//------------------------------// // Chapter 38: The Smoking Question // Story: The Phoenix King // by Turtlehaus //------------------------------// Princess Luna walked through the Canterlot Garden, yawning loudly as it was already passed midday, and was relatively early for her to be up at such an hour. Having been informed of Princess Sapphire’s plan to search for other Obelisks scattered across Equestria with the help of Twilight and her friends, Princess Celestia recommended doing their own research into the Void. Utilizing the Star Swirl the Bearded Wing of the Canterlot Archives, Princess Celestia believed that it would hold some sort of clue about the Void. It had been little over a week since they had started their research, and in all that time had found nothing that even hinted at the existence of an Obelisk. Still, Princess Luna diligently continued to wake up early every day to assist in the research effort, as did Princess Celestia who spent nearly all of her free time within these archives. Upon reaching the doors leading to the Star Swirl the Bearded Wing, two Royal Guard ponies stationed just outside withdrew their crossed spears blocking the entrance of the door to allow her access. Stepping through the threshold, the doors closed behind her as the clink of the spears held by the Royal Guards crossed the door once more. Princess Luna illuminated her horn with a bright blue glow to help light her way through the darkened corridor. It was rare for any pony to have permission to make use of these archives, only the Royal Archives Attendant would frequent this place to manage the old texts, but the sconces upon the wall were void of any fire to light her path. While Princess Celestia deemed it unethical to use a time spell to return to the past to simply ask or witness the events of Lord Smoke and the Void, there was significant research as well as history to be found within these archives. In respects to Time Traveling, a pony must know where they are going, lest they thrown anywhere in the timeline, so it only made sense to have as much of history mapped out to be able to pinpoint the time in which you wanted to visit. This was Princess Celestia's idea, if not hope, to find something about Flame Pony history, hidden away with the Star Swirl's archive. It was a rather clever idea, seeing as the Mad King would not have been able to destroy anything Star Swirl would have recorded himself. Turning the corner Princess Luna suddenly felt the ground tremble, the bookshelves rocking from this unseen thumping, as an enormous celestial bear claw slammed itself out from around an aisle. Standing before her was an Ursa Major, its fangs bared, its see-through celestial blue like body shimmering from her light, and growling angrily at her. The Ursa Major leaned its head closer to her, roaring loudly in Princess Luna’s face, shaking the bookshelves around them, freeing the years of dust that gathered upon them. The Ursa Major finished its bellow, glaring at Princess Luna, who in turn looked unfazed if not uncaring towards it. “If you have time for such games, Discord, then you must have uncovered all the mysteries of the Void.” Princess Luna stated flatly. The Ursa Major ‘s body suddenly began swell like a balloon, the sound of latex being stretched before popping out of existence, leaving a miserable looking Discord where it stood. With his arms folded, pouting from Princess Luna’s lack of a reaction, he turned his snout up at her in a huff. “You’re really starting to sound like your sister, do you know that?” Discord remarked sounding annoyed. “I’ll take that as a no, then.” Princess Luna replied walking past Discord. “It wouldn’t kill us to take a break every now and again.” Discord muttered walking alongside of her.  “Every moment we waste is another moment that can bring Lord Smolder closer to an untimely end.” Princess Luna reminded him. “If it hasn’t happened already.” Discord tacked on. “You’re concern for Lord Smolder’s well-being is overwhelming.” Princess Luna remarked narrowing her eyes at him. “If that Flame Pony has managed to survive this long, who knows how long it will be until we actually mount a rescue. I, for one, am not looking forward to seeing that portal open once again.” Discord stated. “Which is precisely why we must do everything within our power to speed up this process as quickly as possible; I’m sure my sister would agree with me.” Princess Luna replied confidently. Coming to the end of the corridor, where several tables were set up, piled with old tomes and texts sat Princess Celestia. With her head leaning back, her snores filling the air, Discord smirked as if he had won his argument while Princess Luna rolled her eyes at this sight. There were dozens of books, piles of parchment, a half-eaten piece of cake, and ancient scrolls stacked in front of her. It would seem that Princess Celestia had worked through the night, and continued right into the day with her research. “I almost feel bad waking her, she has been down here more than either of us.” Princess Luna said sympathetically. “Don't wake her just yet. Wait until I get a picture; I want this to be my Hearth’s Warming Eve card.” Discord said happily, snapping his claws producing a camera out of thin air. Discord slithered up to Princess Celestia, wrapping his paw around her shoulders, holding the camera high as he put on a big toothy smile, and snapped the picture generating a huge flash. It was enough to jolt Princess Celestia from  her sleep, her crown tilted, her mane slightly disheveled, and looking very unaware of her surroundings. “Gooooooood afternoon, Princess Celestia! My aren’t we looking ravishing today!” Discord cried, taking several more pictures of her from many different angles. “What? What is it? What did I miss?” Princess Celestia asked quickly still dazed from her slumber. “Calm yourself, sister, you merely fell asleep.” Princess Luna reassured her, seating herself in the chair next to her. Discord snapped his claws once more, having a cup of coffee magically levitate before her. Taking the cup of coffee, looking around trying to get her bearings, she seemed quite out of it. Princess Celestia rubbed her eyes with her hoof to relieve the sleep from them, taking a drink of the coffee, and yawning quietly. Princess Luna could see several pieces of parchments referencing Lord Smoke’s rule, along with a couple of letters written by other Noble Ponies to him, but nothing written by Lord Smoke himself. “How... long have I been asleep?” Princess Celestia asked through another yawn. “You fell asleep a couple of hours ago; I thought it best to let you rest.” Discord replied shaking the polaroid of his future Hearth’s Warming picture. “I toldyou to wake me if I dozed off.” Princess Celestia snapped, sounding a bit grouchy. “You’ve been at this for quite a while now, sister, even you need your rest.” Princess Luna remarked. “Yeah, well…” Princess Celestia mumbled, taking another sip of her coffee. "It proved fruitless." “Something will turn up.” Princess Luna reassured her. “It’s bad enough Flame Ponies record their history in stone, but after the Mad King destroyed a wealth of their history it makes it almost impossible to finding anything that mentions them.” Princess Celestia said bitterly. "Have you found anything in Star Swirl's notes?" Princess Celestia asked curiously. "There are volumes and volumes of his notes, and then there are references to other tomes he's written that go into more detail about particular subjects. It is very much a system that he, himself, came up with that made a great deal of sense to him, but makes it a nightmare when trying to find anything by any pony else." Princess Celestia explained to her. Princess Luna's magic pulled one of Star Swirl's old books closer to her, flipping the book open to see an amalgamation of notes with no real order scrawled all over the pages, she frowned at the amount of time it would take to even find a place to start. Time crawled on, much of it in focused silence, trying to find any sort of clue. Discord spent his time taking a book off the shelf, tossing it in his mouth, chewing it for a couple of minutes before spitting it out, good as new, and putting it back on the shelf; having ‘consumed’ the information that it held within. It came as no surprise to any pony that none of them found anything of use. Princess Celestia was beginning to feel discouraged, there hadn't been any word from Twilight or her friends about the other Obelisks, there was no way to tell if Smolder was alright, and the constant dead ends in their research was close to depressing her. Her self doubt was interrupted by the sloppy licking sounds from Discord who seemed to be licking the same book over and over again; each lick more drawn out than the last. "Do you mind?" Princess Celestia said sounding annoyed. "I'm trying to figure something out." Discord replied in a matter of fact tone. "What the book tastes like?" Princess Luna asked in rather disgusted tone. "Why is our little Flame Pony named Phoenix?" Discord questioned, licking the book again. "Because that was his father's name, and his father before him." Princess Celestia stated. "And his father before him, and his father before him, and his father before him..." Discord mumbled several times over. "Except, the very last of his father's name was Smoke." This seemed to peak both Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's curiosity for the moment, it didn't have anything to do with the Void, but this minor distraction was putting them in better spirits. "That had never crossed my mind." Princess Luna confessed, thinking about it some more. "Was his name not simply Smoke Phoenix?" "Let me check." Discord mumbled, licking the book again. "No... no. It was Ashen Smoke. Most likely the fields were named after him, or perhaps the other way around." "I would assume Smoke's son took the maiden name of his special somepony when he married." Princess Celestia surmised. "No... no." Discord said between licks. "Her name was Daybreak, not Phoenix. Besides, Smoke's son was named Blaze Phoenix; he didn't carry his father's name." "What book are you... reading, Discord?" Princess Celestia asked curiously. "It's just a collection of Royal King's and Queen's of Equestria. It seems a bit outdated, seeing as our little Flame Pony hasn't been added yet." Discord mentioned slithering over to her placing the book before her. Princess Celestia flipped the book open with her magic, the book was rather large, being separated by several blank pages to allow for new lines of lineage to be drawn; the main separator being the symbol of each Royal Family. Eventually, the pages flipped to a flame, turning the very first page, Princess Celestia could see the name of Ashen Smoke being labeled as the first of the Royal Family; his son immediately after having the name Phoenix. There were dates given about each pony, day of birth, their wedding day, and their death. "It is curious..." Princess Luna mused at the curiosity of the name; seeming interested. "We should be getting back to work." Princess Celestia stated, trying to close the book; Discord's paw pressed down upon it to stop her from doing so. “Can’t we just use one of those old crazy pony’s time spells? Just ask this ancient Flame Pony King about this and... other more important things?” Discord asked in a rather amused smile. “That would be highly unethical as well as completely dangerous, Discord. Time travel is not something to use on a whim.” Princess Celestia stated; not wanting to admit that particular idea had crossed her mind several times already. "Could... we not make an exception this one time?" Princess Luna asked looking almost sure of her words. "You're not serious?" Princess Celestia questioned her with surprise. "We have nothing to go on, sister, who better to ask than some pony that spoke with these creatures, that knows more about this realm than we could ever hope to?" Princess Luna asked trying to face the facts of their situation. "There is no telling what our interference within the time stream would do to the future, it is a risk we cannot take." Princess Celestia insisted sticking by her earlier statement. "Unless of course you did go back to speak with this old Flame Pony King, and it has all been preordained to happen which would have lead us to this exact moment." Discord offered a counter argument. Princess Celestia narrowed her eyes at Discord, knowing full well that his theoretical loophole held some sort of weight to it, but these sorts of theories were left to much wiser ponies; ones with beards. Looking passed Discord at the countless books that lined the bookshelves, the hundreds of scrolls left untouched, and with each passing moment being possibly Smolder's last moment Princess Celestia was reconsidering this idea. "Time could be rewritten, it could fracture, it break all together, for better or worse." Princess Celestia began contemplating the choice. "The real question would be, is Smolder worth it?" The room grew quiet, no pony wanted to answer such a question, the consequences severely outweighed the 'good intentions' every pony had. Discord put his arms behind his back, looking away having decided not to indulge her with an answer. "I..." Princess Luna began, stopping short to think about what she wanted to say next. "I think... any... parent wouldn't have to be asked twice if they wanted to save their child. Seeing as Smolder is without either, I suppose his would be godmother would have the final say in it." Princess Celestia tried very hard not to smile, knowing that Luna was completely in favor of this plan, but decided to throw in some would be guilt to influence her decision. Princess Luna tried not to look guilty, doing her best not to smile as well, but it was obvious that Celestia had figured her out. "You are too clever for you're own good." Princess Celestia stated with a smirk to her. Rising from her chair, Princess Celestia's magic carried the book behind her as she made her way towards the restricted section of Star Swirl the Bearded's Wing. Princess Luna followed after her, looking a bit worried, but overall confident in her choice. Discord skipped along, looking rather gleeful in what was to come. Ashen Smoke, the Dragon Rider, Lord of the Ashen Fields, King of the Flame Ponies, stood within his Royal Chambers, staring out over the green fields of grass that carpeted his kingdom from end to end. Several unicorn and pegasi Flame Ponies were taking great care in removing two large Obelisks that sat within the center of the fields. His hide was a of the grayish variety, smokey some would say, his flames had hints of blue where the flames flared from his hide, while the the soft yellow of his flames seemed tremble like a newly struck match. He was technically an Alicorn, although his wings had been 'removed' long ago by the Second Age Dragon, Tharos of Fear, who had eventually fell in battle to Smoke years later during the Flame Pony Uprising. Lord Smoke watched the pegasi begin to lift the Obelisk from its perch, feeling a nagging pain in his heart seeing this take place. Heaving a sigh, Lord Smoke closed his eyes, resting his head against the glass of the window contemplating the choices he had made. The door to the Royal Chambers opened a bit, a Flame Pony dressed in plain metal armor, a savage scar across his eye that left him blind in one eye stepped in. He was a jet black colored Flame Pony, his mane a darkened orange, he look fierce, battle hardened, and he had enough scars to prove it. He was Lord Smoke's General, Maul the Scarred, having no knowledge of his own heritage. "Smoke, can I have a word?" Maul asked in a gravel like voice. "I'm listening." Lord Smoke replied, loud enough to be heard. "You did the right thing." Maul stated firmly. Lord Smoke opened his eyes, turning his head to look at Maul who stared back at him without any sign of doubt in his own words. "You really believe so?" Lord Smoke asked. "I know so." Maul stated approaching him. Placing a firm hoof on his shoulder, Maul shook him a bit to get his confidence in his King across, managing to crack the rare smile he only shared with those he considered family. "I can still hear their screams, Maul, their cries for help." Lord Smoke mumbled, sounding regretful. "Good. Only a Mad Pony would not be troubled with such a difficult decision, but you will hear the shrieks of laughter from our children, and the cries of thanks for the world you helped build for them." Maul said to him. Lord Smoke nodded slowly, it was just one difficult choice that had to be made, the responsibility only a King could have the honor and the guilt that came with it. Maul gave him a hard pat on the shoulder to convey his respect for his choice, stepping away from his King, he turned back towards the doors to leave. He stopped short, turning once more to face his King, giving him a small smirk. "My wife gave birth to a son this morning." Maul informed him. Lord Smoke's guilt ridden face melted away, a genuine smile rolling across it, his heart becoming light from the news. It was Smoke's turn to approach his friend, giving him a one arm hug, and embracing him tightly. "That's wonderful news." Lord Smoke stated happily. "How is Jasmine?" "Resting at home, the Doctor is currently seeing to her and the baby." Maul replied, unable to hide the smile. "Did you pick out a name yet?" Lord Smoke asked curiously. "Jasmine and I have decided on naming him Sulfur." Maul stated proudly. "It's a good name." Lord Smoke praised him; placing his hoof on Maul's shoulder. "Will he be known Sulfur son of Maul then?" "We've actually decided on honoring him with a Family name, one that he can pass to his own children, his children's children." Maul explained to him. "What would that be?" Lord Smoke asked curiously. "We're giving him the name Hearth, to remember the home we fought for, and what it represents to us." Maul said, looking rather satisfied by his choice. "Sulfur Hearth. It has a ring to it." Lord Smoke said with a smile. Maul nodded a few times. Heading back towards the door to return to his home, and waiting family. "Come by and see him, Smoke. It may put mind at ease knowing he lives because of you and the choices you've made." Maul said to him before leaving the room. The door to his Royal Chamber closed. Smoke was visibly happy for his friend becoming a father, for his own son, Blaze Phoenix, had been born several weeks earlier. The events of his son's birth started to flood his memories, a mixture of sorrow and joy mixed into one tragic yet miraculous day for him. Although, a sudden upheaval of wind fanned his flames, its origin in the center of his Royal Chamber, wondering what the cause of it was, a sudden flash of white light bathed the room; blinding him. Covering his eyes from the intensity of the light, Lord Smoke lowered his arm to see what had been the cause of it. Standing before him, was a white mare with a multicolored mane that had a natural flowing motion to it. She bore a crown upon her head, suggesting a regal pony, and looked rather nervous to be here. "Lord Smoke?" Princess Celestia asked curiously. "Yes..." Lord Smoke replied slowly looking rather confused. "I don't have much time, so please understand that what I am about to tell you is vitality important, but above all else truthful." Princess Celestia stated sounding very sincere if not a bit fearful. "My name is Princess Celestia, and I have come from the far future to speak with you." "Speak to me? About what?" Lord Smoke asked, feeling rather skeptical. "The Void, the realm darkness you sealed, and the information of it you destroyed." Princess Celestia informed him. "No! No we shan't speak of this. I'm sorry, but I've made my decision on the matter. The Void will remain shut for all time. I've made sure of that. Whatever it is that you're trying to do in this 'future' of yours, I warn you leave it be, and forget everything you know of it." Lord Smoke replied hastily, walking away from her. "I implore you, Lord Smoke, reconsider and tell me what you know, what I should know. We have a friend that is trapped within the Void, and we are desperate to help him." Princess Celestia pleaded with him. "Leave your friend to his fate, for the Storm cannot be allowed to escape. I will tell you what you need to know. I sentenced them to die, their plan was too risky, and I had to make that choice; risk all of Equestria being taken in shadow, or condemn an entire species." Lord Smoke stated looking remorseful for it. "What plan, Lord Smoke? What-" Princess Celestia began. "Enough!" Lord Smoke shouted sounding fearful. "Whoever it is you claim be, you know what is at stake, the lives you are sworn to protect, the darkness that will destroy this world, consider these things before you go any further! Do not return here again, I shall not help you destroy this world." Princess Celestia watched Lord Smoke head towards his Chamber doors. The spell Princess Celestia had cast wasn't going to last for much longer, so far this had been all for not, but she wasn't ready to give up just yet. "Your descendant, Smolder Phoenix, the current King of the Ashen Fields, is trying to fix your mistake!" Princess Celestia shouted rather harshly to him. These words caused Lord Smoke to freeze on the spot. The word 'mistake' echoing inside of him like hammer against his heart. "I cannot tell you every horrible thing this colt has been through, he's not even eighteen years of age yet, but if you only knew of the good things he has done, the things he's sacrificed for his Kingdom and his ponies you would know why I am so adamant about getting him home. I don't know if I would have done things differently in your position, by all rights I shouldn't even be here, but I am asking you, for his sake, please... tell me what I can do to save him." Princess Celestia pleaded once more with him. Lord Smoke didn't turn around, he remained very still, seconds were ticking by and each one brought Princess Celestia closer to losing her one chance at learning something. "The Arcana approached us with a desperate plan; one that I refused." Lord Smoke began quietly; Princess Celestia hanging on to every word. "They wanted us to activate four portals, the Obelisks spread across Equestria, at once, and assuring us that it would nullify the Storm long enough to kill the creature that commanded it. The plan would not work if the Obelisks were removed, broken, or lacked sufficient power." Princess Celestia's heart leaped at this news, realizing there was a chance to defeat this Storm, or at least weaken it long enough to get Smolder out. "Thank you." Princess Celestia said graciously bowing her head to him. "I won't... live long enough to see him, will I?" Lord Smoke asked curiously. "To thank him." "I'm sorry." Princess Celestia replied shaking her head apologetically. Princess Celestia's magical spell began to spark around her, the sudden upthrust of wind started to swirl around her; time was up. Lord Smoke turned to see that she was returned to where ever she had come from, feeling a small amount of hope for this Smolder to right the 'mistake' he had made. "Lord Smoke, I forgot to ask!" Princess Celestia called out to him. "Why is your son named Phoenix?" "Another time, perhaps." Lord Smoke replied with a smirk that resembled Smolder's. Discord and Princess Luna were waiting for Princess Celestia's return, it would be ten minutes in the past, which by this spell meant ten minutes of waiting for her return. The sudden updraft of wind started blowing the around them, the bookshelves started to sway a bit, as the sudden implosion of magic and blinding flash of white light filled the Wing. Princess Celestia stood before them, a triumphant smile upon her face, as well as a look of relief that her 'trip' did not distort the timeline. "I've got it." Princess Celestia stated confidently. "What is it?" Princess Luna asked curiously. "The Obelisks, if used simultaneously, can render the Storm inert, long enough to get Smolder out, or even destroy it." Princess Celestia informed them. "No! Not that! How did they get the name Phoenix?" Discord asked, brushing her information aside. "I-I-I ran out of time, and he wasn't able to tell me." Princess Celestia stammered looking surprised. Princess Luna turned her head to pout, her horn suddenly glowing revealing several gold bits to Discord who took them rather happily. "You were betting on me?" Princess Celestia asked in disbelief. "I said you'd waste all your time in the past trying to get anything out of that Flame Pony only to forget asking him the real important question. Princess Luna believed you wouldn't, but it seems she gave you far too much credit." Discord informed her, blowing up the coins like a balloon. "Obviously, my sister needs a check list the next time she decides to travel back in time to ask ancient ponies pressing questions." Princess Luna remarked hotly storming off, still mad about losing her bet. "Luna! I'm sorry! I'll pay you back!" Princess Celestia called after, quickly trying to catch up to her. "So what was it like in the past? Was it all black and white and film grainy? Did you make any really long term investments? Did you take any pictures?" Discord asked curiously, caring the five gold coined shaped balloons with him if only to taunt Princess Luna further.