//------------------------------// // The Second Entry // Story: Flight // by The Wandering Bard //------------------------------// Lyric set the journal aside for the moment, taking a breather from its contents. Although she knew that Sombra had been defeated and the Crystal Empire was finally liberated, it was painful to read of the bat ponies’ struggles. They had suffered, but at least this small band had escaped. Needing to know what happened to Dashing Hoof and his companions next, Lyric skipped through the next few entries—short accounts of them finding food and seeking shelter—until she found the one she was looking for. ~*~ Year 5, Day 155 of the Royal Sisters’ Reign Finally, after exactly a fortnight of travelling, we arrived at our destination. Despite their weary bodies, the bat ponies and I made good time. I suspect it was largely due to my tales of Equestria’s many wonders, Onyx’s encouragement, and Obsidian’s determination. Obsidian seemed to come alive just a bit as the Castle of the Two Sisters came into sight. He chittered to the others excitedly, and they all sped up as we came near. Upon our arrival, I asked that my companions wait slightly behind so that they would not shock the guards or the princesses themselves. Here, Obsidian groused about me abandoning them, though I assured him that this was not the case. He relented when Onyx convinced him that it was for the best, and I went ahead. The princesses were informed of my presence right away and granted an immediate audience. “Dashing Hoof!” Princess Celestia said as I bowed to her and to Princess Luna in turn. “Though it is always wonderful to see you, we did not expect you back for quite some time. Is something wrong?” “Actually, yes, Your Highnesses, though not here in Equestria. I have met some ponies on my travels who are in desperate need of your assistance.” Here they grew concerned, though this soon turned to confusion when they saw nopony but myself. “Forgive us, Dashing, but… where are these ponies?” Princess Luna queried. “They are but a short distance away, awaiting my signal,” I told them. “These ponies are not like the ones you and I know, and I did not want you to be startled.” They shared a glance for but a moment, then nodded in agreement. “Very well, then. Thou mayest send for them.” The princesses stepped onto the balcony and gave word to the guards that more guests would soon arrive. They saluted, and I whistled. It was not long before my companions flew up to the castle and landed gracefully before the two sisters. When the bat ponies looked upon the princesses, they marvelled at the sight, and the princesses were astonished when they laid their eyes on the disheveled creatures. I heard Princess Celestia gasp, and Princess Luna nearly wept at the scars marring their hides. Princess Luna, however, was the first to recover. “Hail, ponies,” she called, her voice almost masking her sorrow. “I am Luna, Princess of Equestria. This is my sister, Princess Celestia. We have heard that ye are in need of our aid?” Obsidian stepped forward. “Yes, Yer Highnesses,” he said. He introduced himself and told them the whole, sad tale. When he came to the part about the treatment of the crystal ponies, they listened stoically. When he told them what they were being turned into, he spread his wings. At the end of it all, the princesses were horrorstruck. “We had felt some strange power growing in the north, but we did not know what it was,” Princess Celestia confessed. “It must be Sombra. And if ponies are being tortured, then we have no choice.” She then raised her head and looked to Princess Luna. “Are you thinking what I am, Sister?” “Of course, Sister,” Luna told her. “We cannot leave those ponies to suffer.” “Then we are decided.” Celestia faced the bat ponies once more and declared with hardened eyes, “We will do what we can to help the crystal and bat ponies under King Sombra’s rule. It will take time, and we must investigate, but we will formulate a plan and take action as soon as we are able if what you say is true.” At first, Obsidian was elated, but then he became enraged. “Ya don’t believe us?” he roared. “Jus’ look at us! We’ve been tortured, enslaved, an’ beaten! We’re rail-thin cuz we haven’t had a proper meal in ages! There’re still more ponies back there who’re livin’ their lives in terror, an’ there’re others who’re dyin’! How can ya not believe us!?” I was appalled by his lack of respect, though I saw the sense in his words. Onyx screamed, “Papa, enough!” Princess Celestia, for her part, stood tall. Her eyes and quieted voice could have seemed to convey rage, but for somepony who knew her such as I, I saw only worry and concern. “Do you not understand, Obsidian? We will be risking our soldiers’ lives and our own! We need to assess the situation and then plan accordingly so that we can prepare ourselves and minimize casualties.” Obsidian fell silent at her words. Princess Celestia’s gaze softened as she put a hoof on his shoulder, his anger apparently forgiven. “I know it will be hard to wait,” she told him. “Nopony deserves to live through the fear and the torture that you have. But bear this in mind. We have only just learned of your suffering, and if we act, it will be a declaration of war. We cannot take this lightly. We will need intelligence on King Sombra and the Crystal Empire if we are to succeed. Of course, you will be immensely helpful in that regard, if you are willing.” Obsidian seemed to search himself for an answer, though it was not long before he looked her in the eye and said, “Alright, I’ll help if it means freein’ all those souls. But if ya really want intelligence an’ all that stuff, ya better talk ta my daughter. She’s the one with the head fer it.” “Very well. Where is she?” Onyx stepped forward and bowed. “Here, Princess.” “What is your name?” “Onyx, Princess, and I am ready to serve.” Celestia looked her up and down, taking her measure with a scrutinizing gaze. “Are you really, Onyx? Are you ready to go into battle and possibly lay down your life for this cause?” Onyx’s gaze was unwavering. “I am. I was training as a guard before Sombra’s takeover, and I know what may happen. Even so, I want to help. What is being done in the Crystal Empire is unforgivable, and Sombra must be vanquished. To that end, I will assist you in any way I can.” “Your dedication is admirable, and I accept your oath.” “As do I,” Princess Luna told them. “Ye shall both be invaluable to us as we prepare.” Father and daughter saluted the princesses, and the princesses lowered their heads in a show of respect. Princess Celestia then raised her head to look in the eyes of Obsidian and Onyx once more. “As you can see, we have made our decision. And when the time comes, I would like for you two to lead our troops. Onyx, you seem quite capable in this regard because you have had prior training. And I can see that you truly care for your kind, Obsidian. You have done admirably as you and your daughter led your escape. Also, you both know the lay of the land in the Empire, a trait that will be invaluable to us. So, what say you?” This time, Obsidian did not hesitate. “’Twould be an honor, Princess.” “An honor indeed,” Onyx added. Now Princess Luna spoke up. “However, before that, there is one thing more we must do.” She paused, meeting the gaze of each and every bat pony before her. “Because of all ye have been through and all that ye will do, ye shall be granted amnesty as we take on this campaign. Once we have freed the Crystal Empire, ye may choose to return, or ye may choose to be made citizens of Equestria.” She reared back, spread her wings, and struck her hooves upon the stone below. “I bid welcome to ye all!” Princess Celestia gave them a benevolent smile, repeating the gesture as the bat ponies cheered. Obsidian even shed a tear. Now, after all they had endured, he and his kind had a place they could call home.