> Valkyrie
>  by Flicka Ravenhide
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 (*)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The world was a battlefield.

There was no contesting that simple fact, and nothing else could even come close to describing the raw destruction. Long gouges had been dug into the earth, a testament to massive weapons of war and their awe inducing power. Trees had been stripped completely bare of everything save their bark, a result of chaotic magical energies that yet still swirled in the air. Pockets of flame guttered here and there, feeding off of long charred grass and other foliage. Remnants of buildings dotted the landscape spasmodically, some flickering with flames, others reduced to naught but rubble. The sky was a sickly color, an unholy orange combination that was the result of the sun and the moon sharing the sky at the same time; neither refused to lower for the other. The cold twinkling of stars could also be seen in the acidic atmosphere, silent observers to the massive struggles that had occurred below.

And among it all, Princess Luna yet stood proud, unwavering. Her foe, consumed by madness and hatred, had proven more resilient than originally anticipated. She had hoped, before all of this had began, that she would have been able to end this chaos before it spread to her ponies. Naturally, that never happened, and the end result was the war torn nation around her. Ponies on both sides had fought and died, father and son, mother and daughter. On one side, those still completely loyal to her and the true Equestrian Crown. On the other side, those loyal to the usurper… Corona Flare. Both had paid the cost of war twice over, and at this point in time Luna would be thankful for this to end any time within the next several years.

The beating of tired wings behind her heralded the arrival of another pony to the scene. Princess Luna knew, before she even turned around, who the mare was. No other pony felt like this one did, and as Luna glanced to her right her instincts were confirmed. Her Valkyrie and a fellow ruler had once more made it to her side, and as Luna turned to the other mare she felt her heart clench. How the other pony was still standing was a mystery to the dark princess. The once proud armor was badly damaged, restricting movement and breathing, if the harsh whistling was anything to go by. The front lower chest of it was crushed inward, and there were perforations along the rest of the suit that trailed dried blood. Above the caved in section, the torc built into the armor still gleamed with bright power. The other princess’ weapon had long since been lost in the desperate struggle, undoubtedly for good. For long moments both princesses stood there, one armored from head to hoof, the other protected by the lightest armor she could forge and a few wards. Finally, Luna spoke.

“You look pretty bad, Valkyrie. You should have a medic look at you, just in case.”

The Valkyrie shook her head gently. “Nay. My alicorn magic has already healed the worst of the wounds, and it would take a blacksmith of considerable skill to pry this blasted armor off of me. We simply do not have the time.”

Luna faced south again. “We do not. Are you sure this plan of yours will work?”

“It’ll work. I’ve always been more powerful than she, despite her recent connection. She won’t even be able to break the spell when I begin its casting. Once it is complete, she’ll be gone. And you’ll be able to rebuild our beloved country.”

“But what about you? How am I supposed to rebuild as the sole ruler of Equestria?  I need you, need you here to help me. You can’t leave me here alone!” Princess Luna’s voice took on a despairing note.

The other princess nuzzled up beneath Luna’s chin, giving the mare a quick kiss. “I can and I will, Luna. It’s the only way to stop her. It may not seem like much, but I can give you time to rebuild. Time to gather your strength for her eventual return, for not even my power can hold her for eternity. And I doubt I’ll be gone forever, you know. That’s not how Harmony works. The world needs its defenders, and I’m one of them. I’ll return eventually, I’m sure of it.”

“I still don’t want you to go.” Luna pouted.

The Valkyrie was about to reply before she was interrupted by more wingbeats. There was a blinding flare of light, and then there she was. Corona Flare. The same maniacal pony they’ve been fighting for the past who knew how long. The pony they had once viewed as a friend, as an equal. Even gazing upon her now, neither princess could detect a trace of Celestia within the hellish creature opposite them. The once pristine white coat was now blood scarlet, as though it had been reforged in the deepest depths of the sun. The magnificent pastel mane resembled flames from the pits of Tartarus, blinding orange and yellow and burning anything it neared. Oddly enough, the traitor’s cutie mark never changed, merely had its colors inverted to fit the new scheme. And lastly, the legendary armor of the Princess of the Sun had changed, encompassing vital areas while leaving the legs and underbelly bare. Flare stalked forward a few paces, fangs bared.

“That is far enough, monster.” The Valkyrie spoke firmly. Just for a moment, the slight wheezing was gone.

The answer was a resounding cackle that seemed to rebound off the very air. “Me? A monster? Have you looked at yourself lately? If I am a monster, what does that make you, the vaunted ‘defender of Equestria’?”

“It makes me a better pony than you. I am willing to do what is necessary to preserve our species.”

“Which is why I tossed you about like a rag doll, I’m sure. I’m honestly surprised you yet live. I was positive I had killed you in that last battle. But no matter. I can just do it now, and have it over with.” Flare inched forward again, but paused when the ring of magic rent the air.

“No. You will no longer harm the ponies we swore to protect, Tia. I forbid it. You will answer for your crimes. You have harmed thousands. You slaughtered my closest friend, your own wife. And then you have the audacity to refuse to lower the sun, to turn our land into a barren nightmare.” Magic began to once more permeate the atmosphere as the Valkyrie prepared her spell. Princess Luna found herself taking several steps back; Despite the fact that the demented pony before them was her sister, right now this was not her fight any more.

Corona’s only response was to charge the other princess with a cry of rage, aiming to stop the spell from reaching completion. The armored pony stood her ground, setting her shoulder. Corona slammed into the alicorn, and was thrown back as still active wards flared to life. She came on again, horn lowered, intending to gore on the spot. The Valkyrie parried, lifting a hoof up casually to knock aside the deadly point. As Corona whirled once more, she finally spoke. “Every thing I did… was for Equestria!” And she came on again, thundering towards her opponent once more.

The Valkyrie grabbed ahold of Corona’s head in a vice grip and tossed the rampaging daymare over her shoulder. “You failed Equestria! You forsake the promises we swore!”

Corona fired a blast from her horn, catching the Valkyrie in the shoulder and causing the mare to stumble as her wards fizzled. The daymare pounced upon this opportunity, ramming a shod hoof against her foe’s helmet. She then pressed her advantage, raining blow after blow onto the head. She punctuated each attack with words. “You gave Magic to me! Me! And then you left me! Said you didn’t want it, then left me with so much power! You forsook Equestria, and left me to pick up your pieces! If anything, you failed me!” 

Corona’s horn flared, then proceeded to toss the Valkyrie away. She crashed through a building. “You never had the strength of a true princess.”

The other alicorn picked her way out of the ruined structure, limping. The wheezing was back, louder than before. “I do not rely on strength alone, Celestia. My power is all around you. Just begging to be used.”

It was then that the daymare discovered her mistake. Throughout the entire fight, the Valkyrie’s horn had never ceased its glow. Now it grew to blinding proportions, causing even Corona to falter. When the daymare went to take a step back, however, she discovered she was trapped inside a dome. Stone rose up around the traitor, crushing her in a grip she couldn’t hope to escape. Her horn flashed dangerously, trying to dispell the magic. Nothing worked. Desperate to have the last word, she spoke in a sibilant hiss. “You made me what I am.”

The Valkyrie stared at her enemy coldly, before stepping into the sphere of magic. “No. You chose your own destiny. As have I. Your sentence is hereby thus: You are banished into the deepest pits of the celestial body you control for a thousand years. You will stay there, and come to terms with all that you have done. And to ensure your sentence will be carried out, I hereby sacrifice my own mortal shell to chain you to your prison.”

At these final words, a beam of light suddenly fell from the heavens, vaporizing everything inside the bubble. When the glow died, nothing remained save the Valkyrie’s armor, and nothing could be heard aside from Luna’s keening cry of anguish.


<<((*))>>
	



“Come on, Twilight. At least try to eat something. Tomorrow is an important day for all of us, and you can’t pass out from hunger on such a big day!” Pinkie Pie, outrageously pink with the puffiest mane and tail imaginable, jabbed a hoof at Twilight Sparkle’s thus far untouched plate. Twilight tried to return her smile, but found that her lips just couldn’t form the simple movement. Twilight glanced down at the food set before her, picking at pieces of it with her magenta tinged magic. The plate was pile high with her favorite foods: Stacks of hayfries, a daisy sunflower sandwich, and several greens and fruits besides. Tonight, however, Twilight couldn’t simply fall upon her food like she had in the past.

Pinkie Pie’s words rang true. Tomorrow would decide the future for Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Canterlot Orphans. Tomorrow was Career Day, and would determine exactly what—if any—future Equestria had in store for her. Deep, deep down inside, the purple unicorn just knew she was being silly. From levitation to teleportation to complex spell casting, Twilight had studied them all and only wanted more. There was no way that Luna’s School for Gifted Unicorns would turn her down. She would become a mage, one of the powerful defenders of Equestria, ready to serve the Crown in times of need. She was yanked from her daydreams by another voice.

“Ah think she’s just nervous,” Applejack tossed down her fork and tipped her faithful Stetson forward, shading her emerald eyes a bit. Nothing made Applejack happier than to be outside in the gleam of the Moon, tending apple trees and farming equipment. Twilight knew that Applejack was going to head directly into the Equestrian Rangers; an elite group of soldiers who farmed for a living, but acted as a defensive buffer to the Crown. With muscles like Applejack’s, the mare would be suited for little else. “Nerves are a dreadful thing, Twi. Don’t let em distract ya.”

“I’m not nervous,” Twilight protested, twirling a fork in her magic. She realized as she did so that this was a mistake.

Rainbow Dash glanced up from her own loaded plate, a comment already formed. “Of course Twilight is nervous! After all, who is going to want a unicorn mare that spends all of her time studying?” Sleek and smooth, Rainbow Dash was Wonderbolt material.

“I’m sure we're all nervous,” Fluttershy peeked her head out from behind her soft pink mane and offered a rare smile to Twilight, which the unicorn managed to return this time. Fluttershy lived up to her name, almost scared of her own shadow and too shy to make friends outside of her fellow Orphans. Her trusty first aid kit rested at the end of their table, within easy reach. As far as Twilight knew, Fluttershy never went anywhere without it.

“Well, I’m not!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed exuberantly. Twilight arched an eyebrow at her, which caused the bouncy mare to giggle. Pinkie Pie would almost certainly gravitate towards Equestria Intelligence. With a knack for baking or cooking, Pinkie already had the perfect alias to her name. Pinkie reached out an impossibly long hoof, almost as long as she was tall, and scooped up a doughnut from the platter of a passing waiter. She then proceeded to shove the entire thing into her mouth and swallow it whole.

Twilight sighed slightly, struggling to take her mind off tomorrow, and tried to become more active with her fellow Canterlot Orphans.  The Canterlot Orphans were just that: orphan fillies and colts whose parents had died in service to the Crown. Her Royal Highness Princess Luna raised these foals as Children of Canterlot, offering them a place to stay and giving them a small stipend from the Treasury. A vast majority of the Orphans were taken in by other Canterlot nobles—with the recent exception being Twilight Sparkle. As young as she was, the aspiring mage knew exactly why, too: Freifrau Twilena Star Sparkle av Twinkle was one of the last living descendants of one of the most important and influential Houses. As such, other nobility only saw her as a marriage contract that would allow them to gain more peerage. After turning her third foster family into a trio of toads, Princess Luna herself deigned to give Twilena living space within Canterlot. Twilight mentally shuddered. She hated her real name, much preferring the informal Twilight Sparkle.

Despite her attempt to ward off thoughts of her slight predicament, Twilight’s mind stubbornly refused to let it go. It was hard, being one of the last lines of one of the only Houses devoted purely to the Crown. It was even harder because she was a mare. Among other nobility in Canterlot, it was expected that Twilight Sparkle marry into some other House and raise foals. That should be her sole purpose, and nothing more. Twilight, however, had other plans. Being officially recognized by the Crown as a Canterlot Orphan, Twilight could participate in Career Day if she so chose. Once she turned seventeen, Twilight had a decision to make: She could both fold to the wishes of other nobility and find some stuffy old snob to marry, or she could find her own place in the world.  It was Twilight’s every intention to do the latter. Career Day would provide that opportunity. When tomorrow comes, so too will the Masters of various branches of Equestria services. Should a Master Mage decide to accept Twilight Sparkle as an apprentice, she’ll be able to fully leave the plotting of other nobles behind. It would be tough going for a while, but doable. She’ll have at least two years of learning at Luna’s School for Gifted Unicorns, then another two years of study under her Master. After that, if her Master deems her competent enough, she’ll be out on her own, patrolling Equestria’s borders and keeping an eye on their enemies.

Twilight stood up from her still untouched plate suddenly. Ignoring the questions of the other Orphans, Twilight exited the palace kitchens and meandered down a random hallway. She knew her friends were only trying to help comfort her (maybe with the exception of Rainbow), but at the moment Twilight did not want their condolences. Maybe Rainbow was right after all, as loath as Twilight wanted to admit it. The reclusive unicorn spent so much of her time locked away studying, it was a wonder any Master would even look twice at her. She could barely even classify her fellow Orphans as actual friends. The general defense against the schemes attempted to be woven around her was to usually lock herself away with her books. Doing so also helped hide the fact that she was still a Blank Flank.

The thought of still not having her cutie mark caused Twilight to glance longingly back at her bare flanks. Canterlot Orphans almost never received their cutie marks until after Career Day, meaning they were usually the oldest ponies to never have one. As such, this lead to a lot of ridicule from much younger colts and fillies who already knew what they were going to do with their life. So yes, locking herself away in her own personal tower with her books was often a good idea. At least the books would not laugh at her. Twilight scowled slightly, kicking at the marble floor with a forehoof. She did not want to go back and attempt to eat, or to be surrounded by her Orphan-mates. Even her books did not beckon to her like they normally did. Unable to decide what to do now or even what she wanted to do, Twilight headed for the one place she could always find peace and quiet.

The Royal Gardens were like a second home to Twilight, coming only after her books and the library. The gardens were so vast, Twilight had several places she could go for total solitude, away from other ponies. Twilight’s hooves rang out on cobblestone as she stepped through the archway leading into the main lobby of the palace. The two pegasus guards stationed at either side nodded respectfully at the Orphan as she walked sedately past, heading directly to the Gardens off to one side. As Twilight passed the boundary into the Gardens proper, she let out a heartfelt sigh of relief. Her tense form relaxed, and her breathing came easier. It was always like this in the Gardens. The smell of various plants. The soothing shade of towering trees, blotting out the moonlight. The soft symphony of insects providing a pleasant background noise. Even the occasional wild rabbit or bird helped create a potent mix that struck a calming chord deep within Twilight. She often came here when plagued by thoughts of the past and future, and every time this magical place put her at ease.

Twilight immediately took a right, headed off to an obscure corner of the garden. Right now, she only sought peace and quiet. She did not want to think, or to make small talk, or anything. She just wanted to sit and do absolutely nothing but breathe in the crisp atmosphere around her. Twilight trotted right up to a small stone bench overshadowed by towering oaks. A slight outline that was whiter than the rest of the stone, matching her body when curled up, was a testament to how often the young unicorn came to this very bench. She clambered up onto the coolness and curled up, matching the indentation perfectly. She closed her eyes and just lay there, still as the rock she rested on. She barely even moved as she breathed. Even if somepony walked right by her, they would only see her if she moved or they tried to sit on her.

As Twilight lay there, in a state halfway between sleep and awareness, the lights in Canterlot Palace started to extinguish. One by one the many windows in the palace went out. Twilight’s ear flicked as she heard Pinkie Pie calling her name in the distance, but Twilight ignored the call. Eventually, there was only one light left shining in the palace, high above her. She could see it with her magical sight, and knew that it belonged to Princess Luna, ruler of Equestria. Undoubtedly the Monarch was still awake, poring over papers and other important documents. The Princess often stayed up late, taking care of business so that she could continue to run Equestria as smoothly as possible.

Soon, however, even the light in Princess Luna’s chamber went out as the Royal prepared for some sleep before reawakening to brighten the moon, signalling the start of a new night. Still, Twilight Sparkle remained on her bench, uncaring and unthinking. Slowly but surely, the gifted unicorn began to expand her consciousness outward. When she had first began training herself in turning her mind into a corporeal form, Twilight had barely managed to expand a few feet from her body. Practicing again and again allowed the purple mare to expand a little farther each time. Now, she could extend her consciousness well past the garden boundaries, and drape it across all of Canterlot Palace. She could feel almost everything like this. The bright pinpricks of her fellow Orphans were the easiest to pick out, as she spent a good deal of her time with them, whenever she was not studying. Each were currently in their rooms, wrapped in easy slumber. Twilight’s lips curved into a smile as she gently caressed each of them in turn. Despite what she told herself, Twilight had really come to care for the other Orphans... Even Rainbow Dash, as brash and cocky as she was.

Next, Twilight sought out the familiar spark that was her brother. Captain Shining Armor was an orphan too, but not recognized as such by the Crown any more. He joined the Guard on his Career day, and has since risen up through the ranks of the Canterlot Guard with unmatched determination and devotion. Thanks to Shining’s own ceaseless duties and Twilight’s studying, the siblings have not had much time to visit each other often. Twilight missed her brother dearly. He was the only family she had left, and fully supported his younger sister in her quest to be an independent mare. On several occasions Shining had personally offered to step in and take care of a particularly nasty noble. However, thanks to Twilight’s reclusiveness to ponies who were not fellow Orphans, Shining never really had to do much more than flex his military muscles.

With a small sigh of exertion, Twilight finally returned to her body. She clambered to her hooves, wincing at the slight cramps from remaining still for so long. In roughly seven hours she would be standing before the Masters, who would determine her future. Quickly and quietly, Twilight fled back to her tower, still struggling to keep her mind off the future and what it would hold. The young mare collapsed upon her bed with a grunt, where sleep finally took a hold of her tired mind.


> Chapter 2 (*)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

The next evening came windy yet warm, and the beams of moonlight gently caressed Twilight’s sleeping visage. It took several moments for the slumbering unicorn to react to the bright intrusion upon her eyelids; while Twilight prided herself on being an intelligent and quick witted pony, it still took a while for her mind to wake itself up. With a slight grumble, she swung her hooves off the side of her bed and dropped to the floor with a gentle clack. She stretched all four legs in sequence, starting with her front right and ending with her back left. She then arched her back and stretched like a cat as she waited for her body to finish rousing itself. Then, satisfied that her night was off to a pretty decent start, Twilight darted into the bathroom to freshen up a bit.

A purple flash from her horn simultaneously turned on the lights and turned the shower water to just the right temperature. After locking the door behind her, the mare gleefully leapt into the soothing warm spray, thankful as always for modern plumbing. For several long moments she stood there, letting the water hammer upon her back and the heat soak into her fur. Even though it was the start of summer, nothing ever felt as good as a nice warm shower. Finally deciding that she had been standing there long enough, Twilight then proceeded to quickly scrub herself. The sooner she could finish her evening routine the sooner she could find some breakfast before Career Night officially started. No matter what else happened, skipping breakfast was simply out of the question. She had tried that, once. It had left her almost completely nonfunctional the entire night. Slipping the long bristle brush back onto its holder, Twilight shut off the water and directed a concentrated wave of heat to dry out her coat.

Stepping over to the sink, the unicorn levitated a brush up to her mane and gently tamed the unruly mess. Her bed mane had always been atrocious, and tonight was no different. Satisfied that her mane was once more ruler straight below her horn, she tugged the brush through her tail a few times. Her work done, the brush soared back over to its hook as Twilight unlocked and exited the bathroom. She immediately approached her well worn saddlebags, where she stood a moment, considering. She very much doubted that she would need any books or supplies for her Choosing, but at the same time, she never went anywhere without a couple of books and some stationary. Shrugging slightly, the saddlebags lifted up in a magenta glow and settled smoothly onto their customary spot. Ready to go find something to eat, Twilight exited and locked her personal quarters before moving down the hallway at a steady trot. While thievery was uncommon in the palace itself, it had long been decided that one couldn’t take any chances.

The halls of Canterlot Palace were empty this early in the evening, as per usual; Most ponies wouldn’t be up until much later in the night. With the exception of servants going about their business, Twilight didn’t see any other soul until she reached her first intersection of corridors. Here, Twilight met a pair of Royal Guards casually standing at the north and south entrances. They nodded at Twilight, a nod she returned as she moved down the west hallway. A couple more corridors branched off the one she was following, more Royal Guards stationed at each. Eventually, however, she reached her destination: The Mess Hall. There was only one other occupant in the room, a white unicorn stallion with a blue mane and moustache with a reading monocle over his left eye. He glanced up from his newspaper as Twilight entered, and then promptly waved genially. Twilight returned the greeting, a half smile on her lips. Fancy Pants and his wife, Prench Ambassador Fleur Dis Lee were outstanding ponies, and one of the few nobles Twilight could even stand to be around, let alone have a conversation with. Fancy was the current head of the influential merchant House Keymane, second only to House Twinkle. While other nobles had tried everything in their power to add Twilight’s own House to theirs, Fancy and his kin had supported the last of the Twinkle line. Before Princess Luna had given her permission to live within the palace, Twilight had considered asking Fancy if he would be willing to foster her until she turned of age.

Finally listening to her stomach’s growling demands, the unicorn entered one of the four empty food lines, grasping a tray in her levitation and presenting it to the unicorn cook behind the counter. “The usual for me this evening, Sparks.”

The cook nodded and dashed away. Normally the counter would be laden with all sorts of breakfast items, but this early in the evening most food wasn't even done being prepared yet. Canterlot Palace had an odd habit of running like clockwork, and judging by the moonlight streaming in through the tall windows, Twilight had a good fifteen minutes to eat in peace before other ponies began to arrive. Returning her attention to the cook, Twilight took her tray with a small thanks and moved towards her usual table. Settling down with an appreciative sniff, the lavender mare lifted a fork and dug into her fluffy eggs. A small bite of toast and a swallow of orange juice followed before Twilight slowed her pace and casually glanced around. Fancy was still immersed in his newspaper, a cup of coffee now accompanying him. It was odd to not see Fleur around anywhere, but it was likely that she was already well into her daily schedule.

Slowly but surely, more ponies began trickling in. These were the average pony, the ones that kept the palace and the Inner City working smoothly. Carpenters, masons, artists, all sorts of trades lived within the palace itself; most of them held some sort of favor with Princess Luna, while others had bought their way into the palace apartments. Unsurprisingly, there were no other nobles among them. Fancy was the only one who preferred to breakfast with the average citizen; it was usually a profitable move, as it gave House Keymane’s assets easy access to the head of house. Even as Twilight watched, a few ponies she recognized moved to converse with the stallion. Slurping up the last little bit of her juice, Twilight took her empty glass and tray over to one of the bins and placed them within the properly labeled areas. Then, as more equines started to arrive, the unicorn made a hasty exit.

Twilight now waited alone in the small chamber where Career Night would commence. None of the other Orphans had even gotten their own first meal of the evening finished yet, but Twilight did not mind the solitude. She was not sure she could stomach the sight of her fellow Orphans already knowing where they would belong. Dash’s words from the night before once more returned to her mind, taunting her and laughing silently. After all, who is going to want a unicorn mare who spends all of her time studying?

Like she has in the past, Twilight struggled to just let Rainbow Dash’s words slide off her consciousness. The future Wonderbolt was impulsive and spoke without thinking, but Twilight knew that the cyan flier didn’t mean anything by it. Even despite knowing this, it was hard to just ignore what Dash had said. What Master would want her? Sure, she studied a lot, and probably knew more about most types of magic than other mages out there. But she never had any intention of just choosing one branch of magic and making that her course of study. She wanted to learn them all. She wanted to master them all. And no mage in their right mind would allow Twilight Sparkle to expand her knowledge outside what the Master taught. The best she could hope for was to at least be accepted into Luna’s School for Gifted Unicorns and go from there.

The door in front of her swung open slowly, and in marched the other four Orphans. One by one, they took their seats to either side of Twilight, offering small smiles or words of encouragement to the lavender unicorn. At the end of the procession marched Princess Luna’s secretary, Dry Parchment. It would be he who called in the Masters for this Career Night; Princess Luna was undoubtedly busy with other matters, and would not attend. Dry Parchment gave the gathered Orphans a cursory glance, and then proceeded to yet another door to the right of the one he had entered from. Through this door appeared various Masters, all dressed differently and of differing ages and coloration.

“Come on then, Orphans. Line up and let the Masters get a good look at you!” Dry Parchment’s voice matched his namesake, hoarse and cracking. One by one, Twilight and her friends rose and shuffled into a rough four pony line, facing the impassive Masters before them. They automatically lined up in age, from oldest to youngest; while the Orphans were all seventeen now, there were still differences in when they had been born. Applejack was first, being several months older than her Orphan-mates. Pinkie Pie was next, followed by Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and then Twilight at the very end, who had just turned seventeen yesternight. The air of the room was tense, expectant, and charged with almost visible electricity.

Twilight eyed the Masters, taking in their various appearances. She recognized most of them, having actually grown up in the castle proper. The first in the group of Masters was some noble named Silver Bit. He was a unicorn, which was kind of odd seeing as he was the Supreme Commander of the Equestrian Rangers. How he had gotten a position at the head of a bunch of earth pony farmers Twilight didn’t know; Silver Bit was thin and small, with none of the impressive muscles one might expect. As his name suggested, his coat and mane were silver, with shifty, watery eyes and a trio of bits as his cutie mark. He sniffed slightly as he stared at the Orphans, his mouth curling into a disdainful frown.

Next, standing loosely next to Silver Bit, was the flaming Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts. The fiery pegasus was every bit as sleek and smooth as Rainbow Dash, and looked coolly out of place in her signature Wonderbolt flight uniform. Spitfire wore tinted glasses, distantly detached from the proceedings. Twilight felt her respect for the flier rise a bit. After Spitfire was Zecora, head of Equestrian Intelligence. To the best of Twilight’s knowledge, the zebra Zecora was the only foreign Master seen in hundreds of years. With several ankle rings and piercings, coupled with a careless Mohawk, Zecora would be the last creature you’d expect to see at the head of a vast spy network. But her wit was as sharp as her eyes, and the zebra missed nothing. She had eyes and ears everywhere. Then lastly, there was Shimmer, the lead doctor of the Medic Corps. The pegasus was dressed in a loose white lab coat that clashed magnificently with her maroon coat coloration. A stethoscope draped around her neck completed the classic doctor look.

It took Twilight a few moments of studying the masters to realize that there were no Mages among them. Her heart rate quickened considerably as she studied the Masters before her, and her mouth felt as dry as a desert. There were several she did not recognize, from less important positions, but, without a doubt, there were no Mages to be seen. Sweat started to bead upon her brow, and her eyes darted repeatedly to the exits. Rainbow Dash was right. Not even the lowest of Mages wanted her as an apprentice. She started to hyperventilate, and almost missed what Dry Parchment was now saying. Rainbow Dash glanced over at the unicorn briefly, and nudged her comfortingly. The cyan flier had noticed the same thing, but it would not do for Twilight to completely lose her head. Twilight calmed herself down enough to pay attention.

Dry Parchment was motioning Applejack forward impatiently. “Come on, now. Step forward, Orphan. State your name and preference, and we shall see if the Masters have a spot open for you.”

Applejack hesitated a bit, eyeing Silver Bit hesitantly. She lifted a hoof and took a half step forward. “Ah’m Applejack, Ah’d like to head tah the Equestrian Rangers.”

Silver Bit barely glanced at Applejack before nodding. “We’ve got space for her.” His voice was as watery as his eyes. Silver Bit turned to leave, clearly expecting Applejack to follow. The earth pony mare did, casting a slight frown at the back of her new superior.

“Jerk,” Spitfire muttered, barely audible. A smile twitched at the corner of Twilight's lips. Spitfire then promptly turned her attention to Rainbow Dash, who was next in line and starting to inch forward. 

“Accepted, Cadet,” Spitfire said, before Dash even had a chance to state her name. “I expect to see you in the Wonderbolt Mess Hall bright and early tomorrow. Am I understood, Cadet?”

Dash snapped off a salute. “Yes, Ma’am!”

“Good,” was the only reply. “You might make a good Wonderbolt yet. Dismissed.”

Rainbow Dash proceeded out the main doorway. Spitfire turned and promptly launched herself out the large, open window. Fluttershy tripped forward next, hiding behind her long pink mane.

“M-my name is Fluttershy,” she mumbled, her voice even further muffled by her hair. “I-I’d like to apply for Medic Corps.” Fluttershy cringed slightly at the end of her statement, clenching her pale eyes. Shimmer stepped forward softly, taking care not to startle the shy mare.

“Hmm,” the doctor hummed, studying Fluttershy carefully. “I can see the mark of a Whisperer in you, child, as well as your willingness to help those in need. You’ll go far in the Corps. Come, Fluttershy. Let us get you settled in.”

Fluttershy's eyes shot open to see Shimmer watching her with an encouraging smile. With a small smile of her own, Fluttershy began to follow Shimmer out of the room, leaving Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle behind. Pinkie Pie bounced forward already introducing herself. 

“Hi, Zecora! I’m Pinkamena Diane Pie, but everyone calls me Pinkie Pie! The Equestrian Intelligence is right up my alley!”

The Zebra raised an eyebrow as Pinkie suddenly stopped hopping and appeared in Zecora’s Mohawk, looking upside down into the mare’s eyes. “Well, Pinkie Pie, it appears that you do have a knack for surprise. I’ll take you under my wing, little one, and see how well you do with my network of spies.”

Without pausing a beat, Pinkie leapt out of Zecora’s mane and began bouncing out the door. “Oki doki Loki,” the pink mare sang. Zecora followed the little pink ball of energy out of the door, which closed with a booming finality.

Twilight Sparkle was left alone with a hoof-full of Masters she did not recognize. Her heart sank as she confirmed that not a single Master still in the room was a Mage. Still, the unicorn resolutely stepped forward and spoke in a soft voice with a barely restrained quaver:  “My name is Twilight Sparkle. And, well, I’d hoped to find a Mage Master…”

Hot tears began to well up in Twilight’s eyes as the reality of it hit her. There was no Mage here willing to take her under their guidance. It looked like Twilight had two choices now; she could choose a blacksmith or storeowner to become an apprentice to, or she could settle down with some grimy stallion from another noble House. If she were honest with herself, number two was starting to sound like the best choice. At least she’d still be able to read and study a small bit of magic. Before she could open her mouth again, a new voice interrupted.

“I shall account for this little one,” the voice said. Twilight went rigid in shock, as did Dry Parchment and the remaining Masters. She turned around so quickly she almost lost her balance and fell over. There, emerging from a hidden servant doorway, was Princess Luna. The Equestrian Princess looked oddly comfortable, her silver regalia shining in the light of the mideveing moon. A small smile was tugging at the edges of her mouth as every pony present immediately dropped into a bow. Twilight Sparkle did the same, slightly later than everypony else. The Princess of the Night approached the young mare and laid a gentle hoof upon her shoulder.

“Rise, Twilight Sparkle. So, will you accept? Will you become my personal protégé?"

Twilight heard all of the words, but her mind stuck at one particular part. That simple word bounced ceaselessly inside her head. Protégé. Princess Luna wanted to be Twilight’s teacher. Princess Luna, the pony responsible for raising moon, wanted to become Twilight Sparkle’s mentor. Twilight slowly stood up, her face pale and clammy. Her breathing was harsh and ragged, sounding over loud in the sudden silence. After a few seconds of stunned silence, Twilight finally found her voice again.

“I would be honored, Princess, but I do not feel that I deserve such an honor as this.”

“Oh, posh, Twilight Sparkle. I have watched you since you first appeared as an Orphan. I have seen you ceaselessly studying; devouring books that even more advanced magicians would have troubles with. You are gifted, Twilight Sparkle, and I would help you learn to control your powers. Now, come, my new apprentice. We have much ground to cover in just tonight alone.”

Walking in a daze, Twilight Sparkle tripped after her new mentor, out the door and down yet another hallway.


<<((*))>>


The first thing Twilight was assaulted with as she stepped into Princess Luna’s study was a wall of pristine white and a high, yet familiar voice. “Twilight, darling! It has simply been too long since I’ve last seen you!” 

The wall of white detached itself from Twilight’s vision and formed itself into Rarity, another unicorn a year older than Twilight and the other Orphans. Rarity had once been an Orphan just like Twilight and the others, but, being a year older, the white unicorn had partook in Career Night just last year. Twilight had always wondered where her other acquaintance had been accepted into; judging by the looks of things, Princess Luna had chosen Rarity as an apprentice as well.

“This is a surprise, Rarity! I’ve not seen you since your Career Night!”

“I know, darling! But Princess Luna wanted me to be kept a secret, so she could surprise you when she chose you as her protégée. I think she thought having a familiar face around might help you with your studies.”

“Indeed, that had been my intention,” Princess Luna stepped fully into the room. “I promise that I shall let the two of you catch up later, but at the moment, I need to assess Twilight and determine how I should go about instructing her. Rarity, why don’t you take the rest of the night off of your studies? I believe that some congratulations are in order for your other friends.”

With a un-lady like squeal, Rarity bounded out the door. Princess Luna closed it with a tendril of black magic. The Princess then turned to the still semi stunned Twilight Sparkle. “I am sorry to have scared you like that, Twilight Sparkle. I expressly forbid any Mage Masters showing up for tonight’s Career Night. I wanted you all to myself, without interference from other mages or nobility.”

“Its okay, Princess.” Twilight’s answer was automatic, her voice distant.

Princess Luna scowled sharply. “Please, Twilight, just call me Luna. I do not like hearing "Princess" all the time. First of all, let’s start with some basics. How familiar are you with the different branches of magic?”

Twilight considered her question carefully. “Well, Princ—Luna. There are ten different areas of magic. To my knowledge, the most common is the magic of Friendship. This branch is also the least studied, as Friendship usually manifests on its own. A good group of friends can often overcome any odds. After that, there is both the Light, and the Night. Light magic is simply there. Any magician can harness and use it, so long as they have the willpower. Night magic is a little different. You have to ask Night for its power, and usually have to give it something in return. Even a brief glimpse into the thoughts of a Night caster is enough to meet most requirements. Nature magic is often confused with the Light. Nature focuses on life and wellbeing, whereas Light gives strength and courage. Then there is also Love. Love is often tricky to handle, as it requires a user to be… intimate… and sexually active with another. These five together are often known as Accord Magic.

“The other five are known as Discord Magic. Animosity is probably the most common, and is practically the polar opposite of Friendship. Animosity can drive a caster to greater lengths to achieve his or her goal, without the help of others. After that comes Destruction, and Hatred. Destruction is just that, purely destructive. I have read that Destruction is designed solely to obliterate, using a casters inner disquiet. Hatred usually only comes to casters of sharp mind, and it also acts slowly with more precision. The last two are the fields that are the least studied, requiring recommendations from the most important ponies in Equestria before they can be studied. The less foul of the two is Chaos. This branch is unruly, uncivilized. It does not care who uses it or for what purpose, so long as it causes plenty of problems, big or small. The very last area of magic is… Necromancy. Nopony has studied Necromancy for years and years. The dead are more unpredictable that Chaos, and the dead should remain so.”

There was a small silence after Twilight finished. “Very good, Twilight,” Luna said, warmth coloring her tone. “Very few could name them as accurately as you just did. As my protégé, you will learn to tap into each and every branch of magic. From Friendship, to Necromancy, you will learn them all.”

“A—all of them?” Twilight stuttered. Her slight trepidation colored her tone.

“Yes, all. Do not worry so, Twilight. I will be here to teach you, and to guide you. Even Necromancy is not nearly so terrible when taught by one who knows what they are doing. Now, come. Let us grab some luncheon and prepare for your studies."




> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight watched in slight fascination as Luna went about the task of preparing a simple meal. At first, Twilight had wanted to question why on Equestria Princess Luna had a small kitchenette in her study of all places. Then Twilight reminded herself that Luna was a Princess, and therefore could have a kitchen anywhere she chose to. After that, Twilight became distracted just watching Luna. The Alicorn moved about the appliances with gentle grace, never once hurrying as she chopped some greens for a simple salad and sliced some fresh turkey meat for sandwiches. The latter was what Twilight was really looking forward to; Meat was quite rare in Equestria, as they could never grow it fast enough to feed an entire nation. Meat was usually reserved for special occasions like Hearth’s Warming Eve, and the rest of the time the ponies of Equestria made due with enhanced fruits and vegetables.

        It took Twilight a few moments to realize that she was no longer just watching the Princess work. Time and again Twilight’s eyes were drawn to Luna’s seemingly natural beauty. Princess Luna was only a stretch or two taller than Twilight, but the Princess still had legs that gave the impression of being miles long. Luna’s backside was so smooth, rippling and coiling as the ruler of Equestria moved about. And her wings! They fanned the air gently every now and then as Luna stirred and mixed, full of downy tenderness and strong energy.  Twilight felt her cheeks heat furiously and quickly averted her eyes, scolding herself for ogling the Princess so! Thankfully, by the time Princess Luna turned bearing a tray of food in her obsidian magic, Twilight had managed to wrest her blush under control. And her wandering eyes.

        Luna plunked down a turkey and sunflower sandwich in front of her new student and set the salad aside for the moment. She gestured to the food. “Eat, Twilight. I find it easier to learn new things on a full stomach.”

        Hesitating slightly (she was still in the presence of the Princess!) Twilight took a nibble from her sandwich. She immediately began eating with gusto, moaning slightly. It had been far too long since she had been able to have any meat at all. Princess Luna grinned, clearly pleased.

        Twilight swallowed. “So, Princess—”

        “Luna,” came the swift correction, and Twilight smiled slightly.
        
        “Luna,” Twilight tried again. “Why exactly are you going to teach me about all ten branches of magic?”

        Princess Luna actually arched an eyebrow. “Do you not wish to learn more about magic?”

        Twilight was quick to assure her mentor. “Of course I do, Princess. But no other mage would accept an apprentice who wanted to study a branch of magic outside what they taught.”

        Princess Luna frowned briefly at the renewed use of her title before she spoke. “I am also no mere mage, Twilight Sparkle. You have not escaped my notice, living in the palace. I’ve seen you diving into your studies, determined to learn everything you could about magic in general. Most other students are simply content to follow one path. Even from an early age, however, you were seeking knowledge on as many branches of magic as you could. Some magic, you discovered, are not exactly talked about in any depth in any of the books you’ve studied. Friendship and Animosity are examples of this, as those two do not always manifest in the clearest ways possible. Others, like Necromancy, are not talked about at all, merely glossed over with a hurried explanation. Yet no matter what you managed to read, no book at the Canterlot Archives actually taught you the proper techniques for magic, did they?”

        Twilight took another bite of her sandwich before answering. “No. What little I do know about magic I taught myself. It was enough that I could impress any Master I wanted. But that plan didn’t go over well. I didn’t see a single mage at the time of my Choosing.”

        “Because I warned them to stay away, Twilight,” Luna spoke gently. “I told them, under no circumstances, were any Mage to appear at your Choosing. I had chosen you to be my next protégée long before any of those fools had their eyes on you.”

        Twilight looked up at this revelation, eyes wide. “But why, Princess? I am naught but a curious unicorn filly who loves to read. What if I don’t live up to your expectations?”

        Princess Luna chuckled a tiny bit, finally understanding what was eating away at her new student. “I chose you because I can see your potential, Twilight Sparkle. And I shall leave it at that. But know this: If you do not live up to my expectations, then I will keep trying until you get it right. I know you will always put forth your best effort, but not every pony can just automatically be good at everything. I want to help guide you upon your journey, and I cannot do that if I abandon you over a small mistake. Now, come. I see that you have finished your lunch, as have I. I’ve got some books I’d like you to read a few passages from. After that, I believe I can find some other stuff for you to work on.”

        Luna stood up, clearing the small table with a pulse from her horn. In the same pulse, she levitated two thick tomes over to Twilight. Tilting her head sideways, Twilight read the titles: Military Equestria and Basic Guide to Magic.

        “These two books will become your primary sources of information for the time being. A good deal of your initial studies will revolve around these two. I’ve already marked the pages I would like you to read from. Start with Military Equestria and go from there. I must take care of a small bit of business, and then I will return.”

        With that, Princess Luna was gone. Frowning a bit at her teacher’s sudden disappearance, Twilight cracked open the first book she had been told to read. The unicorn rifled through the pages until she found the pages marked by a magical bookmark and began to read.


Equestria’s Military Forces.


        
 Equestrian Rangers –The Rangers very rarely fight off of Equestria’s soil. This branch of the military acts as a “national guard” of sorts, mobilizing in the event Equestria becomes invaded. In times of relative peace, the Rangers comprise about sixty percent of Equestria’s food sources, farming land in addition to performing regular military exercises. If Equestria is ever besieged, only forty percent of the Ranger’s full might are ever engaged at one time, allowing the nation to continue to produce enough food to withstand an invasion that may last years.




        That was certainly interesting. Twilight had known that Equestrian Rangers were designed to protect the Crown, but she had no idea that their deployment was so intricate. With a good portion of the Rangers still helping produce food, Equestria would prove to be a difficult nation to take by direct force. Twilight read on.


        
 The Wonderbolts –“Faster, Swifter, Stronger” is the motto of the Wonderbolts, and it is a motto they strive to uphold each and every night. The Bolts are hands down the best aerial force Sol has ever seen, the first deployed to an engagement and the last to leave. Ancient pegasi magic combined with aerial moves introduced by the iconic Commander Hurricane has given the Bolts a reputation well deserved. Undying loyalty to the Crown they serve and to each other leaves the Wonderbolts as Equestria’s oldest military force.



        So that was what Rainbow Dash was getting herself into. It sounded like the Wonderbolts strived to be the very best, all the time. It seemed rather unrealistic to Twilight, and the studious mare wondered if Dash would be up to the challenge.


        
 Medic Corps –The Medic Corps have been around as long as the Wonderbolts. Comprised of animal Whisperers and the best doctors Equestria can provide, the Corps is the singular force that keeps Equestria breathing. From combating sickness in Equestria’s many cities and towns, to practicing their art upon the field of battle, the Corps provide the muscle behind recovery.



        Well, that certainly sounded right up Fluttershy’s alley, if she could get over her intense shyness. Twilight didn’t know any other pony that would care so much for a complete stranger.


 Canterlot Guard --The Canterlot Guard is one of the last lines of defense for the Equestrian Crown. They mainly police the palace and the grounds itself, although it has been known for Canterlot Guards to sign contracts with other nobility.



        That was what Shining Armor was, a Canterlot Guard. Nothing made her brother happier than to be defending the Princess.

        
        
 Equestrian Intelligence  –EI knows everything. A vast spy network comprised of undercover agents everywhere, Equestrian Intelligence ensures the nation they serve is prepared for anything. Every major plan, every notable event usually revolves around an EI combat agent. They operate from the shadows, usually shaping Equestria’s future more than any other military force.



        Equestrian Intelligence had Pinkie Pie written all over it. That pony knew things about other ponies she had no business knowing about. It didn’t matter if it was a thought never spoken aloud. Pinkie Pie would still know about it.


        
 Arcane Brigade –If there is one thing the enemies of Equestria fear, it is Princess Luna’s Arcane Brigade. Comprised of the most deadly spell casters ever born, the Brigade only enters a conflict when the need is dire. The Brigade guards their magical secrets jealously, ensuring that enemies know next to nothing about them. The Brigade is also responsible for Equestria’s advancements with magic.



        The Arcane Brigade. The name sent pleasing shivers down Twilight’s spine. She had always dreamed that she would have a chance to join the Brigade, after learning all she could from a Master Mage. The Brigade solved everything, and Twilight would love nothing more than to be that part of Equestria’s forces. Perhaps Luna would allow her to join the Brigade after Twilight completed her training.


        
 The Valkyrie –If the Arcane Brigade brings fear to Equestria’s enemies, then Princess Luna’s Valkyrie brings unbridled terror. Throughout Equestria’s history, the Valkyrie has been a mare every bit as powerful as Princess Luna herself. Records show that victory is guaranteed when the Valkyrie takes to the battlefield. Mastering every branch of magic known to Sol, the Valkyrie is Princess Luna’s right hoof, meting out justice where she sees fit. The other branches of military also directly answer to the Valkyrie, rather than Princess Luna. 



        This  was a name that brought back foalhood memories. Everypony knew who the Valkyrie had been. Respected, feared, and loved as much as the Princess herself, the last Valkyrie vanished sometime during the giant War almost a thousand years ago. To the best of Twilight’s knowledge, there has not been one since.


        
 Princess Luna  –There has only been one instance where the Princess of Equestria has entered combat personally. This was back during the War of the Sun and Moon decades ago, when the usurper Corona Flare attempted to claim the throne of Equestria. The details of this war are vague at best, but it is a testament of Princess Luna’s prowess that Corona Flare is no more.



        Twilight remembered reading vague details about this war. All anypony remembered was that Corona Flare attempted to usurp Princess Luna’s position, to bring about never-ending day. After a vicious war, Princess Luna emerged victorious, and supposedly banished Flare into the Sun. At the time, Twilight had thought the tale was simply something to entertain young foals. After seeing Princess Luna up close, and feeling  her majestic power, Twilight was starting to think that perhaps there was a grain of truth to this story. With a thoughtful expression, Twilight opened the second text.


        
Magical Basics


        
Magic is a part of everything. From the visible and flashy magic of unicorns and other casters, to the more subtle passive magic of ground and fliers, magic is everywhere. Over the years, magic has branched out into ten different categories, each with their own counterpart. They are as follows:


        




        
There have been numerous disputes when categorizing magic as we know it. For example, a good many scholars and mages feel that Light and Night should be their own counterparts and that a new Accord Magic should be created for Destruction. However, this idea is not entirely sound and has been thus far ignored; Light magic focuses on strength, courage, and  creating new things, while Destruction does the exact opposite.



        Twilight knew all of this already. But Princess Luna undoubtedly had some reason to bring this to the forefront of the unicorn’s mind. Twilight was interrupted from her thoughts by the reappearance of Luna, who had a strange gleam in her eye.

        “Good, you are finished reading! Now, let us set you up with some chores.”

        “Chores?” Twilight echoed, confused. This was not what she had expected when Luna had said there she was going to teach Twilight magic.

        “Yes, chores. Take a look around, Twilight. Are there any servants here?”

        “No, Princess.” Twilight was confusion layered her voice, but she did have a small inkling of where this was going.

        “Of course there is not! Servants rarely ever approach my study and its hallway; it is the one place they are forbidden from!”

        This made sense. Twilight had noticed a distinct lack of servants on her walk here, despite the haze over her mind at the time. “So then I am going to perform the cleaning they are unable to do?” Try as she might, Twilight could not hide the disappointment coloring her words.

        Luna finally had mercy on her student. “Relax, Twilight. You are not in trouble. This is my way of gauging your magical aptitude. I don’t want you to do anything overly fancy to accomplish what I ask of you. All you should need to do is some levitation and a few other minor spells. I want to test your control and see how you go about completing everynight tasks. Firstly, I would like you to clean up after our lunch. After that, the fireplace needs cleaning out and the mantle dusted. The rugs need to be dirt free. Then you can start on my bookshelves. Dust them and clean them. Make sure my books are all categorized. Once you are finished, then I can get a better idea of where to start you in your training.”

        Twilight perked up a bit. Housework was nothing new to her, despite being of noble birth; growing up in the palace instead of a foster home meant she had to clean her own room on numerous occasions. The fact that the Princess wanted Twilight use magic made the work more bearable. Humming a faint tune, Twilight got started. Horn shimmering with a low key magenta glow, she attacked the stuff left over from lunch. A single horn wave removed leftover foodstuffs from utensils and surfaces, and then a further wave sent the implements sailing back to their proper place in the kitchenette. At the same time the purple unicorn attacked the fireplace, Vanishing the ash left over from its last use and whitening the bricks a bit. She then produced a small duster and proceeded to buff the mantle. By that time she had finished the lunch mess and moved onto the books and bookshelves.

        Princess Luna watched her student with interest. She was using and maintaining spells constantly, without conscious effort. Twilight’s horn didn’t even shine any brighter than it had at first, signaling a record low power usage despite all the magic the unicorn was using. It was starting to look like taking Twilight as her personal protégé was a very good decision. As Luna watched her student, her eyes started to wander. Twilight was young, certainly, but no less an appealing mare. Her legs were sturdy and strong, a testimony to an active pony despite Twilight’s love for books. The fact that Twilight was not some fat, lazy scholar was a very good thing, in Luna’s book. While Twilight was nowhere near as glossy and graceful as Luna, there was a certain symphony about her movements, as the unicorn turned slightly to keep an eye on her spells. And besides, gracefulness would come in time. All in all, she was confident that she had chosen well. Twilight would make a good Valkyrie.
        



> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight Sparkle lay there, staring up at the ceiling above her. The bed was softer and more comfortable than anything she had ever slept on. Her personal quarters were far bigger than she was used to, and yet none of that mattered at the moment. All that mattered were her slow breaths and her own thoughts. In just a few short hours, she will have been Princess Luna’s personal student for a full night. The full implications daunted her as much as they thrilled her. Nopony else in years has ever been in the position she found herself in. She had asked, curious as to why she was different from the other apprentices Luna had. Luna had told her, quite simply, that Twilight was in an entirely different league just because of her drive for knowledge and her own formidable power. Most apprentices, like Rarity, were content with choosing one branch of magic and studying every bit of magic that branch held. Twilight had become different just because she wanted to know more.

It was almost too much to take in. This time yesternight, she had been a young unicorn, an orphan, who had no idea exactly what was going to happen with her future. In hindsight, narrowing it down to finding a Master or a Mate was a bit foolish of her. Foolish or not, however, Twilight knew that if she had decided to do anything but become an apprentice, the Nobles of Canterlot would not have rested until they had added her to one of their own families. Twilight had spent enough time in Canterlot to know that was just how the nobles worked. They only looked out for themselves, first and foremost, and nothing else mattered. With the near decimation of the Twinkle House, there was now only one, maybe two Houses still completely dedicated solely to the Crown. The rest of them were utterly worthless for anything.

The thought of House Twinkle’s plight brought a slight frown to Twilight’s lips as she thought. Now that she was out of the shadow of other greedy nobles, perhaps she could begin to rebuild House Twinkle? She wouldn’t have to marry if she did not want to; it would be easy enough to find deserving ponies and turn them into lesser nobles. Twilight even doubted that Princess Luna would have a problem with this idea. Other nobles would be incensed; bringing in outside blood to dilute the pure blood of nobility was an unthinkable crime. But Twilight had never really cared for their self-imposed ideals. It was a pony’s actions and contributions to society that made a pony worthy of being a noble, not the blood that ran through their veins. Or, maybe she could go one better: She could see what would be needed to turn House Twinkle into a clan.

A clan was a massive group of several nobles united under a single banner, or even the same set of ideals. The last clan recorded in the Equestrian Annals was way back in ancient times, when Princess Platinum led the unicorn faction with an iron fist. The only problem was, the Twinkle House didn’t have much in the way to offer other nobles as an incentive to form a clan. Twilight was not about to offer herself or her brother. Maybe she could ask Princess Luna for aid. She was sure her new mentor could come up with something; Twilight very much doubted Luna would want to lose the most loyal Equestrian House to the Crown. Resolving to broach the subject sometime later, Twilight Sparkle finally rolled out of her too soft bed and onto her hooves. Judging by the lightening of the sky outside her windows, she had perhaps an hour and a half before Princess Luna would brighten the moon, signalling a new night.

Twilight then began a routine she has partaken in for as long as she remembered. Every year, the day after her birthday, Twilight and Shining Armor would meet in Twilight’s favorite garden, and then proceed to the site of their parent’s grave. Twilight knew that the graves were empty; the bodies of her mother and father had never been recovered from their last Equestrian Intelligence field mission. But this fact never deterred the Sparkle siblings. The memory and spirit of their parents were enough. Truth be told, it was all they had, aside from each other. This ritual was what helped both of the young ponies cope with the fact that their parents were long since gone. Unlike Shining Armor, Twilight’s recollection of both Twilight Velvet and Night Light were vague at best. She had been barely more than four years old at their passing, and the most she could recall were their voices. She couldn’t explain why, but she knew their voices as well as she knew her own.

Shining had it a bit more roughly than his baby sister. He had been six when the unexpected news was brought to them. Undoubtedly he could remember every detail of that fateful day, although he never talked about it. Twilight wasn’t even sure he could talk about it. He never once recounted that day to his sister, as if he wanted to spare her those terrifying memories. Twilight really couldn’t fault his logic, either: he was doing his best to protect his little Twilight. And that was extended to ensuring a particular memory was left unspoken of. Twilight sighed to herself softly before gently easing out of her quarters, gently treading past Rarity’s door.

Like usual, she found Shining Armor already waiting for her at the entrance to the gardens. Also like usual, he was in full guard uniform.

“Twiley!” Shining Armor exclaimed upon sighting the young unicorn. He pulled her into a firm hug. “It’s so good to see you again, little sis. I’d heard about your Career Day, but the Commander refused to let me take leave.”

“Shiny!” Twilight nuzzled her brother affectionately, as soon as she had a moment to speak. “It’s good to see you too, big brother.”

Shining laughed and roughed his sibling’s mane. “Come on, then. Let’s go visit mom and dad. We can catch up later.”

Twilight led the way from the gardens to the palace cemetery, picking a few flowers on her way. It was a short walk, and Twilight enjoyed the peaceful silence with her brother. Shining was one of the only ponies she ever felt at ease with. She didn’t have to worry about unwanted advances, or anything. It was just her and Shining, like it always has been. She really wouldn’t have it any other way, either. He brother knew her, the real her, the unicorn who preferred books over real friends (the other Orphans didn’t really count). She could even feel the extra spring in her step, one that Shining noticed and chuckled over. Twilight kept up her carefree manner until, threading their way through many tombstones, the two siblings stood before the two graves that meant more to them than anything at that moment.

As always, Shining went first. He knelt down upon his forehooves and gently brushed away a stray vine from the first tombstone. It read:


 Night Light Sparkle
Husband and father, may he never be forgotten
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”


“Well, pops,” Shining began. “I’ve done it. I’m Captain of the Canterlot Guard. I’m even poised to become the next Commander, as soon as Shattered Wing retires. Against the odds, I’ve done it. I hope that wherever you are now, you can look down on me and be proud to call me your son.”

Twilight knelt at the face of the tombstone next to her father’s, arranging her flowers as she did so. This one read:


 Twilight Velvet
Wife and mother, may she never be forgotten.
“It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.”


“Guess what mother? I’m the personal protégée to Princess Luna now. Can you believe it? She saw my eagerness to learn, not just a single branch of magic, but all magic. She promised to start teaching me, and guiding me. I think I’ve done you proud, mother. I’m living a dream I never thought would come true.”

Silence then reigned over the cemetery. Twilight and Shining sat there next to each other, sharing warmth. Neither spoke a word, but they didn’t need to. Both knew that they had more than lived up to the expectations of their parents. The last of the Twinkle line they may be, but that did not mean they were unworthy to carry on their House name. If anything, they were more determined than ever to become exceptional ponies in their respective fields. It wasn’t just about their parent’s memory. It was about showing the rest of Equestria that they were worthy of being a part of the Twinkle heritage. The first step was to prove they had what it takes. Then, as the sun began to peek over the horizon, Shining finally spoke.

“Are you angry with me, Twiley?” Shining’s voice was soft, laced with hidden grief.

Twilight turned to her brother in surprise. “Angry? Why would I be angry at you, big brother? You’re the only family I have.”

“That’s why you should hate me, Twilight. I abandoned you, left to fend for yourself while I followed my dream of becoming a Canterlot Guard.”

Twilight nearly groaned aloud. Her brother was still beating this around the bush? “I’m not mad at you, Shining, nor do I hate you. I know you wanted to follow your dream, and that’s okay. I wouldn’t have wanted you to do otherwise.”

“But—”

“No buts, big brother. Okay? What’s it going to take for you to understand you’re being silly? I didn’t mind being accepted as an Orphan. You were still there for me through the thick and the thin. You were still my rock, my pillar of support when I needed it. Hay, I was the one who told you to follow your dream. So why do you still beat yourself up over this?”

“I just… feel like a horrible brother. I should have found a job with easily accessible pay. I should have bought us a house to live in. I shouldn’t have let me sister live on her own.”

Twilight sighed. “Shining, you’re being retarded. Forgive me my language, but you are. There was no reason for you to give up your dreams to ‘take care’ of a sister who’s perfectly capable of living on her own. Or have you forgotten the fact that my foster families learned the hard way not to mess with me? And besides, you’re still missing one detail: Seeing as you are off in the Guard, I’m next in line to inherit the Twinkle assets. And I just turned of age yesterday.”

Shining Armor stared at his sister for a full thirty seconds before a grin stretched across his muzzle. “I had forgotten the inheritance.”

“Precisely,” Twilight answered a trifle smugly. “Now, not only am I still receiving a stipend from the Crown (which has probably doubled now that I am Princess Luna’s personal student), I’m inheriting everything our parents left us. And in case you have forgotten this too, our parents left a lot—As soon as I talk to Princess Luna and get it cleared with the realtors and lawyers, I’m probably going to be the second richest pony in Equestria, after Princess Luna. And if I honestly wanted to, I could start living in the Twinkle mansion. Now, will you please stop beating yourself up over this nonsense?”

Shining grinned ruefully. “Okay, okay, you win!”

Twilight laughed at that, then began to lead the way out of the cemetery. “Come on, big brother!  We’ve got our own duties to return to!"


<<((*))>>


Rainbow Dash shrugged off her bulging saddlebags and sprawled across her cloud bed, whimpering with relief. Every muscle in her body felt like it was on fire; she had no idea that she could feel this sore, this exhausted. She was already starting to wonder if she’d even make it through her four years of the Wonderbolt Academy. She had been a cadet for barely a day and she was already feeling like she had been a cadet for a year. When Rainbow had applied for the Wonderbolts, Rainbow had an interesting notion of sleek pegasi screaming through the sky, while lesser ponies stared on with awed admiration. To her, the Wonderbolts had been the epitome of adventure and carefree flying, and Wonderbolt Cadets were pegasi to be envied.

It seemed that reality had a harsh wake up call. So far, Wonderbolt Cadets were pegasi who rose before the light of dawn and spent the hour before breakfast partaking in a rigorous course of physical training: galloping, using their wings to lift weights, and balancing upon their hind hooves and walking that way. Already tired from all of this, they had a chance to take a minute, then return to their dormitories, shower with cold water, and then make sure their dormitories were completely spotless. If there was so much as a misplaced speck of dust upon the floor, Soarin’, Wonderbolt second-in-command, would dump the contents of their kits onto the floor, upend their beds, and force them to do it all over again—during the time they should be having breakfast.

Breakfast, naturally, was nothing special—completely basic and barely filling. But Rainbow Dash was used to little breakfast during her personal training days, and so never complained even if she missed breakfast. The other new cadets weren’t so lucky, and if they missed breakfast, it as a long hard morning until lunch at mid afternoon. And even lunch was only about half an hour long. After breakfast there came three hours of classes for military history, tactical advantages, and so on; these classes were certainly not Rainbow’s strong suit. She hated anything to do with sitting still for an extended period of time or reading. But she soldiered through them, knowing that she would never become a Wonderbolt if she didn’t learn all of this important stuff.

Then after these classes, the cadets were required to run an obstacle course before they were allowed to head to lunch. The course was littered with rogue thunderclouds, shifting winds, and freezing patches of water. It also had to be completed in three minutes, and if somepony failed to complete it within that time, they were sent back to the start to try again—often resulting in lost time for lunch. While Rainbow as familiar with sometimes skipping breakfast, or having a sparse one, going without lunch was torture for the mare; as a result, she quickly learned to not make mistakes during the obstacle course.

Then after lunch came even more classes that bored the chromatic pegasus to tears, then a series of aerial challenges designed to put your wings to the test—and even though Rainbow knew she exceeded well here, the challenges were still grueling and always varying. After those exercises, the cadets would form ranks and perform combat drills until the end of the school day, where they had two hours to themselves to unwind a tiny bit, repair gear and prepare for classes the next day—unless somepony earned a demerit during the day. If somepony earned a demerit, all of the cadets were punished. They were ordered to load their saddlebags full of rocks, and then had to complete the obstacle course five times in a row without stopping.

Rainbow had just finished one such run. Earlier in the day, one of Rainbow’s classmates was caught passing a note in Aerodynamics 1, and the instructor, Fleetfoot, confiscated it and read it out to the class: Apparently the pegasus stallion in question was attempting to set up a place for a little… tryst… with his marefriend after lights out and everypony else was supposed to be asleep. After assuring that there will never be any such activates allowed at the Academy, Fleetfoot had shredded the note and invited the entire class to fill their saddlebags and get to flying. After several snubs directed at the pegasus, the class did as they had been bid.

Rainbow Dash had eventually felt herself pulling away from the rest of them as she rounded the first bend of the course. Even after a single day the strict regime to the Academy was doing wonders for her. Not only was she feeling fitter than she ever had before, but her natural ability as an athlete also came into play. While others had issues with the hairpin turns, dodging rouge clouds and avoiding the water, Rainbow flitted by them with apparent ease, muscles burning for a respite. And in all honesty, she didn’t mind being in front of the proverbial pack. So far, she’s never really gotten a chance to know her classmates really well. She shared classes with them and sweat with them, but still had never really interacted with them. But still, she had shown them. None of the others were even back yet.

No sooner had she completed this thought that the door at the end of the dormitory crashed open. She propped herself on her elbow and inwardly groaned. Dumbbell, Fast Hoop, and Calamity strode up the rows between the perfectly made beds. They were second year cadets and had decided it was their calling in life to make Rainbow’s life as miserable as possible. The rainbow flier scrambled quickly to their hooves, but nowhere near fast enough.

“What are you doing in bed, Rainbow Crash? Dumbbell sneered. “You should be on the course with the rest of your loser classmates. Who do you think you are, that you can just skip instructor’s orders?” Fast Hoop and Calamity laughed. They weren’t overly bright, but certainly made up for it with brawn.

“I’ve already finished,” Rainbow replied tonelessly. “My time is my own before dinner.”

“Oh yea?” Dumbbell got a wicked glint in his eyes. “Well, I call you a liar! Get up from there and give me fifty wing-ups to make me forget about this and not report you to an instructor!”

Rainbow hesitated for a moment. Technically, she was stronger than these three goons. And she knew she was faster, without a doubt. If there was ever a confrontation, she knew she could beat them. But, there was also three of them and one of her. She was not about to take on all three of them at once. Nor was she about to report them to an instructor. If this was how first year cadets were supposed to be treated by higher cadets, then so be it. She’d just have to deal with whatever they threw at her and move on. However, Dumbbell must have seen the light of rebellion in Rainbow’s eyes for a moment.

“One hundred wing-ups!” He ordered. “Now!”

With a grunt of aching muscles, Rainbow dropped to the floor and began doing push-ups with just her wings. As she began to rise up, she felt a hoof in the small of her back: Calamity had stepped forward, and was exerting just the right amount of pressure to ensure that Rainbow found it hard to complete her assigned task. She grunted again, and Dumbbell yelled at her.

“Stop your whimpering, Crash! Move faster!”

Rainbow gritted her teeth. She wanted nothing more than to knock Calamity back and jump in with hooves swinging. But the last thing she needed was to be kicked from the Academy. So she soldiered on, determined to do what she was ordered. But it was on her sixth exercise that her wings spasmed, causing her to crash to the floor, stunned. Calamity raised his hoof as though to strike her unprotected back, but was interrupted by a new voice.

“Leave her be!” The voice was every bit as tomboyish has Rainbow’s, but still definitely feminine. Rainbow and her three tormentors whirled around at the newcomer: a sea green pegasus mare with a two-toned mustard yellow mane. Her topaz eyes surveyed the scene before her disgustedly.

“You’d better get out of here if you know what’s good for you,” Dumbbell swaggered. “This is between me and Crash here.”

“Well, I’m now making it about me. And if you think you can take on a third year cadet who’s been doing this longer than you, be my guest. Don’t go crying to your mommies when I put you in the hospital.”

Rainbow could see the three bullies hesitating. Then, with one last contemptuous look at Rainbow Dash, they stomped out, making sure to give the third year cadet a wide birth. The cadet then approached Dash, who still had not risen. She held out a hoof, with the chromatic flier accepted. 

“I’m Lightning Dust,” the newcomer said. “Top of my class. You’re the one they call Rainbow Dash, aren’t you?”

Dash stretched her aching wings. “Yea, that’s me. Thanks for that, by the way.”

“Not a problem. I’ve been looking to have those three expelled for a while now, but they’ve never done anything serious enough to warrant it. Come on. Let’s go get dinner and see what happens from there.”



> Chapter 5 (*)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

			Twilight was excited. Tonight was going to be the first real night of her apprenticeship. The young unicorn had barely returned to her own quarters after the outing with Shining before a page had arrived, telling her to meet Princess Luna in her private study. Hardly able to contain her glee, Twilight had hurriedly made herself presentable and took off back down the corridor. She wondered which branch of magic Luna would teach her first. Each and every branch was important, of course, but she was secretly hoping that Luna would start with Light. Everything about that branch fascinated the bookish mare, from the extremely useful healing spells down to the simplest lighting spell. Or maybe they would start with Nature first, the magic that caused things to grow. Twilight has always wanted a small garden of her own, and maybe Luna would  start with the magic that would make growing one easier. But a small part of her mind whispered that Luna would want to start with Discord magic, throwing a slight damper upon her enthusiasm.

Twilight wasn’t sure she would be able to handle that. A great many uneducated folk insisted that Discord-based magic was evil. Twilight scoffed at the idea, but it was true that Discord magic was… well… not very nice. Animosity, of course, was the opposite of Friendship. The most Twilight knew about it was that it focused on manipulating your foes, deceiving them and preventing them from becoming too attached to you. Animosity was a valued tool for unicorns in Equestria Intelligence, as it was perfect for making sure a spy kept their cover even if enemies knew they were there. Then came Destruction, a magic that took everything Light stood for and obliterated it. Destruction was probably the only branch of magic with so much raw, pure power. Then there was Chaos, a magic that focused on turning reality upside down, and Hatred, which turned your most personal feelings into a tangible weapon. Lastly… there was Necromancy.

To be honest, this was the branch of Discord magic Twilight was afraid of the most. There was so little actually published on the subject. Very few unicorns ever practiced Necromancy, and the ones who did were always closely watched by Princess Luna. It was rumored that bringing the dead back to life was impossible, but if it was, Necromancy would not be able to exist. Twilight was so wrapped up in her own thoughts and worries that she didn’t even notice she had passed the hallway leading to Luna’s study. It wasn’t until she ran smack into a suit of armor she didn’t recall being there previously that she realized her mistake. The unicorn backtracked to the correct hallway and proceeded down it, struggling to calm her nerves. Princess Luna knew what she was doing. If she wanted to teach Twilight Necromancy, everything was going to be all right. Twilight knocked gently upon the door to the study.

“Enter,” came the call.

Twilight nudged open the door with a hoof and walked into the spacious room. Princess Luna was seated at the table they had eaten at yesterday, smiling gently at her newest apprentice. For a brief moment, Twilight thought she saw something else in the princess' eyes. But just as quickly it was gone again, leaving Twilight unsure if she had seen it or not. Twilight bowed slightly to the princess.

“Luna,” she said, waiting for be acknowledged.

The princess was quick to do so, beckoning her student forward and gesturing to a chair opposite her. “Come, Twilight. We have much to start on. I trust that your morning with your brother was satisfactory?”

Twilight jumped a little, surprised at the question. “Well, eh, yes, it was.” She stammered. “How did you know about that?”

Luna smiled. “I know all about your yearly excursions to the graves of your parents. It is one of the things that helps keep you going.”

Twilight was quiet a moment, slightly saddened. “It does. I only wish they could be here to see me now.”

Luna reached a hoof out to ruffle Twilight’s mane. “I’m sure they can see you now, wherever they are. And I know they would be proud of their only daughter, my faithful student.”

Twilight stared up at Luna, before smiling weakly. “Thank you, princess. I’m going to make sure I do my best. For them.”

Luna nodded. “A wise choice. As you may have surmised, today we are going to properly start your training. However, I must warn you that you must also start learning to properly wield a weapon.”

Twilight looked to her mentor, surprised. “A weapon? What does a weapon have to do with learning magic?”

“Several things, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna admonished. “Unfortunately, seeing as I do not want to spoil so many of your lessons, I can’t really give you a whole lot of details. But you should know, every branch of magic requires the caster to have some form of weapon. It can be something as simple as a quarterstaff, or as elegant as a glaive. Most mages settle for something small, like a dagger or swortshord, as they only study one particular branch of magic. You are, of course, free to make your decision on what type of weapon you use., yet I would suggest something capable of holding your magic potential. Now, come. We head to my personal armory.”

More than a little confused by Luna’s words, the unsure unicorn followed her mentor right back out of the study. They set off down a corridor with a brief pacing, barely even glancing at the guards and servants they passed. Twilight, naturally, was lost in thought. She had never heard of any branch of magic requiring a weapon before. As far as she knew, you just said an incantation aloud (if there was one) and cast the spell. But apparently this was not the case. Twilight wasn’t overly concerned about being subpar with weaponry, however. Growing up with a brother in the guard had meant that Twilight often sparred with him whenever he came to visit, and even sometimes by herself when she was really bored and even her books couldn’t keep her company. While she has by no means mastered any one weapon, Twilight felt confident she could at least hold her own no matter what she was using.

Twilight hadn't even noticed that she had followed Luna right out of Canterlot castle and into the nearby training grounds, situated almost right smack in the middle of the giant courtyard. She was even more surprised when Shining Armor trotted up in his full guard armor, helmet tucked under one arm. He sketched a quick bow. “Princess Luna, Twilight. How can I help you two today?”

“I’m actually here to pick up a weapon for my student here, Captain Armor. We will be heading to my armory, and I must request that we do not be interrupted.”

Shining Armor saluted smartly. “Yes, my princess!”

The stallion turned to resume his duties, and Luna led Twilight over to a nondescript building a small distance away. The princess tapped the door with her horn, and the door glowed for a moment before unlocking itself and permitting the two ponies to enter. As they did so, lights flared to life, supplementing the moonlight filtering in through the ajar door. The room itself was rather small, and looked to be more of an arena than anything else. Against the far wall rested a weapons rack that held a wide assortment of weapons. The center space was dominated by a roped off rectangle, while the west and east walls held practice dummies and weapon care utensils. Luna skirted the fighting ring and approached the weapons rack, Twilight following close behind.

“This is where I store my most powerful and magical weapons. A few of them I have crafted and imbued myself. Others, I have found in my travels throughout the world. I would like to see if any of these weapons suit you. If they do not, then we’ll return to your brother and see about having a weapon custom made for you.”

Twilight approached the wall in slight awe. She could feel the magic radiating off these artifacts. There were a handful of swords of all shapes and sizes. Some quite possibly entirely too big for her, others so small they could probably pass themselves off as knives. A twin pair of axes rested on the lower left corner, while a giant longbow took up the entire right side of the rack. However, Twilight’s vision was soon dominated by a weapon that ran through the center of the rack, in all of its beautiful and deadly glory: A glaive. It was easily as long as she was tall while standing on her rear hooves, about four feet. The pole was made of ash and colored lavender, and if one looked closely, they could see the strengthening and durability enchantments upon the wood. The blade was just as impressive, one and a half feet of gleaming Nightsteel, straight and deadly. Near the end of the pole, two scarlet phoenix feathers were attached.

“Wow,” Twilight breathed. That right there was what caught Luna’s attention. Her student was very impressed.

Luna couldn’t stop a half-smirk from forming upon her lips as she stepped closer to the majestic weapon. “It was the very first weapon I even came close to mastering. I was tired of my sparring partners whacking me repeatedly when we sparred, because I just couldn’t find a weapon I was comfortable with. So I had this forged. I enjoyed the feel of a spear, but didn’t like having to stab. I liked the idea of the cutting prowess of a short sword, but it simply didn’t have the reach I wanted. So, I combined the two and came up with… Grace.” As Luna spoke the name, the glaive rose gently into the air and floated over to the alicorn. It came to a hover directly over Luna’s flat raised right hoof and remained there.

Twilight stepped closer, examining the glaive more closely. Even going by everything that Shining had taught her, Twilight could tell this was a beautiful weapon. “This is some very expert craftsmanship. Even the enchantments protecting and making it more powerful meld seamlessly with it.”

Luna nodded, pleased. “Its name is Grace. Is this the weapon you wish to start with?”

The unicorn stared at the weapon longingly. For whatever strange reason, the weapon seemed to speak to her. The entire thing seemed to have been specifically tailored towards Twilight. It wasn’t too big, it wasn’t too small, and she was willing to bet it would be perfectly weighted. The pole was even the same color as he fur, for Luna’s sake!

“Yes,” Twilight whispered. She wasn’t sure if she could muster up a higher volume. “Yes, please.”

More than happy to oblige, Luna breathed a slight word to Grace. The glaive left her hoof and meandered over to a specially designed harness, where it fit itself snugly. Smiling slightly, Luna picked the harness up in a flare of obsidian. Grace’s holster came to a rest on Twilight’s right side while straps wound themselves gently around her barrel, keeping the weapon and harness in place. It fit like a hoof glove, completely perfect. Twilight then turned to follow her mentor, who had already left the armory. Behind them, the door clicked shut and locked itself. Then right back up to the castle the pair went, and it was not until they were past the front guards did Twilight realize they had not asked her to relinquish her weapon.

“Uh, Prin--Luna? Should I really be carrying a weapon inside the castle?”

Luna glanced back at her student for the briefest of moments. “As one of my apprentices, you will find that there are certain regulations that will no longer apply to you. Being armed while in my presence is one of them.”

“But… we’re not going to be attacked out of nowhere, are we? Is that why I’m allowed to carry Grace?”

Luna laughed warmly. “Of course we are not going to be attacked. But if we are, it would help if you were already prepared. And besides, remember that you’re going to use your weapon in some of the magical teachings.” Luna entered her study again and sat down at the desk once more, waiting for Twilight to get comfortable.

“It took me a great deal of time to decide what branch of magic to start you out with,” Luna began. “I know you want to master each of them, but we can still only do one at a time. However, I recalled something that occurred the other day: You seem to be nervous about Necromancy. And so, that is what we are going to start with today.”

Twilight almost felt herself deflate a little at those words. “Are you sure, princess? I mean… Necromancy should be reserved for unicorns with more practice with magic in general. I--I’m not sure I’m ready.”

“Trust me my faithful student, you are more than ready. I will still be here to guide you, and will help you if it actually turns out you require aid. But the sooner we get this out of the way, the sooner we can focus on other branches, branches that you don’t naturally fear.”

“Okay.” Twilight tried to stop her voice from shaking. “Where do we start?”

“You start by listening to me,” Luna responded with a twinkle in her eye. “Necromancy has the potential to be the most complex branch of magic you’ll ever explore. There are a few rules and regulations that need to be followed at all times, which you will quickly discover on your own. Since hardly anypony actually studies this type of magic, and those who do are not allowed to talk about it, Necromancy is naturally steeped in superstitions. I can assure you right now, all of those superstitions you have heard are wholly incorrect.”

Twilight went wide eyed at this. “But…?” She let the sentence trail off into a question.

“Anything you might have heard of Necromancy is likely to be wrong, Twilight Sparkle. When ponies do not understand something, they make up things. They create reasons, excuses as to why something is evil, or something is bad, because it is easier than simply not knowing at all.”

“I… guess that makes sense.” Twilight frowned dangerously. “But I don’t like making stuff up. I’d rather learn about something, instead of just taking guesses at it.”

“Very good, Twilight, and that is what makes you different from a great deal of my ponies. Now, Necromancy is very hands on. There are no special incantations, like some of other branches of magic. There are only two majorly important things in Necromancy. The willpower of the summoner, and the soul of the summoned. Since you are just now taking your first steps into this magic, I’ll be the one summoning the soul, so that you can see how it is done.”

Despite herself, Twilight was curious. Right now it didn’t matter if it was Necromancy or not. She was learning, and that was all that was important. “What happens then?”

“Then we will find out if a Link will be formed, or not.”

“A Link?” Now Twilight was just plain confused. “What’s a Link?”

Luna only smiled mischievously. “You’ll find out soon enough, my most faithful student. Now, watch me.”

And watch Twilight did. Luna’s horn suddenly blazed to life, a sickly green tinged with black. As Twilight watched, Luna spoke some more. “This is rather easy for me. I’ve studied Necromancy for a long, long time, thus enabling me to summon any soul I wish, even the one I’m not Linked to. What you are about to see will probably startle you, but I implore you to not freak out.”

Twilight didn’t respond, transfixed by the display. Little motes of energy began falling from Luna’s horn, faster and faster. The princess’ face remained calm, collected. There was no visible strain on her face at all. Twilight marvelled at that fact. She had never seen anypony with so much control over their magic before. Quite soon, however, and Twilight was now preoccupied with something else. A dark mist began to form from thin air, taking on a vaguely pony shape. The mist began to solidify, and just was Twilight began to wonder at its purpose, the mist disappeared. In its place… Was Twilight’s doppelganger. Twilight fought back a panicked scream. Her pupils dilated and her breathing began to come faster. It was taking all of her concentration to not just flip out.

Despite her near hyperventilating state, Twilight’s mind was doing what it did best: analyzing. The clone of Twilight Sparkle before her was the same, yet completely different. She was lighter, for starters, several shades lighter than Twilight’s own coat and mane coloration. The lookalike also had overly bright eyes, almost shining like a lamp. The figure had started out almost insubstantial, like a ghost, but even as Twilight stared her twin seemed to further solidify, becoming more and more real every moment it stood there. But the thing that stood out the most was the fact that this clone of the original Twilight Sparkle had wings. They were perfectly serviceable, like any other pegasus--or Alicorn.

Princess Luna finally spoke. “Well met, Twilight Starshard. I’ve not seen you in a long time.”

The twin turned, her face lighting up in an easy grin. “Princess Luna! I thought that was you summoning me!”

“Indeed. I am teaching my newest apprentice the art of Necromancy.” The new Twilight turned to glance back at the old one. For the briefest of moments, something flitted across her face. It was like a look of longing. The same look Twilight had thought she saw in Luna’s eyes as she entered the study. In the next instant however, Starshard was grinning again, eyes alight with wonder.

“So this is the one meant to be Linked to me! I wondered when somepony would show up. Twilight Starshard, at your service.”

“Um… Twilight Sparkle. Pleased to meet you.” Then, unable to help herself, a veritable flood of questions came pouring from her mouth. “Who exactly are you? Why do you look like me? Why do you have wings?”

Starshard and Luna shared a glance. There was amusement there, but also… slight hesitation? Twilight Sparkle wasn’t sure. Reading other ponies was not her strong suit.

“Firstly, I’m Twilight Starshard. As to who I actually am… I guess you could call me a physical representation of you, Sparkle.”

“A physical representation of me?”

“Yes. The study of life and death is full of intricacies, and even the most learned Necromancers don’t always pretend to know all of its secrets. Basically… I’m an Alicorn who died about a thousand years ago. When Princess Luna summoned me with the intent of Linking me to you, my appearance altered to match your physical makeup.”

“So then,” Twilight’s voice became very soft. “You’re dead?”

Starshard’s shoulders slumped a bit. “I am. I have been for a great many years, now.”

“But… you’re standing right there. You look so real!”

That got a warm chuckle from Starshard. “That is because I am real. There is one part of the circle of life that is constant: Decision. When a pony dies, he or she has three choices: Rebirth, Revive, Restore. Some call them the three ‘R’s. Rebirth is a pony who does just that: The are Reborn into some form of undead. This choice is normally taken by ponies who still have unfinished business among the living. Ponies who choose to Revive are reborn into the world of the living from another womb. And ponies who choose Restore cross to the other side, to paradise. I am a pony who chose Rebirth. I came back to life as a Lich Queen, and even though my business within the living world has long been completed, once I became undead, there was no turning back.”

Twilight’s mind was practically running at a thousand miles a minute. She absorbed just enough information to respond: “I’m sorry that you are stuck where you are.”

Starshard shrugged. “I don’t mind it. I can still help out in the world of the living.”

Twilight already had another question. “What’s a Lich Queen?”

“A Lich Queen is an undead who controls other undead. Namely, zombies and skeletons. Those guys aren’t usually very smart, so Lich Queens (or Kings) guide them and direct them.”

“You mean… some ponies are Rebirthed as a zombie? That sounds awful.”

Starshard shook her head. “Most sentient creatures rarely Rebirth into something so unpleasant. You see, those types of creatures are the result of a Necromancer breaking the number one rule of this branch of magic. There are two rules a Necromancer must always follow. The first, is that you must never, ever, force an undead being to follow your will. You ask us, and it will be up to the individual undead to decide whether or not to help you in your endeavors. If you try to bend us to your will, not only will we ignore the directive, the Necromancer will degrade into the living dead; what you just called a zombie. If a Necromancer cannot follow this rule, then they do not need to be seeking the aid of unliving. Thousands of years ago, Necromancers made this mistake in droves. They were cocky, overconfident, thinking that all of their vaunted power could not be beaten. They paid the price. But these days, there aren’t so many. I’m sure Princess Luna has something to do with that.”

Luna nodded. “Indeed I do. Even the staunchest of ponies can give in to the lure of power, so I try to keep them away from such a fate as much as I can.”

Twilight’s eyes were the size of dinner plates. She had never expected something this momentous “What’s the second rule of Necromancy?”

“The Link. When its been formed, it cannot be broken for any reason. If a Necromancer tries to remove the Link, the sharing of souls, then they’ll enter the Void. They’ll just cease to exist. No paradise, no Rebirth, no second or third life. Just… gone.”

Twilight snorted softly. “But what exactly is this Link you both are talking about? You’ve mentioned it countless times now.”

“The Link is a bond shared between the Necromancer and a Soul. When a Necromacner first begins to summon, the first soul he or she summons will be one closest to their genetic makeup. Once that summoning is complete, the undead summoned and the Necromancer will have a choice: They can either form a Link, or they can continue their separate ways and the Necromancer will never try that magic again.”

“What does it do? Is it just for cosmetic purposes, or what?”

Starshard was already shaking her head before the words even left Twilight’s mouth. “I cannot tell you, Twilight.”

“What do you mean, you can’t tell me?”

“Until you make the decision for yourself, I can’t tell you. I’m not really allowed to. But now that we are at this proverbial crossroads, I must ask, Friherrinna Twilena Star Sparkle av Twinkle: Do you wish to complete the Link? Do you wish to take the very first step in your training as a Necromancer of the Crown?”

Twilight was conflicted. On one hoof, this was everything she had feared about the subject laid bare before her. All of the superstitions she had heard were wrong. There was really nothing to be afraid of. But, now an undead Lich Queen was asking her to practically share her soul, if Twilight was hearing that correctly. Her life would never be the same if she accepted. Eventually, however, Twilight’s thirst for knowledge easily overpowered her fears of the unknown.

“I’ll accept,” she said proudly, struggling to keep her voice in check.

Starshard, in turn, grinned slightly, like she knew Twilight was going to make this decision sooner or later. Rather than responding to the unicorn’s announcement, Starshard moved closer to Twilight. The suddenly nervous apprentice eyed the Lich Queen warily, but stood her ground. Whatever was going to happen next, Twilight was going to accept it proudly. Starshard stepped even closer, and the finally brought the length of her long, slender horn to Twilight’s smaller and stubbier one. The effect was immediate. Both let out loud gasps as a strange, unknown energy coursed through their bodies like an electric current. The power grew, and grew, swirling around the pair as they stood there, horns locked. Just as Twilight thought she would burst, the alien power suddenly changed direction--and flowed directly into Grace.

Twilight nearly collapsed as the energy left her, Starshard supporting her gently. They were both panting like they had just ran a marathon. A distant part of Twilight’s mind noted that Starshard was rather warm, instead of the cold feeling she would have expected from an undead. As Twilight recovered, she felt an odd vibrating at her side. It was her glaive. The weapon slide out of its sheath and hovered right before Twilight’s eyes, turning so that its owner could see the odd rune in the middle of the staff that had not been there previously.

Still partially staring at the rune in wonderment, Twilight turned to Luna, silently asking for an explanation.

“Its a Necromancer Rune, Twilight. Its designed to enhance your spellcasting abilities with this branch of magic. Its why I had you obtain your weapon.”

“So… that’s it? I’m a Necromancer now?”

Well, yes and no.

“Gah!” Twilight yelped as she heard a familiar voice echoing around her mind. Luna was grinning. “What was that? Some form of telepathy?”

Starshard answered her. “In a nutshell, yes. Its a part of the Link. Our minds are connected, allowing us to speak no matter how far apart we are. We also have a shared aether pool. Haven’t you felt it yet?”

Now that Starshard mentioned it, Twilight did feel… Stronger. More alive. She could feel the power coursing just below her horn, ready to be unleashed. A small smile began to play across her lips. “So in other words, I’m more magically powerful?”

“You are,” Luna replied. “But, I’m afraid your studies in Necromancy are far from over, my faithful student. You have a Link now, that is true. But there is still a great deal to learn. Summoning and controlling lesser undead and a whole host of over things. For now, however, we may call it quits. It is far past lunchtime, and I’m sure you’d like to grab a bite to eat before continuing.”

Now that Luna mentioned it, Twilight was feeling hungry. Ravenous, even. But there was something still bothering her. “What about you, Starshard? I mean, I know you’re here now, but what's going to happen from here?”

Starshard chuckled. “Well, now that I’m Summoned and Linked, I’ll stay in the world of the living for as long as I want, until my Summoner sends me back for whatever reason. Right now, however, I would like the opportunity to catch up to Luna.” Twilight nodded almost absently, her curiosity sated at the moment. With a small wave of her hoof, the lavender unicorn departed.

Starshard waited until the door was closed and she could no longer hear Twilight’s hoofsteps before turning to Princess Luna. “Do you think she suspects anything? Or knows?”

Luna was already shaking her head. “No. She’s still in the dark. But she won’t be for long. Twilight is incredibly smart and resourceful. I’ve never met another pony with her drive for knowledge. She even surpasses the last Valkyrie in that regard. She’ll figure out the truth eventually. And by then, I hope that we will have prepared her as best we can.”

Starshard sighed. “I sure do hope so. I almost couldn’t keep my expression clear when I first saw her. I’ve missed her for a very long time.”

Luna echoed Starshard’s sigh. “I know, Starshard. I have too.”

> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The first thing Twilight noticed when she stepped into the palace’s Dining Hall were the stares. Some were subtle, others were not, but they were there. She could feel them boring into her form as she crossed the hall towards the heavily laden food carts. However, having great practice at ignoring things that bothered her, Twilight simply pushed this fact to the back of her mind and focused instead on getting something to eat. After all of the afternoon’s excitement, Twilight was fully prepared to stuff her face until she couldn’t move from her spot. Heaping her plate high with her favorite foods, her mind drifted back to a couple of nights ago, when she had been unable to eat. She’d been so paralyzed with fear over something completely silly. And she knew it, too. Of course, just because she knew this now didn’t mean that a tiny part of her hadn’t been afraid of being overlooked. Twilight headed towards her usual table without thinking. But as she went to set down her heavily laden tray, Twilight became aware of a few of new additions to the table, not counting the four other orphans who normally sat there.

        The first one, surprisingly, was Rarity. Why she was all of a suddenly joining the other four orphans after a year of avoiding them was beyond Twilight, but she did have a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with Princess Luna. The other two were both pegasi a little older than Rainbow Dash; judging by their quiet discipline, they were probably from the Wonderbolt Academy. Twilight also took careful notice of the weapons they had brought with them, leaning casually on the wall behind them. One was a large and simple broadsword, designed primarily for heavy combat, definitely sturdy. The other was a metal rod looking contraption Twilight quickly recognized as a lightning caster.Twilight took her spot in the center of the table, making sure her own weapon was going to be fine without having to take it off. Ever since Luna had said actually wearing a weapon was allowed, Twilight hadn’t wanted to stray too far from Grace. For some absurd reason it made her feel safer. Finally, Twilight glanced up to be introduced to the newcomers.

        Rainbow Dash, who’d been waiting for her fellow orphan to situate herself, did just that. “Twilight, this is Lightning Dust”-- A teal coated Pegasus with a mustard yellow two toned mane-- “and Ditzy Doo.” The last was a grey pegasus with slightly off kilter eyes. Both nodded at Twilight, before Lightning Dust spoke.

        “So you’re the famed Twilight Sparkle we’ve been hearing about.” She extended a hoof to bump to Twilight’s. “You’ve had the Academy in a bit of an uproar these past couple of nights.”

        Twilight arched an eyebrow. “Why?”

        Lightning Dust shrugged. “Apparently you upset quite a few nobles when Princess Luna barely even glanced at their sons and daughters and immediately made for you. We’ve been listening to cadets whine and complain that their siblings were ignored, haven’t we, Ditz?”

        The grey pegasus nodded emphatically, proclaiming, “Yup! Its kind of funny, really. Apparently they thought Twilight would be forgotten, with her parents dead and being the last of her line and all.”

        “Ditzy!” Rarity exclaimed. “That was a rather impolite thing to say.”

        “Its okay, Rarity,” Twilight was quick to interject, smiling at the bubbly pegasus. “Truthfully, anything that upsets the nobility is fine by me.”

        Rarity sighed, a bit dramatically. “I’m inclined to agree with you there, Darling. I guess I’m rather fortunate that my foster family lets me come and go as I please. They weren’t expecting me to become one of Luna’s students, but when I did they were quite pleased. Even so, they’ve not really tried to use me as a means to climb up the social ladder.”

        Discussion from there dissolved into the rather pleasant banter that usually accompanied dinner. Twilight found that she was rather liking both Lightning Dust and Ditzy Doo. The former was almost like Dash in a way, outspoken and wanting to be the center of attention. It was actually kind of funny watching Dust and Pinkie compete to see who could gain everypony’s attention better. As for Ditzy… well, she was Ditzy. Twilight had heard talk of the pegasus before, but never would have associated the rumors with the cheerful mare across from her. The way the rumors had it, Ditzy was an insanely clumsy and unapproachable flier who’d rather barbeque you with her lightning caster than look at you. Seeing the mare in the flesh… it was hard for the unicorn to believe anything that talk said. But then she mentally scolded herself. What would Rarity say if she knew that Twilight was actually putting stock into mere rumors? The thought caused the unicorn to grin inwardly. Her amusement was cut short, however, as the three cadets at the table froze. They seemed to be staring at somepony behind Twilight. But before the unicorn could turn around, one of the newcomers spoke.

        “So, this is the table all the losers congregate at, huh?” The voice immediately made Twilight dislike the speaker. It was rough and barely cultured, and seemed to grate upon the ears longer than normal. Before anything else could be said, a second voice chimed in.

        “Hey, who said you guys are allowed to carry weapons inside the palace? Especially you, Plum. You don’t even have yours leaning upon the wall. Somepony could get in trouble for that.”

        Dust and Dash looked like they were about tear into the mystery ponies behind them, but Twilight silenced them with a look. She then rose fluidly to her hooves, and in one smooth motion, turned to face the stallions. There were three of them, all brawn and obviously no brains. She cleared her throat a bit. “First of all, my name is Twilight Sparkle, not ‘Plum’. Secondly, you will find that as an apprentice of Princess Luna, I am perfectly within my rights to conduct my business while armed. Furthermore, seeing as both of those Cadets are accompanying me, I permit them to carry their weapons if they so see fit.”

The pegasus before her, who seemed to be the leader of the trio, apparently didn’t hear a word past her name. “Sparkle? So you’re the tramp Luna decided would make a better mage than the rest of my family!” The bully practically shouted his sentence to the entire hall to hear, and the area fell silent, eyes boring into the confrontation before them.

With barely a glimmer from her horn, Grace unsheathed itself and came to rest at Twilight’s side. “What did you call me?” Twilight’s voice was so cold, everypony else at the table shivered a bit. The stallions before her either didn’t see the danger approaching, or were just too stupid to recognize it.

        “I called you a tramp. You’re a no-good waste of space who somehow thinks she’s better than one of the most powerful houses in Equestria.”

        The third one piped up, obviously wanting to get in his two bits. “Yea! And what’s that you’re trying to threaten us with? A pig sticker? What, too weak to carry a real weapon?”

        Twilight merely closed her eyes and sighed, a deep sound. She shifted her gaze to some point behind the bullies. “What do you think, Luna? How should I handle this rabble?”

        The three pegasi whirled on the spot, staring up in apprehension at Princess Luna, who had seemingly arrived out of nowhere. “That’s a good question, Twilight. Why don’t you challenge them to a sparring match outside? Dumbbell, Hoops, and Calamity versus you.”

        One of the stallions snorted rudely. “Are you serious? Three well trained cadets against one little mare who’s not even a real mage?”

        Luna surveyed the stallion before her, eyes seeming to pierce his soul. “I’m perfectly serious. If you win, I’ll consider taking one of your siblings as my apprentice.”

        Twilight was shaking her head, smiling softly. “Is this one of your ways of testing me, Luna? If so… Lets see if I can teach these bullies a lesson in humility they won't forget.” With that, the lavender mare sheathed her glaive and began to thread her way out of the hall and into the courtyard beyond. The other orphans and the two Wonderbolt Cadets followed her eagerly. The entire dining hall fell in step behind them, chatting excitedly. There were more than a fair share convinced that the three seasoned cadets were going to walk all over Twilight, but those who knew that Princess Luna chose her apprentices carefully weren’t so sure. Very few had ever actually seen Twilight use her magic. The only thing anyone really knew about the mare was that she spent most of her time with her nose buried in a book.

        Twilight was vaguely aware of the other orphans crowding around her, all talking at once. Twilight, however, turned off her ears; they were not important right now. There would be time later to talk to them, but right now, she had to focus. There was very little doubt in Twilight’s mind that this was a test. Luna had said she wanted to see how proficient Twilight was in actual physical combat. Why exactly Luna wanted to know if she could handle a weapon was beyond the apprentice; undoubtedly having runes emblazoned into an instrument helped, but to her knowledge, most mages didn’t engage in melee combat. They stayed at range and rained down spells before an enemy could reach them. But, then again, Twilight very much doubted that Princess Luna was anything like other mages, or masters for that matter.

Twilight’s hooves took her to the practice enclosure. It was automatic, as it was the same place her and Shining used to spar in the early early eveing before other ponies were awake to watch them. She strode purposefully to the other side of the square while a giant crowd of spectators came to a stop at the very edge. Word had apparently spread like wildfire, because it looked like every student in the city had come to watch the fight. The thought made Twilight a bit queasy, but once more the lavender unicorn pushed those emotions away. If she could spar against the captain of the guard and walk away relatively unscathed, she was sure she could survive this trial. Of course, her brother was only a single pony; here, she was facing three. Once more, Grace sang as she drew the glaive from its sheath. As she held it in her hooves for a brief moment, the familiar weight of the weapon helped to put her even more at ease. She continued to stare at her new weapon, and something within her mind clicked. She had fought with this weapon before. She knew how to best use it. With utmost precision, Twilight Sparkle reared back upon her rear hooves. Her right hoof came forward and her left foot inched back, and she automatically centered the rest of her body to keep herself balanced. At the same time, her left hoof stretched out slightly in front of her, while her right reached out behind her, Grace held diagonally with the blade thrust above her right shoulder. This further helped improve her balance.

There were more than a few murmurs of astonishment from the watching crowd. Most combative ponies used a combination of their front hooves and their mouths to swing their weapon, while keeping both rear hooves on the ground for stabilization. The three bullies before her on the opposite side of the square, however, merely laughed at her. Apparently they thought she looked rather funny. Twilight ignored their sneers and carefully studied the trio. Dumbbell held a monster of a greatsword. That would give him some impressive reach, but would also slow him down a bit. Hoops was equipped with a pair of small axes; fast attacks, short range, and two weapons to keep track of. Calamity carried the standard mace and shield combination. But then Twilight’s attention was drawn to Princess Luna, who stepped into the center of the ring. She fixed Twilight with a sharp stare. 

“Now, I want a nice, clean fight,” she began, before sweeping her gaze towards the stallions, “From all of you.” Luna then flapped her powerful wings and rose swiftly into the air, and Twilight took that as an invitation to continue. 

The unicorn wasted no time in advancing. She bounded across the ring on her rear hooves, almost like a deer would. The three cadets split up, thinking to hit her from three directions: Front, right, and left. Twilight fell right into the trap, taking another step forward. They were on her in seconds, but instead of the quick victory they had assumed they’d get, they got a faceful of Grace. Twilight moved the polearm easily, parrying the attack of Dumbbell with the blade, sending the massive greatsword screeching off to one side. Hoops then came in, whirling his axes in small circles. Twilight juked to one side, narrowly avoiding one weapon before bringing Grace parallel to stop the second. Calamity ended up backing away swiftly when faced with the butt end of the weapon. Twilight then spoke. “Lesson number one: This ‘pigsticker’ allows me to parry multiple attacks without leaving my guard broken or my sight blinded.”

The fight then began in earnest. The three bullies systematically attacked Twilight Sparkle over and over again. They seemed convinced that if they kept attacking long enough, eventually she would wear herself down. Grace was a blur as it danced in the mage’s hooves, parrying attack after attack. Parry horizontal. Parry vertically. Catch the edge of that broadsword on the blade. Use the butt of Grace to fend off Calamity’s shield slam. Twirl, two short jabs at offending shield. Twist to stop the broadsword from cleaving her in two. On and on and on, never ending always moving. Twilight felt as though she wasn’t in control of her body any more. She was nothing more than a passenger, watching her own hooves as they moved like she had been doing this her whole life.

Twilight wasn’t sure how long they’d been going at it now. She was caked in sweat, her mane plastered to her forehead. She sported several shallow scratches and cuts, courtesy of not being able to dissipate all of the momentum behind a vicious attack. The three cadets might have been just as tired, but if they were, it was pure determination that still fueled them onwards. As Twilight moved to counterattack after a block, she slipped on a slick patch of grass. Then, all at once, her balance was lost. She fell forward, throwing out her forehooves to stop her downward movement. She landed with Grace beneath her and that dreaded broadsword arching down to meet her unprotected back.

Only to meet a hard mana shield. Twilight’s horn flared brighter and the shield launched skyward, jerking the blade away from the unicorn. Twilight regained her hoofing, panting slightly. “Lesson number two: You should remember that your foe is also a mage, and that magic is as deadly a weapon as a physical one.”

The three cadets were about finished, now. Dumbbell had anticipating on striking the mare while she was down and ending it all right then and there. But that didn’t happen, and the three cadets were now folding under the annoyed unicorn’s assault. A hard mana shield slammed into Hoops, sweeping the stunned stallion off his hooves. He lay there on the hard-packed earth, the fight beaten out of him. Calamity took one look at the slowly approaching apprentice and fled, dropping his weapons and trying to shove his way out of the crowd of spectators. Dumbbell, however, lived up to his name in more ways than one. He charged at Twilight, rage driven and determined to end the lavender mare who’d caused him so much embarrassment and pain. Twilight was waiting for him. She stabbed out with the blade of Grace and twisted the weapon at the same time, ‘stinging’ Dumbbell’s hoof and causing him to drop his heavy weapon. Twilight was upon him in seconds, lifting the struggling stallion up with a burst from her horn. Twilight spoke softly and furiously.

“Lesson three. You would do well to remember that so long as I still take breath into this body, House Twinkle lives. And the last time I checked, House Twinkle outranks yours.”

And with that, Twilight released the cowering cadet. She retrieved Grace and fit it back into its holster, and as she did so, she became aware of the tumult of noise around her. Stunned murmurs and the occasional cheer cut through the air as the weary unicorn turned to find Princess Luna. Her mentor nodded softly at her, indicating approval. Twilight could barely do much more than smile once in return before making her tired way back up to the Dining Hall. She had a dinner to finish, after all.


<<((*))>>


Princess Luna sat up in her study when the knock resounded at the door. It was late and most ponies were already in bed, but Luna knew who this was. “Enter.”

In walked a weary Twilight Sparkle. The young mare still sported the aftereffects of her little battle. She had been so focused on filling her belly with some sort of sustenance she had flat out refused to go to the hospital wing to get healed. Studying her student silently, Luna decided that it really made Twilight look the part. The Lunar Princess could almost believe that it was the Valkyrie standing there, having just returned from a successful defensive skirmish. Luna mentally shook that image away; there was still a ways to go yet before Twilight was ready for that title and its responsibilities. Luna was the first to speak, already guessing Twilight’s first question.

“That was your trial in combat, Twilight. I had told you I wanted to see how proficient you were, and the opportunity presented itself.”

“But against three opponents? Most others would have fallen.”

“But you did not, which shows you have far greater strength in you than others know.”

“I almost died, Luna!” The Lunar Monarch flinched slightly at the raised voice. So this was what was bothering her student. “If not for my magic, I would have left this world for good.”

Luna composed herself; she couldn’t afford to show the raw emotion running through her at hearing Twilight so frightened. “And they will be punished accordingly. Dumbbell especially. They were only supposed to defeat you in honorable combat. I had not anticipated them to act so out of hand. It would appear that I made some nobles rather angry, in accepting you as my apprentice.”

Twilight huffed. “You could say that again.” She was silent for a moment, before finally shifting slightly. “I also have a bit of a question.”

The princess raised a brow. “Oh?”

“When I was out there fighting… It felt as though I had lost control of my body. I’ve never, ever fought like that before, even against Shining Armor. I knew what to do. How to fight like that. How to keep myself centered. I knew that my odd fighting style would be unpredictable to those unaccustomed to it. Why, Luna? Why do I suddenly have all of this knowledge?”

Luna had to work to keep her face calm. Twilight was advancing along at an almost frightening pace. Her mind raced, scrambling for something, anything, to tell her student. Finally, she spoke. “Looks like I may have to have a word with Starshard about using the Link to influence you. You’re not going to learn much on your own if she’s helping you too much.”

Twilight breathed a slight sigh of relief. “I thought it was something a little more sinister. Tell her I’d much rather learn things on my own. I’m… also sorry for raising my voice at you earlier.”

Luna inclined her head. “I feel you were perfectly within your rights to shout at me, Twilight. But, I feel you also learned a valuable lesson tonight, and one that could be very important to your future studies: Never be afraid to involve magic in a fight, even if your opponents do not have any. As you saw tonight, it may save your life. Now. I want you to return to your quarters, and get some sleep. I know you are exhausted, and your training continues tomorrow. While your Link to Starshard was a huge step in your studies of Necromancy, it was also just the beginning. There is quite a bit more for you to learn before you are ready to move on to the next branch of magic.”

Twilight tilted her head. “Where is Starshard, anyway? I didn’t even see her at the fight.”

“I believe she has taken up residence in one of the many unused guest rooms this place has. As to why she did not personally appear, I imagine that her appearance would have been quite jarring-- first of all, because she is undead. Though she might mask some of her nature, there are a few who are bound to pick up on it. Secondly, she does look almost identical to you. That right there would cause even more of a stir. Now, off with you, my faithful student. I have yet to converse with my advisors before I may turn in for the night.”

Twilight bid her teacher goodnight and left. Mere moments after her departure, another knock sounded at the door, and in walked Princess Luna’s oldest friends. The Princess smiled.

“Spitfire,” Luna greeted warmly. The flaming pegasus flashed her trademark grin in response, before tossing herself carelessly into the chair Twilight had just vacated. “Zecora. Always my eyes and ears, yes?”

The zebra chuckled and answered, “The eyes and ears of our Princess we are, EI has our spies wide and far.”

“Shimmer. The reason many of us are still here.”

The pegasus blushed a little. “Nonsense, Luna. All the Corps does is aid recovery.”

“Which is why we are all the more thankful to have you.” Luna turned to the last newcomer, regarding him with twinkling eyes. “Halt. Silver Bit got his nose up his ass again?”

Halter O’Carrick stepped forward, struggling to hide his grin at his Princess’ foul language. Halt never ever smiled. At least, not in all of the hundreds of years Luna has known him. “Of course he does. That stupid Sol thinks he’s better than anyone else.”

“Remind me as to why you’ve not had him locked up, or banished him from Equestria yet?” Spitfire asked.

“He’s not really done anything wrong. I can’t lock up a pony just because he wishes that Corona Flare had brought about neverending day.”

Spitfire snorted, which Luna decided to ignore. “Well, you know why I’ve called you all here, so lets get this out of the way first, so that we might be able to enjoy a little bit of each other’s company before we have to turn in for the night. Spitfire, you start.”

Spitfire seemed to mull over her next words a bit. “Dash is, hands down, probably the best recruit the Wonderbolt Academy has seen since I graced its halls many many years ago.” Everypony in the room gave some sort of exclamation. This was high praise, coming from Spitfire. “That pegasus does things with her wings I’ve never seen any other pony accomplish. She does exceedingly well with pretty much everything--except her actual classes. While she does get good marks in them, they still bore her. Being such a natural flier means that most of the stuff the instructors are teaching her are nothing new to her. I might end up having to place her in advanced classes, like I was. I’ll have to do it cautiously, to ensure she does not get too cocky, but I would hazard a guess she’ll be a full blown Wonderbolt in a year and a half. Maybe less.”

“Isn’t the normal Wonderbolt training program a total of four years before becoming a full fledged member?” Shimmer asked.

Spitfire nodded. “It just goes to show how talented she is, if I think she’ll become a Wonderbolt before I did.”

Luna rubbed a hoof over her chin thoughtfully. “This is interesting, but definitely a good thing. What about you, Shimmer? How is young Fluttershy coming along?”

“Despite being extremely shy of even her own shadow, Fluttershy is already the top of this year’s class. She takes to healing very naturally, and being a Whisperer gives her an even bigger edge. She’s quite interesting to work with when she’s really focused. The other night we had a pegasus come through with a broken wing. At the time, Fluttershy was the only medic in the vicinity, even if she’s still only a trainee. When she beheld the injured pony, her entire demeanor changed. She went from being this timid little pony to being assertive, analyzing the situation and gathering information about the accident. She then proceeded to heal the wing faster, and probably better, than most of our senior medics. She’ll be a useful asset to the team.”

“And Pinkie Pie?” Luna turned towards Zecora.

The zebra laughed. “Miss Pinkamena is a full blown agent in everything but attitude, but even that does not change her aptitude. She has a complete disregard for what is supposed to be impossible, and because of that, she’ll be an agent who’ll be unstoppable.”

Smiling slightly at the shaman’s rhymes, Luna turned towards the last one. “And Applejack?”

Halt frowned slightly. “She’ll make a good Equestrian Ranger, no doubt about that. But she has a stubborn pride streak almost a mile long, one that even her brother can barely bring her out of. To be honest, that stubbornness could be a potential boon. It’ll mean she’ll be less likely to give up ground when on the losing side of a battle. However, she is quite honest and follows orders well. She’s also quite strong, even stronger than her brother, and her brother seemed like he was born for this kind of work. I’ve seen her buck a thick tree clean in two.”

Luna let out a thoughtful whistle. “Hmm. Well, it seems as though things are shaping up nicely. If we play our cards right, we just might be able to beat Corona Flare once and for all when she returns. On a slightly similar subject, we need to decide to do with those three cadets of yours, Spitfire.”

“Banish them, for all I care.” Spitfire retorted. “I’ve suspected those three have been up to no good for a while-- bullying other cadets just because they’re some spoiled nobility brats and are in their second year. But I’ve never had any hard evidence before now. However, shortly after their tussle with Miss Sparkle, three other cadets approached me with concerns about their bullying: First Year Rainbow Dash, and Third Years Lightning Dust and Ditzy Doo. Apparently they decided almost killing your student was reason enough to finally report them for their acts at my Academy.”

“Perhaps banishment is just what they need. Whether or not it will be permanent, I am not sure…”

Spitfire shrugged. “Don’t matter to me. I also must say, I thought for a moment that your student belonged in the Wonderbolt Academy, and not learning under you.”

Luna smiled at that. “Yes, I am quite proud of her.”

Halt shook his shaggy head. “You always knew how to pick the strong ones, Luna. Does she know yet?”

Luna was already shaking her head. “No. And I’m not going to tell her. Not yet. I will, when she is ready to bear the burden of our mistakes. When she is ready to finally call the other Orphans her friends. But for now, let us forget about the uncertainties of the future, and enjoy each other’s company this night.”

> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In one of Canterlot Castle’s many private forges, a marshmallow mare was preparing to be hard at work. Her mane lacked its usual coiffer, instead done up in a tight little bun to ensure it would not get in the way. Normally, she wouldn’t be here. Not since she’s mastered everything about metalsmithing Princess Luna and her forgemasters could teach her. But her presence here was special. Try as Luna might, the Monarch couldn't hope to keep her plans a secret when she came to Rarity, asking the talented mare to work her craft once more. Rarity, of course, had been extremely enthusiastic. Not only would she be able to ply her trade, but she was creating equipment for the new Valkyrie. Armor, to be exact, as well of a couple of other things that could prove useful. Armor that just happened to be the right size for Princess Luna’s own powerful protégée. Rarity, for her part, knew exactly who it was for. There was only one student of Luna’s who held the actual title of protégée, after all. It also helped that Rarity still recalled Twilight Sparkle’s exact measurements from a couple of years ago. That mare hadn’t grown all that much since then.

Despite what other ponies might think about Orphans in general, Rarity was not stupid. If Luna was grooming a new Valkyrie, after years and years of not having one, something big was going to happen soon. She didn’t pretend to know what, exactly, and even her slight penchant for gossip wasn’t cause enough for her to wonder. But she could think of no other pony more suited to the title and all it entailed than Twilight. The studious mare didn’t see it yet, but she was leader material. Rarity knew this without a doubt. The rest of their band of Orphans knew it. Its what had caused them to come together to face an uncertain world that disliked them simply for having the ear of the Princess. Twilight might not want to admit it, but they were all friends. Maybe not close friends, true, but it was there. They’ve already been through so much, and even now they were still sticking together as much as possible.

Rarity shook those thoughts from her head and once more focused on her movements, prepping her forge for the task ahead. The metal itself had to be extremely thin, almost impossibly so. The only thing the metal part of the armor would be used for was to give shape to the rest of the structure. Naturally, brightsteel was the only reasonable solution; it could be compressed so thin it resembled a piece of paper, yet could still turn aside even the sharpest of weapons. Over the brightsteel was going to be a layer of compressed magic, allowing ease of movement even if the wearer were not used to the heavy weight of the armor. Then, the last layer was going to be amethyst, mined from the Canterlot mines far beneath the castle itself. This amethyst would then have some of the most powerful enhancements any mage could offer placed upon it. In reality, this armor was going to make its wearer a living fortress. It was designed to be light, with full range of movement. The amethyst would then give it a pleasing color and provide some natural protection against magic and weaponry. Then the enchantments and other protections would further offer defensive capabilities. It was, quite easily, the most daunting task Rarity had ever been assigned.

Of course, this really didn’t concern Rarity. She knew what she was doing. Daunting or not, it would be done to perfection. Deciding that she was ready to begin, Rarity picked up the pieces of brightsteel and held them before her, testing their weight with her magic. These were solid nodes, and would serve her well. She placed all three cantaloupe sized pieces into the forge. She would not use all of them, but what she did not use in the crafting of the armor could be used for other things. With a slight flare of magic from her horn, Rarity fed magic into the fire, causing it to burn three times as hot as before. Normally she wouldn’t dare use magic to speed the process, but doing so would cause the brightsteel to become familiar with the touch of magic, preventing the metal from rejecting it later. So long as she was careful, speeding the process wouldn’t mar her work. After several moments and when the metal was a cherry red, Rarity used her tongs to remove the brightsteel from the fiery forge. She then laid the metal on her anvils and, with a practiced series of blows, hammered the metal into large plates that were no more than a half an inch thick.

Finished with each plate, the metalsmith then dropped them into a nearby trough of brine. The unicorn paused in her work once more, and then, mentally determining that the metal had cooled sufficiently, pulled all three oblong sheets from the watery substance. Then the mare produced a block of sandstone from her tool station and proceeded to scrape it against the plates to remove the unpleasant black scales that had formed upon the brightsteel. As she scoured the plates, the crystalline structure of the metal was revealed. Rarity set aside one of the plates of metal and examined the other two; it was imperative that the metal she used was of the highest possible quality, and only by examining the crystals could she ensure that her work could proceed. Deciding that the quality of the metal was as perfect as she could hope for, Rarity moved back over to her forge and superheated the brightsteel once more.

This time she left them in the flames until the metal was blindingly white, then removed the metal and slapped both pieces down upon her anvils. Hammers pealed in tandem as they struck the metals, creating a musical symphony. Then, on each plate, Rarity made a cut in the middle, folded each piece back onto each other, and welded those pieces together. As the color of the brightsteel began to fade from white to yellow, Rarity again placed them within the forge. Four more times she repeated this procedure, heating the metal and folding it back upon itself. At the end, she could easily bend the precious metal without it tearing; exactly what she wanted in the first place. Next would come the task of actually fashioning the suit of armor, a feat that made Rarity glad she was a unicorn. Even though her training had taught her how to create metal things without magic, like an earth pony, the fact that she could use her magic made things a whole lot easier in the long run.

Rarity continued her work for a long time. Once the single piece suit of armor had been finished, it was time to fuse it together with the amethyst. The air practically hummed with magical energy as the metalsmith continued her task. This part was actually quite easy, as amethyst responds well to magic and is willing to change its shape, so long as somepony knows how to handle it. Rarity eventually began to run on autopilot, her magic completing its tasks without her actively thinking about it. Even though she had only done something like this once before in a lesson, thanks to her penchant for details, once was all she needed to recall every step required. Naturally, with her mind having much more free space, it once more began to wander.

Unlike other students within Canterlot were sure to act when they found out, Rarity couldn’t feel any sort of animosity towards Twilight Sparkle. Sure, being the Valkyrie meant prestige and recognition. It meant the only other pony higher on the chain of command was Luna. But it also meant having hundreds, if not thousands and millions of underlings looking up to you. Expecting you to know what to do no matter the situation. It meant a whole lot of dedication to the Crown, and aiding Luna with the running of Equestria. Rarity didn’t want any of that. It would take far too much out of her if she even tried. It was much easier to be the realm’s most talented metalsmith, than to have so much responsibility thrust upon her shoulders. She could only hope that Twilight would be up for the task too.



<<((*))>>




Fluttershy loved her job. Granted, she was not yet a full blown medic, but she knew she was getting there. And just as surely as she felt herself approaching the completion of her training, her shyness was starting to recede. Part of it, she knew, was from the cloak they had given her-- Head Medic Shimmer, that is. A vast majority of the members of the Medic Corps in the field had one; not only did it distinguish them as a healer, it also provided something else: protection from emotions that could cause a field medic to hesitate. Some emotions, Fluttershy had learned, were good. Compassion, for example, was not something negated by those wondrous cloaks. Compassion for a wounded comrade on the field of battle could speed up a medic’s work, make them eager to take care of the patient. Courage was another emotion that the cloak did not foil, and even sometimes gave to the wearer. Courage could allow a medic rush to the aid of those in need while in the heat of battle.

For some, the cloak blocked emotions like fear-- fear of failure, of not being fast enough. For others, the cloak blocked hesitation. The slightest bit of pause could cost the patient their life. For Fluttershy, however, the cloak blocked a very important thing: Her shyness. Most of the time, without that cloak of office, Fluttershy was her usual painfully shy self. Once she put that cloak on, she was a different mare entirely. She could feel it. She was assertive. She was in control, and her head was clear enough to make solid decisions while working. And what was even better, she was starting to slowly come out of her shell even with the cloak off. And to her eyes, that right there was the best part of her training. It was surprisingly nice to be able to look ponies in the eye and not flinch away, or immediately hide behind her mane.

At the moment, Fluttershy was the medic on duty at the front of the main hospital the Medic Corps were stationed at. Why they called it a hospital, Fluttershy was not entirely sure. The towering building was more like an army headquarters that just so happened to have hundreds of rooms to hold patients. Ordinarily, Fluttershy might have questioned why she was the only healer on duty in the reception area; should a patient suddenly be admitted, it would be up to Fluttershy to take care of them, see if they could be healed, and have a room prepared for them if they needed to stay a while. But, Fluttershy knew that Head Medic Shimmer had faith in her. If Shimmer decided that the buttery pegasus was capable of being at this particular post, then Fluttershy would stay here until she was relieved. She was not about to let her mentor down.

Fluttershy’s ears quirked, snapping to attention. All was silent. She had thought, for the briefest of moments, she had heard a siren. She strained her ears, trying to catch the elusive sound again. The emergency dispatch teams were the members of the Corps out in the city, at numerous smaller bases. Each member of the EDT carried special magic infused gems, that, when activated, flashed blue and red and emitted a shrill warbling. It warned ponies to clear a path to the closest hospital for the EDTs to take. About the time Fluttershy had decided she had imagined it, the sound came again, and this time stayed. It was faint still, but growing louder by the minute. Fluttershy trotted over to the massive double doors and shoved them open, magical clasps keeping them that way. Then, she waited. There was only one hospital in this area of Canterlot, after all.

Fluttershy saw the flashing lights far before the EDT came into view, bouncing off of buildings and lightning up the night sky.The wailing sirens grew to a crescendo of sound, nearly deafening the pegasus. Then the EDT appeared, six earth ponies strong, bearing a stretcher with something on it. The bright lights made it hard for Fluttershy to see what. The six earth ponies skidded to a halt in front of the pegasus, blowing hard, and the sirens mercifully stopped. Without wasting a moment of time, Fluttershy approached the team to see exactly what she was up against. One of the earth ponies, the captain of this unit judging by her short cloak, noticed Fluttershy approaching and spoke, heaving great breaths as she did so.

“Giant club fire--down in Night District. Numerous-- were wounded, but this one-- was too severely burned-- for the hospitals down there to deal with.”

Fluttershy barely heard the words, staring past the captain with a dawning sense of horror. The pony on the stretcher was so badly burned that at first, Fluttershy couldn’t even tell it was a mare or a stallion. Upon closer inspection, the medic in training determined this was a mare, as her features-- what little of them had not been burned-- were less blocky than a stallion’s. Aside from that, and the horn protruding from the mare’s forehead, there was almost nothing remaining to identify who this mare was. What was left of her main and tail was covered in soot. Her coat and cutie mark was a mystery with all of those burns. The only other thing that could have identified the unicorn was a melted mess of purple colored plastic perched upon her nose, that might have been a pair of fashion glasses at one point in time. The mare, to Fluttershy’s astonishment, was still breathing, but even she could tell it was weak and harsh.

Even as the medic took all of these details in, her cloak was working to neutralize the horror freezing her in place. In control of her limbs once again, Fluttershy rushed to the burn victim to begin her analysis. Luckily, the unicorn did not seem to be wearing any clothing. This was a good thing, as it would make her treatment much easier later on. The only thing that would pose a problem was the melted plastic stuck to the unicorn’s muzzle, but that was something that could be taken care of later. From within her ever present satchel Fluttershy withdrew a long, thin tube. She gently prized open the victim’s mouth and fed the tube inside; this would allow medics to use a small ventilator to help the air passageway to remain open. Sticking the other end of the tube into her mouth, Fluttershy blew air into the tube slowly. Judging by the slightly stronger breaths the unicorn was now taking, her airways were clearer.

She motioned to the exhausted emergency dispatch team and they began to move inside the hospital. Several other medics met them, having heard the sirens and flashing lights. They joined Fluttershy on either side of the patient, checking for severe shock and other complications. Aside from being unconscious, the burned mare didn’t seem to be suffering from shock, but it never hurt to be sure. The medic in training led her small posse directly to the burn center, where real treatment of the mare could commence. Fluttershy had done all she could by ensuring that the unicorn could still breathe, but the rest was beyond her capabilities. The victim would have to be injected with fluids, to replace those lost and to make sure she didn’t go into shock. Then she’d have to be placed in one of those special burn tanks, while doctors and surgeons set about the task of healing her and regrowing her body. Deciding that the unknown unicorn was in good hooves, Fluttershy decided it would be a good idea to return to her post.

Instead, as she turned around, she came face to face with Shimmer. Fluttershy meeped, startled. “I--I’m sorry, Head Medic. I--I didn’t see you there.” Her accursed shyness was returning, despite the cloak’s effort to dispel the emotion.

Shimmer was smiling gently. “There is no need to be afraid, Fluttershy. And I certainly did not mean to startle you. You did well, with that mare.”

Fluttershy perked up a bit. “Really?”

Shimmer nodded once. “Yes, you did. You remembered your training, and because of you, that mare is likely to live to see another day.”

The Head Medic’s apprentice blushed at the praise. “I, um, I just did what I could.”

“Exactly. You didn’t hesitate, you just acted. And, in light of this, I think it is time we start the next phrase of your training.”

Fluttershy tilted her head. “You mean, um… advanced training? Or something?”

“I guess you could call it that. I’m going to start teaching you the art of combat.”

The pegasus squeaked at that. “C-Combat? But I don’t--”

“Yes, Fluttershy. It is time I taught you how to fight. We Medics cannot always rely on our comrades to protect us while we’re on the battlefield, doing our jobs. The Medic Corps have their own style of fighting, one that has served us well. For we do not fight with weapons, dear Fluttershy. We fight with utensils. Mixtures designed to confuse and incapacitate a foe."

“O--Oh. I guess that’s better than fighting with weapons, and killing.”

Shimmer shook her head. “Of course we don’t fight to kill! We save lives, not take them. Report to my office early tomorrow morning, and we shall begin. You are dismissed, Trainee.”

With only a small nod towards her mentor, Fluttershy retreated towards the front doors. The walk to her foster parent’s house was full of thoughts about what Shimmer had just told her.

> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Commander Spitfire leaned against the oak fence surrounding the practice area, keeping an eye on her newest recruits. She pawed the turf with a forehoof thoughtfully. There were a grand total of twenty six new Cadets this year. All of them were completely green behind the ears, but in time, they’d all make fine Wonderbolts. Well, except for one. The familiar chromatic mane stood out glaringly from the rest of the Cadets, practically screaming, “I’m different!”. Spitfire had meant what she had told her Princess. Before long, Rainbow Dash could easily take over Spitfire’s position, if the Commander ever decided to retire. However, that abrupt turn of thoughts made her smile wryly. Her, retire? The thought was preposterous. Commander Spitfire has been commanding officer of the entire Wonderbolt military division for the past thousand years at least, and it would probably be several thousand more before she would be spent. That thought, naturally, led to yet another. Such a long timespan, to be in service to Equestria and her beloved Princess. Once upon a time, it had been more than one Princess she had served… And as soon as she had that thought, Spitfire mentally slapped herself and buried the painful memories yet again. She really needed to get her mind to stop wandering like that.

Spitfire forced herself to return back to idly watching her Cadets. They had each split off into pairs, sparring with each other. Each was dressed in a light chainmail tunic, heavy padded helm, and had wooden taloned caps on their hooves. Eventually, the recruits would progress to drilling with actual hoof caps-- albeit with blunted edges and points, and then later would choose the weapon they planned to master. But that was still some months away, by which time the less suitable recruits would have been weeded out. It was quite normal for at least a third of Wonderbolt applicants to drop out of the harsh training in the first three months. Sometimes it was the pegasus’ choice. For others, it was at the discretion of his or her instructors or, in extreme cases, Spitfire herself. The Wonderbolts were harsh and standards were strict. They had to be. The practice yard rang with the thudding of wood against wood. At the head of the yard, Captain Soarin called the standard strokes that were being practiced. As he called out the sequence, one Cadet would administer the attacks while the other blocked them. Then, when Soarin started the same sequence over, the second Cadet would deliver while the first blocked.

Five third-year cadets, under the direction of Lieutenant Fleetfoot, moved among the pegasi, attending to the detail of the basic hoof strikes: correcting a wrong movement here, changing the angle of a stroke there, making sure another recruit’s caps weren’t dropping too far as he or she struck. It was rather repetitive work under the glaring hot sun, but it was necessary. These drills might be what decides if a Wonderbolt lives or dies at some later point. These basic moves needed to be instinctual, plain and simple.

It was actually with this thought in mind that Spitfire once more found her eyes returning to Rainbow Dash and her sparring partner, a promising young filly named Flitter. She had been watching Dash for some time now, observing the strikes the chromatic Cadet was delivering. As Soarin called out the basic strikes, Rainbow Dash was adding an extra stroke or two to her strikes, and somehow managed to not fall behind in her timing. If that wasn’t interesting enough, she was teaching Flitter how to do it. Dash would add in an unexpected and uncalled strike, Flitter would counter, and then, within the next sequence, Flitter would perform the same move. Dash would counter, and then begin anew. Soarin began another sequence and Spitfire narrowed her eyes, watching the duo attentively.

“Side slash! Overhead cut! Thrust! Backhoof slash! Backhoof overhead!”

And there it was. As Soarin called the backhoof overhead, Dash would deliver it, then immediately switch to a side slash, allowing the block from the backhoof overhead to redirect her weapon into the second blow. Flitter would then perform a swift block and immediately come in with a return side slash as Soarin began the sequence again, starting her return attacks. The move had been so lightning fast, it would have been devastating if Flitter had not blocked it. The opponent's own guard would have been raised high to stop the backhoof overhead, and wouldn’t have been able to get his guard down fast enough to stop the attack from the side. Spitfire continued to watch as Flitter delivered the sequence, then, like Dash, added the blazing side slash. Dash blocked, and prepared to start anew. Spitfire had first became aware of this situation from the corner of her eye, noting a slight variation in the normal flurry of activity. And even then, the extra strike came so fast it still took her a while to hone in on where it was coming from.

“Rest!” Soarin called. Spitfire then noticed that while most of the other recruits lowered their weapons and returned to standing on all fours, Rainbow Dash and Flitter maintained their ready position, forehooves up in the classic ready stance. But apparently, somepony else had finally noticed the variation in the drill. Fleetfoot called over one of the third year cadets and had a whispered conversation, gesturing at the pair. Dash and Flitter, still focused on each other, didn’t see the exchange. They both looked up, startled, as the third year approached them.

“You two! At training circle three. What do you two think you’re doing?” Both Cadets looked a little anxious now, even more so when they realized that every eye in the area was focused on them. Including their superiors.

“Ma’am?” Both inquired at almost the same time. It was clear they didn’t understand why they were being singled out.

“Neither one of you are following the correct pattern. Follow Captain Soarin’s call, understand?” Spitfire, now watching carefully, was convinced that the pair’s confusion was very real. The first years shared a slight look, before Dash asked again.

“Ma’am? What’re you talking about?”

The third year was starting to get annoyed now. She hadn’t seen the extra strokes, but now assumed that the first years were simply following an attack sequence entirely of their own devising. She frowned at the pair dangerously, speaking in a voice that was far too loud for the occasion. “Captain Soarin calls the drills. You perform them as he calls them. No more funny business.”

Rainbow Dash looked slightly angry now, glaring at the third year, and Flitter frowned herself before speaking. 

“Ma’am… We did.” Flitter gulped nervously. She knew she was never supposed to argue with a senior pegasus, but she knew they had completed the strokes as Soarin called them.

Spitfire saw the third year hesitate. She still didn’t know what the pair had supposedly done, but had only followed Fleetfoot’s comments. The third year now tried to cover her hesitation with confidence. “Oh you did, did you? Then what sequence did he call?”

Rainbow Dash replied tersely. “Sequence seven, ma’am. Side Slash. Overhead cut. Thrust…”

“...backhoof slash. Backhoof overhead.” Flitter finished for her partner, proving that she had been paying attention too.

The third year looked completely flummoxed now. She had expected the two to hesitate, or try to bluff their way through the matter. But to the best of her memory, the pair had called out the strikes perfectly, and in the correct order. The third year glanced around desperately, looking for somepony to help her. Fleetfoot finally made her way over.

“What’s going on here, Blossom?” Fleetfoot had originally called this to Blossom’s attention and told her to reprimand the pair for deviating from the pattern. That reprimand should have already been delivered, and practice resumed. But now however, the entire class had their attention, and it was being disrupted.

Third year Blossom came to a salute. “Ma’am, both trainees claim they completed the sequence as it was called. They both repeated it in order.”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to rebuke the scathing tone Blossom used, but suddenly decided against such an action. The last thing she needed was demerits.

“Hold a moment.” Fleetfood and Blossom glanced around, a little flabbergasted. They had not seen Spitfire approaching. All around, the rest of the Cadets all came to stiff attentiveness. Both Dash and Flitter paled a little at seeing their commanding officer approach. They looked as though they could already see their immediate dismissal from the Wonderbolt Academy looming upon the horizon.

“Do you recall the sequence, Cadet Rainbow Dash, Cadet Flitter?”

Both pegasi nodded eagerly. Then, remembering that this was not a suitable response in the presence of their senior, they spoke. “Yes, ma’am! Sequence seven, ma’am!”

Spitfire noted that they both called the sequence correctly for the second time. She also doubted that any of the other Cadets could have even come close to calling it right. “Then perhaps you could repeat it for us again,” she commanded, her voice hiding her burning curiosity.

“Take your positions… begin!”

The two pegasi performed the sequence flawlessly, calling the strokes as they went. “Side slash! Overhead cut! Thrust! Backhoof slash! Backhoof overhead!” The wooden caps clashed with each other magnificently. The timing was perfect. The forms of the two first years were completely flawless. Spitfire hadn’t even seen experienced second years able to pull off a sequence so perfectly. But, this time around, there was no extra stroke. After a bit of careful consideration, Spitfire thought she knew why: The first years were focused on getting the sequence correct. They weren’t doing everything by instinct. Soarin, attracted to the presence of his commander on the field itself, slowly approached, asking with his eyes. Spitfire barely shook her head, warning him to step lightly. She didn’t need the Cadets to have their concentration interrupted.

“Sequence two! Go!”

“Overhead cut! Thrust! Backstep! Cap parry! Side slash! Underhand side slash!” Soarin and Fleetfoot were starting to look impressed. The two Cadets were practically chanting the sequence. The partners were moving lightly on their hooves now, hoof caps flickering out and about, following the cadence nearly half as quickly again as Soarin had originally been calling them. Spitfire once more shook her head imperceptibly. She wanted to show them what she was sure was going to happen next. Before Dash and Flitter even had time to think, Spitfire called again. “Sequence seven!”

“Side slash! Overhead cut! Thrust! Backhoof slash! Backhoof overhead!”

“Side slash!” Spitfire snapped and, completely instinctively, Dash executed that dangerous extra move that Flitter neatly blocked with her own blazing speed, then proceeded to do the same thing against Dash. There were very slight noises of surprise from Soarin and Fleetfoot. They understood the significance of what they had seen, and seemed even more impressed on how quickly Flitter had responded to that extra attack.

“Rest!” Spitfire ordered, and once more, her two Cadets immediately returned to their ready stances, forehooves up and weaving slightly on their hind hooves.

“Now, Rainbow Dash, Flitter.” Spitfire said softly. “Do you remember that side slash you executed the first time?”

Comprehension dawned in their eyes at roughly the same moment. “Um… I think so, ma’am.” Flitter replied.

“Sorry ma’am. It won't happen again.” Dash echoed.

“Well, no harm done. Just next time, pay better attention to what is being called.” Spitfire turned away and was a few steps towards the fencing when she casually turned back towards Soarin and Fleetfoot.

“By the way, I want to see you two in my office later. We have some issues to discuss regarding the state of the armory.”

Both senior Wonderbolts nodded. They understood that Spitfire wanted to discuss what had happened here, but did not want Dash or Flitter to be aware.

“Carry on, then.” And as Commander Spitfire turned away, she heard Soarin call out the preparation orders, and then the solid sound of wood striking wood resumed.



<<((*))>>



Pinkie Pie frowned thoughtfully. This by itself was surprising; Pinkie never frowned. Ever. Since the death of her parents, Pinkie became a firm believer in smiling to make the pain go away. And being able to bring smiles to other ponies was just icing on the cake. Or maybe cupcake? Pinkie loved cupcakes more than cake, sure. Cupcakes were travel ready. The pink mare shook her head swiftly, as though to chase away those errant thoughts. Now was the time to focus, not go off on some tangent that had nothing to do with her current mission. The thought of the mission Zecora had tasked her with deepened her frown, if that was even possible. It wasn’t her superior she was annoyed with, oh no. Zecora was a really nice Zebra and an excellent teacher. But what Pinkie was upset about the most was the nature of this mission. Her parents had died in a fire, and being told to investigate the still smoldering ruins of that giant fire from last night made her uneasy, and was thus partially the source of her frown. 

The other part of her frown was simply a by product of wanting to find the culprit who had started the fire. Early intel strongly hinted at the fire being set on purpose, rather than just happening in an accident. So Pinkie was also frowning at the thought of somepony being meany pants enough to deliberately start a fire. Which was why the pink mare was out here in the first place, prowling around the outskirts of what used to be a building. Zecora firmly believed that the only way to learn the trade of an information gatherer was to actually be out in the field at all times. As Zecora had cleverly put it, you cannot hand an agent a book and expect them to learn from said book. There wasn’t any real way to learn what needed to be learned unless you were out in the real world, learning from your mistakes and teaching yourself new tricks.

The Royal Guards still patrolling the wreckage paid her no mind, even going so far as to stare seemingly straight through her. This caused Pinkie’s frown to slowly melt, to be replaced by a slight smile. She touched the gem at her throat, the little thrum of magic telling her it was still active. True invisibility was something only the most adept unicorns could accomplish, so agents of Equestrian Intelligence settled for the next best thing: Being unnoticeable. Rather than attempting to cause light to bend around the pony body like most unicorns do, an Unnoticeable Charm rendered a caster well… unnoticeable. Pinkie didn’t grasp the full mechanics of it, to be honest. All she really understood was that the charm would prevent others from perceiving the fact that she was standing in plain sight. There were drawbacks to being unnoticeable, of course. If she ran into somepony the spell would fail to hide her. If she moved too quickly or made a loud noise, she could be discovered. But slinking past a pair of Royal Guards? Cake. Or cupcake. Whatever.

Once she actually entered the burned building proper, she moved a little easier, knowing that the ash that coated everything would mask her hoofsteps. The sharp tang of burned wood greeted her everywhere she turned, and she wrinkled her nose. Her baby blue eyes glanced around carefully as she tried to decide where to start. She had entered the building from the right side, where the natural shade cast by the store next door made it even easier to make it past the guards. Judging by the stone foundations, this had been a small storage room of sorts. It was far too small to be a part of the main floor, or any of the other private rooms. After some careful prodding, she found a bent piece of metal, like what you would find in the head of an industrial broom. It seemed her assumption was correct, but this room really didn’t tell her much of anything. Stepping lightly, Pinkie moved into what had probably been a long hall once. There were intervals in the foundation, as if doors had once stood there.

Behind Pinkie was the outside, so she moved forward, passing non-existent doors as she went. She cast her eyes carefully from left to right, but these assumed rooms didn’t seem to offer much in the way of clues. Pinkie finally moved far enough inside she made it to what had definitely been the main room. Remnants of a dance floor dotted the ground here and there. In the very center of the room rested what was left of the stage. Trotting over for a better look, Pinkie noted the thick, relatively unscarred chains attached to all four corners. So this had been one of those popular suspended stages then. Hanging from the center of the room, such stages provided increased sound. This one looked as though it had been cracked in two when it struck the ground below, long before the flames had managed to ravish it. Easing gently around part of the stage that was canted upward, Pinkie’s hunch was confirmed as she saw the remains of a small staircase that would have lead up to the stage floor. As the mare went to move farther into the place, she stumbled and nearly fell.

Catching her balance swiftly, Pinkie glanced back at what she had tripped on. Eyes narrowing slightly, a forehoof gently brushed away ash. She had uncovered a fire suppression system. Or what was left of one, anyway. The metal was twisted almost completely beyond recognition, but what caught Pinkie’s attention was the fact that the sprinkler head was still sealed with the protective seal. There was only one reason why the head would still be sealed: The fire had appeared so suddenly, and burned so hotly, that the metal piping had collapsed before the sprinkler could go off. And judging by the destruction around her, the water inside the suppression system had been nowhere near enough to put out the fire. Pinkie mentally filed away this information to be put on her report for later, and continued on.

But no matter how much she probed into the ruined club, she couldn’t find anything other than the failed suppression system. The only thing she really knew was that the fire had apparently appeared out of thin air, and burned hot enough to melt metals and evaporate water before it could be doused. None of this made any sense at all. A part of her wanted to just mark this off as an extremely dangerous accidental fire, but something was stopping her. There had to be something she was missing. As the pink mare turned to start heading back towards the front of the building, though, a slight flash of orange caught her eye. She whirled back around, staring intently. In one of the rear-most corners of the building, there was something orange gleaming there. It seemed to pulse, as though it were some monstrous heart. The only reason she had seen it was because the area it was resting in was overshadowed by the restaurant next door.

Pinkie approached the thing cautiously, almost expecting an attack. But nothing happened. Whatever it was just sat there, like it had been casually tossed aside. The infiltrator in training stopped a short distance away, her head titled quizzically. It looked like nothing she had ever seen before. She stood like that for a long time, observing it. Little strands or darker red-orange snaked across the object’s surface, almost like veins. It was the size of a small watermelon. And all the time she stared at it, it never stopped pulsing. Finally, Pinkie inched forward slowly. As she did so, she began to notice the heat. It grew slightly in intensity as she approached closer, though it never got unbearable. Finally, tentatively, Pinkie reached out a hoof and brushed the strange thing. It was warm, quite warm, but not hot enough to burn. It almost felt as though it was cooling off after whatever it had been used for. 

Pinkie lifted the round object up carefully, but the even closer inspection did not reveal any secrets to her. Hesitating for but a moment, the mare pulled open one of the saddlebags she had strapped to her sides. The thing just barely fit inside, filling the dark space with bright orange light. She waited for a moment, ensuring that whatever this was would not burn through her bag. Then, satisfied that the evidence was secure, she carefully made her way back towards her infiltration point. Pinkie didn’t know if this odd object had caused the fire here or not, but Zecora would want to see it. The zebra might even actually know what it was.


<<((*))>>


Spitfire had barely taken a seat behind her slightly cluttered desk before the Soarin and Fleetfoot entered. While they settled themselves, Spitfire reached off to one side and grabbed a jug of ale sitting there. She took a quick swig of the drink to clear her thoughts before she turned to regard her two officers. The commander folded her forehooves before her as she awaited the inevitable question. It was Soarin who spoke first.

“So, you saw it. What do you think?” Spitfire moved to set the jug of ale on the surface before her, making a simple gesture. Soarin nodded in thanks and took a quick swig before passing it off to Fleetfoot, eyes slowly wandering around the room. Soarin had only been in Spitfire’s office once or twice, and each time it really amazed him at how spartan it was. Other high ranking officers used their important status to decorate rather lavishly, but that simply wasn’t how Spitfire did things. She was efficient and practical, and the surroundings drove home the point.

“I saw it,” Fleetfoot said. “Wasn’t sure if I did at first, but I saw it all right.”

Spitfire shook her head. “You both only saw it once. They were doing it the entire time. At first I couldn’t even pinpoint why the rhythm seemed off. I was watching the overall drill, and not looking at specific areas. It took me a few minutes to hone in on where it was coming from, and then I watched them repeat those moves for several minutes before you became aware of it yourself, Soarin.”

“You mean that wasn’t the only instance?” the male pegasus sounded as if he couldn’t decide what emotion he wanted to feel.

“No, it wasn’t. And it wasn’t just that drill set, either. Each drill you called out, no matter which one it was, they were adding an extra little move that could potentially have devastating effects if put into actual use.”

Fleetfoot frowned slightly. “Okay, I kind of expect something like this from Dash. But Flitter? I mean, she’s a good recruit, but I just can’t see her instinctively doing something like that.”

“It was because Dash was teaching it to Flitter subconsciously. If I were to hazard a guess, Dash is going to make a very good leader someday in the near future.”

“But is that even possible? Teaching a move to somepony else without actually pausing to explain what was going on?”

Spitfire shrugged slightly. “All I know is what I saw. Unless Dash has been coaching Flitter outside of drill practice, it was all instinctual-- like Dash was the leader and Flitter was the follower. Dash is commander material. Plain and simple.”

“Like you?” Soarin asked, an eyebrow arched subtly.

“Yes, like me.” came the steady reply. Spitfire held the gazes of her officers, unflinching.

Fleetfoot seemed to be hesitating with her next words. “Do you think its because of her ties to… well…. you-know-what?”

Spitfire paused to actually consider the question, before the reply: “Yes. There could be other reasons, but this is the one that makes the most sense. But to Inspire others so easily…”

“... She’s going to be even more powerful than you were at the height of your power.” Soarin finished for his commanding officer.

“Possibly. The signs are there. The best we can actually do right now is coach her as best we can. Don’t let her realize that there is something unique about her. She’s got to come into this slowly, or she risks becoming corrupt. And we all know what happened last time, even if you two weren’t here for it. Now, I’m sure you both have duties to attend to. Return to them, and remember: Keep quiet about this to everypony. You’re both not supposed to know half of what you do, but I trust you. You’re dismissed.”

Soarin and Fleetfoot both saluted, touching their right hooves to their left aligned Wonderbolt pins. Then the two lesser officers turned smartly and left Spitfire alone with her thoughts.

	

> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        A hazy fog of green magic permeated the room. It swirled and eddied gently in the small practice chamber, creating a perpetual gloom that would probably be fitting at a haunted house. In the center of it all stood a lavender unicorn, eyes clenched in concentration and horn awash with power. A rather adorable scowl accompanied her features as she maintained her casting. At her left side floated a glaive on a bed of magic, a green glyph glowing bright on the weapon. To the unicorn’s right stood an undead that could have been a twin of the practicing unicorn, if it weren't for the majestic wings resting folded upon her form. The undead’s luminous gaze never wavered from her partner, as if willing the spell to take form. Slightly behind Starshard stood the powerful form of Princess Luna, staring at her student with an almost feverishly proud gaze. There was nothing said, no sounds uttered save the steady hum of magic at work.

        Slowly, ever so slowly, a form began to appear. First a head, followed by a slender neck and shoulders. The figure grew sharply and then actually climbed up out of the ground, shaking its forehooves as it did so. The form then began to shake its entire body, as though shrugging off the last vestiges of death. The creature was definitely a mare, as seen by her slender form and roundish face. Her entire body seemed to be made of a dull white bone, little fragments knitted together to complete it. Her mane and tail resembled liquid mercury, hanging flat and limp around her form. Her eyes glowed a luminous yellow, though there were no iris or pupil, or even any hint of an eyeball at all. Then, as the magic completed itself, proud pair of wings sprouted from the creature’s back, made from the same materials as her mane and tail.

        With a small echoing pop of discharging magic, Twilight’s horn ceased its bright glow. She released a pent up breath of exertion and finally opened her eyes. They immediately sought out the fruits of her labors, widening slightly as they did so. The creature before her cocked her head in an obviously intelligent and self aware gesture, but did not speak. The apprentice approached slowly, trotting a gentle circle around the object of her fascination. As far as she could tell, Twilight Sparkle had completed her spellcasting perfectly. Rather than second guess herself, the mare turned to her necromancy tutor expectantly.

        Soulshard allowed a brief grin to flash upon her bold muzzle. “Well done, student. You’ve successfully summoned your first elemental.”

        “Did I do it correctly? Did I miss anything?” The unicorn tried to keep the rising excitement from her tone, with mixed results.

        Soulshard moved forward a few paces, studying the elemental. “Overall, your form was good, and strong. You took the incantation and immediately started casting with it, while others would have been rather stumped. You did take a little too long to summon her, but that’s to be expected on your first try. You’ll become faster and more comfortable the more you practice.”

        Twilight glanced up. “So what’s she made out of?”

        “An astute question. Elementals differ from caster to caster. No two are exactly the same, even elementals summoned from differing planes of magic by the same caster. In this case, your elemental consists of the ivory often found deep beneath the earth-- remnants of an age long past. Ivory is often used by necromancers to enhance their spells in certain ways, though I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a necromancy elemental made from the stuff. Undoubtedly she could make a powerful ally in the future.

        “Her mane and tail aren’t really there at all, and are merely a projection of the elemental’s will. This is the only part of the summoning process that the elemental can influence themselves; it's how they give themselves a personality. Seeing as hers has the appearance of liquid mercury, she’s probably rather cool and level-headed most of the time-- just like her creator.” At these words, Twilight felt herself blushing slightly. She definitely was not used to praise.

        “Can she speak?” The student asked quickly, willing her reddened cheeks to stop glowing.

        “No. While they are fully self aware and are every bit as alive as you or I, it is not possible for an elemental to replicate vocal cords. Nor can they hear. To instruct an elemental upon a task, the necromancer instead uses his or her will, just like a spell. Go on, give it a try.”

        Feeling slightly foolish for a brief moment, Twilight bent her will into the elemental, as if she were casting magic. To her slight amazement, the elemental immediately broke into a canter around the room before coming back to a rest in front of its master, butting the lavender unicorn upon her shoulder. Twilight glanced up to see Soulshard smiling slightly. “How long will she last?”

        “Well, it depends on the caster. An elemental will stay summoned for an indefinite amount of time, unless severely wounded or otherwise incapacitated. Then they must return to the ether to recharge. To dismiss her, simply will her to do so.”

        Twilight did as she was instructed, then watched as the necromancy elemental disappeared back into what appeared to be a hole in the ground, this time much more quickly than she had left it. “And it is possible to summon different elementals from different magical branches?”

        Soulshard nodded briefly, pleased. “Yes. Most casters can only maintain one at a time, but some exceptionally gifted can summon two. Very rarely can a caster summon three, and I don’t recall a normal caster being able to summon four or more. Even having two active requires a very disciplined mind, as the caster has to continuously watch over both creatures. During future lessons, you will be expected to summon forth an elemental to aid you in your tasks. For now, however, we are done for the day. You’ve made considerable progress in your studies so far, and I think you’ve earned a bit of relaxation. Unless your mentor has any objection?”

        Luna shook her head. “Nay, I do not. Go on, my apprentice. Enjoy the rest of the night, and sleep well. I shall call you on next evening, when it is time to resume your lessons.”

        Bowing once to her princess and nodding slightly to Soulshard, Twilight Sparkle found herself back in one of Canterlot’s expansive halls. Despite the fact that she had been released from her duties as a student, the young unicorn’s mind was still abuzz with everything she’d learned in the past couple of days. Necromancy, as she was quickly starting to understand, was so much more than just summoning the dead to do your bidding. If anything, Necromancers were more of a… “dark warlock” than anything else. In addition to being able to commune and ask the undead for aid, Necromancers could do a whole host of other things-- some that were even helpful. For example, her earliest lessons centered around creating curses to aid as well as harm. Most of them were rather simplistic-- minor blindness, aches and pains, spells designed to make their target quite uncomfortable. But other curses could heal small injuries, mend broken hearing, and even slow down the effects of poison. Twilight meandered on, not even really paying attention to where she was going. She barely realized that she had exited the palace, so wrapped up in her thoughts. 

Today, of course, detailed her first step into summoning an elemental. They were an extension of the caster’s will. Exceedingly durable and easily re-summoned, an elemental was designed to be called upon when in need-- during the heat of battle, for instance. And naturally, the stronger the summoner’s mind the stronger the elemental became. Some mages even used them as a page of sorts, sending elementals out to complete mundane tasks that their masters had no time for. Or, in the case of nobility, tasks they thought beneath them. Elementals could even be used to gauge a spellcaster’s power. If the elemental looked healthier than most, or if a mage had more than one elemental active at a time, it was a sign of quite a bit of power and a willful mind. Twilight found herself wondering if she would be able to summon an elemental from each plane of magic and have them performing tasks at the same time. The thought was completely ludicrous, but it still caused a warm smile to blossom upon her muzzle.

Twilight found herself pausing in front of a gate. A very familiar gate, emblazoned with the mark of her house: a bright burgundy six pointed star, superimposed over another white six pointed star and five smaller white stars surrounding it. With slightly shaky magic, the unicorn nudged open the gate and stepped, for the first time in years, into the grounds of the Twinkle manor. Even after all this time, the place was immaculate, signalling that some dedicated servant or other had been here. The rolling grass hills were neatly trimmed. The main cobblestone walkway had been swept. Trees and glowing lamps still stood sentinel at the sides of each walkway, forming a sort of maze. And off in the distance, Twilight saw and heard a little splash from the pond as a fish jumped. The mare trotted up to the closed front door, her hooves clopping gently on stone. Closing her eyes briefly, Twilight inserted her magical signature into the proud double doors. There was a brief pause, before the sound of magical and physical locks unlocking rent the air. With barely a whisper, the giant doors swung open of their own accord, settling with a muted boom.

Twilight stepped gingerly into the giant entryway. She didn’t really have very many memories of this place. But deep down in her very being, she could feel it. This was her home. No matter how comfortable her quarters in Canterlot was, the Twinkle manor was still her home. The unicorn mare threaded her way deeper into the building, lamps already alight and guiding her way. There was the main dining room to the right of the main hallway, with the kitchen just behind it. It wasn’t hard to imagine servants bustling to and fro, serving her family in happier times. Then there was the living room, complete with one of those new televisions and a couple of couches. Then came the bar, the game room, and the Star room-- complete with multiple telescopes. The second floor consisted of multiple bedrooms. Most were completely empty; even the master bedroom that had to have belonged to her parents. However, the last bedroom she wandered into had to have been her own. The walls matched the color of her coat, and against one wall resided a double sized bed with her House emblem on the blanket. Another wall held an assortment of books and stuff animals, and the north wall held a pretty little vanity mirror.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Twilight closed the door to her old room and proceeded up the stairs to the final floor of her old home. This floor, in its entirety, was a library. Shelves upon shelves of books stood guard over neat little isles. In the center of the room rested several bean bags and reading tables, and there wasn’t a speck of dust to be seen. Since there didn’t seem to be any cleaning spells active, somepony had been in here to clean-- and recently, too. The unicorn prowled the area, slightly in awe at the sheer number of books. This library probably rivaled the Canterlot Archives, and Twilight would bet that there were books here that not even Canterlot held. With a final, longing glance around, Twilight descended towards the first floor. There would surely be time for reading later.

As Twilight came down the stairs, she noticed an open door off to the side with another staircase leading into what seemed to be a basement. Curious, she trotted down. Her eyes widened at what she saw. This… This must have been the private armory of her parents. Weapons were everywhere she looked-- hanging from walls and displayed proudly from showcases. There were simply too many to take notice of at a casual glance. Mechanical training dummies dotted the room here and there, waiting for an operator to activate them. Off in one corner was a roped off fighting ring, very similar to the one she saw in Princess Luna’s armory. As Twilight stepped further into the room, she also began to see entire suits of armor in addition to the weapons-- anything from full plate to half plate, leather and silk. If Twilight had to guess, there was a small fortune down here alone-- and far more instruments of war than she’d seen anywhere else. Her parents had been Equestrian Intelligence agents, but this stuff looked as though it could supply a small army and then some.

Twilight ascended back to the main entryway of her manor, glancing around as she did so. Yes, she could get used to living here again. But… not alone. It was entirely too quiet here. While the bookish unicorn did love solitude on numerous occasions, a home this big was not meant to house just one pony. Maybe… perhaps she could ask her other orphans if they would like to move in? Yes, that would work, if they accepted. Twilight didn’t see why not, after all. It would beat living here without another living soul in sight. Decided upon a course of action and determined to carry it out, Twilight exited the manor with a spring in her step. As she locked the door and turned to leave, a thought also occurred to her. I should really find the ponies responsible for keeping this place maintained and thank them.


<<((*))>>


Princess Luna stared at the object before her in horrified fascination. Her mouth struggled to find words, before she finally spoke. “You’re sure that’s where this… thing came from?”

“Yes, your Majesty, that is exactly where it came from, and it is exactly what you think.” Zecora’s voice was solemn, and she was serious enough to use a formal title. “Pinkamena Diane Pie found this and it so did thrum. Its discovery leads us ever closer to the brink.”

Luna shook her head wearily. “If she’s already capable of sending her agents against us, we’re drawing short on time indeed. We may not have enough time to prepare at this rate. You said the unicorn mare caught in the blaze was one of yours?”

Zecora nodded. “Vinyl Scratch is her real name, but DJ Pon3 when playing the music game.”

“I’d like to see her. Maybe I can speed her recovery myself. If Flare’s already mustered enough power to send a Suntouched, this Vinyl Scratch may have some valuable information regarding the changing world. Does Pinkamena know what this is?”

        The zebra shook her head, earrings jingling.

        “Good. Try to ensure that she doesn’t find out. At least not yet. None of them are ready to have this thrust upon them. If we move too quickly, things will be over before it's even begun.”

> Back to the Past 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        A lone knock echoed around the spacious throne room. Princess Luna of Equestria tore her tear streaked gaze from the window and tried to compose herself.

        “Enter.” Her voice, still laced with grief hours later, was barely above a whisper.

        The ornate doors, depicting the four cutie marks of the Princesses of Equestria, opened slowly. A lone pony stepped through, one of Luna’s Home Guard. The soldier carried something in his orange magic, objects that Luna recognized immediately. The once proud staff may have been splintered, the Nightsteel may have been tarnished from the rigors of war, but the glaive of the Valkyrie was still identifiable. “We found this, Princess. Its the only other part of her we’ve found, save her armor.”

        Luna’s chest constricted painfully, and it was all she could do to prevent herself from falling into helpless sobs. “Then she’s gone. She’s truly gone…”

        The guard removed his helmet and bowed his head, echoing the sorrow of his liege. “I’m sorry, your highness. We did everything we could to find her and bring her back to you.”

        Luna wiped her silently shed tears away almost angrily, then glanced up at the guard again. It was obvious that the Home Guard had seen some heavy, heavy fighting. Several cuts and bruises crisscrossed this one’s face. His armor was dented and covered in a layer of grime. “You should get out of here while you can. Get all of the remaining Home Guard out of Canterlot. Get away from this cursed place.”

        The guard was already shaking his head, lips set into a determined frown. “No, princess. The Home Guard will stand with our charge, just like we have always done in ages past.”

        “This is an order from your princess: Withdraw. I will not let your lives be measured against mine. Go.”

        The guard was already moving back towards the door, helmet sliding back into place. “We’re not going anywhere, Luna. We will guard the throne room. We will hold as long as we can. When those bastards break through, I hope the Home Guard will have weakened them enough for you to mop up their ilk.”

        The doors closed behind the guard with booming finality. Luna stared after him for several moments, before she realized he had set the remains of the weapon right next to the portal. Tears threatened to overcome her barriers yet again. When things went to Tartarus, she was the one there to keep her steady. She was the one to keep things mostly under control, battlehardened far beyond the other three Alicorns, including her sister. And now, she was gone. Her wife. Her other half. Her heart. Gone. There was a slight movement from behind Princess Luna, and she turned slowly.

        There, standing proud as ever, were her four closest friends in the world. They were all making preparations, more than ready to stand with the last Princess of the Equestrian Crown. Captain Spitfire. Loyalty. Leader of the Wonderbolts fighting force and one of the most powerful pegasi to date. The physical embodiment of Loyalty hung about her neck, glinting blood red and shaped like her cutie mark. Zecora. Laughter. For being an unparalleled spymaster, the zebra had an astounding sense of humor and always took the opportunity to make others laugh. Sky blue graced her neck. Then came Shimmer. Kindness. The mare did everything in her power to aid those less fortunate, and still wore her medical coat with pride. Pink glimmered brightly. And finally, Halt. A pony so dependable and honest he would crawl through Tartarus and back for a friend. Orange gleamed cheerfully.

        Luna completed the fifth Element of Harmony. She was Generosity incarnate. How could she not be, with how she treated her subjects? Always spending resources from her own House to improve the lives of the average citizen, and never asking for a single thing in return. Dark purple shined against her black coat, right below her torc. The only Element missing was Magic. And this Element was the reason Luna’s kingdom was on the verge of collapsing around her. With great power comes great responsibility, and her poor sister Celestia simply couldn’t handle the power.

"I thought I made it clear that you four should not be here." Luna's stern voice was slightly ruined with tears still glimmering in her eyes.

"And I thought I had made it clear that we weren't going to be leaving our friend." Spitfire retorted. "Never mind the fact that she's a princess."

"What's with all of my military personnel ignoring my orders?" The dark Alicorn demanded, exasperated.

"Because you're making bad calls." Shimmer snapped. This gave Luna pause. The medical pony never talked like that. However, she rallied quickly.

“Is it a bad call to want to keep those I care about safe? Is it so wrong for me to wish for no more deaths at my hooves?”

"Shimmer has a point." Halt added in his usual slow way. "Even if we could get out of Canterlot, what then? We'd be killed long before we could reach the border. And if by some miracle we're not, do you expect one of the other nations to harbor known 'terrorists'? Nay. I say we test our mettle right here, standing in defiance against the evil that plagues us."

Zecora didn't say anything, but then again she didn't have to. She was as ready for a fight as the rest of them. Luna stood there, mulling over their words. In hindsight, ordering them to abandon her and their home was a bit redundant. The sounds of fighting in the long hallway leading to the room suddenly reached her ears. She heard her Home Guard crying out in a single voice, shouting their fury to the world. Weapons clashed, magic cackled, and bodies slumped to the floor. The fighting was so very close now. Almost right on top of the closed doors. The captain of the Home Guard tried to rally his remaining ponies. His exclamation turned into a pained grunt, then cut off. Hooves beat a staccato upon marble as the sole survivor charged her enemies, shouting her patriotic fervor. For just a moment, this single pony held the line by herself. Luna was pretty sure she recognized this voice that snarled in the face of certain death. But even then, after a solid thirty seconds, she too fell, a whispered apology upon her last breath. Her body hit the wall and fell with a dull thud.

“I’m sorry, too, Li li, so so sorry…” The apology from the Princess of the Night only fell on deceased ears. The other four Elements of Harmony stepped parallel to the Alicorn, faces set into grim lines and weapons at the ready. Yet, all was silent. Seconds lingered far longer than they should have. Were they preparing themselves? Did they think now, after five years of bloodshed, that they’re quest was finally finished? Or were they waiting for a pony to react, one that was no longer with them on the mortal plane? Was there any reason at all to their twisted logic?

Finally, the doors blew open, blasted clear off their hinges and sent careening into the closest walls. As the dust slowly cleared, the attackers entered the room, approaching slowly. Luna closed her eyes in sorrow.

“There they are.”

“We’ve got you now, traitors.”

No attack came. She could feel the other Elements at her side, tensing, preparing for the inevitable fight.

“Open your eyes! I want you to see the ponies that brought you to your knees, tyrant!”

Luna ignored them. She calmed her turbulent thoughts and took deep, slow breaths.

“Sweet Corona Flare, look at her. Basking in the glory of her decadent deeds.”

A white hot flame burned within Luna’s mind for the first time in days. She gulped down a shuddering breath and her eyes snapped open. There were only four of them. Flare’s most trusted followers. Their gazes were hardened, stances battle ready. There were no traces of the decent ponies they once were. As Luna studied them, her anger rose sharply. Honestly, she did not feel sorry for these foals. As far as she was concerned, they were no longer her ponies. Just monsters.

“You have no idea how much pain I am in right now. How much pain you’ve caused me over the course of the last five years.”

One of them stepped forward. Luna didn’t know who he had once been. His armor obscured his coat and cutie mark and his full helm hid his face. “Don’t try to hand us that pile of filth. Everyone knows how poorly you’ve treated us Equestrians.”

Another moved, a mare. “Those five years of fighting can be laid squarely at your hooves, tyrant. If you had cared all that much you would have given up the throne to our Mistress ages ago.”

“Equestrian lives lost are all your fault.”

"BE SILENT, KNAVE!" The Alicorn of the Night shook the entire castle with her voice. “You are no longer Equestrians! You forfeit all claims to that distinction when you joined that usurper and waged war upon my country! And it was all for naught, wasn’t it?! You’ve lost, now. Your Corona Flare no longer stalks this world, and it’ll only be a matter of time before you, too, fall.”

For the first time, there seemed to be hesitation among the creatures arrayed before her. “What do you mean? Mistress is completely fine! Merely resting after her fight with that damned Valkyrie of yours. I note that she’s not here with you. Did she abandon you? Left you, tyrant?”

More anger reared its head, followed by cold smugness. “My wife took your damn Mistress with her. Have you not felt it yet? Your powers slowly diminishing, your every step weakened? It is because the catalyst for your magic is gone. Gone for good.”

There was a shivering beat of icy silence. “You lie! Attack! Kill them! Kill them all!”

The stallion who had stepped forward earlier led the charge, and the remaining Elements of Harmony moved to meet it head on. The first foe crashed directly into Halt, the stoic earth pony a solid wall of muscle and bristling steel. The Element of Honesty flared bright orange, encasing its owner in a faint glow. Spells fizzled against the protection not a single moment later, rebounding in random directions. Spitfire was next into the fray, leaping and diving above her grounded enemies. Loyalty offered its power to the mare’s wings, turning the already formidable pegasus into a winged terror. Zecora found herself engaging two enemies at once, even as Laughter muddled their senses. And the medic Shimmer found her attention divided as she struggled to keep healing and energizing magic pumping into her allies. Watching the ponies she loved almost as much as her wife fighting for their continued freedom, something inside the dark princess snapped. Her willpower hardened, and then she charged into the battle herself even as more rebels charged up the corridor leading to the throne room.

Even with the Elements of Harmony augmenting their abilities, the final defenders were still losing ground. Whatever fell magic Flare had used to enhance her best lieutenants was far more powerful than the splintered Elements. Without their full number the artifacts were quite a bit weaker, and with enemy reinforcements joining the fray it was only a matter of time at this point. Leaving the four monsters to her friends, Princess Luna immediately turned and met the newcomers at the doors. She lowered her head and ran one pony through with her horn, then turned and bucked another so hard Luna snapped the mare’s neck. Another leapt onto the Alcorn's back, sword skating uselessly against the reinforced half armor there. Luna leapt straight backwards and crushed the stallion into the wall.

Slowly but surely, the defenders were pressed backwards, right up against the Equestrian Thrones. The five of them stood before those seats of power, refusing to give another inch of ground. Shimmer’s eyes were glowing with pink power, mouth transfixed into a permanent scowl as she struggled to pour as much healing magic as she could into her comrades. Scratches and other minor wounds knitted themselves as fast as they appeared. Spitfire was still airborne, trying to keep other flyers from taking out Shimmer while simultaneously creating small openings in the never ending tide. Halter had retrieved a two-handed hammer from a fallen foe and worked on making himself the biggest target possible in an effort to keep them away from his team. But the weakened Elements of Harmony were quickly tiring. Each of them knew it was only going to be a matter of time.

Princess Luna suddenly felt numerous magical signatures flaring at the same time; far too many to count. The next thing she knew, the throne room was suddenly filled with multiple flashes of light as teleports completed. The rebels found their attention divided as they were unexpectedly attacked on all sides by unicorns covered head to hoof in gleaming purple armor. Panicked cries were cut off as the purple armored ponies moved through the throne room, cutting down rebels with practiced ease. Those still alive and with their wits about them began to rapidly retreat, some even going so far as to drag their dead with them. The newcomers gave chase down the hall as even more teleports flared throughout the room. As Luna tried to catch her breath, she could only see one word emblazoned upon the armor: Magickaforce. The Valkyrie’s elite commandos had arrived.

One of them approached the battered Elements of Harmony, one Luna recognized. “Princess Luna,” she greeted, bowing her head. Though the visor set in her helmet hid her face, Luna knew the badges upon the armor.

“Your timing was impeccable, Knight-commander Bright Spark. A few moments more and Equestria would have fallen for good.”

“We came as soon as we could. When we discovered that the majority of Flare’s forces were entrenched around Canterlot Palace, we knew what was going on.”

“I’m surprised you’re here at all, to be perfectly honest. I had thought the Magickaforce had disappeared with their liege.”

Bright Spark shook her helmeted head. “Not quite. However, we have been busy. Some of us were scouring the land, confirming without a doubt that she is gone. Others were in her laboratories, securing the Valkyrie’s inventions and research. And even more of us were busy erasing all traces of her from history, and hopefully from memory.”

“Whatever for? What reasons do you have to do such a thing?” Luna couldn’t decide what emotion she wanted to feel.

“Those were her final orders to us. We were to make sure she was gone. We were to prevent others from finding her science, and claiming it as their own. And we were to make it appear like she had never existed in the first place. In a couple of years, Equestria will forget that there had been four Princesses ruling it, which is exactly what was planned. You will be hailed as the sole monarch, so that you may rebuild what was lost.”

“And where will you go? Are you just going to toss aside your oaths, and return to living as normal ponies?”

The Knight-commander actually laughed at that. “No. We will go across the vast sea. We will take all of the Valkyrie’s research. Most of her inventions, that we feel most of ponykind aren’t ready for. And we’ll forge a new life in new lands. We will thrive. We will grow. And when our Mistress returns to the mortal plane once more, the Magickaforce will be ready. We will be prepared, and we will help her deal with Corona Flare for good.”

“There is no changing your mind, is there?”

“There is not. It has already been decided, and while we do recognize you as a leader, Magickaforce only answers to one Princess, and one Princess only. Two if you count her sister. Right now, however, you need to tend to your comrades. Let us deal with the last of the insurgents. The least we can do is offer you a chance to start fresh.”

As Princess Luna turned to check upon her fellow Elements of Harmony, she couldn’t help but reflect upon what the future would bring. She had been given a chance, a golden opportunity to remake Equestria into something even better than it had been. And she knew her deceased wife deserved that much. Whenever the Valkyrie’s spirit regained a mortal shell, Luna would be waiting. So would the Magickaforce. And so would Equestria.

> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

         The air was silent, humid. The same it has been for many years, and probably for a great many more. The twisted forest below was just as silent, save for the steady pitter patter of water upon foliage. The atmosphere was so humid that the mass of growth was practically sweating. Any sort of life that the foliage might have housed had long since gone to ground, and wouldn't return until the much cooler evening, after the blazing sun hanging in the sky dimmed. It was simply the way things were done in this tangled mess of a jungle.

The silence was abruptly shattered by a figure in form fitting deep lavender armor. The quadrupled raced through the trees, from branch to branch, twisting and turning in an astounding display of speed and agility. It's hooves never hit the same spot twice in its mad dash through the canopy. Displaced leaves fluttered gently to the ground far below, to be ignored and forgotten. Barely a minute later, a little ways behind the first armored being, another one appeared, clad in the same armor and moving just as fast. The original caught wind of this, hidden ears twisting back to gauge the distance of its pursuer. Amazingly, the first began to move even faster, flashing through the trees like the bolt from a spell, never once missing a step despite its frantic pace. Even so, the second slowly closed the space separating the two inch by inch. Realizing that outracing the follower was simply unfeasible, the leader suddenly came to an abrupt and skidding halt. Its momentum carried it along the thick tree branch it was on, armored hooves shearing the bark from the limb. As it reached the end of the bough, it threw itself sideways to further arrest its movement. As it did so, two gracefully curved throwing axes materialized from thin air, made of metal black as night, held in a vibrant pink magical aura.

The chaser never even paused. With a quite feminine cry, the second armored figure leapt directly at its opponent with a crossed pike summoned from the aether, in a field of soft teal. One of the throwing axes parried the vicious blow with a clang while the other left the pink aura in a nasty short throw. One of the blades from the crossed pike deflected it off to one side. Like a boomerang, the axe shot back to its owner as the second being tried to press her advantage. It arrived just in time for the first to block a ringing blow from a pike head. The two combatants strained against each other, hoping for a give in their opponent despite their equal strength. The second suddenly shifted just slightly, throwing the first off balance. With a cry of her own, the first fell the short distance to the jungle floor below, her armor easily absorbing most of the impact. Her throwing axes flew from her magical grasp and disappeared into tall foliage. The victor leapt down from her perch and placed one of her pike blades against the defeated throat.

“Face it, Trixie Lulamoon. You lost.”

A snort of laughter escaped the other. “I guess I did, Sunset. I could continue the fight, but honestly, I’m too tired right now.”

Sunset Shimmer deactivated her faceplate, revealing a grinning young pale amber mare with a fiery two tone red and yellow mane framing her visible face in wavy locks. Despite the mad pursuit she had just been a part of, the unicorn looked no worse for wear. With a slight mental command, her helmet hissed open, releasing a short plume of cold air. Still grinning, the mare reached down and offered a hoof to her counterpart.

Trixie accepted the help despite knowing she did not need it. Her own helmet split open and slid into its resting place. While Sunset Shimmer was every bit as fiery as her name implied, Trixie was almost her polar opposite. A pale baby blue comprised her fur color, while her shockingly silver mane lay sleekly upon her head, in contrast to Sunset’s messy waves. Pale pink eyes glared playfully at the other unicorn.

“Well, you managed to finally beat me. More than once, but it's still not enough for you to win our little game.”

Sunset’s grin wilted a bit with a slight sigh. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up Lulamoon. What's the new name gonna be? I swear, if it's something that doesn't even come close to representing what we stand for…”

Trixie let out a cheerful giggle. “Hmm. What about Royal Rangers?”

Sunset made a sour face. “Not gonna happen. That makes it sound like we serve all of the Royals. The next thing we know, they're gonna expect us to follow their orders.”

Trixie frowned. “A valid point,” she conceded. “How does Aether Maidens sound?”

It was Sunset’s turn to look thoughtful. “That works,” she said slowly. “I mean, with Mistress out of the equation, it's still our sacred duty to safeguard magic in her stead. Without us, there wouldn't be any magic. And considering the Magickacorps have always been mares… It works.”

“We'll make the announcement during evening mess.” Trixie paused for a moment, a slightly forlorn expression upon her muzzle. “Do you think mother would be proud of our decision?”

Sunset stepped forward to hug her surrogate sister. “Bright Spark was not my mother, despite how close you and I have always been. However… The answer is yes, I believe she would. Now, come on. It grows late, and we should at least return to eyesight of the watchtowers, lest some foolish native decides we'd make an easy meal.”

The silver maned unicorn emitted a snort of laughter, her spirits bolstered. Retrieving her axes from where they had fallen, she began to pick her way due west, where the city of guardians rested. Sunset moved to follow the first commander, but before the two could get very far a tremor rocked them to their core. Both mares halted, stances widening, eyes dilating and nostrils flaring as they waited for the earth to settle-- earth that hadn't even moved in the first place.

It took both commanders several more moments to realize that the tremor had occurred through their horns and their magic, both of which were throbbing urgently. A second wave assaulted their senses, dropping them to their knees. Trixie cried out in blissful pleasure, and she could dimly hear Sunset panting hotly, excitedly, somewhere nearby. A third time the orgasmic wave rolled through the two mares, filling them with the sheer presence of a long lost Mistress. Both mares spasmed in synchronization, marehoods clenching on something that wasn't there.

Several more minutes passed, but the magical assault seemed to be over. Neither mare could summon the energy to move, and likely would have remained in that position forever had it not been for the deafening, joyous roar that shook the entire world. Before the two could summon the willpower to stand, a massive shape hurtled through the trees. Bits of shattered bark and leaves rained down upon the duo, only to be halted by a glimmering emerald dome of magic. The owner of the magic settled upon its long serpentine legs and blinked a shockingly emerald eye down at the near comatose sisters.

Powerful lungs inhaled a deep whiff of air, and the dragon known as Spike emitted a growling laugh. “I had forgotten what your reactions would be like when She finally called to us.”

Trixie managed to roll her head up enough to glare in mock anger at the behemoth above her. “You're not one to talk, you brute. I know you're just as affected as the rest of us.”

Spike rolled his eyes heavenward. “I don't have an orgasm if our Princess so much as looks at me.”

At this, both unicorns could only blush furiously, although this time it was Sunset who spoke up. “When our very magic is bound to Her in such an intimate way, stuff like this is unavoidable.”

Spike huffed gustily. “You two sound so much like Bright Spark it's scary. Moving on, however, what do you think that was? Draconian magic feels different than alicorn magic, so I'm not entirely sure what to make of that surge.”

Both commanders were silent for a moment, seeming to speak with only their eyes. “I think it was loss of control during a spell casting.” Trixie finally offered slowly, as though trying to make sense of the occurrence.

“Which means that not only has She returned, She's not yet at her full power.” Sunset Shimmer finished the thought. “That surge was a unicorn signature, not alicorn.”

“I didn't think it was possible for an alicorn to be anything but an alicorn.” Spike grunted. “How does that work?”

It was Trixie who offered an answer as she started walking again on shaky legs, leading the other two forward. “If one loses enough power all at once, then I imagine it's not only possible, but plausible. I mean, you can't kill a Goddess. Even if you managed to completely destroy their body, that's all you do. You simply prevent them from manifesting. It may take several hundred thousand tears, but eventually they will return. It's just how Harmony works. It's the same way with their power. If an alicorn discharges enough magic quickly, or has it sealed away, then they no longer have a way to hold onto their standard form.”

“We all know how much effort Mistress put into that final battle,” Sunset added. “Couple that with Her last spell, it's a wonder She managed to return this quickly.”

Spike rubbed an eye with a claw. “That explanation was even longer than Twilight would have made it,” he muttered. Raising his voice back to normal volume, he asked “So what should we do now? Immediately set out to find her?”

Sunset was already shaking her head. “Bright’s orders were clear: we do not return to Equestria until Flare stalks this world again. So for now, we just prepare.”

It was at that moment the duo came within sight of their city; if it could even be called that. The refuge of the old Magickacorps was huge even by regular city standards. As far as the eye could see there were buildings, built from magic and wood and stone. Several of the largest were obviously factories, as evidenced by the towering exhaust vents belching steam into the already hot atmosphere. Other buildings had the look of barracks, with huge fields dedicated to training. There were even a few massive airships hanging in the sky.

Trixie finally spoke again after taking in the most important thing in her life. “The airships are coming along nicely, as are the magic rifles. We will continue to gird ourselves for the battle to come. And when our Valkyrie calls to us, we shall be ready.”


<<((.))>>


Twilight stared at the lingering wisps of magic before her, slightly perplexed. She certainly hadn't expected that magical reaction. She frowned over her hastily scrawled notes, double checking them for accuracy. Even though she was positive she had the equation right, it was still entirely possible that in her excited scribbling she had simply misread what she had written when she went to cast the spell. After several moments of frustrated skimming, she found the problem. Said problem also caused the facehoof of all facehooves. Whipping out her trusty quill (her seventh one in just an hour), Twilight then proceeded to magic the mistake off the page, adding an “e” in the place of an “i”. That simple letter had caused the string of the spellscript to destabilize.

Rereading the entire thing over again at a much slower pace, Twilight allowed herself a moment of calm. Trying to get opposite branches of magic to cooperate was far more difficult than she had initially planned for. If this was the sort of thing the average mage faced when attempting such a feat, it was no wonder casters insisted that combining opposites was impossible. Twilight, however, had refused to be deterred. Having moved on to Nature after Necromancy, the young mare had been enamored with making the two separate forces work as one. And, if she ignored what conventional wisdom claimed, she was having some success. In fact, this was the most interesting part of her experimenting. Two opposite schools of magic could work together astoundingly well; as long as they both followed their own script, at any rate. However, actually combining the two schools into a single script was another matter entirely. But, Twilight had managed to find a loophole: you had to ask the magic to work together, pointing out the weaknesses that would disappear if the two magics co-mingled. Trying to force them wouldn't work, and would often lead to rather… explosive results.

Taking a deep calming breath, Twilight Sparkle again began her casting. Her horn lit with its usual cheery magenta, before slowly adopting the familiar acidic green tinge of Necromancy magic. She read the script to herself this time, double checking her work as she went. As she reached the halfway point, she expertly divided her attention in two, maintaining her first casting while gathering the threads for the Nature school of magic. Nature was colored a much softer green, like leaves you could find in the height of summer. As the unicorn continued her spellcasting the two greens began to mingle, twisting and coiling about each other in what would have been a breathtaking display had Twilight been capable of observing it.

The moments passed slowly, but unlike a few other casters she had meet before, the magical mare barely even registered the passage of time. Rushing a spell often led to unwanted situations, even in a spell that had been cast multiple times previously. A mote of lavender telekinesis reached off to one side to pick up an unobtrusive silver choker. With careful deliberation, Twilight gently eased her spell into the piece of jewelry. There was a brief chime as the magic sank into its target, and Twilight slowly let the dancing magic fade from her horn. Noting that nothing about the choker seemed untoward, Twilight figured it was time to test her experimental creation.

Reaching her magic to the work table beside her, she withdrew a bit from her coin pouch. She hesitated only a moment before launching the coin at the choker with as much power as she could safely muster. There was a flare of dual acidic and leaf green magic and the bit halted in midair above the piece of jewelry. Ecstatic at her success, Twilight fired a beam of raw magic at the talisman. The beam almost immediately reversed direction and shot back at the sorceress. With a startled yelp Twilight ducked, the beam crashing against the reinforced wall behind her and dissipating. The smell of burned hair assaulted her nose, and a questing hoof confirmed that the magic had singed the top of her mane.

“So, mental note.” Twilight muttered to herself. “Talisman stops physical objects, but reflects hostile magic with extreme prejudice.”

Still, though she had succeeded. Now all she had to do was give it to her mentor. If memory served (which, it always did), Princess Luna would be just finishing court for the night. By the time she made it from the lab she had created in her home to the throne room, the princess would be done. With a cheerful spring in her steps, Twilight ascended the stairs leading to the ground floor of the Sparkle manor.

Not for the first time, Twilight felt as though she should really do something about all of this empty space and silent halls. While Twilight loved peace and quiet, after living in the palace as long as she had her new home was entirely too devoid of life. Unfortunately, her fellow Wards were rather busy with their own lives and training. As a result, Twilight really hadn't had a good opportunity to mention forming a clan. Twilight walked out the yawning front doors on autopilot, locking the place with a pulse of magic almost as an afterthought.

She knew Pinkie and Applejack were the least likely to object to a clan, as both earth ponies placed a heavy emphasis on family. Being considered a noble would be another issue entirely, but they wouldn't have to behave any differently. Fluttershy probably wouldn't object to the idea either, although Rainbow and Rarity might be harder to convince. Rainbow has never really cared for Nobility at all, and Rarity was far more fond of her foster parents than any of the other four.

In what felt like no time at all, Twilight Sparkle found herself standing before the closed throne room doors. The Royal Guard straightened a little at her approach, and one opened the door just enough for her to squeeze through. As she had predicted, Luna was still there on her rather comfy looking throne, levitating a scroll before her eyes. The princess set aside the scroll, however, when she noticed who had came before her.

“Ah, my young student! I was not expecting you for your nightly lessons for another half hour. Did you wish to start early?” They was a charming little half smile upon Luna’s lips, hinting at the number of times she's asked her student the same question.

“Actually, I have a gift for you, Luna! I made it myself. Well, the spell part of our at least. I asked Rarity for the vessel.”

A single eyebrow arched. “And what is this gift, my Twilight?”

It was then that the smaller mare realized one important thing: she had forgotten the choker on the floor she had been working on it from. Twilight puffed up her cheeks adorably, flushing red in embarrassment. “I… uh… forgot it in my lab. Hold on.”

The unicorn’s horn lit magenta as she tried and failed to ignore her princess’ laughter. With a muted pop, the trinket appeared before its summoner. “I'm sorry, Twilight, but every day you remind me why you're so adorable.”

The sorceress in question glowed in mock anger at her teacher, before her expression softened. “Here, princess. I imbued it with a dual spell, of Necromancy and Nature. It's designed to stop projectiles and spells. I'm not sure how strong it is, but it reflected a bolt of raw magic back at me.”

“So I noticed. I wondered why your mane looked a little burnt. Still, thank you for your efforts, my faithful student. And you said you combined two opposite magics?”

“I did.” Twilight let herself puff up in pride, just a bit. “I just had to ask them to work together.”

“I see. I'm sure you'll be able to make great changes to our knowledge of magic. But in the meantime, why don't we return to your lessons? You still have quite a ways to go with nature magic, after all.”

As her excited and talented student voiced her eagerness, Princess Luna thought it was prudent to leave one thing unsaid: If anything managed to make it past the warding of her throne or regalia, it was highly unlikely a little defensive matrix like that would be of any use. However, it was still something crafted by her beloved Twilight. She fastened the silver choker around her neck, where it complimented the rest of her royal accessories quite well indeed.
> Chapter 12
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Luna waited patiently before the aptly nicknamed burn tank. It had been rather touch and go with this young mare. Doctors hadn't been sure until just a little while ago whether or not their patient would survive, and they had expressly forbidden their Princess to work her own healing magic. Considering her suspicions about the nature of the flaming attack, Luna herself had been firmly convinced the victim wouldn't live, and had often thought about ignoring what her medical staff had wanted. But despite her own expectations, medical personnel had contacted her half an hour ago with the good news. She had rushed down here immediately to await her subject's awakening. It was imperative she found out as much about the event as she possibly could, and to that end she had cut her time with Twilight short. She'd barely paused long enough to drag Soulshard with her before hastening to the medical ward.

Finally, the tank began its final procedures. The viscous liquid slowly began to drain into little holes at the bottom of the machine, leaving the white unicorn mare suspended in a silver telekinetic field. With a whining hum of magic, the slowly awakening mare was levitated over to a hospital bed set up next to the tank. Just as the magic left her on her new resting place, the unicorn opened shocking red eyes. Those eyes widened slightly as they happened upon the princess in the room, and a white hoof twitched into a weak salute.

“Don't move too much, my little pony.” Luna began, trying to project a little bit of motherly into her tone. “Are you aware of who you are?”

The white mare paused for a moment, as though trying to decide the answer to that question. “Equestrian Intelligence Agent Vinyl Scratch, otherwise known as DJ-Pon3, my princess.”

“Good. Preliminary evidence suggests your memory is intact. I hate to be questioning you so soon after awakening, but I need any possible information you may remember. What happened when you were attacked two nights ago?”

Vinyl answered with three words she had been dreading to hear “She's back, princess.”

Those words very nearly took Luna’s breath away. Soulshard shifted slightly, drawing the agent's attention. If she was surprised about an undead Lich who looked like Twilight Sparkle, she hid it well. “Are you certain?”

“Positive. Fire golems are her creation, aren't they? That's what caused the fire, your highness. I believe she was aiming to silence me, attempting to keep vital information from you.”

“What information?” The night princess’ voice was so cold, it quite literally misted the air in front of her muzzle.

“Two nights ago, I was making my usual rounds. As a DJ, part of my cover is hanging with my fans before a gig. I overheard somepony mentioning preparations for Crona Flare’s return. I think you call her supporters Sols?”

At Soulshard’s nod, Vinyl continued. “I wasn't able to learn much aside from the fact that Flare is slowly regaining power and her followers are getting restless. I must have made some sort of sign that I had heard their conversation, because that fire golem attacked my club that same night. I can't imagine why it would unless it wanted me dead.”

Silence echoed throughout the ward for long moments. Luna finally broke it. “It is fortunate that you managed to give us this information, agent. Tell me, do you have any immediate family I should contact?”

“My wife, Octavia. But she's probably still gone to ground. We both knew the risks of my line of work, and after news of the fire spread she should have relocated to our personal safe house. She won't be found until she knows I'm safe.”

“That's a smart system.” Luna said approvingly. “Once you are able, I'll have a contingent of Rangers accompany you to this location you spoke of. Let your beloved know you are safe, then return here. The pair of you are to remain in the palace for the time being, under my protection. Soulshard, gather the ex-Elements of Harmony. We have to prepare for further attacks like this one, but I also don't want the public panicking.”

With little more than a nod, the undead alicorn was gone. Vinyl, meanwhile, was examining herself. “Docs did a good job,” she muttered. “I can’t even tell anything happened to me.”

Luna found herself smiling slightly. “They did they best they could, certainly. Tell me something, Vinyl Scratch. Had you succumbed to your injuries, would you have returned as an undead to warn us?”

The agent cocked her head. "Uh, princess... are you aware of what I am?"

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Should I? You are a pony, are you not?"

Vinyl chuckled a bit. "I'm a vampire, princess. I'm already dead."

“I see. Oh, your last name is Scratch. That right there should have tipped me off; I must be more tired than I had originally thought. Either way, I also wish to offer a thank you. Not only for making sure to bring this information to myself at the risk of your own life, but to be willing to get us what you knew even if the Count might not like it.”

Vinyl shook her head. “I’m only doing what I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a filly. Sure, being a rather successful musician is awesome, and I had to work hard to be as good as I am. But being able to help keep Equestria safe… that is the highest reward for me. Dad, he understands. He came to terms with what I wanted to do a long time ago.”

Princess Luna snorted slightly. “Still, I’ll be talking to Zecora about a pay raise for you. In the meantime, enjoy your vacation; I’d say you’ve earned it. The Rangers will be standing by; as soon as you get permission to leave, have a nurse alert Halt. Whatever you do, do not get Silver Bit involved. I wouldn’t put it past him to find a way to silence you for good.”

Vinyl managed a proper salute this time, a sign that higher motor functions were returning. “Yes, my Princess.”

With those words still ringing in her ears, Luna turned and left the infirmary. As soon as she was out of earshot of her ponies, she let out a weary, haggard sigh. She had known this was going to happen eventually, ever since Twilight had shown up out of the blue. She almost wanted to find a way to get Chrona out in the open and just get this done and over with. She wanted her family back, wanted that happiness as she curled around her wife and a good book. But that simply wasn’t an option. Flare would not be exposed until she was ready to be. And in a way, that suited Luna just fine. After all, Flare was trying to gain traction against a Princess who was once titled, Mistress of the Shadows. Flare could try all she wanted, but she wasn’t ever going to be as subtle as Luna.


<<((*))>>


Applejack stood staring at the massive fort in the distance. Her ragtag team of Rangers-in-training milled about a little ways behind her, murmuring voices just a little bit fearful. The “captain” of her cohort was attempting to get them to calm down, but it simply wasn’t working. Out of all thirty of them, only Applejack and the two standing on either side of her were attempting to glean what information from the imposing structure they could.

“‘Tis certainly inspiring, isn’t it?” Aloe spoke in her charming little accent.

“Looks like they’re not going to make this easy,” Lotus, twin to Aloe, added. “They’ve got bastille and trebuchet on all four walls. That moat will make it almost impossible to get close enough to use our ladders while avoiding those machines of war.”

Applejack hummed thoughtfully. An idea slowly started to make itself known. “You two are the Geomancers, and thumping good ones. Do you think that would be of any help?”

Applejack couldn’t stop her grin at seeing the twins light up. “Of course. If we skirt around the outskirts of the conflict, away from where the rest of our band is trying to go for a frontal assault, we should be able to disable the trebuchets at the very least. Even enchanted so that they won't kill anypony, those trebuchets are still using globes of earth and stone. We could cause them to explode, or expand so hugely they won't be able to shoot them. Then we can get close enough with the ladder, breach that wall, and take them in hand to hand.”

Applejack laughed out loud as the duo speech died down. She always found it so funny when the twins got excited like that. “That’s a solid plan. Ah can carry the ladder; Ah reckon out of the three of us Ah’m certainly the strongest. We rush to the base of that wall as quickly as possible, Ah’ll lead up first to keep them distracted while you two follow. Try to keep me supported with your Geomancy as much as possible, and we’ll go from there. Sound good?”

“Aye!” They both called.

“Good. Now lets suit up, and try to keep this away from the others. Ah’m mighty tired of being stuck with this particular team during wargames. Even Ah can’t make them use something that even passes as teamwork. If this goes well, we might be able to put in requests to be transferred to a new unit.”

The twins nodded emphatically as they went about gearing.  Essentially being earth pony mages, Aloe and Lotus forwent the use of heavy plate armor, instead opting for lighter mail. From what Applejack understood, trying to cast spells in armor that weighed half a ton was a difficult feat. Instead of using spellblades that most unicorn mages were fond of, both earth pony mares also went for massive two handed maces they slung across their backs. Unlike a fair number of unicorns, earth pony mages didn’t believe in using their magical abilities for every little problem. What was essentially a giant hammer fixed to a long pole would work for those problems nicely. Applejack was definitely the heavy armor of the three, donning the thickest metal plates she could find and a battle axe that was almost as long as she was tall if she stood upon her rear hooves. A full enclosed plate helm went over her head, while the twins went bare. They didn’t like having something obstructing their sight and head movements.

Wargames was the Equestrian Ranger’s answer to field training. Rather than learn a bunch of different movements that may or may not actually be used in the heat of battle like the Wonderbolts, the Ranger’s preferred method was to just toss recruits off the deep end and see how well they swam. Judging by the twenty-seven unorganized and unprepared earth ponies around her, not everypony could swim very well. Unfortunately, the Rangers did have a pretty clear cut rule on the chain of command: If you were just a grunt, the most you could do was make suggestions to the officer in charge and let him or her take your words into consideration. Aside from that, if you weren’t in command you didn’t make the decisions. Applejack wasn’t quite sure why it was like that; the entire thing sounded really stupid to her. Either way, the result was that the pompous moron they had for a team captain, Bit Glow, completely ignored anyone who tried to make suggestions while simultaneously failing to get his team to actually act like anything resembling a cohort. It was thanks to this little development that would allow Applejack and the twins to go off and do their own thing and not get in trouble for it; Bit Glow tended to ignore those he felt were beneath him, and that extended to actually giving proper orders. If there were no officers that could give orders, then a Ranger could do whatever they felt they needed to.

So Applejack, Aloe, and Lotus stood a little back from the rest of the attacking earth ponies, planning on using the ensuing ruckus to hide their movements until they were in place. Somepony finally blew a horn, signalling that tonight's wargame had begun. Using the cover of night and all the noise, the three ponies slipped away from the main group and began trying to flank the defensive point in front of them. Applejack carried the ladder across her back, and for that reason she kept herself crouched low; the less ponies who saw them coming, the better. There was an almighty crash of metal from the front of the fortress, signalling that the battle had begun. Just like previous wargames, two other thirty pony teams had probably joined the group Applejack was supposed to be with. The three had just reached the rear of the keep when a voice interrupted them.

“Hey, look down there! We’ve got three trying to sneak up on us with a ladder!” There was a wave of laughter from the defenders on the walls.

“Open wide, losers!” Another voice called, emphasised by the rumbling of turning trebuchet.

“Now might be a good time, girls.” Applejack said out of the corner of her mouth.

The twins didn’t reply, and Applejack could taste the earthy feel of their magic as it came alive. There was a few beats of momentary silence, and then one of the trebuchet on the walls exploded spectacularly. Bits of wood and stone went flying, crashing into other machines of war and defenders alike. More than one unfortunate pony was flung clear of the walls, screaming on the way down even as runes came alive to arrest their falls. Then a second trebuchet exploded, shrapnel from that one disabling several balliste. But by that time, Applejack was already running at a full tilt towards the wall with her ladder. A beat later, she heard the twins began to move, scrambling to follow after their heavy armor. Applejack leapt right into the moat, clearing half of it with a single bound. She ignored the bone chilling cold water and forged onwards, her sights set upon the wall looming before her. Before the defenders on the walls even had time to recover, the three pony assault team had cleared the moat and was racing up the ladder one of them had carried.

Applejack leapt up first, clearing the rampart and headbutting a defender who had almost been fast enough to draw his sword. Her own giant weapon was out of its harness in the next instant, and she sent it spinning at another earth pony trying to approach from the side. By that time Aloe and Lotus had caught up, their familiar earthen chanting filling Applejack with a calm strength. Several out of range defenders sent arrows at the attackers, but these blunt missiles were buffeted away by the Geomancer’s wards. The trio didn’t pause to clear the area behind them; they immediately raced from the walls to the ground floor, batting aside any earth pony that got in their way. All they needed to do was obtain the keep’s flag and the wargame was finished. Judging from the sounds echoing elsewhere, the attackers still hadn’t managed to breach the front walls. If Applejack had to guess, most of the defenders didn’t even realize they had three invaders loose within their halls.

The three ponies moved on, trying to avoid barracks; those who weren’t needed on the walls would be relaxing in these buildings. After all, the Rangers-in-training almost never manage to breach the walls in any wargame; why would they need to set up patrols for intruders that would never come? This sort of thinking, of course, would be their downfall this night. There were a few defenders still patrolling out of their own sense of duty; Applejack at least commended them for making an effort to remain alert, right before she sent them spiraling into unconsciousness. The three earth ponies burst into the main building, weapons at the ready, but there weren’t any guards here either. They moved swiftly to a door a multitude of laughter and voices were emanating from; this was undoubtedly the room being used as headquarters. Applejack nodded her head to signify a count: One… Two… Three! The orange mare whipped around and bucked the door right off its hinges, where it landed with a deafening boom.

The room erupted into panic, with ponies crying in alarm, shouting orders and counter orders, and weapons trying to be drawn. Applejack, Aloe, and Lotus strode right through a table that held an in progress Ogres and Oubliettes game and yanked the banner they were after right off the wall, right in a room filled with ponies who were supposed to be their enemies. As soon as the banner came down out of its fastenings, another horn blew, signalling the end of the wargame. The three conquerors marched out of that room proudly, past stunned enemies and equally mystified allies. Apparently while they were running towards the banner, the rest of the Ranger trainees had managed to indeed breach the front wall. But, it was still too little, too late. As she passed, Applejack thought she had seen Bit Glow, his face marred into an expression of absolute fury.

Applejack and her Geomancer allies exited into the main courtyard, where Halt was waiting with an odd half smile upon his lips. “Well, Applejack. Aloe, Lotus. You certainly surprised me. Well done. I am currently being summoned by my Princess, but when I return we shall talk about what you just did here. Until that time, hit the showers and get some relaxation time. You three have earned it.”

The three ponies raised a tired salute before trudging back towards their showers. Applejack still couldn’t believe that idea had even worked, but for now she was too tired to even celebrate. Running around in heavy armor like that will do that to a pony, she supposed. Even so, she really hoped that Halt wasn’t about to punish them for ignoring the chain of command. She knew the rulebook front and back by now, but she still wasn’t entirely sure if Halt played by those rules or not. However, the infuriated nobility brat who was currently blocking the way had different ideas. “Just who in Luna’s name do you think you are?!”

Those were the first words out of his mouth, and far from the last. “I am the captain of this cohort, Apple scum, not you! You follow my orders to the letter when I give them. You do not completely ignore me and wander off to do your own thing!” Spittle was flying towards Applejack, Aloe, and Lotus. Not that it mattered; the twin’s quiet mutterings prevented the liquid from finding its targets. As Bit Glow shifted angrily, some part of Applejack’s mind noted how pitiful he was compared to her, and even the two Geomancers. Not only were the three friends far more bulky than he, but his fur glistened with hair product; he looked like he had never even donned his armor. It took her a moment to register that Bit had actually shouted something at her, but even less time to respond.

“Under The Ranger’s Apprentice guidebook, page thirteen, section eight, paragraph four, if there are no commanding officers capable of giving clear and concise orders, the Ranger in question is free to act in the best capacity that they feel is right. This particular rule extends to all Rangers, even trainees. Not one word that has come out of your mouth since Ah joined your cohort several months ago could ever have been interpreted as proper orders. As such, Ah took command of a two pony patrol and gave the order to breach the defense at all costs.”

Bit Glow was so red in the face one couldn’t even tell his coloration had originally been snow white. “We’ll see about that,” he snarled venomously. “Trainees Applejack, Aloe, and Lotus, as of this instant in time, as your cohort captain, you are hereby relieved of duty and are never to set foot upon Equestrian Ranger grounds ever again. How's that for proper orders?”

Applejack tightened her grip on her axe, only now realizing she had never reslung the weapon after the combat had ended. “Ah don’t think so, Glow. Commander-in-chief Halt has already given us orders to take a shower and relax, after which he is to summon us to discuss what happened here this evening. And last Ah checked, Halt outranks you in every sense of the word.”

For one shivering moment in time, Applejack thought the foolish pony would attack her. There were several intense murmurings from the surrounding crowd, and some of them began to choose sides. Quite a few of the strongest earth ponies prowled over to her side, while an even larger number flanked around Bit Glow, ready to charge. Just as the orange mare went to take a breath to brace herself for the inevitable rush, a new voice interrupted.

“Now, Ah know Ah did not just see you prepare to assault another Ranger, did Ah, trainee?”

The new voice was slow, measured. It was one that Applejack knew well, but even she wasn’t willing to test the owner. Bit Glow seemed to come to his senses a bit, staring up at the gigantic red draft horse standing before him. “N-No, Ranger MacIntosh.” He almost succeeded in keeping the quaver from his voice.

“Good,” the newcomer replied in that same tone of voice. “Ah would’ve hated for that to have been the case. If’n Ah were you, Ah’d return to my bunk and stay there until dawn.”

The noble brat didn’t need to be told twice. He practically teleported away he moved so fast, forcing himself through the onlookers as though they weren’t even there. The big red stallion turned to meander away, but not before Applejack caught his sly wink. She then proceeded to gently let out the breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding. A slight noise behind her made her turn a bit to see her Geomancer friends. “That was your brother, wasn’t it?”

“Sure was,” came the stoic reply. “He’s been in the Equestrian Rangers for a couple of years now. He’s always been so proud of me wanting to follow in his footsteps. Ah imagine that’s why he was already headed over this way.”

“What makes you say that?” Lotus asked curiously.

“‘Cuz he winked at me on his way out,” Applejack laughed. “He’s not usually real big on words, but he was his own ways of communicating. Now, come on. Ah feel like a nice cold shower will help take the edge off of the adrenaline.”

Without any further words, the twins fell into step with their new commander. No one acknowledged it, but all three of them knew without a shadow of a doubt that Aloe and Lotus would follow Applejack anywhere.
> Chapter 13
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Whoa…” For the first time in several years the Twinkle grounds were full of overlapping voices. The other five orphans trailed behind Twilight Sparkle, staring around in something approaching awe. Honestly the lavender unicorn couldn't blame them. Her ancestral home was by far more impressive than any other plot of land owned by other nobility. Whereas those lands were smothered in wealth in an effort to show outsiders how much more important the noblepony was, the Twinkle grounds were almost simplistic in comparison. They were clean, free of unnecessary clutter, drawing attention to the hedge statues dedicated to Twilight’s lineage. The perpetually green trees that lined the walkways were a nice offset to the statues, and the lamps finished the picture by painting everything a soft white.

The group paused for a moment outside the huge doors as Twilight inserted her magical signature into the locks. As always the clacking of disengaging locks echoed throughout the otherwise silent atmosphere. As she stepped through the portal, she sensed the others hesitating. She turned slightly to see them regarding the structure with a bit of apprehension. Even Rainbow Dash was hanging back, wings lazily flapping as she hovered in place.

“Er… Twilight darling, are we even supposed to be here?” Twilight’s tilted head was enough to convey her question, and Rarity was the one who answered.

The question only caused the mare to tilt her head the other way. “Why wouldn't we be allowed to be here?”

“Twilight, this is the Twinkle estate.” Fluttershy said gently.

“And…? Don't tell me you guys never made the connection when you first heard my full name. Freifrau Twilena Star Sparkle av Twinkle. It's impossible to not know my family House.”

“Oh,” chorused an overlapping multitude of voices.

“‘Oh’” Twilight mimicked, shaking her head. “‘Oh’, they say. Why do you think I’ve had to beat back most other Houses with a stick? Twinkle has been the most influential and respected House since the founding of Equestria. With my brother in the Guard, his oath prevents him from being able to inherit my family; this is why you almost never see nobility serving in the Royal Guard, by the way. I officially took over the family when I came of age on Career Night, which incidentally means any other House desperate to claim my own have missed their opportunity now.”

Pinkie was the one who shrugged and stepped up next to the unicorn. “Honestly Twilight, you’ve spent so much time insisting everyone call you Twilight Sparkle even I kind of forgot you’re already one of the mostest important ponies ever!”

“The grammar in the last part of that sentence was atrocious, Pinkie.”

The pink mare’s only reply was to stick out her tongue. Rolling her eyes heavenward, Twilight gestured with a forehoof. “Well, come on in then. The manor won't bite you know.”

The other four slowly followed Pinkie and Twilight into the impressive structure. The group found themselves in the enormous antechamber, and this time it was Applejack who spoke up. “So where’s all the wealth? The obnoxiously placed stuff that are there only to show how many bits were wasted on it?”

The question garnered a full body laugh from their guide. “There are none. While my own memories of the place are hazy at best, I do know that my family never felt the need to flaunt their wealth. Our name alone is enough to tell everypony exactly who we are, so why would we need anything else but that?”

“For a second I didn’t think this was the residence of a noble,” Rainbow admitted a tad sheepishly. “I mean, this is a normal house. A big house, sure, but normal.”

A new voice interrupted the group. “I’ll take that as a compliment, miss.” There, at the top of the grand staircase leading to the upper levels, was a stunning bat pony mare. She was a gentle silvery grey coloration, highlighted with streaks of black. Her long sable mane was done up in a braid, and her tail almost brushed the floor. Her eyes were a mischievous topaz, and her muzzle ended in a cute little snub with just the barest hint of fangs. Her garments consisted of the standard black and white blouse skirt combination of serving ponies, but this outfit was also outlined in purple livery and had Twinkle’s starburst coat-of-arms on its sleeves. Perhaps the most off putting, however, was the menacing scythe slung over the mystery mare’s shoulder.

“Ah, hello Artemis. Guys, this is Artemis Kreuger. She’s the mare responsible for keeping the estate in order during my… absence.”

The thestral smoothly dropped into a respectful bow. “It is a pleasure to met you all, although I wish my lady had warned me ahead of time she was going to be entertaining guests; I would have prepared appetizers.”

“Artemis, what have I told you about that ‘my lady’ business?”

To this, the maid shrugged flippantly, the ghost of a grin on her muzzle. “You refuse to let me call you Your Highness, Mistress, and half a dozen other suitable monikers. My lady is the lowest one I will settle for, and that is not something you will take from me.”

Twilight’s only reply was to shake her head in defeat. “Would you prepare some snacks, please? We’re taking a tour, but we will retire to the servant’s dining room. The hall is way too big to use on such a small group.”

“Of course, my lady. I would be happy to.” With that, Artemis bowed a second time before turning and disappearing down one of the numerous hallways.

Dash was the first to break the silence. “Dang Twilight, talk about fancy. Got your own servant and everything.”

“Please don’t,” Twilight sighed. “I’ve tried to get her to treat me as she would anypony else, but she refuses. Apparently her family has served mine for longer than my House has existed, which means her ancestors were indentured servants from the Unicornian Era. Even though servants in this day and age are treated far better than they were in the past, Artemis is one of the ones whom have known nothing other than taking care of a family, and whom would still serve even without wages or vacations.”

“Huh,” Applejack commented. “Ah didn’t think any of those families existed any more.”

“Neither did I, until I met Artemis. It took me forever to track her down; I wanted to meet the pony or ponies responsible for taking care of the place, and she had a strange knack of disappearing whenever I was home. Of course, now that I’ve found her she’s nearly impossible to get rid of.”

That garnered a few chuckles, before Fluttershy spoke next. “Um, Twilight, does she carry that weapon around all the time?”

“Yes,” Twilight answered. “According to her, she also acts as the bodyguard to whoever the current head of house is. I’ve tried to persuade her I’ll be fine, but I’m pretty sure she still unobtrusively keeps an eye on me while I’m out and about.”

“So you’ve got your very own obsessed stalker maid servant? Neato!”

As the purple unicorn tried to disabuse Pinkie of that absurd notion, she started leading the group onward again. Artemis made sure she could no longer hear the voice of her mistress before she slipped into another room on the upper level. The room was quite large and completely circular, and it was arguably one of the most important rooms in the entire manor. As the thestral mare moved deeper into the room, she noted that her commanders were already waiting, displayed upon the wall from a nearby console.

“You’re late, Artemis.” One of the two mares in the image sounded slightly amused.

“Apologies, commander.” The maid snapped off a quick salute. “I was not expecting Her to decide to bring the future Elements of Harmony over for a visit.”

“Oh?” The second of the two mares answered. “That is interesting indeed. Has She discovered anything about us?”

“Negative. Any questions Her Highness has asked has been answered truthfully while still omitting certain parts.”

“Excellent,” Trixie Lulamoon exclaimed. “Have you been keeping Her safe?”

“Aye. She suspects that I shadow her on a regular basis, but hasn’t brought it up. I think she understands that I’m going to do so even if she objects.”

That got a laugh from Sunset Shimmer. “That is just like her. Do you have anything else to report, captain?”

“Silver Bit and the Sols are becoming more active. They’re trying to stick to the shadows but they’re not nearly as subtle as they seem to think they’re being. The other night there was an attack on an Equestrian Intelligence agent named Vinyl Scratch--”

“Scratch, you say?” Trixie interrupted. “You don’t mean the daughter of the Count, do you?”

“The very same. A fire elemental attacked the location she was performing as a part of her agent cover. She spent quite a while in intensive care to heal; even ponies with her… disposition find it hard to recover from a fire elemental.”

“I’ll say!” Sunset exclaimed. “Do you know why she was targeted? The Count and the Baron were completely neutral in the dispute all those years ago, and if the traitor’s agents are targeting Equestria’s supernatural allies this upcoming conflict is going to be even worse than any of us had originally anticipated.”

“My own investigation points to Mrs. Scratch having overheard a conversation she shouldn’t have. More than likely it was an exchange of words between Sol collaborators, so they sent a fire elemental to silence her. Had she been anypony else she would have perished that night. Fortunately her wife, one Octavia Philharmonica, went to ground after the incident.”

“Wait. Philharmonica? Are you telling me that a vampire married a wolvar?! I thought the two factions hated each other!”

“You’ve been gone a long time, commanders. The two parties have come a long way over the past thousand years, culminating in the marriage of the two young scions. Now the they’ve opened a hidden resort somewhere that takes in and helps Equestria’s ‘friendly monsters’ reintegrate into society.” Artemis shifted her weight slightly, fluttering her wings as she did so.

“And that’s actually working?” Sunset didn’t seem to know what to feel.

“Yes. Granted, the chances of you seeing one in Canterlot is exceedingly rare. But in other cities, they’ve become rather commonplace.”

“This might be worth keeping an eye on.” Trixie glanced off to the side for a moment, studying something there. “I’m sending you one of our fastest stealth airships with a platoon of troopers. Your orders to protect Her Royal Highness still stands, so these troopers are going to be your eyes and ears for your updated objectives. They are as follows.” And here, Sunset smoothly took over, perfectly continuing where her sister left off.

“Keep Scratch and Philharmonica safe. I imagine Princess Luna will have her own unit on security detail, so these soldiers are merely going to support Luna’s squad. Keep them in the shadows if at all possible. I also want you to send another team to both the Count and the Baron. Find out if either one of them are willing to ally with us. It's extremely likely one or both would be willing to offer aid in the future after the incident with their daughters. I’m sending you enough support to take care of both secondary objectives in addition to helping you keep our Mistress safe. You’ll have another four bodies on Her security detail alone. Introduce them as additional serving staff if you have to; seeing as you’re literally a bodyguard maid you should be able to pull it off. Failure is not an option, captain. Are we clear?”

“Commander!” Artemis saluted again. “Am I correct to assume these units are going to be under my command?”

“Correct. Each individual team will have their own lieutenants, with you overseeing operations. Your family has been our best field operatives for a very long time. Don’t besmirch that legacy now.”

With that, the console went dark. Artemis let out a small breath. Talking to both of her commanders at once while on duty was vexingly taxing. They were amazing friends when not on the job, but otherwise they were extremely focused. Of course, most of the newly christened Aethers were when it involved their ward. That got the thestral to start thinking. The fastest stealth airship they possessed would take about three days to arrive, crossing over the as of yet unnamed body of water that separated Equestria from the mini nation the Aethers had founded. It would then take another day and a half to cross Equestria to Canterlot. Plenty of time to make plans and get things ready to go. But in the meantime, her lady needed her. Exiting the room and locking the door behind her, Artemis made her way to the kitchens with a slight spring in her step.

Twilight Sparkle lead the other five to the servant’s dining room. As far as she could tell, the tour had been a success. Between the armory on the lowest level and the multitude of rooms designated to several other hobbies and professions, the tour had lasted well over an hour. Even so, Twilight didn't regret bringing the other wards here. It felt… nice, for lack of a better term, being able to show off her castle masquerading as a manor. Even though she had spent most of her young life living in Canterlot Palace, she was still inordinately proud of her family home. It wasn't even a symbol of status. It was a symbol of her name.

Naturally, being the ever dutiful maid she was, Artemis was already waiting for her guests. Twilight knew that her servant had not been waiting long, as the fruits and vegetables had not yet wilted, and Twilight could detect no preservation charm. One of these days she might actually figure out Artemis did that. The thestral in question bowed again as the six settled themselves at around table, and prepared to take her leave. Twilight, however, held up a rather hesitant hoof. “Stay, would you, Artemis? I would like to have you present upon the upcoming discussion.”

If the serving pony was surprised, she hid it well. “Of course, milady.”

Twilight’s words, naturally, caused the other ponies around the table to perk up a bit more. Twilight glanced at each in turn, mulling over her next words carefully. “I suppose some of you have now realized that this isn't entirely a social event.”

Rarity was the first to nod. “I had my suspicions, darling. You've never exactly been the social type. I mean, you tolerate us, but I feel like that's all you manage.”

The purple unicorn shrugged. “That is an astute observation. So, I'll cut to the heart of the matter.” Here she paused, then waved a hoof in a circular fashion, indicating her home. “I find myself facing two dilimas here. Firstly, this place is entirely too big for just myself. Back when mom and dad were alive, they would have had a lot of work following them home. They kind of needed a… headquarters, if you will, to host those who had business with my family. But with just me and Artemis living here, quite a bit of this space is simply going unused. My second dilima ties rather nicely into the first.”

Twilight heaved a heavy sigh before continuing. “You all should know by now that I am the last of my family name. Granted, I do still have Shining Armor, but in terms of carrying on the Twinkle legacy I am the last. That is not something I particularly like being. Should something befall me, House Twinkle would be no more. At best Twinkle’s assets would be taken by the Crown and used to improve the lives of those who need it. At worst, it would be claimed by other noble Houses. Neither outcome is exactly ideal; not when my House is a couple thousand years old. Which incidentally, is why I brought you here today. I realize I may be a bit abrasive at times. I understand that I’m not always someone you’d want to call a friend. But be as that may, you five are the closest thing to family I have any more. What I am proposing here today is the formation of a clan.”

The room went scarily silent. Even the sound of breathing seemed to fade away until there was nothing to be heard. Twilight plowed on regardless. “I understand you have your own family names to think about, especially you Applejack. Being an Apple is everything to you, just as being a Twinkle is everything to me. I’m not suggesting that you should just ignore your lineage to make me feel better. This is mainly just an honorary deal. For all intents and purposes you’d still be a member of your own Houses. But, in the event that I should be unable to continue the Twinkle House, it would instead pass onto all of you. And… well…” Here the purple unicorn trailed off sheepishly. “I was kind of hoping to get some roommates in the process…”

There was still silence, and Twilight was starting to really regret her decision to bring this up. Artemis was perhaps the worst, as Twilight couldn’t determine what the maid was thinking behind that astounding poker face. Rainbow Dash, unsurprisingly, was the first to speak up. “Well, egghead, you surprised me. Didn’t expect something like this to come outta you. That said, I’ll do it with a single condition: If I’m going to be living here, you gotta let Lightning Dust and Derpy live here too. We’re a team now, and I’m not about to keep my wingponies living in the barracks while their team lead has a cushy place in a fancy home.”

Twilight thought it over for a moment, but really it was mostly for show. “I think I can do that. It's not like I don’t have the space, nor do I have an issue with either of the ponies you mentioned.”

Dash nodded, then resettled back into her seat and crunched on a carrot.

“I’ll be the second!” Pinkie exclaimed. “The Cakes will be sad to see me go, but so long as I can still stop by and help them run their store it wont be a big deal!”

“Um… I guess I’ll be third?” Fluttershy’s quiet voice broke in next, although her infliction made it sound more like a question than a statement. “I-I mean, the Twinkle estate is closer to the clinic and the hospital I’m training in, and the medical equipment you have here look wonderful…”

Twilight only nodded, a small grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. She turned to the two remaining ponies who hadn’t said anything as of yet.

“The Apples have always believed heavily in family,” Applejack began slowly. “Oftentimes, that sense of family is what drives us. The only reason Ah never went to live with one of my many relatives was because Ah’ve always wanted to be an Equestrian Ranger, ever since Ah was a wee filly. Being an orphan in Canterlot was a small price to pay for being able to continue mah dream. The opportunity to stay close to mah brother was just a bonus. So here’s mah question to you, Freifrau Twilena Star Sparkle av Twinkle. Can you promise me, without a shadow of a doubt, that yer not just gonna spit on the Apple name with this whole thing you have planned?”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Twilight went through the motions, almost jabbing herself in the eye in the process.

“Huh. Been awhile since someone has used a Pinkie Promise. Welp, I suppose I’m in then. Although I will have a condition similar to Rainbow’s. Aloe and Lotus, those two should be offered a bunk here too.”

“I suppose that just leaves me, darling, doesn’t it?” Rarity was staring off into space as she spoke. “I will admit, a part of me is jumping up and down for joy at this offer. It’s not every day the most influential noble in the kingdom wants a pony to live with her. But at the same time, my foster parents have been extremely good to me, Twilight Sparkle. Better, in fact, than most foster families ever treat their Wards. Can I at least ask if I can think this decision over, my dear? I think I would feel better if I could get the opinions of the couple that have raised me.”

Twilight was already nodding before the marshmallow mare had finished her sentence. “Of course, Rarity. I’m not forcing you to make a decision right away, and to be honest I was expecting most of you to need some time to think it over.”

Applejack shrugged. “Don’t see the point in waiting, to be honest. Long as I know I can trust you, ain’t no reason to drag this out.” The earth pony slid out of her seat and stretched. “Well, if’n you don’t mind, Twilight, Ah’m gonna head towards the Ranger’s barracks and talk to Aloe and Lotus. Find out if they’d be interested.”

Artemis stood up as well. “Allow me to guide you to the door, miss Applejack.”

The mare waved the maid off. “Shoot, don’t trouble yourself sugarcube. Ah remember the way to the door. Ah reckon you’ve got other things that’ll require your attention anyhow.”

The thestral bowed at Applejack, then immediately turned towards her mistress. “My Lady Twilight?”

“Go ahead and start preparing rooms, if you would Artemis.”

“Of course I shall.” As the servant moved to exit the room, Twilight called after her.

“I’m sorry for placing so much stress upon you, Artemis. I wasn’t expecting almost all of them to accept right off the bat.”

Artemis flashed a brilliant fanged smile at her owner. “Do not trouble yourself so, my lady. This will be good for you, I think.”

Even so, as the bodyguard maid exited the room to perform the duties requested of her, she couldn’t help but think that it was a very good thing her commanders were sending help. She might be super maid, but even she might have troubles keeping tabs on six very important ponies.
> Chapter 14
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


To my dear friend Ann Drennan
May your eternal rest be a peaceful one, and know that you will always be missed


Applejack stood looking over her centuria with pride. They weren’t the best bunch of Ranger trainees, but they were getting there. The conversation with Halt after that wargame had been enlightening, to say the least. Most surprising of all had been the revelation that Halt was actually the one who ran the Equestrian Rangers. He refused to say why Silver Bit, the current commander, was a figurehead in the loosest sense of the term and Applejack didn’t particularly feel the need to press for details from the gruff earth pony. Either way, the culmination of that conversation was Applejack getting to create her own centuria. Naturally, since this was an order from Halt, she got to pick her own members instead of having Silver Bit or one of his secretaries do so. The result was an interesting mix of very potential trainees and those who were going to have to work harder than the rest to catch up. Applejack had made it very clear that the shortcomings of one pony was a shortcoming of the entire centuria, and the promising trainees were mostly all too willing to aid those less skilled. Aloe and Lotus, her Optio and Tesserarius respectively, stood not too far from their Centurion.

Surprisingly enough, the Ranger trainees were all practicing on the Twinkle estate grounds. Calling Twilight’s home ‘large’ had been a vast understatement. Aside from the manor, the grounds also contained a couple of barracks, two obstacle courses, a mustering plaza, a dedicated mess hall, a library as big as the manor itself, and several other buildings Applejack hadn’t familiarized herself with. The Twinkle estate wasn’t just some fancy noblepony’s home, it was an actual fortress. It was no wonder that the entire thing sat out on the hilly outskirts of Canterlot; if an invading army actually made it to the capitol, they’d have to take the Twinkle estate before even attempting to move into the city proper; combine that with the butte it sat on, defenders would rain down destruction on the enemy while they tried to simply move past the ancient place or scale high enough to attack it directly. And even though she knew very little about Twilight’s past lineage, she did know that they had all been some form of warriors in the service of the Crown; the layout and positioning of Twilight’s ancestral home was deliberate. This was just another thing to tack onto the list she kept reminding her why she respected Twilight as a noble. Her entire bloodline was dedicated to being Canterlot’s shield.

If Applejack was being honest with herself, it was nice to have a place she could actually call home again. The Palace was nice, but it didn’t have the same warmth. She’d already obtained permission from Twilight to start some farming in one of the many acres of the estate, and being able to grow foodstuffs through her own sweat was as great as having a home. She was still an Apple, after all. The thought of her own bloodline brought a slight smile to her face. Applejack knew she could be a bit dense at times, but she was far from unintelligent. While Twilight had never directly brought the subject up the orange mare was keenly aware of what Twilight was doing: by bridging close ties with other honorable and well established houses, the princess’ student was ensuring that the Twinkle house had a network to fall back on if necessary. It was well known around the upper echelon of Canterlot that too many current noble houses were varying degrees of corrupt or incompetant, and all too many of them were desperate for Twinkle’s wealth and status. By allying herself with a House like the Apples, or the Belles, Twilight was essentially telling everypony else to buck off or else.

The flash of a shape overhead caused Applejack to look up, catching sight of Rainbow Dash and other Wonderbolts trainees. Apparently Spitfire had thought it was a good idea for trainees to practice one of the obstacle courses on the Twinkle estate, and now Soarin brought over a small hoof full a couple of times a week. The course in question was a monstrous thing, full of clouds and mighty winds and inclement weather. Applejack didn’t really understand how the rain and lightning stayed within the course and didn’t wander anywhere else, and the one time she made the mistake of asking Twilight about it the purple unicorn had talked the apprentice ranger’s ear off for an hour straight. Twilight was shaping up to be a good friend, but when she got excited there was no stopping the barrage of words.

An orange ear flicked at a familiar, heavy hoofstep. Applejack didn't glance back as she asked, "Did Ah make the right choice?"

"Reckon that's not an answer Ah can easily offer." Came MacIntosh's measured reply. "Ultimately bein' allied with Twinkle isn't a bad thing. Twilight’s got a good head on 'er shoulders. She's also got plenty of clout 'tween her House name an' bein' the Princess' student. Mah gut says Enquestria is gonna need defenders more than ever in the near future. The question we should be askin' is, 'Is it right for House Twinkle to shoulder all of that responsibility?'"

“No,” came Applejack’s immediate, hard reply. “How can we Apples be among the oldest Houses and think that’s okay?”

A big red shoulder nudged the orange one. “Then there’s yer answer. Ah also know you well enough tah know that’s not really what’s eatin’ at yah.”

Applejack was silent in contemplation for long moments before finally speaking. “Why did you make me head of the family, Mac? Nothing in the Ranger’s code states that you couldn’t have remained Head, similar to Silver Bit’s situation.”

MacIntosh huffed out a laugh. “Shoot, that one’s easy, sis. Ah simply thought you’d be better for the job. Yer rather like Twilight Sparkle, see. Got a good head on yer shoulders. Me, Ah’ve no problems admitting Ah’m a bit of a lug. Ah enjoy bein’ in the Rangers ‘cuz Ah’m good at following orders. Ah don’t mind the idea of never being more than a Decurion; likewise, Ah don’t mind being reassigned to be a Decurion under yer command. The kind of constant analyzing a Centurion does gets exhausting for a stallion like mahself; Ah can’t imagine having to do that kind of thinking as Head of House.”

Applejack snorted. “Ah’m not sure why, but Ah kind of expected something highly philosophical outta you. C’mon, then. Let’s go grab a bite to eat.”


<<*>>


Rarity found herself in a bit of awe as she explored the area of Twilight’s estate she had been assigned to. It wasn’t accurate to call it a blacksmith’s, or even a workshop. It was both of those things and more. Mighty furnaces lined the walls of the gigantic, reinforced single room building. Multiple anvils stood ready for her to ply her craft. A dizzying number of tools lined the walls in neat, organized rows; whoever had used this place last had certainly taken Twilight’s seemingly inborn organizational skills to heart. Empty racks for finished products dotted the room, and in the center of it all rested Twilight’s nearly finished armor. Rarity initially had no idea how she was going to transfer the work-in-progress defensive piece from her tiny, private workshop in the castle. Surprisingly enough, Princess Luna was the one to come to Rarity’s aid. The marshmallow mare wasn’t entirely sure why the princess, of all ponies, had access to the Twinkle estate but the fact remained that Princess Luna had inserted her magic into the gates leading to the estate and they had opened eagerly. While Rarity was positive that the royal didn’t have this sort of easy access to any other noble’s residence, she was also polite enough to avoid bringing it up. Either way, the important takeaway was the fact that Twilight still had no idea Rarity was making a custom set of armor for her.

Ultimately, Rarity’s foster parents had been completely baffled that their adoptive daughter hadn’t immediately jumped upon Twilight’s initial offer to join the Twinkle clan. While some of their support for the idea certainly came from the fact that the Belles were barely lesser nobility and such an alliance would bolster their own standing considerably, her parents made it quite clear that they were far more interested in what was best for their daughter; having Twilight as a friend was likely something that couldn’t be topped. Besides, seeing how well they’ve treated their adopted daughter, Rarity certainly wasn’t going to protest them wanting the alliance just to improve their lives a bit. They had both refused Twilight’s offer to house them however, much preferring their small home in the middle class district. Even so, Twilight immediately started sending monthly stipends for “stealing Rarity away”. How that girl managed to actually say that with a straight face was beyond the metalsmith. The Belles were now receiving far more money than they even knew what to do with, far in excess of what Rarity had been able to send as one of Princess Luna’s many students. According to Twilight, the excessive amount of bits she was sending to the Belles accounted for less than one percent of her total monthly income. From what Rarity could gather among Twilight’s long-winded babble, most of the physical finances of the estate–  like bits– were just held at various banks collecting interest all the way from the time that the elder Twinkle bloodline had perished until Twilight had come of age. This meant that Twilight was currently far more wealthy than even she had initially expected, which meant she was more than able to spend money on her new friends. And also able to open a new school. Apparently that was a thing? The future Valkyrie-to-be likely didn’t have any real idea what all went into opening and running a school, but she had supposedly already set aside the capital for that specific plan.

Rarity spun in place, taking in the cavernous building once more. She’d have to talk to Princess Luna and Twilight about getting more personnel. She was only one metalsmith, after all and she wasn’t stupid. She loved a spot of gossip– who didn’t– but her mind could be as sharp as Twilight’s when the marshmallow mare put her mind to it. She knew without a shadow of a doubt that Equestria was going to be at war again soon. With whom, Rarity couldn’t say; to the best of her knowledge, Equestria was on extremely favorable terms with the other nations. This included the griffons and deerfolk, who were known to be of the sort who naturally distrusted other nations. But making Twilight a custom set of armor with the plan to make the purple mare the next Valkyrie? Princess Luna dropping none too subtle hints that the princess desired the Twinkle estate as fully staffed as possible and ready for a siege? Anypony who was anypony knew that if Twinkle fell, Canterlot would have a much harder time fending off an invasion. So Luna’s plan was to get Twilight to make friends, so that Canterlot’s primary bastion would be as ready as possible.

The thought didn’t bother Rarity as much as it might have anypony else. What else was she going to do with her life? Sew clothes? The notion of expressing her artistic streak through creating clothes was an amusing one, but that’s ultimately all it was: a notion. An idea. Equestria was essentially the warden of Sol. The ponies had taken it upon themselves after the end of Platinum’s reign to safeguard against threats big and small. Considering that Platinum and her unicorn tribe waged war on all other races, including both pegasi and earth ponies, it was the least Equestria could do to mend ties with outside nations. Defending against all manner of nasty creatures that ultimately made Sol home was Equestria’s penance for Platinum’s terror even all these years later, and ponies were perfectly content with their lot in life. Rarity wasn’t much of a fighter, but creating the tools of war was just as important. She’d leave the fighting to those better suited for it though.

Still, the first order of business was to bother somepony important about getting more workers in here. It was far too large for just a single mare to manage on her own, no matter how fabulous said mare is.


<<*>>


Pinkie Pie was a tad uneasy. She hated feeling uneasy. The feeling didn’t come from the room of the manor she found herself in; the room she had taken to calling Information was everything she could have hoped for as an aspiring Equestrian Intelligence agent. Rows upon rows of screens lined the walls, many of which showed fairly detailed maps of the areas surrounding the Twinkle Estate. Numerous scrying spells were in play to allow any operator to have an up-to-date overview of the lands in a seventy-five mile radius. Several more screens were blank, waiting to connect to a viewing gem carried by many Intelligence agents; this was what allowed the fortress to obtain information from individual ponies in the field so quickly. The room was quiet, sound dampening spells keeping outside noise out and inside noise in. No one could enter without the proper security clearance, and right now only Twilight Sparkle, bodyguard maid Artemis, and Pinkie Pie had unfettered access to this room.

No, the uneasy feeling that had Pinkie pacing a rut into the plush carpeting came from the fact that Zecora was hiding stuff from her. Specifically, Zecora was hiding the fact that the strange orb Pinkie had stumbled upon in that burned-out nightclub was a fire golem heart. Zecora didn’t know that Pinkie was aware of what she had found, but Pinkie was already good at this whole infiltration business. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but she had been planning a prank on Rainbow Dash when Zecora had all but drug Princess Luna into the unused room the pink mare had been plotting in. With little recourse but to meld into the shadows of a filing cabinet and hope that her unnoticable charm was reinforced in the darkness, she had heard Zecora confirming the story of one Vinyl Scratch. And this had been after Zecora had already admitted to Pinkie that she had no idea what the strange orb was.

So then why would Zecora lie? The answer to that was easy. Because Zecora was attempting to protect her pupil, and possibly her friends. A fire golem was serious business just on its own. It burned too hot to put out by regular water, and ordinarily required a massive amount of magically conjured water to even phase it. But this one had seemed to burn itself out without any outside forces affecting it? Why? There was something else about a fire golem, something about its master, but Pinkie couldn’t remember. She wasn’t the sort that would study random texts for the fun of it like Twilight apparently did on a regular basis.

Pinkie compartmentalized her mind, which always helped when she was thinking through a puzzle– whether that puzzle was a fun one that made others smile and laugh, or a less fun puzzle that required serious analysis to come to the best decision. So from the top: Should Pinkie take this matter to Twilight? No. At least, not yet. While Twilight was sure to help the bubbly mare figure this out, it could very potentially put Twilight in danger. Pinkie wasn’t entirely sure how she knew this, but the feeling came from her gut and her gut was rarely wrong about things. Should Pinkie ask Zecora or Princess Luna? No. Too risky. While she did need more information, she wasn’t even supposed to have this information to begin with. Best case scenario, the two authority figures would demand how Pinkie knew about the fire golem and would discover her eavesdropping, even if it had been an accident. Worst case scenario… well, Pinkie didn’t really know what a worse case scenario would be but it still didn’t feel right going to either of those two for help. So that left one option.

Vinyl Scratch. Pinkie would have to carefully pump this Vinyl pony for any information on fire golems. Scratch was a vampire name. The oldest vampire name. Hopefully Pinkie would be able to track down her quarry before Vinyl went to ground, as going to ground was standard procedure for EI agents after such a huge discovery– EI agents could have enemies everywhere. If she couldn’t get to Vinyl quick enough, Pinkie would be resigned to finding the time to make a special trip out to Hollowed Shades to talk to the Count. The Count was a pleasant stallion, and Pinkie enjoyed the occasional previous interactions she had with him, but traveling all the way out there without telling her new friends exactly the reason would be a pain to deal with. With that plan in mind, a bit of springiness returned to her poofy mane and she bounced out of the room to pester Artemis. That thestral was too uptight sometimes.


<<*>>


To say that Fluttershy was at an absolute loss for words was a woeful understatement. The medical facilities of the Twinkle estate put even Shimmer’s personal hospital in the city to shame. Even the term ‘medical facilities’ was a misnomer. If anything, it was its own settlement, smack dab in the center of the estate. The entire estate with its grounds, the manor, and all of its facilities, is two hundred acres of land. And the centermost feature was the medical buildings. One building was clearly a hospital, every bit as big as the manor itself and full of so many rooms Fluttershy couldn’t even begin to count them all. The second building was the emergency room and in addition to stuff like the operating room for surgeries and the burn tanks, it had multiple triage rooms, specialized magic attuned rooms where a unicorn doctor could perform an x-ray, and many more Fluttershy hadn’t even begun to be trained in yet. The third building was definitely the smallest by a not insignificant margin, and this one was only labeled Research and Development. Obviously back in its heyday, the Estate had its own scientists and researchers furthering the envelope of medicine.

It was almost too much to take in. Fluttershy was extremely grateful to Twilight for giving her a proper home, something she’s never had before now. But this… this was beyond anything Fluttershy could have hoped for. Technically she wasn’t being given room and board for free; Twilight did expect her to work just as the other orphans were. But still, that was the only requirement: Fluttershy had to do what she already loved doing and in return didn’t have to rely on the hospitality of the palace staff any further. A rather large part of her wondered if Twilight would mind terribly taking her on as a permanent doctor. Sure, she was still being trained right now, but with facilities so nice she was in no hurry to leave. One of her earliest dreams had been to open her own practice somewhere despite the absurd amounts it would cost, but being a primary doctor for House Twinkle really didn’t sound too bad.

The only real issue Fluttershy could foresee was that the Twinkle estate was a fortress. A fortress meant war, and war was scary. Just as scary was seeing the wounds and even dismemberment war could cause. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, though. The creatures Equestria usually fought were plain evil or destructive, and maybe knowing that the wounds weren’t caused by other sapient beings would help her deal with the fear? Fluttershy truly loved all life equally and believed life was a gift to be cherished, but that only extended so far before even Fluttershy had to admit that being destructive just for the sake of killing or injuring others needed to be stopped for the sake of other lives. In the end, only time would tell what the future would bring; even so, the butter pegasus was confident that she would greatly enjoy her tenure here.

<<*>>

Rainbow Dash was ecstatic. She hadn’t believed that the courses on the Twinkle grounds could rival the Wonderbolt’s Academy, but they certainly came close. She now had a much better understanding of why Soarin had sought Twilight’s permission to bring over a hoofful of cadets every now and then. The training facilities were simply top notch. The Academy was a pure pegasus place of learning, obviously, and as a result all of their training materials consisted of stuff for pegasi. Here it was different. It was fairly obvious that Twilight’s bloodline valued contributions from all of the pony tribes, and desired to foster the close ties that training together could bring. As a result, Rainbow Dash’s regime now consisted of a few earth pony and unicorn exercises in addition to the pegasus Wonderbolt training. As an athlete as well as a Wonderbolt Cadet, there was little else that could make Dash happier right now. She was a very firm believer that a pegasus shouldn’t be so focused on pegasi training that they completely ignore how the other two tribes do things. A well rounded pony is more able to perform a wider array of duties compared to one who is extremely specialized, after all. Up until now, that had likely been her biggest gripe about the Wonderbolt’s Academy.

Just as good as the training courses were the barracks she’d picked out for herself and her wingponies. She was used to sleeping in hard, uncomfortable cots. The cots she had now were unbelievably soft and were almost as good as sleeping on a cloud. When she had told Soarin about it, he’d laughed and said this was her reward for doing a good job, whatever that meant. The barracks was also huge with its own cafeteria, recreation room, and even meditation rooms one could use when they just wanted some peace and quiet after a hard day of training. Whoever had first built this place had certainly known how to treat his soldiers. Rainbow understood why the Wonderbolt’s barracks were so uncomfortable, though: it was designed to help whip recruits into shape. A good portion of new Wonderbolt cadets were some form of nobility, and many had to be brought down a peg and taught that they weren’t the most important thing next to the moon any more. As much as she might like to brag and show off, Dash understood that she was simply a cog in a machine. Even if she one day made captain and had a whole squad of ‘Bolts following her commands, she’d still just be a cog in the machine of the more powerful ponies, in this case Princess Luna or Twilight.

As a filly, the thought likely would have made her upset. She wanted to be the best of the best at everything. Over the years as she was growing into a mare, she eventually learned that some ponies were just going to be better at certain things. At this point it was just a fact of life. She could very easily be the best flier, but there was no way she was going to beat Twilight at magic, for example. In terms of raw strength, she was unlikely to beat Applejack or Big Mac. Besides, she didn’t really see herself having an issue with following Twilight around. Rainbow wasn’t entirely sure what it was, but these past few months had seen a change occur in the purple mare. She wasn’t quite as neurotic and seemed more sure of herself and her place in the world. Out of all of them, Twilight had likely had the roughest upbringing. Dash and Fluttershy came from lesser nobility, which meant other nobles weren’t overly interested in anything they were doing. Rarity was originally a commoner, but while the Belles had officially adopted her into lesser nobility as far as most other Houses went she was only a commoner. Applejack was still an Apple, with a huge extended family she could still fall back on if the need arose. But poor Twilight? She was the last of a long line of descendants who had always given their life in service of the Crown. As far as Rainbow was aware with her spotty knowledge of history, there had never been a Twinkle who wasn’t some form of military. Dash had visited the estate’s trophy room. The room was huge, and full to bursting with the Twinkle legacy. Dash couldn’t even imagine trying to live up to those expectations.

Either way though, Rainbow Dash made herself a promise then and there: She would always be there for Twilight Sparkle, through thick and thin. She was so caught up in her own thoughts she never saw her cutie mark glow for just the briefest of instants.