//------------------------------// // What was Past is Present // Story: An Extended Holiday // by Commander_Pensword //------------------------------// Extended Holiday Chp 20: What was Past is Present Act 3 Taze let out a very loud gasp as his beak opened wide allowing sweet life giving air into his lungs. He coughed loudly as his lungs attempted to purge themselves of built up carbon. The noise roused one of his two friends as they both opened their eyes. Matthew was on his back and just looked up into the sky before he realized something as he blinked. “Where’s the snow storm? I can see a little bit of grey clouds but where’s the raging blizzard? Or Mr. Smokey Sombra?” He rolled and blinked at his friend. “Wha, Shawn? Shawn?” He moved to his hooves and moved to shake his friend. “Come on, rise and shine. Wake UP!” he yelled as he started to shake his friend harder. He stopped to take a  few deep breaths and smiled at the rising and falling of Shawn’s chest. “Good your breathing, wait, Taze?” he asked as he looked up at his friend. “Just what was your deal with Sombra? You almost went berserk back there.” “I don’t know.” Taze admitted. “When I see him I just feel so angry for some reason.” Matthew nodded his head. “Yeah, I know, I feel the same way when I see pictures of Hitler or Stalin, but, we have never seen the guy before and you had that before we knew he was Sombra,” He paused and groaned. “Why my head feeling all fuzzy and loopy?” he paused and blinked and slowly spoke again. “Hello, My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father.” he paused and looked to Taze. “I’m speaking Equestrian, no Dragon.” “Is it just me or do I have a french equestrian accent?” Taze asked. Matthew paused and listened a little closing his eyes. “Okay, say something that is familiar to you then, let’s see if that is true.” “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!” Taze said. Matthew’s eyes opened in wide eyed shock. “That, you are right, it does have a french undertone, how? What happened to our language skills?” He shivered a little. “Just what did Sombra do to us?” He began to look around and paused. “When did we put the flag of the Crystal Empire upon the spires to the entrance? And why is their a gate?” “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.” Taze said. “We haven’t been in Kansas since the first of November.” Matthew muttered. “Just, what is going on here?” Matthew sighed and looked back at Shawn and then to Taze. “Mind if you place Shawn on your back? I rather not be in the weather outside. Let’s find a tavern or Inn or someplace to stay for the night.” “Go ahead” Taze lowered himself to the ground. Matthew only nodded and bent down and tried to pick Shawn up and he ignored the idea or the scene that he was picking up another pony, with hooves like he had hands, he was not going to think about it till after he got. He grunted and found himself suddenly trapped, as Shawn was now pinning Matthew to Taze’s back with Matthew between the two. “GAHK.” Matthew muttered loudly. “Taze, I’m trapped.” The gryphon got to his feet using both talons he attempted to move the earth pony off of the pegasus. Only to have both roll and land on the ground. “Ouch.” Matthew muttered while Shawn kept on breathing but not waking up. Taze only shook his head. “Okay, Let’s try again.” Matthew got up and nodded his Navy blue head before working again, three tries later, Shawn was on the back of the Gryphon and Matthew took head as they slowly approached the gate. “Right, shall we see what is going on here?” he asked his friends. “Once we get settled I am opening that letter.” Matthew sighed and slowly stopped at the front of the gates. “Hail! We request shelter from the weather.” The guard on the opposite side of the gate looked at them with a quick glance before looking towards Shawn on the back of the Gryphon. “Tis the matter with thy friend?” The guard called out, headed towards the gate controls. Both immediately took note of his form of speech. “He has fallen and neither my friend nor I cannot rouse him from his slumber.” Matthew looked back in worry to Shawn. The guard eye’d them up. His look becoming somewhat more severe every time he looked at Taze. “Where do you hail from gryphon?” His words came off as somewhat suspicious. “Excuse me?” Taze asked. “We just finished a war, thou canst expect security to be so lax that we’d simply let a possible enemy waltz into our city.” The guard replied while glaring at the group. It was the Navy blue Pegasus with white mane and tail that responded. “Now See here, I have served honorably with this Gryphon. He and I serve this noble born with our lives and we ourselves just had to deal with an attack of black creatures that could steal the love in your heart.” He was angry, or was using anger to hide something he just noticed. The Crystal Guard was glowing and glittering as if the Crystal aspect of his form was alive and full of energy. “I would trust my life in his talons in any battle.” Matthew looked at the gate. “Wilt thou let one of noble birth die upon your gate walls?” “You are Equestrian born, so is the noble, we are allies but not so friendly that our security can be dropped so carelessly.” the guard answered “Now where do you hale?” “The northern isles?” Taze said before clearing his throat sticking out his chest and restating “I hale from the northern isles.” he stated. The Pegasus glared. “I hail from a settlement that is too small to be of importance, however from where I hail from we see the towers of the Castle of the Two Sisters.” He just stared. “What dost your friend do then? Hailing from the Northern Isles, he looks like no fisher.” The guard asked with a raised brow, it seemed he was not buying the story. “Answer that or I shall end your life here feather beast.” “You would die before you drew your sword.” Taze shot back, the act coming to him now, gryphons were proud, fearsome. Reaching into his bandolier he produced a page of parchment. “I have the right to ply my trade.” Taze held the parchment in front of the guards face. “To threaten me is to threaten a citizen of Equestrians shores.” The guards eye’s widened a bit as he got to the signature at the bottom. “Very well.” He snorted “You may enter, but tomorrow you will be expected to report to the queen so she may decide if she will hold up Princess’s Luna’s decision” Matthew nodded his head. “I hope then that Lord Hammer Strike is awake by then, as we both are honor bound to leave only when the Lord is able to move again.” The Guard glared at the two. “How did the Lord gain the honor of a Gryphon.” There was a snort at the very idea of a Gryphon honoring an Earth Pony. “Life Debt, I do not know, I came to be employed after that event.” He paused and before the Guard could ask, “I am his Captain of Guards, and at the moment the last alive of his protection I brought with me.” “Right, and where is your badge of office?” The Guard asked not letting them pass as the gates started to open. All Matthew did was present the hat he had shoved into his saddle bag. It was his black beret with the badge of blue with a border of white stars around the badge. “This is my status of office.” he paused and tsked. “That thief of a Changeling. He stole the metal crest.” The Guard sighed and put a hoof to his muzzle. “Very well, I shall let you all pass, the traveler’s Inn is thankfully near the Castle.” He turned around. “Private Quartz, escort our, “guest” to the Queen’s Tavern and keep guards their till their audience with the Queen tomorrow.” As soon as they were all settled into one room. There was a comedic “Come On” from Matthew upon realizing he was once more sharing the same room with the same group again. The Guards moved away a little bit. Matthew sighed as he looked at Taze. “Taze, it is not a matter of where, or what, but when.” He held up a wing, “It makes only logical sense, the fancy speaking, the attitude towards you, oh, and a spinning heart shaped crystal right under the castle. Which is missing when we first walked to the plaza just this morning.” “And the Guard mentioned a war.” Taze noted “According to the Princesses there wasn’t a full scale war in equestria since Luna’s fall, only minor battles.” Matthew nodded. “Right, glad to see we kept our ears opened back there, still… why send us to the height of the empire as it seems? Or did he mean to send us back further…” he paused and looked at Shawn. “Unless something interrupted and rebelled against his magic.” he Smirked. “Remember how Lord Hammer Strike’s body reacted to that Changeling’s magic? It must have done so again here. His, whatever his special talent is to break free of death traps.” he shook his head. “Still, how to wake him up, the one secret his hoof servant never gave me.” He looked to the door to tell Taze he was still acting because of the guards. “Allow me” Taze said walking over to the bed he gently tumbled Shawn onto. Reaching inside his bandolier he pulled out something he had nearly forgotten he had. Grinning down at his iPod he attempted to activate the touch screen, his talons sailed across the glass with no effect. he tried again, nothing. After several tries and some frustration. He maneuvered the end of his lion tail over and pressed it against the screen, it immediately flickered to life. With a grin Taze ran through his list of music and sounds on the list. With a grin he placed a ear bud on Shawn's right ear and hit the ring of Shawn's cellphone. “What are you doing? And is it a good idea? What if that, we may not know what he is going through.” Matthew asked causing Taze to pause from finishing his task he set out to do. Only to have Shawn suddenly open his eyes and looked around unmoving. “Oh good grief, I can not move. But, hello, where exactly are we?” He sighed. Matthew looked at Taze. “You tell the Lord or shall I?” he asked, Shawn realizing right away that Matthew had just spoke Equestrian without his pendant. His eyes widening before narrowing a little. “Basically it seems we have had the proverbial weeping angel pulled on us.” Taze said. Matthew nodded his head. “Milord, of the group you set out with, we three are all the made it to the gates of the Crystal Empire. We have audience tomorrow with the Queen. Tell me, what else do you remember other than having a life debt with a Gryphon and training a Captain of your Guard?” He was speaking and hoping Shawn caught the story he had woken to. “I am pleased to say that Luna’s write of giving our friend citizenship, and right to practice his trade is working in that they did not kill him where he stood, these lands too were affected by the Gryphon War, while we were busy putting down that Changeling infiltration.” He smiled a little happy with how he was staying in character for the most part. Shawn hummed in thought. “It is a bit blurry to me.” He said with a raised brow. “But I can remember some of it. The traveling, and…” He sighed. “From the beginning, I am the last of my bloodline, we were traveling towards the Crystal Empire, which I believe we made it. We were, ambushed by changelings.” He grunted, putting a hoof to his head. “Still feeling it too.” “We slaughtered them to the last my lord.” The gryphon added, noting the window on the wall and the house across from it he decided a bit of an act was in order. Drawing his blade he set it tip downward in front of him with both talons on the pommed bowing his head his tone changed. “In my arrogance I lost sight of you my lord, you were unconscious by the time I found you again, please forgive my stupidity.” “Well, I have not died, you are forgiven.” Shawn said with a smile. “As always my lord your graciousness knows no bounds.” Taze added. If anything the crystal ponies would be thinking less of the gryphon and more of this pony lord who demanded such adamant respect. “I believe my lord it is time that you and commander Pensword open your missives.”  He added. “But if you are not well perhaps there is time on the morrow.” Pensword moved to open his missive as did Shawn only to hear a banging on the door. “The Queen demands the audience now, if the Lord is fully able to talk.” Matthew sighed and looked to Shawn. “I so am going to figure out when to open this missive from the capital.” he muttered before putting it away. He looked to Taze. “Come on you get one side, I’ll get the other, Let’s see how Lord Hammer Strike can walk first.” Sheathing his blade, Taze was at Shawns side as quickly as he could be. “Of course commander.” What followed was a good test and when the door opened Commander Pensword moved out of the hallway and looked around before nodded inside where Taze walked out and moved to the front, Shawn or Lord Hammer Strike walked out and Matthew took the back. The Commander was more on edge and looked at the Crystal Guards. “You don’t mind if I prike you with my blade? Lord Hammer Strike has, a bounty on his head from three hives.” The Crystal Ponies only narrowed their eyes. “We are made of Crystals we could never be replaced by these bugs.” The glare and the way they moved their spears to a little bit lower to threaten Commander Pensword only made him nod his head. “Right, right, just checking.” He still kept his eyes moving and head turning making the Crystal Pony guards be a little more worried and tightened their own formation as they moved towards the castle and an audience with this Queen. The crystal empire as it had been was something to behold, far more than what they had seen in the present, houses and building of pure crystal stretched out as far as they could make out. even in the night the moonlight caused the crystal to sparkle below and all around them. somehow the three friends found themselves once again tagged by fate to be present at another great turn of history. The crystal throne room looked much the same as it had when the three had seen it the first time with Cadence, though it was now without a shadow of a doubt more populated. Lining the red carpet that was rolled to the foot of the throne were crystal earth ponies, each decked out in armor that seemed to be metal and yet crystal at the same time. Each held a lance in hoof and looked by far large enough to use it. Tapestries and banners adorned the walls as well as crystal shield of every color depicting terrible beasts and great battles. Weapons lined the walls hanging from plaques and hangers and such things. The room itself was positively bursting even at the current hour with courtiers and nobles discussing political issues, with fools juggling and acting and clowning around, but possibly most shocking was the foals. Foals ran around the throne room light heartedly giggling and laughing even as adults patiently scooted over to let them through without incident. The sight was quite something. Sitting comfortably on the throne was a wine red mare with a deep crimson mane. Her body was adorned with a luxurious purple coat with some kind of fur trim. her neck held a necklace with a miniature crystal heart set in white gold and upon her brow sat a white gold circlet just above her horn nearly unadorned save for a small emerald in the center of it. To only a few feet from the throne. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, a stuffy looking tan pony with a grey and white striped mane approached. “Bow before her majesty Queen Blood Diamond the benevolent, thirty first queen of all the Crystal Empire.” he said in a stuffy voice. Instinct told him to stand but Taze found himself almost dropping instantly. He turned his head to Shawn. Shawn gave a small smile. “I’m afraid we can not at the moment. We would if we were able to, but I’m afraid the only reason I am able to stand is because of the support of my companions.” “Hush now Schenshal, can you not see our guest is injured.” The queen spoke, her voice was notably lacking in the hostility they had seemed to encounter everywhere else so far. “Please approach my friends that I may know you better.” When the three approached she nodded. “Now please may I have your names?” Shawn, or Hammer Strike, gave a small nod. “I am Lord Hammer Strike your majesty.” “Commander Pensword, Personnel Captain of Lord Hammer Strike’s troops.” Matthew replied. “Which amount to just I since the Changelings.” The guards seemed to tense as Taze took a step forward. “I am Grif your majesty, son of Graf of the northern isles, retainer to my Lord Hammer Strike by right of my life and my honor.” The queen nodded, with a wave of her hoof the guards relaxed. “Many are too quick to forget that not every gryphon fought in this war or serve the emperor.” she nodded. “In truth I do not even know his name.” Taze added with a flair. The queen nodded. “Just so, Lord Hammer Strike by the sounds of the information we were given you have been away from Equestria for quite sometime, allow me to send word to your house of your current condition, surely they would appreciate to know you live.” Shawn gave a sad smile. “I am afraid you need not look far, I am the last of my bloodline.” The queen looked at him, it was hard to read her face but he could almost make out traces of respect on her face. “The last of your house and you go to war when so many larger houses hide their lords away like cowards, Equestria is fortunate to command such a honorable stallion.” “There is no honor in hiding.” Shawn said. “Well it is obvious you are not dangerous travelers, but to ease my generals I will ask my ambassador, I am confident he will vouch for you.” The queen said. “Are there stories true my friend?” The crowd parted as somepony moved through it. The three friends heard the uncanny jingle of bells as the figure moved. Taze could just note the tip of a blue hat moving in the crowd. Finally the ponies in front moved aside to allowed a grey unicorn stallion to walk through, unlike the rest his coat had no ethereal glow to it. He wore a large blue hat and cape. Both where lined with belles and the cape was decorated rather intricately with the night sky. The most notable trait about him however was the large grey beard hanging off his muzzle. “Is that?” Taze whispered to Shawn. Shawn only nodded in response, keeping his expression calm and relaxed. Matthew just stood there and stared trying to hide his shock. The aged unicorn approached them at a leisurely pace, which Taze noted mentally, being the sean connery of ponies, he could probably afford to do no matter who he was addressing. “Hmm…” He looked at Shawn closely examining him. “Strike? One of the recently promoted smith families is it?” he asked squinting in Shawn's face. “An honest face, a fire in the eyes, you don’t see that in many unicorn lords these days, yes you definitely have the fire of a Equestrian Lord.” He approached Matthew next examining him. “Dark colors for a pegasi. You from one of those villages mating with Thestrals?” he asked raising an eyebrow. Seeing Pensword not budge at the question he smiled. “There’s that pride! Don’t worry boy you won’t be judged for your roots here, a pegasus who pledges his life to an earth pony, tell me what did a mud dweller do to get a feather brains loyalty?” The way he said the terms seemed to denote distaste for the terms more than the pony type. Matthew glared. “If I had any weapon on me, I would have struck you for using such terms in my presence. As for the reason, that is my own and not for some horn head to ask me.” the bearded Unicorn could see fire and rage in the normally peaceful blue eyes of the Pegasus. He smirked a little then as if revealing in the battle of words. The crowd gasped, Starswirl however chuckled. “Your definitely one of Hurricanes lot.” he said. “Or at least descended from them, that was almost three hundred years ago after all.” Finally he turned to Taze. His face quickly became unreadable as he approached. “I’ve seen many strange things in my day, but an earth pony commanding the loyalty of a gryphon is definitely an abnormality. So tell me ‘Son of Graff’ where is your pride?” “Pride cometh before a fall.” Taze quoted out of reflex. “Hmm… Wise words indeed.” He nodded. “And how do you explain these colors then?” He asked. His words shocked Taze as he realised he’d never taken time to really get his reflection or take into account what he looked like. All he could do was look down really and what caught his eye was a black coat under his armor with a green vest like design on the chest. not sure what to say he looked up at the unicorn. Taking a breath and steeled his nerves he answered. “My grandmother was a toucan?” He rambled off. Silence went into the room, you could hear a pin drop, heck you could hear the dust might the pin landed on scream in pain. And then Starswirl burst out in laughter throwing his head back to let out loud braying laughs. Soon others joined in and soon the room shook with ponies laughing. “I don’t know if thats true or not.” Starswirl clapped a hoof on the gryphons shoulder trying to catch his breath. “But you’re not like any imperial gryphon I’ve ever known.” Turning back to the queen still struggling not to giggle he smiled “Your majesty these three are most assuredly Equestrian, I’ll vouch for them under Celestia’s authority.” he said. Calming down herself the queen nodded. “Guardsmen, get some of your men to help lord Hammer Strike to the healers, then get these men some food, they have traveled far and they have served their lord well, our hospitality is the least we can offer.” “For not liking Gryphons it was sure interesting they stocked meat” Taze noted as he cleaned off a drumstick. Matthew shrugged. “It is the Crystal Empire, surely the meat is for trying to distract any Dragons from eating the buildings or structures.” Matthew blinked as a few of the guards just stared and looked at each other. “I saw a dragon up close,” Matthew continued. “Just made some military sense in my mind is all.” He smirked as the two guards only nodded to each other to confirm his thoughts. “Good, happy to see you all thinking of the future.” he looked down at the plate. “I must say that your Crystal Berries, are something I have never tasted before.” He smiled as he picked up a few in his hoof and moved to put them in his mouth. only hitting his hoof as a pink blur seemed to fly past at the last minute. Matthew stared at his bitten hoof and then back to where he saw the pink blur vanish to, he looked to the guards who had happened to be looking at different direction, he looked back and paused. “My comrade in arms. I believe I have another thief, this one of my own vittles. I can handle changelings stealing my gear because I can recover them and hunt them down, food on the other hoof, cannot be recovered.” He was speaking slowly. “Also I have never had the food be stolen before, who is brave to steal from a Soldier?” he asked looking back up from his now empty plate. “I do not know but they are a brave soul indeed.” Taze said in a slightly louder than necessary tone. “You chased that changeling for three days and nights and when you caught him, you made him eat his own mouth! Poor sap just has a empty patch where it used to be.” Matthew turned and stared his friend. His expression read really? but he said nothing as a small terrified squeak was heard behind one of the curtained doorways. “Of course I am sure if the thief were to show themselves and return there pilfered goods, you would be happy to share with them.” Taze gave Matthew a wink. Matthew returned to look at his empty bowl. “I might even reward them with one helping of their favorite food. I like showing Honesty is a good element.” he muttered loudly. There was a shuffling sound as from behind the curtain a small pink pegasus revealed herself. Her main was two shades of pink with yellow mixed in and when she looked at them her face seemed utterly familiar to them. Running over she presented the berries to Matthew in her hooves. Both of them noticed the tiara on her head. “I’m sorry.” she apologized bowing her head. “It was just a trick, please don’t make me eat my own mouth” she begged. “You returned what you stole, I am a Pegasus of my word.” He looked to the guards who were looking stone faced at the scene before them. “As I promised, please bring Princess,” he paused so as not to say another word, so he looked down at her again. “Uh, Princess?” he asked politely as he put the berries on his plate. “Katy.” she smiled at him. “My name is Katy.” Matthew noticed that the guards had a look, he figured this was not the real name but he was going to humor her. “Please bring Princess Katy’s favorite dessert.” he looked at his plate. “As well as a bowl of Crystal Berries so that their might be enough in case she wants more berries.” He paused and added another word. “Please.” The Guards just started at him and he looked back. “What? Never heard the word please? I am a guest, no way will I ever say anything like an order.” he grimaced a little. “All the troops I command anyway are no longer with me.” The Guards only nodded and bowed to the Princess as they walked out of the room. The Navy blue Pegasus only looked at the plate. “So, what do you like to do around the castle, to be honest I have not been to the Crystal Empire before so I am just curious that is all.” “I like playing jokes on the ponies in the castle” she answered. Matthew only smirked and looked at Katy, “that sounds fun.” he looked up as the guards were coming back. “Well, here it comes.” He replied with a slight smile. “Talk after food?” he asked, “If your schedule allows.” “Ok, it was nice meeting you Mr. Pensword!” she said. “It was nice meeting you as well Princess Katy.” Mr. Pensword replied with a small bow before she began to eat what looked to be a crystallized berry ice cream type dish. He only returned to eating from the bowl of berries. “KK are you in here?” A much younger voice asked as the clopping of small hooves echoed through the room. “Cosy over here.” Katy called out. Moments later a small deep blue unicorn colt ran towards them. “KK where did you go?” He called out as he approached. Suddenly he came to a stop as he noticed the others at the table. A smaller yellow filly ran in behind him. The yellow filly was also a Unicorn and she ran into her older brother as she did not expect him to stop so suddenly. Matthew suddenly remembered something and promptly stood from his chair and seemed to go red from worry. “Sorry, my apologies for sitting in the presence of the Royal family.” he shook his head. “Milord drilled in that when he was on campaign and was in a room to remain sitting as well, my apologies for my grave blunder.” Taze looked at them. “In all honesty my princesses and prince, it has been a long journey and our Princess Luna has been most pressing that we do not lower our heads when she sits at the table, in truth I do not know if I can lower my head that low, so please I will continue to eat as I have been, and you can imagine me with my head beneath the table okay?” The princess looked up from her ice cream and laughed, the other foals too seemed to have a hard time not laughing at the funny image of a gryphon eating with it’s head below the table. Matthew only smirked and moved a little so that the siblings could crowd in around katy. It was here that they noticed she was eating ice cream. Which just drew them around her even faster. Matthew only smiled now this he was fine with, children racing all over the place. “Are you really a pegasus?” ‘Cosy’ asked with large wide eye’s at he stared at Pensword. Matthew paused and blinked, before nodding his head. “I appear to be, am I not? I doubt these are for show.” he extended his wings a little. “However some have said I have some Thestral in my blood.” He smirked a little. “Those are the main force that make up Princess Luna’s guard.” He folded his wings again. “Why do you ask?” “I never saw a pegasus before cept for KK.” He said in awe. Pen Sword only nodded. “Well,” he paused and looked at the guards, “If it is okay with the guards, I think I can allow you to look at one of my wings, you seem rather inquisitive, I like that, makes you know and grow in your mind.” Alto just stared. “But, I thought you are all war like?” Matthew smirked. “Something I have learned is that to be a great leader, you must learn and teach. For example if I know the average speed of a Pegasus without gear, and then with gear, I can then plan for how long missives and orders can be applied to different areas. Also, if I know the geology of a region I can then with a guess, realize just how many dragons if any might be lurking around.” He paused and shook his head. “I rather learn in a book then in the battlefield.” He looked at the young Prince. “I lost my men because I did not know what I should have of my enemy.” “Why can’t you go find them?” The prince asked. Pen Sword looked at the Prince and his face lowered with sadness. “I wish I can, but at the moment my main concern is to help Milord Hammer Strike to regain his health and strength, Then, I can find not just my remaining troops but the monster that attacked and scattered them.” He looked at the two guards who had bowed their heads, they had gotten what he meant by lost but at the moment Prince Cosy did not fully understand what he meant, so to the guards they thought he was trying to explain death in a soft manner. The little unicorn reared up and attempted to wrap his small hooves around Pensword in a gentle hug. “A monster took my daddy too.” he said. Pensword blinked and spoke some words, “Permission to return the hug the Prince has given me?” he asked softly and nodded his head. “I, I am deeply saddened to hear that.” The only response he got was a deeper hug. Of which Pensword returned softly, which was the scene that the Queen saw as she entered the room. Next to her was a Unicorn of a grey coat and white mane, he was carrying a spell book it seemed. Noticing the queen enter Taze got to his feet and bowed. “Your majesty.” he noted loud enough to alert Pensword. Pensword moved to stand up only to have the Prince refusing to release him from his hug, so Pensword did try to stand but found a weight around his neck before falling down to the laughter and giggling of Alto and Cosy. Meanwhile Pensword was now suddenly fearful of being placed in a dungeon for improper respect to the Queen of the Crystal Empire. A moment later Cosy released him and looked a little ashamed. he did not say anything at the moment. “I see you have met my children.” The queen smiled. “My little Atlo, my strong Bellacoso and my sweet Amore” she said. Pensword only nodded his head. “I have your majesty, I have a feeling that they will be amazing as they grow older.” He smiled and little as he was able to stand finally and smiled a little at the children. “Thank you for your assistance with Milord Hammer Strike.” “It is the least I can do after how you were treated at the gate.” she answered. Pensword blinked as the Pony next to the Queen smirked at the antics before turning to the Queen. “If you will excuse me, I think I should check on the patrols for the night.” “Of course Ambrosia.” The Queen replied nodding in return as the Unicorn left the Queens side before she smiled. “Okay, now.” She replied clapping her hooves. “What have my children been up to?” “They just came bye to say hello.” Taze smiled. “Very hospitable of them.” Pensword only nodded his head. “Indeed, and, well I had a prank pulled on myself.” He admitted making a slight roundabout way of having his berries taken. The Queen smiled and nodded her head softly. “Indeed.” She replied and turned fully to her children. “And from your own mouths, what have the three of you been up to? Besides getting into the ice cream and sharing with one another?” She asked with a smile at the melting icecream that was around all three children’s muzzles. At the moment Shawn was walking out of the infirmary with a familiar stallion by his side. “Thank you for helping me out of there, Starswirl.” Shawn commented. “Not every day I meet a ‘countrymen’ out here.” Starswirl responded. “Last I checked the solar and lunar army was marching to the capital as a united group. While leaving Engineering corps to rebuilt the damages incurred from the war.” Shawn only nodded in response. “So why don’t you summon your retainers to my office and we discuss what's been going on back home hmm?” He raised a brow. “If I am able to find them, I have no clue as to their current location.” Shawn sighed. “They were sent to the kitchens to be fed.” Starswirl informed him. “Thank you friend.” Shawn paused. “And now I need to figure that part out.” He sighed. “New location, different places and what not. I should keep an eye out for details so I can remember where locations are.” “Just have them accompany you to my quarters, the guards should be able to direct you.” he said. “I shall, I will be there as soon as I can.” Shawn replied as Starswirl pointed in a direction then turned another way. Soon Shawn found himself at the kitchens. Taking a moment he scanned the crowd for his friends. It was quite easy to find them due to one of them being the only Gryphon in the room, and the other being surprisingly the only Pegasus. He walked up to the group with a small smile on his face. “How are you two doing?” “Full.” Taze smiled patting his stomach. “Good to see your up.” Pensword smiled and looked at his friend. “Well, I met the royal family a little today, so I am doing well. I must say I am amazed just how much he can pack away, and I thought I was the heavy eater.” he shook his head. “So what the news milord, where to now that you are up and about?” “Our mutual friend Starswirl, wishes to see us in his office.” He replied Pensword looked to his friend. “Well come on Grif, shall we go see what the great Starswirl wants with us?” “Allonsy mon a me.” Grif said with a flair. Starswirls horn glowed as they entered. the door slamming shut behind them, the windows all closing. Office was indeed the wrong word to describe the laboratory like room they now stood in. “I’ve set up muffling charms all around this room so no one well be able to eavesdrop on us, now tell me.” he squinted at them as he sat at his desk. “Who are you really?” “We are travelers, but not in the sense of where we are, but perhaps when.” Shawn replied. Starswirl face hoofed. “Again with the time travelers, please tell me you're not going to wave around a screwdriver and talk about pears.” Matthew blinked and looked at his friends. “Well, I do like pears but I believe that is off the topic at hoof or claw.” he muttered as he sat down. “As for a screwdriver, I doubt I could hold one in these at the moment.” He lifted a hoof up with a smirk. ‘Besides, why would I wave around a tool for unscrewing or screwing in screws?” “As for us being here, well, we had no play in that. Apparently we were to be forcibly sent far, far into the past, but something seemed to have screwed him up.” Shawn commented. “On the note of who, I doubt he is around in this point of time.” “What are your intentions in the Crystal Empire?” he asked “What we want to do is return.” Shawn said. “We have left in a time of great need. I don’t care if we weren’t meant to fight in that battle, but something is telling me we need to try. At least give some help.” “So to give us a fair idea when are we, has Discord been defeated yet?” Taze asked. “That was almost a hundred years ago.” Starswirl said with a raised eyebrow. “Based on the history books.” Shawn mumbled to himself. “A thousand, two hundred and fifty eight years from that point Discord was defeated. So we are around a thousand, one hundred and fifty eight years back.” The Pegasus sighed. “Now, the question I want to know is, what did we do to anger a giant black smoke monster that would want to remove us from history.” Pensword sighed and looked at Starswirl. “Any ideas of that kind of creature?” “You say a monster of smoke?” He asked. “A wraith, maybe.” “A wraith with the power to send three beings back in time?” Shawn questioned aloud. “Unless they hold more power here.” He mumbled to himself. “No creature of smoke has that sort of power.” Starswirl shook his head. “Maybe a creature of darkness but I cannot classify those.” Matthew blinked and he realized something. “Wait, I got, we did have something odd happen.” he moved to his saddlebag and pulled out a letter. “This was given to me at the train station.” Matthew chuckled a little. “Never did get to open it yet.” “Train station?” Starswirl lifted a brow. “What pray tell is a train?” The Pegasus paused and looked to his friends and back to Starswirl. “A type of transportation that is to be invented in the future. I do not know who invents it, just, it get invented.” he muttered. “Great, paradoxes.” He muttered. “So I shall be silent before I cause more damage.” With that he opened his letter and blinked before barking out a laugh. “Well I’ll be, says here that it is one of your students, that did the train.” He kept chuckling as he kept reading before his face went pale and worrisome. “Uh, one quick question, can you… help me make friends and be able to watch the children here?” His voice suddenly very nervous and any humor gone from his face. “I can try, something important?” he asked “Well,” he looked at his friends, “I do not know how much to say to you, as knowing the future may lead to it happening anyway, but, I might say that what I can say is if things go the way that will lead to our future, the family might, just might be in danger.” “And should we not warn them?” he asked Matthew made as sound as if agreeing, “Yeah, we can try, just that according to this Letter, it was tried, it ended with the city being razed by an overdose of dark and light magic mixing together.” He blinked at looked at the others. “What? I seemed to have gotten a writer that hates vague and riddles about time mechanics.” “Well as far as I can tell you're not here for malevolent means, so I will look through my spells and try to find a way to send you back to your time.” “Thank you,” Pensword replied, “But please, I beg of you to help me with the Royal Family.” “Can you tell me when this attack will happen?” he asked. The Pegasus sighed and looked over his letter before looking up. “Day after tomorrow.” “Well, we cannot send for the lunar nor solar army unfortunately.” He said “It would take them at least two weeks at a good march. So it appears for the time being it is just us gentlecolts.” Pensword only smiled. “Oh I think we can hold out till then, we are rather good at battles on the fly. Give us twenty-four hours, we are better, two days, we can beat most odds, give us six months and we’d be unbeatable.” “Given the status of our, non existent, equipment. I fear that might be of some trouble.” Shawn mumbled before he sighed. “This will be an interesting scenario.” “Equipment can be worked out, for Moonssake you're a smith, pony up and grab a hammer.” Starswirl said to Shawn. “I’ll need the equipment to do so in the first place. We’ll have to see what I can make in around thirty-eight hours, thankfully sleep shan't hold me back.” Shawn replied. “Well then the smiths shouldn’t give you any trouble.” he said. “Remember you're a lord amongst the smith house.” “I guess I should head there as soon as possible, I do hope I can at least work in peace with no interruptions.” Shawn sighed out. “You two should get some sleep.” Starswirl noted. “We break fast with the royal family in the morning, let us hope the queen is of a more hearing ear and without Ambrosia’s company” Pensword nodded his head. “Once more into the breach, once more unto the ramparts to defend lands.” “It’s the warriors way, die or make dead, stand for those who cannot stand for themselves and all that.” Taze said “We’ll be fine.” “Yeah, lets just hope I don’t die again.” Shawn commented on the side. “....Again?” Starswirl raised a brow. “You’ll have to tell me about that when this ugly business is done.” He said. “Until then we have done enough to make the guards suspicious.” “Right,” Pensword replied. “On the brightside, no Changeling Queen hounding us.” He got up and turned around to the door. “I look forward to breaking our night fast with a meal in the morning.” Taze sat in the room he and Matthew currently were sharing at the inn. In front of him where the blades Luna had given him. As a human they had seemed fine, the left one was a little short but everything else was fine. Now however the left one was so small it threw his entire swing off and the right one while a good size was too heavy. He growled a bit in annoyance. Matthew sat and watched as he looked over the little gear he had gathered, he had a pony shortsword he was lent by Luna and Celestia, his crossbow which he was working without any bolts to find his new comfortable way of holding it. Finally he was also polishing what little armor he had, mainly a helmet with the roman style trim, it would be where his head mane would stick through. “I don’t know Pensword, we don’t have enough gear, we’re in totally new bodies and I’m pretty sure Hammer Strike is going to collapse at some point, we can’t fight a war.” The Pegasus only smiled. “Who says we have to fight it on our own, we got Starswirl on our side. Plus, I am sure we can pull another storming of the Hall of History and rally troops to our banners.” He paused and smirked. “Also, just to let you know, here is what my letter said.” he pulled it out with a smile, as Grif saw it was not a letter at all, but a bullet point list. Starswirl future student makes trainsIMPORTANT!!!! Royal Family  = Czar Nicholas FamilyQueen unsavable. Already tried.Make it double AnnastasiaOnly have day after tomorrow of opening this letter, if you open it in front of Starswirl, if not, day after tomorrow of the day you meet with Starswirl. Matthew smiled. “To the point, and like I said in there, no rhymes or smoke and mirrors, just that.” he looked to his friend and then to polishing his helmet. “No way am I going to let, I can help save lives from a revolution who are innocent.” “Just remember, you can only save as many people as you can get out of the gate, keep your numbers small or they’ll overwhelm you.” Taze noted. Matthew only looked up and then down before nodding slowly. “What is the deal with me having to swallow the bitter pills, not saving lives in the city from the Changeling invasion, and now this, having to, doom lives of ponies, the only comfort I have at the moment is that they live to, to our timeline. The Royal family does not, I regret that, I cannot save the family.” “How do you think the doctor feels?” Taze raised a brow. “What you may have to do for individual ponies, he’s had to do for planetary civilizations.” “That is why I never want his job, nor his responsibilities,” He sighed and paused in his polishing. “Why do you think I call it the What if curse? To have the mind and imagination to imagine the alternate path taken, and realize that you cannot ever touch history otherwise it is or can go badly.” he pointed to the parchment on the ground with his wing. “Why do you think that was written? Because someone messed up and is trying to fix a mistake in time.” He shook his head. “Illogical I know, just a list, but it still is a list that is very specific in it’s information, a narrow band. Meaning whoever wrote that knows us, and knows what will happen, and is keen on fixing a mistake.” “Yes but we also have to consider everything sixth dimensionally.” Taze reminded him. “Time, space, length width, multiple timelines AND their ability to interplay with each other.” He sighed. “There could be several actions here we don’t understand the meaning of, several half truths in history, this is making my head spin.” Matthew nodded his head. “Right, so we just focus on what we have in front of us and respond on how we will respond, trust our instincts and guts.” he smiled a little, “We haven't been wrong yet and nor have they killed us. Not trusting my instinct was what lost my men.” “Ok then, have you noticed anything off about ‘Katy’?” Taze asked Matthew blinked and looked at his friend. “Other than the fact that she bears a rather odd resemblance to a certain friend?” He asked with a wink. “Only with wings and not a horn?” “Yes, but if my lore is correct, Cadence isn’t more than twenty in the present Equestria, and we are over a thousand years back.” Taze shook his head. “Also we have knowingly stepped into three doomed roles.” “Be that as it may, we have stepped forward, and we are doing what we know is right. If nothing else we may rest knowing that we did what was right in a time when events happened that would have lesser hearts fail. We stood up and said no further, or in another way. You shall not pass.” Matthew smirked a little at his using of a rather familiar phrase. “Too bad.” Taze shook his head. “And here I was hoping to see Moonshades face when she saw the new you.” He chuckled. “I was hoping to see her face too. I mean, I am about her height now. As well a bit of the coloration of a Thestral.” He sighed and tried to hide a blush. “Still,” he sighed, “We may find a way out, a loophole, after all if Hammer Strike taught us anything, loopholes are our friends.” He chuckled a little. “Tomorrow you keep with those kids, I’m going to see if I can get some information out of star swirl, history, tales, maybe this empire holds something useful thats was lost when sombra cursed it.” Taze shrugged. He yawned, almost choking as he had to mentally force down a laugh at how he must look yawning with a beak. “Well, early to bed early to rise and all that crazy stuff ben franklin couldn’t keep to himself, daylight savings.” He muttered as he climbed into bed. “Wait, how much sleep has Hammer Strike had in the last four days?” “I want to say, three hours? I just hope he is able to function, one of us might have to force him to sleep tomorrow night.” He sighed and yawned as well, which he turned into a chuckle, “Boy did that feel weird and look strange I bet.” he shook his head and curled up on a bed. “Night,” he paused and raised his head quickly. “Uh, do pegasus build nests because I just felt like making one.” “Go to sleep.” Taze grumpled already laying down on his bed. “Think that tomorrow with the children.” “Can you turn out the light?” Matthew asked pointing to the candle across the room. With a low muttering Taze reached into his bags beside his bed, pulling out a throwing knife he hurled it at the candle snipping the top off and putting it out. “You realise they’ll make us pay for that?” Matthew asked. “GOODNIGHT PENSWORD!” Taze shouted and slammed the pillow over his head. There was a sudden knocking at the door to their room, loud enough to wake up Taze. “What do you ponies want?!” Taze shouted grabbing his knife and walking to the door, opening it quickly he placed the tip on the pony on the other side’s throat. “You have ten second.” he growled. The pony was visibly shocked. “L-l-letter for you two.” He said holding up a letter. “F-from Lord Hammer S-Strike.” He looked at the letter then to Taze. “I-I was told to bring it to you as soon as possible.” Taze snatched the letter and looked at the pony. “You can go.” He growled retrieving his knife. The pony quickly left the area leaving the two alone again. Taze turned around and found that the sheets and blanket had been unmade from the bed and created some type of nest bowl in the middle of the bed. The Pegasus was still sleeping, and breathing in and out slowly. He walked over to him. “Hey now don’t pull this on me, I sleep in your the early riser we’re not switching I like my job.” He said giving Matthew a shake. Matthew opened an eye to show that he was pretending to sleep. “I was woken up by the door herald.” He rose up to his hooves and blinked as he looked around. “Uh, why’s the bed like it is?” He asked looked back up to Grif. “I don’t recall seeing nests as a means for Pegasus to sleep, unless it is for napping or resting outside of clouds.” he muttered as he slowly stretched the kinks out. “Also, that is so weird waking up curled up like that.” “Not sure.” Taze said “Don’t posses the energy to care” He answered honestly. “We got a letter get up you’re reading it” Matthew sighed as he sat down on the bed. “Pass it here, I’ll read it, why you having me read it?” he asked anyway as the scroll was tossed his way. “Still we need to meet with Starswirl for breaking of the fast.” He smirked, “The age before breakfast was coined.” “You’re reading cause I don’t feel like the extra work.” He answered. “Also we’ll probably sup tonight, if there is no breakfast there isn’t supper” “Right.” Matthew muttered as he opened the scroll and began to read the letter. After making a theatrical clearing of his throat and giving Taze a smirk to show he was teasing. “Good morning Pensword and Grif,                 I would hope this letter found you while you were awake, if not, it’s late enough, at least I think it is. Anyways, I have been working through the night with some ideas and I just need measurements so I can finish working on some of these designs, so a short trip then you can go eat. Other than that, please do rush, I need all the time I can get for this project.                                                                  ~Hammer Strike” “Oh for the love of Captain Crunch!” Taze grumbled. He went over to his bed and started suiting up. “Well we better get going Pensword.” “Agreed, I hope this is not too long.” he replied as he looked outside. “Oh look, we beat Celestia up today.” He pointed to the window and the night sky, Taze just glared at Pensword as if a look could kill before heading outside, Pensword followed but he paused and stared up at the night sky. “O holy Luna’s night, look at that.” He gasped at the night sky, The Aurora Borealis was shining in the night sky and as Pensword followed it with his eyes, they grew wider. “It, it is coming from the Crystal Castle!” he gasped as he looked back up and just stood there in awe and wonder. “I, It is beautiful.” he gasped as he stood rooted there in awe. “Whistle.” Taze chuckled as he noticed the lights. “She dances.” He said as he headed towards the palace. If his purpose was to get Pensword moving, it got the job done as he raced after him. “Wait, who? Who is dancing?” he whispered as he quickly got up to trotting next to the Gryphon. “Whistle?” “It’s an old myth from where I come from, if you whistle the aurora will dance for you” he explained. “I wish I could whistle then,” Pensword replied with a grunt. “You can whistle nicely, you have the beak for it.” he looked to the castle. “Now, to go and find the blacksmith area of the castle and see what Milord Hammer Strike wishes to discuss.” He looked to the night sky and smiled a little. “Only can  you see this when it is Luna’s domain.” he paused and looked to his friend and his hush whispered this to where Grif barely heard his words. “What if this was a cause of, you know what.” “The forges well be at the bottom of the castle, the heat will rise allowing it too warm the higher levels.” Taze explained as he headed in said direction. “We are at least ten years away from ‘you know what’ likely more, let’s keep that one quiet.” Taze noted, the two of them were allowed into the lower areas of the castle by the guards when they showed the message from Hammer Strike. The forge was certainly interesting, while it looked as though it was meant for a number of ponies, there was none. It looked as though the smiths had simply stopped working for the time and left. The flames burned, the tools off to the side, and in the background they could hear a soft sound. ‘Tink’ “My lord?” Grif called out. The sound of metal hitting metal stopped. “Back here!” He heard Shawn call out. Pensword followed the sounds as he looked all around him in awe. “Oh, this is, I have never been this close to a blacksmith, I mean really walking in and next to the fires, amazing.” “Milord have you slept?” Grif raised a brow. Hammer opened his mouth and closed it a second later. “Not since I was knocked unconscious for a bit.” “Mayhaps I should rectify that.” Griff noted looking into Shawns eye’s “Your face could spurn the jealousy of a raccoon.” Shawn chuckled in response. “Ha, ha. I feel fine for now. Know how people get a second wind over time?” “... Yes?” Grif asked in a somewhat scared tone. “I’m on my fifth.” Shawn finished. “...Oh.” Grif said. “...That can’t be good.” he noted. Shawn shrugged. “You get used to it after a couple years dealing with it.” “Oh great, my mother all over again.” Pensword muttered, “All nighter, was accused of being a Thestral in disguise with how often she was a night owl, however her coat was pure white and her mane was yellow gold, and had three arrows in flight.” He shook his head. “It was my grandfather’s mother who is the Thestral in the family tree.” “I think for now let’s concentrate at the task at hand, we can work on heraldity later, though to be fair we should probably work out a heraldic for Hammer Strike first as he is a lord and they tend to check for that kind of thing.” Grif shook his head. “Anyway milord you had projects that required our assistance?” Shawn nodded. “Yeah, I need to measure your size, armor and what not.” Shawn commented. “Just head to that platform and I’ll get to work, but I did finish a gift for you Grif, I need the measurements for yours though Pensword.” He said, pointing towards a platform with a table near by. “With or without armor?” Grif asked. “Both, I got a couple ideas.” He replied. “Armor first since you have it on.” Grif nodded as he stepped up to the platform. After some minutes of constant movement and measuring Shawn gave him a nod. “Alright armorless now.” Eventually he had finished with Griff and gave a nod for Pensword to head over. “You’re next.” “Of course Milord,” Pensword replied and moved up, the only piece of armor he had was the helmet. Other then that he had no new armor made for him. He stood still and followed directions. After some time measuring Shawn sighed. “This is going to be the tough part.” He hummed as he wrote down the last numbers. “That will be all for now, I have to get to work with this now.” He looked over to Grif. “But I made you something to help your balance.” He pointed a hoof over to a covered table. “All yours. Yours is next Pensword.” Grif curiously walked over to the table and moved the sheet to reveal a set of two small blades. “I figured your other weapons might be a bit unbalanced now.” Shawn said off to the side. “These are perfect.” Taze grinned grabbing a blade in each hand and examining them closely. The blades where true twins, nigh identical in every detail. The blade itself was thin like a rapier but double sided and light. They ran down the blade with an edge that seemed to split the air around it. The blade itself was around three feet long coming to a point. The hilt itself was a simple T shape coming to a spike at the tips of the cross hilt and one at the pommel. The grip was just longer than the span of a human hand and covered with leather and black cord. The gryphon gave the blades a few swings. They moved fluidly in his hands light but not too light. “They're great but is a blade this thin going to hold?” he asked. Shawn smiled. “You would be surprised.” He replied. “I made sure of that.” “They’re great.” Taze smiled as he unclipped his harness. “I’ll still keep Lunas blades for looks, but these will make fighting a lot easier.” he said “I’m guessing you didn’t have time to craft the sheath?” Shawn only pointed to the table with the cover, for some reason part of it got caught. Taze moved the cover fully revealing two sword sheaths made from blackened leather and reinforced with polished steel. with a grin he slid them onto his harness and then the blades into them. “Have you named them?” he asked as he clipped the harness back on. “I’ll leave that to you.” Shawn replied. “... I’ll figure that out later.” He said “I can fight with these and that could make all the difference.” Taze took the next few moments to remove his armor and bandoliers as well as his bags and weapon harness. Taze stepped onto the platform slowly finding the feeling of the raw air on his fur to be somewhat disorienting. Pensword just looked around and looked back at Shawn a little. “Milord, is there anything else you require of us at the moment?” he paused and shook his head as to his own mind it was very, very strange seeing his friend without all the gear and armor and weapons around him. “Although you may have to rework the conceal carry again.” he paused and chuckled at the thought of a Pegasus wielding a flintlock pistol. Shawn hummed to himself. “I agree. I’ll work on that after I’m done with this small project. But, yes, you are free to go.” He said with a gesture of his hoof towards the exit. Taze put his armor back on quickly followed by his weapons and carrying devices. “Thanks again milord, I will be sure to honor these blades.” “Good to hear.” Shawn replied. “See you at breakfast my lord.” Taze nodded as he left. Shawn looked up as his two friends left. “Wait…” He paused and looked around. “It’s already that time?” “Eeyup.” Echoed through the empty forge. Breakfast was laid out on a wide table made out of… yup crystal. The table was laid out with possibly more foods than Taze believed you usually ate for breakfast. The people at the table where sat by order of station with the queen at the head with her children around her. At the opposite head was where Shawn was seated with Taze on his left and Matthew on his right. Starswirl was seated near the middle across from ambrosia. “So Hammer Strike.” The queen called from across the table. “I take it you slept well?” “Sleep?” He responded after a moment. “Sorry, didn’t get much of that.” “My lord suffers from insomnia your majesty.” Taze spoke up. “He is lucky to receive four hours of sleep in as many days unless physical assistance is given.” “Your majesty.” Starswirl began clearing his throat. “It has come to my attention recently through sources I am not currently at liberty to mention that dark magic may be at work inside the kingdom.” “Dark magic Starswirl? Surely you aren't bringing up that old mare's tale.” Ambrosia laughed. “It is not an old mare’s tale boy!, I have seen it before and it is most certainly real.” The wizard glared Ambrosia down as he spoke. Pensword chuckled a little. “Also, I have seen a few tales that I thought as fiction turn out to be real, usually when folks say things like that, I tend to perk an ear.” He shook his head a little at the folly, and remembering a certain episode from his memory about old mare tails. “And what would you have me do?” The queen asked. “Increase security my lady.” Starswirl begged. “Place more guards, send to your allies for more unicorns to do a magic sweep.” “Starswirl even if such a thing where possible you're asking me to put my crystal ponies through panic for what might simply be a wild goose chase, I am afraid I cannot do that.” The queen shook her head. “Too much could go wrong.” Starswirl simply sighed and shook his head. Pensword cleared his throat. “I once spoke with an odd creature, unsure today if it was a dream, or if a vision, yet words spoken to me still resonate, far better to have a tool and not need it, then realize that you have to have the tool after the fact. I believe we were talking about a orange peeler in my dream, but the basic principle remains the same. No matter what the tool is, up to and including armies.” He looked to the end of the table with the royal family. “If you do not mind, may I at least request that while my lord is in the forges, to offer my services in at least watching the royal children?” “That’s quite a bold offer.” Ambrosia scoffed. However it seemed the children had different ideas. “Please momma?” Katy looked at her mother. “Just this once?” The queen looked from Katy to the other excited faces of her children and smiled. “Very well Mi Amore, you and your brother and sister may spend the day with Mr. Pensword, but you will listen to him alright?” “Yes momma” Katy nodded happily. Pensword bowed his head. “I shall do my upmost to keep them out of trouble. But please do not be cross with any of us if things, hiccup. I rather not have the shades of Discord botch anything.” he replied invoking the old phrase of what Shawn, Taze, and he would call Murphy’s law, was a Shade of Discord in this era. “IF that is acceptable, I think the three already have places they wish to take or prove their new pair of eyes.” he smiled and chuckled a little at the sudden movements from the three children. “If it is ok your majesty I would like to borrow your ambassador for the afternoon, I have questions regarding a rare malady a friend of mine has come under.” Taze spoke up. “And what does my ambassador say?” She asked turning to the aged unicorn. Starswirl nodded “I suppose if it is to help another I will do what I can.” “Very well.” The queen nodded. from that point breakfast was a quiet affair. Taze and Starswirl entered the unicorns lab not long after breakfast. Taze asked him to make sure the door was closed and they had total silence before he unwrapped his arm from the cloak he’d been using as a cover. “I was wondering if you’d ever seen anything like this?” Taze asked. Starswirl’s eyes went wide as an oath flew from this lips that Taze was unsure of the language but he quickly began to race as books flew from their homes on shelves as he turned back to Grif. “Don’t move, don’t touch anything else, and above all, do not touch a unicorn’s horn, that, that is impossible.” he shook his head. “With what I and Celestia have seen I should remove that from my vocabulary, still.” He paused as he started back. “I will need to examine it closely, as, what you have is crystallized Dark Magic.” “Is there anyway of getting it off my arm?” Taze asked. Starswirl smiled. “Well, I will have to see, but I have some theories and no, I am not going to just pull and yank them out or off you, I need to make sure that I get them all, or it could go poorly for you, having this on you, is just…  it could go very wrong for you.” “Well you're researching that, do you happen to…” Taze coughed “Have any books on how gryphons fly?” he asked. “Top book on the pile next to you, I thought you might like to read something while you are under my care, also a brief history on your more, empire originated brethren, but I do say, what an odd one you are, you have magic that swirls around you like a thin layer of a shell, unheard of for Gryphons to even have magic beyond cloud walking and basic weather manipulations. Yet you my youngling, seem to be warping the magic from my spells and tests as if drawing parts of it in and away from you, as if the shell is unsure of my intentions.” Nodding Taze grabbed the book. He needed to learn to fly, and he needed to learn soon. “Thank you.” he said “Not sure what we’d do without your help.” “Mess up time and space like that insane rambling man with that blasted blue box of his, in fact I am surprised he has not shown up, this would be right there on his record of exploits.” He grumbled and turned away from Grif. “Just, do not expect him to be nice to you if you try and refute time mechanics.” He stormed a little pulling parchment and quill. “How he can stay in place is beyond me, but.” he paused and groaned. “Dear Celestia above and Tartarus below, if those letters are from him, then he has finally gotten wiser and we are all doomed to meddling.” “You have a very interesting view of the world.” Grif noted. “If you don’t mind me asking, from what I found out Clover the Clever was well in her grave do to old age by now…. how are you still alive?” he asked. “Research, something that Celestia and Luna has, well asked me to do research, I have, found ways to extend a life of a pony but so far it has been slowly growing and I have been one to experiment on myself, sadly, Clover tried an incomplete spell and turned herself into stone in the basement of the Royal Pony Sisters. I placed three pegasus weeping with a fear spell around them to keep anypony away from that place till I can find a way to fix my blunder.” He paused and shook his head. “Why that mad man tried to destroy my statues I do not know.” “Interesting, for somepony who dislikes the Doctor you seem to have traveled with him a bit.” Taze smirked. “Weeping …. Pegasi are definitely in his past” He paused and looked at Grif with an odd look. “So, you found out my little trap to keep the doctor away from Clover,” he growled and turned around in anger. “He nearly got her killed visiting some far off planet of tailed apes who tried to take that blue box, he, he brought her body back, alive but I could not do anything. I just, I did what he asked turned her into stone and trust that he says that some future event will heal her of whatever happened.” He turned to Grif. “I stopped traveling with him that day and in fact created artifacts and symbols around the castle to keep him away. I, I cannot forgive him, nor I for what happened to Clover and I just pray that I did the right thing.” He slowly walked forward to be in Grif’s face. “Now, any more questions you want to ask not related to that Tartarus cursed box?” “Whats with the crystals there?” Taze asked pointing to his work bench. “Memory Crystals, or at least that is what I am hoping, ways to leave messages stored in them. I, it was one of the things I saw on my journeys, and it would do wonders in relaying messages and tone of voice. Heh, If I invent one, I am going to leave a very long and angry message to that pony.” He paused and shook his head. “I just hope he treats that cross eyed mare better than Clover.” “Okay kinda spiraled back on me there.” Taze looked around. Something clued in to him. “Have you published any of your tomes yet? Don’t suppose I could get a signed copy or two? you're a huge name in the future.” “So says that Stallion.” The Magician of Celestia muttered. “But since you are letting me study this hardened Dark Magic I can, also, don’t look like I’ll bite your head off, you are trying not to bring him up, I just… got into one of my moods.” he chuckled a little as he rummaged around. “Ah, here we go. I guess you have some Unicorn friends or something?” he asked as he winked. “So, I think I should just sign it, rather not draw him any more here then I can, you will already do that, hopefully I can be ready this time.” he smirked as he set one tome down. “My own research on the Gryphon Empire, my first out of Equestria trip lead to that, this is for you.” he signed the book before placing it to the side. “Now, unicorn friend right? What is their special talent?” “Magic.” Taze answered bluntly. “Pure magic” Starswirl paused and stood there stunned. “Uh, that is, Grr, I cannot believe I am using his word, but amazing.” he shook his head and pulled out a tome, “The Crystal Empire just published this, and frankly I was going to send this to a noble family in Equestria, but I think your friend would treasure it more.” He sighed and shook his head. “Signing a book for a pony not even, not even her, this is going to be one funny inside joke for me to enjoy.” he chuckled a little and wrote a small phrase into the book before signing it. When Grif saw it, it just read. “Reach for your own star.” “Thanks sir.” Taze bowed his head before he put the books in his bags. “Well lets take a look at this arm then.” “Already have, this talking just distracted you and your shell from my more in depth probes with my magic, I do say, get a pony or a Gryphon talking and you can turn them green and they won’t notice, mind you I wouldn’t do that, I like my beard too much.” Pensword looked at the three guards, well forth if the one from Ambrosia was to count for something. He found that the last moment the nephew had thrown in a guard as well as if not to be one uped with the outsiders. It didn’t help that the two new guards were currently stuck together while Alto giggled as the three normal Crystal guards were working to free the two guard that had fallen for a trap set up by the three youngsters. While Ambrosia’s guard was fuming and muttering darkly under his breath, Pensword was laughing and enjoying this little experience. “Now, now that is a trap, Well played and well executed. I, I hope,” he began as a little worry began. “That this is it.” As he said that one of the guards stepped on a discarded bottle that shot from under his hoof and hit the back wall of the ally and the three quickly stepped back as fluff from the Crystal Ewwes fell down upon the heads of the two guards. “Okay, now they are done with their own induction ceremony.” The head guard spoke finally. “Welcome to Royal babysitters.” He chuckled at the boos from the three children as they showed up from their hiding places around the back alleyway. “We’re not babies!” the three cheered together. “Certainly not.” Pensword replied, “Though I think they might say it to rile you up, still, no babies could have done this wonderful trap.” He yelped as the other new guard suddenly pulled away and smirked as he saw some fur come from Pensword. “Serves you right Mr. bubbly, children should be told what to do.” The guard grumbled as he ignored the raspberries he received from the royal children. “Really, the back way? Why not march through the streets and showcase the children as the future rulers?” “Momma says we shouldn’t go out in the open when she’s not there.” Katy said. “She says it’s too dangerous cause some ponies don’t like the idea of a pegasus being queen.” “Wise words, it is most unusual to see change be taken to by calmness.” Pensword shook his head. “Your mother is a wise, wise Queen, Princess Katy.” he spoke as he spun around and shot a wing out as he intercepted a red bouncy ball. “Hah, Deflected your shot Prince Cosy.” He smirked as he looked at the other guard with some of his fur still stuck to him along with purple wool like substance. “What’s the matter Guard of Ambrosia?” He paused and looked at the three children and three guards. “I wonder with his attitude if he might need a nickname.” he was grinning as the guard glared and raised a hoof. “You dare try to belittle my station and my name? I would strike you here and now if you do so.” He growled as he stared at Pensword. “You are a foreigner, I think with my lieges help I am justified in my defense.” Pensword sniffed as he turned around slowly while keeping his ears on a swivel. “Careful, he who cannot control his temper shall be ruled by it.” He chuckled as their was an angry roar from behind him. “Watch out Sword.” Princess Alto cried out as Matthew paused and blinked at an odd sensation before he whirled around on his hoof and reared up on his hind hoofs and blocked a move from the earth pony. “Did you, you saw that Cosy and Katy, our guards are fighting.” She whispered in fright. “Back off you meanie, if you don’t tell him to back off I’ll tell momma!” Katy yelled. The Guard growled before smirking. “Might as well, I already took a piece of his already I guess I don’t need any more really.” He smirked and little and paused as he was close to Pensword’s ear. “You don’t belong here cloud head, this is the domain of the Crystals, and we won’t like it if you try to interfere with our politics.” “Just remember.” Pensword whispered back. “That’s a gryphon I came in with, you step out of line there'll be no place you can run.” Pensword turned and rather on “accident” hit the helmet of the guard askew. “Don’t ever call me that again.” he growled before turning and smiling to the children. “Okay, so, where to on your agenda?” he asked as he smiled and ignored the small kick to the leg from the other guard. They had toned down their fighting it seemed to smaller unseen actions. Abrossia’s guard just snorted. “My apologies, I just, feel uncomfortable having one outside of the kingdom so close to you three, I only wish to look out for your health and well being. Even one of our most closest ally.” she bowed his head. “I will accept your judgement as thy great minds feel is my lot.” “Come on!” Katy called back. “We’re almost at the ice cream parlor!” THe guard blinked and looked to Katy who was smiling at him and he smiled as well. “All is forgiven?” he asked and she nodded his head. “A kind heart you have my Princess.” he replied as he stood and started to walk. He blinked and looked back at Pensword. “Why let a paranoid stallion join your small group my princess? See how he turns his head and keeps his ears turning and his body tense, you want a paranoid Stallion near you?” “You know something? You're absolutely right! Why do I want a paranoid old stallion in my group?” she asked. Pensword blinked and turned to look at the children and the group his face unreadable at the moment, he still kept up the rear of the group, the same spot he had when the question was asked. “Your paranoid attitude is bothering me, you're dismissed.” Katy ordered, pointing to ambrosia’s guard. “Come Pensword I want to show you my favorite ice cream parlour.” She tugged Pensword’s hoof. The guard glared but didn’t move and deflated. It seemed that he was not good around children. “My apologies, I guess It is I who is nervous. I still wish to remind you that I was asked to be part of your detail to at least increase protection in case Starswirl’s comments are in fact, reality. I would rather not have you be in trouble with the Queen, If you wish I shall remain silent and watch only.” “Then see that you do.” She said in a huff, a huff that was repeated two more times descendingly by her siblings. Meanwhile Pensword was starting to have second thoughts on just who he was dealing with here, maybe Katy was not who he thought she was, but it still didn’t matter to him in the long run, it only mattered that he remained close by to save them when the time came to act. Starswirl walked into the forge, after hours examining the crystal on Grif’s arm he had only managed to reduce the density and make it somewhat malleable. He had decided to take a break and had come down to check on Lord Hammer Strike. Surly a pony who had been up so long would have collapsed by now. Upon entering the forge he could hear a faint sound of metal hitting metal, the idea that he had gotten somepony else to finish his work came to Starswirl’s head. Only for him to round the corner and find Hammer Strike still working. “My Lord?” Starswirl raised an eyebrow. “How long have you been working?” Hammer looked up at Starswirl. “Ah, let’s see… I started last evening, worked till the morning, ate, and continued.” He said with a light shrug. “It is already early evening my lord.” Starswirl said. “Surely you could use some rest? I have a spell that has been helpful with insomnia.” Hammer chuckled. “I actually feel relatively fine. I have grown use to the constant hours, for…” He paused thinking for a second. “Years now really.” He sighed. “I still have yet to finish some light armor for Pensword, have to keep him agile, Grif can deal with a bit of heavier armor himself, and I have a basic set for myself in mind.” He commented while looking at each piece he had finished already. “The set for Grif is completed, Pensword will have his set finished soon, my set I can work on afterwards, weapons are finished.” He nodded his head after saying each one. “That sounds about right. Would you like something? I doubt you would really want it, I am sure you have better, but always nice to ask.” “A wizard needs only his magic my lord.” Starswirl smiled. “Are you needing help or anything?” Hammer took a breath in as he was about to decline but he stopped. “I have been thinking of some designs…” He said. “But I don’t have access to the resources needed, I don’t even know if you would have most them here in the Crystal Empire, I know crystals I can obtain here, but…” He sighed. “I think I should be fine, perhaps some sturdy crystals, but that would be it.” He hummed to himself. “I’ll have fresh materials sent down to you.” Starswirl answered. “Be sure to get some rest though, tomorrow is to be the start of taxing times for all of us.” Hammer laughed a bit. “I’ll have my rest when I finish, I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I know my friends are going to be safe.” He sighed. “I do not want to see it happen again.” “Very well Lord Hammer Strike.” Starswirl nodded. The wizard made his way out of the forge without another word. Earth pony smiths always amazed him, they’d go for weeks sometimes months on next to nothing when the mood took them.