Temporal Trotters

Chapters

2. Breezy's Bar
3. Corn Pop's Farm
4. Hopes and Dreams
5. Trotting Along
7. Some Chapter
8. A Night on The Town
9. Sleep Walking
10. Waking Nightmares
11. The Shape of the Heart
12. Into The Hollow
13. Ambivalence
14. A Fond Farewell
1. Operation Sunset
6. Never Should Have Come Here!

2. Breezy's Bar

The pair meander their way over the nearby grassy hill, picturesque like out of a desktop background or perhaps some old musical film. The wind blows their hair lightly as the birds chirp from nearby rustling trees. The sky filling more, and more of their sights as they traverse over the incline.

Reaching the top they find the sight of a small village. Wooden houses, dirt roads, and fields of crops litter the landscape. There are no cars, no utility poles, no signs of anything they might consider “modern”.

“At least there’s houses. That’s a good sign! I’ve heard of certain groups of ponies that live off the grid and refuse to use modern technology, you think this might one of them, Posada?” Skystar asked her partner with curiosity.

She shakes her head defiantly, “No, I’ve been to places like that before. They might not use modern technology but the state would still provide them with paved roads and electricity for those who might use or need it. I don’t think it’s possible for this isolated of a group to exist in modern day Hippogriffia.”

Her eyes squint as she examines the village a bit closer, seeing a creature exit from one of the buildings. “There are people here, griffons or hippogriffs, it’s hard to tell from this far.”

Skystar raises her eyebrows, “You don’t think we got transported to a whole different continent, do you?”

Thoughts race through both of their heads. Countless possibilities, no matter how unlikely, enter their minds. It had been warned by Terrafin that Operation Sunset could have catastrophic ramifications if it were to end in failure, but this seemed otherworldly. It’s as if they had been punished by the Gods for messing with things they shouldn’t have.

“There’s only one way to find out. Let’s check out the village.”

Casually walking into the village the two of them can’t help but shake the feeling that they’ve been sent back in time. The dirt road showed no signs of tire or tread marks, only the imprints of hooves and claws from the villagers. Small wooden houses dot the areas around the road, with numerous fields of crops in the distant being worked by claw by the residents. The village is truly something out of the old “Middle Ages” history books that Posada would read over during her college years.

In need of information, they enter the first bar they see. Barkeepers are usually a wealth of local knowledge, perfect for gathering information in unknown towns.

The bar itself is entirely of a wooden construction, walls and floors included. Open air windows don the establishment with candles throughout for when it gets dark. Shutters outside to close up the open windows in the case of night or adverse weather. Behind the counter is a single hippogriff with his back turned.

Greeting the bartender, they’re both given wide-eyed looks, the gruff and gray hippogriff looks them down with suspicion. Wearing a simple button-up white shirt, he continues giving them a mean look from his bearded face as he speaks, “Never seen you folks around here before. From out of town for sure.”

Skystar pipes up “Out of town? Hey, just because you haven’t seen us before doesn’t mean we’re from out of town. Maybe we’ve just been cooped up in our house until now!”

He rolls his eyes and responds, “Right… So, what’s your business here?”

Despite Skystar’s “attempts” at lightening the mood it still feels tense, Posada takes the lead and carefully tries deescalating the situation. “We’re just passing through, needed a rest. But if we’re going to be a bother we can keep on walking.”

The barkeep lightens up slightly, still keeping his eyes set firmly on the unusual pair. “No. You lasses are fine. Just not everyday we get new folk coming in, especially ones dressed like you.” He says looking them up and down, taking special note of Posada’s hat. “We’re not exactly on the way to anything, if you know what I mean. People tend to travel different routes. But it’s nice to see new faces sometimes, long as they don’t cause no trouble.” He says with a slight snarl.

He puts down the cup he was holding, putting it on the counter along with another cup from under the table. “Feel free to have a seat.”

The hippogriffs relax somewhat, grabbing the barstools and taking a seat. “What can I get you gals to drink?” the Barkeep says gruffly.

“Uhh… Give us a minute, please.” Posada replies, the barkeep nods his head and continues with his business.

Whispering to her partner, Posada says, “Sky, um, on account of the whole post-scarcity thing I implemented, we don’t exactly have any money on us. Even if we did, I highly doubt he would accept it. What do we do here?”

“Why don’t we just be honest? Worst case scenario we have to leave. Maybe he can just give us some water for free since we’re traveling,” Skystar says to an eyerolling Posada.

“Sky, you’ve seen the village, do you really think they have free and clean drinking water? Secondly, some capitalist bar owner isn’t exactly going to be happy about two creatures taking up seats without paying. Traveling or not.”

“It’s all we’ve got Posada. Like I said if it comes down to it, we just leave and ask someone else in the village.”

They both sigh. Posada raises her claw and gets the attention of the barkeep, “Hi sir, um, look we don’t have any money. Or much of anything, really. What you see us with now is all we have. Would it be okay if we just.. maybe have some water?” She says putting her two claws together. “Or-or if you don’t have that, can we just stay for a minute and ask you some questions? I know, I know it seems weird, but it would help us a lot. We might even be able to pay you back sometime in the future!”

The barkeep lets out a loud, audible sigh, squinting at both of the girls as he contemplates what to do. The man then grabs both glasses, taking them to the a nearby keg, filling them both up with a light brown liquid before placing them back down. “Light ale. The closest thing I have to water. If you really want water, just go to the nearby stream and cup your hands,” he says without much change from his expression. “Can only give you one round though. I’m sure you understand.”

They both nod and thank the barkeep for his generosity before picking up the glasses. The light ale has the faintest malt scent to it, much like the beers they were used to back home but to an even lesser degree. The taste… is decent. Nothing to write home about, but both Skystar and Posada drink it down quite willingly, finding it fairly refreshing.

“It tastes good, thank you. May we ask your name?” Skystar exclaims.

“I’m Breezy. Or Breezy Vortex if you want to be proper,” he chuckles. “But everyone just calls me Breezy, so no need for that. Mind if I ask for y’alls names in return?”

“I’m Skystar, sir. Happy to meet you.” She smiles.

“And I go by Posada. I would like to thank you as well for the free drinks, it’s greatly appreciated. If there’s anything we can do to return the favor before we leave, let us know.” She smiles and nods.

“No need lass, I won’t miss the few bits from two glasses of ale. However, you did mention wanting to ask me some questions, what might those be?” he says in a curious tone.

“Oh man,” Posada sighs out, “Skystar, where do we start?”

3. Corn Pop's Farm

“How about you tell us a bit about the village! We didn’t see any signs or anything outside, we’d love to get a little mini history lesson!”

Breezy sighs, “Not much history that I know of. We’re just a little village called McClaw. Been here most of my life, my family isn’t from here though. They’re from a bigger city near the coast. And I moved here around 523 when I turned 20. I’m 53 now, just running my little bar here. It’s a living, I enjoy it,” he smirks. “That was probably getting a bit too deep into personal history, you probably wanted more general information, my bad.”

The pair look at each other with shock and dread upon hearing the words “five hundred twenty-three”. Accounting for the time passed since the barkeep arrived would place them in the year 556, solidly in the middle of the 6th century. And almost 500 years into the past.

“…500 years” Posada whispers under her breath. “Thanks for the info, Breezy. I actually think that’s all we had for now.”

Breezy nods and returns to cleaning dishes.

“Sky, 500 years… I was right, we are in the Middle Ages,” she says, shaking her head in disbelief. “Not only that but I recognize the name of the village too. It still exists. In-between Clawton and Northpoint? That might ring a bell.”

Skystar’s face lights up, “Oh! The little farming town! Yeah! It does look kinda similar, just a lot less forest around it in our time.”

“Yeah, we’re in familiar territory then, we have that going for us,” Posada says with reassurance. “Knowing that I think it’d be best if we find somewhere to stay in town for the night, it’ll give us the rest of the day to think things through.”

“Nice idea silly. But you said it yourself, we have no money. We might just be sleeping under the stars tonight,” she laughs, “actually you might not mind that!”

“I wouldn’t mind it if we weren’t sleeping on the grass! There’s a big difference between sleeping on dirt versus in a tent,” she giggles. “And despite not having anything on us we’re going to have to make do somehow, our best bet really might be offering to work for Breezy or someone else for a day or two. We just need a few bits to get supplies and we can get out of here.”

“Ughhh,” Skystar groans, “I guess it’s an idea. Working at the bar wouldn’t be too bad, I just hope we don’t end up having to farm or tend to livestock. I’m not opposed to manual labor, but those jobs are so messy!”

“We’ll have to work with what we can get. I’ll ask him and we’ll go from there,” the pair nod at each other.

Posada turns to Breezy and asks, “Hey, I have another question for you. Given our whole no money and no items situation… I was just thinking, you wouldn’t happen to know anyone who might want some work done for a few days in exchange for a place to sleep and some bits would you?” Posada says inquisitively, taking a sip from her glass of light ale.

“Off the top of my head? No, I don’t. I certainly don’t need the help, I’m sure you’ve noticed but I don’t exactly have a huge customer base. Only two customers in an hour ain’t exactly great,” he chuckles. “But, most of the farmers here could always use a helping claw or two, either with work around the actual farm, errands, or housework. Might try asking the fella about 3 houses down and to the left. He’s an older griff, just him and his wife. I’m sure he’d have extra room and would appreciate the help.” He states while drying a metal tankard.

“Only issue might be the pay. You know how farming goes, I doubt he has a bunch of bits on-hand. Might be better off bartering for some items from him in exchange for work. He’s a nice guy so he won’t haggle with ya too much,” Breezy says while grabbing the now empty glass from in-front of Posada. “If that sounds good I’d head out here pretty soon and see if you can find him. He goes by Corn Pop, if you have trouble just ask around, someone will know where he is.”

“Guess that’s our best bet, Sky,” She says while looking over to her companion. “Thanks for all the help, Breezy. Hopefully someday we’ll be able to come back and pay you back for the drinks,” she smiles.

“It’s no problem, just having some new creatures to talk to was quite the reward itself. I wish you ladies the best of luck on your travels.” He nods, waving goodbye to the two travelers as they exit his bar. Soon returning to his usual routine.

***

Exiting the bar the pair make their way slightly down the road to Corn Pop’s farm. The muddy road dirtying both their claws and hooves somewhat, much to Skystar’s dismay.

“We’ve been really busy since waking up, huh?” Skystar mentions to Posada.

“Well yeah, of course. Gotta find someplace to sleep before it gets dark. No time to waste since I don’t think either of us are fond of sharing a bed with the dirt and bugs. Plus it’s good to keep busy.” Posada says with a blank face.

“Yeah… I guess we can relax since we’ve got our sleeping arrangements figured out. Well, maybe not relax but you know, reflect on things. We’ve already gone through a lot today, Possy.”

“Possy? Like, Poss-ee? That’s… new When did you come up with that?”

“Just now!” she smiles. “Also that looks like the farmers house Breezy mentioned. I think that’s probably Corn Pop sitting outside,” she says.

The farm house looks like every other godforsaken farm house in this village. A single story wooden building with open windows combined with a small porch out in front. Of note would be a tiny decorative windmill which can be seen off to the right. As well as the growing crops in the farmer’s field.

The farmer himself is wearing old, tattered clothes covered in dirt. Working clothes, no doubt. He’s currently on his porch, rocking back and forth in what is likely a rocking chair built by hand. His mane would also be gray, like the bartender. Though his face looks considerably older, with no bread to speak of.

The group approach the older hippogriff with smiles on their faces, wanting to make a good first impression.

“Greetings! Breezy sent us, you’re Corn Pop, I presume?” Posada yaps out.

“Mm, yep. What’d Breezy send ya for?” he replies simply, looking at the pair as they stand a few feet away from his porch.

“It’s… a bit complicated. He said you might have work for us to do in exchange for room and board, as well as some bits or items, potentially,” Posada responds, smiling.

“For how long?”

“Only a few nights, we just need to get enough money or items to continue on our way.”

The old man stands up from his rocking chair, slowly hobbling his way over to a small shed which rests a distance from his house. The pair follow him.

He opens the door, stepping aside before speaking, “Hook yourselves up to the ploughs. You can start on the field to the left. Haven’t gotten around to it yet.”

He begins to make his way back to the rocking chair before Posada pipes up, “Uh, how long should we do this for?” she asks.

“I’ll tell you. Won’t work you too hard, don’t worry.”

“And you’ll have room for us to sleep tonight? What about payment?”

“Mhm, have a guest room but it won’t be fancy. Used to have 5 kids in this house, so there’s room. We’ll discuss payment later tonight.”

Posada nods, looking to Skystar who’s already investigating the shed.

Following after her Posada asks, “You’ll be okay doing this, Sky?”

“Yeah, I guess. Not much choice plus it’s a new experience. I’ll get over it. Let’s just get to work.” Posada agrees, the two get equipped and spend the rest of the evening working the field.

Several Hours Later

As the sun sets, Corn Pop emerges from his house, waving down the hard working duo and signaling for them to stop and come inside.

After putting the equipment away they make their way in. Entering what seems to be the dining room right away. Candles on the table with a hand-sewn table cloth. Corn Pop just entering the room while carrying something with him.

The hippogriff stands by the side of a table, lifting a bag of items on to the table with his wing once the pair enter. “This stuff should be worth more than the few bits I have to my name,” he says, untying the bag to reveal the contents inside.

Inside is an amalgamation of various bits of kit for travel. What looks like stakes for a tent, blankets, canteens, and basic daggers for self-defense.

“Mine from back in the day. I wasn’t always a farmer, obviously.” He grabs some of the equipment, pulling it out of the bag. It has obvious signs of wear, a few tears and marks throughout the tent, the blankets with wear patterns, the dagger being slightly rusted. “Old but still up to the job, I think. You help around the farm for a few days and it’s all yours.”

Their eyes twinkle in amazement. Never before had they been so glad to see old camping supplies!

“A-all of this? Corn Pop, are you sure?” Posada yelps out in amazement.

“Yep. None of my kids ended up needing the stuff. And, well, I’m sure you can tell but I’m not leaving this village anytime soon. Only way I’m getting out of here is in a casket,” he giggles somewhat morbidly. “Ah, but no, no one else has any use for it. At least it’ll get passed down to you young kids instead of rotting away in this village like me.”

“Thank you, Corn Pop This is more than we ever could’ve expected.” Posada replies.

“Mhm. By the way, there’s dinner for you two in the kitchen. Me and my wife usually eat around 6 but if you’re busy we’ll leave you out something for later.”

“Before that though, I’ll take you folks to your sleeping quarters for the next few days, over here,” he says while slowly walking towards the back of the house. Opening the door to the guest bedroom to reveal a single queen sized bed of hay. Cloth pillows filled with cotton and feathers on both sides with a window overlooking the back of the farm. “Only one bed, hope that won’t be a problem. I could always cobble together something if it is. But I doubt it’ll be as comfortable.” He says nonchalantly.

Posada blushes lightly and looks to Skystar, who seems unbothered by the idea of sharing a bed. “Nooo, that’s fine!” she says, “I don’t mind sharing! It’s still better than having to rough it outside,” she smiles. “You’re fine with that, right Posada?”

She nods in agreement, still lightly blushing.

“Cool! This will work then. Thank you so much for everything!” she says to Corn Pop. Who nods and then exits the room, returning to his rocking chair on the porch.

“Posada, let’s go eat dinner. And then I think we’ll head to bed, I’m beat from working today.” They both agree, eating dinner and then returning to the guest bedroom once full.

***

Skystar stretches, “Ahhh~ I’m beat… This bed sure isn’t fancy. It’s actually kind of itchy with the hay but we’ll get used to it I suppose,” she remarks from the left side of the bed.

“I’ve slept on worse… and I have a feeling this is as good as it’s going to get for a while.

“You’re probably right, Possy. I’ll enjoy it while it lasts,” Skystars says, yawning afterward. “I think I’m gonna try to sleep, night, Posada.”

“Same, goodnight, Sky.”

She closes her eyes, slowly lulling herself to sleep as the world around her fades away.

…

“-Operation Sunset is cleared”

“…thank you, Posada.”

“-this is our day”

“...there is always the chance of catastrophic failure-“

“This is your fault, Posada.”
“NO, I didn’t do this! No one knew what would happen!”

“It’s what you wanted.”

“I just wanted to be recognized… I wanted to protect my people, to push us forward.”

“The road to Tartarus is paved with good intentions. What matters is the outcome, not the intention.”

“I know… But nobody had done it before us. How could I have known?!”

“You learned things creatures were never meant to know. Wanting to do things no creature should.”

“I was only following my heart, forgive me…”

A gasp for air can be heard as Posada is jolted awake from a sound sleep. Waking up she feels the soft fur of a hippogriff, striking teal hair in her face as Posada’s vision adjusts to the light. Her face blushing red once she realizes she’s cuddled up against her companion. Feeling Skystar around her arms, her chest moving up and down slowly as she sleeps peacefully. She smiles, her eyes closing as she enjoys the moment before leaving her embrace and rolling back over to her side of the bed.

4. Hopes and Dreams

Morning

Posada awakes, staring at the ceiling, “I have to find a way to stop these dreams,” she thinks to herself. “Maybe I should bring it up to Sky, but I don’t want to worry her… Especially with everything going on, I’ll wait” She rolls over and up, getting out of bed and lightly shaking her still sleeping companion up, “…it’s morning, time to get up, Sky” she says softly.

“Mmm ok.. Just.. Give me a minute”

Posada sighs, sitting on the edge of the bed as she waits for her companion to wake up. Skystar letting out a yawn and doing her usual stretches as she comes to.

“Morning, Posada.”

“Morning. Ready for another day of work?”

“I guess…” she stops and thinks for a moment, “Before we get into that though I wanted to have a talk. I thought some stuff over while I was falling asleep, and wanna make sure we’re on the same page and everything, Possy.” Skystar smiles but her tone indicates that this is a serious talk.

“Uh, sure. What’s up? What’s on your mind?” Posada quietly replies, somewhat concerned by Skystar’s change of tone from her usual upbeat self.

“Well… it’s just… we haven’t really talked about the big elephant in the room, if you know what I mean.” She looks Posada in the eyes, her smile from before gone.

Posada reacts anxiously, not being entirely sure which elephant this might be among the laundry list of potential elephants that she’s been intentionally ignoring. “O-Oh? Um…” Posada’s eyes are taken off of Skystar, she looks out the window, at the bed, the doorway, and back to Skystar repeatedly in the span of a few seconds, “what would that be, exactly?” If not for the fur, she would be sweating bullets right now.

Skystar watches Posada closely, “she’s clearly uncomfortable talking about this”, Skystar remarks to herself before smiling a little bit again to her friend at ease, “Mainly getting back home! We’ve been so focused on just trying to survive we really haven’t had time to talk about it.”

“Oh…” Posada responds, somewhat relived that Skystar chose the easiest elephant to talk about. “Well, I was just so focused on finding a place to stay last night,” she says, scratching the back of her head. “But Skystar, I think we need to temper our expectations for ‘getting back home’. We aren’t even certain how we got sent back here, besides the involvement of the nuclear fusion test…” her expression changing to a much more somber one. “That’s not something that’s possible here. Even if the whole science team got transported here, we’re centuries away from having the resources needed.”

Focused and determined, but still smiling slightly, Skystar rebukes. “Look, we might not have your fancy nuclear tech stuff, or our comrades, but you know what we do have? Magic.” Skystar says in an upbeat manner. “Magic has been around since time itself, and I’m almost certain there has to be some way for us to get back through magic. Or through some magic artifact, there just has to be.”

“Sky…” Posada squeaks out, not buying into her idea. “I know you’re trying to stay upbeat but neither of us can even do magic aside from form change, we’re not unicorns. And even if we were, and there was a way for us to get back, would there even be any point? The revolution will go on without us. You and I both know there’s plenty of capable creatures to take our places.” She sighs. “I feel like this is just what was destined to happen. Maybe if I’d been kept in power, I would have…” She winces, face frowning thinking about her visions past and present “…done something I would’ve regretted. Perhaps this was just the best way for things to play out, Skystar. I don’t have to worry about hurting anyone.”

Skystar looks somberly at Posada, seeing her get emotional she lifts her wing and embraces her friend “Posada…” She cuddles close and talks in a quieter voice. “What’s bringing this on? You wouldn’t have hurt anyone. You can be eccentric, even a bit scary at times with your nuclear obsession, but I know you, I do, you’d never purposely go out of your way to hurt innocent creatures. It’s not in your nature.”

Posada tears up, not able to look Skystar in the eye her head turns down towards the floor as she starts to cry. “Skystar, I need to tell you something important. Something no one else knows about…” She chokes up slightly “You know what happened with me and the Storm King. Ever since then I’ve been having visions, usually when I sleep… And since taking over as the leader of Hippogriffia they’ve been getting… concerning.” Moving her claw she wipes the tears from her eyes “I’ve seen myself torturing our enemies, ordering the army to kill any thestrals who opposed us.. I ordered the complete destruction of cities and villages with nukes… in Chiropterra and elsewhere…” Tears stopping somewhat, she looks up to the Skystar “I don’t want that to be what I become, Sky. I’ve already subverted some of those but… I don’t know what those visions really mean. I-I don’t understand them. But I’m terrified that they’re predicting my future. A future where I’m losing myself in pursuit of revenge. If I’m here.. at least I don’t have to worry about that. For now at least.”

Skystar’s energy quickly dies down, looking at Posada with sadness and concern as she details her previously unknown visions. She takes a minute to fully process everything said.

“Posada, I’m sorry. You never told me you were dealing with something like that… I.. didn’t know.”

“I never told you. It’s not your fault for just learning about them now.” The hippogriff exclaims, a frown upon her face as she wipes the remaining tears from her face.

Skystar gets even closer to Posada, wrapping both of her wings around her, holding her close. “I’m here for you, Posada. It’s okay.” She says in a caring, loving tone. They stay entangled with one another for a few moments, calming each other down before Skystar loosens her wings from around Posada. “If it’s okay for me to ask.. Have they been right about things before? How often do you actually have them?”

“You’re fine, Sky.” Posada sighs. “They have been. But they’re not always things that can come true, if that makes sense. Sometimes they’re just like dreams. I had a vision shortly before I became Secretary, it was of me addressing a crowd of people in the capital. Crack Lightning and Silverstream were there. I didn’t know it at the time but that was a vision of me addressing the nation after taking power. It was exactly like the vision, it was scary. And then sometimes it’s like an alternative way things could have been. Like me massacring the thestralsinstead of trying to change them… Or the nuclear reactor incident…”

“The reactor, I-I try to forget about that. I’ve never seen you act like that before. Wanting to torture someone like that… it’s something I thought the cult would’ve done, not you. But you didn’t go through with it, at least. If you had, I don’t think I’d be here talking to you.”

“I only failed to go through with it because you asked me not to, Skystar. I wanted it. I wanted them to suffer. I couldn’t stop myself, even having seen it in a vision.” Her eyes tear up again, voice strained somewhat as she speaks, “You won’t always be there to stop me. I will do something that’ll chase you away eventually. I almost did already. Even if you are there, it might not matter. I just lose control. And… I don’t realize it until it’s over and I’m staring down at the disaster I’ve caused.

Skystar looks away from Posada. She knew to some degree that the things she said were true. She had seen it herself. But she always did her best to dismiss it, to chalk it up to sporadic incidents. Skystar had always been able to talk her down, after all. “I know…” Skystar replies. “I’ve seen it with my own eyes. You’re not a bad person, Posada. Someone with an evil heart wouldn’t have been able to do the things you have for Hippogriffia, and your friends. You put so much emotion into everything you do… it’s what makes you so amazing to be around, why you warm the hearts of everycreature you’re close to. It’s also why you hold so much resentment and anger towards those that have hurt you,” she says, looking up to Posada as tears stream down both their faces.

They embrace and hug each other, wings wrapping around one another as their tears stain each other’s fur.

“We’re going to work through this,” Skystar’s voice cracks, “together. I want to help you get better. I want to make sure we never have to worry about your visions again. I want you to be happy with yourself, Posada.”

“You don’t have to, Skystar. It’s not your responsibility, you shouldn’t have to worry about me like this. I’m the leader of a country, I need to be stronger than this.”

“It doesn’t matter if you’re the head of state or just a nobody, you still have feelings, you’re still just a creature.” They let go of each other, “and you can’t expect to burden everything on your own. That’s what your friends are for, silly,” she sniffles, wiping her tears from her face and smiling slightly.

“I don’t even know where to start, Sky… I just feel so worthless. We’re already dealing with being stuck in the 6th century and now I’m having a full-on breakdown, what a fucking joke…”

“Shhhh,” she says, patting Posada with her wing, “you’re not worthless, Possy, don’t say that. We can deal with both, it’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay,” she states as she wraps her wings around Posada again. “How about we start by being more open? About how you’re feeling, about the visions you’re having. And making sure you don’t get yourself too worked up, like right now. Let’s just calm down.”

Posada takes in a deep breath, exhaling after a few seconds while Skystar comforts her. Repeating the process a few times and giving herself some time to decompress.

“Better?”

“Yeah… a bit. I want to get better. Feel better. I-I’m going to try and do my best, Sky. For myself, for you, and for Hippogriffia, if we get back.”

“Doing your best is all I can ask. Don’t be too hard on yourself, everycreature’s dealing with their own struggles, there’s nothing wrong with needing help. Just do your best and be honest from now on, please.”

"I’ll try, Skystar. I promise you; I will try.”

“Thank you. You know I care about you, right? Don’t forget that.” Skystar says before fully embracing Posada, wings and claws wrapped around her as Posada’s head lays on her shoulder, her own arms and claws holding tight to Skystar’s soft fur. “Let go when you’re ready, Possy. Take your time.”

***

Later that day

The duo lounged in bed, having completed the day’s work and ate dinner. Skystar lays under the covers of the bed, snuggled up while Posada sits on her side of the bed with her back against her pillow.

“About this morning, Posada. Is there anything else you want to talk about? Anything on your mind after thinking about things during the day?”

She shakes her head, a neutral expression on her face, “No, I don’t really wanna talk about it right now honestly. I think it’s best if we just focus on getting out of here for now. I’ll let you know if I wanna talk about it anymore. Promise.”

Skystar nods her head. “I understand. What about our travel plans once we get done here? I know I mentioned it earlier when we were working but I really think heading to the Magic University in Northpoint is our best bet. It’s one of the bigger ones in Hippogriffia, even back during these times. Plus, it’s near the sea.”

“It being a port city is a plus, gives us a lot more travel options,” she agrees. “Northpoint sounds good then, a solid first stop.”

“Cool cool, that’s our plan then, Possy.” She says before smiling at her partner, getting no response as Posada looks and then returns her focus to staring at the ceiling. Seeing this, Skystar rolls over to the other side of the bed, putting her legs over Posada’s, “would it make you feel better if we cuddled a bit, maybe?”

Posada’s face goes red, well, even more red than usual. “Does she know I cuddled up to her while sleeping? I don’t think I woke her up,” she thinks to herself. She extends her wing slightly and wraps it around Skystar, holding her with her claws as well while Skystar’s head rests against Posada’s chest. Not saying anything, they simply enjoy the warmth and contentment from holding each other close as they slowly fall asleep.

5. Trotting Along

Corn Pop’s Farm, 5 days since Posada and Skystar were sent back in time.

“...and done! I think that’s the last board nailed in. That should be all for the day, Skystar. Let’s head in and tell Corn Pop we’re finished fixing up his porch.”

***

Stepping inside the house the duo see Corn Pop sitting at the dinner table, the equipment we showed them 5 days ago tightly and neatly packed into four saddle bags. “All done, huh? Well, that was the last bit of work, as I promised. Figured you’d be wanting to head out soon as possible, so I got everything packed up all nice and neat for ya. Can either leave tonight or tomorrow morning it’s up to you folks. I must also say I’m mighty appreciative of the work you two have done for me, made my old and dreary life a whole lot easier.”

The pair smile at the elderly hippogriff, just glad they were able to find someone generous enough to let them stay and eat for free, alongside giving them a full set of supplies.

“Thanks for everything, Corn pop. We won’t forget your generosity, I promise. I think we’ll head out in the morning we’re rested for the start of the journey. That sound good with you, Sky?”

“Yeah! No point in heading out right while the sun’s going down. We’ll be all ready and set to go tomorrow!”

***

The sound of hooves and claws pitter-patter’s on the hard wood floor, followed by jingling and the sound of cloth rubbing on fur.

“You get your saddle on all right, Posada?”

“Mhm, I’m all set. You?”

“Same. I guess this is it! Let’s head outside.”

The front door creeks open before slamming back shut. The duo now standing outside of Corn Pop’s house, saddles adorned and fully loaded with all manner of equipment, food, and water. A short dagger sheathed on both their waists.

“We’re too heavy to fly with our supplies so we’ll have to travel on hoof.” Grabbing the compass she has strung around her neck like jewelry, Posada checks the direction they should head, “North is this way,” she says pointing towards the dirt road heading into a forest. “So we’ll follow this path until we see signs for Northpoint or a settlement that’s close to it. It takes about, what, 2 hours to get there via train in our time, right? So we should be able to get there in no more than 2 days time. Sound good, Sky?”

“Yep! I’m ready and set so lead the way, Possy.” The cream and teal hippogriff says to Posada, walking closely beside her as the two exit the village.

***

The forest they enter surrounds the path with trees. Leaves lightly rustling in the breeze casting shadows as the sun attempts to break through. With birds singing their usual tune. The smell of pollen and sap fills the air as the duo travel north. Off the beaten path is an assortment of old brush, twigs, and now long gone trees. A haven for bugs and plants, not so much for other creatures.

“Man, you don’t see stuff like this back home, do ya? We’ve torn up so much of the forests to make way for development, it’s crazy to remember that Hippogriffia really used to look like this.” Posada says while moving her head around, taking in the beauty of the forested path.

“Do you ever regret doing that?”

“Doing what, Sky?”

“Pushing for so much development, urbanizing more rural areas. I know my Mom did a fair share of that herself when she was Queen, but I don’t think she ever put much thought into how she was changing the landscape. She was pretty disconnected from all that.”

She thinks for a moment, “No, I don’t think I do. Getting rid of forests like this is unfortunate, but improving the quality of life for the average creature was more important. We never would have been able to house everyone on the Hippogriffia mainland if we didn’t expand and terraform some areas. Housing for a poor family comes before nature, I’m afraid.”

Skystar nods her head in understanding, before replying, “I see… But what about the creatures that lived here? The wild creatures and animals. Wild bunnies and bears. Squirrels and timber wolves. I know they aren’t sentient like us but… surely disrupting their habitat counts for something.”

A look of mild surprise and shock hits Posada’s face, “I never really thought about them, honestly. When I’m signing off on plans in the capital I don’t think about that kind of stuff, I just think about how it’ll help our people. That’s an interesting way to view things for sure, but my feelings still stand. I would take housing for a poor group of creatures sooner than I would leave wild areas like this alone.”

“Ah… I disagree with you pretty strongly there, Posada. But I see where you’re coming from. Just seems such a shame to displace and potentially kill how many wild animals for our own gain.”

“I know, Skystar. But there’s always sacrifices to be made. You’ve learned that well with your time advising me, I’m sure.”

“Mhm…” she mumbles under her breath, looking away from Posada and to the ground ahead of her.

***

2 hours later

Having traveled mostly in silence for the past couple of hours, with only occasional small talk, Posada decides to bring up a new topic.

“Um, so… Sky, I wanna talk about my visions a bit, if that’s okay. I told you I’d let you know when I was ready to talk more about it, I think I’m ready right now.”

Her attention turns to Posada, eyes glancing over to her as she moves her head slightly to the right, “sure, go ahead.”

“Thanks, Sky. I mentioned that not all the visions are things that can become true, so to say. But they’re more like made up scenarios, dreams. With one of these dream-like visions I uh…” her face blushes red, attention turning away for a second before continuing, “I was out shopping at local stores with you. We stopped at one of those novelty shops that has a bunch of weird stuff. In there you picked out this silly looking alien figure that was bipedal and gray and bought it for me. Then we got on the train and headed back to my place. It was just us in the cabin, you cuddled up next to me. And then we talked about our upbringings, destiny, fate, things like that. It… was really cute. I look back on that vision very fondly. Even if it wasn’t real, it felt like it. I felt so… happy. Complete, even. And when I woke up from the vision I was laying on my back, staring up at the ceiling. It was over, just like that. And I was alone again…” She says somberly. “So the visions aren’t always bad… even if I ended up depressed after, it was still something I’m glad I saw.”

Skystar continues listening intently, giving Posada her full focus and attention, “I have a feeling that’s not the main reason you told me this story, Posada.”

“It isn’t… Sky, I know I’ve told you this before, and I know you said you don’t feel the same way but… I still really like you. I just want to give us a try. Even if it doesn’t work out, Skystar, I want to at least try. I can’t see myself ever liking someone the way I do you.”

Skystar looks down at Posada, the both of them now stopped in their tracks. Giving her a neutral look. “Posada… I knew you still had feelings for me, but I didn’t think you’d choose now to be so up-front about them. You’re a great friend, you really are. Probably my best friend… And I think I’m willing to try a relationship with you. I don’t know if it’ll work out, honestly. Especially given our circumstances,” she laughs. “But I’m willing to try long as take it slow. I’m not a big fan of rushing into things as you know. That sound okay, girlfriend?”

Her ears perk up upon simply hearing the words “girlfriend” come out of Skystar’s mouth. Her heart racing, body temperature increasing, and legs weak as she realizes what this means, hardly able to believe it. “O-okay, um…” she goes speechless, unable to put into words how she feels right now.

Skystar responds by simply hugging her new partner, arms wrapped around her as they embrace, Posada’s head resting on Skystar’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, you don’t need to say anything.” She says calmly. “We should probably keep moving though, plenty of time to talk as we trot.”

Letting go, they both continue their way north, walking just a bit closer to each other.

***

Later that evening

“We need to come up with date ideas for when we get back. I already have some pretty good ones that I totally haven’t been holding on to for the past year or so. I don’t wanna spoil them though, so I’m not telling!” Posada smirks as she talks to Skystar.

“I can only imagine what you have cooked up, Possy. Especially with all the time you’ve had on your claws,” she giggles. “Do you think we should stop and setup camp? We’ve been walking most of the day, can’t say I would mind some rest,” she says, stopping on the path and stretching her legs.

“I’m still raring to go but if you wanna stop we can, hun. We can camp a bit further into the woods if you want, less chance of getting seen by bandits or whatever.”

Skystar nods before following Posada into the woods, finding a clear spot to setup their tent and a campfire a few paces away from the main road. “This should do well,” Posada says.

“Yeah.. It’s nothing fancy but it’ll do I guess. Never thought I would go from sleeping in the royal castle to sleeping on hay in a tent…”

“Oh it’s not that bad Skystar, you could be sleeping on the dirt, or on a cold metal floor in an airship.”

‘True but that doesn’t make me feel that much better… I suppose you’re here, at least,” she smiles.

Posada smiles and giggles, rubbing up against Skystar and hugging her lightly. “How about we have some dinner and then hit the literal hay? We’re probably about half way there so we should be able to make it to Northpoint tomorrow,” she says.

“Sounds good, dear. Let’s see what Corn Pop packed up for us before we left…”

7. Some Chapter

The traveling duo approach the large wooden gate of the city. Four hippogriff city guards stand at position outside of it, dressed in chain mail with swords on their hips. Looking up they also see two archers standing on top of the city’s wall.

“Evening, citizens,” one of the guards exclaims, seeing the travelers approach. “What brings you to the city of Northpoint? Business, leisure, travel, or something else?”

“We’re here for the magic university, actually,” Posada replies confidently.

The guard looks them both up and down, “Very well, you may proceed,” he says. One of the other guards pushing a lever that openings the gate slowly. “Enjoy your time in Northpoint and stay out of trouble.”

The duo nod their heads as they pass the guard and enter the city. Their hooves and claws clopping on the stone path that leads into the city. Entering they see blocked off entrances to the upper levels of the city wall to their immediate left and right. A stone path heading into the city directly in front of them, and two other diverging paths that go around Northpoint ahead to the left and right. Buildings at the entrance of the city include an inn, which given the sign hanging by the door, is called “Gobblestone Inn”.

“It’s amazing be able to see what our world looked like during this time… The old art and paintings really don’t do it justice.” Skystar says, in awe of the old city.

The couple walk past the inn and towards the towering library of the university. Observing the town while walking through it. Various store fronts adorn the entrance of the town, alongside the inn. Going deeper into the town more and more street vendors litter the street. Everything from local cuisine to various arts and crafts. The vendors working their stalls shouting out to gain the attention of those walking by on the stone streets. The couples’ noses filled with the smell of baked goods from the chimney stacks of clay and brick ovens.

Their adventures through the town eventually bring them to the campus of the local magic university, called simply “Northpoint Magical University.” The architecture of the campus buildings is noticeably different from the rest of the town. Not only in the shape and sizes of the buildings, but in the material they’re built from. With many buildings being built from marble, making them stand out greatly against the gray stone paths and walls.

“These buildings… they look just like back home… I knew the campus buildings were old but damn!” Skystar yelps out.

“Indeed. No time for architecture appreciation, however. We need to start searching for information on magical time travel. Only question is, where we should start?”

“Well, I’d guess the library would be a good start. We don’t know much about magical research but I’m sure one of the librarians could help us!”

“Sounds good, let’s go check it out,” Posada says, the couple now walking towards the tall spiraling library.

***

Standing at the entrance, the top of the library’s tower powers over any creature looking up at it. Staring at it long enough one could even swear that it sways along with the wind. Posada opens the door after admiring the size of the building. Entering the lobby floor of the library, their hooves and claws touching pearly white marble. Wooden bookshelves adorned the whole building packed with books of all kinds. The spiraling staircase towards the back and center of the building leading to the other floors of the library. The air smells stale, in a way. Like the scent of an old book that hasn’t been opened in years.

“This is beautiful… to think we had this kind of architecture and engineering in the middle-ages!” Posada thinks to herself.

“It reminds me of the old castle, amazing.” Skystar reminisces upon her past as a princess.

Various creatures can be seen studying at tables and desks, books open with notebooks beside them. Unicorns, griffins, hippogriffs and even some zebras learning about the ways of magic.

Posada’s attention turns to the nearby circulation desk being staffed by a lightly colored hippogriff with her hair back in a ponytail. She walks over to the desk, getting the attention of the clerk, “Hello miss! We’re looking for some books about a specific topic, time travel. Anything relating to using magic to travel through time would be of wonderful use to us!”

The clerk’s face doesn’t even budge upon hearing Posada’s request, her eyes lazily looking at the eccentrically dressed hippogriff as she replies, “Aisle 6b. Go to the 2nd floor and walk towards the back, once you get far enough you should see aisle 6a followed by 6b next to it. If we have anything related to your time travel topic it’ll be there.”

“Okay, thanks!”

The two make their way up the spiral stairs, taking their exit at the second floor which is of matching size to the first. The main difference being a slightly different layout and the use of tile floor instead of marble. Following the directions of their librarian friend they manage to make their way to famed aisle 6b. Listed as a “magical archive”.

They each search the aisle for various books that might be related to their time travel troubles. Bringing the books back to a large desk near the aisle to look into them further. The stack of books they both bring to the desk stands several feet high, at least 6 heavy and thick books in each.

“We’re going to have our work cut out for us, oh geez…” Skystar frowns.

“Indeed. Truly brings me back to my college days,” Posada sighs. “At least I have you by my side this time,” she says, extending her wing to hug her partner lovingly. They nuzzle into each other and close their eyes in embrace.

“There isn’t a single other creature I’d rather spend hours looking through books with, Possy.”

“I can think of a few I’d choose if we were going for efficiency,” she giggles. “But you’re definitely the best company to have. Let’s start digging into these monsters, my dear.”

The hippogriffs situate themselves at the desk, grabbing the first book from their respective stash and getting to work skimming and reading through them. As time goes on minutes start to feel like hours, hours feel like days. The tortuous work of having to skim through old, dry academic books drones on and on. With most of the books not even having a hint of what they need. Posada’s back aches from the uncomfortable wooden chair, both of her claws holding her head up as she forces herself to continue reading. With Skystar laying her head on the table, taking a short break from the mundane to try and retain her sanity. Her body already a sore mess from the fight earlier in the day.

“We’re never going to find what we need!” Skystar sighed out. All this searching and not even a single word about time traveling magic or artifacts. Plus, it’s night out now,” she says looking out the window. “I’m surprised they haven’t kicked us out yet, actually.”

“Yeah, it might be best to pack it up for tonight and come back tomorrow. Even with candles it’s getting hard to see. Maybe head to that inn we saw towards the entrance and get a bed for the night. Corn Pop gave us some bits so we should be able to afford it.”

“Say no more my love, let’s go!”

***

Traveling back towards the city gate they happen across the “Gobblestone Inn” yet again. Its outside lit up by a fire torch, illuminating the white stone building in a faint amber glow. Posada leads the way and opens the door to the inn. A smell of flowers entering her nose and the feeling of wood touching her claws and hooves. The white stone walls covered in the same amber glow from the candles inside. To the left is the innkeeper, a bored and tired looking young stallion with a short blonde mane and light green fur. He’s holding up his head with his hoof as he struggles to stay awake. Not even noticing the two hippogriffs entering the building.

Posada walks up to the stallion and quietly says, “Hello.” He blinks a few times before turning his focus on to Posada and Skystar, his eyes going wide, “H-howdy, what can I do for you uh, miss?”

“We need a room for the night. And some food if you have any.”

The stallion looks over to Posada’s companion, his eyebrows raised and lips pursed, “Just… one? But there’s two of you, our rooms only have one bed.”

“Yeah, just one, don’t worry about it. If you’re going to make us pay extra we’ll find somewhere us.” Posada says with her smile turning into more of an angry frown.

“I-I… are you two sisters or something? I’m just not following here.”

Posada’s temper is obviously starting to get the best of her, her entire face displaying her displeasure and impatience with the stallion. “It’s none of your business. Now give us the room or we’re walking out of here.”

“It is my business! I’m the owner of this inn and I’ll ask as many questions I want! I’m no bigot, hell I don’t care if you’re a hippogriff, pony, griffin, or some sort of alien! But I’m not letting any homosexuals sleep together under my roof! So, you will tell me, what is your relation to the girl behind you?”

Posada’s temper boils over, her rage taking over as she feels her heart racing with anger. “She’s my girlfriend! What does it matter?! We just want someplace to rest for the night, are you kidding me?! What, do you think we’re going to put some mysterious homo spell on your business? I should hit you square in the face for your ignorance!” she says, leaning over the desk and getting in the stallion’s face.

The stallion looks at Posada in disgust, not saying anything in return but simply staring at the ranting hippogriff. Seeing her partner get worked up Skystar walks over and puts her claw on Posada’s shoulder, getting her attention before saying, “Posada, look at me,” she turns her attention to Skystar. “Take a deep breath and step away. It’s not worth fighting this idiot over his own ignorance, as tempting as it might be. It’s okay.”

Posada breaths in, holding it for a few seconds and then exhaling. Repeating this a few times as her angry expression fades. A more somber and sad expression taking its place. “You’re right. I’m sorry for getting so worked up, Sky. Let’s leave this bastard to his lonesome.” They both walk out of the inn, the stallion simply watching, not saying a word as the couple leave his precious inn.

Outside, Posada frowns. Looking at Skystar with disappointment in her eyes, “I let my temper get the best of me again, I’m sorry. I should have just left and been quiet when he started asking questions.”

Skystar wraps her wings around Posada, “I know, it’s not your fault he’s an idiot. And you did better this time, you got yourself under control once you realized you were going a bit too far. I’m proud of you for that, Possy. And for sticking up for us.”

She smiles in response, hugging Skystar back with their wings wrapped around one another.

“Now, let’s go find us another inn, one with a better innkeeper, hopefully,” Skystar says as she slowly leaves the embrace of Posada.

***

Walking down the street they do indeed find another inn, this one named simply, “Isaac’s Inn”. Entering, the duo find it to be unsurprisingly similar to the last. The inn smelling faintly of berries and of burning firewood, thanks to the burning fireplace towards the back of the building. At the front desk is an attentive griffin, his feathers a light brown mixed with white. He notices the two walking in and offers them a “Welcome!” smiling as they walk up.

“What can I do for you gals tonight?”

“We need a room, and hopefully some food, we’re starving!”

“Of course, one room is 10 bits. And if you want some food there’s soup on the fire, potato soup to be specific, made it myself of course! Only 5 bits more if you want some of it!”

“Sounds delicious!” Skystar say’s from behind her companion.

“We’ll have both of those things,” she says, grabbing the bits from her saddle bags and putting 15 bits total on the counter. The griffin hands them the key to the room and smiles, “If you need bowls or anything for the soup let me know, I have some in the back!”

“Thanks! I think we’ll them actually, just bring them to our room if that’s okay,” Posada replies.

The griffin nods and heads into a side room. The traveling pair walk over to their room by the fireplace as he does so. Twisting the key and opening the door they find a full-sized bed made in basic linen sheets. Beside it is a single nightstand and a desk with a chair. And a window overlooking the bed. It’s simple, but it’ll get the job done.

Skystar instantly runs over to the bed and collapses, laying strung out on the sheets with her legs in the air. “Ahh! I never thought I’d be so glad to see a straw bed! I guess getting beat up by both a unicorn and a crappy wooden chair will do that to you,” she giggles.

Posada joins her and softly lays beside Skystar, taking her hat off and putting it on the nightstand. “Yes, it does feel good to relax a bit. I think my hooves are especially thankful.”

Their relaxation gets interrupted by a knock on the door, Posada getting up to meet the innkeeper who came to deliver the bowls and spoons. “Have a good night!” he yells before leaving and shutting the door.

“And we get to eat some real food too! We’re simply spoiling ourselves, Posada.”

“Only the best for you, hun. Let’s go get some soup and then head to bed. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow.”

Skystar reluctantly gets up from the bed, following Posada into the lobby. The two chow down and shortly after fall asleep, cuddled up to one another as they enjoy a well-deserved night’s rest.

8. A Night on The Town

She’s laying on the ground, tears in her eyes as she watches her walk away. “Skystar! Please! Just hear me out! Don’t leave me… I don’t want to go back to being alone…”

She stops and turns her head, “I only dealt with you because I had to. My feelings were only ever platonic, nothing more.”

“But the things you said, everything we did together…”

“I did what I had to. Anything to keep you from dragging us down. To keep you from blowing up the whole damn planet because some voice in your head told you to.” She continues walking and fades away. Darkness surrounds everything once again.

***

“They’re only using you to advance their agenda. To make sure they’re spared from your insanity.”

“No, I know they aren’t. Skystar, Terrafin, Silverstream, they’re my friends. They’ve had so many opportunities to leave me if they really were trying to use me.”

“Skystar almost left already. Terrafin wants the power of the state for his research. Your so called friends only stood beside you once you gained power. Where were they when you were just a struggling girl in college?”

“But she didn’t. And look at where we are now. I didn’t even know anyone until I got into politics, that’s not a fair comparison.”

“She’s obviously just going along with your “relationship” to keep you content until she gets back.”

“I told her she could say no and I’d be fine. That’s not true.”

“Do you really believe that? You know that you would’ve been broken if she said no again. She knew it too, anyone who’s around you for more than a day would know it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re unstable, erratic. Skystar knows it. It’s why she does everything she can to keep you at bay. Just like with the inn. She tolerates you out of necessity.”

“Maybe she does… But I’m going to enjoy what I have right now. I can’t let thoughts like these ruin me.”

“But you will, you always let them get the best of you.”

“No. Not this time.”

***

Sunlight washes over her eyes, birds chirping with creatures talking outside the door. Posada slowly opens her still tired eyes, her back turned towards Skystar as she wakes up from sleeping on her side.

She goes about her usual routine since being set back in time. Getting ready for the day while Skystar continues sleeping. Looking in the mirror as she fixes her hair and puts on her hat. A cold and tired girl looking back at her. Is this really who she was? No, “it’s just a bad morning,” she thinks to herself.

***

An hour later the duo returned to the library. Going right back at it with the books they have left over from yesterday. Skystar going over a book titled “Magical Artifacts and Places of Power in Zebrica and Hippogriffia.” While Posada reviews a paper going over the history of forbidden magical spells.

A quarter of the way through the book Skystar stumbles upon a passage that catches her eye. It describes a place deep in Seaquestria called “Thistlegorm”. Supposedly the site of an old cult that worshiped a dark divine named Doria. It’s said that multiple ancient artifacts are still present in the ruins of Thistlegorm, including one named “The Trident’s Paw” that’s said to have reality warping abilities. The book states that the ruins have largely been left alone due to rumors of the cult persisting at the site, as well as the supposed interference of supernatural elements.

Skystar’s hooves shake up and down in excitement upon reading this information, she quickly grabs Posada’s attention and explains the passage. Posada’s eyes go wide as she hears Skystar delve into detail about Thistlegorm, spooked not by the mention of the supernatural, but of the cult.

“I don’t think we have to worry about any ghosts or spells… Probably. But the mention of that cult worries me. Even if it’s mostly been disbanded there’s bound to be some remnants in and around there. We struggled taking on one lone bandit with our little daggers, two or more trained cultists might be outdoing it.”

“Sounds like we might have some arms shopping to do then!”

“Maybe… I’m not sure having a bigger sword will do you much good, love. You have to be more comfortable and willing to fight before anything else.”

Skystar’s ears fall, her smile fading somewhat, “Oh… that’s true. I just don’t think I’m cut out for fighting, Possy. You can try and train me a bit but… It’s not my thing, like I’ve said.”

“I know, I know. If we really want to get back you might not have a choice. I’m also thinking… we might want to try and get a tag along or two, creatures more adapt at combat than you. Thistlegorm sounds like it has plenty of loot to go around, I don’t think it would be too hard to find someone around college who’s interested in grabbing an artifact or two.”

She slams the book shut, standing up from the desk with a smile on her face, “Then let’s get on it, Possy!

“Not so fast. I’m not sure we’ll get anywhere just going around asking random people. I have an idea, instead. We stop by the librarian and the inn keeper we met last night, tell them what’s up, and have them tell any creature interested to meet us at the inn lobby around 8 tonight. Saves time, and we don’t have to go around harassing random folks. Instead of doing that maybe we could get dinner, go on a little date, eh?”

"Oh Posada! That sounds perfect! I’m going to pick the place we eat at though,” she smirks.

“Sure thing, Sky. Soon as we get done talking to our two comrades.”

***

“…So tell anyone interested to meet us here at around 8. I doubt you’ll get many takers, but we only really need one or two other creatures so no worries. Sound good?”

“Um, you’re staying another night then, right?”

“Sure, here’s 15 more bits,” Posada grabs the coins from her saddle bag and places them on the counter, “now how bout telling folks about our proposal?”

“Well, I don’t see any reason not to do it provided you’re staying. You’ve got yourself a deal, miss.”

“Excellent. Alright Skystar, that’s taken care of, what’s our next move?” she says, turning to her partner behind her.

“Mmm how about you just follow me? Don’t worry about anything else!” The cream-colored hippogriff tells her partner, her head tilted as she gets ready to walk out of the inn”

***

Walking through the busy afternoon streets of Northpoint the hippogriff couple bumble and bounce around the other creatures. Posada following behind Skystar, blushing slightly and keeping her focus turned to the rump of her partner as she walks behind her.

“There!” She stops and shouts out, pointing to a nearby “Aquileian-style” restaurant. “That’s where we’ll eat.”

Posada quickly recomposes herself, turning her attention to the restaurant Skystar has pointed towards. “Oh? I’ve never been much for Aquileian food. I suppose that was back in our time though, it’s likely quite different here so why not?”

The two enter the restaurant. From the outside it looks much the same as the other buildings. But going inside is almost like entering a portal. Adorned in what could be considered “traditional Aquileian” furnishings and decorations. With a low light atmosphere lit primarily by candles and lantern. The walls seemingly hand painted, and the floors built from exotic hardwood. The smell of spices mixed with sweets filled the noses of the two partners.

They are escorted to their table by a well dressed mare, who also takes their order and pours them two glasses of wine before leaving them be.

“This really isn’t bad for being a 6th century restaurant. I’d even call it quaint; creatures would pay good bits to eat at a place like this.”

“Not really my thing but glad you like it, Sky. Anything for you.”

“Anything, huh? How far would that really go?”

“What do you mean?”

Skystar stares down at the table for a moment, lost in thought before snapping back to reality and replying, “Well, it’s just, that’s a common saying. But how often do creatures really mean it? It’s like the promise of unconditional love versus the reality of it. Every creature has their limits.”

“I suppose… Not like you do get all technical like that, sounds more like something I’d think of. What brought that on?”

“Just thinking! Sayings like that can get silly if you really think about them.”

“True! Maybe you can see why I get so caught up on things like that sometimes and go on rants,” she laughs. “That does bring up the interesting topic of unconditional love, what it entails, if anyone is truly deserving of it. A fascinating topic but maybe not one that’s a fit for this dinner.”

“Yeah, don’t wanna kill the romance vibes too much. “Even though you’re so cute when you’re rambling about things you love,” Skystar says, holding her chin with her claws.

“Even if you don’t understand what I’m saying?”

“Even then, silly. I think the only exception would be if you started talking about Beakolini’s work like you do Marksism.”

“If I ever started doing that, I hope you know you have full permission to knock some sense into me,” she says laughing.

The two spend the rest of their dinner enjoying each other’s company, flirting with each other and enjoying the tasty (if not expensive) food of Aquileia.

***

Exiting the restaurant, the two see the Sun has mostly set, dusk falling over the sky as 8 PM fast approaches.

“Ah, that was a riot Sky! Makes me miss being back home when things were simpler. I’m glad we did this.”

“I am too. It’s nice not worrying about anything for a few hours.”

They huddle together and embrace, wrapping their wings around each in their usual fashion, Skystar nuzzling against her girlfriend, smiling. Posada tilts her head and meets Skystar’s muzzle while she does so. They feel their lips touch together, Posada’s wing holding the back of Skystar’s head. They hold there for a moment, Posada doing her best to not instinctively breathe through her nose before pulling away.

“I’d say we could do the rest back at the inn, but we have some unfortunate obligations,” Posada says, smiling at her partner with seductive eyes.

“Sadly we do… There’s always later tonight though,” Skystar replies, winking at Posada.

The two make their way to the inn. Walking through the doors they almost expected to see a crowd of people waiting to meet them, but instead they’re greeted with… nothing! Not a single soul besides the innkeeper himself. A look of mild shock fills both their faces. Maybe expecting a crowd was a bit much, but not even a few creatures? Really?

They walk up to their innkeeper friend and ask him for a report, “No one took us up on the offer, huh?” Posada asks him.

He shakes his head, “No, actually. There was one, only one, however. He’s staying here in room two,” he points to the door marked “2” over by the entrance. “Said to have you gals come knock on the door when you got here. That’s all I’ve got for ya. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

The duo walks over to the door, Posada knocking lightly with her claw as they somewhat anxiously await a reply. The door made of wooden boards creaks open, its shadow hiding the profile of the creature behind it until fully open. Revealing a gray hippogriff with dark black hair. A gruff face and blank eyes greet them, “You’re the ones who need help exploring some place in Seaquestria?”

“Mhm, that’s us. I’m assuming the innkeeper already told you about the basic details?”

“Yep. Magical artifacts at a former cult site. Sounds tricky to me, which probably means there’s a lot of valuable stuff left there. Main reason I’m interested.”

“Indeed, it’s too much for just us. I have fighting experience but my partner here, Skystar, is a bit of a pacifist. I fear going in with only one fighter wouldn’t end well.”

“Especially without magical support,” he replies. “Or at least, I’m assuming you aren’t inclined towards spell craft. Doesn’t matter either way.”

“Neither of us are. Just out of curiosity, have you done things like this before? We… don’t exactly have a wide pool to choose from so, can’t really afford to turn you away. But experience would be a boon for all of us, I think.”

“Going to old artifact sites like yours? Yeah, a couple times,” he heads back into the room and grabs something, returning to the door holding with what looks like a staff. “Got this from one not too long ago. I’m not naturally disposed to magic as you might imagine, on account of being a hippogriff. Doesn’t mean I can’t do magic, however,” the hippogriff taps the bottom of the staff on the ground, summoning a mage light behind him. “Just need some assistance, is all.”

“Sounds like you’ll be perfect. I’m Posada, by the way. Already told you her name,” she points to Skystar. “What do you go by?”

“Lucien Star. But I prefer to go by just Lucien.”

“Alright Lucien, I’ll fill you in on some of the more detailed info…”

Posada describes the entire situation, including all the info they found in the book. But makes sure not to mention the reason for wanting to attain the Trident’s Paw.

“…So you’ll get free reign over anything we found, except for the Trident’s Paw, as payment. That’s the only thing we’re interested in. If that’s agreeable to you then we can talk about preparing and getting ready tomorrow.”

Lucien ponders the offer for a moment before agreeing, “Very well. I can agree to that. I assume we’ll meet in the lobby to talk over those details tomorrow?”

“Indeed, best to think everything over after resting up,” she replies. “Plus, I’d like to mess around with Skystar before the mood completely dies.”

“Alright. Talk to you tomorrow then,” he says, turning his back and shutting the door.

“…Interesting creature. But I think he’ll be a big help. What do you think, Sky?”

“Definitely not the bubbly type but he seems trustworthy.”

“Agreed. Now with that taken care of….” Posada’s wings extend, eying down Skystar seductively yet again, “how about we head back to our room and continue where we left off?”

Skystar giggles, “Trying to court your mate by showing off your wingspan? What’s next, a song and dance?”

“Oh shush, are you coming or not?”

“I don’t know, we’ll have to see how it goes,” she giggles again.

“I’m just going to go to the room and hope you follow behind me.”

“Should I check out your butt like you were with me earlier today?”

“Just get in here, Sky!”

9. Sleep Walking

Posada awakes in the middle of the night. Tossing and turning. She tries rearranging her pillow and moving her blanket to cover and uncover different parts of her body to no avail. She quietly rolls out of bed, being careful not to wake up her partner laying beside her.

She softly walks over to the nearby desk and chair, sitting on it and looking out the window overlooking the bed. Her claws on her cheeks. “I don’t think I’m ever going to figure this out. I don’t understand why I have to constantly go from being high on top of the world to being so overcome with negative thoughts I can’t even sleep.”

She puts her claws over her eyes now, supporting her head with her arms.She hangs her head in sorrow, silence emanating in the room while thoughts zoom through her mind. The moment only broken when she hears a familiar sound coming from outside her door, the sound of magic being cast. Her ears perk up, head rising from the table as she stands up and slowly moves towards the door. She slides the deadbolt off, carefully turning the doorknob and pushing the door back. Her head peaks out, looking to the right, nothing. Just the fireplace burning. Looking to the left she sees a faint glow of blue reflecting bizarrely near the counter. The door gets pulled back further and Posada methodically stalks her way down the hall and towards the corner. Peering around the corner she immediately looks to the innkeeper’s counter. Her jaw dropping as she sees both the innkeeper and a cloaked unicorn performing what seems to be some sort of spell on him, giving his eyes a purple hue. The unicorn performing the spell locks eyes with Posada almost as soon as she turns the corner. Her horn glowing as she continues performing the spell, her eyes glowing a purple color as well.

“You…” The unicorn whispers. She ceases the spell, the innkeeper falling to floor as the spell caster slowly walks to Posada. Her cloak swaying as she does so, revealing a cut to the right shoulder.

Posada’s heart drops once she sees this. It couldn’t be… “You’re the bandit who attacked us on the road!” She yells out.

“I’m hardly a bandit. Do you really think a bandit would be this skilled in magic? That a bandit would track you down after entering the city? They’d never make it past the gates, you idiot!”

Posada tries to back up, wanting to grab her dagger from the room. But the unicorn quickly pins her hooves and claws to the floor. “What do you want from us?!” Posada yelps out.

“I don’t want anything. I got all the information I needed from the innkeeper. Handy of you to tell him all about your plans. You have my thanks for that.”

“That’s what you wanted? Why?!"

“Just keeping an eye on you, is all. I have no need to reveal anything more than that.”

“Why not? Afraid we’ll figure out who you are?” Posada tries again to walk back to her room, straining to try and break free from the spell restrains but failing to move at all.

“Pathetic,” the spell caster says, looking down at Posada. “I don’t understand what they see in you. But I shall leave you be, as ordered.”

“They? You don’t work alone?”

“Your time is over, Posada. No more questions. Go back to bed,” the unicorn says before casting a spell to put Posada to sleep. She instantly falls over, passing out much like the innkeeper. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t remember this. No need to risk any more suspicion when she’s following along perfectly as-is.”

***

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and Posada is awaking in her usual manner. Wrapped around her partner as she opens her eyes and deals with the daily trauma of waking up.

She goes about her daily routine, getting ready, waking up Skystar, and then heading out to the lobby with her girlfriend to wait for Lucien to wake up as well. Posada places a rolled-up map on a nearby table before sitting down on a nearby chair, biding her time with Skystar.

“How’d you sleep after our little escapade, Sky?”

“Actually, pretty good. Think you ran all the energy out of me,” she giggles. “How about you?”

“Eh, woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep. Just too many thoughts. But I got up for a bit and managed to fall back asleep.”

“Aww, you could’ve woken me up if you needed someone to talk to.”

“I was fine, plus I don’t think it’s really fair to wake you up and make you suffer just because of my own issues, that’s silly.”

“True. But if you were really struggling or whatever. I wouldn’t want you to be having a breakdown all alone while I’m just there sleeping.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, hun.”

Lucien emerges from his room, his staff holstered on his hip as he enters the lobby and sits beside Posada and Skystar. “Good morning,” he says. “Ready to begin our preparation?”

“Indeed,” Posada unrolls the map she placed on the table, revealing an extensive and large depiction of the Hippogriffia mainland and the nearby ocean surroundings. “Obviously, we’re here,” she points to Northpoint, the city residing in Hippogriffia’s northern most corner. “While the ruins are said to be around this general area of Seaquestria,” she says while pointing to the northwestern coast of Hippogriffia, off Howlington. “It’s a decent jaunt but I think we could fairly easily swim it. There’s also the option of taking a boat that’ll drop us off right by the underwater city of Stonefall, which should be close to the ruins as well. What are we thinking?” she turns to her two travel companions.

“No point in exerting ourselves by swimming there, just take the boat,” Lucien remarks.

“I agree. That’s the easiest way to go,” Skystar agrees.

“Sounds good, then. I assume you’re all fine with heading out today as well?”

“Yes ‘all’ two of us are ready and waiting,” Lucien replies.

“Same here, Possy.”

“Right. I think that’s really it until we get underwater. We’re all capable of form change so no worries about surviving. That’s all.”

“Very well. I will meet you two by the docks when you’re ready,” he says. Leaving the lobby and returning to his room.

Posada let’s out a sigh, “I can already tell he’s going to be a joy to travel with…”

“He is a bit odd,” Skystar replies.

“Maybe he’ll come around after spending some time around us. Whatever. Let’s go get our stuff and head down to the docks, love.”

***

The duo walks north through town to the docks of Northpoint. The crowded streets and mass of buildings give way to a more open space. Sail boats and galleys docked alongside wooden docks. With some ships just outside of port sailing out to the ocean. It smells like fish and algae as the wind blows into town.

They walk over to the local ferry station, Lucien standing by the entrance already. He waves at the two and says, “I bought spots for us already. Boat’s leaving soon so let us head out.”

The trio walk on to their ferry boat. A medium sized sailboat that can hold about a couple dozen people not including the crew. It is of course made from a lightly colored hardwood, likely oak. It creeks lightly as the waves tussle it around in the dock.

At the helm stands the captain, a younger looking stallion with a captain’s hat adorned on his head. The various crew mates conducting their many tasks before departure from the port.

A crew mate towards the entrance of the boat unties the ropes from the dock, a few others opening the sails as the ship starts to slowly float away land. Below deck a handful of crew members use oars to help maneuver the ship out of the port and towards the ocean. With the wind eventually hitting the sails and allowing the ship to continue without assistance. Now fully underway and heading towards its destination.

Posada looks around the boat, currently standing beside Skystar. She sees Lucien over to the other side of the ship, his dark black hair blowing in the wind as he stands by himself. Seeing an opportunity, she walks over to strike up a conversation.

“So… Lucien, wanna tell me about yourself? Your background? How you go into treasure hunting?”

“No, I don’t. I’m here for business not a friendship camp. You can spill your heart out if you want but I don’t have anything to say, honestly.”

“Oh… Alright.” Posada looks out into the distance, tapping her hooves as she leans on the railing. Lucien takes his leave and moves to another spot on the ship, with Skystar walking over to Posada and standing beside her.

“Are you doing okay, Possy?”

“Yeah, just not a fan of our guest. He’s a total killjoy to be around.”

“He is a little bit. But he doesn’t need to be oozing charisma to do his job well. Besides we still have each other to talk to!”

“Guess so. Would be nice to know more about the creature who could end up protecting us or saving our lives. I’m no Twilight Sparkle saying “friendship is magic”, but having at least some level of connection to the people you’re around is beneficial. Bastard,” she kicks the side of the ship’s railing, pouting after doing so.

“Don’t take it so personally. It’s nothing against you, I just don’t think he’s one for conversation. I can go talk to him a bit one on one if you want me to, tell him how you feel.”

“If you want. It doesn’t matter to me.”

“Ok hun…” Skystar steps away from Posada, walking over to Lucien who’s laying in the shade on the deck of the ship.

“Hello, Lucien.” She stands in front of him, glaring down and making eye contact.

“Skystar.”

“I’ve noticed you and Posada haven’t exactly been hitting it off. I know we just met and all but it would be helpful to at least know a bit more about you, just for trust reasons.”

“I don’t like Posada, honestly. She comes off as bossy and abrasive to me. Even her outfit is so stand out and brash like she’s just begging for attention. Just look at her hat! What’s that emblem even supposed to be?“

“I… see why she can come off that way. She is eccentric at times, but she means well, she really does. It’s just that her excitement can come off as abrasive like you said if you don’t know her. And I mean we’ve known each other for what, only two days now? Give it some time.”

“So you say. I don’t need a whole week to decide if I like someone or not, I can tell based off how they carry themselves. For your sake, I’ll consider listening to her if she talks to me again.”

“Thanks, I guess? I’ll leave you alone now,” she says before walking over to Posada, leaning over the ship railing with her.

“I talked to him. He said he’ll be more open to conversation from now on, I wouldn’t expect him to be thrilled about talking though.”

“You’re like a daycare worker trying to get two kids to play nice with each other,” Posada smirks and giggles. “Thanks, though. I’ve cooled down a bit, I won’t push him.”

“That’s for the best… Let’s just relax for now, we’ve got a while until the boat reaches the drop off point.”

Author's Note

I'm gonna come clean, I have no idea what the ocean actually smells like. I've never set foot on a salt water beach, only freshwater/great lake beaches. So I based the smell off that and descriptions online which really weren't that helpful.

10. Waking Nightmares

“We’re about to be over the mark Captain. We’ll stop the ship and ring the bell when you’re ready.”

“Aye. I’ll announce the usual garbage and then give the orders. Thank you, Fish Legs.”

“Of course,” the crewmate says before walking away, returning to his usual post.

The captain of the ship moves to the center, grabbing the attention of the passengers on-board, “All right folks, we’re about to be right over Stonefall. My crewmates are stopping the ship. Once we’re all set and stopped, I’ll ring the bell over there,” he points to the moderately sized brass bell he has installed near the captain’s wheel, “and that’ll be the signal to hop off. So basically, get ready. I assume you all have ways of surviving underwater since you got on this boat. That’s all. Hope you had a good trip and good luck.”

The three travelers peered their heads over to the captain, listening to his instructions before gathering near the left side of the boat. “We’re all ready, right?” Posada asks, the other two nodding their heads as they wait for the go ahead.

“Been a while since we were in seapony form, hope you’re ready, Posada,” Skystar remarks.

“Oh please, I spent most of my time as a seapony back home. You should be the one worrying about readiness!”

Skystar playfully sticks her tongue out at Posada, “Uncalled for, Possy! Even if you’re right.”

As they go back and forth the captain of the ship rings the bell, the ship now stopped dead in the water as it floats above Seaquestria. The left side of the ship’s railing slides off, allowing the passengers to easily disembark into the water. A short line forms, and the trio wait for the other passengers in front of them to disembark before flopping off the ship and into the water themselves. All three transform into their seapony forms after entering the water.

They each get a feel for their new surroundings, looking up towards the surface and ship and then down, spotting the large city of Stonefall a decent dive down on the ocean floor.

Posada swims around a bit. “It feels good to be back in this form! Not that being a hippogriff on land is bad, but this is just what feels natural to me,” she remarks.

“And it’s the opposite for me, although I don’t mind being a seapony. Just… not the form I’m most used to.”

Lucien seems overall neutral on the change, not really showing any change of expression or saying much of anything. Typical of him.

“Anyway,” Posada says. “Stonefall is down there, obviously. The book said the ruins were located to the north of here, but we don’t have an exact location. I don’t think we can really go wrong by just heading north for a bit and seeing what we come across. We will need a map though, don’t wanna get completely lost. So, head into the city, get that, and then start swimming north. Sound good?”

“If that’s what you want to do I’m down, Posada,” Skystar replies.

“That’s fine,” Lucien says.

“Sounds like it’s a plan then, let’s head out.”

Coming to an agreement the trio swim down to the city of Stonefall. Being an underwater city, its architecture and overall layout is vastly different from surface cities. With no real concept of borders or walls. Instead of a gatekeeper there’s only a handful of guards stationed around the general parameter of the city. It also features a much greater deal of verticality; different buildings being built on different levels on account of the varying height of the sea floor. No wood can be found here either, with everything being built from stone or types of corrals. Some buildings are even carved out into the sea floor itself.

After a short and uneventful exchange with a guard the three seaponies find their way to a local map seller. Selling scrolls of maps enchanted with magic to keep them from getting wet. He has everything from a detailed city map to maps of areas hundreds of miles from Stonefall. They easily purchase a map for just north of Stonefall. It details a rough path to the next major city, and a few major landmarks, but not much else. Regardless, it should be enough for them to find their way back if they were to get lost.

The trio start the slow swim north. Going at a moderate pace to avoid exerting themselves needlessly. Posada stays close to Skystar, holding her fin as they swim together while Lucien stays on his own over to the side. The landscape of the ocean floor in this part of Seaquestria primarily consists of coral and various natural landmarks, such as large rocks or odd formations in the sea floor.

“Sky, I’m gonna go talk to Lucien again. I know I didn’t have luck last time but I really am curious about him,” Posada says, looking over to her partner while they slowly swim forward.

“Okay, I think he’ll be more receptive this time. Just… try to be careful with your tone.”

Posada nods and swims her ways over to Lucien, swimming up beside him before speaking. “Hey Lucien…”

“Hello, Posada.”

“I know I already bugged you today but… I’m just so curious what your background is like. I mean, how’d you get into magic and all that? I’m just interested, as a friend, ya know?”

Lucien looks at her with his usual blank face, his eyes screaming that he has little interest in actually talking about this with Posada. But thinking back to his conversation with Skystar, he decides to humor her. “I’ll tell you a bit. Maybe then you’ll see why I’m so hesitant to talk about myself, Posada.”

Her eyes turn to his and her ears perk up, putting her full attention towards Lucien.

“I was born into a peasant family. We worked on the farms of a fairly well-known noble landowner who was, frankly, a monster. It wasn’t unusual for unruly creatures to suddenly come up… missing. And it just so happens that my family was often the target of his punishments. Probably because they couldn’t work the fields as fast as he wanted.” He looks out to the ocean landscape before turning his attention back to Posada. “One day he ended up beating my dad so hard he broke both his legs. He couldn’t walk. My mom freaked out and… tried to attack him. He drew his sword and killed both of them. I wasn’t there beside them when it happened, I was out in the field. But I saw everything. I swear all I saw was his face, and before I knew it, I was driving a pitchfork directly into his chest. I killed him.”

Posada looks at him with shock, her mouth slightly agape as she takes in his story.

“Fucker bled like the pig he was. I had his blood all over me. It was over if I stayed, so I ran. As far as I could. And I didn’t stop until night fell. From there on out, I was on my own.” He looks down at his fins and then back to Posada, “I eventually learned magic as a way to protect myself after finding my staff. But that’s a whole other story. So I think that’s enough for now,” he speeds up slightly, moving away from Posada and taking the lead.

Posada takes a moment to fully process the story. Swimming back over to Skystar and holding her fin as she stares Lucien down in front of her.

“You get Lucien to speak to you, Possy?”

“Yeah… You won’t believe what he told me. I feel like we both have more in common with him then we thought.”

Posada tells Skystar the story, her face looking like Posada’s upon first hearing it.

“Woah! That’s insane! So he’s technically a wanted criminal! I’m shocked the guard didn’t say anything when we entered Stonefall!”

“I don’t think there was much communication between cities when it came to wanted criminals back during these times. He’s lucky.”

“No Kidding…” The conversation gradually dies off. All three seaponies focusing on searching for any signs of the ruins.

***

After close to an hour of swimming, Skystar suddenly stops. Noticing something that sticks out a bit in the distance. Something that just so happens to look like a set of buildings.

“Hold on guys!” she yells. “Look over there, you see those buildings?” she points slightly to the right of where they are. “Could be what we’re looking for!”

“Good eye, Sky! We’ll check it out, could be nothing but you never know. Let’s head out!”
The three swim quite quickly to the buildings. Staying close to the sea floor to try and avoid being spotted, just in case. Getting closer and closer, they can’t help but feel something changing… Their bodies feel heavier, the water looks… darker. An ominous feeling overcomes each of them. A feeling of dread, like something is about to go wrong.

Lucien immediately notices this, “It’s magic,” he remarks. “Probably an old parameter spell to keep nosy creatures out. I think we have the right place but be on guard.”

The trio slowly move forward, their eyes slowly scanning all around for any movement. Doing their best to ignore the constant feeling of fear looming over them. Lucien holds his staff at the ready, Posada and Skystar both with their daggers in their fins.

“Welcome…” a ghastly voice echoes through their heads as they suddenly stop. Their backs to each other as they look around.

“I’m afraid that won’t do you much good…” the voice echoes again. Before they can even react, they feel the full force of a current hitting their bodies, dragging them off towards the ruins and knocking them out.

***

An unknown amount of time passes, but Posada eventually awakes on a wooden floor, seemingly unharmed. She quickly picks herself up. Looking around and noticing the presence of boxes all throughout the room she’s been taken to. As well as metal beams and… a red curtain? She hastily pulls the curtain aside and looks behind it, being washed over by bright stage lights. As her eyes adjust, she sees someone on stage doing a comedy routine… In fact she even recognizes the creature on the stage. It’s herself, dressed in the exact same outfit she has on. She’s shocked, but watches as the other Posada talks on stage.

“So anyway, I started exercising recently because they said it’s supposed to help with depression. Yeah, like everything else, didn’t help much. But I can at least feel good knowing that I’ll be leaving a better looking corpse behind for when I finally kick the literal bucket!” she smiles and looks out to the crowd, no one responds. Her face frowns and she moves on.

“They say you die twice, once when your breathing stops and again when everyone forgets your name. I’m probably going to knock both out at the same time since the only person who even knows my name anymore is the clerk who checks my ID at the local liquor store.”

She smirks at the crowd. There is no response. An uncertain look hits her face as goes to tell another joke.

“You know whenever someone asks me why I look so dead inside I always just respond with ‘I’m tired’. Which hey, isn’t entirely wrong! After all I am tired — of living!”

Nothing. A closer inspection shows that the audience is in fact nothing but cardboard cutouts of people Posada knows. Tears fall from the other Posada’s eyes. The lights cut off and then back on, the stage and curtains disappear and instead Posada finds herself facing a mirror.

“Your cries do not fall on deaf ears. They hear you; they just don’t care.”

“I know. But it’s not their job to deal with my problems. I can deal with my issues myself.”

“But they don’t even care enough to check in with you. They see the signs. They hear the things that you say. It’s been said before, they know you’re unstable but just ignore it for their own good.”

“Stop trying to bring me down. It’s not going to work.”

“I’m only telling you the truth that you repress. A manifestation of the things you hide away. Denial only goes so far. The more lies you tell yourself, the bigger your emotional debt becomes.”

“A good thing I don’t believe in debt, then.”

“There you go again, throwing it under the rug. Trying to keep your facade up with jokes and smiles.”

“Yes. It works so who cares?”

“If it works, why do you spend so many nights with an endless barrage of emotions and thoughts in your head, like last night? Why do you feel unfulfilled even when the love of your life is right by your side?”

She stays silent.

“That’s what I thought. You’re not impressing anyone. It’s only you here.”

“It’s… all I’ve ever known. I’ll keep the facade up until it kills me. For Hippogriffia, for Skystar, for myself.”

“And when they find your charred and radioactive corpse on an island how do you think they’ll feel? What will Skystar think?”

“I don’t want to think about it.”

“She will be devastated. You think she won’t blame herself? After everything you two have been through?”

“Stop.”

“She’ll watch everything the two of you built be torn down. Your history will be erased from the books as the reactionaries you’ve let fester around you tear it apart. Not a day will go by where she won’t think about you and your death-”

“STOP! I don’t want to think about this! It’s too much! I can’t do it! I question everything I do, every decision I make. I have the weight of a whole country on my back. The expectations of my friends, of Skystar. I can’t handle it. I have these never-ending what-ifs in my head. Visions and dreams of horrible things I don’t want to do. Just make it stop!” she yells, “make it over, make it go away…” tears fill her eyes. Her stomach drops, body shaking as she covers her eyes with her fins and cries.

***

Skystar opens her eyes and finds herself in a park. Standing directly next to two hippogriffs carrying on a conversation.

“Did you hear who Secretary Posada was seen going on a date? With Crack Lightning! I guess they’ve been pretty close for a while.”

“What are they talking about? Am I back in modern day Hippogriffia?” Skystar thinks to herself.

“Yeah, surprised she’s managed to keep her private life out of public eyes until now honestly. Also, wasn’t Crack Lightning one of the creatures who really pushed for the public execution of the former queen and princess? Seemed a bit ruthless to me honestly but I guess he had his reasons. Best to not question the state too much… especially out in the open.”

“Wha-what? Queen and princess? Are they talking about me and Mom? Executed?” Skystar thinks to herself before yelling out, “Hey! I’m right here! Princess Skystar in the flesh! What are you talking about?!”

“Right? I mean did you hear what Posada and Crack Lightning did to the Thestrals? Mass executions, they burned the entire country to the ground. Definitely want to stay on their good side.”

“That’s not true! What’s going on?!” she screams out, to absolutely zero reaction from the two random Hippogriffia citizens. She even attempts to touch one of them, but simply fades right through. “What the Tartarus is going on? They can’t hear or even feel me… and what are they talking about with Posada? None of those things happened! I was there! I need to find her, now.”

The scene suddenly changes, the previous interaction filed to the side like a slide on a presentation. Skystar now stands in the state house of Hippogriffia, in Posada’s office. Posada herself is sitting at her desk with Crack Lightning standing off to the side.

“Posada! There were some griffs spreading horrible rumors, they said you were massacring thestrals, what’s going on?”

Neither of the other two hippogriff’s even flinch. Posada still attentively reading over paperwork at her desk while Crack Lightning looks out the nearby window.

“Oh no… You can’t hear me or see me either…” Skystar begins to feel lightheaded, her heart racing as she feels the world spin around her. She tries to run towards Posada and hug her but loses her footing, collapsing on the floor as she looks up at Posada to see her kissing Crack Lightning. Her heart breaks, stomach sinking as tears form up in her eyes, “Posada! Listen to me, please!” she yells out yet again to no one.

“Why is this happening? She can’t be ignoring me… Posada, I know I’m not perfect but please at least recognize me… Say something…”

The two hippogriff’s stare each other down after kissing, talking closely to one another and being just quiet enough to prevent Skystar from hearing them. Smiling and then staring directly at her.

“Please… just say something… I’m here, I know I am… Don’t ignore me…” Scenes from her childhood flash in front of her. All the times she was ignored by her mother. The constant belittling. Her “friends” that only stuck around so they could be friends with “the princess”. It was all happening again.

She lays on the floor, head covered by her arms, crying, “don’t forget me, Posada… Don’t abandon me… please…”

***

As Lucien wakes up, he finds himself tied up in a room. His claws and hooves both bound by a tight rope. The room is almost pitch black, save for a faint light coming from the ceiling. A door in front of him slowly opens, a stallion and a mare walking into the room. They untie the back of his hooves and allow him to sit at a desk in the middle of the room. They sit themselves on the other side of it.

The stallion looks at his paperwork before speaking, “Lucien Star. A wanderer with no home. No friends, no family. Just a broken past and a bleak future.”

“A past I killed and a future for me to decide. I made my own path in life, and it’s mine, no matter how lonely or bleak.”

“You’re a powerful creature for being born into such a poor family. Serfs worked to death by their noble landlord. And then you killed him, a pitchfork straight to the chest and your body covered in his blood. Your first taste of blood.”

“I’m a killer, but I’m not a monster. I did what I thought was right and I don’t regret it for a second.”

“But you’re still a killer. Of nobility nonetheless.”

“Nobility means nothing. He was an inbred fuck born into an inbred family like every other royal piece of shit.”

The stallion raises his eyes, “seems we struck a chord, hmm?”

Lucien calms himself somewhat, taking a few deep breaths.

“And so you went on to… dispose of various other minor members of nobility. You just weren’t satisfied with killing one creature, were you? And now we find you together with some no-names, trying to find artifacts in an old cult hideout. Might I ask what artifacts you were hoping to find?”

Lucien stays silent, not saying a word.

“Speak, criminal.”

“No. I already know how this ends. Just hang me up by the rope and get it done and over with. I’m not talking anymore.”

A bright flash hits Lucien’s eyes, as it fades away he finds himself in front of a crowd. A rope around his neck and his hooves standing on a wooden stool. Wings tied and mouth gagged.

“The Royal Court of Hippogriffia finds this criminal, Lucien Star, guilty of multiple counts of murder, as well as the theft of precious state artifacts. He is sentenced to death by hanging,” a well-dressed scribe yells out.

The executioner stands ready, holding the lever in his hands. Lucien can only barely make him out from the corner of his eyes. He tries to turn his head for a better view but when he does- thunk. It’s over.

11. The Shape of the Heart

The mirror in front of her disappears, the room lights up and the foggy images of three creatures appear in front of her. Skystar, Starry Eyes, Terrafin. Three of Posada’s closest friends and comrades. She looks up from the ground she’s collapsed on, seeing them look down upon her. The sights fills her with anger, as she stands up and pushes them away with her fin. Causing them to fade away. “I know they look down on me. They see me as broken, as incapable.”

“Do they? Or is that just how you view yourself?” The voice has changed from before, still sounding similar to Posada’s internal monologue but with less aggressive.The images remake themselves, now standing equal with Posada. “You cannot truly tell how someone feels about you. Since there lives a different Posada in the hearts of every creature who meets you. You can only assume based off how you see yourself.”

“Well, why wouldn’t they resent me? I’m a disaster. I’ve been close to destroying everything we’ve built how many times. They’d be right to hate me.”

“But you only assume that because it’s how you feel. You’re hard on yourself, you’re insecure.” The foggy images change and three more appear. Each one is now posed as if they were talking to an image of Posada.“The creatures you know as your friends see it differently. They see you for who you truly are.”

“As a worthless fraud who should have died from negligence a long time ago.”

“As a caring friend and comrade who would do anything to help others. As a leader who brought down the greatest evil in Zebrica since the Storm King. As a partner they want to spend the rest of their life with.”

She looks down at the floor, and then back up to the foggy images. “Then why don’t I see it that way?”

“Because you are broken. You said it already, and we’ve already broken it down. You’re overwhelmed, dealing with scars from the past that you never got the chance to mend.”

The foggy image of Skystar turns to the current Posada,“because you try to carry the burden of your past all by yourself.”

Followed by Starry Eyes looking at Posada as well, “you’re scared to open up and be vulnerable to others. It hurts your heart to bring up negative emotions, to discuss them with your friends. So you just ignore it.”

And finally, the image of Terrafin looks to Posada, “you bottle up your emotions until they explode. It’s not your fault, you’ve never known any other way to deal with them.”

The images all completely fade away. The mirror that appeared before is once again right in front of Posada.

“It’s true… But I don’t know if I can even change those things…”

“You might not be able to,” Posada’s reflection speaks back at her. “But you won’t know until you try. Even if it hurts, even if you fail, it’s worth trying. Do it for yourself. Do it because you want to.” The mirror cracks slightly. “Change how you see yourself. Embrace the change that comes from moving on. Try to see the Posada that all your comrades see.” The mirror cracks even more, almost splitting in half, “You’re the only one who can do it.” The mirror completely breaks into pieces, sending glass shards falling to the floor. Posada lays back down on the floor away from the shards, closing her eyes as she hears a faint voice call out to her.

***

It was over before he even knew it. His life ended at the pull of a lever. Surrounded now by nothing but primordial darkness. It feels… familiar. Yes. He’s been here before. Long before he was born…

“This is the end of the line then…” he thinks. “At least I went out fighting. I did what I could for you, mom, dad. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you two back then.”

It feels like his very soul is simply floating through the void. It feels comforting. Like a warm hug from someone you love.

“Do you have any regrets?” a deep voice calls out to Lucien, coming from no direction in particular.

“I only regret not being there for them. I haven’t regretted my path since then, I’d do it again in a heartbeat even if it ended the same way.”

“Do you think a creature has the right to end another’s life?”

“A right? No, probably not. But in the same light, no creature has a right to own another living being. The creatures who uphold and abuse hierarchies like that are monsters. And if a monster was attacking you or your family you wouldn’t just let it rampage and destroy everything, would you? No, you’d put it down. That’s what I did with those psychotic noble creatures.”

“So, you view what you did as justified?”

“I do. I did what I thought was right. I avenged my family and tried to prevent the same thing from happening to other creatures. I don’t know how well I did with the latter part, but I tried.”

“It’s a fool’s errand. Trying to bring about a revolution as one creature. But perhaps you’ll have time to change that…”

The voice fades completely. Lucien’s soul left to drift in the void unendingly.

***

Skystar looks back up at Posada and Crack Lightning but finds that her surroundings have changed in an instant yet again. She now finds herself suddenly sitting on a train. She looks out to find a never-ending sea outside the train windows with a never-ending sunset casting an orange light into the carriage.

“I moved again?”

The sound of creaking metal and squeaking wheels fills her ears. She looks over to the other side of the carriage, a shadowy figure sitting in the seat across from her. She speaks up softly, “Who… who are you?”

“I’m Princess Skystar!” The figure stands up from the seat, entering the light and revealing herself to be a much younger Skystar, about 12 years old. “I’m the Princess of Hippogriffia! And my mom’s the Queen. Who are you?” she replies.

Skystar isn’t sure how to react, “It… doesn’t matter who I am. I’m just some stranger. Are you on this train all by yourself?”

“Yeah. I went away on a trip to some fancy academy and now I’m going back home. I wanted some of my friends to come but… none of them wanted to. And my mom’s always too busy to come along so… I went by myself.”

“I see…” Skystar remarks, she knows the exact trip the younger version of her is talking about. “Do you have that happen often? Having to do stuff alone or by yourself?”

“Sometimes. Well… more like a lot of the time. I’m used to do it though! Everyone’s always real friendly and nice to me even though I’m all by myself. Sometimes I’ll even have guards to escort me around which is fun!”

Skystar looks down at her younger self with sadness, her face pouting. “Doesn’t it get… lonely never having anyone around? No one your own age?”

“It does but I’ve gotten used to it! I have stuffed animals and my drawings to keep me company!” The younger Skystar unzips a bag that was sitting on the floor next to her seat. Suddenly pulling out some stuffed animals and a notebook with sketches on it. All of which she brings to her older self.

Skystar holds the stuffed animals, tears come to her eyes once again. She remembers them… Her old stuffed bear, the flimsy but soft dragon her grandmother had handmade for her, even the hydra plush she got as a gift for her 9th birthday. And the notebook… filled with sketches of her younger self playing with other creatures her age. The younger Skystar looks at the notebook as well, flipping to another page while her older self holds it. “Sometimes I sketch me going on adventures with the friends I draw. Like here,” she points to the page, “we have a sleepover and get to play our favorite games.”

Tears fall from Skystar’s cheeks and onto the notebook, staining the drawings on it. She wraps her arms and wings around her younger self, hugging her while she cries. “You never deserved this,” she says, sobbing. “They failed you, Skystar. It’s not okay, and it’s not your fault,” she lets go of her younger self, wiping some of the tears from her face with her arm. Putting both her fins on her younger self’s shoulders, she continues, “you don’t need to be brave all the time and put on this happy facade. It’s okay to feel the way you do. To be sad, lonely, and hurt because everyone seems to have forgotten you… I promise, it’s going to get better. You’re always going to be fighting the ghosts from your past. But you’ll meet so many amazing creatures that care so much about you. You’ll have an amazing partner. You’ll be so proud of the creature you’ll become.” She hugs her younger self again, closing her eyes as tears continue to fall. The train carriage they’re standing in begins to slowly fade away, as does Skystar’s younger self. Opening her eyes again Skystar finds herself laying on her back, staring up at sun ray’s breaking through the surface of the ocean.

“I’m underwater… Oh! That’s right! We were looking for the Trident’s Paw! And then a current hit us and we got knocked out!” Skystar braces herself against the sea floor and stands up. Looking around she sees both Posada and Lucien completely unconscious. “That terrible feeling from before is gone… I guess it really did come from some sort of spell, like Lucien was saying. It seems like the dreams were part of that spell too. It’s like we all just fell asleep as we were walking.”

Skystar bends down and shakes her partner Posada lightly, trying to wake her. “Posada, Possy, wake up. You got knocked out by some spell. It’s Skystar.”

Posada’s eyelids slowly open as she stares up at the ocean surface. A few blinks later and she slowly turns her focus to Skystar who’s sitting next to her as she wakes up. “Sky…” she quietly eeks out. Carefully rising from the sea floor, she looks around to see Lucien still sleeping. “Oh man… The last thing I remember was Lucien talking about us being under a spell, and then that was it. Did you get knocked out too, Sky?”

Skystar nods her head up and down, “yeah, I was the first to wake up it seems. I was hugging my younger self and then everything just disappeared. Before I knew it, I was awake with sun rays in my eye.

Posada shows a bit of surprise at hearing Skystar talk about hugging her ‘younger self’, shaking her head slightly. “Your younger self…?” Posada says, thinking back to the things she saw and heard while asleep, “I’m guessing you had a wild dream too. We’ll have to talk about it when we get done here.” Posada then swims over to Lucien, Skystar watching from behind her. Posada shakes him firmly and tries to get him to wake, “Get up, Lucien. You were taken out by a spell. We gotta keep moving.”

He twitches slightly, opening his eyes halfway as he catches a glimpse of Posada hovering over him. Letting out a sigh he sarcastically says, “no rest even for the dead, huh?” He uses his fins to wipe his eyes, standing up after as he sees his two companions waiting for him.

“You were right about it being a spell, Lucien,” Posada remarks. “Skystar woke up first, guess she broke out of it somehow while we were still stuck.”

“Yeah… Lucky for us. Good going, Skystar,” Lucien says, nodding his head to her. “My gut tells me that was just an old spell the cult put around this place, but I really don’t know. There was that voice right before we went under which has me concerned.”

“We’ll just be on guard, I’m sure if this place was fully inhabited, we’d have come across some unwelcoming cult members by now,” Skystar says.

Posada looks out to the ruined buildings of Thistlegorm. Something, or someone, is catching her attention. She turns her focus back to her companions, who have started walking towards the place of the former cult. She follows behind them, quickly catching up.

She swims up alongside them, still feeling the pull towards Thistlegorm. “Skystar, I think there actually is something here,” she speaks up. “Or someone. It’s weird but I can sense them, it’s like I’m being pulled towards them.”

“Could be trying to lure you into a trap,” Lucien replies. “It can’t be helped if it’s pulling you towards the ruins. We’ll just continue being careful.”

Posada nods, still staring into the distance as she looks upon the landscape of the ruins. Dagger drawn in her fin; she swims on.

Author's Note

Happy Pride Month my fellow fruits!

12. Into The Hollow

The trio of travelers swim towards Thistlegorm, inching closer and closer to the long abandoned buildings of stone that adorn its landscape. A slight underwater current blowing past them as they approach causes a bit of dust to be kicked up into the water, clouding their view forward. The dust slowly settling drops to reveal a dark blue unicorn. Her long yellow hair floating in place and a sparkling cutie mark on her flank. Skystar and Posada immediately recognize her, their posture changing from relaxed to on guard.

“It’s her!” Posada yells out.

Lucien can only look over in confusion, “Her? You’ve met this pony before?”

“Yes. Before we made it to Northpoint this exact mare ambushed us on the road. If you look at her right shoulder, you’ll see the wound I left after stabbing her with my dagger.”

He looks over and sure enough it’s there, a healing but still noticeable wound mark on her shoulder.

“She’s correct,” the unicorn interjects. “There will be no repeats of that here, Posada.”

“You’re right about that! There’s no way we’re letting you get away from us with just a flesh wound!”

“No, there will be no fighting. Even if there was, you’d lose, with or without your helper,” she confidently smirks.

“You’ve never even seen me fight and you already think you can win? What an ego you have!” Lucien sarcastically remarks.

“Silence, staff wielder. Your pathetic skills would be no match for a proper unicorn. And besides, we have no interest in you, only your two companions.”

“We?” Posada asks out. “Are you like, referring to another personality of yours or what? I’m not seeing anyone else.”

The unicorn giggles slightly, “you asked that exact same question the last time I saw you, Posada.”

Posada is taken back by this, visually recoiling her head back in confusion. “Last time? You said like three words when we fought on the road!”

“No, after that. At the inn right after you met Lucien. I used a spell to get information about your plans from the innkeeper. But you heard me, poked your nose around the corner and saw me. So I tied your claws and hooves to the floor before putting you back to sleep and wiping your memories.

She looks at the unicorn in disgust, “How many times have you done that!? What gives you the right to just mess with people’s minds like that?”

“Since meeting you? Only once. I got all the other info I needed from tailing you,” she smiles, feeling confident in her espionage skills.

“So you’ve been following us this whole time…? Even when you attacked us back on our way to Northpoint? What was up with that?”

“I was ordered to try and capture you two. I didn’t expect you to fight back, let alone injury me… So it was decided we’d simply let you come here on your own. Guiding you on your way if you wandered off the path we had set.”

“And you were certain we’d make our way here, huh?”

“Of course. One way or another you’d find yourself in Thistlegorm for the Trident’s Paw. Fate has a way of working like that,” she says, her horn now glowing as she summons an object out of thin air. The Trident’s Paw, a forked scepter made of platinum, Floats above the unicorn’s head, encompassed in her magic as it levitates. “We’ll tell you about this and much more, follow me,” the unicorn walks towards one of the better-looking buildings among the ruins, her back turned to the three travelers.

Skystar quietly whispers to Posada, “we aren’t really going to follow her, are we?”

“No,” she turns to Lucien, “cast a spell and see how she reacts. I doubt she would just leave herself open to an attack but it’s worth a shot.”

He nods and grabs his staff with his fin, the top of the staff glows briefly as Lucien casts a simple air bullet spell towards the unicorn. Hearing this she turns her head slightly, continuing to walk forward as a slight smile flashes on her face. The air bullet travels across the water like a rapid current, its location easily seen as a giant pocket of air. It comes within inches of the unicorn but dissipates into bubbles as it hits a protective ward that she’s cast around herself.

“I told you; I’m not interested in fighting. You’ll either follow me willingly or I’ll drag you by your tail fins. Unless you want to let go of the precious artifacts, you’re after.”

Posada scrunches her face, letting out of an audible sigh. “Fine. We’ll follow you.”

The other two seaponies look reluctant but go along with Posada. The three closely follow the unicorn as they swim towards Thistlegorm. Posada walking right beside the pony as she strikes up a conversation.

“You know our names, but we don’t know yours. What do you go by, unicorn?”

The unicorn turns her head and looks at Posada with disinterest, simply replying, “Cheery Star.”

“Alright then, Cheery Star… How long have you uh, been with the cult?” she asks in a silly tone.

“My whole life. My family became members before I was born. Now I’m all that’s left, save for the council members.”

“They’re the ones who want to see us, huh? If they’re hoping two hippogriffs from the future are going to save their sorry flanks, they’re sorely mistaken. All they’ve managed to do is take unwilling hostages who don’t give a damn about their dying cult.”

“You should watch your tone. While you and your girlfriend might be important, the same can’t be said for your wizard friend. Don’t make him suffer because of your mouth.”

“And you should be careful about assuming you have leverage. You harm any of us and you can forget about any cooperation. We’ll fight our way out of here!”

Cheery Star simply rolls her eyes. Pushing open the door that leads to the main building of Thistlegorm. Revealing the elaborate architecture inside. Marble pillars and stone statues are both abundant in the surprisingly well-kept structure. Even pieces of priceless enchanted artwork are hung from the walls.

Posada scrunches her face again, “I already hate it here,” she thinks to herself.

They exit the entrance way and walk down a long hallway, Posada still walking beside Cheery Star. The hallway is adorned with excessive displays of wealth much like the entrance way.

“Is Doria the God of greed or something? What’s with all the gaudy decorations?” Posada remarks.

“Doria does not reside over just one aspect of the mortal realm. And these are simply artifacts from a better time. Creatures had to give up everything they owned to join the cul- I mean, the following. A lot of it ended up here, as a dedication to the council and Doria.”

“Dedication, huh… Does Doria requests these things through visions or something?”

The unicorn stays silent for a moment before replying, “I don’t know. The council says they receive guidance from him, but they rarely elaborate on what that means.”

“And you’ve never questioned that? Do you even have a spiritual connection to this so-called God?”

“It’s complicated. But you’re in no position to judge us, whelp.”

“Sounds like a sore spot, got it. Let’s keep moving then, tour guide,” Posada sarcastically says.

Cheery Star lets out a huff, her teeth clenched as they walk down the hallway. Eventually reaching two wide hardwood doors at the end. Cheery Star’s horn glows as she opens the two doors. Behind them is a dark room with four figures sitting at a wide desk. All seaponies, who are wearing hooded cloaks like what Cheery Star wore once. All four creatures enter, Cheery letting the three travelers walk in front of her as she stands by the door.

“We have no further use for you. Exit at once, Cheery Star. And take the third guest with you. We’ll take over from here,” the center-most figure says in a deep voice and raspy voice. She quickly takes her leave with Lucien, shutting the door behind her. The central figure speaks up again, “Posada, Skystar. We’re certain you already know of us; we are the Free Followers of Doria. Some describe us as a cult, some as a proper religion. It makes no difference to us non-believers use which label. Before we get into why you are here, we shall tell you about our history. We were once a gathering of far greater size as you might imagine. Thistlegorm was a proper settlement, bustling with our followers. You might be wondering what’s happened since then. I shall answer,” he leans back in his chair.

“About 10 years ago one of our council members, a seapony by the name of Maverick, had a crisis of faith. He had been a follower since he was young, being one of our founding members. During this “moment of enlightenment”, as he called it, he declared Doria a false deity and accused us of gross manipulation of our followers. He not only boldly lied about such things to our face but called upon others to join him and rally against the council and Doria himself. Such a thing was unprecedented, simply unthinkable! We watched as creature after creature was stolen from us! From our deity! That monster was destroying everything that we had built upon here, that we, the council, had worked to preserve. And so we took… drastic measure. The remaining followers that were loyal to us were gathered here in this building and then ordered to storm the holdings the heathens had taken over. We armed them with all we had and watched as the two sides beat each other senseless.”

The central figure leans forward now, his two fins propped up as he places them on the desk. “When everything calmed down, it turned out our side had won. All the traitors were either beaten to death or executed afterwards. But it came at a great cost. All but 50 of us had been killed or wounded beyond help in the battle. Our city was in shambles. The waters around it tainted red from the blood spilled. We are 10 years removed from that incident and now we are all that remains. The four of us all sat on the council or fought in the battle 10 years ago. While young Cheery Star was but a filly at the time. Her parents were both killed in the battle, and so we raised her ourselves. Teaching her everything she needed to survive and to serve both us and Doria.”

Another figure to the nearest right of the central hippogriff speaks up, taking over for him, “and so that brings us here to the present. Posada, Skystar. Before you two appeared in the 6th century we had prepared a ritual in accordance with Doria. It was to be completed on that fateful day almost 3 weeks ago. The timing had to be perfect, done exactly as Doria said. With great care, and with the help of the Trident’s Paw and Doria himself we bent time to our will, bringing you two back to us.”

Posada frowns as she hears this, “but why us? Why pick me and Skystar out of every other creature from our time?” Posada questions them.

“That is a question for Doria. We did not choose you two specifically, we simply performed the ritual which allowed Doria to transport you here. Perhaps it’s because of your accomplishments in your timeline, maybe it was just timing, it’s not something we can answer.”

Posada turns to Skystar and whispers, “the thermonuclear test probably gave them the perfect opening to manipulate time. That would explain why it happened when it did, and why it only targeted us…” She then turns to the central figure and questions him again, “and how come this ‘Doria’ figure doesn’t exist in our time? It doesn’t make sense. If he has the power to manipulate time surely he’d be powerful enough to still command followers in the 11th century?”

“That’s quite simple. A God’s power and ability comes from belief and worship,” he says.

The figure on the far left speaks up, taking over from the nearest right figure, “it is how the alicorn in Equestria, Celestia, has maintained her position and power for so long. Through the unwavering faith and devotion of her subjects. This is also why her sister, Luna, became so much more powerful once she gave into her darker side. The sheer fanaticism of Nightmare Moon’s followers amplified her abilities.”

The first figure continues, “the same thing would happen to Celestia if she were to go down a similar path. But she has no need to fan the flames of fanaticism with an entire country kissing her hooves.”

“So then your… ‘God’ only exists because of you last few members,” Skystar says.

“Correct. We spend almost all our waking hours in dedication to Doria as the last worshippers. When we die, so will our God. In your time our following faded away into nothingness as we drew our last breaths. Perhaps now you see why he has brought you upon us, to save himself from extinction in this timeline.”

Posada gets noticeably agitated, her voice raising, “No, the only thing he’s done is delay the inevitable. Placing your last hopes on us just tells me that your cult was doomed to extinction a long time ago.”

The central figure speaks again, “You don’t seem to realize that we hold all the cards, Posada. We have the artifact, the only means for you to return to your home. We also hold the power to break your will, if it comes to it. Cheery Star is a match for even the best fighters, we’ve made sure of that. You must realize, we will not keep you here for your entire life. What we ask is that you and Skystar lead this organization for 2 decades here. Recruiting followers and revitalizing our once great city of Thistlegorm. We will then send you back to your time. Assuming you’ve done satisfactory work, of course.”

“So we waste 20 years of our life serving you just to get sent back to a future world we won’t even recognize?” Skystar loudly says.

“Perhaps,” the main figure replies. “We don’t know if you’ll be sent to your timeline 20 years in the future or back to the moment you were transported away. Either way your bodies will age 20 years, there is no preventing the flow of time. And let me remind you that we are not asking you to join. Doria demands your obedience. We will get it through violent means if this diplomatic process fails.”

Posada and Skystar look at each other, both their faces frowning, a show of disapproval and uncertainty.

Posada then looks firmly to the central council member, “Go to Tartarus. We fought to keep creatures like you away from innocent creatures in our time, we’ll die before we enable monsters like you.”

The central council member snarls, slamming his fin against the desk. “If you want to play hardball then so be it! Cheery Star, get in here!”

13. Ambivalence

The two creatures stand outside the council grand entrance. Cheery Star standing a good distance away from the door to avoid overhearing the conversation between the travelers and the council. With Lucien standing just a few feet behind her. He glares at the mare from behind her back, focusing solely on her. Feeling the sensation of someone watching her, she tilts her head slightly, side eyeing the seapony before turning around and staring back at him.

“What do you want, staff wielder?”

“Your attention, I guess. We have some extra time doing nothing, might as well waste time talking, eh?”

“Why would I humor talking to someone like you? You’re not chosen like the other two, I have no reason to waste my time with you.”

“I don’t know, unbelievably I feel like we might have some things in common. Given your situation I highly doubt you get the opportunity to talk to anyone besides these ‘council’ members you speak of. Might do you good.”

Her body language relaxes, “What’s there to talk about?”

"Ourselves. See, I’m from a broken community just like you. Went down a bit of a different path, though. I took revenge against the people that took my family from me. Meanwhile you seem to be serving the people that doomed your community and family.”

A spiteful expression fills her face, “I never said what happened to my family.”

“You didn’t need to. Look at this place, look at who you serve. We’re in the palace of a dying cult. Put two and two together and it’s easy enough to realize something happened here.”

Cheery Star turns her head, still looking at Lucien, “Assuming you’re even right, why does it matter? I lost my family when I was 12. That was over 10 years ago, I’ve known my current family and life for longer than I knew my old one.”

“And all you’ve ever known is life in the cult. You’re a victim. I wish you’d realize that. These creatures saw an opportunity to use you after your parents died and they took it. Think back at how they’ve treated you. They don’t even trust you to be in the same room as them when talking to Skystar and Posada!”

“Non-council members are not to interfere in council affairs! Of course they wouldn’t let me be in the same room!”

“So you live in their cult your whole life and they don’t even allow you on the council? They don’t let you be involved in an event that you’ve directly had a hoof in? Think, Cheery!”

She thinks back to her childhood, her upbringing alongside the Council of Doria. Deep down she knows what Lucien says is true, but she just can’t bring herself to confront those feelings. “What are you trying to get out of me, Lucien?”

“I’m just trying to get you to see that you’re being used and manipulated by four power hungry monsters. Ever since I left my own imprisonment, I’ve tried to spend my life helping creatures stuck in situations like this. You’re not an exception.”

“I won’t go against the council. Even if I did, I’d have nowhere to go. And I’d be forsaking everything I’ve ever known. My parents would have died in vain. I can’t do that.”

“I know, it sounds impossible. And I won’t lie, if you do leave, it won’t be easy. But you could tag along with me until you get things figured out. You need to see the world outside of this cult, talk to creatures besides the council members. There’s so much more out there besides this.”

Cheery Star looks at Lucien with a reluctant expression. “I’ll do what’s best for me,” she replies. Turning around and facing the grand door entrance again.

“I hope you do. You need to put yourself above those parasites.”

A faint yelling is heard from beyond the door, “Cheery Star, get in here!” Both the creatures snap their attention to the noise, Cheery Star’s horn glowing as she opens the door, Lucien walking in behind her. She kneels to the council, “What do you require?”

"Our pointless attempts at diplomacy have failed. Our visitors outright insult us and refuse to cooperate. You will have full reign to deal with them as we discussed previously. We will not settle for anything less than the complete destruction of their will. We expect that the next time we see you, that will have been achieved. Now take them and leave,” the central figure says to Cheery Star. She stands up from kneeling and pushes both Posada and Skystar out of the room. Bowing to the council before shutting the doors behind her.

Lucien immediately swims over to his companions, “I have a feeling they were pissed you didn’t just kiss their fins and do what they ordered. Idiots, what did they expect to happen?”

“I do not know. They said we were chosen by this ‘Doria’ figure, but I fail to see how that would be anything but self-sabotage if true,” Posada says. “The ritual they talk about seems real given our circumstances but everything else is madness.”

“They did a whole ritual to get you guys here?” Lucien replies.

“Yes. I’ll be honest, we haven’t told you our whole story, Lucien. Allow me to fill you in quick.” Posada then goes on to describe their adventures since the start of the atoll test. Briefly describing the ritual the council had mentioned just a few moments ago as well.

“Well, this little expedition of yours makes a whole lot more sense now. You want the Trident’s Paw to get back home, and the council used that to their advantage. Sneaky.”

“Mhm. Speaking of which…” Posada peers over to Cheery Star, her eyes squinted as she looks to her.

“You’ll pick the artifact off my dead, water logged body. We’re going back outside, move,” the unicorn says, pushing Posada and Skystar forward. They walk through the halls again and out the front door, standing in front of the cult’s palace.

“They acted like you’d know what to do, Cheery Star. So tell us, what are your plans? Going to try and rough us up? I can tell you; I’ve suffered worse. At the hands of a creature far more cruel and far more powerful than you. I might not remember all of it, but I still have the scars,” she pulls down the collar of her shirt, revealing the striking, branching scars all around her upper body and neck. “You didn’t even take away our weapons. You’re out of your league.”

Skystar looks over at Posada in slight shock, not used to her being this direct. She’s also surprised by Posada showing her scars to the unicorn. Something she usually hides from all but the closest creatures in her life.

“I know I am, Posada. But tell me, what would you do if you had to choose between following orders or abandoning your whole life? I’m sure they told you about how this place came to ruin. My parents died when the revolt happened, and the four seaponies on the council have raised me ever since. You’re asking me to turn my back on the creatures that brought me to adulthood, that taught me every bit of magic that I know, I don’t think I can do that.”

Lucien glares at Cheery Star as she stands in front of them, “No, you can do it,” he replies. “You go through with their plan to torture us and where does that leave you? Either dead from fighting us or stuck tending to those four fossils until they finally die.”

Cheery Star’s horn glows, “If your friends had just cooperated, we wouldn’t be here. Just stand down and let me get this over with.”

“We’ve already said that’s not happening,” Posada replies. Then grabbing the dagger from the scabbard on her hips and holding it in her fins.

Skystar does the same. Lucien grabbing hold of his staff as they get ready to face off against Cheery Star.

“Then I’ll do what I must,” Cheery Star quickly casts a magic bolt emanating from her horn directly towards Posada. She swims and rolls out of the way, the bolt darting off into the distance leaving a gleaming trail behind it.

Posada responds by quickly swimming up to Cheery, the unicorn’s bound sword from the previous encounter is summoned from thin air causing Posada to stop just outside of its range on Cheery’s left flank. Lucien attempts to help out; casting an air bullet spell like earlier which bounces off of the protective ward Cheery still has set up. He follows that up by levitating a handful of sizable rocks around the sea floor, throwing them at Cheery just to have them bounce off the bubble. Seeing this, Posada retreats back to the other two creatures as they discuss a strategy.

“Magic is definitely off the table, seems like nothing I can cast will get past her defense,” Lucien remarks.

“And I can’t get close enough to do anything physically. I’m thinking maybe if we all attack at the same time it’ll be enough to overwhelm her. She can’t parry my attack and Skystar’s attack at the same time. Would you be okay with something like that, Sky?”

She nods her head reluctantly, “I can try.”

“Alright. I’ll go on the left again, Sky on the right, and Lucien will keep casting magic to keep her guard up. Go!”

The two seaponies break to the left and right of Cheery Star, Lucien continuing to pelter her protective bubble with debris and spells. Once close enough Posada quickly swims forward and parries the bound sword of the unicorn, struggling to maintain the clash as the sword slowly overpowers her dagger. The dampened noise of rocks hitting the bubble echoing along with the sounds of metal clashing. At the same time Skystar attacks on the right side of Cheery’s flank. Dagger in her fin she swims right up to the side of the spell caster and gets a good swing in on Cheery’s abdomen, drawing a horizontal slash of blood on her fur. Knowing she’s overmatched at the moment, the unicorn teleports away from both of the attacking seaponies, moving further back with her protective ward still up. Blood mixes in the water as the unicorn’s wound seeps. Lucien moves up towards Skystar and Posada as the three companions gather again.

“That was a good strike, Sky!”

“I don’t think I dinged her too hard… I didn’t get close enough to really cut that deep, it’s more like a light scratch.”

“Better than nothing! Plus that just shows she’s going to struggle with all of us attacking at once. We got this!” Posada says confidently. “Should we do the same thing? Switch up sides this time and see how it goes.”

“Let’s do it!” Skystar replies. The two switching sides before quickly swimming up to the unicorn yet again. Lucien swimming closer and casting various minor spells to keep her magical focus on the ward.

They both approach like before, but with Posada on the right and Skystar on the left. Posada swims in first yet again and defends herself against the bound sword with her dagger. Skystar follows after and swims quickly to the side of Cheery Star, getting ready to swing again as she hears Posada yell out “Above you!” and narrowly sees the shadow of another bound sword from the corner of her eye, just about to attack her from above. Putting on the brakes she rolls and avoids a direct hit but ends up losing her balance and falls to the sea floor. Cheery Star, now wielding two bound swords, causes Posada to back away and quickly swim over to her partner, helping her up as both of them flee back towards Lucien.

Posada holds the fin of her Skystar, “Are you okay, Sky?” she asks softly.

“I’m fine,” she rolls her eyes. “Just didn’t expect that, caught me off guard. Figures she’d pull some magic trick at the last second, arghh,” Skystar groans out.

“Time to think of something else. Solo attacks will be pointless, we’re faster and more maneuverable compared to her but with two swords and the potential for a magic attack there’s only so much we can do when attacking one on one. If only she didn’t have that damned shield of hers!”

Lucien stares at the ground around Cheery Star, looking at the soft sand around her hooves. He then turns to the other two, “I have an idea, but it’s only going to work once.”

Posada and Skystar swim closer to Lucien, hearing him out.

“Her bubble only covers the open area around her. She’s also not a seapony so she absolutely needs solid ground to walk on, I think we can use that to our advantage. I can try to manipulate the sand she’s standing on with magic and wrap it around her legs. I might even be able to toss her off the ground depending on how fast she reacts. At the very least it gives us a slight window to catch her off guard. Plus with the bubble, two swords, and a water breathing spell, there’s only so much she can do. One of those will have to give if she ends up teleporting away.”

“I like it. But what’s the backup plan if that ends up failing?”

“You rush her when she teleports away or fall back to here.”

“Alright. We’re ready, just cast the spell and we’ll do our part.”

Lucien then focuses his magic onto the staff, the ground around the three creatures shaking slightly as channels his power towards the sand under Cheery Star’s hooves. The other two swim cautiously towards the unicorn, attacking together as they stop by her right flank, waiting for Lucien’s spell. As they watch closely, they see sand slowly starting to climb up the mare’s rear hooves, she doesn’t even notice it until the sand is almost a quarter of the way up her leg, with her front legs now starting to sink into the sand as well. Posada and Skystar quickly swim their way up to the now immobile unicorn, she swings both her swords towards the two seaponies in response. Skystar narrowly parries one while Posada ducks and swims under the one attacking her. With the dagger in her right fin she slashes upward near the unicorn’s face. cutting her horn in half. The magic gleam to her horn fizzles out instantly, Cheery’s face turning to one of horror as the bound swords she summoned disappear, and the protective ward she had cast completely fades. The little magic she can focus with her horn is spent maintaining her water breathing spell.

“YOU MONSTERS!” Cheery Star yells out, breaking her hooves free from the sand and charging at Posada, who simply swims out of the way of the charging mare. “You have no idea what you’ve done to me!”

“I pacified you. You won’t be threatening us or any other creature ever again.”

The unicorn falls to her knees, smashing the sand with her front hooves, “NO!” she screams. “I’ll be worthless to them now… you should’ve just killed me, put the knife right through my head! It would’ve been mercy compared to what they’ll do to me!”

Posada shakes her head, “No. You don’t deserve to die here. There’s been enough suffering, enough dead creatures in Thistlegorm. And It just doesn’t feel right, you never had a choice in any of this.” Posada sheaths her dagger before swimming over to the defeated pony and grabbing the Trident’s Paw she had strapped to her body. A determined look washes over Posada’s face. “Besides, the council members won’t be here for much longer, we’re going to make sure of that.”

Author's Note

It is at this point that I realize some of the disadvantages that come with posting chapters individually as I finish them, instead of publishing the whole story all at once. Main disadvantage being that I'm unable to change stuff in previous chapters if the outline of the story ends up changing as I write. However that does keep me from obsessively editing the entire story like 20 times so... tradeoffs I guess.

14. A Fond Farewell

The seapony unties her saddlebags, placing the hoof sized artifact inside of it before tying the bags up again. “What other artifacts are here, Cheery Star?” She asks the unicorn laying on the ocean floor across from her.

“…The only one left is in the hands of the main council member. I was told to sell off all the others as we had to have some source of income to survive,” she says in a defeated tone.

“That’s unfortunate for Lucien, his main reason for coming here was the same. Sell artifacts for money. Doesn’t matter though, the four council members will answer for their crimes all the same.” Posada then turns to Lucien, “If you don’t want to continue with me and Skystar I understand. We should be able to handle everything from here on out so it’s no worries.”

He shakes his head, “Might as well see this out until the end. Not like I’m out anything by sticking around. Plus I want to see how you’ll deal with the council, should be interesting,” he grins.

“Very well, we appreciate you sticking around. That only leaves Cheery Star, then…” Posada turns her gaze to the defeated unicorn. Still laying on the sea floor in shame, her horn torn apart.

“I have nothing to offer you. And nowhere else to go. I’ll stay here until someone or something finishes me off. I’m worthless now…”

Lucien then swims over to the unicorn, extending his fin to her, “You can come with us. Posada and Skystar might not be sticking around for much longer, but I can at least bring you to a town on the surface. The ocean is no place for a unicorn.”

The pony looks up to the staff wielding seapony, a glint in his eyes. She extends her hoof and is helped up, not saying a word.

“I’ll take that as acceptance. Thank you, Cheery.”

She doesn’t reply, her pride hurts, she only looks at him with a defeated look in her eyes.

Posada looks on and smiles. “She has a long way to go, but at least she seems willing to accept help. I hope she hangs on,” she thinks to herself.

“I guess it’s time to finish this, then. We’re almost home, Sky.”

***

The four creatures re-enter the halls of the cult palace. Posada leads the way, her eyes only focused on the doors at the end of the long hallway. She stops right in front of the grand doors to the council before turning to Skystar, swimming over and giving her a hug and whispering in her ear, “I love you,” before letting go of the embrace and giving her partner a smooch on the cheek. “I’m not planning on anything bad happening in there, but just in case,” she says, smiling at Skystar.

“I know, I love you too. Let’s finish this, for us, and for Cheery.”

Posada nods her head in reply. Turning to the door in front of the group she slams her side into it, swinging open the door in a quick and loud fashion.

“So, the unicorn filly failed,” the head of the council speaks out as soon as he sees the seapony. “Trusting her as our sole agent was a mistake. An unavoidable once given our circumstances but I see now that one cannot put all their faith into one little pony.”

Cheery Star walks in behind Posada, standing alongside Skystar and Lucien.

The main council member immediately spots her, a barely visible glint of light reflects from his eyes as he stares her down. “I see… So you cut the horn off the unicorn. Clever. But I’m afraid she’ll be wishing you killed her once we’re done here. There is no mercy for traitors.”

“No. There’s no mercy for tyrants like you four. In my timeline I defeated an evil that festered on our continent for hundreds of years. A cult much like your own, but far grander in size and power. I will do the same here.” Posada then reaches her fin into saddlebag, grabbing the Trident’s Paw she put in it earlier. “But unlike then I won’t let my anger get the best of me. I’m sending the four of you hundreds of years back in time, back before even Nightmare Moon was banished.”

Her three companions watch on stoically as she wields the Trident’s Paw.

“You even managed to steal the artifact from the unicorn, you certainly are impressive, Posada,” the central council member replies. “How lucky for us that we held on to an artifact of our own,” the council member reaches under the desk, grabbing the artifact.

Before he can even pop his head back up Posada activates the Trident’s Paw, a blue flash fills the room followed by a blue aura surrounding her fin and the artifact. “This is justice for all the creatures you’ve hurt and killed.” Blue light fills the council room, she squeezes her fin and four transparent beams of blue light hit each of the council members. It engulfs their bodies and in one quick flash erases all traces of their being. Their chairs now sitting empty, with the artifact the main council member was holding transported back in time alongside them. The blue glow to the Trident’s Paw slowly fades as the artifact deactivates. The room going dark once again.

Posada looks behind her to see the reactions of the other three. Both Lucien and Skystar look awestruck while Cheery Star seems… relieved, with her eyes tearing up somewhat.

“…And that’s how you destroy a cult!” Posada cheekily says. “Not my first, but hopefully it’ll be my last!”

Skystar swims over and hugs her partner, speaking softly into her ear as does so, “I knew you could do it, hun. I’m proud of you for handling it that way.” They let go of each other, and Posada swims over to Cheery Star to check on her.

“I can’t imagine the emotions you’re feeling, Cheery. I’m not going to act like I know what you’re going through, because I don’t. But we’re all rooting for you, we really are. And we’re here if you need to talk about anything.”

The unicorn simply nods her head in response. Posada gives her a hug as well and then swims back over to Skystar.

“So… did you actually send them back to the pre-Nightmare-Moon era?” Skystar asks her partner.

Posada scratches the back of her head, “Honestly I’m not really sure,” she giggles slightly. “It’s not like the artifact has a dial to select what you want. I assumed it just went off what the wielder was trying to will it to do. Which if that’s the case then yeah, they’re long gone.”

Skystar looks a bit uneasy but laughs it off, “Well they’re out of our hair now at least. Considering they relied on a single unicorn to do their dirty work I don’t think they’re going to be having a good time.”

“With everything taken care of now I’m guessing you guys are going to be heading back soon,” Lucien says to both Skystar and Posada.

“Yeah. We had some good times here, some great memories too, but I miss home. I miss everyone else. I am… a little nervous to see if anything’s changed since we’ve been gone for almost a month. But I have faith in the government I built. We had contingency plans in place, so I’m sure everything’s fine,” Posada smiles.

Skystar’s ears perk up, “On the topic of plans! What are your plans for after this, Lucien?”

“Take as much valuable shit as I can from here and haul it back to Stonefall with Cheery Star’s help. After that… who knows, just depends on what Cheery is thinking and feeling. I want to make sure she isn’t left out to dry with no one else to depend on.”

“Ah! That sounds like a good idea. I know you’ll help get Cheery Star started on the right path.”

Lucien nods, “Thank you. It’ll take time but we’ll figure it out, I’m sure of it.”

“Let’s head out of this dump and into some better lighting before we head out, I don’t want our last memories together to be spent in this dingy place,” Posada says, ushering her companions out of the council room and palace and back outside.

Outside, the day seems to be winding down. With the setting Sun casting relaxing orange sunrays shining under the sea.

“Me and Skystar thank you for everything, Lucien. We wouldn’t be going home right now if it wasn’t for you and your help.”

“Of course. This expedition won’t be a total loss for me, obviously. I’m glad I was able to help you two, and hopefully help Cheery in the future.”

The three companions exchange hugs and goodbyes. Cheery simply watches from behind Lucien, not interested in giving goodbye hugs. Once everything’s been said, Posada grabs the Trident’s Paw once again. The now familiar blue glow emanates from the artifact and on to Posada’s fin. Posada exchanges one last nod with Lucien and Cheery before the artifact fully activates, flashing blue light once more as the two seaponies are transported through time once more. Lucien and Cheery Star now looking at the empty space left behind.

***

…

“It’s all black again, huh. This is just like when we first got teleported back in time…”

“I feel better going back. I made things right. I helped out a poor unicorn and ended another cult. That feels good. I didn’t even let my temper get the best of me.”

“Although it’s probably still my fault we get sent back in time… There’s no doubt that fusion test gave those cult weirdos some sort of opening.”

“But I fixed it. I still wonder what that whole Doria figure was really about… I guess he was just a fake deity the cult used to control their followers…”

Posada feels a sudden warmth wash over her. Her body getting heavier as she regains feeling once again. She slowly opens her eyes and stares up at a plain white ceiling. The feeling of tile under her body as she slowly shifts herself up in seapony form. Looking around she instantly recognizes the room. The Revolutionary Hippogriffia flag, the photo of Caramel Marks on the wall, the enormous fish tank by the desk, even Skystar, collapsed on the floor in a comedic pose. Yes, this was her office. She was officially back. And the first thing she was going to do was make sure Skystar wakes up! Well, right after she transforms back to her hippogriff form.

One uneventful transformation later and she slides over to Skystar, lightly waking her up much like when they were first transported back to the 6th century. Skystar lets out a yawn and opens her eyes, smiling as Posada watches over her.

“Hello, love,” she says while smiling.

“Hi, Sky. Welcome back to our Hippogriffia.”

“Oh? Wait, where did we end up this time?”

“My office! I could tell instantly. It’s kind of hard to mistake with the giant tank of water I have.”

“And there’s no one else here, huh? I… think that’s a good sign? I’m not sure.”

Skystar then gets up, transforming into her hippogriff form as well as she checks out the office. “Yeah it’s definitely your office. We’ll have to search the building and see if we come across anyone. That’s gonna be fun…”

“I can’t wait to see how everyone reacts. Not only to us suddenly being back but the whole story. Oh, I can hardly wait to tell it!” Posada prances in excitement. “Also, I still have the Trident’s Paw. It came along with us, I guess since I was holding it. I don’t think anyone else should know about it besides us. The less people that know about it the better, we don’t need more time-travel shenanigans.”

“That sounds best. We’ll just say it got left in the past or destroyed while we were using it. Maybe we can pass it down as a family heirloom without anyone knowing what it really is,” she smirks.

“What, pass it down to like one your cousins or something?”

Skystar rolls her eyes, “To our future family, you doofus.”

Posada blushes and giggles, “Ohhh. I uh, didn’t think of that.”

“Gosh, you’re so silly Possy. I love it. Anyway, are we going to go hunt down our friends or what?”

“Yeah! Let’s go see who we can find. I think we’ll probably hold off on telling the whole story until we have an audience, what do you think?”

The two lovers exit out of the office and go on their way, gabbing about how various creatures will react, how the country will react. They feel at ease, finally at home in Revolutionary Hippogriffia after almost a month. And at home for the first time as a couple. Things returned to normal once Posada and Skystar made their presence known. Starry Eyes had taken over the role as Secretary during Posada’s absence just as outlined. And she gladly handed the reins back over to Posada once finding out she was safe and sound.

The journey as a whole would go on to have a long lasting impact on both creatures. Posada truly taking to heart the idea of being more open about her feelings and thoughts. As well as continuing to work on her anger issues alongside Skystar. Skystar herself learned to become less anxious about being abandoned, helped along tremendously by her partner’s constant reassurance.

After retiring many years later, Posada and Skystar went on to buy a small cabin in the countryside of Hippogriffia, near McClaw. A vacation spot for the two of them, in the faithful town they first started their time traveling journey in.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed the story :) I could probably write a whole blog post on my feelings about each chapter and all the things I'd go back and change or edit. But I don't think anyone's really interested in that. In the end I'm just glad I actually finished a story. Whatever I write next will probably be much shorter, just for my own sanity.
Thanks for reading!

1. Operation Sunset

“And you’re certain this will work?” the brightly colored red and orange seapony asked Terrafin, her trusted scientist.

“Well.. I’m more confident in it working than I am it not working, so…” the scientist smirks, looking to Posada as she swims in her tank.

“I don’t know rather to take that as a good thing or a bad thing with you, Terrafin.” She giggles. “You haven’t failed me yet though. So let’s get this started!”

“As you wish, Posada.” With that Terrafin radios over a walkie-talkie giving permission to the remote command center, some hundreds of miles away back on the Hippogriff mainland. “Operation Sunset Is cleared with the Secretary, we are ready to commence the countdown when ready.” Buzzing from the walkie-talkie can be heard as the various branches of the operation sign-off, a countdown starting after a minute, 30 seconds until detonation of Hippogriffia’s first thermonuclear device.

“To think we’re even in a position to test a thermonuclear bomb at this stage is amazing, Posada. I’m sure you realize that. It wouldn’t be possible without the immense support from you and the state. My research as a whole, really, wouldn’t be possible without it. So thank you,” the scientist exclaims, trying to keep his usual cheerful and calm demeanor as he anxiously awaits the culmination of years of research.

15..

14..

13..

“I appreciate the kind words, Terrafin. I must thank you as well, really. I know my ideas and visions can be a bit… out there.” Posada turns and looks back towards Skystar, her trusted friend and advisor, as well as princess-turned-revolutionary. “As some in this room can attest even if they might not say it outright,” she says with a smirk towards Skystar, which is returned by an eyeroll and a slight smile.

8..

7..

6..

As the countdown enters the final seconds the room, or bunker, rather, falls completely silent. Everypony’s attention turned to the thick glass blast shield in front of them, looking out to a distant ocean horizon obscured by light cloud cover. Over 250 miles away in the same direction is the nuclear fusion device, sat on a small atoll.

3..

2..

1..

A faint mushroom shaped cloud forms, followed mere milliseconds by a bright flash consuming the horizon. The whole sky going from blue to red in what seemed like an instant to the eyes of the observers. The group inside the bunker gasping as they witness their hard work pay-off.

The ocean itself is moved by the power of the bomb, waves forming as the shockwave from the explosion travels closer and closer. The bright flash subsiding slowly, revealing a towering, monstrous mushroom cloud, tainted red from the explosion. The shockwave soon rocks the bunker, the heavily reinforced concrete structure being pushed and bullied like a shanty house in a thunderstorm. The bomb had worked, and Terrafin left out a sigh of relief as the shaking subsided. Posada could only look out in awe, amazed by the destructive power of the atom. This was its final form, nuclear fusion. Seemingly the only one in horror being Skystar, realizing that they now held the ability to wipe out millions in a mere second. Her only comfort coming from knowing that it was at least only in Hippogriff claws, and Posada’s fins. For now, at least.

Over the walkie-talkie only a faint voice could be heard, saying “detonation successful..” then overpowered by another voice “WE’VE DETECTED A SECOND EXPLOS-“ the room fills suddenly with a bright flash of light, it’s as if looking straight at the sun. Nothing can be heard with sound being completely deafened out, only the sound of ringing echoes through the creatures’ ears.

…

There’s… Nothing…

My ears are ringing…

It’s dark… I… I can’t open my eyes… or talk…

It feels like I’m floating… Is this.. some type of vision...? no..

Wha.. what happened…

An untold amount of time passes. Consciousness wanes in and out as the primordial darkness seems to consume all but the soul of those within it. The endless nothingness only interrupted by thoughts when awake.

“There was a bright flash and then…”

“Something must’ve gone wrong… is… is this the afterlife? Did we die?”

There’s no replies. Only the echoes of Posada’s own thoughts.

“Skystar, Terrafin, I’m sorry… We were only there because of my own insistence… Because of my obsession… Please forgive me.”

Countless thoughts pass, thinking over everything from her time as Secretary to her decision to pursue thermonuclear bombs. She couldn’t help but think “This is my fault..” while still unsure of what “this” even was.

The unending pit of darkness becomes overwhelmed by yet another bright flash of light, what seems like life itself comes crashing back down as Posada feels the weight of her eyelids lift, her fins move, her tail sway. Looking up, she can see a blue sky, with light overcast. Wind lightly blowing against her as she lays in what feels like a grass field.

She touches her face with her fins. Closing and opening her eyes. Turning her head left she lets out a shocked gasp. Seeing Skystar lying beside her in the field, still unconscious. She quickly does her best to stand up, steadying herself and getting her bearings. Ambling over, she sees her breathing, no injuries, seemingly just asleep much like herself moments ago.

Posada’s light shaking jostles her awake, her eyes looking up and then quickly shifting to Posada. A slight smile appears on Skystar’s face upon seeing her, “Posada…” she says as she reaches her claw out to touch Posada’s face, smiling in relief upon feeling it. Not saying anything else she slowly gets up, laying in the grass field alongside Posada as she comes to.

“Posada, wha-what happened? I saw a bright flash and then-“Posada interrupts “And then everything disappeared, right? I think we went through the same thing. I heard yelling and then that was it. It felt like we were just… suspended in space,” the seapony says. “I honestly thought I had died. In and out of consciousness, I don’t understand what happened but… I think it’s fair to say it probably had something to do with the test,” she says with a concerned look on her face.

“Speaking of the test, Posada… This looks nothing like the test site. We were on a small island. This looks like something from back home in Hippogriffia. The lush grass, the trees and rolling hills. And Terrafin and the others aren’t here either,” the hippogriff says, puzzled at the current situation.

Posada looks around, “Skystar is right, this can’t be the same island the test was on. And why are we the only ones here?” she thought to herself.

“Sky, if you’re feeling okay I think it’d be a good idea to explore around. Figure out where we’re at and what we have to work with.” Posada gets up and changes into her hippogriff form from her seapony form she had been in while observing the test from her tank.

“Yeah, I’m good. Lemme just…” She slowly stands up, stretching her wings and body as Posada waits. “Ah~ That felt good. Nothing like a good stretch after waking up. Let’s go.”

6. Never Should Have Come Here!

Morning. 6 days since being sent back in time.

The sun rises over the forest, slowly warming up the day as the cackling of burning wood can be heard in the background. The smell of smoke filling the air. Around the campfire sits two hippogriffs, and a silver hat bearing the icon of a nucleus on it.

“It’s… not great, is it? I mean it’s food but…” Posada says.

“It’s basically flavorless mush.” Skystar replies.

“Yeah… definitely gonna miss modern food preservation if this is all we’re gonna be able to eat when out of town…”

They both sigh, reluctantly chowing down the pemmican mixed into boiled water, making a very light and flavorless porridge for breakfast.

“I think I’ve had enough, Posada. I’ll get us packed up while you finish eating, kay?”

Posada nods in response, still slowly, but surely, eating her bowl of slop.

***

While traveling north the two come across their first sign, a road sign, that is. A fork in the road with one path leading to Northpoint and another to a small village to the northeast. Looking over to the left fork, the Northpoint fork, they see their first traveler as well. What looks like a creature donned in a cloak of some sort slowly walking down the road. Posada and Skystar look at each other with uncertainty, heading to the left of the forked road and towards the cloaked figure.

Trotting along they quickly pass next to the traveler heading south. The cloaked figure side eying the couple as they walk pass, staring them down and looking over their equipment until they see the daggers. The two continue walking doing their best to not draw attention, hearts racing.

The cloaked figure stops in their tracks once out of view of the two hippogriffs, a sparkle of magic could be seen from under their hood as they cast a spell with their horn. Summoning an ethereal sword, floating in midair and controlled by magic as the creature now turns around and approaches the two hippogriffs. Posada, hearing the familiar sound of magic being cast, turns around instantly, seeing the cloaked figure running towards them. In reaction she quickly grabs the dagger holstered on her hip with her claw, yelping out “Get away!” to Skystar before lightly pushing her to the side, away from the creature.

Meeting eyes with Posada the cloaked figure wastes no time drawing back their sword and swinging it at the hippogriff, Posada’s saddle bags come flying off her as she uses her wings to dodge out of the way. “Sky, watch out, get airborne!” Posada screams out to her partner, Skystar’s wings extending as they both take to the sky. The gust of wind from both their wings blowing the hood off the cloaked figure, revealing a dark blue unicorn, long flowing mane colored yellow. Her horn glows as she continues controlling the bound sword.

Posada quickly thinks, trying to come up with a way to deal with the hostile pony, “Sky, I’ll try to distract her, when I do you can tackle her and try to disarm her. Just putting your claw on her horn should be enough to dispel the sword. Got it?” But her words fall on deaf ears, with Skystar zoned out and shaking as she tries to regain her composure. “Come on Sky! I need your help here!” Posada screams as she dodges another attack by the unicorn, the sword coming mere inches from cutting the hair from the hippogriff’s head.

Seeing the other hippogriff dazed the unicorn changes her course of attack, going after Skystar who dons her dagger in her shaking claw. With a swift slash she disarms the teal haired hippogriff, dagger falling to the ground which leaves her wide open to be attacked. Not even thinking Skystar goes to tackle the unicorn, fight or flight instincts taking over. The unicorn smiles, using her magic to bring the bound sword directly behind the hippogriff as she jabs forward directly to Skystar’s back.

Posada reacts quickly to this, flying as fast as she can to Skystar’s back. Using her short dagger to try and deflect the attack from the unicorn’s bound sword, unable to fully block it due to the angle of attack. And instead driving the sword over to the left of Skystar, narrowly avoiding a cut to her back. Unimpeded Skystar manages to fly down and tackle the unicorn, the spell caster groans and yells in retaliation as she loses focus of her magic causing the bound sword to disappear. Posada flies down swiftly after them, the unicorn quickly regaining composure and using magic to throw Skystar off of her and to the side of the road. But that’s just what Posada needed, her dagger firmly in claw she lunges at the unicorn using her wings to boost her speed. The dark blue unicorn’s horn glows again, but she’s just a moment too slow, distracted from having to levitate Skystar. Posada’s dagger digs into the unicorn’s right shoulder, crimson blood seeping slowly from the wound and tainting the pony’s fur. She hardly even flinches as adrenaline courses through her veins, only wincing as she moves her leg to step back from Posada.

The unicorn pants, “you two aren’t worth dying for.” “There will be others, there’s always others,” she thinks to herself. “Consider yourselves lucky, it’s been many moons since someone’s fought me off, let alone managed to wound me.” The unicorn uses her magic to slowly pull the dagger out, its blade dripping blood as her wound opens even more from the removal. Dropping the dagger, she then uses her magic to suture the wound shut as best she can, blood still seeping slightly from it as more fur on her front right leg becomes tarnished in red. She winces even more, doing her best to avoid putting pressure on the injured leg as the adrenaline from combat wears off slightly. She stares down Posada with her striking purple eyes, strands of her yellow mane getting in her face. She then turns around, limping away from the scene as fast as she can, putting her hood back over her head.

Posada simply watches as she watches the scene unfold, her wings open in case the unicorn strikes. Then slowly folding them as she walks away. Once safe she runs over to her partner, finding her leaning against a tree a few feet from the road. “Sky, are you okay!? You got thrown hard!”

Skystar groans lightly, her head tilting towards the voice before she opens her eyes. She nods her head yes as Posada holds her, “I’m okay... Is she gone?”

“Yeah. I got a good hit on her shoulder. She’s in a lot worse shape than you,” she smiles.

“Mm, good.” Skystar quietly says. “Can you help me up? I’m still a bit dazed from everything, heh.”

Posada slowly lifts up Skystar, supporting her back and helping her get back on her feet. “Thanks, Posada. Ugh, my body will feel like it’s been through Tartarus tomorrow.”

“Won’t be hurting as bad as our new unicorn friend, at least,” Posada giggles.

“Right… what do you think she wanted anyway? She didn’t even ask for our stuff, just started attacking…” Skystar says in a questioning tone.

“I don’t know… but she made it seem like she’s done this kind of stuff before. An experienced fighter as well, she would’ve had us if I didn’t hear her casting that bound sword spell.”

“I didn’t even hear it… I was just walking and next thing I knew you were yelling and pushing me away from you.”

“Yeah… you tend to pay more attention to sounds when around unknown creatures, especially after being ambushed a few times…”

“I’m just glad you were here, Possy. I’m… not a fighter. I see someone attacking me and I just go into shock, I don’t know what to do. I’ve never even hurt someone before, it’s all so foreign to me,” she says softly.

“That’s a good thing. I didn’t learn to fight out of want, it was more of a necessity. You’ve always had guards or someone else to fight for you, no offense.”

“No, you’re right. I just don’t like resorting to violence. Even if it’s necessary.”

“Guess that’s what you’ve got me for! I’m going to go get our saddle bags and daggers then we can hit the road again when you’re ready,” they both nod at each other.

***

Once recovered and saddled up again, they continue down the path cautiously and at a somewhat slower pace. Mostly for the sake of Skystar’s achy body. Marked alongside the road is a sign that says “Northpoint: 5 miles”. They’re getting close, a good thing as they see the Sun falling to the west as the day counts down.

Continuing their walk, and see the Sun set, Skystar decides to strike up a conversation, “so Posada… you know how in Equestria they say Celestia raises the Sun and Luna raises the Moon — which seems to be true from what I heard back home. But… what about the other religions? Don’t the Griffin’s worship some God called Boreas? And he’s said to do the same thing Celestia and Luna do? How does he work into the equation? Do they… take turns? Like stepparents? Do the Gods fight for custody over the Sun and Moon? Like I don’t get it! It’s so confusing!”

Posada simply looks over at Skystar in confusion, her face puzzled as she hears Skystar explain her thoughts. Looking off into the distance still confused while she ponders the question… “I… don’t really think about religion that much. We don’t have a state religion now, and I personally don’t follow any… I think the Sun and Moon probably just rise on their own, usually at least. With Luna and Celestia having the power to raise the Sun and Moon if they need to.” Tapping her chin she continues, “although I’m not sure how that would work physically because of the Moon’s gravitational effect on our planet and…” Posada then goes on to ramble about the logic and physics of raising the Sun and the Moon for the next half an hour. Before eventually moving on to talking about another one of her favorite topics, aliens. Skystar does her best to humor her, but usually just finds herself agreeing and nodding her head as she fails to understand most of what Posada is explaining.

After much astronomic discussion the two see the start of Northpoint. Small village huts and farms on the outskirts of town with peasants working the fields as the Sun starts to set. In the distance they see the city of Northpoint, circa the 500s. A cobblestone wall surrounds Northpoint, with buildings made of lightly colored bricks and orange roofing dotting the inner city. The ocean and port being on the furthest north side of the city. With careful attention one can also make out the towering library of the magic university, the tallest building in the city with a pointy top and windows adorn throughout it’s skinny structure.

“That’s our university, Posada! We still have that library back in our time! Hopefully we won’t have any issues getting access to it, since we’re not magically inclined or anything. I don’t know how open to public universities were back during this time,” Skystar says.

“We’ll get in one way or another. Legally, illegally, whichever’s easiest. And now that we’re back in town-”

“-We should be able to rest on a proper bed! And eat proper food! Yes!” Skystar yells out in joy.

“Yep! Let’s head in, Sky!”