//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Land of Dreams // by JoyceCarleton //------------------------------// The griffons flew in sombre silence and Twilight did not know how to act. More and more terrible things kept on happening around her and she wasn’t sure how much more she could handle. Inside the tank, Sweetie Belle’s heart wrenching cries reverberated through all of the crew. When they arrived back at Haven, they had all relatively sobered. Rarity had decided to go to Canterlot without consulting with Shining first and her crew came with her. Upon the news of what had happened, nobody really knew what to say. An attack from the enemy was imminent so there would be hardly any time to grieve and honour her actions that allowed the mission to succeed, assuming it was as great as a gain they hoped it would be. The high officers quickly convened to discuss what Twilight had retrieved from the library. Twilight explained to them what she read in the scroll and showed it to them. They really had to take her word for it because none of them could actually translate the ancient script. The book she retrieved was written in a more recent language so they could talk about it better. It turned out to be another journal and when Twilight looked at her other journal, she found that the writing style was actually very similar. The journal appeared to be written after the Princes and Princess had unsealed the chamber in the ruins. It did not say what exactly happened and from the way it was written, the journal seemed to be more of an account of the author’s regrets. He mentioned that undoing the evil required a terrible cost. Much of the journal seemed to be talking about the loss of his exploration team and the greatness of the Princes and Princess who had saved the world. He then cursed that they had ever created a map to the ruins. He cursed their curiosity over the seal and how he wished he had argued better with the Prince as to why the expedition should never have been carried out. He then started to apologize and explicitly noted that the only one to blame was him. The journal was quite short and at the end, there was the map. It was quite worn, but looked like it could still be used. After looking over all of this, the officers took some time to think to themselves. Right as she saw the map, though, Twilight had already come to a decision. “We need to go the ruins.” “Why do you say that?” Shining asked after a long pause. “Taking these two written sources into account along with my journal, I believe there is a clue as to how to defeat the evil in those ruins.” “Let’s say that all of these accounts are true. That would mean that the evil is a god that was sealed in the same chamber twice. The first time the god was beaten, it was through a sheer contest of strength. The second time was done with some kind of heavy cost. From what I can induce, the god became more powerful when he returned. Even if there was something in the ruins that helped to seal him in the past, would it be strong enough? Would it even work anymore as well?” “We don’t know if the god is any more powerful. It may just be that the first being to seal him away was very powerful. Also, a lot of time must have elapsed between the first and second sealing, so at the very least, that chamber should still have some way of confining him.” “How would we be able to confine the god? Few of us have ever seen his form and none of us have seen him in years.” “Do you know where he might be right now?” “Actually, we do. He resides in Cloudsdale.” “Why Cloudsdale?” “I can’t be completely sure, but it may be because in all of Equestria, it is the most difficult city to invade. This is not only because earth ponies and unicorns can’t normally walk on it, but the Fleet they have greatly outnumbers our own air force. In addition to that, they have an enormous wall of storm clouds underneath it that prevents our own forces from even scouting it.” “How do you know he is in Cloudsdale if you can’t even scout it?” Shining looked down for a bit. “That was the last time he was seen. When Cloudsdale was conquered, we saw him flying towards it.” “What form was he in?” “A giant black dragon.” “Enough talk about the past!” the general next to Shining said. “We must plan for the present so that we can ensure a future.” “You’re right, Iron Heart. So, what do you think we should do?” “I usually like to have all of my reasoning to be well-grounded, but we are currently standing at the edge of destruction. A risk must be taken; those ruins should be explored for any clue as to how we may defeat the evil.” “What does everybody else think?” Shining asked. The first to speak was Gilda. “I’m willing to try anything.” Twilight was quite surprised by the unexpected statement from Gilda. “In only two days we have lost four of our high officers, and one of our losses was an outright betrayal. I don’t want to think that everything happening is just bad luck. I hope that this is an advance payment for a great reward. The reward of freedom. Twilight Sparkle, we are not wrong in calling you the world ender. Whether or not you were the one to unleash the evil is no longer relevant to me. But with the actions you do now, you can bring an end to the world we are living in right now. I ask of you to end this world, and with it, all of its madness and chaos.” “Grizelda is correct; let us bring forth a conclusion to all of our struggles up until now. Twilight Sparkle, make sure the conclusion is a favourable one,” one of the griffons said. Begrudgingly, the other griffons gave silent approval. “It appears you are being nominated, Twilight. Do you accept?” Shining asked. “I do.” “Then, get some rest to recover your magic. Tomorrow you will be headed towards the ruins. We will give you your bag and fill it with whatever supplies you need. We will also be removing all of your restrictions.” “Don’t betray our faith,” one of the griffons said. Half of them looked at him strangely, whereas the rest looked to Twilight with slight desperation, knowing how critical of a decision they are making. “I won’t. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Applejack smiled sadly. The next morning, they gave Twilight her bag. Inside of it were a dozen apples and cupcakes, various apple treats, water, the journals, and the locked box. Gilda removed the ring off of Twilight’s horn. The officers gathered around Twilight as they brought the map out. “Are you sure you only need apples and cupcakes for food?” “Yeah, they’ll do just fine.” “Good luck, Twilie,” Shining said for the first time in public. He then embraced her as well. None of the officers were particularly surprised. It was a long hug and when they were finished, Twilight turned to look at each of them. “I promise to all of you that I’ll be back with a way to stop the evil!” Twilight used her magic and she teleported away. ** Soon after the purple dragon delivered his report, both he and Shadowbolt were called in. The purple dragon was called in by his commander, and Shadowbolt was called in by his. The purple dragon made his way to the Cloudsdale coliseum. He flew in from above and landed near the stands where the giant green dragon was. The stands where the dragon was lying over were overflowing with his hoard of gold and jewels. The purple dragon gave a tiny bow after landing. “They told me you wanted to see me, Brigadier Fafnir.” Fafnir gave a toothy grin. “That is correct, fledgling. I have heard about the incompetence of my previous subordinates and the calm and calculated commands you give.” “I believe that rumours on both regards have been exaggerated.” “Well, I always knew Garble was always a hot head; hearing that he died after fighting close-range with a war machine does not surprise me. I have also heard that you are a very educated one, in addition to being able to use certain kinds of magic yourself.” “It’s not really magic; just different ways of manipulating my fire.” “Either way, in all respects you were clearly better suited to being a leader than he was. But, of course, you know why you weren’t, correct?” The purple dragon nodded. “Yes, my loyalty was still debated.” “Well, after hearing about how you personally killed off one of the enemy’s high officers, I was very pleased. Not just because we are progressing ever closer to ending them, but also that you are acting as a true dragon should: a dominant predator.” “Thank you for the compliment.” “Well, now that I’ve gotten that over with, I promote you to Colonel. You are now the commanding officer of the Brigade, after me, of course.” The purple dragon bowed. “You honour me, Brigadier.” “Oh, and I have one more thing to give you. No, it’s not one of my jewels!” Fafnir shouted, after he thought he saw the dragon’s eyes wandering over the treasure filled stands. Fafnir calmed down a bit before continuing. “I am giving you a new name. Your current one is completely unsuited for a creature such as you. I want you to forget your old name completely and how you received it.” “My old name has lost all meaning to me long ago.” “Good. Now, your new name shall be Tiamat! Be proud that I have given you this name, for it signifies your ferocity and strength, especially in regards to fire.” The newly-named Tiamat bowed again. “Thank you, Brigadier Fafnir; I shall carry my rank as Colonel Tiamat with pride.” Fafnir smiled and laughed. “Perhaps you will be able to help convince the other dragons how foolish they are in staying out of this. Don’t they see we have a new king?! Long live the reign of dragons! Hahahahahahaha!” Tiamat just smiled and nodded with him as his laughs resonated throughout the stadium. ** Shadowbolt entered the top chamber inside the weather factory. Inside it was completely dark, even Shadowbolt who was accustomed to the darkness could not make anything out in the aphotic room beyond the dim lighting from the hall outside. “Close the door, Shadowbolt,” a voice spoke in a deep, reverberating voice that seethed with joviality. Shadowbolt did as she was told. “You wanted to see me, Master Matias?” “Yes, I did. I was just thinking to myself over the reports I was given.” “That dragon didn’t make up any lies about me, did he?!” she cried out with unfounded outrage. “Well, you tell me. When you fought in the battle against that unicorn’s army, why was their air force still standing so strong?” “W-what do you mean?” “You greatly outnumbered them, and even the Brigade came to assist.” “It was the dragon that ordered the retreat! After the other dragons got killed by the enemy’s war machine he ordered all the troops to fall back!” “Well, that was a wise decision on his part.” “It was? I mean, yes, that’s why I agreed to it fully.” “But tell me, what were you doing during the battle?” “What was I doing?” “Yes, you were fighting, right?” “Uh- Of course I was! Marshal Shadowbolt is no coward!” “I would expect nothing less of you. However, tell me, who were you fighting against?” “Why do you ask?” “It is a simple question, Shadowbolt.” Just a hint of impatience was slipping into his voice. “It was a griffon. I was fighting a griffon.” “Did you kill her?” “No griffon can defeat me!” “I said, did you kill her?” Shadowbolt trembled a bit, noticing the voice was slightly raised. “N-no. She managed to get away from me.” “I heard that your wing was injured during that battle.” “That was-” Shadowbolt stopped herself. “That was…yes, she got lucky.” “Now, I heard that a team of griffons was also part of the force at Canterlot.” “Yes, that is true.” “Is there anything you’d like to mention to me about them?” Shadowbolt struggled with her own pride before answering. “That griffon was there again.” “Really? The report said that all of the griffons managed to escape. Is this true?” “Yes…” “I am told you were quite beaten during the battle.” “That had nothing to do with the griffon! That stupid Trixie fired off her magic right next to me! And then that white unicorn put up a barrier right as I was about to destroy them all!” Matias said nothing. “I-I’m sorry,” Shadowbolt suddenly said. “Oh, no need to apologize, Shadowbolt!” he began light-heartedly. “I am not saying that I intend to punish you for your recent failures! Not at all!” “Thank you; you are too merciful, Master Matias.” “Oh, but I did call you hear because I did have something in mind.” “What would that be?” “Shadowbolt, I am proud to say that you are our greatest flyer.” Shadowbolt puffed out her chest a bit. “That is something I do not question. But, you see, Shadowbolt, you are not very strong, or should I say, not as strong as you should be.” “What do you mean?” “You are a pegasus, Shadowbolt; you have the speed, but what else is there?” “I can move faster than anything! What else do I need?!” “Oh, dear Shadowbolt, do not get upset! I am merely saying that there can be more! Shadowbolt, your Princess has just finished a masterpiece creation and I believe there is no one better to test it than you!” “A creation?” “Yes! It is a wondrous machine! It can transform any highly skilled and exceptional pegasus into an alicorn!” “An alicorn?” Shadowbolt repeated. “Yes, only the Princess with her powers and intellect would be able to dream up something like this. I must say it was beyond even my expectations!” “Oh, I don’t think anything can be beyond you, Master.” “You flatter me, Shadowbolt. Now, what do you say? Will you be the first to use her machine? It consumes a lot of power so there will be a long time before another one besides you can use it.” “I do not think I need it. You said so yourself, Master, I am the greatest flyer there is!” “And you never want to be greater in any other way?” Matias instantly dropped the light tone. “Well, I’m sure nopony would want to stop getting better, but-” “But what? The Princess has worked tirelessly to create a machine specifically built to make you all stronger. Are you trying to say her effort is meaningless?” “No, of course not! I fully understand what the Princess wants!” “What does she want then?! Are you saying she doesn’t want one of her friends to become a more powerful pony? Are you saying that she doesn’t want you to be better than you already are? Would we have you die on the battle field because you are too weak to defeat a single griffon?!” Shadowbolt could feel her bones rattle from Matias’ anger. “I-I’m sorry, Master Matias…” “What are you apologizing for, dear Shadowbolt?” Matias said, his voice back to normal. “I was foolish and did not understand that you all only want what is best for me.” “Of course we want what is best for you! We will want to live out the best lives we can, but those ignorant ones just don’t understand what’s good for them. Those poor souls can only hope to live out their dreams in death, but you, you who are wise, you do not have to do that! You and all the rest of my dear followers can continue to live as you wish, free and together for as long as you want!” “Yes, I understand that…” “Then?” “I would be most honoured if I could be the first to use the Princess’ creation.” “Oh, thank you, Shadowbolt! She will be most pleased!” Shadowbolt smiled weakly while still cowering a bit. “Yes, I’m happy about that, too.” ** After Twilight teleported away, Shining called for a town meeting with everyone. An hour later, all of the residents of Haven and its soldiers gathered to hear what he had to say. Standing beside Shining were the rest of the high officers. After being informed that basically everyone had gathered, he began to speak. “Everybody, I am sure you are more or less well aware of the situation we currently face. As it stands, the enemy knows exactly where we are. The attack may not be for days, or even weeks, but they will come. And they will come in full force. This is no longer a war in which we can bide our time. These remaining days and weeks will be the last moments of this time we live in. Either we fall, or we rise above and triumph! No longer can any able-bodied pony or griffon lie idle! We are pressed for time, and this is a desperate measure, but we have no choice but to make this decision. Every single one of us must participate to our fullest for these final battles that we will face!” Among the crowd, hundreds became talking to themselves, many quite alarmed. “I understand that you are worried, and you have every right to be. I do not believe there is a single one of us who has not lost friends or family in this war.” Shining’s eyes briefly made contact with Sweetie Belle’s. “Some of us more recent than others. But, to give any less than a 100% effort to the battle is no longer excusable. You have lived in peace, maintaining the goodness of civilization here in Haven, but this is no period of peace. This is war! And we stand at its very conclusion! It is only us against the Fleet, the Legion, and the Brigade! But, if we unite, with all of our hearts as one, we can win! There will be no surprises the enemy can throw at us. We know exactly what kind of forces they have, but they have yet to see our true strength! Let us come together as one, and march on! Let us come together as one, and show to the whole world that there is hope! Let us come together as one, and remake the world! A truly beautiful world. Even in that world we may be lacking, and there may be no happily ever after, but there will be peace and calm. We will be able to live freely without the need of war and violence. Tell me, who here would not give their lives for a chance at that? We had it once, so please, hear me, and let us come together, and return to that time!” At Shining’s conclusion, the crowd let out an uproar of approval. As the crowd continued to cheer and chant his name, Shining stepped back and leaned in close to the officers. “I’m sorry, but you’re going to have your work cut out for you.” Lyra laughed. “Are you kidding? Few things would make me happier than having another thousand ponies standing beside me. Give me two weeks and they’ll be running their enemies through while in the air.” “You’re probably only going to get one week.” Lyra sighed and laughed again. “Okay, I’ll see what I can do.”