My dear Rarity,
You and your friends are in luck! It just so happens that five days from now, Mysidia is holding their annual Carnival of the Four Crystals. I've been called upon to deliver a cargo of building materials, and it's high time I brought over all that lumber and canvas!
I wish I could tell you that more airships were sailing to the festival, which takes place in the aptly named Center City. Apparently, crews are getting worried about the moon, or some such nonsense. They say it looks as though it's going to crash. I'll admit it's getting bigger, but frankly, my dear, they worry for nothing. If it's one thing our dear Princesses have down perfectly, it's the sun and moon.
But I ramble! Please, come along to Canterlot as soon as you can. It's nearly a two-day journey to the city docks, so I beg your forgiveness in advance for the cramped accommodations.
Yours Sincerely,
Fancypants
The large chariot flew over fields and forests, which slowly gave way to hills and rocks as the towering spires of Canterlot drew ever closer. Normally, the two ponies onboard and the pegasus flying alongside would take the train up from Ponyville to Canterlot. Yet it was agreed that time was of the essence, and a chariot, though more expensive and less comfortable, would get everypony there quicker. "Besides," said Rainbow Dash, "I can stretch my wings." The cyan pegasus had no trouble whatsoever keeping up with the chariot, pulled by two white guardsponies; however, she was not renowned for her patience and was soon looping around the chariot or rolling about in nearby skies to pass the time.
There was now a large, full moon suspended well above everypony's heads, visible in broad daylight.
Was Fancypants right? Twilight Sparkle asked herself while she rechecked her saddlebags to ensure she carried all they would need. Or was this moon a sign of worse to come?
--------
Wherever it slithered, the water became poisoned, turning brilliant shades of bright purple. Plants withered and shriveled up. The land sickened and died, leaving nothing but blackened, tainted earth where nothing could grow.
And animals? Rarely a cry could be heard now in the southern swamps. Knowledge of the great fiend moving through the swamp had spread. All knew of it; all feared it; all fled before it.
For none could see the true face of Scarmiglione, the Earth Basilisk, and live...
And the masked earth pony thought: Daddy always said you couldn't act without a mask!
--------
Zecora paused for a breather, taking shelter in the clock tower's empty basement.
She'd galloped long and hard. She'd managed to find an airship - she was most fortunate that whoever owned the mask remained blissfully unaware of the tracking lotion slathered upon it. As a result, she'd managed to track the culprit down to Mysidia. Here, of all places... yes, she could understand the reasoning. Mysidia was about as close to Harmony as you got, barring the Elements of Harmony. Four races, living together under a single banner - Discord would surely see Center City and the surrounding countryside razed to the ground. It would be a spectacular display of chaos, the like of which would never be seen before or possibly even since. Mass destruction had never been Discord's way... until now.
"Something troubles me about this matter," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "Where are the Princesses at this hour? Surely, they can easily track the thief, yet I have not seen them..."
She paused. The sun was still rising, which suggested they were still alive. Wait... no, that wasn't right. If the mask's owner could drag the moon by force, then perhaps it wasn't farfetched to raise the sun as well.
"Have they come to grief?"
--------
A lone pony sat in a small fishing boat, not far from shore.
Normally, ponies wouldn't hold for fishing - they tended to avoid eating meats. Sure, they sometimes ate eggs, but those generally were used for baking, not breakfasting. Still, the western lakes and ocean were pony lands, and griffons paid a pretty penny for good fish. Griffons got fish, ponies got paid. It was a fair trade, as far as Atlantis, a scrawny-looking tan earth pony, was concerned. Today, he would get more than he bargained for.
He reflected that of late, the water had become much warmer, more violent - churning, as though something massive were stirring in the depths. This, of course, was ridiculous. There was nothing larger in these waters than the occasional shark, and normally they stayed farther offshore. Still, fishing catches had become quite poor, as though all the fish had just suddenly disappeared...
Atlantis felt a tug on his line, and the fisherpony snapped out of his reverie. Not all the fish, he thought cheerfully as he reeled in the line.
Seconds later, what began as nothing more than a small minnow popped out of the water. Disappointment quickly turned to confusion as the tiny fish morphed into water, still hooked on the line. Confusion turned to amazement as a tiny suspended puddle of water morphed into a much larger body.
Amazement turned to horror as the water transformed into a monstrous, steel treasure chest, plummeting toward him with a lid full of serrated teeth. Another victim claimed by Cagnazzo, the Water Mimic.
And the masked pony added: What's an actor without a costume? Daddy always liked a good costume!
--------
A mint-green unicorn mare stared upward at the docked airship.
She examined it critically from all sides. Admittedly, she was a musician, not a shipwright, and had no idea what on earth she was looking for. At least I can make sure there aren't, say, gaping holes in the ship's wooden hull, right? Right. That's always something to watch out for, she thought confidently.
"You down there!"
The unicorn turned her light-orange eyes upward, squinting at a vague, pony-shaped figure on the deck. As she was currently facing east, the mid-morning sun made the speaker difficult to see.
"What are you doing snooping around here?"
The unicorn grinned. Ah, a question. She'd been dying for one of those. It gave her the perfect opportunity to try out those bonbons she'd so recently acquired. They were always good for a laugh.
She popped one into her mouth, feeling the coating work its magic on her throat. She opened her mouth.
"'Oy there, laddie! Whadda ye thinkin' I be doin'? Ah'm lookin' tae sail doon tae distant lands, an' I cannae take it on a beaten hunk o' junk!"
The shadowy figure looked taken aback. "Coltlanders insulting the ship..." she heard him mutter. "Look here missy. I don't know what you're calling a 'hunk o' junk', but this here's the Wind Cutter. Fastest civilian ship in Canterlot, and make no mistake! You just happen to be in luck if you want a voyage, but if you don't mind my asking, who are you? What's a nice-looking dame like you want to get out of Canterlot for?"
The unicorn grimaced. I'd rather not talk about it, but it's not like I'm in any local trouble... and besides, the truth hurts, but it has to come out sooner or later, right? Best to let it out now.
"Had a terrible spat with me best friend," she said sadly. "and ah just gotta get oot. That's all. The name's Lyra, by th' by. Lyra Heartstrings."
--------
A fell voice floated on the air, pushed ever onward by the wind's breath.
This was not to say the voice was hideous or displeasing to the ear - on the contrary, it was the most melodious voice that any creature, living or dead, could ever hope to hear. It wafted gracefully into one ear and greeted the brain with peerless beauty and dignity. If the voice could take physical form, Rarity would never wear a smile again; for she would know true beauty, and compared to it, she was naught but rotting flesh and bones. She would be as the voice's loyal zealot, forever bound as a slave to its will.
The wind blew into graveyards of griffon ancestors, into tombs of royal families, some long forgotten.
And rotting flesh and ancient bones stirred in the crypts for Barbariccia, the Wind Muse.
Daddy said that an actor without a voice was nothing but a mime! Those can get crushed by trees for all he cares.
--------
"Ah, Miss Rarity! How delightful to see you again!"
A large white unicorn stallion with a slightly tousled light blue mane walked up to the landing pad. He looked positively dapper in a monocle, a navy blue sailing jacket, and a large blue sailing cap with a white band. There was a reason he was called "Fancypants."
"I'm charmed to see you as well, Fancypants," Rarity replied warmly, bending her knees slightly in a pony's curtsey. She had also dressed for the occasion, though she opted for wearing only her mauve ruffled cape, set in the front with a heart-shaped ruby framed in gold. "Thank you for taking us on at such short notice."
"It's no trouble at all, my dear," he said lightheartedly, taking one of her front hooves in his own for a kiss. Rarity giggled. "Mind you, the cabins may be a tad cramped what with all we're bringing, but there is still plenty of room to spare. Why, we even had another pony come aboard earlier today. One of Princess Mi Amore Credenza's retainers, I believe."
"Oh, Cadence?" Twilight's voice perked up excitedly. "Who is it?"
"She called herself Lyra Heartstrings," Fancypants replied, turning to lead them on. "I doubt she'll have much to say about the Princess and your brother, seeing as they're honeymooning in Panamane. Fantastic tropical climate - exactly the sort of place in which to do nothing but relax. Take it from me."
"And with all the fruit they got down there!" Rainbow Dash added, hurrying to walk alongside. "There's coconuts, and pineapples, and sugarcane..."
"If you like those last two separate," Fancypants added with a conspiratorial nudge, "try them together. Their pineapple upside-down cakes are positively first-rate!"
"Ohhh..." Rainbow Dash could feel her mouth watering. "Those sound awesome right now. Mr. and Mrs. Cake at Sugarcube Corner in Ponyville make some of those cakes too."
"'Awesome'? Rainbow Dash, I know this is Fancypants, but must you use that word in Canterlot?" Rarity chided.
Fancypants grinned evilly. "I could feel Miss Rarity's eyes rolling from a mile away," he added in an audible whisper to Rainbow's ear. Rainbow laughed aloud as Twilight giggled.
"Oh, HA, HA," said Rarity, but even she was grinning. "Says the stallion who named his first airship the 'Fancypants Jr.', then the 'Maximilian', then the 'Shining Seraph', and then finally settled on the 'Fancy Free' two hours later."
The four ponies laughed, continuing to chat as they made their way towards Fancypants' currently prepped airship.
--------
One lone diamond dog cowered against a stone pillar, praying that THING did not decide to roast him, too.
At first, the figure had seemed merely bizarre to look at. A broad-brimmed, steepled tan hat covered its face in shadow. A pair of large raven's wings spread out behind its back. A beautiful, blood-red, bejeweled cloak covered its body. It also carried a large staff headed with a crescent moon in a gloved, five-fingered hand. It almost looked like one of those "humans", ancient soulless golems with two hands and legs that had made popular servants and soldiers centuries ago, relics of a bygone era.
The one major aspect that had led the dog to act out of self-preservation was seeing a pair of brightly glowing slits for eyes, narrowed with malice...
He'd been fortunate. About a dozen or so of his comrades were now nothing but ash.
Then... footsteps. And the figure rounded the pillar, staring down at the trembling dog.
"Stand," it spoke in a metallic voice. The dog obeyed, furtively glancing at those terrible eyes. "Fear not," it continued ironically. "Fighting is for gentlemen, not cowards like yourself. I will spare you. Tell your kin to send only their finest warriors; anything less would be an insult. I do not brook insults. Begone."
The guard dog didn't need to be told twice. Not by Rubicante, the Flame Master, the Black Mage.
Props propel the perfect play!
--------
Twilight Sparkle walked around the deck of the Wind Cutter, slightly frustrated. One pony shouldn't be this hard to talk to, she thought to herself. Granted, in the distant past, before she'd met her five friends, Twilight had been reclusive and tended to brush off conversations with other ponies. Lyra, she imagined, had been one of those. Since that time, the unicorn musician had also come to Ponyville, but again, the two ponies remained distant.
Still... Twilight remained curious as to why the mint-green pony tagged along. It sounded as though her journey came on a whim. It feels like such a strange coincidence, between the location of the Princesses and the moon falling. Does she know something? After all, she's one of Cadence's retainers. She was even one of the bridesmaids at the wedding... or, well, one of the old bridesmaids. But the unicorn had thus far managed to evade her by stowing away somewhere below decks.
Twilight frowned as she stared out at the ocean far below.
"But why tell her, and not me...?" she asked quietly.
"Hey Twi! Check this out!"
Twilight snapped out of her reverie as her cheerful pegasus friend sailed up alongside. "You'll like this one! It's right up your alley! It's something the unicorns do for the ship."
"What is it this time?" Rainbow Dash had taken an interest in the airship, particularly in the ship's small but powerful engines. Once coal-fired steam engines had been perfected, the leap to airship engines was a very simple one. Twilight smiled faintly when she remembered that just last year, trains were pulled by teams of very strong stallions. Now, the conductors remained, but the teams had to look for work elsewhere. Technology was progressing so rapidly this past year. It made her feel rather... old. A bit sad, too.
"It's something manufacturers just came out with. Ratchet was telling me all about it!" Rainbow Dash led her friend towards the center of the deck, not bothering to mention who "Ratchet" was. Opening a hatch and climbing downwards, the pegasus continued, "After what happened at Canterlot, some ponies got to thinking that instead of just relying on one guard with a cutie mark, why not try and make a device which'll work with any unicorn and'll protect a whole area? They're calling it the 'Shield Generator'." She stopped for a moment, turning to Twilight as they walked down a narrow corridor. "I'm tellin' ya, it's amazing what unicorns and earth ponies have come up with to make up for lack of wings. I mean, I'm not jealous or anything. The big balloon's an eyesore, and nothing beats owning the sky with your own body, but..." Dash nodded in approval. "It's somethin' to be proud of, no mistake."
They entered a small room that was strangely empty of anything barring a circular, bluish-white metallic object resting on the floor. Eight spokes poked out from underneath the object, each spoke bolted down to the floor of the cabin by screws. The thing itself curved upward in a dome towards what looked like a tall metallic rod pointing straight upward. Midway up the dome stood four smaller, hollow cylinders. It gleamed brightly from sunlight streaming in through a lone window.
"Rainbow Dash... is this... mythril?" Twilight asked, astonished.
"I dunno. But isn't it awesome? You just charge it up with magic and anything that tries to attack your ship goes SPLAT!" Rainbow slammed two hooves together for emphasis.
"Don't you find it a little strange that Fancypants would carry something like this onboard? Mythril's a very expensive material, and this is a new invention you're talking about," Twilight replied skeptically, walking around the device. "I understand the idea behind it, as mythril's an excellent material for conducting enchantments, but... wealthy though he is, I can't fathom why Fancypants would need something like this for just a simple transport ship."
Rainbow shrugged. "Probably saves on hired guards. You know that one crazy-looking buff pony who helped us lift water to Cloudsdale? He serves on a freighter himself, and he's seen some rough action. There's all kinds of aerial dangers out there, Twi. Dragons are the least of your worries up in the sky. They just leave you alone if you leave them alone."
"I know that!" Twilight snapped. "Just kind of strikes me as odd, that's all."
"Rares also said Fancypants was a forward-thinking kind of pony," Dash added. "He sounds like the type to invest in this new stuff."
"Alright, alright, I get the point. Come on, let's get back up on deck. I keep wanting to find out what Lyra's doing here, but I can't--"
"Twilight? I'd just say leave her alone for now," Dash said thoughtfully. "It kinda seems to me like she doesn't wanna talk to anypony. When Fancypants introduced us, all she said was 'H'lo' and acted as if she never saw us before. "
The unicorn sighed. "I guess you're right. I was just hoping to find out whether she might know something we don't..."
--------
Not the entire route from Equestria to Mysidia remained as open ocean.
If a pony looked overboard at the right times, he or she might see a few small islands dotting the waters below. Most appeared to be little more than swaths of sand and grasslands, totally uninhabited. Yet there were a few larger islands, some with towering cliffs, others with a small forest. One particular island boasted a combination of each, but what really set it apart were crude bridges crisscrossing the cliffs. Smoke could be seen rising from gaps in the trees.
As the airship passed by far in the distance, a bird with the body of a slim monkey shrieked. The sound echoed across the water and into the sky, where Fancypants heard the faint call and turned his head over the railing.
"Is something wrong?" Rarity had been quiet for a little while, having worn her throat down from talking. She'd been grateful for the silence, but noted Fancypants' concern.
"Blasted birds..." Fancypants shook his head and smiled. "Nothing to worry about, my dear. Just some harpies thinking of piracy."
"Harpies?" Rarity stepped back.
"Yes. Birdlike creatures, but with the bodies of monkeys. Sometimes they'll attack what they think are weaker cargo ships, if they're particularly bloodthirsty... there's no need to fret," he added quickly, seeing the look on the unicorn's face. "In the old days, we used to take a squadron of pegasi with lances. They were more than a match for the less aerodynamic savages. But now, well, we have something a little more... advanced." The captain stepped forward, and cleared his throat. His horn began to glow with a faint yellow light, which also surrounded his throat. Rarity, sensing what was coming, covered her ears.
"ATTENTION ALL HOOVES!" Fancypants' voice boomed out across the deck. "WE ARE UNDER ATTACK BY HARPY PIRATES! RAISE SHIELDS! MORE POWER TO THE ENGINES!" The glow disappeared, and he coughed a few times.
"Pirates!?" Rainbow Dash shot up onto the deck, flapping her wings to look around. "They're coming after us?"
"Indeed," replied Fancypants a bit hoarsely. "Just sit tight. The shields will take care of everything, though of course I'd like to get away from here as quickly as I can."
Twilight walked up the hatchway, just reaching the deck as two unicorns hurried in her direction. She jumped aside as they trotted downwards.
"Looks like they don't need much time to get started," Rainbow observed, watching the island far below. She began to see movement above the cliffs. "They're already moving towards us... wait..." she squinted, staring at something. "...I think there are some fatter shapes down there, too," she added. "Kinda hard to tell at this distance."
Fancypants frowned, ignoring the gasps of his passengers as an opaque purple shield rose around them, encasing the ship. "Fatter shapes? Harpies tend to be rather gaunt creatures. I believe they are good friends with migrating tribes of Takkuri, however. Those birds, though slower and not at all good in physical combat, are in some ways deadlier. They're more intelligent, and can cast damaging spells... hrrrm... harpies is one thing, but with enough magic thrown against the shields, this might not be as simple as I thought."
Twilight, sensing danger, stepped forward. "Fancypants, I've seen this 'shield generator' of yours. It's basically a magical amplifier, right? I could help strengthen the shields against magical attacks."
"Ah... you could call it that, yes," Fancypants mused. "A shield spell large enough to cover a ship is very difficult to muster. I daresay that's why your brother had a cutie mark of a knight's shield. You do know the spell for building a shield, I trust?" Twilight nodded. "Very well, and thank you for the assistance."
Rainbow Dash hated to be idle in this situation. "Hey Cap'n," she said, "anything we can do here?"
"I... don't think so," he said slowly. "Given enough time and distance, the raiders should tire of the chase and give up."
He smiled as an additional layer of shield rose around the ship.
"Personally, I wager that all they shall gain is frustration. Here they come!"
The flock of avian raiders approached the decks of the ship, surrounded by a large purple sphere. Through it, they could see a small group of ponies staring back at them. To their disappointment, none of them looked remotely frightened; one kept flitting back and forth, as if annoyed she couldn't beat the snot out of all of them herself. Another looked bored, magicially raising his monocle to scan the squadron before him.
The harpies charged, talons bared to rip into pony flesh...
The first shrieked in surprise as talons smashed uselessly against the shield, feet away from Fancypants' face.
All across the ship, talons plunged, scraped, and broke against the barrier before them. Screams of rage and disappointment poured from the raiders' beaks as they were effortlessly beaten back. Several of the brighter ones gave up after only a few attempts; others, furious at their abject failure to even crack the shield, pounded away at it for several moments before reason broke through.
One by one, the squadron pulled back. Fancypants was smirking now, almost taunting them.
Behind the simian harpies came the throaty chuckling of buzzards. The Takkuri had stayed back, watching their brethren pound themselves to no avail. The large buzzards could sense the flow of magic all around the ship. It was powerful magic, to be sure. Small wonder the harpies failed to break it.
One croaked out a string of arcane syllables, extending its wings forward towards the ship. A few seconds later, a jet-black cloud formed overhead, and a lightning bolt slammed directly into the shield. Again, there appeared to be no visible damage... but that was fine. Takkuri could be patient. Patience lay in abundance for scavengers.
Another extended its wings, and this time air began buzzing around it, particles moving impossibly fast, charging heat. Then, in a massive chain reaction, a beam of fire shot forward, lancing into the side of the ship, striking the shield. Once more, the shield held.
--------
"Enjoy yourselves," Fancypants spoke, conjuring three pairs of dark sunglasses.
In the next few moments, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were treated to a spectacular magic show.
Flames danced just inches from their faces. Lightning storms battered the air again and again, coming so close to striking down everypony on board. High above the ship, great ice crystals smashed down onto the top of the shield before vanishing into nothingness. Gales of wind howled past their ears, yet they felt absolutely nothing.
"Pretty cool," Rainbow Dash shouted above the din.
"It makes me thankful Twilight's on board," Rarity replied, mostly to herself.
"I suppose in the future, I could stand to hire a third pony for the generator," Fancypants mused, overhearing the fellow unicorn. "I don't fancy bearing the brunt of all this magic with just two ponies."
Several minutes ticked by, accompanied by storms and flames. Slowly, the Takkuri began to tire; they had lobbed many spells at the ship's hull and balloon, but while they were running out of energy the shield looked as strong as ever. This was simply not a battle they were going to win.
One by one, the buzzards gave up, turning around to fly back. Several harpies, in an attempt to save face, scratched and slashed across the shield once more before deciding that this raid was an absolute failure. They, too, turned back.
"Your friend deserves my sincerest thanks," Fancypants said warmly as the last of the raiders departed. "Thanks to her, the shield generator has been an absolute success."
--------
By the time Zecora slipped back inside the tower basement, the sun had almost disappeared over the western horizon.
There had been searching. There had been rumors and gossip, leads to follow. The biggest clue was that none appeared to know the Princesses were coming. In fact, none had even seen them. Zecora did concede that the two alicorns could have easily disguised themselves, blending right in with the crowd... but newcomers to the city had been few and far between these past several days. In fact, a number of tourists - and even some inhabitants - were fleeing the city. They were aware that the alicorn Princesses were very powerful, but they held the wise idea that when a moon draws steadily closer, you should get far out of the way.
The princesses were, of course, clever. In addition, the sun and moon still rose each and every day. But if they were indeed actively seeking the cause of their current troubles, wouldn't it be better to work together with city officials rather than keep out of sight? That troubled the zebra, and led her to seek them out.
"It is fortunate I found you ere the day was through," she said, seemingly to herself. She rummaged in the pockets of her cloak, and pulled out two objects. One was a snow-white full moon, and surprisingly light for a rock. The other was a small sculpture of a terrifying mare with fangs. The owner of the Curiosity Shop had recently come into possession of these small figures, sold to him by a small earth pony with strange, swirling eyes who carried a beat-up mask. He was the type who tended to avoid asking questions about who sold what. Thankfully, he could easily be persuaded to give answers. Information was a valuable commodity.
The moon had been a vague clue, but the sculpture... she'd seen a much larger replica last Nightmare Night. There was no mistaking it.
"You've suffered a terrible fate, haven't you...?"
And the zebra pondered just how she would restore these two souls to their original forms...