I was... pretty sure that I was dead. In an instant of heat and light, the world had vanished and faded to black. The only problem was that I could hear my own breathing. I couldn't feel anything, though, which was mildly concerning.
Lucky...
I was getting pretty tired of ethereal voices in my mind, but at least this one was a pleasant, female voice. I couldn't bring myself to answer and opted to simply lay there. There was no way that I could have survived Sunslayer's attack and... I was strangely fine with that. There was an intense drowsiness creeping up on me, lulling me into a sensation of numbness.
Hear me, Lucky Signs...
I could hear her just fine, why was she talking like that? I was just tired now and wanted to sleep. I'd done what I could. I'd saved Martial and she would figure out a way to stop Sunslayer. My job was done.
Nay, it is not... hear me, Lucky Signs...
I lifted my head in the oddest way. I could feel myself move and yet nothing changed, save for a white light hovering some distance away. There, framed by the mystic glow, a slender, feminine form stood. Strength flowed from her like fresh water and a proud horn stood prominent on her brow, but then she unfurled a pair of wings against the light.
“Celestia...? Luna...?” I grumbled out, my voice echoing in the void around me.
Neither, my little pony. You know me and yet you do not. I have always been there in times of desperation.
I groaned, “Sorry, but... could you not speak in riddles? My head hurts and I just want to sleep.” Hoofsteps rang out around me and I felt a gentle hoof brush through my mane. Raising my eyes, I beheld a figure... only now, when I look back and try to remember, the image escapes me.
I remember the exhaustion being blown away by an awe that filled every fiber of my being. She was... great. With a capital “G” with the meaning of greatness redefined by her. That's all I can remember. That and her words.
I know, Lucky, and I wish that I could allow you to rest. However, I have need of you.
I let out a sigh, “Is this another guard thing, like the Shadow Run? What more could you all want of me? I've done everything you asked...”
Yes... but I don't ask anything of the guard known as Lucky Signs. I would rather speak to the pony called Lucky. To the little colt who rushed blindly into the world with his gift. The one who did not question his place in the world or how his talent would change that.
I was... compelled to listen. Perking my ears, I found a strange clarity filling my mind as I waited for her to speak.
I would ask you to be nothing more than the delivery colt that you've been so far. The kind-hearted pony that did something he didn't even know he could do. Lucky Signs, will you be my delivery colt once more?
“What am I supposed to deliver?” I mumbled softly.
Hope. Nothing more and nothing less. Right now, we stand on the brink of a time without it. Sunslayer moves to crush it beneath his talons and all of my little ponies, including my daughters, will need it. Both for this and what comes after.
“How am I supposed to do that?”
By trusting in yourself. In your destiny. You've made great leaps in coming together with your talent, but still you fight it. It is not a separate part of you, Lucky Signs, it is you and you are it.
She stepped away and I could see the light starting to fade as she spoke once more, You must hurry. The Reach of Sol is only at a fraction of its full power and to gain the rest, Sunslayer seeks to drain Celestia of her magic. If he succeeds, the true enemy will win without contest.
Good luck, my little pony.
I coughed and groaned as I was pulled from one reality into another. A firm set of claws held me around my barrel as they lifted me up, stones clattering about. Gazing up at the faces of the dragons around me, I gulped, “I come in peace and do not taste of gems...”
“Lucky!?” Martial's shrill cry split the tension and I tilted my head. She stood there, her jaw dropped and eyes as wide as saucers. It was a sight I found all too amusing as I flashed a cheeky grin.
“Who else,” I let my smirk fall, gazing at her, “Martial... we need to go.” Thankfully, it seemed that Martial had been haggling for transportation from the dragons. It's a strange feeling to be flying on dragonback and the wingbeats were enough to make some of our bruises flare up, but we didn't have the time to treat our injuries.
So we bore with it and held on as our ride rocketed towards Canterlot...
**
Equestria passed below us in a blur as our orange-scaled flier pushed their body to the limits. We were rushing forward, but the idea that we weren't going fast enough kept surfacing in my mind. I think Martial shared that sentiment with the way her narrowed eyes stared into the distance and her tail flicked.
The truth was, I was also worried because I had no plan. We were unarmed and racing after a gryphon currently in possession of a powerful weapon he was planning on draining Princess Celestia with. If I'd been born a unicorn, I might have some indication about how something like that would work, but I didn't have the foggiest idea. All I knew was that somehow, we needed to stop him.
Somepony was going to have to explain this mystical lottery that lead alicorns to tossing ponies like me in the deep end...
Mount Canterhorn slipped into sight on the horizon and I tensed. Somewhere out there was a gryphon holding a spear capable of blasting the entire city with sunfire. A quick scan of the airspace around the mountain as we drew closer failed to reveal Sunslayer's ship. It did, however, reveal the small flock of pegasi guards flying to block our path.
Our dragon companion slowed, coming to hover at a distance while Martial hailed them. Once we had clearance, our escort dropped us off on the landing platform of Canterlot Castle with a grumble before flying away. Martial was already hard at work rallying the forces of the guard. Trotting away and shouting out orders, the mare was definitely back in her element.
I wasn't sure what to do at this point. I'd never really been part of a national security risk. Sweet Celestia, I'd never even been a part of a schoolyard fight! All the training I'd undergone and yet I felt so unbelievably useless. I couldn't help but sit down and look at the cement under my hooves, wondering just what I was supposed to do. I didn't have any orders and I...
...what was I going to do? I'd been riding the high that had followed in the wake of being lucky and surviving the blast from the Reach of Sol and now I was at a loss. Martial and the Royal Guard was going to figure out something to stop Sunslayer...
...so why did it feel like it was my fight?
I turned my gaze away from the castle and strode to the edge of the landing platform attached to it. Gazing down, I found my eyes sweeping over the paved streets and rising buildings. I could almost feel the presence of Sunslayer down there somewhere, a tension forming across the air... and in my chest.
I turned away and rushed into the castle...