//------------------------------// // Scorched Equestria // Story: Solar Deception // by theSilentInventor401 //------------------------------// She had her hood up. The rest of the garment was draped over her form and nearly covered her entirely. The landscape around her was barren and quite dry in most areas. Though some areas were so choked with water that permanent mud seemed to infect the ground itself. It wasn’t too bad though. She was able to pull clean water from the semisolid using her magic. Though her mind again reconsidered it as it seemed to stick to her hooves like glue. Requiring her to pull up her hooves harder, and that only drained her energy even more. She was already tired. Tired of fighting the woodland creatures that had been severely morphed by the sunlight radiation caused by more recent events. It didn’t help that the princess liked to burn everything in her path. Even ponies. She had seen the princess’s rage cover entire towns with fire that seemed to consume even the souls of their victims. She had been one of the few that had been able to escape the clutches of the solar Princess’s anger. Though she was unsure if she’d be able to escape a second time. She knew she was a powerful unicorn, and she lent her strength to those who needed it. Though that also meant she had to keep on the move otherwise she’d be caught and likely be either killed or changed by the corrupted Elements of Harmony. The mud suddenly seemed to eat her leg and she had to pause to decide if the mud pit was a creature trying to take a bite out of her. She sighed, noting exactly how the last few days had grown on her. All she wanted was a nice semi-soft bed, a quiet place, and a nice authentic Apple family cider. Non-alcoholic. She had enough with plants trying to mess with her mental sanity. She didn’t want to give the plants any other advantage that it already had. She felt her back hoof fall into the same mud hole her front hoof had fallen into. Though she didn’t immediately pull it out. She let it remain, contemplating exactly how stressed she was. The mud was quite annoying, and at times, perilous. Though it did come with a good omen. Despite the terrain, the mud brought water that could easily be distilled. With water, brought civilization and potentially, a place to stay for the night. She sighed, and slowly yanked her back leg out of the mess it was stuck in. It came loose with a loud squelch that seemed to hang onto her ears for some time. She took in another breath and let her legs carry her forward. She headed in no direction in particular. She had no idea where she was nor where she was to go. Though she knew that civilization needed a source of water, food, and some sort of materials to build a shelter with. She was nearly covered in mud. Water? Check. The trees around her had plenty of fruit. Food? Check. Many half-scorched trees. Materials? Half check. She had seen ponies make use of charred wood for building materials. It wasn’t very aromatic, but it was a shelter nonetheless. So she continued forward, keeping a keen eye out for any signs that ponies could be nearby. Heck, she’d be okay with a dragon settlement! A pile of gems was much more comfortable than the solid ground! As long as you knew how to lay in them. A small trick she had learned from Spike. The thought died in her mind. The little dragon had gone missing a few months ago. The Elements, minus Twilight, had been captured by Celestia and modified to her bidding. With the Elements out of the way, no pony could stand up to Celestia’s might. Even Discord was banished to his realm with Celestia’s power. A power no pony had seen her use, nor think she had. Soon after, Luna and Twilight disappeared and Spike followed soon after. No creature had seen them since. She wanted to believe that the alicorn was in hiding, merely waiting for an opportunity to save them and her friends. Yet, that hadn’t happened for years. She looked at her hooves, completely covered in mud and whatever may be hiding in the brown muck. She looked at the appendage with disgust, probably for the thousandth time, and then noticed something in the muck. She pulled it up to reveal a small scrap of clothing. A scarf? Maybe a sock? She didn’t know. Though she didn’t care. She left the clothing where she had found it and looked deeper at her surroundings. She -didn’t see a pony that could be nearby. Though she didn’t dare call out. That was the quickest way to alert deadly forest critters to an easy meal. She again paused and pulled up the article of clothing from the mud. She folded it the best she could and squeezed out the murky liquid. She gave it a shake and sent half-dry flakes of mud flying into the trees beyond. She again folded it up and then winked it to her personal pocket dimension. Whoever had lost it might be close by, and returning it may allow her to gain a better favor with at least the owner. Any pony’s trust was a commodity in this time. She sighed and continued to walk. Though she did not get far before she noticed the ground become a bit harder and more uniform. It was as if it was trampled down. A trail! Her heart soared and her body agreed to forget her aches for a moment till she was in a nice soft bed. Or, anything other than the ground. She’d be happy for a small blanket at that point. With that in mind, she quickly trotted along the path. And felt her patience begin to wane before she saw a small building with no lights on the front porch. It was a tad too big for a house. It had several stories and seemed to have blackened windows. Though that was normal at this time. The constant sunlight was made bearable by the black tint. She found herself galloping towards the building, with happy haste in her mind. Once she came to the door, she was about to knock when she saw a sign saying she could walk in. It seemed to be a bar of sorts. Though that made her wary. Many creatures used alcohol to cope with the times. Which only caused more trouble when it came to social interactions. Something that did not help in the slightest. She sighed, feeling her body sway with exhaustion. She was physically tired, though she was still able to use her magic quite well. So any pony, provided that the pony didn’t have several magical friends, wouldn’t pose too much as a threat to her. She felt her posture fall even more. She hated to have to keep her guard up around her fellow kin. She wasn't exactly social like Pinkie, but she didn’t hate being social. Now that it was almost cut out of her life, she found she really missed it. She wanted to have Pinkie open the door and pass her an invitation to some elaborate party. Though the door remained closed. So she sighed and delayed her entry further by magically pulling off the mud from her hooves. She flung the remains away and examined her hooves. It was hard enough to keep clean hooves clean, a whole other to keep buildings clean. She wanted to leave a good first impression on whoever was going to see her first. She steeled her body and pushed in the door. She kept her hood up just out of habit and found herself looking around the room. Most of the conversations continued regardless of her entry. Though that didn’t quite matter. She wasn’t going to start a conversation with a random group. Many had suspicious natures and may react hostile. Not to mention that there was quite a bounty on her head. Though she wasn’t thinking about that. Her bounty was only taken on by the strongest of groups. And by looking around at the groups, she didn’t sense any strong auras. Nor did she see any massive weapons that could indicate strong opponents. Though that wasn’t the only factor that she needed to watch out for. But she didn’t see anything else that would indicate a threat. So she focused on the room itself. It was spacious and roomy, with several types of tables and chairs for differing types of creatures. Everything was a blackened brown and she could see a few of the tables looking like they came out of a bonfire. Surprisingly it held the dragon that was sitting on it. Very little decorating things furnished the room, making the room look quite wooden in fashion. It was as if a unicorn decided to make the building out of a large tree. Then let a kirin get mad and scorch the entire place before letting everyone in. It wasn’t the worst thing that she had seen. There was a set of stairs that seemed to peek out from behind a large bar table just in front of her. There were a few ponies on the bar stools accompanied by a Kirin and a dragon. There were a few empty, separating the parties by a stool or two. She chose one closet to the kirin simply because of the center position to the bar. It was simply a choice of preference. Since she had saved quite a few buildings because she was able to stop the attack, being in the center. She swiveled in her seat a bit before turning to the bartender. She smiled, enjoying the childishness it gave her. The bartender also smiled. “Guests tend to like the spinning stools. You one of them?” The bartender asked in a gruff but friendly voice. Starlight grinned awkwardly, “I suppose. It’s nice to feel like a foal again.” “And forget the troublous times right?” Starlight nodded. The bartender smiled. Judging from his voice, it was a he. Though she couldn’t discern much else. The pony-like figure was well equipped with armor and seemed to have a horn. Though that could mean he was either a unicorn, kirin, or a changing as it was covered with a protective metal spike. Though the species was revealed when the creature held up a glass and the liquid inside began to boil. That was a specialty of a kirin. Using their natural heat with to clean glasses with hot water. “So,” the Bartender asked as he emptied the glass and began to dry it, “What would you like to have?” Starlight gave the kirin a smile, “By chance do you have any Apple Family Cider? Non-alcoholic?” The Kirin gave her a sad smile, “Unfortunately that has to be reserved. We don’t tend to get many shipments out here and we have to source them from quite far away.” “I’m not worried about the price,” Starlight replied with a small smile. That was true. Her magical abilities have given her a chance to get quite a bit of money. And she had stockpiled quite a bit. “All of our stock has been reserved. Mostly by one fellow,” The bartender replied. He placed the glass that he had cleaned under the bar in its place, “A fellow that has quite a bit of money and a knowledge of when we get the shipments is the first to order most of the shipment. Then use that to—” his words stopped as the main door was thrust open. A large stallion then walked in with an air of seniority. His superiority seemed to radiate from him like her magical aura when she didn’t suppress it. Yet this energy wasn’t a magical sense it was more of an observation of his appearance. Golden armor adorned with a royal purple and serval worn badges. The stallion didn’t have a helmet to obscure his horn but his red hair seemed to do plenty of a good job. She could just barely see it, and if she hadn’t trained herself to assess any creature for threats she would have missed it. Though she could plainly see the muscular frame the pony supported. She could tell it was a pony since he didn’t even bother hiding it. Very little magic radiated from him, so she had the edge with magic if the pony wanted a fight. Yet, there was a large sword on his right side. It was sheathed at the moment but the grip seemed to be able to attach to his gauntlets, judging on the matching fittings, as well as be held in the mouth for a quick draw. She could see another weapon on the other side of the pony as well. Though she was unsure if it was a hammer or a large axe that had a protective cover so things he walked by wouldn’t be harmed. Regardless, she could see the muscles in the pony’s neck and legs trying to escape the confines of the armor they were in. She doubted that a blow with the mystery weapon, protective cover or not, wouldn’t still be very painful. She’d have to be careful on close-range combat. Probably have to use long-range magic or her bow. She doubted her weapons could block such large weapons. Overall though, she doubted the unicorn could win in a battle. Unless he got a jump on her. Though the smug look on his face didn’t seem to provide evidence of that kind of strategy. “Are you by chance a mare?” The bartender suddenly asked. Starlight gave the kirin a dark, worried look, suddenly conscious of her look, “Why?” “Did you happen on this bar by chance or know of its origins?” “Why?” Starlight asked again. The bartender frowned, “Well, he is the reason you don’t see many mares around. He seems to be able to sniff them out and always tries to hit on any that are alone. A bit of a creep if I may add.” Starlight frowned, again looking around. The kirin was right. There were only two other female creatures in the bar. A dragon who was armored head to toe and looked very fierce. Starlight was sure she’d win a battle against the dragon if needed, but she wouldn’t start the battle unless she needed to. Though another mare was in a small enclosed table with five other creatures with her. She seemed to be in a protective bubble as if she was a prized asset. Which she probably was. Other than the obvious, she seemed to be adorned with healing apparatuses. She was probably a good healer. Though the pony didn’t seem to have magic, her wings suggested a quick flyer. She would love to be friends with the pony for that reason alone. Healing with magic had its downsides. Though the group seemed to not like outsiders, judging how the group was taking turns keeping watch around them. She returned her gaze to the bartender, “I’ll be fine.” She got a frown in response, “Are you sure? He won’t try anything with so many watching. Though he will push and try to sway you to go with him..” Starlight smiled, that kind of pony huh? It wouldn’t be the first time, “I’ll be fine. Thanks for the warning though, it's appreciated.” “Alright, but do not accept any drinks he may offer. He has been known to spike them with powerful love potions that have ensnared many mares.” Starlight nodded and was about to respond when she noticed the mystery pony take a seat next to her. He didn’t spin in the stool like she had, rather, just enough to face her. He didn’t say anything at first but pulled a bottle of Apple cider from the tightly packed pack on his back. He floated it to the table and gently slid it over to her. Starlight watched the bottle and debated on using her magic to scan the bottle for the alleged love potion. Though that kind of spell would definitely give away how much magical energy she had. So she lit her horn and pushed the bottle back to its owner. “No thanks,” She said with a polite tone and turned to the bartender, “Do you have any lemonade?” The kirin nodded but it was the mystery pony who spoke, “This is authentic Apple family cider. A treat you wouldn’t want to give up! I’m giving it to you in return for a conversation! A simple trade, costing me much more than you.” His voice was smooth and he was certainly not bad to listen to. It was quite obvious that he had done quite a bit of smooth-talking. “Exactly,” Starlight replied, “One wouldn’t just give away such a pricy item if it didn’t have a cause.” She angled her head slightly towards the pony. Not enough to show her face, but enough to show that she was talking to him. The pony laughed, “So careful! You’ve had your share of trouble.” Starlight shared a bit in his mirth with a sad smile, “I have many enemies.” A single glass of lemonade floated over to her and was set on the table. She warped a few bits from her dimension and held it out to the bartender. Though he only accepted half of the bits and gave the rest back. She had offered those for the warning about the pony next to her. Though the kirin seemed to refuse them. So she took a sip of her drink and found it was quite good. Something uncommon with farms barely able to grow crops in the scorching wasteland; at least sunlight wasn’t an issue. She again offered the remaining bits, “This is quite good, thank you! And thank you for your hospitality,” She said, allowing her eyes to ever so slightly look towards the pony next to her. The kirin shrugged, “Of course!” He said, taking the bits and storing them somewhere behind the bar. “So what kind of enemies have you made?” The mystery pony tried again with a conversation. “I do not speak of them,” Starlight said simply, filling her mouth with the tart taste of her drink. It was sweet a moment later. She gave the bartender another smile. The kirin returned it before helping the kirin next to her. “You do not speak of them? Why is that?” Starlight scoffed, “You do not know the power of those who live in shadow.” The pony’s voice grew confused, but he tried to again to get on her good side, “I wouldn’t mind traveling with you on your journey! I’d be a great bodyguard!” “Really?” Starlight wanted so badly to reveal the nature of her true power. Yet, that could be very dangerous. She’d light up like a beacon to those looking for her. “Aye! I’ve led a group of 30 ponies through the Dark Everfree. I’ve battled almost every creature that we know about and even stood my ground against an Element of Harmony.” The pony bragged. That was actually impressive, provided his story was true. Though the Dark Everfree forest bit made sense. This pony did seem capable of doing what he said. There weren’t very many longer-range enemies in that part of the wood. Though which element was he able to withstand? She was about to ask when another pony burst through the doors and collapsed on the floor. She was clutching her front leg. It was clearly ripped open, blood mixing with mud. Though, if Starlight wasn’t mistaken, it looked like it was hit with a heavy-ended ax or a spiked club. Her clothes also were ripped and there were a few arrows sticking out of her. Her breathing was ragged and labored. “Help…” She got out with her current breathing. The mystery pony started to get up but Starlight beat him to it, leaving her drink on the counter. She summoned the mystery clothing from her dimension along with the meager first aid supplies she had. Though when she was about to rip the clothing item she stopped as someone urgently asked her to. “Wait! Please don’t use that!!” It was the medical pony from earlier. Her group advanced on her, and Starlight instinctively took a fighting stance. The medical pony didn’t react but continued to talk, “That’s mine. I lost it when we were fighting the forest goblins. It’s a family heirloom,” She paused, reaching into her bag to pull out a more advanced medical kit, “May I?” Starlight relaxed and levitated the found heirloom to its owner. She wasn’t too worried if the pony was lying. It was a non-magical piece of clothing. If she wanted it, she could have it. The pony gave her a cautious look, “I owe you one,” She said and went to give medical aid. “Nah,” Starlight said purposely putting herself between the injured and the mystery stallion, “Keep it. It’s just a—” Though she was cut off when the injured pony pushed away from the Pegasus’s first aid kit. “No…” the pony said in a feebly desperate voice, “Help, my…” Her breath seemed not existent. Barely able to say a few words at a time. Though Starlight understood immediately. She reached forward and placed a hoof on the pony’s forehead, “Think of where your friends are. I’ll teleport there and help them,” She looked around, “Anyone who wants to help place a hoof on me.” The stallion of course placed a hoof on her flank, much to her annoyance, but she allowed her magical energy to connect to his. “We’ll come with you,” the medical pony said looking at the group, “It’s the least thing we can do.” “For what? I just met you,” She asked, as the pony placed a hoof on her side. The other creatures in her group doing the same. It was a dragon, two changelings, an earth pony, and a unicorn. Each was silent with armored bodies, ready for battle. “Giving that family heirloom back,” The earth pony said as the pegasus placed the article of clothing in her pack. Starlight shrugged, “I’ll ask later,” She looked back at the injured pony, “Think about where your friends are, I’ll take care of the rest.” The pony nodded and closed her eyes. Starlight also closed her eyes and vividly saw a scene in her mind. She activated the specialized teleportation spell and allowed it to travel along the attached energies along her coat. With a flash, the group disappeared. Then reappeared next to a foggy area. The air immediately tried to eat at her lungs but she magically forced it away, purifying it in the process. She melded her magic into a shield prematurely, expecting an attack to come her way. Though nothing came immediately. So, she made sure every creature had made it, then surveyed the environment. They were still in the forest as before since the trees were similarly charred. Though there was a toxic green fog that filled the area, making it harder to see. Though her shield protected the group from the fog, she didn’t have it too powerful; she didn’t want to alert anypony looking for her. But she had back up, so she wasn’t too worried. The problem was the air. It was a very specific poison floating in the air. A poison she was accustomed to and knew what created it. A Poio-lin. A goblin-like creature that could expel the fog from its skin and mouth. They normally traveled in groups and were generally small, only the size of a foal. Except for the leader, which could become as big as a house. Groups generally ranged from 40 to 90 per group and Starlight never found any issues with them. Though she never encountered a large enough group to fill a forest with their smog. Despite the arrows the little ones could send in volleys of 50. She gave her surroundings a closer look. The injured pony must have broken away to get help, which meant she had some way to stop the fog. “Or she was teleported out of it.” She thought and turned back to the injured pony. She wasn’t able to tell her if she was or not, but that didn’t matter, Starlight would be able to tell. So she told the pony to hold still again and extended her magical energy towards the pony. Immediately she felt the lingering effects of a teleporting spell. The spell’s energy still clung to the pony’s magical energy, and she could feel it wasn’t her own and quite strong. Which meant the spell had happened recently. She clung to the hope of her not being too late. She closed her eyes and reversed the spell, finding out where the spell had started. Once she had the location in mind, she opened her eyes towards the location. She lifted the injured pony with her magic and spoke quietly, “Follow me,” and trotted in the direction. It took only a minute to get nearby, then she channeled her magic into her shield and created an air vortex towards the area. The air forced the fog to dance crazily, fading as it did. Once it had faded enough, Starlight saw a bright, but cracked, blue shield. It was small, only able to cover three ponies huddled together and a pony in a flattened fetal position. Her hooves were on her head as she seemed to put her entire being into her shield. Her horn was glowing fiercely, but Starlight could see it was fading. The pony was crying, covered in nicks and cuts, eyes tightly closed in pure desperation. The shield cracked again. Though there was no fog to block what had caused it this time. A poio-lin, the size of a house was pummeling the shield with a massive ax. Dozens of smaller poio-lins were hitting the shield with little clubs or their little fists. She looked at the group, then noticed another large poio-lin which cause panic to blossom in her chest. Groups of poio-lins only had a single larger entity cause of their social structure. Why were there two of them? Maybe they were fighting over the ponies? She shook her head as she watched the other larger one smack the shield with another massive ax. She took a breath and summoned her gas mask. She turned to the rest of the group before putting it on. “Can you take one of the larger ones down?” She asked quickly, forgoing stealth as the group noticed their presence. The medial pegasus nodded, “Yeah. We can and with the big guy’s help, it shouldn’t be too big of an issue. Though the other one will be a problem.” Starlight shook her head, “No, it won’t. I’ll take care of the guy further away. I’ll also place a shield over the ponies in that shield. You guys familiar with the Poio-lins?” The unicorn nodded, “Yeah, we’ve run into them before. Though this is the biggest group I’ve seen.” “You know the magic trick with the small ones?” Another nod, “Bright light, frequency of 742 THz.” Starlight nodded impressed, “Great! Let's do a combined blast, then jump into action.” The stallion frowned, “I’d rather stay with the other unicorn, it may be unwise to leav—” “No arguing,” Starlight said firmly, “We don’t have time. That shield of theirs is about to break. Stay with your group, or I may blast you just because.” The stallion frowned but nodded. “Ready?” The unicorn asked, lighting her horn in a bright yellow. Starlight nodded and lowered the color frequency of her shield to allow the light to pass through unaffected. The two unicorns let the magic form into a massive flash of violet light that filled the area with color. The smaller poio-lins stopped what they were doing and stumbled around, dazed. The bigger ones looked at the shield with infuriated expressions and the closer one charged forward, green fog coming from its skin and mouth as it emitted a feral warcry. The other continued to pound the shield. The shield now showing more cracks than shield. Starlight was glad the trick had worked on the smaller ones or the shield would have been destroyed at that very point. She quickly placed another shield around the cracked blue one and had it emit torrents of air in all directions. She let her original shield go as she gave the group a warning. Once it went down, the group scattered, avoiding the larger Poio-lin’s attack and Starlight floated over to the other mega poio-lin. It had tried to hit her shield, only to find it harder than the original shield. Its anger seemed to leak from its face, and it tried to smother her with fog breath. The air, however, whisked it away. Starlight smiled, and stood on her shield, and baited the creature to take a swing at her. It did, with a furious cry it swung its mighty ax, aiming true. Though Starlight teleported to the right a bit, avoiding the blow. She also morphed her shield upwards to envelop the weapon’s head, trapping it in the process. The creature tried to tug its ax out but found it couldn’t. So it attacked with a punch, but, found its hand stuck as Starlight repeated the process. The Poio-lin tried again but found its other hand stuck in the light blue shield. Starlight smiled. Poio-lins were easily tricked, being creatures with a straight line kind of thinking. She took a battle stance and had the shield spread the creature’s arms apart, exposing its chest. It roared with frustration, again trying to smother her with its toxic fog. She gave the creature a sad smile as she summoned her blade. It was a simple, small broadsword. Though it had a magically sharpened edge and tip, able to go through even stone. It required to be resharpened at that, but the mega poio-lins skin was not as tough as stone; regardless of how magic resistant it was. She magnetically attached the sword to her leg, and with a breath, leapt at the poio-lin’s chest. She aimed for the creature’s heart and sunk the blade home. The creature roared in pain but slowly crumpled to the floor within seconds. She removed her blade, cleaned it, and returned it to its dimension. She felt bad but not as bad as the one the rest of the group took care of. It looked as if it was beaten to death, large wounds and cuts covering the creature’s body as several limbs seemed broken. Her method of taking out the heart caused a critical failure in the creature’s fog ability. Normally, with the heart functioning, the toxin is retained in the blood through a special hormone gland. When that gland is destroyed, the poison is released throughout the body. It was a quick, and painless death as the poison would be activated in the brain within seconds. It was quite simple to take care of the larger Poio-lins at that point. Though she was still sad that such weakness was right behind the creature’s heart. Her sadness only grew when she saw the last Poio-lin was in fact, still alive, just being taunted by the stallion on its chest while the rest held its limbs down. She popped over and removed the stallion on its chest. She resummoned her blade and took out the gland just behind the creature’s heart with a single stroke. It shuddered once, then went still. She again removed her blade, cleaned it, and sent it back to her dimension. Darkly, she then said, “Do not toy with lives. At least not with me around,” she paused and turned her head slightly towards them, “This will be your only warning.” The medical pegasus nodded, “Yeah! Mr,” She paused, “Whatever your name is! Don’t go gloating over a poor creature we had to nearly beat to death to subdue! Gosh, if it wasn’t for you, it would have gone over much smoother!” “Please,” The stallion retorted, “If you all had listened, I could have ended it in a single blow.” “Really?” “Yes! I have done it before and would do it again!” Starlight said nothing but allowed her magic to create a magical glow around her. It made the ponies go quiet, but that wasn’t the reason she called it. It was to make the little Poio-lins know to leave them ponies alone and when they got over the effects of the violet light, they got the message and ran off. Starlight sighed, letting the magic go back into her body. The glow left the forest with a darkness that seemed to eagerly reclaim its spot, like a foal and their favorite seat. Once every poio-lin had disappeared, she floated over to the shield and released her spell. The shield vanished, leaving the group inside vulnerable. The unicorn who had been maintaining the shield finally collapsed when Starlight was fighting the poio-lins. She was still lying on her side, panting, and looking quite pale. The rest of the group rushed over, and the medical pegasus took one look at the unicorn and turned to her unicorn friend. “Magical exhaustion, think you can help?” She spoke in a quick tone. Starlight nodded, “I’ve got it. You help the rest.” The other unicorn paused but then nodded. Starlight smiled and gently lifted the unicorn with her magic. This caused the pony to violently open her eyes and thrash but stopped when she saw what was holding her. “Thank Luna…” She said as she went limp in the magical grip. Starlight nodded and placed the pony in a sitting position right in front of her. Then she placed her hooves on either side of the pony’s head. Channeling her magic between her hooves, she saw the unicorn’s horn glow with her color. Though as she allowed the unicorn’s body to soak in the magic, she slowly watched the glowing color become a deeper shade of light blue. Once Starlight’s color had completely disappeared, she removed her hooves and gave the pony a hug. “You okay?” She asked, letting the pony rest her weight on her shoulder. She felt the pony nod, “We just got ambushed, and—” she suddenly jumped up. Well, tried to. Her strength failed her mid-jump, “Wait! I teleported a pony out of harm’s way. I just could get the shield over her! We need—” “It’s okay,” the medical pegasus said with a smile, “She’s the reason we found you. She was teleported to the near,” she paused, “Nearish bar. She came in and this pony here was able to track you down!” Though the pegasus smiled as she noticed the unicorn had passed out. Starlight lifted her with her magic and held her close, “Okay,” She said, lifting the other limping pony with her magic as well, “Can the rest of you walk?” The others nodded and Starlight sat down, “Alright, everyone, hooves on me. Let's go back before more come over.” The others nodded, and since she sat down, the stallion was forced to place a hoof on her shoulder otherwise he’d look bad. Though the pony placed his hoof a lot lower than she would have liked, and would have physically moved it if the rest of her hadn’t been covered in hoofs. She frowned and let her magic teleport the group back to the bar. She teleported to the outside of the building, and when the others had removed their hooves, she sparked the mystery stallion’s hoof off. The pony didn’t respond but rather grinned. She let her face form into a deeper frown and walked into the bar. She used her magic to clean the mud off the ponies the best she could and walked in. The bartender quickly welcomed them in and moved tables and other furniture to make room on the floor for the injured ponies. Within minutes, the injured were wrapped up, conscious, and had a hot meal in front of them. At this time, she was able to get what had happened. The unicorn had her head bandaged with a small ice pack held to her head with another on top of her horn. She had a weak smile but that had been bolstered after a hot bean soup. “We were just walking towards the settlement in the east. We had a map and everything. Though we got in an argument just a little while ago. That allowed those stupid poio-lins to know our location,” She paused and looked at her hooves, “I’m not sure what happened. I just felt that I had to save my friends. I put up the shield and did the whole, purification thing. When it was done I realize that she was outside my shield! I saw her get hit and I couldn’t let down the shield because of that stupid fog!!” “You teleported her right?” Starlight said, sitting across the table from her. The unicorn nodded, “Yeah, though that’s the weird part. I can’t teleport myself or anything else!” “Huh?” The other unicorn said simply, “Somepony else then?” Though Starlight let that thought roll in her head for a bit but ruled that out since she was the only unicorn of the group. But the unicorn answered her question, “No, it was definitely me. I felt the magic leave me when she vanished, and the flash was my color.” “Yet you don’t know the teleportation spell?” The dragon from the group asked, confusion in their voice. Starlight nodded, “I’m not too surprised,” She gestured around the area, “Ever since Celestia scorched the lands, she left behind a wealth of magic. Most unicorns can’t tap into it, but when very stressed, they instinctively pull on its power. That and any unicorn can technically mimic a spell after they’ve seen it once. It’s dependent on them if they have enough power to use it.” “So because I saw the teleportation spell before, I was able to pull from the magic in the area, and use it?” The injured unicorn asked, thoughtful. Starlight nodded, “Yes. In time you may be able to consciously pull the magic from the environment, but that’s a bit too high of a level for you to do consciously.” Starlight chuckled and shook her head, “Magic is quite strange in unicorns. When we are very young we can perform spells that, most of the time, never be able to do again.” The dragon chuckled, “Aye, I’ve had to babysit a unicorn before. I somehow became a cat. Not very pleasant.” The group chuckled but Starlight waited a few moments to ask her next question, “Though now that every pony is safer, what was that family heirloom?” “You want it back?” The medical pony asked sadly. Starlight shook her head, “No. I’m just curious. It looks like a plain sock or scarf to me.” The pony nodded, obvious relief on her face, “Well it’s a scarf. Passed down for four generations. It was originally created without magic but the material was able to hold enchantments!” Starlight gave the pegasus a look, “Enchanted? I didn’t sense any magic in it.” The pegasus smiled, “Yeah, It needs to be charged otherwise you can’t use nor sense the magic. But the enchantment is a cooling ability that can heal whoever it's on.” Starlight nodded, admiring the pegasus’s medical armor, “I suppose that it’s a very good tool for you.” The pegasus nodded, “Yeah, though it’s hard to recharge it though.” Starlight gave her a questioning glance, “How do you recharge it?” “Just by giving it magic,” The pegasus replied carefully, “Though I have to thank you for giving it back. It's quite a useful tool for healing on the go.” Starlight nodded, “Well I may be able to help with that.” The pegasus shook her head, “No, thanks but no. I don’t want to tire you out.” Starlight smiled, “I’m a high enough level to pull magic from the surrounding area. That’s why I’m able to use magic while running off of no sleep for two days!” The group merely gave her a stare but said nothing. “I might also be able to allow it to regenerate its magic on its own, though that will be a beacon to those around you.” “Eh,” The medical pony stated, “Can you make it able to turn on and off? It doesn’t need to charge all the time.” Starlight nodded, “Sure. It may take a little while, and you won’t be able to turn it off without a unicorn.” The pegasus smiled, and wrapped a hoof around the unicorn’s shoulder, “That’s not a problem, he’s my brother. We won’t be going anywhere apart.” The brother smiled and nodded, “Most definitely, though you’ll have to show me the trigger.” Starlight nodded but was cut off before she could speak by the injured unicorn. “Well, as much fun as that sounds, I’m going to rest with my group. The bartender was generous enough to let us stay for two nights, free of charge. I’m going to get as much sleep as I can get.” Starlight nodded, “Go ahead. I hope you all feel better soon.” The unicorn nodded, “Thanks, we owe ya one.” Starlight shook her head, “Nah, it’s not a problem.” “Really?” Starlight nodded, “Yep. That’s how I roll.” The unicorn smiled, and a happy feeling seemed to penetrate the room. With a grateful nod, the unicorn took her leave. Leaving Starlight and the group she had just met alone. “Shall we do the magical things?” Starlight asked, and the muddy scarf was brought out and left on the table. She placed her hoof and it and let her magic seep into the fabric. It was immediately pulled in as fast as a stranded pony in the desert finding water. She then looked at the article with magical eyes and saw the enchantment on the scarf. “Wow…” Was all she could say as she examined the intricate lines forming into complex spell arrangements. Each segment was cleverly hidden in the strings of the garment to hide it when it wasn’t charged. It was obvious to her now since she was giving it energy, but the scarf had been made to hide well if the spell wasn’t in effect. “Who made this?” Starlight asked, trying to find a good spot to place an environmental energy siphon. “It was made a few years ago, by my grandmother’s grandmother. It’s a special piece of clothing that has been in my family for as long as I can remember.” “It hasn’t been placed in safekeeping?” The unicorn shook her head, “It was the will of our great, great grandmother to keep it in use.” The pegasus nodded, “Yeah, so we as a family have been trying our best to keep it safe while allowing ponies to use it.” “Then our family decided to enchant it with protective spells cause the younger ones tried to use it for tug of war.” Starlight smiled. “Yeah, you should have seen the look on our parent’s faces when they barely were able to intervene.” “I can only imagine,” Starlight said, finding a spot for the addition she was trying to add, “One sec, found a good place for this spell.” The group nodded and went quiet. Starlight then closed her eyes, and begin to weave her spell into the spell that was already there. She tried her best to mimic how the spell was originally written and was surprised the spell seemed to adhere to the material itself, much like a gem would. She pocketed the thought and continued her work, writing many lines of magic that only a unicorn could read. A thud on the table disrupted her thoughts, and the now annoying stallion was talking, “Why are we so quiet? It's time to—” “Shhht!” Starlight said, putting her free hoof on the talking mouth. She then lifted her other hoof, and everyone at the table could see a floating diagram filled with a magical script and various amounts of shapes, all encompassed by a large circle. It was glowing blue, and as the group watched, was connected to the scarf by two purple lines reaching up from the scarf. Starlight then gently lowered her hoof where the entire glow was smothered. When she lifted her hoof, the scarf seemed unchanged. “Wow!” The unicorn said, hovering the scarf over, “I can’t feel the enchantment!” Starlight nodded, feeling her head sag with physical tiredness. Perhaps she might have overdone it. Though she put on a smile and replied, “Yeah, I readdressed the hiding ability and tried to mimic it the best I could. But to turn on the recharging ability,” She pulled one end of the scarf over to her, “Just fill your hoof with energy, and make a twisting motion on the end here. See?” She demonstrated with a glowing hoof. The other unicorn nodded, and repeated the movement a few times, “Wow,” He muttered, “I can feel it pulling magic from the area!” He turned on and off the magical component, and Starlight smiled as she felt the environment's energy swell and compress to the scarf’s pull. “Wish I could do that…” The unicorn muttered, turning the scarf on and setting it back into the bag on the pegasus. Starlight laughed, “No, you really don’t. I’ve been blessed since I was young with great power, but that also means I’ve got strong enemies,” She let her head fall onto the table with a thunk, “Very strong enemies…” The unicorn chuckled, “I suppose, but I’d have to spend days charging that thing for it to be any use on its enchantments.” “Really? So you don’t use it too much?” The dragon this time shook his head, “Nah we use it often. The spell on it can reattach severed limbs,” he paused, “Provided you still have the limb nearby.” Starlight stared at the dragon and then at the ponies who confirmed his words, “Wow.” Was all she could say. She didn’t realize the spell was that powerful, “But healing with magic isn’t very good! It has side effects! Annoying ones at that.” The pegasus nodded, “Yeah, but the spell was created to circumvent that at the cellular level. It’s more stable than standard unicorn magic and is able to use the pony's natural energies to generate a healing field of sorts. It can’t regrow limbs, but if brought into that healing field, then the limb can be reattached with a little external help.” Starlight nodded, “Huh, I guess that makes a sort of sense. Who made the enchantment?” “Originally it had only a protective enchantment, but the member of my family was wearing it while he was working in the Canterlot Castle. Twilight Sparkle was able to sense the enchantment and was curious. After a bit of discussion, we agreed to let her enchant it further since my great grandmother was quite a healer of her time.” Starlight recalled the spell structure and careful lines and formations of the magical symbols, “That was Twilight huh?” She thought, “Should have realized that, but where are you now?” While Starlight was lost in thought, another two ponies came in. Both were mares and seemed to be just out of a battle. Scorched armor, frazzled manes and tails, and weary faces all betrayed that fact. Starlight could almost feel the stallion begin to hover in the air at the two new ponies. Now, normally she wouldn’t intervene in situations like such, but this pony was really getting on her nerves. So she magically pulled him down in the seat, much to the pony’s dismay. “Oye! What’s the magical idea? You wanna try to sit me down again?” He said, not bothering to hide his anger. Starlight frowned, “You’ve annoyed enough ponies today.” She paused, “Creatures.” The group around her nodded, “Agreed.” Said the pegasus. “Annoyed!? Do you mean helped?” The stallion retorted with a snap. The cloaked unicorn let out a little snort, “Don’t kid yourself. It sounds like you were in the way more than helping.” “Oh please,” The pony’s voice was getting louder with anger, “That Poio-lin was nothing! I’ve knocked down bigger ones! They insisted that I get the arms when I am much more suited to take it down!” “You were assigned to help them, not take over. We have no proof that you could have taken down the creature on your own. I, on the other hoof, was able to show my abilities.” “Oh please,” the stallion retorted, “A simple teleportation and a shield don’t prove anything. I’ve been able to hold my ground against Rarity.” That made Starlight start to burst out laughing. Her laughter seemed to come out of her mouth till she could barely breathe. Even then so she laughed till the entire room was watching the choking unicorn. “Breathe!” The pegasus said urgently, trying to hold back a laugh of her own. Starlight nodded but still took a few more breaths for her body to stop laughing, When she could talk, she turned to the stallion and replied, “Oh that makes a lot of sense,” She still had to take a breath before continuing, “Rarity is more of a dancing fighter. It’s not surprising that you were able to hold your ground against her. Though, still, not as impressive.” The stallion gave her a look that plainly asked, You dumb? Starlight merely smiled in response. “What?! Being able to stand our ground before any Element of harmony is a testament to one’s strength!” This time, the group agreed with the stallion’s words as they nodded. Starlight’s smile didn’t falter, “Agreed. But you could rank them in levels of strength, right?” Another nod from the group. “Now had he been able to stand against Applejack in hoof-to-hoof then I would actually be impressed. Though, knowing his fighting style, it’s not so impressive that he was able to stand against Rarity since she uses her crystal nature to store energy to fire back at their opponents. So had you’ve been a unicorn that uses their magic in fights then I would be more inclined to be impressed.” “And who are you to judge the strengths of others? What gives you the right? Have you been able to survive in a fight against a Ele—” “Fluttershy.” Starlight interrupted. She knew that her identity would be blown out of the water, though she knew she’d have to leave anyway in the next day or so. They were already on her trail. She just wanted to shut him up It was the stallion’s turn to laugh, “Ha! My left cutie mark! There is only one pony who has been able to survive an encounter with her! That would be, uh,” He trailed off as Starlight removed her hood, exposing her signature hair. “Starlight?” She finished, enjoying the smug look melt off the stallion’s face. The group was quiet as she replaced her hood. “You’re Starlight?” The medical pegasus said in a sort of awe. Starlight merely nodded, “Yeah. That’s me!” She turned to the stallion, a dark look in her eyes, “Does that cool your ego a little?” The stallion said nothing. “I know that you’ve been trying to, ‘pick up,’ mares here in this bar with your special drinks. That is found to be very annoying…” “And how do you know this?” The stallion accused, turning his head to the bartender, but Starlight turned his head back to her with her magic. She then promptly brought his head to her level and gave him a cold stare, “You think I’m dumb? You go googly eye around any mare. The only mares that are here are either not ponies, or surrounded by other stallions. That and the moment you offered that drink. You’ve seen my magic. Do you think your drinks could hide from me?” The stallion swallowed nervously. “Thought so. Now, quit your shenanigans and quit being such a love-struck fool. Or I’ll make you stop. Understand?” The stallion nodded and Starlight released him. The stallion then huffed and left the table, taking his drinks with him. Though he didn’t stop there as promptly left through the front door. The group around her said nothing, but Starlight didn’t care. She was accustomed to ponies being quiet around her. They were all strangers and even basic social practices could get one killed. That’s why she never asked for names. It was taboo. “Well,” The pegasus said after a full minute of silence, “Since we now know your name, I’m Asa Deventa, and—” “That’s enough.” Starlight interrupted her, “Knowing me puts you all at risk if you let every creature know you know me. I’ve got quite the bounty on my head.” The dragon frowned, “Why would you tell us that?” “Cause you all are not a threat to me,” Starlight said simply. She replied in the best voice she could. She didn’t mean it to be rude or egotistical. The dragon’s frown grew, then paused, and shrunk as he nodded, “I do suppose you have a point…” “Yeah, how egotistical does that make me sound?” Starlight asked, with a half-laugh. The group around her chuckled but stopped when a small bottle was placed in front of her. The magical glow vanished as it rested on the table. Its glass surface had already started to collect moisture which told her how cold the drink was. Though the bottle had a large sticky note attached to the front, she knew exactly what it was. A fresh bottle of Apple Family Apple Cider, non-alcoholic. She looked at the sticky note and found a simple note on it. Thanks for showing that pony up for his actions. If I remember correctly, you wanted a bottle? It’s on the house. Starlight frowned and looked towards the bar where the bartender stood. He returned the look with a smile and nodded. “Is that Apple Cider?” Asa asked, slight jealousy in her voice. Starlight nodded and merely stared at the drink. She watched the bubbles slowly form from the disturbance the bottle had. Once big enough, they rose and popped at the top of the bottle where a small air pocket rested. She had seen the bubbles many times before; shared many of them with her friends before the Solar phenomenon had occurred and they all became servants to Celestia’s mere thoughts. But she stayed in the happy memories the bottle brought. The color, smell, and even the label brought a smile to her lips. The label remained unchanged for the years since she had the opportunity to have a bottle. Her thoughts cracked as a bottle opener magically floated over and popped the lid. She watched it fly away as another sticky note was laid next to her drink. Enjoy. I’m serious. You’ve helped me out a lot more than you think. Please enjoy my gift. Starlight swallowed, her mouth screaming at her to take a drink of the crisp apple-flavored fluid. Though she had learned the hard way that such a treat often came with strings. So she lit her horn and wrapped her magic around the bottle. She’d have to magically reveal how much power she had to scan the bottle, but the group already knew her identity so she wasn’t worried. The bottle glowed a light blue as her spell took effect. A small disk of magic appeared at the bottom of the bottle and began to spin. Then, at Starlight’s command, it slowly rose, making the glow of the bottle fluctuate in a steady pattern. Starlight stared at the bottle, feeling the magic give her information on the bottle’s contents. Though, when the spell finished and reported nothing but authentic Apple Cider in the bottle, she immediately brought it to her lips and drank a third of the bottle in a single swallow. She sighed with content and paused. She looked towards the bar to give the bartender thanks. But saw the kirin stifling a laugh. Though when he noticed her look, he nodded with a smile. Starlight returned the smile and kept it as she turned back to the group. She then looked at her drink and frowned. She then summoned a few magical holograms in the shape of tiny shot glasses. She then poured a mouthful in each glass and offered it to the group. The action took half of what she had left, but she was feeling good about it. Though the group hesitated. Starlight smiled, “It’s not alcoholic,” She said and raised her bottle, “To our safety?” The group smiled and each took their glass, and added to her cheer, “To our safety!” It was quiet after that. The group ahead of her was talking quietly about where they were going to go. They had invited her to join them on their travels but she had declined, stating that her bounty would only cause them more harm than good. They had argued with her for a bit but Starlight eventually won the argument, stating that Fluttershy was still after her. If they traveled together, they’d make them a serious target and potential hostages. And since Fluttershy’s main invisibility ability was almost undetectable, it wouldn’t be hard for her to take out Starlight’s new friends. So she enjoyed the company while she could, gently sipping on the cider as they talked about each other’s troubles in the wastelands. Poio-lins, Tar hounds, or even the burnt trees. Starlight had laughed as the brother cautioned her against using the ground around trees as a bathroom. Starlight had already learned that lesson the hard way but listened with giddy as the brother recounted being smacked by a tree branch even before he started doing his business. Starlight felt the last of her drink fall into her mouth and she frowned after a swallow. She sighed and sent the bottle to her dimension. She’d be able to recycle it later. Glass could be very useful if one knew how to use it. Not to mention, if etched in the right way, was perfect to hold spells. “Well, it’s been great meeting you,” Starlight said, drawing the attention of the group, “But I think I’m going to rent a room and try to get some sleep under this cursed sun.” Asa smiled, “No worries. Keep an eye out for us though, we’d be happy to say hello!” “Though if it’s in the middle of a battle that hello may have to wait,” One of the changelings said with a smile, “ But we’d love to say hello!” “Sure, maybe even a,” Starlight replied and added a chittering noise. This caused the changeling's eyes to widen in surprise. “You can speak changeling?” “Eh,” Starlight said, awkwardly adjusting her hair from behind her hood, “Just a little. I’ve had a few changeling friends.” The changelings smiled and spoke in their language. It was a goodbye of sorts, but more of a hope for a quick reunion. She smiled and slowly responded in kind. Though she yelped as she nipped her tongue, but brushed off the looks of concern from the others. “Changling’s speak uses a lot of the sound one would call chittering. Though it’s a little more than that, it’s much more varied. A pony’s mouth can make the sounds, but with the danger of biting one’s tongue. Gosh, I haven’t done that in a while!” Starlight said with a smile. The group returned her smile. “Well, we actually just, ‘woke up,’ she said, raising her wings to make air quotes, “So we may not be here when you wake up. So, stay safe out there! I hope to see you again!” Starlight chuckled, “Trouble follows me where ever I go, you sure about that?” The earth pony laughed with the group, “Oh please, we are surrounded by trouble, what’s with a little more?” Starlight chuckled, “Alright if I see you again I’ll say hello if it doesn’t compromise the fact I know you. I don’t want to put targets on the back of your heads.” The group nodded, stating a final farewell. Starlight returned it, smiling. It was one of the first time’s that she had been able to make a friend out in the Scorched Equestria. She felt herself smiling more than she normally did, and let the feeling permeate through her mind. She then called to the bartender and greeted him. “Hello! Thanks for the drink! It was wonderful!” “I should be thanking you,” The Kirin said with a smile, “This bar has gotten a reputation with that stallion. So bad in fact that most ponies know not to come if they are female.” Starlight gave the kirin a shocked look, “Really? That bad?” The kirin merely nodded, “Yep.” “Well, I’m happy to help!” “Of course, I’m glad you are, but you didn’t come over to take care of local problems did you?” Starlight awkwardly smiled, “Well, yes and no. I always seem to be followed by trouble. But I did come in hopes to have a bed to sleep in, have a spare room?” “Of course!” The kirin said, and the two creatures exchanged bits for the room. Starlight was given a key and she quickly climbed the stairs to the rooms above. She went four doors down, and turned to the right. “Room 9,” She muttered and levitated the key into the lock. It clicked open with ease. The door squeaked a little, but Starlight wasn’t going to complain. There was a nice bed in the back corner. Clean white sheets lay folded so well that magic was the only explanation. Next to it lay a small night table and table lamp on top. It was a small clay lamp with a lampshade hiding the illumination crystal inside. Per instructions from the kirin, she gently tapped the clay portion and watched the room lit up in a gentle yellow glow. She smiled and closed the door behind her. Once closed, she saw a bathroom revealed in the other corner. She took a breath and looked around a bit more. The bathroom had all the necessary utilities, including a secondary lamp. The bedroom only had a bed and nightstand for furniture but the bed had a set of chores built below the mattress. A simple but comfortable rug lay on the ground, covering up the scratchy wood beneath. Its colors were simple, just rings made up of red and gold till the rings became too small to distinguish colors. Her body was screaming at her to lay down but she had some things she had to check first. So she closed her eyes and lit her horn. She extended her magic through the room and checked every nook and cranny for traps, spells, or spy holes. Though she didn’t find anything out of the ordinary. Just the two enchanted crystals meant to light up the room. Though she did double-check the enchantment and found it was a light spell based on kirin magic. With a sigh of relief, she extinguished her horn and quickly trotted to the bathroom. After she had refreshed herself, she practically ran to the bed. She half got on and half fell onto the bed and was delighted to feel the bed cradle her. Almost immediately she felt sleep tackle her consciousness over and her eyes nearly shut in the process. She wearily reached over and turned off the magical lamp, but didn’t have the time to pull her hoof back before she fell soundly asleep. Starlight was enjoying the sleep she was finally getting. The mattress was like sleeping on a cloud, but it didn’t drain her magic as the actual activity would do. Nor did she have to worry about falling off the cloud in open skies. She also was in complete darkness, something that she hadn’t been able to do in a long time. Though her foreleg twitched, and a searing, inextinguishable pain sliced through it. She jolted upright with a small gasp and found her breath catching in her throat. She tried to get up but knocked into the night table in the darkness. She heard a crash as the lamp shattered onto the ground, filling the room with darkness. She also fell onto the ground, but luckily, avoided any clay shards. She rolled up as the pain continued to spark in her foreleg and brought up the appendage to her eyes, breathing heavily. She lit her horn and filled the room with a light blue light. She normally would tweak the color output but she didn’t care at the moment. She was staring intently at her leg. So intently that her vision would waver before she had to blink. Though her coat shimmered and began to change colors in front of her eyes. Quietly, she watched the colors appear on her coat. A light pink and cyan colors slowly morphed into three very familiar butterflies. “Oh no…” She muttered as she looked to the broken lamp on the floor. She quickly reassembled it with her magic and tidied up the room. Then, she wrapped her key in her magic and rushed out the door. She thought she’d have more time!!