//------------------------------// // Chapter 17 (Sparity Arc: Start) // Story: War in Equestria: The Tale of Bright Blade // by Michael_Ravencroft //------------------------------// A/N: From here on out there will be shipping of different characters. These may not be your favorite pairings, do I like them, yes, but then again you may not, you may not even be a fan of character shipping. But rest assured that all character relationships as well as the situations they are in are essential to the main plot of the story and then some. Anyway please enjoy, and again thanks for sticking with me this far. Chapter 17: Becoming Pen Pals After a long flight Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy had at last arrived at their destination, Fort Valor. Hoofshire was similar to Canterlot, even though it didn’t have the tall ivory towers; it was still a refined city, full of the best shops and restaurants. The area was almost surrounded by trees; several public parks could be seen from the air as they flew over. About five miles from Hoofshire was the fort, made of polished white stones, it looked more like a castle than a fort. The chariot landed on a tall structure in the middle of the fort, the roof was at least twenty yards long and surrounded with battlements. Guards made up of unicorns and pegasi stood watch, diligently keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity. Rarity couldn’t help but be impressed by the appearance of the fort, “What a beautiful structure, and such lovely scenery, shame it’s being used for something as ghastly as war,” said Rarity, as she jumped off the chariot. “The forest looks sooo big, I can’t wait to see all the animals,” said Fluttershy. Just then the three mares were greeted by a strong yet beautiful pegasus mare. A dark cerulean coat, a windswept black mane, dingy yellow eyes, and a cutie mark of a flaming arrow. The pegasus saluted the trio, which made them shift uncomfortably, not used to being saluted. “My name is Ballista, captain of the 502nd Aerial Corp. Squadron. On behalf of my fellow soldiers and the commander of Fort Valor, I would like to extend my greetings and heartfelt thanks for your assistance in this time of crisis,” said Ballista. “Oh dear, please don’t act so formal, we’re ladies and allies here,” said Rarity. “Yeah you gotta loosen up,” Pinkie Pie quickly rushed over to Captain Ballista, and using her often time abnormal strength, started to shake her up. Captain Ballista tried to protest, but whatever she said was being garbled by the vibrations. Pinkie Pie let Captain Ballista go; she woozily started to stumble back and forth, her eyes spinning in different directions. “There you go, how do you feel now,” asked Pinkie Pie. “Ai fwshel swuck…” she muttered. “Pinkie Pie, I think you shook her a little too much,” said Fluttershy. Ballista shook her head a bit to regain her senses, “No, no, I’m fine. Thank you for your concern Commander Fluttershy.” “C-C-Comman-d-der, I’m a Commander,” asked Fluttershy, suddenly nervous at hearing her rank. “Of course, by order of the Princesses the bearers of the Elements are to be given equal rank with the commanding officer of the fort. So in a sense, the three of you, along with our current commander, are the ones in charge of the fort,” explained, Ballista. The three friends didn’t know what to say, they knew that they were there to help in fighting against the Daemoni, but they never imagined that they would be given leadership status. Suddenly Fluttershy’s knees gave way and she started to fall, before Rarity could use her telekinesis to stop her Ballista dashed forward at great speed and caught the fainting cream colored mare before she hit the ground. Pinkie Pie and Rarity let out relieved sighs. “Wow nice catch there Belli!” said Pinkie Pie. “‘Belli…?’” After a minute to let Fluttershy regain consciousness, Ballista led her new Commanders to the War Room to meet the current Commander of the fort. The mares couldn’t help but admire the décor and furnishings of the halls, portraits of regal, royal ponies, some possibly either soldiers of their time or very wealthy. It was very different compared to Ft. Avalon. I suppose if I had to live in a fort, this wouldn’t be too bad, thought Rarity. The whole time they walked down the hallway Captain Ballista would look back to them, almost as if she wanted to ask her a question. “Darling if there’s something on your mind then please, by all means, ask,” said Rarity. Ballista seemed to have winced at having been found out so easily, then again Rarity knew how to spot a poker face. “I-I was wondering, since you arrived from Ft. Avalon, did you happen to meet an earth pony Major named Broadside,” asked Ballista. Rarity wasn’t sure, but she might’ve detected just a small hint of worry in her voice. “Was he a rather large and tall pony, kind of gruff, and bit on the rigid side?” Ballista nodded, “Then yes dear we’ve seen him.” "Was he alright when you left, he wasn’t injured or anything was he,” asked Ballista. “Oh no, he was just fine,” said Fluttershy “Oh, oh, is Major Broadside your special somepony!?” asked Pinkie Pie. “WHAT!!!!????” shouted Ballista, louder than she probably intended. She then began to make gaging and spitting sounds, as if what Pinkie Pie said left a bad taste in her mouth. “No, oh Celestia, the Major is my father!” corrected Ballista. “You’re father, but your – and he’s –!?” stammered Rarity. “I’m adopted,” said Ballista, plainly. “Oh…” they said at the same time. Once that was cleared up Ballsista continued to lead them to the War Room, before them were two heavy mahogany doors. The Captain took a deep breath and sighed heavily; she brought up her hoof and began to knock on the door. From inside a snobby, rather obnoxious voice answered back, “You may enter.” Rarity froze upon hearing the voice; her mind raced a mile a minute. No, it can’t be!? It’s just not possible!! A magical aura then fell over the doors as they started to open slowly. Oh please don’t let it be who I think it is! Sweet Celestia please don’t let me be right! Once the doors were fully open Rarity’s suspicions were, unfortunately, confirmed. A unicorn stallion with a light gray coat, amber mane, brilliant arctic blue eyes, and a cutie mark of a compass rose. It was none other than the, not so princely, Prince Blueblood. Rarity at that moment was wishing with all her might that she could turn invisible, but to her dismay she could not. Prince Blueblood was busy looking at a map of their battlegrounds, not even taking a minute to look up and greet his guests. "Sir, Commanders Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity have arrived from Fort Avalon,” said Ballista, saluting. At hearing the last name Prince Blueblood’s head shot up immediately, their eyes met, and instantly they were both filled with instant disdain and anger. “YOU!!” said Prince Blueblood. “Yes me,” replied Rarity. “When Aunt Celestia mentioned the Element bearers were coming to my fort, I didn’t think she meant that you country ponies were who she was talking about!” said Blueblood, with a polite yet peeved tone in his voice. “Actually sir I informed you of their identities not an hour and a half ago,” said Ballista. “Did I give you permission to speak freely,” asked Blueblood. “No sir.” “Then don’t.” “Yes sir.” Rarity and Pinkie were angered by the way Prince Blueblood talked to Ballista, Fluttershy was also mad, but stayed behind her friends slightly scared of Blueblood. Rarity stepped up and stamped her hoof on the floor, “Now see here, that is no way to address a lady, much less one of your own soldiers!” The Prince grunted dismissing the fashionista’s words, with an even firmer tone Rarity spoke up again. “Listen ‘Prince’ Blueblood, despite our misunderstandings I would ask that, for better or worse, we work together. Since we’ll all be running this fort we should at least –” “Excuse me did you say all of us?” Prince Blueblood began to chuckle, cutting off Rarity midsentence. “Let me tell you something,” Blueblood began moving from behind the table. “You may be Commanders, but as far as the chain of command goes I supersede any and all orders you give, in short I’m making the rules,” said Blueblood, haughtily. Pinkie Pie broke from the group and got in Prince Blueblood’s face, staring him down. “Oh yeah says who,” asked the pink party pony. Blueblood averted his gaze, not wanting to look the “peasant pony” in the eye. “Ahem, in accordance with Article 31, Section D-47, of the Military Code of Ethics: ‘When dealing with leadership issues (pertaining to officers of equal high rank) it then becomes a question of experience and knowledge. If there is such, than the more experienced/knowledgeable officer gains the position of First in Command, and all subsequent are delegated to second, third, etc.’” quoted Blueblood. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy looked to Ballista, since their knowledge of military code was lacking. She said nothing. Then upon remembering, Rarity let out a frustrated sigh. “Captain Ballista is this true,” asked Rarity. “Yes ma’am, it is true. As it stands Commander Blueblood is the commanding officer,” said Ballista. “I sorely protest that argument, the three of us have already experienced and fought in a battle, I doubt you even fought in your recent one,” to this Rarity looked to Ballista, who gave a quick nod as to confirm what she said. “Well then what do you have to say for yourself.” Blueblood’s horn started to glow, moving Pinkie Pie out of his way, and placing her behind him. “Have you studied military tactics, been taught strategy by some of the greatest and oldest pony soldiers of past eras, undergone rigorous magic training.” He paused for a few moments, letting the information sink into the mare’s brains. “No, didn’t think so. You take orders from me, will execute my battle plans as I see fit, and if you go against me, Element bearers or not, I will have you brought in for insubordination. Is that understood, ‘Commander’ Rarity?” Rarity gritted her teeth as Blueblood leaned in and stared her down, daring Rarity to give him an excuse to do just that. She felt an overwhelming urge to call forth her armor and teach him a well-deserved lesson in etiquette and manners. Rarity took a quick glance around the room, at Fluttershy shaking in slight fear of the situation, at Pinkie Pie who seemed just as ready as she was to pounce on Blueblood, and finally her eyes met Ballista’s, silently telling her that whatever she was thinking of doing was a bad idea. Swallowing her pride and her mounting anger, Rarity conceded. “Yes sir, Commander Blueblood,” said Rarity with venom. “Good, Captain Ballista, show our guests their quarters. Briefing will be at 1500, dismissed,” said Blueblood superiorly. Rarity was helped out by Fluttershy, followed by Ballista, and Pinkie bringing up the rear and blowing raspberries at the pompous prince as they exited. Once the doors were closed Ballista, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy released a tension filled sigh, all except Rarity who seemed to be very composed and collected. “Um, Rarity, are you alright,” asked Fluttershy. “Of course I am darling why ever would you think I wasn’t,” asked Rarity, patting Fluttershy on the head reassuringly. "Because you looked like you wanted to throw Commander Blueblood through a wall,” said Ballista. “Oh perish the thought,” Rarity looked to Pinkie Pie, eyeing her tail. “Pinkie how thick would you say your tail was?” For the first time in a long time, Pinkie Pie was surprised by a question more random then she usually asks. Pinkie looked to Ballista and Fluttershy who gave a shrug. “I don’t know, it’s really curly, so I guess it’s pretty thick,” answered Pinkie Pie. “Mind if I have a see?” Pinkie Pie gave no objections, curious to see where this line of questioning was going. Rarity took Pinkie’s tail into her right hoof, and with her left she poked it examining the pink pony’s tail. She even gave it a quick sniff, which disturbed the others a bit. “Oooh, it smells like cotton candy, pardon me for one second.” Rarity took a deep breath; she then buried her muzzle in the pink earth pony’s tail. Whereupon the others heard a muffled scream coming from the pink, curly, fluffy, tail, audible to them, but probably inaudible to anypony else beyond their range. After a while Rarity came back up for air, letting Pinkie’s tail fall back down to its original position. “Thank you ever so much Pinkie Pie,” said Rarity politely. “You’re welcome,” said Pinkie Pie smiling, happy she was able to help her friend. “Wow, if you don’t mind me asking, what did you do to tick off the Commander!? I’ve never seen him get that angry before,” asked Ballista. It was Fluttershy who spoke up, regaling Ballista of the events at the Grand Galloping Gala almost two years ago, a tale that brought back memories of her own disappointment that led to her eventual rage freak out. Nonetheless when the story was over Ballista grinned, “Well then I say this calls for a drink, Hoofshire Cider on me ladies,” announced Ballista. I think we’re going to get along swimmingly, thought Rarity. With that the four mares left for the mess hall, led by their newest friend Captain Ballista. *** 2 weeks later *** “This is most annoying,” commented Rarity. After having not seen any enemy activity in a while, the soldiers of Fort Valor received word of an incoming horde of Daemoni, luckily word had gotten around about the newest versions of the demonic creatures, allowing all Commanders of each fort to prepare proper countermeasures. Hoofshire is a city surrounded by trees and mountainous areas, the only real route to the city was a rocky clearing some ways away. This allowed the army to create an absolute defense line, which funneled the Daemoni ground forces, leaving the bulk of the battle to the Aerial Corp. squadrons. Divisions of the Brawn Corp. and Mage Corp. made up the frontline, attacking the oncoming horde. By the orders of Commander Blueblood, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity were to remain behind with platoons of their own as a sort of Calvary Division. Prince Blueblood was trying to make sure the three mares didn’t see combat. “I know what you mean,” said Ballista, hovering over them. “I-I don’t mind, I really don’t like fighting,” said Fluttershy. “But you turned into a giant Ursa Major and took on a hydra, a Dark Hydra,” stated Pinkie Pie. “Y-yes, but that was only because it hurt Bright Blade, and was going to hurt everypony else,” Fluttershy started to hide her face behind her long pink mane, and then drew circles in the grass with her hoof. Neither of the mares were in armored form, in fact they didn’t see the need to summon it from their position, but they still wore the necklaces, ready to act at moment’s notice. Hours later the enemy had given up, the absolute defense line was held. Even the winged Daemoni began to take their leave. “Looks like it’s over,” said Ballista, disappointment in her voice. Prince Blueblood had given Captain Ballista the, unsavory, order to watch the Element bearers closely. Which meant that the Captain and her squadron were placed at the back of the line, as opposed to when they were up front, protecting the skies above the frontline soldiers. Just then an all too familiar voice rang out through the Iris Callers. “The enemy is in full retreat; all forces are to return to the fortress immediately,” ordered the Prince. “So sorry about all this Ballista, if it wasn’t for us you’d be up there. Fighting the good fight as it were,” said Rarity. Ballista sighed, “It’s alright, if I have to do the Commander’s *cough* dirty work *cough* at least I’m in good company.” The soldiers of Fort Valor marched back, with pride in their hearts, knowing that they had stopped a second attack. As happy as many of the ponies were Rarity was still fuming over the arrogance and idiocy of Prince Blueblood. Unfortunately there was not much poor Rarity could do around the fort. Fluttershy had ventured into the woods nearby in search of new animal friends, Ballista was off doing combat training, and Pinkie Pie was busy doing – whatever it was Pinkie Pie does. Leaving the fashionista bored almost out of her mind, and with the constant presence of a certain stallion her movements around the inner halls of the fort was restricted, not wanting to bump into him, or see him for that matter. Humph, maybe I should take a trip to Hoofshire, anywhere as long as I –! “So you were transferred here from Canterlot, you say?” And there he is. Rarity had unknowingly walked down the hallway that led to Prince Bluebloods office. She was about to turn away when she heard another voice, one that was very familiar and comforting to her. “Yes sir, Private Spike reporting for duty Commander Blueblood!” said the voice excitedly. No it can’t be, why would he be here of all places, thought Rarity. Without a second thought Rarity rushed to the edge of the door frame, in a rather unladylike manner, Rarity cautiously took a peak behind the door. She quietly gasped as she confirmed the identity, it indeed was Spike. Wearing, in her opinion, a rather adorable blue vest with a badge over his right side, in the center of the badge was a red quill embroidery. Private, why in the world would you…!? “Yes, quite, now for the duration of your stay I would like you to attend to our records room, their scarcely in need of proper filing,” ordered Blueblood. Rarity quickly left the doorway and dashed halfway down the corridor, she waited for a few seconds and with her back turned trotted in the opposite direction, slow, but not too slow as to not be spotted by a certain purple dragon. It didn’t take long. “Rarity…!?” She stopped after hearing her name, turned her head, and gave him a warm smile. The purple dragon ran down the hall and stopped. “It is you!” “Naturally, how many mares do you know who look this fabulous,” said Rarity, waving her hoof through her mane. “I heard about what happened at Ft. Avalon, I couldn’t believe it,” said Spike, eyeing Rarity’s Element necklace. “Trust me I’m still trying to adjust to all of this, but what are you doing here Spikey? I thought Twilight and I made arrangements for you stay with my parents,” asked Rarity. “Well it’s a bit of a long story,” said Spike slightly embarrassed. “I’m all ears,” replied Rarity. Rarity led Spike through the fort; the whole time Spike was telling Rarity why he had joined the UEA. Apparently Spike was feeling unneeded and was a bit angry at himself for not being able to do much for his friends during the war, or even before it started. So the little guy made a decision, steeling himself, he joined the UEA even though he was given the rank of Private; he was put in the position of File Clerk. Rarity could tell the little dragon was a little disappointed. Poor Spikey, probably wanted to help in a much bigger way, although I can’t help but feel that this is a better arrangement. Their walk finally ended at the roof of the central building in the fort. Celestia’s sun was now touching the edge of the horizon, signaling the end of another day. Spike looked through one of the battlements, staring out into the setting sun; he let out a heavy sigh that concerned Rarity. “Spike is something the matter,” she asked. “I heard that Bright Blade was able control his power, he can become an alicorn stallion whenever he wants now, even before then, he was put on the battlefield with Twilight,” said Spike. “Spike, you do realize that Bright Blade is a – how shall we say – special case,” said Rarity. “Yeah, but I’m a dragon, and I could help more if I could do the same!” “Uh, you do recall the incident when you became a full sized dragon?” Spike winced, he did remember, even now he was still kicking himself for becoming that greedy rampaging monster. Even more so for ponynapping Rarity, if he knew how to control that part of him, that full-grown dragon form, he could be of better use then filing records and sorting through paper. Spike was about to say something but stopped when he heard a crash behind him. He jumped up and flipped around, taking a defensive fighting stance, and ready to take on whatever intruder dared attack them while their backs were turned. A greyish coat, blonde mane, pegasus had made a crash landing. She looked up at them with her odd eyes, having finally focused on the two of them she smiled and waved to them. “Hey Rarity, hey Spike,” said the pegasus. “I think you can relax Spike,” Spike came out of his defensive stance, a bit embarrassed that he had overreacted. “Hello there Derpy, what in Equestria are you doing here,” asked Rarity. “Oh yeah, mail call! I’m delivering private messages to the ponies fighting in the war. I was asking around and they said you were up here, so here,” Derpy reached into her saddlebag and grabbed a letter with her teeth. Rarity eyed the letter and saw that her name was on it, she used her telekinesis to levitate the letter out of Derpy’s mouth. When she inspected the letter there was a heart on it and the words “To: Rarity,” from the looks of it there was no senders name, or return address. “Derpy where is this from,” asked Rarity. “Don’t know, it was sent directly to Air Ex, so I’m not sure who sent it. Well I gotta go – oh and before I forget! There was this unicorn saying something like, ahem, ‘Why isn’t that dragon at work yet,’” said Derpy. “Oh horse apples, see ya Derpy, later Rarity!” Spike quickly took off down the stairs, a few seconds later Derpy Hooves flew into the air, off to her next destination. “Well then let’s see what we got here,” said Rarity, she opened the letter, unfolded it, and began reading. Dear Rarity I know this is completely out of the blue, but with this war going on I felt that it was time I put some of my feelings into words. My name is Fire Heart, a unicorn from Canterlot, you don’t know me but I saw you a few times when you were staying at the Royal Palace. I also witnessed what you did for your friends during the garden party, and I must say, after seeing your resolve and loyalty towards your friends I was truly moved. Rarity paused for a moment, trying to think back to that time. In all honesty she wished to forget some of what happened, especially the part when she tried to divide her presence between Twilight’s birthday party and the garden party. But now that she did think back she couldn’t remember any other pony, much less a unicorn, paying her much attention. Oh sure she did turn a few heads here and there, puppy love stuff, but none that really stood out. Nonetheless she continued reading. Please don’t mistake me, I have no ill intentions towards you, in fact I really…I love you. I know that it’s completely absurd to ask you if you feel the same way about me, you don’t even know me. That being said I would like to get to know you better as well Rarity. You don’t have to write me back, but if you do decide to there’s a way for us to send letters quickly back and forth. On the back of this letter is a magic circle. It’s specially designed to send the letter directly to me, all you need do is energize the circle with a bit of magic, place your letter on the circle, preferably folded, and it will be sent in the blink of an eye. You do not have to return my feelings, I’ll completely understand if you wish to have nothing to do with me. So forgive a young stallion’s amorous showings, but I had to tell you. Thank You, Sincerely Fire Heart Rarity was flattered by the letter, she was sure that the name Fire Heart was an alias, but the fact that the poor colt went through this much trouble just to inform her of his feelings. “But honestly, to think I would be so callous as to not acknowledge such another ponies feelings!” Rarity placed the letter back into the envelope and trotted down the stairs. Once Rarity was in her quarters she placed the letter on her bed and moved to the desk. Using her telekinesis she took out a quill pen, parchment paper, and some ink. Rarity then began writing her reply letter. Dear Fire Heart While I do appreciate your heartfelt expression of love towards me, quite frankly, as you’ve said, I know nothing about you. So for now I cannot, in good conscious, reciprocate your love. However, if it is fair to you, I would be delighted to have you as a friend, a Pen Pal as it were. Frankly I wouldn’t mind having a conversion, even if it is through exchanged letters, with another unicorn who wasn’t an obnoxious, pompous, arrogant…! Ahem, but I digress, if this is okay by you then I will await your reply, but if not I am truly flattered, and sorry. Sincerely, Rarity Rarity placed the quill pen in the ink well and started to neatly fold the paper. She then took out the letter from the envelope and flipped it around; sure enough there was a magic circle just as Fire Heart had said in his letter. She put the folded piece of paper on the circle; Rarity then brought her horn close to the circle and released a surge of magical energy. The circle glowed and let out a quick flash, and just like that the message was gone. Rarity had decided to get ready to head to bed, not knowing when her reply would come. She had just come out of the shower when Rarity saw a flash of light in her room. Removing the towel wrapped around her head, Rarity’s horn glowed as she brought the new letter to her field of vision. Afterwards she smiled. *** Unknown Location – Enemy Base *** In the large chamber there were walls made of carved stone and granite, passages that shot out in different directions, and a large pair of doors that measured fifty feet tall and was decorated with strange markings. In the center stood the mastermind behind the war, Tikara Balak, with the lovely Queen Chrysalis leaning next to him. “They’re late…” said Tikara Balak. “Have some patience my lord, they’re last message said that they had found it and that they were on their way,” consoled Chrysalis, nuzzling the side of Tikara’s neck. “Oooooooooooo, Tikara and Chrysalis sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” Chrysalis looked overhead to see the Spirit of Chaos, Discord, floating above them. Making various rude gestures and kissing sounds. “Don’t you two make the cutest couple?!” The queen shot the draconequess a dirty look, daring him to say one more word. Before any carnage could ensue the evil trio heard some noises coming from one of the passages. In bumbling and somewhat comedic fashion three large beings ran into the room. Three dogs with diamond studded collars ran up to them, and then bowed to the dark alicorn and his two generals. “Hail lord Tikara Balak,” they said in unison. “It took you three long enough, did you acquire the item that I sent you for,” asked Tikara Balak, his voice void of any emotion. With a shudder the lead Diamond Dog, Rover, spoke up. “Oh yes we did Lord Balak, and it’s a beautiful item indeed – Fido!” The smaller Diamond Dog rummaged through his vest and pulled out a rather large dark green gemstone, Fido held up the gemstone to which Tikara Balak levitated it with his telekinesis. Tikara Balak inspected the stone, looking for a chip or a crack, anything that would confirm that the mongrels mishandled it. Satisfied that the gemstone was unscathed Tikara turned his attention back to the Diamond Dogs. “Good dogs, now I need you three – and only you three – to go to the mines below Canterlot Castle,” ordered Tikara Balak. The Diamond Dogs traded confused glances with each other, there were mines under the castle in Canterlot? “Um, Lord Balak, we do not know where those minds are, and, if I may ask, what do you need from there,” asked Rover. Tikara tilted his head towards Discord, who then gave a frustrated sigh. Discord made a piece of paper appear in his lion paw, to which he dropped it in front of the Diamond Dogs. “That is a map that will lead you to the mines and back. As to what I want from there, is the diamond like crystals that make up most of the mine. Go now and bring back as much as you can carry, and then some, understood!?” “Yes Lord Balak!” with that the Diamond dogs quickly picked up the map and ran off down one of the tunnels. “Lord Tikara what exactly are you going to do with that gemstone,” asked Chrysalis. Tikara Balak began to chuckle, it echoed with such a dark tone within the stone base it made even his two generals shudder in fear. “Let us just say that I’m feeling………generous……” After being assigned to Fort Valor Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were greeted by – the less then princely – Prince Blueblood. Luckily they were able to make a new friend in the pegasus mare Captain Ballista, who seemed to have as much disdain for her commander as they did. Amidst all this Rarity has seemed to find some small solace in her secret admirer Fire Heart, will this exchanging of letters lead to something more? Meanwhile Tikara Balak is hatching a new scheme from behind the shadows!