//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: The Dragon's Challenge // Story: Fourth Harmony: Induction // by CTVulpin //------------------------------// General Blueblood looked away from the looming barrier covering the Krxstiul structures as a large blue portal gate opened up at the edge of Market Square. A squad of Royal Guards filed through, followed by an equal number of a Changelings wearing blue peytrals and helmets. The two groups lined up at attention to either side of the portal just as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna emerged, each clad in armored barding in gold and midnight black, respectively, and accompanied by a tall Royal Changeling with red eyes, a stringy red mane, and wearing a silver pendant carved with the Changeling Hive’s emblem of a hole-studded heart. Lorekeeper Tea Leaf made to approach the Changeling, some tirade ready on the tip of his tongue, only to flinch back when she shot him a hard look. General Blueblood and the two Guard ponies assisting him snapped crisp salutes rather than bowing to the alicorns, since this was a military situation. “Welcome to the front, Your Highnesses, Ambassador Chard,” Blueblood said. “At ease, General,” Luna replied. Looking around, she asked, “Where is Twilight Sparkle?” Before the General could answer, Twilight appeared infront of him with her back to the new arrivals. “Oh, there she is,” Celestia said brightly. “Hello, Twilight.” Whatever Twilight had had in her mind fled at the sound of her mentor’s voice. Her wings flared out stiffly, her nostrils flared, and her pupils shrank. “C-celestia?” she squeaked, turning around. “Luna?! W-what are you you doing here?” Celestia tapped her chin with exaggerated thoughtfulness. “I recall receiving a very hastily written letter asking for help with a crisis,” she said, her gaze moving pointedly to the Krxstiul hive. Twilight forced herself to breathe, reminding herself that, objectively speaking, Celestia had rarely every been truly upset with Twilight. “I just didn’t expect you two to come personally,” she said. “I’m sorry if I dragged you away from something important.” “Twilight,” Luna said flatly, “your city is currently being consumed by something alien and dangerous. There is nothing more important than helping you stop that.” She then locked her gaze on General Blueblood as she asked, “Didn’t the good General here tell you we intended to join the defense?” “My apologies, Princess,” Blueblood said with an actual bow. “The situation here was rather desperate when I arrived, I had no opportunity to inform Princess Twilight of everything.” “Don’t worry about it,” Twilight said. “Everything’s been happening so… all at once.” Blueblood gave Twilight a grateful smile, but then did a double-take and exclaimed, “You’re back already, Princess? Alone?! What happened?” “The plan hit a snag,” Twilight said, waggling a hoof. “See that barrier that just showed up over the Krxstiul hive? Discord couldn’t get through it for some reason. And then the Haven of Harmony decided now is the perfect time for the new Bearers to go hunting across Equestria for the Elements and…” She froze. “Celestia…” she breathed. “Yes?” Celestia said, smirking. Twilight shook off her shock and gave the eldest alicorn an apologetic look. “Sorry, habit,” she said. “But… is this how you felt when you sent me to Ponyville ahead of the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration?” “Worried?” Celestia asked. “Scared to death at having to put so much on another’s shoulders but knowing you have no better option?” Twilight nodded. “Yes.” “Excuse me,” Ambassador Chard said suddenly, “but the local Hive is telling me that you chose Beetroot as one of the new Bearers, Princess. Is this true?” Twilight met the Changeling’s stoic, unreadable expression and grit her teeth. “Well,” she said, “technically, I didn’t make the choice. She was there when the Elements flew off, and she said she wanted to go after them. I… Sorry?” Chard shook her head. “Don’t be,” she said. “You allowed a Changeling to become an equal member of Equestria’s most honored protectors. On behalf of the Hives, I thank you.” “Ah,” Twilight said, relaxing. “Thank you, Ambassador. Now,” she walked over to the strategy table, gesturing for everyone in earshot to gather around, “we need to make sure there’s still a Ponyville for the Bearers to save when they get back.” With a brief flash of light, Discord and his six charges appeared on the top of a hill overlooking a small town in a valley. The shops and houses of the town were all laid out in perfect parallel lines with the central main street pointed toward a cave in the hills opposite of the group’s position. The only exception to the layout was a small orchard a little ways off from the west side of town. “Where are we?” Beetroot asked. “Glimmerton,” Posey answered with immediate excitement. “I thought it was called ‘Our Town,’” Foxglove said. “They officially changed the name a few months ago,” Posey explained, “after finally getting tired of arguing with the postal service about address policies.” “Fascinating,” Citrine deadpanned. “We don’t have any time to waste on trivia. Where’s the Element of Harmony, Discord?” Discord, who was setting up a lounging area for himself, waved vaguely toward the town and said, “That-a-way.” “Could you be more specific?” Prism asked. “Maybe,” Discord said, “but I can’t make this too easy for you. Most of the fun is the searching.” “Let’s get going, then,” Citrine said, cutting off Prism’s retort and heading down the hill at a fast trot. The other five followed close behind her while Discord stretched out on his lounge chair and created a binoculars to watch the group through. Near the base of the hill, Beetroot suddenly stumbled with a shocked gasp. Her wings buzzed frantically to keep herself upright as she regained her balance and exclaimed, “There aren’t any Changelings around here!” “Huh,” Posey said in mild surprise as everyone slowed to a stop, “you know, I think you’re right. I can’t recall ever meeting any ‘lings that live in this town. How can you tell, though?” “I just realized I’m not connected to a Hive Mind,” Beetroot explained. “I don’t know anything about Glimmerton, so I tried to check with the Hive, but…” She gave a helpless shrug. “Oh!’ Citrine realized, her impatience for the mission briefly giving way to sympathy, “This would be your first time ever being away from other Changelings, huh? Are you ok?” Beetroot averted her gaze slightly, but nodded. “I’m fine,” she said. “Suddenly feeling only my own thoughts and your emotions just took me by surprise, is all. It’s nothing an infiltrator wouldn’t have had to experience in the old days.” “All right,” Citrine said, “but let us know if you need help.” “I will,” Beetroot said with a smile. “Shall we?” she asked, taking a few steps toward Glimmerton. The group took the hint and resumed trotting toward the road. “So, Posey,” Beetroot said after a moment, “you seem to know a lot about Glimmerton. Care to enlighten me?” Posey nodded. “The town was founded by Starlight Glimmer,” she explained. “She meant for it be the start of a movement to abolish the very concept of cutie marks in the name of ‘equality,’ and she attracted a good number of followers before Princess Twilight and her friends were sent here as their very first Friendship Mission. When the lies in Starlight’s equalist creed were exposed, she ran off but everypony else decided to stay in the town. It’s grown a little over the years, but it’s had a fairly plain history otherwise. Oh, let’s go this way,” she said, suddenly turning to the left just before the group actually entered the town. “What’s that way?” Bella asked. “Sugar Mac Orchards,” Posey answered. “It’s my grandparents’ place.” “This isn’t a vacation, Posey,” Citrine said. “We have to find the Element.” “I know Citrine,” Posey explained sweetly, “and that’s why I want to go to the Orchards first. If anypony here knows anything about where the Element wound up, you can bet that my Grandma or Aunt Candy will be able to tell us. Besides, it’s past noon. When did any of you last eat?” Citrine opened her mouth, then closed it, and shared a distressed look with Bella. “Breakfast,” they both said. Foxglove nodded along, while Prism and Beetroot made no comment. “I thought that might be the case,” Posey said, smiling. She led the group around the outskirts of Glimmerton and onto the road to the farm. The trees of the orchard spread halfway up the hills and partially surrounded the medium-sized house and large barn at the base, with a modest picket fence marking the boundary of the property. As the group approached, a bright red unicorn mare with a straw-colored mane held back by a paisley kerchief and a caramel apple for a cutie mark stepped out onto the porch. “My word,” the unicorn exclaimed, “Posey, is that you?” “Afternoon, Auntie!” Posey called back, trotting up to meet her aunt halfway and accept a hug from her. “Sorry about dropping by unannounced.” “Aw, ya know you’re always welcome to visit any time,” Candy said, releasing Posey. “Now then, who are your… friends?” she trailed off as her gaze swept the group and ended on Foxglove and Beetroot. Without missing a beat, Posey answered, “Auntie, meet Bella, Citrine, Prism, Foxglove, and Beetroot. Everyone, this is my Aunt, Candy Apple.” Candy Apple’s eyes betrayed a little uncertainty as she smiled, but her tone remained bright as she said, “Pleased to meet y’all. What brings ya to Glimmerton?” “We’re on a very important mission,” Posey answered. “I was hoping that you or Grandma could help us.” Someone’s stomach chose that moment to gurgle loudly, and Posey glanced over to see Bella looking embarrassed. “We’d appreciate a little lunch, for one thing,” Posey said, giving her aunt a coy smile. Candy Apple chuckled. “Sure thing,” she said. “I was just goin’ to fetch Pa for lunch anyway, and Ma’s always got an extra pie or two or some muffins laying around. Head on in; we’ll join you in a minute.” “Thank you!” Posey said, and Candy galloped off into the orchard. Posey led the group into the house and pointed them toward the sitting room. “You guys make yourselves comfortable in there. I’ll go alert Grandma to how many guests she has.” She turned toward the kitchen and almost walked right into an old pink unicorn mare with a graying, curly purple mane and carrying a tray full of sandwiches in her magic. “G-grandma!” Posey exclaimed, dodging the collision at the last second. “Uh, hi.” “Hello Posey,” Sugar Belle said, expertly hiding her own shock at the near-miss, and held the tray out. “If somepony wants to take these from me, I’ll go get some apple juice to go with them.” Bella stepped up and took the tray in her own magic. “You don’t seem surprised, ma’am,” she noted. “I heard you and Candy talking through the kitchen window,” Sugar Belle said. “It’s just plain daisy sandwiches for now, but if you can wait a bit-” “Thanks,” Citrine said shortly, “but we’re in a hurry.” She grabbed a sandwich off the tray, ignoring the sour looks that Bella and Posey shot her, and walked into the sitting room. “Sorry about her, ma’am,” Foxglove said to Sugar Belle. “She’s under a lot of stress. I think she’s only going to put up with waiting until you daughter and husband arrive so we can ask you all a few questions.” “I see,” Sugar Belle replied. “Well, go make yourselves comfortable; Candy and Mac shouldn’t be too long.” Sugar Belle’s estimate proved true, as no sooner did everyone get settled and she returned with glasses of apple juice then Candy Apple walked in with Big Macintosh behind her. Citrine bounded out of her chair, questions on her lips, but was held back by Bella’s magic. “Be cool,” the blue unicorn whispered through a calm facade, “we’re guests here.” “Guests on an urgent mission,” Citrine grumbled back. “All right, Posey,” Candy Apple said, “mind tellin’ us a bit more ‘bout why you’re here and what’s got your friend there so jittery?” Posey’s eyes wandered in thought for a moment. Finally, she said, “It’s a long story, but the short version is there’s big trouble in Ponyville, the Elements of Harmony are back, and we think one of them is hiding somewhere near here.” She paused as her relatives exchanged looks of concern and amazement, but when they didn’t comment she continued, “Have you seen or heard about anything weird in the last little bit? Something in the sky, perhaps?” “Hm,” Candy said, thoughtful. “Sorry, can’t say I have.” “I’ve been inside all morning,” Sugar Belle said. Citrine huffed, stood up, and started for the door. “Well, thanks for the food, at least,” she said. “Just how long ago are we talking, here?” Big Mac asked suddenly, causing Citrine to stop and look at him with cautious hope. “Not very long, Grandpa,” Posey answered. “Probably just a few minutes before we arrived.” Big Mac gave her a curious look, and she explained, “Discord brought us here just a little bit after we saw the Elements fly off.” “I see,” Big Mac drawled. “In that case, yup; I saw somethin’ glowin’ and flyin’ toward that cave at the north end of the valley not five minutes ago.” “That has to be it!” Citrine exclaimed. She bolted out of the house and down the road, a belated “Thank you!” echoing in her wake. Bella gave the group’s hosts a sheepish look. “Sorry about her,” she said. Candy and Sugar Belle both started to say something, but fell silent as Big Mac cleared his throat. “Don’t worry ‘bout seeming rude,” he said, “I wouldn’t want to dally in gatherin’ those old Elements either, if I was you.” “That’s…” Bella hesitated, and then nodded. “Right, we better catch up with her. Thanks for everything.” She led the group outside, Posey taking up the rear as she gave her grandparents and aunt a quick goodbye hug. They caught up with Citrine just outside the property line and galloped together to Glimmerton’s main street before turning north. The path leading up from the town to the cave where Starlight Glimmer had once hidden the cutie marks of her followers was well-tended but unpaved. The cave itself had no signs or other markings on its exterior to indicate its history or current purpose, and nothing resembling an inert Element of Harmony was anywhere in sight. “Maybe it’s inside?” Foxglove suggested. “Only one way to find out,” Prism declared and trotted into the cave. Before anyone could follow, he came galloping back out just ahead of an annoyed orange dragon with magenta head spines. “That’s right,” the dragon growled, taking a warning swipe at Prism, “get out! This my cave, not a…” She trailed off as she saw the rest of the group, staring at Foxglove in particular. “Heeey,” the dragon said, calming somewhat and smiling, “Spike’s kid! Been a while.” Foxglove’s eyes brightened with recognition, as did Citrine and Posey’s. “Hi, Smolder,” Foxglove replied. “What are you doing here?” “I live here,” Smolder answered. “Just moved in last week. I should probably put up signs or something,” she added, giving Prism a dirty look. “And what brings you all the way out from Ponyville?” Citrine stepped up and said, “We’re looking for something that may have landed nearby.” Smolder arched an eye-ridge. “That’s kinda- wait…” She pointed at each member of the group, counting them off, and then heaved a sigh. “There’s six of you,” she said. “Ok, come on in; I think I know exactly what you’re looking for.” She turned to head back inside. While the majority of the Element seekers eagerly followed close on the dragon’s heels, Beetroot held Foxglove at the back of the group. “Her names sounds familiar,” the Changeling said, a little embarrassed “but I’m having trouble remembering where I’ve heard it.” Foxglove gave Beetroot a sympathetic smile. “Smolder is the first dragon graduate of the School of Friendship,” the dracony explained. “Oh, right!” Beetroot exclaimed, “One of Ocellus’s classmates.” There was a slight hitch in Smolder’s pace and her shoulders tensed for a moment, but nobody seemed to notice. In the deepest part of the cave, Smolder had set up a simple and typical dragon’s lair. It mostly consisted of a pile of gold, gems, and sturdy trinkets large enough for her to sleep on and more delicate treasures displayed in niches and out-of-the-way corners, with enchanted crystals providing light. “Sorry there’s nowhere to sit,” Smolder said. “I’ve been focused more on settling in than preparing for guests.” She grabbed something small out of a niche and brought it over to the group. “This landed just outside less than an hour ago,” she explained, holding out her hand so everyone could see the balloon-shaped stone resting on her palm. “The Element of Laughter!” Citrine cheered. “Perfect. Thanks so much, Ms. Smolder!” She made to grab the Element in her magic, but Smolder snatched it away, holding it protectively against her chest. “Hey!” Citrine snapped. “That’s ours.” “Is it, though?” Smolder asked rhetorically. “Then why did it come to me? My friends and I acted as channels for the magic of Harmony a few times in the past, so maybe the Elements have chosen us to be the new Bearers.” “Nonsense,” Citrine scoffed, meeting Smolder’s eyes in a glaring contest. “Calm down, Citrine,” Bella scolded, “we’re not here to pick a fight.” “But-” Citrine started to protest. “Ms. Smolder,” Bella said, loud enough to drown out her compatriot but calming in manner, “The six of us here witnessed the Elements scattering right after we heard the voice of Harmony itself declare that ‘six are gathered.’ We also have an urgent reason to want to gather the Elements. Do you know why that is?” “No,” Smolder admitted. She looked at the Element in her claws, and then set it down on the ground. “Ok, you make a good argument, kid,” she said, “but I still don’t think I should let you just take it.” “Why not?” Posey asked. “Look at it,” Smolder replied, smirking, “it’s not even active. If one of you is supposed to be its Bearer, then you should be able to wake it up.” “And how are we supposed to do that?” Citrine asked. “Well, it’s Laughter, isn’t it?” Smolder asked. “So, make me laugh.” She went and settled herself onto her hoard pile as the group hastily conferred. “Anyone know any good jokes?” Prism asked. “I’m only coming up with some of the dumb riddles my dad always tells.” “Nothing that would make sense if put into words,” Beetroot said. “We have to figure out who’s going to tell the joke, too,” Citrine pointed out. “It won’t work if the one who makes her laugh isn’t the Bearer of Laughter.” “But how are we supposed to figure out who that is before-hoof?” Bella asked. As the two unicorns fell into a debate on deep magical theory and the Elements, with occasional input from the others, Posey felt her attention be drawn away toward one of the niches in the back wall. Nobody noticed as she left the group and went over for a closer look. In the niche sat five ceramic figures: a female yak with long braids tied in loops below her ears, a blue-feathered griffon, a pink hippogriff with a striped blue mane, a pale earth pony with a blue-green mane and a trio of turtles for a cutie mark, and a Changeling sporting pale blue chitin, red elytra, and a curly translucent pink frill on its head. They weren’t exactly true to life, but they’d each clearly been molded and painted with great care by someone with experience. “These are real pretty, Smolder,” Posey said. “Where did you get them?” “Hm?” Smolder said, looking over. “Oh, I made them myself,” she answered, caught between pride and embarrassment. “You did? That’s amazing!” Posey exclaimed. “You’re a great sculptor. Have you started working on the last part of the set yet?” “It’s already a complete set,” Smolder replied. “That can’t be right,” Posey protested. “You’ve made a Yona, Gallus, Silverstream, Sandbar, and Ocellus. It won’t be a complete set without a model of yourself.” “It’s a complete set,” Smolder insisted. “Making one of myself wouldn’t be worth the effort.” “What do you mean?” Citrine asked. “You’re as much a part of that group as any of them. What would your school friends be without you standing beside them?” “What?” Smolder growled. “I’ll tell you what.” She stalked over to the niche and pointed to each figure as she talked about the creature it represented: “Yona’s been part of the yak’s diplomatic corps for most of her adult life. Silverstream holds several noble titles and practically runs a fifth of the seapony territories. Sandbar is considered a leading expert in inter-species cooperation, Gallus is the first griffon officer in Equestria’s Frontier Guard, and Ocellus is one of the best living Lorekeepers among the Changelings. Me, I’m just a dragon who’s lucky enough to be counted as their friend.” Posey gasped and put a hoof to the base of her throat. “No, you’re not ‘just’ a dragon!” she declared. “You’re as much a hero as any of them.” Smolder snorted dismissively. “Name one thing that I’m known for that doesn’t involve being part of that group, then,” she said. Posey smiled and immediately answered, “That’s easy: rallying the dragons during the Tambelon War. You were the first to realize that, as bad as it was that dead ponies were being raised as puppet soldiers for the self-styled Grogar the Second, it would be even worse if he could make zombie dragons, so you went to convince your race to find and guard all the lost dragon burial mounds before the zombies could get to them. You almost failed, until you said you’d handle it alone if you had to and immediately left to guard Grey Cinder Mound. That got Dragon Lord Ember’s attention, and she brow-beat the rest of the dragons into backing you up.” “My brother was the first to come around, actually,” Smolder said with a faint smile, “but that’s not a bad summary. How’d you manage to come up with that so quickly?” “I heard that story a lot when I was younger,” Posey answered. “It was one of the few tales from the Tambelon War that my grandmother Fluttershy liked to tell. It may even have been her favorite; she always said she admired your bravery and determination.” Smolder’s eyes widened and started to glisten faintly, and her smile became larger and less guarded. “That does sound like something she would say,” Smolder said. “It’s been too long since anyone’s said something so nice about me. Thank you.” She turned her gaze to the niche and declared, “You’re right; the set’s not complete without me standing beside my friends.” Posey opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything the Element of Laughter in Smolder’s claw suddenly exploded into glowing blue shards. The shards flew toward Posey, swirled all around her body, and then settled into a rapid orbit around her neck before suddenly transforming into a golden band necklace set with a blue crystal in the shape of one of the blossoms that made up Posey’s cutie mark. No sooner had the new Element of Harmony formed and settled on Posey’s neck than the cave and everyone else seemed to fade away, leaving Posey standing in a foggy white void. “Wha-” Posey said, having no idea what was going on. She’d never heard of anything like this happening to Element Bearers. The closest thing that came to mind was second-hoof tales of Harmony’s interactions with Smolder and her classmates in their dreams. Those had been collective experiences, though. Posey heard hoofsteps and a giggle behind her. She turned around and had just enough time to register staring down the barrel of a small party cannon before the thing went off, showering her in confetti. “Woo-hoo!” cheered a bright, bubbly voice, “You woke up the first Element of Harmony! Congratulations!” Posey quickly wiped a clump of confetti out of her eyes and shook more out of her mane. She saw, standing behind the cannon with a face-splitting grin, a vibrantly pink earth pony with wildly curly magenta mane and bright blue eyes. It looked exactly like, and yet couldn’t be… “Ms. P-pinkie Pie?” “Yup, got it in one!” Pinkie Pie replied, shoving the party cannon out of sight somehow before pronking up for a closer look at Posey. “I’m supposed to give you some advice, but you made such quick work of waking up and bonding to Laughter – oh, but it’s probably not Laughter anymore because you didn’t actually have to make Smolder laugh to help her feel better about herself. Anyway, you’re off to a great start so keep up the great work!” Posey was too confounded to respond, and before she could gather her wits the vision of Pinkie Pie and the foggy void faded away. She was back in Smolder’s cave, and Prism was waving a hoof in front of her face with a concerned look on his face. Posey flinched back reflexively, and then let out a heavy breath. “I’m fine,” she assured Prism and the others. “Just a little overwhelmed with surprise?” Bella guessed. “I… suppose,” Posey said with uncertainty. “I... For a moment there I was seeing Ms. Pinkie Pie standing there, congratulating me.” Bella and Citrine shared a look. “A vision of the previous Bearer?” Citrine mused. “Could have just been Harmony,” Bella countered. “It can appear as more ponies than just Princess Twilight, if it wants to. But that’s not important,” she added quickly, before Citrine could comment again, and approached Posey. “You’re the first new Element Bearer, Posey,” she said, “and that means we’re probably the right group for this after all.” “Looks like it,” Smolder cut in, slightly melancholy. “Well, don’t let me hold you up any longer; get out there, find the other Elements, and save Equestria.” Posey trotted over and wrapped the dragon in a hug. “Don’t get sad again already!” Posey exclaimed. “It’s not easy charming somebody I just met out of a funk, you know, so hold onto that happiness a bit longer, ok?” “Ok, ok,” Smolder relented with chuckle. “But seriously, you all should probably be getting on with your quest.” Posey nodded and ended the hug as Citrine started pestering the rest of the group out of the cave. Once the group had left, Smolder went over to the niche containing the models of her friends and picked up the Yona figurine. “I’ve probably been on my own for too long,” Smolder said. “Tomorrow-” She jerked in surprise as a warm feeling spread throughout her body and her scales all began glowing. “The Dragon Lord’s Summons?” she muttered, staring at one glowing hand and then out toward the cave entrance. “If this isn’t related to whatever’s prompting the Elements to come back, I’ll swear off rubies for a month.”