Rainbow Dash slowly became aware of the world around her, a sour taste filling her mouth. Grass gently tickled her cheek, and a weight on her chest pinned her against the ground. Her guts heaved as watery barf was forced out of her stomach, forming a puddle on the ground in front of her.
“She’s starting to wake up. Don’t let her move until I’m finished.”
“Okie dokie.”
Moaning slightly, Dash saw a pink blur sitting on her chest. A yellow blur sat next to the pink blur, slowly moving back and forth. Dash tried to shake her head, but the pink blur reached out and grabbed her skull. The pink blur slowly focused into Pinkie Pie sitting on Dash’s chest. The normally happy mare had an unusually serious expression on her face and bandages were wrapped around her flank. Dash opened her mouth to ask what had happened, but Pinkie’s hoof blocked her mouth before she could say anything.
“Don’t try to talk, Dashie,” Pinkie said quietly. Dash gave her an odd look. Pinkie never did anything quietly. The earth pony removed her hoof from Dash’s mouth as the pegasus fell back, careful not to jostle anything, and began to explain the situation. “After you chased after the creature, Twilight began to panic. She had tried to teleport after you but couldn’t for some reason. She’s not really sure why. After Fluttershy,” Pinkie gestured at the yellow mare, “bandaged me up, we chased after you. We found you washed up against the river bank. You weren’t breathing, so we dragged you out of the river and pushed on your tummy a bunch of times. I thought you must have swallowed half the river, considering how much water you threw up.”
Dash tried to focus on what Pinkie was saying, but her thoughts were constantly slipping away from her. Instead, she just tried to understand where she was. She was lying on her back, Pinkie lying on top of her. Her head was tilted to the side, a watery puddle of vomit directly in front of her. Fluttershy was at her side putting Dash’s wing in a splint, a first-aid kit on the ground beside her. Dash tried to flinch away but Fluttershy held firm, not allowing the wing to escape her grip.
“Don’t move,” Fluttershy scolded. Her hooves moved with certainty as she put the finishing touches on the splint. Stepping back, she looked over her work before nodding to herself. “Alright Pinkie, you can let her up now.” The earth pony unsteadily climbed off of the pegasus, nearly falling as she put weight on her hind legs. Dash continued to lie on the ground until she felt confident enough to stand up.
“You seem to be taking everything surprising well, Pinkie,” she wheezed out from her prone position.
Fluttershy shook her head, quietly packing the remaining bandages away. “Not really. She’s gone into shock. It’s a bit different than what I’m used to seeing, but I’m sure of it. I think you’ve gone into shock as well.” Fluttershy finished packing the first-aid kit and slipped it into Pinkie’s mane.
Dash hesitated before asking the question that had been worrying her the most. “How… are the others?”
“Your wing’s… wait.” Fluttershy blinked at Dash. She had honestly been expecting a question about the racer’s wing. “Um… others. Right. You and AJ are the worst injured. She’s got a broken leg, a few broken and cracked ribs, some internal bleeding, and is suffering from a concussion. As for you, if you’re not careful with that wing, I don’t know if you’ll ever be able to fly again.” Dash gestured for her to keep going. “Pinkie’s going to be fine, though she’s going to have some trouble walking for a while. Rarity’s unconscious, but she was able to protect herself with a shield so she hasn’t taken any serious damage. Twilight’s horn was cracked, but she’s fine other than that.”
Dash began to climb to her hooves. Fluttershy and Pinkie reached out to support her. “Where are they?” the blue pegasus asked, leaning heavily on Fluttershy while Pinkie limped along beside them.
“We left them behind at the clearing. Twilight’s got a protective shield covering them, so they should be fine until we get back.” The trio staggered on a little farther after Fluttershy’s response before Dash’s sluggish mind realized what was wrong with what she said.
“How can she make a shield but she can’t teleport? Did she just forget how to-” Dash hissed in pain as Pinkie stumbled and accidently brushed against her broken wing. Pinkie hurriedly fell back, landing heavily on her injured rump.
Fluttershy could only watch as her friends sorted themselves out, unable to help for fear of dropping Dash. “She doesn’t know why either,” Fluttershy said, trying to get Dash to focus on her. “Once we get you to the others, we’re going to Zecora’s. Twilight’s hoping Zecora will have some answers.”
“The cause of this I am not sure, so I do not know what could be the cure.”
Twilight sat in the middle of Zecora’s hut while Zecora peered closely at the crack in the unicorn’s horn. Fluttershy had heated up some water and was carefully cleaning Applejack’s wounds with Apple Bloom’s assistance. Rarity had been placed in Zecora’s bed while Pinkie and Dash watched over her, discussing what had gone wrong during the battle. Dash would occasionally trail off to look back at her injured wing, a sad look on her face as she considered the possible ruination of everything she was. Whenever she did this, Pinkie would constantly try to get her attention and distract the pegasus. Twilight reached up to pat her horn as the zebra finished her examination.
“So you’re sure it’s not the crack, right?” Her hoof gently ran along the small crack in her horn, caused when the creature had struck her with his axe. She was fortunate that she wasn’t as badly injured as Pinkie had been. She still couldn't understand what had happened when the creature's axe had nearly taken out Pinkie's throat. Zecora answered before Twilight’s thoughts could start wandering, the zebra’s rhymes giving Twilight something to focus on.
“The crack is not the cause, but it does give me pause. Smear some of this on the crack and it will be fine as long as you do not suffer another attack.” Zecora passed Twilight a vial of some strange purple liquid, which Twilight unquestioningly dipped a hoof in and began spreading it on her horn.
“Then if it wasn’t the physical injury, why would I suddenly be unable to use my magic?” Twilight asked, careful to completely cover her horn's crack in the purple substance.
Zecora walked to a nearby cauldron filled with a liquid that was starting to come to a boil. Slowly stirring the contents, she took a moment to decide how to answer. “Rather than causing all your magic to abort, you said you simply couldn’t teleport. Did anything happen in the battle to make you unsteady?” Zecora lifted a ladle out of the cauldron and took a small sip. “Ah, the stew is ready.”
“No, nothing. I was out for most of the fight.” Twilight’s horn glowed and she filled four bowls full of stew before stopping to look up at her horn. “Do you think that he did something to me?” The bowls floated over to everypony who was still conscious.
Zecora “hmm’d” as she rubbed her chin. “With so little knowledge, I would feel unsafe acting as an advisor. For this it would be better to seek a head that is wiser. Since I have no knowledge of what could cause this malady, it would probably be best for you to ask Her Majesty.” Twilight flinched at the idea of asking Princess Celestia for help. Zecora raised an eyebrow at Twilight’s reaction. “You seem afraid to seek assistance from your teacher. Is that because you were unable to capture the creature?”
“Well…” Twilight said awkwardly, “kinda. But I also had a strange dream last night.” She quickly explained the dream she had had the previous night. “I had thought it was just a nightmare brought on by my own worries, but now I’m not so sure. In the dream, Princess Celestia had told me that I was responsible for all the pain I saw. Now,” she looked at where her friends lay, “I find that I really am responsible for the pain I see.”
“When I look, I don’t see any pain caused by you. Instead, I see a group of friends seemingly stuck together by glue.” Zecora pointed at where Apple Bloom was spoon-feeding Fluttershy while the pegasus continued to clean Applejack’s injuries. Then she pointed where Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were taking turns to carefully spoon stew into Rarity’s mouth. “You may feel that your plan was a failure, but it could easily be seen as being these ponies’ saviour. Had they rushed to save little Apple Bloom, that cave could easily have been their tomb.”
“I…” Twilight sighed. “I know you’re right, but I can’t help feeling that I failed them. It just seems like they wouldn’t have gotten hurt.” Twilight looked up as Zecora passed a steaming cup of tea into her hooves.
“If you feel that way, then make it up to them another day. All you can do for them is to head into town and send in other ponies to bring them around.” The pair sat in silence as Twilight sipped from her tea, considering Zecora’s words. They watched as Fluttershy finished cleaning Applejack’s wounds and began putting some fresh bandages on the injured mare. On the other side of the room, Pinkie seemed to be entertaining Dash with stories about a hero saving ponies from slaver diamond dogs. Dash teased Pinkie by pointing out that the protagonist was pretty much Pinkie Pie herself. The two quickly began arguing about the pros and cons of a ‘self-insert’ in stories in comparison to someone the reader can put themselves in the protagonist’s shoes like Daring Do. Eventually, there was a quiet ‘clack’ as Twilight put down her empty cup.
“I have one final word of advice,” Zecora said as Twilight walked to the door, “which you should hear before you leave in a trice. So long as you and your friends stand together, there is no challenge that will prove your better.” Twilight gave Zecora a small but honest smile – the first real smile she’d had in days – before running out the door, speeding along the path to Ponyville.
Stepping into a backroom of her house, out of sight of the others, Zecora waved her hoof up at a corked beaker high up on the wall. The beaker lifted itself off of its shelf and flew down to her, its bubbling contents sloshing ominously. Popping the cork off, she lifted the nozzle to her lips, downing the entirety of its contents in a single gulp. Placing the flask aside, her attention shifted to a nearby mask hanging before her.
She glared at the mask, as if she believed that it could see her expression. “This wasn’t what you promised,” she growled at the mask in a language none of the ponies in her house would have been able to understand.
Twilight’s run to Ponyville went unnoticed by all, except for the silent sentinel floating high in the sky. The sun stood slightly past its zenith, the mighty orb casting its dazzling rays all across Equestria. The sunlight covered the entire land, filtering into the throne room in Canterlot, where the Princess of the Day was resisting the urge to count the seconds until she could toss out the latest petitioner. To the casual observer, it looked like she was giving the stallion her full attention while her mind was actually elsewhere. It was a useful trick she had picked up over the centuries of her rule. The Royal Guards knew her well enough to recognize when she was doing it, but they sympathized with her far too much to tell anypony. The petitioner seemed to be wrapping up, and Princess Celestia hurriedly focused on what he was saying.
“…and that’s why we should open trade relationships with the Diamond Dogs,” Prince Blueblood said. “They might be dirty uncultured savages, but they are the best there is at finding and excavating gemstones. My ponies estimate that we could see a significant improvement in the quality of the stones as well as a possible reduction of price.” What he didn’t mention was that, while there would be a decrease in the price of the gemstones, most of the money would start going into his own coffers. Celestia knew he had been quietly buying out several jewel stores recently, likely as part of this ridiculous scheme.
“You proposal has been rejected,” she said simply. “You know why the Diamond Dogs can afford to export their gems so cheaply. So long as they continue to use ponies as slave labour in their mines, I will refuse to consider opening any trade with them. Send in the next petitioner.” This last was aimed at her chamberlain, who nodded at her before slipping out the large ornate door. Blueblood sputtered for a few moments before bowing to the inevitable and following after the chamberlain. Holding his head high, he threw the doors open before disappearing beyond them. The Princess took advantage of this rare moment of peace to take the crown off her head and set it to the side. It seemed to get heavier with every passing every day, and the next petitioner wouldn’t mind if she wasn’t wearing it.
The chamberlain re-entered the throne room, the next petitioner behind him. Despite being Blueblood’s cousin, there was almost no similarity between her and the selfish unicorn that had just left. The chamberlain cleared his throat before announcing her. “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, co-ruler of the Crystal Empire.”
“Hello Auntie,” Cadance said. Her pink wings were held tightly against her sides and her long horn poked up through her mane. One of the few mortal alicorns, she and her husband now ruled the Crystal Empire together. Theoretically, she was equal in rank to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as a ruler of her own nation. In reality, she tended to defer to Celestia whenever there was a matter concerning both their people. But that wasn’t the reason she was here today.
“Hello Princess Candenza, it is good to see you again.” Cadance waved her hoof at the title Celestia gave her, letting her know that there was still no need for it. The white alicorn smiled fondly at the pink one’s perfect willingness to forgo the formalities. It was a welcome change from most of the nobles, who seemed determined to compete to see who could be the most stuck-up. “Cadance, then. Thank you for coming.”
“Don’t be like that, Auntie. I didn’t have anything planned for today anyway, and we haven’t had lunch together in such a long time. Will Luna be joining us?” Cadance asked, referring to the other half of Equestria’s co-rulers. Celestia stepped down from her throne and the guards took this as the signal that court was finished for the morning. Opening the doors for the Princesses, they bowed as both alicorns passed.
“I’m not sure,” Celestia admitted. “Luna vanished this morning after lowering the moon. I don’t know when she’ll be back. How about your husband? Will Shining Armor be taking a break and join us?” By marrying a princess, Captain of the Royal Guard Shining Armor had become Prince Shining Armor. His retirement had left a gaping hole in the Royal Guard, and the entire reason he and Cadance were in Canterlot was so that he could train up his replacement at Celestia's request. Cadance sighed gustily at the mention of her stubborn husband.
“You know him. He refuses to stop for even a moment’s rest. Hay, he even refuses to admit that he doesn’t actually need to be here at all. You have trainers who would be just as good as he is at training a new Captain as he is, but noooo. It has to be him. It’s his responsibility and all that.” Cadance’s exasperation only brought an amused smile to Celestia’s lips. The pair walked in silence for a moment before pausing by an open window. Outside, they could see Shining Armor yelling at several guardsponies. Seemed like he still hadn’t found anypony able to meet his exacting standards.
“He really is like his sister, isn’t he?” As Princess Celestia’s student, Twilight could often become focused on one topic to the exclusion of everything else. “Are you sure the Crystal Empire will be fine without you two for another few weeks?” Since Shining Armor and Cadance were both here, it meant that there was no ruler at the empire. Cadance wasn’t worried, however and easily waved aside Celestia's question with a flap of one of her wings.
“Oh, it’s fine. The crystal ponies are still getting used to the idea that they have missed over a thousand years. I wouldn’t be able to do anything for them until they are ready for me. I’m able to keep in communication with them by letters, so I’ll know when we should return. Of course,” she gestured down at the sight below them, “I may have to leave him behind if he’s not willing to go.” Celestia’s response was precluded by a greeting from behind them.
“Sister, it is good to see you.” Celestia and Cadance turned to see Princess Luna approaching them. Two of her night guards followed closely behind her, their bat-like wings and stern visage making them look like something out of a nightmare. Her waving mane glimmered and shone like the night sky, serving as a counterpoint to Celestia’s own multicoloured mane. “We hope this day finds you well.” Celestia arched an eyebrow at Luna’s choice of words. She almost never used the Royal We anymore, not after she realized that it had gone out of style in the thousand years since Celestia had been forced to banish her to the moon.
“Are you alright, Luna?” Celestia asked. The Princess of the Night seemed to look panicked for a moment before suddenly blushing instead. Below them, Shining Armor’s shouting seemed to be gaining in volume. Cadance glanced out the window before turning and running down the hallway. Celestia saw that Shining had procured a spear from somewhere and seemed to be fighting against over a dozen guardsponies by himself. He also seemed to be winning. The other guards made a ring around them, watching as their former Captain mopped the floor with his potential successors.
“Forgive us-me, sister.” Luna sighed at her slip-up. “It’s just- Well- I was invited to a village this morning. It really does feel like the ponies are beginning to forgive me after…” She trailed off into silence. Celestia didn’t know what to say. Neither Princess had recovered from the events when Luna had tried to overthrow Celestia a thousand years ago. Before the silence could become too awkward, a green lick of flame flew in through the open window before coalescing into a rolled piece of parchment in front of Celestia.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Celestia said as she grabbed the parchment with her magic. Unrolling it, she silently thanked Twilight for sending a letter at such an opportune time. Luna waved for her to go ahead. Celestia’s eyes skimmed down the letter, becoming wider and wider as she read what Twilight had written. Once she finished, it vanished with a slight pop.
“What happened?” Luna asked, seeing the panicked expression on Celestia’s face. Instead of answering, Celestia turned and ran down the hallway. Luna hesitated for a few seconds before following, her guards chasing after them. Ponies leapt out of the way as the group ran down the hallway. “Sister!” Luna shouted. “What has happened?”
“Twilight Sparkle’s in trouble! I fear that I asked too much of her!” Celestia yelled back over her shoulder, her hooves screeching against the floor as she rounded a corner.
“Twilight Sparkle? But she was the one who um, yes defeated us. What could be too much for her?” Luna’s hoof slammed into the opposite wall as she rounded the corner behind Celestia, slightly cracking the wall before she continued running. Her guards followed behind her, falling slightly behind.
“You mean you haven’t sensed it?” Celestia asked incredulously. “Discord’s prison has been weakening this past week. He’s unleashed some sort of creature on Ponyville and another one southeast of here. I need to gather some guards and take them to Ponyville.”
“You don’t say…” Luna mused. “But,” she shouted after Celestia, “but wouldn’t the guards just slow you down if they’re facing against something like Discord? If Twilight needs help, you should go to her as soon as you can.”
Celestia slowed down, her horn glowing as she turned back to Luna. “You’re right,” she said. “I’ll leave things here with you for now. Be careful. In addition to Discord, I’m also worried about what the changelings are doing. Shining Armor told me he hadn’t heard back from the ponies that had been sent to watch them. They were supposed to report back this morning. Be careful. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” She vanished in a bright flash of light.
Luna stared at the spot Celestia had stood before turning to her two guards. “We have work to do before she returns. Come.” Luna strode off down the hall, the two guards bowing at her words. Unnoticed by the alicorn, both guardsponies’ eyes flashed green for a split second before they looked up and followed behind her.