//------------------------------// // 104. A New Purpose // Story: Tales of the Oppressed // by Terran34 //------------------------------// I leap up and hover a few feet in the air, noticing how different it feels to use this magic. This is a completely different magic than what I'm used to, so I don't even think my normal techniques will work anymore. Thankfully, flying is still relatively easy to work out. Not to mention, I don't have my rifle or the scythe, so all I have right now are my fists as well as my recently acquired sword. I take a few quick jabs at the air to test my speed and strength. My brow wrinkles, recognizing that I'm at a bit of a disadvantage. Attempting to use any of my previous techniques doesn't work. If I remember Twilight's lessons right, it has something to do with the differing composition in this magic in comparison to before. This won't do...at some point I'm going to have to take some time to figure out some new techniques. That dash ability from before is too good; I have to try and come up with an equivalent. I've never really had the chance to push myself to my absolute limit. Right now, I'm extremely tempted to see how far I can take this new magic, but I'd probably destroy the cliff I'm on if I did so. With that in mind, I let myself power down, the cuneiform fading from my body and my hair flowing back down to normal. A wave of air blows over me as both Celestia and Luna land on the ground not too far from me, no doubt drawn here by the magic I've just displayed. Both of them look confused, but that soon changes to pleasant surprise when they see me standing near the edge of the cliff in the crater I just formed. Cadance soon joins them, emerging from the streets. “Seth? Was that thy magic we just sensed?” Luna questions, her eyes wide with shock at the magnitude of the magic she just felt. Celestia and Cadance remain quiet, waiting for my answer. “Yeah. I don't know how in the hell I still have magic, but this means I can fight with the rest of you now,” I reply excitedly, snapping my fingers. That motion causes my flame-like magic to spark into existence, engulfing my hand with emerald light. The three princesses glance at my hand with interest, noting the very different composition of my magic. “But how? I thought King Sombra took it from you,” Cadance expresses, her face showing confusion rather than doubt. “This is...not his magic. It doesn't feel the same.” “No, it feels more like you, Seth,” Celestia observes rather accurately. Yeah, that's the only way I can really describe this new magic. “If you don't mind, where in your body was this magic hiding?” “It was...agh, it's hard to describe. It felt like a thin layer around my core, hidden beneath where Sombra's magic used to be,” I try to explain, but I'm not sure I got my point across. Luna and Cadance look at once another, still confused, but Celestia is nodding. “As I expected,” she reveals, much to our surprise. What? She knew I would somehow regain my magic? Is that why she gave me time to myself? When she notices us all looking at her, she smiles and elaborates. “I had my suspicions, based upon what you've told me about your kind. Seth, you couldn't perform magic before receiving Sombra's spell, correct?” “That's right. Humans can't use magic. If we could, we wouldn't have needed all the technology we used to have,” I return. “What's your point?” “Therefore, it is only natural to assume that humans do not have magical cores as we ponies do,” Celestia assumes. “I believe that when Sombra implanted his magic in you, he created a magical core inside of you capable of producing dark mana, similar to himself. At the Crystal Empire, he removed all of your current magic as well as your core's ability to produce dark mana. My theory is that he did not take your core itself, as that is impossible for a non-unicorn.” “And I remember you telling me that dark magic can only be used by those whose cores can produce the necessary mana,” I recall, understanding what she's getting at. I may not be as well-schooled as her or Twilight, but I did go through some schooling. “So maybe when my core lost its ability to produce dark mana, it produced my own, original mana instead?” “I am not certain, but that would be my guess. Perhaps you could not access it before because you have not been trained to control anything apart from dark mana,” Celestia theorizes. Huh, that makes a lot of sense. I mean, my magic is filling me up now, but before that, it had been hidden against my core, as if oppressed by the dark magic. “I must say, I enjoy the feeling of this magic. It suits you much more than King Sombra's ever did.” “Yeah, it definitely feels more like me. You know, and it helps not being tempted to go insane,” I remark. “I can push myself to the limit without having to worry about that.” “Indeed. Now, I must ask,” Celestia approaches me seriously. “Are you willing to fight King Sombra alongside the rest of us, now that you possess the power to do so?” “You don't even have to ask,” I determine, slamming my fist into my palm with a grin, the impact causing magic to flow outwards. Despite my fear of Sombra's might, it feels good to know that I can fight alongside my friends again. “This is very good. Now we no longer have need of the changelings' assistance,” Luna expresses with satisfaction, glancing at Celestia for confirmation. Ah yes, the changeling issue. A slight tension falls across the four of us at that. The opinion should still be divided between us all as far as that goes. “I wouldn't be so certain. King Sombra is stronger than all of us put together by a great deal, right?” Cadance corrects Luna, much to the latter's displeasure. “While Seth fighting with us gives us a better chance, Queen Chrysalis's power certainly wouldn't hurt.” “We planned to fight even without Seth, with the changeling queen's power! Now that Seth has returned to full strength, we do not need her help!” Luna hisses angrily. “What about if she chooses to attack while we're busy fighting the Crystal Empire? You even said yourself that if we're caught between two invading forces, we would be destroyed!” Cadance shoots back, bristling as well. Next to them, Celestia sighs, rubbing her forehead with a hoof. “What if we were to ally with her, and then she betrays us during a momentous battle? What then?” Luna demands. Right now neither Luna nor Cadance look like they're going to back down in their viewpoints. “Queen Chrysalis is no fool! She no doubt knows that if King Sombra were to win, then her kind would perish! She wouldn't dare risk that by betraying us!” Cadance asserts. As Luna opens her mouth to continue the argument, I finally lose my patience. “This is getting us fucking nowhere!” I yell, cutting both of them off. They both clamp their jaws shut, surprised that I'm yelling at both of them. I look at Luna first. “Luna, you're right. Chrysalis is a bitch who wouldn't think twice about screwing us over if she could get away with it.” “Then...” Luna tries to say, but I'm not finished. I turn to Cadance next. “Cadance, you're also right. If Chrysalis attacks us, we're fucked. Neutralizing the threat without bloodshed is a decent plan.” “Wait what?” Cadance emits, shocked that I've said something even close to supporting her point. “But you said...” “I know what I said. But at this point, I want to go into battle trusting that my back is secure. One way or another, we have to deal with Chrysalis,” I point out. Just saying that causes me to feel that familiar fear of facing her, but with Cadance right here, I don't want to show that weakness. The only way to make it go away is to face the problem head on. I'll never stop being afraid of Chrysalis if I don't face her. “Seth is right,” Celestia finally rejoins the conversation. “While I am uncertain as to which path is the right to take for our subjects, we cannot risk her turning against us.” “So let us crush her! The four of us could take her on and wipe her and her kind out!” Luna suggests vehemently. Whoa there. I didn't think Luna would be the kind of mare to suggest wiping out an entire species. “No, Luna. We cannot leave the front lines. If the worst case scenario occurs and King Sombra comes to the front lines, we must be here,” Celestia responds, shaking her head. Luna seethes with frustration, but she doesn't protest, seeing the logic behind that. Celestia then notices me looking at her pointedly. “Seth, do you have a solution?” “I might. As you know, I'm as strong as I used to be. In other words, nothing short of Chrysalis herself could harm me,” I remind them all. Cadance's eyes widen when she starts to realize what I'm getting at. “Let me go. You were intending to handle the battle without me, right? If anyone should go and handle Chrysalis, it should be me.” “Thou intends to take her down thyself!?” Luna emits in shock. Celestia just watches me with interest, waiting for me to continue. “If I have to. But, like Cadance said, it would be much better for all of us if she were to ally with us,” I answer, albeit grudgingly. I still hate the idea of allying with Chrysalis, and there's still a high chance that she won't even consider helping us, but Cadance is right. At best, we have an entire other army at our disposal, along with the powerhouse that is Chrysalis herself. At worst, I wipe out the queen and the changelings cease to be a threat. “Seth! I thought thou wert on my side!” Luna exclaims, looking betrayed. I notice that she dropped her pluralisms again for some reason. “I'm on both of your sides!” I snap, not wanting to deal with Luna acting all indignant. “I hate Chrysalis. I really do. But...a friend told me that running away from our problems won't solve them.” Cadance lets out a small gasp at that, a smile forming on her face despite the situation. Celestia looks between Cadance and I, no doubt drawing the connection immediately because she's a mind reading horse. Despite that, Celestia is looking at me with respect. “To clarify, what exactly do you intend to do, Seth?” Celestia addresses me. “I'm going to go find the changeling hive. Then, I'm going to see if Chrysalis would help us. Out of everyone, I'm the only one she wouldn't attack on sight. Despite her failed invasion, I'm still the only human she knows of,” I relate. Luna bristles at the idea, but Celestia and Cadance are nodding. “If she won't help us, I'll kill her. She and I are even now in terms of power. I think I may be a little stronger, if I push myself. Does that make you happy, Luna?” “I suppose...but I do not like this. I do not like this one bit,” Luna admits grudgingly. “But, considering how vehement thou wert about destroying her, thou must believe this task will truly benefit us.” “Trust me, I still want to beat the hell out of her. I'm actually hoping Chrysalis will prove difficult so I can do exactly that,” I assure her with a rueful grin. A silence falls after that as Celestia takes time to weigh everything over in her head. “All right, I have decided,” Celestia finally says, regaining our attention. She faces me next. Her horn lights up, and she produces a set of two insignia from a hidden pocket in her armor. One of them looks very similar to what I usually see Iron and Rose wearing. The other is one that Cadance usually wears. “Seth, you are to go to the changeling hive and undergo negotiations with the changelings. In order to give you the authority to deal with another race in the same manner as us, I am temporarily promoting you to the rank of Commander. Keep in mind that this is a wartime measure, and as such will be revoked upon the cessation of hostilities.” “Damn straight. You couldn't keep me in the army even if you paid me,” I remark, glancing down at my chest as Celestia pins the Commander insignia to my right shoulder. Wow, even if it is temporary, it's a bit surreal to be the same rank officially as Iron and Rose. “What's this other one?” “This second insignia recognizes you as a diplomat for Equestria, and gives you the authorization to act as such,” Celestia explains, pinning the insignia right next to the one indicating my rank. Upon hearing that, I'm suddenly reminded of a conversation I had with Cadance around the time I first met her. “Oh? Then I assume you're a diplomat or ambassador?” “How the hell would you draw a conclusion like that? Do I look like a diplomat to you?” I shake my head, finding that to be incredibly ironic. It's funny how things have changed since getting to Equestria. “Right then. You realize she's going to likely demand things from us, provided she agrees to hear me out in the first place?” I point out. “Are you sure you're okay giving me that kind of authority?” Celestia nods, and then she produces a crystalline orb from her armor as well, making me wonder how much shit she hides in there. She passes it to me, dropping it in my outstretched palm. “I anticipate as much. If so, I trust you to use your own judgment in that situation. Should these demands prove to be more than you believe you can handle, use this to contact me.” “Fair enough. When do you want me to leave?” I ask, hoping that I at least have time to tell Rainbow where I'm going before I leave. “As soon as possible. However, I would like you to stay for dinner at least. Your trip may take you a long time, and as such I would like some time to prepare supplies for you,” Celestia answers. That much works for me. I'll go visit Rainbow first, have some food, and then get going and hope I don't die. Part of me still thinks this is a terrible decision. The rest of me thinks that part of me is mostly likely correct. “Supplies? Can't I just fly over there?” I question. It can't be that far to the areas south of Dodge Junction. “You can, but it's at least two day's flight, provided you fly while conserving your energy,” Celestia advises me. Huh, that's true. I guess I can't fly full speed if I want to be at close to full power by the time I reach the badlands. “I also seriously doubt that the queen will accommodate you.” “No kidding. All right, that's fair. When's dinner?” I ask, feeling a little hungry now that she mentions it. “Soon, I hope?” Celestia nods, and then she turns around, spreading her wings. Luna does the same, so I release some magic myself, figuring that we're about to get going. “I can't stay for dinner,” Cadance confesses regretfully. “Honestly, I should have already left. I would have been on the train to Baltimare already, but then Seth happened.” “Well, sorry, for getting my magic back and restoring some hope,” I respond sarcastically, earning a chuckle from her. “Go on to Griffinity or whatever the hell the name of that place you're going to is called.” “Griffonia, Seth. And I will. Wish me luck!” With that, Cadance spreads her wings and takes to the air, heading for the train station. Heh, bitch didn't even wait for me to wish her luck. She should be fine though. Having the griffons back us up would be cool. Especially because I've never seen a griffon, and I'm more than a little curious what they look like in this world. The three of us left take off, angled for the town hall. I guess that's just going to be our base of operations until this whole battle is over. But, before I go there, there's something else I have to do. “You two go on ahead. I've got something else to do first,” I tell them, flying away from them. I don't wait to see their reactions. Man, it feels really good to fly again, even though the last time I flew wasn't that long again. It's mostly because I thought I'd never get to fly again. Because of that, the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair and clothes is exhilarating. Now then, it's not that hard to find one of the Wonderbolts. The one I find first is Fleetfoot, who seems to be handling scouting patrols. She quickly spots me when I approach. “Hey Se...” she starts to say, but then she notices the insignia pinned to my shoulder. “Wait, Commander? You're the same rank as me!?” “Temporarily, for the sake of this war,” I respond quickly, unwilling to waste any time. Fleetfoot looks like she wants to ask about that, so I beat her to the punch. “Have you seen Rainbow? I figured she'd have gone right for Spitfire.” “Oh yeah, she's been helping by lifting in supplies for the defense. You'll probably find her near the perimeter, where we're starting to set up the palisade.” Fleetfoot responds. She shakes her head, grinning at me. “Commander Seth. Nice. What's the princess got you doing?” “Diplomacy,” I spit out with a grimace, even as I turn to leave. “You'll probably find out later. Anyway, I gotta get moving.” I leave Fleetfoot behind, figuring she's got better things to do than talk with me. No doubt she's not the only pony that's going to comment on my rank, however temporary it is. I know it's technically just so I can officially represent Equestria, but it still feels like a cop-out to get a rank like this without earning it. I'll probably feel better once everything's over and I can give it up. Provided we all live that long. Down below, I can see the preparations for the battle underway. Trenches are being dug into the ground, and logs are being carried in by groups of pegasi down from the mountain. I can see other ponies sharpening the ends of the logs. The way things are looking, we're gonna need every minute of this week to come in order to get ready. A train rolls out from the station, heading east. That's probably the train carrying Cadance to Baltimare, where she can catch a ship or fly to Griffonia. Another train rolls in next, releasing scores of soldiers from the cars. Pegasi take to the air, reporting to their division captain, and the unicorns march through the streets. There's so many soldiers...sheesh, and I though the changeling invasion was bad. This is looking to be a battle the likes of which I've never seen. I hope I can get back in time to help fight. Two days down and maybe a day back provided I go at full speed on the way back. That's not counting how long I'll be down there. My eyes track across the air, until finally I catch sight of a streak of rainbow, descending towards the trenches. By the time I catch up with her, she's almost to the ground. I notice she's carrying a box filled with tools in her hooves. “Rainbow!” I call to her, getting her attention. “Oh hey, Seth!” Rainbow responds readily, turning her head to nod at me before continuing on her path. Really? Is she not gonna notice? “Give me a sec, I'm...” And there's the double take. Rainbow turns around sharply and drops the box of tools into the trench, her jaw falling open at the sight of me flying there with her, with an entirely different magical aura than what she remembers. “Hey! That could have hit somepony!” A soldier complains, glaring up from where he's digging in the trench. “Sorry!” Rainbow calls back down, and then she goes back to gaping at me. “Seth, you're flying!” “Holy shit!” I exclaim, as if that was the most shocking thing she could have possibly told me. I look down at the ground below me. “I am? Quick, somepony take a fucking picture!” “No, seriously! Did you get your magic back?” Rainbow demands, brushing aside my sarcasm. “When did...what? It looks so different!” “Yeah, about ten minutes ago,” I answer, finding some delight in the shocked expression on her face. I fly a circle around her, chuckling at the way she turns her head to follow me. “Turns out you can't take out a magical core once it's been created!” “What?” is Rainbow's understandably confused response. She knows next to nothing about magical theory, nor has she ever particularly cared. “Suffice to say, Sombra took his magic away. My body didn't like being empty, so it made its own,” I reiterate, simplifying the explanation in a way that she can understand. “Oh. That seems...oddly convenient,” Rainbow comments, blinking. I shrug. It is convenient, but who cares? I can be on the front lines again and go on flights with Rainbow some more. Sombra made a mistake, and it turned out well for me. Rainbow suddenly puts on a bright grin, and then she zooms around me in a tight circle, almost spinning me all the way around in her excitement. “Yes! This means we can go flying again! We gotta go flying over the falls at least once!” “That actually sounds like a lot of fun and...would you slow down?” I yank on the back of Rainbow's neck, stopping her from continuing to circle me at a pace where I can't keep track of her. “But that's probably going to wait until everything's over. You are coming to the town hall with me to eat dinner, and then I'm leaving.” “Leaving? Where are you going?” Rainbow asks, confused. She flies beside me as I start to move back towards the town hall. Oh boy, I guess I better be honest with her. She's going to bite my head off, no doubt. “Down south, to deal with the changeling problem once and for all,” I reveal without beating around the bush whatsoever. Rainbow's reaction is to promptly stop moving and stare at me. “Yeah, I figured that would be your response.” “Deal with the changelings? What does that mean? Are you going to beat 'em up?” Rainbow demands, looking a little too excited. “If you are, sign me up!” “I might be, depending on how things turn out. But Cadance was right about one thing. We can't afford Chrysalis attacking us while we're trying to deal with Sombra,” I explain. Rainbow's enthusiasm drops like a brick once she realizes what I'm saying. “What!? You're going with Cadance's plan!? Weren't you the one that said that you'd never ally with her?” Rainbow snaps, quickly growing angry. “Seth, she's a monster!” “I know she is! But this really is the most logical course to take. If she agrees to help us, that's two birds with one stone. If not, I'll kill her. Either way, problem solved,” I return. “No, Seth! Why are you the one to go, even if I were to somehow agree to this!? Isn't this a job for one of those fancy diplomats?” Rainbow argues. I turn my shoulder slightly so that Rainbow can see the insignia's on my shoulder. Her response is a scoff. “No! I'm not okay with this! The last time you and her were alone together, you almost let all of us die!” Rainbow yelps as I suddenly grab her shoulders and pull her close to me, so that I can stare her right in the eyes. That one sentence was crossing the line. “That's exactly why I have to be the one to go! I'm tired of being afraid of her, Rainbow! Do you know how many times I've woken up, remembering her and what she almost made me do!?” I yell at her vehemently. Rainbow quails slightly, but she still looks angry. “Besides, how dare you!? How dare you even suggest that the same thing would happen again!? I gave up my family for you! Hell, I even fell in love with you! I'd sooner gouge my own eyes out with a rusty spoon than let anything happen to you!” “Chrysalis isn't going to go away, Rainbow. I'm not going to stop being afraid of her unless I face her, sooner or later. I'm not doing this because Equestria needs it. I'm doing it because I need it. I'm not running away again.” I finish my tirade, breathing heavily and glaring at Rainbow. Rainbow is utterly silent for a moment, taken aback by the fervor and vehemence in my words. “Wow...um...I guess you're right. I'm sorry,” Rainbow begins, stammering a bit. “But back then...I felt like I lost my best friend. It was the worst feeling I've ever felt. I don't want to feel that way again. What if Chrysalis gets the drop on you?” “She won't. You have to trust me,” I tell her, my ire calming down now. “I'm the only one that she'll even consider talking to, rather than just nuking on sight.” “I do trust you...and I understand you feel this is something you have to do...but can I at least go with you?” Rainbow responds. “No. She'd kill you without a second thought,” I answer with a firm shake of my head. Rainbow sighs, rubbing her eyes with her front hooves. Just as I'm about to say something else, the moment is then thoroughly killed by the most obnoxious growl emitting from Rainbow's stomach. I slowly turn my gaze back to Rainbow, one eye starting to twitch. “What? I'm hungry!” Rainbow responds as if nothing is wrong. She struggles a bit in my grip. “Can you let me go now? I want to go eat!” “No, I don't think I will,” I claim, and then I wrap my arm around Rainbow's middle and pin her to my side, much to her surprise. “No, we're going to dinner like this.” “What? No, lemme go! Seth! Stoppit!” Rainbow promptly starts to struggle fiercely in my grip as I fly towards the town hall. Unfortunately, for her, she doesn't have magic. She's not going anywhere. When she starts struggling harder, I reach over my other hand and start tickling her belly. Rainbow starts flailing around, giggling helplessly. “Hey! Hehe, stop! No fair! Seeeth!” The first thing the princesses and the other elements see when we walk into the main room of the town hall is me walking into the room with a kicking and yelling Rainbow hoisted over my shoulder. Rainbow goes quiet when she realizes that all of her friends and even the royalty are staring at her with perplexed and amused expressions. “Help!” is all Rainbow has to say, before the ponies in the room dissolve into laughter. A few minutes later, we're all seated down at the table with an array of food spread out before us. It looks like the officers aren't here, because they're probably busy with handling the defense. Iron is no doubt already on his way back home to Bleak Island, and Cadance is on her way to Griffonia. Therefore the only ponies in the room are Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow, and the two princesses. Spike is here too, which makes me wonder where the hell he's been since I woke up from my injuries. Probably sending and receiving messages, now that I think about it. There was some slight surprise about the return of my magical energy, especially on the part of Twilight, who wanted to study me, but we didn't dwell too long on it. That's because I changed the subject. I didn't want the subject going to Chrysalis just yet. “So what about them special orders y'all were talkin' 'bout, Princess Celestia?” Applejack eventually asks curiously, pausing in the midst of munching a delectable looking pie. I look from from my almost empty plate as well. “Ah yes. There has been a slight change in plans since I mentioned that, but I suppose I can tell you now,” Celestia decides, delicately wiping her mouth with a napkin. “As you have likely noticed, I have promoted Seth to the rank of commander for the duration of this war.” “I did notice that. I wanted to ask about that,” Twilight responds, nodding her head. Suddenly, everypony is looking at my shoulder where the insignia marking me as a commander is pinned. “Seth has proven himself to be an asset on the battlefield. Now that he has regained his magic, I intend to form a small specialized combat group with him at its head. Not all battles are won with armies, after all,” Celestia explains. Applejack and Rainbow look at one another, and then at me. I look confused as well. I always assumed I would be fighting on the front lines with the rest of the army, like I did in the changeling invasion. “Applejack, you and Rainbow are the physically strongest, and as such compliment Seth's magical prowess relatively well.” “Okay, but can you really call the three of us a group? Isn't it more like a trio?” I point out. Celestia smiles this devious smile that lets me know she has more planned than just that. “Okay, who else are we getting?” “There are a few others whose files I have pulled that I believe would be an asset in battle. Once you return from your mission, I will pass them to you for evaluation,” Celestia explains. “Evaluation? You're letting me pick the ponies in the group?” I ask in surprise. On one hand, I'm curious to know which ponies she's chosen. On the other, I'm confused as to why she'd let me pick. I'm no tactician. At least, I think I'm not. I haven't really been tested as such. “Of course! You are the commander, after all,” Celestia answers, her smile returning. I sigh. I have a feeling that she's not going to assuage my curiosity until I get back from the whole thing with Chrysalis. “I knew it! We're going to be secret agents!” Rainbow declares, pumping her hoof in triumph. Next to her, Applejack sighs, and rubs her forehead at her friend's antics. “We're gonna kick some undead flank!” “That sounds all nice and reasonable, but what mission are ya talkin' 'bout?” Applejack questions, indicating me with her head. “Ain't we jus' gettin' ready fer the undead ta get here?” “Does it have something to do with the diplomatic insignia on Seth's shoulder?” Rarity adds, quite astutely. Once again, eyes turn to my shoulder. Understanding dawns in Applejack's eyes, as well as a few others. “You're not sending him to negotiate with Chrysalis, are you?” Twilight asks anxiously. At this Luna scoffs and looks down, and Rainbow looks worriedly down at the table. Celestia nods in confirmation. “But, princess, Seth was against that plan in the first place!” “Actually, it was my idea,” I clarify, finishing the last bite of my meal. I stand up, figuring that I might as well get going sooner rather than later. Twilight's jaw drops, while Pinkie nods next to her, as if she knew that all along. “I'm not going into the details, but I'm doing this. Don't try to dissuade me.” Twilight looks like she wants to protest anyway, but upon seeing the hardened glint in my eyes, she closes her mouth, nodding mutely. “Are you planning on leaving now, Seth?” Celestia asks. When I nod, her horn lights up and an an organized pile of bags levitates off of the ground and moves towards me. Looking down at it, I can see important travel items such as canteens and blankets. “Very well. I have gathered supplies for you. In here, you will find a week's worth of food and water, emergency medical supplies, as well as a small tent and blanket for you. You should be able to secure this on your back while you fly.” “Don't you think this is rather soon?” Rarity asks, looking at me anxiously. Soon? We literally have a week before Sombra's forces get here. “Time is of the essence, dear Rarity,” Celestia assures her, voicing my thoughts. Rarity nods, but doesn't look any less uneasy. “I just can't believe you're going alone, Seth.” Twilight expresses. As I move towards the door, all of the ponies stand up to see me off. “Trust me, nopony other than the princesses can handle Chrysalis, and they can't leave here in case Sombra or Hawke shows up,” I remind her. “Now unless any of you have anything else to say, I'm leaving now. The sooner I get going, the sooner I get back.” “Yeah, ah got somethin' ta say,” Applejack approaches me first with a smile on her face. She presses a hoof to my leg. “Ah think yer doin' the right thing. Thank you, and make sure ya come back.” “Indeed. I agreed with this plan, but I didn't realize you would be the one to go,” Rarity expresses next. “I simply won't forgive you if you don't return.” “Um...thank you. I know you don't like her, but she was only looking out for her babies,” Fluttershy talks to me next, standing alongside Rarity and Applejack. “Be careful.” “You already know how I feel,” Rainbow puts in, joining the three of them. “Bring her back if you can, and kick her flank if you can't. But I don't care if you fail. You come back, or I'm dragging you back.” “I don't understand...but if you feel you have to do this, then I'll support you,” Twilight adds next, smiling despite her misgivings. “Yippee! Bring her back, and we'll have that Chrysalis Friendship Party! There'll be chocolate and lime cupcakes and cake! Oh, and Chrysalis balloons!” Pinkie squeals. She then proceeds to whip out a party cannon, which she fires into the air to release changeling themed confetti and the aforementioned balloons. She waves around two pendants with pictures of Chrysalis and I hugging and grinning like best friends emblazoned upon them. My eye twitches for a moment at that last one. Pinkie...just...where did you even find time to...how...what? Whatever. I turn to face the group of ponies that are supporting me and give them a smile. “Don't worry, I'm coming back. I promise I will,” I say to them all. I lift the backpack carrying all of my supplies and sling it over my shoulder, looping my arm through the straps. “I guess I'm off.” “Seth,” Celestia calls after me just as I start to leave the room. I turn my head in response. “Be careful. Chrysalis is still dangerous.” I nod in confirmation, and then I leave the room behind. I feel a strange sense of dread about the future to come, but also a sense of freedom. When I leave the building, I flare my magic and take to the skies, heading due south. Chrysalis is waiting for me.