Dawning Transcendence

Chapters

Preface
Chapter One (Origin of a colt)
Chapter Two (My faithful Student)
Chapter Three (The Citadel)
Chapter Four (Land of the Earth)
Chapter Five (Fallen Kingdom)
Chapter Six (Marked)
Chapter Seven (Knight flight)
Chapter Eight (The Garden)
Chapter Nine (Coat of Gold)
Chapter Ten (Wings and Apples)
Chapter Eleven (Lights in the city)
Chapter Twelve (Garden of Shadows)
Chapter Thirteen (The Kingdom to the North)
Chapter Fourteen (Gifts of Friendship)
Chapter Fifteen (Decision for a Captain)
Chapter Sixteen (Put the Best Wing Forward)
Chapter Seventeen (Clash of Thunder)
Chapter Eighteen (Preparing the Deck)
Chapter Nineteen (Ace of Spades)
Chapter Twenty (The Kingdom of Hearts)

Preface

Tomorrow is the tears of today.

You are created so that we may be destroyed. You are the one who has the potential and the one who has been bestowed with the ability. We have awaited your arrival for we are incomplete. We need you; however, you will not need us. We have thrived for centuries, toiling to do so little, while you have done so much in a time which is of no value. Together we are complete, yet only divided will you succeed for what you are is what we cannot proclaim. You are to be neither manifested nor slain, as the same had once applied to us. We have no vitality or mortality, for what we are is not one that we ourselves can understand. Something greater than us is what we crave and it is this addiction that shall serve as our tomb. Nothing is certain, Nothing is true, Nothing is void, Nothing can be acquired for Nothing is innate, and it is Nothing that has led to you.

Awake! Your destiny waits!

And do not burden, they will never forget who you have yet to become.

You are inspiration.

Chapter One (Origin of a colt)

Chapter One

Sapphire Convection, located roughly in the center of the Obiltà District, has been in the Angelo family since the fabrication of the city of Canterdash, six and a quarter centuries ago, and is currently under the command of Ardore and Geleta Angelo. Over the Years the establishment had become one of the most renowned locations in the entire empire through Sapphire Convection's vast plethora of absolutely pulchritudinous manifestations in art, fashion, and musical composition; however, because of the delicacy of the creations Sapphire Convection was never a franchise of mass product. The creations that Ardore and Geleta were able to Conjure with their magic was always marvelous in design and citizens across all of the Serenitan Empire commonly valued the works as invaluable jewels of art fit for those of royalty, aristocracy, and essentially figures of legends.

Every year, for the last thirteen years, Sapphire Convection has been responsible for supplying the majestic displays of the annual Gala of Three Spheres celebrating the rise of the empire after the three tribes that had once roamed this land in open conflict embraced the power of understanding and friendship in order to nullify their differences; thus encouraging and sparking the prosperous alliance of Serenita. In an effort to succeed Ardore and Geleta operate industriously for the week preceding the Gala, calling upon the assistance of the entire Angelo Family. I would always marvel how the family was able to accomplish such a task because even after I was old enough to assist there was only six of us. I remember having to give my all that first year too as a young colt when I initially partook in preparing for the festivities. My father allowed me to assist alongside him as we evaluated tablecloths, curtains, and even Tuxedos to ensure they were up to Angelo quality standards. All the creations always were; my father's abilities in design alongside my mother's craft of the needle was legendary and that first year I spent more time awing than actually assisting. My father, however, never fretted over my partial fixations and that year was the first time I ever remember of my father smiling preceding the year’s Gala as aqueous pride transcended his cheeks.

Born the second descendant of Ardore I was not the one of glorification that my sister, Cristalla, had relished just shy of a decade beforehand. My sister had been bestowed with a natural gift in cloth that pleased my mother alongside a voice that my father cherished; however, I was not one to be undertaken in jealousy towards Cristalla because in my studies as an early colt I honesty could not recall a young mare that was as reformed, welcoming, authentic, and stimulating as my sister. Cristalla was not always the best source for support, yet I never doubted her comfort because she always found a way to be there for me, even when it was to her own disadvantage. Geleta, my mother, was always available to communicate as well if I ever felt troubled; however, discussing things with Cristalla was different than ranting to my mother, she was someone that I found early trust in and she was my very first true friend.

Besides for my sister though, my early life revolved primarily around a quest for knowledge that appeared to be inconclusive and featured such rigorous determination that my father most faithfully adored. When I was born my mother refused to allow herself or Ardore to name me proclaiming that neither of them had a suitable name for me at the time and as a family of elegance my parents did not want to be impulsive. My father thus acting in the manners of grace that are signature of his personality determined that I would find my own name and until then I would be referred to by my relation. Learning to read at the marvelous age of one I had completely emptied our family library of its contents by the age of four and had become a self-appointed tutor to my sister on every manner that she could have inquired about in the arts of creativity, dance, attire, melody, and pose. I liked to believe that I gave a major contribution to Cristalla’s abilities in fashioning attire as she rivaled our father in her creations; however, Cristalla’s aptitudes were simply natural talents and save for a few lessons in how to embroider specific jewels so that they would optimally reflect lights in the most breath-taking fashions, I was essentially useless. At the age of six, however, as the Gala approached my life after that point was anything but what one could coin useless.

On the third day preceding the Gala, a royal ambassador from the Citadel was sent to Sapphire Convection to ensure the preparations for the one-thousandth celebration of the Gala proceeding the Great Ancasian War where the acrimonious Ancasian King, King Sypherous, seeking to repave all of Serentia in his name invaded the empire and using dark magic ordained in devastation and despair transformed our country side into a subjugated army directed towards releasing chaos throughout the empire in order to undermine the core of our defenses into a structure of vulnerability. Serentia condensed to only the royal Citadel laid in jeopardy within two weeks and our great state was on the verge of collapse when Lord Armonia stood steadfast as the incriminating Sypherous and his militia primed to take the last verge of our realm. Armonia manifesting the final collective strength of the kingdom deployed the only thing he knew that would prevail to repeal Sypherous and return Serentia back to its former state of Harmony. Legend states that six orbs were created from the act; however, no one has even seen or heard of these obs in reality.

While my father labored to demonstrate the family's extra special efforts that year that we all toiled to complete providing more than notable attention to detail, I attempted to provide Cristalla and my mother with company which quickly escalated into me attempting to flee for my life as I was transformed into a living mannequin because my mother failed to find one the correct size for the order she was fulfilling. After the first year aiding the family in the preparations I had the magical ability to somehow end up at the wrong end of the needle consistently and that year, probably better than any other year, had qualified that statement in too many ways than was rational or desirable. After two hours of being forced into being a crystallized figurine my father arrived finally to my salvation to inquire for my "assistance" in readying a transport to the Citadel, which at the moment I found questionable; however, based on the recent occurrences I did not question my father motives.

My father requested that I check the contents that were being prepared to be escorted to the Citadel, while he and the ambassador were transporting paintings that my father had completed commemorating the War, along with some special napkins, towels, tablecloths, banners, and the decorative ribbons and streamers that we had been working so hard on the last five days, into the loading dock. The Citadel because of the importance of the event had requested that the basic background decorations be placed early so that more focus could be dedicated to the preparations of the Gala itself and make the day before the Gala less chaotic as the millions of "final preparations" conduct underway. I still have that quill that my father handed me in order to mark off the list; it was gold tipped and resembled royal-quality craftsmanship. My father, however, failed to inform me, probably because he was not aware, that the pen was of runic design and required the use of magic to function. Even though I belong to a family of Unicorns, I am the only one in the family who has not figured out the limitation or purpose of their magic yet and while I could have easily fretted on my lack of purpose at the time, I failed to find any reason to complain. I had the ability to conduct in pretty much any spell I researched in my books through recital and after a few moments toying with the quill I found a simple levitation spell effective in activating its potential. Upon finishing the inventory my father was amazed to discover my method to scribing. My father was able to complete a simple levitation spell; however, it took him until the age of fifteen to perfect and I never really ever found a reason to ever use magic so this was the first time I recall him ever seeing me use magic besides for reading.

While my father was still stuck in a state of a mixture of pride and amazement, I attempted to retire inside the workshop; however, that motive was short-lived as my father requested that I accompany him and the ambassador back to the Citadel. The inquiry of my father was as well short-lived as I almost pushed my father to the ground jumping gleefully into the front of chariot after grabbing a small backpack. The ambassador was amused by my performance and grimaced at my father's delayed sense of surprise. I slide the quill inside my left-side pocket, which the ambassador took note inquiring if I found the quill insisting with the same grimace. Turns out the quill was originally his; however, when I attempted to return the quill he refused to accept it declaring that the quill was not designed for his use and that I will find more use in it. Upon my father acceding the chariot, the ambassador motioned to the Pegasi and aiming skyward we approached towards the Citadel.

Pegasi were responsible for the weather and there were more than enough in Canterdash; however, this was the first time I had every really paid attention to their abilities to soar throughout the skies so freely and more importantly these were Royal Pegasus Guards from the Citadel. The Pegasus wing is truly an art of beauty when you analyze its rich curves, brilliant structure, luscious feathers, and the absolutely stunning quality the wing presents flowing with such grace from the body to the wingtip in an ever so continuous flow. Even though I had researched the stories for all three of the tribe types found in Serentia it never occurred to me how elegant in design each of the different ponies are. The Unicorn breed are the wielders of the sacred power of magic; however, at that moment I could not help but wonder how it would of felt to been born Pegasus with the liberty to conquer the skies and celebrate such rebirth in freedom. Over the horizon I saw the Citadel approaching.

"Hey dad"

"What is it son?"

"What is the Citadel like?"

"Well I fell like that would be a better question for Mr. Legatus here" replied my father smiling.

"The Citadel? Well I do not know how to explain it really" Mr. Legatus proclaimed letting out a smirk. "All I can really tell you is that it is a world all by itself. You will like it there. You seem like one of those young lads that enjoys the crystal finish of the Palace along with the majesty of the wide-spanning streets and lively-hood of the squares"

"You must really like it their Sir Legatus"

"Please Legatus is fine you two. And yes in all my travels as an ambassador the Citadel is one of my favorite places in all of Serentia, if not the world. Your family's workshop is as beautiful as well; it has been a long time since I have seen so many breath-taking creations outside of a royal court."

"Well thank you" my father interjected. "The Angelo family takes great pride in our works and if it was not for this guy right here I do not believe any of us would keep our sanity." My father reached over an poked me in the check.

"Hey!"

"Ha-ha. It has been a long time since I have seen my father kid and you are lucky to have such a caring father." Legatus' grimace intensified.

"Why? Was you father unlike Ardore here?"

"Well my dad is no Ardore," declared Legatus. my father chuckled. "Yet I would not call my dad uncaring; my father was a very hard-working stallion and he strived to ensure that I enjoyed my foal-hood. We went camping together, hiking through the mountains, once we even took a balloon ride together, it was my first time ever being airborne"

"Was he an ambassador like yourself Legarus?" my father inquired.

"No, growing up we were simple ground ponies. My father managed a peach orchard and my mother could engineer those sweet orbs into any contraption you could ever imagine. I spent fifteenth years of my life consuming peaches and I never really remember getting tired of them."

"How did you ever get that then?" I inquired pointing to his cutie mark that resembled a quill.

"I was always a natural in public speaking and when I was nine I was selling peaches in town one day when this thing appeared. We were making a killing that day with how well sales were going, my mother contributed to my way with words; however, I did not see how anyone could resist my family's sweet and tender peaches. Anyways, when I was fifteen Lord Armonia visited our town, I remember my family was put in charge of the refreshments for the welcoming party the town had planned. At the party I had seen so many faces that I was not used to seeing a opened up in conversation with so many people that I failed to realize that about an hour in I had in engaged in conversation with Lord Armonia. I sold the town so well to him that he invited me to serve as an ambassador after noting my cutie mark, and that is how I got to where I am now."

"That is amazing" I stated with my eyes swelled to the proportions of an owl.

"You never know, your destiny could be anything that you could have ever imagined." I smiled. "Look we are landing, prepare yourself and welcome to the Grand Citadel!"

"You are a bit early Legarus"

"LORD ARMONIA! I am sorry for our early arrival, this young lad here sped Ardore and I's work by quite a bit"

"No problem Legarus! I am glad for your haste presence. Can you please bring all these wonderful decorations to the Hall so we can begin in the preparations" Armonia then turned to me and a sliver of a grimace escaped his portfolio. "Hello there my boy it has been a while since I last saw you" Armonia proclaimed in glee before turning around and retreating towards the center of the Citadel where the palace laid.

"What does he mean it has been a while?" I inquired.

"No clue" my father admitted. Legarus shrugged.

"Anyway no need in just standing around let us get started. I did not bring you two here so we could just lollygag" Legarus reputed while escorting us to the palace. I could not but help feeling a sense of uneasiness now by Legarus after we saw the prince, almost if Legarus had no intention of me ever seeing Lord Armonia in the first place. "Hey, do you still have that quill that you put into your backpack?"

"Huh? Yea I believe so?" I reached into my left pocket to make sure. "yes sir. Why?"

"Was just wondering." And with that we emerged into the palace. Dozens of citizens of the Citadel from all three of the tribes swarmed around the Banquet Hall carrying our decorations to and fro in a mad frenzy; however, that was the least of my attention. Across the main hallway and two doors down stood two of the largest doors that I had even seen in my life span. The doors were slightly cracked open a tad and what I witnessed inside I could not hit from in delight. Books and not just a stack of books; there was a towering bookshelf full of cardboard depicting a rainbow of colors. Behind those doors laid the Royal Library.

"You coming son?" My dad was already inside the banquet hall and was a puzzled to see my hesitation. "What are you looking at?"

"Oh its nothing dad, I am coming" I transitioned my view and walked inside. The hall was inspirational; despite our recent arrival, all the banners had been hung in their places and a team of a dozen unicorns to my left we busy placing streamers across the ceiling's vast span. The alternating display of bright and dark shades depicted in the streamers contrasting with the intensity of the white ceiling was riveting, proving that even the quality of Angelo product could be bettered in rich presentation. "It’s... it’s..."

"Stunning right?" My dad proclaimed "The Gala is always a wonderful event when it comes to style. I never have taken you because honestly colts your age really would not find much pleasure in it. The Gala is nice and all; however, a lot of the celebrators that come to these events are not the most fun-loving people around."

"You could say that twice" Legarus was attempting to straighten out a tablecloth when he looked up. "I have not missed one in years and I have never seen anyone ever break down and really bust a move."

"Bust a move?" My dad's eyes stabbed Legarus before completely losing their mock-serious tone. "Why don't you see if you could provide some assistance to anyone who could use it son while we discuss something with Lord Armonia." The two of them turned towards a second exit from the Hall and preceding on their way.

With the two of them out of sight I darted out from the Hall as well, dodging watchful eyes, towards the massive doors I witnessed earlier. This time, however, the doors had been closed and when I tried to push the doors open they would not budge. "Hmm?" Getting an idea I stepped back and starred at the doors, while focusing all my attention on the lock. I closed my eyes and imagined the lock disengaging. After roughly two seconds I heard a ping and rushed in excitement to the doors to discover that someone had dropped a copper pin in the Banquet Hall and it had echoed. "well phewy!" I put down my backpack to see if I could find anything that might help me figure out how a way to get inside and after a minute a fruitless searching I retired. I placed everything back into my backpack and prepared to return to the Hall when I noticed I almost left the quill. Mildly annoyed I did not fell like trotting over to pick it up and attempted to use levitation to retrieve the quill. The quill ascend upwards, when the gold lining of the feathers began to tremble and a light radiated from the quill tip into the lock hole; the lock disengaged and the door swayed back an inch, while I was lost in confusion.

"What just happened!?" I reconfigured myself and dashed inside before whatever weirdness that just caused that wore off. The library was, well I should just saw indescribable because their literally no way I could have put it. Selves loaded to their bearings extended two stories skywards and rows upon rows transcended the whole room on every subject I could conceive: history, magic arts, instruction manuals, mathematics, physical sciences, flight charts, fiction, and so many more categories, each with at least seven or eight rows a piece. I embraced every aisle as I moved up and down them; however, on the fifth row of fiction I discovered a novel that must of fell from a surrounding shelf, yet I could not discover its proper place nor did I think I could of reached it if I did find it. I dusted of the cover and proceeded to on in my investigation of the library in my extended state of amazement now picking books off selves here and there making sure to be extremely careful to note their original locations. The fiction section had to of ran for miles because working backwards I only had made it to the n's when my eyes began to tire from all the constant hunting and I committed myself to finding a location to settle.

Lying center of the fiction section I found an opening that consisted of a small table and two chairs constructed out of the finest stain. My backpack was straining from its newly acquired temporary contents and I was barely able to withstand my levitation spell when I finally allowed all the literary works to stampede onto the table. One by one I began to digest the beauty of fiction writing; my father's library was limited in fiction besides for a few stories on Serentian history. One of a kind interested me about a young Pegasus' adventures growing up, while Blue Stone Aura provided a delicate anecdote about two Earth ponies that find their way to be together despite the wishes of the fathers. The Point illustrated the reward of determination after a grand adventure showed him the way to reaching his dreams, followed by Lost in shimmers, a tragedy that depicted a mighty Stallion exiling himself from his home town so that his village could live in peace after a terrible incident in a foreign empire.

"Enjoying yourself" I flailed at the sound of Lord Armonia's voice and hastily slammed my current book closed.

"I am so sorry sir. I was curious and I was this library and there were these books and I am so sorry. Please do not punish me my Lord"

"It’s fine my dear boy, I am not mad at you." he cheered as he studied my stack of novels that I had pleasured myself in reading. "I have been standing here for a little bit a while now, you are mighty fluent in reading are you not?"

"Well I guess so Sir." Armonia's smile widened.

"I see you found Veritatis, that was my favorite novel when I was younger," Armonia determined while pointing to the novel that I found reciting on the ground. "It is about a Stallion named Bladz who was extremely gifted in the art of magic."

"Bladz?"

"Yea I know it was a bit of an odd name; however, the novel was quite worth the read." Lord Armonia recovered the novel and placed it on the shelves. "So what is your name?"

"Well you see I do not have a name. My parents decided that I should discover my own name for myself."

“Ahh I see. Why that is mighty creative. Any ideas of what you think you want it to be?"

"No not really" I admitted. Armonia once again began to shine in a grin.

"I would like to point a few things out to you real quick." I turned my head so I can grant him my full attention. "That quill that you possess is my quill and as you have discovered it works of magic; however, what you probably have not realized is that I was the only one able to use it. The quill requires an enormous amount of power to operate, which means you have an awful large amount of potential."

"What!" My eyes dilated as Lord Armonia nodded his head.

"Also, this is not the royal library. This is my own personal library that generated out of pure magic, distance and space in here is a matter of your imagination. Do not be so alarmed; your ability to enter here proves to me that this is your library as well. Any pony of normal abilities who attempts to enter through the door you came through would only find a closet, you have a special gift and that quill is yours from now on. The quill will allow you to enter this library at any time through any door; and you are the only one who can use its magic."

"Sir?"

"Yes?"

"Am I dreaming right now?"

"I do not know you tell me my boy" I took two steps forward and touched Lord Armonia's leg.

"I do not..."

"I know. This is a lot to take in. Here take this you may find it useful." Armonia handed me a golden necklace with the most elegant Sapphire that the entire Angelo family had ever seen. "Put it on" I obeyed and placed the necklace around my throat.

"What is this for?"

"Well you are going to need a way to communicate with your new mentor. if that is okay? The necklace allows the transmitting of letters over a median of magic." I stood in shock unsure how to reply. " I will take that as a yes" Armonia smiled. "Oh and for your name how about Bladz, you have the potential to be as powerful as him?"

"Bladz Angelo"

"That is amusing; he has the same last name as you"

"Really? Could it be possible that he was a long and distant relative?"

"Maybe, he might even be more related to you then you would believe." Armonia turned and a door emerged in front of our eyes. "Come. your father will be looking for you"

I grimaced at the thought of my father hunting my down and followed Lord Armonia through the door back into the palace, outside of the Hall.

Chapter Two (My faithful Student)

Chapter Two

"Bladz...Bladz...BLADZ."

"What is it Cristalla?!"

"Get up!"

"Why!" I splinted my right eye open.

"Why? Why? WHY!"

"Yes why?"

"Today is your BIRTHDAY!"

"Can my birthday wait another hour?" I readjusted my pillow over my head.

"Come on!" Suddenly my sheets began to de-thread themselves.

"Really?"

"Yes! Come on it is your seventeenth birthday. You should celebrate the end of your junior year of advanced studies."

"Just because my birthday is the day after the end of the scholastic year does not mean I should jump around like a maniac celebrating like a Mad Hatter."

"But Bladz you are becoming an upperclassman at Canterdash High, the absolutely greatest school in all of Serentia!" I began to rub my eyes from the abrupt awakening, while turning to face my sister. "Come on get up!"

"If I get up will you promise to stop badgering me." Cristalla nodding her head in satisfaction taking on an expression of glee. "Okay I need you to turn around for a moment."

"Stop being stubborn," my sister protested, while obeying the command. "I do see why I have to turn around its not like..."

"AMBUSH," I spun around and pounded my pillow square across her forehead.

"Why you." Why sister counter-assaulted with a plush baby dragon that she gave me last year for my fifteen birthday by impacting me forcefully in the flank. "Oh no I knocked your cutie mark off!"

"That is not funny, you know that I do not enjoy the fact that I am the only one without a cutie mark."

"You know I am messing with you dear." My sister failed in her attempts to hide her momentary victory. "Bladz you know"

"Yea, yea. I Should be blessed to not have a cutie mark yet. My cutie mark must be really special. You got your cutie mark last in your class and your cutie mark was the best in entire class, beyond what you could of imagined." I glared down at my sister's cutie mark. Cristalla was gentle pink in coat with large violet eyes, her cutie mark resembled a rich blue sapphire surrounded by a magnificent gold ring. The sapphire held a star burst effect and was probably the only cutie mark that I had ever seen that shimmered in sunlight. "You got your cutie mark when you were seven though, I was not even born then. Also I am now seventeen! I have people in my class that have little brothers and sisters with cutie marks!"

"Well maybe; however, how many of them are the number one in their class."

"I am the top of my class as you know"

"And how many of your peers have the amazingly scrumptious Lord Armonia as their mentor!" I rolled my eyes to the point that I could of probably seen brain tissue if I tired. "oh that rich golden mane and his beautiful matching eyes!"

"Cristalla you know that only the most gifted unicorns get a mentor and Lord Armonia has only ever had one mentor, me. Also his eyes are sky blue just like mine, not gold."

"Well, whatever he is still yummy" I cringed at that comment. "And that is something that makes you special. Something that makes us special. I think we are the only brother-sister combo in all of Serentia that both have had a mentor."

"Yea," I agreed. "Mom and dad are really proud to have such gifted children. If I can really classify you as a child anymore. One day you will own Sapphire Convection."

"You do not know that."

"Do not know that? Have you seen your talents as an artist and your cutie mark. My talents, What ever they are, will never compete with you, nor do I think I could handle the responsibility."

"You can never be to sure my dear," my sister cheered. "Oh my, Bladz your amulet is glowing." The center Sapphire was radiated the entire room with a bright blue aura before a yellow flame emerged from the necklace and a letter descended to the ground.

"Hmm? I wonder what Lord Armonia wants?"

My faithful student Bladz,

Happy Birthday! Seventeen is a wonderful age to become and I am so proud of you. I just received the report from the past week in your studies and I see that once again you finished out strong and mighty. I will be visiting Canterdash next Thursday so please do not trouble yourself about the weekly letter tomorrow, I will gladly communicate with you in person. Enjoy the rest of your birthday, I know Cristalla and your parents work hard to make them special.

Your Mentor, Armonia.

"Armonia coming here! Oh my! oh my! oh my!" Cristalla began to rampage all over my room in insanity.

"You done?"

"What will I wear? Oh I hope I do not look too bad? Oh why me!"

"Do not worry, you will look fine." I could not help but lose it.

"This is not funny!"

"Sure it is not! Anyway he will be here four days from now, not like he is at our doorstep." The pink began to recover in Cristalla's coat. "Was there not something you were trying to celebrate today?"

"Oh I am so sorry, Bladz. Got a little carried away."

"You think?" Cristalla stared me down. "Just trying to lighten up the mood. This room is getting kind of crowded now, I will see you down stairs"

"Wait! I need to ... check to see if I left the, the shower on!" Pulling me back into my room, she charged out, closing my door, and dashed downstairs.

Your room is the opposite way Ms. Hyperactive.

Opening my door I noticed that ribbons decorated the length of the hallway and expanded down the railing of the staircase. Exiting my room I began to come into view of a variety of happenings downstairs, well actually knowing my sister a diversity of Cristalla creations. "Good morning guys!" I exclaimed. No response."ahh" I reached up to rub my eyes, while preceding down the steps.

"Suprise!" I attempted to withdraw as a typhoon of white, blue and cyan confetti challenged my existence. "how do you like the confetti cannon I engineered?" Cristalla was highly satisfied with herself.

"I would not call that as much of a confetti cannon as it is a missile silo! The colors you used are nice though, better than your usual rainbow colored confetti... that you usually throw into the air, not attempt to decapitate me with."

"Glad you enjoyed it. Using rainbow confetti does not make much sense really; you are white with blue and cyan mane, not white with a rainbow mane."

"That might be cool looking"

"Ehh, I do not really see it fitting you too well, guess it would depend on how you wore your mane," she declared while squinting, processing the image of me with a rainbow mane.

"Where is mom and dad?" I continued to walk throughout our home looking for them.

"They went out to town to pick something up" My sister chuckled.

"Pick something up? What does Cantarsdash offer at eight in the morning that we do not have here at Sapphire Convection?"

"I do not know," Cristalla watched the ceiling and blushed a little "Something I may of asked them to pick up something for me. Want to play speed dart?"

"In what universe have I ever turned down speed dart?" I roared and almost broke through the wall towards our court. The court was not an original creation of Sapphire Convection when it was constructed; however, three and a half years when my sister became interested in the sport she requested permission to build a speed dart court in our backyard which later became a brother-sister project between us two. For two weeks after completing my studies each day we would come out here and pull trees, flatten the ground, install the boundary markers, build the rings, and paint them the standard colors.

The game in theory was easy enough; however, speed dart was a perfect example of the difference between theory and practice. Using magic, seven rings of three colors were animated and would move around the of the field freely in an predictable manner. The colors determined the size of the ring, the points it was worth, and the speed that the ring moved at. The four red rings are large, slow, and are worth one point a piece, while the two green rings are medium in both size and speed for three points a piece. The golden ring is worth five points and is tiny and highly agile. A ball fifteen inches in diameter is used and is designed to fit through any of the flying rings easily. The objective is to kick the ball through the rings and then into the player's goal to score. When the ball passes through a ring, the ring will materialize into a magic colored comet matching the ring that will continue to orbit the ball until the ball is scored, where the comet will return to ring form and continue to maneuver the field. Losing possession of the ball does not reset to comets making a ball with multiple comets valuable to steal. Any part of the body is acceptable for making contact with the ball as long as the ball is not held. First player or team to fifteen points is deemed the winner.

"Wait up! Are you not suppose to be an egghead? Why do you have to take off so fast!" Cristalla hollered while sprinting to catch up.

"What happened to the cheerful party-goer from a few moments ago?"

"Apparently the same thing that happened to the lethargic brother I had just a few moments ago. Anyway we should get started Mom and Dad will be home in about twenty to twenty-five minutes. This game will have to be quick."

"Hey you mind activating the rings?" I pulled the rings off their post and threw them into the field.

"Why do I have to activate the rings? You trying to give yourself the advantage?"

"Not at all," smirking I lifted my neck to the wind and closed my eyes so that I can focus.

"What are you..." I charged my horn and then blasted the skies with a cyan ray that translated into a blue dome around the field. "What the hay is that!?"

"Well you said this will have to be a quick game, so I used a speed dome spell to allow us to be able to play a full game. What? You did not think I sit and read novels all day when I visit the library did you?" Cristialla was frozen in awe. "The dome allows us to move five times our normal speed in all functions, even in thought processing, hence the reason why you do not feel like you have been sped up. Those twenty minutes you proclaimed just became an hour and forty minutes."

"You know I should no longer question you when it comes to the weird things you do. My brain just always locks into a state stuck between confusion and amazement."

"Why thank you but that actually took a lot of energy to conger up. You mind activating the rings and I think we can call it about even." I massaged my head from the level of the spell, it was very high in caliber and I am a little surprised that I was able to successfully complete the spell on my first attempt. doing as she was asked of, Cristalla activated the rings into frenzy, picked up the ball, smashed the ball with her leg, and the game had begun.

"Do not even think about it," Cristalla proclaimed as she managed to acquire first possession, shuffling the ball effectively between her legs until she reached a red ring and slammed the ball through lining the shot so that it passed through both a red and green ring.

"Damn, nice shot! However, you got to do better than that to be successful!" Using all of my agility I dove infront of her, sticking the landing with the ball now transporting south bound. I stuck out my tongue to be a tease as I aligned the shot for the second green ring and propelled the ball at high velocity towards Cristalla.

"Well, well. This actually will be quick. Thanks for the seven points!" As she watched the ball gunned through the last mint hoop and bounced off a red ring returning back my location.

"I know right!" Speed Dash was a game of skill, but it was more than just that. It was a game of luck, agility, and the ability to predict trajectory. I always planned my shots to benefit myself and then prayed that I did not mess up the shot or have the ring change trajectories while the ball was transporting through the air; the rule of thumb was essentially never count on the golden ring for bank shots, it will never happen without luck on your side. I retrieved the ball, realigned myself and then smashed the ball through another red ring and into my goal zone. "I believe that is eight points."

"Quiet you!" My sister rubbed her cranium from the enormous lead I took in the first few minutes of the game. "Today might be your birthday but you will still eat my dust!!"

"sure. Like to see you try," tossing the ball to her. All she did was trot over and slam the ball with an intense amount of force knocking the ball through the golden ring, bounce of a green to pass through a red, where a quick charge up pushed it through the green into her goal, while I stood in my position looking stupid. "Or how about you not."

"How that taste? The art of trajectory and my eight points."

"It is not over yet" I levitated the ball towards me and chuckled. "How about we kick this game up a little notch?"

"Bring it I will still school you and show you who is the one who has already graduated!"

"We will see about that." I charged my horn and energized all the disks "Welcome to speed dart, 3D. Disks will now move in all directions now, not just across the lateral, two-dimensional plane anymore."

"This is more of a Pegasus version."

"True, but is that going to stop us?" I alternated the ball around my limbs before launching the ball through the yellow ring. "Let the true games begin." Our eyes narrowed upon the ball and it felt as the field had left the speed sphere and I was looking now out from inside. My legs locked into position as I was bound spring set to terminal velocity launching forwards to devastate the ball with tremendous force. The ball soared the skies passing through a red ring and in direct trajectory to a green ring, when the ring jerked in direction to the opposite as I watched my hope, my passion, and the ball transcend into Cristalla's goal.

"I hate to break it to you but that is my goal, your goal is there," pointing across the field at my goal. "Fourteen points! Woot!"

"Not if I have anything to say about that," and in a display of social facilitation, I rapidly bombarded the ball with a serious of blows as my sister attempted to catch. I pushed the ball through one of each color and prepared for my final shot.

"Will you wait up?"

"Too slow," as a smashed the ball down-field straight into my goal. "Fourteen points, sister." Her eyes attempted to dig holes into my coat; however, I was immune. "Final point" I declared launching the ball high into the air and stepping back. The ball came crashing down in the middle of us two as we both charged in for the initial strike. Both of us energized our power leg back for the hit when the shire power of both our strikes caused the ball to burst.

"Well looks like that is a tie then," my sister erupted. "we cannot continue without a ball." We both began to chuckle and her followed by me collapsed to the grass. I disengaged the dome and began to rest. "I guess I can clean up, while you just lay there and sleep."

I levitated all the rings to the pole that we store them on and continued to rest. "You were saying?"

"Bladz lets head inside; Dad will be here any moment now and he has not seen all the decorations that I have done. I think it would be funny to witness his reaction this year with the new color scheme." I trailed my sister in confusion, I myself failed to even detect anything out of the typical, besides for the confetti cannon, before my sister and I dashed outside. As Cristalla motioned to pivot around the workshop she stalled causing me to hurdle to her side to see the reason for hesitation.

"Hey Cristalla! Hello birthday Bladz!" declared our father. "Where have you two been. We just got back from the postmaster's office, you two have impeccable timing. Mind helping me bring in these two boxes, Cristalla?" One box appeared to be a plain old box that you would expect of something that was not supposed wrapped, while the other one was rich blue with golden ribbons that bore the Serentian emblem in the center.

"No problem, it would be my pleasure; Bladz and I just tied in Speed dart because the ball broke on us."my sister rejoiced while picking up the two boxes. "I thought I requested only one box? What is this other fancy box for?"

"When we arrived at the post office they handed us both of those. We thought it was weird; however, both are addressed to Sapphire Convection."

"Looks like someone likes you Bladz," my sister cheered half-certainly before disappearing inside.

"Need any other help," I pleaded.

"Not that we can think of dear. Oh wait one second!" my mother exclaimed before digging through the trunk to pull out a small bakery container tied with a red ribbon. "Ms. Mimas sends her wishes and would like you to have this muffin; I am unsure of the flavor she did not say? She replied that she was going to stop by and give it to us later, but we saved her from the trip."

"Ms. Mimas was a good teacher to have three years ago," I recited while accepting the muffin and holding it closer for examination. "Like I assumed, its Mango-nut."

"Mango-nut?" they both inquired simultaneously.

"Yes, mango-nut. One day in class she messed up one of her banana-nut muffin orders and by accident used mango extract. Unsure of what to do with it she brought it in to class and being the brave soul I am when it comes to food tried it to discover that it was surprisingly delectable. Since then mango-nut muffins were added to her family's menu and they have become a best seller."

"Interesting. You should surrender a piece for me so I can access this myself." my father smiled at his notion.

"I will have to think about that," I replied in an attempt not to chuckle at the attempt. "All three of you guys can try a piece." I grabbed the muffin by the bow and prepared for interior invasion.

Our dinning room looked amazing; along with wall moldings, and around the table and chair legs, and hanging from the ceiling, and dancing on the table laid the ribbons of white and blues I witnessed earlier on the stairwell, displayed in the most stunning presentations. Plates and garnishes of proportionate sizes laid on the table, while an acute stack of creatively wrapped gifts laid aside in the serving pantry and the plain box that was transported from town laid across the presents to the right. "Wow she must of worked since early this morning in order to fashion all these decorations before she woke me up," I muttered to myself because even though Cristalla is perfectly able to use magic to put everything into their places, she takes great pride in doing everything personally to ensure it has that unique signature touch for everything she does for me.

"Wow she really went out this time did she not!" my father exclaimed from the workshop area. "Hey son, about that muffin?"

"I am on it! Have you seen Cristalla?"

"Have you tried the kitchen?" I picked up muffin from the location I placed it on the table and entered into the kitchen to find Cristalla hard at work chopping a carrot.

"Hey! What you doing I am trying to surprise you all withe lunch!" she whined while dumping the carrots into a pot.

"Came in here to see if you have a knife and if you would like piece of mango-nut muffin?"

"Mango-nut? Sounds insisting!" Cristalla pulled a napkin from the pantry and a knife from the drawer she was standing next to and cut a one-eighth piece and placed it on the napkin aside herself. "Thank-you!" She pulled out three forks and napkins and handed them along side the knife to me. "That is a decent sized muffin, try not to spoil yourselves before lunch now." I blushed and retreated from the kitchen.

"Looks like you were right dad, she was in the kitchen preparing a lunch."

"Is this a good thing or bad?" My sister when it comes to cooking is a hit or miss; when they turn out for the better they are zealous contraptions of delight and taste, and when they turn out for the worse, well there really no way to describe it.

"I would say the good." I placed the napkins on a counter separating the living room and dining room, and finished cutting the muffin into eight parts. "You want one or two slices?"

"Seeing as you described the muffin as a best seller I guess two and I can supply you with the second piece if I choose not to consume it. Your mother as you can already probably predict will only want one as she would be eager to more fully enjoy Crisalla's meal." I slid three pieces of mango-nut muffin onto their napkins and placed forks alongside. "Thanks son" my father tested as he took a bite, and then another, and another until he stuffed the second piece almost completely inside his mouth. "I think your old teacher just made another customer."

"I think so too," I determined closing up the container to preserve the muffin for later. If I ever felt down it was those small type of things that have the ability to turn my frown upside-down.

"Okay settle down now," my sister proclaimed proceeding from the kitchen holding a large sum of dishes over her head. "Serving today an order of steamed vegetables, a side of seasoned apple slices, apple cider, with the main entree consisting of a cheesy potato stew." Cristalla celebrated a minor victory while anticipating the upcoming taste tests.

"Well, at least you did not burn it," I responded taking a seat and tasting the stew. It was ever rich in consistency and a bit buttery in taste, yet this only enhanced the delicacy of the stew as I would have to admit this being one of the better stews that Cristalla has crafted over the years. "It is not too bad."

"Not to bad? Whats wrong with it?"

"Easy question; you are not enjoying the deliciousness of this fine creation with me." The compliment instantly made her day I could tell and she rushed to the kitchen to remove all her cooking garments. Meanwhile, I attempted to get my parents. "Hey your sludge is going to waste."

"Oh did it turn out bad?"

"Yea so bad that you should give me all of it for myself!" My mother noted my attempt to be cunning and smirked.

"Well will be on our way in a minute dear." my mother affirmed. I nodded and returned to see my sister sitting patiently waiting my return.

"They are on their way."

"Terrific. I do not want their lunch to cool." We both dove into the meal savoring the every flavor that came with a new surprise withe every bite of the stew. The apples and vegetables proved to be just as well because of the shire freshness of the produce.

"When did you go get all these ingredients to make all of this morning?"

"I did not. I roamed around town yesterday while you were taking you finals for the veggies and I visited the orchard as well to pick up some fresh-picked apples and two quarts of their famous cider," my sister confessed, while our parents joined us. We all finished our meals signalling the desert to appear. My sister collected all the bowls and silverware, placing down a new fork and small platters in their places. Passing by she picked up the box across from the presents and placed it in the middle of table to reveal a vibrant vanilla cake consisting of lemon frosting reading in blue Happy seventeenth Bladz, hope your birthday is Sweet.

"Thank you guys for this cake"

"We actually forgot about it and if it was not for Cristalla ordering one yesterday we would of been embarrassed," my mother admitted.

"We are just going to sit here or are we going to eat cake!" Cristalla demanded as she held the knife out to me, which I used to cut a massive piece and supply to Cristalla who was satisfied with its size. I continued to supply my parents with cake moving clockwise until I reached myself in which I placed a piece roughly the size of Cristalla's onto my plate. The cake was obviously originating from one of the finer bakeries in Serentia because of the shire richness of flavors yet such fluffiness. I motioned to once again to thank my sister; however, she held out a leg at me and nodded welcome to me before I could speak, Once again, Cristalla collected plates after we concluded. "Presents time!" she cheered jumping almost smashing herself upon the wall.

"Need any help carrying them in?" my father questioned in an attempt to undermine the small quantity of gifts.

"It is fine, quantity does not matter to me; it is the effort that counts, Plus they are coming from you guys so how can I not be happy." My father did not dispute; however, one could plainly see he felt a sense of sorrow due to my lack of friends at everyone of these parties.

"How come Axile was not able to attend?"

"He left to spend time with family yesterday when class got out yesterday; plus we really are not friends."

"I see nothing wrong with Bladz. Personally he is the best brother I could hope for!" My sister interjected while dropping three presents to the table. "Open this one first; its from dad," she cheered as sliding a red and white checkered box towards me. I carefully withdrew the ribbon to unlock the boxes contents, Upon removing the lid I witnessed a white gold watch with the face surrounded by diamonds.

"That watch is a family heirloom really," my father admitted. "My father gave it to me when I was sixteen and now I am giving it to you and quite of honestly I think it matches you a lot better then me." I hugged my father neck and thanked him though body language for the watch; showed to me that my father honored me dearly as a son even though I do not currently have a talent that directly aids the business. To my father I was the best son he could of considered, just not in the way he expected. "Do you sister's next; she worked really hard on her's."

"Actually I believe Cristalla wanted her's last if I remembered correctly" my mother protested looking at my sister who nodded. "Here Bladz open mine. I am sure you will like it." I pulled the seam of my mother's gift and relocated the top to discover a white and cyan backpack. "I thought you would enjoy a change of style from the black bag that you have had since you were small. This one is bigger so you do not have to carry so much outside of the bag all the time and matches you a lot better in colors.

"Thanks mom, this present is really thoughtful."

"Yeah, now it is time for the gift I made for you?" Crisalla picked up and carried the final present to me. This one was in a larger pink box and was considerably heavy in weight. Cristalla's eyes burned into my coat as I relieved the contents to find a cyan-blue tux with a white synthetic rose laying on top. The buttons on the Tux were constructed of star-burst effect sapphires which perfectly matched my necklace causing me to instinctively reached up and assure its location. "The jewels took me a while to do. Finding Sapphires that pure was no easy feat, nor was managing to place the effect inside them; however, knowing how much you would like it drove me on. You do like it right?"

"I honestly do not know what to say," I stuttered. "This must of taken you hours to complete to be of such high quality. This is of finer quality than any other tux or dress I have ever seen throughout all of Serentia."

"And it is worth every minute knowing that you are pleased with it." I gazed over at my sister who was enjoying one of the brighter of her life. "I have had a lot of friends growing up; however, you have given me something extremely valuable the last seventeen years; true friendship, and for that I thank you."

"As I do you. I really have no idea what to say."

"Then do not." My sister hugged my neck as I struggled to hold back my liquid happiness. "Want to go try it on?"

"Sure. Thank you mom and dad; I enjoyed today's little celebration."

"Do not thank us, thank your sister," my father protested. I clipped the watch onto my left forearm and placed the backpack on my back becoming surprised by the build of the bag; it seemed like my mother had fitted it perfectly for myself, not to mention the colors corresponded perfectly with my coat and mane. Picking up the box by the ribbon that bounded the tux closed I continued upstairs into my room.

I placed the box down upon my bed and unfolded the tux across my sheets that Cristalla magically re-did since this morning. I slipped my neck through the dress shirt and coat, readjusting the bow accordingly before slipping the white rose into.my left torso pocket in which it was designed for. "it is stunning."

"The true value comes in the presentation and I would say you pull it off perfectly." Cristalla danced a little in satisfaction. "I am so glad it turn out wonderful, I was a little worried. You look just like royalty in that."

"Wait royalty. Where is that other box with the Seretian seal on it?"

"Oh forgot completely about that one. It is in the kitchen next to the stove. Wait one second I will go get it." Cristalla dashed from the room to return only seconds later with the Navy box. I pulled back the tag to discover the sender and found a message instead.

My faithful student Bladz,

I hope you are enjoying your Birthday party and would like to offer this gift to you in celebration. I would prefer if you opened this gift last at the very end of your birthday celebration today.

Your Mentor, Lord Armonia

"Well do not just sit there, let us see what he sent you!" I unhooked the Seal and slide open the encasing top. "He sent you a key and a letter?"

"Guess so?"

Dear Bladz,

I hope your party was delightful; however would you please be so kind as to meet me in the library I would like to talk to you personally about something.

Lord Armonia

"Well this is atypical, Lord Armonia wants me in the library?"

"Well here is your key back. Maybe you could ask what it is for?" I picked up the key from her and slide it into my brand new backpack.

"Probably, have no idea why he would send me a key?" I trotted over to my desk and levitated the golden quill I got from Armonia roughly ten years ago and spread its feathers aiming it at the door. A beam of cyan light matching my magic aura collided with my door causing a portal to open up. "I wish you could come with me and meet Armonia as well; however, I know that you are unable to follow because you do not have the ability."

"It is fine, I will hear all about it when you get back. Also Armonia said he will be here Thursday in four days and he never goes back on his word." I nodded and motioned through the door.

"Lord Armonia?" No response. "Lord Armonia?" No response. "Mentor?" With the final lack of response I drove down to the tables and seated myself to find The Empire of Termeoca already placed.

"Good afternoon Bladz! It has been a little while since we last talked face-to-face. How have you been doing besides for schooling as I have already seen the way you aced all your finals and grades from the past year?" Armonia declared approaching from my front right. "Also sorry I was not here when you were I was dealing with a few things."

"No problem Sir! My birthday went very well; I played speed dart with my sister and then we had a birthday party, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal and cake. Afterwards I opened presents and got this watch and this backpack and my sister made me this tux that matches the amulet that you gave me." Lord Armonia was staring at the tux. "Lord Armonia?"

"Sorry; your sister is highly skilled, I do not recall that last time I have ever seen such a fine piece of cloth on a commoner. Although you my boy are anything but common."

"Thank you, Sir. She put a lot of work into I can tell. Oh! By the way what is this key for that you gave me?"

"Thank you for reminding me. I will be leaving this evening for the Termeocan Empire; the king there was wondering if I could act as a third party for a legal dispute he is currently having with a tribe of nomads to his southwest and I was planning on returning Thursday morning and spending the day visiting CanterDash. What I was wondering is if you would like to come with me to Termeoca?"

"I would be honored Sir! But what about the key?"

"Oh silly me. I would like to know if you would like to move to the Palace with me and continue your studies at the Citadel." I was left speechless for a second; however I recovered and glared at Lord Armonia for a few moments; then I gave my answer. "I see. Well thank you for your time and take care Bladz." He smiled before turning and disappearing.

"He asked you what!" my sister demanded.

"If I would be intrested in staying with him at the Palace and continuing my studies at the Citadel if it was okay with Mom and Dad."

"Of course we will allow you. We are so proud of you to hear that. What did you tell him?" my father exclaimed.

"Well I had to think about it for a moment"

"And?" my mother questioned.

"I told him that I would be honored to join him both this evening and at the Palace."

"Congradulations Bladz!" my sister ambushed me in a powerful hug. "See you must be destined for something great! Do not let your lack of cutie mark get you down because you will get it and when you do I know that it will fit you!"

"Thank you Cristalla. Thank you mom and dad. I will see you guys Thursday." We all conducted in a large group hug before I began to step through the portal into the library in which I would travel to the Palace.

Happy Birthday. Your new life has only just begun.

Chapter Three (The Citadel)

Chapter Three

It had to of been only ten minutes since I communicated with my mentor in this library last and since then this library has been completely rearranged; shelves were translated to other parts and a line of tables had been placed in the center of th library extending roughly eight meters. Novels, as expected, were stacked in piles alongside scrolls and a map that engulfed the entire middle table. I had seen maps of Serentia with little bit of the surrounding areas before; however, this map extended past lands that I have heard little to nothing about and there was an entire third of the map apparently ripped off and missing.

A door arose from the ground the allow passage for Lord Armonia as he proceeded into library once more. "We are going to be leaving for Termeoca in an hour. How are you handling the proposal?"

"I am okay; it was just really unexpected that is all and I am worried about my family."

"Sometimes important choices can approach us when we are not expecting them and it is up to us and us alone to decide if we are going to take them or not. Some will assist us and some will harm us; however, without ever taking a few risks we will never make the goals we set for ourselves." Armonia fixated his eyes on a point in the library's expanse. "That does not mean be impulsive, but you still have much to learn about Serentia, magic, people, but most importantly, yourself. You see the world is full of things that are not what they seem. Any door is a portal to this library, and this library itself is not what it seems."

"What do you mean this library?"

"You will understand when you are ready Bladz." Armonia paused for a moment and then relinquished his serious atmosphere reverting to a joyous tone. "Well while we have an hour want a quick tour of the Citadel?"

"Sure I, as you know, have only been to the capital only a few times."

"I really should have invited you to visit a few times instead of me visiting you all the time."

"It is no big problem," I supplied with a grin.

"Let us begin at the palace banquet hall; I feel like that is a place you are familiar with that way you can formulate a basic map of your new home." Lord Armonia spawned the door and we continued on way to inside the palace. "There are lots of interesting places in our Citadel; however, remember that this is not Canterdash, the people who live here can be a little uptight and some just need a good kick in the head. Some of the most well known reside around these walls and if you ever need something, I can assure you that it will be of the utmost best quality. To be honest your family would well be residing here if it was not for Sapphire Convention being one of the oldest and most prosperous shops in all of Serentia."

"Why do you say that?"

"When your family laid the foundations of your present day business, Canterdash was just a small town outside of here by roughly a dozen miles to the south. The city built around your shop over the years to become what it is today. Other families seeking to find business by supplying those who browsed at your family's store build around your slowly, hence the reason why the market in Canterdash is only a small walk away. As the number of stores and restaurants began to rise so did the populations and for the last seventy-one years now Canterdash has become Serentia's third largest region."

"Never knew all that. So what is around here?" Armonia waved me on and with no further questioning I trailed him out of the palace. The initial stop of my tour laid just west of the palace at a large garden where vibrant roses, begonias, and a plethora of different-colored berries engulfed the grounds. Benches laid scattered throughout the region and a series of walkways connected various sidings of the park with a large pathway running parallel to a stream. At least a couple dozen families were scattered throughout the park and to my left stood a couple enjoying a late afternoon picnic, while a young filly to their left was playing with birds, providing them seeds to munch on.

"This is our central park and one of the four that is scattered throughout the Citadel. It is thirty-one acres in size and as you can see if open to the public on a daily basis. The national celebration of the leaves and the Spring Sega celebrations are held in this park ever year and is maintained by the Serentian park service, whom are responsible for all parks throughout the empire, primarily the Citadel's four though." Strolling though the park I was able to take in the park's natural beauty and the zeal of the families. "You hungry? To the south outside of the park is a food court that offers some quite appetizing creations."

"Sounds delightful." I responded while gazing at my reflection in one of the streams. The food court was not as much as a food court as it was an emporium; there had to be at least forty restaurants on this block alone and the smell alone that radiated on this street was more then enough to drive anyone into a food craving.

"It is a little over-whelming for a first timer here, all the restraints here smell wonderful; however, there is one place here that I enjoy over all others, even though I have to admit that there is not much of a lead; there are places here for any mood, occasion, or style; two solid blocks offering the best entrees from all over Serentia and the surrounding areas." Armonia declared cheerfully as I continued to follow him to a small diner that seemed to be over shadowed by the large and fancy building surround it.

"Good afternoon! Welcome to... Good afternoon Lord Armonia!" declared the hostess.

"Good afternoon madam, do you have room for two today?"

"Why of course Sir." The hostess fumbled with the menus and Armonia found some amusement in the young mare's attempts causing her to plush.

"No need to have a heart attack madam. There is a booth over there next to a dart board we will be glad to take it if that is fine."

"That booth will be fine, we have no reservations right now." She handed us our menus and we seated ourselves to the booth. I cracked open the menu are analyzed its contents to discover that none of the items on the menu seemed out of the ordinary and began to question what made the entrees here so special.

"Bladz I am going to be ordering my usual garden salad with a side of a cheese sandwich, a bowl of artisan vegetable soup, and a glass of herbal tea; any ideas on what interests you?"

"That actually sounds nice; however, is it fine if I get a creamy noodle soup?"

"If it pleases you then sure, it is your dinner after all" Armonia replied alongside one of his grins. He motioned for a waiter and placed our orders in a way that did not even approach demanding in the slightest.

"Can I ask why you prefer this place? What does it have that you enjoy so much?"

"It is not as much what they have as much it is what they do not have. The food here is top notch, but you would expect that of any diner in this area. This diner here, however, does not feature the rapid movement of the bigger restaurants surrounding it, has a quieter atmosphere, the family that owns and works here is friendly to all members of Serentia, and they connect to all the customers here on a personal level, not only trying to provide me with special attention." Armonia explained while the waiter arrived with our teas and placed them on corresponding coasters. "Have you ever played darts?"

"Well besides for speed dart, I cannot really say I have Sir."

"After the we get back from Termeoca remind me to show you how to play."

"Will do." Our meals did not take longer afterwards to arrive and the meals was of very high-quality. The salad was constructed of rich and ripe vegetable, the soup was just below the quality I would expect from Cristalla when she does a great job, and the tea was a perfect balance of taste and texture. Both Lord Armonia and I finished our meals about the same time and the waitress returned to collect our plates.

"Enjoy the meal?"

"Very much ma'am" I informed her.

"Yes, your family always does well." Armonia assisted in collecting the platters and and handed her twenty bits in the process.

"Thank you Sir; however, your meals were only tweleve bits and they were our pleasure, you do not have to pay us."

"Take it all madam. The meal was wonderful and you family deserves it. I will not take no for an answer." The waitress finished collecting the plates and then in joy skipped into the back. "We still have twenty minutes until we are scheduled to leave and I have one last place to show you."

We retreated back towards the palace and circumvented to a large white building with two royal guards standing outside the gate. "Good evening Sir; do you not have a trip you should be preparing for?" One of the guards inquired.

"It is fine gentlemen, we are just stopping by to just talk to the officers."

"We?" I stepped out from behind Armonia to face the guards.

"He is fine, we do not have much time so can you please let us though."

"Yes sir, sorry for the inconvenience," the other guard stated as he motioned to open the gate and strike the first guard for his negligence.

"What was that about?" I pondered to Armoina as we entered the complex.

"Not everyone knows who you are; only the top leaders know about you in Serentia. I did not want you to get harmed if anything ever happened. Even at the national armory I can never be too sure." he whispered back to me. The armory was packed with guards at every corner as we continued to pass a cafeteria, a gym, a training room, and an empty conference room. "The room we are looking for is through these doors" he proclaimed as he held the door open for me. Three men stood inside hustled around a white board arguing. "What are you guys screaming about!" Armonia demanded.

"We are discussing what division is going to be responsible for the training schedule this year for the new recruits." The largest of the three stated; he was a pegasus with both a dark black mane and a solid black coat giving him a pitch black appearance.

"I see Captain Carnivorous. Captain Lightning, where is Ryan?" Armonia declared.

"We do not know Sir, we have not seen him all day" the final guard announced.

"Thank you Captain Tigris." These are the three captains of the Royal Guard branches? Their armor held a chrome finish and each one held a special logo on their flanks indicating them captains of the Royal Guard as well as covering up their cutie marks to prevent quick identification. Captain Lightning was a medium-sized grey pegasus with large wings and a grey-black mane. The smallest of the three was Captain Tigris sanding only half the other two's height and presenting a bright white coat with an orange mane; unlike the other two, he was the only one with a dark tint in their armor and was a unicorn.

"Did someone call me?" An enormous earth stallion entered the room as I turned and stared in disbelief.

"Ryan it is a pleasure seeing you," Armonia muttered.

"You are Commander Inferneus of the Royal Guard!" I gasped. His sharp red and yellow mane flowed gracefully down his orange coat.

"And you are Bladz, student under Armonia; Pleasure to finally meet you."

"Your armor is so cool, it is the best armor I have ever seen."

"Actually Lord Armonia's armor is the best I have ever seen. You cannot dent it no matter how hard you try"

"Inferneus, as you are aware we will be leaving in six minutes to go to Tempeoca for three nights and I was wondering if you could supply two extra guards for the trip," Armonia interjected.

"Sure can; Lightning, Carnivorous, you two will be traveling with Lord Armonia and Bladz; Tigris you will be in charge of the recruit training this year."

"Sending two Captains?"

"Why not? We as officers never get to go on any missions anymore and since for the next two weeks we are in training mode all forces are doubled to make sure everything goes smoothly and placed directly under my command."

"We will not let you down Sir" Lightning replied.

"Okay let us go then" Armonia surrendered and all four of us headed towards the launch field. "Well on the bright side of this, now I do not have to ask for two more Guard pegasi, two captains should easily be able to handle the trip to Tempeoca."

"You can count on us my lord" Carnivorous assured.

"I sure hope so, we need to get on our way."

"Fair enough. Lightning you ready?"

"I am not the one you should be asking that the question is are you ready?" Lightning replied. Armonia and I climbed aboard the chariot as Armonia cleared his throat. "Fine we are going." The take off was something I would expect from skilled flyers of the Guard reaching airborne practically in a single step, which can probably be accounted because of Lightning's large wings.

"I have no idea how those two can chatter so much, guards are so quiet until you give them a position of command." Armonia whispered to me. "The flight is going to be a little bit longer than you a used to, even for fliers as haste as captains of the Royal Guard; you can get some rest while we wait."

"It is fine." I confirmed, placing a wind breaker over my head.

"Suit yourself then." Armonia settled down on the left side of the chariot and closed his eyes off from the world.

"Very funny," I responded placing myself in the same manner beside him.

"I try my best," he chuckled. Pulling a blanket from out of my backpack I placed it over him. "Well thank you for that." I could tell from his flinching that he was not accommodated to the action and was a little taken back by it.

"Armonia? Can I ask how you managed to become King of Serentia?"

"That is a simple question, I never have and never will."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Bladz, I am not a king; I am simply the ruler of Serentia"

"What is the difference between you the ruler of Serentia and the king of Termeoca in principle?"

"The Serentian empire if you have no discovered is a little bit different then the rest of the three empires that surround us. I am not a king; I have never undergone a coronation, nor do I believe I should ever. I rule as the first servant of Serentia and I ensure that the empire operates smoothly. Serentia is a self-sustaining empire; however, it really is wrong to call us an empire for I have not ever wrote decrees or declared war without the consent of Serentia's people. I have not aged in centuries because I have no reason to. My kismet is to watch over the empire and unlike the surrounding kings I do not have a linage to pass down the empire with each new generation."

"It is amazing how you are immortal, how did you ever achieve that? Also, if your destiny is to reign over Serentia for eternity what is your cutie mark?"

"Those are both excellent questions that will be answered in time. I sadly cannot answer either of those questions for your."

"If you cannot answer them then who can?"

"You" Armonia pulled up his head and starred into my eyes. "You are the only one who can fulfill their destiny and when you do you will have all the answers you seek and have ever sought. Get some sleep, even as young Stallion you still need your sleep." Armonia shifted the blanket I offered him and dozed off; however, I could not do the same. I had too many questions left unanswered and all I could do was wonder. Thus that night I laid there and thought. I thought about the moon and the stars, the wind and the rain, and the old and the new; however, the thing I thought about the most was myself.

My name is Bladz Angelo. I am seventeen years as of today. I was born second of my family under Ardore Angelo. I am the pupil under Lord Armonia, ruler of Serentia. I am highly skilled in the art of magic and have the ability to manipulate space using these powers. I have a love for reading and have an idyllic memory in doing so. I enjoy the game of speed dart because it makes my sister happy and my sister is my best friend. Ten years ago my life completely changed and ten years later here I stand confused, misunderstood, and without a cutie mark. I will not give up though and I will overcome. everyday I am coming closer to my destiny and everyday I come closer to understanding myself, I shall overcome.

"Bladz?" Lightning was calling for my attention. "How does it feel?"

'How does what feel." I stood puzzled.

"You do not know do you?"

"Well neither do you Lightning, its just a hypothesis." Declared Carnivorous,

"Sorry for that Bladz. I got a little impulsive and just wanted to ask. Anyway how are you doing? You enjoying the flight?" I gazed down from the chariot and witnessed a majestic range of snow-tipped mountains.

"Yes; the scenery is wonderful"

"That I can agree with you on!" Lightning nodded while in flight. "We are passing over the outer lands of our empire; mostly populated by Earth ponies and scarce in those numbers."

"We sometimes use these skies for night training when we are stationed at the Northeast base. The wind is light, the temperatures are moderate all year round, and the view is fantastic." Carnivorous added.

"How come only at night?" I inquired. "Would the day time hours not be as effective or useful?"

"You cannot conduct military flight operations during the day even an area as loosely populated as this region. Can cause panic that is not needed; only places where flight operations are conducted during day light hours are the Citadel and the bases." Lightning explained.

"I would think that night operations would generate more attention."

"There are less people in smaller groups. Individuals and small groups are able to logically access a situation, while the masses when grouped together are irrationally fearful of anything and everything. Fear always likes to spread faster then common sense." I was tickled by Lightning's serious tone, while still maintaining his easy-going manners. Lightning I could tell was one of those leaders who maintained an optimal level of optimism and spread the feeling throughout his unit..

"Wait, both of you two are pegasi? Which one of you two are in charge of the Flight Corp then?" I hastily questioned in confusion after pondering the subject.

"That would be me" Lightning motioned. "Tigris is in charge of the Horn Corp, and we currently do not have a Ground Corp captain so Ryan has taken over that position until a new one can be found."

"Can you guys not just promote someone to the rank?"

"We can; however, captain is a hard position to fill and we do not like anyone is up for it at the moment. You do not only have to be psychically elite, but psychological capable for the job." Lightning's wing stuttered for a moment causing the chariot to lean briefly. "Sorry, I was just thinking about the day I got invited to join the commanding offices. Both Carnivorous and I were invited because Ryan decided to split up the Guard into corps, a lot more organized with the work divided out. I remember that both of us were unsure and doubted ourselves; however, Ryan informed us not to be as he bestowed us with the insignia of Royal Guard Officers - a golden shield with the Serentian seal in the middle; a single star stands above the shield to signify that out of the many we shined and assumed a position of leadership to protect Serentia in day and night."

"What about you Carnivorous?"

"I am Captain of the Scout Corps."

"Scout Corps?"

"At least someone does not know! The Scout Corps is Serentia's elite special corp unit and it seems like everyone across the empire knows about us." Carnivorous complained.

"What do you guys do as the special corp unit?"

"Unlike the main three, we are small in numbers and are not constantly gaining new members. Members of the Scout corps are hand selected by myself and must be approved by Ryan and their corresponding captain. Thus implied, the corp consists of unicorns, pegasi, and earth forces. There is currently forty-seven members, me making forty-eight, and we are primarily responsible for reconnaissance and sabotage." Carnivorous and Lightning adjusted their wings to the new flight environment as we passed over the forest to a vast body of water. "The seas of Arron; they extend for dozens of miles separating Serentia and Tempeorca. I would advise getting some sleep for there is roughly only three hours left in the trip and there is a four hour time difference between the palace and Tempeorca's castle; what you lose now you will not be able to make up later for we will be arriving at their sunrise."

I did not argue and rested my eyes back in my original location. Yesterday was the most interesting birthday I have ever held; however, I have a feeling that yesterday was only a preview of what there is yet to come. I remember adjusting my neck so it did not kink if I moved awkwardly in my sleep, after that I was at a loss.

Chapter Four (Land of the Earth)

Chapter Four

In correlation with Carnivorous' prediction the chariot continued into a decent roughly three hours past the point where I retired. Even for captains the flight was a massive stain of endurance, lasting seven hours of straight and continuous flight with no rests or interruptions. Settling down near the Tempeocan Castle at this point almost seemed like challenge as the two struggled to land in the tight space provided and not cause too much of a shock wave through the chariot upon landing. Lightning and Carnivorous for what it is worth did a worthy feat completing the journey and then managing to land without harming either Armonia or I; however, the landing was not the perfect landing the two expected as both Armonia and I were less than genitally launched into the air by a few inches, shocking us both awake.

"Sorry you two," Lightning quickly replied apologetically. My eyes were mere slits at the moment, yet it does not take much to realize how worn out the two were as both their muscles were stiff and fatigue was illustrated all over their faces.

"No large insistence" Armonia reassured the two. Carnivorous attempted to reply; however, fatigue was getting the best of him as he was forced to lay down for a moment's rest. Armonia kept good faith and applauded the two efforts massaging the two's worn-down wings and then turning towards me. "You only received three hours of rest last night, yet I am sure we can find you a place to rest for a little bit once we go inform the King that we are here. And as for you two, there appears to be a store over there see if you can find a little bit out about the empire while you enjoy the air conditioning they have there." Armonia pointed towards an establishment a little while west of the Castle.

"Sir, how do you know they have air conditioning or is even open?" inquired Lightning.

"Well it is about seven here so I would expect the buildings to have started opening up for the day. As of for the air conditioning, I hope they have it around here because I have to admit it is a little warm around here." Armonia complained in good faith. I pulled myself up from the chariot and positioned myself next to Armonia; even with only three hours I had more sleep than Lightning and Carnivorous especially after the flight. We both gathered up a few initial things and turned to approach the Castle where we found two morning guard standing firm.

"Who comes to the castle at such an early hour? Does the does not know that no one can see the King before the hour of ten?" the larger of the two declared even though there was no much of a difference in size between the two. They both were earth ponies of larger build using their flanks to block the entrance and if it was not for their uniforms I would not of recognized them as guards at all.

"We are from Serentia, your king has requested our presence," Armonia announced firmly providing the guards with the royal seal.

"How do we know that it is in fact Lord Armonia from the Serentian Empire you has sent you two?"

"Look at my armor! I am Lord Armonia from the Serentian Empire, this fellow right here is a subject that I asked if he would be so pleasant as to accompany me, and there are two Serentian pegasus guards here that I sent to find shelter while we inform the King of our arrival because they are exhausted from the long flight." he stated with mild annoyance. The guards gazed upon Armonia's masterfully crafted armor over his white coat before turning to myself to evaluate my presence.

"We are so sorry about that, Sir!" The two guards stepped aside allowing us to pass upon them opening the gate.

"What is it with you and hitting it off so well with guards?" I teased as we continued inwards.

"I do not have an answer for you; they all are too engrossed in playing the role of the big bad guard to have their eyes open to their surroundings and realize who they are addressing. I do not typically lose my patience as you are quite aware; however, guards have this magical ability to push my buttons better than other single group. I swear they are secret unicorns trained in the magical art to annoy me." Armonia proclaimed to me in a tone that was designed to prevent eavesdropping. I personally found his hypothesis enticing and could not help but grimace at the proposal.

The Castle here was of a size comparable to our own and featured a plethora of features that demonstrated power and wealth of the kingdom. Extending down the hallway was a series of portraits that I assumed to be commemorating the past kings of the kingdom and featured all of them displayed the past rulers in prestigious and sometimes over-exaggerated formalwear. "Is this Kingdom as extensive as our own empire?" I managed to inquire to Armonia.

"No, this kingdom is only the size of one-third of Serentia and a large portion of the region consists primarily of water is uninhabited."

"Then what is all the fancy displays around here for and all the enormous supply of guards that surround the place? The only place that we have guards protecting things in the empire is the armory."

"Tempeoca is as I already informed you different than Serentia in that this kingdom is reigned over by a king. Kings for the most part are not the faithful rulers that you are blessed to enjoy and are paranoid about a loss in power. The decorations you see around this hall is to reflect the King's great wealth and power, unlike the commemorations that engulf our Palace of the great acts and deeds conducted by our empire's people," Armonia directed as we ascended our way up a short flight of stairs leading to the massive doors that laid at the end of the hallway where another guard was posted.

"Whom is you who approaches? Why are you here before the tenth hour?" the guard demanded. Armonia rolled his eyes at the guard's tone. He was the first guard we witnessed in the kingdom who actually displayed a suit of armor and was a good eight inches taller than the other two guards.

"Lord Armonia from Serentian Empire here in reliance to King Elitan's request, the two guards protecting this castle let us in."

King Elitan is this guys name then

"Why would King Elitan want to speak with a puny lord from Serentian?"

"Well since you are so kind to ask I think it would benefit you so to know that Lord Armonia is the ruler of Serentia," I snapped adding "Sir" at the end to add insult to injury. The guard was taken off guard; however, hastily recovered to his former state of stubbornness.

"And who do you think you are?"

"Resident of the Serentian Palace, since you are pursuing in your quest to pester our objective you mind informing me of who you would happen to be?"

"I am no other than Sir Daniel, commander of the guard here." One again Armonia rolled his eyes at this guys overabundance of arrogance.

"Well pardon me Sir Daniel, commander of the guard; however, we just completed in a seven hour flight and we would like to see the King within the next few moments if you would be so kind." Armonia's stare shot razors at Daniel who was attempting to reposition himself to make his armor glisten in the light radiating from the glass windows.

How arrogant can a single person be?

"That will not be necessary; Sir Daniel please excuse yourself for the moment I will deal with them," a stallion dressed in heavy layers of clothing replied. Even King Elitan looked like he was full of himself. His mane was neatly combed and his mark resembled the crown he wore upon his head.

Deal with us? I should show him how to deal with us!

"Lord Armonia. So glad you could finally make it to Tempeoca!"

"I would be glad if it was not for your guards pestering me every five minutes. should you have not informed them of my arrival?" Armonia even in frustration had maintained a calmed tone and spoke fluently to King Elitan.

"I did not find any need in it. Your presence should of been enough. What can I say really if they did not know of your identity?"

Did not find need in it! I can think of several things that you could be saying right now after all these mishaps, so you proclaim!

"Easy now Bladz, maintain control," Armonia assured me, whispering in my ear. "It is not worth losing your temper over."

"Welcome to Tempeoca anyway. Would you like a tour?"

"The tour does not only include you castle I presume?" Armonia responded. King Elitan being too arrogant to comprehend the insult instead took it as compliment.

"Why of course not, you will get to see more then enough of it over the next two days; is it not lovely?" he decreed gazing upon his own creation. Armonia simply just rolled his eyes, as well I who found it fit to join him in the action.

"Have any children?" I asked in an attempt to spark conversation that did not have to do with his castle or his wealth.

"Why heavens no! Foals will grow up and attempt to steal my darling thrown! I will not ever consider nuisances like that until I need someone to continue my great name!"

"Can I please hit him?" I whispered to Armonia.

"He is a King! That would be unnecessary!" Armonia reminded me.

"How old are you young one? Seven? Eight?" Elitan practically demanded.

"Well seeing how I am taller than you I am a lot older than eight! Try seventeen your majesty" I practically spat at him with him taking no indication of my anger through my tone.

"Oh dear Armonia! Your company is defective! How in Tempeoca's name could you have let such a fallacy into my Castle! He has no mark, no signature, he is just bare and flawed at the age of seventeen!" I dug my hooves into the ground and felt like tearing his teeth out in every torturous method I could conceive.

How stupid can you get! How does this kingdom not come crashing down! All the figures of authority we have met here are complete idiots!

"I stand corrected; you cannot hit him until I do" Armonia informed me through whisper. "Just ignore him for now."

"King Elitan, this young stallion here is an important member of the Serentian empire, I would prefer if you please lay off the insults." Armonia announced.

"I suppose, he is your problem afterall."

"Easy Bladz," Armonia comforted me. "You said that you were having an issues with nomads and needed me to act as a third party."

"Yes, those creatures. I would prefer to execute them all; however, Queen Loudi advised me otherwise."

"As do I; there are better ways for dealing with your problems."

"Anyway I am discussing terms with them tomorrow at noon. Now about that tour?" With every moment I could feel Armonia’s blood pressure rising even though he was managing to maintain a straight face.

"Let us continue on our way for this wonderful tour then" Armonia stated half-heartedly as I proceeded to follow. King Elitan initiated his tour by presenting to us his "wonderful armory" which stood a mere pebble to our's and followed by conducting in a long ordeal about how elite his army is.

"Sorry to interupt but why is your entire armed fleet only earth breeds?" I finally stated

"Because we earth breeds are the elite breed of all the breeds; something that I would not expect you as a unicorn to understand."

"There are no unicorns or pegasi in this kingdom are there?" I inquired to my mentor.

"I do not believe so."

"Then why did we have introduce ourselves everywhere we go! Can they not assume something when they see two pegasi and two unicorns?"

"One... never mind. I did not believe so, many of the earth ponies here probably do not even know that there are other tribes of ponies out there." I rolled my eyes once more in disbelief as we continued to follow King Gloats-a-lot.

"And this over here is the surrounding city's market." He pointed down the pathway towards a plethora of social gatherings, where I spotted fruit stands.

"Is that a pear stand? Want to pick up a pear Sir since we have not eaten breakfast yet?" I pondered to Armonia.

"How could you think about spoiling your lips with sick commoner's foods, although you are defective!"

I am done with this guy.

"Excuse me Lord Armonia and King Elitan but I will catch up with you two later." Either way it seemed like King Elitan was becoming annoyed with having to tour us and was beginning to view it as a waste of him time.

"Okay, be back at the castle by noon though; we need to set up our room for the night." Armonia replied

"Will do Sir." I dashed to attempt to make as much distance as I could from that King before he whined about anything else that involved him bragging or how defective I was.

I trotted over to the pear cart and gazed over all the tasty creations. There was pear pie, seasoned pears, a slice of pear crumble, stuffed pears, pears raw and soft, almost any form of pears that I could imagine.

"How much for a bowl of those seasoned pears?" I questioned to the mare working the stand.

"That would be three silver bits"

"Three silver bits?"

"Is that too much Sir? How about two bits?"

"No I meant why so low?"

"You are not from around here are you Sir? The King demands such high taxation every spring that we all have to keep our prices low to ensure we have enough business so we can pay them when the time comes."

Some how I am not surprised

"Here take this to help you out" I handed her three golden bits and picked up the bowl of seasoned pairs.

"He actually wants that pie" Carnivorous declared from behind me. "Three pies in fact. One for this young stallion and two for us over here" I turned to see Lightning standing behind him.

"Well that would normally be a total of three golden pits, so you three have already paid for these."

"Non-sense!" Carnivorous placed twelve golden bits on the counter. "Look at these pies! They are well worth four bits a piece!" The mare practically fainted in joy.

"Thank you so much! This is practically an entire week's earnings!" Aquarius pleasure flooded down her face.

"Madam you deserve it" Lightning proclaimed.

"Well what do we have here two captains that are actually nice to people." I exclaimed.

"What do you mean by that Bladz?"

"Well let me just say that some of the guards around here are not the easiest to work with." I waved my leg around my head to indicate insanity.

"We are aware. A guard questioned us in the rudest manner when we were resting under a tree over there." Carnivorous explained. "I do not know who they think they are around here pushing all the citizens around like this; however, it is uncalled for and shameful." Lightning was preoccupied devouring his pie to comment. "You should not eat it like that you might choke; try this instead." Carnivorous placed the pie on the ground and then stomped to have the contents of the pan soar skywards until gravity overcame and was swallowed by a single bite.

"Okay big mouth! Not everyone has the ability to fit their entire head in their mouth!" Lightning accused.

"So what else have you guys found around here?" I interrogated while pulling a few more bits out from my backpack and having to readjust the suit I took off yesterday before Armonia and I left for our short tour around the palace.

"We are as clueless as you. The guard only woke Carnivorous and I up about ten minutes ago. Why no walk with us and let us discover what is around here."

"Better than the tour I was just getting from the King."

"Why do you say that?"

"I am defective and earth ponies are the master breed"

"Enough said! There is a library over there if you want to check that out. You like libraries, right?"

"Armonia tell you that?"

"Nope, Ryan did" Carnivorous interjected.

"Why I did not know that he took an interest in my studies?"

Ryan interested in my studies? That is so cool!

"Ryan takes interest in lots of things that we do not understand. Although that is one of the reasons he is commander; there is not much that I can put past him to not know if he puts him mind to it. He is not the brightest tool Serentia has, but he is a mighty hard worker." Lightning informed me.

"Anyway, I am going to see if there is a textbook on the history of this kingdom; I am sure not every king was this aggregant and at least one of them did something important or cool."

"Hey Lightning maybe there are mares in there that are attractive and smart." Carnivorous stated. I rolled my eyes once more; however, at least this time it was not out of annoyance.

"Hey Bladz wait up a moment!" Lighting shouted as they both stampeded up behind me.

"I am sorry, but really since when are members of the Serentian Royal Guard so loud?"

"We are always loud, the ones that stand around protecting buildings are just boring a choose to do that." Lighting cheered.

The library was relatively small in stature compared to the main library in Cantardash; I have yet to see the Citadel's real library. Books laid on the wall in neat rows and many of them appeared to still be in mint condition. Earth pony education was not a major consumer of novels as their education focused on the practical and the highly motivated attended universities with libraries of their own. "excuse me ma'am; are there any novels on your kingdom's history here?" I asked.

"Back right corner," the librarian responded pointing in the direction.

The life of King Elitan, The trials of a King, History of the greatest Tempeorca; "I am sorry but do you have any books that do not have to do with King Elitan?"

"No Sir, King Elitan thought that books not about him would detract from his rule."

I am done. Done! When do we leave I am getting sick of this guy. I hope these nomads just burned his precious little castle to the ground and have one of the actually sane ponies around here take power!

"Find any smoking mares?" I addressed to Lightning.

"I never stated that as my motive so do not look at me; there are no mares here besides for the librarian although, so you tell me."

"I do not know. She is sort of smoking." I stated as I felt my sides beginning to burst.

"If you mean by smoking, that she is radiating the smell of cough syrup I can give her that. Let us get out of here before I age."

"Fine by me; all the books here have been rewritten to celebrate your's truly."

"Woah! He really is hot headed! Come on Carnivorous" Lightning proclaimed after noticing that he was busy constructing a book fort in the middle of one of the isles. "You are going to get us thrown out!"

"I claim this land in the name of Carivorous! This shall be the eternal land of cookies!"

"Get your behind up and let us go!"

"Fine! I am leaving the fort though!"

"Fair enough" Lightning finally proclaimed as the two followed me out of the library.

"Did not find any good history lessons Bladz?" Carnivorous inquired.

"All the books had been rewritten in the king's point of view." Lightning explained.

"Sounds like my kind of library! We should place a library at the Armory at the Citadel rewritten from my point of view." Carnivorous proudly declared. I could not tell which one of us face hoofed harder; however, Lightning left a mark on his face.

I gazed upon the watch to detect that the time was only approaching the tenth hour when I officially was at a loss for ideas. Taking lead I marched alongside the market scanning for interesting happenings as Lightning did the same on the opposing side of the parkway. Carnivorous on the other hand was too busy harassing every storekeeper to provide much assistance; however, he was afterall interesting to watch as he cycloned from place to place in a display of his agility that seemed to be confusing watchful eyes who were trying to understand what the rush was about. "For a captain I have to admit he is really hyper," I confessed.

"I have known Carnivorous since flight school and that is simply who he is; He is a fun-loving pegasus who takes a powerful devotion to his occupation, placing duty and friendship first. We both graduated amongst the top our class and I pursued a career as a weather pegasus for a newly founded town, where I later became the station leader there, while he became a scout leader. For nine years we pursued those careers until both of us were "reassigned" to the Citadel working under the Armory as civilians; the job was tough and pretty soon we found ourselves as members of the royal guard. Actually now that I think about it, Carnivorous and I were only working as flight guards five months when Armonia decided to split up the forces into divisions and elect us both as captains. I can not tell you if that was his plan all along for us two; however, I have my suspicions."

"So there is usually a method to his madness? He always seems so reserved that sometimes it is hard to anticipate his actions and determine what he is thinking."

"I do not know what he has planned for you Bladz, but whatever it must be it must be important. As you are aware, Lord Armonia is not one to take on students and you are the only student I think that anyone has ever heard about that Armonia actually has ever had."

"According to him I am"

"See my point. The thing that ponders me is what there could be that he is so interested in having you do. There is nothing that crosses my mind and I thought about that for almost all seven hours of the flight yesterday."

"I could not tell you either, he has never given me any formal lessons and all he acts like is a guide." Lightning paused in his position and began to visually analyze me more intensly that I could recall anyone besides Armonia or my family ever conducting in.

"Maybe what I suspected is true"

"And what is that?"

"We will see in time." Lightning announced as we stood witness to Carnivorous posing in front of a mirror display of himself trying on hats.

"How does this one make me look?" Carnivorous declared wearing a dark black fedora.

"It really complements your coat" Lightning stuttered. "I suppose." Personally I did not find reason in purchasing a black hat for a black stallion when you could not differentiate between the two's forms. Carnivorous nodded and placed the fedora back upon the hat stand as he returned to our sides.

"Want to race to that tree and back Lightning?"

"We are not going to leave Bladz here while we are racing around this town! Plus you know I am faster than you and there is no need for me to show you up in front of all these earth ponies."

"You could have Bladz ride your back and see if you are still the hot shot will all that wieght on your back"

"I do not weigh that much" I muttered.

"Never said that you were fat, was just implying that Lightning would not be as fast with additional weight." Carnivorous proclaimed in defense.

"Even so I am not going to risk harming him just because we are bored" Lightning disputed causing Carnivorous to fly up to the top the clock tower to our left to moat, irritated in defeat. Based upon the immediate reaction of the town folks it was obvious that a pegasus was a rare sight in the empire, which is of no surprise really considering that both unicorns and pegasi are practically non-existent here being an earth pony kingdom.

"Lightning! Grab Bladz and get up here quick!" Carnivorous' tone had switched to serious as I was hastily ascended into the air by Lightning. Carnivorous was pointing to a distant point on the horizon where a plethora of black smoke was arising. "We have to help them! There is a fire over there I am sure!" I hardly could recall the feeling of standing again before I was rocketed across the skies towards the smog.

There is a reason I see they call you lightning; the rapid take off nearly snapped my neck! Thank you very much!

A small barn had caught fire outside of the Castle as we flew over to investigate; I should really say Lightning and carnivorous flew as I was preoccupied holding on in fear of my life as we soared at four hundred miles an hour throughout an kingdom I knew little about. The heat radiating off the inferno was intense as we approached the farm and settled down for a landing. They both upon touching down rushed over to offer assistance, while I paused for a moment to catch my breath, my senses, and my stomach.

"What is going on here!" Lightning commanded.

"Our barn caught on fire after a small electrical short-circuiting." The assumed father of the group declared trying to calm down the young colts and fillies that were in a state of panic.

"Do you have any buckets?" The stallion quickly pointed to a corner of the fence where two buckets laid. "Carnivorous grab a bucket and help me carry water from that lake over there to aid in putting out the flames!" The two of them bursted off with buckets in hands to assist as I trotted forward.

"Who are you guys?" the father addressed to me.

"Royal visitors from Serentia; we are here to witness something for your king when we noticed this issue." I replied.

"Thank you! Thank you!" he cried. Lightning and Carnivorous dumped their first trip of water leaving barely a dent in the flames.

They are not going to fix this mess! The flames are already too large! What could I do to assist!

I closed my eyes in remorse as I could not figure out a matter to provide assistance. Tears began to transcend down cheeks as a sudden roar disturbed by sorrow. Standing prone above me was an enormous water serpant that was drenching the barn and extinguishing the flames. The serepant features a cyan glow to it and shimmered in the light before returning to the lake in the simple form of water.

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF ANYTHING WAS THAT!" Lightning screamed.

"I do not know" I admitted.

"Sure you don't! That thing was a magic water serpent! Your horn went all flashy and then that enormous thing arose from all the water in the lake and extinguished the blaze! That thing was not living! It was not real! You created that! You gave that thing life through magic and then controlled it to do that!" Lightning exploded. The entire family alongside Carnivorous was standing aside in shock.

"I...I...did that?" Lightning nodded.

"Thank you unicorn! I have no idea what you did but I extend my greatest gratitude." the father proclaimed.

"No problem Sir. I am sorry though for we must be arriving at the castle soon."

"What is your name young one?"

"Bladz"

"I shall never forget your name; you are destined for greatness I am sure." We acknowledge him in grins and returned back to the castle, this time slower in flight than before. The castle this time as we approached was open allowing easier admission compared to the painful experiences that I held from earlier.

"YOU DID WHAT?"

"He conquered up a water serpent to extinguish a barn fire" Carnivorous explained. Armonia stood in the same state of shock that the ponies at the farm we locked in and had a hard time understanding the fact.

"A life spell? Where did you learn a life spell or even the discipline to even use it?"

"I do not know" I admitted. "I read about it once in the library; however, I never expected it to be a real spell."

"Neither did I" Armonia proclaimed. "No one and I mean no one has ever used one; it was just a theory that was hypothesized centuries ago."

"I do not know how it happened! I panicked and it just happened!"

"It is fine Bladz, I believe you three; I have no idea how you did it but you did and that assures to me that you are mature enough for more advanced studies. You have done well my faithful student." King Elitan came rushing in, locked in a state of panic.

"What is it?" Armonia questioned.

"They have taken her!" He decreed.

"Taken who? Who are 'They'?" Lightning inquired.

"The Nomads! They have taken my Queen!"

The one day I only get three hours of sleep and all this happens! I just need to go back to bed!

Chapter Five (Fallen Kingdom)

Chapter Five

The captains and I motioned our way down the hallway before Elitan's guards arrived in an attempt to avoid unwanted confrontations; early issues proved to all of us that it was best to avoid the guards in this kingdom. Their wonderful commander 'Sir. Daniel' was the first to arrive at the scene being trailed by an army of at least two and a half dozen guards.

"You have requested my presence my king." Daniel conducted in a bow mock-seriously.

"Those nomads have taken my queen! Track them down and save her!" Elitan demanded. Daniel smirked at the ground for a moment before taking upon a stern facial expression and turning to Lord Armonia.

"How do you know that these foreigners did not abduct her?" Lord Armonia's eyes narrowed at the accusation.

"They may be unicorns and pegasi; however, they are not kidnappers and would not drop down to that level. They have no reason to conduct in such a manner for they are of a prestigious empire!" Elitan decreed causing all four of our eyes to swell up in surprise. Elitan had lost the joyful tone that he has been exhibiting all day and from Daniel's facial expression I could tell that he was not used to Elitan's new tone being directed towards him.

"Very well then," Daniel smirked as he turned to hide from the two while his face was still in my view. "I shall organize a team to hunt down these nomads; they will be ready by the next hour." He dismissed himself with the guards following him without Elitan's permission grimacing without reason.

"I am sorry for his insults Lord Armonia." Elitan's eyes were remorseful as he positioned himself in front of his steps. "I was so busy being arrogant that I allowed my queen to be abducted. I am so sorry for my earlier actions; I wanted Serentia feel like we are a prosperous kingdom and I have failed you all."

"It is fine King Elitan; I understand your motivation and I do not condemn you." Armonia approached alongside Elitan and simply stood aside in an attempt to ease the tensions that he felt. "I have to ponder though why you are posing that it is the nomads?"

"Lord Armonia, it is the possibility that makes sense. The nomadic tribes are agitated after the weeks we have spent bickering over them invading my soil and our current relations are strained even further because of upcoming agreements we are scheduled to have tomorrow. If they were to abduct the Queen they would have a bargaining tool to deploy tomorrow."

"I understand your thought process, but why would they want to harm their chances of peaceful negotiations with a kingdom that they are aware could crush them; maybe not quickly but as nomads they cannot sustain in long term fighting, nor can they afford the severe cost of warfare," Armonia pondered to him.

"Didn't you state earlier that you would not recommend warfare as a means for dealing with them?"

"That is because you wanted to use military might to extinguish a group of innocent nomads at the time; if they stolen the queen for ransom then that is an act of war against Tempeoca," Armonia explained. Elitan was an entirely new ruler now that his over-exaggerated pathos was gone and replaced with anxiety.

"I could think of another person that might be responsible for this case; however, like Armonia implied, it is not an intelligent idea to jump to conclusions." Lightning admitted as we re-approached the main corridor.

"And you would be..."

"Captain Lightning, one of the leaders from the Serentian guard command; Carnivorous and I were the ones responsible for flying here." Lightning pointed to his peer who was gazing a upon a suit of armor on a stand.

"Pleasure to meet you Captain Lightning."

"Pleasure is all mine Sir but please call me Lightning." Lightning smiled receiving one in return.

"Okay I have to ask." I declared. "Why are all the books at the library rewritten in your point of view?"

"Before I came to power my grandfather ruled over this land and removed all forms of literature from the kingdom. I attempted once I took reign to restore our history; however, as I went through the kingdom archives I discovered all the horrid things that my family has done to the members of this kingdom and I knew that I would not be able to recreate our history; so I funded writers to rewrite history starting with my coronation."

"For four centuries I held no connections to this kingdom" Armonia informed us.

"I am aware; that is why I invited you all here, I hopes that I could renew our former ties."

"Insulting my students and our breeds is not the way to renew our alliance."

"I am deeply sorry about that; I may have gotten a little carried away because to be honest I have never spoken with another person besides for my queen, Daniel, or the two messengers I have since taking power nine years ago. I am afraid that if I showed weakness then my subjects would assume I was weak and attempt to rebel."

I have never thought about the possibility of that before.

"Your subjects are upset with you King Elitan and view you just like the previous rulers I presume. The heavy taxation you place upon them harm their businesses and places them in constant fear of you if they fail to pay every year." I informed Elitan.

"Once again that is my fault. The guard demands such a heavy pay and I can not figure out a way to do it without taxation. I was hoping that guards would cycle the currency throughout the empire and at least stimulate the economy."

"The guards are supposed to be paying for their purchases? While Lightning and I were wondering around we witnessed a guard threaten a shopkeepers life over a loaf of bread claiming that you gave them jurisdiction to 'deal with' those who disobey." Carnivorous interjected

"I would never enforce such a harsh punishment! Even though I have threatened execution a few times I have never had the power to go through with the idea. My grandfather executed thousands throughout the kingdom and I am afraid that my subjects are still fearful after his control."

"The problem is that they do not know better! You should go inform them that you are not your grandfather and that you have plans for a brighter future in Tempeoca." I announced with optimism. "What about your father? How was he as a ruler?"

Elitan was silent for a minute before mumbling under his breath "my grandfather executed thousands throughout the kingdom" and turning aware from our observing eyes. None of us were expecting the feeling of dread that rapidly engulfed the castle. Armonia proceeded in front of Elitan and placed his arm on Elitan's shoulder.

"Do not worry King Elitan of the Tempeoca Kingdom; we understand your intentions and what ever happened to your wife we will find her!" he whispered to Elitan.

"She is not my wife." he motioned his head upwards. "She is my sister and the last surviving member of my family. When I stated I did not want children earlier because I did not want a challenge to my power I was lying. I do not have a wife and my sister is more important to me than any other mare in the kingdom." I approached him and placed my left foreleg on this other shoulder and sighed causing him to stare in my direction.

"My sister may not be the only surviving member of my family; however, I will not stop until you get her back! I know what it means to have a sister that cares for me and if it was not for her I would not be where I am today. If it was not for everypony here I would not be here today!" I stared into every single one of their souls leaving Armonia for last. "Thank you; but now it is time we take action! Carnivorous follow the commanders forces using your skills; if they need help assistance please provide it, but if it is the other thing, well you know know what to do." He smiled at the proposal for it was the first truly interesting thing to happen all day for him. "Lightning and I will take our own method for tracking down your sister!" Lightning nodded accepting the plan. "Lord Armonia... would you look over Elitan with you abilities and keep him safe? I have a feeling that we are not dealing with a few pissed-off nomads here." Armonia gazed at me and provided a single nod.

"I will do what I can... Sir Bladz"

"What?"

"We should be getting on our way if we want to be successful in saving the Queen" Armonia claimed before motioning Elitan to follow and the two disappeared behind the internal doors.

"I am going to be enjoying this" Carnivorous glimmered as he sped out through the door.

"You just gave him the best job he could wish for" Lightning rejoiced.

"You think he can handle it?"

"He was not chief scout leader and now captain of the scout corp because he was bad at his job; if I was you I would be worried about the safety of the unlikely person that has gotten on our bad side once he gets a hold of them."

"If that is the case, let's go!" I climbed upon Lightning's back as he braced his wings.

"I think it would be good to know that we will be flying at high speeds this time and you might want to prepare yourself." Lightning reached into his breastplate pulling out two small computer chips, one of which he attached to the side of his temple. "Here put this on your right temple; might feel weird at first but you will get used to it."

"Why do I need this? And what do you mean by high speeds? Wasn't the previous flight high speed?"

"Well for you maybe. The chip transmits neurological signals; spoken words in the mind are read by the chip and then translated into auditory neurological signals that produced the sensation of sound. Also put in these ear plugs"

"And why do I need these?" I inquired as I attached the sensor to my temple and inserted the ear plugs.

"You will thank me later when you are unable to hear a single spoken thing we say?"

"What!" I demanded, however, lightning was on the move and within seconds we were in flight inside the castle; upon clearing the castle doors I felt the two of us accel rapidly while wind ambushed my eye sockets. Lightning's entire body shook over after maybe thirteen seconds from leaving those doors and then everything went quiet and still.

"Congratulations you are flying on the Lightning Express" I turned to witness a white and navy rainbow continuously formulating behind our rear.

"We are flying supersonic!"

"And here you were thinking Lightning was just a cool guy with large wings!" I could tell that he was laughing at me even though my sensor was unable to pick up emotional reactions.

"I see why they call you Lightning for sure now!"

"This is not my max speed! You want to see my max speed?"

"Will it aid us in finding Elitan's sister?"

"Can't promise you that, but I can guarantee we will get from one place to another quicker if we wanted to." I was just about to encourage Lightning on when a black feather magically began to float beside me after ten minutes of flight.

"Hey Lightning? There is a black feather here that is floating what does that mean?" Lightning must of panicked when I stated that because he almost lost control at this high of a speed flinging me wildly as I barely held on. The trip that took us three hours to complete would only take us roughly a quarter of the time at this velocity.

"Bladz, you better hold on!"

"Why?"

"That black feather is from Carnivorous' wing! When he is in trouble he uses a feather to notify Ryan; however, because the guard is nowhere near here he must of addressed it to me! It is time for you to experience the true reason I am name lightning!" Lightning's speed escalated tremendously in seconds as the tip of our flight path formed a white point in front of us.

"I thought we already passed the sound barrier?"

"That is not the sound barrier! That is a ball of solid electrons that are beginning to be ripped from the atoms we are passing by because of our speed."

"WHAT!"

"That ball is solid electricity! Prepare yourself we are entering the speed of nuclear electrical currents!" Just as Lightning proclaimed that the ball exploded, completely engulfing us in lightning that roared around us forming a cocoon of solid electricity. I attempted communicate with Lightning; however the high electrical interference prevented the transceivers from functioned. A blue spark traveled alongside Lightning and struck my transceiver. "Do not try to talk; know and the electricity will speak for you! The electricity will carry your thoughts to me."

I focused on my thoughts and felt the spark emerge, "do you know where he is?"

"Yes; I will be flying upwards in a few moments as we approach him... I need you to let go and do not worry I will catch you afterwards!"

"After what?"

"This lightning can be used offensively I believe."

"You believe?"

"I have never flown at this speed. Armonia just told me that there was a speed for violating electrical balance... I was pulling your leg when I said that I was able to fly faster."

"How do you know what all about the nerve impulses then?"

"I honestly can't tell you that for I don't know why! Carnivorous will be safe because our armor is designed to be lighting resistant so we do not get harmed in violent storms; however, you are going to have to jump... NOW!" I let go as momentum continued to push me upwards. Lightning reversed course aiming straight at the ground. The moment he hit was inarguable as his lightning cocoon imploded inwards and then created an enormous dome of cyan lightning that was self contained yet probably managed to light up the entire kingdom in light. Then there was stillness as I found myself plummeting to the ground.

"LIGHTNING!!!" I screamed in fear. Within the last thousand feet of my fall I felt myself slowing as Lightning grinned lowering me to the ground and then collapsing.

"What happened?" I demanded to Carnivorous.

"I don't know! There was a flash, and then lightning hit the ground, and everything went flying and there was this ball of lightning, and then he flew up and got you and now he is on the ground!!" Carnivorous bolted over to Lightning. "Lightning! Lightning! Lightning! LIGHTNING!" Carnivorous busted into tears over Lightning as he laid there still. "LIGHTNING! WAKE UP LIGHTNING!" I trotted over and rubbed his mane. "Oh Lightning" he mumbled.

"Will you shut up! you are giving me a headache" Lightning cracked his eye open and attempted to smile. "Did I get them?" Lightning's face was engulfed in an expression of pain as he attempted to retract his wings and found himself unable to. "I think I will be laying here for a few seconds," lightning joked in good faith.

"I wish I could allow that Lightning; however, we have to get going soon." Carnivorous paced once again in an new form of anxiety.

"Where is Elitan's sister?" I accused

"Thankfully not here or that blast might of killed her." Taking in realization of that statement he scanned the area in confusion and then pondered into the skies. "What happened to the mass group of guards that were around here?"

"No clue; how did you even get trapped in the first place in the middle of nowhere?"

"I was tracking Daniel and he stopped at this location for a while. I stayed here observing for about ten minutes when suddenly something smashed into my wind injuring it. I can still fly; however, I wouldn't have been able to out fly them."

"Them?"

"The guards! They came out of nowhere by the dozens surrounding me! I was able to hold the first two waves off, but as more came I was overwhelmed with my advanced abilities in maneuverability stunted. They all had grown wings of a weird formatting and pinned me down."

"Their wings were they of normal appearance, yet somewhat crooked and the feather tips appearing a little bit sharper than normal?" I inquired.

"Yea; how did you know that?" I swallowed my gut and picked at the soil.

"Where did Daniel go?"

"That was what I meant to tell you! He charged off back towards the castle after leading me into this trap! I think the Queen is still at the castle and Daniel allowed Elitan to blame the nomads for what he did!"

"Carnivorous... those things were Sepeti!"

"Sepeti? What are Sepeti?"

"Followers of Sypherous, who formulated to gain revenge after his fall over a thousand years ago. Daniel must be one of their cardinals and is trying to take over Tempeoca to restore Sypherous' reign." I hesitated as I gazed into the mid-afternoon skies. "You know that armor you were looking at yourself in?" Carnivorous nodded. "I think I have seen that design before in a textbook in Armonia's library... that is Sypherous'!"

"Lightning! You feeling better?" Carnivorous roared. Lightning pried his eyelids open and managed to stumble to his feet.

"I am not one hundred percent but I can manage. You ready to go?" Lightning managed to pronounce. "Also can you carry Bladz this time?" he nodded and within moments we were on our way towards the castle once again. "So we are dealing with an evil earth pony then?"

"I am afraid not Lighting, leaders of the Sepeti are unicorns highly skilled in dark art. How do you think the guards were managing to hide their wings?" I admitted.

"So you saying that we are going to have to go against a powerful unicorn that has the current intention to murder us?"

"I never said that, but yes I am afraid."

"Bladz.... your amulet?" Lightning stated pointing towards my neck. The sapphire had taken on a bright glow that sparked anxiety through my mane.

"We have a problem I believe guys... I think Lord Armonia might be in danger now; it usually only glows when he about to send me a letter." Silence emerged over the ground as we completed the final leg of our flight and the castle doors came into sight. The doors upon closer observation; however, was going to be impassible as the doors were locked shut with a dark and powerful magic I noticed upon landing. "I do not know this castle, is it possible that there is another way in!" I cried out.

Carnivorous smirked at my distress. "There is always another way in." before I knew it I was soaring up the castle walls being carried by Carnivorous with Lightning following, landing eventually on the roof.

"You have got to be kidding me!" I addressed to Carnivorous. He shaked his head in disagreement. "Do I really have to jump down a chimney?" To my remorse he nodded and I found myself skidding myself down a chimney that to my surprise had not been used in ages as the two slowly hovered down behind me.

"At least it was clean," Lighting joked even though I found no humor in it. We were upon an enormous dining hall that must of doubled as a ballroom as the tables were movable. A single light was radiating from the hallway and a voice; Daniel's. Rushing out of the room we attempted to maintain our stealth. The armor was missing! Creeping to the throne room we peered inside to witness Lord Armonia and King Elitan standing inside a protective bubble that Armonia must of conjured up; Daniel standing outside it waiting with a predominant horn now appearing on his skull.

"Where is it!" he demanded.

"What reason do we have to tell you!" Elitan reputled.

"Foolish rulers! You cannot stay in there forever or your precious queen will suffer to her grave!"

"What have you done with her?" Armonia requested noticing our arrival in his perivials.

"She is suffering from a corruption spell in the basement! You could go in save her if you guys would lower this cowardly shield and tell me where the armor is!" Armonia was pleased with Daniel's ignorance as Daniel has just gave away the Queen's location.

"I think we will pass!" Elitan's eyes dilated in concern as Armonia quickly halted him from speaking by jabbing him in the flank. "Don't" he whispered to Elitan.

"Carnivorous! You need to head down to the basement and save Elitan's sister! A corruption spell is easy to break, it works by concentrating evil magic in a single location; once the door is open the room will not hold the spell pressure that the curse requires." I commanded to him. He nodded in recognition and stormed towards the secondary hallway in hopes of finding a stairwell. "Lightning you feeling okay?" Lightning unsure nodded.

"I will be fine, a large sum of my energy has returned. Just it does not make sense to me."

"What?"

"I have trained numerous hours at my hardest and have never ever seen a lightning particle form; that time it just happened and I have no idea how." Lightning's face was lost in thought.

"Enough! Tell me where the armor is!" Daniel spat. "If you will not tell me I guess I will have to force you to tell me!" Daniel's eyes bursted into a scarlet glow as his skin bubbled and appeared to be charcoaling; a new Daniel was formed with this one standing a fair three inches taller. "Tell me scum!" The floor surrounding the dome blackened and for the first time I witnessed something in Armonia's eyes that I would've never expected. Fear.

"You plan to get us to speak by threatening to send us to Sypherous' dimension of void! Where did you even get the ability to conjure that!" Armonia demanded.

"Oh Armonia how long has it been and you have forgotten my face."

"NO! I cannot be you! You were destroyed!"

"That is what you think! For over a thousand year I laid dormant attempting to regain my powers and after being able to conduct in many of my spells I took control of the guard here and waited for a reason to lead you here. I have waited a long time for this day!"

No! I lost control of myself as I marched myself into the middle point between Lightning and Sypherous. I closed my eyes and breathed as he became aware of my prescence, yet I did not expierence fear.

"Here to watch your pathetic leader be vanquished so I can reign forever!" he nearly choked in his laughter.

"Lightning do not let him do what he is about to do!" Armonia exploded from his lungs. Lightning stood confused and tilted his head.

"I am sorry but the only one who shall be vanished today is you Sypherous!" My voice was not natural and originated from all directions. My eyes flung open presenting a solid white color and my horn flailed in a plethora of an alternating rainbow of colors.

"STOP HIM NOW LIGHTNING!!" Sypherous was locked in fear causing his void dimension to close. Lightning rushed forward grabbing me and knocking me to the floor unconscious as I was beginning to ascend off the ground and generate a mild windstorm throughout the castle in rage.

From the lost you have been found. You have created what is never to be formulated. You are the one who has the potential and the one who has been bestowed with the ability. We have awaited your arrival for we, The Nothing, have begun to see the light because you have shown us. Because of you Bladz, we are now free! Go! Complete what you are meant to be!

Chapter Six (Marked)

Chapter Six

The sun's waves composed a melody of tranquility dancing into my chambers and there was a chilliness amongst the air that felt nice after the hard sleep. I twirled on the mattress that I laid on savering in its softness and how delightful a bed felt after the long withdrawal from sleep. The sheets had been neatly folded and tucked in around me; however, I pulled them out celebrating the feeling of Bliss.

"You sleep well my dear?" I rolled out of bed in panic, smashing my horn into the flooring and giving myself a migraine. "Oh I am so sorry! Are you okay dear?" I raised myself to discover where the soft angelic voice was originating from to find a mid-sized light purple mare staring at me with a flowing dark purple mane. "You are Bladz correct?" I nodded my head in uncertainty. "My name is Mari! It is such a pleasure to meet you Sir."

"Hello Mari? Where am I right now?" I scanned the room to find delicately crafted fabrics and arts scattered neatly throughout.

"That would be my bed chambers." I rushed myself out of the tangle of the bed sheets and jumped to my feet. "You are a funny young stallion aren't you. Do not worry I brought you here and tucked you in, you are fine."

"If this is your room, where did you sleep?"

"Well with you of course." I jumped back as an initial reaction. "What? I slept in this room on my couch?" She walked over towards a neatly placed couch and sat herself down.

"So Mari where am I?"

"Next to my bed... in my room...?"

"I mean where am I as in the place."

"Our castle? Where else would you be?"

"You are Queen Mari! I am so sorry for that!" She laughed at my reaction and laid upon here couch.

"I would not say queen. I am Elitan's sister, not his wife; so I am not a queen. Even if Elitan would like to proclaim that I am a queen in an effort to flatter me."

"Pardon me for asking but how old are you madam?"

"You're fine! I am Elitan's twin, I saw what you were trying to figure out." I examined her to find that she had the cutie mark of a seven blue spikes in a circle.

"What does that mean?" I pointed at her flank.

"That is my cutie mark! I have a side hobby creating things and inventing; the blue spikes match my first project I did of a generator when I was little that power a nightlight."

"That's a cool talent!" I had never heard of a Mare who was an inventor, nor an earth pony for that matter.

"Well thank you! What is yours about?"

"I do not have one I do not think?"

"Then what is that?" I turned to see a complex Sigillum Dei outline constructed of seven shapes illustrated on my flank with each of the differing bands beholding a unique color. Then one by one the colors disappeared leaving only their shapes' outlines.

"I have a cutie mark... but what does it mean?"

"I do not have any idea but did it just change?"

"The colors just disappeared... yea you just saw what I just saw... What does that even mean?

"I do not know? Have never seen anything so strange."

"What even happened last night?" I strolled over and sat down alongside Mari.

"I think that is a question you should ask yourself" Lightning proclaimed standing at the door. "I will tell you what happened after I knocked you out if you tell me what happened beforehand."

"You were there beforehand... when did you knock me out?"

"Maybe he was correct." I shifted my head at Lightning. "Lord Armonia stated you would hold no recognition of the happenings of last night; he was correct."

"Did he erase my memory or something?"

"He told me that the display I almost saw yesterday was your release and that you were not ready to control it. I do not understand it but there was this symbol that appeared on the ground which I see is the same as your cutie mark now! Congratulations I know you have waited a long time for that!"

"I do not understand?"

"We can ask Armonia about it when he gets back. I have to warn you though... even he was full of doubt when he was stating just that little bit to me."

"What about Sypherous?"

"Let us explain this to you as a group once everyone gets back." Lightning turned around and smiled in a manner that caused the sunshine to reflect off his teeth and radiate through the room before motioning down the hall and downstairs; both Mari and I followed.

The hallway was a tremendous amount brighter than I could've recalled from yesterday and everything seemed to be neatly placed in their location. Everything was neatly cleaned and adjusted, except one thing - the suit of armor that was on display in the hallway was missing. The Grand Hall was the only room where I noticed any change of scenery in as the blinds had been changed from a mint green to a warm yellow; however, the rug and flooring appeared untouched despite yesterday's happenings.

"You want breakfast?" Lightning inquired pulling a plate off the middle shelf of a cart and proceeding to pull lids off platters revealing a spectrum of different tastes.

"Some diced potatoes and a some seasoned apples would be fine." I informed Lightning accordingly taking a seat at small round table that had been set up in the corner next to a greeting window. .

"Hash browns and an apple danish fine?"

"Sure, that is fine," I nodded. "Thanks Lightning!"

"It is not a problem" he proclaimed sliding the plate over to my location. Mari took a spot next to me and extended her legs in relaxation.

"This breakfast feels nice after that sleep; tasty and warm."

"Well thank you Sir. I made it all this morning fresh!" Mari rejoiced.

"Oh you didn't have to go to such extents for us" I blushed.

"Of course I did! Not everyday we have visitors that are as heroic as you four!" Mari was content with herself as she extended friendly warmth across the table. "You know Bladz you are such an interesting character! Being so humble about the meal, falling out of bed in innocence, and mumbling in your sleep..." My head impacted the table as she declared the last one. "What? You were so cute talking with this Cristalla mare... that your marefriend?"

"Sister" Lightning informed her.

"Ahh that makes sense then! The way you were talking made you two seem like really close friends!" My face was superglued to the table as I made tiny circles with my horn. Mari was getting a kick out of my behavior and was charmed by my embarrassment.

"How long was I even a sleep for?"

"If you just got up fourteen hours" a familiar voice proclaimed from across the room. I turned to see Armonia followed by Elitan and Carnivorous enter. "It is the ninth hour of the day now."

"Why can't we just say nine o'clock in the morning!" Carnivorous whined.

"I do not know actually; just I have always heard it by the hour in that format," Armonia admitted. "Do you usually hear is as o'clock?"

"Carnivorous operates off actions not times" Lightning amused to the group. "Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bed, and training are the only times that he understands."

"You forgot desert time"

"Please that term results in an action that I rather forget on a daily basis!" Carnivorous claiming an expression of a mixture of defeat and satisfaction took a seat across from me.

"So what happened yesterday?" I addressed to Armonia.

"I asked Lightning to sedate you after your emotions got the best of you... do not worry though because nothing major damaging happened because of it; however, the wind that you created did allow Captain Carnivorous to use the current to his advantage and impact Sypherous with a strong enough blow while he was awed to knock him into a wall permitting Elitan and I enough time for me to lower my shield safely." Carnivorous conducted in a small bow in recognition of his name.

"And where is Sypherous now?"

"Gone" Elitan announced. I dilated my eyes towards the two.

"How did you harness the power to defeat him without the moons?" I demand in surprise. Armonia took place next to me and sighed.

"I did not defeat him. He defeated himself or you did it; I do not know which way it was."

"What do you mean by that? Did you not say that I was unconscious!" I got myself up from my seat so I could get a thorough view of Armonia's face.

"What I mean is that after realizing how much potential power you had Sypherous attempted to siphon the power from you. When he charged up and touched you, you were still glowing; all we saw was that simple touch on your horn cause your white coat color to transfer and supersede his blackened coat. Panic was evoked in his eyes as his pupils translated from red to white. And then he shattered and a black crystal laid in his place floating in the air." Armonia flitched from the memory.

"What happened next?" I asked. Lightning approached me and rubbed my mane.

"Six more crystals of the same size roughly arose from various points on the ground encircling around you, each of a differing color, and formed the circle that is on your flank currently. The crystals glowed their color before dissolving into light that radiated at your flank and then were absorbed. We do not know if your cutie mark appeared after that or not because I do not remember seeing it as I carried you to Mari's room as she tucked you in; however, at that time you still had a lot of your color still missing from your face." Lightning explained.

"Pretty cool way to get a cutie mark if you ask me!" Carnivorous celebrated while stuffing down hash browns. "Lightning and I got our cutie marks at flight camp and it was nowhere nearly as cool! Although we got ours in moments of happiness; your's originated from probably the scariest method I have ever heard or read about."

I wonder if after that even is when I dreamt of the voices?

"Lord Armonia are you okay?" I pondered as he was still staring off into ceiling.

"I just do not understand it. This was not what I was expecting...I knew you were high potential but this is not what I was expecting." he cried out silently and laid silent for a few moments as we watched him. "So what is your cutie mark anyway?"

"You are not aware?" He shook his head in defeat. Armonia I could see was not used to not understanding something and the rapid change of events of yesterday had left him in confusion that he had never experienced before. "I believe it is a Sigillum Dei; however, it is missing all the words."

"A what?"

"It is a symbol that was used to connect the act of magic to divinity; however, lost recognition about four thousand years ago."

"Where did you learn that from?"

"I do not know?" I now lowered my head in confusion now.

"It is okay guys! All that is important is that we all are here and that there is a bright and shining future ahead of us!" Mari commanded.

"Mari; you are always in a good mood and know how to turn my frowns upside down!" Elitan exclaimed causing Armonia and I to recover from our slumps a bit. "The meeting with the nomads is in just over an hour; want to start to prepare for their arrival you two?" Elitan motioned towards us and poked Armonia's face. "Hello Lord Frown, how is the weather under that dark cloud?"

"Dark cloud?" Lightning flailed in surprise to realize that Elitan was metaphorical. "I hate you... you startled me!"

"Weather peagsi will be weather pegasi" I cheered and laughed at Lightning's reactions.

The nomads arrived on time at the eleventh hour in a sense of uneasiness and tensions could be felt as the leader of the group passed in a state of stern surrender. The nomads were forced to this location under a decree by Daniel beforehand five days ago and in expectations of the pseudo-commander's manners it is fair to believe that the nomads were not thrilled to be invited to such an occasion. The nomads were ignorant of the King's real identity and the persona that was illustrated to them initially was not one of celebration. Two larger earth pony nomads trailed the assumed leader of the group and were most evidently designed as guards in case the negotiations did not go smoothly, even though, I am pretty sure that any actions they attempt while be easily handled by us from Serentia; the nomads as they began to take in more attention to us were similar to the commoners around this kingdom as they were confused by the presence of unicorns and pegasi; however, their expressions showed a new form of ignorance for we may had been the first of our breeds that they have ever witnessed and could not understand why we had wings or horns.

"Welcome to Tempeoca Castle!" Elitan exclaimed pulling three chairs aside so they all can sit down at the oval table we set out and fashioned with a formal kingdom display. They took their seats on the left as Lightning and Carnivorous took the middles of the longer sides granting the nomads a large section per person. Content with their arrangement Elitan placed himself just scew from the center of the right end with Armonia and I to his sides; Mari took her place next to me upon setting a platter of chocolate chip cookies in the center of the table. Carnivorous stood strong against the temptation; however, is eyes were in rapid motion.

"Good afternoon ... King Elitan," the nomad proclaimed.

"Right off the back I would like to say that the nomadic ponies are welcomed in Tempeoca."

"Nonsense!... Wait what?"

"I was reading over the report that I was given on the incident and I see that this whole mess was sparked over the destruction of the crops of a planter's field. I would be more than happy to open trade with the nomadic groups and would like to extend this kingdom's hand in friendship after so many years that we have been bickering neighbors."

"Your farmer overstepped his boundaries and was on our soils"

"Actually I had Lord Armonia from the Serentian Empire go over the math of the borders and he found out that the farmer was a quarter of a kilometer into our lands. The lake which was used for reference on the map that both our people use does not take into consideration changes that have occurred within the last ten years. The planter's family reported to me that the lake on our border had dried up four years ago and when I looked in the archives I did in fact find a letter addressed to me from this family from this date that never made it to me because an error in sorting." Elitan recollected showing the nomad the map analysis that Armonia conducted.

"So we were wrong... I am sorry for the trouble then"

"That is not why I asked you here as I have stated already! For years we have been bickering and today I want to put an end to this! Please accept my formal plan for trade agreements and my informal policy for open door collaboration." Elitan proclaimed with a grin.

"How can we know that this is what you seek! Your commander informed us otherwise!" I departed my seat and motioned towards the nomads who examined me.

"I would like to point out to you gentlemen that where do you see this commander in this room?" The nomads were a little taken back by the question. I continued on declaring "the Sir Daniel that threatened you here was not the commander that Elitan had anticipated. He was instead Lord Sypherous from the old Ancasian Empire seeking to take his revenge on us of the Serentian government by trying to focus our attention against this kingdom and the vice-versa. When Elitan failed to accuse us for abducting his sister Sypherous' plan was failing causing him to attempt to overthrow this Kingdom and use it as a starting point to reclaim the world in his name; knocking out the force that defeated him in the initial process. Sypherous underestimated us and in the end he was defeated and destroyed, rid from harming this kingdom or any other nation."

"Who are you if I may ask?" the nomad inquired.

"I am Bladz. Unicorn from Serentia and student under Armonia!"

I should get a sign soon and just start waving it around... I have been having to explain myself too much lately.

"Sorry for my ignorance; we nomads are knowledgeable of the world; however, distance breeds ignorance of my people. Why should I listen to a student?"

"You should listen to him because he was the one who vanquished Sypherous without the aid of external magic." Armonia decreed.

"Also look at him! His mane is fantastic and he has a wonderful white coat!" Mari declared. revolving around the table we each took a turn rolling our eyes at the statement even though I was flattered by the comment. "Be quiet... I can make my own decisions... I just really like his mane..." Mari mumbled to herself.

"Well then it is decided!" The nomad and his guards arose from their seats, with the leader with a hint of amusement with the recent occurrence. "The nomadic tribes understand their miscalculations and would be more than ecstatic to accept a new trade partner, a new open door policy.... and a new friend." We all rose in delight in the haste and beneficial compromise. Elitan and the nomad shook hooves and embraced their new friend. "I should be returning to inform my people; however, I would like to personally thank you for ending a tension that has troubled my people for many decades."

"Thank you my friend" Elitan padded the nomadic leader before he recessed out of the hall and back towards his people. "Thank you guys for your support!"

"Excuse me but I have a very, very important question!" Carnivorous demanded.

"Yes you can eat the cookies" I replied. Picking up the entire platter he began to stuff his face in chocolatey deliciousness. "Eventful start of the week this has been!"

"I suppose; I invited you here thinking that it was just going to be a standard, boring diplomatic event and then we aided in granting Tempeorca two alliances, one with ourselves, saved this kingdom from collapse under the evil plans of Sypherous, rescued Lady Mari here from danger, and you found your cutie mark." Armonia celebrated. Mari applauded in recognition of our deeds once again strangly causing Lord Amonia to sigh.

"What is wrong Lord of Serentia? Worried? Sick? Are you hungry? Is that what is wrong?" Mari questioned hopping from one location to another.

"You remind me of someone else that I know. Not sure which one of you two are more entertaining." Armonia explained in annoyance rolling his eyes discreetly while maintaining good faith and pose. Elitan still aroused from the negoations and how well they worked out in his kingdom's favor was especially amused by Armonia's responses to his sister's joyous attempts.

"We all know someone who is always in a good mood and it is a pleasure to have them around! They brighter our day with cheer and fill our hearts with sunshine through their smiles, celebrations, and ambitions." Lightning directed to Mari who gladly accepted the compliment.

"speaking of which," King Elitan interrupted. " I have something for you Bladz, for all of you to be realistic." My facial features epanded in recongition of his statement.

"What is it?"

"Nothing major, follow me for a minute." Obeying his command I followed behind him as the others out of curiosity trailed as well. Mari seizing the opportunity charged up along my side and offered me a cookie that she managed to get past Carnivorous.

"That is a dangerous feat there taking a cookie while he is shoving them down, you could of very easily lost a leg in that action." I informed her; however, she was amused by my concerns.

"I would of been worth the danger after what you did for me; however, I baked this cookie special for you."

"How did you drug it?" I inquired. Mari took on a confused look for a moment before her amusement intenisified.

"The cookie is a new recpie that I am trying out. I wanted to see how you liked it."

"How come you want me try it? Why not the others?" I declared popping the cookie into my mouth.

"Well Elitan is not a big fan of cookie and I would not expect Lord Armonia to be that large of a fan either. Captain Carnivorous would devour it to fast to get a real taste and if it is bad I do not want Lightning to eat it. I would prefer that you enjoy it though instead of the logic behind it. I mean what are friends for?" I began to choked on the cookie at that moment and had a hard time swollowing; however, managed after a six second episode sparking international interests from the group. "Oh! Was the new recipe taste bad?" Mari's smile began to fade from the state of excitement it recently enjoyed.

"No it is wonderful! One of the best cookies I had ever had! You just caught me off guard is all."

"Too buttery? Salty? Tart? Sweet? Too many distinct flavors? Does it need less of something?"

"No the recipe is fantastic! I was just not you to call me your friend." Mari's anxiety increased as she diluted to allow sorrow if needed.

"It is okay with you right?" she muttered.

"Oh course it is!" I cheered causing her to explode with cheerfulness.

My first actual real friend besides for my sister. Who would of though my first friend would be the theoretical queen of Tempeoca.

"Mentor?" I turned to question him. "Since Mari is not actually a queen yet a member of royal blood doesn't that make her a princess?" Mari was puzzled by this question and did not understand my meaning.

"In traditional earth pony views yes; however, that word was altered to take on a new meaning long ago and has been given to very few ponies. Lord and Lady are better terms for those of royalty or power that are not a king or queen. I am surprised you did not know about that from all your readings."

"I do not recall only readings on them." I admitted.

"Well it has been a while since the world has dealt with one of them. Could of been just the effect of time that has resulted in this." Armonia nodded and motioned for me to continue on. "I will explain it to you later on." Mari and I continued on for the rest of way in silence. Elitan directed us down two flights of stairs and upon a room that was guarded by a powerful yellow magic aura.

"Lord Armonia will you please be so kind as to deactivate this spell" Elitan insisted. Complying to the request, Armonai dispelled the protection spell and Elitan opened to door to relieve the royal archives.

"So this is what laid behind the door you asked me to protect." Amonia stated. Elitan was half-listening and he descended into a row of junk and returned with Sypherous' armor.

"I would like to grant you this set of armor Bladz for your Empire's assistance to Tempeoca."

"That is a royal artifact of your kingdom though" I protested.

"Not anymore. You have showed me that this armor is in better hands if left with Serentia and to be honest you look a little excluded when all of the other three are wearing nice sets of armor." Elitan motioned to Armonia, Lightning, and Carnivorous.

"Wait! This armor is not the same armor we saw yesterday!" I turned to Armonia and Lightning who nodded in agreement. "The armor from yesterday was silver, not black like this one, and was not as lustrous."

"That is because it is not the same armor as you all saw upstairs. Armonia and I stashed that replica in my royal bedroom; however, it was not until yesterday that I realized what this armor really was. Sypherous, as you called him, was after the replica of this armor unaware of the truth that the real laid down here."

"Why did I lock off this room yesterday then is if you were unaware of the armor?" Armonia requested. Elitan held his hoof up in acknowledgement and disappeared for a moment returning with a box.

"This box was alongside the armor, it gives off a high amount of dark energy of a moonless night and I suspected if it was a dark force who abducted Mari then this box is what they would be after. Here you guys you can have this too." I took the box from Elitan examining it closely to review no locking system yet held closed by a powerful dark power.

"What is holding this closed?" Elitan took attention to my request and turned to view upon the armor.

"I am unaware, however, I am assuming it is the same power that has stained this armor black. The armor was jet black in every aspect and was composed of a rigid finish. The durability and elegance of the armor was on par with the quality level of Armonia's lacking a seeming hoof-fabricated feel to it. I approached the armor and gazed upon it analyzing its uniqueness. "Why don't you try it on? If anything happens we all are here to prevent you from being harmed." I nodded and reached down to pick up the metal. Upon contact, however, we were no longer working with the same armor as the darkness faded and was replaced with a white-silver finish complementing my coat and the rigidity smoothed out to become flat.

"Well it is magic armor after all." Armonia determined.

"What do you mean Sir?" I starred in anticipation of a response.

"The armor accepted you are the wearer and reconfigured itself to match your coat and figure." I nodded in surprise, yet it was not the weirdest thing I had seen within the last forty-eight hours and in content I pulled the armor over my head, body, and flank, and stood proud.

"Looks nice on you Bladz." Lightning admitted. "Almost a little jealous of how nice it looks." All of us glimmered at this statement as well all retreated back towards to main hall.

The time at the castle was approaching the second hour of the afternoon and none of us had enjoyed a dinner yet. Mari decided to construct a wonderful and elaborate meal for all of us. I attempted to assist in the preparation of the meal; however, Mari insisted otherwise and I was forced to find myself racing birds that were resting around the castle's outer walls, The birds here were not like the ones home in Cantardash lacking the majestic beauty of our home birds; however, the simplicity of their feathers was a symbol of the earth pony pony kingdom itself, basic in form and style, yet overall a content kingdom of ponies. After a half-hour of waiting I retired to check on Mari's progress to find that she was cheering only twenty more minutes or so. I took the liberty of this time to straighten up Mari's room from the mess I left it, folding up the sheets, and positioning all of her belongings in their proper locations. A set of dresses laid free from hangers that I were going to hang when the call was received to arrive for dinner.

The meal was wonderful to say the least and even though it took forty minutes to complete I could find no reason to complain. There was a plethora of entrees and sides scattered completely down one of the main tables in the dining hall. At least seven pounds of food was laid out per the person and I had a hard time deciding between all the tasty creations that Mari prepared. I attempted to sample every production; however, I struggled after getting only two-thirds the way through. I could see in the other's faces that they also were struggling with the abundance of food and were trying to taste everything to make Mari happy; everyone except Lighting and Carnivorous that was whom had dedicated half the table to themselves and was taking pleasure in seeing who could consume the most. Even them overtime began to slow down and there was still a third of food left when they both collapsed in exhastion.

"It is too much! We cannot take anymore!" They proclaimed to Mari in unison.

"I am glad that you all were completely filled and there was enough for everyone!" she celebrated.

"Oh! Everyone! King Elitan you stated that you had those intense taxes because of "Daniel" right and his "army"; now that that issue is over you should explain to your subjects the reason for the heavy taxation over the recent years and help lower it to an acceptable amount that all of your people would be glad to contribute." I determined. "Also, do not be afraid of doing something to create a sense of unity among you people and pride. Serentia has a variety of celebrations throughout the year with our big event being the Gala of the Three Tribes; why not see you you can create some annual traditions around here?"

"Sounds like a plan to me Sir Bladz." Elitan cheered.

"I like the sound of those as well!" Mari rejoiced.

"I hate to be interrupting; however, we should be departing within the next hour. We have a big day tomorrow and I think we should get some fly and get some sleep before tomorrow." Armonia announced. We all nodded and helped Mari collect our plates onto her cart.

"Before you leave I have something to give you." Mari whispered to me. She charged up to her room dragging me behind. She moved her dresses to pull a bracelet that she clipped over my watch. "This is something new that I have recently created that allows messaging over long distances as high speeds. ; this way were can communicate and still be friends even though we are so far away. Also, if Elitan ever needs you four again we can get a hold of you guys without the annoyance of ambassadors and letters and the long time spent waiting for a reply."

"Thank you"

"No problem." Mari kissed me on the cheek before going shy. "Just to let you know... I... you have been the first person that I have been able to truly call my friend."

"Mari?" She looked up in anxiety. "You are my first friend as well that is not my sister." Her eyes teared as so did mine with joy.

"Thank you"

We both hugged each other for a while before I returned the kiss to her cheek. "Promise you will keep in touch." She motioned over to her dresser picking up a simular braclet to the one she gave me and nodded before we both walked down stairs and I prepared to depart as Armonia and the captains had already retrieved the chariot and was ready to proceed on our way.

"Thank you again Serentia for all you have done for us" Elitan cheered. Mari teared while nodding. Lightning smiled upon feeling the atmosphere that was created between Mari and I, and we were quickly on our way.

"How is that new suit of armor Sir Bladz?"

"Was a little heavy at first, but I have gotten used to it. Why are both you and King Elitan referring to me as Sir?"

"After what you have shown the last three days is anything but what I would expect from a normal student. You are truly unique and there is a lot I could learn from you as well as you could learn from me Sir, Bladz Angelo, Royal Knight of the Serentian Empire!"

"I..." I studderd to say something, but Armonia prevented me from speaking.

"No need to say anything." He rubbed my mane and smiled. "Get some sleep, tomorrow is a big day!"

The seed has sprouted, feed it and it may grow.

Chapter Seven (Knight flight)

Chapter Seven

Departing the fourth hour in the afternoon from Tempeoca, we were scheduled for a seven hour flight across five time zones to arrive at our destination in Cantardash at seven o'clock in the evening local time; however, hourly ten minute breaks were going to push us back at least an hour to be arriving instead around eight local time in Cantardash. We had originally planned to depart early the following morning and ride against the sunrise so that we would arrive in Cantardash at the crack of dawn there, but upon suggestion by Lightning, Armonia proposed that we leave roughly twelve hours early so that I could catch up with my family and pack up supplies so that we all could depart for the Citadel easily tomorrow after all the festivities. It worked out for Lightning and Carnivorous, as they could take advantage of the late afternoon tailwind , instead of having to combat morning headwinds.

The excitement of Tempeoca had proved over-exhausting on all of us; however, it was evident that Armonia was the one who had suffered the most from sleep withdrawal. His eyes were rusted open and he had lost his sense of elegance and grace partially by the time we had departed, even though he strived his hardest to conceal these signs. King Elitan had explained that he and Armonia had went over the national borders and evaluated the situation with the nomads; however, it did not occur to me until pondering about it that there was no time beforehand to go over such minute situations while Sypherous was at large and Mari in the brink of danger; he must have stayed up half the night to figure out those measurements and then was one of the first ones to awaken because he was absent when I awoke. Bottomline factual is that he had received the least sleep within the last forty-eight hours than any of us and showed it by passing out only five minutes into the return flight, with me following suit shortly after.

The final of the third hour of flight marked the second time zone transaction and the entrance into Serentia, placing us at a current local time of half past five as we touched down for Lightning's and Carnivorous' break. the land was a bit harder than what I would've expected, waking me up in the process; however, was not to say dangerous or hazardous by any means. Upon standing I became aware that a cable had become loose to the chariot and the two were forced to handle the manner by placing down in the best method they found possible. Armonia was still unconscious and I found no reason for any of us to awaken him.

"Sorry for the relatively rude awakening," Carnivorous apologized as Lightning was stretching his legs around the field.

"No problem. I should be thanking you Captain Carnivous for fixing that attachment; breaking away in flight is no fun feat and I would prefer not partake in such surprises while I am sleeping." I stated in a humorous tone. Carnivorous sighed for a moment taking on a smile.

"You can call me Shadow if you want Sir Bladz. My actual name is Lunar Shadow, but I prefer that only childhood friend call me Lunar."

"Sure thing Car... I mean Shadow. Where did the name captain Carnivorous come from in the first place then?"

"As a member of the royal guard you find yourself lucky if you are not bestowed with a callsign nickname." shadow explained.

"Why do you say that?"

"Well callsigns are not always bad but they are not always the most pleasurable for many stallions in the guard. Carnivorous Cookie is actually my real callsign and I can assume you already know the reason for that." I nodded in amusement "When I was just a plain guard in the infantry division I had won the monthly cookie eating contest three months running and someone had commented that I devour cookies so fast that they were afraid I would turn into a cookie and start devouring everything. The imagery persisted and my name became over time Carnivorous; pretty good callsign if you ask me because once I became a captain it really added fierceness to my ranking as an officer."

"That is pretty neat! What about Lightning?"

"What about me?" Lightning announced returning from the field.

"Sir Bladz wanted to know about your name." Shadow informed to Lightning, who seemed enlightened by the question.

"My name is a pretty simple story. My actual name is Lightning, Lightning Chaser."

"How did you avoid getting a callsign like shadow? Where you not very well known?" I trotted closer so I could get a better understanding of what he was saying over the sound of surrounding wildlife.

"Well first off I should say that the ones that are not well known are the ones who typically are the ones that get callsigns first so that everyone recognizes their names; however, I didn't get a call sign because my name already matched my callsign really. I was and still am I would say the fastest flyer is all of the guard, so my name stuck Sir." Lightning was more than happy to express his satisfaction even though he still remained humble in nature.

"Bladz is fine really. I understand that I am now a member of the ruling council as a royal knight, but I meet you guys as Bladz and I would prefer it to stay that way between us three." Shadow and Lightning accepted the proposal and were delighted to disband the formality of my new title. "I understand your sense of respect for those above you in power but I am only seventeen and it is awkward to say the least."

"I understand completely" Lightning stated with Shadow nodding in agreement. "Lunar Shadow and I both were friends as colts, we grow up with the same friends, became captains together and have been working happily together as rivals and friends for years. We both find it weird to refer to each other as Captain and refer to the title only when communicating formally with others."

"Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we are running over the break time and should really get back into the air." Shadow determined and without further explanation we all understood and took our places readying for the fourth leg of our flight. "By the way Lightning I think we should only have one more break before arriving in Cantardash."

"How come?"

"I have a feeling about the weather, from my years as a scout leader I just have this premonition that there is some serious weather ahead." Lightning was surprised by this statement knowing that there very few storms that the weather pegasi could not handle and focused on the elements of the weather and the light dark haze that was ahead

"I do not know what it is but that is not a storm of any nature I know of but I agree that we do not want to get slowed down by weather even a small drizzle."

Upon takeoff I motioned to fall back asleep alongside Armonia who was still out cold when the device that Mari supplied me flashed a faint lime green light indicating a new message. Hope your flight is going well, I just finished preparing dinner and it looks fantastic! I know you would have loved it! I scrambled to reply the message; however, failed to find the anyway to type the message when another message came through. I feel like I forgot to tell you how one of these things work; it is fairly simple in design although I feel like anyone unaware would eventually give up in frustration. Hold down the screen for a few seconds and three lights will create a keyboard to use and a reflection sensor will detect what you press! Lost in total confusion I pressed the screen to find that two seconds later three green lights radiated out a small holographic keyboard. I pressed a random key to find the keyboard typing accordingly.

Where do you get the time to engineer these things or the knowledge for that fact. This thing alone uses its own special type of magic or something. I typed to her in reply, amazed by the structure of the keypad.

Actually it runs off sunlight, not magic; the screen has a solar panel built in. Anyhow you should of asked and I would of showed you all my previous failures. I read many, many books on science and engineering that Elitan found in the archives and I essentially use trial and error until I get something to work. One day I hope to make the world more advanced through my creations. I am about to shower and go to bed; thank you for fixing up my room Bladz! Mari left the message off with a stream of characters that I found to be a happy face when I turned the receiver sideways. I once again laid my head down and attempted to get some more sleep.

"Sir Bladz, we will be arriving at your hometown within the next thirty minutes . We will not be too much of a disturbance will we?" Lord Armonia questioned disturbing my slumber.

"Ahh... what time is it?" I wondered.

"Approaching eight o'clock in Cantardash. Will your family be okay with our arrival?"

Cristalla is going to kill me for not warning her about Armonia's arrival, but I think she could live with it, I am the one who is really going to take the heat from it anyway.

"I do not see any reason that would hinder us my Lord." I replied. Armonia was delighted to hear that and commanded Shadow and Lightning onwards.

"So where again are we heading towards?" Lightning stated.

"Sapphire Convection."

"What do you have to pick up from there?" Armonia rolled his eyes and rubbed his forehead in response to the question. "What?... oh yeah... Bladz is an Angelo." Lightning took on a look of concern as he hesitated in thought.

"What is it Light?" Shadow asked poking Lightning in the ribs.

"I don't know, I feel like there was something important to do with that place at one time." Shadow took note becoming aware of the rapid onset of sorrow.

"I am sure it is nothing Light just continue to focus on the flight.' Shadow rubbed Lightning's mane in an act of comfort before encouraging him on. The next twenty minutes laid in silence and upon landing both Lord Armonia and I hastily abandoned the chariot for the beauty of sweet ground that we had been deprived of for long hours; Lightning and Shadow could care less as they motioned around the air free from the restraints of the chariot.

Regrouping from the momentary celebration we all motioned over towards the front door of Sapphire Convection to discover that the door was locked and there was a note on the door. "What does it read?" Lightning posed to the group as Shadow struggled to decipher the words that laid in the darkness.

"I learned a spell from one of my books before that aids in these situations" I informed to shadow. I proceeded over to the door and generated light from my horn. "Words are easier to read in the light versus the darkness I would say."

Went to the convention hall to direct in preparations. If it is something major please try again in the morning. If it is of a smaller caliber, feel free to join us at the hall.

"Hmm, it is written in Cristalla's handwriting instead of my fathers... oh well they are the convention center so let us see if we can get a hold of their attention there." The convention center designed for easy access to our workshop was simply around the bend across from the market. The time was only half past eight and Cantardash already appeared to be a ghost town with not a single pony in sight. Lightning and I took lead, being tailed by Lord Armonia and Shadow, and it was until I took the final bend of the market that I saw the first light illuminated in the city. Dozens of figures wondered inside moving in haste to get something completed, honestly reminded me of one of the panics I typically witness at the Citadel when final preparations are underway are underway for national events. "I really hope they are not over-exerting themselves over such a small manner."

"Bladz, being truthful, when was the last time I formally visited Cantardash?" Armonia inquired to me. I was forced to think about it for a minute until I understood the community's stress.

"It has to of been a good four or five years to be honest." I admitted.

"Cantardash is Serentia's third largest city and here I am to pay so little attention to it. the Citadel is the largest, but I live there; Cittàdiali, Captain Lightning and Carnivorous' current hometown, the metropolis for pegasi, is second; however, I am limited in time to visit there because I have to use a powerful spell to allow me to walk there because we unicorns cannot walk on clouds. Cantardash is the largest, integrated city in Serentia to be honest because Cantardash I would say has an even mix of pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies." Armonia explained.

Impatient to see my family after the long few days I charged over to a mare who was outside stretching her hooves after probably working inside the crowded interior of the center. Upon seeing me; however, she did not share my enthusiasm as she sprinted inside and caused a commotion inside the center. Two minutes later, I saw my father walk out into the open.

"Excuse me Sir, some pony told me that you are a royal guard and may I ask how I could help you?" my father proclaimed.

"Well I would not say I am a royal guard, but you can help me by saying hi."

"BLADZ!" my father screamed in a mixture of excitement and concern as a moved myself into the light. "I did not recognize you in that armor! One moment I will be right back!" Noise intensified inside as screams were created. After a minute or so both my parents and Cristalla exited the building. It did not take too long of a time before I found my sister jumping on top of me in happiness.

"BLADZ! I am so glad to see you! I was put in charge of the welcoming party to put my mind aside while you were gone for Armonia tomorrow and I am sure he will be glad with how it looks currently!" She cheered. "I like you armor where did you get it?"

He got it from King Elitan of the Tempeocan Kingdom and I am sure that whatever you have planned with be fantastic with what I am already seeing." Lord Armonia proclaimed as he motioned into the light with Lightning and Shadow following.

Cristalla fainted.

"Captain Lightning it has been a while" my father started to declare before Shadow's facial expression cut him short. Lightning uncertainty reflected in his posture as my family became lost on the reason behind his sudden shyness.

"Captain Lightning; Captain Carnivorous; You two are dismissed for the night if you two would like to return the Citadel to check on the current happenings there. Bladz and I will most likely use our own method for transport later." Armonia assured to the two.

Shadow quickly broke the tensions and headbutted Lightning in the flank. "I'll race you back to the armory! I bet you will eat my dust!" Without hesitation he darted into the wind and was on his way. Lightning was a little startled by the situation; however, recovered quickly to take off full speed behind him.

"Why did you do that?" I questioned to Armonia.

"Lightning did not feel comfortable here and I would not want him to feel stressed out, I myself do not understand it but in time we both with understand."

"BLADZ! Where did you get that?!" I turned to see my sister pointing with her whole body towards my newly aquired symbol. "Actually nevermind that question. What is it?!"

"It is some magical symbol from ancient text" I explained to the my family. "We will explain while I am collecting a few necessities from the workshop." I motioned them to follow behind as Armonia and I worked our way back to home. "Oh! By the way Cristalla, thank you for the suit once again; however, I forgot to wear it while I was abroad, although I am glad that I did not to be honest."

"Why is that?" Cristalla stated unsure if she was to be offended or relieved.

"It is a good thing... I did not want your hard work to get ruined. Last two days have been a little chaotic and might not be so well put together anymore if I had it on at the times." Cristalla's face took on relief as we stopped to wait for Ardore to unlock the door so we could proceed inside.

"Yes, the suit that you gave your brother was of the upmost most excellent quality; you should be very proud of your work." Armonia complemented to Cristalla who upon receiving this compliment once again almost fainted. I secretly rolled my eyes to overlook my sister's hyperactivity towards my teacher.

Upon unlocking the door my father, Ardore, held the door open for us all as we passed inside the workshop. The decorations from my birthday still engulfed the walls in delight as the gentleness of the evening-night breeze swayed the ribbons in a manner of elegancy. The tablecloth from my celebrations was still stretched over the table and the only major change I could see was that the confetti from Cristalla's cannon was no longer flooding the floor. Puzzled by the continuation of the celebratory creations I climbed our stairs to find the railings still wrapped and my room door still left open. My bed had been fabricated with a new pair of sheets since I departed and the top of my dresser laid bare of its previous contents. motioning downstairs I aimed at the single person I could suspect to be responsible for this, my sister.

"Why is everything still hanging up, while my room has been restored to neatness?"

"Well you never left it dirty or disorganized in the first place, I just wanted to fix it up for you while you were away because there is no need to leave things that are going to be untouched for a while lay dormant." My sister admitted.

"Is that why all these decorations are still hanging up?" I posed to her in a candid manner. She was silent in no desire to reveal a secondary motive behind her selective attention to cleaning.

"Well it does lighten up the workshop if I must say so, makes this place a little bit more enjoyable to work in... it is not a problem that it is still up is it for you?" she muttered in anxiety that I might be displeased.

"It is not a problem. I am just not used to you not removing everything after the parties and celebrations." Cristalla was expressing a mixture of shame, embarrassment, and happiness, and was uncertain how to respond to her motives.

"I find it very appealing in this workshop of yours Cristalla and it is wonderful in presentation, just like how your mane is styled." Armonia praised to Cristalla who once again nearly fainted and instantly Armonia realized if it was the truth or not, he had made a mistake.

"You really think so? Thank you! Your mane looks nice too, and your eyes, and that coat, and that suit of armor that you are wearing is of such great beauty! I wish I could be as stunning as you sir." Cristalla replied in a frenzy.

"Why would you want to be on the leveling of stunning of I? Look at your creations! These are of a quality unknown to my hooves personally!" Armonia rationed to Cristalla. "Although to be honest my hooves are not very talented anyway." Armonia had transformed Cristalla's addittude back into one of cheer and I could see on my parent's faces that they respected Armonia for his actions there.

"I showed Bladz a lot of my methods! Maybe he could show you a thing or two?!"

"I would like that," he proclaimed turning to me and supplying me with a glance that illustrated his sincerity. My mother pulled out some chairs from the dining table so we could all rest our legs while we discussed; however, it did not take long before I found myself once again in motion.

"You guys were asking about my new cutie mark right?" I supplied to the group who instantly took on emotions of curiosity nodding in anticipation. "Well to be honest I have no clue what it means; it is an ancient symbol that was used to correlate divinity with magic if I remember right; however, I have no idea why that has anything to do with me."

"Was it colored at one point?" Cristalla pondered to me.

"Yes? Why do you ask that?" All of us eye'd Cristalla in demand for reason for her questioning.

"Well that outer shape, the one just inside the final circle, I think I have seen before," she informed us. "when I injured my leg that one time about three or four months ago after falling down the stairs and you tried to heal my leg using magic, that symbol appeared flashing a few colors quickly before turning white and aiding my joint, remember?"

"I remember you falling down the stairs and going into panic, but I do not recall using magic to heal it directly with a white symbol appearing? I remember wrapping it with an elastic bandage."

"Well you did and I was very grateful alongside that!" I gazed over at my mentor who was lost in thought after Cristalla finished her proclamation. Out of concern I poked him instantly startling him while gaining his attention. He was shaky after being pulled out of his illusion; however, quickly began to recover by taking upon a grimace.

"So you told us where you got that armor Bladz; however, you never told us exactly why you are wearing it?" my father proclaimed dropping the issue of my mark and moving on to the new discussion.

"I will explain, you should begin to get the things you need together; we will be here tomorrow, but I am not sure how much time you will be able to devote to packing. I would try to get everything you need to get done, you get done tonight and bring it to the Citadel." Armonia advised to me before turning to my family. Without argumentation I proceeded up the stairs turning around to barely witness them and get the background of their conversation. "The reason that Bladz is wearing that armor is because it is his armor; he earned it for completing a notable and great deed for Tempeoca in saving their kingdom from demise and as a royal knight I find the armor suiting for him."

"You mean Bladz, Bladz? As in our Bladz? That one?" my father pointed towards my direction. "The one right over there? In the snowy armor that is standing roughly an inch taller than me now?"

"Yes"

"And you mean royal knight as in royal knight, royal knight? As in the one that serves on the ruling council? The position that works directly over a district?"

"Well yes and no to be truthful." Lord Armonia admitted.

"If he is a royal knight then what district does he have control over?" my father insisted.

"Well you see... he is does not have sole jurisdiction over a district..." My father's eyes became critical. "You see... I was planning on having Bladz have jurisdiction over all of Serentia partially."

"WAIT WHAT?" I demanded from the top of the stairwell, charging down to receive a better understanding.

"I only have one royal knight and that is you Bladz. Would be pointless to give you a single section, it is not like we need super structured bureaucracies in Serentia. I was going to have to work as my substitute when needed because if you would remember I said I usually find myself too busy to formally visit every place throughout the empire from time to time. Also, remember how I told you that there is a lot that I cannot teach you, that you will need to find out yourself? There are thousands of ponies from each of the three tribes that can give you first hand experience of what you need to learn."

"You had this planned all along when you asked me to join you didn't you?"

"Actually I did not and I was trying to figure out a way for me to teach you everything that I believe you need; then you showed me that you have the power, the strength, and the will to be your own teacher for what I cannot provide. In these situations I will be your guide, your teacher, your follower, and your student." Armonia celebrated. "Not to mention you get to go explore all the wonderful regions of Serentia and get to know our empire's subjects now that you live, work, and play in the royal castle!" I nodded in appreciation as my entire family was stunned in shock; it was only less than three days ago that they were informed that I would be taking residence at the citadel for my final two years of study and no one could have anticipated the enormous changes that have occurred within the last few days. Leaving them in their shock I proceeded once more to finish my packing.

Packing consisted of the typical supplies that one would anticipate; I grabbed all my quills and collected up the cool and exciting gifts that my family had given me over the years and slide them into my backpack that I carried in over my armor. I stacked up all the books that I found favorite and decided to take the ones that were actually mine with the intention to return all the other books to the family study. Clothing was never a challenge and acquired my grooming kit that I had gotten from my mother a short while back. I was just about on my way when I stumbled across a picture of my sister and I playing together when I was just a young colt and threw the picture frame gently inside my lesser stuffed left pocket with a zealous emotion upon my embrace.

Returning back downstairs I found everypony gathering around the door. "We should be returning to the convention center make sure that everything is going well, you two take care and you said that you two have your own way of returning to the Citadel?" Cristalla stated.

"Yes, madam; thank you for all of you all's hospitality" Armonia assured. Cristalla nodded towards me before all three of them disappeared. "You mind doing the honors please and opening our way to the the palace?"

"Sure just let me find that magical quill."

"You do not need it. You are the one who opens the door, the quill was so that you would realize it," Armonia pleaded as I was surprised to find that a simple usage of my horn opened a door straight to the palace.

"Where is the library?" I decreed.

"You did not wish to visit the library so the library as you perceive omitted itself to allow easy, haste travel. Your first I should believe." Without further questioning we both stepped forward and entered the beloved palace of Serentia. Lightning must not of informed the others about our early return because the lights in the palace were all off supplying the atmosphere with a sort of eerie presence. Without delay I continued down the hall to an upscaled atrium with doors encircling its outer parameter. The ceiling had been painted to display the Empire's emblem surrounded by the symbols of the three tribes and the cycle of the seasons was illustrated as the background.

"The artwork here is by far one of the greatest collections I have ever seen I have to admit. Although I would have to say I would expect no less" I stated. "So which one of these rooms here am I staying in?"

"I have hired many of the most artists and as I have already informed you many of them reside around in the Citadel." Armonia decided. "And what do you mean which of these rooms are yours?"

"Exactly that; Didn't you say I would be living at the palace with you during the rest of my studies?"

"Yes I did indeed; however, these are reserved for guests of the palace, none of them are for you."

"Then where am I staying?" I inquired. Armonia must of been a little taken back by the question because he took on an expression of concern.

"You will be residing on the upper floor with me? There is a large and comfortable room I had refurbished just for you Bladz." Armonia declared continuing his uncertain tone. I was speechless; the upper levels were off limits to essentially everyone and were where all of Armonia's studies and other various other tools for effective reign laid. I did my best to accept his proposal with losing my composition as he encouraged me to follow him upstairs. The second story of the palace was locked off my an enormous door that featured no keyhole glowing with a faint dark green hue and Armonia motioned right past it towards the third floor with no recognition of the floor.

"What is that door for?" I pondered to my mentor who was a half a flight ahead of me.

"The door with the green aura around it?" I nodded. "I honestly couldn't tell you, never been in there. I cannot break the seal that is hold the door shut."

"You cannot break it?"

"The seal unlike most other seals is not constructed out of raw magic... it is fabricated out of another force of magic that is focused and trained and of extremely high quality. I am not the one who is designed to break the seal that holds that door shut."

A seal that even he cannot break? Whatever that magic is it must be very, very powerful.

"This will be yours." Armonia announced stepping upon the third floor.

"Which one of the doors is for my room and which one is yours?" I questioned after catching up to him .

"Your room is the one on the back-right; however, I feel like you misunderstood what I mean by this is yours. This entire floor is yours, the fourth floor is the operations center and I reside on the final fifth floor. I specifically had this floor reinvented as I stated for you; there is a library and a study and a guest room for your family if they were to visit and a small kitchen off your bedroom if you get hungry at night and I even have an observation room that I had installed at the last minute!" Armonia pointed to a smaller sized room where a large telescope laid inside. "It is essentially a science lab and can basically withstand any experiments you choose to do in there as long as take proper care of the environment."

"This entire floor is mine? The entire floor?"

"Yes."

Wow!

"You really should get some sleep Bladz we have a big day tomorrow I would not want you tired during all the festivities." Without enduring for a reply Armonia was already on his way to his residence on the fifth floor.

My room was enormous to say the least as an entire home theatre system laid inside as well as a king size and four desks placed evenly around the room with integrated slots for ink bowls and quills. I single dresser was in the corner; however, the thing that really caught my attention was two glass doors that led to a balcony outside. Going outside I was amazed to find the citadel laying below me and I was being given a powerful aerial view of the capital city. Taken over by the room elegance I set my bad down forgetting to unpack. The moment I laid my head on the pillow of my wonderful bed I was out.

The complex timeline of tomorrow lies in the simple events of today.

Chapter Eight (The Garden)

Chapter Eight

The foreign flick of a candle light caught my eye as it creeped into my eyelid aggravating my slumber. Night was enduring and I was determined to return to my state of sedated consciousness by attempting to ignore the candle light by covering up my head with a pillow; it was effective to say the least as beams of light radiated into my retina. I had not lit a candle before falling asleep nor could I figure out a reason for one because the palace employed artificially fluorescent lighting; however, I was in defeat over the situation of the candle as I rose from my position to witness not one, but now two candles of mystery.

The floor radiated off a darker tint that I had remembered, remaining black in the wake of light. With cracked eyes I pursued the candles to find that they were continuing to distance themselves from my presence. The relatively familiar layout of the room that Armonia had given to me was no longer existent and in practice the new schema has become a maze-like foundation to me. The candle light disappeared behind a corner and now annoyed and thrown into a state of irritation I hastily followed in charge and a determination for answers. The candles I were pursuing where by the dozens around the bend; however, it was not the quantity that was unsettling; the flames were black.

Anxiety paralyzed me as the next thing that my mind processed was distinct breathing ahead of me; the following, a heartbeat. In my best effort I pulled my head up to wear witness a single pair of violet eyes gazing upon me from inches away from the top of my mane. The black lights from the candles were extinguished as faint laughter stained the air and the temperature dropped to the centigrade of what I knew of decay. The room that I had once thought I was amongst was gone, replaced by openness and a plethora of storm clouds that produced no rain. Lightning flashes conquered the skies and the light of one allowed me to acquire my first true glance of the figure in front of me; a blackened unicorn of great stature who wore a smile that struck fear completely throughout my soul. I in those few moments I realized something and at that point of recognition I was speechless ... I knew that face, just with no idea why.

I thought to run; I thought to scream, holler, and tear; however, my body would not let me. I wanted to escape; I wanted to protect myself from the face; however, once again my body was numb from stress and refused. "Please!" I whimpered to myself as I conducted in my last attempt; I used magic to try to remove the danger. I failed myself, I was unable to banish its presence. I breathed in and glanced into its eyes which were forged in death's grace. It smiled ever so gently and then was gone before I collapsed to the ground in absolute terror.

Stand!

"What? I did not think that! Why is that voice in my head!?" I cried.

Stand!

I complied to the best of my current abilities as I felt my legs began to fail. Another black figure appeared in the background; however, this one while radiating anxiety towards me provided me with little fear. "Who are you!" I demanded as I saw a rich dark blue aura motion around the figure.

"A pony just like you are yourself! I should be asking who you are!" the voice was stern in its manner yet was comforting in its own special way.

"I am Bladz" I stuttered to the figure.

"You are Bladz!" it commanded spreading out a massive set of what I assumed to be wings. "Never forget who you are and never lose sight of what you seek for you alone are responsible for what goes on in there!!" With that command I felt a release in my chest as my blood pressure rapidly returned to normal.

"You are being too hard!" A second voice commanded in a more comforting tone. I turned slightly to my right to see another figure emerge while maintaining to stay out of range for proper sight. "I am sorry for the directness Sir," the second informed to me. The new arrival's coat was not black and was of a lighter color I was to presume while not being able to fully tell. The character did not radiate a color in the position of a mane nor was the character if the last two's greater heights; what the character did have though was the most beautiful green eyes that I had witnessed.

"He had to see it!" the first one argued. The second took a breath to dispute, but resulted in a sigh of agreement.

"Who are you two?" I demanded.

"That will be explained in due time." The initial one determined.

"Who was that thing then? Can you tell me that!" The two laid silent in uncertainty until a third figure, taller than the other two appeared in between the two.

"It was you Bladz!" the third proclaimed before all three spread wings and I was blinded by an intense spectrum of light. "It is all the parts of us who make up who we are! Embrace yourself, all of your inner-self, and you will understand who you are Bladz!" the third voice commanded and slammed a hoof upon the ground resulting in a final creation of void.

My eyes were erupted open in concern as I saw in my room sunlight and a place familiar. It was all just a dream Bladz, no need to be alarmed. I pulled myself from under the covers as I felt the last remnants of shock escape from my body. I prepared my bed after the night and stretched out the various kinks that I had acquired. Regardless of how realistic it felt, last night was only just a dream that I have to understand I strived to continually preach to myself. Satisfied with my room I departed and headed down stairs in the hunt for my mentor.

The first floor unfortunately was not the quiet sector I was hoping it to be because I descended the stairway I found a full class of royal guards flooding the palace. I found myself virtually pushing myself through the crowd and with no success at finding Lord Armonia. For five wholesome minutes I struggled pushing myself through the standard issued guard armors, grabbing the attention of many who dismissed my presence. After the continuous failures I remembered that the fourth floor was where important management operations occur; if Armonia has all these guards here for a reason, then the leaders behind that reason are probably upstairs. I hurried my way back towards the stairwell.

"Halt!" a group of recruits commanded. "Both Captain Tigris and the commander have stressed that no one is allowed above the first floor." I could hardly tell if it was the recent relationships I had had with people over the last three days that have annoyed me or it was the fact that I had not been awake for very long; either way I was not in the mood to deal with it.

"I have reason to be upstairs!" I protested.

"Likely story! What are you an assassin? a thief? A spy?"

"Do not be ridiculous!" I demanded. "I...need...to..go...up...stairs...okay?" Assuming from their faces, the sarcasm did not help.

"Stand down," a familiar declared giving me a sense of relief. "There is no need to pester the ponies you are trained to protect." Shadow approached from behind the group with Lightning trailing.

"We are so sorry Sir! Please forgive us Sir!" the recruits proclaimed towards the two captains.

"It is understandable for you newer recruits, you will understand soon enough," Lightning qualified. "The real one you should be referring to as Sir is Sir Bladz here though." The group turned to get a better understanding of the situation. "Sir Bladz here works on the Royal Council." Confusion was present in the recruits faces; however, they were not going to dare question the authority of two of their superiors as they scurried off.

"What did you do to instill the wrath of Serentia into them?"

"New recruits are always like that. They do not want to jeopardize their chances to be team leaders or even fear that they may be placed in outposts that no one wants." Lightning explained. "Sorry about that though, the empire is unaware that they have a new leader in charge alongside Lord Armonia."

"It is not issue I suppose, all this questioning of myself is starting to get annoying is all."

"I advise wearing the armor, the guards will not question you if are wearing it." I nodded. "Anyway, we were on our way to the recruit conference upstairs; sort of lucky that we are running late isn't it." Lightning laughed.

I was about an entire flight ahead of them as we continued upstairs so that I could throw on the armor on my way up and make a well developed effort to arrive at the same time as they did to the conference. When we arrived the conference was drawing to a close as the initial thing we all were presented with was a departing Tigris who was on his way back to the recruits.

"Lightning, Carnivorous, I am offering you both two opportunities to volunteer." Ryan declared.

"Volunteer or are we being volun-told?" Lightning questioned.

"That is completely up to you"

"Either way we are doing it then so what is up?" I could not help but laugh at the logic.

"First off you two need to be Bladz's and Armonia's escorts today for their visit. After that, tomorrow is going to be a busy day, Tigris wants to have Scout corps auditions tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan" Shadow determined while nodding. "Cannot guarantee though that I will recommend anyone."

"Understood Captain Carnivorous. I only request you give all of them a fair and honest chance." Ryan proclaimed motioning downstairs. "The mayhem will be cleared out shortly," he assured to the group of us.

"Good morning you all," Armonia stated behind us all in cheer.

"Good morning Sir! Why are we up here to discuss matters of the guard? I thought that was done at the Armory?" I pondered to him.

"Excuse me for interjecting, but there are cots in my office right now to accommodate all the new recruits during their initial training; I speak for all of us when I say the Armory is not the best place for discussions right now." Shadow explained with Armonia and Lightning nodding in agreeance.

"If there are cots in your office how come you two were arriving late?"

"We did not crash at the Armory last night," Lightning put simply. "We have several friends throughout the city that are willing to house us for a night."

"How come you did not crash here then?"

"The same reason we did not stay at the Armory; Carnivorous wanted his precious beauty sleep and there was little I could do to argue it. Why do you think we are late? I had to get this thing up!" Shadow was amused by Lightning's frustrations as he concealed his best efforts not to laugh.

Armonia proceeded past the friendly conversation and broke the joyous atmosphere. "The festivities in Cantardash are going to begin at ten and it is nine now, we need to get going."

"I am pretty sure we are already ready Sir!" Lightning directed to all of us, where no one found objection.

"Wonderful! The earlier the better! We will get to socialize a little bit before the events then!" Armonia provided in zeal reviving the cheerful atmosphere. Armonia took lead with all three of us following suit as we now advanced downstairs on our way to Cantardash.

Ryan was accurate when he stated that he will pull the recruits out of our hair because between the short times between our descents all of the recruits had been directed out of the palace. The frontal doors had been sealed shut as Lightning and Shadow took the responsibility of opening the doors for us out of courtesy. As pure sunlight escaped the emerging crevice my retinas were being seared by the light's intensity. A little bright don't you think for nine in the morning! All four of us must of been affected by the intensity because before I knew it Armonia was extending a pair of sunglasses to my face, a pair of which was already upon his own.

"The sun arose early today and is of a greater intensity than I could remember; however, it is nothing that a pair of shades cannot solve." Armonia cheered as I placed the pair upon my own face. Harsh sunlight slowed but did not restrict movement at the Citadel as the streets were lively and gazing upon the park I saw how many ponies were celebrating morning sunshine for picnics, and games, and relaxation. "Sure is a nicer day at least, will you be okay to go to Cantardash Lightning? You seemed tense yesterday."

"It was only the weather yesterday, I always get like that when there are really bad storms in the background."

"Ahh I see," Armonia noted as we took our places for depart. The current atmospheric conditions were perfect for flying as a light breeze was going to serve as a tailwind enhancing the grace of the flight. Lightning and Shadow were more than aware of this as their wings were extended to get a feeling of the morning conditions. Without a comment they both motioned forward becoming airborne simultaneously.

"Lord Armonia, I had the weirdest dream last night. There were these three figures in the background and myself... and what I was informed was myself." Armonia held a hoof out to silence me, his face was enlightened yet concerned.

"These three figures? Was one of them black with a dark blue mane?"

"I guess it could've been a mane, but yes. Why you ask?" I pondered, turning to find Armonia showing evidence of anxiety. "You okay?"

"yes I am fine, it was only a dream I would not fret over it." Armonia commanded and then I sat in a daze.

What do you know that I don't mentor

As we approached Cantardash we witnessed ponies by the hundreds swarming around the convention hall. The center was only designed to fit about two or three thousand, there were way too many to fit them all I knew. Our flight was quickly grabbing the attention of the entire district as we approached because the shire number that were turning to watch us. Choosing a place that was familiar, Lightning touched down next to my family's workshop where my father and the Cantardash mayor were waiting patiently.

"We were not expecting you all so soon," the mayor admitted upon our landing. "We are just getting a few last things done as the citizens take their places." The three accepted the mayor's statement while I was still in doubt.

"How are you planning to fit everypony?" I inquired to my father.

"Cristalla took care of that; as you are aware the stadium is designed to hold thirty-two-hundred, but that is when the center is left bare. After a few transports of chairs we were able to add a stage to the center and over a thousand additional seats. We had to start giving out seating tickets yesterday afternoon and many pegasi even offered to hover above and leave room for us unicorns and earth ponies."

"Why were we not informed yesterday of the expected turnout?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise for you all!" my father cheered.

"I understand your surprise Bladz, but I expected no less; this is afterall a big event for Cantardash seeing how it has been years since I last formally visited." Armonia decreed. "let us not waste time questioning when there is things to be done!"

The convention center that laid across from the market was now hardly visible over the enormous crowd of ponies that were surrounding it. Our goal clearly was not to make it to the center because with every step we found ourselves chatting amongst the crowds with the various crowds that swallowed us. By no surprise most of the attention was directed towards Lord Armonia who after all was the ruler of the empire. A few younger pegasus stallions did stop and question Lightning aware that he was the flight corps captain. Shadow and I unfortunately were abandoned dishtowels in a drawer; not many ponies were aware of the Scout Recon Corps and I was just Bladz to the empire's citizens who were unaware.

"Bladz?" a voice called out. "It is you Bladz! Nice to see you!" A young mare had approached me from behind with lighter purple hair. "Nice armor, you cosplaying for Armonia's arrival."

"Nice to see you too Daisy." I stated questionably. "I am not wearing this armor for Armonia's arrival, this is my armor." she rolled her eyes at me.

"Sure you are; so who is your friend here?" she questioned pointing to Shadow.

"Captain Carnivorous" I informed her.

"Oh are you cosplaying with Bladz here?" she stated causing a mixture of hatred and disappointment appear on his face. "Nice to meet you."

"Yes, charmed." Shadow provided in an attempted voice to conceal annoyance. Daisy must of appeared out of pity because she disappeared just as quickly as she appeared. "Who was that?"

"Daisy Seed, we were classmates last scholastic year." I explained. Shadow just grunted and motioned that we try to maintain proximity to the other two so we do not get lost.

"Sometimes I wish people would put two and two together and realize that people do not walk around in a heavy suit of metal all day everyday because they enjoy it. I mean my armor matches Lightning's, is it really that hard to see that I must be a captain of the guard? Does this armor look fake to you?" he complained.

"I do not know why people cannot put that together, I have no idea why Daisy would ask me if I was dressing up like Armonia. This armor color is not even the right color! Oh well, the festivities are suppose to start in roughly five minutes, let us get to our places in the center." I determined. Upon entering the gate for the convention center we became aware of how little there was outside the center compared to inside. The entire stadium was stuffed to the max and the center seating area did not have a single seat open except for a single front row where reserved notices were placed. Standing in the middle of the entrance processing the seating tickets was Cristalla.

"Excuse me madam, but where do I seat myself." I pondered to her from her side.

"It is stated on your ticket si... BLADZ! It is so great for you to have finally arrived!"

"Actually we have been here for about thirty minutes it is we are just now finally making it to the center."

"Well that is good. The reserved seats up there is for us all. I have an identification leynard on each of the seats with you guys' names on them."

"Who's idea was that?" I questioned.

"The mayor's. We are selling them for two bits a piece in hopes that it will aid in the creation of a renovation program to fix up some of the aging structures in the city. They feature an aerial view of Cantardash on the front with a commemorative name tag on the back."

"Impressive!" Shadowed admitted before we continued on towards our seats to find Armonia and Lightning closely behind us followed by my parents and the mayor. The platform stage stairs laid directly in front of us and we were positioned in what I assume to be the order of appearance with the mayor holding the first seat on the right. A few moments later Cristalla finally settled down alongside me motioning to the mayor to begin, who trotted up the steps.

"Mares and gentlecolts, thank you for coming out to honor the visit of Lord Armonia!" the crowd burst into a roar of cheers. "Will you please be so kind as to put your hooves together for Lord Armonia!" The crowd burst into another wave of cheer as the mayor motioned Armonia upon stage. "Along with Captain Lightning and Captain Carnivorous of the Serentian Royal Guard!" Both upon mention worked their way up the stairs. All three waved as the mayor went silent. I felt rejected at the moment, I had not been called up and I was an outcast in the current situation. The roar of the crowd finally died down when the mayor opened her lips once more. "And from our very own city of Cantardash, Sir Bladz Angelo, new royal knight of Serentia!" I moved myself upon the stage, but there was no cheer, the stadium was in shock and in disbelief until a single wave of deathening cheer conquered the stadium. I waved as the intensity of the response caused liquid pride to appear.

"I would like to thank you all for coming out here and welcoming me after five years without a formal visit!" Armonia screamed to the crowd. "The four of us just got back from Tempeoca, a kingdom that lays off the western side of the empire's border. We are once again trading allies with Tempeoca!" Cheers silenced Armonia. "But more than that; Tempeoca is now a friend of Serentia! But do not look at me for the cause of that! Do not look at Captain Lightning, nor Captain Carnivorous! Sure we are part of the cause, but it was your fellow Cantardashian Sir Bladz Angelo that made it possible!" The stadium was inaudible. "But that's not all; Sypherous had returned from where I thought he was extinguished." Instantly the convention center went quiet as the pegasi who were hovering above settled down in anxiety. "That is right! Sypherous, the evil force of legends attempted to return to cause mayhem; I say attempted because he failed to succeed in this plans because Bladz took leadership and using teamwork rescued a dear friend of his now and eradicated Sypherous from existence by purging the darkness." The pegasi launched themselves into the air and the entire building was cheering my name. "I give you the new addition to the ruling council, Sir Bladz Angelo!"

"This is your celebration, what are you doing?" I demanded at Armonia with tears motioning down my face onto my armor.

"That may be true, but you are the one who should be celebrated. People are no longer going to question your identity and where other would have been a better place to reveal who you now are than you own hometown here in Cantardash." Armonia explained to me.

"Thank you for coming everypony!" the mayor proclaimed to the crowd. "Let us continue this celebration around town and give these four the real Cantardashian experience!"

"Sir, I am so ecstatic that my legs are shaking," I informed to Armonia.

"Yours too? I thought that was only me," Lightning declared.

"Guys!" Shadow screamed causing us to turn to witness an expression of fear. "That is not your nerves that are shaking!" The top of the convention center cracked under the vibrations as fragments descended clipping a pegasus' wing and knocking her to the ground.panic erupted all throughout as the vibrations escalated expediently causing a mass build-up at the gates. "This is the strongest earthquake I have ever experienced and it is still increasing in magnitude!"

"No time to chat! Look at the ceiling it is going to cave in any moment! The pegasi can escape through the sunpanals; however, if we do not do anything hundreds of casualties could occur when that ceiling fails!" Lightning declared.

Armonia sparked his horn to attempt to aid the ceiling supports, but the vibrations were too intense and he fell repeatedly. "The vibrations are too great for me to do anything magical! Forget it let's try and aid as many as we can!" Armonia determined.

Cantardash has never had an earthquake before, why are we having one now at this magnitude?

Lightning and Carnivorous had taken flight and alongside a few other pegasi were picking ponies up and rushing them to safety. "There are too many!" Lightning cried out just as the roof made a final crack and came rushing down towards the community.

"NOOO!" I found the best footing I could and stomped the ground with my horn glowing causing the entire stadium and atmosphere to glow green. The roof fragments retraced the downfall and were reunited with the ceiling. The earthquake's breaths were being choked causing the vibrations to expire and the danger to be extinguished. The pegasus who had her wing crushed found no harm in it and returned to her footing in disbelief. Water rushed in between the surrounding ponies to watched as the water attacked the flames that the earthquake had caused by having falling lights send the flooring ablaze. My horn concentrated a green flame at its tip before it exploded outwards evaporating the left over moisture. The amulet that Armonia provided to me a decade ago shattered as the green aura faded from my surroundings towards me. A green outline of my cutie mark that laid below me was pulling the color inwards and then it faded as I collapsed to the ground.

Where am I? My surroundings were turned into a rainbow field of flowers. I looked upwards in confusion to find a light green pegasus descend to land roughly two feet ahead of me. "Who are you? Where am I?" I demanded to the pegasus; however, all she did was grin at my presence. "I do not understand! Where am I? Where is Cantardash and Armonia and Lightning and Shadow!" I panicked to the mare. "Where is my sister?" I muttered bursting into legitimate tears and falling to the soil. The mare motioned towards me and placed her hoof on my shoulder maintaining her smile. She lowered her head and had our foreheads touch.

"You have done well my dear. You have done well." she whispered to me patting away my tears.

"Who are you?" I whimpered to her, but all she did was back up a few feet and smile.

"I am exactly who you know I am; there is no need to cry my dear," she replied as she was turning into a green dust that encircled me before the dust became more fluid and phased into my chest.

I am just a part of the whole Bladz

Chapter Nine (Coat of Gold)

Chapter Nine

The ceiling was white and smooth compared to the steel skin of the Stadium I last remembered. I gazed to my right to pull a window out in the background and another pony standing aside. Blobs of colors sat on the table next to me. Where am I? I rolled my cranium to the left to see with improving vision a door, a painting, and finally my armor put aside. I am at the palace in my room? How did I get here? "Hello there" I turned back to the figure next to the window to realize that it was a life-sized plush of a unicorn, it was a life-sized model of me. "Well hello there, you are looking mighty nice today!" I joked to myself. "Where did you get that mane done it is a fantastic style and color." There was tag left on the right ear and I moved slightly to realize that I was not going to be getting up anytime soon as powerful wave of pain surged throughout my body originating from my right shoulder. "Well looks like I will be staying here," I laughed to the plush. "Are those flowers for me?"

"yes" a squeaky voice made who was revealed to be Lightning.

"I do not sound like that!" I protested. Lightning smiled.

"How are you feeling?"

"Alright besides for the busted up shoulder I guess. How long have I been here?"

"Three weeks."

"Okay three weeks that is not too bad.... THREE WEEKS!!" I screamed. Lightning nodded to provide assurance. "How does one sleep for three weeks!"

"Well let me see, how does one sleep for three weeks? Well I guess if you stop a eight-point-seven magnitude earthquake, extinguish a plethora of raging petroleum fires, get hit in the back by a sharp piece of metal all beforehand that virtually slices your shoulder and right foreleg off, and live to tell the tale then I guess that is how."

"I do not remember getting injured." I declared.

"I am surprised you don't, I guess that is the power of adrenaline. I sometimes do not realize I injured a wing during a storm when I was a weather pegasus until I finally laid down upon clearing the storm."

"I guess so... so which one of you weirdos made a replica of me to replace me with?"

"You know we could never do that!" Lightning chuckled. "I would miss you too much already for that!" Lightning pulled up the tag and read over the name. "Says it is from Speranza; however, I talked to the others and we have no idea who that is. Looks really realistic does it not."

"So he is finally awake," Armonia spoke to me in a gentle voice. "I was worrying about you Bladz, promise me you will not get hurt again."

"You know I cannot promise things like that!" I replied in good faith. "Anyone else I should know about who is here?"

"Not that I know of; Carnivorous is at the Eastern base right now checking on a lieutenant of his. Your family was here for three days after the incident; however, had to return to their workshop."

"How was Cristalla taking it?"

"She was the one who wrapped your arm initially and brought you to the hospital so you could get the proper stitching. She did not leave your side for a week after the incident and she refused to eat anything pretty much while she was here."

"I hope she is doing okay." I muttered. "She does not need to worry so hard for me."

"To be honest, we all were worried about you, she just took it the hardest." Armonia admitted. "Captain Lightning, will you be so kind as to travel to Cantardash and inform Bladz's sister Cristalla that he is awake and doing fine?"

"I would be honored to do so my Lord," Lightning bowed before turning and flying out through the open window trying to catch high velocity.

"I am privileged to have that stallion as a captain." Armonia declared.

"He really is more than a captain isn't he." I proclaimed smiling.

"Yeah, how is your arm feeling anyway?"

"Sore but like I said I will manage."

"Are you able to get up and get into a wheelchair? I have something to show you."

"I can try but I cannot make any promises."

"I can get it for you!" Armonia determined using magic to pull back the sheets and pick me up and place me in the wheelchair.My right forearm and shoulder were wrapped tightly in bandages as slight movment reminded me of the pain. "You good?"

"Yes I am fine." I responded as he began to push me.

"Mari has been worrying about you as well; I found out how to use that device and I told her about it when she was asking how you were and you were not responding because of you condition. Anyway, the main thing I want to to point out to you is the door of the second floor. I think it is the same color green that you used in Cantardash." Armonia explained as he carefully motioned down the stairs trying to assure that I was not injured any further. "What the?" Armonia proclaimed as we arrived at the second floor to find the aura that was protecting the door had disappeared as we found our way inside the door and upon the second floor.

"About time you two appeared" A voice proclaimed as all the lights shined on revealing a light yellow youthful mare with a glistening green, yellow, and pink mane. The mare's horn was proportionally larger in size than what seemed natural; however, this aid in her gracefulness. "Your shoulder looks like it's improving," she comforted to me stretching out a set of wings that were on the verge of challenging Lightning's in size."

"You're an alicorn? I thought was only a legend?" I directed towards the newly discovered figure. "How did you get in here?"

"I walked in just a few minutes ago expecting you two to be here but meh, was just a tad ahead of the game today I guess." she explained. "I am surprised Armonia here did not inform about princesses as we all are alicorns."

"Who are you?" I questioned with both eyes wide opened.

"My name is Princess Amore Cinetica Speranza, but please, you can just call me Hope." she stated laying herself down in the middle of the first room behind a candle. "You see there are many things that are green in this world besides the color of nature; there is green with envy, green is used by some to describe anger or money, but green is used for another thing as well, Hope." she explained as the candle in front of her produced a green flame.

"What do you mean?" Armonia and I demanded.

"Bladz, you manipulated nature that day three weeks ago to stop that earthquake, to rebuild that ceiling, to fix that young pegasus' wing."

"Why could I not have used magic to heal my wound then if this potent nature manipulations you speak of could of helped the mare's wing?" I questioned.

"Nature is not a universal heal; she had a broken wing and over time the wing would of repaired itself naturally. You cut was not something that nature could have helped all by itself, medical attention was mandatory if you wanted to live and survive the event; if not you would of passed because of the large sum of blood lost."

"How injured was I?"

She stood up levitating the candle alongside her. "Let me just say it took a large sum of my energy to keep you from pushing yourself beyond your limits, but it would've been meaningless if your sister did not find the courage to face her fear of what she could have assumed when you crashed down."

"What you mean you used a large sum of your energy to save me?" I pondered as Hope realized she had said too much. "What do you mean!"

"I was watching you in the sidelines where I had concealed my identity so I could watch the celebration in peace and not draw attention to myself. The earthquake was horribly timed; however, I should of saw it coming."

"Why do you say that? And why do you sound familiar??" I replied jumping back in my chair putting too much pressure of my shoulder causing me to yip in torment. "It couldn't be."

"But it is, I was one of the alicorns in your dream. We exposed you to one of your seals in hopes that you would be able to develop over time a way to tame it; however, we made you vulnerable by doing so! We had aroused the seal without you having the time to suppress it so when you became emotional at the center it struck and caused the earthquake. I did the only thing that I could think of at the time! I used my magic to force the first seal to break! You were close to being ready but you were not completely yet! I could've killed you if you did not manage to take control of it!" The alicorn burst into tears that began to flood the flooring around her. "I was ignorant and I almost lost you! This is all my fault! I was the one who asked her to do it and I was the one who persisted after she denied until she finally let in! You weren't ready! You weren't ready!" Hope shriveled and collapsed to the floor in sorrow. "I am so sorry."

I did my best to move my wheelchair towards her as I stretched my left forehoof out and rubbed her mane. "A young mare so beautiful should not cry like that." She attempted to take in deep breaths and calm herself. "It is okay. I am fine and happy and I couldn't of been more grateful. We all make mistakes and I do not blame you because you realized your mistake and took the risk that could of saved all of those ponies lives at the center." I put my hoof under her chin and pulled up her face so I could look her straight in the eyes. They were strictly luscious in sight; two perfectly crafted emeralds that stood purer that even the gemstone that Armonia had supplied to me that I found shattered. "Your eyes alone are perfect and is enough evidence alone that you should not fret over the deeds that have been done. How old are you?"

"I am fifteen... You really think that I have beautiful eyes?" I nodded causing her to burst once more in tears, yet these tears were not originating out of pure sorrow. "Thank you Bladz" she whispered. "I see why..." she began to teel before cutting herslef off.

"Yes?" her face was full of concern.

"You are really kind you know that. No one has ever complimented me before to be honest."

"I find that hard to believe; how does an alicorn, a princess as beautiful as you go fifteen years without a compliment?"

"Ponies are not aware of my existence, I never wished to be seen because the power of hope that I work to provide is not something that should be considered originating for an external source when I need to provide that initial spark of hope to a pony," she explained freezing up after the last statement. "You two are the only ones outside of the house who are aware that I exist."

"Where is your home?" I spoke to her.

"When I said the house I was not referring to the tangible sense of the word; I have no real home," she admitted.

"Yes you do. You have a real home here!" I informed to her, who looked up in disbelief. I turned to Armonia who was unsure what to say after watching the entire conversation unfold and simply just nodded at the proposal.

"Bladz, you do not need my approval for what you just decided. You are showing something that is greater than anything of the principle of a student or a citizen, you just illustrated unconditional forgiveness in reason to a young mare who deeply cared for your well-being and has punished herself through her own remorse. You looked past her title and her struture and I can see that you valued her for her heart; demonstrating that you are more than deserve your title because what you just did is what should be expected of a true leader. This is your place too and your decisions are to be honored."

"Then it is decided Princess Amore Cinetica Speranza! You are welcomed to stay here in Serentia if you so decide to!" I commanded.

She dropped her head once again to the ground and waterfalled joy. "I would be honored... yes!"

"Welcome to Serentia!" I decreed smiling at her. I lost my authoritative voice and motioned myself as close as I could manage to her. "Welcome Princess Hope and thank you" I whispered joining her in contributing to the flooding.

Armonia did not attempt to stop either of us and content with the situation retreated upstairs where I heard moments later a set of hooves touched down above me. Muttered voices could be heard just faintly upstairs as the two must of conducted in a haste, yet decisive debate as the hooves stomped again before Lightning apparently took flight and was gone once more. Hope was obviously not used to crying because throughout the entire endeavor she was resisting it and wearing herself out in the process. I comforted her mane once more as she stood up and hugged my neck being careful not to affect my shoulder and closed her eyes taking in the moment. Blissed with the situation I closed my eyes as well and attempted to readjust my head to provide better comfort to her causing for a brief moment for our horns to touch. The emotions must of been getting the best of both of us because our magic was sparking off; however, in that brief moment I understood the essence of hope and I could feel that Hope has just experienced probably her first real understanding as well of her name judging for her reaction.

"I have a room that you are more than welcome to occupy; would you like to see it?" I soothed to her.

"I would be more than happy to see it." she smiled. "You can only begin to understand long long I have needed this."

"Hate to get off topic here, but I might need a little help too," I pointed towards the wheelchair; she was amused by the statement and my attempt to brighter her mood was effective.

"I guess I could help you out," she rolled her eyes mock-seriously as she grabbed hold of the handles behind me and brought me towards the third floor by trying her best to use magic to slowly bring me upwards.

"So what was the plush for?" I addressed to her, who was taken back in shock.

"I... I..ahh...I just felt sorry for what I did and I wanted to do something to make up for it... I know it was a petty attempt for comfort."

"Do not say that Hope," I stopped her. "I loved it, thank you." She hide her embarrassment as she pretended that she was not blushing which I found cute. "No need to be shy," I joked to her, "it was a very thoughtful gift."

"Which one of these is mine" she questioned as I speculated about the floor layout.

"I guess that one would be fine," I stated pointing to door directly across from my own. The room was essentially the mirror image of my own room, except this room was bare essentially except for a nicely placed bed and dresser. "A little bare but that is nothing that I cannot fix for you."

"I respect your hospitality; however, you are still injured and you do not need to strain yourself. Promise me that you will not do that will you?" she asked of me. I responded with a simple nod of the head and was rolled back to my room, where she pulled back my sheets and helped me lay down providing special care to my shoulder. Hope closed my blinds and pulled the plush she brought closer to the side of my bed within reaching distance. "Rest now, you need it Bladz!" she declared using her darker green magic to pull my sheets upon me, smiled, and then turned off my light and closed my door. "Thank you." I heard her whisper.

I woke up to find my arm in a more comfortable position as I attempted to wiggle it to find no pain. What the? The ceiling had dyed a lighter shade of grey and the floor was onyx in nature as I placed myself on my feet and continued to the door. "Hello? Anyone here?" I hollered down the hallway jumping in remembrance of the spot where I initially saw the figure of darkness. Bladz you really need to stop having these crazy dreams.

"I would not call your dreams crazy."

"For the love of," I screamed jumping backwards, "does everyone have to sneak up behind me nowadays?"

"Sorry about that," a navy blue mare stated to me in a sense of laughter. "Thank you for what you did."

"What did I do that you are thanking me for?" I questioned in confusion.

"For what you did for Princess Speranza; forgiving her ignorance and taking her into an actual home." the mare informed me stretching out her wings for a moment before quickly retracting them again.

"It was not really of a decision that was a yes or no; she seemed like she needed a home and who am I to deny her of that? Also, are all the mares I am going to met from now on going to be Alicorns?"

"No, even though it may seem like that to you at this point." she cheered. "It takes a special stallion to not become affected by a princess' title and treat Hope like an actually pony with her own feelings and aspirations, and I can only thank you for that. You know how young she is and I am worried about her; my sister and I find it difficult to give her the attention she needs and until now she has refused to open up to anyone else."

"How come she decided to open up to me? And was it your sister who was the third one I saw the other night?"

"Yes my sister was the one who you saw last of the three of us, I actually did not expect her to say anything, she told us that she was only going to sit back and watch while we did the talking to you." she exclaimed plopping herself on the bed. "I do not understand her sometimes but she means the best for us."

"Where is she now?"

"Busy, daytime is a very busy time for her; also I am here naturally, not magically today."

"What you mean by magically?"

"Oh excuse me for not explaining that! I have the power to enter the dream realm and bring others along with me. I take over my sister's work at night, but night is such a boring time you understand, so I aid ponies in their sleep and make sure everyone is okay."

"So you prevent people from having nightmares?"

"No, nightmares are useful as they allow us to indirectly overcome our fears, I only offer a little advice here and there when needed. I used to cause nightmares, but that was in the past and that was a different me to be honest consumed by jealousy," she determined tossing a pillow into the air that landed awkwardly on her face causing her to burst into muffled laughter.

"You never explained to me why Hope opened up to me?"

"I think it might have to do do with what happened in Tempeoca; Princess Speranza left to provide a spark of happiness to a depressed youngish mare by the name of Mari who I believe you are aware of. Anyway, I think she took an interest in you because when you arrived there you gave Mari unconditional compassion even though you barely knew her."

"That happens everyday though?"

"Actually is does not happen as often as you think, even though it happens more than scarcely; however, I think she found connection with Mari and you helped Mari. You see it is easy to help the ones that everyone loves, the ones that everyone knows and cares about; but it is harder to help those that no one knows because those that are unknown will not provide a social reward or benefit. What it will provide I personally see as something greater than social recognition, something that a young mare about your age explained to me after long years of seeking retribution for what was irrational to condemn; kindness to those who are unseen builds the foundation of long-lasting friendships!" the mare smiled in bliss. "Not to mention Bladz that there is something about you that grabs our attention; you are not blinded by the physical reality of things and can envision the metaphorical nature of your surroundings allowing you to understand and learn from the world in a way that many others do not find useful."

"I guess I could see some similarities between Hope and Mari," I exclaimed.

"You do not need to be sleep all day Bladz though, you have the world out there waiting on you!" She jumped from the bed pointed onwards. "Also tell Hope not to worry because I would of not given in if I was not one-hundred percent sure that you Bladz could have handled it, even it did not work out how we planned; however, it worked out in the long run," she smiled before beginning to depart.

"Oh wait! I never caught your name Madam!"

"You will figure it out when you need to, I know you will!" she instilled before spreading her wings and dashing away.

"Excuse me Sir but there is a mare downstairs with both horn and wings that is attempting to burn down the kitchen? She claims that you know her? This correct Sir?" Lightning declared to me the moment upon awakening.

"How is she planning on burning down the kitchen?" I inquired.

"She is attempting to make what she said was... toast?"

"Do I even have to get up?"

"No but that reminds me! The doctors say you will be good as new in about a week or two and you will be able to walk on it gently until then. They gave me these narcotics to ease the pain while we wait for the injury to dim so that you can continue to operate a normal lifestyle." Lightning informed me.

"Do I need to take one now then?" I started reaching my left foreleg out.

"No need, the doctor came by about fifteen minutes ago from what Armonia informed me to check on your shoulder and upon request gave you a mild dose of morphine." I wiggled my right arm to find the pain absent.

"Okay in that case let us see what Hope is doing!" I exclaimed pulling myself out of bed and onto the floor finding an unusual, yet effective balance. "Well this is not too bad I believe" I declared trotting around a little bit.

By the time we had reached the second floor I had become aware of just what Lightning was referring to as the smell of ash enlightened the atmosphere. Armonia must of never reached downstairs while this was occurring because the smell intensified as I approached the dining area that the Palace held for large social gatherings such as the Gala of the Three Tribes. Entering the dining hall Lightning and I noticed a line of platters containing a plethora of creation that revealed no other color but black. Well at least we know she is not a alicorn because of her cooking abilities.

"You want me to deal with this?" Lightning inquired.

"Yes and no to be honest; Ask her to come here please, I would like to talk to her." I motioned to Lightning who strolled through the push doors into the kitchen area. I few moments later a yellow horn and two rich green eyes poked out in greating.

"Bladz!" she proclaimed charging from the kitchen. "I made you something to eat for once you woke up!You are walking that is good to see!"

"Ahh... you are aware that food is not supposed to be burnt to blackness right?"

"Oh it is burnt? I knew that it did not look right compared to what the chefs constructed." she blushed trying to hide her disappointment.

"It is fine," I laughed. "Well at least you were not trying to kill us all; would be afraid of how that may have turned out." Hope lowered her realizes that she had failed; however, handed her a glass of juice of the table before her emotions could get to her. "I applaud the effort. but I do not think cooking is your thing."

"I do not think either!" Lightning quickly interjected causing a small hint of a smile to appear between Hope's checks.

"Here have a..." I questioned holding a hardened black brick towards her before pulling it away. "Well actually nevermind; how about we clean this up and later we all will find somewhere else to dine seeing how this is your first night here."

"Well to be honest Bladz, this if really only your third actual night here, you have been essentially a living coffin for the last three weeks." Lightning responded.

"Well I would enjoy that offer; however, I think I am going to have to take a raincheck on that!" Shadow announced from beside the door. "And I think your new friend is going to also."

"What are you saying Shadow?" I demanded from him.

"There is someone here who wants to talk to you two, I did not understand what she was referring to until I got here. Captain Lightning you remember this mare right?" Shadow announced as a tall white mare walked in beside him with a flowing colorful mane that was constructed out of some sort of magical aura like the one the mare had in my dream except was not blue in design and was larger in size.

"Hello there Bladz, it is an honor to finally meet you after all I have heard about you!"

Chapter Ten (Wings and Apples)