//------------------------------// // Ch. 5 - The Masters' Past // Story: Equestria World, Book 2: The Rise of Harmony // by Gear Works //------------------------------// During the middle of the week in Luna’s office, Twilight, Sunset, Jack, and Luna were preparing to enter into dreamscape. All four of them were sitting on the floor with their backs against each other. Nurse Redheart was attaching several nodes onto their foreheads while Micro Chips was making sure that the machines were ready to go. Spitfire and Applejack were also there to monitor over the situation, should anything goes wrong. “You sure you want to go through this, Twilight?” Applejack said. “Definitely. I need to know what I’m facing if we plan to take on Dark Star. And someone over there owes me some answers, since I got mixed up into this.” Luna decided to intervene. “Twilight, the reason that me and my sister wanted you in all this is that you might be able to understand what Professor Star Swirl was trying to work on. And while Jack has learned several skills, there are still some things that we don’t even know. We don’t even understand why Dark Star wants people like Jack, of even who’s in charge.” “Twilight, I’m just like you,” Sunset explained. “I now have to share a special bond with Jack, but this new power that we both have still leaves us with questions about its use. Twilight, you’re the smartest girl I’ve ever know. You were able to get friends on your side and worked hard exposing me for what I was doing back then.” “But now we have a bigger picture to deal with,” Spitfire said. “And with you helping us, we might be able to get some answers to all of this and hope that we don’t enter into another Great War.” Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath, the opened them and looked back at the others. “I understand.” “We’re ready,” Micro Chips said. Nurse Redheart explained. “What’s going to happen is that we plan to send signals into you brain to help you go to sleep. Once that happens, it’s up to Jack and Sunset to get all four of you on the other side.” “Remember. It’s going to be bright when we’re there. Give it a moment for you to adjust to your new surroundings,” Jack explained. “Everyone ready?” All four of them grabbed on to the person’s hands next to each other, with Jack and Sunset holding on to Twilight’s and Luna’s hands. Luna gave the signal to start the process. Micro Chips was looking at the screen in front of him. “Vital signs are normal. Sending sleep commands to the brain.” As the process went on, they closed their eyes, but were able to hear what the others were saying. The voices were starting to fade away until it was nothing but darkness and silence. Before long, Twilight was starting to see a light shining and opened her eyes. The light was bright, but it soon adjusted and she was able to see what was around her. She soon realized that she was alone. Twilight got up and yelled, “Miss Luna? Sunset? Jack? Where are you?” There wasn’t a response. “Oh please don’t let this happen to me.” “Twilight!” She could hear a voice in the distance, and started walking towards that direction. “Twilight!” Twilight was able to recognize the voice. “Miss Luna?” It wasn’t long before she could see her close by. “Twilight. There you are,” Luna said. Twilight started to look around. “Where are the others?” “Over here?” echoed from afar. Twilight and Luna went towards the direction of the voice calling to them. As they got closer, they could see what looked like a shiny tree with no leaves. The closer they got, the clearer it was. They soon found Jack and Sunset with another person at the tree. “Thank goodness we found you,” Twilight said. “I guess we got separated entering this realm,” Jack said. “Might not be as strong having to send four people here.” “Well, we’re here. That’s all that matters,” Luna said. “Indeed it does.” The group looks over to see a familiar red haired kendo master with a goatee turn around. “Master Blades!” Luna bowed towards him. “Master Luna.” He responded by bowing back to her. “It is nice to see that you made it here.” “Thank you master, but I’m not sure that I deserve the title that you have given me.” “Luna, I have taught you all that I know. Now all that once belong to me, now belongs to you, including the title. Use it well in training Jack for what’s to come.” It was then that Twilight cleared her throat that caught Blades’ attention. “And this must be Twilight Sparkle. I am surprised that you would join us as well. I’m guessing that you have a lot of questions that require answering.” “As a matter of fact, I do,” Twilight said. Jack decided to intervene. “Before you begin, we have a bit of a problem on our end.” “Of course. Soul Link,” Blades replied. “I was able to see the problem that you two encounter during the game. It was meant to work between two gifted people, but this is the first time a bond was made between one who is gifted and one who is not. There was never any knowledge about an event like this in the records during my time. So it is best that you use this power wisely.” “About that. How does it benefit me in its use?” Sunset asked. “I believe you already know the answer to that question. In fact, the two of you experience it twice.” Jack and Sunset looked at each other, trying to understand what Blades was talking about. So Blades decided to help them understand. “Perhaps it would help better if you were able to see more of Master Edge’s past. He once told me how he met Master Flare and Master Moonlight before they all were masters. I am not clear of the details, but it involved a battle with the changelings at that time. And I think the tree can help you see more about how it works… and more about those three masters as well.” “We were hoping to learn more about them before discussing it with the rest of the team,” Luna said. “Then all of you, touch the tree, and let it explore into Jack’s soul to find the memories of my master.” Following Master Blades’ advice, all four of them touched the tree and closed their eyes. The next thing they saw was the memories of Master Edge’s past during his youth. A young samurai with white skin and short, red hair, bearing dark blue armor, was walking through the forest. During his journey, he stopped and sensed someone was nearby, ready to strike. With his hand on the blade’s handle, he sensed the shadowy creature who came lunging towards him from behind, allowing him to draw his blade and slashing it in two. It looked like a ninja, but the creature soon dissolved into nothing. It wasn’t long before more showed up, surrounding him. Several of the creatures rushed and attacked, but the samurai was able to slash each one, ending their lives like the first one. But as the battle went on, two of them came and locked blades with each other, allowing a third one to strike from behind. He sensed it coming, but his blade was caught between the creatures’ blades. But the third creature was stopped by another shadowy figure that appeared out of nowhere, striking the creature in the chest, causing it to dissolve into nothing. The samurai didn’t see the other person coming to his aid, but saw that it was a ninja in black. The ninja came around and strike one of the creatures in front of the samurai, killing it like the others. This allowed the samurai to strike down the other creature. A few more creatures showed up to attack. During the battle, one of the creatures was able to throw a small knife at the ninja while being distracted by a couple of creatures. The ninja was able to move out of the way, but the knife was able to strike its arm, leaving a gash behind. But the knife was able to strike one of the creatures. So the ninja grabbed the knife as the creature dissolved and threw it back to the other creature, killing it. As the last of the creatures were destroyed, they faced each other with their blades towards the other person. The samurai could see the goodness in the ninja’s eyes, and shed his blade. The ninja saw this decided to do the same, then removed the mask, revealing a young girl with orange skin and long, red hair. But before they could exchange greetings, both of them sensed more creatures coming their way. With her hand on her blade, the ninja was ready to attack. But the samurai grabbed her hand as said, “Best we save our strength. There are many more out there.” The ninja nodded in agreement, and both of them begin to run off and make their way through the trees and into the mountains, out of the creatures’ sight. As day became to night, the two finally reached the mountains to find a small cave that was out of site of the woods. They went in and made sure they were deep in the cave before resting for the night. The samurai was able to find some twigs in the cave and pulled out some tinder from his small pouch and began to start a fire. Once the fire was going, he went to check up on the girl. “We need to take care of that wound before it gets worse.” She nodded and begin to slide off the side of her top to expose her arm. She was wearing a long bandage around her chest, and had a tattoo of a fang on her should, just above her wound. “At least you’re decent,” the samurai said. “Don’t want to pervs to get too close to me,” the ninja replied. He begin to wash away some of the blood before taking a hot twig and placing it on the wound, causing her to flinch for a moment, but soon started to adjust to the pain that was applied to the wound. After that was done, he started to wrap the wound in a bandage until it was tight and secured. “That should do for now, miss-” “Solar Flare. My name is Solar Flare. But you can call me Flare.” She begin to slip her arm back in her top. “Jagged Edge. But you can call me Edge.” He pulled out some beef jerky and offered it to her. “I am grateful for your assistance back there.” “I saw that you were in trouble and decided to step in,” Flare said, accepting the offer and taking a strip of jerky to eat. “Nothing I couldn’t handle, but those changelings can be quite clever,” Edge responded. “So, you’re after the changeling queen, am I correct?” “That is correct, Flare. Are you planing to do the same?” “Of course.” “Is there a reason a member of the Shadow Fang Clan wants to hunt down the changeling queen?” Flare was surprised. “How do you know?” “The tattoo on your shoulder. It’s the mark of the Shadow Fangs. Assassins, to be exact.” “So, you going to do something about it?” “I’m not sure, since all of them are dead. Or are there still some out there?” Flare looked away. “No. They’re all dead… by my blade.” She looked back at Edge. “I killed them all after they planned to back stab me for being the best of the best. A hundred successful kills, and this blade is proof of that. Muramasa. Given to me by my former master. Now it bears the blood of assassins who have killed others. I thought my talents were being put to good use, but now I was just a tool for the clan. Now I’m trying to redeem myself by hunting down the changeling queen, who was known to be a big rival of the clan.” Edge let out a chuckle. “And to think that someone from the clan would be the ones to assassinate the emperor. But it looks like I was wrong at that time when I saw the bodies over there. But when I return to report my findings, I found a changeling hidden in plain sight, waiting for his chance to strike. But he never got that chance when I found him. My senses told me that something wasn’t right about him. Now I know who was planning to assassinate the emperor and take over as him.” “And that’s why you’re here, Edge? To take down the queen and her hive?” “That… and the fact that it was them that killed my parents in the first place.” “I’m… sorry for your loss. I never knew my parents. I was taken by the clan when I was little. Now I have nothing but this blood stained blade to remind me of my past.” “Then that would make me your opposite.” Edge drew his blade to show her. “This is Masamune. A blade that has been passed down by my family for generations. Created by the sword maker of the same name. And has been rivaled by the sword maker of the blade that you hold.” Edge shed his blade. “But that’s a story that was told long ago.” It was quiet for a moment before Flare spoke. “Tell me. Are you able to, you know, sense threats when they are coming out of nowhere?” “That is correct. But for some reason, I didn’t notice you coming to my aid at that time.” “I was wondering about that as well. I sensed hostile forces attacking, but couldn’t sense who they were attacking. It’s like I have this gift to sense danger before it happens. It was how I became the number one assassin in the clan back then. And… how I sensed the clan to back stab me in the process.” Edge was curious. “I wonder why. I mean, this sixth sense that we have. It has helped me in defending myself, and solving problems that are coming from others.” “Maybe we can use this to our advantage,” Flare said. “I heard that the changeling queen and her army live in a temple concealed in trees and vines.” “I’ve heard that as well. And I believe I know where it’s located,” Edge said. “But getting in there could be a problem. It could be heavily guarded.” “Leave that part to me. I have a way of finding other entrances that they may not know.” “Then we should get some rest. If anyone decides to attack us, I’m sure we can sense them coming.” Flare nodded in agreement. So both of them decided to get some rest for the night. When morning came, they made their way to the hidden temple. They were able to see it from above while hiding in some bushes. They could see that the entrance was guarded. So Flare motioned Edge to follow her in finding another way in. They made their way to the side of the temple and saw a possible window opening. Flare took out a rope with a hook on it and threw it to the window, locking it in place. She tied the other end to a branch of a tree so both of them could cross undetected. Once they made it across, she yanked the rope loose and pulled it in before going inside. Edge and Flare went through the dimmed hallways, avoiding any changeling guards patrolling the area. But as they were about to come across an intersection, they sensed two guards coming their way. Edge motion to Flare to go back the other way, but started to sense another pair of guards coming around the hallway on the other side. With both pairs coming their way, they needed to find a way to hide so that the guards wouldn’t alarm for more. But before they could act, a couple of hands came from behind and grabbed them, covering their mouths and pulling them into a room behind them before quietly closing the door. They saw an old man with gray skin and white hair and a goatee and a young girl with lavender skin and purple hair. Both of them were dressed like temple priests. The old man placed his finger on his lips, telling them to be quiet. They could sense the two pairs of guards meeting each other and stopping in front of them, talking. “You see anyone?” “No. You?” “Not us. But the scouting group hasn’t reported in since yesterday. We think that someone might be on their way here.” “I heard that it could be the legendary detective? He already took out the spies that were stationed in the emperor’s castle.” “Just stay on guard and report on anything strange. The queen doesn’t want to take any chances.” “Yes sir.” They could sense the guards leaving the area in front of them. That was when the two priest removed their hands off of Edge and Flare’s mouths. “I guess I can forget the element of surprise,” Edge quietly said. “You mean your the detective they were talking about?” Flare quietly said. Edge nodded, then looked to the two priests. “Thanks for pulling us out of there.” “We were just glad to see you outside,” the lavender girl said. “I’m Star Moonlight. And this is my master, Master Fates.” “Star Moonlight? As in Dr. Moonlight, the youngest female doctor out there?” Edge asked. “I can see that you’ve heard of me,” Moonlight replied. “I have heard of you as well. But I was expecting someone older.” “Well, I don’t know what to say about that. I’m Jagged Edge. This is Solar Flare.” “You must be here to take on the changeling queen, am I correct?” Master Fates asked. “After her attempt to assassinate the emperor, he wanted me to make sure that the threat was removed.” “We were sent from the temple to remove the threat as well, before things got worse,” Fates explained. It was then that Moonlight sensed something different about them. “Master, something’s not right about these two.” “You’re right. I believe that we have found more like us.” Edge and Flare were confused about what they were talking about. “I can assure you that we’re not changelings,” Flare said. “It’s not that,” Fates said. “Tell me, were you able to sense us before we grabbed you in here?” “Now that you mention that, I don’t think we did,” Edge said. “Then you share the same gift that we do as well,” Fates said. “What you possess is called soul resonance. The power to read souls,” Moonlight explained. “The only catch is that we can’t sense others who possess this gift.” Flare was more confused. “Soul resonance? I never heard about it.” “Perhaps we can explain it later. We do have a queen to take care of,” Fates said. “Agreed.” It was then that Edge looked around the room and saw that it contained strange weapons. He looked at one, which raised some questions about it. “What kind of metal is this? Silver?” “We’re not sure. We thought the same thing, but noticed that it had a blue tint in it,” Moonlight explained. “It’s very light, but also tough to break. We think it’s not from this world.” “Whatever it is, it poses a greater threat from the changeling army. We have to see to it that they are stopped,” Fates explained. “I don’t sense anyone close to us outside this room,” Moonlight said. “This might be the only chance we have to make it to the queen’s room.” “Then let us hurry,” Fates replied. All of them started to leave the room, but Edge stopped and grabbed a small dagger that he saw and placed it on his belt. He figured that he could use it against the changeling army if it comes to that, hoping that he could find out what kind of metal it is later on. The group was able to avoid being detected by the guards patrolling the hallways and made their way to the main room from above. The room was big and had a single rock bridge over some kind of fiery pit that lead to what would be the queen’s room ahead. There was also a statue of a six armed lady that was half snake, holding swords in each hand. They ducked their head when they could see a dark figure with green hair walking from the room and towards a pair of guards from the other side. “Report!” “No signs of any intruders, my queen.” “Stay alert! I know he’s coming here. I want to make sure this… problem is dealt with.” “Yes, my queen.” The guards left the room while the queen started to walk back to her room. She stopped and looked around, sniffing the area. She lightly growled before going back to her room. “Looks like this isn’t going to be easy,” Edge quietly said. Flare when into her small bag and pulled out a pair of climbing claws. “Any of you have these with you?” Fates and Moonlight nodded as they pulled out the same things. But Edge shook his head, not having a pair. Flare pulled out a second pair and handed them to Edge. “I always keep a spare if needed.” “Thanks.” The group gripped on the rock walls and climbed across until they were over the bridge. Then they climbed down the wall and made it onto the bridge. Putting the climbing claws away, they made their way to the queen’s doorway, standing next to the wall behind the room. Edge and Flare drew their blades, while Fates brought out his triple wooden nunchuck, and Moonlight grabbed her chakram ring blades. All of them were ready to go in, but were stopped when they heard a voice. “No need to surprise me, detective. I’ve been waiting for you.” Realizing that it was the queen calling for Edge, all of them walk on in with their weapons still drawn, seeing the queen backside. “No need to be hostel. I don’t plan to harm you… just yet.” The queen turned around to face the group. She had dark gray skin, long green hair, and green glowing eyes, and was wearing a black dress with small holes in them and a black tiara with a horn on it. She looked at the group and displayed small grin on her face. “I’m surprised that you would bring a small party with you, detective. Not a bright move to make.” “We came on our own will, queen,” Moonlight replied. “And we plan to take you out before you could cause any more harm.” “Oh really?” The queen let out a chuckle. “Well let’s just see how well you know each other.” She pulled a level from one to the pillars, opening a trap door below the group. The group fell in and were separated in the room below. Edge looked around in the dimmed room and saw that he was alone. ‘I need to rejoin the others,’ he thought. He grabbed his weapon and started to walk around. He noticed that it looked more like a maze than just some room. As he kept walking, he sensed someone around the corner. With his blade ready, he went around the corner and came across Flare. “Thank heavens, it’s you.” “Flare, have you seen the others?” “Not yet. I was hoping that you would have seen them as well.” “Let’s keep looking. I’m sure we’ll find them.” Flare nodded and lead the way with Edge behind her. But something was off about Flare. ‘How was I able to sense her this time?’ Edge thought. Then he remembered what the queen said before. ‘A changeling perhaps? I better be on my guard.’ As the two walked around, Edge was able to sense another figure around the corner. When they came around, they saw Fate and Moonlight together. “You two are OK,” Moonlight said. “We need to find a way out of this maze,” Edge replied. “I might know a way. Follow me.” The group followed Moonlight, but Edge looked at Fates, who looked back at him. Both of them were able to sense Moonlight and Flare, but not each other. Both of them nodded, knowing to be ready for anything. As they came towards the exit, they came across a mirrored version of Flare, Moonlight, and Fates. “Edge, those are changelings that you’re with. Get away from them,” Fates said from the other group. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just trying to confuse you,” Moonlight said from his group. “And what makes you so sure about that,” Flare said from the other group. But Edge was able to sense only Fates from the other group. ‘Then they are changelings,’ he thought. So with his blade in hand, he quickly went behind Moonlight from his group and thrust his blade in her back. Moonlight turned into a changeling guard before dissolve into nothing. It was Fates from Edge’s group who yelled, “Moonlight! Now!” Moonlight took her ring blades and attacked Fates from her group, revealing him as a changeling and dissolving him as well. Edge then took his blade and slashed at Flare from his group, but she was able to dodge the attack and fall back from the others. “What are you doing?” she asked. “Save it, queen. We know it’s you,” Moonlight replied. “You can’t disguise yourself.” The girl that dodge the attack was shocked as her eyes glowed green. “It can’t be.” A green flame went through her, revealing her as the changeling queen. “The soul society!” “Yes queen. We have heard about you and are here to send you back to where you belong,” Fates explained. “I like to see you try!” The queen’s hands and horn glowed. Then she shot a blast of green energy to the others, who were able to evade the attack. “Magic,” Fates said. “No doubt she’s not from this world.” “Then let’s see her handle this.” Flare took out a few throwing knives and threw them towards the queen. But the queen shot more magic energy from her hands, destroying the knives in the process. “Your weak weapons are no match for my dark magic,” the queen said, then shot more magic from her hands. All four of them were busy dodging each attack, but couldn’t get close enough to attack the queen. Twilight tried using one of her ring blades, but the queen’s magic knocked it down. Edge knew that he had the dagger that he acquired from the weapon’s room, but was never skilled in using throwing weapons. But he decided to take a chance and drew the dagger from his belt. In one quick motion, he was able to throw it straight to the queen like an arrow. The queen sot her magic at the dagger, but it went straight through the magic blast and struck the queen in the shoulder, crying in pain. “Mythril! Damn you!” The queen ran off into the next room in pain. Seeing this as an opening, they made chase into the next room. It was also dimmed lilted and had pillars in a row. They looked around and could sense many creatures in the room, masking the queen’s presence. But they also saw the dagger with green blood on it, and drips of green blood on the ground. Edge grabbed the dagger and carried it in his free hand with his blade. “So, you’ve been into my stash of weapons,” the queen echoed in the room. “For that, I will see to it that this room becomes your own grave!” At that very moment, changeling guards came out of the shadows and attacked the group. Each one of them were too close to take out each guard and decided to split up. Knowing that they cannot sense each other, they made sure to use that to their advantage and attack each threat that came to them at close range. They were able to take out each of the guards until their numbers became thin. But in that process, the queen was able to attack and strike Flare from the back above. Flare sense the attack coming and defended herself with her blade, blocking the queen’s sword. Flare was locked into battle with the queen, trying to block each attack that the queen was giving. “What’s wrong, assassin? I figure you would attack from the shadows,” the queen said. “Your master did train you well before I told him that you were nothing but a threat to the clan.” “So it was you who wanted me dead by my own clan,” Flare replied. The queen egged on. “The Shadow Fang Clan was a lost asset to my master’s cause. But they served their purpose. And I should be thanking you for helping me.” “Then I will see to it that you die here and now,” Flare replied. “Then why are you defending instead? Strike me down… if you can,” the queen said. “I don’t have to.” Before the queen can make sense of her words, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. She looked down and saw another blade came through her from the back. She looked back and saw Edge behind her. “But… how did…” “While you were busy attacking Flare, I used the shadows to attack you from behind,” Edge explained. “But you’re… a samurai. How can… you do… this?” “I don’t know, but-” Edge removed his blade from her chest. “-what matters is that my job here is done.” Fates and Moonlight finally joined the others, just as the queen fell to the ground. But at that point, she started to laugh. “What’s so funny?” Flare asked. “You might have… defeated me. But… my master… will… return… one day. And… so… will… I” At that point, the queen faded away into nothing. “What did she meant by that?” Moonlight asked. “Who cares. Let’s get out of this pit,” Flare said. The group decided to make their way out of the underground area and back to the entrance to the queen’s room. As they were crossing the rock bridge once again, Edge stopped and looked back at the statue of the snake-like lady. “Guys. Do you think this could be the queen’s master?” The others looked at the statue and wondered the same thing. “I’m not sure,” Fates replied. “I will have to talk to the scholars at the temple and see if there are any records about her. You two are willing to come along if you like.” “Yea! This way, you can learn more about the gift that you have,” Moonlight added. “You mean soul resonance?” Flare replied. “What’s that all about anyway?” “It allows you to tap into your own soul and feel the souls of others around you,” Moonlight explained. “I was surprised at first, but I’m learning more about it while training with Master Fates.” “The powers that you possess is at the same level as Dr. Moonlight,” Fates said. “If you like, you can join the Soul Society and learn more about your gift in the process.” “The queen knew who you were. How come it hasn’t been heard about in any of the cities that I’ve been to?” Edge asked. “The Soul Society is a secret group composed of students and their masters who possess these same powers that we all have,” Fates explained. “Our job is to find others who’s powers have awaken and see to it that they are trained to use it for good. We are also responsible in taking out threats that could endanger our world.” “The only other members of the society are the scholars,” Moonlight added. “They don’t possess powers like us. But they do have other talents that help us live a normal and safe life. And they help keep records of various events that happen all around us. It’s like a new home for us.” “Other talents? Like what?” Flare asked. Moonlight explained. “Well, there are farmers, doctors, blacksmiths, teachers… even some former samurai warriors that help in our students’ physical training. Although, we never had a ninja assassin in the temple. So you would be a first.” “Especially someone from the Shadow Fang Clan,” Fates said. “This would be a great chance to help redeem yourself after what you did to the clan that raised you. We were there to stop the clan, but sensed people getting killed before we could enter. We thought everyone was dead… until you came out of their hideout alone.” Flare was in shock. “You mean… you were there?” “That is correct,” Fates replied. “When we saw you come out, we could only guess that you had the same power we have. It was only a matter of time before our paths crossed.” “And with your knowledge of the Shadow Fang Clan’s teachings, we might be able to use those talents for stealth and recon,” Moonlight said, then added, “But not to kill anyone unless we have to. It would be against our code.” “But Edge was able to do the same as well. I’m sure he would be a better asset to the society than me. I was able to feel his presence with my natural senses,” Flare said. “I’m not sure about that,” Edge said, which got the attention of the others. “I never knew how to throw a dagger like that before until today. And acting on stealth alone is something that I can’t do with this armor alone. Plus, you were able to defend yourself very well back there.” “I don’t even know how to defend like that,” Flare said. “I’m used to sticking to the shadows and taking out my targets with stealth.” This got Fates to thinking. “I wonder… Tell me, how long have you two known each other?” “Only a couple of days,” Flare replied. “Why?” Fates started to stroke his chin. “Interesting. To bond like that so fast. What both of you have witness was a form of soul bonding.” This left Edge and Flare to question what was going on. “Let me explain. When two gifted students share a kind of bond between each other, they are able to share skills that the other doesn’t know. This is but the first phase of the Soul Link process.” “Soul Link!?” “Yes. Both of you have started to learn what skills that the other knows. Once the bond becomes strong enough, then they are given the power to Soul Link. With that power, both of you can share each others power to strengthen the other, as well and working in synch with each other. But the bonding process takes time to develop. What you two have done is beyond normal. Somehow, destiny must have brought both of you together.” “Which is why both of you should live with us,” Moonlight said. “This will be the only time that we will have a male student in the group.” “What do you mean by that?” Edge asked. “I’ll explain more when we get there,” Fates said. “But first, I think it would be wise to inform the emperor about the changeling threat being resolved.” “Agreed. Plus, we need to explain to him about the weapons they had.” Edge took out the dagger that he use against the queen. “I think she called it… mythril. I’ve never heard of a metal like this.” “I’ve heard about it,” Fates replied. “But this is the first time I’ve seen it… and with it being forged. I think it might be wise to keep it a secret from others. If it’s as powerful as they say it is, then it could lead to more problems in the future. This kind of metal doesn’t even belong in this world. And the queen’s magic is also proof that she could be from another realm. We will use our time in the temple to learn more about what’s going on while I train you personally.” “I know you wanted to train me personally,” Moonlight said, “but can you train three students personally?” “It can be done, Moonlight. I feel that the three of you would play a bigger role in the future.” As the vision faded, they opened their eyes and saw themselves back in the realm of souls in front of the crystal tree. “So that’s how all three of them met?” Sunset asked. “Yes,” Blades replied. “During their time, they learned a lot more about their powers… and each other. Edge and Flare were able to strengthen their bond and went through the ceremony that you two have gone through just weeks ago. Moonlight was also able to learn more between each other, and became masters at the same time when they were older.” “Then, the reason we can use Soul Link is because we share a bond with each other,” Jack said. “And the first time it happened was when we were breaking in to Crystal Prep. She was able to learn the same soul art that I used to help us get in.” “Now you are learning more about it,” Blades replied. “She has been able to learn more about the powers that you carry and can use them with you. That is why you were able to go through the ceremony when both of you were here.” “And that must have been how I knew how to use Chi Boost before he could use it. We were in synch at that time, right” Sunset said. “That is also correct,” Blades replied. “But I understand that your soul energy cannot recover faster like Jack’s. So it should be wise to avoid using any soul arts unless you do it together.” “I also saw the same mythril dagger that Edge used in the temple that you once carried,” Luna said. “Master Edge gave it to you during your time there.” “That is correct,” Blades replied. “I’m guessing that you found it in my belongings, right?” “Yes. But there is more about those kind of weapons.” Luna turned to Twilight to explain. “An old friend and professor of mine had a couple of teams overseas looking for relics from the past. Two of the groups were able to find weapons like the dagger that Miss Luna now has. One set was oriental, and the other was medieval. They were able to acquire the oriental weapons, but someone stole the medieval weapons before they were to be delivered. We think that the Dark Star Organization is responsible for this and could be looking for select weapons. But we’re not sure what they are really looking for.” “There is more,” Luna said. “I received the pictures from the professor which included where they were found. From that vision that we just saw, I think the weapons that he has came from the same changeling temple that the three masters met.” “How many did he collect?” Blades asked. “Over a couple of dozen, and in various kinds,” Luna replied. “I know that there were a lot more in the vision, but that was what they could acquire.” “They could have been raided in the past, or lost. It’s unclear what’s happened to those,” Blades said. “But to hear that there were more weapons like this elsewhere raises more concern. And if Dark Star has them, then our situation has gotten much worse. I learned that mythril is a magical kind of ore that only exist in another realm. And I believe that it involves the origins of the guardians of harmony and the tree that now stands before you from long ago. That could only mean that the Mane-iac is behind this and is there somehow.” “We’re not sure, but we might know some people that could be a part of this,” Luna said. “Then tell me all that you know so far.”