Incarnate: Book Two of the Nexus

Canterlot Mountain was the highest peak in the land of Equestria. Near the summit, the steep cliffs flattened out into a broad plateau. A city was built here, named after the mountain: the royal city of Canterlot.

The view from this town was grand. Ponyville could be seen far, far down in the foothills to the South, and the Everfree Forest beyond it. The textured landscape in all directions was ablaze with autumn color. A cold breeze rustled through the city at this high altitude.

At the very edge of the plateau, the royal castle sat perched in splendor. It was composed of myriad elaborate spires, turrets, halls and ramparts. Pennants, each in yellow and black with symbols of the sun and the moon, whipped in the mountain wind.

Despite the elevation, the city did not receive any snow. Winter was not scheduled until another three lunar cycles.

Pegasi flew above the mountain and cleared away heavy, frosty clouds with their weather control magic. One such pegasus, named Sunrise Horizon, was nearing the end of his shift and preparing to collect his weekly pay.

He had gray feathers and gray fur speckled with black dots. His mane and tail were dark brown. A heart-shaped locket jangled around his neck as he worked.

Today's tasks involved more walking than flying. Hovering off to the side of the city of Canterlot and just above the mountain were a thick blanket of low clouds. These clouds were impaled by the very top of the mountain, which they were, in fact, anchored to.

Structures were built on top of this cloud bank. Many of them were shaped clouds, and others were wooden homes affixed to the amorphous cloud surface by the magic of skilled pegasi builders.

There were houses, parks, boutiques, and a country club. It was a wealthy neighborhood called Cirrus Vista, where the upper-class pegasi of Canterlot lived so as to save space in town for other pony races.

Sunrise Horizon grimaced every time he heard the name. Sure, it made the place sound pleasant, but these were cumulus clouds. Cirrus clouds were the tiny, thin ones at the highest altitudes pegasi could fly.

He wasn't paid to complain though, and so instead he traipsed upon the fluffy white cloud surface in search of areas which were darker gray with moisture.

Innate magic he was born with as a pegasus let him walk on top of the clouds. When he encountered areas of Cirrus Vista which were heavy with moisture, he would drain the moisture until the clouds were fluffy white again. This was active magic which he had to put control and effort into.

Now his daily shift was done, and he couldn't be happier. A pegasus was born to fly, not to walk around all day.

As the sun set and lit up the world below in a gorgeous rose hue, Sunrise Horizon galloped, opened his wide wings, and launched into the open atmosphere high above the city of Canterlot.

He flew until the sun went down, and then landed at the same approved entry point he used every evening after work.

It was a sturdy wooden deck at the Northern edge of town, where the mountain slope was much gentler. Any non-flier could hike up to the town from this side of the mountain.

A long and winding trail followed the slope to ground level. Lanterns followed it like a twisting stream of light. Perched on the wide landing deck which extended out a ways past the slope, Sunrise crouched and looked down over the well-lit cobblestone trail below. It was vacant.

He hopped off of the wooden deck with his wings open, and felt the strong pull of opposing forces as he glided to the trail and settled down with a gentle thump of hooves on stone. Now, he closed his wings against his body and walked.

The autumn chill was crisp and refreshing, and the changing, falling leaves were beautiful. Sunrise closed his eyes, took a deep breath of pure air, and then used a dexterous right wing to hold up his locket.

He popped the locket open with his mouth. Inside was a tiny picture of an earth-pony mare with dark green fur and a black mane and tail. Her gorgeous brown eyes shone like her smile did.

Sunrise Horizon took a moment in quiet thought to himself, Ahh, Cedar Dawn. The world doesn't deserve a mare as kind and sweet as you.

His consistent, echoing steps paused now as he gazed up at the full moon. When it had waned and waxed through one more full cycle, they would be married. He had to keep working hard until then, he was so close to earning enough bits to buy a place of his own.

It would be awkward trying to live together at his folk's home. Not that he didn't love his family—he did—but it was already a small house just with the three of them. Only a quarter mile left to walk til he arrived home. He could fly the distance, but it was a lovely, clear evening and he was in no hurry. A lone owl hooted in silhouette, perched on a tree limb.

“Hello, owl,” said Sunrise as he passed.

The owl replied back, “Hello to you as well.”

Sunrise stopped so fast that his hooves scraped on the stone. Did that owl just speak?

The owl flew off the branch and landed on the ground in front of Sunrise, which prompted the pegasus to hold one ear down in confusion. There was a sudden dark gray flash of magic energy which illuminated the forest trail.

A bizarre creature now stood in front of Sunrise, as big as he was. It looked like a pony, but also like a bug. It had papery wings, numerous holes in its body, and red eyes.

Before Sunrise could say anything in his surprise, another burst of gray magic came from the creature. This hit Sunrise and encompassed him much like unicorn magic would.

It didn't hurt and Sunrise didn't notice any obvious effects at first. Then, he started to feel strange. For some reason, the soothing noises of the night forest became louder and louder, until it was terrifying.

What might be out there in the bushes? A predatory animal? And why did he suddenly feel so very alone and so very scared?

Sunrise Horizon sat and then lie down on the ice cold cobblestone. It felt as though his mood had grown as dark as the night. All the joy of his evening stroll was gone. The happiness of future plans no longer occupied his mind.

All he felt was an overwhelming sadness and apathy. It was so intense that when he tried to stand, his legs began to shake. Instinct told him to fly. He opened his wings, but they drooped and hung limp as though exhausted from an all-day flight.

The bug creature hissed and licked its lips. The gray magic ceased, and the creature took several steps towards Sunrise.

Sunrise flinched and spoke, his voice coming out in a very quiet and defeated tone, “Please, don't hurt me.”

The creature hissed as it spoke, “I won't, pegasus. I have what I need.”

Another burst of gray magic filled the night. When it cleared, Sunrise opened his eyes wide in alarm and tried to run, but he was too tired to flee.

An exact replica of himself stood on the trail across from him. It spoke now, in his own voice, “Our queen will soon claim Equestria as her own land, and we changelings will no longer be shoved off to the side like monsters! I won't hurt you, as long as you tell me everything you can about yourself.”

Early the following morning, the first rays of sun broke over the city of Canterlot. The dawn began to illuminate the labyrinth of empty streets as the first early risers began their day.

Among the opulent earth-ponies, unicorns and pegasi of the royal city were a pair of strangers who couldn't look more out of place in such a regal location.

One was a young male pegasus pony with golden fur and feathers. He had a mane and tail of platinum gray. He wore saddlebags, a knife on a belt, and magic charms on a necklace, all of which were normal for adventurers.

He also wore a battle-damaged vest crafted of dragon hide, metal armor at his shins, and a helmet, which was not normal for the peaceful, vegetarian pony race. A crossbow was attached to his front left leg, while several quarrels for it were tied to the armor plates on his right leg.

His name was Skyblazer Haycart, and he was on his way to the royal castle with the company of a most unusual friend.

Walking beside him with powerful strides was a griffon named Cobalt, with white fur and deep blue feathers. Half-eagle, half-lion, the fearsome griffon maintained an air of peace and calm.

She wore plate mail armor on her rear legs and a helmet on her avian head. A falchion was sheathed on her back, on a belt which was carefully placed between her wings. On her dagger-sharp talons were two rings: one was a golden band with a star-shaped emerald, and the other bore an official seal of Canterlot.

She wore saddlebags across her back with numerous pouches. Around her neck was an amulet on a silver chain. Several magic charms with runes carved into them were also on this necklace.

Both the pegasus and the griffon had dirty fur and feathers. Their armor had a few distinct scratches which looked like snakebites.

Cobalt carried the scaly skin of a truly massive snake across her shoulders. The head and tail dragged on the cobblestone streets, and she walked slowly under the weight.

Very few ponies were out this early, and the streets were empty and quiet. Sky's hooves and Cobalt's talons echoed on the stone as they walked and talked quietly with each other about their latest dangerous bounty.

Skyblazer had a baritone voice with a country accent which he hated. Born and raised on a farm, Sky could never quite get the drawl out of his voice. He spoke to Cobalt,

“Three hundred bits! That's one of our best rewards yet! We could buy some new weapons, and food, and a room, and still have money leftover.”

Cobalt nodded, and adjusted the considerable weight of the snake skin. Her eyes glanced over at the mottled red, black and yellow scales. She spoke now in a voice which was high but gravelly, “Bastard was way faster than it had any right to be.”

They arrived at a tavern, and shouldered through the swinging doors.

An earth-pony barkeeper was busy setting up the place. He noticed the two, and said, “Sorry, no alcohol sales this early in the morning.”

When they drew nearer, he noticed their condition and the snake skin. He walked over to a cork board on the wall, and peered at the posters on it while leaning on a broom.

“Impressive,” said the barkeep, “y'all lucky it didn't get a scratch on you. Don't think there's a cure for the venom, not even magic.”

The teal-furred barkeep stepped into a back room, and returned shortly with a heavy pouch made of sackcloth. This was emptied onto one of the tables.

Sky and Cobalt cut the pile of bits in half, and scooped their share of the tiny bronze coins into their saddlebags. The barkeeper spoke to them,

“I'll give you each a beer on the house, just don't go telling nopony.”

The pair gladly accepted, and took a seat at the bar. The beer was ice cold, refreshing and just the thing after battling a behemoth snake.

They left the bar, wiped the foam off their mouths, and continued on their way towards the towering castle which stood watch over the city. Cobalt left the heavy snake skin here, as proof for the bounty.

The sunrise had brightened into clear blue daylight. Only a few puffs of cloud were over the city. Clearly, the Canterlot weather control team was properly staffed.

Now more ponies began to mill about in the streets. They gave curious, often wary looks at Cobalt and Sky as they passed, but remained friendly enough. Most ponies recognized them as hunters or mercenaries, and gave them space but weren't afraid.

Several among the crowd even paused to say a brief thank you to the pair for their work in hunting monsters. It was a deadly occupation, but somepony had to do it.

Cobalt was grinning broadly and walking with light steps. The muscles of her powerful lion body were relaxed, and she seemed to radiate happiness, calm, and pride.

Sky smiled too. He was proud of her. The griffon had come such a long way from her beginnings in Equestria.

Several years ago, Cobalt would have never considered leaving the comfort of Everfree Forest. Now, this griffon was casually trotting down a main street of the capital city and being treated with respect as a sapient being and a monster hunter.

Of course some ponies were still intimidated by her, and several even crossed the street to avoid her, but Cobalt had made peace with this fact of life. It seemed to Sky that she had even embraced it. She was a strong, scary, badass creature, but one who also had a soft spot.

A malicious look appeared in Sky's eyes as his amulet began to glow. He sent a telepathic message to his friend, Keep on soaking up the attention, Cobalt. I know you have a soft spot and a heart of gold.

She glared at him with an askew glance, and then smirked. Sky could hear another voice occupying his mind, Yeah? So what if I do, you feathery bastard. I still take down monsters for a living.

Cobalt flexed and rustled her feathers. Sky laughed.

Suddenly, an earth-pony galloped past in front of them, nearly bowling Sky over. He was burdened down by heavy saddlebags which had jewelry spilling out of them, and wore a bandanna over his face and a straw hat on his head. A cloak had been hastily thrown on, and it failed to conceal his brown, palomino coat color.

Another pony ran down the road in pursuit. As he neared, he could be seen to be a blue-furred unicorn with gold glasses and formal clothing which was rumpled from running.

Sky yelled at him as he passed, “Hey, you look familiar!”

The unicorn slowed his pace to observe them. Recognition dawned, and he spoke in an uppity tone of voice, “Oh my yes, Cobalt the griffon and... Sky, was it? I do believe we met a couple weeks ago, phew...” he slowed to a trot, breathing hard and sweating.

After adjusting his glasses back onto his nose, an alarmed look came across his visage and he said, “Can you stop that thief? He has nearly my entire inventory on his back!”

In response, Cobalt and Skyblazer shared a knowing nod and sprang into action. They used telepathy to chat privately and plan their approach. Cobalt braced against the stone street and took off into the sky in a burst of wind and falling feathers.

Skyblazer ran at a gallop, clattering along on the streets below.

Cobalt flapped her powerful, expansive wings and scanned the grid of streets and buildings beneath her. She saw the robber, and Sky trailing not far behind.

Her emerald ring glowed and she thought, Okay Sky, cut through the alley on your right. Watch out for the barrels.

Skyblazer did so. Cobalt watched him abruptly change direction, dive into a back alley, and hurdle over the stack of wine barrels. This commotion prompted a yell of angry complaint from a ragged pony who was apparently sleeping in the alley.

Cobalt began to glide lower on the turbulent mountain air currents. Her years of acrobatic flying experience allowed her to adjust to the blustering wind without a second thought.

She watched as Sky burst from the alley, right in front of the thief. The thief pony gave a startled grunt, and ducked around Sky. He had been slowed considerably, and the weight he was carrying seemed to throw him off his balance.

Sky charged, and the pony pulled a dagger from a leg sheath. Skyblazer twisted back to pull a hunter's knife from the sheath at his side.

They faced each other, darting in and out in feints. The air was suddenly pierced by the mighty shriek of an eagle. Cobalt grabbed the thief with her front legs and talons, knocked her beak against his head, and pressed off against the street to take flight once more.

Sky's amulet glowed, and he shot precisely aimed magic missiles at the thief, causing the pony to cry out in pain and alarm. There was still plenty of fight left in the bandit, and he clung fiercely to the dagger with his teeth.

He tensed and swung back, catching Cobalt in the side. The blade slid off a strap of her saddlebags and only cut her with a glancing blow. Sky hit the robber with another magic missile, square in the gut.

The thief began coughing, and Cobalt dropped from the air. She landed with a thunk that knocked the robber unconscious, but which also took a toll on herself.

When the thief came to his senses and shook his head, he saw Skyblazer holding a knife to his throat and the griffon, now limping, standing on his other side and growling.

A crowd had gathered. From this assembly burst the blue unicorn and several serious-looking royal guards.

The thief was shackled, tossed in a cart, and hauled off towards the castle dungeons. One guard remained behind to talk to Cobalt and Sky.

This unicorn guard had jet black fur, a purple mane and tail, and a face as serious and stern as stone. He wore full, heavy plate armor with the royal seal. He spoke in a very deep and very gravely voice, “While we appreciate the help, please leave thieves to the guards from now on.”

“Yes sir,” said Sky.

“Sorry sir,” said Cobalt.

The guard nodded gravely, and said before leaving, “I can tell you're highly skilled monster hunters and it was no trouble for you. However, crime in Canterlot is the jurisdiction of the royal guard. That's all. Take it easy, and stay out of trouble.”

The blue unicorn trotted over to them now. He equipped the saddlebags full of stolen goods with help from Cobalt. He then offered a reward, which both Sky and Cobalt denied.

Sky spoke with a sly smile, “We make plenty of bits from hunting creatures.”

The blue unicorn insisted, “At least let me tend to any wounds. I am capable of healing magic.”

He walked over to Cobalt, who was standing on three legs. His horn glimmered and a sky-blue magic wafted over towards the griffon's back left ankle. It encompassed the lion paw for a few minutes. When it dissipated, Cobalt took a few tentative steps.

“It feels much better!” she exclaimed.

The blue unicorn introduced himself now, “Very well then. My name is Golden Primtail, and you have met my wife before, Marble Primtail. Thank you for the assistance and for all that you do to protect Equestria from monsters.”

Cobalt answered with a kind and gentle tone of voice, “Hey, it was no problem. I'm just glad we could help.”

“Oh,” added Golden Primtail, “I'm sure you don't hear it enough so, again, I don't see a problem with your... relationship. Carry on, life is for the living I say. Stop by my shop and visit any time.”

As he left and stepped out of sight, Sky sat with a hearty blush to his cheeks. Cobalt noticed and chuckled. She heard the voice of Sky in her head, Can we please go tell him we're not actually a couple. Dear Luna but that's embarrassing.

Cobalt replied with telepathy, Ahh, but it's funnier that way. Besides, what if we do become a couple?

Tell me you're not serious. Ugh.

Relax you goofball. We're just friends.

They both stretched, got their saddlebags tightened back on properly, and took off at a moderate canter for the castle. Now, they would be a bit behind schedule if they didn't hurry.

All of the ostentatious boutiques and cafes became a blur as they focused on keeping a fast pace towards Canterlot Castle. They arrived at the gates out of breath, and were allowed in.

No more waiting in a parlor for the okay to proceed. Cobalt and Sky were on such good terms with the two princesses that they were free to enter, and they knew their way around the castle.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna met them in the dining hall. Both Sky and Cobalt offered a deep bow with a rattle of armor and supplies.

Celestia noticed the ancient relic Sky wore on his necklace. Her horn glowed with yellow energy, and all at once her soothing voice was in the mind of both Sky and Cobalt,

We would like to invite you to our private dining lounge. This grand hall seems rather prestigious and dramatic for a mere gathering of friends.

Sky and Cobalt shared a look of surprise, and then followed the royal sisters up twisting stairs until they arrived at the fourth floor of the castle. It appeared to be private living quarters for the two immortal rulers.

Several other ponies were already here. Sky and Cobalt took a seat at the dining table.

Starlight Glimmer and Trixie were both at the table, and both wore a look that said they absolutely did not belong in this private lounge or in this castle at all. However, the princesses had seen fit to forgive them of past wrongs and invite them here.

Skyblazer heard Cobalt's voice in his head, It's all a facade. They only trust these two because they have enough magic power to hold them in check.

Cobalt's eyes then widened as she heard Luna's voice in her mind, You do know we can hear you, right?

Sky had to stifle a laugh. He looked around the comfortable dining hall now, which was set into a massive bay window. This offered a panoramic view over the vast landscape of Equestria below, in the direction of Ponyville.

Skyblazer admired the view, and found himself leaning on the table lost in admiration of the autumn beauty outside. Somewhere in all that distance was the forlorn town of Dodge Junction, where his parent's farm was.

Celestia took a seat right next to him, and spoke out loud, “Lovely, isn't it? This is my favorite spot in the castle. Ponyville is so very dear to us.”

“May I ask why, Princess Celestia?” asked Sky.

“Certainly. Luna and I were born in that area, long before it was a town.”

A look of realization came into Sky's eyes. He looked back out the window and said quietly, “Oh, now I see why the town keeps getting attacked. It must really get to you.”

Celestia nodded, and focused her magic on a small bell overhead. It rang several times. A squeaky cart could be heard rolling towards the table now, and several cooks placed platters of food down.

To Sky's surprise, the legendary and fair ruler of his entire nation remained sitting on the cushioned bench next to him. He had expected her to go console Luna, who was sitting on the floor by the window and staring off into the distance.

Celestia leaned over to whisper, “Dreamspace is Luna's domain. She has been taking it rather personally that I was injured when I intervened there.”

Sky thoughtfully chewed his waffles, and then fidgeted with opening a banana using magic. He looked at Princess Celestia. She was in rough shape. By comparison, the bumps and scratches Sky had from monster bounties was nothing.

He had never actually seen her this close up. Her white fur was creased by numerous old scars. One scar ran down her head and down her snout. Gauze was wrapped around recent cuts from her hellish battle in the dream world. Her wings were tattered in places. The very tip of her horn was missing.

Perhaps immortal, but not invincible. Sky could not begin to fathom the struggles and battles she must have faced over the course of five thousand years.

Another thought tingled his mind. Before the Elements of Harmony had found worthy owners, the two princesses had personally been the defenders of their land.

Even with healing magic and spells to prevent damage, just how powerful must these two be to have survived everything thrown their way?

Of course, he knew the answer. While it was all a vague, fuzzy dream, he had been there in Dreamspace when Princess Celestia dueled Sombra to protect everyone else there. Hints and gossip from the princesses seemed to indicate that Sombra might truly be dead. The dark wizard who had moved an entire town outside of space and time in a petty effort for control over it, dead.

Now, and very slowly, Sky spoke, “I think I understand why Luna's scared. You seemed so out of control in that Daybreaker form. I mean, she said we almost lost you.”

Celestia grimaced and held a forkful of waffles aloft with telekinesis. She closed her eyes and spoke in a very somber tone, “Almost is for horseshoes and fire potions.”

“Right, sorry for prying in your private business,” said Sky meekly, “I should go say hi to the others here.”

“It is quite fine,” said Celestia as she exhaled deeply, “We... used to be able to maintain a semblance of control over the ancient magics involved but, of late, it is as though something else takes over. We worry because this has never before happened to the magic.”

Sky finished his breakfast, got up from the table, and went to greet the other ponies in the lounge. Cobalt remained at the table in conversation.

A gray earth pony named Maud sat on a sofa in the middle of the room. She sipped on tea and read a book. Sky said hello to her, and she offered a distracted 'Good morning' in reply while keeping her focus on her book.

Sky walked over towards Princess Luna, who still sat by the window. Her head and wings drooped in a despondent way. She spoke to Sky without turning around, “What is the worst fruit?”

“Mango,” Sky answered, “I'm not a changeling, and you should take time to relax.”

“Uh-huh. Prithee, Sky, may I request time alone?”

Skyblazer nodded, and walked out of the dining lounge towards the kitchen. An energetic pink pony was here making cinnamon waffles and making a mess. Sky walked past Pinkie Pie and continued into the cavernous great room.

Ornate furniture and worn books were strewn around a polished fireplace with a marble hearth. Two pegasi were here, sitting by the fire and chatting with each other.

The light yellow one, Flutershy, noticed Sky and said hello.

Sky said good morning to her, and waved at the light blue pegasus, Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow spoke to Sky, “Just waiting on AJ and Rarity. Man, I'm so bored! Nothing here but old books.”

Fluttershy looked up from her tea and said, “I thought you liked reading, Rainbow Dash?”

“Sure, if it's an adventure book. All they have here is dusty history books. So Sky, tell me about the dream world. Wish I could have been there, it sounds so awesome.”

Skyblazer took a seat next to her and discussed all the details he could recall of his adventure. They had discovered the true power of the three Elements of Conflict. They worked in a very similar way to the six ones of Harmony, and seemed to hold more power in the dream world.

Cobalt, Maud and Sky had been taken to a new area of Dreamspace, where they found a volcano and a dragon all covered in red crystals. These crystals had been seen before in reality, where they seemed to be invulnerable. The Elements of Conflict had shattered them all, but not before an evil wizard named Sombra attacked their group.

He was thought to be banished for good, but had somehow made his way into Dreamspace and collected more power there. Sky talked about Sombra's crazy magic, the thorns he used as a weapon, and the giant dragon which he controlled.

Sky finished his monologue by saying, “Now that we know these red crystals can be broken, we're going to shatter the ones which cover some memory orbs of Celestia and Luna.”

Maud and Cobalt stepped into the room now. Cobalt hopped onto the couch between Sky and Dash, while Maud carried her book in her mouth and settled down by the fireplace to read and warm up.

Rainbow Dash seemed ecstatic about meeting Cobalt. She spoke in a loud voice, “Awesome, I've been wanting more time to talk to you! Griffons are so cool.”

Cobalt grinned and replied, “Hey, you're pretty cool yourself Dash.”

“I'm best friends with another griffon, her name is Gilda. She hasn't been around Ponyville in moons. Says our kingdom is getting too dangerous.”

“Yeah, I've gotta agree with that,” said Cobalt, as she flexed her talons and looked at the ring. Her Element of Conflict gave her access to magic spells, but it came with a great onus of responsibility.

“Crazy that there's even more elements out there! I'm like, the aspect of loyalty, that's why it picked me. Probably cause I'm a hell of a flier, too.”

With a chuckle, Cobalt said, “Apparently, the conflict elements came to us because we were the last folks who should ever have em. The unworthy ones.”

“Dude, that's like the most epic joke ever.”

“Hey, me and Sky are still the heroes! I think. Right, Sky?”

Sky stumbled over his words, “Oh yeah, perfectly heroic, us.”

“Really though, we just wanted to hunt monsters and find treasure. All this stuff that's been happening... it's crazy, Dash.”

A clattering of hooves caught their attention. A messenger trotted up the stairs, leading Applejack and Rarity.

Celestia and Luna walked over to the great room, majestic and dignified.

Princess Celestia spoke, “Now that we have gathered all whom we were able to,” there was a pause as she worried about Twilight, “let us proceed to the Hall of Memory.”

Luna added, “Let us hope this endeavor brings us closer to finding Twlight and ensuring her safe return. Also missing from the invited is Zecora the zebra. A messenger has informed us that she wishes to remain in Everfree.”