//------------------------------// // Ch. 11: Legends and Myths // Story: Legacy of the Pegasi // by secret89 //------------------------------// Legacy of the Pegasi Ch. 11: Legends and Myths Scootaloo ambled down the road with her father. Rows of streetlamps lit their way, as more and more ponies joined them toward the center of town. Despite the unannounced nature of the festival, many of the town citizens seemed well aware of the celebration. Unfortunately Scootaloo had a difficult time remaining at her father's pace. Every so often she would stride ahead, the quickness and rush overcoming her. She would then cast a sidelong glance back at her father, hoping he would join her. But, much to Scootaloo's chagrin, Swift Jet trotted along at his agonizingly slow pace, either unaware or very much aware of his daughter’s frustration. “Come on Dad!” Scootaloo urged. “We're already late!” “Alright, alright, I'm coming. No reason to get your tail in a knot.” The stallion quickened his gait slightly, passing through several spotlights from the overhead streetlamps. Waiting impatiently, Scootaloo caught what looked like a painful grimace from her father. As he rejoined her, the young mare noticed a quickened breath at her father's lips, with small beads of perspiration slowly forming at his brow. Heavy bags still rimmed his eyes, and though he had tried to fix it, his mane still remained wild and unkempt. Even his gait had seemed off; almost as if each hoofstep was a struggle in itself. Though he gave her a silly smile, Scootaloo could tell that he was covering up some kind of pain. Keep an eye on your father. Her mother's words came to mind. Scootaloo started off again with her father beside her, albeit at a slower pace. The two walked in silence for a time, following the narrow sidewalk toward the steadily growing buzz at the center of town. Frowning slightly, Scootaloo tried to formulate her next words carefully. “So um, Dad. I know you kinda said you were okay back home, but are you sure you're alright?” “I'll be fine Scootaloo.” Her father replied almost mechanically. “I know.” Scootaloo returned quickly, hoping she hadn't prodded too far. “It's just I've never seen you, or anypony else like this before.” Her father regarded her with a slight smirk. “Well to be fair Scoots, you've only been around for a while. Growing up in an earth pony town is a little different. If you had been raised in Cloudsdale, you would've been exposed to a little more.” His explanation seemed sincere, but Scootaloo couldn't help but feel there was far more than her father was willing to let on. Unfortunately there wasn't much else she could ask about, and the copper mare had little reason to doubt her father. “I guess.” She finally replied, letting a hint of her uncertainty lace her speech. “Great!” Swift Jet replied, almost a little to enthusiastically. “So, tell me, how was your day? You really didn't say what you did with Ms. Dash the Wonderbolts.” “Well it was pretty much an audition that I got Spitfire to hold for Dash.” Scootaloo started when a thought occurred to her. “And by the way, don't call Rainbow Dash 'Ms. Dash'. She'd probably die from being called something so old sounding.” Swift let out an amused laugh. “Noted. Anything else I should know before I accidentally tarnish your hero's lofty reputation?” Scootaloo glared at her father as the two continued on to Ponyville square. “Harhar. No. Anyway.” Scootaloo started again. “We got to meet the Wonderbolt's lead team, they just got here earlier today from Cloudsdale. RD showed off her stuff to all the 'Bolts, and then Dash and Soarin' kinda had this race.” Scootaloo frowned slightly. “Took 'em a while though...” She trailed off, still suspicious of what had transpired at Pegasi Peak. “Soarin'? That name sounds familiar. Wasn't he the one that blew through town earlier?” “Ha! Yeah. That was pretty crazy. I really wish I had seen him tearing up Ponyville though. To see a Wonderbolt flying around like a crazed Windigo must've been wicked!” “Maybe.” Swift Jet commented absently. “It's a good thing nopony was hurt though.” “Well, you've got me and Dash to thank for that.” Scootaloo beamed proudly. “We're the ones that saved him from smashing into the old clock tower.” Scootaloo slammed her hoof into the other for emphasis. The stallion raised a brow. “Really now?” Scootaloo's father replied in a disapproving voice. “It seems Rainbow Dash and yourself get along a little too well. Celestia know you don't need any help getting into trouble.” Scootaloo cringed slightly. “Er, right. Anyway...” The young mare started again, eager to change the subject. “I couldn't even begin to explain all that stuff with Soarin' though. He was going on about something bugging him for weeks and how he had to fight it or something. RD has been acting kinda weird too. Especially when we were practicing right before we saved Soarin'.” Scootaloo continued to trot along, letting the memory linger slightly. “Maybe it's just that pegasi sickness you were talking about?” She questioned lightly. It was only then she noticed that her father had been strangely silent. The copper mare glanced to the stallion beside her. Or at least, where he should have been. “Dad?” Instead of next to her, Swift Jet was several paces behind her, frozen under the hazy yellow light of a streetlamp. Though his face remained neutral, Scootaloo could see the alarm in Swift Jet's eyes, now much larger as the stallion seemed lost in thought. For several seconds he remained unnaturally still. There was a certain tenseness about him, almost as if the stallion were restraining himself, or bracing for an attack. Scootaloo stared warily at her father, feeling suddenly uneasy. “Uh, Dad? Everything alright?” Swift Jet jumped slightly, focus returning to his eyes. As he looked to Scootaloo a sudden realization seemed to overcome him. “Oh! Um, yeah I'm fine, just ah, thinking.” Swift Jet declared dismissively. Rushing to compose himself, the elder pegasus trotted quickly to his daughter. “Sorry about that.” He flashed an apologetic look at the younger mare. Scootaloo still held her father with an curious gaze. “Uh, yeah it's okay. But what was that all about?” “Just something I remembered, that's all.” Swift replied quickly, regarding his daughter sharply. “I'm fine so that's the last I want to hear about it.” He added, clearly irritated with Scootaloo's prodding. Scootaloo nodded quickly, somewhat taken aback. She had seen her father frustrated before, hay she had been responsible for a hooful of some of his more stressful days, but never before had his mood bounced about so flippantly before. Nevertheless, Scootaloo wisely decided not to press the issue. “R-right. Sorry Dad.” Swift Jet's face softened. “Don't worry about it Scootaloo,” he reassured her, pulling her into a one wing hug. “I just want us to enjoy this evening free from distractions.” He pulled her closer, yanking her into an almost obnoxious hug. “Ugh, okay, okay!” Scootaloo practically yelped, trying to pry herself from her father's grasp. Swift Jet simply chuckled at his daughter’s expense, giving her a parting ruffle of her mane. “Now com'on, we better pick up the pace. Sounds like the festival's already started!” Her father remarked lightly, starting off once more toward the center of town. The loud din and glowing lights from the Ponyville's square confirmed her father's words, but Scootaloo hesitated, gazing after the ambling stallion as her own thoughts took control. What was her father hiding from her? Whatever was bothering him, it was more than just a headache, and the stallion seemed determined to keep Scootaloo in the dark. First Rainbow Dash, and now Dad. Scootaloo thought, frowning. Though she trusted him, Scootaloo was still bothered by her father's odd behavior. The tingling fear from the alleyway prodded at her mind, stamping the elder stallion's worried visage within in it. What was really going on? Once again, she was left without answers. Back to square one. Scootaloo sighed, trotting after her father. Catching up with her father, the pair of pegasi strode into the festival. Housed under Luna's blanket of stars, the festival was in full swing. Herded within the plaza, the crowd had easily doubled in size. Ponies moved about the games and vendors that dotted the plaza. Others danced in the center of the square where a blue maned mare was playing music. The air was thick with the smell of funnel cakes, with just a hint of sweet cider, courtesy of the Apple family's portable cider still. Capping off the celebratory scene was a multitude of blue and gold streamers of Wonderbolt hue, along with flags and pennants that adorned the plaza. Swift Jet whistled in admiration. “My, my. Ms. Pie sure knows how to work on short notice.” “You can say that again.” Scootaloo echoed, taking in the scene before her. However, she suddenly realized something very important missing. Where's Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts? Scootaloo glanced around the square, unsure if she had missed the notable pegasi by any chance. But her initial findings proved to be true. “So,” Swift Jet started, “where are we meeting your friends, Scoots?” “Uh, well that's just the thing.” Scootaloo looked sheepishly up at her father. “I kinda figured they'd just be around.” “Well they're bound to turn up even-” “Hey! Mr. Jet! Mr. Swift Jet!” Both Scootaloo and Swift turned about to the voice behind them. A light brown pegasus with a tan mane bounded toward them. “Mr. Swift Jet sir!” A bemused smile overcame Swift Jet. Scootaloo simply stared awkwardly at the approaching pegasus. “Hello there Dust Storm. How are things going?” The young stallion grinned widely. “Just great sir! I can't believe the Wonderbolts actually showed up in a town like Ponyville! It's a great way to end the day after all that weather we had to wrangle back into the Everfree.” “Yes today was quite the hooful.” Swift Jet sighed lightly. The mention of the day's activities seemed to play on the stallion's already strained features. Yet it was only a momentary glimpse, quickly fading. “And please Dust, you can stop calling me sir, Mr. Jet will suffice.” The tan stallion stammered slightly. “Oh, uh yes Mr. Jet. No problem!” Scootaloo blanched. Wow. This guy is kind of a dork. Swift Jet merely chuckled. “By the way Dust, this is my daughter Scootaloo.” The elder stallion gestured to the young mare beside him. “Scootaloo this is Dust Storm. He's one of my squad leaders on the weather team.” The two briefly exchanged salutations. “So you're on the weather team huh?” Scootaloo questioned. “What was so rough about the Everfree today?” Swift Jet shuffled uncomfortably beside her, but said nothing. “Ah well, we usually work around the Everfree, since that's were most of the region's unruly storms come out of. But today was different.” Dust seemed tired as recollected from the day's events. “It wasn't the storms that actually gave us trouble. Instead there seemed to some kind of sickness going around.” Scootaloo raised a brow. Taking another look at Dust Storm, she noticed that he hardly seemed to be in poor health. Nothing compared to the dreary state her father was in. Once again Swift Jet fidgeted absently, trying to appear uninterested. “The entire weather team was caught up in dizzy spells and headaches the whole time we were over the forest. And it's not like we had any weak fliers or anything. Even the Wonderbolts who flew in this morning seemed to have difficulty crossing the airspace.” The Wonderbolts were caught up in this stuff too? Spitfire and Soarin' didn't mention that. And they certainly didn't look sick... Scootaloo pondered. “I know that place has some strange things about it, but I've never heard-” “Yes, well it was good to see you Dust but we really need to get going.” Scootaloo's father cut in, clearly trying to make a hasty exit. “Sure thing Mr. Jet. I really just wanted to see how you were holding up.” The young stallion seemed genuinely concerned for his superior. Scootaloo ears perked up. “What do you mean?” “It's nothing.” Swift Jet stated flatly, but he failed to deter Dust. “Uh, well. You're Dad, er, Mr. Swift Jet seemed to be having a really tough time over the forest.” Dust Storm seemed to be choosing his words very carefully, pausing to think. “Whatever is going on around the Everfree seemed to hit him a lot harder.” Dust suddenly realized what he seemed to be suggesting. “But he still worked harder than the rest of us all the same! I've never seen somepony push through something like that!” The younger stallion beamed awkwardly at his boss. Swift Jet faltered slightly, giving Scootaloo a sidelong glance. “Yes, well I'm perfectly fine now. Nothing to be concerned about. Besides, its just a bug going around; weren't you feeling a little ill yourself earlier?” The elder stallion asked, sounding almost hopeful. “Oh that?” Dust seemed surprised. “That was just a little bit of a headache. Everypony on the weather team was fine after we left the forest. Though I think some pegasi in the village have started to feel the same...” “Yes well, like I've said many times, I'm feeling much better now.” Swift Jet cut in quickly. “It was nice seeing you Dust, but we've got to get going. Scoots here is looking for her friends.” Swift Jet turned to leave, coaxing Scootaloo to follow him. Dust Storm simply waved, calling after them. “Okay sir! No problem! See you around!” Scootaloo remained silent as the two walked. She desperately wanted to question her father in light of the new information that Dust Storm had provided, but respected her father's wishes to let the subject go. At least for now. Yet this didn't make the matter any easier as she mentally trudged on, trying to make sense of the situation. There really was some sickness going around, there was no doubt about that now. And if Dust Storm's account was true, only pegasi seemed to be the victims, just as her father had said. She took the opportunity to glance around at the few pegasi that were at the festival. Though it was difficult to tell, there was a subtle sluggishness in the winged ponies around her. Faces seemed somewhat dour, others with slightly drooped wings that was a common ailment to pegasi who had the common cold. Others simply seemed tired. All of these nothing compared to her father. So what does the Everfree have to do with it? Scootaloo mentally vented. I really need to find- “Scoots! Hey Scootaloo!” Up ahead stood Rainbow Dash, calling from across the square. She attempted to make her way toward the two pegasi, but found herself obstructed by the crowd. In a huff of annoyance she took to the air. A second later she stood before Scootaloo and Swift Jet. “There you are kiddo! I've been looking everywhere for ya!” “Uh, yeah sorry about that Dash, kinda forgot to ask where you were going to be.” “No worries Scoots.” Rainbow gave her a soft bump on her shoulder. “So who's this?” She asked abruptly, turning to Scootaloo's father. No sooner had she closed her mouth than did Rainbow feel an all to familiar force from within. Her aura flared, as she felt it silently swirl out and around her, reaching forward. Her aura met another, a gentle brush against the edge of her mind, and then a stark realization. Him? He's the other pegasi? Not Scootaloo? To her credit, Rainbow kept herself in check, her eyes widening only slightly as she locked with Swift Jet. Then as quickly as it came, the connection fizzled out. Though Rainbow remained outwardly calm, the same could not be said for Scootaloo's father. Just when Rainbow had realized who the stallion really was, he jolted slightly, looking all the more haggard and stressed. To any other pony, and Scootaloo in particular, the moment only appeared as an awkwardly long pause before her father spoke up. “I'm Scootaloo's father, Swift Jet. Pleasure to meet you Ms., er, Rainbow Dash. I've heard a lot about you.” The stallion greeted, his voice not ar all betraying his earlier reaction. Scootaloo facehoofed. Rainbow Dash grinned, unfazed. “Well I'm sure it was all pretty awesome stuff.” She replied, covering her thoughts equally well. A frown crossed her face. “Wait a minute, Swift Jet, Swift Jet,” the mare pondered aloud, “where have a heard that name before. Wait a minute!” She exclaimed. “Aren't you the head of the Severe Weather Team?” Swift Jet smiled, if only weakly. “Yep, that's me.” “Wow.” Rainbow uttered in admiration. “Scoots you didn't tell me your Dad goes to hoof to hoof with Everfree storms on a daily basis! That's some pretty hard core stuff.” Scootaloo smiled as she looked up at her father. “Ah, well, I guess I never thought too much about it. So it's really that cool huh?” “You bet!” Dash leaped into the air, air boxing with her hooves. “Battling murderous thunder storms, dodging lightning bolts, barreling against tornado winds! You gotta have guts to do that stuff.” “I wouldn't quite make it to be that glamorous.” Swift Jet downplayed. “But it can be dangerous.” “Hay yeah it can! If I wasn't such a shoe in for the Wonderbolts I'd totally be an Severe Weather pegasus.” Rainbow landed once more next to Scootaloo. “Speaking of extreme weather,” Rainbow eyed Swift Jet's ragged appearance, “you look like you just flew through the Archon's gauntlet.” Swift Jet suddenly froze at Dash's remark, his eyes dilating ever so slightly. Rainbow seemed to miss the momentary reaction, but Scootaloo was growing much more aware if her father's curious state. However, Swift Jet recovered quickly enough. “Yeah, just a rough day, that's all. So aren't we supposed to be meeting the Wonderbolts somewhere?” A slightly confused and awkward look overtook Rainbow as she glanced at Scootaloo. “Oh, so you're coming with us?” Swift Jet perked up. “Of course. I've been a fan of the Wonderbolt's for as long as I can remember!” Scootaloo was left to stand mortified between her hero and her father, the former of which who was grinning madly at the younger mare. “Alright then, the more the better. C'mon I'll show you where the party's at.” Rainbow trotted ahead, Scootaloo rushing forward beside the elder mare. Swift Jet lagged a few hooves behind the duo. “So...” Rainbow started with a massive smirk on her face, “you brought your Dad...” Scootaloo's ears flattened as she glared ahead. “Shut up.” Rainbow laughed, ruffling the younger mare's mane with her wing. “Aw, don't sweat it Scoots. It sounds like your Dad is pretty cool. I meant what I said about the extreme weather stuff. That stuff is no joke.” Scootaloo visibly brightened. She turned to glance at her father. “Yeah, I guess it is.” “Here we are!” Rainbow announced, gesturing toward the brick building in front of her. “Well, I guess it's a good thing I came along, huh Scoots?” Swift Jet added glibly, trying to get a reaction from his daughter. However, Scootaloo was anything but annoyed. Surprise, even fear filled her mind as she gazed at the very familiar structure before her. Even from the outside it was apparent that The Trough and Cider was abuzz with activity, music and the sound of a multitude of partying ponies spewing forth from the establishment. “We're here? And not at Sugar Cube Corner? Why are we here?” Scootaloo sputtered frantically, looking to Dash. “Sugar Cube Corner was too small to host all the Wonderbolts. Besides, the Wonderbolts are all adults, so I think this place makes a little more sense. Plus they've been out and about already, so I guess you could call this more of the VIP party.” Mental alarms continued to pound Scootaloo's mind as the blackened pendant resurfaced, echoes from earlier in the day preying upon her. “But, it's just that, we can't...” The copper mare continued to blather, images of the of the cloaked pegasi tripping her up. “What's the big deal?” Rainbow Dash questioned, a confused look on the mare's face. “You've got your Dad here, and this place is plenty safe, especially with the 'Bolt's here. Not to mention yours truly.” Rainbow smirked again. “Unless you got a problem with it.” Dash turned to Swift Jet. Another, equally horrifying fear suddenly wracked Scootaloo. “No, no, no! We're good! I can handle it! No reason to jump to conclusions!” She jumped over toward Rainbow, trying to appear cool and collected. “I mean, come on, it's me were talking about, how could you even think there'd be a problem?” Swift Jet and Rainbow exchanged a confused glance. “Uh, right.” Dash remarked, shooting a curious glance at the mare next to her. “Anyway, com'on. Spitfire, Soarin' and the rest of the 'Bolts are inside.” Dash strode into the bar, followed by Swift Jet, who turned toward his hesitant daughter. “Coming Scootaloo?” “Yeah, yeah. I'll uh, just be a minute.” The younger pegasus stalled. Her father simply shrugged, disappearing behind the large oak door. Scootaloo took a deep breath. Okay, come on Scootaloo. No reason to lose your head. You don't even know if those creeps are around. Just get in there and let Dash and the others know. Despite her mental preparation, Scootaloo still shivered slightly, her wings twitching in anticipation. The young mare shook in frustration, wresting away the unwanted shudders, and promptly marched into the building. The inside of The Trough and Cider was quite unlike the rest of the festival. The first thing that struck Scootaloo was the very distinctive waft of alcohol. It hit her like a tidal wave. Groups of ponies gathered around heightened circular tables, specially made for holding large tankards of hard cider. Others crammed along the bar that ran along the length of the spacious room. Though there was music, it was hardly noticeable against the clamor of ponies having a good time. Random laughter and shouts abounded throughout the hall, often accompanied by the humorous stumbling of an overly intoxicated stallion or mare. Several chandeliers made from a carriage wheel hung from the ceiling, bathing the room in a soft light. Scootaloo scrunched up her nose. I guess this is supposed to be fun somehow. She thought skeptically, scanning the scene before her. Though everypony is just drinking and talking a lot. Seems kinda boring. "Scootaloo! What do ya think yer doing here?!" Scootaloo spun about, trying to pinpoint where the familiar voice had come from. Blocked by the slightly larger ponies around her, she caught a glimpse of a waving hoof and the pony attached to it behind the bar. She trotted up toward a gap in the bar, taking care not to bump into the wobbly patrons. "Hey there Applejack I was just-" The farm pony cut her off, looking none too pleased from behind the bar. "Scootaloo what are you doing here? You know underage ponies ain't allowed at the Trough and Cider." The orange earth pony scrutinized the younger pegasus. One of the Elements of Harmony, Applejack was the bearer of Honesty, and one of Rainbow Dash's friends. She and the rest of her family were known throughout Equestria for the apples from their orchard outside Ponyville, particularly for their cider. The mare herself was practical and hardworking, if not a bit stubborn, lending to her extreme competitiveness that she shared with Rainbow Dash. "I know that." The younger mare looked indignant. "I'm here with Rainbow Dash to hang out with the Wonderbolts." Applejack's frown lessened. "Oh. Well that's different. Guess I didn't see her come in. I thought you might've been trying to sneak a drink or something." Scootaloo scowled. "Hey! I'm no sneak! If I wanted a drink I'd just take it." Applejack stared flatly at the pegasus. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "Don't worry Applejack, I'm not here to snag a drink. Even if it is some of your cider." "Hard cider." The orange earth pony commented emphatically, leaning over the counter. Scootaloo waved her hoof dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Boo. Alcohol bad. I got it." "Good." Applejack poured another glass of cider for a waiting patron. "The longer you stay away from it the better. At least until yer of age." "What," Scootaloo grinned challengingly, "don't think I'll be able to hold it when I'm old enough?" The pegasus leaned across the counter at the smiling earth pony. "Well as soon as I'm old enough I'm coming straight here so I can ace this drinking thing." Applejack smiled knowingly. "Yeah, that's what Rainbow said too." Scootaloo looked confused. "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" "Why don't you ask her? She's right over there." Scootaloo turned around toward where AJ was pointing. Rainbow stood in a doorway in the back of room, looking about the crowd. Her eyes lit up when she noticed Scootaloo. "You go on back there and enjoy yourself." Applejack said to the younger filly, turning toward the tap once again. "I'll see you over there a little later. I've got a few words for certain Wonderbolt." She finished darkly. "Okay, thanks Applejack." She waved to the farmpony, leaving the bar. Mental note. Gotta warn Soarin'. Once more Scootaloo found herself in the ever shifting maze of swaying mares and stallions. Taking care to navigate through the obstacle course, she kept her eyes peeled for any sign of the dark robed pegasi. Thankfully, they were nowhere to be seen, but this only delayed Scootaloo's fears. They gotta be around here somewhere. She thought. I mean, who shows up to a bar and doesn't drink? And those two definitely didn't seem like the partying type. So where are they meeting at? "Hey there Scoots, I was wondering where you'd disappeared to." Scootaloo's questions where left to linger as she greeted Dash. "Oh um, yeah, sorry about that. Ran into AJ on the way in. She seemed to think I was here by myself." Rainbow turned, gesturing the younger mare to follow her into the smaller room. "Yeah should've figured that farm pony would be a buzz kill. But no worries now right?" "Yeah." Scootaloo replied apprehensively, glancing around suspiciously. "No worries." Rainbow Dash seemed to take no notice. "Looks like we've finally got everypony here." Scootaloo took in the room before her. About half the size of the main hall, the private room boasted a cozy atmosphere. A smaller bar occupied the corner of the room, with several booths lining the left side of the room. On the opposite side was a small stage, slightly raised up from wooden floorboards. Lanterns jutted from the walls, their magical flame providing a tender light that filled the room. All of the Wonderbolts were present, along with several members of the Ponyville's weather team. A second glance confirmed that all of Rainbow's friends; the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, were also in attendance. Twilight Sparkle stood at the bar, methodically inspecting her beverage, as if it were some foreign substance. Spike, her dragon companion, stood beside her. The purple and green dragon had grown during his time in Ponyville, standing a full head over Twilight. He was currently trying to coax the cautious mare to take a drink, to little success. Rarity was with some of the female members of the Wonderbolts, seemingly taking notes about the stunt pegasi's uniforms. Fluttershy stood apart from the crowd, though this didn't stop an already extremely intoxicated Fleetfoot from awkwardly hitting on the blushing mare. Lastly, Pinkie was bounding around the already crowded space, offering drinks and confusing patrons with her antics. "There you are Scootaloo." Swift Jet walked up to the two mares. "We were wondering where you had gotten off to." "Yeah I'm here now. Ran into Applejack." She turned to Rainbow. "So where are Soarin' and Spitfire?" "Over he-" Rainbow started but she didn't get the chance to finish her sentence. "SCOOTALOO!" A pair of voices bellowed. Scootaloo barely had time to turn around before she was assaulted by an earth pony and unicorn. "Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo's two best friends in the world stood in front of her, clearly excited to have found the copper pegasus. The trio had spent a majority of their foalhood working together to find their talents, and collectively known as the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders'. Apple Bloom, an earth pony with a red mane and yellow coat and Applejack's sister, had found he calling in engineering, symbolized by a hammer crossed with saw. Sweetie Belle a pure white unicorn with a two tone mane of pink and purple, and Rarity's sister, excelled in vocal talents, her talent emblazoned as microphone. "We've been looking all over fer ya Scoots!" Apple Bloom said excitedly. "We thought you'd be one of the first ones here since the Wonderbolts were gonna be here." Sweetie Belle added. "Come to think of it, we haven't seen much of ya lately. Whatcha been up to?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Aw sorry guys. I've been really busy with Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts. I even got them to have an audition for her, and I got to meet Soarin' and Spitfire and the whole team and I even got fly for them!" Scootaloo sputtered in one breath, eager to share her latest endeavors with her friends. "You got to meet the Wonderbolts?" Sweetie Belle looked at the pegasus in awe. "And perform for them?!" That's great Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom grinned happily at her winged friend. "Yeah, that's great to hear! We're really happy fer ya!" Scootaloo beamed. "Thanks guys." "You coming Squirt?" Scootaloo flashed an irritated look at the rainbow mare, not at all amused at the juvenile nick name. However her face quickly fell, ears drooping. "Um, well, I..." She turned briefly between Rainbow and her two friends, torn. "Don't you worry about it Scoots." Apple Bloom commented lightly. "Yeah, we can catch up later. We know how big of a deal it is for you to hang out with Rainbow and the Wonderbolts." The white unicorn added. Scootaloo smiled appreciatively at her best friends. "Thanks. You guys are awesome." Saying their goodbyes, Scootaloo turned once more to her father and Rainbow. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Finally! You done being all sappy?" "Yeah, yeah, yeah, quiet you." Swift Jet laughed. "You two go ahead. Besides, I think I've embarrassed Scootaloo enough for one day." "Yeah and then some." Scootaloo muttered, but her father had already left to speak with a group of weather pegasi and Wonderbolts. "Come on." Rainbow said quickly. "Before we get sidetracked again." Rainbow led the way toward the back corner booth where the Wonderbolt Captain and her second in command sat. "There they are." Spitfire gestured between Soarin' and the approaching pegasi. "We were wondering were you guys were." "Hey Spitfire, Soarin'." Dash greeted the two pegasi, as the duo slid into the booth opposite of the Wonderbolts. "Yeah, we got a little sidetracked on our way over here. How are you two enjoying the festival?" "Not going to lie, its pretty sweet. Small enough that it doesn't get too crazy, but big enough to have a good time." Soarin' replied. Spitfire nodded in agreement. "Gotta admit, that earth pony friend of yours knows how to throw a party. And this cider is top notch." The yellow mare complimented, regarding the drink in her hoof. "Uh, yeah, speaking of cider and a certain pony..." Scootaloo trailed off, turning to Soarin'. "Applejack said she wanted to talk to you about something." She grimaced slightly. "It didn't sound like anything good either." Soarin' stared back at the younger mare, clearly confused. Before the stallion could reply Rainbow jumped in. "Uh, yeah, why don't you let me help you with that one." Dash assured. "Um, okay?" Soarin' replied, still completely lost about what Scootaloo had mentioned. Spitfire took a final drink from her draught. "Alright, well now that we've got everypony here," she looked to the three pegasi around her, "we can get started. So, lets hear it." Soarin' started to open his mouth, but once again Rainbow cut him off. "Um, Spitfire could we hold on for just a sec?" Dash turned to Scootaloo. "Scoots?" "I'm staying here." Scootaloo announced resolutely. "Ugh, Scootaloo remember what I said earlier? I thought you said you'd let me handle this one for now." "Yeah about that." Scootaloo smirked slyly. "I lied." Rainbow seemed to be at a loss for words. "What?" Scootaloo crossed her hooves. "Hey, you would have done the same thing, don't try to deny it." Again Rainbow was speechless. She couldn't argue with the young pegasus' logic. Soarin' chuckled lightly, while Spitfire simply smiled in amusement. "Looks like she's got you there Dash." The Wonderbolt Captain commented. "Fine. But you better promise not to tell anypony, and I mean anypony. Got it?" Dash glared down at Scootaloo. The copper mare had never seen Rainbow Dash more serious before. "I promise." "Good." Rainbow replied curtly. She turned back to Spitfire. Once more Spitfire regarded the pegasi around her. "Okay." She crossed her hooves on the table. "Lets hear it." Half an hour passed as Soarin' and Rainbow each took turns filling in Spitfire on the events from previous two days. However, both omitted any mention of their parents. Occasionally Spitfire looked skeptical as the two talked, but she remained silent. For her own part, Scootaloo was completely dumbstruck. "So." Soarin' spoke heavily. "Now you know everything." Spitfire took a moment, sighing deeply. She steepled her hooves, looking between Soarin' and Rainbow Dash. "That's quite the tale." "Wow." Scootaloo voiced. That's what's been going on all this time? Ghosts and super powers and some kind of crazy storm? And Dash and Soarin' are supposed to be like these super pegasi from the past? This really takes the cake for all the crazy stuff that's happened in Ponyville the past few years. No wonder Dash and Soarin' have been acting so weird. "I know it sounds crazy." Dash spoke up, trying to bolster her and Soarin's account. "But every bit of it is true." "Well, I guess it would explain how Soarin' healed up so quickly, not to mention surviving an avalanche." Spitfire replied. "So you believe us?" Soarin' looked hopefully toward his captain. Spitfire sighed. "I want to. It's just all that stuff about ancient evils, ghosts, prophecies of heroes and the Twin Storms returning because of an Archon?" She raised a brow at the other two pegasi. "Those are just myths. Legends. Nopegasi actually believes there was an Archon who caused the Twin Storms, or the fables about the Legacy Bearers.” “What myths? What legends? Who are the Legacy Bearers?” Scootaloo questioned in rapid succession, all the more intrigued. She had never heard of these legends before. Was what had happened to Soarin' and Dash a part of these stories? An even greater question dawned on the young mare. Am I a part of this too? Granted, she had not had the same experiences that Soarin' and Dash had related, and she was pretty sure that she wasn't invulnerable. But there were those creepy guys from earlier and that pen- ohmigosh! Scootaloo mentally jumped. I've got to tell about those robed gu- Rainbow Dash jumped in before Scootaloo could speak up. "Oh com'on Spitfire! Ghosts or not, these pegasi told us that were about to be in for one heck of a ride! This isn't some legend or myth! This is real!" "The sickness from before." Soarin' commented. "I'm almost positive its connected, and like I just told you, its coming from the Everfree." "That's just it though." Spitfire put a hoof to her temple. "All that stuff is either something only you two can hear, or some fluke of a virus going around." The yellow mare sighed again. "Like I said, I want to believe you. It's really not that far fetched, in light of events like Nightmare Moon and the spirit of chaos.” “Hey wait a minute!” Scootaloo raised her hoof, waving it about to get the other pegasi's attention. “I've got some important stuff too!” Spitfire raised a brow and Soarin' seemed confused. Dash on the other hoof, was terrified. Did she have some crazy thing to happen to her too? Rainbow mentally panicked. But she hasn't been acting weird, and definitely not like she's seen a ghost. Just relax Dash. It can't be her, it has to be Swift Jet... It has to be... Dash continued to inwardly fret. Why did she still worry for Scootaloo? The trio of adults paused to let the youngest member continue. “I don't know if its connected to what you guys are talking about, but I saw these two creepy robed pegasi come into Ponyville earlier.” “Sounds just like a couple of travelers.” Soarin' replied. “There's more too it than that. They seemed really intent on avoiding everypony. I followed them without being seen, but I wasn't able to get a good look at them. Not until...” Scootaloo trailed off, the black pendant coming to mind once more. “They stopped here. Said something about meeting other pegasi and the Everfree Forest.” Soarin' and Rainbow glanced at each, now more concerned. Anypony interested in the forest was either a fool or up to no good. Given Soarin's brief experience with the place and recent events, the latter seemed more likely. The mention of the forest sent up red flags once again in Soarin's mind. Again with that forest. There's now way that's some kind of coincidence. Scootaloo continued. “Before they went inside I saw this weird pendant one of them was wearing. And then, well, I'm not really sure what happened.” “What do you mean?” Rainbow asked, not at all looking forward to the answer. “It's like just seeing the pendant caused something to attack me, inside my head.” Scootaloo said quietly. Though Soarin' and Dash had just revealed what many would have considered crazy, Scootaloo still shrunk slightly at her own revelation, hoping she didn't sound like a lunatic. “It was like an fire in my head, it hurt so much I couldn't move. But then something else, like this power or something,” she glance up the trio around her, “it saved me.” If Rainbow Dash hadn't looked worried before, she did now, a telling frown on her face. Though she didn't know anything about the travelers or the pendant Scootaloo had described, her rescuer sounded eerily similar to the aura that she and Soarin' had only recently become aware of. But that doesn't make any sense. Swift Jet has the aura, not Scootaloo! Soarin' too seemed troubled, thoughts going back to the hazy pegasi from Pegasi Peak. Could the third pegasi really be a kid? “I can't really speak to all that, but it sounds like the same kind of mind games that you two were talking about.” Spitfire commented. “Though I do remember hearing about a rogue unicorn with a destructive amulet a while back.” “I haven't seen any robed pegasi since I've been here. If they are up to something, this meeting is someplace else inside the Trough and Cider.” Soarin' added. “We'll keep an eye out.” Rainbow stated firmly. “If there's going to be a meeting, then it shouldn't be too hard to spot a bunch of these pegasi, especially if they're all dressed up like some freaky cultists.” Spitfire shrugged. “The 'Bolts and I will keep a lookout too. But as far as the other stuff that you told me, I'm not sure what to make of it.” Rainbow was about to protest when the yellow mare held up her hoof. “However, that doesn't mean I won't help you out.” She glanced to Soarin'. “I always backup my teammates,” she glanced back to Dash and Scootaloo, “and my friends.” Soarin' smiled warmly. Spitfire settled back in her seat. “I guess some of this stuff just doesn't add up to me.” She remarked casually. “Kinda weird how the ghost of Commander Hurricane doesn't know the legends or history, ya know? Not saying I believe in them, but even I know the stories. "Stories? What are all these stories? Why won't somepony tell me?!” Scootaloo shouted, agitated at the lack of answers. "Did somepony say a story?!" Scootaloo was nearly knocked from her seat as pure white pegasi with a golden frizzy mane appeared out of nowhere. Rainbow Dash looked mildly alarmed, though she had been tempered by her time with a similarly random pink earth pony. Soarin' and Spitfire were unfazed. "Uh, hey there Surprise. How's it going?” “Amazing! But I just couldn't help but hear that somepony mentioned a story! That and you pegasi seemed waaayyy too serious for a party! How about a story?" “I dunno.” Spitfire glanced to the three seated pegasi. “I was just going to have another drink. “Oh come on Spitfire! You all have been sitting in a corner here for waaaaaaaay too long! Besides, this is a good story!” The white pegasus grinned, turning to address the crowd. “Who wants to hear the story of the pegasi and the Wonderbolts?!” The crowd cheered back, slowly gathering around the stage. Surprise cheered. “Okay!” She leaped into air across the crowd and onto the stage. Spitfire rolled her eyes. “Well, I guess we got outvoted on this one.” Scootaloo leaped out of the booth. “I'd actually like to hear the story.” “Oh you'll like it.” Soarin' replied, stepping from the booth. “Surprise is sorta our unofficial history keeper. In her own special kinda way.” “Most non-pegasi haven't heard this story before.” Spitfire added. “Given this is a festival about the Wonderbolt's and all, I suppose its fitting.” Rainbow looked confused for a moment as the group made its way toward the stage. “But it's not like the history of the Wonderbolts is secret or anything.” “I keep forgetting that you two didn't grow up in Cloudsdale.” Spitfire grinned. “Let's just say that the Wonderbolts go back a little farther than most ponies realize.” Rainbow still looked confused, but said nothing. Instead, at Scootaloo's coaxing, she made her way toward the crowd, joining the rest of her friends. Soarin' made a move to follow, until a yellow hoof at his own prompted him to stop. He turned around to a concerned Spitfire. “Something wrong Spitfire?” “Just something I want you to think about.” Spitfire had a very serious look on her face. “I'm all for helping Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo out, but what I'm about to say needs to stay within the Wonderbolts.” Soarin' frowned slightly, but let the Wonderbolt Captain continue. “I'm not sure if the Twin Storms were caused by an Archon the first time around or not, but if they show up again, the Hurricane Contingency will come into play.” Soarin' immediately became more alert. How could he have forgotten? The stallion began to open his mouth, when a booming voice drowned him out. “Okay everypony, we're about to start, as long as everypony is quiet!” Surprise announced from the stage, a snarky smile on her face. She proceeded to fake cough into her hoof, a muffled 'Spitfire' and 'Soarin' nestled between coughs. Spitfire rolled her eyes again, smiling, all seriousness gone from her face. The mare motioned to Soarin' to follow her over to Rainbow and Scootaloo. Soarin' was still troubled by Spitfire's words, but he did his best to push it from his mind. Maybe it won't be necessary. He thought, as he sided up next to Rainbow Dash. The small side room was now completely packed, bolstered by ponies from the main bar. Surprise simply sat motionless on the stage facing the crowd with a large smile on her face. Then, quite abruptly her demeanor changed. No longer smiling, the white pegasus had a very stoic and dignified look on her face, and had somehow procured a pipe, large red leather chair, and matching lounging robe out of nowhere. Twilight, along with several of Rainbow's friends were befuddled. “How did she do that?” The lavender unicorn thrust her hoof toward the stage. “Where did all that stuff come from?” She said aloud, her voice very apparent against the sudden stillness. Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. “Oh come on Twilight, even I know that one. Now shush!” The earth pony whispered. Surprise raised a scrutinizing brow at Twilight, before taking a single puff from her pipe. The smoke lingered in the air for a moment, before suddenly splitting apart, racing toward the edge of the room as if possessed. The wisps doused the magical lanterns within the room, leaving only a gentle glow emanating from the front of the stage. “You all know who the Wonderbolts are.” Surprise started to speak, her voice now deeper, almost serene sounding. Several members in the audience gawked slightly, but remained silent. “The greatest fliers in Equestria, Cloudsdale's finest, the first into the fray, and should skies ever be threatened,” Surprise paused for a moment, “a fighting force second to none.” Several Wonderbolt's pumped there hooves into the air, accompanied by a holler or 'damn straight'. The austere storyteller continued. “But what many of you may not know, is that the story of the Wonderbolts is far more ancient, wrapped in the myths and legends of the pegasi race.” Swift Jet rejoined his daughter, seating himself alongside her. “Though much has been lost to time, the origins of the Legacy Guard are still known to us. I bring to you tonight the epic story of the birth of the Wonderbolts, and how they helped save the pegasi race.” Surprise took another puff from her pipe, the smoke lazily wafting around the stage. Scootaloo gazed up at the curious wisps. They seemed to move with a certain purpose, enticing the audience to watch and wait. “Our story begins...” the smoke twisted and turned slowly taking shape. Scootaloo squinted at the haze. Was it actually forming something? It was like Surprise's words were guiding the smoke, slowly crafting it. “Over five and half millennia ago...” Surprise continued, the white pegasus partially hidden by the smoke. The gray mist continued to swirl about, slowly forming what resembled a castle on a mountain peak. Scootaloo looked around to the crowd; she couldn't have been the only one to see the smoke forming before her. She was relived to see that her father, Rainbow Dash, members of the weather team, and others stood in rapt attention, as she had before, transfixed by the scene upon the stage. But that reassurance led to another revelation. A second check confirmed that only the present pegasi seemed to 'see' the formation on the stage. The rest paid attention, but she could tell that the haze before them did little more than obscure the storyteller. “Dad?” Scootaloo whispered worriedly up at her father. “Shh.” He replied with a wink, draping a wing over her. “Just watch and listen.” Surprise droned on. “Before the Royal ascendance of Celestia and Luna, when the pegasi race was young, before the great migration to Equestria...” Surprise paused once more, taking a final puff, the smoke completing the wispy structure. “When the Archons flew among us.” Far from Equestria, high in the Dragon Ridge Mountains, lay the ancient city of Skythus. The ancestral home of the pegasi, legends say it was a towering city, hewn from the tallest peak in the mountain range. It stood formidable against the pure blue sky, it's darkened stone bringing forth a commanding presence. Though many of you may think of the Royal Castle in Canterlot, you would do well to end such a comparison, as it paled in size and scale to the darkened monument of pegasi power. Indeed, the city-fortress of Skythus, with its many spires and battlements, was the very throne of the sky. It stood as the crown jewel to the Pegasi Empire, lording over the vast sky scape that was the pegasi's domain. And so it was that the pegasi were the lords of the sky, unchallenged in military might and power. The savage Gryphons took flight at the sight of the aerial legions, and even the great Dragon Lords bowed their horned heads to the pegasi. You may ask yourself how such a thing is possible, to not only confront the fiery rage of a dragon, but to subject their entire race to a sworn treaty of fealty. While it is true that the pegasi squadrons had over the centuries perfected the art of dragon slaying, a far greater force compelled the Dragon Lords' to submission. The Council of Archons. The Masters of the Sky. If every pegasi was a noble of the heavens, then the Archons were surely kings, immortals, near deities of immense wisdom and power. Those whose powers were said to be of the sky, to control the elements, with storms, blizzards and hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning so immense and violent that it lit the sky like a second sun. Such powers, this pegasi magic, that not even Celestia or Luna could imitate. It was they who solidified the pegasi as the lords of the sky. They who rendered their aid to the Lunar and Celestial deities against the global Strife of Discord. And of their greatest duty; to watch over the Legacy of the Pegasi, the mystical power that binds all pegasi, their very spirit. Of all pegasi legend and myth, none more is greater and tragic then of these majestic figures. Perhaps you are wondering then how the Wonderbolts, amazing as they are, would find a place amongst our warrior ancestors. It is not a happy tale. For the Wonderbolts were born out of necessity, one that no pegasi of the time could have predicted they would need. They were not the aerial flight team you know them today. Rather, they were specially chosen warrior pegasi, by the strength of their will and bloodline, each a master of his craft. Neither were they known as Wonderbolts. No my friends, they were the Legacy Guard, that hallowed and famous unit that saved the pegasi race. Drawn together by none other than the Heroes of the Pegasi, Commander Hurricane, Lightning Streak, and Ice Wing, this band of legendary pegasi and the mythic trio that led them confronted the unthinkable threat that nearly saw an end to the pegasi's freedom in the skies. But what force could have even thought to clip the wings of the mighty pegasi? Time and Power. Given enough power, and enough time, and all but the most pure will succumb to its corruption. So it was with the Archon Council. Those who were the paragons of pegasi will and purity, integrity and honor, those guardians of the fabled legacy, became the enemy of their own. Time has eroded the details, but it is clear that they fell to their own ambitions of greater power. All but one. The Last Archon. The Master of Storms. The Last Guardian of the Legacy. It was he, disgusted with what his brethren had become, who warned Commander Hurricane of the Council's treachery. It was he, who with Commander Hurricane, his Lieutenant's, and the Legacy Guard, that led the pegasi and fought back against the corrupted Masters. Little is known of the actual conflict, whether it was a prolonged war, or a single battle is unknown. However, the legends do not leave us without the final confrontation. The Siege of Skythus. The entire Archon Council brought their power to bear. A singular storm circled the great fortress, the greatest and most violent the world has seen. Scores of tornadoes danced across the skyscape, weaving a trail of destruction around the city. Lightning fell like rain, burning the air and turning the sky into a death trap. Hail and rain came in murderous volleys, like elemental arrows descending into the forces of good. Truly, the Archons combined might and mastery over the elements seemed an assured victory. But Commander Hurricane did not only have to contest with the Masters' control of nature's primal power. Twisted, darkened powers of manipulation were at the Council's disposal. The Storm Stalkers. Beings of pegasi nightmares. Thunderclouds given pegasi form, whose only intent was to kill. Ever shifting with the winds, with reddened eyes that glowed menacingly in their misty skulls, these were the primary soldiers of the Archons. Each lightning strike heralded another Storm Stalker, bursting forth in waves from the source of the bolt. They swooped downward on electric wings, to strike with lightning daggers at their hooves. But the horrors of the Council's dark magic persisted still. Considered a myth even in their own time, the Masters' combined power brought about the Leviathan, an entire Thunderhead given life. Not even the stories can tell what this colossal monstrosity appeared as, but it is likely it overshadowed the mighty city, orchestrating volleys of gale winds, and hurling cyclones with pinpoint accuracy into the Commander Hurricane's squadrons. Even the Dragon Lords were summoned, those forced allies bound by their pact to the Archon Council, to bring their razor jaws and blasts of fire breath that fused armor solid. Though they loathed such commitment to Council, the Dragons thrived in battle, and they were only too happy to exact revenge on the Dragon Slayers of Skythus. Scores of the scaly and leather winged beasts descended into battle, tearing through formation after formation with their sheer size and momentum alone. So it was that the Siege of Skythus began. Every power of the Archons control of the elements and the horrors of their dark magic against the outnumbered but valiant legions and squadrons of Commander Hurricane and the pegasi race. But not all was lost. This would not be a suicidal onslaught on an impregnable fortress. Though the odds were set against them, Commander Hurricane and his Lieutenants had several important weapons at their disposal. The Last Archon, though only one against his many brethren, brought his own powers to battle. As the Last Guardian of the Legacy, his power countered many aspects of the Council's strategy, and his very presence bolstered the spirit of the pegasi. And then of course, there were the ancient Wonderbolts, the Legacy Guard. The best of the best. The elite squadron of the pegasi, whose sole purpose was to combat the Archons and their nightmare forces. Thus the battle lines were drawn. The pegasi squadrons, confronted with an unknown enemy in the Storm Stalkers and the unrelenting artillery of the Leviathan, were initially pushed back, made all the more complicated by the vicious barrages and assaults by the Dragon Lords. It seemed as if the battle would stall at its very beginning, the forces of good held at the perimeter by the wall of tornadoes, and the repeated assaults of the fire breathers. But they were not to be driven from the skyfield of battle. Commander Hurricane led the Legacy Guard into the fray, bolting past the outer defenses that had initially rebuffed the pegasi's primary assault. The Archons center line had been punctured, their first defense breached. Here the battle descended into one of hoof to hoof and steel on steel brawls, the Legacy Guard tangling with dive bombing lightning strikes of the Storm Stalkers. Legacy Guard pegasi rose to meet the attackers, rolling and feinting, drawing their demonic foes to a level playing field. Through sheer will power and determination, the Legacy Guard battled the seemingly endless wave of foes, decapitating the misty visages with bladed hoof or skewered by a razor lance. Others met the diving monstrosities head on, hoof meeting hoof as the two combatants would tumble downward in a death spiral, only a mortal blow to separate the two. Yet even in this moment of progress and possibility of turning the tide, the Archons saw an opportunity. With the Legacy Guard embroiled in combat in the very center of the battle, they could envelope the much smaller force from both flanks, encircling Commander Hurricane, and squeezing his forces in a tightening vice. Would the Legacy Guard fall, and instead of valiant victory, herald the defeat those who fought for freedom? No! For the seasoned and crafty Commander Hurricane was no fool. In fact, the Archons had fallen for the Commander's trap. Just when it seemed as if the Archon's forces would encircle the Legacy Guard, Lieutenants Lightning Streak and Ice Wing charged forward, each leading a squadron of pegasi to guard their Commander's flanks, and slamming into their flanking opponents. Though also smaller forces in their own, the Lieutenants surged forward with their command's supersonic momentum, blunting the ravenous hoard of Storm Stalkers. It was here that the squadron of pegasi Dragon Slayers, held in reserve, found their revenge. Having pushed past the initial line of Dragon Lords, they doubled back upon their scaly foes, and in an elite display of precision and ruthlessness, overwhelmed the dragons in a hail of steel and avenged their fallen brothers in wings. For a splitting moment, it seemed as if victory was a possibility. Lightning Streak and Ice Wing were continuing to hammer forward, hoping to turn the tables on Archons' forces, and outflank and encircle Skythus. But it was not to be. The conflict degenerated into one massive battle line, a stalemate stretching miles across. Such a fight would be the pegasi's undoing. For every Storm Stalker felled, three valiant legionnaires plummeted from the sky. Their lines continued to thin as Commander Hurricane's forces were subjected to the continual bombardment of the Leviathan, all the while trying to hold the line in the tempest. It was only a matter of time. It was then that The Last Archon made his appearance. Streaking across the darkened sky, the magnified pegasi flew at super sonic speeds, and with one outstretched electric hoof, shot through the heart of the Leviathan. Lightning sputtered from the titan's wound, arcing about the dying abomination. The hail of rain and wind ceased their murderous bombardment of the pegasi, as the Leviathan exploded from it's wound. The electrical surge lit the sky as a second sun, momentarily blinding the combatants, and decimated one quarter of Skythus, vaporizing anything and everything, pegasi and Storm Stalker alike. With the single greatest sign of the Archon's power removed from the sky scape, the pegasi forces fought with renewed vigor. But even with the Leviathan destroyed, the pegasi could only stem the tide against the seeming endless wave of Storm Stalkers. True victory would only lie in the destruction of the Archons themselves. Only one of their own would be the Archons undoing. The Last Archon flew to the top of Skythus, where the Council orchestrated the chaos below. Outnumbered by his peers, it seemed a suicidal endeavor. But through sheer willpower, with the spirit of the pegasi bolstering him forth and the love and pride he carried with him for his embattled brothers below, the Last Guardian of the Legacy engaged the corrupted deities in a confrontation that would decide the future of the pegasi race. All manner of other-worldly powers were exchanged between the Council and the singular Archon. Reddened lightning bolts shot forth from wingtips while cyclones shot from armored hooves. The Last Archon crossed lightning blades with several of his foes, fending multiple attacks simultaneously. One by one the corrupted paragons fell to the Guardian. Finally, after hours of prolonged combat atop the Skythus tower, bloody and bruised, The Last Archon faced down his final opponent. The Grand Archon. Once the greatest of the mighty Archons, this master of masters, had become the single greatest threat to the citizens of Skythus and beyond. No longer the apex of the values the pegasi held, rather an affront to them, the Grand Archon was the physical manifestation of evil. So horrid was his corruption, that even his physical form had come undone. No longer did he bear a sky blue coat and pure white mane, instead his visage was jet black from head to hoof. Instead of sharp, graceful wings like a hawk, they were only wild and angular wings that coursed with arcs of unrestricted electricity. And instead of the other-worldly and wise pale yellow eyes that had for countless millennia saw the rise of the pegasi, there was a burning red inferno that had overseen the chaos that engulfed Skythus. Altogether the Last Archon stood before the visage of a demon from depths of Tartarus, one who had burnt away a once wise and noble leader in an inferno of corruption. Words cannot describe the epic conflict that took place on the very pinnacle of the Throne of the Sky. But what is known, is that The Last Archon, the singular paragon and savior of the pegasi race, smote down his opponent, the enemy of all pegasi. With the final source of corrupted power destroyed, the Storm Stalkers vanished, and with them, the wild tempest from which they came. Commander Hurricane, the Legacy Guard, and the rest of the pegasi forces could finally claim victory. So it came to pass that the pegasi race survived perhaps the greatest threat any race this world has seen since the Strife of Discord. What happened afterward is lost to the mists of time. Perhaps the destruction wrought by the conflict was too much to recover from. Perhaps the Dragon Lords and the Gryphons forced the pegasi to migrate to Equestria. We may never know. As for the fate of the Last Archon, he would fade away to the Valley of the Stars, where he would wait, to return when the pegasi would once again call on a hero to lead them in their darkest hour. As for Commander Hurricane and his Lieutenants, the Heroic trio would go on to lead the pegasi race, eventually leading them to Equestria, the place we now call home. And that is our story, just a small part of the legend of the pegasi race. How heroes rose up against the Archons, those they had thought to be their greatest allies. How the Last Archon stood against his brethren, how Commander Hurricane rallied the nation, and how the Greatest Fliers in Equestria, were born as the Greatest Warriors of the Sky, the Legacy Guard, and saved a nation.