Isabella shook her head and blinked hard a few times. Everything was purest white and nothing seemed to have shape at the moment. She blinked several more times, before things started to come back into focus. It came to her attention that she was laying down, in a bed of extreme softness and warm. Had she passed out? What had happened after the flash of light.
She pushed herself up and took a look around. She was in a medium sized room, but it was strange. Edges seemed blurred and corners softer, like everything was only partially there. She looked down at herself, but she stood out perfectly. All of her form was the same as usual. The effect of her standing out against the fuzzy outlines of the room made things swim and spin around her.
She shut her eyes and took a few deep breathes before opening her eyes again. She jumped to find an incredibly tall, pure white Alicorn with a flowing rainbow mane and tail standing by her bedside. The Alicorn was looking down at her, not with an expression of anger or judgement, but more one of curiosity.
"I take it you're Isabella?"
Her voice seemed motherly, understanding, sweet. Something similar to how Granny Smith had sounded when speaking to Applebloom, just younger.
Isabella nodded slowly. It took her a moment to realize that this Alicorn wasn't blurred like the rest of the room. Her outline was sharp, just like her own.
"Twilight and Big Macintosh have told me a lot about you. Your sister as well."
"Where are they? What is this place? How did you..?"
The Alicorn cut her off by raising a hoof, smiling gently.
"I'll explain everything. Just come with me. I'd rather address you all at once. repeating old news has never been a favorite pass time of mine."
She waited for Isabella to pick herself up and get out of bed before she moved to the door way. Isabella followed her through a few empty hall ways, all of which had the same fuzzy look as the room had had. It was a few minutes before they appeared into a seemingly giant room. Isabella let out a sigh of relief. Big Macintosh was sitting among the others, each of which was talking quietly to one another. Not that is made much difference. Isabella had noticed the sound here was a little muffled, like when you stand outside and it's snowing.
Big Macintosh looked up and smiled, drawing everyone's attention to her and the Alicorn.
"Morning sleepin' beauty." Called Applejack.
Isabella took her place next to Big Macintosh, who leaned against her gently as the others babbled loudly to each other, discussing the events of the last few days. This continued for a short period until the Alicorn cleared her throat, causing the others to fall silent.
"It's good to see you all safe and well rested. For those few of you who don't know who I am, I am Princess Celestia. Princess Luna would be here but she is busy at the moment. This place, as each of you have asked, is an in between world. A place between life and death. A "safe haven" if you will. Twilight, I've show you this place before."
Everyone glanced at her at this before Celestia continued.
"I've spoken with Twilight, and I already know what's been happening in Canterlot. It pains my heart, and once Luna and myself are finished, we shall return and restore order. Now, as for the current situation," she turned to look at Isabella and Tentra, who had joined her sister whilst Celestia spoke, "You two seem to have stirred things up a little. I know of your past exploits Isabella. You were misguided, but I see you have changed for the better. I can only hope that continues, as well as the changes your sister has undergone."
She smiled as she finished, looking around at all of them. There was silence as the others glanced around at each other.
Rainbow Dash finally broke that silence.
"Sooooo.... what are we supposed to do here?"
Celestia looked at her, still smiling. "I was hoping you could help me and Luna in our work to finish repairing our world's fabric. The Elements of Harmony will greatly help us in our work."
"What about us?" asked Tentra, gesturing as herself, Isabella, Spike and Big Macintosh.
Celestia turned to them again. "I would suggest to Isabella and Spike that they communicate with her men that are still in Canterlot, and get them ready. Sir Roderick has allied himself with Chrysalis, and though her goal is to kill Isabella at the moment, I'm sure she'll be looking to occupy Canterlot. Her forces will be ready for combat, and we will need to be as well. Big Macintosh, Tentra. You should stay with her. You are the ones closest to her and she'll need you before this is all over."
The three of them exchanged ominous glances, but said nothing. Celestia chuckled a little as her horn let off a golden magic glow, bringing a scroll of parchment forth from seemingly nowhere. Isabella caught it and unraveled it as Celestia spoke.
"This map will guide you around this realm. I'd suggest staying in this building for the time being though."
Isabella, Big Macintosh and Tentra all looked down at the map. It was a huge area, covered in small writings and notes. Up in the top right corner, a strange white light flashed. Tentra reached out and touched it.
All three of them jumped as the small light flashed extra bright, causing Isabella to nearly drop the scroll. That was when they all noticed that the map had changed. Upon closer inspection, it had actually zoomed in on the position of the flashing light. Isabella looked up at Celestia, who simply smiled and nodded, then turned and began to lead the others away.
Big Macintosh watched them walk away, and when they disappeared around a corner he spoke up.
"What in the name of blue blazes was that?"
"Well, if you look here," Isabella traced a circle around the light that continued to flash gently, "the room the light is in is shaped the same as this room," she gestured around them, "so my guess would be that the flashing light would be the location of the scroll, so in other words, where we are."
Tentra blinked. "That's some interesting magic. I've never seen someone do that before."
"Lets be honest, Tentra. You never did get out much."
Isabella and Tentra looked at each other for a second then burst out laughing. After a moment or two they both regained their posture and took a look at the scroll. Big Macintosh let out a small noise of discomfort as Spike clambered up onto his back and then to the top of his head so he could look down on the map as well.
"So we seem to be in the main chamber, or great hall if you're feeling dramatic. The Princess and the others went off in this direction. If I recall, I woke in a room over.... here." she jabbed a small room down a corridor from the main chamber, "So that looks like the rooms, in that area. But from here, we could find a way out to the grounds, that way." she gestured behind her without looking away from the map, "There's also a huge library or study off in this direction. Most of the rest of this place seems to be just facility. I think we can assume from the map that Celestia might have actually considered bringing people here if things got too out of hand in the real world. Like a temporary home kind of thing."
When she looked up, all three of the others were looking at her in surprise.
"What?"
"You got all that from just a map?" mumbled Big Macintosh, his eye wide.
Isabella rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. "You guys seem to forget I used to be a master thief that commanded a small army of lower thieves. Strategy and tactics were something I learned on my ascension to that position. So don't be so surprise at all the little things, alright?"
Tentra made a face that clearly said "True", before she looked at the others.
"So what should we do?"
"I'd say we should go to the study. It would seem to be the best place to give written orders from in the stronghold. There will be plenty of paper, quills, and ink there. I take it, Spike, that you're somewhat gifted with a quill?"
Spike nodded. Isabella returned the gesture and gestured they all follow her, the map floating in front of her as she guided them towards the Library.
Hawkeye had taken up office in Isabella's old quarters. The door was always open now and a good thing too. It would have been knocked off it's hinges by now with how often ponies came dashing in with updates and news of the guard's movements. Hawkeye didn't like this job. Being in charge of a good one hundred and fifty men (and women) was wearing and he hadn't slept for nearly forty eight hours. No wonder the boss had run the place so tight when she had been here.
Things had actually gone unexpectedly well. Most of the current guards had replaced the old city guards and the new ones, well... you could say they were a few apples short of a bunch. This made rallying the troops that hadn't left Canterlot much easier.
There was a knock on the door. Hawkeye turned in bewilderment. The door was open, why knock?
He understood when he saw who was there.
Derpy's shock of pale blonde mane stood out incredibly among all the others that had taken up residence in the mansion, making it that much easier to find her.
"Dinner is ready. I took the liberty of bringing you some. I know you're really busy."
Hawkeye cringed. Last time she'd done this, she'd dropped the tray and it was a miracle they got the stains out of the rug. Wouldn't want Isabella any cause to snap his neck when she returned.
"Uh, I'm f.... oh."
Derpy had brought it in on a trolly this time, rather than a tray. She gave a nervous sort of smile.
"I know I made an awful mess last time, so I thought about it, and I found this in the kitchens. Looked like it hadn't been used in years, but it moves just fine and only needed some dusting."
Hawkeye let out an exasperated yet relived sigh. She was clumsier than most of the new guards patrolling the city, but her cooking was superb. The nearly bottomed out moral of the men had been raised substantially after a few of her meals.
"I..Derpy, thanks. You're a life saver. I'll have someone bring the trolly back down to the kitchens when I done."
She beamed, cross eyed at him, then turned, ran smack into the door frame, and made it out of the room on her second try. Hawkeye found himself half smiling to himself, before sitting down to eat. As usual, when he took the dome lid from over his food, a plume of steam and smell lifted into the room. Steamed carrots, fresh celery, a thick, sweet smelling stew of sorts, a fresh bread, which looked like it had come out of the oven only minutes ago, and as always, a large blueberry Muffin. Occasionally Derpy made a jello, or some foreign looking desert, but most nights it was a muffin. Hawkeye chuckled and rolled his eyes as he began eating.
As Hawkeye finished his meal he stretched and blinked quickly, fighting the sleep from his eyes. He needed some sleep and then to go out and actually do something. He'd get fat sitting behind this desk and Hawkeye wasn't going to let that happen.
These thoughts running through his head, Hawkeye sat forward and was just about to start writing out a new recon schedule when Nextis, a dull crimson Unicorn with dark brown mane and tail, trotted into the room.
"Sir, almost all entrances to the building have been sealed. The secret ways in and out are still hidden and the guards are still docile. The men are all fed and all scouts are on time."
Nextis had an incredibly deep voice that almost seemed to the shake the room, even though he was speaking slowly and quietly. He was also one of the most loyal men. Not only to Isabella, but to Hawkeye himself. They had been best friends since they'd met on the streets as colts. Hawkeye nodded.
"Brilliant. Nextis. Could I ask a favor of you?"
"Anything sir."
"Great, and stop calling me that. We're both the same rank, and I'm not trying to take over here. Could you act as my wing man and take over. I need a rest, or I'm going to go mad."
Nextis, smiled and shook his head. "I'll keep things ticking while you get your head back on straight. Glad to see command hasn't gone to your head, old friend."
"We both know neither of us ever wanted Isabella's job. We didn't know why, but now I do, and soon you will too." Hawkeye laughed a little, knocked hoofs with Nextis and left the room. A moment later he reappeared.
"I thought you were going to get some rest." said Nextis. "Don't think I can handle it?"
Hawkeye let out a tired laugh at Nextis's wry smile as he pushed the trolly towards the door. "I told Derpy I'd bring this back down to the kitchens when I could. I'll drop it off and head to bed."
Nextis laughed again. "She's a funny one, that girl. She talks in circles and almost makes sense once in a while. One time I tried to ask her about a dish she'd made and it kept coming back around to either her old job as a mail mare or muffins."
Hawkeye left the room and was followed down the hallway by Nextis's laughter.
After traversing the large building, taking the trolly down a few flights of stairs which made him wonder how Derpy got it up to him without spilling the entire thing, and past the main hall, which was almost empty, he came to the kitchen door. He put his ear to the door. He could hear running water and strangely enough, splashing. He pushed the door open with the trolly to a most peculiar sight.
Derpy was in one of the huge pots used for cooking. It was filled with water and soap bubbles and a low fire was burning underneath. It looked like she was... swimming, but it was somehow different. Her wings were beating relentlessly and occasionally she would dive down for periods of about five to ten seconds.
Hawkeye realized what he had taken for swimming was in fact, washing. She was washing the giant pot, using herself as a scrubber.
"That can't be sanitary." was the only thing that managed to make it out of his mouth.
Derpy turned and seeing him, smiled. She waved and pulled herself out of the pot. She had a small dab of that night's dinner on her nose. He blinked a few times. It was strange. Her mane looked nice sleeked down from the water, even if it had small bits of food in it here and there.
"Hey Hawkeye. Not busy anymore?"
"Uh.. no. I'm going to bed. Get some rest, you know."
"Ooh. Sleeping has always been one of my favorite pass times." she trotted off to the side until she was standing on a large drain with a rope hanging next to it. She reached out and yanked rope. "Hey, watch thi-!"
She didn't get to finish what she was going to say before a huge amount of water came crashing down on her. Hawkeye looked up in confusion, to see a huge barrel that had been turned over to dump it's contents on her. He looked back down at her. She was still completely soaked, but the bits of food and such had been wiped from her. She gave a toothy smile as Hawkeye merely stared.
"Don't worry, I take a proper bath before and after I actually wash the pots." she gestured at the pots as she trotted over to them, turning the gas valve one way, which caused the flames to grow huge. she muttered a quick "Oops" before turning the valve the other way, putting the fire out, then turned another valve and the pots began to drain. "
I'll hose them down and everything in just a bit. Oh, hey! You brought the trolly back down. Thanks!"
She grabbed the trolly and in passing kissed Hawkeye on the cheek as she made her way to the large sink on the other side of the room.
Hawkeye stood there stunned, as he felt his face grow hot. He blinked once, twice, three times before he he came back to himself and found his wings fully extended. He folded them quickly and turned to leave the room. Once outside, followed once again by a voice, Derpy's this time, singing a nameless and wordless tune, he made his way to the chambers in a stunned silence.
She was whimsical, that was for sure. Did she do that to everyone? Hawkeye hadn't noticed anypony else walking around like they'd been sucker punched. Was he just being weird? It was just a kiss on the cheek. Maybe she was just a little more liberal in her showing of appreciation.
These thoughts paraded around in his head, until an unbidden image surfaced in his mind. He and Derpy, wrapped in a passionate kiss. Hawkeye shook his head rapidly and blinked, folding his wings yet again.
He needed rest, that was all. He wouldn't be getting these weird ideas if he'd had enough sleep lately.
But as Hawkeye lay in bed, he couldn't get that picture out of his head, no matter how hard he tried.
Nextis had only been in the "office" for a few hours and now understood just like Hawkeye did why they had never wanted Isabella's job. Ponies coming in and out of the room every few minutes or so, some with news, some with reports like the one he had given to Hawkeye. Once Hawkeye had rested, he and Nextis would need to switch in and out of this position regularly.
As Nextis finished giving a patrol leader instructions, a faint pop sounded through the room, and was followed by the appearance of a scroll. Nextis gave it a confused look. His horn glowed a deep red and the scroll float up and opened before his eyes.
"Men. My return is to be delayed further. I know not how long, but I do know this. War is coming. The guards, they're just the beginning. Soon, changelings will be appearing in your skies. My orders are to remain hidden, bolster our numbers, and begin constructing weapons. The chambers below the base should act as a perfect area to make the weapons and armor you'll need to defend yourself. Use my personal materials and design some of your weapons after my own. This is a matter not only of survival, but of preserving our way of life. I look forward to seeing you all again, and we I return, we shall stand victorious."
Nextis rerolled the scroll, a grim look upon his face. He stood and stepped from the room. He began telling those that he saw to gather the others in the great hall. This would be quite the under taking.
Isabella, Tentra, Big Macintosh found themselves, admittedly, bored. The Princess had managed to magic the Elements of Harmony out of thin air, or at least Isabella and the others guessed as much since no one had left to their knowledge, and the large palace was filled with bright flashes of color now and again.
Something that caught Isabella's attention was the fact that they'd all been awake for several hours now, and the light had not changed. It was as if time didn't pass here. An eternal day. This was going to make sleeping a lot more difficult.
Spike had taken to pacing back and forth, and it almost seemed he had worn a groove in the ground before Tentra said what they all had on their minds.
"Are we all so useless we can't help? Are we really expected to simply sit around and wait for them to finish fixing the world?"
"No. In fact, we'd like for you to join us for dinner so that we may discuss that."
All four looked around quickly. Princess Celestia was standing in the door way. Tentra blushed, but Celestia simply smiled at her and then looked around at the others.
"Please. If you'll follow me, we'll eat. Luna has returned and soon night will fall here."
Isabella smiled teasingly at Tentra, who murmured 'shut up' as they all headed out of the room, Spike getting a lift from Big Macintosh.
It was true, the sun had begun to set outside in the strange world as the group of five made their way towards the great hall. When they came into the great hall, they saw that a large table had been set up in the middle of the room. The table was laden with many different dishes, though from this distance they couldn't really see what any of it really was. All six of the others were already seated and chattering, and at one end of the table sat the dark blue Luna. She wasn't speaking but she was smiling, simply happy to have company.
Celestia seated each one of them. Spike was seated between Twilight and Rarity, Tentra between Luna and Rainbow Dash, and Isabella was seated next to Twilight. Big Macintosh was put on her left side, between herself and Luna.
The meal began simply enough. Everyone talked, laughed, ate, and in general had a good time. It wasn't until about halfway through the meal that Isabella really noticed that Twilight was making a point of not talking to her, or even looking at her for that matter. It took a second for what happen on the mountain peak to return to her mind. She lapsed into silence as she began turning the things she had learned over in her mind.
If what Chrysalis had said was true, then that means she knew how her father was. She didn't personally know him, but she now had a connection to him. Her Aunt.
She cast a glance at Twilight and found that she was looking at her. Their eyes locked for a fraction of a second, before they both looked away from each other rapidly, almost as if they were embarrassed of having looked at one another.
Several long uncomfortable seconds passed as the other around them spoke to each other, Spike talking to Rarity and some of the others, and Big Macintosh deep in conversation with Luna.
It was Twilight who spoke first.
"So......I, ahem, I guess...We're related."
"Yeah. Heh.... so it would seem."
Neither of them looked up, but kept their eyes on their mostly empty plates.
"I did kind of always want a sister." mumbled Twilight, "So I guess a... niece is as close as I can get really.."
"Mm."
Isabella didn't really know what to say. Things hadn't exactly been great between the two of them, and now they were awkward as well. Isabella suddenly wanted to know more about her father, but felt that discussing him would make things a little more strange between herself and Twilight.
Before she could say anything else, Celestia spoke.
"Our work has been slipping by with the help of the Elements, and for that, we thank you, and Equestria will soon come to thank you, but our work is not yet done."
"Figures." murmured Rainbow Dash, who received a swift and unexpected kick from Fluttershy, who made the 'shush' sign at her before Celestia continued.
"Therefore, we will need the six bearers of the elements to stay here for a few more days, but Isabella. The situation in Canterlot will soon become dire. I wish to send you, your sister, Big Macintosh, and Spike.."
"What!?" exclaimed Twilight and Spike, but the Princess continued as if she hadn't heard them.
"... to Canterlot tomorrow, to help prep your men. You may even be able to get help from those living in Ponyville, as it's the closest settlement to Canterlot, and the people there are a hard working and loyal people. Big Macintosh." She looked him dead in the eye as she spoke, "If you do call upon the people of Ponyville for assistance, I do not want to see those three fillies running around the battle field. There are things the young do not need to see."
"What about me? I'm young." said Spike hopefully.
Princess Celestia smiled at him. "Spike, you will act as a communicator for Twilight and myself to Isabella. It is an incredibly important job, and I don't doubt you'll excel at it."
The flattery worked well, as Spike swelled up his chest to show his determination, his earlier trepidation gone. "I won't let you down Princess."
Twilight looked exasperated, but mostly concerned. No one else spoke, not even Pinkie Pie. There was a minute of silence before Isabella spoke.
"Will you not be joining us in the fight? It is your city and people after all."
The words had not been meant to be an accusation, but sounded one anyways. Everypony looked at Princess Celestia. She was not smiling, but she did not look angry. She seemed weary. She spoke with a sigh.
"Yes, I will be joining the battle, as will Luna and the bearers of the Elements, but the beginning of the fight will be just you and your men, and those that you can gather to fight at your side. I do not deny the savagery that has claimed Canterlot pains my heart, but I have never taken joy from fighting. One thing that concerns me greatly however is that Discord may be released in the chaos of the battle."
"But Princess." interjected Fluttershy, who had become increasingly bold in the last few hours. "He wasn't able to escape during the first fight with Chrysalis, the power of the Elements was too strong. And when you sealed him away the first time, it was thousands of years ago. The spell may had weakened with time. It hasn't been so long since we sealed him away...."
Everyone looked at her in mild surprise. Interrupting the Princess was something many of them would expect from Pinkie, but not her. Her logic, however, was very sound. The bonds holding Discord in place were still very strong and the likely hood of him becoming a problem in the up coming battle were very slim.
The Princess smiled gently at Fluttershy, who quelled under her gaze even though it wasn't harsh. She was back to her normal self.
"Well, that is a load off my mind. Thank you Fluttershy. Now, my little ponies, the hour grows late and I think many of us should retire. I predict tomorrow will be a long one, for all of us."
Isabella was surrounded by that thick abyss of darkness again, but she could feel she wasn't alone.
"Hello?"
"It is merely I, little one."
Luna appeared next to her in the darkness.
"Is...is this a dream?"
"Yes. You've been resting for a while now, but I sensed something maybe troubling you."
They began to walk, and the light that she had seen in her dreams that connected her and Big Macintosh appeared. She slowed her pace. She didn't want to see the end of this dream. The thoughts of how they had ended the last few times she had had them made her heart ache.
Luna paused and looked back at her.
"What is wrong child?"
"I've had this dream before, it never ends well."
"Ah, but things change. Why not give it a try?"
Isabella hesitated, but Luna was right. She herself was living proof that things do change, and sometimes for the better. She followed Luna for a long time, the light getting stronger and stronger as they went, until finally, they found Big Macintosh. He smiled at Isabella, who glanced at Luna, who nodded.
Isabella walked forward and embraced Big Macintosh, as she had the night he had disappeared in her dream. He held her for a few minutes or an eternity, before he let her go and turned and walked away.
"NO!" Isabella cried out as she tried and failed to run after him.
"Calm, little one. Watch."
As he had so long ago, Big Macintosh kept walking until he disappeared, but this time it was different. Isabella looked down to see the thread of golden light still connecting them. Still strong as ever. She found she could walk again, and began to follow the little link of gold light, faintly aware of Luna following her. She was walking for so long that she felt the sun must rise and wake her, but the abyss of darkness still surrounded them.
Soon, she could feel something else. She looked down again, and what she saw surprised her. There was no longer one chain of light, but many.
She looked up and stopped. Big Macintosh stood before herself and Luna, but he was not alone. Applejack stood by his side, as well as Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith, a chain of light coming from each one of them.
She became aware of others standing around her and she turned, finding Rarity and even Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.
When she had nearly turned all the way around, she saw Tentra, and in a wave of surprise, Twilight. Each of them had a chain of the light coming from them, coming to rest upon her.
Isabella felt the stinging in her eyes again, as well as a lump rising in her throat. She tried so hard to hold the tears back, but they came, rolling down her cheeks. She covered her eyes with her foreleg and began to sob as she sank to her haunches. When Luna put an arm around her, she did not shrug her off, but let her embrace her.
And in that moment, she could feel a link of light come even from Luna. She was loved, and now she knew it.