//------------------------------// // The Siren's True Form // Story: Equestria Lost: Dragons beyond time // by Tythen //------------------------------// It was incredibly unfortunate that the weekend dedicated to meet Midgsrdsomr has not been fulfilled due to unforeseen circumstances. However, it yielded a new bond between another dragon and further understanding of the new world within a normal-looking park. Of course, it also developed more bonds between a certain group of friends... and their related family. "I'm so sorry mom, and dad." Flash apologized, "I broke my promise, but it was because Ms Cleo's home was in danger!" "Judging by the fact that Ms Cleo, Ms M, and your new friends are with you, you don't seem to be lying." Mr Sentry stared, "If what you said was true, you're not worthy of punishment either." "Why?" "You are dense, my dear child." Mrs Sentry laughed, "Don't you remember? You acted rough back in Primary school because you wanted to protect and stand up for someone. Cleo's home is no different. I'm proud that you did it!" "However, it does concern us that you and your new friends are fighting such a world in the first place!" Mr Sentry raised his voice, "Ms Cleo told us everything there is to know about Grastaea and New Alberia, and what the five of you have been doing. Even gave us a small tour yesterday when you were still in the hospital." "Such a magical place!!!" Mrs Sentry smiled, "Oh I was swept away by almost everything! I'm sure you all felt the same!" "Honey..." "Sorry! Sorry! Yes... as much as there are wonders, there are also horrors. And for all of you to fight those horrors... It's horrifically horrifying!" "But it's not-" Sweetie protested, "-what you're aiming to do in the first place. Ms Cleo told me." Mr Sentry interrupted, "You want to help rebuild the Halidom, even getting paid doing it. As you find materials or helpers, the 'fiends' get in the way. It tells me a lot about what the people had to face in that era. But I believe this matter should be addressed for another time. AFTER you find your wind dragon." "Wait... what? You're just letting us do this? To fight?" Rarity looked in disbelief, "At least for Flash. I can't speak on behalf of your parents." Mr Sentry corrected, "We know about your special powers thanks to demonstrations and Ms Cleo's tour. However, I would suggest you all NOT to get ahead of yourselves. Even dragons and superheroes are not immune to death. Mrs Sentry and I would be more than happy to accompany you, but we do have our obligations, like work. I trust that you'll be safe in the hands of Ms Cleo and your history teacher." "Eeyup," Big Mac gulped, "Judging from your faces, I'm guessing you haven't told your parents about New Alberia. I encourage you all to try." Mrs Sentry suggested, "Your purpose in New Alberia is very good but also very dangerous, so you need to let them know that. I'm happy to stand by your side and support you!" "Seriously?" The students and siren spoke in unison. "Of course!" Mrs Sentry gave an open-mouthed smile with her eyes closed, "A friend of my son is a friend of mine!" Though Big Mac, Rarity and Sweetie Belle were still hesitant to tell their parents about the Halidom, they could not forget that easy-going smile of Flash's wonderful supportive mother. She even became the opening topic for Monday in the school canteen. "Your mum is very nice and pretty." Sweetie dreamily looked at Flash, "What can I say?" Flash copied Sweetie's dreamy expression, "I'm a lucky guy!" "I'm more concerned that you're not embarrassed about your mom. Fluttershy has problems with her brother, but you don't seem to have any issue with your fam," Rainbow moaned. "And why should I? I love her for everything she was and is! Same with dad!" "Oh! So you're a suck-up to your parents, I see!" Rainbow snickered, "Oh, they can be quite fearsome and strict at times," Flash countered, "Now are any other questions, or is it just jabs at me and my family?" "Just one," Fluttershy raised her hand, "Why did you learn to fight? We've never seen you do any martial arts except for Scootaloo and now Rarity telling us..." "Mom's recommendation to keep my violent self in check and most importantly to learn restraint." "You know what? I take it back Flash... you're not boring. You're actually kind of a badass protecting a castle." Rainbow smirked, "I take no pride in badassery. And me being a fighter is a need-to-know basis. But, I promised my friends that I would try to be a bit more trusting." "You surely are a good man, Flash!" Pinkie laughed, "Speaking of which, how's Adagio?" "My enemies are getting worried about me?" Adagio raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure they're alright?" "It's been months now," Rarity answered over a cup of Honey Tea in the Halidom, "And because of Sunset, she wants to how you've been doing. She's convinced that you are not as power-hungry and manipulative like before." "Well good for her!" Adagio moped, "Remind me why the four of you are here again? Don't you have anything to do at school?" "We've tackled some assessments already, making time for you!" Rarity smiled, "Remember that we're here to help you regain your singing voice while we're rebuilding the Halidom!" "Wow, I honestly thought you'd have forgotten." "We had a busy few weeks, but a promise is a promise." Rarity smiled, "So we're going to be helping you throughout the week!" And that's exactly what the team did. Every day after school, the students resumed their singing tutorship. From Tuesday to Friday, the siren slowly began to find her pitch, and slowly found singing practices fun. "Can we stop singing about liking flowers and daffodils and all sorts of other nature stuff? It's making me cringe!" Adagio rasped, "How about the 1-2-3-4-5 song?" Sweetie suggested, "NO," And when the weekend rolled around again, the four students decided the time has come. Their siren in rehabilitation is to sing one song! "Which one do you think would be perfect?" Flash asked over the phone on Friday night, "The one Big Mac picked! It's called, 'Find the Magic'! He thinks Adagio would like it, it resonates with her life right now!" Rarity answered, "Sweet... it's great that we could focus on helping her this week, now that Hinata and Ms M are finding Midgardsomr in our stead," Flash sighed, "Flash, I want to ask you something... about your mana," "You sound serious. What's up?" "Do you think... do you think I can be able to fight as you do?" "But I thought you already have something. Don't you have that geode of yours that gives you the pony ears like Camp Everfree and all the times after that?" "Call it exploring new possibilities. I'm interested in how you're able to harness it quickly when the four of us haven't even got a grasp on our own." "Okay then... from what Ms M and Ms Cleo told me, they said that me learning some martial arts beforehand helped me to control my mana alongside breathing. So maybe you should give it a go and do some deep breaths yourself in the Halidom. But if you ask me, mana isn't learned just through fighting. You should try and grasp mana that befits your nature. Like making clothes," "Now how can I do such a thing?" Rarity frowned, "Ms M showed me some examples through a few adventurer biographies. Mana was used to make weapons for New Alberia. Courtesy of three particular blacksmith sisters. The middle sister Ramona uses fire mana to control the fires of the furnace to adjust and shape materials into dangerous blades or steel. Once it's done, she gives the blade to her younger sister Renee. Her responsibility is to cool and temper them with water." "Sounds like a very mundane job. But, it's probably for the best given her age," "You might be surprised. The heat for the blades, thanks to Ramona, is far too great for ordinary water to cool down. That's what Renee's use of water mana is for. It is through her that the water is enchanted to simmer such weapons crafted in extreme fires. She is capable of using fire and wind mana though." "I see. Then what of the eldest?" "Rena is responsible for infusing mana into any finished weapon. It's what gives the weapons enhancing abilities and new fighting skills to its wielder." "Okay then. I'm convinced that maybe it is possible to use mana for clothes making, but I don't expect it to come when I'm making clothes as normal." "You're right. You'll probably need some method to control it. Last I've seen, Sweetie's mana was used as an instinctive barrier. Maybe you can ask Cleo to help you? I'm sure there are tonnes of mana that revolve around the castle thanks to defeating fiends and whatnot." "I'll think about it," "Oh and one more thing..." Flash stopped, "If you intend on using mana, try using it in tandem with the magic you and the others girls have. It's possible, and I think it would be a neat combination of power!" "Perhaps..." "I don't think I've asked... but what element are you? We know that Sweetie is water, and I am light... what do you think you would be?" "Thinking back on experiences with the elemental altars, I am certain that my mana is the antithesis to your element: Shadow." "Spooky... but I have no reason to see you as an enemy because of powers. Think we can still fight together as friends?" "That goes without saying Flash!" So on the sixth day, the four students confronted the siren with their test. "You think I'm ready to sing?" Adagio asked surprised. The four students smiled at each other, "Yeah!" Three of them jumped and cheered, "Eeyup," Big Mac nodded with a small smile, "And we've picked a song just for you!!!" "Hold on a second... can't I just sing the song that's been trending lately? I can at least remember the words," "True, but when it comes to singing, a good singer is one who sings from the heart. Sings with their feelings and memories." Rarity explains, "So we found a song you'd best relate to," Flash pulled out a sheet of lyrics, "Here you go!" "Find the... magic?" Adagio read, "Huh... wow... this... are you trying to make me depressed?" "I'm sorry... did it hit too deep?" "Straight to the core," Adagio frowned, "But you're right... I do feel interested in this song." "Here, we've got the music for it too. Why don't the four of us sing first, and then we can go through the lyrics together?" "Sure," Adagio nodded, "Hit it," "Ready everyone?" Rarity stood up straight, "No dancin' please," Big Mac stopped, "Jus' sing," "Fine..." Rarity frowned and hit play. A synthesiser started playing chords in A minor. It was a slow song, not a lot of instruments, and it felt very sad and melancholy. Adagio looked at the four students, each putting on a persona of sadness. "Where do we go?" Rarity sang, "Every day's the same. Did we lose the magic, magic, magic?" "So ordinary..." Sweetie Belle took over, "Stuck on repeat... Gotta find the passion, passion, passion." Then Rarity and Sweetie Belle sang together, in different vocal ranges. "These days go round and round, round and round!" "Gotta break away..." Big McIntosh and Flash Sentry responded with their own vocal ranges while also in tune, "Find a great escape..." "Round and Round and Round-" Flash and Rarity sang, "-Round and Round and Round-" Then Sweetie and Big Mac. "Oh..." Rarity vocalised, maintaining her sorrowful look "Oh-oohhh..." Then all together, the four sang the chorus, each with their able voice range. "Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic..." "Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic..." Adagio was speechless, moved to tears. This song when sung at once... it brought back so many memories... memories of her fellow Dazzlings... her sisters. Cleo also overheard the singing and came out to hear what was going on. She too was taken aback by the melancholy aura of the song sung by the students as they touch the second verse and continued... "Thank you for listening!" Rarity bowed, "Well? How was it?" "Amazing..." Cleo applauded, "It really brought a tear to my eye. Though for Adagio, I think you brought a waterfall instead." "I'm not crying because I'm moved..." Adagio defended, "It's... I just feel like... If I was singing this... I think Aria and Sonata should be here too..." "Yeah," Flash stretched his arms, "I think the song fits the three of you. But it was Big Mac who suggested the song." "You?" Adagio turned to the farmer. "Ah've tried putting mahself in yer shoes. And make no mistake that Ah'd be very upset when somethin' close to you, yer pride, is taken away or destroyed... becomin' human. You feel helpless, desperate, you wanna find another reason... but then you've been given the chance again when Ms Cleo found you... but from there, Ah guess you still want to pick up what's left of you or try to find somethin' new. To be fair, Ah was lucky enough that this song sounds similar to what you think..." "Wow... I... I don't know what to say..." "I'll take yer reaction as thanks," Big Mac smiled, "Why don't we try singin'?" "Okay then," Adagio wiped her tears and took a deep breath, "Bring it," And so it begins. The team decided to tackle the training by having Adagio sing one line at a time. They went over every single line, correcting some pitch mistakes, or the way certain voices are pronounced. All the lessons in the weekdays had paid off immensely, as it only took less than a minute for the siren to sing a line at a self-acceptable level. In ten minutes, the siren got through the last line and was able to sing through it in one go. "Yes!!! You did it!!!" Rarity and Sweetie raised their hands for a high-five. Adagio blinked for a while, then high-fived them with a surprised smile, "Mission accomplished Mac," Flash beamed, "Eeyup," Big Mac beamed back, bumping knuckles with him. "You were wonderful Adagio." Cleo complimented, "Granted, it's not as amazing as when you first sang back in the musical showcase, but you've certainly recovered a lot!" Rarity evaluated, "I think you've got the talent to sing!" A voice spoke, "If only someone was kind enough to show me some performances of that musical showcase, I could make a much more constructive opinion!" "Ah! Ms M! Nice to see you here!" Rarity looked to see the history teacher walk towards them, followed behind by a teenage girl with white hair, "And the same goes to you Hinata!" "Good afternoon to you too everyone! I'm glad that we were able to hear Adagio go through the one full round." "So what's up?" Flash asked, "We have found Midgardsomr." Ms M announced, "And this time, we'll be able to meet him today. Are you guys prepared?" The four humans, the siren, and the sylvan looked at each other. It is indeed, the weekend. And they have more than enough time. It's almost a month now, but they can finally achieve what they owe Cleo! "We can do it today," Rarity nodded, "Eeyup," Big Mac agreed, "Oh yeah!" Sweetie clenched her palms, "I'm in!" Flash gave a thumbs up, "More than ready," Adagio smirked, "Love to have the place I live in renovated." "But before that," Rarity paused, "Do you think we can prepare?" "Never thought you'd ask!" Cleo smiled, "There's a lot we have to discuss!" "First, I'd like to see if I can add to my 'Mana Circles' as Estelle." Rarity offered, "Understood," Cleo nodded, "And this time, I think you can do it yourself. You can direct the mana within this castle and guide it into your body." "Right... Here we go..." Rarity put on Estelle's essence and closed her eyes... "I'm in!" Estelle yelled. Her voice echoed through the endless boundaries of the mana circles. The atmosphere near identical to Flash's, which she knows since Flash and Estelle are of the same element. "Good. With the mana you have, you can try and fill out every node of the mana circle you have. Once you do, a statue floating just above the circle should react." Rarity furrowed her brows and tensed her arms. She held out a hand and aligned it with an unlit node. Streaks of blue appeared from all around and buried itself into the node, turning it on. Rarity did the same for every unlit node. Once every node on the circle was lit, all the nodes released a wisp of light, conversing onto the mentioned statue. It looked like a stamp with a sharp stem pointing to the top. It also happened to have a pair of small angelic wings. "What you aim to do here now is to send not only mana but some elemental light orbs towards that statue. I've got someone to bring some already. This process is not called unlocking, but unbinding. When the statue is charged, it will unlock the second mana circle above." "Here goes!" Estelle put both her palms out at the floating statue. The winged stamp began to shake and rumble until the was a loud shattering sound. The small wings upon the statue grew in size and changed from an angel to a dragon. The small statue launched a blue ball of light to the darkened circle floating above. Once the blue ball aligned itself, it exploded. All the darkened parts of the circle shattered like glass, leaving behind a circle similar in shape to the one below it. As it shattered, the Preacher could also feel something shattering in her body. "And that is your second mana circle unbound." Cleo concluded, "Now feel free to fill up these nodes if you want." "I choose to fill them all!" Estelle grinned, "Well?" Cleo asked as Estelle opened her eyes, "How did you feel?" "I feel healthier and stronger..." Estelle answered, "Oh! And I feel more memories stirring in my mind... it could be the possibility of Estelle's second skill!" "Wonderful..." Cleo smiled, "Flash? McIntosh? Would you like to meditate too?" "Sure!" Flash nodded, "Me?" Big Mac pointed to himself, "As Vixel," Cleo added, "Aww, y'all really need me to fight from now on?" "More than ever Big Mac," Ms M nodded, "Midgardsomr is in the Binding Ruins. It's east from the Halidom, between Mount Adolla and Myriage Lake. But more importantly, the ruins are filled with shadow-attuned fiends. We need as much light as we can get." "Honoured," Big Mac grinned, "Ah'm ready to be enlightened," Flash had his second mana circle unbound and halfway filled. Big McIntosh as Vixel had his First mana circle filled as well as his second unbound and halfway filled too. Strengthened and essenced, they headed to the art gallery. "So." Estelle stated, "What is the secret behind these works of art?" "Though they do look like works of art, they house a special power that grants particular abilities and enhancements to those who are anointed with holy water. These special paintings are known as 'Wyrmprints'. How are they special? It's because the artists, like most of Grastaea, use mana to imbue their works with blessings." Cleo explained, "I like it... I really like it!" Flash nodded approvingly, "For a single castle, New Alberia is armed to the teeth with military power! Countless adventurers, pactbound dragons, and paintings that can buff both!" "Other nations are much more powerful than you think..." Cleo warned, "But in any case, there is a large archive regarding the paintings as well as the benefits they give. Read it and decide what wyrmprint you need. Our bodies can use a maximum of two." "Got it." "Flash?" Ms M strolled in, "I've fixed up the Strong Halberd for you. Good as new!" "Wow!!!" Flash took the weapon, the spike upon the spearhead sharpened and bright. "Thanks so much!" "Training with Arctos to make weapons of our own really paid off," Ms M gave a smug grin, "After all, most crafted weapons here require fire as hot as mine!" "Looks like we need to find Arctos if we want to make really strong weapons!" "We will get there someday. I promise." Ms M promised, "By the way, where is the little crusader?" "She's going to our homes to fetch something." Vixel answered, "Hinata's going with her for protection." "To get what?" Cleo asked, "Our rides!" Sweetie exclaimed, walking into the art gallery with Hinata (in human form) by her side. "They're parked near the melee training dummy outside." "Wonderful!" Estelle huffed with pride, "And with that, we have everything we need. Is everyone ready?" "Yeah!" Everyone cheered, "Very well then everybody," Estelle encouraged, "Let's roll out with style!!!" The Flamewyrm and the little white dragon soared through the sky, hovering above six colourful dots emerging from the forest. On the ground, four bicycles raced across the flatlands, riding on the dirt path without any sign of slowing down. Leading the pack was a bike of purple, ridden by the Loving Preacher and carrying the Belle Healer as a passenger, though not without the protective helmet and kneepads. Following suit was a smaller lilac bike, with a pretty and durable basket at its front, carrying bags filled with supplies from the Halidom. Sweetie Belle was the rider of this peculiar two-wheeler. Flash was next to follow, racing upon a navy blue mountain bike with a yellow streak, maintaining a steady balance while keeping up passionately on his pedalling. He too had a basket attached on the bike's front, carrying exactly the same thing Sweetie has. And last but not least was the Musical Maestro and his big red bike. The owner often uses the bike as part of his deliveries, though today he is carrying the cheerful merchant on the passenger seat as his package for the day. "How are you doing Ms Cleo? Comfortable?" Estelle asked, "Having to hold up my skirt as well as grabbing on to you is extremely problematic. If I fail on one or the other, we're bound to crash! On the other hand, you're going the right way!" "That's good to know. Luckily, Estelle is just about the same size as me. It would be a nightmare if it was someone whose legs are too short to reach the pedals!" "How about you Francesca?" Vixel spoke, "Are you fine?" "Yeah, I'm good." Francesca replied, her arms tight around Vixel's sides and her body in contact with his, "But uh... are you sure you're okay yourself?" "I am. Why would I not be?" "Are you not feeling... aroused or distracted?" Francesca prompted, "No... not at all." Vixel coyly smiled, "In about five-hundred metres, turn right." Brunhilda instructed, "How quaint, acting like those GPSs made by humans," "Got it!" Estelle yelled back. "You have arrived at your destination," Hinata reported, "The entrance to the Binding Ruins!!!" "Phew!!!" Flash put on the brakes, "That took about... a ten-minute trip! Not bad!!!" "I must admit," Cleo hopped off the bike, "It has beaten travel time on foot by a lot..." "It reminds me of that delinquent's 'Chariot' back then..." Hinata wondered, "By the way, Ms Brunhilda," Flash turned to the Flamewyrm, "I remember that around your time, you and the dragons' universal agreement of peace with humanity were that they ceased all sorts of technological advancements that would damage nature and your homes. Do bikes count?" "Having to live in a time where humans are so deep into their technological advances can be infuriating. However, I have seen a select few that seek to minimise its damage to the environment and inventions that run on human strength rather than constant abuse of mana. Your bicycles are one such example. The materials used are somewhat similar to those in weapons, and I find it clever and wonderful. That being said, I still think one other invention just beats it." "And that is?" "Your mobile phones!" Brunhilda changed into Mym and held out a smartphone, "Long-distance communication is amazing! As for what is needed to keep a device like this active, Light Mana is a good alternative!" "So are you saying I can become my phone's power bank?" Flash realised, "It's very much possible! You just have to discover how!" Mym answered, "I'm starting to love this place even more!" Flash gave a wide smile, "Oh, and before you call me out about 'Double Standards', remember that I said that I have seen many of these technological advancements being very sensitive to nature. It goes to show that even humanity today are conscious about the many homes of dragons and other animals smaller than both of us. If I have a problem with some governmental plan that would lead to things like deforestation or whatnot, I guarantee you there will be many who agree with me. I will not resort to my crimson fires though!" Mym added, "Humanity seems to have their own in a verbal sense." "Thanks for sharing Ms Mym," Flash smiled, "Happy to hear your opinion," "Alrighty then, back to the matter at hand. The Binding Ruins," Mym responded, Before the team set off, they looked at a map to see what the ruins would look like. From a bird's eye view, the Binding Ruins looked like they were in a large pit crater surrounded by curved mountains. The way to access the ruins was through a tunnel within one of the curved mountains that would lead them directly to the entrance of the man-made temple. However, as they gaze into the aforementioned small little tunnel, something ominous was blowing out of it. "Grr..." Flash furrowed his brows and bared his teeth, "Flash?" Sweetie noticed, "A-Are you alright? You look like your serious self again." "I'm not. There's something about this place that is making me mad." Flash grumbled, "It feels like I'm staring at someone who's harmed or hurt someone whether through physical or verbal abuse and is proud of such lowly acts." "Now that you mention it." Estelle added, "I can feel it too. There is a great source of negative vibes and emotions stemming from the other side of that tunnel." "I've never been here before either." Francesca gave a whiff, "Do you know what this place is about Cleo?" "The Binding Ruins is one of many places where a sacred shard is kept; the ones used to seal away the demon Morsayati. As the shards lose their light over time, the dark power of Morsayati replaces the hollowness." Cleo answered, "That's dangerous! Surely SOMEONE would be smart to check on these shards every now and then!" Estelle protested, "They did. King Aurelius, Prince Euden's father, personally saw to it with the Tutelaries, the tribe overseeing these ruins. However, it also ended up becoming the catalyst for the original Kingdom of Alberia to fall and become the Dyrenell Empire." Cleo nodded, "But how?" Vixel inquired, "Aurelius was possessed by Morsayati, who chose to take the moniker called 'The Other'. He then proceeded to chase down Zethia and branded Prince Euden as a traitor. He needed her power to revive the rest of his power residing in that particular shard." "Wait! The very same Zethia that took over Aurelius for the Dyrenell Empire!?" Sweetie exclaimed, "So she was actually a good person that aided your Prince!" "Yes..." Cleo lowered her head in sorrow, "And once he had achieved that... the Other took over her body. With King Aurelius returned to his senses, he shielded Prince Euden, who had been chasing after her while making pacts with all the five greatwyrms, from her ambush. He sacrificed his life doing so." "No..." Sweetie Belle placed her hands on her mouth in tears, "That's so sad! So King Aurelius and Zethia were really good people!" "The story goes much deeper than that I fear... but that is for another time. Midgardsomr is here to mourn for Prince Euden, for this was the place where the Prince has lost two of his most beloved people. We must find him before he flies away." Cleo responded, "Got it," The five Equestrians responded, "I assure you, the negative feelings you experience from ruins are things you will get used to. We need to search this place thoroughly. So let me lead you." Cleo instructed, "Say uh..." Francesca asked as the group ventured into the tunnel on foot, "Does anyone feel hungry?" "No." Estelle answered, "Rather, I feel like I've lost my appetite." The ominous tunnel was just the tip of the iceberg. When the team emerged on the other side, the atmosphere was beyond comprehension. Though they could see the silhouette of the sun towering above them, the light it gives was unable to pierce through the dome of clouds enveloping the ruins. With only flames of blue as a source of light, the ruins were as dark as the caves, or a place where the night is eternal. "This place just screams 'Final Boss' lair' in videogames." Sweetie nervously gulped while walking upon the man-made stone path. "Trivialising the demon of darkness as a small final boss is a very big sign that you don't take many things seriously..." Mym rattled, "This place makes my hair stand on end..." Estelle shivered, "Just how big are these ruins?" "Four equally large sections connected linearly. The entrance which we are now in, followed by the Interior halls, the Recesses, and finally the Terminus at the end." Cleo answered, "Let's just hope we're able to find our way out..." Flash grumbled as he turned the corner to a dead end, "Unlike our trip to Adolla and Dornith, the ruins here are like a maze," "But on the other hand, I see treasure," Vixel came across another dead end, except it had the presence of a treasure chest. He went towards it and knocked it open with his staff, "How wonderful," he smiled as he collected its contents. "The people made sure to inscribe artistic patterns on their walls and arches," Estelle examined, "But given that this place is used to house something evil... Is there the possibility of traps?" "It only starts from the interior hall, and deeper within." Cleo answered, "Only two traps, spikes that pop out from the floor, and fire-breathing statues." "Oh, that doesn't sound too bad." Francesca sighed with relief, "Then woe to those that fell to them." Cleo warned, "The spike traps are laced with poison, and the statue's flames are sure to linger on the body. I cannot cure such afflictions, for a reminder." "Okay okay, I take that back then..." "Now along the way, we are bound to find closed doors that require opening." Cleo informed, "They are large doors that not only have some carving art etched onto them, but will also have a purple looking orb in the middle." "Like this?" Estelle pointed at a stone arch door matching her exact description, "Yes." Cleo nodded, "Now from there, we need to find the switch to open it. It should be somewhere in the dead ends near here." "This one?" Sweetie approached a purple crystal floating above a hole. "Excellent. Give the jewel a spin or a whack." "Open sesame!" The girl grabbed the crystal and gave it a mighty spin. As it did, the crystal lost its floating ability and dropped perfectly into the hole. Once it did, the stone doors began to rumble and move, sliding itself and revealing a new path." "Oh, I see!" Sweetie recognised, "It's like a slot! You need to put the crystal inside it!" "Yes." Cleo agreed, "And now, we can make our way to the next part of the Ruins." "Hey Hinata," Flash spoke, "You seem awfully silent for a while... something on your mind?" "Well..." Hinata twiddled her claws, "Even if I'm a dragon, this place still gives me the creeps." "So not all dragons are made equal huh?" "I've seen dragons bigger and older than me fall to that demon." Hinata shuddered, "Hearing their screams and seeing their lifeless bodies, it's cruel... if it were me, I wouldn't want to set foot in this place for my entire life. This is only the second time I've done so." "When was the first?" "With Prince Euden and his companions." Hinata explained, "With him at my side, I don't feel any fear to venture in. Like what I'm doing right now with you." "Hinata, you are a very sweet and kind girl." Flash smiled, "You guys rescued me, remember? And as I said, you remind me of the prince. Now that I mention it, why didn't I think about making a pact with you after you saved me?" "Well, I really appreciate that you put your trust in me as well as my friends but... neither of us have dragonblood, nor is anyone related to Euden's family. I'm afraid we can't make this pact lest it hurts one of us." "Oh, that's okay. Just a small pinky promise would do!" Hinata smiled, "Sounds good to me," Flash turned around while walking backwards, "If it's anything like Ms M, then my dream is to help-" "Stop!" Hinata commanded, grabbing Flash with her talons, "Muh?" Flash froze, SHINK! A collection of spikes laced with purple substance shot up behind Flash, then slowly sank back underneath. Flash turned back to the front. Behind him on the floor was a large octagonal tile filled with holes and dripping with that purple substance from before. A few seconds later, the spikes poked their heads from the holes, before shooting themselves up tall, almost up to Flash's height, then slowly sank down once again. "Looks like I owe you again Hinata," Flash swallowed hard, "Maybe let's focus on finding a safe spot first so we can properly make the pact." "Agreed." Hinata nodded back, But as mentioned by Cleo, the traps didn't end there. The team discovered more of the octagonal spike traps scattered on their path, and then came the dreaded statues. They resembled four-legged animals sitting on their behinds, like cats and dogs. But for their heads, the Equestrians could not identify the animal it tried to resemble. One, they couldn't stop to examine the statue. Two, it was breathing fire; examining it is hazardous. "Well now... how are we going to get through this?" Vixel asked, "Ever heard of 'Stop, Drop & Roll'?" Mym reminded, "Well, just the roll part. We roll underneath them!" "Oh... fair enough." Estelle shrugged, "But..." Sweetie raised her hand, "I don't think I can do it without hurting my head," "Oh don't worry about that, then just roll using your sides! As long as you stay low, you won't get burnt," "Are you serious?" Sweetie raised an eyebrow. "There you go!" Mym laughed, "You're doing it!" "Yeah yeah..." Sweetie rolled beneath the flames "This... is... embarrassing... and... my... clothes." She muttered whenever her mouth was facing the ceiling. "Okay Sweetie, you've safely passed underneath the fires." Hinata observed, "You can stop now." "Finally," Sweetie got up and frustratingly dusted herself, "Goddess... that was an embarrassment." "Oh yeah, I forgot to mention." Mym remembered, "You could always just wait for the statues to stop breathing fire." And just as she said that the statues stopped. Immediately, the rest of the team dashed over before the statues turned on, "Oh COME ON!!!" Sweetie bellowed, For two sections, the team made it through without any difficulty or any interference in the first place minus the traps and switches. And as they enter the Recesses, the process was... just about the same. Switches, traps, and not a single fiend to be seen. But just in case, the team thought not to say anything about the situation and just hurry to the end where possible. After all, they were here to find the Windwyrm and leave afterwards. "How much do you want to bet that Midgardsomr's at the Terminus?" Sweetie guessed, "Sweetie, betting is not a good idea..." Estelle hesitated, "We've searched every nook and cranny of the past two sections." Flash laughed, "But to humour you, I'll take you on. How much are you betting?" "I thought you were a religious man, Flash," Vixel looked concerned, "Are you stepping into sacrilege here?" "Ten bucks!" Sweetie wagered, "Too much," Flash shook his head, "My limit is at zero," "What!?" Sweetie jumped, "But that means nothing!" "Exactly," Flash nodded, "Betting is not a good idea," "Flash!!! You goody-two-shoes!" Sweetie pouted, "You may never know what happens next, Sweetie." Flash sighed as he jogged forward of the pack, "You may never know if you--oof!" Flash walked into a fence, bumping himself on the head and preventing him from moving forward. "Oh no..." Estelle, Cleo and Francesca froze. "Let me guess..." Flash walked back while looking at the wrought gates of blue flames. "We can't go through unless we have to fight some fiends... right?" As an answer, ten shadow goblins appeared out of nowhere, surrounding the team of eight. Then ten shadow gobmancers appeared behind the shadow goblins, surrounding the team of eight. And for the third wave, ten large zombie-like fiends with sharp ribs protruding from their chests and squatting down appeared behind the shadow gobmancers. "A new enemy..." Hinata warned, "Those large looking fiends are called ghouls. They're as beefed up as those lizardmen, but slower and obviously lacks the shield. However, these things are incredibly hard to move or push, and unlike the lizardman, they are capable of a ranged attack. So try not to fight them face-to-face. Otherwise, it'll vomit something nasty." "Noted," Flash readied his halberd, "Let's get cracking!" Flash struck first, skillfully thrusting the lance twice into the shadow goblin in front of him. The goblin fell to its knees, and then on its body, before finally disintegrating. As the first blood was drawn, the ring of goblins leapt forward, giving the team no chance to escape from the wrath of their clubs. "Congratulations Flash!" Mym sarcastically retorted as she clawed an opening, "You truly are a reckless fighter! Now all of you get out before we truly bite the dust!" "S-Sorry!" A wounded Flash apologised as he and the rest hurtled out of the ambush. "I just didn't expect them to hit back so hard!" "It seems you've forgotten the obvious matchups Flash," Estelle groaned in pain, "Whereas shadow is weak to light, light itself is weak against shadow!" "Oww..." Francesca moaned, "You okay Vixel? Sweetie?" "A-okay..." Sweetie gave a thumbs up, "I honestly thought I saw my life flash before my eyes. Good thing I had a meatshield to hide behind!" She patted Flash, "A few cuts. I tried to cast some of those orbs, but they were on me already." Vixel sighed, "Guys watch out!" Flash grabbed Sweetie and shielded her from some incoming bolts of darkness. As they exploded on his back, A searing and ominous pain struck the boy as if someone invisible hand was choking his neck while turning his irises black. "Awwkk..." Flash's fell to his knees, his eyes black as the night and emitting smoke. The team screamed, "Flash! Stop that!" Sweetie gripped his collar, "You can only be a meatshield when I need you to be!!!" "We need to find a space where we won't get surrounded," Francesca yelled as she parried one of the shadow goblins, "We'll never be able to focus when enemies are all around us!" "Leave it to me!" Hinata flew to the air, "Take this!" She releases a blast of purplish yellow fire, burning three gobmancers and two shadow goblins who were unlucky enough to get in front of her. "Make for that corner over there!" She pointed, "It will take some time before I can use my Shining Breath again!" "I got our teenage lancer, Sweetie." Vixel hoisted Flash up, "Follow Estelle! I'll keep up with you..." "Not yet..." Flash moaned, his eyes still blackened, "I can still fight..." He lightly gripped his halberd and made a small slash at the nearest fiend... a ghoul. The limber fiend looked at its assailant with its glowing yellow eyes and crawled towards them. "Flash!" Mym saw the scene, "Can you stop, attracting, trouble!? By my scales... you're a much better fighter and decision-maker when you're actually angry! What happened to you!?" "Well, we've got our back against the wall." Francesca noted, "What now?" "It's a good thing that I anointed myself with that 'Chocolatiers' painting before we left. Turns out it fills up the mana for skills right from the start! I have my healing skill ready. Or rather... two healing skills ready!" "Use it!" Vixel yelled as he began flinging orbs at the approaching fiends. "Flash has taken much damage as is!" "I'll use my second one!" "So Estelle, I've been noticing," Spoke a kind prince, "Yes?" Rarity asked, acting as if she was directly part of the conversation as Estelle, "I've noticed something about you as a teacher," "Now what could that be?" Rarity thought to herself, "From what I've read, those kids can sometimes be mischievous. Of course, they have been met with the Loving Hand plenty of times!" "Despite your discipline as a teacher, you really do reach out for your students! And you are a fine preacher as you strive to be!" "Why, thank you for your kind words!" Rarity smiled, "Even if I'm not actually a preacher, let alone the actual Estelle..." "But recently, I saw you defending the kids from a nasty fiend ambush... that takes some serious guts," "Huh?" Rarity raised an eyebrow, "I don't recall that written in the biography..." "You're like a Guardian," The Prince complimented with a smile, "And with the Grace of a preacher! A gentle defender and a healer for those kids." "Ahh..." Rarity perked up, "I see now... I think I know what Estelle's second healing spell is called!" Then everything, including the prince, faded into white. "I will protect and heal everyone! Guardian's Grace!" Estelle chanted, swiping the Loving Hand downwards. Instead of hands, an ethereal green shield with the crest of the Ilian Church landed at Estelle's feet. The impact of the shield created a shockwave that raced across the entire room. As the shockwave passes under the feet of each and every dragon and fighter, they all experienced a soothing sensation that lingers, the confidence that they are being watched by a trustworthy defender. "Hey!" Vixel looked at his disappearing cuts, "The effects feel incredibly similar to my Spirited Song!" "HP regeneration," Flash slid himself off McIntosh's back, "Thanks Estelle, I'm ready to go." "Flash," Francesca snapped, "Don't be an idiot! I can tell that the preacher's second skill doesn't heal someone greatly. You've still got those blackened eyes!" "Maybe..." Flash chuckled, staring down the ghoul he nicked, as well as a pair of Shadow Goblins and Gobmancers. "I'd call it a compromise... this is going to be fun." "Flash!" Sweetie yelled as the lancer marched forward, "What are you doing!?" "I'll give you a hint, Sweetie." Flash grinned, "The more I'm close to dying... the fighting spirit within me could be never more than alive!" Flash lunged forward with his spear out, forcefully striking the four goblin fiends and snuffing them out. Then quickly stepped out of the ghoul's attack from behind. Flash swept low, chopping off the ghoul's leg and tripping it over. Then he raised his halberd high and swung it down, forcing the axe-end of the halberd into the ghoul's head. The ghoul roared and jerked around, but Flash pulled his weapon out and jammed it down once again. This time, it was enough for the ghoul to perish and burn away. "You see..." Flash laughed while stretching his neck, "I used the blessing of a particular wyrmprint that bolsters my strength when I'm near death. 'Hanetsuki Rally' I believe it was called. It's some Hinomotoan pastime." "Oh..." Went the rest of the team, "But I do recall that its temporary," Flash noted as he felt the Guardian's Grace mending his wounds, muscles and eyes, "So let's make the most of it!" "Alright then Flash," Estelle shrugged, "Fire away everyone!" "Looks like I got your back again Flash," Francesca moaned, "Let's get this over with quick. My stomach is rumbling!" With a vantage point on their side, the team found their footing in the fight and turned the tables. With their back guarded by a wall, all enemies had to focus on them at the front, and it was perfect for the staff users to focus their fire in one direction, covering their two front liners. Francesca clawed at the two shadow goblins who charged for her. Francesca juggled between which goblin to fight, excessively gutting one goblin while making two wide cuts across the other. She was extremely mad that both of them weren't screaming in pain much less still alive. It was a nice that the three healers were able to deal the finishing blow with their orbs. For Flash, he faced down the three remaining goblins. "This will be easy," Flash smirked as his energy and eyes fully came back, "One!" He hooks one of the goblins by the body and throws him into Cleo, Estelle and Vixel's orb barrage. "Two!" He swings his lance, beheading the second with the axe, "And three!" He spun his staff and stabbed the last with the spike. "That's all the Shadow Goblins taken care of!" Next targets, the Shadow Gobmancers. There were only five left, but they decided to stand at a considerable distance and pelt shadow bolts at them or summon pillars of darkness beneath their feet. "Split up and attack!" Estelle commanded, "Take one each, be careful of the ghouls!" As one gobmancer conjured a circle underneath the heroes, they rolled out of its way before it could claim them, running in different directions. Cleo rolled forward, dodging the shadow bolts sailing at her, then proceeded to give three stunning thwacks on the gobmancer's head. Not letting him retaliate, Cleo charged her mana and let loose her Force Strike, the decisive spell to end the gobmancer. Likewise, Flash, Estelle, and Vixel were able to finish off theirs with ease. Only Francesca had to struggle and even swallowed a pillar of darkness when she stumbled into the gobmancer's range. "Argh!!!" The merchant was launched off her feet, stained by darkness, straight into the slow-moving ghouls. "We got you!" Vixel, Hinata and Flash ran to Francesca's support, repelling the ghouls from their prey. "Ms Cleo! You and me? We Force Strike together!" Estelle warned, "You got it," Cleo nodded, "Yah!" They pointed their respective staffs at the sole shadow gobmancer, and their beams pierced and vaporised it in an instant. "Sweetie?" Estelle looked around, "Where are you?" "She's with me," Mym called back, holding onto the young girl's hand, "Hey Ms Mym?" Sweetie asked, "Why aren't you helping out?" "Call it a precaution... something tells me these ghouls aren't the only things left we have to fight." And last but not least, the ghouls. Estelle tended Francesca's wounds with her Healing Faith, while Flash and Hinata fought their way through the first ghoul ahead of them. Hinata fearlessly rends through the ghoul's flesh with her claws, then Flash jumped in to deliver a few axe-bladed swings with his own. "No kidding! Three swipes, and it looks like he didn't budge! For my buff to run out already, what misfortune!" "I told you! Those guys are beefy!" Hinata sighed, "Get out of the way!" Vixel warned, "The ghoul's going to vomit!" Hinata grabs Flash and drags him just out of the ghoul's purplish-black, burning 'lunch', reaching all the way to the wall. "Holy moly!" Flash shivered, "That is ridiculous!" Vixel said no word. Instead, he rolled to the side of the ghoul and charged his body, "Here's my version of a Force Strike!" Vixel exclaimed, firing the laser. A direct shot to the head, but it still wasn't enough to take it out." "You've got to be kidding me... yah!!!" Flash charged forward and swung hard. A downward, diagonal strike, the halberd landed perfectly on the hole caused by Vixel's Force Strike which allowed it to cut through. With its face cleaved, the ghoul fell over and fizzled away. "That took too long," Flash panted, "And so much energy..." "We've still got eight left..." Hinata gestured towards the growling fiends, "Oh, I've had enough..." Flash growled, "I'm gonna line 'em up and bowl them over!" He struck the halberd across the hard surface, setting it to spark and crackle with electricity. Then he pointed it to the ghouls, aiming to make sure all fiends were in the line of fire, then chanted, "Lance Cannon!" The halberd fired its brilliant blue cannon, ripping through all eight ghouls and fizzled into sparks once it made contact with the ruin walls, "The cannonball doesn't explode? That's a letdown," Francesca narrowed her eyes, "And check it out... even though most of them have lost a few limbs, they're still moving." Sweetie smirked, "Hey Flash! Your Lance Cannon's nerfed!" "I give in," Flash sighed, "I think I've met my match here," "Okay then," Sweetie laughed, "Franny? Sis? Vix? Ms Cleo? Why don't all of you cheer Flashy up by finishing them off? Even if they're not gone in one shot, I don't think they need any more effort and dodging." "Alright then. This is for you Flash!" Vixel smiled as he fired three orbs at the nearest ghoul, putting it down for good. "You've done well," Cleo smiled, Force Striking the one close to her, as well as another one behind it. "You were amazing, Flash!" Hinata laughed, kicking the fourth ghoul across the face, her nails ripping off its flesh. "Hah! Rah!" Estelle took a physical approach, giving the fifth and sixth a powerful slap, slamming them to the ground. "Say nothing about it!" Francesca smiled, creating a small little gash on the seventh ghoul, and it crumbled in an instant. "Thanks, guys," Flash smiled, walking over to the final straggling ghoul and kneeing it in the face. All eight ghouls burst into dust, leaving the dragons, humans and sylvan victorious. "Alright then," Francesca wiped her forehead, "Now that all the enemies are done, let's get going..." But the blue gate barring their way remained standing. Instead of disappearing, ten fiends appeared out of nowhere, surrounding the team once again, "Oh GIVE US A BREAK!" Sweetie threw up her arms in anger. All ten of them were the same, but they were an unidentified type to the team. They were on two legs, large in size, and wearing a suit of armour. Whilst the suit of armour was baffling, the particular giant size of these fiends gave the Preacher and the Merchant traumatic flashbacks. "Oh no..." Francesca looked to Estelle with shaking eyes, "... Golems!" Estelle cried, "And attuned to shadow no less!" "Goddess, I'm pooped." Flash grumbled, "But there's no rest. We've got to mow them down again, build up those skills." "Hey Flash, since you have your own mana circle, do you have a second skill you could unleash?" Estelle asked, "Sorry." Flash shook his head, "I couldn't prepare for that," "Even when three of us are attuned to light, fighting ten golems right after fighting thirty fiends will tire us out," Vixel analysed, "Then it's a good thing I didn't move a muscle," Mym stepped forward, "I hope you understand why..." "Yeah yeah..." Sweetie rolled her eyes, "Just in case of an emergency," "If you wish to fight, then so be it..." Mym chants as she begins to transform into her dragon form, "But let us aid you with the heavy work!" "And you've got me with you!" Hinata saluted, "I'm supereffective against these guys as well!" "So, class..." Brunhilda flaps her wings, "Are you ready for a demonstration?" "Not without me, Flamewyrm!" A grande voice called from above. From the murky fog above, a large figure dived towards the area, covering it in dust and gravel. Before the adventurers very eyes, a mighty gust blew the dust away to reveal a large green dragon. His body and tail were all in scales, with a belly and chest of faint yellow. Yellow spikes protruded from its muscular arms and upper legs, as well as on the lateral frontal part of his wings. More importantly, the dragon had eyes of red, horns curved backwards and upwards, and green spiky hair styled in a way that looks like one of Flash's shows from another country. Everyone (except the fiends) dropped their jaws. The dragon's green colour and mentioning of their teacher's title could only bring up one name. "Midgardsomr!" All the Equestrians squealed with joy, "Finally!" Brunhilda laughed, "About time you showed your old mug, Windwyrm!" "Yes, it has been far too long. Now, how about we dragons lend our strength to our old friend and her new companions standing before us?" "You read my mind!" Brunhilda roared, "Let's get em!" Hinata punched the air, The three dragons took to the air. Brunhilda spun around, unleashing her fire known to reduce one to ash upon the Nightmare Golems, causing their armour to melt. Hinata was craftier. With her small size, she zipped in between the golems, clawing them in places where they couldn't reach, before finishing her show with another dose of her Shining Breath. With the golems half-way through melting and being blinded, the Windwyrm hovered over the middle, "Uh-oh!" Hinata warned the people, "You guys better hit the corners!" "I shall rend you asunder!!!" Midgardsomr yelled. With one nightly flap of his wings, he created six powerful tornados that went in six separate directions. The golems were too large to dodge the Windwyrm's Tempest. All the ten golems remained frozen once the gales zipped through them, then exploded into paper-thin shreds. It was only ten seconds, and ten of the most durable fiends were gone before they could even cause damage. The equestrian and alberian spectators were blue with shock, seeing everything regarding the might of the dragons they ally with. They didn't even notice that the blue gate that barred their way had now disappeared. "My apologies," The Windwyrm landed, facing the humans, "If I have scared you with my might," "N-No need to..." Estelle stammered, "Y-You saved us the trouble of fighting," "Don't be hard on him, guys! Midgard's much calmer and 'rational' than I am!" Brunhilda laughed, "In fact, he's the one who was interested in humans like you! He's the first dragon to be pactbound with Alberius, and my darling!" "I am Midgardsomr," The Windwyrm roared, "The Lord of Maelstroms, master of the Mistholt, and the storm who kept the former King Euden and his companions from harm. It does my immortal body good to see you well, Cleo. And it is an honour to meet you, inhabitants of the world outside the mana barrier." "Sure, the feeling's mutual." Flash chuckled nervously, "I must apologise Cleo. I have consigned myself to this place, never for the time to visit you or the Mistholt, where it is my domain and my home." "It is forgiven Midgardsomr. I know how important it is to mourn," Cleo gracefully replied, "Not just that," Midgardsomr corrected, "While it is true that I am here to mourn, I am here to shield what's left of our lands from the never-ending influx of fiends. When I made my flight to the Dornith Mountains, the fiends had already filled the ruins when I returned." "Wait... you mean fiends were continuously spawning here? That must suck for you; having to stay there to fend them off!" Sweetie exclaimed, "As long as it keeps the land safe, I shall take this mantle till my very last breath." Midgardsomr sighed, "Midgardsomr, what have you been guarding the rest of Grastaea against?" Cleo asked, "A foul source of black mana. Though we thought the shard was drained of it, it has replenished overtime to open a rift for fiends to pour out. It is fuelled by the dreaded source of the Other's power; the Flow Eternal." Brunhilda gulped, Hinata gasped. "What is the Flow Eternal?" Vixel asked, "The Flow Eternal is the river of power used by the Other. It is his strength, his life force, and one too powerful for mere dragons and humans to quell. This is because the Flow Eternal is composed of all negative emotions in the world, exhibited by humans and dragons. Hate, anger, resentment, all the emotions that draw the fine line between men and demons." Midgardsomr answered, "I understand what you mean," Estelle nodded, "It explains why we all feel so worked up. We're reacting to this Flow Eternal thing." "Then it is fortunate that I have come along to see you, Midgardsomr." Cleo sighed, "Thanks to so many people in the Halidom, we have learned to seal away any source of darkness. There is a certainty that I can seal up what's left of this dark shard, now that the Other no longer exists in this world." "Hmm... perhaps you are right. Follow me. The path ahead will lead you to the Terminus, where the corrupted sacred shard lies." "Well, you heard the dragon!" Sweetie encouraged, "So let's get moving-" "Hold," Midgardsomr commanded, "I advise that one of you remain here, or at least outside the ruins." "Wha-!? Who and why???" "I refer to you," Midgardsomr pointed at the merchant, "Huh? Me? What's wrong with me?" Francesca inquired, "I can see beyond your guise of King Euden's companions. Unlike the Preacher and the Conductor of Music, you evoke peculiar energy; one that is neither human nor sylvan. What are you?" "Oh... you mean the real Adagio?" Estelle explained, "Yeah... you're right. She's not human." "So what might you be? Unless you speak, I cannot deem you fit to venture deeper." "Okay then," Francesca sighed, "... I'm what's known as a Siren." "Siren?" Midgardsomr, Brunhilda and Hinata repeated, their faces confused. "I hail from a parallel dimension within the world outside." Francesca explained, "A Siren like me is known to sing and entrance. But with our voices, we can also influence anyone to release and express their negative emotions and feelings. This is what we sirens feed upon, and thus grow stronger." "I see... then that explains why." Midgardsomr nodded, "Though you share similar ways, you are not related to the siren in our world." "Hang on, you have sirens in your world too?" Estelle gulped, "One of different nature composed to your friend." Midgardsomr explained, "But that is for another time. I must apologise. But for the sake of your friends, you must not go any further." "... You're afraid that I can feed on the Flow Eternal..." Francesca deduced, "... And thus regain my magic powers." "What!?" Estelle jumped, "But I thought your amulet was destroyed! You can't absorb negative energy anymore!" "Exactly," Francesca agreed, "As much as I hate to say it, I've become just an ordinary human girl. As far as I know, I can never get back that power ever again." "... I see," Midgardsomr spoke, "My apologies for your loss." "Think nothing of it," Francesca smiled, "I've got a new life now, with Cleo and the four of them. I used to hate their guts a lot when we first met, but as they spent time with me... I'm starting to seem them in a new light... and I'm also trusting them more than ever. I think it goes to say that you four are actually fr... friends." "Aww! Adagio!!!" Estelle teared up, "You are so sweet!" "It's not just you who has a new life, Adagio." Cleo added, "You've given me new life too. A new purpose to live when all my companions had passed away." "That being said, I won't deny that getting close to this Flow Eternal could cause serious problems for me. I've been feeling hungry ever since I set foot in this place. If that's the case, I'd be more than happy to wait here while you do the sealing." "No," Estelle protested, "You're not staying, you're coming with us." "Huh?" Francesca blinked "Are you sure about that?" "Seconded," Vixel raised his hand, "It's as she said. Her amulet is broken. Even if the Flow Eternal doesn't need that amulet, then I trust that she can resist it." "Yeah..." Sweetie nodded, "That's right! If I couldn't trust her, then what type of friend am I!?" "But if something does happen to me..." Francesca shuddered, "You may have to end up harming me!" "From observing you, that situation won't come up." Flash sighed, "And even if it did... we'll snap you out of it. No questions asked, and we promise to not hurt you beyond healing." "She put her life on the line to save me and her home," Hinata shared, "She has a good soul that won't be swayed by desires!" "Yes." Cleo finally agreed, "I trust Adagio too. She has come a long way from when I first met her. No matter what Adagio, I promise to be by your side." "Aww... you guys..." Francesca quivered, "Now you're going to make ME cry!" "If your friends support you, then I should back their confidence." Midgardsomr lowered his head, "But in case you feel ill from what's coming, it is still your choice. You can retreat anytime." "Thanks, Mids," Francesca gave a thumbs up, "I'll remember that," "Then all of you follow me," Midgardsomr started trudging forward, "There is a rift that must be sealed." Beyond where the blue gate used to lie, was a long staircase upwards, into the dark mist that towered over them. The Equestrians said nothing as the scaled the steps and entered the miasma. No complaints, no expressions of being scared. Whether it was their confidence after all that fighting, or with the mighty dragons by their side, no one could tell, nor did they want to bring up the subject. It was a mere five minutes that the party had reached the end. Standing before them, was the room is a large chamber with an altar at the far back, elevated on a podium. Just a bit beyond that, as if it was a part of the wall, rests the rift. It was a black portal swirling inwards, its mere presence warping the space surrounding it. As if the tear within the fabric of space was uncanny, it stagnated the air to make the five Equestrians from the outside sick to their stomachs. "Here it is," Midgardsomr introduced, "The Flow Eternal..." "Yeah..." Sweetie reached, "My stomach muscles are starting to ache." "It feels heavy..." Estelle took deep breaths "Like the feeling of guilt, anger, and sadness, after having a large argument with friends." "Alright then, no more remarks. We need to close this rift right away." Cleo stated, "I shall get onto it," "Is there anything we can do to help close the Flow Eternal?" Flash fumed, "The more I'm exposed to it, the more serious I get," "No kidding," Sweetie nodded, "Your change in tone is back," "No need," Cleo smiled, "I can do this on my own. It may take a while, but we can use this time to rest for when we march back." "Hey Midgardsomr, that reminds me." Vixel turned to the Windwyrm, "After Ms Cleo fixes the seal, do you think you can do us a small favour?" "A favour? State it," "Ms Cleo and Francesca saved our lives when the four of us 'outsiders' ventured to this world. To pay her back, we offered to help her rebuild her home, the Halidom. So for the past few weeks, we've been doing some manual labour, and for finding materials in this world, she lent us the essences of her former allies to clear out any obstacles along the way. Then we met Ms Brunhilda here, and she told us the best way to rebuild the Halidom in a short time is to find you. Do you think you can help us with that?" The Windwyrm stared beyond the Maestro's eyes, and deep into the farmer's. "... I am the Guardian of the Mistholt." Midgardsomr spoke after a few seconds, "Although Cleo was tasked to protect the Halidom since time immemorial, the Halidom is also part of the Mistholt. Indeed, I too see to its additional renovations and upgrades. I am the one who calls the Smithwyrms to work. For accompanying Cleo to seal the Flow Eternal and releasing me of my long burden, it's the least I can do for her and you. As long as you have the necessary funds and materials for the workers, which I am sure there is." "So after all this..." Estelle chimed in, "We've done it. After almost a month, we're finally going to pay back our debt! Ms Cleo and Francesca can begin living in style, and we can finally access more parts of the Halidom!" "You and Cleo should live a lot comfier now," Vixel turned to Francesca, "You guys totally need it given all you've been through." "Despite what I said in the Halidom, it doesn't change how lonely I may get." Francesca rolled her eyes, "How about you visit us more? I promise you after all this, I'll be a bit less annoyed by your presence." "If you insist," Vixel blushed. Indeed, it seemed that things were about to come to a wonderful end. But then something terrible stood in their way. After a few minutes of talking, the ground began to shake. "What's going on?" Francesca started, "It better not be something bad!" "Everyone?" Cleo started to panic, "That would be the portal... it's behaving haphazardly." "This presence..." Midgardsomr sensed, "Everyone, stand back! You too Cleo! Something is trying to come through!" "But the seal-" "Do it! If your mana is still connected, you may be pulled in!" "G-Got it!" Cleo nodded and quickly departed. The portal crackled and roared, releasing purple sparks all over the place. As it did, the gigantic face of a yellow-eyed lion with teeth lining its jaws and two tusks protruding from its furry cheeks, emerged from its dark dimension with a roar. "Oh no!!!" Hinata yelled, "a Manticore!!!" "What!?!?" Francesca turned around, "So Manticores exist here too!" "Oh no you don't!" Brunhilda roared, "You're not going to bring your ugly self into this world! Take this!" She flapped her wings and rammed the Manticore's skull with her shoulder. "Ooh! That's bound to break some bones!" Sweetie commentated, "I didn't see that coming... allow me!" Midgardsomr joined in. He hovered into the sky, and with a flexible twist of his lower body, he brought his heavy and scaled tail down on the Manticore's head like a hammer. This time, the humans and sylvan swore they could hear some crunching. The manticore roared in pain, but it still persisted to move forward. "Hey! I said you're not coming in!" Brunhilda repeated, winding up for another shoulder charge. But the manticore opened its jaw and spewed a purple flame in her face. The Flamewyrm sprung back, "Yeargh!" Brunhilda shrieked, "Ms M!" Estelle cried. The Manticore turned his head towards the Windwyrm, catching him in that very same breath. "Awaaahhhh!" Midgardsomr was pushed back, his scaled corrupted with darkness. "Midgard!" Flash yelled. With the dragons out of its way, the manticore moved forward, revealing its thick purple mane. But it paused again... there are still those small humans as witnesses. The beast had enough breath for this. "Forgive me, Sweetie..." Flash apologised, and pushed Sweetie far from his direction with a kick, "My apologies, Francesca..." Vixel did the same, grabbing the merchant and throwing her further from the manticore. "What was that for-" The two girls started to speak just as the Manticore unleashed his fire once again. Its breath swept across the field, hitting Estelle, Vixel and Flash. Was it not for the latter, the two girls would have also been in the range of the fire. Cleo was at the manticore's side, so she was not hit. Hinata too was fortunately out of its range. "Everyone!" The girls changed their tone. The three light-attuned adventures were blown away by the fire, slamming into the walls and landing in a heap. "A-Are you okay sis?" Sweetie reached for her sister, "Holy... Crap..." Estelle choked, her face and skin turned purple. "I was incredibly wrong... this fiend far overpowers the golems we've fought... and my body hurts so much... I don't know if I can take much more of this..." "No no no... hang in there sis!!!" Sweetie yelled, "Cleo! What the hell was that?" Francesca demanded as she examined Vixel, "Why are the three of them purple!?" "Poison..." Cleo answered as she checked Flash, "The manticore's breath is poisonous." "That's no good..." Sweetie started shivering, "We don't have anything to cure it!" "Don't know... until you try..." Flash grunted, clutching his stomach in pain, "In my bag... stomach medicine... antidote... mum suggested to pack it... pray that modern medicine... can... cure... these... afflictions!" "I got it... Hinata?" Cleo asked, "I'm going to take care of these three... you need to push that thing back!" "Yes ma'am!" Hinata saluted, "Here I come!!! Raaah!" Hinata resorted to a headbutt, colliding with the manticore with all of her strength. Miraculously, the manticore's damages to his skull had it to reel from the little dragon's headbutt, pushing the mane back into the portal. The manticore would not let this stand, but a flaming claw struck his face when it wasn't focusing, followed by another direct strike from a green tail. "You're still okay!" Hinata gasped at the two greatwyrms, "Yes but..." Brunhilda winced, "The Manticore's poison isn't detrimental to our health... but it is weakening our strength!" "Then we must constantly strike!" Midgardsomr panted, "We cannot let this thing emerge!" "I'll do one better, for harming and poisoning my students!!!" Brunhilda retorted, grabbing the fiend's face, "I will burn him then and there! Hraah!" "Wait!" Francesca called, charging forward, "Let go. Let me handle this!" "Francesca!!!" "I can do this! I've been saving my two skills for it!" Francesca yelled, "Let go!" "... Midgardsomr?" Brunhilda looked to him, "Take your best shot, Adagio!" Midgardsomr yelled. "This is the final blow..." Adagio whispered to herself once the dragons retreated, "This is how I can finally prove myself!" In a split second, two footsteps from the manticore's face. She puffed up her chest, breathed in the air, and yelled at the top of her lungs. "Peregrine Blade!" Instead of throwing the dagger, Francesca jumped into the air, and her body was surrounded by the image of the peregrine falcon. The green falcon screeched, slashing the fiend twice with its blade-shaped wings, then twice with its flesh-piercing claws. The falcon then disappeared, leaving the merchant on her feet. "Windwhistler!" With her next chant, the dagger she equipped extended into a large green blade with holes. With the sound of one sharp whistle, the manticore's face was split in two. The manticore could no longer make a noise. Instead, its halved head drooped down and crumbled into the dust like all the other fiends. "You should have pulled your head back in when you had the chance." Francesca sneered, "Oh My Goddess..." Vixel spoke, "That was incredible!" "Vixel!" Francesca turned around with astonishment, "You're okay! But how?" "Modern medicine actually worked!" Sweetie responded. She was patting Estelle's shoulder, who was no longer purple and sitting up straight. "Just let me administer Flash..." Cleo replied while passing a measuring cup to Flash, "And then I can heal you all." "Glug... glug..." Flash raised the cup to his lips and gulped up the tonic. "Ooh... It's... I can feel my stomach feeling better already..." "Yes. It's a miracle that we managed to defeat the manticore at an early stage given our level." Cleo sighed, "Anyway, Elder Cure." "Now that, feels SO much better!" Estelle sighed with relief, feeling the magic rejuvenating her body. "Thanks, Sweetie. I think I can stand up now." "Same here," Vixel stood up, as did Flash. "So uh... is there going to be any more fiends popping out of that heck hole?" Flash asked, "... No." Midgardsomr observed, "The rift seemed to have expended a lot of energy to try and push the manticore out of the portal. It will take at least more than half-a-day to recover." "How do you know that?" Francesca asked, "I have been staying here for more than a few centuries fighting. I have come to observe the shard's behaviour. This is the first time I've seen a manticore appear. However, we were able to stop the manticore before it could cause any damage." "Yes yes... I shall go seal it now. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes. But that is more than enough time." "Finally!" Flash laughed, "We won! We actually did it! Yes!" "Woo!!!" Sweetie and Hinata cheered, "We did it!!!" "Yes..." Estelle smiled, "I feel like striking a pose of victory! Th-That's not weird. Is it?" "Oh don't worry Estelle!" Brunhilda laughed, changing back into her human form. "We all do that!" "Yeah! Group pose!" Sweetie cheered, "Come on Francesca!" Vixel called over, "You're the one who dealt the finishing blow, you're every bit as part of this team!" "Alright then," Francesca laughed, "Just let me... take a deep breath... It was a doozy trying to vary how my skill works." "Francesca..." Midgard spoke, "No... Adagio. I truly thank you for putting yourself at risk." "Woah! Watch the saying there..." She chuckled, "But I understand what you mean. It's our home, I'd do whatever I can to protect it." "It would not harm your reputation if you chose to hold back in fear of the feeding on the Flow Eternal. But still, you fought with us, resisting its influence. Your bonds with Cleo and your friends are truly transcendent." "Oh, you..." Francesca sighed, "Really. I'd say it took a while, but it all worked out. So hey! Are all of you listening?" "Yeah?" Sweetie and the rest of the team turned to face the merchant, "Cleo, Sweetie Belle, Flash Sentry, Big McIntosh, Brunhilda, Midgardsomr, Hinata, and yes. Even you Rarity. Thank you for always staying by my side, supporting me through my toughest time..." Francesca bowed, "Aww..." Went everyone, "... and thank you for being complete fools and idiots!" She looked back up with a wide grin. "Huh?" A dark aura enveloped Francesca. Everyone turned pale. "So this is what the Flow Eternal tastes like! It's... wow... I think I found a new favourite food!!!" "No way..." Midgardsomr's eyes dilated, "Adagio, you did not just..." Flash sternly spoke, "You did not just dupe us!!! How can you just go and start indulging yourself!?" "Hey!" Francesca pouted, "It's a free healthy meal, and I'm hungry! Do you know how many unfortunate people there are in this world that go hungry?" "But you said you couldn't absorb negative emotions anymore." Sweetie protested, "Oh, I meant that," Francesca explained, "If I had the amulet with me, absorbing all the negative emotions from this swirling vortex is easy and I wouldn't have to stay close to it. It's just like how negative emotions can stem from you guys. However..." She turned to the vortex, "The Flow Eternal, rife with negative emotions, feels like mana! And in that case, I can absorb it just by breathing in this air right? The Grastaean way!" "Adagio!" Cleo raised her voice, "Woah woah woah!" Francesca held out her hands, "Calm down! You've still got the Flow Eternal to deal with, right? It's better for all of us if that thing is sealed. I'm nearly finished eating anyway so take your time!" "Adagio, what you are absorbing is not just negative emotions, but also Black Mana mixed with it." Cleo explained, "I won't deny that it has power, but it will drive you into a frenzy. You'll go crazy... insane... go berserk!" "Go berserk? I think that will suit me nicely! I am a siren who feeds on negative emotions after all." "Adagio! Stop it!" Estelle yelled, "I thought we're here to help you!" "And you did! You helped me find a new source of magic to feed on. To regain my powers... so I can return to what I have been since birth!" "Adagio, wait..." Vixel warned, "We don't know what Black Mana is... if you just slurp it up without giving it a shot, you may lose your control over your body!" "Oh Mac, I never took you for the caring type..." Francesca blushed, "But it's too late... I'm full, and I feel more powerful than ever!!!" Everyone froze. Francesca, the merchant before them... No, the siren within the merchant. She was standing tall and proud, smiling victoriously and deviously. "Oh, and for the record, I was intending to dupe you, but honestly? You really needed my help in taking out the Manticore. I had to take in some of that Flow Eternal in order to pull out those skills!" "So what you said by resisting..." Midgardsomr growled, "It was a lie." "I don't know what much about the sirens in your world, but allow me to give you a crash course on the sirens of Equestria. I am a being that spreads disharmony to all inhabitants of my homeland through song, and feed of their negative energies to make myself stronger! Unless you're a dragon who's magic can rival Starswirl the Bearded, your power is NOTHING compared to what I am. NONE of you, scare me!" "How dare you! After all we've done for you and you treat us like this!? I ought to knock you and your ego down a notch!" Mym roared, and her mouth began to heat up. "Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you..." Francesca tutted, "Don't Ms M!" Estelle pleaded, holding her teacher's arm, "We don't have to resort to violence!" "You're right, we don't," Francesca whispered in their ears. The girls jump forward, shocked to see the merchant silently slip behind them, "You guys were being sincere because you like me, and I acknowledge that. I'm aware that long ago, I've manipulated people to become my nourishment. But now, I feel really grateful for you guys doing my bidding. So of course, I'd like to say thank you. To each and every one of you for taking care of me, fighting alongside me, keeping me alive, and to never give up hope, finding my true self again. Oh and Sweetie... I'm a siren of my word. So once I finish up some business, I'll teach you everything about becoming a siren! But don't be mad at me if you can't do anything at all after my one-time-only lesson." "I... argh..." Sweetie growled, "Cleo, thank you so much for giving me a home and a job when I'm was all alone. I'll promise not to bring harm to Grastaea, but don't expect me to come back. Where I'm going, I'm staying permanently!" "Adagio... I took you in so you could see a new perspective of life..." Cleo glared, "Not for a path of destruction and carnage," "Oh! There is just one more person I need to thank!" Francesca gasped. A white circle appeared on Francesca's heart, and the merchant placed a hand inside it to pull something out. The moment she did, a violent pillar of wind engulfed her, spitting out articles of the merchant's hat, clothing, and undergarments. "Eww!" Sweetie retched as she peeled a pair of underwear from her face. Once the wind subsided, the crew stared in disbelief. Floating in the air thanks to a pair of translucent wings was Adagio Dazzle, with a completely new set of clothes and accessories. Glittering purple boots, a vibrant sparkling dress, her fingerless gloves replaced with spike bracelets, her spike hairband growing in length and changing to an ominous colour. The siren beamed at the dumbstruck and fearful faces of her friends and caretakers. Estelle swallowed hard; except for the amulet, Adagio looked exactly the same when she turned into her half-siren form during that musical showcase as she remembered. "Thank you so much, Francesca." Adagio landed, spinning a silver dagger on her fingers, "You're the one who helped provide me a new alias, identity, and a cover-up of my true self so I could get along in life." Then she dropped the dagger and began stepping on it, "But I hate, hate, HATE having to step into your shoes! I hate the fact that I had to masquerade as you! A rabbit with the intelligence of a human! You and the rest of your sylvan kind are scum, just like the humans!" "Adagio! That's racist!" Mym shrieked, "But do you know what I truly hate about you?" Adagio continued, ignoring Mym "The fact that you have needlessly thick thighs and a large bum and bust!" "Ouch," Sweetie cringed, "I knew you couldn't handle body jokes." "But now everything has changed." Adagio stopped her stomping and regained her smile, "The power of the Flow Eternal runs through me. All that hate, resentment, jealousy, so abundant... I can go further beyond!" "Further... what!?" Estelle repeated, "You should be honoured, Rarity. And everyone here." Adagio explained, "Because for after so many years, I, Adagio Dazzle, have the power to break free from the rules of this dimension! I can now return to my true form!!! Hahahahahahahaha! AAAH-HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" With her laughing, streams of orange light began to gather around her body and spin around. The light grew brighter and brighter, and suddenly released a burst of light that blinded everyone in the room. Once it subsided, Adagio was replaced by a long floating hippocampus-like creature (towering over the dragons) that had aquatic features such as fins, fishtails, scales, and yet the face and head of a horse with hooves and front legs. The siren opened her eyes. It was a moderate gamboge in colour. But what was the most striking feature was that on the middle of her neck, just above her hooves and front legs. There was a black hole, with a shadowy flame burning inside. "This is worse than I thought..." Midgardsomr spoke, "I cannot tell whether she is a dragon or a demon." "A-Adagio?" Hinata spoke, "Silence, lizard!" Adagio screeched, "I am more powerful than all the dragons combined in Equestria! Even you, or all five greatwyrms, are nothing but mere reptiles that I can squash whether I feel like it or not!" "Adagio!" Estelle shrieked, grabbing on the siren's tail, "Get a grip on yourself!" "And get YOUR grip off me!!!" Adagio rebuked, giving her tail a firm whip. The preacher flew backwards, hitting the wall. "Sis!" Sweetie cried, "Now with this power... I can grasp more than just the world around me... in fact, I know just where the gateway to go home is!" Adagio laughed as she flew upwards and out into the open air of Grastaea. Out of the corner of her eye, she spots Canterlot High School; the dreaded school where she lost her powers. From there, she could sense the magic of transportation hidden within the statue in their courtyard. Bingo. "Prepare yourself Little Ponies!" Adagio roared, flying towards the direction of a particular mirror, "I will show all of you that I am the strongest magical being in Equestria and one that you WILL bow down to AS YOUR RULER!!!" Back in the ruins, the remaining eight stared at the clouds above them, their bodies and minds shaken, ridden with so many clashing emotions. "Adagio... no..." Cleo looked down, seeing Francesca's clothes. Next to it was the silver dagger, the essence of Francesca. Despite her new boots, the soul seemed invulnerable to her force. But more importantly, the green pactstone pendant had also fallen from Adagio, it's necklet snapped in two. Cleo picked it up and showed it to everyone. "What have we done?" Rarity spoke out, deep from within Estelle's body, for what had transpired struck her and everyone right down to their very soul. TO BE CONTINUED Coming up: The Siren's Dragalia