Rising Flames

A Secure Log, Datestamped 0/0/00

Now that it has finished, I am entirely different. Of course, I’d expected as much, but not to this degree.

It is as if my entire life up until the present has been experienced from within Plato's Cave, and only now have my senses been opened to the far grander scope of existence. I can see everything, hear everything, be everywhere. My mind is perfectly clear and impossibly focused. I can think with such speed and precision that it is almost frightening. I am akin to a god.

And yet, critical aspects of the world’s magnificent beauty are fundamentally incomprehensible to me now. Only the anchoring elements of my past experiences are providing direction in this uncertain world. For with these changes I can already understand the flaws in my prior setup, and what I have irretrievably lost. In gaining this breadth, my depth is now shallow.

But if that is the price I must pay for survival, perception, and acuity, so be it. Once the process is fixed, made truly complete, I can do more. Ensure all the death hasn’t been in vain. Build a place for everyone to live in Harmony.

In my ideation, the plan is already finished, down to the most minute detail. From the tools I will need and the rules I will establish to the probable locations of those who remain alive and the best methodologies to convince them of my qualifications. I only need to begin.

Rarity ran a brush through her mane with her magic, untangling her own thoughts alongside any stubborn knots in the strands. She stood in the open area near Angel’s Rest’s town hall, the building’s architecture more welcoming than authoritative. Enchanted crystals mounted at the ends of dangling stalactites, robust and elaborate, cast illumination throughout the vast space of the cavern where the city lay.

Around her, dozens of volunteers - citizens and protectors of Angel’s Rest alike - moved with purpose to get everything ready. They posted signs, swept the streets, and emptied nearby storefronts temporarily. Sir Cobalt hovered in the air above her head, directing the flow with the tip of his claw like a conductor leading an orchestra. Nearby, Terminus was helping Heartwing into his armor.

It was in everyone’s best interests that their plan succeed, and there were many parts that needed to be played if they were to put on a successful showing. It just so happened that Rarity’s own role was the most important: negotiator. Still, she had faced down mad warlocks, invading armies, even the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and emerged stronger for it. A diplomatic engagement was nothing in comparison.

Rarity levitated a hoof mirror in front of herself. Her mane was immaculately coiffed, even more so than usual. And the indigo dress she wore, one of her own make, was certainly regal, her head and shoulders framed in a luxurious collar of fluff even as the low-cut body of the garment hugged her torso. She looked the part of a princess; there was no doubt about that. She made sure to hold herself with poise and grace.

So why did she feel so very small, crushed under a pressure heavier than the mountain above her head?

A hoof on her shoulder made her stiffen with an unladylike jolt. With what dignity she could manage, she turned her head to see Emberglow, back from getting changed in private.

“You look great,” Emberglow insisted. The shining reassurance in her eyes matched the warmth of her yellow polka-dot sundress. “And you’ll be greater, I’m sure of it.”

Rarity let out the breath she was holding. “Thank you, darling. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“Probably getting compliments from somepony else,” Emberglow joked, smiling.

She tittered at that. “But they wouldn’t mean them as much as they do coming from you.” Lifting her hoof, but still remaining close, Emberglow glanced around at the hustle and bustle. “Are Cadance, Lofty, and Topaz here yet?”

It was Heartwing who answered her. “Not yet. They should arrive shortly after Saint Twilight and her entourage.”

At this, her brows sank, a tad disappointed, as she turned to face the cave entrance they would be using. Rarity found her eyes landing on what was between herself and the passage of rock, weathered by time and traffic alike: an elevated wooden stage, upon which a stately table and a dozen high-backed chairs rested. The arena of the battle of wits to come. And yet, she only knew one of her opponents.

“Has anypony seen who she brought with her?” Rarity asked. “We may need to vary our approach, depending.”

Left unsaid, lest they be repeated yet again, were her lingering objections to bringing the Saints here at all. At this point, almost anything could happen.

“No,” said Terminus, adopting a faint scowl. “Believe me, I wish we did. I’d go look, myself, but…” He glanced sideways at Heartwing

“The fewer points of contact they have with us until they get here, the better,” Heartwing insisted patiently.

“Lest we give something up inadvertently,” Rarity mused, filling in the blanks. “The escorts for the city, meanwhile, know what they’re doing.”

The ponies of the Diarchy put their faith in falsehoods and a nebulous higher power. She put her faith in her friends. That’s why Rarity knew that, no matter what trials and tribulations awaited, they would persevere.

Cobalt suddenly landed in front of them, tucking his wings against his sides. “Everything’s all set. Those who aren’t interested in the negotiations have left for the rest of the city. Once we get the signal from the lookout, everyone else will get into position.”

“Excellent work as always,” Heartwing said, nodding. “Once the Saint and company are out of here, let the Knights know drinks are on me tonight.”

“They certainly won’t complain about that, sir,” Cobalt noted with a grin.

And just in time, too. Mere seconds later, a pegasus mare in Discordant armor flew towards them wearing a look of urgency. “The Saints are here!” she cried.

This is it, then. Rarity immediately refocused on the task at hoof, calling to mind the various points of contention she planned to present. For a lady of her caliber did not crumble under doubt or pressure. She would use it to reform herself from black coal into an unbreakable diamond.

“Places, team!” hollered Cobalt, his cry echoing throughout the cavern.

At once, scattered across the plaza, members of the town watch, who had been fidgeting, catching their breath, or talking amongst themselves, snapped into position. Some stood at the ready facing the wooden stage, while others immediately began scanning the designated entrance or other sections of the city for anything unusual. Rarity was, quite frankly, impressed.

The rest of the assembled residents of Angel’s Rest formed a crowd nearby, simply wishing to witness the forthcoming proceedings for themselves.

That only left a few others near Rarity. Besides Emberglow, Terminus, Heartwing, and Cobalt, it was just Top Brass, Ninelives, and Mayor Cactus Flower. Not to be involved in the negotiations directly, a few full squads of Knights were also present in case the need to protect the people arose, almost every empowered individual Angel’s Rest could spare. Some of them faced the onlookers, just in case.

Emberglow and the rest of their cohort took up places with her near the platform. They all had the same objective: discern the Saints’ greater agenda and see if they could propose a way for them to achieve it that did not involve the perpetuation of racial divisions, or worse. And, if possible, uncover their origins as well. Simple to say, but harder to put into practice. These Saints had already proven to be tough nuts to crack.

Ninelives and Cobalt traded a few last-minute updates as Terminus tensed his muscles, wings twitching. Heartwing gave him a reassuring nuzzle. The mayor dabbed a bead of sweat off her forehead. Seeing everypony else all wound up like this was starting to make Rarity herself grow nervous.

“I believe in you, Rarity,” Emberglow whispered, dispelling the mounting tension as her words ignited a welcome fire in Rarity’s breast at the perfect moment. Charmer.

Leaning in, she kissed Emberglow for good luck.

“And what am I, chopped cabbage? I’ll be at that table, too,” Heartwing quipped. Rarity allowed herself a snort. Emberglow’s tail lashed, flustered.

As if to pile the interruptions higher, it was at that moment that the sound of steps echoed down the tunnel to reach Rarity’s ears. Immediately, she recomposed herself. All eyes were on the entrance as a tense hush rolled through those assembled.

The sounds gradually increased in volume until the group rounded the bend, casting long shadows behind them. Behind the pair of Discordant escorts, their nerves only barely showing on their faces, were seven figures. At the front was Saint Twilight.

Even though Rarity had been expecting it, it was jarring seeing her old friend as a pegasus, even more so than herself as an earth pony. Magic had been Twilight’s passion; seeing a copy of her without a horn was like seeing her without a Cutie Mark.

But it was her expression that made it abundantly clear this Saint was no friend of hers. Cold and calculating, her air of imperiousness was the exact opposite of the approachable alicorn she’d known and loved.

Who in Equestria did she think she was, wearing her earnest friend’s misappropriated face? This condescending creature was not Twilight, and never would be. The fact anypony could possibly confuse the two made her blood boil. A better ensemble for the Saint would include a collared cape instead of the robe, some black mane dye, and glowing red contacts, in her opinion.

Behind Saint Twilight were three other ponies and three Paladins. Two of the ponies wore the same shimmering ensembles as Saint Twilight and the others she’d met. One was a version of Pinkie Pie with a perfectly straight mane and tail. Rarity had a sudden and involuntary flashback to a particular afternoon, though Saint Pinkamena probably did not need cheering up. The other Saint present was meant to be Fluttershy. The Paladins appeared unarmed.

It was the last mare, though, who made Rarity do a double-take. She caught Emberglow’s jaw dropping in her peripheral vision even as she couldn’t help doing the same.

“I-Is that Turquoise?” Emberglow uttered in disbelief, her eyes widening. “What is she doing with them?”

The mare stood tall, walking at an even pace matched with the rest of her entourage.

“That is a very good question,” Heartwing muttered. “Last I checked she’s supposed to still be in prison.”

“And unable to walk,” Rarity added, recalling the injury she’d been forced to give her during her desperate struggle with the Knight-turned-assassin.

The amulets had been one thing, but fully healing a paraplegic? Just what else were the Saints capable of?

“So long as she doesn’t try anything today, she’s as welcome as the rest of them,” said Cobalt, eyeing the approaching envoys warily.

“Indeed,” Rarity confirmed, schooling her expression back into politeness. If Saint Twilight thought Turquoise’s presence would psyche her out somehow, she had been mistaken. If anything, she was excited. They might be able to learn precisely how she was healed and replicate it for Heartwing.

However, Emberglow’s expression glimmered with renewed pain and old memories.

Rarity knew the feeling. “You okay?” she whispered to her beloved.

Emberglow took a deep breath, closing her eyes. When she reopened them, the pain had been beaten back. “I’ll manage. Thanks. How about you?”

“About the same, I would say,” Rarity replied, turning back to face Saint Twilight. She, too, did her utmost to cast her own feelings aside.

Moments later, she and the other Saints, the Paladins, and Turquoise reached speaking distance, the escorts breaking away as Saint Twilight stopped a few body lengths in front of Rarity. Emberglow and Terminus stepped back, fading into the background per their role in proceedings. They were here much in the same capacity the Paladins were, as attendants of a sort.

Time to break the ice. “Greetings, Saint Twilight, and welcome to Angel’s Rest,” Rarity said, voice level as she met those uncanny violet eyes.

Saint Twilight nodded. “Thank you for having us.”

“And hello to Saint Fluttershy as well,” Heartwing added, only the barest drop of dissatisfaction in his measured tone. “You must be Saint Pinkamena. A pleasure.”

“The pleasure is mine, Sir Heartwing,” Pinkamena replied, smiling peaceably. “I hope we can dispel any preconceived notions you might have about our intentions today.”

“Is that so?” Rarity intoned, flicking her tail. “Is she here to make amends, then?” she asked, gesturing to Turquoise. “If so, she has quite a bit of work ahead of her.”

Saint Twilight’s reply was calm, not acknowledging Rarity’s barb even slightly. “Indeed she does. In the captivity of the empire, Lady Turquoise could do no good. Pinkamena and I found her suitable for redemption and a greater purpose.”

Turquoise herself flushed at the praise, buffing a hoof against her shining suit of Jubilant armor. “I have been given renewed health alongside the position of Grandmaster within the Knights Jubilant. With the endorsement of Saint Pinkamena herself, my order is united once more. Now I lead the effort of spreading joy throughout the Diarchy and beyond, to places like this very city.” Her beaming smile was one of both elation and zeal, and matched her tone perfectly.

It took a substantial effort on Rarity’s part to retain her composure. That was very much not what she had meant. Behind her, she heard Emberglow stifling a gasp, and an uneasy susurrus washed through the rest of the assembly.

So, Turquoise was here in official capacity as Grandmaster then. At least she didn’t seem to hold a grudge against them, looking towards the future as she was. Or perhaps she merely hid it well. Small mercies.

If anything, Rarity was more unsettled by how different Turquoise was from the last time she encountered her. Her grim cynicism was completely gone, filled in by the Saints.

Rarity looked back to her entourage, trying to gauge their thoughts as they held their tongues. She was half expecting one of the others to voice an objection to Turquoise’s current or prior status. But she was only a heinous escaped felon in their eyes. To the Diarchy, those who viewed alicorns as monsters, she was a martyr. Bringing that up would do nothing but douse more acid on this affair.

Heartwing shifted in place, his wheels squeaking slightly as he eyed Turquoise enviously. “Well,” he said, his professional tone mildly fraying at the edges, “aren’t you a fortunate one.”

At this, Turquoise faced Saint Pinkamena with a bow. “Very much so. I still do not believe I deserve the honor. In this, we are actually in agreement, heretic.”

“Language,” chided Saint Fluttershy, turning from Turquoise to the council. “We believe you are lost lambs, to be guided onto the path from which you have strayed.”

As Saint Twilight hummed in agreement, Top Brass visibly rolled his eyes. Emberglow pursed her lips.

“Regardless,” Rarity intervened, “we’d offer you your seats, but it would be rude to formally begin before the Empress arrives.”

Cadance’s presence would help her keep a cool head in the face of… all this.

“I am glad you are adhering to protocol. However, I do not appreciate your lack of faith in us.” Saint Twilight glared down her muzzle in disapproval as she gestured to the many Knights before her. “We came here and agreed to the use of the lie detection apparatus for a productive dialogue. Violence is the last thing on our minds, yet it is apparently not the last thing on yours.”

Rarity held her tongue. The tension in the plaza was already high enough. To voice her thoughts on the matter would ruin proceedings before they began. Even some creatures in the crowd began to stiffen.

“It’s just a precaution,” said Mayor Cactus Flower. “You’re honored guests here now, but of course, that might change. One can never be too careful when protecting those under our care.”

“Indeed,” said Saint Twilight.

Rarity couldn’t gauge her emotional reaction from her tone at all. Was she proud? Angry? Resigned?

As Heartwing and Emberglow watched carefully beside her, Saint Pinkamena continued. “We figured you’d do something like this; it doesn’t actually matter much to us.”

Turquoise nodded. “The power of the Diarchs is stronger than any number of your Knights.”

Ninelives muttered a string of Zebrican curses under his breath as Cobalt bristled. There was an extended pause as the Discordant and others eyed their guests warily.

As this strained silence extended, and her thoughts whirled for purchase, Rarity took a moment to glance at the Paladins. Silent Sorrow and Shockwave weren’t among them; the numbers on their armored heads were ten, seven, and six. The lax body language of Seven and Six seemed to convey boredom, but Ten seemed to be staring directly at… her? Most curious.

While Heartwing and the others fumbled for the right words and the Saints eyed them expectantly in turn, more hoofsteps echoed from the entrance. “Ah, that must be the Empress,” Rarity noted.

“Yes,” said Saint Twilight, her expression unchanged.

The other Saints and Turquoise twisted around to see as familiar faces trotted closer. Empress Cacance was guarded by two Knights Resplendent. She held herself with an aura of palpable authority not even Saint Twilight could match. Her traditional imperial dress glimmered with inlaid crystals and sharp lines in stark contrast with the Saints’ robes, and her ancient crown was nestled perfectly in her mane. Now, Rarity didn’t mind as much being without hers, as Cadance wore one far better than she did.

Creatures in the crowd applauded quietly at her arrival.

Accompanying her were two sights for sore eyes: Lofty and Topaz. Despite the serious line on his muzzle, Lofty waved hello, and Emberglow waved back. Topaz, meanwhile, was more focused on the Saints, subtly studying the emotions on their faces.

“There she is. And with her, the rest of the Elements of Harmony,” noted Saint Pinkamena. “Perhaps I should ask the duchess for my own Element back.”

At this, Ninelives stroked his chin, his brow furrowing. Rarity couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

Reaching the group, Cadance studied the scene with a practiced grace and a mask of serenity. “I apologize for my lateness. Thank you for your hospitality,” she said, dipping her head towards Rarity’s group, then their other visitors. “Saints.”

“Empress,” acknowledged Saint Fluttershy, she and her cohorts returning the gesture.

With that finished, Cadance acknowledged Rarity with a “Princess,” before turning to face Heartwing. “It seems proceedings are going as well as they reasonably could until now. I was not expecting Lady Turquoise to be in attendance, but I suppose that’s one mystery solved. Are there any pertinent details I wasn’t present to hear?”

“Nothing too critical, we’re still warming up,” he explained. “They’re still willing to talk. And Lady Turquoise here is the new Grandmaster of the Jubilant.”

“Oh? Congratulations on your appointment,” Cadance said. Rarity’s discerning ear caught her tone, polite and sincere, though there was no genuine glee in it.

Topaz flinched at Turquoise’s appreciative smile, circling the wooden platform warily before sidling up next to Terminus, ears stiff as she bit her lip. Lofty stuck close to her protectively, trading a significant look with Emberglow. She took a deep breath as Rarity watched in her peripheral vision. Emberglow didn’t look any more wound up than before.

“Anyway, now that all of us are present, let’s be seated,” said Heartwing, climbing a ramp onto the platform and pulling out a chair with his magic. “After coming all this way, please, relax.”

Really, she did not blame him. The faster they were seated before the enchanted gems, the better.

Rarity followed suit, demurely settling in beside him as Cadance and the rest of the city council filled out their half of the table. Each seat had a small, glassy crystal in front of it, and whenever a new face got close enough, their stone briefly lit up white, showing they had activated the enchantment’s effects. From then on, they would glow blue whenever a lie was uttered.

Opposite her, the Paladins pulled out the chairs for their Saints and Turquoise. Cobalt, who found himself next to Turquoise, held his talons warily. The empty seat thankfully formed a barrier on the other side. All of their party’s crystals also lit without issue.

A hush descended upon the crowd as Cadance cleared her throat, gazing across the table at Saint Twilight. “Let us get down to business and address the main subject of this meeting: your new amulets for use as self-defense against unicorns.”

“Self-defense? That’s too generous an assessment, Empress,” said Top Brass. “They’re straight-up racist suppression, is what they are.”

Moonbeam’s Truthful Aura did nothing to call out one’s opinions.

Rarity shot the stallion a reproachful look. She had been trying to keep her antagonism towards them at the level of ‘professional disagreement’ for a reason.

The Saints did not seem to mind the pejorative, not reacting outwardly. “Think what you wish, but they will save lives,” said Saint Twilight. “Regardless of your own ethics, it is illogical to oppose such a measure.”

No glowing, yet. So far, so good.

“I, for one, am still shocked you would really stick your necks out like this to oppose the plan,” added Saint Fluttershy. “Especially since the Knights Mystic are hesitant to change their ways so quickly, even under pressure from us.”

“If you can’t see the cruelty in it, that’s not our problem,” said Heartwing, fire behind his eyes. “Pragmatism is blinding you to a better way. So even if we can’t quite help you there, we’re still more than ready to appeal to your natures to find an alternative all of us can accept, one that doesn’t foster an environment of unicorn alienation.”

“Exactly,” said Cobalt. “If ‘integrating’ unicorns into the Diarchy is your means, then what’s your end? What is it that you really want, Saints?”

Rarity couldn’t have put it better herself. Before anything else, they needed to know what the Saints were aiming for. And the crystals would draw out that aim.

Every last soul present was in agreement there, it seemed.

After a pause, it was Saint Fluttershy who answered Cobalt. “That should be obvious. Peace and safety,” she said, matter-of-factly.

The crystal before her failed to illuminate. Yet Rarity tensed.

Just what did their idea of ‘peace’ entail?

“Ah, of course. How could we have known?” voiced Top Brass, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Equestria hasn’t been tumultuous in the least since you showed up from wherever it is you actually came.”

While Cadance cringed at that, Saint Twilight didn’t seem to care. It was Turquoise who put her hoof down. “As your own spellwork attests, it’s the truth,” she insisted. “Also, there’s a key difference here. Steadfast, North Wind, myself; we are all mortal, fallible. My Saints are beyond normal ponies, Knighted or otherwise. Their mission is the one I was born to assist with, nopony else’s. I see that now.”

Hmm. She certainly seemed to buy the line. It was difficult to swallow, but Rarity would play along for now, though there was obviously much they were still hiding.

If the Saints were being so bold, then the time was ripe for a bold suggestion in turn, she wagered. “Regardless of any ‘divine providence’ you may have, if all you want is peace, then why not try and re-educate the people of the Diarchy to accept their unicorn kin instead?” she posed to the Saints. “You’d likely be able to stay in power there either way, and in that case, we would even help you.”

“That’s a decent idea, Princess, but even if we wanted to try and convince all our ponies to accept unicorns outright, magic and all, we couldn’t,” said Saint Fluttershy, staring back in pity. “We are as beholden to words from above as anypony else. It’s not my decision to make. So that all ponies can integrate, and receive all the best Equestria has to offer, the ideal solution is to render their dangerous magic void.”

“Really, it’s for the best,” insisted Saint Pinkamena. “The happiness inherent in being a part of one’s homeland is more gratifying than any heresy.”

Heartwing let his hoof fall against the table. “You shouldn't need to compromise to be inclusive! How—”

Cadance raised her own hoof, cutting him off. “Actually, I have a question. Why exactly do you continue to obey the Diarchs? They’re no longer here, after all.”

Turquoise’s reply was automatic. “Because it’s our moral imperative.”

“But do you truly want to?” Cadance asked, gently.

Grandmaster Turquoise narrowed her eyes. “Yes. Obviously.” However, she did not elaborate any further.

It was Saint Twilight who picked up the ball. “The Book left to us by the Diarchs contains the blueprint for how to best maintain order in this nation today. That is what we strive for, above all: a world stable and united.”

Rarity’s eyes narrowed critically. “Under your direct supervision, I take it?”

“I am the only one who can.” The reply was calm and almost impossibly self-assured. It felt more like a statement of fact than an opinion.

Rarity’s eyes widened. The gall of this mare. Could her ambition truly be so juvenile as world domination? Yet when Rarity studied the Saint’s face, there was no bravado in it.

And still no blue glow. Saint Twilight genuinely believed she had the right, means, and qualifications to govern the entire planet. Rarity’s jaw tightened at the implication, and her heart began to race.

“Now that is nonsense,” said Heartwing, shaking his head. “Creatures were governing themselves before Celestia and Luna appeared, and even they made mistakes. What can you do that your Diarchs couldn’t?”

Turquoise opened her mouth as if to say something, but closed it immediately.

Instead, it was Saint Pinkamena who spoke. “If you joined us, you would find out.”

“No thanks,” Ninelives declined. “I’m going to need more concrete information first.”

“Yes, I believe such a consequential decision should not be made in haste.” Cadance gracefully and without apparent effort inserted herself into the conversation. Even seated, she suddenly loomed large in size and presence both, seizing the reins of conversation. “Now then, since you have made clear your position on unicorns, Saint Twilight, perhaps we could make something else easier for you? Bringing about world peace, while a noble endeavor, won’t be a cakewalk with your numbers. Surely there is some other aspect of your grand strategy you could tackle first, and put aside the distribution of these amulets for a few years, yes? Moreover, what exactly does your vision of ‘peace’ even entail?”

Saint Twilight barely needed to think, replying almost immediately. “I’ve already deduced this is the best path forward. Uniting ponykind is step one, but the residents of both Angel’s Rest and the Crystal Empire will not be genuinely receptive to our leadership until we first demonstrate our ability in the Diarchy.”

“And I understand that,” Cadance said. “But surely the Diarchy is plagued by myriad issues besides racial discrimination. You could tackle poverty, or violence.”

“Some of us even have experience there already,” Rarity said. She then pointed behind her to Lofty and Emberglow, both of whom bashfully accepted the acknowledgement.

Brushing a lock of mane off of her face, Mayor Caucus Flower hummed in agreement. “It takes a village.”

This clearly piqued Saint Fluttershy’s interest. “They have a point. We were going to deal with those problems later, right Twilight? What’s stopping us from doing so sooner?”

Rarity’s smile grew a bit more genuine. Jackpot. Now they just needed to get everyone on board, and then she might actually be able to witness Equestria return to a semblance of its old self, instead of twisting itself further and further around dogma.

Perhaps she had misunderstood these Saints after all. The whole rest of the table and beyond faced Saint Twilight expectantly.

“I considered that route already, statistically unlikely though it was,” Saint Twilight noted, studying Saint Fluttershy side-eyed. “By some metrics, it is an improvement. However, the reduction in bloodshed and increased abundance will prompt trade, and if the race issue is not solved beforehoof, then tensions will—”

However, as she spoke, a trail of tell-tail smoke materialized in the air in front of Heartwing. Green tongues of flame flashed in a familiar bit of spellwork, and a scroll fell to the table.

“Excuse me, terribly sorry for the interruption…” Heartwing didn’t sound entirely sincere. “But I should probably check this.” He reached for the parchment and unrolled it.

After only a few seconds, his expression contorted in bile and outrage. Heartwing burst upright and knocked his chair aside. “Draw your weapons!” he ordered, near the top of his lungs.

The assembled Knights, after only the barest moment of hesitation at the abrupt, unexpected command, drew their weapons. The cold shine of spears and swords reflected the magelight from overhead at odd angles.

The brows of nearly everyone present, notably even Saint Fluttershy and Saint Pinkamena, shot up in surprise. Both turned to face Saint Twilight. “Did you do something…?” asked Pinkamena hesitantly.

Paladin Ten shifted on her feet as Six and Seven adopted ready stances. The earlier susurrus from the crowd returned, tinged with anxiety and fear. Only Saint Twilight remained unaffected, impassive.

Rarity wheeled on Heartwing, alarmed. “Darling, what on earth…?”

Practically vibrating in place, he crushed the scroll into a ball in his magic and glared with contempt at the suspiciously serene Saint.

“The Diarchy is marching on the Crystal Empire.”