Mary walked for several hours until she reached a small lake. She glanced around and noticed a stump near the edge of the bank which she sat upon and stared blankly into the water. She stared at the girl who looked back at her and frowned. It’s true that she had not developed her abilities, hell she couldn’t even fly yet. Dom had gotten a leg up on her in both departments and the only thing she could do was run fast and smash boulders into sand. It’s not that she was angry at Dominic or anyone else; she just kept feeling that annoying sensation and nothing else. She stood up and walked to a nearby tree to stare at its trunk and then punched it.
She glanced at her knuckles and saw sap but no cuts, “Not even a knick.”
Mary continued punching the tree lightly and remembered back to when she first entered high school.
One girl fell to the ground in pain as Mary attempted to leap at her, “DON’T YOU EVER INSULT MY MOTHER!”
Dominic was holding her back, “Calm down Mary she’s not worth it.”
The girl in question was escorted away quickly by her friends as she cradled her arm, “SHE BROKE IT! YOU’RE SUCH A FREAK!”
Mary’s blows intensified.
Applejack scolded her daughter, “Why would ya do somethin like that to her?”
Martin nodded in agreement, “Answer your mother.”
Mary looked at her hands which had slightly darkened knuckles, “She insulted you both and called mom a redneck.”
Applejack shook her head, “That don’t mean you can haul off and break another girls arm,” Applejack got down to Mary’s level, “you have to remember that your slightly stronger than regular people your age. You could have really hurt her if Dominic hadn’t of stop you.
Mary got up and walked swiftly up the stairs, “Why do I have to be stronger than normal?! On Equestria I can throw rocks like softballs but here I’m like a tamer version of the She-Hulk.”
She then slammed her door.
Mary broke a massive chunk of the trunk off with a haymaker as she collapsed to her knees in frustration and sadness. Ever since she was born she had been different, doctors were astounded that an eight year old girl could run and jump like a gymnast and not get tired at all. Her gym teacher in sixth grade was amazed at how strong her spike was in volleyball, the gym had to buff the dents out every day. Everyone she had ever met or made friends with were either friendly or merely talking to her because of her prowess and that’s what upset her the most. Princess Celestia informed her parents one day that as she and Dominic got older they would get stronger. She also went on to say it’s most likely due to the fact that Martin and Applejacks union was a unique one that it caused Mary to be born differently than regular humans so they would have to take necessary precautions. She also knew this because Dominic told her after he too eavesdropped on his parents talking about it.
Dominic stared at her, “You alright?”
Mary jumped to her feet, “Y-yeah I’m fine.”
Dominic walked to her, “You’re sure?”
Mary stepped back, “I said I’m fine!”
Dominic flinched back, “Okay jeez. Don’t have to bite my head off or anything.”
Mary looked to the side, “Sorry…”
Dominic shrugged it off, “Don’t worry it’s cool, come on everypony’s missing you.”
Mary walked beside Dom as they headed back toward the farm, “Yeah right.”
*
Princess Celestia sat in her room going over several letters and sighed as more were teleported in. She glared at the so called “Master” In pile and began to sort through them all until she came upon a scroll trimmed in black and sealed with blood red wax. Celestia’s eyes widened as she immediately broke the seal and read its contents. She blanched at the sight of the words and summoned her sister.
Luna read the scroll, “Why now?”
Celestia shook her head, “He’s been biding his time and waited until we were at our most secure state.”
Luna nodded, “I shall send for The Knights at once.”
Celestia stood and levitated the scroll to her, “Fly fast, time is of the essence.”
Luna spoke under her breath, “Always is.”
*
Martin and Rainbow Dash were engaged in an intense stare off within the barn which was on the verge of a great climax until a flash broke their concentration. Twilight entered the corner with Princess Luna who wore a grave expression. Everypony present except for The Six, Martin and Alan left at the Princesses instance.
Dominic on the other hand was not going to be brushed aside so easily, “Screw it, I’m hearing this.”
The rest of the COH followed behind him as Dinky spoke up, “But Dom its private!”
Dominic shook his head as he began to stealthily climb the barn, “Whatever has to be said to my parents can be said to me.”
Mary was climbing next to him, “Amen to that brother.”
In truth, both children knew that their parents were getting older and sooner or later they wouldn’t be able to do what they used to anymore. So it worried them whenever the Princesses called on them for anything. They both peered into the barn from their vantage point as the conversation began.
Luna passed the scroll to Twilight who read it aloud, “Greetings rulers to the east, I am obligated to inform you of your imminent demise. I have sent this letter as an invitation to attend a counsel with myself as to discuss the terms of your surrender of Equestria. Should you refuse and choose a more foolish route, I am afraid I will have to respond in earnest. Sincerely, The Black King.”
Rainbow Dash huffed in anger, “Who does this guy think he is?!”
Pinkie Pie pointed to the scroll, “The Black King.”
Twilight was a tad confused, “Who’s The Black King, Princess?”
Luna looked at them all, “Nopony as ever laid eyes upon him but his presence is felt. He’s a mysterious ruler to the far west of here who presides over The Wastes, a kingdom outside of our borders.”
Twilight was shocked, “But I thought The Wastes were disserted.”
Luna shook her head, “Not entirely.”
Alan sat down, “What does he want Equestria for?”
Luna turned away from them, “The truth is that he has always had his eyes upon this land. He has merely been waiting for the ideal time to strike.”
Martin paced, “And I assume you’re sending us as your representatives?”
Luna turned to them, “Indeed I am.”
Martin nodded, “Alright, I’m in.”
Alan nodded, “Aw yeah, just like old times!”
A crash was heard as they all looked to the side. Outside the barn, both Dominic and Mary had fallen onto some rain barrels and were staring at the worried faces of their friends.
Mary and Dominic then both said in unison, “Not good.”