The Shadows of Peaceby StormyStrifeChaptersThe Other Early VisitorHere, Take This Vacation.Past Evils Are The Hardest to Get PastThe Other Early VisitorEverything had gone to plan... The Sulmar Republic, after conquering the stubborn nation of Distonia, had thrown a celebration only three days ago and now, after years of slow and painful conflict and conquering of nearby nations and countries, can now finally challenge the New Lunar Republic. But there was a problem even now... Legends of the Alicorn's power had reached even as far as the Sulmar Republic Capitol, Sulmaria. Indeed, ever since Princess Celestia had been killed in action by the now dead Distonian sorceror, Pain Strike, Princess Luna had become stronger, more ruthless, and feared by all, save her own subjects. Plus, under her rule, fueled by her grief and pain over the death of her sister she had gone after Distonia and took half of it over. But The Advisor didn't feel it was completely neccesary to take over Equestria, not seeing them as a threat for war. But he was the only to also say the massive desert the Red Syndicate used to occupy before the Freat Equestrian War should be terraformed and taken, but due to the massive sandseas that was practically impossible, even if it did take up as much space as double of Equestira before the Wars. The Advisor and his colleagues in the council now talked about their next actions... "Alright! So what should we do then hmm? We've made it clear that taking over Equestria shouldn't be done yet, and that further conquest of other areas should be delayed, so what do we do?!" The Advisor sighed and corrected himself "What should we do?" rubbing his forehead with a hoof. He'd been up for days and without a reason why, he knew the others knew of his sleep deprivation, despite his weakening efforts to disguise it. "Advisor... We've been thinking, you should get some sleep. We can do this later" Said the pony he refered to as Number Five. Each of the council members, other than him went by numbers, none of them having power over him or the others and vice-versa, but simply being ordered by seniority. The Advisor for whatever reason, hit his head on the large stone ring of a table each of the others sat around and replied "No... This is a matter best discussed now, i think it's time for an unhinged verdict" The members gasped, number three, a pegasus with a red coat and cloak on spoke in a dark voice "But the last time we had that, we fought eachother to a hospital! Are you insane?!" The Advisor smiled on the inside "Maybe i am, but we're going nowhere fast with this. I say we work on the country, too many ponies are complaining about the lack of food and bits to go around, not to mention a study we did indicates there's a 67% unemployment rate in the civilian populace" Number 4, the most unbelievalbe of the six is an eight inch tall pegasus pony fully white with a silver striped, black mane and tail. She spoke with the smallest voice anypony's ever heard "I Agree with Number Three, making more jobs and actually doing it right should be very cheap and would do more good than bad in the long run" Number Two shushed the tiny pony "The Best thing to do would be to continue our conque-" she was interrupted by The Advisor, a yellow mane and coat came from out of his hood as she pulled it back "Shut Up Number Two! You keep saying that, this is the twelveth time, try thinking outside of the one inch box! PLEASE!" he stumbled and felt light-headed. dizzy. "You're... You're all right... I should try to get some rest again... I'll be back after a few hours, when we can... Actually. Number One will pick what to do, being the one i trust the most, also i'll probably be asleep for a day" The Advisor left the room and headed to his room. Stopping in the doorway, he felt light headed again and collapsed on the polished floor, his limbs were weak, too weak to stand back up, despite valiant efforts he gave. He cried out in distress "Help!" and luckily there was a couple guards nearby to answer the call, and carried him to the hospital. Six Days Later... The Advisor woke up in a hospital bed with the largest headache and a couple tubes sticking into his left hoof and blood bag to his left and a respirator. A doctor walked in the door and smiled "Ahhh, you're awake. You're Very lucky to be alive Jared..." Advisor Jared tried to move but found himself strapped to the bed and completely immobilized "Don't worry, you're safe... You had a very serious case of a wingstroke, it almost killed you infact" Advisor Jared's eyes went wide and the doctor chuckled "Yep, but you've been stabile for a couple days... but, i am sorry to tell you Advisor. We had to amputate the dead tissue... I... I'm sorry to say, but you're grounded" Advisor Jared's eyes looked sadly at the doctor and felt like crying, fearing for the next word. "Permanently" The doctor comforted him, putting a hoof on The Advisor's shoulder in fluid sympathy as the 'grounded' pegasus quietly sobbed, realizing the cold, hard truth. He'd never fly again. But he didn't even think that existed and raised an eyebrow at the doctor, his hollow orange eyes looking at him "What's wrong? Oh, right... you had wingstroke. It's caused by an extremely long inactivity of the wings, a year to be exact, some six months, or exposure to radiation. when you get a wingstroke, the tissue bubbles up to double it's size and becomes very heavy, then gets infected and starts to spread, killing the victim slowly and extremely painfully, but that's not important, what is... You're alive, now i'm going to see my other patients, don't freak out, you've got a special visitor to keep you company" As The Doctor left the room, his guest walked in but he expected Number One and Four, but it was in fact Princess Luna who looked down on him with a pity-laced smile. "P-Princess... L-L-Luna?!" Jared's voice cracked upon speaking her name, easily giving away his surprise. Here, Take This Vacation.He laid in the hospital bed, his eyes widened with surprise. As Princess Luna walked over to the side of his bed she kept her eyes on him, and he felt more than surprise as i melted into intimidation. "You fear us... for what reason Advisor Jared?" She spoke calmly, her voice sounded wonderful, not like how the rumors had been. The room somehow managed to get colder as she stood before him, closer than earlier. He simply blamed this on his condition "I... have heard tales of-" he stopped there, what was he thinking? he just almost brought up Luna's most hated subjects, how she was viewed as a tyrant and a dictator. She tilted her head and asked "Of?" he said immediately "Of... Your beauty, i can tell they were right". He huffed and looked out the window, but immediately looked away. Princess Luna smirked and chuckled lightly "Oh, quite the flatterer, but... sadly we are not here for pleasantries. my advisors tell me it's customary to visit wounded leaders..." Jared had the look of sadness now that the subject had gone back to his amputation "Yeah... I guess you heard huh?" Luna chuckled "How could one not? The Advisor Jared Comes down with a severe case of a stroke and survives, everypony in Equestria has received such news" He smiled, feeling in a strange mood "So... being the all powerful and benevolent Luna, you came to wish me the best of luck eh?" She nodded and left the room "Best of luck to you Advisor" Luna thought to herself on the conversation 'He feared me for my beauty?' but pushed it away for now, it would also be best to simply ask him when he wasn't in the hospital, also it wasn't the most important matter ever. Two Hours Later... Jared walked slowly up to the Capitol building wearing his cloak. The official story had been a stroke, being a pegasi who'd lost their wings, that wasn't a happy matter, not for anypony, so they kept it a secret. His colleagues, save for Number 3, who was out on an official errand. Where, only Celestia knew. "Advisor! we were worried about you, we have much we would like to discuss with you" Number 5 came up to the depressed Advisor, who simply walked past Number 5 and all the others. The others all looked at eachother and then at Jared, Number 5 asked "Am i the only one who noticed that?" Number 2 replied as if slightly offended "Noticed what? he ignored us!" Number 1 simply said "He's depressed" "I can tell something's wrong... let's comfort him" Number 5 pointed out, walking in Jared's path, they all left one by one, save for Number 2 who followed after a couple minutes. They found him standing on both his hind legs in the center of the ring table of the council chamber, head hung over, and hood still masking him. "You all know that i suffered from a stroke... correct?" They all agreed in their own way, Number two doing the usual stomping the floor and huffing, One nodded, silent as always, while Number 4 and 5 both agreed vocally. Jared looked at them by simply tilting his head, his eyes looked hollow, and they even glowed from the darkness of his hood "You, as my colleagues and friends, need to see this..." He took off his cloak and turned his back to them, the absence of his wings was painfully clear "Two thousands years and I'm the next one to get Wingstroke, now you know why I had made it so hush-hush... I'm a wingless pegasus, doomed to walk the earth, instead of soar across it's skies" Number Five walked to the table "There is more to a pegasi's life than flying... I once knew a unicorn who had lost her horn, and an earth pony who was forced to live at sea for an eternity" "You don't understand... remember one of our research projects to lengthen pony life by ten years? we'd accdentally found out that if a unicorn lost their horn permanently, their life span would be reduced to 20% of the original. same went for pegasi and their wings and Earth Ponies with natural food. I have only a few months left to live, I Am 27 years old now." Number 2 stepped forward this time "So what? Okay, You're going to die in a few months, but look at it this way; That's more than enough time to do what you've wanted to, make the time you've left count and all that cliche crap" Jared sniffed, realizing her logic "I see... so, you're saying i should... make my last hours count, enjoy it while i can?" "Eeyup!" Number 1 stated. Advisor Jared turned around to face them "Well, then i guess it's time to do something i should have done all this time... My friends, i ask of you to carry something out, not for me, but for all of The Republic..." Number 2 grinned, thinking 'Yes... She was right, this is the time we go on our crusade, finally!' Number 1 stood there, silent and calm as always. The others leaned in to hear him say... "Take the week off for a vacation to Equestria!" He said with a smile, and all but Number 2 and 1 jumped in celebration, or excitement. Number 1 was slightly speechless, despite being the one to see some future events, he never saw that coming so he stood there with an expression that displayed both disbelief and excitement, but what Number 2 wanted, and even now cursed to herself about 'DAMMIT! No, No No!' But they both forced a smile, Number one more feeling much more delighted than Number Two at this moment. Later That Night, In New Canterlot... "...And so it would be my honor, to ask for the permission of taking vacation within the walls of your most wonderous city of New Canterlot, on behalf of Advisor Jared and The entire Council of Sulmaria!" the stallion announced to Princess Luna, who sat upon her throne, the very seat of power her sister had once occupied, and nodded "You may tell your Council that We, Princess Luna would be both pleased and honored to take The Council of Sulmaria as guests of honor in Equestria" she smiled down as him as he backed away while smiling slightly excitedly to share the news. He practically ran back to the Sulmar Republic, it being his job, Swift Stride was one earth pony who enjoyed and relished in bringing back good news, especially when the air was so down this week. The last bit of news he'd given was a declaration of war to Distonia, and before that, when he met with the leader of The Red Syndicate for an alliance against Distonia and Equestria. But now he felt like he could actually see the nations of the world getting along for once, instead of going at eachother's throats. He only hoped he could see his friend in Ponyville again, and Soon too. Past Evils Are The Hardest to Get PastNumber 4 jumped up and down atop Number 1's carry on saddlebag that lay in the chair next to him in a cute optimism "What do you think we'll see? Do you think they have pumpkin pie? Oh i hope they do! EEEEEE! I Can't Wait!" She giggled and chased her own tail, seemingly unable to remain still for anything more than a second. For the first time they'd all rid themselves of their cloaks, save for Number 3 and Advisor Jared. Number 2 who sat next to her asked quietly "Why'd you keep your cloak on hon?" Number 3 looked at her and sighed, something was obviously on her mind but Number 2 couldn't tell. Number 2 went over to Jared "Hey Jared... Juuuust curioooous, but, you know what's gotten Number 3 down so much?" she looked over her shoulder at Number 2 as she spoke, but his answer wasn't the kind you'd think "She's going through some troubles in her life, her mood will pick up as soon as we get to canterlot... Most likely" Number 2 nodded and thanked him, still feeling concerned for Number 3, whose real name she didn't even know. She walked over to Number 3 who sat across the train car from the others and sat next to her, looking out the window. "I actually can't wait to see the Equestrian Royal Guard, can't you Number 3?" She smiled at the hooded mare as she finally spoke "Number 2... can i ask you something?" and looked at the cyan unicorn who nodded "Anything, what's up?" "What do you think of spies?" Number 2's nose scrunched as she scowled slightly as she replied quietly "I hate them! untrustable! they could betray anypony upon a moment's notice, as soon as it becomes convenient for them! Uhm... why?" and calmed down slightly, realizing the question could be just curiosity "What if they defected and were actually world-renowned?" Number 2 thought and Number 3's second question "Well... Then it would change things... if the spy in question defected to both sides, then they would be out of a job as both sides would treat them as a rogue... you aren't just simply curious right dear?" Number 3 chuckled lightly "Uhm... eh.. I..t's... complicated." but Number 2 leaned in close to her, narrowing her eyes and scowling lightly "You're... not a spy are you?" she asked quietly. Number 3 stretched and hugged her "I... Will tell you later, okay? Let's just enjoy our vacation" Number 2 smiled "You'll tell me after right?" and she was replied to with a nod, but the matter was not forgotten easily. As Number 2 and Number 3 cuddled in their seats, Number 1 was simply amused by Number 4 and enjoyed her company. Number 5 simply observed the others as Advisor Jared slept soundly, but loud enough to hear hi from a few seats away, which she was... Number 1 and 4 were more like in the middle, Number 2 and 3 were at the front end, and Advisor Jared had been sleeping in the seat in front of her for the last two hours, or at least tried to as he shuffled and adjusted himself for the fifth time. Each of them had a job, and hers was one she slightly prided herself over. She trusted each and everyone of them and cared for them unconditionally as if they were her own, and protected them just as fiercely. As they pulled in, Number 2 and 3 fell asleep against each other, Jared did get actual rest and Number 1 also fell asleep while Number 4 calmed down and was sitting on the window sill, watching the world come to a stop. When the car completely stopped. Number 4 seemed to get even more excited and hyper, waking Number 1 out of his quiet and light slumber. They started to get out of their seat when Number 5 and Advisor Jared walked past them, albeit slowly as Jared wasn't in the best of conditions having just woke up. Number 3 woke up a few moments later and stretched, rousing Number 2 who's head dropped slightly "mmmmnn... Are we there yet?" she said drowsily, looking out the window. Number 3 nodded and hugged her drowsy companion "Eeyup, we're there, say hello to Canterlot, Number 2" and yawned as they both eventually got up and left the train with their luggage close behind. They afterwards met up near the train tracks and were greeted by Princess Luna herself accompanied by five Royal Guards who took each council member to where they'd all be staying, Princess Luna, To his surprise, took Advisor Jared elsewhere... "The Ruins of Canterlot... Why have you brought me here Princess Luna?" Jared gave her a slightly confused look, but she only looked down at her hooves in utter sadness. Her emotional expression lived on as she looked ahead to the smouldering ruins that was once the great city of Canterlot. "When we left our sister... she told us to look under the Palace in two centuries... well it's actually exactly that date." She smiled lightly at him and continued "I thought it would be best for the leaders of two nations to find Princess Celestia's Secret" Advisor Jared smiled happily and comfortingly and nodded "It would be my Pleasure" And them both slowly walked into the charred city, towards the Royal Palace which stood, untouched in the distance with a somewhat good optimism. As they both reached the Royal Palace they went directly for What used to be a marble staircase and Princess Luna moved to the back of it "Come Jared, you need not fear anything in here" The Advisor Whispered as he followed Luna in behind the staircase "I doubt that..." But the moment Luna stepped behind the staircase, a high-pitched beeping noise was heard and Jared had only next seen Luna running towards him and suddenly they were in a field after a flash of blue magic. A massive thump was heard as Canterlot shook, it's old supports creaking audibly, even from the five mile distance they had traveled, but he felt less safe when the entire ruin was instantly vaporized in a red and black fire that expanded from the center and grew out to engulf it all. But it had not stopped there, the fire sunk into the ground swiftly and a brilliant explosion erupted, destroying the stone that had survived the blaze of fire and all beneath it for what seemed like miles. Advisor Jared felt dazed from the sudden teleport which he was now more grateful for than ever, and the shockwave from the trap knocked him over, knocking him out cold. Number 2 ran to the window as the horizon seemed to explode in a brilliant explosion that they heard even from New Canterlot which stood far, far away, enough so that Canterlot was visible, but only if you knew what to look for among the green, still charred mountain-side "Whoa, Look at That!" She smiled brightly, if there was one thing that made her happy was something being blown up. "Hey Number 3, look, Canterlot just exploded! It was Awesome!" She laughed as she walked over to Number 3, who sat on the bed, hanging her head down. Her smile started to fade as she saw her comrade shaking subtly and her smile vanished as she saw that a part of her hood was darker than the rest. As she realized, Number 3 was crying! "Number 3? what's wrong?" Number 2 sat on the bed next to her and held Number 3 in a close and very tight hug. Number 3 sniffled loudly and wiped her eyes with both hooves and got off the bed. "I'm... a s-spy, that's what's wrong!" Number 2 asked her "What do you mean?" Number 3 threw back her hood and Number 2 shrunk back, not out of surprise, but out of sheer terror, as she saw who stood before her with tear-soaked cheeks. The pony who'd defeated the Red Syndicate by herself, and was even rumored to have killed the Distonian Sorceror herself; The Peacekeeper of Blood, Storm Chaser. "I knew this would happen..." Number 3 who revealed herself as Storm Chaser looked even more saddened, and tore off her cloak and threw it onto the carpeted hotel-room floor, she reached into the inside of the very well made cloak and took out a small note and opened it up on the floor. Time seemed to slow as she looked at the note, tears welling even faster, making small tac noises as her own tears hit the hard parchment. It was around this time the Guard noticed that it was a bit too quiet after all that and opened the door, saw Storm and immediately chased after her. Storm ran to the window, broke through it and flew into the sun-lit distance. Number 2 walked over to the note and read it aloud "Do you... Love me." Storm was never very upfront about serious things so she sometimes sent notes with checkboxes, this note had two. Yes and No. Her tears had hit the No option, transforming it into a murky dark stain of sadness and rejection.
The Other Early VisitorEverything had gone to plan... The Sulmar Republic, after conquering the stubborn nation of Distonia, had thrown a celebration only three days ago and now, after years of slow and painful conflict and conquering of nearby nations and countries, can now finally challenge the New Lunar Republic. But there was a problem even now... Legends of the Alicorn's power had reached even as far as the Sulmar Republic Capitol, Sulmaria. Indeed, ever since Princess Celestia had been killed in action by the now dead Distonian sorceror, Pain Strike, Princess Luna had become stronger, more ruthless, and feared by all, save her own subjects. Plus, under her rule, fueled by her grief and pain over the death of her sister she had gone after Distonia and took half of it over. But The Advisor didn't feel it was completely neccesary to take over Equestria, not seeing them as a threat for war. But he was the only to also say the massive desert the Red Syndicate used to occupy before the Freat Equestrian War should be terraformed and taken, but due to the massive sandseas that was practically impossible, even if it did take up as much space as double of Equestira before the Wars. The Advisor and his colleagues in the council now talked about their next actions... "Alright! So what should we do then hmm? We've made it clear that taking over Equestria shouldn't be done yet, and that further conquest of other areas should be delayed, so what do we do?!" The Advisor sighed and corrected himself "What should we do?" rubbing his forehead with a hoof. He'd been up for days and without a reason why, he knew the others knew of his sleep deprivation, despite his weakening efforts to disguise it. "Advisor... We've been thinking, you should get some sleep. We can do this later" Said the pony he refered to as Number Five. Each of the council members, other than him went by numbers, none of them having power over him or the others and vice-versa, but simply being ordered by seniority. The Advisor for whatever reason, hit his head on the large stone ring of a table each of the others sat around and replied "No... This is a matter best discussed now, i think it's time for an unhinged verdict" The members gasped, number three, a pegasus with a red coat and cloak on spoke in a dark voice "But the last time we had that, we fought eachother to a hospital! Are you insane?!" The Advisor smiled on the inside "Maybe i am, but we're going nowhere fast with this. I say we work on the country, too many ponies are complaining about the lack of food and bits to go around, not to mention a study we did indicates there's a 67% unemployment rate in the civilian populace" Number 4, the most unbelievalbe of the six is an eight inch tall pegasus pony fully white with a silver striped, black mane and tail. She spoke with the smallest voice anypony's ever heard "I Agree with Number Three, making more jobs and actually doing it right should be very cheap and would do more good than bad in the long run" Number Two shushed the tiny pony "The Best thing to do would be to continue our conque-" she was interrupted by The Advisor, a yellow mane and coat came from out of his hood as she pulled it back "Shut Up Number Two! You keep saying that, this is the twelveth time, try thinking outside of the one inch box! PLEASE!" he stumbled and felt light-headed. dizzy. "You're... You're all right... I should try to get some rest again... I'll be back after a few hours, when we can... Actually. Number One will pick what to do, being the one i trust the most, also i'll probably be asleep for a day" The Advisor left the room and headed to his room. Stopping in the doorway, he felt light headed again and collapsed on the polished floor, his limbs were weak, too weak to stand back up, despite valiant efforts he gave. He cried out in distress "Help!" and luckily there was a couple guards nearby to answer the call, and carried him to the hospital. Six Days Later... The Advisor woke up in a hospital bed with the largest headache and a couple tubes sticking into his left hoof and blood bag to his left and a respirator. A doctor walked in the door and smiled "Ahhh, you're awake. You're Very lucky to be alive Jared..." Advisor Jared tried to move but found himself strapped to the bed and completely immobilized "Don't worry, you're safe... You had a very serious case of a wingstroke, it almost killed you infact" Advisor Jared's eyes went wide and the doctor chuckled "Yep, but you've been stabile for a couple days... but, i am sorry to tell you Advisor. We had to amputate the dead tissue... I... I'm sorry to say, but you're grounded" Advisor Jared's eyes looked sadly at the doctor and felt like crying, fearing for the next word. "Permanently" The doctor comforted him, putting a hoof on The Advisor's shoulder in fluid sympathy as the 'grounded' pegasus quietly sobbed, realizing the cold, hard truth. He'd never fly again. But he didn't even think that existed and raised an eyebrow at the doctor, his hollow orange eyes looking at him "What's wrong? Oh, right... you had wingstroke. It's caused by an extremely long inactivity of the wings, a year to be exact, some six months, or exposure to radiation. when you get a wingstroke, the tissue bubbles up to double it's size and becomes very heavy, then gets infected and starts to spread, killing the victim slowly and extremely painfully, but that's not important, what is... You're alive, now i'm going to see my other patients, don't freak out, you've got a special visitor to keep you company" As The Doctor left the room, his guest walked in but he expected Number One and Four, but it was in fact Princess Luna who looked down on him with a pity-laced smile. "P-Princess... L-L-Luna?!" Jared's voice cracked upon speaking her name, easily giving away his surprise.
Here, Take This Vacation.He laid in the hospital bed, his eyes widened with surprise. As Princess Luna walked over to the side of his bed she kept her eyes on him, and he felt more than surprise as i melted into intimidation. "You fear us... for what reason Advisor Jared?" She spoke calmly, her voice sounded wonderful, not like how the rumors had been. The room somehow managed to get colder as she stood before him, closer than earlier. He simply blamed this on his condition "I... have heard tales of-" he stopped there, what was he thinking? he just almost brought up Luna's most hated subjects, how she was viewed as a tyrant and a dictator. She tilted her head and asked "Of?" he said immediately "Of... Your beauty, i can tell they were right". He huffed and looked out the window, but immediately looked away. Princess Luna smirked and chuckled lightly "Oh, quite the flatterer, but... sadly we are not here for pleasantries. my advisors tell me it's customary to visit wounded leaders..." Jared had the look of sadness now that the subject had gone back to his amputation "Yeah... I guess you heard huh?" Luna chuckled "How could one not? The Advisor Jared Comes down with a severe case of a stroke and survives, everypony in Equestria has received such news" He smiled, feeling in a strange mood "So... being the all powerful and benevolent Luna, you came to wish me the best of luck eh?" She nodded and left the room "Best of luck to you Advisor" Luna thought to herself on the conversation 'He feared me for my beauty?' but pushed it away for now, it would also be best to simply ask him when he wasn't in the hospital, also it wasn't the most important matter ever. Two Hours Later... Jared walked slowly up to the Capitol building wearing his cloak. The official story had been a stroke, being a pegasi who'd lost their wings, that wasn't a happy matter, not for anypony, so they kept it a secret. His colleagues, save for Number 3, who was out on an official errand. Where, only Celestia knew. "Advisor! we were worried about you, we have much we would like to discuss with you" Number 5 came up to the depressed Advisor, who simply walked past Number 5 and all the others. The others all looked at eachother and then at Jared, Number 5 asked "Am i the only one who noticed that?" Number 2 replied as if slightly offended "Noticed what? he ignored us!" Number 1 simply said "He's depressed" "I can tell something's wrong... let's comfort him" Number 5 pointed out, walking in Jared's path, they all left one by one, save for Number 2 who followed after a couple minutes. They found him standing on both his hind legs in the center of the ring table of the council chamber, head hung over, and hood still masking him. "You all know that i suffered from a stroke... correct?" They all agreed in their own way, Number two doing the usual stomping the floor and huffing, One nodded, silent as always, while Number 4 and 5 both agreed vocally. Jared looked at them by simply tilting his head, his eyes looked hollow, and they even glowed from the darkness of his hood "You, as my colleagues and friends, need to see this..." He took off his cloak and turned his back to them, the absence of his wings was painfully clear "Two thousands years and I'm the next one to get Wingstroke, now you know why I had made it so hush-hush... I'm a wingless pegasus, doomed to walk the earth, instead of soar across it's skies" Number Five walked to the table "There is more to a pegasi's life than flying... I once knew a unicorn who had lost her horn, and an earth pony who was forced to live at sea for an eternity" "You don't understand... remember one of our research projects to lengthen pony life by ten years? we'd accdentally found out that if a unicorn lost their horn permanently, their life span would be reduced to 20% of the original. same went for pegasi and their wings and Earth Ponies with natural food. I have only a few months left to live, I Am 27 years old now." Number 2 stepped forward this time "So what? Okay, You're going to die in a few months, but look at it this way; That's more than enough time to do what you've wanted to, make the time you've left count and all that cliche crap" Jared sniffed, realizing her logic "I see... so, you're saying i should... make my last hours count, enjoy it while i can?" "Eeyup!" Number 1 stated. Advisor Jared turned around to face them "Well, then i guess it's time to do something i should have done all this time... My friends, i ask of you to carry something out, not for me, but for all of The Republic..." Number 2 grinned, thinking 'Yes... She was right, this is the time we go on our crusade, finally!' Number 1 stood there, silent and calm as always. The others leaned in to hear him say... "Take the week off for a vacation to Equestria!" He said with a smile, and all but Number 2 and 1 jumped in celebration, or excitement. Number 1 was slightly speechless, despite being the one to see some future events, he never saw that coming so he stood there with an expression that displayed both disbelief and excitement, but what Number 2 wanted, and even now cursed to herself about 'DAMMIT! No, No No!' But they both forced a smile, Number one more feeling much more delighted than Number Two at this moment. Later That Night, In New Canterlot... "...And so it would be my honor, to ask for the permission of taking vacation within the walls of your most wonderous city of New Canterlot, on behalf of Advisor Jared and The entire Council of Sulmaria!" the stallion announced to Princess Luna, who sat upon her throne, the very seat of power her sister had once occupied, and nodded "You may tell your Council that We, Princess Luna would be both pleased and honored to take The Council of Sulmaria as guests of honor in Equestria" she smiled down as him as he backed away while smiling slightly excitedly to share the news. He practically ran back to the Sulmar Republic, it being his job, Swift Stride was one earth pony who enjoyed and relished in bringing back good news, especially when the air was so down this week. The last bit of news he'd given was a declaration of war to Distonia, and before that, when he met with the leader of The Red Syndicate for an alliance against Distonia and Equestria. But now he felt like he could actually see the nations of the world getting along for once, instead of going at eachother's throats. He only hoped he could see his friend in Ponyville again, and Soon too.
Past Evils Are The Hardest to Get PastNumber 4 jumped up and down atop Number 1's carry on saddlebag that lay in the chair next to him in a cute optimism "What do you think we'll see? Do you think they have pumpkin pie? Oh i hope they do! EEEEEE! I Can't Wait!" She giggled and chased her own tail, seemingly unable to remain still for anything more than a second. For the first time they'd all rid themselves of their cloaks, save for Number 3 and Advisor Jared. Number 2 who sat next to her asked quietly "Why'd you keep your cloak on hon?" Number 3 looked at her and sighed, something was obviously on her mind but Number 2 couldn't tell. Number 2 went over to Jared "Hey Jared... Juuuust curioooous, but, you know what's gotten Number 3 down so much?" she looked over her shoulder at Number 2 as she spoke, but his answer wasn't the kind you'd think "She's going through some troubles in her life, her mood will pick up as soon as we get to canterlot... Most likely" Number 2 nodded and thanked him, still feeling concerned for Number 3, whose real name she didn't even know. She walked over to Number 3 who sat across the train car from the others and sat next to her, looking out the window. "I actually can't wait to see the Equestrian Royal Guard, can't you Number 3?" She smiled at the hooded mare as she finally spoke "Number 2... can i ask you something?" and looked at the cyan unicorn who nodded "Anything, what's up?" "What do you think of spies?" Number 2's nose scrunched as she scowled slightly as she replied quietly "I hate them! untrustable! they could betray anypony upon a moment's notice, as soon as it becomes convenient for them! Uhm... why?" and calmed down slightly, realizing the question could be just curiosity "What if they defected and were actually world-renowned?" Number 2 thought and Number 3's second question "Well... Then it would change things... if the spy in question defected to both sides, then they would be out of a job as both sides would treat them as a rogue... you aren't just simply curious right dear?" Number 3 chuckled lightly "Uhm... eh.. I..t's... complicated." but Number 2 leaned in close to her, narrowing her eyes and scowling lightly "You're... not a spy are you?" she asked quietly. Number 3 stretched and hugged her "I... Will tell you later, okay? Let's just enjoy our vacation" Number 2 smiled "You'll tell me after right?" and she was replied to with a nod, but the matter was not forgotten easily. As Number 2 and Number 3 cuddled in their seats, Number 1 was simply amused by Number 4 and enjoyed her company. Number 5 simply observed the others as Advisor Jared slept soundly, but loud enough to hear hi from a few seats away, which she was... Number 1 and 4 were more like in the middle, Number 2 and 3 were at the front end, and Advisor Jared had been sleeping in the seat in front of her for the last two hours, or at least tried to as he shuffled and adjusted himself for the fifth time. Each of them had a job, and hers was one she slightly prided herself over. She trusted each and everyone of them and cared for them unconditionally as if they were her own, and protected them just as fiercely. As they pulled in, Number 2 and 3 fell asleep against each other, Jared did get actual rest and Number 1 also fell asleep while Number 4 calmed down and was sitting on the window sill, watching the world come to a stop. When the car completely stopped. Number 4 seemed to get even more excited and hyper, waking Number 1 out of his quiet and light slumber. They started to get out of their seat when Number 5 and Advisor Jared walked past them, albeit slowly as Jared wasn't in the best of conditions having just woke up. Number 3 woke up a few moments later and stretched, rousing Number 2 who's head dropped slightly "mmmmnn... Are we there yet?" she said drowsily, looking out the window. Number 3 nodded and hugged her drowsy companion "Eeyup, we're there, say hello to Canterlot, Number 2" and yawned as they both eventually got up and left the train with their luggage close behind. They afterwards met up near the train tracks and were greeted by Princess Luna herself accompanied by five Royal Guards who took each council member to where they'd all be staying, Princess Luna, To his surprise, took Advisor Jared elsewhere... "The Ruins of Canterlot... Why have you brought me here Princess Luna?" Jared gave her a slightly confused look, but she only looked down at her hooves in utter sadness. Her emotional expression lived on as she looked ahead to the smouldering ruins that was once the great city of Canterlot. "When we left our sister... she told us to look under the Palace in two centuries... well it's actually exactly that date." She smiled lightly at him and continued "I thought it would be best for the leaders of two nations to find Princess Celestia's Secret" Advisor Jared smiled happily and comfortingly and nodded "It would be my Pleasure" And them both slowly walked into the charred city, towards the Royal Palace which stood, untouched in the distance with a somewhat good optimism. As they both reached the Royal Palace they went directly for What used to be a marble staircase and Princess Luna moved to the back of it "Come Jared, you need not fear anything in here" The Advisor Whispered as he followed Luna in behind the staircase "I doubt that..." But the moment Luna stepped behind the staircase, a high-pitched beeping noise was heard and Jared had only next seen Luna running towards him and suddenly they were in a field after a flash of blue magic. A massive thump was heard as Canterlot shook, it's old supports creaking audibly, even from the five mile distance they had traveled, but he felt less safe when the entire ruin was instantly vaporized in a red and black fire that expanded from the center and grew out to engulf it all. But it had not stopped there, the fire sunk into the ground swiftly and a brilliant explosion erupted, destroying the stone that had survived the blaze of fire and all beneath it for what seemed like miles. Advisor Jared felt dazed from the sudden teleport which he was now more grateful for than ever, and the shockwave from the trap knocked him over, knocking him out cold. Number 2 ran to the window as the horizon seemed to explode in a brilliant explosion that they heard even from New Canterlot which stood far, far away, enough so that Canterlot was visible, but only if you knew what to look for among the green, still charred mountain-side "Whoa, Look at That!" She smiled brightly, if there was one thing that made her happy was something being blown up. "Hey Number 3, look, Canterlot just exploded! It was Awesome!" She laughed as she walked over to Number 3, who sat on the bed, hanging her head down. Her smile started to fade as she saw her comrade shaking subtly and her smile vanished as she saw that a part of her hood was darker than the rest. As she realized, Number 3 was crying! "Number 3? what's wrong?" Number 2 sat on the bed next to her and held Number 3 in a close and very tight hug. Number 3 sniffled loudly and wiped her eyes with both hooves and got off the bed. "I'm... a s-spy, that's what's wrong!" Number 2 asked her "What do you mean?" Number 3 threw back her hood and Number 2 shrunk back, not out of surprise, but out of sheer terror, as she saw who stood before her with tear-soaked cheeks. The pony who'd defeated the Red Syndicate by herself, and was even rumored to have killed the Distonian Sorceror herself; The Peacekeeper of Blood, Storm Chaser. "I knew this would happen..." Number 3 who revealed herself as Storm Chaser looked even more saddened, and tore off her cloak and threw it onto the carpeted hotel-room floor, she reached into the inside of the very well made cloak and took out a small note and opened it up on the floor. Time seemed to slow as she looked at the note, tears welling even faster, making small tac noises as her own tears hit the hard parchment. It was around this time the Guard noticed that it was a bit too quiet after all that and opened the door, saw Storm and immediately chased after her. Storm ran to the window, broke through it and flew into the sun-lit distance. Number 2 walked over to the note and read it aloud "Do you... Love me." Storm was never very upfront about serious things so she sometimes sent notes with checkboxes, this note had two. Yes and No. Her tears had hit the No option, transforming it into a murky dark stain of sadness and rejection.
