Untitled

Chapters

Albany
Maverick
Chea
Albany
Hurricane
Jorah
Lyra
Pangaré
Maverick
Celestia

Albany

ALBANY

The sun came up. Albany opened her eyes, sleep making them sticky. She struggled to meet the morning light shining in through her curtains, and she strained her eyes as they adjusted. She writhed from under her sheets, her coat greasy from a long nights sleep. She had most certainly needed it. Two days and nights of work will do that to a young mare. She glanced at the clock standing opposite the foot of her bed. It hardly mattered anymore, time had recently become governed only by whether it was day or night, both being as inconsistent as each other during this dark chapter of pony history. The clock stood taller than her. A large thing with a glass panel on the front, showing the complex mechanisms inside, mechanisms which should be whirring and ticking but just stood still, frozen in time. The wood curled and swirled in a venetian style where it grew to meet the head of the clock. The clock face shone beautifully. Albany's grandmother had once said it was lit by magic, the purple glow created by an old friend with incredible ability. Albany knew that wasn't true. Magic couldn't be used for such trivial things, not anymore. Most likely it was sculpted from amethyst, and the light shining off it gave it it's distinct purple shine. You see, magic was scarce these days were scarce. For reasons unknown to Albany, the unicorn populus was decreasing. Or at least unicorns that were able to perform feats of magic. It wasn't so much a problem for Ponyville or any other towns founded on similar belief systems, but especially for the far more advanced cities, Fillydelphia and Canterlot to name a couple, a lack of magic was bringing a lot of hardship. So, no. Albany did not believe her grandmother that said it was magic making the small markings glow. And even if it was, how could it be maintained for such a long period of time? Albany by all means was not a smart pony, but she most certainly was not gullible. A trait she took great pride in.

Albany rose out of her sheets and stretched her arms out, letting a large yawn escape her gaping mouth. She rubbed her eyes delicately a pushed herself off the bed, wiping the saliva off her lips as she did. She trotted over to the window and stared out into the morning. It was very beautiful. Absolute silence, save for the tweeting of birds and the baying of cows. The sun illuminated the entire stretch of land that her, her mother and her siblings now ran. To call it running was pushing it a bit far. The land was only a fraction of what it once was. The poor weather conditions had left growing the neccessary crops to become a bit of a challenge. There was enough coming out the farm to allow what was left of the her family to get by... But only barely. The farmland throughout Albany's life had gone from being a home, to being a business, to being a burden. But she still loved it. There are little lengths she wouldn't go to to protect it from harm.

She heard a voice reach her from downstairs. It was her mother's voice.

"Albany! Dear, I've prepared breakfast! Good mornin'!"

Good morning... It was a way of greeting each other when the day finally came around. A bit of a morbid greeting, in Albany's opinion. Mornings, now, were a thing to be celebrated.

"Albany! Are ya up? Can ya hear me?" Albany's mother called out to her.

"Ah'm comin' ma. Hold yer horses." Albany replied in her strong, southern accent.

She approached the mirror to adjust her appearance for the day. Hmm, she didn't actually look as bad as she would have thought, having just gotten out of bed and a seemingly restless sleep. All considered, she may as well just go downstairs looking as she does. Albany raised her hoof to her mane. Her long blonde hair a distinct characteristic of her being. It echoed a beautiful contrast to her coat, a rich mahogany which darkened as it approached her flank. It was matte and dirty at the moment, but when cleaned it was pristene. It shone like a freshly picked and ripe apple. She stared at her reflection, into her lime green eyes. The same of her coat could not be said about her eyes. They looked tired, and carried heavy bags under them. The colour in her eyes had faded over the years and they wore a sad, deprived and exhausted appearance. She pivoted on her hooves to look at herself from the side. Slim and strong. And then to her flank. Her bare flank. Her blank flank. She was one of the only ponies her age without one, except for one other.

She trotted over to the chair near her bed. On it sat a large, tanned Stetson hat. It had belonged to her grandmother. Her mother wore it when she was still working, and it had since been passed down to Albany. This hat must have been over one-hundred years old, perhaps more. She took the hat in her hoof and with a quick flick of her wrist she threw the hat into the air. It floated down quickly and perched on top of her head, which she soon positioned to fit comfortably.

Albany galloped down the stairs, not wanting to keep her mother waiting any longer. She reached the bottom of the stairs and ran around the corner. Albany let out a comical scream as she was met with her mother, literally inches infront of her. It was too late. The pair of them crashed into one another and went tumbling down the hall. When the pair came to a stop, her mother started laughing.

"Sweet Celestia young filly. Ya need to be careful where y'all are gallavanting around like that, ya could have taken your poor ma's head off!" The older mare exclaimed.

"Ah- Ah'm sorry Ma, Ah didn't want to keep you." Albany stammered as she got to her feet.

"Oh, fiddlesticks, ya take as much time as ya need. It's been a long night, dear. It's entirely understandable that you be needin' a tad more time to adjust yaself. But you're up and at 'em it would seem, so come on through to the kitchen, breakfast is on the table. Anna is already up." Albany helped her mother to her hooves.

"Thank you ma. Ah'm sorry fore bumping into you like that."

Albany's mother waved a hoof and dismissed Albany's second apoloy. As they exited the hall and into the kitchen, the smell of fresh apple sauce and toast reached Albany's nose. Her mouth began to water. Sweet Celestia that smells good. Around the table already was Albany's younger sister. She was still a filly, too young to even be in school. She waved at Albany half heartedly as she took an enormous bite into a thick slice of toast.

"Howdy there sis... Good mornin' to ya."

"Mhmm, mmph mmf." She murmered under a mouthful of toast. Albany giggled at her. She was a sweet filly. She looked just like her mother. She had a golden coat, so bright it was almost white, with thick, flowing red hair. Her eyes were a deep magenta. When she was born, Albany, still a young filly herself, would stare for ages into those eyes. She saw her dearly loved great-aunt in them. She had passed not long after Anna was born into the world. It was illness which took her in the end. She had been kind, and honest, and a great source of inspiration to Albany. Albany had always struggled to achieve her cutie mark. Her great-aunt had taught her that her family had always maintained a difficulty in finding just what to do for their cutie mark. Ponies would get so caught up in running the farm that they hardly ever had time to find their unique and special talent. But, that it would come eventually, if you were persistent. Albany had stopped caring a long time ago whether or not she got her cutie mark. Her great aunt also told her something that she was told by a friend, many years ago when she was just a filly. Not having a cutie mark isn't something to be ashamed of. Infact, you're lucky to not have a cutie mark. It means you have potential. You can do anything you want and there is nothing to tell you that you should be doing something else. The entire world is yours and you have every right to grasp it with both hooves and never, ever let go.

"Oh, Albany, y'all have a letter. Delievered a couple 'a hours ago. Here." Albany's mother picked up a small, square envelope with her mouth. It had a very familiar seal on it. Albany took it in her mouth and tore it open with her hooves. She took the letter over to the table and read it quietly. It was quite long.

Several moments later, Albany put down the letter and sighed. The contents of the letter was certainly not good news. It wasn't quite bad news either, however. Albany thought that was far worse, not knowing which way to look at the letter.

Albany's mother approached her. "What's the matter, dear? Y'all look more glum than a brusied apple."

Albany peered up at her mother. "That's just what Ah feel like right now, it seems, a brusied apple. The letter was from Samuel. He appears to be havin' problems with the farm. Besides his poor grammar, it appears his orchard isn't doing too well either. He's asked if he can borrow some money to keep the orchard afloat until business comes back in."

Albany's Uncle, Sam. Well, he wasn't so much of an Uncle, as a close family friend. He ran a wine orchard in the Northern province of Equestria. It was praised for creating some of the finest wine the world knew. Albany had never tried it herself, she was more accustomed to cider. Nevertheless, it was quite an achievement. Celestia herself used to drink Samuel's wine, so it must be damned impressive. She would buy casts of the stuff for formal events in Canterlot. Business was huge for Samuel and it seemed it would never end. His Orchard grew larger, as did his family. The facilities improved and it was soon one of the most prosperous businesses in Fillydelphia. And then, one year it just stopped. Much like it did on Albany's family farm. Something happened. Because it seemed to affect not just Samuel and his family, but many other family run businesses. It was around that time when the long nights ensued. Nights that would sometimes last 48 hours. Even several days. Days of light would always follow, and last similar lengths of time. But there was no pattern, it was all incredibly random. Of course this meant trouble for anyone growing crops. Plants need light and they weren't getting it. The quality of the ponies product declined. Perhaps that was it. Perhaps the long nights did something to ruin Samuel's grapes and wine. Whatever the root cause, Samuel was facing troubled times. And Albany and her family could feel trouble appraoching them aswell.

"Oh my, how awful. Did he mention how he and Lou were doing?" Lou being his wife.

"No, he was very to the point. He's given me an entire list of sales and also an idea of how much it's going to take the bring the business back up to speed... I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't slept in a few days preparing this letter."

"Well, it's nothing that we can't see to later. Samuel has always been a smart colt. He'll do just fine. He's got friends all over Equestria who would give their cutie mark to help him." Albany's mother proclaimed.

'It's a shame I don't have my own I could offer up to him.' Albany thought before starting on her breakfast.

Albany wolfed down her breakfast and allowed a small burp to escape her mouth. She pardoned herself and trotted towards the door.

"Right, come on y'all, we've got some work to do. It's been a long night, we need to get things straightened up for the day." She opened the door and gave herself a moment to breathe in the cold morning air.

"Actually, Albany." Her mother said. "I want you to take the day off. Or, in a manner of speaking... Take a good 10 hours to yourself."

Albany looked at her mother, and blinked, confused. "I don't understand. We need to get the trees trimmed and the sheep need herding... It's a lot of work Ma, I appreciate it bu-"

"Albany my dear girl. Y'all have worked tirelessly through many nights and many days. We know how much ya care about the farm but you must give yourself some time for recovering. Tell me, when was the last time you went to Ponyville? Met your friend, Mary-Anne? I'd wager it's been a long long while. Macintosh has offered to take care of everything for this part of the day. Go on, have some time to rest. Y'all deserve it." She gave Albany a sweet smile.

Anna perked up and turned her head. "Hey! How come she gets a day off? I want a day off. I want to play!"

Her mother giggled and bonked Anna on the head with a wooden spoon. "You my dear were caught yesterday taking a nap halfway up a tree. Y'all don't work therefore you don't play." She said, jokingly. "Tell ya what, do a good four hours of work today, and y'all can have a nice long break to play with Macintosh."

Anna nodded her head in agreement and let out a small giggle. Albany's mother soon turned.

"Go on Albany. Take the day off, for me."

Albany tipped her hat to her mother and galloped off into the morning. Freedom! Sweet freedom, oh Celestia how she had indeed missed it. I mean, she enjoyed working but she could never pass up the opportunity to experience a bit of time to herself. She let out a long sigh and breathed in the air. She turned to face the barn her family called home. A large red barn, a similar red to her coat. She was sure that if she stoof up against it she'd damn well near blend in. Entirely distinguishable, nowhere on Equestria could be mistaken for it. Guilded white panels and deep red walls. The barn was the beautiful reminder that there was still good in life. This barn shone through all of Equestria and would always let Albany know she had a home and a family and as hard as times are in Equestria now, it would always be here. She tipped her grandmothers hat to the barn, as she did every morning, a gesture that subtlely said, 'See you soon.' She began trotting down the dirt road leading from the farm.

Albany slowed her pace as she reached the exit to the farm. Adjacent from that gate was another path, curved and clear which led uphill. It wasn't very steep but it stretched back a long way. The grass was freshly cut and had patches of daisys growing out of the ground. Albany let out a small sigh and turned to go up the hill. On this hill, all her ancestors lay. All passed. Each had their own stone to call their final resting place. There were so many. They had been collecting since many hundreds of years ago. The stones closest to the gates were of the oldest. Names she didn't recogise. Old Uncle Smith, Annie Elizabeth, Reinette Smith... She bowed to each grave as she passed, muttering under her breathe the name of each tombstone she read from. Autumn Gold, Ashmead, Arthur Turner... The names became more familiar. Her grandmother had shown her many pictures of them from past family reunions. Granny Smith. She had never known her but her grandmother spoke of her fondly and showed her many pictures. She would have been Albany's Great Great Grandmother. Albany removed her hat for the next four names. These names meant the most to her. Ponies she had lived with, and loved deeply. Ponies she missed with all her heart. Her father, Alfriston Smith. Or Alfie. A flurry of emoton swept over Albany. Her dear father. She missed him more than she cared to think. A tear left her eye and ran down her cheek, which she wiped with her hat. Her father was responsible for the strength that Albany had. She inspired him in more ways than one though. He taught her everything she knows now about maintaining the farm. About caring for her family. About loving others. She held her grandmothers hat to her chest and bowed her head. Taking a moment to reflect and remember... and appreciate. Just before her fathers stone were three other names. Big Macintosh, one of her great uncles. Described as a stallion of few words. The strongest pony in Equestria, they called him. He had stamina which could match that of a dragons, some said. A true legend, especially in Ponyville. He taught Albany about dedication. Persisting at something and never stopping until you become satisfied in yourself. And even after that, you strive to do better. Not just for yourself, but for the ponies closest to you. The next name, AppleBloom. Her sweet great aunt. She was kind beyond any pony could imagine. She was a mare by the time she achieved her cutie mark. One of the latest recorded in all of Equestria. Until Albany came along, of course. But she always persisted, always maintained a level of hope. And she showed Albany that it will always pay off to strive for something. The next name, upon glancing at it, made Albany shed more tears. The pony she cared for most. Her Grandmother, AppleJack. The pony who taught Albany courage. The pony who gave Albany reassurance and hope when her father passed away... when her son passed away. She always wore a smile and was honest as any pony Albany had ever met. What was most impressive, above all else about Albany's grandmother was her abilty to harness one of the six elements. It was her claim as a far superior pony to most others. Ponies had stopped counting the number of times her and her allies protected Equestria from evil using these elements. She is even included in many history books. Albany didn't know much about the elements. Whenever she asked her Grandmother about them, she would simply always reply, "The elements riside in all ponies." There were six elements in total. Magic, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. They were for many thousands of years kept under the protection of Princess Celestia, and used as a weapon. Some say Celestia could wield them all at the same time. Albany didn't even know if they were allegorical or actual physical objects. She had always imagined a bit of both. Her Grandmother though, much more than that, was a pride and absolute joy to everyone who knew her. Albany stopped shedding tears and smiled. She would never achieve as much as her dear Grandmother, but she was content with that. She left her more than enough.

She pivoted and took a few steps back out the place of rememberence. She stopped in her tracks and bowed her head once more. She swore softly under her breath as another tear trickled down her cheek. Death becomes no easier to deal with. Equestria is a safe haven for many creatures. But eventually everyone has to go, it's something everyone must share. The tear left Albany's red cheek, and a second later hit the ground forming a wet patch in the dust. Albany looked closely at it. It was a strange coincidence that it was shaped like a heart. With a smile, she lifted her head confidently and trotted out the gate, and towards Ponyville. The entire time unaware she was being watched.

Maverick

MAVERICK

"Princess," Maverick said delicately in the direction of the clearly exhausted alicorn pony. "The court awaits your presence."

Maverick shifted in his royal attire. He never liked the feel of silk. If it wasn't for making appearances, he would have settled quite happily with tanned leather. Silk felt too light and feathery. Almost as though he was naked. As Captain of The Royal Guard being naked was never a comforting thought. His duties as the Captain meant he must be ready for spontaneous combat at any time, rain or shine, night or day, warmth or cold... dragon or chicken. To think that his life may be ended any moment and that he would lie where he fell dressed as though his bloody mother had laid out his clothes for the day was always his biggest fear. A fear he could brush off quite easily however, nothing like that could happen from within the royal throne room of Canterlot Castle. It's stone walls were constantly guarded by ponies of the Royal Guard, with regular patrols and scouts surveying every inch of the building at Maverick's command. And it was only here he had to wear this monsterous outfit. Still, he always kept his sword, he could not afford to put the Princess's safety at risk. The throne had been rotated so it faced away from Maverick. From the other side came heavy panting, followed by the occasional audible sip of a drink.

"I will be out shortly, Maverick. Thank you." The Princess replied eventually.

"I will take my leave your grace." Maverick turned to leave, utterly dreading having to face the ponies on the other side of that door. Sometimes he wondered if he might prefer there to be a war raging. A foolish thought from a colt as young as he. But it was during the Changeling revolts where he finally found his voice and his respect. War had always held a profound place in Mavericks mind. Just as Maverick reached the large arching door, the Princess spoke.

"Maverick." The Princess whispered, barely managing to say his name. She was so weak. Maverick felt a great deal of sadness at the thought that he could not help her. Although he knew, and all of the governing factions of Equestria knew exactly what would solve her burden, it was too late for that now. She said his name again, "Maverick, how many times must I insist... I can't stand the term 'your grace.' It is far too formal. You are a friend, we will treat each other as such."

Maverick smiled to himself. He never tired of hearing that the Princess considered him a friend above a colleauge and a Captain. It made their relationship that much stronger, a trust that went deep and a bond that united the two in friendship. "Very well... your royal highness." He ducked out the way as a pillow billowing with a magical aura shot towards him from direction of the throne. He heard the Princesses gentle and soothing chuckle echo through the hall, and Maverick laughed too. A comforting sound.

"Take as much time as you need, Luna."

*****

Maverick slid through the large doors and shut them gently behind him, trying his best not to startle the young Princess in any way. A voice crept up on him from behind.

"How is she, Maverick?" It was Jorah, Lieutenant of the Royal Guard. A tall, stocky earth-pony with brown fur and narrow red eyes. He wore a full suit of royal Canterlot armour which gave off a radient blue sheen in the natural light entering from the nearby window. Maverick saw his reflection in the chestplate of Jorah's armour. He looked sullen and weary. Maverick himself was an earth-pony, which had it's limitations, of course, especially when escorting the Princess. A short, slim white coated pony with a thick black mane and large blue eyes. He was never praised for his looks, but he had an intellect that would keep Celestia on her hind legs, that much was for sure. Although very smart, Maverick never passed any formal exam, infact he never took a single. As a result of this, he barely managed to maintain a job in the military initially. He started off his career as a mere transport-pony. His impressive attitude and thought provoking suggestions during the Changeling Revolts gave him the edge he needed to begin moving his way up the ranks until several years later he was Lieutenant for Captain Shining Armour himself, alongside Jorah. They became strong allies and firm friends over the years, Shining Armour slowly and progressively taught Maverick the complexities and duties of Captaincy to prepare him for the next chain of command at his passing, much to Jorah's disappointment. A written note by Shining Armour, in the event of his death, proclaimed Maverick to take the place of Captain. This was of course an unorthadox method of appointing a new Captain, and a vote was taken from within the court, all the same, between Maverick and Jorah. Maverick won, just barely.

Jorah was clearly disheartened. He was older than Maverick and possibly saw his defeat as being an overall failure to himself and his future prospects. But Jorah persisted with his duties, never allowing to get what little jealousy he had against Maverick get in the way. He was loyal and worthy of everyponies trust.

"Maverick?" Jorah questioned. Maverick blinked and looked back up to Jorah from his chestplate. They stared at each other for a while, Jorah looked a little worried, "Maverick? The Princess. Will she be attending the meeting?"

Maverick finally replied. "I didnt get a direct answer. Lun- The Princess always turns up to these congregations though." Maverick held a hoof to his forehead and sighed deeply. "Would they miss her Jorah? For one hearing couldn't they just give her some time? Some rest? Our only Princess is exhausted and I'm not sure how much strength she has left in her."

"If I had it my way, no. But the laws are clear. A defined monarch must attend all royal hearings for matters of legitimacy," Jorah proclaimed. He suggested a nod and turned to walk towards the court doors. Maverick knew he was right. The Princess had to sign each legal document before her peers if new laws, regulations and decisions were to come into effect.

Maverick was a hard worker and rarely spent time with his family. Sure he could go out some nights into the city and let off some steam with a few close friends but it was hardly in the spirit of freedom. Maverick reflected on Equestria. Truth be told, the whole country was far worse than any other pony thought. Maverick, Jorah and Luna knew that better than all others. The most worrying thing of all was coming to terms with the fact that they may never see Equestria as it was again...

*****

Maverick had been seated at the hand of the Princess for about twenty minutes. The room shook with conversation from nobles from all corners of Equestria. Many provinces of Equestria had given up sending their highborns to attend to matters such as this. It was mostly for show, a chance to show everypony that the kingdom is still functioning and still united. Now more than ever, Maverick thought, we must utilise exactly why we all meet here.

The courtroom was impossiby tall. So tall infact it appeared to tower up and up and up, beyond any mere mortal's view. It was of course, simply an illusion. A luminescent glow filled the room from that same same ceiling and covered the ponies below in a gentle blue light. Tall marble pillars held the whole structure up, each one showered in vines and impossibly red roses. Petals would often fall from the pillars and disintergrate as soon as it hit the ground in a haunting green glow. There were three levels to the building, the lower terrace, the middle terrace and the higher terrace. The lower terrace was uninhabited, say for a squad of royal guardsmen. The middle terrace was home to the politicians and the leaders. It seemed respectful to meet these ponies at eye level when adressing them, building on a mutual respect. No hierarchy. And the higher terrace, held the highborns. 'The snobs', Maverick thought. The room was decorated with flowers and tapestries, each one telling a story of triumph over evil from many years ago.

Maverick glanced around the room. On the far side of the court sat the recently widowed Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire, Shining Armours beloved wife. She was chatting with an elderly gentlepony, laughing and smiling as they engaged in conversation. Cadence still looked as young as she did in the wedding photos displayed in the castle library. She was beautiful beyond words, but Maverick felt strong and difficult sensations of loss whenever he looked at her. How selfish, Maverick thought, of course I lost a Captain and a friend, it hurts but... she lost a husband and a lover. Maverick had only spoken to her a few times, always at formal events so there was never a chance to properly get to know her. Shining Armour's younger sister, Twilight, spoke very fondly of her though. Maverick was trying to recall exacty what she was to her... An old nanny or something along those lines. Maverick had heard the tales of how Twilight and her dragon had stopped Prince Sombra from taking the Crystal Empire with the combined help of Cadence and Shining Armour. The stories tell of how the enormous dragon soared into the sky and with his green fire melted the crown of Prince Sombra as it rested on his head. An amusing tale, but utterly embelished.

He looked around some more. He saw Paul, an old friend and a close aquaintence. Paul was a Pegasus who made his fortune in the Rainbow Industry in Cloudsdale. Maverick never showed to much of an interest in exactly what it was that he did, although Paul had tried explaining it. The chemistry and biology behind the whole thing was far to overwhealming for Maverick to handle on the best of days. As long as Paul kept the Rainbow Factory running, it took pressure off of Luna. Paul was a pony worth keeping a hold of. Also a very fun drinking partner. Maverick smirked.

He looked up into the rafters. He saw the unimportant ponies. Nobles and Ladies born into wealth who only show up to tell brazen tales about how they were invited to the royal court to discuss politics and blah blah blah. Maverick groaned. He resented them being here. They just cheer, chat and drink wine. If they're going to have no input to the running of the kingdom, they have no place here. But alas, they're here because they pump good money into the economy, something we all need right now.

Maverick saw many more familiar faces. Shooting Star and Soundwave, two defined members of the Wonderbolts. The Wonderbolts had always fascinated Maverick. He adored their aerobatic displays and would always go to a show if possible, espeicially when he was younger. Star and Soundwave still kept up the entertaining flight patterns, although the Wonderbolts now consisted of over two-hundred members. It was now utilised as a fighting deterrent/force now as well as a form of entertainment. The Wonderbolts would be used strategically in a time of war. Most of the time it consisted of Soundwave leading a squad of fliers to cover certain areas of land in storm clouds, disorientating and scattering the enemy before the Royal Army even had to raise their lancets. They were most certainly useful, and no less impressive than they were when led by the legend herself.

"All rise." A council member said loudly. The room went silent and showed their respect as Luna trudged into the room. Her once flowing mane was tatty and split, and hung past her head. The stars that once shone in it have left and now it resembles a black rag. She hung her head, clearly struggling to think let alone run a counsil meeting. Maverick was concerned. Every year she got worse, it had to end soon. He feared losing the Princess to exhaustion or worse... Luna dropped herself into her cushioned seat and took a few audible, deep breathes.

"I..." The Princess began. "I would have Maverick speak for me."

Maverick nodded. This had become the normal thing. Maverick understood tha-

"No." A voice came aloud from one of the upper balconies. The court turned simultaneously to look at a yellow coated unicorn. She stood and rested her forearms over the edge of the bannister. She was clearly just a noblewoman, not someone who earned her place on the council. She wore expensive clothes and large diamonds adorned her head. Her husband, or at least Maverick presumed he was her husband, looked just as shocked at the rest of the court for her sudden interruption. She began to speak once she was sure she had everyone's attention. "No, I believe you should speak Princess. With all due respect it is you that claims to be ruling this kingdom, so I find it insulting that you would have someone else speak on your behalf."

Audible gasps emerged throughout the audience and gentle chatter soon ensued. Soundwave rustled his wings as he glared at the mystery pony. Maverick was fuming. She has no right to say this. She is utterly clueless about what is happening. Maverick cleanched his jaw, fighting back from barking a command at her to be quiet. She continued to speak. "We place our trust in you, Princess. It encourages us to hear the words come from your mouth and not from one of your Subjects." Subject? Maverick swore under his breath as the court began murmering amongst themselves once more. Maverick opened his mouth to speak but she had more to say. "The day our monarchy begins placing all the responsibiliy in the people who achieve their place, not through bloodline, but through talents and skill is the day that we should eliminate a monarchy and establish a parliamentary government. Is that what we all desire? Is that what you want? Because we may soon find that's it's going to be a reality, and I for one am beginning to welcome the idea."

How utterly irrelevant. The lot of it. Maverick didn't quite know how to respond. He stood to address the court. "Firstly, I graciously accept Princess Luna's request that I speak on her behalf. Secondly, my lady, I suggest you watch what you say." Maverick saw her husband nod. "You seemed to forget in that brief rant that you are addressing the only Princess that Canterlot currently has. Although I admire your dexterity to speak before a court and bring up a matter such as this, it is not needed at this time in Equestria. We are all governed not just by a Monarch but a group of counsil members, each experienced in what they do, each appointed by the Princess herself. Through mutual appointments and hearings, like the one we find ourselves in now, we can ensure that each member shows support towards the others and shares ideas about the kingdom which will be beneficial and profitable. Now, my lady, this is not an invitation to a debate. If you wish to discuss this furthur, find me after the meeting. For now, we must discuss more important matters." Maverick wasn't going to meet her afterwards, Celestia forbid.

Maverick allowed the sour-faced noblewoman to take her seat before continuing. "Now... the first matter to attend to..."

Maverick was soon lost to the business at hand. The meeting didn't drag out for too long. Only the important issues were raised. Wonderbolt funding, Agricultral Profits, Ponyville renovations and demolitions... Maverick knew none of these issues would reach a conclusion today, but it was a time to discuss and come to preliminary agreements, and if that was what was holding Equestria together... then so be it.

When the list of matters was dealt with Maverick signed the paper. He then handed it to Princess Luna and allowed her to sign it. 'Damn, her exhaustion even shows in her signiture,' Thought Maverick as he watched Luna barely manage to hold the pen in her dry mouth. Maverick stood once more and said loudly, "Are there any other matters to attend to? Anything anypony would like to bring up." Most of the ponies shook their head and remained silent. "Anypony at all. Anything at all. Speak now." Silence. Maverick shrugged and began to dismiss the court when a loud confident voice came from the entrance. The pony figure was silhoutted and unidentifiable. A long shadow entered the lower terrace where her hooves met the ground. All Maverick could see was that she was a pegasus. "I have something to say." Her voice was harsh, almost tom-boyish and had a slight rasp. "If it pleases the court." She spoke with vigour and assertiveness.

"Proceed young pegasus," a slightly surprised Maverick held out his hoof as a gesture for the mare to continue. She flew up at lightning pace to be at eye level with Maverick. As she did, the royal guards held up their spears and pointed them towards the confident pegasus.

"My question to you, Captain." She added emphasis to the 'captain'. She was clearly not afriad or shaken by the fact a Princess sat merely meters away from her with her guard ready to attack should she put a single hoof out of place. "What's the deal with these days and nights?" The court was a mixed bag. Some seemed to find it strange someone would ask such an obvious question, other nodded and murmered amongst themselves.

Maverick responded. "Go to Ponyville, search your local library. I'm sure you'll be able to find something there." Maverick didn't like to feel like he was patronising the poor girl but he really didn't want to be here all day.

"No, Captain. That answer will not suffice. We all need an honest answer now. Ponies all over the kingdom have been affected by this. We're not getting the answers we need. And..." She turned to the Princess who looking ashamed, "We need guidance." She said that last bit with almost an element of sorrow. Almost as though it were a plea for help.

Chea

CHEA

Chea drove her knife deep into the dark wood of the tree. She was sat on a small mound of mossy earth which dirtied her dark fur. Her eyes were red and puffy, swollen from hardly blinking. The fur on her cheeks was sticky and damp from her past crying fit. Again and again she positioned her dagger and with a sickening blow planted it into the old oak. The point of impact was splayed out and leaking sap, like blood. The Everfree forest was beautifully secluded, the perfect place for Chea to spend most of her day. Time to think and contemplate.

Chea planted her knife into the tree and loosened her grip on the hilt, allowing her hoof to droop down by her side. She lifted her chin and placed her hooves over her eyes. What was she doing here? Full of angst and anger. What at, exactly? Her parents? Hard to be angry at someone you never knew. The current state of Equestria? It was of no concern of Chea's. The nights were longer, that was a blessing. And during the long days she would return to the everfree forest to escape to blinding sunshine and the hospitality of those she knew.

Her dagger stowed away safely, Chea set off into the forest. She heard a fierce, high pitched roar from quite some distance away. That was fine. Chea had a way with animals which not many other ponies shared. She felt she could communicate with them, on a much more primitive level. They understood her and she understood them, through body language and expression of character. They showed trust in her, whether they be great or small. A trust very much misplaced. Chea wallked alongside a stream, flowing quiety in the same direction she was walking. She peered into the water, and saw flashes of brightly coloured fish shoot by, paying her no attention. She dipped her hoof into the water's edge. It was cold but soothing, she felt the quick nimble fish zip past her hoof, some nipping at it in their confusion. Chea stared down at her reflection in the water. A tall, skinny pegasus, a coat as black as night with a snow white mane. Her large expressive pink eyes simply radiated out of her skull, putting forth an offputting and hypnotic stare.

There was some truth to it when people described her eyes as hypnotic. She found with the right level of intensity and vigour, a simple stare could drive somepony or something to carry out bizarre and uncontrolled acts of compulsion. Normally it was utterly harmless. She remembered a time where she accidently sent Albany into a trance and she ended up painting the apples in her orchard blue and carved a star into each one. An inconvenience, yes, but Chea with the help of Twilight soon managed to bring her back down to earth. An even more unbelieveable result of her hyposis talents was when she accidently sent Cake Jr, the previous owner of Sugarcube Corner, into a long winded trance. During this time, he wrote a novel named Several Trots Out Of Equestria, and adventure epic which went on to sell thousands and thousands of copies. So you see, Chea wasn't all that bad. Unless she din't like you.

Chea had quite the temper and was quick to become aggressive and violent, swinging in and out of periods of sorrow and periods of mania. There was a medical term for it which Miss. Sparkle had told her once, but Chea could never remember it, she didn't like to listen to others when they were trying to interpret and determine her actions and behaviours. She was very particular on what she liked to hear about herself. She certainly wasn't in denial of her character, she just prefered to not worry about it. Maybe that was the same thing.

During these periods of Mania, she would be very quick to anger. An old classmate of hers from her time as a student got in contact with her two Summers ago, which nowadays would be closer to 4 years ago. She was an upstanding, classy, fancy schmancy Canterlot lady with a rich husband and not a care in the world. Chea didn't know what that mule was expecting when they met, but it certainly wasn't Chea. The pony proceeded to insult her, call her common, dirty... even peasant at one point. She criticised her looks, her friends, her food... Even Chea's cutie mark, a large eye with rays of light pertruding from the pupils. Chea struggled to contain herself. She gave her the stare.

Now granted, the poor mare was simply speaking out of habit. She was a pony of culture and refined tastes. The fact that she had even showed up to pay Chea a visit was enough to suggest that she was a fairly kind hearted pony.

Next Chea heard from her was when news reached Ponyville of a Canterlot lady found half-dead in the middle of the Badlands, a desolate and lifeless place where water and food is scarce. Her fur was tattered and her hoofs were ground down at least an inch from what they usually were. She must have walked over 160 miles to get to where she did, no food or water. The same clothes she wore the afternoon when Chea gave her the stare. Chea never heard from her again. A successful reunion, Chea always thought.

But that was what she always thought. It was always so pathetic and pointless, so lifeless and meaningless. Everything.

*****

Chea emerged from the forest more worse for wear. Her coat was ruffled and matted, her mane littered with small twigs and sticky plants. She felt something crawl between her wing joints and she gave an exaggerated shiver as she felt it crawl over her more sensitive areas, followed by the distinct buzzing of something flying off. She looked back to the small critter. A dunefly. Quite rare in these parts of the world. They appear only where temperatures are comfortable enough for them to survive. It didn't surprise Chea with the constantly changing climate that the appearance and dissapearance of certain animals was inevitable. Duneflies weren't exactly the most pleasant of creatures. They were normally gentle but contained an extremely volatile poison. Ponies say if you squash one, the poison could crawl up your hoof, seep through your fur, into your skin, into your blood and then into your heart, resulting in a slow and agonising death. A post mortem act of revenge, in many ways. Others say that if you kill one, another dunfly will exact it's revenge as you slept. It didn't have very sharp teeth so it would work away at your neck for hours as you sleep, until eventually breaking the skin and injecting the poison into your system. An infamous critter, needless to say. But these were just rumours. As reliable as the myth that if you squash a money spider you will lose all your money.

Chea picked some of the foliage off her coat and began the journey home. She could see her grandmother's cottage from here. Her dear grandmother. She had passed away about a year ago, which was utterly devastating on Chea. Chea never knew her parents. She was left at an orphanage long before she could form memories so her only known carer was the one she refered to as grandmother. She was an extremely sweet soul. Caring and kind, very quiet and soft spoken, with the most relaxing and optimistic eyes. Not at all like Chea. Chea had never known her grandmother to be agressive or violent, she never raised her voice for as long as Chea had lived with her.

Fluttershy.

Even thinking her name made Chea's lip quiver in the early stages of a pathetic sob.

She missed her dreadfully.

She was all she had.

The only one she loved or could ever love.

Gone.

With all the animals.

Albany

ALBANY

Albany trudged into town. Her spirits lifted as she observed the old sights. Sugarcube corner. The library. The towering statues. The fountain. The town hall. The spiral tower. The large purple hot air balloon tethered to a nearby pole. This was Ponyville. Certainly not in all it's glory but it was Ponyville all the same. The place where Albany formed her firmest friendships.

Albany soon found herself conflicted. Where to go first? Albany, was alone, she had no idea where she might find something fun to do. Perhaps she would go for a cider, that would freshen her mind, give her some ideas may-

"ALLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" A high pitched, screeching voice beckoned from behind. Before Albany had the chance to think, she was tackled. Hard. She fell roughly to the ground with an audible thud and her mystery assailant grappled with her for a while, causing Albany's hat to fall from her head and land neatly on the ground. Rolling around on the floor, Albany could finally get a good look at her attacker. Lyra. That stupid, good for nothing... Albany was grasping her chest, gasping for air, clutching onto a life that felt like it would slip away in an instant... The combination of the scream and the tackle had taken it's toll of Albany's senses, scaring her half to death. As she looked up at her assailant's menacing, chaotic and calculating eyes, she could only think one thing. Kick her bucking flank.

Under Lyra, Albany tucked in her hind legs, placed them strategically underneath the pony's stomach and gave a powerful push. Lyra squealed, clearly surprised from the sudden turn of events as she flew into the air. Her forelegs flailed in surprise from the attack and her body writhed, trying to turn so she wouldn't land on her head. Too late. Whack. Down she went, head first, with a thud, followed by a long, whining groan. She stood on her head for a second before falling forwards and onto her back.

Albany gasped as she got to her feet, she quickly grabbed her hat and shoved it back onto her head. Lyra peered over her stomach, fore legs extended in the air. She let out a quiet, "ow." Albany then proceeded to pounce on Lyra, pinning her down with her forelegs folded across her chest, her hind legs supporting the majority of her weight.

"Ah, Allie! You just keep getting heavier and heavier you bloated, old- GAH!" Her sentance was cut short as Albany relaxed her hind legs, allowing her entire body to fall onto Lyra. "Oh, sweet Celestia! Have mercy, have mercy!" Lyra tapped the ground in a desperate attempt to end the wrestling match.

Albany grinned and nonchalantly examined her hooves. "Ah, but Lyra my dear. You see Ah'm very tired from the walk over here and your pudgey frontier has proven to be a very comfortable pillow. Ah might just stay here all afternoon, if that's okay with you."

"It's not!"

"It is? Well, that's just dandy."

"I will kill your family and eat your livestock."

"Tut tut. Now now Mr. Wolf, that's no way to speak to your captor. Actually, captor sounds a bit, oh Ah don't know, insensitive on your part. Ah would much rather you refered to me as your queen. Yes, Queen Allie, Ah like that. " She extended the hoof she had been inspecting over Lyra's head. Lyra had a concerned look on her face. "Now, subject. Kiss my hoof."

"What?!"

"Oh, you heard me, sugarcube."

"I will do no such thing, you beastly mare."

"I guess I'll just get comfy then." Albany curled up slightly, moving her knee into Lyra's side and pushing down just enough to hurt her slightly.

"AH! I yield, I yield!" Lyra cried in a half plea, half laugh.

Albany gave Lyra a very serious look. "Kiss it."

Lyra glared up at Albany, her left eye twitching in anger, her mouth quivering in a terrifying frown. Albany simply smiled down at her. Slowly, Lyra's frown began contorting upwards, the early stages of a smile she could hold back no longer. Then a slight wimper. Before too long, both ponies were laughing hysterically. Both out of amusement from their recent scrap and out of happiness at finally seeing each other after so long. Lyra extended her forearms, givng Albany a tight and unforgiving clamp of a hug. Albany returned the gesture, nuzzling Lyra's neck. As the embrace broke, Albany rolled off Lyra. Both ponies stood, face to face, their smiles unwavering, their happiness maintained.

Niether quite knew what to say in that moment. All they could think to do was engage in another long embrace.

*****

Lyra and Albany had converged in Sugarcube corner and were chatting merrily over a cold, refreshing cider beverage. Lyra had been Albany's closest friend from as far back as she can remember. They had first met through their mothers, who were also close friends. Albany couldn't remember a time she didn't know Lyra. She was the same height as Albany and a similar slender build. A unicorn. She had a very distinct mint green coat which always helped her stand out in a crowd. People often said how wonderful the contrast of colour was between the two of them when they were playing together. Her mane was a slightly darker green, with a clear white streak pertruding down the middle of it. Her mane was unkempt and shaggy, but it suited her quite well in a somewhat tomboy style. Lyra did not have much magical ability. She could levitate objects, easy enough, but beyond that she was not particularly skilled. Lyra, like Albany was without a cutiemark. She and her had formed a group when they were fillies. The idea was given to Albany by her loving Aunt Applebloom. The name of the club was kept the same in honor and respect of it's founder, The Cutiemark Crusaders. When Lyra and Albany were fillies, the club had almost thirty members, ponies of all ages and backgrounds. When the club was young and small, Lyra, Albany and the others would converge in the old treehouse on Sweet Apple Acres. When ranks began growing, the mayor allowed them to use the town hall. It was a strange experience for two fillies as young as they were guiding others onto their destiny. That's what a cutiemark was, a destiny. Not just a mark, or a way of identifying a specific talent. It told your future, right then and there, for the entire world to see should they choose to look. It was a part of you, shining out your personal traits through bright colours and patterns. As the pair got older, their ranks thinned. More and more ponies achieving their cutiemarks, leaving the club to persue their lives. After a year, the club was reduced to the two original founders. The only two whom had not achieved their cutiemark. By the time the two were young mares the club simply became forgotten amidst the chaotic changes happening throughout Equestria.

Lyra took a large gulp out of her third cider. "Sweet Celestia, that was just what I needed. You know they're got me of box loading duty now? How bizarre right? I mean, come on. Get someone with some level of magical ability to do it? Perhaps then that box of expensive dining plates wouldn't have been smashed to smithereens. So that's why I'm out and about, they told me to go home. Hah! The fools thought I dropped it because I was feeling under the weather. Oh man, I tell you, someponies are stupid."

Albany smiled and chuckled as the story progressed. Lyra liked to talk and, to some extent, Albany liked to listen. Her best friend had a certain charm to her. The kind of mare you could really grow to like no matter how sour you were. Lyra was sweet and caring with a wicked sense of humour. Her and Albany would prank the other residents of Ponyville to no end. The salt in the tea was always a personal favourite of Albany's but Lyra had a soft spot for a good old fashioned scare.

"How in Equestria did you manage to drop a box of plates? Surely-" Albany paused to take a sip from her glass. "Surely it can't be that heavy."

"Well... no" Lyra looked toher left. Then to her right. Her ears rotated like radar, trying to pick up any clues as to whether there was someone listening. "I got a litle distracted. You know Douglas? The cute colt at the manedressers?"

"Ah absolutely do." Albany wouldn't trust him with a pair of scissors around her mane anyday soon. "You think he's cute?" Albany turned up her nose. She was never particularly fussed on the appearance or looks of others. She likes to judge people based on their character, their work ethic and their loyalty.

"Oh absolutely one hundred per cent yes. His eyes are just..." Lyra let out a small, childish squeal. That's what Albany loved about Lyra, they were polar opposites. Lyra was all about having fun and letting loose. She would do odd jobs around the town to maintain a living but most of the time she spent her hours running, drinking and socialising. Albany on the other hand was hard working, focussed and... dare she think it, a little lonely. Sure she had her family around, but it was a different experience altogether having an army of good friends, Albany was sure.

"You do know he's not exactly a... mare pony."

"How do you figure?" Lyra inquired.

"He's a MANEdresser, Lyra."

"A noble career choice."

Albany giggled quietly. "Have you ever seen him... look at other mares?"

"Well I certainly hope he's looking at me when he's cutting my hair." Lyra suddenly gasped. "Actually, that explains why my hair looks like an aligator had a seizure in it."

Albany laughed briefly. "Ah have no idea how much more clear Ah can make it without blurtin' it out."

"What, that he's gay? I knew that, but I'll be damned if I can't convert that stallion of a pony!"

Albany couldn't help but let cider spill out of her mouth as she burst into laughter. An unexpected fit of laughter ensued between the two, turning some heads on the neaby tables. Some other ponies even began laughing as a natural reaction.

This was the relationship these two shared. Full of laughter and trust.

When the laughter subsided, there was a moment of silence as the two mares eagerly sipped at their drinks. Lyra broke the silence. "So how are things on the farm? It's been far to long since I've popped round for a visit, do you still have those adorable pigs?"

Albany shrugged. "Ah can't complain. We're gettin' by." Albany took another sip.

Lyra raised her eyebrows and leant her head forwards, as if to say 'and'? Albany seemed to understand her gesture.

"That's all I can really say, Lyra."

"All you can say, or all you want to say?" Lyra interrogated.

"Hmm, never really thought about it like that." Albany contemplated. "Yes, Ah guess. That is, all Ah want to say."

"Oh Allie, you know you can tell me anything." Lyra extended her hoof across the table. Albany looked at it for a brief period and then placed her hoof on top of hers, squeezing gently.

Albany soon found the words. "We might not have a farm for much longer Lyra. These long nights have taken their toll on our crops. We can sustain them for now, just about, but it won't be long until they begin to wither away. The long days don't exactly help us either. The sun can beat down for days on our wheat, causin' it to become dry and just die. It's been utterly stressful. It's mostly the reason Ah havn't been into Ponyville much at all, 'cept to buy a few niks and naks. When an Apple family member's business is in crisis, we know we can always turn to friends and family to provide financial support. But nowadays, things are just as bad everywhere else. Noone is earnin' any money, our livestock is slowly starving... Lyra it's been hell. Sometimes... Ah wonder why Ah should even stay. You know, it seems so helpless." Albany held her head in free hoof and gave a deep sigh.

Lyra squeezed Albany's hoof again. Albany smiled a bit at that. It was a tremendous comfort, something as simple as placing one hoof on top of another. Knowing there was trusted support coming from the other end of that hoof. Everything went calm for a while. Albany knew she could trust Lyra with her life.

"Allie. You're going to stay there because I know that's what you love the most. Your family, your work. You're vital to this entire community. You, Mac, your mother and Anna."

"But that's just the thing. When the farm closes we won't be... we won't be..." Lyra lifted Albany's hoof slightly and hit it back down onto the table. Albany yelped in surprise.

"Sorry but I get so sick of you sometimes. Always going off on these 'it's so helpless, woe is me, all is lost' moments. All is not lost, at least not for you. You're a strong, well adjusted mare with a great family and a bright future, with or without the farm, which I still believe isn't going anywhere." Her voice was soft and delicate, almost soothing as Albany stared her friend directly in the eye, hanging onto every word. Lyra sighed and looked around the room again. This time much more seriously. This time she really didn't want anyone listening in. "Allie can I tell you something that you have to swear you can never repeat to another pony so long as you live?"

Albany gave a slight nod and leant in a bit. Lyra began, "You know I don't have a stable career. I jump in and out of things, it's what I like to do. I couldn't be held down to one job for years at a time it would drive me crazy. That's the difference between you and me I guess, huh? Well, not long ago I landed a job catering a royal event, in Canterlot. Well, not so much a royal event, more of a very formal meeting. I know what you're thinking, how the hay did I get that job? Well, my grandmother was a member of the royal guard, quite high up. Needless to say they recognise my name." Lyra and her family were peculiar. For generations, no matter who fathered the child, the mares in the family would all be born identical besides the cutiemark. The same coat, the same build, the same attitude to life and it even became a family tradition to name the first born mare 'Lyra'. Lyra continued, "My job would be to carry the food into the hall. I had never been so nervous, it's a miracle nothing went wrong. Well, something did go wrong but that's a story for another time, I'm serious right now. So, I walk into the hall, and there are six ponies sat there, one of them being Princess bucking Luna. Which just made my nerves ten times worse, I tell you. But she didn't look right, exhausted really. Her hair was dull and lifeless, not like the first time I ever saw her. Her eyes were no better, dark and drooping like she hadn't slept in weeks. She could hardly even lift her head. She was sat at the head of the table with the Captain of the Royal Guard and Jorah. You remember Jorah right? Older pony, going grey, Lieutenant. Ah, I don't know, maybe you do, it's not important. He was in the paper that one time, caught the cider smugglers? No? Okay, well. There was them and two other ponies who I didn't recognise. Although one thing I'm sure of is they were not from Equestria. Their accents were too... bizarre. They were dropping in and out of another language every now and again. And then there was a Zebra, you know the black and white striped ponies, like Zecora. Except it wasn't Zecora, it was a stallion. But he was dressed very smartly, not ethnic like Zecora but... fancy. Like a Rarity suit, or something. Really quite posh. Now, Albany, I've told you this much but... I need you to promise me again that you won't repeat this to anyone. And I mean anyone." Lyra had never called her 'Albany' before. Lyra gave Albany a stare that almost looked like a pathetic beg. Albany could trust Lyra, and she believed Lyra trusted her too. But a promise would enforce that trust so Albany had no objection.

"Ah promise, Lyra. Ya can trust me. Ah swear on my Great Great Grandmother's zap apple pie recipe." Lyra did not laugh at Albany's joke, which made her think for a second it may have been in poor taste. Lyra was being deadly serious, and Albany had to respect that, so she continued, "But really, Lyra. Ya can trust me, not a soul. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Lyra paused for a moment. She was really struggling with this. What could be so secretive? Albany thought. Her question was about to be answered as Lyra opened her mouth to resume, "Well, Allie. Truth be told I wasn't even supposed to be taking food through. That was the job of the maids and the butlers. My job was to carry food from the carts into the kitchen. When I entered the kitchen there was a flurry, almost a kind of mania. Turns out one of the maids had fainted. There was a small panic, needless to say. I heard the head-butler shouting about how everything had to go according to plan, there was a routine to keep, this was a dance, blah blah blah, he was really eccentric. So I, foolishly, raised my hoof and offered to take her place. The head-butler was so panicked he accepted. Heh, he wouldn't stop thanking me. But one of the royal guards that was present wasn't keen on the idea, and before I could even step into the maid's dress a contract was written up by the sergeant. It was fairly long winded but it held the royal seal so this was some official business. I read it. It was swearing an oath to secrecy on the threat of imprisonment. This is why you cannot tell anyone." Albany gave a firm, understanding nod before Lyra continued. "Needless to say, I signed it. So, there I was with the dining platter, all suited up, ready to head in. When we finally did, there was a conversation underway between the Captain and the Zebra. As maid's we were required to hang around inside, fill drinks, yadda yadda. Jorah kept a very close eye on me, probably because he hadn't seen me before. He barely averted his gaze until the sergeant walked in and whispered in his ear. I assume he told him the situation with me because after that he was relaxed again, didn't bat an eyelid. The Captain was talking about Equestria, and the state it was in. Turns out the three other guests were all from different countries, other parts of the world. And they too were describing similar situations in their homelands, much like what is happening in Equestria. Longer nights, longer days, crops dying, exotic animals appearing... But it was worse, and I mean much worse where this pony was from. He was describing a land that was living in starvation, ponies dying at an exponential rate. Famine, poverty, disease... it was hard to listen to. And that was when the Princess finally spoke after about thrity minutes. She was apologetic, saying how sorry she was that he would go through such a traumatic event. But then the pony started shouting at Luna, blaming her, saying it was her fault, being really agressive. Whenever the Captain piped in to try and shut him down he just parried his comments and continued. It's totally understandable from what he's been through that-"

"Can I refill your drinks, ladies?" Lyra jumped out of her skin and the table seemed to explode from underneath as Lyra's knees connected with the underside. The waitress was just as shocked, a splash of cider spilling out the jug she was holding.

Albany finally spoke with a smile. "Yes, that would be mighty kind. Thank you." The waitress regained her composure and filled both their drinks. It was only when she walked away that Lyra finally spoke.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. Albany assumed the pony hadn't heard because she didn't acknowledge her apology. That or she was just plain rude. Albany gave Lyra a nod for her to continue. Lyra though for a moment before speaking. "Maybe I shouldn't say much more, I'm sorry Allie, I really am. At least not here. Tell you what, why don't we head back to mine. It's not particularly homely at the minute but it's a bit more... private. Seriously, Allie, this is a huge development in the situation and I'm telling you because I trust you."

"Ah completely understand Lyra. Just, promise me one thing. Does what you tell me have a good endin'? Is Equestria goin' to head the same way as that... that other pony's land." Albany said that last bit with a slight quiver in her voice. The thought terrified her and she soon pictured an image of just what Ponyville might look like should it ever happen.

"Possibly, Allie. Come on, we'll finish our cider and head home."

The two sat in silence for the next few minutes. Albany didn't know whether to be scared... or excited.

Hurricane

HURRICANE

Hurricane left the palace in an orderly and quick fashion. In the arms of two members of the Royal Guard.

For the first part of her unexpected arrest she kicked and put up a fight. Now she simply lay limp in the arms of the guards in protest. Perhaps they would grow tired and simply drop her, then she could fly back in as quick as sound. But no, they were a persistent pair. They carried her through the gardens and out the main palace gates before finally dropping her on the dusty floor. Hurricane landed on her chin and looked ahead of her, clearly unamused. One of the guards said something to her about never coming back, you are banned from the palace until furthur notice... Hurricane just grunted in response as she stood up and dusted her chest off. She looked back as she heard the large wooden doors close angrily behind her.

Jerks... Hurricane thought to herself as she began walking off, That's democracy for you. Hurricane had never been particularly ecstatic about the goings on in the royal council chambers of Canterlot Castle but at this point in time some hard hitting pegasus had to try and interfere and get some answers for the people who were suffering the consequences of the poor job the monarchy was currently doing. Hurricane had always thought she had presence when she entered a room. She was absolutely there, there was no doubt that as she entered that chamber she would be given the answers she so desired. Not one of her questions was answered. She had never pleaded in her life for anything more. She just wanted answers.

Maybe she had been too forwards. You know, entering a heavily guarded event like that... uninvited. Everything seemed to go so smoothly. Zipping over the walls so quick no one would see her. Shooting past the guards silently and entirely undetected. Sneaking her way past the catering staff and butlers. Oh, it was so sneaky and perfect that Hurricane thought she was going to burst. A regular, real-life Daring Do. But she was more of a master of stealth than a wordsmith, that much was apparent.

Hurricane entered a nearby bar. A strong drink might ease the dissapointment of her lack of political talent. She pushed open the door. It was brightly lit with colours splashed all over the walls. Reds, blues, greens, yellows, purples. Very rainbow-esque. The bar was situated to the right of the large room, with various seats and tables standing on the left. Ponies were littered throughout, sitting with friends and colleagues, laughing merrily and drinking eagerly. Hurricane had never been one to indulge in alcohol, but now seemed like a better time than any. She had gotten drunk once when she was much younger and had never been able to forget the headache the following morning. She trudged over to the bar. It was lit up by fairy-lights which were securly fastoned to the edges of the wooden frame, emmiting a bright blue glow. It was very appealing.

She took a seat at the bar and waited a couple of minutes for the barmare to come over. When she did, Hurricane noticed she was quite attractive, a piercing in her left ear with long, flowing hair. Hurricane smiled at her as she gave her her order, a smile which quickly dissapeared as she turned to satisfy her newest customer. She wasn't in the mood for smiling, and certainly not with strangers. Although, maybe she wouldn't be a stanger for much longer. Hurricane grinned to herself at her sly thoughts. There was music playing in the bar. It suited the atmosphere quite well, slow and cool with a two beat gallop and heavily distorted, fuzzing guitar riffs. The lyrics were fairly profound, and one line in particular caught her ear... He pulled the mirrors off his cadillac, because he doesn't like it looking like he looks back. Hurricane appreciated good music although she never indulged in it as much as she would have liked. Before becoming a weather controller, a musician seemed like a much more promising and exciting idea of a career. But alas, her flying skills kept indicating at her to pursue a more useful and fulfilling career. Not that it mattered much now. For the past three years the weather over Equestria had gotten to a point where it was beyond control. Her along with her entire squad were laid off, completely without work. That was why her trip to the Castle mattered so much. It wasn't just out of curiosity. She needed help, as did hundreds of other ponies in Canterlot and beyond. She thought for a moment that maybe the monarchy and politicians were totally ignorant to that. The baremare returned with her drink.

"That will be two bits please, m'dear." She had a warm smile which made Hurricanes heart-rate increase.

" 'Course," She replied eagerly. She reached into her satchel and felt around for some coins. All she could find was a sweet wrapper. She groaned to herself as she came up empty hooved, "I'm so sorry, I... Don't have..." She felt so foolish.

"S'alright love," The baremare maintained her smile and reached into her apron pocket, pulling out four bits, "This one's on me." She then proceeded to pour herself a glass of the same drink and leant over the bar, face to face with Hurricane. "So what's ya name?"

"H-Hurricane," Hurricane was slightly taken aback. No one had been this forward with her... That's my thing, she thought to herself.

The baremare's smile widened, "I've read about you. Second fastest flier to ever grace Equestria?"

Hurricane rolled her eyes, "Well, I'd rather be first, but no one can beat Rainbow Dash's times on the course. One of these days though and I'll put that damn pony's name in second place." Hurricane boasted as her confidence increased.

"Oh, I have no doubt. Well, you're certainly the fastest around at the minute, that's something to be proud of. I daresay I'm almost honoured to meet you. Almost. So what brings ya here?" The baremare inquired.

"Ah, no, no, no. Tell me your name first." Hurricane insisted, aiming to take a little more control of the flirting. The baremare grinned.

"Mel. Stupid name, I know. Let's just get Mel Smells out the way first, can we?" They both laughed graciously. "So, question time. What brings you to the most colourful bar in Canterlot?"

Hurricane held back the urge to say she'd seen more colourful. That would have been rude. "Eh, broken dreams and eccentric fatigue." Very poetic, Hurricane. Nice. Do you even know what it's supposed to mean? It didn't seem to matter as Mel expressed an inquisitive look.

"Broken dreams? Eccentric fatigue? You'll have to forgive me I don't have a degree in language or interpretation so you're going to have to dumb that down a considerable ammount." She gave Hurricane a joking grin.

Hurricane wondered if she should mention the Castle, so she thought of something else to stir the conversation. "I'm unemployed, I have no money and frankly I'm starting to lose hope in Canterlot." Nice. Very pessimistic. You're a keeper.

Mel looked genuinely surprised. "But a flier like you should surely be on her way to becoming a Wonderbolt. Why in Equestria havn't they taken ya under their wing yet?" A looker and a flatterer. Hurricane inspected her closely. She had a relaxing face, petite and sweet. Peachy and rosy cheeks with a dinstinct jawline and soft lips. She certainly was beautiful. Hurricane realised she had been silent for about ten seconds as she stared at Mel. She blushed, embarrassed but Mel simply giggled.

"Well, I... Uh. I... You see, ya have to go through rigourous training to become a Wonderbolt, and with everything that's happening in Equestria lately it's seemed like the least of my worries. Not only that, but they'd often rely on inspectors of the weather ponies to try and decide who has potential to even be considered for the Wonderbolts and... well, since there's no weather team anymore, that method has... well... kind of been slammed. Anyway, I'd much rather help others than chase my own dreams, at least for now, with all the shit that's happening... That sounds dumb, right?" Hurricane stammered.

"No, not at all Hurricane. Very noble infact... downright Loyal. You sure you're not related to Rainbow Dash?" Mel inquired jokingly.

"I pretty damn sure, Mel." Hurricane smiled.

A silence held for a moment before Mel finally spoke again. "Sorry Hurricane, got to dash, there are customers waiting. You going to be hanging around?"

"Hey, listen. If you want a job, just a temporary one, there's a placement in our new bar opening in Ponyville next week. Just a baremare job but the pay is good. You should apply. I'll even recommend you if you like." Wow, that was... Kind, considerate, generous. Hurricane couldn't quite speak for a moment.

"You know, I've never even thought about a bar job. I... I could do that, yeah. Ponyville you say? I was never particularly fond of that place, too quiet, too boring." Hurricane pressed.

"Not so much the case anymore. A lot of ponies from Canterlot have moved there expecting better work, it's expanded quite a bit over the past few years, that's why we're also expanding there. Good business opportunities, ya know?" Hurricane thought for a moment.

"Sure, I could do that. At least for a while, whilst I save up a bit more money. I wouldn't have to move either, I can just fly there and back each day. You know what, it actually sounds perfect for me. Where do I sign up?"

"Just leave it to me sweetie. I'll make sure you get the job." Mel grinned and Hurricane gave an unrelenting smile of appreciation back at her. What a mare, she thought.

*****

What a mare indeed, Hurricane thought as she returned back home from Mel's cottage. Her and Mel spent hours together after she got off of work. The sun had been shining for about seventeen hours now and it was still high up in the sky, which was for once quite welcoming. Mel had treated Hurricane to a brilliant night out, (well, more of a day out but... details details), they drank together before Mel dragged Hurricane to a disco in Central Canterlot. Hurricane was overwhealmed by the atmosphere, the dancing, the music, the sights and sounds. It was a wonderful experience. She was more than glad she entered that bar when she did, her and Mel seemed to click perfectly. The perfect combination of friend and stranger. She hadn't felt so madly attracted to someone in quite some time. Around her she felt... amazing. Like she had been punched in the stomach but in a really wonderful way, a sensation that almost tickled and sent pleasent sensations all through her body. Her and Mel danced late into the day and when the venue began to quiet down, she invited Hurricane back to her place before treating her to a fantastic meal and... well, some other treats. They were both sweaty from the dancing afterall, why take a shower seperatly? Hurricane was smiling madly as she left.

She walked around the streets of Canterlot for a while, the bright, sunlit streets practically empty as ponies tried to recover their confused sleep patterns but Hurricane couldn't imagine sleeping at this point in time. Her heart was racing too fast, her brain was filled with ideas and emotion. If she didn't stop smiling she would certainly feel it in the next few hours. Mel's cottage was situated in the middle of Canterlot, quite a walk away from Hurricane's apartment. It would only take a moment to get home should Hurricane fly, but she felt an incohesive sense of awe at the sight of Canterlot now. Mel showed her how wonderful it could really be.

Hurricane couldn't help but think about the job offered to her my Mel. A job in Ponyville? Would that suit me? I've lived my entire life in the city, it would be quite a step forwards. But that was just what it was. A step forwards. Hurricane had been unemployed for longer than she can begin to remember. At this point in her life, a job, no matter where it was, was a step forwards. She would make sure she still saw Mel, without a doubt. She wouldn't be seeing the last of her. The concept of a new was brilliant. A barmare aswell. That would suit her, she was talkative, confident and hardworking. It would be nice to have an excuse to get out of bed aswell.

Almost without warning, memories of her failed attempt at a direct interview with the council at Canterlot Castle entered her head, and she began contemplating on it for a while. She soon found herself desperate for someone to talk to about it. Hurricane began to become fraustrated that none of her questions were actually answered, and soon Canterlot seemed a lot bleaker.

Hurricane entered the square. It was incomprehensively large. It was circular, with buildings skirting the outside. Moving furthur into the circle was neatly trimmed grass until it reached stone slabs which occupied the rest of the square. In the centre was a large set of circular steps, moving upwards from all directions. On those step were large marble statues. Those statues were dedicated to ponies who had displayed great courage throughout their lives and benefited the cause of Equestria relentlessly. She approached the statues. They towered over her, each about fourteen foot tall, with the ponies standing on their hind legs reaching well over twenty feet in height. One of these ponies Hurricane recognised instantly. Shining Armour, the former Captain of the Royal Guard. Hurricane had always admired the royal guard, even now regardless of her little scrape with them earlier. They displayed a profound sense of duty and loyalty which Hurricane admired deeply. Shining Armour was no exception. Even though he was getting on in his years when Hurricane was just about old enough to understand his position, she still admired his passion for his work. His body aged but his spirit stayed young, and his love for his Alicorn wife remained powerful and unwavering. Something all ponies should admire really. There were twelve statues in total. Several of them were ponies from centuries ago, all worthy Captains and brave ponies. All the same, Hurricane didn't recognise any of them from the time when she was alive. But there were five others which Hurricane absolutely recognised. Each one standing tall and proud, the statues carved ever so beautifully. These five statues were situated closely together, much closer together than the others. Each statue stood on a stone plymth. Five statues... six stone plymths. One of them was empty.

Hurricane spent the next half an hour standing at the hooves of these brilliant statues. She examined them from left to right. On the furthest left was Rarity. Probably better known for her booming clothing business. Seriously, that mare could design. She started a line which was simply called Rarity which started in Ponyville. It produced an entire range of products which anypony could afford but were simply stunning. She would often charge less for an item of clothing than it cost to make. Celestia knows how she made any money. Hurricane had never been a fan of clothing, but she admired clear talent when she saw it. But Rarity was most fondly remembered for being an Element of Harmony. The Element of Generosity, to be more specific. Quite a feat. When Celestia relinquished her power of the Elements, she bestowed it into six close friends, Rarity being one of them. The Elements of Harmony was Equestria's most powerful defence against evil. Countless times these six mares defeated countless evils threatening to destroy Equestria, they were hailed as some of the most important ponies to ever walk Equestria. It was bizarre to think that they were all alive not very long ago. Yet here they were, praised and respected above all other ponies.

The next statue was of a short mare with thick curly hair. It was amazing that large mound of marble standing precariously on the mare's head didn't topple the entire statue. Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter. Well, her name certainly made Hurricane laugh. She was never quite as commercially successful as Rarity, infact she ran Sugarcube Corner in Ponyville for quite some time. Hurricane always wondered why she never expanded the business, it was very successful and held in high regard all over Equestria for it's quality of cakes and other various confectionry. But she was always told that Pinkie Pie was a strange pony, which may explain it. Almost quite obsessive and... quite mad. Engaging in very strange but completely harmless behaviour. But oh, did she ever make ponies laugh. There was a legend that Pinkie Pie once stood in the face of Discord himself and laughed. Hurricane shuddered at the thought of meeting Discord. She understood he was long gone from these lands but she would have been flying home as fast as she could with her tail between her legs if anything she had read about Discord was true.

Next there was the empty stone plymth. Besides that there stood the largest mare of the five. She stood tall and proud, her right forehoof folded elegantly over her left. Applejack, The Element of Honesty. If Hurricane was going to be as honest as Applejack she might have said that she looked a little pudgey. But her athletic ability was never underestimated. Winner of the International Rodeo for ten consecutive years, which was entirely unheard of before her. She was actually regarded as one of the finest and most successful athletes in the world. She was offered many endorsements but chose not to take any of them. She was a simple farm pony, a pony of simple pleasures and ran Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville. She was quite the master chef aswell, creating some of the the most incredible pies in Equestria. The recipe was passed down over the generations. Hurricane salivated as she imagine taking a big bite into one of those pies, still steaming and warm with perhaps just a dash of vanilla ice cream and skimmed cream poured over the top. Forget being an Element of Harmony, those pies were what Hurricane was most thankful for.

The next statue along was a timid looking pony. She had a shy stance, her head hung low but she wore a very sweet and comforting smile. Around her feet were small stone animals, birds, otters, rabbits... Hurricane couldn't help but notice that one of the rabbit's ears had been broken off. She surveyed the area breifly for it but came up empty-hooved, which was a shame. Still, it was no less impressive. Each of the animals looked up at Fluttershy with confidence and admiration. Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness. Probably the most valued of the six, certainly the most adored. Fluttershy wrote a very successful series of foals stories which launched her into fame, much to her dismay. Hurricane remembered the story of the naughty bunny 'Angel' who refused to go to bed. Her mother had read it to her. Hurricane had always thought Angel sounded like an absolute spoiled brat. Fluttershy led a quiet life from what Hurricane had heard. Not liking to be disturbed too much. Her cottage is still standing in Ponyville, but it is now used as an animal sanctury ran by one of her grandchildren. Fluttershy actually set up many animal sancturys around Equestria, about seven to be exact. There's even one right here in Canterlot. Fluttershy's Home For Lonely Animals. Animals certainly didn't stay lonely for very long in that building. Thanks to Fluttershy and her shelters, almost every pony in Canterlot had a pet, including Hurricane.

And finally, there stood Rainbow Dash. The Element of Loyalty. Hurricane's legs shook. Her hero. Although she didn't like to admit it, she never really wanted to beat Rainbow Dash's flying times. She truly was the fastest Pegasus to ever fly through Equestria. The dominator of the Sonic Rainboom, the youngest mare to ever win Flier of the Year, winner of countless flying competitions. But more importantly she was a Wonderbolt. The leader of the Wonderbolts infact, one of the youngest ever. Rainbow Dash certainly lived life to the max, which Hurricane admired deeply. Like her, Rainbow Dash was a simple weather control pony, in Ponyville. Hurricane was always inspired by that. Weather control pony to leader of the Wonderbolts. Of course, Rainbow Dash was absolutely dedicated to what she wanted to achieve, but that never got in the way of what she believed to be her duty. The Element of Loyalty, afterall. That inspired Hurricane, and to some extent she used that inspiration as an excuse to never persue anything greater. Although she admired herself for it, staying behind because of a concern for her fellow ponies, she also felt she was letting herself down. She could achieve more. She just needed to reach out for it. Hurricane wasn't lazy. Just cautious. One day she would become a Wonderbolt, that much she knew. Like Rainbow Dash.

Hurricane saluted the tall statue. It almost came to life as she did. She could see the bright flowing colours of Rainbow Dash's mane shine through, brightening up the area even more than the sun was already doing. Hurricane gave a sorrowful smile and turned to walk home.

As she exited the square, she felt a cold breeze. Her shadow before her extended at her feet and she looked back at the setting sun, before the night covered the land.

Ponyville. They all came from Ponyville. All six elements. Maybe there is something for me there.

The eye's fixed on Hurricane from some distance away never left her as she began walking home.

Everypony will one day die.

Jorah

The barracks was cold. The thick stones walls keeping the heat out and the cold in. Jorah shivered a bit as he removed his armour. He would soon forget about the cold as soon as he got back to his paperwork.

He sat as his desk and sighed, running his hoof through his greying mane. The desk was scattered with various papers, colour coordinated files which enclosed details of various crime scenes within Equestria. On either edge of the table was a candle, spreading a shallow and warm light over the desk, illuminating the hand written reports. One file in particular caught Jorah's eye and he picked it up. It described details of a pony within Canterlot Castle who had been speared by a Royal Guard member. There was a direct inquiry into whether or not it was exactly necessary for such action to have taken place. The injured pony in person was a serial offender, a pony by the name of Dexter. He had proved to be a nuisance for a long while in the Castle. As a member of the catering staff, he would often steal large amounts of silver cutlery and exotic dining sets. Completely undetected for what was estimated to be about three years, until he was caught in the act. Hearth's Warming Eve, four months ago. He was found stealing a gold plated candle holder from the hall. The pony tried to run when he knew the jig was up, but was pursued by two Royal Guards. Dexter soon found himself cornered and surrendered, just before one of the Royal Guards impaled him in the shoulder with his spear. Now, it got complicated when the guard claimed he had failed to slow down in time, and that it was a complete accident. There was one other witness who testified in favour of the stabbing culprit, but as a fellow Royal Guard it was likely that he may simply be taking the side of his colleague. Dexter was very nearly killed that day, losing a lot of blood as one of his vital arteries was severed, so it was essential that justice is served. Jorah was almost absolutely convinced that the Royal Guard did not slip. They are issued with heavy duty horseshoes which would prevent such typical accidents. From the details of the account written up by another investigator, the floor had not been damp either. It was pretty open and shut. The guard did not slip and decided to impale the thief in the spur of the moment. Unjustified action with an unjustified consequence. Alas, he would have to do some investigating into the pony in question. His spear had still been remanded, the blood still on it. Maybe the depth of the wound could give Jorah an idea of exactly how fast the Royal Guard was going, and just how much force he put behind his thrust. An insight into the pony may help the investigation as well. If he is known to have a history of violence or a short temper then Jorah was pretty sure that might explain the entire unpleasant ordeal.

Jorah jotted a couple of notes down on the file and put it to rest before moving onto the next. Jorah enjoyed this, getting to the bottom of things. He considered it extra curricular work but really he was the only one who showed any interest in it. Someone had to mop the floor. Jorah's duty as Lieutenant didn't get in the way of his free time too much, which he was thankful for, not at all like Maverick, who practically had to babysit Princess Luna most of his waking hours. Jorah loathed Maverick for the first few months of his captaincy, but had slowly grown to respect and even love the young Captain. He had things that Jorah most certainly didn't. Jorah was mundane, boring and too focussed of his work. Maverick however had charisma, a warm character and an optimism which earned him not just the respect of his fellow colleagues but the respect of many ponies throughout Canterlot. But Maverick was more of a fighter than a representative. Yes, he could speak to an audience with nobility and confidence but everyone who knows him knows that isn't his true strength. His strength comes from the leadership he shows in the face of danger, the courage he blesses others with. Maverick became Captain because he was seen as an essential aspect of the Royal Guard. Princess Luna had told Jorah of his value to the kingdom, which he had appreciated. Sometimes he wondered if he had made it perfectly clear to Maverick that he wasn't as jealous of he may have apparently been when he first became Captain. That ship had sailed now. If it comes up, he'll be sure to mention it.

The room seemed to be getting colder, so Jorah went to light a fire. He wished he had some magical ability. He knew unicorns could heat up a room in a matter of seconds, but an Earth Pony like Jorah would have to resort to more traditional means. With a flint and tinder, he created a small fire which scorched the dry wood within the fireplace. It soon rose and Jorah felt a sea of warmth rush over his freezing body. He stood on his hind legs and rested his fore legs onto the mantle piece of the fireplace, allowing the underside of his body to experience the soothing heat of the flames. He was content.

*****

Jorah had pulled up a chair near the fire and was reading. The book was simply called Military and was practically a bible to Jorah. Written several centuries ago by Wing Commander Hurricane, before the nation of Equestria was formed. Commander Hurricane wrote with vigour and portrayed war in a way which made it calculating and decisive, not barbaric and chaotic. The pegasi were strong believers in fighting many centuries ago, with one of the largest military forces in the world. But, that military force soon seemed to disintegrate as relationships between the pegasi and the unicorns began improving. The military force of the pegasi soon gave way to the such side projects such as the fabled Wonder-bolts. The Wonder-Bolts were used as a weapon initially. But since no wars were being fought, members of the organisation soon began performing in their free time. They very quickly gained the attention of many pegasi, and soon the attention of earth ponies and unicorns alike. The rest is history.

Jorah found that as he read, more and more chapters seemed to open out beyond the book that he was reading. Which was, in many ways, very similar to warfare. To understand one thing you must understand another, and to understand that you must first understand this. It was Jorah's sister who had pushed him onto reading. She was nowhere near as successful as Jorah but she appeared to be much happier. Mel had always stuck with Jorah, although being much, much younger. His grumpy attitude had never put her off. Jorah didn't have any other family besides Mel, not since their parents died. The details of their deaths were disturbing, and Jorah believed it was best to keep the truth from Mel. Jorah's father had been a blacksmith of the royal armoury, which is how Jorah got coaxed into the military in the first place. His mother was a librarian in the royal Canterlot Library. Jorah never saw her much, the library was open at all hours of the day so he only ever saw her on weekends. Jorah was helping in father in the smith once when he got bored and ran off to find something else to do. Before he left, he took a blunt sword from the weapon stand and began playing with it outside. A member of the Royal Guard came over and insulted his fighting style, so Jorah took a swing. Turns out the Royal Guard was just looking for a play fight, but he was very impressed with Jorah's ability. He recommended him to the Sergeant at the barracks and, when Jorah came of age, he joined up straight away. He loved the military. The control behind it, the perfection of the entire organisation, it was quite remarkable. Jorah worked his way up the ranks to become Sergeant of an entire platoon. He was a good leader and a fantastic teacher and his squad excelled beyond most others, many of the soldiers going on to earn promotions and recommendations. One of those soldiers included Maverick. Maverick very quickly caught up with Jorah in the ranks until they became firm allies. Jorah had been a Lieutenant for about 2 years before Maverick finally caught up. It wasn't long afterwards that Maverick achieved Captaincy after Shining Armour's death. An irritated frown appeared across Jorah's face.

*****

Jorah lay half-heartedly in bed. Sunlight was still shining in through his bedside window. He wasn't going to fall asleep anytime soon. He knew that. There was a lot on his mind anyway. The Princess, Equestria, the Economy. Jorah wished there was something he could do to fix everything, but that was a stupid wish. Rather then dwelling on what you wish you could do, dwell on what you know you can do. But Jorah had no idea what he could do. He felt he had an idea however of what he should do. He'd been meaning to ask Princess Luna about it for a while now, but there was no doubt in Jorah's mind that Luna was already doing everything she could to redeem the situation. Princess Luna was wiser than most people realised, and her true character certainly became apparent when she took control of the kingdom single handedly without protest. The problem was, ponies were so used to a form of structure and schedule in Equestria that now that the natural order of things has been disturbed many ponies were quick to blame Luna for the results. The truth of it was that when Luna was only raising the moon, she always had plenty of time to recuperate her strength. Raising an entire celestial entity on your own is a phenomenal feat. One that only she and Princess Celestia could do. Since Celestia left the kingdom however, Luna was left to carry out all the royal duties, including the one's Celestia would have done were she still around. Jorah was beginning to despise Celestia for her absence. She had told Luna prior to her leaving exactly the reason why, but Luna refused to share the knowledge she had. When pushed for answers, she would become very angry and make threats, so no pony will dare ask the young Princess where her sister is or why she's not here.

There were many rumours as to what it could be. But the truth of the matter was that no pony had any idea.

Suddenly, a bright, blazing light appeared from the fireplace. Jorah sat up in bed urgently, rolled out eagerly and trotted over to the source of light. Out of the fire came a piece of parchment. Jorah grabbed it. It was still warm. The paper looked very old, tattered and slightly frayed around the edges with a yellowish tint. The magic that had carried it here was still emitting an eery green glow over the face of the letter. Jorah took the letter over to his desk and began reading.

It was from Pangaré.

Pangaré was on the council in the snowy country of Theria, many miles north of Equestria. The letter was poorly written. Pangaré was fluent in Equestrian tongue but always seemed to lack a show of that ability when he wrote. Jorah read the letter through several times.

My loyal Jorah.

It has been too long friend. I said I would write and I apologise for not making that promise sooner. Things have been a little distracting here in Caballus. You'll have to forgive my grammar, I am still learning your native speak. You like to make it complicated. Shorter sentences are better to read anyway. I write this in the hopes that you'll write back, as a close friend. So. How have things been? How is Mel? Made Captain yet?

Caballus has seen better days. I'm still on the council in Theria and things are going well my job is going well. Very hard but very rewarding. Sometimes, Emperor Kiang wishes that there was a Princess like yours to rule Caballus instead of him.

Times are hard, that much is clear. Here in Caballus, we're growing short of food and water. Many of our subjects have become to hunger and famine has spread across our land. I understand we sent an ambassador to Equestria to discuss the matter with the Princess but no one besides the Emperor can seem to get any answers out of him. That's why I write. I need some details of that meeting which took place between him and your Princess. Purely to quench my thirst for knowledge and personal interest. All I can understand is that he has a short temper and got angry at the Princess. I apologise for that on his belhalf if that is true.

I understand the letter is very simple and short and I'm sorry I can not write anymore, but this has taken about an hour to write so far and I'm getting tired of looking at dictionary. We must meet soon. I was much better at speaking your language than writing it.

You're friend,

Chancellor Pangaré.

Lyra

LYRA

Lyra's apartment was a tip. Boxes stacked up against a nearby wall and slanted away slightly, looking as if they may collapse at any moment. Papers littered the area, showing very little of the actual wooden floor. The room felt damp and a mysterious odour filled the room, which was soon forgotten as Lyra and Applejack returned to their conversation.

"I'm sorry for the mess, Allie. I can't exactly say I'm a neat-freak. Think of it as organised chaos."

"Oh, it's quite alright. It's... homely." Albany replied carefully. Lyra knew she wasn't as comfortable here as she was making out. It had been a while since Lyra had allowed anyone else into her home, for this exact reason. The mess meant nothing to her, it was just various pieces of junk she had collected over the years which she struggled to bring herself to throw away. Newspapers and books mostly. But there were various trinkets littered around the place as well.

"I wish I had a garden or a balcony but... This will have to do."

"Lyra, it's fine," Albany pushed, clearly becoming impatient. She was clearly on the edge of her seat about the information Lyra was teasing her with. Lyra was still struggling to come to terms with the fact that she would at this point have to indulge this secret information. It shouldn't be as hard as it was apparently feeling, Albany was a close friend and her honesty made a promise air-tight. "So, you were sayin'?"

"Oh, yes." Lyra paused incredulously. She knew she could trust Albany so why was this proving to be so, so difficult. In the end, she kicked herself to finally begin speaking. Once she was underway, she thought, it would be much easier. "I can't even remember where I left off," she said in a desperate attempt to postpone their talk a little longer.

"Ah believe you were just describin' the foreign pony yellin' at the princess." Damn.

"Yeah, well. Okay, he was pretty angry, which is understandable. His home country is clearly in crisis and I think he began making out that it was entirely Luna's fault. I don't know enough of the details to be able to know whether or not it is Luna's fault, but he seemed to be pretty convinced. It turns out Celestia has been away a lot longer than we all had first thought. About four years I believe Luna said. The reason Luna looks as worn and tired as she does is because she has been left with all the royal duties which Celestia would have otherwise dealt with. That is, raising the moon and the sun, every twelve hours. For the first couple of months it was controlled but she was never really coping too well with it. It was after that period when we started noticing the distinct differences in the lengths of the days and nights. At this point it's random. The sun rises and the moon rises whenever Luna has gathered enough strength to do so. Luna also stated that it would get worse. Unless Celestia returns soon, which she's starting to lose hope in. Luna could communicate with the Princess for the first couple of years she was gone, but she denied that she knew anything as to why she no longer could when speaking to the other ponies."

"So... things are gettin' worse?"

"Absolutely. Equestria is coping because of it's naturally warm climate. The winters are tough, of course. Winter Wrap Up now takes up to half a month to complete since the pegasi can't control the weather anymore, you know that. But this ponies homeland is up North, where it is much, much colder." Lyra stood and walked over to a stack of boxes. In these boxes were a plethora of books, unorganised and hoarded. She grabbed one of the boxes and tipped it upside down, allowing the heavy books to spill out onto the floor. She scanned over the newly formed mess before making a triumphant noise and reaching for one of the tomes. Atlas of the Discovered World. She walked back over to the table where Albany was sat and and slammed it onto the table, making Albany retract her head in surprise. Lyra turned to the first couple of pages. On these pages was a simple map of the surrounding regions of the world, including Equestria which was situated in the middle of the page. "Right okay, I've got this now. There." She pointed to a large region North of Equestria, "Caballus, the region is called. It requires crossing this narrow frozen sea. It's a seaside country, with most of the towns and cities overlooking the sea. The capital is Theria, which is much, much larger than Canterlot. It doesn't have a monarchy like we do. The entire region is an Empire. Caballus does things differently politically, it allows it's citizens to vote in the authoritative power, something they call a Prime Minister, which deals with many of the main political matters. The Emperor is just there to be a pretty face, I suppose, although he does sit on the council there-"

"Sorry, Lyra. Is this at all relevant?" Albany interrupted. Lyra blinked and nodded.

"It's all relevant apparently. Jorah kept insisting that it was possibly the fault of their government for their current situation. A lack of order and agricultural control. The Captain seemed to disagree with him on that one, as did Luna. Infact, Luna blamed herself for the current state of affairs in Caballus. The pony visiting from Caballus was a representative of the region, invited here by the Princess along with the other two visitors, who are also representatives for..." Lyra scanned over the Atlas once more and placed her hoof on the paper, "A region to the West, known as Shetland. It's a region with a very similar climate to Equestria but much less densely populated. And the Zebra was from... Quagga, which is to the South. Quagga has a much, much warmer climate and is mostly made up of deserts. There are very few inhabitable areas. Quagga has always struggled with resources as there are only a few regions which can produce crops. The colonies in Quagga remain closely situated to one another to make trading easier, and the country share a close allegiance with Shetland."

Albany appeared as though she was becoming uninterested so Lyra got back to the point at hand. "From what I understand, Quagga seems to be doing alright. The Zebra's have developed a strong temporary defence against their hot suns and with the types of crops that can grow in that region they were actually thankful for the extended periods of sun."

"Alrighty then. Ah know basic geography." Albany said sarcastically. Lyra frowned at her.

"Anyway, back to what I heard. From what I could gather, pressures between Caballus and Equestria are rising. The representative at one point even hinted at an invasion of Equestria in order to sustain Caballian living conditions if Luna failed to improve their already abhorrent conditions, which is incredibly worrying." Albany stirred. Heh, that woke her up... "Jorah seemed convinced it would not come to that, but the Captain expressed his concerns. A number of conclusions were drawn about what the best cause of action would be when it came to Caballus. The representative and Luna eventually finalised the meeting by agreeing that Equestria would provide free aid to Caballus, just temporarily, and Shetland agreed to do the same which seemed to ease the tension a little."

"But, we're not exactly producin' an immense amount of food ourselves, how can we hope to support others as well?" Albany inquired.

"Well, as I said, the representative from Shetland agreed to share the aid effort, and Quagga agreed to share some of it's plentiful supplies with Equestria and Shetland. So where we give food, we will receive food as well. It all seems fairly fool-proof. Transporting food all the way from Quagga to Caballus is near impossible due to distances. But, I'm hardly an economist so... who knows. We can expect plenty of coconuts and bananas rolling our way though." Lyra jokes, trying to ease the mood a bit. "Would you like a drink Albany?"

"Sure."

"Tea okay?"

"Ah don't really like tea. Water will be fine."

"Raspberry juice?"

"Water will be fine."

"Milk?"

"Water will be fine."

"Cider?"

"Oh, heck yes, Cider."

Lyra continued talking as she went to a nearby cupboard to fix up their drinks. "So, there was some good news to come out of the meeting, but hearing about Caballus was fairly tough. Those poor ponies. Jorah appeared to be most worried, he mentioned something about having friends and family in Caballus, friends who are all on the council apparently. So I suppose that will also ease tensions between us as well, knowing we have strong friendships on both sides of the sea.

"But, the most interesting development in the meeting was the discussion over the whereabouts of Princess Celestia. Many theories were brought up from the representatives, and Luna was pushed for answers. All she could disclose was that she was far away and she currently was unaware of her location. As I said, they hadn't been in contact for quite sometime. Luna mentioned she had a strong mental bond with her sister that allowed them to communicate through thought, but that had since ceased. Now, from what I've read, that can mean one of three things, and I'm sure the others picked up on this as well. First possibility, Celestia has relinquished her power entirely. If that's the case, that sort of power has to go somewhere and I doubt Celestia would be willing to pass it onto someone else. Second, she is so far away that the mental string connecting their two minds has been snapped and blocked their contact. Third... She may be dead." Lyra rolled her eyes at how bluntly she had put that and returned to the table with their drinks. "Although I highly doubt that one.

"Sorry if I appear to be repeating a lot of this, there was a lot that was said and I'm struggling to account for all of it."

"No Lyra, yall've done well." Albany gave a reassuring smile. "So, things are gettin' worse, that's worryin'. But things are bein' done about it, which is a lot off my mind, Ah suppose."

"That's true. As I said, you've got nothing to worry about. It was what they said next that was the most interesting. The meeting concluded and the maids, including myself, stayed behind to clean up. Not long into the cleaning process, the doors opened again, and in stepped the Princess, The Captain, Jorah and the Zebra. I wasn't sure where the Caballian and Shet had gone, but I assume they left. They sat back down at the table and began chatting idly. About family, about life, yadda yadda. Nothing that interested me. But then, the Zebra brought something up which made my heart skip a beat. It was at this point that we were all asked to leave the room. We were escorted out by the Royal Guard, including Jorah and had the doors shut behind us. I couldn't even hang around in an attempt to eavesdrop. I was escorted away immediately." Lyra took a sip of her drink.

"So what was it? What did he say?" Albany pressured.

"All I heard was that it was something that none of them could identify. The Quaggian described it as neither alive nor dead before we were escorted out."

"So you don't actually know?"

"No..." Lyra said as she lifted her drink. She took a long swig, gulped and wiped her lips with her hoof. "But I sure as hell want to find out."

"Pfft, and how do you intend to do that? Ah don't think you can find temporary employment as a Lieutenant, Lyra." The mint green pony shrugged. "Ya worry to much. You've already told me enough, Ah'm satisfied that the situation is being sorted."

Lyra grunted, "Yeah but who by? No pony seems to know the best cause of action. The food crisis is being sorted for now but things are going to get much worse..." There was a long pause. "I'm thinking of sneaking into the castle."

Albany coughed as she choked on her drink. Lyra hurriedly went over and patted Albany on the back with her hoof, easing her coughing. "Sneak... into the... castle? Well, pony feathers you do have ambition. How are ya going to achieve that? Fly over the walls?"

"Yes. Fly! That could work."

"No, no, no. Ah wasn't trying to give you ideas, ya stupid mare. You're all talk, Lyra. I know your curiosity is probably peaking but there is nothin' you can do about this, just let it go. You're still as gosh darn curious about the world as when we were fillies. But we grew up." Albany's voice was firm and unrelenting. "Lyra, let it go. Let's just live our lives trying to get by on what our Princess and the others decide to do. It's none of our concern."

"But Allie, it is our concern. Look at your Grandmother, she was just a simple farm pony. She became an Element of bucking Harmony. Things suddenly became her concern and then she went on to do great things."

"That was a long time ago."

"Exactly. Exactly. I've been thinking about this, if there is an evil entity rising in Quagga, then that shows that evil is beginning to move back into the world. A century ago, it was down to your Grandmother to prevent that evil from spreading. But... Since she passed away... Who's harnessing the elements?"

Albany's ears pricked up. "Huh, Ah guess Ah hadn't thought about it."

"But you are now! Who is harnessing the elements? No one! So, when this evil finally reaches Equestria what's our defence? An exhausted and worn out Princess? A disgruntled military force? With the combined forces of Cloudsdale and the Crystal Empire we might be able to hold off a threat, but this thing that the Quaggian spoke of seemed pretty terrifying. But I'm also damn sure that Luna has thought about it too. Who controls the Elements, Albany?"

"Ah don't know. But Ah know someone that you could get those answers from."

"Oh no, no, no. Where we can get those answers from." Lyra grinned madly.

"Lyra, Ah have a farm to run now. It was fun when we were fillies but Ah can't just run off on adventures with you. It jus' ain't sensible."

"Pfft, sensible schmensible. Come on! Where's your sense of fun, adventure and curiosity? I, Lyra, insist that you assist me on this quest." Albany rolled her eyes at her eccentric friend.

"Okay. But, Ah will join you only because you have... poked my curiosity gland with a stick. After we speak to Miss. Sparkle, Ah need to head back to the farm."

"Wait... Miss... Miss. Sparkle? As in Twilight Sparkle? You can talk to her? She'll let you..." Lyra was stammering. Twlight. The most magically adept pony to have ever lived. Friend and guardian to Celestia herself.

"Well of course, she was my Mother's Godmother. She's always willin' to talk to me." Albany replied.

"But she's so secluded and..." Lyra paused and began to whisper. "I've heard she's deformed." Albany chortled as she covered her mouth with her hoof.

"Quite the opposite, Lyra. Come on, we'll head over now." Albany gulped down the last of her drink. "But, as Ah said, Ah must, must, must return to the farm when we've spoken with her. Okay?"

"Yeah sure whatever let's go!" Lyra squealed with delight as she pushed her bright red friend out of the chair and towards the door.

Curiosity Killed The Cat

Pangaré

The streets of Theria reeked of a foul rot. No where near as pleasant as the smell of fish, Pangaré thought as he trudged through the partly empty streets. There was the occasional agonising moan coming from one of the misty alleyways that he passed sullenly. His peaked cap hung low over his eyes, almost acting a deterrent for the abhorrent disgrace this once great city had become.

Theria, the capital city of Caballus, was no longer the great sight it had once been. The air once rung with the sounds of docking bells and baying seagulls. A thriving atmosphere was a common sight. Market stands paraded the dirt streets and you couldn't hear yourself think over the loud and bustling sounds of the community as they went about their busines. Fish being sold and various other underwater herbs. Necklaces made from seashells and artwork created from sand. Rings and trinkets and little things which gave the content residents of the Fishing District pleasure, you could find it all on this street. No longer.

The seagulls were gone. The markets were gone. The people were gone. There was only... that smell. That smell meant a lot of things. A failing city. An unclean city. A city that has practically given up any hope of restoration a revitalisation.

Before the plauge, Pangaré often went on walks here and reminisced of the times he spent in these streets as a child. His close friends and family, playing hoofball in the streets. Sitting around a cosy fire when the cold nights rolled around and feasting on the catches of the day. Falling asleep to the delicate and haunting sounds of the church bells. No longer.

Many ponies were dying. Many were already dead. The poorer parts of the city began falling first as starvation began to run rampant. Since the lengths of the moons increased, the sea levels have been rising. Many of the seaside towns, towns like Wither and Connemara, were washed away by the frantic and unforgiving tides of the ocean. Foundations ripped from underneath the many houses of ponies that had made the beaches their home. When the fishing ports went, so did the fishers... and so did the fish. With Caballus's main export being neutralised, the cities economic welfare began to plummet. This of course affected many parts of the government, including sanitations. An unwise move. Pangaré's work as Minister of Sanitation meant he was responsible for the cleanliness and functioning of the complex sewer system below Theria. When the cleaning stopped, the rats came, and with the rat's came a terrible disease. It was simply named Death.

The symptoms of Death came very slowly but apparently affected many hundreds of ponies in the lower areas of the city. It began with a irritating cough. Many assumed it was just the common cold, an ailment made even more common because of the countries increasingly low temperatures. But as the cough became worse, so too did the strength of many ponies. Ponies were bedridden for months as the cough slowly began to tear away at their throat, causing an upshot of blood for every single cough. The distinct and colourful coats of the ponies who caught it would turn and shadowy black and their eyes would become bloodshot red. Slowly and painfully, many ponies succumbed to the violent bug.

The middle class and upper class of the city found themselves protected for the time being, but there were rumours of ponies having caught the bug in the Business District. If this were true, then the entire city may soon find that they, like the others, will catch the Death. Precautions have been made in the meantime. Witchdoctors from Quagga ship potions and other herbs to keep the sickness at bay for only a few, and the workers in the Engineering District of Theria made a draft of a device which could filter the harmful toxins in the contaminated areas of the city.

That was what Pangaé wore now. The mask was heavy at the front and only covered his nose and mouth. A long cylindrical tube extended from the mouth where the air would be filtered before entering the body's system. Pangaré didn't quite understand how it was supposed to work. Infact, the device was still in it's testing stages... Infact, Pangaré was a part of that very test. He had courageously and foolishly taken up the task of testing the device in the Fishing District of the lower end of the city.

Pangaré was nervous. Although he had never doubted Theria for the quality and skill of it's engineer's, something about this mask made him uneasy. The smell seemed to be enhanced through it and the air felt thick. Pangaré thought he could chew through it if he tried. His neck was craned and felt heavy and tired from the weight of the device. Pangaré only had to walk a short distance, there and back again. Copper Bolt, an engineer in the district jokingly said to him before he left, 'If you don't come back, we'll know to start again.' Pangaré might not come back.

A loud and earth rendering screech came from the skies above where the Pangaré stood. A dragon. Caballus had not seen dragons for many thousands of years. They were only really ever spotted in Quagga, with Equestria having dragon problems occasionally. The panic that was first caused when a dragon was spotted nearly shut down the entire city. It had only flown overhead but that was enough to send the Caballians in a state of frenzy. Guards would patrol the streets night and day for about three weeks before it was decided that the city was safe from the fire breathing demons. Dragons fascinated Pangaré and he was even quite glad that they were showing up, although he kept that thought to himself. Dragons are not stupid. Some are even smarter than many ponies. If they were as wise as people say, they would keep their distance from the Caballus.

The thick clouds made the dragon difficult to see. It's large grey silhouette could be seen through the clouds as it flew over and warped and moved the darkened packets of moisture. Pangaré watched as the clouds that had been moved were replaced by more almost instantly, a weather that cannot be changed or controlled. Even dragons were powerless. It's wingspan only made more impressive by the sheer size of the body, tail and head. How any set of wings could support that kind of weight was a mystery. And if something was a mystery, you'd blame magic.

*****

Copper Bolt was becoming worried. He was a fine engineer, he knew that. One of the best in the world, in fact. The Caballus University produced some of the finest tinkers and technicians from any four corners of the world. Caballus was an Earth Pony clan before the Unicorns and Pegasus came forwards. A country without magic or weather control for many hundreds of years resorted in some of the finest technilogical achievements to emerge. Magic was looked down upon an Caballus. Caballians liked to keep things traditional, trying to steer clear of magical intervention where possible. It would seem at this point in time though, Copper Bolt could really use some magic. He lifted his forearm to check the time. Thirty minutes had passed since he watched Pangaré march off into the lower district, he should be returning any moment. That is, if he was as good of an engineer as he would have hoped.

Copper Bolt turned to his assistant, a young mare by the name of Driver. She was still young, fresh out of education. A bright young mind with a bright future. Her coat was auburn and shone in the street lights which rose up above them, her bright red mane seeming to burn ablaze on her head. The mark on her flank, simply a screwdriver. Nice and simple, it tells all it needs to tell. She had her head buried in a notebook and appeared to be scrawling something obsessively. A drawing, Copper Bolt discovered as he peered over her shoulder.

Alongside Copper Bolt and Driver was another older pony. Copper Bolt was completely unsure of his name. He had been a professor at the university but Copper Bolt had never been taught by him. He had a grey coat with a thick white mane which curved around his ears and formed a neatly trimmed beard. An enormous gear decorated his flank, which seemed to shine when the light hit it. He wore a thick leather belt which was fastened tightly around his waist and from it hung an array of different tools and devices. He was simply taking notes, and refused to speak when Copper Bolt approached him, resulting in a very awkward silence which hung in the air. Copper Bolt found himself oddly motivated to break the silence with Driver.

"How long has it been now Driver?" He asked quietly, even though he knew how long it had been.

"You know how long it's been Copper, I just watched you check your wrist-watch." Copper Bolt stammered and turned his head away, slightly embarrassed. A moment passed before he made another attempt at conversation.

"Drawing anything interesting?" He inquired.

"No."

"Oh. So then, what are you drawing?"

"The street."

"That's interesting."

Driver smirked and lowered her sketchpad slightly. "Shut up." She said promptly, as she smiled.

"Why are you sketching the street?" Copper Bolt asked, genuinely intrigued. He looked in the direction that she would have been observing and huffed. "You can't see a damn thing it's just... fog."

"Well maybe I want to sketch just... fog." She said it with a slightly snappy tone.

"Maybe your drawing really izn't that interesting." Copper Bolt exclaimed, becoming slightly impatient with the mare.

"It'z not about vhat you see. It'z about vhat I see. You see fog. I see a scene in a play. I see a story. A murder, imminent. I see a dark figure wading t'rough eet. A knife. I see blood cake zee walls of zee street and I 'ear zee 'eavy breathing of an injured mare before it eez silenced," she said sullenly. Copper Bolt gulped nervously. "Or I see a romantic scene. Two lovers running to'vards each other, unsure if zee figure zey're running at is zee pony 'zey love. As 'zey approach, 'zey see. And 'zen 'zey smile. And 'zen cry as 'zey embrace one another. I look at 'zhis fog and I see a 'ole manner of 'zings which you can't see. But iz it interesting? No. Not at all. You can't become interested in some'zing you know izn't 'zhere. It'z just a fantasy."

Copper Bolt had his mouth agape as she spoke, unsure of what she was supposed to be getting at. A metaphorical observation or the ramblings of someone who is utterly mad. Either way, poetically, it was quite beautiful.

"Can you two shut up?" They both turned their heads towards the Equestrian accented older pony, who wore a disgruntled frown on his face.

"Whats the matter? Something turned up?" Copper Bolt inquired as he peered off into the fog, eagerly expecting to see Pangarè emerge, a stupid grin across his face.

"No. I just get fed up of young ponies flapping their lips for the sake of flapping their lips. Do me a favour, both of you, and be quiet. We'll make a game out of it." His Equestrian accented tone was patronising and Copper Bolt didn't care for it at all, but it was enough to keep Driver and him from saying another word.

A few moments passed and it seemed for a while that the fog looked like it was going to fade. It didn't seem to matter as a silhouette appeared through the fog, wearing a very familiar looking mask. Pangarè. Copper Bolt let out a very audible and suggestive sigh of relief to see him emerge. The pony approached slowly until he reached the three others and proceeded to remove the mask from his face. As he did, he let out a exasperated sigh and with his hoof pushed his mane out of his face, slicking it back until his eyes were visible.

Driver lowered her sketchpad and pocketed her pencil before speaking, "I guess now we wait."

The older pony spoke next, "It's a strong 90% possibility that, if the mask was ineffective, Pangarè will contract the plague. How fucking encouraging, Pangarè thought. "According to Mr. Chatty over there, the mask will reduce that 90% risk a whole 99%. Let's hope he's as good as the professor insisted he is."

"Don't worry. Copper Bolt is the finest engineer in Theria." He smiled warmly at Copper Bolt which was equally returned. The was a distinct gleam in Copper Bolt's eyes as he did.

*****

Back at the keep, the four ponies worked tirelessly in writing up documents describing the test. Pangarè showed no immediate symptoms like many ponies who contracted the plague, which was an encouraging sign and Pangarè heaved a sigh of relief at that knowledge. It meant it had worked. The damn thing works, Pangarè thought, smiling to himself.

"You're going to be a rich pony, Copper." The older pony exclaimed. "We all are." He grinned behind his white beard and chuckled gently to himself.

"How do you mean?" Copper inquired. "'We're not making any money from this. It's something the country needs, it'll be a free service." He had to take the moral high ground.

The older pony scowled. "Don't be so damned ridiculous. The plague has had ponies in the middle and upper districts terrified for months, you don't think they'd be willing to pay top prices for a product like this?" He exclaimed as he reached across the table and held up the prototype of the mask. "We could make millions here. How else can you possibly hope to keep up supply of these fucking things?" He through it back onto the table with and it connected with a loud thud which reverberated through the large hall they sat in.

He continued before Copper could counter, "We set a price and they will pay it."

"I will not take money off the terrified. We have always had a free healthcare service. 'Why change that now in the face of all this death and despair? I will not stoop to such lows, old man. We will make many of these masks and we will worry about the cost later." Copper Bolt was stern in his opinions and stared directly at the older pony who's eyes were purely focussed on the sheets that lay in front of him.

"Be it on your head, Bolt. But think about this. We all know I am the one paying for all of this. This entire study and test was funded under me, and the final products will be financed under me. An executive producer if you will. I cannot afford to make this a free service, I will lose out on thousands of bits. Hundreds of thousands if you want to be a little more realistic, if we are going to supply the entirety of Theria. The price will not be too extreme, fear not." For the first time, he looked towards Copper Bolt. His eyes were stern and his pupils dilated a fair bit. Perhaps he had taken something, Pangarè couldn't help but think. Copper Bolt appeared to be both disgruntled and visibly upset by the troubling commands from the pony he so unfairly relied on.

*****

The outcome of the meeting was pleasing to both Copper Bolt and Pangaré. It transpired that full production into the masks would be carried out in Equestria under the supervision of the royal guard and entire initial shipments of the final product were expected within two to three weeks. They were full aware that the plague would still be a major threat, masks or no. But for now they could rest easy knowing that things were progressing.

Copper Bolt lay over Pangaré, gently and delicately kissing his neck. They lay lazily atop one another in bed, above the covers, embracing each other in a display of love. His hoofs massaged his colt's sides and he heard Pangaré let out an audible sigh of pleasure. Copper Bolt grinned and saw this as a good indicator to begin moving his hoofs further down his lover's long, outstretched body. Pangaré shuddered quite dramatically as Copper Bolt's hoofs ran over a sensitive area on his hips.

"You never did like it when I touched you there, Pan." He muttered seductively as he prodded the same area, making Pangaré shift uncomfortably, he smiled and laughed nonetheless at his teasing notions.

"I never said I didn't like it, you daft colt. You just... catch me off guard sometimes. Today I walked through the most plagued area of Theria, I believe I can hold my own when confronted with an overly intimate pony such as yourself coming into contact with one of my more ticklish spots." Pangaré smiled lovingly down at him, although Copper Bolt wasn't looking back. He had begun softly nipping at Pangaré's chest and he soon found himself sinking back into the realm of pleasure.

"Copper... Copper stop for a moment." Pangaré sullenly demanded as he lifted his lovers head with a hoof from under his chin.

"What is it? Did I actually hurt you? If you want me to stop touching you there I-"

"No, no it's not that at all. What I just said. About walking through the most plagued area in Theria. It happened, right, tell me. Please tell me it happened." Pangaré's voice shook almost uncontrollably. "That wasn't a dream. You've saved us all. You saved me."

Copper Bolt was becoming both concerned and confused at his lover's almost heartbreaking rambling. He slid up so he could be eye level with Pangaré, but he didn't smile. He didn't quite know how to respond. "I didn't save you Pan, from anything." It was at this moment he gave his colt friend a stupid grin, "You said when you got back that I was the finest engineer in Theria. You know what I didn't tell you? You were absolutely right. Pan, there was no risk of you dying out there, if that's what you were scared of, regardless of what that other pony may say."

"No. It wasn't even that." Copper Bolt edged in closer, as Pangaré voice was almost a whisper of it's normal self. Suddenly Pangaré lingering head shot up and he planted a soft, loving kiss on his partner's lips. It didn't last long and when Pangaré moved away he was smiling. "Forget I said anything, hon." The volume and presence had returned to his voice as he snaked his hoof around the other colt's head and drew him in for another, longer wetter kiss.

Copper Bolt forgot his anxiety and melted into the kiss, moving his hands from the more erotic areas of his partner's body as he embraced Pangaré in a tight and unrelenting hug, fearful that whatever was plaguing his colt friend's thought's would keep him awake that night.

Maverick

"Whenever you're ready Luna."

Maverick sat on the balcony of the castle with the Princess of the Night close by his side. She was much taller than he, her dark flowing hair often obscuring his view of the day-lit Canterlot. Luna seemed a little more alert than usual, brighter, almost cheerful which Maverick was relieved and comforted by. She still looked visually exhausted but she sat up straight in a particularly royal fashion. Her gaze never left the spatter of buildings which splayed out many, many meters below them. Rooftops of reds, blues and purples darted the city below them in an almost artistic style. Grids upon grids of homes and businesses, places ponies had the confidence to call home. A small group of ponies could be seen stumbling through the streets, laughing and supporting themselves on one another.

The sun had been shining for three days. The heat could be felt throughout the land. The fields beyond Canterlot which could be seen from the balcony were turning a brownish shade of green, as were the broad leaves of the expanse of trees that was more commonly known as Sweet Apple Acres, many miles away in Ponyville.

Maverick loved this spot and he envied Luna, that she could take her leave to this wonderful refuge whenever she pleased. The balcony itself was not that large. It curved out of the side of the tallest tower of the castle out from the Princess's bed-chambers. The floor was wooden, purple and had swirling patterns that appeared to be carved into the very wood itself. Each stroke unique, almost telling a story of the stars and of ponies come and gone. The balcony itself had a large curtain drawn over it to protect those who reside in it should it happen to rain, or should the suns rays become too much for any normal pony to bear. In the far corner was Luna's enormous telescope, large and blue, it stood proudly out over the balcony and far into the air, yellow, venetian patterns had been decorated the side of it. On the other side was a small writing table. A half written letter took up most of the desk-space and Luna's iconic quill lay next to it. Made from one of the feathers of her dear sister, it shone an almost impossibly bright white, The Departed Princess's aura seemingly radiating from it.

Maverick closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Inhale. Exhale, before he pushed Luna further. "Luna, it's time."

Luna set out a deep sigh. "Yes Maverick, I am well aware of that."

An awkward silence hung in the air. Maverick repeated himself, "Whenever you're ready." But again, silence. Maverick looked up at the Princess for the first time since they came onto the platform.

Luna looked concerned, and Maverick's ears drooped by the side of his head. "Maverick... It hurts. You know... Doing this."

"I know it does Luna, but I'm here to help you. Every step of the way, you're not alone." Maverick encouraged.

Luna closed her eyes and lifted her head slightly. A deep inhale. A deep exhale. Without warning, her head swooped down besides Maverick and she began nuzzling into his neck softly. Maverick was taken aback. In all his years as Captain, he had never seen an act of affection like this from the Princess of the Night. Her muzzle rubbed against his neck softly, her horn occasionally and gently batting against his ears. Maverick smiled to himself and leaned into the Princess, mirroring the movements of her head against hers.

This went on for some time before Maverick had to pull away from the warm embrace of the Princess.

"Just like we practised, Luna. Deep breathes. Relax your body. Try and stand up-right." He gently placed a hoof on hers, feeling small amounts of magical energy flow up his arm, "And remember, I'm here with you. And... I'll always be here with you."

Those words made Luna's lips quiver slightly, but she shook her head and portrayed a determined look across her face. Once more, she closed her eyes and a glow of purple light focussed out the tip of her horn. Her eyes tightened and she began sweating from the brow profusely, grunting slightly and letting out a small whimper. Maverick placed a hoof gently on her arm in reassurance. The light began glowing brighter and brighter with each passing second, the enormous entity in the sky slowing shifting downwards, distorting Luna and Maverick's shadows to stretch out behind them as the sun began to lower. A small tear left Luna's right eye. A beautiful red glow began to cover the sky as the sun began to reach the horizon in the distance. Luna's legs faltered slightly but Maverick held her upright. A scream. A bellowing scream left Luna's mouth as she mustered all the strength she had to carry out her duties. The bird's ceased chirping. The magic of the street-lights below leapt into action as the city became darker and darker under Luna's immense power. In the distance, as the light faded, Maverick could see the eery blue glow of the moon begin to over-power the bright, warm light of the sun. The temperature shifted dramatically, causing Maverick to illicit a shudder. He could see his breath hang momentarily in the air before being blown away by a harsh wind, generated from Luna's magic. Luna's breathes became heavier and heavier and she began to weep gently. She gritted her teeth and with one last force of energy and strength, positioned the moon high above the sky, looking down over the world. The sun had vanished and so had it's bright, unforgiving heat.

Luna began to shudder as her horn's glow began to fade slowly. Maverick once more felt her foreleg shake, but it was too late. Luna fell to her knees, Maverick unable to support her any longer. He quickly reached down and attempted to help her to her hoofs.

"Luna?" Maverick whispered gently towards her as he tried to lift the limp Princess. "Luna, you did it. You were amazing."

No response. Maverick began to panic. His Princess was unconscious and shuddering violently, her breathing light. He called out.

"Guards! Guaaards! Help, anyone!" He screamed at the top of his lungs in the direction of the Princess's bed-chambers. Two guards promptly appeared, two mares. One of them gasped and dropped her lance, before rushing over the assist Maverick. The other stood there in shock, seemingly unable to move as she gawped down at the royalty before her. Maverick rolled his eyes and frustratingly pointed to her "You! Fetch a nurse, a doctor and Jorah. Immediately!"

She didn't move. She didn't so much as look at Maverick. She was clearly in shock. Maverick shouted louder, "Soldier, I will have you court-marshalled for in-sub ordinance if you do not tail out of here in under five seconds and fetch a nurse, a doctor and Jorah. That is an order, go or so help me I will see that you spend the remainder of your young life begging for bits on the street."

Her gaze suddenly averted to Maverick. The flames in his eyes startling and scaring her. "Y-Yes sir, right away!" She dropped her shield and lance where she stood and, before they hit the ground with a mighty thud, she galloped out of view shouting for the doctor.

The other guard, a light grey pegasus with a pastel blue mane, had placed Luna in the recovery position and was gently stroking her mane. Maverick snapped and slapped her hoof away, "How dare you, take your hands off her." His tone was sharp and menacing and he bared his teeth viciously. His breathing was heavy.

Then, unexpectedly, the guard before him narrowed her eyes into a piercing stare. She began shouting, "Princess Luna is in a state of shock you idiot! She needs to be reassured that she is surrounded by care, it will reduce her heart-rate, level her breathing and calm her down far quicker than if we were to just sit around her like she was a bucking campfire. So I suggest you follow my lead, Sir."

Maverick was speechless, furious even. But now wasn't the time. I'll deal with her later, he thought to himself as he groaned and began stroking Luna's radiant mane. The guard did so as well.

"Talk to her, Sir. Let her know she's safe."

Maverick did as he was told. He whispered many things to her whilst they waited. What a good job she had done, that he was there, that everyone was so proud of her, that help was on the way. The wait seemed eternal and Maverick began to sweat an unhealthy amount. He was surprised to notice that Luna's breathing had returned to a safe pattern and her shuddering had ceased.

"She's asleep. It would still be worth letting the physician examine her further, just to be on the safer side of the fence, Sir."

He paused briefly before nodding. He understood.

The physician arrived surround by about three nurses and four or five other guards. Only the doctor galloped forwards and knelt by the Princess. He beckoned for one of the nurses to come over so she could help him, and she obediently did so. As she came over, the doctor glanced towards Maverick.

"Captain, I'll need some space, if you don't mind." Maverick nodded and ordered the physician to keep her safe and well, but he only smiled back at him, "Don't worry Sir, I can already see that she'll be fine. You and Mary did a phenomenal job. Well done. You two can go now, she's in safe hands. I'll stay here with my nurses and those guards there. Get some rest, you look like you haven't slept in days." He then gave Maverick a sly, encouraging and joking grin, "And don't forget we have an appointment the day after tomorrow. Don't keep me waiting again, aye?" He winked.

Maverick felt like he had forgotten how to smile or talk, so he simply walked towards the doors of the bedchamber, with Mary following some distance behind him. He turned in the corridor towards the entrance to the hall and could hear the mare behind him. He pushed open the door and let it close behind him, deliberately not holding it open for the other pony. And there he waited.

The door creaked as it swung open. Mary gasped in surprise when she saw her Captain glaring back at her in the hall. He trotted up to her and stood inches from her face. "How dare you speak to a superior like that!" he yelled, drawing a few gazes from the other guards patrolling the wide halls of the castle, "You think I don't know how to handle a crisis? I could have had that situation under control! The disrespect you showed today would make Shining Armour turn in his grave, I should have you stripped of your rank and sent to work in the kitchens!"

She hung her head, her demeanour completely changed from what it was on the balcony. She mumbled something inaudibly under her helmet and began to blubber pathetically. Maverick continued.

"Do you think the Captain of the Royal Guard doesn't already know everything you so rudely commanded me to do on that balcony? I didn't get to the position I am in now to take orders from a guard like you." His voice was still raised and echoed through the now deathly quiet hallways.

Mary began to weep. "I'm... sorry," she replied. Almost a whisper.

"But," Maverick bargained, "Where you took control of the situation, I completely froze."

Mary looked up, as a tear left her jaw and hit the tiled floor below.

"You were not callous, you were controlled. You knew what you were doing and you most certainly didn't panic like I daresay I was."

A gleam entered her... eyes. Maverick was slightly taken aback by those eyes of hers. Bright yellow. Golden almost. Piercing yet soft and sweet. But, completely... wrong. One looked like it was staring towards the ceiling, the other down towards the floor. Maverick couldn't tell if she was looking at him at all. He shrugged it off momentarily as he got back to his point.

"I daresay you may have even, in that room, saved Princess Luna from severe harm, you may have even saved her life. I suppose what I'm getting at is that I'm proud of you, kid." Mary's tears soon seemed to be forgotten and she beamed in pride towards Maverick, a broad and very generous smile stretching across her face. She looked like an excitable school-girl before she regained her Royal Guard poise and stood up straight.

She proudly saluted the Captain, "Thank you Sir, I would do it a thousand times more, Sir."

"That's what I like to hear. And please, for now, call me Maverick. I believe we're now off duty, doctor's orders." He grinned smugly as Mary seemed to relax a bit and chuckle back at him.

"Are you hungry, Mary? The shifts we give you guards seem almost cruel." He said jokingly.

"Absolutely starving, sir."

"Maverick," the Captain quickly corrected. "Let's make our way to the refectory, see if they've got any scraps left for us."

Mary smiled as she and the Captain left the hall together, side by side. But not before he apologised for giving her such a scare.

*****

Mary and the Captain sat opposite from one another on the guards table. They had been talking for a while. Maverick often did this, ate with the lower ranks. It built character and developed a better relationship between him and the mares and colts that his life may one day depend on. He treated them as equals in this hall, unless a fight broke out, of course. But that had not happened since Maverick last intervened in a brawl between two young colts. The kitchen staff treated Maverick like a regular guard upon his arrival, at his request. He didn't get extra food or champagne rather than water. In this dining hall, he was a guard, a guard like he never was.

"So," Mary scoffed mid-chew, "I just became fed up of the name calling and the snide comments. I knew I wasn't like my mother or her mother before that. I was fully capable to becoming something like the Captain of the Royal Guard, so I spent the next few months in initiate training to try and become the best soldier I could. Unfortunately..." She took another large bit into her sandwich and spoke through a mouthful of food, "- I still find myself drawing gazes from visitors to the castle and even the other guards themselves. I have plenty of friends here, even they tease me, but I can handle it. I have a heart of steel, they can throw whatever they like at me. So long as it's not a tomahawk, I might be less inclined to survive such a projectile."

Maverick chuckled. He had inquired about Mary's eyes, almost completely accidentally. The conversation seemed to run a bit dry earlier so he said she had nice eyes, not realising that it might have been a sensitive topic. Mary knew what he was getting at but she mostly took it as a compliment and explained how her entire family had developed a condition which caused their eyes to wander. She assured Maverick that she was just as mentally dependable, if not more dependable, than any other soldier on the force, which Maverick strongly believed.

It was Maverick's turn to speak, again through a mouthful of bread. A strand of leaf hung from his mouth as he spoke, trying to stuff the majority of the sandwich's contents into his mouth. "So you joined the Royal Guard to prove to the ponies who doubted you that you were dependable. I can vouch for you if they ever decide to find that out for themselves."

"That's just the thing, I'm sure they've pretty much just forgotten about me by now, so it doesn't matter anyway. But I found so much more in the Royal Guard than I could have ever imagined I would find. It's the best job in the world, and strike me dead if there's a better, more fulfilling and worthwhile career choice. Um, don't say Doctor." She grinned.

Maverick spoke, "Well, personally, I joined the Royal Guard because of the stories I read as a child. I always imagined the Royal Guard as being this glamorous job which would get me fame, fortune and mares. They weren't wrong on that account," Maverick smiled to himself as Mary laughed, "But it did take ten years to reach the level I'm at now. It's a miracle it even happened if I'm frightfully honest. You know I never passed a single officer's test? Never even took one."

"You're joking. Then how the hell are you... you?" Mary inquired, almost shocked to the core.

"Because I'm the best." Mary rolled her eyes. "No, I just worked hard and used instinct over rank. It's one thing being able to regurgitate knowledge of military tactics onto a piece of paper, it's another thing putting it into action. That was my strength. I started out in transportation, and was part of the artillery squadrons. I didn't even fire the blasted canons, I just carried the artillery from the cart to the 'experts.' It was only when things began getting a bit bothersome when we were trying to keep the Changeling revolts at bay that I stood up and took command. No-one argued, they were just about desperate enough to listen to my insane plans. Too much detail to go into now. But anyway, it worked. The sergeant who was in charge of the platoon initially took all the credit. The bastard. For about a month he bathed in my glory before the rest of the squad believed it would be the right thing to do to tell the honest truth about who it was that had saved Canterlot. I remember, I was scrubbing dishes in these very kitchens when Shining Armour himself came in and personally congratulated me. Not only that, I got the Medallion of Cunning, the Medallion of Bravery and the Medallion of Leadership. Three of The Six Medallions and I wasn't even an infantry soldier. It seemed like one bizarre dream. Needless to say, the Sergeant was disgraced and stripped of his rank, and I became sergeant in his place, at Shining Armours own risk. The rest is history really. From there I began working up the ranks until I became a Lieutenant and from there, after Shining Armours departure, the Captain."

"You make it sound so fucking easy, Sir."

"Maverick."

"Oh, of course. All this talk of how you became Captain... I must have just forgotten. But that is quite an amazing story. So tell me, Captain of the Royal Guard, why the hell should I bother studying for these written exams if the Captain himself never passed a single one?" She raised an eyebrow, accompanied by a sly grin so Maverick knew she was only joking.

"Because you're Captain tells you so. That, or you could pray for another Changeling revolt? Which, I regret to inform you, is nearly impossible now they're practically all dead," He teased.

"Well, maybe one day something will happen that'll make me prove my worth." Mary pondered.

"It may come sooner than you think." Maverick teased more, keeping the fact that he intended to award Mary with the Medallion for Leadership and The Medallion for First Aid the very next day to himself.

*****

"Maverick, I need you to leave Canterlot."

Maverick nearly fell on his haunches. Those words had hit him like a sack of bricks and he actually felt like he was about to faint. What did I do? Is she taking away my rank? Have I angered her. No, I couldn't have. She nuzzled me for a whole five minutes on the balcony. He struggled to find the words, "W-What? Luna, I can't... Captain... Need to be here."

Luna laughed gently at his nonsense and passed him a loving gaze. "And you're the best Captain I've ever known, or for that matter, ever will know. But there are important matters that only you can attend to." A deep sigh. "And I can't think of anyone I would entrust such a task more to... than you."

Luna had been awake for a few hours. She slept for nearly a day, which was a relief to see and it appeared as though some of her strength had returned to her already. Maverick had gone straight to her side and although she wasn't particularly talkative, Maverick never left.

Maverick turned ninety degrees to face the Princess, head on. "Your highness, I cannot possibly leave... there's... too much I would be... My duties, I need to see to my duties, I have ponies to lead, ponies to guide... Who-"

Luna answered before he could finish, "Jorah. I will make Jorah the temporary Captain. I trust him too, I believe he will do a grand job. You will leave your rank behind when you leave for your... mission." That word, mission, made the entire situation change. Maverick's initial fear and confusion was soon forgotten and he regained his professional poise. Another long silence.

"I didn't need to have told you so bluntly, Maverick. I'm sorry." The Princess apologised in a most sincere manner. Maverick nodded his head, half in agreement and half in understanding. Luna leant into Maverick slightly unexpectedly, sending a shiver down his spine, "I wanted to tell you here. When it was just you and me."

Maverick was silent.

"I suppose you want to know what it is I'll be expecting you to do?"

"Very much so, Luna." Maverick looked at her and nodded his head as he spoke.

"Very well. Maverick, you know plenty about the elements of Harmony I presume?"

"I have read many books on them, yes."

"I shan't explain them in too much detail then. The elements are the most valuable weapon us ponies have ever held in our hooves. Entirely unsustainable without the right chemistry of emotion and the right psyches of the right ponies. Those ponies you can see in the town square were the last ponies that were able to control the elements. It was because of these elements that I ceased to be Nightmare Moon, it was the elements who banished Discord and The Changelings. It was Celestia who purposely sent her student, Twilight Sparkle, to Ponyville so she could deliberately join with the other five of the six.

Applejack; honesty. Fluttershy; Kindness. Rainbow Dash; Loyalty. Rarity; Generosity. Pinkie Pie; Laughter, and of course, Twilight Sparkle who acted as the Element of Magic.

Five of these ponies are now departed from this world. Their elements returned to the castle and locked away for safety. Twilight Sparkle still resides in Ponyville although I can see her time coming to an abrupt end soon. And when that time finally comes round, we will need to search for the new keepers of the Elements."

"Is that my mission, Luna, to find new souls for the Elements?"

Luna chuckled, "You make the elements sound like they're some sort of voodoo. The Elements are the purest thing on this earth, to wield them is an honour beyond imagining. I believe that the six ponies who can can take up direct control of the elements are residing in Ponyville. I have seen it in many dreams, and the dreams of those who used to watch over at night.

"Most importantly, Maverick. I believe the Elements can be used to restore Equestria to it's natural self. Not even Equestria, but the entire world. Again, I have seen it and I believe it with all my heart and soul. Celestia has been gone for four years, I do not believe she will be returning any time soon, so, it is up to us to try and find this solution, even if it kills us." She grinned in a mockingly evil fashion, "And by us, I mean you."

Maverick chuckled at the Princess's dark joke. But he simply nodded in agreement and confirmation.

"Do you believe Jorah can handle the position of Captain, Maverick?" The Princess asked.

"Pfft, please. He's practically been salivating over this position for years. He'd never dream of squandering it. Not only that, but to have him as the Captain would certainly ease tensions between Equestria and Theria."

"You're right. I knew I was making the right choice." Luna closed her eyes and breathed softly.

"Luna? May I make a request."

She stayed put, unfazed, but perked up an ear to show that she was indeed listening.

"I want to award two of the six Medallions to a guard. Her name is Mary. When you were unconscious, on the balcony, she arrived and may very well have saved your life with her leadership skills and first aid knowledge, even in the presence of higher ranking officers. Heh, she reminds me of me in many ways. I would like to grant this award to her before I leave."

"Maverick, relax. My intentions were for you to leave in a week's time. You do what you believe is right. What was the young colt's name?"

"She's a mare. And it's Mary."

"The one with the crooked eyes?"

"You know her then."

"I only know of her, Maverick. Those eyes of hers seem to be a popular topic amongst the guards." Luna paused and sighed before smiling, "You really believe she may have saved my life?"

"I know she did. I'm almost certain of it." Maverick pushed.

"Then I shall give her my personal thanks as well, when I am ready. You do what you feel the right thing to do is, Maverick."

"Thank you, Luna." Maverick smiled and gently placed his hoof on Luna's foreleg.

"Now get out of here, you've been at my side for far too long." She grinned, jokingly, "I'm sure you have more important duties to attend to. Go on you daft colt, scram."

Luna's apparent informalities came as a pleasant surprise to Maverick. He simply smiled, stood and left.

*****

The auditorium erupted into applause as Mary held her Medallion of Leadership and Medallion of First Aid proudly before saluting Luna, Jorah and Maverick. Even without the light of day, the outdoor venue beamed with a magical aura. Maverick beamed with pride at Mary who seemed to be bouncing around in excitement, squealing with joy on the stage after having received her awards from the Princess. Some of her friends had pushed their way onto the stage and began jumping around with her and hugging her tightly, which made both Maverick and Luna smile almost uncontrollably. Jorah clapped formally but didn't smile. Always a professional. Maverick didn't have anyone to celebrate with when he was presented with his three Medallions, nor did he receive quite the bout of applause, say for the squad members who he arguably saved that fateful day.

When the venue began quieting down and ponies began dispersing, Maverick trotted over to Mary. He kept his distance initially while she shook hoofs, bro-hoofed and hugged her fellow guards and then when she had a moment of budding quiet he finally approached.

Mary saw him and didn't hesitate to lunge towards him. Embracing him in the tightest hug he had ever received. Maverick, although thrilled for the young mare, raised his voice. "Soldier, we are currently on duty you with treat me with all due

respect!" Mary suddenly let go and looked worryingly towards Maverick, clinging onto her Medallions tightly, almost as if he was going to rip then out of her hoofs then and there.

Maverick simply winked at her before lunging at her, embracing her in an even more unrelenting hug. "I however am a Captain and I can do as I please." Mary sighed in relief and returned the hug, resting her head on Mavericks shoulder. When the hug broke, Maverick spoke, "I'm fucking proud of you kid. The first Medallions of many I hope. No, I expect."

Mary was still exploding with delight, "Sir, I couldn't have even dreamed of this, you've already given me far more than I could have ever asked for or hoped to achieve!"

"Non-sense, filly. I have full confidence that you'll achieve much more than that. Remember, when I stood up to my superiors, I was yelling at a bunch of cowering soldiers with their tails between their legs and a couple of Sergeants who were smoking a pipe because they believed they were experiencing their last moments on this planet. You stood up to the damn Captain, you crazy, crazy mare. Now that is Leadership." Maverick beamed.

Mary seemed to be lost for words, she whimpered and smiled as she wiped a single tear from her left eye, a tear of happiness. She and Maverick looked over as one of her friends was beckoning her over. Maverick raised his hoof and smiled at the other pony, indicating for one more moment.

"I wanted to be the one to present you with these awards. Mary, you see, I won't be the Captain for much longer. I'm leaving Canterlot and heading to Ponyville on matters of high importance." Mary's grin faded and her ears dropped. "It's only temporary. I've been given a task which only I can attend to, apparently. Jorah will be taking over as Captain during my leave."

"But why, Sir? What are you going to do."

"I can't divulge that information for obvious reasons. You understand, of course. Anyway, I'm here for another five days so I'll be around until then. Oh, and Mary, please don't go off telling everypony what I just told you, okay? Our secret, as it were. Leave Jorah to answer everyone's questions when it transpires that I have vanished off the face of the planet." He winked slyly.

Mary refrained from smiling, and simply leapt into another hug. Maverick didn't protest and hugged back, comfortingly. "Thank you Sir, You've given me everything and more."

Maverick smiled to himself before motioning for Mary to leave and join her friend. As she galloped away she turned and waved back to the Captain, who simply beamed and waved back.

Maverick thought back to his time on the stage a moment ago, and his brow lowered slightly. Who was that pony in the black hood? Maverick had only noticed it briefly but in rafters, nestled amongst the other guards was a hooded figure who seemed to be staring at Maverick the whole time. He glanced back to where he saw the pony but they had since moved away.

Maverick shrugged and passed it off as his imagination before getting lost in the celebration with his fellow Royal Guard.

Celestia

Celestia

I miss you so much.

I love you so much.

I'm so sorry.

I won't ever leave you again.

Please come back to me.

Please.

I miss you.

You're so beautiful.

Please come back to me.

I love you.

Please come back to me.

Please.

I miss you.

I miss you so much.

I'm so sorry.

I love you.

The cave echoed chaotically as the sound of a heavy quill hitting the floor began bouncing off the walls.