[Yui's POV]

After Zen returned with Topaz and Ren, the morale of those who'd stand to defend Snowfall had been dampened considerably, it took Skate to get any form of momentum going to keep up with preparations before the blizzard picked up again, cutting visibility down to unsuitable conditions. Whatever they fought up on the mountain, it was worsening the storm, I didn't have the abilities Zen possessed, but being around him, you tend to pick up on the flow of energy in the air, not unlike magic.

Looking around a large gathering hall which had been turned into a shelter for those whose homes had collapsed or needed medical attention, the warmth of a great fireplace kept everything cosy against the howling winds battering the walls. Coming to a pair of bedrolls, I smiled sadly.

"You two doing okay?" Between me, Topaz and Ren were resting, both with thermal patches on to help accelerate their body temperatures.

"Stopped shivering a while ago now... other than that, just some minor bumps and scratches," Ren held up a thumb. "We'll live for a drink when we're done, Batty, don't worry about us."

"We'd been turned to popsicles if not for Zen, how's he holdin' up?" Topaz asked but I lowered my head, that seemed to be enough for her to hum quietly at, staring up at the ceiling. "That bad, huh?"

"He woke up before either of you, but... he's kept to himself for the remainder of the afternoon," I knew why, I doubt it was a mystery what he was thinking. This was his first big show of what the Guildmaster of the Hunter's Guild could do, and he likely blamed himself for not doing enough.

"Well? Go knock some sense into him," Topaz pushed up into a sitting position, wrapping her blanket around herself with her magic, pointing a hoof firmly in my direction. "We're the ones that called him out here, and if we hadn't, well, wouldn't be here discussing it, would we?"

"We'll bounce back for round two," I felt Ren ruffle my mane, giving me a smug grin with a wink. "Think someone else needs a pep talk more than us."

Hard to argue with that logic, I just was worried I didn't know what to say, more than some empty words and pleasantries, no, Zen needed to hear what I'd say, what everyone around him believes. Curling a hoof around my ring, I smiled, adjusting the Kirin mane over my own. "You can count on me, after all, we still have a job to do, don't we?"

The pair chuckled at that, so I took that as my cue to leave, heading out into the blizzard, steadfast and determined. I didn't just want to cheer him up... I... had something important to tell him too...

[Zen's POV]

Skate was kind enough to let me use the chief's building as a staging area to plan for a counterattack, but I suspected he knew no one would come here to bother me. It had a second floor, where I sat and stared at a fireplace crackling before me softly. This hellish winter battering the windows and doors, I could feel Velkhana's fury within every gale, she knew we're here, and she'd come for us by morning without question. All we did was abate the inevitable.

The house was more like a cabin, rustic and cosy, fitted with rugs and carpets of all textures and patterns, same for the thick, wooden furniture and the soft glow of lanterns. It was a really nice place, given any other circumstance.

I couldn't face them, even if I tried, Topaz and Ren nearly died because I let arrogance pull the wool over my eyes. Calm Mind did little to quell my anxieties and embarrassment, it didn't help the greatest reminder was currently pelting the mountain side with an endless blizzard.

So much so, I didn't pick up on someone's presence until they were already behind me from the short staircase. "Hey," It was Yui, her voice soft and tender.

I kept my eyes to the fire. "Hey..." I managed, unable to meet her gaze as she walked around to sit beside me on the carpet.

She didn't say anything else, instead, I felt her move around me, careful and quiet as a mouse, only for my body to stiffen when her forehooves came to wrap over my shoulders, embracing me from behind, feeling her forehead rest against the back of my head. My paw came up to press against her hooves, biting my cheek.

"...some leader I was... I failed, I thought since I knew what we were up against that everything would be fine, like always... even when I saw it wasn't the same Elder Dragon I've fought in appearance, I... I should've called it off, o-or study it further, I... I don't..." A sigh left me, my emotions nearly overtaking me. Her hooves squeezed tighter, never speaking up.

"Having this new life has been like a dream-turned-reality for me, I'll always miss my folks, my sister, my friends... but I made so many here, I didn't waste my second chance, but... but today, I feel no smarter than the person that wound up in that damn forest two years ago... I haven't changed..." Zen Amadeus wasn't a Hunter, he was just a human... or was...

Finally, I felt her breath on my nape, and her body moving around to sit in front of me, those twilight eyes glowing in the dusk. "Two years doesn't seem like a lot of time has passed, but, in the time I have known you, fought with you and beside you, laughed, cried... loved, I have only ever seen you grow; every obstacle set your way, I watched you defy the impossible and come out on top. From the strongest Elder to the smallest Wyvern, you alone have changed so much before my eyes... it always takes my breath away,"

I felt her one wing push my chin up, fixed to her gaze again, feeling her hoof brush above my chest spike to the ring nestled on its necklace, same as hers. Her expression was warm, brimming with pride and love, more than any other day. "You took your experiences from games, applied them here and saved so many lives, you changed my life, Zen; maybe you weren't a Monster Hunter like Ren, or a Treasure Hunter like me, but you..."

She smiled, the kind I had only ever seen twice until today, the day we became real partners, and... the day I could call her my wife. "All you done for me, to me, without a shadow of a doubt, is proof you are a hero, and a Hunter worthy of the name."

My eyes remained wide, and my heart clenched, hung on every word. I spent all this time working to make a Hunter's Guild for Equestria, to combat the permanent changes to their world with the knowledge I and Ren shared. I wanted people to face danger and embrace it, to find balance, just as those from the Old World would. I... I wanted to be someone I could be proud of.

So to hear it said to me, without a shred of pity or skepticism... it felt like the final nail had been hammered home. Feeling my eyes starting to water, I stifled a gasp for a shaky laugh, drying my eyes. "S-sorry, I... thank you... thank you..."

Brushing the bangs away from her left eye, I saw one squint with a sly smile. "Hey, as your amazing wife, I like to think my role in cheering up my darling husband is essential, thank you very much." She tilted her chin up, hoof to her chest. Only for her composure to break when I started to laugh. "Hehehe, hey, you're not supposed to freakin' laugh!" She shoved my shoulders.

"S-S-Sorry, hahaha, but... well, I can't argue with your logic," Not when it was true. "Thanks, Yui, I feel... well, still pretty shitty, but... better."

"Then that's good enough for me," She nodded firmly, but, something was off, her aura shifted a little, a similar tremble of uncertainty, a pinch of fear too. It had been frequent the last week or so, but Yui always found a way to supress it or side-step my question. Now? She didn't seem to hide it at all, rubbing her forehooves together. "Um, so Zen, I, uh, had... something else to tell you."

My brow quirked. "I'm all ears, since you listened to me too."

She nodded, but looked away, her bangs falling over her left eye again, a faint hue dusting her cheeks. "Okay, okay... um, sorry, heh, this is... been really hard to put into... proper, reasonable... words, and stuff, I, pfft, hehehe, really nervous..." She squeaked, coughing into her open hoof, her heartrate was spiking.

So, extending my hands, I held them to her shoulders, a soothing warmth and pink veil washed down her grey fur, noticeably relaxing her form. "When you're ready." I offered a kind smile, whatever it was had to be important if she was fumbling with basic vocabulary.

Maintaining her silence, she almost didn't breathe, only to exhale slowly a moment later, finally meeting my eyes, a strong, intense emotion filling her eyes with a smile. "...well, I was going to tell you, after we finally made your Guild official, but I really feel now is a good time to say... I... well, to put it one way... while I prefer my life as a Treasure Hunter first and foremost, I'll... probably be very busy come next year..."

"Busy? With what ex... act... ly..." Whatever I could say bled into nothing on my tongue, and for a moment, my heart stopped when I saw her look away shyly, a hoof gingerly rubbing her abdomen.

I focused my Aura Sense immediately, a tremble shivering down my whole body, but not from the cold. I searched the sea of lavender that made up her aura, sharpening my sight harder than ever before. And in a flash, I saw it... within that ocean of twilight...

A tiny, azure spark was hidden within.

Opening my eyes, I saw her eyes glistening with nervous but joyful tears. My claw rose to point toward her, breathless. "Y-you're..." She nodded once, and my claw curled toward me. "We're..."

"Mmhm, y-yeah," Yui's voice trembled with happiness I couldn't begin to describe, and I gasped a laugh.

"Hah... haha... I'm, uh, gonna be a dad?" That's... definitely not something I've, uh, learned to do... either of us. "But... but how...?"

"Because... just like you... this child defied the impossible," She closed her eyes, freeing those tears. "I'm really scared and excited, and I'm not really sure which emotion to go with- ah!"

Rising to my feet, I pulled Yui into a quick spin, and I have never felt as happy as I did now. We were told that conceiving a child wasn't possible, given my origins as a human, and the fact I was a species that never existed in this realm. That was okay with us, but as Yui said, seems I'm not only one going against what's considered impossible. And I couldn't have been happier.

Yui giggled, embracing me tightly as I did the same, brushing our foreheads together, braced by the warmth of the fireplace beside us. Pulling away, our eyes met, my left paw rising to gently cup her cheek as the tip of her wing flicked a tear of mine away.

Neither of us said it, bringing our lips together quietly, that warmth only continued to kindle and grow, just like the small spark growing inside her.

Within an hour, the chief's home was filled with as many bodies as it could comfortably contain, the storm outside maintained its harsh bombardment of Snowfall, but that didn't bother any of those I called forward, including Topaz and Ren who stood to the left-hand side of the large, rectangular table on the main floor.

After Yui's unbelievable news, it was what I needed among everything else she said to finally screw my head on straight. Velkhana was going to come back, I couldn't afford to make another misstep now. Skate helped me find what I needed to set everything up, maps, blueprints, stock lists, the works. Now, it was time to finally make good on everything Celestia helped me to achieve.

Expanding my telepathy to everyone present, I stood at the end of the desk, Yui right by my side. "Thank you everyone for coming on short notice; its time to discuss how to banish this storm for good," Taking a deep breath, I could feel her wing curl around my paw, offering me a pinch more confidence. "Before we start, if anyone here wishes to back out now, I respect your wishes, and I won't allow anyone to criticise their choice."

I waited, not a single hoof moved from the available seats or up on the balconies overlooking the ground floor, just the muffled howl of the blizzard and the crackling fire behind me. Remaining stern, I nodded. "Very well; to start, the cause of the weather's drastic change is due to a powerful monster, an Elder Dragon; these creatures, with just their presence alone, can cause significant changes to an ecosystem, as you've all seen this last week,"

Murmurs carried around, looks of confusion but also tension and sparks of fear. I don't blame them, this wasn't some run-of-the-mill monster. "However, when myself and two others engaged, we found that it has grown stronger than its standard form I am familiar with, so henceforth, this new Variant will be called; Blackrime Velkhana,"

"Catchy," Ren crossed her arms, humming in approval.

A pegasus raised their wing. "How do we plan to deal with such a beast?"

Leaning my paws onto the table, I gestured to the large map of the supply cache. "It's smart, Velkhana is aiming to likely destroy and/or pillage your food for its nest, so we'll use it as our staging ground to confront in; the homefield advantage," With an ink and quill, I drew a line between the two towers. "We'll raise the gate, that'll at least buy us time for last-minute preparations and to defend the supply cache,"

I drew three circles outside the gate. "Myself, Topaz, and Ren will directly engage Velkhana whilst the gate it raised, we're the most equipped and experienced against powerful monsters like these, and now that we're aware of its new form, we'll be better prepared,"

Next, circles around the exterior ramparts beyond the gate's line. "These are where cannoneers will be placed, Yui and Chief Skate found some in deep storage, meant to clear thick ice that forms after avalanches, they'll help in breaking Velkhana's frost armour. Those of you here who are experienced in manning such equipment will play a vital role in supporting us," A saw a number of them nod in agreement.

"If the gate falls, use everything you've got to wear Velkhana down, but do not engage at close-range, its black ice could freeze you instantly. But given our battle, it'll focus on removing us before daring to attack the cache, a gamble, but its all we got on short notice," And it was more than enough to make this work, standing tall, looking around, taking in their fears and doubts, those looks of conflict, determination flickering between a few.

"Look, I know you've lost people to this monster, and I failed to realize the threat, almost resulting in two more casualties... but mark my words, no one else will die, I swear to you, tomorrow, the skies will clear once more," Closing my fists, I took a deep breath, my scarlet eyes burning with an indomitable will like never before. Maybe because I didn't want to fail them again, because I wanted to help, because... I have something new I want to fight for.

"Its only official in name... but for this moment, all of you who are willing to fight, are Hunters of the Guild in my eyes. Fight not just to slay, but to protect. The world of Equestria has changed forever, so learn from it, adapt and embrace its dangers head-on!" Raising my telepathic voice, I could see their heads rising, many looking amongst themselves with conviction. "Each of you tomorrow, stand with me, stand with each other, and show Blackrime Velkhana what you're made of, and why you're here!!"

Thundering my thoughts, it didn't take long to rouse a reaction, from every direction, hooves, magic, and wings shot into the air, a chorus of chants and defiant hollers shaking the building to its foundations like its own, mighty roar. It was impossible not to feel my heart racing, nor the smile from pinching at my cheeks.

"Okay... then rest and prepare in anyway you can! Tomorrow before daybreak, we make our final preparations! And... May the Sapphire Star light your way!" I threw my arm wide, only encouraging them further, even whilst heading out into the cold without an ounce of worry, for a while, at least.

Topaz gave me a light huff, smirking. "Now that was inspiring, even woke me up a little more." She joked, giving me a quick salute. "Be seeing you guys in the morning then, nice not being the one leading for a change, I could use the shut-eye..."

Scooting closer to me, Ren nudged my side. "Sooo... how much of that colourful speech was pulled out of thin air, Wolfy?"

I leaned in too, keeping a lax expression. "Eh, about 45%, give or take." I see-sawed my paw.

"It took a couple retries for the introductory," Yui rolled her eyes, gesturing up at me with her wing. "He couldn't think of a good name for Velkhana."

"What? The name's are important." I excused, arms wide. I swear, everyone's a critic. I thought Verglas Velkhana was a good close-second contender. "Better than 'Permafrost'." I air-quoted.

"'Better than Sub-Zero' That's you," Yui sneered back in a terrible impression of my voice.

"Sephiroth." I shot back.

"Hah, that's a compliment- Furry." Yui cut back, I really shouldn't have told her that name...

I was quick to rebuttal with a grin, jabbing a claw to her chest, her own grin etched into her muzzle with those beautiful, slit eyes. "Hah, you married one!"

"Geez, I can feel the sexual tension from here," Immediately, mine and Yui's heads snapped toward Ren, the blood rushing throughout the entirety of our faces as Ren gave us a curt wave over the shoulder. "See ya bright and early, love you guys~"

"Ren!!" We yelled back, she merely laughed. Point to her...

Dusk remained, but light was beginning to creep through the dark clouds swirling above, though it was hard to tell at first. Regardless, those fighting to defend Snowfall worked tirelessly; drawing out the cannons and having ammunition set and ready to be loaded. What armour the village had was given to those most at risk, layering them with thermal crystals.

Myself and Ren sat for nearly two hours, grinding and mixing together Hot Drinks that seemed to act as a counter-agent against what I dubbed as Black Iceblight. Other potions were made for myself, Ren, and Topaz for the battle ahead, checks were made for all siege equipment, what little the town had to offer, but any and all would be sufficient.

"Zen?" I stood beyond the edge of the gate, turning to see Yui trot up to me, using her wing to hold onto the strap of a flask. "Here; milk and two sugars."

Immediately perking up, I took the flask and unscrewed the lid, catching the sweet aroma of tea inside. "Ah... you're a Goddess, truly."

She giggled. "Well, I do try," While I carefully sipped the enriching elixir, Yui's gaze rose to the misty mountains ahead, to where Velkhana was nesting. "So, your odds?"

"In my favour as always, for better or for worse," I remarked, smacking my lips with a sigh. Kneeling down to her level, she didn't say anything and merely bumped her wing against my chest, as my knuckle did the same. "You handle things in the rear."

"And you handle the rest," She finished, pecking my lips with a worried but soft smile. "Happy hunting, you dork."

"With pleasure, love." Winking, I stood up and enjoyed the last of my tea, the hot sensation felt as empowering as a Hot Drink's spicy kick. After a moment, I handed the flask back. "Thanks, needed that pick-me-up."

And not a moment too soon, a cold front, ripe with anger, struck my soul. The second my face fell, Yui knew to retreat, trotting lightly but raising her voice. "Velkhana is coming, raise the barricade now!!"

"Raise the barricade! Everypony in positions now!" Skate relayed to those around the battlements as I stood with my back to the border of the gate, soon joined by Topaz and Ren at either side.

"Round two, Wolfy, Topaz." Ren grinned.

"Let's not have a repeat of yesterday, thank you." Topaz chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"Not this time," I relayed to them, drawing my fists together, pulling them apart to summon Bone Rush's thin staff, giving it a sharp twirl into my right paw.

The girls each steeled themselves, Topaz slipping her helmet on, magic raising her golden sword and shield, whilst Ren merely withdrew her longsword, but downed a red and amber jar each, Armourskin and Demondrug, same for Topaz a second later, both giving off a mystical shimmer of amber and scarlet.

Focusing on my aura, I triggered a veil of pink light, followed by four, sapphire swords overhead, coupled with silver wind and a rise in steam over my fur. An accumulation of Calm Mind, Sword Dance, Agility and Bulk Up, sparing no expense as my whole body roared with amplified energy.

A strong, frigid gust of wind flew down the mountain pass and across the snowy flatland before us, blasting up the edges of the ramparts like a wave of white mist. From the stormy sky, something swept down, forming ice crystals across the ground, I could feel snow form in my fur as two large wings threshed wide, shattering all the ice crystals in an instant, the body of the creature landing before us under the blizzard.

Standing proud, two, ice-blue eyes peering down at me in particular, the Black Iceborne Wyvern, Blackrime Velkhana. She was sizing me up as she took a few steps forward, rapier-like tail swiping the snow behind her dangerously. She was ready to settle the score, even as the barricade rose sharply from the ground behind us with a loud, metallic clank.

It was made from solid log beams in a grid formation, joints reinforced by steel braces, it would take a lot of punishment for anything to break the gate down, and I had no doubt Velkhana could, not that we'd give her the chance. "I've beaten you before... and I'll do it here!"

Because I have something else worth fighting for...

<>To Be Continued...<>

Author's Note

This, this right here was one major reason for this winter special! The reveal of who will become Akira in Indomitable's future! And because of that little spark, Zen has finally stepped firmly into his role, not just as Guildmaster, but as a true Hunter. But one battle stands between him and that future.

I hope you enjoyed, I appreciate the support as always; see ya in the next chapter, Hunters!

Chp. 4 - Clashing Swords Upon The Rime

Daybreak had arrived, and with it, the full might of the blizzard's conductor come crashing down on Snowfall...