Incarnate: Book Two of the Nexus

by Cardboard_Boxers

Rating: mature
Tags: Profanity, Adventure, Violence, Death, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Original Character, Mystery
Length: 60664

Even with Sombra defeated, Equestria faces continued threats and magic falters. Through all of this chaos, Cobalt and Sky face their greatest challenge yet.

King Sombra was defeated in battle in the Dream World, but was he really? Has the Dreamspace actually been repaired, no longer threatening to unleash dream creatures upon reality?

Memories of the distant past bring more questions than answers. The very foundations of magic are shaken as Equestria faces yet more threats from monstrous beings.

In the midst of all this havoc, Skyblazer Haycart and his griffon friend Cobalt seek a time of rest and relaxation. They wish to help the Haycart family farm, to bring peace to the family, and to find a remedy for the magic malady Violet Haycart is under.

If they could only catch a decent break. Trouble follows them wherever they go. Beyond the Dreamspace, beyond ancient magic spells and battles against monsters and outlaws looms a greater threat: The magic itself is dying.

Published 2019-08-24 08:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-05-11 20:45:00 UTC

1. Canterlot Sunrise

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.”

2. Memory

The multicolor assembly of ponies traveled downstairs until they reached the first floor of the castle.

They followed Celestia and Luna through the waiting parlor, into a hallway comprised of sunlit arches, and outside into a courtyard. This was the Royal Garden, a half-acre full of trees, foliage, flowers and birds.

Three sides of this garden were walled in by the castle. The fourth side was a sheer cliff, the edge of the mountain. A sturdy fence of iron bars ran along the precipice, and view was breathtaking.

A heavy oak and iron door was set into the South wall of the castle where it met the fence. This was unlocked, revealing a set of stairs down. They all began the descent, but were missing a pony.

Fluttershy was still wandering around in the garden. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, flew over to her, and coerced her back to the group.

The gathering followed the stairs around several landings until they arrived in the castle basement. It was an eerie and ancient place, and all were quiet and stern. All except for Pinkie Pie, who bounded down the stairs like a gazelle.

In contrast with the garish luxury above, this lower level was purely functional. The entire basement was comprised of stone arches which helped support the castle. At the base of the stairs, barrels of wine were stacked neatly in several of these arches.

They continued on. Overhead could be seen the metal pipes of a plumbing system which functioned through the forces of gravity and magic. Around them now were bins full of fresh hay and wooden crates marked with drawing of vegetables.

Water dripped from somewhere, cobwebs covered the dusty arches, and the light from torches of magic blue fire became less frequent.

Luna spoke, her lilting voice echoing in the darkness, “Those who are capable of light spells, please step to the fore.”

Skyblazer and Maud stepped to the front. Sky spoke up, “Rarity? Cobalt? Don't you guys have plenty of magic?”

Rarity answered first, in her regal tone of voice, “While I have studied it, I do not seem capable of using light spells.”

Cobalt then said that she could only manage a few seconds of light at a time.

Princesses Celestia and Luna sent a blinding beam of illumination from their horns like a flashlight. Maud's earring glowed, she closed her eyes in focus, and silvery magic energy began to gather in front of her. A ray of dim but steady light hovered nearby her now, lighting the way ahead and glittering off of dust particles.

Skyblazer's amulet began to glow with just enough light to read by, and this golden magic flowed down towards his front right leg. A bracelet here absorbed the energy, and began to glow golden. It sent yet another bright, focused beam of light into the dark basement ahead.

The group continued now through the arches as the weird shadows of them twisted past. Sky's light was erratic as he walked, and so he flew instead to keep it steady.

Two more innate magics took place, neither of them needing any conscious thought or focus from Sky to use: one allowed him to hover in slow flight, and the other let him fly without making a breeze.

Princess Celestia spoke now, “This storage cellar is a place between floors. Stairs within the castle bypass it, and continue to the natural caverns beneath the castle.”

The space here was empty, simply a never-ending succession of support arches, metal pipes, and cold dirt floor. Rats squeaked and scurried.

Fluttershy seemed terrified. Rainbow noticed, walked over, and placed a wing over her to console her.

The magic beams of light suddenly revealed a structure ahead. It was a low stone building which was precisely built to fit under several arches. A plain wooden door led in, which creaked as it opened.

Celestia hit a switch, and electric lights came on. The magic illumination was ceased.

This stone building with a dirt floor was full of stone shelves which held crystal orbs.

Rarity spoke out loud what they all were thinking, “This is the Hall of Memories? Wouldn't you say Hovel of Memories is more accurate?”

Luna remarked, “The intention was to keep this place hidden in plain sight in the most mundane fashion possible. However, it was still breached. Now we know by whom it was, but not how Sombra managed to find the memories.”

While most of the party was interested in the crystal balls which glowed slightly, Maud stood off to the side admiring the lighting. She spoke to Celestia,

“The lights are finely crafted.”

Celestia replied, “Many years of delicate spellcraft and effort, Maud. Magic and devices do not wish to cooperate.”

Maud nodded, and said, “May I assume your sister and you also developed the magic technology used by major cities? Without it, pony-kind would not have come so far.”

“Yes, but inventing is not a glamorous and flashy thing. It gets ignored and taken for granted by most. Now then Maud, we have much grander ambitions here than the lights.”

They joined the others at the center of the hall. One book and several orbs, all of them covered in red crystals, were placed on the ground here.

Celestia's horn glimmered with yellow magic and furniture popped into existence for them to sit on. These chairs and cushions faced a wooden frame with a white sheet stretched across it. A stone pedestal with a concave surface sat in front of this frame.

Skyblazer, Cobalt and Maud stepped up now. At first, it seemed that nothing would happen. They moved in closer until they were almost leaning on each other.

Cobalt's ring started to glow in a dark blue. Maud's earring glimmered silver. The necklace of Sky was full of a golden glow. Their eyes glowed white. All three colors of magic now arced from the Elements of Conflict, and struck the objects.

The red crystals were all shattered into dust by the tricolor burst of magic. One orb was badly cracked, but the other items were fine. The magic arc subsided, and the three shook their heads and looked at the results as their eyes stopped glowing.

Luna stepped over to read the runes inscribed on the cracked orb.

She spoke, “This memory is titled, 'The Realization of Longevity'. It is shattered now and we cannot access it. Let us review the other two.”

Her horn glowed purple as she lifted a transparent orb onto the pedestal. This orb was full of swirling mist with a faint blue glow.

Luna began a chant in Old Ponish, and the glow of the orb intensified. While she was busy with this, Celestia spoke,

“This corrupted memory is labeled, 'Possible object in the void'. Unlike the other two, this one is very recent.”

Luna took a step back as her horn began to glow. A deep purple spell was fired off at the orb, and the crystal ball began to levitate above the pedestal.

The orb sent a beam of light at the sheet, displaying a moving image.

“Oh!” exclaimed Skyblazer, “It's just like that new invention, um... an image projector.”

Celestia nodded and spoke, “Indeed, although it functions more like a spell of memory projection. Observe.”

The projected image from the memory orb now expanded beyond the screen. Parts of the image were displayed on the ground now, and the entire view became fully three-dimensional.

The holographic magic was so realistic that the ponies sitting near it moved back a ways in fright. The scene seemed to be a jagged canyon at night. The projection was from the perspective of a flying creature, and the scenery zoomed towards them shakily.

Down below, within this canyon, could be seen a light. The memory began descending with great speed towards this light. Suddenly, the entire projection began to flicker and fill with static.

The closer they got to this light source, the worse the static became. They landed right next to it, and the screen was covered in crackling static and blurred spots. Through the haze could be seen the vague outline of some kind of structure. The memory faded out entirely to black. The crystal orb was removed, and placed on the dirt floor.

Luna used telekinesis to heft the book over to her, and opened it. She scanned the pages for a while, shook her head, and closed it.

After a pause, she spoke, “The book is another dead end. The pages have been scrubbed clean of text by some manner of spellcraft.”

“Let me see that,” Celestia asked. She took the book, and her horn glimmered with yellow magic. She passed the beam over the pages, and nothing happened. She spoke,

“It is not invisible. The text is truly gone.”

“Well,” began Luna, “we may as well review the final item. Thus far we have been left with more questions than answers.”

The last memory orb was placed onto the pedestal. This one was covered in dust, the glass dark and hazy from sheer age. The inscription was, “Bestowment of Alternate Forms”.

Celestia spoke, “This orb was near the very back with our earliest memories. It is from four thousand years ago, when we both had lived for our first millennium.”

Luna's pegasi magic made a slight breeze as she dusted off the relic. Then, she used an ancient magic incantation to activate it like the one before.

In contrast to the corrupted memory of the Void, this memory was in perfect focus and in daylight. The projected view seemed so real, it was like like looking down on the scene from a ledge.

A circle of stone pillars, all covered in runes, sat in a grassy field. Ponies were gathered here, talking in a language unknown to the observers.

Princess Luna walked over to the pedestal, fired a spell into the crystal orb, and returned to her seat. She said, “This language predates Old Ponish. Even Celestia and I do not recall it. My spell should make it more easily understood.”

The memory continued, now in modern Ponish with some archaic speech and broken fragments it could not translate. As old as this memory was, the orb had some corruption even with magic to preserve it.

An armored unicorn leaning on a pillar spoke, “Your majesty, I concede that we must do something to dispose of the more dangerous beasties, but what you propose is madness.”

He spoke to two ponies who stood on a stone stage above the rest.

These were a younger Celestia and Luna.

Skyblazer looked up from the memory and compared them to the present day ones. The princesses in the present day seemed so exhausted and ragged compared with their past selves, but also more composed and calmer.

Something was very wrong about the memory, but Sky couldn't quite place it.

Cobalt walked up to the edge of the scene, which looked down over the memory. She spoke, “Princess Celestia is a pegasus, and Luna is a unicorn!”

They all continued watching the memory, very interested now. Pinkie Pie had, somehow, acquired a bowl of popcorn. The modern day Luna, sitting next to her, rolled her eyes and had some of it.

In the memory the past Luna spoke to the crowd, “What harm may any beings pose to us once placed within the realm of dreams?”

The armored unicorn replied, “Suppose thou art not the only creature who can make a way out from it?”

“Then I will keep guard. It is clear by now that my sister and I cannot die. Perhaps this condition can be a blessing rather than a curse, perhaps I can maintain the dream world.”

Her sister now sat on the stone stage, and spoke to the audience, “We seek to unify the territories, and one day, perhaps create unity among races beyond ponies.”

“Madness!” shouted an ancient, wrinkly mare who wore an apron and bonnet. She continued, “Forsooth, the lords of Trottingham even now wage war upon the savages of the middle pastureland.”

Celestia seemed irked. She answered this with an indignant shout, “We shall not have peace so long as any fellow pony is declared a savage!”

“Bah!” exclaimed the old mare, “Thy ponies of the pastureland live akin to feral creatures! They eat only of grass, sleep only in fields. Nor do they procure clothing nor tools of any manner.”

Celestia continued, “Can you not see a day wherein all may pursue such a life as they wish? Let us not condemn others!”

“Silence!” yelled Luna, as she sent bursts of blinding light into the air. Several ponies in the crowd bolted for the hills.

Luna spoke, “Within our longevity we have endured great injustice and hardship. We believe it is indeed possible and there shall come a day when pony-kind stands united. First, we must ensure that monsters pose no threat to our subjects.”

A unicorn stepped forward from the crowd. She had pink fur and a cloak, and addressed the two on the stage in a raspy, harsh voice, “Ye dare call thyself leader of pony kind, when not a one of the lords accepts thine authority? I shall strike ye down where ye stand for such insolence!”

A sudden blast of magic from Luna struck this unicorn, who went flying back into a stone pillar, and crumpled to the ground.

“Are there any further objections?” asked Luna. The crowd was silent.

Luna stepped over to the battered unicorn, who was was gasping for breath in ragged wheezes. Purple light sparked from Luna's horn, and encompassed the fallen unicorn. Wounds began to heal and broken bones began to mend, and the unicorn began to scream in pain and agony.

She was healed well enough to stand up and walk. Luna glared at her and stepped back to the stage.

Celestia spoke, “Observe, between us we have the power and the knowledge to rule as protectors and leaders! I, Celestia, declare that those who side with us may one day know a time of peace and freedom.”

Luna spoke, “I, Luna, solemnly swear to bring oblivion to any monster or pony who stands against the kingdom.”

“Those who are for us and wish to witness the truth of our words, follow us into the realm of dreams! Those who seek the continued war and disparity among pony kind, leave our presence now!”

Many left. Some stayed. A number of grim, armored ponies gathered from the shadows, surrounding the company. Luna jumped from the stage, and walked through the pillars as runes began to glow.

The air at the end of the pillars began to seethe and ripple and glow purple. It made a powerful rending noise as the very sky was split in twain. Several more ponies ran off. Notably, the aggressive unicorn from before followed along with a limp to her gait and an angry scowl on her face.

The gathering, lead by Luna and Celestia, walked into the world of dreams, and left reality behind.

The memory began to fade and fill with static. It changed, revealing a primitive settlement. Pennants fluttered in the breeze all around this encampment, with symbols of the sun and moon on them.

It was a grassy, windswept moor at night. The full moon shone out over it. A few ponies slept in huts built of sod blocks and thatch. Most of the ponies slept outside in the fields.

The largest structure here was a fortress built of logs and stone blocks at the center of the camp. It had a crude iron gate barring access. It did not have glass, as it wasn't invented yet. Instead, the window openings were covered with wooden shutters.

To the fore of this structure, the air began to ripple and simmer and tear apart. From this portal stepped the group of ponies from before. They all seemed shaken and frightened beyond words.

Celestia and Luna were the last to leave. They sat before the others, backs to the portal, and began a head count.

“We are missing a pony,” observed Luna, “Where is Riverstone?”

A shout came from the portal, “Help! Help me, dammit!”

They all turned back towards it. The armored unicorn who had first spoken to them was engaged in battle with a monster.

The monster defied easy description. It seemed to be a mass of shadow and teeth and claws, with a vague and fuzzy outline that was confusing to look at. The shape seemed to change between a wolf, a dragon, and amorphous blobs of darkness.

Celestia had drawn a polished sword which glittered in the moonlight, and she prepared to charge into the portal.

Luna stopped her, saying, “This is a wight. Where many dream world creatures mimic real monsters, this does not. It is more the very concept or image of what a monster may be, and cannot be harmed by blade. Stay back, this is my burden to bear, for so I have sworn it to be! By my honor!”

Luna galloped into the dream world, her horn glowing. Another figure broke through the crowd and took off in a running jump behind her as the portal began to close.

It was the cloaked unicorn who had tried to unseat Luna. She spoke in a pained growl as she winced from pain in an injured leg, “Thou hast magic enough to wedge open the heavens! Use it, for I have magic at my own command. I shall engage the wight in battle.”

Luna glared at her, and almost objected, but nodded. She focused her purple magic on keeping the protesting portal opened, bracing with her back legs staggered against the weight of it.

The other unicorn, who had light pink fur with streaks of white, sent pink beams of magic from her horn. These were not aimed at the wight, but rather the air nearby it.

Luna very nearly dropped her hold on the portal in shock.

Several small, white lights appeared from the darkness. As they drew near, they began to fluctuate and take the form of pegasi. Transparent and barely visible, they were bound together by chains which glowed pink.

By now, Riverstone was fighting a losing battle. His magic was too weak and his will fading away from him in the terror of the wight's grip. His fur had crimson rivulets of blood where the jagged claws and teeth had lashed out, sinking into his flesh, pulling him further back into the dream world.

The ghosts seemed a thing too ethereal to pose a threat. They flew slowly with flaps of transparent wings through which spindly bone structures could be seen.

They hovered around the wight and held the chains with their mouths. Hooks on the end of each chain were thrown at the wight, and managed to snag the incorporeal body of the creature.

Luna yelled at Riverstone in a magically amplified growl, “Go! Get out of here, seek thy sanctuary while ye may!”

Riverstone ran, and tripped over the fast closing portal. He slid into reality on his side, got up shakily, and took a few steps back.

Luna managed to keep the portal from shrinking any further. Her entire body was shaking, sweat pouring off of her, as she huffed and snorted through the pain and effort.

Behind her, the wight was pulling against the chains, drawing close to her.

The pink unicorn brought two more figures close enough to be seen. Luna let out a ragged gasp. They were skeletons—walking, living skeletons! What in Tartarus was this foul magick?

One was a skeletal pony, the other some manner of large felid, perhaps a manticore. Both glowed with a pink energy exuding from their bones. Both approached the wight.

The strange unicorn was sweating and breathing hard as well. Her magic waned and flickered, but she brought it to full power yet again with a yell. The two skeletons advanced on the wight as the ghosts yanked it back with the chains.

The skeletal creatures charged into the wight, glowed a hot pink, and exploded into shards of arcane bone. The ghosts and wight were destroyed, fading away in wispy hissing shadow. Bones clattered to the ground. The noise of the explosion caught Luna by surprise, and she lost control of her magic for several seconds.

That was all it took. Through the fast-closing portal they saw Celestia running forth and shouting, “No! Sister! Focus Luna, I can't lose you, beloved,” and the portal slammed shut, sealing them in the realm of dreams.

Luna sat now, her mouth agape, tears flowing freely down her snout. The other unicorn walked over to her in the darkness, her horn glowing with a spell of illumination.

The stranger asked quietly, “Hast thou a light spell of thy own?”

Luna nodded, her horn glimmered purple, and she conjured a powerful beam of light.

The stranger gave Luna a cursory glance. The skeletal explosion had caught her flank, and a bad cut was on her thigh.

The stranger's horn glowed pink, and Luna took a sideways leap away from her.

“It's not evil, I swear! I do know healing magick,” spoke the stranger in a soothing voice. Luna warily let her use the magic. To her surprise, the healing didn't even sting as the wound on her leg sealed and scabbed.

Luna spoke, “That was... amazing.”

“One of many spells I have refined,” replied the stranger.

“Such tampering with the arcane is held in suspicion.”

“Thus do I refrain from the company of my fellow pony. Prithee, tell me thy plan to escape this prison.”

Luna attempted to open another portal. Her horn sparked, but she was unable. She spoke, “I am in need of rest.”

“This strange land seeems far too dangerous. Shall we proceed, in search of shelter? Doth thou know this realm of dreams?”

Luna nodded, “I visited a dozen times before, to ensure the safety of all when I brought our followers here. Thy name, strange unicorn of pink?”

“I am Bonemane.”

“Thou art a student of the dark arts as am I?”

Bonemane nodded, and said, “Indeed, though our paths split. Luna, thou who pursues dark magick, why do ye seek to gain peace and happiness by its use?”

“It need not be nefarious. The world is fraught with danger. Monsters abound, magick is abused. I seek to be a guardian and leader of all ponies; ergo, I must obtain power.”

They walked on a ways in darkness and quiet contemplation. At length, Luna spoke, “I must make amends for attacking thou.”

“It was I who sought to usurp thy rule,” answered Bonemane.

“For a pony who practices such dire magick, you seem... kind.”

“Dost thou regard necromancy as the realm of evil alone?”

“Prithee, for what else may it be?”

“Suppose myself and thou follow the same path by different means.”

Luna nodded, and they continued on. The expanse of dark was now broken by the faintest glint of a false dawn. Bonemane seemed startled by it. She spoke,

“Is that light I see in this realm of dreams?”

They sat now, exhausted from walking. Luna spoke, “Day and night occur within as they do in reality.”

“My thirst is great, Luna. Dost thou know of water in this eldritch place?”

Luna shook her head no, and twisted back to lift a canteen slung by her side. It was empty. Luna spoke,

“I must warn ye. We are not dreaming. Rather, we have so chosen to step within the boundaries of this place where no mortal should be.”

“I gathered as much,” answered Bonemane, “for who hast ever been injured by dreaming? Not one pony. Thou, however, had a cut on thy flank.”

“If only we were dreaming, then we would have only to awaken from this nightmare.”

The sunrise emerged from the horizon, filling the dream realm with light. They were on a broad plains. The rolling hills of grass and flower did not hold a stream nor pond in sight. The two unicorn's throats felt rough and their tongues felt dry.

Ahead in the distance could be seen a sparse forest. Luna spoke, “Where there art trees, there must abound water to quench them.”

They continued trotting on, and had almost reached the forest when another monster besieged them.

It flew down from the sky with a shriek. The large bird had golden scales, like a dragon, but it was much smaller. It had wings and two legs, like a bird, but the legs were muscular and similar to a dragon.

“A wyvern,” announced Luna, “Thou hast helped already. Allow me to engage this beast in battle.”

Bonemane stepped back. Luna charged the wyvern as it circled and then dove towards her.

They met in a collision of magick and claw. The wyvern ran into an invisible shield and bounced off, hitting the ground hard. It gave a complaining chirp, staggered to its legs, and hissed.

Luna smacked it with a strong magic missile. The creature took flight, and fled away from them.

The two unicorns walked together towards the forest now, hoping to find water soon. They entered the trees as the shadows of the leafy canopy closed over them.

Bonemane seemed bothered. She spoke, “Luna, how is this space before us in such clarity?”

Luna shrugged, and said she didn't really know. Being a dream, it should have been hazy, unfocused, abstract.

The sun rose close to noon and the weather became hot. No breeze blew today. Bonemane and Luna were sweating and panting profusely. Bonemane staggered, and almost fell; Luna supported her as they walked.

The sound of a burbling stream met their ears. Their eyes widened. They soon found a clear and calm brook, had their fill, and then lie in the water to cool down.

Luna rose from the stream, water cascading from her fur, and knelt to refill her canteen.

She and Bonemane walked on through the forest. Luna attempted once more to open a portal, and once more she was too tired.

They continued striding on until sunset. The weather began to cool.

Luna put her ears down, and said, “We must sleep if we may. Can thou conjure a shield, can we perhaps keep watch?”

Bonemane closed her eyes, and the pink magick of her horn seeped into the ground around them. She spoke with her eyes still closed, “Animals of the dream world have met their end here. Yes. I am able to maintain a shield of bone.”

Luna said, “I suppose that will do. Let us decide upon where to rest.”

A short ways further into the darkening woods, they found a broad and shallow pool of water. They stopped. The water was faintly glowing.

Something enormous could be heard walking towards them. The water began to ripple. A massive stag stepped into view, his antlers grazing the branches of the trees above.

It slowly paced through the pool until it stood in front of Luna and Bonemane. They had a good look at the dream creature.

Its body was not a physical substance, but rather, some kind of magic energy in the shape of a stag. This translucent blue and white energy rippled and flowed. The head was the same energy but more opaque, so that the features of a face may be seen.

Atop this head were antlers which were difficult to look at. They seemed solid enough, in appearance like normal antlers, but constantly grew and shrank and shifted through dozens of tiny paths and connections.

The stag spoke. The voice did not seem to come from the creature, but rather, from around them. As though the dream world itself were talking, or perhaps it was simply in their minds.

The disembodied voice began by saying, “Welcome, travelers. One seeks power and shall lead a nation. One seeks power and shall divide it.”

Lost in wonder, both Luna and Bonemane bowed to the creature, their snouts touching the water they stood in. The great stag spoke again, now seeming to be behind them.

They turned around, seeing the stag lying couchant on the forest floor. A glance over their shoulders. The stag was gone from the pool although they hadn't seen it move.

The voice resounded, calm and reassuring yet stern, “This land shall become known to you as Dreamspace, in a time when all ponies have been united in one kingdom known as Equestria.”

Luna asked, “How can thou know these things? Further, may I ask from whence thou came?”

“Within the Dreamspace, the constraints of thy reality cease to be. Time becomes a suggestion. Perhaps I am very ancient. Perhaps I have always been. I do not know. I merely know the extent of my power. My presence heals cracks in Dreamspace, and I observe the passage of possibilities.”

Luna spoke, “We seek egress into our own world once more.”

The stag slowly nodded, and then spoke, “Luna, why doth thou seek power?”

After a pause, Luna answered, “I desire the power needed to protect the innocent and stand against any threat. My sister and I seek to unify the tribes and houses, and bring an end to war among pony kind.”

Now the Stag spoke to the other unicorn, “Bonemane, thy heart is corrupt. Thy loss is greater than a mortal should bear. Allow me to express apology for thy experience in life.”

At these words, the pink unicorn glared at the ground, lie down, and began crying profusely.

Luna asked the stag, “Sir, art thou an elder being?”

The stag shook his head no, “I am not, nor do I know if they truly exist or if they be a myth. I am simply a creature of Dreamspace, and nothing more.”

The stag appeared in the pool once more. Its energy flowed into the water, and several lilies rose to the surface. These were formed from the same astral energy as the stag.

Taking a lily in his mouth, the stag plucked it out and sliced the roots off with magic. The roots were dropped at the hooves of Luna.

Now the stag spoke, “My power wanes; thus were you able to enter Dreamspace. I fear that without me, the sacred boundary between dream and reality may fail. My span of life nears an end. These roots contain what is left of my power... steep them as tea. Take, drink. Become alicorns, a harmony of all races as I am a harmony of Dream and Reality.”

The stag used magick, and cut a hole in the very air. Luna's eyes glimmered with happiness on seeing the way out.

The stag spoke, “Not just yet, young Luna... I shall return,” the stag wandered into the portal. All was silent. He returned shortly, closed the portal behind him, and spoke once more,

“Dreamspace is not one finite world as thou expects of reality. Within the abstractions of its being are numerous smaller pockets. Some temporal, some permanent. If thou accepts this power, thou shalt aid me in watch over this space of dreams.”

“Great stag,” began Luna, “would it be safe and proper to imprison dangerous beings of our world here?”

“In some cases... feral monsters may be contained here safely insofar as Dreamspace remains intact. Refrain from sentencing any sapient being within these borders, for they may have intellect enough to adapt and use its magic as their own.”

The stag knelt, and dropped two black roses at Luna's hooves.

He spoke, “Absolute power. Absolute cost. Eat these flowers if thou decide thou hast need of them, but beware. The magick of these roses is the same in dream and in reality... as very few objects are. The time may come when ye reflect upon this memory, and this fact may interest you.”

The air was rent by another rip, beyond which could be seen the grassy moor. It opened up right behind where the others had appeared before.

Remaining now were only two. Celestia lie on her belly where the portal had been. Her face was haggard and drawn, and it appeared she had not slept. Riverstone stood nearby her, a pensive look on his visage.

Luna and Bonemane stepped from the portal. Celestia looked over, her eyes wide in disbelief.

Celestia placed her wings around Luna in a hug. Bonemane sat by the portal, an uncertain look on her face as more tears came to her eyes.

The view of the memory began to flicker and fade. The memory orb stopped glowing, and the Hall of Memory was dark once more.

Author's Note

I like how the memory orbs make sense even though they shouldn't. Crystal, unlike glass, may be preserved for thousands of years with some repair via magic maintenance. Also, we store memory in crystal. Silicon crystals hold the data of this very text document. It makes sense that a properly formed crystal lattice could hold magic sparks of past memories too far gone for an immortal to recall.

3. The Battle of Saddle Lake

On the fourth floor of Canterlot Castle, in a private library, a small gathering sat in quiet thought. Some of them read books. Three of them were giving consideration to strange, glowing gemstones that they wore.

They had been quiet all the way back out of the storage cellar and all the way upstairs to this archive where they sat.

At last, Princess Luna spoke, “This fact... may interest us later. Dreamspace, and Reality... as the appointed guardian of Dreamspace, I know that most creatures and objects cannot transcend the two planes.”

Maud put to words what Luna was trying to say, “Your alicorn powers and alternate forms are the insane power of Dreamspace, but usable in reality.”

“Yes, but that's not all... the stag's words had to refer to something, he directly spoke to us who were watching the memory.”

Cobalt the griffon spoke up in her high, gravelly voice, “Um, Luna, what about these element thingies? I got mine from a dream.”

Luna nodded, and said slowly, “Yes, but, you were dreaming. How can you take or interact with an object without actually being there? Dreamers are no more than ghosts in Dreamspace.”

Sky spoke up, “I think... I need to be real honest about how I found my element.”

He told them about resting on an island in a river, dreaming of a portal into a gray nothing, and the dream within a dream that resulted in taking an item from that dream.

Celestia admonished him, “Why didn't you bring this up before?”

“Well,” said Sky, “I'm still not sure what it all was.”

Luna spoke, “A temporal mirror pocket... that is, a copy of the location you were in, very realistic in feel, that ceases to be when you wake up.”

“Is this significant?” asked Sky.

Luna nodded, “That's really quite rare. It's the best defense Dreamspace has to isolate dangerous things... and then another portal into someplace that was not the dream world. A platform, gray sky... it sounds so much like the Void.”

Sky didn't believe that. He said, “I went into the Void, the nothing, and came right back out safe again?”

“Well, yes,” said Luna, “But, no objects exist in the void. Only the barriers between worlds. And all this time, the focus has been Dreamspace, and your elements function in the realm of dreams.”

Maud added, “While it boggles the mind to ponder the concept of nothing, we do not know anything about the Void. Perhaps it has its own isolated world, magic, objects, monsters, as Dreamspace does. Consider how outlandish Dreamspace is.”

Luna agreed. Dreams took place in a physical dimension outside of reality you could only view while sleeping, where mortals were never meant to physically access.

Celestia spoke up, “We do know that the Void, if it even can be said to exist, is literally nothing. It is a concept. If there are multiple dimensions then there must be barriers between them and something to separate them. It would have no structure at all to support objects, no physics, no magic energy.”

Luna objected, “And yet, Sky just perfectly described the void. When I was banished, the last conscious thought of my own before Nightmare Moon overtook my will was of the tear in the pocket dimension. It led into a dark gray space with lights like stars.”

Celestia answered, “It would seem the decline of magic and the chaos of our world transcends even Dreamspace. This... is a subject we can offer no insight on despite our thousands of years of being.”

Skyblazer stood up and stretched. He spoke his mind, “All of this is going nowhere. It's just been monster fights, forbidden magic, mind-breaking insanity, I've been hurt, I've seen family hurt... what I need is a damn break.”

Cobalt hopped from her chair and walked over to him. She spoke, “Going back to visit the farm?”

Sky nodded. He said, “Autumn is here, it's harvest season. They could use the help. I've also earned enough bits to make a nice donation for the farm.”

Luna gave him and Cobalt a quizzical look with one ear down.

Cobalt placed a front leg on Sky's shoulders and said, “Mind if I come with you?”

“Not at all!” said Sky, “But are you sure? My dad ain't so great to be around.”

“I'm planning to be super friendly and a hard worker. Your father is going to be so confused and pissed at me. Won't know how to feel!”

“Language, please,” said Celestia as she sipped her tea.

“Sorry, miss Celestia,” said Cobalt.

Sky liked this plan. He and Cobalt spent some time in conversation with the other ponies here. They left the castle then, and walked through the political district of Canterlot until they reached a quiet flight platform away from the busy areas.

They prepared to take off from the wooden deck, but heard a loud burst of air behind them. Princess Luna had teleported to their location. She spoke,

“Follow me, please.”

Her horn glimmered purple and she tore a hole into the Dreamspace. All three entered. It was a beach, with waves rolling in from the ocean.

Cobalt asked, “Princess Luna, is it safe for us to actually be in the dream land? What if that crazy dark wizard finds us?”

“Even if he survived,” answered Luna, “It is doubtful he recovered his power so quickly. Further there are many, many pockets to Dreamspace. Now listen, please.”

Sky and Cobalt had a seat and were quiet.

Luna said, “I need to tell you a few things, and I need you to keep this private. You may share this with my sister, but nopony else. First, Celestia and I are aged beings with a deep grasp of the workings of magic. It is not so easy to pull the wool over us.”

Sky and Cobalt didn't like where this was going. Luna continued,

“I know that you are both responsible for petty theft and mischief in Canterlot. I also know that you impeded a violent jewel thief today. I am not here to discipline you nor admonish you.”

“Okay,” said Sky in a quiet tone of voice.

“While events were confined to the Dreamspace, we had some iota of control... now that the nothing between worlds is involved, Celestia and I are completely in the dark. This situation is an unthinkable enigma. Do not let your guard down. Not here, not in reality, not until this mystery is resolved.”

“I understand,” said Sky, and Cobalt nodded.

“All the ancient prophecies are coming true as magic falls apart. Without magic, our world will die. You must become worthy of the Elements of Conflict. A time may arise shortly when the elements test you. To be heroic is to face great hardship and sacrifice.”

Cobalt spoke, “Zecora warned us of some kind of darkest hour.”

Luna nodded, “It fast approaches. Continue on to the farm, visit family, but use caution.”

They exited the dream, and Luna galloped into flight towards her castle. Sky and Cobalt took flight in the opposite direction, angling with the sun towards Dodge Junction. Their armor glinted in the sunlight, and the cold autumn winds blustered through their feathers as they adjusted their wings to the currents.

The ring on Cobalt's talon began to glow. She thought towards Sky,

The waffles were tasty, but you know I have to have meat if we're taking a long flight.

Sky angled his wings to glide right and avoid migrating birds. His foggy gray crystal rippled as he thought, Let's look for water too, I need to refill my canteen.

They flew for about another hour. Ponyville was drawing close. A lake on the Northeast glinted in the sunlight.

Sky pointed it out to Cobalt. They tucked in their wings, and made a fast dive for ground level.

Both of them made a graceful landing at the forest's edge where it met the water. They refilled their canteens from a brook which fed into the lake. In the autumn chill, the river water was freezing and refreshing.

Cobalt wandered off into the trees to empty her bladder and look for animals to hunt. Sky waited back on the shore, exploring the lakeside for seashells and skipping stones.

The line of trees reflected in the water broke off into a grassy clearing. Sky noticed several tiny clouds in this clearing, right by the ground like fog.

He walked over to them, curious. The clouds were far too bulky to be natural. Three of them formed a ring around a hole in the ground where a fire had been built.

Ahh, a pegasus campsite. Who needs a tent when you can build one out of cloud?

As Sky turned to leave, his ears caught the rustle of something in the bushes.

From the thicket jumped an angry-looking red unicorn who had angry-looking scars on her body. The clouds now dispersed, revealing three pegasi.

They surrounded Sky. The unicorn spoke with a smirk, “Your money and possessions ain't worth your life.”

Sky launched off the ground in a flurry of wings and falling feathers. He focused all of his energy and magic on one of the clouds.

The low cloud slowly darkened. The pegasus sitting on it jumped off a moment too late as the cloud began to fizzle with static. A tiny bolt of lightning arced from cloud to pegasus, making a tiny peal of thunder.

It was still a lot of voltage, and the pegasus collapsed to the ground. The other two pegasi advanced on Sky now, as the unicorn stood back and waited.

Each pegasus unsheathed a jagged blade. They held the shortswords in their mouth and swooped in with aerial acrobatics.

Sky relied on his speed and agility. The harsh events Sky had been through, such as evading an elder dragon in the canyon lands, had bolstered his confidence and ability.

The three pegasi looped and swirled and formed wisps of obscuring fog. Sky dove through the fog, closed his wings in against his body, and slammed into the silver pegasus with a shoulder.

The silver pegasus stayed airborne, but dropped his blade. Sky drew his own knife and snapped his wings out. He charged as though to slash at the face; the silver pegasus dodged left, and Sky juked right.

His knife snagged on feather and sinew as it cut the wing. Thus clipped, the silver pegasus fell towards the ground. It was a long, long fall, and Sky had no desire to be a murderer.

Skyblazer thought of the thrill of diving in flight. Wings tucked in, acceleration great. Wind blitzing past. Air crackling as the sound barrier nears. And then, he imagined diving into water, the fizzy bubbles surrounding you, slowing you down, gracefully...

His necklace glowed fiercely as the gray crystal filled with inward fog. A golden burst of magic ensconced the falling silver pegasus, and he began to float like a leaf towards the ground. He landed gently in the bushes.

The red unicorn noticed this. She thought to herself, I didn't do that.

While Sky was busy saving a life, the other bandit took his opening. Sky heard the whoosh of something heavy slicing through the air, and felt a sturdy metal sword slam into his back.

The dragon-scale vest took the stab with ease, and the sword slid off to the side. Sky rolled to avoid damage to his wings, and with the same rolling motion he used a spell he had practiced enough to use with ease: Pyro.

A wave of searing heat blasted over the dark blue pegasus. Fur smoldered, feathers caught on fire, and his breath burned in his throat.

The dark blue pegasus spiraled towards the lake like a shot-down aircraft, trailing smoke and fire. He managed to control his fall well enough, and safely plinked into the water.

Sky complained, “Ah hell, my back,” and stretched while looking through the fog and smoke for the red unicorn.

She had maneuvered behind a tree. Sky noticed just a second too late as a glint of red magic appeared in the thicket. All he could do was brace for impact.

The red unicorn was suddenly knocked over, and her magic missile went askew. It glanced off of Sky's abdomen, right below where the dragon scale armor ended.

It felt like a donkey-kick to the gut. All the breath was knocked out of him, and he began to fall from the air towards ground level far, far below.

Down in the forest, Cobalt had charged from the bushes like a lion in ambush and slammed into the red unicorn. They were fighting now, with magic and claw and fierce kicks.

Sky felt dizzy and weak. He could not focus enough to regain lift. All he could do was weakly send a message to the griffon, Help.

Cobalt noticed Sky's fall. She did not panic. A cold and calm light came into her eyes, and she attacked the red unicorn with the ferocity of a feral animal.

Red magic bolts slammed into Cobalt again and again, each magic missile badly bruising her, but she still ran forward.

With a savage lion's roar, Cobalt launched off a boulder, pulled her right front leg back, and raked her talons across the face of the red unicorn. The unicorn went down, clutching at her face and screaming.

Now Cobalt ran into the clearing, her claws leaving drops of blood on the grass. Her ring glowed fiercely, and she began an ancient magic incantation.

Cobalt's eyes glowed, and dark blue magic shot towards the falling Sky. The wind began to slow. A squirrel, running away from the commotion, slowed to a brisk walk. All was calm, except for Cobalt, who galloped towards her friend.

She dove, caught Sky, and slid on the rocky ground, further aggravating the bruises she had received.

Time resumed its normal flow. The red unicorn was back to her hooves, and her horn glimmered fiercely with some manner of angry spell. The silver pegasus, his wing badly cut and bleeding, had picked up his sword and was advancing on them.

Cobalt lie on her side, cradling Sky with her front legs. Sky was struggling to catch his breath. Cobalt put up a feeble magic shield, closed her eyes and grit her teeth.

Suddenly the air was rent by a series of bangs like cannons going off. Everypony present cringed and flinched.

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and a contingent of unicorn guards appeared in the clearing, surrounding all of them, ready for a fight.

The battlefield was calm as the blast of wind from teleportation settled back down to a calm forest breeze.

Princess Celestia spoke, “Oh, it's you two. What happened here?”

The red unicorn, her face dripping blood from deep cuts, spoke in a soft and girly voice, “Celestia, these awful robbers tried to steal my money! And the griffon tried to kill me!”

Luna's horn glimmered and sent some sort of spell at the red unicorn. She was surrounded by an arcane bubble. Now, Luna spoke, “Sky and Cobalt, what do you say happened here?”

Skyblazer had finally caught his breath, but he wasn't able to stand just yet after having the wind knocked out of him. He lie on his belly and spoke feebly, “I can barely talk, sorry... ugh, Cobalt...”

Cobalt was now standing in front of Sky full of adrenaline with her wings bristled, still braced for an attack. She took several deep, calming breaths, sat down, and spoke,

“Well, I say me and Sky were taking a break when we were ambushed by bandits. Sky was refilling the canteens while I was off hunting my dinner—yeah I know, I'm a scary predator. Grrr and stuff.”

Luna interrupted, “Nopony here is judging your biological needs. Continue.”

“I didn't see most of the battle. When I heard that zinging whoosh kinda noise magic missiles make, I ran over, saw the unicorn attacking Sky, and knocked her over.”

Celestia nodded, and asked Sky if he was able to talk now.

Sky nodded weakly, and spoke in a raspy voice, “They ambushed us. I saw some magic clouds at ground level, went over to check it out. Unicorn, two pegasi attacked me.”

A female unicorn guard spoke, “Sir, I observe two pegasi and a unicorn here. Where is the third?”

“Check the lake,” said Sky with a malicious grin.

Celestia sent several flashes of light into the air from her horn. A shape hurtled towards them from the skies above, and an armored pegasus whooshed over them towards the water.

This pegasus guard hovered over the water, picked something up from it, and slowly flew back to them with heavy flaps of his wings.

The dark blue pegasus bandit was deposited roughly on the ground. His burnt fur and feathers were soaked, and most of the fur on his face had been singed off.

“Well then,” Celestia spoke, “They certainly chose their targets poorly.”

Another unicorn guard stepped forward. He spoke to the princesses with a Manehattan accent, “Your majesty, I recognize the red unicorn. Wanted for a long list of crimes in Eastern Equestria. Looks like she fled West, probably hopped a freight train.”

The guard dug into a saddlebag, and took out two rolled-up scrolls. The first was a poster with the red unicorn's likeness drawn on it and her name, Raindancer. Her list of infractions took up the entire second scroll.

Celestia nodded grimly and said, “Most likely her accomplices are swords for hire. How much did you promise them, hmm?” she asked of the red unicorn.

The unicorn looked at the ground and slowly responded, “A thousand bits each plus loot shares.”

Luna spoke, “I will heal your injuries, but first, I must lower the defenses I placed. If you fight or flee with magic, it will be considered a capital crime and we will cut off your horn. Understood?”

A frightened nod from the red unicorn, and Luna took down the arcane bubble. Dark purple magic shone on the face of the unicorn, the bleeding stopped, and the wounds scabbed over.

Celestia sat by Sky and Cobalt, joined by a unicorn scribe who held a quill and parchment with magic. She asked them to relay every detail they could, and they did so.

Finally, she asked Cobalt, “You know ancient magic? I am honestly caught off guard by this. I expected it of Skyblazer, who we have discovered has an affinity for it.”

The response from Cobalt, “Well, I am best friends with Zecora.”

Celestia nodded. That was fair. She spoke gently, “I'm sure you know it's forbidden, even in self-defense. Did you not have any other spells at your disposal?”

Cobalt shook her head no, “I don't know the soft landing spell and he was falling too fast to catch him.”

“Okay,” said Celestia, “Let's call it... a one thousand bit fine for use of forbidden magic. This will be taken from the reward money, which is four thousand bits.”

“Leaving us...” said Cobalt, as she trailed off in a disbelieving whisper, “Three thousand bits... how do we even carry that much money?”

Princess Luna's horn glowed, and she cut a hole in reality. She stepped into a dimensional pocket where a broom, mop and other cleaning supplies could be seen neatly stacked.

She returned carrying a bulky cloth bag in her mouth. This was dropped in front of Sky and Cobalt, making a jingling noise.

Within were thirty coins made of gold, which had a sun symbol on one side and a moon symbol on the other. They were twice the size of a standard bronze bit, which was bean sized.

Sky had never even seen one of these before. Each was worth a hundred bronze bits. He took one coin in his mouth, and placed it on a wing to feel the weight.

Luna used her healing magic to heal a few cuts on Sky. Cobalt was in worse shape, and had a number of scratches and bruises to heal.

Luna put her ears down and spoke to Cobalt, “Through my healing spell, I could feel that one of your ribs was cracked with a small, hairline fracture. It is not severe, but it is bad form to attempt magic for healing broken bones. They must be left to mend naturally.”

Cobalt stood, grimacing with the sheer pain of the injury. She spoke, “Guess we're stuck walking... dammit, Sky's farm is a long way off.”

Sky, who was standing now and clutching at his sore gut with a front hoof, spoke, “We could always take the train. You're properly registered and all.”

Celestia, Luna and the royal guards took a moment to get their bearings. They teleported back to Canterlot with the manacled prisoners. The torn air pockets closed with loud bangs.

Sky and Cobalt held up arcane shields to protect their ears from the racket. They split the heavy gold coins between them, and walked to Ponyville while leaning on each other for support.

Suddenly, the voice of Princess Celestia was in their minds, Cobalt the griffon. Thou who says ye art but an unwanted outcast. I can't believe you endured seven high-level magic missiles at point blank range for the sake of a friend, that is heroism on the grandest scale.

Cobalt smiled through the pain in her ribs.

Now Luna's voice came to their minds, clear as day, Perhaps now that you have some bits to your name, you two could refrain from petty theft and pick-pocketing?

Here Cobalt frowned and thought back, Yes, ma'am. Sorry ma'am.

About a half hour later, they arrived at the Ponyville train station. The armed and armored pegasus and griffon pair received plenty of stares from the mild mannered townsfolk.

As the pair walked down the street towards the platform, an earth-pony mare with her kids crossed the street to avoid them. She paused then, and asked, “Monster hunters?”

Sky answered, “Yes ma'am, we were just injured fighting some bandits. Taking the train, hurts too bad to fly right now.”

The mare replied, “Oh, in that case thank you for keeping the ponies and fillies of Ponyville safe.”

The next train to Appleloosa wouldn't arrive until the next afternoon. They had a whole day ahead of them, and the ponies they most wanted to speak with were still out in Canterlot.

Cobalt spoke, “Let's restock our supplies and take some time to relax.”

Sky agreed. They asked around and found a blacksmith.

They heard the building before they saw it. A hammer was ringing off of hot metal, and the sound of red-hot iron sizzling in cold water met their ears.

The building, with open sides to let heat vent out, was a very warm and comfortable place to be in the cold of autumn. A wooden sign on it was crudely painted, 'Haystack's Armor Shack'.

Sky raised an eyebrow at the name as he entered. The sweating blacksmith unicorn noticed them, and took a few heavy steps over.

The bulky, muscular unicorn looked like he could show up even Big Mac in pure strength. Cobalt realized that physical endurance probably factored into magical stamina.

He spoke in a rumbling baritone, “What have we here? A couple of adventures, pegasus and griffon? Y'all seem a hearty pair. I take it you wish for me to refurbish your equipment?”

“Yes,” said Sky, “and I noticed your name is Haystack.”

“Aye, Brickhouse Haystack. I changed only the first name. What pony wants to go by 'Oatmeal'?”

Cobalt snickered, and Sky smacked her on the shoulder before speaking, “I'm from a farming family too, sir. I am Skyblazer Haycart.”

With an evil smirk, Cobalt said, “He was first named Haul-Ass Haycart, cause he flies and hauls ass.”

Both the blacksmith and the griffon had a laugh at this while Sky sat with his ears down and a sour expression.

Brickhouse gave Sky a friendly smack on the back, making him stumble, and then spoke, “What are we but fellow farm ponies with family trouble! As ye pegasi say, birds of a feather we be! Why this call for a beer.”

His horn glimmered with magic the color of caramel. The beam of magic roughly swiped three bottles off a shelf with clinking noises, set them on the front counter with a clunk, and snapped the bottle caps off.

The beer was dark as coffee, and Sky coughed after taking a swig. Cobalt had hearty gulps with gusto.

Sky held the cold, frosty bottle with a dexterous wing, and took smaller drinks. He and Cobalt helped each other take all their armor pieces off, with assistance from the blacksmith.

Brickhouse stared at the glowing rune on Cobalt's back leg.

Cobalt noticed, and told him about choosing to endure a magic brand in order to earn Zecora's trust. Brickhouse whistled, and said,

“That's some commitment now lass, an I ain't got a thing against no griffon, mind ye.”

Cobalt thanked him as he took their weapons and armor back into his shop.

They continued talking and drinking beer at the counter. Brickhouse had come from a vegetable and flower farm in Northwest Eqeustria, south of Vanhoover. His family was famous for their pickles and preserves and flower fields.

It was clear that flowers and gardening was not his passion in life. Though a unicorn, he took great pride in physical brawn. He became an assistant at the smithy when he came of age.

His parents approved but his siblings detested his choice. This made for some nasty family conflict, and he was swift to catch a train out of town when he had enough smithing experience.

Brickhouse spoke, “Y'all might wanna stay put here, got a storm scheduled today. Been a dry spell fer some festivities, gotta make it pour to make up for that.”

Cobalt lowered her voice and asked, “Sir, do you have like, a back room where Sky can help me bandage up my side? I have a broken rib from our last bounty. It hurts like you wouldn't believe now that I pulled the armor off.”

The unicorn smith offered a hearty chuckle, “Yes I do have a storage room y'all can use. Reckon you don't want ponies to think yer doing something else, aye?”

Sky's face turned a deep crimson color, and he quickly stepped back into the smith's shop with Cobalt.

They returned shortly. Cobalt's ribs had been bandaged tightly with gauze held together by a few drops of thornsap. She flexed, and grimaced in pain.

“Yep,” she said, “that hurts about as bad as an arrow stuck in my leg.”

She relayed the story of her arrival to Equestria. The paranoid guards in Manehattan had chased her off and shot a volley of arrows. She had hid in a train tunnel and almost been run over.

Such was her welcome to the 'peaceful and loving' kingdom of Equestria.

Years had gone by since then. Cobalt had calmed, matured, adapted. She now knew to be calm and polite in the presence of ponies, who scared easily.

With her armor and equipment, it was obvious she was a monster hunter or guard. This gave some reassurance to the ponies, who were always thankful for the few brave souls who could handle such a dangerous profession.

Cobalt's time in the company of Zecora, her first real friend, had given her a working knowledge of alchemy, fighting monsters and living off the land that was far beyond the average. Her numerous skirmishes against the creatures of Everfree had taught her agility and skill in flight.

Now this griffon was ready and willing to spend time even in major pony cities. With the company of Sky and a signet ring which declared her a licensed bounty hunter, as well as the support of the princesses, she could find a new life in Equestria.

Brickhouse the blacksmith noticed the metal signets they wore. He said with deep respect, “Oi, you two don't just battle monsters? You take on sapient beings what pose a grave threat? That's a bounty hunter's discount then. Notch above monster hunting, I reckon.”

It really was. When they had asked the princesses about the signet symbol on wanted posters, they had been informed all about it. Becoming a licensed bounty hunter meant knowing how much force to use in self defense, and avoiding collateral damage.

They were required to avoid causing serious injury or killing a wanted fugitive except as a last resort. Causing any major harm—such as Sky clipping the pegasus' wing—would have to be reviewed and could lead to reduced rewards and even loss of the license.

Normally only ponies could become bounty hunters, and foreign races could only hunt monsters. An exception had been made for Cobalt.

The rain subsided to a gentle drip as the last echoes of thunder resounded off the distant hills. Cobalt and Sky stepped out from beneath the roof of the smith building.

Cobalt asked, “How about some sweets?”

Sky realized something now and said, “Oh Cobalt, did you get a chance to eat? I'm not sure how much time passed before I was attacked.”

“Yeah, I snagged a couple rabbits and a fish from the river.”

“Still hungry for dessert, though?”

“How's that a question? Let's go to Sugarcube Corner.”

They walked down the dirt street away from the shop, avoiding potholes in the road. The dirt trail became a cobblestone street as they entered the business part of town.

Two rows of wooden buildings lined each side of the street, looking like an average wild west town. There was technology though, magic electric lights and devices were in some of the shop windows.

Sky spoke to Cobalt, “I feel weird without my armor on. I've worn it so long now, it feels like I'm floating.”

The reply from her was, “I'm sure it feels better than walking with a cracked rib. Every damn step feels like fire.”

They passed by a small gathering of ponies conversing on a porch. One of them stepped away from the crowd; this was a unicorn wearing the bronze armor and signet that declared him a royal guard.

He took several haughty, cantering steps towards Cobalt, stared her down, and said loudly, “Now didn't we tell you to get the hell out of Ponyville? Looks like I need to haul you in to the dungeons. Damn griffons, monsters all of you.”

Cobalt began a low growl, and heard a telepathic message from Sky to shut up and let him handle this one.

Sky nuzzled into one of her saddle packs and found what he was looking for: a rolled up document.

He used delicate telekinesis to pull the twine off the parchment, unroll it, and present it to the guard.

The unicorn guard snagged the document with his own magic, almost tearing it. His eyes ran down the page, he gave an angry snort, and he gave the document back.

“Fine, damn you. Guess you can stay. I know it was you who stole the cider, who else is strong enough? Oh, and Celestia didn't find out who did it yet either huh? Suspicious.”

Sky and Cobalt continued on their way with angry glances back. They walked on to the bakery, and met no more resistance on the way.

Sugarcube Corner was a much more positive experience. While Mr. and Mrs. Cake were startled to see a griffon walk through the door, they didn't express any sort of intolerance.

Instead Mrs. Cake said, “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner y'all. What can I get for you?”

Cobalt answered in a quiet and sweet voice, though still gravelly with some hint of her usual sarcasm, “Oh, let us look around a minute please. Smells so good in here.”

Sky and Cobalt bought donuts, jelly fritters and chocolate milk. It was a well-earned meal. Mr. Cake asked about the griffon's injuries, and they discussed their encounter with Raindancer the wanted outlaw.

Mr. Cake reacted to this with an angry huff, saying, “Ooh I know that pony personally. Would you believe she and her gang robbed our bakery once? A damn bakery! We ain't got that many bits even on a good day.”

The Cakes gave them a gift on the way out: a sturdy wicker basket that clasped onto Cobalt's saddlebags. It was for breads, pastries and other fragile items. With it, they were given a free loaf of garlic bread which smelled just divine.

Sky and Cobalt waved goodbye to the Cakes, and walked over to the crystal castle. They found the guest rooms on the first floor, and each took a separate room for the night.

It was eerie being here while nopony else was. Even Spike wasn't home. A note said that he was away on a trip with Rarity to help her with the Manehattan boutique.

They had a sound sleep in cozy guest beds stuffed with soft fresh hay. A rooster woke them in the morning.

Author's Note

ᵀʰᵉ ˡᵒʷ ᶜˡᵒᵘᵈ ˢˡᵒʷˡʸ ᵈᵃʳᵏᵉⁿᵉᵈ. ᵀʰᵉ ᵖᵉᵍᵃˢᵘˢ ˢᶦᵗᵗᶦⁿᵍ ᵒⁿ ᶦᵗ ʲᵘᵐᵖᵉᵈ ᵒᶠᶠ ᵃ ᵐᵒᵐᵉⁿᵗ ᵗᵒᵒ ˡᵃᵗᵉ ᵃˢ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜˡᵒᵘᵈ ᵇᵉᵍᵃⁿ ᵗᵒ ᶠᶦᶻᶻˡᵉ ʷᶦᵗʰ ˢᵗᵃᵗᶦᶜ. ᴬ ᵗᶦⁿʸ ᵇᵒˡᵗ ᵒᶠ ˡᶦᵍʰᵗⁿᶦⁿᵍ ᵃʳᶜᵉᵈ ᶠʳᵒᵐ ᶜˡᵒᵘᵈ ᵗᵒ ᵖᵉᵍᵃˢᵘˢ, ᵐᵃᵏᶦⁿᵍ ᵃ ᵗᶦⁿʸ ᵖᵉᵃˡ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵘⁿᵈᵉʳ.

BOOM

"ᴼʰ, ᵈᶦᵈ ᵐʸ ᶜʰᵉᵉʳᶦⁿᵍ ᵈᵒ ᵗʰᵃᵗˀ"

4. Harvest Season

After a visit to the market to gather fresh food and a stop in town to get a few more supplies, they returned to Brickhouse the smith to pick up their armor. He gave them a half off discount, checked the fit, made a few adjustments to the straps, and sent Sky and Cobalt on their way.

The dragon scale vest had been scrubbed clean, polished until the dark green scales sparkled in the sun, and the slits for Sky's wings had been smoothed out and cut properly.

With new straps and buckles, the vest fit Sky better than before. He felt no chafing at all walking around with it on, and a warm quilted tunic beneath it would help absorb impacts. Where the vest had been damaged and scales pried off, gleaming rings of metal had been sewn on.

Both Sky and Cobalt's metal armor pieces had been cleaned, polished, repaired of dents and scratches, fit with fresh quilted padding, and adjusted to fit them snugly.

Their weapons had received equivalent care. Sky took a moment to appreciate the polished, balanced, honed hunter's knife. Even the jagged edge on the spine of the knife had been carefully sharpened with a file, so that he could cut firewood with it.

Cobalt took her heavy falchion in both talons, reared onto her hind legs, and swung it in an arc.

She sheathed it across her back and dropped back down to all fours. She said, “Dude, thank you so much! The quality is incredible. Once I can fly again I've got to give this sword more use against monsters.”

In their battles, she had been more prone to use magic or talons. A good chance had not yet arisen to try out the sword she had gotten from the rural town of Cornhills.

It, and the armor she wore, was a gift of sorts. A going away present from the guards, in return for Sky and Cobalt staying away.

While it didn't seem entirely fair treatment for their effort in handling a dangerous monster bounty, they had caused a few problems in that town.

Sky and Cobalt walked towards the train station, getting compliments and jealous stares now for their gleaming armor. They bought tickets, sat on the wooden bench, and talked with other curious ponies who also waited for the train.

It arrived shortly. Sky and Cobalt boarded, presented their tickets to a frightened unicorn, and took their seats on one of the benches.

Back at Canterlot Castle, on the fourth floor, the two princesses waved a fond goodbye to the ponies whom they had invited. Maud was the last to leave. She asked if she could borrow several books, and was allowed to.

Luna and Celestia watched them disperse. When they were alone, Celestia cast a spell at the stairwell and blockaded it with a wall of magic.

The two sisters had a seat at the dining lounge table, and looked out the window. For a time, they were quiet.

Princess Celestia spoke, “While I rarely visit the Dreamspace, is it not true that pockets of it are usually foggy and abstract? Like a dream ought to be?”

Luna nodded while staring at hummingbirds outside the glass. She spoke,

“Several regions are quite realistic and clear. That I know of, this is true for the most vital areas.”

“It follows logically that the volcano dream was vital.”

“Yes, and Sombra had taken extensive control over it. I know.”

“What of the dragon, dear Luna? Have you ever encountered that Dreamspace creature before?”

Luna shook her head no, “I fear it may be worse than that. Through my experience I know how to tell a creature of dreams from a real creature. That dragon, Celestia? That dragon was real.”

“It cannot be! I recall it fleeing to another pocket of Dreamspace. Further, what of its crystals, were those not dream objects?”

“It is true the crystals were impervious in reality,” spoke Luna in a quiet tone, “It is also a correct statement that very few entities may cross into Dreamspace. Finally, it is true that, in managing and defending our own kingdom, our knowledge of the Dragonlands is sparse.”

Celestia chewed on her lip as she pondered, “And yet, this perfectly clear route to investigate the region which would leave us away from Canterlot while Harmony is broken... it feels like a trap, sister.”

Luna nodded, “Hmm, I agree. It would be more prudent to await Twilight's return. We haven't reason to doubt her success.”

“Very well,” conceded Celestia, “answers shall wait. For today, I will manage the various affairs and documents that need my attention.”

The princesses walked downstairs to the second floor, where meeting rooms, courts, and political offices were kept.

Celestia offered a deep sigh as she stood at the entrance to a courtroom. She spoke, “Oh the joy. It is time to observe the trial of one Raindancer and accomplices.”

Luna used a left wing to pat Celestia on the back. She spoke, “It is rather past my usual bedtime. I will be late for my patrol of Dreamspace at this rate.”

They parted ways now. Celestia entered the court majestically.

She passed the jury and took a seat in the front row. A badly overweight judge pony began walking sedately towards his booth, glowing with dark gray magic as he did so.

The majority of ponies in this room also began to glow dark gray. Guards, diplomats, members of the jury all revealed themselves as changelings.

Celestia ran towards the door, turned to face the threat, and observed a gathering of changelings all advancing towards her.

She slowly backed towards the door, watching for one of them to attack. A portal opened in the ground behind her. She fell in with a short scream.

Raindancer was the first pony to gain her composure. She prepared several magic spells, and launched red energy at the creatures.

All of her red magic was drawn towards the ceiling. A chandelier made of dark stones with glowing runes absorbed it.

Several other unicorns tried to fight back, and the same thing happened to their magic.

The pegasi in the room tried to flee, but the changelings could also fly. The pegasi were corralled back to the ground.

Princess Luna continued upstairs towards her private bedroom. Lost in thought, very tired and ready to hit the hay, she turned a corner and reacted too slowly as the furnishings all began to glow dark gray.

She flew towards a balcony, while shooting spells down. Suddenly, a portal above her swallowed her.

Luna attempted to dive back out of it, but it closed, and she made a rough landing on rocky ground instead.

“Not you too,” came a voice, and her sister helped her back up.

They looked around. Just a dark, empty space.

“Where are we?” asked a groggy Luna.

Celestia appraised the area as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. She said,

“This looks like a throne room, in a stone structure, perhaps a castle. Outside would offer a better vantage.”

Her horn glimmered yellow and the air began to ripple. Suddenly, the yellow magic turned to smoke.

Luna's attention was on the stone throne. She stared at it and said, “No, it cannot be.”

The train arrived by night in the town of Appleloosa. It paused here for a half hour, waiting on passengers and freight. Hefty farm ponies disembarked, heading for the taverns and cafes.

Sky gave a disgusted look at the town. He spoke, “They call this place the seat of Southern Equestria, center of farming and trade. Really though? It's just a haven for outlaws.”

Cobalt asked, “What, they don't have guards this far out?”

“They have a town sheriff and guards on patrol, but they can only do so much."

“I'm hungry,” said Cobalt, “let's find a cafe and get one of your pony herbivore meals.”

They stopped in at the 'Rusty Wagon Bar'. The interior appeared to match the name. The bar did have cold beer and good hot bean soup though, and a roaring fire kept the occupants warm.

A senile and crazed looking earth-pony sat in a rocking chair by the fireplace. His speech was peppered with wheezing coughs. In spite of this condition, he both drank and smoked a pipe.

He beckoned Sky and Cobalt over. Sky took the rocking chair next to him, while Cobalt sat on the floor facing them.

A couple other patrons walked over to get a look at the armored griffon. They nodded in interest, and walked back to their tables.

The elderly earth-pony had a wild look in his eyes as he spoke, “They tell me I'm crazy, but I've seen it! In the mines, deep down far as we dug. One of 'em cockatrice critters.”

Cobalt spoke in a dubious tone, “Uh, those are forest creatures. They don't live in deserts.”

“I've seen it I tell ya!”

Sky had a drink of beer and said, “If one did wander out here, it probably went into the mines to get out of the heat.”

Cobalt agreed, and spoke to the old miner, “We here are monster hunters. We don't just handle monsters for nothing.”

“I can give you gold ore, just get rid of the thing! Don't want the mines to be full o' frozen ponies.”

They shook on the deal. Sky said, “The train leaves in thirty minutes. We don't wanna go buying another ticket for the morning one.”

The miner began yelling across the room, “Hey, Cornstalk! Get o'er here!”

A skinny unicorn pony walked over with an unhappy expression. He spoke,

“What is it now, you crazy old pony?”

The miner replied, “These fine folk here wanna smash the cockatrice in the mine. You reckon you can set them up fer a free train ride after?”

“I told you already Goldwater, there ain't no bird down there.”

“I've seen it! It's gonna get us!”

The unicorn named Cornstalk rolled his eyes and talked to Sky and Cobalt,

“Y'all don't mind the ol coot. He's out of his mind. Train's leaving soon, you better hurry up.”

Sky objected, “What if there is a cockatrice? It could turn the miners to stone. We should at least check.”

“The miners are tough enough to handle a small monster. Mind yer own business. You got any reason to be here in Appleloosa?”

“Well, no, but...”

“Then get out.”

“What's that, you jackass?”

Cobalt budged in and pushed the two ponies apart. She spoke,

“Okay, enough of this. Sky, didn't your momma raise you better than using a word like that? Let's just go. This whole town sucks.”

The two finished their beers and stormed out of the bar. Two other rough looking ponies followed them, one a pegasus, the other an earth-pony.

They staggered a little, both incredibly drunk. The pegasus one slurred, “Y'all messin' with grandpa Corn?”

Both drunk ponies moved in as though to kick them. Sky and Cobalt easily avoided them, took flight, and launched off towards the train station. The inebriated pegasus could not maintain flight.

Cobalt and Sky boarded the train, moved to the far back car, and waited for the whistle.

Sky was simmering with anger, but when he noticed Cobalt he calmed down.

The griffon was clutching her side, a grimace on her face and tears in her eyes. The short flight must have been agonizing.

Sky moved over to her bench, lie on his side, and leaned right up against her.

Cobalt offered a grim smile, and put a wing over Sky's back. She spoke in a very weak voice, “Don't worry about me, you little feathery bastard.”

The train steamed on into the night towards Dodge Junction as they slept.

They were nudged awake by a conductor, who said, “Time to get up now, we've arrived.”

The unicorn conductor took a blanket off of them and walked back towards the caboose carrying it in his mouth.

Sky and Cobalt got up and stretched. They helped each other equip their saddle bags. They walked through the train cars and stepped out into Dodge Junction.

Cobalt sat down on the worn and broken platform and looked over the collection of disheveled buildings. “This town sucks too,” she said.

Sky had to agree with her. He spoke, “Let's stop in at the general store and get a couple more canteens. It's a day's hike through the desert to reach the farming valley.”

Inside the general store, it was cool and dusty. A ceiling fan kept a gentle breeze going. Various sundry goods were held on sagging shelves. Aside from the shopkeeper, there were only a couple other ponies here.

One of them was Sky's brother, Hayseed Haycart. He had dark brown fur like his father, but his mane and tail were a darker gray. He was an earth-pony.

Hayseed set down the basket he was carrying, trotted over, and gave Sky a hug. He gave an appreciative look at the griffon.

Hayseed spoke, his voice lighter and softer than his brother's but with the same country accent, “Mighty fine armor, Skyblazer. You two are looking real professional there. Howdy, griffon, the name's Hayseed.”

Cobalt extended her front talons and shook the pony's hoof. She said, “Cobalt, like my feathers. Good to meet you.”

“Glad y'all could stop by,” continued Hayseed, “Folks could use the help with the harvest. I was just about to head on down myself.”

Sky took a cursory glance at his brother. Much less coal dust on him than usual, and much more energy. He wore a hard hat and saddlebags with rigging to hold mining tools.

Skyblazer asked his brother, “You look like your about to start your shift. What's with the mining gear? Aren't you going to the farm today?"

“Ah, you didn't hear did ya? Nah, reckon you two were off in Canterlot talking with the princesses. Sounds boring.”

Cobalt noted, “It wasn't.”

Hayseed spoke with a broad grin, “I'm the mine manager now! Old madam Dillweed finally retired.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Sky, “Congratulations, Hayseed. That's great.”

“I've been making some changes and making life a bit better for the miners.”

“Do you have time to help with harvest?”

“I'm in charge, Sky. I work when I want. Now then, before we leave let's hit up the bar and visit the mines.”

They did so. The tavern patrons were rather surprised to see a couple hearty, armored fighters stride in along with Hayseed, but they mostly ignored them and went back to their smoke and drink.

At one table sat several unicorns as old as the hills. They were playing poker. One wrinkly mare lowered her cards to give a sideways glance at the armored griffon and pegasus.

She asked, “Hayseed, be there some manner of trouble round here? Figure if there were a monster nearby we'd have heard of it.”

Hayseed gave her a warm smile and said, “No trouble ma'am, but they are monster hunters. You ain't gotta worry about any varmint with them around.”

They walked to the bar and had their seats. Cobalt squinted and waited for a repeat of yesterday.

The atmosphere in this tavern was different. All the old ponies preferred to mind their own business and simply ignore the strangers.

After the bartender brought their beers—paid for by Hayseed—Cobalt spoke quietly, “Much better than Appleloosa.”

Hayseed closed one eye, tipped his glass back for a drink, and said, “Folks think all the rural towns are full of southern hospitality. Truth is, some of em are colder by far than the big ol' cities.”

Cobalt, now curious, asked, “Is that so?”

“Folks o'er yonder don't trust outsiders. If you ain't from Appleloosa, you're suspicious. Visiting at night? They keep their muzzles by their scabbards. Add in a couple armored badass looking folk, one of em a griffon? They be prepared for a fight.”

“Has the town been attacked?” asked Cobalt, thinking of poor Ponyville.

“Nope, and they wanna keep it that way. Lots of tough monsters out in the desert. Been rumors of somethin' that can change how it looks, like you don't know what's real.”

Skyblazer spoke up, “Uh, that sounds very similar to rumors we've been hearing.”

He told Hayseed about the changelings, both the real ones and ones he had seen in a dream. Hayseed nodded as he drank his beer.

Cobalt said, “I can't blame em for being suspicious of strangers in that case.”

The three of them left the tavern and trod through the soft dirt out of town, towards the canyon country. A rough trail was here, worn down by hoof prints and wagon ruts.

It didn't take long to reach the mines. Cobalt and Sky waited on the surface while Hayseed ventured into a tunnel.

When Hayseed came back, he was hitched to a cart and no longer carrying his mining tools. A magic light of some kind glared on his helmet. He knocked a hoof against it and it went out.

It was still early morning, the autumn air cold and crisp and full of birdsong. They began the hike towards the distant blue mountains. The desert hike was much more bearable in the cold.

During the hike, Sky and Cobalt talked about their adventures together. Hayseed seemed incredulous about the dream world and their new elements. His doubts vanished when Sky and Cobalt demonstrated what their elements could do.

They ran into a large salamander at one point. This was a fire-breathing lizard as big as a domestic dog. It seemed lethargic and slow in the cold, and it wasn't hard to avoid.

Cobalt mentioned, “I can't eat those, the meat is no good. Got sick once before.”

Hayseed was rather uncomfortable with the topic, and Cobalt apologized.

Skyblazer alternated between walking to chat and flying to stretch his wings and scout ahead. Cobalt grimaced in pain just from the long hike, but seemed able to tough it out.

The scenery slowly changed from desert to forested foothills. The slope became steep, the trail rugged, and they reached the river valley as the sun set.

In the last fading light of day, they arrived at the farm. A few other farmers hauling heavy carts of produce passed them but didn't say anything.

A gate was opened. Over it was a finely carved wooden sign with fresh white paint which read, “Haycart Farm and Granary”. The fencing, too, was painted and well maintained.

Sky and Hayseed found their folks out in the grain fields, setting several empty carts out for the next morning.

Barley Haycart, a hefty earth-pony with dirty dark brown fur and a platinum mane and tail, was smoking a pipe and getting the cart equipage off his back. This was an impressive feat for an earth pony with no real dexterity.

His wife, Lightning Ridge Haycart, wore a cloak which covered up most of her golden fur. She was busy pulling a few weeds out from the ground.

Both of them noticed the three approaching.

They shook the dust out of their fur and walked over to meet them. Lightning gave Skyblazer a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She then walked over to Cobalt and did the same. Cobalt wore a look of surprise.

Barley, who was for a rare occasion sober, spoke up in his smoky bass voice, “Didn't think I'd see you at all during harvest season.”

Sky tried to smile but wound up with more of a scowl. He spoke, “We're actually here to help. I mean, if you don't want the help we can leave.”

“In that case, uh, Sky, why don't ya come in the house for dinner?” said Barley, “The griffon stays outside.”

Skyblazer was livid now, and about to say something sharp. He heard the shrill and gravely voice of Cobalt in his mind, It's fine. I can handle the cold, but you need to chill.

“What in tarnation are you up to with that?” asked Barley, as he noticed the ring Cobalt wore begin to glow.

Sky quickly spoke up, “Just trying to keep warm with magic. She's part bird, you know, doesn't do so well in the cold.”

Lightning Ridge gave her husband an unhappy stare. Barley chewed on his pipe and kicked the ground a few times. He then spoke, “Fine, the griffon can come inside. Any trouble from ya', and the both of y'all can get off the property.”

Cobalt managed to keep her voice polite and calm, even though Sky could feel the anger simmering in her mind. She said, “Yes sir. I'm just here to be helpful, I'm mighty strong too. I can pull carts, cut grain, whatever you need.”

Sky observed, “There ain't any unicorns in the family, dad. She has her talons, she can take care of things y'all have trouble with.”

Barley trudged back towards the farmhouse, not looking back at them. The others followed along behind and talked.

Lightning noticed bandages wrapped beneath Cobalt's saddlebags and a few serious cuts on Sky that had scabbed over. She spoke in a concerned voice, “Every time I've seen you two, you've gotten yourselves hurt. Really Cobalt, you should be resting, not working.”

Cobalt countered, “It's gonna be moons til I can fly again. Not gonna let my body lose strength until then.”

They arrived at the farmhouse, which was in much better condition than last time Sky had been here. Fresh paint, a new front porch, decorative flower beds which lie dormant as winter neared.

All the windows had glass panes now. While he was growing up, half of them were just boarded over. Smoke rose from a chimney. They had firewood and heat.

A welcome mat was at the door, and Lightning asked them to please wipe their hooves off. Or, in Cobalt's case, the lion paws on her back legs.

The house was immaculate, warm, and inviting. Lightning spoke, “Poor Violet is in just as rough shape as ever. She can't be in the cold for very long, but she wants to be helpful. Keeps the house nice.”

Cobalt noticed Barley leaning on a wall nearby, giving her an uncertain look, and so she spoke, “Well it certainly looks lovely, Mrs. Lightning! Smells great in here too, what is that, cookies?”

“Oatmeal raisin,” said Lightning.

Barley exhaled with a huff, and made a show of slowly walking over with an unhappy look on his face. He looked Cobalt in the eyes without fear, and then looked at her side. He spoke,

“Aight, tell us what happened. Y'all bite off more than you could chew going after a monster?”

Cobalt sat, took a moment, and then spoke, “No, Sky and me were ambushed by bandits. Had to fight them off.”

Sky added, “Turns out they had a bounty, we got the reward money. Speaking of which,” he walked into the living room, unhooked a pouch from his bags, and set it on the coffee table with a clunk and jingle.

Ten pieces of gold, amounting to a thousand bits, were portioned onto the table.

Barley trod over with heavy steps that shook the floorboards. He took a gold piece in his teeth, set it back on the table, and sat in disbelief.

Lightning sat next to Sky. She looked at her son and said in surprise, “Are you... sure, Sky? Our entire harvest won't be even half of this...”

Sky gave an arrogant nod, “Yes, it's for the farm. I told you I'd make money for the farm, before I left. Cobalt and I have been through hell and back and we have plenty more than that.”

“All legally obtained, I hope?” asked Lightning.

“Well, the gold pieces were from the bounty...” answered Sky.

Lightning interrupted him, “It's not important, what matters is we're together and a family,” Barley gave her an agitated glare, but she continued, “Yes, that includes Cobalt the mighty griffon. Cobalt, you're family here.”

Cobalt's cold eyes softened and she gave Lightning a warm and shocked smile. Barley began to object that this was too much, but Lightning said,

“Do I need to make good on my threat, Barley? All my things are packed.”

Barley seemed to recoil from her words. He took off his hat, holding it in the crook of his leg, and said in an angry mutter, “The damn griffon is part of the family here, if she gets some work done.”

Now Lightning asked, “So, you were ambushed by a couple of highway ponies?”

Cobalt continued her tale, “Not me, but Sky was. I was off, well, gathering some fish and rabbits. Sky was over getting water for the trip. He found a campsite in a clearing, and was attacked by three pegasi and a unicorn.”

Lightning spoke in an impressed voiced, “My son held off four against one, and three of them fliers?”

Cobalt nodded with an arrogant smirk, “Oh yeah he did. Fried one of em with weather magic. Knifed another. Used his element to set the third on fire.”

Sky spoke up, “I was scared, and I had to defend myself.”

Lightning understood, and simply said, “I see you two have become licensed bounty hunters. They've tightened the rules on that since my day. You didn't rough up the bandits too bad, did you?”

Sky shook his head no and said, “Nothing that won't heal, and it was a serious fight. They seemed ready and willing to kill for money. The pegasi had swords so I had to pull my blade and cut one of their wings,” he paused, looking at his mother.

Lightning asked, “How badly?”

Sky responded, “It can be healed with magic, just clipped the very bottom of his wing.”

“Good then,” said Lightning.

Cobalt resumed speaking, “I saw the unicorn using magic to try and shoot down Sky, so I ran over. She hit me with a bunch of magic missiles, but I was able to close in and fight.”

Lightning asked, “Is that what happened to your side?”

Cobalt placed a talon on the bandages, and said, “Yeah, broken rib. Hurts like hell.”

Barley was staring at Cobalt now with a strange look on his face. He put his straw hat back on, and said in an oddly quiet and shaky voice, “It's, well, it's getting late and I should hit the hay. Lots of work to do tomorrow. Night, y'all.”

When Barley had closed the door to his room, Cobalt asked, “What was that about?”

“I think I know,” said Lightning, “and we can talk about it later. Now Sky, that's ten gold pieces. We don't even need that many to get this place going strong.”

“We're fine, mom. Keep them. Get those fruit trees you wanted.”

Lightning twisted back to unclasp her cloak, and pulled it off her body. She reared back to put the cloak on a rack by the door. Now, her missing left wing was glaringly obvious as she extended her right wing for balance.

They walked to the kitchen, where a pot of beans simmered on top of a wood stove and cookies baked in an oven compartment.

“Ah, beans again?” complained Sky, “We just had beans. Looks great though.”

Lightning Ridge, Hayseed, Skyblazer, Cobalt, Piney and Violet gathered at the table for dinner.

Hayseed wasn't feeling well and opted to skip dinner. He spoke while the others ate, “Now that I'm in charge, I might be able to do something to help Dodge Junction. I'm thinking, rustic tourism. Go for that homemade, country, southern kindness vibe that city folks would be looking for.”

Sky blew on his bowl of beans and said, “It could work. Lots of work to do fixing up the buildings.”

“I'm sure once I get started more townsfolk will help me out.”

Piney Haycart spoke up now. This earth pony had golden fur the same shade as Sky and Lightning. He was the son of Lightning and Barley, which made him Sky's only full brother.

Piney said, “You don't know how much it means to us to have you here, Sky. Thought this was going to be a rough harvest season. If ya'll can come back in the spring, too, that would be a big help. We're going to get the saplings planted, eventually it's gonna be an orchard.”

Skyblazer nodded. He said, “Dad seems so different. That was the big problem, you know pa doesn't like me.”

“That's not true!” yelled Piney, “He was just upset with you is all. You've gotta see his side of things.”

“Might help if he'd stop drinking and cussing at everypony.”

Little Violet haycart spoke up now from the corner of the table, “Guys, please don't. Let's just enjoy the food, okay? It's all good, right?”

“Very good,” said Sky.

“I'm glad,” said Violet with a weak smile, “I do all the cooking round here, got plenty of practice.”

Cobalt paused her meal, wiped her beak with a cloth napkin, and said, “You're Violet, right? I'm good friends with Zecora, she said she knows how to cure you. Almost has everything she needs.”

Violet wasn't so sure, “Pa says not to trust strangers, specially not no magic ones.”

Lightning, who had finished her beans and was starting on cornbread with honey, spoke now, “I promised my husband I'd never talk about this. But, things have been so fucking crazy... I'm sorry, wow, pardon my language.”

Sky knew what she meant, and said, “You mean that nonsense with the dream world, right? It's been repaired now. Luna fixed all of it and no more dream monsters can get out.”

Lightning asked Sky, “Is that what those things were, dream monsters? Can you explain that?”

Sky nodded, “Since dreams happen in a real place, the magic and monsters there are real. They can't get you if you're dreaming, but if Dreamspace ever broke then they might get out into the real world.”

Cobalt added, “And from what we've seen, dream stuff can't be affected by nothing in the real world. Except for our Elements of Conflict. Between Sky, me and Maud we can actually fight off dream stuff.”

“Also,” noted Sky, “Celestia and Luna can actually go inside the dream world. Maybe other creatures can too.”

The rural ponies at the table were blown away by this. Hayseed spoke up, “Well, I reckon it's gonna be hard to sleep tonight.”

Lightning hushed them all, closed her eyes, and spoke quietly, “It was long before I met Barley. Before any of you kids were around, back when he had just married his first wife... they were on vacation in Las Pegasus.”

Sky took out a map of the kingdom. Violet walked over to take his and Cobalt's empty dishes so there would be space on the table. Sky unrolled the map, and found Las Pegasus by the Western coast, far to the south and near the desert.

Lightning continued, “They had both been drinking a lot, weren't really paying attention. Somepony stepped out from a back alley. He doesn't know what happened next, just a green glimmer of magic and then a ton of pain. It almost killed him.”

Cobalt spoke in a muffled tone with a mouthful of cornbread, “That's awful.”

“His wife managed to defend him, apparently she was a unicorn and it was dark magic so she had to respond in kind... anyways, they never caught the robber. Barley wound up in the hospital, and his wife spent a moon in prison for using dark magic. He has had zero trust of magic since then.”

Skyblazer had never even known this about his own dad. Nor, for that matter, did the other children of Barley. Quiet enshrouded the table until the food was eaten and dishes were brought to a washbasin of hot soapy water.

It was Cobalt who broke the silence, “And the only pony who knows how to cure the old curse Violet was hit by is Zecora the zebra alchemist.”

Lightning nodded, and Cobalt understood.

5. Help Not Wanted

Cobalt the griffon, a dangerous amalgam of eagle and lion, knelt down by the washbasin next to Violet, the timid, white-furred earth pony.

Violet, who lacked dexterity, was washing dishes using a sponge on a stick and a basin of hot soapy water.

Cobalt spoke quietly, “Here little one, let me help,” and took over the dishes for her. While Cobalt's talons were better equipped for seizing prey and defending herself, she was able to manage the dishes well enough.

Uncertain whether to flee in terror or be helpful and stack dishes to dry, Violet stood staring at the griffon in shock. Lighting walked over and placed her remaining right wing over Violet's back.

Lightning spoke, “Violet, we live in a strange and scary world. Cobalt is a strange and scary creature, but she wants to be our friend. It's okay if you're scared of her. Right, Cobalt?”

“Yeah, I don't mind,” said Cobalt.

Violet gulped, and spoke to the griffon in a shaky voice, “I'm sorry, don't mean to be rude ma'am... but you seem so much like a monster, just a nice and helpful one I reckon.”

Cobalt laughed softly, and held back the usual sarcasm in her voice, “I get that a lot. Hey, you know something? With a monster like me around, your big brother is safe!”

Now Violet had a bit of fire in her voice, “Say now, I may be the runt but I'm still a few years older than Sky! He's my little bro.”

Cobalt smirked and replied, “Is he now? I'll remember to remind him of that all the time. Okay?”

Now Violet smiled broadly and sidled up right next to the griffon to help with dishes.

It was time for rest. Lightning made sure Cobalt and Sky got a hot bath first, and she replaced the dirty bandages around Cobalt's side. All of their armor and packs and weapons were neatly stacked in the living room.

Lightning told Cobalt, “For any flying creature, a broken bone is serious. You have to avoid flight at all cost until it heals. The stress involved can make it even worse.”

The small farm house had one guest room, which Sky took.

Cobalt spoke with a yawn, “Eh, the couch is fine,” and walked downstairs.

Sky was nearly asleep when he heard a light tap on the door.

It was Cobalt, and she said, “Um, Sky... I was thinking, well, I had something I want to tell you... dammit, I'm so tough but I can't even say it. Here,” her ring began glowing and suffusing the room in deep blue light.

She used telepathy to communicate with Sky, who seemed surprised. Sky nodded, and moved over so Cobalt could get on the bed.

Another morning arose upon Equestria. All was at peace and nothing seemed amiss.

On the North slope of Canterlot Mountain, a wagon pulled by two unicorns reached the base of the meandering cobblestone trail.

A magic glow in blue and white encompassed the cart. When they reached level ground, the glow faded and the two unicorns paused to rest. The blue one seemed winded from the exertion.

She wore a cloak and a pointy wizard's hat. This was the popular style for powerful wizards centuries ago, and it helped the 'Great and Powerful Trixie' maintain more confidence.

Her companion, a light pink unicorn named Starlight Glimmer, observed the gradual rise of the sun and spoke, “It's odd, I can't quite place a hoof on it. Something is very wrong, but only Celestia or Luna could move the entire sun and moon, right?”

Trixie nodded as she paged open a 'borrowed' book and struggled with translating the Old Ponish runes, “My translation spell isn't very strong... like everything else I do but, it looks like the sun-moving spell came from a dream, and at first it took a whole town of unicorns working together to do it.”

Starlight spoke in quiet wonder, “After that vivid memory, perhaps that stag creature provided mortals with the spell. But now, only Celestia and Luna know of it, correct?”

Trixie answered in a hushed whisper, “Um, I might have accidentally overheard Twilight with a fun little spell called distant listening...”

Starlight glared at her.

“This was years ago but I think she said she had the power to use the spell by herself, or maybe she was given it, I don't know.”

This gave Starlight pause. She had a drink of water before speaking, “Hmm, so maybe other alicorns have sufficient power. It would be prudent of Celestia to keep a fallback.”

“Everything seems fine, Starlight. You're worrying about nothing. Let's go to Ponyville.”

They checked the condition of the wagon and their equipage, observed a sign, and followed a dirt trail lined with fallen leaves off to the West.

It was a bit of a detour going by hoof. The train and flight had more of a direct route, but the trail was built to be as gentle as possible despite the terrain.

This allowed supplies and construction materials to be hauled up to Canterlot, but also made the trek longer. It took a few days for them to reach Ponyville, while the train took one day to make its winding passage through the foothills.

The wagon was a mobile home on wheels, and formerly held everything needed for flashy stage magic. However, through the danger and insanity of their world both Starlight and Trixie had been humbled by the heroism and self-sacrifice they had seen.

No more stage shows, smoke and mirrors, fake magic. Trixie still felt awful about being born with very weak unicorn magic, but her new friend Starlight had shown her just how devastating the opposite could be.

Starlight had been born with exceptionally powerful magic and a desire to change everything that was wrong in the world. This led to some serious problems.

Now, they took a middle ground. Both had spent a few moons in the company of a zebra named Zecora, who was willing to hear them out and consider their request.

Trixie and Starlight traveled Equestria together now, as potion-makers and traders. Their heavy wagon was full of sundry goods, with the only clear space being beds at each side.

They had a rare break in the crazy events that had transpired lately. All was at peace, and this would be a good time to try and earn some bits in Ponyville. While ponies there didn't quite trust the pair, they could at least hope to trade some goods.

Starlight and Trixie each wore a bracelet clasped over a front leg. Gems glowed and flickered on these. Somewhere in Canterlot, probably in the blocky guard's citadel that towered over the North slope, a magic map would keep track of their location.

This was far better than spending time in the dungeons for their crimes.

They finally made it to Ponyville after several more days. The sun rose and set and the moon took its place as it properly should. Again, all seemed well.

And yet Starlight couldn't help but feel that nothing was well.

Something was... off about the Ponyville residents. More than the usual disgust and distrust which Starlight and Trixie had earned.

The other five 'heroes of Equestria', all friends of Twilight, were here. They were in the crystal castle, and seemed abnormally standoffish.

A bit of stealthy magic revealed the truth. To their horror, Starlight and Trixie discovered that none of it was real. All of them were changelings.

Back outside the castle, the cart was hauled to a quiet hiding place behind the school. Starlight sat in thought while Trixie breathed hard on the verge of panic.

Trixie spoke in an alarmed voice, “We can't handle something like this! This is princess level stuff! Anything could be fake, this is too crazy Starlight.”

Starlight called to something hiding in the bushes. A changeling walked out quietly, prompting Trixie to yell. Starlight swiftly placed a magic bubble around her, and informed her that this particular changeling was on their side.

When at last Trixie had settled down and the changeling named Thorax had proven he had good intentions, they all considered just what to do now.

“So,” began Starlight, “so, all the elements of harmony are gone now. We can't even trust any of the other powerful alicorns or guards or nopony... but Celestia and Luna must be safe, right? It's not night still.”

“Yeah,” said Trixie, “Let's get back to Canterlot. We can ditch the wagon and get there faster.”

The changeling named Thorax spoke in a hissing, raspy voice, “That's no good. My queen already captured the princesses.”

Starlight raised an eyebrow, “Then how...”

Thorax answered, “Maybe they're being forced to move the sun?”

“I don't want to think about that,” said Starlight, “But what can we do? A stage magician, the only reasonable changeling, and then you have me, the power-hungry failure.”

“Don't say that!” exclaimed Trixie, “I'm sure we can figure something out. What if we rescue the princesses, they should be able to help, right?”

Starlight stared at the ground with an annoyed look. She spoke, “I may know somepony who can help, or rather, someone... I really don't want to do this. Dammit all. Hey, Discord. If you can hear me, we could really use some help.”

There was a brilliant flash of magic followed by a burst of confetti.

Suddenly, a most bizarre creature appeared from thin air.

Discord was a creature of pure asymmetry. Everything about his chosen physical form was chaotic, but overall he seemed like a skinny dragon crossed with a goat. Not one aspect of his appearance was the same as any other part.

This... thing spoke in a voice which rivaled Starlight in mocking sarcasm, “You rang?”

Starlight had her ears down and gave a squinting glare at this creature. She spoke with some agitation, “Look, I know you don't care, but everypony is in danger and Twilight's special friends can't save the day this time. Even the princesses have been caught up in this.”

“Oh, is that so?” Discord, “And how is it you two managed to elude such a threat as that, hmm? Please, let me... oh, what's the word,”

He reached his mismatched hands into the air above him, and with one talon cut a hole through reality. He pulled something through this hole with the sound of a snapping branch.

He now held a word, 'inquired'. With some frustration he smacked it on a rock until the 'd' fell off the end and landed on the ground. Now, he gestured at the word, and then tossed the whole thing on the ground where it made a clattering noise.

Starlight raised an eyebrow and said, “I'd be freaked out if we hadn't already seen things even crazier and weirder than you.”

Discord wasn't happy about that. He asked, “What could possibly be more chaotic than chaos itself?”

He snapped his fingers, and their wagon became a large cake. With a clap, it became a wagon again, but still smelled of cake.

“Changelings,” said Starlight, “and with that display we can be pretty certain you aren't one.”

“Oh please, as though any petty mortal race could capture me.”

Starlight said simply, “Twilight and her friends did.”

“Shut up! Never mind about that. Hmmph, what do you want from me?”

“Well,” began Starlight, “somehow, these things have even captured the princesses.”

Discord walked over towards where Thorax was standing. Suddenly, he had an easel and a paintbrush, and started to paint a portrait of the changeling. He spoke,

“Ah yes, the changeling race. You lot certainly caused trouble for Celestia and Luna fifteen hundred years ago. A bit before your time I would say, you seem to be a young adult changeling.”

Thorax was utterly flummoxed by this being, and he spoke, “Please sir, I don't know why our queen is doing this. We don't have to conquer lands like the ponies do, there has to be a way to live in peace.”

“Ahh the young idealist, how I admire those,” said Discord, “Why, other civilizations have a word for you, let's see... yes, 'hippy' is what you are. A very poor choice in times of war I might add.”

Starlight spoke up loudly now, “If you could stop messing with our heads and with reality for one moment please,”

Discord summoned not only a chair, but a full set of living room furniture into being and had a seat. The others reluctantly did so too, and Starlight continued,

“Thank you, I guess. These changelings managed to capture two powerful beings who are every bit as ancient and skillful as you, Discord. I'm well aware of how Luna and Celestia once faced you alone and imprisoned you in stone.”

Discord frowned and said, “That doesn't exactly give me motivation to help them. Why should I care?”

Thorax answered this, “They also have Fluttershy.”

There was a long pause as Discord sat with his mouth open, not saying anything.

Suddenly, the air around them began to shimmer and a teleportation spell brought them far, far from Ponyville.

Starlight asked, “Okay, where the hell did you take us? Are we still in Equestria... what am I saying, are we still in reality?”

“Oh you ponies still hold me is such low regard,” complained Discord, “Please notice the following,” he pointed at the sky, where shaped clouds read 'I am chaos incarnate, not petty evil incarnate'.

“Impressive...” whispered Trixie.

Starlight was not so easily impressed. She looked at their surroundings. It was an arid desert where cold autumn winds blasted through the sands. Some manner of strange stone object was in the distance.

Discord spoke, “Do I need to spell it out for you?”

He then used a series of magic spells to write 'Home of Changelings' in glittering magic letters, thus literally spelling it out.

Starlight put one ear down and said, “More like bad puns incarnate.”

Discord walked to the edge of the hill and said, “Now I don't usually interfere in the affairs of your cute little mortal lives. However, Twilight's friends have shown me that this thing called 'friendship' is a very nice delicacy. Stand back now, and let me rend reality itself and put everything back in order.”

The sky darkened as a miniature storm cloud formed right over them and began raining. This did not amuse Starlight or Trixie, who were now cold and soaked.

Discord made a show of speaking some echoing ancient language and waving his arms in the direction of the changeling hive. Rainbow colors of magic shot towards it. A mockery of the Elements of Harmony.

The magic suddenly fizzled into smoke.

“Well excuse me!” exclaimed Discord in frustration.

He seemed agitated now. He glowed blazing white and transformed himself into a massive dragon. With a roar, he launched over the edge as his scales and wings began to smoke.

In a poof of smoke, he became his regular self and fell towards the sand. With a bored expression, he waved a hand to summon a lovely king bed to land on.

Nothing happened, and he smacked into the sand.

Starlight and Trixie ran over, and found their magic failed to work as well.

However, Thorax could still use his magic to change his form.

“Well then,” announced Discord, “It is lovely weather for a walk.”

The four of them continued on towards the hive and put together a rough plan, with no idea how they were going to deal with things now.

On the Haycart's Farm, a rooster crowed several times as the first rays of morning sun lit the fields in silhouette. Barley Haycart was awake before the others, as a habit from his long life of farming.

He woke Violet up first. She made her bed and then went about her morning routine. The wood stove in the kitchen and the one in the living room were restocked with kindling, and the house began to warm up.

Violet started making breakfast. Barley trotted to the living room, and noticed the damn griffon was gone. Probably off hunting her own breakfast early enough not to bother anypony.

Barley stared at the polished armor and equipment in one corner. It might not be farming, but at least his son had an occupation now. Even if hunting monsters was stupid and dangerous.

He gathered six bottles of beer into a basket, and walked upstairs carrying it. From a closet, he took a few canvas cart covers and balanced them across his back.

Now he approached the guest room door. He placed a hoof on the door handle, pressed it down, and eased the door open.

Barley very nearly dropped the basket of beer in his surprise. He managed to catch it with a clink of bottles, and set it down quietly.

Sky and Cobalt were asleep under the blankets, holding each other with their front legs and with their wings over each other.

Barley sat down, the lines on his face creasing in anger. He thought to himself, Confound it, what in Tartarus is this?! When they get up I'm going to...

He sat now, and stared at them. Still simmering, he looked off to the side and thought about the previous night. He looked back at the griffon. Beneath her blue wings, bandages were taped tightly against her ribs.

Barley's thoughts wandered to what Lightning had told him last night before he drifted off to sleep. Seven magic missiles from a capable unicorn who had killed innocent ponies for money. All taken at point blank range.

An average pony shouldn't be able to walk after that but then, this was a griffon. A predator, a tougher sort.

The damn griffon had a fractured rib from protecting his son. From the looks of it, she had not acted out of self-defense, but something else entirely...

Maybe, the same motivation that had caused his first wife to protect his own life with the use of forbidden dark magic. He still couldn't bear to discuss that with anypony. Especially not after she had left him over money, after all they'd been through.

The door was quietly closed, and Barley lumbered downstairs with the heavy canvas covers balanced on his back.

He thought to himself, Long as they both help with the harvest, I didn't see nothing.

Breakfast was prepared and served. Tools and equipment were taken out for the day's work. The din woke up Sky and Cobalt.

Cobalt's ring glowed and she used her telepathy, I'm gonna fly out the window and sneak off into the woods. I have been out looking for rabbits, and having to walk made hunting more difficult. Got it?

Sky nodded, and watched the griffon hop out the second story window and flutter her wings to slow her landing. That had to hurt like hell with her injury.

Now Sky joined the others at the table downstairs.

They enjoyed a filling and hearty breakfast to give them energy for the hard work ahead. Violet was an exceptional cook.

After, everypony set off for the hay fields. Violet went to the backyard to gather vegetables and berries from the garden.

There were several acres of wheat, of hay, of alfalfa, and a half acre each of barley and corn. Several wagons had been set up by each crop.

Cobalt joined them shortly, walking back from a wooded copse. They all understood she had to eat critters, and Lightning quietly thanked her for being discreet about it.

Barley said nothing and focused on equipping a large scythe contraption. Cobalt's eyes glimmered at the gleaming, curved blade.

Built for an earth-pony, the scythe had a harness that allowed the wielder to swoop down and use their whole body to swing the blade and cut swathes of wheat.

Cobalt asked how the blade was attached. Barley showed her the points where it clasped on securely with wing nuts. She removed the blade, which had a wooden handle that ran through the harness.

With an evil smirk, she happily slashed through the wheat field while balancing on her rear legs and holding the scythe in her talons. She had to pause every now and then, clutching at her side, but she made great progress regardless.

The ponies gave the armed griffon plenty of space, and retreated to the hay field. Here, a machine was setup but in need of repair.

Barley spoke, “This thing is supposed to help cut and harvest the hay. See here, the metal wheel in front has blades on it, to cut the hay. Then it gets scooped up back into the cart. Problem is, it's too rusty. We bought it used.”

Sky considered using magic on it, and realized his father might object. He asked him if it was alright.

Barley's response was, “Go on and try it, let me get well out of the way first.”

Sky wasn't sure if any of his spells would be right for the job. He settled on simple telekinesis. This was Cobalt's specialty, he was not quite as good with it.

He focused, and his crystal necklace glowed. The entire front of the cart was hefted into the air with golden magic.

Sky panted as he spoke, “Put some hay bales under it, quick,” and his mother and Piney did so.

After catching his breath, Sky focused on the wheel. It had already been oiled in an attempt to free it. Golden energy ensconced the machinery. With a creak and groan of metal, the wheel snapped loose and began spinning.

Sky, who had been applying all the mental pressure he could to it, actually tripped and fell sideways from the sudden change.

He managed to set the cart back down again. Hayseed and Piney Haycart got hitched up to the hay cutter with the help of Lightning and Sky.

They walked through the empty furrows while pulling the cart through the hay. Behind them, the metal wheel chewed through hay stalks and nudged hay into the cart. Lightning helped move the hay back into the cart with small magic bursts of wind.

The harvest took several days. All the carts were filled with grains and covered against the elements.

Cobalt and Sky hauled one cart into town while Piney and Hayseed took another. Lightning and Barley took the third cart, leaving one left to haul to town.

It was a two day round trip. All the grain was brought to an old tin-sided storehouse near the train platform. Two old unicorns helped unload it into crates for transport.

Barley took a paper receipt from a unicorn who wore a straw hat. This was taken to the bank, where Barley received four hundred bits.

The last cartload would be worth another two hundred. It could be brought over within the week, long as they made it before the freight train. There would be time to preserve and pack the surplus vegetables and spices from the garden.

While Dodge Junction was still a tiny, run-down settlement, Hayseed had already put his own bits and effort into rebuilding it. Several guest cabins were available by the mines. They rested here for the night.

An ice-cold morning greeted them on their return hike to the farming valley. Skyblazer went for a fly around town while the others got packed and untangled the yokes and equipage of the carts. His breath puffed in the chill air, and he had a laugh at pretending to be a small dragon.

His amulet glowed and he sent a small puff of fire into the empty air. Somewhere down below an older mare exclaimed, “Run for the hills! There's a varmint in town!”

Sky accelerated and quickly got back to the canyons, where he joined his family. They set off into the icy wilderness.

Hayseed shared some of the poetry he had written. He seemed to have a fond love for the desert terrain. It honestly was beautiful out here, though freezing. A light dusting of snow fell from natural clouds. It coated the rolling hills and rocks like powdered sugar.

Barley chewed on a pipe and gave an unhappy stare at the early snow. At least they had most of the harvest done.

Cobalt and Sky stayed for a couple weeks while Hayseed returned to the mines with the last cart of grains and produce. It was quiet and serene on the winter farmstead. A tiller was dragged through the fields to break up the remaining stalks. Preserves and root veggies were stored in the cellar for winter. Work was done on a stone silo and a storage barn, both of which were slow going.

A pegasus messenger stopped by with the money from the last grain cart. Lightning gave him a message to return with: Unicorn builders wanted, must have experience with construction.

Barley was upset about it, but even he had to agree that it was a good use of Sky's donation. Three burly unicorns arrived at the farm, all warmly dressed against the cold.

With their help, the structures went up quickly. By the time Sky and Cobalt took their leave, the grain silo was already halfway done and the barn only needed painting and final touches.

Lightning Ridge gave both her son and the griffon a hug goodbye, and would not let them go without their packs stuffed full of food and supplies. Their saddlebags, armor and weapons were equipped.

They practiced a few new spells with their elements, which surprised and impressed the working unicorns. One of them complained,

“Now that doesn't exactly seem fair! Y'all can already fly.”

Cobalt grinned and answered, “Hey now, it ain't all a rose garden. These elements get us involved in all kinds of trouble.”

They tightened their straps and walked off the farm through a thin layer of snow, waving goodbye to the family as they went.

Nearly a moon had been spent on the Haycart farm, but Cobalt's injury would need much longer to heal. She could fly in short bursts with intense pain, but for the most part she stayed grounded. Sky walked beside her, and they held their wings over each other's backs.

Violet and Lightning together had managed to knit a sweater that fit Cobalt. She wore it under her saddlebags. Her wings fit through slits in the side, and a drawstring held it in place for when she was able to fly again.

The pegasus and griffon walked together North towards the Everfree Forest. Snowfall obscured them as they walked into the distance. The blanket of white muffled sound, and all was calm.

Author's Note

Let me tell you the hardest part of writing this.

It wasn't writing dialogue for Discord. Yes, it's difficult to balance out his sheer chaos with not being too bombastic. It's also somewhat terrifying poking a medium-aware character with a stick.

It was the dishes. Trying to consider how a race of sapient earth-ponies, who have no dexterity at all besides their mouth, go about their diurnal routine is challenging. It took me until book two to settle on how they so much as get the dishes done.

Metal dishes that can't break, a wash basin, and a sponge on a stick. This, and a lifetime of experience as an intelligent creature that can use tools but has limited dexterity.

No doubt wealthier ponies would hire unicorns and pegasi to help with chores. I could see a big market for unicorn butlers and maids in the world of Equestria.

6. Mine Sweeper

Even beneath a festive covering of snow, the ghost town of Dodge Junction was a pitiful shell. The traveling merchants and produce carts had come and gone. Late autumn was becoming early winter. The one street that composed the town was empty aside from a lone draft pony who cleared the snow away with a plow.

Skyblazer and Cobalt walked together towards this town from the rolling, vast sea of white which was the empty desert. Dodge Junction was a dismal place, but a settlement of any kind in such a wilderness was pleasant to see.

The pair trotted down the quiet street, leaving strange prints as they went: hoof marks, a few scratches from talons, and paw prints. A pegasus and a griffon.

Scrap wood and rusty nails held the buildings together against the weight of snow. Many windows were broken, and several structures had collapsed and been left to rot. One row of buildings stood strong against the wear of time.

An inviting tavern was first in the row. It was named 'The Watering Hole', and from it issued warmth and the sounds of conversation and clinking plates. Sky and Cobalt passed it by.

They walked into the second building and shook off the snow. This was the general store. Cobwebs lined the rafters and several windows had been boarded over.

Sky and Cobalt browsed the goods. They bought a sturdy tent, a bundle of firestarters and bags of beans and rice.

While both creatures were rather hardy to the cold, a tent would be nice in the snow and freezing wind.

They left Dodge Junction now, not bothering to even look back at the skeletal imitation of a town. A campsite was ahead, where tents and wagons circled a firepit. It was unoccupied.

Cobalt almost took several items from it, but Sky scolded her and she left well enough alone. They kept on going towards the canyons.

Along a treacherous and slick trail they hiked, following a canyon wall. At length they reached the mines. They found the cabin belonging to Hayseed here, and he let them in with a hug for Sky.

Hayseed spoke, his breath steaming from the cold air, “Hey, how's it going? Good of ya to stop by before leaving.”

Skyblazer responded, “For sure Hayseed, it's been moons. Of course I'm gonna stop by.”

The three settled in cozy chairs by the fireplace. Hayseed chucked another log into the blazing fire. He used a poker to put it in place and close an iron screen.

Cobalt looked around the cabin while Sky talked with his brother. It was a very small home, but well appointed. It was also spotless. Hayseed clearly took good care of his things.

Hayseed said something that Cobalt didn't catch. She said, “Sorry, what was that?”

“You seem a bit distracted,” said Hayseed, “What's on your mind?”

“Oh, you know. Life, things are crazy,” answered Cobalt.

“Tell me about it,” remarked Hayseed, “Been trying to get new mine tunnels dug, it's tough going. Found some iron ore deposits, could be a good direction for us.”

Sky asked, “Do you need any help with things? We aren't in any real hurry, and I'm sure we could do a lot of repairs in town.”

Hayseed shook his head no, “Still saving back my bits. Need to focus on the mines for now, need to improve that income flow. Reckon we'll start on the town in spring. How bout you two, where next?”

Cobalt answered this, “Hmm, we could take care of the situation in Appleloosa.”

She discussed the possible cockatrice in the mine there, and the hostile ponies of the town.

Hayseed walked over to the fire and managed to get a pipe lit. He returned to his seat and said, “Like I said before, they don't trust outsiders. But if y'all could take care of the monster for them, it might help.”

Skyblazer and Cobalt got up from their chairs and helped each other unequip their saddle bags and armor for the night. Sky then went through his packs and withdrew a ragged book.

He placed it on the dining table, and the other two walked over in curiosity.

Sky asked Hayseed, “Did you know our mom was a monster hunter when she was young?”

“No,” said Hayseed, “She never told me about her time before the Wonderbolts.”

“Well, this is her old journal. She gave it to me when I left, and it has come in handy. Now let's see... monster notes are in the front, from a to z.”

“Yep, that's mum's journal sure enough.”

Sky spoke, “It even has a table of contents,” and he plipped through pages with a soft flutter of one wing. He nudged a few more pages with his nose, and got to the entry they needed.

He read, “Let's see, the cockatrice. Also called a basilisk, although the two are actually different creatures which share the same magic self-defense ability.”

Cobalt spoke up, “Turning critters to stone.”

Sky continued, “Huh, apparently they don't always do that. Only if they feel seriously threatened and can't run away. Basically a chicken, eats insects and plant matter, habitat is forests, a class one monster.”

Hayseed asked, “A what monster?”

Cobalt explained, “Ooh, Zecora told me this. It goes from one to four. A class one monster is pretty much just a normal predator, or even prey. Just with some special ability.”

“Do I wanna know what a class four is?” asked Hayseed.

“Nope, you don't,” Cobalt answered.

Sky resumed reading, “So, the petrifying magic is not understood. Rumored to be ancient magic, all that's known is it requires visible, direct eye contact. Hunters deal with em by using a mirror or going by night. You could even just close your eyes in a pinch and fight blind.”

Cobalt had plenty of personal experience with these creatures. She gave her own anecdote, “During my six years living in Everfree, cockatrice was a regular part of my diet. Better get out a quill, Sky.”

Sky did so. He placed a bottle of ink on the table and used one of his own feathers as a quill. His telekinesis was still shaky, and the feather dripped a few drops of ink on the table.

He breathed deeply, and thought of calm things. The quiet snowfall outside. Not even the sound of cicadas. Time in the company of friends in a warm cabin.

When he opened his eyes, the feather was staying quite still and steady. He tried writing with it; he managed, but the writing was awful. With a sigh, Skyblazer took the feather in his mouth and wrote much neater lines from years of practice.

Cobalt, who wore a rather amused grin, spoke now, “Nice try, Sky. Okay, so normally if one of those birds sees ya, they run off. Now if you're near their nest or they can't get away, they turn around and stare at you. Long as you avoid eye contact you're fine.”

Sky wrote all of this down. Cobalt waited til he was done, and resumed speaking, “They move really fast so trying to just look away is reckless. The magic still works if they're dead, but not if you cut the head off.”

After a pause to write this in the journal margins and consider it, Sky dropped the feather and spoke, “So it should be no trouble in a dark mine, right?”

Hayseed answered this, “Sure, long as y'all don't mind fighting it blind in a twisty maze full of rocks and sudden drops.”

Sky spoke with a grimace, “Cobalt, how about we leave this one alone? They didn't want our help, we're taking a break, and you're badly hurt.”

Cobalt gave an arrogant chuckle, “It's just a damn magic chicken. What, I'm supposed to be afraid of a snack? Check this out,”

Her ring glowed and dark blue energy streaked out from it. It began to pool into a circle. The magic shimmered, and suddenly Cobalt's face could be seen in the circle. She spoke,

“A magic mirror. Well, it's a regular mirror, but made of magic. Won't shatter and I can manage two at once.”

“Not much use in the dark,” observed Sky.

“Detect magic spells can warn you if there's a monster nearby.”

“Now that could be useful. How about the lighting, how much is too much?”

“It has to be pretty bright. A few torches isn't enough for the stone magic to work, but full moonlight can be.”

Hayseed was curious about something, and he asked, “Now, what's a basilisk? Ain't that the same thing?”

Sky turned to the right page using telekinesis. He smiled as he spoke, “Ponies often consider it the same thing, but there is a myth. Some kind of giant lizard, like a salamander, but it can turn threats to stone.”

Hayseed asked, “How in the name of Tartarus does it eat a critter once petrified?”

Sky scanned the page and answered, “Hmm, it doesn't use that ability on its prey. Just on things that can actually pose a threat to it, like fellow monsters or ponies that go after it with magic. Makes it a class three monster. Yikes.”

Cobalt spoke, “Might be dangerous, but they have a place. Class threes hunt and kill other monsters and rarely go after regular animals. Without them, the class one and two monsters might wipe out all the normal prey and predator animals. It's like this natural balance thing.”

Hayseed whistled and said, “Okay, damn.”

Cobalt and Sky planned out their hunt in the mines. After a moment in silence, Hayseed spoke, “Gettin' late now. I reckon you two would want your own cabin for the night.”

Sky objected, “Now what's that supposed to mean?”

“Ah, nothing,” said Hayseed.

“Just for that, I'll sleep on the couch.”

Cobalt added, “Um, yeah, I'll take the spare bedroom. Don't wanna sleep near you damn ponies.”

“Eyup, let's go with that,” said Hayseed.

Sky and Cobalt stared him down with a glare as fierce as any cockatrice. It didn't turn Hayseed to stone, but it did make him apologize.

Cobalt closed the door to the spare bedroom and said, “Goodnight, don't let the parasprites bite.”

Canterlot, the next morning. Within the royal castle, the air began to shimmer and shake. A large portal suddenly appeared and a group walked out from it.

At the lead were princesses Celestia, Luna and Twilight Sparkle. All were worn out and still in low spirits from the changelings draining their joy through magic.

However, a mood of celebration and victory was fast overcoming this state of despair. A number of other ponies came from the portal, with Discord trailing them.

Discord stepped out with a big smile on his face. He spoke, “How's that, we actually did it! I mean, not that I ever doubted you two.”

He was accompanied by Starlight and Trixie, both of whom were exhausted and injured.

Starlight spoke, “Their queen is still going to be a problem...”

Trixie leaned against Starlight and said, “Huh. So friendship saves the day... again. Who would've thought.”

Discord stepped back into the portal. Through it could be seen a desert scene, where a large gathering of ponies sat in the sand. In their midst were strange, colorful creatures which appeared to be part pony and part bug.

The castle portal closed as Discord went about using his ridiculous magic to transport everypony else back to their homes and families.

Most of the ponies in the great hall were haggard and weary, slowly recovering from having their happiness siphoned away. Fluttershy was crying from the stress of it all, and Rainbow Dash consoled her.

The three princesses stepped off to the side, into the dining lounge, and plunked down at a table.

Princess Luna was sweating and breathing hard. She spoke in gasps, “One... more threat... resolved.”

Twilight was staring out the window with a distraught look on her face. She spoke under her breath, “They were actually reasonable, and I almost ended them... I'm so sorry, Celestia.”

Celestia took a seat next to Twilight and placed a wing over her.

Luna had caught her breath now. She lie on her side, taking up the whole bench across from them. She spoke, “Let us not dwell on the could have beens. This is a joyous occasion. My sister and I have longed for the day we could resolve conflict with the changelings.”

“In all that time,” began Twilight weakly, “You never could have peace?”

Luna answered, “Peace, yes, but never could ponies and changelings find common ground. Always have we kept our distance, neither race trusting one another.”

Celestia lowered her head until her horn crossed Twilight's. A few sparks of magic flew, and memories from Celestia's long life were transferred to Twilight.

Twilight smiled, and said, “All along, they could have fed on friendship and they never knew.”

Luna said, “Or the ones in charge kept it from them.”

Celestia scolded her, “Let us not bathe in cynicism. We must embrace the reformed changelings and find a means for them to fit within our land.”

Luna added, “Further, let us not forget to address the sundry minor issues which remain. Never shall I abandon my sworn promise to Equestria.”

Celestia nodded firmly, “Yes, dear sister. Not four thousand years prior, and not in the present. Everypony else, you may return to Ponyville and comfort the citizens there.”

Twilight said, “I'd like to stay put and help. I have to make this up to you.”

Celestia nodded slowly, and said, “Do you remember the role I discussed with you, that which made you worthy of being an alicorn?”

“Oh, yes, friendship...” said Twilight, “I suppose Equestria does need their ambassador of the peace about now.”

“It would be the best way to redeem our land having missed one,” said Celestia.

Twilight ran across the hall, leapt through a wide window, and took flight towards Ponyville. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy soon followed after finishing their talks with their friends.

Later that afternoon, in Dodge Junction, Cobalt and Skyblazer waved a fond goodbye to Hayseed Haycart and hiked off for the train station.

Sky took this time to fly and stretch his wings before the long ride. Cobalt was still in too much pain to consider flying to the station. She met up with Sky there, and the train arrived shortly.

The ride to Appleloosa took until evening. Sky and Cobalt disembarked and approached the tavern with caution, after their previous experience.

Goldwater, the dusty old mining pony, was here again as he was every evening. He had drunk several beers before a few rounds of poker, just like every evening.

This evening, however, he was joined by a crowd of other disgruntled miners. The tavern was packed and boisterous, but not with an atmosphere of good cheer.

Sky and Cobalt warily pushed through the swinging doors into the smoky, chaotic bar. The armored and rugged griffon and pegasus received plenty of distrusting stares as they walked with calm confidence towards Goldwater.

Skyblazer addressed him, “Evening, sir. I know y'all don't want the help, but we were hoping to take care of your monster problem.”

He had a seat on a sturdy wooden stool at the table. Cobalt roosted on a barrel of rum near the roaring fire, sitting with three legs while holding a frosty beer mug in her talons.

The bar patrons glanced at her in an askew way. She seemed to absorb this negative energy, and she gave a fierce grin with her carnivorous teeth.

Sky had a couple shots of rum to look plenty tough, and nearly choked on the third shot. He cleared his throat, and thought of what to say to convince them.

It proved they needed no convincing.

A unicorn at the table across from Sky set his cards face-down on the table. This unicorn of lime green fur had a black mane and a bushy beard. He wore a hard hat and a canvas harness which held a pickaxe, shovel and canteen against his back.

He spoke in a gravely, deep voice, “Ain't just one cockatrice no more. We been seeing at least a half dozen of the birds. Worse yet, ah reckon they seen a few of us.”

A burgundy female pegasus with grayed feathers and muzzle spoke up now, “They got ol' Ironside, can you believe it? The mines ain't gonna run right without him.”

The unicorn nodded, downed his beer, and said, “It's a damn shame. Got poor old Goldwater here all out of sorts. Old guy has worked here longer than some of the greenhorns been alive.”

While the unicorn drank more beer by wrapping a hoof around the mug, the pegasus gave a hard look at Cobalt. She asked Sky, “The hell you doing with a griffon? Don't mean to soil the mood here, but I reckon folks can't trust a critter like that.”

Sky felt his anger rising. He fought it down before speaking, “Cobalt has been a good friend of mine for over a year now. We hunt monsters together. All she wants is a new life in Equestria, if that ain't asking too much.”

“Alrighty then, she seems harmless enough. Just have you know, out here near the desert and Everfree our town is hassled by plenty o monsters and bandits.”

“What I hear is, your town can offer plenty of work.”

“Aha ha, I like yer attitude young pegasus. Ain't an easy chore, these birds. I'm sure y'all know how dangerous a single cockatrice can be.”

“Aye. Where did the other ones come from? Thought it was just one.”

“We ain't got a clue. I reckon a pack of em stumbled in from the woods.”

Old Goldwater joined in the conversation now, his crackly, wheezy voice cutting through the noise, “Y'all be careful down there, I saw one of em basilisk fiends.”

The pegasus rolled her eyes. She said, “Goldwater, they be the same thing. Just different names is all.”

“Nah, not a bird,” said Goldwater, “One of em lizard critters, I swear I seen it. All scaly and slithering, big as a foal. Saw it slipping off into the deeper tunnels.”

“Yer out your gourd, Goldwater. Them things are only a myth.”

Sky carefully added, “Whatever's down there, we'll be careful. Gonna have to plan out fighting in the dark. Hey Goldwater, would you go with us? You know the mine layout.”

“What y'all offering fer a job like that?” asked Goldwater.

Sky dug into his packs, and set forty bits worth of coins on the table.

The lime unicorn's horn began to glow and quietly encompass the coins. Suddenly, the unicorn heard a fierce growl behind him. He looked around and right into the eyes of the griffon.

“Right, sorry,” he said, as he got up from the table and quickly stepped out of the tavern.

An earth pony, who had been quietly considering his draw of cards and sipping a beer, suddenly jumped from his chair. He yelled, “Hey you bastard! Game ain't done yet, get back here!” and ran out the door after the unicorn.

Cobalt took a vacant seat. Her ring glowed a dark blue, magic enveloped her beer mug over on the mantel, and it was brought over to her with magic. The other ponies gave her a look of absolute terror and confusion.

Goldwater was nonplussed. He quietly scooped the coins into a bag, shook Sky's hoof, and said, “Y'all got a deal. But I stay in the back, got it? You two stay on ahead and I'll navigate.”

This was fine by them. They proceeded towards the mines after a few more drinks to steady their nerves and some time in conversation with other locals.

It was nearly dark, but it didn't matter much. The unlit mines would be just as dark by daylight. Goldwater brought a bundle of torches and, surprisingly, a few sticks of dynamite.

Sky exclaimed, “What in the burning Tartarus are those for?”

Goldwater calmly responded while smoking his pipe, “Ah told y'all, there be a basilisk down there. A real, live lizard what turn you to stone if it don't tear you to pieces first. Why fight it? Just collapse the deep tunnels ah reckon.”

“Wait a moment,” observed Cobalt, “I heard some ponies were already turned to stone.”

“Yeah?” answered Goldwater, confused, “We all have our time, you know. Dangerous world, I reckon. Give em a proper burial down in that old worthless pit.”

Cobalt objected, “No, not so fast. I know alchemy. There's potions that can undo petrifying, long as the ponies aren't damaged too much.”

“Is that so, huh? What kind of crazy critter are ya? Griffon what knows magic and potion brews. Reckon y'all might be more dangerous than most monsters.”

“Well duh. We hunt them for a living, you know.”

“Point taken there, griffon. Welp, this be the mine entrance. Pardon the mess, bit of a panic. Ain't no good reason a pony can't take a minute to clean up the tools and such.”

They all stopped walking now, and stared with trepidation at the dark, yawning chasm ahead. Goldwater went off to a tin-sided shack to collect gear for them all.

Sky placed a comforting wing over Cobalt and asked, “You gonna be okay for this hunt? I mean, we don't have to do this. How's the ribs holding up?”

Cobalt flexed and grimaced. She gasped, and said, “Yep, yep that still hurts like hell. I'll be fine, I've handled worse. Besides, we're together on this.”

Sky stared into the night sky. The moon was obscured by partial cloud. Spirals of stars bejeweled the black canvas, slightly obscured by all the light from Appleloosa.

Even this late the town was still busy. They had too much goods and crops to transport for the place to ever really quiet down. The late night train would arrive soon on the Southern tracks, full of boxcars and bums. Hay and crates and barrels would be loaded. Stragglers would board.

All this calm, boring routine and nopony realized that three were planning to put their lives at risk to keep a major industry of the town still running. Place wouldn't be the same without the mines going. Plenty of gold and coal veins.

In fact, Sky remembered reading that the gold rush had first founded Appleloosa. It thrived afterwords thanks to the railroad.

Now, Goldwater returned with supplies. He wore a canvas harness loaded down with tools and a vicious axe which looked to be made more for battle than firewood.

Sky asked Cobalt, “Do you think you can figure out light magic? We could really use it. Try to imagine a glaringly bright day at the beach.”

Cobalt's ring glowed. It flickered and sparked a few times. Suddenly, the blue energy coalesced and a weak beam of light penetrated the darkness. It quavered a few times, but held steady.

“Yeah, I got this,” said Cobalt.

Goldwater carried a long torch in his mouth. It was about the size of a broomstick. He struck the top of it against some stones. It sparked into fierce flame, and settled down to a steady burn.

Several more of these torches were among his equipment. He wore a hardhat with a light crystal as well, which sent a pale blue ray of light into the cavern.

Lastly, Sky unclasped his magic bracelet and held it in his mouth. He illuminated it, and sent a steady beam of light into the mines like a flashlight.

Together, they cautiously clambered down the steep stone surface of the mine tunnels into the abyss. Sky and Cobalt walked right next to each other and discussed their plan.

The cockatrices had only been seen around the lower levels of the mines. Why they went all the way down, nopony knew. Perhaps they were looking for bugs to eat and water in the depths, where the mines had opened into a natural cave.

These labyrinthine upper tunnels were not hazardous, not beyond all the normal myriad hazards of a mine. The bright magic lights cast shadows off of rock outcrops, rusty iron carts on tracks, and square support beams as they descended deeper with echoing steps.

All were quiet now, and focused. Cobalt had extinguished her light spell, greatly reducing their visibility but allowing more time for their vision to adjust to the pitch dark.

She was the more adept with magic, and she kept up a spell of detect magic. Sky kept an arcane shield around the three of them. All present were keeping a keen ear out for any distant sounds.

They splashed through ice-cold water which dripped from above. It formed a burbling rivulet where the tunnel descended sharply and banked around a corner.

At the base of this steep ramp, tally marks could be seen on the wall with faded red paint. The count was five. Goldwater asked them to pause here in an alcove where a side bend of mine track held a few carts full of ore and rock.

He asked Sky to put out his light now, and then dipped his torch in water and whacked his helmet to turn off the light crystal. They were surrounded by a darkness and silence more absolute and damning than they had experienced in their lives. Not even the slightest point of light could be seen and the darkness went on forever.

Sky and Cobalt jumped as the gravely voice of Goldwater could be heard saying, “The darkness of the mine is like nothing else. Ya never really do get used to it. Ain't a thing more terrifying.”

After several minutes, Goldwater ignited another, tiny torch, with which he lit a lantern. He set this lantern on a train engine and twisted a knob until the wick was low and the light was dim.

It only offered the light of a few candles now, and what little glow it offered was swallowed by the dark black stone and coal dust which entombed them.

All present were dead silent. Skyblazer and Goldwater began to sweat from the increasing heat of the depths and sheer terror. Cobalt could be heard panting softly.

Two other minuscule light sources pierced the utter black: Cobalt's ring and Sky's necklace. With their eyes now adjusted to the black, the deep blue glow and foggy gray ripples allowed them to see the vague silhouette of their own limbs.

The air down here was stifling. They wandered on blindly, with whispered directions from Goldwater. At one point the old pony took the lead, poking at the empty space ahead with a long torch. It clanged off of metal. Cobalt let out a shrill squeak noise, but caught her breath.

Goldwater spoke softly after a swig from a flask, “Lift is in place. Good to check, might've been broken in all the craziness. Let me find the gate for the railing.”

There was a noise of scuffling and hoof on metal. A latch was undone with the noise of sliding metal, and a creaky hinge pierced the silence. All three stepped onto a platform which began to swing in the dark. Sky nearly took flight off of instinct, but stopped himself.

Goldwater hung the lantern on a hook and raised the wick just enough to see the lift. They were on an iron and wood platform in a metal cage on a chain, five stories underground. A vertical shaft below them descended into further blackness, into the unknown below.

7. Midnight

“Give me a bit o help,” requested Goldwater. Sky stepped over to a contraption in the middle of the lift.

It was a set of levers, like on a hoofcart for the mine rails. Sky pressed down on his side, and then Goldwater pressed the other. The lift slowly descended.

Flickering firelight glinted off of several more sets of iron railings until the lift clunked onto stone. An iron gate was opened, and they all stepped through into the dark as Goldwater reduced the lantern to a dim glow.

They paused. Sky asked, “Are you sure?”

Cobalt nodded with confidence, “I know from experience. I've handled these things in full moonlight without trouble. This little metal box of light you have here is much dimmer.”

Now Sky questioned Goldwater, “Ponies at the bar couldn't agree if they saw a cockatrice or a basilisk. Which was it?”

Goldwater's voice creaked like the lift, “I still say I saw a big ol' lizard down here, but my eyes ain't what they used to be. Reckon folks probably meant the same thing. Ain't nopony I know even seen a real-live basilisk before.”

“Wait here a moment, could you give me a little more light?”

Goldwater set the lantern down and did so. Sky nuzzled into his packs and withdrew a ragged and tattered book. It was unbuckled and opened gently.

Pages were turned with a dexterous wing to the letter B. He found the basilisk entry, and read in silence. He then spoke,

“Every claimed sighting has been in the frozen north. Mostly from explorers who ventured even further north over the mountain ridge, and out of Equestria entirely into the No-Pony's land beyond.”

Cobalt spoke in a harsh whisper, “They ain't never been seen in the south?”

“Never, not once in history," answered Sky, "Book also says that if you avoid the stone gaze, their scales aren't that tough. Physical weapons can dispatch them, so...”

Sky held up his right leg and used his mouth to undo a slipknot. He withdrew three bolts for his crossbow, and tightened the knot.

One bolt was loaded into the bow with the noise of creaking springs and a sharp click. Sky took his mouth off the winder, picked up the two extra bolts, and tucked them into his harness. The sharp metal arrowheads scraped against his fur.

Cobalt stood up on her hind legs, crouching to avoid hitting her head on the low ceiling. She withdrew her heavy sword carefully, ducking to draw the blade without scraping it on the ceiling.

The polished surface glimmered in the lantern light. Cobalt placed the handle of the sword in her mouth, grasping it at an angle with fierce fangs.

Sky took the lead, hobbling on three legs and keeping the leg-mounted crossbow pointed at the darkness beyond. His gray amulet glowed steadily and emitted a soft hum as a spell of detect magic hopefully took effect, though he didn't hear any reply from it.

Cobalt walked behind, keeping a dark blue glowing shield over herself and the old miner. The tip of her sword occasionally dipped into the dust, with a scraping noise.

Goldwater stayed right behind with a lantern whose light barely reached Sky. Any shot fired would have to be aimed by sound alone.

Sky held his wings out partially for balance, unable to unfurl them fully in this constricted space.

The narrow mine tunnel and the consistent square wooden braces suddenly burst open into a large, empty space where distant water could be heard. Sky closed his eyes. He heard a quiet voice in his mind. It was free of inflection and sounded calm and neutral as it said, Magic animal detected.

It wasn't needed. They heard growling noises and a scuffle.

They rounded the bend, Goldwater reluctantly staying in between Sky and Cobalt as they walked abreast in the cavern. The dim lantern light reflected off of dark gray scales. All stopped walking and prepared for a fight.

The lizard noticed the faint light and quiet steps. It turned its eyes towards them. All flinched. Lantern light flickered and sputtered. Cruel white fangs could be seen, which crushed a struggling cockatrice.

The basilisk suddenly hissed and turned from them, running deeper into the cave.

Cobalt was first to speak in a breathless whisper, “Well, how about that. A basilisk eating a cockatrice.”

She checked on the condition of the others. They were unharmed, though Sky had wet his fur. Cobalt didn't have time right now to make fun of him, but she would later once they got through this.

Forward now, very, very slowly. Not a word. Breath held.

They passed seven more dead cockatrices, which had been consumed down to skin and bones. Sky and Goldwater grimaced and fought back rising sickness. Cobalt took the lead around a rock outcrop which left only a small opening they could squeeze through.

“Wait for my word,” said Cobalt sternly. She disappeared into the dark beyond the stalagmites and smooth stone.

Her sharp hearing on full alert, her sword raised as she walked on her hind legs with her broken rib pulsing with pain, her wings unfurled fully as she passed the narrow gap, she took several steps forth.

Clucking noises, just like a standard farm chicken. A cockatrice, all but invisible in the dark. The quiet whoosh of air as a blade came down with a sickening thunk against flesh.

Cobalt dropped to all fours now, breathing hard. Every cobalt blue feather around her neck was bristled, as was the pure white fur all the way down her spine. The powerful and lean muscles of her lion body were tensed.

She took a few deep breaths, and dropped to a crouch. Her ring glowed brightly, and a headless cockatrice could now be seen by its dim light. A telepathic message was sent to Sky, Stay back a moment. Ran into a cockatrice.

Cobalt lowered her head and had an impromptu meal. No point wasting food, and no telling what might happen down here. She heard another scuffling noise nearby, and her ring glowed as a spell of detect magic spoke softly in her mind, Magic animal nearby.

The sounds were in the air, but a cockatrice was almost flightless. Something glowing smoky red approached, intensifying in color.

A firebat swooped by, unleashing a jet of fire which scorched the air nearby Cobalt. She angrily swooped up into flight herself, and smacked the bat with sharp talons hard enough to send it out of control into the stones. A magic missile finished it off.

The others came running towards her now.

“What was that fire?” asked Sky, and Cobalt explained.

“That's not right,” said Sky, “I read about firebats in my mom's journal. They only live in ocean caves at the southwest coast, something of an anomaly.”

“What the hell is going on?” asked Cobalt in a stupor. She couldn't eat the firebat with its meat infused with fiery magic, so she picked up the carcass and placed it in wax paper and then into a saddlebag alongside a dead cockatrice. Proof for the bounty.

Cobalt said in an angry whisper, “We're several moons journey away from any ocean!”

“I know,” said Sky, at a loss for words.

They hiked onward, keeping the light dim. Ahead could be heard the sound of scales slithering against craggy stone. They passed stone lumps lying in the cavern, which proved to be ponies. Many of them were undamaged and could, potentially, be restored.

There came the sound of heavy steps on gravel. The basilisk approached them, still hungry. A growl rippled the darkness, and the lizard's steps became a run.

Sky shot a bolt towards the sound. He heard a thunk, and a clattering noise. The lizard was right on them now, close enough that its hot, putrid breath was in Sky's face as he shakily reloaded his crossbow.

It pounced on him with its vicious and bloody maw open wide. Sky calmly stared death in the face and fired a powerful bolt straight down its throat.

The basilisk was thrown back, and Sky set his tired left leg on the ground, a bit numb from the recoil. He suddenly froze in place, his eyes wide as dinner plates as he stared into the darkness.

A crossbow bolt clattered onto the stone as the basilisk got up and walked towards Sky without a single scratch. It lunged, and Sky was frozen in place. He heard Cobalt yell “Don't just stand there!” and he reacted, a little too late.

The massive lizard, the size of a foal but much denser, crashed into him in a flurry of claw and fang and violence. Sharp teeth scraped off of his metal helmet with a horrible shrieking noise. Claws slid off of his vest and the metal armor of his legs, and sunk into exposed hide with red-hot pain.

Sky fought back with bursts of golden magic which illuminated the cave and strikes from his hooves. The two creatures tumbled over the stone cavern floor as Sky's metal armor made clanging noises.

Cobalt joined the fray. She had taken flight through her pain, and she held her sword with its sharpened point aimed straight down. She dropped from the air, plunging the sword into the flesh of the basilisk.

The point of the sword simply slid off of it, causing Cobalt to spin out of control and bounce off of the creature. She hit the stone floor hard, the pain in her side reached explosive intensity, and she curled up while clutching her ribs and whining.

Sky had managed to draw his own knife with the distraction. He kept fighting, now with blade and magic bursts. The basilisk clearly felt threatened. With each burst of golden magic it attempted to stare into Sky's eyes with a hypnotic gaze. Sky closed his eyes each time, feeling some cold, unspeakable magic in his extremities warning of the chill of stone.

With a surge of adrenaline, he kicked with all four hooves and catapulted the basilisk into a stone pillar. Even this barely fazed it, although it at least had some kind of affect.

Cobalt was back on her feet now, still clutching at her side. Tears streamed down the blue feathers of her face from the pain. She managed to weakly shout in Sky's direction, “Sky, think for a second... we can't, we can't harm it so,”

Sky sat down and his jaw dropped. He spoke now, “So... it's a dream creature.”

The basilisk had shaken off the daze and now it crouched in anger, preparing to lunge. Sky was too exhausted to defend himself as it pounced. He hit the stone floor hard and felt sharp teeth at his throat.

Cobalt let loose a roar that shook the cavern, took two steps forward, and raised her right talons.

Her ring glowed fierce blue. Beneath the armor of her leg, a fierce red light glared against her white fur. Telekinesis hefted the lizard into the air and began slamming it repeatedly against the walls and floor. Spittle dripped from Cobalt's beak as she growled in fury.

A voice began cutting through the anger clouding her mind, “Shit, stop! Cobalt stop! Oh fuck... no...”

Cobalt calmed down now with a puzzled look in Sky's direction. The basilisk had actually been harmed by the magic attack, and it ran off into the darkness.

Cobalt walked over to where Sky was, and sat down. Her mind was blank with horror and disbelief. An empty feeling was growing in her stomach like butterflies.

Several columns and stalagmites had collapsed. The petrified ponies in the cavern had all save three been shattered, and were now beyond all hope.

“No...” said Cobalt, “No!”

She ran towards where the basilisk had gone. Sky took off after her. Goldwater hesitated for a moment, and then took off in pursuit while holding the lantern.

A blaze of light cut through the cavern, disregarding the basilisk. Sky could cut it off in a heartbeat, he had to catch up to Cobalt. She was going to die if he didn't stop her. They were fighting a dream world monster, it was basically invincible here in reality.

The uneven terrain of the cavern shook in his vision as he galloped towards the cavern's edge. The bracelet of light, held in his mouth, sent a bouncing ray of illumination across the cavern. A chicken type creature was caught in the beam, and began to look at him.

Sky flinched and prepared for a fight. The cockatrice clucked and ran away in a flurry of gravel and feathers. Sky breathed a sigh of relief.

He tripped over a rock, kept his balance with a wobbly skid, and kept galloping on. Sweat steamed off of his back and salt stung numerous cuts which streamed blood through his golden fur.

Ahead was an underground lake, glittering in the arcane light and beautiful in other contexts. At the water's edge was something Sky hoped never to see and which he should not be able to see: A dark tear creased the air above the water like a rip in clothing.

Through this rip could be seen a pastureland scene far removed from the depths of this hellscape cavern, where full moonlight illuminated snowfall and copses of trees. Sky's hooves splashed in the water once, twice, thrice, and water sprayed everywhere as he took flight through the portal.

A moment later Goldwater reached the lake. He stopped short, staring and failing to comprehend. He paused to unhook a flask and took several unhealthy gulps of whiskey.

He shook his head at his own insanity, said “Here goes nothing,” and took a running leap through the portal, just hurdling the edge.

He could be seen disappearing into the world beyond as though a shrinking figure in an animated portrait. The dust and water settled, and the cavern was silent and dark once more.

Princess Luna glided through the night like a shadow as she surveyed the Dreamspace.

She stifled a yawn. There was no time for rest, not after the delay caused by the changelings. Her sworn obligation to defend Equestria still remained.

It was calm, at least. No signs of damage, no strange dark magic, nothing that would indicate the return of their great enemy. On this night, Luna had only to comfort ponies suffering from nightmares.

Often, those were caused by monsters of the Dreamspace. She only had to lure them away for the dream to change to a happier scene.

Luna's horn glowed a deep purple as she began to shimmer and fade. She vanished from the node of Dreamspace she was in, which was a cheery town at holiday time quite like an abstract painting of Ponyville.

She found herself in a nightmare. The scenery was nothing lucid, just a bunch of shadows and spikes and ethereal forms. The few points of solid ground were broken up and hovering at different heights in this nightmare.

Typical for a temporal node of the Dreamspace. Luna flew around for a while in search of the culprit.

A wight, the most common source of nightmares. They fed off of fear and negativity. Princess Luna commanded the shadows to flow like dark and wispy clouds.

They formed a smoky trail out of the node and into a main pocket of the dream world. The wight hungrily began following the trail and absorbing the shadows until it began to fade.

Now the nightmare began to glow and become blurry. After a blinding flash, the scenery changed. It was still incredibly abstract and nonsensical, but it appeared this pleasant dream was a combination of beach and poolside memories.

Luna smiled as the world around her began to crackle and shimmer like an image on water. All began to fade to black; the dreamer was waking up from the dream. Darkness surrounded Luna. It began to lift, and she found herself back in the permanent pocket of Dreamspace she had just been in. Moonlight illuminated a dense forest where trees marched on in every direction.

These dream woods had a definite structure and more clarity, yet it could not be mistaken for reality. There was a certain shallow feeling to everything, as though walking through a pop-up book. Distant objects became blurry and obscured by mist. Sounds would echo as though in a cave.

Euclidean physics sometimes broke down entirely. Luna would walk or fly in one direction and find herself suddenly looping back to where she had been before.

However, there was a pattern and consistency to all of this which Luna had learned through her millennia patrolling the Dreamspace.

Luna paused at a brook. She closed her eyes and cast broad, scattering rays of dark purple magic. These thin rays shot way up into the sky and formed a grid over the landscape.

Four pale crystals were taken from saddlebags and placed on the ground in a square. A dark purple grid formed between these crystals. An opaque background appeared, the color of parchment. Lines and words began to form. Finally, colors washed over the parchment until terrain features could be seen projected with some depth of field like a hologram.

There were forests, deserts, pastures, a beach, mountains, a snowy tundra, all contained in their own divided rooms.

Each room was bordered in dark green, and connected to the others by dotted lines. Bright green bubbles were connected to each of these rooms by arrows. Words resolved onto the map in Old Ponish. Modern ponish became visible beneath them.

The map began to flicker and fade, filling with static. Luna walked around it and thumped two of the crystals with a hoof. The map returned to perfect clarity, but now some of the letters began to blink and dim like a broken neon sign.

No matter. Luna knew each area by heart. Her attention now turned to a room on the Southwest side of the map which was colored in a purple hue.

Luna's eyes widened. Several red lines, about four or five total, could be seen on the borders of the purple room. The crystals were picked up and the map flickered out.

After a sip from a flask and a disgruntled sigh, Luna galloped into flight to see what the problem was.

A few hours of flight at supersonic speeds elapsed. This land of dreams did not need to abide by real physics, and she felt no exhaustion nor wind shear even without a shield up.

The edge of the forest region approached. At the border, a wall of fog and mist climbed as high as the eye could see. Luna dove into this fog, the mist trailing off her wingtips.

She found herself passing through into a serene pasture. She knew better than to take it lightly.

Several steps ahead, a wall of purple light ensconced the entire vast expanse of pasture and woodland. Luna shot a few magic missiles at it. They made a dull ringing noise and bounced off, making a ripple but otherwise doing no damage.

A scroll was withdrawn from a saddlebag. Luna read the words on it as her eyes glowed fierce purple. A symbol could now be seen on the purple wall, a circle with runes all along it.

Luna's horn glowed and magic struck the symbol. It flashed white, and a door opened in the purple wall of light. Luna stepped through, turned around, and locked the magic seal once more.

Her horn glowed fiercely and cut a line into the air, which opened into a portal. She stepped through this into a dimensional pocket, where wooden shelves held cleaning supplies and paint buckets. A broom and mop could be seen. It would be mundane if not for the entire room being composed of cloudy gray mist.

At the back of this storage space, she rounded a bend that wasn't visible from the entrance. It was a small alcove, full of books and artifacts. Luna took a dusty papyrus scroll off of a top shelf. The aged paper had a glowing purple ring of magic at one end.

It was unrolled. Faded ink formed a runic language. A list of these runes ran down the page, with a glowing purple dot after each item.

Several of these dots were missing, and those particular entries were read: Flaming spiny slime, drake of ice infused with thunder magic, parasprites, and one basilisk.

Luna gasped. She stuck the scroll back on the shelf, ran through the portal, closed it, and took flight.

Fierce purple light ensconced her body. Armor plates enclosed as her mane and tail became dark purple fire.

A sonic boom ripped the air as she launched forth in her Nightmare Moon form, towards the red lines she had seen on the map.

In this abstract replica of a meadow, she had no difficulty maintaining control in her alternate form. Tendrils of anger and darkness pulled at her vision, but it was her own mind that kept sway over the potent ancient magic.

She breathed in deeply on this moonlit night. She flew into the shadows of a grove, and faded more and more into the dark.

A streak of darkness accelerated from the other side of the grove. It slipped through the night air with great speed towards the cracked boundary.

Skyblazer was growing frustrated with this stupid dream world. It made no sense at all. This was the third time he had tried to fly straight towards a lake, only to find himself suddenly going the opposite direction.

Out of spite he tried swerving left. It actually worked, and he realized with a start that he was now over the water as the moon and scattered trees of the pasture reflected off of it.

He had been drawn to the lake by flashes of bright blue magic on the ground below. Now he cautiously glided towards the ground.

Except he was already at ground level, standing in a crouch with his wings spread out in a flying pose. He cussed, stood up straight, and looked around.

It was a small grove, not more than a few acres. Most of this place seemed to be plains, and unseasonably warm despite snow coating the ground. Every sound he made echoed. Even the owls and crickets echoed, which was driving him crazy.

Cobalt was standing on a hill in the distance, visible as a silhouette in the foggy moonlight. Sky walked over towards her while shaking his head to clear his vision. She seemed oddly out of focus until he drew near.

She was victorious. The basilisk lie in a pool of blood, not moving. Cobalt's saddlebags slumped over to the right. Some of the left straps had been sliced, and shallow cuts covered the left side of her body.

Clearly, the creature was not invincible back in the Dreamspace. Which left more questions than answers. Sky asked,

"Wait, if these things are from the dream world, then how did you kill the cockatrice and the bat?"

Cobalt answered, "I don't know, doesn't matter... I really fucked up."

"We all make mistakes," said Sky, "and that thing was way out of our league," he stared at the dead basilisk with disgust. He drew his knife and sliced off a patch of gray scales for the bounty proof.

The wind picked up, rustling tree branches and cattails. A shadowy cloud could be seen in the distance, out in the open pastureland. Cobalt was distracted and unfocused.

Sky saw the shadow and exclaimed, "Look out, another monster incoming!"

His necklace glowed gray and a golden magic surrounded Cobalt and himself in an arcane shield. One of his two remaining crossbow bolts was loaded and aimed at the thing.

The cloud began to glow purple and took the form of a pony.

Cobalt yelled, "Dammit, it's the dark wizard again!"

The mass of shadow revealed itself to be Nightmare Moon. She landed lightly, and spoke in an eerie voice, "You should not be here."

Sky ran over and shouted, "Luna, it's us! Snap out of it, don't you recognize us? It's me, Sky!"

Nightmare Moon sat down calmly and replied, "I am in full control. I simply mean, you don't understand how dangerous this place is. Why, and how, are you here?"

Cobalt answered, "We were on a monster hunt in the mines, and there was a basilisk, and some kind of hole into the dream world."

Nightmare nodded. She spoke, "This is the Monster Conservatory. It is here that especially hazardous creatures are kept, those that threaten the well being of all nature and the lives of ponies."

Sky felt terrified sitting this close to Nightmare Moon. She was a being of pure darkness and purple fire, glowing armor, glowing eyes. Cold seemed to radiate off of her. However, Luna seemed perfectly lucid in this form.

Sky spoke through shivers, "Did anything else get out?"

"Yes," answered Nightmare, "But you must retreat from this place immediately. Allow me to escort thou to a safer region of the Dreamspace."

Sky and Cobalt agreed. If this place was built to contain monsters, then the basilisk was only a minor nuisance compared to what else might be in here. Cobalt asked,

"Hey, there were some monsters I could harm in reality. What's up with that?"

Nightmare replied as they all galloped off into flight, "Some of the creatures here are dream beings native to this world... others are real creatures who have been deposited here for public safety."

They arrived at the Western edge of the plains, where mists began to swirl. A portal here tore through the Dreamspace, and through it could be seen the cavern.

As they slowed for a landing, they caught sight of a figure lying on the ground below.

It was Goldwater, the old mining pony. He was alive but in rough shape. Nightmare Moon began to glow white; when this faded, she had returned once more to her regular self.

She began applying healing magic, a purple glow ensconcing Goldwater as all but the most serious of cuts scabbed over.

Sky sat at a distance, taking drinks from his canteen and giving worried glances at the hazy land around. Cobalt stared at the ground for a moment, and then walked over to Luna and Goldwater.

She spoke softly, "This is all my fault. You're hurt because of me."

Sky disagreed, "He volunteered to come with us on this hunt. He didn't have to follow us here."

Cobalt didn't seem convinced. Sky stepped over now and asked Goldwater to return to the mines and inform the town that their monster issue was resolved.

They watched him leap through the tear into the darkness of the caverns, where he landed with a splash at the lake's edge. He kept his lantern dim and walked out of view.

Luna began glowing fiercely again, and she returned to the form of Nightmare Moon. She began to speak an incantation in Old Ponish while carving a rune into the grass with magic.

The rune glowed dark purple, as did the portal. The tear in the Dreamspace began to close shakily until only a seam of purple magic was left. This faded away into dust and the border was whole once more.

Nightmare needed time to rest after the spell, panting from the exertion. Soon, they moved on to the north. Another tear was here, through which a forest could be seen.

Sky and Cobalt waited in the Dreamspace while Nightmare stepped through the portal. They stayed alert for danger, and caught sight of something strange approaching them slowly.

Nightmare Moon returned, as terrifying as ever and radiating a cold and dark energy. She, too, noticed the thing encroaching on them.

It seemed to be a large statue of a pony made from crystal, but it was walking. Nightmare told them, "This be a golem. In times far before the Crystal Empire vanished, these sentinels were enchanted to stand guard against monsters. After the vanishing, they went rogue."

Nightmare launched into the air, her broad, spiky wings flapping hard and gaining lift. Her purple magic held the creature in place and dismantled it crystal by crystal. A pile of crystals was left, which glowed faintly white.

"This shall delay it for a time," announced Nightmare Moon.

She used another rune and spell to seal the forest portal, and then they flew for a time further North along the border. The mists occasionally formed chilly fog which pooled out into the pastures. The sun, hazy as it was, descended towards the edge of the dream world.

Several more tears were repaired. At two points Nightmare returned with a monster carried by telekinesis, knocked unconscious and roughly dropped on the ground.

The first was a blob of spiky goop which pulsed red and broke out into occasional flame. The snow hissed as it plopped onto the ground.

At a portal over the ocean, a small but fierce dragon was brought back. It was a sapient one; it protested loudly, saying Nightmare had no right to keep it here.

The dragon attacked with a blast of icy breath which crackled with electricity. Purple magic covered it, and it began to scream in agony and let off the attack. It flew off into the pastures with a glare back at them.

Night fell as they found the final crack. No stars were overhead, just a dismal sheet of gray and the foggy half moon.

This portal was different from the others. It didn't simply open back into their own world like a portrait. It tunneled for a ways into the mist, although when Sky walked around behind the tear no tunnel could be seen.

He walked back to the fore, and there it was. A tunnel made of glowing gray mist which seemed solid to the touch. Nightmare stepped through the tunnel, appearing as though she were walking on a cloud with the floor made of glowing mist.

She returned and said, "This tear leads to the East Badlands, not far from the Spire of Magnus between the dragonlands and the griffons."

After applying another runic spell and catching her breath, she spoke, "This tear leads to a land far distant from the other portals... it may take time to heal. We shall wait."

A carved magic rune glowed fiercely and its purple magic flowed to the edge of the tunnel. The walls of mist began to take on a purple hue. The tunnel began to slowly seal from the bottom up.

Cobalt had been quietly sitting off to one side, alone in the dark. She stared at the ground, clawing at snow with her talons.

She walked over to Sky and embraced him in a hug. Sky was startled, but he returned the gesture and hugged her with his wings. Nightmare smiled and glowed fierce white, becoming Luna once again.

Cobalt let go of Sky, nuzzled his nose with her beak, and took a step back.

She said to him, "I'm sorry," and took off at a run towards the closing portal. She vanished into the tunnel.

After a moment of surprise, Sky took off after her.

Luna did not block his passage. She merely said calmly, "The portal shall soon close. Hurry."

Sky galloped into the tunnel, not so much as looking at the glowing purple mists as they began to constrict around him. There wasn't so much as space to extend his wings, and it was shrinking faster.

He neared the end of the tunnel and saw a portal through into an unfamiliar landscape of desert scrub brush. Cobalt stood there, calm and fierce. Her feathers rippled in the wind, and she stared into the night sky northwards, towards Griffonstone.

Sky reached the tunnel's edge and cried out, "Wait, don't go! I love you!"

He dove towards the aperture as it began to seal shut with a purple magic.

Cobalt turned around and said, "Sky?"

The griffon dove towards the portal as it slammed shut, and landed hard on the dusty ground.

Sky watched her dive and saw the portal fade away into the mists. Now, the mists began to fade as well. The tunnel wafted away until all that surrounded him was murky gray in every direction. He began to fall.

9. The Tale of the Deer and the Dragon

Sky's reverie was broken by an approaching Deer. It was Rosepetal. She brought with her a look of some consternation. She reached Sky and sat down by him.

She carried a cloth sack in her mouth, which she dropped within reach of Sky. This contained fresh berries, carrots, and hay.

Before Sky could speak Rose cut in, "My father has seen a vision of a winter storm destroying the village. He has implored me to visit the dragons, and see if they can help us."

A wave of memory crashed into Sky. He perked one ear up, and said softly, "Are those his exact words, Rose?"

Rosepetal shuffled and scraped a front hoof before replying, "No, he wants me to see what they have. My father would never stoop to asking another for help."

Sky leaned in as much as he could while being attached to a short leash. With a wistful and soft look in his eyes, he begged Rosepetal, "Please, just stay here. Dragons are dangerous, right? And you, you're sweet and innocent."

Rosepetal shook her head no, "I'm sorry Sky, but it's too important. My father never built the storm wall like he said he would, Mirage must be fortified against the coming storm."

Sky nodded his understanding, and thanked her for the food. Rosepetal turned to leave.

"Wait," said Sky in a harsh whisper. Rosepetal turned back to look at him, and Sky asked her, "Look, I know you don't trust me but, could I go with you? I can fly, so I can scout things out."

"I will have to ask my father. Trust me, I would love for you not to be treated like this," answered Rose.

"I have no idea where that shadow thing came from or what it even is, I swear," said Sky truthfully.

"Good then," exclaimed Rosepetal, "for a Blight is friend of no deer."

"It's called a Blight?"

Rose nodded, "A foul, corrupted being of Tartarus. Just as close to the magic as us, but a darker kind of magic."

Sky let this sink in while he ate a carrot. A creature--no, a monster--of dark magic. No surprise Luna was able to befriend it, then, what with her unthinkable years of mastery over the magic of night and shadow.

Something else tugged at Sky's mind, and he asked, "You deer believe in Tartarus as well? In Equestria, we know such a place exists, and we found a way in and out of it."

"Yes, but I know not if anydeer may enter, save by dying in a dishonorable way."

Sky scoffed, "Oh, we don't believe bad ponies are sent there anymore. The princesses personally visited and proved that wrong. It's just a twisted, dangerous world, and a fine prison for the most dangerous creatures."

The shadow being could be seen creeping towards them now, visible as an inky smear against the sunset sky. Rosepetal growled and backed away slowly. She gulped, and found the courage to say, "A ghost corrupted by dark magic, that is a Blight."

Sky dropped the carrot he was chewing on, and simply stared at her.

"No," he said, "No, no, I don't need this. After all the hell I've been through I don't need to know that ghosts are real on top of that. Thanks."

Now Rose sat. She tilted her head, and asked Sky, "How do you mean?"

Sky bit his lip, looking away from her. He spoke softly, "If I tell you, keep it to yourself, okay? Don't tell any... uh, anydeer."

Rose nodded. Sky breathed in deep. He had several juicy blackberries before speaking, "I think Equestria is a completely different world, like Tartarus is. I didn't actually get blown off course in a storm. I came here through the Dreamspace."

"The... place of dreams?" asked a confused Rose.

"Yes, the, uh, land where dreams happen. There's a powerful deer there, you should know. Has the power to observe all sorts of things in the future, and lots of power over dreams... he gave some of his power to the rulers of my land."

Rose seemed hurt by these words. Sky asked what the matter was, to which Rose replied, "You say you have seen the great Oracle, but why would he give his great power to any creature beside the Deer?"

Sky struggled with finding an answer. He couldn't exactly tell her she lived in a storybook world and they were all going to die.

After a few deep breaths, Sky managed to say, "Rose the, well, Oracle as you called him is able to see what might happen. He... knows your world is on its proper course, and he knows that our world is falling apart."

"What's wrong with your world?" Rose inquired as she lie down in the cold and gravelly dirt.

"The magic is failing, and we don't know why."

Rose seemed to understand how bad this was. She nodded grimly.

Sky continued, "Me, and my friends, found crystals that might have something to do with bringing the magic back... we might have to fight a dangerous old enemy. That is if, if I can ever find Cobalt again... why did she leave, Rose? What did I do?"

The threat of tears were in Sky's eyes. Rosepetal quickly intervened, asking, "Can you show me what your crystal can do?"

"I don't know, maybe," Sky placed a hoof on his chest, where the small gray crystal necklace rippled with fog. It glowed brightly, and an apple was lifted a few inches from the ground.

The apple shook, and fell back to rest. Sky shook his head, one tear glistening on his nose as he said, "I can't focus right now. Not after losing her, not like this."

Rosepetal moved over to sit by him. She leaned in, and placed her chin on the back of his neck. She said quietly, "While I can't share the strong feelings you have for another, I can see it troubles you greatly. I shall talk to my father about letting you go with us."

Sky thanked her weakly, and asked out of curiosity, "You mean to say you don't know what love is? A deep love, for some deer or... other creature?"

Rose observed, "The word you are using here means friendship or a preference for something, but I think it means something else for you. Like a very special friendship."

Sky nodded, "Well, yes I suppose. If two ponies really care about each other, they may live together and raise a family."

"Family," said the deer slowly, "Whatever that word means, we don't have such a concept."

"But you clearly have a father," Sky objected.

"Certainly, and a mother, as does every doe. To ensure the village may prosper, nothing more."

Sky thanked her again for the food as she departed. Night fell, and Sky rolled over onto his back to stare at the swirling constellations above. To his shock, three moons were visible. One was a milky white half moon, same color as his own moon.

Another half-moon shone amber, the color of pale beer. One moon was full, shining brilliantly... in a rich, deep blue. The color of Cobalt.

Sky cried now, trying to fight against it but breaking into fits until the exhaustion of the day caught up to him and brought sleep in this strange and cold world.

As he closed his eyes in slumber, he repeated the name of his love once more, "Cobalt... why."

On this very night, the singular white moon of Equestria shone brightly upon the forest of Everfree. Snow bedecked the branches, drifts of white obscured the land below, and the landscape became a blur of dark green pine and soft white snow to the two creatures who flew through the forest at great speed.

While the snowfall was soft, at their flight speed it appeared to be a blizzard. Trees were avoided nimbly, though the occasional pine bough was brushed against sending a miniature avalanche cascading to the forest floor below.

The two winged ponies began their descent, a gradual, graceful and controlled thing that brought them to a quiet landing at the door of a snow-covered cabin.

Each pony had both the wings of a pegasus and the horn of a unicorn. Both seemed confident and calm despite the confines of this feared and lonely region, where the howls of monsters resonated in the cold night air.

Twilight Sparkle, the purple-furred one, shook the snow from her body and wings and knocked at the cabin door. Princess Celestia's horn glowed a faint yellow, and the snow on her back and wings slid off to the ground.

This regal alicorn of white fur with a shimmering blue mane of astral energy greeted the occupant of the cabin as she creaked open the door.

A zebra stood within the cabin, where a blazing fire radiated welcoming warmth into the bitter cold of winter. She observed the two travelers, and offered a deep bow.

This zebra now rhymed, "Adventurous of thou to travel so late. Step inside, let your worries abate."

Twilight nudged right past her and immediately sat at the dining table, twisting back to withdraw a series of documents and curios from her saddlebags.

Celestia said that Zecora need not bow to her. When the zebra rose, Celestia gave her a hug which was returned with some amount of surprise.

Both zebra hermit and majestic alicorn immortal strode into the humble forest cabin. They joined Twilight at the table.

As Celestia had her seat a somber look crossed her visage. She turned to Twilight, and asked,

"Do you feel entirely at peace, my dear? This spell will require great focus."

Twilight grimaced, but nodded. She spoke, "I still can't stop blaming myself... for everything, but I also have an impetus to make it right. I don't feel the least bit sad, and my magic should be strong."

"That is well. Let us travel to the troublesome old pool then. Zecora, are the other ingredients ready?"

The zebra shook her head no, "We shall need a lichen-mold which only grows in the cold, then shall the tale of the cure be told."

"Let us hope so," replied Princess Celestia, "For it rests upon the accuracy of the old scrolls. I place my trust in thou as an alchemist."

The three gathered up foodstuff, medical supplies, and warm clothing before setting out into the winter darkness.

"Hey, wake up. It's morning, Sky," came a voice.

Sky eased his eyes open, yawned, and stiffly got up from lying on his side in a bed of old, damp straw. Rosepetal the deer stood by him. Sky asked her,

"How long have you been there?"

"A little bit. You're cute when you sleep, you know that?"

Sky blushed deeply. He cleared his throat, and asked, "So, what's the news? Can I go with everypony? I mean everydeer?"

This prompted a quizzical tilt of Rose's head. She asked, "How did you know for certain that father was sending us out to gather supplies for the village? I didn't say that yet."

Sky quickly intervened, "Uh, the shadow thing keeps telling me stuff."

"The Blight?"

"Yeah, that. So, is it okay if I fly out ahead?"

Rosepetal nodded with an excited smile. She said, "Father says you have to be kept on a rope until we reach the mountains, but then you can fly."

"Ahh, okay," said Sky as he stretched fore and aft, "Could you please untie my wings though, or they will be too sore to think of flying on."

Rosepetal stepped over and used her mouth to undo the knots. The ropes fell away, and Sky gratefully extended his broad wings full of golden feathers which now stuck out in all directions.

He twisted back to preen his feathers back down. Rosepetal sat, observing him quietly, taking in the awe-inspiring wingspan of this creature.

When Sky was done, he cricked his neck and then spoke, "Well, if I can't fly I guess I'll walk with you down South til we can cross the river... uh, I saw where it was shallow while I was wandering in the forest," he quickly said.

"Yes, we are going to hike South a ways to the hidden crossing..." said the bemused deer, "but why are you acting so strange?"

"It's... my friend, I miss her badly," said Sky, which was not entirely a lie.

More lines of the old fable were fresh in his memory now, fresh as the cold morning air of this little village:

'On the other side of this river were mountains. Big mountains, higher than a pegasus pony could fly. Up here on these lofty cliffs lived a group of Dragons. Unlike the Deer, these Dragons were very proud and wealthy.

The Dragons had artisans, which means crafters. They would forge metal in hot fires, carve wood with sharp tools, weave tapestries with sharp talons.

The Deer did not know how to do these things, and they lived very simply in a village of tents. They would gather leaves and berries from the forest to eat, draw water from the Great Line to drink, and frolic and play in the fields.'

Skyblazer walked with Rosepetal to the middle of the village. Many sturdy stags and nimble does were gathered here, some wearing primitive wooden armor. All had saddlebags and lengths of rope for tying on more cargo.

The village leader still seemed very wary of Sky, but the shadow creature was nowhere to be seen and all seemed at peace. Despite the fact that the leader was planning a great disservice to the dragons...

'He gathered together the strongest Deer of the village, and armed them with magic potions and spells written on scrolls. He told his daughter to lead the way to the Dragon's caves, and together they hiked to the forest and crossed the river...

The Deer stole tools, planks, building stones and blankets from the Dragons, and walked out of the caves. The weight of all they had taken burdened them. It was Winter now, and the cliffs were very slippery with snow and ice.'

Skyblazer observed the crowd of deer with a grave expression, sitting with his wings tucked up against his body to ward off the cold wind.

Rosepetal walked over and sat next to him, leaning right up against his side. He felt conflicted between rather enjoying the warm press of her lithe body against his and how her father, the village leader, would react to it.

Badly, it turned out. On seeing them, the village leader offered a string of profanity which seemed to discolor the very air. Rosepetal stuttered a weak apology and took a few steps away from Sky.

A burly stag with a huge set of antlers and some scars on its body from fights took up the rope Sky was attached to, and led him out of town like a pet dog. Sky's demeanor took a turn from whimsical happiness to humiliated anger.

His attitude took another turn as he looked back over his shoulder at Rosepetal. While her father may be greedy and narcissistic, she had inherited none of that. She was as sweet and innocent as any wild deer of his own world was, and about as carefree.

Sky's stomach seemed to drop. Most of the deer here were very envious creatures without much respect for other's property, but not Rose.

The telepathic words of the shadow came to fore. Do not intervene at all costs, it had said... but what could be the harm in saving just one deer? The one who most of all didn't deserve to die.

This story could still progress as though Sky were in some grand and immersive play. He could watch it unfold while perfectly knowing the future. And he could save Rosepetal, and bring her to his own world where she could live in peace.

That was... assuming he could find a way back. Of course that wasn't a question. If he had to search this world til the end of his days he would, anything to find his way back to Cobalt again.

Rosepetal walked beside Sky all the way South along the river. Mirage faded into the distance behind them in both the literal and arcane sense. The river was bitter cold, but flowed too rapidly for ice to form.

Soon, the cervine cavalry reached the forest and the shallow ford therein. They crossed, breaking through thin panes of ice and splashing through ankle-deep frigid water.

Skyblazer was untied at the wood's edge and permitted to fly. He unfurled his great wings and stretched them back. He galloped until the calm wind was enough to give lift to his broad span and light body.

Up and up and high above this fairytale world rose Sky. A sea of white spread in all directions; aside from the forest, the river, and the mountains, not another feature could be seen anywhere upon the rolling plains of white.

Perhaps there were no other features. Sky shook his head no at the thought. Certainly other places could exist, just ones that weren't used in this story. There, far to the East where the mountain ridges snaked down to ground level, was a collection of flickering lights and puffs of smoke.

There, another village. Maybe a safe refuge to bring Rosepetal, so that they may evade the wrath of her father and wait out the coming storm.

Night fell as the army of deer crossed the foothills and reached the rugged cliffs of the mountain. Skyblazer hovered above like an all-seeing narrator. He watched the deer below form a single-file line and slowly climb a serpentine trail to the summit.

Slowly, the deer gained purchase on the slippery rocks and gravel of the makeshift trail which only hooved creatures could consider using. At points, they had to hop small gaps or wade through chest-deep snow.

They reached the cavern home of the dragons in the dead of night. Holes led into the mountain, a sprawling cave system carved by glaciers and the expansion of frozen water. A cave system extended by powerful creatures of magic and muscle: Dragons.

The occupants of the cave slumbered soundly in a torchlit underground room. A clear lake glistened here, reminding Sky of the cavern from whence he had entered the Dreamspace. Only, this cavern room was so much more massive. It was also rather nicely furnished. These dragons really were expert artisans; Sky appraised the tapestries and finely carved wooden furniture.

Rosepetal walked up beside him now, leaning right up against him like an affectionate dog. She whispered, "Hmm, they seem to be sleeping. We may rest here and speak with them come morning."

This never happened. The other deer, several dozen in total, walked past them with purpose. They twisted back and nuzzled into saddlebags, withdrawing scrolls and glass potion bottles.

A series of flashes blazed in the cavern, and the massive room was divided neatly in half by a magic barrier. Sky approached and knocked on it with a hoof. It looked like stone and it was as solid and rough as a stone wall.

Sky knew that dragons were heavy sleepers, especially in the cold. Their inner fire kept them warmer than most reptiles, but they still needed time here by their roaring fires. This magic spell had been bright but soundless.

With a sigh, Sky turned around and sat down. Now, they steal all of the dragons' stuff.

The deer did so, apart from Rosepetal, who sat by Sky nervously. After rolling his eyes, Sky wrapped a right wing around her to ease her shivers. Rose leaned against him.

It took some time, but the deer managed to take all manner of supplies and resources and tie them securely on their backs. They walked out of the room and down a passage to the entrance.

A blizzard raged in the darkness, cold wind ripping into the cave from the aperture. Many of the deer seemed uncertain, offering nervous looks at the massive, scarred stag who led them.

The stag announced, "We proceed! The barrier won't hold them back for long when they wake, we must make the bottom before sunrise!"

With hesitation, each deer stepped out into the night and followed their leader. It was pitch black save for occasional moonlight through gaps of cloud. The wind howled and whined as it rushed through mountain crevices.

Rosepetal began to follow in back after all of her objections were ignored.

"STOP!" Sky screamed with all the breath in his lungs. He lunged towards her with his next breath, and held her close with his wings with the third.

The sound of rocks falling, and then the sound of hooves scrabbling on ice and failing to find any grip. A thud somewhere out in the dark, further sounds of scratching on ice.

Scared, heavy breathing from a deer all but invisible in the dark. A quiet voice saying, "It's okay sir, I got you. Close one, that."

Rosepetal stared wide-eyed in unseeing horror at the next sound: Several cracks of ice and a rush of snow which became progressively louder.

"Run!"

"Where is it, I can't see anything? Shit!"

"Sounds like it's right on top of..."

The avalanche slammed into the deer who had left the cavern. Fading screams pierced the night. A series of sickening thuds were followed by a sound Sky could only describe as a locomotive rampaging down the mountainside.

In time, this icy nightmare subsided. Sky and Rose hugged each other close; tears were frozen on Rose's muzzle. Sky found enough focus to cast a quavering beam of light; the trail was completely gone and all the deer who were on it. Rocks and snow had been carved from the mountainside in a vicious channel.

Rosepetal stepped forward. "No," she said simply.

Another nightmare sound resonated through this frozen hell: Several deep growls from the cavern behind them. Slowly, Rose and Sky turned.

The dragons had awoken, and they seemed angry. They rushed Sky and Rose. Skyblazer stepped in front of her, wings spread wide, amulet blazing and crackling with magic, an arcane shield up, a half-dozen intense spells wracking his body with exhaustion...

The first dragon lunged forward, swiping with a claw as he went. The second, beside him, was breathing flames.

Fire deflected off of a shield, the heat singing Sky's fur. A clawed limb rippling with muscle met an equally strong telekinetic force of sheer determination, and paused mid-swing. It was smashed back into the rock wall of the cave. The dark green dragon to whom the clawed paw belonged hopped back with a yelp, holding up the paw limply.

A third dragon took its place, and roared savagely. Sky and Rose were pelted by fetid breath and saliva from a maw of jagged teeth.

Sweat steamed from Sky's back in the freezing cold. He panted and cussed, and screamed from pain and exertion as a small cloud began to form from the moisture in the cavern. Another scream, a guttural sound of feral fury, and a lightning bolt dropped the third dragon in spasms of electricity. The shattered air boomed in the cave, knocking stalactites off the ceiling.

More dragons advanced on them, great big ones of blue and black and red. Scales scraped against the icy walls with a hiss. Sky tried to summon more magic to his command; it fizzled out again and again. His legs shook; he nearly collapsed.

Rose and Sky backed up until they were pressed flat back against the wall of debris and snow from the avalanche. The dragons slowly stepped forward, sparks and smoke and flame emitting from their bloodthirsty maws.

A massive red dragon bowed down and seemed ready to grab the deer with his rows of sharp teeth. Sky couldn't do anything further. Exhaustion cramped his muscles, adrenaline shivered his wings.

Rosepetal was nudging him, hard, with a hoof. Sky looked around.

All around them the dark night was full of color. Sky looked ahead at the dragons. The lead one began to change color as well, becoming blurry. It stopped in its tracks, just like all the other dragons. It became translucent, torchlight from the cave shining right through its body.

The red dragon faded away like a ghost. The others began to follow suit, not speaking, not making a sound, not moving, just fading away into nothing.

Now the swirl of blurry, muted colors began to smudge the snow and rocks and trees, heading for Rosepetal.

Sky grabbed her around the chest with his front legs and lept from the cliff. In his exhaustion, he could barely keep a grip on her. It took all he had to stay in flight, but the icy air helped.

"I'm sorry about this," he said to her, before crossing his rear legs under her soft abdomen to hold her securely with all four legs. Now he could fly fast as hell to get away from here. But where?

The air itself seemed to become blurry and fade away, but thankfully it didn't seem able to affect Rosepetal in flight. Holes bubbled in the air around them like bubbling soup. Through them could be seen another world.

Dreamspace? There was no alternative. The entire top half of the mountain had blurred with colors and was beginning to fade away. He dove through a hole, a portal, on strained wings, out of the darkness and into blinding daylight.

Of all the places they could have ended up, whether dead or alive, this was not one Sky expected.

Ahead loomed the summit of a volcano crater. It wasn't far. Sky was about ready to drop from the air; he glided as best he could on the gentle wind currents, bolstering his flight with soft-fall magic which fizzled and smoked like the lava visible far below.

A hard crash-landing on the edge of the crater. Both creatures were badly shaken and bruised. They shakily got back up, both looking into the sky. The bubbling continued here, offering brief glimpses of forest and beach and pastureland.

Skyblazer looked down into the volcano. Sure enough, the massive tangle of midnight black thorns could be seen. Somehow, the thorns grew out of the lava. Only in Dreamspace.

Plenty of sanguine red crystals could be seen. They glowed faintly. Rosepetal stared at the scene with wonder and confusion in her watery brown eyes, her ears flicking.

Skyblazer sat, and then lie down on his belly. The cold volcanic soil cooled him as he panted heavily, chin on the ground from exhaustion. In time he caught his breath, and without thinking too much about it twisted back for his canteen and had a drink of water.

He choked and coughed, caught his breath, and looked back again. All his things were back: His armor, weapons, saddlebags, the artifact bracelet.

All of the things that didn't matter in the least without Cobalt by his side.

Sky gave an appreciative stare down into the crater. This was, indeed, the place where they had encountered the dark wizard Sombra. Where Celestia had soundly put him in his place.

But Skyblazer remembered Luna saying their battle had collapsed the entire volcano. He shook his head, realizing that this was, of course, the dream world. It didn't have to stay broken.

He sat up suddenly. Something was going on at the base of the thorns, a color shift. The rich black began to crack and flake. A light brown wither began to slowly creep up the thorns, gaining in speed.

Sky could visibly watch wither grow on the thorns. He stood up now, still sweating but breathing more easily. Words rang loudly in his mind:

You will watch the source of all dark magic wither before you...

Rosepetal was by his side now, leaning on him again. She had a scrape on one back leg but seemed otherwise fine. She stared into the abyss below in fascination. Skyblazer looked down in agape horror.

And you will be powerless to stop it.

A shadow appeared despite nothing to cast shade. It turned into an arrow, pointing away from the mountain and towards the South. Sky looked.

An especially large bubble could be seen, shrinking fast. Through it could be seen...no. Could it be? A towering butte, with a glistening waterfall cascading from it.

Sky crouched and said, "Get on my back, watch the wings. Again sorry about before."

Rosepetal blushed and replied, "It's fine, really, I'm just glad we're safe. But all the other deer, Mirage will struggle without them..."

"They... it will be fine, Rose," Sky answered unconvincingly, "I'm sure Mirage is tough enough to withstand the snow storm."

He knew it was not alright. As the chaos settled and a state of composure returned, it brought more memories with it:

'The elder Dragon was very mad about the theft, and he flew towards Mirage to destroy the village. He found the Great Line and landed on the shore, walking for a time until he found the hidden village of the Deer.

When he entered, he found that it had already been destroyed by a strong winter storm, and most of the Deer who lived there had frozen to death or been crushed beneath the weight of ruined wooden shacks.'

"How did we get here?" asked Rose suddenly.

Sky was taken aback. He replied, "Uh, through the portal?"

"The... hole in the sky? What does that mean, you mean like that thing over there?"

She gestured towards the Southern portal Sky was staring at.

"Yes, exactly but... uh, what do you remember, Rose?"

"Well, my father betrayed me. The deer stole from the dragons, and with the weight they fell down the mountains. Then, everything just went black. Did I faint after seeing them fall?"

"Y-yes, that's exactly what happened. But, you're safe now, this is the world of Dreams."

Rose looked at the ground, and scuffed it with a hoof. She quietly said, "I'd like to see my father, I'm not afraid of him."

"Do you remember escaping from the mean dragons?"

"Sort of, but it's all fuzzy and strange. I just remember being so scared."

"I'm sorry Rose, but I don't know if we can get back from here. The only way out I see is back into my world of Equestria."

Rose frowned, "It is no fault of yours, friend Sky. Truly if we are in the dream world, then the Oracle must have brought us here for a reason."

"Huh, maybe so..." said Sky in wonder, "For now, it's not safe to stay here. There is no one here, and this place is strange. Come to my world, you'll be safe there."

Sky remembered the Blight, which was still a shadowy arrow on the ground. He thought towards it,

Thanks for your help. Are you coming?

I do not belong in the real world. Better I stay here than have one more fell creature escape back into Equestria. Enough damage has been done.

Sky stopped and stared. He realized, and shuddered.

There was no helping it now. They had to get to civilization again, and he had to find Cobalt and find out why she left. Rose climbed on his back, her hooves sharp against him.

He flew off towards the fast-closing portal. They cleared it with minutes to spare, finding themselves high above Equestria and not far from Ponyville.

Now what? wondered Sky as he spiraled down for a landing. Sweet Apple acres zoomed in below. Rolling hills of dormant trees graced the landscape. They landed, gently this time, and Rose walked a ways off to a hilltop.

Together, leaning on each other in the cold, they looked at the cozy town of Ponyville down below, framed by sunset.

10. Remedy

It was a pitch-black, moonless night. Further into the shadowy streets of Ponyville could be seen pools of flickering orange-yellow illumination as the lamp-lighters went about their work, slowly working their way to the edge of town.

In this present darkness, on the cold and soft soil of Everfree Lane, Rosepetal the deer could be mistaken for an earth-pony in the shadows. She walked alongside Skyblazer the pegasus until they reached a small house with a fenced garden.

"Stay here for a moment, Rose," whispered Sky into the night.

Rose heard the soft creak of a gate and a gentle knock of a hoof against a door. Another knock, very slightly louder. The door opened, candlelight spilling out of the aperture.

A soft and sweet voice perfumed the air, "Oh, hello Lightning. It's awfully late, is anything the matter?"

"Actually," answered Sky's male voice with a distinct country accent, "I'm Sky, her son."

"Oh my, sorry. I was sound asleep and I'm not all awake right now," Fluttershy inhaled deeply and hesitated for a moment before saying, "It's not polite to wake a pony up unless it's an emergency."

"Well, it is..." Sky began.

"What happened, are you hurt?" Fluttershy asked with concern in her tired voice.

"Um, well... I just got back from a far-away land. I met a talking deer there, and she was in need of a new home. She's right out front, I was hoping you could help?"

"Well certainly, Sky, but I do suppose it could wait until morning."

"I don't want to startle anypony and she can't speak our language."

"I see. You two can stay the night then, but I simply must get sleep. I am a very early riser, you know."

Sky wondered when Fluttershy had become this assertive. He nodded and thanked her, and asked Rose to come on in. He also informed the deer,

"She says you may rest here for now. I am still using magic to translate, so if I need to leave you won't be able to talk with her. Okay?"

"When can I return home, Sky?" she inquired.

"...well, I don't know if we can get back through the Dreamspace. It's not an easy thing."

"Ah, so I may be here for a while."

"Yes... here, you must be hungry. Let me get some food out of my pack."

Sky brought Rose to the dining table while Fluttershy returned to her room with a yawn. Did she... just ignore a talking deer? Fluttershy, friend of animals?

Rosepetal said something which went right past Sky, unheard, as he simply sat at the table and stared at the closed bedroom door.

Fluttershy, the sweet and gentle gardener pony, had become more cold and calloused. Granted it was a very minor thing but... for her to just get some sleep rather than meet a fascinating animal from another land? Not even a 'Hello'?

Looking back down at the table, where a parcel of hay was set next to fruits and veggies, Sky slowly divided the food and gave half to the grateful and famished Rose.

He shook his head and pushed his half over to her as well. He said good night to her and carefully made his way over to a plush easy chair.

Sleep was instant, dreams were complex. In the midst of one dream so abstract as to defy easy description, a blurry winged figure swooped through the confusion of color and sound like a boat leaving a wake in water. A far-off voice echoed, Come this way, Sky.

Sky found himself floating off like a stray ember, leaving behind the cacophony of disjointed sights and sounds. The dream began to fade away until they were somewhere else entirely. Ahead of them could be seen a garden. Unlike Fluttershy's vibrant garden outside, this dreamscape only had trailing vines and flowers of black and purple.

Do you like it? came the dreamy voice again with an echo, It is my favorite place to go when I need time to think.

The garden seemed to come into greater focus. Sky felt a stronger presence of being himself, in the body of a pegasus, with synaptic control over wings and legs and a tail.

Echoes dulled down, the blurry landscape cleared, and Sky found himself sitting facing Princess Luna within her dream-world garden. It was, indeed, a very calm place.

A gentle ripple of falling water could be heard. Sky looked over his shoulder for the source: a pond where lilies blossomed, a bullfrog croaked, and water cascaded softly down a series of flat rocks.

"We need to talk, Skyblazer," came the firm voice of Luna. Sky turned and nodded sheepishly.

There was a sudden blaze of light. When it faded, Princess Celestia stood before them. Sky bowed. Celestia glared at them, ears down. She spoke to them both,

"I'll have you know I lost sleep to be here."

Both Sky and Luna were quiet, each with a rather sheepish look on their visage.

Celestia turned to her sister and scolded her, "How could you possibly have let him do that?!"

Celestia was as angry as Sky had ever seen her. Her usual mane and tail of blue astral energy now encompassed her whole body like an aura, flickering off of wingtips like flame.

Luna scrunched her face up and retorted, "I thought you said we weren't going to infringe upon the personal choices of mortals!"

"Well certainly, but don't you think this maybe qualifies as a special situation?" Celestia fired back.

"And what if I had stopped him from rushing in? What if in so-doing I were to disrupt the timeline of what is meant to be?"

Celestia paused at this, but quickly spoke up, "Then, perhaps, you wouldn't be facing the arduous task of gathering every single dangerous creature which has now been loosed from Dreamspace!"

Luna huffed. Skyblazer backed off a few steps, but Celestia noticed him. Her horn flared yellow and Sky was roughly yanked forward and back into the conversation.

Celestia didn't need to say anything to him. She gave him an askew glare which pierced right through him. From a saddlebag at her side came a piece of parchment, which was hovered over to him and held where he could read it.

It was a map, showing all of Equestria and some surrounding areas. Several names could be read on it, glowing in various colors. Down in Appleloosa were two which Sky recognized: Trixie and Starlight.

One name was apart from the others, far off to the East and glowing a dark blue: Cobalt. The location: near Griffonstone.

Skyblazer slowly spoke with tears in his eyes, "I don't know why she left me! And yeah it was reckless, but I swear I did everything I could to get to her!"

"Well," conceded Celestia, "you certainly did a damn fine job tearing two dimensions asunder to find her."

"Look, how was I supposed to know what would happen? That the, place, was even possible?"

"You weren't, young one, but a certain someone should know better."

Luna seemed to visibly shrink as she hid her face within her wings. Her sister took a few deep breaths, and the blue energy surrounding her returned to normal, and she spoke calmly,

"We cannot change that which has already been done. It would only cause more problems if I did. Luna and Sky. Do you even know what avalanche of shit you have rained down upon Equestria?"

Celestia's horn flared once more. Two shovels suddenly appeared, each tossed to the ground with a clank.

"My meaning should be clear," said Celestia as she became enveloped in a golden blaze of magic, fading out of the Dreamspace.

After a moment, Sky turned to face a very unhappy Luna. He spoke quietly,

"Luna, I swear I saw the stag again. The one we saw in your memory."

This prompted a startled look from Luna, one ear down. Sky continued,

"He told me that all the magic sources are going to die, and trying to stop it will only make things worse, and... I think... I might have maybe damaged the source of all dark magic. Yeah..."

"Well, I can repair the damage to Dreamspace," began Luna wearily, "but it shall take several moons and until it is finished I cannot gather the anomalies."

"You mean, the monsters?"

"Yes... so I'll have you and Cobalt do it."

Sky blanched. He stammered, "I don't think we could possibly..."

"Now, I know you two have to eat and keep your equipment in good care in order to handle creatures of this magnitude."

"You can't be serious..."

"So although this is your fault, I shall pay you bits. Just don't tell Celestia."

"Okay, first Cobalt doesn't want to be with me..."

"Pony-feathers, you know that's not true. Now then. Slay the monsters if you must but these are ones we'd rather preserve and study. I'll teach you the ancient magic needed to transport an object into the Dreamspace."

"Wait, hold on, what do you mean that's not true? She said 'I'm sorry' and ran off! As far away from me as possible!"

Luna eased down to lie on her belly, wings tucked in. She spoke softly, "And where did I say that portal led to?"

"East, by the dragonlands and... Griffonstone."

"Do you sincerely think she would go back to the place she most hates simply out of breaking up with thou?"

"No, of course not. She wants to make her home a better place, I get it."

A sad nod from Luna, "With her newfound power. There seems, however, to be a hindrance."

Sky looked at the map again. Cobalt's name wasn't in Griffonstone, not exactly. A bit more to the south, between there and the Dragonlands.

"What's she doing?" Sky wondered in concern.

"She's alive and well, wherever she's at," reassured Luna.

"I'll go help her, just let me get Rose settled in first."

Luna stood up and unfurled her wings. She stared Sky in the eyes as her horn glowed deep purple and the dream garden began to fade away.

Skyblazer awoke with a start in the chair. It was difficult to move.

He could see why when he opened his eyes: Rosepetal was curled up right against him, back to back. Sky grimaced and slowly got off the chair so as not to wake her.

Sky shook his head, quite uncomfortable. She was very cute and sweet, honestly, but Sky already had someone and Luna was right. Cobalt had not left because of him. It was time to leave that deer in the capable care of Fluttershy and take another long, long flight.

As Sky gently placed the quilt back over the deer, a paper fluttered to the ground. It was the arcane map Celestia had given him in the dream. This was tucked into a pocket of his pack.

He then picked up his saddlebag by a strap and slung it over a dining chair. He had a seat, groaning at a sharp pain which stood out among the other injuries, and began unpacking parchment.

First he unfolded a large map of Equestria. It was covered in notes and additions and took up the entire surface area of the table. All of Equestria was depicted, and some of the wildlands outside of their borders.

Sky took the left corner gently in his mouth and pulled the map so that the right half rested flat on the table. An expanse of ocean was depicted here with wavy blue lines, unnamed, for Pony-kind stayed in Equestria except for a few western isles.

To settle East was unthinkable, between dragons, griffons, and seafaring rogues. Hurricanes often plagued those waters as well, sometimes reaching Manehattan. If there were any islands in the East ocean, whether wild or settled, they remained unknown.

A landmass occupied the right border of the map. It was a vertical sliver from top edge to bottom, labeled simply, 'Dragons be Here'. What lie further inland, and how far it extended, was not mapped and perhaps never would be.

Here in the refuge of Equestria, especially in cities, one did not need fear the drakes. To venture into their land was foolhardy, for dragons had a very short temper and no reservations against eating another sapient race.

Skyblazer grimly considered this fact as he stared at the map with distant eyes. He shook his head and placed the arcane tracking map on the table. This one was much smaller and less detailed. Cobalt's name, in dark blue, remained stationary not far from the dragon's homeland.

Another look back at the large map. Notes in black ink had been scrawled on the Eastern land, messy but legible. Most prominent was a red line dividing the land into North and South sections.

North was labeled 'Griffonstone', while the South was called 'Dragonhearth'. A smaller note said these were rough translations. Several other items had been noted on the expanse of empty parchment: The Spire of Magnus, Volcano of the Trials, Throne-Cavern of Crystal.

The nearest landmarks to Cobalt were a lake (a blue circle) and a forest (a number of green triangles). A tiny note here said that limestone caverns were around this lake, too small for dragons to access. Apparently Luna and Celestia had used them as a campsite far in the past while exploring, and that was why the caves had been noted on the massive framed map in the royal castle which Sky had copied from.

Sky heard the creak of a door opening and looked up. Fluttershy was awake now.

The light-yellow pegasus stepped out and gently kicked the door closed with a back hoof. She greeted Sky midway-through a groggy yawn. Her mane was a mess and her wing feathers were all ruffled.

This only made her more adorable. She took a towel from a closet and stepped into the bathroom, asking Sky to put some tea on.

Sky stepped away from the table and placed a kettle on the burner. He found a few tins of tea and sugarcubes on a shelf. Everything in this kitchen was in white or pink, accented by green plants and varicolored flowers.

The ruckus awoke Rosepetal. The deer neatly draped her quilt over the chair, lightly bounded off, and stretched her limbs. She walked around the cabin, her small hooves thudding on the planks, examining everything with curiosity.

Fluttershy emerged in a cloud of steam, fanning her wings to get the remaining water off. She fixed a cup of tea in what she would call a mug, which was a porcelain facsimile of a bucket with a metal handle. She took the wooden grip of the handle in her mouth and carried the bucket-mug of scalding tea to the dining table.

She retrieved a comb with a very long handle from the bathroom before having a seat in an aged, crackling white wicker chair at the table. Holding the end of the comb in her mouth, she was able to use this comb-on-a-stick to brush her mane back to its usual curl.

Rosepetal bounded over in a graceful arc, sat next to her, and watched with bright, curious eyes. Skyblazer wearily trod over and had a seat across from Fluttershy, who observed his packed bags and tense expression with some worry.

Once her mane was in order and she had a sip of tea, Fluttershy addressed the fascinating Rose, "Oh my, a real talking deer!"

Sky cut in, "I'll need to use a spell of translation so we can talk," he closed his eyes and focused on the magic, a golden glow emitting from his amulet. It sparked a couple times, but stayed steady and functional. Sky gave a nod to Rose.

Now the deer spoke up, "I am Rosepetal. Your house is very lovely. I did not know you could keep flowers happy within doors--it is very nice."

"My name is Fluttershy, and thank you. Do your kind drink tea?" this prompted a nod 'yes', and Rose was given a mug.

Skyblazer explained nervously, "She... can't go back home. A winter storm destroyed the village."

"Oh no, that's awful!" exclaimed Fluttershy in a voice slightly louder than her usual whisper-quiet one, "Well, I can certainly take care of her and help her settle in Ponyville."

"Is Twilight around?" asked Sky, "I'm sure she could help with translation."

"You haven't heard?" asked Fluttershy in surprise as she gazed at Sky over her steaming mug. She added, "You're all ready to go, so I had assumed you already knew."

Sky didn't have a response for this. He sat patiently, sipping his sugary tea.

Fluttershy smiled broadly, "Twilight said she has an important quest. She went to Everfree to meet Zecora and help gather potion ingredients."

A look of stunned understanding appeared upon Sky's visage, "My sister... they're going to cure her. That's... that's great news, Fluttershy."

An impatient Rose interrupted, "Sky, when can we go back to Mirage? Do you really think it fell to the storm?"

Sky put his ears down and grimaced. He spoke the truth, "I'm sorry Rose, but the storm was bad. I'm afraid... the village didn't make it."

"Oh..." lamented Rose, trailing off into quiet for a moment. At length she continued, "I suppose I'll need to settle in your village now. It is strange, you must understand, to be in a village of ponies."

"Trust me, I get it," said Sky, "It was just as strange for me in your village."

Fluttershy cut in between sips of tea, "By all means Rose, you may feel welcome here. Ponyville is a very peaceful place."

A quiet fell over the table. Each of the three considered saying something, but thought better of it and returned to their tea. Warm rays of sunlight filled the room through expansive windows. The only sound was birdsong.

Skyblazer seemed restless, constantly shuffling his wings as though ready to take off. Fluttershy asked him,

"Do you have someplace you need to be?"

He explained, "Fluttershy, do you remember Cobalt? The griffon I told you about."

A curt nod. Sky continued,

"We've been through a lot together... forged a friendship through the fire."

With great intelligence Fluttershy asked in a soft voice, "She is very special to you, isn't she?"

Sky almost broke down into tears. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply before responding, "I love her. I don't know why she left like that... but Luna herself came to me in a dream and told me that, maybe, it's not about me."

Fluttershy listened quietly, intrigued, while Rosepetal chased a butterfly out into the garden.

"I think... she intends to use magic to bring change to Griffonstone," concluded Sky.

"That's a very, very long ways from Equestria," said Fluttershy.

Sky responded, "I'll fly over the entire damn ocean if that's what it takes to see her again."

"I know. But be safe, okay? There are so many scary things out there... things that have scales, and breathe fire, and tend to eat trespassers."

Sky gave an arrogant glare, "I'm not afraid of dragons."

Again Fluttershy spoke in a soft whisper, "I know. I can take care of the deer until Twilight gets back," now Fluttershy rose from her seat in a graceful flutter of wings.

She walked over to Sky and gave him a very intense stare. He gazed back, transfixed by the power this hypnotic gaze held. It felt overwhelming and almost... magic.

Still firmly looking him in the eyes with as serious an expression as Sky had ever seen her have, Fluttershy spoke, "Go to her, be there for her. If you love her, even though she's a scary griffon, then be strong so she has someone to lean on."

Now Fluttershy looked away. Sky shook his head, just about seeing spots after the stare. He wondered if that was a spell of some kind, but if it was, Fluttershy was not forthcoming with an answer.

There were no further words exchanged. Skyblazer nodded, walked out into the sunshine, stretched, and galloped away into flight.

Rosepetal soon returned. Though Fluttershy couldn't understand the deer it was clear she was looking for Sky. Fluttershy shook her head no and gestured up at the empty air. Rose nodded sadly.

Deep within the snow-covered Everfree forest a strange chime could be heard. The haunting yet peaceful alarm rang three times. It was followed by the discordant noise of shattering glass.

Nearby the fabled Tree of Harmony, several ponies gathered in a hidden cavern. Twilight Sparkle walked grimly past the broken magic seal, towards a glittering pool further in.

With Princess Celestia and Zecora the alchemist guarding the egress in case of nocturnal monsters, Twilight used magic to scoop up a thimbleful of the water into a glass bottle.

The bottle vibrated intensely, light flashing within. It settled, and Twilight exited the cavern, but not before ancient magic runes were drawn in the moist soil and a new seal was placed.

All was at peace outside the cavern. The only sounds were crickets and the chafing rustle of wind through the hardy pines on this chilly evening. Zecora and Celestia sat like statues on either side of the cliff wall in which the cavern was hidden, dim figures in the pale winter moonlight.

Much like Sky in the storybook world of Meadowbrook, the ponies gathered here on this night pursued a quest of magical restoration in the depth of winter. The story of Violet's cure, however, was to be a far more peaceful one than that of the doomed deer.

Twilight trotted alongside Zecora back towards her cabin. Princess Celestia flew at a slow pace overhead, alert for monsters. Their trip was only a few hours and only one monster was encountered: A rock troll, hungry and in search of hibernating animals.

Trolls possessed a modicum of intelligence and this one knew well enough to avoid the three majestic ponies as they passed. On feeling the sheer, overwhelming weight of their combined magical power, the troll simply fell back into the shadow of the trees and caused them no obstacle.

Soon they reached the tidy, snow-covered home of Zecora. The zebra paused on the porch to shake off the snow, as did her companions. They entered, combined the proper ingredients, and waited only long enough to quickly eat while the bottle heated in the embers of the fireplace. Twilight removed the hot glass with her telekinesis and set it aside gently. Zecora rekindled the fire, used an iron to poke and prod the sticks into place, and closed the glass and iron door so that the heat would radiate throughout her cabin.

The other two didn't rest long enough to warm up. They said their thank yous and farewells, tightened each other's saddlebags, and stepped outside.

Twilight Sparkle and Celestia stepped a respectable distance from the house. Their horns began to shine and the air shimmered. They were gone in a flash, the violent roar of displaced air rattling the dishes in Zecora's cabin. The zebra gave a fierce look in the direction of the sound and spoke quietly to herself, “As you conclude your quest, I wish you only the best. Farewell for now my friends, may we soon meet again.”

Distant thunder rumbled in the river valley south of Dodge Junction. Twilight and Celestia found themselves in another forest, far removed from Everfree but equally full of snowy, nubile deciduous trees and thriving boughs of hardy pine.

Celestia spoke up in a voice a little louder and hastier than her usual calm, patient tone, “Twilight, shield thyself.”

The purple alicorn did so, and just in time. Something unseen and heavy slammed into her shield spell in the dark, with enough weight to bring Twilight to a crouch as she increased the energy of the spell through calm force of will.

Her eyes adjusted once more to the dark after the bright cacophony of teleportation. The dim, purple light of her shield illuminated a fallen pine lying beside her. An unnatural notch had been cut into the trunk, perfectly round and smooth as no tool could hope to cut.

Twilight nodded her understanding. She had reappeared within the tree, and her spell had neatly cut through it, chopping it down. She voiced the same concern which Celestia had, “It really is getting worse, isn't it?”

Celestia was grim. She resumed her properly paced, calm tone of voice as she said, “The Dreamspace should be able to place us where nothing is in the way. I don't recall if I have told you this...”

“Yes, Dreamspace is the medium by which magic travel is possible,” answered Twilight, as she dusted pine bark and twigs off her fur with her wings, “This is a fine campsite. Let's rest here until morning.”

Between the two powerful casters of magic, it was trivial to setup a large tent and warm the interior. Celestia accessed Luna's dimensional pocket, returning through the gash in reality itself with quilts and pillows.

Twilight dug into her saddlebags for a basic dinner as the princess closed the rift. They ate silently, nestled into their blankets, and found a few hours in which to sleep before shrill sunlight and birdsong woke them up.

The camp was packed swiftly. Their hooves thudded on the snowy ground, their wings extended in a delicate and aerodynamic display of flight feathers, and they caught lift on the freezing winds of winter.

Farmland furrows passed beneath them in a uniform quilt of white and brown. Stone fences divided ancient properties into squares. Cozy puffs of smoke issued from chimneys of homes nearby dirt roads. The roads formed their own, much larger squares as they crisscrossed the countryside.

The two fliers diverged left and right to avoid a late flock of migrating winter birds. As the pair tilted in a sharp angle to glide near each other, Twilight yelled over the wind noise, “Land where the saplings are.”

Celestia did so, in a gentle spiral so as not to disturb the dormant, chest-high trees all wrapped up against the winter cold. Not far from this orchard that was not yet an orchard, the tidy farmhouse of the Barley's sat regally with a fresh coat of dark brown paint upon the boards.

Lightning Ridge, the mother of Skyblazer Haycart, sat on the back porch wrapped in a wool blanket with a steaming mug of something sitting next to her. As she had done the previous morning, she kept watch across her fields, looking away from the bright morning sun on her right.

The two distant figures drew near enough for their fur color to be seen, but Lightning didn't need to see Celestia's glossy white fur to recognize the graceful and powerful ruler of Equestria.

Now Lightning sat up, the blanket trailing behind her. Having just woken up, she had not yet equipped her usual cloak. In the light of sunrise her wheat-gold fur and feathers could be clearly seen. So, too, could be seen her lack of an entire left wing.

She ducked her head and craned out her neck to sip her hot beverage. She then stood, stretched, and stepped off the porch to meet the two.

Twilight, though exhausted and freezing, galloped forward to embrace Lightning in a hug which involved front legs and wings and a nuzzle of noses. Celestia calmly stepped up, a faint smile on her visage, and rustled her sore wings as she sat in the snow.

Twilight spoke one word quietly, “Barley?”

A nod from Lightning, “He is aware.”

Celestia leaned back and unclasped the buckle of a small pouch. It was a buckle of the kind seen on overalls, an easy one to manage with just the mouth for dexterity. From this pouch she extracted a small bottle of thick glass, where a liquid sloshed in a medicinal light red.

This bottle was passed over to Lightning, who held it gently in her mouth as she creaked open the door and stepped into the kitchen. Twilight and Celestia stepped onto the porch, shook off snow, and followed her into the wonderful shelter of a warm and cozy farm home.

A door next to the staircase led into Violet's room. The filly lie curled up in her blankets, shivering, coughing and sneezing occasionally. Lighting softly placed her right wing on her daughter's back and spoke to her visitors without looking at them,

“She always does worse in the cold, and she just won't listen to us and stay in. Winter is the only season she has enough time to visit her friends 'round here, you see.”

Twilight and Celestia quietly nodded their understanding. A loud thud came from the living room as a door was closed. Celestia stepped out of the small bedroom to make space for Barley Haycart to enter.

The old, worn-out draft pony was sober and serious. He sat down on the other side of the bed from Lighting, moving the bedding back over Violet. He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath before speaking in a gravelly tone, “Give her the medicine. But just know, if this weird magic of yers makes her condition worse... I don't ever want to see your flank around here again, Twilight.”

Twilight looked him in the eyes with her ears flat back, a grave expression on her face, and nodded. Lightning set the bottle on the nightstand so she could uncork it. She brought the strong-smelling bottle over to the bed and asked,

“Violet, honey, are you awake?”

Violet groaned a pained “Yes.” She slowly rolled over onto her belly, raising her head up. Her fur, a light lavender, had a few thinning spots despite her healthy diet.

“I have medicine for you. It may taste bad, but I need you to take it.”

Violet yawned and replied with a tiny bit more fervor, “I'm not a little filly anymore, ma. I'll take the medicine.”

Lightning tipped the bottle of red liquid into her mouth. Violet made a face at the cough syrup flavor. For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Lightning set the empty bottle on the nightstand as Violet sat up shakily.

“Huh. I feel...” Violet began, before suddenly cutting off her words. She stopped shivering and began staring at the wall as though she had seen a spider.

Barley, concerned, stood up and gruffly said, “What is it? Are you feelin' alright?”

He took a startled step back and dropped like a stone back to sitting, his mouth agape. Violet's light purple fur began glowing an intense gold, the color suffusing her entire body and growing until golden light filled the room.

The golden glow became a brilliant glare and elongated shadows stretched out across the floral wallpaper, one for each pony gathered in the room. Three stood sentinel, as though on watch. One shadow sat patiently on the floor beside the bed. One shadow sat still, cast by Violet, although she was the light source. This shadow stood up. It moved to the window in a fluid motion as though floating and faded from the room.

Somewhere over Eastern Equestria, sitting on a cloud with all the land in miniature far beneath him, Skyblazer rested his wings for a moment. His canteen sat beside him, moisture slowly draining into it by a very precise application of his cloud-forming magic.

He shifted to lie down on the edge of the cloud and look over the forest and farmland below with a grim smile. Could he and Cobalt really defeat creatures regarded as hazardous by the princesses?

A rich golden glow met his eyes. Odd, as it was mid afternoon and sunset was far off. Sky reached out with a front hoof, lifting the fine silver chain on which his amulet was attached. The square cut gemstone shone with brilliant golden light, in contrast with the silvery puffs of cloud and saturated blue of the sky around him.

In a guest room within the crystal castle of Ponyville, Maud Pie found herself awakened from a restful afternoon nap. At first she wasn't sure what had woken her up. As the sleepy cobwebs cleared, she noticed an intense silver glow coming from the wardrobe, which wasn't a thing that wardrobes typically do.

Maud got up, stretched and yawned, and approached the wardrobe with wary curiosity. She took one of the metal rings in her mouth and opened the cabinet door.

The glow came from a simple wooden box on the bottom shelf. She nudged it open, revealing her earring: an Element of Conflict.

She picked up the earring and jumped back up onto the bed, lying on her side on the jumbled bedding. She set down the earring and considered it.

Why were Sky, Cobalt and she considered unworthy? They had all very well proven themselves to be heroic and caring figures. It didn't seem the least bit fair to be given Elements of Conflict when her trio got along just fine.

The overwhelming silver light gradually faded until the earring was dim once more. Maud shook her head 'no'. All that it meant was that others might not consider the three of them as anything special. It didn't mean that they weren't heroes or worthwhile of being selected by the ancient magic.

Cobalt was a griffon. Ponies often feared and despised those. Skyblazer was still a foal, with a foal's ambition and puerile behavior. Some may underestimate his courage and sense of responsibility. And what about herself?

After a pause to consider, Maud concluded she was quite ordinary and unremarkable. A very simple, down-to-earth pony who enjoyed the study of rocks and minerals. Not many friends or hobbies outside of that...

Indeed, she was a strange choice. The Elements of Harmony had gone to interesting ponies with lots of friends and important roles in town. No wonder she had gotten an aspect of conflict.

Maud returned the earring to the wardrobe, neatly made the bed, picked up a basket, and headed out into the halls of the crystal castle with the Ponyville farmer's market as her destination.

Far away and across an ocean, in the Dragonlands, was a region of twelve lakes. Limestone caverns formed a labyrinth here. These had once been temporary shelter for minotaur fishers long ago. Now, the caverns served as a playground for the young dragon whelps who could still fit within their narrow confines.

It was possible to travel from the dragons' home to the Dozen Lakes through these caves, and thereby avoid flying over the craggy mountain range which towered into the sky. Over the course of time, young dragons had explored the caves and carved crude maps into the stone, illustrating the passage through.

One such map was now illuminated by the flicker of torchlight as a pair of travelers rested in a sandy cavern marked by an X on the stone map and primitive runes which read, "The Warm Room".

Judging by the smooth wear on the limestone walls and the soft, silky sand which formed its floor, this area was subject to floods. For now, it was bone dry.

The first traveler, a griffon with soot and mud covered white fur and burnt blue feathers, stretched out and lie on the sand on her belly with her limbs all stretched out in a manner that would be considered impolite in public.

This was not public. Rather, it was as far as Cobalt had been from civilization in quite some time since meeting Sky. Tears welled up in her eyes as she lie her chin on the hot sand, and her mind wandered.

Dammit, I miss you Sky. And the nice folk in Ponyville. And Maud too, if I'm being honest. She really is a great friend when you get to know her.

Cobalt's companion spoke up, snapping her out of her reverie, "Don't fall asleep just yet, what about food?"

With some effort, Cobalt raised her chin from the warmth of the sand which was lulling her into contented slumber. She answered,

"I'm fine, but you need to eat. You told me yourself, Ember, that you dragons aren't like us griffons. You need food to keep your body warm."

Ember the dragon, the runt of the litter with deep blue scales, scowled and responded haughtily, "My fire sac won't go out over just a couple missed meals, and we're almost out of the caves. Besides, we can stay here in the warm room for the night. Or day. Whatever it is."

Cobalt put her chin back on the sand and closed her eyes. Ember's voice met her ears, "Mind if I get the food out of your packs?"

"Go on ahead," answered Cobalt in a quiet, half-asleep voice.

A sudden shriek from the tiny dragon caused Cobalt to sit up suddenly. Ember spoke in an embarrassed tone, "Sorry, your magic ring just started glowing out of nowhere."

The griffon looked down at her talon. Huh, the thing was glowing. She shook the ring a couple times and the glow faded. With a shrug, Cobalt lie back on the sand. Before she closed her eyes once more in an attempt to sleep, she used her bejeweled talon to move the golden chain of a locket out from where it hid in the white tufts of fur at her chest.

The locket was opened with a click. Within was a small photo of Sky and she, carefully cut into a heart shape. The picture had been taken during their brief visit to Cloudsdale, and the loamy white cloud surface billowed all around.

This prompted a small smile. It had actually been a pretty boring place to visit. Everything was made of cloud, uniform in appearance, and the view was nothing new for flying creatures like Sky and her. Nothing to write home about.

Cobalt felt a tugging against the straps of her saddlebags as Ember got out the smoked fish and baked potatoes wrapped in parchment. Sounds of ferocious eating ensued.

There was a pause as Ember spoke again, "Cobalt, you already saved my life. You don't have to starve for me, you haven't eaten all day."

"It's not that. Leave me alone," said Cobalt very slowly, hardly able to keep coherent thought as sleep fought to overtake her exhausted body. She rolled over onto her side, stretched once, and promptly fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Celestia, ears perked up and an expression of confusion and alarm on her face, squeezed into the bedroom. Barley, who still sat with his jaw hanging open and ghosts of the past in his eyes, grimaced and growled as he stepped forward and hugged his daughter tightly with his front hooves.

The golden glow ensconced them both. It began to fade until the room was dim once more, sunlight poking dusty streams through the window shutters. Violet continued staring at the wall. Her face drooped, tears formed in her eyes, and she began to cry.

At once Barley was off the bed and across the room. He barged towards Twilight and Celestia, his muttered words full of accusations and cussing. The two of them stood calmly, serenely, accepting whatever it was they had just caused as their onus to bear.

“Dad, I'm fine,” came a small voice, “Don't be mean to them, please.”

Violet Haycart stood next to her father. She didn't shiver at all and her fur gleamed full and healthy. There was no telltale shake to her legs indicating she was about to collapse. Her breathing was normal and steady, no shortness of breath.

She spoke clearly, her words not marred by stuffed sinuses, “I feel... better than I have since winter began. By Celestia—sorry,” the princess gestured that it was fine, “but I feel so much better. I just—I don't know what to say. Um, thank you,” Violet began to sob again.

She walked over to Twilight and leaned against her side, crying, as Lightning walked over and comforted her daughter. Violet wiped the tears from her eyes and said, “If it's okay with you, ma, I want to go outside for a bit. I feel like taking a run.”

“Go right on ahead,” replied Lightning as Violet practically bounced out of the room. Everypony else in the room went outside after her.

Barley seemed in a state of shock. He spoke quietly, “Jus yesterday she couldn't hardly walk outside to piss without leaning on the wall for support...” he took a few steps towards Celestia and Twilight.

Celestia moved her right legs back to brace herself without thinking about it, in a smooth motion like the flow of water. Yet any kick or strike she expected did not come.

Instead, Barley bowed while holding his straw hat in his mouth, his dirty, platinum-gray mane spilling out over his eyes. He spoke curtly, “Thank you, ma'am.”

Twilight, in a fit of surprise, quickly told him not to thank her. Celestia smiled calmly and said gently, “Rise, Barley Haycart of Dodge Junction, son of Granary Haycart.”

Barley did so with a smirk of his own. For a rare occasion his response was a happy and amused one, “Why, I don't reckon fancy speech like that has ever been heard this far out in the country.”

“In the distant past, it was not so,” replied Celestia, “But I concur with Twilight. Your gratitude belongs to the alchemist, Zecora.”

A pained and startled look appeared in Barley's eyes. That zebra? A drunken, hazy memory came to mind and he visibly flinched. He had threatened her and driven her off his land, in fear of her dark magic which had now brought healing to his daughter.

“How can I...” he paused, “She won't come back round here anymore, after I treated her, I don't know how...”

Twilight stepped up, shushing him, “I'll let her know you want to apologize.”

“Yeah, that,” muttered Barley uncomfortably.

Violet galloped past, her black mane fluttering in the wind and, somehow, already full and dark instead of ragged and thinning. Barley shook his tired head at the force of magic in his world.

Despite the cold, which would normally leave Violet leaning on the house in fits of coughing wheezes if she so much as tried carrying a bucket of water in, Violet ran with gusto and vigor.

She finally paused, panting and sweating, and thanked Twilight and Celestia again before bounding off towards the main gate and the dirt road where her neighborhood friends would soon be meeting her for the day.

The princess and Twilight stayed for breakfast. Twilight used the time to catch up with her old friend Lightning. It seemed things were really looking up this year. Barley had accepted an orchard, among other changes and additions to their farm.

A small herd of goats who had been having trouble with the rough winter now had an agreement with them. A safe place on their property and a warm barn to sleep in with hay to eat in exchange for their milk.

Between fresh fruit and fresh dairy, the Haycart family could draw in lots more income on their visits to town.

The two visitors left the farm with words of thanks and farewell in their ears as they took flight, smiling. They flew for a while longer, enjoying the scenery and the warmth of sunlight on their backs and wings in the jarringly cold winter day.

Down below, on the dirt road, could be seen a small group of ponies. One of them waved frantically, trying to get Celestia and Twilight to land. After exchanging a glance, they did so.

It was Violet, with a group of friends with various shades of fur, five friends in total. Enough for a backyard buckball team, and indeed, they carried a few leather balls about the size and weight of a soccer ball along with wooden buckets to serve as goals.

One stocky draft pony colt carried six fence posts slung in a harness over his back, to mark off the field.

Violet stepped a bit away from her friends and said, “Twilight, I need to talk to Celestia alone please.” Twilight stepped back. Violet leaned in close to Celestia's ear and whispered to her,

“Please tell Luna to make sure my brother and his griffon friend are safe. They are about to be in real danger.”

With absolute stunned surprise in her immortal eyes, Celestia nodded sagely and let Violet go back to enjoy her company of friends.

11. Pariah & Paradigm

"But if it's that important, I'm sure I could be of use," argued Twilight Sparkle as she flew through the air on vast wings rippling with purple feathers.

Princess Celestia was adamant, "You must understand, dear, that Violet requested this to be private."

The majestic alicorn of white fur with a mane and tail composed of shimmering blue astral energy flew alongside her student and young friend, the desert winds blustering past her finely toned body which was lithe with powerful muscles.

A deep connection to and reliance upon magic had not prevented the immortal Celestia from attending to care of her physical health. Nor, for that matter, had she ever allowed her unimaginable archive of knowledge to slip.

Celestia broke the silence by saying, "My sister and I, in all honesty, do not fully understand the mechanisms of the ancient magic. We only know that it has been reliable thus far. Prithee, be patient along with us."

"Fine," spoke up an unconvinced Twilight, "I will."

Celestia glanced over at her young student lovingly, with a lugubrious tinge of sadness poorly veiled. Twilight seemed exhausted, bitter, stressed, divided. She didn't need to carry that kind of weight, and Celestia could not convey this to her.

"In times such as these," Celestia said, trying anyways to convince Twilight, "There are two battles. One against the corporeal threats. One which is fought at home, in peacekeeping and the support of friends."

This, at least, got through to Twilight who responded, "Right, and I'm the ambassador of the peace. I get it, I really do. It's just..."

"A hard thing," Celestia filled in for her, "Life holds many of those. Come now, it is my understanding that your role as ambassador is needed in Ponyville."

"What? Why?" asked Twi in a startled voice.

In response Celestia smiled. Her horn flared a brilliant yellow like sunlight, the rays of magic shimmering the air ahead into a portal. It did not go unnoticed by Twilight that the yellow energy also refracted through a number of crystals worn on a necklace by the Princess.

If Celestia, of all ponies, needed a boosting artifact just to travel... then she must be incredibly exhausted in both mind and body. Twilight chose not to comment on this, and instead followed her beloved teacher and leader through the portal and into an entirely different region of Equestria as though they had trespassed through a painting.

A glance at the "painting" behind them before the portal closed. Twilight supposed it could be called a rustic slice of life. Farm house, dormant winter wheat fields, orchard, a few half-sentient goats and feral chickens here and there.

The portal closed entirely, the last few sparks of yellow magic crackled away like lost embers, and the duo began a peaceful descent to the town of Ponyville. The sunset framed the town in silhouette, and Twilight found the wherewithal to smile faintly despite all she had been through.

Home, hearth, and friends. Yonder, the Apples' orchard. Opposing, the rising puffs of dust from dirt roads where Fluttershy's neat cabin was kept. This, oddly enough, seemed to be the direction Celestia was taking her.

Twilight glanced North, towards the cobblestone markets, pristine and painted wooden buildings, and incongruous crystal castle. Within the various rooms of that castle, Twilight had offered plenty of counsel and settlements to help keep the peace and foster friendship as was her role in the world, as was her given purpose for being made into an alicorn. It was an incredibly rare and venerable honor.

Why, then, were the princess and she now alighting upon the soft dirt and sawdust of Everfree Lane? What great disruption in civic life could possibly exist in the home of the soft-spoken Fluttershy?

Celestia's voice broke her reverie, "It shall be clear what is needed here. I need to return to Equestria and manage some rather boring political matters."

"Ugh, have fun with that," jested Twilight.

Celestia stuck out her tongue at Twilight and took off into flight, her experienced wings bolstered by a magic updraft which rustled the gardens nearby. She flew off into the distance, not in any great hurry to meet with bickering officials.

Twilight brought her gaze back down to earth, where the comfortable cabin of Fluttershy nestled in the midst of flowers, fruits and vegetables.

A knock on the door was swiftly answered by the light yellow pegasus in question. Fluttershy wore an evening gown. A squirrel was curled up on top of her head, asleep in the soft pink mane and looking for all the world like the crown of some nature deity.

Twilight pictured Fluttershy as some stern and graceful ruler of a close-to-nature fantasy kingdom and couldn't help but giggle.

"What?" asked Fluttershy in a surprisingly irked voice, her eyebrows raised.

"Nothing, nothing," said Twilight, who fought to suppress further giggles, "Um, the princess said you needed assistance here?"

"Oh my, yes," Fluttershy responded in her usual quiet, soft tone, "Come right on in. By Celestia but you look tired, Twilight."

"That's more accurate than you would believe," commented Twi as she strode into the cabin. Fluttershy helped her unequip her saddlebags, the numerous charms on them jangling like the wind chimes outside. Deep lines were pressed into her fur and hide from how long she had been wearing the equipment and sleeping with it on. Deep lines could also be seen beneath Twilight's eyes.

The two old friends retreated to the living room and talked for a time over tea. During Twilight's second cup and while she was in the middle of saying that the reckless danger of gathering herbal ingredients in Everfree seemed almost relaxing to Celestia, another visitor entered the cabin. Twilight stopped talking and began staring.

Fluttershy spoke up as the deer had a seat next to her on the sofa, "This is Rosepetal. Um, she's probably why Celestia asked you to stop by."

Twilight continued staring, one ear down. The expression on her face clearly showed the gears turning in her mind. Fluttershy explained the situation.

A purple light filled the living room and gently caressed the deer. When it faded, the deer tried speaking, "Did it work? Can you hear me?"

"Yes, yes we can," muttered an amazed Twilight, "Where do you come from, anyways? Some land far outside Equestria's borders?"

"Um, I assume so... I just have a hard time remembering. It's strange," replied Rose the deer.

Twilight gathered her wits and took a moment before speaking, "So from what Fluttershy told me, your kind had a run-in with dragons and you were one of few survivors. Sky met you while out exploring and brought you here."

The deer answered her, "Yes. But, I only remember my name, Rosepetal."

A nod from Twilight, "Shock can do that to you. Try to take it easy Rose, you're among friends here."

Fluttershy entered the conversation, "She can't speak to us without magic, and she really loves the garden."

"Alright," said Twilight calmly, "The first issue sounds like a job for a teacher. Once Rose can speak and read Ponish, we can help her find a place where she will be happy."

Fluttershy commented, "One of my good friends is a schoolteacher here, and she's usually still awake at this hour. Let me go talk with her. Oh, and if you two are hungry, help yourself."

Twilight and the deer did so, perusing the kitchen for a plant-based late supper. Fluttershy left her cabin and trotted into a skipping gallop, using the lamp-bordered dirt lane as a runway.

With her eyes kept on the receding lamps for direction in the dark as she rose into the air, Fluttershy almost ran into another flier passing by. They narrowly avoided each other in a great rustle of feathers.

"Oh, excuse me," apologized Fluttershy.

"It's quite alright, I wasn't paying attention myself," responded the messenger pegasus. Fluttershy continued on her merry way into town, flying towards the well-lit main street where a few shops were still open. That main road would lead her to Cherry Jubilee's house.

The messenger used her mouth to tighten the strap of her satchel and then charged off to the Northwest. Navigating in the dark by the aid of the moon and stars was a mere matter of habit for her, as a night mail runner.

It was an important role, and Night Flight was proud of her job (if her name change was any indication). Her sleek silvery fur blended into the moonlight as owls hooted and some dangerous timber wolf howled far below, well beyond hope of reaching her up here.

Some pegasi may complain about being alone all the time or only returning home once every couple weeks. For Night Flight, the perks outweighed that: She could make her own schedule and visit all of Equestria, as long as the long-distance mail was delivered on time.

The mail guild of Corn Hills, an already small town, had sent her a request from Dodge Junction of all places. Only the second time she had been there.

On arrival at the ghost town, Night Flight had met a rural-looking pony who wore a faded brown cloak. This gal, named Lightning Ridge, had a simple letter delivery.

Since there wasn't even a specific building for mail in Dodge Junction (just a place in the tavern where mail was received), Night Flight had bought an ale and moved on. With the incredibly light load, she was able to bring more food and supplies than usual on her trip.

It certainly was an oddity of a delivery. Where her usual mail routes might have her towing an aerial cartload of letters and packages along a busy flight route between major cities, this run was a single letter from the middle of nowhere to... the middle of nowhere.

Night Flight saw a river below reflecting the moonlight and began her descent for a lunch break.

She lie couchant in the snow and refilled her canteen from the river, which was too swift to freeze. After her meal and before takeoff, she checked the delivery instructions again just to be sure:

'Iron Haycart, rice farmer just north of the Smokey Mountains. Sorry I can't be more specific, we haven't been on the best of terms.'

Night Flight shrugged as she galloped back aloft on the winter winds. The nice country gal had paid double the usual rate for a single letter and it was nice to spend time out in the peace and quiet of nature rather than the bustling city.

It took the agile young pegasus mare two and a half days to reach the Smokey Mountains region and another day of searching and asking around before she found the acres of currently frozen rice fields.

Place was a mess. Beer cans everywhere, weeds flourishing, cabin had two boarded-up broken windows. The grumpy pony who emerged from the dimly lit cabin began cussing at Night Flight in a drunken stupor as the pegasus landed.

Night unbuckled her satchel and mouthed the letter over to him. Iron Haycart responded by spitting on the ground, releasing acrid breath ripe with tobacco juice into the nostrils of Night Flight.

Iron then slurred, "Nice of ya to finally show up. Can't be arsed to help the folks, can't be arsed to help me when the farm's going all to shit."

There was an awkward pause. Iron kicked the dirt and apologized,

"You ain't my bastard brother. Sorry bout that. Can I help ya?"

Night Flight replied in a wavering voice, "Uh, letter for you... sir?"

Iron took the letter from her, turned his back, and entered his dilapidated cabin without a word. The door slammed hard enough to rattle the remaining windows. Snow slid off the porch roof right onto Night Flight, who shook it off and snorted in agitation.

The mail pegasus faded into the moonlit winter sky until Iron's failing farm was once more at peace.

The exterior detritus was pristine compared with the interior of Iron's cabin. Rotting food sat on stacked plates, empty cans and broken bottles of beer lie strewn. The air in here was so fetid that the stench was almost a physical presence.

Iron clambered back into a protesting bed with sheets that had not been white in moons. He set the letter on a nightstand covered in chewing tobacco spit and took the hilt of a knife in his mouth. The knife was pulled from where it was stuck in the nightstand and the letter was torn open.

It was read in the dim light of a soot-stained kerosene lantern as Iron had a chug of old beer kept cold by the harsh winter night. His hard, angry, drunken eyes softened a little as he read the page, the brilliant white of the paper an obscene contrast to the filth and dirt that could be seen in every other corner.

The letter read,

'Iron, your dad and I miss you. Please come visit us on the farm. A lot has changed of late, we have an orchard now and brought in some goats and chickens. A granary has been partially built, and we could use your help in completing it.

Your little sister has been healed and we plan to celebrate. There will be a feast and party in one moon from now, which should give you time enough to travel. Zecora, an alchemist who lives in the forest, made a medicine which cured all of her ailments.

We've invited all the family over and would love it if you attend, as well. We can also give you some foodstuff and bits to assist you with whatever expansions you have planned for your own farm.

Love, mom.'

Iron gently picked up the letter in his mouth. He stomped into a kitchen where the majority of counter and floor surfaces could no longer be seen beneath encrusted filth and neglected dishes. He placed the letter on his icebox with a magnet, where it could be on one of the few clean surfaces in his entire home, and then he hit the hay.

Ponyville, the next morning. The weather was brisk and clear, with only a few unnaturally low clouds in the sky. Birdsong reverberated in the winter air as sunlight warmed the snowy streets.

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rosepetal walked together into town. Some ponies stopped to gawk at the deer and talk with her. With Rose's strange memory issue, there wasn't much to say.

In the vibrant Ponyville market, where chatter and mercantile bustle filled the air with sound, the three met up with Maud and her sister Pinkie. Together they enjoyed a well-deserved day of rest, and introduced Rose to aspects of their culture.

The deer, who came from a much simpler society, was thoroughly impressed by everything. She enjoyed a variety of exotic fruits, browsed shops full of luxury, met with the schoolteacher to arrange times for lessons, and finally walked with her new friends to the most amazing thing she had ever seen in her life:

A whole castle made out of opaque crystal, with ponies leaving and entering freely. Twilight Sparkle spoke up with pride,

"This is the library, town hall, forum, and guest home for Ponyville now. Oh, by Luna's mane but I do miss the old tree though..."

She told Rosepetal about the former library, a tree hollowed out by magic, as they navigated the corridors of the present crystal castle. Rose observed that Twilight was a bit ashamed of how gaudy this castle was, and cozy, homely decor was up all over to offset that.

In the company of good friends, the echoing chambers felt more like the nostalgic home of one's grandparents. This was true of each room except, of course, for the map room.

If Rosepetal thought the castle was amazing, then the map room was truly unreal. She spent half an hour simply looking out over the land, with Twilight and company talking about the various places they had been.

As the sun eased over its zenith, the small company settled in the library for afternoon tea and snack cakes. Rosepetal wanted to read all of the books and was piqued by everything.

For now, she was content to enjoy a game similar to billiards, but on a table set directly on the ground so each pony could lie couchant and strike the cue ball with one front hoof.

Applejack joined their gathering with a friendly "Howdy, y'all" and promptly went over to meet the deer, offering her a place on her land if she so desired. They returned to their billiards game, AJ and Rose teaming up against Maud and Pinkie.

Fluttershy and Twilight watched from overstuffed lounge chairs, lying relaxed on their sides facing each other with their wings sprawled out over the backs of the chairs.

Fluttershy asked about an odd burned spot in the middle of one shelf, which was surrounded by damaged books. Twilight answered,

"Vandalism and arson, I think it was somepony's idea of a prank."

From the pool table Pinkie shouted, "That's not a prank silly, that's just mean!"

Twilight, trying to ignore Pinkie as usual, continued, "I don't like to cast blame but... we did have an interesting situation just a few days ago. The new queen of the dragons met up with the new leader of the changelings, it was this whole peaceful delegation thing and yeah."

Fluttershy looked up from behind her tea, smirked, and commented, "Looks like they both had a fiery temper."

Twilight gave her an annoyed smile back. She nodded yes and said, "Well, Ember is one of the best-behaved dragons I've ever known and I really can't believe she would do a thing like this. What's strange, though, is that I don't know all the books I lost."

"Huh?" inquired Fluttershy.

"I got the fire contained really quickly, rushed in soon as I saw the smoke. Only lost three books. One was poetry, one was a collection of old fables, and somehow I actually forgot to list the last one."

"Well, everypony makes mistakes," offered Fluttershy gently.

"It wouldn't be so bad except the lost book was just... burned to ashes. I have no idea what it might have been and it's the craziest thing, I love old fables to relax with. I just can't seem to remember what went in that spot."

"You'll figure it out, Twilight."

"Thanks, Fluttershy."

From the pool table came a "Yes! I win!" in Pinkie PIe's voice. Maud and she smacked their front hoofs together as a bemused AJ setup a new game.

One week later, en route to the Haycart family farm, aboard the Equestria Express.

Light rain pattered onto the roof of the train as it steamed on towards Dodge Junction. A gruff and sturdy draft pony sat in a booth of the dining car, nursing his coffee and nearly falling back asleep with the hypnotic sounds of the freezing rain as it drained down the windows, leaving trails of ice and slush. He sat back up with a yawn.

Iron Haycart was the splitting image of his father. He possessed dark brown fur the color of fertile, tilled soil and a platinum gray mane and tail which made him look as old as he felt rather than as young as he was.

In truth, Iron was less than a decade older than his youngest brother, Skyblazer Haycart.

A tattered and sweat-stained straw hat, the band of which was snakeskin from a rattler that had tried to get at his chickens, sat atop his head as a memento of the dismal homestead he had traveled from.

For the first time in forgotten moons Iron had bathed. He had even bothered to brush down his fur and mane. For this journey, he only brought a single, small flask of whiskey rather than a whole bottle.

Outside the train windows, rolling winter scrub-brush hills swept by; inside the train, a hostess swept by with a cart of breakfast. A tray of oatmeal, scrambled eggs and fried potatoes was set down in front of Iron.

He gently pushed the tray back and said, "Can't pay. I'm broke."

With a stern look, the attractive and curvaceous female unicorn nudged the tray of food right back in front of him by use of greenish magic. The magic from her horn then extruded several coins from her apron pocket and deposited them into the change-box she wore at her side.

Iron smiled grimly as the unicorn of emerald fur walked to the next table with a few haughty swishes of her blueish tail.

He ate in silence, sipped his coffee in silence, peered out the window in silence until the train began to slow as Dodge Junction approached. As he left he said a quiet "Thanks" to the hostess.

Iron looked around, his one suitcase held in his mouth. Yup. Dodge Junction was the same.

On second thought... was it better? Iron could swear the row of tidy log cabins wasn't there before. The general store looked to have a new facade and fresh paint under the snow. Somepony had bothered to plow a few side alleys and a dining patio was swept clear.

Walking further into town, towards the hazy tavern, Iron Haycart observed the cleanliness. No rotting boards and broken glass lying around. The stack of busted wagon wheels was gone. In its place a heavy clay planter containing a frosty pine sat by the swinging tavern doors.

What about the interior of the ol' watering hole? Iron Haycart stepped inside and shook off the snow. None of the patrons bothered to look at him. It was cleaner than he remembered in here. The tables, chairs and bar were all brand new, looking to have been made by some local carpenter, and there was a piano now. Otherwise, it was the same ol' place.

There was the same heavy smoke in the air. Smell of ale and whiskey in his powerful nose. Sounds of old ponies talking at the bar and young ponies gambling at their tables. Still the usual shady characters by the wood stove. Monster hunters, scarred and weary. Armored and dangerous.

Iron smiled. This tavern was where he had drunk his first beer with his pa. Where he and his best friends hung out once upon a time. Where he learned how to count cards and how to win a fight if he was caught doing it.

One of the hunters, an earth-pony like himself, sat alone with his back to the wall and nothing on the table. From the incredibly grim, sallow expression on his face it was clear that his only dinner was the warmth from the fire.

Iron sauntered over and spoke in the pony's ear. The pony nodded. Iron's suspicions were correct. Of his meager thirty two bits, Iron set four on the table. Enough for ale and a simple bowl of beans. He thanked the hunter for his hard work.

Unknown to Iron, the bartender had observed this exchange. The tired monster hunter, sore and cut up off a fresh failure, would have an extra helping of beans tonight, and cornbread with honey.

It was also unknown to Iron that his brother Sky had become not only a monster hunter, but a venerable bounty hunter. And so, Iron eased his tired frame onto a barstool and had a tankard of ale with a side of dark thoughts directed towards his flighty youngest brother.

The Haycart Farm, a day and a half later. Iron Haycart had assistance removing himself from the covered wagon he was hitched to. The old farmer riding in the wagon, a unicorn with grayed and mangy fur and a gray beard, got back into the yoke and thanked Iron again for lending a hoof with pulling the wagon back home.

The wagon creaked and rattled on down the snowy lane. Iron left the lane and walked through a gate, beneath a sign which read 'Haycart Farm' in crackling white paint and 'Orchard, Granary, Dairy' in fresh white paint.

Dormant winter fields stretched to the horizon. Vast, promising acres that would hold rotated crops once more come summer.

The way to the farmhouse was up a moderate incline. Ahead, Iron could see a pony approaching him. This was Violet, on a sled, laughing and having a great time.

Iron Haycart smiled broadly, causing the lines on his face to wrinkle. Violet ran up to him, pulling the sled by a rope. The snow puffed and scattered as she bounded through it.

She shouted on approach, "Big bro! You made it! We ain't seen you in a coon's age."

Despite the blanket of white snow all around, Violet was perfectly healthy. Her lavender fur was coated with a powdered sugar dusting of snow and she was breathing hard from running and it didn't affect her one bit.

Violet and Iron stamped through the snow towards the house. The rest of the family was all here, crowded in the dining room. There were presents for Violet from distant relatives and the home had an atmosphere of goodwill.

Lightning Ridge Haycart--a pegasus of golden fur and feathers, black mane and tail, and a missing left wing which was currently veiled by a wool robe--trotted over and hugged Iron. She spoke,

"We haven't seen you in forever, Iron! You never respond back to letters, I was worried the messengers couldn't find you."

"Well," began Iron, "I didn't want to be found."

"Don't talk that way, you know we love you. Your dad's missed you, Violet's missed you, so has Piney and Hayseed and Sky."

Barley Haycart lumbered into the room and roughly sat in a chair at the table. He nodded at Iron and asked, "Now, where the 'ell were you this harvest season? Did ya get the letters, we needed help out here."

"Uh, I was busy with my place," Iron lied.

"Alright, fair enough," relented Barley, "Well, important thing is you're here now. Whole family came down to visit. Violet is all better now, it's a miracle."

Iron asked, "Ma wrote that a zebra potion-maker cured her. Where's she at so I can thank her?"

"Back in her woods," said Barley, "she doesn't get along well with other ponies."

"Yep, I can relate. Heya Piney, long time no see," Iron spoke to the earth-pony who entered now.

Like Lightning and Sky, Piney had golden fur. Unlike either, he was an earth-pony. Piney spent some time talking with Iron about his mining expansions, town renovations, and future plans.

Hayseed Haycart was still living here on his folks' farm, and was even now hard at work with planning and measurements for the in-progress granary. Hayseed finally came inside and shook off the snow, dropping a satchel of tools and measures onto a side table.

Iron walked over and hoof-bumped Hayseed while looking for any sign of Sky. In the living room, by the blazing wood stove, could be seen a pegasus in the dim candlelight.

The pegasus turned around as Iron approached. He had dark blue feathers, not golden ones. Puzzled, Iron asked, "And you are?"

His mother spoke from behind him, "This is Windbreaker, old friend of mine from the Bolts."

Windbreaker curtsied to Iron and said, "Good to meet ya, lad."

Iron nodded, turned around, and went back to the dining room. His pa read his mind and spoke gruffly, "Yeah, I don't see 'im either."

Iron took a seat beside his pa and leaned in to whisper, "Must think he's better than us. Like he always does. Special little jackass."

Barley whispered back conspiratorially, "From what I gather, he's off somewhere with his griffon girlfriend."

"Griffon?! What in Celestia's name..."

It was at this moment Lightning Ridge walked in and revealed her own motherly display of mind reading by saying, "I don't need to hear y'all to know what you're saying over here," she had a seat at the table with an irked expression on her face, "If Sky's not here, it means he's out on a bounty hunt right now. Y'know he risks his life protecting ponies from monsters and outlaws? Y'know he and Cobalt are licensed bounty hunters?"

Across the table from her, both father and son were quiet. Barley replied in a low voice, "Ye, I reckon it slipped my mind."

Lightning shook her head and responded, "You can't stay mad at him, Barley. He's his own colt, he has a whole life to live his own way."

Iron spoke up now, in a surprisingly polite tone of voice, "I-I reckon I have to apologize too. Nopony even told me Sky was out hunting monsters, and I reckon if he's friends with a damn griffon that makes him a badass."

Lightning got up from the table, saying on her way out of the dining room, "I don't mind the occasional swear, Iron, but please watch the racism while you're in my house."

"Right, sorry ma," conceded Iron, "Ahem, that makes him a braver pony than me, is that better?"

Lightning nodded as she walked off to catch up with her other family members.

For a time, father and son sat quietly at the table and ate their fill. As they began on desert, Iron spoke up, "Well, if Sky's off on adventure, I reckon I could stay here and help y'all out. Big projects to work on and stuff."

"Hmmph, we could use the help if you actually want to stay on this little patch of dirt," responded Barley over coffee.

They ate pie made with cherry preserves in silence. In between bites, Barley Haycart spoke under his breath, "The princesses, Celestia and Twilight that is... they ain't so bad as I thought. Ye have them to thank for Violet's well being."

"Is that so?" replied Iron, "Well. How about that."

"Now if ma asks, I didn't say a thing like that. Anyway. Ah reckon there's some fence mending to be done out on the chicken pen, don't want no damn foxes getting in."

Iron Haycart nodded and ate his wonderful pie as his pa stepped outside.

Author's Note

I am taking a break from writing to rewatch My LIttle Pony: FIM and develop some of my story arcs. I haven't actually finished Season 7-8 yet and, without spoiling anything, it will be relevant to my story since the Elements of Conflict are the yang to the yin of the Elements of Harmony.

Here, so far, I've explored some ideas of the ancient history and longevity of Luna and Celestia as implied by canon and gave them my own origin story. It's clear they also have some history with Discord and the other villainous creatures. Before the Elements of Harmony were found they no doubt had to defend Equestria by themselves--which explains their alternate forms quite nicely.

With that said these final seasons have actually surprised me and gone into some of the deeper lore and obscure stuff in the world of Equestria, which was neither expected nor necessary in a kid's show. Maintaining a character depth, great story writing, fantastic dialogue, animesque art and magic, satiating comedy and art, and unexpected action-packed finales is quite wonderful as it is. And for any cartoon or anime series for any age, developing a lush world full of possibility and unexplored aspects is a difficult accomplishment.

With respect for an excellent, well-designed series I'd like to make sure to properly incorporate the more recent aspects of canon while repairing such plotholes and adding such addendums as interest me in my fan work. Two villains catch my eye the most: dark wizard Sombra and the changeling queen. Where other villains were actually given a good backstory and some of them weren't even all that evil (looking at you, great and powerful Trixie) these two characters came across to me more as Saturday-morning-villains-of-the-week. I'd love to develop a solid storyline and motivation for these two.

Prelude

Princess Twilight Sparkle stood on a rocky hill overlooking the changeling hive below.

The hive was built of dark stone, and had the rough shape of a castle. A multitude of caverns led inside. While it stood out like an artificial construct, it bore more resemblance to a natural formation.

Dry, sandy desert air ruffled Twilight's bedraggled fur and feathers. The mild breeze could whip into a sandstorm at a moment's notice. She had magic enough not to be concerned by mere weather, and she gave it no thought.

For now, the desert winds were only a nuisance. They caused the many cuts and abrasions on her body to sting.

She extended her wings, but stayed on the ground. Her unicorn horn glimmered purple with a spell of detect magic. It did not return a thing.

Still standing with her wings outstretched, feeling out the hot air currents, Twilight scanned the horizon. Her eyesight had become greatly enhanced when she was made into an alicorn, and she could see that no one was keeping watch.

Flight still did not come. Rather, she tucked her wings close against her body. As she sat down in the sand, numerous charms and magic artifacts jangled where they were attached to her saddlebags.

Stretching back, she pulled a canteen from a pouch and had a cautious drink of water. Every minute of flight and every magic spell cast took a toll upon her stamina and thirst in this dry region where water was a luxury.

Some may call it a wasteland. Maybe they were right. Situated in a forgotten corner of Southwest Equestria, nopony bothered to venture far into this desert. The last vestiges of civilization were a week behind her even as fast as she could fly.

Twilight stared at the endless expanse of dry nothing. Maybe this wasn't even Equestria. The boundary line between her nation and the Desert South was out here somewhere.

Only two sapient races lived in this barren desert. Leonines, the bipedal cat-like race of desert nomads who seldom ever made contact with the ponies. Changelings, the half-bug half-pony creatures which could transform into various things.

Neither race could easily be considered civilized. The few Leonines who did not keep to themselves were pirates and bandits, while the changelings were on the same blurry line as Dragons in whether or not they could be classified as a monster.

Dragons had once been considered monsters. It was over a century before Twilight was born, but the Princesses had declared war and evicted the lot of them from Equestria. The Changelings, however, had heretofore never been a threat.

This had changed only a few years ago, during the marriage of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. Without warning or provocation, the changeling queen Chrysalis had brought an army to assault the capital city of Canterlot, in an attempt to overthrow Equestria.

It had been a futile effort. Twilight and her friends, who harnessed an ancient magic called the Elements of Harmony and a far more powerful magic called friendship, had seen through the guise, identified the changelings for what they were, and driven them from Canterlot.

This event had inspired Twilight to regard the changelings as the next potential threat to their kingdom. Queen Chrysalis doubtless wanted revenge, and to claim Equestria as her own.

While Twilight wasn't proud of the ancient magic she had used in her investigation, it had been effective. It took focus for a possible changeling to maintain their deception. Pain and misery could easily break this focus, as changelings fed on happiness.

The exact mechanism of this vampirism was now known to Twilight through her research. It was a magic siphon, which targeted empathy and happiness. Truly dangerous, as the magic of her world relied upon willpower, imagination, purpose, focus, and a basic memorized knowledge of written incantations in the case of more powerful spells.

Any extreme emotional state of the caster would have a dramatic effect on the magic.

Absolute happiness, calm, and inner peace could bring creative and healing spells to their fullest power.

A place of deep calm with concentrated anger could allow destructive and negative spells to be more effective.

The strength of friendship and empathy seemed to give power to artifacts and ancient magic, the strongest of all magic in history.

However, a place of apathy, carelessness, deep depression and self doubt could make even the simplest magic spell fizzle out. And a changeling, which siphoned away joy to feed itself, could easily cause this to happen.

Twilight grimaced, remembering the time many years before when that exact state of being had caused the Elements of Harmony themselves to become useless. Discord, a being which was chaos incarnate, had broken free of his imprisonment and decided to have some fun with their kingdom.

When Twilight's friends had been left in an apathetic and despondent state, the elements had failed them. It took a monumental effort to restore their friendship and fight Discord.

The same thing could so easily happen here and now. No, this was not the time nor place to make use of the Elements of Harmony. Besides, if it were, the friendship map would have called all of them out here to the desert before this next threat could attack.

Magic was a fundamental force which could be controlled through a life of study and discipline. Whatever weirdness was at work with the Elements and the Map was an anomaly, a fluke of some manner.

If magic was simply a form of energy, it couldn't have a will of its own. That would not be logical. The ancient magic of the elements couldn't “know better” than Twilight. Tartarus would have to freeze over first.

With all of this in mind, Twilight opened her eyes and gave an angry glare at the hive down below. She grit her teeth and braced for flight. One thing now held her back, a tiny voice in the back of her mind.

What would Princess Celestia or Luna say? Didn't they always work for the end of conflict, only fighting with monsters and beings that could absolutely not be reasoned with? Could a changeling be reasonable? Granted, they were sapient. So were some dragons, which still behaved like wild animals and ate ponies just for trespassing.

These changelings were the same. Twilight decided they belonged across the line, as monsters. Intelligent ones, perhaps, but certainly not civilized. Rather, a threat to all peaceful civility.

If they planned to overthrow and conquer Equestria, and could not be reasoned with, then that meant war. That meant injured ponies, maybe even casualties. Damaged cities. Even more loss and hardship.

No, Celestia and Luna would agree that there was no alternative. Twilight ran forward and took off into flight. She glided down to the hot sands and scrub brush at the base of the hill.

An intricate rune was slowly drawn into the rocky sand. Each stroke was copied from a ragged book with yellowed pages until a matching rune was drawn.

On the next page of the book were several paragraphs of smaller runic writing. An incantation in Old Ponish from ages past.

Forbidden magic. Even for an alicorn like Twilight, ambassador of peace between the ponies of Equestria and all other races, magic such as this was not authorized for normal use. A special signet of Canterlot, quietly borrowed from the royal castle, would keep the use of it from being tracked.

As Twilight read, the rune in the sand began to glow. Now, she placed several charms and artifacts at points around the rune. The glow became intense, and the spell grew greatly in raw power.

Her horn glowed as purple magic poured into the rune. After several minutes she stood back, breathing heavily.

Suddenly, a fiery burst of purple magic carved a ring around the rune. The entire rune lifted from the desert sands, glowing fierce purple. It rose and grew and size, and began moving until it hovered over the changeling hive.

How had it come to this? It felt like only yesterday that Twilight was at the grand galloping gala with her friends, enjoying herself. Now, all magic faltered with each passing day. Powerful beings were escaping and terrorizing Equestria.

The purple rune began to vibrate and hum with a deep and powerful rumble. It shot down towards the hive, and Twilight put her ears down in misery. Why couldn't they reason with the changeling Queen? Why did it have to come to this point?

She turned her back, both to shield her eyes from the glare and to avoid watching the destruction. There was no sound whatsoever from behind her. The steady desert wind continued blustering through the sands, and that was all.

Looking back, she saw the vicious ancient rune begin to spark and fade. Suddenly, it fizzled out into smoke.

All around her in the desert could now be seen dark gray flashes of magic energy. Rocks, cacti and scraggly trees glowed and turned into changelings. Twilight was completely surrounded.

The queen of the changelings shot out from near the top of their hive. She flew towards Twilight, and landed right in front of her. Hundreds more changelings encircled Twilight on every side. Some were equipped with crude weapons. Others had taken the form of various monsters.

Twilight instinctively attempted a teleportation spell. All she managed to conjure was a puff of smoke.

She sat down, put her head down, and stared at the rocky texture of the sand.

When she spoke, it was in a quiet, impossibly weary whisper that she said, “I surrender.”

8. The Other Side

Skyblazer opened his wings and felt for any kind of breeze to glide on. It was futile. He could not slow his fall at all.

At least he was able to turn and look up. Somewhere far above could be seen a dark mass like a cloud, ominous and jagged.

Golden magic flowed from his necklace into his bracelet, and he gave all the energy he could to casting light into this place. He caught his breath in wonder; above was a great landmass, stalactites on the base of it as though the roof of a cavern.

His mind could barely fathom the scale of it, though he knew it must represent the entire pastureland part of the dream world. It felt like looking up at an island from underwater, down in a sea of endless murky gray.

Some strange, dim illumination came from beneath him. Now, Sky looked below. A point of lighter gray far, far down could be seen.

At first he felt fear of crashing into it. He kept falling on and on, long enough that the fear turned to gratitude that there was something, anything at all to fall upon rather than fall forever in this space of apparent nothing.

Nothing. The word rattled around his mind against the panic and confusion. It clicked. A non-space, a place that was not a place.

This must be the Void. And, if it was the empty space between worlds, then that meant what he fell towards must be a world of some kind.

Whether or not his own, he would soon find out: The lighter gray space neared. He could see now that it was swirling mists, which began to drift around him like puffs of cloud. It became more and more dense until it entirely surrounded him, and then it began to clear away in radiant light.

It was blinding, and he squinted and raised a hoof over his eyes from the pain of it. His vision cleared. Now, a vast landscape of greens and blues and grays spread out beneath him. Features were so far distant and tiny that it was clear he must be at a very, very high altitude.

Some kind of atmosphere now pressed against the flight feathers of his wings, and he could glide and control his fall. An endless expanse of cold blue sky surrounded him. He tried summoning a small cloud.

In the real world, a single pegasus could only exert so much affect on the weather before being exhausted. But just a tiny cloud would do, something to rest on in this clear and sunny day.

Instead, Sky found himself summoning a bunch of large clouds. And he didn't feel tired in the least from it. He roosted here to rest and catch his breath.

It took several hearty drinks of whiskey before Sky was ready to depart again. He jumped from the clouds into a fast dive for ground level.

When it was near enough, he spread his wings and slowed to a spiraling descent. The world below was more distinct now, and what he saw was not good.

This was a rugged and hilly area, where pine forests rolled over ridges and valleys full of glittering lakes and exposed rock. All of it seemed shallow and indistinct, like an unfinished painting which lacked any depth.

Now Sky was almost at ground level. He realized that the angle of the world had suddenly changed although he was not changing his direction. He was looping around in ways that made no sense.

It dawned on him. This place was still the Dreamspace. He breathed a sigh of relief. Whatever hell it was he had just been through, at least Luna would be able to find him soon and help him get to Cobalt.

Princess Luna took several steps towards the empty night air where a portal had just been. A trembling frown was on her face. Her eyes were wide. She sat for a minute in shock.

From her saddlebags, a ragged scroll was drawn out. Luna carved a rune into the dirt and then read the scroll. A dark form slipped into the open.

It looked like a pony, but it was only a shadow. One which glowed faintly purple and had two bright purple eyes.

Luna spoke to it in Old Ponish, saying, "I know you have no reason to care about me or the concerns of my world. A friend is in grave danger. Please, after all we have been through, if you would guide him safely back?"

The shadow stood there for a moment, and then slowly nodded. It began to float away towards the mists.

It approached the grand wall of cloudy gray which formed an impassable barrier at the edge of the dream world. Fog began to clear away as it walked, Luna following close behind as the mists closed back in behind her.

Luna paused as the grass under her hooves became rocks. A sudden cliff was visible now, which the shadow jumped down from. All around was a sky of endless murky gray.

The fog returned in a cold rush. Luna took another step, and found herself walking back into the pastureland again. So very, very close to finally seeing what was down there.

Luna's horn glowed purple, a portal opened revealing a castle hall, and she flew through it out of the Dreamspace. The portal closed behind her, and all was quiet once more.

Sky had landed now. He walked through a cold winter forest, hoof prints in the snow leading back the way he came.

Ahead could be seen something glowing blue. Sky's necklace glowed gold, and a magic shield of translucent golden energy surrounded him.

He neared the blue glow. It was a stag, with blue energy trailing off of it though otherwise its body appeared normal. Brown fur, antlers, just a regular deer except for the blue energy which enshrouded it like a cloak.

Skyblazer suddenly recognized what it must be, and he sat down in shock and awe. He spoke,

"I saw you in a memory, you're that stag... but you said you were dying, and that was four millennia ago!"

The stag nodded slowly and spoke out loud. His voice was quiet and weak, crackling from age. He said, "Perhaps I shall soon pass away, or perhaps I shall first spend time as a mortal being..."

Sky noted, "Luna said she spent centuries looking for you, and could never find you again."

The stag nodded, "There are regions of Dreamspace which none from your world shall ever visit... this poses a problem, because you are here."

"Oh no, did I break something?" asked Sky.

"Not at all, it is no fault of yours. Now then, I have arrived at this time and place to provide you with a warning."

"A warning?"

"I shall not give you specifics, and I cannot observe all that may be... my memory grows fuzzy and vague. Time is like a river. It flows in one direction, yet may meet impediments and branch off."

"That makes sense, I guess," said Sky with exhaustion.

"This idea shall become known as alternate realities, in a time when society is far advanced. In this time technology shall have advanced beyond what you can fathom and Luna and Celestia shall be regarded as mythical beings whom ponies believed in thousands of years ago."

"That seems... oddly specific."

"It has no bearing at all upon your life. What I have to say now, does. Let us walk together."

They began to hike into the winter woods, leaving a pair of hoof marks trailing through the snow. A soft bluster of white began to fall as the stag spoke,

"In the future, magic shall be replaced by devices... the magic is dying now, however, and you are not ready for it. I believe it can be restored. The nine must venture together, and Luna and her sister must survive as well."

"So we really are the 'chosen ones', huh," said Sky quietly.

The stag ignored this as they reached a clearing, where they lie down. The stag said, "You shall find the source of all dark magic and watch it wither before you. You cannot stop this. Write this down."

Sky withdrew parchment and ink from his packs, and plucked a cold feather from his wing for a quill. He began to write. The stag continued,

"Luna and Celestia shall find the source of all crystal magic. They shall then kill it, in a noble effort to protect hundreds. Zecora the zebra, after years of contemplation, shall discover the source of all nature magic. She shall hoard it in an endeavor to protect it, and thus, destabilize it."

After Sky had this written, the Stag added, "It stands to reason there would be other sources, but it eludes me... you must not intervene in what shall be. You may still succeed in restoring the magic if you do, but at great cost... observe."

Magic flowed not from the stag, but from the world around them. It pooled and settled in the clearing like a spell of vision projection, and a scene was projected for them to watch.

It was the volcano where they had encountered Sombra. Red crystals climbed along its side towards the smoldering crater.

Something flew towards it at speed. This was shown to be Cobalt, who was carrying something and badly injured. She had numerous cuts and abrasions, and one wing seemed ragged and barely sustained her flight.

Sky gasped at what she held: a lump of dark crystal, perhaps onyx, which held a struggling shadowy form. Sombra, who had become like a shadow, was now bound to this crystal like metal to a magnet.

Cobalt picked up speed, diving towards the volcano. She plunged into the crater. There was a burst of magma and an explosion of volcanic gasses.

Sky screamed and dove at the vision. He smacked into the ground hard, and the vision dissipated like so much smoke.

When Sky got back up in a daze, the vision reformed. With hesitation, Sky looked at it. The dark thorns all along the top of the crater, which had been withered and brown, now became full of vigor and life.

They grew and spiraled into a sturdy thicket. Visible cracks all around the air here in the Dreamspace began to heal.

Sky sat up and spoke, "Holy Celestia, the thorns... the thorns are a source?"

The stag slowly nodded, "The source of all dark magic."

"Does Luna know?"

The stag shook his head no, "She only guesses at it."

"But wait.. if you can see the future, then, I know this is silly in light of all this important stuff but..."

The stag held up a hoof and answered, "There is still hope. It is not the end, and you may travel together once more... but as though through the fire."

"I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Anything, if I can just find her."

"First you must wake up. I sense a creature not far from you. Please be considerate and respectful towards it."

"Oh, I actually crossed through a portal, I'm not dreaming."

The stag gave a quizzical tilt of his head, and spoke parting words, "Rather, you were not dreaming before."

The world, blurry and out of focus as it was, became more indistinct. It began to darken, and Sky realized with a start that he was lying on his side.

He opened his eyes, blinked several times, and got to his hooves. A sense of grogginess was over him, as though he had woken up a bit too early and needed more rest.

After a yawn and several stretches, Sky looked around. The sun was just now rising in the East, casting colors into the dark.

Something seemed wrong. In his tired state, it took Sky a moment to realize that all of his belongings were gone. Not a single thing had come here with him--except for the amulet.

No bits, no food, no armor, no weapons. Not even a stiff drink for the nerves.

He walked a ways through this unknown land. The landscape, at least, was nothing strange. Simply a forest, full of birdsong and pine boughs. His fine hearing caught the burble of a creek, and he trotted towards it.

Was the water here, wherever this place was, even safe to drink? It didn't matter, he was very thirsty.

He knelt to drink the cold water. No snow was visible here, and many hardy flowers were in bloom. Birds were everywhere. Spring?

Now Sky took flight. Pine branches combed through his fur as he rose into the open. He gained height.

The forest stretched as far as the eye could see in all directions except North, where it broke up into rolling meadow. Sunlight glinted off of a broad river in this direction.

If any sapient beings lived here, if Sky was not alone, then that river would lead to them. He flew towards it, and landed on the bank at the forest's edge.

He scanned the horizon, and saw a critter only a stone's throw away, swimming in the water.

Sky backed into the bushes, out of sight, and watched the swimming creature. It swam to the shore, rivulets cascading off of brown fur as it walked from the water.

A doe, a female deer. Sky put his ears down and huffed. Just a feral animal, not anypony he could ask for directions.

This deer walked towards what appeared to be a campsite, built against a fallen tree. She took a large towel from where it hung on a branch, and dried herself with it. She then gathered up saddle bags from the ground, slung them over her back, and fiddled with the buckles.

Skyblazer quietly stepped from the woods towards her, trying not to look threatening while his heart was pounding from trepidation.

The deer noticed him. She sat down and considered him, and then withdrew a book from a saddlebag.

She very slowly lie on the grass, as though trying not to startle Sky, who watched her just as quietly as he stepped towards her camp.

With a quill and ink, the deer wrote something down and began to sketch. She spoke to herself, the words in an unknown language.

Sky spoke now, "Can you speak Ponish? I need to get back to Equestria."

The deer suddenly sat up, staring at him, offering more words he could not understand.

"Here, let me try this..." said Sky, as golden magic flowed into his amulet.

The spell seemed to work. As the doe spoke, Sky could hear her say, "...perhaps the elder has heard of such. It seems to be trying to say something, but that's impossible. Winged horse, what manner of creature are you?"

"What? I'm a pegasus," answered a very confused Sky.

The doe jumped, almost putting a back hoof in her campfire.

She stepped forward, visibly frightened, and spoke the strange word slowly, "Peg-a-sus? Is that your name?"

"No, it's what I am! My name is Skyblazer."

"How are you able to understand me, horse?"

"I used a spell of translation... um, I'm not very good at it but it's working."

Suddenly, the doe twisted back and drew a jagged dagger.

Sky asked with concern, "What? What did I say?"

The doe answered in a muffled voice, "So you be a monster, then. How do I know you mean no harm to me?"

"I don't understand," whimpered Sky, "Please, I just want to get home and find my friend. I'm not here to hurt anypony."

"Hmm, very well..." said the doe as she placed the dagger back in its sheath, "but I shall keep an eye on you."

Tears glistened in Sky's eyes now as he spoke, "I'm so confused. Where am I, who are you? How far must I be from Equestria if talking deer exist?"

The deer, for her part, seemed equally off-put. She said, "This is Meadowbrook, and I am Rosepetal. You have to be from somewhere far away, horses are feral creatures. Well, that I know of."

"Okay," said Sky gently, "but where I'm from, there ain't any sapient deer. I'm not a wild animal, I promise."

"Then pray tell, why do you travel without any sort of bags or tools?"

Sky considered being honest about falling from the dream world and ending up here. He realized how nuts that would sound, and thought hard for another answer.

He lied to her, "I was just out flying, and I got caught in this big storm. I got lost and couldn't find my way back home."

Thankfully, things went right for once. The doe seemed to accept this answer, "Oh, you must have wandered into the Thunderplains. You are lucky to be alive. It also explains why you have so many cuts. Are the stories about the hail true?"

"Oh my yes," said Sky quickly, "uh, razor sharp and so hard to avoid in the air."

"Strange creature, I can tell that you need rest. Come to the village, I'll talk to the others."

She picked up a few bundles of leafy branches which had been tied together, and slung these bundles over her back.

Sky helped her pack up her camp, and they hiked together alongside the river. They walked out into the open as the last fringes of trees receded behind them. The broad river continued on to the horizon, and no sort of settlement could be seen.

Rosepetal noticed the look Sky gave her, and she told him, "Just be patient."

Sky nodded and continued walking, taking in the majestic scenery. A wild goat baaad at them. The spring air puffed as Sky breathed. Something about this place felt so strangely familiar.

The river rounded a bend and rippled into rapids as the terrain sloped down. A well-worn trail followed the rocky shore, and they climbed over a fallen log and suddenly were in a village.

Sky raised an eyebrow and looked around in shock. He ran off the way he came, and flew into the air as Rosepetal stared at him.

He kept an eye on the town as he gained altitude. It looked about as tribal and simple as the yak's home, just a bunch of tents and a few primitive wooden buildings made of raw materials from the forest. There were laundry lines and pottery out by the tents, and herds of deer gathered around the fires.

The town began to shimmer and fade and suddenly, all that could be seen was the river and the plains. Sky descended, with hearty flaps of his broad wingspan. A strange shimmer down by the water, and the town came into view.

He spotted Rosepetal and glided to a gentle landing beside her. Many deer of the village now stared at him with looks of shock and curiosity.

Rosepetal nudged him and whispered harshly, "You didn't have to show off."

Sky replied that he wasn't, and mentioned the town shimmering.

The doe informed him, "The village of Mirage is nestled within the magic, so that other deer may not find us."

"Do you not get along with other deer?" asked Sky.

"We get along well, because they don't know of us."

Sky nodded at this aside, and walked with Rosepetal into the village. It all seemed very tribal. Two older looking does sitting under a canopy in front of a tent gave a quizzical look at Sky.

He heard them whisper to each other, saying things like 'What manner of animal has such vibrant fur?' and 'You saw him fly, he must be part bird!'.

Skyblazer wanted to curl up in a corner and hide from everyone. This was all too strange and embarrassing. Rosepetal led him to a wooden building which was constructed of logs, with a thatch roof of straw.

A large fire was built in front of it, blazing hotly enough that the gathered deer kept moving back a bit. Oddly there was no cookpot over it. A surprising waste of kindling, being only for heat.

Some basic and tattered wicker chairs circled the fire. One of these chairs rested on a regal tapestry, with a tent pavilion built over it. On this chair sat a stag with a gray muzzle who seemed to be the leader of the village.

He wore several necklaces of bead, with more beads strung between his antlers. Ashy gray paint marked his body and face with patterns. He stared into the flames and ate dried hay.

The strangest feeling Sky had ever known washed over him on seeing this stag. It was like he had been here before, and this place seemed comfortable and familiar. But nopony had ever heard of even a single sapient deer.

Sky just couldn't place a hoof on it. He sat in quiet consternation as the stag addressed him.

Rosepetal told the stag about finding Sky out in the woods while gathering foliage. The great stag nodded wearily, yawned showing missing teeth, and spoke softly, "If my daughter trusts you, winged horse, than I say you are a friend."

Sky looked up with a start. His daughter?

Rosepetal spoke to her father, "He claims to be from a land called 'Equestria', do you know of it?"

With a shake of the head no, the stag answered, "Winged horse, are you in need of rest and food?"

Sky nodded, and the stag said that it would be provided. Sky bowed, and asked the leader for his name.

This caused the stag to chuckle. He said, "Not everydeer bothers to obtain a name. I am known as the village leader, and this is well."

Skyblazer grinned broadly. At least this was a peaceful and quiet place. He could fly out from here and search for familiar lands, and return if needed.

And then, the shadow arrived.

The stags and does gathered at the fire scattered, screaming in terror as a wispy black form descended towards them. The thing stopped when it reached the fire, hovering like a splotch of smoke. It began to shift then, slowly, until it resembled the vague outline of a pony.

The village leader remained, standing up now and enraged. He bellowed with fury, "You bring a cursed monster into our village? Your claim of peace is but a ruse! Leafcutter, put this creature with the other animals!"

A massive and muscular stag walked towards them with furtive glances at the shadowy being. Sky extended his wings and grit his teeth. His amulet glowed a fierce gold. A wispy and raspy voice resonated,

"If you desire to return home, don't flee them."

It took Sky a moment to realize it was the shadow talking to him. It looked at him expectantly. Sky stared back at it. What the hell was this thing? It didn't match anything drawn in his mother's journal, nothing he had seen in Everfree or all the land.

Still, if it knew the way home and knew how to find Cobalt, that was more of a lead than he had thus far. He closed his wings and stared at the ground. The bulky stag draped a rope over his head and tied another rope around his wings.

Sky was lead on a rope to a corner of the village where several goats were kept in a pen. He was left tied to a post like an animal. The stag tried to take his amulet as well, but it glowed brightly and the stag backed off in fear.

The raspy voice from before was back, I see your anger and humiliation. Do not break your binds. Wait. Recall that sapient ponies do not exist here.

Sky was plenty familiar with telepathy, and he thought back at it, What the hell are you? You're just getting me in trouble, why should I trust you?

After a moment of silence, a response came: Princess Luna sends her regards and laments your poor decision. Your presence is needed in Equestria. I can guide you there only after the story is over, only if it is not interrupted.

The story? What story, what does that even mean?

Sky looked around, an angry grimace on his face. His wings were sore from the tight ropes. A doe walked into the goat pen and walked over to one of the pottery jugs full of water.

She took the handle in her mouth and dragged it over towards the fence where Sky was tied. This doe then brought a small pile of hay over for him. Sky was too exasperated to consider eating, and he said nothing while glaring at the doe.

Another deer strode over, this one wearing saddlebags and a knife. Rosepetal. She sat by Sky, and whispered in his ear, "Look, I'm not happy about this either but you need to eat. You look all worn out, father says you have the look of a monster about you. Like you have been in fights."

Sky kept his ears down and stared at the ground as he replied, "I fight off monsters for a living. How can you accuse me of being one?"

Rosepetal leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek, surprising him. She said, "I think you're sweet, never mind my father. I must go for a time. Put up with this, they will see to it you are fed and watered at the least, and I shall return."

Sky grumbled an agreement, lie down gruffly in the cold dirt, and ate some of the old hay.

Rosepetal cantered to the middle of the village, where the leader was. Sky ate more hay to ease his hunger, trying to ignore the goats and the smell of goats and the looks from passing deer.

The raspy voice in his head spoke suddenly, Close your eyes.

Sky didn't trust it worth a damn, but he begrudgingly did so. He could see a scene in his mind like a dream now. He realized it was a view of the big campfire from above, from a creature perched atop the wooden building. The shadow?

Below, the village leader talked with his daughter. While distorted and surreal, he could understand the words as the leader spoke gruffly, "I must consult the fire before I consider what to do about the stranger. I cannot simply let him go, Rose, not if he be friends with a Blight."

The leader nuzzled into a wicker basket at his side, and drew several berries from it of a bright green color. These were dropped into the fire with a sizzling sound, and the flames turned the same bright green.

An image appeared in the fire. The village, as though seen from afar. Wind howling on the meadow, the river frozen, snow deep. A late spring cold snap.

The freezing winds tore through the forest, breaking branches. The wind rampaged through town. Tents were torn up and wooden structures knocked over. The materials caught fire, and the village was ablaze.

As the scene zoomed in on the fire, deer attempting to escape from tents and burning, the vision began to subside until the campfire was orange and yellow once more.

Sky opened his eyes, feeling once again an unsettling nostalgia. Like something from long ago. A vague, fuzzy memory. The blurry yellow form of his mother, the pleasant embrace of quilts, drifting off into sleep as she read from a book...

A look of shocked recognition came into Sky's eyes. He looked at the village, not wanting to believe it was so, for it was quite simply impossible.

This village looked exactly like a certain fable for young foals. Sky could not recall the name of it. So much time had passed since he was young enough to have an interest in old pony-tales.

There was something significant about the vision in the fire... but try as he might, Sky could only manage to remember the first lines of the story:

'Far, far away in the land of Meadowbrook, the Deer race lived peacefully in the forest village of Mirage. This village was nestled on the shores of a mighty river, which the Deer never crossed. This river became known as the Great Line, because it was the border of the Deer's home.'