Warsong: Primordial Conflict

Quiet Fire’s POV

Cloudchaser and I proceeded through a hallway that seemed to expand a lot farther than we anticipated. Thankfully, it felt like it was shortened as I had conversed with Din over Thi. She expressed such fond enthusiasm about it.

I’m really fired up now!! Are you sure we can’t break through everything and hurry this up?? Din excitably asked impatiently. It was completely jarring and made me uncomfortable how eager she was.

‘Din, just calm down a little. If we rush now, you’ll never get that opportunity you’ve been fighting so hard for.’ I thought to her. Din grumbled but didn’t argue. ‘In any case, Thi really is the final piece of the ascension?’ Din scoffed.

Need I remind you that what the Tree of Power told us? The one who bears Malevolence Bane will be the key to our victory. I knew I had a good feeling about her! She truly does resemble Excalibur himself now that I can confirm it! She cackled like a child. It was still hard for me to believe. I can’t help but feel like the fae were partially responsible for the sudden change in my best friend. But I can’t deny Din her enthusiasm. I wonder if Thi is aware now of her heritage?

I would want to question her more, but at the moment, first things first. I glanced at Cloudchaser as the pegasus seemed to be lost in thought. I noticed her fidgeting her hooves together. We finally reached a set of steps to our left and ascended them. For some reason, the steps were quite steep. How were ponies able to walk through here without stumbling over themselves? We stepped through the door way and found ourselves in another hall. The decorations were surprisingly sparse. Any hint of the past this castle had was only met with cobwebs and ancient dust.

“How are we ever going to find Flitter in here?” Cloudchaser asked, her worry starting to increase. I pat her hoof reassuredly.

“With our luck, we either walk in on Triad that have Flitter or she’ll find us.” I said with a soft smile. Cloudchaser looked at me in confusion. I sighed and shook my head. “It was a joke, babe.” Cloudchaser tried to muster a smile but failed. My heart couldn’t stand seeing her like this. The twins had been a good boost to moral and inspiration ever since I started this journey with them. Flitter always supported from the backlines with Scribble and I can tell that without her, Cloudchaser’s confidence is shot.

My ears then twitched as I heard what sounded like the chorus clanking of armor and hoof steps. I looked around in a slight panic, the barren hallway unable to provide anything for us. Cloudchaser must have heard it too and motioned for me to follow her. We hurried down the hall and found a door way that was caved in but had enough room for us to squeeze into. Cloudchaser went in first and I followed after. It was a tight fit that we pressed against each other.

Trying to calm my intrusive thoughts in the moment, I listened in as the clanking got louder and louder. Voices were then heard.

“…As you requested.” A baritone voice spoke with a slight rasp. We peeked out and saw the centaur reached at his belt and pulled out a purple pouch. A distinct sound of a heart beat could be heard and pulsing in the pouch. Cloudchaser looked sickened as the centaur passed it to the hooded cloaked figure we saw back in the mire. Din was quick to interpret the dialect.

With enough of this realm’s hope and harmony altogether, the cycle of rebirth will continue. Are the preparations ready for our arrival? Din spoke. It was like she was forced to understand it as she felt like she was sickened by the words. The centaur crossed his muscular arms.

“Unfortunately, the setbacks have been greatly inconveniencing progress. Seems General Lilac is not the leader she had inherited to be.” He said with a smug smile. The cloaked figure glided slowly ahead of them, the hissing distorted voice washing an icy chill over both of us.

Her part along with this kingdom’s own ruler still are vital to our arrival. The one bearing fire has been busy and successfully brought five together. And somehow, I can feel that she is ever so close to finding the oldest. Din spoke. This made Din widen in shock. Quiet Fire… I… I felt the back of my entire coat stand on end. Was it me or was the cloaked figure looking in our direction. There was no doubt about it. It knows we are here. It then spoke, turning around to the centaur. We have time. Let us allow events to play out as intended. We still have to express our gratitude towards our guest. Din spoke. My eyes widened.

“It has been quite fun. And annoying at the same time.” A voice said, the pony stepping out of the shadows. Not just a pony. The scalene bald head, serpentine eyes in the guise of a brown earth pony with a snake tail slithering behind him. Ouroboros was beaming happily. “I was wondering when you’d invite me to your little house on the prairie.” He whistled. “Hard to believe this place isn’t what is used to be. I had fond memories creating mischief here.”

I felt Din shake angrily. I did my best to ensure both of us to remain calm and not blow our cover. Though, at this point, we are already had by the figure. Ouroboros probably knows as well. What Din spoke next had me a little baffled.

Tis a shame the stars have abandoned you. But do not fret for long. Your powers will return in time. Din translated. Ouroboros shrugged.

“Just like the seven, I’m under the radar. No scale off my back. It’s a nice change to just relax and let loose. Mortals certainly know a good time.” Ouroboros said. “Though, I’m a little curious. You’ve spoken to Equualie during your time here. Has she cracked enough?” The figure nodded.

Her strength is with us. Do not worry. It will be soon that her aid will be valuable. Din spoke. Ouroboros sighed and nodded. The group then proceeded to continue walking down the hall.

“One more thing. What are we going to do about our ah… burning star? Not that I’m worried. I’m just curious on what the plan is.” Ouroboros asked.

In due time. What you must know is that every piece is in play. When the Tree has blossomed, we will feast. Din said, her tone sounding as if the words were dawning on her. The group of creatures proceeded down the hall and turned a corner out of sight. When we were sure the coast was clear, Cloudchaser and I squeezed out of hiding. Cloudchaser shivered.

“Everytime that figure speaks, I get serious death chills.” She said. I nodded.

“Not only that, it knows we are here. And of course, it doesn’t seem to matter to them.” I replied. Cloudchaser blinked.

“You can understand it? I get a serious headache just hearing it.” Cloudchaser said. I shifted my look to a serious one.

“Come on. We gotta’ find Flitter. Nothing we can do against eldritch monstrosities.” I said as we proceeded to cautiously approach the corner. Peeking out around it, it appears we have arrived to the main foyer. To our surprise, there was no sign of any Triad around. We expected to be swarmed with them inside. Still keeping cautious, we made our way out towards the set of steps leading up. The room was massive, but at the same time, sparse with decorations.

No banners, no flags, not even wilted flowers or destroyed furniture. Just simple decay and rubble. When we got to the top of the steps, a pair of tall double oak doors, decayed and cracked, barred our way. Cloudchaser placed a hoof on the door and pushed. The door didn’t budge. She tried pulling, still didn’t budge. I sighed and looked over my shoulder, looking to see if there was another way aside from the main lobby entrance. My heart skipped a beat when we heard the sound of hooves galloping and echoing across the room. It was at any moment they could burst through. Have we’ve been spotted? Bracing ourselves, we waited to face the Triad.

Only, the door didn’t burst open. In fact, the echoing gallops were going further and further away. There was no mistaken the call to arms of the Triad. My only guess is that Thi and Scribble got caught. I was about to head back towards the main entrance when the door we stood in front of creaked open. We spun around and gasped as we looked up to a looming, hulking mass of a centaur. He eyed us, as if realizing the bugs he had come across. Several more figures emerged and we stepped back down the steps.

The bipedal armored dogs bared their halberds at us, aimed to strike. The centaur crossed his arms and grinned.

“To what pleasure has the Fire Demon graced us with? When the alarm sprang about intruders, I should have guessed it’d been the heroes sent by Equestria.” He said. Cloudchaser gulped while I was getting ready into my stance. The centaur noticed this and waved a hand at me. “At ease, pony. Aren’t you supposed to be the sensible one?” I narrowed my eyes.

“From what I’ve been through, sense is starting to leave me.” I replied. “Where’s Flitter Glider?” The centaur raised a brow.

“You ponies have strange names. For all I know, you could be asking about a flower or a metaphor. How about a strong name. For example.” He then bumped his chest with his fist. “Tyrone. Such a strong name, don’t you think?” I shook my head.

“No stranger than Megan Williams. But I’m not here to talk names. Lilac colored pony, mint straight mane. A pegasus with a bow. Considered very important to Triad.” I arched a brow. “Even better. A zebra mare that is the next in line to the throne.” Tyrone sighed and slumped.

“We have two. And so many others at our bending might. You know how little that narrows it down?” He replied.

“Then how about we have you remember us!” Cloudchaser snarled, crackling Hercules’s gauntlet. Tyrone cracked his neck and smirked. Magic began to swirl between his horns.

“Unlike my nephew, I can make a god scream.” He grinned challengingly. I returned his smirk.

“Then why are you licking the boot of an eldritch being?” I challenged.

“Survival.” He simply stated before waving two fingers to the dog guards. They growled and snarled as they advanced. Cloudchaser readied herself as I called upon my staff, getting into a ready stance. The dog guards rushed us. I was expecting more of a fight, but it turned out to be a comical routine where we confused the dogs enough that they’d stumble and hit one another. I had called away my staff and just focused on dodging, effectively having the dogs fall onto themselves in a pile. Cloudchaser and I exchanged a glance before shrugging and facing Tyrone.

Tyrone rubbed his face in frustration.

“Give them everything and they still are clumsy mutts…” He muttered. Cloudchaser arched a brow.

“Frankly, the Triad would have been a better option. But from the sound of it, they are preoccupied with something else.” She smirked. Tyrone waved a hand in front of him.

“They are merely for show. I promised them my grandfather’s bones for their meals if they played the part well.” He sighed. I gave a disturbed look.

“Enough of this! Where is my sister!?” Cloudchaser growled, readying her gauntlet. Tyrone didn’t respond. Only smirked. I balked as Cloudchaser zipped towards him and began to punch and wail on him, the centaur having to hold up his arms to defend himself.

“Cloudchaser, wait!” I called out. It was too late. Tyrone grinned and with a swift brush of his arm against her hoof, he then grabbed ahold of her wings and swung her around above him before slamming her down the steps. My eyes widened in shock as Cloudchaser bounced and rolled down, her wings bent and misshapen as well as one of her legs bending in the wrong direction. The wind must have gotten knocked out of her as well as she was struggling to breathe.

“Cloudchaser!!” I called out as I galloped over and leaned down, carefully shifting her so she could breathe better. I looked up towards Tyrone as he dusted his shoulder off.

“The one thing I learned about ponies is how aggressive they can be. Nothing but stubby bulls, I suspect.” He replied. I felt the warmth surround me. Din cackled as I felt stranger through my anger. I leaned over Cloudchaser and whispered something that even I couldn’t understand. My lover glowed an amber aura and I watched as her body mended itself, her wings shaping back to normal and her leg no longer mangled. Cloudchaser inhaled sharply and sat up, wincing and holding onto her leg in pain.

“Aaaaggghh!! Everything…! Hurts…!!” She cried out. I did my best to calm her. When she blinked out of her hysteria, she looked at me in confusion before looking down at herself. “Fie… how…?” She asked dumbfounded. I let her go gently before standing up and facing the centaur. Tyrone brushed his beard amusedly.

“So… this is the one that creature spoke about. A mane and tail of fire. Coat as black as the abyss. And eyes burning brighter than her own. I’ll admit, your status was questionable. I am glad you are going to prove me wrong.” He grinned. I stepped onto the stairs, my hoof steps leaving a small print of fire behind me. Tyrone’s horns glowed and concentrated at the center before aiming it at me. A massive and powerful spell beam washed over me.

“Fie!!” I heard Cloudchaser call out. Din cackled as Tyrone canceled his spell and his eyes widened in intrigue. I was unharmed. Din’s barrier hugging my body like armor rather than a bubble.

Vessel! This magic!! It’s… it’s… everything a mare could want~! Din swooned. I ignored Din’s strange feelings flowing through her as I stared down the centaur. I wanted him to try something again. A gauge to see how tough he really is. That was, until the door creaked and out stepped General Lilac herself. Din’s gaze fell onto the mare and all her erotic emotions left her for sheer anger and spite. The stoic mare walked towards us.

“Tyrone. What did we say about throwing magic around inside the castle?” She stated, her tone sounding exhausted. Tyrone stepped aside to reveal me arriving at the top of the stairs.

“Welcoming our new guests. Are the intruders apprehended?” He asked coolly. Lilac ignored me and frowned at the centaur.

“That is of no concern to you, beast. My troops will handle it. Though, now I suspect that the intruder is an old enemy.” Lilac grinned. “Excelsior will take care of her. Quiet Fire… how long has it been?” She stared me down. I didn’t respond and only walked towards her. Lilac glanced past me before meeting my look. I stopped as her figure glowed and flailing strands of light forming wings emerged from her. “Is this what you have been looking for?” Din spoke through me.

“Vile creatine! Whore of a dongwasp!! You dare hold power that doesn’t belong to you?! Your head will be staked upon the world serpent’s fangs once I chop it, and his, off! After I sever your limbs from your own hide!!” Din spat venomously. Lilac remained stoic.

“By all means. Destroy this place and all the lives within it. You’ll only solidify Equestria’s downfall.” Lilac spoke. I took over this time.

“You’re right. I’m not ashamed to admit that. I wasn’t in control at the time. But I think you can see how far I’ve come.” I replied, returning her stoic look. “You and I are going to have a long chat.” Lilac was unamused. She looked to Tyrone.

“It wants to see you.” She said. Tyrone snorted and stamped away calmly into the doorway. Cloudchaser walked over to me.

“Where’s my sister?” Cloudchaser asked coldly. Lilac looked to her.

“Subject Zero? Further inside.” She said. Cloudchaser bristled, but I put a hoof to her and she eased. General Lilac exhaled and when the light vanished, her legs quivered and she nearly stumbled. Din and I took note of this in unison before easing our own power. With the tension lowered to some degree, Lilac spun on her hooves and shambled through the doorway. Cloudchaser leaned in towards me.

“What is wrong with everycreature here?” She asked. I shook my head.

“We’re going to find out.” I replied.

Thi Billet’s POV

Scribble and I were facing the edge of the castle rampart. The wide open space having Triad at attention as Xena and Lo Mien held us at gun point. We looked down into the crashing waves below. My eyes them looked to the sleek, serpentine dragon like mecha that idled along a cliff side and watched us. Just what is that thing? I glanced at Scribble, who seemed to have his eyes closed. Weather in thought or prayer, there was only death waiting for us.

Unfortunately for the Triad, I’m a hard mare to kill. I already have a dumb idea that I’m betting fifty-fifty on. I then looked over my shoulder through the corner of my eye.

“Lo Mien. Don’t we go way back? I know we have had a few tussles here and there, but don’t you think this begets the whole reason we are fighting for?” I asked. Lo Mien didn’t speak. “I mean, I understand why you would do all of this just for me. I…” I sighed. “I’m not a nice pony. Never stated I was. Can you at least hear what I have to say before you pull the trigger?” Lo Mien’s eyes narrowed. With the way she was postured, I could tell she was under some control. Whatever was done to her wasn’t as effective.

I know Lo Mien. She always comes prepared. And seeing the life in her eyes compared to Xena, it was a dead give away. I faced ahead, standing firm and straight.

“I was never a good comrade to you or the others. I was always running off by myself and doing a lot of dumb stuff that would always nearly jeopardize the mission. And of course.. it lead to six hundred thousand we can never get back. Despite all of that, I ran. Weather to cope or to deny myself any redemption, I ran away as far as I could. And anything that caught up to me, I would face it with a cocky grin and an arsenal. It was an… exhilarating rush of dopamine.” I glanced at Scribble, who was side-eyeing me. “And after jumping ship and going freelance, I never looked back. Not until recently. The many creatures I’ve harmed. The many lives I’ve taken intentionally or assisted, I grew to build a wall that painted “justice” with the blood of the many lives.

“The Triad, deserving of some needed beatings, was the only thing keeping me held at that excuse. You know as well how much the Triad are responsible for a lot of deaths like I am. So, why side with them? Killing me for your satisfaction is only the starting point. You maybe stone cold and a killer, but you are not heartless. Believe it or not, I did consider you, Cassette and the others as friends.”

“And yet, you still chose the path of death.” She finally spoke. “You chose to abandon your Equinanity. You brought every bad luck upon all who you came across. I saw it back in Trottingham. That pegasus would have never thought to do such an act. But then I am reminded constantly about you. Your influence is just as bad as the power elements.” She eyed me coldly. “The fact you are here shows you haven’t changed in the slightest.”

“That is enough, subject.” A voice spoke. Lo Mien stiffened and stood to the side along with Xena. Lo Mien was incredible. Blinking out of my stupor, Scribble and I turned to see a heavily armored bipedal dog bearing a spear and escorting a mustachioed pony with swirling lenses. Something about the ragged look and strange accessories was like something out of a cartoon. “No need to waste precious resources. These two will make for excellent test subjects.”

“And you are?” Scribble asked calmly. The pony stepped forward and cleared his throat.

“Professor Gluten. Head scientist for the Equestrian Ministries Incorporated and creator of Excelsior.” He looked out to the cliff side and sighed. The massive mecha serpent seemed to be scanning the waves. “My greatest creation second to the Bi-Pod Skipper.” He sniffled and wiped a tear from under his glasses. Scribble sighed.

“Do the Triad just not care for who they put in charge? I swear, half of the reason we are so lucky is because of their choice of leadership.” Scribble said. He then turned his look to me, as if expecting me to answer. I blinked in confusion.

“Huh? You want me to answer that? I still have no clue how they can even do half the things they do logically.” I hummed. “Well… maybe three certain ponies… but I’m not sure they are inclined to talk to us about anything.” I replied. Professor Gluten waved a hoof in front of him.

“So long as the ideals match. There is plenty of nuance to the system, as far as I can say. But that is not your concern at the moment. Nor is it mine.” He then began to pace. “You see, as head scientist, I have been given the exclusive privilege to watch over our Queen and study her mind and body as much as I desire. For she holds a power greater than any mortal can hold.”

“Let me guess. Lux.” I said. The professor nodded.

“The light of the very ideal she created. The foundation of what drives our community forward. With her acquiring of this power, she has so graciously given it in fractions to test upon what you’ve experienced. And we have plans to do more. All simple guessing really. It’s amazing how a primal’s power can regress such data. Ancient as time itself.” He replied.

“And the point, point dexter?” Scribble asked.

“To see how far the extent of Lux’s power can go. We’ve broken the limits at least ten times already within a month! And with the help of an advisor, the output has been greatly rewarding in data.” He held out a hoof towards Excelsior. “Our fair queen. One who will guide us from the abyss and into the light, has merged her body, mind and spirit into Lux. Together, they guide us in our advancement.” He marveled.

“And yet, something doesn’t add up.” Scribble spoke. “The abundance of resources.” Professor Gluten arched a brow.

“Whatever do you mean? Pony Land has been ripe with untouched land and hidden discoveries! Why, we’ve combed the nation top to bottom! Faced the guardians and monsters alike to bring data back! There was not a single speck of dirt we have not put to use.” He said, grinning under his stache. “For wherever we go, the land gives unto us its’ life. And it continues to give without dying.”

“And how long is that going to last?” Scribble asked unamused. “It still doesn’t add up. How is one nation still able to give and give and give. What is the point of taking if it is abundantly filled to the brim with boons. Why start a war over nothing? What is the real reason we are fighting?” Scribble rubbed his chin. “Even searching through the files in your old bases, nothing was conclusive. My only guess is that something otherworldly has happened. And that’s not even a stretch if you are aware of your Queen’s plight.

“My issue is that nothing is making sense. All the ideals we’ve heard throughout our journey have been one simple ideal of an individual and not the status quo. It’s as if you all stubbornly refuse to admit that you have no idea what or why you are doing it all anymore. Was it lost to time? Is it up for interpretation? Why is the Triad continuing to exist? Why is it so… cultish?” He sighed. “Even if you lost your status quo, that doesn’t excuse any of the inequine kidnapping of creatures, threats and attempt of assassinations on our princesses’s lives or the invasion of our home.

“If Queen Moonlight Sonata had any animosity to our royals, why go through all this trouble? Why do any of this? Why has she not been voicing herself in this whole situation?” His eyes locked on to the professor. I studied Scribble to see what he was getting at. And it did dawn on me.

“That’s right…” I began. I faced the professor. “We haven’t heard from Sonata throughout our entire conflict… And I know Sonata on a personal level. She can talk herself for as long as she wants too.” I furrowed my look to concern. “Sonata maybe batshit crazy, but not once has she actively stepped hoof into any of this that she would for sure would have made herself known.” I then frowned. “And why has she been skipping out on those out of body experiences Fie keeps mentioning? What… did you do to Sonata?”

The weather was being strange. It was sunny outside when we arrived at the castle, but now distant storm clouds were fast approaching. The distant rumble of thunder could be heard as everypony went quiet. Professor Gluten adjusted his glasses.

“How astute.” He said. Scribble glared at him.

“So that’s why everypony seems to think they are in charge during situations… General Lilac… what about her? She’s been actively involved in almost everything. But I’m guessing lately, Lilac has been slipping.” Scribble said, his eyes narrowing. I nodded.

“Her lap dog was better at managing things until I killed her back in Trottingham.” I said. “Ever since, it just seems like Lilac has been letting things go past her watch or better yet, allowing certain things because she has no time for it.” I lowered myself into a ready stance. “I knew something was off the moment the Triad decided to take in zebra. And here I was thinking you finally got rid of your prejudice.” My eyes glinted. “So… who’s the eldritch monstrosity running this joint?”

Professor Gluten met my challengingly look. He then withdrew a black crystal. It strangely bubbled a bit like hot tar as he placed it on the ground and stepped back.

“Hail to your king.” The professor spoke. Xena, Lo Mien and all of the Triad in attendance suddenly began to shake and shudder, some of them screaming in pain and clutching at themselves. Our eyes widened in shock as the professor grinned under his stache. Lo Mien fell onto her side and writhed in agony while Xena clutched her head and screamed into to the darkening clouds that were quickly approaching. Black tar seeped out of everypony’s eyes and mouths, snaking along the ground and through the cracks of the rampart.

They converged on the crystal and the tar began to bubble and grow. The bubbling tar began to take the shape of a tall, unicorn stallion with a sharp, jagged red horn. His normal features being caked in tar. Yet, when the eyes opened, it eyed us with a sickening green hue that had black tendrils flailing at the edges. The Triad, Lo Mien and Xena straightened from their agony and their eyes now were blackened over, the tar like substance trickling down their cheeks and sides of their muzzles.

“What on our fair green earth…” Scribble said shaken, his stoicism completely gone. Professor Gluten stepped next to the amalgamation of tar and pony.

“Do you like it? The product of both primal and equine ingenuity! Rebirth! This specimen holds the memories and will of everycreature combined to create a perfect ideal!” My eyes widened again as from the creature’s back unfurled bone like wings that flapped once, flicking the tar off of it. Professor Gluten hummed and stroked his stache. “Incomplete. Drat. But that’s to be expected in science. Progress is made, nonetheless.” He said. I growled and called upon Vigilance, aiming the sword at him.

“You bastard…! Is this really all some scientific experiment to you?! Aren’t they your own kind?! How many more must you steal away for these failures?!” I spat. Professor Gluten smirked.

“Don’t preach to me about caring for your own kind, Billet. Perhaps if you weren’t so adamant against our own nation, we wouldn’t be here.” He chuckled. I felt my blood boil and was about to move when Scribble stepped in front of me, facing the scientist.

“None of us should even be here. Not even you, Gluten. Yet, I’m starting to suspect you wanted this to happen. Ponies like you live in the moment of war and strife. What did that thing promise you? Why go through all this trouble for failures?” He said stoically. Somehow, Scribble was looking cooler than usual. Gluten scoffed.

“Don’t you understand? The light that we so look forward to? We would discard our flesh, memories and ideals to create the perfect race to be in charge of this realm. Creatures like ponies, dragons, griffons, minotaur, abyssinians, you name it, have no right to stake their claims on this land. Long ago, this world was birthed by a race thought to be the true creators and pioneers of every generation. The light of our rebirth! Our creation into the true generation! We are in the abyss ever seeking the light! Our fair queen’s ideal is this! Returning to our origins!” Gluten marveled.

Scribble stepped back a little, his expression disturbed and concerned, his eyes darting between everypony. Yet, I smirked and stepped up next to him. Professor Gluten narrowed his eyes at me.

“Ha! Well ain’t that a buck in the head? C’mon, Scribble. Didn’t you say that every Triad we met had their own idea of what the ideal is? Gluten here is no different.” I said. Scribble looked at me with worry. Gluten scoffed.

“And what do you know, you brainless mercenary?” He retorted. I tapped my horn.

“Because even though I’m brainless, I have enough to know that my experiences with Moonlight Sonata is quite intimate. She wouldn’t approve of this at all. I mean, how ridiculous is it that she would want something so disgusting and unnatural to be even on any level with or above her?” I pointed at the creature. “Whatever this is? Sonata would have never given any funding over it. The robots and all the ancient magic relics in the world are the only thing Sonata cared about.

“So I’ll ask again. Who’s the eldritch monstrosity making the calls here and where is your glorified queen?” I narrowed my eyes challengingly at the professor. All of this still doesn’t add up. My scuffs with General Lilac and Sonata are much more organized and way better than this. As much as I hate to admit this, I can’t believe I’m going to try and get my worst enemies out of this mess if I can. This goes against everything I’ve fought for. Every incident I’m responsible for with them.

Is this even the right thing to do? This won’t redeem me of anything but… I can’t just let this go unchecked. Sonata maybe a bitch and cold hearted tyrant with handling her own troops and managing her own military, but not once has she ever vied for anything other than herself. The superior Queen Moonlight Sonata is in deep shit. I then aimed Vigilance at the monstrosity that seemed to be struggling to move.

My eyes widened when the tip of the sword glowed and a spell beam fired into the creature and it bubbled before exploding into the black tar, coating every creature in the area. Well that was unexpected. Professor Gluten fell onto his haunches, dumbfounded.

“You… what have you’ve done?!” He exclaimed. I frowned.

“Probably the world a favor. I don’t quite get what’s the end goal here for all of this, but I do know one thing. This is the reason why we are here at all. Quiet Fire and the rest of us are going to end this right here. Time for the Triad to get their due.” I shouldered Vigilance and faced the professor. Gluten lowered his head before removing his glasses. When he lifted his head up to face me, his eyes were glowing green with black tendrils on the sides.

“Excelsior!!” He called out. Scribble and I quickly spun around and faced the mecha dragon shifting its’ gaze towards us, slithering along the rocky stalactites before looming over us. Professor Gluten held out a hoof. “Break these two! I’ll lobotomize them later!” He grinned. Excelsior’s visor clamped over its’ face and its’ jaw unhinged, electricity being charged at the center. I balked and immediately took ahold of Scribble’s hoof. Without hesitation, I galloped forward and leapt off the edge towards Excelsior right as the electricity discharged where we were seconds ago. Scribble yelled as we began to fall towards the crashing waves.

I then flicked my head below me and bounced around the body of Excelsior. The mecha dragon began to slither away and I ended up nicking a sharp spine that injured my hind leg, causing me to mistime my pad and we ended up falling into the ocean. The wave torrent was incredibly strong as Scribble and I were being tossed around like ragdolls in the water. I flailed desperately, hoping to at least get ahold of Scribble. My hooves felt something spiny and I was certain I had grabbed onto one of the stalactites.

Yet, without moving, I found myself being lifted upward. I broke through the surface and I let out a loud gasp for air. Coughing what salt water I had ingested, I opened my eyes and saw myself holding onto a sea pony. The creature looked over itself and smiled.

“That looked dangerous.” She said worriedly. I blinked and looked around. Scribble emerged from the water, coughing as another sea pony helped him. I looked to my own and smiled.

“Thanks for the save.” I rasped, before wincing. The salt water was starting to sting my wound that it was beginning to feel like a sharp knife constantly dragging across it. The other sea pony carrying Scribble swam over to the other and nodded.

“Let’s go before that mean ol’ dragon gets antsy again.” She said. The two began to swim away as I looked over my shoulder, seeing the head of the mecha lower onto the rampart and its’ head popped open. I grimaced, seeing Xena climb in along with Lo Mien.

“Better hide quick. Lo Mien and Xena won’t mess around.” I told her. The two sea ponies picked up a burst of speed as we disappeared around the side of the base. I tilted my head slightly as three other sea ponies came around the corner, tugging a raft. It was as if they knew this was going on. Scribble hoisted himself onto the raft before helping me up. Without hesitation, he dug through his soaking saddle bag and withdrew damp gauzes. As he tended to my wound, I felt a funny feeling stir inside.

“Heh. Guess I screwed up again, didn’t I?” I said suddenly. Scribble wrapped my leg and met my look, his stoicism mixed with exhaustion.

“I don’t even know why I bother.” He replied. I smirked.

“Because I’m just so endearing?” I teased. Scribble shook his head.

“Because you are so frustrating. And so… stubborn and stupid!” He suddenly snapped. I winced. “You always rush off ahead! You don’t listen! I don’t think there is ever a dumber pony on this planet that I’ve met that has the capacity to make her death wish a career! It also doesn’t help at how much you seem to treat us like we are nothing but coworkers!” He slumped as he sat on his haunches. “I don’t think I can say anything more. Fie already has that covered. I’ve realized something on this journey.” He studied his forehoof. “Through all the torture, fights, diplomatic talks and surviving even the most impossible feats that should kill us, it’s always you that seem to push ahead. Both you and Fie!

“Cloudchaser and Flitter have always supported us through thick and thin, but they never felt within their right to go beyond their boundaries! You take it to a whole new level!” He met my look, an expression of desperation and frustration on his face. “And you act like nothing ever matters! Don’t you have anypony aside from Fie, that matter?? Your parents? Your siblings?? Other friends??” He shook his head. “How can somepony throw everything away just to satisfy a thrill??” He sighed.

“I went along on this journey because I wanted to feel like I can do some good for Equestria. To study up on ways so that nothing like Pleasant Town can ever happen again. And I’m only realizing now how much farther away that goal is.” I was speechless. Scribble hugged himself, shivering from the cold wind that the eventual rain was bringing in. “I’ve failed ponies way too many times in the past… and seeing what has been happening between you and Fie, it only hits home a lot harder than I’d like. I was never there when my siblings truly needed me. I was always off trying to discover what our vast world offers not out of a career choice, but a damned distraction. A distraction from… how useless I really am around ponies.

“I can make the earth tremble. The air breathe to my whim. Even command fire, ice and lightning with a flick of my hoof. If only I could apply all that knowledge, all that curiosity into bettering myself for my home and my siblings, maybe I can face the world openly and no longer keep quiet.” He looked at me again. “Fie is carrying the world and you are clawing your way through all the filth. Cloudchaser and Flitter are chugging along to the beat of their own rhythm. And yet, I’m unable to make peace with myself. I’m no closer to being the pony I want to be than when I left. Is anything I’m doing at all bettering myself? For them? For my friends?” Scribble bowed his head, his damp bangs darkening his face. “I’m so damned lost that I can’t even think clearly…” I don’t know why I feel so terrible suddenly.

I then put my hoof over his and he looked up slightly.

“I… really am not the best pony to be venting something like that too. But I will tell you one thing. Fie, the sisters and I really do appreciate everything you do. You’ve done a lot more to keep us all grounded than going out of control. Frankly… without you… we wouldn’t be here at all. And yeah, I’m a shit pony to be around. And it’ll be a long while for me to show others that I can be my better self. But I don’t think I can do that alone.” I smiled softly at him. “We never had to question anything you do because you are way smarter than any of us. Maybe you don’t need to work to better yourself because you already are your best self. I think what you need is just an understanding of how important you really are.” I didn’t hesitate. This funny feeling inside of me was starting to burst and I couldn’t hold back.

I leaned in and gently placed my lips against his, closing my eyes. I was expecting Scribble to pull away. Imagine my surprise when he accepted it in his own awkward way. The taste of salt being a bit of a nuisance in the moment. We held the kiss for a bit before I pulled away. Scribble kept his stoic look, but his posture told me he was feeling exhausted. We didn’t speak. Our hooves intertwined with one another’s as we met each other’s eyes. Scribble had always been a reliable stallion. And I think I’ve realized that back in Hoofington. I have never been so sure of myself now more than ever.

Not even the rising mecha dragon that loomed over us could have made this moment uncertain. I stood up and faced Excelsior. Scribble put a hoof to my hindleg, tightening the wrap before meeting my look. I grinned.

“I’m not running this time. Two ponies are in there that need our help. Just be ready to patch me up for my own stupidity.” I said. Scribble smiled only slightly.

“As if anything you do isn’t stupid already.” He replied. I called Vigilance to me and flourished the blade in my magic.

”You leave us with no other choice, Billet. For the sake of the entire world and by order of S.M.I.L.E., you are to be executed here and now. It’s been fun, ‘old friend.’” Lo Mien’s voice spoke. The sea ponies panicked and dove into the water. I smiled determinedly up at the mecha.

“Sorry, Lo. You should know me better than that. In fact, let me show you what I’ve been recently improving myself on.” I called out to her before walking off the raft, using my magic to make platforms under me. I was feeling strangely light. Even more so as I held Vigilance.

”This one you won’t win.” Lo spoke as the mecha opened up its’ jaw and charged electricity. My eyes widened. I quickly sprang upward to torso level with the mecha, springing to the side when it released the charge. I flipped and caught myself on my platform. I smirked.

“That’s right! Eyes on me!” I called out as I aimed Vigilance at the mecha. To my surprise, I felt a flowing surge of power and Vigilance flared with a burning golden aura. I heard an annoyed groan before sides of Excelsior separated and began to fly towards me. I quickly shifted, avoiding a pink laser from one of the separated parts. With a flourish of Vigilance, I bounded and avoided the swarm of lasers and parts.

”W-what is this?! How is she…?” I heard Xena spoke.

”Stay focused. Thi is annoyingly bold.” Lo replied with a slight growl. I dodged and bounced around, even using some of the separated parts to surf on before continuing my dodging. I have to do something. These things are starting to catch up with me. I balked as one shot up and aimed at me. I swatted the piece away with Vigilance, seeing it cut in half as I did and exploding, knocking me away. I tumbled through the air before weaving my magic into a net to catch me. I blinked in confusion, my eyes falling to Vigilance.

I gasped as several more flew over to me and hovered around me. I then began to swing and from the magical aura released a slashing wave of light that sliced the parts, causing a chain reaction of explosions. I stood up on my platform and had a dumb big grin on my face. I then turned and faced Excelsior.

”Dammit! All weapon systems lock on!” Lo shouted. Excelsior seemed to nearly fall apart on itself as every compartment it had opened and several lines of artillery began to charge up. I felt a cold droplet hit my cheek and I took a deep breath. As the rain began to fall, I felt the power surge through me. Right as the lightning flashed and thunder rumbled loudly did Excelsior unleash a torrent of bright lights and archaic energy. Time had slowed as I thought back to my times with Fie. How much that dorky little mare managed to become Equestria’s sole hope for survival.

Cloudchaser and Flitter. Two pegasi whom I certainly didn’t have high standards for due to Fie’s filly crush on one of them. I couldn’t have been more wrong and happier to see the two Wonderbolts blow my expectations. I won’t treat them any less anymore. Flitter needs our help and I want to be there to help. My thoughts went to Scribble. Always stoic and focused. Hard to believe that he thinks so little of himself yet able to push above the call of duty.

I always found him odd. Mysterious. Seemingly shifting himself on a dime whenever he wants to. Yet that didn’t stop me from developing something for him. I never saw myself ever falling for anypony and any I would end up with is just an obligation. And yet, Scribble drew my attention that even I wasn’t aware of. I wasn’t kidding that without him, the ones Equestria is counting on would be dead long ago. He’s just as important to every creature in the world. And he’s become somepony important to me. Seems I have more ponies to apologize to.

I suddenly felt lighter and when I focused up, almost all the artillery converged on me. A voice then spoke through my mind.

I’ll survive.

The world flashed around me, loud booms and intense power washed over me. I dug my hooves into my conjured platform, roaring loudly as I then slashed Vigilance out in front of me, splitting the beams in twine. The light wave traveled downward, slicing at whatever spell and object that got in its’ way. Excelsior, despite being armed to the teeth with vulnerabilities, still shifted and nearly avoided its’ decapitation. Excelsior froze as I panted for breath.

My head was thumping and my body ached. However, I stood, keeping Vigilance out in front of me. I looked up and saw a golden shimmer fade in front of me, leaving only the rain and thunder to stir up noise.

Silver Scribble looked up in awe as the light faded. His eyes transfixed on Thi. The mare must have not realized the armor she dawned that lightly hugged her body and the silver and golden silk woven scarf that flowed behind her. He had to support himself from the waves that were beginning to increase in intensity, yet he nearly stumbled as he thought back to his home.

He was smiling as he enjoyed reading the tale of Excalibur to his ill sibling. He always found the story to be quite the fascinating fiction. At least, that is what he thought long ago. Even with the supposed actual relic of the sword and what is possibly Excalibur’s bones himself being unearthed, he believed it all to be just a fantastical venture. Never in his life did he ever think to be going against gods, demons, monsters and even his own kind and creatures of varying species and living to see the direct descendent of Excalibur stand among the crying heavens, the loud drums beating at the signal of the rise of a legend. Never in his life did he think two insufferable mares that he has grown fondly to call companions would be special than anybeing has realized.

And yet, here he is, staring in stunned awe with the sea ponies cheering around him. Scribble couldn’t help but break all stoicism, giving a rather relieved yet baffled expression.

“What the hell was I thinking…?” He said out loud to himself.

I looked at Vigilance, intrigued by the shiny blade that glowed amongst the darkened skies. I then had a massive grin creep along my muzzle that eventually caused me to start laughing.

“Now this is badass!” I grinned, finding a newfound surge of determination. ‘Yes. I won’t run any longer. Fie and I will continue to walk this path together. And this time, I’ll be there every hoof step of the way. But first…’ I swished Vigilance to my side and smirked. “I’m going to save the hell out of you two!” Without a second thought, I flicked my head down and sprang towards them, feeling the momentum being a lot quicker and sharper. It was almost like I was a bullet.

”Wh-what is going on?!?” I heard Xena exclaim in horror.

”Shut up and move!!” Lo Mien growled. Excelsior hissed with steam from the exposed compartments, locking them closed as they swiftly avoided me rocketing at them. However, they didn’t get away unscathed. Vigilance made a decent deep cut into the circuitry of Excelsior’s body. The mecha jittered before Lo directed the claw of the mecha to slice the injury even further, detaching itself from the rest of the body. When it did, energy wings shot out from behind it and it took to the skies. I stopped and flourished my blade.

“Oh no you don’t!” I called out as I then flicked my head down and started bouncing up towards the fleeing mecha. I felt something clamp over my eyes without causing me any disorientation, almost as if something was protecting me from the stormy weather without obstructing my view. I quickly bounced upward, gaining a lot of distance before zipping up toward Excelsior and stabbing Vigilance into the plating and weaved a net together to keep tethered to Vigilance. Excelsior finally came to a stop and began looking around.

”I’m not picking up anything on the radar! Where did she go?” Xena spoke, her voice stern but panicked. Lo Mien was quiet. I grunted a bit and began to climb my way up towards one wing joint of Excelsior. The archaic energy flowing out of it keeping its’ form together. Planting my hooves down, I plucked out Vigilance and like a hot knife through butter, I sliced the wing from the joint and nearly got knocked off as the bellowing explosion of magic erupted. I stabbed Vigilance back into the plating and held on with my weaved net.

Excelsior began to sway and jerk as the lack of a wing caused its’ descent. I thought about going for the other wing, but I kept reminding myself that I am trying to save these two. I need to prove to myself that I am worthy enough to walk with my best friend. That spurred me on and I grinned widely as I then plucked out Vigilance and began to let myself slide down the wet plating as Excelsior took a bit of a nosedive. We were just above Midnight Castle as I proceeded to make my way towards the cockpit. Excelsior crashed into the jagged rockside wall and supported itself by digging its’ claws into the structures of Midnight Castle, destroying a partial amount of the castle.

I let myself free fall a bit off of the mech before bouncing and rolling to my hooves upon landing on bit if rampart and began to gallop towards the claw.

”Systems are failing! Dammit, Thi!! Why won’t you just die?!” Lo Mien shouted. I smirked and flipped upwards onto the claw, galloping up a bit and then giving one good swing of Vigilance, I cut the arm part way. Excelsior tipped as the unison cries from Lo and Xena could be heard upon Excelsior crashing itself into a courtyard. I bounded upwards and stopped to look down at the castle. My eyes could see the Triad and even the professor gathered and watching. Based on the professor’s look, I could count several veins pulsing. My eyes widened as Excelsior suddenly lifted itself and with a loud metal screeching hiss, the head detached from the body and took off into the sky before turning around and hovering to face me. The claws must have separated as well as I had to swiftly bounce away from being sliced as they hovered around me.

”Not yet… I’ve never failed a mission until you showed up. I’m living with that failure for as long as I remain alive!” Lo spoke. ”Six hundred thousand lives. All because some dumb filly played with a bat… You’ll never change, Thi. Whatever this is won’t wash the blood of our hooves.” I studied the cock pit and sighed, nodding.

“You’re right, Lo. Not even trying to save you both from Sombranite influence would redeem me of anything.” I replied. I then swished Vigilance and held it up high. “No pony should ever forgive me for the shit I’ve caused, intentional or not. I’m not the hero of this story. This is much bigger than you or I. But even then… I’m not going to give up here! I owe it to myself to walk with my best friend till everything is settled. If my head has to roll, then it’ll be along with Moonlight Sonata. Until then, I am done running!” I was taken by surprise as lightning shot down and struck Vigilance. However, instead of feeling a volt of electricity that should have killed me, Vigilance seemed to… grow? The blade was longer and flowing with archaic golden magic. I was starting to think this was being a bit overdramatic for whatever indomitable spirit resides in Vigilance, but I did hear words whisper through my mind.

They will be saved. Unharmed.

I then swished Vigilance to my side and sprang into action. Excelsior’s head moved away and let the claws intercept me. Fortunately, one slice of Vigilance broke the claws and I rocketed by, flipping and landing directly on the cockpit. I took the butt of Vigilance and shattered the cockpit visor, seeing Xena and Lo looking up at me in surprise. The black veins running from their head down into their suites. Lo whipped out an arc pistol and fired up at me, but I swiftly avoided it and brought my hind legs around and bucked both mares across the cheek. I then began to wrestle with Xena and Excelsior’s head began to rock and sway, throwing Lo’s aim off.

Excelsior’s head began to fall towards the castle walls.