"Once we reach Earth, we'll need to get the turrets into position," Figanti told the League. "From what the probes have received, the mass of Earth has changed slightly over the last few million years. There are energy readings that number in the thousands of kimak, and one is obviously Reku'un."
Malshuom pressed a panel on the holographic projection table, which brought up a model of their destination. "There are two higher readings on the planet, and we assume the smaller signature is Limir," Renkan stated. She placed a hand on the hologram and swiped downwards, pressing her finger at the center of the visualization of a small settlement.
"Reku'un's signature is coming from this village," Hinaktol explained. "It would be safe to assume he's residing here. It isn't too far for him to travel to see Limir this way."
Malshuom stepped forward, zooming out on the map and circling an area over Equestria.
"Our entry point will be over this continent, and I'm sure we can accurately guide it over the land between Limir and Reku'un," he said. "Once we enter the atmosphere, of course."
Portok dialed in a few coordinates and commands, and soon they were looking at a projection of the galaxy. "Our vessel needs to reach the planet within ten lunar revolutions," he said. "To do that… we'll need to pass through Arthanian space."
Quarek, Binagish, and Yonok stepped forward. "This carrier isn't as equipped as most fighter ships. A single dreadnought is in danger in these places. We have only a few cannons," Binagish said.
"However," Yonok began, "We have found a way to compensate for it."
Quarek connected a small memory core into the table, and a schematic of a turret appeared. "We've taken a few fighter engines and taken their Inak cores. The rest of the engine will create a massive explosion," he explained.
"How many engines will we have?" Figanti asked.
"We have around 3,000 for use," Portok chuckled. "These things can rip apart a carrier from the outside in."
Figanti shook his head with a laugh. "Easy, Portok. I know you're eager for another battle."
"As are the rest of us," Ingot murmured. "The only thing I'm concerned about is the surviving Signa."
"They act like the others," Yonok pointed out. "Unruly. Narcissistic. Dishonorable."
"We can beat it out of them, if need be," Quarek snorted. "They've gained some sense of our old ways. It should make the transition smoother."
"And another thing," Gengot said. "I don't think we're fit to train regulars. What's simple for us is impossible for them. Which of us can train them properly?"
"It could be easier for Portok, Hinaktol and I," Yonok stated. "Portok could teach them to use our technology, Hinaktol could train them with weapons, and I could show them the bond between all living things."
Portok shrugged softly, crossing his arms and leaning against the table behind him. "I… could probably teach them by the seventh lunar cycle."
"And it shouldn't be too hard to show them basic techniques of our weapons," Hinaktol smirked. "It could be rather fun, actually."
"Then it is decided," Renkan announced. "You three will train the regulars, while the rest of us will—"
"Renkan," Figanti interrupted. "I'm afraid I can't help with the Signa."
The others looked at him with confused expressions, but when Figanti gestured towards Malshuom, they nodded knowingly.
"It's my duty to train the newest Doshu'um, should his family be unable or dead." Figanti walked over to Malshuom, placing his hand on his shoulder. "For you to fully control your powers as a Signa, I must teach you as I taught my nephew. But… first you'll have to live as we once did."
"As long as what you told me of our old traditions is true, you have my cooperation," Malshuom nodded. "When will we be passing through Arthanian space?"
Portok, the obvious genius among them, had a holo-gauntlet that let him calculate all of his variables. "We will be passing within… eight lunar cycles."
The room became tense, but it was Yonok who broke the silence. "We will have many to face, but we must make it to Reku'un," he reminded them. "As long as Jerosh is leading them, they won't dare disobey his orders."
"You mean MOST of them won't," Binagish pointed out. "There's no doubt for any of us that at least ONE ship will give chase."
"And by the time they do, we'll be able to reactivate the rupture engines," Portok said. "I'll still need some time to repair it, but other than that we have enough metals, weapons, and homes for all."
Malshuom rose a brow and stepped closer. "What do you mean ‘homes’?" He questioned.
The twelve members of the League gave each other smiles until they all turned to Figanti. "I'll show you," he chuckled. "You all know what to do. We'll meet again in two lunar cycles."
"Nahri!" The League shouted.
The warriors left out their own exits, Malshuom following behind Figanti. "Where are we going?" He asked.
Figanti turned to Malshuom and smiled. "To your home, of course."
The Doshu'um was left puzzled as he followed Figanti through the ship. The doors slid open before they even reached them; a blue light scanning them as they approached. Malshuom wondered where they would be going, and his gaze strayed to the side. He looked out to the stars around, the planets floating in their gravity. He'd only imagined it once or twice, but now that he was among the stars, he couldn't believe how vast and amazing it was. The feeling of being so insignificant, being one man among the endless number of galaxies, was never more tolerated than now.
"It's beautiful, yes?" Figanti asked. Malshuom nodded slowly, then laughed softly as he turned to him.
"Yes. Did you see this during the time of the Signa?" Malshuom questioned.
Figanti smiled faintly. "Always. There was always a battle taking place… and I would often go off to fight… but I've looked at the stars like this since I was just two cycles old."
Malshuom turned back to the window. "Does it look the same?"
Figanti stopped them and turned to the door on their right. "It's been 5 million years," he chuckled half-heartedly. "Nothing is the same anymore."
He placed his hand on the holo-panel to the side, entering a few commands, and the door opened. Malshuom's nose stung slightly, and he coughed as the various smells hit him. Figanti gave him a moment to calm down, then stepped inside. Malshuom followed slowly, nervous about where they were going.
But that feeling vanished when he looked upon Loki'ir's beauty.
Trees as tall as skyscrapers spread for miles, thousands of plants and greenery just as widespread. Malshuom's jaw slowly loosened until he was held in a silent gasp. The platform they stood on was dozens of feet high, but not tall enough to match the gigantic trees. He felt… a sudden shift in the force against his body. Through sheer willpower, he was able to keep himself standing, but he found it a challenge. Figanti, however, looked unaffected by the change.
"Imagine this… covering the lands of Loki'ir," Figanti said, a bit of sadness and proud nostalgia in his voice. "Before the seas of brown… before the deserts and wastelands… this was all I ever saw… all I ever asked for."
He stepped closer to the ledge, taking in a deep breath.
"I wanted to share this moment with you, Doshu'um," he sighed, closing his eyes. "This is my first time in 5 million years smelling our air. Yonok worked hard to revive this forest… This is your first time ever seeing our planet as it was. And it won't be the last."
Malshuom gasped as the platform beneath them receded into the wall instantly. Figanti seemingly vanished, and Malshuom immediately looked down, bracing his feet as the ground came closer and closer. He managed to roll on his side and stop on his hands and knees. He peered up when he heard several loud cracks, and Figanti jumped down.
"For you to ever amount to what a Loki'irian is —what a Signa is… you must live as we did. Train like us. Fight like us. And you must learn to train yourself," Figanti said. "We've made you a home in the trees. There are homes for all the families that we've brought, but we need them to have a basic understanding. They'll learn to carve their own homes… with our supervision, of course."
Malshuom looked up, feeling a sudden… urge. His legs shook eagerly, his heart began to race, his mind focused itself on the life around him. The air was easier to breathe, the soil under his feet felt softer than the sands of their world, but it was fertile beyond any known earth. His body was weighed down, but he was compelled to keep going; he needed to start going somewhere.
"I can see it in you," Figanti smiled. "Your instincts are kicking in. It's natural in all of us. If you ever want to train at your fullest… give in. Do not hesitate, not for a second."
It was all the permission Malshuom needed to take off. He started running aimlessly, his legs pumping frantically as he picked up speed. He sensed Figanti nearby, then looked up and saw him leaping ahead.
"Climb, Malshuom!" Figanti bellowed. "Climb like a true Signa!"
Following his orders, Malshuom leaped up, the height of which surprising him, and latched onto the trunk. He quickly pulled himself up. Higher, and higher. He pulled himself onto a thick branch, one big enough to walk on, then looked around.
The trees were lined up so that their limbs would create a sort of path. Malshuom needed to do something… so he jumped. He jumped as far as he could, and landed on another branch. The thrill of which made his heart beat quicker, and he did it again.
And again. And again.
"Faster!" Figanti called, laughing as he swung from a thinner branch. "You're nearly there, Malshuom!"
Malshuom leaped again, and again, but then he felt the change. His muscles loosened, and his mind felt more focused than ever. He pulled a leg back, landed with the other, and sprung off. The leap sent him further than before, and he felt as though he was running through the trees. He felt his energy levels climb alarmingly.
As he kept leaping, his second form began to replace his normal body. Like before, the small crevice in his chest appeared, and his toes morphed into three individual, hardened claws. His body became tougher, his hair crackling as it lowered slightly, turning it into clumps of sharpened pikes. His mark began to glow slightly, and he found himself drawn to a particular energy. Forgetting Figanti, he rerouted and made his way over to the source.
His leaping led him to a more rocky terrain, and he was forced to slow down so he could make his way around the boulders and stray trees. Panting lightly, Malshuom slowed to a walk as the energy started to pulse. The rocks became taller and taller… until he was headed into a cove of sorts. The vines and leaves blocked out most of the artificial lights overhead… but he started to hear something.
thump… thump-thump…
It sounded like… his heart. He walked further inside, then stopped as he looked upon a small rock platform… and there was a large egg sitting on top of it.
Thump-thump, Thump-thump, Thump-thump
Malshuom couldn't understand why his heart was racing, as if he were in the middle of combat. But the feeling multiplied as he stood in front of the egg now. He gazed at the dull orange clashing with grey on the egg, and the beating sound boomed in his ears. Slowly… his hand rose, and he reached out towards the egg.
THUMP-THUMP THUMP-THUMP THUMP-THUMP
He touched it.
…
"Ngh."
Malshuom clutched his wrist as a searing pain shot through his arm… but it subsided as his mark began glowing, brighter this time. The egg cracked in several places, light shooting out from it. Malshuom cried out, right as the egg broke open. He tore his gaze away from his burning hand to the form moving on the rock. Small screeches and growls akin to a baby hokor came from the animal's maw, but it became deeper and deeper after a few seconds.
The form of the creature grew exponentially, to the point where it was slamming into the walls of the alcove. Malshuom stepped back as it's size became big enough to break through the vines and branches overhead. The light slowly dulled, and the pain faded to nothing. Lowering his arms, Malshuom looked upon the great beast in front of him. He could only see a portion of it, but he could make out the dark grey scales over its body with a few orange elbow-spikes.
It swung its claw up and smacked away the rest of the vines and branches. Malshuom backpedaled slowly, looking into its sharp cyan eyes as it examined him. The Nera'ak had a double array of orange spines, and on its head were two red colored horns protruding from the back of it's skull. Its neck was very long and a bit thick, and its body was long and bulky, but sleek enough that the wings on its back, large and wide, wouldn't have trouble moving it through the air.
The Nera'ak seemed to be just as surprised as him, and it slowly lowered its head. For some reason, Malshuom felt no fear. He was anxious, of course, but he couldn't understand why he wasn't afraid. The Nera'ak was looking at him… expectantly, almost. He noticed it glancing down to his mark, which was still lightly humming. Malshuom looked between his mark and the Nera'ak… then slowly rose his hand. The dragon closed its eyes as Malshuom closed the distance… and Malshuom felt his arm go numb.
And his life's memories were set on replay.
From the moment of his birth, to the current time. And then, he felt as if there was silence in his mind. A peaceful quiet that no man should have.
I've waited eons for you to find me.
Malshuom gasped softly, looking at the now smirking Nera'ak.
You… you spoke to me.
Yes. It is how our kind have communicated, remember?
A small dryness occurred in Malshuom's throat, and he stifled another gasp as the Nera'ak nuzzled him.
What is your name?
…Malshuom.
The Nera'ak smiled and bowed respectfully.
And I am your eternal partner, Hurako. I have seen your past… and I share the feelings they come with. We are the next in line, yes?
Yes… we are.
And our people have grown apart. Do you think it will be easy? Winning this war?
A small smile of his own appeared on Malshuom's lips.
I pray that it is… but I know it won't.
Hurako let out a throaty chuckle and lowered his body to the ground.
Then we'd better get started.
Ponyville. 3 months after Hearth's Warming…
"It's been a while hasn't it?" Tony laughed, looking at Violet with a satisfied smile.
"You actually got my antiques into here?" She quietly exclaimed, shifting nervously.
Beside Tony, Luna chuckled softly. "It wasn't very hard, considering they've been hoping to open a Zebrecan aisle all year," she told her. "I'm glad we were of help. And before I forget…"
Violet turned to the lunar princess, and her jaw dropped when she saw the check. Her eyes turned to saucers as she READ it. "8,000 bits?!" She shouted, causing passing pony's to glance over.
"Just like I promised," Tony smiled. "And, since you said you were pretty well-informed on Zebrecan culture—"
"I'd like to offer you a position in this museum," Luna finished. "Since we lack many Zebrecan experts, I would like to ask that you be here when they open this area to the public."
Violet slowly smiled wider and wider. "Really?!"
"They'll need someone who knows about this stuff, right, nila? (hun?)" Tony grinned, chuckling as Luna nudged him.
Violet wrapped Luna in a bone-crushing hug, doing the same to Tony right after. She stepped back with tears of joy in her eyes. "Thank you! You… I just don't know what to say!" She beamed.
"Thank you's good enough for me," Tony laughed.
"As is for me," Luna nodded, smiling just as happily. "I'm glad you're happy with your new job."
"I love it! I've always wanted to come here when I was a filly… but now I'm WORKING here!" She looked more excited than a filly going to the candy shop. "If there's anything I can ever do—"
"It's not a problem," Tony told her, nervously scratching his ear. "I promised you this… well, Luna did, really, but it wasn't a problem."
Violet grew a firm expression, but she smiled nonetheless. "Just find me if you ever need anything," she said. "I owe you big time."
Tony smiled once more, then he and Luna gave her one last farewell before she was called over by the museum manager. They made their way towards the medieval Equestria exhibit.
"Thanks, Luna," he smiled, kissing her cheek.
"Anything for my subjects," she laughed gently. "And for you, of course."
She nuzzled his cheek, then yawned quite loudly. "I think it's a bit past your bedtime, don't you think?" Tony chuckled, scratching just behind her ear.
Luna sighed contently, leaning into his palm. "Yes… a little lower," she murmured. "Are you headed back to Ponyville?"
Tony nodded. "Pinkie's probably gonna need help, since the Cake's are off for their anniversary," he explained. "But I'll see you soon, 'kay?"
Luna smiled and kissed his lips. "Just come by whenever you can," she told him.
I promise.
I know you do.
They shared a laugh as they made their way out together. Tony walked with her to the castle gates, talking about small things until they reached it. Tony gave her one last kiss, and watched as she went down the small path, up the short set of steps, and waved to him before disappearing behind the doors.
Nyla?
I'm just over the ledge.
Tony smirked as he bolted towards the cliff side, leaped over the small wall surrounding the outskirts of the mountain-city, and dropped off the side of the cliff. He dove for a few seconds, the wind billowing through his shirt and hair, until he reached up with a hand and caught Nyla's reins. He pulled himself into a sitting position, and Nyla flapped into a hard right, twirling before easing into the winds, straight for Ponyville.
Do you think everything is fine?
What do you mean, Reku'un?
I mean… are you okay with this place?
…
…
It's… growing on me.
Tony smiled softly, gently stroking one of her spines.
I hope so.
I still don't like them.
At least they're growing on you, too.
Nyla huffed a trail of smoke and smacked him with the tip of her tail. Laughing softly, Tony gripped the reins as they sped up quickly, crossing the vast plains between Canterlot and Ponyville. Like always, they circled the town from afar and landed at the edge of the forest. After the few months since Hearth's Warming, most of Ponyville had seen him ride Nyla, since she was the fastest way to get to Canterlot and back.
And… three little fillies were always looking for her.
Of course Nyla didn't mind, and she would often lead them in a large circle, until they were back at the path. They pleaded him to take him to her, but he always bribed them for the day with an offer to help Crusading or a trip to Sugarcube corner.
I'll see you soon.
I might circle the forest after midnight. Do you think it will be fine?
Of course, Nyla.
Then I'll be seeing you.
He rubbed her eye crest once more before heading back into town. Like always, he smiled and said hi to anypony he saw. He was pretty much acquainted with the entire town by now. It was nice to know that everypony knew him, and he knew them all. He knew most of them pretty well, too. The memory of a newcomer the month before came to mind. He reacted more subtly than Pinkie and greeted the new resident. Before he could warn her about the bubbly mare, she zoomed between them and, well, gave him a Pinkie-greeting. An enormous party that night, just for him.
As he reminisced, he bumped into somepony… and he felt his energy drop FAST. The tinkling of gems followed by a small gasp reached his ear, but he stumbled backwards first before regaining his senses. "I'm terribly sorry!" He heard a mare frantically say. "I-I was in such a rush… gosh, are you okay?"
The feeling vanished as quick as it came, but Tony still felt a bit weak. "I'm fine, Miss," he groaned softly. "Here… let me help you with that."
"Oh, it's fine," she insisted, scooping some out of the way of other passing ponies. "I-I can get it."
"It's no trouble re…really," he said, stifling a grunt as he grabbed a handful of gems.
His energy was taking a nosedive. The moment he placed the strange gems in the box, his energy would stop diving, but it didn't come back up. Once all ten gems were back in, he helped her up, his head fogged as he did.
"Thank you, mister," she nodded with a smile. "I'm sorry, again."
She turned and started bolting off again, and Tony barely managed to get a good look at her. He looked at his palm, his eyes shifting between focused and blurred every other second.
Re…Reku'un…
…you feel it… too right?
Yes… what… what happened?
I'm not sure…
He looked down the path the mare had galloped, but she was long gone by now.
Maybe… I should get home… get some rest…
…hurry.
Nyla sounded just as weakened as him. Aside from the fact that they shared the same energy pool, it often took a significant amount of energy output to affect a Nera'ak. Turning back towards the path to Sugarcube Corner, he started slowly making his way to the candy shop, swaying ever so slightly. As soon as he walked in, Pinkie's face brightened greatly, but her smile vanished when she saw him nearly tumble.
"Hey, Pinkie," he weakly smiled.
"What's wrong, T?" She questioned, her ears down as she noticed how pale she was. "Did you catch the flu early? Fluttershy could—"
"Pinkie," Tony interjected, holding a hand up. "I'm not feeling too good… and I don't think I can walk around like… like this."
Pinkie nodded, sighing as she thought how lonely it would be working the shop alone. "Well… I could ask Twilight if she could let me borrow Spikey for a little bit," she smiled gently, a flash of concern in her eyes.
"Sounds good," he nodded, holding up his fist. She bumped her hoof into it, and put on a bigger smile for him.
"Okay, get home, big guy," she giggled. "And don't forget to tell Twi!"
Tony nodded one last time before heading for the door. The moment he walked out, Pinkie turned into a pink blur as she shot into the kitchen, pulling Applejack and Rarity up from the floor behind the table.
"WEGOTTATELLTWITONY'SPRETTYSICKANDHE'SGOINGHOMEEARLYBUTINEEDTO—"
"Okay!"Applejack exclaimed, shoving a hoof in Pinkie's mouth. "I'll get Rainbow t' head over before he gets there."
"She should be here by now, actually," Rarity said, glancing out the window. "Where—"
Crash!
The mares ducked as a mess of pots and pans were thrown in all directions. When they stood up, Rainbow could be seen pulling a taller pot off her head, her grunts echoing slightly.
"Anypony wanna help?" She called, sitting up.
Pinkie jammed butter into the space between her head and the pot, moved it around, then pulled it off quickly.
"Thanks, Pinkie," Rainbow chuckled. "I got the—"
"YOUGOTTATELLTWITONY'SGOINGHOME!" Pinkie exclaimed, grabbing Rainbow and tossing her out the back entrance.
"Wait!" Rainbow shouted, just as she was thrown out into the dirt.
"Hurry!" Pinkie yelled, slamming the door shut.
Rainbow sat in confusion, slowly processing what she'd said. "Oh, snap," she muttered, taking off instantly.
She flew over Ponyville and looked for the lumbering giant, spotting him crossing the marketplace slowly. His limp was pretty obvious, but she focused on getting to the library. The door wouldn't be locked, but she was running short on time.
And she had a small cramp in her wing from hauling the fireworks.
"Comeoncomeoncomeon!"
She crashed through the window and knocked into a small body, then stopped against the bookshelf, and the shelves dumped their books on them. Spike popped out from the pile of books, followed by Rainbow.
"Wing cramp?" He sighed.
"Yup," she sheepishly smiled. "Where's Twilight?"
"Up here," she called. Twilight trotted down the steps, a roll of streamers and a small can of confetti following. "Again?"
Rainbow groaned and waved her hoof dismissively. "Tony's coming home now!" She blurted.
"What?!" Spike and Twilight shouted.
"He's supposed to be headed to Sugarcube Corner!" Twilight vanished in a magenta flash, then reappeared without either object. "What's he doing back so early?!"
"He feels sick or something, but he's almost here!" Rainbow repeated.
"Pinkie's cannon's in the hall!" Twilight told her. "Just drag it into my room, quick!"
Rainbow galloped upstairs, and no sooner did the door handle jingle in place. The door opened slowly, and Twilight's nervous smile turned to concern when she saw him. He was pale, he looked dazed, and he was slightly swaying. His eyelids looked heavy, and he was taking half-steps.
"Hey, Tony," she smiled. "You okay?"
"I'm… I'll be fine after a nap… or something," Tony groaned, clutching his head suddenly. "What happened to the window?"
Twilight silently panicked, but she retained her soft smile. "U-Uh, Spike… fell, and his claw slipped from the book! Right, Spike?" She asked, her eyes almost glaring at him.
"Y-Yeah!" He chuckled sheepishly. "My bad."
Tony bought it, or just couldn't find enough strength to question further, and made his way up the steps. As he passed Twi's room, the door opened a crack, and Rainbow waited until he was in his room. She snuck back downstairs, nodding with a smile to Twilight.
"He looks awful," Twilight said softly. "But he hasn't been sick like this. He didn't even catch a cold in the winter, remember?"
Rainbow shrugged softly. "Maybe it's just one of those freak flu's or something." Twilight didn't believe as much, but there was nothing to explain it. "So… how exactly did Pinkie find out Tony's birthday?"
Twilight groaned loudly, putting a hoof to her forehead. "Honestly, I don't know, and it took me THREE days to get the same day," she sighed. "It took her three seconds! And every time I asked how she found out, she would just say she ‘saw an old AN’ and did it from there."
"AN?" Rainbow questioned.
"I don't know, she never explained it," she said. "But she wants it to be extra special."
"Yeah, I noticed," Rainbow laughed. "It's… in a month, right?"
"Two months, five days," Twilight corrected. "It's funny. His birthday's the day before the Summer Sun Celebration."
"Really?" Rainbow laughed. "Maybe Pinkie guessed, then?"
"I don't think so," Twilight chuckled.
"Rainbow… could you help me?" Spike grunted, pushing a dozen pound tome into a higher shelf, but he was too short to put it back.
"Sure, buddy," Rainbow chuckled.
Upstairs, Tony barely pulled his shoes off before crawling into bed. His breathing was getting more and more erratic, and he felt the tips of his toes and fingers going cold.
Something… something was with those… those gems…
…my flame… is weakening…
It feels like… like Oracoal stone… but less… effective.
Tony looked up to the ceiling, feeling his energy finally stabilize. His vision faded to black… and Nyla's eyes shut as she collapsed in her cavern.