//------------------------------//
// Chapter 53 
// Story: The Bridge Between Worlds 
// by Artemis Orion 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 53



"Too slow."

"I'm not used to it."

"Give it time."

With the Knight's consent, I loosened my grip around the chain mace, letting it clunk boorishly onto a spear, on top of a halberd, on top of a heap of other deadly devices that I barely remembered then names of. It was an accumulation of what I had covered over a week. The only weapon I knew that wasn't it that stack was a sword, which was ultimately the point of the exercise.

"You know, a sword is just fine..." I tried one more time.

"True, for now." Rook retrieved his helmet which sat by the side the entire time. The fact that he didn't even wear it when he sparred felt like a small insult to me, "But you lack versatility. You are far too rigid with your method, and might one day even be your downfall."

He continued to what I knew was a ramble I heard before, "Take me, for instance; I differ from most guards as I use no weapon. I fight without one because the knowledge I have gained with each kind has made me acknowledge the weakness of each one, and I use it to my advantage. The same goes for my armour; see how I've specifically covered..."

I groaned, but not loud enough for the guards beyond the barrack wall to notice.

"Give it time." His smile was as reassuring as his voice. Rook may have been a knight, but he was a patient and understanding one, which was so unlike his friend and equal.

I plopped myself against a the side of one of the inner courts in the barracks, separating us from the main courtyard. Here, nopony could observe or distract the two of us, or me in particular. Fumbling with my leather gloves, it hit me how much time had passed since we arrived here.

"It's been just over two weeks." I sighed, chucking Ingot's gift into the small knapsack I wandered Canterlot with.

"Pardon?"

"It's been two weeks since me and the Mane Six first arrived since the assault on Cloudsdale."

His expression remained confounded, "The Mane... who?"

"Sorry. Human Term. Twilight and her friends I mean."

"Such strange terms you humans have." He replied, shaking his head. "But what you say is true, and it has been peaceful all this time."

He was right. The weather factory had just recently began full functionality once more, Cloudsdale and its residents have begin the easy task of rebuilding a city of clouds, and report after report brought better news of the pegasi's recovery. The only thing left unanswered was this sudden impulsive move by the Griffons. This silence from Equestria's supposed allies left us scratching our heads over this peculiar assault. Some were even beginning to convince themselves that it wasn't even the Griffons who had attacked Cloudsdale in the first place. From the past few days, I could tell the Princesses wanted to believe that too, but something in their godly powers prevented them from becoming content with that answer.

"Sir Rook?"

"Yes, human?" He strode from the water trough at the other end of the court.

"Can I ask you something?"

"As long as it is a question that violates none of my oaths of vows, of course." His posture was constantly straight, even as he stood opposite me in the mild sun.

"Do you know anything about the Winged War?"

"Nothing outside of a history book, I'm afraid." He chuckled lightly at my question. "No, nopony I ever knew has. The events of a few hundred years in the past tend to fade with its generation."

"Not until recently." I added cockily, "Do you think that maybe it's getting a little too quiet?"

"The past few days have been those of recovery." He went on, "With luck, all pegasi will have recovered by the new moon. However, we do have reason to remain alert. It would just be another regular day in Equestria if someplace or other gets destroyed, believe me!"

Having watched each of the show's episodes twice, I could vouch my life on this statement. I nodded in agreement, but something was still nagging at my mind.

"Why? What bothers you so?" The knight asked with an authoritative assurance.

"I don't know, Sir, I really want to stop worrying about everything." I rocked forward, restlessly twiddling with my fingers, "But this doesn't deny the fact that somebody out there has permanently hurt quite a few pegasi. Not to mention how Ambassador Areopagus has yet to come back from Avia."

The knight said nothing. What I said was true. The Ambassador, who actually promised on his return on a date a week earlier, had yet to come home.

"So, before I go back to any sort of relaxing, I want to know who caused all this." I hauled myself up, grabbing the rest of my belongings.

"You?" Rook asked skeptically. Perhaps he had reason to be?

I shrugged, unconcerned, "Not alone of course."

"But at all? I mean..."

"Sir Rook!"

I was almost relieved to have somepony interrupt before we could begin to argue. I already had one knight against me, I didn't need to have another. Both our heads turned to find a white stallion in standard diurnal armour, galloping as fast as his royal training granted him. However, as he came up to meet us, he pulled off his helmet to reveal a brown mane drenched in sweat.

"Sir... a importah... request..." He wheezed, barely getting his words across.

"Respite, soldier, respite! Or no words shall be understood!" Rook held back the greetings. In this pony's exhausted yet urgent state, there was no time for formalities.

It did not take long for a fully trained guard to catch is breath. Within a few seconds, he composed himself, "The Princesses have received another report."

"That's nothing new. We've been receiving those for days now." I came up to the knight's side, wanting to hear more.

"This one seems to be of grave importance." The soldier insisted, "Their majesties have requested your presence. This instant."

His emphasis on the moment was something new. I assumed that the Ambassador had finally returned.

"Of course. I shall go at once. Rest for now, you've earned it." He dismissed the guard with more gratitude than necessarily given by higher ranks. He hastily unfurled his spotless white wings, ready to rocket off to the palace.

"Wait..." I caused him to falter, "... did that mean both of us? Or just you?"

This baffled the knight for a moment. The context in which the soldier used 'your' could have meant either one. On one hand, I was brought to Canterlot because they had requested for all of us in the first place. But on the other hand, I was of near no actual importance to the Princesses besides aiding in recovery. Perhaps I was even getting in their way?

"Well, we shall see." I was taken by surprise when the knight dug his head into my gut. By effortlessly raising his snout, he tossed me onto his back like a light saddlebag. Facing his rear with the breath knocked out of me yet again, he took to the air making for the palace.







We slid to a halt outside the humungous center's towering doors within minutes. The blurry backward ride had me stumbling to the door. However, Rook was completely unfazed. He almost threw me off when we reached the doors.

"Next time, warn me before you dart off like that." I joked, trying to find balance on a moving floor.

"Next time, if you ever get the privilege of riding a Canterlot Knight again." He wasn't joking.

The guards magically swung the doors open while I straightened myself up for the princesses. Had I known that I was going to meet the Princesses, I would have made myself more presentable than a pair a bermudas and a loose fitting sports shirt.

"Your Highnesses." Rook greeted, head touching the floor.

"Quick. Sit. We have important... matters to discuss." Princess Celestia was almost commanding.

I noticed that not everypony from the previous meeting was present. The only ponies present in the wide room were the Princesses, Shining Armour and, to my discontent, Steelheart by his side. Strangely, only Twilight was there, and it looked like she had also just arrived. Her face lit up when I waved to her. I was happy to see her, but somewhat guilty, because I hadn't taken the time to actually help them in days. Everypony just stood in the center of the room, hushedly discussing the business at hand.

The room fell silent when we arrived. However, I realized a few uncomfortable eyes had shifted on me, besides Steelhearl, who seemed to sustain a sneer in my direction. It was as if I was not expected, but they continued anyway.

"Shining Armour, please go on." Princess Celestia prompted.

"As I was saying," Shining shared a glance with Steelheart, confirming his report, "It appears that we haven't seen the last of our attackers. Steelheart just reported that the weather factory, on the verge of full repair, was assaulted once more."

"You mean Skyscape City was attacked?!" Rook exclaimed. It seemed that she was frustrated by how they had been informed too late.

"No, your Highness. From what we've gathered, the assault was very specific. The same kind of assault was aimed at only the weather factory. Besides s few stray projectiles, Skycape City remained unharmed."

Before anypony could show any sign of relief, Shining went on, "But, we've learned of something else. A squad... no more than a group of four griffons, were seen fleeing in the fray... and they were fully armed."

We all fell silent, taking in this news. It was disconcerting and disheartening, just when everything was improving. But now, some things have become certain.

"At least now, we know for sure that this was no accident." Shining Armour persisted, "The Griffons are specifically crippling one of Equestria's essential resources."

"Not to mention, Ambassador Areopagus has yet to come home." Steelheart added, "Nopony would take so long to travel to Avia and back. No pegasus, especially not Areopagus, would pass the deadline of return."

"But what could have happened to him?" In concern, Princess Cadence asked an unanswerable question. The silence that followed did provide an answer, though.

"We... can only assume the worst." Shining Armour pulled off his helmet in remorse.

"Nonetheless, we must take action." Steelheart stepped forward, "Your Highnesses, please. The more time wasted is more water used."

"He's right." Princess Cadence cut in, "With the weather factory down for possibly more time to come, all of Equestria will be on borderline drought! What Canterlot can produce will barely keep Equestria running, and the Pegasi still need to rebuild Cloudsdale."

Princess Celestia's distorted expression showed how much stress she was under. Of course, this wouldn't be the first time the Goddess of the Sun had to resolve a kingdom-threatening situation, but none like this. Although this was not a long lost enemy or a parasitic race, it was an act of betrayal from a friend.

"Sister," Princess Luna was also worn by recent events, but she was more flustered than angered. "What happened while I was gone? Matters were more peaceful then. What changed all this?"

"The Griffons have been our friends and allies for years." Celestia spoke in a grave tone. "We've been at peace since our mutual resolve from the Winged War. Together, we advanced as a mixed and united society.  But now..." She trailed off, like the Princess herself did not want to admit it.

"This is an act of war." Her burdened voice gave way to one of firm command and order, "And Equestria will respond."

An unnatural chill came with the change of the Princesses behaviour. The attendants of the meeting gave mixed responses. Princess Cadence sought comfort in Shining Armour, who stared blankly at the ground. Steelheart hummed an approval while Rook nodded in reluctant loyalty. Princess Luna appeared to disagree with her older sister's decision, but she kept it to herself. As for me, I felt a mix of sadness, fear and anticipation. I knew it was best to try to avoid war altogether, but disagreeing with a Goddess wasn't really an applicable option.

"WAIT!"

Everypony turned to the young purple mare, who was trying get her voice heard in the discussion. Twilight and I had been ignored for most of the time. I turned to the lavender unicorn, knowing what she was going to do. There was something easing about the confident sparkle in her big dark violet eyes. She was an Element of Harmony, after all.

"We don't have to resort to this!" Twilight Sparkle asserted, "Equestria has remained peaceful for centuries with its neighbouring continents. It just wouldn't be right to break that streak."

"T-Twilight's right!" Princess Cadence perked up, receiving the spark that gave her the courage to oppose her Aunt's choice. "Ponies have kept their place as a peace-loving and harmonious race. If you make this decision, Aunt Celestia, we would be breaking our own creed!"

I  heard a clank of metal as Steelheart was about to dispute her point, but Rook swiftly put a hoof over his overzealous friend's mouth. It was almost comical, but Equestria's state was hanging in the balance.

"Big Sister, your pupil is right." One by one, each attendant began to speak up, "War is something we ponies should avoid. We have enough enemies as it is." Princess Luna placed a hoof on her higher ruler in empathy.

Princess Celestia shut her eyes in stress, frowning as she thought over her decision. Possibly, she may have thought that her decision was too harsh or immediate. Personally, I knew that there was a more tactful way to go about the problem. Having seen the countless episodes in the series, they would get involved one way or another. Twilight knew it too. I turned to her in question. I saw in the assuring face of that mare that her decision wasn't going to please everypony, but it would avoid the potential loss of many.

"What choice do we have?" The celestial alicorn asked in exasperation, "We cannot allow these attacks to continue. But if they failed to respond to any of our offerings of peace, what else can we assume?"

I nodded at the Princesses, sitting in a semi-circle as they persuaded Celestia. Shining Armour crossed the group to his sister, he frowned at Twilight, who attempted to avoid his gaze the entire time.

"Twiley, I know what you're thinking." He looked down at his younger sibling in dissaproval, "You can't keep doing this, Twiley-"

"Saving Equestria? Or putting everything at risk to do it?" Twilight retorted, "And besides, right now do you see any other option besides a war?"

"Actually, things have been pretty dull lately..."

"Shiny!"

"Okay! But... but...!" Shining Armour grimaced as he failed to find another reason. What reason did he have? Celestia's favourite pupil has saved entire empires and thousand year old enemies. What's to stop her and her friends now? "Keith! Talk some sense into her, stop her or... say something!"

I was genuinely all for the idea. I had no doubts about the Mane Six's abilities together, and I was personally craving for an adventure. In response to the knight's pleas, I kneeled down and faced Twilight, who bore a small brave smile.

"Do you really want to tell Princess Celestia?" I asked softly, patting her shoulder, "Or should I do it?"

Shining Armour groaned as he facehoofed himself. "Everypony-... everyone is crazy."

"Let's tell her." she grinned.

Twilight Sparkle walked up to her teacher, keeping the warm smile on her face. All three Princesses turned their attention to the unicorn.

"Princess Celestia..." she began, "I volunteer to journey to Avia."

This choice startled all but Princess Celestia herself, as if she was expecting her student's suggestion, or that her majesty herself had seen it as a last resort.

"In fact, I believe that with Elements of Harmony, we can do better than-!"

"No." That one-word answer gave the greatest impact.

"But-"

"Twilight, it's too dangerous."

This time, it was my turn to reason, "Dangerous? I know for a fact that Twilight has saved Ponyville countless times, played ball with the guardian of the gate to Tartarus, uncovered the plan of a Changeling Queen, escaped a Hydra twice, and with her friends, defeated the Spirit of Chaos and prevented the damnation of the entire kingdom, let alone a Crystal Empire. I mean no offense, Princess Celestia, but I think Twilight is more than capable of holding her own."

Twilight had never blushed a darker shade of beetroot. I had possibly belittled the Canterlot Guard by listing her achievements, and knowing how Twilight was never actually one to boast, I just totally embarrassed her. It was too late to take it back now, and from the looks I received, I could bet that half of the people in the room now believed I stalked Twilight and her friends.

Whoops.

"This time, it's different..." Princess Celestia turned to her prized pupil, "There is no lesson of friendship to be learnt here, my student. You don't have to-"

"Sister," Luna lightly nudged her elder, "It's alright. She's proven herself countless times before."

"And I know you'd do anything to keep her safe," Cadence added, "But if anypony could fix a mess like this, I'd think it'd be Twilight and her friends."

Twilight walked up to her teacher, staring right into her omniscient eyes, "It's either the six of us or hundreds of lives, Princess."

At the side, Rook had managed to reason with his fellow knight. They nodded in silence and showed no disagreement.

The Princess looked down at her hooves, she was more burdened than ever. From having to control the sun to keep it at a minimal level to seeing to the pegasi's recovery. And now, her favourite student, the one she had taught from when she was just a filly, was requesting a challenge when none was given to her. It was heartwarming to see the Princess trying to fight for Twilight to stay. But for the sake of Equestria, none came.

The Princess sagged her shoulders for one second as a relinquished sigh escaped her lips. In the next, she returned to her position of authority.

"There isn't much time." She looked up at everyone with new conviction. "But I will not allow her and her friends to go alone. She will require an escort."

Shining Armour kept a leg around around his wife, knowing what was to come, "I want to go, Twiley. I really do. But I'm not just a soldier anymore. I have bigger responsibilities now."

"What would happen if they actually attacked the Crystal Empire?" Cadence put an image into our minds. An image of solid rock crashing through a land of less hard rocks. With that kind of firepower, the Crystal Empire seemed pretty fragile for the moment.

"As would I," Rook snapped into position as he spoke, "but I have a duty to maintain this kingdom's borders."

"Then I'll do it."

My heart sank to see that of all ponies, Steelheart was the one that would escort us. He kneeled by the hooves of the Princesses as he volunteered himself. "Sir Shining Armour, I swear to you that my life will be taken before anyone should get to your dear sister's."

"I know I can trust you, Steelheart."

"And I'm coming to." I spoke up, "The Mane S-... Twilight and her friends were there for me when I needed them last time. I'm thinking I should return that favour."

The words that were passed in the next few moments were those that I did not expect. It began with an uncomfortable silence as everypony in the room turned to Equestria's only human. Most of their expressions were blank, but I could tell that Steelheart was holding back a laugh behind that masked face. Luna shook her head knowingly, but I was left confused.

"I-I'm sorry, Keith." Shining Armour walked up to me, staring me right in the eyes, "But we can't let you do that."

His words were the first slash of cutting words.

"B...But why?" My confusion slowly turned to chagrin.

"Under Equestrian law," Steelheart explained enthusiastically, "it is illegal for citizens to participate in military action without proper experience, skills or training." He was barely holding back a smile when he went on, "And right now, that is exactly what you are."

I sputtered, searching for words as I let the statement sink in. I heard Twilight interject, but was silenced by her teacher.

I knew there was something to that weird oath!

"Your majesty, please!" I was close to begging, clasping my hands together in an attempt to appeal. "They are my friends! There must be some exception?"

"Keith, I'm really sorry." The Princess' voice grew stern once more. Only now, it was directed at me. "But I believe it would be best for the group."

Forget cutting words. This was a bullet to the stomach.

My jaw hung open in disbelief from those words. This was both an insult and a restriction, and it hit me hard.

"W-What does that mean? You called for us, didn't you?" I pointed at myself and Rook, who looked like he wanted to stay out of the conversation.

"Actually, we only called for Rook." Steelheart wasn't making the situation any better, "It is by pure coincidence that you were there as well."

"I...I..." I was at a loss for words. Until now, I did not realize that they thought I would not be able to help. I thought, given all that I had been through before, I would have gained some sort of reputation. This was bullcrap and I knew it.

"My word is final." Princess Celestia concluded firmly, avoiding eye contact with the one she informally dismissed.

"Sir Rook?" Princess Luna called.

"Yes, my liege?"

"Please, escort Keith outside." She sounded apologetic, but it was too late now.

I was frustrated, seeing it was futile to try to reason with the Princesses. Here, the Mane Six were just about to go on an adventure, and I was being kept out of it on purpose. It felt like borderline betrayal. It felt like a long walk to the door of the royal conference room. I turned around one more time to find Twilight, frowning as she mouthed the word 'sorry'. But I knew she had no reason to be. I was the intrusion here, and that was my fault. However, what I couldn't stand was what I was worth in their eyes, or lack thereof.

And it was all I could do to contain my emotions until the door slammed and locked behind me.