Ein Sof Zealotry

by ZhaoZoharEX

Chapter 23

A lone golden chariot drawn by six determined looking pegasus guards was approaching the forebodingly black column of smoke, though judging by its scale, a column wasn’t the right term for the phenomenon. A mesa fits much better. A depressingly black mesa where treetops should be, Celestia thought as the chariot performed a wide arc around the smoke to avoid as much of it as possible on its way to Ponyville.

“I don’t recall a forest fire this big since… ever,” she said to Luna sitting on the other seat next to her.

“Or one started out of the storm season,” Luna added and charged her horn. A glimmering shield appeared around the vehicle and all eight ponies. At Celestia’s raised eyebrow Luna only shrugged. “After landing we would look like Nightmare and getting the ash off would be just that too.”

Celestia tried to smile at Luna’s attempted joke, but the reality was weighing too heavily on her. Everfree always posed problems, but usually for the surrounding lands, as dangerous creatures tended to leave its borders, with increasing frequency recently too. But now it seemed the Forest itself was suffering.

“How did you get over so quickly anyway? I expected you would come, but not so soon,” Celestia broke the silence after a while, the landing area getting into sight.

Luna chuckled unhappily. “You are forgetting who you are talking to, Tia. I guard the night. So when a messenger from Cloudsdale arrived with a report of strange glow and changes in winds, I set on journey immediately. Of course this is your territory, but the fallout in endangering us all.” She paused for a moment as if unsure whether to continue, but then shook her head. “That and there was something wrong with magic in the evening. As if a huge spike shot out of nowhere and then vanished.”

“I felt that too. Hopefully we will find the source here.”

The chariot made its final descend, an admirably smooth one considering the weather conditions. The sun had risen about an hour ago, but with the darkness in front of them and the amount of clouds above it could still linger just beyond the horizon. On the ground they could make out an impromptu tent village and few ponies signaling them the landing area.

“We are glad you could arrive, your highness…-es,” a middle-aged stallion said the moment the princesses stepped out of the chariot. Luna noted he didn’t bother with a bow, unlike the rest of gathered ponies. And that Celestia didn’t react to that at all. “Although our findings are limited given the short time we have been working here and the shortage of staff.”

They couldn’t make much of his appearance since thick protective goggles and surgical mask were hiding his face in the same manner as the non-flammable coat did to his body, but Celestia knew her best ponies well.

“Anything will be of help and maybe our presence will serve the findings as well. Though I think you two haven’t been properly introduced yet.” She turned to Luna and gestured to the stallion. “Luna, this is commander Acid Cloud, Anomaly and Cataclysm Investigation Department. I sent him to coordinate the operations last night.”

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Luna said with a nod, “Though how come I never heard of that department before?”

“Oh, it’s a very small, one member department. And before you ask, no, being an earth pony doesn't hinder uncovering magical problems. I don’t need to throw spells around to understand them,” Acid explained sharply. It was obvious he had to answer those question on daily basis and that he grew fed up with it a long time ago.

“Duly noted,” Luna nodded again with a bit of annoyance apparent in her voice. “So what have you found out so far, commander?”

“Follow me. We need to be quick, it will start raining soon and the traces will be lost.”

They started for the rim of the charred forest. The snow was melted and the ground was showing sign of extreme heat’s touch, but not a single sign of fire. “Can’t you just order the pegasi to disperse the clouds?” Luna asked again, not hiding her animosity.

Acid threw her a look similar to that adults use on ignorant foals having silly ideas. “Even if they were capable of flying in this choking air after a night spent trying to put out the fire and with all the injuries they acquired, how exactly do you expect to stop rain with so many particles serving as condensation cores in the air?”

They arrived to the distinct line of the blaze’s end in silence, Celestia a bit amused from Luna’s misfortune. She alone was a target of Acid’s sharp tongue several times. He could afford such behavior though. Some rules don’t apply to exceptional minds.

“The fire was artificial in nature, though you probably guessed that much,” Acid started his lecture.

Spark once started all that thrives

“...the border of the flames was drawn expertly and emitted a shield, about fifty feet high…”

Spark has right to end all savage

“You hear it too, don’t you?” Luna whispered and turned to Celestia with confusion etched in her face. “That voice. It resonates here.”

Hear how malice of old cries.

“...the magic type doesn’t match with anything I have ever encountered, though some similarities may be found in the traces after Crystal Heart’s attack against Sombra…”

To bear life from death needs courage.

“...especially on these stones.” Acid pointed down just in front of the Princesses. They bowed down to it, noticing strange markings on its surface. “The runes on most are destroyed, probably intentionally…”

GO FORTH AND PERFORM WITHOUT FEAR!

All three ponies staggered back from the sudden residual spark that ignited from the rune. It vanished then, leaving the stone coal black.

“Preserve as many of those runes as you can, commander,” Celestia ordered firmly after they caught their breath. “Act with utmost caution and inform us of any findings.”

“Um excuse me, your highness…” They all turned to the voice, not having noticed anypony in the surroundings. An unassuming looking gray unicorn with a pair of black sunglasses for a cutie mark, was just extinguishing the aura of his horn. They could only guess how long he was listening to them.

“You again?” Acid barked out. “How many times do I have to tell you to wait for the report for press?”

“And how many times do I have to reject those lies you write in it?” The newcomer turned to the princesses, who were starting to feel a bit miffed from the strange approach of everypony around. “Where are my manners. Gum Shoe, Equestria Morning newspaper. Could I ask you for a short statement about these gruesome events?”

Celestia weighed the options. This newspony probably already knew everything she did about the fire. If she refused to give her opinion, it would only serve to fuel the rumors of the crown withholding important information and ruling shadily. She sighed and assumed a confident stand.

“The crown is disturbed and disappointed by such an act we witnessed here. The reckless action of whoever started the fire cost lives of many ponies and countless animals. We hereby declare the culprits enemies of Equestria and whole ponykind and will do all in our power to locate them and bring them to justice.”

“Thank you, your highness, your words will be communicated to all ponies immediately,” Gum Shoe promised, finished the last word on a parchment and sent it away with his magic. “They will actually make it into today’s issue.”

With that he lit his horn and disappeared from sight. Acid stomped on the ground angrily. “That colt will drive me crazy one day. He is everywhere I move…”

“Maybe you should hire him then. As I did with you,” Celestia quipped with a small smile. “Let’s go further in the forest. I want to see the ruin for myself.” She stepped over the border line and immediately felt immense gratitude to Luna for the shield she provided.

Twilight Velvet was sitting at the kitchen table and drinking her second morning coffee. She already cleaned the plates she and her husband used for the breakfast and had few more in standby position for when the girls would wake up. She didn’t expect that to happen too soon though.

She started to suspect there was some conspiracy going against her and her husband’s tender moments as Trixie had knocked at the door late at night exactly when they were about to head to the bedroom. She asked them to go assist the girls with what Twilight collected, which surprised the married pair a little. Three extraordinarily strong magic users incapable of handling a few dozen books?

Well, Velvet mused, with in how bad state they were, I can’t blame them. That Sunset must be a great bodyguard for my daughter if Trixie’s story is true.

Trixie didn’t participate in the teleportation spells saying somepony must be ready to defend them if something went awry. Or she simply disagrees with Twilight’s obsession with books. Heh, they are like Night Light and me. I am jealous of his tomes too. Heh. He should be back soon though…

They got up later than usually as well. With all the commotion outside, it was a bit difficult to stay asleep, not to mention the glow on the sky. Despite Velvet’s protests, Night Light used a window to get to the roof with his spy glass - a telescope couldn’t fit through - and checked the source. Although under the horizon, he could determine the light came from Everfree. And that there wouldn’t be any Everfree anymore.

When they eventually managed to fall back asleep, it was well past three in the morning. The girls however weren’t disturbed from their dreams at all. Once the breakfast was over, Night Light left to get the newest newspaper to confirm his theory and maybe talk to some friends. Such a magical spectacle had to drive his curiosity crazy.

She had to wait for another fifteen minutes before the key rumbled in the keyhole. She got up, levitated her now empty mug to the sink and went to greet her husband. He was just putting his coat away and a peck on the cheek came as a surprise for him, as did the small pain from Velvet whipping his flank with her tail.

“Where have you been so long? I was getting worried and bored.”

“Sorry, sweetheart, they delayed the release of today’s paper to get the freshest news. Then I had to stand in that massive queue. The bakeries were a bit crowded too,” Night Light explained and lifted a paper bag in his magic. “Brunch?”

“Sure, you just bought my forgiveness. But don’t count on such luck too often.” She walked past him and in the direction of the kitchen and flicked his nose with her tail. “I would have to punish you, sweetheart.”

“Eww! Do you two ever stop fooling around?” came a grumpy voice from the top of the stair.

Night Light sighed deeply and looked up. “And good morning to you too, Trixie. Have you slept well? You missed some interesting spectacle last night.”

“Sorry, good morning to you too,” Trixie said as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “I’m sure there will be others I will get to witness.”

“I sincerely hope not.” Night Light walked to the kitchen, took his usual place and bit into one of the scones he brought. He didn’t bother with butter and jam, so much was he eager to read his paper. Velvet just shook her head and went to properly prepare the brunch for them all, expecting the other girls to show up soon.

She was correct as within ten minutes both Sunset and Twilight arrived in the kitchen. They were decidedly worse to wear than Trixie, both magically exhausted and Sunset with her patched posterior.

“Good morning, mom, dad,” Twilight greeted sleepily and sat down, throwing a bit annoyed glance at Trixie.

“Good morni- coffee please.” Sunset almost collapsed in her chair and was promptly handed the biggest mug  “Thanks. It’s been a tough day. Sorry we kept you up so long and forced you to move Twi’s books.”

“It’s no problem really. If it weren’t you, the glow and commotion would sure keep us awake,” Night Light commented from behind his paper. “It really was Everfree, sweetheart, I was right. Gum Shoe got there in the morning and collected much details.”

“Soon after you went to bed, a white glow appeared on the sky and it ponies started panicking in the streets,” Velvet explained to the girls who were trying to look shocked.

“How bad is the result?” Twilight asked, not faking her concern. She still held a sliver of hope that Zecora may have escaped somehow.

“The smoke hasn’t dispersed yet, so it’s unknown for now. But judging by the size of the fire and by the heat, the whole forest is gone,” Night Light stated grimly. “There have been casualties too. The fire attacked pegasi who tried to put it out.”

“That’s horrible,” Twilight whispered, throwing a pained glance at Sunset. The fiery unicorn noticed it, but didn’t even flinch. To her, the spell worked wonderfully and she had a reason to be proud.

“Do they have any clue to how it happened?” she asked instead, trying to prolong her moment of glory. Night Light took it as a sign of scientific interest and skimmed through the article quickly.

“Acid Cloud, the pony in charge of the investigation said it was artificial. There were some strange runes found around the border and the fire was kept in place by a mighty force field. It must have been an incredible act of magic!”

“NIght Light!” Twilight Velvet shouted angrily. “You can’t talk about such a tragedy and praise the culprit for his skill!”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, it slipped.” Night Light visibly flinched at his wife’s tone, having experienced the consequences in the past. Her ire was not to be ignored. “What I meant is that it must have consumed an enormous amount of magical power. I can’t imagine somepony so powerful to go unnoticed or not being uncovered immediately.”

Twilight Velvet considered his statement and looked at the girls questioningly. Twilight was starting to get uneasy from that look quickly. “Weren’t you there at approximately the same time as the fire started?

“More or less,” Sunset confirmed warily.

“You may have seen somepony suspicious.”

“Nopony apart from the bandits,” Trixie quickly shot back. Maybe a bit too quickly.

“Are you sure? Maybe somepony skilled with magic of unusual kind, controlling fire really well?” Velvet pressed on leaning over the table with a frown pointed at Sunset. “They would be probably really exhausted afterwards.”

“Nopony of that sort, no,” Sunset cooly answered. She wouldn’t back to anypony.

“Why don’t I believe-” A ringing at the front door broke into Velvet’s statement and distracted her a bit. “-you. I have to answer the door. You can strain your memory a bit in the meantime.” She left the kitchen hastily and left the other four ponies in a bit shaken state.

During her short journey to the door Twilight Velvet managed to hide all signs of her anger and adopt a sweet smile for the visitor. She opened the door to see a tired looking gray pegasus with strabismus. She too was pleasantly smiling, though Velvet had a feeling they both knew the other one was faking the expression.

“Good morning, can I help you?”

“Good morning to you too, Mrs. Twilight Velvet,” the pegasus greeted with a small bow. “My name is Ditzy Doo and I am a friend of your daughter Twilight. She told me she would be staying here. Is she home please?”

Velvet was a bit surprised Twilight let the information about her stay slip to somepony, though that was her personal choice. “She is indeed and her friends too. Please come in, you can join our brunch if you want.”

“Thank you, that would be nice.”

“Would you like some coffee, Ms Doo? You look a bit exhausted.

“No, thank you. I try to avoid it for some bad experience. Good morning everypony” Ditzy said as they entered the kitchen. The girls immediately jumped from their places and ran to her happily.

“Ditzy! What a nice surprise! What brings you-” Twilight exclaimed excitedly, but she got her answer before she could finish the question.

Ditzy’s face contorted in anger as she laid her eyes on Sunset. She reared up and hit Sunset on the left cheek with her front hoof. “You inconsiderate ignorant self absorbed prick!” she shouted as Sunset fell on her rump from the unexpected punch. Everypony froze in place from the shift in Ditzy’s mood, though she would ignore them no matter what. “Do you have any idea what you caused?”

Sunset didn’t seem impressed. “I did what I had to. You having a problem with it doesn’t change the fact that ponies will thank me one day!”

“Even those who died in the blaze? The innocent ones fulfilling their duty? Those who lived there or went for a trip?” Ditzy continued shouting, breathing heavily. Twilight Velvet laid a hoof on her shoulder reassuringly, trying to calm her down a bit. It wasn’t working though. “There was a school trip scheduled to the calmer parts of the forest! Thankfully they canceled it at the last minute because of a timberwolf sighting. I… When I imagine that Sparkler and Dinky would end in that inferno of yours… I should just kill you for this, you fool!”

Sunset flinched at the idea of what might have happened to the innocent foals and realized just how little precautions she took to prevent such tragedies. She wasn’t willing to capitulate though and even less to apologize.

“Alright, I didn’t think it through completely. But it must have been done. The forest was dangerous for everypony and the life of ponies will be better now!”

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that, Ms Sunset,” Night Light spoke up, stressing out the formal addressing. “The ash and the smoke will cause much damage to the weather. I am no meteorologist, but this could bring massive temperature dump too.”

“Alright, alright, you hate my work. I still think it was the right move.”

“I do too,” Trixie joined the argument. “Living there for several months would show you just what Everfree was!”

“Twilight? What is your opinion? Do you support this murderer?” Velvet asked, hugging the now sobbing Ditzy. The thought of her children hurt was too much for her, not to mention the ignorance of her friends.

“I am sorry, but being call murderer by the mother of the ex royal guard is a hypocrisy,” Sunset deadpaned, sure that she had nothing to lose here. Velvet just glared harder at her.

“I…” Twilight struggled with her voice. Hearing the full extend of what Sunset did and realizing the extent of her power was scaring her, though she couldn’t but see the positive side as well. “I think it was poorly thought out and poorly executed deed, but the idea itself was right.”

“Besides, it’s impossible to avoid casualties in war, Ditzy. You should realize that sooner better than later, if we are to make world better,” Sunset added.

That seemed to snap Ditzy back to reality. The mention of their task worked on her strongly, she was Diligence after all. She would make any sacrifice for their cause, she just didn’t realize their kind up till now. All she could do was nod weakly, tears still in her eyes. Twilight Velvet was not willing to accept that though.

“If you want to make it better by this means, you should maybe leave it as it is.” She let Ditzy go and got up. “I need some air and time to think. But know this, Twilight, I don’t approve of this at all. Murder is murder.” With those words she left the house.

Twilight and Night Light exchanged a crestfallen look, Twilight taking Ditzy to the living room to try and console her a little. The remaining three ponies returned to the table, having nothing better to do than to finish the brunch. Sunset was still rubbing her reddened cheek.

“Velvet has a point about killing ponies,” Night LIght broke the silence after a big sip of coffee. He got up and retrieved a bottle of cognac from a cabinet, pouring three glasses and levitating them to the girls. “But since it is done and there is no way to undo it, would you describe that spell to me? I must say, so much power fascinates me!”

“Ah can’t believe how much damage this all caused.”

Apple Bloom walked through the barren wasteland that Everfree had become. Without the plants and animals to give the forest identity, everything just looked bleak and depressing. The earth at her hooves had been scorched and black from the blaze and across the miles of dead trees, Apple Bloom saw the calcified remains of the many creatures, fallen ponies included.

Even though a bulk of the ash had stopped falling, the air was still somewhat hard to breathe from the stench of death and burnt flesh and fur. As a result, a lot of ponies in Ponyville had taken to wearing surgical masks to protect themselves from the hazardous inhalants. Many health officials even handed out these masks for free to further encourage this. Apple Bloom was no exception. Since she was walking through Everfree where the ashy air was most concentrated, she even wore a pair of swimming goggles to protect her eyes as well.

Aside from the air, the ash that had already fallen had created a blanket across the desolate land, replacing the snow that was previously there before the blaze, also creating mud in some areas. While the snow was bitterly cold, at least it was pretty to look at. And it wasn’t hazardous to the lungs.

In the distance, a familiar settlement approached, albeit badly damaged. Despite the powerful fire, Zecora’s house still maintained a recognizable shape. However upon cantering up to it, the doors and windows had unfortunately been rendered impossible to use as entrances. Surprisingly, the wooden door still stood, scorched and useless in its present form with the hinges welded. For anypony else, getting inside would be difficult as not only was the door shut tightly, but as were the melted windows which were now foggy and calcified.

Apple Bloom however knew of a secret back entrance. She walked to the side of the tree the hut was built in and dug at the ash, wiping it away in order to see the ground. It took only a minute of doing this to find a large white flat rock which she lifted to reveal a large tunnel, large enough for a pony of her size to crawl through. After clearing away some more ash, she carefully descended the mostly intact ladder down nine feet.

This tunnel led to a basement below the hut where Zecora stored a stockpile of supplies, mostly food and ingredients for brews. She had installed this shortly before Twilight disappeared and it saw more use after Apple Bloom began to learn under her. The normal staircase into the basement was inside the hut but the tunnel to the outside was for emergencies. It would seem that the basement was mostly shielded from the disaster as only the items near the staircase were damaged at all. For a flame so powerful, it was strange that this basement would be mostly unaffected, even if it was about nine feet underground. All that seemed to be down there besides supplies where archaic masks and items from the zebra homeland which seemed to be virtually untouched.

The door at the top of the stairs was damaged as well, but not to the point where it was impossible to just kick it down. Having grown up as a farm pony, this wasn’t any feat for Apple Bloom to accomplish, though she almost lost her balance and fell down the stairs in the process. The interior of the hut looked depressing. Everything was either scorched black, melted, or calcified including a few of Apple Bloom’s belongings. None of the pre-concocted potions had survived the catastrophe and the bottles they were stored in were all but unrecognizable. Many of the items from Zecora’s homeland were gone as well, more than likely incinerated into nothing. Both of the bedspreads used by the occupants were charred and too weak to support any weight.

But the absence of her zebra mentor puzzled Apple Bloom. The last time she saw her alive, Zecora was preparing for something. She wasn’t told what, all that was said is that it was a surprise. She checked everywhere in the hut, but there was no sign of Zecora. There was however a ladder that she had never seen before, leading up higher in the tree. Apple Bloom knew there was an attic in the hut, taking up an extra space above them, but Zecora never allowed anypony up there and until recently, seemed to try and hide its existence. The only reason Apple Bloom knew of it was because she witnessed Zecora close the trapdoor to the attic.

“Maybe whatever’s up there can tell me somethin’.”

The trapdoor leading up into the tree was closed and discreetly blended in with the ceiling but using the ladder nearby, it didn’t take much effort to find and open it. Pushing the door open, the room was nearly pitch black with the only light being from the sunlight from downstairs. It required the use of another light source like a candle from the basement. Thankfully, the extra candles were undamaged and ready for lighting.

Back inside the attic, Apple Bloom took note of how tall and spacious the attic was considering the narrow tree trunk it was supposedly located in. The room had what seemed to be bookshelves with destroyed books and tomes. The items hanging from the walls were odd, not at all resembling the zebra knick knacks in the rest of the hut. On the floor though quite damaged, she could faintly make out a carving of symbols and glyphs she had never seen before. A few of them seemed to match the motif of the items and books that she could make out. In the center of an assorted circle of these carvings was a figure, calcified and statuesque. Because of the darkness, Apple Bloom had to get close to the figure to realize what it was, having gotten a close look at its face.

She recoiled back, almost falling on her rump at the realization. “Z-Zecora…” The late zebra had been positioned in a meditation pose, sitting up with her hindlegs crossed and her forelegs in a praying stance at her chest. Her face was staring forward right at Apple Bloom, her eyes seemingly wide open. At least that’s what she thought, considering the body was too damaged to be certain. By her expression or rather lack there of, she either didn’t notice the heat that killed her, or wasn’t bothered by it. It would seem she died without feeling any pain whatsoever.

Apple Bloom was put at ease knowing that her mentor at least was peaceful in her death. Yet, it was odd how she seemingly knew there were flames around her and even seemed to acknowledge their presence seeing as how her open eyes faced a blackened window. But whatever the case, there was little Apple Bloom could do about it now. She thought about maybe burying Zecora, but it was futile to even move her. Zecora’s body was not only stone stiff and impossible to manipulate, but she was seemingly welded into the floor. Even if she could move her, how would she get her down the ladder? She certainly wasn’t just going to carelessly toss her downstairs. Such an act would be unthinkable.

At that point, she decided it would just be better to leave her as was. Apparently, Zecora had crafted a shrine of some kind and it was a fitting memorial. So after gathering some items that survived in the basement, Apple Bloom made the decision to go back to her home in Sweet Apple Acres. There was nothing else she could do now.

“Have you noticed the young lady has been very quiet lately?” one servant said to the cook.

“I’m not surprised. She just lost her father in that inferno and almost died herself. I don’t want to meet the pony who looks good after that.”

“It’s just so silent though. I’m not used to it.”

“Bare with it. I feel as though a lot is going to change since the master of the house is gone. By the way, have you seen Randolph?”

“He’s in the hospital. The ash from the fire gave him a pulmonary infection. It’s pretty bad too, not sure if he’ll make it.”

“He’s endured worse from our young lady, I’m sure he will be alright. Speaking of which, could you bring this to Lady Tiara and Madam Agate?”

The servant nodded and used his magic to carry two trays of food from the kitchen to their respective recipients. The first stop was Lace Agate who was in her bedroom, also sick from the ash that was quite heavy in the air during the aftermath of the blaze. While not as bad as the burn victims, a few residents in Ponyville, particularly those with lung problems, suffered from adverse effects to their health. Almost a fifth of the household staff were absent for this reason, though it was likely they wouldn’t be needed today anyway.

“Madam Agate? Your breakfast,” the servant said knocking on the door before entering.

The mare in question sat up in her bed, attempting to make herself comfortable despite the frequent coughing fits. “Oh, thank you. Did you bring my medicine?” she said tiredly.

“I did indeed. It’s right on the side of your tray. The cook also made camomile tea with some mint to soothe your throat a little.”

“How thoughtful. Just set the tray on my nightstand, I will get to it in a minute.”

“As you wish, madam.”

With another coughing fit dominating the room as Agate shifted in her bed, the servant headed to the room down the hall. The bedroom belonged to Diamond Tiara and most of the hired help usually dreaded to head in this direction. While the filly wasn’t the meanest especially in recent years, she wasn’t the nicest either. She was known for being demanding or otherwise bratty. Even as she grew older, her attitude didn’t get too much better. Since the blaze however, she spent much of her time in her room silent and unnervingly courteous to whomever passed.

“Lady Tiara? Your breakfast,” the servant mimicked his actions from before.

No answer. She was laying in her bed facing away from the door as the servant entered.

“Lady Tiara?”

Still no answer, though the teenage filly flinched a little at the noise made by the closing door. The servant placed the tray on the desk Diamond Tiara had in her room before quietly walking up to her bed.

“Lady Tiara-”

“I heard you the first time!” Diamond Tiara shouted as she swiftly turned her head. Her sudden outburst spooked the servant as he recoiled in time to avoid his eardrum taking the verbal assault. As soon as Diamond Tiara sat up, she winced in pain and started to rub her head. “...I’m sorry for yelling that.”

Her response perplexed the servant. Since when did Diamond Tiara apologize for anything? “Uh, it’s alright, m’lady. I brought you your breakfast though, with some tea.”

“I’m really not hungry.”

“M’lady, you really must eat. You’ve eaten so little in the past few days and we’re starting to worry about you?”

“I’m not exactly in the mood for eating,” the filly said as she laid back down, pulling the covers over her head. “Look, I really don’t feel like getting out of bed right now. I just wanna go back to sleep.”

“M’lady.”

“Please. I just… wanna be alone for awhile.”

The servant decided it was best not to argue further. It was going to take a while before the young lady would be herself again and he felt that perhaps he should cherish this peace while he still could. “Very well, m’lady. Let us know if you feel hungry later.”

Diamond Tiara spent the morning laying in bed, snuggling in her blankets. The room was dark with the lights off and the black curtains blocking the daylight sun. This had been all she had been doing all week since she escaped the fire. What happened that day forcefully replayed itself, as if she was not allowed to forget. Everything from the bandits assaulting her and her father, to Apple Bloom putting herself at risk to save her life.

Apple Bloom. She couldn’t understand why she could not stop reliving that specific part of the day or even why she would even help her after everything that happened between them.

“M’lady,” another servant said interrupting her thoughts. “You have a visitor to see you.”

“Visitor?”

“Lady Silver Spoon is waiting in the foyer. Shall I send her in?”

Silver Spoon?... “Y-yeah, please.”

The servant nodded and Diamond could have sworn she saw him smile a bit as he was leaving, closing the door behind him. She waited for a few minutes before she heard hoof steps along with the turning of the doorknob.

“Hi Diamond,” the gray spectacled filly quietly said as she gently walked inside, closing the door behind her.

“Hello Silver Spoon. What are you doing here this morning?”

“What? It’s almost evening.”

“Oh... Wow, I guess I slept later than I thought.”

“Yeah. I’ve experienced that too when my father died. Speaking of which, how have you been holding up?”

“Well…” Diamond Tiara rubbed her eyes, both to wake herself up and to hold back some tears. “I had some first degree burns from that night, but now I just don’t have a lot of energy.”

“You and everypony else. Miss Cheerilee had to close the school for awhile due to her illness.”

“Cheerilee is sick?”

“Lung sick from the ash, same as a lot of ponies. It’s nothing serious, but she said it wouldn’t be appropriate to hold school for awhile anyway. I can see her reasoning. I guess Apple Bloom earned some rest for her act of heroism.”

“A-Apple Bloom? Um, what is she doing now?”

“She’s living back in Sweet Apple Acres. Some minor burns and cuts but otherwise just fine. I can’t tell you how scared Applejack was when the disaster started. I mean, her sister lived in the forest with Zecora.”

“I got really lucky. If she wasn’t around when she was, I wouldn’t be here.”

Silver Spoon sat down on the bed next to her friend. “Apple Bloom told me everything that happened. Listen, I know you and her had your differences but-”

“I owe her a lot.”

Silver Spoon was caught off guard by her blunt response. She was expecting her to rationalize things and dance around the subject. Instead, she was honest and sincere.

“She saved my life, despite being her number one enemy. I’m thankful.”

“...I see. Uh well, perhaps you should show your gratitude to her. Show her how thankful you are.” Silver Spoon nuzzled her friend as she laid next to her. “Trust me. Having friends can help you through the darkest of time.”

“I want to. But…”

“But what?”

“I’m… I’m scared.”

“Scared?”

“What if they reject me?”

“Reject you? Please. We’ve been trying to come around for a long time now. I’m pretty sure rejection is not possible in this case. Besides, the fact that Apple Bloom went above and beyond to save you says a lot.”

“I guess so… I just don’t know what to say.”

“I’ll help you, Tiara. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

Diamond Tiara glanced at Silver Spoon’s face, slowly gaining a smile before laying her head down by her hooves. “Thank you. C-could I ask you one more thing?”

“Yes?”

“Would you mind spending the night? I’ve been pretty lonely.”

“Of course I will.”

While she felt a bit better to have somepony she trusted to help her, the next day was extremely tense for Diamond Tiara. The pounding in her chest grew more heavy the closer she and Silver Spoon came to the Crusader Clubhouse where the trio of fillies had been called. Her anxiety started to get the better of her when it came into view.

“I-I don’t know, Silver Spoon. I’m g-getting extremely nauseous now.”

“Just relax. You’ll be fine.”

“But-”

Silver Spoon stopped and placed her hoof to Diamond Tiara’s chest, smiling as she made eye contact. “You’ll be fine. Trust me,” she reassured. “Just take a deep breath, calm your nerves.”

The same gray filly took her hoof from her friend’s chest and knocked on the door to the clubhouse. A second later, said door was answered by the white unicorn of the group. “Hey Silver Spoon. Come on in.”

The other two fillies inside greeted Silver Spoon, but all froze when they saw Diamond Tiara, who gulped and shyly hid behind her friend. “It’s alright,” Silver Spoon said to all present. “She means no harm. In fact, I think she has something she wants to say to you, Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom blankly stared as Diamond Tiara cautiously creeped from behind the gray pony, eyes darting all over the place. It was clear by the trembling in her legs she was extremely distressed.

“...Hey, uh, Diamond Tiara,” Apple Bloom awkwardly greeted.

“H-h-hi Apple Bloom.”

“Um, did yer injuries heal?”

“Y-yeah, t-they healed.”

“Are you okay? Ya seem kind of shaky.”

“Um… I-I-I’m a little unsteady today.”

Diamond Tiara’s expression stated she was on the verge of tears, and her anxiety was making it difficult to hide that fact. She wanted to sit down or step away, but her body absolutely refused to move backwards. Even if she could, Silver Spoon was right behind her.

“I-I-I w-w-want t-to s-s-s-say…”

The crusaders were more confused than anything else by her panicky trembling and broken speech, but what they witnessed did create a cause for concern. Silver Spoon had told them Diamond Tiara hasn’t been herself in the entire week since the fire. After what seemed like an eternity, Apple Bloom stepped toward her.

“Are ya alright?”

She outstretched her hoof in an attempt to see if Diamond Tiara was feverish, thinking maybe her physical turmoil was caused by over exerting herself. Having a sister who has a habit of doing so, she had learned to recognize the signs. Almost the very instant her hoof made contact, Diamond Tiara breathed in sharply and flinched. The weakness in her legs became too much and they gave out on her, collapsing into Apple Blooms forehooves.

“Are ya alright?!” Apple Bloom repeated in a more desperate tone.

Diamond Tiara tightly squeezed the yellow filly and buried her face into her chest. “I’m sorry Apple Bloom!” she said in a shaky, high pitched voice. “I’m sorry for everything! I’m sorry for calling you and your friends blank flanks! I’m sorry for making fun of you! I’m sorry for calling Scootaloo a weak pegasus! I’m sorry for calling Sweetie Belle a stupid unicorn! I’m sorry-”

“Diamond, calm down!”

The now even paler pink filly looked up into Apple Bloom’s eyes and the emotional agony and regret became as clear as the hot tears that gushed uncontrollably. The breakdown she was having had passed the point of no return. “T-thank you for saving my life. I really mean it. I don’t know how I could ever make it up to you.”

“Shh, don’t worry about it. Ah’m just glad yer okay.”

Diamond Tiara buried her face into Apple Bloom’s chest again and hugged her even tighter, almost afraid to let go. “Why do you have to be a good pony, Apple Bloom? Why did you save me? What good am I? You lost your zebra friend because of me!”

“Diamond Tiara-”

“I’ve been a monster for as long as I’ve lived. I was mean to you, tormented you and everypony else in everyday life. I’m a pointless waste of space, a horrible abomination of ponykind. What use am I compared to everypony else?”

“Diamond Tiara! Don’t say things like that!” Apple Bloom held her tight as she did to her. “Believe me, there’s hope for ya. Yer not worthless so long as one pony thinks otherwise.”

“How can you be so forgiving?”

“Because ya lost yer dad… Just like Ah lost my grandma and Zecora. I know exactly how it feels to lose family. Ah save ya because I wanted ya ta understand you got friends, whether you know it or not. There are ponies who care.”

“But I’m-”

“Thats enough of that,” Sweetie Belle said joining the two in the embrace.

“Sweetie Belle? I’m sorry about everything.”

“There’s no need to apologize. You called yourself a monster earlier, but all I see is a scared filly who needs help. And I’m as willing as Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon to help you start over.”

“Count me in,” Scootaloo said, also joining them with Silver Spoon. “If Rainbow Dash has taught me anything, sometimes you need to fall before you can truly rise.”

“See, Diamond?” Silver Spoon said with a smile. “Did I tell you you’d be fine?”

Diamond Tiara continued to sob for awhile, but smiled a little as the other fillies warmly comforted her. It had been a long road and many misfortunes happened along the way, but at long last she had made some genuine new friends.

It has been nearly nine days since the tragedy that has been dubbed “The Great Everfree Inferno” occurred. Officials had no real leads and all ponies knew at this time that the fire was intentionally started by somepony with a powerful magic. The inferno was the talk of Equestria because it not only caused a lot of death and injury, but also a lot of emotional panic. The thought of the culprit still being at large and possibly striking again caused a lot of tension in everyday life, especially for those who lost a loved one in the blaze.

On the upside, some ponies did rationalize that the flames killed nearly all of the dangerous creatures that resided in Everfree. Since the blaze, there have been no reports or even sightings of the bandit groups in the surrounding areas and soon, all bandit attacks in Equestria would cease almost entirely. Disastrous as it was, the demise of Everfree had some silver linings.

Besides that however, it was impossible to ignore the sheer damage it did to the citizens of Ponyville. In particular to one cyan pegasus waiting in the hospital lobby with her coltfriend and fellow Wonderbolt. The couple had been sitting there for almost an hour after they got a message that Fluttershy, arguably the most injured pony in town currently, was stable enough to see visitors. Naturally being what is basically her immediate family, Rainbow Dash had to see her.

“Excuse me, Miss Dash?” Nurse Redheart called to them.

Without missing a beat, Rainbow Dash quickly stood up. “Can we see her now?”

The nurse nodded and gestured into the ICU. Rainbow grabbed Soarin’s hoof and hastily walked through the halls behind Nurse Redheart. In the other rooms, the pegasi saw other burn victims being visited by their friends and family as well, injuries gradually looking worse with each passing room.

“Think they’re placed according to the severity of their wounds?” Soarin’ asked to Rainbow in a whisper.

“Looks like it. If Fluttershy is at the end of this hall…” Rainbow shuddered at the thought.

“She needs her friends at time like this.”

As they feared, the sterile room containing Fluttershy was at the very end of the hall. Nurse Redheart opened the door and let the pegasi in. She was in a room by herself due to her critical state and if not for small strands of her yellow coat and pink mane, nopony would have been able to tell it was her as she was completely covered in gauze, save for her mouth, nose, and left eye. The other eye had practically been welded shut but thanks to surgery, the impairment would only be temporary.

“Fluttershy?”

The sound of Rainbow’s voice inspired the injured pony to open her eye and tilt her head in her direction. “Hi, Dashie,” Fluttershy responded weakly, raspy due to having a breathing tube in her throat for a few days. “And hello to you to, Soarin’.”

“You're able to speak at least. That’s a good sign,” Soarin’ replied with a smile.

“How are you feeling today, Fluttershy?” Rainbow quietly said as she sat down beside the bed.

“I feel very tired. I couldn’t stay awake when Discord came by earlier.”

“What were you doing to get so burned up?”

“Um… I don’t remember very much. All I remember is trying to save my animal friends and… then I blacked out.”

“A bit of debris hit her hard on the head,” Nurse Redheart confirmed. “During the surgery, the doctors found a fracture in the side of her skull, accompanied by some hemorrhaging. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to have caused any permanent brain damage. It turns out though that impact might have saved her life. Anymore physical activity might have resulted in exhaustion and if that happened any closer to the fire, she might have burned to death. Not to mention the heat might have collapsed her lungs.”

“I see,” Rainbow said solemnly. “I guess Discord pulled you back to a safer place after he found you. Good thing he did too. Suppose I should thank him for that.”

“Rainbow Dash, I told you he was truly reformed, didn’t I?” Fluttershy said with a fragile smile.

“Yeah… Looks like he is.”

“But I’m afraid he couldn’t rescue your animals,” Soarin’ stepped in. “He was too concentrated on saving you that he wasn’t able to save them in time. I’m sorry.”

“I already know. He told me,” Fluttershy quietly said with a single tear in her eye. “I’m grateful that he cared enough to try though.”

“Miss Fluttershy, you have another visitor. Should I let her in?” the nurse said. When she nodded, Redheart gestured to the pony in the hall.

“Ah wus never too fond of hospitals,” said the voice of a familiar country mare. “Brings back too many sour memories and-”

“Hello Applejack,” Fluttershy greeted.

“...Oh sweet Faust. Fluttershy, are ya alright? Ya’ll is lookin’ mighty beat up.”

“I needed a lot of skin grafts, the fire was strong enough to calcify my body. It hurt a bit at first but I’m alright otherwise.”

“Ah’m sure you will be alright. You’ve been through a lot of tough situations and made it out good as gold. Ya got us ta help y-ya n’ d-don’t you forget about it…”

Applejack started to get a little light headed. As much as she wanted to look away, her wide eyes were tied to the sickly pegasus. Too many things ran through her head at this moment. The last time she was visiting the ICU was when her parents died. Even when visiting Rainbow Dash after her wing was injured, she had to fight back her anxiety, even using the excuse of getting some fresh air to open the window. Now seeing Fluttershy in this state, Applejack found it difficult to stand. Soarin’, having trained his eye to recognize the signs of physical weakness, walked over to her.

“Hey, maybe you should get some fresh air, perhaps a drink of water. Dash, I’m gonna take her outside if that’s alright with you, I’m scared she’s going to faint if she stays here.”

“Yeah, AJ isn’t very good with hospitals. Last time she was here, she almost threw up.”

“I’ll be back in a bit.”

The stallion escorted the woozy farmpony out of the room in time for another visitor to drop by. Ditzy was one of the few ponies whom Fluttershy saw daily after her beloved Angel died and even long before that, they were good friends. So naturally, she would drop by to see her.

“Oh my goodness, Fluttershy,” Ditzy gasped the moment she laid eyes on her.

“Hi Ditzy.”

“That fire really took a toll on you I see.”

“And she was only near the fire,” Rainbow said, spooking Ditzy who did not notice her sitting just outside her peripheral vision. “I shudder to think if she was inside the forest.”

Ditzy could not help but exhale sharply at the thought. So many close calls with the fire happened, first her children’s canceled field trip and now Fluttershy barely cheating death. Worse still, she knew the pony responsible for all of this mess and felt partially responsible for it.

“How is Dinky and Sparkler?”

Fluttershy’s sudden question jolted Ditzy out of her thoughts and she hesitated before answering. “T-they’re just fine. Physically at least. But it scared them really bad. Good thing Sparkler got her sister home when she did. Dinky is still having nightmares though.”

“Oh, um, I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. It’s not your fault and you’re as much a victim as anypony in this hospital. You’ve got your friends and it shouldn’t be that long until you can go home again.”

“Thank you for trying to cheer me up, but what about you? You’ve got a lot to deal with too.”

“I appreciate your concern for me, despite your state. As much as I hate to do this, I have been thinking about leaving Ponyville for someplace safer. Plus, it would help little Dinky to get away from the cause of her nightmares.”

“I guess that make sense. I’ll miss you though.”

“As will all of Ponyville, I’m sure,” Rainbow added.

“It has been nice knowing all of you though. But I don’t want my babies to suffer or fear while this is all going on.”

“Where are you going to move to? I wouldn’t go to Canterlot if I were you.”

“I specifically said someplace safer. Canterlot is too racist and elitist to live in. If only unicorns could walk on clouds without the need for advanced magic, we could just move to Cloudsdale. They’ve been wanting to see their grandparents for awhile now. But that probably won’t be for a few weeks from now. Listen, I should probably go now. You need some rest, I hope you get better.”

“It was nice to see you again.”

Ditzy bowed respectfully and walked out of the door. A full hour went by before another visitor came in. This time it was two along with Soarin’ who came back in.

“Sorry that took so long. Applejack needed some help getting back to the farm. Geez though, her brother is strong. But on the way back, I ran into these two.”

“Fluttershy!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced in with balloons. “I heard you were really, really sick so I brought some of my special get well balloons.”

“She wanted to bring more than this, but I told her they wouldn’t be able to fit through the door,” Rarity said walking in behind her with a bouquet of daisies. “Nice to see you are okay, darling.”

“Pinkie Pie? Rarity? I’m happy to see you again. But Rarity? Don’t you have to attend to your shop in Canterlot?”

“And leave my poor friend alone in this boring old hospital room? I very well couldn’t do that, especially not after something so dreadful happened. Besides, there are other boutiques that the nobles can get their attire from if they needed it so badly. I’d much rather see you again.” Rarity placed the colorful bouquet on the small table next to Fluttershy’s bed.

“I’m flattered, but it takes so long to get back to Ponyville, won’t you fall back on work?”

“Nonsense, Fluttershy. I have plenty of funds saved up. Even if I were to close for an entire week, it would hardly affect me in the slightest. I also have family I needed to see, but don’t worry about me, dear. Just focus on getting better.”

“Yeah,” Pinkie said after she finished tying the balloons on the edge of the bed. “And after you get out of the hospital, we can throw you an ‘out of the hospital’ party. I may not have many ingredients to work with, but I’ll make you a extra super yummy delicious cake.”

Fluttershy giggled a bit. Even though she didn’t have much of an appetite at the moment, Pinkie Pie’s exuberance brought a smile to her face. A good laugh definitely helped to make her feel better after going through what she did.

Rainbow looked on as Pinkie attempted to entertained Fluttershy, being successful in getting her to laugh a bit more. Soarin’ sat down beside her after talking with the doctor. “It’s good to see she’s alright,” he said wrapping a wing around her.

“Yeah. She had me worried.”

“It seems that so far, the only fatalities were those that were pulled into the fire, and those that were in Everfree when it started. I think at this point, almost everypony who was injured should make a full recovery.”

“Almost everypony?” Rainbow said in a concerned yet quizzical tone. The look she gave him nearly broke his heart with how uneasy it was.

“I talked to the doctor a minute ago. He says that although Fluttershy just barely dodged amputation, she may be left with some permanent scars. We won’t know the full extent until she’s out of the gauze, but he didn’t sound optimistic at all.”

The moment those words left his mouth, the room fell silent and cold. Even Pinkie Pie dropped her smile. Despite her silly exterior, even she understood the full severity of the condition. Rarity put a hoof to her lips to suppress a grimace. Having witnessed her friend’s rise as a model, it seemed unfair for Fluttershy to lose her youthful beauty. Even in the times they were in the spa in Canterlot and she got dirty looks from many unicorn mares, the yellow pegasus never seemed to fail at turning the heads of many males who passed by. Granted, Fluttershy never wanted that kind of attention, but Rarity could only shudder to think of what would happen to her now. Rainbow Dash was simply downcast at the news, unsure how to even react. Before she could think of a response, the patient spoke up and broke the silence.

“O-oh, I don’t think that’s really an issue for me. It’s not like I go out much anyway.”

“Fluttershy, aren’t you even the least bit concerned about your body? This is a life changing thing we’re talking about,” Rainbow Dash said leaning on her bed, face closer to Fluttershy’s. “You may not be worried about it now, but what about in the future? What about when you decide to find a coltfriend or something like that? I mean, you’ve already lost so much now. I worry about you, Flutters. It’s just so hard to-”

Rainbow was silenced as Fluttershy weakly placed her warm, bandage wrapped hoof on her lips, a small tear in her eye and a smile to contradict it. “Please don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. You’ve done a lot for me ever since we were fillies. Trust me, I can take what life throws at me at this point?”

Rainbow Dash took her hoof into her own. Aw, Fluttershy… I know you’ve grown more independent since Twilight left, but I can’t help but feel you’re bottling up your depression. “Just promise me that you stay strong for us, no matter what happens. Kay? And if you feel like you need guidance, just call us. We’ll be here for you. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack even though she is kind of dizzy in hospitals, and especially me. I’ve got your back.”

“Excuse me, everypony,” the doctor in the doorway announced. “Your friend needs to take her medicine and rest for the day. I will have to ask you to come back tomorrow.”

Reluctantly, the remaining ponies started to leave. Soarin’ was almost out the door when he noticed Rainbow Dash still sitting at the bed. He then walked to the doctor and whispered to him. “Hey, is it alright if she stays until Fluttershy falls asleep? She has no immediate family and I think she needs the comfort.”

“Very well, but will have to ask her to leave after that.”

“Fair enough. Dashie, I’m going to be waiting at the house. Is that okay?”

“Alright. I’ll be there later.”

The cyan pegasus watched as the nurse replaced Fluttershy’s IV before giving her a pill and a cup of water. After swallowing it, she rested her head back on her pillow, squeezing Rainbow’s hoof in her’s as she closed her eye. Rainbow dash was never good in a lot of these situations when a friend or family was hurt, physically or emotionally. The best she could do was at least keep her company during the hour before she finally fell asleep. Deep down, despite the reassurance of her friend, she knew things were going to get very hard in the future.

“I can’t believe they threw us out! Or that you are taking us to this northern wasteland!” Sunset seethed and slammed her hoof into the small table between their seats so hard that the coffee cups jumped up a little.

“Staying at my parent’s house is becoming harder, and not just because of that stunt at Everfree. It was getting difficult to hide our presence with how much extra food mom was buying, and the authorities have been making random searches of the houses in trying to find the culprits, as in us. We just aren’t safe in Equestria. And for the upteenth time, Sunset, they didn’t throw us out. We left voluntarily!”

“And you think we’ll be safer on the run?”

“We won’t be on the run for much longer. Once we cross the Empire border, all we have to do is find shelter with Cadance and Shining Armor.”

“So what happens if we get caught on the way? I mean, being on a train with other ponies doesn’t really seem like that great a compromise compared to a house in Canterlot where we knew somepony.”

“Hey, if you wanna walk the remaining five hundred or so miles to the border, be my guest. And keep shouting like this, it will help us stay inconspicuous!”

“Couldn’t we just, I dunno, teleport? Hell, you can even fly! Instead, we’re sitting here trapped in this infernal noisy cart for the guards to fish us out.”

“Stop being so butthurt. Oh wait, you can’t because of that arrow, remember? And that’s way we don’t teleport,” Twilight shot back, growing annoyed with the constant whining of her companion. “It would take who knows how long even with teleporting, and do we really want to rely on my flying when we’re supposed to be under the radar? Plus I want to get to the Empire in good shape and not fall asleep while talking to Cadance. We can’t just waste time horse doodling.”

“Okay first off, horse doodling? Really? Second, they’re probably going to be looking for a group of ponies for their investigation and it would be harder for them to find us if we stayed off the main roads. And thirdly, horse doodling? Really?”

“It’s something Father Admiration said all the time, get off me. Besides, you weren’t exactly complaining about this when you set ablaze the forest. What happened? I thought I was supposed to be the uptight careful one.”

“Because I’m supposed to be deranged twenty-four seven, whataya want from me?! That was fun and all, but now I have to think of the group and make sure we don’t get shot down before we can even get up in the air. And, uh, I don’t wanna get smacked by Ditzy again. That really hurt.”

“Well, you can’t say you didn’t kind of deserve it. Look, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Until then, just lay low and stop talking about this. We’ll hopefully draw less attention that way. Assuming Trixie does the same.”

“Where is Trixie anyway? I haven’t seen her in over an hour. I swear, they should write a book about her, I dunno, how does ‘Trixie in Wanderland’ sound?”

“I’m going to go look for her, I need to stretch my legs anyway. You wanna join in?”

“I dunno, I don’t think you really want me around horse doodling on the job.”

“Ugh nevermind, I’ll go by myself. I need to blow off some steam. Just stay out of trouble, okay? Please?”

With Twilight soon gone, Sunset simply reclined back on her bench against the window. Not many ponies were present in the train car with her so all the sounds she had to keep her company were those of the train itself. That was just fine by her standards, though she grew bored quite fast. Since she had nothing better to do, she decided to use her magic to remove the maintenance kit from her bag while also grabbing her swords to use it on. Carefully removing the main sword from its sheath, she placed the blade onto her lap and reached into the small wood box. It was around this time that she noticed two little eyes from the other side of her bench, eyes that belonged to a green earth pony colt.

Sunset scanned both sides of the car before looking back at the colt and giving a sheepish smile. “Uh… Hi.” The colt tilted his head in curiosity. “How are you today, uh, little guy? Do your parents know you’re here?”

“Are you a royal guard, miss?” the colt asked, eyes centered on the orange blade.

“Me? A royal guard? Not really… Well, maybe I am in a matter of speaking. I’m just a trained mare working as a bodyguard to some close friends of mine.”

“Is that a real sword then?”

“This? In fact, it is,” Sunset said grinning proudly. “Personally hoof made and I learned from the best, both crafting and using.”

“It doesn’t look like any sword I’ve ever seen. It’s really cool.”

“Actually, it’s usually pretty hot, hehe… Okay, that was pretty bad. It’s an art not native to Equestria.”

“Woah! Is it powerful?”

“I like to think it is. Of course, a little unicorn magic helps make it stronger. But to keep it strong, I have to clean it often. The blade may look awesome with its orange color, but it’s made of materials that require high maintenance to keep in top shape.”

Sunset gently picked up a small powder hammer from the wood box and began to tap it lightly on her sword evenly along the blade.

“What is that, miss?”

“This little tool is called a Uchiko ball. It’s filled with very fine pumice powder that’s used to polish this type of sword. You tap lightly every two inches or so along the length of the blade and once it’s dusted, you take a sheet of rice paper or a cotton cloth to rub it. That polishes it. Afterwards, I put a few drops of this oil compound and do the same thing to clean it. See, certain components in our skin or blood promote rusting and since this particular blade requires a lot of maintenance, I need to make sure it’s polished, clean, and ready to be used whenever I need it.”

“Huh. Where’d you learn that?”

“Like I said, learned from the best. My master had to change a few things when it came to teaching me because of some… well, anatomical differences, but I learned a lot from him. My name is Sunset Shimmer by the way. What is yours?”

“Thyme. Thyme Bundle Jr.”

“I see. You know, my master used thyme herbs as incense in his temple. Where he’s from, his culture heralds it as a both a symbol and source of courage. It was placed beneath pillows to ward off nightmares and aid sleep, the leaves were a common component in gifts for warriors as it was said to bring courage to the bearer, and it was also a common practice to burn this same incense and spread the ashes on coffins at funerals. It was supposed to assure passage into the next life.”

“Ooh, that’s kinda neat. My dad is pretty brave too, so it makes sense.”

“Hehehe, yeah my master gave a lot of knowledge from his country to me. He was the closest thing to a father I had. Speaking of which, aren’t your parents going to be worried about where you are?”

“It’s okay. Dad isn’t in the best mood right now. He’s still kinda upset since mom died.”

“Uh, oh… sorry about that little buddy.”

“Should I do that spreading the ashes thing when I visit her next time? She was really brave and I wanna make sure she finds paradise.”

“Go right ahead if you feel it will help. But I don’t think you’ll have to worry about her finding paradise. If she’s brave, and if you loved her, she’ll have no problem finding it.”

“It won’t be the same without her, that’s for sure. I think dad is taking it harder than I am though, to be honest. I mean, I loved mom but I didn’t see her too much with how much she worked. But I have to let dad know I can handle myself. That way, he won’t have to worry about me.”

“I see. Well, I’ve only known you for a little bit and I can already tell you’re a strong kid. You gotta be strong in these times. For a kid your age to be so mature already is pretty admirable. Just remember one thing though.”

“What’s that?”

“No matter what happens, just know that your father worries because he loves you. He’s already lost your mother. Just try to support him like he does you, okay?”

“Okay, Miss Shimmer. I will.”

“Just call me Sunny, squirt. You’re alright, Thyme, I like you. You remind me of myself when I was your age, back before I had all my ambitious dreams. You’re a bit young to understand, but I’ve made some mistakes in my life that I’m not proud of. Promise me you won’t make any of those mistakes, okay?” Sunset lifted her hoof from her sword maintenance for a hoof bump, one that Thyme returned gladly. For awhile afterwards, Thyme was content to watch Sunset polish both her swords, intrigued with his new hero at work. Near the end of her maintenance, a pegasus stallion walked into the car.

“There you are, Jr. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“I take it you’re Thyme Sr. then? Your boy is quite a colt, you’ve done a fine job raising him,” Sunset said putting away her swords.

“Hey dad, Miss Sunset here told me our names mean courage in her master’s culture,” Thyme Jr. stated.

“Oh? Really? Who are you by the way?”

“Sunset Shimmer. I’ve been looking after your boy for the past twenty minutes. He’s a good kid.”

“Ah, thank you Miss Shimmer.”

“Hey, dad? Do you think thyme grew in Everfree?” Jr inquired to his father.

“Uhh, I have no idea. Probably, but why do you ask?”

“Mss Sunset said the ash is used to spread on heroes’ grave. Would that count for mom?”

A cold chill went down Sunset’s spine as she tried to swallow the sudden lump in her thought. “Did… she die in that fire?”

The stallion hesitated for a second as his son joined his side. “I, uh. Well, it was about two weeks ago. I’m a royal guard from Canterlot you see and she normally looked after Jr. when I’m at work. But she had some relatives to visit in Ponyville so I took a vacation day to watch him while she did that. Then that fire in Everfree started and… while she didn’t die from the fire itself, she had respiratory issues and the ash resulting from the fire made her very sick.” He took a deep sigh and wiped away a single tear from his cheek. “About four days after the fire, I got a letter saying she passed away in the hospital from lung failure. My boy and I were actually at the funeral early this morning.”

“I… oh… Wait, what are you doing on this train then? This one leads to the Crystal Empire, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, Canterlot just doesn’t seem to appreciate non-unicorn ponies, even in death. I just couldn’t stand the disrespect so I’m transferring to the Crystal Queen’s guard since I hear there are some job openings up there. Hopefully, things will be better there. For what it’s worth though, I’m glad to see there are some ponies who still have a shred of decency left. Thank you for listening, I need to get my boy to dinner now. Enjoy your evening, Miss Shimmer.”

“Y… Yeah. You too.”

As soon as the father and son were out of sight, Sunset exhaled a heavy breath she didn’t know she was holding in.

“Guess that’s a second smack to the face…”

Over the years since the coronation of the new crystal queen, Cadance had worked hard to ensure her crystal ponies remained in a prosperous state and for the most part she was successful. The empire was not technically part of Equestria anymore and besides having a city that was now almost triple its original size, the territories now included sections of the nearby mountains of the Frozen North. As for the ponies themselves, money had been fairly generous thanks to recent trading increases and the imperial expansion projects created more jobs. All in all, it was a decent place to live and even better for finding work.

However for the Crystal Queen, her husband, and a certain dragon, something else was occupying their minds. Twilight had been gone for over four years before she suddenly returned. All were glad she was alive and well, but where had she been all that time? They would be able to get some answers soon, but she first had to show up. Her supposed time of arrival at the train station had already passed over an hour and a half ago, making them all antsy and worried from within the palace.

“What’s taking her so long?” Cadance said pacing back and forth between the two throne room walls. “I hope nothing bad happened on the way. What if she was attacked by bandits? Oh, Shiny please tell me she isn’t being attacked by bandits!”

“Maybe she’s just being cautious,” Shining Armor reassured. “It’s not like she wants to be noticed.”

“I hope you’re right, Shiny. Gee, look at me. I’m hardly regal right now, all anxious and pacing like this.”

“This is the first time since in a long time we both get to see her again. I can understand the tension.” Shining walked up and placed a hoof on his wife’s back, nuzzling her in an attempt to calm her. “I’m nervous too, Cady, but Twily is hardly a filly. She’s an alicorn with strong magic and she isn’t traveling alone according to mom and dad. I think she’ll be alright.”

Ten minutes of tense waiting passed before a crystal guard cantered through the doors, bowing in respect to his monarchs. “Your majesties, your guests have arrived and are waiting near the Crystal Heart.”

“You didn’t let them in?” Shining Armor said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“Well sir, one of them isn’t cooperating entirely and she was armed. She refused to hand her weapon over despite the ordinance law.”

“How are things right now?” Cadance asked with concern.

“That’s why I rushed in here. Miss Twilight asked me to get you, she said ‘please come at once’.”

The couple nodded and made a beeline outside where the scene was on the verge of escalating. The guards had their spears drawn and were prepared to fight the hot blooded mare, who had assumed her bipedal stance, sword drawn. Even in approaching the outside area, they could hear the confrontation unfolding.

“Put down your weapon!”

“How bout you put down yours!”

“This is a direct violation to local weapon laws! If you do not comply, we will be forced to arrest you!”

“You don’t have the stones to take me on!”

“I keep telling you you are not allowed to carry a weapon unless you are authorized!”

“And I keep telling you I AM authorized! I am a bodyguard and you wanna arrest me because I don’t have a permit?”

“At this rate, I don’t think you even know what a permit looks like!”

“I don’t think you know what your entrails look like either, but I’m tempted to show you!”

“Sunset!” Twilight shouted. “Why do you keep doing this?! This is pretty much the opposite of being a humble guest!”

“Hey, these guys started it! I don’t care if the entire force is on me, I’m not giving up Andriea!”

While she was distracted with talking, or rather snarling, at Twilight, a guard took the opportunity to lunge in an attempt to throw her to the ground… Only for Sunset to offhandedly swing her sword and slice his weapon, in half. With a menacing look, she used her free hoof and grabbed his armor, lifting him up off the ground, and held her weapon’s point inches away from his eye. The other guards, a few of them with only a couple weeks of experience, involuntarily flinched at the thought of possibly witnessing a massacre.

“ENOUGH!”

All heads turned to Shining Armor, who sported the gruff face of an experienced soldier. He was clearly not happy with the situation, understandably so, but he had to intervene nonetheless.

“Lay down your arms, all of you. You miss, you aren’t exactly endearing yourself to the city by threatening its citizens and guards.”

“And your guards aren’t endearing themselves to an invited guest,” Sunset shot back, unfazed by his authority. She was hardly the type to back down from anything. “I’m not looking to cause trouble, but these foals are the agitators.”

The two traded scowls before Shining Armor looked over to see Twilight not far away, tired and frustrated. As much as he wanted to deck Sunset for putting him into this situation, he had little choice at the moment other than to swallow his pride and end things before they boiled over.

“Look,” Shining said with a sigh. “I don’t appreciate you treating my men like this. However, I see this mess started with the threat of your weapon being confiscated. Seeing as how you are a friend of Twilight, I am willing to overlook this infarction and continue to allow possession of it. Under the grounds that you not use it to cause trouble.”

“That seems reasonable,” Sunset said through her gritted teeth. After releasing her grip on the poor guard, he stood stunned from what had just transpired before Sunset jerked forward in an intimidating fashion, making him flinch and back up quickly. “See boys? Was that so difficult?” she said sheathing her sword.

The guards glanced nervously at Shining Armor, unsure what to do and waiting for their next order. With their captain giving them signal to resume patrol, they quickly scattered, all too eager to get away from the red and yellow mare.

“You are so difficult to work with sometimes, you know that right?” Trixie growled at Sunset.

“Hey, I’m not in the greatest mood anyway, thanks to Twilight.”

“ME?! You were the one who started this mess!” Twilight said with a glare.

“Woah girls,” Cadance interrupted in an attempt to defuse the conflict. “Listen, it’s behind us. Just calm down and come inside the palace. Maybe some food and rest will settle things.”

“That’s hardly how I imagined our reunion,” Twilight sighed and followed Cadance.

It was a rough start, but the anger of all three mares eventually subsided. Well, for the most part. Sunset still fumed as she walked behind the rest of the group. With Twilight at the front with Cadance and Shining Armor, perhaps it would be for the best.

“I’m sorry about that, guys,” Twilight said to her siblings. “It’s been a very rough trip. The stations were doing inspects and we had to walk the rest of the way to avoid being seen. I guess we’re all a little cranky. Some more than others.”

“I’m just glad the snow is mostly gone,” Trixie added. “Makes it easier on us.”

“And I’m sorry about Sunset. She should know better.”

“Oh shut up,” Sunset half shouted, too tired and too pissed to raise her voice much.

“Okay, just settle down. No need to cause another scene,” Trixie said stepping between them.

“What happened to make you two upset?” Cadance asked while nuzzling Twilight, calming her slightly.

“You mean besides the whole fiasco back there? Let’s just say we’re having some disagreements and leave it at that.”

Cadance, sensing a surplus of frustration, decided it was best to change the subject. “So, it’s been a long time since we last got to see each other.”

“Yeah. It was this very place if memories serves.”

“I suppose you know by now how much Equestria has deteriorated,” Shining Armor finally joined the conversation. “It’s been really hard. I’m glad to have you back, little sis.”

The smile on her BBBFF’s lips was able to bring one out in her. “I’m sorry for worrying you. I really didn’t intend for Spike to misinterpret…. Spike! Where is he? I need to see him.”

“Oh he’s around. Last time I saw him, he was playing with Luster.”

The unfamiliar name caused Twilight’s ears to perk. “Um, Luster?”

“Regal Luster? Our son? Your nephew?”

“Nephew?!”

Shining facehoofed. “I’m guessing mom and dad didn’t tell you then?”

“They just said something about a surprise waiting in the Crystal Empire.”

“Ugh, that figures. Mom was always like that. Well, I think it’s about time we introduce you. Spike should be there too.”

Meanwhile on the other side of the palace, the young white and purple maned prince sprang like a baby blue cannon ball from a fort of pillows that had been built seconds earlier. The playful unicorn had taken a liking to Spike a long time ago since he was his closest playmate. Spike, though he did enjoy his company, always seemed to be on the opposite end of his rough housing.

“Rrrraawr!” the colt shouted enthusiastically as he leaped from his fort. “I’m gonna get you!”

“Have at thee, dark king!” Spike responded holding a wooden sword and wearing a ‘helmet’ made of tinfoil.

“I am the king of this castle. You shall not pass.” Luster tossed a wad of paper at the drake’s feet. “Taste my powerful fireballs, scaly knight!”

“My scales are fireproof, dark king! Hiya! Take that!”

Spike lunged with his sword and ‘stabbed’ his playmate with the toy ending up under the colt’s armpit. “Arrrg! This cannot be!”

Luster acted like a dying villain, pretending to die in a rather over the top and dramatic fashion, eventually closing his eyes and letting his tongue flop from the side of his mouth. Spike got an idea and leaned in to tickle the prince’s belly, making him squirm as the giggles left his system.

“Hey! No fair, Spike! That’s my one weakness.”

The two ended up giggling uncontrollably before things settled down a bit. Spike sat down facing away from Luster for a second, and the colt took his chance at revenge. He quietly rolled over onto his hooves and snuck up to the tired drake.

“Surprise!” Luster jumped on Spike’s back and tried to ride him like a pony, oblivious to his strained back from the sudden weight. He had always been a big boy for his age. “Giddyup, Spikey! Whoo!”

“Luster!” Cadance said, getting the colt’s attention. “How many times have I told you? Spike is not a riding pet.”

“Oh let him,” Shining countered with a giggle of his own. “Mom told that to Spike about me too, and it had no effect. A little retribution won’t hurt.”

“Shining!”

“I’m kidding… mostly. Anyway Luster, please get off of Spike. For the sake of his back.”

The colt complied, disappointed that playtime was over. With the colt sulking, Spike patted him on the back as he tried to catch his breath. “Don’t worry about it, buddy. I’m a dragon, remember? I’m stronger than I look. If you want, we can play steed later.”

“You mean it?”

“Of course! I don’t mind at…” Spike trailed off as he spotted a certain purple pony walk through the door. It didn’t take any time at all to recognize her, he knew it immediately. “Twilight?”

“Hi Spike,” Twilight responded warmly. “I’m back. Sorry for making you worry about-” Before Twilight could finish her sentence, she found herself comforting the dragon, having leapt from his spot and hugging her. Nothing more had to be said, they were just glad to see each other again.

“Didn’t we already go through this with your parents?” Trixie stepped into the room. “Getting kind of a deja vu vibe from this.”

The mare’s voice caught Spike’s attention and upon recognizing her, immediately grew tense. He still remembered the trouble she’d caused. “Trixie? Twilight, is she…?”

“Don’t worry, Spike. She’s a friend now. Has been for awhile now and is one of the few ponies I can rely on in this day and age. Besides you, Shiny, and Cadance of course.”

“It’s been almost five years since we last met,” Trixie said smiling at the drake. “I’ve changed and Twilight taught me a few things. I hope we can put the past behind us.”

Spike was put at ease a bit. “I guess if Twilight is okay, then I should at least try.”

“Oh, and Sunset is with us too,” Twilight frowned as she gestured to the grumpy mare outside.

“Wasn’t she-”

“Back in the other world? Yeah, uh, long story. We’ll explain it later.”

“No, by all means,” Sunset snarked. “Not like it would be the first time we spent horse doodling today.”

“Okay, you’re just making fun of me now.”

“What’s got her so upset?”

“Even longer story. Look, I’ll tell everything in detail later, we’re all just a little tired from the journey. But that aside,” Twilight turned her attention to the colt Cadance was cuddling. “Hi there little guy. So you’re Regal Luster, right?”

“Uh huh,” Luster yawned, having just come down from his energetic high from earlier. “Who are you?”

“I’m Twilight Sparkle, I’m your daddy’s sister. Your aunt.”

“Hi Aunt Twilight. You have the same name as grandma.”

“Hehe, yeah I do. I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet before, I’ve just been really busy and didn’t have the time.”

Luster tried to respond, but he had burnt most of his energy playing as was evident by his increased yawning. The mother and aunt giggled at this and Cadance carefully placed him in his bed. “Okay sweetie, let’s go to bed early tonight, okay? You’ll get to spend time with your aunt all day tomorrow.”

“Okay. Good night mommy.”

“Good night sweetie.” Cadance gave him a kiss on the forehead and ushered the rest of the ponies, and dragon, out of the room before turning out the lights.

“He seems like a nice kid. Sure looks a lot like you, Shiny. Only with lighter blue in his mane.”

“Eh, maybe so but he takes after his mother. Listen, I gotta get back to reviewing applicants, we’ll catch up later.”

“Aw, but Twilight just got here, dear,” Cadance pouted.

“I know, I’m sorry. But if I don’t do it now, it’s going to add to our workload tomorrow. You remember what happened last month.”

“Shiny!”

“It’s okay,” Twilight stated. “I understand. Actually, we’re all exhausted so maybe we can speak over breakfast.”

“Ah, okay. Shining Armor, I’ll show them to their rooms personally so please don’t worry about us. Please try to hurry with that paperwork, I’d like my knight to be close to me tonight.”

“No problem, my dearest princess, I would never keep you waiting.”

With Spike hopping onto Twilight’s back, they walked along side the other mares through the palace. “I’ve had rooms prepared in advance for when you arrived. We had plenty of time to make sure they were clean and comfortable. You are our honored guests, after all.”

“Hey, your husband said something about applications back there,” Sunset addressed as she walked up beside Cadance. “Hope you don’t mind me asking, but would that have something to do with all those camps we saw on the outskirts of the city? They looked kinda… Equestrian.”

“Awhile ago, we had ponies traveling from Equestria to get away from some of the problems going on. I’m not going to call the empire a paradise, but we do try to keep things as civil and safe as we can.”

“Some are looking for work.”

“The empire is expanding and we need ponies to work in construction and other jobs. I’m not going to lie, it has been taking longer than usual to teach the crystal ponies how to do more complicated jobs, so we need to hire ponies with experience in those fields to show them the ropes.”

“And the weapon laws?”

“A way to counteract crime, especially the bandits that have been popping up last year.”

“Yeah about that. I don’t really think those bandits will be much of a problem soon. See, I kinda sorta maybe perhaps possibly sent them a warning and some of them are kinda sorta maybe perhaps possibly dead, with a lot more kinda sorta maybe perhaps possibly arrested. I was kinda sorta-”

“Will you please talk normally, Sunset?” Trixie said deadpan.

“Fine, sorry. Long story short, they’re feeling the heat. Both figuratively, and very literally.”

“Um… Dare I ask?”

“I wouldn’t,” Twilight nudged. “Let’s just say she can be very persuasive. With the mood she was in at the time, I wasn’t exactly in a rush to stop her. Trust me, you don’t want to mess with that.”

“I see. Anyway, why do you ask in the first place? About the projects?” Cadance said to Sunset, getting her back on track.

“Oh yeah, well I met a stallion and his son on the train and it just made me wonder. Not much to  it, just curious is all. By the way, if you meet a pegasus by the name of Thyme Bundle Sr, please be generous with him. He’s a former solar guard and he needs work.”

“I’ll see what I can do. If he’s experienced, it shouldn’t take much to convince Shining Armor.”

“Thank you. Now that that’s out of the way, I think I’m gonna hit the sack. Where's my room located?”

“Right over there, last door on the left.”

“Alright then. I’ll see you all later, maybe my mood will improve in the morning. Oh and Twilight? Trixie? I need to talk to you two about something, remind me of it tomorrow.”

“I think I’m going to take a bath before I turn in,” Trixie said. “Is there a bathhouse or something similar in this palace, Queen Cadance?”

“Please just call me Cadance, and each of the bedrooms on this floor has a private bathroom with a shower. We had them installed a few months ago for high profile guests.”

“That’ll work, thanks. My room is…”

“Third to last on the right.”

“Good night Trixie.”

With the first two girls gone, all that was left was Twilight. Spike decided he was going to show her to her room personally, allowing Cadance to prepare for bed herself. Entering the last door on the right, Spike and Twilight set foot into the pristine room. It had been pre stocked with two bookshelves worth of books and had a small balcony with a great view of the city. Spike had also moved his bed into the room beforehand.

“Wow. Brings back old memories. It’s just like the last time I was here.”

“Huh, it really is,” Spike said getting cozy in his bed. “Hey Twilight? I’m sorry for misinterpreting your letter back at Ponyville. I really caused a lot of fuss.”

“Spike, it’s not your fault. This fuss would’ve happened regardless if it really was a suicide note. The outcome would hardly be different. If anything, I’m the one who should apologize for dragging everypony into this. You have nothing to apologize for, you acted understandably.”

“Where did you go, anyway?”

“In a matter of speaking, I left the country with Sunset, Trixie, and a few other friends. We all needed to get away from Equestria for awhile and… well, I needed to get away from the girls and especially Celestia. Though I saw Ponyville a couple weeks ago and, well, I didn’t really like what I saw. It’s nice to see Pinkie is still trying to be cheerful though.”

“So… how do things look for you and the girls? There’s not going to be any big reunion, is there?”

Twilight sighed as she laid back on her bed. “I don’t know, Spike. I don’t really want to be friends with them right now, but I don’t want to hate them forever either. Plus, Rainbow Dash is a traveling Wonderbolt, Rarity lives in Canterlot,  Fluttershy and Applejack don’t seem to show up much in Ponyville from what Pinkie Pie told me, so Pinkie herself seems to be the only one still in Ponyville. And maybe that’s for the best.”

“Yeah, especially since Everfree is burnt to a crisp… Twilight, be honest with me. Did you have anything to do with it? It happened a little bit after your parents sent us that letter. Fire powered by powerful magic shortly after you turned back up, c’mon that’s too much to be a coincidence.”

“Spike, I… Look, I was there when it started, but it was Sunset who did the actual ignition. It’s a very long story as to why, but it’s part of a large project we have going on. Maybe the short term damage is hard to ignore, but in the long term we think it will do a lot of good. Let’s face it, Everfree was a dangerous place. I’m not exactly proud to be a part of it, but it’s for a greater good.”

“If you say so. Just promise me you won’t do anything too extreme.”

“I can’t promise anything definite right now, but we’ll see how things go, Spike.”