Warsong: Primordial Conflict

Quiet Fire’s POV

‘Din, behave.’ I told her. Din snorted, yet grinned.

Heheh. It’s all filly play now. Din hummed. Must we really waste time here? I shook my head.

‘Wanting to spend time with my friends and family isn’t wasting time. Besides, you should take a moment to enjoy yourself before we break the news.’ I replied.

But enjoying myself is crushing my opposers under my hooves and the head of a serpent plastered over my domain! I-

I put a hoof on her shoulder to stop her. She paused and looked at me. She then “hmphed” and stepped back a bit. I looked down at Thi. Something looked different about her. Did she gain weight? She looked up at me, her eyes showing concern. I remembered that I was in my Caelum attire and I began to panic a little, forgetting how to turn it off. Being among the ascended for a few months really messed with my normal functions. Din rolled her eyes and drew the power from me and I shrunk to Thi’s level. I blinked and looked down at myself. I was back to normal, save for the fiery hoodie cloak and armor I dawned. Before I could register anything else, Thi threw herself on me into a tight hug. Odd. Usually, this would be a nice feeling. I just smiled and hugged her back.

“I’m back.” I said. Thi stepped away as I was then tackled by the sisters into a tighter hug, one that I began to feel my back beginning to crack. I only laughed and nuzzled back. The sisters pulled away, helping me up as the rest of the room began to gather around me.

“Welcome back, Quiet Fire.” Celestia greeted kindly. My eyes fell onto my family. I was surprised to see them here. But at the same time, I felt glad that they were approaching me and I found myself being pulled into a hug by them. I should feel excited. I want to feel relieved I’m finally back home. But in the back of my mind, I was bracing myself for the inevitable. When the pleasantries were finished (and to my surprise shock that Thi is pregnant with Scribble’s kid) I began to catch everypony up to speed. I explained what had happened during our fight and how I had been taken to Caelum to begin Din’s rite of ascension. The process had taken a bit too long as there were some disturbances amongst what the eldritches call the Tri-Mourn Plane. A rather interesting name that my friends and my family couldn’t help but grimly remind ourselves about.

To make a long story short, this plane is the center point for all three realms, Limbo, Tartarus and Caelum. Part of the rite required me to figure out what was happening. Turns out, the Prisma Nexus’s power inside of me and Din was becoming unstable and disrupting the harmony between the planes. And to Sonata’s anger, I had told them that in order to keep the planes stable, I had to destroy the Prisma Nexus. The pieces now lie scattered throughout the three planes as to prevent it from ever going unstable. And yet, Din snuck some of the power for us. It gave me the galaxy swirls in my eyes that everypony took notice of. I had left out one important change about me, as I figured it wasn’t appropriate right now and looked around the room to everypony.

“So… as of now, the last thing we need to do is ensure the power elements are stable and fully control the stability of the realm. Which means we have to head to the Tree of Power.” I stated. Everycreature exchanged glances. Starswirl stroked his beard in thought.

“Then, what are we waiting for? It is time to save the realm.” He said. Equualie cleared her throat and we looked to her. Still in the guise of Galaxae, she trotted forward to me.

“First, I would like to check up on something in the meantime. Your realm is stable enough that you can have yourself some rest for a while.” She said. I blinked quizzically.

“Huh?” I asked. Equualie smiled and pat my shoulder.

“What I am saying is let your mother ensure a few things here. This’ll be an opportunity to finally relax a little, don’t you think?” She asked me. I rubbed the back of my head. Is she seriously trying to look out for me? And why does she keep labeling herself that title to me? I wish I could be disturbed, but my mind wandered elsewhere.

My real parents and siblings walked over to us. They eyed Equualie curiously, but it was my mother, stoic as always, giving her a disproval stare. And in usual Equualie fashion (as usual in the time I’ve known her) she was unable to properly read the room. Her eyes met my mother’s and she smiled.

“Ahh, but of course, I owe it all to the one mortal who incubated her. Without your help in ensuring her safety she would have been lost. I am deeply indebted to you.” Equualie gave a courteous bow. My mother was offended and did not hesitate.

“Incubate? Of course, I shouldn’t expect an eldritch being to understand mortal normalcies.” My mom replied coldly. My dad and my siblings seemed to share her sentiment.

“What makes you think my sis is even yours?” My brother frowned. “You didn’t have to carry her around for eleven months.” My sister face hoofed.

“Let the grown-ups talk.” She sighed. “Though, I must agree, I do take care on the matter of you calling her yours.” Equualie tilted her head curiously.

“But she is. I’ve carried her before transferring her into the mortal. It was to ensure her protection and to keep her hidden.” She said. I eyed her suspiciously.

“Hiding me from what?” I replied. “You goaded me into this. Fed me half truths with the snake to put me on a path to get me to this point. What are you even trying to do, Equualie? Even in Caelum you were dodgy.” Equualie smiled kindly at me.

“I am afraid that isn’t a matter at the moment. Which is why I must go away for a while.” Equualie replied, turning to my mother. “Please, look after her in the meantime. I’ve heard nothing but praise from Quiet Fire.” I never seen my mom give such an evil eye. I could have sworn I saw a vein popping. But she remained calm, seemingly steeling herself in her response.

“Yes… Because I am the one who gave birth to her.” A dark shadow loomed over her stoic expression, her body shivering. Equualie nodded and turned to me, reaching to brush my bangs. I swatted her hoof away and faced her.

“Whatever you are doing, Equualie, I do not appreciate it. And I’d rather that you attend to your issue as soon as you can before things get a little out of control.” I calmly said to her. Equualie tilted her head curiously, unphased. I pointed at her. “I have some unfinished business. I’ll see you later.” Equualie hummed and smiled.

“As you wish, my child.” She then turned to the others in the room. “May the Creation Mother guide you into her embrace.” There was a loud crack, and she vanished. I let out a soft sigh of relief before looking to my mother, who mimicked my motion. I was a bit surprise to see my dad comfort her with a hoof wrapped around her. Heart and Blaze approached me.

"Wow, sis. Despite the irregularities, you look great." Blaze said with a teasing smile. Heart nudged him and met my look.

"I'll admit... seeing and hearing all that had happened..." I blinked as she seemed to automatically lift up my bangs. Dark looks fell across them. I smiled and took her hoof, patting it.

"Frankly, it was only ever good for me to use it as a dagger." I replied, trying my best to keep my disgust hidden. "I'll be fine. I'm not going to need it going forward."

"What do you mean?" I heard Cloudchaser ask as she floated over to me with my friends following her. Starswirl, Twilight and her friends approached us as well. I smiled.

"We still have Ouroboros to deal with. The major threats are out of the way for now, but the catastrophic one is still in effect. Has anypony heard about the snake's whereabouts?" I asked worriedly. That was when the other power elements approached with Gwyen replying.

"Not much. We have been trying to help out with the war efforts that nothing has been mentioned. Not even his out of body meetings." She replied, rubbing her chin with a talon. "It's like he just... left us hanging."

"Not even the tree hassss sssspoken about it." Zalas chimed in. I nodded with concern.

“Not surprised. He is a part of the reason our realm was thrown into imbalance. We saw him conversing with the Kalenite and Tyrone. And if you ask me, Equualie isn’t to be so trusted either.” I explained. “She had told me she was imprisoned by Ouroboros and the Kalenite in a mutual understanding of power. It was because of us messing with the Nexus that she was able to escape.” Twilight rubbed her chin.

“So… what are we to be expecting from this point forward?” She asked. I lowered my head a little in thought.

“Well… for one, we can rest a bit easy that we aren’t in any immediate danger. However, Din wants to fully ensure no primal power is loose among mortals and immortals alike.” I replied.

“So… she’s going to follow up on taking our power away?” Fickle asked. Din smugly grinned.

Preferably now. But there are some things I need to ensure myself. You get to keep your power… for now. And I’m not that cruel, so I’ll allow only fractions. Enough to ensure you can keep the realm safe without much harm. Din spoke through our minds.

“Great.” Katlyn sighed with a sarcastic roll of her eyes. “So, what’s the game plan now?” I smiled.

“We take a much needed vacation. Once Din can ensure somethings on her own side, we’ll all meet at the Tree of Power.” I explained. Twilight gave me a concerned look.

“Are we sure we are able to relax right now?” She asked. I smiled.

“If it’ll make you feel at ease, I am allowed to discuss what I have discovered in Caelum.” I replied. Twilight didn’t seem convinced yet Starswirl stroked his beard in intrigue.

“One of the three planes… and the one with less information on it. I am interested.” Starswirl marveled in thought. I smirked.

“Well, pops. Going to have to write it down because I’m not.” I teased. Starswirl stroked his beared, having withdrawn a quill and scroll. I even noticed Twilight levitating over scrolls and quills with an eager look. I slumped a little and softly wiggled my hoof. “We’ll meet up in the Courtyard in thirty.” I sighed. Starswirl seemed satisfied with this and proceeded to make his way out the room. I looked to my family and smiled softly. “We’ll meet up for dinner tonight if that is okay. I know a nice cafe nearby. We’ll talk more there?”

My dad gave me a tired smile.

“Could go for a nice break.” He said. My brother and sister also looked tired, but smiled kindly.

“We’ll see you then, sis.” Blaze said. I nodded and proceeded to face my friends, walking over to them. My gaze fell to Thi. She seemed nervous but at the same time relieved. She then hugged me and I happily returned it.

“I err… have a lot of catching up to do, don’t I?” I asked playfully as I looked her up and down. Scribble walked forward and Thi took ahold of his hoof. Flitter and Cloudchaser floated above them and nodded. Flitter crossed her hooves.

“You definitely need to make it up to my sister. This is the third time you’ve disappeared on us.” She said, putting on a motherly stern voice. It surprisingly made me feel guilty. I tapped my hooves bashfully in response. Cloudchaser smiled.

“Guess I can safely say how lost in your eyes I can be.” She snickered.

“Yeah…” I replied, faltering a bit. I truly felt bad about it. But all the times I’ve disappeared on them was no choices I had at the time. I then met their looks of concern. “I’m really glad you all are okay. Did… anything else happened while I was gone?” I asked. Thi grinned.

“That’ll probably have to be over lunch. I’m craving for some hotcakes right now.” She said. I giggled a little and looked to Cloudchaser.

“See you in a bit?” I asked with a shy smile. Cloudchaser gave me a reassuring one with a small nod. I then looked to the other power elements. Din chuckled smugly in my head. Gwyen, Katlyn, Steel and Zalas approached me. Sonata remained away while Fickle meekly approached, keeping herself behind everycreature else. “Not quite the expected gathering. But I’m glad to see everycreature well.”

“What were ye expectin’?” Katlyn grinned. “Glad to see ye hale and hearty yerself. And yet, I’m curious. How was Tyrone able to get himself involved in all o’ this under our nose?” I looked to Sonata, who seemed preoccupied with a small device in her magic. All eyes fell on her and sensing she was being questioned, she didn’t hesitate.

“The Kalenite was an intruder who appeared out of nowhere one day. Roughly around the start of this New Year. I brought him in as a curious test subject, who had proven to be quite beneficial to the reproduction of our land and other experiments of flourishing local life. However, it came at a cost.” Her eyes seemed to glaze over calmly. “Being around such a creature is toxic. Many have fallen ill for just being in the room next to it. Twas only Lux’s pure light able to purify those around the malevolence.

“And yet twas not enough to contain the malevolence. A solution was created however. Sombranite. The shattered remains of the tyrant king. It contained the virus in a controlled environment with some side effects. Your friend was injected with a serum designed to combat the virus. Unfortunately, the tyrant king proved to be a bit more of a hassle than anticipated. And yet, even in his state, we were able to contain both the virus and vaccine into a controlled environment.”

I was quiet on this. My gaze focused on her. Sonata lowered her device and met my look stoically.

“That little spy saved you all by stealing our project. Killing the Kalenite infested centaur ensured complete erasure.” She finished.

“You sound regretful.” Steel eyed her suspiciously. Sonata shrugged softly.

“There are much more important things out there worth experimenting. Sombranite ran its’ course.” I shook my head.

“And the war against us?” I replied, arching my brow skeptically. Sonata shifted her subtle frown.

“I’ll leave that to the brats to explain it. We have other things to take care of. Such as I meeting back with my right hoof mare to discuss further progression.” She stood up and walked past us, not batting a single eye as she passed us. “From this point on, I will not answer any calls unless it is our motion to complete this annoying ‘destiny’ we hath been forced upon.” And with that, Sonata exited the room, leaving the rest of us to watch where she had disappeared to in disbelief.

“Of all the ponies picked for primal privileges…” I heard Thi mutter in annoyance. I sighed and turned to the others.

“And on that note, I can only say enjoy yourselves in Equestria. Din’ll let all of us know when she is ready.” I said with a small smile. Gwyen approached me as the others wandered.

"You sure about all this? You don't think all this quiet doesn' make you a bit iffy?" She asked me. I nodded and patted her shoulder.

"Big time. But we should take that time to de-stress before crossing that bridge. Have to be our best selves when facing our adversary." I replied. Gwyen relented and her shoulder eased. She then nodded and spun around, heading over to Galavance who was discussing with Rainbow Dash about racing Rita. Before I could face the next issue, I noticed Fickle looking a little lost. I smiled. “Wanna join us, Fickle?” I asked her.

Fickle blinked and tilted her head at me quizzically.

“J-join?” She replied. I nodded.

“My friends and I are going to have some lunch. Figure I should check up on your progress.” I said. Fickle blinked.

“Progress? Progress on what?” She rubbed her chin curiously. I waved her over as Cloudchaser smirked.

“We’ll talk about that after lunch. C’mon, I’m starving.” She chuckled.

My friends and I decided to partake at a rather unique restaurant I didn't know existed named The Tasty Treat. The beautiful mare waitress named Saffron Masala was quite friendly and energetic. When she took our order, she hurried over to a rather grizzled and stern stout stallion who she had called out as her father about our order before moving on. Thi couldn't help but comment that they captured a Saddle Arabian cantina pretty well. I never had spicy foods before so experiencing Saddle Arabian cuisine was quite something. Din seemed to love it, claiming how the spices could match even her fire. Fickle, however, looked quite hesitant to try her curry. Eventually, she decided to only take her fill of rice and place her food aside. I gave a look of concern to Cloudchaser who also noticed this.

When we left The Tasty Treat, we decided to do a bit of sightseeing. Thi and I weren't particularly impressed as we have pretty much explored nearly every corner of Canterlot. I did notice that the old library I used before during my time here had been renovated into a much larger archive. But Cloudchaser, Flitter and Fickle seemed a bit wonder struck. Fickle noticed me looking and proceeded to return to brooding. I sighed softly to myself as we then proceeded to explore a bit more before taking a break. Thi looked a little more exhausted than usual, a shock to anypony if she wasn't in her current state. I smiled and softly poked her swelling belly.

"You know, I never expected you to settle down at all." I spoke. Thi smirked and rubbed her own belly.

"Shocking, isn't it?" She replied teasingly. I gave her a concerned look.

"Thi..." I began but faltered. Thi shook her head.

"I know what you are going to say, Fie. Believe me, I hear it from everypony. I wasn't forced into this. Scribble and I did get a little careless. But in the end, Scribble hasn't stopped smiling since." She said, looking to Scribble. I looked and noticed indeed he was smiling softly as he chatted with Flitter and Cloudchaser. The stallion had a completely different air about him. And yet, I still don't know what goes on in that head of his. I smiled softly at her.

"Are you prepared for it?" I asked. Thi's smile softened.

"Is anypony like me really prepared for this kind of life? Truthfully, Fie? No. I'm not. Every night has been just one worry after another and it isn't about the Triad or Sonata's schemes. All those worries turn into a spiral of uncertainty. What if... what if I end up killing this child? Their existence has already been marked by Sonata and I-"

"Whoa whoa whoa! Slow down, girl! Easy!" I quickly chimed in. "Take several deep breaths. In and out. Nice and easy." Thi must have not realized the anxiety she had seemed to build up. After a few deep breaths, she eased and I continued. "Good?" Thi nodded softly. "Great. Now then, most mothers only consider that as a very worst-case scenario. You should be worried about ensuring they come out healthy. Have no issues. Prepare for the new challenges that don't involve having to jump through flaming hoops... yet." I stated. Thi chuckled.

"Heheheh. Even you think I'll go back to the life of a high thrill run and gun." She smirked. I shook my head.

"Thi, most ponies know what you are about. And I can't help but agree. But the one thing they don't know is the better pony you are trying to become. I've seen it. You genuinely wanted to strive yourself to do better. And you can only improve yourself more going forward." I winked at her. "I can only keep you on your hooves here, girl. But if you want proper parental advice, I know a pony in Ponyville who would be glad to help you out. A couple actually." Thi smiled at me, seeming to ease.

"Thanks for being there for me, Fie. I've been an awful pony. But I will get better. Not for just everypony's sake. But for the sake of my kid." She suddenly blushed a little. "I wonder how they'll think about their mother being an action pony." I clapped my hooves in satisfaction.

"That's what most mothers worry about. I think. I never want kids." I chuckled. Thi grinned and ruffled my mane.

"With you disappearing on everypony from time to time? You'd be the worst mother in Equestria." She teased. We both laughed, Thi looking better than she had when I arrived. Now that leave with the next elephant in the room. I turned to Fickle, who had been listening in on us but doing her best to ignore us. "And what about you, Fickle? Have you've learned anything from my recommendation?" Fickle blinked and looked at me questioningly.

"I don't even know what you wanted out of me. I went to Ponyville after you left, but all I met were a bunch of strange ponies." She replied casually. I snickered.

"Sounds about right. Ponyville is full of interesting ponies and I wouldn't have it any other way. I can just imagine another party in a day or two." I replied as Cloudchaser floated over and sat down next to me. I gave her a quick peck on the cheek and she happily returned a nuzzle with her snout against my own cheek. Fickle let out a sigh of disgust and pretended to find something else far off interesting.

"Whatever. I would rather be far off in the forest than a crowded place like Ponyville." She replied. I rubbed my chin.

"We are only a few hoof steps from the Everfree forest. It's dangerous for any other ponies. But with you and Tenebres, you'll probably tame it." I winked at her. Fickle blinked quizzically.

"Everfree?" She asked before darting her eyes in thought. "Oh... the locals mentioned it. Why live so close to a forest with the capability of destroying the village?" She asked. I shrugged.

"Ask Granny Smith that. She is one of the founders." I smiled. Fickle then began to shake her head in disbelief.

"What is with you? How can you treat me so casually!?" Fickle suddenly snapped. "I killed you!! I nearly brought ruin to an entire dimension!! I have done nothing but cause you grief and yet you are acting like none of it mattered!!" Fickle stood up and stamped over to me angrily. "What, are you just trying to get a rise out of me!? Was this my entire punishment!? To deal with a dumb pony who has a death wish!? To be placed into an existential torment of having to face the world alone again!?" She stamped her hoof with a frustrated groan. "How can you be so... so... stupid!!? You're stupid!! I don't want to be around other ponies!! They don't matter to me!!" She spun herself around angrily and sat on her haunches, crossing her hooves with a "hmph". Cloudchaser and I exchanged glances and I stood up to sit myself down next to her.

"Sunset Shimmer told me how bad you had it. She didn't go into so much detail, but it must have been really scary to face the world alone. Any filly would. Hell, even I was when I left home." I began. "But I've already come to terms with myself. You're still a filly, so you have plenty of time to face the world. You shouldn't do it alone with just the darkness." I put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. "I recommended Ponyville because the ponies there, whether they are aware of it or not, have a certain harmony about them that you can't just get anywhere else. And yes, that may make non-locals call us gullible or naïve. But trust me, when you attend one of Pinkie's parties, you'll find yourself having more questions about yourself than you did before. And I know you'll find the answers eventually." Fickle glanced over her shoulder a bit, her ears dropping. She sighed and mumbled something I could hear (unfortunately for her):

"I'm older than you..." I smiled and stood up.

"I'm not going to dictate how you live your life, Fickle Spark. I have my own issues to sort out and I don't want to burden you with more than you have already. Grow up how you want to. Find love or don't. Be a friend or an estranged neighbor. In the end of it all, when the time comes, the answers you seek are waiting for you." I pat her back softly. "Time to experience the light a bit more." Fickle suddenly yelped when I tossed her up onto my back. Confused as what to do, she just allowed herself for me to carry her. Cloudchaser snickered.

"And you said you don't want kids." She winked. I pat my chest.

"Are you kidding? I'm terrible with kids."

Time flew by almost too quickly. I was surprised that I had managed to spend an entire two months relaxing and hanging out with ponies. In these two months, I watched my friends and family grow closer. Thi was beginning to slow herself down a bit more as I watched her approach my house. My family welcomed them, and I swear our dysfunctional family felt normal for once. The four maids who had managed to turn my decrepit abode into a sight to behold (at least for me). I even got to meet their partners, finding them to be quite friendly and with clashing quirks. Yet, they helped out around the house. I sat on my couch, baffled by the sudden crowdedness of it all. For a brief moment amongst the chatter, something triggered inside of me. A memory.

I found myself back on my couch, the house no longer lively. My crystal TV playing a rubber hose cartoon on the screen. Gwynette bottles laid strewn about with month old pizza boxes stacked off to the sides and scattered around. I remember this. This was one New Years.

"Mortals have an interesting taste of entertainment." A voice snapped me out of my stupor. I blinked drunkenly at him.

"Whazzat? Oh noo nooo... Thaz... Thazz just clownin' pony... funny one." I slurred. Through the haze, Ouroboros appeared, sitting casually next to me. He was stacking a house of empty bottle on my coffee table. He then looked at me and smirked.

"And carnal desires are a fault to a tee. Let's sober you up real quick." He then snapped his fingers and the blurry haze cleared up, causing me to yell in panic, as if I had just gained sentience as a toddler. When I finally comprehended my surroundings, I blinked at the snake like pony.

"Wh-Wha?? Who are you!?" I exclaimed in panic. Ouroboros pat his chest softly.

"I have many names, but your alchemists refer to me as Ouroboros. And you, my dear mortal, have been specially selected to partake in a... well I would call it more of an experiment." He replied. I blinked.

"Huh?? How did you even get in my house!?" I exclaimed. Ouroboros pointed at the bottles.

"You invited me in. I even did you a favor of cleaning up your excrement. It's still fun to see mortals faint at the sight of an eldritch being." He chuckled. "But that is neither here or there. Tell me, do you believe in balance?" He asked. I shook my head and stood up angrily.

"Get out of my house!" I angrily snapped. "Whatever you are selling me, I don't want it!" Ouroboros began to make another stack of bottles as he replied.

"Unfortunately for you, you were chosen. One of the seven to partake in a glorious fight for your realm's protection. For the sake of balance. So, I ask you, do you believe in balance?" He reiterated casually. I frowned and bumped the table, knocking down his house of bottles. The chorus of clattering glass rang out my empty home as Ouroboros looked a bit sad at his work being messed with.

"Make sense! Who are you!? What even are you!? I..." I found myself calming down a little. Odd. It was like my anger subsided instantly. "Whaaaat...?" I shook my head, rubbing it to make sure I wasn't suffering a drunken delusion. Ouroboros smiled.

"Better?" He asked. I didn't say anything. I remained standing, staring at the pony. "Good. Now that I have your attention, it is of utmost importance that I relay a message. The stars have aligned. Seven have been called and seven have been chosen. You are one of them. The one who bears the fires of courage." He then snickered. "Oh boy, she's going to have a hell of a time with you. But regardless of the individual, you were chosen for a reason." I began to slowly sit back down.

“Chosen…? Chosen for what?” I rubbed my head. Ouroboros took a small sip of an open bottle and looked disappointed as he replied.

“Think back on my question.” I darted my eyes in thought.

“Balance… like… tight rope balance or the theory of?” I asked.

“How about realm instability?” Ourobors replied. I blinked.

“I… don’t follow.” Ouroboros’s tail flicked sharply as he watched the cartoon, responding to me.

“What if I told you that everything you have done in your life. Every single step you had taken was all a lie? And that everything step you take now, the realm dies a little more.” He smirked. “Mortals are faulty. They seek so much but gain nothing in their achievements. Always at each other’s throats to one up the achievements.” His snake eyes met my own. “Even one so lacking in magical prowess. Who wallows everyday in the questionable meaning of life. You must truly think your life has no meaning, does it?”

I studied the snake pony. A strange yet familiar wave of emptiness and pessimism washed over me as I took an empty bottle and studied it.

“My life does have meaning, but not in the way you think. I’m happy where I’m at. Free to do as I please.” I replied. “If that isn’t existence enough, then what is?”

“A false life.” Ouroboros responded. I arched a brow.

“False life?” Ouroboros nodded and stood up, waving a singular hoof claw in a circle, levitating several empty bottles around it.

“Free will was given in an attempt to learn how mortals would react to it. The results have been mixed at best, but intriguing nonetheless.” He replied. I tilted my head suspiciously.

“What are you talking about?” I frowned. Ouroboros eyed me.

“You know exactly what I am talking about.” His sharp eyes dilated. He was right. All of a sudden I hissed in pain as images began flashing into my head. Images of a time after this. All at once as I screamed in agony, the images flashed through my mind. My entire journey playing out before me. I struggled to fight against the sudden pain, feeling a strange burst of energy. My living room erupted into a bright fire and Din shot out, pinning Ouroboros to the ground.

“You dare disturb the balance even further?!” Din hissed angrily. Ouroboros looked surprised.

“Y-you!? But how?!” Ouroboros exclaimed. Din slugged him hard across the cheek before turning to me.

“Wake the hell up, Fie!! Don’t throw yourself into a cycle!! I didn’t work my entire flank off for a reset!!” Din snarled. I blinked, the pain still throbbing in my head. I groaned in response and looked around. I have to recall. This is a memory… but Ouroboros is here. I recalled a gap in my memory I’ve had after starting this journey. Or… was it journeys? How long have I’ve been at this? Slowly, my memory was coming back. I shot my eyes open in realization. Without hesitating, I called upon Din’s domain. My house peeled away around us, revealing a distorted Ponyville.

The scenery of Din’s domain melted together with Ponyville’s, the sky a sickle hue of oil on water. Din kept Ouroboros pinned underneath her.

“I made sure to cover my tracks this time!!” She grinned maniacally at him. “How foolish. You didn’t account on Caelum or the Prisma Nexus, did you? Yes, we never arrived there until now. Your slack finally caught up to you, snake! We beat you to the punch!! And it’s all thanks to Equualie!” Ouroboros’s eyes widened in anger.

“That pest… she’d dare interfere?!” He snarled. Din glanced over her shoulder to me.

“Get that mind in gear, Fie!! I need you to-“ Din gasped and hopped back as a strange glow of prismatic energy shot at her and began cutting at the sky and ground. I felt myself being yanked away and taking to the sky. Din held me in her hooves as she looked down, the area beginning to distort even further. The haze was clearing more and more until finally, I rose my head and nodded to Din.

Of course. I remember now. This isn’t the first time Ouroboros did this to me. From the day I was birthed from my mom till the supposed end of my journey did I repeat this cycle. Din was only recent. Only once. And now I only have one question.

“Why me?” I said suddenly as Ouroboros stood up. He spat something viscus out of him before responding.

“You shouldn’t exist. Your existence disturbed the very balance itself. In my time ensuring I kept you in the cycle, I’ll admit, I had to cut some corners.” Ouroboros’s eyes met mine. “But so long as I kept you in check, I would continue my own peace. I even tried to do something differently and goad you into the journey.” His eyes shot to Din. “When did you get so clever?” Din smirked smugly.

“When I asked for a heart.” Din replied. Ouroboros made an exaggerated gesture.

“Ah yes, of course. That stallion was such a strong influence. Ahhh I knew I should have done something about it. But hey, I can still work with this.” He muttered to himself, pacing. He then turned back to us. “Well, heart, no heart. Being, no being, it doesn’t matter. The real question is what should I do with you two now?”

“How about retiring and giving us your position.” I said coldly. Ouroboros let out a loud cackle, wagging a claw at me.

“You know? My entire existence hasn’t been a vacation. I did what any mortal would do and lie to myself. But in the end, I still had to deal with your mess. Frankly, my dear, you have been rather exhausting. So, I’ll let you in on a deal. You stop existing and let all your friends, family and loved ones free from the everlasting cycle. And I get to thoroughly protect the realm without distractions.” Ouroboros said. Din scoffed.

“I will not be your toy any longer, nor shall my sisters! The Creation Mother frowns down upon you, snake.” She snarled. Ouroboros’s eyes glinted.

“Oh really? Because if I recall, her favorite pet was the one who tied her to the darkness she needed. Without that, even you wouldn’t have existed. You are going to be a bit of a tricky one once I subdue you. I have to scrub both immortal and mortal influences down to nothing.” He grinned. Din suddenly rocketed us towards Ouroboros, planting a hoof at his throat and grinning manically.

“Then let’s end this!” She cackled. The pocket around us erupted into bright flames and I found myself snapping out of my stupor in my living room. Only, I noticed Din yanking hard through a tear in reality with Ouroboros’s neck at her fangs. Ouroboros lashed back, using his tail and whatever free motion he had to struggle with her. My friends and family scattered back away. I shot up to my hooves and rushed forward, biting down onto the tail and yanking with Din.

Together, Din and I pulled and Ouroboros shot out, crashing into my wall and breaking several photos along with my sofa and coffee table. Food and plates scattered as Din and I proceeded to attack Ouroboros, who managed to catch both of us with his tail and sent us through the wall. We rolled onto our hooves as ponies began to scream and run away around us. Ouroboros dusted himself off, his eyes glinting as he stepped out of the hole in my house.

“Always so quick to fight. You know, if you truly wished for us to go all out, I’ll be happy to oblige. But I don’t know if Quiet Fire would be happy with another genocide.” He said. I readied myself, staring daggers at the snake. He clicked his tongue. “It could all be avoided if you just stop existing.” He then rubbed his chin and beamed at an idea. “I know! Let us put a trial by combat. The whole world would be judging. You and me, the fight for keeping balance. A winner takes all. Not that you don’t stand a chance against me.”

My eyes widened as he snapped his claws and in an instant, Ponyville and all the ponies in it vanished into nothing. Only silence and the sudden collapse of Princess Twilight’s castle in the distance creating a storm of dust. My blood boiled. I took one step forward and as quickly as Ponyville disappeared, it reappeared, exactly as it was only a second ago. Ouroboros smirked.

“Nah, that’ll be too easy. I know. How about the moon.” He then snapped his fingers and in an instant, the vast expanse of space surrounded us. My mane, tail and hoodie cloak unnaturally flailing smoothly in the vacuum. And yet, I am still able to breathe. Behind Ouroboros is a giant blue ball of our planet with Celestia’s sun glinting over the horizon. Din shifted her frown.

“It doesn’t matter where. Your head is mine.” She hissed coldly. Ouroboros smiled.

“Perfect! And since I am so generous, I’ll allow you to look upon the very stake we are fighting for. Enjoy it while you can.” He then bowed and with a loud crack, he vanished. I looked to Din.

“What’s the plan?” I asked. Din sighed a little.

“Unfortunately, I did not get to finish preparations. We’ll just have to wing it.” She replied smoothly. I then darted my eyes.

“What about the others? Let’s call upon them for help.” I stated, looking to the giant blue ball. Din slumped.

“You and I can take him perfectly fine. I do not want distractions.” She said.

“But you want your sisters to give up most of their powers to you, right? Strike them a deal. Allow them the payback they desire against Ouroboros for the power you seek.” I replied.

“You’re kidding, right?” Din arched a brow at me. I shook my head.

“Think about it. You’re not the only one who wants a bit of payback. And it’ll be a breeze if all seven of us fought against a common enemy. No strings attached, just allow them the satisfaction and we’ll be granted to our reward in turn. Besides, it’s not like you weren’t going to steal them if they resisted.” I stated. Din pointed at me softly.

“Correction. I’d beat it out of them. But…” she lowered her hoof, examining it. “Perhaps you are right.” I looked at her hoof. She was still a bit transparent, but her physical being was nearly complete. I smiled and took ahold of her hoof, patting it.

“We agreed on this, Din. I’m ready to accept my fate.” I told her. Din studied me, her look softening into concern. Something that never happened with her. And as quickly as it appeared, it vanished into a stoic acceptance. I smirked teasingly. “How does it feel?” Din pulled her hoof away and looked over to the stars in space.

“Not a concern. Shall we proceed?” She asked. I nodded and I covered my ears. Din took a deep breath, looking to the globe. “SISTERS!! OUR TIME HAS ARRIVED!! COME TO ME, FOR OUR REVENGE IS HERE!!” Din’s voice boomed throughout space, breaking all forms of logic possible. We waited. Suddenly, a glint of light appeared at a small spot of the earth. Six colorful light spheres shot up into space and began to rocket towards us.

The moon’s surface exploded around us. Gwyen, Fickle, Steel, Zalas, Katlyn and Sonata stood up, looking around in confusion. Zalas and Gwyen examined themselves, admiring their garbs smoothly flailing in space.

“Whoa…” Katlyn spoke, looking around. “Tell me we aren’t in another meeting.”

“Fie!” A voice called out. I looked to see Fickle nearly stumble over a moon rock over to me. “What happened back there??” I smiled to her before facing the others.

“Our time is here. The final event that’ll decide our destinies. And my fate. Ouroboros will be back any moment to begin our battle. I figured we need some well deserved payback for what he forced onto us.” I explained. The six faced me, their reactions mixed. Steel called upon her massive double-headed frost axe and shouldered it.

“Hmph. Another death wish for little pony. Haven’t changed a bit.” She commented. I nodded without saying anything. Shiva suddenly appeared in front of Steel, walking forward towards Din. Shiva’s eyes narrowed a little.

”Sister… what has befallen you? Your visage… it’s…” Shiva began. Din smirked.

“Tis the price of ascension, dear sister.” She cackled. The other power elements emerged from their vessels and approached her. None of them seemed shocked but instead surprised.

”So… you have truly become one with creation.” Aquarius hummed. ”Does it hurt?” Din waved a hoof at her.

“Do not trifle me with such a matter. You know that we cannot die regardless.” She said.

”And yet, you look no closer to death than when you started.” Gaia frowned. ”A heart is a fickle thing and a body even more. You’re only giving yourself up to the snake in this state.” Din smirked challengingly.

“If you think you can strike me, do so now! I’m dying to test my powers out.” She chuckled lowly. Gaia remained stoic in response.

”Sisters. Do you feel that?” Lux spoke up, looking towards the stars. All of the primals followed her gaze. We looked and in the distance, we could make out a slithering figure swimming closer and closer to us. Using our primal eyes, we watched as the serpent Ouroboros snatch three stars from space and swam his way towards us. He was gigantic. He flew by the moon, causing the moon to shake as his body coiled around it.

We watched as the serpent then moved towards our planet, his body seemingly elongating without losing mass, coiling the circumference. He towered high over us, his tongue flicking to taste whatever power is being displayed. There was a bright flash from our planet and a glistening barrier formed. Ouroboros strangled it tightly, causing several cracks. Our power elements retreated back into us and their powers surrounded us. Each taking a deity form that flowed smoothly in the space around us.

We readied ourselves, our weapons drawn. Ouroboros’s many eyes focused on us.

“What a pleasant surprise. Saving me the trouble of having to reset them one by one.” Ouroboros’s voice boomed, his mouth unmoving. I narrowed my eyes.

“Not this time you won’t.” I retorted, Din’s voice mixing with mine. Ouroboros held up a claw, the three stars he snatched orbiting around the wrist like a bracelet.

“We’ll see about that.” Ouroboros grinned, crushing an extra star he had snuck in with his claw. He then held out his arm in a giving manner and the magic from the star he crushed quickly erupted around us. We all scattered. Each one of us zipping and twirling around the magic. I noticed Ouroboros roll down one of the stars to his palm and he tossed it up, snapping his maw around it. He lurched and reared back, his chest puffing out.

A bellowing intense heat flowed out into space, nearly washing over us had our primals not boosted away. Several bolts of Gaia’s arrows sailed through space, colliding and exploding in nature along the body of the serpent. However, Ouroboros shed the skin of where the damage was inflicted. Gwyen clicked her beak before having to retreat from the still occurring star magic. Steel and Zalas rushed in, Zalas unleashing a bellow of dark wind that sliced through space, slicing into the eyes of the serpent. Strange liquid bubbled and floated out in sprays and yet, the eyes seemed to heal themselves. In retaliation, the eyes began firing off prismatic lasers that Steel jumped in front of Zalas for, pushing back against the beam. She easily knocked it aside before snorting and charging the serpent. Zalas provided ranged support as Steel sliced and flipped through beams, impaling her axe hard into the skin, creating a nasty gash that unfortunately was mended almost instantly. Fickle, Sonata, Katlyn and I rushed in and began firing off our magic as well as dipping in and out of the serpent's own attacks.

Ouroboros’s body slithered, deftly avoiding the beams before clashing with his own against ours to cancel it. Sonata didn’t hold back and unleashed a massive beam that nearly knocked Fickle and I away. It struck true, piercing clean through the hide of the serpent. And yet, it was quickly mending. Steel, her warrior instincts kicking in, took advantage of this and got in close to the wound. She chucked her axe into the wound and it began to freeze over, preventing the healing. Ouroboros audibly winced from this.

“Together on the wound!!” I called out. With a swish of my head, Din’s horn aimed at the frozen wound and with the other power elements, struck their magic into it. That seemed to do the trick as Ouroboros lurched forward, his jaws snapping at us and causing us to scatter. Sonata and Steel made several in and out strikes at the serpent’s head as he did this, but had to pull back when the eye beams began slicing through space.

Ouroboros grunted as he stabbed a talon into his wound and in a sickening display of sound and injury, he ripped the wound clean of our magic and the wound began to heal.

“No fair!!” Fickle exclaimed. Ouroboros chuckled as he flicked the conjoined primal magic away.

“Hey, you wanted this fight.” He replied with a smirk. Fickle was about to say something until I held up my hoof to stop her, keeping my eyes on the serpent.

“None of us wanted this. But you left Din and I no choice! You stole our freedom of choice long ago! I aim to put an end to this!” I stated. Ouroboros looked offended.

“I wanted this? I certainly hope you aren’t referring to the decisions your primals made! I merely… unleashed them into the world.” He replied casually. I twirled my halberd and rocketed towards him; clashing with magic and talons.

“Did any of the things you said before were true?! Why only give us half truths?! Why go through all this trouble?! It’s one thing resetting me, but to put the whole world in danger?!?” I clashed once more with a talon and pushed against it. “This whole idea has been botched and placed against you!! None of this should have happened in the first place!!”

Ouroboros pushed against me with ease, leaning in close.

“And yet, I too was never given a chance. The life we were given, it will always be led by somebeing else. Tis what she created.” He replied. I pushed away his talon and began clashing off of his swipes once more.

“Are you blaming the Creation Mother for this treason?!?” Din spoke through me. “How dare you!!!” Space suddenly went darker than usual and before I knew it, I found myself cratering into the moon. I felt the wind leave me. I looked through one pained eye and grimace as the others continued their assault, only for Ouroboros to snatch Zalas and Steel in one claw, backhanding Sonata and Gwyen into the moon next to me, chucked Zalas and Steel into the moon with an explosion of moon dust. Fickle and Katlyn zipped in and out easily but unfortunately couldn’t approach and was struck with a beam that sent both tumbling into the moon.

The others groaned and winced as they pushed themselves off of the surface.

“That is exactly what I am implying Din.” Ouroboros replied, his face low now. Ouroboros snatched another star from space and crushed it in both his claws, concentrating the explosion in between before releasing into space, creating a strangely pretty display of lights. I narrowed my eyes as the orb like lights began to form a constellation of an alicorn.

“Long ago, before there was even a single speck of a star, there was darkness. Darkness was cold. Lonely. Nothing to share in its’ magnificence. Darkness was void of any emotions or thought. That is, until from in the darkest part of its’ heart, a light began to form.” Ouroboros began, the constellation alicorn moving like a flip book animation. Another alicorn constellation appeared. “One eon, a traveling light appeared. One that Darkness did not acknowledge at first. But as the light began to stay, it found itself growing attached to its’ company. That light is none other than the Creation Mother herself.

“Our Creation Mother had wandered away from the Everlasting Light far away from Darkness. A curious traveler, who stumbled upon Darkness. She had been warned that Darkness was a vile creature. Demonized and avoided. And yet, she found herself falling in love with the stories. Darkness did not understand why this light approached it, but it accepted her company nonetheless. The two eventually began to work together, creating the first star. And from there, the stars began to grow more and more vast with every eon.

“Darkness fell hopelessly in love with the light as the light empowered it to go beyond what it was led to believe in its’ existence. And thus, did the two join in matrimonial harmony with one another, creating the very universe we reside in.” The constellations played out like a jittery animation across space, the alicorns bounding together as the stars around them seemed to dance and glow brightly. Sonata bristled.

“You’ve done enough!! I tire of this game!!” She exclaimed angrily. Steel readied herself, seemingly sharing Sonata’s impatience. The two kicked off and rapidly bounded across the moons surface before taking off at light speed and clashing with Ouroboros. Gwyen and Katlyn flew into space and began to use their ranged support to provide covering fire. That left Fickle, Zalas and I to split up and attack in a pincer. Ouroboros deftly slithered his body in and out, avoiding and canceling anything we threw at him.

“As the eons went by, our Creation Mother began to grow ever curious. Darkness, obsessed with her, had warned her the dangers of exploring further. But the uncertainty was vast with too many unknown possibilities. Most of what our Creation Mother wanted to see and explain for herself. As she traversed deeper into Darkness’s domain, the universe began to separate little by little, creating sibling universes not by intention in an effort to search for their mother. It eventually led to Darkness losing sight of her light as the universes continued to split and grow, their children calling out for her.

“Darkness soon fell back into the void of emotion and loneliness as her light grew further and further until it could not take it anymore. Darkness could sense that the Creation Mother had been swept away in their endless children, having wandered into one amongst them. Darkness proceeded to hunt for the light, snuffing out any universe that did not hold the light it seeked. And yet, when Darkness believed to have found her light, it was disappointed to only find remnants of universes she journeyed in.”

The constellation continued to play out as we continued to clash weapon and being, beams of magic, waves of energy and sprays of the serpent’s blood floating away into the darkness of space. And yet, I could sense Din being troubled by this story. Despite her offense, she can’t help but hear truth to it. And it bugged her a lot. Ouroboros continued, hardly breaking his tone as he spoke.

“Darkness continued its’ search for her light. And yet, it was unaware that she had hidden herself from it. Not out of fear, but of love. Our Creation Mother found that spending too long in the darkness was beginning to fade her light and she did not want to cause Darkness pain of her blight. She knew that if Darkness raged against their children, it would journey to the Everlasting Light, guaranteeing Darkness’s defeat. In a desperate act of her undying love for Darkness, she created a universe with only a small figment of Darkness, to keep herself remembered of why she isolated herself. She eventually gave birth to a being from this figment to aid her in her isolation. One who has been there to keep the balance of this universe in check.”

The seven of us collided with star fire beam from the serpent’s maw, pushing against us as we pushed back.

“What the hell is this serpent going on about?!” Katyln grunted. “We didn’t ask fer a life story!!”

“He dares to insult the Creation Mother!! I will not stand for this!!” Sonata roared.

“That’s what you’re worried about?!” Gwyen retorted as she flapped her wings to hopefully give a little boost.

“Just… keep… pushing!!” I exclaimed, nearly losing my hold against the beam. Ouroboros overpowered us. We were struck with the beam and went sailing back into the moon with a crash. That one strike alone did a number on us. I painfully pushed myself off the ground, using my halberd to steady myself. The others clutched their injuries wherever they were feeling it the most as we looked up to Ouroboros examining his talons casually.

“When I was birthed into this universe, she had only told me one thing. To keep herself in check and to ensure her own bylaws allowed her to continue on her legacy. A task I carried out with effectiveness. And yet, as I continued this tradition, the Creation Mother could not keep Darkness from her mind and heart. She began to place her light and darkness into worlds, creating conflict that eventually birthed your kind. When I found her weeping and nearly consumed by the figment of darkness, she made one last request of me.”

Ouroboros’s eyes softened into sadness. He looked to the sun and held out a claw to it as the constellation of the Creation Mother vanished into it. “‘Ensure that the love of my light and the love of his darkness continue to cherish our legacy. I’ll put it all in this single, special speck beside me. My only regret that I could not be there for Darkness in my final moment’”. To this very day, her last vestige of light remains, no longer identified as herself. And thus, a war between light and darkness became eternal. An echo of the love they held for each other. And I have watched from here, constantly remembering her very words.” Ouroboros lowered his claw and looked to us.

“The very co-existence that you, Quiet Fire,
continue to destroy. You were not to exist. To be born amongst mortals, immortal and the realm of primals. The moment you were birthed did the Eternal Light take notice along with Darkness Eternal. Throughout your lifetime and countless resets, you continue to defy the very bylaws, endangering both Darkness and The Eternal Light, for they both seek the light they lost. The light you hold in your heart.” I winced as I fell back onto my haunches, the pain still aching me.

“What… the hell… are you talking about??” I rasped. “How can I, one little pony in a bigger universe far too expansive for her, be the very cause of this conflict??” I looked up at Ouroboros. “Why tell us all this??” Ouroboros scoffed.

“You know it better than anybeing else, can’t you? Even Din realized it. It’s why she picked you. Equualie defied the very wishes of the Creation Mother by fornicating with a mortal. Creating an abomination.” He glowered.

Do not believe a single word he spouts, my child!! A voice suddenly rang out. I looked around, only to loom down and see my chest glow. I gasped as an ethereal pony formed in stars emerged from me. Equualie marched forward, stopping just a few feet away from us. Twas a choice I made with no regrets! I truly loved him! Ouroboros looked down at the spectral alicorn with disdain.

“A choice that shouldn’t have happened. You were only meant to be a tool for me to aid the seven. And instead of that purpose, you fell for a mortal.” He replied with disgust. “It’s because of you that you doomed the very balance of this world.” Equualie shook her head.

“That mortal truly wished to help his world stay safe! He even went so far as to ensure he made it easier for you!” Equualie exclaimed desperately. “If you truly wish to punish me, then do so! But not them!” Ouroboros suddenly reared back, clutching what I would assume is his stomach, bellowing his laughter.

“Easier??! Bwahahahaha!! You wanting to defend these specks over the Creation Mother’s wishes??!” He chortled. Equualie stood firm.

“If she could love Eternal Darkness and receive that very same love from Darkness itself, then why cannot a puppet to a soul??” She retorted. Ouroboros suddenly lashed forward, snapping his jaws just a few feet away from Equualie, his figure looming over the moon.

“That very same love killed her!! Corrupted her to a husk!! You were born of this very same darkness!! You cannot abide by that rule!!” He pulled back a bit, glaring down at us. “I should have dealt with you sooner, but a certain star has been making it difficult to get anything done!!” All his eyes focused on me. I heard Din cackle wildly.

Ahahahaha!! Awww boo hoo to you! Should have stayed where you were and gave us what we desired in the first place! Face it, I’m more closer to her light than you’ll ever be! She grinned maniacally. She must have anticipated the anger as I found myself rocketing high into space as a singular prismatic beam sliced the surface. From where I was, I could see the chunk of the moon beginning to float away slowly. A red, volcanic glow appearing in the hole.

Din didn’t hesitate. We kicked off the chunks of moon directly towards Ouroboros. Din struck her horn against the blade of the halberd and began slashing wildly at Ouroboros, the serpent reeling a bit from the strikes. I happened to look at our blue planet and my eyes widened a bit. The barrier had been cracking more and more. Fresh webs forming as the serpent’s body coiled tightly, keeping it together. Din clicked her tongue and directed me to give a deft buck to the cheek of the serpent, sending him away a bit.

Din rocketed back to the chunk of moon the rest were on.

“Seems that Ouroboros has tied himself fully to the balance. That’s a first, but bad news for you mortals.” Din spoke through me. “If I end up killing him, we can kiss this realm goodbye. His final fail safe.”

“But why?” Katlyn sighed with a frustrated rub of her head. “We try to do good and the serpent does the opposite. We try the opposite and he does good?”

“Talk about ass backwards…” Gwyen sighed.

“We can’t just do nothing though.” Steel replied, darting her eyes around. “Little pony. Isn’t the moon the prison of your Nightmare Night?” I looked at Steel and an idea soon clicked.

“Of course… Luna is tied to the moon… and Celestia the sun. If I can ask their patrons to help us, maybe we can make a temporary belt.” I said, rubbing my chin.

“Then we’ll need the Elements of Harmony as well.” Din spoke through me. “With them, we can ensure that we have enough time to deal with the serpent.”

“But how are we going to get a message to them?” Fickle asked worriedly. I hummed and looked down at the chunk of moon. I smiled and pointed at them.

“We’ll keep the serpent busy until you can tie the moon chunks down. After that, we switch. I’ll get the message to them.” I said. They looked at me questioningly. Equualie walked over to me and smiled, placing a gentle hoof on my back.

“I will ask the stars for aid. Good luck, dear daughter.” She said. I gave an awkward nod to her as she seemed to morph and twist into the vastness of space. Ouroboros was snapping out of his daze as I turned to the others.

“Get going.” Sonata spoke suddenly and quickly. She was already taking off, wrangling chunks of the moon and pulling them along. “We have no time for luxury!”

“So pushy…” Katlyn grumbled before taking off, using streams of water to push the chunks together. Zalas, Steel and Fickle aided while Gwyen conjured roots from the moon’s surface to anchor the chunks. I rocketed over to face Ouroboros, giving him a taunting smirk.

“How long are you going to keep lying and turning around on your words?? Why go through all this trouble of not coming clean?? I doubt the Creation Mother would be happy that her pet snake would do all this for nothing, against her wishes!!” I exclaimed. Ouroboros snapped his jaws in the same second Din had rocketed us away from the strike. Ouroboros began slithering after us as we sailed over the planet. Din controlled my flight path while I proceeded to retaliate with drive by slashes and some magic pelting the hide. Ouroboros hissed before responding.

"Her wishes were more than what you believe it to be!” He snapped his jaws at us. Din had spiraled me upward in anticipation, avoiding Ouroboros’s maw and allowing me to buck his snout hard. Ouroboros reeled back, clutching his snout.

“With the way you’ve handled things?? I doubt you knew much of anything!” Din cackled through me. Ouroboros seemed to subtly smirk in response. Space suddenly began to spin around me as something huge rose up quickly, knocking me off my flight path. I felt a sharp sting of something swatting me and sending me towards the direction of the sun. Din growled and unfurled her wings, halting me in my sailing. Ouroboros rose a singular claw high over his head as several stars in the distance began to glow and converge into his palm. He crushed the stars, bringing both his claws to his mouth, cupping it and then blowing loudly. The sight was so pretty. Yet, the burning sting of a graze snapped me out of my admiration as Din shielded me from the blast. It felt like getting hit by an airstrike. Bright, colorful explosions cracked and snapped around me.

Sister!! We are ready!! Shiva's voice resonated in my mind. Din grinned widely.

"About time!" She cackled. Ouroboros grunted in pain as Sonata collided with the side of the head, knocking the serpent into the waiting strike of Steel, who cleaved a good chunk off the serpent from the cheek up the main eye. Katyln wrapped streams of water around the serpent, restraining his claws allowing Gwyen and Zalas to unleash volleys of magic and arrows down the body. I blinked as I felt something tug me down and found myself back on the surface of the moon. I looked down to see Fickle submerged in shadow, her head giving me a concerned look.

"You better know what you are doing." She said before dipping into the shadows. I looked up to see the six clash with Ouroboros in a magnificent light display before I focused my attention down at the moon's surface.

'Alright Din. What do we do to get the patron's attention?' I asked her. Din hummed before smiling. I felt my body suddenly straighten and Din's horn conjured fiery strings that laced into the moon. I gasped as I felt myself falling through space once more, the stars blurring by me at the speed of light. As quickly as it happened, I found myself standing in front of a sleeping Princess Luna. It took me a moment to realize that she looked a bit younger.

Who's there...? A younger sounding Luna spoke. Din smirked and spoke through me.

A seeker of balance and harmony. And I have a tribute already. A dream I hold very dear to me. Din said. The sleeping younger version of Luna didn't move or acknowledge us physically, but her tone seemed... satisfied. I felt a strange tingle in my mind as a flash of Din's time in Illion Kingdom. Rosette Nebula even passed through the flash. I narrowed my look, rubbing my head with a small wince.

How long has it been since I've had a dream as sweet as this? Ahh yes... when that poor filly was lost on the moon for a thousand years. It's been so lonely since she had returned with the aid of the stars. I will cherish this dream. She smiled gently.

Yeah, great. Can we speed this up? Fate of the universe and all that. Din frowned impatiently. Young Luna tilted her head softly.

Ahh, you seek the aid of the sun as well. Of course, seeker of balance. I will wake her with a pleasant dream. She spoke. I narrowed my eyes questioningly as we found ourselves back on the surface of the moon, the moon giving a strange blue glow.

'So... we can just literally ask the moon goddess for help? Just like that?' I questioned curiously. Din turned my attention to the sun in the distance.

The patrons are aware of our intentions with that dream I provided. So long as we aren't stupid, they'll help us. Din replied matter-of-factly. Before I could respond to anything, Din rocketed off the surface of the moon, sailing directly towards the light of the sun. Using her eyes, we can make out the burning ball clearly. Din reached out to the core of it and inside I could see... a very young Celestia. What startled me a bit was the split-second image of a tall alicorn cradling the young Celestia with her wings. Din found this extremely humorous.

'What's so funny?' I asked. Din didn't respond until after she calmed herself enough.

The sheer irony. Voice of the sun! I come to you as a seeker of balance! I ask of you to lend me your aid! Din called out with a grin. No response. Din hummed as we began to suspect our call wasn’t enough. Din suddenly screamed in pain as I felt a sharp bolt of electricity cause me to yelp and buckle to my knees. Fearing Ouroboros was interfering, I readied myself, only to gasp as the flashing image of the tall alicorn bore down on me, cleaving Din from my body.

I couldn’t move. I remained floating in place as I saw Din being lifted into the air and faced the young Celestia, who was now burning with bright fire.

The moon may be kind and gentle, but the wrath of the sun shows no mercy. I will rip you asunder for daring to step into my domain after your uses of my power. A stern and dead pan voice of Celestia spoke. Din screamed in pain again, gyrating from whatever effect the sun was putting on her. I tried to say something but nothing came out of my voice. That is… until an idea hit me.

“W-wait!! I beg of you to show mercy!! I can explain!!” I spoke through Din’s voice. Whatever Din was feeling quelled enough for her to at least shift her head lazily. Yet, she remained suspended in the air.

The mortal speaks. You who is cursed with this burden, I truly am regretful of this. The seeker of balance has abused my power not once, but twice. She must be assimilated as an ember to my power. Young Celestia spoke. I shook Din’s head.

“Please!! I will explain Din’s actions!! I promise, this time your power will be used for protecting the balance!” I quickly stated. Young burning Celestia didn’t look pleased, but her head tilted slightly.

I do not detect trickery in your words. Very well. Explain yourself. Why come to my domain? I gulped a little. Telling myself not to screw up over and over in my head, I spoke through Din.

“It is true that we do seek the aid of the sun and moon in our battle for balance. And it is true that Din had been in a certain state to abuse your power. But with the journey we have had, Din has come to accept herself as a flawed goddess and would be willing to atone for the abuse. Just look into her eyes.” I spoke. The sun patron remained silent as she seemed to directly gaze into Din’s eyes. I could feel it. The wave of truths and determination washing over them.

The young Celestia shifted back, seemingly satisfied with this.

Truth in the eye of humility. You’ve grown quite a body and heart, maiden. And I can see that your spirit is nearly complete. Very well. I will allow this use of power of mine for the sake of balance. But no more is given as it is taken. Use it wisely. As for you mortal… There was a strange tone of sadness in her voice. Admirable as it maybe, many will miss you. I nodded seriously.

“I know. And they won’t once we are done here.” I replied. Young Celestia nodded and the flash of the tall alicorn bore down on Din, throwing her back into my body. I gasped and blinked, finding myself back into space. A loud crack of noises and flashing of lights drew my attention, seeing Ouroboros still struggling with the other six. I hope I wasn’t out too long. As I shifted to face them, I then felt myself being restrained and wrapped in astral chains. I struggled a bit, only calming when I noticed the chains were connecting from the sun and the moon.

Din grinned as Ouroboros seemed to notice this.

“You?!” He growled, breaking away from the assault and snapping his massive maw around me. I was encased in darkness. Not a single star in sight. Din smirked and walked out of my restrained body, the chains having pierced and dug into multiple areas of her body. She stood upright and her horn glowed.

“Your time has come, serpent. Let this be your fatal mistake. Bearers of Harmony. Bearers of Power. Vessels of the sun and moon. My subjects. I call upon you in this time of balance. I seek your aid to deliver one strike to the very being disrupting the balance. For the greater good, allow me to be the darkness to this light to set things right.” Din spoke. Her voice echoed in the darkness, only receiving silence in return. I lowered my head and closed my eyes.

And I prayed. I prayed with all my heart and soul for Din to receive the power she needs to correct this mistake. To assure the universe that she will take care of it. The necessary evil to all but balance.

“We are with you.” A voice said suddenly. It was clear. Almost as if they were right beside me. I looked up and saw from the darkness a light. The light of twilight. And then, Twilight Sparkle herself appeared from it. She marched forward to us. Her determined face focused on us. Then came Fluttershy. Then Applejack. Then Rarity and Pinkie Pie. And then finally Rainbow Dash. The Elements of Harmony marched as one towards us. And they weren’t alone. From the darkend sky above, six stars gleamed brightly before rocketing down around Din. Her sisters stood up, facing the marching crowd of ponies advancing towards us.

Some I recognized and some I did not. But never have I felt a sense of connection from them all. I slowly lowered my head, chuckling at the irony I am experiencing. Din knew what I was thinking, yet she remained firm and at attention as the others stopped just a few feet away from the seven elements. My eyes fell to my parents and my siblings. I gave them an apologetic look. I then found my companions. They smiled determinedly at me. The ponies circled around us and together, closed their eyes and began glowing.

The six elements of power retreated into Din, creating a prismatic glow that was then soon followed up by a rainbow that swirled around Din and I. Unlike last time, this harmony didn’t hurt. In fact, it felt comforting. Welcoming even. And it wasn’t before long that we were spat out from Ouroboros. The chains shattered and broke, releasing me from the restraints. Din retreated back into me and I froze as an overwhelming sense of power washed through me.

I felt calm. Serene. Not a single trouble in my mind. We’ve done it. And then I smiled. Ouroboros looked terrified.

“How… can this happen?!? You are just a speck!! You are worth only a star!! Why go through all of this for a single speck of her light?!?” Ouroboros exclaimed. Din and I held out my hoof and called upon a fierce looking halberd that slowly began to form a flag on the other side, flailing in our wind.

"You've forgotten who the Creation Mother is, Ouroboros." Din and I spoke in unison. "Time to remind you of her light." With a simple flourish of my halberd, I swung horizontally and Ouroboros gurgled. His claws slowly rose to his neck, grasping at nothing. A pool of shadowy smog spewed from the wounds. Ouroboros glared at me angrily. "And to keep a promise I made to you." I grinned crazily.