Shadow and Flame

After aer meeting with the equine sun goddess, Daedalus moved quickly through the palace gardens into a large courtyard used as a landing platform for the airborne chariots pegasi would pull through the sky, striding towards the far end near the very edge of the elevated castle where a Valkyrie gunship stood, its boarding ramp and landing struts fully extended from its slim teardrop shaped underbelly and the levitators beneath it’s sickle shaped wings glowing with a faint blue aura, ready to take back off upon the approaching aeon’s return.

The pilot and three aeon gunner crew loitered next to the ramp sharing a cigarette as they waited for Daedalus, talking quietly in their heavy native tongue, two of the group chuckling at some joke or another made by one of the others.

As the Dusktreader slipped by the group, brushing past the pilot, ae spoke in the aeonic language. “Hurry up and finish your smoke, I need to get back to the Starlit Bane.”

The grey skinned Ston pilot jumped at the surprise contact and snatched the cigarette from the mouth of the aeon opposite aer, stubbing it out against the metal ramp of the Valkyrie and following Daedalus up it. “Apologies skio, we didn’t realise you would be back so soon.” Ae replied, still in aeonic.

“I don’t care for your excuses.” Daedalus said simply, aer masked face and voice betraying no emotion as ae took the seat nearest to the hatch, allowing the crew to rush past and take their positions. “I have much to do and not much time in which to do it.”

“Of course skio.” The pilot bowed slightly with the honorific and all but leapt into aer seat, aer fingers flying across the crystalline controls of the valkyrie, the gunners doing the same.

Daedalus glanced down the length of the valkyrie at the crew as they went through the take off sequence, saying things back and forth between each other as they did so then lifted one side of aer cloak, reaching under the metallic cloth to retrieve a pencil and pad from one of the many pouches and pockets.

The dusktreader flipped a few pages of the ring bound booklet (ring binding and perforated paper being a very neat commodity the Aeon Empire had learned of from Techno World humans among other things) until a blank page came to the fore and began to write a short to-do list in scrawling runes as the valkyrie gunship closed its ramp and took to the air with a faint hum, the streamlined craft cutting smoothly through the sky.

High priority extraction: Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity + any important individuals related.

Quickly + quietly move PDP to Starlit Bane.

Daedalus paused in aer writing to tap the blunt end of aer pencil against the part of aer mask that was covering aer mouth for a moment and contemplate pony names, finding it odd for the hundredth time that their names seemed to almost always reflect their personalities and/or “Special Talent” as they called it, names given at birth no less.

At least that was how it had been with every pony ae had met so far.

The Valkyrie encountered a moment of turbulence and the jolt brought Daedalus back to reality and ae continued writing aer list.

Interrogate and demote the idiot who separated the EoH.

This “to-do” was underlined several times and a scribbly skull and crossbones were doodled next to it. Daedalus was understanding when it came to honest mistakes but whoever split up the six greatest assets Equestria had, had won “Dumbarse of the year award” in aer eyes.

Bump military leave forward a few months.

This “to-do” would generate a horrendous amount of paperwork but Daedalus felt it was a necessary sacrifice to get the Elements off of the battlefields for a short while without annoying them too greatly.

Get Daeva to babysit EoH.

There was no way Daedalus would look after a bunch of ponies from a cutesy little town. That was more the Daybringer Hierophant's area of expertise. The warzone was Daedalus’ place of recreation, a cherry setting would drive aer up the wall.

Daedalus paused in aer writing again as the pilot began informing the Starlit Bane that they were landing, wondering if ae had missed anything else of importance.

An idea struck the dusktreader just as the valkyrie’s landing struts extended and ae jotted down one last note before putting the notebook and pencil back away.

Make pony version of Aeos’ Fist.

Daedalus hadn’t the faintest idea what they’d call the Equine elite battalion but ae did know that doing something of the sort would not only give the Elements a place to fight while being somewhere where Daedalus could watch and protect them without them feeling singled out, it would also raise morale amongst the Equestrian population, seeing a group of great ponies being given the same respect and status as the strongest Aeon battalion as well as them having the same effect on the battlefield as Aeos’ Fist, empowering their allies and striking fear into their enemies. Now all ae needed to do was send out messages to as many commanding officers as possible to give aer nominations for this “Ponified Aeos’ Fist”.

As the boarding ramp extended Daedalus stood and addressed the crew. “I have a few things to do but I’ll be back, don’t pack away this Valkyrie but go get something to eat then come straight back.”

The crew saluted in affirmation and Daedalus left.

At the far end of the vast hangar, approaching from a large doorway leading into the Starlit Bane proper, the one to the left was a titan of an aeon, a grey skinned Ston wearing jet black armour, themed like the Tevana’s but much more intricate and decorative and far more intimidating with spikes and blades protruding from strategic spots and swirls and runes of gold along the edges and centres of the plates, aer uncovered face was chiseled and hard, a firm, square jaw and defined cheekbones showed a strength rivaled only by the stone of the mountains, though offset by bright pale blue eyes, like a winter’s clear midday sky, sparkling with softness. Aer dark grey hair was little more than stubble against aer head and an orange curse mark of Gluttony wrapped itself around aer right eye.

The one to the right was far smaller, though still slightly taller than Daedalus, aer was garbed in plain brown robes, rippling as ae walked simultaneously hiding yet flaunting a curvy childbearing figure with wide hips and a large chest, an amulet in the shape of a stylised ten pointed star swung from around aer neck and a dark blue, metal staff with a large, heavy head of the same design as the star around aer neck clutched in aer hand, aer skin was a creamy brown in colour and flowing sand coloured locks of hair fell around aer shoulders, curling slightly near the tips. Aer face was soft and maternal, rounded and full of love, aer eyes a vibrant pink in colour. A red curse mark of Wrath stood out around aer eye.

Daedalus and the two other aeon stopped approaching each other about a metre apart and regarded each other momentarily.

“Bala.” Daedalus nodded at the large black clad Tevana. “Daeva.” Again this time to the smaller Alexuran.

“Daedalus.” They both said in unison nodding back, a wry smile tugging subtly at Bala’s lips.

Daedalus looked around, turning aer head to one side then the other scanning the entire hangar.

“Where’s Hayrona?” Ae said after a pause.

“Hayrona was called out to the Barren’s frontline to mop up a few ‘problems’.” Daeva raised aer hands and made air quotes with aer fingers, “Ae’ll be back in a day or so.”

“Pity. I was hoping to speak to aer about a certain matter.” Daedalus took a few steps forward, making to step past the pair only to be intercepted by an armored arm, sweeping aer up into a bone crushing hug.

“Don’t be like that, love of our Kalas.” Bala said with a massive grin splitting aer chiseled features. “We missed you.”

Daedalus wheezed and flailed to little effect as the air was squeezed out of aer by the titanic aeon. The dusktreader didn’t technically need to breath having an Aeros spirit but still it was an unpleasant feeling.

“So we have.” Daeva concurred, pressing a hand against Daedalus’ back. “Its been too long since we were all together.”

“Daeva its been a month.” Daedalus croaked weakly. “And Hayrona isn’t here.”

“Close enough.” Bala purred tightening aer grip.

“Bala I have something to do!” Daedalus squeaked, furiously hitting Bala’s armored belly with the palm of aer hand.

“Oh you’re no fun these days.” Bala’s grin turned into a frown as ae let go of aer prize, Daedalus returning to aer feet and taking a few deep breaths. “So what’s this something?”

“Princess Celestia asked a favor.” Daedalus said once ae had straightened up and leveled aer breathing. “Wants me to pull some important individuals out of the lines without causing too much disruption. Namely the “Elements of Harmony”.”

“The Elements of what?” Bala’s face blanked in confusion. “Is that some kind of ancient artifact?”

“Kind of.” Daeva says. “If what I’ve managed to research is true they’re ancient forces that manifest in six specific individuals and empower them with the Magic of Friendship.”

“What...” Bala gave Daeva a deadpan look. “Seriously? What happened to the “Righteous Fury of Helios”? At least that sounds badass.”

Daedalus ran a hand over aer masked forehead. “It's nothing we haven’t seen before, just with a lot less smiting and a lot more rainbows.” Daedalus scratched aer neck and straightened aer jacket before making for the entrance to the halls circling the outer ring of the Starlit Bane. “Never the less it's very important that we get them out. We have a lot to do so lets go get comfortable so i can explain what we’re doing.”

The two aeon behind Daedalus shrugged at each other then followed in tow.

==*?*==

The three aeon sat in their quarters, a spartan apartment set up in the general’s wing of the military quarters, in a triangular formation so they could all see each other.

Bala had removed some of aer armour revealing more of aer muscular form, Daeva had laid aer staff beside aer and Daedalus had taken aer mask off.

“So...” Bala began. “What needs doing?”

Daedalus opened aer mouth to begin speaking only to be stopped by Daeva who reached up and ran a finger roughly across Daedalus’ cheek, creating a smear of pale powder on aer finger.

Upon inspecting the substance Daeva glared pointedly at Daedalus.

The Dusktreader sighed resignedly, crossing aer arms. “Daeva this really isn’t-”

“You’re wearing make up.” The Hierophant interrupted.

“Daev-”

“If you’re going to hide behind make up why do you even wear that mask?”

“You know why I wear the mask.”

“You said you’d take off your mask in front of the Princess, when I asked you to be a little honest with he-”

“And why should I do that? I don’t know her, she’s just another Aeos damned ruler in another Aeos damned plane of existence.”

“Daedalus its not about that, it’s abou-”

The sudden argument was interrupted as a heavy strong hand rested down upon the shoulder of both by Bala.

“Daeva.” Bala said softly. “Daedalus is right this isn’t the time.”

Daeva looked up at their colossal companion then sighed resignedly.

The large Tevana turned her attention to Daedalus. “You should wash that off.”

Daedalus nodded stiffly then pulled a cloth out from aer coat, then wiped aer face with it, covering aer features completely with the white fabric, sighing then lowered aer hands and threw the cloth aside into the kitchen sink across the room, revealing a face far from unblemished, numerous scars and slightly discoloured patches of skin all over aer face, some particularly wicked looking ones around aer eyes and mouth and one particularly wide scar running just under aer eyes and through aer nose.

“Happy?” The pale aeon asked coldly.

Daeva nodded slightly looking somewhat embarrassed.

Daedalus grunted in response then pulled aer notepad out of aer cloak, flipping it open.

“Well first off since Hayrona isn’t here I’m going to have to ask you to do aer job.” The cloaked aeon said nodding at Bala. “I need you to go get Pinkamena Diane Pie from Helsinki and bring her here.”

“Alright.” Bala nodded. “Any reason why?”

“Well to keep her safe. She’s one of the Elements.”

Bala looked confused and concerned by this but didn’t say any more.

“Also I would like you to talk to every Field Commander you can get your hands on and start digging up exceptional individuals.” Daedalus added. “I’m wanting to make an elite battalion to put the Elements with once we clean this mess up.”

“Another Aeos’ Fist?” Daeva asked.

“Pretty much. Oh and could you root around for the one in charge of the Canterlot recruitments, that’s apparently where the Elements signed on.” The dusktreader turned aer attention to Daeva. “Daeva when I’ve rounded up all the Elements I need you to baby sit them, just make sure they’re safe until we get this pony Aeos’ Fist thing sorted, especially in regards to Pinkamena.”

“Wait...” Daeva closed aer eyes and shook aer head. “You’re not seriously sending her out into a civilian population in her state?”

“Well yeah.” The scarred aeon shrugged. “We extracted that thing in her head, she won't be alone and you’ll be nearby constantly so I don’t see the problem.”

“My problem isn’t her lashing out at anyone, my problem is her being petrified of thinking she will.” The robed Hierophant crossed aer arms and gave Daedalus a hard look. “I went by Helsinki and I saw her, she’s a psychological trainwreck.”

“Well this is all a part of making her better.” Daedalus shrugged nonchalantly again and put aer notepad away. “Well I need to be off to get some paperwork and have a long chat with someone up top so I need to be off.” The dusktreader picked aer mask up off the table and replaced it on aer face, once more completely hiding aer skin and returning a synthetic drone to aer voice. “Clear your schedule and get ready for some R&R in pony-land.”