Outcast

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Avenge
Chapter 2 - Discharged
Chapter 3 - Bloodlust
Chapter 4 - Haven
Chapter 5 - Kindling

Chapter 1 - Avenge

Year 2532, 34th of Chillwind, Hour 36 – Forested Hamlet – General POV

Under the shining night sky, tucked away in a small valley surrounded by pine trees lay a hamlet. The chilled northern winds gently rattled the shop signs and shuffled the stray autumn leaves.

The streets lay empty, as not a single soul was out at this hour. No one except a single military-grade gunship. It sat quietly in the center of the hamlet.

Underneath the cockpit of the gunship were five soldiers, Royal Guards to be specific. Adorned in the signature gold and bronze-plated armor, they each were occupied with various activities.

Three sat around a collapsible table. The stallion and mares were engaged in a calm game of Gin Rummy.

The fourth soldier tiredly stood, resting himself against the gunship and staring up the slope of a mountain. The fifth paced across the length of the cockpit, his ears nervously folded against his head.

Eventually, he broke the silence.

“What if she finds out!?” His pacing never lessened.

The mare closest to him at the table released a frustrated sigh, “She isn’t going to find out.”

“But what if she does?!” The worry in the nervous guard’s voice was apparent.

“Timber, relax.” The mare at the table rolled her eyes. “There’s no way Celestia knows what we’re doing. She’s not omni-sentient.”

You keep saying that, Major Glaze, but do you know if it’s true?

“Sweet Creator,” The other mare across from Glaze, flipping her blue and purple pastel mane from her eyes, spoke up. “Can you make him stop?”

“Sky Lace, be nice.”

“…”

“Alright, even though we’re technically off-duty; Timber, I order you to stop overreacting and complaining.”

“But—” Timber protested.

“Ay… I said quit it.”

Timber released a heavy breath, halting his pacing. Not long after, though, he walked to the lone stallion leaning against the gunship.

“Do you think Celestia is omni-sentient, Lieutenant Hanger?” Timber stood beside Hanger.

Hanger continued his vigilant gaze up the mountainside.

“Hmph, if Celestia was omni-sentient, Captain Grayblade wouldn’t be getting away with this.”

Timber began to correct Hanger, “What does that—”

Timber’s sentence was interrupted as loud crackling suddenly began in the direction of Hanger’s staring.

The five guards adjusted their gazes up to the sky in the direction of the sound. Dark swirling clouds began to form. As suddenly as the clouds appeared, four glowing bolts of lightning fell from the sky, each after the other. The boom of the strikes echoed down the mountainside. Residents began to exit their homes, confused by the thundering cracks.

Glaze set her cards face down on the table and rotated her chair towards the lightshow. She leaned back and stretched out her legs.

“Get comfortable, the show’s about to begin.”

General POV – Two Kilometers Northwest

A rain of blood and charred flesh fell from the sky. The smell of burning skin poisoned the mountain air. The hulking form of a Minotaur charged through the brush, hoping to escape the death that hunted him.

Not a second after, a smaller form of a mare unicorn followed the beast. Lightning coated her arms. Magical strength shone in her eyes and along her horn. With a snarl, the anthropony summoned lightning to her hand and threw a shower of bolts into the back of the fleeing Minotaur

Instantly, his flesh seared off. His chest burst, sending blood, organic material, and purple sparks against the brush. He shrieked in pain, before collapsing to the ground.

The mare, her face contorted with fury, ignited a new spell into her hands. In an elegant motion, she twisted her arms and moved her fingers.

A bright purple light shot from her hand into the corpse of the Minotaur. As the glowing light penetrated his body, his corpse was raised from the ground. After a few seconds, the Minotaur was placed onto his feet, his body hunched over like a zombie; a faint purple hue emitted from its chest and eyes.

The mare uttered one word; her thick Sarabian accent tainted with ethereal magical might:

“Kill.”

The corpse of the Minotaur roared, charging forward towards a campfire where another walking corpse mauled a screaming Minotaur to death.

The mare aggressively sauntered into the camp. She approached a single Minotaur. A chieftain adorned with skulls around his waist and intricate tattoos along his chest. He lay upon a broken tent.

The mare pointed to the chief, speaking another command to her undead corpses.

“Grab him.”

The two raised dead quit their senseless mauling of the other dead bodies and quickly pulled the Minotaur to his knees.

The mare stared into his soul, her angry glare and whitened eyes striking fear into his heart.

“You thought no one could stand against you,” she began. “but you underestimated who you were dealing with. You—” the mare harshly drove a finger into the beast’s chest. ”—made a grave mistake. You killed him. You murdered my only friend!”

A humming began to sound from the mare’s palms, growing louder with each second.

“And now, I will kill you. I want you to remember the name of Solaria Grayblade as I blow your dead body to every corner of Alheere!”

She brought back her arms, sparkling bolts of lightning crackling in her hands. As she prepared to explode the chieftain’s body, a hammer impacted with her side. The mare grunted and was thrown to the ground a few meters away.

With her concentration thrown off, the undead corpses lost their magical connection and fell to the ground.

“Come, Chief,” The hammer-wielding Minotaur said. “Let’s go.”

“Good work, Svelg.” The chieftain stood up and began to flee. “You got lucky this time!”

Both turned away from the collapsed mare and retreated into the forest.

Solaria’s POV

I groan in pain. The effects of my magical overload absorbed a portion of the hammer impact, but damage was still dealt. My ribs will be sore for the next few days.

If my left eye was still intact, both of those Minotaurs would be dead.

I lift myself off the ground into a sitting position, falling back against my right arm. All around me were the remains of a Minotaur raiding party; slaughtered through my own magical strength, and an emotionally induced overload.

None of them could stand against me, yet the one I was after had slipped through my grip.

I had failed. Despite my efforts, that faraking leathersack escaped!

My face contorted with anger; My fists were clenched tight. Jumping up, I ignited the Electrical Concussion spell into my right palm and focused the energy on a nearby tree.

As the magic touches the trunk, lightning bolts explode from within. Bark and chunks of wood fly away from the tree. With a low groan, the massive pine slowly tips away from me. The crash of its impact with the ground reverberates throughout the forest.

I scream, socking the trunk of another pine tree. Pain rockets through my left side, but nothing could hurt more than failing to avenge the only one I felt comfortable around.

Calm yourself. Now is not the time nor place for sorrow and anger.

After a few minutes of rest, I cover the fire left by the raiders in dirt and begin walking the distance back to the hamlet.

34th of Chillwind, Hour 37:52 – Forested Hamlet – General POV

“Here she comes.” Timber called to the others. The five soldiers, and most of the hamlet’s population, gathered in front of the gunship, waiting as Solaria approached them.

She was gripping her left ribcage, a look of discomfort across her muzzle.

“Are you alright, Captain,” Sky Lace asked.

Solaria breathed deeply.

“I’ll be fine.”

“Well, did you get him?” Sky Lace did little to hide her eager tone.

With a grimace, Solaria slowly spoke.

“No, Sergeant Lace, I didn’t.”

Most of the soldier’s expressions changed to dismay.

“But, how…” Sky Lace questioned, taken aback at Solaria’s failure.

“He was better equipped than I thought, but he hasn’t won yet. I’ll return in a few days and finish what he started.”

“In a few days?! He’ll be long gone by then!”

“That’s enough, Sergeant Lace. I’ll handle it.”

“But—”

“I said drop it!”

The venom in Solaria’s voice silenced Sky Lace. When there was no response, Solaria began to lightly hobble to the back of the gunship.

“Lieutenant Hanger, get the townsfolk back in their homes.”

While Hanger cleared the crowd, Glaze gestured for the rest of the soldiers to grab their equipment and board the transport.

As they boarded, Glaze watched each soldier enter the gunship. War Coach was frustrated, Sky Lace was angry. Only Hanger’s face was curved in a slight smile, his thoughts clearly on something else. Glaze’s face twitched. A million thoughts raced through her mind as she double-checked that everyone was on board, before joining.

The gunship’s bay door shut with a hiss; the engine thrusters initiating for take-off. The transport lifted from the ground, flying away with a loud thrum.

34th of Chillwind, Hour 40 – Canterlot Docking Platform 8 – Solaria’s POV

“Good work, boys. And remember – not a word to anyone.”

Both pilots confirmed my order with a nod. Satisfied with their response, I left the interior of the gunship’s cockpit. My squad was gathering their items they had brought with them.

All of them were disappointed, that feeling was apparent on their faces.

I had failed to deliver on my promise to them. It hurt more than expected.

A quiet cough touches my ears. Major Glaze was next to me, trying to subtly gain my attention. I meet her gaze, waiting to listen to her thoughts.

“Keep an eye on Hanger,” Glaze softly said. “Something about him this trip has been … off.”

I glance to the stallion in question. He’s casually waiting at the door of the gunship.

Glaze is right.

Hanger’s posture isn’t like the rest. He’s standing too tall. His expression is too calm. Everyone else has some form of sadness, or anger, plaguing them, but he doesn’t.

“Don’t worry,” I place a hand upon Glaze’s right shoulder. “I’ll check it out tomorrow. For now, however—” I raise my voice for everyone to hear “—I want all of you to get some rest. I’ll reassign tonight’s tasks for another time.”

A flurry of tired “Yes ma’ams” rang from around the gunship. I exit the vehicle and take the walkway from the landing pad to the main path, leaving my soldiers to handle themselves.

The night was absent of clouds, allowing the full shine of the night sky to flood the ground. Even the moon, just past its half-moon stage, and the light pollution of Canterlot hardly dented the sky.

After a short, 5-minute walk, the guard barracks come into view. My personal quarters were separate from the standard quarters; the perk of being the Captain of the Guard. I take the path heading to the left, reaching my quarter’s door.

With a flick of my wrist, a simple Telekinesis spell is used to unlock the door from the inside. I enter, close and relock, then face the simplistic bed across from the door, centered along the wall.

After taking a moment of rest, I suddenly notice just how heavy my armor is. Carefully sliding the helmet from my head and carelessly tossing it onto the floor. I work at undoing the bun my mane is in. As the pin is removed, my fiery red and orange locks fall around my face.

The gauntlets are next; by simply sliding a finger along a magically hidden (and sealed) crease traveling the forearm’s length.

A simple, yet efficient way to seal armor without the need of straps or locks.

The pauldrons follow the gauntlets, with the tasset, boots, greaves, and cuisses right behind. Finally, the chestpiece was all that remained. I unlock the seals underneath each arm, allowing gravity to pull the purple and gold armorplates from my body.

When the chestplate falls away, the pain from the hammer impact flares up. I wince, carefully clutching my ribs. Using the Swelling Reduction spell, the pain slowly dies down to a gentle throbbing.

I collapse onto my bed not caring to remove the under-armor. It was comfortable enough to sleep in, considering it is made to be a second skin.

Yawning, my body begins to fall asleep. Usually, the heaviness of sleep had little effect on me. It was a nice perk, allowing for multiple nights awake. The events of tonight, however, weighed heavily on my conscious, making my mind weary.

Not even crawling underneath the blankets, I drift off. The sleep is as uncomfortable as it had been since Stronghold had died.

Author's Note

Hoh boy, this took a while to do. But, it's finally done! Hooray!

To clarify, what I've done is completely rewrite the first two chapters. Then, had made a prologue, which became chapter 1, which pushed the original chapter 1-2 to become chapter 2-3. What I'm saying, if you've read this story already and are coming back to it, do not skip anything! While chapter 2-3 are similar to their originals, they are still different enough to be new chapters.

As always, enjoy! And, as an additional info bonus, I'm going to list every spell that is mentioned within the chapters down below the initial author's notes.

Chapter 1 Spells Conducted (in order of use)

Thunderbolt - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Lightning Element, this spell allows the caster to summon a literal lightning bolt from the sky. The bolt can be changed through size, blast power, and voltage. It is the most taxing spell of its category, as well as the most powerful.

Undead Corpse - Subject to the Conjuration sub-category Necromancy, when cast upon a recently dead body, it will bring the body back from the dead. While the body is brought back to life, the mind and soul do not. Instead, they are replaced with a small sliver of the casters soul. This allows the caster to easily control the corpses.

Electrical Concussion - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Lightning Element, this spell allows the caster to summon a ball of electrical charges at a chosen location. When the caster chooses, they can cause the charges to expand, resulting in the charges blasting out and creating an electrical concussion (basically like an electrical C4).

Swelling Reduction - Subject to the Defensive sub-category Healing, this spell affects any wounds, diseases, or bites that cause swelling. It is primarily used for sunburns or burns in general, as well as bruises.

--Thanks to HoneyBacho for proofreading and helping with world continuity.

Chapter 2 - Discharged

Year 2532, 35th of Chillwind, Hour 7:28 – Captain of the Guard’s Quarters -Solaria’s POV

I awake with a start. Sweat had soaked my fur and under-armor. I brush my mane from my face, taking slow deep breaths.

Sweet Creator, that was an awful nightmare.

It had been a while since a nightmare was that bad, summoned from my failure last night. Glancing over to my bedside clock, the time reads 7:29.

Great, seven hours of sleep. Might as well get up. There’s no point in trying to sleep again.

I slide off my bed, flicking on the lights using magic and walk into the bathroom. After applying cold water to my face, I begin my daily morning routine.

Bodily relief, then a lukewarm shower. This time, I leave my under-armor on at first, before stripping it off and cleaning myself. Ten minutes pass before I step out. Igniting and activating the Fire Cloak spell, the orange flames circle my body, lasting a few seconds before dying out. Completely dry, I apply the same spell to the under-armor before slipping back into it.

I eat, check through my required tasks, then return to the bathroom to finish my routine. After a tooth brush, a combing, and setting my mane back into its simple bun, I move on to my armor. When all the pieces are in their rightful places, I gather some assignments, documents, and appropriate tech into a small satchel. A final check for everything I would need, then an exit from my quarters to start my early day.

35th of Chillwind, Hour 11 – Barracks Mess Hall – General POV

“Morning, Lace.”

War Coach greeted the half-dead Pegasus, her ears grumpily folded back. He stood beside her as she awaited her mug of coffee.

She muttered something in return, watching the liquid dribble down into the cup. When the machine finally finished loading the mug with the sweet brown liquid, Sky Lace tenderly grabbed it and turned around to face the packed mess hall.

Off to their right, War Coach noticed Captain Solaria enter the hall.

“How do you think the Captain’s feeling?” War Coach nudged Sky Lace.

She took a long drink and groggily responded.

“Probably feeling the same as me: mad, tired, and disappointed in the outcome of our little ‘mission.’” Air quotes were signed.

They both watched as the Captain approached another Royal Guard and begin talking with him.

“Well, she shouldn’t beat herself up over it,” War Coach said.

“Heh, I’d personally be more concerned with our trip being busted.”

“Oh please, which of us would be foolish enough to rat out our escapade, especially since the Captain was leading it?”

As Solaria left the mess hall, Lieutenant Hanger walked into the hall across from the Captain’s exit. He sauntered his way to Sky Lace and War Coach. The smirk on Hanger’s face concerned both soldiers.

“Have either of you seen Captain Grayblade? I have, ah— urgent news, to relay to her.”

“She went that way,” War Coach hesitantly said while pointing to where the Captain had gone.

“Thank you, Sergeant.” Hanger’s smug tone grew worse.

He made his way through the crowd and left. Sky Lace and War Coach shared a look.

“I have a bad feeling—”

“—Have either of you seen Captain Grayblade?!”

Sky Lace’s sentence was interrupted by a flustered Glaze. Lace held her tongue, giving Glaze the same answer War Coach had given Hanger.

“Yeah, she went that way— “a point to the door. “—Hanger just left looking for her as well.”

“Oh no…”

Both Sky Lace’s and War Coach’s faces changed to worried expressions.

“Why? What did he do?” Sky Lace unrelaxed her posture.

“All I can say is,” Glaze said, her ears pressing onto her helmet. “May the Creator have mercy on the Captain’s soul, because the Queen sure won’t.”

Castle Halls - Solaria’s POV

“Captain!”

I hear Hanger’s voice sound off behind me. I roll my eyes and slow my pace to a halt, waiting for him to take his sweet time.

“What is it, Hanger?”

His smile and poorly hidden excitement were unnerving.

“Her Majesty, Queen Celestia wishes to see you. Right now.”

…

“Very well.”

I brush past Hanger and begin to walk towards Celestia’s office.

“She wants to see you in the courtroom.”

Instantly, I freeze.

“What do you mean the courtroom?” I turn to face Hanger, ready to confront him about last night then and there.

He’s already gone, having hastily left. That’s not suspicious at all.

I continue my current path, since the courtroom is near Celestia’s office. It’s worrisome that Celestia would rather speak in a courtroom instead of the privacy of her office.

What purpose could the courtroom serve, honestly? The courtroom has only been used for… There’s no way. Hanger isn’t that idiotic…If he did what I think he did… Okay, be positive. Maybe it’s nothing, perhaps Celestia needs assistance with a sentence ruling. Yes, that’s all it is…

For the first time since I nearly died protecting the Queen in question, I felt nervous. Extremely nervous. Normally, Celestia has set times of when to meet with the higher-ups, me included. When Celestia asks someone to meet with her abruptly, in a courtroom no less, nothing good would come of it.

The courtroom doors are suddenly in front of me. I take some deep breaths, hoping my nervousness was misplaced. As I prepare to shove the wooden double-doors open, I pray to the Creator that this circumstance wouldn’t end as bad as I believed it would.

35th of Chillwind, Hour 12:34 – Castle Courtroom - Solaria’s POV

“Henceforth, on the accounts of failing to obey a direct order from the Queen herself, and accounts of Necromantic activity, current Captain of the Guard, Solaria Grayblade, is hereby discharged from the Royal Guard.”

The sound of the gavel echoes throughout the courtroom.

I was wrong, this circumstance was even worse than I believed it would be…

“If the defendant would like to make a declaration before the court, please do so at this time.”

My shock is affecting me too much. My mouth hung open, silently gaping at the events which took place.

Celestia speaks to the crowd. I pay no attention to what she says. She must have told the crowd to leave, as the whole populace of the courtroom stands and begins to exit.

What even?! Discharged, over something so minor? That’s ridiculous! No, that’s downright tyrannical!!

After the last anthropony exits the room, and the large doors close, my externally calm demeanor snaps. Walking up to Celestia’s desk and bringing my fists down onto her table, I begin to yell at the Queen.

“Discharged?! How dare you discharge me!!”

Celestia looks at me, her face neutral; but her folded ears and the anger in her eyes exposed her true emotions to me.

“I think it is quite clear—”

I interrupt her.

“I did nothing wrong! You never ordered me to do anything! I acted when you refused to!”

Celestia jolted up, her height a few inches above mine. She brought her face close to my own, snarling out her words.

“I told you to ignore the raids! That they would eventually leave those towns alone like they did before!”

At this point, all my anger towards Celestia and from the night before explodes out. There was no reason continue holding back.

“Do you want to know why thoseshaggedfaraks ‘left’ those towns alone before?! Because I drove them away! I protected Equestria while you and Vaelum both sat cowering in this castle! I protected my people, while you did nothing!”

“How dare you question my leadership! You have no idea what it takes to lead a nation! The sacrifices one must make for the good of all!”

“I know a leader doesn’t idly sit as two whole towns are ransacked! Especially of the excuse of ‘for the greater good!’ You know what? I think Equestria is due for new leadership… You’ve been in charge for far too long!”

The air around Celestia rapidly increased in temperature. Her anger was reaching its peak. The heatwave forced me to turn away from her.

“You had better stop this treason right now,” Celestia’s voice burned like the air around her. “before you say something you regret…”

“Very well…” I respond.

Besides, actions speak louder than words.

As carefully as I can muster, I ignite the Strategic Strike spell, quickly facing the Queen and engaging it. Celestia and her Celestial Guards are caught in an orange bubble, becoming frozen in time. With the brief window of opportunity, I switch to a Gust spell throwing as much Force into it as possible. The spell is planted onto the Guards, the stack effect of Strategic Strike building the effect.

For Celestia, I ignite the Electrical Lock spell. She is struck three times before the orange bubble disappears, signifying the end of the Strategic Strike. As the bubble dissipates, the stacks effects of the other spells I casted.

Both Guards are thrown against the left and right walls, cracking the plaster with a thud.

Celestia is filled with an electrical surge, her muscles locking and her body sent into temporary paralysis.

She cries out as the volts shut down her muscles, collapsing to the ground as her legs give out.

I charge over and pin her down. Screaming in rage, I begin to strike her face with my fists.

Her skin splits and begins to bleed.

I can feel her facial bones crack and break.

On my tenth hit, I aim for her eyes.

My arm is caught. A hard strike impacts the blind side of my face. I roll off of Celestia, feeling unbelievable pain and seeing stars.

A hand grabs the back of my neck. What feels like thousands of electrical volts course through my body. Within seconds my vision blackens.

Day and Location Unknown – Solaria’s POV

I awake with a start, my eyes fluttering open. My surroundings are dim, although I can see plainly the cell walls of the castle dungeon. The feeling of cuffs are around my wrists, and the cold metal of an Inhibitor Ring clings to my horn. My armor is also gone, only the under-armor and boots remain.

I rotate my lower body off the suspended bed. With a quick glance to the cell door, I can see the three Riot Guards positioned outside.

No sense in trying to escape…

As I lean back against the wall, one of the Riot Guards uses a holo-device to call another unit.

Within five minutes, the main door down the hall from my cell opens. Metal footsteps echo off the cement floor.

They stop at my door. I look up. Suddenly, all my questions involving my current predicament are answered.

Before me stands Lieutenant Hanger. His presence allows everything to make sense.

How could I have been so blind.

“Good, you’re awake. Her majesty Queen Celestia wants to speak with you.”

“Very well.” The calm words did nothing to hide the shaking rage in my voice.

Hanger gestures to a Riot Guard to unlock the cell. When the guard does, I am guided out into the hall, Hanger walking in front of me.

We exit the dungeon and leave the danker prison area. Hanger decides this is the best place to start running his mouth.

“Just so you understand, Solaria, what I did was nothing personal.”

“Really,” I venomously hiss. “You certainly make it sound personal.”

“Honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t see it coming. It seems like the demise of your, ehem, ex Lieutenant Captain has made you more emoti—"

His words are reduced to a choking gargle as I lock my left forearm around his neck. Hanger tries to free himself, clumsily grasping and pulling at my arm. He has no chance. My strength outmatches his. As he struggles, I kick his legs out from underneath him, causing both of us to crash to the ground.

In my bout of adrenaline-induced rage however, I had forgotten that Hanger was not the only member of my escort. A sharp prod from an electric baton reminds me.

Regardless, I refuse to let go, instead squeezing tighter.

I’m prodded again, still refusing to release Hanger.

The Riot Guard cranks up the power on his baton, causing the electricity to arc along the metal shaft.

This time, the pain forces me to release Hanger. The Guards separate us.

As I’m pulled to my feet, Hanger stands a good distance away, coughing and gasping for air.

Eventually, he composes himself, the cocky attitude replaced by absolute fear.

“Get her to the throne room immediately!”

“I promise you, Hanger!” I struggle against the Riot Guards. “I’ll make you die a slow and agonizing DEATH! You’ll regret what you’ve done!”

The beautiful look of terror on his face is the only response I need.

==|000|==

As our group approaches the throne room, I mentally prepare myself for whatever excitement Celestia has in store. Two Royal Guards at the doorway push open the heavy throne doors, allowing passage for me and my escort.

Standing in front of her throne, wings extended to their greatest height, stood the Queen. The glaring fire in her eyes and the contorted snarl on her face told me exactly what was in store.

The Riot Guards escorted me up to her, halting about a meter away.

For a minute, we both stare at each other.

Then Celestia speaks.

“You know, from the beginning, I saw that you were the best of the best. I saw that you would lead the Royal Guard with an iron fist, that you would enforce my orders with the utmost loyalty and respect.”

The false praise ceased.

“Now, though, I can see that you are no better than the rest of them. You fought your way to the top in order to get close to me! You had an ultimate goal in mind: to take the throne for yourself!”

“That’s a lie!” I hiss out. “Do you not remember the sacrifices I’ve made in your name?! Toppling the entire Griffonian Empire?! Stopping the assassination attempt on your life?! I’ve given more to this country than you ever will!

That got Celestia even angrier. She marched up to me, causing a heat wave to strike my body.

“You’re going to regret crossing me… You want to disobey my command?! Rebel against my authority?! Fine! You’re no longer a part of my military, you can no longer be a part of my country as well!”

Celestia turns away, walking back towards her throne.

Now she’s gone too far! Deporting me from Equestria!? What miniscule amount respect I had for her is gone...She’s nothing more than a power-hungry tyrant!!

“So, this is how you treat those who give everything to you?! I GAVE MY LIFE!! I SPENT 600 YEARS FIGHTING FOR YOU!! I DEDICATED EVERYTHING TO YOUR RULE!!

She continued to walk to her throne. I decide to strike her where it hurts.

“I NEARLY DIED SAVING YOUR OWN MISERABLE LIFE, BECAUSE YOU FAILED TO CONTROL A CULT, BORN FROM THE MISTAKES OF YOUR DEAD SISTER!!”

Celestia screams. She turns back towards me and charges. The heat radiating from her is hotter than ever before.

I tense as her fist raises to deal a death blow to my head.

Nothing happens. Through the blistering heat, I catch a look at Celestia and her guards. Both of her Celestial Guards are poised. Their halberds directly aimed at the Queen.

But they are not what was interesting.

Celestia, merely inches from me, is frozen. Something suddenly seems to have come upon her mind. She squeezes her eyes shut, grinding her teeth together, and releasing heavy breaths. When her eyes open, the once magenta irises have changed to a sickly yellow. Maroon strands bleed out, threatening to fill the rest of her eyes.

She blinks again. The colors are back to normal. Turning away from me, Celestia continues to struggle with whatever erupted in her mind. The burning heat shrinks from the room.

“Take her away from here.” The shaky words are barely audible. Quickly, the three Riot Guards run over from the throne door where they had backed to. Two grab my arms and hurriedly pull me away towards the exit. It’s a winning bet to say everyone in that throne room feared for their lives just then.

36th of Chillwind, Hour 19 – Captain of the Guard’s Quarters – Solaria’s POV

“You have 30 minutes to gather what you need.”

The Riot Guard shut the door behind me. Now with my adrenaline down, I begin to feel a horrible burning pain where the cuffs were. The heat Celestia had emitted literally caused the metal to burn my wrists.

Unable to magically heal the burns, I rush to the bathroom, carefully grabbing the Chamatriloe plant kept on a shelf. A snap reaches my ears as I break off a tendril. Instantly, the juices within leak from the break. I smear the broken end onto my burned wrists, the juices bubbling upon contact. After a few seconds of extreme pain, the uncomfortable burning fades. A feeling of relief washes over me.

That relief fades as the memories of the past events wash over me.

Celestia was milliseconds away from murdering me. As if I would care. My death would show who she really was. What I found more interesting is the conflict she was seemingly having, and the fact that both of her blood-oathed Celestial Guards were prepared to spear her.

First thing to check was the armor closet. I walk to it and fling the doors open. Sitting in its rightful place is the purple and gold armor, ordinate silver patterns spiraling along the plates.

I pull the chestplate and pauldrons from the rack and throw them onto the bed. The Equestrian flag, a sun and moon surrounded by the Royal Sisters, was attached to the pauldrons. The sight of it sickened me. I began to tear at the patches. My rage grows as my hands prove to be unsuccessful at tearing the fabric,

Reaching under the bed, I pull out a military-sanctioned combat knife, using it to remove the patches. Finally, the patches tear off.

After both have been properly destroyed, I drop the knife and move to the chestplate. Here sat all the medals I had earned through out my service. Four of the five are removed and tossed away.

I grab the last: The Queen’s Heart medal. It was awarded to soldiers who selflessly risked their own lives to protect the Queen when she is unable to do so herself. Only three Royal Guards in the existence of the military branch had earned it.

It had been an extreme honor to bear; now it was a shameful reminder of the true colors the Queen had kept hidden for so long.

I drop the medal onto the ground. As it clinked off the stone floor, I brought the heel of my boot down onto it. Each drop causes damage. Eventually, the medal broke, pieces flying across the room.

I felt great satisfaction in destroying the infernal medal.

After the anger settled, I began to question my loyalty to the Queen in the first place. She had always acted in such a manner. To the public eye, she was a kind, forgiving, and peace-loving leader. Behind closed doors, however, where the general populace could not see, Celestia was angry, short-tempered, and quick to punish anyone who opposed her. I had seen and disliked that side of Celestia the moment I officially joined the Royal Guard.

Though, I could not remember why I stayed. Perhaps I saw it as an opportunity to overthrow Celestia, like she had accused me of doing. One could not kill her. Doing so would sink the world into absolute destruction.

The only way to break an immortal such as Celestia was to make her suffer. Make her feel so much pain, that she crumbles.

Once I finish what I started with the Minotaurs, my next goal would be to bring ruin to Celestia, destroying everything she loves.

I began to gather what would be needed for my ‘quest’ with renewed purpose. I equip my armor, leaving the helmet behind. Unfortunately, the holo-grid the armor contained had been removed.

I pull a military-grade pack from the armor closet and check the contents.

While there was enough for a soldier during a short expedition, I would need more to survive longer than a few weeks in the Wilds.

I wonder if I could gather supplies once I reach Vanhoover.

Thankfully, the Riot Guards escorting me didn’t care where I was dropped. They were too scared to check with Celestia, anyone would be. So, I chose the best location possible, where I could easily continue what got me in this situation to begin with.

Everything was double-checked; the addition of the combat knife was added. What wasn’t needed I left behind for the next Captain of the Guard.

Shining Armor better not screw up all my hard work.

I knock on the door. After a few seconds, one of the three Riot Guards open it.

“Are you ready,” he asks.

I don’t respond. He shrugs and places new cuffs around my wrists. Followed by a hand on my shoulder and a light push forward. I shake it off and the four of us begin our walk to the train station.

36th of Chillwind, Hour 19:52, Canterlot MagLev Depot 1 – Solaria’s POV

Just as I had expected, the residents of Canterlot are unbothered by the sight of a soldier in cuffs being led to the station.

Stuck-up snobs. They wouldn’t care if Luna herself suddenly reappeared from the dead.

Our party of four enters the station, witnessing the white MagLev pull up to the station. We receive our tickets, free by virtue of official military business, and board the back-end car.

As we enter, I notice that Intercity Guards are not permitting other passengers from entering the car we did.

Probably wise. At least I can be alone for the trip.

I sit down a few seats back, place my pack under the seat, and fall into the silver-cushioned chair.

The engineer calls for final boarding; a conductor checks all the doors.

Unexpectantly, however, as the outer doors begin to shut, the familiar gold and bronze armor of a Royal Guard jumps through the door. I glance up, seeing the blue face of Major Glaze.

The Riot Guards on board are just as confused as I am.

“What are you doing here,” One of the three stands up to confront Glaze’s sudden appearance. “No one else was to ride with us.”

“There was a change of plans,” Glazes says. “Lieutenant Captain Shining Armor ordered me to join you.”

“And why should I listen to him?”

Sweet Creator, these Riot Guards are ballsy.

“To put it plainly, he doesn’t trust you or your group to complete the task properly.”

The Riot Guard began to retort, but the MagLev lurching forward silences him. Glaze couldn’t leave now, even if she wanted to.

He sighs, sitting back down and gesturing for Glaze to do the same. She sits one row in front of me.

A conductor begins the MagLev safety speech, asking passengers to attach the belts across their chests.

Soon, the MagLev passes through the Canterlot walls, quickly picking up speed. Suddenly, the entire train gains a massive boost of speed, jumping from around 100 kilometers per hour to 500. As quickly as the effects of the boost arrived, they disappeared. My body relaxes, the MagLev having zipped through the g-force stability rings.

I unbuckle the belt straps, staring at the mountainside flashing by.

There’s no point in trying to escape; where would I go? Even if I subdue the Guards, I’d still be stuck on the MagLev until Vanhoover. Also, this Inhibitor Ring would be impossible to remove without the one who locked it. I’ll have to wait until we reach our destination, I can weigh my options again when we arrive.

With nothing else to do, I attempt to gain some additional sleep in preparation for the journey I had ahead of me.

36th of Chillwind, Hour 25 – MagLev 0331 and 0332 – Solaria’s POV

I was awoken from my dreamless slumber by a hand shaking my shoulder. Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I lift my head to stare at Major Glaze. My neutrality switches to curiosity, as I notice Glaze’s nervous expression. She gestures for me to shift over towards the window. As I comply, she glances back at the two sleeping Riot Guards, the third elsewhere. When Glaze sits down, I begin to whisper to her.

“What are you doing here?”

She responds after another glance to the Riot Guards. “I couldn’t let Celestia do this to you.”

“Do what—”

“I can’t explain right now,” She interrupts. “it’s too risky. Just know, I will get you out of here alive before we reach Vanhoover.”

Without waiting for a response, Glaze stands up and walks further down the car. A minute after she did, one of the snoring Riot Guards awakens. He glances at me, then falls back asleep.

Looks like there’s a chance I’ll be getting out of this after all.

The door connecting the MagLev cars opens. In walks the absent Riot Guard, carrying two trays of various foods.

“How far are we from Vanhoover,” I ask him.

He snorts. “What am I, a timetable? We passed Seaddle about five minutes ago, that’s all I know.”

“Yeah? And do you plan on stuffing yourself with all that?”

He looks to the trays. The dots connect in his mind as he rolls his eyes, tossing me a package of crackers and a small bottle of water.

Oh well, better than nothing.

I turn my head and stare out the window. The view of snow-covered pine trees zip by my vision as I consume the crackers and water provided.

==|000|==

The MagLev’s speed has slowed considerably, telling us all that Vanhoover wasn’t far away. The Riot Guards are beginning to gather their items. The food having been consumed a while ago.

Glaze had shifted to sit behind me. She had been there for a few minutes now. I was tense, prepared for Glaze to initiate this ‘plan’ she had in store for me.

Outside, the MagLev passes under the Rainbow Arch of Hope Hollow.

The delicate hum of magic fills my ears as hands touch my horn.

“For Stronghold…” I hear Glaze loudly whisper as the Inhibitor Ring falls from my head.

All three Riot Guards freeze, realizing what just happened.

The Guards and I stare at each other. A sinister smile grows on my face.

With my ability to access magic available again, I ignite the Thundercrack spell into my hands. As the three Guards simultaneously charge for me, I cast it. The thunderous crack of a full-sized lightning bolt explodes from my hands. The Riot Guards scream, covering their ears as they become deafened from the sound.

I take the opportunity to snap the cuffs off my hands, then reach into my pack to pull out the knife I had hid.

The Riot Guard closest to me recovers from the spell. I lunge forward and impale the blade into the right side of his neck. He cries out, collapsing as I pull it out with a squelch.

Now I had a Riot Guard in front and behind me. The one to my back was still in shock, but the one to my front had fully recovered and activated his electric baton.

We both charge at each other.

He swings his baton at the right of my head. I step back, narrowly dodging it. With the knife, I swing it at his exposed fingers, cutting into his index. He gasps, dropping the baton. I flip the knife in my hand, bringing it down in a stabbing motion. He parries my strike and throws a punch at my stomach. I grab his wrist and pull it away from his body. His torso is exposed; I drive my knee into his gut.

The impact is successful. He wheezes out a breath.

I drive my knife deep into the back of his neck.

He drops to the floor.

I hear the whir of a MCB firearm preparing to fire. Quickly, I turn around and throw up a shield as a round is shot.

The third Riot Guard has his sidearm pointing at me; I quickly notice the shot did not come from him as he collapses to the ground.

Next to him, crouching in the seat was Glaze, her very own sidearm smoking. I disable my shield and move over to her.

Glaze is in shock, still having her pointing to where the Riot Guards head had been.

I place a hand on her arm, trying to grab her attention. She jumps, wildly flailing the weapon around.

“Hey, Hey! Easy Glaze. It’s over, they’re dead.”

Glaze looks around, eyes wide. She spots the dead corpses, letting the weapon slip from her grasp.

“They— they were going to execute you…” she stuttered. “I couldn’t let them. It wasn’t right… Oh sweet Creator, what have I done…”

“Hey, it’s alright Glaze. You did what had to be done.”

We both stand up.

I grab one of the discarded batons and activate it. Using it like a spear, I impale the nearest window on the left of the MagLev with the baton. After multiple strikes, a small hole is created. I drop the baton and ignite the Telekinesis spell, using it to expand the small hole and destroy the rest of the window.

I walk to where my pack was, grabbing and slipping it on. Returning to the broken window, Glaze stops me.

“Good luck, Captain.” Glaze gives me the Equestrian salute.

“Thank you, Glaze. I won’t forget this.”

She draws and offers me her sidearm.

“Go and get that faraking svist!

I grab the sidearm and secure it in my pack.

“I’ll try and contact you once this is all over,” I tell Glaze.

Glaze nods.

“Also, forgive me for this.”

Before Glaze can respond, I throw a punch, striking her on the jaw. She drops to the ground, unconscious.

I turn to the window. Ducking my head through, I can see the 20-meter drop awaiting me. Looking down the Maglev, a small clearing within the pine trees is spotted up ahead.

When the clearing reaches my car, I ignite the Teleportation spell, lock on to the clearing, then cast the spell.

A white expanse engulfs me for half a second before I appear in a flash a half-meter above the white-dusted ground. Gravity takes affect and pulls my feet to the ground.

I turn to look up at the MagLev, catching the last car disappear behind the tree line.

Now officially alone, I clear the snow from a spot on the ground and sit. The map is taken from my pack and un-folded.

After a quick look, and help from a compass, I re-fold the map and place it back in the pocket, beginning to travel northwest.

About 60 kilometers from here is that hamlet I had been to a few nights ago. I can find what supplies I need there.

Author's Note

This is a revision of what it once was...

Feel free to comment any grammatical/spelling corrections, questions, or general thoughts you all have.

Chapter 2 Spells Conducted (in order of use)

Flame Cloak – Subject to the Offensive sub-category Fire Element, when cast, this spell allows the caster to surround their body by a fiery inferno. Any organic material that gets to close will be given extreme burns. While the fire does not hurt the caster, the heat will still affect them and their items within the flames.

Strategic Strike – Subject to the Offensive sub-category Miscellaneous, this spell allows the caster to nearly halt time within a generated bubble. Any attacks or additional spells used within the bubble will cause the effects to build upon each other, allowing for a devastating attack when the initial spell ends. Despite the power this spell contains, due to its costliness, using this spell beyond a few seconds will most likely completely deplete an unskilled Unicorns magic pool.

Gust – Subject to the Offensive sub-category Wind Element, this spell generates a rush of wind thrown from the palm of the caster. The strength of the wind is determined by the caster.

Electrical Lock - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Lightning Element, this spell will cause the targets muscle mass to enter a temporary state of paralysis. While only the locomotion muscles are usually effected, this spell can shut down any muscle, including the heart and brain, if used long enough.

Thundercrack - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Lightning Element, this spell releases the concussive sound of a lightning bolt, without actually summoning any lightning. The effectiveness all depends on the mental strength of the target, although almost anything will at least be slightly stunned.

Telekinesis – Subject to the Manipulation category, this spell allows the caster to maneuver any object (one or many) with their magical aura. It is considered the easiest and least-costly spell to use, to the point where all Unicorns at a young age are taught it.

Teleportation - Subject to the Manipulation category, Teleportation allows the caster (and inanimate/organic materials the caster grabs) to have their cells deconstructed and transferred any distance instantaneously. While the cost of the spell is very low, make no mistake. Teleportation is one of the most complex spells to be performed. Teleporting to an area within ones visual distance makes the spell much easier, but teleporting to a location out of ones vision is the complex part. The caster must know the EXACT dimensions of the location they are teleporting to. If the caster is off, or there is an object/creature within the space the caster does not know of, there is potential for extreme disfigurement, harm, or cellular melding with said object/entity.

--Thanks to HoneyBacho for proofreading and helping with world continuity.

Chapter 3 - Bloodlust

Year 2532, 36th of Chillwind, Hour 33 – 1/2 Kilometer south of a forested hamlet – Solaria’s POV

The last shimmers of sunlight fully fade, leaving only the campfire I was huddled by as a source of light. I had arrived within sight of the town around an hour ago, setting up a fire while waiting for the sun to completely settle.

There was a slight problem with my journey, however: I had forgotten how much I hated the cold. Six hours after leaving the MagLev, snow clouds had rolled into the area. Now, a fresh layer of snow had covered the ground, more still falling.

Curse the one who decided that layering the ground with frozen water particles was a good idea…

It was the one disadvantage to my Sarabian blood. Any temperature below freezing was detrimental to my health, especially without some form of additional warmth.

Fortunately, with the sun having vanished behind the clouds and mountains, I could slip into the town unnoticed. A flash of Telekinesis and a pile of snow later, the fire is out. I gather my pack and begin to slowly make my way down the hillside.

Going down the hill was a difficult process. The snowy wind was blowing directly into my face; the fresh snow slick under my feet. After nearly falling many times, I made it to the bottom.

My foot shoots out from under me on a patch of ice. A low hanging branch saves my near fall. Once I had balance myself out, I notice the source of ice: a cold rushing stream, about 15 meters across. Unable to cross at the current point, I begin to travel upstream.

Two-hundred meters up is a clear enough spot. I ignite the Teleportation spell and travel across the river in a flash. After walking back downstream a short distance, the snow-covered grass and dirt changes to a snowy cobbled stone street. Soon, my eyes were staring where the gunship had been sitting two days ago.

Walking further down the street, I pause at the single crossroad within the town. I draw magic to my hands, igniting the Life Detention spell and apply enough magical Energy to increase the range to around 100 meters. After engaging it, wisps of blue fire appear within my vision. Each fire was a sign of sentient life, speckled throughout a few houses. The biggest batch was within the tavern.

A quick 360-degree spin later, the spell is disabled. While there were plenty of blue fires, the signature yellow fire of an Equestrian Guard was absent.

Not to be unexpected, there was a reason the Minotaurs always raided this town. Not that the townsfolk care, this hamlet could burn to ashes and the habitants would be too drunk to notice.

Upon the street corner to my lower right was a trading shop. Everything needed for my journey could be found in there. I approach the window closest to the door, cupping my hands and peering into the store.

It was dark, but I could make out four rows of shelves perpendicular to the front wall. Since there was no sign of life shown to me from within the shop, I shift to the door.

With a final glance up and down the empty street, I ignite Telekinesis and magically grab the hinges. Pulling my arm towards my body, the three sets of hinges are ripped from their place. The hinges are released from my grasp; the magical energy shifts to the door as the wooden structure threatens to fall into the shop.

I carefully set the door down on its side, stepping through the open gap into the store.

The loudest whine possible cries from a floorboard.

My body tenses. I couldn’t care less about any property damage dealt, but it wouldn’t bode well to jeopardize the shoplift before it even began.

After a minute of silence and stillness, I slowly delve deeper into the store. With the lack of lighting, I ignite the Angel’s Light spell. A brilliant white light bursts into existence in my left palm. Quickly toning down the glow, I shift the orb from white to orange, the glow similar to a candle. It’s tossed above my head and magically locked to travel with me.

I begin along the first row, checking both sides for any valuables. Most of the contents are useless. Near the far end of the row, however, was a heavy-duty flashlight. I peel off my pack and stuff the tool into it.

With nothing else valuable, I traverse to the next row, only to have a reflection from the Angel’s Light to catch my eye.

The cause of the reflection was a glass case. The simplistic wooden case itself was nothing special, but the wide array of tools inside was more than enough to gather my attention. There were various axes, knives, shovels, and even more.

Without a second thought, and a glance at the door, I strike the glass with my gauntleted fist. The glass loudly shatters, throwing shards all along the floor. The rest of the glass pane is peeled away.

I pull out a hatchet, taking a moment to examine the tool. It was pristinely made, the darkened wood handle and silver-toned axe-head contrasting each other. The axe is slipped into its sheathe and stored in my pack.

Despite my awareness to the lack of guards in the hamlet, my pace is quickened as I continue my thievery. The next three rows are quickly covered, providing me with a simplistic pocket watch, a backup water container, and plenty of preserved foods.

I finish searching the final row and turn to check the remaining displays. A brand-new synthetic fur cloak, as well as a single-anthro tent and bed roll displayed upon the wall catch my eye.

The last strap is locked around the bedroll, when a beam of light flashes into the shop’s interior.

Freezing in place, I swivel my ears, straining to hear a sound.

Near the doorway, a load creak of floor and a quiet curse reach my ears.

Definitely a mare. Her near-silent steps are a trait of a Pegasus and the high-beam flashlight means a guard.

A deep sigh in my mind.

Typical of an Intercity Guard to do their job at the last second.

The beam of the flashlight vanishes.

With the interior of the shop returning to darkness, and the quiet steps of a Pegasus, a bold risk is taken. I begin to slowly sneak along the outer edges of the rows, farthest away from the window.

Almost reaching the end of the rows, the sound of crunching glass is heard from under my boot. Instinctively and foolishly, I freeze. Heavy footsteps rapidly approach. The Guard is no longer trying to hide.

I duck into the row farthest from the footsteps. The sound of an activating MCB firearm alerts me of the guard’s position:

She’s right on top of me.

With no opportunity to think up a battle plan, I wait a second, then jump out into the path of the charging guard.

I duck and narrowly avoid receiving a sidearm grip to the head.

Igniting Telekinesis and grabbing the sidearm in the spells magical grasp, the weapon is pulled from the guard’s hands. The weapon flies from her grasp. Her shocked expression quickly changes to one of determination.

The guard jumps at me, lifting her legs from the ground and drawing them in. Before I can react, the guard’s legs shoot out, successfully planting a drop kick to my chest. The force sends both of us in opposite directions. With an agile roll, my opponent is back on her feet.

I am not so lucky. The wall connects with my back, causing the wood to break under the force. The air leaves my lungs as I drop to the ground on my right shoulder. I look up at the guard. She’s already running to land another hit on me with a freshly drawn electric baton.

Gritting my teeth, I ignite the Gust spell into my left palm, drawing back my arm best I can and focusing on her folded wings. As the breeze catches her feathers, her wings are pulled open. The guard’s caught wings send her crashing to the ground.

With the opening, I quickly swap to one of two Illusion spells I took the time to learn: Drowse. Igniting the spell, I begin to work at the guard’s mind. It wasn’t easy. Her mind was strong; but I do not relent. As she was trying to stand, the spell connects. Her eyes roll back and she falls from her half-standing state to the ground.

The air has fully returned to my lungs. I give a soft groan of pain. Rubbing the pain in my shoulder and lifting to my feet, I walk over to the sleeping guard.

A flick of my wrist and the Angel’s Light spell is relit, glowing white instead of orange.

I watch as her chest slowly rises and lowers, before rolling her onto her stomach. Strapped onto her back at the hip sits a steel shortsword of the Solar Guard. I draw the blade out a third; it gives off a soft hiss as the metal slides against the leather sheathe. Re-sheathing the sword, and drawing my survival knife, the binding that attached the sheathe to the guard is cut.

Not wanting to waste any more time, I return the knife to its place and haphazardly slip the re-sheathed sword into my pack and exit the shop though the front. Now filled with proper supplies and tools, I pull out the compass, find northeast, and begin a paced jog in that direction.

37th of Chillwind, Hour 37:02 – Tundra of the Minotaur Lands – Solaria’s POV

The leather layers of the tent violently shake from the blizzard winds, threatening to tear away as the howling winds scream into the night. Within my tent, at the entrance, was a small magical fire. I had not engaged the burning effect, rather increasing the warmth the fire emits.

Even with the tent and the boost of warmth, my body still shivered. I tried to help my coldness by wrapping myself in the bedroll and eating the last MRE my pack had. Neither did much to help.

Stupid Sarabian blood. Why couldn’t I have been born in the country that isn’t connected to the Frozen North?

Unable to do much else besides freeze, I drop the bedroll from around me and straighten my back. With a twist of my wrists, the fire is disengaged and replaced with my second known Illusion spell, Magical Meditation.

As my eyes close, I cast the spell. Seconds pass, and the pitch black begins to shimmer in waves. The waves shift from a dull gray to an earth brown. As the brown changes to a dark, then vibrant red, the shimmering waves change to streaks. When the color reaches orange, my vision becomes black again.

When my eyes open however, I am no longer in the claustrophobic tent freezing in a blizzard. Instead, I am standing upon soft, green grass. The sky is tinted in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The rustling of leaves and chirping of birds sing to my ears.

Looking around, a great sense of calm surrounds me while I take in the beauty of my Meditative Plane. Small floating islands, connected to the main island through wooden bridges, lazily exist. The forest is silhouetted in a red darkness.

I begin to take a clear dirt path leading me along the forest edge of the main island. After passing underneath the hanging branches and by the colorful flowers, I reach a bridge spanning over a bubbling river.

From the bridge off to the left, a mountain reaches into the sky, its peak glowing red. After a moment of admiration, I continue across the bridge. After a minute of walking, another wooden path enters my view, spanning to a smaller island.

Upon the island sits a cabin. The worn wood and rustic appeal are quite calming to me. Upon entering the cabin, the fire automatically flashes to life. I quickly cross the open room and exit out through another door. Beyond the door was a massive porch, overhanging the small island.

Out from the far edge of the porch was the source of the sunset that lit my Plane. The sun was half-hidden behind a thin layer of cloud, its rays cut through the wisps.

I hang my legs over the edge and lie down onto my back. My body is already rejuvenating. The bruises and cuts sustained begin to heal and fade.

Some time passes. I stand and begin to practice my magical skills. As each spell is casted, my magic pool and casting ability slowly grows more efficient. This goes on for hours, as normal time flies by.

The relaxation suddenly dissipates as the whole island begins to rumble and shake. Alarms begin to go off, as the rumbling is not from within the Meditative Plane. I ignite Magical Meditation and cast it, the effects that brought me here reversed until my vision was once again in black.

38th of Chillwind, Hour 10:57 – Tundra of the Minotaur Lands – Solaria’s POV

I jolt back to consciousness feeling the rumbles still, albeit much less extreme.

Something was near. Something big and in numbers.

I grab my leg armor that was stacked on my left and hastily begin to attach it. With my practiced strokes, the pieces are secured within a minute.

By this time, the rumbling has ceased. I slip on and secure my gauntlets before unzipping the tent and jumping out. The unsheathed shortsword is in one hand and an ignited Lightning spell is in the other. I peer around to see if I can spot the source of the sounds.

Behind my tent, around 50 meters away, stand twelve grizzled Minotaurs. Each armed with heavy Warhammers. Each now realizing that the occupant of the tent was aware of their presence.

One of the twelve steps forward a few meters. My breath hitches.

Before me stands a Minotaur chief; but not any chief, the same one that escaped my clutches a few nights ago.

My mouth twitches, slowly twisting into a furious snarl.

He does not seem to recognize me, as he yells back to his companions, making sure I can hear him as well.

“Well, well boys! Look at what we have before us! A little, lost Equestrian!”

The faint sound of Minotauric laughter is heard. Their voices cause my fists to tighten. I’m not thinking of the current predicament.

Stronghold…

The chieftain speaks again, this time from a closer distance.

“Ahh, not just any Equestrian, but a Unicorn mare at that!”

His voice becomes laced with lust.

I only breathe heavily, merely fighting to keep my vision from going red.

The chief turns to his group and lifts his hands into the air.

“Well don’t just stand there! Go and get your prize!”

The other eleven Minotaur roar with excitement and begin to charge towards me. As the charging group reaches the chieftain, he joins them.

Forget rational thinking.

Taarg’s POV

This was meant to be like any other Equestrian mare we found. She would be overwhelmed by our presence, we would have our fun, then we would take her back to our camp as a slave.

We all had thoughts of lust-filled excitement on our minds, even more so as we got closer. We could tell this mare was physically perfect in every way; the armor could not hide what she had to offer us.

Unfortunately, these happy thoughts vanished, as the mare began to have a shift occur around her. A bright white glow began to shine from her right eye and horn. A magical humming sounded from around her body. Lightning sparkled on her hands and arms.

All of us halted our charge about eight hammer-lengths from her.

When we did, she began to twist her arms and hands in an intricate motion. Thunderous noises cracked in the air above us. Looking up to the sky, purple flashes can be seen in the gray clouds. I became confused. Thunder doesn’t happen here.

My confusion is replaced with utter terror as a bolt of lightning drops from the sky, landing right on top of Burnk. The crack of the bolt deafened me, and the concussion of the blast threw me five hammer-lengths away into the snow.

The last thing in my vision before snow covered my face was the image of the chief’s arm being melted away.

My ears rang as muffled screams were heard. After coughing up flecks of snow and wiping snow from my eyes, I force myself onto my legs.

I look up.

Florgn’s head explodes from a smaller strike of lightning. His body fell to the ground, blood and flesh seeping into the already red snow.

After witnessing the gruesome death of my friend, the rage once again courses through me. Retrieving a fallen Warhammer near me, I begin to charge at the Unicorn. Before reaching her, Svelg beats me to it. He swings his own hammer, aiming for the Unicorns chest like he said he had done before.

This time, she catches it. With little visible effort, she grabs the hammer, tears it from Svelg’s grasp, and swings the blunt stone into Svelg’s stomach.

Multiple sickening cracks echo out. Svelg gives a raspy scream before falling over, his body unable to hold still from the pain.

With her distracted by Svelg, I take a chance and attack from behind. I raise my hammer into the air, ready to bring it down.

The Unicorn stomps her foot; I feel intense pain explode in my chest.

My hammer slips from my grasp as my arms go slack. Looking down, I see a massive spear of blue ice protruding from the ground into my chest. As my breaths grow less, the Unicorn turns to look at me.

Her eyes hold intense hatred with terrifying and unnatural power, their gaze filling my soul with terror.

As she stares, my vision slowly fades to black as I lose conscious.

Solaria’s POV

(Warning: If you are not partial to graphic depictions of torture or do not like the breaking of bones, then skip until you see the all clear)

The utter rage finally dies down to a controllable level. With most of the Minotaurs dead, a few having ran, only one remains: the chieftain.

He was lying a few meters away from me, clutching what remained of his left arm. He noticed me approaching, trying his best to crawl away from me.

I grab the double-bandolier around his chest with Telekinesis, pulling him face-to-face with me.

“Pl…please…” He begged.

“I told you,” a cold whisper barely audible came my lips. “I would spread your corpse to every corner of Alheere… But now” —I begin to shift a portion of Telekinesis to his remaining hand, the spell slowing twisting his fingers clockwise— “I think such a death is too nice for you…”

With a flick of my right wrist, his fingers harshly twist; one by one they release a harsh crunch. The chieftain screams. I cancel the Telekinetic grasp on him. He falls onto the snowbank behind him, tears streaming from his wide eyes while staring at his backward-facing fingers.

The Telekinetic grasp grabs his leg, quickly bending his shinbone in half.

More screaming and sobbing.

I continue with every bone in his lower torso and remaining arm. The sobs and screams die away, leaving the shuttering breath as the only sound he’s making.

Silently igniting the Magical Weapon spell, the magic is pulled into the shape of a longsword. His glazed eyes look to the blade.

“K-kill me…”

“You don’t deserve such a mercy.”

I bring the summoned blade down onto his broken legs, cleaving both off. The screams return. Without missing a beat, his remaining arm is removed as well. While the severed limb impacts on ground, I exchange the weapon spell for Incineration. Blue flames flicker to life in my palm, liquid fire dripping onto the snow.

“Have a taste of Tartarus you faraking sahkira!” With a snarl, both my hands are thrusted to his chest. The blue flames jet forward, searing into his flesh and pouring out from around my palms. His screams were ten times worse than before, but they disappeared in seconds as the blue flames burst out the chieftains back.

My muzzle is struck with the scent of burning flesh as his body slumps into the melting snow drift.

(The graphic violence is over, for now)

I cancel out Incineration, stepping back. The hatred and adrenaline die out. My legs shake, forcing me to fall back onto the snow. My breathing grows faster. I mistakenly glance to the desecrated corpse, nearly vomiting. I close my eyes and clench my fists, desperately trying to calm my body. With Telekinesis, I grab the body and toss it away. Knowing the brutal sight is gone, I reopen my eyes. My bloodstained hands are shaking.

You are not like her, you are not like her, you are not like her…

I repeat the sentence in my mind. Eventually, my breathing slows, and my hands cease their shaking.

I am not Celestia. I, I did what was right. Celestia kills without reason, I avenged Stronghold. I completed my task.

Shaking my head to reset my thoughts, I stand up.

Whether or not I feel satisfaction, I did what had to be done.

Turning back towards my tent, which was torn to shreds, my pack was relatively unharmed.

My reason for coming here is done. What matters now, is to forget this whole ordeal. I forget what I’ve done, I forget Stronghold.

I face east, walking back the way I had been traveling.

Two magical overloads in a week is dangerous. Both were the cause of Stronghold. He’s been avenged. There’s no reason I should continue thinking of him.

…

You know you will…

I shake the thought from my mind. With the chieftain dead, my real goal was no longer being overshadowed. He had suffered his due amount, now it was Celestia’s turn.

My slow pace towards Equestria halts. Up in the sky, around 50 kilometers away, was the grayest, angriest storm I had ever seen. It was moving fast, heading south. It would hit me before the Equestrian border would be within my sight. Not even the forest would be a haven from the storm.

Oh svist…

I begin to hightail it west, passing by the dead Minotaur bodies. I ran for 100 meters, before a decent slope cut off my run. With a glance back at the storm, I decide to try a long-range teleportation. A very risky maneuver, considering the extreme amount of magic that would consume; it was either death by magical loss or death by freezing.

I decide the former choice would be the lesser risk. The Teleport spell is ignited, the motions are made, and the bright flash transports me out into tundra. When the spell completes, I find myself a few meters up. Barely managing to catch myself with Telekinesis, I drop onto the snow. My head is spinning.

Teleporting 80 kilometers in one go isn’t the best idea.

A gut feeling was telling me my magic pool was low, to the point where a rest would be beneficial. Unfortunately, there was no time for such a luxury. That storm, despite my lead, would still reach me within a few hours.

With the temporary hindrance the lack of magic gives, I slowly began to make my way northeast; my goal being the safest area I could think of, both from storms and hostility.

39th of Chillwind, Hour 17 – Less than a kilometer outside Norrg’kl, – Solaria’s POV

Despite the odds and unbelievable number of blizzards, I had made it to the safe-zone. Regardless, there was still the chance for failure. Every step drained more and more energy. My magic was nearly drained again. I was a freezing mess. Only the current calm between storms, the hope of warmth, and my will to exact revenge kept me going.

Three faraking storms over the course of a day. No wonder the Minotaurs hate everything all the time.

I almost felt a moment of pity for the occupants of this region, but seeing the guards at the front gate eye me up as I passed through removed such feelings.

The first thing to enter my vision was a massive bonfire, a hundred or so meters from the gate. I shifted over the fire and collapsed as close as I could to it, sending a thousand thanks to the Creator.

Never had fire and warmth felt so wonderful. I adjusted my position to be sitting cross-legged.

Eventually, as my body began to function normally again, I notice the staring. Several of the Minotaurs around the fire are directly staring at me. Even though their staring was mostly surprise at seeing an Anthropony in such a place, it was still greatly uncomfortable.

In an act of intimidation, I ignited the Firestorm spell along my arms and bare my teeth. Most of them flinch and avert their gazes, a few even jumping back. None of them fled. I did not continue my act, as long as they didn’t bother me.

For an hour, I rested in front of the fire. Soaking the warmth of the flames and regenerating my magic pool. It was actually somewhat peaceful. The weather was calm for the time being, and other creatures around the fire were leaving me alone.

All good things come to an end, however. My ears perk as heavy footsteps approach from behind me. Before I can react, hands grasp my arms and pull me into the air.

Without a second thought, I ignite Gust into each palm and fire a blast of powerful wind behind me. The spell works, as the grasp my attackers have on me disappears. I whip around to see which fool decided to bother me.

To no surprise there are three Minotaurs, currently scrambling onto their feet, all bearing a clan crest of the Hytori. I ready myself in a defensive position, drawing the shortsword from my pack. Two of the Hytori Minotaurs retrieve a Warhammer from their backs, while the third draws a crossbow.

“All of you sheathe your weapons! Right now!”

A new voice calls from my left. Another Minotaur clad in slightly rusted armor bearing the same symbol as the gate flags. He’s carrying his own crossbow; the barbed bolts look much more dangerous than the Hytori Minotaur’s.

Four more guards come up on us, two on my right and two behind the Hytori. Listening to the guard, the shortsword is slowly sheathed.

After seeing my compliance, all the guards turn to the real problems.

“Are you all deaf?!” The same guard barks. “Sheathe your weapons! You know the rule: no fighting within the city walls!”

“But,” A Hytori Minotaur protests. “She did wrong to our clan! She killed our chief!”

“Oh, she did?” The guard sneers. “It seems like she was doing all of us a favor…”

The other guards chuckle as the Hytori Minotaurs seethe.

“If you aren’t here to buy or trade, get out. We don’t like your kind here.” Four of the guards begin to funnel the Hytori towards the front gate.

More sputters of protest are made. As the group approaches the gate, a Hytori Minotaur yells out to me.

“This isn’t the last you will see of us, Witch!”

I smirk, glad to know I wasn’t the only one to hate the Hytori clan.

“And you,”

The remaining guard points to me.

“If you cause us any trouble here, it won’t just be the weather you’ll have to hide from…”

He stalks off before I can respond.

Good to know that all Minotaurs are still dicks.

I was alone at the bonfire, the presence of Clan Hytori seeming to plague the area for the time being. I sit back down next to the fire.

There’s no way I can leave this place. Even if I was strong enough, those Hytori leathersacks will be skulking around for a while. I need a safe spot to build my resistance to the cold and expand my magical power. It’s doubtful I’d be welcome in any home and living on the streets would not be ideal. In my current state, one storm would kill me. I wonder if someone would be willing to trade work for shelter.

With my plan made up, I circle around the bonfire and walk down the street from the gate. Up from the fire, is a decently active marketplace. A perfect spot for finding work.

Author's Note

This chapter is a revision of what it once was...

Please, feel free to leave a comment asking questions, giving thoughts, or providing constructive criticism.

Chapter 3 Spells Conducted (in order of use)

Telekinesis - Previously described (Chapter 2)

Teleportation - Previously described (Chapter 2)

Life Detection - Subject to the Manipulation category, this spell allows the caster, as the name suggests, to detect life. Within the area of effect (the caster as the centerpoint), any living creature with a soul will emit a colored flame only the caster can see. Depending on the creature's natural magic signature, the color will be different (blue=sentient life, green=herbivorous, red=carnivorous, etc)

Angel's Light - Subject to the Manipulation category, this spell will spawn a ball of light (defaulted at 1/2 meter circumference and a bright white color). The ball of light can be changed through color, size, brightness, count, and location.

Gust - Previously described (Chapter 2)

Drowse - Subject to the Illusion sub-category Mind Illusion, this spell can cause the targets mind to believe it is asleep. The spell can be quite varied on difficulty, as the amount of magic required depends on the mental strength of the target

Burning Embers - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Fire Element, this spell allows the caster to expel burning embers onto the ground. Said embers will burn until the caster cancels the spell, holding the ability to change temperature at will.

Magical Meditation - Subject to the Illusion sub-category Mind Illusion, this spell is an alternate plane of reality where the caster can do whatever they please. Anything they wish to create, can be created. Granted, there is a limit, which depends on the mental power of the caster and the magic pool they have. Time within the casters Medatative Plane does not pass as fast as time does in the real world

Thunderbolt - Previously described (Chapter 1)

Lightning Bolt - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Lightning Element, this spell sends a smaller-sized lightning bolt from the caster's palm. The bolt will travel at the same pace as natural lightning, as well as have the voltage count adjusted to fit the casters will.

Grounded Ice Spike - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Ice Element, this spell summons ice spikes from the ground, anywhere the caster chooses within a certain distance. The spike can be adjusted through length, circumference, amount, jaggedness, and sharpness

Magical Weapon - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Magical Element, this spell allows the caster to summon any melee-based weapon though magic. The weapon itself is made of magic, although it acts just as the weapon it's formed after would.

Incineration - Subject to the Offensive sub-category Fire Element, this spell is the next step up from Flame Throw. The fire expelled begins twice as hot, signified with blue flames instead of orange.

--Thanks to HoneyBacho for proofreading and helping with world continuity.

Chapter 4 - Haven

Year 2532, 39th of Chillwind, Hour 18 – Norrg’kl market – Solaria’s POV

The marketplace was as exciting as expected. There was little activity, as well as few options for an ideal shelter. None of the eight stalls would suffice, leaving eight actual buildings available.

Not very good odds.

I did my best to avoid eye contact with any of the stall owners, as most were Minotaurs. I could feel them all eyeing me as I passed.

I have a horrible feeling that everyone here has ideals like Hytori…

I entered the first shop to my left. Within was a mix of various root plants, grains, and winter fruits. As expected, a Minotaur was behind the counter. He was currently with another Minotaur, seemingly bartering for prices. While the two were arguing, I look around at the available merchandise.

“Didn’t know anthroponies were strong enough to make it here alive.”

I turn to the voice. The Minotaur behind the counter was looking at me. His gaze was no less disturbing than any other I’d received.

“I’m a special case,” I respond while walking to the counter.

“A very special case indeed…” the Minotaur licks his lips.

Uhgh…

I grimace.

“You know what?” I begin to step back to the door. “I think I’ll continue my searches, elsewhere…”

As the words leave my mouth, the Minotaur leaves his place from the counter, taking quick steps to reach me.

“No need,” he says, grabbing onto my pauldrons. “I have exactly what you’re looking f-AAUGH!”

The Minotaur releases a cry of anguish as my metal boot finds its way in-between his legs. While the beast is grasping his nether region, I take the opportunity to strike his jaw, effectively knocking him unconscious. His body falls to the ground limp. I fix the crooked pauldron and spit onto the downed Minotaur.

“Teach you to mess with an anthropony again…”

I exit the shop, once again on the snow-dusted streets. Across the way was another shop. No time is wasted entering the building.

Another Minotaur was behind the counter. He gave me a bored expression before turning his attention back to the pelt he was folding.

Apprehensively, I approach the counter, somewhat surprised to experience the initial reaction.

“What do you want?”

I gladly take the distain over the lustful patronization any day.

“I need a place to stay,” I begin. “And you look like you could use some help with your business.”

I mentally cringe at the line.

The Minotaur glances around the small space.

“Yes, my shop is just bursting at the seams…”

There’s an awkward silence as we both stare at one another.

“What use could a slave be to me in the first place? Especially in this small shop.”

“Okay, first off…” I retort. “I am freely choosing to be here right now. Secondly, all I ask for in return is a safe place from the elements. No coin.”

He continues to blankly stare.

“Besides, just think of the increase in business your shop would receive if I was to work here.”

Finally, the Minotaur responds.

“Yeah, an increase of drunken idiots from the tavern, taking up space within my store only to see you.”

“Know what?!” I snap. “You can forget my offer! But you just lost a beneficial asset—” I ignite a spell in my palm for a moment before snuffing it. “—that could’ve provided endless capabilities to your shop!”

I flip around and leave the shop.

This entire ordeal is going downhill…

Regardless, I still continued with my plan, albeit much less hopeful.

The next shop down the street is a much newer building, with an actual title: Griffonian Garnishes. If the name was anything to go by, it could safely be assumed that the owner was a Griffon.

Better than a Minotaur, I suppose.

Hopefully, this Griffon will be cooperative.

Entering the building, a bell jingling as the door opened, I was instantly greeted with a collection of random trinkets. There was every single type of useless item one could imagine on the waist-level shelves.

Across the room, standing behind the counter area with its back to me, was a Griffon. Its brown and white-feathered head was still, seemingly focused on whatever had its attention.

I go to speak, but I’m interrupted as the Griffon begins to loudly cough a bout of dry, coarse hacking. After a few seconds, it clears its throat and continues like nothing happened.

“Uhm, Hello?” I continue to walk up to the counter.

The Griffon’s head perks, looking to its right for a moment before rotating its head 180 degrees to locate my voice.

Suffice to say, I’m a tad bit taken aback. The bird speaks after spotting me.

“Yes? How may I help you?” His voice as coarse as the coughing had suggested.

My mind was at a loss for words. Never had I seen a Griffon with owlish traits, only knowing of them through various books. It was a bit intimidating, especially with the massive yellow eyes staring into my soul. I managed to recover after a minute of staring.

“Uhm, are you by chance looking for help for within your shop?”

He rotated his body to match his head, fully facing me. A thin smile stretched onto his beak.

“You can have an answer for your question— “His hand opened and extended out to me. “—in exchange for a few coins…”

My professionally hopeful expression completely deadpans.

We both again stare at each other, the smile on his face slowly slipping away.

“You really think I’m going to give you coins to see if I can work here…”

The smile completely drops to be replaced by a scowl. As he retracts his hand he coldly responds.

“If you refuse to pay, I refuse to answer. Good day.”

He turns around and continues his work. I scoff.

“Have you ever wondered why everyone hates your species? Well I can give you a prime example.”

He continues to ignore me.

I growl and spin around, stalking to the front of the shop.

Faraking Griffons. They deserve everything Equestria did to them…

Looking to a shelf on my right, fully stacked with knickknacks and various trinkets, Telekinesis is ignited in my palm. I flick my wrist and roughly tip the shelf. It crashes to the ground, spilling the merchandise onto the floor.

There’s an indignant squawk as I roughly fling the door open and exit.

What did I expect from a Griffon.

The last two shops farthest down the row were no better than the other three. Both were run by Minotaurs, and just like the first, both owners tried to not-so-subtly seduce me. Suffice to say, both will think twice before messing with a Unicorn again.

This left one shop for me: the blacksmith. The building I had left for last. The job itself would be perfect; the company however, would not be anything of the sort. A Minotaur was running the place, which did not give any form of comfort for success.

As I approach the shop doors, a mental battle was waging in my mind.

It could be possible for him to share similar sentiments to the pelt-shop Minotaur, but the chances of such an occurrence are slim. Even so, he would most likely turn me away. And if he were to accept… I don’t know if I could actually go through with it…

I hover in front of the door for a moment before turning away.

At this point, I would rather die than live with a leathersack.

39th of Chillwind, Hour 29 - Norrg’kl Gates - Solaria’s POV

Even with all the failures I had experienced, at least I could sit by the gate fire without suffering harassment.

The blazing flames however, was a temporary fix to the overall problem. The fire may keep me warm, but it would not protect me from a blizzard. Nor could it provide food and water. I had eaten the last oatbar stolen from the Equestrian hamlet an hour ago, and my water supply was on its last legs.

I didn’t have any form of currency with me either, so buying my way into a home wasn’t an option. Suffice to say, my only choice was to suck in my pride and find a half-reasonable Minotaur to stay with.

Yet, despite recognizing the only clear path, I refused to take it. Many hours had passed since I inquired at the various shops. The dreary gray sky had begun to darken, signifying the coming of night.

To the south, I could see another blizzard approaching.

Why did I ever think coming to this settlement would be a good idea?

I stand onto my feet and slip on my pack.

Looking back to the market, there’s a steady flow of Minotaurs entering a building. As I approach, I notice it was one left untouched in my search.

This must be the tavern.

Even with the sense of foreboding dread spiking in my mind, I join the flow and enter the building.

The interior was not unlike an Equestrian tavern. The decor was strikingly similar and the atmosphere was close to the last tavern I had been in nearly a century ago.

The nostalgia was instantly cut short as a shout from one corner brought me back to reality. A Minotaur in an assumedly drunken stupor had flipped a table. Various coins and cards showered the ground, causing nearby Minotaurs to leap after the money.

I scoff with disgust, watching a pair begin to brawl as the rest of the tavern cheered them on. The fight quickly ended, as a few guards separated the two and forced them to opposite corners along the far wall.

After witnessing the idiotic display, I walk to the bar. Three of the five barstools were taken; I sit onto the one farthest from the taken seats. After a few minutes, the bartender walks over to me. Seeing his expression instantly sets off alarms in my mind.

“Are you lost, little one?” The beast slightly leans forward, the question dripping with false concern. “Looking for your master?”

I would not be intimidated. Meeting his lusty gaze with my intense scowl, I respond.

“I am no one’s slave.”

He snorts, the smile on his face growing.

“Such fire you have… It is amazing you’ve gotten this far.”

He attempted to insert genuineness into his words, but his eyes betrayed his true intentions.

“I…”

My words trail off as I catch his gaze flicking behind me. With a glance, I see three Minotaurs sitting at a table close behind me. All three are staring at me.

“Let me guess,” the bartending Minotaur begins as I look back to him. “You escaped from Clan Hytori and came to the “safe zone” for sanctuary. Now, you are in need of a way to survive.”

His knowing smirk tells me I am not the first to come to him.

“Well, no worries. You can work for me. I’m sure the regulars would greatly appreciate a pretty thing like you satisfying their needs.”

His eyes once again flicker behind me as sounds of wood scraping on wood reach my ears. I stand and face behind me.

The three Minotaurs are rising from their seats, slowly sauntering over.

“Or maybe,” The bartender whispers into my ear. “You can find some work with these, wonderful friends of mine.”

“Don’t worry Orn’gar,” one of the three pipes up. “We’ll take good care of her.”

I could easily slaughter these antagonizers, but doing so would most likely get me thrown from the settlement, or worse. I look to the guards across the room, waiting to see if they would step in.

Both are watching with faint smiles.

Many other patrons also begin to watch, painfully reminding me that I am without allies in this nightmarish place.

With no other options, I summon magic into my palms. With my limited knowledge of the area, and being unable to see outside, Teleportation would be an unnecessary risk. Instead, Time Slow is ignited.

When three rush at me, I cast the spell, extending the radius all the way to the door.

Suddenly, a wave of gray spreads from my palms. Within my vision the entire tavern has lost its color. The three Minotaurs, who were moving quickly, were slowed to a snail’s pace. Instantly, as the spell is cast, my mind cries out with exhaustion. Wasting no time, I slip by the three and sprint to the door. I fling it open and continue out into the night.

After exiting the tavern, I cancel the spell, it nearly draining all my remaining magic. As my vision and balance begin to fail, I quickly stumble across the road intersecting the market. On the other side was the blacksmith shop. I get behind it, walking along the length of the building until I am between a small shed and the shop. My legs give out underneath me and I fall against the shed, leaning my back against it.

For the first time since my father’s death, I felt all the hope and confidence leave me. Not even Stronghold’s death drained me of such feelings.

I’m going to die… I’m going to die in this Creator-forsaken settlement… and Celestia will continue to reign unchecked…

If I had to give Celestia one thing, it would be her ability to give me motivation.

The winds around me begin to pick up. It seems the blizzard from earlier was finally reaching the settlement. With the temperature rapidly dropping, I try to stand. The action sends my head spinning. Instead, I crawl to the door of the shed. It is locked with a simple padlock. I summon whatever amount of magic I can and break the lock with Telekinesis. I crawl into the shed and close the door behind me.

Not wanting to expend any more magic, I use what faint light still exists and crawl to a corner of the shed.

The wind was gaining momentum, howling as if a Windigo was controlling the storm. The cloak from my back is removed, instead to be used as a blanket.

That Time Slow spell just about killed me. In this state, I’ll be dead before morning arrives, especially in this storm.

With no better options, I sit and try to fight against the sickening feelings of magic loss.

39th of Chillwind, Hour 29:46 - Norrg’kl Tavern - Yorn’s POV

I had heard of the power and majesty of a Unicorn’s magic, but this was the first time I was able to witness it.

Another poor soul of a mare had been unlucky enough to wind up in Orn’gar’s tavern. The last one to come through had been taken by the tavern owner’s lackeys. This time seemed to be no different. It was an unfortunate sight to watch.

However, as those three were about to grab her, the Unicorn escaped. With a burst of magical power, she sped from their grasp in a streak of red and gray. She was so fast; I barely caught her disappear behind my shop.

With the sudden escape, Orn’gar and his workers all glance around, confused expressions on their faces.

“You idiots, you let her escape!” Orn’gar yells to his helpers after snapping out of the stupor.

“We weren’t expecting her to react so quickly…”

Orn’gars face twists with anger.

“B-but we’ll find her tomorrow, boss. We promise!”

“You better,” Orn’gar snarls at them. “Else I promise you all, this will be the last mistake you ever make!”

The three rapidly nod and flee the tavern.

I stand up, taking a moment to stretch before walking to the bar and leaving a pile of coins on the bartop. Orn’gar grunts at me, sliding the coin from the bartop.

I turn and leave the tavern, walking across the street to my shop. I look to the sky; the howling winds and harsh snowfall is finally reaching Norrg’kl. My key is drawn and quickly used to unlock the door. I slip in before relocking the door behind me.

I cross the shop and enter into the work area in the back, turning to a door which leads into my home. As it’s opened, my legs are attacked with licks from Drukl.

I chuckle, reaching down to stroke his back.

“Relax you deranged animal. I was only gone for an hour.”

Drukl gives a satisfied yip before bounding to his bed.

I unlock the fire cage, grabbing some logs next to the fireplace and throwing them in. After locking the fire cage, I take a small bellow, using it to boost the low burning coals. Once the fire begins to pick up, I walk across my home to the kitchen area.

As the stew begins to heat, I think back to the Unicorn.

She was unlike any Unicorn I’ve ever seen before. Their species is soft and fragile… But she is unlike any of her kind… She physically looks young, but mentally… She is filled with anger, resentment, the horrors of war… She has experienced more than I ever will… And the armor, it is no common soldier’s armor… What an interesting chance it would be to learn of what she has seen…

I continue with my stew, slowly adding ingredients and creating the food.

Orn’gar cannot find her, not while she is alone at least. But who knows where she could be at this time…

I leave the stew, crossing my living quarters and reentering my work area. To my left is a door leading out back. I grab a lantern to my right, lighting it with a match before I exit outside. I instantly notice a change to my storage shed right outside the door; The lock on it has been broken.

The lock is retrieved and examined. It seems to have been torn from its place, rather than picked.

I slowly open the shed door, unsure what to expect. Holding the lantern out in front of me, nothing is unusual at first glance, until I peer past the open door.

There, lying in the corner, is the Unicorn. She is unconscious, either from the cold or through sleep. She does not react when I enter, nor when I approach.

The chances of her ending up within my reach… It is not a mistake…

Despite the sympathy I feel and the desire to keep her alive, I hesitate. If she were to wake when I would carry her inside, I most likely would be turned to ashes.

Carefully, I prod her with a finger. She does not give a response.

Even more carefully, I bring her into my arms, carrying her as one would a young calf.

She is brought into my home with Drukl bounding around my feet. I lay her in the wooden rocking chair left in front of the fire.

After finding a blanket, I do my best to remove what bits of armor I could. Eventually, most of her armor pieces are removed and she is wrapped in the blanket.

I bring the pieces to my bed, leaving them near the end of the bedframe. Turning to face the Unicorn again, I catch Drukl chewing on the Unicorn’s boot.

“Drukl! Leave her be!” I snap at him, pointing to his bed near my own.

He gives an indignant snort before obeying.

“Just relax until she wakes. Waking in a strange place is bad enough, she doesn’t need you attacking her armor as well.”

Drukl softly growls, laying down in his bed again.

I give him a pat, heading back to the kitchen to focus on the stew. As the food is under preparation, my mind keeps drifting back to the Unicorn.

Author's Note

Huzzah! A fresh new chapter for all to enjoy!

As always, feel free to leave a comment asking questions, giving thoughts, or providing constructive criticism.

Chapter 2 Spells Conducted (in order of use)

Telekinesis - Previously described (Chapter 2)

Time Slow - Subject to the Manipulation category, this spell does exactly like the name suggests. When cast, a bubble will expand from the caster, causing the time within to be slowed by over 70%. While the caster can move around anywhere inside the outside the area under effect, the bubble itself will remain stationary until recast elsewhere.

--Thanks to HoneyBacho for proofreading and helping with world continuity.

Chapter 5 - Kindling

Year 2532, 40th of Chillwind, Hour 2 – Unknown Location – Solaria’s POV

The feeling of warmth is the first sensation I feel when waking from my dreamless unconsciousness. It is enjoyable, until the memory of the cold dark shed I had fallen asleep in hits my mind.

My eyes shoot open, flicking around as I take in my surroundings. In front of me is a stone fireplace with a metal cage locked around it.

I feel myself underneath the blanket, quickly noticing that my armor is no longer on my person. Adrenaline floods into my blood. I flick my ears around, trying to find a sound.

From behind me, I hear footsteps.

“I know you’re awake. Please don’t panic,” A thick, coarse voice says.

The signature sound of a Minotaur’s voice instantly sends me into overdrive.

I throw off the blanket and leap from the chair. I instantly spot the Minotaur; he has his hands out in-front of him, acting like he means no harm.

I grab him with Telekinesis, my magic partly renewed. As I pin the beast’s arms to his side, I see a skinny wolf growling at me from the foot of the bed. With my other hand, I shove the wolf against the wall, pinning him with Telekinesis as well.

Looking back to the Minotaur with a raging glare, my telekinetic grasp starts to grow tighter.

“Wait! Stop!!” He struggles against my hold.

“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you right now!” I hiss.

“I saved your life!”

“Really? What else did you do?!”

I begin to twist his arms outward.

“Nothing! I swear on the All-Father, I did nothing!!” His face winces with pain.

“Swearing on your belief means nothing to me…”

“You have magic! If you won’t believe me, believe it!!”

I stop twisting and shove him to the ground. I cancel Telekinesis and throw a warning at him.

“Do not get up.”

I ignite Internal Scan and cast it on myself. After an in-depth check, the spell proves the Minotaur’s words to be true.

“Could, you release my companion?”

Looking at the Minotaur, his finger is pointing to the wolf still in my Telekinetic grasp.

“How do I know he wouldn’t attack me?”

“Trust me, he won’t. Besides, what could he do to you with your magic at hand?”

The Minotaur had a point. I release the wolf from my Telekinesis as well. When I do it whines and scampers behind Minotaur, seemingly in complete fear of me.

The Minotaur and I warily watch each other. After a minute, I ask:

“Why did you bring me here? Why did you save me?”

As the Minotaur stands, I take a cautious step back.

“I saved you,” he says. “because contrary to your opinion, not all Minotaurs enjoy the suffering of your kind.”

I scoff.

“And,” He continues. “I can see you have an interesting aura around you, filled with a lifetime of interesting experiences.”

“How can you possibly know what I’ve been through…”

“I can sense it. It is something those within my bloodline have always had the ability to do.”

“You can ‘sense’ my emotions and my past… So, you can perform magic…”

‘Well,” he slowly says, seeming to think out his words carefully. “I can perform a type of magic, yes, but I don’t need it to read what your aura has to say.”

The Minotaur mutters a few words under his breath, summoning a bright yellow ball of magic into his hands. In response I ignite and prepare to cast a shield.

“Alright,” I say. “You’ve proven your abilities. Now stop.”

He disables the spells and I drop my defensive stance. The shield spell remains ready to be cast.

“How can you see my experiences without magic. That doesn’t seem possible,” I neutrally inquire.

“I don’t know,” He responds. “I just can. I’ve always had the ability, like my mother and grandmother.”

While facing me, he moves to the bed and sits.

“They both say it is a gift from the All-Father, but I never truly believed that to be the case. Personally, I—”

He pauses mid-sentence as he catches the uncomfortable and confused expression on my face.

There’s a moment of awkward silence before he stands and shoots his hand out. “Ah, I’m sorry. My name’s Yorn.”

I look at his hand for a moment before simply responding. “Solaria…”

His hand drops.

“I… wish we could’ve met through better circumstances,” He says.

I don’t respond.

“There, uhm, isn’t exactly a nice place for you to sleep—”

“The floor’s fine,” I interject.

I back up to retrieve my pack, keeping the Minotaur within eyesight. I begin to untie it before realizing that my bedroll and sleeping gear had been destroyed a few days before.

“I can just grab a—"

“I’ll figure something out,” I interrupt.

Yorn turns and walks off to another section of his home around a corner. He turns into a room along the right wall; sounds of rustling and shifting objects is heard. The wolf also notices, having crawled back to his bed, the sound of his master.

Yorn eventually reappears, carrying a wrapped bag. From within, he pulls out a bedroll.

“Here.”

I look at him.

“I said I’ll be fine.” My voice hardens.

He shoves the bedroll into my arms.

“Take it. You can replace your lost gear some other time, but for now, just use this.”

He sighs and relaxes.

“You haven’t had the best experiences with Minotaurs, I get that. But as I said before, I am not like Hytori.”

“You have given me no reason to trust you besides reminding me that you’re not Hytori,” I snap, dropping the bedroll to cross my arms in front of me.

“I have given you several reasons!”

He catches his voice raising again and takes a breath before continuing. “But maybe you’ve convinced yourself otherwise.”

The Minotaur walks past me to a door next to the fireplace.

“We can discuss the terms of your staying here tomorrow,” he quietly says, before disappearing through the doorway.

As the door closes behind him, I feel something staring at me. My eyes meet with the wolf’s, who’s laying in its bed across from me. The judgement seeping from this animal is intense; its face almost twisted into a glare.

“Don’t you judge me!” I defend myself. “I have no reason to believe his words are truthful! If anything, I should take them as false comfort!”

The animal gives a disdainful snort, curling into a ball.

I sit against the wall next to the fireplace and rest my face in my hands.

“Uhgh, can’t believe I’m arguing with an animal.”

I stay in that position, listening to the sounds of the fire crackling.

Eventually, I grab the bedroll, using Internal Scan in search for signs of harmful substances. There are none.

Maybe that Minotaur honestly does want to help…

I look at the door he had exited through a few minutes before.

He gets one chance...

40th of Chillwind, Hour 7:56 – Yorn’s Home – Solaria’s POV

I awake again from another dreamless slumber. At first, a sense of confusion is felt regarding my surroundings. My body starts to go into overdrive again before I remember what had happened a few hours ago.

I whip around to look at the Minotaur, causing my undone mane to flip into my face. Brushing it aside, I study both the Minotaur and his pet. They remain sound asleep in their respective beds. I once again perform Internal Scan on myself as a precaution.

Like before, there is no difference to my body.

I take the next few minutes to go through what things I still had in my pack. Nothing is missing. While I do this, a groggy voice comes from my right.

“Your things weren’t touched...”

I look at the Minotaur as he slowly awakens, deciding to hold back a retort against his comment. Yorn clears his throat before standing and stretching. As the Minotaur get up, his wolf does too. The animal goes from a dead sleep to a living spring in a half-second, bounding around his master’s legs.

Yorn walks past me to his home’s kitchen. I watch as he prepares a meal for the wolf before sparking a small fire in a little alcove cut out of the stone counter. As he mixes in various ingredients, I moved from my pack on the bedroll to the small table, setting my mane back into the loose bun it was in before.

“Are you hungry,” The Minotaur asks.

“No, I’m fine.”

My stomach releases a loud growl.

I defeatedly sigh. “Yes...”

The Minotaur says nothing as he smiles to himself.

After a few minutes, faint bubbling is heard from my spot at the table. Yorn pulls two bowls from a wall cupboard, placing them next to the cooking food. He scoops two large wads of gray sludge with a ladle, emptying the contents into each bowl before walking around the counter to a table.

He sits across from me, sliding one bowl over. While Yorn digs into the food, I take a moment to study it.

The contents of the bowl look similar to wet concrete, to a rather unsettling degree. I smell the bowl’s contents, my nose greeted only with a wave of steam.

With the lack of silverware, I begin to follow the Minotaur’s actions before hesitating.

My mind, through the years of experience, instantly questions the possibility of a trap hidden within the gray muck. Those thoughts are pushed aside, but not disregarded as I tip the bowl up take a mouthful.

The warmth is accepted, but the smooth sludge surprisingly doesn’t have a strong taste. Or a taste in general.

I gulp down the rest, finishing the bowl not long after the Minotaur finishes his. He takes both bowls and places them onto the stone counter behind him.

“First order of business,” he says, stifling a belch. “Are you planning on staying here?”

“It seems that for now, I will be,” I say.

“Alright. From what I can sense, you don’t like freeloading, so if you wish, you can work in exchange for room and board.

“That’s fine by me.”

“Are you willing to learn smithing?”

“Yes…” I say, becoming irritated at his questions.

“And do you have any other clothing besides your armor?”

“I do, but I’m not comfortable wearing them around—”

“I don’t care,” He cuts me off. “I’m sorry, but neither that armor nor that under-armor you have on currently will cut it in blacksmithing. You need something lighter that’ll allow for flexibility and breathability.”

I don’t argue with him.

“Fine. Where can I change?”

He points to an ajar door farthest from us in the right corner. I gather my pack and walk over to it.

Within is a bathroom that is more modern that I expected. Everything from a glance is recently new.

I’ll have to see about a bath tonight…

I begin to peel off the underarmor, as it had become rather nasty without being cleaned in the past five days.

==|000|==

After changing into the gray camouflaged combat pants and dark purple t-shirt, I leave the bathroom. Yorn is sitting on his bed. When I come into view, he looks at me and stares with a scrutinizing gleam.

“That’s it?”

“What do you mean ‘that’s it?!’” I indignantly scoff.

He looks away.

“I was expecting something warmer, that’s all,” he mumbles.

“I hadn’t planned on spending additional time in a frozen wasteland, thank you very much!” I snark before taking my pack back to the bedroll.

There’s an awkward silence between us before the Minotaur speaks again.

“I know it’s a big jump, but would you be fine with watching the shop while I go out for a moment?”

I give a single chuckle.

“Trust me, I can handle running a shop,” I say.

The Minotaur doesn’t respond. He stands up and walks from his bed to the door across from it. I follow.

Past the door is an open area filled with everything a smith would need.

A massive circular forge, hot coals already burning within, takes up a corner of the room. A worn anvil next to it against a pillar in the center of the room. Near the anvil is a metal table covered in various hammers, tongs, and other tools; a grindstone sits next to the table. In the diagonal corner from the forge appears to be a cylindrical dark metal structure with two openings, one larger at the bottom and one smaller near the center. On my right, in-between the door back into the home and a door leading outside are several buckets filled with coal and charcoal.

Yorn ignores all the equipment, walking to another door across the room near the forge. The shop is behind this. It’s a nice room, filled with weapons, tools, and metal supplies on display. The door leads out to the back of a counter, where Yorn stops.

“All you need to do is stand here and either handle any in-shop purchases or tell any customers to wait until I return.”

I nod.

“Most regulars already know my prices, but if you want to check, I have a book on the shelf under the countertop that has everything in stock listed. Also, if someone asks for something custom-made, tell them to wait until I’m back.”

“Easy enough.”

“I shouldn’t be too long, about a half hour.”

Without waiting for a reply, Yorn unlocks the front door of the shop and leaves.

I look under the countertop and find the book. Grabbing it and setting the thick leather-bound book on the countertop, I open it to the first page, slowly reading the contents.

40th of Chillwind, Hour 15 – Yorn’s Shop – Solaria’s POV

Unsurprisingly, the day was a slow one. Not a single Minotaur or otherwise had arrived while Yorn had been absent. When he returned, Yorn told me of the shed I had fallen unconscious in last night. It was where he kept all the scrap metal and ores for his creations were located.

After that enlightening knowledge, he set me on simple tasks such as sweeping, stocking the fire in the shop, and grabbing materials that he needed.

It was as exciting as I thought it would be.

Finally almost after six hours, and a lunch break, since the shop had opened, someone came in. Granted, that someone was a Minotaur, but at least it was a change of quiet, boring atmosphere. Thankfully, the customer didn’t seem to care that I was there. Both Yorn and the patron had been chatting for a few minutes, talking of a different clan from farther north.

Eventually, the patron leaves after ordering a custom piece of some sort to be crafted.

“Could you go and bring me five iron ore chucks? They’re located in the bin marked ‘Ore dash Iron.’” Yorn went into the workshop and sat at the smelter, beginning to churn the hot coals in the lower opening.

I continue past him, leaving the warmth of the workshop. As soon as the door is opened, I’m struck with the freezing cold air. The blizzard from last night had past, leaving an extra few inches of snow on the ground. Surprisingly, the clouds over the settlement had broken open, allowing for sunlight to filter through.

The sun did little to improve the weather however. I sharply inhale, gritting my teeth together as I cross the small gap between the back door and the shed. The lock had yet to be replaced, so I quickly fled into the shed from the wind. Even with the five seconds I was outside, my entire body involuntarily shivering. I ignite and cast Exposure on myself, which causes my body to quickly adapt to the cold air.

Too bad this spell is so costly. Uhgh, it’s times like this I regret not taking those recreational classes offered in the Royal Guard. I could’ve avoided spending unnecessary amounts of magic in this weather if my pride allowed me to learn crochet…

I find the shelf labeled ‘ore - iron’ as Yorn had said and grab five of the dark gray rocks. The first feels like an ice chunk. I use Telekinesis to grab the rest.

The rock chunks are mentally commanded to hover in front of my chest before I hastily exit. After closing the shed door and facing Yorn’s home, my ears flick towards the sound of snow crunching to my right.

I pull my head back as a large fist clips the end of my muzzle.

I roll my head with the punch before spinning my entire body with the momentum. I ignite Gust into my right hand and throw my arm forward with the momentum.

The casted spell causes the Minotaur in front of me to stumble and fall onto his back.

I turn to face more snow crunching behind me. Two more Minotaurs are approaching. With the ore chunks still in my telekinetic grasp, I throw all five pieces at the two.

The ore strikes both of them in the chest and face, knocking them to the ground as well.

I pull all the ores back to me before backing into the workshop.

“Leave me the farak alone, or I promise I’ll do more that throw rocks at you!!”

I slam the door and slide the oversized bolt lock across it.

Yorn is next to the door, seemingly about to check what the noise was about.

“I swear, I’m going to kill every single Minotaur in this settlement!” I growl as I walk past him and bring the ore to a bench next to the smelter.

“What happened,” he asks.

“Three Minotaurs tried to jump me as I was coming back in,” I say, walking to and standing next to the hot smelter.

“Three? What did they look like?”

‘Why does… they were big, brown, and ugly. Like those Minotaurs that bothered me from last, night…”

The dots start to connect.

Yorn sighs, adding a lighter gray rock into the smelter.

“They’re the same. Those three are Orn’gar’s personal hunters.”

“Orn’gar?”

“The Minotaur that runs the bar. He’s from Clan Hytori. Those hired ‘hunters’ as he calls them find anthropony mares like you and sell them back to Hytori.”

I scoff with disgust.

“How good are they at their job?”

Yorn glances at me before returning his focus to the smelter.

“There hasn’t been a mare that’s escaped after running into them.”

“Hmmph,” I snarl out while cracking my knuckles. “That’s about to change.”

“Deal with them later,” Yorn says. “As of now, pay attention to what I’m about to tell you of smelting.”

40th of Chillwind, Hour 30 – Yorn’s Shop – Solaria’s POV

After the run-in with the “hunters,” the day became much less boring. I watched and listened as Yorn explained how each piece of equipment functioned and served the overall task of forging, him operating them as he did so. By dusk, I had decent knowledge of the smelter, forge, anvil, and a few simple techniques of how to work each.

I think over the new information I’ve acquired as Yorn prepares more food. Before I know it, a hot bowl of stew is in front of me. It looks much more appetizing than the sludge from this morning. The smell of various root vegetables and meat stock makes me even hungrier.

I go to take my first gulp when I hear the most pitiful whine ever conceived. I look down to my right. Sitting there is the wolf, who is trying too hard win me over.

As I’m staring at the animal, I ask Yorn, “What is with this wolf?”

“Oh, that’s Drukl,” Yorn says. “I found him up north before I settled here. He won me over with this same technique, so I brought him with me. He’s quite the unique character, isn’t he?”

Drukl’s stare has switched from pitiful to intensely creepy, having refused to blink since he began his begging.

“Unique is the nice way to put it.”

I tried to ignore the animal and eat my food.

As I drink the soup, Yorn begins to ask his annoying questions again.

“I guess I should’ve asked, but can you consume meats? I heard that your race and culture looks down on carnivorous eating.”

I swallow the gulp before responding.

“I could ask you the same thing, considering Minotaurs don’t have incisors.”

“We don’t usually, I just like the taste,” Yorn breaks away from our eye contact in a guilty matter.

“To answer your rather assuming question; no, anthroponies as a whole don’t look down on eating meat. And yes, we can eat it. In fact, we need to, most prefer to eat smaller amounts.”

“I see,” Yorn says, the guilt replaced with an inquisitive expression.

As I continue to eat, the intense gaze from Drukl is still felt. I set the bowl down and look to him.

He’s quietly inched himself right next to my leg.

“Whatever you’re attempting, it’s not working. In fact, you’re failing at it, quite miserably. So please, let me enjoy my food in peace.”

He continues to stare, his tongue now lolling from the side of his mouth.

I roll my eyes and try to push him away with my hand. He simply falls over and begins to heavily snore.

“How even…”

“You’ll get used to him,” Yorn laughs.

Great, I’m living with a braindead animal as well as a magical Minotaur…

I down the rest of the food, wishing it to be alcohol instead.

I finish it and set the bowl down onto the table.

Now then… I need to get clean…

Yorn stands and walks past me.

“Since I know you’re not going to ask for yourself,” he says. “You can use the bath I have. All I ask is you clean up after yourself.”

He grabs a book from the shelf at my back-left before walking over to his bed.

Faraking mind reader…

I flip him off before grabbing my pack and stalking into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I take the opportunity to inspect the bathroom more closely. It is extremely similar to a modern Equestrian bathroom, from the clean, metal sinks all the way down to the placemat.

Interesting… I’ll have to ask Yorn about it…

The bathtub is no exception in sharing similarities. The only difference being larger size.

I twist the hot water knob as far as I can, before lightly twisting the cold. While the tub fills, I open a small side pouch on my pack and grab two small bottles of fur shampoo and mane shampoo, setting them on the bathtub rim.

I turn off the water and start to strip the casual wear from my body, tossing the clothing onto the pack. I step into the steaming water, giving a sigh of pleasure.

For at least 10 minutes, I do nothing but soak in the warmth from the water before cleaning my body fur and mane with the shampoos.

==|000|==

For the first time in five days, I felt refreshed. I usually do not care too much about cleanliness, but going that long is pushing my limits.

I ignite and engage Flame Cloak on myself to dry my fur and mane after stepping out. I also cast the spell on my clothes after washing them in the now lukewarm water as well. After slipping back into my clothes, I put the half-empty bottles back into my pack. As I do so, my hand feels a metal object in the pocket behind the one I have open. In the second pocket, finding the firearm that Major Glaze had given to me on the MagLev. I had completely forgotten about it.

This would’ve come in handy…

I withdraw the weapon and activate it. The pistol come alive with a magical whir. I press a button and eject the magazine-battery, checking the charge. It’s full. The magazine is replaced and the weapon is deactivated. I decide to keep it on my form from now on.

I leave the bathroom and walk to my sleeping spot Both Yorn and Drukl are both already asleep. Instead of joining them in slumber, I set the firearm to my right and prepare Magical Meditation. From now on, as long as I intend to remain in this settlement, every moment within my Meditative plane would be used for advancing my spells and increasing my magic pool.

41st of Chillwind, Hour 8 – Yorn’s Home – Solaria’s POV

I pull out of the Magical Meditation spell, coming back to reality. Although something had changed while the spell was active. I slowly look down at my crossed legs. With his head in my lap, Drukl was dead to the world.

How in the CREATOR’S NAME DID I NOT FEEL HIS PRESENCE THROUGH THE SPELL?!

I intensely glare at the mentally challenged animal, wanting to send him through the roof. For his sake however, I didn’t want to upset his master too much. This is the only reason that I semi-gently lifted the creature’s head from my lap and set it onto his own bed, which is also next to my bedroll.

Thankfully, the dumb wolf didn’t bother me as I ate, the meal being the same slop from before.

“Where is a secluded spot in this settlement,” I ask Yorn as I finish the oatmeal.

“Before I answer, is there any way you can settle this without the chance of getting arrested?”

“If I go to the guards, it’ll be showing ‘Orn’gar’ that I’m weak at best. He needs to understand that he chose the wrong anthropony to mess with. Besides, I have a few tricks to hide any evidence.”

Yorn sighs.

“The most secluded spot is behind the warehouses at the northmost point of the settlement.”

I nod before grabbing my underarmor, armor pieces, and pack, heading into the bathroom. After five minutes, I’ve changed back into my gear. The dagger and sidearm are equipped on both hips.

I quickly walk past the passed out Drukl to the workshop, where Yorn is standing.

“I’ll be back shortly,” I say before pulling my torn cloak’s hood over my head and loose mane. I exit the workshop, once again entering into the cold.

==|000|==

The new day is no longer sunny, having reverted to the previous gray clouds with the threat of another blizzard on the horizon.

It was more difficult that expected to reach the warehouses, especially without drawing attention to myself. Even with my armor, many of the sickening inhabitants still took the time to gawk at me. Thankfully, the number of Minotaurs thinned out as I approached the wooden warehouses.

After leaving Yorn’s place, I could hear those three follow me. Minotaurs, even when they try, are not stealthy in any sense of the word.

I reach the backend of the warehouses, greeted with nothing but a snow-covered opening between the outer walls and the buildings. I walk to the middle of the clearing, facing the wall, and wait. Not a minute later, I hear poorly concealed footsteps crunch against the snow.

“It’s a shame you three don’t know when to give up,” I say, placing as much mockery into the words as I can.

The footsteps stop. I turn around to face the warehouses, seeing all three Minotaurs from yesterday. One is standing at the gap between the buildings, keeping watch while the other two are much closer. One has a rope and one has a gag in one hand and a hand axe in the other. I notice the bruises on the faces of the two closest to me.

I flip back the hood, allowing my fiery mane to fall out.

“We’ll give you one chance to come with us quietly!” the Minotaur with the gag commands.

“If that’s how you want to do it…” I sweetly say.

I ignite and cast Sphere of Silence, covering the space from myself to right beyond the farthest Minotaur. Both Minotaurs closest to me take a step back as I cast the spell, before briskly approaching.

I draw the sidearm at my side, activate it, and unload three rapid rounds into both.

The blue magical energy rounds fly from the barrel and tear into their exposed chests, searing a circular hole at each entry point. As the shots strike the Minotaurs, they cry out in pain and stagger back. One instantly falls while the other drops to his knees. He looks down at the smoking holes in his chest before fully collapsing.

The third Minotaur is staring wide-eyed at his two companions. He turns to flee, but I grasp his arms with Telekinesis, forcing him to the ground and dragging his body through the snow. I release him at my feet. He flips around to look up at me, trying to crawl away.

“Orn’gar has chosen the wrong enemy,” I snarl, pulling the hand axe from the dead Minotaur into my hand. “And I think you’ll be the perfect Minotaur to tell him this…”

Orn’gar’s POV

Daytime is always the worst. No one ever came in, which meant no profit. And those idiots still had not found that Unicorn! Absolute braindead morons! How hard can it be to find and subdue one bonerhead? Even one that’s above average with magic?!

I walk to the back room to grab some whiskey for myself. As I grab a bottle and crack it open, the door leading outside explodes inward with a loud crack. I flip around in shock.

There, lying on the floor, with blood still freshly pouring from the neck, is the severed head of Klurg. I inch to his head, pulling a piece of paper that’s pinned to his head with a dagger. I shakily retrieve the paper. Drawn out in blood, the messy words running down the page, is:

Your death will not be as painless…

I throw the paper away, grab the whiskey, and return to the main tavern room in utter shock. I down half the bottle before I take a breath. My eyes catch something out the window in the door.

There, across the street in front of the blacksmith’s is the Unicorn, or rather, the Demon. Her intense stare meets my own eyes. I drop back behind the counter, scared out of my mind, silently praying to the All-Father that she doesn’t decide to kill me here and now.

The door flings open.

I give a blood-curling scream.

“Orn’gar, what in the farak is your problem!”

I slowly peek over the counter, seeing Julr and Fjub irritably glaring at me. I fully stand up, peering through the door window. The Demon is gone.

“Well?” Fjub asks.

“I-I’m fine! Hehe…” I weakly laugh out. “Too much booze, that’s all…”

As they order their desired drinks, I cannot stop thinking of the threat, and the bloody head of Klurg still resting in the back room.

Solaria’s POV

After breaking eye contact with the Minotaur waste, I duck back into Yorn’s shop. I hastily cross the shop room, go through the work room where Yorn is, and enter into his living quarters.

As I’m removing the armor, Yorn appears from his work room.

“What did you do?!” His alarmed voice halts my actions.

I pause for a moment before continuing to remove the plates.

“I did what had to be done.”

“I thought you were going to scare Orn’gar!” Yorn reaches out and grabs a bloodstained gauntlet, still attached to my arm. “Not slaughter him!”

“Orn’gar is alive!” I jerk my arm away. “His ‘hunters’ on the other hand, are all dead.”

“But why?” Yorn questions, his voice holds regret. “There was no reason to kill them!”

Rage instantly fills my mind.

“I had EVERY REASON!!”

Yorn steps back as I turn to face him. I can feel the magical energy begin to crackle around me.

“They steal, torture, and violate my kind! There is no reason or excuse you could give that would justify their despicable practices! They all deserve to feel the absolute worst death that can be wrought!”

I try to withhold my overflowing anger.

“Their actions may not be right, but revenge is not the way to solve this, nor is it the way to solve anything!”

“You have no right to lecture me on revenge…” I hiss.

“Enough!” Yorn shouts. “We will end this discussion now before either of us does something we would regret. But if you wish to continue staying here, you will not murder anyone else! Not while living under my roof!”

Both of us glare at each other, refusing to back down from the stand-off. Eventually, Yorn angrily speaks again.

“Whenever you calm down, you can continue with your tasks!”

He turns and stalks to his work room. I quickly cast Sphere of Silence on myself before releasing all my anger through a raging bellow.

The spell is canceled, and I resume removing the rest of my armor before entering the bathroom and changing back into my casual attire. Without a word, I join Yorn in his workroom.

Author's Note

Alas, chapter 5 is here.

A fun story, this was actually ready to be published last Saturday, but last Saturday was also the US showing of the last 3 episodes of the show. As you can guess, the ending of episode 26 absolutely broke me and made me cry tears of bittersweetness. I was down and out for the rest of the day.

Anyways...

Comment, provide corrections, and give any questions/criticisms you might have.

Chapter 5 Spells Conducted (in order of initial use)

Telekinesis - Previously described (Chapter 2)

Internal Scan - Subject to the Defensive sub-category Healing, this spell allows the caster to perform a magical scan of themselves or another. The scan will take the current entity and compare it to a past version of the casters choosing. Once the scan is complete, the caster will be shown any and all differences between the two forms of the scanned entity (Such as foreign substances, injuries, or diseases).

Exposure - Subject to the Defensive sub-category Healing, this spell will change the casters or the caster's target's conditioning to the current temperature. The amount of resistance to either lower or higher temperatures can be adjusted, and is meant for use against dangerous fevers or hypothermic conditions, but it can be used to simply cool or warm the caster.

Magical Meditation - Previously described (Chapter 3)

Flame Cloak - Previously described (Chapter 2)

Sphere of Silence - Subject to the Manipulation Category, this spell summons an invisible and spherical dome that creates a unique soundproof shield. While within the area of the spell, sound from within and out of the sphere can still be heard, but from outside the sphere, any sound within is silent. The sphere only blocks sound, and can be passed through with great ease.

--Thanks to HoneyBacho as always for proofreading and helping with world continuity.