With his head held high, Fire Fight felt like he could take on the frozen world, even if Snowdrop herself still seemed overwhelmingly formidable. He could feel the energy from the crowd pouring into his horn, and he couldn’t wait to light the flame that would burn away the cold filly’s darkness. But first, they had preparations to make.
“Alright everyone, Snowdrop is on her way over here. We have room for a defensive battle strategy. Any ideas?”
Greensprout stepped up. “I think, before all else, we should ensure the safety of all the townsfolk. I’d feel terrible if they were caught in our crossfire. We need to make sure that they’re sufficiently sheltered.”
Fire Fight looked around and was quickly reminded at the sorry state the populace was. Having just enough strength the skirt by in this apocalyptic weather, having to endure so close to the icy endbringer would surely be enough to finish them off. “You’re right.”
“I don’t suppose you have a basement?” Shadow Shroud asked Twilight.
Twilight shook her head. “I’m afraid not. But there are some caves on the edge of the Everfree Forest that should be safe. It’d just be a matter of getting everypony over there safely.”
“We encountered no resistance out in the town when we came over here, so… mad as I may sound, I should think it would be fairly safe to escort everypony.” Quantum Tech said.
“Be that as it may, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.” Air Slash said.
“We’ll need to prepare for travel first. That’d mean getting our supplies organized and ready for departure.” Mayor Mare said.
“Then we’ll help you before we head out.” Fire Fight said.
“A splendid idea, Fire Fight.” Celestia said. “I’d like to use this opportunity to get to know you and the Battle Foals better if you don’t mind.”
“Sure! I don’t see why not.” Fire Fight said.
*****
Fire Fight and his mother worked together to prepare rations, carefully mixing what ingredients could be scrounged before gently baking them in a makeshift oven. “Our old camping snack recipe, huh?” Fire Fight asked his mom.
“Well, as best I could replicate it anyway.” Cat said. Out from the oven came batches of baked oat treats with various bits of fruits and vegetables mixed in.
“Still looking great as it ever was.” Fist said as he carefully packed the finished batches.
“How come you never made these for us? They look tasty” Spiral Galaxy asked.
“I wanted to try new stuff. If all I made were these snacks, it might’ve been a boring trip.” Fire Fight said.
“Oh, sure. Giant snakes, crystal monsters, mad scientists, bandits… totally not a boring trip.” Spiral said.
“Yeah, but having only trail mix bars would’ve made me miss home-cooked meals.” Tidal Wave said.
Shadow Shroud appeared beside them. “They probably would’ve been nice in our more desperate situations, but I suppose we survived just fine.”
Celestia calmly observed them while making sure the packages were fairly distributed. “It’s still impressive that you’re that capable of a cook at your age, Fire Fight.”
“Thanks, Princess.” Fire Fight said. “My mom started teaching me when she found out my magic was fire-based.”
“I thought it’d be a good way to train him to control his fire- I didn’t want him accidently burning down our house after all!” Cat said. “S-Sorry, honey.”
Fire Fight shrugged. “Meh. That’s actually fair.”
“I definitely enjoyed sampling his experiments whenever I got home from work, even the failed ones.” Fist said. “If they were really good, he’d get more time with the hanging bag.”
“Seems like that’s how you bonded as a family.” Celestia said.
“Well, that wasn’t the only way, but…” Fist.
“It was certainly the most prevalent, I’d say.” Cat said.
“There’s no bonding like bonding over food, right?” Fire Fight asked.
Shroud giggled. “Ms. Fight, you taught your son well. His fearsome talent in the ferocious art of cooking managed to tame a whole horde of rogue foals!” she joked.
Cat laughed. “Well, I’m happy his rigorous training came to such good use, sweetie!” she said. “Honey, you’ll have to let your friends try these once we defeat Snowdrop.” She said to her son.
“Oh, yes!” Celestia said. “I’d certainly love to sample the cooking that brought a group of broken foals together. It built a family in of itself, I think.”
Fire Fight blushed as he pulled out another tray. “Aw, man. But, yeah! I’ll totally make some- huh?” He suddenly noticed that the batch he pulled out had a couple missing. “I know I put a full tray in…”
Crunching could suddenly be heard, and when they looed over, they saw Turf War gingerly munching on what they could only assume were the baked treats based on the crumbs flying from his mouth. “Yo. This taste fire!”
“DUDE! SERIOUSLY!?” Spiral exclaimed.
Turf War’s eyes suddenly opened wider than a mile, and he sheepishly looked around as he felt glares from all around. “Ehehe… S-See what happened was…”
*****
Shadow Shroud stood calmly amongst the group of school foals, most of them nervous, but others quite curious. Cheerilee stood amongst them; she too was anxious in the presence of a dangerous myth, but she maintained an air of coolness around her students. Celestia’s calm presence aided to ease any anxieties.
“So… you’re supposed to be a ninja from a clan hidden from history?” Button Mash asked.
“To put it simply.” Shroud said. “We’re actually an off-shoot from the Bladerunner clan, not too long after they were formed.”
“It all started from the actions of a rebellious Bladerunner who harbored a powerful sense of justice.” Celestia explained.
“Grandmaster New Moon…” Shadow Shroud muttered reverently.
“Have you always known they existed, Princess?” Cheerilee asked.
Celestia nodded. “Yes. I thought them a menace at first, but they have worked to protect Equestria’s light by fighting in its shadows, shadows that ought to remain unseen.”
“Yeah, I can guarantee my team and I fought in some of these ‘shadows’ ourselves.” Fire Fight said as he walked up and sat next to his love, who gave him a sweet smile.
“Fire Fight, I think ponies would love it if you wrote a journal chronicling all the adventures you had with your friends.” Cheerilee said. “It might help Equestria cope with the revelation of the Shadewalkers’ existence.”
“Great idea!” Fire Fight said.
“Yeah, but… you guys were supposed to be a secret, right? Is anything gonna… happen to you now?” Diamond Tiara asked.
Shroud’s confident smile faded into mild worry. “I-I… should be fine.” She stammered.
Silver Spoon walked up to them. “Well, if anything does happen…” She suddenly grabbed Fire Fight’s hoof and held it to her cheek, startling the fiery colt. “I’ll be sure to take good care of Fire Fight for you.”
Before Fire Fight could even react, Shadow Shroud quickly drew a kunai and held it to Silver Spoon’s throat, staring burning daggers into her souls. “That won’t be necessary.”
Silver Spoon quickly let go and scuttled back like a scared puppy. “Y-Y-Yes, ma’am!”
As Shroud put her kunai away, Fire Fight leaned in to whisper. “Easy!” He said.
“Sorry. Force of habit…” Shroud said.
*****
Turf War decided to help Big Mac and Applejack move their barrels of what apples they could harvest before the ice storm hit. In spite of his small size, his ability to lift a barrel with a single hoof and transport it with minimal issue made it clear that his strength could potential rival his southern male peer.
“Yer a hard worker, Turf War!” Applejack said.
“Man, I do what I gotta do to help my homies. It was like that back in the hood, it’s like that with the crew I’m rollin’ with now. Ya feel?” Turf War said.
“Eeyup.” Mac said as he helped his middle sister lift two barrels into a wagon.
“Erm…” Diamond Tiara had come to see what they were doing. “Sorry if I’m rude but,… you talk kinda funny.”
Turf War rolled his eyes. “Listen: it’s just how I do. I can help it… Well, I could help it, but f-… skip that. I like who I am.”
“Were you seriously about to cuss?” Diamond asked.
Spoiled Rich suddenly appeared beside her. “This is the kind of filth I’ve warned you to stay especially far away from, my dear.
Turf War tossed a barrel up to Applejack. “Oh! You speaking from experience? ‘Cause I bet a lot o’ homies ghosted yo’ ass.”
Spoiled stared daggers at him. “I’ll thank you not to use such vulgarity against MY pristine character, you nasty little piece of street litter!”
“Mom!” Diamond said.
Turf War just burst out laughing. “That’s yo’ best comeback. Man, lemme know when you got something creative to call me, then I might hit you with my best smack talk- I been had plenty o’ practice.”
Spoiled was seething until she felt Celestia’s presence beside her. “Many ponies come from many different walks of life.” The solar sovereign said. “No matter how imperfect one might seem to the other, we’re people all the same.
Startled, Spoiled Rich just casually cleared her throat. “O-Oh, of course, Your Radiance. This unmannered colt really ought to know better.”
Celestia wryly smiled. “Perhaps he would if you set a better example.” Spoiled stared at her stunned while Diamond snickered beside her.
“Mm-hm.” Turf War said. “That’s what happens when you be mouthin’ off like a li’l b****.” He said.
Everyone Big Mac and Applejack dropped the barrels they were carrying out of shock as everyone dropped dead silent and gawked at Turf War.
“What did you say, young colt!?” Celestia asked.
Turf War sweated bullets. “Oh, s***! Uh, I mean-… M-M-My bad! Hehehe…”
*****
Spiral Galaxy calmly cast a whirl of stars around herself with the three princesses, Tidal Wave, Sky Strike, and Quantum Tech as her audience. The latter of whom was projected readings of her friend’s powerful magic from her glasses, some that the princesses were quite in awe of.
Eventually, Spiral relaxed her magic and stood consciously amongst her friends once more. “Well?”
“Spiral Galaxy, that’s… that’s just incredible!” Twilight said.
“Your command over the stars is quite admirable at your age.” Luna said.
“I’m just curious as to how you even learned such powerful magic.” Celestia said.
“Surprisingly enough, Hoofington’s public library had a tome on how to use cosmomancy.” Spiral explained. “I, ehh… kinda thought I could be the Princess of the Stars when I was little, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.”
Sky Strike chuckled. “Well, they do say, ‘follow your dreams’.”
“I’m just so sorry that your dreams ended up hurting you, Spiral Galaxy.” Twilight said.
Spiral shook her head. “Don’t worry. My friends helped me get a grip on my magic, especially Quantum and Tidal Wave.”
Quantum proudly fixed her glasses. “My hornband provided an adequate pressure valve, allowing her to cast greater amounts of magic while becoming accustomed to the mental strain that comes with.”
“I wasn’t there for the whole thing, but apparently the flow of water helps to ease her mind.” Tidal Wave said.
“The sounds of Nature can be very soothing, even to the most energetic amongst us.” Luna said.
“Out of curiosity, what was the book you read, Spiral Galaxy?” Celestia asked.
Spiral pondered. “Erm… I think it was called like… ‘Starswirl’s Star Talking Guide’ or something like that?”
Twilight gasped. “Do you mean ‘Starswirl’s Guide to Taming the Stars’?”
“Yeah! That’s it!” Spiral said.
“That tome should be in the Canterlot Royal Library! How did it get into Hoofington?” Celestia said. “Unless I sent it to you, Twilight so you could study it when you left for Ponyville.”
Twilight cocked her head. “Wait here a minute.” And she went into her study. It was moments before she returned with a confused look on her face. “I don’t seem to have it. Did you forget to send it?”
Celestia shook her head. “No, I distinctly remember ordering it be sent to your living space.” She said. “Although… I had originally planned to send you to Hoofington- Ponyville was a last minute change due to the Summer Sun Celebration taking place there…” She pondered for a moment… and then loudly face-hooved upon realizing her blunder. “Oh, manure…”
*****
Air Slash and his father took it upon themselves to sharpen the makeshift weapons some of the townsfolk had made for themselves, as well as their own and those of their comrades.
“How long has it been since you and I have done something as simple as this together, my son?” Knight’s Soul asked.
“I seem to recall us and mother having a nice picnic in the garden together when I was much younger.” Air Slash said.
Knight’s Soul pondered. “Ah, yes. As I recall, the day prior, you’d suffered a sparring injury with one of your older cousins. You were too scared to even pick up a sword again after that, so your mother thought to reignite your courage with some family time.”
“Well, I daresay it worked.” Air Slash said. “Yes… you both gave me reassurance that I’d grow into a strong, proud swordman; that every mistake, every injury heals and becomes armor for the soul.”
Knight’s Soul chuckled. “Assuming you choose to wear that armor. Otherwise, you’re simply rubbing salt into your own wound.”
Air Slash’s smile then began to fade. “I so hope that she and the others are alright.”
“They are.” Knight’s Soul asserted. They’ve found refuge elsewhere, but their hardiness serves them well.”
Air Slash smiled again. “Good. I can’t finally get back at Radiant Dawn if he’s frozen to death.”
Knight’s Soul laughed heartily. “Watch that pride of yours, boy. Don’t want to turn out like me.”
Air Slash shook his head. “Don’t say that, father. I think we’ve both succeeded in swallowing our pride.”
“Indeed.” Knight’s Soul said. “Though perhaps we ought to check each other on occasion. If there’s one thing we’ve both learned, I think it’s that we’re more than just a clan- we’re a family.”
“We are.” Air Slash said. He put down what he was doing and looked at his father. “And I hope we can maintain that from now on.” He said as he hugged his father.
Knight’s Soul happily reciprocated. “I love you, Air Slash.”
“I love you too, father.”
*****
Kickback decided to brighten the mood with good old fashioned rodeo entertainment. He skillfully twirled his whip around like a lasso and performed various basic tricks with it. The townsfolk happily watched along with an amused Celestia.
“Man! He’s pretty cool!” One stallion said.
“Quite the little star.” One mare said.
“That’s looks fun! I wonder if I could learn to do that?” An eager colt said.
“H-He’s handsome too…” A blushing filly cooed.
Twilight happened to walk in on the performance and sat next to her teacher. “He’s a rising star, isn’t he?”
“He certainly is.” Celestia said. She then leaned in to whisper. “He’s the one who wields the new weapons called ‘guns’, correct?”
“He is.” Twilight answered.
“So… he’s the one who accidently…” Celestia said.
Twilight looked upon the cowpony and sighed. “Yes…” she muttered. “Are you… worried in any way?”
“All weapons are equally dangerous on their own. The true threat comes from irresponsible use by irresponsible folk, a notion I’m sure his past self can attest.” Celestia said. “That calm and collected attitude means that he learned his lesson, bless his young soul, and the soul of his dearly departed mother. He sets a profound example for the kind of responsible needed to wield any weapon.”
Twilight looked upon at Kickback again, this time with a little reverence. “I guess he does, doesn’t he?”
“I remember something Starswirl said to me long ago when I was your age: ‘The most dangerous weapon that everypony wields from birth is their heart and soul. It’s essential that that’s the first weapon of yours that you temper’.”
“Wow…” Twilight said. “I must imagine he spent a lot of time doing that.” She couldn’t help but notice just how happy the spectators were watching Kickback calmly perform. “Maybe that’s what draws others to him.” She said, which made her giggle noticing how the fillies watching were all watching him obviously smitten.
When he was done with his performance, Kickback sheathed his whip, took off his hat, and gracefully bowed to his thoroughly pleased audience. He donned his hat with reserved pride… but he then felt his whip ominously vibrating.
“OH, TARNATION!” Kickback exclaimed. His whip was glowing brightly from the kinetic energy it had stored from being twirled. “How’d Ah already forget about that!? Ah better go let this off, y’all!” He rushed out of the castle, and resounding crack in the sound barrier could be heard, even felt beyond the doors.
*****
“UNICORN! PEGASUS! EARTH PONY! UNICORN! PEGASUS! EARTH PONY! UNICORN! PEGASUS! EARTH PONY!” Crazylocks loudly chanted as she repeatedly transitioned between tribes. Fire Fight, Bullseye, Cheerilee, Twilight, and Luna watched sorrowfully as Celestia quivered at the unnatural display. Watching with equal parts sympathy and intrigue was Dr. Hooves.
“What a wretched thing to do to a foal…” Luna said.
“Yeah… She’s been really helpful to us because of it, but we hoped we could find a way to cure her.” Fire Fight said.
“The best we were able to do was give her the gift of friendship.” Bullseye said.
“But to think the perpetrator was- Oh! Is it safe for me to say his name?” Dr. Hooves asked.
Fire Fight and Bullseye looked at each other and shrugged. “I think it should be fine.” Bullseye said.
“Good.” Dr. Hooves cleared his throat. “To think the great Professor Gene Splice would be the one to commit such gruesome acts, right down to murdering his family for the sake of experiments… There are just some lines no scientist should ever cross.” He said. “That said, I would gladly aid to study a way to correct her genetic structure. I suppose we could call it… Gene therapy!”
“I remember meeting Professor Gene Splice some years back.” Celestia said. “His ability to study and understand life and the world around him was truly unmatched. I remember worrying that he would allow his passion to discover to consume him. It seems I should’ve acted on that hunch.”
“Will she even be able to live a normal life after she’s cured? This ordeal began for her when she was only three.” Twilight said.
“I don’t think it’s impossible.” Cheerilee said. “There are programs for challenged foals, but it’d be a matter of time and patience after that, and a lot of it.”
“Though I severely doubt she’ll retain the fighting capabilities she has now after the fact; you’d be down a soldier.” Hooves said.
“Honestly, I’d be ok with that. In fact, I kinda want that for her. She’s been through so much already that I want her to be at peace for once. She… She kinda deserves it.” Fire Fight said.
“Took the words right out of my mouth.” Bullseye said. “Hey… she didn’t flinch when we said Gene’s name!”
“Pfft! I watched him ride into the jelly donut sunset long ago. I don’t care anymore!” Crazylocks said. She then looked curiously as Celestia. “So… who’re you again?”
“Crazylocks, that’d Princess Celestia.” Twilight said. “The one who raises and sets the sun and rules over Equestria.”
Crazylocks then gasped and looked upon the solar sovereign with sparkling eyes. “You’re real!?” she said.
Celestia winced while Luna started snickering violently. “And just what’s so funny, sister?” Celestia asked.
Luna could answer in muffles from holding back a fit of laughter. “Oh, N-Nothing!”
*****
Quantum Tech was diligently on fine-tuning her mech. Her concentration was so intense that she paid no heed to anyone around her, not even Celestia and Twilight, who were standing right beside her as she worked.
Celestia was thoroughly impressed by what the filly had accomplished on her own, and Twilight was still giddy over the sight of the impressive technological piece, but exercised restraint in the presence of her teacher, not to mention the memory of what happened aboard the Jotun.
“Isn’t it always wonderful to see somepony find their talent so early?” Celestia asked.
Twilight nodded. “It sure is. Do you think you’ll let her into your school? She’d be a great fit.”
Celestia pondered. “Hmm… While she would no doubt make a name for herself, she’s already so smart that she might just stand out too much. I daresay she may be ready for an apprenticeship already.”
“Good point. That talent’s already been thoroughly nurtured, but now it just needs to be tempered.” Twilight said. She knew that this’d be a conversation the filly herself ought to have been a part of. “Hey, Quantum Tech?” The little technician kept working at it, not hearing Twilight. “Quantum Tech?” Nothing again. “Quantum Tech!?” Still nothing. “QUANTUM TECH!”
“Huh!?” Quantum looked up, startled as she haphazardly reached around the cockpit area… setting off the anti-theft measure. “GYAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!”
The princesses watched in shock as Quantum was… well, shocked by her own tech, and the brainy filly fell to the ground in a smoking heap. “Goodness!” Celestia cradled the dazed Quantum, who didn’t look very happy with Twilight.
“You were asking for me… princess?” Quantum hissed, causing Twilight to sheepishly blush.
*****
Shrapnel curiously sniffed around Celestia, who was unfazed by the interaction with the wooden titan. His master softly smiled at the display.
“I hope you do not take offense from him, O Royal One. This is how he becomes acquainted with most others.” Zebota said.
“Of course not, Zebota.” Celestia said. “If anything, I’m flattered to have such a friendly exchange with such ferocious beast, not to mention a zebra. It’s so wonderful that you were able to make friends with people outside of your culture.”
Zebota nodded. “It is said by my people that one should revere the tree for how it has grown, not for the soil that it has grown from.” He said. “In other words, who you are as person always comes first. Culture is secondary.”
“Profound wisdom indeed.” Celestia.
Zecora walked up to them. “Even when alone, we learn from the earth. It is a sense we have at our moment of birth. Pony, zebra, it matters not; we all read and act from the same plot.”
Celestia nodded. “And if Fire Fight’s actions are any indication, mindset is the next most important thing. Even if we disagree, we all unconsciously wish to strive towards peace.”
“So it would seem.” Zecora said. “Even once I feared Beastcraft, the forbidden art; but this child, Zebota has done much to ease my heart.”
“That pleases me to hear, Ms. Zecora.” Zebota said.
Shrapnel stopped sniffing Celestia and started nuzzling her, causing her to giggle. “Oh, you big sweetheart!” But then he became more affectionate; he pulled her in with his paws and started licking her energetically. “Ohohoho! Ok! Ok, you need to stop! Ahahaha!”
Zebota was too surprised to see him so playful with a stranger to think to stop him right away.
*****
Greensprout was healing an injured stallion with her Gaia Root, who recovered within a few minutes. “Oh, thank you, little filly!” he said.
Greensprout giggled. “You’re very welcome, brother.” She said, and the stallion went off to help with the preparations.
Celestia walked up to her. “So you’re the one from Gardenia who carries the sacred Gaia Root. Greensprout, was it?”
The little monk nodded. “Yes, Princess. I willfully went on a journey with Fire Fight after he showed me just how cruel reality can truly be.”
“Yes… I’d heard about the circumstance behind your birth and your parents. You have my deepest condolences, sweetie.” Celestia said.
“Thank you, Princess.” Greensprout said. “I just hope all of the other monks are okay…”
“I ordered a nationwide evacuation, so they should have made it out just fine, especially if they have the amount of faith that you have.” Celestia said.
Greensprout giggled. “Boastful as this may be, I learned to never lose heart in the face of adversity from my fellow monks.”
“It’s amazing how anyone, related by blood or not can become your family.” Celestia said.
“Fire Fight created a loving family amongst the Battle Foals, I’d say. They each needed a place to belong.” Greensprout said.
“And you took it upon yourself to help foster that kinship between them, I take it?” Celestia asked.
Greensprout nodded. “In a manner of speaking. When I first met them, they were distressed by life somehow, so I thought there should be one to remind them that life can be wonderful and full of love. Learning to love brings one closer to inner and outer peace, even if it’s just a little.”
“Indeed it does.” Celestia said. “I’ve heard you’re quite the herbalist as well. Was that taught to you in Gardenia as well?”
Greensprout suddenly blushed, looking around sheepishly. “Y-Yes, of course. Creating a connection between ponies… a-and Nature is never a bad thing… right?”
Celestia giggled. “Oh, never.” She said as she walked away.
As she watched Celestia leave, Greensprout couldn’t help but recall her embarrassing first dabble into herbal medicine. “I should never have tried making that love potion…”
*****
Bullseye was sitting solemnly by herself, sharpening the blades on her bow as the world within the castle passed her by.
With slight trepidation, Cheerilee approached her. “H-Hello, Bullseye.”
Bullseye halfway looked at her. She stared at the teacher in silence for an awkward moment before replying. “What do you want?”
Cheerilee sighed. “<Great start.>” she thought. “Oh, I… just wanted to see how you were doing… That’s all.”
Bullseye looked away from her and focused on her bow once more. “Well, I’m fine, so… y-yeah…” Her voice was shaky.
Cheerilee pondered how to handle the situation. “Are you nervous about fighting Snowdrop?”
“I guess. We’ll do what we have to though.” Bullseye said.
“Well, that’s a good attitude to have.” Cheerilee said, slowly and cautiously approaching her. “You must be happy to have such strong and loving friends.”
As if by instinct, Bullseye pointed the blade of her bow at Cheerilee, startling the teacher. After a tense moment, the anxious archer pulled her weapon back. “L-Look, I don’t want to get rough with you, so… I-I mean… just…” She retreated away a good distance while shaking nervously, trying to avoid eye contact. “J-Just don’t come near me, o-okay?”
Before Cheerilee could reply, Bullseye fluttered away entirely. The teacher sighed solemnly. “Poor thing…”
Celestia walked up beside her and put her wing over the sullen teacher. “I don’t think she quite trusts adults yet.”
Cheerilee slowly nodded. “After what she endured, that certainly won’t be for a while, and that’s even if it ever happens. I just wish there was something I or somepony can do for her.”
“In situations like this, its often best to let time do the healing first.” Celestia said.
*****
Tidal Wave, concerned about his viability in the fight ahead, tried focusing his water brooch onto the growths of ice surrounding the castle interior. It was tricky to move, but he could still do it. There was something about the energy within the ice that seemed to taunt him, as if it was bullying him to try harder, so that’s what he did. He was successful each time.
While his father happily watched, Spiral walked to him and gave him a big kiss. “You show that nasty ice who’s boss, mister!” she said, causing him to blush.
Sky Strike ruffled his son’s mane. “You’re a man now, buddy.”
Tidal Wave smiled sheepishly as he redid his mane. “Thanks, guys.”
Celestia walked up to them. “So you’re the one granted zebra magic over water, correct? Tidal Wave?”
Tidal Wave nodded. “Yes, Your Highness.” He said. “I also learned how to fight with a lance from my dad here! He’s a guard in Cloudsdale.”
Celestia looked at said father. “Oh, yes. Sky Strike, was it? A bit haphazard teaching your foal how to use a weapon, don’t you think.”
Sky Strike shrugged. “I mean… he watched me without me knowing… but he never did anything bad with his skills. If it helped him grow, I can’t really complain. It’s kinda my job after all.”
Celestia giggled. “Indeed. Perhaps I ought to recommend your commanding officer to give you a raise considering what all you’ve endured up until now. You and your son have fought bravely against many odds.”
“Thanks so much, Your Highness!” Sky Strike said.
Tidal Wave found himself feeling a little giddy as well. “Yeah! I feel like a real superhe-” In his excitement, he accidently telekineticly flung the small ice chunks he’d practiced with into his father, knocking him away. “DAD!”
Sky Strike, even underneath the shrapnel laughed heartily. “Life would be boring if we were perfect, sport!”
Spiral Galaxy gave him a rough nudge. “Be careful!”
*****
Valkyrie received her armaments from Air Slash after he had repaired them. She thanked him and proudly sheathed her weaponry, exuding confidence. “Yeah, I’m awesome.” She said to herself.
Celestia laughed. “Wielding the Valhalla must make you feel invincible, young Valkyrie.”
Valkyrie smugly looked her way. “Yeah, when your ancestors are some of the greatest warriors in history, you tend to feel like you can take the world ten times over.”
“I only hope your pride speaks to your strength, young griffin.” Celestia said.
Valkyrie discreetly looked around, and then gestured for the solar sovereign to lean in for a whisper, which she did. “Look, I don’t boast just ‘cause I know I’m strong. I have an image to keep up. My people struggle like hell every day. If I can’t be their ray of hope, their pillar of strength, then who will? You represent your people too, don’t you? You’ve gotta understand.”
Celestia leaned up again. “I do.” She said. “But you have to consider what you’re projecting onto the people you care about. Always think about the example you’re setting. I think you’ll find it has a more profound effect on your people’s prosperity than you may realize.”
Valkyrie winced, suddenly remembering how lavish Griffin society was when Siegfried was alive and active, and then it gradually started declining somewhere down the line. “Huh… I wonder which one of us started the ego trend…”
*****
Frostbite worked to clear the ice clusters that overtook much of the castle’s interior. Accompanying him was Spike, who clawed and flamed through whatever ice his cold companion didn’t crush.
“So, what’s it like, Frostbite? Breathing ice, I mean.” Spike asked.
Frostbite shrugged. “I dunno. Wanna tell me what breathing fire’s like?”
Spike eagerly started his answer. “It’s like breathing the essence of the earth itself out your gut, like you’re spitting your entire soul at something, like your-”
“Yeah, cool. Sounds like a blast.” Frostbite said dryly, causing Spike to feel disheartened. “But, uh… ice is pretty cool too.” He said.
“Yeah? How?” Spike asked.
Frostbite pondered as he crushed an iceberg. “It’s like… having to power to stop the world in it’s tracks, like you’ve become a warning of… of what kind of chilling end anything can face.” He said. “A little too appropriate, huh?”
Spike chuckled. “I’ll say. You do seem a lot less hot-headed than most dragons I’ve met.”
Frostbite cocked his eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“I would think so.” Celestia said as she approached with Twilight. “You’re more able to restrain your strong will than much of your kin, hence why you were able to befriend the Battle Foals.”
“I wonder if that has anything to do with your ice breathing ability…” Twilight said.
Frostbite shrugged. “Don’t really know, don’t really care. I like who I am, I like my little twerp friends, and that’s good enough for me. End of story.” He approached a closet door that was frozen shut. “Say, what’s in here?” he asked as he haphazardly shattered the ice sealing it.
“Wait! That has-” But it was too late. The contents spilled out onto the floor, which to their horror was…
“Oh, crap! Dragon Sneeze trees!?” Small potted specimens of the accursed trees spilled onto the floor, and the icy drake could feel his nose twitching. “ACHOOOO!!!!!” He sneezed out an ice flame that completely froze Twilight solid, much to Celestia and Spike’s shock. “Whoops… Sorry.”