//------------------------------// // III: Ancient Ties // Story: Gates to Renascence // by Material Defender //------------------------------// C h a p t e r 3 : A n c i e n t T i e s At the height of mankind’s darkest hour, the First Emperor, name forever unknown, amassed the last of his army at Fortress Tyehl. There, against massive legions of the Trickster, the First, along with a trusted council of mankind’s greatest arcanists at the peak of his empire’s power, channeled great and powerful energies to bring about the end of the Trickster while his men bravely fought off the tides of abominations outside. However, without the intervention of the Paragon of the Sun and her earlier use of the Elements of Harmony, it is assumed that the ritual to forever rid the land of the Trickster would not have succeeded. The First and all his men perished following the ritual, and the tomb has seemingly disappeared, eluding even the best trackers today. -The First Emperor, Historian Markus, 1335 RY Artim cackled madly as Twilight Sparkle disappeared in a flash of bright purple magic. “Teleportation!” he gleefully shouted. “Teleportation, my liege! I cannot even believe my own eyes!” “Is that such a good thing?” Rarity asked, shocked by the break in Artim’s calm demeanor. “Is it? She has performed in a single casual act what it has taken entire decades of our own arcanists to even prototype! Just a flash of magic, and then, she’s gone! Unbelievable!” he huffed. “Well, they have been using magic far longer than we have,” Sehyia mentioned. “No, not longer...” Artim corrected. “In fact, if our histories are correct, we only appeared a mere short time after the equine race sprouted. By all means, we should have been equally capable with magic as they are; our research into the pre-Trickster Era Empire has shown conclusive evidence of that.” “Then that old bag had to swipe our magic, of course,” Reugas said. “Imagine that... if I could fire magic arrows out of this bow...” He hefted the bow in his hands and plucked the string, the lilting sound the string made music to his ears. “If you could, then it would be a nightmare to behold,” Tehin said, laughing as Pinkie Pie hung around his shoulders. “Not that it would do you any good, though. Last I heard, the rangers didn’t allow magic tricks to alter their usage of the bow.” “Bah, those purists,” Reugas spat back. “It’s all ancient tradition back from Kradrin. Every ranger is a master of his bow, and the training fits to match. But if I want to use a little bit of magic to ‘enhance’ my capabilities, they get angry about it.” “Magic isn’t all that common from where y’all are from, huh?” Applejack asked. “Not really,” Kandro said. “The lucky few are usually nobility, and those that aren’t get sent to the scholar city of Lherren for study as an arcanist.” “Yeesh, that must suck,” Rainbow Dash said. “So how’s the weather over there? You don’t have enough magic for the land, so how do the clouds work?” “Hot and dry,” Reugas said. “We barely have any clouds as it is. Just nothing but dust, wind, and sand. And if you’re lucky, maybe some weeds. Even the savannahs only survive due to their proximity to the Roaring River.” “And you’re a really strange creature...” Tehin said, poking at the scales in Spike’s back. “You are a dragon, yes?” “Uh, duh,” the young drake responded. “Never seen one before?” “Heard of them, never really seen one,” Tehin said, shrugging. “Hmm, that should warrant some research, too,” Artim said, having calmed himself. “I don’t recall any dragons in our own lands. Much to study here, it seems... it’ll be fantastic.” Another bright flash obscured their vision, and Twilight Sparkle was once again before them. “Okay!” she said cheerily, saddlebags now on her sides. “So, are we all ready? I’m sorry for the short notice, but if the Princess wants to talk to you right now, we should probably take it literally. Ready for the jump?” “Ready?” Artim said. “Do you mean that you can teleport us all at once? All the way from here to Canterlot? Just by yourself?” “Yep!” Twilight said, beaming. “Incredible!” Artim practically oozed his enthusiasm. “And to think, my liege!” he said, turning to the prince. “We’re all about to experience magical teleportation first-hand! The scholars will be talking about this one for years!” “Ugh, come on,” Reugas whined. “Let’s just get this over with before we—” From the windows of Fluttershy’s treehouse exploded a brilliant violet light, causing a slight tremor in the ground before all went quiet again. Angel arrived in the living room alone, giving an exaggerated sigh at the sudden absence of his dear caretaker before jumping on the couch and falling asleep. Princess Celestia walked along the silent halls, floating the letter from Twilight before her. No staff stood in the halls at this time of night, especially given that it was the beginning of the weekend; they were most likely somewhere in Canterlot enjoying their free time. Only her guards were still on duty, and they maintained their vigil throughout the castle, silent as the night itself. At this time of night, or for those who found their matters concerning it, Princess Luna sat within the throne room atop the royal throne attending to the matters of the Night Court. Her bat-winged Night Guard stood in formation along the sweep of the room, their glowing eyes the most striking feature in the dull fade of the night’s glow. For Luna, it was business as usual: on an average night, there would be nopony waiting to enter when the Night Court began, and only during the most hectic of times would she receive a petitioner. This night was one of those average nights, though she found herself surprisingly unirritated at the lack of ponies who wished to see her. “Luna, how are things?” Celestia asked, casually walking in through the open double doors as the pair of Night Guard on duty saluted her. “I take it you haven’t had many visitors?” “I... everything is fine, sister. As usual, there are none that wish to come to my court...” Luna said, her ears slightly tilting as Celestia simply gave a reassuring smile. “It isn’t that bad, is it? You had several ponies visit you last week, all the way from Ponyville.” “Ponyville... yes... they do seem to have warmed up to me since the events of Nightmare Night...” Her ears perked up, and she returned Celestia’ smile. “Though it does amuse me that you turned the very concept of Nightmare Moon and her... deeds... into a day of festivities. I very much enjoyed myself during that night.” “And you met my student, as well.” Celestia simply rolled up the letter that she had received from Spike, though the seal it bore did not escape Luna’s watchful eye. “Speaking of which... that is a letter from her, is it not? Your faithful student?” Celestia sighed. “Yes, it is...” “Oh? Bad news?” Luna asked, stepping off the throne and descending the steps to comfort her sister. “Surely it cannot be as bad as you make it out to be...” “No...” Celestia said, slowly pushing the letter through the air towards Luna. “It is worse than that.” Luna gave her a questioning look, but decided to let the letter answer for her sister instead. “Twilight... she... cannot be serious? I thought we had... that the humans had stopped him long ago. The First Emperor of the humans was said to have forever eliminated the threat... so if he has truly returned, I must ask: how?” “Discord, obviously,” Celestia said, almost feeling the impact of Luna’s expression kicking herself for not realizing such an obvious answer. “I know, you weren’t around when he returned. You were still in recovery, still trying to acclimate to pony society. Twilight and the others, after much effort on part of her and her friends, managed to seal him away using the Elements of Harmony.” “But you feel that... no, that this has clearly stated, that he has returned,” Luna said slowly. “That the Trickster has returned. Damn... if only I had been present during Discord's resurgence, then we might have been able to avoid all of this.” “You know how Discord works, Luna. He would not have let himself be caught so easily. Moreover, I believe it was not his acts following his release that may have caused this; it may have been the release itself that stands as the catalyst for all of this.” “How long has this gone unchecked?” Luna huffed with impatience. “If this is true, and he has returned, then we must ready our soldiers! The Trickster must be stopped before he can raise another army!” Celestia’s calm expression betrayed the mood of the room as the guards began trotting around in panic as her empyrean mane flailed wildly. “That is what we will be talking about very shortly, Luna...” Celestia said, feeling the wind around them roar as the faint glows of purple began to gather in the center of the throne room... “Ugh, damn, I think I’m going to be sick...” Reugas ran out the throne room doors and located a flowerpot in which to vacate the contents of his stomach. A round of groans came from the guards outside as they watched him retch as Tehin merely laughed. “Wow, uh...” Twilight said. “I didn’t realize that teleportation could have some... side effects, especially for those who haven’t teleported before.” “Does it matter?” Artim said. “We teleported, and it was one of the most amazing experiences in my life! Such a large displacement conducted so easily by one so talented!” Twilight blushed. “Wow... uh, thank you, Artim, but... well, I think the best way to put it is that I’m an exception, even among unicorns.” She swayed slightly, nearly falling to the ground until she leaned on Applejack to stabilize herself. “Oof, that took a lot more out of me than I thought it would...” “Ah, it figures that such a huge teleportation spell would cause substantial problems, especially with twelve entities... how proficient are you in magic?” “Very. Well, it’s my special talent, so I should say that I’m extremely proficient at it.” “Obviously, since not even the best arcanist would be able to pull off a spell like this, not without substantially greater magical affinity,” Kandro said. “Would you be able to perform something like this, Artim?” “Honestly put, sire, no. Teleportation is far out of the reach of our conventional range of magic, and what we have left is mostly focused on combat magic. Those still skilled in the original ways of magic like myself still have trouble merely trying to control our spells. It takes a lot of concentration... concentration that would not be enough to cast a spell like what our friend has just done.” “Ahem...” All eyes turned upon the pair of alicorns standing at the far end of the room, just as Reugas rejoined them with a sour look on his face. “It is nice of you to join us, all of you,” Celestia said. “Twilight had sent a letter in advance, but I had thought that you would have taken more conventional means of transportation...” Twilight chuckled awkwardly. “I... sort of wanted to try out mass teleportation...” “So I see.” Celestia gave a respectful nod towards the humans. “Welcome, humans of the Renascent Empire. I am Princess Celestia, princess of the sun, and ruler of the Principality of Equestria alongside my sister here, Princess Luna.” “Greetings, Paragon and Protector,” Kandro responded, with a bow. “I am Prince Kandro of the Renascent Empire. These here are my companions: Artim, Sehyia, Tehin, Reugas, and Yhimit.” Each of them lowered their head with respect at the call of their names, save Reugas, who merely watched them with a curious eye. “She’s the Paragon of the Sun...?” Reugas said. “I sort of thought she’d be something... I don’t know, more? What about all those tales from the books? ‘A stalwart tower of golden steel’? ‘Steely gaze that could stop entire armies in their tracks’? ‘Ferocity and vigilance towards evil unmatched by any other’?” “Quiet, you,” Tehin said, giving him a hard elbow to the side. “Just because she’s not wearing any armor and staring you down with killing intent does not mean she is any less dangerous. And this is the Paragon we’re talking about... you’re lucky she doesn’t turn you into dust just by being in her presence.” “Those times have long since passed,” Celestia replied. “I guide my subjects now, and preside over them as best as I can. Surely you must understand, having your own Emperor who does the same.” “Apologies, Your Majesty,” Kandro interrupted. “But the Emperor is why we have come here. I am Prince Kandro, heir to the throne and son of Emperor Nazhrus of the Renascent Empire. These five are my companions, the Pillars of the Obsidian Spire; the best protectors and warriors that our Empire has to offer. We come to you in dire times, for my father has fallen ill, and we believe the Trickster is behind it, and many other attacks recently.” “So it is true,” Luna said. “He has returned?” Kandro nodded. “Indeed, Protector of the Night, though not in full force yet. A strange illness has befallen my father, and we believe he is behind it. Our solutions quickly ran out, before we knew it, our only remaining solution was to come to you for aid.” “I remember your people very well, Prince,” Celestia said, smiling. “It was very impressive how even in the worst of times, groups still managed to stay together and fight. The mere act of rebellion against the Trickster for so long is an amazing act in itself, to stand against a tyrant so powerful with nothing but unyielding will and a determination to survive, even before we arrived. So, then, prince, what would you ask of us?” “We need the Elements of Harmony. They may be the only key to defeating the Trickster and perhaps solving our emerging problem.” Celestia and Luna gave each other looks of amusement, as the Elements of Harmony gave each other curious glances, unbeknownst to the humans. “The weapons that aided us in defeating the Trickster eons ago may be our only hope in doing so again.” “Is that so...?” Celestia mused. “What do you think, Twilight and company? As the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, I believe you should have some input on this matter.” Kandro’s eyes widened and all attention was upon the six mares. “I...” Twilight was taken aback by the sudden shift in the conversation. “I believe that we should help them. If this... Trickster, which both the Princesses seem to know of, is as bad as Prince Kandro has told me it is, then we have to stop him.” “I agree,” Applejack said. “If this Trickster guy is worse than Discord, then what’re we just standin’ around here for?” “Yeah, we should go over there and kick his butt!” Dash said, folding her arms as she floated in the air. Tehin gave a boisterous laugh. “Hah, I wish it were that easy...” “...which, evidently, it is clearly not,” Sehyia said. “Really now, ponies, do you realize the kind of trouble we’re talking about? Have any of you ever truly fought in a battle before?” “Well, there was that one time during the royal wedding...” Pinkie Pie said. “I used Twilight’s magic as a weapon and went all pew-pew-pew and bang-bang-bang, and we totally kicked so much flank that time! If it’s like that, it can’t be all bad, right?” “Hmm, well, let’s put it like this...” Reugas offered. “Have any of you ever killed something before? Preferably within the last six months, and definitely preferred that it was still breathing when you did.” “Uh... not really...” Dash said. “That’s a damn shame, then. The Trickster’s soldiers would not hesitate to tear you apart limb from limb,” Reugas said darkly. “Their mouths drip with black ichor, and their eyes are dead, soulless like the void from which they came. Their grotesque forms would leave even the most hardened whimpering like a child, and when they find you, they’ll open their gaping maws filled with dozens upon dozens of jagged teeth, and they’ll eat you alive—” “Reugas, I think they get the point,” Artim said. “As said, this isn’t anything like this Discord of which you speak. The Trickster has no qualms about ending lives... though I do believe it should be noted that he normally prefers to do so in the most brutal way possible. On top of that, according to the bestiaries that the Grand Library of Lherren has kept, the sorts of monsters that we are dealing with now is nothing even close to what our ancestors had to deal with.” “What?” Tehin asked. “You mean those beasts were nothing more than foot soldiers?” “Less than foot soldiers, Tehin. There are whole sections dedicated to this field of research at Lherren; if you should so choose, it would do all of you well to brush up on the enemy we fight against. But, yes, they are not foot soldiers... more like residual beings that come into existence as a result of the leaking energies from the Trickster.” “So you’re telling me that the whole of several years was spent fighting things that weren’t even part of the armies?” Reugas asked, disbelief evident in his voice. “Our soldiers already have enough trouble just dealing with those. May the First protect us should his actual armies ever walk on this earth.” “I’m guessing that things are probably... pretty bad, right?” Dash asked, flapping her wings nervously. “I mean... you guys look pretty tough, and I’m sure you all are, but is it really such a good idea for us to go with you if things are totally out of whack over there?” “It’s not as bad as it sounds, really,” Kandro said, shrugging. “The attacks are random, and highly erratic at best. What places that are attacked usually receive reinforcements quickly. The generals have made it quite clear that our garrisons and military are to be on high alert at all times.” “What’s stoppin’ the feller from just gettin’ up and takin’ over the whole world again?” Applejack asked. “He ain’t so tough if he’s stuck somewhere and can’t get out.” “The seal of banishment, cast by our First Emperor, name unknown and forever blessed be his soul,” Kandro replied. “As I explained earlier, that’s why he’s managed to manifest his powers now. With the release of Discord, an escaped aspect of himself, the seals have been weakened and he is now in danger of returning.” “So we have to seal him away again?” Twilight asked. “Exactly. In the best case, we could simply slay him, but we are nowhere near as powerful as he is. Sealing him away is our best bet, but with the loss of the First’s sealing focus and weapon, we cannot do it ourselves. The Elements are our last resort.” “Sounds like a pretty tall order,” Applejack said. “But we can’t just let all your lands just fall apart! We ain’t just goin’ to stand by and do nothin’!” “Do we even need to bring these ponies along?” Reugas wondered aloud. “Why not simply give us the artifacts so we can use them ourselves?” “That would be the problem,” Celestia said. “The Elements belong to the bearers, and at times, are kept within the Vault of the Elements located here within the castle. They are not, however, permitted to be handed off to others. They will simply return to either the Vault or their respective owners.” “So... why don’t you simply bear the Elements and come with us? Surely your sister can stand to run the country for a month or so until your return?” “I... that was a long time ago,” Celestia said. “The Elements have decided to change ownership since then, and I am no longer in command of the power it controls. That is why this is their decision, not mine. The most I can do is urge them as their princess, otherwise you must debate this amongst yourselves.” “What’s there to debate about?” Dash asked. “There’s clearly something weird going on over there, and we’re the only ones that can stop it! And as if I’m going to let a whole bunch of other people take the worst of it before it ends up here in Equestria!” A round of agreements were voiced by each of the mares, save for Fluttershy, who simply nodded. “So it is agreed, then,” Celestia said. “Now, I’m sure you all must be tired. I will grant your rooms here in the castle, and you will leave as soon as possible. Twilight and the others must make good on their time with their loved ones, as there is the chance that they may not return from this dangerous journey.” “And what about me?” Spike asked, sticking to his instinct and not getting involved in the grown-up conversation until now. “You will stay with us, Spike,” Luna said. “It will be good to have you back in the castle again. It’s not everyday that we can have both humans and a dragon as company, after all.” Spike beamed, glad to hear that at least he would be warmly welcomed during Twilight’s absence. Suddenly, the room was filled with the sound of Tehin loudly sniffing the air. “That smell. Very peculiar. Is someone cooking... meat?” “Your hunger is probably getting the best of you, Tehin,” Sehyia said. “Ponies don’t eat meat.” “No, that is indeed meat cooking,” Celestia said. “That would most likely be the staff of the griffon embassy attending to late night cravings.” “Kick my sides and gouge me blind...” Reugas said, a displeased frown appearing on his face. “Did you say... griffons?” “Damn, she works quick.” Reugas stood off against a line of a dozen royal guards, blocking the stairway leading up to the griffon embassy. Tehin had followed him, though whether or not to join in whatever he planned to do, or to stop him, the guards didn’t know. “These guards weren’t here a few minutes ago...” “And what sort of ideas did you have in mind for the griffons?” Tehin asked. “Oh, you know... the usual. Spout off some regular crap about their past, watch as they get all indignant about it... and perhaps stick a well-placed arrow in one of their eyes. Or all of them, really.” He folded his arms. “What’s it like for you ponies, knowing that you’re harboring traitors in your midst?” he shouted at the guards, only to chuckle when he received no response. “Come on, Reugas, we don’t need to start another war here...” “I say we do. We should have driven those griffons to the cliff’s edge and wiped them all out a long time ago,” Reugas hissed back. “My grandfather’s life was taken at the onset of the last war, and they burned his home to the ground. He lived north, relatively near Fort Sibhim, when they attacked. They didn’t even leave anything for us to bury. They can keep running all they want, but they’re going to have to answer eventually.” “I share your... complaints about the griffons, but now is not the time, nor the place.” Tehin motioned to the halls behind them. “Let us retire... lest the griffons notice their increase in security and come to inquire about it themselves.” “Let them. I will wait.” “Reugas... how about this? Let’s go find something to drink, and we can talk about all this business about your grandfather.” Tehin patted him on the back. “Forget this business. This is the home of the Paragon and the Protector. Do not sully their goodwill with petty fights. We will meet the griffons again on the field of battle someday.” The ranger barely stirred as the sound of crickets accentuated the silence. After several moments, Reugas sighed. “Fine. You win this time.” The guards let out a visible sigh when he finally turned around and ventured back down the halls without saying much else. Tehin was going on about finally being able to taste Equestrian liquor when they passed by the throne room, where the remainder of their group had been observing the standoff from a distance. Sehyia echoed the guards’ reaction by letting out her own sigh as Tehin’s masterful abilities at keeping Reugas’ temper at bay always seemed to work out in the end. “I take it that he doesn’t seem to like griffons...” Celestia said, recalling how Tehin could only stall Reugas’ tirades and advance towards the stairs outside. She herself had barely enough time to call her guards to action, though she assumed that they probably viewed Tehin as the threat given his size, rather than Reugas. “Not many of our people do,” Kandro said. “Many of us have had some vendetta with them at some point in the past. Almost all of them have to do with losing loved ones in the wars against them, both then and now. Even the crown and court have some, too, and especially the scholars at Lherren.” “Yes, I can agree on that. Many scholars, myself included,” Artim said, “are not particularly happy that they were the ones ordered by the Trickster to burn our archives during that era. That single act resulted in the loss of entire centuries of history and knowledge, never to be seen again.” “Does that mean, by being crossed sometime in the past, that all of you have problems with the griffons?” Luna asked. “Essentially, yes.” Artim looked around at the group still with them. “Tehin and Yhimit right here are probably the only ones who don’t seem to have much of a problem with them. But they echo our sentiments all the same.” “Then, what happened with you, Sehyia?” Rarity asked. “I’m an orphan. The griffons killed my parents,” she said solemnly. “I’d... rather not talk about it.” “It’d be wise to tell the griffons to stay in their residences until our departure, Princesses,” Kandro continued, looking around at the parapets around the domed towers outside. “Reugas may have cooled off for now, but later on, he’ll most likely wait and watch from a rooftop until one of them is dumb enough to walk outside and into range of his bow.” “Is he even willing to spend so much time just for a chance shot?” Luna tilted her head questioningly at him. “You underestimate the hatred of our people towards the griffons, Princess. And waiting is a very common habit for rangers, bred into them very early during training,” Artim said. “It’s to be expected. They have to wait for the perfect shot, especially when they’re out to hunt. Reugas is no novice at this. I have no doubt that he’ll hit his mark, should he find one.” Kandro observed the small forms of the griffons laughing with each other on their outdoor balcony. “Well, let us all be thankful that his vengeance has been stayed... for now. Until then, let us all retire to our rooms. Twilight, and company, I thank you for your help, and your continued help in aiding us to defeat the Trickster. I have no doubt that we have an arduous journey ahead of us, so see to all of your matters. We will leave tomorrow night.” Twilight nodded as her horn began to glow. “Thank you, Prince Kandro. Come on, girls, let’s get back to Ponyville. There’s a lot of things we have to attend to.” Dash gasped. “Huh? Oh, no! Twi, are you going to use that spell aga—” And then the Elements were gone. Artim merely gave a light laugh, shaking his head at Twilight’s natural fluidity with magic. “She’ll be the envy of many an arcanist once we return to the Empire. Still, though, I look forward to our new exchange of information when this incident has come to pass. Until then, I think it’s best for us all to retire!” “This way, sir.” A lone guard appeared at the doorway, giving a salute as he stood waiting to guide them to their quarters, as the moon stood clearly visible in the twinkling night sky behind him. Artim merely waved the group along, until Kandro felt a hoof tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Celestia conversing with one of her guards... and Luna standing in front of him. “Excuse me, Prince Kandro,” Luna asked. “I would like to speak to you in private.” “So this is Discord...?” Kandro said. The stone statue of the chaos deity stood silent, basking in the faded glow of moonlight as Kandro stood on the cobblestone path with Princess Luna. “Nowhere near as intimidating as the Trickster, even if the pictures are quite old.” “Discord was never really one for the sort of chaos that the Trickster is known for,” Luna agreed. “In fact, I’m sure Discord is aware of his origins. He simply chooses not to talk about it.” “How did this Discord end up here, anyway?” Kandro’s cloak flowed in the nighttime breeze, the stark crimson red a harsh contrast to the soothing red. His golden armor appeared more duller than usual, as he held his crested helmet at his side. “I never even knew of him until now.” “Discord appeared shortly after the defeat of the Trickster, and my sister and I were inconvenienced for a time shortly after our return from your empire. He had gained control here in Equestria and terrorized the population for more than a short while before we intervened and sealed him away for several thousand years.” “Using the Elements of Harmony?” “Indeed. In recent times, however, it seems that his antics have been mostly toned down. Most of the time, they are practical jokes or other silly things, nothing of the sort that brought such strife upon all our kind in the past. If his recent release is the catalyst to your problems, then it makes me wonder if he is indeed working with him.” “Despite the claims of some of my companions, I doubt it,” Kandro said. “The Trickster is not one to leave loose ends. Has Discord ever revealed any intentions to leave Equestria?” Luna shook her head, her flowing mane with its embedded stars catching Kandro’s eye for a moment. “No. In fact, his outbreak was contained within the town of Ponyville from whence you came. Twilight and her friends managed to stop him before he could spread his chaos any further.” “I see... you know, I think Discord hasn’t decided to leave Equestria for a reason. All of his releases, he’s never seen fit to go anywhere else. He only stays here, in Equestria, from what all your accounts have indicated to me.” “I... do not follow,” Luna said. “You mean that Discord chooses to stay here of his own accord?” “Yes. The Trickster, should his minions ever manage to find Discord, would most likely imprison him and bring him before their master... in which case, if what you say of him being a splinter facet of the Trickster himself is true, he would be forcefully re-assimilated back into the chaotic whole.” “And you believe he is scared of that—of being found by the Trickster?” Luna finished. “Absolutely.” Kandro folded his arms behind his back. “We’re all scared of him somewhat, aren’t we?” he confidently said to the statue, frozen in a state of shock. “Our soldiers can barely stave off the dredges of creatures that arrive from the Trickster’s realm. How the First managed to hold off entire legions of bloodthirsty abominations with only a thousand soldiers is the stuff of legends; one that I fear that we will not be able to live up to, should this spiral out of control.” Luna felt her wings flare, the apprehension in her stomach rising. “Then it may be soon before my sister and I will have to don our armor again... and go to war against the Trickster with our armies, alongside yours.” “And the griffons, too?” Kandro laughed. “Would they march with us? Or will they side with the Trickster yet again?” “For that... hmm...” Luna pondered. “Only time will tell. They have proven that they have changed since then, and have established good relations with Equestria.” “They’ve yet to prove themselves to us. In any case, let us move along. I think I’ve seen enough of this statue for now...” Kandro said. They followed the stone path, walking through the royal gardens in silence as they passed by the hedge maze where Twilight and her friends had first confronted Discord. “So, tell me, Kandro... how is the Empire? Have my teachings adhered?” Luna asked quietly. “Have they, Your Majesty? More than you would ever dare to imagine. You should visit sometime. I am sure that our people would gladly welcome you with open arms and hearts. ‘Treat each other well, for in times of darkness, kindness prevails’,” he recited. “And another... ‘stand loyal to your friends, family, and kinsmen, for only together can a nation truly thrive’.” “I recall writing those. The tenets of kindness and loyalty,” Luna said amusedly. “Although with nowhere near such modern vernacular.” “Times change. So does the speech,” Kandro admitted. “Nonetheless, they are teachings that we hold dear. Every boy and girl raised in the Empire learns of this early on... and they all learn of you, and your sister. The historians have shaped it rather cleverly, though; we all learn to revere your deeds, but not you, personally. My father always told me that in the case where you do turn on us, we do not end up straying from the tenets out of disgust for what you may possibly become.” “So you planned for such things, as well?” Luna asked. “You are not entirely wrong on that assumption... we are not entirely infallible.” Kandro stopped walking and looked at Luna with concern. “What are you talking about? Did something happen?” “It only happened a thousand years ago, and at the time, your Empire was still just a fledgling sovereignty...” Luna whispered, her voice barely louder than the breeze that flowed between them. “I... grew jealous of my sister’s popularity among our subjects. None wanted to speak to me, and all their love and devotion was held for her instead...” “Ah... I see where this is going...” Kandro said. “The dispute grew out of control, didn’t it?” “You are correct. I felt rage and hatred overtake me, and it blinded me from seeing reason. My sister tried to talk to me, but I rejected her. Day in and day out, I fumed and conspired on what I would do, and then came that fateful day... I started a civil war months afterwards, a war with my sister, not as Princess Luna, or your beloved Protector of the Night... I was Nightmare Moon. And I wanted the throne for myself.” “So there was a civil war, then... I have to admit, this is a completely new revelation, even for us. Artim is going to want to know about all the details.” He smiled. “Perhaps too much for his own good.” “You... don’t think any less of me for it, do you? I spent the last thousand years banished on the moon because of what I’d done. Ponies feared me when I first returned, the memories of my attempted reign of terror still fresh in their minds.” “Why should I? Why should any of us?” Kandro confusedly responded. “My people would empathize with your plight. Our culture has... well, it is highly favorable if a ruler is seen to have more in common with his subjects than if he did not. It is a grounded bond between our social hierarchies that reminds us all that we are not perfect. Why hold others to impossible standards?” “It seems that is where our cultures’ train of thought differs, then.” Luna could easily recall the morning she saw the tabloid sitting next to her morning meal: Princess Celestia: One of Us? There had been many speculations from Celestia’s detractors all frothing at the mouths at how she hadn’t been living up to her role, as usual. That there was still a place where she could not only act normal, but that it was expected from royalty such as herself seemed like a very appealing place indeed. “So it is. I noticed that the throne room was designed more in the fashion of a formal court to hold audience in. My father’s throne room is built very much the same way, though I personally didn’t like spending much time there. Too boring.” Kandro grew quiet afterwards, looking far into the distance through a break in the foliage, in the direction of Ponyville’s lush valley and the mountains beyond. “Thinking of home?” Luna asked. “Yes. Though not wistfully.” They continued walking until they happened upon a small clearing, in which sat a fountain in the center, gloriously illuminated by the reflecting moonlight off the water. “Never really imagined myself being... well, here,” he said, sitting down at the fountain’s edge. “What is your home like now?” Luna asked, taking up a seat next to him. “I remember lots of places... hmm... does that little town by the Obsidian Spire still exist? I liked their liquor, very sweet and fiery and had quite the kick.” “Kradrin? Of course. Turned into one of the few towns that could survive away from the Roaring River, and stands as home of the rangers, due to its proximity to the savannahs, and defensible location hidden away in the canyons. Their liquor’s still there, too... I believe it may be the reason why Reugas likes drinking so much.” “Away from the river? I definitely recall the signs of devastation everywhere... has the land not changed much since then?” Luna asked, taking care to avoid dipping her mane and tail into the water behind her. “Not at all, or at least not by much. We explained it a bit to Twilight, but... our lands are without magic. It cannot sustain itself for long, so we are mostly water-dependent, or for those that aren’t, dependent on the other towns and cities for survival. I’ve been researching a multitude of ways to revive the lands, but it’s slowly bleeding out. Within the next few centuries, we may have to find somewhere else to live if the land’s magic becomes depleted and unsustainable.” Luna held a hoof to her mouth. “That’s terrible! Your solutions have all failed?” “The Trickster Conflict’s scars run deep and wide. Even the most possible solutions, like artificial infusion, are doomed to fail if we cannot stop the bleeding effect from the land. Though it seems at this point, given the Trickster’s return, that the cause of our problems has seemingly found us first...” He unsheathed his heirloom weapon, and held it into the air, blocking the moonlight from reaching his eyes. “My father said this was a weapon handed down from emperor to emperor. It was supposedly created from the remnants of the First’s own sword following the Battle of Fortress Tyehl.” “I remember that battle,” Luna said, nodding. “By then, the chaotic armies had almost swallowed the entire land whole. My sister and I, along with our army, attempted to fight our way through them in order to reinforce him. Even then, it was hugely left to chance had we not found wounded soldiers left behind who could relay his location to us.” “The end of the battle must have been spectacular. To have actually been there must be a different thing entirely. I’m sure the scholars would love to have a perspective from your eyes.” “Oh, it certainly was.” Luna closed her eyes, the distant recollection of that dark day playing out in her mind. “The skies were blood-red that day, and any amount of space that wasn’t occupied by our army was occupied by the Trickster’s. From our positions advancing towards Fortress Tyehl, we could see that it was already lit ablaze, monsters smashing against the walls...” “Certainly great and terrible creatures, if the damage on the abandoned walls today indicate anything,” Kandro said, sheathing his blade and quieting himself to listen to Luna’s tale. “Just as things seemed to be lost, and the demonic fliers began to descend upon the fortress,” Luna continued, “the world seemingly... exploded. Such a huge concentration of magic came from Tyehl and engulfed everything in and around the fort, stretching as far as the eye could see. When it was over, nothing remained save for the scorched remains of the chaotic armies... and us.” “And the First?” Luna shook her head. “Dead. As were all of the men who were with him, soldiers and scholars all. Their sacrifice saved many, but came at the cost of their own lives. We knew that the Trickster was defeated when the skies began to part, and the first signs of sunlight broke through, the first many of us had seen in years.” “Were you not there for his burial?” Kandro asked. “Surely, you and your sister, of all witnesses, know where he might have been put to rest.” “I am sorry, Kandro. But we left his burial to your people, and involved ourselves no further than that, and attended the funeral at a distance. The most striking thing that could be noted, of all the minute details I can remember... there were many hooded men who led his procession, wearing blue and silver...” “The Founders of Lherren,” Kandro confirmed. “No other arcanist in this day and age could come close to the sorts of power they wielded. As far as I know, thanks to the thinning of powerful magic users, the organization has died out, but the Grand Library stands as their legacy. They must have enchanted the tomb with powerful magic.” “Yes. If anyone holds knowledge on where to find the location of the First’s tomb, they would know. Perhaps they have left clues or hints, signs to where it may be hidden. They surely must have known that the Trickster would return someday.” Kandro rubbed the back of his head, now irritated at the grating feeling of wearing armor for so long as it lay heavy on his body. “Perhaps. But they’ve done well in hiding it. I’ll have to inquire about it later. For now, I believe we should—” He was cut off as a bloodcurdling scream came from the castle. “Damn!” he said, as they both stood to run. “I sincerely hope that isn’t Reugas that’s causing this ruckus!” The sound of hooves clopping and boots thumping against pavement echoed through the gardens as they made haste back to the castle, windows glowing in the distance; the forms of guards running and soon the white plumage of Princess Celestia’s wings could be seen in the distance, all charging towards the sound.