//------------------------------// // 19 Flashpoint // Story: Trials of A Princess // by Rose Quill //------------------------------// “So where are we going to look?” Twilight asked as the skiff from the Calico swept up to the docks. “For all we know, the Elements were drained after their battle with Discord.” “I know,” I replied. “But something about the Tree felt wrong. It didn’t have the gem of Empathy.” “Maybe you just didn’t see it? We weren’t there very long.” I turned and looked at her. “I know something’s wrong. I can feel it.” Twilight nodded. “Then maybe we should try and figure out where the Bearers are while we head back. I doubt we’re enough to trigger them all without our Alicorn powers.” I frowned. “But didn’t your counterpart say that we still had Alicorn level mana?” She tilted her head in sudden remembrance. “Then why can’t we use it? All the spells we’ve cast have been weaker than usual.” “It could also just be the fact that the Ley lines are easier to access here just means that excess mana is bled off. And you did feel something when Luna raised the moon.” I closed my eyes and reached inside. The node in the back of my mind, where I once held a fraction of Celestia’s power, was still there, but significantly weaker. Before I could stop myself, I touched the bright spot in my mind where the link with Sunshine was supposed to rest. It was still blank and it’s absence ached. “I’m fairly sure we can find Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack easily enough,” Twilight said, changing the topic. “Pinkie will be at her family’s farm if she isn’t in Ponyville.” “We can’t assume it’ll be the same ponies, Twilight.” I turned towards her just as the ropes from the skiff were tossed up to be tied off. “This Twilight has a different cutie mark, Dash and Rarity are vastly different, and Fluttershy is much more outspoken. They aren’t the same ponies we know.” “We could start with them, at least,” she said. “It’ll give us a baseline at least for any changes.” I turned and hopped into the skiff, shaking my head. “We’ll have to figure out a way to scry for them when we get back to the Empire. The Archmage might have a spell that could help.” As Twilight climbed down, she chewed on her lip. “I’m pretty sure that if there is a spell like that I’d know about it.” She sounded a little irked. “Think about searching for it in that library, Twilight.” I gave her a wink. “If it exists, it’s in there. And if not, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” The mention of searching through the library brought a manic look to her eye and she prodded the yeoman. “What are you waiting for? Cast off!” “Surely you’re not leaving us behind, are you?” Turning, I saw Bernie and Moonrose standing on the quay, both decked out with a set of saddlebags. Bernie rubbed at her snout, chuckling. “Something like this, there’s gotta be something worth seeing.” “I have always wanted to see the library of a master mage,” Moonrose said. “I’m quite sure that my services will be quite useful.” I glanced at Twilight, a grin growing on my face. “Well, quit dawdling, then!” I called. “I’m in a hurry to get home to my wife.” When we returned to the airship, the Ibexian was on the deck before the ladder was even lowered. “Slowpokes,” she grinned as she looked around. “Nice ship. Who’d you steal it from?” “It’s on loan from King Sombra,” Tempest growled as she prowled down to greet us. “I don’t want trouble on my ship.” “You took us on easily enough,” I quipped. “You. I had orders to take you to here and back again. They didn’t say anything about these two.” “They’re our guests and will help expedite our search for answers.” Twilight stepped forward and reached out gently to the ill-tempered Unicorn. “It’s only a short hop, and my friend and I will take personal responsibility for their actions.” “If it helps any,” Bernie said, rummaging in her pack. “I brought booze.” Tempest turned around and stalked away. “Ah well,” Moonrose said. “More for you.” The ship turned and began tacking against the wind, returning us to Equestria. And hopefully answers. The earthquake startled Queen Luna out of bed. She immediately yanked her peytral and shoes to her, stepping out from the bedchamber to find her chamberlain Fluttershy flitting about in a panic. The door burst open to admit one of her honor guards, his leathery wings furling to let him land in a short bow. “Sergeant Lunes, what is happening?” she demanded. Shrouded Lunes stood up straight, wings twitching as he snapped to attention. “It’s the Tree, your Majesty. Something’s happening at the Tree. Smoke can be seen from the watchtowers and the quake is creating more cracks in the canyon.” She froze, ears stiffening and wings flaring. “Summon the Archmage,” she ordered. “Wake Gleaming Shield and have her muster the guard.” “Your Majesty?” Fluttershy squeaked, uncertain. “Now, Fluttershy,” Luna urged gently. “You’re the best one at the sending stones, so your request will carry through more swiftly.” The Queen glanced at the Thestral in front of her. “Gather three more guards,” she ordered. “Use your best judgement on whom. And bring Silver Vein along as well. We’ll leave as soon as the Archmage arrives.” “What is happening, my Queen?”  “I’m not sure, but the Tree has been undisturbed for decades. Anything that would try and damage it can’t be good.”  She went and opened an armoire that had been closed for years. Inside was a set of armor, fitted especially for an Alicorn. It still held a few silvered scores in the darkened metal and one of the hinged plates that would cover the wing hung from a single riveted strap. “But we should be ready for anything.”