Kinetics

by Habanc


Book 1: Chapter 6

Agapornius Pullarius

“I just need some peace and quiet. It's like I have to learn everything in the world all over again.”


The creaking of floorboards was soon accompanied by the violent, sudden thrashing and rustling of sheets and blankets, a wide-eyed mare arising from its depths. “Huh? What? What is it?” She couldn't see, the room being completely dark, but she could sense another life hovering nearby.

“It's time to go,” Luna's voice broke in softly, perhaps only inches away. “If you must, take a second to wash up, but Sir Kazius is waiting for us.”

Twilight sighed deeply, rubbing her eyes and leaning back against the wall. “Sure,” she muttered. “Give me a moment.”

“Of course.” Voice flat and business-like, Luna moved away, the only indication being the moans of floorboards.

Grumbling to herself about the abominations of sleep depravity and its effects on cognitive performance, Twilight slid herself off the bed and made towards the small wash basin in the room. Dipping her hooves in, she shivered to find it ice cold. She wanted nothing more than to step into a hot shower, to sit down under its spray and let soothing bands of warmth run down her tired body.

With an exhale, she magically pulled back her mane and plunged her face into the water. The world painfully snapped and shattered into focus as she brought herself back up, shaking her head and sending droplets flying. “Okay,” she announced. “I'm up!”

“Good,” Luna's voice responded. “Now, let's go. As I said, Sir Kazius is waiting.” A thin band of weak light shot through the room as the door creaked open. Twilight could make out Luna's silhouette, realizing once again her mane was still short; the trademark billowing, ethereal effect was gone.

Following her out into the hall, she noted that only the soft glows of torches accompanied them. The palace, as far as they could tell, was silent.

“What time is it?” Twilight asked eventually, as they made their way down a winding set of stairs.

“I do not know,” Luna replied. “If we were in Equestria, I could tell you on the spot. But sadly, this is not my moon.”

“Oh.” Twilight hadn't thought of that. Thinking back on old memories, now it did seem particularly odd that Celestia had always known the time, even when they were out in the garden. As the pupil though, absorbed in the current lecture or conversation, Twilight had never stopped to figure out why. And now, common sense had smacked her with the back of her hoof.

Ever the thinker, the train of wondering did not end there. “Does it feel any different?”

“Hmm?” Luna looked over at her.

“Not having the moon and the stars to look after. Is it like a weight has been pulled off your shoulders?”

They continued on silently for a few seconds, before Luna replied, “Not quite. The moon and stars are like an extension of myself, a projection of my personality into the heavens. Without them, it is not so much a removed burden as it is an amputation.”

Twilight felt her heart dip. “Oh. I'm- I'm sorry.”

“Do not fret yourself, Twilight. There is still hope that it is only temporary.”

It took the unicorn a moment to figure out what she meant. “Oh! So, you mean you found a way home?” She could not contain the growing excitement in her voice.

Luna shook her head. “I have only but remembered, since I have not used it in many, many years. Finding it, however, is the real issue.”

“Huh?” Confusion crushed her rising optimism. “What are you talking about?”

“A waypoint,” Luna stated, as they turned and walked down a hallway. “Often they are odd, carved stone growths, as old as creation itself. Each plane has one, although who or what put them there is a complete mystery. In very general terms, they all hold designations, a series of symbols that discern where their plane is amongst others. Should you know the designations of other planes, you can use the waypoint to jump from one to another.”

“Really?” Twilight looked at her in complete awe and wonder. “Why didn't you say this earlier?”

“It is old and ancient, Twilight.” Luna glanced over at her, yet she looked as though the past, instead of the present, was flashing before her eyes. “I haven't used waypoints in tens of thousands of years. Also, Nightmare Moon has had adverse effects on my memory, the deterioration growing worse the farther back my memories are.”

This was new. From brief, hushed conversations, Celestia had told her that Luna would have to deal with permanent impairments from Nightmare Moon, but never exactly what it was. And while she was curious to figure out what the other ill-effects the alicorn sustained, she didn't feel confident enough to ask. “Oh... Why did you stop using them?”

“Waypoints form links for you. They require a power source, and if I remember correctly, in the form of gems and silver. It is... very expensive for even one jump. When I discovered how to form stable links on my own, I didn't feel the need to drain the world's silver supply any more.”

“Ah, okay.” Twilight took a moment to digest this new info. A door at the end of the hallway was looming near. “So, do we know where it is?”

“No.” Luna shook her head sadly as they approached the door. “They can be literally anywhere on the plane. The best chance we have of finding it are consistent reports of phenomena in one location. Being gateways for links between planes, there is a lot of energy involved, and occasionally things slip through or snap. Rogue bolts of lightning, parasprites, massive fires happening for no reason whatsoever, changelings, all were what I've seen come through into Equestria.”

“What?! Are you seriou-”

The door swung wide open. “Is that you two out there? By The Winds, you're late! Get in, Donevyn has been waiting for an hour now!” Sir Kazius waited in the doorway, eyes torching holes into Twilight.

“Of course.” Luna dipped her head in agreement and walked inside. Twilight followed her quickly, wanting to escape the stallion's leer.

It appeared that the two were being ushered into the castle's armory. The soft, waving glow of dozens of torches lit up the walls of the massive room. Along said walls were racks of all sorts of armaments and protection. Spears, swords, and axes hung by the hundreds near the far wall, an elaborate setup of stands and shelving offering extra storage. Crossbows and quivers of bolts were stacked and arranged neatly against another wall. And on a third, helmets, boots, scaled armor, chainmail, and other sorts of armor hung from racks or sat on shelves.

In the middle of the room, around a square table, was Donevyn. He was in full dress, chainmail showing under a thick layer of iron scaled armor, which covered him from the neck to the hocks, matched by heavy boots and wings that were plated in more metal. The only thing that distinguished him from the other warriors they had met on their first night in Anarkhos was his lack of a helmet, his goldenrod mane flowing and his face visible.

“Good morning,” he greeted them. “Haven't seen you two in a while.”

“Donevyn,” Luna walked up to him, “it is... nice to see you again.”

“Yes,” Twilight smiled, “how are you?”

“Decent.” He shrugged. “You can only be feeling so well when half of your days are spent cleaning the barracks’ floors.”

“Which will still be waiting for you when you return,” Kazius reminded him as he arrived at the table. “This is no time for small talk, everypony. If you leave soon, you should be able to get to Iezno by tomorrow, one of the few sizable settlements within Domelle Forest. Let's stop chatting and focus on getting you both set up and on your way.”

“Of course, Sir Kazius,” Twilight responded. Despite his rough personality, she found something likable about him, perhaps it was his unrelenting honesty, or maybe it was his sheer pragmatism.

The hardened pegasus hauled a sack onto the table, spilling out its contents with a sharp tug.

“Here is what you'll be given for your little errand.” Sir Kazius pushed two white vests towards the mares. “They're mostly made from wool, but have overlapping bands of iron covering your chest, stomach, and back. Also, it's small and light enough to be worn under robes and other clothing. However, that means it doesn't provide the best protection either. A blow from a sword or a spear won't kill you, but it won't leave you unscathed either.

“Your average arming swords,” he continued, passing over the two and half foot, double-edged blades. “Complete with a scabbard and a strap to sling them over your back. They've seen some use; ask Donevyn for help with sharpening them if you need to, he knows how.

“Finally, a set of saddlebags with basic supplies: a week's worth of food, a canteen for water, flint and tinder, a small blanket, and a few bandages. Donevyn will also be carrying some canvas and rope for a tent.”

Luna glanced down from the items before her, and then back up to Sir Kazius. “Thank you, this is surely enough to get us all the way to Lobos. How far is it, if you don't mind me asking?”

“A five or six day journey, it depends whether or not you travel from dawn to dusk or not. If only all of you were pegasi, the journey slims down to three days, but that isn't the case.” Sir Kazius flicked his eyes towards Twilight. “Regardless, Donevyn will lead the way over to the main gates once you both are ready. Meanwhile, because you two took so long, I have to leave and go talk to some damn Learsian emissary. So get going and don't dawdle.” With little more than a nod, he turned around and left the room.

“Is he alright?” Twilight asked after a brief silence.

“No better than usual,” Donevyn sighed. “Don't mind him, he's just grumpy and jealous. Sir Kazius hasn't left the capital in a month, and he hates having to sit around.”

“Ah. I suppose I can sympathize with him,” Luna replied, picking up her laminar vest and putting it on.

“Many ponies don't know that, deep down, he's actually a pretty nice guy,” Donevyn admitted with a grin. “It's just that he places the matters of the realm so high up, that being kind is the least of his worries. But occasionally, if you find him when he isn't busy, you'll see him as he truly is.”

“Oh, I know ponies like that too,” Twilight said, nodding towards the other mare when she wasn't looking. Clasping on her saddlebags, she trotted in place for a moment and then added, “Alright, I think everything is on okay. Luna, how about you?”

The alicorn nodded as she slung her sword over her back. “Yes, I believe I am fit to go. We shouldn't waste any more time, so lead the way, Donevyn.”

-~-

The sky was a wash of cool and warm hues as they approached the gates of Konik. The monstrosities of oak sat dormant, silent guardians that led out to the surrounding swathes of farmland. As soon as they arrived, Donevyn flew up to speak with the guards at the gatehouse.

“Moonguider, Starpainter!”

Twilight and Luna both turned towards the voice that called out to them, feminine and familiar. Trotting to them in a white robe, was Spotted Sky. “Finally! I've been waiting for you both for so long, I almost fell asleep!”

“That would be unfortunate, would it not?” Luna mused.

“Well, I didn't though, right?”

“Right.” Luna sized up the mare. She was smaller than her, perhaps the size of Twilight, and her ruby eyes brimmed with excitement and energy. When her eyes noted the crossbow slung over Sky's back, and her mind connected it with the child-esque enthusiasm the acolyte held, a worried, wary feeling crawled over her. “May I ask why you have that on your back?”

“Hmm?” Sky looked over her shoulder. “Oh, you mean this?” She pulled the weapon off and admired it.

“Yes. Doesn't the Tempestry have any rules against carrying arms?” Fuzzy memories of ancient religions in Equestria arose in her mind.

“Of course not.” Sky chuckled. “That'd be stupid. Sure, no armies come knocking on our shrines, but bands of raiders and robbers have been trying to get at us since, like, forever. Not many sages carry a weapon, but most of us acolytes do.” She sat back on her rump and held her crossbow up in her forehooves, pretending to be aiming at an imaginary target. “And I'm pretty sure I'm the best of them all with one of these. Dad teaches me when he can.”

“I see.” Luna nodded as the young mare got up and put her crossbow back over her back.

“Who's your dad?” Twilight asked. “Is he a sage too?”

“Oh, no.” Sky waved her hoof dismissively. “Most acolytes of the Tempestry are from ordinary families, who join once their sigil appears. Mine is an air sigil, see?” She lifted her robe, to expose a flank that depicted a white outline of four puffy clouds. “Almost all ponies in the Tempestry have air sigils.”

“Why?”

“Why?” Sky tilted her head and looked at the unicorn as if she were crazy. “Well, it's pretty hard to read chimes and feel The Winds if you have a fire sigil. Sometimes, if they're talented enough, we take on water sigils because there is enough water in the air to still read the ebb and flow in the air, but that's it.”

“Wait, so what's the difference between a sigil and cutie mark?” Twilight asked, confused.

“What's a cutie mark?” Sky asked, now equally puzzled.

“You know, the image on your flank that tells you what your special talent is?”

“Special talent!” Sky shuddered with laughter. “Who in Anarkhos told you that? Sigils are there to help guide you, they show you which elements you connect best with.”

“Elements,” Twilight echoed, gunning her down with an incredulous stare that would make Luna proud.

“Yes, elements. Air, fire, water, earth, life, and shadow. Often, they reflect a pony's personality and being. For most, they're just a neat little reminder of who they are. But for some, well...how to put this,” Sky tapped her hooves together, “they can reach out an grasp their element. Not actually touch, I mean, but they can sense it and act with it. That's how we read chimes in the Tempestry.”

“Sure, and hay can fly. Unless you can cast magic, that's impossible.”

“Twilight, remember what I said about how planes change from one to the next,” Luna whispered in her ear before she could do anything more. “And there is elemental magic in Equestria. For all we know, their evolutionary chain could've taken a different turn somewhere, skewing their passive magic to innately include the elements.”

“Why do images pop out of nowhere on your butt?” Sky asked rhetorically. “They just do.”

“But...” Twilight chewed her lip. The explorer, the scientist in her was threatening to explode, but the pragmatic bit back. Unfortunately, there were times where questioning and digging only sunk one further into confusion, and right now a giant pool of quicksand awaited before her.

“Alright.” Twilight sighed. “So, basically, some ponies can interact with their element, right?”

“Yup!” Sky nodded.

“But only if you're strong enough.”

“Mhmm.”

“So for many ponies, a sigil just helps tell you who you are.”

“I think I said that earlier.”

Twilight rubbed her chin. “Hmm, I guess it's not so far off from a cutie mark.” Most unicorns have specific magic that goes in hoof with their cutie mark. It's the same here, except different. Instead of telling you what kind of talents you have, it tells you what kind of pony you can become.

“I would have to agree,” Luna put in. “Very intriguing as well. I wonder what ponies can do who are aligned with life or shadow elements.”

With an exhale, Twilight chewed her lip. Why was everything happening so fast? Information and knowledge was being dumped on her by the hour. While she did indeed love to take in new ideas and information, she needed time to think about and analyze it too. And right now, it felt like her brain was about to burst before her logic could digest it all properly.

I just need some peace and quiet. It's like I have to learn everything in the world all over again. Smiling to herself at the irony, she admitted, Well, actually, I do.

“Is there any sort of documented studies or observations that ponies have done on sigils and their respective elements?” Twilight asked curiously, for perhaps a learned pony would have looked into this further than Sky cared to learn.

“Studies?” The acolyte asked in return. “I don’t know about that, but I’m sure Mare E., the unknown philosopher of the early fourth age, would have written something about it. She – or he, because nopony really knows – is known  for her lectures and questionings on why ponies work the way they do. When we come back to Konik, I’m sure Archsage Gale would let you look through our Grand Archives.”

“Alright, that’d be great!” Twilight smiled. This worked out nigh perfectly. She’d have more than enough time to mentally sort through all she had discovered, and hopefully fill in some cracks by talking with Donevyn and Sky, before they returned back to go through the works of “Mare E.” However, she was admittedly put off by the mere notion of the mysterious mare as a “philosopher”, for their intellectual ramblings were only just better than educated guesses. But, given the age of the world around her, she finally assured herself that this was probably the best she’d ever get.

“Hey, the gate's open!” Donevyn said as he landed nearby. “Ready to go?”

“Oh, umm, well... You all good to go, Luna? Sky?”

“Whenever you are, Twilight.”

“Yeah!” Sky answered, “Let's get on the road!”

“Alright then, let's go, Donevyn.” The four ponies trotted for the open gates, the cobblestone path leading out into the fields beyond the city, with the green wall of the Domelle Forest waiting miles off. An earthen ramp lowered them down to ground level, the cobblestone quickly turning to trampled dirt.

Luna cantered up to Donevyn. “How long until we reach the forest?”

“Three hours,” Donevyn responded. “Hear that?” He looked back to Twilight and Sky. “If we don't stop for breaks, we should be at the forest in a few hours.”

“Okay, thank you.” Twilight smiled and then continued to admire the scenery, mostly golden waves of grain that had been partially harvested. More than a couple of farmers were already up, bringing down their crops with scythes that glistened in the dawn light.

“So, who's he?” Sky asked, eyes widening, as she remained near Twilight. “He's cute.” Donevyn stumbled midstep and nearly lost his footing.

Twilight breathed an amused sigh. “Donevyn is Sir Kazius' apprentice and squire. He's traveling with us to Lobos.”

“He is?” Sky giggled with delight. “This is going to be so much fun.”

“Right.” Twilight raised an eyebrow at her. “Well, I'll leave you to it, then.”

Two armored pegasi glided overhead, landing beside Donevyn and Luna as they group walked down the path. After a few quick words, Luna dipped her head and let herself fall back to the other mares.

“Our escort has arrived,” she announced. “Apparently, they want a word alone with Donevyn. The best I heard was something about a lost caravan.”

“Lost?” Twilight repeated.

“Yes,” Luna muttered darkly. “Vanished. A patrol found nothing but a broken wheel and blood spatters only a few hours ago.”

“Oh. What should we do?”

“I am not sure if we can do much more than keep on our path and keep our eyes open. Which reminds me, should we find some space, we will need to continue your studies.” Luna squinted her eyes to protect them from the growing light. “The stars forbid we would require them, but it is better to be prepared.”

“What studies?” Sky asked, poking her head out from the other side of Twilight.

“That is not of your concern.” Luna kept her eyes straight ahead.

“But if we're traveling together, I think I should know-”

“No. You are here to keep notes, and that is it.” She turned to the bothersome filly. “If Twilight or I wish to share anything, we shall, but if not then you are not to interfere. Am I understood?”

“Fine...” Sky groaned. “I thought heroes were supposed to be nice, sheesh.”

Luna sighed quietly to herself. The sun had now risen into the sky, alone with not a cloud to be seen. As far as she could tell, the path went on for miles, hemmed in by grain. The natural, golden scenery was an ironic refresher from Canterlot's palace, one she would gladly enjoy were it not for the thoughts running in her head.

Hero?

-~-

At last, green grass flourished and spread out as the crops ended. Occasional trees and shrubs popped out from the ground, with the Domelle Forest still lingering in the distance, albeit much larger. What Luna did not expect to see, was a couple dozen tents arranged in a tight cluster, morning fires still lit and crackling as ponies milled about.

The two armored pegasi fell back to Luna and Twilight. “I'd recommend you stay close, Ambassadors. They have arrived last night, and we have no clue what their intentions are.”

“Why don't we find out?” Twilight asked. “Perhaps they know something about the bandits in the forest?”

“Peasants like them?” The other guard spoke up. “Doubtful.”

“How do you know they are peasants?” Luna countered.

“Look at them.” He pointed an iron hoof in their direction. “Patchwork tents, rickety wagons, and farming tools alongside their grounds. I can even smell them from here.”

“Can it be?!” A shout erupted from the encampment. A jet black pegasus ran out, a purplish-blue mane streaking behind him. He wore a silver fencing cape that covered one shoulder, a large sun in the center, colored black.

“Stop.” A guard moved between him and the mares. “Do not come any closer.”

The newcomer paid no heed. “It is! Moonguider! Starpainter!”

Luna rolled her eyes. “More? How many ponies listen to this blasted theocratic refuse? I pray to the stars this is not what it appears to be.”

Off to the side, Sky burst with giggles. “Oh, how ironic of you, Moonguider. Cheer up, they like you!”

Luna shot daggers at her with her expression. “I'm willing to put up with your religion and its followers as long as they stay out of my way. That includes you. And at this moment, you are becoming a rather irritating thorn in my flank. I think it'd be wise that you keep quiet lest you want to be sent home and explain to the Archsage why you have nothing written down.”

“Fine...” Sky sulked, making faces at the alicorn after she turned away.

“Hi?” Twilight stepped forward to the new stallion, who was panting from his charge across the field. “Who are you?”

“Ah! I am Indigo Sands Avoir, count of Biesko. To the crown I may be a noble, but to you, I am nothing but a humble servant.” He bowed in the most elegant fashion, cape swaying.

“Umm... Well, that is very nice of you, I guess. But what exactly are you doing here?”

“We are here for you,” Indigo Sands Avoir responded with a smile, a curl of his mane flopping down across his face. “Windsages everywhere have been telling of your arrival, and ponies are flocking in droves to see you.”

“Yes, quite the drove here, is it not?” Luna remarked with a snort, looking about the small cluster of canvas.

“No no, Moonguider! We are just the first to come. I have sent out messengers across Hurras and the lowlands to tell of your arrival, and I am confident the true believers will heed my call.”

“Call for what?” Luna rose up to him. “In case you have not noticed, many of these ponies are farmers. And with it being the harvest season, how many can afford to simply leave their homes? How can they even feed themselves?”

“Ah, see, I thought of that as well.” Indigo waved his hooves in a slow and dramatic fashion. “For days I pondered the very question. I knew the true followers of The Winds would be ready to embark, but common sense would hold them back. Food is necessary, no amount of piety can overturn that. And then, as I looked over the vineyards from my manor, it hit me. Biesko might be a small place, but we are wealthy through our wine and grapes. My coffers are more than full. And, if I should ask others to forgo their prosperity, so should I. Thus, I have put forth all my reserves and profit into feeding whoever joins us.”

“But why?” Twilight asked in a strained voice. “Why are ponies doing this?”

“Because you bring hope. We all can feel the dark times looming above us, and for us, you are the beacon we can cling on to when the ground beneath our hooves begins to rumble and shake. This is our chance to make the world a better place, for both us and our foals. And for many who truly believe, that is why we will follow you.”

Ahem- I believe that is enough.” Luna put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. “Come, we must get moving. Let us leave these fanatics.”

“But-”

“She's right,” Donevyn put in, albeit more sympathetic to her curiosity. “We should really go. All we're doing is wasting time. Come on, everypony.” With a turn, they made their way down the path.

Twilight was about to do the same, but Indigo's words stopped her. “But what shall we do, Starpainter?” A hoof was held out in front of him as he pleaded with his eyes.

With the rest of her party leaving, Twilight forced herself to decide on the run. “I- umm... I think you should, uh, wait here and-” she fidgeted with her hooves “-and umm wait. Yes, wait for the other ponies, so you can, y'know, be here when they arrive. It wouldn't be good if they arrived and found nopony here, right?”

The stallion's face lit up. “But of course! You are truly wise and magnificent, sigilbearer!” He flashed a bright smile, bowing once more. “I shall await your return!”

Twilight awkwardly nodded and waved, before turning around and sprinting to catch up with the others. Resuming their casual trot, the edges of the forest were soon upon them, the sun dappling the ground like skewed autumn leaves. The grass was cool and slick with dew as they continued on, slowly swallowed whole by the green mammoth of Domelle.

-~-

A fire crackled along a small clearance, a group of ponies seated around it.

“Wow, Luna, I never knew you were a good cook,” Twilight said between spoonfuls of a steaming stew. Other mumbles from the group affirmed her observations.

“Oh, this?” Luna looked down at the brown broth, chunks of carrot and potato bobbing along the surface. “It is nothing.” For me, at least, she thought. It was impossible to not be well-versed across the spectrum of skills a pony could pick up on, after living as long as she had. Before Equestria existed, she and Celestia had spent almost as much time as nomads as they would rulers, putting out fires across the world directly. And with it, came many, many nights around a fire just like this one.

“Right!” Sky chirped in. “And apples also sprout legs and walk around at night! Stop being so modest, grumpybearer, this is delicious.”

“Grumpybearer?” Luna raised an eyebrow at her. Normally, flogging would be in order for such disrespect, if she wanted to follow with medieval punishment. But for now, only intrigue was on her mind. “Tell me, earth pony, if you see me as a savior, why do you dare treat me as something much less than that?”

“Hmm?” Spotted Sky looked up from her meal. “Well – umm – you're just neat, I guess.” She nodded at her own statement. “The whole shadowy mystique and hard stares and everything. I'm sorry, Moonguider, but occasionally I forget who I am talking to, just so I can get to know you better.”

“You wish to know me?” Luna half-chuckled, half-scoffed. “And yet you do not even know my real name. I do not remember you asking for it, either. I hear that is the proper way to make an acquaintance.”

“Ouch.” Twilight muttered.

“Check and mate.” Donevyn put in loudly, grinning.

“Hey now, pretty boy, you better shut your mouth before I shut it for you!” Sky whirled on him, menace in her eyes. “I have my own methods to meeting people.”

“By watching from afar and making comments from behind their back?” Donevyn asked, tapping a hoof to his chin mockingly.

“No!” Sky shoved him, yet he barely shifted. Despite his young age, he was still stronger than most stallions. “You're just a stupid colt. You don't understand.”

“Enlighten me.” Donevyn turned to her, smiling.

“I would gladly enlighten you with the back of my hoof,” Sky growled, “if I weren't worried about ruining your face. With your brain pretty much nonexistent, it's the only advantage you have.”

Luna smiled, moving closer to Twilight, who sat next to her. “I like these two. Their bickering is rather amusing.”

“Yes,” Twilight giggled, “I agree. I don't think we'll be bored on our trip.” She looked up as the shouting match grew louder. “I think you might have to rein them in, however.”

Luna looked over to see Donevyn's nose right in Sky's face. “I suppose,” she sighed.

“-well cataphracts actually do something other than play with stupid pieces of metal!”

“Oh really? Look at yourself, pretty boy-”

“My name is Luna.”

It was not loud, but it still rose above the shouting match. Sky stepped back from Donevyn and turned her head over to look at the midnight mare. “Yes, my name is Luna, and I am an alicorn. Pleased to meet you.”