Novo and Ocean Flow have seen many things in their lives. They were children of two worlds, they were both of land and sea, even their children were of two worlds. But as they gaze upon them now, in the Temple of the Elder, they had very mixed reactions. For Ocean Flow, she was shocked and happy to see Silverstream after she ran away during the attack. For Novo, she had a shocked expression when her eyes went for the elephant in the room, the Purple Dragon that Skystar and Silverstream were talking about.
Spike Solaris, son of Princess Celestia, Hero of the Crystal Empire and the dragon that brought the ponies, griffins and dragons to join in an Alliance against the Dark Master. Novo had her doubts about whether or not the stories were true. But it was this dragon that her daughter and niece looked up to. He noticed her shocked expressed as he approached her and asked,
“Queen Novo, I presume?”
Ocean Flow turned to her sister as the hippogriff queen shook off her shock of meeting the dragon and said,
“You are correct, Prince Spike. But if you're looking for help in your war, I’m afraid you won't find it here especially after what the dragon and his monsters did to my home.”
Skystar spoke, “Mom, the only one who is responsible for Mount Aris is Malefor!” She pointed to Spike, “This dragon is our only hope at reclaiming our home!”
Novo sighed at her daughter, “Yes, I know, he's the Purple Dragon. The dragon that went up against Malefor at the Crystal Empire and won. But can we trust him and his army to take back our home?”
Spike stated, “Your highness, Malefor is up there on Mount Aris, sitting on your throne, looking over your ruined kingdom while he sends his armies out to conquer the surface.”
“That's why we fled to Seaquestria, so we could be safe.”
Spike shook his head, “It's not that simple of hiding from Malefor, he's a purple dragon, like me and the leader of the Skylanders. And like us, he has the power of the elements: Fire, Electricity, Ice and Earth. He could use his power of earth to shake up the city before using his ice ability to freeze the water, Seaquestria wouldn't survive that.”
Novo glared, “Are you threatening me?”
Spike stood tall, despite the fact that he was underwater, “I’m just telling you that Malefor won't fully rely on his grublins to find you, he will flush you out with his own powers eventually.”
The seapony was angry that this dragon was giving her a lot of flak with suggesting to join the fight. If he didn't have the ability to breathe underwater and if he wasn't Celestia's son, Novo would've had him executed. She asked,
“What else do you have to say if I exiled you from Seaquestria?”
Spike smirked, “Majority Rules. I'm sure neither the Sages of the temple nor your own sister would want you to exile us. Exile us and you lose the chance of taking back your home.” He looked at her sister, “Is that what you want, Queen Ocean Flow?”
The Queen of Seaquestria nodded and stated, “Novo and I are children of both worlds and my husband is a hippogriff. Prince Spike, your intentions are noble and from the stories that Silverstream tells me, you have rallied three species with a history of tensions against a bigger foe. As Queen, Seaquestria will stand by your side in helping retake Mount Aris…”
Novo was shocked that Seaquestria was now going to stand by him as Ocean Flow looked at her sister, “Novo, you may not like the young prince, but he has a point. You and most of the seaponies are refugees from Mount Aris.”
Starlight decided to speak up, “Your nephew, Terramar told Master Spike and I that some of the refugees are itching for payback.”
Novo was puzzled by this, since she was more of an isolationist. She doesn't want to get involved with the war on the surface, she didn't want to get involved at all. But that changed when the war came to her door. She never saw it coming and still she wanted to keep her people out of the war. She sighed,
“I... I need to think about it. The negotiations are not over, they're just...on hold until I can fully think on this.”
The seapony soon turned and left the temple, leaving Ocean Flow with Spike and the crew. Spike sighed and said,
“Well that went better than I expected.”
Starlight pointed out, “What were you expecting, Master?”
“Exile or attempt to kill us via drowning.” Terramar sighed, “Well considering that you can breathe underwater is a sign that it wouldn't work, but Starlight…”
The unicorn apprentice stated, “I learned plenty of air bubble spells before we left.”
Skystar was concerned, “Aside from my mother being cruel like that, she just turned and swam away.”
Ocean Flow stated, “Novo is conflicted about joining your Alliance. She wants to keep her people safe from Malefor, but some of the refugees who served in Mount Aris’ Royal Guard felt like they abandoned their duty to protect the kingdom, they want to fight those monsters, they want to take back their home.”
Spike guessed, “But they're still duty-bound on protecting the Royal Family.”
“Exactly.”
That was when Starlight had an idea, “Could we gain support from the refugees in order to convince your sister?”
Ocean Flow thought about it since Novo thought about what's best for her people, but some were wanting to go home, “You could talk to the leaders of the guard branches as well as the civilian branch of the refugees.”
“Anyone in particular?”
The Queen gave her explanation for the leaders of the refugee factions, “Storm Wind is the General of the Mount Aris Defense Force, he's also well respected in the Mount Aris Court and when they were forced to retreat, he took it harder than his men. You could find him in the old guard barracks that he and his soldiers are using.
Wind Blast is the Commander of the Mount Aris Air Division. When they retreated, she grumbled about preferring the air instead of water and like most of the hippogriffs, she spoke out against complying with the retreat order. You can find her near the refugee camps, most of her division was assigned to guard the camps.
Then we have Spark Blast, Commander of the Mount Aris Royal Guard and Wind Blast’s twin brother, believe it or not. While Storm Wind handled protecting the city, Spark focused on protecting the Royal Family from danger. He's also a strategist when it comes to a battle since he would beat Wind in most games, much to her dismay. You can find him at the Palace in the Royal Guard Barracks.
Among the refugees is Sky Talon, he's an up and coming member of the Royal Court, a well-known peacemaker who spoke of reaching out to the rest of the world. He spoke for the civilian population of Mount Aris before it fell. Now he serves as the leader of the refugee camp in the lower district, the same district where you will find the General.”
Spike asked, “Would getting them on our side help convince Queen Novo?”
Ocean Flow stated, “My sister is stubborn and she sees you as the dangers of the outside world and I think she would ground Skystar for bringing you here.”
“The dangers are already around us! Novo can't pretend to ignore them.”
The High Sage, who was silent during the whole thing, spoke, “Queen Novo is troubled by these events, her home was stolen, her kingdom in ruins and a dragon tyrant sits on her throne. She doesn't understand how important it is to reclaim Mount Aris and hiding from it will solve nothing. The only way to take back Mount Aris is this alliance.”
The seapony nodded, “Agreed, High Sage.” She turned to the Master and Apprentice, “Spike, Starlight, you need to speak to the commanders and get them on your side. When that's done, meet me in the throne room, so we can convince Novo. She couldn't deny that her commanders chose to fight the enemy that stole their home.”
The duo nodded as Spike suggested, “Silverstream and Skystar can come with us.”
Ocean Flow looked at her daughter and her niece and decided, “Considering everything that they went through to bring you here, I will allow it. They would also help guide you through the kingdom. It would also be good for the commanders to hear a royal’s opinion on the matter.”
The two seaponies soon joined them as they prepared to leave the temple, Ocean Flow stated,
“Good Luck, Prince Spike. I pray for your success.”
As they made their way to the door, Starlight spoke, “You were half-right about one thing, Master.”
The dragon glanced at his apprentice before she finished, “Seaquestria's negotiations were short.” And with that being said, the team left the temple.
After the team left the temple, they made their way through the city with the cousins as their guides as they swam their way to refugee camps in the lower district. So many former hippogriffs had formed a small settlement in the district and according to Skystar, General Storm Wind was seen as a military leader while Sky Talon was the civilian leader to the refugees. The district guard barracks are the best way of finding him, because if they don't get Novo to accept their alliance - Malefor and his army will be left unchallenged.
As they entered the settlement, they were greeted by the sight of many refugees that lost their home. Hippogriffs, now Sea Ponies with no home and nowhere to go all because of the Fall of Mount Aris. Some of the refugees took notice of the group, specifically Spike since they heard stories about him and were surprised by his appearance. That wasn't until an armored seapony approached them,
“Prince Spike, it's an honor to have you here. Cpl. Light Beak, I’m in charge of the guard detail in the district.”
Spike responded, “No introductions needed, Corporal. I'm sure many of you heard the stories.” He soon asked, “I need to find your commanding officer, General Storm Wind and the civilian leader, Sky Talon. Do you know where the barracks are?”
The corporal stated, “The General spends most of his time in the guard barracks on the far side of the district. Governor Sky Talon spends most of his time tending to the refugees, but he and the General would meet in the barracks to discuss the issue of our camp. There were also rumors of the General planning a way to liberate Mount Aris, but with our numbers, we’ll be slaughtered.”
They understood that they were only a few hundred against a horde and while the general was a great strategist, what he's planning is a suicide mission in hopes of retaking the hippogriff city. As for the Governor, he wouldn't want to throw the civilians in the line of fire. Starlight stated,
“We will figure something out, have faith in us, Corporal.”
Light Beak sighed, “Okay, but if you can get the General on your side, you all can count on our support.”
After that, the team went into the camp as they passed by several refugees taking shelter in the district. The Hippogriff Army served as district guards and protecting the refugees, but Spike noticed how ticked off the soldiers were at just guarding an underwater city district when they really wanted to return to the surface and attempt to retake the mountain. Although, some of the soldiers and refugees stopped when the team passed as they were saying,
‘Hey, check it out.’
‘No way, The Crystal Savior!’
‘For real? You better not be…’
‘No really, he's here. We have a chance of getting our home back!’
They ignored it and continued to the barracks, but Spike looked around and saw the refugees, sad and scared at the fact that their home was lost. He sighed,
“I can't help, but feel sad for these people. They had their home stolen from them and they were forced to flee to an underwater city. They seem to have lost hope that they would ever return to the surface.”
Starlight noted, “I understand, Master. But remember what you taught me about rallying others?”
“When all hope seems lost, they need someone who lights the spark so they could continue on and reclaim what was lost.”
Starlight finished, “You are that Symbol of Hope. You’ve rallied the ponies, griffins and dragons against the one true foe before taking me under your wing.”
Spike smiled, “Folks need heroes and in times like these, we need to come together.”
Skystar and Silverstream overheard them talking about the state of the camp and how much they needed to come together. They both know that Ocean Flow was more than willing to side with Spike, but Novo needs some convincing, hence why they're speaking to the military and civilian leaders. Eventually, the small team came across the barracks as the seapony guarding the door spoke,
“Princesses Skystar and Silverstream, I heard the rumors that you returned with the purple dragon.” He shifted his attention to Spike, “I’m guessing you are him?”
Spike nodded before saying, “I am and we need to speak to General Storm Wind and Governor Sky Talon.”
The guard looked at the door and then back at them and apologized, “I’m sorry, Prince Spike. But the General and the Governor are discussing the state of our camp and…”
“Did I just hear the name ‘Prince Spike?’” Said a voice that spoke seniority, leadership and military authority as a decorated seapony emerged from the door, he had white scales with a blue mane and was decorated with medals on his chest. The guard snapped at attention as he said,
“General, Sir!” The General stated, “At ease.” The guard relaxed as the seapony looked the dragon over until the amulet caught his attention. Everyone on Equis knows that the Emerald Fire amulet signified Spike as a member of Equestria's Royal Family which the general knew this fact as he gazed at the dragon,
“I must say, it's an honor to meet the Hero of the Crystal Empire.”
Spike knew that this was the seapony he was looking for, “You must be General Storm Wind.”
“Indeed I am, young one. If I had to guess, you're here to negotiate an alliance.”
Silverstream pointed out, “My mom agreed to join in the fight...but Novo is undecided.”
Skystar added, “And right now, we need your help to convince her that this alliance is the only way to take back our home.”
The General could only look towards the Seaquestria Castle for a moment before saying, “An alliance with the other races...in a push to take our home back?”
Starlight stated, “That's why we sought you out.” Storm Wind sighed, “Queen Novo had a desire of staying neutral, but when I pointed out that war would show up on our doorstep, she stated that ‘It will not happen for us.’ I argued that after hearing these reports of those portals before every attack, we needed to be prepared, but she has ignored my warnings. Even when my son recommended seeking out the Crystal Savior for aid in case war comes to us.”
Skystar could understand why her mother would act like this since she wanted to remain neutral. But ever since the fall of Mount Aris, that neutrality has faded and many of the militants in the refugees are restless. As for Spike, he noticed one thing that the general said,
“Your son?” Storm Wind sighed, “Sky Talon. Although my family has been military for generations, he sought the life of a peacekeeper. But he still learned a few strategic studies before the fall, he was also the youngest in court.”
“Who happens to be the Governor of the refugee camp?”
A new voice spoke, “I did it because these refugees needed a leader to help them in these desperate times.” A new sea pony emerged from the barracks, this one was young with a sky blue mane and white scales. He stated,
“And if you're planning to send an army to the surface, we need a surface settlement to shelter our noncombatants.”
Spike asked the general, “But in order to do that, we need to get Queen Novo on our side.” He declared, “General, can we count on you and your son’s support?”
Both father and son looked at each other and at the guard before turning back to the group as the general stated, “As General of the Hippogriff Army, we will stand by your side to retake Mount Aris and our soldiers would reinforce your army.”
Sky Talon stated, “I will stand by your side as well, some of the refugees are wishing to join. But we would also consider possible sites for a temporary settlement until Mount Aris is retaken.”
Spike bowed his head accepting their decision before saying, “That leaves the Air Division and the Royal Guard to convince.”
The general remembered, “The twins? Those two are the best in their units and my favorite pupils. Wind was a talented flyer while Spark was a great strategist, beating her in a game of chess every so often.”
Sky Talon spoke, “Wind Blast is actually here at the camp’s perimeter. I...went to see her before coming to speak with you, father.”
Spike stated, “We need to arrange a meeting here in the barracks.”
Storm Wind agreed, “We know all too well that we can't defeat Malefor like this and we can't hide here just so we can wait for him to find us.” He turned to his son, “Sky Talon, we need you to head to the perimeter and speak to Wind Blast, tell her to meet us here at the barracks.”
Skystar spoke, “I can go to the Royal Guard barracks and get Spark Blast to meet us here.”
Spike figured, “Convincing them to support us is challenging…” The General stated, “As well as convincing Queen Novo that she needs this alliance, but I know that you're a natural leader.”
Spike nodded as he looked at his companions before saying, “Let's get started.”
It took some time, but Sky Talon and Skystar rounded up the twins and brought them to the camp barracks where the general had set up the meeting. The twins however, were skeptical about why he decided to arrange a meeting involving Mount Aris’ liberation when they were forbidden from going up to the surface. Spark Blast, who had light green scales and a green mane asked,
“How are we supposed to take back our home when the Queen ordered us not to go up there?”
The general stated, “That's where he comes in…” He looked towards Spike, who was wearing his cloak when the twins first entered as he removed his hood as Wind Blast, who had a white mane and blue scales was shocked,
“No way! The Crystal Savior!?” She turned to Sky Talon, “You didn't mention he was here.” The governor chuckled, “That would ruin the surprise.”
Spark was surprised, “I heard that a dragon was here... I just never expected it to be you.”
Wind sighed, “The soldiers were talking about it, I thought it was just a rumor.”
Spike swam to them and pointed out, “It is true that it was me, but the reason why my companions and I are here is that we are up against the most dangerous foe ever to exist.”
The commander of the air unit pointed out, “That dragon leading those monsters?”
“His name is Malefor, the first Purple Dragon and the Dark Master of the hordes. He's made his move, stole your home and used it as a base for his conquest. We are fully aware that Malefor can't be defeated conventionally, that's why I went to the Dragon Lands and Griffonstone: To build an army.”
The commander of the Royal Guard asked, “Which is why you came here as well?”
“It was Silverstream that came to us and told of Mount Aris’ Fall.”
The military leaders looked at the princess as the general figured, “I’m not surprised, especially when the sages reported that the Elder’s Bracer was missing and activated.”
Silverstream assured, “The Sages have already stated that the bracer chose me to wield it. But it would mean nothing if we don't convince my aunt to join the alliance.”
“We're all worried, Silverstream. But Prince Spike’s words convinced me to offer Seaquestria’s aid in this war.”
That caught them by surprise to the military leaders as Queen Ocean Flow entered the room. The Royal Guard Commander was surprised,
“Your highness, this is…unexpected.” The Queen stated, “There's no need for alarm, Commander.”
She turned to the fellowship of the purple dragon, “I came here to check on your progress and I am impressed with how you four have handled things.”
Skystar asked, “How is Mom been doing?”
“Your mother is conflicted with the concept of going to the surface. But I noticed that she would figure that joining the war would get their home back.”
Spike figured, “Then we can convince her that joining us will give us the numbers to take back their home. But as for the noncombatants, we could build a settlement in Equestria that way they can at least be safe under the protection of the Skylanders.”
Wind smiled, “A nice place for us to settle down after we win this war, right Sky Talon.”
The civilian leader turned red for a bit before Starlight noticed, “Wait, you two are lovers?” While Sky Talon wanted to stay silent, Wind stated, “We are, we were even thinking about having children before the Fall.”
The peacekeeper shouted, “Wind Blast!” Everyone in the room chuckled, even the queen and the general as the sea pony asked,
“You approve, Dad?” Storm Wind chuckled, “Can you blame an old bird for wanting grandkids?”
After that humorous digression, the Blast Twins, the General and the Governor swore to stand by Prince Spike and his fellowship as they supported his effort for the war on the surface. But that wouldn't matter if they don't convince Queen Novo, so Spike turned to Ocean Flow and stated,
“We're ready to meet with Novo once more.”
Ocean Flow nodded and said, “Follow me to the palace, she will be expecting you.”
Meanwhile, back in Canterlot, Eon was looking over the information regarding Strykore's return, EQG Spike’s memories, the emergence of Scorch Dragonfire and the Mystic Shards. That was until a hologram of a cloaked figure emerged with armored gauntlets and armored boots with his face completely obscured by the hood over his head. The figure spoke,
“Hello Master Eon, it's been a long time.”
The alicorn turned to the hologram, “It has been years since you left. But I hear that you go by Artemis now. You go sneaking into Filthy's labs, stealing information regarding his many projects and leaving a crystal dragon head as a calling card.”
The hologram shrugged, “It's the best I could do since I found out that Filthy Rich was working with the cult. But I bring troubling news…” He pressed a button on his gauntlet as several pictures and schematics appeared, “Rich Industries has created six experimental aircraft that could be a problem for the squadron and they’ve acquired the sister ship of the submarine which its psycho captain attempted to nuke a city with, if it wasn't destroyed before firing.” He pulled up the images of the planes and the ship as Eon was shocked,
“This could mean bad news for the team.” Artemis added, “And to top it all off, my contacts inside RI’s Executive Board told me that Filthy is nowhere to be found. None of them saw him enter or leave the office since and his orders were relayed through his secretary.”
Eon thought about this information regarding the CEO’s disappearance before saying, “He was around when the team were cleaning the camp and you stole the information. But I believe that he disappeared just after the grublins attacked Camp Everfree.”
The hologram nodded, “Exactly, my contacts told me that he gave up his plan for turning the grounds into a spa, deciding that it was nothing but a waste of time. But they heard an argument between Filthy and the Cultists and the next thing they know, he disappeared overnight and his secretary was relaying his orders. I don't know if he's dead or being held somewhere, but I’ll figure that out later.” He went back to the information regarding the planes,
“I’ve already compiled a mission for both Echo and Omega Squadrons to do. But I'm not keen on giving them the information on their week off though.”
Eon sighed at Artemis’ state, “Like the Echo Squadron, you need time to rest. Do not overwork yourself to exhaustion.”
The thief sighed, “I know, it's just, it's been 16 years since I saw her. 16 years since my family was torn from me. We need the boy to succeed in getting the Mystic Shards, find the truth about his past and defeat Strykore's Lieutenants before facing Strykore himself.”
Eon sighed, “Artemis, with Malefor waging war, that boy is your last hope to defeating Strykore.” The hologram shook his head, “No, there is another.”
Back in Seaquestria, the diplomatic envoy was now led to the palace as they swam to the throne room. Fortunately for our negotiators, they managed to make their way into the throne room where they found Queen Novo just pacing the room while showing signs that she was just at a salon. The former hippogriff queen turned to the dragon while looking at the company he keeps,
“I see that you have gathered my best commanders, even the general and his son. But I think it's time we discuss this negotiation.”
Spike had stated, “You lost your kingdom, your people lost their home and they are now refugees here in Seaquestria. The General’s soldiers wish to someday retake the mountain, the Commander of the Air Group and her flyers prefer the air as opposed to water and the Royal Guard are not only loyal to the Royal Family, but to their kingdom as well.”
He pointed to the door, “If you saw the state of your kingdom, your highness, wouldn't you want to do whatever it takes to reclaim that which you call home?”
She sighed, “I wish I had your courage, I have heard many stories about your courage and your confidence. You seem very confident that having us join you would help take our home back.”
Starlight spoke, “I vouch for Master Spike, he's never steered me wrong before.”
Silverstream spoke, “I vouch for him, Spike can give us hope to see our home again.”
Skystar stepped up, “You may ground me for this, but without Spike and the Alliance, Malefor will find Seaquestria.”
Storm Wind stood tall, “My son and I stand by Prince Spike, not only to take back our home, but to build a settlement on the surface to shelter our noncombatants.”
Spark Blast and his sister stood at the dragon’s side, “Your Highness, I need to make this clear. We need Spike, the Skylanders and Alliance if we are to survive. We are at war and we're just hiding from the monsters that took our home. Malefor started this war and the Skylanders are looking to stop him and put an end to the war. So as Commander of the Royal Guard and my sister's position as the Commander of the Air Group, we stand with Prince Spike.”
Novo can only lower her head in sorrow that her best soldiers sided with the dragon. That wasn't until Ocean Flow asked,
“Sister, would you sit in this castle and watch as the sky falls down on our kingdom or would you choose to fight the enemy that stole your throne and win a future for our children? Would your late husband choose to sit back or to fight?”
Novo glared at her for bringing up her husband who died while fighting off several bandits that tried to rob the stores of the mountain. The good news was that he was successful in driving them off, but the bad news was that the wounds he sustained were too much for the healers. Novo never wanted to experience loss ever again, but there was also a promise that she made to her husband as he drew his last breath,
“Promise me that you will protect Mount Aris and protect our people. Our home is all that matters now; promise me to never give up on it, my love.”
Upon seeing that image in her head made her realize that she's breaking that promise. Mount Aris is under siege, her people are now refugees and she's just sitting in the castle doing nothing. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, there was no way for the hippogriffs to remain neutral, so she stared at Spike and stated,
“Prince Spike, it has come to my decision that...you are right. That beast is sitting on my throne, looking over my home, my kingdom and sending out armies across the land. But I won't stand idly by while my kingdom is in danger.” Novo declared, “As Queen of Mount Aris, the Hippogriffs will stand with you in stopping Malefor.”
Skystar smiled as she silently said, “I knew she would see reason.”
Novo looked at her sister and stated, “Ocean Flow, you and I have to meet with our Generals to prepare for a trip to the surface. General Storm Wind, we could use your knowledge in preparation for the coming battle.”
Wind was cheering, “Yes, we're going to the surface!”
Sky Talon asked, “Your Highness, I was also considering possible settlement sites for our noncombatants and Spike knows a possible site.”
The queen looked at the dragon as he stated, “The area near Cloudcracker Base has some nice farmland. It's safe, resourceful and it doesn't cross the border with Sweet Apple Acres.”
She was amused by this since most of her people wish to be back on land, “I’ll be sure to mention it to Princess Celestia when we meet. You have brought hope to not only my people, but to me as well. In the meantime, I have a meeting with the rest of my generals, our soldiers need time to prepare for war.”
Wind Blast spoke, “Your Highness, with your permission, Sky Talon and the rest of the Air Wing seek to return to the surface and survey the site for the settlement.”
The Queen looked at the General and at her sister as they both nod their heads, “Then I grant you permission to return to the surface since you mostly prefer the skies.”
Spike assured, “While you work on preparing your forces, we’ll let the princesses know that the negotiations were successful.”
Novo agreed, “Very well.”
As Spike and his group prepared to leave, Ocean Flow spoke, “This war could determine our fate.”
The purple dragon stated, “Malefor did it once before, but we're going to beat him.”
“Be safe, Prince Spike. May your Ancestors look after you.”
“May they look after us all.” Soon enough, the group vanished in a flash of light.