//------------------------------// // Sarosians of Gibbous Sanctum // Story: Ofolrodi // by Imploding Colon //------------------------------// With Wildcard and Seraphimus lost from sight, Rainbow Dash kept her eyes locked on the blue-coated mare in armor before her. Even as they traversed a winding corridor drenched in shadows, she waited patiently for her and Ariel's new chaperon to speak. It wasn't long until Rainbow was repaid for her steadfastness. Once their guide had ascended half a flight, the mare came to a scuffling stop. Wordless, the other two female guards trotting along with the group relaxed in place, gripping and leaning on their spears. Rainbow watched as the sarosian representative removed her helmet, revealing a peppery mane of mixed blue-and-gray threads. Tossing her hair loose, the mare took a breath... more of a long-winded sigh. It was around that moment that Rainbow's nose noticed a spicy scent wafting down from the next level of the Tree just beyond the ascending corridor. It was pleasant, homely, and calming. Like lavender mixed with cinnamon. Even Ariel looked more at ease, her wings and tail hanging limp as she too took a moment to properly inhale and exhale. Now that Lexxic was no longer nearby, Rainbow's head felt clearer. Heavier. She felt more sure of herself—her muscles and her might and her motion. Her five ghostly friends even appeared brighter and more colorful than they had been over the past two dozen hours. How long had her entire world been... drained because of him...? What's more, Discord was nowhere to be found. So invested was Rainbow Dash in reveling in these renewed sensations that she didn't realize their new guide was coming out of a fog of her own. The two made eye contact—ruby to slitted—and it was Rainbow Dash who jumped the gun. “It's like you just ran a marathon,” she said. Her eyebrow arched. “And here I thought I was the one who flew in from all the way across the plane.” “Do forgive me, W'ynlppa yln H'luun,” the mare spoke, shuddering slightly. “Every time I have to speak with the Commander... is an exercise.” “Do you not trust him?” Rainbow asked, causing the guards beside her to fidget in their armor. “It's not that.” Their guide frowned. Her leafy ears drooped. “I simply... do not like him.” “He leads your troops, doesn't he?” “And you think we—the Dark Vigil—approve of this war?” The mare's eyeslits were intense, stabbing. “Or of any war?” “You've certainly lived with one long enough,” Rainbow said with a shrug. The mare stood in stern silence. Ariel spoke up: “You just called her the 'Avatar of Luna,' didn't you?” Her eyes narrowed. “Does that mean that you believe—?” “At the moment, I do not believe in anything,” the mare interrupted her. “The Imperial Guard only concerns itself with necessity. I leave 'truth' to the Council and the Elders.” “Well...” Rainbow shrugged, producing a tiny smirk. “Maybe they will be just as impressed as you were by the Element's zappy-zap thing just now.” A playful wink. “Blessing kiss of the Mother of Nightmares and all that.” The chaperon's lips pursed. Her eyeslits darted about—as if she was attempting to piece together the juvenile jargon Rainbow had just used. “Quickkkk!” Pinkie Pie hissed ghostily into Rainbow's ear. “Reset button! Hit ittttt!” “Ahem...” Rainbow delicately cleared her throat. “Let's start over, shall we?” She smiled, holding a hoof out. “My name is Rainbow Dash. I'm from Equestria.” “So you're not just Penumbran...” The mare's eyes narrowed, ignoring the gesture. “...you've been foaled under the Deceiver's Glare.” Twilight and Rarity exchanged glances, mouthing those last few words. “I... like to call her 'Princess Celestia,'” Rainbow Dash said. “And—y'know... she's not perfect. But she means well. Better than I think you guys remember. Butttttttt... I know that's not easy to be convinced of after nearly a thousand years on the run and battling crazy evil armies under the stars.” “No.” The mare shook her head. “It's not easy.” “Glad we can... agree on one thing.” “Perhaps... more than one... I hope.” The mare stood tall and at attention. “Since you have proven more than respectful, I must pay your sign of good faith with equal return. I am Captain Xandraa of the Imperial Guard. So long as you reside in the Tree of Mothers, both your liberties and your well-being are my responsibilities. From now on, you are not allowed anywhere unless I expressively give you both consent and accompaniment. Is that understood?” “Absolutely.” Xandraa's fangs showed. “If you choose to violate the restrictions that have been placed upon you and your companions, it is my place to restrain you by any means necessary. Even lethal.” “That... doesn't particularly surprise me,” Rainbow said, nodding. Ariel cocked her head aside. “Are we guaranteed litigious solicitors in the event of a trial?” “... … ...” Xandraa merely stared at her. “S-sorry...” Ariel smiled bashfully. “Just... tr-trying to break the tension.” “There is no need for tension,” Xandraa said—more like hissed. “We are all sisters here.” Rainbow Dash looked at the half-filled circle branded into Xandraa's neck. For a brief moment, she looked back past her flank—down the curved passageway of stairs that led to the lower levels and the laborers still sweating away within. By the next breath, Rainbow turned back towards the Captain and threw on a crooked smile. “Hey, who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? Even if she is on the bottom half of the world.” “Hmmm... funny...” Xandraa's cheekbones almost broke into a grin. “...we always thought of Penumbra as the 'underbelly.'” “Ha ha ha!” Ariel slapped her own knee. Xandraa and her two fellow guards glared at her again. “Eh heh heh...” Blushing furiously, Ariel trotted backwards, huddling low behind Rainbow Dash. “Is... uh...” Rainbow coughed delicately, looking back up at the Captain. “...is my griffon friend truly not allowed up here?” “You mean the one whom Lexxic detained?” Xandraa stared down haughtily at the petite pegasus. “I assume he is male?” “You got that right.” “No. He is most certainly not allowed to ascend any further up the Tree.” “I see.” Rainbow cocked her head aside. “Isssss... there a reason for that?” “That is not for me to explain to you.” Xandraa swiveled around and paced up the steps at an icy pace. “Come. I have detained you and your friend long enough, avatar. The Dream Council await.” Rainbow trotted briskly after their guide. “Will they explain things?” “I can only assume so.” Xandraa's leather wings tightened under the armor. “Granted... they will most likely expect many explanations in return.” “Well, Luna's nip—!” Rainbow instantly blanched, and then blurted: “Land's sakes! Uh... boy howdy do I have lots of... uh... Penumbran gab to give 'em!” Applejack looked at her anchor funny. Rainbow waved her silent with a wing, cleared her throat, and continued speaking to the Captain. “But... as for my griffon friends. Both of them—” “They will not be harmed,” Xandraa said. “You know this for a fact?” Rainbow arched an eyebrow. “Considering how you seem to feel about Lexxic—” “That creature is many things,” Xandraa muttered, the hard lines in her muzzle growing harder. “Arrogant. Egotistical. Crude. Brutish. Unorthodox...” Rainbow blinked curiously. “But...?” Xandraa sighed in defeat. “He has proven time and time again to be a stallion of honor. To his fellow brothers in arms—yes. But, more importantly, he's proven honorable to the authority of the elders and the sanctity of the Book of Saros.” “Ah. So that's why you tolerate him.” “Grnnnghhhh...” Xandraa audibly grumbled. Rainbow smiled, muzzle wide. “Right. Questions for the Dream Council to answer.” “And I don't envy the labors ahead of them...” Xandraa slowed slightly as they approached a dim light from the summit of the winding corridor. “We are entering Gibbous Sanctum, the High Polished of the Tree.” She looked back over her shoulder. “Stay close to me and my mares. And do not speak to anyone until we have reached the Dream Den.” “Oh... by all means...” Rainbow Dash. “I mean... heck... I'm not really all that chatty myself. But Ariel here?! Pffft! Can't get her to stop yapping!” “Huh?!” Ariel suddenly snapped to it. She frowned. “Hey! Don't start making—!” “Stuff it, Ariel! Sheesh!” Rainbow rolled her eyes, wearing a dumb grin. “Again with you!” Ariel huffed, cheeks red and pouting. “Now I know how Wildcard must have felt around Bard.” “You're welcome,” Rainbow said. “Hrmmmfff...” Xandraa led them into the scented glow of the next floor. “Penumbrans...” “...and they would vote on security measures for the Talon to enforce in multiple Prefectures,” Seraphimus was explaining. She, Wildcard, Lexxic, and his subordinates trotted out of the main body of the Tree, emerging once again upon the bottom-most dais that stood before the open roots at ground level. The steam and smoke of various industries wafted towards them—obscuring the already dim runelights within the dome above. “While the council consisted of separate and equally represented tribes, the establishment and ratification of laws was performed state by state.” “And it was your position to enforce the enacted laws of... this Rohbredden continent...?” Lexxic remarked. “That is correct.” “As the... Right Talon of...” “Verlaxion.” “Ah. Indeed.” Lexxic nodded, his helm bright and pale like a lighthouse beacon in the haze. “A most curious coincidence that a creature with such noble function would find herself here—having crossed both the brinks and the bleaks to arrive so inexplicably at my home.” Seraphimus raised an eyecrest. “I take it you don't believe me.” “Mmmmm... your words hold merit.” “Can you be quite certain of that?” Seraphimus asked. “It's an awful lot to take in—much less willfully digest.” “I imagine I am quite the sight,” Lexxic said, smiling as he gestured a hoof towards the helm. “Am I any less believable?” “The... surface certainly begs questions...” Seraphimus looked his facade up and down. “The substance—even more so.” “Heheheh...” Lexxic chuckled. “It strains us. To be burdened with explanation. To have to guard with tongues as much as with tassets.” He nodded. “I admire the zeal it takes to hold one's own, in spite of the inevitable hurdle. To shamelessly deposit the suspension of disbelief in another's court is a maddening offense, indeed.” “I don't particularly care what you make of my history,” Seraphimus said, pacing towards the edge of the dais while Lukaas and Azarias looked on. “Goodness knows, I hold less and less regard for it myself.” “Curious.” Lexxic pivoted vaguely in her direction. “For it is a lot to give up... to embark on such a perilous quest.” Wildcard glanced over at him. The First Son of Nightmares continued: “To give up the nation of a Goddess in order to dive into darkness, forsaking light and mirth and more.” Lexxic's helm tilted slightly to the side. “Or perhaps did something burn all those beautiful bridges for you?” Wildcard glanced at his former Commander. Seraphimus looked halfway towards Lexxic from where she stood. “You should be asking Rainbow Dash those questions.” She exhaled hard through her beak nostrils. “She's been on a longer 'dive' than me.” “And am I to believe that you support her?” “... … ...” Seraphimus turned to face him completely. Her charcoal eyes narrowed. “For a blind stallion, you're curiously perceptive.” Lukaas' muscles tightened. Frowning, he made to snap at the griffon—but Azarias held him back. Meanwhile, Lexxic was chuckling. “Ha ha ha ha... And who ever said that I was blind?” Seraphimus had no reply. “Since we're in the mood to presume things...” The First Son paced towards her. “Humor me, if you will: there are six tribes to you nation, yes?” “Five, technically,” Seraphimus said. “From a congressional standpoint.” “Ah. Right.” Lexxic tapped an invisible block in the air. “That's the part that caught my attention. Let me see...” He tongued the inside of his pale muzzle before pronouncing: “Earth Ponies, Unicorns, Pegasi, Griffons, Sirens... … ...” His words trailed off. Seraphimus filled it in: “Wyverns.” “Right. The wyverns. Their governmental representation was practically non-existent by the time you left, if I recall your explanation correctly.” “It's quite complicated...” “Is it, though?” Lexxic tilted his helm. “When a race's time is up—it's up.” Seraphimus' eyes narrowed. “They could no longer sustain a population sizable enough to possess equal congressional representation.” “And—no doubt—the rest of your nation's governors made ample consolation in order to restore the past norms...” Seraphimus clenched her beak tight. She looked away. Lexxic tilted his face up—as if responding to her motion. “Did they not?” “Actually...” Seraphimus fumed—but her voice was laced with as much guilt as anger. “...in a fit of paranoid xenophobia, many of the wyverns were hunted down in their very homes... and falsely charged with crimes that they did not commit.” “Mmmmmm... so there it be...” Lexxic turned towards Lukaas and Azarias, grinning. “The burn from the Glare.” Seraphimus' crestfeathers lifted somewhat. “Rohbredden is far away from Rainbow Dash's homeland and her beloved 'Celestia.'” While Azarias and Lukaas shuddered from the mention of that name... ...Lexxic replied without hesitation. “And yet, it sears all the same, anywhere in Penumbra.” “Is your home entirely devoid of cruelty?” Seraphimus asked. “Cruelty with a purpose is a weapon, and we have spent all our lives sharpening it. As is our station. Honestly, Commander...” Lexxic drew closer to her. “...I suspect you know—as well as I do—that there are some creatures that exist solely to be hated. And we—the sons of Nightmares...” His fangs showed. “...we were foaled into suffering. It's our lot in this corporeal world, which is why—so long as we exist—we shall always be in exile.” “Yes.” Seraphimus nodded. “Rainbow Dash has informed me much about the Civil War that your kind were plunged into nearly a millennia ago. A pity to have enjoyed so little peace and too much strife.” “Oh, it didn't start with war, Commander,” Lexxic said. “The misery began with our foaling. For we were never meant to exist in the physical to begin with. It's the world... that has warred with our essence since the first screams at starlight.” Wildcard's feathery brow furrowed. Seraphimus likewise looked confused. “I'm... afraid you have me at a loss...” “No offense, Commander, but I didn't expect any better. And I doubt I can from Rainbow Dash.” Lexxic leaned his smile at an angle. “Tell me—regarding the wyverns. When your kin hunted them down... did they kill every last one of them off?” Seraphimus visibly blanched at that. “Goddess, no...” “Mmmm... then you are indeed at a loss.” Lexxic paced towards his Second and Fifth, speaking as much to them as he did to Seraphimus. “Cruelty exists in every creature. Efficiency... is something else. This war... this society... this civilization would never have come to fruition...” He paced until he had turned around to face Seraphimus once again. “...had the powers in charge several ages ago...been fully committed to proper endings.” He weathered a bittersweet sigh. “So long as those wyverns live—their pain shall live... and no scarcity of life will ever stop the spirit for retribution or vengeance. Whichever comes first—it matters not. Misery will fill the gaps in between, and what was once cruel imprisonment will turn into a war for an exile—and then some.” Seraphimus slowly shook her head. “Not every ill-begotten race is the same as you.” “I'm quite aware of that.” Lexxic chuckled. “And that's why all who pale in our shadow should be afraid.” Wildcard's beak muscles tightened. Her rubbed his neck with a metal talon—contemplatively. “I rather like him,” Lexxic said, pointing straight at the Desperado—actually making the silent griffon jump. “He has an awful lot to say.” Seraphimus exhaled. “You'll find he's short on words.” “Which speaks volumes.” Lexxic tilted his head in Wildcard's direction. “If only half my brothers were so committed in speech—we'd have won the war five campaigns ago.” “What—are you recruiting?” Seraphimus asked. “I suppose that depends,” Lexxic said. Silence. Wildcard... performed several talon motions in the air. Lexxic leaned back, looking deadpan beneath his helm. “Am I to assume he's conveying information?” Seraphimus translated: “He says 'I only serve one Commander. She's speaking to your elders right now.'” Lexxic let loose a sad breath. “Another soul in exile.” A slight smirk. “I suppose that's the best qualification yet.” Wildcard looked none too happy at that response. “But—where are my manners...?” Lexxic waved a hoof. Lukaas and Azarias joined his side as he marched slowly down the dais and into the roots of the Tree. “The elders have suspended their instructions for the time being—save for the one that still has me posted here. For once, I have time—and not drones—to kill. I might as well fill that length with something meaningful.” He waved at the two griffons. “Come. No doubt you have much to see in order to... report to your 'commander.'” As Lexxic began trotting away, Seraphimus drifted closer to Wildcard. The two former colleagues stood side by side, staring on with cautious glares. “His eloquence... is ever so slightly eclipsed by his malice,” Seraphimus declared. The Desperado nodded. He hand-signed: “Thank you for reminding me.” “Who says I was reminding you,” Seraphimus replied. Wildcard gave her a double-take. With a calm gait, she followed after Lexxic. A nervous Heraldite shuffled quietly behind. Velvet. Silver. Dark mahogany. Rainbow Dash wasn't certain if she had stepped into the upper lair of the Bloodwings or a luxury hotel suite. She, Ariel, and Rainbow's ghostly companions stared all about—gawking—at the lush furniture, cushioned seats, and extravagant upholstery of the Tree's interior curving before them. The interior was dim—but a comfortable dim. Tiny silver pinpricks of light glittered across the darkly-painted ceiling. Dark etches of cosmic swirls and nebulaic constellations were studded with runic stones—enchanted to glow just faintly enough to cast a silver-bluish sheen across the hazy interior. Incense burned in multiple places. While downstairs—in the hall of New-speaking laborers—the incense was a deterrent to foul odor, here it was a luxury... and an opulent one at that. Mixed scents of spicy and calming fragrances caressed Rainbow and Ariel from all angles. Both mares didn't know whether to giggle or fall asleep; the cool dim glow from above certainly didn't help them keep their wits as vigilantly as they preferred. Sheer curiosity—and duty—kept them trotting after Xandraa's figure. The corridors here were very thin. No longer did they trot down long gaping hallways that pierced the center of the Tree. Instead, it felt as though they were rounding the massive circumference of the structure. As a result, they passed several bends—and each obstruction concealed-then-revealed newer and more colorful examples of the Bloodwings' lofty eccentricity. For one, many of the mares Rainbow and Ariel saw were old. Well past fifty to sixty winters. For their age, they looked healthy—far healthier than most of the soldiers under Lexxic's command. Some were even plump, teetering on obese. Their manes were splendid works of art, many of which were braided in ridiculously elaborate fashions, predominantly gray or smokey charcoal in color. Still, Rainbow couldn't get more details concerning the mares' physicality, because most sarosians here were dressed in silk and satin fineries: gowns and robes and dresses that sent Rarity reeling with each incarnation. The fashionista cooed at all the splendor—noting from the condition of the stitching that the silver-and-purple ensembles were clearly hoof-me-downs, likely carried on by generations upon generations of matriarchal possessions. The ponies here took little notice of Rainbow Dash and Ariel. Xandraa trotted slowly through the corridors, her pace and stature calm—likely so as not to stir up any concern. If so, it worked: barely any sarosian took more than one glance at the guarded procession. They simply went about their business—which consisted of lounging about on cushioned seats, reading from various scrolls while gossiping, painting on leathery canvases, and various other... hobbies. At one point, Rainbow and her friends came upon a chamber filled with beautiful and delicate music. They found a cluster of about two dozen mares—both young and old—forming a living crescent around a musical instrument that sounded like a harpsichord. There, a tiny pony sat. A filly—the first Rainbow had seen since departing from Bleak's Plummet. A few more female foals in purple velvet dresses squatted around her. They and the adults listened intently as the child performed the final movement of a jaunty ballad. When she was done, the audience hissed and applauded lightly. An elderly mare leaned in to hug the instrumentalist from behind, murmuring words of encouragement into her ear with warm moonwhinny. Rainbow craned her neck, eyes narrowing. When a few of the sarosians moved about or talked, she could see their rich collars shifting. They had one thing in common with the sarosians from further down in the Tree: branding. In this case, a half-filled circle... same as the seal that marked the lower entrance to this place. It was the same mark that Xandraa possessed on her flesh. “Gibbous Sanctum,” Twilight Sparkle remarked as the group moved along. “It's just like—” “The moon phase. Eeyup.” Applejack tilted her hat back. “Well ahead of ya, Twilight.” Twilight pouted. “Well, forgive me for thinking out loud.” “Dun mind my sass.” Applejack huffed, glaring at all the lavish ornamentation of the place and ponies around them. “I just get awful sore in places that feel so... so... Manehattany.” “Manehattan?!” Rarity scoffed. “Don't be so daft, Applejack! This place shames the likes of Manehattan in terms of splendor and artistic quality!” Her eyes were positively starry as she stared about. “Not even Trottingham is this luxurious!” “But that's the point!” Applejack frowned, pointing down past the plush rugs beneath them. “Downstairs was practically Tartarus compared to hereabouts! Where do these ponies get off livin' high-and-mighty off the backs of their own destitute brothers and sisters?” “Just because the Bloodwings live in balance does not mean they live in fairness,” Fluttershy said in a melancholic tone. “Mother Nature has always done it better than ponies. And what's so 'natural' about the way the Dark Vigil has been living for a thousand years?” “It just dun sit right with me, is all,” Applejack grumbled, floating forward with her forelimbs folded. “These ladies are settin' themselves up for a mighty big fall.” “I dunno—if you ask me, they seem set for life!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. She looked towards Rainbow Dash. “Tell us—Dashie—before Rohbredden, didja witness a nation of creatures living as wacky and bonkers as this?!” Rainbow Dash's eyes locked on hers. Her brow furrowed—but she said nothing. “Pinkie...” Fluttershy floated closer. “She can't talk right now, remember?” She gestured at the chaperon ahead of them. “Xandraa asked...” “Oh riiiiiiiight...” Pinkie stuck her tongue out. “Cuz Celestia forbid that Dashie should rain on these hoity-toity-buttdinskies' parade!” “Just what are they doin' up here anyways?!” Applejack blanched. “A whole lot of lyin' around and yawnin' and nothin'?” “Maybe we should go back downstairs to the war camp,” Rarity said with a waggle of her eyebrows. “Surround Applejack with hard-working military stallions. Help her get her essence back.” “Meh.” “Girls... girls...” Twilight chided. “Let's not get distracted by what we like or don't like about this place. Focus on what's beyond the surface!” “How can we?!” Pinkie pouted. “Tombstone-Head's got all our senses confuzzled!” “But he left Rainbow's presence minutes ago!” Twilight exclaimed. “Haven't you noticed the difference?!” Pinkie held a blank expression. Her ears perked up. “Oh yeah...!” “Come to think of it...” Rarity rubbed her ghostly marshmallow cranium. “...I-I'm feeling a great deal of clarity!” “Oh gosh...” Fluttershy looked around at the many ponies. “I-I didn't even realize it... b-but I was making a mental headcount of the ponies all this time! It feels just like it did back in Blobstain!” “So, that confirms it, ya reckon?” Applejack remarked. “As soon as he goes away, we gain our second sights back...?” “Seems the most sound hypothesis to me.” Twilight pointed at the inner curve of the corridors that they were passing. “Somewhere—beyond those walls—is a massive entanglement of magic.” “What do you mean by 'massive entanglement?'” Pinkie Pie asked. Twilight shook her head. “I don't know. But it feels like a mix of the spells that were cast back at Bleak's Plummet...” She gulped. “...and the time that the weapon fired at us and the dihmers.” “Ya mean the fake moon?” Applejack's freckles contorted. “Ya sense it now?” “That—or what's left of it for the moment. It's hard to say.” Twilight looked at Rarity. “Rarity? What do you sense?” “This is simply fantastic, darling...” Rarity rubbed her head, breathless. She gaped at the other mares. “There is a great hollow... as if this far up the Tree—it turns into a stump... with a massive central chamber that opens up to the sky about ten stories above us!” “Ten stories...?” Fluttershy remarked. “So we're not even that far up the tree.” “Actually, I suspect we're about halfway,” Rarity remarked. “That last ascending corridor we took—along with Xandraa to get here...?” “Yes...?” “That's precisely where the hollow starts. Here—the Gibbous Sanctum and onward—is elevated above the chambers with the laborers.” “It's like separate districts to a city,” Twilight suggested. “Exactly.” Rarity nodded. “This Sanctum appears to be a set of interiors hollowed out of the curve of the tree that remains around the central core. I sense more stairwells leading upward into at least two other levels. That's around where the branches start.” “I sense ponies spread sporadically above us,” Fluttershy interjected. “Some located far out beyond where these walls are located.” She looked at Rarity. “Perhaps they live in the branches?” “Seems as good a place for living quarters as any,” Rarity said. “As if this portion of the Sanctum wasn't opulent enough! Oh! I wonder if Rainbow will get a chance to sleep there!” “I-I don't know, Rarity...” Twilight looked nervously at Rainbow Dash. “Unless Rainbow's ready to get a fresh new tattoo to her neck, I doubt the sarosians here will be letting her sleep anywhere past the last seal...” Rainbow blinked at Twilight. In mid-trot, she looked over at Applejack. Once Applejack realized she was staring—“Oh! Uhm...” She fidgeted as she floated alongside her anchor. “Hard to put a read on what any of these here mares are feelin'... although I get the sense that they've been feelin' the same thang for years on end.” She shrugged as she glared at the richly-dressed ponies they passed. “Comfort? Creativity?” She tongued the inside of her cheek. “Boredom....?” “Boredom?” Fluttershy asked. “You heard me, darling.” “Do these mares even know that there's a horrible horrible war going on?” Fluttershy's breath shook as she weathered the emotion. “That ponies living on the floors beneath them are sweating to death? Or that there are shanty-towns full of self-harming ponies just a stone's throw away? Do they even have windows to look out of here?” “Plenty,” Rarity droned. “But most of them look inward—into the hollow.” Fluttershy's nostrils flared. “Well... I don't know what to say! That just... All of this j-just... makes me feel so... so peev—” Twilight's forelimb wrapped around her muzzle from behind. “Mrmmff! Mrfft-mrffitte???” “Eheheheheh...” Sweating nervously, Twilight looked over at Applejack. “And what about our current guide, Applejack?” “... … ...” Applejack rubbed her muzzle, staring at the middle-aged head of security. “Any day now, darling!” Rarity said. “Shhhh... just gimme a second!” Applejack insisted. “Lexxic's been cloudin' my noggin somethin' awful. Reckon I'm a bit rusty.” Rainbow Dash stared after Applejack as she navigated the corridors. She remained quiet. Patient. At last, Applejack spoke: “She's not feelin' as frustrated as I expected.” “Guh!” Fluttershy finally freed her muzzle from Twilight's hoof. “You were expecting frustrated?” “I figured all of the sarosians would be mighty-angry to have Rainbow Dash march up and profess to be the avatar of Luna and such...” Applejack shook her head. “But this Captain Xandraa yokel ain't quite so fussy about it.” Her green eyes narrowed. “In fact—if I didn't know better—I'd say she was happy to meet Rainbow Dash.” “Happy?” Twilight blinked. “You sure?” “Sure as sugar, Twilight.” Applejack nodded. “Happy... but also a mite bit scared.” “Well, that's to be expected,” Rarity said. “Reckon it's why she's not wantin' Rainbow or Ariel to speak with the other mares around here.” Applejack looked back at the others. “Somethin' about Luna's enchantment in Rainbow's pendant could stir up quite the commotion.” “How does she feel about Lexxic?” Twilight asked. “Can you tell?” “It dun work that well, Twilight,” Applejack droned. “My senses—that is.” “Can you try? Huh? Try and tell?” Applejack rubbed her head, wincing somewhat. “It's foggy... what—with it bein' minutes since any of us last seen Lexxic. But... I'm sensin' some anxiety... but it's fading.” Applejack gulped. “Fading with each step we take towards where she's takin' us.” “This 'Dream Den' that the Captain was talking about...” Twilight looked at Rarity. “Do you sense something that could match it up ahead?” “As a matter of fact...” Rarity tilted her horn ahead. “...there's a round, spherical chamber—slightly larger than these corridors.” She looked at Twilight with a smile. “The tree is noticeably knotted along its midsection, facing Edgeside. I suspect that's where the so-called 'Dream Den' is located.” “Oh, how I miss being able to see what's ahead of us!” Fluttershy remarked. She then looked at Pinkie with a smile. “How about you, Pinkie? Are your senses catching anything?” “Nope! Not a thing!” She then stubbornly looked at her flank. “Except my dumb tail keeps curling and uncurling rapidly. What's up with that—?” Just then, a petite female body bumped hard into Rainbow's figure. WHUMP! “Ooomf!” the mare fell hard to the ground. Several scrolls fell to the side while a pair of glasses fell to the other. “Ee-ee-ee-ee!!!” Xandraa spun about, frowning down at the figure. “W'lymshrym thrym'll, Shriike! Lym'symll thrym syln wylma ryk-ryk!” “I-I'm so sorry... so v-very sorry!” The mare rolled on her back, hoofy-kicking the air. “A thousand p-pardons, Captain!” More and more scrolls dropped out of her bulging saddlebags as she fought to upright herself. “I was in a h-hurry to g-get to the Supply Requisition Center!” She finally rolled back onto her belly, fumbling around as her slitted eyes squinted. “Guess I didn't see where I was going...” “No...” Xandraa's wings curled tightly as she fumed. “You didn't.” “But d-don't worry! I'll fetch m-my things and be out of your mane...!” She squinted and searched... squinted and searched. “...as soon as I can see them, that is...” “Uhhhhh...” Ariel reached down, grasped the fallen glasses, and hoofed them to the mare with a polite smile. “I think these are yours.” “Huh?” Suddenly, the mare's eyeslits were refracted into large, globulous blinking orbs—set within the silver frames of her delicate spectacles. After a few absent-minded blinks, she smiled, fangs showing. “Oh! You are too kind!” Ariel pointed at the fallen scrolls spread across the floor. “Need help with those?” “No thanks! I got 'em.” Something glowed in the center of her forehead—a horn. The scrolls levitated upwards, sliding neatly—or not so neatly—back into the sarosian's bulging saddlebags. Rainbow Dash did a double-take, noticing the mare's lack of wings. “Holy crap!” Ariel stammered, flabbergasted. “A unicorn!” “Mmmhmm. Yes. Quite.” The sarosian droned, plucking up the last of the fallen scrolls. Her glossy silver mane was frazzled and splitting beyond the pin of her ponytail. “I do believe the term befits the rarity of the matter—” She took one look Ariel—more importantly her feathers—and she jumped, dropping half of the scrolls back onto the ground. “Holy crap! A pegasus!” “Shriike...” Xandraa hissed once again, slowly this time. “Holy cr-crap!” The unicorn was now gawking at Rainbow Dash. “Two pegasi! I never... ever thought in my life I would actually pluralize that!” She giggle-snorted, then cooed as her refracted eyeslits turned starry. “Oooooooh... so many colors...” “Shriike!” Xandraa barked—making several mares glance over from where they lounged on the sidelines. “Eeep!” Shriike stood tall and straight with a rattle of her glasses. She saluted hard. “Y-yes, Captain!” “... … ...surely you are needed elsewhere.” “Oh! Uhm... uhhhhh... uh...” Shriike squirmed where she sat, touching two hooves together as her leafy ears drooped. “Well, to be perfectly honest, the elders sent me on a super important mission.” She gulped. “Not saying that it's... m-more important than your super important mission... although I can imagine h-how you would have gotten the wrong idea, seeing as I just bumped into you super hard as if my mission somehow held dominance over yours, which I would never ever intend to imply—of course—despite the fact that I-I just... suggested it while... uhhhh... t-talking out loud—” “Enough rambling, Shriike...” Xandraa could be seen rubbing her temple, as if this wasn't the first time having to endure the sarosian-unicorn's pedantic dialogue. “Please... just carry out the elders' orders...” “I'm... uh... I-I'm not sure I even know how to,” Shriike stammered. “That is... uhhh... I-I'm not even sure I'm prepared. So... uhhh... I-I started reading treatises on Solar Deceiver politics in hopes that I could figure out how to start on the right hoof. I... uh... I-I guess that's why I wasn't looking where I was going.” She gulped. “And that's why I ran into your guest h-here...” “Not my problem, Shriike,” Xandra sighed. “But you're so seasoned and wise, Captain!” Shriike remarked, spectacled eyes blinking. “What would you do if the elders told you to rendezvous with the supposed Avatar of Luna?” “What, you mean her?” Ariel pointed at Rainbow Dash. “That's the Avatar of Luna. The pony you just ran into!” “Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!” Shriike leaned back, forward limbs kicking at the air between them as if to find solid ground. “No way!” She fell back on all fours, more scrolls spilling out of her saddlebags. “That's amazing!” “Mmmmmm...” Rainbow shrugged. “Wrong a-word, but close enough.” “I-I didn't know what to imagine! A glowing gold centurion?! A burnt-out husk?! A reptilian that fed on the fetlocks of foals?” Shriike leaned forward, nose scrunched beneath bulging lenses. “But this is so... so... pastel.” A blink. “And petite.” Rainbow looked her up and down. “You're not quite so ginormous yourself, kiddo.” “Mmmmm... and what curious lexicon too,” Shriike remarked. Upon noticing numerous shuddering bodies in her peripheral, she blushed. “Errr... sorry, Captain...” A nervous titter. “I forget how much that word triggers ponies.” “I thought you said that you were on your way to Supply Requisitions...” Xandraa remarked. “I-I was! Because I-I needed to fetch some night rose incense!” Shriike took a long, deep breath. “It always calms me. I mean—how else do you prepare to meet somepony who may or may not be the living embodiment of the end of all things but also maybe-possibly the vessel for complete lunar victory?” “That's why I'm escorting her to the Dream Den,” Xandraa droned. “So that the Council may begin their assessment.” “Oh! Oooh!” Shriike did a little hop. “You're escorting her to the Council too?” The Captain's jaw muscles tightened. “Don't tell me...” Her glare stabbed back at Shriike's four-eyed gaze. “The Maria Matrons sent you?” “Yes! I have been ordered to—oh wait, excuse me.” Shriike fumbled, fumbled, then finally yanked a pen and parchment out from her saddlebag. They floated beside her as she smiled gallantly. “I have been ordered to record the conversation between the Dream Council and the self-proclaimed avatar! So that the highest elders—” “—can review. Got it.” Xandraa's nostrils flared as she swiveled about and marched on towards their destination. “I certainly wish they had informed me.” “Oh... but... b-but Captain...!” Shriike made to scamper after the group. “Dang it...!” She danced back, scooped up the fallen scrolls with her telekinesis, then shoved them inordinately into her saddlebag as she struggled to keep up. “It's st-standard procedure in the event such as this!” “There has never been an event such as this,” Xandraa grumbled. “Procedure is whatever the elders deem it to be.” Her eyes narrowed under her helm. “Evidently, it's no longer procedure for them to keep me updated on the last-minute development of protocol.” “You needn't be so upset, Captain!” “Hressssh...” “You're doing your part and I'm doing mine! 'Sisterhood Made Strong In Security!' Isn't that the old motto?” “You've been reading too many of those damned scrolls.” “Well, what else am I going to do?! I'm never allowed outside!” “And for that, you should be eternally grateful,” Xandraa muttered. There was the faintest hint of a smirk beneath her fangs. “Besides... you wouldn't fly far.” “Oh hardy har har...” Shriike stuck her tongue out. She tossed her mane back—only for it to settled back in place, still frazzled and frayed. “...I see that helmet's still good for being an echo chamber for that biting wit.” “W'lyssa H'Luun, what I wouldn't give for some new recruits around here,” Xandraa groaned. Shriike shrugged. “We just need more High Polished seed! But that's the Medical Department—none of my concern. Thank H'Luun...” She saw Rainbow Dash looking back at her, and she blushed furiously. “Uhhhh... uhhhh—a-anyways!” The unicorn saluted in mid-trot. “Greetings, Penumbran stranger! I'm Chief Shriike, acting head Imperial Clerk of the Requisitions and Supply Department!” “Yeah...” Rainbow nodded, raspy. “I gathered.” “That is... the 'Chief' part is sorta temporary... at least they told me. Uhhhh... the previous Chief died—old age, not an assassination, mind you. Not that... uhhhh... assassinations are per the norm around here. But I can imagine how you would think that... what—with being a bloody violent denizen of the Solar Deceiver's Burning Glare and all—” “Shriiiiike,” Xandraa snarled. “Oh! Uhhhhh... right! To the Dream Den! Uhhh... I'll... uhhhhh...” She galloped ahead, bumping past a well-dressed mare or two and summoning hissy chirps. “I'll lead the way!” “I have got that covered, clerk!” Xandraa barked. “But you need somepony to hold the door!” Shriike shrieked back. There was the sound of a table being knocked over. “Oh gosh! I'm so sorry, ma'am! How long w-were you working on that airship-in-a-bottle? Please don't say 'all your life!' Oh blessed H'Luun, I can't live with twice-in-a-week!” “So... uhhh...” Pinkie Pie looked at her anchor. “...they've got unicorns living in this tree.” “Unfortunately,” Applejack drawled. “Hey!” Rarity pouted. “Just sayin', sugarcube...” Applejack smirked back at the rest. “...they're a lonnnnng haul from their descendants.” “Just who are those descendants?” Pinkie tapped her scrunched nose. “She's not lookin' awfully 'batty' to me!” “It's like Twilight said,” Fluttershy remarked. “Lots of sarosians bred with non-sarosian Equestrians. Especially in the Northern Trots.” She nodded. “It stands to reason that they joined the Exodus of the Dark Vigil after the Solar Civil War ended.” “And bein' so few and far between nabbed them a seat this high in the Tree.” Applejack exhaled in a huff. “Perfect.” “Don't be so quick to malign the specimen.” Rarity fluffed her mane with a smile. “You heard her yourself! Some rarities still exist on the Dark Side!” “I dunno...” Rainbow smirked, following far behind Xandraa. “...she reminds me of a certain egghead.” “Oh? What egghead is that?” Twilight said. A blink... two blinks... and then it was her turn to fold her forelimbs and protest: “Heyyyy!” Rainbow Dash giggle-snorted, which summoned a glance from Ariel. The petite pegasus cleared her throat. “Don't mind me. Just doing character analysis with the girls.” “Regarding who?” Ariel pointed up ahead, keeping her voice down. “Four-eyes?” “Yuh-huh. I'm tellin' ya, girl, this place is only getting weirder and weirder.” “Yeah. Perhaps.” Ariel smirked, trotting ahead. “But—you ask me—she's kinda cute. In a dorky way.” Rainbow's eyes twitched. “Oh no...” She slowly shook her head as she caught up with the group. “Celestia on a bike—Don't you friggin' start, girl!”