//------------------------------//
// Chapter 22 - Until Next Time 
// Story: The Awakening of a Tactician 
// by Mountainmanmad 
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I made my way back to my dorm, carrying the wicker basket upon my back. I had decided that for the remainder of my stay I would use the mare transformation I had used originally so as to be easily recognized by the guard. No need to confuse them further than they no doubt already are.

It was on my way back that a sudden thought came to mind. There was another type of magic from the Fire Emblem universe, one that I, sadly, could not wield. However, with Wade's unique abilities... perhaps he would have more luck. I would need to work fast though if I wanted to set him up with what I had in mind. I had done tinkering with it in the past, but with some focus I'm sure I can recall how I did it.

Reaching the entrance to the wing I noticed two guards standing alert. Their diligent, I'll give them that. First, making a quick stop at my room to drop off the basket, I walked up to the lower rank soldier and asked him, "I need materials in order to create a magical instrument. Do any of your orders include aiding me in this task?"

"Yes sir, if you follow me I'll take you to the Guards storehouse. You may remove any of the marked items, but I must ask that you do not take anything without allowing me or one of the attendants time to catalog the removed items. We've had a couple break ins in the past year, and are trying to keep a tighter ship," he responded.

"Very well, lead on."

He led me to a warehouse, not that far from the guard barracks. It was filled to the brim with various odds and ends, the entire building about the size of four football fields stacked together in a giant rectangle. Barring my entrance to the body of the warehouse was an exceptionally bored looking mare, her guard helmet placed on the desk beside her.

"May I help you?" she grated out, blowing up a bubble of gum and popping it.

I walked up to the guard and smiled at her. Her bored expression didn't change, another pop of of gum. "I'm looking for a few specific items that I believe I can find within the warehouse. If you would be so kind as to let us in, me and my accompanying escort can continue onward."

"Does she have clearance?" she asked.

"Arch Magus Robin has authority of the crown, and is to be admitted." my escort replied.

"Clearance level?"

"Duchess, Royal knight."

Excuse me, Duchess? I’m far from being noble in any sense of the word.

"All righty," the desk clerk said, looking off at a sheet of papers. "Everything has a series of clearance stickers, everything should be alphabetic from left to right," she pointed off to her right, "You have access to 'red', 'yellow', 'orange', 'green', 'indigo', and 'violet' stickered items. If you want 'silver' 'gold' or 'black' stickered items, you'll have to file out a request form to be sent higher up the chain."

I nodded and walked deeper into the warehouse, examining the crates and racks of wares and tools as I went along. despite the large inventory, I was pleasantly surprised to find it incredibly organized. The only problem was that I couldn’t read the language. So, much to my annoyance, I was forced to ask the guard to lead me to the required areas. Reaching the 'B' labeled section I made my way to a rack of poles of varying uses, deciding on a strong oak like staff. Moving on further down the lane I grabbed a coil of copper as well as a carving knife, perfect for digging into wood.

I only had two more items left on my list. The first item should be relatively easy to acquire, but the second item... not so much. I turned to my escort who had stayed close to me. "Is there any leather in the storage? If not, a close substitute perhaps?"

"Leather isn't a prohibited material, but due to its nature it's one we don't store or traffic. You want Corfam , a faux leather substitute. It's stiffer than what actual hide can become, but it seems to have been widely accepted over the... original." He stopped talking, balking at the look I was giving him. I asked him a simple question, I didn't need a tour guide.

"Very well, I'll settle on corfam." The guard lead the way to the appropriate section and I found it coiled and tied together. I would have preferred leather in order to keep the piece authentic, but beggars can't be choosers I suppose. With the last of the basic materials collected all I needed left was the centerpiece. I once more turned towards my escort and said, "I only need one more item, and it's possibly the hardest to acquire. I need a gem or crystal in the shape of an egg."

He looked thoughtful for a moment, before returning his attention to me. "I would imagine a wide selection of possible candidates would be listed under 'jewels', 'gems', 'crystals' or 'baubles'. If you are unable to find anything satisfactory, I have leave to escort you to local businesses that might carry a sundry of gemstones."

I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You hold precious gems and minerals within a warehouse and not a vault?"

The guard matched my eyebrow with his own, "Nothing can leave the warehouse without being signed out. Quite literally. If somepony were to find themselves with sticky hooves, the instant they left the building they would find themselves glowing, emitting a high pitched noise, and weighing four times what they normally do. That being said, referring to gemstones as 'precious' must be a cultural difference. While they do hold a value, they are abundant resource. They have less value than gold, and there are much more easily obtained. If you knew the correct spells, one could simply go for a stroll through the countryside and return by dinner with a wagon full of them," he ended, dusting off his armor. For a place so supposedly secure it sure wasn't in the best of upkeep. Would I 'emit a high pitched noise', 'glow' and have a sudden weight gain if I absconded with the obscene amount of dust collecting on my hooves?

Still… what he said brought up some questions. If gems are so common, then how did Trixie pay for everything with a single diamond? Granted, it was large, but the gem was likely as common as any other gem. Suddenly, I’m a lot less off now that I think about what’s in my chest back home. It doesn't help that I spent more than half the bits I own on Wade... 

"I see... in that case, please lead me to where I can find these jewels." He nodded curtly and lead me down isles of assorted objects. The further back into the warehouse we went, the dustier it became. As I followed, I noticed the guard looking back at me occasionally. The only times he seemed to break out of character.

I coughed softly to gain his attention. "I feel I must comment about your choice of 'alarms'. What would keep a stronger individual from stealing heavier objects if they still have full mobility? And don't automatically assume there isn't a being strong enough to lift over a thousand pounds of goods. You'd lose. Furthermore, even if said being wasn't as physically fit, what's to stop them from stealing smaller items? I'd suggest adding an additional enchantment which would activate after a given amount of time. Magical fire to burn the thief would certainly dissuade any further attempts."

The guard laughed, "My apologies, you're misunderstood. It wasn't the item that would gain weight, it would be you that would suddenly find yourself with leaden limbs. Have you ever had your entire body suddenly four times as heavy? It's a standard guard trial, wouldn't do for a miscreant to throw an errant bit or bauble at a guard, putting them in the same situation as they left the storehouse. I've taken the test five times myself, and I for one have never completed it."

I shook my head as a smile began to grow on my features. "Is that so? Well, that is certainly different than what I had thought previously. Of course, given the right magic such a handicap can easily be negated."

"Given the right precautions, anything can be negated, magical or otherwise," he retorted.

I rolled my eyes, but didn't respond. I instead chose to follow him in silence.

"If you want, after you're done here you could try your mettle against the obstacle course down on the training field. Not very many like to test it, the number of ponies who've passed hasn't even passed the double digits," he said icily, trying to jar me into conversation. For a good little escort, he sure was talkative.

I narrowed my eyes, glaring into the back of his head. The challenge wasn't hard to miss given his tone of voice. "As much as I would enjoy humiliating the guard once more, I'm afraid I have other matters to attend to."

"As it suits you, ma'am." he replied.

I gave him one last harsh glare before examining the rest of the storage. Before long he stopped before a few crates covered in dust. Lifting the lid on one of them, I beheld the contents with a raised brow. It was filled to the brim with gems in varied shapes and sizes. I began to dig through the seemingly abandoned minerals, searching for a gem appropriate for my project.

Sadly, I had no luck finding what I needed. However, the guard had already prepared another crate to be inspected. He gave me a cocky grin which I attempted to ignore to the best of my abilities. Plunging into the new crate I began to dig through the assorted gems. It wasn't until reaching one of the crate's corners is it that I found what I needed.

Lifting the gem out of the crate I inspected it closely. The gem was a turquoise without a doubt, but the color seemed faded to some extent. The best part, however, was the fact that it was in the shape of an egg. I smiled triumphantly and turned towards my escort. "This is the last item I required. I'm going to return to my room now, and I thank you for the assistance."

With that, I turned and began to make my way to the entrance of the warehouse. Behind me stood an indigent guard surrounded by the small mess I had made while digging through the crates. He called out to me, "And what about this mess!?"

I turned my head and smiled at him. "I'm sure you're capable enough to clean this up yourself. If anything else, as Duchess, I order you too."

"I... but... ma'am," He stuttered behind me, furiously trying to figure some way out of the hole he had dug through his own arrogance. He was a guard, and if my intentions had been slightly more averse I would have tipped over a shelf or two. He was a professional, he should damn well act like it as opposed to a glorified tour guide.

I took my supplies to the front of the warehouse, piling them within the marked area that the clerk gestured to. She tediously went through them all, filling out a series of forms for every individual item.

"All items have been documented," she started in her bored, nasally tone, "If I could just see your seal," she grabbed the medallion from around my neck, forgotten till this moment. She turned it, making a variety of 'hrrrm'ing noises before 'handing' it back. "Night Guard, first class. Higher than your chauffeur said you were. Where is he, by the way?"

Why would Luna... oh, right. She has feelings for me.

I smiled. "He made a mess helping me dig through some of the crates. He was kind enough to stay behind and clean up so I could get started on my work. Do tell him I said thanks when he gets out." I waved her goodbye as I made my way back to my room. Along the way I went through different methods on how I would be able to accomplish my none too little project. On such a short notice I had to get this right on the first try.

Finally reaching the safety of the wing, I returned to my original form. My footsteps echoed down the empty hall as I made my way into my room. Once concealed, I turned the lock on my door, smiling softly.

Time to get to work.





I forgot what it was like to stay up all night. Indeed, perhaps I was growing soft. Regardless, I managed to complete my project for Wade. It was a thing of beauty, and I would keep it for myself if only for the fact that I couldn’t use it. Thanks to Wade’s abilities, however, he may just be able to find a use for it.

I got my stuff together and set them on the bed. It was still incredibly early, but I was anxious to leave. Luna’s… gift yesterday had unsettled me.

Exiting into the hall I silently made my way to Wade’s room. It was still early and he didn’t need to wake up just yet. Stepping silently to his desk, I left his present leaning against it along with a note on the table. Nearby I also left Luna’s wicker basket. While the idea of fresh, nonperishable food was welcoming, I had already accepted too much from Luna and everyone else. I appreciate the help, but I can’t go through life relying on others.

Once that was finished I returned to my room and closed the door. I eyed the bathroom, focusing on the shower and toilet. May as well make the best of it while I can.





Once I had finished cleaning up, I figured it was time to go. I considered letting Wade sleep in, but it wouldn’t be right. I grabbed my stuff and decided to wait in the training hall. If Wade came then we could talk, else this would be goodbye.

It was much to my delight that Wade entered the hall not ten minutes later, looking tired, but alert.

"Ah, Wade, I'm glad you got up. I was just about to depart and it wouldn't sit right with me to not say my goodbyes."

Not even giving him a chance to respond I stepped forward and placed my hand on his shoulder. "In the short amount of time I've come to know you, I've seen you become so much stronger. It's been a pleasure spending time with you and teaching you what I know. While the journey ahead will no doubt be difficult for you, know that I'm always willing to come to your aid should you ever need it."

I watched in surprise as something that looked like tears began to form in the corner of his eyes. I considered smacking him and reminding him that I could return at any point, but decided to let him have his moment.

Besides, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad to say goodbye, even for a bit.

"Gotta say, I'd never have imagined I could actually become even somewhat competent in magic," He stated, forcing a burst of magic to his hand to levitate his book as evidence. "To think that last week I couldn't even lift a book..."

My smile grew. "And now you can throw around fire balls."

We both shared a small laugh before I bent down and lifted my sack, tossing it over my shoulder. With a snap of my fingers a black portal opened, leading into the Void. With one final handshake I began to make my way into the in-between.

That is, until I stopped halfway to look back at him. "I left you a parting gift inside your room, It's leaning against your desk. I'm sure you'll find it immensely helpful."

And before he could question me further I disappeared into darkness, the portal closing behind me.





I stepped from the portal, my feet touching firm sturdy wood. After little less than a week I was finally home. I didn't allow myself a moment to relax, however. I immediately went into action, putting back the items I had brought with me. So, basically just re-shelving the books I had with me.

Once that was done, I dropped both suitcases in my room. The cloths I'll have to find a better location for, but he keychains, however, were best kept within the case. I wasn't sure how often I would use them, but it might be a good idea to keep one on me at all times. Just in case I needed to blend in with the local populace.

Once that was taken care of I returned to the living room, looking for any signs of Trixie. Seeing none, I decided to simply call for her, "Trixie, I'm back!"

I heard movement from Trixie's room and not seconds later she appeared. She smiled and trotted up to me. "Hello Robin, how was your trip?"

Did she really not leave the house once in the time I was gone?

I grinned and ruffled her mane, much to her displeasure. "It was incredibly productive. Got a considerable 'power up' to my magic and earned myself a new apprentice. He has great potential, really progressed these last six days."

Trixie narrowed her eyes at me. "A new apprentice huh? Well, he has a long way to go to match my skill! Besides, you weren't gone for six days, you were only gone for three."

I was about to scold her for the bragging, but what she said after made me stop. I was in Wade's universe for six nights, but only three days had passed here? Interesting.

I walked over to a window and looked outside, seeing that it was late in the afternoon. Well, perhaps I'll head to bed early tonight to make up for my lack of sleep. Besides, I need to get on a better schedule.

I returned my attention to Trixie, "Is that so? Well, I did say you could have the week off, so it would be poor form on my part to take that back. You're welcome to spend the next four days doing whatever you please."

Trixie beamed as I told her that. So it was much to my surprise that it turned into a frown only seconds later. Trixie shook her head and looked up at me. "No, three days of rest was good enough for me. Tomorrow I'll return to practicing my magic."

I gave Trixie a critical eye before breaking out into a smile. "Good to hear. Now, if you don't mind, I think I'll call it a night. I haven't been getting a lot of sleep as of late and I'm in dire need of a recharge."

I began to make my way to my room, giving Trixie one last smile. "Goodnight, Trixie."

She returned my smile, "Goodnight, Robin."

And with that I closed my door and made my way to my bed. I was looking forward to rest, so it was much to my annoyance when I felt my tome vibrate. Grudgingly, I took my tome out from my robe and opened it.

A note from Wade already. Looking over the number of entrances I raised an eyebrow. Looks like things were already starting to move forward for him. Grabbing a quill from my desk I quickly sketched out a reply before shutting the book and leaving it on the wood surface.

The multiverse could wait, I needed sleep.