Rebound
It had been a long week. Thankfully most of the time being a Royal Guard was a rather boring job that provided plenty of time to enjoy the bits that you were being paid. This week was one that ensured that every pony that Princess Celestia had on her payroll was working their tails off. It had truly been a string of occurrences that history would paint as either horrendously coincidental or, as many of us feared, planned.
Especially after the incursion to the castle. We had done our best but that was not nearly enough. Just as the fighting had begun, it ended with little to no rhyme or reason. The portal closed just as swiftly as it had opened. Leaving the rest of the attacking force for us to mop up. Only leaving the bloodied remains of the fallen and wounded.
There was thankfully far more of the latter than the former on our side. Mostly thanks to the efforts of Sunset Shimmer. When she descended upon the battlefield, she remembered that she was personally taught by Princess Celestia herself and that she had long since earned her title as the strongest Unicorn in Equestria. She brought death and destruction to all those that attempted to do us harm.
It was a humbling experience watching a single Unicorn cut through the swathes of opponents that were beating us. However, as equally humbling as it was horrifying how she didn’t seek to subdue, instead she sought to eliminate. There was not a single pony more horrified with her actions than the Princess who had taken care of her for so long, however. Especially when she found the desecrated altar made in her honor, from the reaved flesh of the enemies.
Princess Celestia looked her age when we reported what her student had done. That the ruined corpses of the attackers were not the doing of her guards but of her ward. That the one to string the corpses together with ribbons of flame all the while gleefully laughing at the pain and torment she was causing. Was the pony that she had raised all these years.
Unfortunately for the Princess, the news did not get better. For we were still unable to find any sign of Princess Cadance ever since she had put a hoof inside the gardens with Princess Celestia, hours before the incursion had even happened. However, after the fighting had stopped, we did, however, find blood that matched that of an Alicorn. However, there was no sign of the Princess of Love. Or of the one that would attack her.
Neither Princess Cadance nor Sunset Shimmer was seen after the fighting had concluded. They were unable to be found within the surrounding areas of Canterlot, and when we searched their rooms, we found a horrifying discovery. Sunset Shimmer's room had obviously been ransacked. Along with a piece of damning evidence, Alicorn's blood had been found in her room.
There were of course those in the guard who whispered rumors about how Sunset Shimmer was the mastermind behind the attack and how it was her attempt to get rid of the competition. Those rumors were bolstered by the fact that her room which was usually a fortress of spell works was breached. There were of course those that pointed out that she had been one of the most valuable defenders and had single-handedly saved most of the guards, but those rumors persisted, nonetheless.
It was at this point that Princess Celestia had returned thanks to being alerted to the dangerous situation from an artifact she had left behind. Once she had returned, order once more reigned. She scoured the castle with her magic and found all that had been hidden. Dealing with them personally.
Upon learning of what condition, we had found her ward's room in along with the blood that we had found within its walls she had sequestered herself. Only returning from her charges room an hour later. Her bright eyes darkened and her ever-present smile had been wiped from her face. Instead of the Princess of the Sun that returned from her wards room. She instead looked far more like the warrior Princess of her recorded youth.
Canterlot and the surrounding cities from Manehatten to Cloudsdale were set on high alert for the week after the attack. Every pony was waiting to see if this was simply the spearhead of an assaulting force. But no more attacks followed. There were those that rejoiced at the news, however, those that were with Princess Celestia when she gave the order to return to normalcy knew that something was wrong. She especially after the attack upon her ward was tense. Always waiting for the next card to fall.
While most of the citizenry returned to their lives after the tense week that they had had. The guard across Equestria was tasked with keeping watch for both Princess Cadance and Sunset Shimmer. Considering what we had found in Sunset Shimmers room it was likely if we could find one, we would find the other. Even if it was only the remains. It was only then that once Princess Celestia began to delegate to us, her guards did the final card fall. Showing that it was a joker of the highest proportions.
Discord had somehow escaped from his confinement. He had proceeded to turn the surrounding area into one large deathtrap that had caught those unlucky enough within. Gentle included. She, however, was lucky enough to escape relatively unharmed, the damage her legs had taken however had left her mostly bedridden. There were those that were never seen again and those that had been found. Such as that poor librarian who had been turned inside out. I pity that poor pony that had done nothing to deserve that. He seemed like a decent enough bloke when we were working together under the command of Princess Cadance. Yet the Spirit of Chaos had all but targeted him.
Princess Celestia had thankfully chased away the spirit, however at a great loss, he had plucked the Sun from the high heavens it had been resting within. Before disappearing off to where even Princess Celestia knows not. It was only an hour after that cataclysmic event when we were all still attempting to lick our wounds did the Sun returned. Along with a flare that drew the attention of every Unicorn that I spoke to and Princess Celestia herself.
We were told to be ready to leave within the hour. We were and even those that were slightly injured were brought along. We gathered in the courtyard and waited for our Princess to arrive. She stepped forth from the air and then after gaining the contingent of guard’s consent to teleport us all. She reminded us once more that she was the strongest entity in Equestria as she tore reality asunder.
Spiriting us all with her to a portion of the burned forest before a cave opening. Where we proceeded to scour and search for the two missing ponies. Thankfully finding even more evidence of Princess Cadance's survival. Along with the fact that she and Sunset Shimmer were near each other, if not working together.
According to the stories told by my superior Major Birch, Princess Celestia’s eyes flashed, with the fury of her Sun, when the Princess of the Sun had been informed of the news. If that was truly how the Princess of the Sun had reacted, I was glad to have kept my insights into Princess Cadance’s relationship with her ward to myself.
We then proceeded to tear apart the remains of their camp. Ensuring that there was no stone untouched. There had been those who were amused when they found the bottles of hard cider. I was not among them. The thought of the two missing ponies having consumed them and following a path that I had long ago traveled with Gentle under the influence of a drink. It sent shivers down my spine. I could barely look at Princess Celestia the next time I saw her. Which then of course prompted the Princess to question if I was well. I had made an excuse about some sort of stomach bug, as I couldn’t exactly tell her what her ward and her niece had likely been doing before, they had been interrupted by Discord.
Shaking my head to escape the thoughts that had long refused to be dispelled. Unfortunately, they refused to leave my mind. Seeking to escape them I hurried through the rest of my patrol throughout the portions of the forest that were not burned. Once more, thanking the Princess that there was no wildlife. It was certainly strange, even suspicious but I was still thankful that I didn’t have to deal with any nasties while I was searching through the forest.
Completing my rotation and without even a glance back at the section I had recently trawled I quickly flew towards the outpost that I knew that Major Birch would be residing within.
“Nothing to report in my assigned section of the woods,” I reported with a salute to my disgruntled superior who didn't even meet my gaze as he was too busy flipping through another report. All the while the next squad of searchers was preparing themselves behind him. Moments later he set down the paperwork and met my gaze.
“Go on, get out of here, and go check on your mare.” He said with a quick salute of his hoof before he turned around and started to direct the next group of guards. I still gave a salute to his back before I launched myself into the air, he wasn't the worst pony I had ever had to work under. Tearing through the air currents until I was above the clearing that had been forged by flames. Tucking into a dive I fell from the sky to the earth below.
Catching myself at the last second with my wings flowing open and allowing me to catch myself with a single flap. Taking a short breath as I folded my wings before the tent that I had landed before. Trotting to the entrance of the portable medical bay, I swallowed my fears and entered, there was little more I could have done. Princess Celestia had assured me that she would be alright. My eyes flicked over the various wounded in here. Some I knew some that I had only seen in their full uniforms, however, my eyes did not stop for any of them. I was looking for a pony that was far more important. Eventually finding her bed empty I shook my head in amusement.
Seems that she wasn't able to keep her promise. That was my victory then. She was going to regret it. I chuckled as I imagined the punishment that I would have her suffer through. She thought it was funny to dress me up as a chicken. Well, let’s see how she enjoys dressing up as Princess Celestia herself. I knew I could probably even get the Princess to see her in the costume. Gentle would be mortified. She, however, would deserve it. She had once more escaped the confines of her bed, while she was supposed to be resting. It was a small injury but like all others, it could get worse if not properly treated.
However, my revenge would have to wait until she was better. Finding Sawbones as he informed a guard that I didn't know, that if he continued to put strain on his back left hoof, he may break it. After the rather graphic description of what would happen in the surgery to fix said broken hoof, which I did my best to ignore, he turned to me.
“Ah Rebound I take it that you once more have stumbled away with no injuries?” he dutifully asked even as he began to trot to his next patient. At my nod, he continued, “Your better half is in one of the private rooms, but she has requested that you find her as soon as possible. Room C I believe.” He informed me as he stopped before a Unicorn who looked like he was fresh meat, and then proceeded to go into a very explicit description of what happens to a Unicorn that breaks its horn. The old doctor never changed for better or worse.
Muttering my thanks to the good doctor, I made my way to the private rooms. Stopping before the one with the painted-on red C. I loudly cleared my throat.
“Oh, you're finally off patrol? I was wondering if I would have had to break out of here and go save you again.” I heard Gentle teasing. Damn her it happened once. Yet she won’t allow me to live it down. Rolling my eyes as I stepped through the privacy curtain only to freeze at the sight of another pony within the room. No, not another pony, the Princess herself.
“Princess Celestia, my apologies. I didn't realize that you were here.” I offered with a quick bowing of my head to the pony that had the entirety of Equestria relying on her. She smiled and waved her wing disregarding my apology.
“It is fine, Rebound. I didn't announce myself or anything of the sort.” She offered as she shared a smile with Gentle, who was looking far too smug for this to be any sort of coincidence. “I take it there has been no news from any in your squadron?” Princess Celestia queried.
“Not at all. The best we can tell is that they made it to one of the trails, but from there, we lost them. Even our best trackers haven't been able to pick up a trail of any sort of magical use.” Seeing the smile lessen upon the Princess’s face I continued. “That doesn't mean that we won't find them, it just means that we simply require a little bit more time. We have managed to confirm that Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, even if injured, is alive. Which is more than what we had before we-.” I would have continued but I was interrupted.
“Rebound, you have a delivery.” What sounded like Dark Meadow called out with clear amusement in his voice. “Did you order food or something?” There was a small wave of laughter at his words. Ah, I see it was gang up on my day. My vengeance would be swift and terrible. All the same, I laughed and with a quick promise to quickly return to Gentle’s side I stepped out from the private room.
“I'm not sharing any of the mushrooms I had imported from Yakistan just so you know,” I responded and couldn't prevent the smile that formed on my muzzle at the crestfallen face my companion had adopted. Shaking my head, I made my way to the entrance of the tent before stepping out. Seeing a bright orange Pegasus that looked out of place wearing a Post Pony uniform.
“Are you Rebound?” the orange mare asked. I simply nodded. “Postmaster Paisley.” She introduced herself as she pulled a letter from her side pouch. “You got a letter.” I couldn't help but look at the pony before me in unveiled confusion.
“How did you even find me out here?” Last I checked Princess Celestia didn't announce to the entirety of Equestria about what was going on. Well, the stuff that she could conceal was. Paisley just shrugged her wings.
“Got a tip on where you would specifically be, and an extra-large fee paid to deliver this letter to you as soon as possible.” She responded with a shrug. I just sighed as I grabbed the letter from her hoof.
“Who even sent me a letter from… Wingston? I didn't even know that there was a Wingston within Equestria’s borders.” I asked as I looked at the uniform a bit closer as I idly opened the letter that was directed at me. “Give me a moment to read the letter then I have to figure out the procedure for this.” Technically I think that this was a military operation at this point. Thankfully Paisley didn't seem to mind waiting.
“She didn't give her name, however before planning to address the letter to you she had initially planned to send it to Princess Celestia herself.” Postmaster Paisley offered. I finished tearing open the letter and began to read through its contents, feeling a cascade of emotions both pleasant and horrid.
“Describe the pony that sent this letter!” No longer could I afford to play around. My voice was no longer carefree, and I straightened my form as my wings prepared to launch me into the air at a moment's notice. Paisley, however, shrugged once more.
“If I could tell you I would. I could tell that it was a mare that gave me the letter but other than that I can’t remember much… Oh, she was a Unicorn if that helps.” That actually did but I still needed more information.
“The pony that gave you the information on where to find me and the bits to perform the ASAP delivery, what did they look like? Did they provide any names or titles?” I asked as I was making mental notes and even flagged down a few fellow guards to come over here.
“Strangely enough I can’t remember anything about this pony at all. I better not be losing my marbles.” She muttered the last portion under her breath, but I heard her all the same. I nodded before continuing as three more guards came over to my position.
“Well Paisley, why don’t you take a quick breather and get some rest? It couldn't have been a quick flight from Wingston. These fine Stallions will lead you to a place for you to take a quick rest. We may have some questions for you later so try to get some sleep.” She finally caught on to what was happening.
“I didn't just deliver something illegal, did I?” she asked as she warily glanced at the guards who now stood a few paces from her. She relaxed considerably when I shook my head in the negative.
“Not at all, I am sure that my superiors will want to speak with you themselves, however.” She nodded and followed after the three guards. I took a deep breath and proceeded to reread the letter, again and again, to ensure that I was properly understanding the written words. Upon deciding that I was not hallucinating I threw myself into action as I frantically made my back into the medical tent in an attempt to get to Princess Celestia as soon as possible. Thankfully I didn't run into any pony in my hurried rush.
“Princess, I have a letter for you.” I rushed out as I entered the private room where she and Gentle remained. Before all but thrusting the letter into her hooves. Rude yes, especially directed towards the Princess that ruled the realm, however, I believe it was worthwhile considering her recent condition. I saw Gentle all but gaping at the decorum that I was most certainly breaching but considering what was written there was no time to waste. Princess Celestia unfolded the letter and I watched with mounting dread as the letter burst into flames within her hooves. Her eyes were ablaze with miniature Suns.
“Thank you Rebound.” Princess Celestia said after a momentary pause that felt far too long for the few seconds I knew had passed. The Sun that had ignited within her pupils had died down, leaving a softly flickering flame instead of an all-consuming inferno. “I am glad to see that the two of them are getting along better.” She says with a small smile that didn't fit the writhing heat that still emanated from the Princess of the Sun.
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I couldn't help but contemplate the ever-static scene before me. Unchanging. Unbending. Unyielding. In the face of time itself. This still landscape was forever unmoving while the rest of reality continued. Such an unchanging atrophy was almost impressive.
A lesser being would have long since been lost to wander within its own conscience. I, however, have stood firm against such downfalls. I would bow to none; I was already trapped. I would not suffer a prison of my own making.
I would wait an eternity for my escape. I would wait for all to perish. So that I may once more begin my conquest of the void and the creatures that had once been more. My guiding hoof, reforging reality into its proper form.
However, if I needed not to wait, who was I to turn down such an opportunity? I could feel the magic that I had long since become accustomed to beginning to contort. Shifting as my prison was once more connected to Equus once again. Only a mere decade this time? My self-imposed warden was getting soft. Perhaps his most recent failures had been too much for him to bear.
Raising my field of vision to look at the pony that had returned to my prison. Watching as he masterfully split space and time and effortlessly reworked the defenses behind him. All in an effort to ensure that I wouldn't escape. I hadn't bothered to attempt to escape in a while. Perhaps he was worried that I had concocted another plan. I should make another attempt soon just to alleviate his temperament. After all, as one of my few guests, I should be a good host to him.
“Ah Starswirl, tell me how your trip was?” I asked in a pleasant tone, knowing that it would infuriate him far more than any other attempt to get under his coat. Based on the grimace that has formed upon the wizened Unicorns face my words achieved their purpose.
“It was acceptable. I have managed to ensure that you and your little alliance’s plans shall continue to falter.” He responds oh so foolishly believing that he still holds the upper hoof. For a pony as old as him, he is still far too foolish. Perhaps I should teach him once more and see if my lesson will stick. Alliance truly? I was a being that needed nothing beyond myself.
“It is far less of an alliance and much more of a non-aggression pact made between a few select individuals that have put their efforts together. -” There was far too much backstabbing for it to be considered an alliance of any sort of manner. Not that it would matter in the end. “- Oh yes I did see that you managed to close the portal before Canterlot Castle could be conquered by a few found fools.” I would have clapped for him, but I was still far more incorporeal than corporeal at the moment.
“It prevented your hedge mage from achieving whatever his task was and when Discord did escape his bindings he did not join with your group.” Starswirl defiantly stated, only further proving my point. That was not my doing, I would not have dared to plant such a volatile fool right under my enemy's nose. The one who instructed such an act proved arrogance that was shown by such an act that far more relied on the shortsightedness of her sister and pure luck to succeed. Rather than cunning or even a base form of intelligent strategy.
“Yes, I will have to concede the point on Discord. As much as he would have undoubtedly brought to the fold, we shall continue just fine without him. He however was a longshot that we were willing to expend a few nonconsequential resources upon.” Especially as I was not one of the ones that had lost anything from this attempt. I would have shrugged if I could, to further prove my point, but judging by the way that the final pillar of Equestria glared at me, he fully understood that I was mocking him. “Yes, and tell me when you tracked down the wayward spirit was it everything that you feared?” Had I a mouth I would not have been able to keep from grinning as were I a common loon, at the face my guest pulled.
“He was acting as an imaginary friend to a Pegasus filly.” He snarled out, more than likely tearing his mind apart for the connection. “He puts a stop to his rampage of chaos and misery to play make-believe with a filly that still is afraid of her own shadow.” Starswirl seethed.
Discord was a being that was a contradiction upon himself. Desiring chaos and the ever-changing current of change. Yet at the same time was unable to change himself. Forever stuck in his ways. It made him predictable. He would be useful in the future. Already he had degraded the cages of Tartarus. Making good upon his side of the bargain that had been struck. He could play with the filly for now. I wonder how much he had seen to remember her. Not that it mattered.
Ah for all your grand magics and unveiling of mysteries old and new Starswirl, you still do not have the greater connection to beyond Equus. It leaves you far too blind, and questioning things that should be obvious to one such as yourself. Perhaps if you had continued to work on your mirror and continued your travels you would be able to see beyond, but no. Now you shall suffer for your inability to see beyond the veil of reality. Yet you still believe that you are the great and infallible thing that you have always thought of yourself.
“Yes, I was most disappointed that he returned the Sun to your erstwhile student. After all, you truly only have her left. Even if you have not interacted in a millennium. You did flee from her recently if I recall.” My words cut into the pony before me. He, however, continued to stand strong. Had I lips I would be sneering at him. “What was the reason that you could no longer face her? Was it perhaps the blood upon your hooves? Or was it perhaps that she has managed what you have not?” My words broke the thin facade that my warden wore to shield himself from me.
I had no need for my physical form or my magic. With only my mind and my words, I would tear Equus apart. Bringing it back under my banner. I had done so once, and I would do so again. The Unicorn before me was but another piece to be maneuvered so that my inevitable victory is hastened.
He glared at me the best he could before he wrapped himself in his magic preparing to leave once more. “You may be free to walk the greater world of Equus, but you are equally as bound as I.” I reminded my current guest as he teleported away. He left unknowing of the seeds that had been planted. Only waiting for the proper conditions to grow.
Leaving me to my domain. Chuckling in amusement as I sent the previously greatest conjurer Equus had seen fleeing. He still believed himself the grandest, that only he could best the horrors that were soon to be released. Perhaps I should have reminded him about his countless failures in returning to the past to ‘fix’ the mistakes. It had been some time since I had struck that particular branch of his arrogance.
After all, he believed that he was the only being capable of correcting all the wrongs that had occurred. That only his guiding hoof could once more correct the course of destiny itself. He was unable to recognize the fact that even as he saved the pitiful remains of love, he had all but hastened my plans.
Yes, things may progress slower in the near future but in the long run, those two being bound together like this would prove to be a well worthwhile boon that he had provided me. What was even more amusing was that he still didn't realize that the spell he had used was not designed to be used on Alicorns, even an infantile one such as the Princess of Love. It may take time but eventually, she would unveil the tale that once had been forcibly rewound. It will be an enjoyable sight to watch as he is forced ever deeper into the collapsing pit of compromises, he has dug for himself.
Allowing the mirth to fade I shifted my gaze towards the top of my domain. I once dominated Equestria before it had been called such a name. Yet here I was contained to the peak of an ever-unchanging mountain, as a but a spirit. How the mighty have fallen indeed. Perhaps I had been too arrogant myself when I had ruled over my lands.
Now my mighty name was whispered as myth and legend. No longer did the lowly denizens of Equus fear that I would notice their insignificance and crush them under my hoof. No. Now I was as much a myth as Discord and Nightmare Moon. The former had already reminded Equestria and Equus as a whole that he was far more than the telling of tales. The latter would soon be free by her own hoof.
Should she fail to escape her prison, I would have to step in. I could not have her continued incompetence interfering with my plans. Proving to the realm of Equus that legends of old hold far more reign over reality than any creature may wish. Even names as old as mine had yet to fade, even after my defeat.
After all, I had fallen to the hooves of that accursed filly. Even if I did manage to ensure that only her legend survived, even that was subsumed by the Alicorn of the Sun. I wonder how much history she seeks to rewrite. First her sister after her descent into darkness and depravities. Next claiming that I fell to her hooves. Perhaps if she is to once more win against the coming tide of darkness, she would also claim to be a champion that had once more conquered. Continuing to extend her tales of accomplishments and exploits.
That she was the one to have slain the Demon. Demon Slayer would be such an amusing title to be bestowed upon her. I could almost taste the irony of such a statement. Had I a mouth, it would be salivating.
But enough of the Demon. I was not nearly as foolish as the rest of the congregation. For all the blustering and focus the rest of the Equus has on little Sunset Shimmer they are missing the Alicorn that was beside her. Only Sombra and I see any potential within her, for even Celestia herself is far too focused on the Demon to see what Love's potential has to become.
I have tasted the fire-forged blade of Love when it was wielded by the one that bested me. How it pierces even the strongest of armors. Love can be forged in the heat of battle. It can be quenched in the pits of passion. All above however it can be molded. Maneuvered. Manipulated. I would use Sunset Shimmer to temper love so that I would be able to properly use it.
It would be forged into a weapon that I would wield. A blade that would be incomparable to all others before it. A blade to sever the very connections that existed between the denizens of Equus. Returning them to their original states. Severing their trust and harmony with Love.
For all of the harmonies that ponies had propagated, they were built upon the trust of one another. The magic of friendship that they all had bought into. Hah. They could only continue to believe that fallacy only thanks to the ones that tirelessly protected the many. Most would spend their lives unknowing how close to the brink of collapse their society was.
A singular push was all that was needed to reshape the greater world of so-called peace and restructure it to one of war. Returning to a much more real state of being where the primality that they each ignored was embraced. Where the pathetic and worthless were left behind to rot. The strong and crafty feasted upon all they could.
We each have found our own spark that could burn down the false order that propagated the continuation of the weak. Sombra, whether it was through happenstance or of him seeing far beyond his station has chosen the same as mine. Bound to rest within her dreams until he can escape. Well, what was left of him that was.
Perhaps I should soon offer a guiding hoof of assistance to the newborn immortal. After all, it would be an intelligent thing to do. She only had the Demon and Sombra actively helping her thanks to leaving Canterlot in such haste.
That thought stuck with me. Had I been able to, I would have frowned. She wasn't supposed to have still been with the Demon at this point. It would put her at even more potential risks that would potentially be fatal. I did not need her to perish at this point. It would be counterproductive.
Could it be one of the others that had planned for her to stay with the Demon this long? Unlikely but not impossible. I would have to ensure that she returned to the relative safety of Celestia’s shadow. Perhaps I would task our newest member with it. It would be a good testing ground nonetheless to see how well Tirek could perform.
It was something that I would implement later, as an all too familiar flame oozed into my realm. It did not open the locks, nor did it connect via Equus. It came from beyond Equus, even if it had once claimed such a location as its place of birth. Such a way of describing it could no longer be true. For in its early death did it become reforged into something grander? I gave it my full attention.
“Tell me, child, what would you be willing to do to return to your life that had been stolen so early?” I whispered my question to the foal that stared unblinkingly at me. Another of my seeds that was waiting to bloom and strangle this so-called era of peace.