An Extended Holiday

by Commander_Pensword

183 - Riddle Me This, Riddle Me That

Extended Holiday
Chapter 183: Riddle Me This, Riddle Me That

---

The airship made remarkable time, thanks to Hammer Strike’s relentless work to keep it in the right direction. The propellers ran nonstop. And while the trip was not nearly so fast as it could have been with the Gantrithor, they were able to make good time as a result of Hammer Strike’s personal upgrades to the vessel. The lands below had changed from the beauty of jungles to the harsh and dry conditions of a great desert. Sand shifted and danced in great drifts and dust devils. The sight of pyramids almost prompted the group to stop. Almost, until Hammer Strike gave the order to carry on.

At last, the Ponies and Gryphons arrived at a big cliff jutting out of the ground in a great bluff. Its surface stretched for miles in either direction, made all the worse by the heavy waves of heat radiating from the ground.

“So, how much are people willing to bet that our legendary lost city is over there?” Vital Spark asked.

“Nah. What gave you that idea?” Grif chuckled.

“Because it looks like Ayers Rock was transplanted into an Egyptian desert.”

“Sarcasm, Vital,” Grif sighed.

“Playful reply, Grif,” Vital returned. Then he smirked. “Sometimes, it’s fun to be Captain Obvious.”

Day Moon cocked his head in confusion. “Who’s Captain Obvious? I don’t think I’ve met him yet.”

Vital paused for a moment. “You know what, I honestly can’t say whether there really may have been a Captain Obvious who served in the Equestrian Armed Forces or not.”

“Lets not delve into that,” Grif replied.

“Scared to find out?” Vital asked.

“Probably irrelevant for the task at hand,” Avalon noted gently. “Now then, assuming that is our destination, Hammer Strike, does that map of yours tell us where we need to land?”

“Not entirely. I’ve only got enough of a layout to figure out where it is. The rest is a matter of observation. Especially since they never actually told us how to get here in the first place,” Hammer Strike replied as he continued to scan the area.

“Well that’s just great,” Vital said. “I thought that map was supposed to give us proper directions.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean it tells us everything,” Grif commented. “There’s the question of the riddle that needs to be answered.”

“Yeah, but wouldn’t the map guide us to where the riddle is so we can see it or hear it or whatever to answer in the first place?” Vital asked.

“It’s also a riddle.”

“As in invisible ink riddle or what?”

Grif looked around. “Something about the area should give us the tipoff.”

It took several minutes and some scanning by Hammer Strike before they found the rounded rock with an arrow carved into it in each cardinal direction. At its base was a slab of slate not in character to the stone of the area. Faint letters were carved into its surface. The airship had been tethered nearby to allow the party to disembark without fear.

“Wow, that's old,” Grif commented, looking over the scrawl.

“Can you read it?” Vital Spark asked.

“Yes. it’s just at the very tip of my understanding,” he explained. “Just need some time.”

Fifteen minutes later, Grif laughed. “Oh, that's too good.”

“What is it, dear?” Avalon asked.

“What animal walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three at night?” Grif laughed.

“Interesting how that crossed over.” Hammer Strike hummed in thought. “Though, which way is the question….”

“Got to admit, that’s the perfect security system to use, though,” Vital Spark noted. “Only a few would have known the answer to that question on Equis, even back when this riddle was first inscribed. Now, it’s all but impossible to answer unless you know it already.”

“I’m afraid I don’t quite follow,” Avalon said.

“It’s a riddle from Earth, Avalon, one that has survived through centuries, preserved in one of its older and most well-known legends,” the Unicorn explained. “The question is, how are we supposed to answer it? Inscribe on the stone? Say it aloud? Something else?”

Day Moon cocked his head in confusion. “Did you get any of that, Shadowsbane?” he asked of his sword.

“I’m afraid not, Master Day Moon, but I’m certain they know of what they speak. Sometimes, it is better to watch and observe, rather than question aloud.”

Grif traced the tablet slowly, then pressed in several characters which sunk into the stone. The compass above them rotated three hundred and sixty degrees. Then, slowly, a seam appeared in the air in front of them that grew into an opening. On the other end of the strange passage, gleaming white buildings edged with crystal and gold shimmered in the splendor of the midday sun.

“So, it was keyed to the carvings themselves?” Vital asked, surprised. “Doesn’t that mean only people with the right equipment would have been able to push the right indentations anyway to enter?”

“Ponies are clever,” Grif said. “They’d have figured it out eventually. But yes, this was made for people with fingers.”

“Let’s get going.” Hammer Strike squinted as he looked through the opening. “We’ll have a welcoming party before long, as it is.”

“You’d think they would have sent one out anyway when we arrived, rather than requiring us to solve the riddle,” Vital Spark noted. “I mean, they seemed pretty interested in having you come, Grif. And if they want to open diplomatic ties, they really should do it with open arms, instead of a riddle that would basically be unsolvable to almost anyone else to try it.”

“They were planning on flaunting their knowledge.” Hammer Strike frowned. “Probably wait until we couldn’t figure it out before coming forth to prove themselves.”

“I know I’m still sort of new to the whole ambassador thing, but isn’t that a really stupid move to play if you want to actually foster good will?”

“It’s not the wisest move, but it is a power move,” Grif said.

“So, should we keep them waiting a while longer or just get this over with?”

“Let’s get this over with. I’ve already got a feeling I’m going to deeply dislike this,” Hammer Strike remarked.

Vital Spark bowed his head. “As you say, Your Majesty.” Under his breath, he murmured, “Sorry about that, but if I’m going to act the part of your entourage, I might as well start it now.”

As the party entered the city, Hammer Strike’s words of foreboding soon proved to be prophecy, almost instantly coming to pass as his head began to buzz. His vision blurred with red warnings about contaminated technology that needed to be destroyed. Alicorn technology melded with ancient Gryphon technology was everywhere, and the Alicorn-made implants considered this a blasphemy. Outwardly, his eyes were flashing red constantly.

“Hammer Strike? You okay?” Grif asked.

“I want to burn this place to atoms,” Hammer Strike nearly growled before he closed his eyes and took a breath. After a second, he opened them and looked forward. “I will refrain from doing so, for now. Ancient Gryphon tech mixed with Alicorn tech, a combo I find myself agreeing with these augments over, despising.”

“So is that strike two, then?” Vital Spark asked.

“I mean, you want anyone having that kind of advantage?” Grif asked.

“Let’s keep moving,” Hammer Strike sighed.

The main street led down a thoroughfare lined on either side with the same grand buildings. There appeared to be no evidence of any form of artificial construction. It was as if the very structures had been grown from the ground itself. Though given the nature of the science and technology involved, that may not have been far off from the truth. Sphinxes soared overhead or prowled the streets. Many eyed the interlopers, but none dared to approach. In the far distance, a stretch of land had been cleared to reveal a massive temple lined with fat columns that were intricately painted and marked. Statues of Sphinxes lined the path leading up to the temple’s main entrance while two grand statues, one of a wyvern and the other of a great bird-like creature with a lion’s head stood to either side at the end of the two rows. A great flowing mane that looked almost like hair blew out behind the lion’s head as it raised its voice in a frozen song, or perhaps something else. From the top of the great structure, a number of dark specks rose and circled, then began to glide toward the party.

“I’m going to take a guess that that’s our welcoming party,” Vital Spark said as he pointed to the figures.

“Likely,” Grif said. “Be prepared for anything.”

Day Moon nodded and checked his spare weapons. “Are we going to have to fight?” he asked.

“They won’t risk it right away.” Hammer Strike squinted as he observed the creatures’ approach.

Five Sphinxes touched down before the group. Four of the beasts wore robes that were partially coated with patches of metal armor in key points to protect against deadly attacks. The fifth gazed at each of the gathered party with a calm and calculating gaze.

“Greetings to you, King Hammer Strike, and to your party. As we suspected, your wisdom and knowledge have granted you the key to enter our city. I hope you will forgive our tardiness. We did not expect you to arrive so quickly as you have.”

“It was requested of us that we would hold off our arrival for two weeks, I thought it best to follow that schedule,” Hammer Strike responded.

“Of course. If you and your fellows would be willing to follow us, it will be our honor to escort you to the Temple of the Remembered.”

Up close, the statues were far more immense than the group could have anticipated, save for Hammer Strike, thanks to the functions on his augmented eyes. As the Sphinxes approached the divide between the two, they each bowed to the one, then the other in a sign of the utmost reverence.

“Are these gods?” Vital Spark asked.

“They are the lost, the source of our mother’s bereavement, both of her joy and of her sanity in times long since past,” the guide said, and for once, the calm exterior cracked to expose an abiding sorrow.”

“The two lost children.” Grif nodded, offering his own bow of the head to each.

“Katiya, the younger, she who inherited her mother’s gift of prophecy and a love of life. Her song brought joy to all who heard it, and it was said that those groves in which she chose to rest herself would spring with the blessing to heal and restore life to all who partook of their fruit.” The Sphinx looked sadly at the Wyvern. “And Krugan, the elder. To fall under his shadow was to court with death. His life was a solitary one out of necessity as an embodiment of death. His fate is tragic. Driven to madness, he slew his beloved sister and threatened the balance that their mother embodied. To save her and the balance, the North Wind’s child acted in rage and mercy to end Krugan’s life. You know well the result of that most painful act, Avatar.”

“As it would be for any parent,” Grif acknowledged. “I have half a dozen children myself, and I would be destroyed if such a thing happened to them.”

“As would many others.” The guide nodded. “If you wish, you may pay your respects to them later. For now, however, our leader awaits you.”

“Of course. Lead the way.” Grif gestured.

The great halls of the temple complex stretched mazelike through the passages into all manner of quarters and other compartments for religious observances and studies. In time, they pressed on into the final chamber, where a great throne awaited. Unlike those designed for humans, this one was meant for the four-legged creatures to sit and lay upon. True to the description, the ruler was a perfect division of black and white. A great crown laid upon his head with a red rim and a large white protrusion extending from the center with a golden serpent protruding at the front.

“Welcome, King Hammer Strike, to Aínigma. We are glad to see you here with your party.” He nodded to each member respectively. “I am King Osiris, the current ruler chosen by our goddess to guide our people.”

“A pleasure.” Hammer Strike gave a nod. “I’m sure we’ll have much to discuss later.”

“Indeed. It is my hope that we may provide some assistance to the Avatar as well during your stay to better facilitate the return of the Winds. Our archives are open to you, Grif Bladefeather. If you wish, once you all are properly rested and refreshed, I will arrange an escort to guide you there while King Hammer Strike and I discuss matters of diplomacy.”

“I’ll ask that my wife and apprentice accompany me,” Grif said.

“As is only right.” The king nodded. “It shall be as you wish. And as the foal is under your care, he shall be provided quarters alongside your own as well.” Osiris rose and stretched, then dismounted from his throne to descend on the group with lithe grace. “Come, you are just in time for our noontime meal. And I am certain that the priests and priestesses will be most anxious to meet you, as will the oracles.”

“Of course,” Grif said. “Please, lead on.”

The scent of incense mingled with the delectable smell of cooked meat and rich spices. A spread of all manner of dishes laid out before them with blends of rice and vegetables that complemented the meatier dishes. Stews and sauces, even a layered dish not unlike lasagna waited for them.

“Wait, if you’re all isolated like this, how do you have cheese?” Vital Spark asked.

“Our people do more than gather knowledge from the outside world,” Osiris explained. “We also trade for various resources. We are merely careful to ensure that our appearances look more like our cousins to avoid arousing suspicion.”

The robes that garbed many of the Sphinxes at the great banquet table were intricately woven with a number of symbols pertaining to life and death. Some were garbed in the traditional wear of ancient Egypt, including circlets and filmy cloth to expose what lay beneath. The remainder gazed with wizened eyes that seemed to flicker between the intense gaze of an avid listener and the far-off fog of one who has been taken in thrall.

“Please, be seated.” Osiris motioned toward the head of the table, where places had been cleared and prepared for the guests. “Our food is not that of your kingdom, but we hope it will prove satisfactory in its own right.”

“It looks amazing.” Grif smiled.

“High praise, indeed.” Osiris returned the smile as he assumed his position at the head of the table. “Friends and honored guests, it is truly a momentous day for our people and the city which we have worked so very hard to build and preserve….”

As Osiris continued with his speech, a loud crackling screech blared in Hammer Strike’s ears, followed by a familiar voice. “Hello? Hello. Hammer Strike, darling, can you hear me?”

Hammer Strike managed to keep himself from wincing. ‘Well, this wasn’t how I expected this conversation to go,’ Hammer Strike replied through his augments. ‘It’s been a long time, E. Too long.’

“Hmm. Perhaps,” Edna agreed. “But you are here now, and that is exactly where I need you to be. Tell me, Hammer Strike, are you aware of your current situation?”

‘Which part of it, to be exact?’ Hammer Strike refrained from frowning in thought. ‘Right now, I’ve been having to deal with these augments screaming at me about the tech around here, and it’s not exactly like the Sphinxes actually wanted me to come here.’

“They are collectors. They know what it would mean to attempt to collect you. Many do not remember what you did to the Dragons. The Sphinxes are not one of them. As you can doubtless guess, I have been waiting for word of your return. I was disappointed not to hear of your coming sooner, but in a way, that is still a blessing. I’m a designer, darling, not a goddess, and certainly not a ruler. I am, however, at least somewhat a prisoner. Custodian may be the better word. As you said, they have Alicorn technology. That would be dangerous if used by the wrong hooves. I’ve been careful to prevent those catastrophes. And in thanks for their treatment, I also designed some of their robes. I had to keep my skills sharp somehow, after all.”

‘I know they’ll have their attempts at myself and the others. I’ve taken a copy of Vega from the Crystal Empire to assist with any potential threats to these augmentations or myself.’

“I thought that was you,” Edna replied. “I’m surprised you weren’t alerted to my signal. With the island gone, I had to route my devices through the mana network at the tower. What were you doing, putting down a coup?”

‘I was too busy at the time dealing with a war, and I had established Vega as the control for the empire while I was away. That, and some programming issues with the crystalline ponies, which is mostly fixed now.’

“Yes, I heard about that development. I was more than surprised when my signal suddenly returned after waiting for over a thousand years. Speaking of which, is your Gryphon friend here with you?”

‘Yeah, he’s here too.’

“Excellent. I’ll be expecting you for your fittings after you finish with the formalities. Don’t keep me waiting too long, darling.”

‘I doubt they’re going to make it that easy. Nevertheless, we’ll figure this all out. Keep everything you want to keep close, as you won’t be staying here for much longer.’

“What kind of crafter do you take me for?” Edna chuckled over the line. “I’ve been ready for millennia. Go on. I’ll broadcast my location to you soon. I have other ways to contact your friend, so don’t worry about him.”

‘I’ll keep that in mind. Until then, I’ve got to keep our new hosts at bay.’ Hammer Strike glanced over everyone present.

“For others, that is a challenge. For you, child’s play.” She laughed again. “Ta-ta, darling. I’m looking forward to seeing you again. I do so enjoy our little chats.”

With the conversation concluded, Hammer Strike returned his attention to the feasting table. Some Sphinxes were eying him warily. Others were fixated on Grif and his wife. Vital Spark and Day Moon both waited patiently, seemingly invisible to the gazes of the Sphinxes. That could prove a potential asset in the future. For now, Hammer Strike knew it was time to focus on the task at hand. And as Osiris finally drew to a close, the party began to eat.

---

“So…” Grif looked to Avalon once they’d been shown their rooms. “That was way too friendly.”

“You are the Avatar of Winds, Grif,” Avalon pointed out. “The title does deserve a certain amount of respect, especially when you were the one responsible for restoring their goddess and ultimately will be for returning the rest of the Winds to Equis.”

“Yes, but they’re offering so much knowledge, and seemingly for free. No one operates like that. They want something,” Grif noted.

“And how do you intend to find out what?”

“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “They clearly think less of us, though.”

“It’ll make it that much sweeter when you outclass them, then, won’t it?”

“Maybe, but it seems like they’re playing us about something.”

“Then we’ll just have to play them better. For now, though, how about you and I finish settling in? We have a lot of studying to do soon, you know.”

“And we’re all alone.” He gave her a smile.

“Except for Day Moon next door,” she reminded him playfully.

“The walls are thick,” he retorted.

“And what did you have in mind?” Avalon teased as she ran a talon gently over Grif’s chest.

“Let's find out,” he said, then kissed her and led her toward the bed.

---

The subtle thrum of machinery at work seemed to emanate from every direction, not as an annoyance, but more like a background form of static. While the exteriors of the many buildings were simple and seamless, the surfaces belied the interior. The temple remained without these devices, most likely in honor of the past and the goddess the Sphinxes had lost and found again. Now, the metal disk that served as their elevator pulled them ever upward with no indication of height other than the digital counter that showed on the display next to the control panel.

“The majority of travel between the structures of our city occurs via flight, since no species that lives here has ever had to worry about falling to their deaths. After the invitation was extended, however, we hastened to prepare some proper structures to ensure you would be able to traverse the city more comfortably,” their guide explained to the Hammer Strike and Vital Spark.

“That implies you’ve ignored the potential of damage that one could take, either through physical injury, or genetic lottery.” Hammer Strike raised a brow. “Though, given the level of technology you have, I suppose I’m not too surprised.”

“You guess correctly. Through the use of our technology, we have been able to avoid such incidents and plan proper methods of treatment and prevention. I feel it important to note, however, that we do not seek to control our reproduction, nor do we seek to alter ourselves as the firstborn did. Our goddess would not look kindly upon such blasphemy.”

“Good.”

The Sphinx barely suppressed a shudder, though her claws did scrape against the metal briefly as her paws flexed in her anxiety.

“So, where are we going right now?” Vital Spark asked.

“One of our observation stations. When reports are filed from our intelligence gathering, we update our information and reconstruct it to give a proper view of the world and its current geopolitical situation from a virtual standpoint.”

“Don’t you need to wait for your scouting parties to return and report before you can manage that, though? That could take months or years before they get back, right?” Vital Spark asked.

“In some cases, perhaps,” the Sphinx agreed, “but we have managed to collect a large enough store of knowledge to help mitigate the issue. And while you are a delegation from another kingdom, indeed, the very ruler of that kingdom, I’m afraid I am not allowed to disclose our methods without prior authorization and clearance.”

“No need. I’ve already got a good idea of how it works,” Hammer Strike replied simply.

The guide raised a questioning brow, but let the subject drop. A few moments later, the doors slid silently open to reveal a chamber very much like the Gantrithor’s bridge. A great planning table pulsed with energy as a grid projected on the main surface while a globe hovered overhead, showing each of the primary landmasses of the planet. The sun and moon each circled around the globe in the steady climb that Luna and Celestia always oversaw, and a gentle corona of color circled each to indicate the magical signatures of the princesses. Sphinxes worked at monitors, stations, and anywhere between as they sorted, filed, and updated information or looked up as necessary to keep the projection up to date.

“Our technology and magic also allow us the ability to track the movements of potential threats and enemies, including the Changelings that seem to have taken such a … fixation with your city.”

“Of course. They still have yet to learn their lesson.” Hammer Strike frowned as he scanned over the room.

“If there is anything you would like to see within reason from our database, we are authorized to provide a demonstration.”

Hammer Strike glanced to Vital.

Vital Spark frowned and tapped his chin in thought. “Do you guys have any records on Gargoyles?”

More than one head turned at that. “Curious that you should ask about that particular species. Equestria hasn’t had contact with them since Scorpan.”

Vital Spark raised a brow in Hammer Strike’s direction. “He wouldn’t happen to have a relationship to a less-than-reputable Centaur by the name of Tirek, would he?”

“His … brother, actually.” The Sphinx looked more intently at Vital Spark, then to Hammer Strike. “Though we were under the impression that the brothers and their history with Equestria was more of a state secret….”

“Vital works alongside many who know such secrets. I trust them enough with whatever information they wish to give to him,” Hammer Strike replied simply.

“... Very well, then. The Nether Lands it is.” A brief nod toward the technicians soon had the globe turning and zooming in on Equestria, then to the south where a massive and deep canyon divided the land mass from a place that was far more barren. Great fields filled to the brim with taller and larger crops swayed in the arid wind as the display passed over them and finally halted in front of a great gnarled tower that stretched into the heavens. “There lies the Midnight Palace, where the king and queen reside and rule jointly. As one might guess, their subjects consist of Centaurs and Gargoyles.”

Vital looked to the projection, then to Hammer Strike. “Did you ever have dealings with them before?” he asked of the ruler.

Hammer Strike nodded. “Long ago. Though they lived as two states at the time.”

“Well, that’s going to be interesting, then, when they reach out for relations again,” Vital said. “Color me impressed.”

The Sphinx smiled wanly. “We take a certain amount of pride in what we have been able to accomplish, though preservation is our primary goal. Was there anything in particular that you wished to find yourself, King Hammer Strike?”

“I don’t believe so, no. I have my own methods of gathering information,” Hammer Strike replied simply.

“Forgive me for the miscommunication. I meant more to ask if there was anything you wished to see for yourself, not for the sake of spying, but merely to watch the system at work.”

“It’s fine, I’ve seen similar systems in the past.”

The guide’s face became a mask of neutrality. “Very well, then. There is still much to see. If you would follow me back to the elevator, I will guide you to the next stop.”

Hammer Strike hummed to himself as he moved to follow while Vital Spark took up the rear.

---

The smell of paper and parchment mingled with the subtle scent of lubricant and disinfectant as Avalon and Grif pawed over the shelves of the library in search of the information for which they had come.

“You know they’re being infuriatingly vague on purpose, right?” Avalon asked as she laid the next stack of books onto one of the many study tables in the room.

“Yup. Stalling tactics,” Grif said as he looked through one volume. “Probably could take years to find what we need normally.”

“So what do you intend to do about it?”

“Already working on it,” he said. “Almost have half the place categorized.”

“They could just be playing a shell game with us, you know.”

“Did I ever tell you about Toph?”

“Can’t say that you have.”

“Toph was a blind girl with the ability to move the earth and see through vibrations. She used this ability to con a shell game conman by forcing the stone back into the cup when he tried to get rid of it.”

“And that’s supposed to help us here, how? These are hardly two-bit con artists we’re dealing with.”

“No, but they do need to disturb the air to move through it,” Grif said.

“Are you suggesting holding them hostage somehow or more trying to catch them in the act? We can’t tell which is a librarian and which is the one making things difficult, you know.”

“No, but we can tell when books are being moved.”

Avalon tapped her beak in thought. “We should get a proper diagram of the other archives, too, just to be sure.”

Grif set down a hand-drawn diagram.

“Have you been doing some late night spying?”

“Here and there,” Grif admitted.

“I’d ask how you managed to trick their security, but I’m guessing that’s a trade secret.”

“If I told you, I’d have to kill them.”

“... Them?”

“The guards, the librarians, anyone in perceivable hearing range.”

“Ah. Now I understand.” Avalon smiled. “And I see where Shrial gets her bluntness from now.” She pecked him on the cheek. “Keep your secrets, then. Let’s not be the ones to spoil things for Hammer Strike. That Pony can make his own diplomatic incidents.”

“I thought you’d be happy to know that killing you isn’t something I’d consider.”

Avalon laughed and kissed him again. “I’ve known that ever since the day you proposed, dear. And I’m not about to forget it,” she purred.

“Love you.” Grif smirked. “Anyway, I think I've almost found what we’re looking for.”

“Almost can mean many things, Grif.” She smirked. “Including panic for our most gracious hosts.”

---

The dark of the night sky was broken by the moon and stars to shed the beauty of the heavens over the space. This was no new sight to Hammer Strike, however. He must have seen hundreds of thousands of these kinds of nights over the years of service he had given to Equestria, both in the past and in the present. The Sphinxes knew better than to try to attack him directly. That being said, if they had the technology, then it was only a matter of time until they tried to hack him directly.

“Yes, yes, that’s very nice, Hammer Strike, but there are more important matters for us to discuss,” Edna’s voice snapped out of nowhere to reverberate in his skull.

‘I figured as much, though it mostly relies on you contacting me for these discussions to happen,’ Hammer Strike replied.

“Are you in a prison cell? Are you being watched by spies? No, darling. And don’t worry about the security cameras. I’ve already taken care of that. What you need to do now is come by so we can have a proper little chat, just like the old days, and we can catch each other up on what you’ve missed over a cup of tea.”

‘I assume you’ve got directions for me?’ Hammer Strike hummed. ‘Either that or I could use alternative means, since the cameras are down here, and I assume where you are.’

“Darling, assume nothing. I’ve already sent my coordinates. You just have to sneak past the guards. And knowing you, I’m certain you already know how to do it. I’ll be waiting for you.”

‘Stealth. Joy….’ Hammer Strike sighed. ‘Let’s try a better alternative. Mind casting a simple levitation spell on something near you, and ensure the room isn’t too bright?’

“For you, darling, not a problem.”

Hammer Strike hummed as he broadened his magical scan of the environment. After a moment he finally found E’s magical signature along with the room she occupied. Given the size of the space, he was capable of isolating the perfect spot to emerge. It had been a long time since he had travelled through shadow, but he hadn’t forgotten the process. Finding a sufficient dark spot of his own room, he focused on his shift and strode into the blackness.

The room he emerged into was well furnished with high quality furniture and the most expensive of fabrics and dyes. Beads, jewels, metals, and other precious materials were compartmentalized on their drawer-like shelves that could slide in and out. A familiar data pad laid casually on a side table next to a luxurious bed that was several sizes too large for the Alicorn. Gauzy drapes were drawn back and tied to the bedposts to be dropped again when the mare was ready to sleep. Her horn glowed and hummed as she held a candle casually in the air. The mare was a vision of beauty, despite her relatively diminutive size. A white dress hemmed with gold, jade, and sapphire along the neck offered a splash of color and accent to draw the eyes toward her face where an intent gaze demanded attention and spoke of the sheer charisma that lay hidden within. Her bowl cut functioned perfectly to match the overall cultural theme of her garb.

“Well, you’ve certainly grown,” Hammer Strike spoke up suddenly.

Edna whirled around in surprise, and her cigarette holder darted to Hammer Strike’s throat just as quickly before she finally was able to let down her guard. She eyed Hammer Strike up and down, strode to within a hoof’s breadth of the stallion, and finally spoke as she seized her holder in her hooves. “My gods, you’ve gotten tall.”

“Well, the medical cube wasn’t exactly configured to my species.” Hammer Strike chuckled. “Thankfully, it didn’t try anything about wings or a horn.”

“It probably didn’t have the materials for prosthesis.” Edna shrugged. “So, it took you this long to come back, hmm? I know you said you came from the future, but I must admit I didn’t expect to be holing up in this place for over five millennia.”

“Well, given your current company, I suppose you really didn’t have a good method of contacting me until just recently. Especially since they were after Grif, and not myself. I just happened to catch on to their arrival.”

“Well, given the fact I didn’t have the array to amplify my signal, it’s a good thing that you tagged along. Speaking of which, I have the armor for your Gryphon friend. It’s not the same as if it came from my lab on the island, but it will do for now until I can construct better facilities.”

Hammer Strike blinked a few times. “I ... didn’t know you were making armor for him. I don’t even know how you got the measurements, but I’ll let him know.”

“You said they wanted your friend. That implies a certain rarity that would catch these Sphinxes’ eyes. You attract rarity, darling. I’m sorry, but it’s true. And since I know you would never allow anyone else to step hoof or claw on that island, let alone my workshop, without your permission, it follows that the Gryphon whose scans were broadcast to me after power was restored to the systems is the one you mentioned to me in our little chats before we had to part ways. Especially since he also had a thaumic field.”

“I’m going to be honest with you. I got pulled to the past before that trip was concluded, so I don’t know anything of what occurred after I departed, since the priority to them was figuring out where I was. I still need to return and deal with some things.” Hammer Strike rubbed the back of his head.

Edna hummed and rubbed her chin. “That would explain the sudden signal array and the fact that I still couldn’t reach you while the signal was secure.”

“Yeah.” Hammer Strike sighed. “In any case, we’ve got some things to discuss. In particular, our plans moving forward.”

“Indeed.” Edna tented her wings and gazed intently at the Pony. “Doubtless, you can guess another reason why I chose to stay here. It goes without saying that what these Sphinxes have created is dangerous if mismanaged.”

“Considering the number of alerts I’ve received, I figured as much, and if I am to take you from here, they might retaliate with something. In turn, I have installed the AI from the Crystal Empire onto my augments, and then imported it into their systems.”

“An AI? Hammer Strike, we rarely used that technology. Too much potential for evolution beyond control. Did you do something to the researchers there to make them spin one out of whole cloth?”

“Turns out they made one on their own before I arrived. Though, I did arrive late, giving them plenty of time. Vega is the name of it. After implanting myself into the system and subsequently killing off the other Alicorns, I became the sole owner of the facility, and Vega studied how I ran it before introducing itself and assisting me in running it, leading me to believe they designed it to assist running the facility due to a lack of communication back home.”

“And it hasn’t done anything beyond your desires since?”

“Not a thing.”

“Then it must like you.” She smirked. “I am not surprised. I assume you intend to destroy the systems here, then, before we depart?”

“For the most part.” He nodded. “Some systems, I’ll leave running, as they hold no threat.”

“In a way, they are the opposite of what the Firstborn became. While they relied too much on technology, these rely too much on magic and preserving that magic. Neither is good when relied upon too much. It will take a firm hoof to teach them that lesson, however.”

Hammer Strike nodded. “Indeed. I assume you have prepared everything you will be taking with you? At least, that which can be moved easily and unnoticed.”

“Of course, darling. I made ready as soon as the signal cut off from the island. Anything else they find won’t work for them without me here.”

“Good. Then as soon as Grif has finished gathering what he is here for, I’ll send you the notice to get ready. Do be warned, of course. There isn’t much tech where I reside, so we’ll have to start it from the ground up for you. Either that, or using some of the crystal relays.”

“I have no illusions, Hammer Strike. Give me a studio and I am a happy mare. Let me build up a real studio, and I’ll give you some even better toys to play with.”

“I think I’ve got enough to play with.” Hammer Strike chuckled briefly. After a moment, he hummed. “You know what? I think I still have a small precaution that you could use until better established.” He reached into his coat before pulling out the magitech pistol he’d used in the past. It was maintained well enough, but some marks of time had reached it. “Even if you don’t use it, you could consider it a memento from Andre,” he finished, offering the pistol over.

Edna took the pistol gently and cradled it in her hooves. “He always was a clever colt,” she said softly. “It’s good to know he took some of my lessons to heart after all those years.”

Hammer Strike gave a soft smile. “I’ll leave the holster to you, as I’m quite sure mine would be a tad too loose.”

“Are you calling yourself fat, Hammer Strike?” Edna asked with a wry smirk.

“Clearly,” he chuckled. “It’s good to see you again, Edna.”

“Likewise, Hammer Strike.” She smiled. “I’m looking forward to seeing my little grand nieces again.”

“I don’t know if they could handle the surprise, especially after just seeing their parents again,” he replied before quickly adding, “and before you ask, sadly, no. I made a deal with Faust for them to get some closure.”

“I see.” Edna sighed. “I suspected that might be the case, but I had hoped….”

“I couldn’t go for much longer, but I was able to give them at least a day. I’m sure they’ll both be quite surprised to see you, though, and to know that you’ll be sticking around.”

“I suppose I will have to get acquainted with little Luna again. After all, she was so young when you took them.”

“Yeah, … and the trauma didn’t help much either. Most of their memories of the island are repressed. They still remember some bits and pieces, but not all of it. I don’t blame them, considering how young they both were.”

Edna nodded. “Then for now, I will wait for you to come. There may be some that want to follow me, however, when we leave.”

“Don’t worry. Not only can they not hide from my augments, but I have weapons to deal with such followers.”

“Well, yes, I suppose I’ll have those, too, but I mean actual followers, Hammer Strike. They are … rather heavily attached to me.”

“Ah. Well … if you trust them enough, I suppose we could take them with us. I have brought a big enough airship.”

“Darling, they would die for me if they had to.”

“Then, I suppose, alert them to the upcoming departure at your leisure. I’ll bring Grif by when you next have an opening.”

Edna nodded. “I assume you won’t be coming by shadow next time?”

“I can if need be, but so long as the cameras are off, I can just make a rift now that I’ve been here.”

“I can’t always keep them off. Tell me when you plan to come again if you need to do it in secret and I’ll make the preparations. Regardless, Hammer Strike, I’d like you to keep me informed of any developments. I’m an old mare, after all, and even I am not immune to the desire to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Hammer Strike chuckled as he moved back toward a shadow in the room. “Will do. Until then, if you need anything, you know how to reach me,” he remarked as he pulled himself into the shadows once more.

Edna smiled and shook her head as she levitated her tablet over. “You never cease to fascinate me, darling. It seems you and I have a few more of our little chats to hold yet.”

---

The night was still and clear as Day Moon gazed out his window into the sky above. The place was so alien, but the night touched anywhere and everywhere. It didn’t care where a person sat. It never judged one as worthy or better than another. It embraced all equally and ushered them to sleep. All save for those who were born to truly enjoy this moment of maternal bliss.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” a voice asked.

Day Moon whipped his head around in surprise. The room was empty. No shadows stirred. No foe breathed. And though Day Moon’s heart beat against his chest, there was no sense of danger like he’d felt when hunting with Grif. “Is … someone there?” he asked hesitantly.

“Don’t be scared,” a soothing motherly voice said.

Day Moon cocked his head and frowned. The voice was familiar. “Bonnie?”

“Yes, my child, it is me,” Bonnie said.

“Where are you?”

“Unfortunately, it is still beyond my power to manifest in another domain without permission,” she explained.

“And this is the domain of the fifth Wind,” Day Moon reasoned. “And she’s too busy to talk to, I’m guessing?”

“Yes,” Bonnie said. “Also, what I need you to do isn’t exactly nice.”

“You made me to be a monster hunter. Is this going to be worse than facing down those monsters?”

“I need you to steal some records for me.”

“... A goddess of justice who hunts the dark stalkers wants me to steal….”

“Day Moon, am I the goddess of sainthood?”

“I … don’t think so? We are still kind of getting used to everything you were.”

“Sometimes, we must accept the moral gray for the sake of the future,” she said.

“And that moral gray is you want me to steal from some super smart predators that probably know how to keep thieves from taking their stuff?” He rubbed his chin. “I … may need to ask Grif for some help on this one. Is that okay?”

“It is fine,'' she confirmed. “You must find and secure the records on the Thestral shaministic arts.”

“Are there a lot of them?”

“There should be six tomes, each bound with a silver crescent moon on the spine.”

“And I’m guessing you can’t tell me where it is?”

“Not my realm,” she said.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Day Moon nodded. “We’ll figure it out. For some reason, things always work out right when Grif and Hammer Strike are there.”

“They have a way of messing with fate,” she agreed with a chuckle.

“Was there anything else I can do for you tonight, Ma’am?” Day Moon asked politely.

“No, Day Moon, you will have good dreams tonight,” the voice promised.

Day moon chuckled. “Then tomorrow night, we get to steal some books.”

“Thank you, my child.”

“Get well soon, Bonnie,” Day Moon said by way of farewell.

“With your help, I will,” Bonnie said before her presence faded.

Day Moon sighed and gazed up into the starry heavens again. He knew he should get to bed. His goddess has told him he would need to be ready to help steal those books, and he’d need to be alert enough to tell Grif and Avalon about it, but still…. “Maybe just five more minutes....”

---

“Now, you see, the thing I’ve discovered is they never take books out of here,” Grif explained to Avalon as they walked down the aisles and aisles of shelves. “They will rearrange them often, but they never take them out of the library itself.”

“Given how their system works, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s because their filing system is magically based. They can probably switch books anywhere in their designated rooms and call them at will, but if the book is removed from its proper place, it can’t be summoned, and who knows what other measures might be in place to keep them from being removed without permission,” Avalon added.

“Yes. Too bad they overthink things,” Grif said, eyeing the shelves.

“In what way?”

Grif pointed. “If you recall from the records we do have, they weren’t made with the eyesight we have,” Grif commented. “The dust here was disturbed in the last day, and that area the day prior.”

“If they use magic to rearrange the shelves instead, that could just be a ploy to divert your attention, you know,” Avalon pointed out.

“Considered that, but it seems unlikely.” Grif shrugged. “That’d be giving us credit.”

“And you honestly think they wouldn’t after how much they’ve been watching you?”

“There was a conqueror back on earth named Napoleon Bonaparte. The man nearly conquered all of one of the largest landmasses on the planet. You know what stopped him?”

“You know I don’t, dear,” Avalon said patiently.

“Well, according to some stories, the Duke of Wellington defeated him in the battle of Waterloo because Napoleon’s huge ego had him make massive heavily armed ships, so the Duke of Wellington made ships so small they didn’t reach the first line of cannons and sailed right next to Napoleon’s ships and fired point blank.”

“I assume you’re going to make a point?”

“Sometimes ego overrides common sense so powerfully that you won’t adjust until it’s too late,” Grif said as he ran a talon carefully across book bindings.

“Grif, are you generating afterimages to distract our hosts?”

“Always,” Grif said as he pulled a book off the shelf and opened it, showing the author's name to Avalon.

“That cover doesn’t look like the original,” Avalon noted as she eyed the surface. “How did you figure it out?”

“This book was moved an hour before we arrived, and it was hidden in Peacetime Philosophy.”

Avalon smirked. “And you promise you didn’t get any more visits from a certain spirit to nudge you in the right direction?”

“Yup,” he said. “Now, do you have those bound sheets of blank paper I told you to get?”

“I just hope I brought enough.” She fished the papers out of her satchel and passed them to Grif.

“What you're about to see is a state secret,” Grif told her. “If you tell anyone about this, it’s treason, and even I can’t help you,” he warned.

“In that case, then I’d better not see it,” Avalon said. She kissed him gently on the cheek, then closed her eyes. “Let me know when you’re finished.”

Grif took a deep breath as he held the journal in one hand and the bound blank papers in the other. He started to pull in energy as he concentrated on his will. Doing as Hammer Strike had taught him, he willed the cover into existence. The drain was immense as, slowly, aspects began pulling around the sheaves. Grif put everything he had toward the makeup of the cover, copying it down to the slightest detail as he worked. What would take Hammer Strike seconds took him twenty minutes before he held two seemingly identical books. With a far easier effort, he removed but didn’t destroy the existing enchantments on the journal and stitched them onto the blank, creating a fake he hoped would go unnoticed for some time.

“You can open your eyes now,” he said, panting slightly.

“That took a lot longer than I thought,” Avalon said as she eyed her husband appraisingly. “Are you all right?”

“Tell me using only your magic, which of these is the real thing?”

Avalon reached into her satchel and frowned for a moment before finally producing a clear focus. She gazed through the crystal and nodded as it gave a minor glow. Then she ran it over both covers, peering intently through it. Finally, she pointed to the original. “That one.” She smiled knowingly. “But I don’t think they’ll be interested in cracking the cover.”

“Not till we’re gone, I hope,” Grif said, sliding the fake in place. “This isn’t stealing, more like reclaiming what's rightfully mine.”

“So you think it was stolen from the tower?”

“Grask and his wives were to be laid to rest in Gryphon territory with all their belongings. This knowledge is for me to use to help our future.”

“I thought you were looking to understand the origins of your swords, not look for prophecies and portents,” Avalon chided as she folded her arms.

“Technically, we’re getting both. This is the journal of Grask’s Sphinx wife,” he noted. “She was a prophetess as well.”

“I’m aware, Grif. I just think you need to be careful is all. I don’t think she’d appreciate you looking for more than what you meant to find in the first place.”

“I can’t exactly memorize the entire thing in a few days, can I?”

“I never said anything against studying, Grif. I just said you should be cautious,” Avalon said. “Now let’s put the book back before our hosts get anxious. We have been standing here an awfully long time, and we still need to find those books for Day Moon, too.”

“Yeah, lets get looking,” Grif agreed as he put the journal inside his tunic into a pocket that operated a lot like his pack but on a smaller scale. “Those may take a little more work.”

“At least we won’t have to worry about them being switched around all the time.” Avalon smiled. “Though I suppose we should keep ‘looking’ for the journal to keep up appearances.”

“Yeah.” Grif nodded “Let's get going. It won’t be around here, anyway.”

“Oh, most certainly not,” Avalon agreed, even as she smirked. “Maybe we should try the comparative theology sections. As you said, she was a prophetess, after all.”

“Yeah lets get going,” Grif said, leading the way, even as he wrapped a wing around his love.

“And perhaps we can get Day Moon to help. We don’t want to leave him unaccompanied for too long. Pensword would flay us alive.”

“Good plan.” He nodded.

She leaned in to preen some of his feathers and whispered covertly. “We really need to figure out a way to communicate without talking. Playful banter is one thing, but this is getting a bit tedious.”

“You mean like body language?” He wiggled his eyebrows roguishly.

Avalon laughed and rolled her eyes heavenward. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Taking suggestions?”

“Oh, I’m always open to suggestions,” Avalon said as she purred and brushed against her mate. “Shall we?”

“Of course. Lead the way.”

---

“Wait, weren't all the Alicorns dead?” Grif asked of his friend. A quick shadow step had brought the Gryphon to Hammer Strike’s quarters without any difficulty.

“I thought so, myself, until just before the Sphinxes arrived. An old friend had some information on a potential threat hidden amongst them, but it turned out to be Edna.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Though we all had plans to escape the island, I never heard from any of them, apart from Teller, again. Turns out, she couldn’t contact me because she’s been held captive here.”

“We’re not about to massacre the entire population of this city, are we?”

Hammer Strike shook his head. “No, we won’t have to. They’re not stupid enough to try confrontation, especially since I’ve basically taken over their system already using an AI from the Crystal Empire, who I made a copy of for here.”

“Bit of a strange concept in a quasi-medieval world, but not the weirdest.” Grif chuckled. “So, I take it you need me for something if I’m here listening to this.”

“We have a quick trip to make, and I’ve already confirmed we’re clear, so,” a rift opened next to Hammer Strike. “After you.”

Grif passed through the rift without hesitation. When he emerged, he stared at an Alicorn approximately the same size as Twilight. Her dark bowl-cut mane was perfectly coiffed as she gazed over the Gryphon, then the rift. “Clever. Very clever,” Edna praised as Hammer Strike stepped through to join them and the rift closed behind him. She strode around the Gryphon and eyed him carefully. “Hmm. I may need to perform a few minor adjustments,” she mused as she circled round again to look the Gryphon in the face without the slightest hesitation. “I take it that you are Grif,” she said in that shrewd tone of analysis that only the greatest of fashionistas and designers seemed capable of conjuring, being at once cutting and inquiring.

“Yes, and you are the famous Edna,” Grif returned. “It’s great to finally meet you.”

“Yes, yes, a great pleasure. Very charmed, I’m sure,” Edna said dismissively. “Now, both of you come with me. We do not have all night, and I have a suit of armor that was literally made for you.” She strode near the coffee table that had been set up by a series of carefully crafted chairs and placed her hoof on a patch of floor. The tone of a scanner ran, followed by a pair of fine devices that emerged from the floor to scan her eyes. Once more, the mare spoke into a microphone, as she had on the island. Unlike then, a number of devices did not emerge ready to kill. “Well, don’t just stand there staring like an idiot. Come, come, come!”

“You really got a downgrade,” Hammer Strike remarked, “No turrets or missiles anymore?”

“Did you really want me to have those here for my ‘protectors’ to try to reverse engineer, darling?” Edna waved a wing dismissively as they descended the stairs. Bright red orbs hummed threateningly and gradually engaged a series of high-intensity lasers as the trio passed. “I have to keep things subtle.”

“I mean, either way, it works if they aren’t alive to study it.” Hammer Strike shrugged.

“Yes, but then I would have to kill all of them, Hammer Strike. I’m an artist, not a warlord. That is why I must show you my work. That is why you are here.” She flipped her cigarette holder handily in her magic and threw it at a target where it easily locked into place. Silicate parted and disintegrated to reveal a room that was virtually identical to the familiar workshop Hammer Strike had seen on the island. Loombs, shuttlecocks, laser printers, cutters, and more were carefully arranged to make maximum use and efficiency for the small space. In the corner, a display room awaited with a Gryphon-shaped mannequin inside.

The material was definitely not metal Grif had ever seen. If anything, it seemed in the family of carbon fiber and tactical kevlar, pliable yet strong. The shape was slimmer and form-fitting, the wings were to be covered by a skeletal frame that seemed designed not to hinder flight. The overall form was shaped for the least wind resistance, making for something Grif would have expected from earth. “How did you do this?” he asked.

“Simple, darling,” Edna assured him as she pulled her key back to her and took a seat before the chamber. She gestured invitingly to a larger portion that was most definitely designed for a Sphinx. “When my lab sent me the notice that you’d found it, I simply had to take up the challenge. Your biological and thaumic scans were just too much to resist!” She grinned and gazed at the armor set, then levitated a steaming pot and cup. “Tea and sugar?”

“Yes…” Grif said, a bit dazed as he settled into the proffered sectional.

“You, too, Hammer Strike,” Edna insisted. “A craftsman always takes advantage of the chance to learn new techniques, and we know each other far too well for me to suspect you of trying to steal my designs.” She quickly poured the tea and added the necessary helping before levitating the cup into the Gryphon’s waiting talons.

“Fair enough.” Hammer Strike shrugged as he approached.

As Hammer Strike took his seat, the whole chair jerked violently to the side as the simulation began. “I designed this with a personal alloy melded with carbon to ensure lightness and intense durability.” A wind tunnel blew, sending a stream over the surface of the armor. “Aerodynamic design that can cleave wind and slice through the bluster of any storm. It will provide greater options to you should you ever get caught in a situation where your natural talents cannot be utilized.” The wind tunnel disengaged as the suit was turned and a hail of projectiles from darts to arrows to bullets struck against it. “A deployable alloy to protect your feathers and wings from harm while actively harvesting and storing magic for you to deploy as you see fit. Since the wind is your specialty, I included a function that allows for compressed air bullets and manipulation of the armor pieces in the form of guided daggers and projectiles. A homing signal will bring them back to their proper locations, and each comes complete with its own homing beacon for easy tracking if you ever feel the need to mark your targets.”

True to her word, the weapons in question activated to decimate enemy targets, and the ammunition the mare spoke of clattered harmlessly to the floor. “Completely flame and water proof, and it includes an internal biomonitor and environmental controls to keep you alive in more intense conditions. Any lightning or other more dangerous elements of its kind are used to power batteries and backup reserves in the suit’s functions for personal use in whatever capacity you see fit. This also includes reusable stun grenades that you can trigger with a signal that is capable of piercing most physical barriers. Magic is unlikely to have any effect unless properly attuned to block the signal, though I make no guarantees about the grenades themselves. In the event of an overcharge, the remainder of the power will be expelled in the form of a temporary shield projection or can be channeled through your tail weapon to strike an unsuspecting enemy.

“You really thought of everything,” Grif said.

“And hand and machine washable, darling. That’s a new feature.”

“Yeah, we more use magic for that.” Grif chuckled.

“Magic is not always available. It is not wise to rely on it for every need. But then again, you two already know this.” Edna smiled as she flew off the platform and alighted at the end of the display chamber to key the code and open the door, then turned to face Grif. “Go on, go on. Try it on. I can’t fit it properly if I don’t see how it wears on you, darling.”

Grif needed some instructions but eventually managed to get the armor on. It fit snuggly but not uncomfortably to his body. Not only did the armor provide a full range of movement, but the weight truly was nearly non-existent. He scraped at it with his talons a few times, finding them skirting off with ease. “This is truly amazing.”

“The wings can be engaged by directing the flow of your magic through your own wings. It may take you a few tries to learn how to use the circuitry properly, but the rest should be simple for a warrior of your unique reputation.”

“This solves all the problems I was having with armor,” Grif laughed. “I could never find the mix between free movement and good defense.”

“Just mind the gaps, darling. I’m a designer, not a god. I expect you to still take care of yourself.”

“Of course.” Grif nodded. “But it helps.”

“Now that we have that taken care of, on to business.” Edna peered intently at Hammer Strike. “When do you want to make your move? If I am going to bring my followers with me when we depart, we will need time to prepare.”

“Given recent discoveries and recently obtained items, it’s likely that we’ll be moving out in roughly four days,” Hammer Strike replied after a moment of thought.

Edna nodded. “Then we will be ready. Did you want me to sneak onto the ship or make a more public example?”

“Public. If I’m going to give them a statement, I’m going to make sure it’s heard.”

Edna nodded. “Then so be it. Rest assured, I will be ready.” She smiled. “It will be good to have a proper challenge again. Believe it or not, I used to design for gods once. Nice people, very fashionable.”

“Well, your list of clients will likely be very diminished, given our destination, but we’ll see what we can figure out,” Hammer Strike chuckled.

Edna smiled knowingly as she sipped her tea. “Oh, I’m certain I’ll manage. You never know when the divine might show up.”

---

Day Moon peered intently at the shelving unit. The manuals were each marked with the moon in various phases from new to waxing to full to waning. As he drew near to the volumes, their symbols began to glow with a gentle light.

“I’m … going to guess that means they’re happy to see me?” Day Moon asked.

“It is a library. I’m certain the Sphinxes won’t mind if you take them off the shelves to look. If it were forbidden, they would have warned us or blocked off the shelves somehow,” Avalon encouraged with a smile. “Knowledge isn’t gained by sitting and doing nothing. Go ahead and take it.”

Day Moon picked up the first of the volumes. The thin silver line of the moon shone round about it, but the leather inside the circle became black as night. “I guess this is supposed to be a new moon.” As he pulled the volume down, his wings became stressed, and he grunted. “It’s heavy,” he huffed.

“Do you need help?” Grif asked him.

“Maybe for this one, yeah. It’s … kind of thick.” Without his willing it, the volume slipped from between his hooves and began to drop toward the floor. Before the colt could let out a cry, however, Grif’s talons had already closed around the binding.

“Whoa there.” Grif chuckled as he held the book up. “The new moon. That usually signifies the time before new life, right?” Grif asked.

“And death. It’s the beginning and the close of Bonnie’s cycle.” The colt fluttered in front of the volume as Grif held it up. “It’s weird, though. I’ve never had trouble holding onto a book like that before.” He frowned and peered at his hooves. “I thought we couldn’t drop things like that normally.”

“Perhaps it’s a protective measure to ensure only certain people can read it,” Avalon suggested.

“But why did Bonnie ask me to get it then if I can’t hold onto it?”

“I think you’re overthinking it, Day Moon,” Avalon said. “For now, how about we focus on getting the other volumes ready?”

Grif began pulling out multiple reams of paper. Taking the first volume, he began his work while Avalon and Day Moon pulled down the others.

Day Moon shuddered as he held up the last tome. This one was a veritable twin to the first, save for the symbol on its binding. While the first was black, this one pulsed with the silvery light of the full moon. It seemed only too eager to stay with the colt as he held it in his forelegs. “Okay, I think it definitely has to do with magic,” he said. “This one’s as thick as the first, maybe even thicker, but it’s not pulling me down at all.”

“Maybe it’s yours?” Grif asked.

Day Moon shrugged. “I guess Bonnie will tell me later.” Day Moon frowned. “By the way, Grif, don’t they have ways to keep an eye on us here, even if it’s not magical?”

“Sure they do, but I have it on good authority those ways see nothing,” Grif said.

“From Hammer Strike?”

Grif nodded. “He has it covered.”

“All right, then,” Day Moon said as he prepared his saddlebags, then looked to Avalon. “So, what do you want to do while we wait?” he asked.

“We can explore a little, if you’d like. I’m not sure how many books we’ll find that you can read, but I might be able to find something we can enjoy together to pass the time.”

Day Moon grinned. “Maybe some stories?”

Avalon laughed. “Yes, maybe some stories.”

“You know, Master Day Moon, I could tell you some tales from my younger days if you wanted something to entertain you,” Shadowsbane noted.

“I know, but your stories are always bloody, Shadowsbane. I appreciate the lessons you can teach me, but I’d like to try to find something that doesn’t always have to do with fighting. Does that make sense?”

The sword creaked, as if to smile. “Perfect sense, Master Day Moon.”

“I think I know just the place we can start,” Avalon added. “It helps being trained in ancient Gryphic.” And with a motherly wing around the colt, the two began their journey through the shelves in search of knowledge and fables untold.

---

Edna eyed the mannequins as Hammer Strike disengaged them from the railing in preparation for travel through the rift to his airship. “Careful with those, darling. The material is designed to adapt to the parameters I insert from my scans. Far easier to have a working model present than to require multiple visits for fittings and adjustments. It may try to take on some of your traits if you aren’t careful.”

“It takes multiple visits for you?” Hammer Strike chuckled as he slowed his pace for Edna’s sake. “I’ll try.”

“Darling, I just said these make it so I only require one.” Edna sighed. “Children. They never listen.”

“Come on. If I can do it just off looking at someone, before the augments mind you, I’m sure you can as well, given how skilled you are at this.”

Edna smiled wryly. “Perhaps, but I enjoy cheating. Don’t you?”

“I like the challenge, which was promptly taken by the augments, but still.” He chuckled as he finished up his current task. “Okay, on to the next.”

“I assume you also want me to dismantle my security grid before we depart?” Edna asked.

“Considering you’ll probably want to keep them, yeah, probably for the best.”

“For the best. For the greater good. These are things I have heard many say before. But it does beg the question. What is it that you really want, Hammer Strike?” She charged up her horn and shot a spell at one of her consoles. Before their eyes, the machine proceeded to shrink to the size of a model figurine.

“That’s a tough question to answer, and I’m sure you know that.” Hammer Strike raised a brow at Edna.

“It is the difficult questions that are always the most worthwhile to answer. Especially when they invite perspective. The children on the island lacked that quality. And while I trust you not to become like them, I still like to nudge things in the right direction.” She chuckled. “I suppose I must get that from my parents.”

Hammer Strike gave a brief chuckle. “Fair enough. I suppose the simplest answer to that is I want to leave this world in a better state than when I arrived. A cliché answer, sure, but it fits well enough.”

“An interesting desire,” Edna agreed. “One that is filled with possibility. You might just achieve that wish, too.” She rubbed her chin in thought, then shrugged. “As for me, well, you already know what I want. Design and creation will always be where I feel most at home. And I have a feeling that there will be many a collaboration in our future.”

“I’m sure there will be. Though, I hope the need for it never comes.”

“We always do, Hammer Strike. We always do. And yet, here we are.” She sighed. “It’s strange. I don’t miss the fighting, but I do miss constructing newer and better designs. I’m not sure what I would do if the world was at peace.”

“Forward momentum. It’s a difficult thing to keep up, but I’m sure, even in a time of peace, you would find a way to make those designs.” Hammer Strike smiled. “After all, perfection is an illusion, and there will always be more that can be made.”

Edna smirked. “Including your horseshoes, darling?”

“Definitely,” he nodded.

Edna smirked. “You enjoy frustrating him, don’t you?”

“Considering everything, it’s the least damaging thing I can do.”

Edna chuckled. “Maybe you can give him some advice on smithing for the next set of artifacts he decides to craft, then.”

“No thanks. I’m sure there are better smiths in the afterlife, or even other divines who could do better than me.” Hammer Strike shook his head dismissively.

“You sell yourself too short, Hammer Strike. Be proud of your gifts,” Edna said as she shrunk another console. “They may just save the world one day.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Hammer Strike started packing other objects before using his coat to store them.

“Well, well. And who crafted this little beauty?” Edna asked curiously as she approached the coat. “It suits you, and the spatial manipulation is very subtle. I never would have known it could do that if I hadn’t seen you use it.”

“Believe it or not, this is the first coat I’ve ever owned and made. It’s been through a lot, and has been changed over the years. Between my own repairs and the amount of magic Rarity poured into patching it, it’s just … developed. The pocket dimension was an … accidental inclusion, but not unwelcome. It’s also … kind of alive?”

“May I?” she asked, half to Hammer Strike, half to the coat.

Hammer Strike pulled off the coat and offered it to Edna. “Sure. Just be wary of the weight.”

Edna crumpled to the floor as the fur-lined jacket fluttered over her body and drove her with the sheer weight it generated. “Mother Faust!” she swore.

“I did warn you.” Hammer Strike chuckled before turning toward the coat. “I think you should let up on the weight. At least until I’ve got you back.”

The coat yielded just enough to let her rise to her hooves. Her legs trembled as she looked over the ursa fur. “Lovingly tended, carefully sewn, and most definitely built upon from the original. The technique is adequate, and the stitching very well hidden. It’s almost as if it were one single piece.” She stroked the interior again. “This thread is … unique. You say that this was repaired by someone named Rarity?”

“One of my wives. She was my first wife before I was pulled to the island’s past. Then I was married to Clover during my reign until my return to the present,” Hammer Strike explained.

“I would like to meet her.” Edna narrowed her gaze as she peered more closely at the coat before moving to return it to its owner. The coat blurred before Hammer Strike had the chance to reclaim it, and suddenly it was on his frame again. Edna’s eyes widened in surprise. “Did the coat do that or was that you?”

“The coat. It doesn’t like to be separated from me for long.” Hammer Strike chuckled.

“Fascinating. You truly are a work of art,” she complimented the coat.

After a brief moment, he nodded. “It appreciates it.”

“As I meant to say before that extra show, your wife has talent. I believe I would like to meet her after I set up shop.”

“I’ll introduce you to her when we’re back at New Unity.” Hammer Strike smiled. “As for the fur on the interior, that’s from an Ursa. An Ursa Supremus, as we’ve dubbed it. Only one of it’s kind to exist, thankfully.”

“I suppose you don’t have any more of its fur left after all this time,” she mused. “That makes your coat all the more valuable.”

“I … may have some more that you could use for a personal project.”

Edna raised both brows. “You preserved it for all these years?”

“I have a professional who works for me. He’s quite skilled in … preservation.”

“Another secret, Hammer Strike?” Edna smirked. “I always liked that about you.”

“I’ve made a lot of … interesting allies over the years.”

“Then I look forward to meeting them. Now then, where were we?”

“Packing.”

Edna smiled wryly. “Ah, yes, the designer’s favorite pastime. You can always know a good designer by how well they pack.” Her smirk widened playfully. “Or should I say how much?”

“In either case, I feel like I’m cheating.” Hammer Strike chuckled as more was placed into his coat.

“Do you still have to carry the weight?”

“No. I choose to, however.”

“Then you are already paying for it. No need to feel guilty at all, darling. Glad we got that settled,” the mare said in that familiar pushy way that reminded the stallion only too well of the old days.

“Once we start packing everything topside, our cover is over with. Ready to face the crowds?”

Edna chuckled and flashed a smile. “Darling, it’s me we’re talking about. I’m always ready.”

---

“So, this is it, huh?” Vital Spark asked as he looked over Edna’s lab. “The last straw before all Tartarus breaks loose?”

“Darling, has anyone ever told you you have a flare for the obvious?” Edna asked.

Vital Spark smirked. “A few times. ’Tis part of me charm, dontcha know.”

Edna’s head whipped back at the Pony to gaze more intently at the stallion. “Where did you say you come from again?”

Vital shrugged. “I didn’t.”

Edna hummed and pursed her lips. “Perhaps you and I will need to chat about that, then,” she mused. “After we finish here, of course.”

“Speaking of finishing, has everyone finished packing their goods to go? We don’t need any hostage situations,” Avalon noted.

“I sent Aria ahead to the ship. She should be waiting for us,” Vital Spark promised.

“You know I have everything,” Day Moon chimed in.

“And the boys are ready to play with the nobility,” Avalon added as she casually placed her focus around her neck. “I suppose we should get started, then. Our would-be-jailers are probably feeling restless.”

“All right, darlings. I’ll get my equipment ready for transport. I’m relying on you to keep any of the others from interfering. Do try not to murder them. Blood stains are so very frustrating to get out.”

“I’m sure we can think of something if it comes down to it, E,” Vital promised as he removed his foci. “After all, we are very good at what we do.

Edna let out a single laugh, then began to charge her horn. “Let’s see just how much of artists you two really are, then.”

Back in the throne room, Hammer Strike and Grif both stood before the throne of Osiris as the ruler gazed upon them in utter disbelief alongside his guards, priests, and advisors.

“You wish to what?”

Hammer Strike frowned. “To repeat myself, I will be taking one of your prisoners, an Alicorn by the name of Edna.”

“Opening diplomatic relations is one thing, Hammer Strike, but you are taking a being who is at once national treasure and political prisoner, as well as a refugee. Do you really expect us to stand idly by and simply allow you to take her away from our care without proper compensation?”

“The compensation you will receive is my lack of response to your attempts at altering my augments,” Hammer Strike remarked threateningly. “By technicality, I believe that’s called attacking a foreign leader. All before you were able to establish diplomatic relations, too.” The light of his eyes began to brighten. “You do know what that means, right?”

“This is the first I’ve heard of such interference,” the king said smoothly. “But if you speak true—”

“I’d recommend you just come clean. It gives you a better chance at survival,” Hammer Strike said flatly.

“You will destroy a way of life that has lasted for millennia if you remove her so violently. At the very least, allow my people—”

Again, Hammer Strike didn’t allow the king to finish. “You fail to understand. You were the ones who put yourselves in this position, relying on a prisoner to keep yourselves up and running.” He sighed. “For ones who pride themselves on gathering knowledge, you seem to miss important details. You had plenty of years to plan for this course of events, but you did nothing.”

“This cannot stand!” one of the priests declaimed. “The Alicorn is our divine charge. To put her out into the world unsupervised would be to invite a complete overthrow of the balance of power in the world, and thus the balance of life and death. Our goddess would never allow this!”

“And why wouldn’t she?” Grif asked

“I already explained why, Avatar. Any change in the balance of power between the nations as it now stands will invite war, out of fear if not out of the desire to claim what they consider a prize for themselves.”

“You speak of the balance of power?” Grif laughed. “You’re a bunch of hypocrites, then.” He snapped his fingers and Kel’leam rose from the floor in a bright light and full battle dress. “You do not decide for the gods what they will and will not tolerate. While your kin suffered, you hid yourselves away, building a kingdom on the power of others, both your kin’s ancestors and the fallen enemy.” He shifted his harsh gaze on the king's entourage, then rested that glare on Osiris himself. “Who am I?” he demanded.

The king was silent.

“Answer the question,” Kel’leam demanded as he pointed his spear at the king. His body still glowed with the aura of his summoning.

“You dare—?” one of the advisers demanded.

“I do what I like. I already died once. I don’t fear death. I know her. And I know she will not be pleased with what you have done this day. Will you continue to obstruct her representative or will you answer the question as he demands? It is that simple.”

While the priest seemed to fall into red-faced apoplexy, the king raised a staying wing. “Enough.” He bowed his head in deference to Grif. “The point is well made, Avatar. What is the will of the goddess?”

“That the world be put to rights,” Grif said. “The Alicorn named E has served as your prisoner for longer than the war was fought. More than twice its length, in fact. She has expressed the desire to leave, and her time has been served. She will not carry the sin of her race, and you will not hold her on those grounds. As for her refugee status, I would argue she is safer in New Unity than anywhere else on Equis. If you are so offended by her freedom, then I am sure Hammer Strike and Equestria will gladly pay a ransom.” Grif looked to Hammer Strike with a nod.

“Or, you know, there is the other way, but that’s messier and would mean seeing your goddess a lot sooner than planned,” Kel’leam noted casually.

Osiris looked with careful calculation between Hammer Strike, Grif, and Kel’leam. Finally, he rose to his paws. “Very well,” he conceded. “It is obvious nothing can be gained or said at this time more than has already been exchanged.” He cast a silencing glare back at the other Sphinxes. “As ever, Hammer Strike, you are the victor, and we acknowledge your solution and wit.”

“Then I’ll see to that transfer. Immediately.” Hammer Strike gave a small grin as he turned to exit the throne room. “Oh, and, I’d suggest you keep your guard in line. If you want to keep them, that is.”

“Your people are big on riddles, so I’ll leave you with one to ponder.” Grif smirked as he turned. “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” And then he left with Kel’leam trailing behind him.

---

“You certainly do have a flair for the dramatic, don’t you, Hammer Strike?” Edna asked as she peered at the Gryphon and Earth Pony both intently on the air ship’s deck.

Vital Spark chuckled. “You have no idea what these two get up to.”

“And I hope you don’t know either, Vital Spark,” Avalon said coolly. “There are some things that should remain private, you know.”

Vital Spark sighed. “Story of my life. Open mouth, insert hoof.”

“In any case,” Hammer Strike spoke up, “are we missing anything else of your equipment, Edna?”

“No, darling. I made sure to take everything, and I have taken the precaution of adding protections against any measures you may take with the rest of the city. One can only assume that is what you had in mind, all things considered.”

“Good. Now, where are those followers of yours?”

“Waiting for the appropriate signal. I assumed you wanted to wait until after you had clipped my keepers’ wings.”

“You’re pretty much in the clear. They’re too terrified to make an obvious move, and the subtle ones aren’t going to work as soon as we start to leave.”

Edna’s horn lit up as she set off a tiny ball of light. It streaked for a short distance in the air, and the moment it started to fade, wing beats could be heard as a little over a dozen Sphinxes became visible in the air flying toward them.

“And … I’m glad I got the larger airship,” Hammer Strike muttered to himself.

“If you can call it an airship, darling,” Edna said.

“Primitive tech. Yeah, I get it.” Hammer Strike looked to Edna. “I’ve got plans for that, but the supplies are the hard part. Let’s get moving. I still need to pick up that whiskey for Clover.”

It didn’t take long to move Edna's followers below deck.

“So, we should probably go while the getting’s good,” Grif said.

“Not so fast, darling. There is still one little matter that Hammer Strike needs to address before we depart,” Edna said.

“Vega, close the door for us, would you?” Hammer Strike gave a small smile.

“Certainly, Hammer Strike. Disabling all systems designated threat level Alpha through Gamma now.” There was a brief flickering in the sky overhead as the projection that was part magic and part technology dealt with the surge Vega’s spike had caused throughout the city. Yowls of surprise mingled with roars of outrage and howls of despair that arose from the city en masse, both the towering structures above and the original structures at the base. “I’ve taken the liberty of including a lock to ensure access to any manuals and administrator or super user privileges is impossible without prior authorization from you, Hammer Strike. However, I would advise vacating the premises as quickly as possible. While it is doubtful the whole city would dare to go against you, there may be some foolish enough to attack on irrational impulses.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Want me to give you a little push?” Avalon offered.

“Nah, we’ll be fine.” Hammer Strike shook his head as he started their departure.

“An end of an adventure and the beginning of a new one.” Vital chuckled. “Dare I ask what zany crazy shenanigans the world is going to throw at us next?”

“Didn’t Clover teach you to be careful?” Grif asked.

“Yes. Hence why I posed the question and nothing else.” The familiar cry of a certain cryophoenix carried on the wind as Aria came in for a landing and promptly began to peck Vital Spark on the head. He winced. “And it appears that even the question is enough to draw ire from the closest of places….”

Avalon laughed. “I think if Vital Spark ever failed to invite these kinds of incidents that the world would come to an end.”

“Maybe.” Grif shrugged. “But he still needs to learn.”

Comments

[Dravkwn]

That ending is definitely one of those "Well that was a thing" moments.

[Charedfirescale]

Well this was a short adventure.

As for the Centaur/Gargoyle kingdom, I’m pretty sure the Cloud Gremlins were a part of it as well. Acting as a Pegasus analogy

[Pitviper0444]

Yet another great cahpter

[vustrunreyth]

Alternative title. Hammer strike fuckes with techno cats.

[Charedfirescale]

10956096
cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/000/301/033/medium/art_id_155463_sphinx_token_final.jpg?1415975684

[Booster Spice]

Wonder just what kind of threat level the infosphere was classed as given it was picking up not just the planet but near space as well, at least?

Lets see if Edna can introduce, work with Titanium infused silk and sparse carbon nanotube metamaterial cloaks? Massive energy and momentum handling capabiliites with very little weight and switchable from almost puree reflective to pure emmisive, pass by invisible?

Still, just setting off with a more heavily loaded standard airship, some Sphinx might still try something?

[DoctorWhoooves]

I feel like Edna may end up with someone. I don't know who, or why, just the gut feeling I have.

[Charedfirescale]

10956562
Got anyone lined up?

[DoctorWhoooves]

10959761
I mean main guess is Hammer Strike. He's got one seamstress, why not two? Rarity is like a princess, Edna whose a natural alicorn may as well be a Princess (of fashion or some such) And Clover was/is a Queen. That's a lot of royalty! Plus Grif and Pensword have multiple wives, so I feel like statistically Hammer Strike will also get a third. And before anyone mentions Vital only having one wife, He arrived late so i'm not counting him.

[Charedfirescale]

10960211
I'm going to discount those possible suitors. Edna sees Hammerstrike like a child in many respects. I think it would be someone older, and/or someone that she feels she can be on equal "hoof" with. Besides Edna is married to her work, I don't see her settling down. I mean you could make Trixie's crazy Uncle a suitor.

I don't see Hammerstrike being romantic with her. As for Vital, hes got Trixie and Sunset.

[Charedfirescale]

So I decided to reread Extended Holiday starting at the Princess Summit. Whatever happened to the phoenix Renati? Theres a lot of characters I don't remember.

Have to say, I can see the Kitsunes and the Sphinxs fight over who has preserved the most history. Considering they know that Hammerstrike and Co are human. I'm pretty sure the Kitsune have the upper claw in the argument. Regardless that the Sphinx have maintained the technology of their forebears.

Though I still disagree with Harmony being considered an aspect of order. Harmony should be its own category. With Chaos and Order being on either side.

[Charedfirescale]

(Edited due to messenges remorse)

So, I'm at the arc where Shawn, Taze, Michael (Pensword), and Connor go back to earth (Chapters 99-102).

There are a lot of human-side characters that I have forgotten about and I hope somewhere down the line we can revisit them. It would be interesting to see what they would look like as Equestrians. Though only when the technology behind those transformation bracelets are available to them.

I consider family to be really important, so I'm constantly chewing on the circumstances of Taze (Grif) ghosting his family and breaking in to steal his stuff. After some thought, its most likely that Shawn, Matthew and Connor's parents would contact Taze's. Just to have a form of solidarity, like how the families of soldiers due. (This is just my observation from tv) Also, its quite possible that his family or at least Taze's brother would find one of his feathers. The best case scenario is that Taze's family (Mother, father, and brother) would end up on Equis to force the confrontation. However, its more likely one of them most likely Taze's brother would end up instead.

Another scenario would be if one of the Bladefeathers ended up on Earth, in a similar condition to how Shawn and the gang ended up on Equis. If that Bladefeather ended up near Taze's family and interacted with them, this could force a confrontation. Since it is believed that Taze returned home.

[Vital Spark]

10982763
Hey there, Nyxquinn, yes, it won't hold up long. The first approximately thirty chapters are pretty rough, since the writers were only just starting out. You'll find the story (and grammar quality) improves after you hit the 30s. We've been working on rewriting the original 30 chapters and are officially 2/3s of the way through now. When they're all finished, we will be replacing the original chapters with the revised ones. But until then, I hope you enjoy what you find and keep pushing through. I promise you, it is definitely a good read well worth your while.

[Charedfirescale]

Chapter 105:

“Mage Meadow Brook,” Clover explained. “He was a Unicorn from the east who had a talent for enchantments, and was a great leader in magical theory. He hid eight enchanted items across Equestria with special powers, but they have yet to be recovered”

This is wrong, Mage Meadow Brook is an earth pony mare. You might want to change it at some point

[Vital Spark]

10984792
Actually, in this case, it appears the only thing we got wrong was claiming that Meadowbrook was a he instead of a she. Since all known records about Mage Meadowbrook, according to Twilight and Starlight Glimmer, indicate she was an Eastern Unicorn at first. Later, Fluttershy and Twilight discover the truth in A Health of Information, but that truth is not known at this time, and Clover wouldn't have been around during that stage of history unless she met Meadowbrook during her travels with The Doctor. Since she was encased in stone for most of Equestria's history. Also, this was written before said episodes revealing that Meadowbrook was an Earth Pony mare premiered.

I'll see about getting that corrected and replaced when we have the time. Right now, we're still focused on getting the revised chapters done and prepping the new chapters for posting.

[Charedfirescale]

10985474
While rereading the story id figure I would any lore contradictions or major issues like broken links.

As for Mage Meadowbrook, her tribe change could have been intentional on the part of the unicorns. I doubt they would want it to get out that an Earth Pony had acquired the Mage title. Probably merging her with Mistmane to an extent

[Charedfirescale]

Chapter 109

“See you later. I will be in my office, working on this new project of yours.” He chuckled as he trotted back towards the castle, whistling a familiar tune.

- Youtube video is unavailable (link is gone)

[Charedfirescale]

Chapter 110

Pinkie Pie grinned as she pulled the record off, and spun it around on her hoof, before it fell perfectly onto the player, and the needle dropped, playing a new song.

- Same as chapter 109, video is unavailable
Chapter 116

The curtain pulled back, revealing several musicians wearing uniform fedoras. A familiar music instantly filled the hall as Pinkie vanished, and the microphone did several flips in the air as a blackbird-panther Gryphon wearing a black felt fedora with dual grey rings swept in to catch it in his talons. He opened his beak, and, in a smooth deep voice, belted out, “Fly me to the moon . ..”

- video from link is unavailable
Chapter 121

“Curses! Foiled again. But how could you have known my one true weakness? Curse you, Great and Powerful Trixie!” Vital wailed as he pitched his voice to make it as grating and unappealing as possible, cracking at multiple points.

- video from link is unavailable
Chapter 122

“... Wow, you can be dark sometimes.” Vital sighed as he levitated the book into his saddle bags. “I guess I’d better go tell Trixie the news first, then. Wish me luck, boys. If you don’t hear from me by tomorrow, don’t come after me,” he said as he scrunched his face up into one of mock piety. “And tell Scarlet I do give a damn,” he quoted in a thick brogue, before making his way towards the door.

- video from link is unavailable
Chapter 125

A sharp trilling filled the air, followed by the rising and falling cadence of a warbling cry that slowly turned into the whistling cheep most songbirds are known for. In a matter of seconds, the melody rose up to a high staccato trill that jumped from variation to variation. Vital’s eyes widened as he broke off from the kiss. “I know that song!”

- video from link is unavailable
Chapter 128

“We’ll start immediately,” she promised. “Come along, little cub. You’ve got a long night ahead of you.” She clapped her hands together, and grinned. “In the words of my most revered great uncle three times removed, ‘Now we can do research!’”

- video from link is unavailable
Chapter 132

Vital chuckled as a smile pulled at the edges of his cheeks. He began to whistle a familiar tune as he went about casting the spell again and again across the patches of wall.

- Video from link is unavailable
Chapter 134

The room was cast in a soft blue light, and in the background, the group could hear the faint sounds of a piano.

- Video from link is unavailable
Chapter 136

“Winds, if you can hear me in here, I could use some help,” Grif said as he continued to dance with his opponent. It took almost a minute for Grif to realize music had started to filter into the room. It was strange, orchestral in nature, with a deep adventuring feel to it. For a minute, Grif could almost smell the tang of salty air. When the two separated again, he saw something lying on the ground, a black scrap of cloth. Perhaps his opponent had gotten a lucky hit? No, he wasn’t wearing anything that black. It might be he’d managed to cut it, but his opponent’s coat seemed undamaged. Without taking his eyes from the shadow, Grif retrieved the scrap with the edge of the imitation of Vigilance. It was then that he realized it seemed to be a bandanna.

- Video is unavailable due to copyright claim
Chapter 147

And then he heard it. The sound was low and quiet, but steady, pulsing, and drawing closer. With the end of each repetitive round, the drumming grew louder, before changing to a new rhythm. A deep constant boom sounded beneath to carry the rest as a blocky sound mixed with the almost tinny reverberations of its fellows. It spoke of excitement, of a building tension, of a call to action, to order–..

- Video from link is unavailable

[Charedfirescale]

Is Rarity's father Magnum from Hawaii Five-O?

[Dreamless Portal]

Wait a minute, is this entire series on big story?!?! Active and still posts since 2014? I have to give you props.

[Pitviper0444]

Yo i have a question

When you all first started the story did you plan to finish it regardless of if it blew up in popularity

[Shawn820]

10997287
Yes.

Our mindset going in to this project hasn't changed since the beginning. We want to see this story to completion, even if it will take us many years to complete.

[Charedfirescale]

I've got some questions about somethings that I have forgotten about while rereading the story.
1) Who are the third changeling hive, as it was mentioned members of said hive were apprehended in Las Pegasus?
2) When will Trixie be recognized as a princess of Equestria?
3) Though the Gemstone Titans are associated with greek myth, I do not know where they spring from. What was your basis for the Zebrican gods?
4) Now that Hammerstrike has been crowned king, will he venture back across the mirror when they have to face the Sirens?
5) What happened to Hermes (I think it was hermes) after he went to Gryphelheim after their gods were sealed away?
6) Is Taze’s real name Peter?