//------------------------------// // Chapter Twenty-Eight: Sunny Days // Story: Cure For a Toxin // by RadBunny //------------------------------// “Summary ready, Director,” SMAL reported, causing the unicorn and gryphoness eating lunch to pause. “That was quite a delay,” Toxic remarked, wincing as pins-and-needles raced up his limbs. “You told us you’d compile it yesterday.” “Apologies. Due to the mutagenic structure of the poison, I thought it prudent to run additional scenarios and tests, as well as recommended courses of action and potential mitigation measures.” The stallion shrugged at that, waving a hoof at the golem. “Well, I can’t argue with that.” The previous evening, and this morning, had been spent consolidating the items in the cave, as well as talking over different plans. Gelliana had made it clear early on that knowing about different options put her heart at ease, so Toxic was happy to elaborate on different ‘what if’ scenarios. He had his suspicions that her remark was just a plan to get him to talk more. Her occasional dreamy-eyed look definitely confirmed that. If only she knew what he was planning. Toxic wasn’t stupid; the fact the symptoms were mild now meant nothing. Symptoms for his brother had been undetectable at first. But it had gotten worse, fast. He had no idea what this poison was going to do to his body, and there was something he wanted to make sure Gelliana knew before he went down a mutagenic rabbit hole. But that’s later, when we’re moving. For now, let’s hear the summary. Well, almost. “Let us finish eating first. I doubt I’ll be hungry after what you say,” Toxic said with a wave of his hoof. “Confirmed. Please let me know when you are ready,” SMAL remarked, vanishing into her core with a *pop*. “Makes me wonder if Clari’s sister is using the SMAL as a vessel,” Toxic mused. “You said that she appeared out of it. Guess we’ll find out in time.” Gelliana grumbled at that, the two finishing their meal and then sitting back as the SMAL was brought out once again. “Well, this will be interesting,” Toxic huffed. “I get a glimpse of my future!” He couldn’t resist looking over to stare at Gelliana. “And my future looks gooooooooooood.” The gryphoness’s face immediately fluffed, cheeks burning with a bright blush as she hid her face in her claws. “Toxic, you…” she squeaked, the stallion cackling. It was such a cheesy line, but he loved seeing her so flustered. Supper-sappy or not, he meant every single word. The stallions scooted over and pressed his cheek against the gryphoness’s, Gelliana peeking out from behind her claws with a happy, unintelligible mumble. The fact she immediately pressed back, wanting to be closer just made Toxic’s heart beat all the faster. As much as he wanted to remain like that for a while, he knew that the diagnosis needed to be heard. Just let me be coherent long enough to tell her. A few simple words in the way she deserves. “Doctor’s diagnosis time?” Gelliana whispered, most likely feeling him tense up, Toxic nodding with a frown. “As much as I’d like to stay like this; yep.” Sitting up, Toxic took a deep breath as Gelliana stayed at his side, shoulder lightly brushing his. “SMAL? Could you explain the projected diagnosis now?” The entity materialized smoothly, nodding once. “Certainly, Director.” A simple line appeared with annotated numbers; seven segmented by a larger line indicating a week. “While the majority of the chaotic magic has been removed from your body, the core mutagenic toxins remain,” SMAL began. “You have a reprieve at the moment for only another day or so. After that, the symptoms will be abrupt and severe, the specifics variable. The mutagenic toxin will mimic various, existing pathogens to the best of my knowledge. Therefore, the symptoms will range from the feather flu for Pegasi to outright hallucinations and full-body aches with possible respiratory and digestive stress. I cannot predict the exact symptoms, only that the poison will slowly leave your body over the next few weeks. A lack of concentration of the toxin does not indicate lessened symptoms.” “But he will be ok?” Gelliana butted in, SMAL blinking and finally letting out a shrug. “Unknown. The stress on the body will be significant. Mental stressors will also be present and present a challenge. Depending what diseases the pathogen manifests as, there are supplies that can dull the symptoms and provide supportive care. Unfortunately, there is very little to be done that can hasten the removal of the poison. The more magic that is applied, the more severe the subsequent symptoms.” Toxic frowned at that; it wasn’t exactly a heartening diagnosis. “Can you stave it off somehow? If we needed to run or relocate?” “Correct. A modified stasis spell can suspend the progression of the symptoms, but there will be a subsequent rebound as the body deals with the increased toxins that manifest after soaking up the magic. The poison will use such a thing as fuel. I recommend performing such spells sooner rather than later to avoid more severe effects.” Toxic let out an affirming grunt, the unicorn’s eyes drifting to the floor. “Then tomorrow morning we need to move to that new place you found, SMAL,” he muttered. “Pack up a bit tonight and then go tomorrow. Cast the spell to stave off any symptoms as we travel, and that’s assuming that blasted gas doesn’t come back. Gells?” Toxic added, the gryphoness nodding immediately. “Sounds good to me. You’re the expert in this sort of thing. Surviving in crazy locations that is,” she admitted. “Just let me know what the plan is.” “Would you like me to scout ahead?” the SMAL suggested, Toxic nodding. “Yes. Tonight, please scout and plan a specific route to the shelter, and ferry as many of the supplies as you can leaving just a pack or two for us,” Toxic instructed, Gelliana’s ears perking up at that. “Whoa, she can do that?” “Affirmative. My core has a large broadcasting radius, and with experimental restrictions removed, I can self-relocate and move supplies if necessary,” SMAL replied. “Well, that makes things easier,” Gelliana muttered, “Just leaves us to walk. Can we be cloaked with a spell at least?” “Negative. The current energy field outside disrupts active cloaking spells. I am an exception due to my matter-changing form,” SMAL said. “Was a good idea though,” Toxic said with a nudge to Gelliana’s shoulder. “Well, I leave you with those order’s, SMAL, relocate supplies and monitor for that gas. Leave a simple emergency pack for myself and Gelliana with the necessary masks and survival gear for three days or so, minimal weight.” “Orders confirmed.” As the magical golem busied itself with packing up various items with surprising speed, Toxic settled down on the ground once again, letting out a wince as a few lightning bolts of pain ran up his limbs. “Well, this will be an interesting day or two for us,” he admitted, “if not a few weeks.” “At least we have a plan, that’s all we really expect to have at a time like this, I think,” Gelliana replied, setting down next to him and promptly leaning on the stallion’s shoulder. “Can…” Toxic’s words faded, the pony letting out a soft huff. “Will you be ok? That diagnosis; I’m going to be an absolute mess. It’s probably going to be bad. Really bad.” “I’ll manage,” was her firm reply. “I’m not going anywhere, and SMAL can help instruct me on treating you for stuff,” Gelliana then paused. “How bad is bad?” “SMAL said hallucinations and a range of symptoms. I might be downright delusional,” Toxic said softly. “Anything I say would be completely illogical, irrational, potentially based off of fear or past experiences. I just don’t want to hurt you.” Gelliana was quiet for a moment as she thought, finally shrugging her shoulders. “I care about you, Toxic,” she whispered, “more than I’ve ever cared about somecreature before. It sounds like it’s going to be a Tartarus-filled few weeks, no mistake. But if that’s what stands between me and continuing what I have with you?” she then smirked, pulling back to look at the surprised unicorn with a surprising amount of fire in her eyes. “Bring it on.” The only appropriate response was to give the gryphoness a long kiss on the cheek, Toxic nuzzling into her neck as he pushed through a lump in his throat. “You are amazing, Gells,” he whispered. She snuggled closer, reaching over to hold his nearest hoof tightly. When she finally did speak, it was in that shy but sincere tone that made Toxic’s hear flutter. “So are y-you, Tox. Don’t ever forget it.” They dozed for a time, the foreboding plans of the next day not seeming as dark with a kindred spirit. For a brief moment, SMAL paused, her form growing sharply as the program froze, a familiar, armored mare looking at the sleeping pair kindly, making sure to pack the odd breastplate-like metal into Gelliana’s pack before vanishing. SMAL blinked, systems resetting as the golem shrugged, resuming the task of cleaning, scouting, and then transporting. Onyx watched the field with an odd sense of purpose. It was boring and gave him plenty of time to think, but the job was at least something to do. That was a step above being sequestered away in his accommodations. “Hey there Shadow-hide,” a drawling voice clucked, Onyx letting out an annoyed snort. He sensed the magical energy easy enough; his essence was formed from the very arcane matter that could cancel it, after all. “Discord.” “Oh, you’re no fun,” the entity pouted, settling down next to the shadow pony. “No horrified shriek? Not even a flinch? I’m almost insulted.” “I know enough about you that such a thing wouldn’t be productive. I have seen odder and stranger things in Limbo, from what I remember.” Onyx suddenly found his hooves encased in wet earth, Discord frowning. “Well, aren’t you a stick in the mud,” he muttered, “but fair enough. I am not here to conduct pleasantries after all.” That made Onyx more surprised than Discord appearing. “That is oddly formal for you.” The Draconequus nodded, gagging slightly. “Yes, I know, and I’ll have a spleen-ache for an hour afterwards. This can’t be good for my complexion,” the God of Chaos muttered. “What do you want?” Onyx’s words made Discord pout, waving a set of claws. “Well, grumpy or not, at least you’re to the point. What I want to do is help, but to do that, I need you.” “You? Help?” Onyx huffed, the Draconequus actually laughing. “Ok, I deserved that. But yes, I am reformed now, to a point.” Onyx raised an eyebrow, Discord massaging his eyebrow with a claw. “Maybe this will make you understand. What would you do to anycreature that threatened to slice your Windigo friend’s limbs off? Hang her by hooks and laugh as she suffered?” A devilish grin dawned on Discord’s face as Onyx’s figure visibly darkened, dagger-like limbs snapping into focus. “Good. You understand that at least,” Discord mused. “I received a similar set of threats from that pissant creature that calls itself a King.” Onyx’s figure shifted back to normal, head tilting curiously. “Threatened? You? They can’t harm you, can they?” he asked, Discord groaning and pulling his face in exasperation. “You dense-they didn’t threaten me,” the God of Chaos growled. “They threatened the one pony I care most about in this world.” Another raised eyebrow at that, prompting Discord to wave a dismissive paw. “Oh yes, heaven forbid the God of Chaos can have actual fond feelings for anyone. Discord couldn’t ever have such feelings. Nobody likes him. He doesn’t like anyone. Look, I am trying to be pleasant right now, all right? I need your help, and nocreature can know!” Onyx stared for a moment, his grey eyes widening in surprise. For the briefest moment, Discord almost appeared vulnerable, the Draconequus seeming to loathe even speaking of his feelings and the threat. To be fair, the shadow-pony could relate very heavily with the ‘trying to be pleasant’ remark. He had a feeling that was not said on accident. “You do care for her,” Onyx said softly, and without any snark. A simple, sincere statement. He had heard the rumors about one of the few ponies who seemed to enjoy having Discord around. Even he wouldn’t mock such a thing. He wasn’t heartless. Nodding once, Discord snorted, a bit of actual steam rising up from his nostrils to orbit around his head. “More than I think you are capable of understanding,” he replied hotly. “What will the wedding band look like?” Onyx asked immediately, Discord clapping his paws together. “Oh! It’s going to be perfect, it…” the Draconequus blinked, calmly writing a ‘1’ in the air above Onyx’s head, and a ‘0’ above his own. “Well played, my shadowy friend, well played. I suppose you do understand more than I thought. On to the point. Will you help me?” “I need to know exactly what that will involve,” Onyx replied. “But if it will hurt the King of Shadows and keep creatures safe, yes.” Discord waved a paw, a copy machine and seashell appearing next to the shadow pony. “I promise that it will help destroy him, keep creatures such as Icait, the Princess’s, all the colorful ponies, especially a pale-yellow Pegasus, safe,” Discord said, shuddering briefly as he poked his own eye with a fist. “Best make it official; yada yada yada cross my heart and all that, stick a cupcake in my eye.” A very cold wind blew through the field, the distant whisper of ‘foreeeeevvvveeeerrr’ faintly audible. Creepy, but it was Equestria where stranger things had happened. “I suppose I’d best first answer your unspoken question of why now to do all of this,” Discord drawled, Onyx’s ears twitching in annoyance, for it had been a question of his, even if he wanted to never ask it. Of course, Onyx had a feeling Discord simply wanted to talk and answer it regardless. “It appears I have been discovered helping you all, and our mutual fiend tried to make good on a threat he once sent me.” “Tried?” Onyx asked with a raised eyebrow, Discord letting out a passive hum as he examined his claws. “The individuals in question are no longer with us, after a series of stairs fell down on them. Repeatedly,” the Draconequus replied calmly. “Of course, it was inevitable to think I wouldn’t help, knowing that my realm helped cause all of this, But, that bag of hot air has crossed a line, one that exists among those of us who hold a significant amount of power. An unspoken rule has been broken.” Something inside of Onyx’s gut twisted, the ground under the shadow-pony’s hooves seeming to sway. Everything around him seemed wrong, a sudden bout of lightheadedness hitting him. It then occurred to the pony that Discord’s eyes were glowing a malevolent red, even as the Draconequus appeared to be at ease. Fear pricked at the shadow-pony’s heart as Discord appeared anything but a trickster. “That line is never to be crossed without repercussions, and yet many creatures let power go to their head. The King of Shadows thinks he can hide from me after threatening the one pony I lov-value in this world,” Discord now growled, now gesturing to the two items. “He forgot I have nothing but time to think! And I’ve figured out how he got here, how he is able exist in this realm. A realm I control! And now He DARES to try and take her from me!?” For a second, Discord’s usually fluid, disjointed body expanded in size. Instead of the mischievous God of Chaos, a nightmarish creature with rippling muscle floated in front of Onyx. Claws the size of carriages and sharpened to a razor edge and eyes blazing with a chaotic fire. A paw manipulated reality itself, planetary bodies zipping around as if dust in the wind as solar flares leaked from the Draconequus’s eyes, an expression of absolute, complete rage on his snarling features. A maw that could swallow Canterlot whole… And then it was gone, Discord coughing almost in embarrassment as he lay on top of the wheat field without disturbing a single blade as the unsettled nature of reality vanished, along with the twist in Onyx’s gut. “It’s quite simple really, but we can’t let anyone know, especially those two sparkly sisters, and I don’t mean moony and sunbutt,” he muttered. “They think this is their fight, but that creature made this fight mine. They can use their methods to bring the King of Shadows to his knees, but I will finish it. Not them.” As Discord then went on to explain the meaning of the two items, Onyx actually began to grin. The God of Chaos was pulling no punches it seems, and while it was a fool’s hope that this world work, that everything would line up, it was hope nonetheless. Discord was the embodiment of the phrase ‘million to one odds.’ The God of Chaos had been spurned and threatened; and every creature had its limit. It would seem a certain Draconequus had been pushed leagues over his limit. Onyx was just glad it wasn’t him being schemed against. When it came to threatening a creature the God of Chaos had some semblance of feelings for, Discord’s vocabulary very quickly excluded the term ‘mercy’. “So, it is agreed?” Discord asked, Onyx nodding firmly. “Of course. It requires very little of myself, after all,” the pony replied. “Quite right. I get to do all the heavy lifting.” Discord seemed about to depart, and then paused, expression softening for a moment. “Onyx, it is a rare moment that I get to meet a fellow nigh-immortal in such infant stages of existence,” he said in a disturbingly casual manner. “So, I would like to leave you with this statement, one that, if I had figured it out earlier, would have saved me a lot of pain. Literally. Being frozen in stone is quite agonizing when you have an itchy nose.” Onyx blinked, nodding and listening curiously. This different, subdued Discord was…odd. Almost pleasant, was pleasant. “Friendship in this world has defeated myself and dozens of other creatures who sought to destroy Equestria, or at least rule it and cause pain,” Discord said calmly. “That was friendship, harnessed among the Elements of Harmony.” The Draconeques’s gaze left Onyx, instead drifting to a large pocket watch, where something was placed inside the cover. A picture perhaps? “I leave you this to think on. If friendship between a group of ponies can do all of that, what power do you think love has? Changelings have already figured out a part of that equation, for better or worse.” And then he was gone, leaving Onyx to wave away a bunch of butterflies with shrimp for wings. “You’re an odd one,” Onyx muttered as he trotted away. In the distance, he could have heard a familiar, laughing drawl. “Mister Grinch…” Knife Twist shook her head firmly, surprising Hammer as he pushed a piece of paper across the desk. The ex-legionnaire didn’t withdraw the paper, but instead let out an amused chuckle. “I’m serious, Knife Twist.” “I don’t…” she began, ears flat against her skull. “I’ve barely been at this place for a week or two. That’s not enough time for me to prove myself.” Hammer let out a snort at that. “And in little over a week, you saved the life of Princess Luna, myself, and helped root out the remaining insurgents on the island. If that isn’t a blatant example of wasted talent, I don’t know what is. The wheat fields can wait. Luna agrees with me, by the way.” Knife’s ears perked up at that. “What? You didn’t think I asked her first?” Now the Thestrel felt a bit embarrassed; of course he did. “Walk with me, Knife Twist.” The pair meandered down the halls, Hammer pausing by a large window, one of the larger, rocky peaks of the volcanic crater visible outside. “We need creatures like you,” Hammer said bluntly. “That attack really threw things off, and we can’t afford to lose anymore time. We didn’t anticipate this accelerated hiring schedule, and so we are short of instructors for quite a few essential parts of the Organization. I’m busy handling hiring schedules and trying to make sure everything runs smoothly. Varti, myself, and Luna agree that we do not have the luxury of time, not when we could be attacked again.” Knife saw where this was going and she was both ecstatic and absolutely terrified. “For years, you were the Captain of Luna’s guard. I know your background, even the parts that Celestia and Luna didn’t want me to see,” Hammer continued rather bluntly, his words making the Thestral’s ears flatten. “But I also see how hard you’re trying. You’re no enemy agent; that much I am certain. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still be supervised, but the fact is, you know how to lead, and more importantly, how to teach.” “What would I be teaching? Or leading?” Knife asked, still shaking her head. “I don’t- I’m not even back to being decently fit. I need a good month to regain my strength.” “Then take that month, and start training others while you do so,” Hammer replied, tapping a few symbols on his gauntlet. “Training others for what, Hammer?” Knife asked, looking around as a teleportation rune activated. “I’ll show you.” The pair reappeared in a massive underground cavern, the size easily fitting multiple hoofball fields. Bright but none-too-harsh lights dotted the ceiling, illuminating… The Thestral promptly sat down in shock. The same warmth and comfort that she had first felt when seeing the parchment in her jail cell, first arriving on the island; it all returned full force. Spread out before her eyes was a training facility, looking to be a combination of the Royal Guard, Legionnaire, and Lunar Knight facilities. Mess halls, barracks, sparring arenas, weapon forges; it was a self-sufficient training camp. A few large crystal generators spun at the edge of her vision; supplementary shields similar to the one over the entire island and likely hiding this area from any prying magical scans. Or, judging by how the ceiling flickered, a direct attack. Knife’s eyes were drawn to a large speaking area, a simple stone stage already carved out from the walls in preparation for any speaking events. It was the symbol above the stage, however, that drew her focus, along with the empty tassels for a flag to be mounted. “Hammer, what does that mean?” she whispered, now managing to stand as they walked towards the gathering area. A large lighthouse encompassed by a shield was etched into the stone, the national emblems of Equestria and Hauyne stamped beneath the building but within the shield. “It means, Miss Twist, that this Organization goes above and beyond aiding chemical disasters,” Hammer explained. “Equestria is not a militaristic nation, nor should it be. Those creatures should be spared the horrors of war, as should so many others across other lands. The Princesses should not be expected to take such a role. Emperor Thunderwing has eased that burden slightly, but his nation, while having an impressive army, is more focused on Windigos and the threats they pose specifically. Equestria and Hauyne are the two nations we have formal agreements with, and there is plenty of space for more. We hope to add all nations in that symbol.” Hammer paused, the ex-legionnaire standing a bit taller. “You must have seen the airships above the island, the security golems, the reinforced walls. I’d be disappointed if you hadn’t.” “I didn’t think it was my place to ask,” Knife admitted. “And until now, it wasn’t,” the stallion replied. “But things have changed. My friend is held hostage, and this island was attacked. We will not stand by and simply endure all of this. We don’t have the creature-power to take the usual time to evaluate individuals.” “We?” Knife asked, “Who is ‘we’?” Hammer led her over to one of the training areas, Knife’s head on a swivel. The equipment and practicing locations had been used recently; hoof and claw prints dotting the dusty sparring area, raw metal gleaning on the battered armor of training dummies. Hammer let out a whistle, and Knife immediately crouched into a ready position as a dozen individuals dropped from the ceiling, all of them having been completely silent while watching. “We are the Last Light’s sword so to speak,” Hammer proclaimed, the black-clad ponies and gryphoness taking off their masks, odd, flexible armor shimmering away with a magical crackle. “This group is the first of many shock troops that can be deployed at a moment’s notice. We aim to be on par with the Lunar Knights and the Legionnaires. No, we aim to surpass them!” Knife’s keen eyes roved over the group. They were a bit older than the usual recruits of the previously-mentioned forces, but they had a certain glint in their eyes, the type that only veterans had. Indeed, one or two had artificial limbs, but the way they carried themselves made Knife only respect them more. The limbs were new and sleek; and if not for their appearance, they didn’t appear to move any different than a flesh and blood appendage. “They are all ex-legionnaires, Royal Guard, Night Guard, or VIP security. They’ve been training together, but they need a squad leader. Someone who, at the very least, can point them in the right direction while they are training,” the stallion paused with a grin, “perhaps somecreature who can offer verbal directions while she gets back in shape.” Hammer stepped back, gesturing to the training facilities. “What do you say, Knife Twist?” It was a tempting offer, but the Thestrel knew better than to assume anything. “Before I give my answer, I need to know more of what I’m training them, and myself, for,” she said, prompting a sly grin from Hammer. Of course, he had planned that. If Knife had to guess, Luna had specifically instructed that to be a test. Having someone train troops without question? That wasn’t what this Organization was looking for, not from what Knife had seen. They were smarter than that, and much sneakier too. “I was hoping you would ask that,” Hammer chuckled. “I’ve been authorized to give you a brief explanation. In short, you will be training them to be a peacekeeping force.” The stallion then gestured to the two symbols underneath the lighthouse. “That is the Organization’s dual function. We aim to act as a mediating force between nations, stars know this world needs one,” Hammer said, letting out a snort. “You probably heard about this- but did you know a war was almost started because some youngsters skipped class?” Knife nodded. That incident hadn’t been exactly the pinnacle of diplomacy. “There are very few official channels between nations, largely because half of them are only now starting to condense back together,” Hammer continued, “The Dragons? Now they finally are actually being civil, well, as much as they can be, under Dragonlord Ember. The Gryphons are slowly starting to regain their Empire’s former strength, and all the while, Equestria and other peaceful nations are not used to dealing with them on an even footing.” “So, Last Light will be acting as a negotiator?” Knife asked. “In short, yes,” Hammer replied. “Every nation who joins our agreement will receive our support if their citizens are attacked by another, antagonistic force. The majority of the time, they will likely be lone factions, mercenaries, targeted attacks from the groups that reside in Klugetown.” Knife Twist gestured to the entire underground expanse; an eyebrow raised at that. “This isn’t training to repel mercenaries, Hammer,” she stated flatly. “You don’t need a fleet of airships for that.” “Quite right,” the stallion chuckled. “The secondary part of the agreement is if a nation who has already signed attacks another nation under our protection, the defenders receive our support only against the immediately attacking party. No attacks behind enemy lines initially, and we will be rendering aid to all afflicted parties. That remains the primary goal of the organization.” Interesting. That eliminates false-flag operations too. No faking attacks to prompt a war. “That makes sense, so it’s more of a negotiation hub?” Knife asked. “Yes. We operate as impartial intermediaries between nations if things escalate beyond initial channels,” Hammer then paused, letting out a frustrated sigh. “Maybe this will explain it even better. Knife, what happens at the end of every war?” She frowned at that, shrugging her wings. “One side loses, one side wins?” “Close. But to close a war, what happens, what always happens?” “Peace talks? A treaty, something like that.” Hammer gestured towards her with a hoof, nodding once. “Bingo. We aim to at least try and erase the majority of what a war could be, if we can.” A bit of anger flickered across the stallion’s face. “Wars start in many different ways, but they end the same. Two creatures sitting down and talking,” he growled. “Every time. After blood, anger, and tears have been shed for who knows how long, it always ends with talking! While there are exceptions, one of the primary goals of this arm of the Organization is to force that issue. Force the fighting to stop amid two bickering nations and have them talk. To do that, you need leverage. Significant leverage.” Knife Twist blinked; that was a loft goal indeed, and a dangerous one. “Uh, wow,” she said, “that’s…” “Crazy?” “I was going to say dangerous, but I won’t deny that word either,” Knife replied, prompting Hammer to nod in agreement. “Well, that’s what I said when Toxic first explained it to me,” he admitted. “But it makes sense. Aside from aiding in isolated incidents, this Organization won’t act as the aggressor towards nations who have agreed to the supportive terms.” Knife didn’t miss that last part, but it made sense. “So, nations will join simply because their potential enemies did,” she said, thinking out loud, “Because if they didn’t, your standing army would give them an edge. Not joining leaves them vulnerable.” “And by joining, they agree to a set of general diplomatic rules and channels that was never thought of before,” Hammer finished. “Maybe it’s pride, like the dragons or gryphons, or inexperience like Kirin’s. Each nation has their own issues when dealing with outsiders. Equestria itself still has rather deep-rooted discriminatory views itself, even pony against pony. But none of that is tolerated here, and our rules give them an excuse to talk, irrespective of pride or inexperience. We aim to be peacekeepers, not rulers.” Hammer’s demeanor then softened, shoulders sagging slightly. “Be it from chemical disasters, terrorist mercenaries or war, we want to save who we can, when nocreature else can, or will.” For some reason, that last statement ripped into Knife’s heart. But a few months ago, she was one of those individuals. Nobody was trying to save me, nobody cared if I rotted away in that prison outside of Barley. And then Luna showed me… She wouldn’t cry, not yet. “I have j-just one last question,” she said, voice hitching slightly. “Oh?” “Where is my bunk?” she asked with a grin, then looked over to Hammer as he laughed. “I take that as a yes! I will get things settled straightaway for your living arrangements,” he chuckled. “So, what is this force, this squad called? Shock troops you said? These peacekeepers?” Knife asked, not able to keep a smile off her face. Hammer got an odd look on his face, actually shrugging at that. “So, strange thing about that. The name was changed on the Director’s orders after we went public. I do say, it is growing on me. Apparently, it’s related to some ancient group who tried keep the peace as well in ancient times. The Director didn’t go into details.” He gestured towards the wall, and Knife’s eyes refocused, zeroing in on the symbol she had seen from before. This time, there was a single, large word illuminated by the lighthouse symbol’s beam. ‘Last Light Templars’ None of the creature’s present noticed three figures watching them, ghostly outlines flickering. Clari’s eyes ran with tears as a minotaur and unicorn nodded in approval, then vanished with knowing smiles on their faces. A fourth individual flickered into existence, an armored mare grinning before zipping away on a magical spell. “A record?” Varti asked, taking the offered storage crystal in a careful grip. “A complete record of my Order,” Nacreous explained, the burning in his breast threatening to force its way out of his eyes. “Hundreds of years of spells, history, diplomatic negotiations; everything I was a part of is in there. And I now trust it to Toxic, and to you.” Varti carefully set the crystal on a stone podium, careful spells beginning to pick out each record one by one and store it both in a physical location and one within a magical Ether on the island. “I still do not fully understand why you are entrusting this all to our organization,” the Yak admitted. “Yet after I told you of the change of names to our shock troops, you seemed surer than ever.” “The name given to them is what made me certain,” the Paladin replied softly. “It is not by coincidence that Toxic changed it, and I know such a thing was asked of him by the leader of my Order.” “Leader?!” Varti exclaimed, “how is that-” “The Order was formed under Clari’s direction, Varti,” Nacreous explained, the Yak then letting out a chuckle. “Interesting. So, having her approval…” “Bears more weight on this matter than myself,” the Paladin concluded. “The Templars were a part of my Order. To have them reinstated in some way is a bit overwhelming. The old records being transferred here; it is as if my Order is returning at least in part.” At that, Varti’s eyes widened. When put that way, it was a significant thing indeed. Nacreous’s brow then furrowed. “What I find odd, is that I personally had not heard much of that designation- the Templars. I know they were a part of the Order, but I heard very little of them. I do not know what purpose they played under Clari’s Direction.” “That is because they are my Guardians.” Nacreous’s head snapped around even as Varti chuckled. “Hello, Fide.” The armored mare nodded in greeting, then turning to Nacreous. “Paladin Thunderwing. We have not met,” she stated. “You were a member of my Sister’s order, and so would not have heard much of my Templars.” The Paladin bowed his head in greeting, even if a bit confused. “You seem to know me, but I don’t believe we have met…wait, did you say sister? Varti mentioned you briefly.” “Correct. My past interaction was brief. Concerning my sister, her inaction has forced me to be a bit more involved,” was Fide’s abrupt reply. “And yet such is in her nature, I cannot fault her for having such a soft heart,” the mare said in a gentler, self-reflective tone. “So, the Templars are your Guardians, your Paladins? She relayed that request from you then?” Nacreous clarified, Fide nodding once. “Yes. My Order was never as visible as my sister’s, but certainly just as active. I saw to it that we kept the brunt of the aggressors away from her in the shadows until the day we were overwhelmed. And now they must return in a form.” “So, having Clari asking Toxic to change the name,” Nacreous muttered to himself, “was a sign that both her order and yours could come back to life in this organization, even if it is in memory and rough function of aiding creatures.” “Hmm. Clari picked well it seems,” Fide murmured as Varti chuckled. “That’s about as much of a compliment as you’ll get, Highness.” That made Nacreous grin, the large hippogriff gesturing to the other two. “You know each other?” “A single conversation, but yes,” Varti replied with a shrug of his furry shoulders. “But back to the main matter at hoof…or claw. So, with all these records, the Templars, what does that all mean for us?” “It means, Varti,” Fide said in a surprisingly civil and subdued tone, almost sentimental. “That we are putting our trust in your organization to accomplish what we could not. Our enemy has a united front against us, and we must respond in kind.” Her gaze then drifted over to the Emperor, the large mare actually grinning. “And to that end, Paladin Thunderwing, I think your announcement will spur that along quite nicely.” “My…” Nacreous began, then chuckled with a shake of his head. “Of course you’d know.” Varti blinked, clearly out of the loop, raised his hoof. “Did I miss something?” Nacreous tossed over a parchment, Varti quickly unfurled it and reading the contents. Sitting down in shock with a *thud*, the Professor looked at the message and then back to the Emperor. “How is this possible?” he asked, Nacreous walking over to lay a set of claws on the incredulous Yak’s shoulder. “Your message reached much farther than we anticipated,” the Paladin replied. “The individuals from my kingdom have already been briefed and sorted into appropriate job categories. All you have to do is interview them and decide. From what you told me, the hiring staff are just about settled at the end of this week.” A nod was Varti’s response, his hoof then gesturing to the other itemized list at the bottom of the parchment. “And these?” Nacreous looked over to Fide, a rather eager smile on her face. “Those are everycreature else who has answered your call. Veterans of all species from various conflicts and wars, and many good-hearted souls who want to help,” the Paladin explained. “I think you’re going to need a few more hiring staff.” Varti stood, nodding once as his eyes dampened. “I think, Emperor, you are right.” Fide levitated the parchment over as the other two began to talk amongst themselves, her own eyes brightening. Unheard by the two others, a soft laugh left her muzzle at seeing the numbers written on the parchment, along with Nacreous’s blunt summary. It would seem her sister had chosen quite well indeed. Of course, as the big sister, it was Fide’s job to watch out for her regardless. ‘Pool of individuals who are vetted with at least two applicable skills; Ten thousand and growing. You’re going to need a bigger island. -Emperor Thunderwing.’