//------------------------------// // Five - Master and Mascot // Story: Her Destiny // by Broken //------------------------------// “I’m glad that you knew this nearby park. I didn't want to upset the children at the hospital with our fight.” “Mister Mane wasn’t kidding when he told you that I know this city like the back of my hoof. It’s my birthplace, after all. This park is completely abandoned for years, here we can fight with our full power without having to worry about hurting innocents.” Twilight observed her surrounds. Trixie had led them here, to an abandoned park, away from any curious eyes, and more importantly, from the hospital, where the duel could cause unwanted damage. The place was an old garden, with only the most basic upkeep. The grass was cut, at least, but the trees encircling the field where the alicorn and her rival were standing could use some care. The benches, made of wood, were covered in moss, and the few trails leading inside were lost under the ever growing greenery. “You should be worrying about yourself, Sparkle!” Trixie shouted, upset. “I’m not. I beat you once, and I can do it again!” Trixie grimaced, “Hope you’re ready then.” Twilight’s heart started to beat faster. It wasn't like that time in Ponyville... She didn’t have her magic with her this time, only a weak telekinesis, still in need of polish. She didn’t had her five precious friends by her side, to give her support and cheer her on. Nonetheless, there was no turning back now. The purple alicorn lowered her head along with the front part of her body, and grinded her teeth, focusing her gaze upon the blue unicorn. She spread her four hooves to give her a good base. A lump of dry air and saliva went down her throat... Suddenly, her horn flared with a strong pink light. Several small stones that were on the ground slowly lifted to the air and started to float around her, engulfed in her magic grasp. It was impressive to see how Twilight managed to lift so many rocks consciously after struggling so much to lift a single one a week ago, during her training with Princess Stella. Trixie raised an eyebrow, casting an unimpressed gaze upon her rival. She prepared her stance the exact same way as Twilight, and awaited the incoming attack. Like a machine gun, the stones were hurled towards the blue unicorn with outstanding speed. The amount of magic energy put on them could be enough to open holes in a tree’s body. Even so, Trixie remained stoic on place, analyzing the rain of rocks coming at her direction. Trixie may be asking why I’m using such a low level spell against her. I need to make it look like I’m just getting warmed up. Much for Twilight’s surprise, Trixie got up on two hooves. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, as her horn started to pour out a mysterious azure light. Her right fore hoof was engulfed in said light, and with fast and precise movements, the blue unicorn begun to draw a strange symbol on the air. Each stroke left behind traces of whichever incantation Trixie was summoning, and Twilight could clearly see the symbol. The young alicorn gasped in surprise when the realization sunk in. Rune casting! By the time the rocks were about to hit her, Trixie finished drawing the magic symbol. A strong azure energy surged in front of her, and the mysterious letter turned into a magic circle, full of intricate designs. From that magic circle, a giant sphere of white light formed, covering Trixie’s nearby area into a sturdy, translucent shield, formed by several smaller hexagons, that looked like scales. As the rocks collided against the sturdy mass of magic, they were instantly turned into nothing more than pathetic dust... How’s that even possible? Rune casting is the rarest kind of magic known to ponykind! Trixie’s face contorted into a huge grin. The shield shattered, and the blue unicorn immediately started to trace yet another letter in the air. This time, the air around both rivals blowed with a cold chill, enough to make Twilight’s fur bristle. She almost felt like being back at the Crystal Empire. It’s a high level art, that uses ancient draconic language, to create spells that far surpasses the abilities of normal unicorns! Near Trixie’s body, several small pellets of ice started to form out of thin air, slowly growing and taking shape. Those small balls were as blue as her fur and perfectly round. The only pony to ever dominate rune casting was... After summoning quite a huge quantity of them, Trixie swung her hoof, pointing it in Twilight’s direction. Following their master’s command, the pellets flew towards the alicorn, at the same amazing speed as the stones were thrown previously. Twilight stood still in place, frozen in utter shock... Twilight wished to have a ward spell. Unfortunately for her, she hasn't... Her only option was to use all the strength of her hind legs to avoid the rain of ice, by leaping backwards. Starswirl the Bearded! When the pellets hit the ground, they violently exploded into a blue mist, leaving small holes on the ground. Twilight imagined what could have happened to her if she was hit by just one of those small spheres. “Are you been training, Sparkle? You leap like an earth-pony! That’s impressive!” Twilight landed at a huge distance from her previous spot. She darted her attention back to Trixie in the same second. She observed that her rival still had some more ice spheres to shot… Quickly scanning her eyes through the battlefield, Twilight managed to find a huge rock, covered in green moss. Big enough to serve as a bunker. As fast as she could, Twilight ran towards the stone, her eyes still glued at every movement done by Trixie. With her other hoof, the blue unicorn commanded the rest of her pellets to attack. They cascaded towards Twilight, missing her for inches, while she fled desperately to the only safe spot. The pellets hit the ground mercilessly, leaving multiple holes in the soft ground. With a leap, Twilight rolled and ducked behind the huge boulder, slamming her back against it. She could hear that the few ice spheres still left impact her bunker, forming a cold dust right above her head. The boulder trembled upon impact, making the young alicorn fear that maybe it was not going to be enough to secure herself. Luckily for her, the attack ceased right away. “It’s that all, Holy Lady’s personal student? I’m sorry, but I’m disappointed with you!” Trixie shouted, malice on her voice. She was openly provoking Twilight. The young alicorn felt an inexplicable rage building inside of her, “Don’t you dare to defile Celestia’s name, Trixie!” “Then, show me more of what she has taught you!” Twilight’s horn flared with an intense pink glow. Taking the rage welling up inside of her as a fuel, she focused her magical grasp on the giant stone behind her back. The huge boulder was engulfed in a pink aura, glowing strongly. Twilight shouted, “If you want it so badly, then take it!” With a push, the huge boulder was hurled towards the blue unicorn with devastating speed. Trixie barely had enough time to react, looking at the big chunk of stone flying like a missile, coming straight like an arrow in her direction. Knowing that it was going to be impossible to summon her shield, Trixie braced herself against the ground, and prepared for the impact. Seconds before the stone collided against her, she summoned a smaller pink shield, using conventional magic. This one, however, was very small and barely covered the area in front of her. The rock smashed against the defensive wall, making Trixie feel all the recoil generated from the impact. Even with all her strength, she couldn’t hold still on place, and the stone dragged the unicorn some meters away. The pressure was about to crush her lungs... Summoning all her magical power, Trixie managed one of the most difficult things for an unicorn to perform: she cast a double spell. The blue unicorn sent her magical grasp at the stone, trying to take a hold of it, while still maintaining her poor protection up in order to not receive a direct, and probably decisive strike. She shouted a battle cry, desperately trying to channel more power, and by raising the upper part of her body, Trixie sent the stone flying above her, making it rocket to the skies and fall far away from her. The whole ground trembled with its impact. The blue mare was sweating profusely, taking huge breaths of air. The last maneuver costed her much stamina. That’s it! Twilight was already running towards her, at an impressive speed; it was clear her new body's physical mobility was superior to a unicorn's. That’s how I can defeat Trixie! On her way towards the blue mare, Twilight grabbed three big stones with her telekinesis. They were floating around the young alicorn like small planets orbiting around the sun. Even with Rune Casting being an amazing ability, it still has flaws. Trixie barely had any time to react. Twilight threw one of the said stones in a point blank shot against her, leaping above her head right after, using the momentum of her charge to boost the impulse. The blue unicorn summoned her weak defense, but still felt the heavy impact against her chest. Immediately after landing at the other side, Twilight changed her direction abruptly, making a drift in the soft soil, and aimed to repeat the process. It takes time and concentration to prepare a spell using the art. I’m faster than her! If I can keep moving and pressuring her, she will never be able to cast them! Twilight charged at Trixie again. This time, the young alicorn launched the stone and passed swiftly at one of her sides. The pink wall securing the blue unicorn shattered with the impact of the stone like a thin glass wall, and Trixie got hit straight at her chest, falling to the ground. Twilight continued to run, then reduced her speed and came to a complete stop. She turned back, and smiled victoriously, waiting for Trixie to recover. “Is that good enough for you, Trixie?” The blue unicorn got up with difficulties. Her legs trembled, and she was clearly forcing herself to get up, “I’ve told you, Sparkle! Do not dare to mock me!” Suddenly, Trixie’s left fore hoof ignited with an azure flame. Runes and designs appeared, looking like tattoos depicting several symbols of draconic nature and different shaped magic circles. Those symbols were engulfed in a strong white light. Trixie slammed her hoof against the ground, and on that place, a rune appeared. “You think I’m some amateur with rune casting? If you can become an athlete and run like an earth-pony in such a small period of time, then I have enough time to practice this art and master this! Behold! The Command Rune!” Twilight couldn't react. Before being able to even understand what Trixie had done, she felt the cold embrace of her rival’s spell grabbing all her four legs from below. A sharp pain cut through her body, as if her limbs were invaded by a cold so strong that it felt as if several needles were penetrating into her legs. Screaming from the pain, Twilight looked below, towards her immobile legs, only to find them firmly caged into a thick, blue wall of ice... “It hurts!” Twilight shouted, trying to break from the ice using her special earth-pony strength, but even that was not enough to aid her into escaping. “Sorry...” Trixie apologized, “the pain will go away soon.” “How’s that even possible? What did you do with your arm?” With half-lidded eyes, the blue unicorn slowly trotted near Twilight. She was smiling, certain of her victory. “The biggest egghead of Equestria doesn’t know what a command rune is? You surprise me, Sparkle! If an explanation will help you to admit defeat, then, I don’t mind giving you one. A Command Rune is another creation of Starswirl the Bearded. He knew that Rune Casting had many flaws, so, to counterbalance them, he developed a method that consists of carving the rune symbols in your skin with a special paint. This paint only becomes visible upon applying the exact amount of magical energy upon it, and then, the rune is instantly summoned, mimicking the process of drawing it at another surface. However, this method is not perfect, either...” Trixie presented her forearm, showing to Twilight the markings, which still glowed. Slowly, the glow begun to wane, and the designs were disappearing with it. “It’s good to only one use, you have to remake the entire tattoo if you want to use it again. Even if you carve several runes and invocations, you can only cast a single spell using it. It does pack a punch, especially because you don’t need to draw the symbol in the air or in the ground, however, the biggest flaw of this ritual is that every time you use it...” Trixie’s voice became monotone. “You lose so much stamina that you also lose a year of your lifespan.” Twilight gasped, “Trixie! You just sacrificed a year of your life to try to beat me?” The blue mare cackled with her question, “You don’t know how much I would be willing to give in order to beat you, Sparkle. Besides, I already lost twenty years of my lifespan to research and master the Command Rune. One year more makes no difference to me.” Twilight bit her lips, and closed her eyes. She still struggled against the ice, putting all her efforts into breaking it. The pain cutting through her legs was so intense, that she had to control herself to not scream even more, however, she refused to give up. “Stop. Give up, you lost...” Trixie breathed. She shook her head, and resumed her pitiful attempts. “Why can’t you see that is futile? This ice is stronger than a rock. Even an earth-pony stallion would be unable to break it.” “Because my friends are counting on me...” Twilight looked deep inside Trixie’s soul. The blue mare stared back at her, at those violet irises burning with passion and determination... “Then, you leave me no choice. I’m sorry, but it’s over, Sparkle...” Trixie’s horn flared with an intense pink glow. A small sphere of concentrated energy appeared at the tip, showing how much power she was channeling. Mercilessly, the blue mare shot a beam of magic, aiming straight at Twilight’s chest. Unable to dodge, all she could do was receive the impact. The energy was so strong that the ice block holding Twilight on place shattered to pieces. It happened so fast, that she wasn’t sure if she felt the pain. The young alicorn was thrown backwards with the recoil, slamming her back against a tree, and falling to the ground upon her flank. Everything was spinning out of control, her head was killing her, and just now she could feel a sharp pain coming from her chest. Upon closer inspection, Twilight saw that her lavender fur was tinged in a burnt black at the place where the beam nailed her, and that her coat had gained a big hole. The young alicorn tried to move her body, but all her limbs were too numb to respond. She darted her vision towards Trixie, seeing her image slowly fading in a blur. I lost... Everything went black. It was an unexpectedly warm day at the Crystal Empire. With the bright sun illuminating their bed, Shining Armor shuffled his body under the white blankets. With passionate eyes, he moved his head to his right side, in order to nuzzle the pink alicorn who still was asleep. “Rise and shine, my queen. We have a country to manage.” Cadence yawned, then opened her eyes. She exchanged glances with her husband for some minutes, still drowsy from her recent awakening. “Really? I feel like if I just went to sleep...” Shining smiled, hugging her, “Me too. But our ponies needs us.” His horn flared, and the blanket covering the couple was unveiled. The first one to leap out was Shining, while Cadence simply turned around, covering herself with the cloth once again. “ I think the Empress has the right to sleep ten minutes more!” The chalk-white unicorn laughed, “You don't mind to trust your country to the hooves of a lowly mortal?” Cadence closed her eyes, smiling sheepishly, “As long as this lowly mortal is my husband, I believe he is more than prepared to keep everything running smoothly.” He trotted towards the door opening it just enough for his body to pass, “I will try to not break the Crystal Empire apart in ten minutes. Sleep well my dear.” Shining Armor closed the door, leaving Cadence alone. The emperor laughed internally, thinking on how childish she could be sometimes. The stallion’s mood suddenly dropped, as his face contorted in a worried and pained frown... Sometimes, I forget all about the pressure she had to endure. Last night’s letter was really chilling, especially the part about the nobles from Equestria trying to convince her to hand my mother and my father to the army. What are we going to do if they decide to attack us? The emperor trotted away from his bedroom’s door, walking the corridor leading to the nearby throne room. As he entered it, a worried Laurel seemed to be waiting for either him or the Crystal Empress. “Emperor Armor!” The mare shouted, saluting the stallion immediately. “At ease, Commander. Is something wrong? You seem to be worried over something.” She nodded, “We got a small problem...” Shining Armor raised an eyebrow, confused, “A problem you say? Which kind?” “Unwanted visitors. I lead them to the library.” The emperor and his faithful retainer approached the huge, adorned doors. Shining Armor’s semblance was one of utter disgust, mixed with huge amounts of worry. Laurel was the one to open the door. She looked inside, as the sun rays invaded the murky gallery, which for some reason was left in complete darkness. The chalk-white stallion exchanged glances with her for a few seconds, giving her an order, even without uttering a single word. The crystal mare bowed down, and awaited until her emperor entered the place, closing the door shut. Shining bided in the complete darkness during struggling moments, hearing only his breath. He sighed with exasperation and in a single motion, he clapped his fore hooves. Obeying his command, several magic torches ignited, casting an intense fiery blue light across the place. “I hope that those magic lights don’t hurt your eyes...” Shining said, monotone, casting his glance over the top of one bookshelf. “I’m flattered by your kindness, Emperor,” a mare voice answered. Atop the huge shelf, a certain red-eyed bat-pony looked below, facing Shining Armor with half-lidded eyes. It was Night Watch... “So long, Shining! I’ve missed you!” Night Watch smiled with mischief. “I’m also very happy to see you again, Night Watch. Even more to see that you’re now one of the Three Great Commanders of the Unseen! Guess that all the training I passed on to you was worth it,” Shining shouted back at her. With a quick movement, the bat-pony leaped from atop the shelf, and used her leathery wings to dive towards the emperor, landing right at his side. “Jasmine made it too. The army isn't the same without you around. Cloud Skipper isn't spineless, but now Wild Fire does as she pleases, and she is pissing us off.” “What about Seraph and Blind Dive? They were great soldiers too.” “The old one-eyed bat retired, of course. That airhead decided to quit as well, something about needing to give her brother more assistance at his donut store or whatever.” Shining Armor turned around and trotted towards a table, “I trust in both of them. Wild Fire is a little all over the place, but her loyalty to Celestia is unquestionable. Skipper is a good stallion, and he will probably become a better Commander than I once was.” Night Watch chuckled, “Let’s hope so...” The emperor sat on one of the chairs, and turned back to his old friend, gazing at her with discontentment, “Let’s stop pretending, Night Watch. I’m praying to not see an obsidian stone rollin’ in my direction right now.” The mare chuckled again, “Don’t worry, Emperor. When I do my job, my obsidians are the last thing my prey gets to see.” “What do you want then?” “Chat.” An awkward silence befell the room for a few moments. Both ponies looked at each other, staring daggers. “Should I start asking why you would make such a long trip, just to chat?” Night Watch choose to sat on the ground, “I’ve told you that I miss you. Isn't that enough?” “Frankly, no.” She led a hoof to her chest, feigning a sad expression, “We used to be such close friends, Shining, why do you treat me like this?” “Because you scare me, just like Wild Fire scares you. Blind loyalty to beings such as Selena and Celestia means trouble in my dictionary, and I know Jasmine and Midnight Blossom well enough to say that they aren’t zealots like you.” Night Watch cackled this time, her weak facade of sadness shattering in seconds, “Princess Selena just wants to bring peace and harmony back to our country. However, as long as we have a certain runaway going about unpunished, we can’t do it.” “Are you referring to the Twilight Princess?” Shining asked, raising an eyebrow. “You were quick to accept your sister’s fate...” “My sister is a victim too. She died along with the other Elements, right?” Night Watch muted. Shining could feel the mare studying his behavior, looking closely for an opening to attack him. The tension started to build... “That’s what the news said. I’m happy to see you still read the newspaper from Equestria, even though you have no more duty to actually mind our status.” “Old habits die hard. Besides, I am still mourning her death. I believe you saw that the stores all around my domain are still closed.” “Well, it has been a week already. Aren’t you lifting it?” Shining looked to the side, purposely avoiding eye contact with Night Watch, he wanted to show her that he was sad, somehow... “I’ve lost a limb when the news came to us. The pain of losing the one you love the most in this world is just too big to endure. My kingdom will return to normal tomorrow.” “Lost a limb, huh?” She raised an eyebrow, “That must explain why you rushed into Equestrian territory, armed with an entire battalion and tried to storm a prisoner facility!” He turned back to her, “What do you expect? My messager on Equestria, covering the situation and informing me about the status of the siege said that a young mare, purple furred and with lavender eyes was found amidst the chaos ensuing after the white pillar phenomenon. I could only guess it was my sister, and that something had happened with her. The motives of why the Equestrian forces decided to take her to a prison were beyond me.” Once again, Shining Armor left Night Watch at a loss for words. The mare stared back at him, mouth agape, and trying desperately to rebuke his last phrase. “If you have nothing better to say, I would like to return to my chores...” “Wait a minute. I’m here for a few other reasons too!” He sighed, her stubbornness, a characteristic he used to admire in her, was undoubtedly pissing him off. “Then, please don’t hesitate to ask.” “I would like to engage in a little conversation with both your father and mother. I remember they were there when I received my title, and I think they would like to know that now I’m a Commander too…” Shining smiled, shaking his head, “I’m afraid that its going to be impossible.” The mare raised an eyebrow, “Why?” “They are class S prisoners and are under the custody of the Crystal Empire. I’m afraid that not even you have the permission to speak with them, unless you have a legitimate order from me, or from my wife.” Night Watch’s mouth opened in disbelief, “Are you kidding me? You mean you just… Took your own family under custody?” Shining face was adamant, cold and emotionless. He nodded, looking at Night Watch straight in the eyes, “Those orders came directly from your Holy Lady Celestia, right after the Twilight Princess escaped from the Deep Level Dungeon one week ago. If you want, feel free to check the official logs.” The bat-pony was unable to mask her feelings. She was biting her lips, and forcing her eyes, irritated about being unable to outsmart her former teacher. “You’re good, Shining.” Shining Armor got up from his chair. Calmly, he trotted towards the door, “You never was very good with those espionage maneuvers, Night Watch. I’m not trying to humiliate you, but you and Jasmine should leave it to Midnight Blossom. If I was supposed to fight with you, then I would be more worried.” The bat-pony covered her eyes with a strange pair of black sunglasses, and started to trot towards the door too. “Midnight is a little occupied with tracking down the Twilight Princess. Are you sure you don’t know anything about it?” “Of course…” “Really? I bet if I run a search around your castle, I would find several proofs that she was here, not long ago.” Shining smile, “Sure! Want to take a look? I doubt you would find anything, friend. Besides, Laurel and I would be pleased to walk around with you. Those restricted areas are a bother, you know?” “Restricted areas? I’m sure a Commander from the Unseen would have some… permissions?” The emperor cackled, “Why? Equestria is our mother nation for sure, however, the Crystal Empire is an independent nation, and we have our rights to cast off-limit areas even for the highest ranks of Equestria’s army. The only ones who can give you those permissions are Selena or Celestia, but I can’t even start to think about all the political problems that could arise from such an incursion… I’m afraid you’re far from your jurisdiction, Night Watch.” The bat-pony smiled back, exiting the library, “I know. Please Shining, just watch your back, ‘k? I assure you that the Unseen are the least of your problems, if you’re messing with this alicorn stuff.” Shining exited, glancing at Laurel by the side, who was watching the stairway, “I’ve married one, Night Watch, I’m already messing with this ‘alicorn stuff’ from the start.” Night Watch shrugged, “I guess. See ya soon!” “I bid thee farewell, old friend, and Godspeed.” The mare stretched her leathery appendages, and with a swift beat of wings, she took flight, disappearing into the clear blue skies. Laurel sighed with relief. She trotted towards Shining Armor, bearing a content smile. "I apologize, my liege, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation with that bat-pony…” Shining Armor smiled back, “That’s alright Laurel, you are my most loyal knight, and one of my best friends, I trust you to be always protecting me, my wife and this kingdom.” “Thank you. I would like to add that you have improved as an emperor. The way you managed to dodge her questions and attacks was amazing!” He blushed, giving an awkward smile to Laurel, “Yeah! To be blunt, I asked Twilie to help me a little with those political maneuvers right after me and Cadence came back from our honeymoon. I knew I was going to be emperor, but I didn’t wanted to be crowned one without being prepared.” “Your sister did a fine job, my liege.” Shining Armor nodded, his face immediately changed into a frown, “Indeed. I owe her a lot…” Laurel managed to notice the swing in his mood on sight, “Is something the matter?” “Don’t you think it’s strange, Laurel?” The crystal mare looked back to him with confusion, “What do you mean?” “Why would Selena send us her Unseen, right after the nobles send us that horrible letter about my parents? Something of that magnitude needs to be approved by at least fifteen of the twenty ministers from the parliament, and at least one of the Two Sisters needs to give an approval too.” Hearing him, Laurel led a hoof to her chin, and her eyes travelled to the top end of her sclera. Shining continued in silence, questioning himself. “Its almost looked like Night Watch was completely oblivious to the letter. If Princess Selena sent her here, she should have been aware of such an important decision. Even if she got here after tracking Twilie down from Equestria, Luna should have informed her right after the parliament did the voting, cancelling her orders…” “I’m afraid I can’t help you there, my liege, I’m not versed on the Equestrian politic system.” He sighed, worried, “Worry none, Laurel. I will return and take a closer inspection at that letter. I’m starting to get a little suspicious about how things are going inside Canterlot, and I don’t like it.” Far away from the protection of the Crystal Heart, the skies near the Crystal Empire changed colors. As far as the eye could see, everything above was covered by black, murky clouds, floating above like an endless sea. They were so dense, that not even the powerful sun of Celestia managed to disperse them, let alone pass through, leaving everything below them shrouded by a darkness as absolute as night. Those clouds were casting a perpetual snow. Snow that blanketed all the region in a thick, white covering, giving the landscape a desolated appearance. The freezing winds were howling too, it was like hearing the Wendigoes themselves galloping…” Flying fast, without any fear of those barren lands, Night Watch seemed to be looking for something. She stopped in mid air, and removed the sunglasses from her eyes, “Those babies Princess Selena gave us are amazing! My eyes aren’t getting hurt from the sun at all.” She yawned, her mouth opening against her will, “Still, I’m getting really drowsy from staying up ‘til so early in the morning. I need to find Jasmine ASAP, and get some sleep.” Night Watch shoved the sunglasses inside her saddlebag, and resumed her search. It didn’t take too long to find her friend, right below her. As the bat-pony approached, she noticed that Jasmine was playing with the snow, and she had already made a pretty big snowmare. “What are you up to, Bubbles?” Night Watch asked, landing right at her side. Jasmine was pushing a huge snowball without any difficulties, and humming a strange song, while smiling in a carefree way. Even being friends with her for as long as Night Watch managed to remember, something about Jasmine scared the hay out of her… “I’m making a snowmare, of course!” Jasmine chirped, proceeding to lift the huge ball with her forearms and link it together with the rest of the snow pony’s body. “Nice. Care to listen to what I have to say?” “Right now?” She asked, pouting, “I’m about to start making her wings!” “For Luna’s sake, Jasmine, can you get serious for a second here?” Like a loyal dog obeying its master’s command, Jasmine stopped her little project, and sat on the snow, waving her tail and gazing at her friend intently. “I’m all ears, Dots!” Night Watch rolled her eyes inside their sockets, sighing. She never understood that mare’s sudden mood swings. Either way, she got her attention, so she shouldn’t lose the opportunity. “Shining was more tough to chew than we could imagine. I’m pretty sure he’s hiding something big inside that castle, but I couldn't get a straight answer from him. However, I just know ‘he made contact with the Twilight Princess…” “Do you think she’s still there?” “I doubt it. During the night, I observed the castle from the outside. No one was inside the rooms, except for the ones who were supposed to be there. Also, with all this heat between Equestria and the Crystal Empire, do you really think that Cadence or Shining would be so imprudent as trying to hide the Twilight Princess below Celestia’s nose?” Jasmine smiled, “We can assume she fled here after leaving the Everfree Forest then, but she already moved on. To where do you think she fled this time?” The red-eyed mare shrugged, “I have no clue. If I could get my hooves on Shining Armor’s family, maybe I could have more luck, but he made sure to block all my paths to them.” “Still, what can we presume from here on?” “Well, our spies in Concordia reported that no pony traversed the borders in the last six days, meaning she hadn’t fled there. She has no means to conquer the Crystal Wall, so there’s no way she tried to reach Henosis. With no airship, the Black Islands are out of question too.” “Also, the non-ponies are too obedient to us to house a wanted criminal like her in their domains, without warning us. Do you know what that means?” A grim smile crept across Jasmine’s face, showing her sharp fangs. The same grin formed at Night Watch’s muzzle. “She’s back at Equestria!” The red-eyed one shouted, noticeably excited. Jasmine nodded, “Right! It makes everything so easier!” “Can you guess where?” The black-maned one shrugged, “Our country is huge, we will need to make some searches.” “No problem! Let’s split up and find some clues. She’s probably using the trains, they are fastest, and most efficient way of walking around Equestria.” She nodded again, “Indeedy! Unfortunately for her, if she is using them, she’s bound to leave a trail behind, and if there’s a trail, we can track it down!” Both bat-ponies started to trot, aiming at different directions, they stretched their black wings and prepared to take flight. Night Watch turned her head around, calling Jasmine. “I’m going to the Manehattan main branch. Can you cover Las Pegasus?” “Of course, Dots!” “Perfect. Let’s fly! Black as night…” “Luna’s might!” With their goal fresh in mind, the assassins took flight. I’m starting to get tired of fainting! Twilight forced her eyes to open.In time, her vision cleared and she started to scan her surroundings. She was lain atop a comfortable bed, covered by a cerulean blue blanket, decorated with various tiny star patterns. Her head was carefully put at a fluffy and comfortable white pillow. There was a door right in front of her. Scanning the walls, Twilight noticed the yellow painting, and the white details that colored the bedroom. By her right side, she found a large dressing table, one that clearly belonged to a dressing room, with the huge mirrors, and lights. Several pictures were glued to it, but the young alicorn couldn't recognize the ponies depicted on them. They had a striking resemblance to somepony, though… Aside from the pictures, the dressing-table had make-ups, perfume bottles, and several other items that made at least one thing clear: She was in a mare’s room. To the left, Twilight found a small cabinet made of plain brown wood. It was closed. Twilight could only say that it was a pretty normal room. Something that was not helping to discover where she ended up after being knocked out by Trixie… Thank Celestia, my head stopped buzzing. Sheesh! That magic blast was massive! How did Trixie manage to become so good? Suddenly, the young alicorn gasped. Her horn flared instantly, and she applied her telekinesis on the blankets, in order to unveil the rest of her body as quick as possible. She eyed herself from the tip of her hind hooves, to the top of her chest. To her relief, the black cloak hiding her secret was still in place. However, it gained a big hole right in the chest. The wound she gained from the duel had already received the first aid it needed, and was hidden by a neatly made patch. She even dared to touch it. No pain. The pony who made it sure did a great job. Still feeling a little uneasy due to the alien place, Twilight hopped out of the bed, her four hooves firmly touching the wooden floor. No one saw my wings, and that’s good. Now I need to get going before they find out about them. “You’re awake? Good, I was starting to get worried.” As fast as her neck could move, the young alicorn looked towards the door. It was Trixie. “Trixie!” She shouted, almost jumping in place and getting her guard up. The blue unicorn gazed back at her with a bland expression, “Are you alright? Don’t tell me that you hit your head in that tree and lost your senses.” “Well, I… Where am I?” Twilight shouted, distressed. Trixie just continued to stare, and entered the room. “My house, where else?” The young alicorn send a lump of air down her throat, “Y-Your house?” “What with the stuttering? Of course I brought you here. Look, I know you got nopony else to look after you in Vanhoover, so I couldn't abandon you at a hospital. Besides, your wound was shallow and easy to treat.” “Thank you…” Twilight was taken aback. Even after defeating her, Trixie showed her mercy. It could be the perfect opportunity to brag about being the most powerful unicorn of Equestria, or mock her as long as she wanted for losing, but the blue unicorn seemed to be truthfully worrying about her long-term rival. “That’s alright,” Trixie breathed, and walked towards the bed to sat. “Thank you for not removing my clothes…” Twilight darted her eyes away. She was feeling an uncomfortable shame due to her defeat. Trixie simply stared at her, answering. “The hole was big enough to treat your wound just fine. You must have a pretty good reason to be wearing those heavy clothes in such a warm weather. I decided to mind my own business and leave you the way you were.” “I guess I lost in the end…” She said under her breath, looking to the blue unicorn with discomfort. She nodded, “Indeed.” An awkward silence fell across the bedroom. Trixie seemed to wait for a reaction from Twilight. “I guess you can ask me anything, right?” Once again, the mare at the bed nodded, this time, smiling weekly, “Naturally.” Twilight sighed. She was cursing herself internally. Why, for Celestia’s sake, she had to get so cocky, knowing how weak she was? “Then, what’s going to be?” Trixie smiled with satisfaction, and a bit of malice. “I could make you wear a maid’s outfit and serve me for the rest of your life…” Twilight blushed instantly. Was her quest doomed to end in such a strange and awkward way? Becoming a slave for her enemy, after a pathetic mistake? “Don’t worry, though. As amusing as it sounds, I don’t need you as my slave. Come here, this will do.” Bewildered, the young alicorn walked in a slow march towards her rival. She was still unable to look at Trixie on the eyes. “Raise your head! Look at me, Sparkle!” She did as ordered. Instantly, right when their eyes finally met, Trixie slapped Twilight’s face. It was strong, and painful. However, Twilight quickly looked back at the aggressor. Trixie was angered, and two small dots of water were forming at the sides of her eyes, tears of rage and deception. “Why?” The blue mare shouted, her lips trembling, “Why did you do that? I fought with you armed with everything I had! I trained hard to become at least a decent spellcaster to have a chance against you! Why have you humiliated me? Why did you make this victory taste so sour?” Twilight stared at her rival perplexed. She led a forehoof to her cheek, still burning from the strong hit it just received, she could clearly portray Trixie’s hoof printed on it. “I don’t get it…” Another hoof slap, this time, against her other cheek. “You don’t get it? How dare you? Are you mocking me, Sparkle? I’ve told you over and over again that I don’t like being mocked! What were you trying to prove, fighting with me using only your telekinesis spell? Am I not a worthy opponent for your full array of spells? ” The realization sunk in. Trixie was right.Twilight had humiliated her proud rival, even if she hadn't meant to. When two unicorns duel, they are both giving their best to defeat the other. Using a spell that even a filly is capable of evoking is one of the most low forms of showing depreciation for your opponents talents… “Answer my questions, Sparkle! That’s my side of the bargain!” The blue unicorn shouted, the tears starting to escape from her grasp. “Slap me more! I deserve it!” Trixie eyes went wider. Twilight was shouting, and asking her to slap her face further. “What?” “I’m so sorry… I’m so very sorry, Trixie!” The blue mare’s tears stopped, as the young alicorn firmly grabbed both her forehooves. “What has gotten into you, Sparkle?” “I never meant to humiliate you! I never wanted to!” Trixie grinded her teeth, and raised her hoof in anger, preparing another blow against Twilight's face, “Why did you do that, if not to show how superior you are?” “Because I can’t use any other magic! I’ve lost everything Trixie! Everything!” “How’s that even possible? The only way for an unicorn to lose his or her powers is by fracturing their horn. Yours is clearly on place!” Twilight took a deep breath, darting her eyes away. She was about to take a hard decision… How many more ponies am I going to hurt? Trixie doesn't deserve to feel humiliated, because I am nothing more than a weak, pathetic excuse for an alicorn. She was always so proud of herself… I can only imagine how this side of her has developed after she managed to master such an amazing art as rune casting. “Are you going to explain yourself, Sparkle?” Trixie shouted, her fore arm still raised, “Or should I slap the truth out of you?” I made a promise to myself that day. I promised that I would never again, let somepony get hurt because of me. I will live up to it, even if I have to pay the ultimate price… “Do you have the habit of reading the newspaper, Trixie?” Twilight asked, seriousness resounding with an uncomfortable weight on her voice. The blue mare immediately lowered her hoove, intrigued, “What? Well… I do! How’s that relevant?” Twilight took some distance. She walked away from Trixie, to give the blue mare a full view of her body. “One week ago, the six Elements of Harmony were destroyed by an entity you might know as the Twilight Princess. That’s what all the nobles in Canterlot are trying to use as an explanation for the chaos that ensued after the white pillar phenomenon. The truth, however, is not as sweet as their lies sounds…” Using her hooves, Twilight slowly took off the black garment covering her back. In a single motion, she moved her wings open, producing a loud ruffling sound. Trixie’s jaw almost hit the floor. Her eyes remained gazing at Twilight’s pair of wings, without blinking for a second. “On that night, the Elements of Harmony, the jewels and not the ponies, they broke…” Twilight hung her head low, ashamed, “My loved friends disappeared, and this happened to me. I’m an alicorn now, even if I never wanted to be one. For all the intents and purposes, I am the Twilight Princess…” The blue unicorn was baffled. She continued to stare at her rival in awe, trying to fully process the information. Twilight raised her head, and with a pained expression, she continued, “After my transformation, I lost the control over my magic. Even knowing how to cast, alicorn and unicorn magic works differently, meaning that I have to learn everything again. I’m sorry, I never wanted to humiliate you during our duel Trixie, its just that I don’t know how to use anything besides telekinesis…” “Y-Y-You… I-I mean, C’mon! Can you please explain with more detail?” The young alicorn felt a wave of relief wash her over. Trixie wasn’t going to call the authorities, at least not for now. She wasn't running away in fear, and her baffled reaction was completely understandable. “Of course,” she nodded, “I can tell you the whole thing.” After revealing her secret to Trixie, the blue unicorn decided that her bedroom was no place for Twilight to tell her such tale. They wandered around the house a little, after Trixie offered some refreshments for the young alicorn, a treat she was needing. During their stroll, Twilight observed that Trixie lived in a very beautiful, big manor stylized in a classic fashion. Everything was made of quality wood, from the stairways to the floor and even the ceiling. The furniture was very luxurious, decorated with several details of carved wood and the cushions covered in velvet. Big chandeliers of glass dangled from the ceilings inside of the main rooms, such as the living room and the dining room. Finally, the two mares reached the large terrace at the entrance door. An insider's view of the whole city awaited the young alicorn. Trixie’s mansion was localized atop a cliff, on the outskirts. Trixie sat on the entrance steps. Twilight followed, and sat at her side, where for the next hour, she recounted her ordeal, from the moment she planted her hooves at Tambelon, to the book she found at the Crystal Empire’s library, where the informations about the nameless cathedral appeared, leading her to reach Vanhoover with the hope of shedding some light about her condition. As the sun started to set on the horizon, Trixie looked to the vast landscape, with a puzzled expression. Twilight could only wonder if she did the right thing telling the blue unicorn the truth, but it was too late to turn back. “I understand everything now,” Trixie said in a low voice, almost whispering, “It’s breathtaking.” “Can you help me?” Twilight asked. Her rival remained petrified in place, gaze still glued to the setting sun. Twilight started to feel butterflies housing a party inside her stomach. “Are you really sure that your friends are still alive?” Trixie replied, monotone. The young alicorn felt that old knot at her throat coming together again. She bit her lips, and pressed her eyes. It was an innocent question, coming from somepony who just now, heard something that no one else besides the nobles and the knights knew. Why it stung her chest so much, she could only wonder… "Believe me when I say, that there isn't a single day in the last seven ones that I don’t wake up feeling my heart being smashed. I cry, and I give everything I have to make the tears stop. Somehow, I do it, and push forwards…” Trixie turned her attention to a crying mare at her side. Twilight was spitting out everything her pained heart was holding inside. "Their screams haunt me. Their faces of pain are the last image I have in my memory from them. I feel like a murderer, even if I don’t know for sure, Trixie…” Twilight covered her eyes with her forehooves, trying to hide the shame, and control the tears, “This pain is so hard to bear! I want to make it all go away! I want my old life back so much, Trixie!” “Calm down…” Trixie hugged Twilight, her neutral gaze changing to one of pity, as she stroke the purple mane of her rival, soothing her. “As long as I have this small shard of hope within me… As long as the tiniest possibility of them being alive exists, I will do anything to find them, Trixie! Because I don’t want to live forever with this unbearable feeling of guilt inside of me! I will put everything back on place, I swear! I will become the old me again, and I will return to Ponyville with all my friends, and everything will be just like it was before this mess!” “I will help you…” Twilight immediately broke from their hug. Her eyes were wide open in surprise, “Trixie?” She smiled, nodding, “I will lead you to the nameless cathedral tonight. You offered forgiveness to me in the past, even if I never did anything to deserve it. I need to repay you, even if not for you, but for myself.” Twilight smiled, “Thank you so much!” She hugged her again, making Trixie blush, “C’mon! You’re a big alicorn, don’t start getting all sappy on me!” The blue mare complained. “Sorry!” Twilight giggled, “Are you sure you want to be involved in all this madness?” “Of course. Besides, I can’t sit idle here while you are out there, fighting against the world for survival. You don’t deserve this, Twilight...” Trixie smiled. Twilight could feel a faint bond between them. Something that the alicorn couldn’t really explain. Maybe Trixie wanted to show her that through the chance Twilight gave her on the past, she could really become a better pony. “Alright…So, when are we going?” “Let’s make some preparations first, we shall go really soon, but let’s take our time and wait for Princess Luna to put her night in this sky. The nameless cathedral is a tourist spot, and it will be full of curious eyes during the day. Let’s wait ‘till everything has calmed down, and make our move.” The night came, swiftly. Vanhoover was resting under the utmost silence, as the flocks of tourists were currently resting at the hotels. Using the mantle of the night to cover them, Trixie and Twilight trotted towards the center of the city, passing by the hospital, and even the field where they had their duel previously. Twilight’s heart was, of course, beating faster and faster the more as they walked. She had no fear of being found by whatever authorities could be out there just waiting to grab her. Her uneasiness came from the fact that she was just about to discover if that suicide mission was going to be worth any of the risky… Soon, Trixie guided the young alicorn to a place far away from the center of the city. Finally, the Nameless Cathedral revealed itself for Twilight… It was a surprisingly simple place. A medium-sized abode, made of cold gray marble, resembling a manor of some sorts, except for the pointy shape of some structures. Every window was made with beautiful stained glasses designs, although, their drawings were rather neutral, such as flowers or merely abstract. The cathedral was at the end of a road of grey marble, linking it to a small plaza, where during the day, some children used to come and play after school, Trixie explained. It was encircled by a humble garden, composed of grass and few flower beds, mostly litmus. It was protected by huge iron gates, encircling all the vicinities, and separating the abode, from the street and from the plaza. What surprised Twilight more than anything else, though, was the fact that not a single religious motif could be seem. Normally, places for worshiping are adorned by the royal crest, and sometimes even by statues of Princess Celestia. However, none of those objects where seem to be found, at least not at the entrance. “That’s it?” The young alicorn asked. “Is there any doubt? Of course it is! The Nameless Cathedral! One of the Seven Wonders of Vanhoover!” Trixie explained, raising her voice. Twilight observed the place in silence, paying extra attention to the simple architecture, and at the lack of details. Her face couldn't hide it : She wasn't impressed, maybe even a glint of deception was pestering her feelings… “What were you expecting, Sparkle?” Bemused by her reaction, Trixie asked, poking her shoulder with her elbow. “Well… Something more ‘regal’ as they say. Do you know the history behind this place, Trixie?” She nodded, “Of course! I wouldn't be the best guide around, if I don't knew about all the important places of my city.” “Care to show me around?” Twilight asked, giggling. Trixie smiled in a sheepish way, and started her explanation, “In front of you, mares and gentlecolts, you can see the mythological ‘Nameless Cathedral’. It’s the oldest place in Vanhoover, and one of the oldest ones in all of Equestria! The legends say that the whole city was constructed with the sole purpose of protecting this sacred ground from any enemies. Archaeologists and researchers trace its age to be even older than the foundation of Equestria itself! The numbers show three thousands years of history. However, no pony really know for what purpose this mysterious temple was build, however, the strange ‘aura’ it gives off is enough to intimidate even the most skeptical of the souls, as they are filled with a strange sensation. Those who are struck by this uncanny feeling, can only compare it to the majestic sentiment of being closer to ‘God’...” Trixie finished her tirade. Twilight, who watched each second with attention, trying to grab any details that maybe the book which brought her here could have let slip, sighed. Nothing, except the fact that Vanhoover was constructed with the purpose of protecting it. The young alicorn calmly walked towards the entrance, “I still can’t feel this mysterious aura…” “It only works when you’re inside,” Trixie replied. “Did you felt it too, Trixie?” Twilight asked further, coming even closer. The blue unicorn nodded, “Yeah… It’s just like the legends say. When you’re inside, it’s like the walls and the windows are looking inside your soul, pointing to every little trouble you might be feeling. Somehow, it’s soothing and magical. When you spend some time inside, even if just in silence, reflecting about anything wrong you have done, once you exit it’s like a burden have been lifted from your shoulders. If this place wasn't so ‘divine’, it would certainly be scary.” Twilight returned her attention to the mysterious cathedral. She had to admit she still was a little unsure about what to think regarding such a simple looking place. All the temples she visited so far had a completely different atmosphere. “Trixie, forgive me, but I must ask again if you are sure in coming with me. From now on, I’m afraid that things are going to get pretty ugly, and I don’t want you to get hurt because of me…” Twilight turned to her companion, and said with a pained voice. Trixie trotted near Twilight, and planted a kind hoof at her shoulder, smiling tenderly. “I will not back away now, Sparkle. I know just too well the fear and the pain of feeling all alone on this world. I don’t want to abandon you after everything that happened between us. Like I’ve told you before, you don’t deserve this, and I know that you would do the same for me…” The young alicorn smiled, blushing a little. She felt very warm inside. Trixie was her long-time rival, but a known face nonetheless. More than that, she always felt a certain interest in knowing about that blue unicorn better. Twilight wished for a friend that shared the same interest she had in magic, and Trixie seemed to be just like her: a spellcaster, aiming to become the best that she could. Having her by her side was reassuring. “Thank you again…” Twilight said under her breath, trying to hide her flushed cheeks. Trixie opened a timid smile, “Now stop behaving like a small filly and let’s go.” Together, they walked to the big, iron front gates. Twilight forced them to open, and quickly noticed that they were locked tightly. “Of course,” she rolled her eyes inside their sockets, thinking of how silly of her was to try and enter at that time of the night. “I know I already asked this,” Trixie begun, “but let me ask again. What are you hoping to find inside the nameless cathedral, Sparkle? It’s a tourist spot, there’s nothing special besides this uncanny magic that permeates it. I already went inside, and I couldn't find anything out of the ordinary.” Twilight took some distance, thinking if she was going to be able to jump through the gates, “There’s a chance that this place is related to the alicorns. As you know, our Princesses are goddesses, however, there’s not a single motif here that resembles them. I think that maybe I can find informations about other alicorns that aren’t Celestia or Luna.” The blue mare raised an eyebrow, “Taking in consideration that this whole ordeal started after your transformation, and that mysterious Princess Stella appearing out of nowhere, I can follow your thoughts. However, it’s only speculation.” Before charging towards the door, the young alicorn gave up. She didn’t wanted to slam her head against the iron gates. Twilight turned her gaze to Trixie, nodding, “I know. Unfortunately, it’s my only clue.” “That’s alright. I never really explored this chapel further in, so I can’t be sure that it does not house any secret,” Trixie replied, turning her attention to the entrance. “How are we going to enter?” Twilight asked, scratching her mane. “That’s easy!” Trixie answered with confidence, “Flying! You just need to use those wings!” Twilight blushed, pouting, “I can’t…” “What?” Trixie launched a surprised gaze upon the young alicorn, turning her neck towards her in a second. “I hadn't learned how to fly yet,” Twilight smiled to her, awkwardly. The blue mare led a hoof to her face and closed her eyes with deception, “Brilliant, I’m following a chicken…” Twilight’s face went completely red, not even her purple fur was enough to hide the furious crimson color, “It’s not that easy, okay?” She shouted, bewildered. “I bet it isn't. Still, we need to find a way,” Trixie chuckled, making Twilight even more furious. “I have an idea!” Twilight exclaimed, excited, “Trixie, you could just cast a teleportation spell! With this range and being able to see where you’re going to teleport to, it’s going to be a breeze to even teleport us together without spending even a small part of your stamina!” Trixie paralyzed and remained in silence. Twilight blinked in rapid succession, waiting for an answer. “Trixie?” The young alicorn called. “Sorry, but that’s out of question!” Trixie finally replied, blushing profusely. “Why? Teleportation is one of the Five Basic Spells taught at any school,” Twilight raised an eyebrow, completely baffled. “I’m not good with the Five Basics Ones, okay? I’m not some good-two-shoes like you!” Trixie shouted, irritated. “At least you could try! C’mon, it’s so easy from this distance, that even a foal would manage it!” Twilight tried to reason. “No! I’m not going to! Last time I tried to teleport from this distance, I ended up atop of one of the towers of the Canterlot Castle! On the roof!” Trixie grinded her teeth, “Look, I missed the Magic 101 classes, so I never really learned the basics!” Twilight’s muzzle gained a mocking smile, and she eyed Trixie with half lidded eyes, “Missed? You mean you ditched them, right?” Trixie blushed further, “I had other, more important, magic to learn and practice! I wouldn't waste my time on pathetic things like Telekinesis or Warding!” “I guess we need to do something about it, then, when the opportunity arises,” Twilight said, still smiling in a mocking way. “What do you mean?” Trixie asked, raising a questioning eyebrow. “Lectures!” Twilight exclaimed. Before Trixie could even protest, Twilight returned her attention to the gates, “It means that, unless somepony opens this for us, we can’t get in?” Twilight said, pouting. “Apparently… Or I could explode this gate with a Magic Blast,” Trixie breathed, disheartened. “Let’s try to not wake up the whole city, Trixie, I already saw your spell, and it’s a little too much for this situation.” Suddenly, and conveniently, the gates flung open, making a squeak sound of metal. Trixie and Twilight’s jaws dropped. The young alicorn, scared by what happened, started to laugh forcefully, “Look! Aren’t we lucky?” Trixie’s gaze was glued to the path that just opened for them. She gulped, answering, “I’m not feeling really well right now!” “I know it’s a little suspicious, but maybe we should try to enter?” “A little suspicious?” Trixie shouted, going up in her two hind hooves and raising her fore legs, “It’s so crazy and scary that I don’t even want to begin thinking about it!” Another sound called their attention. This time, the front doors, made of wood opened. Trixie and Twilight turned their heads at the direction of the door, hearing footsteps coming closer and closer… “Somepony was expecting us! That’s the only explanation!” Trixie started to walk backwards, scared. Twilight gulped, and put herself together, drinking up her hesitation. She assumed her fighting stance, “If you want to go now, go ahead! I don’t want you to get hurt, anyway. However, I’m not going anywhere, because I need to find more clues, and the only place to find them, is here!” The footsteps were coming even closer. Trixie shook her head, as if to send her doubts to the bowels of her mind. She stood besides Twilight with determination, and did the same as the young alicorn. “I’m not going anywhere, either! If you can be tough and remain here to face the danger, I can do it too!” Finally coming to light, Trixie and Twilight are assaulted by a rare vision. At the end of the stairway leading to the insides, a gryphon was standing, looking straight to the duo. He seemed to be an old one, bearing a tired, but respectful visage, one that can only be gained through the years. His feathers had a lighter shade of brown near the area of his face, going darker and eventually melding in color with the fur of his lion half. He had strong arms, from which four orange claws protruded. They were sharp and pointy, probably used for self-defense. His hind paws were that of a lion, a characteristic of all gryphons. By the looks of his whole build, this old beast wasn’t a pushover: his body had an athletic and trained appearance, only strengthened by his palatable experience. Folded at both sides of his body, his wings covered by dark brown feathers were resting. He was wearing a pair of small, golden and round spectacles. His eyes were brown, and had a kind glow. Twilight was almost sure that she had already saw those eyes behind the small pair of spectacles, somewhere before… With calm and gentle movements, the gryphon took off the eyeglasses, clearing them with a small piece of cloth brought from a bag he had tied around his neck. He smiled kindly to the mares, and spoke with a voice full of wisdom. “Welcome to the ‘Cathedral Without a Name’, my dear Mistress! I’ve been expecting you!” Twilight knew that his speech was being directed towards her. On top of that, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was an old acquaintance of that gryphon… “Expecting me? What do you mean, and who are you to call me dear and mistress?” She shouted, a little irritated because of the confusion she felt. “You are right. I’m apologize for my lack of tact, Twilight,” he paused, giving her a slight bow. In that moment, Twilight felt her heart starting to beat faster again. Twilight? He knows that I’m Twilight Sparkle! “My name is Louis. However, you know me by another name,” He smiled tenderly. “I know you?” Twilight asked, her irritated expression melting in one of curiosity. “Indeed you do. I’m Owloysius, and I’m very happy to see you again, my dear Mistress.”