//------------------------------// // Perils / Sleep // Story: MLDC Next Generation: Love Conquers All! Avarice Takes It All! // by Michael_Ravencroft //------------------------------// The addition of the minotaur forces was welcome, even if it was only three-hundred of them. As they predicted, the wind speeds in the Long Road made it nearly impossible to fly at higher altitudes. The Avalon was able to fly smoothly at its current position, but for pegasi it would be a bit more difficult. Luckily this meant that any griffon resistance would be limited the same way, keeping any fighting between airships and ground forces. The Avalon was almost near the Gates of Volkan, a crossroads that lead to Saddle Arabia, Minotaurus, and the Griffon Empire. There were several other passages for them to take, each one either leading to a valley or a dead end. They actively avoided dead ends; backing up an airship fortress was not easy in a confining space like this. Within the airship, the minotaurs mostly kept to the cargo bay; just as well, they liked to remain focused and ready at all times. Currently, Anthea and Amber were in the training room, practicing more close combat techniques. The pink unicorn mare had grasped the ability to dodge and weave in and around her opponent’s attacks, and Amber was thoroughly impressed. She even figured out how to effectively toss another pony across the room, but now it seemed they had reached a sort of block. During their sessions Annie didn’t seem to throw a single punch, or even try to kick her. She either skirted her attacks by redirecting the blows away or going into leg sweeps. Admittedly this was good, but Amber knew this wasn’t enough. “C’mon Annie, you can’t expect to win a fight if you don’t land a blow,” said Amber. “I know, I know, I’m trying!” Annie replied in frustration. Amber rushed towards Annie, rising on her hind legs to deliver a punch. Annie sidestepped the blow and spun around till she was behind Amber. The earth pony mare balanced herself on her forehooves and positioned herself to kick out with her hind hooves for a buck. Annie saw the attack coming and quickly jumped back just in time to dodge the attack. Luckily Amber caught herself and was able to get her hooves under her again. Both mares stood off, brows and coats dripping with sweat as they panted from the workout. This time Annie was the one on the attack, she dashed forth, with Amber waiting to deliver a punch to the young mare, but once again Annie used her keen evasion skills to feint to the left. Amber realized too late that there was nopony there to hit and tried to correct it, but Annie was quicker, she dropped to the ground and swept Amber’s legs, sending the earth pony mare on the ground and landing on her back. Annie then pounced on Amber, making her let out an “oomph” from the impact. Annie readied her left hoof to deliver the final blow, but she paused midway, now staring down at the mare whom acted as a big sister to her during her time in the orphanage. Amber saw that Annie’s left hoof was slowly dropping; her expression became one of disappointment as she took advantage of Annie’s hesitation. Without warning, Amber quickly bucked Annie off her, sending the mare landing on her back. Before she had time to recover, Amber was already on top of her, bringing down her elbow till it rested just a few inches away from Anthea’s neck. Had she gone full force, the blow would’ve crushed her throat and windpipe all at once. “You hesitated, again,” said Amber. “I know…” “You can’t keep doing that.” “I know, I know, I just can’t…! I just can’t bring myself to hit you, alright! It won’t happen when the real fighting starts,” said Annie. “Wrong, you should be treating this as if it were a real fight. Do you think a griffon would’ve been as nice? That one moment of hesitation was enough time for another griffon to skewer you with a spear, or even for the one you’re pinning to gut you with his claws.” [I would never allow an opponent to blindside Annie.] “Not talking to you alien-space-ring.” The Star Sapphire ring let off a few sparks of violet light, showing its agitation. “I’m sorry…” “What will you do when Princess Starburst shows up? If she resists you’ll have to restrain her Annie because none of us can match her power, and it may involve you having to knock some sense into her.” “………I get it.” Amber sighed as she retracted her elbow, she then smiled a little and kissed Annie on the forehead. “I’m not mad, but I will say you are getting better at this.” Anthea smiled back, “Well, I have an awesome instructor.” Just then they heard something hit the floor behind them. Amber and Annie both glanced in the direction of the door and saw Lucky and Hot Head standing there. Hot Head’s jaw dropped as his right eye twitched a little, while Lucky just smirked suavely and chuckled. Amber was about to ask what was up until she realized why. Looking down at herself and Annie, taking into account their sweat matted fur, panting from their sparring, and the position they were in, it didn’t take much to understand what this looked like out of context. “Well Amber, I knew you two were working out, but I didn’t think that was part of the sparring session,” said Lucky. “LUCKY!” Hot Head barked. “What, like the thought didn’t cross your mind the moment you saw them?” “T-T-That’s – I mean – Annie wouldn’t – Amber’s not –!” Hot Head continued to fumble over his words. An impish grin formed on Amber’s lips as she rose off of Annie. “Oh, is my little Hot Head thinking naughty thoughts about Annie and me doing inappropriate things?” “HAY NO!” “C’mon, you’re a growing colt, it’s not like colts don’t think about this kind of stuff from time to time, no need to be shy,”  said Amber. “Mare – you – ugh! You are seriously a pervert!” “Oh, and who’s the bigger pervert? Us or the one ‘saluting’ us?” Annie asked, not even attempting to hide her own devilish grin. “‘Saluting’? I’m not – oh crap!” Hot Head immediately crossed all four of his legs. “C’mon Annie, let’s hit the showers.” Amber suggested. Annie got up off the mats and walked along side Amber, leaving the two stallions in the training room. Lucky then glanced at Hot Head, still smirking smugly. “You know, I can lend you some of my magazines if you want?” “I will seriously break off your horn and stab you with it!” “Aaaaaaaaah~” The showers’ soothing hot water cascaded over the two mares, letting the warmth relax their tired muscles from the sparring session. Anthea was glad that the ring was apparently waterproof, so she didn’t have to worry about taking it off when bathing. Annie ran her hooves through her long mane as the water fell over her, giving her mane and coat a sparkling sheen. Amber was much the same way, but you could make out the well-toned muscles now that her coat was watered down. Her training in the Royal Guard helped sculpt her body into a perfect balance of strength and elegance. Annie couldn’t help but admire Amber’s form; again, now being able to see, she was dead set on making sure she committed every visual detail of her friends and family to memory. Although the ring gave Annie the ability to see, it was only as long as it was within a certain power percentage; otherwise her vision would revert back to what it once was until she recharged the ring. Although she knew she might have to give up the ring one day, part of her didn’t want to. Annie was able to see those closest to her for the first time in her life, not just hear them or see colored blotches. It was then that she sighed forlornly, gaining Amber’s attention. “What’s up?” “I think I’m starting to understand why Starburst didn’t want to give up her ring,” said Annie. “O-Oh, and, uh, what do think the reason is?” Amber asked with worry. “They grant you the one thing you’ve always wanted, that, or they grant you the power to obtain it. Starburst trained practically every day of her life to become a Royal Guard, but when her dream was denied, that yellow ring flew down from the sky and granted her the power to become what she always wanted…” “But it didn’t make her Royal Guard.” Annie shook her head. “No, but it did the next best thing, and it was what she really wanted all along, to become a protector of Equestria, to defend it with everything she had no matter who the enemy is.” Amber thought for a moment. “So, what you’re saying is the Royal Guard was just a means for her to achieve that goal, but when she couldn’t join, the ring gave her a different avenue to pursue that dream.” Annie nodded. “And…did the ring grant you what you’ve always wanted?” “I think so…I’ve always wanted to be able see, I know I say I’m alright and even though it’s been hard, I’ve found ways to make my blindness work for me and try not become a burden to everypony. But now that the ring has given me my sight back, I’m afraid of losing it…I may not be helpless, but somehow I feel weaker than ever…” Annie then gave a little “eep” when she felt Amber come up from behind her and give her a hug, draping her forelegs over her shoulders and resting her head on top of the unicorn mares’. “You aren’t weak because you’re afraid of losing your sight. You just discovered a fear that some ponies have, nopony wants to lose their sight it’s just natural. You, Annie, are stronger because of it, sure it may be scary, but you know how to deal with it better than most.” Annie held onto Amber’s hooves tight. “I just don’t want to let everypony down, I have this power, but I’m not a fighter, I try and try but I’m not like Starburst…” Amber held onto Annie tighter. “And nopony expects you to be. There’s nothing wrong with disliking fighting, it’s gritty, it’s bloody, and gory, but unfortunately, there are those who can’t be reasoned with. Sometimes you have to meet them head on. Okay?” Anthea sighs reluctantly, she knew Amber’s words were true, but that didn’t mean she liked it. There was always a better way, and hopefully her ring would show her one. “Can I ask you a favor Annie?” “Of course.” “Don’t lose this, the kind, caring, and loving mare you are, don’t let go of her. Even with all this craziness going on around us, so long as you don’t lose yourself Annie, there’s still hope for everypony. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Annie sniffled a bit and nuzzled up against Amber’s neck. “I won’t, I promise.” “Good.” [Warning: Enemy presence detected! Single enemy vessel approaching from the stern!] “We’re trying to have a moment here and – Wait enemy vessel!!?” The Avalon was under fire from a Griffon Empire airship, the enemy ship blasted the flying fortress from behind, unloading their arsenal upon the Equestrians. Within the Avalon, the captain and Twilight were trying to organize a counter offensive. This was one of the drawbacks to the narrow canyons of the Long Road, if an airship appeared in front of them they could easily blow it out of the sky, but their rear was open to attack and there was no room to turn about. Another explosion rang off the canyon wall, sending chunks of rock and sediment cascading down to the ground below. The rear cannons were firing in succession, one after the other, but the Griffonian airship was in their blind spot, and they could only nick the enemy here and there. Hot Head and Lucky Star made it to the bridge to get a status update, followed by Prince Steel who was not happy with the jostling. The next to arrive were Amber and Anthea, both dripping wet from just running out of the showers. “What’s going on?!” Prince Steel demanded. “We’re being attacked from our stern, an Empire ship just rounded the corner as soon as we past one of the canyon passages, and now we’re taking heavy fire,” said Twilight. “No kidding,” said Steel sarcastically. “And we were so close to the Gates! We can’t fight back in this position we have to break for higher ground!” The captain suggested. “The winds will throw us against the mountains and tear us apart!” Amber yelled. “So it’s either get blown out of the sky or get shredded by the jagged mountain peaks, great options!” Hot Head grunted. Annie looked to the incoming Gates of Volkan, a plan formed in her head, not a very safe one, but a plan all the same. “Princess, how much time would it take for the ship to turn around in the Gates?!” Twilight looked to her apprentice in confusion. “About two minutes, why?!” With that said Annie ran through the doors of the bridge and headed up the stairs. She climbed one level after another till she reached the top. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself as she opened the hatch. The sound of wind and thunderous explosions echoed out from every direction, Annie cautiously stuck her head up and took in where she was at. She had made it to the top of the Avalon’s balloon, Annie quickly yet carefully got out of the hatch and onto one of the steel beams that held the balloon in place. Anthea then pointed her ring away from her, mentally ordering the ring to bring out her power battery. A violet-pink light shined from the tear in space as the violet lantern landed before Anthea. She quickly thrust her hoof into the open port, activating the lantern, and feeling the power of love course through her. “For hearts long lost and full of fright, For those alone in blackest night! Accept this ring and join our fight, Love conquers all with violet light!” A bright light shined from the top of the Avalon’s balloon, when it dimmed, Anthea was donned in her Star Sapphire uniform, her eyes shimmering with the same light of the ring for a few moments before changing back to their natural color. [Power levels at 100%.] “Great, now let’s make sure I don’t fall off!” Anthea’s ring shined as a harness appeared around her barrel, from it shot out four construct cables that attached themselves to the metal of the girder she was standing on. The unicorn mare then raised her right hoof and pointed it at the incoming Griffonian ship, the ring shined brighter as a mass of star sapphire crystals formed in the space between their ship and the enemy's. The mass of energy and crystal then burst open, transforming into a giant heart shaped shield with the Star Sapphire insignia at its center. The griffon airship continued its barrage, firing one volley after the other, but no matter what they shot it with, the construct shield didn’t break. Down below on the command deck, Twilight and everypony there watched as Anthea protected their rear against enemy attack. “Why isn’t she firing back?!” Prince Steel asked. “Because she’s giving us time to get to the gates and turn the Avalon around to counterattack, if one of those hits the engines we would’ve gone down. Captain, get us to the gates and prepare for a hard sidekick!” All the ponies attending their stations looked upon the Princess with unease. “Ma’am, a sidekick has never been done in this tight a space before, and certainly not at the speed you’re thinking of doing this at!” “Captain, I’m well aware of the Avalon’s specs, its strengths, weaknesses, and limitations, it can make this happen.” The Captain was reluctant, but there was no other choice at the moment. “ALERT ALL HOOVES WE’RE GOING TO INITIATE A SIDEKICK, AND THAT ALL PERSONNEL ARE TO SECURE THEMSELVES AND BRACE!” The command was sent out and now Twilight sent her own to Anthea. Using one of the telecrystals, she tuned to the frequency that the ring could pick up on. “Anthea, can you hear me?!” {Loud and clear Princess!} “We’re going to attempt a maneuver to turn the ship quickly, it’ll be fast and sudden, try to hang onto something sturdy out there!” {Yes Ma’am, will do!} The Avalon continued forward, moving at twice the speed it was earlier in an effort to make it to the gates. Every pony and minotaur braced themselves for the inevitable shift that was to come, and hopefully survive. During their speeding towards the gate, Anthea continued to persevere in keeping the shield up, the griffon ship showed no signs of letting up its barrage, trying everything it could to pierce the obstacle in their way. The bow of the ship finally made it to the entrance to the Gates of Volkan. Although “gates” was a bit a much, what it really was, was a giant five hundred meter wide circle that had giant canyon passages that spider webbed in different directions, and walls stretching just as high. The rocks that formed the mountainous region around here formed in such a way that over each passage was stony gateway, thus it was named after the minotaur who first discovered this area, Volkan, and from then on it was called the Gates of Volkan. The ship continued forward, now halfway through the entrance, when Annie saw that the tail end of the ship passed through, she focused the shield to create a wall that completely covered the entrance, preventing the griffon ship from progressing any further and essentially keeping them pinned down.   “We’re through your Highness!” “Okay, all hooves prepare for sidekick on my mark! Four…three…two…ONE! SIDEKICK STARBOARD!” The Avalon’s starboard side engine lit up like a furnace, it then blasted a stream of fire continuously. The force and power generated by the engine made the ship turn its stern around quickly. All the crewmembers braced as they felt the g-forces of the sidekick ignition push them against the walls. Annie’s ring created a gyro sphere, allowing Annie to stay facing straight while the entire ship turned about, giving her a perfect view at the speed at which the flying fortress turned. The ship’s bow was almost aligned with the passageway they came from, their momentum carrying them backwards towards another entrance. “Now, fire the port side engine, and main engines full ahead!” Twilight ordered. “Aye, aye!” The second sidekick engine fired, causing the turning speed of the ship to slow down considerably until it leveled out, while the main engines blasted to keep the ship steady. Once the ship was properly aligned, all the engines ceased firing, bringing them to a hover, the crew of the Avalon all moaned and groaned as they tried to get their bearings from the sudden shifts in momentum and speed. Twilight cleared her mind as she tried to bring out the words she had ready in her mind. “D-Damage report?!” Most of the ponies on the intercom didn’t answer for a bit, but soon each section rang in with various reports of straining to different parts of the ship. “It seems we didn’t take too much damage from the sidekicks, and the fires from the earlier attacks are all put out.” A mare crewmember spoke. “Checking in from weapons, all cannons and munitions are stable and undamaged,” said a stallion. “Alright, all hooves BATTLE STATIONS! ALL WEAPONS ARE FREE, I WANT EVERYTHING LOADED!” The Captain ordered. Twilight went to the telecrystal to speak with Annie, worried that she might’ve been thrown off. “Anthea are you there, come in?” {I’m here Princess, I’m fine. That was kind of crazy!} “It felt crazy too. Listen we’re about to launch our counterattack, when I say so, release the barrier.” {Understood!} Outside the ship many gun ports opened up, along with rocket silos, each one primed and ready to fire. Once all weapons were loaded, the Avalon unleashed its righteous hellfire upon their enemy. Hot cannon mortar and blazing rockets sailed through the air as they approached the wall made of Anthea’s star sapphire crystals. The barrage was only a few meters away, any moment now it would hit against her shield. “Bring it down now!” Twilight ordered. Annie cancelled out her shield allowing the Griffon Empire frigate to exit the passage and right into the barrage of cannon fire and rockets. All weapons hit their mark as the griffon’s ship exploded magnificently, crashing down to the valley floor in the form of a giant fireball, where it exploded a second time, and turning into a heap of twisted metal and molten slag. Black smoke rose up and obscured the entrance, but it was of little concern. [Warning: Second enemy vessel approaching, attack imminent!] Anthea looked back with wide eyes as another griffon ship, a warship, plowed through the smoke and opened fire on the Avalon. The Equestrian warship quickly resumed fire, blasting the enemy with everything they had, although they were at a slight disadvantage, having taken damage earlier from the frigate and now the strain to the hull from the sidekicks. One of the rockets from the warship zoomed outwards and made a wide arcing turn till it struck the port sidekick engine, blowing it up. Another rocket flew out and did the same, striking the starboard sidekick engine. The two explosions pushed the main engine to its boiling point causing it to shut down completely and leave them slowly falling to terra firma. [Warning: Damage to hull and engines is critical, ship is rapidly descending!] If this keeps up we’ll be blown up before we reach the ground! Anthea then looked to the enemy warship as her eyes narrowed with fury, their normal azure color changing to that of the violet light of love. I won’t let you kill my friends! Annie raised her right hoof into the air, calling upon the power of her ring. A hundred feet above her, another mass of energy and crystals coalesced. The mass then elongated until it took the shape of an ornate spear. Annie then made a throwing motion with her hoof right hoof, causing the giant spear to hurl itself directly at the griffon warship. The enemy redirected its fire at the incoming object, but it was already too late. The spear pierced through the hull, slicing the warship down the middle and embedding itself there. At that moment the spear exploded, destroying the ship and sending it down in a massive collection of burning debris. Anthea panted from the effort as her eye color slowly shifted back to normal. She put a hoof to her head as she came down from the rush of power she felt, but Annie didn’t have time to properly recover. At that moment the starboard and port side engines exploded and the main engines gave out to the strain. The ship’s steady decline in altitude was now becoming a sharp drop. Annie could feel the sudden shift as the Avalon fell from the skies. She could hear the alarms raging from the outside, the tension in the air, the fear. The ring could sense it as well; the chasm of despair and loneliness that would be created in the wake of all their deaths…Anthea couldn’t let that happen! Her body flared up with the power of the violet light, the aura lapping off her body in the shape of flower petals as her horn blazed with light-green mana. She then pointed her ring into the air and –! Canterlot Castle… “ANNIE!” Turquoise awoke with a start, the bed sheets flung off at his sudden rise. The dracony stallion huffed as sweat rolled down his brow, he looked around the room, instinctively wanting to protect and keep Anthea close, but it soon dawned on him that she wasn’t there. Within a span of a few seconds the doors to his room flew open as Nidra entered, looking worriedly at the dracony stallion. “T are you alright?! I heard you yelling!” When Turquoise regained his senses, fully recovering from the bad dream, he looked directly at the Princess of Slumber. “Y-Yeah, I’m fine Nidra, just a bad dream,” said Turquoise. “Don’t lie to me T, my Mom’s the Princess of the Night, and the Immortal Dream Walker, so I know a few things when it comes to telling the difference between bad dreams and nightmares.” Nidra explained. Turquoise chuckled nervously, he really should’ve remembered who he was talking to, whom else but a daughter of High Princess Luna would be able to catch him in a lie about dreams. Turquoise felt a sudden shift in weight on the bed as he watched Nidra sit at the foot of the bed and looked at him with deep concern. “I want to help you T, don’t pretend you’re alright for my sake.” “You’ve done a lot for me already, getting your Mom to let me stay over for a while and letting me stay in the castle too.” “Pfft, T, don’t forget who you’re related to. If you wished you could’ve asked for a more luxurious room, which can be arranged if you want?” Nidra asked, hiding the trepidation of the notion of having Turquoise further away from her room. “No, no, that’s fine, I like this room. Besides, it helps knowing that you’re close by.” Nidra couldn’t help but blush at the statement, knowing that her presence was comforting to him sent her heart a flutter. “So, w-will you tell me what made you cry out like that?” Turquoise looked away, towards the window into the vast night sky. “T?” “I…I felt something, like Annie was in trouble.” “Oh…” The dracony stallion let out a deep sigh. “I know she’s with Aunt Twilight and her friends, and has that ring. But I can’t help but feel that something bad has happened. I know I’m probably worrying for nothing, but I can’t help it…” Nidra couldn’t blame him for worrying; she was the same with Starburst. She knew the pegasus mare was gritty, strong, and no pushover, she was completely relentless when it came to doing something, be it her training or her drive to protect Equestria. And although she had that powerful ring, Nidra couldn’t help but worry that she was in some distant battlefield, fighting tooth and hoof without anypony to help her, seen as a renegade and hero to the populace. Nidra sighed; she then gave Turquoise a small smile as a thought entered her mind. “Do you want me to help you sleep?” “Huh?” “I…I don’t have the same calming magic that Anthea does, but my slumber magic has the same effect, ‘cept it does so after you’re asleep.” “Oh, Nidra you don’t have to.” “It’s better than you waking up in the middle of the night looking like you’re in a panic and about to fly out the window to Faust knows where. Please T…” Nidra moved closer to Turquoise and placed a right hoof over his. “…for my peace of mind at least?” The last thing Turquoise wanted to do was to make his friend worry more than she had already, and admittedly, his sleeping has been hard as of late. “Sure.” Nidra smiled, she waited for Turquoise to lay back down before lighting up her horn. Her magic slipped out as tendrils of wispy mana energy. The spell fell upon Turquoise, making his eyelids grow heavy as he swiftly slipped into slumber. Nidra crawled up the bed till she was sitting on the left side, watching the large dracony stallion as he quietly slept. She couldn’t help but admire his sleeping form, Turquoise was the very definition of a “gentle giant”, big and strong, a fierce visage, but all that was the surface. Only those closest to him knew of his kind, caring, and protective sides. T was a great friend to all, willing to take care and aid them whenever they asked or needed it, and loving big brother figure to his cousin Pixel. He truly is a great guy. Yes he is, and I’m happy to know him. He looks so tranquil thanks to your magic.    I hope he is. He deserves that much for worrying over…her. You know, if he’s this deep asleep, maybe he wouldn’t notice. Notice what exactly? A kiss. Nidra’s face went red at her inner demon’s suggestion. Even more when her eyes drifted towards the stallion’s sleeping face, focusing more and more on his lips. The thought was enticing, very enticing. For so long had she fantasized about pressing her own lips to Turquoise's, sharing in an intimate kiss, or even a light peck. And here was an opportunity to do just that, with the spell cast, there was little chance he would wake up until sunrise. Nidra took a cautionary look around the room, checking to make sure that they were indeed alone, fearing something would jump out of the shadows and deal out retribution for betraying the blind mare’s trust. A…A quick peck…but that’s it! No complaints from me go for it. Nidra slowly leaned her head down, brushing her mane to the side to keep it from tickling the stallion and waking him up early. She could feel her heart pound against her rib cage with each passing second, her blush intensified, and her mouth quivered. She was now just a few inches away from touching her snout with Turquoise’s. Just a few inches, one miniscule gap separated Nidra’s lips from the love of her life. Nidra closed her eyes and gulped, puckering her lips in preparation to kiss Turquoise. Just before their lips met, a mental image of Anthea flashed before her, along with the echo of the promise she made. Nidra quickly jerked back her head, eyes wide open, showing a slight orange tint around the edges of her irises, guilt and shame replaced the excited feeling she had earlier. She then lowered her head to the pillow and lied there next to the stallion. This is enough; I don’t need to steal a kiss from him. Eh, I’d call you a spineless coward, but you have a point. Better he be awake to enjoy it. I won’t dignify that with a response. Gates of Volkan, Five Hours Later… The Avalon was situated at the entrance that led to what would’ve taken them to Saddle Arabia if they could still fly. Giant remnants of star sapphire crystals lay around the airship, still dissipating into particles of light. Many pony engineers were walking about the outside of the ship, checking it for any more damage and fixing as much of the engines as they could with the parts they had. Twilight was inspecting the outside as well, having just finished doing so inside the vessel. Thankfully many of the crewmembers only suffered a few nasty bruises and bumps to the head thanks to the sidekick maneuvers, but otherwise they were still in good condition to keep going. Prince Steel and his three-hundred minotaur soldiers were busy securing the area, they knew that their downed ship made them an easy target for any future attacks. There was enough to worry about from the air; they didn’t need to get ambushed while on the ground. The Prince walked over to the High Princess noting her gaze upon her warship. “How bad is this?” “Bad, but could be worse. The engines are strained, so lift off will be hard. I could reconstruct them with my magic, but I’m not sure if the materials could take the infusion of magic in their condition, so we’ll just have to let the crew make repairs and see what we can do after that, we’ll be grounded for a while, something I don’t like given our recent incident. Prince Steel snorted. “It would seem you were correct in the griffons using the Long Road and Gates to slip behind our borders. But you did notice that that was a frigate and warship, and if they were here, chances are there are more somewhere in the passages.” Twilight and Steel looked out to the wide valley. Large passages that snaked and winded multiple ways, the two imagining an attack coming from one of those exits, the fear that a whole fleet or more could be awaiting them was a bit overwhelming. “Thankfully, your ship couldn’t have crash landed in a better position. The Saddle Arabian Gate keeps both our flanks protected, while giving your weapons a clear line of sight to fire freely.” “At best the Avalon is reduced to a fixed heavy cannon for the time being.” Prince Steel looked among the various ponies scattered about, working feverishly to repair the ship, as well as the multiple Royal Guards that were constantly on patrol. “I don’t see your protégé or personal guard, where are they?” Steel asked. Twilight didn’t answer right away, thinking of the best way to put her answer. “They’re with my apprentice, she…she wanted to see.” “See what?” “The deaths she says she’s responsible for…” Annie couldn’t believe she was capable of such destruction. She looked upon the twisted metal of the Griffonian warship. She used her ring to create an airtight bubble around the burning ship, starving it of oxygen to keep the fire from spreading. When it was out, Annie just stared at the charred remains of the ship, if there were any bodies in there they were surely burned beyond recognition. They may’ve been the enemy, but this…this was the first time Anthea had ever taken a life, and not just one, no, she killed at least a hundred or more in one blow by destroying the ship and annihilating the crew within. Amber, Hot Head, and Lucky watched their friend with concern. Their first times taking the life of an enemy was hard; it’s never easy to take a life, even if it was the enemy’s. But knowing that they did it to protect themselves and those around them helped to ease it, only slightly though. But that was maybe a few, but this was many in one go. Annie couldn’t believe what she had done; she killed so many, so quickly. Those were somepony’s mother, father, sister, brother, uncle, aunt, lover, or friend, and she killed them all. And the worst part was how easy it was, she now knew just how powerful the ring was and how Starburst was able to reclaim Cloudsdale on her own and devastate the Griffon Empire’s capital. The ring made you a one pony army, turned you into a weapon that could upheave a nation and lay waste to everything that stood against you, and it was nearly as easy as just thinking it. Annie felt a sudden sickness wash over her was the gravity of what she had done fell upon her, her eyes began to water as she wept for the lives he had taken, and then she felt her stomach lurch. The former blind mare’s legs wobbled as she vomited, she did so a second time, and then a third, by the fourth her hind legs gave out and she fell to the ground on her stomach. She threw up a fifth time before she felt her nausea ebb away. Amber, Hot Head, and Lucky rushed to her side with worry. Sweat beaded down her face as snot dripped from her snout and her eyes continued to cry tears. Anthea panted heavily, trying to catch her breath from her vomit session. “Annie just breathe normally, don’t hyperventilate or you’ll pass out.” Amber motioned for Hot Head to help her move Annie away from her puddle of bile to keep the smell from triggering another episode. Amber then removed her armor and sat down beside Annie, pressing her bare side next to the unicorn mare. “Anthea just relax, feel my barrel as I breathe, try to match it. Breathe in…” Amber took in a slow deep breath. “And breathe out…” She then exhaled her held breath, making sure to keep close to Annie so that she felt it. “Just breathe with me, hun.” Annie complied with the older mare, breathing in and out in time with Amber’s breaths. Slowly she was starting to get a handle on her breathing, her heart rate returning to normal. Her leg muscles however were tight and threatened to cramp up on her if she did anything too strenuous. So she just lied there next to Amber while Lucky and Hot Head kept watch, all the time glancing back worriedly at their surrogate sister. Lucky conjured a handkerchief for Annie to clean her face up, which she gladly accepted. Hot Head gave Amber his water canteen so that Annie could get a drink. Annie took small sips, swishing it in her mouth and then spitting it out to get the taste of throw up out of her mouth. Once she was sure she could keep it down, Annie took a longer sip and swallowed it, the cool liquid having a soothing effect on her sore throat. “Thanks you guys…guess all that time being a nurse came in handy.” “Well what’s the point of having that job if it couldn’t come in handy during situations like this,” said Amber proudly. “And you say you don’t act like a mom,” said Hot Head. “I never said I don’t act like one, I just don’t like being called ‘mom’.” “Oh but you’re so good at it, Mom,” teased Lucky. “Watch it Lucky.” Annie giggled a little from the three’s back and forth, she glanced over at Amber, still hardly believing that she adopted the two stallions before her when she turned eighteen. They were always like family, but now it was like it was official. “I can’t believe I did this…” “Annie, you didn’t do anything wrong,” said Hot Head. “Taking a life – lives – isn’t a good thing.” “No, it isn’t, but they were going to kill us, you stopped them, and saved everypony on the Avalon.” Anthea thought back to that moment… ~~~ Anthea channeled her magical and love light energy together; she then fired a sphere of violet light that flew down to the ground below. The sphere exploded and created a bed of star sapphire crystals, she then wrapped the entire ship in a combined aura of her light and magic. She slowed the ship’s rate of descent, bringing them to a near halt in midair. She then commanded the crystals below to rise, becoming a pillar that climbed higher and higher to meet the damaged warship. The crystals opened up, becoming a platform for the Avalon to land on. Once gently placed onto it, Annie kept her control on the flying fortress while having the pillar retract, bringing them closer and closer to the Saddle Arabian Gate entrance. With a great effort the ship was finally brought to rest upon the bed of star sapphire crystals, despite their crystalline structure there was enough give for the ship to sink into it a little, as if it was a giant pillow. When Annie felt that the ship wasn’t in any danger she released her hold on it, feeling the draining effects of using her ring and magic in tandem with each other. Her vision was slightly blurred but nothing like it usually was, she could still make out things at a distance, but close up was another story. “Ring, is anypony hurt?” The violet ring let out a pulse wave that washed over the entire ship, after few seconds the wave ended and the data was compiled within the ring. [No loss of life detected, minor injuries but nothing life threatening. Ship’s integrity is at 65%, massive damage to port and starboard engines, and main engines are damaged. Power levels are currently at 50%.] “That’s good…” Suddenly a bright flash of rosy light appeared before Annie, revealing Twilight with a worried expression plastered on her face. “Anthea! Are you alright?!” The unicorn mare smiled at her mentor, grateful for her concern. “I’m fine Princess, a little weak kneed from using so much energy and magic at once, but otherwise fine, now……Could you please get me down from this high place!” Twilight giggled at Annie’s sudden reminder of her latent fear of heights. She walked over to the Star Sapphire and helped her down the ladder to the inside of the ship. Once inside, Annie was showered with thanks from all the crewmembers, having forgotten their fear of her and embracing her for what she was, a hero, even Prince Steel acknowledged her heroism. Not with words, he simply gave an approving nod, that one motion speaking volumes. When her friends caught up with her she was assaulted with three way bear hug, and Amber shouting “Don’t you ever do something that crazy again!” ~~~ “The entire crew was praising you and thanking you for what you did, if they were afraid of you before, now they love you,” said Hot Head. “Thanks to you we get to live another day, if you hadn’t done what you did the griffon ship would’ve blown us out of the sky and taken pot shots at the wreckage just for the heck of it,” said Lucky. Annie knew what her friends said was true; still, it didn’t take away the fact that she just blown away somepony’s family member or girlfriend or boyfriend. But if she hadn’t, then they’d be the ones dead. “Just remember Annie, T’s waiting for you back home. We’ll be here to help you.” Anthea looked to the all three of her friends, each of them smiling at her, no, these weren’t just friends. They were her family, just as much as her adoptive mother was to her. Though they shared no blood between them, she regarded them with the same love and affection as if they were her own flesh and blood, and so too did they. “Thank you…I –” [Transmission coming in from the Avalon.] {Anthea come in! Anthea!} All four ponies looked to ring, hearing the Princess’ distressed voice. “This is Anthea, and with Hot Head, Lucky, and Amber, what’s wrong Princess?” {I need you all back here immediately, our scouts have returned saying that there was an unknown group coming towards us. Could be griffons or something else, but until we can confirm I want everypony to be close by and ready.} “Yes, Princess!” Twilight and Prince Steel stood at the forefront of their forces. The minotaur only had his sword strapped to his waist and still fully armored, while Twilight was in her war regalia armor, watching the unknown group approach them. They met the unknown incomers halfway between them and the ship, making sure to that any surprises were as far as possible from their ship. It didn’t take long before the two of them could make out who it was that was coming their way, and it wasn’t who Twilight or Steel suspected. The group was a contingent of twenty Diamond Dogs, but they weren’t like the ones from back in Equestria Proper, they looked more feral, except the lead Diamond Dog. He had a black coat, golden eyes, a long pointy snout, large pointed ears that swiveled about to pick up on any miscellaneous sound. His armor was silver, with a curved sword, a khopesh if Steel was remembering right. One of the Diamond Dog soldiers carried a flag that bore the insignia of the Griffon Empire, making both the alicorn and minotaur wonder what was going on here. The black Diamond Dog strode towards them, arms behind his back, acting so proper that it was creepy. When he met the two rulers he gave a slight bow to them. “Greetings, my name is Anubis, and I come as an envoy of the Griffonian forces.” “A Diamond Dog, why are you on the side of the griffons, I thought the tribes were neutral?” Twilight asked. Anubis seemed to find this funny, “Really, High Princess Twilight, my tribe made no such agreement. I am of the proud Jackal Tribe, and these fine fellows are part of the Dire Tribe. A race of Diamond Dogs that’s, how shall we say, not as ‘developed’ as we are.” Prince Steel snorted angrily at hearing his explanation. “The ‘Dire Tribe’, I know well of your dealings Jackal. You’re tribe took in theirs ages ago, and have brought them up through inbreeding and violence to make them your personal attack dog army. Using these pitiful souls as soldiers, I feel sorry for them.” Anubis eyed the Prince suspiciously. “On the topic of neutrality, why is it that the Prince of Minotaurus is with you High Princess? I thought they too were neutral?” “The Prince was out on a training mission in the Gates of Volkan, we just happened to run into him and his bodyguards and they offered us aid when our ship went down,” said Twilight. Anubis stroked his lower jaw in a contemplating fashion. “Is that so?” “It is so, if you happen to attack, I will take it as an act of aggression against Minotaurus. Now I’m sure you don’t want to incur Minotaurus’ wrath after the Empress formally apologized for the assassination attempt on the High Princess while in our borders?” “Of course not my Prince, far from it, but as it stands you’re in the middle of something that needs to be seen through, we’d be more than happy to have a Griffonian ship transport you and your guard back to your country.” “Now what kind of a Prince would I be if I left a Princess to fend for herself out here alone.” Steel spoke, a hint of pride and smugness in his tone. I hope he realizes I’m well into my thirties and I hope that wasn’t some subtle way of hitting on me, thought Twilight. Anubis’ eyes narrowed as he looked between the two rulers. “Be sure of what you’re doing here, staying means you support the Equestrians and will thrust your nation into a war that is not yours. Leave now and you can avoid a nasty international incident. But let’s make it your choice shall we?” Prince Steel stroked his chin hairs as he thought. “Hmm, do let's.” Suddenly the Prince drew his sword and pointed it at Anubis. One of the Dire Diamond Dogs stepped out of the group and lunged for the minotaur. Steel twirled around, making Anubis jump back when his cape flapped about. Steel then slashed upwards, cutting through the plate armor of the lumbering beast and leaving a large diagonal gash across its chest, spraying blood like a fountain before it fell to the ground, dead. Anubis looked to his fallen and glared at Steel. “You’re mad!” “I am angry, but madness, that’s been debatable about many of my kind for a while now.” “Fool, we have an army coming for you!” “We have a Star Sapphire, a being equal in power to the Fear Lantern.” Anubis bared his fangs, he heard his soldiers prepare to attack but he held out his hand in a gesture that meant “stay”. “I will bring with me a storm like no other minotaur, our cannon fire will rain down on you like retribution from the heavens!” Prince Steel pointed his sword back at Anubis and smirked. “Then we’ll fight you while under the shade of an umbrella.” Anubis huffed and did an about face, taking off with his soldiers the same way they came. When the Diamond Dogs were far enough away Twilight turned to the young Prince and stared at him incredulously. “YOU ARE INSANE! You just antagonized the only source of information we had! We could’ve learned of the amount of forces they have waiting for us, I could’ve drawn it out of him!” Twilight yelled. Prince Steel grabbed the hem of his cape and used it to clean the blood off his sword blade before sheathing it. “You don’t know the Jackals, High Princess. They’re conniving, sadists, and vicious when crossed. I was not lying when I described those beasts he had with him. They are a subservient tribe, brainwashed for generations, forced to inbreed by the Jackals till any ability to think for themselves is quashed out. Leaving them to be molded into the perfect, savage soldiers for their use, that way they don’t have to get their hands dirty too often. There’s no reasoning, no compromising with their kind.” Twilight sighed heavily, although she still thought that it was a boneheaded move, she had to defer to the Prince’s knowledge of that tribe. “I guess we should prepare for an imminent attack,” said Twilight. “They’ll most likely take advantage of our being grounded and send in airships, but we’ll have the advantage, they know not that the ship’s weapons can still function, they’ll be forced to fight by land and low flying griffon soldiers.” “I assume you have a plan?” “Yes.”