//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: The Greatest and Most Powerful. Part 2 // Story: Ponies of the Five Rings // by Simon_oSullivan //------------------------------// Deep in the Rainbow Clan’s dungeons located under the castle, prison guards Cloudchaser and Flitter were keeping an eye on Gilda. She had her forelimbs and hind legs chained to the floor. In front of her rested a and a half empty plate of alfalfa. “I’ll take care of this from now on,” said a voice from upstairs. Rainbow Dash descended the stairs, nodding at both mares, who bowed back at her. “Leave us alone. I’ll call you back when I’m done.” “As you wish, Overlord Dash,” Cloudchaser and Flitter replied simultaneously before going up the stairs. As soon as Rainbow Dash heard the door closing behind her, she walked slowly towards the cell Gilda was in. “So this is how you treat those who help you, Dash,” said Gilda. “I was expecting a reward or something.” “You didn’t do anything at all, Gilda,” replied Dash as she tried to contain her anger. “If you wanted to help me, why the day did you attack one of my pegasi?!” “I’m not a pony, they wouldn’t have trusted me!” protested Gilda trying to get at the bars. “And trying to kill them would change their minds, right?” grunted Dash sarcastically “Oh, gimme a break!” Gilda spat, sitting on the floor, crossing her forelimbs in front of her. “Don’t go ‘gimme a break’ on me!” yelled Dash as she slammed her hooves into the steel bars. “You are  responsible for my scouts’ deaths! You told the enemy about our patrol routes! You’re lucky I didn’t execute you as soon as we got here!” “What did you expect me to do? Since I left the clan, I’ve been a mercenary, working where the money was! Besides, you should’ve stayed alert. ” Gilda looked up at Rainbow Dash as she let out a long sigh. “What I don’t get is why I’m still alive. Not that I’m complaining, mind you.” Rainbow Dash turned and rested her hoof on a table, massaging her forehead with the other one. “You’ve given us valuable information. We now know that Discord was behind everything that has happened recently. What I want to know is the reason behind all of this.” “Beats me. I’ve only been able to overhear some of what he said. One thing’s for sure; everything that he’s done has been for that Trixie unicorn.” “Trixie?” repeated Dash as she turned back to Gilda, trotting towards the cell. “The one that ran away from the assault?” “I wasn’t there, so I couldn’t tell you, but maybe she’s the one, yes. She’s now a bloodspeaker and, from what I know, she’s a pawn in Discord’s plan to take over the Empire.” “Consarnit!” Dash roared as she hit the bars with both hooves, anger taking over her. She took several deep breaths to cool down before moving on. “You told me that the disappearances were also Discord’s fault. But I don’t understand why he got into so much trouble for nothing. Why let the ponies go? Why not just kill them?” “I dunno, Dash,” replied Gilda as she got up and shook the dust off her. “But he’s been talking about Trixie a lot, about her progress. Maybe that was just a distraction so Trixie could train without being noticed. I mean come on, if soldiers start disappearing daily you’re not going to waste time looking for an honorless dog who ran away!” “Drat!” groaned Dash. “We should’ve seen it coming from a mile away!” “It’s not the end of the world, Dash.” “That’s easy for you to say, Gilda! I lead this clan, and I’m responsible for whatever happens to them!” Gilda looked at Dash, a touch of concern in her eyes. “Have you told them what I’ve told you?” “Not yet,“ answered Dash, looking at the floor. “I’ve been thinking a lot, and I have the feeling that Discord already knew our patrol routes.” “Then why did he pay me for it?” “I don’t know. I don’t even know why you’re here if you’re working for Discord!” “Woah, woah, woah, hold it right there, Dash!” Gilda interrupted. “I don’t work for him, I’m not anypony’s lackey! I only serve those who pay me. That’s the life of a mercenary.” “You prefer it to the life you had here?” Gilda let out a drawn out sigh before answering. “Sometimes I miss it, I won’t lie to you. But most of the time I prefer the life I live now. Sorry Dash, but I despise bushido with all my heart, and I know that you don’t approve it completely either.” “How dare you say something like that in front of —” “Thunderlane,” said Gilda, cutting her friend off. Rainbow Dash stopped for a moment, memories flashing inside her head. “Yes… I remember it.” “Remember how those samurais just mocked us and he defended our honor? That was a hunk of a stallion if I ever saw one!” “You still have a crush on him, don’t you?” Dash smirked. “So? Not that it matters anyways,” replied Gilda as she scratched her neck. “The point is that he stood for us, challenged them to a duel and lost, so he was punished. How can you want to be the leader of a clan whose rules go by ‘the best warrior is always right’?” Rainbow Dash let out a long sigh, nodding at her old friend’s statement. “I’m trying to change that, Gilda, I really am. But I can tell you that Thunderlane is fine now, he’s one of our elite scouts.” “That’s good to hear,” replied Gilda, smiling comfortably. “And he’s still single,” joked Dash. “Oh, shut up!” Both laughed for a moment. Gilda sighed in relief, feeling that she was able to defuse the situation. “But you get my point, right?” she said, turning back to the first conversation. “That’s why I left. That wasn’t fair, and if that was the way of the samurai, I’d rather never be one.” “Yeah,” admitted Dash, her voice tinged with sorrow. For a moment, she understood Gilda’s point of view. “Sometimes I wondered if it was worth it. But now that I’m the leader, I can’t just say no.” “So you think you can change a tradition that’s centuries old?” asked Gilda, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. “I can’t change traditions, but maybe parts of it. I’m not the only one who wants to do it, though. For example, among the Lore Clan there are already several ponies that focus on finding evidence to find out who’s telling the truth and who isn’t. But the punishments are still the same.” “It’s something at least. Glad to know that those old beliefs are dying slowly.” “Heh, don’t say that out loud,” warned Dash as she shook her hoof. “The Jewel Clan still follow it like zealots.” “Those fancy-talking ponies have all the power they can get, and have one of the best sword fighting academies in Equestria, why shouldn’t they?” “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” “Hey, Dash.” Gilda had a humble smile on her face, but sadness in her eyes when she spoke again. “Thanks for sparing me back there.” Rainbow Dash raised a hoof and shook it weakly in front of Gilda. “Don’t mention it. As I said, you gave us some valuable information. We know what Discord’s up to, and can act according to that. However, for attacking my spymaster, you’re lucky that I’m the head of this clan.” Rainbow Dash threw a serious gaze at Gilda before continuing. “Others wouldn’t have been so considerate.” “Working for a monster that can spy your every move is not easy, Dash,” replied Gilda. “I use to skirmish every now and then in order to make him think I’m ‘trustworthy’. Besides, I can’t survive solely on alfalfa, you know.” “I’d rather not hear about that last part, if you don’t mind,” replied Dash in disgust. “But if what you say is true, doesn’t that mean that he knows that you’ve betrayed him?” “Probably,” answered Gilda, lowering her head. “I’m a dead griffon if I return to the Everfree Forest.” Somepony knocked on the door, and Cloudchaser’s voice came from the other side. “Overlord Dash!” she called. “A letter for you from the Apple Clan!” “Come in and give it to me!” commanded Dash as she trotted up the stairs, towards the door. Cloudchaser rushed inside and saluted her leader as she offered the scroll. “Now what the hay would they need now?” Gilda peered over at the table where Dash set the scroll down. “Dunno, but I’m gonna find out in a moment,” said Rainbow Dash as she unraveled the scroll on her table. After a few seconds of reading, her face changed to an expression of shock. “Trixie has challenged us!” “Us who?” “The clan leaders, the six of us. She wants to fight against all of us!” “Are you going to go?” Gilda sounded worried, something that Dash noticed. “Don’t worry, Gilda,” she said, trying to reassure her friend. “Applejack is one of the strongest ponies I know, and Twilight is one of the most powerful summoners. And let’s not forget that I’m the best trained and deadliest skirmisher of the Rainbow Clan,” she pointed out while hitting her chest with one hoof. “Just the three of us should be more than enough to beat that loudmouth down.” “I dunno… Be careful anyways, okay? I wanna see you back here when you’re over.” Dash nodded with a smile and a wink as she trotted out of the dungeon. “Cloudchaser! Flitter! Return to your posts!” ordered Dash as she took off towards the Diamond Bulwark.   -o- Rarity lay on a large couch with her hooves covering her head, oblivious of everything around her. Not even a week had passed since Hoity’s death, and she could still hear his screams of agony in her nightmares, begging for a merciful end. However, the rules were the same for everypony. If you didn’t show pain during the seppuku, they cut your head off. If you failed at that, you were left to bleed to death. Rarity knew that she had done what she had to, but that didn’t help her to sleep. Of all things, Rarity had taken special good care of her relationships with the other clans, and Hoity’s mistake was unforgivable, especially for her. Her plans were too important to fail, no matter who messed them up, willingly or accidentally. She had repeated that to herself several times a day for the last few years, thinking that those words would make her strong enough to ignore those issues. However, it all ended up meaning nothing, leaving her mentally and physically exhausted. Before she could sink deeper into her thoughts, a knock at the door startled her out of her stupor. “I am not on the mood for receiving guests,” said Rarity, trying her best to keep a regal tone despite her worries. “Lady Rarity, I must insist,” replied the voice behind the door. Rarity let out a sigh of relief as she recognized the one behind the door. “Come in, Fancypants,” she invited as she shifted into a more regal position. The doors opened softly as Fancypants entered the room. He bowed cordially towards Rarity, but she just nodded weakly, refusing to feign well-being in front of her new right hoof. He closed the door slowly behind him, trying to avoid making noise. “I can see that you have a lot on your mind, lady Rarity,” Fancypants pointed out with a paternal voice. “Does it have to do with Hoity Toity’s issue?” She didn’t reply, but she nodded weakly again. “Rarity, I must say that you did nothing wrong. You did what you had to in order to save the clan’s reputation and prestige. A war could have exploded if we hadn’t acted the way we did.” “That doesn’t help me, Fancypants!” complained Rarity, covering her face with her hooves. “You’re so fortunate you weren’t there… His screams of agony, cries for mercy… I tried to look back, I couldn’t watch. And Zircon was so… so merciless. I doubted that he would have cut his head off even if Hoity hadn’t shed a tear!” “I understand your concern,” comforted Fancypants as he approached Rarity. “However, I’m sure that, even if Zircon didn’t approve of Hoity’s behavior, he would’ve fulfilled his role as second perfectly. I think that your judgment is being tainted by the lack of proper sleep, my dear.” “Perhaps you’re right, Fancypants,” admitted Rarity with a long sigh. “Nevertheless, my plans must go on, and I have to gather strength from wherever it can be found.” “Becoming the Imperial chancellor?” “Yes,” replied Rarity. “I’ve worked really hard for this. If I am able to become the Imperial Chancellor, I may be able to make the Empresses intervene in the war. The Imperial Guard could do wonders fighting side to side with the Apple Clan, maybe even defeating Discord’s army. If I could, I’m sure we would live better lives, not only our clan, but the whole Empire!” “Have you thought about talking with Chancellor Mare about it?” suggested Fancypants. “Even if you can’t become the Imperial Chancellor, you could discuss your ideas with her.” “No, Fancypants,” lamented Rarity as she leaned forward. “I wish it could be that easy, but Mare refuses to change anything. To her, Celestia’s word is law, and so is Luna’s, so she won’t discuss any decision, no matter how long I spend talking to her.” Rarity got up, walking slowly towards Fancypants. “If I want to change the Empire for the better, I must do this myself.” “Very well, Miss Rarity,” replied Fancypants with a bow. “Do you require my assistance with anything?” “Certainly, Darling,” said Rarity with a weak smile. “If you can bring me good news, even a single piece that makes my day a little better, I’d appreciate it.” Fancypants snorted softly, which made Rarity raise an eyebrow, surprised at such a reaction. “In that case, my dear, I came at the right moment. I have a scroll here with a proposal.” “A proposal? For what? From who?” “I’ll read it for you if you don’t mind. Please, take your sit, you’ll need it,” warned Fancypants with rogue smile. Rarity didn’t understand what he was talking about, but she knew that Fancypants wasn’t the kind of pony that bluffed, so she walked back to her couch, putting her front hooves together and staring inquisitively at him. “You may start reading,” ordered Rarity. Fancypants cleared his throat while keeping he scroll unwrapped in front of him with his magic. “I, Spike, member of the Lore Inquisitors and personal bodyguard of the Lore Clan leader Twilight Sparkle, write this letter to Lady Rarity, Leader of the Jewel Clan, with the intention of asking her hoof in marriage. I’ll be looking forward to reading your reply.” As soon as he finished reading, Fancypants wrapped the scroll and look at the shocked pony that was in front of him. “Congratulations, Lady Rarity, looks like you have a suitor.” Rarity fell against the back of the couch as if a gale had pushed her. “Spike’s… Spike’s asking my hoof in marriage?” asked Rarity, confused at such unexpected news. “Why now?” “I’ve talked to him and I personally have to say that his waiting was more than justified.” “Enlighten me then,” demanded Rarity with a frown. “He wouldn’t consider himself worthy of asking your hoof earlier, for he thought that a simple bodyguard shouldn’t dare to do such a thing. However, now that he’s become an Inquisitor and a respected warrior among the Apple, Lore and Rainbow clans, he thinks that now he’s the husband that you deserve.” “Spike said that? Really?” asked Rarity, her eyes wide open in shock. “He… He is the bodyguard of a clan leader, that’s one of the highest honors and positions available, and he didn’t consider himself worthy?” “Now, now, don’t get mad at him for this. Even Twilight Sparkle admits that she was a bit displeased when he told her that, but she understands his point of view, and so do I. However, the choice of accepting or not is yours.” “How can I accept getting married now?” “You have a suitor that’s worth it. I wouldn’t think it twice if I were you, my dear.” “I have a lot of suitors, Fancypants,” hushed Rarity. “And they all suffocate me with gifts, charms and poems. Give me a reason for choosing Spike –” “Spike loves you, lady Rarity,” said Fancypants, cutting her off. “I’ve taken the liberty of checking the other suitors, and most of them lack skills that could make a good husband, even if you’re looking for an arranged marriage, my dear. Besides, this letter was written after Hoity’s incident, which proves that he doesn’t disdain you for what happened.” “I must admit,” started Rarity, walking across the room, “that Spike is a marvelous bodyguard, and a fierce fighter. Twilight should be proud of having somepony who takes his duty so seriously. I respect Spike, and even care for him, but I’m not sure if marrying him would be a good idea. Even considering how much I care for him and wish him the best of luck, I can’t say I love him, and I don’t think that’s fair to him.” Fancypants snorted softly again. “That’s quite a deep thought for a pony who arranged a marriage for her sister with Soarin from the Rainbow Clan.” “That’s not the same, Fancypants, and you know it!” said Rarity with an angry tone. “Neither Soarin nor Sweetie Belle love each other, it wouldn’t hurt any of them. But Spike loves me, and I –” “Don’t want to hurt him, am I right?” “The consequences of a failed marriage could be disastrous and –” “Enough, Rarity,” scolded Fancypants, resting his hooves on her shoulders. “You don’t have to be the cold leader in front of me.” Rarity stood motionless for a few seconds before looking down and shaking her head weakly. “You don’t want to hurt him, right?” repeated Fancypants, to which Rarity nodded slowly. “I’m sure you’ll end up loving him back, just give yourself some time. Right now you’re overwhelmed with the lack of sleep, but I’m sure that this is what you need.” Rarity took a deep breath and waited a few seconds before answering. “Okay, Fancypants,” she said. “Reply to the letter. Tell Spike that I accept his proposal. I trust your judgment.” “You won’t be disappointed, Miss Rarity. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Fancypants bowed gracefully and was about to leave when somepony pounded on the door. He cracked open the door in order to see who was knocking, but only enough so that he could see the other pony, but the other pony couldn’t see Rarity. “What can I do for you, gentlecolt?” asked Fancypants cordially. “Sir, I have a letter for Lady Rarity,” said the messenger. “It’s imperative that she reads it immediately.” “I’ll give it to her. What is so important, if I may ask, Apple?” Fancypants insisted. “We have been attacked, and the aggressor demands to duel the six leaders. If even one of them declines, she’ll send an army against us.” Fancypants nodded. “I’ll inform her immediately. Stay here, we won’t take long.” “No need to make him wait,” replied Rarity. “But, Lady Rarity, I’m sure it’s a trap!” said Fancypants, stepping forward to block her path. “Then send the Gemmed Gallants with me,” demanded Rarity with a pound of her hoof, “but if I have to go alone with the other clan leaders, they’ll stay at the wall to fight side to side with the Apple. I’m sure that Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Twilight are more than enough to take down anypony foolish enough to challenge six ponies to a fight by herself.” “I hope you’re right,” mumbled Fancypants. “So do I,” seconded the Apple messenger. Rarity paused, the words of the pegasus making her uncomfortable. Whoever had challenged them was powerful enough to make an Apple Clan member doubt that the Rainbow, Apple and Lore leaders combined would be enough to best her. “Thank you for bringing the letter, Apple,” said Rarity with a nod. “I’ll go to the wall immediately in a carriage.” “The duel is scheduled at Sunset, Lady Rarity,” answered the messenger. The pegasus bowed respectfully before galloping away, the sound of his hooves echoing through the hallway. “Are you sure about this, Rarity?” insisted Fancypants as he frowned at the form of the retreating messenger. “Everything I do is for the Empire,” she replied without looking at him. “I always did, and I always will.” “Anything else I can do for you, my dear?” he asked with concern. She nodded weakly. “Pray for my safe return.”   -o- “Tell me, Twist,” started Carrot Top. “What can you tell me about this coat of arms?” Twist had become a delicate and likable mare with the years. She resembled her younger self, only taller and more fit. Even her large glasses looked smaller set on her face. The wind blowing through the window snaked through her long, curly red mane. Carrot Top was at her house, giving heraldic lessons to Twist in order to prepare her for the gempukku trials. In front of them hung the Wilderness Clan’s coat of arms . The symbol was a thick tree branch with a bird holding a wheat sprout in it’s beak perched on top. The treetop covered the upper part of the coat of arms, protecting its charge from the sunlight. “Oh, that ith the thymbol of the Wilderneth Clan,” answered Twist. Despide many years of trying, her lisp still plagued her speech. “It wath founded by Green Greenth. They are the beatht tamerth and farmerth, even though the Apple Clan hath their own thupplies at Thweet Apple Acreth. They are altho the founderth of the Monathtic Order of the Wing. We are a peaceful clan, but they are fierce warriorth when they need to, uthing falconerth and having bodyguardth and –” “That’s enough, Twist. I’m truly impressed! You have studied well and your work at the farms has given you strength to stand the physical trials.” “Thank you, Mith Carrot Top.” Twist bowed gracefully. “I really want to thtart helping the clan.” “I’m sure you’ll become a wonderful courtier, my dear. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll leave you to your studies, I have to go and visit Lady Fluttershy.” “Oh, right, how ith she?” asked Twist as her expression changed from joyful to concerned. Carrot Top nodded, smiling weakly. “She’s better now, but she still refuses audience with anypony, including myself.” She lost her smile as she said those last words, looking through the window towards Fluttershy’s place. “But why?” insisted Twist. “What hath happened for her to be like that?” “I don’t know, and that worries me,” confessed Carrot Top. “However, I can’t do anything.” “We should vithit her, she needth uth,” affirmed Twist as she walked towards the door. “It ith our duty ath thamuraith to therve our lady, right, Mith Carrot Top?” With an approving nod, Carrot Top smiled. “You really have learned a lot. Okay, we’ll try to talk to her, but I can’t promise you that she’ll receive us.” Twist walked out into the windy afternoon, closely followed by Carrot Top. They followed the path to Fluttershy’s house in silence. It was almost identical to the other houses, but the location made it easy to recognize, being over the top of a hill in the middle of the crops. More things that made it distinguishable were the size, being slightly bigger, and the two Wilderness Clan’s banners hanging at the sides of the main entrance. The large wooden doors were closed, as well as the curtains, making it impossible to see the inside. Carrot Top knocked softly, waiting for any kind of answer. “Who goes there?” whimpered Fluttershy. “Lady Fluttershy, it’s me, Carrot Top. Twist is here too. May we come in?” An uncomfortable silence stretched out for a few seconds until the sound of the door opening reassured Carrot Top. However, as soon as she saw Fluttershy, her heart almost stopped beating. The Wilderness leader had red, watery eyes from crying for who knows how long. Fluttershy’s sorrowful expression and a wrinkled kimono were just the preview for what followed as Carrot Top stepped inside the house, followed closely by Twist. Fluttershy’s pillow was moist and had her face’s shape pressed in, causing Carrot Top to think that she had been crying until recently. A bottle of soft sake lay next to the bed, almost empty. Even though that was more than unexpected, what called Carrot Top’s attention the most was Fluttershy’s sang kauw. Far away, on the other end of the room, it was lying on the floor, as if she has thrown it away. Both ends of it were covered in dry blood. “Lady Fluttershy,” Carrot Top said at last. “What in the name of Celestia happened?” “I… I killed somepony,” Fluttershy replied without looking at them. “What?!” Carrot Top cried as she tried in vain to make the connection between ‘Fluttershy’ with ‘killing’. “H-how did it happen?” “We… We were going for a walk. I mean, I was going walking along the forest edge with two bodyguards,” Fluttershy started as she collapsed onto her bed, covering her eyes with her hooves. “It was going fine, until…” She stopped talking, shaking her head violently. “No! I don’t want to remember it!” “But Lady Fluttershy,” insisted Carrot Top. “You can’t just keep feelings bottled up like this. We’re worried about you.” Fluttershy slowly looked up, glancing at both mares in front of her. Taking a deep breath and wiping away her tears, she continued. “T-the bunnies. Somepony killed those b-bunnies,” she stuttered. “And then t-the zombies ambushed us. W-we fought them, I-I k-killed one of them.” “Undead ponies?!” said Carrot Top, surprised. “How? Where?” “Close to the Everfree Forest, a c-couple days ago,” replied Fluttershy as she turned her back to them. “But Lady Fluttershy,” interrupted Twist, “Ith that undead you thpeak of the one you killed? They are not living creatureth, so you shouldn’t feel bad about that. In fact, you should feel good with yourthelf. You have releathed a poor thoul from a rotten carcath where it wath forthed to live in for all eternity.” “D-do you think so?” asked Fluttershy as she sniffled and wiped her eyes. “There are some things that Twist learned about the creatures from the Everfree Forest when she used to hang around with Apple Bloom that shouldn’t be said openly,” admitted Carrot Top with concern. However, she smiled and patted Twist on the shoulder. “But she knows she shouldn’t say it, even though she just did. It’s true, Lady Fluttershy, undead are not living ponies anymore. Besides, you protected the Empire from –” “I didn’t finish,” interrupted Fluttershy. “I still have something more to say.” “My apologies, please go on.” “When we defeated them, I was really angry,” admitted Fluttershy. “I could feel my b-blood boiling inside me. That’s why I fought. I couldn’t stand it. Those poor bunnies, they hadn’t hurt anypony. They were so cute and defenseless. And somepony slaughtered them. Why? To raise dead ponies to attack us! Our clan would never tolerate that! Never, you hear me?!” Fluttershy roared, only to shrink in shame as she came back to her senses. Carrot Top stepped back, Fluttershy’s anger surprising her. It was now understandable how a pony as caring as her leader would explode into a wave of rage all of a sudden. Swearing an oath as the Wilderness leader to protect nature was not easy, and fulfilling it should be nearly impossible. Carrot Top knew about Fluttershy’s love for every single creature on Equestria, as well as her training as a monk. However, even after listening to her and seeing the bloodied weapon, it was hard for her to believe that Fluttershy could attack anypony, even an enemy. “S-sorry,” apologized Fluttershy, turning around to avoid eye contact. “I think you should leave, I’m still not well enough.” Twist was about to say something, but Carrot Top placed a hoof over her mouth, shaking her head. Both mares backed out of the room, closing the door behind them, trying not to make noise. “This is more serious than I thought,” said Carrot Top as she scratched the ground with her hoof. “She won’t be able to recover if nothing is done to help her.” “Look, Mith Carrot Top,” cried Twist as she pointed at the sky. “Ithn’t that Eugene?” “Let me…” Carrot Top replied as she covered her eyes from the sunrays to see the phoenix flying towards them. “Yes, it’s him! Perhaps he can do something to cheer Fluttershy up.” “He ithn’t coming alone,” added Twist. “There’th thomepony elthe coming behind him.” “Really?” Carrot Top glared to the sky once more as the pegasus that was flying towards them became easier to spot. She could see the colors of the Apple Clan, making her tremble with worry. As the phoenix got close to Fluttershy’s house, he started pecking the window until it opened, allowing him to get inside. The messenger landed a few seconds later, the flapping of his wings creating small clouds of dust and gravel. “Sorry for coming without warning, Miss Carrot Top,” the pegasus apologized as he offered a scroll to both mares. “My clan requires Lady Fluttershy’s presence without delay.” “Well, I’m afraid, my good messenger, that we cannot fulfill that request,” replied Carrot Top sourly. “Our leader is suffering from shock at the moment and won’t be able to attend a single meeting until further notice.” The messenger cleared his throat at Carrot Top’s reply. “Unfortunately, milady, this is something that she must attend. A challenge has been made, and our enemy demands a fight against the six clan leaders, including Lady Fluttershy.” “And I tell you that she’s not able to attend anything at all,” insisted Carrot Top. “There must be another way.” “Maybe we could thend a thummoner with a thpell catht on her tho she lookth like Fluttershy,” offered Twist. “We don’t think that would help,” informed the messenger in a condescending voice. “I understand that you want to protect your leader, but we’re sure that Trixie would see through an illusion spell.” He cleared his throat in order to regain composure. “She’s also threatened to send an army led by herself with we don’t fulfill her demand. Even if she refuses to fight, her attendance would be really appreciated, if only to avoid the attack.” “I wished there was another way,” sighed Carrot Top. “It’s okay.” The three ponies jumped as the door behind them opened to reveal Fluttershy. Eugene rested majestically on her right shoulder, staring at the messenger. “Lady Fluttershy, you shouldn’t-” tried to say Carrot, but became silent as soon as she saw her leader with reddened eyes and her sang kauw on her back. “Lady Fluttershy,” started the messenger. “I’m afraid that your presence is —” “Eugene overheard everything and has told me about it,” interrupted Fluttershy, her face showing renewed confidence. “I’ll leave for the Diamond Bulwark immediately.” “But Lady Fluttershy!” protested Carrot Top. “You can’t go!” “Eugene knows that thousands will die if I refuse to go,” started Fluttershy. “If I die there, those thousands of lives may be spared. I think it’s worth the deal.” She turned around to face the phoenix, who looked back at her with a soft caw. “Eugene, stay with Carrot Top, that way she’ll know I’m okay.” With that, Eugene flew away and landed on Carrot Top’s mane, cawing again loudly a few times. “Thank you, Eugene. I’ll need it,” said Fluttershy. “What did he thay?” asked Twist, raising an eyebrow. “He said ‘Farewell, please be careful, and good luck’,” translated Fluttershy with a weak smile. It faded away, however, as she turned back to the messenger. “Let’s go.”   -o- Almost a mile away from the Party Clan’s shrine, there was a sword fighting academy by the name of the Twin Blades Dojo located on top of a hill. A prestigious place among the clan, it was the place where swordponies trained hard to become bladedancers, the elite Party soldiers. The Twin Blades Dojo had maintained a rivalry with the Swift Strike Dojo since the Dawn of the Empire. Two warriors known as Swift Strike and Twin Blades, from the Jewel and Party clans respectively, founded the academies that bear their names. Even though they were rivals and could barely stand the other’s presence, they knew that both were outstanding swordponies. The academies have taught the fighting styles they developed since then, but the rivalry among both dojos never faded. Nopony knows which style was better for they never fought against each other. Pokey Pierce, the current master of the dojo, was having a troublesome training session with a young apprentice, Pumpkin Cake. She lacked the control required to wield the two swords and use them separately. That meant that most of the times that she tried an advanced maneuver swinging the training weapons, they flew uncontrolled around the room, forcing Pokey to deflect the accidental attack several times. Pumpkin grunted in anger every time that happened, pounding the tatami before picking the wooden blades again. “Pumpkin,” Pokey said calmly. “I think we can stop for now.” “No, please, master Pokey!” begged Pumpkin. “I know I can do it!” Pokey stared at the young unicorn without emotion. Memories flooded his mind, the time Pumpkin’s mother gave birth to both her and her brother Pound. Pinkie made an outstanding celebration, one that Pokey, as one of his most trusted and veteran warriors, wasn’t allowed to miss. For reasons that she never mentioned, Pinkie also insisted about him being one of the foal’s godfather. Both newborns looked promising to Pinkie, and time showed that her guts were right once more. Coming from a militia pony as his father was, Pound Cake grew up to be stronger than the average colt, but her hyperactive behavior didn’t make him fit among the monks. Instead, he was trained at home by his father in order to learn the basics of discipline and warfare. Concerning Pumpkin, she was able to commune with the elemental spirits, but she spent more time having casual conversations with them than learning to cast spells. It was impressive, now that he recalled those memories, to see the young filly so full of energy, with her orange mane in a ponytail hanging next to her. “It’s getting a bit late,” continued Pokey. “You should go home now, it’ll get late and your parents will become worried.” “They know I’m with you, Master Pokey!” insisted Pumpkin. “And they trust you! Please, I have to master the dojo’s style!” “I appreciate your dedication, Pumpkin, but you really must go.” “But, but…” She turned her head away from him, biting her lip. “Hey, Pumpkin, are you okay? I didn’t mean to sound rude.” “I just… I just…“ tried to say Pumpkin, holding her tears. “I wanted to do this for you, Master!” “For me?” repeated Pokey, raising an eyebrow as he stepped forward to calm her down. “Why would you do such a thing for me?” “I heard… I heard how angry you were the other day about your students because they didn’t follow the dojo’s style!” she said, pushing away Pokey’s hoof as he tried to caress her. “I wanted to make you proud and happy again!” Pokey stood motionless, his mouth wide open at the little filly’s words. “Pumpkin, I…” He tried to hug her, his attempts failing as she pushed him away. Pokey was finally able to surround her with his front legs and giving her a strong hug. “I’m sorry, Pumpkin. I didn’t know you had heard that,” he said as he caressed her head softly, soothing her crying. “But you don’t have to do anything to make me feel proud, I already am.” “You… you are?” repeated Pumpkin, weeping away the tears. “But I’m not a good swordpony yet!” “You have potential to become a powerful summoner,” Pokey replied. “Those… accidents mean that you have a lot of power, and I’m sure you’ll be able to become a spellcaster that would protect our Empire, or even a Horn monk if you think you have what it takes.” “Really? Can I be a monk?” she said with enthusiasm, but her face turned to a sad one, looking away. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you by wanting to choose a different path from yours.” “You didn’t, Pumpkin,” admitted Pokey with a humble smile. “You don’t offend me by wanting to become a useful member of our clan. Remember the Party motto: do whatever makes you happy. If that means becoming a monk instead of a bladedancer, then do it.” “But what about —” Pumpkin tried to say, but Pokey put his hoof delicately on her lips. “You want me to be proud of you, right?” Pokey asked, to which Pumpkin replied with a simple nod. “Then do what will make you happy, not what you think will make me happy. Ask Pinkie if she can teach you to become a Horn monk or if she can speak to the Party Clan’s summoner school.” “Thank you, Master Pokey!” cheered Pumpkin. “I think it will be just ‘Pokey’ from now on,” he corrected as he raised his hoof, shaking it. Pumpkin smiled back, removing herself from the hug and bowing to Pokey.“Thank you, Pokey. I’ll go home now. Thank you for everything.” “Thank you for today’s conversation, it has been inspiring,” admitted Pokey, bowing back. “Oh, by the way,” said Pumpkin as she trotted towards one of the walls, where there was an ornate sword. “What’s this sword? It looks really important,” she asked curiously. “Oh, that’s the Ancestral Sword of the Party, Passion,” explained Pokey with pride as he got close to Pumpkin. “The Fortune of Steel forged it for our clan centuries ago, and I’m the official sword bearer.” “Fortune of Steel?” asked Pumpkin, raising an eyebrow. “I’ve heard about the Fortunes before, but don’t know much about them.” “Fortunes are powerful spirits to whom we pray and worship,” started Pokey. “There are several temples dedicated to them, the most important ones are here in Party lands. The Temple of the Seven Fortunes worships the seven greater spirits and it was the original religion before Celestia, Luna and Discord fell from the Celestial Heavens.” “And now we only praise Celestia and Luna?” inquired Pumpkin, scratching the back of her neck, confused at the complexity of the religious system. “We learned to worship both the Empresses as goddesses and the Fortunes alike,” clarified Pokey. “We protect Celestia and Luna, and started following them soon after they arrived, but we still make offerings to the Fortunes.” “So Fortunes are like magical fairies that grant wishes?” said Pumpkin with a wide smile. Pokey snorted softly at the filly’s statement, shaking his hoof weakly. “No, no, Pumpkin, that’s not it. For example, when the bladedancers are called to fight, we pray Earthshaker, the Fortune of Strength, to help us win the war and be able to return home safe and sound.” “And does the Fortune help us?” insisted Pumpkin. “I like to think so,” replied Pokey. “A wise pony once told me that when you do things well enough, ponies aren’t so sure if you’ve got divine help or not.” He looked back at Pumpkin, who didn’t appear to understand what he was saying, making him snort again. “We think that they do.” “And all the Fortunes are spirits?” “The Seven Fortunes existed since before the Empresses,” continued Pokey. “There are also lesser Fortunes that live in every rock, tree, mountain… everything is inhabited by a spirit. And then we have the transcended ponies that were turned into Fortunes by the Empresses.” “Wow, Celestia and Luna can do that?” asked Pumpkin, surprised. “Well, they only name them Fortunes,” said Pokey, correcting himself. “It happened with the Fortune of Steel among others. Steel Plate was a blacksmith that lived back when Celestia and Luna fell from the Celestial Heavens. When they were chosen as Empresses, it was Steel Plate who forged their crowns. He was a powerful unicorn, but he loved his profession more than anything. When the Day of Thunder came and Luna was rescued from the Nightmare,” he said while pointing at Passion, “Steel Plate was called to the Imperial Palace. There, Luna demanded six swords to be forged, one for each clan.” ”And those are the Ancestral Swords?” asked Pumpkin, her eyes staring at the blade on the wall. Pokey replied with a nod. “Luna herself helped, endowing each sword with her own magic, combined with Steel Plate’s. The swords were later given to each clan leader. When the blacksmith died, The Empresses named him the Fortune of Steel, and most blacksmiths make offerings to him to create quality weapons and armors. Some soldiers pray for him to avoid their gear  breaking during a battle.” “Wow, that’s an amazing story!” said Pumpkin, hopping gleefully. “There are a few more ponies who were turned into Fortunes, but those stories will have to wait for another time,” he said as he pointed at the window. “It’s getting very late as you can see.” “Aww... okay, Pokey, I’ll go home now. And I’ll tell Pinkie what you told me.” “Tell me what?” said a voice behind them. “Pinkie, what a surprise!” said Pokey as he turned around, surprised at the unexpected visit. “What brings you to honor our dojo with your presence?” “Pinkie, Pinkie, Pinkie!”cried Pumpkin as she galloped towards Pinkie Pie. “Can I train to become a monk? Can I? Please, please, please?!” “Wow, now that’s what I call enthusiasm!” giggled Pinkie. “I’ll tell you what. As soon as the gempukku is over, we’ll train you for the required trials.” “Yay! Thank you, Pinkie!” Pumpkin cried as she jumped and hugged Pinkie’s neck. “Okay, but for now I have to have a private talk with Pokey,” said Pinkie with a humble smile. “Go home and have a good rest. Give my regards to your parents and brother.” “I will! Bye!” Pumpkin Cake hopped over the dojo railing and galloped down the path towards her house. A few seconds later, Pokey heard the trotting becoming louder again as the filly returned, bowing towards Pinkie and Pokey before galloping back out. Both ponies giggled at the cuteness of such a gesture. Pinkie walked next to Pokey, who turned back to the sword that decorated the wall. “You’d have made a great father,” admitted Pinkie. “Hey, I’m not that old yet!” replied Pokey with a light blush. “Besides, why do you say that?” “I overheard most of the conversation,” she confessed. “Even the thing about —” “Your issues with the bladedancers, yes.” Pokey let out a sigh, caressing the ancient blade. “I’ve tried to avoid thinking about it for some time, Pinkie. However, I’m the only one who still follows Twin Blade’s teachings. The other students just start waving and swinging their swords around them and they call that a fighting style. That’s not the style Twin Blades showed us!” “Please, Pokey, I know you feel bad about it,” comforted Pinkie. “I feel that the Twin Blade’s style will die with me, Pinkie,” fretted Pokey, lowering his head. “Nopony who leaves this place keeps the style pure, and I fear that we’ll become the laughingstock of the Empire.” “That won’t happen, I can assure you!” cheered Pinkie as she looked at him. “I’m sure you’ll find a loyal student pretty soon!” “I hope you’re right, Pinkie.” “I usually am!” she replied with a soft snort. As she turned to leave, Pokey noticed her left ear twitched, which made Pinkie lose her smile. “Pinkie, are you okay?” asked Pokey with concern. “Bad news is coming,” she announced with a sour voice. Pokey turned around when the sound of hooves against the wooden floor of the hall invaded his ears, getting louder with every step. After a few seconds, a pegasus with the Apple Clan’s symbol emblazoning his armor rushed into the room. “Miss Pinkie Pie?” he asked. “Magistrate BonBon told me I could find you here.” “Well, here I am. What do you need?” asked Pinkie. “They require your presence at the Diamond Bulwark,” started the messenger. “All the clan leaders must attend, it’s important.” “Bad news, correct?” said Pinkie, making the messenger step back in awe. “I’ll go immediately, tell me the rest while we’re on our way.” “Y-yes, Miss Pinkie, as you wish.” Without saying another word, Pinkie and the messenger left the academy towards the Diamond Bulwark, leaving Pokey with his thoughts. His time with Pumpkin had given him a lot to think about.