“TWILIGHT MOTHER BUCKING SPARKLE!!!”
It was the cry heard ‘round the town. Many knew that Fluttershy wasn’t a violent mare, quite the opposite in fact, she feared her own shadow. But it was just as known that the same timid, often painfully shy mare, could boast serious aggression, speed, and strength when one endangered her friends, loved ones, or her animal friends. Of course there were varying degrees; sometimes she would just use “the Stare” to make the poor unfortunate soul submit to her will. Other times she’d tell the offender off, but when she was pushed far enough, that’s when, ahem, “New Fluttershy” came out to play.
Case in point, when one mare, Twilight Sparkle, tells the mother, Fluttershy in this case, that her daughter is now the proud owner of a Star Sapphire ring and that said daughter wanted to go to Minotaurus to help fight in a war…well, the result was this.
The front door to the peaceful cottage was suddenly blasted to pieces as a blur of purple flew through it and outside, skidding to a halt on the ground. Twilight groaned in a slight amount of pain, thankful that her earth pony magic kept her from being seriously injured, which was probably why Fluttershy hit as hard as she did.
The second to come out the door was Annie, rushing to the side of her mentor with a worried look upon her face as she checked Twilight for any serious injuries. And lastly, Fluttershy walked, menacingly, out the front door and towards Twilight. Her gaze was hard, predatory, like a lion cornering its prey, she had never raised a hoof to her friends before, but this was just one of those times where you find yourself having the strength to do things you never imagined yourself capable of.
“Twilight Sparkle, I trusted you to keep my daughter safe! I trusted you, as a friend, to teach her well and to become the best I know she can be! And you…you just destroyed all of that trust! Years of friendship and trust! How could you let this happen to my daughter?! I knew I should’ve never allowed her to go with you! I – I – I – GRRRRAAAH!”
The alicorn mare slowly rose to her hooves, doing her best to not appear hostile. She expected Fluttershy to be aggressive, but it did surprise her that the kindest of their group of friends would actually strike her with enough force to send her flying through a door. Realistically though, Twilight could easily have protected herself with a barrier or a quick teleportation, but in some small way she believed she deserved that.
“Fluttershy please, I understand how you feel –”
“The Tartarus you do! Twilight, I am sorry for your loss of Starburst, I truly am. But that does not give you the right to try and make up for it with my daughter! Just because you failed as a parent doesn’t give you the right for second chance with Annie!”
Twilight felt the strength in her legs nearly give out; Fluttershy’s words cut deep into her soul. She cast her gaze down to the ground in shame, Twilight knew it was semi-true; she did compare Annie’s and Starburst’s situations to be similar and tried to do it over again. It was a harsh realization she made, but one that needed to be said to avoid future mistakes. Still, that didn’t make the words less painful to hear.
Annie stepped in the middle, putting herself between her mother and her mentor. “Mom stop, this wasn’t the Princess’ fault! I chose the ring, and it chose me!”
Fluttershy’s gaze softened when she looked at Annie, “Annie, sweetie, I know what you’re saying but…but this shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Don’t get me wrong honey, I’m happy that you can see again, but that ring it’s…it’s dangerous, you shouldn’t be wearing it all!” Fluttershy then returned her glaring gaze back to Twilight, “And as I’ve said, you should have made sure that this never happened!”
Twilight sighed sadly; she then gently nudged Annie out of the way so that she could face her friend. “I know that Fluttershy, I’ve been torn about it ever since it happened. But this…this is happening right now, and we can’t just ignore it…I want to make this right, and not just because I’m trying to make up for Starburst! Think of me what you will, but I’ll support Annie in her decision. And…I suggest you do the same before you make the same mistakes I did…”
That set off Fluttershy; her wings fluttered furiously as she lifted off from the air and zoomed right for Twilight, the alicorn mare braced herself for the impact of a strike from an angered pegasus. Suddenly a wall of violet-pink crystal rose up and divided the two sides. The wall cut a path straight down, ten meters long and eighteen feet high. Fluttershy stopped immediately upon seeing the giant construct, her eyes wide with surprise at seeing the creation suddenly pop up. Twilight was in pretty much the same boat; the crystal was transparent enough to see through, but thick enough that nothing could shatter it.
Both mares looked off to the side and saw that Anthea’s ring was glowing bright. “That’s enough! I don’t want to see you two fighting! Mom calm down, please!”
The two older mares looked at each other for a moment. Fluttershy saw the slight trickle of blood from Twilight’s lip from when she first struck her, guilt was starting to grip at her heart when she realized she was about to do that a second time in front of her daughter. Fluttershy gave a little smile and nodded to Annie. The ring on her hoof flashed and the crystal construct disappeared in the next moment.
“Fluttershy…I’m…I’m truly sorry. I promise you, even if it costs me my life, I’ll protect Anthea, and do whatever I can to help her get rid of the ring…”
The light-yellow pegasus mare glanced at Twilight, she then walked over to Annie and gave her a serious look. “Annie, is this really want you want to do? Not because of the ring and not because of Twilight and the others?”
Annie stood fast and looked right into Fluttershy’s eyes. “This is what I want Mom, honestly and truly.”
Fluttershy quickly enveloped Annie in a tight hug; the unicorn mare was caught off guard by the sudden embrace, but after figuring out what was happening she returned the hug. “You be careful, don’t do anything reckless, and do what Twilight tells you. Alright?”
Annie nodded, “Yes, I will Mom.” The pink mare separated herself from Fluttershy, her eyes a little watery as she looked at her. “Mom, there are some things I want to do in town before we head out tomorrow…and, do you mind if I go on ahead?”
Fluttershy was about to say no, but the look in her daughter’s eyes told her that whatever she had to do was something private. Reluctantly, the older mare nodded her head. Annie then started walking down the dirt road, heading to Ponyville proper. Twilight, carefully, walked up beside Fluttershy as she waved at her daughter.
“Fluttershy…are you…are you okay with this?”
“No Twilight, I’m not. I don’t want Annie to go with you. I don’t want her put in the middle of a warzone. And I definitely don’t want her wearing that ring.”
Twilight looked at her friend confused. “Then…why did you say all that to her? Like you were okay with her going.”
Fluttershy turned to Twilight, “Because, Twilight, I believe in my daughter. She’s eighteen now, a grown mare, and she’s capable of making her own decisions. I don’t like any of this, but I can see that this is something she believes she has to do, and I will respect that decision. Otherwise I risk repeating a certain somepony’s mistakes.”
Twilight’s gaze was downcast; she knew whom Fluttershy was referring to. She noticed movement from Fluttershy and braced herself for yet another punch from the pegasus mare. Twilight was totally unprepared for what happened next. Fluttershy threw a foreleg over the alicorn mare and brought her close, Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise from the action, especially when she felt Fluttershy’s cheek nuzzling hers, not expecting this show of friendly affection.
“I’m sorry Twilight. Please forgive me for what I said…”
Twilight smiled through watery eyes, she then nuzzled her friend back, leaning into the half hug and grateful beyond what she could express that her friend, while angry, was still her friend.
“Thank you Fluttershy…”
Annie made her way through the town, making sure that nopony saw the ring. She didn’t think anypony would make a big deal out of the ring; most ponies associated the yellow ring and light with the Fear Lantern. Only those who saw Annie use it and those finding out later on the Avalon were the only ones who knew of its power. So, for now, Annie just needed to be careful and not activate any of the rings powers while walking about the town. Although she was getting a few odd looks.
Probably because nopony’s ever seen me walk alone.
Even though Annie was seeing Ponyville for the first time, she could find her way around without any help. It was her hometown after all, the familiar dirt road beneath her hooves, the sounds that were unique to the area nearest Turquoise’s house, as well as the smell of the small garden that Mrs. Rarity kept in the back of the house. It didn’t take long before the once blind mare saw the structure known famously as Carousel Boutique. Annie had to stop and stare at it for a moment; the home of her coltfriend, friend, and his family was just as whimsical and beautifully designed as she imagined it. After taking it in for a moment, Annie walked up to the front door and raised her hoof to knock on the front door, but stopped mid-knock.
Wait…this will be my first time actually seeing Turquoise…
Annie felt a twinge of uncertainty about seeing her beloved. Since she first heard of Turquoise and his big sister, Claire, the other pony foals would regard them as dangerous and unstable, monsters even. It was understandable, they were the first dragon-pony hybrids ever born, and they could breathe fire and had amazing strength to match their ferocity. Of course Annie never paid any credence to those rumors; it was part of the reason why she hated rumors. Being blind, she wasn’t concerned too much about physical appearances, allowing her to get to know them by talking with them.
Claire was a bit intimidating though, especially when she started to actively take an interest in T. The elder dracony mare would often come between them, snorting puffs of smoke or growling at Annie. To others, it would appear that Claire was trying to scare and pick on a blind filly, but really, Annie could see it for what it was, a big sister trying to protect her little brother from being hurt. It wasn’t until later on when Annie and Turquoise became a serious couple that Claire apologized for her actions and explaining how, when she was growing up, there weren’t that many other foals who were nice to her because she was different. So, naturally, she assumed that others would do the same, and given T’s gentle nature, she worried even more.
But now she could see, and that was just a bit scary. What if she saw her coltfriend and got scared when she saw him? Or worse, what if she saw him and realized she preferred normal stallions over a dracony? Annie gulped; she then shook her head and put on a serious face. She wasn’t going to be concerned with “what ifs”, this was her coltfriend, the stallion she fell in love with and would continue to love, no matter what he looked like, scary or not. She knew who he was beyond that, and that was the T she loved.
Annie proceeded to knock on the front door and heard an excited and happy voice call out from the other side “I got it! I got it!”
The unicorn mare immediately smiled, having recognized the voice. The front door was quickly opened and Annie looked down to greet the foal who answered. It was a little, off-white unicorn filly, with an orange mane and a streak of pink, her golden eyes grew wide at the same time as her smile. She then bounced up and down happily and rushed to hug Annie’s left foreleg. This pony was the pretty filly of Ponyville, avid gamer, and a bundle of energy all knew as Pixel Bit, or Pixie, Pix, or Bit, whichever, she wasn’t picky.
“Anne you’re back home! I missed you, and so did cousin Turquoise and Claire! How was Minotaurus? Did you see a whole bunch of minotaurs? What did they eat? What did they wear? Were they all big? Did they all carry swords and shields like in the ‘Skyedge’ game? Or more like Alogo in ‘Alicorn of War’?”
“I missed you too Pixie,” Annie lowered her head and nuzzled the little filly, “And to answer your questions. Minotaurus was nice. Yes there were a lot of minotaurs. Mostly vegetables and fruits from what I could smell. Some wore togas, mostly the official types. They had swords, shields, and spears, but they seemed to favor the big shields and long spears than their swords. I don’t know what ‘Skyedge’ is. And aren’t you a little young to be playing ‘Alicorn of War’?”
Pixel blushed and gave Annie a sheepish smile, knowing she just got caught. “Um…please don’t tell my Mom and Dad!”
“‘Don’t tell Mom and Dad’ what?”
Annie looked up, recognizing the melodious voice. The mare before her was a white unicorn, her curly mane was two toned purple and pink, eyes a shimmering light-green, and a cutie mark with a microphone attached to a heart. Annie knew this was Pixie’s mother, Sweetie Belle, the singing idol. She was as pretty as she imagined her to be, a beauty to match her musical voice. Next to her was a brown stallion, with an orange mane and light brown eyes. His cutie mark was that of a videogame controller, showing his quote “mad skills” and ability to create new games, storylines and all, Button Mash.
“Yeah, what can’t you tell your cool Mom and Dad about?” asked Button.
Pixel Bit looked up to Annie pleadingly. The unicorn mare giggled and decided to take pity on her possible future family member. “Oh you know just some top secret stuff from my trip to Minotaurus. I’d tell you guys, but I don’t want you to get banished or thrown in a dungeon, or banished and thrown in a dungeon in the place you’re banished to.”
Sweetie and Button laughed at the “threat”, earning a round of laughter from Pixel Bit and Annie as well. The young married couple trotted over to Annie, Button Mash helped his daughter up on his back, where she comfortably plopped herself on his head. Sweetie Belle came in and gave the young mare a hug.
“We missed you Annie, Turquoise especially,” said Sweetie Belle.
“I missed everypony too. Is T here, and while we’re at it, is Claire here? I wanted to talk them about something important.”
“Spike, Rarity, and T all left to the market a couple of hours ago, they should be back soon. As far as Claire’s concerned…I honestly have no idea.” The stallion leaned his head to the side a little, looking past Annie. He then smirked. “Well lookie who just got back.”
Annie glanced over her shoulder and stared at the three walking towards them. Mrs. Rarity was, wow. She had always heard that T’s mother was gorgeous, but now she was seeing it for herself, and they were right. Annie looked back at Sweetie Belle, Pixel Bit, and then back to Rarity.
Wow, beautiful mares and fillies must run in the family…
She then looked upon the hulking being walking close to Rarity, a dragon, as she assumed since she never really saw one before, clearly anyway. Sinewy muscles rippled under his purple scales as he walked. His large membrane wings were flared to keep the bags on his back from falling off to the sides. The green underbelly scales ran from his lower jaw down his chest and further down. Emerald green slit eyes gazed happily at his wife next to him, who returned the loving gaze with one of her own, winking one sapphire blue eye. She knew this was Mr. Spike, Claire and Turquoise’s father.
That’s when she saw him, light-green scales, with a darker shade of green for his mane, matching his claws, tail end, the membrane of his wings, and the spines that ran along his back. His eyes were a light-crystal blue, yet not slit like his father. Even for most of the other pony stallions, he was a bit larger than them, muscular yet overly.
“Hey Turquoise,” Button called out, “guess who came to visit!”
Turquoise Blitz stopped walking and looked in Annie’s direction. An elated look ignited on the dracony stallion’s face. Before his parents could figure out he was gone Turquoise was already dashing towards Annie. The dracony skidded to a stop before Anthea, which was impressive given his size. Annie looked up at the familiar, somewhat bulky, size of Turquoise. Now looking upon her coltfriend clearly for the first time in her life, she was able to see why many of the foals, and even Hot Head, thought T was scary and intimidating, and possibly dangerous. But, the moment she looked into his eyes, gentle and caring, with no hint of malice, anger, or anything that she saw back in Minotaurus.
“Hi Annie,” said T.
The pink mare said not a word; she merely moved forward and hugged her coltfriend tightly. Turquoise was surprised by the action; he brought his right foreleg around and hugged his fillyfriend back. Annie found safety and security in his broad chest and strong foreleg, his inner warmth soothing and calming like a fireplace on a cold winter day. She missed this, this closeness with the one she loved and loved her back. She wanted to stay like this, and after everything that happened, she didn’t mind doing just that. But that comforting thought was broken when she remembered why she was there in the first place.
Annie separated herself from T and looked up at him. “I missed you T, like you wouldn’t believe.”
Turquoise blushed, “S-So did I, it’s been a little lonely without you here.”
“Hey!” Pixel jumped off her father’s head and strode up next to Annie, gazing at her cousin with a pouty face. “So the whole time I was here you still felt lonely?! Humph, well, sorry if I’m not exciting enough to cheer you up.” Pixel sat on her haunches and crossed her forelegs in front of her chest, her pouty face still prominent.
Turquoise nervously rubbed the back of his head, Annie giggled from the annoyed and pouty expression Pixel was making, and so were her parents. Rarity and Spike finally caught up with their son and promptly came to his rescue.
“Now Pixel, darling, Turquoise was indeed happy having you around, but it’s not the same as having your very special somepony with you. It’s the same way as when you still miss your mother and father even though your friends and the rest of us are here with you,” said Rarity.
Pixel shifted her glance between her Aunt Rarity and her cousin Turquoise, seeing the apologetic look on his face. The unicorn filly thought it over for a minute and let out a huff as she uncrossed her forelegs. “Alright, I understand and I forgive you. But, next time tell me, that way I can think of some super fun things for us to do! ‘Kay?”
Turquoise ruffled the filly’s mane as he smiled at her. “I promise Pixie, honest.”
“So Anthea how was Minotaurus? You guys are back earlier than I thought you would be, I thought it take a lot longer to convince the minotaurs to help out. Guess Twilight browbeat them or something, right?” asked Spike.
Annie flinched upon hearing that question. She was sure that Twilight was going to inform the others about what happened herself, so she didn’t know how to tell them without revealing what happened, it was going to be hard enough talking to T and Claire about it, but she wasn’t sure how all of them would react.
“Um…well…the Princess is actually here. She’s talking with my Mom, but I’m sure she’ll be coming by later. Actually, I was wondering if I could talk to T and Claire alone for a bit, I kinda wanted to catch up with them.”
The others couldn’t tell, but Turquoise could sense the nervous tension in his fillyfriend’s voice. With no visible or verbal objections, T and Annie were given the go ahead to leave. That is, after Sweetie Belle used her telekinesis to pry Pixel Bit off T’s tail and float her back into the house. Now alone, the couple stood up on their hooves, Turquoise took his normal place close beside her, about to drape his wing over Annie’s back. She flinched and almost backed away when he made contact with her back.
“Annie what’s wrong? Are you hurt, d-did I touch a sore spot or something?”
Annie mentally berated herself for reacting like that, the recent bout with the Pretenders made her a tad bit jumpy, that, and she was starting to not need to be lead around now that she could see. But Turquoise didn’t know that yet, so she couldn’t blame him.
“Sorry, sleeping in a strange land and airship cots, isn’t always good for the back. I’m fine really, you can go ahead.”
T slowly draped his wing over Annie’s back, being as delicate as he could. Seeing him take such care in his actions made Annie smile, reaffirming her believes in the dracony stallion and wondering how anypony could say he was scary.
“So, you wouldn’t happen to know where Claire is would you? I really needed to talk to you guys about something important.”
“Let’s see, it’s actually a nice day. Not too cold and not too warm, my guess is she’s probably taking a nap on her favorite rock.”
“Great, let’s go!”
Turquoise and Annie walked for a good thirty minutes to the outskirts of town. The only ones who knew where Claire liked to unwind and take a nap were her friends, so she wasn’t out of reach if the need ever arose. Not a lot of them really knew why Claire liked to sleep perched on top of a rock, it was a good twenty or so feet in up and was riddled with claw marks, evidence of the many times Claire had climbed it. Some equated this to some draconic instinct, the need to be high up when sleeping, inaccessible to other predators, and having the strategic high ground in case of confrontation. But really, the only ones who could reach her were pegasi and the occasional unicorn, but most of the ponies in town knew not to mess with Claire.
Annie had been silent about her adventure to Minotaurus, either steering the conversation back to T or placating him that she would explain with both the brother and sister present. Right now the two were debating who was going to be foolish enough to wake the sleeping she-dragon. Annie thought about using a telekinetic spell to lift Claire up and off the rock, but then she thought about Claire waking up during the spell and blasting out dragon fire in self-defense. Then she thought about using the ring, Claire wouldn’t sense it, but then she’d freak out T sooner than she would want.
“So…normally I’d say let sleeping dragons lie, but…”
“I know, I know. Believe me when I say: I’m used to it.”
T stepped back from Annie and stretched out his wings. He gave a few flaps and ascended into the air, hovering towards his big sister who was sleeping peacefully on the sanctuary that was this rock. The dracony stallion looked down on his sister as her body rose and fell with each breath, a look of content as she slept. T mentally sighed.
Sorry sis…this is going to hurt…me mostly. But it’ll be fun too.
Taking a page out of his foalhood, Turquoise did something he hadn’t done since that time in his life. He found Claire’s right ear, bared his fangs and chomped (the dragon equivalent to a nibble) on it. The reaction was immediate. Claire’s eyes shot wide open as she let out a rather unladylike yelp, jumping up to her hooves only to stumble backwards until she fell from her perch. Claire instinctively lashed out with her forelegs, grabbing onto the assailant, adopting the old “if I go down then you’re going with me” tactic. The two draconies stumbled down the slight slope of the rock face until the two of them landed on the ground.
Claire had done a reversal mid roll, allowing herself to land on top of her little brother, pinning him down and digging her extended claws into his shoulders, they didn’t pierce; it was more of a warning to not move an inch. She then glared down at T with bared fangs and a predatory warning growling. Her eyes were intense slit pupils, horns glowing in preparation to unleash her dragon fire. For a moment, Annie thought that Claire would mistakenly attack her little brother and injure him. But her worries ceased when she noticed that T wasn’t afraid, in fact, quite the opposite, he was calm. Her worries were soon put to rest when Annie noticed that Claire’s bared fanged grimace was slowly turning into a cocky smile.
“Pinned ya again darling,” said Claire.
Turquoise rolled his eyes playfully, “Yeah, yeah Sis, that’s why you’re my big sister and I’m your little brother.”
“And don’t you forget it.” Claire punctuated her point by giving Turquoise a light nip on the ear as payback.
Now Annie knew why many ponies said that Claire was intimidating and scary, this was but a glimpse at her ferocity, making her wonder how bad she got when they were little. But to T, all he saw was his big sister, even in that scary moment, he didn’t believe for one iota of a moment that Claire would intentionally or unintentionally cause him harm. Claire got off of Turquoise, allowing the larger dracony to stand and brush himself off. The mare dracony was busy licking her claws and groomed her mane back to its normal appearance.
“Now Turquoise, not that I don’t like a good scrap with you now and again, but was there a reason you decided to wake your big sister via such a method?”
Turquoise nudged his head in Annie’s direction. Claire turned her head and gasped upon seeing the unicorn mare.
“Annie!”
Claire quickly went up to Annie and gave her a hug, gently of course. Annie took a moment to see the details in her coltfirend’s sister. Her scales were purple, with a darker shade for her mane, claws, and spines. She had the same colored eyes as T, but instead of wings she had twin horns growing from her head, the very same ones she would see light up whenever she performed magic or called upon her fire breath. Now that she was closer, Annie could see the little violet scales that acted as freckles on her muzzle, overall making her look adorable, but fiercely beautiful. She looked over at Turquoise, remembering how Sweetie Belle, Rarity, and Pixel Bit looked and compared them mentally.
Yeah…it’s official, the ‘Hotness’ gene definitely runs strong in this family.
“I can’t believe you’re back so soon, we weren’t expecting you back for at least a week or two,” said Claire.
“Y-Yeah, things kind of got wrapped up in a hurry…”
“Well, guess we need to alert Candy, she had this ‘Welcome Back from Your Delegation Trip’ party thought up.”
“Um…Claire I need to talk to you guys about something, so, could you sit with T so I can explain.”
Both Claire and Turquoise gave each other worried glances. Claire brought the unicorn mare closer to her. “Dear, is everything alright? You aren’t in trouble are you?”
“Well…” Annie looked down at her ring, “Depends on how you define the word ‘trouble’.”
Neither of the draconies liked the sound of that, but they saw that Annie wasn’t going to divulge any information until she did as she had asked. Claire released Annie and went to sit next to T, both waiting to hear what Anthea had to say.
The unicorn mare took in a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she collected her thoughts. She began her story of how she arrived in Minotaurus, recalling all the new sounds and smells of a new land. Annie spoke of King Thunder Fist and his son, Prince Steel Nerves. How they sounded big and strong, and slightly intimidating. She was starting to read the reactions on the brother and sister’s faces; they were so far intrigued but still on edge, waiting for Annie to give them the bad news.
Annie spoke of the Pretenders, how they killed the minotaur guards and announced that they had come to assassinate High Princess Twilight. T and Claire’s eyes went wide with shock, she could see the protective urge in Turquoise start to come to the surface, his wings flared and his eyes slowly turning into slits, angered that anypony, let alone a griffon had the gall to attack his fillyfriend. Despite these reactions, Annie continued. Telling them of the battle that occurred against forty assassins, how Hot Head, Amber Lily, Lucky Star, the King, and the Prince attacked the griffons.
There was some reluctance on Annie’s part to tell them about their Aunt Twilight’s…condition. But she knew if she didn’t they’d probably blame her, so she told them how Twilight had become terrified beyond belief when one of the griffons broke through and attacked them.
“And that’s when this ring appeared to me.” Annie held up her right hoof, showing the violet ring. “It asked me if I wanted to become a ‘Star Sapphire’ a protector of love. I accepted it.”
Annie went on to tell them of how they left Minotaurus in a hurry and upon their arrival, Annie was detained in a guest room until the Royals could determine if she was threat or not. Thankfully they seemed divided on that topic. Lastly, Annie told them about King Fist’s ultimatum to allow passage into the Gates of Volkan and the Long Road, but only if she, Annie, would be there as well, and apparently it was a non-negotiable term.
The two draconies sat there in silence, letting everything sink in. They couldn’t believe Annie, their Annie, was being called upon to fight in a war using some strange alien weapon that was similar to Starburst’s ring.
“Well, it’s not all bad. I mean, ever since I got the ring I can see clearly now.” Annie looked to Claire. “I can see the freckle like scales on Claire’s face, and I can see Turquoise’s eyes, which right now are slit and very dragon-like.”
“This is…quite a lot to take in,” said Claire.
“T…?”
“Show us.”
“Excuse me?” asked Claire.
“I want to see it, the difference between your ring and Star’s. Don’t forget we were right there when she transformed, I could feel the power coming off of her same as you. I want to know if it gives me the same feeling.”
Claire seemed to understand her little brother’s reasoning and nodded that she too wanted to see it.
Annie sighed, and hoped that it wouldn’t be the same. “Ring…c-can you hear me?”
[Of course Annie.]
Annie noticed both siblings jump at the sudden voice coming from the ring. “Um, can you change me into a Star Sapphire again? You know, with the uniform and everything?”
[Yes I can, do you wish for me to initiate the process.]
“Yes please.”
[Initiating now.]
The ring shined forth with violet-pink light, wrapping Anthea in a sphere made of star sapphire crystal. The energy within swirled about for a few seconds before the sphere cracked like an egg and shattered apart. Fragments and shards of the crystal sphere quickly changed into light particles that disappeared into nothingness a moment later. Claire and Turquoise had shielded their eyes from the strong light, but slowly they opened their eyes and Annie, donned in her Star Sapphire uniform as a thin violet-pink aura outlined her form. Annie nervously rubbed her right foreleg, looking at the two draconies with worry.
“So…what do you think?”
Claire separated herself from Turquoise, her critical eyes gazing upon Anthea’s form. The dracony mare stopped before the younger mare, making Annie wonder if she was angry or even appalled at her for having something that got one of their friends labeled a renegade and a criminal.
“When Starburst changed in the middle of town square all those months ago, I felt that strange power like Turquoise did. It was intimidating, and it exhumed oppressive, terror inducing power, as if it wanted to push everypony away from it. But with you…” Annie shut her eyes as Claire reached out with her right claw, she then felt those same claws, flat like a hoof, gently tilt her head up. “It’s the exact opposite.”
“W-What?”
“It’s, how shall I put this, inviting, nurturing, protective even. It feels, well, like you darling.”
Annie’s ears perked up at hearing her friend’s words. “So you’re not afraid of me? Or mad because I have a ring?”
“Darling you look positively radiant. And if what you say you’re going to do with it is true, then I have no qualms with it. We miss Star, whether she is misguided or being controlled by her ring we cannot say, but if there’s a chance you can bring her back to us, I think you of all ponies can do it.”
Annie quickly gave Claire a hug, holding the dracony mare tight between her forelegs. “Thank you Claire! I promise I’ll bring her back home!”
Claire hugged Annie with her left foreleg, while gently patting and stroking her mane soothingly. “There, there now, we know you can do it. Turquoise,” Claire glanced over her shoulder, “come over here and comfort your filly…friend……………Well now…that’s certainly something I didn’t need to see, and from my little brother no less”
Annie moved her head to look at Turquoise, he was just sitting there, his face red as an apple, and his wings fully flared. At first Annie didn’t understand what it meant, but then she remembered a particular physiological response that winged equines have when they look upon something…stimulating. Annie, for the first time since Minotaurus, took a moment to look at herself. The outfit was, she admitted, a tad bit suggestive. Accentuating her body in the “right places” as some would tactfully put it. Annie then smirked at her coltfriend. “Checking me out while I’m hugging your big sister? That’s dangerously kinky T~”
“I wasn’t checking you out! I swear!”
“Oh, so you’re saying I’m not hot enough to look at?”
“What – NO! You are hot and cute too!”
“So you were checking me out while I was hugging Claire?”
“No! Just when you were out of the crystal bubble thing!”
“So are you saying your sister isn’t beautiful and cute enough that she isn’t worth checking out? ‘Cause that’s a little hurtful.” Annie teased.
“Of course not! Claire’s –!”
At that moment a giant torrent of blue fire was unleashed into the air, cutting off the awkward teasing. Claire released Annie and gave the couple a stern look.
“Please refrain from including me in whatever silly teasing you’re doing with my brother, I get enough of that mess with Illusion.”
“Oh, like that time during Hearts and Hooves day when he changed to look like T and you kissed him?”
Claire’s eyes flew wide open at hearing that, while Turquoise just stood there, eye twitching like crazy.
“H-H-He did not tell you about that?!”
“Sis…why did you have Illusion turn into me for Hearts and Hooves Day?” asked Turquoise with worry.
Claire looked at her little brother, face just as red as his. “I-I-I didn’t have him turn into you! I had my eyes closed when we were kissing, he changed then! I only realized it afterwards!”
“Well, to be fair, I think T would be a better kisser,” said Annie.
“I’M GOING TO KILL YOU ILLUSION!!!”
The Next Day, Sweet Apple Acres…
The talk with Claire and T’s parents about what she and Twilight were going to do came as a shocker, but thankfully, Fluttershy attended this talk to ensure that she was supporting Annie in her decision to go. Pixel had heard what was going on from the other room and had held onto her tightly, afraid that she might go too. After many assurances from Annie that she was coming back, she went about retelling the story to the rest of their friends.
Candy was sad to hear this, but happy knowing that she might be able to bring Starburst back home. That still didn’t mean she liked seeing her friend go off to fight, it was hard enough when Prism left to join the Guard, and Whirlwind, while understanding, worried greatly, three best friends now separated by war.
And now Annie came to the last stop before heading back to Canterlot. She stared at the rustic farm, taking it all in. So many times did they all gather to Sweet Apple Acres, either to help Del and his family with their harvest or just hanging out in the barn and amongst the trees of the orchard. Applejack was waiting for Annie when she arrived, agreeing to escort the young mare to where her son, Golden Delicious, was caring for the trees. She was aware of Applejack’s glances at her ring, having been informed by Twilight and Fluttershy of what was going on.
“Ah sure wish that this never happened to ya Annie…ain’t right that ya have to go out and fight in this ugly war.”
“I’ll admit, it is scary, knowing that I’ll have to…fight.” Annie really didn’t like that word. She wasn’t the combat type; she was more for making peace. “But we’re just going on a patrolling mission through the Gates and Long Road; the Princess says there’s a thirty percent chance that we won’t find any Griffon Empire ships.”
“Mmm-hmm, if Ah know Twi, and Ah do, she’s probably gone over those numbers a hundred dozen times by now. But don’t you fret none Annie; just know that we’ll be waitin’ for ya when you come back.”
“Thank you Mrs. Applejack.”
“T’ain’t nothin’, ya’ll are honorary Apples, part of the family.”
The two mares continued to walk through the orchard, Annie noticed the tree branches had signs of budding blossoms, which would soon bloom and give way to ripe shiny apples for the town to enjoy. They eventually reached Del, hauling a wagon filled with watering buckets. The tan earth pony stallion was busy, focusing on his work as he had always done before.
Applejack and Annie were still a bit far from him, out of earshot, which was why Applejack said what she said next. “He ain’t been too right after Starburst left…missin’ her something’ fierce. He still does his chores, but it’s not like he used to move. Ah saw how those two were gettin’ along and Ah was happy when my boy said he wanted to go out with Star. Ah was afraid he’d never find a gal that he’d like, but, that’s love, ya don’t know when it’s goin’ to sneak up and bite ya on the flank.” Applejack let out a sigh. “Shame, Ah was lookin’ forward to bein’ in-laws with Twi.”
Applejack turned around and walked away to give Annie and Del some privacy, but not before Annie’s sensitive ears caught Applejack’s last words on the wind.
“…Still am…”
Annie smiled at those words and went to Del, he had been told about what was going on along with his mother and father. But now Annie wanted to do something, she knew how much this has been hurting Del, because he told her that Starburst came to say goodbye to him before she left. Annie cleared her throat loudly so as to not startle the stallion while he was working. He stopped for a moment to see who it was, when he saw it was Annie, Del placed the bucket down next to the tree.
“Howdy Annie,” said Del.
“Hey Del.”
Annie walked up to Del, looking the stallion in the eyes with a serious gaze. She raised her right hoof and placed it over Del’s heart. The ring began to pulsate with violet-pink light.
“A-Annie what’re you do –?!”
“Shhh.”
Annie’s ring allowed her a glimpse inside Del’s heart, past the bonds of family and friends, sifting until she saw the face of the pony that occupied his heart. Large wings, a small slender frame, and an intimidating gaze, but with a confident smirk upon her face. Annie retracted her hoof and smiled at Del who stared at her in confusion.
“Just needed to make sure that she was still there,” said Annie.
“Who was?” he asked.
“Star, she’s still in your heart Del, you still love her.”
The stallion snorted indignantly. “Of course Ah do, not a day goes by when Ah don’t worry about her.”
“Same here, sorry. I guess you could say, it was my way of reaffirming my resolve,” said Annie.
Del looked upon the young mare before him, and then at the ring fastened to her right hoof that hummed with power.
“Yer still goin’ to help the Princess, and try and get back Star too?”
Annie smiled, “With any luck I’ll bump into Starburst out there. I mean, she’s fighting near the Territories, and the Long Road connects to Saddle Arabia where there’s fighting, so chances are good.”
A silence fell upon them for a short while before Del noticed that Api was heading towards them, a dour look upon her face. Annie followed his gaze and noticed the expression she had.
“She really looked up to Star, didn’t she?” asked Annie.
“Still does, she gets into a fight here and there at school whenever somepony talks smack about Starburst. Sometimes she mouths off to an older pony, or she picks a fight with another foal when they say stuff about Starburst, as much as I like that she’s doin’ that, Ah know Star wouldn’t want her do that.”
Poor Api…Starburst you jerk, don’t you know what you being gone is doing to everypony? Anthea brought up her right hoof, staring at the glowing ring. This time I have the power to make a difference, I’m not helpless, I’ll drag you back kicking and screaming if I have to.
“I gotta go Del, the train leaves soon and there’s one more stop I need to make before I leave with the Princess.”
Annie got up to turn and walk down the path and back to the farmhouse, but Del’s large hoof rested on her shoulder, stopping her from leaving just yet.
“Wait.” Del used his hoof to undo the knot on the bandanna around his neck. “Take this with you.”
Annie gasped, “Del, no, that’s your –!”
“Ah know…if you do see Starburst out there, give it to her. If nothing else, it’ll be a piece of home, and maybe it’ll help to bring her back.”
Annie took the bandanna, holding delicately within her telekinetic aura. She knew how important this bandanna was to Del, it was once his favorite blanket as a foal, his aunt having turned that same blanket into the bandanna he wore around his neck every day since. If Annie wasn’t sure before, she was now.
“I’ll make sure she gets this.” Annie resumed walking towards the path; she then stopped briefly and glanced back at the stallion who was watching her leave. “This isn’t goodbye Del, not for anypony, it’s just farewell for now.”
Canterlot Castle…
So, Anthea’s going to leave. Perfect news for you, lonely Turquoise will need somepony to be there for him when she leaves.
Ugh, you insufferable, nonexistent echo! Why the buck don’t you just shut up?! For the last time I’m not stealing T from Annie!
Don’t think of it as “stealing” just think of it as trading up to a sleeker and sexier model.
………I appreciate the compliment, but that still doesn’t change the point of this! I don’t need some alien ring of power to get Turquoise to fall in love with me, if I were to pursue him romantically.
That ring could do more than just that. You know what Starburst can do with it, and now Annie has one as well. We need to be on even ground now that she can see and all! Surprisingly she still finds him attractive, not that he isn’t. I mean, how many nights you have spent fantasizing that he’d –
Finish that sentence and I swear I’ll fly out the nearest window and smash my skull into the hardest fortified wall in the castle!
Touchy, touchy. It’s me remember? Your other half that’s been quietly watching from the sidelines until now, it’s not like you're talking to Mom about this stuff.
Thank you for yet another mortifying thought.
“Nidra!”
The alicorn thestral stopped her internal dialogue and noticed that Annie was rushing towards her. She stopped before crashing into Nidra, letting out a relieved sigh that she did not get bowled over.
“Annie, what’s going on? Aren’t you supposed to be at the launch bay with Aunt Twilight?”
Annie took in a few gulps of air before speaking, apparently having been running around searching for the mare. “Nothing’s wrong, and yes I am. But there’s something important that I need to tell you before I leave, and if I don’t I’ll feel like I’ll regret it forever…”
Oh, maybe she’s coming out of the closet?
Do you ever shut up?!
Do you?
…Touché.
“Nidra…you’re one of my friends –”
Are we now? The voice asked.
“– and…I…Don’t get me wrong, I plan on coming back with everypony…but…” Annie began to rub the back of her left foreleg nervously as she tried to get whatever it was off her chest. “Nidra, if for some reason I…well…if I should, you know, die out there –”
“Stop!” Nidra shouted, causing Annie to flinch. “You’re not going to die Annie, don’t say stuff like that.”
“Nidra please let me finish,” said Annie in a stern voice. “If I should…die out there I…I want you to look after Turquoise for me…”
Nidra’s jaw dropped, and if the voice had one it would surely be mirroring the expression.
“Annie…what are you saying?”
“Don’t pretend like you don’t know Nidra, I know you love Turquoise the same as I do.” Nidra visibly flinched, her heart feeling like a knife had been driven in and somepony twisted it for good measure. “I know, and…I’ve tolerated you teasing and flirting with him, even when I’m there and you think I don’t notice…Despite all that, you left us alone when it was important, you care enough about Turquoise to let him be with me. And that’s why, if I don’t make it back…Nidra, I want you to promise me that you’ll look after him, even if that means you two become a couple, just promise me you’ll continue to love and care for him!”
Nidra didn’t know what to say at that moment, “yes” sounded pretty good, but she felt so unworthy of this level of trust, and dirty. Anthea was thinking of Turquoise’s happiness even now as she was about to fly off into potentially dangerous territory. Despite the negative voice within her, she couldn’t say no to this, not when it was about something the two mares agreed upon.
“He’s kind of oblivious to your feelings, but he does care about you too…so, will you Nidra?”
“…………Yes….but you’d better make it back Annie!” Nidra’s voice was full of conviction and sincerity. Even with what her darker half was saying, she did still care about her rival’s wellbeing.
“Thank you Nidra…” Annie sniffled a bit, looking up at Nidra with watery eyes and smile on her face. “I think I can do this now…I’ll see you, hopefully soon.”
Nidra walked up to Annie and gently brought her into a half-hug, “Soon.”
After a while Annie left to meet up with Twilight Sparkle, and not long after that the Avalon launched yet again, heading back to Minotaurus. Nidra watched from the balcony of her room as the warship made its way towards the horizon and disappeared not long after.
Unknown Location…
Nox meandered through the Land of the Dead, tombstones and headstones of various shapes and sizes littered the ground in rows upon rows, stretching on in this endless monochrome world of grays, blacks, and whites. Each one was carved with the name of a deceased, many were names of beings that Nox had never heard of, and some weren’t even in Equish or Griffsh, although there was one that came close to Equish that he took the time to read.
“‘Here lies William Hand, Harbinger of the Blackest Night, and Entity of Death.’ Hmm, must have been my predecessor.”
Nox continued to walk through the fields of stillness and death, spirits and wraiths would occasionally rise from the rows and float by, some were aware of his presence while others actively avoided him.
Finally, the griffon known as Shadow Wing stopped before a large and intimidating coffin, the name “Nekron” was engraved upon the surface. The entire thing was wrapped in chains, but they showed signs of weakness, the coffin door slightly cracked open, allowing a darkness to seep from it in the form of an ominous and oppressive miasma.
However, Nox felt no fear as he stood before this coffin, not even when the dark miasma flowed around his legs.
“Master, I feel that there is need for explanation. I found out that there is another ring bearer residing in my world that isn’t me or the Fear Lantern. I believe knowledge is required in this particular situation.”
A low growl echoed in the vastness of the Land of the Dead, its master waking and stirring. A single white dot glared at Nox from the opening in the coffin.
NOX OF EQUUS, THE LIGHT IS SLOWLY GAINING STRENGTH, BUT IT IS A FALSE STRENGTH. THE LIGHT IS WEAKNESS; DEATH IS THE TRUTH…THE TRUTH OF ALL THINGS…GREAT AND SMALL…POWERFUL AND WEAK…THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO KNOW, MY ENTITY OF DEATH…