My final encounter finished in a shorter fashion than I'd thought upon starting it, reader.
I’d been called myself, in the heat of the moment, I set out to find this Derpy Hooves, only to find that I was not the only one. Flash Sentry and Night Guard Commander Hel Gaulle, steaming over what Derpy had done to Flash and his Guard under this mystery beast’s influence, tracked her. Right to Roseluck’s Botanicals. In fact, they’d then savagely attacked Derpy, set the place alight, and left.*
Berryshine had been the building. The smoke inhalation apparently got her, by Redheart’s report. I wept myself, especially after learning of Viscera’s affinity toward her. So much stuff that she and I had doubted for so long seemed to be slipping through our hooves.
We needed our own time alone to find our own ways to mourn, to recover, to avenge. Viscera, upon the next day’s dawning, told me of her plan, both of us clammed up in Dr. Hooves’ house after distancing from the crime scene. Amethyst Star had been told by me of Derpy’s actions - and what likely might have caused it. I tried to get the location of the Equilixir of Amber Ambition from her and was not prepared for what I heard.
Two further developments had apparently happened in Ponyville:
I can only assume one solution from this development. Derpy is now the fourth Thestrel pony, having assimilated the very Equilixir of Amber Ambition she took from me in the Crystal Empire.**
I didn’t know whether to kiss Derpy or wallop her. Her theft had saved her life, breathed new life potentially into the face of the resistance movement against Twilight. But there was likely no way she was in the right headspace to handle the Queen: Doc Top had even told me of how comatose she’d looked, despite no lasting brain damage from Flash Sentry’s assault on her.
Curse it all, I hated this! Not being able to seek retribution for Derpy’s injuries, her loss of Dinky, her pain from fire!
“I… didn’t think you’d be going this far for a single pony.”
Viscera grimly grinned. “I’ve found I do that for more ponies than I thought. For Berryshine... And Cheerilee.“ Her eyes went downward. It took me a scant second to understand what Vis was revealing to me.
“Wait - that pony in the back of this house, the one I swore I heard earlier…” I spluttered out. “That’s Miss Cheerilee?!”
“Yes, It is. And I’ll thank you to not let half the town know!” Whether from fear of it looking like kidnapping or further traumatizing the already traumatized teacher escaped me. “I need to get Cheerilee out of this town. She’ll only be reminded of the fourteen she lost. And I’ll only be reminded of the one that I...”
It seemed to be a pattern, Viscera losing her voice. This time, I had to see this unraveling fall out from under me though, the others either sleeping or off in the Town Hall overseeing the break of the Cloudsdale air blockade. But I had to escape this, reader, as intact as you’ll need to be in this new Equestria.
What’s more, Viscera needed to be strong too. I didn’t think that it was possible for me to be the solid foundation with her, or so many other ponies besides, but crises make strange companions. And Ambassador Cori was right, then and now; everypony was worth it.
“Viscera!” I bellowed. “Berry’s first encounter with the Princes Haze and Shroud left her in a stockade, with the worst about to be visited upon her. You saved her from it. gave her enough life to appreciate more than just attending to everypony else but herself and Colada.” My words felt thick in my throat, but I plodded on. “The point is this: Berry didn’t cower and let the Queen run down the hopes and plots of everypony, and you shouldn’t either!”
After a while, Viscera stared at me. For the first time, it wasn’t an extreme of emotion my eyes met. There was no mockery, no surprise, no anger, or gleeful air. It was like we’d been friends for two years instead of two months. And it looked like Viscera had been awake for two decades.
But I knew what would break through those weary eyes staring back at me.
“If you want to honor Berry, then don’t let those wretches scare you into submission!” This time, I was also reassuring myself. I was likely heading further into the belly of the beast than Viscera. But for once, my words, written or otherwise, actually did spur a pony to better things.
It even worked with the crimson pony in front of me, her face brightening to a near pink as she readjusted herself. “You’re right, A.K. D-don’t you fret. I’m gonna see to it I have a way to take something precious from Queen Twilight.” Viscera said. She turned to face the cot in front of Dr. Hooves’ lab again.
I had to sleep, myself. My evacuation, the realizations, the constant racing efforts to and from my house; it wore too much on me. I took next to the table, tucking my body in near the thrumming machinery and plasma spheres. For that short time, I let myself get lost in my own head for once.
Day 2: I dreamed, my mind soaking in memories. Not to set me frees or evil Queens or thieves turned companions. No, it was of previous swingings through Forbidden Jungles and tussles with Ahuizotl. Of simpler times and tales and treasures and temples.
So this is it, reader. The last day in this Alamanc’s life. I’ve talked of the various upper echelons in Equestria. I’d shown you most of the various elements*** that may help topple them. Now I can only talk out of my personal encounter with these various scenarios. The mission before me would likely be my last as the Daring Do; The treasure hunter turned tradition-keeper.
I packed up quickly and left Viscera to do her work. With a copy of this very Almanac in her saddlebags. She’d need all I’d learned, all she’d learned from those still close to her, to make it in this new Equestria. But I think she'll succeed with a little help from her friends.
In fact, my own tribute to that effort would begin in Canterlot. Just before I rolled out to Trottingham to start my new role as A.K. Yearling.
This time, I took the Express to Canterlot again. The entirely of the trip, I’d been putting together a plan of my own; one that would likely ensure that I could get toward the Arcane University. It was the first location I'd mentioned in my notes, and I was invading it now.
As I stepped out, I vaulted to the top of the Express, knowing the Royal Guard had so many eyes on this train it wasn’t funny. Needless to say, the five spears and two unicorn lasers that tore through my cabin were less funny. Thankfully, was this was where I found out they’d been expecting me
Standing at the train station were Commanders Iron Standard and Flash Sentry. There was a scar over Flash’ left eye, a stump where his left wing would be, and yet he still stood strong.
Iron Standard, however, was the first to speak. “You’ve some nerve showing up in this place after the trouble you’ve caused here the last few weeks!”
“Funny. Could say the same about your Queen.” I was going to be quick this time. There would be no time for a brush-up with the inner circle. I pointed behind both guardsponies. “And here’s the thing; those two behind you could say it too.”
Thankfully, Iron Standard was knocked down by Bulk Biceps fast enough for him to not make magic an issue. This left Flash Sentry attacking Amethyst Star, and just enough time for me to get into the front entrance of the Arcane University. Two columns sprawling metal bands almost parted before my hooves, just as an updraft caught my amber wings and took me past the gates.
The elegant building spanning across the short garden path that led up to it almost invited me in. Two long columns of windows and silver brick stretched to either side of my body. The center part of it had several pillars, framing the entrance of it like a pair of tusks. And as I finally crested the top of the gates, I took one last look behind me. As anticipated, Amethyst had the edge magically, but not tactically; Flash was dodging the bolts thrown by the fuchsia unicorn with ease.
Quickly, I unlatched one of the spikes from the top of the gates and threw it right at Flash Sentry. The metal barb knocked him off and away from Amethyst, allowing Bulk to sweep up Amethyst and break for home again on the departing Friendship Express’s roof. My way back would be up to me. And as I soared past the guards into the Arcane University, it wouldn’t be an easy feat.
Even with the knowledge of who’s commanded this facility, seeing Shroud’s influence struck me from the jump. Pitch black tapestries, thorn columns, and spires stretched from ground to ceiling, actually jagged teeth passing me with every wingflap. I had to attach myself to several of these pillars to avoid the spears. Thankfully, Cinch had been nice enough to give me enough of the floor plans for this facility in our short visit to the Crystal Empire.
Down two halls of lacquered silver doors, three-fourths of the way past an arching banister over the arboretum, and past the yawning hole in the railing to shortcut my way down, I was set. Seconds later, I took a measured flip through the third ring into a dome-shaped pane of windows in front of me and soon found myself in the Royal Canterlot Library. This time, the glass and thresholds were boarded by great oak. Books actually lined square grooves etched in the wall of this place - including those wholly circling the antechamber I was in.
Thankfully, Cinch told me about the upper window of this room that was being repaired, or I would not have known which part of the wireframe to slip through. After all, the shine from each magically enchanted plane of glass would have made it near impossible for anypony to tell the difference, a sparkling web of shimmers and teasing light painted the rich golden-brown floors.
Quickly, I moved to the spot behind the lobby of this great library. Even the ex-Headmistress Cinch’s words about this place didn't do it justice. Especially considering how void of justice the lone figure in the center of it was. Commander Hel Gaulle was sitting squat on the lone table leading to the vault, a book in her hands with black covers and silver trim. The images of various alicorns and sphinxes lined the sides of it, my trained eye taking everything in, including the slight wince she gave as she got to all fours. Setting the book down between her four hooves.
“Daring Do.” Two words fell from her fanged lips and yet they hit with all the force of an incoming brick. “Good. Think somepony here guesses what a thief like you would be after next.”
I didn’t answer at first. “So, care to tell a batpony why you’re here?”
“You’re holding it, Hel.” Well, half of it, anyway. I held the key to the vault in my shirt pocket, but Queens of Kings: A History of Old Equestria was underneath Hel. I supposed I should be lucky she didn’t relieve herself on it, spite seemed to seep from her every pore anyway. “So soak in the rich leathery feel of the lounge chairs. Some reason, no one frequents the BDSM clubs anymore, saying they're too busy checking for you under the beds.”
“Cool -- they’re getting a head start on what all of Equestria was doing before Moonbrat Luna was sent to waste away on the moon. Biggest mistake than her sister denying us challenging prey was hunting each other down when it ran out.”
“Other ponies aren’t prey, Gaulle.” I replied.
“They’re not predators - then we wouldn’t have been so taken in by friendship that some ratty changeling Queen.” Hel took several steps closer. “Then we would not have to beg for scraps pulling chariots and pole-spinning in Doge Junction saloons!”
Another step, and she was closer to the chandelier hanging over her head. “Then, we all wouldn’t have to-”
My left wing flared out, bringing my trusty whip to my left forehoof. I aimed at the chain, looped my whip around the second-lowest chain in the link around it, and yanked. The chain ripped free with a grinding of iron, and the entire construct under it came crashing down!
Only for Commander Hel to brace her power wingtips against her end of the structure, bringing it to a shattered slant in front of her. “-need Guard training to tell when you’re trying to trap us.” Her armor protected her, though several cuts still broke out as angry red lines on her purple fur.
It also meant her two strongest limbs were occupied with knocking on wood and glass, and not keeping me from charging up and dropkicking her helmet into her head. The resounding ring of that crest denting under my rear hooves’ assault was music to my ears.
Then the drumbeat of battle pounded into those ears, ricocheting under my hat. But it became clear I was in a different fight than the one in the Tenochtitlan Basin. Every time I world in my front hooves for a punch or spinning back hoof, Hel would weave back, and then force me to miss my follow-up by blocking her hooves. Then she’d go for my limbs - and I’d have to cede ground to Hel as well dancing back. She fought with experience, almost too much for me to handle.
“Seriously, Daring, I’m almost going to regret creaming over your broken corpse so soon.” she’d taunt. “But I’m sure Shroud can pound that weakness out of me too.”
All I’d get out in response were grunts before striking again, dodging again, surviving again. Bruised bounded up on my coat, one of the compasses stamped on my thigh nearly lost under red splotches from a particular heated flank-kicking session near a bookcase.
However, I had understudies in my line of work too. One such pony spoke to me on a breather I earned, due to a kick to Hel’s unprotected withers. For a minute, it was almost like Quibble Pants himself was next to me, locking my eyes to the hoof Hel held to her neck as her body wobbled. “Daring, the secret is to keep your eyes on the nail. Do you get the hang of it? Two good swings and you’re in.”
It was about boats before, when I’d asked him about it as A.K., and was planning to possibly use it for a dangerous whitewater trip to Luna Bay.
But I followed it anyway.
I struck, again and again, at the crook of the Night Guard Commander’s neck. She wasn’t driven back, but her left limb’s movements became more and more sluggish, forcing her to use her wings. The tips dropped into wooden shingles, pulped books, scored rips in the fabric of my shirt. But they were unbalancing and indirect hits, as long as they didn’t fully hit me.. And my stomping on the webbing of Hel’s bat wings let me knock off chunks of her armor.
I saw the knot of Hel’s previous injury strain out from her collarbone on her latest hoof strike. Lavender horseshoes clambered into the wall, the vibration making Hel pause for three seconds. I only needed two.
Eyes on the nail.
The first strike of my left forehoof plugged into that tendon- even my hoof tip felt the tight muscle give as Hel slumped to her knees, a short cry of pain tearing from her maw.
I reared back again.
For the Equestria you helped haze, Hel. I could have said. But it would have taken time -- time I was done wasting on her.
The second strike hit her head. Commander Hel Gaule was out like a light, and I was gone by the wavering of the Changelier’s last dying light. The safe had been breached, the book Hel was guardian my own.
And through these two treasures -- my first taken instead of given to Canterlot -- I learned a few things.
The first, thanks to Queens of Kings, is that the spell Twilight used to extract Celestia’s powers was a variant of an evil centaur god’s. I believe his name was ‘Lord Tirek’, though it also seems to be through a method he’d kept hidden within the Castle of the Two Sisters.**** I think I may now know just how world-changing Twilight's visit to that castle before her imprisonment was. It also shows the possible ways such a spell could be counteracted in the future. Princess Cadance gave a clap of her hooves when she saw the book after we met in the Everfree hut.
“Then to Trottingham we go. We have to be fast. I will be meeting with Viscera in Cloudsdale in a week, and the real purpose of the Rhythmus Charity will finally rise out to face the Queen.” Even with Cinch bandaging her neck wound, even with Shining likely injured and in parts unknown, Cadance still commanded a room.
The second was what came from the Vault: Inside were old maps of the surrounding towns and cities, including one leading to the pipe and sewer systems of Trottingham. My next goal - and chapter of my life - will continue there, when I make sure to topple Queen Trottingham’s empire. In it, I’ll seek to help build a new foundation for the carnation that Cadance is growing against the Queen’s miasma.
Heh. Look at me, mixing metaphors now. Brings me back to when I started my own adventures, and couldn't help but to lather it in prose. I suppose I have to get the joy out of it now when I can.
The third, and the one I close out this long Almanac with you on, fair reader, is this. Even in the darkest recesses of a lost utopia shines hope. Even in those most engulfing abysses, daybreak can spring to life.
And it is what you do when that spark comes to you that makes you the pony the world sees you as.
I often asked myself - even at the beginning of this story: where do I begin?
And now, I finally have my answer. It is here, in places like this. Here is where I begin; by facing the dangers around me, for more than just writing about it later or scurrying it away where some unscrupulous pony can exploit it. And now I find that I’ll have to do so a lot more often.
Which means that this almanac has to come to a close. All else will come from personal journals, ones I will make sure get to the proper hooves and tug at the proper heartstrings. (again, thank you Lyra for your contribution to Equestrian communications.)
So to close out: I thank you, Vignette Valencia Clearinghouse, for allowing me the space to talk of Equestria’s new management. Thank you to Dr. Hooves for allowing my research to span far and wide.
And thank you especially, Viscera, for showing that the end of a job doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your obligations to the ponies around you. I hope that Cheerilee finds the relief she seeks from being in the center (and sole survivor) of the Ponyville Massacre.
Mark my words. Equestria in general, and Viscera in particular, have not seen the last of A.K. Yearling.
And with that, reader, I bid you farewell. For now.
* Apparently, between Philomena and Derpy’s attacks on him, Flash Sentry is as lost to the darkness plaguing Equestria as Hel Gaulle is. I pity what has become of him. I mourn who that darkness has taken away from Ponyville’s doorsteps more.
** Derpy Hooves is now called ‘Dis’, to both keep the Queen off the identity of the mail pony they invaded a town to try and smite. To the word, as long as her Thestrel form holds, Derpy Hooves is no more. Thankfully, her best friend Dr. Hooves, and her wife Amethyst Star, have been told of this development - the latter taking it as the sole reason she accompanied me back to Canterlot.
*** In more ways than one: it seems there is another spell within one of the Crystal Empire books, confirmed by Queens of Kings, that can use one Element of Harmony to remove another from a bearer’s control. The late Princess Celestia used it to great effect against Luna, but restricted the sp[ell for future users to only take them one Element at a time. Likely, it was to prevent any one pony from so quickly consolidating that much power again I laid out the foundation of how to do this in the notes of my Almanac copy I left to both Viscera and Cadance; it is called the Element Negation Aggregation. I have more commonly referred to it as an ‘Engage’ event. Whether Viscera is successful with it is up to the plan they and Cori have for it.
**** The artifact Tirek used is called the Rainbow of Darkness. Though Twilight has utilized a modern version of it, the actions are the same; it removes a pony’s power through the channeling of their cutie mark, and then - the reason it was forbidden, I reckon - imprisons a shard of their soul within the mark itself. Anyone who takes it will be met with unimaginable pain unless the spell is undone, lattice by lattice. It’s last use, by Cadance’s magical tracker, was near an encampment in the Badlands. We have confirmed Twilight, Dash, Toxic Haze and Shroud were in the vicinity when it was used on Celestia, and that it took longer than its written time to work due to the target having lost upwards of 60% of their body weight when it was used. Again, our thoughts go to the Princess.
May she rest peacefully in Faust’s garden.
-A.K. Yearling