//------------------------------// // Act IV: Scene 2: The Tide Begins to Turn // Story: Summer Sun, Dawning Chaos // by CTVulpin //------------------------------// Silence reigned in the library for several seconds as the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony filed into the library. It was broken briefly when Pinkie caught sight of Yu-san’s bad eye, gasped, ran upstairs, and returned with an eye-patch for him. Once the eye had been properly covered, however, the awkward silence resumed for another few seconds with nopony moving a muscle. “Twilight,” Cadance finally said in disbelief, “Is that really you?” “It is really us,” Twilight answered levelly, “Now, Spike, everypony, just take a step away from one another; we’re all on the same side.” “But,” Spike said, bewildered, “He… you… and Rarity. Gone.” “I’m here now Spikey,” Rarity said, levitating the mind-blown dragon off Ash’s head and onto the ground, “and while I don’t know what our good friend Ashen Blaze here has tried to explain already, I think you should all just sit down and listen to what we have to say.” “Ok,” Cadance said cautiously. She nodded at the guardsponies and they backed off from the Order-naries, who put a bit more distance between themselves and the guards and sat in confident silence. Twilight and company explained everything they knew, how Discord had somehow managed to embody Ash’s dark side as a separate pony and let it loose on Ponyville to capture the Elements of Harmony and the Order-naries, how they’d been temporarily trapped in an alternate reality populated by bald ape-like creatures, and how Yu-san Maesi had arrived unexpectedly with a way to allow the exiles to return. “However,” Twilight said after concluding the tale, giving the five out-worlders a curious look, “it would appear there was an error in the theory that flying in on the ship would prevent you guys from turning into ponies again.” “It worked until we opened the door,” Ash said with a rueful shrug. He then gave Cadance a grin and asked, “So, Madonna Cadenza, since you seem to be in charge, what say you?” “That,” the alicorn said slowly, “is a very incredible story. Too incredible in fact. I’m sorry Twilight. I want to believe you, but with all that’s going on… I need to be sure you are who you say you are.” Twilight gave her sister-in-law a pained look, but then her ears perked back up as an idea came to her. “The Elements!” she exclaimed, “They won’t work for just anypony. Give me a second; I’ll go get my tiara.” She jumped up and trotted up the stairs. “Wait,” Cadance called after her, “It’s not… up there… anymore.” She frowned as Twilight ignored her and disappeared into the bedroom. A few moments later, Twilight emerged with her Element – a magenta gem shaped like a six-pointed star set into a golden tiara. Cadance’s jaw dropped as the lavender unicorn descended the stairs and presented herself for inspection. The alicorn shook herself out of her stupor and probed Twilight and the tiara with her magic. “That’s it,” she said in amazement, “the sixth Element and… Oh Twily, it is you!” She caught Twilight up in a hug, her whole being radiating a joy that infected everyone present and lifted the air of suspicion right out of the room. “I can hardly believe it,” Cadance said, releasing Twilight after a moment, “After Ash, or the evil Ash…” “We’re calling him Thamule for convenience,” Soul offered. “Thamule then,” the princess said, “After he made off with Applejack and Rarity, we tried to find the Elements for safe keeping, but we came up empty-hoofed.” “This was right where I always keep it,” Twilight said, tapping the tiara, “on a high shelf in my room, practically in plain sight. It’s interesting actually; when I was trying to fight off Thamule he said he’d been trying to find Fluttershy’s Element necklace but hadn’t been able to, and I know Fluttershy keeps it in her nightstand. The jewels must have hidden themselves somehow when we were thrown out of Equestria, but now that we’re back they’ll be back too.” “Except mine,” Applejack said glumly, “I was wearin’ it when I tried ta save Rarity from Thamule, but I wasn’t wearin’ it when he threw me through the portal. He probably took it.” “Actually,” Spike said, “after he got away with you we found your Element laying on the floor of the Carousel Boutique. I’ve been keeping it safe under my gem stash.” He went into the kitchen and returned a moment later to hand the Element of Honesty to Applejack. “You were keepin’ it with the gems you eat?” AJ asked as she put the necklace on. The orange apple-shaped gem became noticeably brighter as it rested against her chest. “It’s not like I just shovel them into my mouth without looking,” Spike retorted, “and I know better than to try biting into a gem that might be magic anyway.” He grimaced, thinking back to when he’d been petrified after ignorantly trying to eat Tau’rin’s Emerald of Earth “Awright, no harm no foul little guy,” Applejack conceded, giving the dragon an apologetic pat on the head. “Oh, by the way,” she asked after a moment, “What did y’all do with my hat?” “Your family has it,” Cadance answered. AJ nodded gratefully. “So,” Ash said, looking at Cadance and her armored companions expectantly, “are we good now? You believe us? Then what’s the situation, exactly? Don’t leave anything out.” When Cadance didn’t respond immediately, he pressed on, “Come on m’lady, I didn’t brave the infinite void to get back here just to tell you you’ve been blaming the wrong pony. I need to put that pseudo-Meis in his place and- mph!” Heart cut off his tirade with a hoof to his mouth. “Give the girl some time to process,” the golden-yellow pegasus chided. “Well,” Cadance said after a moment, “Now that you’re all back our other problems shouldn’t be so bad. Thamule has somehow coerced the local Diamond Dog pack into staging repeated attacks against Ponyville, and I’m sure you’ve seen the results. They’ve tried to dig out the foundations of several buildings, and come to the surface every couple of hours to fight with insane fervor for several minutes before withdrawing. Their eyes are blank and they’re nearly implacable until whatever clock they’re working under runs down.” “What about Thamule himself?” Ash asked, “What has he been doing?” “He hasn’t been seen in town since Rarity and Applejack were taken,” Cadance answered, her wings starting to fidget uncomfortably, “but yesterday, shortly after the Dog attacks began, Shining Armor and I received a note that convinced him that Thamule was threatening to try something against aunt Celestia. Shining went to Canterlot, and I haven’t heard anything from him since.” “Oh no,” Twilight said fearfully, “Ash, I have to go after him. If he tried to fight Thamule and lost…” “Try to stay calm Twilight,” Ash replied, taking an authoritative stance, “We’ll get on that as soon as possible, but I don’t want anypony going against Thamule without the full force of the Elements of Harmony backing them up. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy, go get your necklaces and meet me by the Lirin. In the meantime, I’ll see what I can find out about these Diamond Dogs.” “Right,” Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow said, turning to leave but then pausing when they realized Pinkie wasn’t joining them. “Uh, Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow said, poking the pink pony, “He said your name too.” “I heard,” Pinkie said dully. “Then let’s go,” Rainbow said, flying around to give Pinkie a push toward the door. “We need you darling,” Rarity said, “I know we can count on you.” Pinkie just shifted uncomfortably, looking down at the floor. “Wait, I know what you need,” Rarity declared brightly, “You haven’t had any of your favorite baked goods in days! Let’s go get some sugar into you.” With help from Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, she got the pink pony up and out the door, heading for Sugar Cube Corner. “I could go fer some of the Cake’s cookies mahself,” Applejack said, following the group, “Good luck with those oversized varmints Ash.” The unicorn in question nodded in thanks and then looked around the room. “So,” he said, “Is there a pattern to the dog attacks, or do we need to go spelunking for them?” Sergeant Bastion eyed him warily. “I don’t like the notion of you being seen walking free by the civilians at the moment,” he said. “Even if I’m seen helping to stop the attacks?” Ash replied, giving the unicorn guard a sideways look. They held each other’s gaze for a moment, and then Ash’s eyes slid sideways in thought. “You may have a point though,” he conceded, “I was planning on not having to deal with mistaken identities and whatnot. Heart, Soul, Gale,” he looked to his team, “take one of the Dogs prisoner and bring it and everything it’s carrying here.” “Right-o boss,” Soul said, and then turned to Bastion and came to attention adding, “If you’ll have us, sir?” “Join the patrols on the north side,” Bastion said after some thought, “They strike around there the most often.” The Great and Powerful Trixie and her troupe were officially broke, and Trixie was now fully convinced that she and Ponyville were a match made in Tartarus; for her to enter the town limits was to invite trouble and possible career destruction. However, between being out of money and supplies and the Diamond Dogs attacking anypony they saw, leaving just wasn’t an option at the moment. Fortunately for the rag-tag thespians, Maggie Pie had proven her worth by arranging temporary employment at Sugar Cube Corner. The bakery stood as a candy- and gingerbread-themed bastion against both the physical attacks of the cave-dwelling canines and the emotional distress that followed. For the most part, the five ponies had been put in charge of keeping the customers orderly and distracted from their troubles through light entertainment, but Cabbage Patch spent most of her time in the kitchen helping with the baking. The current clientele consisted of half a dozen off-duty Guardsponies and just as many civilians, which was a surprisingly large number under the circumstances. Most ponies were more concerned with trying to protect their homes and businesses or rescuing what they could from ruined buildings, but every now and then a pony or two would wander through the door looking for sugar and a respite or head back out to brave the world again. Each unexpected ringing of the little bell on the door was greeted with a halt in activity as the occupants turned to identify the newcomers. The atmosphere was one of tension and worry, which Trixie and her crew fought to break through for their own benefit as much as for anypony else. Trixie and Barnacle Salt were in the midst of an escalating war of outlandish bragging, to the amusement of the guards and Lyra, when the door was all but thrown open and a loud, brash, and far too cheerful voice asked, “What’s hanging ponies? Can I get a couple rounds of cupcakes?” Eyes widened, jaws dropped, and a tray Mrs. Cake had just unloaded a fresh batch of sweet rolls from clattered to the floor as five mares, led by an unmistakable cyan pegasus, entered the bakery. “Yeah, you’re seeing things right,” Rainbow Dash said with a proud smile and a vain strut as she crossed the floor, “The Dash is back, too cool to stay dead.” “Really now Rainbow Dash,” Rarity, rolling her eyes, “must you make such a spectacle of yourself?” “Somepony has to,” Rainbow replied lightly, “so why not me?” She looked around at the ponies who were still staring gob-smacked at her and the four ponies with her. “All right,” she said, “somepony say something already. This isn’t a museum.” Lyra was the first to recover her senses, although her eyes remained wide in disbelief as she stammered, “R-rainbow Dash?” “The one and only,” Rainbow replied in her typical attitude, and the braced herself as she, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack were mobbed by hugs and questions from the six non-guard customers. Pinkie Pie somehow managed to evade capture and began plodding solemnly toward the stairs, only to be intercepted at the foot by Maggie, who grabbed her in a big, tearfully joyful hug. “Oh Pinkamina, I’m so glad you’re ok,” the grey earth pony said, “What happened to you?” When Pinkie didn’t return the hug, Maggie held her out at arm’s length and got a better look at her shortened and straight mane. “What happened to you?” she repeated with worry, “I can’t remember the last time I saw you so glum. Do you want to talk about it?” Pinkie muttered something inconclusive and Maggie escorted her over to an unoccupied table, where they were quickly joined by Mrs. Cake bearing a large slice of chocolate-frosted chocolate cake. In spite of herself, Pinkie’s eyes started to sparkle as the sight of the cake and she began to eat it, savoring each huge bite as she took it. By the time she was done, a bit of curl had returned to her mane and she smiled at the motherly blue earth pony with gratitude. “Feeling better now Pinkie?” Maggie asked. “A little, yes,” Pinkie said, “I’ve had a really bad time though. I’m scared I might never smile again… I mean really smile.” Maggie and Mrs. Cake both stifled a gasp and looked at each other. “Maybe you just need more cake,” Mrs. Cake said with a forced smile, and then walked off to go get some. “Were Trixie’s ears deceiving her,” Trixie said, coming over to the table, “or did she hear the Element of Laughter saying she can’t smile?” “I may have been exaggerating just a teensy bit,” Pinkie admitted, but a depressed frown creased her face as she let her head slump onto the table. “I see,” Trixie said, “it must have been really bad then, whatever happened to you. Trixie notices that Twilight Sparkle isn’t with your group here…” “She’s at the library with Princess Cadance,” Pinkie said, “She probably just didn’t feel like having a sweet treat with company like me… Too random and unreliable.” “Now hold it right there pardner,” Applejack said, excusing herself from the group that was listening intently to Rainbow Dash describing her experience in Valden and coming over to Pinkie’s table, “Don’t you start depressing yourself again. You should know better than to take anythin’ at face value if it comes by way of Discord. Yer the best darn party-put’er-on in all of Equestria. Ponyville wouldn’t even be half as bright and happy a place ta live in if it weren’t fer you.” “Trixie wouldn’t have lasted half as long in this town without your encouragement,” Trixie said, “I remember how you didn’t think twice about having my and Twilight’s back when we were caught in that body-sharing incident, and then there was your enthusiastic volunteering before the Summer Sun Celebration. I wish every show had a pony like you in the audience. Or, the pony you normally are, rather.” Pinkie tried to respond, but before she could form the words Mrs. Cake came back with two slices of cake for her, which she ate with unusual delicacy as she thought. “Pinkamina,” Maggie sad as her sister chewed, “don’t forget how many lives you’ve changed for the better by being the way you are. Susan and I may follow less exciting paths in our lives, but we always look to you as an example. You were the first of us to get your cutie mark after all.” Pinkie finished off one piece of cake contemplatively, and then hopped out of her chair to grab the ponies around her into a hug. Her mane sprang up into loose, frizzy curls, nowhere near as wild as normal but a significant improvement. “Thanks everypony,” she said, “I feel lots better now.” “Ashen Blaze, would you mind if I asked you a question?” “That depends on the nature of the question Madonna Cadenza,” Ash replied, not looking away from the upper-story window he was gazing out of, “Ask.” “Your… double said he was being loyal to his original purpose at Rarity’s home,” Princess Cadance said, taking a seat next to Ash, “I assume he was referring to your past, so could you clarify what he meant?” Ash pursed his lips for several moments before answering. “As Meis Thamule, despite my ability and status, I was nothing more than one piece in a vast and imbalanced chess game. While I directed the action on the front lines, the decision of which Meis and cadre would go after which target lay solely with the Master of Shadowstar. The first time I truly took the initiative is when I fled the empire, stumbled upon Taryn by sheer luck, and consciously changed the purpose of my life. This Thamule has either accepted Discord as his ‘new’ master and is executing his will, or he’s trying to do what would be expected of him in the Shadowstar Empire even though he likely thinks the Empire is destroyed.” “And what, exactly, would be expected?” Cadance asked. “Three simple things,” Ash said darkly, “Crush all resistance, subdue or destroy the government, and take control of the planet in the name of the Shadowstar.” “How likely is it that he’ll succeed?” Cadance asked, worried, “assuming you, the Order-naries, and the Elements don’t do anything.” “The meis that failed its mission was useless to the Empire,” Ash answered, “and as far back as I can remember, I’ve never seen a meis be replaced. Of course,” he added with a smirk, “I’ve never seen a meis try to take on something powerful enough to control planetary orbits as their day job. Nor faced the sort of skills those kids are packing, for that matter.” He pointed to the window and Cadance turned her head back to it and looked outside. Soul Mage and Gold Heart were returning to the library with a medium-sized Diamond Dog in a red vest held above their heads in the ethereal blue glow of their collective magic. Gale followed shortly behind them, favoring one leg and bearing a look of discomfort on her face. The group was being escorted within a ring of Royal Guards. The Dog struggled against the force holding him, but to little effect besides occasionally forcing the twins to slow down and refocus their effort. “I think I recognize that pooch,” Ash murmured as he turned away from the window and headed toward the stairs. In the main room, Twilight had also caught sight of the approaching group through a window and was holding the door open for Heart, Soul, and their load by the time Ash and Cadance arrived. Soul entered the library first, and then the twins carefully guided the Diamond Dog inside without letting him touch the ground or the doorframe. “One brainwashed sentient canine, as requested,” Soul announced as Heart entered and the pair brought the dog to the center of the room for scrutiny.” “Brainwashed?” Ash asked, squinting at the dog. “Yeah,” Heart said, “Just look at its eyes; there’s nothing there.” “They fight like full-blown berserkers too,” Gale added as she limped over to lay down by a wall, “Just enough self-preservation instinct to repay whatever hits them two-fold.” “I’ve seen worse,” Ash said, eyeing the struggling Dog up and down, “Berserk fighters that is. The spell-work on this guy is superb. He’s completely covered with networked weaves inside and out; he might not even be aware that he’s a puppet. Of course, every large and continuous spell has a weak point somewhere…” He poked and prodded the several areas of the Dog’s body, and then started going through the pockets of his vest, levitating out a small collection of gem shards. Ash dropped the shards one by one of the floor until only a long, slim purple one remained floating in the orange aura of his telekinesis. “Spike,” he said, floating the shard over to the baby dragon, “eat this.” “Excuse me?” Spike said, eyeing the unicorn suspiciously. “At least bite it in half, please,” Ash said. “Nu-uh, no way,” Spike said, pushing the gem shard away, “Not if it’s got magic in it.” “Fine, make things more difficult for me,” Ash grumbled. “Not to complain too much,” Soul said, evidence of strain in his voice, “but Red-vest here is getting heavy.” “Steady,” Ash said, “We need to disrupt the matrix inside this –whoa!” The gem suddenly disintegrated as Ash applied his magic to it, and his horn flared briefly with magic feedback. He dropped the shard fragments and stared at them in stunned silence. Meanwhile, the Diamond Dog went limp and was lowered to the ground and released from Heart and Soul’s weary grasp. Once freed of the spirit-magic, the canine sat up, looked around, and started to panic. “No!” he exclaimed, “No ponies! What you want with me? I’ve done nothing!” He noticed Ash and his eyes narrowed in anger. “Wait,” he growled, “You, pony with the weird eyes, you were skulking around our caves, and… But this isn’t the caves… What’s going on pony? Tell me.” “Why don’t you start with the last thing you remember,” Ash suggested with a calm smile, “and then I’ll see if I can fill in the gaps.”