After being driven from his hometown at the return of a corrupt and inhuman king, a young man seeks help from the only person he can count on - a studious royal mage.
Comet Blade, a local blacksmith from the city of Arpeggio, is stripped of his former way of life after the return of an ancient, inhuman king. His only possible salvation: a young spellcaster hailing from the lands of Equestria - Twilight Sparkle.
Join these two heroes as they are forced into a conflict that may very well decide the fate of the world. A fate that will start a brand new golden age, or plunge it into darkness until the end of time.
A world so full of strife, its people knew of only one thing: survival.
Since the beginning of time, the Terrans fought one another in battle after bloody battle. Disputes broke out over land, skirmishes over supplies, even all-out war simply over the utterance of a stray word. Despite the existence of several tribes powerful enough to take the world for themselves, no one dared to do so. That is, no one….except for six tribe leaders with a dream for a better life. Not just for them, but for the people of Terra as a whole.
Radiance, the Sage. In his mind lay potent magics, strong enough to take on a platoon on his own without as much as a scratch. It is said that he is the sun incarnate, using its light to cast down any who oppose him. Even with an element so powerful at his disposal, Radiance is a man of peace. His desire: to see order and law become the norm in his beloved world.
Nocta, the Huntress. With vision is as sharp as a wildcat, she is able to find her bearings in even the darkest of night, as if the night itself was at her command. Her aim with a bow is true; not a single other living person can match her prowess. She longs for Terra finally being at peace, putting an end to all of the senseless bloodshed.
Comet, the Intuitive. A man known for his incredible luck and quick thinking, he can outwit even the most cunning of foes. His skill with a blade is unmatched, dancing around his opponents in a flurry of steel so fast that he seemingly disappears for moments at a time. His dream: to see the world as a proper place to grow up.
Astra, the Studious. Gifted with the power of magic and very active mind, she is always eager to learn more than she already knows. Her command of the arcane arts leaves plenty of room for improvement, but she has never turned down an offer from more advanced mages to expand her already voluminous knowledge. Her goal: to make learning a first and foremost priority in a world that desperately needs it.
Trevet, the Enduring. His large form makes it easy for him to intimidate those who go against him, and he made good use of this fact. Armed with nothing more than an axe, he reduces his foes’ numbers with each swing. The earth itself appears to rumble as he anticipates combat. His plan: to show the people of Terra that anyone can overcome their fear, given the right motivation.
Elpidios, the Enigmatic. Not much is known about this man, other than the fact that he rose to the top of his tribe in such a short amount of time. The shadows appear to quake at his presence, almost as if they’re showing their allegiance to him. His intention: to show the world that it has nothing to hide, even if he himself chooses not to reveal his origins.
This group of misfits banded together, all with the common goal of making their home world a better place. As expected, there were many who rejected their idea of peace. However, those who did were no match for their combined forces. One by one, their opposition either submitted to their will or were wiped from the face of the earth. The latter left such a heavy feeling of dread within each one of them, but they knew it was a price worth paying. Eventually, they had the support of a legion on their side. With such a vast following, the six tribal leaders finally planted their roots in the lands most appealing to them.
Radiance and Nocta chose to settle a vast continent, which they named Equestria. The land was rich with resources, both natural and magical. Comet and Astra decided on the fields of what became known as Uchu, both for its beauty and sensation of flowing energy that was both empowering and soothing to the soul. Trevet settled on the icy cliffs of Clawdor. This mountainous region was perfectly suited for raising only the strongest warriors that humanity would ever lay eyes upon. The biting chill was nothing more than a refreshing breeze for his combative people. Lastly, Elpidios ruled over the Valley of Froud, although for reason unknown to many except his most trusted advisors.
Many years have passed since that day. The people of Terra live their lives free of worry and strife, their new rulers benevolent and kind. However, this was not meant to last...for Elpidios had a son, a man who would one day herald the start of a conflict that will change Terra as they knew it.
Adrastos, the Instigator.
Adrastos grew up as any child typical of royal birth: He longed for nothing, was given the most advanced tutelage in the land, and was taught of his family’s role in the kingdom. However, his curious mind set into motion a much greater threat.
He asked his father as to why he decided to found his kingdom in Froud Valley. Elpidios only answered, “Although our kind has contributed much to the newfound peace that is known around Terra, we do not take that which is not ours. I am content is simply living our lives in normalcy.”
But Adrastos wouldn’t settle for that. Over time, his confusion grew into anger and contempt for the other kingdoms, cursing them for leaving such a comparatively barren land while they enjoy so much more. Equestria’s denizens were advancing in the studies of magic, Uchu and its people were in tune with the spirits, and Clawdor’s military prowess grew more refined and orderly. But Froud? Froud was nothing more than a kingdom of the valley. The boy knew nothing of his ancestors, despite extensive records on many other subjects. In his mental struggle, he formulated a thought. A thought so sinister, philosophers have long questioned what inspired it.
Adrastos would employ the services of an inhabitant of Tartarus.
History tells of a worldwide battle that occurred over ten thousand years ago, one led by the future king of Froud in an attempt to seize control of the other kingdoms. With each passing campaign, he unraveled the peace accomplished by the previous six rulers in an attempt to mentally break them and make them submit to his will. He’d use many schemes to ensure his victories, plots that could only be thought up by something inhuman. Adrastos was no more. He is merely a shell of his former self, inhabited by something far worse.
Shadestone, the Shadow Tyrant.
The cruel conqueror rallied Froud and regaled his plan to overthrow the current regimes and unite all people under one king for all eternity. Some would think that the young prince had gone mad, but no one opposed him. Shadestone had an incredible way with words, charismatic with almost no fault. The people gladly took up arms for his selfish cause, as if brainwashed.
The following years were by far the bloodiest and most violent to ever have been witnessed by any Terran. Using forbidden magical knowledge, Shadestone’s mages would tear through soldiers as if they were nothing but paper. The invention of complex malicious weapons left soldiers with wounds that never healed. But the most unsettling part about all of this was that the Froudan troops seemed to revel in causing so much pain. The young prince of Froud was definitely not a part of this world any longer. The Froudan people had lost their prince to a demon, and they were its loyal puppets.
King Elpidios was exiled from his land, taking his only heirloom: a mystical shield that seemingly absorbed all light around it and giving it a pitch black hue. Gathering his old comrades-in-arms, Elpidios revealed a secret kept by his people for generations. As reluctant as he was to do so, he detailed the method with which to finally end his son’s spiteful campaign.
With this, each of the remaining five leaders forged an item that truly captured the essence of their souls. Radiance carved a staff from an elderwood tree and infused it with his own arcane magic. Nocta took the same kind of wood and fletched a bow, one with amazing precision. Comet forged a sword made of the finest meteoric iron, with craftsmanship so fine that the blade sang as it sliced through the air. Astra created a wand using both of the rare materials and poured her knowledge into it. And lastly, Trevet gave life to one of his trusty axes and filled it with his strength.
With the end of the conflict drawing near, Shadestone sets his sight on the capital city of Canterlot, the last stronghold of the free world. The tyrant himself led the siege, not relenting in his attack and displaying his formidable power. The royal guards gave it their all to delay him for as long as possible, but to no avail. Bursting through the main gates, he simply sauntered up to the castle as he tossed aside soldier after soldier with a mere flick of the wrist. Shadestone concluded that a monarch as proud as Radiance wouldn’t leave his home no matter how close the enemy drew. As he entered the throne room, he found the sun king right where he wanted him. Or so he thought…
A bright flash of white light surrounded the tyrant. Confused yet angered by this act of futile resistance, he lunged for Radiance but was stopped by the light. Drawn in silver dust around him was an arcane circle, trapping him within. One by one, the other monarchs made their presence known, each holding their relic. As Elpidios recited an ancient chant, the others held their items out. Before their very eyes, the objects became masses of light that pierced Shadestone one after the other. Just as the last spear of light lodges itself through him, the tyrant uses his command over shadows to mortally wound Comet. The Uchun emperor is taken by surprise, Shadestone laughing maniacally as the seal begins to shrink around him and trap him within a stone prison.
The boulder suddenly launches into the night sky, taking its charge with it. Comet watches as the man who has broken his idea of peace leaves Terra, hopefully for eternity. As the tyrant moves further away, the hold on the Froudan forces' minds is shattered and they realize what they have done, ceasing all hostilities immediately.
Drawing one last breath, surrounded by his fellow comrades, the emperor succumbs to his wounds.
“So, let me get this straight… Out of the various names of past heroes I could have been named after, you chose the one who died in battle.”
“It does sound like a terrible choice when you put it that way, but the emperor was one of noble intentions. One might argue the noblest.”
“Old man, I think you’re suffering from heat exhaustion. You need to stop spending so much time at the forge.”
Comet Blade sat at the breakfast table with his father, Temper. He was already halfway done with his meal when Temper decided to share the story behind his son’s name. During his tale, he handed Comet an old illustration of the fallen hero.
“I still don’t see the resemblance either”, said the young blacksmith apprentice as he held the drawing. “First of all, his nose is gigantic. If mine was that big, I’d die of embarrassment. Second, his hair is completely straightened.” He ruffles his own with a free hand. “This head here is untamable.”
“Third, he’s taller. Fourth, he’s stronger. Fifth, he’s more respectful of his parents than you’ve ever been”, Temper replied.
“Exactly, I'm nothing like-” The young man stopped before he embarrassed himself.
Temper sighs. “Let it never be said that I haven’t tried to elicit a sense of appreciation for the past.” He gets up from his seat and grabs his tools. “Be sure to finish up soon. We have a long day ahead of us.”
Chapter One: The Foolish Blacksmith and the Starry Scholar
The outpost city of Arpeggio, governed by the commonwealth nation of Runera.
Founded in Terran year 1813, Arpeggio was on a direct route between the Equestrian royal capital Canterlot and the merchant city of Lanerio, located near the San Palomino Desert. As the world monster population grew, travelers were in need of a safe place from both the monster threat and the heat of the sun, and so the Runera/Equestria outpost was established.
Over time, merchants from both nations saw the location as a place of business instead of just respite. Many have set up shop around the outpost and settled the landscape.
With their newfound commerce, early entrepreneurs used their earnings to expand upon the outpost. Schools, homes, places of worship, hospitals, and even a stronger guard presence were commodities all paid in part by these merchants.
Today, with a population of over seventy-thousand, Arpeggio is one of the busiest hubs in and out of Runera.
“I need you to investigate rumors of a recently unearthed relic.” A monarch, clad in a dress of white and adorned with jewelry reminiscent of the sun itself, stood before her subject.
“A relic?” replied the young scholar. “Would it have anything to do with the object you’ve asked me to research, Princess?”
“I’m afraid we don’t have sufficient information to make that assumption”, replied the princess. “All we know is that this particular object has been generating quite the buzz. No information has been made public, but according to our sources, it’s very close to what we’re after.” A light shines from the very tip of the princess’s throne and displays a map of Arpeggio and its surrounding area.
“It’s quite a large city, that’s for sure”, chimed the scholar.
“Yes, it is. Unfortunately, I cannot send anyone to accompany you. A group scouring for information would draw far too much attention.” The map zooms out of view of the city, showing the nations of Runera and Equestria as well as its border. “And sending guards with you would most likely cause political strife. There would be no legitimate excuse for Equestrian soldiers to be within Runera’s borders.”
“We can go in disguise, blend in with the tourists.”
“I’m afraid we can’t take that chance. Any suspicions of Equestrian military forces in Runera, and we’ll have bigger problems.”
“What should I do if it turns out to be the relic we’re looking for?”
The princess was deep in thought about that possibility. After a short pause, she gave her subject a reply. “Just leave it in the hands of whichever private collector owns it. If someone tries to use it, however...Do whatever it takes to retrieve it.”
Comet did his best to avoid bumping into the crowd, making his way toward the family smithy in the Artisan District. It had been a rather busy week for the young blacksmith and his father. With winter rapidly approaching, hunters and mercenaries alike have requested the services of the duo in preparation for the harsh season.
As he walked, he thought back to the tale that his father recounted at breakfast. “I seriously doubt that one person had the world in such a stranglehold. Still, makes for some nice fiction.” Comet approached the front entrance of the smithy, spotting Temper sharpening a customer’s longsword on the whetstone. The wizened artisan was too engrossed in his task that he didn’t notice his son approaching.
Busy as usual, Comet thought to himself. Perfect. He approached Temper making as little sound as he could, using the cacophony of metal grinding against rock to his advantage.
While the two were always close as family, they would often play pranks on each other, usually in the form of pilfering goods. As the young man closed the distance between himself and his father, he reached out to grab the coin pouch hanging from Temper’s tool belt.
“You’ll have to do better than that if you’re going to steal from me this early in the morning.” Comet snapped to attention at the sound of his father’s voice.
“How’d you know I was here?” he asked. Temper pointed to a pair of finished swords mounted on a rack nearby, their reflection showing the young man's grimace. Comet felt foolish, having forgotten that his father arrived early and was already done with a few blades. “Alright, so the master outwitted the student yet again. What’s my punishment?”
Temper set down his now-finished sword and turned to face his child. “First off, you are to light and stoke the furnace flame and keep it burning throughout the day. An order came in for a new weapon, and I need it to reach a certain temperature for the type of metal I’ll be using.”
“Seems like we’re getting more orders like that every day.”
“It’s just the autumn rush. Every able-bodied man and woman wants to stock up on meats from the hunt or extra cash from jobs before the winter.” The old man untied the coin pouch from his belt and handed it to Comet. “Speaking of which, I’ll be swamped with work until closing time, so it’s up to you to bring lunch during your break.”
“Great, I know just the place, too. In fact, why don’t I head over--” Temper clears his throat and crosses his arms. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
“Before you start on any other tasks, the chimney needs cleaning.” Temper hands a chimney sweeper to Comet. “With the autumn rush in full swing, it’s getting dirtier every day. Need you to keep it clear.”
Comet let out an exacerbated sigh. “You know I hate sweep duty.”
“I know. That’s why I have you do it.” Temper let out a hearty laugh at the expense of his son. “Oh, don’t look so down. Tomorrow’s our day off, so I’ll let you sleep in for once to make it up to you.” At the sound of that proposal, Comet perked up tremendously. “Now, get going. The sooner we finish all of these orders, the sooner we can lock up.”
“I’m on it!”
The midday sun bore down on the airship terminal, the heat making a few citizens sweat profusely. The sound of steam engines roared as aircraft departed and landed non-stop throughout the day. The HMS Solarus has recently arrived from Equestria. The airship was full of tourists looking to experience a day outside of their comfort zone. One tourist in particular, however, was after more than just entertainment.
The Equestrian scholar Twilight Sparkle gathered her belongings and disembarked the aircraft. She kept thinking back to that morning’s meeting with Princess Celestia and the task entrusted to her.
“Alright, let’s see here.” She read the written instructions given to her by one of the princess’s informants. “Raven’s Feather Inn, room two. But what’s with this alias? Twinkle Shine? Who in their right mind would even agree to use such a name?”
She continued reading and eventually found the address to the inn. “2115 Hemwick Charnel Lane. That should be easy to remember.” The young woman looked out onto the major city street as she exited the airship terminal. The hustle and bustle of Arpeggio was very obvious to those who come to sightsee. Shops selling wares ranging from everyday household use to the finest of weaponry, street performers gathering large crowds as they showcase their talents, and even--
“Heads up!” Twilight immediately ducks as a street performer suddenly whizzes over her head, just narrowly avoiding a collision. After she’s sure the danger has passed, she looks around for the performer in question.
“Sorry about that, miss! All part of the act, I assure you!” The performer turned out to be a seraphi, one of the many humans capable of flying freely through the air as easily as any bird. Such a sight was all too common for Twilight back home, but for the many tourists around her, they’ve never seen such a spectacle. The audience was left cheering and awestruck.
“They really love the simple things here, don’t they?” As the young woman turned around and continued on her way, she walked right into something. Or at least, someone.
“Thanks for the grub!” Comet left the nearby restaurant and made his way back to the smithy, two lunch bags in his hands. “Can’t believe they let me in even with this.” He noticed the black streak in his hair again, no thanks to a large buildup of soot that peppered his head that morning. “Just hope the color doesn’t stick to my hair before I can wash it off.” He made his way down the familiar road, one that he’s traveled on countless times. The usual din of the city was a little livelier today thanks to the recent tourism brought about by the annual hunt. Travelers were pouring out of the airship terminal up ahead as he walked. Comet paid no mind to it and was already happily eating out of his bag.
“Looks like Feather Breeze found a potential ‘volunteer’ for his act”, he commented. On his way to the smithy, Comet usually passes by a street performer he knows very well. He knows Feather all too well, being unwittingly volunteered for his act on the first day. Comet simply chuckled as he saw Feather jump from the platform he had set up above the crowd and yelled his familiar “Heads up!”.
Comet couldn’t see the victim in question, but he had a feeling they had quite the scare. “Same ol’ Feather.” His mind wandered to the story his father shared that morning. “You know, the old man did only want me to be interested in something he was adamant about. I guess I was a bit too--” His thoughts abruptly came to an end as he walked right into a person in the crowd.
Taken by surprise, Comet immediately dropped the lunch bags in his grasp, the contents spilling all over the sidewalk. He found himself stumbling backward, avoiding the possibility of knocking the unfortunate person down. As he regained his balance, he saw his bags strewn on the ground, the meal no longer salvageable.
“Crap, there goes the old man’s lunch, and the rest of mine.” Comet spotted the other person involved, ready to give them a piece of his mind. “Listen, lady. You owe me a--” He stopped himself midsentence as he gazed at her.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!” she quickly blurted out. “This street performer took me by surprise, I didn’t see where I was going, and…” Twilight sighed as she grabbed her coin pouch. “How much do I owe you for your lunch?” Comet was pleasantly surprised that this young woman not only apologized, but offered to repay him for his lunch. However, he was also astounded by her form and attire.
She stood there, dressed in simple clothing but with an air of regality about her. Her outfit seemed to fit her personality: a light purple shirt with a ribbon of a darker shade of the same color tied around the collar, a checkered skirt with many variations of the same hue, and a pair of dress shoes with socks reaching past her knees. Her attire made Comet’s own uniform -- a plain gray shirt, heavy brown blacksmith pants, and his tool belt -- seem like a lowly peasant’s garb.
“Excuse me?” chimed Twilight. “Are you alright, sir?” Comet snapped himself out of his trance and remembered his predicament. She had offered to repay him for the mishap.
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.” He replied. “Don’t worry about the food. I think I have enough to cover the same order. Good day, miss.” Comet made his way back to the restaurant, but before he could get too far, the young woman stopped him again.
“Please, I insist. I’m normally careful when walking in public. That is, unless I have a book I’m very interested in reading, but that’s neither here nor there!” She laughed nervously at her attempt to ease the tension.
Comet couldn't help but give a small chuckle. “Again, it’s fine. It happens to the best of us.” He continued walking, this time at a more hurried pace. “Gotta get back there before the lunch rush starts”, he muttered under his breath.
Twilight, still feeling responsible for this man’s inconvenience, decided to follow him to his destination. He looked back at her tailing him and gave her a quizzical look. She simply returned his gaze with a smile. “Let me tell you, airship food is terrible. Whatever was in that bag, it looked like a better meal than that.”
Temper was hard at work on another sword as he thought about his son’s well-being. The blacksmith was getting on in years even before his child was born. He worried about what kind of person Comet would become once he was no longer with him.
“The boy will do fine”, he said to himself. “I’ve taught him everything I know. Of course, he could ease my worries a bit if he started planning on settling down with a nice girl, for once…” His stomach started to grumble. “And I hope he gets here with that food soon.”
“Smoked artichoke surprise? The only surprise here is the fact that you can actually stomach something like that.”
“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. I thought it was gross at first. Now I can’t go a day without the stuff.”
Temper heard the familiar tone of his son’s voice, but was unsure as to who the other voice belonged to. Comet entered the workshop with an open lunch bag and another sealed one in his arms. He placed one of the bags on a nearby table away from the work area.
“Hey old man”, said Comet. “Got you the usual.”
“Thank you.” Temper leaned and attempt to peer out of the doorway that Comet entered through. When he couldn’t see anyone on the other side, he turned to his son. “Were you talking to someone just now?”
“Just some tourist that came to see the sights. You know how it is once the street performances are in full swing.” Just as Comet was about to leave, a very audible snap was heard by both artisans. Comet walked outside and noticed Twilight holding a necklace in her hand, the chain broken.
“Shoot!” she exclaimed. “I just had this thing repaired last month."
Comet raised a questioning eyebrow. "How'd that happen?"
"It felt a bit uncomfortable, so I tried to adjust it. Guess I don't know my own strength" she said, laughing nervously. The necklace in question appeared to be a six-pointed amethyst star with six smaller stars surrounding it, possibly made of a clear type of magicite, if not diamond. “It’s going to take all day just to find a jeweler that can fix it.”
“Actually”, said Temper, walking outside to meet with Comet and Twilight. “My son here can help you out. Works faster and better than any jeweler, that’s for sure.” He extended his hand to Twilight and introduced himself. “Temper Blade, owner of this fine smithy. I see you’ve met my son Comet.” Comet gave his father a look that questioned how far he’d go for a quick Bit.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you” she replied, shaking his hand. “No offense Mr. Blade, but he doesn’t look like the type of person with a delicate enough touch.”
“Did you hear that, Comet? Sounds like a challenge.” The young blacksmith took the pendant from Twilight and sat at a nearby bench. He quickly grabbed his tools and started working on it as soon as possible.
“Well”, he said to himself. “At least this’ll make us even for lunch.”
Comet was hard at work at repairing the necklace as quickly as he could; keeping in mind that he still had other tasks to complete for the day. As he focused on his work, Twilight took it upon herself to take a seat nearby and watch him. The young blacksmith took notice and simply looked at her.
“Do you usually observe people who fix things for you?” he asked her, clearly not used to the attention. Twilight jumped in her seat and shifted her focus on the necklace instead.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. It’s just that I don’t exactly know where to go for entertainment.” She kept her gaze on the jewelry the entire time.
This is definitely an important piece if she’s keeping watch, Comet thought.
“Are there any libraries around here?" she asked. "I’d like to visit one before I leave.”
“Nearest one is all the way across Central Square, but they're closed until after the hunt.” Twilight was almost distraught as the artisan continued his work in silence. However, she thought of a way to get the conversation going.
“Is it alright if I ask you some questions?” Comet turned to face Twilight, an intrigued look on his face.
“Any particular reason why?”
“It’s just a bad habit of mine. I get curious about a new place and its people, and I just have to know everything I can.” Comet sat silently and continued working as she rummaged through her bag and pulled out an ink pot, quill, and some parchment. “Now, tell me everything you can about yourself.”
“There’s not much to say, really. Name’s Comet Blade, son of Temper and Clera. Age nineteen, apprentice blacksmith, well-adjusted. Well, at least to some extent. Been on the apprenticeship grind since I was seven, and yes, the old man did start teaching me the trade at such a young age.” Twilight kept scribbling on her scroll, a sound only broken by a quick dip of the quill into the ink pot. Comet mumbled, “You have no idea how old it gets hearing that question.”
“Anything you want to add?”
“Hair: grey, eyes: gray, 1.78 meters tall.”
Twilight was starting to see through his ploy. He wasn’t about to share anything about himself as a person. “That can’t be everything, can it? I mean, people are more than just where they come from and what they do.”
“That’s all anyone needs to know”, Comet replied. “I can tell you a lot about the town, if you’re curious.”
Realizing that asking him directly wasn’t going to get her anywhere, she agreed. “I suppose so. What can you tell me?”
“I’m sure you already know the history of Arpeggio’s founding, but you aren’t exactly aware about the annual hunt, are you?” Twilight visibly shifted in her seat in anticipation. “Back in olden times, the monster population in Runera became a serious issue. It’s gotten to the point that even the military would be overwhelmed at times. So, in a brilliant plan to thin the number of possible revolutionists as a result of this problem, the regent of Lanerio at the time made a proposal to the public. Whoever can slay the most beasts and turn in the spoils within one day gets an audience with him, along with being granted one request.”
Twilight interrupted, “If it’s based in Lanerio, then how come Arpeggio the center of attention?”
“Two reasons. First off, the hunt didn’t stay exclusive to the capital for long. Once it was established, another city in the commonwealth joined in. It started with the technological city of Esteria, then the walled city of Gastambra, the spiritual city of Shiroku, and finally the merchant city of Arpeggio.”
“Uh-huh. What’s the second reason?”
“It’s in the city’s title. There are many opportunities for business that Arpeggio became the central hub for the hunt. Easily accessible and so many different people from different backgrounds, plus you have all of these up-and-coming companies and partnerships wanting to get their name out to the public. It would be crazy to think that this type of tourism could work in a place full of scientists or spirituals.”
Twilight penned all of this information before asking, “When you say ‘granted one request’, is there a limit to what that request may entail?”
“Not that I know of, apart from anything against the law. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, no real reason. I’m just trying to get my facts straight.” She left the parchment aside and let the ink dry as she started a new scroll. “Have you ever taken part in the hunt?”
“Once. It didn’t end well.” Without taking his eyes off his work, he pulled up one of his pant legs and revealed an old scar. “I was sixteen when I decided to give it a try. Bit off more than I could chew trying to take on a manticore. I managed to get away, but not before it gave me this little souvenir.”
“Were you too intimidated to try again the following year?”
“No, nothing like that. I knew I could take it on after some real training, but my old man was already struggling here at the smithy working all alone, so I just decided to continue my apprenticeship instead of chasing after beasts.” Comet cursed as his momentarily lapse in attention caused him to botch the repair.
“Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” asked Twilight jokingly.
Comet stopped working on the necklace and stared into space for a few seconds before resuming. “Not anymore”, he replied.
“Touchy subject?”
“You could say that.” An awkward silence hung in the air, broken only the sounds of metalwork from Temper’s end of the workshop. Comet spoke up again. “I normally wouldn’t dwell on it, but I’ll tell you how she passed.”
“How did you-”
“Everyone asks me that question. I’m just making an assumption and saying it’s no different with you.” Twilight merely dipped her quill into the ink once more. “There was an epidemic in Arpeggio several years ago. The illness had many names, but a very popular moniker was ‘Blood Winter’.”
“I’ve never heard of such a disease.”
“It’s not pretty. Arpeggian medical journals list everything you want to know. I suggest picking up a copy if you really want to know more.” Not wanting to press her luck, Twilight moved on to something less tragic.
“Let’s change the subject. How is it that you, a blacksmith that hammers and sharpens large objects all day, can work on something as small as a necklace?”
“I’ve had plenty of practice. Of course, yours won’t end up looking as shoddy as mine.” Comet reached into his shirt and tugged on a silver chain, a small charm akin to a sword attached to it. Twilight recognized it, given her numerous trips to the eastern lands in recent years.
“That type of sword…It’s from Uchu, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, that’s where the old man came from. I asked him why he didn’t stay. If his 'tales of grandeur" are to be believed, he was a real troublemaker back in the day.” He gave a whispered “yes” as his handiwork seems to have produced desired results. “Former emperor wanted his head on a plate, but he escaped to Runera and lived in Shiroku for a while before he settled here.”
He inspected the newly-repaired item, making sure his work will last. He handed it back to her, who promptly put it back on. “Alright, now that you learned a few things about me, I’d like to know about you. What’s so special about that necklace?” Twilight set her scroll and quill aside and sat up.
“You said you were learning the trade from your father. I guess you could say the same thing about my mentor and I. You see…” she paused and held up one of her hand, a purple light surrounding it. Comet looked on in wonder, and then was shocked as he noticed a few of his tools were suspended in midair. Twilight giggled at his reaction before setting them down.
“Spellcaster. Should’ve known.”
“Well, yes. I was trying to get into a prestigious academy back home at a very young age. My parents insisted that I had a natural talent for spellcasting, so they took me to be evaluated by some of the faculty there. It went horribly at first, and to make matters worse, my magic got out of control.” She fiddled with the star amulet as she continued her story. “My mentor was walking by the building where evaluations were being held, and she managed to calm me down before anything serious happened. She took it upon herself to teach me personally, and since then, I’ve been learning under her wing. She gave me this necklace herself soon after we met.”
“From the way you talk, this mentor is like a mother to you.” Comet was already hard at work on another repair as he listened to her.
“She’s like that with everyone she meets, really. There’s just something about her that lets you know everything is going to be alright.”
“I know exactly how that feels”, he replied. “What brings you to town?”
“I thought I’d sample the local cuisine. I heard the smoked artichoke here was to die for.” She giggled again, but quickly grew serious. “Listen, I know we just met, but you seem like someone who keeps to himself. Can you keep a secret?”
Comet did not look away from his work table, but answered her honestly. “The old man and I have had our fair share of them over the years. What’s one more?”
She looked through her travel bag again, this time pulling out several scrolls. “You see, my mentor has actually tasked me with locating a particular object. She’s heard rumors of a certain relic being located somewhere in this city, one that was recently unearthed in the area.”
“Well, if it’s treasure you’re looking for, no better place to search than Arpeggio.”
“We believe that the relic is in either the hands of a private collector or the regent himself. I’ve been trying to think of a way to get close to whoever is in possession of it and confirm my mentor’s suspicions.”
“What do you plan to do if it turns out to be what you’re looking for?” he asked.
“That depends on what the current owner plans to do with it. If they intend to keep it, we’ll just try to negotiate a sale.”
“What if they don’t agree? Do you plan on stealing it?”
“Of course not!” she replied defensively. “…Well, maybe not.” Comet raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “Well, alright. If it comes down to it, yes. But it’s for a good cause, I assure you!” She opened one of the scrolls. “You see, this particular object can be dangerous if used for less-than-noble deeds, or even if the wrong person uses it.”
The blacksmith was starting to believe that she was hiding something from him, something not meant for the general public. However, he kept his mouth shut and played along for a while longer.
“A lot of adventurers pass through here for repairs, don’t they? I’m sure you must’ve caught a small detail - anything about it.” Comet sat silently, keeping himself busy. “I know you have. Your silence is speaking volumes.”
The blacksmith sighed and set his tools down. He turned to the scholar and spoke in a very firm voice. “You’re looking for the Astral Wand.”
The scholar grinned as she finally found her answer. “So you’re saying it’s really here?”
He nodded. “Three weeks ago, the regent sent an excavation team to help a group of trapped coal miners just a few kilometers southwest from here. When they were finally freed, one of them had an old wand in his possession. His rescuers thought nothing of it, thinking it was for personal use.” Comet stood up and walked toward a nearby fireplace, sifting through the ashes. “A few nights later, the man was attacked in his own home. No sign of breaking and entering or any foul play.” He grabs a piece of charcoal, making his way back to the worktable. “Do you have a blank scroll on you? I can actually show you what it looks like.” Twilight unfurled some parchment, laying it flat.
“The man described what attacked him as a creature of shadow. It had no face, no distinct shape, no discernable features, just a pure shadow.” He started to draw the overall shape of the wand. “Investigators thought it was madness from being trapped in that mineshaft for so long. The man had a few critical injuries, but authorities believe they were self-inflicted, almost as if he’s gone insane.” As he continued, the drawing became more detailed. “When they found him, he was cursing the wand as if it were a living thing. Regent Fontaine heard about the incident and instructed to have the wand moved to his private vault within his castle to prevent another incident like that.”
Twilight looked on the parchment as Comet finished the charcoal drawing. She was amazed at the detail, even down to the number of stars on the wand and the overall spiral shape, inspired after its true owner Astra Starbirth. “That’s remarkable”, she commented. She pulled out another scroll and showed him another drawing of the wand. It looked exactly like the one he drew. “How did you know its exact design?”
“My father and I were there the day it was transported to the vault. He was talking to the captain of the city guard about possible new metals to be used in his guards’ weapons while I explored for a bit. I couldn’t get too close, of course, but the guards there knew me well, so they let me have a quick peek. Shame it wasn’t a sword. I would’ve loved to recreate something like it in the smithy.”
Twilight sat quietly as this new turn of events unfolded before her, with only the sounds of hammer against steel filling the room as her company simply continued with his labor. Comet paid no mind to the scholar’s sudden silence, almost relieved that he could finish his repairs in piece.
So the Astral Wand IS in Arpeggio, just as Princess Celestia predicted, and the regent won’t see anyone from Equestria given our current political situation. Twilight glanced at the artisan, remembering something he mentioned during her questioning. However, this hunt of theirs has the grand prize of an audience with the regent and having one request fulfilled. Perhaps I can… Comet directed his gaze at her, still aware of the girl in his work area. She simply smiled at him before speaking.
“Say, you wouldn’t be interested on tackling the hunt again this year, would you?” she asked with a sweet tone. The blacksmith gave her an unamused stare before looking away. “Well, what do you say? With your experience and my magic, we can definitely-”
“No way in Tartarus.” Twilight was taken aback by his curt reply. She was expecting him to decline, however.
“You mean you DON’T want to get revenge on that manticore you so desperately despise?”
“I don’t hate the creature. I was stupid enough to get myself into trouble with it, and I paid the price. End of story.”
“Is there anything I can say or do to help change your mind?” She looked at him with doleful eyes using the charm she possessed to persuade him.
Comet paused his work yet again. He turned and faced Twilight, an annoyed expression on his face. “Listen, you seem like a nice person, so I’ll say it straight. I’m not about to go risk my own skin for this mentor of yours. I don’t even know their name, let alone their intentions. With all due respect, I’d appreciate it if you also stop with this revenge nonsense. I’m a blacksmith, not a mercenary.”
“As much as I’d hate to admit it, you’re the only person I can turn to. I asked you to keep this a secret, which means I can’t exactly go off and reveal it to anyone else just for some help.”
“You don’t have to. There are plenty of mercenaries willing to take your bits without asking questions. You’ll be better off having them work for you.” The young blacksmith sat back at his station, adamant about finishing his tasks. The scholar wouldn’t have any of it. Twilight stood up and grabbed two scrolls, as well as undoing the clasp on her necklace. With a loud smack, she slammed the scrolls on Comet’s work space, much to his disapproval. “Hey, what the hell is your problem?”
Twilight opened the scroll with the drawing of the Astral Wand, placing her necklace on the parchment. “Look at these. You’ve been staring at my necklace this entire time, yet you couldn’t make the connection between it and the design on this wand.”
“So your mentor had an idea of what it looked like. Are you going to tell me that mine matches what’s in that other scroll?”
“Take off your necklace”, she replied sternly.
Comet laughed half-heartedly. “Alright, I’ll play your little game.” He removed his own pendant and placed it on the parchment just as Twilight has done with hers. “Open it up.”
“Gladly.” She laid the scroll flat against the workbench, then grabbed Comet’s necklace and placed it next to the drawing. The blacksmith paused as he stared at the comparison. The sword’s wavy pattern on the hilt was strikingly similar to the simpler design on the charm. The same was true for the overall shape. “Do you see it now?” He still had his doubts, however.
“Alright, say that our charms ARE depicting weapons from ancient times. What next?”
Twilight smiled again, knowing she finally managed to sway his opinion, if only a bit. “We won’t know unless we have them all, will we?”
The Farm Girl's Strength and The Devil in Arpeggio
Chapter Three: The Farm Girl’s Strength and The Devil in Arpeggio
“Where’s Astra?”
“She’s still inside. I don’t think she wants to move him just yet.”
Radiance, Nocta, Trevet, and Elpidios stood in the castle courtyard, exhausted yet relieved that the weeks-long siege on Canterlot has finally ended. Astra hasn’t joined them yet, still in mourning over Comet’s death.
“Such a tragedy”, said Elpidios. “Even more so for such a young pair. If anything, I should have been the one to perish. Adrastos’s campaign--”
“You had nothing to do with your son’s decision, old friend.” King Radiance kept a tight grip on his staff ever since Shadestone’s banishment, still paranoid about the shadow tyrant’s return.
“Thank you, old friend” Elpidios replied. The wizened king of Froud Valley hoisted his shield. “I believe I should be going now. The people of Froud will be lost without a king. It’s time I should take up the mantle once more.”
Nocta stopped him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Will you at least stay to celebrate our victory?”
“I’m afraid I can’t. There is something else I need to research given…” Elpidios trailed off as if distracted by an important thought. “Never mind that. I will keep in touch if I find out anything. Until then.”
Trevet, silent since before their showdown with the tyrant, finally spoke out. “I should’ve crushed Adrastos when I had the chance.”
“What we have or haven’t done in the past is of no importance now, Trevet” replied Nocta.
“No importance? That bastard leveled half of the cities in the civilized world. I knew that kid would be trouble.”
Radiance interjected once more. “No amount of regret will bring back all of those who have lost their lives in this struggle. Save your energy. We’re not yet sure if Adrastos can break free of his imprisonment.”
“This is ridiculous…” commented the kaiser.
“You are out for blood, that I understand.” Radiance walked up to Trevet, the ancient wizard locking eyes with his gargantuan comrade. “However, you also have to attend to your own people. Focus on them for the moment and let us worry about the aftermath.”
Trevet hesitated as he tried to find the right words. Instead, he nodded and hoisted his axe onto his shoulder, walking toward the throne room. King Radiance and Queen Nocta were left in the courtyard, both concerned about the wellbeing of their remaining allies.
“What should I do?” he asked. “I feel as if nothing will ease their minds at this point.”
“You’ve done all you can. We’re not the misfit band of tribe leaders we used to be. They’ve grown wise, and so have you.”
“I hope you’re right...”
Comet awoke to the sound of loud and rapid knocking, much to his displeasure. Sleep wasn’t particularly kind to him after having to work twice as fast yesterday to finish his tasks on time, but he couldn’t go back on his word. Twilight had come to meet him and his father was at the door to wake him as usual.
He grabbed his alarm clock from the nightstand. “Two hours before we agreed to meet”, he whispered to himself as he got up. “This is ridiculous. It’s not even dawn.” The knocking grew louder as he struggled to get out of bed. “Alright, I’m up.”
Comet opened the door expecting the old face of his father, but was instead greeted with one much younger and female.
“Good morning! Did you sleep well?” Twilight stood at the door, holding a tray with two cups balanced on it.
“I was, until I heard a loud noise coming from my door.” Comet gestured her to step in. “Question is, why are you the one waking me up?”
“I wasn’t planning on doing so. Your father answered the door, invited me inside, and pointed toward your room. I didn’t exactly get the chance to say no, so I figured ‘why not?’.”
“If you’re planning on making repeat visits, you’d better get used to it. He likes to play matchmaker even though he’s only known one woman in his entire life.” He rummaged through a dresser as he mumbled, “The seamstress’s daughter didn’t appreciate his ‘effort’, for example...”
“Did you say something?”
“Nothing, just talking to myself. What’s with the mugs?”
“It’s coffee. I made it myself.” She placed the tray on the nightstand and grabbed a mug for herself. “My exact process is a secret, but I assure you that you won’t need to worry about fatigue once you’ve had a sip.”
“The only thing I’m worried about at this point is whether or not the old man can manage without me today.” He looked over at her, holding a shirt in his hands. “I’d hate to ask you, but--”
“Say no more!” Twilight made a hasty exit and slammed the door shut behind her. She stood in the hallway pondering about what made her stick around when he clearly needed to prepare. “Maybe it was the aroma from the coffee. Yes, definitely the coffee. After all, it’s not that I was trying to be rude. It’s his home, and he needs his privacy.”
“I can still hear you”, he said from behind the closed door. “I’ll be right out.”
“Of course he can still hear you. You’re right outside his door. In fact, you haven’t moved at all since you practically slammed it in his face. Look at you, talking to yourself. He’s probably listening to every word you speak.”
“Do you do this with every person you meet?”
Twilight stepped away from the door. It opens a second later and Comet is standing there in a very different outfit compared to his uniform. While he still chose a similar gray shirt, his shoulders were draped with a heavily-used travel cloth. The heavy blacksmith trousers were replaced with a black pair that was much lighter, with a pair of travel boots that have seen much use. A simple sword, Uchun in design, was strapped firmly to his waist.
In his hands is the librarian’s coffee, taking a careful sip. “Can we get a move on before I change my mind and go back to sleep?”
The crowd is abuzz with talk of today’s event. Hunters from many different lands - Clawdor, Uchu, Equestria, and even Runera’s natives - all waited eagerly for the city gates to open, weapons at the ready.
“Boy howdy, everyone’s just itchin’ to get at them critters. Hope y’all leave some fer me.” A farmhand stood amongst the crowd of glory hounds, scratching her head as she surveyed them, disappointed at the lack of familiar faces. “Not a soul Ah know. Figures.”
The air was filled with the sound of bells signalling the start of a new hour. Seven rings were heard by the crowd, and on the last one the portcullis was raised. Every passing second felt like an eternity to everyone as they watched it open. As soon as it stopped, one of the city guards on the wall blew into a large horn.
At that point, every participant bolted toward the exit. The larger hunters pushed their way through thanks to their size while the more nimble hunters weaved through the rabble. Those in front were already heading in the directions of their choosing while those stuck in the far back hadn’t begun to move.
The farmhand stood still, letting the bloodthirsty past and keeping an eye on the stragglers, yet there were still no signs of anyone she recognized. That is, until…
“So, if we head north toward the desert, we’ll travel through a large plains area. The land is mostly even, so we’d be able to spot danger or prospective hunts very easily, and once we get to the desert… Hey, hurry up! If we let them get ahead of us, someone else will take first place for sure!”
“Relax, we’ll be able to catch up and then some. They’ll tire themselves out and we’ll just come from behind and take credit for their hunts.”
Twilight and Comet walked at different paces, with the scholar raring to go and the blacksmith taking his time. She was clearly annoyed at her partner’s lack of motivation and plan.
“We are NOT undermining anyone else’s efforts either, is that understood?”
“Then you can kiss first place goodbye, along with a chance to meet the regent himself.”
The farmhand recognized Twilight right off the bat. “Well, Ah’ll be. What’s she doing all the way out here?” She kept her distance as she tailed them, keeping a steady pace to blend in with the stragglers.
“Fine, we’ll do it your way. Just be sure to uphold your end of the bargain.”
“What bargain? All you did was show me some parchment and I agreed to help.”
“The fact that you promised to keep everything I’ve told you a secret.”
“A secret, huh?” the farmhand said to herself, smiling. “Twilight, jus’ what’re ya up to? And with some random guy, no less.” She quickened her pace to keep them in her sight.
Three hours into the hunt, the luckiest or most skilled groups of hunters were still going strong. Three hours, and many first-timers were feeling the encroaching sensation of fatigue, unaware of it or unable to avoid it. Three hours, and the weakest groups or those going solo have voluntarily dropped out of the running, realizing that this kind of sport wasn’t meant for them.
The blacksmith and scholar were definitely part of the first category.
“On your right!” Twilight spotted the pack of desert wolves as her partner called out. They’ve been plagued by this particular group since entering the San Palomino Desert. Comet made it a priority to avoid large numbers of beasts in such a brutal environment, but soon discovered that the beasts weren’t so forgiving.
“I see them! Zephyr!” The scholar flicked her wand in the direction of the creatures, sending them sprawling as she cast a wind spell. A couple of wolves were unfazed, continuing their pursuit. “They’re still coming after us!”
One hound managed to keep pace with the hunters, appearing as a sandy-brown blur in their peripheral vision. It bore its teeth at them before letting out a fearsome howl, calling reinforcements in an attempt to overwhelm them with sheer force.
“That one must be the alpha” Comet pointed out. “We take it down, the rest will scatter.”
Another pack, ten in total, emerged from a nearby dune. The sand swirled around them as they materialized, already locking their gaze on their would-be prey.
“Great, just what we need. MORE wolves.”
Twilight cast another Zephyr spell, talking out a considerable chunk of the new pack. Three wolves emerged from the raining sand at breakneck speeds, easily catching up to them and keeping pace.
“No matter how strong or how precise I am, there’s always at least one left!”
“Think of a plan! They go after any source of liquid, we know that for sure!”
The scholar racked her brain for some method to neutralize or at least deter their pursuers long enough to escape. She wiped the sweat from her brow, shaking the drops off. The instant she does, the desert wolves shift their focus to her, or at least toward the direction she moved her hand.
“That’s it…”
Immediately, Twilight opens her travel bag and grabs two magicite gems. “Catch!”
Comet barely manages to hold onto the magicite, but avoids dropping it. He inspects them, then flashes a grin at his partner. “Zephyr and Aqua. I get it now.”
“On my mark, use Aqua and try to get them all in one group and Zephyr if any are left after this!” The blacksmith readied the blue magicite gem and waited for his cue. “Now!” He raised the Aqua gem and gripped it tighter, activate the spell stored within. A steady stream of water flowed from the gem and onto the sand, drawing the attention of every wolf.
“I just hope you’re ready on your end. Otherwise, I’m dog food!”
Twilight poured a large amount of magic into her wand, the tip glowing violet with energy. After a few seconds, the glow became green and a howling wind swirled around her. She aimed at the pack that drew closer and closer to Comet, and with a loud voice yelled, “ZEPHYRUS!”
The spell was launched across the desert, kicking up a tremendous amount of sand along its path. The resulting roar caused by the air and sand was almost deafening. The wolves stopped dead in their tracks and turned their heads to the commotion only to be torn apart and reduced to the very material that makes them corporeal.
Comet, laying on his back due to the commanding power of Twilight’s spell, sat up and stared at the scholar as the dust settled. She was panting heavily and came to rest on her knees, just as tired from their unwanted marathon as he was. He stifled a chuckle at first which grew into full-on relieved laughter, joined shortly by Twilight.
“I have to say, I never thought you’d have such strong magic at your disposal.”
“Surprised you, have I?”
“Alright, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Little Miss Prodigy” he jokingly stated. “We still need to find drops proving that we’ve taken on that many wolves.”
“What kind of drops are we looking for?”
“They’re soul-based monsters, so look for a glowi--”
A ferocious howl interrupted them. Twilight looked at Comet in shock. He turned his head and noticed a lunging desert wolf in mid-pounce. There was no time for him to move out of the way now. All he could do is brace himself for a flurry of claws and teeth.
POW!
The creature was sent flying a few meters away, bouncing against the coarse sand and losing its form over the entire distance. At last it came to rest with a solid ‘thump’, resembling nothing more than a tiny dune. Comet breathed a sigh of relief as he narrowly avoided becoming its chew toy.
The sound of footsteps upon sand was heard by the blacksmith. A large figure stood over him, blocking the sunlight. The figure grabbed him by the arm and pulled him onto his feet, almost as if they meant no harm.
“Hoo boy, glad Ah got here in time.”
Comet was still left bewildered by his savior, but now he had a good look at her, dressed in an orange flannel shirt, faded blue jeans, cowgirl boots and a hat to match. She was clearly a ranch hand, or at least worked on a farm. Her freckled face was beaming, two emerald green eyes staring back at him.
“So ain’tcha gonna thank me fer savin’ yer life?” Before the blacksmith could do so, they both heard a familiar voice growing ever louder.
“APPLEJACK!” Twilight, despite her earlier fatigue, sprinted toward the farm girl and practically leapt into her arms in a very affectionate hug.
“TWILIGHT!” The farmhand effortlessly spun around while keeping a tight grip on the scholar, apparently weighing almost nothing to her. That punch definitely wasn’t a fluke. She really had the strength to send that desert wolf flying. “Now what’s Equestria’s smartest lady doin’ in such a dry place?”
“It’s such a long story, I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I could ask you the same thing, though.”
“Jus’ decided ta stick aroun’ after makin’ a cider delivery at a local bar. Heard there was gonna be some sorta ‘hunter competition’ or other, thought Ah’d stick around and give it a try.” Applejack reached down to pick up an item left behind by the wolves before walking over to the young blacksmith. She shook his hand vigorously, leaving it in his grasp and shooting him a smile. “Name’s Applejack, co-owner o’ Sweet Apple Acres. What’s your name, stranger?”
Comet rubbed the back of his sore hand as he replied. “Comet Blade, local blacksmith. Still surprised that you pack such a mean punch.”
“Aw shucks, it ain’t nothin’. You should see mah work back at the farm.” She turned away and headed back toward the city, cracking her knuckles and stretching her arms over her head. “Glad ta share a story or two if ya let me tag along.”
Nightfall was fast approaching, and the hunt was coming to a close. Hundreds of teams have set up a temporary rest area outside of the city’s gates, already sure that their early retirement from the competition would jeopardize their chances of victory but too tired to care. They were more concerned with a quick Bit, intending to sell their loot to various shopkeepers and artisans to make use of them.
Twelve hours since the start of the competition, only three teams remain: a band of six barbarians from the icy peaks of Clawdor, a ronin duo from Uchu, and the ragtag group consisting of the scholar, blacksmith, and farmhand.
“So yer tellin’ me ya signed up for this only tah get yer hands on a few books, Twi?”
“Not just any books, AJ. They’re supposed to be historical tomes that date back thousands of years. If we get an audience with this city’s regent, there’s a chance he might be able to convince the capital to part with them.”
Comet walked ahead of his companions. He was well aware of Twilight’s request to not reveal any details of her purpose in Runera to her farmhand friend or anyone else for that matter. “If she needed to know, she can handle it” he muttered to himself. He let his mind wander a bit as they trekked on. The trio came to this part of the Arpeggio wildlands at his request. “Should be around here somewhere…”
“Say pardner, what’re we doin’ here again?” voiced Applejack as she sifted through a bush.
“Like I said back near the city gates, we’re looking for a dryad. I need something from it.”
“It wasn’t on the list that we saw on the bulletin board near Arpeggio” Twilight chimed.
“It’s not for the hunt. I need that something for personal reasons.”
“Well, maybe we can help ya better if ya tell us what’cher lookin’ for, exactly.” Comet looked back at them over his shoulder after inspecting one of the nearby trees. “Ah mean, it’s not like we might know what to do with it.”
“We need a particular fruit that’s only found on dryads. Either of you ever heard of something called a parchfruit?”
“You mean that really bitter and dry fruit, gourd-shaped and orange enough to make an orange look pale?”
“That’s the one”, he replied. Twilight immediately unclasped her travel bag and pulled out a book, flipping through its pages like a madwoman.
“Now why the hay does a metalworker need such a rare fruit?” asked Applejack.
“It says here that parchfruit can treat a multitude of diseases ranging from the flu to…” Twilight trailed off mid-sentence, slamming the book shut and putting it away. “Blood Winter. Comet, do you…?”
“My old man does.” He kept himself busy with his search as he continued. “Regent’s always going on about how the disease was eradicated after the last epidemic, but the people know the truth. It still crops up in the outer villages and isolated parts of the city. If it wasn’t for a certain healer’s study into the medical uses for various plants, it would’ve been a lot worse.”
Twilight, cautious about the last time she asked about Blood Winter, walked up to her companion and kept a steady pace with him. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did your parents come into contact with it?”
Comet usually kept quiet about such serious topics, but there was something about these two. He couldn’t put a finger on it, but he felt such a strong sense of trust regarding the girls. “You’re going to regret this”, he muttered to himself first. “My mother was a healer in her home country. She mostly worked with herbal remedies, but wanted to see what kinds of flora she could add to her practice.”
“Was she the one who discovered the properties of parchfruit?”
“No, but believe me, I remember her smacking her own forehead for not thinking of it first”, he replied with a light chuckle. “That didn’t stop her from being out at the crack of dawn just to look for one, though.”
“A gal dedicated to her work”, added Applejack. “Ah can relate.”
“She became infected after trying to treat a particularly nasty case on her own. Near the end stages of the patient’s disease, they coughed up a large amount of blood and some of it got in her eyes. About three days later, she started showing symptoms of the disease.” Comet’s face grew solemn, reluctant to continue. He wiped his brow and sighed, still frustrated at his inability to find a dryad as well. “My old man kept her home and did his best to treat her, but he didn’t know the first thing about medicine. We were pretty devastated after she passed, him even more so given that he had to see her go that way.”
“And your father…”
“He wanted Mom to have a proper burial instead of being cremated with the rest. Couldn’t bear to reduce his soulmate to nothing but a pile of ash.” A cold breeze blew through the forest, forcing Comet to pull his cloth over his head for warmth. The rugged shawl made him seem even more grim. “Turned out that bodies were still dangerous to handle up to a week after death. He wasn’t wearing any gloves or anything that could keep the blood off of him. Sure enough, just like Mom, a few days later…”
Comet came to a complete stop, with Twilight doing the same just a few steps behind him. She reached out and tried to console him, being stop just inches away from his shoulder by Applejack, shaking her head.
“Luckily”, Comet continued, “By the time he unwittingly exposed himself to it, the parchfruit treatment became rather effective at keeping the disease from developing past the first stage. Some people never experienced another symptom again as long as they kept up the treatment.” He resumed walking, noticing a few strange leaves dotting a path through the trees. “Now I’m out here every year, collecting one or two parchfruit just so he doesn’t croak for being a sentimental old fool.”
“That explains why both of you work in separate workshops. If there was a workplace accident, there’s a chance you might be exposed to it.” She gripped his shoulder firmly. Applejack didn’t stop her from doing so this time.
“Ya can’t blame the guy fer trying, sugar cube. Ah’m sure he’s thankful fer all the effort yer puttin’ into keepin’ him healthy as well.”
“I guess you’re right, though it would be nice not to worry about his health. If there’s a cure out there, I hope it’s discovered soon.” He stopped once again, this time turning to face his company. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to bring it up, but that’s the second time I shared something with complete strangers that I wouldn’t tell people I’ve known for years.” Comet sighed and resumed following the trail of leaves.
“All the more reason to talk about it. No one could keep something like that a secret forever.”
The blacksmith slowed to yet another stop, this time kneeling down to dig through a large tangle of branches and dead leaves. Once he cleared away enough of the debris, he stood and showed the other two something in his hands: a parchfruit.
“That didn’t take long. And it’s a big one ta boot.”
“Whoever fought this dryad didn’t think to look for any parchfruit. Then again, it’s only found on one out of every five hundred dryads or so.” Twilight clasped her hands and smiled at the other two. “Which means we’ve lucked out both in your search and my quest.”
“All we have to--” All three turned their heads quickly toward the sound of a breaking twig. They spotted the source: two figures hiding amongst the trees, possibly watching them the entire time.
“Give it up!” yelled Comet, quickly hiding the parchfruit in his travel bag. “It’s clear that you don’t have a ranged fighter if you have to get this close, but one word from our spellcaster--”
“Hey, take it easy, friend!” responded one of the figures. “I just wanted to ask you for a favor!” Both of them walked out of the shadows cautiously. They were young warriors, a man and a woman clearly of Uchun descent. The man was clutching his nose with one hand, the cloth wrapped around it speckled with blood. “My partner has a slight nosebleed and we’re out of clean cloth. May we borrow some? I’d be glad to repay you once the hunt is over.”
“This is embarrassing”, added the man. “Let’s just head back to the city, no need to ask strangers.”
“Hush, you!” She smiled at the trio after chastising her partner. “I understand if you don’t want to, but the event is over in an hour and I don’t think our last cloth will last that long.” “Here, y’all can have mine.” Applejack pulled a red handkerchief from her back pocket and walked toward her. Once the woman had the handkerchief in hand, the farmhand took it with both of hers and shook it. “Name’s Applejack.”
“I’m Kunai, and the grouchy bleeder here is Smokescreen.”
“Hi”, replied the man. He took the cloth from his partner and switched out the bloodied one in favor of it.
“We’ve decided to head back to the city already”, added the blacksmith. “Maybe we could stick together on the way back. We’d be able to handle other monsters along the way if we need to.”
“That sounds great, Mr…?”
“Comet Blade, and this is Twilight Sparkle.” The librarian was heavily invested in one of her books again, simply waving in return. “Now, Arpeggio would be in this direction…”
The city was abuzz in celebration over another successful year of the monster hunt. Each and every hunter spent their well-earned prizes on many things they deem important. Some invested in better gear, others in gifts to take home to families, and other on food and drink for a job well done.
That is, everyone apart from the trio. Instead of drinking themselves silly or stuffing their mouths, Twilight was practically dragging Applejack and Comet toward the regent’s castle. She could barely contain her excitement over learning what she came to learn.
“Whoa, slow down, sugar cube! They’re just books!”
“I get the feeling this is pretty common with her.”
“You would be right.”
The three of them reached the top of the steps leading up to the castle. Two guards dressed in simple iron armor with Runera’s crest, the silver falcon, stood watch near the main door. Not missing a step, Twilight walked up to them and presented them a document handed to her by the regent’s advisor himself. “We came to see the regent. I believe this proves that I have a right to see him.”
The sentries took a close look at the document, looking at each other and nodding. They walked over to the doors and pulled them open, which proved to be quite a task even for physically fit soldiers. The doors opened up to a lavish garden filled with guests from other parts of Runera as well as foreign diplomats. They all turned to face the open door, then continued what they were doing before. Both guards stood in front of Twilight again.
“I’m afraid your friends will have to wait here, miss.” The guard on the right, slightly taller than his partner, made it clear he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“I don’t understand. This pass should get all of us inside.”
“The regent is expecting you. And only you”, said the other.
She looked to Applejack, hoping she’d help her convince them to enter together. The farmhand simply shook her head and shrugged.
“This way, if you will. The regent is expecting you”, repeated the guard.
“It’s alright, Twi. We can wait fer ya here or meet up at yer inn room afterwards.”
“Okay. I promise I won’t be long.” She followed both men through the entrance, looking back and waving at her companions.
The doors close just as Twilight sees them one last time. Applejack and Comet both stood in silence for a while before the young man turned around, walked toward the stairs and sat on the first step. The farmhand followed him after a few seconds, taking a spot nearby on the same step.
“Expecting her?” asked Comet. “Why would the regent be expecting the royal scholar?”
“Ah’m not really a politics kind of gal.” Applejack looked down at the city, smiling warmly as she observed the festivities. “Ya know, now that we have a moment…” She set her travel bag down and opened it to reveal two glass bottles filled with fizzy apple cider. “She might take a while, so why not share a bit more about each other?”
Twilight walked down the darkened hallway toward the regent’s meeting room. Her escorts haven’t said a word since asking her to follow them, and wouldn’t respond no matter how many times she tried starting a conversation. All along the walls were tapestries depicting major events in Runera’s history, particularly that of Arpeggio including its founding, the hunt, and even the outbreak of Blood Winter.
The soldiers stopped in front of an ornate door, opening it and stepping to either side of the entry. Inside, an elderly man sat behind a large conference desk facing the enormous stained glass window. In his hand was a glass of wine, the room filled with the aroma of the alcohol. The regent had clearly been drinking. The scholar stepped inside and looked around the room, more tapestries hanging on the walls and a few trinkets on shelves to give it a more lived-in look.
The one object that stood out to Twilight, however, was under a glass case on the tabletop. It was a wand no larger than the usual spellcaster’s tool, only spiral-shaped and dotted with stars. Illustrations did the item’s beauty no justice, as the stars themselves were made of amethyst and the entire wand pulsed with a soft light, almost as if it was alive.
“I’ve had that thing under glass for three weeks now, and that’s the first time it’s done anything like that.” The regent swung his chair around to face her. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, I presume.”
“Y-yes, regent. A pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. Regent William Fontaine.” The regent placed his glass on the table before resting his elbows on it as well. “My people knew who you were the moment you arrived in our city. Rest assured, the king of Lanerio will not learn of your visit. This is just a conversation between two diplomats.”
“Thank you”, said Twilight. “The last thing I’d like to do is cause an uproar.”
Regent Fontaine continued, “And I suppose taking part in a rather large and infamous event is your idea of keeping a low profile?”
Twilight slightly shied away at his words, regaining her composure. “It was the only way I could think of meeting you given the circumstances, and if not for one of your residents, I never would have thought to participate.”
“Ah, yes. The blacksmith’s son”, replied the regent. He made it clear that she was being followed for the majority of, if not her entire visit. “Yet another instance of poor judgment on your part, princess. Telling a commoner of a rival nation about your reason for being here, not knowing if he would actually keep it a secret, was a very risky move. I suppose I could be wrong in that regard, seeing as how the more extreme followers of the king haven’t hunted you down.”
“Are we here to talk about the approach I took to see you, regent, or will you hear me out?” Regent Fontaine gestured for her to continue. “Very well. As much as I’m sure that finding the Astral Wand is a huge accomplishment for your city, I must take it with me. I’m prepared to negotiate a price for it, but I am not leaving without it.”
“Take it”, he replied curtly.
“I’m willing to go as high as...wait a minute. Did you say I should--”
“Yes, take it. Take it as far away from this place as you can.” The regent’s cold facade quickly disappeared and left a look of growing worry on his face. “Take it and leave tonight.”
“I don’t understand. You would just hand it over to me, no questions asked, and let me walk out of here?”
“Please don’t make me repeat myself, Princess Sparkle. Just take it and leave Arpeggio.”
Twilight started growing wary of the regent’s request. She walked to the table and took a seat directly opposite of him, staring him down. “My only question is…why?”
“Do you believe the stories about how the first nations came to be? I can assure you, they are no mere stories.” The regent nodded at one of the guards just outside the door. The soldier procured a folder from a nearby cabinet and placed it in front of Twilight. “Shortly after we’ve acquired the wand, some of our workers here had reported strange dreams. They are all described as being the same: a large celebration taking place in the center of town, the silver falcon statue covered in a dark substance, then the majority of the populace falling extremely ill. And all throughout that nightmare, a low, deep breathing.” The elder wiped his brow before continuing his explanation. “Just last week, I too have experienced the nightmare. It’s just as the workers explained. The dream grew more vivid as time went on, and just a couple of nights ago, it was lucid enough to feel as if I were in the middle of it all.”
“Regent, I appreciate that you’re handing the wand over to a monarch of Equestria, but I don’t see what this has to do with the wand. I’m sure that whatever you’re experiencing is just a defense mechanism or an aura emanated by the wand to make sure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”
The regent kept silent, pushing the case hastily toward Twilight and directing his gaze away from the item. “Just go. Sentient wand or not, I can’t risk the safety of my people.”
“Just what are you implying?”
Before Twilight could get an answer, her former escorts rushed her out of the room with the Astral Wand in her grasp. “The regent has asked you to leave. You may be royalty, but we won’t hesitate to use force if need be.”
Instead of pressing the issue any further, she did as instructed and made her way back outside. After speaking to the regent, she noticed a few tapestries looked a bit sinister. She quickened her pace and eventually found her way outside once more, rushing past the guests in the garden and toward the large doors. The guards posted there started pulling the doors open as she drew closer, once again pushing them shut once she ran through the entryway.
“The entire orchard? I don’t believe you.”
“It’s true!” Twilight found her two companions deep in conversation with cider bottles in hand. Applejack still wasn’t aware of Twilight’s reason to visit Arpeggio, so she stuffed the wand in her bag before making herself known. “Hey, you two.”
“Twi! Perfect timing! Ah was just tellin’ our friend here ‘bout the time I spent--”
“The week you spent harvesting all the apples in the orchard. I remember.”
The farmhand and blacksmith looked at one another before Applejack spoke up. “Is something the matter, sugar cube?”
“No, not really. I have to go.”
“What, eager to celebrate with the rest of the town? I can show you where--”
“No, no. I mean I have to leave tonight.” The scholar’s serious tone was cause for concern, especially with the fact that she continued to push her request. “Is there a way we can go right this instant? An airship or maybe even a merchant wagon?”
“If you can find a sober enough pilot or merchant. Everyone’s down there celebrating at this mo--” The sounds of screams filled the air. The blacksmith looked toward the town center, half-expecting it to be nothing more than rambunctious celebration or a brawl between two opposing groups. However, everyone appeared to be distancing themselves from the fountain in the exact center of the city.
“What’s happening down there?”
“I don’t know, but we’re about to find out.”
All three of them rushed down toward the center of town, curious bystanders making their way after them to find out for themselves. The closer they got, the more people appeared frightened and even reluctant to head toward the trio’s destination.
Running towards them was a very recent and familiar face. Twilight called out to her as she drew closer. “Kunai!”
The female ronin stopped dead in her tracks as she spotted them. Instead of a friendly greeting, she had a feared look in her eyes. She darted into a nearby alley before any of them could say another word.
“She’s fine!” said Comet. “We don’t have time!”
The sight that greeted them as they approached the central fountain wasn’t pleasant. The statue of the hawk was already in pieces, as if some explosive force tore it apart, and a dark ooze flowed from where it once stood. Those unfortunate enough to be standing close to it lay unconscious...or worse. “Somebody help us!” yelled a burly man, helping a few other citizens move the injured. “We need to move them into a building or anything with a strong roof!”
“Ah got this!” Applejack pitched in on the relief efforts, Comet joining her a few moments later. Twilight, on the other hand, asked individuals in the crowd about the events that transpired.
“It was some sort of freak meteor strike!” “The hawk statue started oozing this black substance before it was struck by some boulder.” “I think some of the injured are bleeding internally. They’ve been coughing up blood!”
“They’ve been what!?” The scholar grabbed her medical journal and looked for the symptoms described by the townsfolk. “This can’t be happening, this can’t be happening!”
Comet overheard her and rushed to her side after moving the last injured civilian to safety. “You don’t think…” Before he could finish his thought, one of the invalids stood and complained about a headache. “No…” The blacksmith looked mortified as the sick started coughing up blood, some of them bleeding from the eyes.
Twilight stopped right on the page she needed. “Here it is: Blood Winter!” Comet tore the book from her hands and started reading through the symptoms, each of the stages unfolding before his very eyes.
“Stage one: migraines and fainting.”
“I think there’s been plenty of that already!”
“Stage two: profuse bleeding from facial orifices or a blood-filled cough.” Several of the afflicted townsfolk have woken up, complaining about severe headaches and bleeding from their noses or mouths. “Stage three”, continued the blacksmith. “Coagulation of the blood at an alarming rate.”
The sick continued coughing and losing blood, some of them spitting out a very darkened liquid. Those still healthy and sane enough to figure out the situation moved away from the remaining ailing souls. “It’s...It’s Blood Winter! Nobody touch them!”
The panic only spread as the sick were left to fend for themselves. Those lucky to have avoided helping out backed away even more once they realized there was nothing they could do now.
“S-so, what’s next?” asked Applejack. “What comes after stage three?”
“Once the blood in their veins coagulates completely, the only thing left is…” The air fell silent as the ill stopped moving. “Stage four: all biological function stops. In short, death.” The blacksmith handed the journal back to Twilight before stepping forward to get a closer look at the victims. “No, no, NO! This is all wrong! Blood Winter takes days, maybe weeks to kill. These people should’ve had more time!”
Before anyone could look around to stop any new cases, a series of loud explosions and serious tremors broke their train of thought.
“What the hell was that?”
The city guards have arrived just as the tremors hit. “Everyone, get off the streets! There’s more of them!” Comet and Twilight looked up at the night sky and immediately realized what had caused the tremors: meteors were falling on the city. Alarm bells rung as the people panicked, the soldiers doing their best to rally them into shelters or inside any building sturdy enough to withstand the blows.
Even larger tremors shook the ground as the meteors struck much closer than before, sending debris and pieces of rock flying everywhere. Those unlucky enough to find themselves outside were either caught near an impact or hit by fragments of cobblestone or meteorite.
After a few minutes of bombardment, the city was quiet once again. Twilight approached a particularly large meteorite near the fountain, noticing the same black ooze flowing from inside of it. “Say, aren’t meteors comprised of rock and bits of metal?” No one responded.
“Quite right, young one.” Everyone stood frozen upon hearing a loud, almost oppressive voice. “But as far as I’m aware, humankind hasn’t sent anyone up there to keep one company.” The sound of laughter filled the air. It started low and menacing, slowly growing loud and maniacal.
The dark substance that was left spilled all over the town square started congregating around the large meteorite. The air grew heavy with a sense of dread. Comet, Twilight, Applejack, and the citizens of Arpeggio distanced themselves as the ooze reshaped itself into the figure of a man.
“Astra, Astra! Are you not going to introduce me to your new subjects? It’s been far too long.” The figure became clearer, revealing a man who exuded an aura of pure malice. His hair was a visual contrast of good and evil, comprised of strands colored white-gold and pitch black. As he walked forward away from his former prison and stepped onto solid ground, he clearly towered over the tallest humans in the crowd, surveying them with eyes that burned like flames in a dark cave, teeth as sharp as knives. He wore very ancient yet sturdy-looking armor, perhaps predating the use of more common iron and steel.
“I-I-I know who y-you are” voiced a bystander. “Y-you’re…”
“Shadestone the Shadow Tyrant!” The massive foe tore his gaze from the crowd upon hearing his name. He faced the direction of the voice and saw the regent being accompanied by a pair of soldiers as the rest of the Arpeggian army made its presence known. “Soldiers, escort the people away from the square! Keep them as far away as possible from this monstrosity!”
“Monstrosity?” laughed Shadestone. “Monstrosity is putting it lightly, sir. What I am…” He raised his hand and snapped his fingers. “Is a demon.”
“Soldiers, attack at will!” A large din of armor reverberated throughout the square as half of the battalion charged the invader. Shadestone did nothing but stand there, smiling menacingly.
“Wait,” voiced Twilight. “Something’s not right. Why is he just letting them…?”
A large black mass congregated around Shadestone just before the soldiers could reach him. Out of the ooze came unarmed civilians, their faces twisted in the throes of death.
“Halt!” The attackers stopped themselves and looked on in horror. The figures started to lose their individual appearances as they were consumed by the blackness, a macabre life moving them once more. The formerly deceased townsfolk were now under the control of the tyrant.
“What the hay is he doin’ with all them folk?” “What is wrong? None of you have the heart to impale your former wards?” Everyone stood silent once more, holding their breath in fear of what came next. “I know one thing for certain...They’re just ACHING to guide you into the afterlife.” The figures raised their arms, forming long blades from the same substance that comprises them. The soldiers at the front of the charge were quickly cut down, their comrades behind them just barely blocking or avoiding fatal blows.
Panic spread throughout the townsfolk even faster than before, their screams of terror overpowering the clashing of swords. Hunters brave enough to face this new enemy drew their weapons and joined the fray while those less confident helped the remaining forces escort the people to safety. Applejack herself, no longer happy just standing by, started trading blows with the otherworldly creatures.
“We have to go, now” said Comet, grabbing Twilight by the shoulders. “What did the regent tell you when he gave you the wand? We might--”
“Ah hate ta interrupt ya whisperin’ sweet nothings to Twi, but y’all gotta move!”
“Follow me! My old man’s smithy is nearby! We can equip anyone who can handle a weapon and help fight back!”
As the trio escaped into the streets, the same burning eyes watched them. This man – this creature – knew exactly who to hunt. To him, this was nothing more than the chase before the capture. He grinned wickedly as they disappeared into an alleyway on the far size of the plaza.
“Astra and Comet Starbirth. Even though death, time, and distance kept you apart for millennia, you still managed to find each other. Or perhaps…It would be more accurate to say that your successors are linked by fate.”
Chapter Four: The Arpeggian Fall and The Last Man on Terra
Midnight. The merchant city of Arpeggio was in the midst of a celebration honoring one of the longest-standing traditions of their nation. It was to be a night filled with merriment and companionship. However…
“Greatswords and battleaxes are in the back of the shop, rapiers and shortswords on the racks! Every other weapon in between – longswords, spears, flails, anything like that – check the boxes in the adjacent warehouse!” Comet instructed the people of Arpeggio as they scrambled through his father’s workshop seeking any form of armament. Although the weapons were exactly where they needed to be, there was still someone missing. “And if anyone sees my father around, let him know Comet is fine!”
A commander stepped into the smithy, instructing those with a weapon to report to various locations around the city. Once the majority of the crowd has left, he made his way through the remainder to Comet. “Young man, the city guard thanks you for aiding us in our time of need!”
“That’s nice and everything, but move it! The fighting’s not over yet!”
“I will, but you also need to evacuate. They’ll be here any second!”
Another guard rushed into the workshop just as the first one finished. “It’s too late, sir! They’re already on this block!”
“All of you heard him! We need to keep those things at bay while the militia arms itself!”
Twilight and Applejack were surrounded by a mob of shadows that only grew in number with each soldier’s death. They soon found themselves alone and facing both former civilians and guards. Both were unsettled at the fact that they used to be human.
“Ya know Twi, Ah’ll admit we’ve seen some things others wouldn’t believe, but this?”
“I couldn’t agree more, AJ. This is beyond horrible.”
Almost as if on cue, the shadows lurched forward en masse, using their numerical advantage to leave no way out for the two. Twilight fires off a series of spells that slows down their assailants, giving Applejack plenty of time to react and punch her way through the crowd. As the figures are struck and sent flying, they crash against walls and lose their form, becoming the amorphous blobs they were when they first appeared.
“At least they ain’t puttin’ up much of a fight. The wolves were tougher than these things.” The farmhand started to visibly slow down as the fight continued. “Though it would be much easier if Ah had a bit more rest after fighting all day.”
“Let’s just endure this and head toward the smithy. Comet and the others are there, so we’ll have the support we need.”
The sounds of metal clanging against metal distracted them from their predicament. Just behind the mass of enemies, the blacksmith and a few others push back a wave that strayed from the group that was fighting against the girls. “Hey! Finally found you two!”
Relieved at his reappearance, Twilight made light of their current situation. “It’s about time! We were just about to leave you behind!”
“And get yourselves lost in my city?” he replied. “Not on my watch.” He tugged on their shirts and signaled them to move. “You two keep moving, I’m right behind you.”
“Jus’ let us know if ya need help clearin’ the rear.” Applejack stayed ahead of Twilight, taking on the brunt of the blows for the scholar. Even after fighting for so long, she still had the strength and stamina to match them.
Before they made any real progress, however, Applejack was sent stumbling backwards by an unseen force. She landed hard on her side, Twilight rushing to her side to help her on her feet. “What the hay?”
The shadow-possessed townsfolk stood still as the rest of the dark substance covered them completely and began to harden. They slowed to a halt and raised their arms toward the trio, determined to grasp at them even as they eventually stopped. The group did nothing except gaze at the now-immobile enemy.
“Are they done?” asked the scholar.
“Something tells me it’s far from over”, replied Comet.
As quickly as the shadows solidified, the trio heard crackling sounds, as if something was breaking out of a shell. The humanoid figures exploded from the hardened darkness, although they no longer resembled humans.
Those closest to the trio had the appearance of heavily-armored soldiers, bearing a strange symbol on their armor. The shadows further back looked like rangers, complete with bow and quiver and donning the same insignia. The group furthest from the three looked like spellcasters from legends: long robes, pointed hats, and either staves or wands in their hands. Just like the first two types, they bore the insignia.
“What just happened?” asked the blacksmith.
“I think they’ve undergone some type of...evolution…” Twilight answered, an unbelieving tone in her voice.
“Evolution? These things can--?” Comet was cut short as Applejack tackled him to the ground. Several arrows stuck to the ground where he once stood.
“Ah think we should run. These fellas mean serious business.” She stood quickly and pulled the blacksmith to his feet, shoving him in the opposite direction. “Move it, ya two!”
Twilight and Comet did as they were told, running from the advancing shadows as fast as they possibly could. The situation on their way to the nearest shelter was the same as any part of the city: bodies, both soldier and civilian, littered the streets of Arpeggio. Shadows undergoing a metamorphosis in view of soldiers already afraid of death. The same persistent laughter from Shadestone as he drew closer still.
“Watch out!” Wayward spells tore through a nearby tower, their combined strength easily toppling the structure. Acting purely on instinct, Comet ducked into a nearby home to avoid being hit by the debris while the girls ran ahead of it, determined to arrive at their destination.
The dust nearly choked the blacksmith, forcing him to pull his cloth over his face to avoid inhaling so much particulate matter. Once it cleared enough, he spotted them on the other side of the wreckage searching for a way to go over it.
“Comet, can you hear us?”
“Hey pardner, holler if ya can hear us!”
“I’m alright!” he replied. “Just a little shaken up, that’s all!”
“We don’t see a way for you to climb over the debris! Is there an alley or street you can see from your end? We’ll try to meet up halfway!”
“Don’t worry about me! You two get to safety!”
“But--!”
“Just do it!”
Both of them looked at each other with worry, but after a few seconds they continued running before they found themselves in a hairier situation. Comet, on the other hand, tossed his cloth to the ground in frustration.
“Dammit! Why the hell didn’t I just keep going?” The sounds of conflict sounded farther away than before. It seems that the city soldiers were doing a great job of keeping the area safe. “Of course”, he said to himself. “There’s a shelter nearby. Makes sense.”
“It seems out of everyone here, you have all the answers. Would you care to enlighten me?” A large, imposing shadow emerged from the ground, forming itself into a humanoid figure. Shadestone managed to find him.
“Y-y-you…” was all the blacksmith could say. This monster is the sole reason for his hometown to be in such chaos. This creature, with an air of charm and a disarming voice...was terrifying him.
“Oh, how the mighty emperor has fallen. You climb your way out of the muck and make a name for yourself only to end up as nothing more than an artisan millenia later.” He raised a clawed finger and pointed at Comet. “Surprised I know something about you already, blacksmith? It’s really no secret. I can tell just by looking at you.” Shadestone’s lips curled into a menacing smile, baring his fangs. “Actually, that’s a lie. A certain snowbird told me all about you. He keeps claiming that he’s your father.”
Comet’s nostrils flared at the mention of Temper. Without thinking, he drew his blade and readied himself for a fight, his face twisted in anger. “Where the FUCK IS MY FATHER!?”
Shadestone chuckled and looked down at him, treating him as less of a threat and more like a child with a stick. His smile grew wider before he continued. “He’s dead.”
As those words escaped his mouth, Comet charged Shadestone at full speed. The blacksmith gripped his sword as tight as he could, swinging like mad at the tyrant. Shadestone simply danced around his attempts at assault, repeating the words “He’s dead” in a taunting fashion.
As his body was lost to the influence of adrenaline and anger, Comet kept thinking to himself. “Why is he doing this? What’s his goal? He can’t be the same Shadestone as in the stories, can he?”
Before he could make sense of anything, Shadestone stopped just as Comet ran out of steam. Pulling back his robes, he reveals a large sword at his waist. The blade was large enough and appeared heavy enough to give even the strongest man trouble, but the shadow tyrant gripped it in one hand as if it weighed less than air.
“Show me if you live up to your namesake, Comet Blade.”
“With pleasure!” The blacksmith steeled his resolve once more and crossed swords with Shadestone. The tyrant, still treating it as nothing more than a game, kept backstepping and blocking his every swing.
“Such poor form! Emperor Starbirth would roll in his grave!”
“SHUT UP!” Comet’s swings had more impact, yet were becoming erratic due to his rage. Shadestone cackled at his opponent, knowing full well he couldn’t win.
“If this is the kind of people those six fools died to protect, then I say they did a very poor job!” Shadestone clashed blades with Comet yet again, only this time he appeared more serious. “But I tire of playing with you, child.” The tyrant reached for the blacksmith with his free hand, the size of it easily wrapping around his neck. Shadestone lifted Comet as the latter struggled to free himself from his grip.
“Let me go!”
The demon slammed Comet against a nearby wall, keeping him pinned against it with the same hand. The pressure only intensified as Shadestone’s face grew even more grim, almost as if he viewed Comet with disgust.
“Let me tell you something about you humans.” He tightened his hold on the blacksmith, causing Comet to gasp for air as he looked deep into the burning red eyes of this creature. “You drag a perfectly content demon from the bowels of Tartarus, bind him to your service and make him do your bidding.” He pulls Comet away from the wall only to slam him against it harder than before. “Then when the demon fights your control, you ask others to cast a much stronger binding spell. When they say no, you try to banish the demon.” Shadestone’s voice grew even more sinister and agitated as he slammed the blacksmith against the stone surface once again. “Then when the demon vows revenge against you apes…” Practically crushing his windpipe, Shadestone continuously tosses Comet against the wall. “YOU SEAL. HIM. IN. STONE. For ten thousand years, and that’s only because he didn’t want to stay imprisoned until the end of time, so he kills one of your lot, AND YOUR OLDEST AND WISEST WIZARD TURNS HIS ONLY SON’S BODY, NOW INHABITED BY THAT POOR DEFENSELESS DEMON, INTO THIS DISGUSTING PRIMORDIAL GOOP AND SENDS. ME. INTO. SPACE!”
Releasing his grip on the blacksmith, Comet slides down against the wall, coughing as air rushes into his lungs once more. With some difficulty, he manages to speak. “S-so…so you attack MY home...all because of something that was done to you by people who are long dead?”
“I wouldn’t expect a human to understand the misery I’ve endured. The plotting I’ve had to do in order to free myself, the people I’ve had to influence with my weakened power over such a large distance...” He grabbed Comet by the neck once more and forced him to stand. Pressing the tip of his blade against his chest, Shadestone gazed deep into the blacksmith’s terrified eyes. “Killing those six isn’t nearly as satisfying as crushing an entire swarm of insects like you, but I belive it’s a start.”
Comet felt a sharp, burning pain as Shadestone ran his sword into the blacksmith’s heart. His hands felt weak as his senses dulled, letting them fall to his sides. His breath became shorter with each passing second as his life slowly started to fade. Before he let the growing darkness take him, Shadestone dropped him onto the street.
“If your founders favor you, you’ll live. And then when I take everything from you, I’ll end you permanently...”
“Hah...so, it’s started. I never thought I’d see the day. Elpidios was right…”
Comet suddenly jerked upright at the sound of the voice, feeling dizzy just seconds after doing so. He shielded his eyes from the bright light that engulfed...wherever he currently was. “What is this place?”
“Hey, he’s awake!” said the voice. “Well, don’t just sit there. Introduce yourself!”
The blacksmith rubbed his eyes as they adjust to the light. Once they focused, he could see he was sitting in a traditional Uchun room, complete with mats, scrolls, and various other decorations. A figure was kneeling in front of an image of a woman, perhaps someone they knew.
“I’m waiting, kid. An elder asked you to do something, so it’s only polite to at least respond.”
“...Comet.”
“Comet? No kidding! My name’s also Comet.” The figure, an Uchun man, turned around in bewilderment and walked up to the blacksmith. “Wait a moment, I’m not talking to myself again, am I? Your last name wouldn’t happen to be Starbirth, would it?”
“What? No. Blade, Comet Blade.”
“Comet Blade...Hmm…” The man placed a hand on his chin as if he was deep in thought. “Nope, can’t be. You’re definitely not here because Shadestone has returned to Terra. Couldn’t be.”
“Okay, first of all, I’m not exactly sure what’s going on, or where I am. Second of all, if you’re talking about the same Shadestone I’m thinking of, then I’m afraid he has.”
The man turned away from Comet and resumed kneeling in front of the picture of the woman. After a few minutes of silence, he spoke once again.
“I am Emperor Comet Starbirth, and you are dead. Well, not completely. You’re on the verge, that’s for sure.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Comet, whether through a serious of strange coincidences or perhaps by fate, you are my spiritual descendant.” The emperor smiled as he uttered those words. “You, young one, are one of the few people that can stop Shadestone. Before I go into detail, one thing first. Can you keep a secret?”
“Is he alright?”
“Don’t worry, miss. We found him a little roughed up, but he’ll be just fine.”
Morning had come to Arpeggio, over half of the city decimated by the events that transpired the night before. Several volunteers have set up medical tents around the shelter that Twilight and Applejack managed to find, doctors and nurses working around the clock to keep their patients alive.
“And what about his medical report? Has he been infected with--?”
“Miss, he’s completely fine. If he was diagnosed with Blood Winter, we wouldn’t keep him outside of the quarantine tents. Our doctors did notice a wound on his chest just above his heart, but there wasn’t enough blood to suggest a fatal blow.”
“No, wait!” Comet sat upright, much to the surprise of refugees and workers. He looked around him and noticed the cot he was laid upon. Realizing he was safe, he laid back and sighed.
The field doctor handed Twilight a document. “He’ll just need to sign these release forms and he can go.” The scholar approached Comet just as he stood. A look of confusion washed over the blacksmith as he tried to piece together last night’s events.
“What happened?”
“The soldiers that brought you in said they found you unconscious next to your sword. They rushed you over here thinking you were…” Twilight stopped herself before she finished her sentence. “Never mind. The important thing is that you’re alright.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s one less worry on my mind.”
“You talk as if my death would make a difference to your goal,” he replied. “To you, I’m just some foreigner that helped further your objective, nothing mo--”
“How can you say such a thing? People have lost their lives, and I’m sure their loved ones are distraught over the loss!” She toss the clipboard at him, a clearly upset tone in her voice. “And it’s the least I can do for someone that I…” Twilight stopped herself short, shaking her head and walking away at a brisk pace. Applejack stood over Comet’s cot, disappointed in his dealings with the scholar.
“When that buildin’ came crumblin’ down, do you know how worried Twi felt?”
“I know exactly how she feels, AJ.”
“Well, it sure as heck doesn’t seem like it! She hasn’t had a wink o’ sleep when she saw ya toes up and out cold, and you had ta--!”
“That’s exactly why I answered her in that way.” Comet placed his forearm over his eyes, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I noticed it the moment we met. She’s a girl with far too much responsibility on her shoulders, just looking for a way out. Whatever it is, she doesn’t feel like she’s right for the job.”
“Are ya sayin’...?”
“Maybe. I’m not completely sure.” He grabbed the clipboard and sat up. Grabbing the pen, he signed off on the documents one by one. “But either way, I’ve helped her get what she came for. There’s no need to drag this out much longer.”
“You should probably jus’ talk to her about it. Maybe she’ll come around.”
“I guess I can do that. But once I have, you need to take her home.”
“Don’t you worry ‘bout that, pardner. Ah’ll make sure she gets there.”
An hour after leaving the medical shelter, Comet and Applejack spent their time searching for Twilight throughout town. The blacksmith couldn’t help but wince at the sight of his home. In less than a day, it went from bustling epicenter of commerce to the aftermath of a warzone.
“Look at the bright side, sugar cube.”
“There’s a bright side to all of this?”
The farmhand placed a hand on her partner’s shoulder and gave him a warm smile. “Of course there is. You’re still kickin’.”
“And internally screaming.” Comet walked ahead of her by a few steps, leading the way toward their next destination. “I think I have an idea where she might be. Be sure to keep up.”
“Won’t be too hard considerin’ ya just woke up from a coma.”
They rounded a corner and headed back toward the central square, the start of it all. Comet averted his gaze from the fountain, passing through quickly so as to not relive the events of last night.
The library was in surprisingly good shape despite yesterday’s commotion. Opening the front door, he saw that the building was entirely empty. All except for one person. Twilight was too busy reading through another medical journal on the subject of Blood Winter. Whether it was to further her understanding of it or to help diagnose Comet better, they weren’t sure.
“You’re up and about, I see” said Twilight. “Did you come to say goodbye?”
“Twilight…” Comet looked behind him, Applejack silently urging him to go sit at her table. He followed her gesture, grabbing a chair from a nearby desk and sitting right across from the scholar. “Actually, I came to say hello.”
“Very funny, Mr. Blade.” She turned the page, not breaking her gaze from the book. “If you don’t mind, I need to study. A friend of mine could have contracted a serious disease, and I need to learn as much about it as I can.”
Comet didn’t return her answer. Instead, he opened his travel bag and reached into it. He pulled up a scroll, a sealed bottle of ink, and several quills, carefully placing them on Twilight’s side of the table.
“What’s all this?”
“An apology”, replied the blacksmith.
“Very funny.”
Without missing a beat, Comet started talking even if she wouldn’t listen. “My name is Comet Blade, son of Temper and Clera.” Twilight finally lowered her book and looked across the table at him. “I’m a blacksmith, nineteen years of age with twelve years of experience due to my father’s progressive thinking about early apprenticeship.”
“What are you doing?”
Comet smiled and gave a light chuckle. “I don’t think I was quite fair with my answers to your questions a couple of days ago. You genuinely wanted to know more about one of the residents of Arpeggio, yet that resident refused to answer at least half of your questions.”
“So you think answering them now would make a proper apology?”
The blacksmith only shrugged. After what seemed like an eternity, Twilight set her book aside, uncorked the bottle of ink, then dipped her quill. “Tell me more.”
“My profession includes both armor and weaponry, whether it be manufacturing or maintenance. My family is of Uchun descent, hailing from the northern end of the empire. My parents emigrated here before I was born, so I’m of Runeran nationality.”
Applejack sat back and watched the two from afar. Once she was sure they were getting along, she walked out of the library. “Now, we’re gonna need some transport…”
“What about hobbies? Do the people of Runera participate in certain sports depending on their sub-type? Do your seraphi prefer to live in the sky, like Equestria’s Cloudsdale residents, or do they mostly live on the ground with the others?”
Twilight continued to fire off question after question, to which Comet happily answered. Queries about the local food, dance, lifestyles, and any and all questions under the sun had an answer provided.
Two hours later, Twilight rolled up and stored the last scroll in her travel bag along with the medical journal. “I hope your librarian doesn’t mind me borrowing this for a while.”
“I don’t think he will. He’s more concerned about his collection at home.” They both laughed, picturing the worried librarian in their minds.
Twilight stood up, followed by Comet. As they walked out of the library, most of the debris on the streets had been cleared. “So I really have to know. You don’t seem like the type of person who would share so much to someone you just met. Why be such an open book now?”
“It’s simple. You’re the only one who’s really taken the time to listen.” Comet walked ahead of her, leading the way to the location he agreed upon with Applejack earlier that morning. Twilight kept a steady pace with him, wondering if she really was the only one to ask him.
“Hey, there ya are, you two!” AJ gave them a big hearty smile as she waved at them. “Found mah cart! Looks like we have a way home, Twi.”
“I thought we’d be taking an airship home. What happened?”
“Airport folk’re sayin’ the airships are busted. We’re gonna have to hoof it from here, little lady.”
Twilight perked up at the sound of the voice, having an idea of who it might be. “There is no way that that voice belongs to the one and only Braeburn.”
“‘Fraid so, darlin’.” The duo heard the sound of a heavy box being placed onto the cart before a man walked toward the front. “Haven’t seen ya since ya helped with that nomad tribe a few months back.”
“Brae’s been helpin’ me haul these big ol’ crates o’ cider all over Equestria ta sell.”
“We’d be done by now if ya didn’t see that fancy flier promotin’ some big hunt down here.” Braeburn removed his gloves and extended it to Comet. “Howdy, pardner. Name’s Braeburn. Y’all can call me Brae.”
“Comet. You can call me….Comet, I guess.”
Braeburn laughed at what he assumed was an attempt at a joke. “Yer a real joker, Comet. So, Ah heard Twilight here needs a lift back home. Ain’t that right, cus?”
“Well, she ain’t gonna be flyin’ home anytime soon. Hop on, Twi!”
“Just a second!” Twilight pulled Comet aside, making sure they were out of earshot of the other two. “While it was a rather insensitive way to express it, I realize that I’ve already asked so much of you. But…” She looked down and played with her hands nervously. “Would it be too much to ask if you could come with us?”
“Well, that depends. I can’t find my old man anywhere, so that’s a pretty tall order.”
“I knew I shouldn’t have asked. You’d be more concerned with his safety over--”
“Safety? Pfft.” Comet slung his travel bag over his shoulder, gripping his sword tightly. “The old man’s too ornery to die, so I know he’s alright. We’ve gone weeks without even seeing each other for various reasons before, so it won’t be like I’ll miss his sorry mug. And besides…” He held up a letter addressed to him by his father. “He’s already started on helping others find their way home. I’m not worried about him one bit.”
“So does that mean you…?”
“Miss Sparkle, should you need a sword-for-hire, I’d be glad to tag along.”
Twilight visibly lit up at Comet’s answer, a few sparks emanating from her hands as her magic overflowed. “I was hoping you’d say yes. Princess Celestia will be thrilled to hear about Runera directly from a resident.”
“Oh, I see. I’m just a souvenir for the princess” replied Comet in an obviously joking manner. “In that case, I’ll go take my place along with the rest of the cargo. Hey Brae! Think you can fit a memento with those cider crates?”
It was late afternoon by the time the four travelers crossed the border from Runera into Equestria. Throughout the entire trip, Braeburn and Applejack manned the reins of their oxen-pulled cart while Comet sat in the covered wagon along with a slumbering Twilight.
Crossing the San Palomino desert once again, the blacksmith had his weapon at the ready in case of desert wolves or sand scorpions. Things were quiet since the group entered the desert, most likely as a result of yesterday’s hunt. There wasn’t a whole lot threatening them seeing as how their numbers were thinned out.
Applejack climbed into the covered wagon and laughed quietly. “Seems she’s been out like a light since we left the city.”
“Yeah. Hasn’t moved from her spot since then.”
She noticed the dismal look on his face as he watched her nap, as well as spotting a scrap of paper in his hand. “Somethin’ the matter, sugar cube?”
Comet handed the paper to the farmgirl, which she immediately inspected. Apart from the words “To Comet” and Temper’s signature, the paper was blank. “What’s this about?”
“When you said Twilight couldn’t sleep since we were separated, I started to think. I thought about what I could do to make it up to her.”
“Which we agreed on havin’ you answer her questions, right?”
“Yes and no.” Applejack raised an eyebrow at his answer. Comet grabbed the scrap paper and tossed it aside. “I had a plan in case she asked me to come with all of you to Equestria, maybe to give a firsthand account on what happened in Arpeggio. Of course, if she suspected that I had unfinished business, she’d ask me to take care of it first no matter how long it would take.”
“So yer pop left ya a blank letter?”
“My father is dead.”
Applejack’s eyes slowly grew wider in bewilderment. “Are you sayin’--?”
“That letter, or at least those words on that paper, were written by me. I haven’t seen him among the deceased that the city guards were bringing in, but somehow I knew he didn’t make it.” He leaned back against the wooden paneling of the wagon, stretching his legs before continuing. “After we were separated, I ran into Shadestone.”
“Ya mean that big bad that appeared outta nowhere?” Comet stayed silent. “What happened, sugar cube?”
“We...talked. At least for a few seconds. He went on about how trapped he felt all these years after taunting me with news of my father. He kept mentioning the six rulers in those old stories as he…” He placed a hand around his neck. “Practically tried to choke the life out of me.”
“And ya didn’t think ta tell me or Twi?”
“I’m telling you now, aren’t I?”
“Ah meant earlier.”
“You would’ve either force me into hiding or left me with my people. Anything to save yourselves.”
“We’ve faced danger far more than we’d care ta admit. Luggin’ ya around would’ve been easy.” Applejack smiled, hoping to get him to do the same. When he insisted on keeping the same grim expression, she realized what he was trying to say. “You were going to stay behind anyway, weren’t ya?”
“Yes.”
“Then why all the talk about leavin’ ya behind?”
“I wouldn’t have given you a choice. I’m afraid to be here right now.” Comet reached into his travel bag and pulled out an old story book. It must’ve been decades old as the pages were very yellowed and the cover had be seriously worn. “Have you ever heard the tale about the last man on Terra?”
“Can’t say I have, pardner. Ah’m not much of a doomsday fan.”
The blacksmith opened the book to a dog-eared page and read. “The man, believing he could survive the onslaught of the gods, devised a way to survive their power. Having gained immortality, nothing could harm him, not even as the earth was torn asunder.” He looked over at Twilight, making sure she was still sound asleep. “The gods did not take this man’s insolence lightly. They were furious at his defiance of their cosmic powers. So furious, in fact, they made sure that his methods were not replicated by those still drawing breath. And so, the gods had turned the world into a desolate wasteland.”
Applejack sat against the paneling of the wagon opposite of him. She opened a bottle of the cider she was transporting and took a large sip. “Go on.”
“The man watched for eternity as everything he knew turned to dust. Left alone in this empty world, the man wandered the desert landscape hoping to find some semblance of life in this now-lifeless planet.” Comet closed the book slightly, placing his forehead against it and taking a deep breath. He opened it once more, determined to finish the passage. “The man wandered, for it was all he could do. He had forgotten the sound of his own voice, his own name. As time passed, the gods felt that an empty world would not do. And so, using their divine abilities, they started life anew. The immortal man, eager to speak to anyone or anything, simply bade his time. First, water had filled the large canyons left behind by oceans long dried. Next, plants returned to the surface, covering it in green. And finally, just as the immortal man grew impatient, humans roamed Terra once again.”
“That’s a real heartwarming tale, sugar cube. Go on.”
Comet sighed, regretting his decision to share the story after AJ’s answer. “Unfortunately, they did not see him. He tried to get their attention in any way possible, but they simply passed him by as if he did not exist. After centuries of trying to make contact, the man spoke to the gods. ‘Gods, these people are unaware of what is right in front of them. Have you given them no sight?’ ‘Their sight has not been impaired. They truly do not see you.’ ‘But why, gods? Why do they not see me?’ The gods answered the man, their response destroying what remained of his hope. ‘We made them blind to you.’ ‘But why, gods? Why have you forbidden them to see me?’ ‘You have chosen to defy us to the bitter end. While these people do not see you, they fear you.’ The man was perplexed at their answer. ‘But why, gods? Why do your people fear me?’ ‘You are not meant to be. You are the unknown, you are the enigma, and mankind shall fear what they do not know.’ ‘Please, my gods! I shall do anything just to have them know I am here, that I am not something to fear!’ ‘We shall grant you your request. However, when they see you, they shall not greet you as one of their own. Instead of camaraderie, they shall despise you for taking away everything and everyone they hold dear.’ ‘Then so be it. Whether they greet me as an old friend or spit in my face, I shall greet them as family.’ ‘Very well. From now until the end of time, you shall be responsible for the souls of their deceased. Whatever name you had before our purge no longer applies to you. Now go, Plutarus of the dead. Your duty awaits.’”
Applejack placed the half-finished bottle of cider next to her, still mulling over the story she just heard. “So you’re saying that the world ya knew is gone, and the only thing left for you is death?”
“That’s the general idea.”
“Listen, not ta rain on yer grim parade, but Ah’m sure ya won’t be sortin’ souls in Tartarus anytime soon.” She downed the rest of the cider in one chug. “For what it’s worth, ya still have a home ta come back to once this is all over. The princesses’ll find this Shadestone feller and put ‘im back in a big ol’ rock. Maybe this time they’ll place it in the sun.”
Comet chuckled at the idea of Shadestone sitting on a large meteor on the surface of the sun. “Yeah, let’s see him come back from that one.”
“Ya also got us. Me, Twi, Brae, and Ah’m sure our other friends will be happy ta help ya if ya ask.” She stood up and opened the cloth leading back to the reins. “Take all the time ya need, pardner. Keep an eye on Twi for me too, will ya?”
“Will do.” Applejack ducked out of the covered wagon and sat back outside with Braeburn. Comet looked at Twilight, still slumbering and probably dreaming of a castle made of books. He sighed as he rested against the paneling, hoping to get some rest of his own.
“But still, no matter how I look at it, one myth came true. Let’s just hope it doesn’t become two.”
The Trouble in Appleloosa and The Blacksmith's Regret
Chapter Five: The Trouble in Appleloosa and The Blacksmith’s Regret
“Can you keep a secret?” Comet nodded, unsure whether he should trust this man’s words. He couldn’t be dead, could he? “Alright! So, let me explain. You, my young friend, have or will have qualities that make a great hero. That’s why old man Death is keeping you here with me, in a state of limbo.”
“You mean I’m actually--!?”
“Ah-ah-ah, no. I just said you weren’t exactly dead. It’s more of a...near-death experience.” Emperor Starbirth stood once more, pacing back and forth around the room. “So, you say that Shadestone’s back.”
“That’s right.”
“Commanding legions of shadows, crushing everything in his path…”
“Not exactly legions. A small army, perhaps.”
“Arrogant attitude that just makes you want to lop his head off…”
“Yes! Exactly!”
“So overpowered that you lost to him in a matter of seconds.”
“I didn’t lose! This is just a minor setback!”
“THAT’S THE SPIRIT!” exclaimed the emperor. “That’s exactly the kind of drive that makes you my successor!” Starbirth grabbed at the sheathed sword on his hip and drew it before kneeling once more and presenting it to the blacksmith. “Do you know what this is?”
“It’s the Stardust Blade.” Comet reached for the emperor’s weapon, knowing full well that he’d be able to match Shadestone with it in hand. As he attempted to grip the hilt, his hand simply passed through it as if it were only an illusion.
“I’m afraid you won’t be able to take it with you, kiddo. I’m just what’s left of an ancient soul meant to guide you along the way.”
“So that means I’ll have to find the actual sword if I have any chance to drive him back.”
“Afraid so.” The emperor took his weapon back and sheathed it. “Listen to me. That girl who asked for your help? She’s going to ask for it again. I want you to join her and leave your home. It’s important that you say yes, but you can’t tell her you talked to me no matter what.”
“Can I at least ask why?”
“Because if word gets out that we’re still influencing our successors, he’ll hunt you down until the end of time. Even if he has to kill the rest of humanity before he gets to you.”
“But he’s already threatened to do that. That’s why I’m here.”
“And he’ll go through with it unless you and your new friends appear to be working without guidance.”
“Why are you even here? Isn’t there someone else more qualified.
“You’d like it if it was someone more capable, wouldn’t you?” Emperor Starbirth chuckled. “I’m asking you because it’s your job.”
“My job?”
“All that talk about you being my successor wasn’t a way to lighten the mood or give you false hope. You’re destined for great things, Comet Blade. Your father would be proud, I’m sure.”
The blacksmith was still doubtful of the emperor’s words. “What if you’re wrong?”
“Who, me? I’m never wrong!” he replied with a hearty laugh. “Well alright, I admit I was wrong about that chimera when I was seventeen, but only my wife can say that. Anyway!” Starbirth clasped his hands together and gave Comet a doting smile. “I wouldn’t have reached out to you from across the veil if I wasn’t sure.” Emperor Starbirth turned around to face the image again, smiling the entire time.
Comet himself studied it carefully. “Astra Starbirth.”
“Quite a woman, isn’t she? I’ve watched over her, you know. Ruling our empire all by herself. She never wanted to remarry.”
“She looks a lot like Twilight…”
“And I see you’ve got my good looks.” It took a second before the emperor assumed what Comet meant, facing him and laughing nervously. “Don’t worry, you two aren’t related at all if that’s what you’re thinking! Astra and I were both the only child in our families and we never left an heir!”
Comet had a surprised and embarrassed look on his face at the emperor’s outburst. “I was just commenting on the similarities! You’re the one jumping to conclusions!”
“Next time, be clear on what you meant instead of leaving me to fill in the blanks!” The chamber echoed with new voices, leaving both men silent. Starbirth stood up and walked toward the blacksmith, placing both hands on his shoulders. “Alright champ, looks like you’re up. We’ll be in touch.”
“No, wait!”
It’s been a day and a half since Shadestone reappeared in Arpeggio. The group was only an hour away from the town of Appleloosa, if Braeburn’s constant talk about home held true. Twilight was busy reading yet another book, this time on the history of the founders. Comet was deep in thought about his conversation with Emperor Starbirth.
“We’ll stay in touch, huh?”
“Did you say something?” Twilight asked.
“No, just thinking out loud.”
Twilight merely shrugged and flipped through the pages of her textbook. The blacksmith looked over to her side of the wagon, noticing the Astral Wand in her bag.
“Hey, when the regent handed the wand to you, did something happen?”
“Something like what?” Twilight placed her book down and picked up another, flipping to a bookmarked page.
“Remember what I told you that day in the workshop? The miner that was found injured in his home?”
“You’re asking if I experienced anything like it, right?”
“Did you?”
The scholar shook her head, then reached for the wand with her bare hand. Flicking it toward the back of the wagon, she fired off a few spells with ease before storing it again. “No matter how long I hold it or what the strength of the spell I cast happens to be, it doesn’t seem to respond.”
“Could it be his lack of spell knowledge?” Comet knew exactly what it meant. Twilight Sparkle was possibly a successor to Empress Astra.
“Or perhaps it’s the wand’s defense mechanism. It would make sense if the miner that found it wasn’t a spellcaster.”
“Defense mechanism?”
“There’s a reason why treasure hunting isn’t as popular as mercenary work or monster slaying.” She handed him an old tome which he opened to a bookmarked page immediately. “There’s an excerpt on warded objects in this book. It mentions how certain individuals place so much importance on their belongings that they imbue it with a piece of their own essence.”
“Meaning only they or someone like them can even hope to handle it.”
“Exactly. Now, let’s talk artifacts.” She sidled over to Comet’s side of the wagon, taking a seat next to the blacksmith. “Hope you don’t mind. The cider crates on that side and my luggage leave very little room to move around. Here.” She unfurls an old scroll, laying it flat on the wagon floor. On it, a drawing of six weapons arranged in a circle around a figure of a man.
“This reminds me of the story my old man’s always retelling. The sealing of Shadestone.”
“I’m glad you’re already familiar with it.” Twilight pointed to one of the magic-based weapons depicted. The wand. “This one here is the Astral Wand, which we already have. And these…” She moved over to the staff and bow. “The Rod of Light and Bow of the Night Huntress.”
“Any idea where we might find them?”
Twilight giggled at his response. “We could try the Canterlot royal vault. They’ve been stored there since the days of Radiance and Nocta.”
“Then that just leaves three more: the Axe of Gaia, the Stardust Blade, and the Shell of Darkness.”
As the two continued to pour over texts and maps, Applejack watched them discreetly through the gap in the covered wagon’s cloth. Braeburn, able to hear them as well, couldn’t help but chuckle at their exchange.
“Sounds like those two are makin’ a fast friendship, wouldn’t ya say?”
Applejack faced forward and took over the reins for Braeburn. “Ah think it’s because they’re plum stressed.”
“Right, right. Ah heard ‘bout the little lady’s big day. How’s she handlin’ it?”
“Like anyone else would. She simply can’t believe it, but at the same time she’s worried ‘bout messin’ up.”
“Well, it ain’t everyday that Equestria crowns a new princess. What with Princess Cadence rulin’ the Crystal Empire, what better time than now?” Braeburn takes a peek inside the wagon, Comet and Twilight still discussing their matters. “What’s eatin’ that feller, though?”
“Ya mean apart from leavin’ his home?” Applejack nudged the reins before continuing. “Everything, cus. Heck, you were even there.”
“Maybe, but ya sound like he’s got more’n just that worryin’ ‘im.”
“Ah don’t think it’s the truth, but that varmint Shadestone what caused everything says his pa’s kicked the bucket. Not only that, but Ah saw him bein’ brought in by them doctors. Must’ve had a run-in with ‘him.”
“Sounds rough. Think he’ll get over it?”
“Ah sure hope so, Brae. He could be the last o’ his family, fer all he knows.”
Braeburn looked into the covered wagon once more before pulling out a bottle of cider. “Least he’s got the little lady for company.”
“Appleloosa!” exclaimed Braeburn. “End o’ the line!”
Finally arriving at Braeburn’s hometown, the group disembarks the wagon and stretches their legs. Twilight packed her research notes before Comet and Applejack get to work on unloading the cider while Braeburn leads the oxen back into a nearby holding pen.
Comet is still clearly worried about the events that night in Arpeggio. Stopping the farmhand before she grabbed another crate, he sat on the edge of the covered wagon and asked. “What exactly happened back in Arpeggio? Did the city soldiers manage to imprison Shadestone?”
“Ah’m afraid no one knows, sugar cube”, she replied. “That slippery son of a gun gave everyone the slip. Ain’t no one seen hide nor hair. Them creatures with him left soon as he did, too.”
“Alright. Thanks anyway.” He jumped back down and grabbed another crate along with the farmhand and continued unloading.
“Hmm, that’s odd.” Braeburn surveyed the street, but it was too quiet for such a lively town. “Hey AJ, what time d’ya reckon we got here?”
“Should be close ta noon right ‘bout now. What’s--” The farmhand stopped short as she noticed the same thing as her cousin. “Now that ain’t right. Where’s everybody?”
On the other side of the street, a door opens. A man steps out onto the road before facing the occupant. “Now remember, keep the doors locked at night unless one of the sheriff’s deputies knock.” The man, clearly being law enforcement, made his way down the road toward the group. “As I live and breathe. Braeburn, is that you?”
“Howdy, Sheriff Silverstar!” The sheriff and Braeburn greeted each other with a handshake.
“I thought you and your cousin were deliverin’ cider, but it seems you came back with double the crew.”
“Oh, right! This here’s Twilight Sparkle. Purdy sure ya met durin’ them nomads’ stampede ‘cross town. And this feller here…” He grabbed Comet by the shoulder and led him to the sheriff. “Is Comet Blade. He’s from Arpeggio, the las’ town AJ and Ah stopped by.”
“I see”, the sheriff replied sternly. “Seems like we’re not the only ones thinkin’ of evacuation.”
Braeburn gave the sheriff a confused look. “Evacuation? What in tarnation’s goin’ on?”
“There were rumors that changelings have been raiding the outlying ranches and farms for quite some time now. I didn’t think they were true, up until last night.”
“Was anything important damaged or taken?” Twilight asked, ready to take notes on possible collateral.
“A general store near the edge of town and maybe a bushel or two from the apple orchard. No one was hurt, thankfully. At least not yet.”
“When’d this happen, sheriff?”
“About a couple of nights ago. They just came out of nowhere, almost as if they blended into the shadows of the trees over yonder.”
“That doesn’t sound like any changelings we’ve faced. Applejack, Comet, a word please.” The trio moved behind the wagon, leaving the other two alone.
Sheriff Silverstar pulled Braeburn aside, away from earshot of the other three. “Listen, Brae. You and your friends would be doing me a great help if you lend a hand to the volunteers patrolling at night. Is there any chance…?”
“Say no more, sheriff. Ah’m sure they’d be glad ta help.” He looked back at the wagon, the other three still out of sight. “Matter o’ fact, Ah think that’s what they’re plannin’.”
Comet crossed his arms and faced the two women. “Blending into shadows. Does that sound familiar to either of you?”
“Ya mean like what happened ta yer home?” Applejack scratched her head. “Ah don’t think it’s them, sugar cube. Sheriff himself said it was changelins.”
“I thought the same thing about the dead that rose in Arpeggio. ‘These are people’, ‘I know him’, ‘I know her”, I can keep going with this all day Applejack.”
“Not to mention it happened two nights ago, the same timeframe as Shadestone’s arrival.” Twilight gripped the wand in her bag. “I haven’t said anything about it, but ever since he appeared, the wand’s been...whispering to me.”
“I thought you said nothing was happening” chimed Comet.
“Nothing WAS happening. It just whispers. I don’t know what it’s saying either, almost as if it’s speaking in a dead language.” Twilight released the wand and opened the book in her other hand. “It doesn’t give any specific details, but some of the ancient texts describe each of the artifacts reacting in different ways whenever something threatens them.”
“What does this have ta do with changlins in Appleloosa?”
“We know for a fact that half of the artifacts have been missing for millennia. Remember what we discussed on the way here? We know that the Rod of Light and Bow of the Night Huntress are in Canterlot and the Stardust Blade is in possession of Uchu’s current empress, but that still means three of the artifacts are missing. Or at least, three WERE lost. The Astral Wand was recovered from that miner by your regent, though that still means two others are unaccounted for. That means that the leader of the changelings, Queen Chrysalis, has one of those two.”
Comet scratched his chin for a moment before adding, “Then it must be the Shell of Darkness.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Does a raiding party blending into shadows sound like something an earthen axe would do? It’s either Shadestone, which isn’t the case since the town would’ve been razed to the ground by now, or it’s someone with the Shell that has SOME knowledge on its use.”
“Y’all thinkin’ what Ah’m thinkin’?”
Both the blacksmith and scholar looked at each other before turning toward Applejack. “Nighttime patrol?”
Evening starting to creep on Appleloosa as the street lanterns came on. The few townsfolk that dared venture outside their homes started making their way back, scared of what they may face should they be caught outdoors. The ranchers began to lead their livestock into their respective barns, all except for one visitor.
A young seraphi woman in a long yellow dress stepped out of the holding pen near the edge of town. Closing the gate behind her, she waved at the ranchers and the animals inside. Some of them appreciated the gesture and waved in return while the animals stomped their hooves, almost as if they understood her.
“I’ll see you next month, Cranky” she said to a rather elderly mule. “Try not to chew on anyone else’s hair while I’m gone, alright?” The creature simply took a mouthful of hay from the feeding trough, but flapped its ears as if it understood her.
Making her way back to the inn, she began humming a calming tune. Walking along the fence of the pen, a couple of calves heard her song and followed her along the perimeter. As she noticed them, she went from a simple hum to outwardly vocalizing, her soothing voice causing the calves to moo along with her.
Giggling at their cries, she reached through the fence and patted them both on the head. “Now now, little ones should be getting their sleep. It’s almost bedtime.” She continued on her way, this time materializing her wings and letting the gentle winter breeze lift her from the ground. She danced in the air for a solid minute before softly landing back on the path.
“That’s a pretty song you sang there”, said a voice. “And a nice little dance to go with it too!”
The young woman quickly spun around, spooked by the sudden voice. There was no one in sight, but she was still frightened of what might be there.
“Aww, I think you scared her” said another. “We don’t want to traumatize the poor girl, do we?”
“I think we do.”
The shadows cast by the nearby buildings moved about on their own, covering the path in front of the woman entirely. Two figures rose from the darkness and took a step toward her, becoming more detailed with each passing second.
A clawed, human-like hand reached for her as the figures approached, their faces finally visible. Staring back at her were two pairs of eyes, slitted pupils focusing on her. “Now girly, come with us quietly. Otherwise, who knows what’ll happen?”
The young woman, terrified out of her wits, kept stepping backwards. As she was cornered, she took a deep breath and screamed at the top of her lungs.
“AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!”
Dusk approached as the blacksmith accompanied the farmhand on patrol around Appleloosa. The pair have been quiet since leaving Braeburn’s home, leaving Twilight behind as she studied more on the artifacts.
“So why’d we leave Twi behind?” Comet asked after a few minutes of silence. “Seems counterproductive if we wanted eyes on this patrol.”
“Ah wanted ta know how yer doin’”, she replied. “Ya know, ‘bout the stuff ya told me while Twi was asleep.”
“Is that all?” he returned. “I’m doing fine, really.”
“Oh, cut the tough guy act already.” She got ahead of him and faced him, crossing her arms and matching each of his steps with a backwards step of her own. “Ah don’t know what kind of life ya led ‘fore we met, but Ah want the honest truth.”
He kept his mouth shut, intent on walking faster to make her back off. She managed to keep up and stare at him the entire way.
“Comet…” she said in firmer voice.
“You want the truth? Alright, I’ll give you the truth. I’m on what seems more and more like a suicide mission the more I think about it with two, maybe three people from a foreign land that have nothing to do with it all because some ancient demon wizard, or whatever the hell he is, decided to rain brimstone on the only place I’ve ever known. Not only that, but most of the people I know are rotting in a mass grave while my father is missing, possibly adding to the body count in that grave while I wrack my brains trying to figure out if he’s alive or not.”
“See? Now don’t that feel--”
“And let’s not forget that now I’m playing nightwatchman for a town that looks and feels nothing like home only because I feel obligated to the people that helped save me from a similar fate as the folks back in Arpeggio, probably too afraid to step outside of their own homes out of fear of being infected with the same disease that took my mother and made my father’s life hell.”
“Alright, settle down, sugar cube. No need ta--”
“Oh! Not to mention that I’m patrolling while at the same time pouring my thoughts out to someone who asked for complete honesty, someone who I’ve never met up until three nights ago, as if we’ve been buds for years. Also! Also, there’s the fact that some ancient emperor nutcase visits me each night telling me that I’m destined for great things, be a champion for an entire planet of mindless assholes in seats of power doing nothing more than bicker amongst themselves. In fact, why don’t we add the fact that this booksmart girl reminds me what it’s like to love another human being that isn’t already part of my family? Toss in the fact that I will never live life the way I intended again no thanks in part to these sequence of events!”
Applejack kept quiet, not wanting to stop Comet from letting out his frustration. All she could do is walk along with him while he vented.
“I just wanted to live a normal life. Grow up normal, be a blacksmith, inherit the workshop, meet a nice girl to bring home to the family, then live peacefully until my time on this planet was up.” He kicked up a patch of dirt on the path as he finished. “I never asked for…” He gestured to the buildings surrounding the path. “This.”
Applejack stopped in her tracks and reached out to the blacksmith. Stopping him as well, he looked up and was greeted by a smile. “Finally got it all outta yer system?” Comet opened his mouth to say something in protest, but closed it again a second later and nodded. “Good. Now listen here, bad things happen ta good people more’n you think. Ya ain’t the only one, sugar cube.” She playfully punched him on the shoulder. “Just keep yer chin up. Who knows, maybe ya will get ta meet that nice girl. And as far as knowin’ each other goes, ya wouldn’t be on this trip with us if Twi didn’t trust ya. That’s good enough fer me, too.”
“I don’t know what to say other than thanks”, he added.“Do me a favor?”
“Sure thing, pardner.”
“Don’t tell Twilight.”
The farmhand chuckled at his request, crossing her heart as a gesture of promise. “Ah won’t. Promise.”
“AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!”
The two were startled by the sudden scream, whipping their heads in the direction it came from.
“That sounded like it came from the holdin’ pens. C’mon!”
The Shyster's Temperance and The Queen of the Changelings
Chapter Six: The Shyster’s Temperance and The Queen of the Changelings
“They’ve been gone for a while, haven’t they?”
“If Ah know mah cousin, she’s prolly askin’ him a few questions, or at least a favor.”
Twilight sat at a table in Braeburn’s cabin, pouring over the textbooks and scrolls yet again searching for any hint as to what could have happened to the other missing artifacts. The cowboy himself sat near a window, polishing pieces of an old revolver.
The Astral Wand sat among the paperwork, breaking Twilight’s concentration by glowing for a few seconds before fading back to normal. “There it goes again”, she noted. “It’s almost as if it’s responding to something.” She picked it up, hoping to hear the whispers again. The wand stayed silent.
“Say, what d’ya think Ah should make fer breakfast tomorrow?” Braeburn asked. “Y’all like flapjacks?” Twilight neglected to answer the cowboy’s question, still staring at the magical instrument. “Twi? You alright?”
“Huh?” she said, finally broken from her trance. “Oh, yes. Pancakes are fine, thanks.”
“Ya really are in yer own little world whenever ya study, aren’tcha?”
“Well, yes and no”, she sighed. “I’ve actually had a lot to think about these past few months.”
“Yer coronation?”
“Yes, my coronation. I haven’t asked Princess Celestia about what I should do or how I should do it mainly because...” She trailed off before she finished her thought.
“Can’t talk ‘bout it. Gotcha.” He began to assemble the weapon while trying to satisfy his curiosity. “Don’tcha think it’s strange that someone ya knew fer less than a week decided ta tag along with ya? Ah mean, y’all girls’re trustworthy, but if ya didn’t know AJ, Ah’d need a while ta warm up ta y’all.”
“I’ve asked myself the same thing.” Twilight began storing her books and scrolls all while speaking. “But put yourself in his shoes. Your hometown is almost entirely leveled, then you assume that the only family you have left could be gone. Someone offers you a chance to get away from the sight of it, if only to help said someone with their task regardless of your own unfinished business. If someone offered me a chance to put this whole princess business on hold, I’d take it.”
“Ah guess that does make sense. Just hope y’all didn’t make it harder on ‘im ta face his fears. Or make ya change yer mind about bein’ a princess.”
“I sure hope not--” The door to the cabin burst open, a local rancher standing at the doorway covered in sweat and panting like crazy.
“Yer...yer friends! They done got themselves gobbled up by...something!”
Twilight bolted upright from her seat and grabbed her wand. “Show me where.” The rancher started sprinting toward the edge of town, Twilight right behind him as she rushed outside. Some of Appleloosa’s residents were congregating near a few small buildings leading up to the furthest ranch. Twilight eventually had to start pushing her way through the growing crowd.
Once she made it to the other side, however, she could see why they were so densely packed. The entire path was covered in what seemed to be darkness. The moon had already risen, but it was clear that it wasn’t shadows cast by its light.
“What in tarnation’s going on?” asked one of the people. “Are we even safe in Appleloosa anymore?”
“Everyone, please remain calm!” The mob parted, allowing Sheriff Silverstar to see the cause for their concern with his own eyes. Slowly, he walked through the crowd, mouth agape at the sight of pitch black. “My stars… We’ve suspected changelings, but can they even do something like this?”
“You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you, sheriff.” Twilight raised her wand and concentrated some of her magic into it. She got her desired result, a soft glow at the very tip of it with rings of light pulsing from it. “Everyone, please go back indoors. I don’t know what will happen if I succeed.”
“I’ll leave it up to you, princess” said the sheriff. “And might I say, that’s one fancy-lookin’ wand you have there.”
Twilight paid no mind to the sheriff’s compliment and instead kept focusing on finding the source of the miasmic darkness. As she stepped forward, the darkness shrank and revealed the dirt path underneath, pooling near the center. The glowing on Twilight’s wand became more intense as she drew closer to the middle, the pulses growing more frequent as well.
“Almost…” The wand shone brightly, indicating that Twilight found what she had been searching for - a tear in space. “Just as I thought.” She raised her wand arm and flicked it into the darkness, turning the once-shadowy blemish into a passage. “So it might be the Shell of Darkness after all…”
Twilight jumped straight down into the darkness, closing her eyes as if to keep its influence from affecting her mind. A few seconds later, she felt her feet land on solid ground. Opening her eyes, she saw that she was in a cave, possibly the same one where Applejack and Comet have been brought.
“It’s a little dark here...I should…” Twilight flicked her wand and cast a Lumin spell, one that was just bright enough to illuminate her way but not to draw attention. She inspected her wand for any possible miasma damage, but she was surprised to find that it wasn’t hers.
“This isn’t MY wand!” She inspected it closer, wanting to be certain that she wasn’t mistaken. “It’s the Astral Wand! But how? I distinctly remember grabbing mine!” The chamber echoed with a very familiar voice, followed by the sound of several magical bursts. “No time to worry about that. I gotta find the others!”
“She just tossed a boulder at us! Who is this girl?”
“Applejack Smith, and don’t y’all forget it!”
Since her arrival, Applejack has been surrounded on all sides. It began when she and Comet arrived at the scene of a rather bizarre crime. Several Appleloosans caught a glimpse of what happened to the source of the scream she heard, claiming that a pair of shadowy figures grabbed her and pulled her into the earth itself, and she found herself alone on her arrival. The farmgirl knew soon after who, or rather what, had taken her.
“Ah ain’t lettin’ no changlin’s stop me from leavin’!” she yelled, tossing yet another stone at her assailants.
“Don’t let her get away!” Bursts of green magic barely miss the cowgirl as she turns and runs off. The humanoids chase after her, the sound of their buzzing wings filling the enclosed tunnel.
Applejack’s eyes have adjusted to the darkness of the caverns, giving her a vague sense of where to go. “Darnit, where’d that boy get to?” The tunnel split into two paths ahead of her. Just as she took the right path, another group of changelings ran past her before turning about and pursuing her.
A bright light shone ahead of the farmgirl. She thought it was sunlight at first, but then remembered that the sun was setting before she arrived and would surely have set completely by now. “That ain’t an exit” she said to herself, readying her fists to take on the source of the light headon.
“You might want to duck!” Applejack, surprised that it wasn’t the buzzing voice of a changeling, did as she was told. She dove behind a rock away from the light and braced herself. “Luminas!”
A large blast of light shot past Applejack’s hiding place and barreled through the swarm of changelings about to close in on her. The entire group was sent sprawling back, many being knocked unconscious by the force of the spell.
Applejack stood up and stared at a dim light at the end of the tunnel. The figure drew closer, allowing the farmgirl to get a good view of her savior.
“Twi!” she exclaimed. “Thank the stars you got here when ya did!”
“Applejack!” The scholar rushed to her friend’s side, exchanging a warm hug. “I heard about what happened to you back in Appleloosa. Are you alright?”
“Yeah, Ah’m still in one piece.” Applejack looked down the path where Twilight stood. “Say, ya didn’t happen ta run inta our mutual friend, did ya?”
“The hell did they go?”
A pair of changelings made their rounds in another part of the cave network. With crates and carts scattered about the chamber, it was clear that this is where the creatures kept the belongings of anyone they caught. Comet hid behind a few crates, possibly trade goods from merchants whisked away by these creatures.
“Freakin’ humans. Only good for running away.”
The sound of an explosion deeper into the complex caught the attention of the shapeshifters. They scanned the cavern one last time before heading toward the source of the noise. After they left, the blacksmith let out a sigh and stood.
“They’re gone”, he called out. “You can come out now.”
There was movement from one of the carts covered by a large sheet. A figure moved beneath the covering, making its way toward the back of the cart. The figure, a demure seraphi girl in a yellow dress, pulled the sheet back and jumped. Her wings materialized as she floated gently onto the cave floor. As Comet approached, she held a wooden staff across her body, shrinking away at the blacksmith’s presence.
“Still not comfortable with the idea of sticking close?”
“I’m sorry” she replied. “It’s not that I’m being ungrateful to you for helping me.” She shuffled in place, hiding her face behind the staff. “I just don’t know you that well…”
“Like it or not, we’re gonna need to stick close. We could lose each other or become separated in a fight otherwise.” The blacksmith quietly hurried to the tunnel used by the changelings when they left. He waved at the girl to follow him, which she did somewhat reluctantly. “Where did you get that staff? You were unarmed when I found you.”
“It was in the cart I hid in”, she answered. “I figured if you can get us out of here, you’ll need some help.”
“Great, I could use the support. What kind of offensive magic do you know?”
“I don’t.”
“You don’t? What the hell are we going to--” Sudden buzzing interrupted Comet as a small swarm of changelings boxed them in. With enemies ahead and behind them, the duo had no choice but to fight. However, the seraphi girl cowered and pressed her back against the tunnel wall, forcing the blacksmith to take a more defensive stance.
“Hey humans!” yelled one of the creatures at them. “Didn’t we tell you there’s no escape from the queen’s hive?”
“I don’t remember. You just droned on and on, so I didn’t catch anything you said.”
“Oh-ho, we’ve got ourselves a clever one here. I think the queen would benefit from draining you first. Casters!” At the changeling’s command, several of its comrades took the form of human spellcasters, each of them readying a spell of their choosing.
“Get down!” yelled the girl. Comet felt himself being pulled backward as she slammed the staff onto the floor. A pale blue light enveloped both escapees as the changelings launched their assault. The blacksmith braced himself for the inevitable, but instead of feeling a burning, freezing, or even electrifying pain, he heard the voices of pained changelings.
“What happened!?” yelled the ringleader. “They had no room to dodge! At least ONE of those spells must’ve hit.”
The girl released Comet from her grip, the latter impressed by the potency of her reflection spell. “You know, I never caught your name.”
She waved the staff and cast a spell at the blacksmith. Light surrounded him once again as the girl answered, “Fluttershy.” She pointed in the direction they were previously headed. “I think I heard other voices coming from that direction. Could you please clear the way? If you don’t mind, that is.”
“What do I have to do?”
Fluttershy swung her staff in an awkward, yet endearing manner. “All you have to do is hit him with your weapon. The spell will do the rest.”
“I’ve had enough of this!” The changeling ringleader changed its form, taking the shape of a manticore. It let out a deafening roar, shaking the very ground underneath Comet and Fluttershy.
The blacksmith simply laughed under his breath, slowly increasing in volume but with a steady calm about it. The very kind of creature that discouraged him from pursuing a life of hunting was standing in front of him. Only this time, it wasn’t him that would end up limping away. “Just strike him, right? I think I can manage that.”
The changling-manticore lunged at them, claws primed and teeth bared. It pounced on him, the blacksmith quickly swinging upward. The creature clamped its jaws on the blade, but Comet put all of his strength behind it, albeit struggling to stay on his feet. Just as his strength was about to give, he felt a surge of energy in his muscles. The manticore bore down on him with all of its might, but soon found its feet dangling off the ground.
Putting everything he could behind one more swing, Comet sent the manticore flying backward straight into the rocky wall of the tunnel. The force of the impact knocked the changeling out cold, forcing it to revert to its true form.
“That’s incredible” sighed Comet, unaware that he had been holding his breath. Sheathing his weapon, he took Fluttershy by the arm and ran past the injured shapeshifters. “We should hurry. I think I know what that sound was.” The young girl simply whimpered, the idea of a stranger leading her along still a discomforting ordeal.
“Retreat, retreat!”
“That damned woman will be the end of us if we don’t move it!”
Changelings fled in fear at Twilight’s approach, Applejack not far behind her. After acquiring a map from one of them in an earlier skirmish, the scholar decided to make her way toward the royal chamber, determined to have the queen release them peacefully or by force.
“Twi, slow down!” Applejack yelled after her. “Ah know y’all have a grudge against Chrysalis, but what makes ya think she’ll let us walk free?”
“No, but I’m willing to try. Besides, the map doesn’t show any exits in the tunnel network, but according to its legend, there’s a large opening in the ceiling of the largest chamber, and that would be the throne room.”
“And ya think he’d be there too?”
“From what we know so far, Comet’s resourceful and he can handle himself in a fight if needed. If he found the Appleloosan that was taken, then all the better.”
Applejack’s eyes wandered to Twilight’s hand, although it wasn’t the first time since they found each other. The Astral Wand shone with a radiant light, even after Twilight had stopped casting her illumination spell. “Twilight, Ah think it’d be best if ya put that wand away fer now.”
“We’re getting close” she replied, completely ignoring her friend’s concern. “I can already feel a draft.”
Turning one last corner, they found themselves in an expansive cavern, much larger than any they’ve come across so far. Moonlight poured in from the open ceiling as long vines dangled into the chamber from the edges. The cool night air blew in from outside and carried the sound of rustling leaves.
“This isn’t right”, Twilight said. “As far as my estimates go, we should at least be in the vicinity of Appleloosa. With the vines, the leaves, and the wind, I’d say we’re somewhere in the middle of--”
“The Everfree Forest.”
Both girls quickly turned to face the tunnel they entered from, startled at the voice. Twilight brought up her wand arm and readied a spell, but the light cast from it revealed two familiar figures: Fluttershy and Comet.
“Girls!” exclaimed Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy?” responded both. The seraphi spread her wings and quickly flew toward Applejack and Twilight, hugging each of them with one arm. They returned Fluttershy’s warm gesture as her eyes teared up with joy.
“It really is you! I never thought I’d see a friendly face again!”
“Now how the hay did you end up gettin’ snatched in Appleloosa?”
“It’s a long story. I was visiting an animal friend like I do every month…”
While the girls were busy catching up, Comet spent some time in his own thoughts. Something kept bothering him, especially after hearing it so many times. “Those things kept making mention of a queen. If they were just the small fry, then…”
His eyes wandered toward the center of the supposed queen’s chamber. If all of them had been wandering the caves for as long as he thought, the moon should be directly overhead. A particular cast shadow caught his interest. It seemed out of place given the particularly bright moonlight. It was almost as if...
“Next thing I know, I woke up in some kind of prison.” Fluttershy noticed the blacksmith walking away from the trio. “Mister, um…”
“Comet Blade” he replied curtly, his stride uninterrupted. Applejack and Twilight watched him as well.
“What’s up, pardner?” asked the farmgirl.
“Twilight, where would you say the moon is in the sky right this very moment?”
“It should be right overhead, if it rose before sunset.” The scholar walked over to Comet, who was now in the moon’s light looking straight up.
“If there is absolutely nothing blocking the light from above, then what would be making this shadow?”
Twilight immediately realized what he was implying, stepping back and pulling him away. The shadow came to life, shifting form as if responding to the group’s growing fear. The shade rose from the ground and kept morphing, appearing as a tall humanoid figure.
“Oh, you figured it out” said an unknown voice. “A few seconds more and I would have hung you from my chamber ceiling, just waiting to be feasted upon to my heart’s content.”
“Heart? You don’t have a heart…” said Twilight in a venomous tone.
“Ah thought we’d seen tha last o’ her.”
A long, black flowing dress appeared on the humanoid, followed by strands reminiscent of hair on its head. Hands began to take shape, covered by bridal gauntlets of a similar hue. The darkness receded from the figure, womanly in appearance. Her hair was a dull cerulean, lips covered in black lipstick and eyes in mascara. Her eyes themselves were a piercing emerald green with pupils like one would find on a serpent, slitted and menacing. The woman smiled, showing her fangs to her would-be prey and sending a chill down the blacksmith’s spine. At last, her clear insect-like wings were free from the captive shadows.
“I’ve been waiting for you…” Twilight lifted the Astral Wand and pointed it directly at the creature. “Chrysalis, queen of the changeling race!”
Chrysalis laughed in a very human-like voice, the strained buzzing absent unlike her subjects. “Twilight Sparkle. What a pleasure it is to see you again.”
“The feeling is NOT mutual.” Twilight began casting her first spell against the queen, pouring her magic into the wand. “With so many of your subjects in our way, I’m not surprised that you’re here.”
“What do you intend to do? Blow me away like you did with them?”
“Precisely.” She flicked her wand at Chrysalis, launching a ray of pure light at her. “Luminas!”
The changeling queen stood there, waiting for the spell to draw closer. Before making contact, Twilight’s Luminas dissipated and left Chrysalis unscathed.
“What!?” the scholar yelled in disbelief. “I don’t understand. She hasn’t moved a muscle, but the spell…”
“It’s quite amazing, really!” Chrysalis replied, her laughter much louder than before. “Who knew that a whelp like you would be in possession of a Founder’s Relic?”
“A what?”
“Ah think she means yer wand, Twi. It ain’t the one ya usually carry.”
“As I suspected. The Astral Wand, the very weapon used by Astra Starbirth to bring knowledge to the savage tribals of the world when founding the four major kingdoms.” Chrysalis extended her left arm away from herself, the same shadow as before converging on her forearm.
“I don’t like this” Comet said. “She hasn’t moved against us yet, so what is she hiding?”
Before anyone else could chime in, the shadows on the queen’s arm have taken form. A black and silver shield materialized from the darkness. Along its edges, runes were carved with characters of a language long forgotten. The metal itself seemed to writhe with the shadows from which it was comprised.
“It can’t be…” Twilight said astoundedly. Without thinking, or perhaps to test her theory, she fired another spell at the queen. The result was the same as before.
“I’m afraid your efforts are futile, young Sparkle.” Chrysalis held the shield closer to herself, posing with it as she continued. “And I’m afraid it is. What you see in my possession is none other than the Shell of Darkness, the very same shield used by Elpidios Nyx to quell humanity’s fear of the shadows by harnessing its power.” The queen pointed at Twilight. “I’m afraid your Astral Wand, or any other relic for that matter, cannot touch me.”
“Since they weren’t meant to be used against each other” replied the scholar. “Because doing so could destroy one or both, breaking the seal on Shadestone’s imprisonment.”
“So you ARE familiar with the legend. By now, both relics have been rendered useless, and will stay that way as long as we’re fighting against each other.” The queen’s shield returned to its shadowy form, disappearing entirely. “That doesn’t mean I’m completely defenseless.”
Green flames enveloped the queen’s hands as her unique magic transformed them. Each of her fingers were replaced by a claw, each the size of a shortsword and just as deadly. Chrysalis giggled as she carefully rested her chin on one of them, supported by her other arm.
“This isn’t right. She was supposed to pay for what she did to Shining Armor, and now I can’t even touch her!” Twilight’s anger only grew as the realization of her situation grew. She raised her hand, ready to fire a flurry of spells at the changeling queen that would most likely be nullified. Before she did, a hand grabbed her wrist and stopped her mid-cast.
“Twi”, Applejack said. “Ah know ya got a score ta settle…”
“But you heard what she said” Comet filled in, releasing the scholar’s hand. “You can’t touch her, and she can’t touch you.”
“Let us be the ones who fight her in your stead”, Fluttershy added. “You can count on us.”
“You guys…” she started. After a few moments to think it over, she walked over to Fluttershy’s side and formed a barrier around them. “Applejack, Comet, you two watch each other’s back. I’ll keep Fluttershy safe.”
Both fighters smiled as they turned to face the queen. Comet drew his sword as Applejack cracked her knuckles. Fluttershy cast a spell on both of them, already reciting an incantation for the next one.
“Two of you against someone of my caliber? This will be interesting.” Chrysalis adopted a battle stance, ready to meet the farmgirl and her teammate headon.
Comet was the first to rush at her, Applejack rushing after him, his speed improved by the seraphi’s spell. Chrysalis swung a clawed hand at the blacksmith, but being quicker on the draw, his sword clashed against the blade-like claws.
The queen swung her free hand at him, his left side completely open to attack. However, the blacksmith met her attack yet again. He quickly raised his arm and blocked all five blades, but no blood was drawn. Instead of flesh being rent, a metallic clang was heard instead.
Applejack swung at Chrysalis while she was kept distracted by Comet, her strength augmented by the seraphi’s spell. The punch connected with the changeling queen’s side, sending her flying and freeing her partner. “Hoo-wee, never thought Ah’d get to punch that smug monarch and shut her up fer once!”
“You insolent humans!” Chrysalis quickly regained her composure, flying at full speed toward them. Applejack saw an opening and took it, another punch landing squarely on the queen’s face. While she was staggered, the farmgirl continued with a flurry of punches, each finding their mark.
Once the queen freed herself from Applejack’s assault, one of her hands reverted to its normal form. Chrysalis focused her magic and began charging a spell, black flames sprouting from her palm. “Umbralis!”
The shadow spell flew fast, aimed directly at the farmgirl. Before it reached her, she was suddenly teleported several feet closer to Twilight and Fluttershy. Applejack gathered her bearings and charged toward Chrysalis, still engaged in combat with Comet.
The blacksmith continued to parry Chrysalis’s claws, stepping backward with each strike. The effects of Fluttershy’s spell had already worn off and he couldn’t dodge fast enough to avoid being struck. “Need some help here!”
“Ah’m on it, pardner!” She nodded at the seraphi, another spell already cast on her. Applejack ran to her teammate’s aid, expecting to take the queen by surprise.
“Not this time!” yelled Chrysalis. Her attention shifted from Comet onto the farmgirl. She fought her off with one clawed hand while still attacking him with the other. Both combatants barely managed to extend the distance between themselves and Chrysalis.
“This ain’t good. Without Twi’s magic ta distract her, we can’t get another clear shot.” Applejack glanced over at Comet’s travel bag, formulating another plan. “Hey, got anythin’ that can give us a bit o’ cover?”
The blacksmith reached into his bag and pulled out a couple of smoke bombs. “Will these do?”
“Perfect!” Applejack steeled herself, ready to attack Chrysalis directly. “Now!”
Comet tossed one of the smoke bombs directly at their feet. Chrysalis waited for their next move, finding a direct attack while they hid behind cover to be risky. A flash of gray shot up from the smoke cloud, far above the cavern floor.
“You’ve made your last mistake, boy! Umbralis!” Chrysalis launched another spell at him, tearing the blacksmith to shreds. However, upon a closer look, it was only a bolt of cloth. “What!?”
Before she could react, a pair of hands grabbed the queen’s own, keeping them locked in place. “Can’t believe ya feel fer that, Chrissy!”
“You!” she exclaimed. Quickly realizing it was only Applejack, Chrysalis gasped and looked back at the smoke cloud. “Then that means--”
“Not quite!” yelled Comet from above. Chrysalis realized too late that she had been trapped. With the farmgirl keeping her in place, the blacksmith delivered a critical blow to the queen shoulder, cutting deep enough to stagger her.
“And just for good measure…!” Applejack finished her off with a punch that struck the queen squarely on the chest. With both injuries, the queen soon found herself unable to continue.
Chrysalis slumped down to her knees, panting heavily from her wound and from lack of breath. Her vision blurred slightly and was able to focus only on the two combatants in front of her. “How…?” she managed to say, unable to keep her eyes open any longer.
Comet held up a small corked bottle, its contents empty. “Cockatrice venom. It won’t turn you to stone, but you won’t be able to move properly for an hour.”
“Just long enough for us to get out of here.” Twilight and Fluttershy approached the others, a serious look on her face.
“Cockatrice….venom…?” asked Chrysalis. “Why didn’t you say so in the first place?” The queen’s eyes snapped open, their usual emerald hue replaced by the sinister red glare of a cockatrice. Everyone averted their eyes to avoid being turned to stone. Instead, a loud scream was heard.
Applejack, Twilight, and Comet opened their eyes. Chrysalis, still partially paralyzed from the cockatrice venom, held Fluttershy captive with a smaller yet still deadly claw pointed directly at her neck. “One wrong move, and I’ll leave a stain on her pretty little dress that will never come out!”
“Let her go, Chrysalis!” Twilight yelled.
“Why would I want to do that?” laughed the queen. “She’s my way out of here, after all. If I give her up now, you’ll just capture me and lock me away in some far away dungeon!”
“You’ll end up ruining your chance at freedom in the end” Comet chimed in. “Let her go!”
“Freedom!?” Twilight asked bewildered. “I want her to rot in a cell for eternity!”
“This ain’t the time fer yer personal vendetta, Twi. Fluttershy is in danger!”
“I know that!”
“Would everyone just relax!?” Comet slowly sheathed his weapon and raised his arms in a disarming manner. “Just let her go, Chrysalis.”
“Never!” yelled the queen, Fluttershy squirming and whimpering in her clutches. “The last time I went up against you humans, a couple’s love was all it took to drive me out. Being defeated by two non-magic users is more humiliating than that!”
BANG!
A gunshot rang loudly throughout the cavern, echoing for a while before silence fell once more. A lone figure stood near the entrance to the chamber, already holstering his weapon as he approached.
“What did you...do…?” Chrysalis fell unconscious before she could get her answer. Fluttershy quickly pushed the queen’s hand aside and ran back to Twilight, her and the others already focused on their newest guest.
“I wondered when I’d find you lot. You’re a lot harder to track down than I thought.” He pointed at Chrysalis. “Oh, and don’t worry, she’s not dead. There’s quite a hefty bounty on her head, and I want her alive if I am to be paid in full.”
Comet drew his sword once more, standing between the strange man and the girls. “And who are you supposed to be?”
The stranger smiled and bowed before the group. As he stood straight, he approached the quartet slowly, offering a hand in greeting. “My name is Vorpal Sword. Sky pirate, occasional bounty hunter, and captain of the airship Nevaeh. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
