//------------------------------// // Under New Management // Story: The Legend of the God-Hunter // by BobThePlaneswalker //------------------------------// Twilight awoke with a start. She blinked a few times as her eyes struggled to adjust to the dim lighting. “Shining, I think she's up,” a voice whispered. Twilight rolled over to find Princess Cadence smiling at her. “Hey kiddo, how are you?” “Ugghhh” Twilight moaned. She drug a hoof down her face. There was a shuffle in the corner of the room. She rolled her head down to find her brother making his way to her bed. “Twiley!” he exclaimed. “It's so good to see you up! How you doin?” “Tired,” she groaned. She examined the room they were in. There was a cluttered desk in one corner near a small square window through which soft moonlight flowed in. Populating the walls were bookshelves. They were lined up one after another, the only break being a small spot where a trunk laid on the floor, neatly fitted between shelves. It was her old room in Canterlot. “Wait, what am I doing here?!” “We brought you here to recuperate,” Shining replied. “Everyone has been so worried about you Twilight,” Cadence added. Twilight sat straight up, thrusting her blankets from her body. “What happened?! Is Celestia okay? Are my friends okay? Is Nightmare Moon still on the loose? Is Rei-” “Whaooo, slow down!” Shining said. “One question at a time.” Twilight nursed her leg as she realized how sore she really was. “Is everypony okay?” Armor nodded. “Your friends from Ponyville are all fine, they've been sent home to their families. Spike... Well he was getting himself worked up over all sorts of ridiculous scenarios so we sent him on some 'crucial' errands to keep him out of his own head. He'll be fine now that you're up.” Twilight nodded. “And Celestia?” Shining and Cadence looked at each other. “I'm a little surprised that you don't remember,” Shining said. Twilight glanced at him, tilting her head. “We think she's alright. Just injured, thanks to you little sister.” “What do you mean?” “One of my captains, Silent Wing, arrived on the scene just after the battle. When he arrived, Princess Celestia was unconscious and Moon was preparing to finish her off. You wouldn't have it though Twiley. Even in your injured state, you mustered the strength to teleport her away from danger.” “I-I did? Where did I send her?” “We were actually hoping you could answer that,” Armor admitted. “What?” Twilight gasped. She tried to jump off of the bed but she found her way blocked by her brother. “What are you doing? We have to find her!” Armor placed a hoof on her shoulder. “I've already got some of my most trusted soldiers leading sweeps Twiley.” “Some of them?! The entire Royal Guard should be out there!” She darted her eyes between Cadence and Armor. Armor sighed, looking to his wife. She gave him a weak smile and rubbed a hoof along his back. She turned a solemn look to Twilight. “Moon has taken control of Equestria Twilight. She has yet to garner a massive following but she has been able to strike some powerful blows to our country's unity.” Twilight's stomach dropped. “Loyalties are beginning to shift,” Armor followed. “I can only allow the soldiers I know I can trust to search for her. I can't risk allowing anypony loyal to Moon to find out where she is before we know she's healthy enough to defend herself.” “I failed her,” Twilight lamented. Cadence wrapped her up in her forelegs. “No Twilight, you did exactly the opposite. Without you my Aunt would most likely be dead.” “But it never should have come to that,” Twilight contended. “The Magic of Friendship is mighty, unwavering, and unstoppable. The only logical explanation for its failure is that our friendship wasn't as strong as it needed to be.” “Twilight you don't know that,” Cadence retorted. “One of my friends was angry at us and we didn't see it,” Twilight continued. “Twiley-” Armor said. “Or maybe they were upset with me. Oh I'm not sure, but something was wrong. I could have hel-” “Twiley stop!” Armor demanded. “Listen little sister, we don't know what happened. Maybe something was amiss with your friendship, or maybe this creature brought something to the table that the Elements alone can't handle.” “That's impossible!” Twilight exclaimed. “The Elements are powered by the Magic of Friendship. If there's anything I've learned during my time at Ponyville it's that nothing is more powerful than the Magic of Friendship.” Armor grumbled and brought a hoof to his temple. He smiled and let out a knowing huff. “Same old stubborn Twiley,” he mused. “Maybe you're right Twilight, but now is not the time to worry about that. The most important thing for us right now is finding Celestia.” Twilight opened her mouth to continue her arguing but she let her words disintegrate before they left her mouth. “You're right,” she admitted. She took in a deep breath. “What can I do to help?” “You just relax little sister.” Armor motioned to Twilight's old desk. Upon it sat a pile of notes along with a stack of tomes on magic. It looked a lot like it had when Twilight herself had occupied the room. “I kind of suspected that you would be suffering from memory loss. I've taken down a list of spells that may be able to help. With any luck we'll find something in that head of yours that will give us a leg up on Moon's search patrols.” Twilight let out a small squeal when she saw the sheer number of pages Armor was levitating over. “That's, umm... that looks like a lot of spells.” Armor gave her a concerned look. “Do you think you'll be able to handle it?” “Uh... Yeah... Just, umm, be gentle... I guess.” “I'll do my best,” Armor replied. “Cadence has volunteered to keep you comfortable.” Cadence nodded. “Yes, if there's anything, anything at all that I can do to help Twilight, just ask.” Twilight smiled at her. “Thank you Cadence.” Armor shuffled his notes around until he had the spell he wanted. “Alright little sister, spell number one. Are you ready?” Twilight laid her head onto her pillow and pulled the blankets over her body. She closed her eyes as tight as she could. “Okay, do it.” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: After a few hours Twilight's head had begun to feel like an overpopulated school building. Memories, ideas, and emotions were running about it, tossing food, screaming, and doing just about everything they could to rip the place apart. She was now able to recite with absolute confidence every breakfast she had eaten for the past five years but she was no closer to remembering any details on the spell that had supposedly saved Celestia. She moaned and brought her hooves to rest on the ice pack that sat atop her head. “You okay Twilight?” Cadence asked, a noticeable amount of concern carrying in her words. “No,” Twilight replied. “What can I do for you?” Cadence picked up a small plate with muffin crumbs scattered across it and a glass with trace amounts of orange juice lining its bottom. “Would you like something else to eat or drink? Another ice pack maybe?” “No, I... I just...” Twilight removed the ice from her head and laid a hoof across it. It felt like a toasty block of coal. “I'm sorry, my head feels like a barn.” Cadence looked to Armor who was busy shuffling through his notes. “I think it's time we gave Twilight a break.” “No I'm fine,” Twilight murmured. “Another ice pack please.” Armor dropped the spell he was studying to look at his sister. “You're a tough mare.” Cadence arched a brow at him. “What?” he pleaded. “She needs a break,” Cadence warned. “This is Celestia we're talking about!” Armor retorted. “I understand that, but what good does it do us to turn Twilight's brain to mush trying to find her? These spells are taxing. She can't keep this up much longer and we're no closer to finding anything than we were when she woke up.” She prodded his chest with a hoof. “You need to think about your sister's well-being.” “I'm fine, really!” Twilight stressed. She made to put a hoof on Cadence's shoulder but missed completely and fell from the bed. Cadence's aura saved her from a kissing session with the floor. Gently the alicorn laid her back in the bed. She turned a furious glare to Armor. He let out an uneasy chuckle. “Actually Twilight, I probably should check in with the guard to see how the search is going. Mom and Dad need a chance to see you anyways.” “But-!” “No buts Twiley, you're taking a break. End of story.” Twilight tried to melt her brother's resolve with her best desperate little sister face but he merely laughed it off. “Don't worry Twilight, we'll get right back on it as soon as you're rested. Cadence is right, we can't risk hurting you.” He gave her a gentle nuzzle. “You're a tough little mare, but even the princesses need their rest.” Twilight grumbled and rolled away from Armor with her forelegs crossed. His resolve was much stronger these days than it had been when she was little. Either that, or she just wasn't as heart-meltingly cute as she used to be. She heard a small smacking of lips upon her brother's cheek followed by a few light hoofclops and finally the opening and closing of the door. An uneasy silence set in. She knew Cadence was behind her but as much as she didn't want to be upset with her, she just couldn't bring herself to acknowledge her presence. Cadence sighed. “Please, don't be mad at your brother Twilight,” she implored, “Be mad at me. I'm the one that's putting my foot down.” “I'm not mad,” Twilight replied. “I'm being reckless, I get it. I just...” She yanked her hooves out from the covers and buried her face in them. “AARRRRGGGHHH!” she wailed. “Why didn't it work Cadence?” “I don't know...” Cadence murmured. Twilight pulled her hooves from her head. “You don't really think that there's something that the power of friendship can't solve do you?” For a bit no response came, only a quiet shuffle of hooves. Twilight glanced back to find Cadence staring off into the floor the same way she had way back when a much younger Twilight had asked her why the children at the orphanage didn't get gifts from their parents on Hearth's Warming Eve like she did. “I hope not Twilight,” she finally replied, “But your brother is right. It's a possibility we need to consider.” Twilight whimpered. She grabbed a picture sitting on her nightstand. In it, a joyous purple little filly sat between a very proud unicorn couple. Wrapped in the filly's forelegs was an infant dragon with his thumb lodged in his mouth. Towering above them with that wonderfully soothing smile was the filly's sun princess and new-found mentor. Twilight sighed as she gazed at it. “Cadence.” “Yes Twilight?” “Can we get some hot cocoa and hang out with my parents?” “That sounds wonderful.” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Armor descended the stairs. Galaxy and Nightlight looked up from the fire, both silently begging him to tell them that everything was okay. Armor smiled and nodded. “She's awake.” “Is she alright?” Galaxy asked. “Yeah she's okay,” Armor answered. “She's a little tired from the memory spells but other than that she's fine. Cadence is up there with her now.” He dropped his snout towards the ground and peered at them through a veil of blue mane. “Sorry I had to steal her it was just, you know, the fate of the nation.” Nightlight smiled. “We understand son. Was she able to tell you what you needed to know?” Armor shook his head. “No... I used the best spells I could find and still nothing. She's too exhausted to continue.” Galaxy sighed and moved over to Armor. She reared up on her hind legs to wrap him in a hug. “I'm so sorry sweetie. Don't lose faith. I'm sure one of you will come up with something. Neither of you have ever let anything stand in your way.” Armor wrapped his forelegs around his mother. “Thank you Mom, I needed that.” “Is there anything we can do?” Nightlight asked. Armor shook his head. “Right now your support is the most important.” Nightlight nodded. “Alright, but don't hesitate to ask.” “Okay dad.” Armor pulled his forelegs away from his mother. “I have to go check on the search team, make sure everything is still in order. I shouldn't be long.” “Okay,” his parents replied. Armor walked to the door and wrapped his aura around the handle. He took in a deep breath and raised himself back up to a regal stature. Once he was confident that his posture was on par with that of a Captain of the Royal Guard, he pulled the door open. To his surprise, standing before him with his front hoof raised and ready to knock on the door, was an odd hairless pony with an edgy horn and batty looking wings. It didn't take Armor, or his parents, long to recognize him. There were many ponies that made their living off ensuring that news traveled quickly throughout Canterlot after all. “You,” Armor growled. “Oh, umm, hello.” Rei stammered. “What are you doing here?” Armor asked. Rei lowered his hoof and bowed. “I'm looking for one Miss Twilight Sparkle.” “NO!” Galaxy shouted. “You've done enough to my baby girl!” Nightlight made to grab her but she slipped out of his reach. Armor took a startled step to the side to make room for her as she squared up with their visitor. “How dare you!” she spat. “How dare you even show your face at this house!” “Mom,” Armor peeped. Galaxy looked at him. “Maybe I should handle this.” She turned her glare back to Rei. “Please.” Nightlight approached her. “He might be, a little more civil about it sweetheart.” “Fine,” Galaxy snapped. She looked to her son.“But you tell him to leave honey.” She locked onto Rei from her peripheral. “Tell him he's not welcome here.” “Why don't you take a step back sweetie,” Nightlight said. Galaxy turned and walked to her husband, her eye's never losing track of Rei. Armor returned his focus to Rei. “What business do you have with Twilight?” Rei's eyes curiously followed Galaxy. “I want to offer her a job,” He replied, finally stripping his attention from her and granting it to Armor. “A need has arisen for her particular set of talents.” “Well I can tell you right now that she won't accept. You're wasting your time.” “Maybe so,” Rei replied. “Still, it doesn't hurt to try, does it?” “She's not here. We don't know where she is. She couldn't tell us. It was too risky given that Moon is now watching our every move.” His eyes narrowed. “I believe we have you to thank for that.” Rei let out a shallow growl. He closed his eyes and massaged his temple with a hoof. He returned his focus to Armor and motioned his hoof between the two of them. “Listen, I understand your unwillingness to help me, especially after what's happened. However you have to understand, Twilight's capabilities and knowledge are crucial in helping me to avoid taking any kind of violent measures to secure Equestria's compliance.” Nightlight stepped forward. “I don't care if you think that Equestria will up and disappear if you don't get a chance to talk to Twilight. We don't trust you. It's not going to happen.” Rei let out another growl. He tapped his hoof off of the concrete patio. “Is there anything I can offer? Protection, money, something for a chan-” His eyes widened and he peered past Armor. The others followed his gaze, looking to the stairs where Twilight and Cadence stood frozen in place. Rei smirked at Armor. “Well that's fortunate.” “Cadence, please take Twilight back upstairs,” Armor requested. “Why?” Twilight asked. “What does he want?” Galaxy started towards her daughter. “Honey, let's go. Daddy and your brother will handle this.” Twilight resisted her mother's efforts to lead her up the stairs. “What does he want?” Armor stepped in front of her, eliciting a twitch from Rei. “Twiley, let me handle this,” Armor said, gazing at her. She dodged about, attempting to slide past her mother but eventually she locked eyes with Armor. His gaze filled her with a warmth that only a brother like him could cast. “I'll handle it.” he said. She nodded and surrendered to her mother. “We cannot allow you to speak with Twilight,” Armor said as he turned to face Rei. Rei was trembling before him, his eyes engulfed in crimson flames. He let out a snarl as a wave of energy erupted from his horn, sending Armor and the rest of the ponies in the home flying. “Please Twilight!” He called out. “Just hear-” he turned his attention to Cadence as she bounded up and darted over to Armor. Armor struggled to his feet. She pressed her horn against his. They focused, forming a pink ball of light at the tips of their horns. Rei hissed and fired a thin dark blue bolt from his own horn that connected with Cadence and Armor's. Both howled in pain as their eyes illuminated with what looked to be halfway between a dark blue aura and a black gas. Rei held the stream until the infant ball of energy they were forming was snuffed out. He let the beam fade and both ponies stumbled to the ground. Their bodies trembled as a few remaining bolts of energy pranced around their heads. Galaxy and Nightlight rose to their feet and dashed in front of Twilight, aiming their horns at Rei. He cocked a brow and illuminated his horn, firing another dark blue bolt towards them. Nightlight flicked a silver plate from an end table into the path of the attack. Rei dropped to the ground, barely dodging his own beam as it reflected off of the tray and back towards him. Galaxy whirled her head around, forming a large stream of miniature white stars that whipped towards Rei. He was forced to go on the defensive, retreating under the snaps and flashes that pelted his magical shielding. Nightlight followed his wife's assault with blast after blast from his horn. Rei's barrier held but each hit forced him to surrender a bit of ground. Twilight attempted to send a spell to her parent's aid but her strength had yet to return. The tiny blast merely disappeared into the flurry of magic that was pelting the barrier. She ducked, dodging a stream of energy that had rebounded off of Rei's shield. Covered by her husband's onslaught, Galaxy began another wide sweep with her horn, starting a stream of tiny stars. In the midst of her swipe, Rei succeeded in parrying one of Nightlight's blasts back into his chest. Nightlight let out an “Ooomph” and staggered backwards. Rei seized the opening and made a quick sweep across the ground with his horn that sent a wave of energy flowing towards them. Nightlight managed to leap over the wave but Galaxy was swept off her feet and her stream of stars scattered across the room. Rei aimed a blue streak towards the defenseless mare but Nightlight managed to intercept the shot with the plate before it connected. Rei weaved out of the way as it snapped past. Three gray streams of smoke erupted from his horn and shot towards them. Galaxy brought up a magical screen that blocked it. She molded it around the gas, capturing it in a ball and launched it out the door. Nightlight lifted their couch with a noticeable amount of effort and hurled it at Rei. Rei warped behind him and caught his horn with a blue bolt. Nightlight tumbled to the floor, letting out a few convulsions as he hit. Galaxy grabbed the plate in her aura and held it in front of her head. Rei let three more streams of gray smoke erupt from his horn. Galaxy once again wrapped it in her aura, but before she could send it out the door, Rei pierced her screen with a beam. The smoke shot through the hole and traveled straight down her throat. She swayed from side to side before her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she too tumbled to the ground. Twilight stood up from her place behind their remaining couch and glanced about the scene. As the screen Galaxy had used to capture the gas dissipated, Rei directed streams to each member of the family that hadn't inhaled it. “Stop!” Twilight yelped. “Leave them alone!” “It's only a knockout spell to keep them from getting violent again,” Rei defended. “I don't care what it is!” Twilight shouted. She leapt out from behind the couch and created weak barriers around her family with what little magical energy she had. “Leave my family alone!” “I only want you to hear me out Twilight, I have no intention of doing any more harm than needed to achieve that.” “Well I'm here. I'm listening. So leave them alone!” Twilight barked. Rei opened his mouth to argue but before he could get any words out Armor began to groan. “Please,” Rei begged, “just let me knock them out so nopony gets seriously hurt.” Twilight walked over to her mother and knelt beside her, putting her cheek close to her mouth. She could feel her warm breath on her face with each rise and fall of her chest. Armor propped a leg up, preparing to raise himself back onto his feet as Cadence also groaned. “We're running out of time Twilight.” “Alright, alright. Fine,” she conceded. She watched as his streams reached the rest of the ponies, casting them off to sleep like her mother. Rei watched Armor relax. His head drooped and he meandered towards the fireplace. “I... I thought I was capable of commanding the amount of respect I needed to make these ponies understand how important it is that they accept the responsibilities I am trying to hand off to them.” He stopped in front of the fire and lost himself in it's glow. “I was wrong. Very wrong. It would seem that Kilia has talents that I will never be able to fathom. That's why I'm here Twilight Sparkle. I need your help.” Twilight took him in for a moment, noting the bags the firelight was revealing under his eyes. “I'm just her student. What can I do?” “You've spent a lot of time with her. You should remember a little bit about how she's done things around here. You can help me get it right. Help me to understand the code of conduct that must be followed if I'm ever to have a healthy relationship with the country's citizens.” Twilight stared at him for a moment. His request took a few moments to process for her, and even when it did she wasn't quite sure that she had heard him right. “Wait, you want me to teach you how to act like Celestia?” “To rule like her. You would be helping your country immensely. Not to mention you would be your mentor's mare on the inside. You can report every little thing I do directly to Kilia. I don't care.” “Rei, I can't teach you to rule like Celestia. Only Princess Celestia can teach you to rule like Celestia.” He shook his head. “She won't help. Her goals are no longer aligned with what is best for Equestria. It doesn't matter what my intent is.” He turned from the fire and met her eyes. “I saw how you looked at her when she ordered you to attack me in the observatory. That wasn't the behavior of the calm and disciplined ruler you've come to know was it? More like the behavior of a pony who had given into her anger.” Twilight fidgeted as his words crept through her like a venom, lighting her flesh on fire and weakening her limbs. “Listen to your rationality Twilight.” Twilight shook her head. “No, you're wrong. If you truly wanted what's best for Equestria she would help you. I know she would. You just have to give her a chance.” “Please Twilight, don't do this. I know you're smart enough to see that it's hopeless. She'll try to overthrow me and this time I may not be lucky enough to stop her. Equestria may not be lucky enough.” Twilight found herself unable to hold his glare. He was wrong. Absolutely wrong. Celestia loves Equestria. She would do everything in her power to help. How could he suggest otherwise? She thought about giving him a smack across the face with the plate her parents had used as a shield. He lowered his head until it was eye level with her. “Twilight I am begging you. If you don't help I will have to do things the only way I know how. I'll have to force Equestria's compliance.” His mouth quaked. “I don't want to be a Nightmare again Twilight Sparkle.” The crimson light emanating from his eyes flickered away for just a moment. Her eyes didn't adjust in time to pick up details, but she did see the outline of irises before his eyes re-illuminated. “I am willing to barter my own skills for your aid.” She met his eyes. “I help you, and you help me?” His head slowly bobbed up and down. “Given that we can reach an agreement, yes.” She scanned over him, analyzing his body language. His head was hung at her level, his shoulders were tense, his breath was holding in his chest, and his eyes were locked on her. She realized, staring at him, that he looked desperate. He seemed to be legitimately anxious over how she might respond. Despite recent events, it would appear that she was actually in a position of power. “I —” she looked to her family “— I need time to think about it.” He pulled back with a shudder. He gave her a slow nod of his head. “Alright. I'll be at the City Hall doing everything I can to convince these ponies to let me put on a presentation about the Calamity.” “Okay. I'll come find you.” He turned about halfway around before stopping to focus his eyes on her mother and father. “You have a very courageous family Twilight Sparkle.” She nodded. “Yeah they're... amazing.” “A simple awakening spell should have them up and active again.” He looked around the room at the results of their skirmish. “Uh, give them my apologies for all of this please.” “I'll tell them but... I don't know that 'sorry' is gonna cut it.” He let out huff. “Yeah...” He moved to the door, stopping halfway through. “Please don't delay any longer than necessary.” “I'll do my best,” she replied. He returned to the street and headed towards the City Hall. She closed the door behind him and returned to her family. Fortunately after spending so much time with a baby dragon that seemed to become less and less of a morning creature by the day, she was very capable of casting awakening spells. She pressed her horn against Armor and jolted him awake. After giving him a moment to get a grip on his surroundings she was able to give him a short update on the situation. He sent her to the kitchen, insisting that the task of awakening the rest of the family fall on him. She made herself a cup of tea and sat at the kitchen table. The first to come in was Galaxy. She dashed up to Twilight and hugged her. “Oh sweetie I was so worried! Are you okay?” Twilight rested her head on her mother's shoulder. “Yeah, I'm fine mom.” “He didn't do anything to you did he?” Twilight shook her head. “No, he just talked.” Nightlight was the next to walk in, managing to catch Twilight's response. “What about Sweetheart?” “He needs my help,” Twilight replied. Nightlight made his way to the counter to start some drinks. “So he wasn't lying about his intentions. At least, up front.” Armor and Cadence entered the room. Cadence trotted over to Twilight and wrapped her up in her wings. “I'm so sorry Twilight. We tried to stop him but, that magic, I've never seen it before.” Twilight squeezed her. “No don't be Cadence. I know you all did everything you could.” Armor situated himself on a seat and accepted a mug from his father. Cadence took a seat beside her husband, also accepting a mug. “Thanks Dad,” Armor said. “So what's the full story Twilight? What was that all about?” “Well,” Twilight began, “he showed up the day after he banished Celestia to meet with Luna and I. Apparently there are, or were, others like Celestia and Luna. They were responsible for keeping the forces of nature in balance but they started abusing their power so they were destroyed.” “Did he say by what?” Armor asked. Twilight shook her head. “No.” Cadence looked to her husband. “You think it was him?” “It would make sense,” Armor replied. “If so, that says a lot about what we're dealing with here.” He looked back to his sister. “Sorry Twilight, continue.” “Well, he says that if nopony brings the forces back into harmony soon, this event called the Calamity will happen. He didn't say exactly what the Calamity would be but he did give us the idea that it would be explosive and bad. The only option he thinks Equestria has is to have us mortal citizens learn how to keep the forces of nature in harmony ourselves.” Twilight sipped from her cup. “That's where I come in. He's trying to get Equestria to cooperate and listen but it's not happening. He knows that organizing and driving the public was something Celestia was very good at but he doesn't think Celestia will be able to put her personal problems aside and help him. He hopes that I've picked up enough of her strengths during my time with her that I'll be able to provide him the advice he needs to get Equestria's support.” Armor chuckled. “Too bad. If he wants to get Equestria behind him, he's going to have to settle his differences with Celestia. Simple as that.” The others nodded. “I'm not so sure actually,” Twilight said. Everypony turned startled gazes on her. “I don't think he'll talk to Celestia. He's very adamant that she won't help regardless of what he does. He'll use force instead.” Twilight looked to her brother. “From what I hear, Equestria is very vulnerable right now so that would be an attractive course of action to him, right?” Armor looked at his sister, slowly bobbing his head up and down. “Our Elements are missing, our Princesses are divided, one also missing. Cadence and I are the last proven line of defense and if our recent encounter with him is any sign of how we stack up, that's not going to be enough.” Cadence stared into her mug. “Then there's Moon.” Armor nodded. “Yeah, there's her too. She's quickly destabilizing the nation.” Twilight nodded. “So there's a danger in saying no. Despite that, I think I'm in a powerful position. In the short time I've been dealing with Rei, he's been completely facetious. When he talked to me today he showed actual concern, fear even, of me saying no. He really wants my help and he's willing to barter his own skills to get it.” “Oh honey, you can't trust a creature like that,” Galaxy said. “I don't think I need to Mom,” Twilight replied. “I'm not handing anything over to him. I'm providing him a service. If he backs out, I back out.” Nightlight shook his head. “I don't like this at all Twilight. He's dangerous.” Twilight nodded. “I know he is, but I have an opportunity to steer him away from Equestria. Maybe even buy us some ground.” Twilight looked to her brother. “Just think if I could convince him to help us get the Elements back Shining. Think of what you could do with Nightmare Moon out of the picture.” Armor swirled his mug, boggling the possibilities around his head. “It's worth a shot,” Twilight said. “I think I really have something here.” “There has to be better ways,” Nightlight said. “Putting you anywhere near that creature just doesn't sit right with me.” “I think...” Armor began, “I think I actually have to side with Twiley on this one.” Nightlight adjusted his posture and looked at Armor. “Are you sure son?” “Yeah. If he really wants Twilight's help as much as she thinks he does, that could really play out in our favor. My hooves are tied right now trying to find Celestia. It's not enough and there doesn't look to be any clues inside that brain of Twiley's. I agree that he's dangerous but if we don't do something I'm afraid we're going to lose Celestia.” Armor shot a knowing grin to his sister. “Besides, I think Twiley has proven more than once that she can handle herself.” Nightlight looked to his wife who was eying their daughter with more than a little worry. “What do you think Sweetheart?” he asked. She whimpered. “Mom, I need to do EVERYTHING I can to try and help Celestia. Just think of everything she's done for us, for me... She needs us.” Galaxy sighed and nodded as her eyes glistened. “You've grown up so much Twilight. I'm so proud of you.” She turned to Nightlight who gave her a weak nod. “Just promise us you'll be careful,” Nightlight said. Twilight galloped over and embraced them. “I will. Thank you both so much for understanding.” “Of course Twilight,” they replied. Cadence looked to her husband, then back to Twilight and her parents. “Your brother and I can come with you for a little extra protection if you'd like Twilight.” “Thank you but I think it would be better if I went alone as a sign of sincerity. I could use some help forming a bartering strategy though if everypony would be up for it.” Her family gave her a unanimous smile. “We'd be happy to help!” They heard the front door open followed by Spike's voice. “I got everything yo-...” “Oh dear,” Twilight exclaimed. “OH MY CELESTIA! HELP! SOMEPONY!” Twilight dashed out of the kitchen. “SPIKE! SPIKE IT'S ALRIGHT!!” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Twilight trotted into the City Hall. At her sides hung saddlebags filled with pencils, books, and notes. She hoped she wouldn't have to use them but, if necessary, she was willing to get serious. Surprisingly life in the building seemed to be carrying on as normal. Ponies were either hustling about, chattering amongst one another, or scratching writing utensils across parchment. It made her wonder if Rei was even in the building at all. She headed towards the offices. Once she reached the City Manager's office she picked up Rei's voice reverberating down the halls, a significant payload of frustration carrying with it. “Have you any concept of the fate that awaits you and your citizens?” he asked. “Just give me two hours of time with the podium. You don't have anything scheduled for days.” “I'm sorry but the Assembly Center and the podium are both city property, and the city doesn't share with terrorists,” another voice said. A young guard stood at the door. “Please allow Officer Terry to escort you out of the building.” “Do you want money?” Rei asked. “I can get you money.” “I will not be bribed,” the manager replied. “Please leave.” Twilight could here a low growl permeating from the doorway. She turned to her right satchel and searched through her things. She pulled out one of her larger books and moved so that Rei was within sight. “You insolent,” Rei began, “arrogant fool, have you any-” THWACK! Three heads peered at her from the office. She smiled. “Oh my, clumsy me!” She let out a very fake laugh which solicited awkward looks from the manager and the guard. Rei on the other hoof was looking at her with the kind of relief ponies showed her when they found out that they were only receiving a warning about the books they owed. He gave her a nod and returned his attention to the administrator. She trotted out of the building and stepped off to the side alleyway. She waited for a minute or so before she saw Rei walking out tailed by Officer Terry. “And don't come back,” Terry said. Rei shot him a sharp glare. Terry faltered for just a moment before he slammed the door. Rei groaned and pressed a hoof against the bridge of his snout. “PSST,” Twilight signaled. Rei opened his eyes and looked in her direction. She waved a hoof towards the alleyway. There was a low simmer as little crimson bolts danced around his body, then a snap as he disappeared. “Please tell me you have good news Miss Sparkle,” his voice said, emanating from behind her. “AAACK!” Twilight shrieked, vaulting into the air. She whipped around to face him. He sat about five feet further into the alley with his tail wrapped around his legs. It flicked back and forth as he stared at her expectantly. “Umm, I'm willing to try and work out a deal. That's good news right?” He smiled. “That is good news.” His lids drooped over the top halves of his eyes. “Dare I ask what your demands are though?” “Haha...” Twilight swallowed. “Right, so, umm...” She tried to remember her game plan but her brain was quickly going into panic mode. She looked back to her satchel and threw it open. She tugged at her notes but they were jammed between a few frustratingly large books. She gave them a forceful tug, successfully freeing them from the pack and scattering them all over the alleyway. She stared in horror as they floated to the ground. Rei chuckled. “Calm down Twilight. I promise that the worst I'll do is say no.” She looked up at him, unconvinced. He sighed. “Alright how about this. I'll let you in on a little secret about me that might help loosen you up but you've gotta promise not to tell anycreature. Can you do that?” Twilight gave a quick nod. He cleared his throat. “Alright, so, you know how dragons breath fire?” She nodded. “Well I don't.” Her eyes widened. “I mean, I do, but I don't... Does that make any sense?” She shook her head. “No, but I think I get it. You can breath fire, but you don't like to. Is that what you're saying?” He scrunched the right side of his face. “Eeehhhyyeaah. Essentially.” “May I see?” “What?” “I want to see,” she replied. “I want to see you breath fire.” “Eheh, heh. No, no I don't think that will be necessary.” Her ears drooped. “Oh... I see...” He grumbled. “Oh fine. Watch closely. I'm only doing this once.” Her ears perked up and she stared intently at him. He sucked in a deep breath and held it in his belly, focusing on his innards. He snagged a couple extra swigs of breath and his brow creased. Finally he lunged his head forward and opened his maw wide. What he expelled was a plume of pink fire no bigger than a parasprite. It formed into a small purple cloud of smoke that traveled a little more than a foot from his head before dissipating entirely. She stood with her mouth agape. He smacked his lips and looked to her. “So, uh, yeah. That's it.” She exploded with laughter. He frowned. “Alright, alright, come on now.” She toppled over. “Bahahahahaha! That's adorable!” He cringed. “Please don't use that word.” “Haha, heh, haha, but it is!” She levered herself back to a sitting position. “That's even more adorable than Spike's flame when he was a baby.” “Well that's just because its weaker than normal today. I'm... Uhhh...” He averted his eyes. “I'm not feeling well.” She giggled. “What happened? Did you lose a firefight with a candle?” He glared at her as a low rumble resonated from his throat. She gave a wide smile which unleashed a “Squee!” This also enticed a cringe from him. She really needed to get to the bottom of that whole squee thing. “Anyway,” Twilight said, “that did exactly what you wanted it to. I'm feeling much more comfortable. Thank you.” He huffed and his look of spiteful rage softened to one of mild aggravation. “Well I'm glad something good came of it.” She giggled. “Alright so, my demands.” She squared up her shoulders and replaced her smile with a serious stare more fit for business. “You need my help. I need the Elements back.” He groaned. “I figured that was coming.” He shook his head. “I'm sorry Miss Sparkle but it is imperative that I accomplish what I have set out to do. Failure means tragedy for everything on this planet. I can't put success on the line to buy luxury for me or anypony else. I may have evaded the wrath of those little trinkets once but I'd be a fool to think that they aren't a threat to me. I need those right where they are, with Moon, who can't use them because she has no friends.” Twilight couldn't help but snort. “Alright, then I'll help you, after you help me bring Celestia back.” He shook his head. “Barking up the same tree Sparkle. I got the best of her during our last encounter but that doesn't mean she's not a threat. She's just as intelligent as me. Given time she will find a way to get the high ground and completely destroy all of my progress. It's a risk to my success and as I've said, I can't afford that.” She grumbled. “Rei, this is a negotiation. We both have to make sacrifices so we can meet in the middle.” “I realize that Twilight but I've told you my complications and I know that you understand them. If you aren't willing to take my own ground off of the table then we might as well stop while we're ahead.” “What do you expect?” she defended. “I can't just help you for nothing! I have to get something for Equestria. How am I supposed to do that if you're hoarding everything that we need?” “You're an intelligent little mare Twilight. Find a way.” She growled. “You realize that buttering me up doesn't actually help me, right?” He chuckled. “Well I just find it hard to believe that you can't find a way to use an ageless immortal that has an unhealthy obsession with martial magic to your advantage.” “Well I! —” She stared through him. “— Wait, Moon, do you need her in control of Equestria?” He smiled. “Now you're thinking Miss Sparkle.” He shook his head. “No. Moon's current schemes are more or less inconsequential to what I'm doing.” She tapped her hoof off of her chin. “Hmm, Alright so how about I provide my services as an adviser and mediator on the condition that you keep Moon in check. By 'in check' I mean not in control of Equestria, or dragons, or shadow forces, or anything significant. I want her causing us less problems than the griffons cause.” “That I can do Miss Sparkle. Will there be anything else or is that your offer?” She got up to take a few laps from one side of the alleyway to the other. Moon was a serious problem. Getting her out of power would be a major win for Equestria. The price was steep though. Even if she tried her best to convince her mother otherwise, the truth was that she was putting her faith in this creature she barely knew to refrain from using her assistance to end Equestria. The position did put her closer to him though with a certain amount of immunity. That could allow her to get a better feel for exactly what his true intentions were. She would need to be vigilant though. Always watching, always analyzing so that she could catch any evil machinations as soon as possible and put a stop to them. Shining was right. She had handled troubling situations like this before. She had to step up to the plate. She faced him. “I reserve the right to end our agreement, or up my demands anytime I feel like it.” He whimpered. “Twilight that's-” “You've given me none of your own ground. It's only fair.” He grumbled. “Fine.” “And this is probably going to make me some enemies...” “I will do everything in my power to diffuse any situations that may threaten your well-being.” “Okay, good. Umm...” Rei raised a brow and started snapping his tail off of the ground. She looked up to him with her round eyes. “No hurting me, no matter how mad you get.” He snorted. “I would think that goes without saying, but I suppose it doesn't hurt to be explicit about it. I will only use martial magic if you are intentionally threatening the success of my mission.” She beamed and extended a hoof. “Alright, we have a deal!” He smiled. “I thought you'd never stop.” He took her hoof in a firm shake. “Pleasure to have you on board Miss Sparkle.” They let go and found themselves stuck in a mire of silence. “Alright, well, how about we go dethrone our Queen?” he offered, watching as Twilight dug through her satchel. “Not just yet,” she replied. “There's something else I want to take care of first.” “Oh?” She pulled from her satchel a large multilingual dictionary. It had terms for five very popular languages all contained within it, making it very bulky. He watched her, making no attempt to hide his confusion. She held the book in her aura and leafed through it, ensuring that there was nothing stored between the pages. She closed it and pressed a hoof against either side, affirming its sturdiness. “Miss Sparkle?” Twilight floated the book up to their side. “Yes Rei?” “What are you doing?” “This.” She smiled. THWACK! The book swung right into the side of Rei's face causing him to stagger. “That's for Celestia.” THWACK! He staggered back in the other direction. “That's for Luna.” THWACK! “That's for my family.” THWACK! “That's for just being a jerk.” He gawked at her and covered his head with his fore-hooves. “AAAARRRRGGHHHH! That hurt Sparkle!” “Good!” She stood tall. “You deserved it! If anything I went easy on you!” He whipped his head from his fore-hooves and bared his teeth. He unleashed something between a series of clicks and a growl. She took a step back. “Hey, we have an agreement! No hurting me!” He groaned. “I know, I know. Clever little brat.” A devious grin spread across his face. “Do it again though and I'll host a 'lets-burn-Twilight's-happy-little-library-tree-thing-to-the-ground' party!” She gasped. “What!? That's horrible!” “Well, I —” he turned away and tapped his hoof off of the ground “— Okay yeah, maybe that's a little extreme. I'll think of something. Point is, this is the only freebie you get.” She huffed. “Fine.” He ran a hoof along the side of his face. “Alright can we go dethrone Moon now or are you going to try and break my legs too?” She shook her head and stuffed the dictionary into her satchel. “No, I'm good. Let's go get Moon.” He started towards Canterlot Castle, still rubbing his face. She followed him, taking position at his side. After a few steps she looked up to him. “You did deserve that though. You know that right?” He grunted. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Twilight and Rei made their way to the Castle Courtroom where Moon was said to be meeting with some of the higher aristocrats. As they approached one of the large arching doorways a pair of Moon's Nightmare Guard moved to intercept them. “Hey you two, what are you doinoioiAHAAHAHHAGGH!” The pair found themselves wrapped in a crimson aura and suspended helplessly in midair. Twilight followed Rei as they walked underneath. She heard the metallic clank she had grown fairly familiar with. She looked back to see the guards plopped onto the floor with their backs to one another and their tongues lolling out of their heads. She turned forward and betrayed a smile. Now that she was on the other side of things, it was a bit satisfying to see the guards suffer Rei's wrath. The massive wooden doors opened to reveal the entrance to the courtroom at the end of a long hallway. “Hey!” a voice shouted, “Nopony is allowed at the court hall withouoouououuaaaahh HEY HEY!” CLANK! “Sounds like we're in the right place,” Rei observed. Plop. “Yes we are,” Twilight replied. She pointed to one of the doors along the right wall. “That's the entrance to the actual courtroom.” She opened her left satchel and sifted through her papers. “I have some notes in here on our prior encounters with Moon. I recommend you look them over before you plan out your battle strategy.” “That won't be necessary Miss Sparkle.” Rei trotted towards the courtroom doors. Twilight warped in front of him. “What do you mean? Moon is extremely powerful. You need to be prepared.” “I am prepared.” He slid her out of the way with a hoof. She watched as he wrapped the large door in his aura. “You're being arrogant.” “Maybe —” he pull the doors open, allowing Moon's chilling voice to pour into the hall “— we shall soon find out.” Twilight peeked around the corner and watched as he waltzed in, carrying with him every eye in the room. “Dragonface,” Moon remarked, “What are you doing here?” “I have a request,” he replied. “That's what this is about right? You take requests from anypony who wishes to make them?” “Uhhh...” Moon gave him a blank stare. “Yes... Yes that's what this is.” “Well good.” He looked around the room. “Where's the line?” Moon propped her elbows on her podium and leaned forward. Her eyes thinned as she looked him over. “Don't you concern yourself with that Dragonface. I know you are a veeerrrryyyy busy pony. I wouldn't want to hold you up. How about I take your request right now?” He beamed. “Oh that's very thoughtful of you Moon. Thank you!” She gave a short hum and motioned to the stand before her. He trotted up and took a seat, pressing his chest forward and pointing his head above Moon in what Twilight assumed was his best impression of a regal stance. He cleared his throat and raised the sheet. “Dear most lovely and honorable Queen, Nightmare Moon.” Moon sneered at him as he spoke the words. “I, a humble subject of your wonderful nighttime paradise have a request of your greatness. May I speak this request oh magnificent one?” “Oh you speak that so well Dragonface!” Moon cooed. She raised herself back to her proper seating. “You, oh feeble servant of my nighttime paradise, have appeased me with your professional mannerisms. You may speak your request.” “Thank you magnificent one!” he replied. “My request to you oh Queen and brin-” he read the rest of the line. “Wow Moon, just... Wow.” “Funny,” Moon mused, “I don't remember that being on the sheet. You do wish for me to hear your request do you not my feeble servant?” He grumbled and returned his eyes to the parchment. “My request to you oh Queen and bringer of all that is good and desirable, is to —” he laid the sheet back onto the stand and locked eyes with Moon “— my request to you is to go away.” Moon's gaze narrowed. “What?” “Go away. Stop being Queen, stop meddling with Equestria, and stop being in Equestria. Go away.” Moon rested her back against the chair. “I am confused Dragonface. I thought we had agreed that so long as I was not in your way, we would have no problems with one another.” “We did. However, in just one day you've proven to me that as I try and train these poor little ponies to survive the Calamity, you'll be serving as a very potent distraction for them. That puts you directly in my way.” Moon's eyes slowly rolled past Rei and settled on Twilight. “I see. So I just happened to appear in your path. I was not put there by somepony.” Twilight gulped. Rei followed her eyes until he saw Twilight still peeking in from the hall. “Her? That's just my adoring fan. She has nothing to do with any of this.” Moon slid out of her seat and strode down from her stand. All eyes followed her as she circled around Rei. She came to a stop just in front of him and locked eyes. “We're both mature creatures Dragonface. How about we try to work something out?” He shook his head. “Not gonna happen Moon.” Her smile faltered. She spent a few moments simply staring at him. She domed a sly grin and brought her face within inches of his. “Alright Dragonface. You want the country, take it. But do not be deceived, you will be hearing from me again. Soon.” He smiled. “I look forward to it.” She strolled a hair's length past him, letting out a low cackle as she did. Twilight watched as she approached. To her surprise, it was only as Moon passed through the doors that she gave a leer through her peripheral. “Sleep tight Twilight Sparkle,” she whispered. Twilight shuddered. She watched Moon strut down the hall until Rei cleared his throat. She turned back to see him seated in the stand Moon had just abandoned. She walked into the room and took a seat. The aristocrats now had their confused attentions focused on Rei. “Well,” he began, “first order of business is to address what's just happened. As I'm sure all of you can see, your ruler has stepped down. Seeing as I'm more or less responsible for your current predicament, I'll do my best perform any of her duties that you ponies wish me to in her absence. I strongly advise, however, that you elect a new, permanent leader.” His eyes narrowed as he scanned across them. “It needs to be a real election though. I will not stand by as a pony rises to power that does not actually command the country's faith. “Next, about the Calamity.” His horn lit up and a cloud of smoke gathered above him forming a screen. On it appeared an image of a barren waste. Large pieces of land floated about, bending and winding around in a liquid-like state. Bolts of lightning cracked back and forth between the masses and small twisters wormed their way through the open space. “The Calamity is an event that is threatening to occur within the year if nothing is done to stop it. If it does occur, this is a rough image of what your world will look like. Nothing will be constant, reliable, or stable. If it happens most of you ponies will die and those that don't will not get a single minutes rest. In summary, it's bad, and it would be much better if it were just not to happen at all. That's why I'm here. It is my duty to train all you ponies to maintain the balance of nature and prevent the Calamity.” The cloud behind him dissipated. “I will soon be disseminating information about this to the rest of Equestria but if all of you could spread the word in the meantime, that would be fantastic.” He motioned to Twilight. “Lastly, young Miss Twilight Sparkle has graciously put her own safety on the line to serve as a representative for you ponies.” All eyes fell on Twilight. “Because of the critical nature of the changes that must be made, my position as an educator will be separate from any politics. There is just no time to hear all of your concerns and tip toe around them. However, Miss Sparkle will be listening to your requests, processing them, and presenting me with suggested changes in my approach along the way in the hopes that it will make the whole process easier for all of us.” Ponies muttered amongst one another, sending uneasy glances to Twilight. She hunkered down in her seat. Suddenly she didn't feel so confident in her decision to assist. He scanned across the room before pounding a hoof off of the stand. Once the audience's attention was focused on him, he continued. “Also, you ponies may be happy to hear that as part of our agreement, I am obligated to grant Miss Sparkle the resources necessary to support a search and rescue operation for Princess Celestia.” The audience erupted with cheers and whoops. Twilight found herself surrounded by ponies looking to shake her hoof and thank her. Rei pounded the stand once again. This time it took a few raps off of the wood to get the audience's attention. “I need to be on my way now ponies. Please direct any questions to Miss Sparkle. Thank for your time and enjoy your day.” Once he finished the audience returned to swarming Twilight. She did her best to keep up, grabbing forelegs as quickly as she could and spitting out words of appreciation like a machine gun. His voice resonated in her head. “When you're done Sparkle, I'll be confiscating Kilia's office.” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Twilight and Rei sat in the bright glow of Celestia's supersized fireplace. A number of pages of notes were sprawled across her desk and her chalk board was covered in lists, maps, and makeshift charts. Twilight sat in a chair watching Rei as he paced the room. “I understand the concern,” he said, “but I would much prefer that the young learn to survive in a controlled scenario rather than a freak flare of the Calamity.” Twilight shook her head. “No. I will not stand for endangering foals just for practice, and neither will Equestria. It's not right.” “What's not right is letting them go into the hardest years of their lives ill equipped,” he countered. “We won't. We will train them, but through classes, tests, and safe training courses. Not by throwing them into dangerous scenarios and forcing them to learn on their feet. Do you even hear yourself?” He stopped and glanced to her. He looked back to the board and sighed. “Listen to me,” Twilight said as she leaned over the chair, “You wanted me to help you avoid using force. I'm telling you, what you're suggesting is wrong. You follow through with it and nopony will ever willingly listen to you.” “I don't want them to get hurt Twilight, I just...” He squinted as he stared at the map. “I believe a creature can never reach her true potential until she's been forced to see what she's capable of.” He turned his head until Twilight was just within his peripheral. “These alternative training methods you're suggesting. Do you think you can get the ball rolling with them when the time comes?” She nodded. “Of course.” He closed his eyes and raised a hoof up towards his forehead. He gave it a couple light bops with his cranium. “Moon has Equestria wounded but it's still unlikely that they'll go along with what you're doing here as it is. You don't have room to risk turning them against you like this.” After retreating into his head for a few moments he stopped and dropped the hoof to the ground. “Alright Sparkle, we do it your way.” She exhaled. “Oh thank Celestia.” She turned towards the desk and sifted through the notes. “That's out of the way. What's next?” Rei studied the sea of writing sprawled across the board. “Actually, I think we're good for today.” Twilight stopped and stared at him. “Really?” He turned around and headed for Celestia's cushion. “Yeah. This has been good though. Very good. Thank you.” He collected some of the sheets. “You need some time to help your brother with the whole search and rescue thing anyway right?” “Yeah I do. Hey, uh...” She rubbed her right fetlock along the her left foreleg. “Thank you for that.” “No thanks are needed.” “No they are. That wasn't part of our agreement.” She locked eyes with him for just a moment before she redirected her focus to his activity with the papers. “Throwing it in was really, uh, cool of you, I guess.” “My motivations were far more selfish than you're thinking Sparkle. I'm invested in your public approval. Simple as that.” He finished stacking the notes and laid them off to one side of the desk. “You're giving me far more credit than I deserve.” She looked to him with hope in her eyes. “You're telling me that you had no other motivations at all than wanting me to remain useful? Not even one?” He looked up to her. “No I suppose not. I suppose there was a little concern for you mixed in there too.” She beamed. Maybe she had just been applying friendship in the wrong way. Maybe even in the face of all that had happened, there was still a way to work things out. “You see, that wasn't so hard to admit was it?” He returned his focus to the desk. He pulled some clean paper over to it and picked up a pen in his aura. “I never said it was Miss Sparkle. I just left it out because I didn't want you to get the wrong idea.” “What? That you're not such a bad creature after all?” “Yes. That precisely.” She frowned and rested her forelegs on Celestia's desk. “You're pretty hard on yourself aren't you?” He arched a brow and peered up at her from the paper. “I think you've used a little too much of your prying allowance tonight Twilight. I'm cutting you off.” “Oh come on!” Twilight pouted. “I know I'm young but I have some really good advice packed in this little brain of mine!” He placed her things in her bag. “I'm sure you do.” He walked over, shooed her off of the chair, and snapped her satchels around her barrel. “However you have a pretty princess to find and I have a lot of work to do.” He nudged her towards the door. “Maybe next time.” She grumbled. “Oh fine.” She looked back to him. “Tomorrow then?” He nodded. “Bright and early please.” “Alright.” She trotted towards the hall. “Have a good night Jerkface.” He chuckled. “You too Miss Sparkle.”