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.