Umbratara: The Garden of Shadows

Chapters

Prologue
Shadows of the Past
Goodfillies
Bohaymia
Mareavia
Dneighstra
Reflections
Trotsylvania
Nocne Mesta
Replanting the Garden

Prologue

"Thus, have our petitioners dwindled down to a single sheaf." A dark blue alicorn sighed, looking at a clipboard that floated a few hooflengths from her face. "Nay...no longer even thus." She noted that the lower half of the sheet was devoid of names.

"Don't tell me that you miss their buffoonish antics in trying to win your favor." A lime-green unicorn remarked.

"Dear Lime, did I object at first, but after the first turn of the moon, it did become a familiar routine." The alicorn set the clipboard down. "Did I anticipate it ending soon or late, but I do not know why it doth irk me so."

"Maybe because you now have a bunch of free time, and nothing to fill it with, My Princess." Lime replied.

An armored unicorn guard entered the throne room. "Your Highness, Twilight Sparkle and a guest are here for an audience."

"Ah, do show them in." Luna stated. The guard bowed and left, returning a moment later with the Lavender unicorn, and a small brown and white colt. "Pipsqueak!" Luna raised an eyebrow in surprise. The colt smiled widely, then scampered over to Luna.

"I missed you so much." The colt exclaimed, hugging one of her front legs. "I aksed Twilight if she could bring me up here to visit."

"And I made sure to get his parent's permission." The lavender unicorn added. Luna stroked Pip with her other front hoof.

"In sooth, We did miss thee as well." Luna smiled. "And thou canst stay out late? Surely thy parents would want thee well rested."

Pipsqueak shook his head. "It's summer, I don't gotta go to school. I can stay up as long as I want, and I like staying up and looking at your moon."

Luna chuckled. "We recall in our youth, that we did not get the Summer for leisure."

Pip's eyes widened as he looked up to Luna. "You didn't get Summer vacation? Why not?"

"T'was a diff'rent time, Young Pip." She gestured for Twilight and Lime to sit closer. "In our younger days, education was the province of the Nobility. Though there were trade guilds, they carefully limited who could learn their skills. A pony like thyself would only e'er know life on a farm."

"Awww." Pipsqueak grumbled. "I don' wanna work on no farm. I wanna be a pirate when I grow up." He reared up and posed playfully. "Arrrrr!"

"Perhaps we could open 'Luna's school for aspiring pirates.'" Lime stated.

"A school for Pirates?!" Luna quirked an eyebrow. "And what would pirates learn at this school, dear maid?"

"Swordplay, ship rigging, rope swinging, dressing in style, and the art of the witty remark." Lime grinned. "All skills that successful pirates have mastered."

"Mrs Sherbert." Twilight raised a hoof. "I think that since those were learned on the job, that it would be more of a guild than a school."

"Yeah, I wanna be in a pirate guild." Pip bounced in place.

Luna held a hoof to her mouth and giggled. "But if thou wert in a guild, thou would be subject to their rules. And thou would have to pay a tithe."

"What's a tive?"

"A tithe." Luna corrected. "It means that thou wouldst be required to give a portion of thy loot to the ship's captain."

"Wait, there is a solution." Lime interjected. "If he becomes a privateer in your service, that means he pays the tithe to you."

"Yeah, I wanna be in service to the Princess. Privateer Pipsqueak, pirate in service to Luna."

The princess leaned down to nuzzle him. "But thou art a trifle short to be a pirate or a privateer." She smiled. "Fret not, Dear Pip. When thou art independent of thy parents, We wouldst gladly accept thee into our service. For now, Thou canst serve us by enjoying thine colthood. Thou shalt never have another chance at it." Twilight and Lime nodded in agreement.

"Ummmm, Princess Luna?" He gave her an inquisitive look.

"Aye, Pipsqueak?"

"What was your foalhood like?"

Luna blinked. "Thou wishest to hear of mine own youth?" Pipsqueak nodded. "Very well. It begins over a thousand years ago..."

Shadows of the Past

A small blue alicorn filly trembled behind a pink-maned white alicorn filly. "Tia. I am frightened." The blue alicorn complained.

"I know, dear sister. He scareth me as well." The other alicorn replied. "But we must needs do this." She walked up the stone steps to a triple archway. The smaller filly followed. "Ready the Elements, Luna." She stated, as the three gems of her tiara began to glow.

Luna closed her eyes and tried to recall the necessary feelings. Sympathy and Verity came easily enough. She was honestly scared, for herself and for other ponies. Jollity however, remained elusive. "Ehheheh." She stated, trying to force the emotion as they entered the palace courtyard.

"Discord!" Celestia used a voice amplification spell. "We demand that thou show thyself!"

"And what have we here!?" A voice bellowed. A moment later, there was a bright flash, as a strange chimerical being appeared before them. "Did they send me daughters, when I asked for sons?" The dracocapris sang out and grinned cruelly. Luna cowered behind her sister

"Thy reign of terror ends today!" Celestia shouted. Discord snapped his fingers, causing the stone to liquefy and form a cage around them.

"How cute. The little freaks think they can succeed where so many have failed before them."

"Hast thou looked at thyself lately?" Celestia retorted.

"Thank you for reminding me." Discord grinned, snapping his fingers and conjuring a slab of highly polished metal. He looked at his reflection and grinned. "That's been taken care of. Now..." He sliced the metal into numerous thin shards, then sent them hurtling towards the two fillies. Celestia put up a magic barrier, deflecting the shard shower.

"Luna, why dost thou hesitate." Celestia whispered to her sister. "Raise thine elements, and be done with this."

"J-J-Jollity will not respond." Luna whimpered. "I be too scared to laugh."

"Hey, Discord!" Celestia looked to the Draconequus. "Art we not entitled to a final request?"

"Make all the demands you want!" Discord snapped his fingers, causing a throne to appear. He sat on it and crossed his mismatched legs. "You only delay the inevitable."

Celestia quickly considered her options. (Make us laugh? No, he could control our muscles to induce a laughing response, and that wouldn't activate Jollity. Put a smile on our face? Same problem. Muscle control.)

"We do not find thee amusing!"

Discord looked shocked. "Moi?! Not amusing?!" He put a paw to his forehead. "If I cannot amuse a couple of foals, then I have truly failed as a Jester. Time to pack it in and head on down to the next town." He slumped against his throne. Luna tittered a bit. "I have tried." Discord raised his paw and talon skyward. "Oh how I have tried. But ponies just do not appreciate a good joke." The third gem on Luna's tiara began to glow. "Where did it all go wrong? Was it the flower breathing dragon? How was I to know that one pony had hay fever?" He held the paw to his chest. "Or maybe it's that you just do not like jesters." He turned one eye to a smugly grinning Celestia. "And I must ask. Why?"

A white glow surrounded the two Alicorns, levitating them up within their stone cage. "Because." Celestia replied. "Thou hast hurt ponies needlessly."

Discord held his talon out to the side "But I at least made you lau-" A rainbow-colored beam suddenly emanated from each of the alicorns. The two beams swirled together, then slammed into Discord, turning him into a stone statue. The stone bars around the two sisters shattered, then the aura dissipated, dropping them to the ground.

"We, did it?" Yesyesyesyesyesyes!" Luna repeated, jumping in a circle around her sister.

"Luna, calm yourself and save your strength. We have much work before us."

Luna stopped her bouncing. "Apologies, Tia, but I be happy that we wert successful."

Celestia draped a foreleg around Luna's neck. "Let us be off, to tell Starswirl of our success."

"If we divide the land like this..." A pegasus traced a border along a map, following the contours of a mountain range. "...Then we can use this plain to help feed the western settlements."

"I still think that we should move the border to the river." A unicorn replied. "Otherwise Luna would have more territory than Celestia."

"What if we extend this top portion here, from this river to this river?"

The unicorn moved a few beads along an abacus. "It's a roughly equal trade, but Luna would not have a border with the Griffon Lands, and thus no direct trade."

"What do you think, your Highnesses?" The pegasus looked to the Princesses.

Luna's stomach rumbled. "Food..." She uttered quietly, before slipping away to the kitchens.

"I do not mind giving her that land," Celestia added.

"Food it is then." The unicorn levitated a stylus to mark the borders.

A pair of pegasi towed a chariot over the forest, as the occupant looked out over the land. "How soon until we arrive?" She asked, looking off in the distance at a tall rock mesa.

"We should be there in a short while." One of the pegasi replied. "I can see it now."

A dark stone building came into view. The chariot's occupant's smile grew the closer they came to it. The building was soon identifiable as a large castle constructed of a dark blue stone, with a city sprawling beyond it, filling the broad and wide stepped terraces that had been cut into the side of the mesa. "Nocne Mesta." She stated. "The capitol of my domain, Umbratara."

The rest of the ride was silent and uneventful. The chariot landed in front of the castle. Luna disembarked, then the pegasi stowed the chariot in a designated covered alcove. Luna headed into the castle, and was met by a chartreuse unicorn, whose mane and tail were striped with green, white, yellow and red. "Zyczenia, Princess Luna." She bowed.

"Chancellor Mimeze." Luna returned the bow. "We wish to inspect the castle 'afor we address the assembly."

"Your will be done, Your Highness." Mimeze stated before leading Luna about the castle."

"Leaders of the Zigany!" Luna addressed the crowd on the lowermost terrace. "We thank thee for answering our summons. Thy tribes hath wandered the length and breadth of this land, and are well suited to be our eyes and ears. We shall extend our blessing to any of thy folk who choose to serve us. Thou shalt be at home in this city of Nocne Mesta, and in return, we ask that thou abide by the Laws of Equestria. As thou wilt note, there be a stele in each terrace, as well as at the city gate and the castle gate. Engraved 'pon each of these steles are the names of the six Elements of Harmony. The gross violation of any of these elements will be cause for the removal of our blessing, and banishment from Umbratara."

After the assembly, and the subsequent hearing of oaths, Luna provided her new retinue with tabards. They were made from silver fabric, and dyed to have her cutie mark visible on the left and right sides. The tabards were fastened with strips of fabric that could be knotted around the belly. Luna's blessing allowed her to know where each of her servants were, and to borrow their senses as necessary.

The benefit to the Zigany was an augmentation of their tribal gifts: Earth ponies had more control over animals and plants. Pegasi had greater influence over the weather, and Unicorns had their magic increased. Luna's chosen made their homes in Nocne Mesta, fulfilling the different roles that she required of them. The upper terraces handled the day to day functions of running and maintaining the castle. The middle terraces upheld the laws, and defended against threats, both inside and outside Umbratara, and the lower terraces handled the crops, trade, and other resources of the land.

Luna gazed out over the lands below. From her balcony, she could see the numerous small villages that dotted the land below the plateau. "Night after night." She said to her companions. "The villagers huddle inside their houses, and are afraid to look up. Only the Zigany see." She motioned up towards the starry canopy.

"Princess Luna, if I may speak freely?"

"Aye Mimezy."

"Perhaps they feel your Highness values Zigany more than them."

Luna tapped her chin in thought. "We shall offer them a say in the affairs of the country. A parliament as our sister implemented for Praeclara Terra."

"Your Highness. I'll put out the call, and Clover can divide the land into manageable units." An armored pegasus volunteered.

"Thank you, Commander Pansy." Luna replied.

Umbratara was divided into four Domains: Bohaymia, Mareravia, Trotsylvania, and Dneighstria. Luna oversaw the construction of a capital city for each, though they were smaller than Nocne Mesta. From among the ponies of each region, she appointed noble families to manage the Domains.

Though it helped to alleviate some of the concerns about her being distant and unapproachable, the ponies still feared the night. Luna implemented a Night Watch for each Domain, charging them with defending against whatever night terrors the ponies might face.

This new system required revenue to maintain, which meant that ponies had to pay more in taxes. They increased production, which led to an increase in population. This arrangement favored Earth ponies and pegasi, so unicorns devoted themselves to more mental pursuits.

There were some minor improvements to production and trade, leading to more revenue for Luna's coffers. But while the Principality became more prosperous, most of her subjects still turned from the night, and Luna was still unhappy.

Luna bowed before her sister. "I give, and I give, and I give." She sobbed. "And still they refuse to see my night sky."

An aged unicorn strode down the stairs to the Moon Princess. "I think Your Highness is putting too much effort for too little reward."

Luna raised her head to look at the unicorn sage. "Starswirl, what must we do to earn their praise?"

"Naught." Starswirl replied.

"Then we continue as we were?"

"No; sit and do naught. Let Umbratara do as it will, for a span."

"And in this way we might earn their praise?" Luna asked hopefully.

Starswirl took a drag off a pipe then exhaled the smoke. "You cannot make ponies do what you want. They are not marionettes."

"Dear sister, I hear your concerns." Celestia chimed in. "But Starswirl be correct. You cannot make ponies love you."

Luna nodded. "I shall remove my hooves from the day to day business, then."

The sudden lack of Luna's presence about the land prompted curiosity from both the Zigany and the villages around Nocne Mesta. Ponies entering the palace to question this, found that she had a new open court policy. Anypony could come in, and bring forth a comment or complaint. Some did. After hearing each case, Luna told them to observe the night sky for her answer. Some were able to decipher the messages she sent, but most ponies still ignored the bright dots against a dark background.

One morning, Celestia awoke to find the moon still high in the sky. A quick check outside revealed the stone form of Discord, still stuck in the pose he assumed when he was sealed 150 years prior. "Luna!" She hissed in a whisper.

Celestia quickly ordered a chariot to be readied, then instructed Clover on how to handle any inquiries about the lack of sunrise. Accompanied by Chancellor Buttermilk, and Sergeant Hailstorm, Celestia headed to Nocne Mesta.

Upon arriving, She found an army of ponies wearing silver ribbons around the base of their tails, the ends of which bore Luna's cutie mark. "Step aside, I need to see my sister." Celestia ordered. The pony army raised swords in a threatening manner. "You leave me no choice then." She lowered her horn and prepared to charge.

"Wait! There's no need for this, let her pass!" A chartreuse unicorn called out from a tower door.

"We're sworn to protect Princess Luna against all threats!" one of the soldiers called back. "Celestia is here without invite! Is trespass!"

The unicorn looked to Celestia. "She's in her throne room!" Celestia teleported instantly.

In the throne room, Celestia found a black alicorn with a shimmering blue mane. The alicorn was similar in size to herself, and wore armor composed of a glowing teal metal. "Luna?" Celestia asked with a slight quaver in her voice. "It be time to lower the moon."

"Nay, Sister!" The black alicorn spat back. "From this moment forward..."

Luna shuddered. "Nay, we...cannot continue." She released Pipsqueak.

"I'm sorry." The colt apologized. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"Dear Pipsqueak." Luna lowered her voice. "Our own fillyhood was unhappy, but We wish you to never experience our sorrow. Twilight Sparkle knows what happened next."

"It's...not exactly a story for little ponies." Twilight added.

"Is it like those monster movies that Mom and Dad say I'm too young for?"

"Yeah, something like that." Twilight replied.

Luna stood up. "Thou art welcome to come again another time. For now, we bid thee good morrow. And thank you Twilight Sparkle."

"You're welcome Princess." Twilight replied. Pipsqueak waved, then followed her out of the throneroom.

Once they had left, Luna looked to Lime. "Maid Lime. I need to write a letter."

"How about 'X', your Highness?"

Luna looked over to see Lime's familiar cheeky grin. The alicorn shook her head. "Dame Sauce, what are we to do with thee."

"Spray me with whipped cream and cover me with chocolate chips?"

"And again!" Luna smirked. "In sooth, were you with me that day, Jollity would have been raised much sooner."

Lime brought over a paper and quill. "Here you are. What's the message about, your Highness?"

Goodfillies

A gray, yellow-maned pegasus reached into her mailbag. "And this last letter goes to..." She pulled out a scroll with a wax seal depicting Luna's crest. Written in one of the exposed corners was a name and a destination that she didn't recognize. "Antonia LaRoulette? There's nopony by that name in Ponyville." She held the letter in an outstretched hoof, then slowly turned in a circle.

She felt a light tug on her hoof as she pointed the letter to the west. "There? Ok." She took to the air, flying along air currents that she could see thanks to her special sight. As she approached the edge of town, the tugging on her hoof kept pointing forward. "Outside of town? Well alright."

She had delivered packages to Canterlot and Cloudsdale before, but that was the extent of her duties. She crossed the railroad tracks, then headed to the neighboring Chateau. The tugging lead her to a four story mansion, which rested atop a low hill. The pegasus landed at one of the entrances, then headed inside.

A carnation pink unicorn slumped against the raised portion of a chaise lounge, and sipped from a glass of iced tea. "As an old wise pony once said." She stated to anyone within earshot. "A worn tool is of no use to anypony."

"We have been rather busy lately." A purple pegasus with a red and pink mane, replied with a smirk. "Ever since your uncle Udan made Any an offer she couldn't refuse."

The unicorn nodded. "And business has been booming since, Stars." She took another sip. "I've had to renegotiate many of the family's contracts as some of our associates have finally gotten their promotions and territories."

Starsong nodded. "Well you've done a bang-up job, Toola Roola." The pegasus picked up a sugar-coated oat cluster from a bowl on a nearby table. "If this keeps up, You'll be Matron in three months." She tossed the cluster up and caught it in her mouth.

Toola Roola took another sip from the glass. "I'm especially proud that I could help Joe and Gustave with their new enterprise."

"Concierge Toola Roola." A caramel colored unicorn adressed the pink mare. "Thank you for hearing our request."

"My father is a busy stallion currently." Toola Roola replied. "And you are good friends of the family." She motioned to a pair of padded stools in front of her desk. "Please, have a seat." Joe and the black-feathered griffon seated themselves. "Now, what can I do for you two?"

Gustave and Joe exchanged glances, then the griffon addressed Toola Roola. "We've combined our businesses into a single company and we were wondering. How would this affect our current business arrangement with you?"

Toola Roola opened a pair of folders, labeled with each of the pair's names. "Let's see...Currently, we are giving you, Gustave, a payment of 300 bits per month, in return for you selling coffee from Bold Roast's company." The griffon nodded. "And you Joe, are getting ingredients from us wholesale, in return for Palace news and gossip." Joe nodded. "So." She looked at the pair. "What do you request from us?"

"We've discussed it. and we think a payment of 500 bits per month is reasonable." Joe replied. Toola Roola levitated over a notepad, then wrote on it.

"This is a slight increase for us, but since you prefer the bits over our crops, we can sell those to other ponies at a fair market price." She scribbled some figures. Toola Roola looked over to the Diamond Dog that stood next to the door. "Jasper. Can you get Bold Roast in here? I think we can negotiate another customer for her."

"Be right back." The Dog replied as he headed out.

"Well, word on the street is that Celestia is cleaning house on the Nobility." Starsong grinned. "I guess she doesn't want you to come storming the castle, like what Great Granny Zabala did to Mont-de-Maresan."

Toola Roola giggled. "Stars, Zabala only provided the torches and pitchforks at reasonable prices." Starsong's grin widened as she looked to Toola Roola. "Aaaannnd maybe some motivational speeches." The pegasus kept grinning. "Ok ok, Maybe she did participate in the looting, but she only took stuff that she could find a better use for."

"Like that heirloom gold cape that your father wears?" They both snickered.

"It was a debt settlement." Toola Roola protested. "Duchess Le-Mane tried to ruin the family business."

"Fair's fair, I suppose," Starsong replied. "So anyways," She munched another oat cluster. "Wanna go hang out at the Manehattan mall this weekend?"

"Fifth or Eleventh street?"

"The Eleventh street mall." Starsong replied. "I wanna see if Megamusic has that new Pon3 and Octavia album."

"Technorchestra?"

"Yeah, that one." Starsong noticed a gray pegasus approaching. "Hey there Derpy, aren't you Ponyville's mail pegasus?"

"I have a letter for you." Derpy hooved the scroll to Toola Roola.

Toola Roola accepted the scroll. "Thank you." She said in surprise. "Usually the house servants handle the mail."

"This is an important letter, I needed to get it to you right away." The mailpony said. "Oh! Oat clusters." She helped herself to a few of the rolled treats.

"Hey, isn't that Princess Luna's seal?" Starsong pointed to the imprinted wax blob holding the scroll closed. Toola Roola broke the seal, unrolled the scroll, and read the letter.

To Antonia 'Toola Roola' and Cheerilee LaRoullette, and Starsong Whistle.

From Her Royal Highness Princess Luna, Grand Mobile Element of the Lunar Orb,

Sovereign of the Order of the Starry Night, Head of the House of Night,

Joint Diarch of the Principality of Equestria.

Thou art summoned to appear before us. Said appearance is to take place on the Eve which thou recieveth this letter. As our invited guests, thou wilt have priority in line, barring any ongoing meeting when thou arrivest. As thou art Roani, thou wilt be given the proper protection due a diplomat, upon presentation of this scroll to a Canterlot Peacekeeper. Failure to answer this summons within twenty-four hours of this letter being opened will result in a visitation from ourselves. And we will be most displeased.

P.S. This message will self destruct in 10 seconds.

Ignore the preceding line. Our sister took advantage of a momentary distraction to insert a jest.

Toola Roola lowered the scroll. "It's a summons from Princess Luna."

Starsong gulped. "Does it say what we're being charged with?"

"No, it just says that she wants to meet with you, me and Cheerilee. Tonight."

"Welp, duty calls, derp." The gray pegasus said, turning to leave. Starsong noticed that the bowl had been emptied.

Cheerilee removed her saddlepack and slumped down on the bed, thinking over the events of the past week. "The students aren't the only ones who worry about finals week." She muttered. "At least the class for Summer School is small this time."

Her reverie was interrupted a moment later by a pink unicorn with a yellow, orange and magenta mane. "Hey Cheerilee. Princess Luna wants to see us tonight."

"Tonight?!" Cheerilee sputtered. "What about dinner?"

Toola Roola tapped her chin. "I know of a place that you might like."

"Joe and Gustave's place? I was hoping for something a little more classy than pastries."

"Hey, maybe we can snag something from the Castle kitchens." Starsong added as she entered.

Cheerilee looked at a clock. "So when did her Highness wish to meet with us?"

"Just says 'tonight.'" Toola Roola replied. "I've already notified Papa"

That evening, the three ponies were in the foyer just outside of Luna's court. Toola Roola presented the note to the pegasus guard who stood outside of a set of double doors. The pegasus took the note and read through it. "Ok, just have a seat and I'll call you when she's ready." The guard stated.

"Hey, I've been waiting here for an hour!" A silver earth pony with a black and gray mane complained. Toola Roola, Cheerilee and Starsong ignored him as they took their seats.

"Sir, you've only been here ten minutes." The guard answered. "These three were-"

"Make 'em wait their turn, I was here first!" The earth pony snapped.

"It's ok Monsieur, we don't want any trouble." Toola Roola offered. She moved to another seat towards the rear of the room.

"It's bad enough that you steal money and crops, now you ribbon-tails are stealing spots in line." The earth pony added. Cheerilee immediately turned on him.

"Now listen here cheese brain." Cheerilee began. "We're not stealing anything. We had an invite."

"Cheerilee. chill, ok?" Starsong said while trying to guide her away. "He's just a Schmetterling." 1

"Reiten, huh?" The earth pony continued, oblivious to the fact that the guard was sidling away from the door. "Ich zahle dir je zwei Bits für eine tolle Zeit." [2]

"He's all yours Cheerilee." Starsong released her grip. The guard watched in mild amusement as Cheerilee lunged and back-hoofed the other earth pony.

The earth pony rubbed his jaw as Cheerilee settled on a seat again. "Guard, aren't you going to arrest that gypsy wench for assault?"

"I'd say that you got what you deserved for baiting them."

"Lazy flank flutter pony." The earth pony snarked.

The doors to the throne room slammed open as Luna stormed into the foyer. The pegasus guard had moved out of their swing radius, but his mane and feathers were still rustled by the breeze. "HEAR ME NOW THOU LOW-WITTED, MIRROR-EYED, MALT-TONGUED, COB-GNAWING, ONE VESTED GELDING!" Luna declared, glaring at the earth pony stallion. "THOU HAST INSULTED OUR CHILDER, OUR SERVANT AND OURSELVES! DO NOT DARKEN OUR THRONE ROOM WITH THY PRESENCE FOR A MONTH!" The earth pony slowly slunk out of the room. Luna looked over to see Cheerilee and Starsong standing protectively between her and Toola Roola.

"Your Highness, we can explain." Cheerilee stated. Luna raised a hoof.

"We overheard everything. While we are in favor of thee, thou has still technically committed an assault, and this must be addressed."

""We're no strangers to technicalities." Starsong added. Cheerilee cracked a grin.

"Please step inside." Luna invited, returning to the throne room. The three followed. A lime green unicorn stood next to a throne of carved and polished granite, inlaid with silver icons resembling the phases of the moon. "First, allow us to say that other than thy actions in the foyer, none of thee are being charged with anything. Do not ask how, but we know of thee and thy works."

"We're the Dandy Highwaymares that folks are too scared to mention." Starsong began.

"We spend our cash on looking flash, and grabbing your attention." Toola Roola finished, giggling along with the pegasus.

Cheerilee rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Have a little dignity you two. we're in the presence of the Moon Princess."

"Nay Cheerilee." Luna admonished. "Let thy spouse and thy aegis have their merriment."

"Her majesty relishes such occasions." The green unicorn added.

Cheerilee nodded. "Might as well join in." She mused. "So, her Highness called us here to her castle. I assume that there's a problem that needs solving?"

"Correct with both statements." Luna replied. "Tell us, has thou ever heard of Umbratara?"

"It's a zone of untamed magic in Western Equestria." Cheerilee said. "While ponykind has made some progress reclaiming Bohaymia, there's a maelstrom that dominates most of the land."

"Ain't it also where the Roani came from, originally?" Starsong asked, glancing to Toola Roola.

The pink unicorn shrugged. "I've heard that we had to flee that land a millenium ago. And besides, my home is here in the sight of the castle."

"Aye, as Cheerilee hath said. A maelstrom of wild magic sears the land, a consequence of ourselves losing our connection to it." Luna explained. "Umbratara was once our principality to rule, but we were unprepared for such responsibilities."

"I'm just a sweet Umbravestite, from Umbrasexual, Umbraterria." Starsong sang. Cheerilee and Toola Roola blushed in embarrasement.

"We thought thee native to Greater Canterlot. How canst thou have been born there?" Luna quirked an eyebrow.

"Your Highness." Lime leaned over. "She is sharing a piece of pop culture. Umbratara has inspired a whole genre of movies, games and literature."

Luna tapped her chin in thought. "We recall that there are tales of vamponies, luquins, haunted houses, things lurking in the sewers, and even ponies who have given in to their own dark sides."

"Don't forget the things that lurk in the sunless depths of the ocean." Starsong added. "Like Sss'qu'irrrk." She sounded out each fragment phonetically.

"You've read H.P. Lovecolt too?" Lime asked the pegasus.

"Mr Roola's got every one of his stories. Apparantly his grandma knew the guy, and was able to get autographed copies."

"This would be Sagari's mother, we assume?" Luna inquired.

"Yes." Toola Roola stated. "She was a big advocate of literature, especially with the development of movies in that time period."

Luna waved a hoof. "Let that pass for now. What we have summoned thee for is this. We desire to reclaim our domain, but there be a sickness that plagues the land. The soil and plantlife appear to be infested with some kind of widespread taint We wish to find a way to remove it before we risk connecting with the land again, lest we ourselves succumb to the same sickness."

"Ah, Vous êtes l'état." [3] Toola Roola stated. "The ruler and the land influence each-other."

"Indeed. What we request of thee is to find the cause of this sickness and if possible, remove it." Cheerilee raised a hoof. "Aye?"

"Your Highness. I mean no disrespect, but surely you can find more qualified individuals than us." She pointed to herself. "I'm just a schoolteacher." She then indicated Toola Roola and Starsong. "My spouse is a painter and performance artist, and Starsong does little odd jobs around the Chateau and Ponyville."

Luna nodded. "You are as you say. And while we could hire a team of scholars and a squadron of soldiers for this mission, they would draw much unwanted attention."

"How about hiring ninjas?" Starsong replied.

"IF WE MAY CONTINUE!"

"Sorry."

Luna cleared her throat. "Cheerilee. You come highly recommended, both by my sister's protege, and by sources that we shall not mention. Thou art well read in matters of history and folklore, and thy talent shines in all matters oratory. Thou could very well be a ninja as mentioned by thy aegis, and we would be none the wiser." Luna turned to Starsong. "You, on the other hoof, have shown a lack of decorum throughout this whole meeting." The pegasus shrank back. Luna's stern expression softened into a prankish smile. "And that is an asset for thee." She chuckled. Starsong joined in a moment later.

"Well I like having a good time."

"Aye, thy Jollity will be needed to defend thy charges in body and spirit. The Maelstrom and the sickness will surely be taxing."

"As you are my witness, I will do my best to keep them safe and happy." Starsong bowed.

"Aye." Luna looked to Toola Roola. "As for thyself, thou art descended from the Zigany tribes that once lived in Umbratara. Thy ancestors were loyal to the pain, even after our descent into madness." The princess paused to wipe something from her cheek. "Would that we could dry every tear thou shed, still every tongue that spoke against thee, sooth every heart that turned away from thee."

"Princess Luna." Toola Roola began. "Do not cry for us. Instead, let us laugh with you."

"Indeed." Luna smiled again. "Jollity be the name of the game, correct?"

"It's kind of our specialty." Toola Roola replied. "We know how and where to find fun." She said with a wink.

"Your Highness, we'd love to help." Cheerilee began. "But we already have responsibilities at home."

"Aye, as thou art a teacher. But thy duties can be suspended for a time."

"Yes, sorry to-wait, what?" Cheerilee blinked.

"Thou art relieved of duty." Luna stated. "Thou art free to accept this request we have laid before thee. Unless thou does not wish to."

"I'm in." Starsong stated.

"Me too" Toola Roola added. They both looked to Cheerilee, who was fidgeting in place.

"Do I have a choice then?" She asked Luna. "I can't just leave these two to their own devices. Who knows what kind of mischief they could get up to?"

Luna conjured a scroll, and levitated it over to the three ponies. "This then will be our contract. To affirm thy choice, please place a hoof on the space allotted, and the magic within the scroll will perform its function."

Starsong looked through the scroll. "Ok...basic overview of what you asked, why we were chosen, legal mumbo jumbo...Ah, here we go. Each of us is entitled to a royal reward for ourselves, in proportion to our efforts."

"At the very least, we want thee to find the cause for the land's sickness. Our sister and ourselves might be able to devise a way to cure it. If thou art able to find a cure, we would be even more grateful."

"How about dinner?" Starsong asked.

"A most excellent suggestion." Luna exclaimed, looking down from her throne at the trio. "As guests of the castle, thou art allowed to access the dining hall, but be reasonable in thy requests. The chefs be rather firm in what they will and will not prepare." She leaned over, and said as an aside to Lime. "Even if it be ourselves that ordereth an apple and caramel cheesecake shake."

"Woooo!" Starsong raised her front hooves up. "See gals, I told you she'd go for it. The Moon rules! Number one!"

"I do indeed rule." Luna replied, grinning smugly. "But number one? What wouldst our sister say to that?"

"Your Majesty." Lime placed a hoof on the throne's leg-rest. "Princess Celestia has plenty of devoted admirers. You are entitled to these three."

"Perhaps one last adventure before I settle down for good." Cheerilee mused, placing her hoof on the allotted space. As soon as her frog touched the paper, there was a blue flash and a pricking sensation. Cheerilee jerked her hoof away, and saw an imprint of her hoof and frog on the paper. "Well, that's convenient." She said, checking her frog for any sign of injury and finding none.

Toola Roola placed her hoof on the scroll next, wincing a bit as the magic flared briefly around her hoof. Starsong placed her hoof next, then Luna took the scroll with her magic and placed her own hoof on the blank space. "There. All four of us are now bound by this contract. The terms cannot be altered until the mission is complete."

"Do you not trust us to be honorable?" Starsong asked.

"We trust thee to be true." Luna replied. "But to earn thy trust, we have to show that we ourselves are willing to abide by the same terms."

"How soon should we leave, your Highness?" Toola Roola asked.

"We shall allow thee to make preparations. Return here in the morn, and we shall have an airship ready to take thee to Bohaymia."

"Absolutely not!" A green unicorn stallion stated. "Antonia, I forbid it!"

"Father, we've already made a contract with the Princess. It's magically binding." She protested.

"You will have to go up tomorrow and unbind yourself." The stallion replied. "Umbraterra is no place for you."

Toola Roola looked to the unicorn mare resting on her father's back. "Mother, please."

"Your father's right." The older mare replied sadly. "You are born in blood Roani, your magic won't work there."

"And besides." The stallion added. "Matron Nadezda has sent me reports that there are rogue members of Zadacha in the area." He reached over and patted Toola Roola's shoulder. "I just don't want to lose you, my daughter."

Toola Roola nuzzled the hoof for a moment. "Papa, I hear your concern, but this isn't just for me. This is for mother as well."

Aurelina leaned forward. "Oh? Princess Luna plans to reward me as well?"

Toola Roola nodded. "Find what is making the land sick and fix it. Then all the Zigany may return."

"And what if something happens to you?" Gilbert replied. "Toola Roola, I just can't take that risk. You're too important to me, to the Business." He held a hoof to his chest. "It hurts me to even think of something happening to you."

"Can we discuss this in the morning?" Starsong interrupted. "I think after a good nights rest, we'll all be thinking clearly."

"Alright. We continue tomorrow." Gilbert replied. After Starsong, Cheerilee and Toola Roola left, Gilbert looked to his wife. "They're gonna sneak out early, aren't they?"

Aurelina smiled. "Try as we might, the three of them are stubborn and willful, much like we were when we were younger."

Gilbert sighed and shook his head. "When did I lose control of my children?"

"Did you ever really have it?" A chestnut-colored mare replied as she approached the pair. "I remember asking myself that exact same question whenever you two went off on with Udan on his little adventures."

"But, I still think of her as a little filly. I held her in my hooves."

"I held you in mine, Lucky." Sagari replied, using his colthood nickname. She looked to Aurelina. "How much do you venerate the Moon Princess?"

Aurelina thought. "Its always been a custom to give praise to Luna. I just never thought that placing my trust in her could be so hard."

"You've often told fortunes for others." Sagari said. "But what do the cards say about you?"

"To let them go." Aurelina sighed. "The path they walk is one of their own choosing."

"You win, Mother." Gilbert replied. "We'll let them go and hope for the best." Sagari gave him a comforting hug.

Early the next morning, Starsong, Cheerilee and Toola Roola slunk into the Ponyville train depot. "That was easy." The pegasus commented. "We managed to slip out without being seen, and by going over the wall instead of through the gatehouse, we managed to avoid the front gate security."

Toola Roola cantered over to the ticket desk. "Three first class tickets to Canterlot, please."

"Right here." The clerk turned around and presented the tickets. Toola Roola skittered back a few paces upon seeing the green stallion.

"P-p-papa?!" She sputtered.

"You seem surprised. Not expecting me?" He slid the tickets towards the edge of the counter. "Go on now. Princess Luna is waiting for you."

Toola Roola accepted the tickets. "You changed your mind, why?"

Funny little story about that. Your Grandma argued for your freedom, but I had a visit from her Royal Highness after that."

The green stallion walked onto the balcony adjoining his room. He placed two wine-filled goblets on the table, each covered with a stuffed-pepper. After settling on on one of the seats, he looked upwards to the moon. "Princess Luna!" he called out. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm inviting you to talk!" he motioned to the empty seat. "Even if you don't come, I still have something to say!" he lowered his voice. "It's about my daughter, Antonia."

A shimmer in the air resolved itself into the form of the Moon Princess, though she was transparent. "What troubles thee, oh Keeper of the Casino?"

Gilbert blinked. "Oh, uh. She tells me that she made a contract with you. Cheerilee and Starsong did as well."

"Indeed, They entered into it freely and of their own will." the princess replied, levitating the goblet set out for her. "They are of legal age, so that is not an issue."

"I'm concerned about their safety." Gilbert said. "I know that Umbraterra-"

"Tara." Luna corrected. "Please continue."

"It's a harsh land, and Roani gifts don't work there, or so I've heard." He pointed a hoof at her. "I don't know if you have children, or have had children in the past."

Luna approached him. "Thy concern for thy daughters is well merited, but we only ask that they find the cause of the sickness 'pon my land. Once the cause is found, they are free to return home."

Gilbert nodded. "I just want them to come home safely."

"We shall do all we can to ensure their well being," Luna promised. "I would not have asked them if I did not think them capable of such a task."

"Your Majesty, if there's one thing I've learned from Dame Fortuna, it is this. Karmic Justice trumps Legal verdicts. That is what my family puts it's capabilities towards."

"I know. Do not ask how I know, but I have learned a great deal about you and your allies. That is why I came to you and yours first."

Gilbert bowed and twirled a hoof. "Our motto is 'Toujours bon à vos amis.'"

"Be good to your friends," Luna nodded. "I would like to consider you as such."

"Alright. Take the goblet with you, I have many more like it." he motioned to the floating vessel.

"Thank you, Patron Gilbert," Luna replied, before she vanished, taking the offering with her as well.

"So she was able to convince you to let us go?" Toola Roola asked.

The stallion drew the red and gold croupier stick that he usually carried. "Take this." He passed it along the counter. "It's attuned to me, but it'll help amplify what little magic you can muster." Toola Roola picked up the stick and the tickets.

"Papa?"

"It's ok, I can use magic just fine without it. It'll just take a little more effort."

Toola Roola slid the staff under the back of her dress. "Thank you, Papa." She turned and rejoined her friends.

Gilbert looked over to the stallion who was sitting on a cushioned stool. "Thank you for this, Monsieur." He remove the clerk uniform and redonned the attire that was hanging on a nearby coatrack.

"Heh, not a problem." the earth pony replied, putting on the clerk uniform. "I know how important family is."

The Canterlot Zeppelin tower was a short walk from the Train depot. Toola Roola, Cheerilee and Starsong met with Golden Stare. "I've been instructed by her Majesty to make sure that you're prepared." the pegasus guard stated. "As well as go over the boarding procedures with you."

The three ponies presented their saddlebags for inspection. Golden Stare inventoried the contents of Toola Roola's bag first. "A notebook, some extra clothes, and a bit pouch. Is this all you plan to take?"

Toola Roola nodded. "I know a few ponies in the area, and what they can provide me with."

Golden Stare inserted a folder containing maps and information provided by Luna. "You're taking a big chance on things being available. You know that we can only take you as far as Bohaymia. The Maelstrom prevents thaumatech from working within the rest of the Principality."

"Food won't be a problem." Toola Roola repeated. "I've checked the atlas. It's a three day coach ride from Prahay to Nocne Mesta. We could be there and back in a week."

"Why can't we approach from Dalmatia?" Starsong chimed in. "Or try looping around and flying in from the other side?"

Golden Stare looked to Starsong. "Her Majesty has considered all possible options. Dalmatia and The Aegemane Sea are Diamond Dog territory, and Loshad has restricted their borders and airspace to prevent members of Zadacha from sneaking in or out. Pomarenia was one of the early options, but the Flight Agency declined after the background check, though they didn't say what they found."

"It might be because of the family business." Toola Roola replied. "I understand." She retrieved her pack, then Golden Stare looked through Cheerilee's pack

"Trail mix, a three-pony tent, first aid kit, canteen, compass, binocs, tool kit..." he closed the pack. "At least somepony's prepared."

"I'm probably the only pony who's been on an actual camping trip." Cheerilee replied. "At least I don't have to chaperone a full class this time."

Golden Stare passed the pack back to Cheerilee, then looked through Starsong's gear. "'Margerita's Movie Manual for Managing Macabre Monstrosities, hoofguards, silver hoofguards, rubber mallet, sharpened wooden stake, bag of salt, book of riddles, and a seltzer bottle."

"Yeah, I was hoping I could get her Highness to bless that." Starsong smirked.

The corners of Golden Stare's mouth twitched upwards for a brief moment. The sound he emitted could have been mistaken for stifled sneeze. Regaining his composure, the pegasus passed the pack back to Starsong. "Her Majesty will be here shortly to see your departure, but I wouldn't get your hopes up about her going along with your fanfilly behavior." He said as lead them up the tower where the Zeppelin was docked.

[2]: I'll pay you each two bits for a fun time. (Implication that the three offer 'favors' for low prices.)
[3]: You are The State. (A play on Louis XIV's declaration.)

Bohaymia

"Whatcha doing there, Wordsmith?" Starsong inquired of a magenta earth pony.

Cheerilee set her mouthpen down, then looked to Starsong. "I'm keeping a log of our trip, since I can't use the video camera."

"What I did on my Summer Vacation, by Cheerilee LaRoulette." the pegasus teased.

Cheerilee walked over to the pegasus. "I think I've done enough of those reports when I was in school."

Starsong grinned. "Yeah, with Celestia and Luna as your classmates."

"Oh come on, I'm only three years older than you."

Starsong giggled. "I know, I just enjoy teasing you."

"Why don't you go down and check on Toola Roola." Cheerilee suggested.

"Yes master!" Starsong adopted a cheesy tone, before heading below decks. She arched her back and dragged one backleg as she walked.

An armored pegasus ambled over to Cheerilee. "Is she always that eccentric?"

"She's always been impulsive and forward," Cheerilee replied. "Could be because her older sister has a weather aversion."

The soldier frowned. "That's rather unusual for a pegasus."

Cheerilee looked out towards the horizon. noticing some clouds moving quickly across the sky. "I think that Thistle would have a panic attack in a place like this."

The soldier cleared his throat. "You remember the plan?"

Cheerilee nodded. "Yes, we'll have 100 sheets of enchanted paper, and you'll stay behind in Prahay with the receiving point. We report in every morning and every evening, and whenever we have something significant for her Highness. If you haven't heard from us after a period of twenty four hours, you're to assume that the mission is a failure." she sighed. "And both Ponyville and Chateau LaRoulette will be notified of our disappearances."

"Cheer up. You'll at least be a hero in your hometown." The pegasus said.

"It just seems so final." Cheerilee replied. "No offense, but MIA and KIA are for soldiers, not-"

"Troubadours?" The pegasus offered. "Sorry, that's what your cover story is supposed to be."

Cheerilee chuckled. "Yes, thank you, um..."

"Just address me as soldier, ma'am." The pegasus said. "It keeps things professional, and makes unpleasant events easier to deal with."

"And there goes my confidence again." Cheerilee snarked. She walked over to the bow of the Zeppelin. As the aircraft passed over the hills that served as a border between Reiten and Bohaymia, Cheerilee felt a sensation akin to something scraping her bones. "Ah, What the buck?!"

The pegasus hurried over to the earth pony as she collapsed. "Easy there, miss. What you just felt is one of the effects of the Maelstrom." He helped her to her hooves. "It's eerie, but harmless. First timers are often freaked out by it." He guided Cheerilee over to the hatch.

The sound of somepony running up the steps caught their attention. Starsong emerged from the hatch. "We gotta turn this ship around right now!" she yelled.

"Starsong, calm down." Cheerilee replied. "We just passed into the Maelstrom. The guard explained it to me."

Starsong looked to the armored pegasus. "Does it always shut down a unicorn's magic?"

The soldier rubbed an ear. "Normally no, but I'm assuming you mean your friend Toola Roola." Starsong nodded. "It might have something to do with-"

"-The Blessing of Luna." came a soft voice from the bottom of the stairway. Toola Roola trod lightly up the stairs, then onto the deck. "I understand now why my ancestors left. The mana was attuned to Princess Luna, and is drawn to her resonance. Her gift to the Roani."

"Wild magic I can deal with." Cheerilee stated. "I've been in the Everfree before, but that was nothing like this." She swept a hoof to indicate the sky.

The rest of the voyage passed in silence.

After the Zeppelin docked at Prahay's airship tower, Cheerilee, Starsong, and Toola Roola unloaded their gear, then looked up one of their contacts. It was a short walk to the two-story house in the southern section of the city. Toola Roola knocked on the door, and a panel in the upper half of the door opened inward. "Máte schůzku?" [1] a yellow pony inquired.

"Ne, to je překvapení inspekce." [2] Starsong replied, drawing her Concierge staff. "Otevřete dveře, drop kalhoty, otočit hlavu, a kašel." [3]

"Who sent you?" the pony lowered her voice to a whisper. Toola Roola presented her father's staff. The doorpony's eyes went wide and she shut the panel. There was a sound of a chain being undone, then the door opened. The pony, now revealed to be a pegasus waved them inside. They entered, bringing their luggage with them, then the doorpony closed the door and chained it again. "Follow me, please." She led the group upstairs, then down the hall. They stopped in front of a closed door, and the doorpony knocked on it.

"Ne?" 4 A feminine voice called from within.

"Pani, 5 we have visitors. Three Concierges on behalf of Patron Gilbert." The doorpony answered.

There was a sound of something rustling, a drawer slamming, then the door was yanked open. "Get in here!" A chocolate brown earth pony hissed. They complied. The dark brown mare looked to the yellow pegasus. "Lenka, please bring our guest's luggage to the guest bedroom."

"Yes Pani." the pegasus replied before leaving.

"Matron Nadezda, if we came at a bad time-" Toola Roola began, but the earth pony raised a hoof.

"This is unexpected, yes, but if you have your father's staff, then he..."

"He loaned it to me for my errand." Toola Roola replied. "He is in good health, other than being worried sick about us."

Nadezda breathed a sigh of relief. "All is well then? Then what brings you here?"

"Matron Nadezda. I know you as a Pony of Honor. So what I'm about to show you, I show you in the strict confidence that we are known for." Toola Roola reached into her pack and pulled out a folder marked with the seal of the Moon Princess.

Nadezda's eyes widened. "Princess Luna hired you?! Prevít mi se borovicí!" [6]

"Shall I write that on my to do list?" Starsong quipped.

Nadezda looked at her for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Ah. No, no. Come, sit down." The earth pony motioned to a couple of black upholstered couches arranged around a low set square black wood table. Cheerilee and Toola Roola sat on one couch, while Starsong and Nadezda sat on the other. "Now, why don't you start at the beginning."

After listening to their story, Nadezda leaned back on the couch "And you agreed to this without doing your research?" She chastised.

"Maybe it was a foolish decision." Toola Roola agreed. "But que sera sera."

"Since you're already here, let me share with you what I know." Nadezda got off the couch and walked over to her desk. She took a couple of binders from one of the drawers and set them on the coffee table. "While you know of the Maelstrom and the Blight, there are some dangers that you and Princess Luna overlooked." She opened one of the binders. "I'll tell you right now that what you think are just folk tales, are very real threats." She unlatched the rings then took out various sheets and passed them around.

"Vamponies, Luquins, and Nickerprancers?" Cheerilee rolled her eyes after reading a few of the sheets. "These things are real?"

Nadezda walked over to her. "I understand your skepticism. All your life you've believed that these monsters were confined to the pages of a book, or the celluloid reels of a movie." She placed a hoof on Cheerilee's shoulder. "But you've already felt it, haven't you?" She returned to her seat. "All three of you. That feeling of something touching your bones, siphoning your innate magic." All three nodded. "Reality is different here. You had best keep that in mind."

"Alright, so we accept these things as real." Cheerilee began. "That means they're physical, tangible. What else?" she looked to Starsong.

"Well, Vamponies need blood to survive." The pegasus recalled. "Silver works against them, Luquins too."

"Our concierge staves are made with silver." Toola Roola pointed out.

"I can supply you with better defenses." Nadezda offered. "We've developed weapons and armor to protect ourselves against the Luquins and Vamponies. Towns are carefully planned so that food and production are protected."

Starsong turned one of the sheets over. "So has anypony been to Nocte Mesta in the last Millenium?"

Nadezda shook her head. "We've been working our way towards it slowly since the start of the 800s. Town by town, so as not to overextend supply chains. Anypony that's spent a night in the wilds unprotected, ends up either dead or turned."

"Turned?" All three of them asked.

"Depending on what got to them, they come back as either a Luquin or a Vampony. Nickerprancers are a different story. They accept ponies who wish to join them, and their magic can be used by earth ponies and pegasi. In a way, they're more dangerous because of their poisoned honey tactics."

"So do they wander the land, or do they keep to certain territories?" Toola Roola asked.

"Yes." Nadezda replied. She took the papers from them, then removed a folding map from the binder. "By charting the attacks and nature of each, we've determined the approximate locations of each menace. The Vamponies seems to be centered in Trotsylvania, the Luquins in Mareavia, and we've tracked the Nickerprancers to their base of operations." She indicated a dot in Western Bohaymia. "Zeranovice, a castle town near the border of Mareravia. Incidentally, there's been a few members of Zadacha in the area as well."

"Zadacha we can handle." Cheerilee stated. "But what can you tell us about Nickerprancers?"

The earth pony matron leaned back against the couch. "Records are kind of spotty because of the panic around the years of Nightmare Moon's reign. The largest cities in each Domain date back to those times, but small towns have been eroded away in the centuries since then. Occasionally we'll come across such an abandoned town out in the wild, but I digress." She reached over to the other binder. "As far as we can tell. The Nickerprancers started with the Hlavic Noble family, and spread from there."

Toola Roola opened the folder containing their mission info and sifted through the papers. "The Hlavics? let's see if there's anything about them...Ah, here we go. A unicorn family that Princess Luna ennobled to oversee the Domain of Bohaymia."

"What is it with Nobles falling from grace?" Cheerilee snarked. "It's like a law of the universe or something."

"Yes, I've heard about the shake-up in Canterlot." Nadezda replied. "A shame that unicorns are so given to the idea of superiority just because of magic. No offence, Young LaRoulette."

"None taken, Matron." Toola Roola replied. "My family works to keep ourselves humble."

There was a knock at the door. "Ne?" Nadezda called out.

"Pani, it's time for afternoon refreshment." Lenka replied.

"Ah. Come in."

Lenka entered, pushing a wooden wheeled cart. On top of the cart was an ornate silver plated coffee pot. From the shelf below the pot, Lenka set out five sets of cups and saucers, as well as two smaller silver pots; one for cream, the other for sugar. She also set down a basket of spoons. Taking the handle of the pot in her mouth, Lenka carefully poured coffee into each cup. She set the pot on the cart, then took a tray of sweetmeats and a stack of cloth napkins from the bottom shelf. After finishing this service, she sat on a cushioned stool opposite Nadezda. "Let us take a pause from business, and enjoy a time of pleasure." Nadezda stated. The group agreed.

An indigo unicorn with a lavender mane peered through a telescope aimed at the windows of the house across the road. She wished that she could use her remote listening and watching spells, but such magic was likely to be sensed by the unicorn in the group that she was watching. Using her magic to take notes however, was acceptable, so she wrote her observations in a notebook.

The dark brown earth pony had been figured as a community leader, but other than spying on her employers, there had been no reason to bother with her. The other three seemed to be envoys from Eastern Equestria, having arrived on the Zeppelin with Lunar Guard Soldiers. Their presence suggested that Luna had taken an interest in the land again, but what that meant for the indigo unicorn's bosses was still unknown.

"Zimolez." A harsh echoing voice called out behind her. The unicorn whirled around and looked at the source. A covered mirror that rested in one corner of the room. She walked over and lifted the sheet covering the mirror, revealing the image of a black alicorn whose hooves, horn, wings, mane and tail were wreathed in teal fire. ~"Ah, there you are."

~"Forgive me Queen Bozena, I was not expecting to hear from you directly." Zimolez bowed. ~"I'm still in the middle of gathering information."

~"What do you have so far, my faithful subject?"

~"Three ponies arrived from Praeclara Terra, accompanied by soldiers under the banner of Luna. Two of them appear to be Zigany, a unicorn and an earth pony. The third, a pegasus, is of uncertain origin. They've made contact with one Miss Vlcek, who we know has a lot of influence among the towns of Bohaymia. None of the three appear to be soldiers, politicians, or high society ponies."

~"What is their business here? Are they perhaps spies for Luna?" The alicorn looked at something to the side. ~"But if we could acquire the Zigany, that would greatly please Lord Zernaba."

~"But what about-"

~"Don't worry about the old witch. We merely have to keep her occupied and distracted for a time." The alicorns' eyes flared briefly with a teal light. "Zimolez. ~Your assignment is to approach these three, befriend them somehow, then get as much as you can from them."

~"Yes, my Queen." Zimolez bowed. The image of the alicorn faded, replaced with Zimolez' own reflection. She covered the mirror again, then returned to the telescope. A quick glance through it revealed that the room in the other house was empty. She went over to the window, and peered into the street below. The group was gathered outside and seemed to be headed to the business district in the center of the city. The unicorn retrieved a basket from her parlour, then left under the guise of going shopping.

"She's creepy and she's kooky, mysterious and spooky, she's all together ooky, she's my friend Cheerilee." The mentioned earth pony had a face that was noticeably redder than her magenta colored fur. This was the third song that the pegasus had altered to include references to either her or Toola Roola.

"Starsong." The pink unicorn began, noticing her spouse's expression. "I think Cheerilee would like a little quiet." The pegasus pouted, but silenced herself. Toola Roola's horn flared briefly as she tried to use magic, but the energy was siphoned off before she could shape it into a useful form. With a grunt of frustration, she stopped and reached into her saddlebags to pull out a list. "First thing we need is dried fruit." She lowered the list and looked around the market in the town square. "See anyplace that would sell that?"

"Hey Toola Roola, check this out!" Starsong called from one of the booths. She held up a statue made from colored beads on a wireframe. "Think we could get one of ourselves?"

"Starsong, we don't have the time or money for-" Cheerlee started, but was cut off.

"Ooh, hats!" The pegasus dashed over to another booth where an earth pony was selling hoof-knitted snood-caps.

"Pardon me." A voice called from behind Cheerilee and Toola Roola. They turned to see an indigo unicorn. "Your friend, she seems very...exhuberant."

"She's a hoofful sometimes. " Cheerilee replied. "But she's still our friend."

"Ah, you are new in town, yes?" Toola Roola nodded. "We don't get Zigany, usually. They used to live here ah, many years ago."

"I can see why they left." Toola Roola stated. "Their magic stopped working after Princess Luna's banishment."

"Terrible tragedy, that." The indigo unicorn replied. "But you are...?"

"We're traveling troubadours." Cheerilee chimed in, using the cover story that the Princess helped them devise. "Wandering the land in search of songs and stories."

"And Umbratara is certain to be a treasure trove of ancient legends, no?" Toola Roola added. "A land left leaderless for a millenium."

"There are ah, many stories here." The other unicorn replied. "If you come by my house later, I could share them with you."

"Cool, where you living at?" Starsong asked, having flown back over upon spotting the unicorn talking to her friends.

"I live across the lane from ah, Miss Vlcek." She replied before heading to a flower booth.

"Oh, by the way. I found the fruit shops." Starsong told her friends. "It's the third row in the center," she pointed.

A pair of unicorns walked along the streets of a mostly empty city. One was dark red, and wore a business suit. The other was pale white, and wore a black robe. ~"I've been told that your new weapon is an improvement of your old designs." The pale unicorn said to her companion.

The business pony nodded. ~"Yes, fortunately my underlings listened to me, and made copies of the plans from Vault's Vale. We at least have something to work with."

~"So it could work to deliver a projectile that injects a liquid into a subject?" The pale pony asked as they entered a warehouse.

~"I'm thinking that we could somehow modify a syringe to withstand being launched from the pipe. Once that's done, we can work on mass production." The business pony removed the sheet that was covering a workbench. ~"I've never seen a metal quite like this. Stronger and lighter than iron, it can withstand much more accelerate than other materials. It's perfect for our needs."

~"Yes, well, you know these modern devices better than us." The pale unicorn replied. ~"We'll work on the new plagues."

~"Just don't forget our deal."

~"Don't worry. We'll break your lady out of the Mountains of Madness." The pale unicorn levitated the device with an aura of teal magic. ~"So what is the range that you have achieved with this?"

~"Tests with another such device have shown that we can launch a bullet over a distance of 500 strides. Accuracy is still being worked out."

~"Ah, my queen will be pleased to hear that." The pale pony replied.

~"No offense." The business pony began. ~"But why do you still cling to such a backwards idea?"

The pale pony grinned. ~"The power she wields is a testament to the strength of her will. Surely that is something you can support." She set the tube down again.

~"Yeah." The business pony replied. ~"Is there anything else you need from us?"

The pale unicorn raised a hoof. ~"The coven would like to see a demonstration tonight. Just to get an idea behind the power of the projectile."

The business pony nodded. ~"I'll need to make some more powder, but I can show you all how it works."

Upon hearing a knock at the door, Zimolez hurried to the parlour, and peered through a peephole. Spotting the trio from earlier, she opened the door. "Ah, the troubadours. Do come in." They entered. "Shall I take your canes?" She indicated the staves that they carried on their backs.

"No, we prefer to keep these with us." Cheerilee replied. "It's a comforting affectation."

"Very well. Ah, I have a library this way." Zimolez lead them down a short hallway then into a room with a couple of bookshelves along each wall. In the center was a single padded chair, with a table and a footstool next to it. Tall candelabras in each corner provided a low illumination "Forgive the accommodations, I don't receive many guests." the indigo unicorn apologized.

"Is this your whole collection?" Toola Roola asked, motioning a hoof to indicate the shelves.

"Yes. Ah, I haven't looked through all of it yet, since some of it was bequeathed as an inheritance."

Toola Roola nodded, then started browsing one of the shelves. "Do you have any accounts of Vamponies, Luqins, or other monsters?"

Zimolez walked over to Toola Roola. "I have heard of an old witch who travels in a hut with wooden legs."

"Baba Yaga?" Starsong asked. "Is she real, I mean, really real?"

Zimolez turned and nodded to the pegasus. "She is, and she steals foals for her stew."

"She's an evil enchantress, and she does evil dances." The pegasus began. Cheerilee elbowed her in the ribs. "Ow."

Zimolez gave Starsong a confused look. "You make jokes about her? She is not to be trifled with." She turned to the bookcase. "Here." she said, pulling out a worn book. "This is a journal left by ah, a former guest." She passed the book to Toola Roola.

The pink unicorn looked over to Cheerilee. "'Lee. Why don't you and our host go prepare a meal, and share stories."

"Oh, certainly." the earth pony replied. She and Zimolez left the room.

Starsong walked over to Toola Roola and whispered. "Ok, what's up?"

"Hmm?" Toola Roola replied while tilting books at random.

"Toola Roola, I know you. You wouldn't have sent Cheerilee away unless you needed a distraction."

Toola Roola moved over to one side of the bookcase. "You know how The LaRoulette mansion has hidden rooms and passages?"

"Yeah, you, me and Cheerilee used to explore them when we were younger, but-" realization dawned. "Ohhhh. You think there's one here."

The pink unicorn paced a bit. "I noticed that the ambiance is off. The furniture isn't arranged in a comforting manner. This case has less dust than the others." She pointed to a spot on the rug. "And what about these indentations?"

Starsong peered. "Good eye. Yeah, something was here recently, but what?" She looked around the room. "Chair, table, candle holder, stepstool..."

"Could you bring the stepstool over?" Toola Roola asked. Starsong pushed it over to the spot. Toola Roola got on, and looked at the shelf that was now accessible. "Ah, here we go. A fake book." She tugged it, and there was a muffled click from behind the bookcase. Pushing against it, Toola Roola felt the bookcase swivel around the middle, stopping after a stride.

Starsong peered into the gap behind the bookcase. "You were right, there's a staircase that goes up." She carefully made her way up, testing each step to make sure that it wouldn't creak. At the top of the stairs, she found a small room. There was a telescope at the window, some old wooden furniture, rusty tools and a sheet covering something in one corner of the room.

"Looks to be a storage room of some sort," she whispered down the staircase. "There's a buncha junk up here."

"Why would somepony hide the entrance to a storage room?" Toola Roola whispered back.

"Gotcha, I'm looking for loot now." Starsong replied. She looked under and inside some of the furniture, checking for hidden panels in obvious spots. Coming up empty hooved, she looked to the sheet in the corner. "Maybe." She crept over and lifted the edge of the sheet to look. "I found a mirror. It's got a blue metallic frame, decorated with jewels and runes." She stroked a hoof along the bottom of the frame, brushing over bluish-green gem which sparkled at her touch. The image in the mirror shimmered and changed to show another room that looked to be lavishly decorated. "Hey, I think it's a magic mirror."

She could hear some voices coming from some ponies who sounded like they were outside of the room. She poked at the glass, finding that it still existed, preventing her from traveling to the other room. Tapping the gem again, Starsong saw her reflection come back into view. She lowered the sheet, then glided back down the stairway. Together, She and Toola Roola moved the bookcase back into place, then resumed browsing the books.

Cheerilee and Zimolez returned a few minutes later, with a tray of hot dumplings and some mugs of herbal tea. "Did you, ah, find anything useful in your search?" The indigo unicorn asked. "Your friend has told me of a fascinating invention that allows ponies to send their words through the air, to special boxes."

"Oh yeah. Radio." Starsong replied. "It's very useful for sharing stories with a wide audience."

"And this radio, could we make it work here?"

"Sure, all we have to do is remove the Maelstrom. Then we can install the tech for it."

"IIt seems that we have missed out on much, on account of the Maelstrom. But come, eat." Zimolez motioned to the dumplings. Toola Roola, Starsong, and Cheerilee helped themselves.

Princess Luna raised her head as a group of ponies entered the throne room. Tied around the base of their tails, were silver tunics bearing the emblem of her cutiemark. "Why are thy vestments worn in such an unorthodox manner?" She inquired.

"Your Majesty," a stallion with a long mustache bowed. "We wear them like this, because the mares and fillies of our tribe wish to preserve their virtue."

"Tis a show of solidarity then! But why is their virtue in need of preservation? Much of ponykind goes hither and yon without concern for whether their nethers are covered."

"Our females have found themselves in uncomfortable situations where certain non-Zigany stallions initiate unwanted intimacy." Luna looked aghast. "And when such advances are refused, without stallions such as myself to intervene, the females find themselves pursued, beaten, or worse."

"Such horrendous acts must certainly be punished!" Luna stood up. "Point us to these bandits and brigands, than we may correct their behavior!"

"Your Majesty." A chartreuse unicorn waved for her attention. "They would be difficult to find without a known location." Luna calmed down.

"Good sooth, Chancellor! But we still seek to prevent further occurrences of these actions! No pony should have to live in fear for their well-being!"

"Wearing our tunics as a tail decoration seems to be working." One of the Zigany mares spoke up. "They prevent prying eyes from seeing the prize that they seek."

"Though they are ill-suited for the task!" Luna observed. "The ends do drag along the ground, gathering dust! We shall see to it that thee receiveth proper decorum! Chancellor Mimeze!" The chartreuse unicorn stood at attention. "This shall be the new uniform for the Zigany! A length of silver fabric equal to one stride and a width of one hoof-length! The ends of this fabric shall bear a likeness of Our cutie mark!" Mimeze wrote this order on a scroll.

"These things are such a pain, how do you manage them?" Cheerilee griped, attempting to tie a ribbon around her tail. "Why do we even wear them?"

Toola Roola helped out by holding part of the fabric in a loop so Cheerilee could tie it into a bow. "Well, from what I've heard, it's because there were complaints about the Roa being called tempters and inciting bad behavior in others."

"So they opted to tie ribbons around their tails to cover their rears." Cheerilee mused.

"In both senses of the phrase, yes." The unicorn finished the bow, then Cheerilee helped Toola Roola with her ribbon. They had little trouble with the headscarves, since it was easier to reach the back of their own heads. Downstairs, they met with Starsong and Nadezda, Lenka had been sent out on a morning errand.

Nadezda lead them down to the basement. "Since I can't dissuade you from your assignment, I can at least equip you for the journey."

Matron Nadezda. You've been a wonderful host and we thank you for letting us stay the night." Cheerilee began. "But we really should be traveling light."

The chocolate colored earth pony opened a crate, revealing a leg mounted, spring-driven mechanical bow and a few bundles of silverhead arrows. "Mine!" Starsong declared.

"You know how to use it?"

"I'm well read on various weapons. Got books about them from a specialty store." the pegasus replied. "Just pull the rack back with your teeth, put the arrow in, point, and fire. The whole thing can be done in three seconds."

Nadezda lifted the springbow out and passed it to Starsong. She attached it to her left leg, then did a dry fire. "You wouldn't happen to have any bowsmiths in the country, would you?"

"Of course. Any smith in our organization should be able to repair it if it breaks. And we have hidden a few silver mines around, so you can replenish your supply." Nadezda opened another crate, revealing a set of armor. "Now this." she began. "Is one of the spare sets that we keep." Nadezda pointed out certain features. "You got your helmet, crinelle, peytral, back cover, and greaves. Of course if you plan on using the springbow, you'll have to leave off the cover for that leg. Silver-coated aluminum. It'll hurt Luquins and Vamponies, but it won't hold up against a heavy assault."

"So it's not useful for an all out attack." Cheerilee mused. "It's not like we'll be storming the castle."

Nadezda looked to Cheerilee. "Why not? There aren't anymore ponies living in or around it. The real danger is in getting to the castle."

"So we have a bit of defense against predators. I suppose we could take turns with a night guard." Cheerilee mused. "But I haven't trained with a weapon."

"I've also arranged for you to have a camping vehicle." Nadezda added. "It's much more useful than what you've brought."

"A camping vehicle." Cheerilee deadpanned. "I suppose it's useful for carrying more supplies, but that kind of defeats the purpose of traveling light. Besides, what about rough terrain?" Nadezda lead them up a set of stairs to a large wooden structure on the side of her house. Cheerilee's jaw dropped upon seeing what was contained in the structure.

The vehicle was a large rectangular wooden box banded with iron. Looped around the wheels on each side was a chain of wooden strips. The top of the vehicle was covered with an aluminum awning. "We're getting a tank!" Starsong beamed. "Bucking awesome!"

"But how do you move it?" Cheerilee asked.

"Come, I'll show you how to operate this." Nadezda lead them to the 'front' of the vehicle.

"So let me get this straight," one of the pegasi guards began. "She has a working clockwork tank."

"Yep." Toola Roola replied.

The guard turned to the rest of her squad. "Why the buck didn't we think of that?"

"Because our clockwork is only fit for museum displays," one of the other guards replied. "We still use steamtech for parades and festivals, but most of our vehicles are thaumatech."

"Requiring magically imbued crystals." The first guard muttered. "And useless in the Maelstrom."

"I think you gals are overlooking the important thing." Starsong added. "We have, a tank."

"We know! You haven't shut up about it since we got it!" Cheerilee snapped.

Toola Roola patted Cheerilee. "At least there's space for the three of us to sleep inside."

"So it's a camper too," the guard mused. "Does it transform into a giant robot as well?" Cheerilee burst into laughter. "I'm guessing not."

"Yeah, not just that, we also got silver arrows and a springbow." She stood on her hindlegs and mimed. "We meet any monsters? K-thunk, k-thunk, k-thunk!"

"Tell her about the armor." Toola Roola mentioned.

"We got a suit of silver armor. I'm gonna get it tricked out with those fake wings."

"Like the Hussars?" The guard asked

"I am the last Hussarnian!" Starsong shouted, before falling backwards. "Oof." She grunted, landing on her back. The zeppelin swayed under the force of her impact.

"Now, what about your report on Zeranovice? You mentioned Nickerprancers and Objectivists using the town as a base of operations." The guard presented a scroll that Cheerilee had delivered earlier.

The earth pony, having recovered from her laughing fit, went over and helped Starsong back on her hooves. "According to our trusted source, there are ponies in the town who practice forbidden magics. And working in collusion with traitors to the crown."

"Treason, conspiracy, using forbidden magic." Another guard recited, writing on a blank scroll. He retrieved Cheerilee's report from the first guard, wrapped it in the second scroll, then tossed both into a contained flame. "There, with any luck we'll get a reply in about an hour." He stated.

"Bow thy heads and repeat after us." A dark blue alicorn commanded a small group of ponies. They did so. "I."

"I." The ponies repeated.

"Name, pledge my service.:."

They stated their names, then pledged.

"To the ruler of Umbratara."

"To abide by the rules..."

"...and perform my duties."

"To take no action..."

"...against thy liege."

"...against my liege."

"This thou swears."

"This we swear."

Luna nodded. "Now thou may depart to thine Domain of Bohaymia. We shall visit thee in one fortnight." The group rose then departed.

A black alicorn strode into a room consecrated for rituals. ~"The time of our lord's return draws near." she spoke to the assembled group. ~"Our preparations must be completed before then."

~"Your Majesty." One of the black robed ponies addressed her. ~"The new weapons are ready, and we know how to use them."

~"Indeed and truly," the alicorn replied. ~"And what of the plague that you've been brewing?"

~"My Queen." Another pony replied. ~"We need more test subjects to make sure that it will work as intended."

~"Tonight under the cover of darkness, you are to send a small party to the village of Dobrayny. We will test it on donkeys first. Their endurance will allow you to fine tune the infection speed. Also, assaulting a town so close to the former capital will allow you to test the response of the Lunar guard in the area. We might even get Luna's attention."

~"So whether we succeed or fail, we win?" One of the newer acolytes asked.

The alicorn motioned for the pony to approach. ~"Do you have your doubts about this mission?"

~"N-n-no, My Queen."

~"Then you may lead it." She stated. ~"Do well, and I just might make you my right hoof pony."

~"I will accompany him, as he may need an experienced advisor." The first pony volunteered.

~"Good. Take some of the new weapons with you. Standard projectiles. We'll save the hollow ones for the war on Canterlot."

~"Yes, your Majesty." the two ponies bowed then departed. The alicorn looked to the rest of the group. ~"I will need a second team to retrieve material from the Mountains of Madness. Anti magic weapons and armor will be most useful in the planned assault."

~"Your Majesty." one of the ponies began. ~"I worry about Zeranovice's defenses, if two parties are out at once."

~"Normally I wouldn't be so bold, but these new ponies from the east have proven to be useful. They can serve as my guard while you perform your mission. And if they should balk, I can be very persuasive." She held up a hoof and created a ball of teal fire. The rest of the coven cackled.

Toola Roola pushed a small wooden crate into the camper. "This would be easier if I could levitate stuff." She griped. "But I think we've got everything."

Cheerilee helped move the crate into position. "And one weeks worth of dried food. Water we can get on the way, hopefully." She looked over at the saddlebags. "And all our stuff is here. That, and the silver stuff for defending against the monsters."

"I checked the maps." Toola Roola replied. "With the camper, two days out, and two days back. Even with tonights detour to Zeranovice."

"That's the optimal estimate. I'm still figuring on three days. Four if we encounter any problems" Toola Roola closed the back door while Cheerilee entered the cabin and began driving the camper. "I wonder what's keeping Starsong?"

"She said that she needed to sort something out." The unicorn replied. "So maybe she'll come back soon."

The chocolate brown earth pony walked into the palace of Prahay. She passed through the long foyer, then into the throne room. ~"Prime Minister, if I may have a moment of your time?" She addressed the light orange pegasus seated behind a desk at the base of a broad stairway.

~"Miss Vlcek. Please have a seat." The earth pony settled on one of the padded stools. ~"I'm always willing to take the time to listen to a concerned citizen such as yourself." The pegasus smiled nervously.

~"How do you feel about Princess Luna returning to rule?" Nadezda inquired.

~"If her Majesty wishes to run for Premiership of Umbratara, I'm ok with that." the pegasus replied. ~"As long as she's willing to listen to the citizens, there should be no problem."

~"Yeeeeaaahhhh, no. She's not running for election."

~"An appointed ruler? I don't know if the ponies will go for that..."

~"Prime Minister, need I remind you of how things work around here? For the last two centuries, Bohaymia has had nothing but appointed rulers under the pretense of elections. Before that, it was a bunch of feudalistic towns run by chieftans, living in fear of nocturnal predators."

The pegasus wrung her hooves. ~"Matron Nadezda, if this is about my tenure, I can assure you that I haven't gone against the wishes of-"

~"No no. You're doing fine. But I would like to avoid history repeating itself."

~"Repeating itself?"

~"You remember what happened a millenium ago, when the people refused to listen to their leader?"

The Prime Minister swallowed then licked her lips. ~"Point taken. If Princess Luna wishes to return to power, The Bohaymian Republic will support her."

Nadezda smiled. ~"Thank you, Prime Minister. As a concerned citizen, I want to ensure a peaceful transition to Greater Equestrian Society."

~"Thank you for your time, Citizen." The Prime Minister replied. After the earth pony left, the pegasus looked up the stairway at the dust covered throne. ~"But will Her Majesty allow me to keep my job?" she asked herself.

A purple pegasus with a red and pink mane sat next to a grotesque statue. "Whatcha looking at?" The pegasus asked, peering down at the street below. The statue gave no response. "Not the talkative type. I didn't expect you to be." She reached over and patted the statue on the head. "I'll let you in on a little secret." She leaned over and whispered in its ear. "I'm scared. I mean, really scared."

She lowered herself to lay on the roof. "There's gonna be a battle at Zeranovich. Ponies are gonna get hurt, or worse." She shuddered. "And I don't wanna be in it. I don't want Toola Roola and Cheerilee in it either." She rubbed one of her eyes. "I've been in fights before, but that was against petty thugs and fugitives from justice."

"But if we don't stop them there..." She paused to take a breath. "Then the Nickerprancers are gonna ravage this land. And it won't just stop here, will it?" She looked to the statue. "They'll go over the mountains into Reitland. Then Perch, Caballo, and to Canterlot itself..."

Images of her family, friends and associates passed before her eyes, each one looked battered and barely clinging to life. She reached out a hoof as if to touch them. "Thistle Whistle, Jasper, Luna..." She closed her eyes and grit her teeth. "No, it ends here. TONIGHT!" She took to the air, ignoring the curiousity that her shout attracted.

Landing on the deck of one of the military Zeppelins, she approached the guard captain. "I'm in."

"Pardon miss?" The Captain gave her an incredulous look.

"Suit me up and arm me, I'm fighting."

"This is no business for a civilian," the captain replied. "Best to just stay back and leave it to the professionals."

The pegasus pulled out a card from her jacket pocket. "I'm in her Majesty's secret service."

The Captain read over the card, then turned to one of the other guards."Find her a spare set of gear!"

"Yes Ma'am!" The soldier replied before heading below deck. She returned a few minutes later with a set of aluminum combat armor. Starsong undressed, then the soldier helped put on the armor. The helmet, criniere, peytral, curiass and greaves went on easily. The gauntlets had slots for different attachments. Starsong opted to have a shield on her right leg, and a curved blade on the left. These attachments could be put on and taken off quickly, and stored on the back of the curiass to allow her to use the springbow.

When she was fully suited, Starsong turned to the captain. "Alright, I want just one more thing from you."

"What's that miss?"

"Nopony discusses their betrotheds back home, or their retirement plans. We don't want Dame Fortuna getting any ideas about who to pick off first." There was a round of laughter aboard the Zeppelins as the order was passed along.

Luna sorted through a folder of reports. "Dear sister." She looked to the white alicorn who sat across the table from her. "Two companies and four wings from the Reiten military forces, just for one small castle town? What be the intent, to level it?"

Celestia walked around the table, and placed a hoof on Luna's shoulder. "It may seem like overkill, but from what I've recieved, our opponents are ponies who practice dark forbidden magics."

"Nickerprancers..." Luna recalled. She looked back to the report in her hooves. "My time under the influence seems as a dream, a dark twisted dream but do I recall some matters thereof." She raised her gaze, not focused on anything in particular. "I recall something involving the noble families of Bohaymia, a blue-green light, a miasma of some sort, reanimated ponies..." She closed her eyes and shuddered. "A year before, they brought news of a plague that was ravaging the land..." She slammed the report on the table, startling Celestia.

"Luna are you alright?" Celestia nuzzled the younger alicorn.

"The sickness, it started with them!" Luna whispered. "Oh Celly, why did I see it not before?" She looked to her sister, tears trailing from her eyes. "T'was they corrupted the land, corrupted the other aristocrats, then they came for me." Celestia embraced the trembling alicorn. "They made the plague, spread it to their subjects, then to me came with fake tears. Th-the first night I visited them, they were still ponies. A-a year later they, all of them, earthen, pegasi, and unicorns all had that same bluish-green glow in their eyes..."

"Shh, it's alright Luna." Celestia wrapped a wing around her sister. "The army's taking care of them."

Ten ponies made their way through a dense forest. Four of them wore black robes with hoods that covered their heads. Four others each carried a metal tube on their backs. The remaining two were animated skeletons who were harnessed to a large wheeled cage. "Why we gotta work with these wierdos anyways?" One of the weapon ponies complain to her peers.

"It's the best we can get right now, because of the purge." Another weapon pony replied. "Ever since the Fountainhead's trial, we've been pariahs."

"Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to have allies but they still creep me out." The first pony stated. She glanced over at the skeletons. "I know Any says that we're supposed to use all the resources at our disposal, but this seems to be a bit much."

One of the robed ponies looked back. "At least you don't have to pay them." The weapon ponies tittered nervously. They approached a path that ran through the forest. "Halt." The robed pony called. Off in the distance from one of end of the path, they heard a thumping noise that seemed to grow closer with each beat. "Hide." The Nickerprancer hissed. The ponies each found a tree to hide behind, while one of the cultists cast a cloaking spell over the skeletons and their cart.

The group watched as a figure traveled along the path. As it got closer, they could see that it was an aged unicorn wearing a faded yellow gown under a tattered green robe. She rode in a large stone bowl that hovered over the ground. In her hooves she held a giant stone pestle decorated with runes and sigils, using it as an oar. It thumped on the ground each time she rowed, leaving a sizable imprint.

As the figure passed by their hiding spot, one of the weapon ponies whispered. "Why are we hidng from her?" The old unicorn stopped rowing and perked her ears, looking in their direction. She sniffed the air, then snorted.

~"It's not wise to be out after dark." She called out in a scratchy voice. ~"Come on out so I can see you." After several seconds of waiting, she slung the pestle onto her back then climbed out of the bowl. "How rude, to make an old lady walk." She griped, approaching the hiding ponies.

"Get out there, fool." One of the Nickerprancers hissed. The old mare stopped.

~"Let's shed a little light on the situation." She smirked, raising a hoof. She stomped the ground, creating a bright flash, then a wave of light that swept past the group. Blinded, the weapon ponies stumbled into view, trying to clear their vision. ~"If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to ambush me."

~"Run you fools!" one of the black robed ponies called, before scampering down the path away from the old mare. The other other three cultists and the skeletons followed. The old mare unslung her pestle and flung it at the fleeing group. It arced over the wheeled cage and slammed into one of the skeletons, shattering it then grinding some of the bone fragments into the dirt. The old mare twirled her hoof and the pestle mimiced the movement. It flipped end over end before slamming into the second skeleton and destroying it.

One of the weapon ponies swore, unslinging her tube and aiming it at the old mare. She jerked on the firing mechanism, igniting the powder which propelled the bullet inside. As the projectile struck the mare, her body exploded into a cloud of mist which quickly dispersed. The gown and robe settled to the ground. "What? I did it?!" She raised her weapon triumphantly. "Woohoo! I killed Baba Yaga!"

~"Wrong!" Came a voice behind her. The group whirled around in time to see a cloud of mist coalescing into the form of the old mare. She raised a hoof, and the pestle soared back to it. The other three weapons ponies aimed their weapons and fired...

~"Back to Zeranovice, Now!" One of the robed ponies yelled as they emerged from the forest. They fled as a succession of gunshots, followed by agonized screams issued from the woods behind them. ~"They pissed the witch off, not us!"

They had just crested a hill within sight of their town when they heard a voice call out. ~"Going somewhere, children?" They turned and saw the large stone bowl rapidly descending from above. It halted a few inches off the ground, then the old mare pointed her pestle at them. ~"Abandoning your friends? Cowards!" The bowl glided quickly up the hill towards them.

"Zeranovice has been sighted, Captain!" one of the armored pegasi announced.

Another pegasus soldier boarded the zeppelin. "Captain, The ground crew reports gunfire and screams from the woods to the southeast."

"Send a scout flight to scan the towns defenses, and tell Ground to send three squads to investigate the woods." The Captain replied.

"Yes Ma'am!" they both replied before delivering their respective orders.

The Captain raised her binoculars to scan the area around the town. "So Miss Starsong." She addressed a pegasus who was on the deck above. "Did your contact have any recomendations for dealing with Nickerprancers?"

"Strike first, strike hard, and take no prisoners." she stated grimly. "Given the chance they'll either try to hypnotise you, or drain your life and raise you as an undead servant."

The Captain nodded. "You don't have to do this, you know. You could just sit here and watch. It's a little less frightening from a distance."

Starsong hopped down to the main deck. "I may be a 'combat virgin' as you put it, but I have my reasons for fighting. Besides, I'll need the experience deeper in where you gals can't go. There's still Luquins and Vamponies to contend with."

"You're a brave pony Miss Starsong. Foalish, but brave." She turned her gaze back to Zeranovice. "I see the scout team returning."

A group of pegasi landed on the deck in front of the Captain. "Captain, we've been engaged by the enemy. They fired upon us during our flyover. Fortunately there've been no injuries."

"Give me a rough breakdown."

The flight leader approached the Captain. "The archers are armed with Objectivist style weapons, but they appear to be emaciated. Some even to the point where their bones are showing."

"Corporal, you have permission to use the word 'undead.'"

The corporal snorted. "Right, so the archers are undead. There's small group of skeletons and zombies stationed at the entrance to the town, and a larger group in front of the castle. Both groups are armed with bladed weapons. The archers themselves are on the castle roof with blasting pipes. The buildings of the town look dilapitated, with some of the outer buildings having collapsed into their foundations. A graveyard on the west side of town has had all of its plots exhumed, and there appears to be no sign of habitation other than the castle itself."

"Do any of the town buildings look like they could be used as a forward position?" The captain asked.

"It's possible to use any of the buildings as an ambush point. Even the ones that have collapsed have hiding spots amongst the rubble."

"Send word to the ground crew. Search every building," the Captain pointed to one of the rookie scouts.

"Yes Ma'am." the rookie replied before heading down.

Cheerilee and Toola Roola accompanied the Colonel of the ground crew, as she formulated an attack plan. "If this were a town of normal ponies, It'd be a cakewalk." she began. "And the attack on Vault's Vale gave us valuble insight into the Objectivists' tactics. Even if they were our only opponent, we could still complete our objective." She looked to Cheerilee and Toola Roola. "Here's what worries me. Number one, is a possible ambush. Maybe more than one. Our main foes have been left alone here for a millenium or more. Number two, the magic that they have. Already we know that they can raise the dead, so every casualty on our side is another recruit for them."

Cheerilee looked over the map. "So rather than march from the town gate to the castle, you're going to circle around to the rear and sides..."

"We'll make three entrances before sending in the infantry. Pegasi should provide plenty of bombardement to distract our foes. Lunar Decree 635. For treason and using forbidden magic, Nickerprancers are to be incapacitated."

"That certainly makes things easier for you." Cheerilee replied. "So what is our role in this?" She motioned to herself and Toola Roola.

"We don't have a task for you in this battle, but once we take the town, we can move the relay point there."

"That could also work for coordinating additional assaults..." Cheerilee mused.

An armored earth pony approached. "Colonel, I have a report."

The Colonel looked over at the new arrival. "I'm listening."

"We investigated the report of gunfire and screams. We found four ponies in critical condition, and two mangled bodies."

"How critical." Toola Roola asked.

"Four broken legs each. The med crew got them splinted, but there's a chance that they may never walk again." the soldier replied. The pink unicorn turned and draped herself on Cheerilee's back before dry-heaving. "Are you alright miss?"

Cheerilee comforted Toola Roola. "She'll be ok." The magenta earth pony told the guard. "She's just having a sympathetic reaction."

"Take me to them." The Captain requested. "I want to know who or what did such a thing. We might have a dragon in the area."

"This way, Colonel." The soldier led her to a white tent. Inside a medic was tending to one of the injured ponies.

"May I speak with one of the injured?" The Colonel addressed the doctor.

"Yes Colonel, that one there is stable and consious." He pointed to one of the ponies at the rear of the tent.

The Colonel approached the pony. "I am Colonel Gerhild of the 18th company of the Reiten army. I have a few questions for you, civilian." The pony looked over to her. "What were you doing out in the woods?"

"We were on our way to Dobrayny." The pony managed to say.

"That's a ways away. So what happened out there?"

"We were attacked by an old mare..."

The Colonel glanced to the pony's bandaged legs. "An old mare? These injuries look like they were inflicted by a dragon."

The pony managed a dry chuckle. "Maybe she's a dragon in the form of a pony. They can do that, right?"

The Colonel nodded. "Some elder dragons have the ability to change their form." Gerhild looked to the other patients. "So this mare, she attacked you and your companions without provocation?"

"Sh-she's not a pony." The patient replied, shuddering. "We fired at her, and she vanished, Then she reappeared behind us..."

"You fired at her?"

"We panicked after she smashed the skeletons with her pestle."

The Colonel held up a hoof. "Hold on there, nopony mentioned anything about skeletons." The patient motioned the Colonel closer. She leaned in.

"We'll confess to anything. Just please get us out of this land."

"Confess? What are you confessing to?" Colonel Gerhild took out a notepad and writing stick.

"We're former members of Zadacha."

Gerhild raised an eyebrow "Former members?"

"Yeah, we quit." The unicorn patient looked to her mangled limbs. "Any isn't worth this."

Gerhild looked to the Doctor. "Cap 'em and prep 'em for transfer to Canterlot."

"Yes Colonel." The Doctor saluted.

Two dozen flights of pegasi circled around the town and castle. Each flight had ten pegasi: nine forming a 'V' wihile the tenth-a Destrier-flew between the rearmost pegasi of each tine. The flights were further grouped into wings consisting of six flights arranged in a broad triangle. Each wing was lead by a 2nd Lieutenant with three Destrier assistants. The Captain and Starsong acted as the coordinator for all the wings, along with two Veteran Destriers for protection.

The first stage of the attack consisted of aerial bombardement. Each pegasi had a hoof-held crossbow, and a quiver containing 100 bolts. The Combat Zeppelins themselves had ballistae which could launch sharpened logs, or specially prepared projectiles of iron or stone. Combined with the Ground Company's catapults, they began attacking the walls and the undead guards.

The Nickerprancers responded by tossing bolts of teal lightning and balls of teal fire, injuring several ponies at a time. While their magic was formidable, they only wore cloth robes, so they were cut down by the hail of arrows.

Zadacha members were better armored, but their weapons took 10-15 seconds to reload after each shot. They were also harder to target as they moved about the town, seeking shelter and advantageous firing positions.

As the battle played out, The Reiten armed forces slowly but steadily wore down their opponent. Once the sidewalls of the town were breached, the ground soldiers swarmed into Zeranovice and began a systematic occupation while the Air force concentrated on the Nickerprancers and any undead they happened to raise.

The top story of the castle exploded, showering flaming rubble on the the streets below. Soldiers leapt out of the way to avoid being crushed. A black alicorn with flaming teal eyes, mane, wings, fetlocks and tail, emerged from the cloud of smoke slowly flying upwards. ~"Arise my subjects! Serve your Queen once more!" She called out in a harsh echoing voice while rings of teal light emanated from her front hooves and surrounded every Nickerprancer that had been felled. They stood up, arrows sloughed from their bodies as their wounds closed and broken bones became whole. Once they were fully healed, they each ran for the nearest living pony, attempting to bite their targets.

While the ground troops were contending with the reanimated cultists, Zadacha took the opportunity to flee, heading for any available exits. "Starsong! Delta Purple! After them!" The Captain ordered. The eleven pegasi took off after the fleeing ponies. The Captain turned to the rest of her soldiers. "Beta Left! Alpha Right!" She shouted. The mentioned Wings moved to flank the alicorn.

~"Foals! This is MY domain!" The alicorn swiped with her hooves, throwing projectiles of teal fire. The pegasis scattered to dodge these projectiles. One of the firebolts hit the balloon of a Zeppelin, igniting the fabric and causing the boat to crash on the ground. It had been low enough to the ground that the earth ponies and unicorns onboard had survived, though they were seriously injured by the impact. ~"See the price of your trespass!" The alicorn gloated.

"Du untier! Ich werde du am ENDE!!!"[7] The Captain screamed, drawing her sword and charging the alicorn.

"Toola! Toola Roola! ANTONIA!!!" The unicorn snapped out of her daze and looked to the earth pony that addressed her. "We gotta help them." Cheerilee lead her to the wreckage where soldiers were moving rubble and tending to the wounded. One of the soldiers halted them.

"This is no place for civilians."

"I know anatomy, I can help triage them." Toola Roola said haltingly. The soldier pointed her in the direction of the improvised medical station. The pair headed for the station. As they walked among the patients, Toola Roola gave a quick glance to each pony that had been stripped of their armor. She pointed out injuries such as broken ribs, missing teeth, and one with a cracked jaw. Though amazed by the accuracy of her assessment, the Med crews quickly tended to those patients.

"Fräulein Cheerilee?" One of the injured soldiers, a blue earth pony with a short cropped violet mane addressed the magenta earth pony. "Is that really you?"

Cheerilee turned "Hmm? Have we met?" She approached the pony who addressed her.

"It's me, Geshwinde! I was the exchange student in your high school senior year." The patient motioned her over. Cheerilee approached. "I wish we could have met under better circumstances though."

Cheerilee smiled. "Geshwinde, I'm glad we could meet again at all." She reached a hoof to the injured pony's. "I see you finally made it into the Airforce."

Geshwinde smiled. "And you, did you ever become a teacher like you wanted?"

"Not only that, But I'm tenured at Ponyville elementary."

Geshwinde looked to her splinted foreleg. "And to think I'm only a Tech Destrier." She looked back to Cheerilee "What are you doing out here anyways?"

Cheerilee chuckled. "I wanted to do something interesting for my summer vacation. I got tired of being shown up by my students." They shared a chuckle. "Especially Candelabra's and Filthy's daughter."

Geshwinde guffawed. "Ja, so the Uberhund has a Kleinhund now." [8] Cheerilee giggled. "I feel sorry for Mr Rich."

"Well, Candelabra has mellowed out over the years. I'm sure Diamond Tiara will as well." Cheerilee reached out and stroked Geshwinde's mane.

"So whatever became of those two ponies that you palled around with?"

"Well, let me tell you a story about that." Cheerilee began.

The pegasus flight had managed to catch all but one of the fugitives. While the soldiers were busy capping and preping their captives, Starsong followed the lone runner. "You can't escape me!" She called down to the runner. "It's forty miles to the nearest border of Equestria, and you're a unicorn."

The unicorn turned and headed for a dense copse of trees. The thick foliage was impossible to see through and would certainly hinder flight. She found a tree with a wide trunk and hid behind it, trying to catch her breath as she peered for any sign of the pegasus.

Starsong landed, then looked into the forest. Keeping her sword arm ready, she took to the air again. Hovering a few strides about the ground, she entered the forest and made her way carefully among the trees, searching for any sign of the unicorn. "Look, just give up. You'll get a fair trial, press attention, and even if you are convicted you'll get to spend the rest of your days in civilization. How long do you think you can survive out here anyways? All your buddies are in custody."

The unicorn spotted the pegasus meandering about, but thankfully not looking in her direction. She checked her tube to make sure it was loaded, then carefully took aim. A low growl to her left perked the unicorn's attention. She turned and found herself nose to nose with something that looked like a blend of a wolf and a pony...

Starsong whirled around upon hearing a shriek, then saw the unicorn scampering in a random direction. The unicorn tripped over a root, then rolled over to keep an eye on the ponywolf. Starsong landed next to the unicorn. "You're under-Oh Tartaros no." She stated upon spotting the ponywolf. The pegasus threw off her gauntlets and drew two silverhead arrows from the quiver strapped to her side. Taking to the air, she wielded an arrow in each hoof. "Let's party!" She taunted. The ponywolf lunged.

~"You should be cowering before me, yet you persist in this futility!" Bozena shouted, as she parried one of the Captain's strikes. Several arrows protruded from each of her sides, and luminescent blue-green blood oozed from the wounds. She exhaled a plume of teal fire, which the Captain dodged.

"Everytime you talk, it sounds like you're gargling marbles!" The Captain shouted. "Do us all a favor and shut up!" She swung a hoof, attempting to slap the alicorn, but Bozena caught it between her own hooves, and began twisting the bone. Gritting her teeth and trying to block out the pain, the Captain jabbed her sword into the alicorn's chest.

Bozena flinched as the blade pierced her skin, slid between two ribs, through her heart, between two other ribs, then pierced the skin of her back. The wounds emitted teal light, teal smoke, and teal spurting blood. Surprised, she stared at the hilt of the sword protruding from her chest. Her wings slowing in their motions, causing her to descend and drag the Captain down as well. Her grip loosened, allowing the Captain tor free her hoof. ~"How?!" She managed. ~"I am the Queen!" She enunciated each word.

The Captain bucked against her, freeing the sword, and forcing the alicorn to plummet. "You can rule from the throne of Tartaros, Your Majesty!" She yelled. There was a sickening crunch as the alicorn landed on one of the buildings near the base of the castle, causing it to collapse.

The fires that had emanated from the alicorn quickly engulfed her body, burning it to ash within a matter of seconds. The noxious teal smoked billowed, then quickly wafted westward, leaving behind a charred broken skeleton. The remaining Nickerprancers collapsed at the same time, their bodies rapidly putrefying.

After taking a minute to assess the situation, the Captain noticed that the pegasi troups had entered into formation. The Wings circled in the military holding pattern around her. "Mission, Accomplished!" She called out. "Zeranovice is ours!" A rousing cheer issued from the flights, meeting with another one that rose from the Ground crews that heard her words.

Cheerilee carefully guided Toola Roola towards the camper. "Please, keep it together. I know you feel bad for them, but there's nothing more we can do here." The unicorn sniffled, wiping tears from her eyes as she walked along with Cheerilee.

"I feel so helpless." Toola Roola griped.

Cheerilee stopped, turned and placed her hooves on Toola Roola's shoulders. "Toola Roola, listen to me." Toola Roola looked to her. "We can only soothe the mind, not the body. Now, did they like our act?"

"Yeah but-"

"Did they like the act?" Cheerilee repeated. "Yes or no?"

"Yes." Toola Roola replied.

"Then we entertained them, that's all we can do." Cheerilee took a tissue from her saddlebag and helped dry the unicorn's eyes. "We go to the camper and wait for Starsong."

"Ok Cheerilee." Toola Roola managed a smile, then hugged the earth pony's foreleg. An armored pegasus landed nearby.

"You Starsong's friends?" He asked.

"Yeah, where is she?" Cheerilee replied.

"She followed a fleeing suspect west into a forest in Mareravia." The pegasus pointed the direction. "She hasn't reported back yet."

"Horseapples." Cheerilee snorted. "Toola Roola, get in the camper." The unicorn entered the vehicle via a panel in the back, while Cheerilee entered the cabin via a front panel. Both panels were latched from inside then Cheerilee sat down to drive the camper.

The camper's engine worked by magnifying the energy produced by pedalling. A pair of levers provided the means of both speed and steering. Each lever had ten settings that altered the rate of magnification. Steering was accomplished by the differentials of the settings, which determined the speed of the wheels on each side of the camper. Cheerilee jammed them both to '10' then pedaled as hard as she could.

Ten minutes Later, they crossed into Mareravia, where Cheerilee spotted somepony stumbling out of a forest. The figure collapsed at the base of a tree."Oh Luna." Cheerilee exclaimed recognizing the figure. She stopped the camper, then opened the panel and rushed out to the figure. Toola Roola followed. "Toola Roola, Help me get her in the camper!"

Cheerilee tried lifting the bloody mauled armored pegasus onto her back. Toola Roola came over, but froze after a moment. "Toola Roola what are you waiting fo-" She cut the sentence short seeing the unicorn pointing and staring at something behind Cheerilee. The earth pony turned around slowly.

An ancient unicorn wearing a faded yellow dress and a tattered green robe was leaning over the edge of a large stone bowl that hovered above the ground. Resting on the unicorn's back was a giant stone pestle that glowed with light orange runes and sigils, providing illumination. "It would be best if you came with me." She said to the pair. "Climb inside. I have plenty of room." She motioned to the space inside the bowl.

"Thank you, llttle Phuri Dae." Toola Roola said, before helping Cheerilee load Starsong into the bowl. The two then hoisted themselves into it.

"Phuri Dae..." The old unicorn mused, as she began rowing with the pestle. "I haven't been called that in over a millenium."

[1]: Do you have an appointment?
[2]: No, this is a surprise inspection.
[3]: Open the door, drop your pants, turn your head, and cough.

[6]: Bugger me with a pine tree!
[7]: You monster! I will END you!
[8]: Super dog and little dog (vulgar connotation.)

Mareavia

"Where are you taking us? We need to get her back to the army, they have a med crew." Cheerilee said to the old unicorn mare.

"They can't help her, she was attacked by a Lycanippoi." The mare replied. "I know of a cure, but we have to go back to my cabin."

Cheerilee looked to the pegasus that was sprawled out in the large stone bowl they rode in. "A Luquin did this? How is she even alive after facing one?"

"I saw it fleeing to the south with an arrow in it's left eye."

"So it's still out there and dangerous." Toola Roola replied. She looked down to the pegasus. "She still has her silver arrows."

"That's probably why it fled from her then." The old unicorn mused. "But you should take those from her until we get her taken care of."

"Why?" Toola Roola asked.

Cheerilee undid the straps of the quiver. "Silver hurts Luquins. Starsong was mauled by one and lived."

"Your friend was infected by the same sickness." The old mare finished the thought. The bowl stopped next to a longhouse supported by four trees that had been shaped and twisted to resemble legs. "We've arrived." The bowl rose, then a panel on one of the shorter sides of the house slid aside. The bowl entered the house, then the panel slid back into place.

Toola Roola and Cheerilee looked around the spacious room. A large stone hearth took up the opposite wall. In front of the hearth was a straw mat. A rope held up a curtain that could be pulled out to separate the hearth section from the rest of the house. Several shelves were placed along one of the long walls, holding jars, urns, bottles, and other odds and ends. A few chests took up the rest of the wall. The other wall had a basin, a smaller hearth, a washtub and a shelf that held various dishes. In the middle of the room was a low round wooden table. Hanging from the rafters of the ceiling were bundles of dried herbs.

"You can get out now." The old mare stated, before jumping out. She placed the pestle on one corner, then opened one of the chests. She pulled out a few blankets and spread them out on the floor. "Bring her here." Toola Roola and Cheerilee hefted Starsong out, then carried her to the pile of blankets. "Undress her." She commanded, walking over to one of the shelves. While Cheerilee carefully removed the armor, the old mare sorted through some of the odd ingredients in the jars, picking a few that looked suitable for her needs. "Bring me a rope. They're over there." She indicated a pile next to one of the chests.

Toola Roola retrieved a coiled rope from a pile, while the old mare walked over to the small hearth, retrieving a couple of pots with her magic. "What do we need this for?"

"We need it to tie her up." The mare stated, filling a couple of pots with conjured water and setting them on a rack over the fire.

"What!?"

"Tie her hooves together, and tie her wings down. You don't want her moving around." The mare noticed Toola Roola and Cheerilee's incredulous looks. "Right now, She's a Lycanippoi. A Luquin as you put it. If you don't tie her down, she may try to attack and eat us."

"Starsong? Attack us??" Toola Roola asked. Cheerilee took the rope from her.

"I'll do it." Cheerilee said before trussing the pegasus.

The old mare carefully measured out the ingredients then added them to the pots in a distinct sequence. Toola Roola came over to watch. "Anything I can do to help?"

The mare pointed to one of the shelves without looking. "Pick out some tea for you and your friends." She then pointed to the dish rack. "Cups and kettle are over there." Toola Roola nodded, then retrieved the items using her hooves and mouth. "Just as I thought. Even after a millenium, the Blessing of Luna still remains in your blood."

"You know about that?" Toola Roola inquired.

"Of course I know!" The old unicorn snapped. "I remember when Princess Luna bestowed it upon the Zigany tribes."

"Who...are you?" Cheerilee asked.

"Mmhmm, that's one of the big questions, isn't it?" The old mare mused. "Who am I? Why am I here? Can Harmony exist without Chaos?" She took the kettle and teas from Toola Roola, then created more water and set it to boil. The cups were set on a small table beside the hearth, then tea leaves were sprinkled into each one.

"No no, I mean, how should we address you?"

The mare smiled. "Ah, that. Little Grandmother is fine. That's what you called me when we met." She looked to Toola Roola as she spoke. "I'm sure you have many questions for me, as I have for you. Your friends condition should be your only concern right now."

"You can cure her, right?" Toola Roola asked hopefully.

"I know how to make a cure, but I'm missing a vital ingredient."

"And you need us to get it for you. I can see where this is going." Cheerilee deadpanned. "Let me guess, it's something guarded by the Luquins themselves."

The old mare smiled. "Correct, not bad for a pony who can't read minds."

"I'm a troubadour." Cheerilee replied. "That kind of thing is a common storytelling device. The antidote to a poison is usually kept by the poisoners themselves."

The old mare turned and removed the pots from the hearth, putting them on the table to cool. "You remind me very much of a pony I used to know. Had that same sharp Jollity quality to her. It was necessary because of her boss'...shall we say, eccentric behavior."

"Sharp Jollity, and a crazy boss...Wait, you don't mean?" The old mare grinned. Cheerilee stepped closer to the mare. "Just how old are you anyways?"

"Older than anypony has a right to be." The mare replied. "Aside from Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of course." She turned and picked up the whistling kettle, then poured the tea into the cups.

Cheerilee nodded, then walked over to a confused Toola Roola and whispered in her ear. Toola Roola gasped in surprise then grinned. "Since we know her name. we should share ours." The earth pony stated.

The pink unicorn looked to the old mare. "I am Antonia 'Toola Roola' LaRoulette, and this is my Marewife, Cheerilee," she stated. Cheerilee curtsied.

"So you think you have me figured out." The old mare smirked, setting the cups on the table. "Cheerilee, Toola Roola, and?" She pointed to the pegasus.

"That's Starsong Whistle. She's our dear friend." Toola Roola replied.

The old mare took some cloth strips from a chest, then soaked them in one of the pots. "As soon as I bandage Starsong, I'll tell you what you need to know."

A young colt barely out of foalhood, looked up at the sky through the window in the family sleeping room. "I wish dad did not yell at me so much." He whispered, giving a quick glance to the stallion sleeping in the large bed. He turned his gaze back to the moon.

"Hey colt." He heard a voice whispering from outside. "What be troubling you?" A mare wearing a ribbon on her tail approached the window from outside.

"It is my dad." The colt whispered back. "He drinks this stuff he calls medicine, then he yells cause of the animals stealing from the garden, or rusty tools, or furniture breaking..."

"I think you are just the kind of pony I be looking for," the mare replied. "Have you heard of The Moon Princess?"

"Yeah, she is the one who brings the night. My father yells about it too. He cannot see good at night."

"Can you get outside without waking your parents?"

The colt looked to the bed again, then back to the mare at the window. "I think so."

"Ok, meet me at the door." The mare headed around the cabin. A minute later, the front door opened and the colt stepped out. The mare deposited a large heavy bag that was tied closed with a piece of twine. Stuffed into the narrow opening of the bag was a rolled up scroll. "There. The royal fee has been paid. You have but to say a prayer to Princess Luna."

"How do I do that? The colt asked.

"Look up at the moon." The mare replied. The colt did so. "Now repeat after me. Princess Luna."

"Princess Luna." The colt intoned.

"I desire a better life."

"I desire a better life." As soon as the last word was spoken, a dark indigo aura surrounded the colt. "Huh, what is this?" He rose upwards. As he rose above a cloud, he noticed a dark blue, winged unicorn resting on it. The unicorn smiled as the colt was turned to face her. "H-hello?"

"Greetings, young child." The pony replied in a loud but gentle voice. "Be not frightened. We are Princess Luna. Thou has asked us for a better life, and we shall take thee in as a student."

The colt soon found himself in one of the large guest rooms of the Nocne Mesta Castle. Eleven other ponies, barely out of foalhood themselves, also shared the room. "This will be your home for the next six years." Luna began. "We shall see to it that thou art educated in the arts, and treated well. We shall make an effort to visit thee every night, so that thou canst have mine ear." She motioned to the adult-sized bunk beds along one side of the room. "As thou seest, we have provided thee with a suitable bed that shall not need replacing every year." The ponies giggled. "If thou wilt follow us, we shall show thee where thou wilt be tutored."

They followed her out into the hallway. She pointed to the door across from the dormitory. "This shall be thy recreational room. Thou may cavort, eat, read or tarry as thou wilt." She lead the group down the hall to another pair of doors. They entered one to find benches and tables arranged to face a podium. "This is where thou wilt be learning how to read, write, commune with numbers, and compose music. We shall provide tutors well versed in the appropriate arts. On occasion, we will step in to direct thy education."

Luna lead them to the door across from the classroom. Inside they saw shelves sparsely occupied by books, and cubbyhole units which were stocked with scrolls. "This be the Royal Library. Here thou shalt find mouth, hoof or horn-written information about the arts which thou wilt be trained in. Please be delicate in handling these scrolls and books. They be irreplaceable."

Luna lead them back out then down the hall to a 'T' intersection. "To the left be the main hall of the castle. There thou wilt find the path to our throne room. It shall also lead thee out of the castle, but we ask that thou not stray too far from here. The hall on the right leads to the galley where thou mayest find food to eat."

"Your Majesty?"

"Yes Child?"

"Your Majesty?" Luna turned her attention to the pony who addressed her. "If I may remark, you seem a little distracted. Perhaps we should postpone this meeting for another time."

Luna shook her head trying to clear it. "Nay. This meeting be important."

"If I may speak freely your Majesty?" The stallion asked.

Luna waved him off. "We are well aware of our occasional lapses of attention. Things that have been hidden away for years and forgotten, are once again coming to light."

"You seem to be under stress from having to direct a battle. Your first since your return."

The alicorn looked down to the maps and documents spread out on the table before her. "Where did we leave off?" She glanced to the model of the town, noticing that it had been changed a few times since it was constructed the prior evening. "The walls were breached, and the top of the castle was demolished. Did we have to destroy it?"

"Your Majesty, the enemy destroyed the top of the castle. There was a report of an alicorn leading them."

"An alicorn thou sayest? Such things be rare and wondrous. It requires a carefully enacted ritual and a massive influx of magic to transmute a pony into such, and Starswirl was the one who performed the spell for our sister and ourself."

The stallion cleared his throat. "We still have Starswirl's scroll detailing how alicorn ascension works. My guess is that this other alicorn had a partial copy. She was able to be killed."

"And the rest of the Nickerprancers?"

"Dead. Members of Zadacha fled, but we rounded them up. The town is ours, your Majesty."

"That is indeed good news." Luna replied. "We shall have to commend the Pferd-Reiten soldiers on their victory."

"That's what I came to talk to you about." The pony replied, laying a folder on the table. "One of the Zeppelins was downed during the battle. Twenty seven ponies were aboard. Zero casualties, but they did suffer breaks and fractures." Luna held a hoof to her chest.

"Such would never have happened if we had been in the field to lead the campaign."

"Your Majesty, as your tactical adviser, let me point out that you're more effective in the war room than in the war zone." the pony stated. "Furthermore, while it is commendable that you feel their pain, I can assure you that their captain felt it just as strongly. I have personal validations from several soldiers that she flew into a rage right afterwards."

"What is thy personal recommendation for a reward?"

The adviser used a magic aura to levitate a pen, and wrote on a notepad. "For the twenty seven, they are entitled to a Purple Heart for injuries caused by an enemy of Equestria. For the Captain, I would suggest a complete review of her actions during the battle. Though if you intend for the army to fight for every stride of land, you should make a campaign medal. The Umbratara Reclamation award."

Luna tapped a hoof on her chin in thought. "We shall need to commission a design for the medal. Arrange for the artists of Canterlot to petition for such." She looked back to the adviser. "And what of my personal mercenaries?"

"The last recorded sighting of them was at 0324 hours, shortly after the town was taken. A scout reports seeing their vehicle at 0342 hours, just beyond the border with Mareavia. Seems to have been abandoned. Here's the weird part. They found a pool of blood at the base of one of the trees. Following it to the source lead to the scene of a fight. There was a member of Zadacha who was babbling about wolf ponies. And leading away from the puddle in the other direction, was a series of deep gouges."

"And to where did those lead?"

The adviser took a paper from the folder. "The trail lead to a longhouse built upon four bent trees. The house had no windows or doors but was obviously in use, since smoke was wafting from both chimneys."

"How curious." Luna mused. "What pony would live so far from civilization, and for what reason?"

Starsong opened her eyes and groaned. "Finally awake, I see," A scratchy voice exclaimed. "How do you feel?"

The pegasus tried stretching, but found that her front and rear legs were bound together, and her wings were tied down. "Tired, hungry, confused..." She managed.

A bowl of broth was set before her. "Drink this." The voice ordered. Starsong sniffed, and an overwhelming pleasant odor filled her nostrils. She shifted position, and began lapping the stew with her tongue. After emptying the bowl, Starsong looked around for the source of the voice. An old unicorn mare wearing a faded yellow dress came into focus.

"Thanks miss. What was in it?"

"A few herbs and spices, something that would help with your healing."

Starsong thought about this for a moment. "So you're an herbalist." The pegasus laid her head back down, looking at the rope wrapped around her front legs. "Why am I tied up?"

"For the safety of yourself and ponies around you. Tell me. When you woke up, what was the first thing you wanted to do?"

"I wanted to find Toola Roola and Cheerilee."

The old mare came over. "That was your first instinct, to find your friends?"

"Where are they?" Starsong tried to get up. "Gotta find!"

"Calm down. They're sleeping on the other side of the room." The old mare pointed out the earth pony and unicorn who cuddled together near the main hearth. Starsong calmed down upon seeing them. "They told me your name. Starsong. Now, do you remember what happened last night?"

Starsong examined the unicorn. "I fought a Luquin, and pulled a Xiahoof Dun on it."

"Pardon?"

"I jabbed an arrow in it's eye, and it ran home crying." Starsong grinned smugly about this. "Then I collapsed on my way out of the forest."

"You lost consciousness because you were badly mauled." The old mare replied. "Your friends and I came to your rescue." She pointed out the bandages that were wrapped around the Pegasus.

"Did I really ride in a stone bowl?" Starsong asked.

"You did. You seem to have been drifting in and out of awareness during your ride." The old mare stated

Starsong pointed to the mare with both hooves. "The wind is afraid to race her, the wolves are afraid to chase her, all Equestria is afraid to face her." She sang. The unicorn jabbed one of Starsong's wing joints. "Ow!"

"Yes yes, I'm well aware of the reputation I have." She snarked. "Baba Yaga, the old foal-eating witch. If ponykind knew who I was, what I've done; I'd be treated as a hero instead of a horror."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you." The old mare said nothing as she brought over the quiver of silver arrows. Starsong's skin itched, and she felt a full body burning sensation that increased with proximity. "No, please, take them away!" She begged, squirming in an effort to back up. The mare did so. Starsong had a sudden realization. "I'm one of them now, aren't I."

"A Lycanippoi. A pony that preys upon the flesh of other living beings. The plague that courses through your veins now comes from a foul being that dwells in this land."

"Is there a cure?"

"There is, but it requires your friends to go into the heart of the Lycanippoi's territory to get a rare herb." The old mare motioned to the sleeping ponies. "I already told them what it is and where it is. You will remain here until you gain control of yourself."

"What?! Just let them go off by themselves?" Starsong balked. "I gotta protect them!"

"You're a risk. You might side with the other Lycanippoi against them."

"I'll prove you wrong, old witch." Starsong retorted. "I'm better than that."

"If they feel that they can trust you, they can untie you." The mare stated.

"You'll see. We'll get that cure."

The old mare chuckled. "You seem rather confident. Tell me, what are the three of you doing in Umbratara?"

"We're going to Nocne Mesta."

"Nocne Mesta?!" The mare sputtered in surprise. The old mare leaned closer to Starsong. "All you will find there, are ghosts."

"We're on a mission from Princess Luna." the pegasus replied.

"Your companions were reluctant to tell me why they were here. Looks like you're a little loose with information."

Starsong shrugged. "Hey, if you were gonna do anything, we'd be dead already. You got me tied up, and you didn't have to patch me. They're sleeping, so I know they're safe."

"Be cautious with your trust, Starsong. There are those who would use it against you."

"Are you suggesting that you shouldn't be trusted, Baba?" The pegasus smirked.

"Perhaps, perhaps not." The old unicorn replied. "Given what happened here a thousand years ago, who would you trust?"

"I trust Luna." Starsong said without hesitation.

"Are you sure?" The old unicorn asked. "She did become Nightmare Moon."

"She was zapped by the Elements of Harmony. I'm sure that she's trustworthy."

"So you know of the Elements of Harmony?" The unicorn pushed a stool over to Starsong, then sat on it. "Tell me, who wields them in this age?"

"Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle." Starsong recited. "They not only defeated Nightmare Moon, but they recaptured Discord as well."

"So Discord got loose again?" The mare tapped her chin. "That would explain the time that Day and Night sped up."

"Yeah, but only for about 24 hours," Starsong smiled. "He was caught and stoned again."

"It might have have been better if the wielders of the Elements of Harmony had come here, instead of you. They'd be better prepared to face Zernaba."

~"We have chosen thee to lead the Domain of Mareavia, because the Ajogos Family be known for their commitment to Justice."

~"Your Majesty." one of the ponies replied. "All actions have consequences. Those who would break the laws that you set forth, should be disciplined swiftly and fairly."

~"We appreciate thy zeal. But we ourselves should try to enact laws that are themselves fair and impartial. Thou art only enforcers. Thou art not given authority to create laws, only to administer correction to transgressors."

~"We accept this duty, Your Highness." another pony replied.

~"Duchess Bozena, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" An armored pegasus greeted the robed unicorn.

~"General Elezarny." The unicorn sorceress approached. "As you know, my clan is renowned for our skills in the arcane arts, and exploration in both science and magic."

~"Get to the point."

~"Direct, as always." The unicorn smirked. She poured the contents of a cloth bag onto the stone floor of the chamber. ~"This teal metal was found deep under the Trotsylvanian plateau. There is a whole vein of it. I wonder what kind of arms and armor your smiths could make from it."

The pegasus stallion picked up one of the ore chunks and examined it. ~"I've never seen a metal like this. How much are you asking for a cartload?"

~"I believe five hundred bits is a fair price."

The pegasus gathered the ore chunks into a crate. ~"If the samples hold up to our tests, we will pay you for five cartloads."

~"I will await your reply, General." the unicorn stated before leaving.

General Elezarny walked into the workshop. ~"Atten-TION! Everypony stop what you are doing. We have a new project that needs to be done." He unrolled a scroll and presented it to the smiths.. "We are to make a suit of armor for Princess Luna. We'll have plenty of Thaumicite to make it with."

~"She ordered Thaumicite armor?" There was a brief murmur of discussion among the smiths before Elezarny called for silence.

~"She didn't request it, but she's getting one that matches ours." He pointed to specific ponies. "You, you, you and you, work on the sabatons. You and you, work on the helmet and crinier. And you two work on the peytral."

~"How soon should we have it ready?"

~"There is no set time, but I will not be lenient on those who plod through their tasks. Discipline yourselves, for I will be harsh if I have to discipline you."

~"Understood, General."

A lone figure trotted her way across the land. Her left eye socket was empty, and she was especially cautious towards noises from that direction. ~"That nag." She muttered. ~"If I ever see her again, I'll tear both her eyes out and eat them. Then I'll bite her ears off!!" She came to a broad tangle of black thorny vines with glowing teal veins. She stopped, took a deep breath then howled, announcing her presence. The vines untangled then parted, revealing a path. The Luquin followed the path; the vines entangling again behind her.

A pair of sharp-toothed ponies with shaggy unkempt coats and manes, emerged from behind a large boulder. ~"Vonnyvetra." One of them addressed her. ~"You were not expected back for another four days."

Vonnyvetra turned her head to show her injury, causing the other two to gasp. ~"Only silver could cause such an injury." the other stated. ~"Silver has been brought to this land. The punishment for such is death!"

~"I have mauled her, but I was unable to kill her."

~"So she has the gift now?" the first pony stated. ~"We must find her and bring her here. She will follow the Will of Zernaba. If she does not, we will discipline her. Nopony is above the Law."

~"For now, I must speak with the General."

Vonnyvetra entered a building composed of stone bricks, then followed a scent to the central chamber. In the dim light of a torch, she could make out the form of a large muscular black pegasus. ~"General Szelvihar. I have urgent news."

The pegasus turned to face the cream colored earth pony that approached her. ~"Make it brief." the pegasus commanded. ~"And what happened to your eye?"

Vonnyvetra bowed. ~"My eye was lost in a fight with a soldier from the Eastern armies. She wields silver."

~"And she still lives, why?"

~"Zeranovice has been invaded and captured. Our allies there have been put to rest. Nagy Mezo is now the vanguard."

The General pounded a hoof against the packed stone floor of the chamber. ~"Rally the packs, we will make sure that they get no further!" The pegasus whirled and flared her wings ~"I didn't fight my way to leader of the Birai Vegzet, just to roll over for Celestia's hoof-lickers and flank-kissers! Nopony is above the Law, and the Law for bringing silver into Zernaba's domain is death!"

Vonnyvetra bowed. ~"Yes General" She turned and left.

"Look, I know that I'm infected, but I'm not a marauding beast, ok?" The purple pegasus pouted, plodding along behind a magenta mare, and a light pink unicorn. "I just have a slightly different appetite."

The magenta earth pony looked back. "Stars, I just watched you hunt and eat a squirrel."

"The little nutter had it coming," The pegasus replied with a fanged grin. "You should have heard what he said about us."

Cheerilee shook her head. "I heard what he said, you're not the only that speaks squirrel."

"You're a messy eater, Starsong," The pink unicorn said in a barely audible voice.

Starsong looked to the unicorn. "It's just a squirrel, Toola Roola. There's plenty of others around here."

"It's ok Starsong," Toola Roola replied. "You had to eat."

"I'm serious. I'm not even thinking of putting you two on-"

Toola Roola whirled around. "Enough already!" Starsong shrank back with a whimper. Toola Roola took a breath then exhaled. "Desole. Can we just...talk about something else?"

"Yes, like that group of soldiers around our camper." Cheerilee added. Toola Roola and Starsong glanced over.and saw a few soldiers investigating the area around the vehicle. One of the soldiers noticed the trio, then called for her comrades attention. The soldier quickly surrounded the group. "Is everything alright, civilians?" one of them inquired.

Cheerilee held up a hoof. "Actually, no." She pointed to Starsong. "She was mauled by a wild beast. Fortunately there was an old herbalist who was able to help us."

"So you're ok now?"

"You can let the Princess know that we're still alive and kicking." Starsong stated. "Right now, we have to do some critter control."

The Corporal nodded. "Do you need any more supplies or provisions? We were ordered to provide whatever assistance we can."

Toola Roola stepped forward. "Is there a way to get information from the Canterlot archives?"

"We can send in the request, but it'll take time to find certain things. As for getting the info to you, we'll need to provide you with a reciept node, and we don't have a spare right now."

"We'll be back this way in a day or two." Cheerilee replied. "There's a cabin a short distance west of here." she pointed back along the way she and her companions arrived. "That's where we found the herbalist."

"Alright, so what information should the scholars look up?"

"One, what happened to the Founders? Specifically, final dates. I have a hunch about something but I want to be sure."

One of the soldiers wrote on a scroll. "What else?"

"This might be more difficult to find, but I need info about a monster that once terrorized this land. Zernaba."

The Corporal motioned for Cheerilee to come closer. The magenta earth pony trotted over. "We found quite a bit of intel in Zeranovice castle. Some of it we had to burn because it was copies of forbidden spells. But we did find mention of Zernaba. Apparently, some sort of ally that granted the Nickerprancers the ability to use such dark magics."

"So assume that he or she has the same power. Reanimating the dead. Possibly leeching life from other living beings."

"Then that would make Zernaba the source of the Blight!" Toola Roola realized. "It's been leeching life from the land, and leaving sterile soil in it's wake."

""Shall I include that in the report?" the Corporal asked.

"File it under speculation." Cheerilee stated. "That's all we have right now; speculations."

"Alright, I'll send this as soon as I can find a fire."

Cheerilee felt around in her saddlebag then pulled out two pieces of flint. "Here."

"Thank you." The corporal rubbed the flint together, creating a few sparks. One caught on the letter, smoldered for a second, then ignited it. The smoke swirled eastwards, then the Corporal returned the flint. "Alright. We'll be at Zeranovice if you need us."

"Expecting more trouble?" Cheerilee asked.

"From the sound of things, last night was just a warm-up. I have a feeling that the real battle has yet to take place."

Cheerilee nodded. "That's what worries me."

Several groups of ponies were gathered around a mound, murmuring amongst themselves. One pony in each group wore armor composed of teal metal scales stitched onto hardened leather. Other ponies wore plain hardened leather, or nothing at all. All however, wielded weapons forged from the teal metal: Earth ponies had shoes with long sharpened tines, pegasi had curved blades along their forelegs and leading wing edges, and unicorns had complex devices with odd angles, serrated edges, multiple joints, and other modifications that made them impossible to to use with hooves, but were adapted to telekinetic manipulation.

A black pegasus wearing a full suit of teal metal plate armor, stared down from the top of the mound. Next to her was a cream-colored Earth pony, with a dragon-like eye filling the formerly empty socket. The eye seemed to look around and blink of its own accord. The pegasus addressed the assembled groups. "The laws of the land have been violated, and the offenders yet live!" The black pegasus bellowed. "We must correct these transgressions! Silver is against the Law! Rebellion against Zernaba is against the Law! Opposing the Birai Vegzet is against the Law! And the punishment for breaking the Law?"

"DEATH!" All the packs replied The black pegasus smiled, basking in the howls and cheers of the assembled crowd.

"We march to Zeranovich!" The pegasus took to the air, followed by several others. The unicorns and Earth ponies galloped, following their lead. The stampede flowed along the dirt paths between the vines, then headed northward.

A light green unicorn entered the throneroom and bowed to the white alicorn on the throne. "Your Majesty."

"Arise, Mrs Sherbert." The alicorn stated in a calm soothing voice. She did so. "I sense that you're troubled by my sister's recent behavior."

"Indeed." Lime Sherbert replied. "She's had a group of ponies helping her browse through the Canterlot archives, when she should be resting."

"Do you know what she's searching for?"

Lime shook her head. "I don't think she knows what she's looking for. She's inquired about several subjects: Herself, you, Nickerprancers, Umbratara itself. She says that she overlooked certain things back then and that she needs to find the connections."

Celestia nodded. "And what of her mercenaries?"

"I won't know until the evening report arrives from the troops in Bohaymia." Lime replied. "At this time, all I can do is hope for the best."

"Do you have any further concerns, Mrs Sherbert?"

Lime bowed. "None at this time, thank you for listening to me, Your Majesty."

"It was my pleasure, my little pony." Celestia replied.

*Ssssskt.* *Ching!* *Ssssskt.* *Ching!*

"Starsong, could you please stop that."

"I can't help iiiiit." Starsong gripped the back of the launch-plate of her springbow and pulled it back, *Ssssskt. "I get this really awesome weapon, and now I can't use it, cause I'm allergic to silver." She angled her hoof downward, causing the catch to shift slightly. The launch-plate rushed foward, pulled by the pair of springs that had been stretched. *Ching!*

Toola Roola passed a notebook and a mouth pen to the pegasus. "Here, why not compose something?"

Starsong paged through the notebook. "Hey, isn't this Cheerilee's log?" A grin formed on her muzzle. "I have an idea. Several of them." She began writing.

Toola Roola looked through one of the gaps between the wooden side and tin roof of the vehicle, watching the mist shrouded landscape pass by. "What we're looking for is a plant with pale flowers," She explained. "It apparently contains a sap or oil that allows Luquins to control their instincts."

"Pale flowers, sap, allows self control," Starsong recited, while doodling with the mouthpen. She set the pen down. "Do I chew it, brew it, or smoke it?"

"Little Grandmother would know. All we can do is get as much as we can."

Starsong perked her ears. "You hear something?"

Toola Roola turned and looked outside. She looked back to Starsong, both ponies widened their eyes in realization. "Cheerilee!" Toola Roola called to the front of the camper. "Stop the tank!" The vehicle stopped abruptly, causing both of them to stumble. Starsong leapt to avoid touching the bundle of silver arrows that rolled to the middle of the camper.

The magenta earth pony arrived from the vehicle's cabin. "What's so impor-" Toola Roola hushed her. A chorus of howls joined by the sound of a stampede, was heard from the direction they had been heading towards. "Luquins?" Cheerilee whispered. Toola Roola and Starsong nodded.

The unicorn grabbed the gold-tipped redwood staff with her family's crest, then began channeling magic into it. The light pink aura expanded to surround the vehicle as Toola Roola grimaced in concentration.

Looking out through the narrow windows, Cheerilee and Starsong watched as a horde of ponies emerged from the mist that covered the land and thundered past them. The wolfish ponies ignored the vehicle, or adjusted their paths to avoid it. Cheerilee carefully reached for her pack, trying not to make any noise. She retrieved a writing stick and a page of enchanted paper, then wrote a brief message. 'Luquin horde coming.'

Once the pack had passed, Starsong spotted one lone pony trailing behind. "Hey, I know that one." She whispered. As the pony came closer, Starsong and Cheerilee noticed that one of the pony's eyes had a luminescent teal iris, and a vertical slit pupil. This eye looked right in their direction and the pony paused. She turned her head to look with her other eye, then shrugged and ran to catch up with her pack. "Did you see that?" Starsong whispered to Cheerilee.

"Yeah, she saw us. But where did she get such a mutation?" Cheerilee whispered back.

"Are they gone?" Toola Roola whispered.

"Yeah. They're gone." Starsong replied. Toola Roola relaxed her spell, then slumped to the floor of the camper.

"Bese ma tete." Toola Roola exclaimed, rubbing around her horn. "That was like eating soup with a fork."

Cheerilee ignited the letter with the flintrocks, while Starsong helped Toola Roola to her hooves. "So how many are waiting back at their lair?" Cheerilee asked.

There was a clang as something landed on the aluminum roof of the camper. ~"I want whoever's inside, to come out now!" A mare demanded.

"They caught us." Starsong stated. She opened the back door of the camper, then all three saw the Luquins sitting in a circle around their vehicle. A black pegasus dropped down from the roof.

~"I am General Szelvihar of the Birai Vegzet, and you are under arrest for crimes against Lord Zernaba!"

~"What are we being accused of?" Starsong asked.

~"Possession of Silver, Assault on an enforcer of the Law, and Rebellion against Zernaba." General Szelvihar replied. ~"We have eyewitness testimony. You have been judged guilty. Your choice is death, or submission."

"They're offering us a choice between death or surrender." Starsong relayed to her friends.

"Surrender, that means we get to live, right?" Toola Roola asked.

"Yeah." Starsong replied, before walking out of the camper. Cheerilee and Toola Roola followed.

~"Zigany? Here? Take them!" Two Luquins immediately leapt into action. One pounced on Cheerilee while the other lunged at Toola Roola. They wrestled with their captors, trying to escape. The black pegasus grinned cruelly. ~"Resisting arrest? Make it as painful as possible."

~"Wait!" Starsong got nose to nose with the General. ~"You want me to surrender, I want them unharmed." She indicated Cheerilee and Toola Roola.

~"My General. The Earth Pony is not Zigany." Another Luquin trotted over. Starsong recognized the Luquin as the one that she fought the previous night, and also the one who had seen through Toola Roola's obfuscation. ~"It's the unicorn we want."

~"Bring her here." General Szelvihar ordered. Cheerilee was released, while other Luquins restrained Toola Roola.

"Noooo, Let me go!" Toola Roola begged. Cheerilee attempted a rescue, but other Luquins leapt in her way, striking at her with their hooves. The pink unicorn was dragged over to Szelhivar, then held down on the ground. "Starsong, please. Help me!"

~"Let her go, and take me instead." Starsong demanded.

General Szelhivar looked to Toola Roola, then to Starsong. ~"She has the great honor of being Lord Zernaba's guest." She patted Toola Roola on the head. ~"You and your crimes will be of no consequence once our Lord is returned to power. But don't worry, we won't harm her. She will be treated well."

The dragon-eyed Luquin stepped over to Starsong. ~"I must thank you. Without you, I wouldn't have recieved this blessing from Lord Zernaba." She indicated the reptilian eye, which moved and rotated oddly in its socket. Looking at it up close invoked a queasy feeling within Starsong's stomach. ~"Do you not like it?" Vonnyvetra chuckled.

~"Would you like me to take out your other eye?" Starsong retorted. Vonnyvetra back-hoofed the pegasus.

~"Consider yourself lucky that I don't leave you blind, deaf, mute and lame, whelp!"

~"Enough of this!" Szelvihar called. ~"Return to Nagy Mezo while I inforn Lord Zernaba of these events." She took to the air, then headed northwest. Cheerilee dashed towards Toola Roola, but found herself grappled by other Luquins, while the unicorn's legs were bound by leather straps.

"No!, stop!, let me go!" Toola Roola pleaded while struggling. "Stars! Lee!" Starsong lunged for Toola Roola, but Vonnyvetra bucked upward, striking the purple pegasus' belly with her hind hooves, and knocking the wind out of her. The force cause Starsong to half flip in the air, and she landed on her back, dazed by the impact.

~"Quit your complaining." One of the Luquins said before muzzling the unicorn with a strap. ~"You're going to be the Guest of Honor for Lord Zernaba's return to power."

Once Toola Roola was secured onto the back of a pegasus, all the pegasi Luquins took flight and headed southward. The rest of the packs followed in waves, with the Luquins that held Cheerilee being the last to leave. Once released, she ran after them, but stopped as the pegasus carrying her spouse became a distant silhouette. "ANTONIAAAAAAA!!!!!"

Princess Luna took a step back, then rested the marker that she had been levitating. "So, it did start here." She pointed at a spot within a crude map she had drawn on the whiteboard. "And somehow jumped to here and here." She indicated two other spots.

"Your Majesty, we just recieved a package from the front lines." Lime Sherbert exclaimed as she entered with a camoflauge painted aluminum box. She placed the box on a table and opened it. Luna trotted over to look inside. Lime took out a folder, opened it, and fanned the reports out.

Luna levitated one of the reports and looked it over. "So my scouts are still alive then..." She found the names that she was looking for.

Lime took out the rest of the boxes' contents. "Samples of the plagues found at the Nickerprancer's castle, a few old tomes..."

~"...And we present this suit of armor, crafted to your form."

"Pardon?" Luna looked to Lime.

"I said this metal looks like the same material as your old armor." Lime held up a pipe composed of a material that glowed with a teal light.

~" Your Highness. The miners report that they have discovered a vein of new metal, deep under the plateau, they're calling it..."

"Thaumicite." Luna stated, holding the pipe in a telekinetic aura.

"We could shatter the pipe, and use the chunks to seed new veins." Lime suggested.

"There is as yet, only one source for it." Luna replied, setting the pipe down. She returned to the whiteboard and picked up the marker again. She marked a spot on the map, near Nocne Mesta. "Discovered in the year 143 of my rule. The soldiers and nobility forged it into armor and weapons, ground it up into a powder for potions, mixed it with food, ink, cosmetics, but they forbade the commoners to use it...Yes, yes, it all fits!" Lune whirled around. "That be the connection!"

"I'm not sure I follow, Your Majesty." Lime approached. "Connection to what, exactly?"

Luna tapped the whiteboard with the marker. "The truth of what happened 1000 years ago must be uncovered, and I am certain that this metal is a central part of it."

"It seems like ordinary enchanted iron to me." Lime said, picking up the pipe with a hoof. "Though it's got a strange color, and it feels warm despite not being held for at least a few hours, and it's-" Lime's eyes widened, and she flung the pipe across the room. "No no no no! Metal does NOT do THAT."

Luna leapt to her maid's side. "What ails thee?"

Breathing heavily, Lime looked to Luna. "It, licked me."

A company of Reiten soldiers arrived to find Starsong comforting Cheerilee as she sobbed. "We got your message and came as quickly as we could." One of the soldiers stated.

"They already left." Starsong stated bitterly, pointing in the direction they had gone. "They took Toola Roola with them."

"As long as she's alive, we can still get her back." The soldier replied. "But are you two in need of medical aid?" Starsong shook her head. "Do you need our help in any other capacity?"

"Yeah, hold on a moment." Starsong said before taking flight. She rose a few dozen meters upwards, then descended in a wide spiral. upon landing, she addressed the Destrier. "There's some kind of city off to the south, I'd say about ten kilometers. Feel up to another night-time invasion?"

"For Princess Luna, we'll march all the way to Nocne Mesta." The soldier replied. A cheer went up from the rest of the army.

Cheerilee smiled, using a cloth to dry her eyes. "Then let's go. Maybe there's still hope for Toola Roola yet."

Several ponies looked up from the books they were reading as Luna entered the room. "We have a lead on this mystery." She announced.

One of the ponies approached and bowed. "My Princess, we haven't made much progress with what we have so far. Much of the information about your realm was left in Nocne Mesta."

Luna levitated a piece of paper to the pony. "These are the things we should focus on." The rose colored earth pony took the paper and read it over.

"Dates of death for the Founders and Starswirl the Bearded, info on Zernaba, and Thaumicite?"

Luna set down one of the confiscated pipes. "This."

The pony took the device, turning it over in his hooves. "This looks like one of The Objectivist's explosive powder based weapons."

"It is, but the material is what you should focus on."

The pony looked closely at the material. He gasped and dropped it. "I-i-it moved. Like a snake." He looked to Luna. "You ever had a snake crawl on you? It's like that."

Luna nodded. "We need somepony to research it. The only known source is a mine that goes under the central plateau of Umbratara."

"It might be a manifestation of the Maelstrom." He suggested. "Mana sometimes coalesces into unique forms."

"Nay, twas there before my descent and subsequent banishment."

Another pony came over. "Your Majesty, perhaps you should send a sample to be tested at Canterlot University."

"We have already done so." Luna replied. "Along with a caveat that it may be dangerous."

The first pony picked up the pipe again. "Shouldn't this be in a lead box, then?"

Luna conjoured a large hollow cube of lead, with one open side. "We hope this will be adequate for thy needs."

The pony placed the pipe inside. "Thank you, your Majesty."

A burly pegasus set a pink unicorn on the floor of a small chamber, then undid the straps that held her front and rear legs together. The unicorn rubbed her ankles with her hooves, looking to the pegasus as he left. Strands of teal-colored material oozed from the arch over the entrance and extended to the floor, rippling as they thickened into bars. After removing the strap from her muzzle, the unicorn walked over and tried pushing against the bars, but they held firm.

The pegasus returned a short while later, carrying a sack in his mouth. As he approached and touched the bars, they curved away to allow access. He set the sack down just inside the room then spoke. ~"You will be kept here until we are ready for you."

"Pardon?" The unicorn replied.

~"Do you not understand?" The pegasus snapped. ~"You, stay. In this room. We will let you out when we need you."

"I-I-I'm sorry," The unicorn backed up. "I don't know your language."

The pegasus raised an eyebrow. "Sprechen Sie Reit?"

"Ja," The unicorn replied.

~"You will be kept here until the night that we need to perform a certain ritual with you. We will make sure that you are fed." The pegasus opened the sack, revealing some hay and small vegetables. ~"And if you have any plans about escaping or being rescued, you can abandon them right now. We are stronger, faster, and more numerous."

~"Why me? Why am I here?"

~"Because, you are Zigany," The pegasus replied. "It was your ancestors that imprisoned Lord Zernaba ages ago, and it is by your blood that Our Lord will be freed." The pegasus turned and left, the metalic bars returning to their straight shapes. The unicorn tried pushing against them again, but they refused to yield. She grunted in frustration, then settled down to eat.

Two dozen crossbow-armed ponies stood in a row. Before them was a tangle of black thorn-bearing vines with glowing teal veins. Behind them were pegasi skirmishers wearing scale armor and bearing a blade mounted on each leg. The third row consisted of unicorns wearing enchanted robes and wielding sharpened curved strips of metal with their telekinesis. An earth pony wearing thick plate armor stood alone behind the unicorns. "Ready?" The front row angled their crossbows upwards while the pegasi crouched and spread their wings. "Fire!" Two dozen arrows sprang forth from the crossbows, then the archers reloaded as fast as they could, before firing again and reloading.

As the first volley of arrows came to land, several Luquins yelped in surprise, finding themselves impaled. A howl arose, joined in by several others as the wolfish ponies responded to the sneak attack by grabbing their weapons. The vines animated then began the process of disentangling from each-other. The pegasi Luquins flew ahead of their ground-bound allies, spotting the archers through the mist. The pegasi dived, intending to slice the archers with their blades, but were met either by a volley of arrows, or one of the pegasi soldiers who took to the air.

As the ground Luquins rushed forth, the unicorns thrust their battle blades to meet the attack. The first wave of Luquins was quickly divided into two types; those who charged and recieved a long deep gash for their troubles, and those who saw the blades, skidded to a stop, and got knocked forward by the Luquins behind them, causing a chain of collisions.

Whenever presented with an easy target, an archer would draw a silver arrow that had been placed in a side pocket of their quivers, load, and fire at the target. The impaled Luquin would scream out in agony, and try to remove the offending implement, the presence of which caused other Luquins much discomfort. While distracted, these opponents could be displatched with cooperative effort among the soldiers.

The Luquins were quickly routed and retreated back to their village, having suffered a signifigant number of injuries ranging from moderate to severe. "Halt and Return!" The Reitein commander called out. The pegasi soldiers regrouped, settling amongst their fellow soldiers instead of pursuing their enemy. The vines animated again, rose and twined together, forming a tall impassible barrier. The ground that had been exposed consisted of gray flaky soil that bore patches of luminescent teal mold.

Out of curiosity, one of the earth pony archers felt around the soil. Her eyes widened and she looked back to her commanding officer. "The ground's been completely drained of any nourishiment. It will take years of work to restore the soil to a usable state."

"Blighted. Just like the ground at Zeranovich," The officer said through clenched teeth. She looked to one of the ponies who was waiting by the camper. "Get samples of the mold and soil."

"Yes ma'am." The pony replied, bringing some containers and tools to perform her duties.

A jasmine colored unicorn entered Luna's throne room and bowed. "Your Majesty, I have a report from the researchers."

"Arise, Arial." Luna bade the unicorn. Arial stood up and levitated a folder over to her. Luna took the folder with her own aura, opened it, and read the single sheet of paper.

"Does Your Majesty need clarification of the dating system?" Arial inquired.

"Nay, We know five of these dates. We were present at their funeral rites."

"Those would be Princess Platinum, Smart Cookie, Chancellor Puddinghead, General Pansy, and Commander Hurricane, correct?"

"Indeed." Luna passed over those names. "But why doth Starswirl have two dates of passing?"

"One's for the old calender system, the other is for the system that was implemented around that time."

Luna bowed her head. "So they are the same date in two different systems. We are sorry we were not there to bid him farewell." She looked to the paper again. "And what be the meaning of this entry by Clover's name? '40 B.P. to query mark?'"

Arial trotted over. "Forty B.P. means she was born forty years before the Princesses-you and Princess Celestia-vanquished Discord. The question mark means that we don't know when she passed on."

"What date were her funerary rites performed?"

"They weren't." Arial replied. "There is no record of any rite performed for Clover the Clever. And while we have graves for the other five founders, and a tomb for Starswirl, all Clover has is a plaque in the main hall of the castle."

"Thank you Arial, thou art dismissed."

Arial bowed. "Is Your Majesty finished with the report? It was requested by your mercenaries." Luna levitated it back over to her. Arial took the report with a pale yellow aura, then left.

"No way around it?"

"None, Major. The barrier forms a circle around the enemy and the pegasi troops would have no back-up if they flew over."

The earth pony officer tapped her chin. "The obvious thing would be to try sawing the vines, but they can move and strike back. And it'll take a hour to get the catapults down here."

"Permission to speak, Major."

"What is it, Destrier?"

"Given that there are narrow gaps between the vines, line of sight spells are possible, right?"

"Yes, but we can't count on our enemy remaning still to be attacked by offensive spells."

"But we can send in a beacon for a warp spell."

The Major gave a laugh. "Absobuckinglutely brilliant, Destrier!" She dashed out of the tent. "Sages, Line-up!" Every unicorn soldier within earshot rushed towards the Major, and began forming a row. "Do we have the capabilities to set up remote viewing and warp beacon spells?"

"Yes Ma'am!" came the chorused reply.

"Make it so!" The major ordered. The unicorns dispered, gathered their enchanted swords, then began working on their spells. They started at the edge of the blighted soil, then moved so that each of them could peer through a gap in the vines. Once they had sighted a suitable point, each unicorn would project their senses to the chosen spot then mentally look around the area.

Some of the soldiers decided to try chain-casting, picking spots further and further in to project to. The unicorn Luquins sensed this flux of magic and investigated. They scanned the sparkling auras that appeared and disappeared about the area. ~"They're spying on us, looking for a weakness." The unicorns relayed to their allies. The rest of the Luquins readied their weapons, looking towards the wall of vines.

"Major, I've sighted the Prisoner." One of the battle mages announced. "There's some kind of ward blocking the entrance to her cell, but I've marked a warp point in the corridor just outside."

"Gather a squad and go in." The Major replied. The mage inscribed a sigil on the ground, then bade two archers, two skirmishers, and another unicorn to accompany him. The group gathered around the sigil, and the two unicorns cast the spell together. All six vanished in an aura of blue light.

Toola Roola jerked her head up at the flash of blue light, then noticed six Reiten soldiers standing in the hallway outside her cell. "Get me out of here!" She called.

"That's what we came to do, Fraulein." One of the pegasi replied. "Stand back." The pegasus turned and reared up, preparing to kick with her hind legs.

"No, wait!" Toola tried to warn them. Needle-like spines projected from the surface of the bars just before the pegasus' hooves impacted. The sharp metal pierced the pony's soles, sinking in to touch the tendon. The pegasus screamed and collapsed, blood trickling from a line of holes along each of her soles. She gritted her teeth, while one of the unicorns wove a healing spell around her hooves.

One of the earth ponies examined the glowing teal bars. "I've never seem a metal breathe before." She commented.

"It's not metal." Toola Roola replied. "It's some kind of metamorphic organism."

"So how do we get past it?" The archer raised an eyebrow.

"Did you bring silver?"

The archer drew a silver tipped arrow from her quiver. "Just this."

"Touch it to the bars." Toola Roola suggested.

The archer shrugged then brought the arrow close. The substance hissed and emitted teal smoke where the silver touched it, dissolving around the metal. "Oh buck me!" The archer snarked

After several seconds of contact, the pony had cut through the bar, and the material snapped away like a stretched rubber band that had been cut. ~"In here, they're in here!" A gruff voice echoed along the hallway. The archer passed out silver arrows to her allies, and they used them to cut through the rest of the bars. There was an approaching sound of many hooves galloping over stone. They turned to look, and saw several Luquins descending a staiway at one end of the hallway.

The archers turned and loaded their arrows as the disheveled ponies approached, their expressions promising a painful demise. "In the name of Princess Luna, stand down!" one of the archers called.

~"I will suck the marrow from your bones!" One of the Luquins replied, raising her weapon. The Luquins charged just as the last bar was broken.

Toola Roola jumped into the midst of the soldiers as the archers fired, striking two Luquins who had been at the front of the pack. "Let's go!" she shouted. The unicorns soldiers channeled their magic, and a blue aura flashed around all seven, leaving an empty space in the hallway. The Luquins skidded to a halt, and one of the leaders let out an angry-sounding howl.

"The package has been secured, Ma'am!" one of the pegasi called as the group appeared at the edge of the blight again. A cheer went up from the solders, while Cheerilee and Starsong rushed over to embraced Toola Roola. The pink unicorn hugged them tightly, and all three shed tears while laughing. The unicorn mages quickly scuffed the sigil, preventing the Luquins from opening a link back.

"Alright. We are going into a Tactical Withdrawal. Fall back to Zeranovich." The soldiers quickly got into formation, while Cheerilee, Starsong and Toola boarded the camper.

As Toola entered the vehicle, she gaped at a large pile of plants in the middle. "Where did you get all this?"

Starsong looked over. "Oh, there's a lake about 100 strides back that had these flowers growing wild all around." She closed the back door then reclined against a side wall. "Didn't know how much to get."

"So you picked them all?"

"No, I just picked the ones that had the biggest flowers." She picked up one of the plants. "Raizphantasma. At least that's what Cheerilee said it was called."

Toola Roola nodded. "So now we go back to Phuri Dai."

Starsong tilted her head. "I've met both of your grandmothers, how is Baba Yaga related to you?"

"There's an old story among the Roani, about how she was Luna's mother. And as Luna was our mother..."

The pegasus clucked her tongue. "That would make her Celestia's mother as well, right?"

"Oui."

Starsong thought for a moment. "I owe you an apology."

"Why?"

"Every time I ever said 'Mother of Celestia' when I got angry."

Toola Roola laughed.

Dneighstra

Luna's eyes snapped open, and she glanced to a wall-clock. "Five hours and seventeen minutes into the morn." She noted. "Then I have not overslept." She glanced down to the book that she had been resting her head on. "I recall reading as far as Master Starswirls' studies of folklore..." Luna began with the top of the left page.

My ongoing efforts to catalog and record the Why then, would ponies allow it to rule over them?
history of Umbratara have raised questions with Is this 'Wondrous Material' so desirable that ponies
each answer provided. This process is further would willingly choose slavery just to possess it?
muddled by the ongoing rivalry between the This obviously bears further investigation. Using a
settled ponies and the nomads known as the map of Umbratara, I have charted the location
Zigany. Neither side can point to a beginning of spoken of in the myth. If there is any truth to the
this rivalry, but there is a possible clue. One of legend, then the entrance to the 'Dragons' lair is in
the old legends I have transcribed, speaks of a the mountains on the border between Trotsylvania
being known as the 'Alchemical Dragon' who and Dneighstra.
created a 'wondrous material.' Given descriptions
of this material, the settled ponies agree that it
would have made life much easier if it were used
in place of metals such as iron, lead, and copper.
However, The Zigany react in fear when given
the same description, and claim that the 'Dragon'
is a terrible monster, and that they (The Zigany)
would sooner see the Spirit of Strife released
than the 'Dragon'. From this I can conclude that
the so-called 'Dragon' is not a benevolent being.

144 145

Princess Luna looked to the whiteboard. "The mountains between Trotsylvania and Dneighstra? That's-" She gasped. "-Where the Thaumicite mine was opened." She turned the page, finding a map of the border between the two domains. She studied it intently, taking in every drawn detail, and correlating it with her memories of the actual landscape. The location of the lair's entrance was on the same mountain that the Thaumicite had been found at, but was placed at the peak while the mine had had been carved from a naturally occurring cave at the base. Luna was about to turn the page when a green hoof suddenly appeared, preventing her from doing so.

"Your Majesty, it's Five-thirty." The hoof's owner stated. The princess looked up to see the green unicorn wearing a look of concern.

Luna chuckled nervously. "Thank you, dear Lime. We shall get right on the moonset." She departed, trotting briskly along the hallways towards the observation room. She arrived to find Celestia already waiting on the large open balcony. "Apologies dear sister. We have had a lot on our mind."

"Luna, I worry about you. This isn't the first time you've become obsessed with an idea."

Luna winced but let the comment slide. Celestia was right, this mystery was occupying much of her time and attention. She steadied her breathing then channeled her magic, feeling for the moon.

The old unicorn sorted through the stack of plants while her guests slept. She had only expected them to get a small number of them, but from their accounts the plants were being cultivated. Turning her attention to her guests, she pondered what they had told her. Toola Roola had been captured, and a rescue mission was undertaken to get her back. The younger unicorn said that one of her captors mentioned a ritual that would have involved blood, her blood.

"By Zigany blood would Zernaba be restored. Blood magic. Then was he also bound by their blood?" She dropped a few of the plants into a pot of boiling water and herbs. "It is at times like this that I wish I had copies of Starswirl's journals." She muttered while stirring the pot. "He spent much time researching history and folklore."

Turning to the shelves, she browsed the small collection of books that she had. "All this time, and I still haven't found a solution." She chastised herself. "I've been treating the symptoms, when I should have been looking for a cure." She levitated the pot from the hearth and set it on the table to cool. Taking the books with her telekinesis, the old mare began reading, going from book to book.

An indigo unicorn opened her door intending to go to the local cafe for breakfast, when she spotted a small basket holding an orange on her doorstep. Tucked inside the rim of the basket was a note. The unicorn levitated it with her magic. 'From Nadezda Vlcek.' read the salutation. "Oh how nice." She commented, before unfolding the paper.

'Zimolez Sirota'
'We know what you've been doing.'

Zimolez looked at the house across the lane from her. A chocolate brown earth pony was watching her from the window. The earth pony slowly lowered the curtain, turning away from her. Zimolez gulped, hurried back inside, then slammed and locked her door. She leaned against the door, breathing rapidly. Going out didn't seem like such a good idea anymore.

"You look like you have something on your mind." Celestia commented while using her magic to butter a slice of toast.

"There are many things that weigh on my thoughts, Sister." Luna replied as she drizzled caramel onto a bowl of oatmeal topped with apple slices. "Matters both historical and ongoing."

"I could probably help you with the historical part." Celestia replied. "If there is something I don't know, I could tell you who would."

Luna nodded. "Whatever became of Clover the Clever?"

Celestia exhaled. "After Starswirl's passing, she disappeared."

"Be that the entirety of the matter? She just vanished? Without a trace?"

Celestia thought for a moment. "There is something. When the Zigany began arriving in Praeclara and Dalmatia, they spoke of a kind old unicorn that helped them escape. Their descriptions of her matched what I remembered of Clover's appearance."

"So Clover aided my chosen subjects to your lands." Luna mused. "And that was the last anypony ever saw of her?"

"I went to investigate about ten years later, and that's when I started hearing the stories. A unicorn of comparable talent to Starswirl himself, warning other ponies about malefic monsters. Stories get embellished, truth blurs into fantasy, and centuries go by. Thus does she become the Herald of Monsters, feared as much as Nightmare Moon."

Luna held a hoof to her heart. "How horrible, to be remembered as a fiend instead of a friend."

Celestia reached out to hug her sister. "Indeed. But none of the stories ever speaks of her passing. Some ponies believe her to be immortal. But while Clover was trained by Starswirl, even unicorn longevity has its limits."

Luna shook her head. "I doubt that even such as she and Twilight, could live a thousand years."

"I'm sorry Luna, that's all I have to offer." Celestia offered her a contrite look.

The rest of the breakfast passed in silence.

Awakening to being prodded with a stick, Starsong snarled, rolling to her feet and standing up. She softened her demeanor when she saw who had woken her. "Sorry, reflex."

The old unicorn ignored the comment, offering a bowl filled with a pungent broth. "Drink this." She ordered. Starsong took the bowl in her hooves and sipped.

"Blegh!" She grimaced. "Tastes like moss."

"It's either that or wear a silver collar." The old mare said flatly.

"Since you put it that way..." Starsong replied before chugging the contents of the bowl. The old mare chuckled, turning back to her books.

"Now, since the Lycanippoi are still a threat and actively hunting for you and your friends, how were you planning to get to Nocne Mesta?"

"We can't go the straight way?" Starsong asked. The mare shook her head. "Going south is out, so I guess we have to circle around the Clopathian mountains from the north."

"If you continue Northwest, you will find the town of Drohaybych, near the head of the Dneighster river."

"And what do we do there?"

"Ride the river towards the sea. That will put you within sight of Nocne Mesta." The old mare replied. "You'll avoid the Lycanippoi that way."

"And what about Vamponies, or other dangers?" Another pony asked. Starsong and the old mare looked over to see Cheerilee watching them.

"Ah, you're awake. Good, good." The old mare stated. "Vamponies won't be much of a threat if you stay away from Buckarest."

Cheerilee took a map from one of the saddlebags and looked at it. "That might be a difficult task. Buckarest is right on a path that leads up to Nocne Mesta."

Starsong peered over Cheerilee's shoulder. "No way to get the tank up there. The path's too narrow to make the necessary turns."

"So we'll have to go on hoof." Cheerilee sighed. "Even with silver, we'll still be vulnerable at night."

~"What do you mean gone?!" A black pegasus shrieked. ~"Lord Zernaba is expecting her to be delivered!"

~"My General. They had teleportation spells." One of the earth ponies replied. ~"We were not prepared."

~"Who was guarding her cell?" The pegasus demanded. The Luquins exchanged glances, then hung their heads. ~"Nopony?!" She turned to a cream-colored pony. ~"And you, Vonnyvetra. what were YOU doing?"

~"I was leading the guard at the northern edge of the city." Several other Luquins confirmed this. The pegasus stomped over to the wall of the nearest building and bucked with all her might, causing the bricks to shift where her hooves impacted. ~"My General?"

Szelvihar took a moment to calm down. ~"This is what we're going to do. We're going to don our armor, ready our weapons, and march to Zeranovice. Those who are too tired or injured to make the trip, offer yourselves up so that the rest of us can put your energy to better use." The Luquins who had sustained silver-related injuries from the previous night's fight gathered in the central square, joined by several others. They laid down and exposed their throats and bellies. The rest of the pack leapt upon them and began feeding.

"Look alive, fillies!" An armored pony called. The rest of the soldiers looked up to see a large wooden camper clatter into the town. Three ponies exited the vehicle, then began unloading it. As the soldiers approached, the magenta earth pony called over.

"There's been a change of plans. We can't use this vehicle anymore."

"What seems to be the trouble?" One of the soldiers inquired. "Is it breaking down?"

"No, it's just that the paths up the plateau weren't designed for it. We need something smaller, like a wagon."

"I think we can arrange for that." The soldier replied. "And we have something for you anyways." She presented a camouflage-painted aluminum box. "Compliments of The Moon Princess."

Cheerilee took the box and opened it. Inside were a few letters and a silver chain necklace with a pendant crafted in the shape of a crescent moon. She read the first letter then smiled. "So this is a receipt node. Awesome."

"Luna rocks!" Starsong added, snickering at her own joke. Toola Roola tapped her with the end of her cane. "Whuuuut. I'm just saying that she's cool like that."

Cheerilee ignored them and read through the second letter. "Hmmm, no confirmed records of Clover's passing..." She looked to the soldier. "May I make a request of the Military?"

"Depends on what you're asking." The soldier replied.

"West of here, there's a cabin in the trees."

"We've seen it."

"Could you not bother the old mare that lives there, at least not until Princess Luna has had a chance to meet with her?"

"That's a reasonable request. Granted. I'll spread the word." The soldier replied.

Cheerilee took the third letter and read the header. "Toola Roola, I think you may want to read this one."

Toola Roola came over, took the letter and began reading.

To my dearest daughters.

Your absence has been felt around Chateau LaRoulette and Ponyville. The ponies try to continue on as if nothing has changed, but they seem a little less lively without your presence. Pinkie Pie is working hard to keep everypony's spirits up, but she is wearing herself out. I have been worried about you three, but Princess Luna has assured me that you are still active. All I am able to do is hope and carry on with the show.

Love and Zorte On

Gilbert 'Lucky' LaRoulette

P.S. Matron Nadezda has notified me of your visit. Be sure to note what she has done for you, because you are expected to return the favor someday.

Toola Roola lowered the letter. Starsong and Cheerilee had been looking over each of her shoulders. "It seems the whole community misses us."

Cheerilee turned and held up the pendant. "With this, we can receive messages addressed to us, right?"

"All three of your names are imprinted on that node." The solder replied. "Any piece of enchanted parchment bearing your names, will find its way to you."

"Send word back to Ponyville and Chateau LaRoulette. They can write us letters and deliver them to Luna. She can relay them to us." Cheerilee explained.

"So we'll be getting fan mail? Right on!" Starsong exclaimed.

Arial entered the planning room carrying a report. " Your Majesty, I think there may have been a mistake with the information we have."

Luna set down the marker she had been writing with. "A mistake? Did somepony provide false or misleading data?"

Arial presented the report. "Maybe, I need to go over this with you, to make sure that we're both correct about our assumptions."

"So it shall be a presentation. Very well. What hast thou to report?"

Arial cleared her throat then began. "First, about the name 'Zernaba,' We have accounts about a Czernobog. Though in the Loshadki tongue, the names are pronounced similarly."

"And what accounts be there of this entity?"

Arial turned the page with her magic. "He is commonly associated with disease, rot, rust, mold, withering, lameness, and mental disorders."

"Miasma, decay and insanity." Luna wrote on the whiteboard. "Continue."

Arial browsed through the report. "There's a list of charms that supposedly ward against him and his influence. All of them use silver in some way. Either in amulets, or as components of spells. There are stories about his role as an antagonist in stories over the last two millenia. Alternate names and titles refer to him as horned, so I'd guess he's a unicorn." Luna held up a hoof.

"Goats, cows, and dragons also have horns, and Bullgaria is directly south of Trotsylvania."

Arial nodded. "The Bovine Country, allied with Dalmatia, Ipponia and the Agemane."

"So horned, and he clearly has some magical prowess." Luna tapped her chin. "Malific associations, Nickerprancers, Luquins and Vamponies, Using Zeranovice as the rim and the mine city as the center, his zone of influence covers a sizable portion of my domain. Going back how far?"

"We do have some history scrolls dating back to the pre-Discord era. Shall I have the researchers look through them?"

"Dear Arial. We must not overlook any avenue of knowledge, no matter how slight."

Arial set the report on the table, bowed then left.

o/~ "Here come the jesters, one two three. It's all part of our fantasy. I love the music And I love to see the crowd. Dancin' in the mountains and singin' out loud, Yeeeaaaahhhhh!" Starsong sang as she skipped along the path. Cheerilee and Toola Roola followed close behind, keeping a brisk pace despite the earth pony having to tow a cart laden with their gear.

"It''s good to see you in a perky mood again." Cheerilee commented. "I was worried that you'd have some residual effects from the infection."

"Hey, what's not to be happy about. We pulled off a daring raid last night." She shuffled over to Toola Roola. "And we got our unicorn back."

"I'll admit that I was scared." Toola Roola leaned over to nuzzle Starsong. "But I never lost faith in you. I knew you'd find a way to rescue me."

"We were scared as well." Cheerilee confessed.

"Yeah, We thought that we might lose you." Starsong added. "Who knows what those Luquins would have done to you if given the chance."

"One of them mentioned that the Zigany were the ones who imprisoned Zernaba." Toola Roola mused. "Nadezda's right, we should have done our research."

"Imprisoned, not killed." Cheerilee replied. Which means that Zernaba might not be mortal."

Starsong stopped. "Wait, If he or she is immortal, how are we suppose to deal with him or her?"

Cheerilee took a sheet of enchanted parchment and a pencil, then wrote 'Zernaba might be immortal, how should we proceed?' She lit the parchment which burned then left in a cloud of green smoke and ash. "We'll just have to improvise for now."

"That's one thing that we're good at." Starsong replied.

"Destrier, I think you better take a look at this." An earth pony soldier said while passing a telescope to the higher-ranked pony. The Destrier took the telescope and peered through it. A mob of ponies wearing silver plated aluminum armor and wielding silver plated aluminum weapons, was approaching Zeranovice from the east. A few had flagpoles affixed to their curiasses, flying banners with blue and silver horizontal stripes.

"Looks like reinforcements are here." The Destrier said with a smirk. "Send out a greeting party."

"Yes Destrier." The soldier replied before trotting to the designated barracks.

In the span of two minutes, the greeting party was assembled and positioned at the eastern gate. "What brings you all to Zeranovice?" The corporal hailed. the approaching ponies.

"The soldiers of the Bohaymian Republic have come to serve." A silver-clad Veteran Destrier replied. "We bring argent-enhanced equipment for our allies from the Reitland." She motioned to several carts towed by some of the soldiers.

"Glad you could join us." The Reiten Corporal replied. "Bring it all inside and let's get it dispensed."

As the soldiers gathered within the town, the Bohaymian commander located her Reiten counterpart. "Word has spread about how you defeated the Nickerprancer menace. We regret not having aided you sooner."

The Pegasus Captain turned to the Destrier. "Your help is appreciated, and we will surely need it in the coming days." She twirled a hoof. "But your towns needed you more."

"We couldn't just sit back and shirk our duty after you stepped in on behalf of the Monarch that we are suppose to serve. Reitland being part of-" The Captain held up a hoof, stopping the Destrier.

"Here, we are all Children of Luna." She stated emphatically. "Ready your troops at the western and northern entrances." The Destrier saluted before leaving to fill orders.

Overhead, three Zeppelins circled in a wide formation, with scouts aiming telescopes towards the south. The injured from two nights previous had been moved to Prahay's hospitals, while the prisoners were sent straight to Canterlot to await trial, and the few casualties that had occurred, were sent back to the Reitland with full honors. The wrecked Zeppelin had been scavenged of all usable equipment, and the scrap was left to rust and rot.

With the new platoon covering the north and west entrances. the Reiten soldiers were able to increase the defenses at the south entrance. The silver coated aluminum weapons and armor left some soldiers feeling vulnerable, but the reduction in weight from their normal steel gear was a welcome change.

"Luquins spotted!" One of the scouts reported to her shipmates. Word was passed along, signals were sent to the other Zeppelins and the ground companies, and ballistas were loaded with silver rocks that they had gotten from available supplies. Everypony prepared from the upcoming battle. Given the skirmish the previous night, they guessed that their enemy was probably not in a merciful mood.

"That's kind of a weird way to build a city." Starsong commented, pointing at the thick wall that separated the city from the river. "It's like they've had a problem with river pirates."

The group approached the gate closest to them. ~"Halt!" A voice called from one of the towers on either side of the large wooden gate. ~"I have silver!" A pony wielding a loaded crossbow leaned out of the tower window, and pointed the weapon at the trio.

~"Great, so do we!" Starsong replied, raising her staff in display. ~"We're friendly!" The pegasus glanced to her companions. "She's worried that we might be Luquins or something."

Toola Roola stepped forward. "Monsieur! We come from the lands to the east! Sil Vu Plait, let us in!"

The pony turned and called to somepony on the other side of the gate. A moment later, there was a sound of something heavy sliding aside, then the wooden doors of the gate opened inward, revealing a small mob of ponies armed with silver weapons.

"Heh, Perche." Starsong smirked. "Why didn't I think of that?" The trio entered the gate, then were herded over to a small courtyard while the gate was close and barred again. One of the ponies motioned for Cheerilee to unhitch herself from the cart, and stand in another area of the yard, along with Starsong and Toola Roola.

~"Forgive us for our precautions." One of the ponies began. ~"Very few friendly ponies ever come here, on account of the witch."

~"The witch is not a threat." Starsong replied.

~"She brings the monsters." The pony replied.

~"What do you mean?"

~"She comes here, warning us that the Sorcerors or Lycanippoi are coming, and they arrive soon after our preparations are complete."

~"Would you rather be caught with y-er...by surprise?"

~"Ma'am, look at this!" One of the ponies held up the seltzer bottle. ~"This has strange water in it." The pony that had been talking to Starsong, went over to examine the bottle.

~"Could this be a result of the old Ippoan natural science?" She pondered. She turned back to Starsong. ~"Pegasus, what is the purpose of this water?"

Starsong trotted over. ~"Get me a cup." One of the other ponies departed. After a few minutes, he returned, carrying a tall clay container. He hooved it over to Starsong. She set the container on the ground. ~"Now pass me the bottle." The pony did so. Starsong pointed the nozzle into the container, then pressed the lever.

The residents startled as the sudden *Shprrrrt*, then watched in amazement as the water rushed into the container, filling it quickly. Starsong stopped pouring before the container could overflow. She set the bottle down, lifted the container, and took a deep drink. The other ponies looked to each-other, then one approached Starsong and motioned for the container. Starsong hooved it over, then the pony took a sip, following by a gulp.

~"It's like spring water, but without the rocky taste." She stated, before passing the cup to another pony. The cup gradually emptied as it changed hooves repeatedly. One of the ponies brought the cup back to Starsong, and she refilled it with more of the water.

~"How about a drink for my mares?" Starsong suggested, motioning to Toola Roola and Cheerilee.

There was some grumbling, then the latest cup-bearer slowly approached the pair, and offered the cup, averting her gaze. As Toola raised the cup to her lips, one of the passing residents muttered. ~"Why are we sharing with gypsies?"

~"Beg your pardon, sir?!" Starsong snapped. ~"Is there a problem with my mares?" She motioned to the other two. The stallion stammered and raised a hoof to placate the pegasus. ~"Tell you what, when you've had the kind of abuse they have, then you can make all the insults you want." She scolded.

The stallion was taken aside by a mare and lead away. One of the guardponies smirked ~"I do apologize for some of our older citizens, but Zigany were not well liked even before the Nightmare."

Starsong waved her off. ~"We don't plan to stay long, we just need a boat ride downriver."

The guardpony placed a hoof on Starsong's shoulder. ~"We cannot allow that. The river is closed because of the Vodyanoi."

~"Vodyanoi?" Starsong asked. Cheerilee perked her ears recognizing the term.

"You have Vodyanoi here? How many?" The guard looked from Cheerilee to Starsong.

"Allow me, Cheery." Starsong set the bottle aside. ~"How many Vodyanoi live in the river?"

~"Five, but they are vicious." The guard stated.

"Five." Starsong repeated for Cheerilee.

"Can you describe them?" the earth pony asked. Starsong translated.

~"Their rear legs are replaced by a large fish tail, and their mouths are filled with sharp teeth." Starsong repeated this in Canter.

Cheerilee and Toola Roola exchanged glances. "Sounds like corrupted Merae." The pink unicorn stated.

"Is there someplace more private? We have much to discuss, and I'd prefer to keep the number of ears low." Cheerilee inquired.

~"Of course, let me show you to the Mayor."

A black pegasus clad in glowing teal armor fumed, pacing back and forth, striking the ground hard with each step. ~"Silver! The whole army is wearing silver!"

~"What are we going to do, General?" An earth pony asked. ~"Attacking them is suicide."

~"I know!" The pegasus shrieked. The earth pony backed off. ~"There is nothing to be gained by throwing ourselves upon their weapons. But we must enforce the Law." She turned and looked towards the soldiers guarding the city, who watched her in return. ~"The Bohaymian forces, united as one army. Allied with the Pferd army from the east. But if they are here, then they are not elsewhere..." The pegasus took to the air. ~"We go east. If we cannot reclaim this city, then we will claim the undefended towns!"

The Luquin horde cheered turning to follow their commander.

"Destrier, they've turned and headed east." A soldier reported to her commander.

"Danke, Private." The soldier saluted then left. The Destrier turned to the Captain of the pegasus air corps. "Shall we pursue?"

"Get started five minutes ago!" The Captain snapped.

All assembled Destriers saluted, then quickly passed the word.

Cheerilee, Toola Roola, Starsong and a violet, blue-maned unicorn were seated around a table. With Starsong acting as a translator, Cheerilee spoke first. "Mayor Mertsat, Let me begin by offering my deepest sympathies for you and your community. Nopony should have to live in fear."

~"We have not completely given up." Mertsat replied. ~"That we have managed to survive this long is proof of our faith that we would be saved someday."

Cheerilee nodded. "How do you feel about a repentant Luna returning to lead you?"

Mertsat thought this over for a moment. ~"I am hesitant to accept that. The memory of the Nightmare still lingers, but you tell us that she has been harmonized."

"I can understand that you want to protect the citizens of the town, mayor." Cheerilee extended a hoof. "Let us show you and the community how she has changed."

Mertsat rubbed her hooves together. ~"What would you propose?"

"Here's what I have in mind." Cheerilee began. "My marewife here," she indicated Toola Roola. "Can draw a series of pictures about Princess Luna's return and redemption, and I can narrate for the citizens of the town."

Mertsat rubbed around her horn in thought. ~"So it would be like a theatrical performance."

Cheerlee smiled. "We entertain and educate. I'm certain that the townsponies would enjoy a little song and dance."

Mertsat pointed to Toola Roola. ~"Yes, we have heard of the Zigany dances and how that would entertain the stallions and mares." Toola Roola blushed, not certain whether the statement was a compliment or a complaint. ~"But such has not been done here in centuries."

Cheerilee sighed. "The Zigany, as you call them, are not your enemy. They just want to live their life without harassment."

Mertsat waved a hoof idly. ~"I am only looking out for the best interests of my community. If it does no harm, I ignore their beliefs and superstitions."

Cheerilee nodded. "I understand. You want to protect the community. I want to protect the community as well."

~"We have a great many things that we fear. The Night, the dark, the Lycanippoi, Nightmare Moon, Vamponies, Baba Yaga. Surely you cannot sooth all our fears."

Cheerilee nodded. "Allow me to ask. What weighs the most on your conscience?"

~"The river. Should the Vodyanoi cease to be a threat, that allows us to use the water for irrigation, drinking, and travel. We could traverse it and travel to Loshka."

"If we were to remove the Vodyanoi, would you be more open towards us?"

Mertsat placed a hoof on Cheerilee's. ~"If you manage to remove the Vodyanoi threat, we would be in debt to you."

"Then you may repay that debt, by giving your trust to Princess Luna."

~"It is settled then. Perform the play and we will accept the Zigany. Remove the Vodyanoi and we will trust Princess Luna."

I am undertaking this task to chronicle history in
the wake of the Spirit of Strifes' reign of Chaos.
While Ponykind may have had oral traditions,
these tend to gather embellishments and outright
fabrications over the years. If the truth is to be
found, then such frivolities must be excised. On
occasion I have heard stories that share many
similarities. These similarities may indicate multiple
accounts of a single event. And it is to these
similarities that I give greater weight. One such
legend speaks of a 'Lord' who ruled the lands
between the Clopathian and the Barkan mountains.
On the next page, you shall see a map that depicts
the borders of this supposed domain. I have also
included the borders of the Duchy of Trotsylvania,
which covers the northern portion of this supposed
kingdom . Also note the proximity of the supposed
Fortress of this 'Lord' in relation to Princess Luna's
capital of Nocne Mesta. Could there still be ruins
buried under the plateau?

172

Luna tapped her chin in thought. "But my capital wast carved into the rock. Surely if there were remnants of a fortress, the excavators would have mentioned them."

"Your Majesty, you have a visitor." One of the castle servants announced.

"Do send them in." Luna replied, closing the journal.

The servant bowed and left. A moment later, a white, pink-maned unicorn entered. "Good Evening, your Majesty." She greeted with a curtsey. "You sent for me?"

"Fleur De Lis. We have a proposal for you to consider." Luna motioned the unicorn to approach. "How attached art thou to the City of Canterlot."

Fleur trotted over to Luna while she thought. "Well, as I said before. I have money but not land. My modeling work could easily be done in other major cities. And other than You, Lime and Fancy Pants, I could go anywhere in Equestria, and still live comfortably."

"Aye, and Fancy Pants be needed here, to balance out the excesses of the Rich businessponies."

Fleur grinned. "I can just imagine the chaos that his absence would cause. But that's not what you were planning, was it?"

Luna took one of the maps from a nearby table. "This be our Domain of Umbratara. The Capital, Nocne Mesta has lain abandoned for a millennium."

"So you're offering me a chance to start fresh in a new city, with new ponies. Possibly a new upper class as well." Fleur mused. "If Fancy Pants agrees, I'll do it."

Luna smiled. "You are imagining the reaction of your peer, Upper Crust, are you not?"

Fleur smirked. "I probably shouldn't, but I find it amusing."

The ponies of a small mountain valley community stopped their activities when they heard the rumbling. They looked in the direction of the sound and saw a horde of ponies wearing a familiar and dreaded colored armor. ~"Ponywolves!" The cry passed quickly through the community, and the ponies sought shelter.

Following behind the teal-armored ponies, were ponies wearing silver armor. The second army had earth ponies firing arrows and diving pegasi to whittle down the slower members of the Luquin pack, before a unicorn sword-wielder delivered the final blow to each of them. A few of the villagers weren't able to find shelter before the Luquins reached the town, and were tackled.

Scattering amongst the haphazard lanes amongst the buildings, the Luquins took their captives to whatever small enclosed areas they could find. When confronted by a silver armored guard, the Luquins merely had to threaten their captives to get their adversary to back off.

Starsong hummed a tune while Cheerilee and Toola Roola were working on the pictures for the presentation. Cheerilee looked over to the pegasus. "What are you doing?"

"Practicing," Starsong replied. "In case I have to have a sing-off with the Vodyanoi."

The magenta pony smirked. "You're thinking of Sirens. Vodyanoi are more brutish. From what I heard, their 'singing' is more like-" She was interrupted by a loud rumbling bellow that could be felt through the ground. "That."

One of the townsponies dashed into the room. ~"We could use your help."

Starsong relayed the message. Cheerilee looked to Toola Roola. "You stay here and be safe. Starsong, get yourself geared and come with me." The earth pony grabbed one of the staves then hurried out of the room.

Starsong quickly strapped the bow to her leg, then accompanied the townspony. Toola Roola set aside her drawing tools then bowed her head. "Princess Luna watch over you." She whispered.

Outside, Cheerilee followed the sound of crashing waves and heavy thudding. The wooden wall along the river shuddered as it was assaulted. "Does this happen often?" She asked one of the ponies who was helping to brace the wall.The pony looked at her and shrugged, not seeming to understand. Cheerilee looked around. "Does anypony speak Canter?!"

"Cheerilee chill. I'm here now." Starsong replied as she arrived. "They want you and me at that tower." She pointed to one of the tall buildings set back from the wall. The pair hurried up to the platform. A group of archers were already in place, aiming and firing arrows from small crossbows. One of them passed a similar crossbow to Cheerilee, then pointed to the crate filled with arrows.

Cheerilee put on the small weapon, then loaded it. She peered over the low railing of the platform and saw five Merae that seemed to be giants compared to the ones that she knew. The skin over their skulls was stretched thin, giving the creatures a sinister appearance. The pale skin of their fat-bloated bodies was speckled with dark scaly growths, and their eyes glowed with a teal light. The creatures alternated between throwing themselves against the wall and creating waves and crashing them against the wall.

General Szelvihar addressed the Reiten army, using an older dialect of the Pferd tongue. ~"I seek to parlay with your Alpha. Send them before me if they are as bold as they-" She cut the speech short upon seeing a volley of arrows rise up, arc, then converge to land at her position. She darted backwards, barely escaping the arrow shower. ~"Forget this, kill theAHHHHHHH!" She screamed in pain as an arrow penetrated her exposed knee, having been fired from a position somewhere to her left. She gripped the shaft in her teeth and pulled it out then tossed it aside. ~"Who did that?!" She demanded, looking for a pony on one of the other rooftops.

~"Number one, if you're going to call for a parlay, you address me as Captain, not Alpha." A silver-clad pegasus called from behind a chimney. ~"And number two. I have no reason to negotiate with the likes of you." Szelvihar charged while the other pegasus reset their crossbow. The Captain finished the action then dodged the other pegasus' strike. ~"Is that your best?"

~"I will gut you and hang your entrails from the trees!" Szelvihar shrieked in an old Pferd dialect. She slashed with her leg-mounted blades, the teal weapons smouldered as they scraped uselessly against the silver armor. ~"These townsponies get to die because of you!"

~"You think we didn't anticipate that?" The Captain replied with a smirk, fending off Szelvhar with a silver sword. She flew upwards into a cloud-bank. Szelvihar let out a howl of rage before following. She emerged from the cloud to find herself surrounded by three ships held aloft by bags of gas.

"What the Bu-" Her curse was cut short as a weighted silver chain was fired from one of the ballista, catching her off guard and wrapping around her torso. Szelvihar shrieked as the metal burned her. The teal armor smouldered and melted where the silver touched it. The intense burning pain caused her wings to lock up, and she plummeted.

She landed with a crunch in an open area amongst the buildings. The other Luquins were stunned seeing their leader's sudden demise. Their failure to act, and lapse of self preservation allowed carefully placed snipers to take them out with silver arrows. The Townsponies cheered finding their captors being felled quickly by the Reiten soldiers. The Captain landed in the middle of the village, then addressed the townsfolk

~"I am Captain Kalterbrise of the Reiten Army, in service to their Highnesses Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. As subjects of Equestria, you are now under their protection!"

The Vodyanoi bellowed as volleys of silver arrows rained down upon them, but continued their assault upon the wall. "How long has this been going on?" Cheerilee shouted over the din.

Starsong translated the question for one of the archers who gave a reply. "For as long as they can remember. They attack every few days." She answered.

"Stars, get some pegasi and some arrows and get to the the other side of the river! I have an idea!" Cheerilee called before descending the tower ramp.

~"Stay here." Starsong told the archers while gathering a bundle of arrows. ~"We're going to do something chaotic." She took flight, then sought out other pegasi amongst the townsfolk. ~"Grab your bows and arrows, and come with me." She demanded of each one. ~"There's a new plan forming."

Cheerilee quickly sought out the depot where their cart was left. "Starsong I hope you brought the right brand." She muttered as she reached the cart and began sorting through the contents. She pulled out the bag of salt and looked inside. "Good, you did bring the silvered salt." She closed the bag again then dashed to the town market.

As Starsong lead the pegasi archer over the river, the Vodyanoi attempted to strike them with waterspouts. The pegasi dodged these spurts of water and returned fire. Distracted from the wall, the beasts turned their attention on the ponies as they landed on the other side of the river. ~"Good. Keep them focused on us instead of the town!" Starsong called down the line. The pegasi darted back as the Vodyanoi charged or sent waves of water at them.

"Where's the beer?!" Cheerilee called out, looked from place to place. "Cervesa? Ale? Schnaps?" One of the ponies seemed to recognize the last word and motioned Cheerilee over. She hurried to the stand. "I need five bottles." The other pony tilted her head, not understanding her words. Cheerilee tapped her hoof on the counter-top five times then pointed to a bottle. The pony took five bottles from under the counter and passed them to her. "Thanks. I owe you." Cheerilee replied, stuffing the bottles into the bag of salt. "Now. Where is bread?" Cheerilee looked among the stands, then spotted one with a painted picture of a bread loaf. "Oh, there we go."

~"Stay away from the edge of the river!" Starsong admonished. ~"Make them climb out if you can!" Two of the Vodyanoi had gone back to attacking the wall, but the other three were busy trying to get the pegasi archers. Being showered with arrows from two sides was a new experiences, and the Vodyanoi were bellowing in rage and pain.

~"Miss, All we're doing is angering them even more. If this was your friends plan, then we've succeeded." A few other pegasi murmured in agreement.

~"Just keep firing. Keep them distracted." Starsong replied. ~"We just need to give her time. She's probably improvising something big!"

"Tell them to cease fire!" A magenta pony called out from atop tone of the towers.

~"Alright. we can stop firing now." The pegasi lowered the weapons, and watch as the three swam back over to the wall. Starsong looked as Cheerilee tossed out five loaves of bread. Each of the Vodyanoi greedily caught a loaf in their maws and swallowed. Within a few seconds, they experienced an intense burning pain in their stomachs. They clutched their bellies, bellowed and thrashed, trying to disgorge the bread, but fell motionless after half a minute.

During the stunned silence, Starsong flew up to the tower. "Cheerilee, what did you do?"

Cheerilee took a breath then exhaled. "I simply gave them beer, bread and salt."

"Salt? Merae can't taste salt. You know that! What else was-" Cheerilee held up a hoof.

"Navarran Nights. The salt that you brought." Cheerilee stated. "I soaked the bread in salted beer. They ingested silver, and that's what did them in." The silence was broken by a gradually rising cheer from both sides of the river. Cheerilee didn't share their enthusiasm.

Reflections

The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes, was a unicorn stallion wearing a conical hat with bells on the rim, and sporting a prominent beard on his chin and neck. "Ho ho, it worked!" The unicorn exclaimed in delight. He turned and called to somepony else. "Clover! Come over here, Subject one is awake!" She saw a unicorn mare enter into view.

"Master, I think subject two is coming around as well." The mare motioned to something to the left. Subject one turned her gaze to look, and saw a dark blue unicorn foal with wings.

"Sist-er." She stated, the word and sentiment coming from some pool of hidden knowledge. The blue foal looked around and spotted the unicorns.

"Beard!" She said, pointing at the stallion.

He chuckled. "No, I'm Starswirl." He stated. "I brought you two into this world for a very special purpose."

Subject one managed to get into a standing position. "I sense some fragment of the Primal Chaos. Why does it still remain? Was it all not removed when the world was made?" She inquired.

"That's why we summoned you, Great Spirit of the Sun." The mare explained. "We need your help to banish the Spirit of Strife, and bring Harmony to our land."

"Beard!" The moon spirit exclaimed, batting at the stallion's abundant facial hair. Starswirl sighed.

"Luna. Please cease your frivolity." A white, pink-maned alicorn demanded. "There will be many opportunities for this once our task has been completed."

The small blue alicorn clambered down from a pile of leaves. "Tiaaa, why must you always ruin my merrymaking?"

"We are late for Master Starswirl's lecture." The older alicorn started across the drawbridge of a small castle. "I think Starswirl should create an element of punctuality and give it to you."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Tia, I do believe that was your first jest. We should celebrate this moment." Celestia rolled her eyes and entered the outer gate of the castle. Luna followed soon afterwards."

"Today marks the end of your year of training with the Elements of Harmony." Starswirl announced. "You have shown the necessary skill and knowledge to wield them."

Celestia bowed. "If you have faith in us, Master Starswirl, then we are truly ready."

"I have asked two of the Pegasi soldiers to escort you to the outskirts of his capital." The old unicorn bowed. "You know what needs to be done. I am expecting great things from the two of you."

"At once Master Starswirl." Celestia rose and left.

"Farewell, Signore Beard." Luna added, before following her sister.

"Luna I have lectured thee many a time." He began, but sighed as she exited. "My name is Starswirl, not Signore Beard." He said while lowering his voice.

"This chain of mountains forms a natural division of the land into nearly equal halves." An earth pony indicated on a map. "But by using the rivers as possible borders, we can make them balance."

"Then we'll give the eastern half to Luna."

"Nooooo!" The blue alicorn whined. "I want the highlands!" She slammed her front hooves on the table. "Let Celly have the lowlands!"

Celestia blushed. "Luna, please hold your temper."

Luna turned and pointed hoof at her sister. "You always get first choice. I want the high lands."

The scribe circled the section that consisted mostly of mountains, hills, and a plateau. "If that be all you desire, then your domain would be smaller than Celestia's, your Highness."

Luna blinked at the scribe. "Smaller, thou sayest? But, but. It be the higher land."

"Height be not everything, sister." Celestia added. "But if it sets your heart at ease, I will take the East, and you may have the West."

"The night. Will last! FOREVER!" The black alicorn followed her declaration with manic laughter.

"Luna, why are you doing this?"

"Why, Dear sister? Ponykind deserves to suffer!" The black alicorn trotted down the stairs towards Celestia. "Oh they loved you, but they spurned me! They brought this upon themselves!" Celestia lunged for Luna. the two grappled then wrestled. Luna projected a bolt of teal lightning at her sister's crown, shocking and stunning her long enough to gain the advantage. She threw the white alicorn to the floor then took to the air.

"Luna, please!" Celestia pleaded.

"Luna? That name means nothing to me! I shall be the Night Mare that ponykind will come to fear!" Celestia began to push herself up but the black alicorn pressed down with a telekinetic aura. Celestia fired a ray of light at the Nightmare's eyes, blinding her. The black alicorn shrieked, ceasing her magic as she rubbed her eyes. Celestia transformed herself into light, then fled. "Mimeze! MIMEZE!" Nightmare called, slowly regaining her sight. There was no answer. "Even my Chancellor has abandoned me." She stated to herself. She transformed herself into a cloud of teal mist then sped after Celestia.

Celestia had almost made it back to her own castle when she felt something slam into her, disrupting her spell and knocking her downward. She crashed through a tree canopy then into a stone-covered courtyard. As Nightmare slowly descended into view, Celestia noticed where she was. "So, Harmony doth begin and end in the same place." She said quietly, slowly working into a chuckle.

"Does your impending doom amuse you?" Nightmare inquired. "Perhaps we should share our suffering to balance out your Levity."

Celestia reached out with her magic, and felt for the Elements. "Sister, Do I not get a last request?"

"No!" Nightmare pressed her hoof to Celestia's throat. "No requests, no speaking! You shall not talk your way out of this!"

{Wrathful} A voice intone within Nightmare's mind.

{Hateful!} Another voice added.

{Treacherous!} Three crystals appeared in an array around Nightmare. They projected beams of light that formed auras around her. Her hoof was jerked upward, releasing Celestia.

"You turned the elements against me?!" Nightmare hissed through clenched teeth.

"You have done that yourself!" Celestia replied, climbing out of the gouged stone. Nightmare struggled.

"Let me go and I will lower the moon."

{Deceptive!} A fourth crystal appeared and created an aura around Nightmare.

"I'll kill you and take Equestria for my own!"

{Covetious!} A fifth crystal and aura appeared.

"You were Starswirl's brightest student!" Celestia shouted, tears forming in her eyes "He wanted you to drive back the Chaos, not join it!" She fought back a sob "Bring Balance to Harmony, not leave it in tatters!"

"Chaos? Chaos!? I will bring one thousand years of Chaos!!"

{Malevolent!} A sixth crystal appeared, adding it's aura to the others.

"You want Eternal night? you want a thousand years? You shall have it!" Celestia screamed. Nightmare faded from view, feeling a sensation of slumber overtake her. The auras disappeared, and five stone spheres landed with a thud. The lone crystal that hovered before Celestia projected a beam upwards, striking the moon. A silhouette of a unicorn's head appeared on the surface of the moon. The beam ended, leaving the crystal hovering before Celestia.

The white Alicorn reached out with her magic, grabbed the moon, and forced it below the horizon. After raising the sun, she slumped to the stone floor. Summoning up every bit pain of sorrow, pain and anguish, Celestia wailed.

By sunset, Celestia felt numb. Her throat was raw with all the screaming she had done. She spread her wings, took flight, and returned to Canterlot. Once she arrived, she lowered the sun, then relied on her magic sense to raise the moon. It would be a year before she could bring herself to look at it again.

Celestia snapped her eyes open and gasped. She looked around the darkened room. "Great, now she's got me doing it." She muttered. The alicorn stretched then slipped out of bed. "If I had taken the Western half, would I be the one to go bad?" She thought for a moment. "Ridiculous. The ponies depend on the sun for food. They'd never turn away from it, I had no reason to become bitter. And what would I have been called anyways?" She whinnied.

She activated the light-crystal hanging from the ceiling then looked in the mirror. "Was this my fault?" She asked herself.

"Nay, it was not." A voice stated behind her. Celestia whipped her head to look to the entrance of her room. Luna stood there. "I felt your dream and came to see if I could comfort you."

"I guess I have to face these memories sooner or later." Celestia replied. Luna sidled over and embraced her.

"You need not face them alone. We were meant to work together in all our endeavors. I see that now."

Celestia returned the embrace. "If I had known-" Luna held a hoof to her lips.

"Sister, you can lament forever and still face an unchanged past." She separated from Celestia. "If I had taken the right road instead of the left. If I had said this, or done that. There are countless ways I could have changed the course of events, but I did what I did."

"And if you hadn't been up there, you wouldn't have provided inspiration to ponies that needed it."

Luna thought for a moment, then slowly worked up a chuckle. Celestia joined in a moment later. "Ponies like my beloved." Celestia nodded.

= = =

As she arrived at the schoolyard, she saw two of the 3rd year students looming over a purple pegasus foal. Cowering behind the pegasus, was a pink unicorn foal, with a mismatching multicolored mane and tail. "Aw not this again." She grumbled. She quickened her pace.

Hearing her approach, the two 3rd years turned. "Oh great, it's miss Cheerless." One of them snarked.

"Are you two bothering the first years again?"

"Hey, Kayo and I was just telling the newfoals how things work around here." The other pony replied.

"We ain't paying nothing!" The pegasus foal snapped.

The magenta filly shook her head. "Goalposts, you know it's wrong to take money from other students. Now move!"

The two grumbled as they slunk away. Cheerilee turned to the pegasus and unicorn. "You girls ok?"

The pegasus flared her wings. "They were threat'ning us cause Toola's Roani."

The earth pony peered over. "Oh I see, She's wearing a ribbon." She motioned for the pair to follow. "I wanna introduce you to a friend of mine. She's a little daffy, but she just loves new clothing styles."

Toola stood up. "Thank you. Um..."

"Call me Cheerilee." The earth pony replied.

"So what's on the plan for today, Cheery?" A pink unicorn asked.

"The question isn't 'What's on the plan,' but what's not on the plan." A magenta earth pony replied.

"Please don't say the game store." A purple pegasus replied. "I wanna see if they have a Delux Neighntendo."

"Can we make a stop at the *fweew* clothing store. I wanna get some new Lisa Flank shirts *Fweeweew*" A sky blue pegasus asked.

They stopped in front of a shop that had a display of the latest toys. Toola Roola noticed one of the signs on the door. "Looks like I'm not allowed in."

"Whatchu talkin 'bout, Toola?" Starsong asked. Toola Roola point to the sign that listed Gypsies alongside Gryphons and Zebras as banned occupants.

"What that really means is." Cheerilee began "They want to go out of business."

"*Fweew* That is truly, truly outrageous. Let's go to the shop down the street." Thistle suggested. They all shared a laugh as they walked away.

Cheerilee sorted through her family's mail, grinning as she found several letters addressed to her. She took the letters upstairs and set them on her desk. She read each companies name, picturing how each of them would look alongside her name and the title of the story she submitted to them. Taking a moment to steady her breathing, she opened the first letter.

'Dear Miss Dawn.' the letter began. 'Thank you for submitting your manuscript, GILDED TREES. While your story contains good conflict and I rather like your narrator, I'm afraid I don't feel strongly enough about the manuscript to consider publishing it. I do hope you find a home for it.' The earth pony tossed the letter aside then opened the next envelope.

'...Thank you for submitting your manuscript to Colossal House. Unfortunately, our production schedule is already filled for the year...'

{One of these has got to be good news.} She thought, opening the fifth letter...

'...Your novel’s premise is interesting, but ultimately I didn’t find the authorial voice sufficiently memorable or arresting...'

Cheerilee loomed over the tenth and final envelope, eying it with suspicion. She leaned down slowly and snapped her teeth around the pull tab. As she lifted her head upwards again, the paper began separating along pre-marked indentations with an audible *Rrriiiippp*.

She slid a hoof into the open envelope, using a firm pressure to remove the letter. She unfolded the letter and read the first paragraph, skipping the salutation. 'Let me begin by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed your manuscript, GILDED TREES. However, your portrayal of The Sun Princess, Celestia in less than glowing terms, would make it a difficult sell...'

Cheerilee stacked all the letters on the original manuscript, picked the pile up with her teeth, sidestepped to the window, opened it, and flung the offensive stack out into the street. She turned and threw herself onto her bed, and sobbed into her pillow.

It was after sunset when Cheerilee heard someone tapping on the window. She turned and saw a tall white winged unicorn with a cyan, pink and blue mane, that seemed to flow as though being blown by a breeze. "P-p-princess Celestia?!"

"May I come in, my little pony?" She asked in a voice that hinted at her concern.

"Why would you want to visit a loser like me?" Cheerilee snarked.

"I don't think you're a loser." Celestia replied. A stack of papers surrounded by a soft golden glow drifted into the room. "I was passing by earlier during an inspection of the town, and I found this."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have littered." Cheerilee said, wishing that Celestia would take the loathsome object away.

"Why would you you throw away such a entertaining story?" Celestia set the manuscript down. "Just because the big name companies rejected it?"

"Do you know how it feels to put your heart and soul into something, only to have your heart ripped out?!" Cheerilee lowered her voice. "You can have it, your Majesty."

Celestia nodded. "Dear Cheerilee. Have you ever heard the story of the Mare in the Moon?" She turned and pointed up at the darkened area of The Moon. "Think of how she must have felt to have her work rejected hundreds of times, every night."

Cheerilee stared. After a while, she smiled. "I have an idea." She hurried to her desk, and pulled out a writing stick and a bundle of scrap paper. "I should write her a story. No! Her story." As she jotted down notes and wrote out scenes, Celestia slipped away, taking the other manuscript with her.

Toola Roola steadied her breathing, trying to subdue the nervousness that felt almost overwhelming. Cheerilee's instructions had been frustratingly vague about her role. "The school talent show is not the time for an untried avant gaurde play." She had told the earth pony. At least Starsong got to rehearse her part.

She pulled the single piece of paper from the table one last time and stared at it intently, trying to make sense of the list.

'Role: The Moon Princess. A blue alicorn wearing onyx and silver royal regalia.'
'Location: Balcony of a castle.'
'Action: Painting an unblemished moon and constellations.'
'Emotion: Holding back sorrow.'

"Ten seconds." A stagehand addressed her. Toola Roola used her telekinesis to levitate the brush and paint container, both of with were black to blend in against the dark blue backdrop chosen for the scene. She set the paper on the table, checked herself in the mirror to make sure that her costume was in order then walked from the wings to the stage.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Cheerilee." She muttered as the opening tune of the song began. > As the curtain parted, she heard Starsong playing the leading chords of the music. The whole thing suddenly made sense and she dipped the paintbrush into the reflective white paint, then began to dab out the first of the stars.

As the audience watched, Toola Roola paused every few seconds to regain her composure, before dabbing in more stars, timing her strokes with the music. The song, though written for a more contemporary era, carried a certain weight relevant to this scene. The audience, consisting of the other students of her school watch in rapt attention as Toola focused on her task, seemingly unaware of their presence.

Once the song and her task had finished, Toola Roola slumped to the floor of the stage and allowed herself to cry as the curtain closed. The audience gave thunderous applause, even those who had previously derided Toola Roola for her Roani heritage. The aftershow party had many of them apologizing for their past behavior.

Every pony: Teachers, friends, family, and other associates congratulated them for not only winning the talent show, but for earning their cutie marks.as well.

"Are you ok, Cheerilee?" Starsong asked, setting a mug of warm milk on the table as she sat across from the earth pony.

"Yeah, I'll...be fine." Cheerilee replied, before taking a bite of ground wheat cereal. "I was just thinking."

"Are you sure? Not gonna crumble over yesterday?"

Cheerilee set down her spoon. "I'm not gonna crumble. This community needed protection and I provided. That's what a Pony of Honor does. It's nothing equinal, just part of The Business."

Starsong smiled. "That's good. Cause I worry about you." She drizzled some honey into the milk.

Cheerilee picked up her spoon again, then used it as a pointer between bites. "What about you? You ate meat."

"Only under the influence of something else." Starsong replied, lifting the cup between her hooves. "But Baba's potion purged all that. Whatever was wrong with me is all better now."

Cheerilee nodded. "Good, cause I worry about you."

"Relax Cheery." Starsong took a sip from the cup. "We're Children of Luna, remember?"

"Yes, but we're not immune to misfortune." Cheerilee replied. "Accidents can and do happen."

"Mostly to ponies who try to buck with Toola Roola." Starsong replied. "Well besides us, I mean." They both snickered.

"How is Toola?" Cheerilee asked. "I noticed that she's been getting up earlier than usual."

"Yeah, almost like she was born to live here." Starsong replied.

"Well they did live here for generations prior to Princess Luna's rule." Cheerilee said as she finished her breakfast.

"I'm back." A light pink unicorn announced as she entered the room. "Just in time too, it's starting to rain." She cantered over to Cheerilee and gave her a hug.

Cheerilee returned the hug. "Did you have any trouble from the townsfolk?"

"None, but it's hard to talk when we don't have a common language." Toola Roola replied, glancing to Starsong.

"See anything interesting?" Starsong asked.

"Well, I saw the raft that they're making. It'll get us down the river, but there's not room for three ponies and the cart."

Cheerilee thought for a moment. "Well, one of us could wear the silver armor for the rest of the trip."

"You wear it, Cheerilee. I have the springbow and silver arrows." Starsong offered. "And if Toola Roola has all three of our staves, that gives her a bit of protection from Vamponies, right?"

"It's not like they'll suck my blood." Toola Roola began. "They need me whole and healthy to free Zernaba, don't they?" She draped herself over Cheerilee's back.

"Yeah, about that." Cheerilee began. "Zernaba sounds very similar to Czernobog."

"You mean that big draconequus thing from Fantasmia?" Starsong asked before humming the associated tune.

"So we're dealing with a Loshadki spirit?" Toola Roola added.

"Sarmanetian, not Loshadki." Cheerilee corrected.

"What's the difference?"

"The Sarmanetians were an old empire that spanned along the Northern shores of the Onyx sea and the banks of the Dneighster and Dneighper rivers. Loshadki are the ponies who settled the land further north, and at a later time."

"So whatever happened to the Sarmanetians?" Starsong asked. "Were they assimilated by the Loshadki?"

Cheerilee shook her head. "This is the weird part. In the Pre-Discord period, Ipponioan and Etrotscan records mention the Sarmanetians in great detail. But in the post Discord period, the Loshadki and Equestrian records mention finding all the cities abandoned. It's as if the entire tribe disappeared. All that remains are buildings and artifacts made of stone and pottery."

"Maybe Discord wiped them out?" Toola Roola mused. All three shivered.

Trotsylvania

~"Are you sure you have everything you need?" One of the townsponies asked. ~"We don't want you to leave behind something you might need."

~"It's alright." Starsong replied. ~"We can ration our food to last a week. And that's enough time to get from Nocne Mesta back to here. And the books would get ruined during the river ride. That's why I gave them to you all."

The other pony chuckled. ~"Maybe when the land is reunited, we can have some teachers to help us read Canter."

Starsong boarded the raft and stood in front of Cheerilee, while Toola Roola took the rear of the raft. ~"If all goes well, you'll know in two days. If not, at least you can get to Loshad and Pomarenia now." The pegasus added.

~"Thank you again for all you've done." Another townspony joined in.

"Everypony ready?" Cheerilee asked. She, Toola Roola, and Starsong each bit down on one of the ropes that had been provided for security, and braced for the launch.

~"Break the dam.'" Starsong managed to say. One of the townsponies kicked out the logs that had been used to block the flow of water. The sudden release allowed the pooled water to surge along the river, carrying the logs and raft with it. ~"I hereby declare this river to be open!" Starsong whooped, spreading her wings. The trio felt a sense of pride, basking in the townsponies calls of goodbyes and well-wishing.

A jasmine colored unicorn entered the palace's briefing room. "I have the report from Canterlot University Research department." She stated.

A green unicorn strode over. "I'll make sure that her Majesty gets it, Arial."

Arial passed a thick manilla folder over to Lime, then departed. Lime set the folder on the table that held other reports and a stack of old tomes. A minute later, Princess Luna entered the room through another door. "Maid Lime." She addressed the green unicorn. "Please see to it that we cease our research in one hour's time."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Lime replied. "Will you be dining with your sister, or here this evening?"

Luna tapped her cheek in thought. "Sister doth enjoy my company. And she is of the mind that I am become too fix'd with this mystery." She looked down that the journal that she had been reading. "But I find myself vexed by this."

Lime trotted over, then slid the new folder into Princess Luna's reach. "This just arrived from the University."

Luna took the folder and read through the report. "These be the results of the tests performed upon the Thaumicite?"

"I haven't read through the report, your Majesty." Lime replied. "For all I know, it could be their budget requirements, or hourly fees for their services."

Luna opened the folder, and levitated the various documents and charts. "It seems that science has advanced greatly, to have so many tests and procedures to detail." She read one of the reports. "An organic compound composed mainly of sanguineous and osseic tissue. The mana has an oily resonance that warps the properties of the material." She lowered the report and rubbed her chin in thought.

"Your Highness." Lime approached. "All that technical mumbo jumbo doesn't mean much to me. But I know what I felt."

"And what did you feel, my dear friend?"

"It seemed to rub against my hoof in a manner similar to a pony's tongue."

Luna stacked the report back in the folder. "You did mention that the first time."

Lime used one hoof to rub the fetlock of her other front leg. "It just had a total sense of wrongness to it. Like it was an offense to reality."

"I will show this to my sister, then." Luna levitated the report by her side as she left the room.

The raft drifted along the river, being towed by a gentle current through a broad patch. In the light of the setting sun, the dense forest on either side of the river took on a sinister appearance. "So, are we gonna ride all night, or stop and set up camp somewhere?" Starsong asked Cheerilee.

Cheerilee thought for a moment. "I would like to find an open area where we can set up a defense against predators." She looked to the close set trees. "But according to the maps, the river exits the forest a short distance from the start of the delta."

Toola Roola's gaze darted left and right, looking for the source of certain sudden sounds such as hoots, howls, screeches, and rustling. "I'll take my chances on staying up all night." She commented. "It feels safer here."

"Not worried about something coming up under the raft?" Starsong teased. Cheerilee lightly smacked the pegasus' rump. "Hey, I'm joking." She said with a giggle.

Toola Roola chuckled. "Hey Stars, you know what day it is today?"

Starsong gasped in realization. "Today was the day that we were supposed to go to the mall."

"I'm sure we can go when we get back." Cheerilee offered. "We could take Thistle and Jasper too."

"Hey Cheerilee?"

"Yes Toola Roola?"

"Tell us about Sarmanetians."

The earth pony chuckled. She gave a brief glance to the rising moon, then began. "Well, early in Second Age. nomadic ponies began settling the grasslands around the Onyx sea..."

"Thank you from bringing this to my attention, Luna." A white alicorn stated. "I had the fragments of your armor put in a display, but now that I know how dangerous it is, I shall have it destroyed."

Luna nodded. "Perhaps replaced with a cleverly mocked replica." She said with a grin. "After all, History should not be buried or hidden away. We know where that path leads."

"All too well. Dear sister." Celestia replied. "Now what about the report of The old unicorn sorceress?"

"I shall make arrangements to travel there shortly. If it is indeed Clover the Clever, I should have an audience with her. And from what I have gathered from the reports, My mercenaries have made great progress in removing the threats to the land. My presence shall be needed soon."

"Are you done with your research then?" Celestia nuzzled her sister.

"I have read enough. I know that silver works because it is a reflective and purifying metal. As mine enemy be a spirit of plague and dark magics, his bane makes sense."

"Just be careful." Celestia admonished. "Even though he is depicted as a Draconequus, nopony really knows his true form."

"I do." Luna replied. "I recall his likeness and presence from when I donned the armor." She turned to face Celestia. "Last time, he caught me off guard and was able to suppress my benevolent traits. This time, I will not be ambushed so easily."

Toola Roola shook her head, trying to clear the sleepiness from her mind. "Are we out yet?" She asked her companions.

"Not yet." Starsong replied. "I've been watching for openings, but I haven't seen anything that would make a suitable campground."

"I think we should park the raft and look further in-forest." Cheerilee stated. "I'm started to feel sleepy myself. I'd hate to fall off the raft and drown."

"Ok. North or south?" Starsong asked.

"South." All three then began paddling the raft to the southern bank. Once it reached the sloping soil, Starsong hopped off then helped the other two disembark. They used the ropes to drag the raft out of the water.

As soon as they entered the forest, Toola perked her ears. "Listen, do you hear that?"

Cheerilee and Starsong raised their ears. A faint sound like somepony chanting seemed to drift from deep within the woods. It was punctuated by a ululating whinny. "That way." Starsong pointed. All three dashed towards the noise, weaving around the trees. The chanting became more distinct and layered, as if multiple ponies were participating. They spotted an orange glow amongst the trees and headed for it.

As they entered the clearing, the chanting fell silent, and three ponies who had been dancing stopped and turned to face them. All three had brown pelts. One had an orange mane and beard, and stag's horns on his brow. "You are most welcome to partake of our warmth, travelers!" The stallion spoke, gesturing to the large fire in the center of the clearing. "We only ask that you leave your goods outside of our clearing."

"Why, scared of a little silver?" Starsong asked, pointing her springbow. The mares chuckled. One of them, sporting a mane that seemed be composed of yellow flower petals, stepped forward.

"It is not silver we fear, Pegasus." She smirked. "We are not children of Si'Mu'Ze."

"You may keep your armor, weapons, and wands." The other mare added, slightly flaring a crest of red feathers along her neck. "But the stuff in your packs is not welcome."

"The stuff in our packs?" Cheerilee turned and began looking through her equipment. "It's just tools and equipment for camping.

Toola Roola and Starsong removed their packs then approached the fire. Cheerilee thought for a moment, then emptied her pack, keeping it on. "Keep an eye on that one, Mares." The stallion commented, pointing at Cheerilee with a cloven hoof. The two mares giggled.

"How should we address you?" Cheerilee asked.

"We are the dreams of lost travelers." The stallion replied. "How shall we address you?"

"I am Cheerilee, and This is my marewife, Toola Roo-" The stallion held up a hoof.

"Cheerilee. Your companions can speak for themselves." He admonished.

"Right." She nodded, then looked to the unicorn.

"I am Toola Roola." She stated.

"I am Starsong." The pegasus added. The stallion seemed satisfied.

"Ok." Cheerilee began. "What did you mean when you said that you weren't Children of Si mu ze?"

"They who partake of pony flesh, and pony life." The feather-maned mare replied. finishing with a ululating whinny.

"We only want pony words." The flower-maned mare added. All three grinned widely.

"Riiight." Cheerilee replied. "

"Who is this Si'Mu'Ze." Starsong inquired.

"You give us new words, we give you his words." The flower-maned mare stated.

"Words? Oh! You mean stories." Toola Roola realized. "Sure, we can give you words." The three woodland ponies seated themselves on the ground, as Toola Roola looked to Cheerilee.

The magenta pony leaned foward. "This is a story that is near and dear to our hearts. In the lands of the Sun, on the fields of Percheron, lived a Duchess named Le-Mane Fourquad..."

Princess Luna scanned the rows of silver clad ponies standing in formation before her. "At ease, Ponies!" She called out with an amplified voice. "We art satisfied with thine alacrity and preparedness!"

"Your Majesty." Captain Kalterbriss addressed her. "We were instructed to have you meet with an old unicorn who lives west of here."

"Of course, Captain." She ceased the amplification spell. "As both the Reiten and Bohaymian forces are in satisfactory order, thy troops are dismissed." The formations broke, and the soldiers returned to sleep or their prior duties. "Wouldst thou lend us a guide?"

"Your Highness, I will show you the way." An earth pony soldier replied.

"As you were, Captain." Luna stated before following the soldier.

The sound of knocking awoke the old unicorn inside the cabin. She grumbled, slowly rolling over. "What does an old mare have to do to get some peace around here?" She muttered to herself. The knocking came again. "Yes yes, I heard it the first time!" She snapped. The mare stood up and walked over to the door. "Knocking and knocking. You'd think I have nothing better to do than to wait for visitors." She opened the door of the cabin.

"E'en one who you have not seen in a millennium?" A dark blue winged unicorn replied. The two gazed at each other, smiles slowly forming on their muzzles. They suddenly rushed into an embrace, laughing.

"I missed you so much, mother." The alicorn spoke first, a tear trailing down one of her cheeks.

"Oh my little Lulu." The aged unicorn replied. "You bring such joy to my heart."

"I always did have a gift for doing that." Luna replied. "But how did you manage to live so long?"

"Come inside, and I will tell you." The old mare answered.

"Master, how are you feeling today?" A unicorn asked as she entered an unkempt bedroom.

An old unicorn stallion rolled over in the bed, and eyed the mare. "Tired. How fares the Princess?"

The mare bowed. "Still grieving. Give her time master. She has had to banish her sister and best friend."

The stallion sighed. "The Sisters are divided, Equestria is broken, the Dream is gone." A white aura appeared around a cup of tea on the nearby table, then it levitated slowly over to the stallion. He took the cup and sipped the tea. "Without a strong leader, the tribes will split apart."

"No master. We can still make this work." The mare exclaimed. "As long as we have your wisdom to guide us."

The stallion set the cup down. "Clover Clover Clover, My time is short. You know the longevity spells can only function for so long."

"But Master Starswirl," Clover pleaded. "What about the immortality spell from your Alicorn Ascension rite?"

Starswirl extended a trembling hoof from under the sheet. "Clover, look at me. Even if I was made immortal, I can barely move as it is."

"Then I will perform it upon myself." Clover replied.

Starswirl looked up at the ceiling. "You know once you take on immortality, you can never give it up again."

"I only need to live long enough to unify Equestria again, correct?" Clover replied. "The concept of a land divided shall be my anchor!" She declared.

Starswirl chuckled. "You plan to restore the Dream by becoming the embodiment of its failure, and control the span of your life by binding it to a concept that you can eradicate. How very clever."

"And when I reclaim the land, your life shall end?" Luna asked. "Tis hardly fair to reunite with you then seal your doom."

Clover reached out to stroke Luna's cheek. "Luna, do not mourn for me. It is my wish that you and Tia serve as benevolent rulers for your subjects."

"But how can I?" Luna shouted. "Knowing that the moment I reclaim Umbratara, you would die?"

"But that's all I live for, to see you returned to the throne."

"Mother!" Luna pleaded. "You are asking me to kill you."

"I ask for a unified Equestria." Clover retorted. "I can pass away in happiness once that happens."

"And if I refuse?"

Clover sighed. "Then I am stuck here." She turned away. "And Starswirl's plan remains unfinished."

"And because Zabala LaRoulette had been good to the poor, nopony was willing to testify against her." Cheerilee finished her story. "With no evidence and an impeccable reputation, the court had to let her go."

The fire burned brightly, having grown as Cheerilee told the tale. The three woodland ponies rubbed their bellies in contentment, looking like they had each eaten a large meal. "Such delicious words." The stallion commented.

"I believe that you were going to tell us a story in return." Starsong prodded.

The feather-crested mare let out a warbling whinny. "We owe you that much. You wanted the words about Si'Mu'Ze."

"Yes please." Toola Roola replied.

"Very well then." The stallion shifted to a sitting position. "In the land at the end of the river, there lived a tribe of ponies who were in tune with their elemental gifts..."

"Young Mu'Ze. Welcome to the Arcanium." A pink pegasus with a purple mane greeted a teal earth pony colt with a white mane. "Here, the Srig'hay will teach you how to tap into the full potential of Pony Magic."

"Thank you, Pedagogi Po'La'Ris." The colt replied. "I hope I prove worthy of the Arcanium's teachings." They headed into the large granite and marble building.

"Pedagogi Mu'Ze." A white unicorn with a red striped, green mane addressed the teal stallion. "While we appreciate your contributions, we simply cannot provide a workspace for you at this time."

Mu'Ze thought for a moment, then replied. "I know of a valley to the east. I can construct a workspace there and continue my research without taking up the Arcanium's space and resources."

"Mu'Ze, the other Szrig'hay are concerned about the results of your experiments." A light blue pegasus stated. "There is talk about revoking your status and privilege."

The teal stallion lowered a scroll and pen. "Remove my status? Nonsense Zey'fir'tu'ne! I am far too important to the Arcanium."

The pegasus trotted closer. "We appreciate your contributions to our body of knowledge, but there are some things that are too disturbing to contemplate."

Mu'Ze rubbed around an ear. "I have made great progress in understanding and applying this mana source that I have tapped into."

The pegasus indicated a cage containing a weasel with bat wings grafted onto it's shoulders. "We have seen the results of your research. These fleshcrafting techniques pervert the sanctity of life."

"Bah, I cannot be limited by the discomfort of others!." Mu'Ze went back to writing.

The pegasus turned and left without another word.

A tri-horned teal unicorn bearing the wings, legs and tail of a dragon, reclined on a padded bench with one raised side. He perked his ears upon hearing some ponies chanting. Rolling onto his feet, he headed for the entrance of his tower. An invisible barrier of force prevented him from passing through the door. "What is this?" He demanded upon spotting several toga-wearing unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies gathered outside.

"S'Mu'Ze, we of the Szrig'hay are confining you to your home, so you cannot perform your vile experiments upon other ponies anymore."

Si'Mu'Ze raised an eyebrow. "Vile, you say? My knowledge has granted me great power." He turned and presented his form. "I can fly faster than a pegasus, lift more than an earth pony, swim better than a merae and perform magic with greater ease than a unicorn." He channeled his magic, and tried to dispel the barrier.

"That ward is powered our most powerful magics, you cannot break it." One of the unicorn mages stated, showing the cut on his fetlock. Si'Mu'Ze looked to the others, seeing similar cuts.on their legs.

"You wish to take away my freedom?" He asked incredulously. "You can have it. In abundance!" He projected a teal light from the three horns he bore upon his brow. The light surrounded the assembly in a teal aura. "As your blood keeps me here, so shall it prevent you from resting! You shall wander the lands of this world, never able to call anyplace your home!"

Several earth pony Srig'hay reached out with their magic, willing the soil to move. Large jagged hills rose from the soil, forming barrier around the small keep. The land around the building sank downwards, forming a bowl-like depression that sagged deeper into the earth with each moment. The hills tilted towards the tower, threatening to topple onto it. The constant rumbling earth broke Si'Mu'Ze's concentration, releasing the group. They bolted back to safety before the rocky hills buried the tower.

"Wait, wait." Cheerilee interrupted. "Are you saying that the Zigany are the descendants of the Sarmanetians?"

"These are the words we know about Si'Mu'Ze." The flower-maned mare replied. "If they are false, then we ourselves have been deceived."

"At any rate, I think we should get some sleep." Starsong stated, standing up.

"Yes, we thank you for your hospitality, storytellers." Toola Roola added before retrieving the tent and bringing it to Cheerilee.

"Are you gonna stay here?" Starsong asked the three woodland ponies.

"We go to where we're needed." The stallion answered. "Here, there, north, south, east, west."

Cheerilee nodded as she unfurled the tent and began setting it up. "Would you watch over us if we asked you too? We worry about night time predators."

"They cannot touch you, physically or with magic, if you keep silver on you." The flower mare replied.

"You wouldn't stay, even for another story?" Toola Roola asked.

The feathered mare laughed. "Giving us more words and hoping we'll stay, or promising us words if we wait. Both assume a degree of trust that we are not required to follow."

"So we can't trust you, and you don't trust us." Starsong stated.

Such are the ways of the Fae." Cheerilee added.

"Indeed." The stallion began. "But we will cherish your story. Come sisters, let us be off." The three woodland ponies filed out of the clearing, while Cheerilee and Toola Roola finished setting up the tent. Starsong took the first watch, with the promise that she would switch with Cheerilee when she felt tired.

Princess Luna rested on a large rock, looking up at the moon. The appearance of the pale white orb provided her with a sense of stability. Eternal, unchanging, illuminating. Things that usually brought her comfort. A steady rock which she could depend on. "And I will live as long as it exists..." She mused. "Never aging, never growing old."

"But I do not have that luxury." She heard voice behind her say. Luna turned and watched as Clover ambled towards the rock. "Immortal for me is not the same as unaging."

"Then why didst you take it?" Luna inquired.

"For a cause greater than myself." Clover replied. "Somepony had to make sure that the tribes did not go back to quarreling. That is how we lost so much of our previous home."

"Aye, The lands of the Northern Sea ." Luna replied. "With Crystalia being the last unfrozen remnant."

"But that was lost to us as well." Clover replied. "Part of King Sombras' final revenge when you two banished him to the Abyss."

"It has been returned and reclaimed, but let that pass." Luna waved a hoof. "I grow weary of Equestria being chipped away piecemeal. If I may act to unify it, then I should not hesitate."

Clover nuzzled the alicorn. "Does this mean that you will reclaim Umbratara?"

"I see now that you suffer from the weight of years. To prolong it merely for foalish infatuation would be yet another stain upon my being." Luna flared her wings. "Mother, I love you, and I always shall. And Love is not cruel, Love is kind. I had what they call the Element of Kindness once. And the memory of it's touch shows me what I must do. For you. For Master Starswirl. For Equestria!" She posed and gestured dramatically.

Clover chuckled. "Then go, my daughter. Your Garden of Shadows lays fallow and infested with weeds."

Luna took to the air. "Farewell mother. Mayhap we shall meet again in the end!" She called back. Clover waved till she was out of sight.

"You have an eternity to experience, Lulu." Clover spoke. "And I want to hear every word when we all meet again."

As the sky slowly lightened, Cheerilee entered the tent and nudged the pink unicorn. "Time to wake up." She stated. Toola Roola opened her eyes, yawned, and looked to Cheerilee.

"You need me to take over now?"

Cheerilee nodded. "Yeah, I thought it best to let you have the morning watch." Toola Roola took a measure of trail mix, then slipped out of the tent to eat. "I heard a few noises, like animals wandering the woods. But nothing came close enough to be a threat." Cheerilee explained.

"That's good." Toola Roola replied. "And Vamponies tend to avoid sunlight if they can." She recalled.

"Well, there''s a mountain range between us and them and we're not in one of the cities, so it's not like they'd be out here looking for us."

Toola Roola chuckled. "Still, It never hurts to be cautious."

"I'm still a little curious about what the Fae told us last night, though." Cheerilee mentioned.

"And what exactly did they tell thee?" Toola Roola asked, her voice blending with another's" Cheerilee jerked her head up and sputtered. "Be not alarmed, Cheerilee, Tis an aspect of our blessing. Thy spouse is unharmed."

"Y-y-y-your Highness?" Cheerilee stared in shock, noticing the indigo aura that encircled Toola Roola's head.

"We shall be brief." Luna replied through Toola Roola. "We have arrived in Umbratara as of last night. Currently, We are in the city of Zeranovice. We are attempting to trace thy location, using the quickest means that we possess."

"By possessing my wife?"

"She doth have my blessing in her blood." Luna replied.

"So this blessing thing. It allows you to speak through your subjects at any time?"

"That is correct." Luna replied. "Tis most effective for proclamations and announcements when I cannot be present."

"Would you be able to possess me, then?"

"Nay, We have not yet performed the ritual to bestow the blessing upon thee." Luna replied. The unicorn slowly gazed around the clearing. "Now, where are we?"

Cheerilee tapped a hoof on the ground. "In a forest south of the Dneighstra river. We were lured to this clearing by forest sprites."

"So there remain fae in our domain, despite the Blight?"

"I think." Cheerilee began, but paused at seeing the possessed unicorn flutter her eyes.

"Ah, we see now." Luna spoke. "Thou wert lured in by their singing, and did exchange stories with them."

Cheerilee smirked. "Are you reading her mind or something, Your Highness?"

"It is only the events that she chooses to share with us." Luna replied. "There be some things that she does not wish for us to see, and we respect this desire for privacy."

Cheerilee nodded. "I'm not sure where we are exactly, But we could go north and hope that we find the river again."

"South." Luna replied. "Your journey needs thee to go south, and the limits of the forest would bring you to the Clopathian mountain range."

"Ok, So we go over the the mountains. That should put us within sight of the Capital."

"Aye. We shall talk again once thou hath passed through the mountains." The aura vanished, then Toola Roola shook her head to clear it.

"Well Toola." Cheerilee began. "I, uh, have some good news."

"I know." The unicorn replied. "I was awake and aware the whole time."

"How does it feel?" Cheerilee asked with curiousity.

"Weird, like a compulsion to say certain things." She replied. "But she did share some knowledge with me."

"Like what?"

"Like why silver is so effective." Toola Roola replied with a grin. "Because it reflects the mana of our foe upon itself."

Cheerilee gave Toola Roola a hug. "I need a little rest first, then we can start our journey."

"Ok, My love." Toola Roola replied. Cheerilee entered the tent while the unicorn stood guard.

An indigo unicorn paused and leaned against a tree, trying to calm her breathing. ~"Maybe, I can, start over, in another town." She wheezed. She took a map from her saddlebag and unfolded it. ~"Should be a town just over there." She pointed southward.

~"And what have we here?" Another voice called out. ~"A pony, lost and alone in the woods." The declaration was punctuated by a growling chuckle.

~"Perhaps you should fear me, Luquin." The unicorn responded. ~"I may not be a full-fledged Nickerprancer, but I have been their ally. I know a little of their magic."

A cream colored earth pony with sharp teeth and one reptilian eye, stepped out from behind a tree. ~"You are the last, as I am of my pack." She stated. ~"We should work together."

The unicorn chuckled dryly. ~"An alliance sounds tempting, but what chance would we have against Luna's Army?"

The Luquin turned and presented her back. ~"Climb on, I will take you to Lord Zernaba. We may as yet have a chance at victory." The unicorn stowed her map, then climbed onto the Luquin. ~"Hey, watch the hooves."

~"Apologies." The unicorn replied. ~"Do you have a name?"

~"Vonnyvetra. And you?"

~"Zimolez."

~"Hold on, Zimolez." The unicorn gripped her front legs around the Luquin's neck. Once she was secure, Vonnyvetra broke into a sprinting gallop, covering ground quickly.

I pride myself on the meticulousness of Blood magic is rarely used for frivolous
my research, so it is not often that I matters. Instead, I looked inside...
leave an error in my record. Yet I have There are things sealed in Tartaros. The
made a rather egregious one, that affects Spirit of Strife himself was sealed in stone.
other records as well. The word I have King Sombra, the mad unicorn who was
translated as 'dragon' also has alternate banished to the Abyss. All these are
meanings of 'monster' and 'fiend'. It is terrifying in their own ways. None of that
these definitions that I should have been could have prepared me for what I saw
using. within this buried tower.
I have traveled to the mine within the Forgive me, I cannot describe it within
Clopathian mountains. In addition to the these pages. Thaumicite, the 'Woundrous
shaft that has been dug out by miners, Material' from legends. It is the flesh of this
there is a labyrinth of tunnels that winds creature.
under the plateau hills. Using geospatial I left, unable to stand the sight of it for more
spells, I created a map of my travels, than a few moments. I understand now why
which should be among my records. In the blood ward was placed 'pon the tower.
a tunnel that passes close to the mesa, Elements help us if it ever gets out.
I found the remains of a Pre Discordian There were words engraved upon a small stele
tower. I should have turned back when I outside of the tower. I copied them then left,
sensed the potent ward on the entrance. planning to translate them later.
212 213

I have translated the phrase that I found
engraved on a stele within the mines.
It is a name formed in the Sarmanetian
manner. 'Si'Mu'Ze.' In our tongue,
'Smooze.'

214

Celestia closed the cover of the journal. "Guards." One of the gold clad ponies saluted. "I want a chariot readied as soon as possible. Princess Luna needs me."

"At once, your Majesty." The guard replied before dashing off.

"...So he finds his marewife's manuscript, and line after line, is says. 'All work and no play makes Jade a dull filly." A purple pegasus finished her story.

A magenta mare shook her head. "Stars, I don't know why the hotel needs to be haunted. There are better ways to trigger a pony's descent into madness."

"Yeah, and besides. You should play to the audience. The big fears currently are Discord and the fae." A pink unicorn added. "Well, Not all fae, just changelings."

The trio continued along a narrow mountain pass as they chatted. "Ok, How about this. A Changeling who lives in a sewer under a small town. It takes on the appearance of a clown and lures children to it's lair."

"Starsong." The unicorn chided. "Nopony likes clowns. It doesn't have to be a changeling to be scary."

The pegasus chuckled. "Point taken. What about you Cheery. Any ideas for a scary story?"

"I do have one." The earth pony began. "The foals of a town band together, rise up against the adults and get rid of them."

"Sounds like a typical day at work for you, Cheerilee." Starsong replied with a giggle.

Cheerilee snickered. "Well, if Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and the CMC could work together long enough, then they might have a chance against me."

"You know that's not gonna happen." Toola replied. "Even if Diamond Tiara could stand the other foals long enough to band them together, Snips and Snails could still muck up her plans."

Cheerilee nodded. "Don't I know it." They followed a turn in the pass, then stopped. "Looks like we might have to backtrack." She said, glaring at a boulder that blocked the path.

"Nah, we can climb it." Starsong stated. She flew up to investigate. "It's not that big and-oh wow." She landed on the boulder.

"What do you see?" Toola called up to her.

Starsong flew back down. "Cheerilee, get on my back, I'll carry you up first."

"Alright." Cheerilee replied, before climbing onto Starsong's back. The pegasus flew back to the top of the boulder, and allowed Cheerilee to disembark. Starsong then returned for Toola Roola.

Once all three were gathered on top the the boulder, they looked out over the rolling terrain that spanned the space south of the mountain chain. In the distance was a large wide mesa that projected upwards from the land. Overhead, the gray clouds swirled in a circular pattern, centered over the flat level surface of the mesa. Cheerilee took a telescope from her saddlebags and looked through it. "I see it, I see it!" She called over the gusty winds that blew through the valley. She passed the telescope to Toola Roola, who in turn passed it to Starsong after looking through it.

Through the telescope, they could make out the outline of a castle perched near one edge of the mesa. "Nocne Mesta." Toola Roola stated with awe and reverence. "It still stands, even after all this time."

"Are you certain about this, Your Highness?" Captain Kalterbriss addressed Luna.

"We are most certain about this plan of action, Captain." Luna replied. "Once all the paths have been secured, then we may proceed to Nocne Mesta."

"You know we can't bring the Zeppelins there."

Luna looked upwards to the three flying ships. "But the Pegasi can still fly, e'en in the fierce winds."

"I'll relay the orders for two wings to accompany you and the Bohaymian troops along the south." The captain replied. "I will lead the rest of the army to secure the northern side of the Plateau."

Luna nodded. "Then by tomorrow at the latest, Nocne Mesta will be ours?"

"As far as surface threats go, yes. But from what we have learned, our real enemy is still in the mine."

Luna turned her gaze westward. "This land. I can feel the mana trying to connect with me, but I cannot yet allow that. Not until the Blight is removed."

"You can count on us, Your Highness." Captain Kalterbriss replied with a salute. Luna returned the salute, then the Captain departed.

"Luna, Wait!" The dark blue alicorn turned and looked to see a chariot approaching.

"Celestia?" She stared in disbelief. As the chariot slowed to land, Celestia hopped off and glided over to her sister. "What cause brings you here? I be on the precipice of completing this endeavor."

Celestia exchanged nuzzles with Luna, then spoke. "No you're not Luna, that's what I came to tell you." She retrieved a scroll from a saddlebag. "If this is any indication, then you're going to need my help."

Luna took the scroll and read through it. An image flashed in her mind, causing her to shudder. "We...we must eradicate every last piece!" She declared firmly. "By fire and silver! Leave not e'en the smallest fragment!"

"As you wish, your highness!" The Captain called back, having overheard.

"You know what this mountain needs? Stairs."

"You gonna build them, Starsong?" A magenta pony retorted, slowly making her way down the slope. A light pink unicorn followed her, while Starsong hovered nearby, ready to catch them if they slipped.

"We can put that under part of the public works program." She replied with a chuckle. "Community service and all."

"Speaking of which." Toola Roola began. "I wonder if Luna will enact her own laws, or simply copy Celestia's current set."

"What difference would it make?" Starsong asked.

"The difference?" Cheerilee began. "Just that laws explicitly stated to apply to the nation, are applicable to the nation. The rest only serve in Eastern Equestria, what they call the lands of the sun." A sudden hissing inhale drew Starsong and Cheerilees' attention to Toola Roola. They noticed the indigo aura around her head. "Greetings Princess." Cheerilee addressed her before she had a chance to speak.

"We apologize for this sudden intrusion, but there has been a change of plans."

Starsong settled on a small rocky outcropping. "I wasn't aware that there was an original plan to change."

Luna ignored the comment. "Princess Celestia has taken it upon herself to join us in this endeavor."

"What?" Cheerilee and Starsong exchanged glances. "Then who's running the nation?"

"Tis only for a brief time." Luna replied. "Sister is leading part of the Reiten army north to the mines." She looked towards the northeast. "Which is about five or six mountains away from here. Tis difficult to get an accurate count from here." She pointed due south. "And We are leading the Bohaymian and the rest of the Reiten forces to Buckarest, to secure the southern pass. Since the three of thee hath dispatched the Vodyanoi threat of the north, and the last of the Luquins hath been defeated, we need not worry about them anymore."

"Alright, so what do you want us to do, Your Highness?" Cheerilee inquired.

"The three of thee are to head to Nocne Mesta." There is an entrance at the base of the mesa." She pointed to the tall rock jutting from the land. "We wish to know the condition of the Capital."

"Anything else, Your Highness?"

Luna thought for a moment, then replied. "There be one thing we wish for thee to think about. We are offering to provide a home for thee here in Umbratara."

"But we alread-" Luna raised one of Toola's hooves, ending the protest.

"Take it under consideration." She stated, before the aura vanished.

As Toola Roola shook her head to clear it, Starsong chuckled. "What's funny?" The unicorn asked.

"You know how you played the role of Luna, back in Canterlot County?"

"Yeah, so?"

"In Umbratara, Luna played you." Starsong pointed with both front hooves. Cheerilee gave a brief smirk.

"I give it A for effort, and D minus for content." She stated. "Don't give up your day job."

"Gotta get one first, before I can decide whether or not to give it up." The purple pegasus replied with a smirk.

Celestia unrolled the old map that she brought with her. "Captain. I share the pegasi's collective dislike of enclosed and underground areas. So forgive me for what I am about to ask."

"Your Majesty." The Captain saluted. "My particular flight has trained in the County of Careinia."

Celestia nodded. "Plenty of mountains and caves in that region." She looked at the map. "Still, We'll be underground for a while."

The captain looked at the map. "Already I can see a problem with a direct assault. Too many branching tunnels."

Celestia looked to the Captain. "You're worried about rear attacks?"

"We don't know what's in there, and I'm hesitant to send a scout team to investigate."

Celestia looked up from the map to the large cavern before her. The gaping hole was rimmed with scorch marks and blackened lumps where the soldiers had burned away chunks of Thaumicite. "Then we won't send scouts, we'll raze the tunnels as we move."

"So we'll burn our way to the goal?" Captain Kalterbriss chuckled. "Your Majesty does have a reputation for fire-based strategies."

Celestia grinned. "It's effective and efficient. Qualities that your nation cherishes."

The Captain bowed. "You know us well, your Majesty."

"Then we begin at moonrise."

"There's a town just over the next hill!" Starsong called down to her companions. "I don't see anypony there, though!"

"About how big?" Cheerilee asked.

"About as big as Ponyville!"

Cheerilee and Toola Roola reached the top of the hill, then looked down. There was a cluster of stone buildings, arranged around a circular cobblestone road. "Well, it's shelter at least!" Cheerilee stated. "Let's get inside and out of this wind!"

The trio hurried down the hillside then made there way to one of the larger buildings. Finding the door unbarred, they headed inside. "Looks like a larger family home." Starsong commented, indicating the hallway that lead way from main room.

Cheerilee removed her armor then took out a small bundle of sticks and her flint rocks from her pack. She started a fire in the hearth, then took out some vegetables, a canteen of water, and a small pan. "I think we should rest here. Have dinner and maybe take a short nap before we move on."

"You sure? We're only a few miles from Nocne Mesta." Toola Roola stated. "Maybe we could rest there."

"The sun's setting." Cheerilee replied. "It's not wise to be out after dark." She poured some water into the pot, then set it to boil.

"Good point." Toola Roola replied. "I'll go check out the back rooms, while you get dinner ready."

"Alright, Watch yourself though, this place looks ready to fall apart." As Toola Roola headed down the hallway, Cheerilee motioned Starsong closer. "Have you noticed anything odd about this whole situation?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean how everything has come out in our favor. The Nickerprancers, Luquins and Vodyanoi were taken out like nothing, even though there was all these fears and stories built up around them."

"That's because we had silver." Starsong replied.

"It's not just that." Cheerilee said while stirring the pot.. "Why have they stayed here, instead of heading to The Barkans, Loshadki and the Sun lands? What's keeping them here?"

"Think it might be Zernaba?" Starsong rubbed her neck with a hoof.

"Here's what I'm thinking." Cheerilee began. "They need something from him to survive. They depend on him. Maybe the mana that he's tapped into."

"How do you figure?"

"How did you feel after you drank Baba Yaga's herbal medicine?"

"Well, First I felt sick to my stomach, so I-" Cheerilee cut her off.

"No after that."

"Hungry. Really really hungry, like I hadn't eaten in over a day."

"Because the only thing you ate when you were a Luquin was a squirrel, and the chunks of that showed no signs of digestion."

Starsong thought for a moment. "Cheerilee, can I tell you something?"

Cheerilee turned and added some vegetables to the boiling water. "Go ahead."

"I, I was never hungry. I attacked it because, I felt angry towards it for some reason."

Cheerilee nodded. "Yeah, anger, I noticed that that was a common trait among the Luquins. Their general, that dragon-eyed one, the whole lot of them. Just anger and hatred."

A scream drew their attention to the back of the house. "Toola!" Starsong shouted as she dashed down the hall, Cheerilee following close behind. An open door in the hallway showed a set of stairs that lead down into a cellar. In the cellar, the two found Toola Roola pinned on her back by an aged pony, who seemed to be biting her neck. The unicorn moaned and whimpered around the other pony's fetlock which had been shoved into her mouth, as she struggled to get free. Cheerilee charged, ramming the pony off of Toola Roola. The pony turned and hissed in annoyance, exposing bloodstained fangs. Cheerilee headbutted the pony with her silver helmet, eliciting a scream of agony from the pony as the metal seared its flesh. The pony shoved her aside, then skittered towards the stairs. Starsong, having loaded a silver arrow into her springbow, fired. The arrow caught the pony in the neck, making it scream again.

"Starsong, Kill it!" Cheerilee shouted as she rolled to her feet. Starsong drew another arrow, then with an underhoof swing, jabbed the pony in the chin, piercing the bottom of the mouth. It collapsed, then began scrabbling away, shrieking loudly.

"Yeah, Buck you too!" Starsong snapped, loading an arrow into her springbow. She closed the distance to the pony, then fired into the side of its chest. The creature fell silent and still. "I...think it's dead." She turned and saw Cheerilee cradling Toola Roola's body.

"No, please, Toola, don't die." Cheerilee fought back a sob as she took one of her ribbons and began tying it around the unicorn's neck.

"Cheerilee, I'm sorry." Starsong stated, lowering her weapon.

"Was that the only one?" Cheerilee asked as she knotted the ribbon.

"No." Toola Roola stated before bearing her fangs and lunging for Cheerilee.

Nocne Mesta

If Cheerilee hadn't been wearing the crescent moon pendant, she would've been dead.

Toola Roola drew back from the silver necklace. Cheerilee released her grip on the unicorn and backed away quickly. "Cheerilee, I..."The unicorn began, watching as the earth pony slumped against one wall of the cellar. Toola Roola turned to Starsong. "I suppose you better get your stake and mallet, and do what needs to be done." The pegasus nodded then slowly headed upstairs.

Cheerilee and Toola Roola stared at each-other in silence. Cheerilee finally broke the silence. "So how did this happen?"

"I-I don't know. One moment I'm looking around the back rooms, the next thing I know, I'm down here with that thing." She pointed to the putrescent corpse with three arrows sticking out of it's flesh. "Sucking my blood and making me drink it's own." Starsong returned, carrying the stake and mallet.

"Ok, so how are we gonna do this?" She asked.

Toola Roola laid down then rolled onto her back. "Place the stake right here." She indicated a spot on the left side of her chest. "And angle the stake so that the point will go under the center bone." Starsong trotted over and positioned the stake, according to her instructions, holding it with both hooves.

Cheerilee came over and took the hammer. She held the hammer in both hooves, then reared up. Starsong steadied the stake with both of her front hooves.

"Cheerilee. Starsong. You two are the best things that have ever happened to me." Toola Roola whispered, closing her eyes. Cheerilee brought the hammer down with all her strength.

*THUD*

Toola Roola opened one eye and saw the mallet partially embedded in the dirt floor of the cellar, inches from her head. Cheerilee released the handle and slumped to a sitting position. "I can't do it. You're still the mare I love."

"But Cheerilee-" The magenta mare held up a hoof.

"Listen to me, both of you." Cheerilee began. "We've got to stay focused. We have one task." She slowly stood up. "We can't fall apart over this. Because if we start bawling, we might not be able to stop."

With a grunt of frustration, Starsong threw the stake aside. It bounced off the wall of the cellar then landed in the dirt. "We gonna go to Baba and get the cure?"

"That's two days away, and another two days back here." Cheerilee replied. "And we're so close to our goal now." She looked down to Toola Roola. "How do you feel?"

"Hungry, scared." The unicorn replied. "What if I lose control? I don't want to hurt either of you, but I can smell your blood."

"Toola Roola." Cheerilee put on a smile. "You are the most beautiful pony I ever met, and it hurts me to see you suffer like this." She took off the necklace and set it aside. "If you only feed for a few seconds from each of us, I think we can get through this."

"I'll be as gentle as I can." Toola Roola replied as she got up..

The soldiers of Bohaymia and Pferd-Reiten emerged from several pale-white shimmering portals, and got into formation near the town of Buckarest. The central portal was larger than the others, and allowed the soldiers to bring their siege weapons through. Princess Luna kept a watchful eye as the weapons were pushed into position, and loaded.

"Your Highness, er, Majesty." A Bohaymian Commander addressed her. "These moonbridge spells. How long do they last?"

"Unless negated by the unicorn supporting them, the spells function only in the light of our moon." The alicorn replied. "We also hope thine unicorn mages have memorized the spell, for it will be part of the required spell compendium."

The Commander nodded. "I will relay that order and note it in the manual." She cleared her throat. "Next thing. How much leeway are we given in our assault?"

Luna grinned. "I am anticipating that the city would need a complete rebuilding. While stone is durable and long lasting, a thousand years of neglect and weathering should work in our favor. And the inhabitants are considered hostile to ponykind. We see no reason to leave e'en a populace of one."

"In other words, level it." The commander replied.

"Allow me to reduce the sentiment further." Luna replied. She shaped some of the soil into a small scale model depicting the town. She raised a hoof then slammed it into the model, scattering the dirt.

"Yes your Highness." The Commander saluted before leaving.

Using light spells, Celestia and two dozen unicorn battle mages lead the way through the mines. Celestia had shared Starswirl's map with them, so they knew the path to the under-mesa tunnel. Other junctions were sealed up with carefully rigged cave-ins, or barred with silver to imprison whatever might be lurking deeper down.

"Halt." Celestia called after few miles. The soldiers drew their weapons and listened carefully. The air inside the mine smelled mostly of rock, along with fresh accents of pony sweat and weapon oil, but a new scent seemed to waft from further ahead. The sound of something rustling against the rock, echoed along the tunnel.

"Your Majesty?" Captain Kalterbriss prodded with some hesitance. Celestia raised a hoof to silence her.

A pair of teal eyes suddenly appeared in the darkness ahead, hovering above even Celestia's eye level. The eyes steadily came closer, the shadows gradually parting to reveal the upside-down visage of an indigo unicorn. As more of her form was revealed by the light, there were several gasps from the soldiers, and Celestia felt a sense of dread.

The pony in front of them had four pairs of limbs, which were stretched, given more joints, covered with a thick chitin, and the hooves reshaped into claws that allowed her to grip the ceiling. Beyond the last pair of chitinous legs, was a huge bloated chitin-covered abdomen, bearing a narrow bright red stripe along the back.

"So nice of you to come down off of your pedestal, Celestia." The spider-pony snarked, bearing a set of sharp fangs.

"Identify yourself!" Celestia demanded.

"I am Lord Zernaba's personal guard, and your death." The being announced, before leaping at the alicorn. Celestia scrabbled back, leaving the Captain in the lead. As the spider-pony landed in front of her, the Captain drew her sword, and was joined by a few other soldiers.

Celestia turned to the rear of the march, and saw the rearmost soldiers already engaged with a draconic pony-like thing that kept flickering in and out of sight. "Captain, there's another one in the back!" She yelled.

"They got us pinned in!? Soldiers, protect the Princess!"

"I find a certain irony in this." Cheerilee commented, as she and Starsong huddled within blankets, eating the stew.

"Hmm? What is it?" The purple pegasus asked after swallowing a scoop of stew

"That Toola is taking care of us." The magenta mare replied.

Starsong nodded. "If only she'd studied to be a nurse, we'd gladly be her patients."

"I don't know if I could stand that." The unicorn in question remarked. "You know how I am about blood and all that. I'm nervous just having these in my muzzle." She tapped one of her fangs with a hoof.

"How are you feeling?" Starsong asked her.

"Not as ravenous." Toola Roola replied. "But I don't think you two could survive another feeding."

"No, as it is, we need to get to a hospital after this is over." Cheerilee commented. "Make sure there's no serious consequences from losing blood."

"I wonder if they can cure me." Toola Roola said quietly.

"In folklore, killing the sire usually results in their victims turning back." Starsong stated. "Dunno why it didn't work with you, cause I killed your sire."

"You interrupted the feeding process. Maybe that caused enough of a delay that I wasn't fully turned till after his death." Toola Roola pondered. "Maybe we need to give him Last Rites."

"You can if you want." Cheerilee stated. "I just want to get this over with so I can go home."

Starsong set her empty bowl down. "Wanna leave now?"

"We might as well." Cheerilee commented. "It's only a few miles, about the same distance between our mansion and Zecora's hut."

"Alright." Toola Roola . "We'll rest there then."

Rinsing and packing the dishes took a minute. Cheerilee and Starsong each wrapped their blanket around themselves and secured them. Toola Roola wore only her ribbons, since she couldn't feel the cold air against her skin. Starsong carried the three silver-tipped staves, while Toola Roola carried the staff with her family crest on it. Cheerilee carefully carried the burning twigs down to the cellar, then threw it on the remains of the vampony. After coming back upstairs. She looked to her friends. "Everypony ready?"

"Ready."

"As ready as I'll ever be."

They left the house, not bothering to close the door behind them. Though the moon provided a little light, Toola Roola noticed that the darkness didn't hinder her vision, so she took the lead. Cheerilee and Starsong followed, their improvised cloaks providing some protection against the gusty night winds that blew over the hills.

With Toola Roola pausing every few minutes to check on her companions, the group made it to the capital in an hour.

"This silence tis most unnerving." Luna commented as the dust settled around the breaches in the outer walls of the city. "Surely our enemy should show some signs of liveliness."

"Vamponies, your Highness." The commander reminded her. Luna blushed and chuckled. "But I get your sentiment. We've announced ourselves, and they haven't responded. Maybe the city is abandoned."

"Send in patrols to investigate." Luna commanded. She created an indigo aura around the piles of rubble, and began moving the stones aside. "And move the catapults up to attack the castle."

"Commander!" A pegasus scout landed nearby. "They're behind us." Luna and the Commander turned around to look. In the distance they saw a large horde of ponies shambling towards them, their eyes glowing like teal points.

"From whence did they arrive?" Luna wondered aloud.

"I saw them come up from the ground." The scout replied. "I flew back here to warn you."

"Soldiers!" The Commander called out. "To the south!" There was a clatter as the skirmisher troops drew their weapons and charged..

Cheerilee, Starsong and Toola Roola stood outside of the gate that lead into the city. "So, who gets to step in first?" Toola Roola asked.

"You do." Cheerilee replied. "It's only right and fitting." Toola Roola lifted her hoof and set it firmly inside the gate.

"Then I am the first pony to enter the city in almost a thousand years." She exclaimed. One inside, she turned and smiled to the others. "Let me welcome you to Nocne Mesta. I am your Host and Concierge, Toola Roola." She ended with a bow and a flourish.

Cheerilee and Starsong snickered before entering. "I suppose we should keep up a certain level of decorum." Cheerilee replied. "This place needs it." They approached a weathered stone column with words engraved on each of the six sides. "Stars, can you read this?"

Starsong approached the column, relying on the dim moonlight to see the words. "Maybe if I had a torch or something, I could make some sense of it."

Toola Roola gazed over the column. "I know what this is. Stories passed down among the Roani speak of Nocne Mesta's many secrets." She walked over to the column and brushed a hoof along one side. "These are the six Eternal Laws of Equestria."

"The Elements of Harmony." Cheerilee stated with reverence. "But under their old names, no doubt."

"Sympathy, Verity, Jollity, Fidelity, Charity, and The Great Mystery." Starsong stated. "At least that's how Princess Luna would call them."

Cheerilee raised an eyebrow. "And you know this, how?"

Starsong blushed. "It just seems like something she'd say. You know, being a thousand years displaced and all." The answer satisfied Cheerilee.

"There's another one over there." Toola Roola pointed towards a plaza set back a few dozen strides from the gate.

"We can investigate in the morning." Cheerilee stated, leaning against a nearby bench. "I'm exhausted."

"Yeah, let's get inside and get some rest." Starsong headed over to a nearby stone house.

"Ok, you two rest, I'll look around and come back in the morning." Toola Roola stated.

"Stay safe." Cheerilee replied.

"Stay sane." Toola Roola quipped. Cheerilee and Starsong entered the house then secured the door. Toola Roola headed up the ramps to explore the terraces. The many buildings of the town bore traces of fire and assault. She noticed strange wispy figures around the town, though none came near her, or even seemed to notice her. Toola Roola watched a few as they appeared to perform scenes of being attacked by something or somepony. "This many ghosts in one place is unusual." She commented to herself.

{They failed in their duties.} Toola Roola heard a voice whisper.

"Wh-wh-wh-who's there?" The unicorn paused and looked around, trying to find some sign of the speaker.

{Traitors should get what they deserve.} The voice whispered again.

"Show yourself." Toola Roola walked towards a row of buildings, peering into the spaces between them.

{You were abandoned.} The last statement was accompanied by a brief image of Cheerilee and Starsong.

"What? No." Toola Roola protested, backing up against a gnarled tree. "They'd never leave me."

{Left you to die.} The voice added with a chuckle.

"But there was a vampony-"

{They never cared.} The whispering voice interrupted. {They only want you for your wealth.}

"They're my friends." Toola Roola protested. "Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

{You don't need them. You don't need anypony.}

The unicorn slumped to the ground. "Just go away!" She snapped.

{Go it alone.}

Toola Roola put her hooves over her ears. "I'm not listening!"

{Don't listen to their lies. It was their fault.} The voice rose in volume.

"Their fault..." Toola Roola repeated. She stood up again. "They choose to stop in that town. I wanted to come straight here."

{How long will you be subject to another pony's whims?}

"I'm done with that, done with them." The unicorn spat. "What business do we have being here?"

{Claim this land for yourself.}

"But, it's Princess Luna's domain."

{Is it?}

"It was...The whole reason we came here was to restore her to the throne."

{Why her? Why not you?}

Toola Roola looked to her hooves. "I don't have the right. I'm not a princess."

{Queen Antonia LaRoulette Dendari sounds so much better.}

"But my Honor-"

{Everypony gets what they deserve. Isn't that the rule?}

"That's right." Toola Roola agreed. She turned and began making her way to the castle. "I deserve this."

Celestia was quickly growing tired of the hit and run attacks. It felt like every stride of progress forward was met with an attack from the two monstrous ponies, who would retreat after a brief skirmish. The repeated battles left the army with fewer resources and less energy with little gain. The alicorn stepped over to Kalterbriss. "Captain, May I have a moment of your time?"

The Captain turned to face Celestia. "Do you have a plan, your Majesty?" Kalterbriss asked without her usual bravado. "Because I'm opting to just collapse the mine and get out."

"I feel like we're not making much progress. It's like they're trying to slow us down for some reason."

"What does the map show, your Majesty?"

Celestia unrolled the scroll. "According to this, there should be a curve up ahead, then the tunnel doubles back for a short distance to a cavern." She walked over to one side. "If we were to tunnel through here, that would bring us closer to our quarry."

"Bruneigh! Haydi!" The Captain called. Two unicorns cantered over. "Set a warp beacon on the other side of the this wall."

"Yes Ma'am." They replied in unison. The two unicorns created a magical aura around themselves, blurred slightly, then walked into the wall.

Captain Kalterbriss grinned to Celestia. "Intangibility spells. Very useful for rescuing ponies trapped by rockslides and cave-ins."

"Quite." Celestia replied. "I have suggested it to Twilight Sparkle." The two unicorns returned about a minute later.

"The warp beacon is set, Ma'am." Bruneigh stated as she ceased blurring.

"Good." The Captain called to her soldiers. "Platoons one through four go first! Platoon six on the Princess. Platoon eight on me. Platoon ten, you go last."

"Yes Captain!" Came the reply. After platoon five had entered the warp current, the two monsters attacked again. With half their forces on the other side of a rock wall, the army was getting pressed in.

"Platoon six, go! Platoon eight, we're last!" The Captain shouted. She drew her sword. "Get a bladestorm on the chameleon thing!" She shouted as she charged the spiderpony.

Celestia began channeling her magic, but found herself surrounded by another unicorn's aura. There was a flash of light around her, then she found herself in the other tunnel. "What, no! I could have helped."

"Your Majesty." One of the solders admonished as she lead the Princess away. "The Captain knows what she's doing." Celestia watched as the remaining platoons appeared, one by one. platoons nine and eight came through injured but intact.

"Sie fast hat uns."* The Captain panted. "I hope Princess Luna is faring better than we are."

Princess Luna surveyed the fields around the city, from within the safety of a dome surrounding the town. The army-having been gathered within the town and the castle-watched warily as the dessicated animated ponies outside paced and circled. Occasionally they would hiss and glare at the soldiers inside. The few that had tried to force their way through the barrier, found themselves set alight by the concentrated moonlight.

~"Your Highness, are we just waiting for the inevitable?" The Bohaymian Commander looked to Luna.

~"Nay, Commander." Luna replied. ~"We need only keep them at bay for a time. Once Bohaymian special task force one hath completed their assigned task, we shall engage the enemy and deliver a mighty blow."

The commander looked back to the castle. ~"You mentioned something about modifying one of the Objectivists designs."

Luna grinned. ~"Among the plans and projects that were liberated from Zeranovice, was a prototype for a Light Energy Amplification Device. We have asked some of the more technically inclined soldiers to modify the device to use energy from the Moon."

~"So we're gonna defeat the vamponies with the M.E.A.D.?"

~"The is precisely correct, Commander." Luna replied. ~"And We appreciate a clever play on words and acronyms. Once we have a satisfactory field test, we can send out an order for more such devices. M.E.A.D. for all my forces!"

"Forgive my hesitation, My princess, but it sounds a little dangerous."

"We shall see, Commander." Luna looked back to the mob outside of town. "Hopefully it will be more dangerous to them than to us."

~"At the very least, we'll get an amazing light show." The Commander added.

Toola Roola waddled into the open door of the castle, her speed and movement hampered by a distended belly. "What a wreck, I should have it knocked down and rebuilt."

{Build a towering skyscraper. Like the ones in the cities to the east.}

"I could build it a mile high." She added. "And the top ten floors will be my family's home and office." The unicorn made her way past the foyer and into the main hall.

{The capital of a new Equestria.}

A smile crossed Toola Roola's lips. "Why should it be limited to Equestria. I have contacts and allies in the Gryphon lands too."

{Good, good. A world-spanning empire, united under our banner.}

Toola Roola blinked. "Wait, no, that's what Any Random wanted."

{Our rule will be different. Our power can and must be shared with all.}

"What power?" Toola wondered. "And how would sharing it work?"

{This power.} There was a sensation of something oozing up her spine to her head, then a flood of ideas and concepts burst into her mind. Toola stared with wide eyes, seeing the images flicker and change rapidly. {Mastery over the mortal form. Usable by all who share the blood.}

"I wouldn't even need magic." Toola realized. "The Gift of Blood can be shared with everypony. And with non-ponies as well."

{The blood will unite us all.} Toola entered the throne room. {Everyone and everything will be as one.}

"Eternal Harmony..." The unicorn mused. "A world without strife, without Discord."

{The time is coming, Mother.}

Toola Roola ambled over to the throne. "Mother...I like the sound of that. I had hoped to be one with Cheerilee, but..."

{She and Starsong can be the first converts to our Grand Union.}

"Converts?"

{You must share the Gift of Blood with them first.}

Toola Roola settled onto the throne, then turned her gaze to her swollen belly. "Tell me more about this gift."

{As I share the knowledge with you, you must use it to make yourself into a proper vessel. I must draw upon my mana source to recreate my body. You must adapt to it or the plan for Harmonic Union will be ruined.}

Toola Roola caressed her belly with a hoof. "When shall we begin?"

{At noon, I will guide you through the first steps.}

"Your Majesty, we have secured and fortified our position." Captain Kalterbriss stated while Celestia was studying a short stone stele. "The beasts will not pass."

"Good." Celestia turned to the brick facade near the middle of the cavern. "What I need you to do is to focus all your attention on the tunnel. We are between Si'Mu'Ze and it's guards."

"Yes Your Majesty." The Captain returned to her soldiers and gave instructions. Celestia approached the open doorway of the facade, scanning it with her magic.

"That's odd." She said to herself. "There should be a powerful ward here." She stepped through the doorway and into the room. There was a sound in the darkness that reminded her of bubbling mud. "Si'Mu'Ze. I am Princess Celestia. Spirit of the Sun, Keeper of Harmony and Joint Diarch of the Principality of of Equestria."

A chorus of whispering voices spoke. "You should go."

"Leave this place."

"This meeting is unnecessary."

Celestia created a light spell, illuminating the room. Several hairless equines were partially merged into the walls and the floor, which were composed of grayish teal flesh. The equine's faces were completely smooth where their eyes should have been. Also attached to the walls, were tentacles tipped with eyes bearing oddly-shaped pupils. They blinked in the sudden light, turning to follow Celestia's movements. A large central mass expanded and contracted in an irrhythmic manner, causing a teal bloodlike ichor to flow along raised veins that lead from the mass to each of the embedded equines. "What...are you?"

"We are improved ponies." One of the equines spoke, it's words echoed by the others.

"We are united." Said another, also accompanied by a chorus.

"We are shaped by will." A third pony chimed in.

"We are Si'Mu'Ze." The syllables were spoken in a clipped manner.

Celestia felt a chill along her spine, and flared her wings in reflex.

"An alicorn."

"An intermediate form."

"It is but a step to greater states of being."

"I bear the Elemental gifts of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water!" Celestia spoke, using a spell to amplify her voice.

"We are beyond that." The chorus replied, easing into a conversational volume. "We discarded our elemental gifts as insufficient. The Gift of Blood is all we need."

Celestia took a step back. "What is this Gift of Blood?"

In response to her question, one of the equines detached itself from the wall with a wet schlorp. It shambled over to Celestia. "It makes us one."

"One family."

"One flesh."

"One mind."

"One will."

"One is all, and all are one."

"A Harmonious Union."

"That is not Harmony!" Celestia shouted. "That is a twisted mockery of it!"

"Friendship can break, love may fade, our bonds of blood are eternal." The pony reached out to Celestia. "Join us."

Celestia backhoofed the pony, sending it sprawling. The other embedded equines moaned in pain. An aura of blinding white fire appeared around her horn. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't burn you to a cinder!" She snapped. Silence. Celestia touched her horn to the nearest portion of the thing. The brilliant white flame spread quickly along the floor then up the walls. The equines shrieked and screamed as the sunfire incinerated their flesh. Celestia turned and left.

"Captain, pack up and move out."

"But what about-"

"We need to get out of here." Celestia snapped. Already a draft of air was being drawn into the cavern from the tunnel. "Before we all suffocate."

Captain Kalterbriss turned to her soldiers. "We have a cave fire, evac now!"

The platoons proceeded into the tunnel in an orderly manner. As they approached the bend in the tunnel, one of the lead soldiers called back. "Captain, there's a tunnel that branches off and slopes upward."

Celestia glanced to the map. "There's no record of that on here."

Captain Kalterbriss took one look at the shaft. "Follow it."

"Yes Ma'am." The group filed along the tunnel. It was a straight line on a gentle slope that exited in one of the hills next to the mesa.

"Captain, how did you know it wasn't a dead end?" Celestia asked.

"A, the tunnel is less than a thousand years old. B, The only ponies who have the means, motive and opportunity to dig a tunnel, are the ponies that revere whatever that thing was. And C, There were small tufts of grass on the floor."

"An excellent observation, Captain." Celestia gave him a grin.

"Your Highness, your Highness!" A group of soldiers jogged over to Luna's position. "It's ready!"

"To what are you referring?" Luna inquired.

"The Mead." One of the soldiers replied. She held up a tubelike device that had a truncated cone at one end.

"Then you must deploy it at once." Luna commanded, leading the group to the town gate. "Show me how effective it be."

With another soldier acting as her support, the pony aimed the device and pressed a button. There was a muffled clicking sound from the tube, and a white-violet dot flickered on whatever the device was aimed at. Whenever it touched vampony skin, flames would ignite, causing the creature to shriek and flee, but other objects were unaffected. Seeing their peers spontaneously ignite and burn, the mob began dispersing, fleeing from the city.

"Haha, we have got them on the run!" Luna cheered. "Give chase before they are out of range!"

"Impossible, your Highness." The soldier replied, as she swept the weapon about. "The beam remains focused for a range of 500 strides."

Luna stared at the growing conflagration. "Then we have won." She said quietly. "They cannot close without risking their own selves, and we can maintain a large gap."

"As long as the moon shines, your Highness." The soldier replied. "huh, that's odd." She commented.

"What?"

"They're dispersing to the north." The soldier stopped firing for a moment. "You'd expect them to scatter in all directions at once."

"That be the path up to Nocne Mesta." Luna turned. "Climb 'pon my back."

The soldier grinned. "Going on a strafing run?" She carefully got onto Luna's back, making sure that she and the device were secure.

"Commander! Gather the armies and follow us!" Luna called to the Bohaymian officer. The Commader saluted, then Luna took to the air.

As Luna soared over the mob of fleeing vamponies, the soldier on her back played her weapon over the crowd. A swath of vamponies burst into flame as the UV light touched their bare skin, shrieking in pain and panic. The fires spread to other nearby vamponies, proving impossible to extinguish.

After reaching the head of the mob, Luna felt a pressure in her head. "Ok ok, sister." She muttered.

"What, morning already?" The soldier asked.

"Apparantly so." Luna grumped. The eastern side of the sky lightened.

"We've had enough fun. If any vampony is still around after today, we can find them."

Luna gave a look back over her shoulder. "For now though, we shall fly straight to Nocne Mesta."

Cheerilee stepped outside and halted almost immediately. "Good Morning, your Majesty." The earth pony greeted with a bow.

Celestia turned her gaze from the stelle to face the magenta mare. "Oh, greetings my little pony. How was your rest?"

Cheerilee rubbed the back of her neck. "I've slept better. It probably didn't help that Starsong and I lost some blood last night."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "I have ten platoons of the Reiten forces with me. There are medics that can examine you."

Cheerilee shook her head. "No, we need treatment for blood loss. My Marewife was turned into a vampony last night, and we had to give her some of our blood to ease her hunger."

Celestia trotted over and nuzzled. "A noble act. But where is she now?"

"I don't know." Cheerilee replied. "She said that she was going to explore the town, and come back in the morning."

"I fear something may have happened to her." Celestia stated. "I've met..." She hesitated a moment. "Lord Si'Mu'Ze Czernabog." Cheerilee brought a hoof to her mouth.

"You're not...infected, are you?"

"No Cheerilee, but if what I saw last night is any indication, I think I know what's going on."

"And just what is going on?" A blue alicorn asked as she came in for a landing. "Were you successful in removing the Blight?" There was a silver-clad soldier on Luna's back, holding a tube with odd embellishments.

"Luna, why does that Soldier have an Objectivist weapon?" Celestia asked.

"Tis an energy amplification device." Luna replied. "It focuses the magic channeled into it, and creates a straight ray of light."

"I take it then, that Buckarest is secure?" Starsong asked, rubbing an eye as she approached. "Where's Toola?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out." Celestia added.

"I will find her." Luna declared, an indigo aura appearing around her horn.

{Together we will bring Harmony to this imperfect world.} Toola Roola's thoughts seemed to echo with a darker undertone.

"NO!" Luna shrieked, her eyes widening and the pupils shrinking. Celestia leapt to her sister's side."The fiend doth dwell inside her!" Her voice sounded on the verge of panic.

"What?!" Cheerilee, Starsong and Celestia exchanged glances.

"The castle!" Luna pointed a trembling hoof at the large stone building on the top terrace. "Make haste!"

"Cheerilee, get on!" Starsong flared her wings. Celestia had already taken flight. Cheerilee glomped the pegasus and held on tight. Starsong took off as soon as Cheerilee's front legs were around her neck.

"Your Highness?" The soldier prodded. "Highness!" Luna snapped out of her hyperventilating daze. "This is no time to fall apart. Your kingdom needs you."

Luna flared her wings, steeled herself, and took flight.

A draconic pony perked his ears as he heard something outside of his buried house. Turning his gaze to the entrance, he saw a glow coming from a narrow tunnel between two huge pillars of stone. As the glow resoved itself into a torch, Si'Mu'Ze could make out some features of the pony who carried it. ~"So the story was true." The pony exclaimed, as she approached.

~"Traveller." Si'Mu'Ze called out. ~"Of what story do you speak?"

The other pony stammered and began backing away. A teal aura formed around her, lifted her up, and whisked her to Si'Mu'Ze. ~"Please don't hurt me!" The mare cried out. ~"I'll do whatever you wish." She pleaded.

~"Hurt you? Why would I hurt you? Should I hurt you? Have you committed some act that deserves punishment?"

~"Th-th-the Zigneigh call you 'The Mutilator'"

~"The Zigneigh? Oh The Szrig'hay. They still exist?" Si'Mu'Ze released the mare. ~"Because I learned to sculpt flesh and bone as a potter sculpts clay, they take offense and seal me up like some monster."

~"Sorry, I'll go now." The mare turned to leave.

~"Wait." Si'Mu'Ze called. The mare halted. ~"At least lend me your warmth. It has been so long since I have known the closeness of another living being."

The mare returned. ~"You won't hurt me, will you?"

Si'Mu'Ze smiled. ~"Such is not mine intention."

A conjoined pair of ponies held up a chunk of rock, examining it in the light of a torch. ~"Interesting. If we could alter our bones to match this degree of hardness..."

~"What do you intend, Lord Si'mu'ze?" A nearby mare asked.

The conjoined ponies turned one head to face the mare. ~"As already demonstrated, my progeny are able to pass through the barrier, and those who share my blood have a connection to me. If I could somehow solidify my flesh into a material object, that object could be shaped into armor, weapons or jewelry. It might provide a weak link to influence other ponies."

~"We could bring others to your service. And they would act as your proxies. You could retake your Principality?" The mare inquired, rubbing her chin with a feline paw.

~"And expand it." The conjoined ponies chuckled in unison.

~"Tell us more about this alicorn pretender." A group of ponies intoned; their voices lacking any emotional inflection.

~"My Lord." A robed unicorn began. ~"Princess Luna claimed this land after defeating a creature of chaos, known as Discord. She has three pieces of something called the Elements of Harmony."

~"So she stands against chaos. That is good. She could be an ally." One of the ponies approached the unicorn. ~"Bozena, you have told us that your oath specifically mentioned serving the ruler of the land."

Bozena chuckled.. ~"She is as yet unaware of you, Father."

~"With your help, and that of the rest of my followers, we can join all things together as one. There would be no conflict, no disagreements, no cause for strife."

~"How would we get others to join our cause?" Bozena asked.

~"This is how we will do it. If there should be a plague, and our blood be the only cure, we would have the afflicted begging to join."

Bozena grinned. ~"Then I shall get started on one right away."

Bozena stood on a hill looking at the entrance to Nocne Mesta. behind her was a mob of ponies. Some were soldiers who had joined her cause, some were fellow cultists, but the majority were ponies who had grievances against Luna and a distrust of the Zigany. The unicorn turned to address the assembly, who wielded swords, improvised weapons and torches.

"Ponies of the shadowed land, I know that you grow weary of having your foals taken by the roaming jokers who serve as Luna's chosen. After today, you won't have to worry about your children being raised to serve as her dedicated servants!" She pointed up at the moon. "That should have been set an hour ago! Luna surely does not care about us!"

The mob loudly agreed with her, the ponies shifting uncomfortable, anxious to do something about their complaints. A sky chariot approached the castle from the west, then entered the courtyard. "Behold, The Sun Princess! Let us go!" The mob let out a loud cheer, then charged towards the gate of the capital.

The moment that Celestia set hoof into the castle, she was pounced. A distortion in the air was the only visible sign of what attacked her. She felt something wrap around her barrel, looping a few times before constricting. "You ssshould not have come by yourssself." A voice whispered in one of her ears. "We will finishsss what we ssstarted lassst night." Another voice hissed in her other ear.

Celestia held her breath, fighting against the coils. She had the distinct impression of some large ophidic equine. As she saw Cheerilee and Starsong enter, She grunted the words. "Throne room," allowing the coils to tighten slightly. The two ponies hesitated for a moment, unsure of their Monarch's dilemma.

Something heavy passed through the air, distorting the background as it headed for the two ponies. They leapt aside just before the thing thudded into the floor where they were standing, stirring up dust. "Sister!" came a shout. Celestia's vision was wavering from having her lungs squeezed, but she still could make out the dark blue colors of Luna as the other other alicorn entered.

"You are too late!" The voices spoke. The distortion faded, revealing a two-headed, teal colored pony-naga. "Lord Si'Mu'Ze will soon be reborn!"

"Soldier, pass me the Mead!" Luna commanded, reaching a front hoof over the opposite side shoulder."

"You will join your sister in death, Princess!" The ponynaga taunted, uncoiling from Celestia who had gone limp.

"Is that, is that?" Cheerilee began, trying to comprehend the distorted but familiar looking faces.

"Vonnyvetra and Zimolez." Starsong finished.

The pair were joined at the waist, with flesh strips and bone braces linking their limbless barrels together. From the waist down, their bodies were reshaped into a long ophidic tail, ending in a heavy knob of bone. Their muzzles were shaped into snakelike jaws complete with fangs and forked tongues.

Luna gave a warcry and channeled indigo colored thaumic energy into the device. A narrow beam of similar colored light shot from the device, striking the pony naga and scorching their skin. They shrieked and writhed, twisting, turning and darting away from the beam. Luna tried to follow their path, but they swung their tail-mace at Luna, knocking her sprawling. The device separated from her leg and clattered across the floor, coming to rest near Celestia, a thin whisp of black smoke wafting from the back end. "Get to Toola, now!" Luna shouted, flinging bolts of indigo magic at the ponynaga.

Cheerilee and Starsong dashed to the main hall. "Cheery, look!" Starsong pointed at something in the middle of the room. Cheerilee gasped, seeing three discarded ribbons and a gold-tipped redwood cane bearing the emblem of the LaRoulette family.

"Stars, grab the cane and come with me." Cheerilee dashed over to the throne room.

Throwing open the door, the two ponies stared in shock.

Seated upon the throne, was a pink unicorn, with a crest of pink, yellow and orange spikes spanning from her horn to the back of her neck, bony plates covering her barrel, a heavily distended belly and a thick tapering tail lined with with cyan, blue and purple spines. "I have been expecting you." The unicorn spoke, her voice echoing slightly. "Cheerilee, Starsong. There is nothing to fear. I have been given a wondrous gift."

"Toola, what happened to you?" Cheerilee asked.

"Si'Mu'Ze has shown me the way to Harmony." Toola Roola replied. She rested a hoof on her belly. "The Zigany sealed him away with their blood, but only through me can he return."

"So that monster is using you as an incubator?" Starsong retorted.

"He is not a monster!" Toola Roola shouted. "He is my son, and the future ruler of this world." She curled protectively around her belly.

"And what do you think he'll do when he's done with you." Cheerilee snarked. "You'll be tossed aside like the meat puppet that you are."

"No! Si'Mu'Ze wouldn't abandon his subjects. He will bring Harmony to us all!" Toola slid off the throne. "You will see."

Cheerilee exhaled. "Toola. Harmony can't be forced on others. Smooze is a bitter, selfish thing."

"You're wrong!" Toola Roola approached Cheerilee. "Si'Mu'Ze loves me, I'm his mother, his devoted subject."

"His slave." Cheerilee retorted. "Toola. I will not be a mindless zombie for an egotistical tyrant!"

"Yeah." Starsong added, standing at Cheerilee's side. "I'd rather die than serve Smooze."

"Then you are of no use to us!" Toola Roola reared up and sharp serrated boney spikes projected from each of her front pasterns.

Cheerilee and Starsong closed their eyes. "What happened to the mare that I love?" Cheerilee asked. Toola Roola swung her hooves, aiming the blades at each of their necks.

"Your Highness, I don't know how-" The soldier stopped her sentence long enough to dodge a tailstrike from the ponynaga. "-much longer we can keep this up!" She held her sword defensively.

Luna gave a quick glance to Celestia. "As long as absolutely necessary." She replied. Luna created another volley of energy beams, firing them at the Naga. They darted out of the path of the volley, then lunged at Luna. The princess rolled to one side. "Fiend! Thou canst bite silver!"

"Is that a twist on the Fae insult 'Bite iron'? And here we thought you once had the Element of Laughter. Your humor is rusty, Princess." The creature taunted, before swiping with their tail again.

"Thou wouldst not know humor if she came up to thee dressed as a present, and slapped thee with a rubber pullet!" Luna snorted as she leapt aside, the bony mace crashing against the stone floor, stirring up more dust.

"Hey Naga!" Celestia snapped. The naga turned their attention to her. A gold-white aura formed around the alicorn's horn as she raised the amplifier device. "You're toast!" A beam of blinding white light surged from the tip of the cone, igniting white fire where it touched the naga. The flames spread quickly, engulfing the conjoined creature in the span of a few seconds. They screamed and flailed, trying to escape the flames, but keeling over before they could reach the exit. The soldier darted out of the naga's reach as they thrashed about. There was a loud pop from the device, then the fire stream stopped and thick black smoke billowed from the back end of the tube. "I think I overloaded it." Celestia commented.

"I bet that really burns you up." Luna remarked. She and Celestia looked to each-other for a moment, then both of them burst into laughter. The soldier joined in a second later.

Cheerilee opened one of her eyes, and saw a look of terror on Toola Roola's face. Her front legs were trembling, the blades being held a tiny space away from Cheerilee and Starsong's necks. "I cant, I can't, I can't." The unicorn kept repeating. Cheerilee quickly guided Starsong back a bit, then Toola Roola let her front legs swing and cross together, the blades slicing through the empty air. She fell, but quickly caught herself. "Cheerilee, Starsong!" She looked up at them with tear-rimmed eyes. "I...I..."

"It's not your fault." Cheerilee said, approaching her cautiously. Toola Roola doubled over, clutched her belly and let out a short cry. "You've got a very nasty parasite."

"Go away." Toola Roola snarled. "You would've killed me last night."

"Look me in the eye and say that." Cheerilee challenged. Toola Roola looked. "I could never kill the mare I love. And the Toola Roola that I know, would never try to kill me."

"Cheerilee, I reject

love you." The echo began to unsynch.

"C'mon, you can fight it." Starsong encouraged. "Don't let it control you."

"ThIs WoRlD iS BbErAoTkIeFnUL!" The unicorn thrashed as she spoke. "I will, I won't, I must, I can't." her limbs jerked and twitched, first reaching towards Cheerilee and Starsong, then snapping away.

Starsong thrust out the casino cane with the family crest on it. "Think of your family, your friends, Chevau L'honneur."

"Are NOTHING

EVERYTHING to meeeeeeeeeeeee!" Toola's voice rose to a shriek. She collapsed and began panting. "We could have the world!" Toola spoke with a distorted voice.

"And rule an empty shell!" She stated in her own voice. Her body trembled as her mutations began dissolving into a teal ichor.

"I gave you the Gift of Blood!" A shrieking voice issued from Toola Roola's open mouth. Starsong and Cheerilee reached out to her.

"You spurned the Gift of Heart!" Toola Roola replied. She reached out and grabbed the offered hooves with each of her own. "Cheerilee, Starsong. Don't-" Her voice deepened. "-let go!" They held on tightly, adjusting for the slippery substance that oozed around and between their hooves.

"Earth, Wind and Fire." Starsong declared, as the ichor began pulling itself away from Toola Roola's body, coalescing behind her.

"Children of Luna." Cheerilee added. The unicorn let out a scream which was muffled when she vomited a mass of teal ichor.

Celestia, Luna and the Tech Destrier arrived in the throne room. They saw Cheerilee and Starsong dragging a bald, emaciated unicorn away from a writhing mass of teal slime. Eyes, mouths, limbs, spiked tendrils and other features formed from the slime, only to be reabsorbed and replaced every few seconds. The constantly shifting mutations invoked feelings of disgust in the observers. "Is she-" Celestia began, but was interrupted.

"She's alive, no thanks to that thing." Starsong replied, indicating the slime, which spat insults and obscenities in high-pitched voices, punctuating with pained shrieks.

"Then let's finish it." The Sun princess declared, approaching the slime.

"Stop." Toola Roola gasped out. "He's my responsibility." She strained to make her words heard.

"You can barely stand up and after all you've been through, I think you should rest." Cheerilee stated.

In response, Toola Roola snatched the casino cane from Starsong, turned and pointed it at the gelatinous monster. "Cheerilee, Starsong, help me." She cried, falling into a sitting position.

"What does thou intend?" Luna asked, raising a hoof to her chest.

"I think I know." Cheerilee stated, placing a hoof next to Toola Roola's. Starsong gripped the cane, placing her hoof next to Cheerilee's then all three projected their innate mana into the cane. A magenta, purple and pink beam of light shot from the crest and struck the monster, enveloping it. The slime twitched and quivered, extending pseudopods and trying to drag itself away from the light that swirled around it.

"Smooze." Toola Roola hissed through gritted teeth. "You were right about one thing. Everypony gets what they deserve!" A loud piercing shriek filled the air as the slime's flesh turned orange, bubbled and dissolved. "And you deserve this! Every moment of suffering that you ever inflicted on others!" There was a distortion around the slime, and it seemed to tear, fragment, boil away and implode in on itself simultaniously. Once the creature vanished, Toola Roola managed to mumble "All debts repaid." before she, Cheerilee and Starsong collapsed into unconsiousness, dropping the cane and ending the spell.

The only sound was the constant gale from outside, reminding Luna of her goal. The tech destrier did a quick assessment on the three fallen ponies. "They're still alive, but we should get them to the army docs."

"Allow me to take care of them." Celestia stated, enveloping the three ponies with a golden aura. As she reached up to touch her tiara, a wizened old unicorn entered. "Mother?! What are you doing here?"

"Mother?" The Tech Destrier inquired.

"Mother!" Luna looked to the unicorn.

"I came to make sure that you complete your sworn task, Luna." The mare declared. She looked to Celestia. "I'm so proud of you, both of you."

"I apologize for not being more cordial." Celestia began. "But these three are in need of urgent medical care."

Clover shooed her away. "Then go already, and I love you too." Celestia touched a hoof to her tiara. There was a spark, a gold flash, then Celestia, Cheerilee, Starsong and Toola Roola were gone.

"Tech Destrier." Luna addressed the soldier. "Go down to the encampment, and let them know we have accomplished our goal. The second force should be arriving within a few hours. Tell everypony that We will call a meeting once we have finished certain tasks here."

"Yes ma'am." The soldier saluted then hurried out the door.

Luna looked to Clover. "I suppose-" Clover held up a hoof.

"No, no talking, no pleading, no more delays."

Luna sighed. "Very well then." She seated herself upon the throne, then invited Clover over for a hug. She then relaxed, opening herself to the mana of the land. As she felt the energy blend with her own, the winds outside calmed. Clover closed her eyes as her muscles slackened, causing her to slump against the Moon Princess. "Be at peace Mother. You are with Father again." Luna declared, shedding a single tear as Clover exhaled one last time, then was still.

Celestia appeared in her bedroom, accompanied by three unconsious ponies. She opened the door surprising the two guards. "Your Majesty!? What-" She held up a hoof to silence them.

"I have three ponies who need immediate medical attention."

The guard turned and rushed down the hall and around a corner. The guard returned after half a minute. "Alright. I just called in the emergency."

"Thank you, guard."

A few minutes later, a crew of ponies bearing gurneys arrived. Celestia allowed then in and hooved over a scroll that she had written during her wait. One of the med ponies took the scroll and read it, while the others prepped Cheerilee, Starsong and Toola Roola, then placed them on the gurneys. "We''ll make sure they're taken care of." The Paramedic stated, as the crew filed out of the room with their charges.

"Ok. Second item. Make a checklist of the remaining items." She used her magic to grab a bundle of scrolls and a pen.

* They almost had us

Replanting the Garden

Toola Roola opened her eyes, and saw a light beige curtain surrounding her. A quiet clicking drew her attention to a large boxy device on wheels, that sat a stride away. Five thin rubber tubes spanned from the device, forming a cluster that was strapped to her left frontleg with gauze bandages. Both of her front-leg pasterns had thick pads taped just above the hooves.

Bending her neck to look around, she felt a padding that was taped to her head and the back of her neck. Her head rested on something large and plush, but distinct from the bed, that she identified as what she was laying on. Looking up, she saw a white foam tiled ceiling that reflected ambient light from somewhere. A sheet and an off-white padded blanket covered her barrel and hindlegs.

She felt warm, sore, tired, and hungry.

What she did not feel, was something scraping at her bones or whispering in her mind.

Placing her right hoof on her chest, she felt something thumping steadily within. "I'm alive after all." She said to herself, her throat feeling raw. She lifted the blanket and looked at her belly. It bore stretchmarks, but was otherwise normal. "Is it really gone?" She asked in a quiet voice.

She heard the approaching sound of hooves running across the tile floor, then the curtain parted and a magenta earth pony with a two tone pink mane and tail and wearing a hospital gown, rushed over to embrace her. "Oh thank Luna you're finally awake!"

Toola Roola returned the embrace. "Cheerilee, easy. I'm a little sore. How long was I out?"

Cheerilee released Toola Roola and moved back a bit. "Six hours. You expelled all your innate mana into that spell. In addition to that, you had to be bandaged up because of your wounds and blood loss. The doctor said that there was chance that you wouldn't wake up."

"Where are we? Last thing I remember was the three of us casting that karma spell."

"We're in the Upper Canterlot Care Center." Cheerilee stated. "A rather pretentious title for a hospital, but what can you expect from a place that serves Butter Biscuit Lane?"

They both snickered. Cheerilee moved back beyond the curtain, then returned a moment later with a cup of water. Toola took it between her hooves and took a few sips before speaking again.

"How long am I stuck here?"

"For a couple of days." Cheerilee replied, moving to the curtain. "Stars and I are ok. We had a nutrient drip. Just need to change our diet for a week or two, and avoid heavy activity during that time. But by the Moon, Toola I was afraid that we'd lose you."

"Cheerilee, be honest. How do I look?" The unicorn asked. Cheerilee reached over to a table that Toola Roola just noticed, picked up a mirror, and held it in front of the unicorn. Toola Roola stared at her reflection for a few moments, noting the bandage that covered her back, and the absence of a mane. "I look like a plague victim."

"Well, Smooze could be considered a plague on the land." Another voice stated.

"Starsong?" Toola Roola called. The bottom edge of the curtain lifted up, draping around the head of a purple pegasus with a disheveled red and pink mane, who also wore a hospital gown.

"How ya feeling, Paintdrop?" The pegasus asked with a big grin.

"Like a modern art masterpiece." Toola Roola replied. All three shared a laugh. They were interrupted by the sound of a pony clearing her throat.

"Pardon me." A mare spoke in a calm but firm voice. "You have a visitor."

"A visitor?" Cheerilee asked. "Send them in." She stated while pulling back the curtain, giving Toola Roola a view of the room.

"Alright." The mare left then a dark blue alicorn wearing a black enameled tiara and peytral, entered the room.

"Greetings to thee, Our devoted childer." Princess Luna began. Cheerilee and Starsong turned and bowed. "First, let Us thank thee. Because of thine actions, Equestria once again stands united."

"Princess." Toola Roola strained to sit up. "I have to know, is it really gone?"

"The detection spells that we cast within the castle revealed naught. Our sister brought the three of thee here via a teleport spell stored within her tiara, so we have not had a chance to examine thee." Luna closed her eyes and created an aura of indigo magic around her horn. The aura enveloped Toola Roola and she felt as though she was floating in a pool of carbonated water. The feeling faded after a few moments. "There remains no trace of the fiend's corruption within thee." Princess Luna declared. The unicorn breathed a sigh of relief.

"What about us?" Cheerilee asked. The Moon Princess used the spell on her and Starsong, looking for the mana resonance she knew would indicate the corruption. Neither of them bore that taint.

"The two of thee are likewise uncorrupted." Luna stated. "As for his total annihilation, We have unicorn soldiers scouring the land. The samples of thaumicite will be incinerated, and any lingering trace will be removed by flame or silver. That remindeth us. We are planning to hold a ceremony in thine honor, at Nocne Mesta once the castle is presentable. As my sister has a corridor of stained glass windows to record the great deeds of her subjects, I will likewise follow suit."

"We're getting a commemorative window? Serenade!" Starsong commented.

"I'll have to get a temporary mane and tail until mine grow back." Toola Roola mused. "Maybe we can go shopping when I get out."

Luna moved over to Toola Roola's side, and rested a hoof on one of the unicorn's legs. "We had anticipated the possibility that the three of thee might find a way to cleanse the Blight, but We cannot imagine what it was like to have that corruption inside of thee."

"I don't want to talk about it. If I could, I'd have the memory of it's presence removed."

Luna patted Toola Roola's leg. "In thine own time then." She stepped back. "There is still the matter of royal favor. As devoted subjects of Ourself, the Roani were given certain privileges. While this was construed as favoritism, We believe that the three of thee art entitled to a reward."

"I'm not sure about the extent of your magic, your Highness." Cheerilee began, moving to Toola Roola's other side. "But I always wanted to have foals with my wife."

"NO!" Toola Roola blurted out, startling the others. She calmed down a bit. "No, I-I can't." She sniffled.

"It's ok." Cheerilee nuzzled the unicorn. "I could be the one to carry them."

Luna tapped her chin in thought. "We have heard of discussion groups where ponies share their concerns with one another, and are given encouragement. Mayhap there be one for some thing similar to thy situation, Antonia."

"I'll look into it, My Princess." The unicorn replied.

1 year later

Toola Roola rested on a padded table, shivering a bit. The hospital gown around her body did little to counter the cool air of the room. A pegasus mare wearing a white smock and a facial mask, took a few items from various drawers and cabinets. "I understand that you have some concerns about parenthood."

"Yes, Dr Alkaline." Toola Roola replied. "I'm a little scared. You know what I did the summer of last year."

Dr Alkaline nodded then turned to Toola Roola. "I recall reading about that. The paper even included a picture of your commemorative window."

A large group of ponies were gathered within a long wide corridor with numerous glass windows. At one end of the hallway, Princess Luna and three ponies were facing the crowd. "Citizens of Equestria!" The Moon Princess began, using her amplified voice. "We have gathered here today, to Honor these three brave ponies." She motioned to the trio next to her. "Who through cunning, resourcefulness, and friendship, were able to remove a Blight that hath infested these lands since before the era of Discord!" The unicorn member of the trio blushed, her cheeks showing a darker pink than the rest of her coat. "Twere it not for them, None of us would be here today! But by defeating the fiend known as 'The Smooze,' Umbratara and Praeclara are once again united." She reached over and pulled a rope that opened a curtain that covered one of the windows.

The crowd oohed and ahhed in amazement upon seeing the stained glass window. The carefully constructed bits of colored glass depicted the event that they were being honored for. The bottom of the window had three circles which encompassed each of the trio: A pink unicorn with a pink, yellow, and orange mane and a cyan, blue and purple tail, a magenta earth pony with a two-tone pink mane and tail, and a purple pegasus with a red and pink mane and tail. beams projected from each of the circles, converging on the monster at the top of the window; a teal blob with numerous mouths and eyes.

"There are rare complications during a pregnancy, but Hostile Parasititis is not one of them." Dr Alkaline stated while wrapping a pulmonary cuff around one of Toola Roola's legs. "Several problems can be prevented simply by changing one's lifestyle." She inflated the cuff, then watched the gauge.

"Avoid alcohol, drugs, don't engage in risky behavior, eat a proper diet..." The unicorn recited. The pegasus wrote down the pressure reading, then deflated and removed the cuff. "I've read literature and spoken to other first time parents. They've given me advice, but is any of it applicable to my experience?"

The doctor continued her preliminary examination. "As far as magic induced complications, I understand that you received a conception spell from one of the princesses. That alone would virtually negate chances of mana misalignment. But the corruption that you're worried about is still being researched." She gave Toola an apologetic look.

Toola Roola, Cheerilee and Starsong accompanied Princess Luna into a chamber set aside for private meetings. "Let us first express our delight that the three of thee have finally come to a consensus on this matter." The Princess declared.

"Your Majesty." Toola Roola began. "While Cheerilee and I are married, we both love Starsong as much as she loves us. And we aren't sure about the status of group marriages."

"While such group unions are usually discouraged, the three of thee have a genuine love for one another." Luna replied. "It is good that thou chose to include her in what would otherwise be a private decision." She turned and faced the unicorn. "But art thou certain about parenthood thyself? Thou didst have some reluctance when We first broached the matter."

Toola Roola took a deep breath then exhaled. "While my fears may never go away, I have learned how to deal with them."

Cheerilee approached the Princess. "Your Majesty, we've decided that we'll all undergo the process, that way, we can share the experience and give each-other support."

Luna took position in the center of the room. "Then we shall grant the boon for which thou asketh." The three ponies were enveloped within an indigo aura. streams of brighter opaque indigo energy began flowing amongst the trio. The streams coiled around each-other, blending in certain places. Soon, six small orbs appeared amongst the streams, then began slowly growing in size. After several moments, a pair of orbs were placed within each pony's abdomen. Once the orbs were placed, the streams dissipated, then the aura faded. "It is done." Luna proclaimed.

Dr Alkaline put on a stethoscope and placed the diaphragm against one side of Toola Roola's belly. "Steady breathing." She ordered, slowly moving the diaphragm across the unicorn's belly. After a minute of this, she passed the stethoscope to Toola Roola. "Take a listen." Toola Roola inserted the earpieces into her ears, while the doctor placed the diaphragm on her belly. She heard two tiny heartbeats, and a smile formed on her muzzle. "Congratulations, it looks like you have a healthy pair of fillies." The doctor stated.

"It's a good thing I have servants to help take care of them." Toola Roola replied. "And a big house for them to grow up in."

"Well, going by the conception process, Cheerilee and Starsong will also be bearing foals. so that makes six." Dr Alkaline took the stethoscope back then wrote down a few things on the clipboard. "Everything looks good. You can get back into your clothes, and I'll take you back to the waiting room."

Toola Roola nodded. "Thank you, Dr Alkaline." She slid off the table, removed the gown, then took her clothing from a nearby counter.

Cheerilee and Starsong looked over as Toola Roola strode into the waiting room. "So did you get the answer you wanted?" The earth pony asked.

"Yeah, I have normal foals." The unicorn replied. "A pegasus and an earth pony." The other two nodded.

"Then shall we go home?"

"Yes, I think that would be for the best." Toola Roola replied.

The three pregnant mares headed out of the hospital. "Hey Toola?" Starsong began.

"Yeah Starsong?"

"You think we should look into finding a foalsitter?"

"Only if Jasper isn't up to the challenge." The unicorn replied. "I don't want to hurt his feelings."

"I think six is a little much for him." Cheerilee stated.

"We'll see." Toola Roola replied with a smug grin. "After all, he did foalsit the three of us, and we were very rowdy."

"It never hurts to ask." Starsong stated.

A lime green unicorn sat on a bench, watching a stone arch. The arch was made of a polished black stone, and spanned a width of thirty strides, with the peak reaching ten strides high. Within the arch was a shimmering field of indigo and cerulean colored light. A team of silver clad ponies lead by a gold-clad pegasus-her husband Dark Skies-did checks on ponies entering or exiting the portal.

As a white unicorn with a pink mane exited from the shimmering field, Lime Sherbert smiled. The unicorn presented a scroll to one of the soldiers, who looked at it briefly, then waved her along. The unicorn spotted Lime, then approached. "Fleur! Glad you could make it." Lime called out.

Fleur De Lis chuckled, giving Lime a playful nudge with her hoof. "You have no idea how glad I am to finally get some peace." She looked to the terrace above, then to the one below. "So this is Nocne Mesta. Looks good for being abandoned for 1000 years."

"Her Majesty has hired contractors to help with cleaning up and rebuilding." Lime replied, as she lead Fleur to the castle. "That gate was the first new addition she made. And since both Princesses have fueled it with their magic, It'll last as long as they do."

"I wonder." Fleur began. "Could they do something similar with Princess Cadance, and open portals to the Crystal Kingdom?"

"With her approval, I'm sure they could." Lime stated. "But the crystal ponies still need time to adjust to the rest of Equestria."

"So what should I expect when we get to the castle? We did amass quite a bit of decor in our marecave, and surely it would've taken a while to move it all here."

"You'll see." Lime Sherbert replied, giving Fleur a conspiratorial grin.

"You have got to be joking me." Fleur stated in disbelief, looking around the small room. The old tea-stained table rested in the center of the room, surrounded by three stools. Along one side was a low wooden counter, with a pyrothaumic heating plate and a sink. Placed against the back wall of the room was a cabinet containing a supply of teas, biscuits, and a kettle. Next to it was the chest that held their robes and the tablecloth. "We're back to having a little room?"

Lime snickered then walked over to the wall opposite the sink. She tapped one of the wooden panels, which gave a hollow echo. "Put on a robe, then walk through here."

Fleur took one of one of the robes from the chest, then approached the wall. "Are you sure? It looks like I'd bonk my face if I tried that." She slipped into the robe while Lime did likewise. "Whoa, that's weird." Fleur stated, reaching out and touching the wall. Her hoof met no resistance, and passed through the panel. Fleur drew her hoof back and looked at it. "So the robes are enchanted now?"

Lime walked into the panel. Fleur followed. On the other side was a narrow spiral stairway leading down. At the bottom of the stairs, they entered a large cavernous space. Small thaumic lights in the stone ceiling provided a steady illumination. Scattered about the area were rugs, tapestries, high-quality furniture, gaming tables and other luxuries. Resting on a chaise lounge, was Princess Luna. "Greetings Dame Fleur." The alicorn waved to the pair. "We have taken careful inventory so that we have not forgotten a thing." She pointed out various features. "That be the jukebox, over there is our bowling lane. We have also acquired casino amenities, a collection of family games, and a basic set of the popular pencil and paper games.

"And all this, is for us?" Fleur asked. "Isn't that a little extravagant?"

"Nay Dear Lime, Tis financed only from our private budget." Luna explained. "We did not appropriate one bit from the treasury to fund this." She reached over to an end-table with a bowl of apple slices. "Much of this was a generous donation from soon-to-be nieces. They have asserted that these goods were acquired with honest bits." She took one of the slices and nibbled it. "And they have also offered us advice for placing objects about our domicile. What the citizens of Neighpon refer to as 'Feng Shui.'"

"So this is a real mare cave, then." Fleur commented.

"Yep, carved into the rock and everything." Lime replied. "And warded against all magic save the Princesses' own."

"So nopony can accidentally stumble into it. Unless they took one of the robes." Fleur mused. "But who would be bold enough to steal a princesses' property?"

"Who indeed." Luna smiled. "But let that pass." She got up and walked over to the pair. "There still exists the rest of the castle."

Fleur bowed. "I like the exterior. It has that comforting shadow aesthetic that most ponies associate with your domain."

"I believe the term is 'Umbraic.'" Lime replied. "After all, it did originate here."

"Indeed." Luna replied. "The art, the architecture, songs, poetry and literature. We have even been told of movies and television shows that make use of the aesthetic."

Lime pulled the hood up over her head. "Then let us three be Umbraic, seeking refuge in the shadows and the night! Our hooves black and our faces pale! We shall dance in the mountains, the forests, and the spires of Nocne Mesta!" Noticing her companion's mildly amused expressions, Lime blushed. "Sorry, I was taken by a fey mood."

"You need not apologize." Luna replied, walking over to give Lime a friendly hug. "As an old wise pony once said, the Gift of Fire inspires passion in the pony soul. Not in those exact words, but the sentiment be similar."

"Well, let's go see what passion has made of your castle." Fleur smirked, heading up the stairs.

Author's Note

Regarding the group dynamic. While Gabriel and I have a minor fanon break regarding polyamory and same gender conception, we generally work in the same milieu. What happened here with Starsong is in no way the Standard, and should not be taken for such. It is an exception.

In addition, the aforementioned conception spell isn't ubiquitous throughout Equestria. It just happens to be known in Canterlot because records of the spell are kept in the archives.