Web of Intrigue

Web of Intrigue

Chapter 2: A New Start

“So, it looks like we’ll be having an empty seat now,” the voice of a yellow-eyed stallion echoed, walking into a mostly dark, but rather spacious, round chamber. “I told her not to underestimate them.” The clopping of multiple sets of hooves on the polished marble floor followed, echoing off the walls as a number of other ponies walked into the chamber.

“Then that is her own fault. Nocturna’s arrogant behavior became her own downfall,” a cold, feminine voice replied. “That idiot... going and blowing every rule of stealth and cover the organization has...” She trailed behind the stallion, only to branch off in a different direction.

Lining the walls were a number of large, ornate seats made of marble, each of them like a throne in their own right. Lit candles hung from the walls between each one of these seats, with but one exception. Directly across the chamber from the entrance, there was one of these thrones that did not have the a wall candle on each side, shrouding the location in darkness. One could see the beginning of a small staircase that lead up to it. The most discernable feature, however, was a set of purple eyes with slits as the pupils. There was a small opening on the ceiling, allowing light from Luna’s moon shine through, providing only minimal luminescence in the center area of the chamber.

Each pony took to their respective seats around the room. “Now that you’re all here, we maybe begin,” a vaguely feminine, very stoic, yet strong and authoritative voice spoke. The purple eyes that pierced the shrouds of darkness scanned the room, looking at each and everyone in the room. “Nocturna Flamma is no longer with us. She has been struck down by the Elements of Harmony.”

Most of the members glanced towards the empty seat in the room before turning their attention back to their leader. “Her reckless methods have also made our existence known to the Royal Sisters,” she continued. “Allow this to be a lesson in subtlety for future reference. We cannot afford to lose any more of us.”

A large, pale brown earth pony stallion shifted in his seat, looking towards his leader with slitted, light blue eyes. “With one of us gone, what happens now?” inquired his deep voice.

“We must remain vigilant. Her powers were indeed a valuable asset to our organization despite her personality.” Her purple eyes narrowed. “It is conceivable for Nocturna to return to us. While the host pony was purged by the Elements of Harmony, it is possible Nocturna was not destroyed, but only separated.”

“Surely we could find another fire mage,” the cold unicorn mare from earlier interjected. “Who’s to say that idiot won’t screw up again?”

“Oh come now, Frigid Glacier!” The mare’s eyes snapped towards the source of the reply. It was the yellow-eyed stallion who first accompanied her to Ponyville. “I actually liked her!” he said with smirk. “Even if she isn’t the brightest match in the box, I did appreciate her fiery personality brightening up this gloomy organization.”

        Frigid Glacier huffed, glaring at him. “Dead Eye, we can’t be having ponies like that blowing our cover like that,” she argued, pointing at him with a hoof.  “As much as you might have liked Nocturna, we all know she was an utter fool with no regard for subtlety. The secrecy and stealth we operate under is absolutely vital. It’s bad enough that the princesses discovered that our kind exists. If the Elements had not been used, and they’d actually captured Nocturna instead of just her weaker host, they might have discovered us.”

“You just hate her because you’re an ice mage,” Dead Eye replied with a smirk plastered on his face.

“No, I hate her for being such a blithering idiot!” the snake-eyed mare hissed back. “Why Lady Veil values her so highly is beyond me. All she has to offer is overwhelming firepower, and as useful as that will be in the endgame stage of our plans, all it does at this point is draw trouble like a flame draws moths. If anyone, you should have been the one to handle the mission, not her.”

        Dead Eye raised an eyebrow, grinning mischievously. “You done yet? 'Cause the Griffon Kingdom called! They want their-”

        “You leave those disgusting creatures out of this!” Frigid Glacier snarled as a spear of ice conjured next to her, pointing itself at Dead Eye. She grit her teeth furiously with a passionate anger.

        Before either of them could blink, sharp black tendrils suddenly shot out of the shadows like bullets from their leader’s spot. They stopped not even an inch from Glacier’s and Dead Eye’s heads, narrowly avoiding impalement. The purple eyes that pierced through the veil of shadows narrowed angrily.

“Enough. Cease your arguments,” she demanded, her voice strong and authoritative, echoing within the chamber.

Frigid Glacier felt her leader’s eyes pierce the very foundations of her soul, returned her her gaze with one of fear, gulping nervously. “My apologies... I acted out of term,” she admitted, closing her eyes as beads of sweat trickled down her forehead.

Dead Eye merely sighed. “Sorry... I was just trying to have a little fun was all. Won’t happen again.”

The black tendrils receded back into the shadows from where the came. “Very well,” came her reply.

Dead Eye shifted nervously in his seat a little. “So, as you were saying?”

The sinister eyes in the darkness narrowed. “Reacquiring Nocturna will require patience. We must first determine if she was destroyed or separated. I leave that to you. For now, your secondary objectives while on missions will be to watch for any sign of Nocturna, and observe her host.” There was a pause as her eyes gave a sweeping scan of the chamber. “I’m sure I don’t need to remind you all again how important stealth is after recent events. Am I correct?”

Everyone in the room gave a curt nod of acknowledgement.

“Good. You are all dismissed.”

The radiant gleam of the sun’s rays played softly across through the curtains, flickering across the bed and the face of the mare that lay in it. It would have been unfair to call it harsh, but even so, it was enough to gently rouse her from her sleep.

Her brow furrowed as a soft grunt escaped her lips. Despite the pleasant warmth of the sun’s rays, her closed eyes still weren’t spared from discomfort. She sat up slowly, bringing a hoof to her forehead. “Gah... where am I?” she muttered, opening her eyes.

“You are in Canterlot Castle, in a private room delegated for you to rest in peace. You’ve had quite the ordeal, you know.”

The bedridden mare’s eyes snapped wide open, her surprised gaze whipping to her right. Sitting next to her bed was a familiar pristine white alicorn, outfitted with her usual golden regalia. “Princess Celestia!?”

The regal figure nodded emotionlessly, though her eyes smiled. “That’s right. After you were cleansed by the elements, my sister brought you to the castle, and we’ve kept an eye on you while you recovered. You’re quite an enigma you know.”

She stared at the princess, utterly perplexed. “What? What are you talking about?” she asked with a puzzled tone.

“For the longest time, we thought my sister was the only Nightmare, but then you show up, and attack Ponyville for some reason. While I know you may have some... difficulty remembering what happened while you were possessed, we need to know whatever you can remember. That aside... what’s your name?”

The mare gave Princess Celestia a salute. “Lieutenant Nova Ignis, ma’am.”

Celestia’s eyebrow went up. “A solar guard? Strange... the guard’s roster is full. What unit?”

“The 004th, ma’am,” she answered quickly, giving a curt nod. Nova suddenly gasped, widening her eyes. “Oh no, my platoon!” She scrambled around in her bed, quickly crawling to the edge of the bed.

“The 004th? They disbanded...” Celestia’s eyes widened imperceptibly for the shortest moment. “After the end of the Pony-Griffon war...”

Nova’s chest suddenly felt heavy as she froze, her shocked gaze staring past Celestia. Several moments of eerie silence passed before she could speak. “What... what did you say?”

“Lieutenant Ignis, when were you born?”

Nova frowned, not liking where this was going. “I was born January 7th, 1313, your Majesty,” she answered nervously. “Why?”

Celestia twitched at that. The physical goddess of the sun actually twitched. Whatever Nova said must have been a surprise to cause that. “Hmm... that complicates things...” she muttered, looking pensive.

“What!? Tell me what’s going on!” Nova pleaded.

“Forgive me, Lieutenant Ignis, but this may come as a shock,” Celestia sighed. “The current date is July the 8th, 1437 EY.”

The bedridden unicorn sat there, frozen as her breathing stopped. Her eyes stared almost lifelessly into space. Nova’s entire body tensed up as she ran the date through her head repeatedly, absolutely speechless.

“For some reason, you remain roughly the same age you were when you vanished on a mission with your platoon. That was around 100 years ago.”

Nova’s ears twitched as a strained grin inched its way onto her features. “Heh heh heh heh...” she choked. “This is just a joke. This is just a joke, and my platoon is just fine, and the way is won...” Droplets trickled down her cheeks, her vision blurred her tears. As much in denial as she was, Nova knew Princess Celestia wouldn’t lie to her like that.

Celestia shook her head. “We did win the war, yes... but your entire platoon was lost during the mission you vanished on. We still don’t know who attacked your platoon, but regardless, I’m sorry. Even if there had been survivors... after a hundred years...”

Nova’s false smile fell as she listened to every word Celestia soke. Her head slowly drooped, closing her eyes in a futile attempt to hold back her tears. This is how it really is? Her entire life, her career, torn away from her with contrived cruelty.

Celestia herself knew all too well the mare’s emotions, and it stung like a hornet to see another suffer outliving all their companions. She’d gotten Luna back, but Nova... she had no such chance. Her comrades... her friends... all gone.

“I’m sorry, I know this must be a terrible shock to say the least. Is there anything I or my sister can...?”

Nova said nothing, only slumping down into the bed. The bedridden mare remained silent for what seemed like hours.

Celestia took a deep breath. “I see. Well then, I’m afraid I must speak with you on a subject of dire importance, and I’m afraid possibly a painful one for you personally. Can you bear it, lieutenant?”

Nova, despite her distraught state of mind, slowly looked up, glancing towards Celestia.

The Princess’s expression remained neutral, but her eyes did betray the urgency of her words. She was certain that whatever Nova could tell her was important. Her princess needed her.

“Yeah...” she finally answered, her tone quiet and solemn.

“I’m glad. If at any point it becomes to much... just say so, alright?”

Closing her eyes, the mare gave a slow a nod.

“Good. Lieutenant Ignis, we need to know what you remember. About the Nightmare, about the ambush that took your platoon, about everything.”

Nova took a deep breath and nodded. With that, her tale began.

The pale moon hung in the starry night sky, casting down its pale light over the forest below. The silence of the seemingly peaceful woodland was broken only by chirping of crickets, or the occasional hooting of an owl. The forest canopy blotted out what light the moon could provide, shrouding it in a soft darkness rich in shadows.

The sudden rustling of a shrub revealed a squirrel who scurried out from under it. He scavenged the forest floor for nuts or acorns, whatever he could find. From spot to spot he dashed, finding his way around in his search for food.

It was then that his ears perked up, prompting his innocent gaze to look off elsewhere into the forest. Within moments, the clopping of multiple sets of hooves were audible, and only grew in intensity. A mysterious orange light could be seen from behind the trees between him and whoever approached.

The squirrel retreated back into the shrub as a platoon of armored ponies, twenty six in total, rushed passed. Leading at the head of the platoon, was Lieutenant Nova Ignis, clad in golden armor of the Royal Guard. Her horn was aglow with an orange aura of magic, lighting the way. She looked ahead as she galloped, her troops following in toe.

“Lieutenant Ignis,” a stallion’s voice called from just behind her. “Are you sure you should use your magic in a dark forest like this? What if we get spotted?”

Nova’s serious gaze remained looking ahead. “Don’t worry, we’re still at least 1.5 Klicks south of where intel said the suspicious activity is. Once we’re there, we eliminate any threats.”

“I still dunno, what if there’s an ambush party, or something?”

“Corporal Streak, I said don’t worry! We’re not gonna be ambush, okay!?” Nova snapped back. Her eyes remained glued to the area ahead. Soon, they would be in position to take out any more threats to Equestria.

At this stage in the Pony-Griffon War, the Griffon Kingdom was on its last legs. Their forces were pushed back all the way to their capital city, Gryphus, and Equestrian victory was almost certain. For Nova and her platoon, they were pulled out after a six year tour, and given this last assignment. Equestria could not afford to overlook any suspicious activity, as it could potentially end up being a pivotal point in the war. Equestria would not risk it, not with victory so close at hoof.

A sudden explosion from behind caused Nova and her platoon to skid to a stop. She whirled around, a look of shock in her eyes, to find several of her troops thrown into the air, mangled from the blast. “What!?” she yelled.

Several lit bombs fell from various locations in the tree tops onto her troops, rocking the area with explosions, tearing more of her platoon apart. The cries and yells of the guards drowned out the sounds of night time forest. With half her platoon wiped out, her troops scattered, thrown into chaos from the sudden attack. Some of them were shell shocked, having been near some of the explosions.

Nova’s horn flared to life, drenching the surroundings in orange light. Her eyes widened as a dozen ponies, outfitted in skin tight stealth suits, descending from the tree tops, some of them directly in the path of a panicking guard. They were each equipped with a dagger and rope.

“What!? Ponies!?” Nova couldn’t believe her eyes. Her platoon was ambushed by a group of ponies? A shocking as it was, her military training kicked in. “Regroup and engage!” she barked, ripping her helmet off, followed by the body piece. Her body immediately felt much lighter, having shed the weight of her armor.

Only a hoof-full of her troops managed to regroup with Nova. Daggers were flung through the air, striking some of Nova’s troops in their throats. She couldn’t see any magic involved. Such stunning accuracy... The mare didn’t have time to think on this, and pulled down the guard next to her that would have been skewered through the eye with another dagger. From her position against the loam, she watched another of her platoon fall with his throat cut. The sight set a rage to boil inside her, and she grasped it. The traitors... they would burn for this!

Nova rolled to the right and shot to her hooves, her horn already wreathed in a flaming crimson aura mirrored against her eyes. “Platoon down!”

The remnants of the platoon, only six ponies strong now, dropped like rocks and curled into fetal positions to shield themselves, and not a moment too soon. A half-second later, the spell Nova had cast peaked, and the crimson taint exploded outwards like a wave of wrath. In that instant, the grass turned to ash and the trees burned sweetly. For about 30 feet in every direction, the forest became a funeral pyre for her attackers.

The mysterious attackers shielded their eyes with their forelegs as the inferno engulfed them. Every last one of them was consumed in rage of Nova’s fires, no longer visible behind the veil of flames.

Nova stood there, panting for a long moment. It took a lot out of her to start a firestorm like that. Still, it seems to have done the trick. There were no screams, no movements. Aside from the flame, all was still.

Then, through the veil of smoke, she could see shapes. Pony shapes. Nova widened her eyes in anticipation as the pony shapes emerged from the smoke, revealing the attackers to be unscathed.

Nova was stunned with disbelief. She stared wide eyed as more of their attackers calmly emerged from the smoke. How was this possible? Were their suits enchanted to withstand fire? It was the only viable conclusion Nova could come to.

But why? Fireproof enchantments were very difficult to acquire. To have so many of them would have to mean... sweet Celestia they’d planned for this. They planned on her. They studied her abilities! They knew how she fought! The resources they must have sunk into this, into preparing for her, why?! What was going on?!

        Nova’s remaining troops began to stand, readying themselves to fight back, only for another slew of explosions to tear them all apart. An additional six assailants descended from the tree tops behind Nova. She spun, and realized there were none left. Twenty five of the finest ponies she’d ever fought with... her comrades. Her friends... gone. All gone!

“No... No!” She stomped a hoof into the ground, her rage boiling once more. With that, Nova unleashed a furious scream, her horn flaring to life. “Nooooo!”

The wrath in her heart was mirrored in her horn’s aura, but before her fury could be commanded, a tree branch struck Nova in the back of the head. The lieutenant fell to the ground with a hard thud, and as quickly as the strike came, the entire world went black.

“I see... and that’s everything you can remember? Nothing of your time under the Nightmare’s power?”

Nova sluggishly shook her head, staring down at the bed sheets. She felt like an absolute failure, unworthy to even be in the presence of Princess Celestia.

The princess sighed. “That will make things complicated, but at least you were spared the scars of what transpired. I am truly sorry for the events that led to all this, Miss Ignis. Had I any idea-”

        Nova held up a hoof. “No, Princess, it wasn’t your fault...” she interrupted. “It was mine... I failed to protect my troops, and let myself get captured.” She looked up at Princess Celestia. “I let them down, Princess.” The mare tensed up as she fought back more tears.

        “You are no less to blame than I, Lieutenant... but, I suppose this discussion is pointless in the end. Arguing fault will not change the past. All we can do is look to the future.”

“But, what am I supposed to do? I have nothing anymore... Everypony I ever knew is gone...” The bedridden unicorn averted her gaze again, staring back down at the bedding shamefully.

Perhaps... but that does not mean you are totally without connections to this time. I know a group of ponies that you will have met before, and I believe that at the very least, you can find friends in them.”

Puzzled, Nova looked back up at the princess. “Ponies that I’ve met before?”

“You really do not remember... do you? What your Nightmare did?”

Nova shook her head again, frowning.

The princess’s expression remained neutral. “I see... do you want to know? I warn you, it may be a bit of a shock, and after what you’ve gone through...”

“Might as well...” she answered.

Celestia nodded, and with that, recounted the details as much as she knew, as well as explaining what the Elements of Harmony were, and about their bearers, then for good measure explained about Princess Luna’s return, and the role the elements and their bearers played in it. Having no memory of the past one hundred years, Nova would not have knowledge of the Elements of Harmony’s existence. At best, they would have been myth. When she finished, she waited for Nova’s reaction.

Nova’s mouth hung open, almost touching the bed. It was a lot to take in for her. Celestia’s sister Luna, the Elements of Harmony and their bearers, and the fact that she tried to murder them. Sentiments of disappointment with her self welled up inside her. Possessed by a Nightmare or not, Nova felt awful for that.

“I can understand if it’s a bit of a shock, but that was not you, but the Nightmare. We all know this, and those that were not present do not know your identity. It will prevent you from suffering any... misdirected reprisals. I’ve taken another step towards that by retiring you from active duty until further notice. Your tour of duty ended a hundred years ago, after all.”

Nova took a deep breath through the mouth, and out her nose, releasing small jets of orange flames as she grimaced. That was painful to hear. After a moment, she looked Celestia in the eyes, frowning. “But, what do I do now, then?”

“Instead, I would like you to go to Ponyville. If there are any that would be willing to be your friends, those mares I mentioned are the ones. Perhaps from there, you can find a base in this time, and a purpose; maybe even happiness,” Celestia explained. “On top of that, try to make other friends as well.”

The heavy feelings of guilt lingering, Nova let out a sigh. “Alright, I’ll go to Ponyville,” she reluctantly said.

The regal visage of the sun princess broke into a faint smile. “I’m glad. Perhaps when you find those that your Nightmare wronged have forgiven you, you will begin to forgive yourself.”

The mare shifted around in the bed, nervously. “I hope you’re right...”

Celestia smiled softly. “You’ll understand my trust in you... and them, when I say that one of the six has been my personal student, and practically my adopted daughter since she was a filly.”

The unicorn’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? A student and adopted daughter? Which one?”

Celestia’s smile was distinctly not regal, but honest and amused in a way that would horrify a noble had they seen it. “Oh it’s not official or anything. She tends to be rather low key about her position, and I am as well to prevent the nobility from taking advantage of her. Regardless, you’ll know her. She kind of stands out.”

“Well, alright. Thank you, Princess Celestia,” replied Nova, lowering her head in an attempted bow. From her position on the bed, performing a full bow would be difficult.

The princess nodded in return, then rose to her hooves from her position by the bed. “I’m glad. You may rest here for a few days, and when you are ready, the ticket for a train to ponyville will be ready. My sister took the liberty of shopping for you, so your things will be ready as well. We can’t let you go with nothing can we? Besides... Luna loves to shop, so why not put that to use for another pony?”

“Heh, thanks...” Nova forced a grin, staring at Princess Celestia. She was grateful, truly, but it would take time to mentally recover from all of what has transpired.

“You are welcome Miss Ignis. I wish you luck in Ponyville... and welcome back to Equestria. May this be your chance for a new start.”

A hiss of steam rattled across Nova’s ears as she dismounted the train car at the little station. Slung around a shoulder was a large cloth satchel, containing a bag of money given to her by Princess Celestia, among other basic needs like hygiene products. Nova took several steps away from the train, and stopped, scanning her surroundings.

So, this was Ponyville. It had been only a week since Nova had first awoken and learned everything from Celestia, and in that time she’d at least recovered physically. She gave a quick glance at the train station’s clock. It was six o’clock pm.

From the station she could see the sizable mound of construction occurring several blocks away, and winced. Her doing. She did that. She caused that destruction, and ponies could have been hurt. Even if she was possessed at the time... there was no excuse for that kind of destruction.

Either way, Nova continued on. She walked away from the station to explore the town, deliberately avoiding the construction sights. Nova had studied a map of Ponyville during the week she spent at the castle, so she at least knew where the bearers of the Elements of Harmony lived in town. However, she remained nervous about confronting them. She decided to hold off on that for the time being.

Half an hour passed by uneventfully as her walk through Ponyville continued. She passed buildings, various stands, and ponies. Nova had admit, it was a rather simple town, something she could appreciate. However, she craved for something to drink. Something hard.

It was then that one building in particular caught her attention. The front of the building was simple; two windows and a door with the word “Bucket” above it. The sides of the building also had windows every few feet, and through the windows, a number of tables could be made out inside the building. The paint was a light shade of green that had been slowly fading over the years, though it appeared that the owners were preparing to add a new coat. Just over halfway to the back of the building, a second story rose out of roof.

The building had a pleasant scent drifting from it, or a combination of scents, to be more accurate. The flower beds around it had been neglected, though instead of being dead, they were very much alive with wildflowers and grasses blooming in them.

While most of the buildings in and around Ponyville were made of wood, the ponies that had constructed this building had opted to use stone in the construction. Large wooden pillars had been used as frames, but the majority of the outside appeared to be smooth stone, likely from a nearby quarry.

“This place looks like I could get a drink here,” Nova said to herself. With that, the unicorn meandered over to the entrance. The double doors were wide open, prompting her to step right in. Nova glanced around at the interior of the Bucket, taking it all in to get herself familiarized.

The inside was much like the outside. The floors were smooth stone, and while they looked well worn, they were their natural color. The center aisle was fairly wide, and on either side were four tables. Towards the back were four booths, two on each side, and a bar. Very little had been painted on the inside; whoever owned the building obviously liked natural colors.

A light cream colored mare was slowly drifting down the center, sweeping a wooden stick in front of her.  She had her eyes closed, though she was smiling and humming to herself.  Her ears were cocked towards the bar.

From behind the bar, the sounds of a pony working in the kitchen were idly drifting into the main room.  Many scents were also drifting out, namely that of a cake and something spicy.  Though there was no way of knowing for sure, the scents did not seem to be related.

Nova began a trot down the main aisle towards the bar, the clopping of her hooves ringing loudly in the quiet tavern. All that was on her mind right now was getting a drink, and not having to worry about anything.

The cream colored mare stopped, her ears perking up and rotating backwards.  "Hello?" she asked, turning around slowly.  "A customer?"

Nova slowly maneuvered around the mare and up towards the bar, her hooves clopping against the floor with each step. "Uh huh," she replied flatly to mare’s question. Nova took a seat at one of the bar stools, and levitated her satchel off and onto the floor next to her.

"Ah." She turned to face the bar, a pleasant smile on her face.  "Flavor? Someone at the bar."

"Alright, alright!" came a voice from the back. A purple-maned, green pegasus appeared a moment later, the right side of his face covered in flour.  "Well well well... looking for a drink? Retina won't let me serve anything strong this late in the day, but I make a mean smoothie."

Nova slouched as she let out as sigh. "How come? I could really use something strong right about now," she replied.

Flavor smirked. “Well..."

"We have a deal worked out, Flavor," Retina interrupted, carefully levitating a stick around the counter. She tapped a glass full of water, then levitated the glass to her mouth.

"Fine, fine." The pegasus gave Nova a winked. "What would you like? You don't look like a fruit-smoothie sort of girl."

Nova’s horn illuminated, levitated a sac of bits onto the counter. "Give me your best," she said as the orange aura surrounding the the sac to shake it, filling the room with the sound of jingling coins before plopping it into the counter.

Retina looked towards Flavor, her facial features betraying feelings of disappointment.  Though, her gaze ended up missing, instead targeting a wall behind him.

The pegasus grinned, popping open a bottle labeled Banned after 6:30. He poured three shot-glasses, and the pushed all three across to the newcomer. "Don't suppose you're hungry," he said casually, looking over his shoulder. Black smoke was starting to drift out of the kitchen.

The fire mage managed to smiled a little, levitating the first shot glass towards her. "Thanks. What do you to eat?" asked Nova before downing the first shot.

"Food," the pegasus replied.  "I think the cake is on fire, which means it's just about done... so I'll be right back."

"He makes pretty good hay fries if you're into that sort of thing." Retina smiled at a toaster. "He's got all kinds of sandwiches he can do, and I think there's still some soup left over from lunch."

Nova tilted her head quizzically, raising an eyebrow. "What are Hay fries?" she asked, not at all familiar with the food. She figured they must have been something that came along during her rather... elongated absence. A second shot glass came up to her mouth, which she quickly drank.

"Never had them?" Retina again levitated the stick, this time brushing it against a rather large container that was sitting on a warming tray behind the counter. Carefully, she levitated the entire container over to the table. After testing one of the hay fries, she again gave the toaster a smile. "Feel free to have all you like. He's probably got a new batch in the oven, so these need to go. No charge, of course."

Nova smiled a little again. "Oh, thanks," she said. She levitated several hay fries directly to her mouth, eating them. After swallowing, she perked up, and began to levitate more and more hay friends into her mouth. Nova consumed the hay fries almost like a vacuum cleaner does dirt. In only a matter of moments, the container was empty.

Flavor drifted out of the kitchen a moment later, holding a frying pan with an insulated pot holder. The pegasus looked perplexed, though he had every right to be; the contents of the pan were on fire.  "Uh...Retina?"

"What did you do?" the creme-colored unicorn asked, frowning.

"Don't rightfully know, actually. Not really sure I can salvage this one... heck, I don't know what it was in the first place. It's all burnt." He sat the pan down on the counter before looking to Nova. "Tell me something, stranger; what dark pit did you come from? Never had hay fries before..."  He shook his head.  "That's a shame."

Nova rolled her eyes before downing her last shot. "You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you," the fire mage claimed, sighing. “Look, I’m not in a good mood, alright?”

"He'll believe anything you say as long as you sweet-talk him," Retina joked. "Now, Flavor, where did you put my eyedrops?"

"Uhh, I think, maybe..."  The pegasus ducked under the counter, leaving the contents of the frying pan to continue burning.  "Eyedrops... eyedrops... hot sauce? I thought we were out. Odd... ah!" He sat a clear bottle down on the table. Retina levitated it up, letting a couple drops into each eye.  She blinked several times before setting the bottle down.

"If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine."  Retina smiled at the toaster again.

"She's further to the left," Flavor deadpanned.

"Oh... I'm terribly sorry."  The creme colored unicorn got to her hooves and started towards the door again, levitating a stick in front of her as she went.

The sitting mare simply shrugged. "Meh... All I know is, my life is pretty screwed up right now." Nova's horn nonchalantly flared to life, casting an orange aura around the flames on the pan. the fire quickly extinguished, followed by the magic aura dissipating. "Oh, and you should be more careful with fire. It's dangerous," she explained.

"That wasn't done burning," Flavor said, looking at the pan with a frown. "Oh well. The cake came out okay, and I think the new soup will be good. Those Zebras... man, I tell you, they do some funky stuff, and they do some down right insane stuff, but they know how to cook. Unless, of course, you use the wrong kind of salt, in which case you're probably going to be sick for a while, but it's a risk that's worth taking. I'm not going to be the one eating it." After laughing to himself, the pegasus lifted himself off the ground with his wings and hovered back into the kitchen.

"Uh huh..." Nova half-heartedly replied, not having listened intently.

"You seem to be troubled, dear." Retina knocked over a chair, freezing as soon as she did.  The unicorn spent several seconds righting it up before moving on.  "Had one of those days?"

Nova snorted. "Yeah, you could say that, I guess.”

"Mid-life crisis? Can't honestly say I've had that problem." Retina started towards the bar again, drifting from side to side as she walked. "Life can be hard from time to time, but things always right themselves. We all find our own special talents at least twice in our lives; once when we get our cutie marks, and once when we find out where we really belong."

Glancing behind her shoulder, Nova looked towards Retina. "I don't have a place here anymore," she casually deadpanned. "Oh, and everypony I ever knew and loved is dead."

"Sounds 'bout like an average Monday to me," said Flavor, hovering back in and setting a large pot of soup down on a warming pad. "When you wake up, everything's all fine and dandy, but by the time lunch rolls around, half of Canterlot is on fire and your ice cream has started to melt." The pegasus shook his head, still hovering. "It's a shame, really."

Nova shot a nasty, venomous glare at Flavor. “You think this is some kinda joke or something!? Have you ever lost your entire life, with everypony you ever knew is dead!? she hissed, pointing at the pegasus with a hoof. “And to top it off?” Nova took a deep breath, and exhaled. She knew she could regret telling someone, especially so soon, but she had to let it out.

“A hundred years ago, I led a platoon in the Royal Guard, and got ambushed on a mission, then I disappeared! Last week, you might remember hearing about somepony who attacked Ponyville. Well, that was me! I attacked Ponyville! I was possessed, and was used to attack the innocent...” Nova shut her eyes shamefully, and waited for the inevitable hostile backlash of either hostility or disbelief.

Neither of them ever came.

"No," Flavor replied slowly, shaking his head.  "What you have is a problem that you don't know how to face. It's true; I've never ended up in a situation where I was possessed, or everyone I knew was dead... though there was that one time with the Griffons... cheeky bastards..."

Nova’s eyes opened, staring at Flavor in bewilderment. He wasn’t angry or hostile? Furthermore, he believed her?

The pegasus flew over the counter, coming to a halt several feet in front of the upset unicorn. Still hovering, he crossed his front legs. "You listen, and you listen good, got it? If you want to mope around, that's your call. I'd recommend getting a big meal in your belly, taking the night off, and sleeping till noon tomorrow. It'll help to clear your head."

"As insane as it sounds, he is right," Retina said softly, looking out a window... or at least, she thought she was.  In reality, the creme colored unicorn was staring at a hole in the wall.  "He's an idiot, but he's usually right."

Nova sat in place like a statue, staring down at the counter. “I... I dunno anymore...”

"Oy, cheer up. I'm doing this for your own good."  Flavor lifted her head so she was staring him in the eyes. "The last thing you want now is for Pinkie Pie the Insane to get ahold of you. That pony is dangerous."  Flavor flew back behind the counter. "If she found you like the, she'd destroy Equestria trying to cheer you up."

"She would not destroy Equestria," Retina argued, frowning towards the counter. "Pinkie is a perfectly normal pony, unlike you, who-" The unicorn's words were cut short by a small water balloon exploding at the base of her horn. Retina twitched once, but didn't continue speaking.

"As I was saying," Flavor continued, "there are just things that you have to deal with.  Bottle it up, and boom: you've just put yourself in a hole that a pegasus would have a hard time flying out of."

The distraught mare released a defeated sigh. “I guess you’re right...”

Flavor gave Nova a smile. "You haven't mentioned your name, yet."

Nova perked up. “Name’s Nova Ignis."

"Well, Nova, I dare say that..." He pegasus looked to Retina. "What do I say here?"

Using her stick, Retina made her way to the counter. As soon as she was sitting, she reached out with the stick, found Flavor, and smacked him on the head.  "It's nice to meet you, Nova.  Where were you from, originally?"

Nova turned to look at Retina. "Stalliongrad, born and raised," she answered.

"Really?  I've always wanted to go there. I hear it smells wonderful in the winter time."

"I wasn't that impressed with it," Flavor mumbled.  "Their take on whisky was just awful."

Nova managed smirk, and pointed a hoof towards Flavor. "You're just saying that because you're a light weight," she mocked lightheartedly.

"The hay I am!"  He moved down the counter a ways and reached under, pulled up a bottle, then slid it Nova’s way.  It was intercepted by Retina’s magic, and levitated out of reach before it had even made it halfway.

"No!  You two are not starting in on this stuff. There are still ponies that might want food, and you can't even talk when you start drinking it." The unicorn shook her head.  "Where did you even get Zebra whisky, anyway?”

"Zebra homeland?  It's not like I haven't been there before."  After receiving another sharp smack on the head from Retina's stick, Flavor gave Nova an apologetic look. "She might give it back..."  His gaze drifted to the creme colored unicorn, who was shaking her head.  "Maybe... please?  Oh, come on!  ...please?"

Nova couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene before her. "You're like a married couple!"

"Married my hindquarters!" Flavor yelled.  "Look at her! Seriously! Look. At. Her.  Do you see wings there? No, didn't think so." He stubbornly crossed his hooves. "I would never marry a girl without wings."

Retina grimaced. "Pig."

"I resemble that remark."

"You do... eh?"

"Exactly!"

"Oh, for the love of Luna..." Retina sighed, locating her water with the stick. "The conclusions ponies keep jumping to. Even Twilight got it wrong."

Nova trotted up to Retina and whispered in her ear. "Heh, he totally digs you," she claimed, shooting Flavor a side glance as she spoke quietly.

"Not in the slightest," Retina replied.  "He's a moron, but he's an honest one.  I do feel a little envious of whoever he does marry, but that's only because of his cooking. The stallion knows his way around a kitchen almost as well as his way around a first aid station."

Nova chuckled a little as she returned to her stool. "Anyways, you guys know where a fire mage could be useful around here? I still need to do something."

"Afraid not."  Flavor gave her a smile.  "I'm retired from the Guard-"

"Not that you were in in the first place," Retina interjected, frowning at the pot of soup.

"Retina..."  The pegasus shook his head. "I'm not connected to them anymore, but they're almost always looking for new members.” He turned to Nova. “You may as well head up to Canterlot in a couple of days and talk with the dude running it. Twilight's brother, I think."

Nova perked up a little, then winced. "Eh... I dunno. Princess Celestia has already retired me from duty ‘until further notice.’”

“Talk to him and see if you can get the ‘further notice’ happening sooner than later,” Flavor suggested.

Nova tapped a hoof to her chin, and then smirked lightly. “Hmm, good idea. It definitely wouldn’t hurt to ask. And you said to talk to Twilight’s brother about it?”

“That’s correct,” the blind mare replied.  She started feeling her way towards the front of the restaurant, humming as she did so.

“If all else fails, we could try and talk to the Count.  He-”

“Leave them out of this, Flavor.”  Retina had turned around, and for once, she had her head pointed exactly where Flavor was standing.  “There’s no need to get him involved in this.”

“He WAS pretty busy last time I talked to him...”  Flavor looked to Nova, then winked and reached for a bottle of booze.

Nova gave a curt nod before her eyes locked onto the booze immediately. They shifted towards Flavor, staring him him right in the eyes. She gave Flavor a hopeful look, as if asking silently for more to drink.

After watching Retina for a second, he passed the entire bottle over to her.  The blind mare, seemingly aware that something was going on, frowned.  “I don’t like the silence.”

“I don’t like not having twelve bits,” Flavor replied, winking at Nova.

Nova stopped the bottle with a hoof, smiling at it. Her gaze once again shifted to Flavor, giving the pegasus a quick wink as 12 bits floating out of her money sac towards him.

“Flavor...” The blind mare was heading back towards the front, her face changing to a scowl. “If you start drinking, I’m going to impale you on a water bottle.”

“Tough love?” the pegasus laughed. “Come back around some time, eh?  I haven’t been to Stalliongrad save for a brief stop. I’d like some recipies."

“Implying I actually know any of them,” Nova joked, dismissively waving a hoof. “Nah... I know a thing or two I could probably share.” She got up from her stool, letting her magic levitate the sac of bits back into her satchel. “So, anyways, you guys know the cheapest place to stay? I’m kinda homeless right now.”

“Hard to say. I personally like the roof.”

“You’re an idiot, Flavor.” Retina took a seat next to Nova.  “I don’t actually know of any hotels. I’ve heard that Twilight sometimes lets ponies stay in the library, but I haven’t asked. If you don’t mind helping out a little, I’d be okay with you staying here.  Flavor?”

“...Can we have a drinking contest?”

“No.”

“Doin’ it.”

“No you’re not,” the blind mare threatened, levitating her stick.  “I know where you sleep.”

“Fine...” he groaned. Flavor rolled his eyes, then nodded towards the bottle of booze he’d sold Nova. “She can stay.”

Nova’s eyes widened, her surprised glaze moving back and forth between Flavor and Retina. “Wait, you guys would really do this for me?” she muttered.

“I’m game.” Flavor grinned, looking at the ponies that were drifting in through the door. “Retina, we have customers.”

        Nova’s head drooped, staring at the floor. Her mind was being flooded with thoughts and feelings. The hospitality these two ponies offered her made her smile. “Heh,” she chuckled. “Looks like I owe you guys...”

        Her spirits lifted, and booze scored, tonight had been a good night.

In the Everfree Forest, within a twisted old tree decorated with tribal masks and charms, the zebra who went by Zecora was mixing potions. Nothing extremely fancy, just some medicines for infection and moldcoat. It was raining outside, as if often did in Everfree Forest, and the soft pattering of the water against the trunk of her gnarled home maintained a soothing tempo, and in her mind she meditated on it while she went to work.

It was lonely in the depths of Everfree Forest, what with her only visitors being the mane six every now and then, and dear Apple Bloom, but she cared less about it than others might. Everything had an energy, and her isolation let her meditate on those energies. In the end, she was not really alone at all.

A soft knock on her door disrupted the mare’s thoughts. “Hmm? Who’s hoofbeats do I hear at my door? A stranger? Here? I must know more,” she said aloud in the curious rhyming speech of her homeland, and set her herbs aside. Opening the door revealed a russet unicorn stallion dripping wet and standing as if carrying a great burden, though a cursory glance revealed he only wore a cloak and a satchel. His hooves were caked with mud, and he looked haggard as if from a long journey.

“Why, who is this upon my threshhold? A stallion upon whose ankles mud holds? A unicorn I see tonight. You look cold, care for a bite?”

The stallion nodded silently, and trotted into the room. His horn glowed an emerald green as he levitated the satchel off and set it to the side. “Thank you. I find myself too tired to carry on tonight, what with the rain turning the trail to mud.”

“Come from far, you must have then, to fall so tired before your journey’s end. From where did you come, and where do you go?”

“Where I come from, few know, but I will say I began today from Fillydelphia,” he replied, cleaning the mud off his hooves in respect. “I would ask thy name, but I can’t give my own, so perhaps it is best that we stay unknown?”

Zecora nodded acceptingly at that, and after a long silence in which the stallion took to cleaning his hooves of the mud that caked them, she spoke again.

        “A long way indeed for one to travel. Some task you must have, to pound such gra-”

Zecora’s litting words paused as the stallion finished cleaning his hooves, revealing a quartet of unusual rings hanging there. “Those rings you wear, how did you acquire them? Curiosity demands that I ask or condemn.”

The stallion was quite still for a long moment. “They belonged to one dear to me that I can no longer see. They are all I have of her memory. Please ask no further, miss Zebra sage. It is a painful subject for me.”

Zecora closed her eyes. This stallion held much pain in his heart... like a gaping wound festering with hate... but for whom? She would have asked, had he not asked her to drop the subject. Still, that he wore those rings... he was unusual to say the least.

        “How long will you stay then, strange traveller? Until the ground dries, you would be but a waddler. ”

“I cannot stay too long ma’am, though if it is as you say, I may as well be trapped here until the storm lets up. By your leave?”

“My leave you possess strange ponyfolk, though my call for stories was not a joke. Surely you have some tales to tell, so speak them while here you dwell.”

The stallion sighed. “Very well. It would be rude to stay in someone’s home with nothing to offer. Hmm... well, have you heard of Neighpon?”

As the stallion’s tale wove into shape, with Zecora found herself absently pondering him. He was an enigma; a true conundrum. Perhaps his tales would shed some light on who, and what, he was.