//------------------------------// // Chapter Twenty-Two // Story: Sunset Shimmer: Element Bearer // by ConningOfficer //------------------------------// “Sonata, are you alright?” asked a concerned feminine voice. With all of the concentration she could muster channeled towards the huge book in her lap, Sonata mumbled something incoherent, then finished with a dismissive gesture from her blue-tinted hand. Elegant Ensemble entered the room and waved a hand between the Siren’s lilac-hued eyes and the volume containing Aquastria’s history. “Hey, you’re not going to get rid of me that easily. Stand up. Stretch. Enjoy some leftovers. Use the restroom. Do something!” “I appreciate your concern, and you’ve been so kind to me since the others left, but please let me finish. This is important!” She finally broke her gaze from the pages and looked back at Elegant, her scowl softening into a pleading expression. She shook her waves of blonde hair in exasperation. “You’re worrying me a bit. Since the group departed, the only muscles you’ve moved are the ones that took you from lying on the couch to sitting at attention on the couch.” Elegant squeezed Sonata’s shoulder and said, “Just take a five minute break, Sonata. That’s all I ask. For heaven’s sake, I haven’t seen anyone so wrapped up in a book since Scootaloo gave Sweetie Belle that cheesy vampire paperback.” “Fine,” Sonata grumbled good-naturedly. She marked her place with the gray ribbon and set the book on the coffee table. She braced herself on the arm of the comfortable couch and stood unsteadily. Elegant smiled as Sonata flung her arms above her head and groaned in a comically exaggerated stretch that worked every muscle from her forehead to her toes. She pulled her T-shirt back down over her navel, cracked her knuckles, winked at Elegant and left Rarity’s den. Sonata walked down the hall to Sweetie Belle’s bathroom, where she had first hatched her ill-fated plan to claim Big Macintosh for her own. After attending to more urgent needs, she ran some cold water from the tap and splashed her face, forgetting about the gauze protecting Aria’s needlework. Frowning, Sonata rummaged through the vanity and the medicine cabinet, seeking a first aid kit. As she moved Sweetie Belle’s toiletries and beauty supplies aside in the futile search, Sonata felt a lump growing in her throat as she said, “Oh Sunset, I hope you can lead Aria and the rest to bring those girls back safely. The vision of one silent bedroom was terrible enough. The thought of three…” She trailed off and gazed at herself it the mirror. This is the price you have to pay for breaking their trust. Read the book and try to take your mind off of it, she sternly and silently told herself while drying her face. Sonata returned to the den to find a steaming mug of tea waiting on the coffee table sitting between the Aquastrian history book and Sunset’s journal. The corners of her lips lifted in a grateful smile as she read Elegant’s exquisitely-penned note: This blend always helps me concentrate. I’ll continue to bother you until you tell me what’s on your mind. Remember, I’ve had to look after both Rarity and Sweetie Belle for nearly three years, so I know all about stubborn. Staring intently at the hefty repository of knowledge, Sonata sat in the center of the couch. As she reached down to lift the book and resume her reading, she noticed that the bookmark had developed an unusual loop and now marked two spots. “That’s funny, I thought I laid the bookmark flat between the pages.” Her curiosity piqued, she examined the gray ribbon carefully, then lifted the book and turned it over. “Aha! I knew he was up to something!” On the bottom side of the bookmark, the cartoonish picture of Discord smiled broadly while a gray-tinted hand pointed insistently towards a new spot in the book that would skip about a hundred pages of Aquastrian history. In tiny, flickering red letters, a message read, “Sunset and I need you to read this part right away!” Pursing her lips, Sonata took the Spirit of Chaos’ advice and opened the book to a section entitled “The Hall of Freedom.” As she did, the bookmark returned to its original appearance, except that Discord’s picture had ceased its winking and now gave Sonata a pleased thumbs-up. Sonata took a sip of the tea Elegant had prepared. Her eyes widened with pleased surprise, and she took a bigger sip of the steaming beverage. After swallowing, she rested her back on the sofa and read aloud, “Following the Sirens’ defeat and disappearance in the world above, several incredible coincidences combined to alter the destiny of all Aquastrians….” Lapsing into silence, Sonata read a brief summary of the time immediately following her banishment and learned of the escalating unrest in the capital. The narrative was gearing up to describe the leader of a slave revolt, and as she read the vague, yet grandiose description, Sonata found herself thinking, Oh, get on with it already. She turned a page and found an illustration of a larger-than-life statue of a merstallion placed in the center of a large, impeccably maintained plaza. The merstallion was sculpted in the prime of his life, with sapphire blue scales, gray eyes, and translucent blue fins with silver streaks. At the base of the statue were scores of broken iron collars. His muzzle smiled crookedly, almost as if he was embarrassed to strike such a heroic pose. Sonata’s eyes widened as recognition dawned in her mind. “It can’t be….” Sonata whispered in disbelief. She looked at the picture closely, and then traced it with her fingers. At last, her mouth fell open and tears came to her eyes. “Coral Aegis! Oh, my brother! You lived!” she cried, her quavering voice joyful and relieved. Her happiness and guilt, along with her entire being, was absorbed in the moments captured in the book on her lap. Leveraging her formidable skill as an accomplished actress, Sonata envisioned herself as a spectator to the grand event unfolding in her mind. ***** Four Years After the Fall of Imperial Aquastria The colorful throng of sea creatures continued to gather around the elevated platform where their beloved Chancellor, their Great Liberator, was going to speak to all of Aquastria. He and the Assembly were united in their insistence that every sapient creature that crawled, swam or skittered throughout the entire realm would be welcome to attend. As the crowd gathered, males and females mingled harmoniously, and freed seaponies swam alongside graceful, aloof mermares who viewed the proceedings with mixed wonder and fear. An occasional narwhal would float by, gawking at the unfamiliar beauty of the newly reconstructed capital. Phosphorescent spheres lit the undersea plain, and magical loudspeakers had been placed at regular intervals to ensure that all could listen as the Chancellor dedicated the newly constructed symphony hall. A smiling seapony with purple scales was floated into place on the dais by a merstallion and a seapony. Because her tail had been amputated just above its spiral, she couldn’t float well, and was forced to use a comfortable divan to remain in front of the microphone. The crowd roared its approval as Assemblypony Lavender Hope waved a fin. Lavender cleared her throat, and a high pitched squeal of feedback caused the spectators to wince. She chuckled, wrapped her fin around the microphone stand and asked, “Can you hear me now?” Laughter mingled with affirmative replies and continued cheering. From Lavender’s perspective, the tens of thousands of Aquastrians formed a kaleidoscope of color that radiated goodwill and hope as far as her eyes could see. The cheering went on and on. The seapony held both fins high in an attempt to quiet the crowd. “I can float up here all day, and even tell a few jokes, but I’m not the one you’re here to see! I appreciate your enthusiasm, my fellow Aquastrians, but if you want me to get on with this show, I ask that you give me a little quiet.” Lavender’s irrepressible smile softened the cheers to murmurs, and then finally to silence. The Assemblypony nodded. “Now, that’s more like it!” The spectators politely laughed again. “As you all know, today marks the fourth anniversary of our freedom from the horrors of The Great Betrayer and his pet queen. At last, we have rebuilt our city into a place where all Aquastrians can determine their own destinies. Each of us has our own story to tell about the Liberation, but I will tell you the one I am most proud of. I promise that it will be a very short tale!” The crowd roared to life once more: in laughter, in anticipation, and in sympathy of the injury Lavender Hope had suffered during the uprising. “Our Great Liberator was born into the very bottom of Imperial society. While he will selflessly admit that he was more fortunate than seaponies, like me, who were bred into bondage, he had very little to look forward to as a mercolt. But, he did have one thing that not even Her Majesty could take away completely: He had the love of his mother and his father, which was a rarity in Aquastria until just a tiny number of years ago.” Lavender gestured to the front row, where a merstallion and mermare adoringly held a foal. As she continued her story, the seapony’s voice slowly morphed from admiration to fury. “The Chancellor’s twin sister was taken from him, like my children were taken from me, and your loved ones were taken from you – by murder or enslavement. They were stolen to serve a dark power against their will.” She leaned her head forward and whispered into the microphone. “But, he waited. He bided his time when so many others would have made a rash move. The Chancellor grew into a strong merstallion. He curried favor with the clans and sought ways to undo the terrible dark magic that had transformed his twin. He wanted to bring her back, which would give us the courage to stop the Queen from offering any other Aquastrians as tribute ever again.” Despite the press of beings surrounding the dais, there wasn’t so much as a stray ripple moving through the water. “After the Sirens disappeared and the Temple’s power waned, he saw his chance. At the recommendation of members of the royal guard, he was granted an audience with the Leashed Queen”—Lavender spat the derisive name—“and demonstrated his design for a mining engine to provide materiel for the war against the surfacers. Fortunately for all of us, the Queen was so blinded by her bloodlust and so befuddled by He Who Swims In Darkness’ disappearance, that she granted his boon.” The Assemblypony’s smile returned, and she spread her fins wide. “You all know the rest. His mining engine was never intended to harvest ore from the seafloor. He broke the walls of my prison and armed us. We attacked the palace, and despite appalling loss of life, the Chancellor in his righteous fury led us in defeating the priestesses and the royal guard.” The crowd began to babble excitedly, as the summarized story neared its conclusion. “He slew the Queen in a vicious combat that nearly made a martyr of him. After his victory, he didn’t pause for a moment. His blood oozing out into the water, the Chancellor used his mining engine to uproot the foundation of the Great Betrayer’s temple.” Lavender’s voice trembled as her oratory made a determined crescendo. She gripped the microphone stand with both fins. “Once the cursed black marble was cast into the trench for all eternity, all of Aquastria’s citizens were freed. We cleansed the seafloor together, and began construction on a place where music and unity will forever cast out slavery and division. We now have our glorious Hall of Freedom!” Exploding with cheers, the gathered masses expressed their joy and gratitude. Lavender Hope spread her fins again, requesting quiet, but Aquastria’s patience had been exhausted. The roar echoed through the deep for a full three minutes before subsiding. Eyes beaming and purple scales glittering in the dazzling spotlight, the Assemblypony gestured for her two attendants to carry her away from the microphone. As the burly merstallion and strong seapony prepared to lift the divan, she looked at the crowd and intoned, “Citizens of Aquastria, I give you my dear friend. He bears many names that we have given him: He is the Breaker of Collars, the Great Liberator, and our first duly-elected Chancellor. But, as I know well, he prefers to be known by the name his parents gave him. Help me greet him!” The throng shouted as one. “Coral Aegis!” A sleek merstallion swam into view and folded Lavender Hope in a gentle embrace. The two shared whispers while the crowd chanted Coral’s name. True to his mother’s prescience, he had grown into a handsome, strong merstallion. Coral Aegis’ scales were a deep sapphire-blue, his translucent fins were streaked with silver, and he bore a wicked, jagged scar that ran the length of his left side. He looked down at the seapony he had befriended with soft and sad gray eyes, nodded once, and approached the microphone. The chanting was drowned out by another thunderous ovation. Coral Aegis held up one fin and tapped the microphone with the tip of the other in an attempt to quiet the crowd. Amusement and gratitude filled the gray eyes as he looked to Lavender for assistance. She spread her fins helplessly and laughed. At last, the crowd fell silent, but the energy in the surrounding waters was supercharged with anticipation. “My friends, I never thought in all my life that I would be speaking to you on such a happy day!” said Coral. He smiled at the crowd, who leapt at the chance to cheer their hero. “Four years ago, we emancipated our fellow Aquastrians, disbanded the cruel Imperial society and began to cleanse our home of the Great Betrayer’s murderous religion! While I know that there are many who are uncomfortable with the chaos of our new order, I think we can all celebrate that freedom is infinitely preferable to slavery.” The Chancellor’s eyes took on a faraway look, gazing beyond the crowd, and he spoke earnestly into the microphone in a deep, sonorous voice. “Today, we rejoice in our independence! Like you, I revel in our victory and eagerly anticipate tonight’s concert. Before I open our new Hall of Freedom, I ask you to do me a personal favor: Remember Sonata Dusk with me. My twin sister is still missing, and it’s her song I wished to hear tonight. Celebrate, remember the sacrifice of our loved ones, and always keep in mind that our hard-earned liberty is fragile.” The Chancellor paused to collect himself. Silence, punctuated by sniffles, filled the pause as the audience leaned forward. Coral raised a blue-streaked fin as he softly continued. “Every day, I am inspired by the courage of my sister. I remember the day my mother dressed her to be offered as a sacrifice, and all she could speak of was her excitement to meet the Queen and Princess. Without hesitation, my brave twin swam towards the Trench Gate and her own doom, never knowing that she was protecting her family by doing so. Her sacrifice saved my life.” “But”—His gray eyes grew stormy and his voice increased in volume, filling the undersea plain—“the thought of Sonata, of half of me torn away and twisted into a manipulative monster that sowed strife, filled me with cold rage. The knowledge that her beautiful voice seduced and destroyed others instead of inspiring them haunted my nightmares.” His eyes dropped to the stage for a moment. He shared his memory with Aquastria, unifying his nation through the story of his loss. “While Sonata fought the war in the dry world above, I used my unique talents to get close to the Queen, and as I finally began my apprenticeship in the palace, I learned that my beloved sister had disappeared during the Battle of the Crystal Glacier. Our mother couldn’t bear the awful news, and like so many of you, I was left alone in the darkness.” Coral’s fins shook, forcing him to grip the microphone more tightly. “I despaired, and thinking I had failed, nearly revealed myself to the Queen. But then, Captain Focused Blaze let me know that I was not alone in my dreams for a better life. She, not unlike me, hoped to see her daughter, Aria Blaze, once more. I then thought not just of myself, or even of Sonata. I realized that this whole realm suffered under the Black Trident and the Whip of Dominion. And it had to be stopped!” The Chancellor shouted his last sentence, punctuating each word. Individual cheers broke out and were quickly shushed by their neighbors, who were enthralled by Coral’s storytelling. He continued conversationally, “You know the next part, my friends: The guardsmare facilitated my audience with the Queen. I demonstrated my mechanical skills, built the mining engine and waited for my chance. Her Majesty had unwittingly provided me the means to destroy her. But the whole time, I thought of my twin and where she might be found. Her courage kept me moving forward, and memories of our time together reminded me that we couldn’t earn our freedom alone. Sadly, freedom demanded we pay a terrible price.” Gripping the handle of a reel with his fin, he began to turn it methodically, taking the slack out of a wire that connected itself to a curtain concealing the gate to the Hall of Freedom. Coral’s eyes softened once more as he turned the crank. “Our uprising was balanced on the point of a spear after we breached the outer wall but couldn’t enter the throne room. The darkness gathered over our heads and we knew death was near.” The wire pulled the curtain free of the gate, and the crowd gasped at the golden arch and silver gate that led the way to the symphony hall. “Captain Blaze sacrificed her life to open the palace gate, and my dear friend, Lavender Hope, earned her new name when she wedged herself between the doors to permit our entry to the throne room.” Coral smiled at the maimed Assemblypony who respectfully nodded her acknowledgement. “They both gave us the chance to get to the Queen before she completed yet another dark ritual.” The Chancellor gestured to the shining gate and declared, “All who enter the Blazing Gate shall remember the Captain’s noble sacrifice to permit us the choices we now have. Focused Blaze’s dying words to me are engraved into the gold: ‘At last, I’ve done something worthy with the life I’ve been given.’ And, so when we enter this place to celebrate, we do so humbled by the loss of those that gave their lives to grant us liberty.” “I barely won my fight with the Queen and will bear the Black Trident’s scar for the rest of my life. Still, thanks to the One Who Guides the Waves and to all of you, we now have an Aquastria that we can be proud of!” The crowd started to cheer, but Coral held up a fin, requesting silence as he sadly glanced down at the dais once more. “But there’s one thing missing from this dedication.” Lavender Hope said what tens of thousands of Aquastrians were thinking. “Sonata.” Coral raised his gray eyes and smiled sadly at the seapony. He gripped the microphone in both fins, and his voice broke with emotion once more. “My sister. My twin. She’s out there somewhere, and I pray she will know how much I love her. Her bravery in facing certain death inspired me, and I know it inspired you! Though she was corrupted by dark magic, I have faith that she will break free from the shadow and I’ll see her again.” He turned a second reel and the Blazing Gate began to open. “This Hall of Freedom is a gift to Aquastria, so that we may all be united in song with the hope that Sonata Dusk will return one day to show each and every one of us the true meaning of courage!” Coral Aegis stepped away from the microphone and raised both fins in a gesture of victory. The throng’s emotions were released, and the joyous cheering was deafening as the first Aquastrians passed through the Blazing Gate into the Hall of Freedom. ***** One Week After Canterlot High School’s Battle of the Bands Sonata paced Rarity’s den as she read her brother’s speech, with enraptured tears pouring from her eyes the entire time. She then turned the page to the incredible, two-paged illustration of the first concert to be held at the Hall of Freedom. Shaking, she set the book down on the coffee table, oblivious to the sky-blue motes of magical energy spitting forth from her body. “I miss you so much, Coral! I… I love you too!” she shouted as she realized that the concert hall’s back wall was a relief of her Aquastrian name sigil, which was the same symbol that graced the bracelet she wore. Constructed with gems, precious metals and exquisite workmanship, the Hall of Freedom was dominated by a design that consisted of a turquoise-colored eighth note with a jagged stem superimposed over a gigantic pink heart. The magical energy burst from within her, illuminating the room and competing with the afternoon sun. Fuzzy blue pony ears appeared atop her head, and the back of Sonata’s T-shirt tore as delicate lavender wings resembling fins burst from her back. As her blue-streaked ponytail lengthened and coiled next to her on the floor, she sang a single, triumphant note that shook the windows of the Carousel Boutique. Elegant burst into the room, and witnessed Sonata in the throes of her elation. “Sonata, what’s wrong? Are you…” her voice trailed off, and her hand went to her mouth. “My God, it’s true! There really is magic!” Her lilac eyes reflecting the sunlight, Sonata ran to Elegant and gripped both her hands. She exclaimed, “I understand, Elegant! For the first time in my life, I see hope! Sunset was right. I am free to choose who I am!” She tightly embraced the blonde fashion designer. “I’m not sure I understand a thing, but I’m happy for you,” said Elegant, who returned Sonata’s gleeful smile. She reached up and touched one of Sonata’s pony ears. “So, who are you, really?” Sonata giggled as Elegant’s fingernails tickled the fuzzy protrusion. She gazed into the proprietor’s blue eyes, and replied soberly, “I am Sonata Dusk, but I’m only now learning what that truly means after a thousand years of living a lie.” Her ears, wings and extended ponytail winked out of existence. “But, we must work quickly, because our friends are in danger, and I know I can help. I just don’t know how yet.” “If I hadn’t seen the magic and heard you sing, I’d follow my employer’s orders and keep you here until they returned. But, I feel that something big has changed.” Elegant took a step back, put her hands on her hips and asked, “Sonata, aside from a new shirt, what do you need?” Sonata pursed her lips and tapped her stitches with a blue-tinted index finger. Her concentration, visible injuries, and bubbly demeanor made a unique emotional impression. “I need two things: First, may I please have the keys to Rarity’s car?” “Can you drive?” asked Elegant, raising her eyebrow. With infectious enthusiasm, Sonata answered, “Not well, but I just need to drive fast!” “The keys are in the silverware drawer. Just don’t test out the airbags, even though I convinced Rarity of the need for a good insurance policy,” said Elegant, folding her arms across her chest. “What’s the second thing?” Sonata grunted as she lifted both the Aquastrian history book and Sunset’s journal. She breezily said, “I need directions to Father Scorpan’s church.” Her voice grew uncharacteristically serious. “I didn’t listen to him very well the first time around, and time’s running out.” ----- Aria laboriously climbed atop the seventh redoubt of the battlefield’s reconstructed siege line. She wiped perspiration from her dripping forehead with the back of her hand and encouraged the rest of the group. “Come on, everyone. Just three more redoubts to go!” “Darling, why can’t we just walk along the flat part?” asked Rarity, fanning herself with her free hand. Rainbow Dash jogged ahead and tapped the fashionista’s back with one end of her quarterstaff. She wryly answered, “Because the last time we tried that, we ran right into a mob of zombies!” “I’m tired too, Rarity, but we have to see where and what our enemies are in order to stay safe,” said Sunset, adjusting her bandolier while slowly scaling the earthwork. Even Pinkie’s skipping had slowed to a brisk shuffle. She twirled her handaxe and turned to Discord. “Can’t you make any more of those chocolate milk bombs? I’m thirsty!” He laughed, reached back and pulled a canteen out of his backpack. “I think you’ll like this better, Pinkie. It’ll take the edge off, or in your case, sharpen your ability to cleave undead skulls.” Smiling, Discord handed the container to her. Her curls barely contained by her black bandana, Pinkie took a big swig out of Discord’s canteen. Blue eyes widened in surprise, and Pinkie coughed as she handed the container back to the Spirit of Chaos. She winked and said, “I’ll never tell if you don’t!” “I don’t like this quiet. We wiped out about fifty of those things during the last wave, and the green glow is still coming from the graveyard,” said Applejack worriedly. She plodded steadily beside Fluttershy, warily gripping her sickle. Her teal eyes nervously darting from one patch of darkness to another, Fluttershy had an arrow nocked as she brought up the rear of the exhausted procession. She nodded and said, “I agree, Applejack. Every time there’s a break, the next wave gets stronger.” “You all fought incredibly well for us to get this far, and made it so that our leader can conserve her resources to the best of her ability.” Aria said approvingly as she lowered Chainbreaker’s head to the grass topping the redoubt. “Speaking of that, Sunset, how is your supply of spell components holding out?” Reaching into one of the bandolier’s pockets, Sunset produced a foot-long pink feather. The magical amulet around her neck began to glow. She grinned and said, “Well enough that I can attempt this spell. We all could use it!” Princess Cadance’s feather started to glimmer, contributing to the luminance surrounding Sunset’s hands and the Element. In a burst of pink light, the feather exploded into a glittering powder that soaked into the group’s skin. They looked at one another in wonder, marveling at the magic surging through each of them. “I feel like I’ve had a full night’s sleep!” shouted Rainbow Dash. She somersaulted along the top of the redoubt and spun her quarterstaff. “Why didn’t you do this earlier, Sunset?” The magical glow surrounding the Element of Redemption winked out. Sunset took a deep breath to recover from her magical exertion and replied, “Because I have to walk the fine line between keeping you alive and saving enough components for an emergency. Pain and fatigue are much better than being dead.” “Come on, Dash. You know what happens in those survival horror movies when they use up all their bullets too quickly, right?” asked Applejack as she stretched her arms and legs. Waving her hand wildly, Pinkie answered, “They try to fight the big bad guy using only a kitchen knife and a bag of popcorn!” “I can’t see that ending well for any of us,” said Fluttershy, still scanning the tree line for movement. Discord’s camouflage disappeared in a flash of white light and was replaced by a carnival barker’s red-and-white striped suit, complete with an outrageous straw hat. “But, wait until you can see what I can do with a bag of popcorn!” He reached into his breast pocket and extracted an enormous bag of the heavily buttered snack. As he grabbed a handful, stray kernels fell to the ground and popped like tiny firecrackers. “Well, eat up, everyone, because I think the next wave is headed this way,” warned Aria. Her glowing purple eyes scanned the darkness, and she pointed over Fluttershy’s shoulder. “There they are. I can’t tell how many yet, but this seems like a different type of group.” Rarity wrinkled her nose. “What’s that terrible stench?” She pointedly looked at Discord. His mismatched camouflage back in place, he shrugged his shoulders, grinned and said, “It’s not me, darling! But I’ll take precautions!” His helmet disappeared, replaced by an old-fashioned gas mask. The group of eight took position in the formation that they had found worked the best during previous attacks. Aria and Pinkie Pie stood on the line’s left extreme while Rainbow Dash and Applejack did the same on the right. In the center, Rarity pointed out targets for Fluttershy’s arrows while Sunset and Discord cast spells when necessary. The pair on each flank would make sorties to take out any monsters that got too close to the top of the earthwork. “I don’t like this,” said Sunset while she squinted into the darkness. “Even without the smell, this feels very wrong.” Pinkie suddenly hopped up and down on one foot. “Itchy toes! We’ve got problems!” “What does that mean again?” Rainbow Dash turned to Applejack and cocked her head in confusion. Brandishing her sickle and checking the position of her lariat, Applejack replied, “It means we’re way outnumbered again, sugar cube.” About a dozen figures sprinted out from the tree line towards the redoubt. Sunset’s spheres of light revealed monsters with gray skin and long unkempt hair. Even at a distance of fifty yards, their clawed hands and pointed teeth were apparent. As the fast-moving monsters closed on the redoubt, another two dozen zombies and an equal number of skeletons moved on to the battlefield. Glowing brightly in Aria’s hands, Chainbreaker squealed its buzzsaw warning. “These are ghouls! They’re semi-intelligent, fast and can paralyze you if they score a hit.” Discord made an umbrella-like gesture and captured four of the ghouls beneath a fishing net that dropped from the sky. “Catch of the day, Fluttershy! Now it’s your turn!” Her pink tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth, Fluttershy took aim and launched an arrow with a red sphere built into the shaft. It struck the ghouls trapped in the net and exploded in a twenty-foot wide fireball. All four ghouls and a handful of the lesser undead fell to the incendiary blast. The remaining ghouls spread out into two groups, as smoke and the smell of burnt flesh filled the air. “Come on, Sunset, soften them up! There are still too many,” urged Aria. Next to her, Pinkie impatiently jogged in place. The Element of Redemption lit for a moment, and a glowing green arrow sped forth from Sunset’s outstretched hands. It struck the lead ghoul on Aria’s side of the formation and splashed acid all over the monster. Clawing at its own body, the ghoul fell to the ground as it rapidly dissolved. Applejack laid her sickle on the grass and reached for her lariat. “It’s time to wrangle these critters!” she shouted, as she spun the lasso over her head. With an expert toss, the loop encircled two of the ghouls advancing on her half of the redoubt. As she quickly tied the bitter end of the rope to one of the sharpened tree trunks, Applejack called, “They’re madder than a wet hen at a barbecue! Take them out before they claw free!” “Aria, help Applejack!” Sunset’s voice boomed across the top of the man-made hill. Acknowledging the order, Aria further organized their defense. “Rarity, cover the left with Pinkie!” The purple-skinned Siren sprinted across the line towards the bound monsters, which fumed and clawed at the lariat. The Doppler effect of Chainbreaker’s squeal echoed in each of their ears as she ran by. Clutching her club in both hands, Rarity advanced and stood shoulder to shoulder with Pinkie as the first ghoul clambered to the top of the redoubt. “Disgusting creature,” she hissed and hopped away from a sweep of a razor-sharp claw. With impeccable balance, Rarity’s riposte caught the monster in the back of the head and knocked it down. Pinkie Pie decapitated the festering creature with an overhand swing from her handaxe. She kicked its body back down the redoubt, bowling over two of its fellows. Pinkie cheered, “Great work, Rarity! See, I told you that you wouldn’t get dirty!” Magic projectiles from Discord flew to the left side and felled another ghoul that was clambering over the sharpened tree trunks. He laughed loudly and quipped, “You got a spare, Pinkie! Let me show you how it’s done!” Discord’s camouflage top morphed into a pink and purple bowling shirt. He drew his arm back and threw it forward, producing a flaming ball of pitch that rolled down the earthwork and set several undead aflame. On the right side of the defensive line, Aria reached the captive undead just as they were about to break free of Applejack’s lasso. Aria spun Chainbreaker in a deadly vertical circle. Aria caught the first ghoul on the upswing, striking it in the center of its chest. Even before the monster had completely disintegrated in a flash of magical energy, she pivoted on her left heel. Her purple and teal pigtails flailed wildly around her head as she delivered a mighty blow that lobbed off the second ghoul’s attacking arm. Applejack tossed her lariat back to the top of the redoubt while Rainbow Dash advanced and finished off the one-armed ghoul with three rapid strikes to its head. The two girls were about to trade witticisms when an arrow flew between them, skewering an attacking zombie and delivering a potent electric shock to the monster. “Watch out! They’re right behind you!” called Fluttershy, her teal eyes wide with concern. “Hold on!” Sunset concentrated on her magic while crossing her arms in front of her chest in the shape of an X. When she spread her arms, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Aria were suddenly covered with a translucent, sea-green glow. Sunset yelled, “That mage armor will protect you for a time! Hurry up, we’re unbalanced and have to reform our line!” Discord, Rarity and Pinkie were losing ground on the left, and the last pair of ghouls steered the bulk of the remaining undead in their direction. Rainbow Dash attempted to disengage but was struck in the back by a rusty sword wielded by a skeleton. “Ow! That hurt!” A reverse spin of her quarterstaff knocked down her opponent. “It’s not bad, Rainbow Dash. The magic glow took most of the force,” said Applejack, the relief evident in her voice. Aria vaporized two skeletons with one swing from Chainbreaker, covering Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Once they were safe, she dispatched two more zombies, and then retreated upward. In an effort to encourage Rainbow Dash and Applejack, Aria yelled, “Come on, you two. They’re trying to take out our weaker members! Discord’s getting tired. They’re barely holding on over there.” When Pinkie heard Aria’s assessment, her poofy pink curls immediately deflated into pin-straight locks. “Weak?! Who are you calling weak?” shouted Pinkie, frowning fiercely. Next to her, Rarity was struggling to stay out of the grasp of a zombie. Discord crushed several skeletons underneath a shower of accordions, but was alarmingly close to a number of undead as he defended the two young women. Seeing her mood change, Aria gave Pinkie a mischievous grin. In a thundering voice, she fanned the flames of Pinkie’s rage. “Pinkamena Diane Pie, go wild!” “It’s about time you took the brakes off of this crazy train!” Pinkie’s words gave way to a guttural shout of rage. Her handaxe flew back and forth with impossible speed, while she frothed at the mouth. In just a few moments, three, then six, and finally a dozen undead corpses fell at Pinkie’s feet while her straight pink hair whipped to and fro. Discord, no longer in danger, clapped his hands in glee. “Pinkie Pie as a myrmidon! Priceless!” Aria pulled Rarity and Discord back to the center of the redoubt while Pinkie’s assault continued. Sunset rubbed a bit of rabbit’s fur on a small rod of amber and loosed a lightning bolt at the two remaining ghouls. The smell of ozone filled the air as the monsters fell to the ground, with their dead muscles twitching involuntarily. When the last zombie fell, Pinkie’s hair resumed its normal curl. She huffed and puffed her way up the hill with a huge smile on her face despite her obvious fatigue. “That was fun, Aria!” Her purple eyes twinkling with amusement, Aria smiled. “I knew you had it in you all along.” She grabbed a medical bag out of Discord’s backpack and said seriously, “Now let’s see to our wounds. You and Rainbow Dash have a couple of deep cuts, and I see that Rarity’s been hurt as well.” “Discord, what the hell is that?” asked Sunset. She took a step backwards while her green-blue eyes flew wide open. The Spirit of Chaos bit his lip worriedly. “Fluttershy, when other undead appear, it’s time to use one of those extra-special arrows.” He turned to Sunset. “That, Element Bearer, is a ghast. It’s not quite an undead general, but he’s certainly not alone.” The festering brown corpse that stood at the edge of the tree line lifted both its arms in a taunting gesture. A cloud of green gas exuded from the monster, burning their eyes and causing the group to gag, even at a distance of fifty yards. The ghast was clothed in rags, and its face was twisted in hatred for the living. He flung an arm forward and more undead burst from the forest in a semi-organized charge. Fluttershy gulped and nocked one of the glowing arrows that Discord had made. She flipped her pink braid back, controlled her breath and loosed the radiant missile at the ghast. A bar of white light pierced the horrible monster and then exploded into a brilliant shockwave that momentarily turned night into day. The entire company of undead fell to the ground. “I have no words, darling,” said Rarity, her mouth hanging open in admiration. Rainbow Dash exclaimed, “I do! That was awesome!” Tending to Rainbow Dash’s superficial sword wound, Applejack deadpanned, “Sugar cube, you really need to change it up sometimes.” “A ‘false dawn’ spell!” Sunset gave a low whistle. “Discord, that’s very powerful magic. I didn’t realize you hated undead so much. Thank you. You and Fluttershy saved us all from, at best, a terrible fight.” Discord wiped his sweaty brow with a handkerchief. He wearily shrugged. “It’s our archer that deserves the credit. I just provided her with a potent tool. Besides, you’re proving yourself quite an adept battle commander, Sunset.” He inclined his head respectfully. “I just wish that I were more skilled with evocation magic. My offensive spells could use more punch,” pouted Sunset as she adjusted the bandolier holding her arcane components. His voice calm and wise, Discord approached Sunset and whispered, “When Twilight is angry, she packs quite a wallop. But by using your imagination, your skill in enchantment and illusory magic unlocks the potential of others, not to mention yourself. Redemption, after all, is a transformation of sorts, so your arcane specialties make sense to me.” Setting down her bow, Fluttershy raided the first aid kit to bandage the numerous small injuries that Pinkie had suffered during her rampage. Fluttershy bit her lip, and looked worriedly at Sunset. “I hope that this bit of calm is worth the cost. There are only five of those arrows left.” “It is, because we get a few minutes to strategize and assess our injuries before we run again.” Aria applied antiseptic spray to a cut on Rarity’s right arm. Gritting her teeth against the sting from the disinfectant, Rarity asked, “What should we do next, Sunset?” “Discord was right – not that I had any reason to doubt him,” Sunset reassured the seated Spirit of Chaos. “The undead are getting stronger and stronger, and are doing their job of weakening us.” Swallowing a big gulp from his canteen, Discord said, “These undead are too numerous and too powerful for Raven to manage on her own. She must be using some sort of necromantic generator to produce them from the cemetery. Those devices are powerful, but generally fragile if you can get to them.” Aria took advantage of the respite to pull the pre-paid mobile phone linking her to Adagio from her hip pocket. Examining it closely, she opened it and concentrated on a text message. The light from the phone’s display illuminated Aria’s fierce scowl. “Then I think it’s time we split our group,” said Sunset decisively. “If we play the game according to Raven and Adagio’s rules, we will lose. One group will take out whatever it is that’s producing the undead while the other heads towards the cave.” Rarity held up her index finger. “There’s one problem, darling. We still don’t know which cave to go to!” “We do now!” exclaimed Aria. She read the text from Adagio. “It says ‘Aria, there is no time and the signal is awful. I am in the Bridal Cave with the Master’s tribute. Find a second cavern behind the first. I will perform the sacrifice back there. Help me. The banshee must be destroyed. Far too pow—’ It seems she had to send before she finished her thought.” Chuckling, Applejack said, “Adagio seems to have bitten off more than she can chew! If she didn’t have my sister, I’d just let her choke on it.” She helped Rainbow Dash to her feet. “Allow me to suggest a course of action, Sunset.” Discord put away his canteen and stroked his goatee. “If we must divide our forces, let’s force our enemies to divide theirs. But first, can you cast an undead ward? We need a powerful shield that will protect us completely.” Wiping her hand across her face, Sunset let out a long exhalation then slowly nodded. “I’d have to use one of Celestia’s feathers and one of Twilight’s feathers, but I can do it. I won’t be able to move the protected area once I cast it, though.” “What are you planning, Discord?” Fluttershy asked softly. The Spirit of Chaos snapped his fingers and changed his clothing into steel-toed boots, baggy cargo shorts, a shirt with the slogan “Rage Against the Undead” printed on it, and he topped the ensemble with a Canterlot Corsairs ballcap with a flat brim. “My plan is only the most epic taunt in the history of ridicule! This is going back to my roots as a newly ascended Spirit of Chaos!” “I can’t wait!” shouted Pinkie, jumping up and down and tugging on Discord’s sleeve. “Can I help? Please?” Discord answered, “Not this time, Pinkie. I’m going to make Shrieking Raven so angry that she can’t help herself from coming here.” Rarity shook her head. “I rather think that I should plug my ears.” “No way! We have to hear this!” said Rainbow Dash, grinning crookedly. Discord cleared his throat and winked at Sunset. He pulled a plaid-painted bullhorn out of his backpack. “I know you and that fancy amulet can manage a ventriloquism spell. So, just send this in the general direction of that cave, please. Oh, and you all should take Rarity’s advice and cover your ears. You’ll hear what I have to tell Raven, but know that this is going to get extremely loud!” The Element of Redemption flared briefly. Sunset shook her head at Discord. “I just know we’re all going to regret this on some level, but drawing Raven away from Adagio is a great idea despite the risk. You’re on, Fangface.” She looked at the Spirit of Chaos with amused anticipation, while putting her fingers in her ears. Discord gritted his teeth and inhaled. His eyes glowed with scarlet light as he loosed his verbal barrage. ----- Sonata parked Rarity’s convertible in the empty parking lot of Scorpan’s church and got out of the car. She shielded her eyes from the sun, which had long surpassed its daily zenith. Flipping her long, blue-streaked ponytail behind her, she walked briskly to the twin front doors of the stone church and entered. “Father Scorpan?” Sonata called, her voice echoing in the sanctuary, dim despite the bright afternoon sunshine outside. Today, it seemed that the stained glass possessed a muted glow as opposed to the shimmering brilliance she had encountered just two days ago. The deep voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. “Sonata Dusk! I must hear your purpose in coming here today. Are you here attempting to deceive me, as you did the young man who still lies in the hospital? He is a member of my congregation, as you know. Big Macintosh’s injuries, and how they were caused, upset me.” Scorpan’s baritone took on a threatening tone. “Are you angry with me?” Sonata asked. “Child, know this.” Scorpan’s commanding voice was not delivering a threat, but articulating a promise. “If I were truly angry, you would not have been able to enter this sanctuary. Now tell me why you chose to seek me out.” “I come here to request your help, which you offered during my first visit,” declared Sonata, fighting a battle against her own fear. When only silence answered, she added, “Sunset Shimmer showed me what would have happened if my selfish plan had succeeded. It was the most horrible experience of my life, and a punishment I deserved.” The minister’s voice softened to a whisper. “While the burn on your chest will heal quickly, those images you saw in your vision have been scorched onto your spirit. So, at long last, are you thinking of atonement?” “Atonement? I’ll worry about forgiveness after I do what must be done. The banshee Shrieking Raven has stolen Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. My friends are rushing out into the darkness to save them. To make it worse, Adagio believes He-Who-Swims-In-Darkness’ lies, and must hear the truth before she sacrifices the girls.” Sonata spun a slow circle, addressing the seemingly empty church. “I now know how much my brother loved me, and how he never gave up on me. Well, I’m not giving up on my friends. I know they need me, but I know you can tell me how I can help,” she said confidently from the center of the church, addressing the altar and organ. Scorpan, suddenly appearing, laid a hand on Sonata’s shoulder from behind, nearly scaring her out of her wits. When she spun around in surprise, he smiled approvingly. “At last, you have come here requesting aid. I began to think that this day would never come. I have broad sight into the hearts of others, and I know much that is hidden. Such power, even in this low-magic world, must be offset by many rigid rules.” Crossing her arms over her chest, Sonata raised her eyebrow and asked, “Like what?” The clergyman counted the restrictions on his fingers as he answered. “Of course, you must be discreet with this knowledge, Sonata. I can only offer assistance when asked. I may only use my physical gifts in defense of my church, and in defense of those taking sanctuary within it. I have the ability to employ magic, with a few exceptions, only when I am either inside or close to my church. These are but a few of the prices I pay to have vast knowledge, and to be trusted with the responsibilities I have accepted.” “So, your visit to the hospital was risky?” asked Sonata, who looked Scorpan up and down closely, as if seeing him again for the first time. He shook his head and chuckled. “I was attending to a member of my congregation who was experiencing a crisis. Just because I was once a gargoyle doesn’t mean that I’m powerless if I’m not perched atop the church. However, my powers in this place are a major reason why Raven took the girls to the shores of Lake Piebald. That beautiful wilderness is far out of my reach, even in defense of Scootaloo, whom I have protected fiercely for the past ten years.” “I thought Scootaloo’s parents were killed in the same car crash that killed Apple Bloom’s parents. Doesn’t she have any relatives to care for her?” asked Sonata, who wrung her hands nervously. Scorpan smiled sadly, and deftly avoided answering Sonata’s specific question. “I watch out for her during the times in which the government’s support network breaks down, and she is the most frequent guest at the parsonage. Fortunately, there is an individual that is nearly ready to care for her as she grows into a young woman, but that conversation must wait. As important as this subject is, we are wasting valuable time. I have a question for you, Sonata. Who are you?” he asked eagerly. “I am the daughter of Coral Symphony and Dusky Defense, twin to Coral Aegis,” began Sonata. Scorpan impatiently interrupted, “Yes, yes! You were transformed into a Siren, your body and soul nearly consumed by darkness, and you were exiled here. But, why do you think that the Queen and He-Who-Swims-in-Darkness needed you to be offered as tribute?” Stroking her chin and cocking her head, Sonata tried to come up with an answer to Scorpan’s question. “Because I could sing so well?” He spread his arms wide in exasperation. “That’s what you were meant to think!” Scorpan continued gravely, “The good powers of Equestria were hoping beyond hope that Leviathan could be stopped before his hellish religion crawled out of the sea. Your parents loved each other so much that those same powers made it possible for them to receive a great gift: you.” “Me?” Sonata raised an eyebrow skeptically and steadied herself by placing a hand on the nearest pew. Scorpan, in a rare display of impatience, folded his brawny arms over his chest and frowned. “It’s nearly impossible to sum this up so quickly, but I must. It’s no accident that Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, and the other Element Bearers were born so close to one another in time and space. So it was with you. But, as Discord’s continued existence shows, life is unpredictable. There was a surprising development. You were not born alone, and not meant to shoulder the burden for your destiny by yourself.” She stroked her chin and nodded. “I think I understand. Whoever or whatever controls that sort of thing decided that taking out my previous Master was just too big a job to be done by one individual. I’m glad for that, because Coral Aegis made me so happy.” Sonata sniffed and wiped away a tear. “Sadly, He-Who-Swims-In-Darkness tore us apart.” The priest held up a hand, palm outward, to calm Sonata. “Please don’t mistake me as I make a hurried explanation. I do not intend to diminish the incredible achievements of Coral Aegis’ long life, nor do I harbor any doubt about the enduring sibling love you have for one another, but his formidable charismatic gifts represented only a fraction of your potential abilities. This moment is all about answers you have long sought, and long deserved.” Scorpan stepped forward and placed his strong hands on her shoulders. “While Leviathan’s magic twisted you to feed upon lust and division for many centuries, you have retained unique talents to inspire others and instill courage!” Sonata lifted her bracelet into the light. The brass and precious stones reflected the intensifying afternoon sun. “That’s why He-Who-Swims-In-Darkness demanded me as tribute!” Below the bracelet, her hand clenched into a fist. “So he could steal me away before I could help Coral fight him!” “At last, you see!” Scorpan swept Sonata into a crushing hug. He released her, and continued. “The jagged stem of the note on your name sigil signified your ability to bring others together to fulfill a single, unified purpose. You can bring light to the darkness and show Adagio the truth.” Excitedly, Sonata said, “Yes! It’s all about choices! Leviathan tricked the Aquastrian queens into doing things that can never be taken back. The slavemistresses become slaves themselves. That’s what he’s trying to do to Adagio now!” “So astute, now that you’ve finally cast aside the dark mask clouding your vision! But, I must speak practically.” He narrowed his brown eyes and intoned, “Through a combination of Sunset Shimmer’s actions and the Power of Harmony, you can finally use your magic for good instead of evil. Because the Great Betrayer has already touched you, you should be immune to his worst powers, but the fear he projects is nearly indomitable, even to Adagio and Aria.” Sonata’s brow furrowed as she hesitantly added, “But, what about Aria’s vision, when she turned away from He-Who-Swims-In-Darkness and walked to Lady Luna? He must be furious with her.” “You are correct, child. Leviathan, when stirred from his slumber, will first focus his rage upon Aria Blaze. Though she does not know it, Aria is in need of rescue as much as the three young women, despite the legendary weapon she carries. Worst of all, Leviathan’s dark divinity and his aura of terror will eventually overcome even Sunset Shimmer’s most powerful spells,” said Scorpan, whose brown eyes mirrored Sonata’s concern. “The hour grows late. You must go now if you are to reach your friends in time. Do you have any last questions?” Examining the beautiful imagery of the stained glass windows, she inhaled deeply, smelling the comforting aroma of polished wood and well-used hymnals. Gazing deep into Scorpan’s eyes, Sonata asked, “Can you give me a weapon, or an item, or something of substance that will help me tonight?” “Ask and you shall receive, courageous one.” The minister’s booming laugh echoed throughout the sanctuary. “Follow me!” Scorpan jogged out of his church, with Sonata close behind. They headed towards a large white house with an impeccably kept backyard confined behind a quaint white fence. He entered the side door of the parsonage’s detached garage, and motioned for Sonata to catch up. Pressing her lips together in confusion, Sonata entered. She glanced around the neatly-organized interior, her eyes passing over what must be an antique sportscar concealed beneath a custom-fitted cover. “Father Scorpan?” she called, and gasped when she noticed two pinpricks of red light staring at her from the darkness. “Don’t be alarmed, Sonata,” said Scorpan, flicking on the workbench’s light. “There are times I still prefer the darkness for reflection and manual labor. It reminds me of my youth. I’ve found what you need.” Sonata stepped forward cautiously and asked, with childlike enthusiasm, “What is it? Is it a sword? My father’s Aquastrian spear?” He handed her a well-used, slightly rusty pitchfork. “This is what you need tonight.” “This is a terrible weapon!” Sonata pouted, unable to contain her disappointment as she examined the gardening tool. Scorpan chuckled and his baritone voice deepened a bit more. “Really? You’re so good at the chores in the livestock barn. Your actions have figuratively, if not literally, left quite a lot of manure to clean. This is perfect.” “I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect.” Sonata dropped her head, and blushed. “I expected something more.” He closed her fingers over the pitchfork’s handle, and said kindly, “You expected something more obvious. This is a walking stick, a weapon of last resort, and its tines can help your footing in bad terrain. Most of all, like you, this pitchfork is much, much more than it seems to be on its surface.” Goosebumps raised on Sonata’s skin and motes of sky-blue magical energy began to glitter in the dim garage. “Thank you, Father Scorpan. Thank you for helping me understand who I was, who I am, and who I must be. I am grateful for your gift.” “It is you who undertook this journey of your own free will, Sonata Dusk. Thank Sunset Shimmer when you see her, because she is the one who believed in you most of all. I am simply glad that I could show you the next few steps.” Wistfulness gave way to gravitas, and the tone of his voice changed to a farewell. “Now go! Fulfill your long overdue destiny!” Without a word, Sonata leaned forward and kissed the priest on the cheek. Clutching the pitchfork in both hands, she jogged back to Rarity’s car, and placed the tool in the back seat. She started the engine, and adjusted the mirrors, seeing the determination in her own eyes as she did so. Sonata tuned Rarity’s satellite radio to an uptempo electronica station and let the beat wash over her as she dropped the convertible into gear and turned on to the main road. A final glance into the rearview mirror revealed Scorpan, who stood next to the parsonage’s garage with his head bowed in prayer. The white convertible sped forward as Sonata’s right foot depressed the accelerator. “Better late than never! Hold on, everyone. I’m on my way!” *****