> A Draconic Meeting
>  by Mystic Sunrise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Teacher Student Meeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Kirouac and Book continued to talk, Pearl turned back to the Throne Room doors. She was not looking forward to this. There could only be one reason Twilight wanted to see her like this. Her actions last night.

As much as she had a better understanding of Kohaku now, a part of her was still pleased she had done as much as she had to him. He was still an annoying twerp at best. But she would try to put up with him from now on.

What worried her the most though, was what her nearly killing him and others meant for her. And she had been meaning to kill them. In the most gruesome ways, she could imagine. And with five heads, that was saying something. Given more time, she might have even been able to figure out her breath weapons.

At this point, banishment or dungeon time was what Pearl could look forward to. She was finished as Twilight's Personal Student. The thought made her sniff. No matter that they butted heads on some things, she had loved every second of her time with the princess.

The Black head of her costume slipped down her shoulder, almost rubbing reassuringly up against her neck. Pearl looked at it. "What happened last night? What did you do?" She whispered to it, hoping that whatever had given it life was still there. No luck though.

Pearl sighed as she raised a hoof. That was one thing she hoped the princess could answer, she thought, as she knocked on the door.

"Come in," came Twilight's voice from beyond, a sound that had always brought joy to the filly's heart. But now, it only brought dread as to what was to come. Pushing down the thought, Pearl pushed the door open and entered.

The Throne Room was always a sight that took Pearl's breath away with its grandeur and beauty, and the Cutie Map always seemed to be more impressive every time she came here.

Twilight sat on her throne, a worried look on her face. But she smiled as she saw Pearl come in. "Pearl. Just the pony I was looking for. Come in. Take a seat."

Pearl did as she was told, taking a seat on Fluttershy's throne. Twilight was quick to take the costume off her back and drape it over the map. Her brows rose in surprise at the note on the Black head, but didn't comment on it.

Pearl sighed as she looked at her teacher. "You wanted to see me, princess?"

Twilight frowned. "Pearl. You know you don't have to call me that. I'm your friend, and I won't have any student of mine call me princess."

Pearl looked down as her ears fell. "I'm not your student. Not after what I did last night. I don't deserve to be."

Twilight's frown grew. "Book and Kirouac told me about what happened last night. I know about the crystal, and what it made you all fight. I know you fought off Kohaku's inner demon."

Pearl nodded. She couldn't argue with that. And she was rather proud of herself for doing that, if for nothing else. "Does his mom know why he looks like he does this morning?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, Buttercup doesn't. And neither do I for that matter. Book and Kirouac were rather silent about what happened before the crystal was destroyed. Though they both clearly know what happened." Her expression darkened. "Do you know why, Pearl?"

Pearl smiled a little at that. At least those two hadn't already explained this whole mess. "Yeah, I know why. Kohaku pulled one of his stupid pranks on me." She shook her head. "That damn crystal turned us into the weaker forms of our costumes. Unfortunately for the others, Tiamat even on a bad day is still strong enough to kill all of them."

Twilight's ears fell. She hoped she was wrong though. "You mean?"

Pearl nodded. "I'm the one who almost broke Kohaku in half. But I wanted to play with him before I killed him. So I let him off easy. Then Book showed up and distracted me long enough so that he could escape. I was beyond peeved at that point. And then these ghosts just showed up, and they all ran for it. All but Kirouac. He talked me down. Asked me if I wanted to be no better than the worst Equestria has ever faced."

She sniffed. "And it worked. I was still angry. But I didn't want to kill Kohaku anymore. I was the one who destroyed the crystal, with a little help from Naruto of course. You know what happened from there."

Twilight nodded. "What about when the two of you escaped from the cemetery? The others lost sight of you after you two escaped."

Pearl chuckled. "Me and fox-boy had a little chat about why he's such a pain in the flank to me. I doubt we'll ever be best friends. But now I know him better than I did. And I also know what happened to his family, and why he views dragons as he does."

Twilight nodded. Her heart sank when she saw the tears in Pearl's eyes. "Pearl. What's wrong?"

Pearl let her tears flow now. "Do you know what the worst part of last was? I actually enjoyed doing what I did. Almost breaking Kohaku in half, almost killing Book, Flash, and Light. And I had every intention of slaughtering them and anyone else I could find. I wasn't going to stop. Maybe I would have gone back to normal once outside the cemetery. Or maybe by that point I would be too far gone and just continued. I didn't care! I was going to ill everyone I could find, and I was going to enjoy every second of it!"

Pearl sniffed. "I don't deserve to be your student after that. That feeling? It's still there. Just talking about it is getting me hot under the collar. So go ahead. Throw in me in the dungeons. Banish me from Equestria. Or throw me in a dungeon in the place you banish me to. I deserve it."

Twilight's ears fell even further as she watched her young friend cry her eyes out. The sight broke her heart.

Pearl hiccuped and looked up in surprise as Twilight wrapped a wing around her. The alicorn's loving smile helped ease her fears a little. "No, Pearl. I'm not going to banish you. Or throw you in the dungeons. Or throw you in a dungeon in the place I banish you to. Starlight once said the same thing to me, but I didn't."

Pearl rolled her eyes. "Starlight got off easy and you know it. Those timelines were erased from existence every time you guys went back to the Sonic Rainboom. There was nopony to remember them. This? Everyone is going to remember it. I doubt they'll blab about it to everyone they know. But still."

Twilight stroked the filly's mane. "Pearl, let me ask you this. Do you regret what you did last night?"

Pearl nodded earnestly. "Of course I regret doing all of that now! But that doesn't change the fact that I did it and took pleasure in it." She chuckled. "Though it was awesome to be Tiamat. Even if it was just for a little while."

Twilight giggled. "I bet it was. But you know what you have to do now, right?"

Pearl sighed. "I need to go apologize to the others. I already did it with Kohaku. I think Kirouac got it last night, but I'll do it anyway. Who knows with Book. Maybe if he got that stick shoved up his flank removed..."

Twilight giggled more than she should have at that, but she couldn't help it. "I can point you to where Flash and Light Heart is. And then you need to see Buttercup. She was asking for you earlier."

Pearl gulped. She'd almost forgotten about that little bit. Oh, sweet Celestia, she was not looking forward to that. But it was the right thing to do. "Am I still your student, then?"

Twilight's smile softened as she pulled the Pegasus closer into a hug. "Pearl. You will always be my student. That bond will never go away. It'll take a lot more than this to break it."

Pearl let out an audible sigh of relief, as she leaned into the hug. "Thanks, Twilight."

Twilight chuckled. "Any time. My Faithful Student."

They sat there for a while like that. It did a lot to help Pearl's nerves to know she was off the hook. No matter how much she was still beating herself up over it. She finally broke the silence, however. "So, um. Was this all you wanted to see me about?"

Twilight blinked, as she finally remembered the other reason she had asked Pearl to the castle on a Saturday. "Not quite, Pearl." Igniting her horn, she floated the second letter from Princess Celestia over to the pair. "I received this from Princess Celestia a little while ago. It's about you, and last night."

Pearl blinked in surprise. "Does she know about what happened?"

Twilight shook her head. "Not all of it. But I feel she and Princess Luna will know soon enough." She sighed. "But that's not the point. Someone wants to see you. They seem to have taken an interest in you. Especially after last night."

Pearl was still. "Who would want to see me?"

Twilight paused to collect herself as if she couldn't believe what she was about to say. "Tiamat."

For a moment, Pearl didn't say anything, waiting for the punch line. But it never came. In fact, Twilight still looked shocked at the news herself. Pearl finally found her voice. "Wait. Tiamat? The Dragon Queen? The Chromatic Dragon? Wants to see me? Why?"

Twilight rubbed her snout irritably. "I don't know. Princess Celestia herself doesn't know why either. But this is out of our hooves now. Tiamat isn't known for her love of ponies. She hates us in fact. But she and the princesses get along rather well, almost friends in fact. But even they fear her. Above and beyond anyone else. Even Discord."

That sent Pearl reeling. She had never expected to hear that about the princesses. Something though nagged at the back of her mind. Looking at her costume, she remembered something. Something almost lost amidst everything else that had happened. "Last night. When I faced Kohaku's shadow. There was someone else there with me. I had no control over my other heads. They talked to me. But it wasn't me talking to myself."

Twilight looked down at the costume. It was nothing but fabric and cloth now. But there was also the faint whiff of very powerful magic to it as well. Magic that nopony had cast on it either. She also noticed the note stuck to the Red head. Carefully removing it, so as not to tear the costume, she read what was there. Or tried to anyway.

Pearl saw the look, and her heart dropped. "That was there when I woke up this morning. It wasn't there last night, and mom and dad didn't put it there either."

Twilight nodded, as she turned the note around. "This is the Iokharic Script, the ancient language of dragons. Only the oldest dragons even know about the language. It's also the basis for all magic as well. Only the Supernal Script and the Barazhad Script are older than this."

Pearl groaned. This kind of thing always made her brain hurt. She was trying to understand it, she really was, and Twilight was the greatest teacher she could ever ask for. But a lot of this went over her head, no matter how much she studied.  "So who wrote it then? Spike didn't, you didn't, and mom and dad didn't."

Twilight shook her head. "I don't know. This is just another question I don't have an answer to." She looked at Pearl earnestly. "Princess Celestia is sending someone to get you. They'll take you halfway. Tiamat is sending someone to take you the rest of the way to meet her. We leave in one week."

Pearl just barely stopped herself from doing a happy dance right then and there. This was a dream come true for her. Seriously. How many ponies could say that they had met the Chromatic Dragon face to face? She stopped as she caught all of Twilight's statement. "What do you mean, 'We'?"

Twilight sat straighter in her throne. "I'm going with you, Pearl. You are my student, and I will not let you go alone into who knows where just to meet some dragon. No matter who she is."

Pearl sighed in exasperation. "Twilight. Do you really think that's a good idea? I might get off because I was invited. But I doubt Tiamat will be happy to see you too."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Well, that's too bad for her, now isn't it? If Tiamat doesn't like it, she can come to tell me that herself, and that's final."

Pearl giggled. She knew better than to argue with her teacher when she was like this. "Fine. But don't blame me if you get eaten five different ways."

Twilight chuckled. "Duly noted, Pearl. Remember though. One week. And then we set off."
> A Princess Meeting/Last Night at Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Princess Celestia was always more than happy to spend time with her former student and fellow princess, Twilight Sparkle, today was proving the exception. And it was tearing her up inside.

She had been shocked to receive the letter she had the week before. While she and Luna were on speaking terms with Tiamat, it was a tense relationship at best, and the Dragon Queen rarely ever sent a letter.

The contents of the letter had been another shock. Why Tiamat wanted to see Twilight's student was beyond her, but it was not her place to question it. Celestia had always had good things to say about Pearl.

It was what Twilight was planning to do that scared her, and why she and Luna both were in Ponyville today, hoping that doing so in person would have more of an effect.

"Twilight. I must implore you once more. You do not know the risk you are taking by doing this," Celestia said, as the three of them stood in the Map Room.

Twilight groaned. "I am not letting Pearl go all by herself to who knows where. I don't care who it is that wants to see her. She is my student. Her safety is more important than whatever Tiamat wants."

Luna nodded. "That is a commendable outlook, Twilight. But the fact remains that you are not invited, and yet you have invited yourself. Tiamat is not known for her patience with uninvited guests."

Twilight only smiled proudly. "Well, I'm a few friendship lessons would help with that."

Celestia pinched her snout, fighting the urge to pound her head against the wall. It was a losing battle. "Twilight. A Friendship Lesson will not save you. Your magic is strong, but it will be all but useless if you must fight one of her Consorts. Let alone Tiamat herself."

Luna nodded. "We have fought her before. Even with our full power, we didn't even scratch her. Let alone land a telling blow on her. And she gave us a free shot as well. That we lived through that says much I feel."

Twilight's smile fell. She could feel that they were telling the truth. And in truth, a part of her was scared at the prospect. But her heart was still set on this, and her frown told Celestia and Luna as much. "I understand that you're both worried about me, but I'm not a little filly anymore. I'll be just fine."

At that moment, Twilight saw Pearl and Kohaku enter the Map Room. Judging by how they walked together, it seemed Pearl had learned the lessons Twilight had wanted her to learn. "Now if you will excuse me. I have to go see to my students."

Celestia's frown grew. "Twilight we are not finished with this conversation. But go and deal with your students. Luna and I will be here and we will finish this conversation," she said, a sharp edge to her voice.

"Fine," Twilight replied, turning away from her mentor in a huff. She appreciated their concern. But she hated being treated like she was still in school. "Kohaku, Pearl. Please come into my Workroom. We can talk there," she said opening a side door.

Ushering the pair inside, she groaned as Kohaku shot the sisters a rather unpleasant look. She understood how much and why he disliked them, seeing the pair as usurpers of his gods. At least she had taught him well enough that he was no longer vocal about it.

Celestia and Luna watched the trio disappear as the door closed behind Twilight. As soon as it did, Celestia's mask broke, and she sunk to her belly on the floor, no longer caring who might see her.

Luna held her close, her own mood no better. "Tia. You knew how she would react."

Celestia nodded. "I know, Luna. But I have to try. I love her too much to let her go running off on this. Of all the times I wish she still listened to me, this is the most urgent. She is going into the manticore's den."

Luna's ears wilted. "We have tried everything. Save locking her up and throwing away the key. She is set on this course, and will not change her mind. Her stubbornness is commendable if it wasn't for where it is going."

Celestia nodded, letting her tears fall now. "Twilight will not be coming home. Pearl won't be able to save her. Twilight is going..." She stopped, unable to finish the sentence. She sniffed as her head fell and her tears came faster and faster.

"Twilight is going to her death."





Sometime later, Twilight and Pearl returned to the Map Room. Kohaku had seen himself out, and as Twilight took one look at her mentor, she felt it might have been for the best. Celestia's eyes were red from crying, and Luna appeared to be in no better shape.

The sight of her mentor so vulnerable, so broken, took all the fight of Twilight, as her ears wilted and rushed over and gave her teacher the biggest hug she could. "Princess. I know you're worried about me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared to death about this. But I have to see this through. To whatever end."

Celestia nodded, her usual loving smile returning. "I know, Twilight. It is one of your greatest strengths." She pulled Twilight closer. "Promise me, Princess Twilight. That you will be careful. That you will take care of yourself. Once you leave Equestria, you will be beyond anyone's help. Not even our allies will be able to help you."

Twilight bit her lip. This reminded her of her and her friends' flight from the Storm King's Invasion. But this felt like far more than that. She smiled though. "I promise, Princess Celestia."

Celestia's smile grew, as she kissed Twilight's forehead. "Then that is all I can ask for, Twilight."

That was all Pearl could take. Rummaging around her saddlebags, she soon found a certain scroll and pulled it out. "I might have something that will help, Twilight. You can thank Kohaku for helping me get it."

Blinking, Twilight took the scroll in her magic. The words didn't make any sense, for she was still years away from ever learning how to read them properly, but she knew who had written it. She looked at Pearl in surprise. "You've met Kiyoko?"

Pearl nodded, still shocked at the whole thing. "Last night. And it was as weird as it sounds, all things considered."

Twilight giggled. "I know that feeling, for I've also met her."

Celestia and Luna also took a look at the scroll. They could read the words written on it, but they could not understand what they meant. "Then what is this?" Luna asked.

Pearl looked at her teacher, her smile dropping. "The only thing that will keep Twilight alive. I'm supposed to give this to Tiamat, and she'll understand why doing anything to her is a really bad idea. At least that's what I could understand anyway."

Twilight gulped. She wasn't one to put her faith in something like this. But if Kiyoko had given it to Pearl, then she had to trust that the Seer knew what she was doing. She turned back to Celestia and Luna, for she still had questions. "Um. Do you know what we should be expecting?"

Luna sighed. "Know this, Princess Twilight and Pearl. Very few who have entered Tiamat's lair have ever come out again. Even the ones she invited herself. Finding it is all but impossible, except by chance, and if you have a guide. And then there is what guards it. Not only natural hazards but magic and traps that are not found anywhere else on Equus."

Celestia nodded. "And if by some miracle you make it through all of that, then you face her Consorts. The five dragons Tiamat chose as her mates. One to match the color of each of her heads. All are powerful beyond belief in their own right. To fight or inhibit even just one of them is an automatic death sentence for any dragon, no matter who they might be. Not even the Dragon Lord is safe if they stand against one."

Luna nodded. "Assuming you have negotiated all of that and in one piece, then you will stand before the Dragon Queen herself. What happens after that is up to whatever she has called to see you about, Pearl."

Pearl gulped. While she was excited to learn all of this, it still scared her half to death. "Well, um. Good thing I was invited then, right?"

Celestia giggled. "Indeed. I feel you have nothing to fear. Twilight must hope that what is written on that scroll works."

Pearl looked at Twilight, a question from the night before unable to leave her alone. "So who is Shenlong?"

Twilight smiled. "He is the dragon god of the eastern dragons. Eastern dragons are very different compared to the ones Equestria knows. He and Tiamat play essentially the same role, but for the two different kinds of dragons."

Pearl scratched her chin. That would explain why Kohaku's mom sounded so serious when she had read the scroll back to her. How or if Tiamat could even be killed if she broke whatever this decree was, was another story.

Twilight, though, still had one last question. "Um. Who is coming to get us? You never said, princess."

Celestia sighed. "I do not know. Very few dragons are willing to submit to their queen like this. Let alone to work with other races. Tiamat puts up with ponies even less so than most other races."

Luna nodded. "Which means that whoever is coming to get you, Twilight and Pearl is high in her confidence to be trusted with this task. And is also powerful enough to not care at all about the consequences if it decides you are not going with your student, Princess Twilight."

Twilight gulped. "And if I make to see Tiamat herself?"

Celestia's ears fell. "Then you will die if she decides you are not welcome in her lair. And it will not be a quick or painless death. You have never faced a god when they are actively trying to kill you."

Pearl scratched her chin. "What about Discord?"

Luna shook her head. "That is not his way. For everything wrong with him, and there is much, he has never once killed a single pony. Though he is very much capable of doing so." She looked at Twilight with a sorrowful look. "You and your friends would have died long before you ever got to the Elements of Harmony if he wanted you dead."

Twilight's heart dropped like a rock. She had been afraid of that ever since so-called the Day of Chaos. She would be having words with Discord about this later. No matter what Fluttershy might say.

Pearl puffed out her chest, trying to look more confident than she felt. "Good thing she has me, then. If Kohaku's mom said this will work, then I believe her."

Princess Celestia chuckled. While she didn't know the kitsune in question, she knew enough of their kind to trust this, Kiyoko, in this matter. "I hope so too, Pearl. The moment the two of you leave Ponyville, there is nothing else we can do for you."

Twilight nodded, before draping a wing over her student. "I was able to get us an extra day before we leave. We leave tomorrow morning, bright and early." Her smile softened. "I know you did very well at Sweet Apple Acres. But I too remember what it was like, the first time I slept away from home. Nothing beats sleeping in your own bed. And I know your parents will be more than happy to see you."

Pearl's smile would've made Pinkie Pie proud. She really did miss her own bed. No matter how nice the Apple Family's were. "So, um. Where exactly are we going anyway?"

Twilight bit her lip. Oh, how she wished Pearl hadn't asked that question. But now she could not answer it now. "The Scar of The Destroyer."

And just like that, all of Pearl's confidence and bravado fled, as her eyes widened in shock and horror.





Pearl plopped down on her pillow with a weary sigh. She was glad to be home at last. She really was. But the news of where she and Twilight were supposed to meet whoever Tiamat had sent to get them had taken all the joy out of her.

"Oh, why does it have to be there?" She asked to the room, receiving no answer. "I think I'd rather meet in Tartarus than anywhere near the Blight. If this is somebody's idea of a joke. I'm not laughing."

Pearl rolled over so she could look out her window at Ponyville. The sight was as beautiful as ever. But Pearl couldn't help but wonder if this might be the last time she would ever see the small town from this angle.

A whiff of a scent she had only smelled a few times before now came to her nose, and she rolled her eyes. "I'm not in the mood, Kohaku."

"Oh come on! Is that any way to treat your best friend? I thought we were past that?"

Pearl turned around to come face to face with the kitsune in question, who bore a worried expression. It helped calm her down somewhat. "We are. But I'm just not in the mood right now." She smirked. "And if I didn't know any better, I might question why you're in my room?"

Kohaku had the decency to keep his paws and tails to himself. "See. You are learning. But that's not why I'm here."

Pearl gave him a look. "Yeah? Then why are you here? Shouldn't you be feeling up Sweetie Belle? She's probably wondering where you ran off to. Not after this past week."

Kohaku didn't smile, though his lips quirked upwards slightly. "She knows where I am. As for why I'm here. I heard of where you and Twilight sama are going."

Pearl rolled her eyes. "Then maybe you can fill me in on why this place is so bad? Your mom is super smart I take it. Did she ever say anything?"

He shook his head. "Mother and father never spoke of the Scar. My sister once told me that it was already ancient when I was born. I once asked Discord about it. He turned white as a sheet and started babbling about 10th Dimensional beings and things that should not be and things that no one should ever know."

Pearl snorted. "Sounds like his usual nonsense to me."

Kohaku shrugged. "Maybe it was. Maybe it was not. But he never spoke about it again. No matter how many times I asked."

Pearl groaned as she flopped back on her bed. "I'm back to square one then. Ponies are afraid just to even talk about it. Celestia and Luna are probably two of the only ponies who've actually seen the Scar itself in person, and they don't know a thing about it. Twilight doesn't, and if you don't. Then I'm out of luck."

"Why are you interested in it anyway?" Kohaku asked.

Pearl shrugged. "It's a two-day trip down there. I've got nothing but time to think. Twilight used her powers as a princess to have the train run all the way to the Royal Guard outpost near the Ghost Fence. We're hoofing it the rest of the way from there."

"Who came up with that name? This isn't anywhere near Morrowind, or Tamriel in general," Kohaku replied.

Pearl giggled. This was one of the few things, back before the whole Nightmare Night mess and the past week, that the two of them could agree on. Though she never would've said that out loud of course back then. "Hay if I know. Bethesda and ZeniMax aren't going to do anything about something they don't know about."

Kohaku couldn't argue with that. It wasn't really a secret, no matter what she said, that Pearl was a nerd. And more specifically, for those who knew of it, she enjoyed stuff from the Human World. Namely from a country called Japan. Looking around, he could see several mecha model kits, and while they were all different in some ways, there was a certain design element that unified them.

Pearl saw where his eyes went and frowned. "Paws off, Kohaku. Those were a major pain, literally, to put together. And not cheap either. Twilight thought I was crazy when I told her I didn't want her help with my first one," she said, pointing at one in particular that held pride of place in her collection. "Assuming we even make it back, I've got a few more waiting to be built."

He smirked. "Not so easy with hooves?"

Pearl rolled her eyes. "No. Gunpla is easier when you have fingers. Mom and dad made Twilight Pinkie Promise that she goes with me whenever I go to Canterlot High. There's no way I can do any of that here."

Pearl took a smug satisfaction at Kohaku's look of surprise at that bit of news. Even though they were past the worst parts of how they used to be, Pearl still had some bits of that left in her. "Didn't know that, did ya? To paraphrase you, you don't know everything about me. You got a good start. But there are some things that not even Twilight knows about."

He conceded the point with a nod. He could respect that. "So what's the problem then? What happened to all your bravado?"

Pearl's ears fell. "Because I'm scared of what we'll face once we cross the Ghost Fence. Scared that Twilight will die because of me. And there's not a damn thing I can do about it." She unfurled a wing. "I can count on one wing. One. The total number of ponies that's gone into the Blight, and then come back out again. And none of them even saw the Scar of the Destroyer itself."

Kohaku was taken aback by that bit of news. "What could do that?"

Pearl shrugged. "I don't know. Nopony does. They don't live long enough if they do." She sniffed as she pointed at a certain scroll on her dresser. "Your mom's scroll won't do either of us any good if we don't live long enough to present it to Tiamat."

Kohaku wiped her tears away with a tail. "Is that why you're all alone like this?"

Pearl bit her lip as she looked back out her window. The sun was beginning to set now. "I'm scared this will be the last time I see Ponyville like this. All because I couldn't control myself. And that one of my best friends will pay for it. And there's nothing I can do about it."

Kohaku felt his heart fall. He wished he could do something to help his best friend. But what was there he could do? "If you want to be alone, I can respect that. But I don't think you should be. Not at a time like this."

Pearl shook her head, holding onto his tail as hard as she could. "No. Don't go. Not yet. I need a friend. Now more than ever," she sniffed.

Kohaku nodded. And so he stayed, for however long Pearl wanted.





"I still think this is a horrible idea, Twilight," Starlight said, watching her mentor and best friend pack for the journey ahead.

Twilight shook her head. "I'm not letting Pearl go by herself, Starlight. Especially now. She will never make it to the Scar by herself."

Starlight shook her head. "And who says you being there will help? You know better than she does how many ponies have gone into the Blight, that never came back out again. What do I tell Princess Celestia and Princess Luna if the worst happens? What do I tell your family?"

Twilight stopped as she heard the fear in her friend's voice. She smiled as turned to look at the unicorn. She quickly pulled her into a hug, one that Starlight was happy to return. "Starlight. I know you're worried. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared myself. But I have to see this through."

Starlight sniffed, as her tears began to fall. "Then you come back, Twilight Sparkle. You come back. Or so help me, me messing with time will look tame by comparison when I'm done with the place."

Twilight managed a smile, even as her own tears began to fall. "I promise, Starlight. You won't even know I'm gone."

The two held their hug for a long time. Neither one of them cared if anyone saw them like this.
> The Last Ride
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pearl moaned loudly as she pushed her face deeper into her thick fuzzy pillow. She couldn’t remember when her pillow was so plush, or warm before. But she didn't mind. It was a welcome change for once. Pulling herself up more she rubbed her head back and forth against the pillow as she heard the door to her room open up.

“Pearl dear, time to wake up,” Cirrus gleefully called out as she entered and opened up the drapes covering the windows.

With another loud groan, she covered her eyes with her leg as light from the sun hit her closed eyes. “Mmm, five more minutes mom,” she grumbled out.

“If you like. But after that, we are going to talk about this.”

“About what?” Pearl asked, lifting her head up she looked at her mom. Who was looking at her daughter with a slightly disapproving look?

“About that.” Cirrus pointed to Pearl’s bed.

Confused, Pearl looked down and meeped loudly. 

In front of her, laying on his back, half drooling on her pillow, was Kohaku. She was about to yell out when the night before quickly flashed in her mind refreshing her memories. 

“Uhh… I can explain.”

“I would certainly hope so, young lady.” 

“I... it’s not what it looks like. Really,” Pearl stammered out as she shook Kohaku vigorously. “Wake up, you useless pile of fur.”

“Mmmmm another hour mommy,” Kohaku groaned as he rolled over onto his side only to be pushed off Pearl's bed. After slamming into the floor he shifted before sitting up and looked around. He saw Pearl and her mother looking at him. “Good morning.”

“Good morning Kohaku. Might I ask, what were you doing in bed with my daughter?”

“Eh, what can I say, I’m irresistible to fillies,” Kohaku said with a smirk. One that was swiftly rewarded by Pearl slamming her right hoof into his belly. 

Doubling over Kohaku rested his head down on the ground and gasped. Raising his right paw and with lack of breath said. “Worth it!” 

“Mom, nothing happened. I’m serious, he just came over and we talked and we…” Cirrus put her hoof on her daughter’s shoulder.

“I believe you, but I suggest whatever business you two have together you finish quickly.” Cirrus walked over to the door and looked over her shoulder. “Before your father happens to find the boy here.” 

“Yes, mother,” Pearl nodded as her mother left. Spinning around she glared at Kohaku. “I would have thought you would have left after I fell asleep.” she huffed and stormed over to her wardrobe. 

“Well I would have, but some filly happened to have passed out on top of me.” He smirked as Pearl undressed. 

“Oh... right.” Pulling out a few pieces of clothing she looked over her shoulder. “I’m sorry. And do you mind looking away?”

“I didn’t mind,” Kohaku smirked. “And why? It’s not like I haven't seen it before.” Seeing her eyes narrow Kohaku spun around. “Fine. Have it your way.”

“Thanks. And, thank you again for staying last night. It meant a lot, means a lot to me.” Pearl, clutching a shirt in her hooves, sat down and bowed her head. “I’m scared, Kohaku.” 

Sighing, Pearl just sat there before she felt a familiar warmth pressed up against her back. And a tail brushing across her wet eyes. 

“I know.”

“What if I don’t make it out of that place?”

“You will.”

“But wha…”

“You will. I’ll make sure of it.” Kohaku’s voice cut through the fear gathering in the room.

Pearl spun Kohaku around and pushed him down. Looking down into his eyes she sniffed. “How. How could you possibly keep me safe in that dark desolate place?”

Reaching up the young fox lightly brushed his paw against her floof and then booped her nose. “Did you really think I only came here last night to offer my company?” lifting up his other paw, he held a small crystal sphere that glimmered with a flickering emerald light. 

Pearl looked at the crystal and gasped. Taking it in her hooves she looked at it. “What is it?”

“It’s a Foxfire crystal. Inside is a small sphere of my own foxfire.” Kohaku watched as her eyes glittered from the light the sphere was emanating. “You can use it for attack, defense, or to bring light to even the darkest of places natural light won’t touch.”

“And you're just giving this to me?” 

“Well duh. Of course, I am. I want my best friend to come back after all.”

“How does it work?”

“Easy enough. You just press one hoof to the crystal. And the other outward. You form in your mind what you want the fire to do. And say the following ‘Kaihō shite shitagau’ which roughly means means ‘Release and obey’”

“And it will do what I want?” 

“Yup, whatever you hold true in your mind, the flame will do. But be very careful, magic like this has a cost. You're not like me, foxfire isn’t meant for ponies. It will burn at your magical resources far faster and much harder. Kinda like flying a twenty-four-hour marathon.”

“Anything else I should know?” Pearl bit down on her lower lip showing her worry.

“Yes, there are only three charges in that pendant. And after you use it, it takes a full day to recharge. So use them sparingly.”

“Only three? Why couldn’t you give me more?” Pearl smirked down at her friend. 

“Because I only have three tails.”

“Well, I guess it’ll do. Thanks.” Pearl leaned down and kissed her friend's forehead. “You better get going. I have to shower and change and I bet you're late for chores.” 

“Eh not really, I have the next few days off. But I should give you the time you need.” Kohaku rolled out from under his friend and smiled at her leaped to the window ledge. 

“Wait. Your shirt.” Pearl called out snagging his shirt from her bedpost. 

Looking over his shoulder, Kohaku shook his head. “Keep it.” 

Pearl stood there and watched as her friend leaped out of the window. Shaking her head, she turned and made her way to the shower, holding the Foxfire crystal close.

***

As the train pulled into Ponyville station, Twilight and Pearl found themselves wishing they could stay like this forever. All their friends had come to see them off. Even some students from the School of Friendship had come to see them off.

"Are you sure I can't come with you, Twilight? What if you need me? I can totally help!" Spike grumbled as he hugged the alicorn tight.

Twilight happily returned the hug. "I am sorry, Spike. But I am pushing my luck as it is. I won't risk anyone else in case this goes horribly wrong."

"Eh. Depends on who the Queen sent to get you," Smolder shrugged. "You might even get them on a good day too."

Twilight rolled her eyes. She eyed the students with a critical look. "Don't think just because I'm gone that you can slack off on your studies. I'm expecting to hear nothing but good things from Starlight when we get back. Am I understood?"

The Young Six nodded, even if Gallus didn't look all that happy at the idea. "So what could Tiamat send to me Professor Twilight and Pearl?" Silverstream asked. "She doesn't sound very nice. No offense, Smolder."

Smolder rolled her eyes. "Beats me. Only the Dragon Lord has anything like a way to talk to her. Last I heard, Lord Ember hasn't used it."

"What about Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?" Rainbow asked. "Sounds like something they'd be useful for."

Twilight shook her head sadly. "Once Pearl and I cross the Ghost Fence, we will be beyond anyone's help. They couldn't get to us fast enough. And once we reach the Scar of the Destroyer, we'll be at the mercy of whoever or whatever Tiamat sent to pick us up. Plus whatever we face along the way. The Blight's been more active than usual lately."

Everyone shared a concerned look, as the conductor called out for final boarding. Pinkie couldn't take it any longer and pulled the entire group into one massive group hug, much to Gallus' and Smolder's annoyance. "We'll have a HUGE party when you get back! Pinkie Promise!" She said happily, doing her best to hide her own worry.

Twilight and Pearl giggled, as the group split up and the two grabbed their things before climbing aboard the nearest car. "I could use a party or five," Pearl said, earning a giggle from the group before the two travelers vanished inside.

***

Inside, Twilight was quick to store away their luggage, as Pearl grabbed the window seat, eager for the last view of home before the long trip ahead. Twilight rolled her eyes as she took the seat next to the young Pegasus. Looking out the window, as the train began to pull away, the two waved goodbye to their friends, their own fears and worries put away for now.

Just before the station pulled out of view, Twilight caught sight of a certain unicorn in the shadows. He bowed his head briefly, before vanishing into the darkness once more. Twilight smiled a bit. As much of a pain in her backside as he was, she would happily have taken Book Knight along for this.

Pearl didn't seem to notice it, though, and leaned back in her seat with a sigh. "Hopefully you have something good to read. I couldn't think of anything good for a long trip."

Twilight giggled, igniting her horn and pulling out a bunch of manga from her saddlebags. "I did actually. Kohaku recommended this one actually. And seeing as how close you two are now, I think it would be good for you."

Pearl took the stack in her hooves, rolling her eyes as she saw what it was. "Well, I would be lying if I said I wasn't kinda sorta interested in Naruto after what happened in Nightmare Night. It was that or My Hero Academia."

Twilight nodded. "I have that too. You can thank Kirouac for it. I know you've been reading Gundam Thunderbolt for a while now. But Sunset said Volume 16 isn't out until August."

Pearl rolled her eyes. "Go figure. Makes us wait. I hate it when they do that."

Twilight giggled as she pulled out her own book. "I understand the feeling, Pearl. But that just makes it so much better when you finally get to read the next part. Even if I don't understand why you like it so much."

Pearl rolled her eyes as she opened the first page. "You just don't get a good action story, Twilight. And it's better to read about this kind of war instead of living through it."

Twilight conceded that point. It was a recurring argument between the two of them. Neither one of them was willing to back down from it either, so they just left it at that, as the two of them passed into silence. As the train left Ponyville and the world they knew behind.

***

Pearl admitted that she had never thought that the southern portion of Equestria could be beautiful. But she had grown up in the city, so all of this wide-open space was new to her.

The journey south was uneventful. Twilight got plenty of looks. But she had long since grown used to them, even if they still made her feel uncomfortable in a way. 

Day turned to night, and night into day, as they arrived in Appleloosa. Most other ponies on the train got off at the desert town. Very few even wanted to look to the south, and Pearl couldn't blame them as she waited for Twilight to come back from grabbing them something to eat in town before they set off once more. She couldn't help but look to the south herself though, and it made her breath hitch.

On the horizon sat what looked like nothing more than a gigantic eye. One that throbbed and pulsated with a sickly, gangrenous, hue. Every color that was known to mortal kind, and a billion more that should never have existed, swirled in the eye's depths. Pearl's eyes burned just looking at it, and she quickly looked away, fighting back throwing up all over the floor.

The Occulus Tenebris. The Eye of Terror was known across the world and feared by most beings, for it was unnatural in a way that made the Everfree Forest look tame and normal by comparison. But it was what lay underneath the Eye that most feared above even the Eye itself.

Pearl fought to keep her breakfast where it belonged. After a moment, she felt a hoof rubbing her back in a comforting manner. It seemed to work, and Pearl leaned into the feeling with a sigh.

"I told you not to look at it, Pearl," Twilight admonished gently.

Pearl smiled weakly. "I couldn't help it. Never thought I'd see it, and. Well..."

Twilight smiled gently. "I know. But it is dangerous to look at it. You are lucky you looked away when you did. And it will only get worse as we get closer."

Pearl nodded, as the train began to move once more. Looking around, there was nopony else in the car with them. "Are we all alone?"

Twilight nodded. "We're the only passengers left. The conductor isn't very happy about going any further. But being a princess has its perks. Even though I hate having to use them like this."

Pearl nodded. "Could be worse. He could have said no. And then what? You drive us there yourself? No thanks. I'd rather walk."

Twilight looked hurt for a moment at the suggestion before the two of them broke into helpless giggles at the idea.

***

How long had it been since they had left Appleloosa? Twilight didn't know anymore, and that fact scared her to no end. Time had lost all meaning the further south they had gone. It could have been a day, a week. Or even a month.

Pearl had long since given up even trying to fake confidence and stayed as close to her mentor as she could. Twilight didn't mind and held her close as well. Neither of them looked out the windows, the light of the sun and moon replaced with the unlight of the Eye, the faint rumble of thunder, and the occasional streaks of lightning in colors that didn't exist in any reality.

Finally, though, the train began to slow down and eventually stopped. Pearl and Twilight had never been happier to arrive at a destination, and Pearl was quick to make a beeline for the nearest door as soon as it opened. Twilight rolled her eyes as she grabbed their things before following her student outside.

Outside, it was almost like twilight with how much light there was. But it could be any time for all Pearl knew. A small contingent of Royal Guard was there to meet them. Twilight was shocked at their appearance. While they all wore the same Solar Guard armor and helmets and represented all three Tribes, it was their eyes that shocked the pair.

They were hollow. Empty, and soulless, broken by whatever horrors they had seen beyond the Ghost Fence or fought to keep contained within the Blight. Twilight remembered first meeting the ponies in Our Town. Their vacant stares were almost the same. But Starlight's village had had more life behind its eyes than these ponies. 

Behind them stood Castle Black. Carved from black stone, it seemed like something King Sombra himself would have made, for there was an undeniable fortress-like appearance to it that not even Pearl could miss.

Beyond that, stood the Ghost Fence itself. A low line of hills that looked like massive gums that had their teeth removed. Only one entrance existed into the Blight beyond, though neither Pearl nor Twilight could see it.

A Pegasus stepped forward and saluted, bringing the visitors back to the present. "Your highness, young one. I am Captain Steel Wing, commander of the garrison here. Princess Luna told us you were coming. Your rooms are ready whenever you are."

Pearl slumped to the ground. "Finally. I've had enough of trains, thank you very much."

Twilight and the captain chuckled, and even the others guards managed to smile a little. "Lead on, captain. We're your guests while we are here," Twilight added.

Steel Wing nodded, and at a curt command, the others guards fell into line alongside Twilight and Pearl. "Welcome then, ladies. To Castle Black."
> Mouth of Hell/The Guardian
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Well we’ve arrived,” the train conductor said to his young worker. Who at that moment was hanging up the coal shovel and his hat. The conductor was slightly taken aback all those days ago when he just showed up in Appleloosa with the request to work the coal shovel for a trip to the last stop the princess was making. He would have laughed aloud but for the dark look in the young creature’s eyes. “You sure you want to get off here? These guard ponies don’t take kindly to outsiders, and there’s nothing beyond but a living hell.” 

“I’m sure,” the young passenger said as he slipped on his dark green cloak with gold embroidery. “And I'll be just fine. Thank you for the ride, I know it couldn’t have been easy on you.” 

The touch of that dark paw on the Conductor’s shoulder erased every dark feeling he had. No different than a warm flame melts the snow. “Well okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you. We’ll be heading back in the morning if you change your mind.” 

“No, you won’t. You’ll be leaving tonight,” the cloaked boy looked over his shoulder. His voice not so much as suggesting it, but commanding him to do so. “There are dark and evil forces at work this night, you’ll be much safer back at the last stop. So leave now, and do not look back.”

Before he could voice any complaint the boy had leaped off the train and moved up to a pair of guards. He grumbled and groaned when one look over the horizon made the old stallion agree with what the young one was said. He didn’t want to be any closer to this place than he already was. 

“We’re heading back. Now get to work you slackers,” the old conductor shouted out as he started the train’s backward journey.

The guards stood there as they were handed a hoof sealed note with the royal moon symbol. The sergeant tore it open and read the contents. Feeling his blood freeze as he did so. “The princess’s last letter didn’t say they were sending another envoy past our walls.”

“It was a last-minute decision,” the cloaked boy said with a smile. All that could be seen under his hood, was a dark green mussel and a pair of bright shimmering eyes. Eyes that made even these hardened soldiers tremble more than what was beyond the wall. “I trust there will be no problems.”

“Uh… I’ll have to check with the captain, but no. No problems sir,” the sergeant said as he gave the boy a salute. “You’ll find the princess and her companion in the dining hall.” 

“Thanks, but I won’t be needing dinner. I’ll just head up to their room.” Stepping toward the door he looked back. “Which one is it?”

“Third floor, far back wall overlooking the courtyard.” 

Looking up the boy saw the window in question and nodded. Moving away from the door he turned to the guards and thanked them. With one bounce he pushed against a side wall and leaped off springing him upward.

The guards watched as the boy swiftly wall jumped with all the speed of a shade escaping the light. Glancing at each other and then at the note, they all gulped and turned away, returning to their duties.

***

Steel Wing laughed aloud at the joke Pearl had regaled him with as the captain escorted the two ladies to their rooms. “We hope your accommodations will be okay, we didn’t have time to outfit the rooms for royalty but I do hope you’ll be comfortable.”

“That’s perfectly alright Captain,” Twilight chuckled. 

“OH yes, I almost forgot. While you two were dining, I received word that a third envoy disembarked from the train not long after you two.”

“WHAT!” Twilight and Pearl exclaimed in unison.

“Took my sergeant by surprise as well, but he had a letter from Princess Luna saying that he was her personal envoy and escort for you,” Steel Wing said as he held out the letter.

Twilight took hold of the scroll in her magic and scanned the contents.

--
To Captain Steel Wing of Castle Black

The bearer of this scroll is my personal envoy. He will be helping to escort Princess Twilight and Lady Pearl Rose through the Scar. You will treat him no differently than you would any member of the royal house. And will obey his orders just as if they came from me.

Yours in moonlight, 

Princess Luna.
--

It took three reads but Twilight found something off about the scroll and what was written. But as it held Princess Luna’s personal seal she had to accept that it was real even though it made her uneasy.

“Where is this ‘envoy’ now Captain?”

“Well from what my sergeant said, he wall jumped up to your balcony and entered your room, from the outside.”

“What kind of envoy would do something as foolish as that,” Twilight exclaimed as she started to pace back and forth, trying to work this out in her mind. First having to keep her young charge from danger, not to mention herself. And now a third ‘wild card’ had just been thrown into the mix. 

“OH please no. there’s only one creature I can think of,” Pearl groaned as she pressed her head to the door of her room. “Um, does this envoy have a name?”

“He never gave one, but my sergeant said he had a pair of haunting set of amber eyes. And when he was bounding over the walls. Swears he saw three tails under that cloak.”

Pearl and Twilight gave each other a quick glance and without a word barged into the room. 

There, laying on Pearl’s bed, a dark green cloak covering his body, was the ‘envoy’. The hood had been drawn back and rested neatly across his shoulders as he stretched out and lifted his head up. 

“Hey, how was dinner?” 

“Kohaku…” was all the pair could say.

***

“Kohaku of all the stupid, foolhardy, Insane things you have ever done,” Twilight fumed and stopped about the room. Her horn practically sparking at her anger for her young student. Who at that moment was watching his teacher with amusement. “This tops them all! What made you think you could just come here! You understand as much as us what lays beyond here. Well, I won’t have it. You are leaving on that train first thing in the morning young man.” 

Pacing back and forth, Twilight took long deep breaths to help cool herself down. 

“I’m sorry Twilight sama but I won’t be leaving in the morning.” Kohaku yawned out casually

“You don’t have a choice in this. In the morning you are leaving and me and Pearl are going forward.”

“That might be hard, as the train already left about two hours ago.” the young fox grinned wide. 

Pearl watched the interactions between her teacher and Kohaku. She had never before seen Twilight so angry. This was the kind of fury she half expected when she almost killed him. But now she was taking it out ON him. Not that she could blame her teacher, this was the most insane thing her friend had ever done since she had known him. As she looked at Kohaku she thought something was off. But couldn’t put her hoof on it. Everything about him seemed the same but for that one thing. Putting it aside she made a mental note to ask Twilight about it after this.

“What!!.. No that… How am I going to explain this to your Mother? She must be worried about you already.”

“Not really." Kohaku started to clean the inside of one of his ears with a claw briefly before scratching it. “I told her I was going to visit some friends in the Everfree Forest for the next few weeks. Since it’s been so long since I've visited them, she agreed as long as I was careful.” 

“Then I'll leave you here. With orders that the guards are NOT to let you follow.” 

“Good luck with that, I kept myself hidden from you for days now on that train. What makes you think I can’t just sneak out of here and follow you. Which I will if you leave me behind.” Moving up off the bed Kohaku lifted his head up and almost touched his nose to Twilight’s chin. “Besides I made a promise and I intend to keep it or die trying.” With that, he looked over at Pearl who gulped bit her lip in understanding.

“I don’t like disobeying you Twilight sama, but I will do everything in my power to keep my promise. No matter what.” With that Kohaku curled up at the foot of Pearl’s bed and closed his eyes. 

Twilight looked down at her pupil. He was right, she had no power to keep him there. Even if she used magic, no doubt he could find a way to escape. He always had. During their studies, she always tried to strap him down with her strongest spells. But the young fox always found his way out. She loved that about him, how talented he was. How determined. Once he set a goal in his mind, nothing would ever stop him from achieving it. 

Looking over at Pearl, she recalled his words and knew there was a promise made between them. Probably more from him than her. These two were going to be the death of her. She loved them both dearly. And wanted to protect them just as much as their own parents. Sighing she sat down in defeat and just shook her head. 

“Fine, you win. Just, stay safe with us.” Turning her head she sadly looked at Pearl. “Looks like our duo just became a trio. And you gain yet another protector.”

Pearl let out an exasperated sigh as she slumped onto her bed. "Great." She shook her head as she tried to think of anything else. "There's more life in a cemetery than around here. I know the Royal Guard is supposed to be stoic. But they have more life than these ponies."

Twilight sighed, as she sat on her own bed. "It's this place. Most ponies don't leave here without scars on their mind of some kind. Or scars of any kind. If they leave it all."

Pearl tried not to think about that, as she flew over to the window. Outside was a clear view of the Ghost Fence. Beyond, the Blight glowed in an ever-shifting array of colors. "What the hay could even make this?"

Twilight joined her at the window, her expression grim. "No one knows for sure. There are a billion different theories about who and what created the Blight and why. I even straight up asked Kyoko about it during my session with her. She only said that some things are not meant to be known, and should remain forever undisturbed."

Pearl rolled her eyes. "Great. Vague answers. Are we sure Princess Celestia isn't related to her?"

Twilight giggled. "They are not related. That's just a bit too much, even for me." Her eyes turned toward the north but seemed to be a million miles away. "But I saw something in her eyes when she told me that. She knew, as much as anyone ever could, who and what happened here. It wasn't fear that stopped her from telling me. Nor even not telling Kohaku."

Kohaku didn't say anything. He had often wondered why his mother had never told more about this place. He always chalked up to his mother protecting him from something that could potentially kill him before he was ready. Was there something else though?

Pearl looked at her mentor, as she paused a moment, before sharing a look with her fellow student. "Then what was it?"

Twilight looked back toward the Ghost Fence. "She was protecting Equus by not telling anyone. She won't draw its attention back towards Equus by saying its name. If its name can even be said. And I'm inclined to believe her in this matter."

Pearl shook her head. There went that idea at least, she thought as she looked down below. There wasn't much to see. Desolation as far as the eye could see. But it was better than looking beyond the Ghost Fence. "So how the hay are we supposed to get across all of that?" She asked, pointing to the east.

Twilight didn't say anything for a moment. "I don't know. This whole place is wrong in a way that I can't explain. It reminds me of the Ashlands timeline Spike and I saw when we battled Starlight. But this? This is something else."

"This place will do that to you," Captain Steel Wing said, as he came to the door. "None of this is right. It's wrong in a way that none of us can explain. Which explains why we are so glad to see you, princess."

Twilight frowned. It wasn't the use of her title though. "What do you mean? We only left Appleloosa two days ago, if that."

Steel shook his head. "Your highness. You disappeared three weeks ago. Everyone in Appleloosa confirmed your train left on time. But nopony has seen either of you since then. You vanished from the face of Equus for all intents and purposes."

Pearl's mouth dropped in shock, while Twilight's ears fell in sympathy, while Kohaku’s face lacked all expression. "How? What the hay could do that?" She asked.

Steel shrugged. "Unknown. But the conductor was more than happy to listen to the boy and run back north as fast as they could once he dropped the three of you off here. And I can't blame them in the slightest."

Twilight pondered this. This didn't make any sense. Neither she nor Pearl had gone anywhere else. Had they? Nothing about their journey stood out as saying they had. Just another question she had about this cursed place. "Be that as it may, Pearl and I need to get to the Scar of the Destroyer as soon as possible."

Steel Wing didn't look at all happy about the idea. Even less so considering Pearl's age, for he had a daughter that was about the same age as her. But he had his orders, but that didn't mean he had to like it. "Very well. I can provide an escort to the Gate on the other side of the Ghost Fence. Past that? You are on your own. We've lost ten Rangers in the past month. I cannot risk any more."

Twilight nodded. It was far from what she had hoped for, but there was little she could do about it. "Then we will set off in the morning, captain. We could both use a good night's sleep."

Pearl yawned, suddenly remembering how tired she actually was. "Sleep sounds good right about now. I hate sleeping on trains. Give me a bed any day."

That got a chuckle out of the two older ponies. "Then I wish the both of you a pleasant night's sleep. I’ll post a guard at your door and we can start in the morning whenever you are ready," Steel said, closing the door behind him as he left the two to themselves.

Sleep was a long time in coming for both Pearl and Twilight that night.

***

Kohaku listened carefully until both Pearl and Twilight had drifted off to sleep. Thankfully it was only moments he knew both were exhausted from their journey. Sitting up, the fox sighed deeply. He knew what had happened on the train, he could feel the magic like a heavy mist in his lungs. It was this place, like the Realm of Chaos, time held no meaning. 

Opening his cloak he examined himself for a moment and then nodded. “Well, time to get to work.” Turning around he went to the door and opened it. Finding both Steel Wing and a newly placed guard. 

“OH, Kohaku is it? Is everything okay?” Steel Wing asked as the boy walked up to him. “I assume you can’t sleep. I can have someone bring something up from the kitchen to help.” 

“No, but sleep does sound like a good idea.” Lifting his paw up, Kohaku blew against it. Sending a whiff of grey dust up to the Pegasus’s nose. 

Steel Wing stumbled and fell backward, gripping the wall hard for support. “What the..” the young guard growled and charged the boy who turned and blew into his face. Before he could think. The young guard passed out cold.

“What... are... You..” Steel Wing struggled against the sleep pushing him down. As he looked into the boy’s eyes he saw they were without emotion or mercy.

“I’m sorry but things will be much easier tonight if you aren't in my way.” Leaning in Kohaku blew another dose of dust into the captain's nose and watched as he passed out. “I have a lot to do and very little time to do it.” Turning on his heels Kohaku walked down the dark hallway until he melded into the shadows. 

***

A sharp rapping on the door shook Twilight from her slumber. “Come in.” She muttered as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. 

“Good morning Princess.” Steel Wing said with a calm charming voice. “Breakfast is ready when you and your company are hungry.” 

Twilight had to rub her eyes as she looked at Steel Wing, something was vastly different. He wasn’t as stooped over, and his eyes were actually bright almost alive. “Thank you, Captain. Um. forgive me for asking but are you okay? You seem different.” 

“Well, a good night’s rest does wonders. I’m not sure why but I had the most restful sleep I have ever had in this place. In fact, every guard and servant said the same thing this morning. Almost as if the whole garrison was asleep last night…” Steel Wing's voice trailed off, his eyes went blank for a moment before he shook his head “What was I saying? Bah, probably wasn’t important. We’ll see you downstairs when you're ready. OH, Kohaku said he’ll wait for you by the tree in the courtyard gardens.” He smiled and left the room.

“The whole garrison? Asleep?” Twilight muttered to herself. Something was definitely off. She heard from Celestia how dedicated to protocol Steel Wing was. More so than her own brother. No way he would let his whole garrison fall asleep last night. Her head hurt from thinking about it as she moved to wake Pearl. 

“Morning already?” Pearl moaned out and leaned up looking about. 

“Yes, let's go down to breakfast.” She kept her thoughts to herself to keep from worrying her young student. 

***

“I don’t understand. How can everypony here look so alive today.” Pearl rambled on as she tried to keep up with Twilight's longer steps. “Last night they looked as if they were ready to lay down and die if you so much as breathed on them. It just doesn't…. Make… what!” Pearl stopped as her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. 

She had just walked into one of the most beautiful gardens she had ever seen. Four guards were posted at each of the four cardinal directions. In each corner were large koi ponds. In the center, surrounded by crystals, was the largest apple tree she had ever seen. Directly under it was Kohaku, singing softly to himself. 

“Um, Twilight. Am I imagining things? Wasn’t this a desolate barren pile of nothing last night?” 

“Yes, Pearl. It was,” Twilight’s voice tightened as she looked over at Kohaku. He hadn’t even looked up and acknowledged their presence. “Kohaku!” 

Looking up Kohaku smiled and nodded to Twilight. Slinging his bag over his cloaked shoulders he stood up. “I’m ready to go.” 

“Where… Where did this garden come from?” 

“What are you talking about? It’s always been here, isn’t that right Captain?” 

Pearl and Twilight spun around to see Steel Wing walk up to them.

“Kohaku’s right, The tree, and this garden have always been here. I can’t blame you for missing it last night.” Steel Wing swung his hoof Handel sword a few times and then sheathed it on his back. “It’s been Castle Black’s sacred duty to guard it ever since it was built.” Steel chuckled softly. “Slight change of plans. I’ll be the only one to escort you to the gate, I need to keep as many guards as I can here to protect the garden.”

Twilight couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She knew Castle Black’s sworn duty was to protect Equestria from the Ghost Gate and everything behind it. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Kohaku smirking from under his hood as his eyes focused on Steel Wing. as she blinked the expression on his face had vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared. She had heard Pearl talk about something being ‘off’ about Kohaku. But as she usually heard complaints about him from her, at least before they became so close, she dismissed it then. But now she saw it. Something was definitely off, she just didn’t know what.

“You see. Something IS off about him.” 

Twilight looked down at Pearl and then over at Kohaku. “Pearl. Put it from your mind. It’s Kohaku, I think looking at the eye on the train played a little trick in your head.”

“You really think that’s it?”

“Yes, Pearl. I do. We both know Kohaku is a bit strange sometimes. After all, neither of us know everything about him.” Twilight watched as Pearl just nodded and shrugged before going over and playfully slugged her friend in the shoulder, telling him off before the two of them laughed it off. She knew it best to harbor suspicions herself. 

***

Twilight didn’t know how long they walked. The sun barely moved in the sky just behind the techno-colored mist. Pearl rode on her back groaning from having trekked on the path for what seemed hours on end. The princess looked ahead at Wing and Kohaku. The pair walked side by side with Wing walking only a step behind. Occasionally the captain would shake his head and groan, but one glance from Kohaku silenced him.

‘He did something, I’m sure of it,’ Twilight thought to herself as the pair came up against a huge set of double doors. Both ten hooves high and made of iron with basalt statues adorning it depicting nine-tail creatures of mist and shadows fighting long serpent-like dragons. Across the top were words etched in what she recognized as Kanji. But the dialect was so old and archaic she couldn’t decipher it.

“We’re here,” Wing announced. Turning on his heels he looked at the princess. His smile vanished as he touched his hoof to a small crystal embedded on the right side of the door. “This is as far as I go. Please take care, Princess.” Turning around he started to walk back to the garrison.

Twilight sighed as she stood there, Peal slipping off of her back. As Wing passed by her left she heard a soft whisper that was his voice prior to whatever it was Kohaku had done. “Trust nothing you see.” And continued on as the double doors opened slowly. 

“Well, here we are. I wonder what those words say?” Pearl asked as she looked up at Twilight. 

“I doubt anyone knows. It’s so old, I can’t read it.” 

“Abandon hope all ye who enter here.” Kohaku’s voice cut through the dim like a knife as both females turned and looked at him with wide eyes. “Every Kitsune born is taught these words when history brings up the Blight. Father himself told them to me as both warning and instruction. Never once have I seen the Blight with my own eyes. Such a waste.” 

Twilight heard Kohaku sigh as he looked out at a desolate forest of dead trees on either side of a long wide path. She wondered if he was saddened more from the danger or the state of the forest beyond.

As Pearl and Twilight looked out they noticed that the sky’s color extended down to the very ground itself. Everything was shifting and shaded with various shades of red. As they watched Kohaku walk past the gates they noticed the trees grew a darker red with a thick liquid dripping from the dead branches. 

Twilight moved past the gates with Pearl half trembling beside her. All around were odd-shaped rocks like ribs pushing up out of the ground. But beyond all that, it wasn’t the bleeding trees. The skeletal rocks, or even the depressing mist that brought a cold chill down her spine. It was the whispers that came from the shadows. Whispers that spoke both in Kohaku’s native tongue, and old Draconic.

But there was something… wrong about them. There was underlying cruelty and malice and hatred to the whispers that Twilight had never heard in any other living creature. Hatred for all flesh and blood living beings. 

“What are they saying?” Pearl asked, trying to keep the fear from her voice, but failing. Her nose twitched as she smelled something. But that couldn’t be right. And why could she faintly hear the sounds of brass horns in the distance? 

Better yet. Why was she drawn to them? A burning need had arisen in her, a hidden seed she hadn’t known she had.

Twilight shook her head, fighting off what seemed like pain of some kind. All she could see was an endless crystal labyrinth, whose impossible angles and geometries made her eyes burn just to look at them. But within these lay untold power and knowledge beyond her wildest dreams.

Kohaku stood silently in the center of the path. He could vaguely hear both Pearl and Twilight behind him. However, their voices sounded like they were leagues away from him. Shifting his gaze he saw nothing but death and destruction around him. Fossilized bodies littered the spaces around the trees as they continued to drip almost an endless amount of blood. Closing his eyes the young boy listened to the sounds from both sides. 

“Failure! Betrayer! Destroyer!” Each word growing louder in his ears. Taking a long deep breath, Kohaku sat down and pulled out a small set of beads, and hung them loose around both wrists. Folding his paws together one nested perfectly under the other. He touched his thumb to the smaller fingers as he kept the pointer upright to the sky. Taking a long deep breath he started to chant as his tails created various gestures. 

“Hi Fu Mi Yo I Mu Na Ya Ko To Mo Chi Ro Ra Ne.” his voice slow and gentle as he breathed slow and easily. As he did the voices lessened until all he heard were Pearl and Twilight directly behind him.

Turning around his eyes widened and quickly moved to Pearl’s side, jabbing her forehead with a claw he muttered. “Rirīsu!” dashing to the side he leaped up and jabbed Twilight directly under her horn and muttered the same word “Release!” landing on the ground he watched as both girls came out of their daze.

“What the living buck Kohaku. That HURT!” Pearl shouted as she rubbed her head. 

“Kohaku, what happened!  Why did you do that?” Twilight asked as she moved up to her student rubbing just under her horn with a wing.

“It was the only thing I could think of. We have a problem.” Pointing behind the pair he just turned his head to the side and gruffed to himself. 

Both Pearl and Twilight turned around and gasped loudly. The entrance to the Blight had completely vanished. Leaving nothing but a long endless road on either side of them.

“What the? Where did the gate go?” Pearl fumed. “It was just there! Gates just don’t up and vanish like that!”

And there was that red rage again. Pearl managed to bite it back, but it was hotter than it had been before. Why though?

Twilight though noticed something else, and it only increased her concern and worry. “That is not the only trouble.” Getting a confused look from Pearl, she merely pointed at the ground. “Look. The gate is gone, but look at the road.”

Pearl did as she was told, and felt her blood run cold.

Running off into the distance were two sets of tracks, with a third showing where she had gotten off Twilight’s back. Two sets were hoof prints, one smaller than the other, while the third were paw prints.

And each and every single one of them was filled with bubbling, boiling, blood.

Pearl gulped and looked at the bottom of her hoof. It was fine. It wasn’t even covered in blood. Yet each step she took left behind a print that was filled with blood as soon as her hoof left it.

Twilight did the same. Hers hurt like nopony’s business and were indeed bloody. But nowhere near enough to fill her hoofprints like this. “Then we were walking for hours.”

Pearl gave her a look. “But I wasn’t. And I don’t see the Ghost Fence anywhere around here.”

It was true. While Twilight lagged behind Pearl in her vision (only being ⅓ Pegasus compared to a natural born one), even she could see there was nothing to show the Ghost Fence in the distance, which should’ve been impossible.

Even Kohaku's own legs were burning. Looking at one of his paw pads, he shook his head at the damage he saw. But kept it hidden from both Twilight and Pearl’s view. “We best find a place to stay the night. The sun will be setting soon. There’s a river not far from here, and I can hear a waterfall echo suggesting a cave. Just through there!” Kohaku pointed past a line of dead bleeding trees off to the right. 

“Are you sure, all I see is dead trees and nothing else?” Pearl turned her eyes toward the trees and gazed at them as best as she could. 

“Pearl’s right, your senses might be tricking you in this place,” Twilight watched as Kohaku hid his paw under his cloak as she walked up to him.

“I’m sure, I’m not using my eyes. I can actually feel the water from here.” The two girls watched as he winced in pain each time his paws touched the ground. “That’s how I know it’s real.”

“Alright, I’ll trust you, but ride on my back. You're in pain,” Twilight knelt down for her young student.

“No. I… I’ll be okay once we get to the river,” He said slipping a little bit away from Twilight looking nervous. Who only nodded as Kohaku made his way to a small opening in the tree line.

“Well that was odd, Kohaku has never turned down a pony ride.” Pearl came up next to Twilight and watched her friend walk to the trees. 

“I know. I think this place may be affecting him more than us.” Twilight placed a wing on Pearl’s shoulder. “Let us just keep an eye on him. Hopefully, he’ll be more like himself after a night’s sleep.”

****

Twilight and Pearl both had to admit that Kohaku knew what he was talking about. Once they had passed the treeline, they were in a rich thick living forest. And after only a ten-minute walk they found themselves at the base of a huge waterfall against a wall of mountains that seemed to stretch up past the clouds.

Her young student had even found a variety of fruits and nuts for them to enjoy as a dinner as he made a small fire to keep them warm. 

Pearl watched as Kohaku had just sat there staring at the fire wistfully. “Here you look hungry,” Pearl passed him a few pieces of fruit on a strip of bark.

“No, I’m okay. You girls eat.” Getting up Kohaku walked away from the fire. “I’m going to get some more water. And perhaps wash this blood from my fur.” Bowing his head he vanished past the trees. 

“I hope he’s okay, he hasn’t eaten anything all day,” Pearl sighed as she devoured a goose plum.

“I can sympathize with him on that.” Twilight swallowed a few elderberries and stood up. “This place and all that he saw, those blood-covered trees, would make anypony lose their appetite.”

Pearl had to nod in agreement. She knew her of friends' deep affinity for the forest. The night he came over to comfort her, he talked at great length about it. His love of nature almost rivaled a Pegasus’s love of the sky.

“Pearl, stay here by the fire, I’m going to go check on Kohaku. I’ll be back” Twilight watched Pearl nod eagerly and scooch closer to the flames. 

The princess moved her way through the path Kohaku had taken. Not more than a minute later she heard splashing up ahead. Pushing through a few dense bushes she found a small clearing flooded with red-tinted moonlight. A small cloak was resting on the banks of the river with Kohaku nowhere in sight. 

Looking around she found the source of the splashing. A shadowy figure swam back and forth in the dark waters a few times before making its way to the shore. She breathed a sigh of relief seeing three tails swish back and forth behind it. She was about to call out when her voice was stolen from her the second her student moved into view.

She only looked on in wide-eyed shock. That wasn’t Kohaku. His shape and form were right. But he looked quite like a Timberwolf. She could see the thick wooden structure of his skeletal framework. Under the bark-like skin, she saw what looked to be a mix of clay and black dirt taking the place of his muscles. His eyes glowed with a shimmering amber light as he flung the cloak around his shoulders. Picking up a glowing object from a rock, ‘Kohaku’ put it around his neck and instantly he was transformed back into a fox.

Kohaku leaned back against a large boulder and stared up into the sky. His front paws rested and folded atop his belly. “This is taking too long.” Holding up one paw he just gazed at it. “First the time warp train ride and now this.” 

Twilight watched as that paw came down on another rock, shattering it into dust. She watched as he looked up and half growled. “You didn’t tell me this is what I'd be facing!!” Kohaku’s gaze then swiftly turned to the tree line behind him. “Thought you’d be listening. Any further advice you have to give me?”

Twilight watched the treeline but if he was talking to somepony, she couldn’t see him or her.

“Yeah, That’s one Idea. Not one I want to use. It took all my strength to grow that garden. And thanks again for mind-altering those guards. You're sure they’ll go back to normal once this is done?” 

Whatever was said, Kohaku just nodded his head. 

“Two days, that's all I have. If we aren't through this by then.” Kohaku sighed and turned away. Looking down at his shoulder as if someone had placed a paw on it. “You can do that? In here?” Kohaku watched his unseen visitor. Listening very carefully to what was being said. “That will work. She won’t agree to it, not willingly.” “Yeah like you’d do that. Since you were reformed you haven't done that level of magic. Twilight sama herself told me that.” 

Signing Kohaku just nodded and turned away. “No, there's no other way. Do it, I’ll deal with the aftermath. I have one Idea I can use. It’ll mean the loss of my current magic, but it’ll be worth it to see them safely out of this hell.” Pushing himself up, Kohaku walked toward the spot Twilight was hidden by the trees. “Let's just hope she forgives us one day.” And with that, Kohaku walked past a hidden Twilight and back to the campsite.

Twilight sat there gasping for breath. She just watched in the shadows as Kohaku moved back to camp. She recognized what Kohaku was now. A golem. A living magical construct who was taking the shape of her student. She had answers to a lot of things, but an endless amount of questions that followed. She knew without a doubt ‘Kohaku’ was working with Discord. That was easy enough to figure out. But what was it they were about to do? 

She needed answers. Getting up, Twilight moved back to Camp and found Kohaku half snuggled up next to Pearl, gazing into the fire. 

“OH hey, Twilight.” Kohaku smiled up at his teacher. “Where did you sneak off to?”

Twilight opened her mouth but watched his eyes. Despite what he was, this was her student. As was Pearl. She needed to get him alone. She watched him shift and noticed bandages wrapped around his paws. 

“Pearl was nice enough to help me wrap my paws. I shouldn’t walk anymore tonight.” Kohaku chuckled as he noticed his teacher’s eyes focus on his paws. 

Biting down on her lower lip she sighed. She didn’t want to ruin Pearl’s night but if it meant her safety. Then she would just have to do so. “Kohaku, that necklace you are wearing. Could I see it a bit closer?” 

“Hmm?” Kohaku took his pendant in paw and looked at it for a moment then without a word pulled it from his neck and tossed it toward Twilight. “Sure. it’s just a good luck charm Sweetie Belle gave me.” 

Twilight caught the pendant in her magic. She expected the magic that changed him was contained in the pendant. But since he didn’t change it couldn’t have been that. 

“If you want you can keep it.” Yawning wide, Kohaku rested his head down on his front legs and closed his eyes. “Good night girls.” 

Pearl draped her wing over Kohaku’s body and smirked. “Is everything okay Twilight?”

“Yes Pearl, I… I’m just worried about him.” Twilight laid down on the other side of Pearl and draped her wing over both of her students. “And you as well. This journey has been anything but easy. You get some sleep, I’ll keep watch over you both till morning.” 

“Okay,” Pearl yawned and rested her head against her teacher’s foreleg. Within seconds she was fast asleep. 

‘They can’t do anything to me if I’m awake and watchful,’ Twilight thought to herself. ‘Discord, I'm so going to have a long talk with you after all this is over.’ 

Twilight watched as the campfire burned in front of her. Her eyes fixated on it as she started to see shapes form. It was an old game she played with Celestia. But usually, she did it with clouds. As the flames danced she saw the shapes of her friends. And family dancing about. 

A soft melody whistled through the trees. Shaking her head she shivered a bit as the one enemy she didn’t want to face reared its ugly head. Closer and closer did it stalk her until it pounced. Within the span of a heartbeat. The enemy claimed her and she fell fast asleep.

Kohaku had waited until he heard the gentle breathing of his sleeping teacher and the not so gentle snoring of his best friend. Pulling his way free from Pearl’s warm wing he kissed her forehead. Walking around to Twilight Kohaku knelt down and took his pendant from the ground and placed it around her neck. 

“Please don’t think bad of your student Twilight sama. I’m only doing this because I love you.” With that, he leaned in and rested his head up against hers as the pendant started to glow. Getting up he stumbled backward and fell to the ground, weakened and dizzy.

“It’s done, she’s all your's Discord. Just do it quickly,” Kohaku said as an amber tear fell from his eyes.

***

Discord watched as the magic began its work. “This is for your own good, Twilight. And maybe one day, before the end of all things, you’ll forgive me.”

He was going to catch hell for this. No way around it. But he, more than any other alive at that moment, knowing how much of a knife’s edge Twilight and Pearl walked.

Pearl was already teetering. One solid push and the Blood God was waiting to claim her. But it was Twilight he was concerned for.

If this worked though, then it would be for the best. But if not? Fluttershy would never forgive him.

***

Twilight woke up and looked around. Pearl and Kohaku were nowhere to be found. Panicking she got up and ran through the forest, screaming their names. She looked everywhere for any sign of her students when she came to the river where she saw her student’s secret. 

Standing there was not Kohaku or Pearl, but Princess Celestia herself, her face locked in fury. 

“I warned you Twilight!” Celestia’s voice echoed like thunder. “I told you it was a mistake for you to meet the dragon queen. Did you listen, NO!”

“Princess? Where are my students?” Twilight panicked, looking about hurriedly

“They're dead Twilight, you lead them to their deaths! You lead everyone to their deaths. You brought the very wrath of Tiamat down on all of Equestria!” Celestia’s voice cried out in a deeper rage. 

“Because of you, mah family’s gone Twilight!” Applejack slowly emerged from behind Celestia. She was scared and bleeding, around her neck was the farm girl's Element of Harmony which was cracked down the center.

“Because of you, that monster burned all my animals.” Fluttershy slowly walked out from behind Applejack. Missing a wing and a scar down her left eye. “And worst of all my little otoutochan Kohaku. I’ll never forgive you for that!” 

“Fluttershy I… Applejack?” Twilight stammered. Feeling her heart grow weaker.

“Oh don’t try explaining yourself, Darling. You can’t. My little Sweetie Belle didn’t even get to say goodbye to him. At least she’s now gone with him. But I’ll never see her again. All thanks to you.” Rarity moved out to the opposite side of Celestia. Like Fluttershy and AJ, her Element was also cracked.

“That dragon bitch even destroyed all of Cloudsdale. There’s nothing left but whisps,” Rainbow Dash yelled as she moved up and slammed her hoof across Twilight’s face. Sending the princess to the ground. “None of us should ever have trusted you.”

“You used to be fun. But nothing’s fun now. Just look at the state of Ponyville,” Pinky said quietly. Her once bouncy mane now all flat.

Turning around, Twilight was frozen to the ground, finding herself now on a large mountain overlooking Ponyville. Helpless to watch as Tiamat and her mates laid waste to all of it. Houses smashed while ponies burned alive. 

“Please… no more. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Twilight sobbed. It was all her fault. She knew the price for following her student out this far. And now she was paying the price.

“Sorry doesn't cut it now Twilight,” Celestia chimed in yet again. Turning Twilight around she gently placed her hoof under Twilight’s chin. “I should never have made you a princess. That was a mistake. There is only one pony now I can trust with this.”

“And that is me!” Sunset Shimmer announced as she came in from the shadows, wearing Twilight’s Element of Harmony crown. 

“You know what to do, my most faithful student.”

“Yes. Let's do it, girls,” Sunset commanded as she lit the Crown up with her magic. In reply, all five mares responded in kind, their cracked Elements uniting with Sunsets in a rainbow of power. Directing it at Twilight who was struck dead in the heart. 

Twilight could feel the power of the elements rips through her very soul. Her screams echoed across the valley. Payment in full for all the suffering she brought to every pony. ‘Is this how it felt… every time we did this to another?’ Her thoughts questioning before her mind went blank

***

“Twilight, Twilight! Please wake up!” Pearl screamed as she shook her teacher’s shoulder.

“Here’s the water, help me lift her head up,” Kohaku’s voice twitched in Twilight’s ears as she felt cool crisp water slip down her throat. 

‘Was it all just a nightmare?’ Twilight thought as she slowly opened her eyes and saw the faces of her two worried students. “Wha… What happened.” 

“You fell asleep Twilight sama,” Kohaku chuckled as he set down his water bottle. “I noticed it when I had to get up to use the bathroom. So I kept watch all night for you. But about an hour ago you started having a nightmare.”

“It was horrible. You wouldn't wake up. I was so scared!” Pearl cried as she hugged Twilight’s neck. “Even Kohaku was worried about you.” That alone got a blush from the young boy. “If it wasn’t for his mantra I was worried you wouldn’t wake.” 

“Eh, it was nothing much.”

“Really? Thank you, Kohaku I,” Twilight tried to get up but a firm set of paws kept her down.

“Um, let's take it easy for a bit yet there’s something you should know.” Kohaku bit down on his lower lip. Pearl herself just lowered her head.  “There was this… aura around you. I tried to stop it but… I’m sorry I couldn’t.” 

“He really did try Twilight. He fought it tooth and claw, so to speak,” Pearl sat next to Kohaku.

“Will you just tell me what’s wrong. I…” Twilight moved to stretch her wings, a morning exercise she never once failed at sense Rainbow explained it to her. But this time she felt nothing. Taking in a deep breath she looked to her side. Her wings were gone. “What… I. I’m a.”

“A unicorn again.” Kohaku sadly turned his head to the side. “That's… not all.” 

“What do you mean?” Twilight looked at her student.

“The aura took something more.” Turning his back to Twilight he slammed the ground with his paw. “It took your magic, all of it.”

Twilight’s eyes widened as she leaned back in shock. Closing her eyes she tried to bring a spark to her horn, but there was nothing in her to bring up.

She tried Cadance’s breathing technique. Usually, it was really good for times like these. But no matter how hard she tried, it wasn’t working. She also noticed that the pendant had disappeared. It didn’t take long for it to click. “We will be having a talk about this, Kohaku. But not right now. We still have a long way to go, and I’d rather get this over with.”

Kohaku could see in her eyes that she either suspected or flat out knew what he had done, but kept it to himself for the moment. “It isn’t that far now. A day at most if we are lucky.”

Pearl didn’t look convinced. “How? The Scar is supposed to be really far in. We didn’t walk that far yesterday, did we?”

Kohaku nodded and shrugged. “I guess we just walked further than we thought.”

Twilight found something fishy about that. But she had nothing to go on but her gut feeling. “Whatever the case may be, I believe we should get started. If we’re lucky, this road goes all the way to the Scar.”

Pearl didn’t look all that convinced, and a part of her wanted to stay here for a long time. But they couldn’t, no matter how much she wanted to, so she dutifully fell in beside her teacher and Kohkaku, as he led them back the way they had come.

While the road itself remained the same, other things had changed. The trees still dripped blood that collected in pools at their bases. Embedded into the bark were skulls of every kind that let off a low pitch keening that set their teeth on edge if they listened too closely. The shapes that they had once thought were boulders were revealed to be actual bones of every kind.

“What are these supposed to be anyway?” Pearl asked after a time, as the trio passed under and through a colossal rib cage that put Canterlot Castle to shame in terms of size.

Kohaku shook his head sadly. “Dragons. These are all dragon bones, eastern dragons to be more precise. As well as those of my own people. From very long ago.” Kohaku sighed, placing his paw on the tooth of a fox skull that was as large as the dragons.

Twilight’s ears wilted, as she placed a hoof on his shoulder, while Pearl gasped happily and flew off to the top of the rib cage, almost dragging Kohaku along with her. “I didn’t think they could be so big?!" She all but squeed.

Twilight giggled. “You haven’t met the former Dragon Lord Torch. Dragons can grow to be quite large if he’s anything to go by.”

“Eastern Dragons especially. There was a legend that one dragon wrapped around our world and by dragging his tail. Created the great rivers.” Kohaku walked to the edge of the rib next to Pearl. “Or was that one of my kind. By dragging his nine tails across the land. I forget they were both the same size. And I was only two when the story was told.”

Pearl looked at him. “You can get this big?”

“Well, maybe not this big, I should grow to at least my father’s or grandfather’s height. Somewhere around ten to thirteen hooves in height. And that’s just from the base of my paws to my ear tips. Larger if you count the tip of my nose to tail tip. That can get up to twenty at least.” Kohaku taped his claw against his chin. “Only the ancient Yokai Kitsune could ever hope to reach dragon size.”

Kohaku couldn’t help but laugh as he watched Pearl’s brain come to a screeching halt at the idea. “What? Did you think I was going to stay this size forever or something?”

Pearl couldn’t make her brain work to form a response, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

“OH common, you saw how big my mother was. Did you think that was just a trick of the light?” Kohaku moved in closer and practically touched his nose to hers. “She was between eight and nine hooves high. My big sister Kazumi stood seven hooves. And that was only at age eight hundred.” Kohaku watched carefully as his friend's eyes blinked as she continued to mouth like a fish before falling onto her rump.

Sitting down in front of her, Kohaku continued to ramble on. “When I was younger I used to ride around, fully stretched out, between father’s ears. Feeling the wind against my fur as we cloud strided across all of what you now call Equestria.”

Pearl finally managed to get her brain working again. “I find it hard to see you that big. And okay. I did kinda think you might’ve pulled something on me with your mom’s size. I don’t have any other Kitsune to go by.”

“How about this, when you're all done here. I’ll take you on a tour of our old ancestral home. Maybe its size and scope might make it easier for you to understand.” Kohaku stretched his three tails out, snapping each one against the air. “Even Sweetie Belle couldn’t rightfully believe it at first. And she spent almost three months with me by that old temple. Even Twilight can tell you. After all, she saw me as a shadow fox with all nine tails. I was quite large.”

Pearl nodded. “Deal. Assuming nothing goes wrong, and I don’t need to explain to everypony why Twilight didn’t come back with us.”

“It’s not her I’m worried about not coming back,” Kohaku whispered softly, unsure if Pearl heard or not. Gripping the rib Kohaku bowed his head and slid off, using his claws to slow his fall from the top all the way down to the ground.

Pearl didn’t hear it, as she flew back down. But Twilight did, and it only made her worries increase. She made a mental note to talk to him as soon as she could. Preferably without Pearl, for Twilight didn’t want to add to her student’s own worries.

***

In hindsight, Twilight really should’ve known better, as they stopped once again so Pearl could get a closer look at some dragon bones. Her student couldn’t get away from something like this if the fate of the universe depended on it sometimes.

That wasn’t to say that Twilight herself wasn’t interested in what they passed. She was, and it was tearing her up inside not to study these as much as possible. Especially since even less was known of eastern dragons than those Equestria knew of, and good luck trying to find a living Kitsune other than Kohaku. Or even a deceased one that she could learn so much from.

But there was something… wrong in the air. Very wrong. The air was thick and humid, and there was the faint smell of something that Twilight didn’t even want to think about. And from the way Kohaku sniffed the air, he could smell it even better than she could.

And Kohaku himself was on his last legs. Every time they stopped, his breathing was becoming more and more labored, he was constantly checking under his cloak, and from the few quick glances she had been able to catch, Twilight could see his body was decaying literally as she watched.

Golems were not her specialty. But Twilight knew that whatever magic was keeping his body alive would not last much longer and that whatever magic held it together couldn’t keep up with the rate of decay.

Pearl noticed Kohaku’s failing health, and it did little to help her own anxieties. In fact, it only made them worse. And whenever she asked him how he was or suggested he should rest longer. All Kohaku said was. “I’m fine… let's just keep moving,” and continued to walk on. Confirming he was more stubborn than anypony alive.

“He can’t do this forever,” Pearl said, once they continued on.

Twilight shook her head. “No, he can’t. But without my magic, I can’t forcibly send him back to Castle Black, or the Gate. And I don’t know if I even could if I had it. It’s not just his stubbornness either.”

Pearl didn’t like the sound of that. “Then what is it?”

Twilight shook her head, as the ground began to rise gently. “There’s something in the air. I can feel it. It hates magic and all who use it.” She paused. “No. Hate is too nice a word. This is a primal and ancient loathing and disgust for magic and all who use it.”

“I don’t feel it as bad because my magic is gone,” Twilight said as she looked past Pearl and over at Kohaku, who at that moment was coughing hard. “And your magic isn’t much more than a drop or two, being as young as you are. But for Kohaku, unlike Ponies who simply have and use magic. For creatures like Kohaku and Dragons, magic is their very lifeblood. And his is ebbing fast.”

Pearl bit back a retort. The red rage from earlier had returned, and she was just barely holding it back now. Her frequent stops to look at the bones wasn’t just her curiosity and love for dragons.

It was to keep herself from snapping and saying or doing something she would regret to her teacher and best friend. “Then I hope we’re almost to the damn Scar already. I hate all this waiting,” she fumed.

“Then lucky for all of us, because we’re here,” Kohaku called out from up ahead, standing at the top of a large hill. Quickly catching up, Twilight and Pearl finally saw the full scope and horror of the Scar of the Destroyer. As the pair watched over toward the scar, Kohaku groaned and collapsed to the ground. His back up against a large dragon arm bone while his paw clutched his chest.

Turning his head to the side he smiled. “Now that’s a sight I never wanted to see.” Before them was a vast scar across the ground. Broken open as if some great creature had dug its claws in and ripped it apart. Not unlike how he could with a pumpkin. Magma oozed from the wound pouring down into an endless black hole with no bottom. His sister once said that the scar went all the way to the center of the world itself. Seeing it now, he believed her. Around every rock and burning tree were shadows that slithered about in what he could only describe as sexual pleasure in the destruction that was done to the world. The thought of that only made him shiver and sick to his stomach. 

Beyond the initial destruction were mountains that were not naturally formed. Even from this distance, he could feel the magic emanating from them. Ancient and powerful and hating everything that didn’t belong. He felt that hate like a knife in his very soul. 

“I… I can’t look anymore... It’s too much,” Kohaku weakly whispered to his teacher and friend as he turned his head to the side. His paw clutched over his heart harder as his breathing grew far weaker than before.

That was all Twilight could take. “Kohaku. I’m begging you. Not as your teacher, or as a princess. But as your friend. Go back to the Gate. Go back to Castle Black. Go back, and don’t look back. You’ve done everything you can. This is something Pearl and I must do alone.”

“Please Kohaku. Just for once listen to her.” Pearl clutched her friend tight around the shoulders, burying her face in his neck. “I hated having you here, every damned second. But this is killing you. Please just go back, I can’t lose my best friend.” 

Kohaku smiled as he closed his eyes. His paws came up and hugged Pearl softly. “I can’t do that. Not yet.” Pulling Pearl away from his body, Kohaku dug his claws into the bone behind him and weakly pulled himself up. “If I do, what will you two do about that?” and pointed his paw toward the shadow growing ever closer. 

Both Twilight and Pearl turned around and fell back a few steps. What was before them was something out of a nightmare. Its shape was not unlike that of a dragon, but it bore a half-decayed head of a fox. The exposed skull jaw had no teeth but was broken all around in a resemblance of teeth. As it opened its mouth to scream the stench of death and decay filled the area. Its tail was almost as long as its body, as it swept aside and struck both Pearl and Twilight aside as if they were feathers before striking Kohaku. Sending the boy flying upward into the archway of a giant rib cage.

As Twilight caught herself from the blow she heard the sickening crunch of Kohaku’s body as it struck both the bone above and the ground below, and knew most of his bones were now broken. Gasping she watched as he struggled to get back up on his paws. She saw Pear slowly get to her hooves. “Pearl. Run. Get out of here! Find whoever Tiamat sent, and just go! I don’t care anymore.”

Pearl shook her head. “I’m not leaving you!”

Twilight shook her head. “Pearl. If you never listen to me again, then please, listen now. We can distract it long enough for you to escape. Don’t make all of this for nothing.” She smiled as she let her tears fall. “And tell my family, my friends, and Princess Celestia, that I love them, and I always will.”

Pearl looked at Kohaku’s broken form. His body twitched and only vaguely moved as the monster moved toward Twilight slowly. Her young body trembled as she looked between them both. “I love you too…” she whispered and turned to run as hard as she could, half flapping her wings to aid her movements. Unawares that the beast turned its head from Twilight and sprinted toward Pearl.

“NO!!!” Twilight screamed as she dashed after the beast. As she caught up, the unicorn bit down on its tail tip and dug her hooves into the ground. Only to be drug through the dirt, her weight almost nothing to the beast as it descended on Pearl.

Kohaku looked up and watched what was going on in slow motion. He pushed on his paws desperately trying to move. “No.. not like this. Dammit, all to hell.” Closing his eyes he took a long deep breath and looked inside of him. He was broken inside and out now. ‘Master… you made me,  you gave me everything I needed for this… Let me fulfill your wish.’ Inside his mind, he came to a locked door. One that his master warned never to open unless there was no other choice. 

Pushing on the lock the door swung open and was greeted by a swirling shadow. “I know you're there. I can feel you, you’ve been a part of us for years now. Desperately clawing to get back out. To take this body for your own. Well, take it. I have nothing left.” Kohaku bowed his head as the shadow reached out three of its long tails. As they came within an inch of the boy’s heart he gripped it tightly like iron. His body was fake, a construct. But part of his master's soul resided in him. And it was the one that could fulfill his desires. 

“Yes, you’ll have it. But you will serve me” Kohaku grinned as he spoke in discord’s voice.

Pearl screamed as she looked over her shoulder and saw the demon’s outstretched decayed claw about to grab her mane. Only to be stopped by a dark green paw, holding the creature like an iron trap. 

Both Pearl and Twilight looked to the side and their eyes were wide. Kohaku had shed his cloak. Now both girls could see the decay on his body, the half wooden skin that was falling apart only now held together by shadows under it. Kohaku’s amber eyes half shimmered purple with chaos energy. 

“Kohaku?” Pearl muttered as she fell back and looked up at her friend. Who now stood as tall as Big Mac, three tails made of reeds and wood swirled behind him. With three more made of shadows. 

Kohaku gave a soft nod to Pearl as he brought his leg up and kicked the demon hard, sending it flying into the very rib cage he himself was flung to. As Twilight was flipped up, Kohaku caught her and set her down by Pearl, both girls now wearing a look of utter confusion. 

Twilight looked at the ground where Kohaku had laid earlier. It was now blackened and broken like every ounce of life had been drained from it. 

“Nobody touches my girl.” Kohaku’s voice was now deeper. Like talking into the hollows of an old oak tree. Leaning in he dashed outward toward the monster and met it in combat. 

The creature lunged outward but Kohaku deftly shifted to the side and struck under the arm. Sending the limb upwards as he lashed out with a kick to its midsection. The beast then responded by striking Kohaku on the back with it’s tail forcing Kohaku into a summersault roll before spinning around and faced the beast, both arms ready for striking. 

A grin coming to Kohaku’s face he leaped up and the pair continued their strike and faint dance, their blows breaking the outside layer of their decaying bodies. Black ooze dripped from the beast as blood-red liquid dripped down from Kohaku, soaking the ground in a bizarre yin yang.

The large beast roared as it opened its jaws, a black sphere of chaos energy formed before launching itself at Kohaku. Kohaku met the blast by grabbing it with both paws and sent it flying behind him. With a groan, he knelt to the ground as one shadow tail slowly vanished and he shrank a few inches. 

Pearl blinked, trying to make sense of what the hay she was watching. “What? What happened? What happened to Kohaku?”

Twilight blinked, her own brain slow to make the connections. “I... I can’t say it’s happening all too fast.”

Kohaku growled and leaped forward, slamming his front paws directly against the beast's shoulders, driving it into the ground as he continued his assault. Breaking the beast's wings and tail. Ripping them apart as the second of his three shadow tails vanished. Followed quickly by him being flung back to the gates of the scar. Sliding to a halt as he coughed up what looked to be blood, his weaknesses quickly returning. 

The beast writhed and twisted wildly, pulling half of its body out of the whole, ripping itself apart, the sickly sounds reaching Twilight and Pearl who winced. The creature screamed out and lunged yet again. Only not at the beast that was attacking it. But it’s original target. The weakest of them all, the filly. The beast couldn’t let this girl reach the scar. He needed her, desired her anger. It’s master.

Kohaku watched as the beast reached its bony claw out toward Pearl. Mustering all his remaining strength he lunged forward and stood in front of his friend. Only to have the claw slam through his chest, and stopped inches from her eyes. Wrapping his paws around that claw, Kohaku smiled and sent a wave of chaotic nature energy through his body. Vines ripped through him, tearing Kohaku apart from the inside out and wrapped around the beast. Quickly and quietly turning it into the land's only living tree. “You see… I said you’d make it out alive.” With a blood-filled laugh, Kohaku collapsed into Pearl’s arms.

Pearl went stiff from shock. The sight of her best friend impaled by that monster broke her heart. Screaming, she caught Kohaku and held him tightly. How was she ever going to explain this to his mom, his family, and worst of all, to Sweetie Belle? “No… no, you can’t die. Oh, gods please don’t leave me Kohaku!” Leaning over her tears fell down to his face, who only remained silent as his paw tenderly caressed Pearl’s cheek.

Twilight watched as the beast became a tree and her student’s body returned to normal. She had seen such power wielded by Kohaku before. Only then it was destroying Ponyville. Now, it served a better purpose. She had to wonder if Kohaku had planned this from the start. If he knew what was waiting for them. She made a mental note to ask when she got back to Ponyville. 

Turning to Pearl, Twilight knelt down and put a hoof on her student’s back. “It’s going to be okay Pearl. Honestly, Kohaku isn’t leaving you.”

Looking up, Pearl turned her tear-streaked face up at her teacher. “How can you say that. Just look at him. He’s dying.”

“No Pearl, he’s not,” Twilight said with a sigh. “That isn’t Kohaku. At least. Not the real one. He’s a golem. A magical construct made, in this case, from wood and any other materials he could find. He has a piece of his master’s soul in him, hence why he could act and behave almost exactly like the one we know. Take a closer look. That’s not even blood on you or him. Open your eyes and see with your heart.”

Pearl looked up and turned back to Twilight, looking closer she noticed that the ‘blood’ had a familiar scent to it. Something oddly pleasant. Lifting her hoof she sniffed and blinked “Tree sap? Your bleeding tree sap.”

Looking up, Kohaku laughed aloud. “How long did you know?”

“Since that night at the river, I saw your body in the blood-soaked moonlight,” Twilight smirked and looked at him. “I have to say your construction is very impressive.”

“Kohaku did his best. But it was Discord who brought me to life.” Turning his face back to Pearl he smiled “We’re very sorry for doing this to you. But it was the only thing we could think of, Discord knew of the ‘guardian’ and I couldn’t let you face it alone. Neither of you would have survived.”

“So you left the most powerful part of your soul in the golem. Good thinking. I do have one question. That letter you gave the garrison. Was that really Luna who wrote it?” Twilight smiled.

“No, that was also Discord. And it was he who moved us closer to the gate.” 

“But his powers don’t… Oh, I see. That's why, he couldn’t use his power so he used mine,” Twilight fumed and closed her eyes. “He better return them when this is over.”

“It could have been a lot worse. I only had two days and the trip from that campsite would have taken a week. Please. Don’t think too badly on us.” Turning over to Pearl Kohaku leaned up and kissed her cheek “You ether, we only did this because we love you both. And I’m glad.”

“Glad. For what? Deceiving me. Making me suffer like this?” Pearl sniffed as she turned her head.

“Glad I could die in the arms of a filly I love.” Closing his eyes, Kohaku instantly dissolved into nothing but dirt and a few pieces of wood.


***

Kohaku groaned as he suddenly woke up, clutching his chest. Both Sweetie Belle and Rarity looked over at him.

“Well look who woke up, you missed half the movie silly.” Sweetie Belle giggled and passed him the popcorn. 

“OH yeah, missing half of ‘Twilight’. Big loss there.” Kohaku chuckled as he nuzzled warmly up against his girlfriend. “Sorry. I'm just not that into romance movies.”

“Then why did you accept the invite?” Applebloom asked as she turned around followed by Scootaloo.

“Yeah, all you’ve done is snuggle and fall asleep against Sweetie Belle and… and I think I just answered my own question,” Scootaloo turned back around and pushed up against the edge of the sofa. 

Kohaku just chuckled and closed his eyes. His body ached all over and knew why. Every memory and experience of his doppelganger had just flooded his mind and body. He could have done without the feeling of somecreature thrusting its claw through his heart. But he was happy that Pearl was alive and safe. He kept his promise just like he said he would.

Sweetie Belle turned and looked at her fox. There was always more behind those amber eyes than he ever said. Leaning in, she kissed him gently on the lips. “Pearl and Twilight okay?”

“As good as anyone could be,” he replied as the warmth from her kiss cured his aches and pains. “We’ll tell everyone tomorrow. They’ve waited three weeks, I think one more night won’t hurt for such good news.” Sweetie Belle just nodded as she watched Bella and Edward kiss on screen. The three fillies awwed together as Kohaku just groaned. 

‘Sparkling vampires… someone stake me.’ Was the only thought in his head as he rested it on his girl's shoulder before falling asleep once again.

***

Pearl and Twilight didn't move for a time afterward, still too shocked at all that had just happened. Neither looked at the newborn tree if they could help it. Pearl was still upset that Kohaku had pulled what he had on them, no matter that it worked and it had saved their lives.

Oh, she was going to give it to him when they got back to Ponyville. Pinkie Promise.

Finally, Twilight got to her hooves and placed a hoof on her student's shoulder. "Pearl. We can't stay here."

Pearl gave her a look. "Go where?" She gestured to the living hell before them. "Where the hay are we even supposed to meet this... whoever Tiamat sent, anyway? I can't see anywhere we could."

Twilight looked as well. There wasn't a safe place she could see for miles. The road continued on down past the ever-burning trees, before dead-ending at one of the lava streams. Beyond that was nothing but the lifeblood of the world oozing from the open wound into the bottomless pit. If she squinted, Twilight could just barely make out patches of solid ground in several places. Beyond that lay the mountains.

Twilight's ears fell, as the two began to descend from the heights down into the lowlands. "I don't know. The letter didn't say. Only that we would know them when we met them."

Pearl groaned, trying not to look at the shadows that slithered between the trees. "What is it you immortals have with being super vague, anyway? Why can't we ever get a straight answer?"

Twilight giggled. "I used to feel the same way with Princess Celestia. I think she's trying to sound smarter. She isn't the supreme chess master ponies make her out to be, nor does she know literally everything. No one is ever that good."

"Then you are wiser than most ponies, youngling," a deep voice like thunder said, stopping Pearl and Twilight in their tracks, as a large draconic shadow loomed up behind them as it landed.

Turning around, the girls gulped in shock and fear at what they beheld.
> An Uninvited Guest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before them was a blue dragon of prodigious size. If he wasn't as huge as some of the skeletons they had passed, then he was close to it. His frilled ears were almost lost behind the single, massive horn atop his short, blunt head. Rows of hornlets lined his brow ridges and ran back from his nostrils, which lay close to his eye sockets. A cluster of bladelike scales hung from his chin, while his teeth protruded from his mouth even while it was closed. His scales glistened an iridescent azure in the light. Lightening played between his scales, and he had the faint smell of ozone to him.

Pearl tried to stop her body from shivering in fear, but it was a lost cause. "Why am I so damn scared?" She whispered to Twilight.

Twilight shook her head, unable to keep her own body from shaking in fear as well. "We're in his Frightful Presence aura. A creature with a strong enough will can fight it off. But anything else will be rooted to the spot in fear or just flat out run in the other direction. If we run though, we're dead."

The dragon laughed, a sound not unlike thunder as he came eye to eye with them. "A pony who knows something of dragonkind? Impressive, though your presence is of no consequence." He turned to look at Pearl, earning an annoyed look from Twilight. "Are you the one they call 'Pearl Rose'?"

Pear tried to put on a brave face, but it was easier said than done. "That's me. Who's asking?"

The dragon chuckled. "Such fire for one so young. I am Lothaenorixius, and I am of few who view the Chromatic Dragon not just as my queen. But as my love. Above any and all others."

Twilight's jaw dropped in shock, as her rump fell to the ground. "She sent one of her Consorts?"

Lothaenorixius turned to look at her, an unimpressed look in his eyes. "And what would a pony know of such things?" His eyes narrowed, the faint hum of magic in the air for a moment. "This is not your proper form. Nor do you have your magic."

Twilight bit her lip. She was still peeved about that. "It was taken from me. A friend told me that I should get everything back when I return to the Ghost Gate. If it doesn't, Discord won't have any place to hide."

Lothaenorixius frowned, a sight Pearl never thought she'd see on something so big. "That misbegotten thing is still free?" Twilight nodded. "Then the one you ponies call Princess Celestia is more stupid and far too trusting than I had believed. It will cost you all one day."

Twilight didn't respond. A part of her wanted to argue the treatment of Princess Celestia. But a part of her, to her dismay, agreed with him. And it was only growing stronger day by day. She remembered well what Discord had tried to do to Starlight when she hadn't made him Principal of the School of Friendship.

Lothaenorixius returned his gaze to Pearl after a moment. "We should leave this accursed place. No sane mind can stay here and remain whole for long. Mortal kind was never meant to come here."

Pearl frowned. "Then how come we had to meet here? How the hay did we never see you? You stick out like a sore hoof!"

Twilight facehooved, while he only chuckled. "This is one of the very places where I, or any of us, can enter this plane of existence. As for how?" He pointed to behind the mountains in the distance. "I came in from another way than you. Your fight with the daemon drew me to your location."

Pearl bit her lip. Part of her didn't want to know more, but her mouth moved faster than her brain. "What was that thing?"

He frowned, while Twilight looked curious as well. "A nightmare given flesh. One of the Neverborn. Pushed through into this world, given shape by your fears and anger."

Pearl's ears dropped. She didn't like the sound of that. "Why me? Why does Tiamat even want to see me? I'm nothing special. I almost lost two that I love to this damn place! Why me?"

Twilight's heart sank, as she pulled her young student into a hug, one that Pearl was happy to return, while Lothaenorixius stayed quiet for a moment. "I cannot say for sure. She has said nothing of why she has taken an interest in you. Not even to us. Only that she has, and that is all that we need to know," he finally replied.

Pearl harrumphed and crossed her hooves in a pout. "Great. Just great." She finally thought of something that she had almost forgotten about. "How are we even getting to... wherever it is you're taking me anyway?"

He smiled, a rare sight on any dragon they knew other than Spike. "I know magic that will take us right to her Inner Sanctum, bypassing all the traps and guards. She is expecting us to arrive this way."

That eased Pearl's worries a little, as Lothaenorixius turned his gaze back to Twilight. "Your services are no longer needed. Go back to wherever it is that you came from. She will be returned to you when her business with my queen is concluded."

Twilight scowled as he turned away, beckoning Pearl to follow him. She was not about to let some overgrown lizard tell her what to do. Especially not after all they had gone through. "No. You won't."

Lothaenorixius stopped, his head turning back to look at her with a frown. "What did you say?"

Twilight walked right up to him, even as Pearl tried to stop her. "You heard me. You are not taking my student anywhere." She smirked. "Not without me at least."

Pearl facehooved, while Lothaenorixius' frown deepened. "And who are you, ant, to demand anything of me? You are not invited, and I suggest you turn tail and run back to whatever slimy hole you crawled out of. Before I decide I like the taste of pony and end your miserable existence."

Twilight's smirk grew as she marched right up to him. "Bring it on, lizard breath! I deal with Discord every single day. I think I can handle an overgrown gecko! Either let me go with you. Or kill me now, because I am not leaving without Pearl!"

Lothaenoirxious smile turned predatory. "Just for that. Your death will not be quick or painless!"

Pearl watched in mounting horror as Twilight stood her ground, while Lothaenorixius' smile only became worse and worse by the second. She had hoped that, after everything that had happened, that her teacher would return to Castle Black after seeing her to the drop-off. Apparently not. And without her magic, she didn't stand a chance. And to her shock and mounting horror, she realized that she didn't have the scroll Kohaku's mom gave her. It was still in back at the castle.

Running out of ideas, Pearl did the only thing she could think of. And threw herself between Twilight and Lothaenorixius. "No! I won't let you hurt her."

Twilight blinked in surprise, while Lothaenorixius was taken aback. "You would dare?"

Pearl nodded. "Damn right I would. I'm not going anywhere alone, and I don't give a buck who wants to see me! I nearly lost two I love because of this! I'm sick of it!" She flew up and landed so that she could look him in the eyes. "So here's the deal. Either Twilight comes with us. Or you go back alone. Because I am not going without her. Got it?!"

Twilight's jaw dropped farther and farther with each word her student said, while Lothaenorixius looked shocked. "You would dare turn down an invitation from the Dragon Queen herself?"

Pearl nodded. "If Tiamat doesn't like it, then she can get off her big, fat, scaley butt, and come here and tell me that herself. So what's it going to be, Lothaenorixius?"

Twilight's rump fell to the ground with a resounding thump, her brain unable to process what she was seeing and hearing from her Most Faithful Student. Lothaenorixius, meanwhile, was conflicted.

He had strict instructions to only bring the filly with him and no other. Why his mistress had such an interest in such a pony was beyond him. But the more he heard from her, the more he began to wonder. There was a fire in Pearl's soul, one that burned hotter than many ponies. That she would stand up to him like this spoke volumes to her courage and bravery. Was this was his queen had seen in her?

But more than that. It was the thought of returning in failure to Dragon Eyrie that made him hesitate. There was a constant battle between the Consorts for their queen's favor. Lothaenorixius was almost at the top of that ladder at the moment. Only the White Consort, Zinguthrac, stood higher in her confidence and intimacy at the moment. This would go a long way in knocking him off his perch.

In the end, though, his fear of failing his queen won out over his own thoughts, as he looked again at Twilight. "Very well then, pony. You may come with us as well. But do not think for a second that you are welcome. My queen will deal with you herself. And she is less forgiving than even I am for intruders. If you get lost, then you are on your own."

Twilight gulped, but nodded, as Pearl came to land beside her, as Lothaenorixius turned and seemed to rip open a tear in the fabric of reality. One that seemed to lead to a large cavern on the other side. Few other details could be made out about wherever it might be. "Follow me," he said gruffly, before stepping through.

Pearl and her teacher shared a look. "Are you sure about this? I don't know how that worked," Pearl said with a sheepish smile.

Twilight shook her head. "We don't have much choice. I would rather take my chances with Tiamat than try to find my way back to the Ghost Gate."

Pearl sighed as she flew through the portal. "Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you," she said before disappearing through it. Twilight rolled her eyes before following her through as well, the portal closing behind her a moment later. Leaving no sign at all that anyone had ever been there, to begin with.
> The Dragon Queen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Pearl’s eyes widened in awe as they entered a large chamber carved from marble. Up top was a huge crystal that lit the room with the same brilliance of the sun. In the center, there was a pony-sized marble table fitted with two crystal chairs. 

Lothaenorixius grunted as he ducked down to keep from hitting his head. “You will stay here until summoned. Food and drink will be brought to you. I must inform my mate of this… development.” With that, he pushed through a double door. As the doors opened intense searing heat flooded the room for a moment before it closed, the room instantly cooling itself. 

“Ahhh! What are we going to do now? I can’t believe I was so stupid to leave the scroll behind,” Pearl moaned and dropped her head. Her hoof brushed along the hemming of Kohaku’s cloak. She didn’t know what prompted her to pick up and bring it along. But found it comforting to have it here, like he was here with her. Adding his strength to her own. 

“Pearl. We’ll think of something. Maybe luck will win out and we won’t need it,” Twilight sat down as two small dragons brought in a tray of fruits neither of them had ever seen before. And a mug of some foaming liquid. The small dragons just looked at the pair with disgust and left the room without so much as saying a word.

“Rude much?” Pearl grimaced as she sniffed the drink. 

“Remember Pearl. Ponies aren't a welcome sight here. I’m sure you and I are the first Pony’s to visit these halls in who knows how long,” Twilight sipped the drink she was given. The sparkling liquid wasn’t unpleasant but had a very tangy aftertaste. 

“I guess,” Pearl continued to fiddle with the cloak. Her hooves brushed along the broach. A large tree with three apples on it.

“Still thinking about Kohaku?” 

“Yes,” Pearl groaned and leaned back, her hooves on either side of the broach. “I’m grateful he sent me some protection. And I’m furious for the emotional trauma he subjected me to, even if it was unintentional.”

Twilight nodded but remained silent, she knew her student had to get this out.

“I’m still going to give him a beating the next time I see him, I just don’t know if I want to hug him first!” Half screaming aloud she kicked her back hooves back and forth “Dammit Kohaku!!!” 

“Pearl?” a muffled voice sounded through the room.

Twilight and Pearl blinked as they looked around. 

“Please tell me you heard that?” Pearl muttered.

“Hello? Hello is this thing on?” The voice continued now with a light tapping sound as both Pearl and Twilight looked around the room.

“That’s Kohaku’s voice.” Twilight got up and looked around the room. Apart from the table, chairs, and the two of them, nothing else or no creature else was in the room. “What it’s doing here is beyond me."

“Kohaku?” Pearl looked about, her hooves half grinding against the broach. 

“Pearl? Oh there… wait... Pearl..” Kohaku’s voice stammered about. “Pearl. Put down the broach already!” 

Pearl half jumped at how loud Kohaku’s voice was, so much so she dropped the broach on the table. As she did a light shimmered upward until it resembled a mirror. On the other side was Kohaku. 

“Finally. Well, I’m glad to see you found the broach. And even more glad it actually works,” Kohaku chuckled as he leaned back into a purple pillow on the edge of a sofa. “I was glad to discover you made it through the Blight okay.”

Twilight moved around and sat next to Pearl and looked at the mirror. “Kohaku, where are you?” 

“Hmm? Oh hey Twilight sama, I’m glad to see you're okay too. I was worried for a moment.” 

“You and I have a LOT to talk about my student. But for now, I ask again. Where are you?”

“At the moment, laying on one of Rarity’s sofa’s.”

“Is she there at the moment?” Twilight put her hoof on Pearl’s shoulders. 

“No, she’s gone to bed already. I wouldn’t be here myself but I have found myself in a rather, peculiar, and rather pleasant, situation.” Pearl and Twilight watched as the image in the mirror shifted to see a sleeping Sweetie Belle laying on top of Kohaku. Once Kohaku’s face came back he just looked at Twilight and smirked. 

Twilight just facehoofed and groaned. “Please tell me you didn’t do what I think you did.”

“What did he do?” Pearl asked as she looked between Kohaku and Twilight. 

“OH believe me no. Rarity would kill me if I did that. We just finished binge-watching the Twilight Saga.” Kohaku’s eyes focused on Pearl and narrowed slightly. “Thanks again for introducing the CMC's to this little gem.”

Pearl just giggled and snickered. "Serves you right for all the headaches you gave me."

“Ah yes, the love of all little girls, and the bane of all boys.” Twilight pushed the matter aside as she turned back to Kohaku. “Let's move this along. Since we’re talking, could you inform everyone that we’re okay? I know we’ve been gone for almost a month now…” 

“Actually Twilight, it’s been two months now. And I and Sweetie Belle are going to tell everyone. Once she’s recovered.” 

“Thank you. Also. Pearl, there’s something you wanted to say.” 

“Um yes... Kohaku, I left the scroll back at Castle Black.” Pearl watched Kohaku’s as he laid there, his eyes revealing nothing of what was behind them. “You went out of your way to have your mom get this for us. And now it was all for nothing. Our teacher might be killed and it’s all my fault for being so careless and I…”

“Pearl. Stop being so dramatic,” Kohaku sighed as he stroked Sweetie Bell’s mane which came into view as she pushed upward against his chest. “Since you have the broach, I’m assuming you have the cloak as well?”

Pearl blinked and frantically looked around as Twilight picked it up from the ground. 

“This one?” Twilight asked as she handed it to Pearl.

“Yup that’s it. Now, examine the left side just an inch past the border design. You should find a hidden pocket.”

Pearl looked at her friend questioningly but ran her hoof down the left side just as he instructed. Within a second her hoof snagged on the edge of a pocket she didn’t notice before. “Okay, it has pockets. What good does that do us?”

“Reach inside, pull out what you find,” Kohaku chuckled and half rolled his eyes.

Pearl blinked as she didn’t think anything could be in there as the cloak was all one piece and nothing was bulging. With a quick shrug, she decided to trust in her friend and reached in, her front leg going almost shoulder deep till she touched something. Gripping it the young Pegasus pulled her hoof out and gasped, dropping the scroll on the table in surprise. “What... how... When?”

“I knew you might forget it, so I had my doppelganger take it from your bags that night and keep it on his person. He was going to give it to you prior to you meeting the escort but… things didn’t go as planned. I am glad you grabbed that cloak.”

“Me too. Thanks,” Pearl smiled at her friend, taking back her decision to beat him down, and instead only limiting it to a few well-placed punches.

“No problem. You can do what you want with the cloak, but you might want to keep the broach. I’ll give the other one to Starlight at the school tomorrow. You two can keep in contact during this time.” His eyes moving toward Twilight.

“Thank you, Kohaku. I’m impressed with how much you’ve grown. A golem and now this pendant. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. Thank you. Now get some rest. I’m sure you need it.” Twilight smiled. She was pleased that he took his studies with her far more seriously than he does at Cheerilee’s school. Picking up the broach the magical screen vanished.

“I think I’ll carry it this time Pearl,” Twilight said as she grabbed the scroll and put it in her saddlebag before turning back with a furious scowl. "That said. What were you thinking?!"

Pearl didn't have to ask what her teacher meant. "What else was I supposed to do?! He was going to kill you, and it was all I could think of. I doubt the scroll would've done any good even if I knew about it being where it was."

Twilight rubbed her snout irritably. "That's not the point, Pearl! You shouldn't have put yourself at risk like that."

Pearl growled. "Why? Lothaenoirixius was there for only me. He probably would've even let you leave and go back to the Ghost Gate. But no! You just had to be stubborn about it. After everything that happened, I'd hoped you would go back."

Twilight stepped back, her ears falling at Pearl's anger. But her heart dropped like a stone when she saw the tears in the young Pegasus' eyes.

Pearl sniffed, her anger evaporating in an instant as she fell to the floor. "I can't lose you. Not like everyone else. Not again." She looked at Twilight. "Do you know what that's like? Knowing that you might not live to see the next sunset? That you might never see your friends alive again at school? That your best friend was gun downed because of something her parents did? That was my life. Every. Single. Day. For as long as I could remember. Do you know how many funerals I went to?" Her tears came faster and faster now. "I won't lose anyone else I love. Not again."

She looked toward the double doors where Lothaenorixius had gone. "And if those overgrown lizards don't like it? To hell with them!"

Twilight winced. She knew how much Pearl hated talking about her past before moving to Ponyville. That she had ever gotten as much as she had was a miracle in of itself, according to Pearl's parents. She pulled the young Pegasus into a hug, one that Pearl was more than happy to return. "No, Pearl. I don't know what that's like. We come from two different worlds. I can't change what happened to you." She paused as she thought of something. "Is that why you rail on Book Knight?"

Pearl nodded. "He's living in a delusional fantasy if he thinks crime will vanish for good after he dies. He's attacking the problem, not the source. Celestia and Luna are too if they think he can make a permanent impact the way he's going." She snorted, as she remembered the talk in the hallway what felt like a lifetime ago now. "Maybe Kirouac will have better luck convincing him of it than I did though."

Twilight giggled. She had heard of the conversation the three of them had in the hallways outside the Map Room. "We can only hope." She sighed. "And you're right. I should have gone back to Castle Black. I wanted to. But something stopped me. Even after everything we went through, I wasn't going to let you do this alone."

Pearl sighed, as they pulled apart. "Well. I'd be lying if I said wasn't glad you're here. Wherever here is."

Twilight tapped her chin as she looked around. "I honestly have no idea of where we are. This isn't Equus. That I know. But we could be anywhere."

Pearl groaned as she returned to her seat. "Great." She finally tried the drink she had been given. "What is this stuff anyway? It's so tangy."

Twilight shook her head, as she took another gulp of her own. "I don't know. I've never tried anything like it before. It is quite pleasant, however. I wouldn't mind taking back home with us if possible."

Pearl chuckled. "One thing at a time. We still need to get through all of this and in one piece. Hay. I'm as shocked as you that worked. But it won't a second time. That'd be asking for too much."

Twilight sighed. She had been afraid of that. And if she was being honest with herself, she was more afraid than she had ever been in her life. Not even when facing down Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis, or King Sombra, had she been this terrified. They had, at least, some goal or point to what they did. Twisted and evil as it may have been.

Now? She was about to face someone who could easily end her life, for the sole reason that she could and didn't care about the consequences.

Before they could say more, however, the far door opened once more. Pearl finished her drink as quickly as she could as Lothaenorixius returned. "She will see you now," he said, not hiding the smirk underneath it. He looked at Twilight with malicious glee. "And you in particular."

Twilight gulped. She looked at Pearl. "Ready?"

Pearl put on a brave face. "As I'll ever be," she said, as the two of them followed the Blue through the door and into the cavern beyond.

Immediately, the pair felt themselves sweating profusely, the heat was so intense. Having been to the Dragon Lands, Twilight thought she knew heat. She was wrong. This made her time during the Gauntlet of Fire seem like a nice summer day by comparison.

Around them was stacked treasure that beggared belief. Artwork, coins, gems, statues, and every conceivable thing of value Pearl or Twilight could think of spread out before them. The combined treasure of a thousand worlds.

As they passed, Pearl tried to keep her jaw from dropping even more. She could buy out the entirety of Equus's solar system, and not even make a minuscule dent in the hoard around her. Twilight, meanwhile, tried to imagine all the books she could buy with all of this. But gave up after a few moments, as it was too much for even her to try and visualize.

Occasionally, they passed side caverns. What they held, neither could see, for arcane glyphs of great potency floated above them, so much so that even Twilight couldn't see past them.

Finally, though, the pair were led to the true Inner Sanctum and the mistress of all that they beheld, and all other thoughts were pushed from their minds. Twilight had thought that Torch was huge for a dragon. Then she had met Lothaenorixius, and thought that there was no way anything could be bigger than him.

Tiamat put the lie to that idea. Her size beggared belief. Even the roof far above seemed utterly pointless, for it seemed that if the queen stood to her full height, she would literally raise the roof. Large wings sat folded at her side, and a long tail with a scorpion's stinger at the end swished lazily back and forth behind her. Her red scales stood out in the light that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once.

Pearl felt her breath hitch as Tiamat's five heads finally seemed to notice them, as they lowered themselves down to their level. As they did so, one thing was plain as day to the young Pegasus. She was beautiful. Not only with the impossible beauty that a true goddess possessed, but a beauty all of her own that had nothing to do with her divinity.

Twilight felt the same way. All of her life, she had thought that Princess Celestia was the most beautiful being in existence. Even after her ascension, that feeling had not left her. Now that feeling had been thrown away as she beheld someone who put that beauty down a notch.

"Meep," Pearl squeaked as Tiamat's heads finally came to their level and held them both in their gazes. She had never felt so small in her entire life.

For a moment, no one said anything, and then finally the Dragon Queen seemed to smile. "It has been far too long since I have had visitors. And never one so young," the Black head said.

Pearl puffed out her chest, proud to have that distinction. She made a note to rub it in a few pony's faces when they got back to Equestria. "Awesome."

Twilight rolled her eyes but quickly found herself under scrutiny, as the White head looked her dead in the eyes. "Now, pony. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you now and make an example of you for the rest of your misbegotten race why you shouldn't stick your noses into things that are none of your concern?" She hissed.

Twilight wilted under the look she was getting. Her throat dried up, and all that came from her mouth was a whimper.

Pearl, though, stood in front of her teacher and scowled up at the queen. "Because she's under my protection."

The Green and Blue heads chuckled. "I admire your spirit, little one. But that is not good enough. I have killed others who have said the same thing. Why should this be any different?" The Blue head asked, before pausing, as she sniffed Pearl closer before her eyes widened. All of her heads looked at Pearl in shock. "You reek of Kitsune. How? I know this smell. The Forest Clan is dead."

Pearl smiled. "Not quite all of them." She gestured at Twilight. "Show her the scroll, Twilight. It's the only chance you've got."

Twilight nodded, digging around for the scroll in question, before hoofing it over to Tiamat, who caught it in her own magic. The two watched as she read it, her annoyance quickly turning to shock and surprise. "How did you get this?" The Red head asked.

Pearl just smirked. "Starsong the Seer sends her regards."

Tiamat reeled back, and even Twilight was shocked by her reaction. "That fox always knew how to get under my scales," the White head grumbled. "Then Kohaku did survive."

Twilight was confused. "What do you mean? Do you know him?"

Tiamat nodded, a distant look to her eyes. "He was an annoying puffball on his father's head the last time I remember seeing him," the Black head replied. "I remember the magic that was cast that froze something outside of time. It was him, then." 

Pearl giggle snorted. "He's still an annoying furball today. I have the heart attacks to prove it."

Twilight giggled, and even Tiamat snorted before she turned her attention back to the unicorn. "Starsong was one of the few that I ever respected. She would not invoke Shenlong's decree without reason. I respect it. Not only for the fact that Starsong and Shenlong can both back up that threat. But because I will not be the monster I am in other worlds," the Green head replied a hint of sadness in her reply.

Pearl's ears fell, as she remembered Nightmare Night and the fight at the end. What she had been told and accused of. "That was you that night. You were there right beside me when I faced down that dragon. You protected me, showed me how to fight back against that shadow fox."

Tiamat nodded. "Yes. That was me. I breathed life into your costume. But only at the end did I fully stick myself in there alongside you. But it was still your mind in each of your heads. I only added what you yourself could not know," the White head replied.

Pearl fell to the ground in surprise. That explained everything then. Why she knew as much as she had, why it felt like she was growing into a new skin, and why she had been able to handle her mind being split into five, but still being herself at the same time. "But why? Why me? What makes me so special that you care so much?"

All of Tiamat's heads smiled gently as they came close to the young Pegasus. "Because I have taken quite the interest in you, Pearl Rose," they said together.

Pearl blinked, stumped. Of all the answers she had expected to get out of this, that hadn't been one of them. "What makes me so special? I haven't done anything that important. Let alone to get your attention."

Tiamat's smile grew. "To the contrary. You have done something that very few ever have. You showed interest in me for reasons other than out of fear or a lust for power. None in your world has ever done that before," the Red head replied.

Twilight couldn't help herself as she blurted out. "You're in other worlds?"

The Green head gave her a look. "Many more. In one, by the waters of Babylon, I am the primordial Goddess of the Sea. Married to Abzu. The symbol of the chaos of primordial creation. In another, I am the Nemesis of the Gods, at war with my brother Bahamut. In another, I am a demon lord of the Age of Demons, And many more worlds besides. I am nowhere near as nice as I am here in most of them."

Twilight and Pearl shared a look. This was all new to them, though they knew of the multiverse. "You have a brother?" Pearl asked, unable to help herself.

The Blue head nodded. "In many worlds. Though yours is not one of them. Shenlong is the closest I have to that here, though neither of us acts like it. You faced him down that night. Though that was but an echo."

Pearl thought back to Nightmare Night. It made sense now why the dragon had spoken to her as he had. And if Tiamat wasn't as nice as she was being, then it would also explain why he had promised what he had. That raised another thing though. "What is Shenlong's decree? Starsong wouldn't tell me, and I doubt Kohaku knows."

Tiamat paused a moment, and for a time both Pearl and Twilight thought she wouldn't respond to the question. "Do you truly wish to know that story, child?" The White head finally asked.

Pearl nodded. "It can't be that bad. Can it?"

Twilight facehooved and groaned. "Pearl. You never say that."

Tiamat chuckled. "Indeed. But since you insist, I will tell you. That decree is one of the reasons your world still exists. My children killed the Lunar Clan of kitsune. I gave no orders for it. I only found out later that a rogue eastern dragon with a strong hatred of kitsunes had convinced them to do the deed. Akihiko started wiping out clutches of eggs in retaliation and very nearly went after my latest clutch."

Pearl's ears fell, and Twilight put a hoof to her mouth. "The Dragon Wars," she whispered.

The Black head nodded. "Had Akihiko succeeded, I would have wiped out his entire race in retribution, and not cared how much was destroyed in the process. That would have brought Shenlong into the fight to try and stop me. Your world would have been destroyed in the process. Shenlong managed to talk him out of this before that line was crossed. He acknowledged the fault his children had played in the war, even if it was just one."

Pearl's head fell. No wonder Kohaku hated dragons so much. "So what happened?"

"Shenlong erased all knowledge on how a kitsune can be killed. To make sure this never happened again, the three of us agreed that as long as one kitsune lived in the west, no harm would come to him. On pain of death," the Blue head said. "More than a few skulls needed to be cracked before my children got the message."

Pearl smiled a little, and even Twilight had to fight back a grin. "I can believe that." She paused as she thought of something. "Is that why the Gauntlet of Fire is a thing?"

The White head nodded. "That rogue convinced my children to follow him with promises of all the treasure kitsunes had. That was all it took. The Dragon Lord is there to make sure that never happens again."

Twilight tapped her chin. She could see why that was in place. Especially if it applied to all races. But something soon came to mind. "What if a Dragon Lord wants to declare war on Equestria? Or anywhere else? I know one dragon threatened to do just that if he became Dragon Lord."

The Black head growled. "You speak of that brainless simpleton, Garble?" Twilight nodded. "He would not have had the chance." She nodded at Lothaenorixius nearby. "My consorts are not just there for me. I can smell Celestia and Luna's spores on you. I'm sure they've told you a few things."

Pearl tapped her chin. "That to fight or inhibit one is an automatic death sentence for any dragon, no matter who they are. Even the Dragon Lord isn't immune to this. Whatever all that means."

The Blue chuckled. "Then there is some hope yet if those two can remember that much. We are there to make sure no dragon who thinks like that rises that far. Or if they do, make it very clear what their fate will be if they ever act on those thoughts. Being the simple-minded dolt that he is, the one you call Garble would have learned the hard way why no one who has ever crossed one of us has ever lived to speak of it."

Twilight let out a breath she hadn't known she had been holding. It was a massive weight off of her shoulders. She wasn't sure if she would be telling Smolder any of this. He was her brother after all.

The Green head came closer to look at Pearl. "All of that said. Why do you love dragons so much? Why do you care so much for a species that does not care much at all for your own? I do not see much good coming from ponykind. Simple-minded fools at best. Delusional maniacs at worst, who have caused most of the world's hurts. Who nearly froze the world in eternal winter because they only cared for themselves."

Twilight frowned. "Hey! We've learned our lesson. Heath's Warming Eve taught us the value of friendship and working together."

"Did it?" The White head sneered at her. "How much of history did Celestia erase to keep the peace? Her own sister was demonized. Very little if any at all contact with other races." She shook her head. "No, Princess Twilight. Your society rests on a thin veneer of civility. One push is all it takes to plunge it into chaos. You are on the right track with what you have done. But you have a very long way to go before what you strive for becomes a reality."

Twilight wilted under the look she was getting. As much as she wanted to argue with her, Tiamat was right. History had been rewritten far too much to know what was real, and what was made up. Equestria was still isolationist, though the School of Friendship was changing that. Zecora was a perfect example of that isolation.

Pearl's ears wilted. "Your right. My whole life up to a year ago showed me that the utopia you hear ponies spu about is nothing but a lie. Celestia stopped caring about the little ponies a long time ago. So did Luna, whatever they say otherwise. They just realized that recently, but the damage is done."

Twilight's ears wilted as well, as she pulled Pearl into a hug. "I started getting into dragons when I was younger because I saw in them the strength and power to fight back. Even if they didn't care about Equestria, I saw something in them to be admired."

There was a pause. "You saw something that you wanted to be?" The Red head asked.

Pearl shook her head. "No. Maybe at first. But I never wanted to be a dragon for real. Then I started looking at them differently. I saw how beautiful and majestic they are. I started to want to know everything there was to know about them. I think it was after the last Dragon Migration." She walked up and placed a hoof on the Black head's snout. "And I wanted to learn more about you. Easier said than done, but I didn't care. Call it worship or something else. I was going to be the world's leading Dragon Scholar if it killed me."

Twilight smiled. It was always good to hear somepony who had a clear goal in mind for their life. Even Lothaenorixius smiled a little.

For a moment, Tiamat didn't say anything. Finally, though, all her heads broke into large smiles. "Then I was right. You have a spark and a fire that I have not seen before in anypony, Pearl Rose," the Blue head said. "I saw it on Nightmare Night and I see it now."

Pearl sighed. "Yeah? Look what I almost did. I almost killed my best friend and the others. All because I couldn't keep my cool. Even if that damn crystal had something to do with it, I should've been better than that."

Tiamat nodded. "Then you must learn to control it. There is more to that crystal than any of you know. The one you call Book Knight was close in his assumptions. But that is not all," the Green head said. "But that can wait for now. You will be shown to your rooms. We have much to go over."

Twilight frowned. "With all due respect, your majesty. We can't stay here forever. We must eventually return to Equestria. Too much time has passed since we left already."

Tiamat chuckled. "Time has no meaning here. You can stay for as long as you like, and I will return you to your homes as if no more than the two months it has been had passed," the White head replied. "Do not lie and say you don't have as many questions as Pearl does, now do you?"

Twilight couldn't help but smile sheepishly. It was true, and she would be lying if she said otherwise as her tail wagged slightly at the thought, while Pearl's wings buzzed with excitement at the very idea of staying for a while.
> News Back Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Come on Kohaku, what's the news already? We've been waiting here for almost an hour now,” Starlight huffed as she paced back and forth in Twilight’s office. She had watched as Kohaku slipped himself up into her seat after telling them that he had news for everypony. All of the mane six were there as well as his fellow CMC’s. 

“I’m just waiting till everypony is here. I don’t want to give this message twice.” Kohaku sat there, leaning back in the large comfy chair.  His hind paws rested up on his mentor’s desk.

“Alright, we’re here.” A flash of light emanated from the center of the room as Celestia and Luna appeared.

“What is so important that I had to be woken up mid-day?” Luna yawned, still wearing her nightcap. 

“Sorry Woona,” Kohaku chuckled as he watched Luna blush a little at the name. “But I thought you two wanted to know that Twilight and Pearl are safe.”

The whole room suddenly erupted in excited chatter, everypony asking questions and speaking all at once until Celestia cast a silence spell. 

“Enough,” the ruler of Equestria smiled and looked at her student’s student. “Okay Kohaku, please explain. How do you know about this.”

“Well, it’s like this.” Kohaku went on to explain how he had sent a doppelganger of himself with Pearl and Twilight. He caught a flash of annoyance from the two princesses when he mentioned what he had done to Castle Black. But he did see Luna nod in approval slightly. Improving the outlook of such a dreary place was always welcome in her view. 

“I found out last night things were okay when my golem was killed. I nearly jumped off the sofa when I felt a fist ram through my chest, not my best feeling moment. Although I did enjoy that better than the films I was watching.” Kohaku smirked as Sweetie Belle huffed a little, but nuzzled close to him.

“And after everyone fell asleep I got a message on this.” Kohaku lifted up a pendant in the shape of Twilight’s cutie Mark. “It's connected to a broach I made using the same techniques. It allows for two-way communication regardless of how far away you are from somepony.” Tossing the Star pendant to Starlight Kohaku stretched. “And I talked to them both last night. They made it to the Dragon Queen’s lair and will be meeting with her today. And I said I would leave it with you Starlight. To keep in regular contact.”

“Thank you. So this is why you were researching communication spells.” Starlight watched as Kohaku nodded. “Why didn’t you just tell me that when you had me cast the enchantment you wrote.”

“I did not want to give anyone false hope.” Kohaku looked off to the side. Fluttershy and Applejack nodded to each other. “I mean why raise your hopes only to have them dashed.”

“Well, regardless I thank you.” Celestia smiled and nodded to Kohaku who only looked away from her. With understanding, she stepped away. “Now that we know Twilight and young Pearl are safe, we should prepare for when they will be returning. Whenever that might be."

“Agreed sister. And Kohaku, I will make sure the guards at the garrison never remove that garden you made. I thank you for raising their spirits. It pains me to have them suffer so much.” Luna placed her hoof on Kohaku’s shoulder. Much to Celestia’s annoyance Kohaku acknowledged Luna’s touch.

Kohaku nodded and hugged Luna for a moment and then got up and stood next to his girlfriend. “Well, that’s all I wanted to say. We still on for that game tonight Woona?” 

“I would not miss it for the world. Till tonight.” Kohaku grinned and with a tail wrapped around Sweetie Belle’s the pair walked out of the castle to enjoy the day.


***


“Still can’t believe Discord took Twilight’s magic,” Rainbow grumbled after a time. “She ain’t gonna be happy about that.”

“It was for her own good, I’m sure,” Fluttershy said, giving her friend a pointed look. One that Rainbow ignored with a huff.

Celestia nodded. “It is indeed well that he did. The Guardian was feeding off of both Pearl and Kohaku’s own. It is why it looked as it did.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “I still think we coulda whipped it good.”

Luna shook her head. “Nay, Applejack. You could not. Fight it, yes, and perhaps to last sometime in fighting it. But winning is another thing. Sister and I barely beat it, and it did not look as it did now. Remember Kohaku said his golem faced it and paid the ultimate price just in the effort to seal it away. And he was fueled by chaos magic.”

Applejack just looked away gritting her teeth. 

Celestia nodded. “It adapts to whatever and whoever it faces. The barrier between our world and Chaos is all but non-existent there. It allows the most powerful Neverborn to push through with ease.”

“How can such a place even exist?” Starlight asked. It reminded her far too much of the Ashlands Timeline she, Twilight, and Spike had seen. 

Celestia and Luna shared a look. “We do not know. No power we know created it, and Discord refuses to even speak of it. We suspect it even predates his existence,” Celestia said. She shivered at some long-ago memory. “I still see the mountains of madness, the burning trees, and the things that slithered between them in my nightmares. I see nature and the world defiled and broken in a way that nothing can and will ever heal.”

Luna shivered, suppressing the same memories of those things. “Pray that you never see what we have. Twilight Sparkle, Pearl Rose, and Kohaku will carry those images to the day they die. And there is little I can do to help them.”

Celestia nodded. “There is a reason why the ponies who come back from their time as Rangers very rarely talk about what they have seen. The few who have seen the Scar itself and lived to tell of it carry those scars to the day they die. I and Luna included.”

“Ya look fine to me,” Applejack said.

Celestia shook her head. “Not all scars are physical, Applejack. No amount of time and magic can change that. Not for this.”

Luna nodded, as she turned to go. “If I am not needed anymore, I will return to my slumber. If I can. This has reawakened too many memories that I had hoped buried and forgotten long ago. Apparently not.”

Celestia nodded, as she turned to go as well. “And I as well. I am beyond relieved that Twilight and Pearl are safe. But now there is nothing we can do for them. More so than when they left Ponyville. I trust Kohaku when he says that they will be fine, though I wish I knew what he has done to ensure it.”

That was something that they could all agree on.
> Safe Sleep
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Well that went better than I thought it would," Pearl grumbled, all but collapsing onto a rather comfortable bed with a groan. "And I didn't even bring anything to read. No way I'm getting back to Castle Black now. Just my luck."

Twilight chuckled as she sat down on her own bed and looked around. The room they shared was rather spartan with only two beds and a bathroom. "I agree. I never thought Kiyoko could have that effect on anyone."

Pearl rolled her eyes as she rolled over. "How did you do it, princess? I was scared half to death when me and Kohaku met her. Oh, I hid it pretty well. But I was shaking in my feathers. She could have easily had me as a very light snack."

Twilight nodded. "You think I was not? I know she would never have done something like that to either of us. But the predator-prey reaction is as old as ponykind itself." She looked around. "And I could use something to read myself. We have too much free time it seems."

Pearl sighed as her hoof swept alongside her bed, and blinked as it came into contact with a bag. Looking down, her jaw dropped as she found her own saddlebag sitting next to her bed, with everything she had brought with her still in it. "Where the hell did this come from?"

Twilight blinked as Pearl brought it up onto her bed. Looking down, she found her own saddlebags and everything she had brought with her beside her own bed. "I do not know. We did not bring them with us."

Pearl shook her head as she began pulling her stuff out. "This place is weird if it did this. But at least I won't be bored now."

Twilight giggled as she did the same. "Agreed. I doubt very much if Tiamat will allow me to read any books that are here. And I would rather not push my luck again. I was lucky once. Let's not push it."

Pearl rolled her eyes but stopped as her eyes fell on the first volume of Naruto. "How does Kohaku do it?"

Twilight gave her a quizzical look. "How does he do what, Pearl?"

Pearl pointed at the stack of manga. "How does he like this? I like the story so far. But one thing in particular..."

Twilight's ears fell as she realized what Pearl was talking about. "The Nine-Tailed Fox?" Pearl nodded. "I asked him the same question once. Aside from just liking Naruto himself, he knows this isn't a real story. But what happened to the village? The Tailed-Beast that did it? It is a very real thing that can happen to a kitsune. From what I understand, something like this was ancient history at the time he was born, but it was real."

Pearl's ears fell as she remembered Nightmare Night, and the shadow fox her friend had faced. "Then that thing he faced on Nightmare Night?"

Twilight nodded. "His inner demon. And as close as I hope you ever have to see it."

Pearl made a note to give Kohaku a hug when she had the chance, as she flipped to her current page. She growled as, again, her ears were assailed by the distant sounds of horns. But now, they sounded closer, and more clear. "Will somepony shut those Twilight damned horns off already?!" She shouted.

Twilight was taken aback. She still was not happy ponies used her name like that, but that wasn't the point at the moment. "Pearl. What are you talking about?"

Pearl shot her a look. "What do you think? Those damn horns that have been here this whole you damned time. I've been hearing them since we entered the Blight."

Twilight's brows rose. "Pearl. What are you talking about? I don't hear anything. There has not been any noise except for what we are making. I have not heard any of this."

Pearl growled, biting her lip so hard she drew blood as she stuffed her hooves on her ears. "Just make it stop. I can't take it anymore," she whimpered.

Twilight's heart sank as she rushed over and pulled the Pegasus into a hug, one that was happily returned. Her eyes widened as she felt her student's body. "Pearl. You are burning up inside. I can feel the heat."

Pearl gave her a worried look. "But I feel fine."

Twilight nodded as she felt her forehead. "You are not sick. At least, not in any way that I know of. You said this started when we entered the Blight?"

Pearl nodded. "Yeah. And it's getting worse by the hour it feels like it. I can hear the horns clearer now, and I can't resist them for much longer. I don't want to. They're calling to me. And I want to answer them. Damn whatever comes after!"

Twilight's ears fell, as she remembered what Kohaku had done to the two of them after passing through the Ghost Fence. She knew enough of kitsune magic to understand what he had done. "Something is burning through what Kohaku did to you. You're helping it in a way as well. Even if you don't mean to."

Pearl growled once more, and Twilight was shocked to see a glint of fire in her student's eyes. "But what the hell is it? And how do I get it to stop before I stop caring too?!"

Twilight shook her head as she rubbed Pearl's back. "I don't know. This is beyond anything that I know. Maybe Tiamat will know something. I don't know who else to ask that can help fast enough."

Pearl frowned but allowed Twilight to gently rub her back, easing the tension in her muscles as she did. She missed those days. When things had made sense. Now look at them. Nothing made sense anymore.

Twilight held her student until Pearl fell asleep in her hooves. She smiled as she gently tucked the Pegasus into her bed, setting her things down beside her bed, making sure to mark Pearl's spot in her manga, before turning in herself.

As the lights in their room dimmed, Twilight could only hope that in the morning they could get this figured out. Something was very wrong.
> Rebirth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pearl flew hard, as hard as her wings could take her through this dark empty void. Behind her, she could hear Twilight calling out to her. But the horns she was heading to blared so loud, that Twilight’s voice was barely a whisper. She wanted to head to the sound of the horns. Not caring what they would do to her. But regardless of how hard she flew, the landscape never changed. Darkness was all around her. 

A heavy wind blew across her shoulders. Lifting a foreleg up to block it from her eyes, Pearl saw a shadow take shape. In its eyes were two flaring spheres of emerald flame.

“..Pearl.” Twilight’s voice grew louder as she stared into those eyes.

“Pearl…” her whole body trembled. As she looked at this shadow, the fear she felt before Kiyoko flooded her mind as it spoke in Twilight’s voice. As the creature spoke the horns deafened as flames surrounded her. 

“Pearl!” a heavy shaking on her shoulder broke her sleep. Looking up Pearl saw her looking into the sapphire eyes of a white fox. Its two tails swished back and forth as its tiny paws shook her shoulder. “Wake up.”

“Wha…” Sitting up, Pearl looked at her surroundings. The draconic decor was replaced by a far eastern one. Blinking, she looked down at the small fox. “Who…  who are you? Where am I?”

Pearl watched the small ten-year-old fox sigh before looking over its shoulder. “Daddy!! Auntie Pearl’s having memory problems again,” the young female fox called out.

Looking at the door she saw a familiar set of eyes come into view as a fox of impossible size came through. She had thought Kiyoko was huge. This fox was larger, twelve hooves high at least. Nine tails swished behind him as he strode closer. She knew this fox. The baby fat on his body was replaced with lean powerful muscle, his angler form made for speed and agility. His large paws made virtually no sound as he came closer. 

Pearl bit down on her lower lip as she leaned back as the fox reached out and touched her cheek with a paw finger. 

“Well that’s good, your fever broke.” 

Pearl’s eyes widened as Kohaku spoke. Who knew that annoying pain would grow to be this heartthrob in front of her?

“Kohaku… is that you?” Kohaku smiled and nodded slowly. “How…” Pearl soon found herself silenced by his paw on her lips.

“What’s the last thing you remember?” Kohaku’s face took on a serious tone as he sat down before her.

“I… I was with Twilight in the palace of the Dragon Mother. I remember these horns. Calling out to me.” Her head swiftly turned as she heard Kohaku sigh deeply

“I was afraid of that.” Scratching his neck with his front right paw he sat up straight. “I’m not sure how to tell you this Pearl, but that was a thousand years ago.”

Pearl felt herself growing dizzy, her body swaying only to be held tight by Kohaku’s strong paws. 

“Easy there… don’t worry, you’ll be okay. This will pass, and you’ll remember everything again. I promise. After all, it did the last few times.”

“A thousand years? How am I..” Pearl took a step off the sofa and looked down. She blinked at seeing herself so high off the ground. Lifting her leg up she placed it on her forehead and felt her heartbeat grow faster at what she felt. Pushing Kohaku aside, Pearl dashed to the closest mirror. She stood as tall as Celestia. Her hair flowed like flames and protruding was a scaled horn. “I’m a. I’m a…”

“An alicorn.” A familiar feminine voice came from behind her. “Seriously Kohaku, should you really be teasing her.” Pearl twisted around and saw a mare she never expected, Flurry Heart who was currently rolling her eyes at Kohaku. On Flurry’s neck was a crescent-shaped scar. She watched as her friend walked up and kissed Kohaku on the cheek. 

“I was just getting around to it.” Kohaku chuckled as Flurry shook her head.

“I’m going now. Mother’s waiting on me. And you know how she can be when we miss dad's birthday. Enjoy you two, we’ll be back for dinner.” 

“Have fun, love. Give Cadence my love and say a prayer in my place.” Kohaku nuzzled his mate before he ushered Pearl down a hall. “I know you have a lot of questions.”

“A few.” Chuckling, she felt herself growing familiar with the surroundings. Until she came across an iron door where horns blared. Her eyes growing hazy, she reached out to the door with a hoof only for it to be caught by Kohaku’s touch. 

“There’s nothing for you beyond that door. Follow me and I'll answer your questions.” Pearl blinked as Kohaku came back into her vision and nodded. Over the length of several hours, Kohaku explained the events that happened after her visit.

Pearl munched on her meal as Kohaku explained the events of a thousand years. How because of her work with dragons and relations with them, she became a Dragon Princess. How so many of their loved ones were now gone. 

“How many times have you done this? Telling me about my past, I mean.”  Pearl sighed as little Pearl, the young girl fox who had woken her up, was sleeping soundly with that white head on her lap. Not unlike how she and Kohaku did with Twilight. “And another thing… you married Flurry Heart? What happened to Sweetie Belle?”

“To answer your first question. Twice a year for five hundred years. Ever since your first ‘attack,’” Kohaku sighed, pinching his nose bridge. Pearl blinked as she noticed a scar under that crossed his nose. “As for Sweetie Belle, well we just grew apart. She ended up with this nice stallion named Button. Nice guy. I still say a prayer for them on their birthdays. We did keep up a good friendship.”

Pearl nodded as she felt the little white fox nuzzle up against her again. Pearl just wrapped her wing around the girl. 

“You mentioned that Twilight is no longer here. What happened?” Pearl watched as Kohaku winched and avoided her look. “When did it happen?” She watched those amber eyes look into hers. 

“Five hundred years ago.”  Reaching out he gripped her shoulders as she swayed again. “Pearl. It wasn’t your fault, nobody could have stopped it. She died protecting you like she would have for both of us at the drop of a hat. I know it still hurts Pearl. But put it from your mind.”

Looking down at her little namesake, who was purring tenderly, she smiled. What he said was true, dying for her was very like Twilight. Her hoof lightly brushed along the small kit’s soft fur. 

“Look, finish your dinner. I promise things will get better. They always do.” Kohaku smiled as she slowly started to eat.

With each bite, Pearl felt more like herself. Looking up at Kohaku she heard a soft whisper of her name and the horn which died to nothing more than wind against the wall. A smile crossed her lips. She finished her dumplings and stir fry and looked up at her friend. “You’re right. I do feel better.” 

Kohaku smiled hearing her friend say that. Emerald flames danced in his eyes as he looked at her.






Pearl groaned as she lay under a large cherry tree. Little Pearl slept next to her, the girl having just her sixteenth birthday. She loved her little namesake. Who knew Kohaku could make such beautiful children? Having met all ten of them. Teasing him about remaking his clan again. The two shared a huge laugh. But this girl was her favorite. 

Getting up Pearl waved hello to a few mares from a neighboring village. It had taken her a while but she no longer freaked at seeing such monstrous mares. Especially the one with so many eyes over her body. Shaking her head the Alicorn strode down the garden. Coming to the garden house she saw an iron door she could have sworn was on the second floor of the manor. 

Behind it, horns blared loud. Reaching out she touched the handle as she felt her mind grow hazy. Memories of her childhood flooded her mind. Memories she thought she had forgotten. The sound of the horns grew louder and louder. 

“Pearl... Pearl please wake up!” Twilight’s voice echoed in the void as she stepped forward. Blinking she found herself back as the small Pegasus she was. 

“Wha…  what the buck is going on?!” Pearl shouted as she felt a touch on her shoulder. Standing there on all fours was the Kohaku she knew. “What the buck is going on Kohaku? What did you do to me?”

Kohaku chuckled and shook his head. Pearl noticed as he moved his body seemed almost ethereal. Green flames flickered from his fur. “This wasn’t my idea, Pearl. It’s your dream after all.”

Blinking she smirked “A dream? Is that the best you got? Why go through all this?”

“You tell me, you’re the one who summoned me. Or did you forget about that?” Kohaku said, pushing his finger against the silver pendant Kohaku had given her prior to leaving Ponyville.

“This?” Pearl lifted the pendant with both hooves and looked at it. Inside, foxfire flickered as it rotated in a circle. “What does this…” Pearl blinked. “Are you?”

“Foxfire? Yeah. Remember he said it lights the darkness and can be used for attack and defense. Well, you summoned me for defense.”

“Okay, I can buy that. But I don’t remember doing so, and why would I summon anything that looked like Kohaku?” Blinking, she watched as Kohaku shifted into the adult form she saw in the dream. Instantly she was reminded of the shadow at Nightmare Night. This was the body form it took. 

“Can you imagine any creature more suited to protect you? He is your closest friend after all. And hasn’t he always come through for you?” His rear paw scratching his shoulder, Dream Kohaku purred. “And Kitsunes never use foxfire consciously.  It’s instinctual. Driven by fight or flight.” 

“Point taken. So what now?” Pearl sighed.

“I’ve protected you as best as I can. The horns won’t bother you for now. But I can’t hold them back forever. They will return. And you only have two more uses of that pendant. So use it wisely. “  

Pearl opened her mouth to speak again when a light erupted in her eyes. Blinding her. When she could see again she saw Twilight standing over her. 

“Oh thank heavens. You’ve been moaning and talking to yourself for hours now.  It’s morning. We have breakfast, more of that fruit they served us.” Twilight let out a soft sigh with a hoof on her chest.

Pearl blinked, trying to get her brain in order as she sat up. Looking up, she almost expected her horn to be there, but her forehead was empty. But she could almost feel it, like a ghost or a memory. "I had the weirdest dream. I woke up a thousand years in the future. Kohaku was all grown up. I have to admit, he did look rather attractive. And get this. He was married to Flurry Heart! They had ten kids together, one was even named after me. I think he wanted to recreate his clan."

Twilight chuckled. "I would not put it past him. I can see him hooking up with an Alicorn. I’m not sure I would have picked Flurry. Of course, I’m probably biased being the girl’s aunt and all. However, who else would understand him than an Alicorn? We do share similar lifespans." She paused as she saw the haunted look in her student's eyes. "Pearl. What is it? You can't be upset by something like this, can you?"

Pearl shook her head, sniffing. This only fueled Twilight's worries as she lifted the Pegasus's head. "Pearl. What happened? What happened to me? This is what this is about, isn't it?"

Pearl nodded, her head falling. "You'd been dead for five hundred years. You died protecting me. I still remember the thing that did it. Don't ask me about it."

Twilight's ears fell. She knew that being an alicorn did not make her invincible. Did not make any of them invincible. "Put it from your mind, my student. It was just a dream. Nothing more."

Pearl shot her a look as she grabbed one of the fruits and took a bite. "That's just it. I don't think it was. It felt too real. Like I was seeing the future somehow. My future."

Twilight’s brows rose. “How were you alive in fact? Kohaku will not make you his mate. No matter how much he likes you, he will not do that to you. Only an alicorn could live that long.”

Pearl smiled sheepishly, earning an annoyed glare from the unicorn. “Pearl…” Twilight started in a warning tone.

Pearl threw her hooves up in exasperation. “Okay, fine. I was an alicorn. Horn and flowing mane and all!” She tapped her forehead, exactly where a horn would be in fact, and she touched the spot in a way that showed she knew exactly where and where not to touch, as she saw Twilight's perplexed look. “Yeah, I know it sounds stupid. But I can still feel it even now.”

Twilight was dumbfounded. While she loved the filly like a daughter, to do this to her was too much for the princess. “How? Only another alicorn can do that, or a Higher Power.”

Pearl stopped for a moment, finishing off another fruit, as Twilight did the same. How was she an alicorn? She didn’t remember. She remembered everything else. But not this. “I don’t know actually. I remember everything else. But I don’t remember that. Why? Kinda hard to forget that I’d think. I lived that life for six years.”

Twilight scratched her chin. That was true. She could never forget that day, and while it hadn’t been nearly as happy as her own, Cadence remembered hers perfectly. Celestia, Luna, and Flurry Heart had been born alicorns, so they had never known anything else.

Before she could ask more, one of the smaller drakes from the day before returned. "The queen demands you both meet her at once," he grumbled, making it clear that he was to be their guide.

Pearl rolled her eyes as she and Twilight finished their breakfast. "Couldn't she have sent someone less of a grump?" She grumbled as the pair followed the drake out into the tunnels.

Twilight could only giggle helplessly.





As before, the duo found themselves in the same room as the day before. Twilight would normally have been over the moon to be in a place very few had ever been in before. But not today, as she watched with mounting concern as Pearl stuffed her hooves in her ears.

"I swear I'm going to kill someone at this rate," the Pegasus grumbled, as Tiamat gave her a confused look. "Why, oh why did I have to get the attention of the Brass Citadel?"

Twilight blinked. What did that mean? Tiamat's eyes, however, widened in shock. "Then it is worse than I believed," the Red head said with concern.

Twilight gave her a look. "What do you mean? Pearl has been saying many strange things recently, and I'm getting more and more worried about her."

The queen, however, only looked closely at Pearl. "Tell me, young one. Do you remember the crystal you saw on Nightmare Night?"

Pearl nodded, biting back a groan. "Kinda hard to forget that stupid. It felt good to smash it."

The queen chuckled while Twilight rolled her eyes. "Indeed. But there is more to it. When you destroyed it, a small sliver of it went into you. Not enough to cause any physical harm, but it opened you to something else to grab hold of your soul. Something your world is not ready for."

Twilight shifted through all she knew. "I know only one thing where something called the Brass Citadel is a thing. In a game called Age of Sigmar in the Human World."

Pearl blinked. "Oh yeah. I was actually going to do that before I found Gunpla. Thanks to my human counterpart of all people. But Khorne isn't real. None of the Chaos Gods are. Are they?"

Tiamat nodded gravely. "They are indeed very real, Pearl Rose. With each passing day, you are being drawn to worship of the Lord of Battle. Your rampage against your friends that night was the first step. No matter that Kohaku may have deserved what you did to him."

Pearl's ears fell in despair as Twilight pulled her close. While she wasn't as much into Warhammer as she was other things, she knew enough to know what this meant. "Then what am I supposed to do?" She pushed at the locket she wore. "I'm almost out of Foxfire, and it's the only thing that seems to work."

Twilight eyed the locket closely. So that's what this was. Another thing she and her student would be discussing once they returned to Ponyville. "What can we do then? I have no magic, and it would take too long to get back to Equestria."

The White head nodded. "You will never make that far before the last of the Foxfire is used up. By then it will be too late. And by the time you reached Ponyville, your best friend would have no choice but to do the unthinkable." Looking at the shocked faces of Twilight and Pearl Tiamat sighed. "And yes, he is more than capable of going through with it, even if it would break his heart." She smiled as she held up a claw to Pearl's forehead. "But there is another way. One that benefits all. Even the whelp.

Pearl watched the claw with a worried look. She could see the faint motes of magic beginning to gather around it and wondered what exactly she was talking about. 

Twilight saw it as well and felt her ears fall in shock. She had felt this magic once before. A day she would never forget. "Tiamat, please. Think of what you are doing."

Her Black head only smirked. "I am, Princess Twilight. Perhaps you should have thought of it sooner."

Before Pearl could ask what they were talking about, the claw touched her forehead. Immediately, her world exploded in a burst of power, as unimaginably powerful magic flowed into her.

Twilight shielded her eyes as Pearl was engulfed in a sphere of light. In the center, she could just make out Pearl. In shock, she watched as her Nightmare Night costume appeared around the filly, before merging itself into her body. But there were other changes as well, and Twilight felt a headache coming on.

After a moment, the light faded and Pearl fell to the floor with a thump. "Ow. Did someone get the tag on that rocket that hit me? I'm gonna pulverize it," she grumbled, rubbing her forehead. But stopped as she felt it connect to something familiar. Looking up, her mouth dropped in surprise.

A horn. She had a horn. Alternating colors of red, blue, green, black, and white at the tip. Just like her dream. She could feel the unimaginably vast amount of magic she now had, and something else as well, but she could not be sure what it was. "I'm a... I'm..."

Twilight nodded, unable to believe it herself. But she could feel it as well. "You're an alicorn, Pearl. Just like I am."

And there it was, Pearl thought with a groan as she sank to the floor as she looked up at Tiamat. "But why? Why me?"

"Why not? Not only have you earned it, but it stops those you love from mourning you for all time," the Green head replied with a smile. "And it will put you beyond the reach of the Blood God as well."

Pearl blinked. Now that she thought about it, the feeling was gone. Nothing was trying to force its way into her. Before she could say more, however, a crown appeared above her head, before settling comfortably on her brow, its five dragon heads curling protectively around her.

The Chromatic Dragon smiled widely. "I crown you Pearl Rose as Dragon Princess of Equus, and Inheritor of the Dragon Soul. Use it well."

Nopony said anything for a moment, both trying to take it all in. Pearl finally snickered. "Oh, man. Kohaku's gonna have a field day with this. Ponyville is gonna freak out when we get home."

Twilight could only roll her eyes as Tiamat chuckled as well.
> More Questions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pearl looked up at Twilight, visibly confused at something. "So is there a book about being an alicorn I should be reading or something? I have no flipping idea how to use any of this!"

Twilight shook her head, just barely able to contain her giggles at the question. "I'm afraid not, Pearl. No matter how hard I looked, I could never find one. In Canterlot, the Crystal Empire, or the Castle of the Two Sisters."

Pearl frowned. Damn it. "What about the princesses?"

Twilight shrugged. "It's been so long, that they have forgotten their childhoods past a certain point. You must also remember that they were born alicorns. As was Flurry Heart. Only you, Cadance, and I have ascended to become one."

Pearl snorted in annoyance and watched in shock as a jet of flame came from her nostrils. "What the? Since when could I do that?"

Even Twilight was shocked. That shouldn't have been possible.

Tiamat only smiled wider. "It is part of what it means to be the Dragon Princess. And that is not all you can do. Do you feel anything inside of you, Pearl? More than just your new magic," the White head asked.

Pearl blinked, before feeling inside herself. She did in fact feel something new, and not just new magic. It felt like an entirely new body, just waiting to be revealed as it slowly grew inside of her, becoming a part of her very essence. A very familiar body in fact. "How? I haven't felt like this since Nightmare Night."

"For one so young, you adapted to that body quickly," the Red head replied.

Pearl rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and look what happened. As awesome as it was to be you for a while, I had no idea what I was doing. Just going off a hair-brained idea. I don't even know what was going to happen to me if I continued, and frankly, I didn't care. Part of me still doesn't."

Twilight tapped her chin. The thought had occurred to her as well. Kohaku had been rather silent on what would have happened to Pearl if she had completed what she had started. Whether because he genuinely didn't know, or because he was protecting his best friend, she didn't know.

Tiamat nodded. "Had you finished, your transformation would have become permanent. You would have become a new me. Unable and unwilling to change back into your pony form even if it had been possible. Your memories would have remained. But you would no longer have cared," the Green head added.

Pearl tapped her chin, wondering what that might have been like. It sounded rather awesome if she was being honest. "So, what. I can do that now? How? I didn't bring my costume, and it's kinda a pain to put it on if I wanna try that body out again. Which does sound awesome though."

The Black head nodded. "Indeed. You need only look inside of yourself, Pearl Rose, and concentrate on that feeling from that night. It will do the rest."

Pearl and Twilight shared a confused look before Pearl shrugged and closed her eyes, trying to find that feeling from Nightmare Night once more. For a moment, nothing happened, and she feared this whole thing was some kind of sick joke.

And then she found it. Knowing not what to do, she let herself let the power flow freely, relaxing as she did so.

Twilight watched in shock as Pearl's body began to glow, before transforming into a familiar shape. She couldn't believe it.

Opening her eyes once more, Pearl looked down in surprise at her now taller body. Her draconic body in fact. Looking around, she felt her heads do the same. All five of them. Her Green and Blue heads looked down at Twilight with a smirk, who could only shake her head in shock.

This was it. This was the same power she had felt that night. Gone however was the anger and hatred. Now Pearl felt as she had when she had faced down the shadow fox. Her mind had been split into five, each independent, but still her at the same time. She could look out from any of her heads, or all of them at the same time. "Sweet," her Black head hissed.

Twilight felt her mind crash. That had been Pearl's voice. Perfectly the same as her pony form in fact. How?

Pearl also felt her breath weapons were fully charged. Remembering what she had been told that night, she breathed out from all of her heads. Fire, lightning, corrosive gas, acid, and cold. Even the filly face in the neck of the Red head added her own breath of lighting.

Twilight squawked in surprise as she dodged the acid from the Black. "Will you please be careful where you point that, Pearl? You're going to hurt someone like this!"

Pearl cut off her breaths. "Sorry!" Her Blue head said sheepishly. "This was a lot easier in that damn graveyard. I can get used to this though."

Tiamat chuckled. "And that is not all. Your breath weapons are always available to you, no matter what form you may be in at the time. As is this form you are in right now. With time, you will only get stronger as well. On top of what you possess as an alicorn. I'm sure Princess Twilight can teach what it means to be one," the Blue head said.

Twilight nodded. "It will not be easy, but I know you will be fine, Pearl. This is going to cause quite a stir in Ponyville and Equestria however. I'm not sure how we will handle that."

Pearl snorted, retreating back into her pony head as her other heads all turned and smiled at her. Like she needed Equestria's permission to do anything. She hadn't cared before, and she didn't now. 

At that moment, however, thoughts of all the things she could do to get back at Kohaku for the months of torment he had put her through filled her mind, and she smiled widely. Best friends or not, he had them coming.

Pinkie Promise.
> Call Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight saw the evil glint in Pearl's eyes and frowned. "Pearl. I know that look in your eyes." She rolled her own as Pearl's White head gave her a look. "All of them. What are you thinking?"

Pearl rubbed her claws together with a devilish giggle. "Just all of the ways I can get Kohaku back for all the months of annoyances, pranks, and heart attacks he's given me. He owes me. Best friends or not."

Twilight sighed. "Pearl. I enjoy a good prank or payback as much as the next pony. But remember what happened the last time you did so. Kohaku did not have to make anything up or even bend the truth. You nearly killed him, and more than likely would have had you continued."

Pearl's Red head nodded. "I know. Which is why I'm going to do things less violent. But he's still getting them no matter what."

Twilight's eyes twitched. She would never get used to hearing Pearl's own voice coming from any one of her six heads she felt. She also knew that it was pointless to argue with her student when she set her mind to something. "I will hold you to that, Pearl Rose. Do not make me regret it."

Pearl gulped. That tone of voice said far more than Twilight ever said. Take this too far, and she just might be banished or thrown in a dungeon. "I promise," she whispered.

Twilight nodded, for she heard the earnest honesty in that reply. She hoped it would never come to that.

Tiamat chuckled. "Please do. That annoying puff ball has always had a big head. It is time someone knocks him down a notch. His family only did so much. His mother was too forgiving in some ways," her Black head said.

Pearl bit her lip. She knew she should be asking this of Kohaku himself, but a part of her could not wait that long. "What was his mom like? I only met a "Living memory" as she put it. The power and wisdom I felt from her made Princess Celestia look like a newborn. But also someone loving and caring."

Tiamat nodded. "Then you have come as close to knowing the real Kiyoko Starsong as you will ever know. I always respected her, no matter how annoying her son was. Sadly, He inherited her sense of humor. I only hope he gets her charm later in life," her Green head said with an annoyed snort. 

The Blue and White head sighed a little after being reminded of Kiyoko. “But we couldn’t blame him too much, He was and still is only a child. It’ll be hundreds of years before he ever really matures.”

Pearl giggled. Now that she could believe, even though she had never met any of Kohaku's sisters. At least she didn't think she had. It was hard to know with kitsunes. "So what am I supposed to do now? I can't exactly take lessons from Twilight here. Not when she doesn't have her magic. And I doubt this new look comes with an instruction manual," she huffed. "It's why I didn't blast everyone on Nightmare Night. I had no idea how or anything else beyond the basics."

Twilight nodded. This was way outside of anything she knew or had studied. But she was also curious to know more of what Pearl could now do and what she possessed as an alicorn. Each of them was unique in certain ways, while they all shared certain things. Ascended or otherwise.

Tiamat nodded. “Indeed. But half the fun of this will be learning how to control and use it. Princess Twilight can teach you all it means to be an alicorn, and Kohaku does know a thing or two about dragons. The one true thing he got from his father was his mind. If you can get him to focus which is a challenge in itself.” her Blue head rolled her eyes.

Pearl groaned. She had been afraid of that. She trusted Twilight to teach her all it meant to be an alicorn. But she might go insane if she had to take lessons from Kohaku.

But right now? There didn’t seem to be any other choice.







Sometime later, Twilight and Pearl returned to their room. Pearl had spent the last few hours testing out her new form. To varying degrees of success.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that,” she moaned, rubbing her forehead. Having five minds be combined back into one was a surreal experience, to say the least. “I don’t know how she does it.”

Twilight giggled. “Tiamat was born the way she was, Pearl. She has known no other way of living. I would say that it will get easier with time. But this is beyond anything I have ever seen or been taught.”

Pearl groaned as she flopped onto her bed. “Just my luck.” After a moment, a thought came to her. “Do you still have that broach? Think our friends deserve to know about this.”

Twilight nodded as she brought it out. She understood how this worked, so it was not too hard for her. She just hoped she did not catch her friends at a bad time. “Starlight.”

As before, a light shimmered upward until it resembled a mirror. On the other side, Starlight Glimmer fell backward out of her chair with a squawk of surprise. 

Twilight giggled as the unicorn picked herself up. “I’m sorry, Starlight. Is this a bad time?”

Starlight shook her head, trying to control her heartbeat. “No. But warn me the next time you do that.” She blinked as Pearl came into her view before shaking her head. “Pearl. Why are you wearing a horn? The colors do look good on you. But this seems weird for you.”

Pearl shook her head. “I’m not wearing anything. This is real.” To prove her point, and following what Twilight had been able to teach her, she lit up the end of her horn, her magic swirling in a rainbow of red, blue, green, black, and white.

Starlight’s jaw dropped. That hadn’t been fake. Even from this distance, she had been able to feel a tinge of magic around the horn. “How? When? That shouldn’t be possible.”

Pearl shook her head. “Today and Tiamat gave this to me. I’m still not sure why. Plus a few other things, but those can wait.”

Twilight nodded. “I still cannot believe it myself. But I saw it with my own eyes. Among other things, I’m still trying to wrap my head around. Is everyone still in class?”

Starlight nodded. “I could pull them all out for this, though. I know we’ve all been worried sick about you. Kohaku though is on a… extended leave of absence.”

Pearl sighed in exasperation. “Alright. What did he do this time? Which pony has to deal with him if it’s not me?”

Starlight chuckled. “He hasn’t done anything, Pearl. Buttercup came up to us the other day and said he won’t be around for a week or so because he wasn’t feeling well. I tried to press for a reason but she refused to budge.”

“I take it you did not leave it at that.” Twilight smiled as Starlight shook her head.

“Nope. So I went out and found he wasn’t at home anymore. But rather he’s out by Fluttershy’s cabin. So I went there, on the way I saw Big Mac standing watch near a pathway into the Everfree Forest.” Starlight siped on a cup of coffee. “I tried to get answers but he refused to let me through or answer any questions. But as I walked away, I did manage to spot Kohaku, sitting under a waterfall in the distance.”

“A waterfall why would… Oh.” Twilight put her hoof on her lower lip and thought for a moment before letting out a sigh. “I see, I guess we will tell him later.”

Pearl nudged her mentor. “Hey what’s wrong with Kohaku?”

“He is not in the best of shapes right now. It’s nothing too serious but if he does not take care of himself it can lead to some serious consequences.” Twilight placed a wing on her student’s shoulder. Remembering the last time this came to her attention.

Pearl sighed. Darn it. But then grinned widely as she thought of the possibilities with this. “Oh. This will just make things better when we get back then.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, for she had an idea of what Pearl was thinking. “Please go easy on him, Pearl. When we see him next he will not be the same, he will be quite weak and tired.”

Pearl huffed but smiled all the same. “Fine. I’ll go easy on him. Plenty of time afterward I guess. If being an alicorn means what I think it means.”

Twilight bit her lip as she and Starlight looked at each other. This was something she had been trying to avoid thinking about.

Pear saw the looks and rolled her eyes. “Oh, stop treating me like a newborn! Mom and dad aren’t getting any younger, and with all the stupid stuff you guys do, I’m surprised you’ve lived this long sometimes. I know part of what it means to be an alicorn. But I’m not being a princess in Equestria. Ask me in a decade or something, and then we’ll talk.”

Twilight groaned. And just like that, the moment was gone. Starlight giggled at her mentor’s expression. “Then you can tell our friends, Starlight, what has happened. But for now, keep it between us.”

Starlight nodded. “And Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? They will want to know as well.”

Twilight rubbed her snout irritably. “If they ask, tell them to contact us. I am not sure what the day-night cycle here is like, but it feels like evening.”

Starlight nodded. “Well, it is the afternoon here. If we’re lucky, we could talk at the same time every day. Or later if you’re up for it. School is almost out for the day, and the students are all worried about both of you.”

Pearl frowned. “You haven’t told them what’s going on?”

Starlight shook her head. “Only that you both made it. We left out that… thing you fought, and the worst details of the Blight, but it was still enough for a certain six to be worried sick.”

Twilight nodded. She had a good idea of which six it might be. “That will be good enough for now. No reason to spread more rumors than whatever may be out there now.”

Starlight nodded. The School was flooded with rumors as it was. It was now common knowledge where Twilight and Pearl had gone, and everyone was worried sick.

Heck. Three fillies Pearl hung out with the most, Lotus, Red Light, and Cloud, almost made it a daily thing where they asked if there was any news of the pair.

As the connection cut off, Starlight giggled at the reaction they might have when Pearl and Twilight returned to Equestria. Kohaku as well.

She could almost see the glee the Pegasus would have with that reveal.
> Homecoming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pearl sat at a lone table as she stared intently at a cube of wood, her face getting puffy as she scrunched her face up. Her horn flickered slowly, magic creeping up all five colors to the tip. As it sparked.

Twilight watched her intently. There was little she could do without her own magic, but she knew just being there was a boost to her student. “That’s it, Pearl. Concentrate.”

Pearl did as she was instructed, closing her eyes as she did. “Teacup!” she shouted as magic sparkles exploded about the room. Falling back onto her rump she heard Twilight laughing. “Gahhh, did I do it this time?” She groaned as she struggled to get back up only to see a block of wood still. “Why can’t I do this? I can levitate things but this... I’m never going to be a good spellcaster.”

Shaking her head, Twilight finally saw the dejected look in her student’s eyes, and it took the laughter right out of her as she helped Pearl up. “I once said the same thing when I got my wings. I’ll never be as good as a natural born Pegasus, but I am much better than I used to be. You will be as well. It will just take time.”

Pearl shot her a look. “Yeah? I’ve been at this for six months now! Trixie had this down in a few days. How am I losing to her of all ponies?! And I still don’t know what Tiamat wants me to do with all of this.”

Honestly, Twilight wondered the same thing on occasion. Yes, Trixie had Starlight’s help. But this was a relatively simple spell. Pearl had levitation down in two weeks.

Pearl saw this in her mentor’s eyes, and it only made her feel worse. “Maybe it is time we go home. It can’t hurt anyway. Tiamat says I need to learn this on my own, or something.”

Twilight nodded. While she would never get tired of going through books and scrolls from worlds she had never heard of before, she too was growing homesick. “It is a week trip back to Castle Black from the Scar. Assuming we don’t need to fight that thing again.”

Pearl snorted a bit of lightning. She was getting rather fond of being able to do that. “Probably could take it now myself. Or maybe that’s just my magic frying my brain.”

Twilight somehow doubted that, but kept the thought to herself. Pearl’s temper was even shorter now it seemed, and getting her riled up tended to end with her ducking for cover.

Pearl shook her head, trying not to think of that, as the duo headed for the door.





“I see,” Tiamat’s Blue head said, as Twilight finished explaining what was going on. “I had begun to wonder if the two of you would ever leave.”

Pearl smiled sheepishly. “I’d stay here the rest of my life if I could. But I miss my family and friends. And sleeping on a nice cloud bed.”

Twilight nodded. “I’ve learned more than I ever thought I could. But we cannot stay here forever. Discord still needs to pay for doing this to me. No matter the reasons.”

That got a chuckle out of all. “Then there is little that I can do. Zinguthrac will see you to the gates. I will inform Princess Celestia that you are returning.”

The white dragon at her side didn’t look particularly pleased with being stuck with this job. But one look from his queen told him he had no choice in this, and that if anything happened to them, it would be his hide that would be fed to her latest hatchlings.

Pearl didn’t miss the look. She knew that Whites were not the smartest of dragons. But she also hoped his loyalty to his queen was stronger than his natural urges. She concentrated, and changed back into her Pegasus form. “Is there anything else you can teach me about this?”

Tiamat shook her heads. “No. The fun will be discovering what you can do on your own. Time is no longer something you need to worry about,” her Black head replied.

Pearl’s ears fell as she and Twilight turned to follow ZInguthrac back down the chamber. That was something she wasn’t trying to think about.

Twilight, though, was. And her heart dropped at the implications and conversations she would be having once they returned to Equestria.






Pearl’s guts twisted as she once more beheld the living hell of the Scar. In the distance, beyond the nearest lava stream, she could see the tree Kohaku’s golem had created. “Glad that’s still here.”

Twilight nodded. Looking around, everything appeared to be the same as when they had left. Heck, there were her and Pearl’s hoofsteps in the dirt. “Did we just leave?”

Zinguthrac nodded. “My queen has returned you to only a few moments after you first left this accursed place. Though for you, it has been six months. I loath being here.”

Pearl bit her lip. She couldn’t help it. “What happened here? What could do this?”

He shook his head. “It is unnatural. A physical wound on reality that will never heal. Done by a power the gods themselves fear. Kitsunes once tried to heal it. It drove them irrevocably insane.”

Pearl’s ears dropped, as Twilight a hoof around her shoulder. Maybe that was why Kohaku’s mom didn’t talk about this place. “So now what? It’s a long walk back.”

Zinguthrac snorted as he turned to go. “That is for you to figure out. My role is done. Be glad I have done this much.” And was gone back through the portal, which closed a moment later.

Twilight groaned as the two began retracing their steps. “I just hope Spike is better than he was when he grows up.”

Pearl giggled as they came once more to the rise, avoiding looking at the tree as much as possible. In the dirt, she could see three sets of tracks leading into the distance. “Now what?”

Twilight rubbed her chin. Just on the very edge of sight, she could see the Ghost Fence. Without her magic, there was nothing she could do. The chances of them meeting a Ranger patrol, especially this far inside the Blight, were slim. 

But there was one possibility, as she smiled widely before looking at Pearl.

Pearl frowned. “Oh, no. Don’t even think about it, princess. I am not…”





“... Carrying you,” her White head grumbled, as Twilight climbed onto the dragon’s back. “This was bad enough when Kohaku did it.”

Twilight shook her head as she grabbed onto the Green head’s neck. “Quit your bellyaching, my faithful student. It is much easier than me walking. I cannot defend myself, remember?”

Pearl’s Blue head bent down and gave her a flat look. “So, what? I just let you ride me all the way back to the Ghost Fence?”

Twilight was uncowed as she glared right back. “Unless you have a better idea, Pearl. Yes. And I would rather not be here in case that thing breaks free.”

All five of Pearl’s heads nodded in agreement. Taking a few steps over to the tree she looked at the bowed head of the wooden fox. “You were a huge pain, but thank you.” Reaching out Pearl touched the head of the golem turned tree.

“Princess!!!” a shocked and sudden collection of gasps emanated from around the two. 

Twilight blinked and looked around as her wings spread wide. “Wha..” Falling backwards, Twilight rolled off Pearls’ back. As she looked about she saw Steel Wing with a watering can in his hoof. 

“Princess, what happened? I was doing my daily watering of the grove and you just appeared there. And what’s with the dragon?” Steel Wing shook his head a few times. 

Pearl blinked as she looked about. Her large body half bounced against the trees. “Twilight… i’m stuck..” Her White and Blue heads muttered in embarrassment and looked behind her. “And… Twilight your an Alicorn again!”

Twilight felt as if things couldn’t get any stranger. Rushing to the small pond she saw that her wings had returned. Closing her eyes she concentrated and levitated her student out of the trees. “And my magic has returned. Oh thank Celestia” 

Steel Wing shook his head, keeping a  weary eye on the dragon. Since when did they have five heads? “That doesn’t explain what just happened, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight shook her head. “To be honest, captain. I am not sure myself. We were just at the Scar itself. Next thing I know. We’re here.”

Pearl nodded, taking smug satisfaction at the looks she was getting. “Least I don’t have to carry you back now.”

Steel Wing blinked. Did that dragon just sound like Pearl? “Should we be concerned your highness?”

Twilight shook her head, as Pearl transformed back into her proper pony form. “As you can see, Steel. There is nothing to worry about.”

Steel’s jaws dropped in shock, getting a giggle from the pair of alicorns. “How? What? When? We lost track of both of you the moment you passed the gates. You haven’t been gone long.”

Pearl giggled. “It’s a long story. Right now? I could use something to eat.”

Twilight nodded, as her stomach growled. “I as well. We will still need to procure a way back to Equestria as well.”

Steel Wing could only nod, before leading them to the Dining Hall in a daze. “Well good news on that, the train arrived this morning.”





Pearl sighed as la down on her bed. “This is way too convenient. First we just pop from there to here, and now the train arrived this morning? Why the hell couldn’t we have this coming?!”

Twilight could only shake her head in disbelief. “I am not sure, Pearl. But I will not look this gift horse in the mouth.”

Pearl rolled her eyes. “I swear, that if Kohaku pops up before we leave, I will scream and strangle him. Then hug him,” she quickly added, seeing the look in her mentor’s eyes.

Shaking her head Twilight sighed. “No, Kohaku will NOT be showing up this time. I doubt you’ll be seeing him when we arrive back in Ponyville.” Twilight looked down at the tree and garden Kohaku’s golem had grown. “And you would be wise to not go looking for him.”

“Well why not? I’m eager to have some fun with him.” Pearl smirked but quickly frowned as she saw how serious Twilight’s face was. “Is everything okay Twilight? Is something wrong with my friend?” 

“He’ll be just fine. We’ll go check on him when we get back. But no ‘getting even’ with him. At least not right away.” Twilight narrowed her eyes at the quick thought she picked up in her student’s eyes. 

“Can’t you just tell me what’s going on with him?” Pearl stomped her hoof down on her bed as fire spit from her mouth. “Eep.. sorry.” 

Dodging the small flame Twilight sighed again. “It’s not my place. He’ll be embarrassed if I told you. This is something he has to share with you. I wouldn’t have known about it myself if it wasn’t for how vocal Rarity was about what happened with Sweetie Belle.” Twilight bit her tongue as she saw the confused look on Pearl’s face. “Let’s not mention that. It wasn’t exactly a pleasant week for all parties involved. Just talk to Kohaku when he’s well again.”

Pearl had a thousand questions in her head. What could be so bad or embarrassing that Twilight didn’t want to talk about? Yes he was a world class pest, but he was her pest and she cared about him. “Alright. I’ll talk to him. I’m going to sleep.” 

“Good night Pearl.” Twilight used her magic and covered Pearl up with a blanket then turned and looked toward Equestria. 

Too many question floated in her mind. Several days had passed since they had entered the Blight. Trains rarely came this far south, and only then on the express orders of either Princess Celestia or Princess Luna if it was not one of the so called Prisoner Trains.

How could one be here now? Even assuming Tiamat’s message got through, it would take longer this this to get a special train down here just for them.

Groaning, Twilight flopped back onto her bed. They left in the morning, and she was more than happy to be away from this place. Maybe things would start to make sense again.





Twilight sighed as the train finally pulled away from Appleloosa. “I never thought I would be so glad to be back in Equestria. It seems we have not lost any time this time as well.”

Pearl was only half listening. Her gaze was drawn to a trio of mares further up the car. All three were talking quietly among themselves, before casting an occasional look their direction.

Twilight saw it as well. She recognised Lavender Rain, as a fellow resident of Ponyville, and the earth pony as Pumpkin Spice, a filly she had known growing up in Canterlot. The third, a unicorn mare a little older than herself, she did not know.

For Pearl, it felt like she should know all of them. Rather intimately as well. But she didn’t. She only knew Lavender in passing since they both lived in Ponyville. Weird.

Twilight felt it as well. But why? She shook her head, putting the thought away for later. “What will you do once we return to Ponyville, Pearl? I can be more hooves on now with my magic.”

Pearl shrugged. “I don’t know. If Princess Celestia thinks I’m going to be doing anything as a princess, then she’s more senile than I thought. Ask me in a decade or something.”

Twilight groaned. More than once had this come up. Pearl had even said as much to Celestia’s face during one of their communication sessions. “Pearl…”

Pearl shot her a heated glare. “What, Twilight? You saw how she looked at me. Me being an alicorn was never part of any of her plans. All she could see was how to use me. But I won’t be her pawn. She has enough of those. Maybe it is time she gives the throne to somepony else if that’s all she cares about.”

Twilight wanted to argue this. To defend her mentor. But she couldn’t, for she had seen the look in Princess Celestia’s eyes as well. There was no malice behind them. But the truth remained.

Pearl shook her head as she reached into her saddlebags and pulled out the first volume of Naruto. “Now I don’t know about you. But I’ve got reading to catch up on. Spent more time worrying than I did reading last time. Time to make up for it.”

Twilight giggled as she did the same. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been able to get any books from Tiamat’s library (no matter how hard she tried), but there were still things she could do.





Twilight and Pearl walked steadily down the rough path that lead away from Fluttershy’s house. It had taken some time but Twilight and Pearl convinced her to head this way. 

“I don’t get it Twilight, why is everypony making such a big deal about me going to see my friend right now? First you, almost the whole of the Apple family and now Fluttershy,” Pearl huffed loudly as she stretched her wings. The sunlight glistened off the scales under her coat. “I just want to make sure he’s okay.” 

“You’ll know soon enough Pearl. Being his friend you should be brought up to speed but it’s for Kohaku to tell you, not us.” Twilight smiled as they reached a barricaded pathway with Big Mac sitting comfortably in front, munching on a sandwich. 

Twilight watched as the large stallion stood up and focused his eyes on Pearl. 

“Nope, sorry young lady. You're not going any further.” Mac said sternly as he stepped up to the young filly. “Seriously Princess, you should know better. Especially after what happened with Sweetie Belle.” Mac’s eyes narrowed. “And Lavender, and Scoots”

Pearl rolled her eyes. For all his annoying habits, Kohaku was popular amongst the fillies of their school. 

“It’s okay Mac. We just want to wait here for him.” Twilight placed a wing on his shoulder and looked the farm pony in the eyes. “How long has he been up there.”

“‘Bout two weeks now.” Mac sighed and gestured to a bench. “We almost had another Lil fright, it hit him during school. Miss Cheerilee was almost frantic when she contacted us. Boy was down right feral.” 

“Oh my.” Twilight gulped. Hearing a heavy rustle in the thicket behind the barricade all three ponies turned and looked as Kohaku slowly walked into view. 

Pearl smiled until she saw him when her Pegasus sight focused on him. He was thin, almost skin, fur, and bones. His eyes and cheeks were sunken and walked as if he wore the weight of a mountain on his back. 

“Sore wa daijōbudesu ani, watashi wa futatabi jibun jishindesu,” his words were just as weak as his body. Mac dashed forward faster then Pearl believed the stallion could move and caught Kohaku as he tripped and fell. 

“You sure your okay?” Mac asked as Kohaku nodded. Picking up the young fox, Mac smiled as Kohaku laid out on the large back. “Looks like you two are in luck. It’s passed.” he chuckled with Kohaku.

“Kohaku wha…” Pearl started as Kohaku raised his paw. Smiling he gestured for his anichan to move closer. Leaning in Kohaku took a sniff and grinned. 

“Anata wa sore o yoku kimasu.” Kohaku chuckled. 

“Okay why don't you speak Ponish so i can understand you,” Pearl grumbled. Hating when he reverted to his language. “Because I have no idea what you just said.”

“He can’t Pearl,” Mac sighed. “Boy’s so drained he can’t form the words.”

“But what did he say?” Pearl groaned. 

“He likes how you look.” Mac and Twilight chuckled. 

“Okay. But why does he look like he hasn’t eaten anything in weeks?”

“Because he hasn’t Pearl.” Twilight looked at her student. “Mac told us he was up there two weeks. And when he goes up. He doesn’t come back down for anything. Food, drink, sleep. Nothing. He just sits up there and meditates.”

“But why?” Pearl looked at Kohaku. “Why would you put yourself though that. And why is everyone making such a big deal about you getting sick?”

Kohaku smiled weakly and looked up at Twilight. “Anata wa kanojo no sensei ni iu koto ga dekimasu.”

Both Twilight and Pearl looked at Mac who just smiled. “He said you can tell her.”

“Right… by the way how is it you can understand him?” Pearl quirked an eyebrow. “No offense but I didn’t think you spoke all this much, let alone another language.”

“None taken, when you have a Lil brother who speaks a second language. It helps to learn it. I may not be able to speak it. But I do know what he’s talking about.”

Nodding slowly Pearl looked at Twilight. 

“Okay, Pearl. Kohaku wasn’t just sick. He was going through what you, me, and every other mare go through during estrus.” 

Pearl blinked twice and opened her mouth only to close it before looking at her friend. “But he’s a boy. And I’ve seen the evidence of that. And I know boy’s don’t go through that.”

“You’re right, but I'm also sure you heard of mating season.” 

Pearl nodded slowly. She had taken animal studies. “Yeah but what does estrus and mating season have to…” Pearl felt as if she had just been slammed by an apple tree as the hamster in her head finally caught up to her. “You mean he was…”

“Being driven by an instinctual sexual desire to find a mate. Yes. Yes, he was.” Twilight sighed. “It only occurs about twice a year for him. And during that time he sits under a waterfall that’s as cold as an iceberg. And meditates until the fire in his blood has cooled.”

“And until such time as it does. No filly or mare crosses that line.” Mac pointed at the barricade. “If they do, his heightened sense of smell will know and he’ll go after them. More then once I’ve had to buck and tackle him into submission. But this is the first time he’s ever gone feral.”

“No doubt from his overuse of magic.” Twilight walked up to Kohaku who looked at his mentor. “And we will be having a talk about this my student.” 

Kohaku nodded slowly and bowed his head.

“So no one but males can go up to see him? When he’s up there I mean.”

“No. Family is safe, males and females. Married females are also safe as well as those in lasting relationships. Kitsune are many things but not homewreckers.” Kohaku nodded as Twilight placed a hoof on Pearl’s shoulder. “Do you understand?”

“Not completely.” Looking at Kohaku, Pearl huffed. “Just wait. I have something special for what you put me through.”

Kohaku smirked and nodded slowly only to be suddenly sidelined when pearl hugged him tight. His front leg wrapped around her shoulder as she whispered. “Thank you so much.” Giving his cheek a quick kiss Pearl took a few steps back as if nothing happened.

Searching her mind, Pearl thought there had to be something she could show at the moment. Somethings would wait till her friend was himself again, but there was one thing, as she grinned and closed her eyes.

Mac looked at Twilight, who only smiled as Pearl began to glow. Forever after, he would deny it, but his jaw dropped in shock as an alicorn Pearl was revealed. “What in tarnation?”

Twilight chuckled. “I said the same. Has no one told you?”

Mac shook his head. “Only that you were safe, princess.”

Pearl nodded. “There’s a lot more to it than this. But I’m saving it for when my friend here is back to his usual self. Now I understand why everyone was so secretive about it.”

Kohaku’s eyes widened as he took in his friend's form. Smiling Kohaku reached out and taped the horn on Pearl’s head.

“Yeah. And I don't care what Celestia whats, I’m NOT being a princess,” Pearl growled as she felt her eye twitch as Kohaku continued to tap her horn, examining the rotating colors. 

“Naze anata ga shinakereba naranai no ka wakarimasen. Chichi ga shihai shita toki, karera wa ōjo no monode wa arimasendeshita.” Kohaku whispered out before yawning. The two alicorns looking at Mac.

“Yeah he just said you don’t have to be. As they weren’t royalty back in the day.” Mac chuckled. “Kohaku’s talked to me about this before. From what I’ve gathered. Most of it made me kinda sleepy. Alicorns were just regarded as advisors to the tribes.” Looking back at Kohaku he smiled. “That's right isn’t it?” Mac smiled wider as Kohaku nodded slowly. 

“You mean I really don’t have to be a princess?” Pearl pushed past Twilight and looked at her friend with a grin. Kohaku merely shook his head slowly and smiled.

“Well lets try telling that to Celestia, we know how she is when she makes up her mind.” Twilight almost fell over laughing as Kohaku made a rude sound and waved his paw at the thought.

Pearl snorted. “Then she can find out the hard way what I’m like when I’m peeved enough. I don’t care who she is.”

Kohaku merely snorted, while Mac was confused. “Feels like I’m missing something.”

Twilight shook her head as they began the trek back to Ponyville. “It is a very long story. But one that everyone needs to hear. Much easier.”

Pearl giggled. Boy was everyone going to get the shock of their lives when she pulled out all she could do. It would make the wait worth it.

Especially for one. Karma would never feel so good.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tiamat sat there as still as a statue. Staring at the one tree amidst a horror of darkness. Behind her, she heard her White mate step out of a portal. “I take it they made it back safely?”

“Yes my queen,” Zinguthrac said as he looked at the golem-made tree. Over the course of six months, it had blossomed into a living tree. Already the growth was spreading out, half purifying the shattered landscape between the two gates. “I don’t understand. Why not let them see this?” He growled but a look from his love’s white had silenced him. 

“There was no need for them to know. And even I am not sure of the implications of this, or how far it would spread.” Tiamat’s White head sighed. “I knew the boy had talent, it’s why I gave him that scroll and the incantations to craft such a golem. Powerful enough to take down that pesky Guardian. But I never expected this. The knowledge may have been mine but the power was all him. For him to pour such power into it, his love for that girl must be great if he could do what generations of his people could not.” 

“So what would be so wrong in them seeing it?” the white knelt down shaking his head, trying to comprehend her meaning.

“Because word would have gotten back to the young boy. I do not want to boost his ego more than it already is. He is way too young and I would hate for him to turn out as ego-boosted as his father was. Damn that Kiyoko. She was right again.” Tiamat roared as she stamped her claw into the dirt. “I often asked why her husband’s clan never tried to heal this area, but all she said was ‘one will come with the blessing and strength of nature. He alone can sow the seed that might heal the lands. And it is you who will give him that seed.’” Tiamat’s voice raised in half mockery of her old friend’s. The Dragon Mother always hated when she had to admit she was wrong. Especially to her old friend. 

“Despite my feelings, I am curious about how that boy will turn out. The kind of grown spirit he will become.” Looking down at her white companion all five heads sighed as he was still confused. “Nevermind. Just do not go thinking about it.”

Zinguthrac nodded and nuzzled the white head he loved. 

“Perhaps one day when my young vassal can take over for me.” Tiamat opened a large portal behind them. The blazing lights of her den made the leaves of the golem tree shimmer. “She will not have to handle such things on her own. Those two.” Touching the head of the wooden fox, she remembered the young kit who wrestled with her tail and looked at her with no trace of fear in his eyes. “OH yes, those two certainly have it in them to change this world for the better.” Wrapping a wing about her White head’s mate the pair stepped through the portal.