//------------------------------// // Welcome Home // Story: MLDC Next Generation: Love Conquers All! Avarice Takes It All! // by Michael_Ravencroft //------------------------------// “NOX GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE!!!” Gilda shouted into the darkness of her room. “I KNOW YOU’RE THERE NOX, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!!” The Empress of the Griffon Empire waited, watching the shadows that were created by the moonlight and candlelight respectively. Soon some of the inky blackness of the shadows began to wisp across the floor and walls, collecting themselves a few feet from where Gilda was standing. The shadows rose up and created a swirling vortex of darkness. The griffoness felt a chill run down her spine, Nox’s shadow magic never failing to make her feel just a bit creeped out. A single talon emerged from the doorway, followed by another and next Nox’s head. The black griffon continued to walk out of the vortex till he was standing in the room. With a flap of his wing the portal he entered through disappeared, the darkness meshing into the shadows of the room. Nox looked upon his elder sister with the same calm and collected expression he always wore. “Now Sis, you really should watch what you say. If the guards heard you they’d think you crazy or worse, they’d find out I was still alive.” Gilda took a few calming breaths before speaking to her little brother. “Sorry, but we really do have a big problem! I was just told that the Pretenders attempted an assassination mission on High Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Nox quirked his head in confusion to his sister’s odd words. “Is not killing one of the High Rulers of Equestria a good thing? My Pretenders are good at such things, but from the distress and anger in your voice I assume it did not go well?” “Oh ho no, it was a total freakin’ disaster! They attacked Twilight Sparkle in Minotaurus –Minotaurus! You know, a neutral party in our war, not offering aid to us or Equestria! They attacked her while they were having delegations with the King of Minotaurus, and even attempted to kill him as well!” Nox stroked his lower beak with his left talon, mulling over the information. “Hmm, interesting, the King must’ve fought them, the Pretenders don’t tend to attack any other targets needlessly. If they have a chance to take out the main objective then they take it, otherwise they kill whatever’s keeping them from it, still, something to learn from.” “‘Something to learn from’ is that all you can say?! Nox, you told me that this war was solely to bring Equestria down and have the Griffon Empire rule over it! We’re already putting a lot of resources into fighting just them; we run the risk of spreading out our forces too thin if we have to fight on two different fronts!” Nox put his claw on Gilda’s shoulder in a comforting fashion. “Easy big sister, calm down. The minotaurs are a strong force, of that there is no doubt. But they lack air superiority, and we have the ferocity to meet them in battle on equal ground, if worse comes to worse we may need to adjust the plans a little, a swift aerial attack will quash their opposition should it become a problem.” Gilda gently placed her claw over her brother’s. “I didn’t even know they were doing this. The Pretenders are the elite; they follow the orders of the ruling head of the Empire. Even after six months none have any faith in me…” Nox knew of this, ever since Gilda took the throne, questions about her ability to lead the Empire, militarily or otherwise, were being raised. So far any naysayers were quickly dealt with. Carmen the Blood Wing and Silva the Beast Wing had doubts about Gilda taking charge, but, being the loyal Wing Commanders they were, Nox knew they’d follow her orders unless Gilda made a reckless or foolish call, in which Nox himself would have to intervene in some way. Gilda let out a heavy sigh, “I guess you’re right, but…there’s something else that one of them reported. They said they saw another Fear Lantern…” Nox tensed his body. “Another what?” “Well they think it’s a Fear Lantern – OW!” Gilda suddenly felt a painful pressure being applied to her left shoulder, Nox’s strange black ring let out a black aura as the triangle symbol glowed with eerie light. The gryphoness looked to her brother and saw within his eyes the same symbol as the air around him became cold and foreboding. “Another Fear Lantern, are you sure?” “Nox could you ease up a li –” “Are! You! Sure?! YES OR NO GILDA!!?” Gilda felt a stronger pain pulse from her shoulder; it was almost too much to bear. “Ahh, Nox stop it! No, I’m not sure! They said that she was glowing with some kind of violet light, not yellow like the Fear Lantern!” Nox immediately released Gilda; she held her shoulder as the pain began to fade, giving her brother an incredulous look. “What the buck is wrong with you Nox, what was that for!!?” Nox shook his head as the ring’s light began to dim. “Sorry Gilda…the fight I had with the first Fear Lantern rattled me a bit, the prospect of facing not one but two made me lose my composure for a moment, forgive me.” Gilda’s anger quickly subsided, she couldn’t really blame him. After seeing their father killed and narrowly escaping getting killed himself, such a traumatic experience was bound to leave a scar on him, mentally anyway. Gilda stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her brother, hugging him. For this moment she threw away the title of Empress or speed demon, in this moment Gilda was a big sister, comforting her little brother. “It’s okay Nox…It’s okay.” Nox rested his head on her shoulder, gently nuzzling his sister’s neck in appreciation for the display of affection. But unfortunately for Gilda, Nox was past such things, his new “lease on life” afforded him many advantages, one of which was not letting petty little displays like this get to him, it may’ve moved him before his transformation, but not anymore. Still, he had to pretend like he still had a heart. Well my Master, it would seem we need to have a talk about a new player in this game. The Avalon, 24 Hours Till Canterlot arrival… Anthea was well enough to return to her shared room with Amber. The two mares had turned in as the day had begot night. As much as the others wanted her too, they decided to let Annie keep the ring on until they could determine that taking it off so soon would not physically or mentally harm her. She laid in her bed, staring up at the ceiling. For the first time in her life her eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, allowing her to see what was within without the help of a candle. She even forewent having Amber sleep in the same cot with her, feeling emboldened by her ability to see. And as she thought, it wasn’t as scary as before since she could see Amber in the other bed. The other mare’s body was turned to face Anthea, watching her diligently until exhaustion overcame the earth pony and she fell asleep. Despite this, there was still something bothering her, something that had to do in the way her mentor left the room in the medical ward. She couldn’t help but hear the subtlest hint of hurt, maybe shame? She wasn’t sure. Anthea raised her right foreleg up so that her ring was at eye level with her. Even in the dark room the ring still had a faint aura emanating from it, so it acted as a nightlight in a way. She stared at the ring, thinking that the mysterious object would somehow answer the questions she had about Twilight. And why not, it could talk apparently. Yet no answers were forthcoming from the ring, with a frustrated sigh, and the need to be a slight bit adventurous now that she could see, pushed the blankets off her body and quietly made her way to the door. She used her magic to ever so gently open the door, taking great pains as to ensure that it would not squeak and wake her friend. After exiting her room, Anthea made her way down the corridor. It was strange, she had walked these halls a few times for the past two days, and yet it was like she was walking through them for the first time all over again. Most of the crew members who weren’t on the night shift were either busy at their stations or passing the time until the next rotation. She couldn’t rely on a crew member helping her to Twilight’s room, that and some of them seemed a bit skittish around her now that she wore that ring. Unfortunately, she had not yet fully memorized her mentor’s room location by feel alone. And the location of such was only known to a few crew members and not marked on any directional plaques. “I wish I paid more attention to the directions…” Annie looked down one of the corridors and then another, choosing at the proverbial and literal, fork in the road. “Oh, which way is the Princess’ room?” [Anthea, if you so wish it I can find the one you seek.] Anthea raised her right hoof up and looked at her ring in confusion. “You can find her? How?” [You love and care for this “Twilight Sparkle”, a love that is born out of respect and admiration. Platonic and Familial at the same time. So long as you continue to feel this way towards her, there is no being in the universe that love cannot find.] The unicorn mare was now slightly intrigued by the ring’s proposition, and since she had no other way currently to locate her mentor’s room, she decided to take a chance. “Alright…um, locate Twilight Sparkle, I guess?” [Releasing Sapphire Tether, locating love.] The ring released a violet-pink rope made of light, it snaked its way down a hall and continued onward, it was only a short few seconds before the rope stopped moving and went taut. [Love found, would you like me to take you to her?] Annie just stared at the rope in amazement, almost not believing the things this ring could do. “Uh…no thanks, I’ll just follow the…tether.” And so she did, with each step taken the rope disappeared a little more as she got closer to her destination. After turning a few corners here and there, Anthea was brought before the door to the Princess’ room. The rope completely vanished, the particles receding into the ring. She stared at the doors for a bit, not knowing if she should intrude on her teacher or if the Princess even wanted to see anypony right now. But it wasn’t in Annie’s nature. She cared about those close to her heart, she didn’t like it when they were sad, hurt, or angry, she wanted to help them and if for nothing else than to be there and listen to their problems. I mean, let’s face it, I’ve been blind for most of my life, listening is kinda my specialty. Steeling herself, Annie knocked at the door three times. “Who is it?!” Twilight had said those words quick and with a slight sense of panic. “It’s Anthea, Princess.” The unicorn mare heard a scrambling of hooves; she then noticed the door being wrapped in her mentor’s magical aura before it quickly swung open and revealed Twilight. Much to the Princess’ surprise, Anthea was there, alone, with nopony around to help her maneuver through the ship and back to her room. “Anthea, where is Amber, shouldn’t she be guiding you?” “Well…after what happened she was really tired, and I didn’t want to wake her,” said Anthea. “Be that as it may, you shouldn’t be wandering the halls of the ship alone! I knew I should’ve set up a spell or at the very least had designated one of the crew to be your escort around the ship at night!” Annie quickly waved her hoof in a dismissive motion. “No it’s alright Princess, the ring helped me find you so I didn’t get lost. Okay, I was a little lost at first, but that was before the ring offered to help.” Twilight raised an inquisitive eyebrow at that. “The ring showed you where I was?” “Well it said it used my love for you to help lead me to you…” Anthea blushed as those words exited her mouth. “Not that I love you in any other way! I mean, I do, but it’s more like how I love my Mom! Not romantic stuff – I mean – that would be wrong, not that I’m saying that mares liking other mares is bad – wait no that’s not what I meant! I – I…….I’m going to shut up now before I say anything else that makes this more awkward…” Twilight giggled a little from Anthea’s attempt at trying to explain what she meant. So she spared the mare the awkwardness and decided to get to the other question. “Well, was there something that you needed Anthea, is the ring giving you problems?” The alicorn could’ve sworn she saw the object throw off some sparks as if offended by her accusation. “No actually…I came to see if you were alright. You didn’t seem to be back at the medical ward, so I just wanted to check on you,” said Annie. Twilight smiled a little at the young mare’s concern for her. “I’m fine Anthea, you don’t need to worry about me.” “Oh…” she muttered in a disappointed tone, ears drooping slightly. “But,” Twilight added, “If you wanted to talk, as friends, then I wouldn’t mind.” Annie’s ears perked up as a smile arched across her face. Twilight moved aside and ushered her student into her quarters. It was probably the largest room on the ship, not counting the bridge and cargo bay, with the Captain’s quarters coming in at a close second.  There was a shelf of books in the corner of the room, next to a wooden desk that seemed fastened to the floor to prevent it from sliding about. The floor was carpet, plush and soft to the touch, almost velvety. A door separated the sleeping area from the rest of the room, which held its own private bathroom for Royalty use only. She was directed to sit on one of two cushions that rested on either side of a small coffee table. Annie waited for Twilight to sit in her spot and soon she followed suit.   There a period of silence, Annie had an idea of what she wanted to ask, but was not sure how to broach the subject given the recent events. Twilight could see the hesitation in Annie’s eyes and thought it best to address the elephant in the room. “PTSD…” “W-What?” “PTSD…Post Traumatic Stress Disorder…it happens to ponies – anyone really – who has gone through a very traumatic experience in their life. You see it often in those who have come back from those in the military as well as other areas. For some, a sound, an image, or even a familiar smell from that time can trigger an episode, causing the subject to flash back to that traumatic event, making all the feelings from that time as strong or even stronger than the first time it happened…” Twilight let that hang in the air for a bit to see if Annie would say anything. For Anthea’s part, she had heard of PTSD, but had never actually met anyone who had it, or if she did they didn’t show it or weren’t affected by it anymore. The only thing that Annie could think of that would cause her mentor to develop this would be… “Maretonia…” Annie meant for it to come out as a whisper, but it was just loud enough for Twilight to hear it, making her wince visibly as if physically struck. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to –!” Twilight held up her hoof, “No…it’s okay. It’s my fault in the end. After we came back, Celestia had me go see a team of doctors, even though I healed my injuries she still wanted to make sure that there wasn’t something I may have missed. After that, she had me see a…a therapist who specializes in those sort of cases…I felt fine, I didn’t see a need in seeing one. If we weren’t betrayed by Pinpoint then I don’t doubt I would’ve found a way to beat Steel…” Twilight shuddered, “…Wing.” Hearing this made Anthea think back to when they were arriving in Minotaurus, how Twilight was holding her tight, the sensing of tension, and, of course, Twilight’s distressed reaction in the meeting room. “When the fighting started all I could think about was protecting you, Anthea. Don’t get me wrong, during the fight I worried for Hot Head, Amber, and Lucky, the armor hasn’t been fully tested yet, and what they’re using are prototypes. I didn’t know if the armor would fail them or not, and then there was the King and Prince fighting behind us, keeping the other griffons at bay. They were all skilled fighters so while I was worried for them, most of my concern was for you. I never wanted you to be put into a situation like that Anthea, believe me, had I even the slightest bit of knowledge that I was being targeted then I would’ve had you stay in Ponyville where it was safe… But in the end all of that happened, and you heard and saw things that many ponies shouldn’t. When I saw that griffon coming for us, I knew I had to protect you, I wasn’t going to let the daughter of one of my dearest and best friends die or be hurt! But…when I saw that whip…when I heard the cracking sound it made…all the fears and anxiety that were hidden away inside me overflowed in that moment. I remembered how helpless I felt…” Twilight started to hug herself as her body trembled. “The sting of the whip…the searing, burning pain of the lashes on my back, wings, and cutie marks… and the cold stare of that griffon…the cruel, sadistic, and bloodthirsty look in that griffon’s eyes as he counted each and every strike…” Anthea watched as her mentor held herself tight, tears starting to flow down her face as she recounted her traumatic experience. “I was…I was calling out for my mother in my head over and over again…I-I-It’s my fault, I’m sorry Annie…! I’m so sorry!” Anthea could take no more; she got up from her seat and slowly walked over to Twilight. She then wrapped her forelegs around her, bringing her into a comforting hug. Annie’s horn started to release calming wave of magic, her special talent taking effect. Twilight couldn’t hold it in anymore, she cried into Anthea’s chest, forgetting her status as her teacher and Princess, she was a pony, a mare seeking comfort in the embrace of a friend. It was the same for Annie, in her forelegs she held not her mentor, a Princess, nor the mother of her friend, but a pony who needed help and needed the kindness of a friend. At that moment Annie’s ring reacted, synchronizing with the magic of her horn. A wave of violet-pink light and lime-green magic pulsated through the room. [Fear and despair are the enemies of love. For hearts long lost and full of fright, Love will bring comfort through its shining light. That is the power of Love’s Caress.] Annie was glad that her ring was actually helping her to calm Twilight. The alicorn mare could feel the dual energy of Annie’s magic and the strange power of the ring, it wrapped around her, like a protective blanket, making the fear and pain melt away and become nonexistent. She felt like a foal being held her mother’s forelegs, despite the fact that the one holding her was a mare twenty years her junior, but at this moment she really didn’t care. This feeling of comfort, love, care, and protectiveness was something that she sorely needed to sooth the pain within. Minotaurus… Steel was ticked, no, he was more than ticked. He was pissed off! The Captain of the 101st Iron Horns had spent most of the day and night finding out how forty plus griffon Pretenders were able to get into Minotaurus, and stage a sneak attack on the delegations right under their snouts. A lot of yelling, ass chewing, and torn new ones were done that day, but in the end the Pretenders method was undetermined, which greatly unsettled the young minotaur. Steel made his way to his father’s study, stomping through the halls and making any other minotaur hug the wall as he approached. Steel didn’t even wait for the two sentries to salute as he threw open the doors and slammed them behind him. Steel found his father looking out a window to the city below, arms behind his back as he continued to stare at his kingdom under the moonlit night. Steel continued to walk to his father’s desk; he stopped when he reached the front of it and noticed a piece of paper with the seal of the Griffon Empire. “What’s this?” asked Steel. “An official letter stating that the griffons who attempted the assassination were a rogue faction and were acting on their own. They formally apologize for dragging us into their affairs and wish that we respect the neutrality clause in the Treaty of Nations. They also go on to say that we can do whatever we wish with their rogue agents, execute them or let them go, it’s our choice.” Thunder Fist turned his head to look at his son. “By the way, where are we on that?” Steel snorted in indignation. “We can’t get those griffons out of the crystal; whatever it’s made of is impenetrable with conventional weapons. We even used blasting powder and we didn’t even make a dent. Whether they are alive in there is another matter altogether.” Steel took the piece of paper in his hand and looked it over with an angry expression. “You’re not seriously buying this crap are you Father?!” “Well I did attack first,” said Thunder Fist. “What else were we supposed to do?! Just let them kill the Princess, her guards, and her apprentice while under our protection and in our own home?! That goes against our laws of hospitality towards foreign dignitaries!” Thunder Fist turned around; he then sat in his chair and glowered at his son. “I am well aware of our laws, son. And the griffons know it. Because of that, we have no evidence to the contrary that they were targeting us as well as the High Princess. While we’re on the subject, how did they manage to get into our territory unseen?” Steel pulled up his own chair and sat down; he then rubbed the bridge of his snout, trying to stave off a potential headache. “No one knows. The Princess may’ve been right about that shortcut to our nation. It’s possible that they came that way and laid low until it was time for them to strike. Still, the fact that they knew that High Princess Twilight was arriving is a mystery in and of itself. The only ones who knew of her arrival were you and me. Now either they have been lurking about for days on end waiting for her to come here or…” “Or we have a leak that needs plugging up,” said the King, cracking his knuckles in anger. Neither one of them liked the fact that the griffons, even if it was a rogue faction, were able to so easily slip through the backdoor of their nation. That area was hardly ever patrolled because there was never a need to in the first place. “So, do you think we should join the Equestrians in this war?” asked Steel. Thunder Fist had been thinking long and hard about this. Doing so would mean that they would have to get involved, and if they did, it would mean painting a target on their backs. The minotaurs were a strong and mighty race, they believed in glory through battle, and honor among enemies and friends. These griffons were warriors, savage and strong, and a little prideful. In a head to head battle it would be anyone’s guess who’d come out the victor. Unfortunately, the alicorn princess did make a point. The griffons had the aerial advantage, airships and the ability to fly, whereas minotaurs strictly had a ground force, and maybe five or seven airships at best. “Get a messenger flame ready, I’ve made my decision.” The Avalon… Amber woke up as the morning light entered through the porthole; she rose up and stretched out her limbs, hearing an audible popping sound here and there. “Hey Annie, why don’t we head to the galley and get some breakfast, I’m starving –” Amber turned to the cot across from her and gasped when she noticed that Annie wasn’t there. “ANNIE!” Amber Lily jumped out of bed and ran out through the door; she immediately headed to High Princess Twilight’s room, wondering if she was taken away by the ring or worse. Amber didn’t want to imagine the worst. The earth pony mare raced down the halls, turning sharply at each corner till she found the High Princess room. She didn’t bother to knock on the door, there was no time, and not when Annie’s safety was at stake. She quickly opened the door and entered the room. “PRINCESS WE HAVE A PROBLEM ANNIE IS – is…is…” The fervor in her died upon entering the room, gazing upon the sight before her. Anthea was in the room, so that helped in easing her worry, but she was on the floor, and entangled within the grasp of Twilight, both hugging each other, hind legs intertwined, and wings covering the younger mare in her grasp. Annie’s head was nestled underneath Twilight’s neck, while the elder mare rested her head atop her apprentice’s. At first, Amber’s eye twitched almost uncontrollably at seeing her best friend and surrogate sister laying on the floor with a Princess, her teacher, and married, with two kids, one of which is her friend. Amber’s head began to spin with all the things that could happen if somepony found out about this, the Princess’ reputation would be ruined, Annie’s mother would most likely try and kill Twilight, Starburst might come back just to kill Annie for what she did. And let’s not forget, the divorce from High Prince Flash Sentry, Prince Night Light’s confusion over this situation, Turquoise being heartbroken! Amber quickly shut the door behind her, locking it to make sure that nopony would enter and see this. The quick slamming of the door stirred the two sleeping mares. Twilight was the first to wake, craning her neck up to see what the cause of the noise was. “Hmmm…Amber Lily…What are you doing here?” asked Twilight. “Princess, don’t take this the wrong way, but how could you do…that, with Annie?!” Still drowsy, Twilight tried to understand what she was saying. “Do what exactly Amber Lily?” The sun yellow mare said not a word, but instead pointed at the body next to Twilight. The alicorn mare turned her head and now noticed that she was embracing somepony and that they were embracing her as well. Twilight’s pupils shrunk to pinpricks and her mouth hung open. “Oh…my…Celestia…!” Annie finally stirred awake, opening her eyes and looking up happily at Twilight. “Oh…good morning Princess.” “Anthea…w-w-what happened?!” “What do you mean?” Anthea was becoming more aware of her position, seeing how they were entangled in each other’s legs. “Oh my, well, this is awkward.” “We didn’t do anything Amber, so would you please wipe that pervy grin off your face!” said Annie. After explaining what had occurred the other night, Annie was able to put Twilight’s fears to rest, and – when Amber was out of the room – thanked her protégé for being there for her. Amber Lily, on the other hand, wouldn’t let what she had seen escape her mind, nor would she let Anthea forget. “Oh my sweet, innocent little Annie, trying to excel in her studies by starting an illicit relationship with her married teacher.” Amber raised a hoof to her forehead, looking aghast in a melodramatic fashion. “Oh what will Turquoise think?! The scandal, the drama, the kinkiness of it all!” Amber then got in front of Annie and placed her hooves on Annie’s shoulders. “Don’t worry Annie, I’ll keep your secret and stay your true friend through this forbidden relationship!” It never dawned on Annie how dramatic Amber’s facial expressions could get, now that she could see, she found them funny, but at this moment, a little on the annoying side. “Thank you Amber, I’ll be counting on your confidence in this perilous matter.” “Cool! Now let’s go and get some grub, I’m freaking starving!” Amber continued to walk down the hallway, her cocky smirk prominent on her face the whole time. Anthea shook her head, but smiled nonetheless. The two of them joined Hot Head and Lucky Star in the galley, the four of them shared a table and spent most of the time reminiscing about old times and what they had been doing since they last saw Annie. The unicorn mare noticed that the other crew members were giving her weary glances upon seeing the ring on her right hoof. Some of them actually moved away from their table. Hot Head quickly jumped to Annie’s defense, calling out the other Avalon crew on how they were avoiding her now that she had a ring. It was true though, Annie couldn’t deny the cautiousness of the ponies on the ship. Before, they approached her with a carefree attitude and kindness, but now, they seemed afraid of her, as if they expected her to attack them at any moment or destroy the ship from the inside out. Of course Annie bade Hot Head to stop and that it wasn’t a big deal. Later after breakfast, Annie decided to walk about the ship alone for the first time. Being able to see opened her up to new sensations, as well as some embarrassing limitations. Like the fact that she couldn’t read the signs on the plaques, having learned braille for the majority of her life. Now that she could see, she was definitely going to need to learn how to read words. Luckily, she ran into Lucky Star and he was kind enough to take her to an observatory on the ship. After biding him farewell, Annie carefully made her way to the railing, looking down through the glass to the landscape below. It was quite the wonderful sight, even if she was becoming a little nervous at being high up. The clouds, the various greens of the trees and grass, the blue hues of the lakes they flew over, and the majestic purple mountains in the distance. It was all so vivid and beautiful, seeing it all for the first time in her life. Annie sighed happily as she continued to look down at the scenery. “It’s so great to actually be able to see. My friends look exactly how I imagined them. Lucky’s habit of raising his brow whenever he tries to act all suave, especially when he was talking about my outfit when I changed, and then there was that expression he made when Amber gave him a swift elbow in the gut.” [Your friends are quite…peculiar.] Annie sighed, “Tell me about it, but I love them. And I wouldn’t trade them for the world.” [I sense this in you Anthea, and it is a wonderful feeling. You seem to have a heart filled with love, and open enough to accept it and give it to others.] Annie rubbed the back of her head with her left leg as she heard the ring compliment her. “I-I don’t know about that…I’m just not the kind of mare to stay mad at anypony, it’s too much of a waste of energy to hold grudges and being angry, when it’s easier to forgive and make peace.” [You shall make a great Star Sapphire, Anthea of Equestria.] “Thanks…but, you really didn’t go into any specifics about what being a ‘Star Sapphire’ means.” Am I really having a conversation with a piece of jewelry? Yes, yes I am. But how else am I going to find out about it? [If you wish I can show you, as well as tell you.] “Well…” Annie took a look around the room, making sure that there was nopony around. “Sure I guess. Tell me about the Star Sapphires.” [Accessing database, selecting Star Sapphire information.] The ring shined with its violet-pink light, bathing the entire room in its radiant glow. Annie watched as crystal constructs of multiple female beings appeared before her. Each one varied in height and appearance, not one of them was equine, although maybe one or two of them may’ve shared similar traits, not a one looked like they were from Equestria. Anthea remembered her friends, Prism and some of the other colts, talking about comics that featured stories about beings from other planets. Of course she never saw what those comics made them look like so she didn’t have anything to compare them to, but the one unifying thing amongst them was that they all had the same uniform, with varying styles, and they each sported the same ring Anthea did. At the head of this group was a female dressed in violet and black with the symbol of the ring on her chest. [The Star Sapphires, an organization comprised of only females. The duty of a Star Sapphire is to keep love alive and to protect it from those would destroy it, and harm the loved ones of others.] The constructs shifted about and showed a planet, it shifted a few more times and zoomed closer to the surface. The crystals changed to show a vast city with numerous structures sticking out. Standing on a giant hill was a giant lantern, the center of which was glowing bright as even more unknown beings stood sentry before the lantern. [They were established long ago before many sentient life forms ever existed by a race of ancient beings known as the Zammarons. The home base of all Star Sapphires is located on the planet Zammaron; it is here that the Central Power Battery is stationed, the power source of all Star Sapphires. From this planet the Zammarons insure that all love will continue to be spread throughout the universe.] Annie could only stare in awe at the images and the information she was being given. She had no idea that the universe was so large and vast, and filled with so many beings. An entire organization made of multiple races, and all of them were chosen to protect love and spread it throughout the universe. Anthea started to feel a sense of comradery from seeing these faraway beings. That’s when something popped into her mind. “Um, ring, have you ever heard of a ‘Fear Lantern’?” The constructs shifted once again, now showing a new group. Each of them was different, and all of them were terrifying. Some had demented looks on their faces, others were just plain creepy, the things that nightmares were made of, and yet, each bore a ring and wore the same uniform. At the head of the group was an alien male, his stare was intense and yet you could feel that this person radiated authority and respect. [“Fear Lantern” is one name they go by, another that they are more infamously known as is the Sinestro Corps. Founded by a former Green Lantern by the name of Thaal Sinestro, using the yellow light of Fear, Thaal Sinestro foolishly attempted to bring “peace and order” to the universe through the power of fear. Their rings are able to look into what frightens another and use that fear against them. The rings search out those who can instill great fear in others.] The constructs shifted again, showing the multiple Sinestro Corpsmen fighting against others who bared a symbol different from theirs, but not just against them, it appeared that they fought against Star Sapphires as well. [Thaal Sinestro and his Sinestro Corps waged war on the universe, seeking to bring all under the heel of his yellow light of Fear, battling against the Green Lantern Corps for control. The Star Sapphires also waged their own war with them as well, but the Sinestro Corps was eventually defeated by the Green Lantern Corps.]  “Instill great fear…” Starburst’s special talent is being able to intimidate others…but, could that really be the only reason? And why would it choose her?! She’s nothing like these guys! [However, after the “First Lantern Incident” Thaal Sinestro took his remaining Corpsmen and left for parts unknown. Further information regarding the Sinestro Corps cannot be obtained due to this, it is unclear if there are new members added to their ranks or if there are other parameters placed upon the selection process.] Annie dared to hope, “Is it…Is it possible to contact a certain Fear Lantern?!” [I am sorry, it is impossible for members of one Corps to contact another due to the conflicting nature of the Emotional Spectrum lights. As such, lines of communication are restricted to those within their respective Corps. Star Sapphires can only communicate with other Star Sapphires, and Fear Lanterns can only communicate with other Fear Lanterns.] Annie’s head lowered upon hearing this, her ears flattened against her head. She thought that there might be a way to talk to Starburst through the rings, but it seems that their rings won’t let that happen. “Thank you, ring, you can stop now. I need to tell the Princess about what I’ve found out and maybe you could show her as well?” [If you wish, Anthea.] “Call me Annie, if we’re going to be together then I’d prefer it if you called me that instead.” [Annie, then, saved to memory.] Nightfall, Canterlot Launch Bay 4… Twilight, Annie, and the trio stood within the cargo bay, waiting for the moment when the Avalon had eased its way into the hangar and landed within. Concerned looks passed between all five ponies. How were they going to explain why Annie had a ring, the assassination attempt, the botched delegations with the minotaurs? And let’s not forget the High Princess’ epic freak out and becoming as helpless as a little filly. Although the information the two got from the ring about the two Corps was helpful, it may not assuage the doubts and fears of the others. Twilight and Annie sighed heavily, knowing what kind of reactions and possible hysteria was about to accompany the finding of another ring bearer. The alicorn mare looked to her young protégé and gently her wing draped it over Annie’s back, causing the unicorn mare to flinch from the sudden contact. “A little nervous?” asked Twilight. “J-Just a little,” answered Annie. “Don’t worry; nothing that happened yesterday is your fault.” Twilight looked down to the floor bewildered. “If anything it was mine…I should’ve double checked the area before we even started, I should’ve protected you better and prevented the ring from ever coming to you…”   Annie looked to her teacher with a kind smile and shook her head. “You don’t have anything to apologize for, if nothing else, maybe we can find some way to use this to find Starburst. I know what the ring told me, but maybe you can find something. I just don’t know what I’m going to tell Mom…or everypony back home for that matter.” A sullen look fell over Annie’s visage, prompting a slight sting of guilt within Twilight. Guilt from being unable to cope or help her daughter in the exact same situation, before Twilight could say anything Hot Head, Amber, and Lucky walked over to their longtime friend. “Hey, don’t think you’re alone in this. We’ve always got your back,” said Hot Head. Amber and Lucky nodded confidently to Annie, making the unicorn mare smile broaden. Twilight felt slightly out of place in this picture, but the familiar jostling of the Avalon landing and docking into the launch bay drew her attention back to the matter at hoof. The door slid up as the ramp extended outwards; with each passing second a little more of the launch bay was seen. Once it was halfway open the group of five gawked at what awaited them. Celestia and Luna, along with Discord, Supernova, and Flash Sentry, stood before a small contingent of Royal Guards and Night Guards, about twenty for each. Worry crept into Twilight’s heart as she saw the cautious looks upon the faces of the Guards, along with slightly stern and concerned expressions of her fellow Royals. Annie could clearly see the intimidating force, making her tremble a little. So…is this what you felt too Star…? Having everypony look at you as if you were dangerous? Hot Head, Amber Lily, and Lucky Star got in front of Twilight and Annie, putting on defiant and serious expressions as they stared down the group awaiting them down below.  Sensing a repeat of Starburst’s escape, the Guards all assumed a defensive stance in preparation for a battle with the three ponies. Twilight hurriedly moved to the front of all four and spoke in her most confident voice. “What is the meaning of this?! High Princess Celestia, Luna, High Prince Discord, Nova, Flash, please explain the reason for this show of force?!” The Royals each glanced to each other, Luna then lit her horn, levitating something to Twilight. The purple alicorn quickly took what appeared to be a scroll into her telekinetic grip. She inspected the scroll with her magic, trying to sense if the scroll itself held a delayed spell. After a minute of scanning the scroll, Twilight determined that there was no such booby-trap, but it did have traces of having post-teleportation magic used on it. She then unfurled it and noted that it possessed the royal seal of Minotaurus on it. To the High Royalty of Equestria, Yesterday your ambassador, High Princess Twilight Sparkle, and her entourage arrived to our city and were greeted by my son, Prince Steel Nerves. Upon a swift escort and arrival to the palace, we entered into negotiations. Following some good points made by the High Princess, we were attacked by Griffon Empire assassins, whom I believe you know by the moniker “Pretenders”. Myself and my son fought to protect your ambassador, along with her personal Guard. Though the battle was taking longer than we had thought, a long griffon made it passed our defensive line and attacked your fellow Royal. Rest assured she did not come to harm, for a phenomenon occurred. Her apprentice, a blind mare, boldly stepped forward and attempted to protect High Princess Twilight. When this happened, a mysterious light appeared struck this blind mare. When the light settled she was now wearing odd clothing and bared ring upon her right hoof. She quickly used this ring to dispatch many of the Pretenders and made the rest flee in fear, the cowards. But I digress. The Griffon Empire has already sent me a letter of apology for the actions of a rogue group. I can only take this letter at face value, since I do not have evidence to the contrary that they were attempting to take my life as well. But to that end, this incident has shown me that there may or may not be a lapse in security in my court, and that a passage that your ambassador has made me aware of could be the way they got into our country. So, I will grant High Princess Twilight Sparkle passage into the Gates of Volkan, to verify whether or not there is a threat of the Griffon Empire attacking Minotaurus, you will receive no further assistance beyond that. However, we do make one request in exchange for passage. We ask that during her venture into the Gates and Long Road she’d bring her apprentice, no doubt her newly acquired abilities will be put to good use. If she is not part of High Princess Twilight’s party upon their return, no passage will be granted. We await your message upon High Princess Twilight’s return. The King of Minotaurus, Thunder Fist “Well Twilight, I believe an explanation is in order,” said Luna.