The Severed Dimension

by StarPrism

Chapter 14 - A Small Meeting

I awoke with a start when I felt Edel’s body twitch against mine. I woke to see we were both lying down on a soft rug rather than the tile floor we fell asleep on. I could see his eyes moving rapidly underneath his eyelids, possibly dreaming of Durandel. As we have spent more time here, it feels unreal, like I’m the one dreaming and just waiting to wake up back in our war-torn homeland. I didn't want it to end, I wanted us to stay in Equestria, live peacefully away from the problems of our government and its politics back on Durandel. Then I remembered everybody we left behind and that man, the one who can destroy a whole city with ease. We have to save them.

This place seems like an alternate reality. Leylines that are present here are also present in Durandel. The mana in this world, though different, is still very similar. I wonder if it is also the source of life here like the mana from our world. I thought, and began to remember what Kael was saying about the unicorn who was apparently emitting a large amount of mana. Our mana from Durandel. I closed my eyes to focus on Leylines, the same way when I found Regal’s body last night. I gasped when I saw a strange Leyline, that looked like a thin thread of energy that went from a gold color, then blue, purple, white and back to gold and repeated. It felt very familiar when I focused on it… This is mana! Durandian Mana!

I jumped out of the blanket that covered Edel and I, and looked around. It was quiet. I looked out a nearby window to see the sun was just rising. The crack of dawn… I need to see where the mana is coming from. Could it be the unicorn who Kael was talking about? I trotted towards the entrance of the kitchen, hearing voices as I drew close.

“…So let me get this straight, the reason somepony like Daring Do was here is to help out these three, for lack of a better word, aliens? And they need to search for these relics which may or may not even exist anymore in order to create a portal that might possibly lead back to their world in an ancient, underground labyrinth with the help of not only the Elements of Harmony, but also both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?” a mare’s voice sounded in skepticism.

“Yes, Trixie, that pretty much sums it up.” Twilight’s voice rang out.

“And what did this have to do with me anyway?”

I decided to trot forward, but stopped as a male voice rang from above, the second floor, “I can explain that, miss Lulamoon.”

I was close enough to poke my head through the doorway. Twilight and Trixie, who was wearing her cape from last night, were visible, looking up at the source of the voice I recognized as Regal’s.

“Good morning Regal, was the guest bed comfortable for you?” Twilight asked, smiling.

“It was quite comfortable Twilight. Now, miss Lulamoon – ”

“Please call me Beatrix, or Trixie.”

“Right, Trixie, the reason why… Kael… acted like he did is simply; he was ravenous over the energy you were emitting. You produced a Leyline from an unknown origin that was of energy from our realm called mana. He survived off of the energy for a very long time, and for his first time sensing it since we were transported here probably pushed him off the edge.”

Was Regal defending Kael’s actions? I couldn’t believe it. I trotted out into the open as Twilight replied, “Well if somepony like him observed such a strange occurrence, we should probably look into this phenomenon. Now it’s about time we wake everypony else and get ready to head to Canterlot.”

Trixie looked at me with an observing eye before saying “Hey it’s the pink pony from last night. Is she one of them?”

“Oh! Good morning, Lorane! Yes, Trixie, Lorane here is also from Durandel. Did you sleep well Lorane?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, it was comfortable. Thank you for the blanket, and I must comment Miss Trixie, I do feel the strange aura coming from you. How are you emitting such strange energy?” I asked as Regal glided down the stairs towards me with his wings. I noticed his broken horn looked even smaller than usual.

“You can feel it like Kael could?” He muttered to me as he landed softly.

I nodded before turning my attention back to Twilight and Trixie, “Twilight, can you also feel the strange energy? The energy Leyline even looks different than everything else.”

After a second Twilight closed her eyes and her horn began to glow the same purpleish glow. Almost immediately she opened her eyes and replied “No, I don’t see any difference. I mean sure, her Leyline seems bigger and more defined than most other ponies, but that is usually how the average unicorn’s energy Leyline is for the most part.”

I blinked. How can she not see the enormous difference? I closed my eyes and concentrated, sure enough I saw the same Leyline radiating from Trixie. I opened my eyes to see Trixie staring at me, and the Leyline as brilliant as it was when I sensed it in the kitchen.

“I’m not sure what you are talking about, but I would like to know what exactly this energy is that seemingly only you aliens can sense.” Trixie said. “Sparkle, would I be allowed to travel with you to Canterlot?”

Twilight looked at Trixie with a small grin, “I don’t see the problem but as for meeting with Princess Celestia, I think there would be a problem at the castle gates.”

“It is of no concern. I shall wait by the gates if I am denied entry.”

“What about the traveling performers you are with? Won’t they be wondering where you are?” I asked her.

“It is of no concern of mine or Trixie’s. They are going to be in Ponyville for a few days and Trixie was simply the beginning of the show. Trixie’s next act won’t be for another two days.” She said holding her head up high as she spoke about her stage name.

There was a subtle knock at the door that could’ve easily been missed if Trixie continued to talk. Twilight trotted to the door and opened it to reveal a yellow pegasus who had a small white rabbit on her head. I almost hit myself in the face with a hoof when I realized it was Fluttershy. I had almost forgotten her name.

“Good morning Fluttershy, you’re the first one!” Twilight said as she beamed.

“Good morning Twilight. Pinkie and Applejack are on their way too, they had to stop at Sugarcube Corner to pick something up.” Fluttershy said as she slowly trotted inside.

I turned to Regal, “Hey keep an eye out. I’m going to wake up Edel.”

Regal nodded in response and I turned to head back into the kitchen. Upon entering I saw Edel was staring out a nearby window, his mane a little untidy from sleeping. “Good morning, bed head.” I started.

He turned to me and smiled. “Hey.” He trotted up to me and rubbed his muzzle against my neck. It made me let out a silent squeaking noise I’ve found myself doing around Edel, and it gave me goose bumps. I returned the gesture.

“Hey, Fluttershy and Trixie are here. Regal is still himself, so I hope that’s a good sign.” I said, absentmindedly running my hoof through his mane.

“Good. We can leave soon. I would like to finally meet the ruler of this world. If she is as kind as we’ve heard, we might have better hope.”

“But… Edel it’s been about four days. Surely by now Gladius has what he wants. Why are we still here and why hasn’t anything happened?”

Edel looked thoughtful as he replied “I am not sure. I was thinking about it yesterday, maybe the Gate is proving harder to control than Gladius thought. Regal might know more since, you know…”

I nodded as we both turned to head towards the kitchen. Many years ago, we had come across the Gate before. Regal used to be unable to use magic like me, but we were being chased in a strange forest, and we wounded up inside the Gate. We later found out it was one of the few nodes of the Gate, and after a perilous journey within the node, Regal ended up with a vast knowledge of the Gate and the ability to manipulate and control mana to cast spells. The Gate that Gladius summoned when we ran into him; the same Gate that banished us to Equestria, was definitely not a node. It was the real deal, the actual Gate, portal to all realms and power, giving one the keeper the ability to travel anywhere and anytime.

We left the kitchen to see Applejack and Pinkie Pie had also entered the library. Pinkie Pie was bouncing in place, Applejack was talking to Fluttershy and Twilight, while Regal and Trixie seemed to be in a deep conversation. “Quite a sight isn’t it?” Edel observed.

The door abruptly opened and Rainbow Dash trotted in along with Rarity, who wore stylish saddlebags. Rainbow Dash immediately galloped towards Trixie and Regal, while Rarity began talking with Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack. “So this is all of them – the Elements of Harmony?” I asked, remembering what Twilight and Fluttershy had said in the past.

“Oh that’s right, all of them have a special connection to a mysterious artifact representing elements of harmony. Didn’t Fluttershy say something about their very spirits being somehow connected?” Edel asked.

“That’s correct.” Trixie had trotted towards us and continued, “These six ponies have a connection with the Elements. They have saved Equestria on more than two occasions and do deserve a lot more respect than they have been getting. You three are from Durandel as I have come to understand correct?”

“Oh, yes. We haven’t formally met, I am Lorane and this is Edel. Edel you remember Trixie right?”

“Oh yes I –”

“Please, my name is Beatrix Lulamoon. But I suppose if you’re comfortable you can call me Trixie. Nice to meet you Lorane and Edel, and I must say I am curious about the head case over there,” she pointed at Regal who was looking down as Rainbow Dash was shouting at him, “his name was Regal or Kael right?”

“Regal is our friend, Kael is not.” Edel said flatly. “Kael is just hitching a ride inside of Regal’s body.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Trixie said as all three of us saw Rainbow Dash embrace Regal with both of her hooves. “It looks like they made up. I was wondering what happened between them but it seems pretty obvious with the change in personalities; anypony could be confused by that.”

"Why are all these ponies coming along with us?" Regal questioned.

"They're the Elements of Harmony remember? Kind of like the Opertum in Durandel Capital City." Edel replied.

"That's just implying..." Regal started.

“Listen up, everypony.” Twilight interrupted. Everypony in the room was looking at her as she stood near a wooden head of a unicorn decorating the center of the room. “Princess Celestia wants to see us before the pre-noon council meeting, so we will need to hurry.”

“Twilight, um, if you don’t mind, I’m wondering how we can get there before noon. The train doesn’t leave for another few hours and – ” Fluttershy started but cut off.

“Not to worry, I have an easy way to get us there…” Twilight closed her eyes and her horn began to glow again. She moved her head and pointed her horn to a wall and a ball of light emerged from her horn and hit the wall, creating a portal like before. The portal, rippling like disturbed water, depicted the exterior of a cobblestone building with a brightly colored blue door. From the looks of it, it was in the middle of a bustling city as ponies were passing by not noticing the portal at all.

“Woah, what is that?” Rainbow Dash asked in wonder.

“This is the portal spell I told you about, Rainbow. Stepping through this portal will take you to Canterlot in front of my favorite bakery from when I was a filly.” Twilight responded.

“Really? Well let’s go, what are we waiting for?” Rainbow Dash chirped. She seemed to be in a very good mood.

As the other ponies began to trot into the portal I trotted up to Twilight. She hopped down from the where the wooden head was and smiled at me. “Twilight, the portal spell is like a one-way gateway right? That is, as soon as you walk through there is no going back am I right?” I asked.

“Yes, Lorane, I don’t think there is a way to manifest a second portal on the other side of the first one, but I can place two at a time personally. A third one is too exhausting to maintain, so I would have to close one of the other two.”

“Wait, you are maintaining these portals? The entire time they’re open you’re expending mana? I mean – magic?”

“Well… yes.” Twilight said, as she raised an eyebrow at me. It almost boggled my mind, just how powerful is this unicorn? “Come on, we should get moving, we’re the last ones here.” And she made her way towards the portal.

Rarity was the last pony with me before entering the gate. “Darling, your cape is almost done. It just needs another couple of hours to draw energy from the sun.”

Before I could ask what she meant, she trotted into the portal. I thought as I trotted towards the portal. Twilight Sparkle is very powerful or... Maybe the mana here is more potent than our own mana in Durandel, which could mean something in terms of casting… I entered the portal before finishing my thought and a sensation of my body being compressed and my insides boiling with pain for a split second as I trotted out into the big city known as Canterlot.

The first thing I did was look behind me, there was no portal, and I had seemingly walked through the side of a building also made of cobblestone like the bakery. I looked towards the bakery to see Twilight beckoning me to follow the group who were trotting along the asphalt road, which I noticed trash was littered here and there along the road, towards a large arch that seemed to be separating the city.

As I caught up to Twilight I asked “What is with the arch? Is this city separated by social castes?”

“The arch is pretty much a division, and to your second question; yes and no. You see, ponies are free to wander Canterlot at any time, but in order to live close to the castle, it requires a lot of money. So at the same time besides being free to wander ponies are required to have a lot of money to stay in the upper sections. That area in particular,” she gestured to the portion of Canterlot behind us as we trotted past the arch, “is Cradle, which is part of the middle section of Canterlot.”

The upper section, which Twilight explained was called Sun Well, was more evidently higher in the social caste, as buildings seemed to be made of marble, the road was cleaner, and there were ponies dressed in fancy clothes walking around with their heads held higher than necessary. We caught up with the rest of the group and I saw Edel and Regal laughing together, perhaps making jokes at said ponies.

Eventually we came to a large gate of a tremendously large building, the outside also made of pale white marble with small windows littering the walls in an organized fashion. There were two armored pegasi and two armored earth ponies who approached us, all four armed with lances. They seemed to recognize Twilight and she explained that Celestia wanted to see all of us. They proceeded to point us through the gate, including Trixie who was not invited.

As we walked into the castle, the foyer was a massive open hall with a wide staircase that led up and split two ways that led further upward into two separate corridors. I noticed banners on the walls depicting two horses, one black one white both with wings and horn, circling the sun and moon decorated with stars. I nearly ran into Twilight as she abruptly stopped along with the rest of the group, they were all looking up towards the right end of the staircase.

A large white pony – no, horse – was elegantly trotting down the staircase. Her mane was flowing, as if blowing in a breeze, and was multicolored light shades of blue, green, purple and pink. She was wearing a beautiful neck piece with a large lavender gem embedded in the center, and tiara, which I just noticed she had a very long horn on her head. I noticed she also had two massive wings that were unfolded and held high as she trotted down the stairs. Depicted on her flank was the image of the sun. Following closely behind her were three armored ponies; one pegasus, one unicorn, and one earth pony.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight spoke first as the apparent princess reached the center of the wide staircase.

The Princess smiled as she talked “Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, welcome my Elements of Harmony. And hello to you as well, Beatrix Lulamoon and our three visitors; Edel, Lorane and Regal.” Her voice was as elegant as her appearance. I was taken by surprise already when I saw she had not only wings, but a horn as well like Regal.

I found myself slowly moving to stand next to Edel and Regal. “Thank you, your highness.” Edel answered and gave an awkward bow, allowing his forelegs to buckle and let his whole body slant slightly.

“If I can recall from Twilight’s letters correctly, you three are from a place called Durandel correct?” she asked, still smiling.

Edel picked himself up as he responded “Yes, and we need help getting back. There is a terrible evil about to destroy our home and we must stop it from happening.”

“And to do this you believe you need the seven Orbs of the Elements and a centralized location of elemental and chaotic energies.” Celestia said before Edel could bring it up.

“Princess! So you mean there really are seven natural elements? And the orbs are real?” Twilight exclaimed.

“Yes my faithful student. In fact, two of the seven orbs are in this very room.” Celestia answered, her smile growing as I gaped at the response.

Twilight let out a small gasp, along with Rarity. I saw Trixie place a hoof on her mouth and expressed a face deep in thought. Edel’s face filled with hope and he let out a toothy grin.

I heard a strange noise and saw a faint flash of light come from Regal as he trotted forward a few paces. “So, this would explain the second Leyline of mana I sense. If there are two of these artifacts in this room – that would only mean Trixie here isn’t special, she just has one in possession. The other one is coming from you, your highness. Might I be correct in assuming you have the second one?”

Celestia’s smile faded into a frown. “You must be the alternate persona known as Kabel or Kael. You are correct in assuming this, however I was waiting for you to come out, and I would like to have a personal word with you in private after this meeting.” Her tone grew more serious when addressing Kael.

Kael blinked before replying “Of course.”

“Excuse me, Princess Celestia,” Trixie spoke up and trotted forward, ignoring Kael’s scowl, “I believe I understand where this is going, and I now know that my family heirloom is more than just a gemstone…” she began to caress the jewel that seemed to be holding her cape together, “If I choose to help these ponies what would become of my precious treasure?”

“That, I cannot answer for you. I would assume the energy would be used up and it would need time to regain the energy it has now.” Celestia smiled and turned her attention to Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle, you have chosen to help these ponies get back to their own world, and I know I can count on all of you. Here is the first of the seven orbs.” The Princess’ horn began to glow a golden hue, and the lavender gem from her neckpiece began to glow as well and levitate from its place and float down the stairs to Twilight, who took it in her own purple glow. “This orb is the first of seven – the Orb of the Element of Light.”

I immediately focused to see the Leyline, it was indeed the same I felt when waking up this morning coming from the gem; a thin thread of energy glowing gold, blue, purple, white… and there were two of them in this room. Twilight trotted over to Rarity on her right, and the gem was placed into one of Rarity’s saddlebags.

“As for your gem, Beatrix, I believe that one in particular might be the Orb of the Element of Wind. I could be wrong though; the orbs, as you can see, have been changed over the many years they’ve been lost. Ours both are like gemstones, the rest may look different. Now then, Twilight and Kael, I would like to talk to both of you privately.” Celestia said as she smiled warmly and began to trot back up the stairs with the three guards following her.

“Everypony meet back at the train station.” Twilight said before trotting up after Celestia.

Kael looked at Edel and I. Edel scoweled as he spoke, “As Twilight said, see you over there. Don’t give me that look, Edel. This was originally my body in the first place. Like I said, all I need is mana and I can give Regal a new body. As for you Lorane, try to keep an eye out for Daring Do’s Leyline. She is either scheming against us or is in trouble.” As he finished he turned and trotted up the stairs as well.

Daring’s Leyline? How in the world am I supposed to know her personal energy thread? I only know Edel’s and Regal’s because I’ve known them for so long, but tracing a stranger’s Leyline is… my thoughts trailed off as we began trotting out of the castle.

“Lorane what was that pegasus’ name again? The young colt who was traveling with Daring Do?” Edel asked looking forward as we left the front gate.

“Strato Sky right?” I answered.

“Well there’s Strato Sky now if I’m not mistaken.”

I looked forward, in the distance there was a blue pegasus with a long object attached on his back, flying towards us, the look in his eyes was pure and simple: Rage.