glanced past the infested zebra, to where she knew her friends lay injured and broken. It's my fault they are like that, you know.

I have heard the tale of your battle. Zecora vigorously twisted her head back and forth. And I disagree with your assessment.

But-

But nothing. You are queen, master of your brood. We who are bound to you live at your whim. Zecora stepped closer. And if I am being honest with you, the fact that you have suffered only a single casualty speaks volumes of your abilities.

Twilight frowned and reluctantly dismissed the urge to argue with the infested zebra. Wait, we?

Zecora nodded. In my haste to assist your brood, I connected to your biomaster, tying myself to you forevermore.

Biomaster? You mean… Fluttershy? Twilight inquired, eyebrows raised.

Indeed. Though we will speak more on such a topic at a later date as I feel the rest of your brood wishes to see you now. Zecora stepped back and slipped out of the way, pulling back the wall of beads.

Applejack was the first to approach, with the towering hydralisk hybrid peeking around the corner and using a scythe-like limb to keep the beads from falling back down. “H-hey boss. How are ya feelin’?”

Twilight smirked as she inspected the infested earth pony and noted that she appeared fine, save for a brutal scar near the middle of her chest. “Like I just got struck by lightning and stuffed in a washing machine after a very long night of drinking,” Twilight replied.

The hydralisk hybrid winced. “Yeah, I wasn't much better when I woke up either.”

“S-s-speaking of which,” interrupted Fluttershy, who peeked her head in the other side of the doorway. “H-how long have you b-been awake? I can hardly f-f-feel you right now.”

“Not long. Though I’m afraid my brain is still going to need some time to relax before I can use my full abilities,” Twilight warned, looking Fluttershy up and down and finding that Spike’s assessment had been correct.

“S-sorry to hear that,” whispered Scootaloo who poked her head out from between Fluttershy’s legs.

Twilight sighed as she noted the way Scootaloo had seemingly lost all her previous bravado and now clung to Fluttershy tightly. “It's okay. I’m just glad to hear you girls are alright,” Twilight declared.

“I wouldn't say that,” warned Applejack. “The other two are a lot worse off than us.”

Twilight winced and pushed herself off the bed, stumbling into a wobbly stand. “Show me.”

Fluttershy extended one of her clawed hands and leaned forward. “Yes, my queen, though beware. It isn't a pleasant sight.”

Twilight took the offered limb and awkwardly trotted forward. “I will be the judge of that.”

Fluttershy gripped the unicorn’s hoof and gently guided her into the much larger room which lay just beyond. Once she had passed through the door of beads, Twilight looked around curiously, noting that this second space was surprisingly large. The roof was at least ten feet tall, allowing even Applejack to stand up straight without worrying about bumping her head.

Before her stood a sizable bubbling cauldron which rested upon a fire that sat in a small dug out pit in the center of the room. Though the fire was low, it was enough to illuminate the rows of bottles that covered nearly every wall in its entirety. A large round door stood to Twilight’s immediate left which was flanked by two more windows the same size as the first one she had seen. To her right rested two ponies, neither of whom seemed to even notice Twilight staring down at them.

The closest was Rainbow Dash, who merely sat on her haunches, back pressed against the wall. Bandages were wrapped around her midsection as well as on her forehooves, but other than that, there were no other visible injuries. The look on her face however told a different story, as her gaze was distant and her expression vacant.

Kneeling down next to her, Twilight waved a hoof in front of the pegasus’ face, gaining her attention and causing her to turn towards the unicorn. “Does it hurt?” Twilight whispered.

Rainbow Dash blinked slowly and shook her head.

Twilight pursed her lips and touched the pony’s shoulder. “I know of a place where they might be able to replace your wings. Would you like me to take you there?”

The edges of Rainbow Dash’s mouth turned slightly upwards and she glanced towards Fluttershy.

“Yes, Fluttershy will be joining you there, if she’s still willing to stick with me after this, that is,” Twilight answered.

The infested pegasus nodded vigorously. “Of course, m-my queen. I will r-r-remain with you for as l-long as you have need of me. I’ve also already t-taken care of my animals and thus can leave whenever you d-d-deem it necessary.”

Twilight nodded slowly before turning back to Rainbow Dash. “I can't promise anything, but I’ve seen them replace limbs as well as eyes and other body parts.’

Rainbow Dash nodded slowly.

Twilight sighed and stood back up before trotting over to where Rarity lay on her stomach nearby. Her body was limp, and her chin rested against the ground as she stared off into the distance, muttering to herself. Though she suffered no external injuries save for a few bumps and bruises, even a single glance was enough to tell Twilight that something was deeply wrong.

Her psychic abilities remained muted, however, and as such it was hard to read the other pony’s mind. “Fluttershy, could you come here?” Twilight asked, extending a hoof towards the mare in question.

“O-of c-c-course,” Fluttershy stuttered, the mare stepping forward, Scootaloo close on her tail.

Gripping the other creature’s hoof tightly in her own, Twilight focused on the connection they had used to enter Rarity’s mind a week ago. Together their power was enough to let the infested creatures hear exactly what Rarity was muttering to herself. As soon as that happened, Twilight found herself agreeing with Zecora’s earlier assessment, as there did indeed seem to be two consciousnesses in one body.

Only one was much younger than the other yet spoke with a strange amount of force, while the other felt like the Rarity they knew, only not quite.

“How dare you steal my body from me! You're a monster, a demon!” shouted the younger voice.

“I didn't--we talked about this, I was-” began the older voice.

“I’ve heard all your stupid excuses, and I still think you’re dumb!” shouted the first voice.

“Rarity, are you alright?” Twilight asked both verbally and mentally.

The dishevelled unicorn turned toward her, a wide confused look on her face. “You--we--what--is going--my head,” muttered the mare in two entirely different voices.

Focus, one at a time, Twilight imparted.

The voices quieted before the younger suddenly spoke up. “How are you doing that?” Rarity asked out loud.

“I have some rather unique abilities, but that doesn't matter right now,” Twilight hastily replied. “Do you know what has happened to you?”

Rarity shook her head. “I was going to an appointment with my mother before I ended up in that strange prison you two found me in, and now I’ve got my body back, but it's old for some reason.”

“I am not old,” retorted Rarity’s other voice. “I am not even twenty-two yet!”

“That is so old,” the younger voice shot back.

“Girls. Focus,” Twilight asserted.

“Right. I think I have an idea as to what happened,” exclaimed the older voice. “Though I’m not wholly certain if it's true or not.”

“Fire away. Any idea is better than no idea,” Twilight offered.

Rarity took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I believe that when one first connects to the khala, it takes a part of you and locks it up. Though that may only happen to those who attempt to walk the path of a high templar.”

“Or you're an evil body-snatching demon,” growled Rarity’s younger voice.

“I think Rarity is onto something, the other Rarity,” Twilight remarked.

“Fine, I’ll let the old nag talk,” whined the younger Rarity.

“Right, where was I?” muttered Rarity. “Oh yes. I believe that whatever was housing my younger self was damaged right before I was kicked out of the khala. This created an opening for my younger consciousness to escape back into my mind which leads to my, or should I say our, current predicament.”

“That does make a lot of sense as different templars seem to have varied levels of personality and individuality. To me this would indicate that lower ranking members have had more of their mind taken from them,” Twilight murmured half to herself.

“Now tell the old nag to stop fighting me for the body. I haven't been able to move in forever, and I want to enjoy being able to walk around,” exclaimed the younger voice in a bitter tone.

“This is more my body than it is yours, you know. I’ve inhabited it for far longer, after all,” Rarity replied, lifting her nose.

“R-rarity are you s-s-sure you mean that?” Whispered Fluttershy.

The unicorn sighed. “No.”

“Here, I’ll create a space within your mind where you can retreat to. It should be able to allow you to switch control of your body, though both of you will have to focus to make it work,” Twilight offered, silently hoping that she could even do something, given her current power level.

“Fine. If that's what it takes,” declared the younger Rarity.

Twilight closed her eyes and reached forward with Fluttershy, entering Rarity’s cluttered mindscape. Together they created a space which one Rarity could inhabit while the other controlled their faculties. It wasn't perfect, and it left both Fluttershy and Twilight exhausted, but in the end Rarity was able to slowly stand up on her own.

Fascinating, exclaimed Zecora.

“Oh, thank the stars. Here I’d thought you were stuck that way,” murmured Applejack.

“Yes, well, I wasn't always as snooty as that other Rarity and-” The fashionista’s orange eyes went wide. “Monster! Everybody run!”

Twilight sighed and gently but firmly pushed Rarity onto her rump. “Maybe you should let the other Rarity drive while she explains things to you.”

“How are you not terrified of that thing? It's got claws bigger than a hook horror!” Rarity shouted.

“What's a hook horror?” muttered Applejack.

“It's an Ogres and Oubliettes monster,” remarked Spike.

“Rarity please, just trust me,” Twilight asserted, putting a bit of power into her voice.

The unicorn looked around the room before slowly nodding. “Fine, but I don't like this, and she better give my body back after she's done explaining.”

Rarity’s eyes flickered, becoming a bright, almost glowing teal. “Of course, darling, now would you please stop fighting Twilight. We have enough bruises already.”

The fashionista rolled her teal eyes before lying back down.

“Would you mind answering any questions they may have?” asked Twilight while looking at Fluttershy.

The infested pegasus nodded. “Of c-course, my q-q-queen.”

“Thank you, Fluttershy,” Twilight replied, trotting a little more confidently over to Zecora, who stood near the edge of the group. “Are you coming with us?”

Of course. You are my queen. Though I am curious as to where you are going as your mind is still in turmoil, Zecora replied, tentacles flicking in and out of her mouth.

“There's an old and well-hidden railroad that leads to the confederacy. I want to-” Twilight stopped and turned to the door just as it opened to reveal a confused Pinkie Pie holding a hoof load of wood.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing, come on in, Pinkie Pie. We were just talking about what we planned to do,” Spike announced.

“Oh great. ‘Cause this whole eternal night thing is really spooky,” Pinkie Pie remarked, stumbling into the room and depositing the wood near the edge of the cauldron.

“Wait, eternal night?” Twilight turned to the window and noted that despite the moon hanging above them, she could still see fairly clearly. “But it's so bright outside.”

“That's because the full moon hasn't set since we fought you know who,” explained Applejack, her voice lowering to a whisper near the end of her sentence.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and glanced at Spike.

Who shrugged. “I guess she was totally serious about the whole making it be night forever thing.”

“That explains the draft despite it being spring,” Twilight murmured.

“And it only looks like it's going to get colder,” remarked Pinkie Pie who grunted in pain as she lay down next to the fire. “The moon isn't exactly a warm place.”

“How cold has it gotten?” Twilight asked.

Only a single degree, but the wind is unkind and the weather is strange, Zecora replied, peering out the window. The wildlife is also quite confused by this turn of events.

“I’ll s-say. My a-a-animals needed to be calmed down for h-hours,” Fluttershy added.

“Okay, so now we are working on a time limit. Great,” Twilight muttered bitterly.

“What do you mean?” Applejack asked.

“Think about it. If she doesn't let the sun back up, we are all going to freeze,” Twilight explained. “But we’ll probably starve before that happens.”

“Which is why I’m sticking with you,” Pinkie Pie piped up. “If anyone will have a plan to get everything back to normal, it will be Celestia, and I got a feeling you want to save her.”

Twilight nodded. “I do, but first I was hoping to use a secret railway to send most of you to confederate territory. I have friends there who may be able to help you recover from your injuries.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Oh, and who are you thinking of sending?”

“Well, you for one. You can't do much good if I have to lead you around like a seeing eye dog,” Twilight replied.

Spike crossed his arms over his chest. “I really want to disagree with you, but I have to admit I wouldn't be much help anyway. If my eyesight does return completely in time, I get to come though!”

“Darn tootin’ ya do,” Applejack added, grinning.

“Really the only ones I was going to bring with me were Zecora and Applejack,” Twilight announced. “The rest of you are too injured to be much help, unfortunately.”

“B-but, my q-q-queen,” Fluttershy stuttered, stepping up to the taller creature. “It’s h-hard to think without you, and my injuries are light.”

“If you stick close to me, you’ll be okay,” Spike announced. “Twilight and I’s connection goes deep enough that distance isn't an issue.”

The unicorn nodded. “That it is, and though light, there are ponies who depend on you. So if that's everything?”

I will need time to pack up what few belongings I have and mark my abode so no animals move into it while I am gone, Zecora added.

“Good, and in return for joining us, I will extend the same promise I made to Fluttershy and Applejack,” Twilight announced, turning to the zebra.

No need. This form is efficient, and so long as I have purpose, I am happy. Zecora tilted her head left to right, joy emanating from the creature. It has been too long since I have belonged anywhere.

“Just let her have this,” Spike warned, stepping forward. “I’ve already had this conversation with her before. Oh and before you ask, that was her who was following us before.”

Though the Taken did tail you for a while as well, Zecora remarked.

“The Taken, oh you mean the houses, right?” Applejack interjected.

Yes, Zecora answered.

“Right, so are we all in agreement?” Twilight inquired, glancing at each of her companions in turn.

Everyone nodded, even Rainbow Dash and Rarity, whose eyes had shifted back to yellow. “I am not a fan of this entire mess I’ve fallen into, but it seems as though I am one of these Element things, so I kind of have to come with you,” the younger Rarity announced. The unicorn sighed, and her voice became deeper. “I’ve told you this a dozen times already. I’m the Bearer of the Element of Generosity. Not you.”

Twilight glared at Rarity, causing the other unicorn to close her mouth with a sharp clack. “We can discuss that while we’re moving, right now we need to get on the road. Canterlot is under siege, and we need to assist them in any way we can.”

“Wait, how do you know that?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“I’ll explain on the way,” Twilight replied dismissively. “Now, is there anything else that you guys need to do before we leave? I don't think we’ll be back here any time soon.”

Spike shrugged. “I’m good.”

“I’d like to talk to my family, but I don't think they’d take it very well,” muttered Applejack, shoulders slumping.

“We can try, if you’d like,” offered Twilight.

Applejack shook her head. “No, it's fine. If the sun doesn't come back, then there won't be a farm or a family to go back to anyhow.”

Pinkie Pie tugged her saddle bags into place and walked up to the door. “I’ve already sent my family a letter telling them to go underground, so they’ll be safe.”

“It's j-j-just m-me and the animals,” Fluttershy whispered. “And they should b-b-be okay.”

“I would really like to see my parents and Sweetie Belle again. I bet they are like, super old now,” remarked young Rarity.

“I suppose we could do that, but it will have to be brief,” Twilight replied, putting a hoof on the other mare’s shoulder. “I know that the situation isn't ideal, but we aren't dead yet, and if we can connect to the Elements, then we could still defeat Nightmare Moon.”

“Then why don't we all go straight to her?” asked Applejack. “I mean if there is a chance the Elements can still work, then we gotta take it.”

Twilight shook her head. “Nightmare Moon will see us coming a mile away, and she will also know how beaten up we still are. All she has to do is keep her distance and throw spells and soldiers at us, stopping us before we can even get in range.”

“That would be a problem,” murmured Pinkie Pie.

“We need to heal up and get in contact with Celestia. Then we can go back on the attack,” Twilight declared, stomping her hoof in emphasis.

“Makes sense to me,” exclaimed Applejack with a nod.

“Sounds like a plan,” Spike added.

“I’m in,” declared Pinkie Pie.

Twilight nodded slowly. “I’ll meet you girls outside. First I have to say goodbye to someone.”

Rarity blinked. “Who?”

The unicorn’s eyes flickered and she slapped herself across the face. “Would you be quiet? I’ll tell you later.”

Spike stepped forward, his hand holding one of Scootaloo’s scythe legs tightly. “Don't worry about them, Twilight. Just go do your thing. I’ll make sure everyone is ready.”

Twilight smiled and pulled the dragon into a hug. “Thank you, Spike. I won't be very long, I promise.”

Take your time, my queen. It will take several minutes until I am ready, Zecora added.

The unicorn sighed. “I will, Zecora, and thank you. For everything.”

No, thank you. I feel lighter in your presence, and for the first time what feels like forever, I am happy. Zecora extended a pointed limb and touched the other creature’s shoulder. Truly I am in your debt, not the other way around.

Twilight winced. “I wouldn't go that far.”

I disagree, now go. We will have time to speak more once we are on the road. Now it is your heart that needs to heal, Zecora encouraged.

“Right. I can do this. I just need to say goodbye to the best friend I’ve ever had,” Twilight murmured, turning to the door. I absolutely cannot do this.

Author's Note

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Reintroductions

Twilight groaned, opening her eyes to reveal a cold, steel ceiling which she stared at for several long moments as she processed what had happened. Glancing around the room, Twilight found that she was in a small cell, though it at least had a bed large enough for her frame as well as a toilet and sink. Sitting upright in the narrow bed, she discarded the surprisingly warm blanket that had been atop her before looking down at her appearance.

Only the white undershirt and pants remained, the clothes smelling surprisingly clean, alerting Twilight to the fact that she had likely been undressed in her sleep. Brushing aside that small bit of discomfort Twilight realized that not only did her clothing smell good, but she did as well. She wasn't certain if she should be unnerved by the fact that someone had given her a sponge bath or relieved that she no longer reeked of sweat and blood.

Either way, those were considerations for another time, for right now nature called, and after a bit of struggling with her lethargic limbs, she managed to get that out of the way. Now slightly more awake than she had been a minute earlier, Twilight noticed that the collar was no longer around her neck. Though initially a relief, Twilight found that both her magic and her psionic abilities felt distant, and the white noise at the back of her mind was far more oppressive.

Lying back down on the bed, Twilight sprawled out as much as she could, her gaze focusing on the ceiling as her thoughts began to drift. Her mind immediately went to Celestia and what had happened, a sharp jab of guilt shooting through her. With that feeling came anger, frustration, and dark, unpleasant thoughts that threatened to consume her.

Pushing them down took effort, but with the memory of her friends fresh in her mind, Twilight reminded herself why she was here. All she needed to do was find the forest Celestia had mentioned and then locate the pond where her mentor had hidden the other entrance. From there she would be back in her own world and from there she could…

Her thoughts fell apart as a deep sadness welled from within her. This time the emotion would not and could not be quelled no matter how hard she tried. She crumpled into a ball, pulling the blankets tight about her body as she began to sob.

All at once the pain and grief she had bottled up deep in her soul overflowed, swallowing her thoughts amid a rising tide of agony. She had lost so much, seen so much hurt, and now had been set back even more. Could she even come back from this? Should she even try?

Nightmare Moon was a monster stronger than any entity on Equestria, eclipsing even Celestia by several orders of magnitude. Not only that, but the Nightmare also had an army, a city, and now she had the worst thing possible, time. Time to rebuild, to fortify Canterlot, and potentially assert her dominance over most if not all of Equestria.

Twilight wondered how long it would take to get back home, and if she should even bother with the effort. It was a dark thought, one she wanted to push away but couldn't help but contemplate it. At least there were zerg she could usurp the control of, and beyond that this land had no magic while she had retained her own.

Evidently the mirror had made some sort of error when it came to altering her, or her unique physiology had allowed her to retain her abilities. Either way, Twilight was potentially the most powerful being in this entire world, and if she stayed, she could potentially alter it however she willed. Pushing that thought out of her mind took effort, but after a few labored breaths, the infested woman managed to do just that.

“Hey there, don't cry,” called a familiar voice, though it had an odd warbling tone to it. “I know it doesn't look like much, but they really are trying to help you.”

Wiping away her tears, Twilight cleared her throat. “H-how so?”

“They are trying to cure all the nasty little bugs in our systems,” replied the voice. “And hopefully fix whatever she did to us.”

Untangling her limbs from the blanket, Twilight rose into a sitting position and glanced over to the source of the voice. “Who are you? You sound familiar.”

“And you sound pretty familiar too!” replied the other person. “The name’s Pinkie Pie, and it looks like we’re cell neighbors for the time being.”

Twilight sighed and trotted up to the bars, glancing to her left. “How many cells are down here? Looks like hundreds, but most are just strange black walls.”

“The black cells are for those of us who pose dangers to the others, but don't worry about them, they have a TV and stuff.” Pinkie Pie paused. “The big meanie infested a whole bunch of people when she was trying to fix her command structure problems. Though it's weird that you ended up down here, she stopped doing that a while ago,”

“That's probably still true. I’m not from your reality, after all,” Twilight remarked.

“Oooh, an alternate world, neato!” Pinkie Pie excitedly replied. “Let me guess, you’re the good Twilight Sparkle?”

“I don't know about good, but I am certainly nicer than what I assume the other version of myself has been,” Twilight concluded. “Provided she was the cause of all this.”

“Yupperdoodle!” Pinkie Pie answered. “Last I heard she's taken over a good majority of the western seaboard and totally mucked up the rest of the world with her virus bombs. I’m sure Sunset will tell ya more about that later.”

Twilight shuddered. “That sounds terrible. Tell me, what happened to you?”

“Oh, you don't want to know,” Pinkie Pie replied in a sad tone. “Let’s just say that I’m something of a lost cause.”

Twilight snorted. “One of my best friends is ninety percent hydralisk, and the other is some sort of slug-like amalgamation of a zebra and a zerg corruptor.”

There was a long pause before Pinkie Pie spoke again. “You have some strange friends,” she remarked.

“They have taught me a lot, and no matter what they look like, I know they are good people,” Twilight explained.

Pinkie Pie sighed. “Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you.”

“You underestimate the things I’ve seen,” Twilight replied.

A second later a mirror held by a tentacle slipped from the bars of the cell to Twilight’s left. The fleshy appendage was mostly pink, though it had a mixture of twisted purplish-green flesh intertwined within it. The mirror itself was small, little more than a handheld one usually reserved for someone to check their makeup in.

After some slight shifting it revealed a strange hooded figure a foot shorter than Twilight herself was. Which was an achievement, given that the woman guessed that she was nearing eight feet tall in this form. The figure wore a custom white hoodie with three balloons on the front, hiding the majority of her face and much of her torso.

What Twilight could see was that the other woman had the bottom half of a hydralisk and that the front part of her body was covered with pink organic plates. Her tail was long, and though not spiked like the hydralisk Twilight had seen earlier, it looked strong enough to support Pinkie Pie’s weight. Unlike a hydralisk, the former human had only a single scythe-limb while the other arm had long, clawed fingers.

The only even slightly unnerving part of the woman, at least in Twilight’s mind, was the mass of tentacles poking out from the hood. The human lacked a nose or visible mouth though Twilight assumed the latter simply lay beneath the half a dozen wrinkly pink appendages sprouting from Pinkie’s face. The rest of her features seemed normal enough, though her eyes glowed a maleficent red, and her flesh was a mix of her natural pink as well as the purple-green combination like that of the zerg Twilight had already seen so far.

“I’ve seen worse,” Twilight remarked.

“That's great, but wowee, are you tall,” Pinkie Pie marveled, shifting closer to the bars. “And you look super strong too!”

Twilight blushed. “T-thanks. In my world I’m bigger than most but usually not by such a large margin.”

“Well, I’m glad you aren't spooked out by my appearance,” Pinkie Pie remarked, relief palpable in her voice as she returned the mirror. “My other friends try not to show it, but they are scared of me.”

“In that adorable hoodie? You’re about as scary as a house fly,” Twilight remarked dismissively.

Pinkie Pie giggled. “Oh, you are way better than that other Twilight.”

Twilight leaned against the bars. “Speaking of which, what can you tell me of what happened here?”

“What do you want to know exactly? ‘Cause that's one long story,” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Well, my Pinkie Pie had a habit of summing things up quite efficiently, and I assume you do as well,” Twilight replied with a shrug.

“Hmm, the short version of everything then,” Pinkie Pie murmured. “Well, it all started during the Friendship Games when other Twilight came to town and opened some crazy wormhole thingies. We managed to close 'em all before something bad could happen, but she vanished before we could ask her what had gone wrong.”

“Wormholes? Fascinating,” Twilight muttered.

“More like scary,” Pinkie Pie corrected. “There were some really crazy places in those hole thingies, and I think something got through during all the chaos.”

“Evidently,” Twilight murmured. “I wonder if there is some sort of dimensional constant that keeps certain events but ignores others. Or perhaps since a wormhole traversers both space, time, and potentially dimensions, it could have interacted with my own world in some manner.”

“I don't know about that, but what happened after that has been a bit of a blur I admit,” Pinkie Pie remarked. “We fought, found these cool geode thingies that give us powers, and Twilight has been steadily taking over the place.”

“Wait, if the infestation started here, then why hasn't the entire town been taken over? You said she has conquered the majority of an entire continent,” Twilight pointed out.

“She stinks at keeping control of her minions, and I know the others don't agree with me, but I still think there is still some part of her fighting back,” Pinkie Pie whispered.

“Fighting back? Like resisting the zerg influence?” Twilight questioned.

“Uh huh! What other reason could there be for the fact that she hasn't found this base despite owning like a dozen states and half of Canada?” Pinkie Pie answered confidently.

“I suppose that makes sense,” Twilight admitted.

The sudden grinding of rusty metal gears drew Twilight’s attention to her right.

“The girls must be back! That was a quick one this time. I wonder if they found any new friends,” Pinkie Pie openly wondered.

Twilight remained silent, watching quietly as the grinding gears came to a halt and were replaced by the sound of wheels turning on the cold stone floor.

“Hey, Pinkie! Got someone new for you to meet!” yelled the voice of Rainbow Dash from further down the hall.

“She ain't the friendly type though, so ya might want to give her some space,” added the gruff voice of Applejack.

A second later a heavy cart appeared before Twilight, atop which rested an unconscious and heavily bandaged infested creature. Twilight instantly recognized the underlying entity as a siren due to the prominent teal fin atop its head and its fish-like bottom half. The top part of her body should have resembled a serpentine horse, but that was where the infestation was most visible, and only its muzzle appeared normal.

Its forehooves were replaced by the scythe limbs reminiscent of most zerglings while its head was too large for its body and was half-covered by a bony crest of some kind. Its light blue skin was mostly untarnished on its bottom half while almost its entire top half had been replaced by twisted purple flesh. It was an unfortunate sight, and Twilight silently hoped that the creature was not in any pain due to its forced alterations.

“Hold a moment,” Twilight called, sticking out a hand. “I must speak to whomever is in charge around here.”

Rainbow Dash appeared before her a second later, defiantly glaring up at the towering infested woman. “And why should I let that happen after you nearly killed my whole team, huh?”

“If I had wanted you dead, your bodies would already be cold,” Twilight retorted, kneeling down before the diminutive human. “For instance, I could have turned your blood to vapor or simply crushed your windpipe like a wishbone.”

Rainbow Dash looked sickly for a moment before coughing. “Nah, I’m too tough for that.”

Applejack appeared a second later, revealing that she was the one pushing the cart. “Face it, tough girl, if this one hadn't been trying not to kill us, we would have all been goners.”

“Thank you for that, by the way,” Fluttershy meekly added. “Being merciful, I mean.”

“And don't worry, I’ll have that talk right now,” Sunset Shimmer intruded, stepping up to the bars. “You girls can situate our newest guest while I handle this.”

“Aye, boss,” muttered Applejack before trundling further down the line.

Rainbow Dash stuck around for a moment longer in order to shoot Twilight a dirty look while Fluttershy gave a meek chuckle and an apologetic shrug.

Rising back to a stand, Twilight looked down at the much smaller being, noting that other than being a little more sweat-stained than earlier, she seemed no worse for wear. “How long was I out?” Twilight asked.

“Not long,” Sunset leaned to one side. “How long ago did we drop her off here, Pinkie?”

“Three hours, twenty-seven minutes, and thirty-nine seconds ago,” Pinkie Pie cheerfully replied.

“We honestly expected you to be out for a lot longer. Seems you’re tougher than most of what we fight,” Sunset Shimmer explained, her tone remaining neutral.

“You have not faced anything like me,” Twilight declared. “Unless there is a third dimensional mirror around here somewhere.”

“Wait, third? Hold on a second.” Sunset Shimmer massaged her temples. “Don't tell me you're the other Twilight Sparkle.”

“I am indeed,” Twilight declared.

“I told you it was magic!” shouted Rarity from somewhere further up the hallway.

“Okay, you were right, I admit it!” Sunset Shimmer yelled back.

“And you are Sunset Shimmer. Princess Celestia’s power-mad former pupil,” Twilight continued, eyes narrowing. “After what she’s told me, I’m surprised to see that it wasn't you Pinkie Pie speaks of in hushed tones.”

“It very well could have been,” Sunset Shimmer admitted. “Things have changed since then, and I’ve become a better person thanks to the amazing friends I’ve made.”

“I know the feeling,” Twilight added pointedly.

Sunset Shimmer took a step back and raised her hands. “Alright, I’m fairly certain you are who you say you are, but to make sure, I’m going to ask you a simple question. What is Celestia’s favorite kind of tea?”

“She says it’s green tea, but really it's raspberry zinger with four cubes of sugar,” Twilight replied quickly, smirking slightly at Sunset’s astonished look. “You aren't the only student of hers, you know.”

Sunset Shimmer chuckled. “So she still thinks green tea makes her look distinguished.”

“It's fairly well-known nowadays. Before the world went to pot, there was even a brand of tea called Tia’s Secret that dealt in exclusively sugary varieties of tea,” Twilight continued.

“I have so many questions,” Sunset Shimmer declared.

“As do I. First of which, when are you going to let me out of this stupid cage?” Twilight demanded.

“Right,” Sunset Shimmer muttered, turning back towards where they had come from. “Rarity, can you get the science team down here asap? I want this Twilight scanned and cleared within the hour. Oh, and get those cleaners to move their butts, Pinkie Pie’s room should have been done hours ago!”

“I am on it, darling, just let me finish catching up with Sweetie Belle, and I will get right to it!” Rarity yelled back.

Twilight frowned. “How long will this scanning thing take?”

“Like I mentioned, about an hour or so,” Sunset Shimmer replied.

“Then we have plenty of time for me to explain everything that's happened.” Twilight sighed. “Be warned though. Things have taken a dark turn since you left.”

Sunset Shimmer crossed her arms over her chest. “If it's half as bad as it is here then we may have more than just Celestia in common.”

“You don't know the half of it,” Twilight muttered.

“I can't believe she's gone,” Sunset Shimmer murmured, standing up from the floor and covering her mouth with a hand. “I think I need a minute to be alone.”

“Woah, that was a hell of a story,” Rainbow Dash murmured, the girl having ditched her armor and weapons sometime during the tale. “To think Sunset’s talk of magical pony land was real and also hella dark.”

Applejack grunted, the woman seated on the floor next to Rainbow Dash also having lost her helmet and gun during the long explanation. “And every word of it was the whole unvarnished truth. What a sorry bunch of nitwits we were.”

“It's fine,” Twilight murmured, shifting uncomfortably on the sagging bed. “In the end no one got seriously hurt and as soon as you let me out of here, all will be forgiven.”

“Not too long now, Twilight,” Fluttershy whispered, the girl having donned a white lab coat shortly after arrival and was now standing in front of a towering mass of sensors as well as screens. “It's almost done.”

Pinkie Pie sniffed. “How are you girls not crying? That was so sad!”

“It was a bit of a tear-jerker, I must admit,” Rarity murmured, patting the corners of her eye with a handkerchief. “Such love, such loss. You’d think it was written by Shakespeare himself.”

“I don't know about that,” muttered Twilight.

“So what do you plan on doing now? You said something about a mirror before, is that anything like the one Sunset used to get here?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

Twilight nodded. “It was a secret back door Celestia installed in order to ensure no one got stuck here. It's a one time use thing though, so I’m afraid I can't return with help.”

“Things may look desperate, but I’m sure the eggheads up top are just days away from cracking this thing wide open,” Applejack declared confidently, rising from the ground. “They've been researching magic since Sunset popped up and have been trying to figure out this whole zerg mess for a while now.”

“Oh really? Well, that is interesting,” Twilight mused. “Were they watching over you during this whole Friendship Games fiasco?”

“They helped as best as they could, but no one could have anticipated that the device Twilight had constructed would do such harm,” Sunset Shimmer explained, stepping back before the infested woman. “To think that a simple magical detector could do all that.”

“Speaking of which,” Twilight interrupted. “How effective was this device exactly?”

“It could locate pretty much every magical source in a ten mile radius and pinpoint its exact point of origin within ten metres,” Fluttershy answered, blushing slightly when the attention turned to her. “The other Twilight was quite open about her discoveries.”

The infested woman hummed thoughtfully, stroking her chin. “Do you have a copy of this machine handy? Celestia’s directions were all based on landmarks and without those, I’m not sure where the mirror is.”

“I’m afraid not. Twilight was leagues ahead of us in this regard, though perhaps the boss lady can strike a deal and maybe help us capture one of the things in return for your assistance,” Sunset Shimmer began.

“That would be nice,” murmured Applejack. “We’ve been stuck in a holding pattern for a while and provided you can go out and about without the other Twi stealing yer brain, you’d be a big help.”

“Which I don't think will happen,” Fluttershy murmured, a small square object now held in her hand. “Sunset, come look at these readings.”

The former pony did just that, narrowing her eyes at the black rectangle. “Well, would you look at that. Her brain chemistry really is different from a base human’s, and a zerg’s for that matter.”

“They won't be able to control me. I promise you that,” Twilight declared.

“I’m beginning to agree with you,” Sunset Shimmer muttered before tapping the screen. “What are these readings here?”

Fluttershy shrugged. “I’m not sure. It seems to act a lot like magic, but it permeates her body in such a strange way.”

“Isn't that the same-looking stuff on that mirror thing?” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “‘Cause it sure looks like it to me.”

“Indeed, it does,” Sunset Shimmer admitted. “If this is true, then it would mean that harmonic magic has infused your body despite the fact that you aren't an alicorn. Which is the only pony type whose base biology is capable of meshing with such powerful energy.”

“Strange, I’ve never heard of such a thing before,” Twilight murmured.

“Our geodes are concentrated pockets of the stuff,” Applejack remarked, lifting hers in emphasis. “Or at least that's what the running theory was last I heard.”

“It is true, but regardless, I think it's this harmonic energy that has allowed you to keep your mind while in town. So long as it doesn't go away, you should be fine,” Sunset Shimmer finished. “What do you think, Fluttershy?”

“I think so too. This magic is very potent and is likely why your biological systems work in such perfect harmony with one another,” Fluttershy muttered.

“Heh, good one, Flutters,” Pinkie Pie pointed out.

Fluttershy giggled. “Pun not intended.”

Twilight however, wasn't paying attention and was staring off into space while stroking her chin. “Perhaps if I were to artificially create more of the stuff, I could somehow make my friends’ bodies more harmonious for lack of a better word. Maybe even recreate that rainbow wave I saw somehow.”

“What was that, sugarcube?” Applejack questioned.

Twilight shook her head. “It's nothing. Just musing about some plans I had for when I return to my own world.”

“Well to that end, I think we should go see the director. I’m pretty sure she’d okay the offer I made you, and if all goes well, we can both get what we want,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

“How quickly exactly are we talking about?” Twilight questioned. “Because I would like to return to Equestria as soon as possible.”

“It shouldn't take more than a few days,” Sunset Shimmer declared in a dismissive tone. “I did plan our attack on her tower already, so-”

“Augh, you cannot be serious,” groaned Rainbow Dash. “That plan is terrible, and you know it.”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “It's not that bad, now come on. Why don't you girls escort Pinkie Pie back to her room while I bring Twilight here to the boss lady.”

The bars shook briefly before sliding out of the way, allowing Twilight to step out of her cell and stretch. “Thank you, Sunset. Now if only we had this conversation in the first place, maybe we could have avoided all that unpleasantness,” Twilight pointed out.

“Right, that's probably my fault. The other Twilight tries to trick us all the time, and I wasn't willing to take any chances.” Sunset Shimmer sighed. “I’m sorry about that.”

“It's fine.” Twilight stuck out her smaller hand. “Are we good?”

“We’re good,” Sunset Shimmer declared, shaking the offered limb.

“Right, well for what it's worth, I’m sorry as well. Even if ya did bust my pride pretty good back there,” Applejack added.

Twilight chuckled. “No hard feelings.”

Rarity scoffed. “Well, I for one am still quite angry with you. Those were my favorite gloves, and now I have to coat my delicate hands in that foul-smelling burn ointment for an entire week!”

Twilight chuckled. “If that weird white noise at the back of my head wasn't so loud, I’d just heal you with magic.”

“I’m so jealous, by the way,” Sunset Shimmer added. “I’ve been trying to do magic since I got here.”

“I am rather unique,” Twilight remarked with a smirk.

“Well, the psi-damping field is only used in the lower levels, so you should be able to cast once we reach the main hangar,” Fluttershy pursed her lips. “Though I’m surprised it's affected your magic. It should only suppress your psionic powers.”

“Well compared to the field you guys deployed when we first met, this one is like a suffocating ocean that makes it hard to think,” Twilight bitterly announced.

“Perhaps it's the frequency,” Sunset Shimmer murmured. “Fluttershy, make a note to run some experiments on this topic.”

“Will do,” Fluttershy replied.

“Everyone else, let’s go. I’ll meet you in the dorms for debrief in an hour or so,” Sunset Shimmer declared, turning to the others.

All five gave some manner of affirmation to the command before Sunset turned and strode away.

Easily catching up to the much smaller woman, Twilight couldn't help but be amused by the sight of black uniformed guards standing next to the large vault-like door barring the exit. “You know, I’m rather surprised that you would join up with a secret human government organization, considering your psych profile,” Twilight pointed out.

Sunset Shimmer sighed as they walked down the hall. “Of course you would have access to that. To answer your question, it's simple, they proved they were good. Not all of them of course, but the director runs a tight ship and everyone serving under her is worthy of respect.”

The guards seemed to stand a little straighter after hearing Sunset’s comment.

“Clearly much has changed,” Twilight mused. “You seem lighter than I expected. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who has learned the value of friendship.”

Sunset Shimmer smiled and glanced back to the humans and infested following behind them at a much slower pace. Rainbow Dash was recounting their recent mission in great detail while Pinkie Pie stared wide-eyed in rapt attention. Rarity was waving goodbye to an orange-eyed little girl, and overall they seemed strangely happy given the circumstances.

“I’m glad you understand,” Sunset Shimmer murmured. “If it wasn't for them, well… I don't know if I would have made it.”

The red-haired girl coughed suddenly upon reaching the door. “Right, open ‘er up. Let's go see the director.”

Author's Note

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Old Foes

“Augh, that was gross,” Rainbow Dash complained while wiping a goo-covered hand down the side of her leg.

Applejack bitterly gathered the congealed mass of alien blood from her helmet and wiped it off on the fleshy wall. “I can't believe that thing exploded after we killed it,” she remarked.

“At least it didn't get in your mouth,” Twilight countered, conjuring a small orb of water above her head, which cleansed the majority of the goo from her body.

“We’re just lucky it wasn't acidic or something awful like that,” Rarity exclaimed, pulling a cloth out of somewhere and using it to wipe down Fluttershy’s visor.

The medic sighed. “Thank you, Rarity. Though I’m surprised you made it out of that unschated.”

The fashionista chuckled. “Oh, I always just assume it's going to explode into a fountain of gore, and conjured a shield for myself at the last second.”

“And you didn't think of doin’ the same for the rest of us?” Applejack asked.

“Well, there wasn't enough time, you see- eek! How dare you!” Rarity shouted a second after Rainbow Dash slapped a goo-covered hand against the other girl’s backside.

“Next time think of someone other than yourself,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Cut it out,” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “Twilight, how much further do we have?”

“Not far. There is only a single relatively narrow hallway left between us and the house,” Twilight replied. “But I’m sensing a lot of zerg in the immediate area.”

“Numbers?” Sunset replied, taking the offered cloth from Rarity.

“Hundreds?” Twilight answered with a shrug. “The hall itself isn't very large, so it seems likely that there are several other passageways extending off it.”

“Good, that means we should be able to handle it. How's everyone doing with ammo?” Sunset Shimmer inquired.

“Not bad, though something tells me if Twilight wasn't here, we woulda been up shit creek already,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“No kiddin’. That trick of yours with the portal thingy is really useful,” Applejack added.

“It's a pocket dimension, and I’m glad I could help, but I think you’re down to just under half at this point,” Twilight remarked.

“Well, we should be over halfway there, isn't that right?” Rarity offered.

Twilight nodded. “Provided this elevator of theirs is still in use.”

“I’m sure it is,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed. “Now then. Let's get moving. I don't want to linger for a moment longer than necessary.”

“Right, I’m on it,” Applejack remarked, taking her place at the head of the group.

The rest of the black-armored soldiers quickly fell into line behind her, with Twilight in the back and Fluttershy in front of her. Rarity and Sunset walked side by side while Rainbow Dash was close on Applejack’s heels, ready to attack at a moment’s notice. Together the group creeped down the hall, steps heavy but determined, their bodies weighed down by the constant fighting.

Save for Twilight herself, who seemed unbothered by all the combat, the towering infested woman remaining confident. Still, even she wasn't completely unaffected by it, and she could tell that her reserves were beginning to dwindle. She had more than enough to see the job done, though she worried what would happen if she was drawn into a protracted fight.

Approaching the circular orifice exit, the group stopped for a moment with Applejack looking back to Sunset. The squad leader nodded, raising her weapon while the rest of the group got into ready positions. With a wave of Twilight’s hand, the barrier parted, allowing the group to surge into the next room, though they didn't get far.

Rather than the wide open space Twilight had expected, the room was shaped like a funnel, with space expanding further in. Where it rose up a set of stairs, atop of which rested several fortified positions absolutely filled with striped zerg. Standing tall behind a short wall of what looked like hardened bone, the creatures seemed to be waiting for the group.

Dozens upon dozens of hydralisks all looked down on the small cadre of invaders, their numbers bolstered by several groups of infested humans. Twilight could see that just behind them were a pack of ultralisks who had a small horde of mutalisks flying above them. It was an army of considerable size, who held the perfect position and for a moment neither party made a sound.

Then a cry went out, and hundreds of organic daggers rained down on them, only to bounce off a hastily erected series of gem barriers. The cover didn't last long, though thankfully both Twilight and Sunset were able to create their own shields before that happened.

“Run!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

As one, the group turned only to find that their exit was gone, swallowed by a wall of flesh and bone. Without a direction, they faltered, and Twilight could sense a palpable feeling of utter panic run through her friends.

“Keep that shield up, I’ll handle this!” Twilight shouted.

She didn't wait for a response and merely stood up, her hand glowing brightly with gathered mana. Selecting one of the bunkers of hydralisks at random, Twilight pointed at a spot just above their heads, her fingers flashing a bright gold. A second later, a small, baseball-sized orb of fire appeared in the air, the miniature sun flaring angrily into existence.

It burst, shooting superheated plasma in all directions and incinerating those closest to it. Those not caught in its immediate area of effect but foolish enough to gaze upon it found themselves blinded by the sun’s explosion. Surprisingly, the line of striped zerg held despite this show of magical expertise, though the rain of spines slowed slightly.

Sunset Shimmer grunted and fell to one knee, her magic waning as her barrier continued to be pelted. Moving to assist, Rarity raised her hands and focused, bringing forth a single enormous gem the second she felt Sunset begin to falter, allowing the fire mage to take a brief, but much needed breather before once again switching off with her friend not long after.

Twilight hadn't been sitting idle however, and she raised her mutated arm far above her head, pulling the very darkness from the room. Then, when she had seemingly gathered all that was required, she threw the black orb at another cluster of foes. There it splattered like a water balloon, its many drops breaking off into strange creatures which grew a horrifying number of appendages.

These strange, otherworldly creatures became larger as they moved, becoming everything from a towering centipede to a mass of human arms. Each one of which attacked the closest zerg lifeform, clawing, biting, and devouring them with a terrifying efficiency. Now assaulted by a small horde, the zerg line finally faltered, their attention split.

Twilight wasn't about to let it end at that and, with a scream of indignation, extended her arms high into the air, conjuring a storm of psionic lightning that devastated one of the few remaining pockets of organized zerg resistance. Falling to one knee, Twilight breathed heavily, her body taxed considerably from the rapid expenditure of power.

This body is not used to channelling so many high level spells, Twilight thought to herself.

“Holy crap, Twilight. That was amazing!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“I don't suppose you have any more awesome spells by chance? It seems like they have nearly recovered,” Fluttershy nervously pointed out.

“Give me a moment,” Twilight replied between breaths.

“Allow me,” Sunset Shimmer offered, her hand glowing brightly.

“I’ll cover us, darling,” Rarity added.

Sunset Shimmer said nothing as she kneeled down and carved a rune into the floor with an armored finger. Once complete, she slammed her hand into the center and, in the same motion, rose to a stand and splayed her fingers towards her enemy. Each spot she pointed at was suddenly bathed in an eruption of fire that burst from the very ground beneath their feet.

Dozens of zerg screeched as their bodies were turned to ash under the intense heat of Sunset’s attacks. The gouts of flames even went so high into the air that numerous mutalisks plummeted to the ground, their wings or bodies in tatters. This flurry of flames came at the exact right moment too, as the enemy zerg had just finished cutting down Twilight’s shadow spawn.

The moment of relief wouldn't last long, however.

A fresh wave of zerg reinforcements flowed in from behind the line as the ultralisks were unleashed at the small group. Two of the great lumbering beasts traveled close to the walls of the large room, allowing their allies to continue firing at the girls.

Seeing this, Twilight reached out with her mind, and focused herself completely on the ultralisk to the right. Crushing its meagre will, Twilight hastily erected a barrier within its mind before turning it around and sending it back the way it came. Still enraged, but with a new set of targets, the beast tore into its former allies, crushing defences and scything through hydralisks.

The other creature didn't stop its charge for a second, merely extending its great limbs and readying itself for the attack. With both Sunset Shimmer and Twilight focusing elsewhere, it fell on the only true humans of the group to pick up the slack.

And they were not found wanting.

Fluttershy unleashed a trio of flash bangs at the creature’s face, blinding it, but not stopping it. Rainbow Dash sprinted between its legs, dropping grenades as she went. The ensuing cacophony of explosions was enough to make it stumble, giving Applejack the chance to leap at its head.

The farm girl’s powerful legs sent her flying, weapon barking twice before being discarded in mid-air. The bursts of pellets weren't enough to crack the ultralisk’s natural armor, though they pierced the chitinous exterior. Which was exactly what Applejack planned, as her fist followed a second later, the armored limb breaking through the alien’s flesh.

The blow was strong enough to shatter concrete, as well as the zerg’s skull, killing it before it even had a chance to open its eyes. The beast still had a significant amount of weight behind it however, and it slid to a stop only a few feet from the rest of the group. Who all sprinted over to the downed zerg, using its bulk as cover from its still living allies.

“What was all that?” Rarity asked, her chest heaving from exertion.

“I thought you said the room was small? This is a gosh-darned arena!” Applejack shouted as she reloaded her shotgun.

“It was!” Twilight exclaimed. “He must have fake memories of this place.”

“It doesn't matter now,” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “Girls, I want you to focus on anything that gets close while Twilight and I deal with the groups at the back.”

“Ya better hurry ‘cause it looks like they brought friends!” Fluttershy pointed out, jabbing a finger over their cover.

Sure enough, the medic was correct, as a wave of hydralisks had taken position behind the fleshy battlements. Above their heads swarmed numerous winged creatures including a horde of pustule-covered bats the size of a pony. These much smaller creatures seemed to lack any manner of weapon and swooped directly at the group, heedless of danger.

“What the heck…” Twilight muttered, only to have her unspoken question answered when one of the tiny creatures was shot, and exploded violently. “Oh no.”

Drawing forth as much power as her body could handle, Twilight thrust her open palm up at the oncoming horde of winged zerg. Numerous bolts of electricity leapt from her hand, seeking out the nearest foe to turn to dust. The small bat-like creatures released a brief scream before exploding, their payload detonating prematurely due to the shock.

Though she couldn't deal with them all, Twilight was happy to see the remaining flying zerg had been shot down by Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Only Rarity continued to rest, while Applejack remained on the defensive, shooting down fliers or lobbing grenades. Sunset was the only one who was capable of continuing their assault on the enemy fortifications directly.

A trio of fireballs blew apart what little organic cover remained and gouged deep wounds in the very ground they fought on. She followed this up by a burst of magma she called forth from the aether, downing several mutalisks and killing numerous ground-bound zerg. Twilight joined her immediately after, adding a powerful bolt of lightning to the mix which bounced from one enemy to the next, killing many.

Yet even with the ground littered with corpses, still more came, pouring out from behind the zerg line. Spinning glaives shot down from the sky as the odd suicide bat impacted the dead ultralisk, sending gore high into the air. Spines flew overhead and were joined by the sporadic burst of gunfire aimed at them by the few remaining infested.

This won't last, Twilight realized. There are too many of the damned things, and even if we win, we’ll be too exhausted to fight the black queen.

“I’m out!” Rainbow Dash shouted, falling back behind the ultralisk’s decimated skull.

“Me too!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“Mana’s low. We are going to need an out, and quick!” Sunset Shimmer shouted, popping over cover just long enough to shoot down a mutalisk that had gotten too close.

“Cover me. I’ve got a plan!” Twilight shouted, her hand glowing brightly.

“You’ve got it, darling!” Rarity replied, raising a shield.

Together the small group jumped out and leveled their weapons, ready to cut down any zerg present. Only to find that the horde had stopped and were now standing, floating or flying in place while not taking any offensive actions. Twilight let her hand fall back down and looked around curiously, seeking out any infested humans.

Sure enough, a slimmer, former human wearing the ratty remains of a lab coat was slithering confidently towards them. Following Twilight’s focus, the group leveled their weapons at the infested human, though none fired. They merely stood staring as the four-armed infested moved up to their line with a calm, cool expression.

Though she had no visible weapons whatsoever, the infested felt dangerous to Twilight for some reason, and she couldn't help but stare. The striped scientist’s heavily modified body left little remnants of her former humanity, as her legs had been replaced with a hydralisk tail. Not only that, but her two upper hands had too many digits, each one of which ended in a sharp, yet dexterous claw. Her smaller, three-taloned hands that grew from her torso were clenched tightly together while her glowing orange gaze fixated on Twilight.

“Greetings, invaders,” she announced in a garbled, alien tone that made it seem as though she was unfamiliar with speaking out loud. “You have put up quite the fight, and my mistress wishes to parlay, if at all possible.”

“Like we’d chat with that genocidal nutjob,” Rainbow Dash muttered bitterly.

Twilight glared at the smaller woman, immediately causing her to take a step back. “We will do what we must to achieve our goals,” Twilight reprimanded.

“Let's hear her out,” Fluttershy encouraged.

“Much as I hate to say this, I agree with Flutters. As fun as it would be to slaughter aliens all day, we got bigger fish to fry,” Applejack remarked.

“No funny business though,” Sunset Shimmer declared, jabbing a finger at the infested scientist.

“Our curiosity is piqued,” exclaimed the infested woman, whose mandibles clacked audibly together. “You have no need to fear us.”

“Yeah, no need,” Rarity bitterly remarked as she kicked a dead mutalisk.

“That was… regrettable,” offered the infested, who absently ran a claw down the colored stripes painted on her neck. “This one bears so much of a resemblance to the black queen that someone panicked.”

“Well, whoever it was, y'all should fire that guy,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“I’m fairly certain Sunset here already did that,” replied the striped zerg with an awkward, bubbling chuckle.

“Yes, well… They didn't give us many options,” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

“No, he did not, and I must say it is intriguing to finally see real, tangible magic,” the striped infested stated. “Does it all work instantaneously like that?”

“Yes,” Twilight quickly answered. “This world lacks the necessary mana crystals that make runes and other effects possible.”

Sunset Shimmer nodded after a moment of hesitation. “Furthermore, this planet has a weak manosphere and its ley lines are deep.”

“Fascinating,” exclaimed the infested scientist in a reverent tone. “But come, before we get too distracted.”

“Where are we going, exactly?” Fluttershy asked.

“Somewhere more… comfortable,” answered the striped creature.

“It will be fine,” Twilight declared.

“If you say so,” Applejack murmured in an unconvinced tone.

“Lead the way,” Sunset Shimmer offered.

The scientist nodded and began to slither further up the hill, with the small group of invaders following close behind her. As they walked, the zerg before them parted, giving them a wide, though not respectful distance. Hydralisks hissed, ultralisks stomped, and mutalisks cried angrily over their heads, thirsty for blood.

Only held at bay by their infested handlers, the striped creatures remained back, allowing Twilight to inspect them curiously. Though seemingly without number, upon reaching the top of the hill, Twilight realized that they were anything but endless. Dozens waited on the other side of the hill, their formations remaining tight as they waited for the next shoe to drop.

Numbering only about another eighty or so, Twilight quickly surmised that although her friends might have won, it would have been difficult. Most concerning were the small horde of ultralisks which had been assembled on the field behind the hill. Larger than most, these enhanced creatures seemed to have an extra layer of metal armor bolted to their exteriors.

Ignoring the amalgamations of flesh and steel, Twilight looked forward to where numerous smaller structures were visible. These buildings dotted the cavernous space at random, their ranks broken up by the occasional support column that held up the ceiling. Some were identical to the ones Twilight had seen outside, like the fungus cannons and the green pools, but there were others she didn't recognize.

One strange zerg structure looked almost like a webbed hand rising from the creep. Another pulsating green structure had a pair of ultralisks guarding its entrance. Strangest of the bunch was an odd gaping maw lined with teeth and containing a glowing green interior.

Twilight wasn't sure what this tunnel or canal was intended to do, but she sensed what felt like magic coming from it.

“Here we are,” offered the striped zerg, who had stopped before a familiar house.

“Woah,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

“Woah indeed. I would have assumed it would have been more… odious by now,” Rarity murmured in a disgusted tone.

Before them stood the house Twilight had seen in the infested soldier’s memories, complete with a yard of green grass. It was a strange shift from all the fleshy buildings and towers of undulating muscle structure that made up nearly everything else. Like a time capsule, the building was a single oasis of normality amidst a very alien desert.

“Just more evidence of the false monarch’s weakness,” murmured the infested scientist in a disgusted tone. “Come. We will speak inside.”

“Will we be meeting your mistress in person?” Sunset asked.

“‘Cause that would be just great,” Applejack added with a snicker, her hand settling over the butt of her shotgun.

“In a manner of speaking, you will,” answered the striped zerg. “Answers will be given soon.”

Twilight ignored the dirty looks being sent their host’s way and merely observed her surroundings. The house was oddly normal and even well-lit, the building somehow having power despite the strange neighborhood it was now a part of. After passing through the front door, Twilight found that it was still quite average, with a row of pictures along the stairs to her right.

Beside that was a hallway that went back into a kitchen while to the left was a wide open living room. There she saw a pair of couches and a well-loved recliner that sat around a simple coffee table. The entire space felt cozy, warm almost, yet there was a tense atmosphere that hung over everything.

“Please, have a seat,” encouraged the striped zerg.

“I’ll stand, thank you,” Twilight replied. “I don't think this furniture could take my weight.”

“Suit yourself,” Applejack remarked, flopping down into an open seat.

“This is exactly how I remember it,” Rarity mused, inspecting the paintings along the wall of the living room.

“The false queen kept this place hidden from the rest of the swarm. Containing her parents like pets inside a cage,” the scientist explained. “Now they are my mistress’ property.”

“So that's how you’ve been able to build down here,” Sunset Shimmer reasoned. “You’ve been keeping Velvet and Night Light as hostages.”

“How mean,” Fluttershy exclaimed, crossing her armored arms over her chest.

The infested scientist laughed her strange, gurgling laugh. “They have not come to any harm and continue to live comfortably. In fact, their accommodations have not changed under our occupation.”

“That still doesn't make it right,” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“It's not a matter of right. It's a matter of what one is willing to do to survive,” the scientist exclaimed.

“We’re straying from the point here,” Twilight declared.

“Right, of course. Allow me a moment to summon her,” offered their host, who closed her eyes and rested a pair of claws against her temples.

“So, what are you thinking? Hologram or possession?” Rainbow Dash whispered.

“Definitely possession. Starlight never did respect personal boundaries,” Sunset Shimmer replied.

“She had such tiny, grabby little hands,” Rarity added in disgust.

“And here I thought you enjoyed your check-ups with me,” stated an amused voice.

Twilight looked over to find that the scientist had fallen into the recliner, a smug look on her mutated face. Though she mostly looked the same as before, now her eyes glowed with a faint teal light, and she carried a more confident aura.

“Starlight Glimmer, I presume,” Twilight offered, extending a hand.

“Yes, and you are our mystery doppelganger we saw. How curious,” Starlight replied, taking the offered limb and shaking it firmly. “And to think Sunset’s little stories weren't all make-believe after all.”

“Let's skip the chitchat. How'd you survive that explosion?” Applejack demanded, jabbing a finger at the possessed infested.

“The overmind gave me a gift, one that allowed me to escape the destruction of my base unscathed,” Starlight Glimmer replied. “No need to worry, though. The pretender queen knows not of my little tunnels.”

“That mouth thing,” Twilight reasoned. “That's how you got out.”

“You aren't wrong, though your description could use work,” Starlight replied with a shrug.

“How did-” Rainbow Dash began.

“That's quite enough questions from the peanut gallery,” Starlight interrupted. “There are words that must be shared with your leader.”

Rainbow Dash seemed ready to lash out at the infested, but was stopped when Applejack placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You’re lucky you’re not here in person. Otherwise you’d be a green smear on the wall,” Rainbow Dash muttered angrily.

“I assure you, it was not luck that ensured I was not here in person,” Starlight Glimmer deadpanned.

Twilight stepped forward. “I’ve come for the detector, and they are here for the elevator. Give us both, and we will leave in peace.”

“Oh, and what does the leader of your little group think?” Starlight Glimmer retorted, glancing over to Sunset.

Who sighed. “Twilight is right. We aren't here for you. At least not yet.”

“Curious,” Starlight murmured. “What are you willing to offer in return for safe passage and one of my most prized possessions?”

“What do you want?” Twilight demanded.

The infested smiled and rose from her chair. “I want the same gift you gave our little Sunset Shimmer here. Magic.”

Author's Note

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Boralis Station Part 1

“So where exactly are we going?” Twilight inquired, leaning towards a table and the map sprawled out across it. “Station zero nine thirteen?”

“The locals call it Backwater station,” replied a jovial pegasus standing across from the infested. “But you won't be going there right away. First we’ll be making a stop at Boralis station, where we will set up a forward operating base.”

“The destroyed base outside of Ironhall,” Twilight muttered. “Do you have any estimates on the damage? Noone seems to know.”

“That's because noone does,” replied the mare with a shrug. “Its defenders were wiped out, and the only reason we know it's still standing at all are from the reports gathered by patrols who popped in just long enough to search for survivors before leaving just as quickly.”

Twilight sighed and began massaging her temples. “Of course. Just my luck.”

Spike patted the other infested on the back. “Ahh, don't worry about it, boss. I’m sure that they’re overestimating the damage.”

“I wouldn't be so certain,” muttered the pony across from them. “That place was well fortified. If it was taken, then the fighting would have been intense.”

“Speaking of which,” Twilight began, “why was this place targeted anyway? If such a large zerg force had penetrated this deep, then surely you should have lost control of the entire area.”

The pegasus sighed and ran a hoof through her curly off-pink mane. “That is true to a certain extent. As for why they just left, well, that's only known to the enemy. During the start of the war, the zerg were… chaotic. They acted more like a loosely organized mob rather than a real army.”

“Odd. Though not surprising, given their apparent lack of leadership,” Twilight remarked.

“Err, yeah.” The pegasus coughed into her pink hoof. “They just sort of attacked the base, then wiped out the nearby town of Ironhall before dispersing. Some retreated, most went into the many hills and eventually turned feral. We’ve been finding roving packs of them in the nearby valleys ever since.”

“That is all quite strange and makes me wonder why he was so insistent on us taking up residence at this particular base,” Twilight murmured.

“It was sitting on a relatively untouched vein of precious minerals. Perhaps that scary-looking pegasus guy truly was on our side,” Spike offered.

Twilight hummed to herself. “No, it can't be that simple. Our benefactor on the council wants something out of this, but what? And why?”

“I couldn't answer that concern, though I could answer your other question. We’ll be passing the ruins of Ironhall before stopping at the base,” the pegasus finished.

“Thank you, Jetstream. I look forward to working with you on this mission,” Twilight exclaimed, extending a hoof.

The pony accepted the gesture with a clop. “Likewise. Though just remember, we can't actually offer much assistance. We’re basically your babysitters, technical support, and face, if the locals are a bit too trigger-happy.”

“Still,” Twilight began. “We’ll be counting on you early on to provide the majority of the fire power. In the coming weeks we should be able to provide our own troops, but that won't be for a while.”

“And don't forget those cool vehicles you guys got,” Spike added.

“Right. We’ll also be your primary method of transportation,” Jetstream exclaimed.

“Well, with that done,” Twilight stood up. “Perhaps we should see if the rest of the team is ready to go.”

“No need,” Spike interrupted. “Everyone’s assembled, and we can roll out the second we reach bay thirteen.”

“Excellent, thank you, Spike,” Twilight stated.

Together the infested left the room, leaving Jetstream to gather up the maps and follow after the pair a minute later. Trotting down the cramped metal halls, Twilight and Spike made their way towards the distant bay, their pace quick but unhurried. The various personnel who dotted the halls gave them both a wide berth and most even refrained from displaying any outward disgust.

They seem to have gotten used to us, Spike remarked after they passed by a pair of stallions, both of whom were eying Twilight's flank rather closely. Or at least you, anyway.

Twilight snorted. Once they realized I wasn't about to melt their brains on a whim, they suddenly remembered that I am, in fact, a mare.

Well, at least they haven't done anything but observe you from afar, Spike remarked.

That, and broadcast their thoughts loud enough for me to know exactly what they were imagining, Twilight replied with more than a little disgust.

I’m amazed they even find you attractive, what with the obvious infestation, grafted metal exoskeleton and icy demeanor, Spike exclaimed.

You say that like these people view that as a downside, Twilight retorted.

Spike chuckled to himself. Fair.

The pair walked out into a much busier area, one far larger than the seemingly endless metal hallways they had just put behind them. Here at least was enough space to fly around, a fact proven by the small herd of pegasi zipping above the infesteds’ heads. The winged technicians weren’t the only ones around though, as nearly every race was represented within the busy bay.

Minotaurs carried boxes or worked on one of the many parked vehicles while griffons aided them or stood guard. Earth ponies helped move supplies while their winged cousins mainly focused on fixing a hole in the ceiling. The few unicorns around were mostly centered on a series of terminals on the far right of the room and were hastily inputting data or relaying orders.

Even the zerg and infested were represented, though they were smallest in number. Standing off to the left of the area were few partially zergified creatures who were not part of the badlands swarm. Twilight's brood was small, but that didn't concern her one bit.

What was concerning were the good number of marines and firebats who were clustered near her friends. Though obviously not hostile, their presence was slightly unnerving, even if they were outwardly quite friendly. Still, they seemed to avoid the infested they were tasked with guarding and were mainly focused on finishing the last of their packing.

Those trucks look pretty tough, Spike pointed out.

Twilight noted that the five armored transports did indeed seem formidable, though they had only a single visible weapon atop each. Boxy and not too pretty to look at, the vehicles were propelled by a pair of tracks, and were loaded from the back. They may not have been the nicest on the eyes, but they certainly did their job, or at least Twilight assumed as much.

They don't look like they can move very quickly. Let's hope I’m wrong, Twilight thought.

The pair began to approach the transport which seemed to be designated for them, but something caught Twilight's eye. A hint of gold could be seen in the back of another transport, and Twilight noticed that there were several armored unicorns already assembled within. Wearing what looked like modified royal guard armor, these ponies lacked the telltale appearance of a great house soldier.

Those must be those adepts that Celestia was training, Spike reasoned. Strange. I would have thought they would have stayed with Celestia.

Twilight breathed a small sigh of relief as she recalled the conversation she had with Celestia so long ago. They look fairly tough. Perhaps the higher-ups don't think I can handle this mission.

Either that or they have their own mission, Spike replied.

Or that, Twilight reluctantly admitted.

Trotting over towards the rest of the infested, Twilight noticed that they were joined by Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie wore only a simple set of coveralls marked with strangely colored stains. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, was fully decked out in her reaper armor, all save for the gas mask which dangled down against her chest.

“Here to see us off?” Twilight called out as she approached the small group.

“Yupper doodle,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “I wanted to throw you a goodbye party, but my squad and I will be seeing you again fairly soon, so it felt a little silly.”

“Plus you’re the only one not coming with us,” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“Wait, hold on. I thought Rarity was still in a coma, and you were staying here,” Twilight interrupted.

“Nah,” Pinkie Pie dismissed. “Rarity is still staying here, but she’ll probably be coming out when I join you girls.”

“And I mastered the jumppack and will be joining you in the field,” Rainbow Dash added.

She was quite insistent, Zecora added.

“I for one am glad for the friendly face,” Applejack muttered, the hydralisk staying close to Zecora’s side and shirking away from any non-infested who glanced at her.

“Quite,” Twilight agreed. “Having someone less… intimidating in our little retinue will serve us well.”

“Are you hitting on me?” Rainbow Dash asked, her slight smirk indicating that she was mostly joking.

Twilight merely snorted. “I’m not sure if I’m even capable of being attracted to people at this point.”

“I th-th-think she was c-calling you ugly, Rainbow,” Fluttershy whispered, much to Scootaloo’s amusement.

“Whatever. I'll be in the transport,” Rainbow Dash muttered before trotting into the boxy vehicle and disappearing.

“Perhaps we should join her,” Twilight began, glancing about the room. “It seems like they are just about ready to go.”

It seems so, Zecora agreed.

“Right, let's pile in. I don't want to get left behind on our very first mission,” Spike remarked.

The infested all trotted into the transport, save for Twilight, who remained outside for a few extra seconds. Her gaze lingered on the metal walls of the bay as well as the many armored creatures that patrolled its halls. It was about as visually appealing as a rather chaotic garage, but over the last week Twilight had come to appreciate the unique look of the place.

The people were honest, and though jaded, had adapted to her presence relatively quickly. It was also rather homey and reminded Twilight of the last vacation she had ever gone on.

“Cadance,” Twilight murmured, her hoof going to her chest. “I’ll avenge you. I swear it.”

With that grim thought in mind, Twilight walked back into the transport and took a seat near the end closest to the exit. The second she did so, the ramp closed, and the cramped quarters were illuminated only by a small number of overhead lights. Darkness was quickly becoming familiar to her, but even now it was still an unpleasant partner, and she frowned to herself.

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,” Twilight muttered.

Twilight waved her hoof in front of her, conjuring a simple scrying spell that showed her what it was like outside the transport. Though not snowing quite yet, it certainly looked like that might change soon, with heavy black clouds hanging ominously overhead. They had yet to unleash their payload however and merely obscured what little light the full moon was capable of giving.

The powerful high beams of the transports lit up the night, allowing Twilight to see the road ahead of them. Though perhaps calling it a road was a bit too generous, as it was little more than a dirt path wide enough to accommodate the vehicles. Who drove two abreast, with the fifth and final one driving further ahead, its turrets sweeping over the blasted terrain.

They didn't fire however, as there was nothing around save for dirt, rocks, and the occasional bush or cactus. In the distance rose numerous hills and rocky cliffs, marking the end of the desert and the beginning of the many valleys beyond. Within that tumultuous terrain lay their final destination, though it would be some time before they would reach it.

“Looks cold,” Spike remarked.

“No kidding,” Twilight agreed. “I think we’ve grown a little pampered down in those sweaty hallways.”

“Speak fer yerself. I for one am gonna be real glad when I can finally stretch out,” Applejack remarked, bumping her head against the ceiling in emphasis.

Being out from under the gaze of the ponies will be worth the cold, Zecora stated. Besides, it never bothered me anyway.

“I’ll be g-g-glad to f-finally experiment in p-peace,” Fluttershy murmured, her hoof caressing the top of Scootaloo’s sleeping head.

“I’m just happy we can start fighting back,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pounding her hooves together.

“Quite,” Twilight agreed.

“Wait, what's that?” Spike asked, pointing down to the scrying plate. “It looks like a city.”

“No, that's a ruin,” Twilight corrected, waving a hoof over the panel.

In response to her urging, the spell ascended into the sky and rapidly moved ahead of the transports. Zooming across the sky, it then settled over the destroyed remains of what had likely been a decent sized city. Constructed within an indent of a fairly large red mountain, it occupied the entirety of the valley.

The metal barrier which had once protected it from the dangers of the wasteland now sported several holes large enough for an ultralisk to walk through. That wasn't the only damage done however, as the majority of the buildings had either been toppled or significantly damaged. Entire blocks had been flattened by what had likely been a tidal wave of zerg so numerous as to flow like water.

“Stars above,” muttered Applejack. “That musta been one helluva big fight.”

“No kidding,” Rainbow Dash muttered, peeking over Twilight's shoulder.

“No wonder the survivors were mad. Their city was leveled,” Applejack added.

“Still. To think they went on to form a terrorist organization working against the confederacy,” Twilight began, her tongue heavy with disgust. “It's one thing to demand justice after the zerg threat has been eliminated and the sun has risen, but now? It’s downright suicidal.”

“From what I’ve gathered, they’ve done everything they can to target the corrupt higher-ups who failed to protect Ironhall and the surrounding area,” Spike reasoned. “Though I don't condone their methods or goals, it's not hard to see why they were formed.”

Where there is death there is anger and where there is anger there is change. Zecora added.

Twilight waved a dismissive hoof. “I don't care one bit about those nutjobs. We have a two front war to win and anything that distracts from that should be cut out like the cancer it is.”

“I agree,” Fluttershy whispered softly.

“Perhaps we should move on to more pressing topics,” Spike offered.

“Agreed,” added Applejack.

Twilight sighed. “Right, let's run through the plan one more time.”

A speaker crackled to life, and a half second later the voice of their driver filled the back of the transport.

“Less than a minute out. All quiet,” he announced before the speaker died once more.

Twilight's horn flickered, and she conjured another scrying sheet, one which showed the immediate surroundings of the transport. Barren reddish earth and sand-blasted stone stretched on in all directions, any trace of vegetation having long since been put in their rearview. As they had risen in altitude, the number of living things had plummeted until only the odd patch of scraggly grass or solitary bird could be spotted.

“Is that a red-headed vulture?” Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight rolled her eyes and conjured a second scrying sheet before passing it off to the infested pegasus. Who squealed with excitement as she peered intently at the large rare bird, utterly unbothered by the bloody mess that was its meal. Turning her attention back to her own spell, Twilight willed it higher into the air in order to get a better look at the surroundings.

The hills immediately around them were worn and sloped gently, while further away they became much taller. There the number of valleys, cliffs, and other sharp features were common, making the entire area far more treacherous than the one they had passed through not long ago. Twilight wouldn't have to worry about that for now however, instead she focused on the star fort which sat directly below the magical window.

Though fairly simple in its design, Twilight knew that such a fort was much stronger than it appeared. Resembling a square with sharp rectangles attached to each point, its walls were high, and had many positions for cannons along its top. Or at least what had been cannons at one point, as now there were numerous gun emplacements visible.

Though the main gatehouse had been completely destroyed, and another wall had been knocked down, it was still quite impressive. The fort stood much taller than the average fortification of this nature, and its interior was big enough to support a small town. Though there were only a trio of buildings which occupied its middle, with one being far larger than the other two.

It was this large, boxy structure which had suffered the most damage, unlike the pair of outbuildings which were relatively untouched. Standing taller than even the walls, this middle establishment had at one point sported an artillery battery on its roof. It would have also had a rather large sensor array, though much like the bent barrels of the large guns, this too was completely destroyed.

That wasn't the only thing which was damaged however, as there wasn't a single weapon or defense which was in good working order. In Twilight's mind that meant one of two things, either someone had come through and stolen everything that was usable, or something else was going on. The zerg weren’t emotional but this level of damage implied that whoever had been guiding the swarm had a vendetta against this place.

“You noticed that too?” Spike whispered.

Twilight nodded slowly. “That level of damage… someone had to have gone back through and broken nearly everything that could be broken.”

“Seems a mighty bit spiteful if you ask me,” Applejack added.

“Ten seconds,” announced the staticy voice of the driver.

“You know the drill. We do a sweep together and then finish at the entrance to the mine-access building. From there we’ll continue deeper until we know for certain that the place is secure,” Twilight announced.

A chorus of spoken and mental agreements followed shortly thereafter, assuring Twilight that they were indeed ready.

The transport ground to a complete stop a few seconds later with the ramp coming down not long after. The group then departed along with their things which had already been gathered, clomping down the metal exit quickly. With their obligation complete, the remaining crew of the vehicle departed, rejoining the rest of their group.

Who had split off and had parked in a loose circle nearly a kilometer away. Signal flares had been popped, crew were filling out, and construction supplies were being unloaded. Twilight could tell they were building a small base of their own, though she paid them little mind at the moment.

Something about the station unnerved her, and she was intent on finding out its secrets as quickly as possible. The rest of her squad followed behind her, with Spike taking up position to her right and Applejack standing to her left. At the center was Fluttershy who had Scootaloo on one side and Zecora on the other. Behind everyone was Rainbow Dash, having donned her gas mask and had her engines idling quietly

Together they made their way up onto the walls of the fort, their eyes scanning the discarded weapons and broken equipment. As assumed, everything was completely unusable, the signs of battle were everywhere, and yet there were no bodies. Sure there was blood, both the red of a pony and the dark green of zerg, but no corpses.

“Odd,” Twilight muttered. “Let's keep moving.”

Noone uttered a sound, with the entire group falling in quietly behind Twilight as she made her way across the partially covered battlements. There they discovered that some of the guns had been pointed inwards, either towards the interior of the base, or along the wall itself. A few short barriers made from ammo crates and sand bags were spotted, though they had been knocked over during the fighting.

“Wait a moment,” Twilight exclaimed, kneeling down next to a stone assault rifle. “It seems as though there were unicorns with the zerg. Someone used a petrification spell on this gun”

“Strange, there weren't any infested spotted amidst the zerg,” Spike remarked.

“Could have they been fighting amongst themselves?” Applejack asked.

Unlikely, but not impossible, Zecora reasoned.

“I agree. We need more info. Let’s finish up the sweep of the walls,” Twilight exclaimed.

The group continued to move, stopping at one of the points of the star in order to inspect it closer. Housing much larger guns than the walls, this area had likely been a hold out for the defenders given the inward facing barrier that had been erected. Though now destroyed, it would have impeded the zerg who had been attacking from the defender’s backside.

“They didn't have time to retreat after the walls were breached. Either that or they simply couldn't,” Twilight reasoned.

“Probably the f-f-former,” Fluttershy murmured. “I d-don't think the z-z-zerg would let them l-leave.”

“True, but shouldn't there be a few destroyed transports or something? A base of this size would have had at least a few,” Spike pointed out.

“Let's finish the inspection before we start coming up with theories,” Twilight offered.

The rest silently agreed, following after the mare as she continued along the side of the wall. The next point was even more well defended, with the larger guns having been pointed inward. Like the others, they were broken, as was the barrier they had erected.

From there they found that the same song and dance played out several more times, that was until they reached the second hole in the walls. Here they noticed something relatively obvious, namely that it had been blown outward by a considerable amount of explosives.

“Look, tire tracks,” Applejack pointed out.

Several sets of them, Zecora added.

“I guess we know where the cars went,” Scootaloo offered.

“Why blow out the inside of your own fort?” Twilight thought outloud.

“Maybe they were trapped inside?” Spike posited.

“P-possible, b-b-but unlikely,” Fluttershy murmured.

“I think I feel a story unfolding,” Twilight remarked. “The fact that there are no bodies isn't exactly surprising, but did you girls notice something odd about the outside of this fort?”

“No, what?” Applejack replied.

“There were no signs of battle. The rock was smooth and undamaged,” Twilight answered.

“Yet they got such big guns,” Scootaloo whispered.

“The zerg must have burrowed inside from somewhere,” Spike declared.

“That seems likely. Let's go,” Twilight exclaimed.

Once more they were on the move, and once more they faced no opposition as they made their way into one of the smaller outbuildings. This one had likely been a garage and supply depot of some kind, though now it only housed a single mangled transport.

“Well, I guess we found the other truck,” Spike muttered.

“All the ammo and stuff was smashed,” Applejack added, prodding one of the shattered boxes.

Wasteful, Zecora mentioned.

“Let's head to the main building,” Twilight offered.

The group continued on, making their way into the large administration building and barracks at a quick pace. Here they found a similar story to the rest of the base, as there were rag-tag defenses erected all over the place. Most of the blood was red, and some of the beds were stained with the stuff, indicating some dark possibilities.

“I d-d-don't l-like this,” Fluttershy whispered, hugging Scootaloo close to her side.

“How did the zerg get the drop on them like this,” Rainbow Dash muttered as she prodded a ruined cot.

“They seemed to have tried to hold out on the upper floors,” Applejack muttered, slithering in from a nearby staircase. “They likely dug in atop the stairs in hopes of getting airlifted out but that probably didn't happen.”

This time Twilight said nothing, merely turning and trotting hastily out of the building. The rest followed after her as she all but sprinted towards the mine entrance they had yet to check out. Sure enough, their assumptions proved true, as the door had been clawed down from the inside.

“There is a greater mystery here than they would have led us to believe,” Twilight remarked, running a hoof over the deep gouge on the metal door.

“It seems so. What are your orders?” Spike asked.

“Our mission hasn't changed,” Twilight declared, standing back up. “First we’ve gotta make sure there isn't a horde of zerg about to surge up from under our hooves.”

“I don't detect any,” Spike added.

“M-me n-n-neither,” Fluttershy whispered.

“True, but that doesn't mean there aren't some nearby,” Twilight warned. “After all, this place was first built by griffons in order to illegally mine a rare metal. One which is the primary part of the anti-psychic alloy used by the confederates.”

“But didn't they mine this place dry?” Applejack asked.

“Yes and no. They mapped out most of the vein, but were unable to extract it without collapsing the entire mine on top of their heads. Which is why there are so many resources left behind,” Twilight answered.

“B-but we wouldn't have that w-w-worry,” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“But the higher-ups didn't know that,” Twilight added, a smile crossing her face. “They assumed we wouldn't be able to build much of anything out here.”

They wanted us to fail, Zecora bitterly declared.

“Maybe, or maybe they had hoped we would solve a unique problem,” Twilight replied.

“Either way, we should work in secret, and not show our hand until we’ve built up an army of our own,” Spike stated.

Twilight nodded. “Exactly, but before we worry about that, we have a mystery to uncover.”