An Extended Holiday

by Commander_Pensword


76 - Of Marriage, Forges, and Prophecies

Extended Holiday
Ch 76: Of Marriage, Forges, and Prophecies
Act 10


Hammer Strike rolled his shoulders as he exited the train. “Wonderful, just as warm as I remember it.”

“Kinda wish they’d let the weird weather shielding thingy down sometimes,” Grif said. “It looked positively mild out there.” The engineers working to melt the frost on the train’s front glared at the Gryphon.

“I still don’t get why you chose to sleep on the roof when you had a deluxe suite complete with a bed for you and your wives,” Conor said, shaking his head in disbelief at his friend’s callous remark.

“Hey, it was a blizzard out there. It reminded me of home, well, half of me anyway. There’s no snow in the Northern Isles.” Grif chuckled, then moved to help Shrial off the train, followed by Avalon. Not far off, four large wooden crates were unloaded from one of the cargo carts.

Cosy sighed as he leapt off onto the platform and took a deep breath. “There’s no place like home,” he said, smiling. Moon River immediately jumped on his back and started bouncing up and down, her new dagger belted to her side.

“BELLACOSA!” An all-too-familiar voice shattered the moment as the sound of stomping hooves echoed through the station. Cadence approached the colt and everyone around could swear the ground beneath her hooves was smoking. “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?” Bellacosa opened his mouth to speak. “NO EXCUSES! DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I’VE BEEN? DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH SLEEP I’VE GOTTEN THIS WEE-” her tirade was cut off as moon river leaned in and booped the livid Alicorn’s nose, stopping her in her tracks.

“Uh … Princess Cadence, I presume?” Conor asked

“Oh, you are so adorable!” Cadence swept Moon River into her hooves. “Look at that cute little face.”

“Well, that was a one-eighty so fast, I’m sure someone has whiplash,” Hammer Strike said, looking at the crystal empress.

Pensword smiled as he leaned over to Lunar Fang. “Good to know we have a tool to calm angry Alicorns down.” He snapped to attention as he felt the eyes of Queen Mi Amore Cadenza upon him.

“So,” Cadence cooed as she reached a hoof to return the gesture, “What’s her name? She looks just like you, Pensword. And Lunar Fang, you’re positively glowing. We have so much catching up to do once you get settled in.”

“Her name is Moon River,” Pensword responded, puffing his chest out in pride. “She is our heir and our first born.” He draped a wing over Lunar Fang’s back and nuzzled her affectionately. Cadence gave bellacosa a questioning look and the colt responded with a firm nod of his head.

“And who is this?” Cadence asked, looking to the rather shy Pegasus shrinking at the edge of the platform.

“I-I’m Fox Feather, your majesty,” she said, saluting. “I’m the captain of the commander’s bodyguard. W-we’re also kind of dating,” she said, blushing.

Cadence couldn’t help but smirk just a little. “I thought I sensed something between you two. After all, I am the alicorn of love. Speaking of which,” she pulled out a sealed scroll. “Bellacosa, you're completely sure about this? This isn’t because of Mother, is it?”

“I’m sure, Cady.” Cosy nodded. “This is my decision. It has nothing to do with Mom.”

“... Alright.” Cadence turned to face Pensword and Lunar Fang. “Grand Duke and Duchess of the Lunar Courts, as the head of House Orchid, ruling family of the Crystal Empire, I have been asked to deliver to you this proposal of betrothal negotiations. We do this with full knowledge, and understand that you have received other offers from the Solar Court, and we declare there will be no ill will or animosity should you choose to refuse us. We appreciate your consideration in this matter,” she said, offering the scroll to Lunar Fang.

Pensword’s jaw dropped as he turned to face Cosy. “Cosy … please explain this to me.” His voice was level and held no emotion, but his jaw did tremble.

Cosy blushed and rubbed one foreleg against the other. “I, um … well, when we were back in Gryphonia, I found a letter on my bed, and I thought it was for me, so I opened it, but then I found out it wasn’t, and I read about what all those mean Ponies at Canterlot were trying to do, and, well … I wanted to help.” He looked up at his uncle with wide eyes. “You’re not mad at me, are you, Uncle Pensword?”

Pensword looked at Cosy, opened his muzzle, closed it, opened it to try again, only to close it. “Cosy,” he began in a warning tone of voice, “I think-”

Lunar Fang reached out, took the scroll from Cadence, and bowed her head. “We graciously accept your proposal, and we hope to begin negotiations with you soon.”

Pensword sputtered as he turned from Lunar Fang to Cosy and back, then to Moon River, who was back on Cosy and nibbling his ear. He gaped at Cadence, then turned back to his wife as his eyes wandered over the scroll. “I’d better read that scroll,” he finally muttered with a defeated sigh.

“Well, now.” Grif chuckled awkwardly. “That was intense. Cadence, how have you been? I don’t think we had much chance to talk last time we saw each other,” he said, casually inserting himself into the conversation as he attempted to cool the situation.

“Hello, Grif.” Cadence smiled as the two had a short hug. She turned to Shrial and the smile widened. “I don’t think we had a chance to formally meet last time. I see the two of you have been busy.” She giggled.

“Three and a half months,” Shrial said. “They kick like mules already. No offense,” she said as she turned to face a drabby grey mule.

“None taken,” he replied. As Shrial turned back to Cadence, the grey mule disappeared into a train cabin waiting to travel back to Equestria.

“They? You’re having twins?” Cadence asked excitedly.

Shrial grinned. “Two girls.”

“Well, I hope we can have some time to talk. The spa has a special package for pregnant mothers. That is, if you're interested?” she asked.

“Only if there’s room for one more,” Shrial said, winking as Avalon stepped forward.

“Hello, Cadence. It’s been a while.”

“Avalon?” Cadence smiled. “Oh, wow, I haven’t seen you in, what, five, six years? What are you doing here?”

“Well, you didn’t think I’d let my pride-sister have all the fun, did you?” Avalon asked, laughing as her sharktooth necklace bounced around her neck.

“Wait. You and grif?” Cadence’s eyes widened in surprise. “I definitely wouldn’t have seen that coming.”

“Who.” Snowy seemed to laugh at the princess’s antics.

“Oh, and who’s this?” Cadence asked.

“That’s my familiar. Her name is Snowy.” Avalon brushed the owl’s feathers lightly and smiled as Snowy preened her feathers affectionately. “We’ve only been together a short while, but we’ve already been through so much.”

“Only ‘Mrs. Fashionable-without-trying-to-be’ would get a matching bird.” Cadence laughed.

“You two know each other?” Grif asked.

“Her father was sent on a political mission to Equestria a few years back,” Cadence explained. “She was with him at the time, and the two of us just sort of clicked. We tried to keep in touch, but with how things have been lately, we just kind of fell out of contact.”

“So, you and Recruit Armor, huh?” Avalon teased. “What happened to ‘I just babysit his sister?’”

“Oh hush, you.” Cadence buffeted her with a wing. She looked to the newcomer of the group. “I’m sorry about back there, you must be … Conor, was it?” she asked.

“Um … yeah, that’s me,” Conor said, blushing. “I wish they’d told me about the environmental bubble, though. I wouldn’t have packed so much heavy winter wear if I’d known.”

“I could get that shipped back to Equestria for you, if you’d like,” Cadence offered.

“No, that’s alright,” Conor returned. “I wouldn’t want to impose. Besides, we’ll be going back in a couple of weeks, so why sweat over it? … No pun intended.”

“If you say so.” Cadence shrugged. “Well then, is everybody ready?” Getting nods all around, she smiled. “Okay, so Shining Armor and the current Crystal Guard are a bit taxed with security, so I hope you’re all okay with a large teleportation jump.”

“Sounds like fun,” Conor said, smiling.

“Okay, prepare yourselves. This is something I’ve been working on with the crystal heart.” Her horn lit up and in an instant any ponies present gained a crystalline sheen before vanishing in a flash of light, which sunk into the ground and proceeded to race along the crystal pathways at blinding speeds before arriving at a large villa near the outskirts of the empire. The light rose from the path and proceeded to dissipate, revealing the assembled Ponies, Gryphons, and human.

“Well that was interesting,” Conor said.

“By the way, Cadence, what did you mean by ‘security’ earlier?” Avalon asked.

“Well, with these three here, we can’t exactly have them out in public. It would cause a riot.” Cadence laughed until she saw Avalon’s blank expression. “Wait, you mean Grif never told you?”

“Told me what?” Avalon asked, her expression a mask of neutrality as she kept her voice level and her tone mellow.

“Grif Grafson, Lord Hammer Strike, and Commander Pensword are three of the Crystal Empire’s greatest heros,” Cadence said, a little shocked. “They saved my life and that of my siblings when Sombra took over. Those three led the rebellion that gave Equestria the time to attack. They blew up the entire outer wall!” She turned to Grif. “You didn’t tell her anything?”

Grif chuckled awkwardly. “Well, I mean, with everything that was going on.… It was such a long time ago…. It was on my to-do list?”

“Really,” Avalon said in an icy tone. “Any other little life threatening adventures you forgot to mention?”

“Uh, well, we were leaders in the Third Gryphon War,” Pensword answered, his face scrunched up in concentration. “Then there were the attempts on our lives during that war. Oh, there is also the point when the Crystal Empire first came back. The Sombra of that present messed with our brains and personalities a little.” He shivered and fluffed his wings. “Very unpleasant. And having to see…” he stopped as he moved a wing to draw Lunar Fang and Fox Feather close to himself. “The guards,” he whispered.

“... I’mma gonna run now,” Grif said, jumping out the window and flying straight upwards as fast as his wings could carry him.

“Didn’t even get to the good ones,” Hammer Strike commented with a grin.

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time for that, Hammer Strike,” Avalon said pleasantly. “Why don’t you start filling me in while we unpack? After all, he has to come back some time.”

“I’m headed to the forge, so if you want that talk, you can either follow me, or come later.”

“... I think I’ll pass. After all, we have that spa date, and I think I just made it so we won’t have to worry about a certain featherbrained idiot we all know and love interfering,” she said, smirking conspiratorially at Shrial and Cadence.

“Oh, Avalon, we’re going to get along just fine,” Shrial purred.


Princess Alto wandered wide-eyed into the forge as she looked around. Before the rebellion, her mother had never given her a chance to spend time with the craftsponies, but now with her mother gone and her sister being so busy, she had more time to explore new areas of the castle and the empire she’d never seen before. She had wandered into the villa in search of the heros who had saved them when she heard a loud clanging sound from the basement forge and immediately left to investigate.

“Hello?” She looked around. “Is somepony down here?”

“Yes, near the back.”

“Is this where metal’s made?” she asked as she followed the voice.

“This is where metal takes form through the work of a smith.”

“Like swords and spears and stuff?” the filly asked as she approached none other than Lord Hammer Strike.

“Swords, armor, spears, maces, axes, you name it,” he responded, striking the metal once more before inspecting it. “What brings you here?”

“Is it hard?” she asked him, completely dodging the question.

“It takes time, but with proper training you can make wonderful things with ease.”

“How long did it take you to learn that?” she asked.

“I’ve been honing my work for countless years, but it doesn’t take long to learn to start.”

“How does it work?” she asked, looking at the red hot metal in awe.

“Metal becomes softer with heat in a way. Through heat treatment and proper agents, you can harden the material after shaping; however, there are a few more steps past this: the wrap, sheath construction, the hilt, etcetera.”

“Um… is it ok if I watch?” she asked carefully. “Cady and Cosy are kinda busy today.”

“If you can handle the heat, I have no problem with you being here. Conversation keeps the mind active.”

“Mr.Strike, you’re cool,” Alto said happily.

Hammer Strike gave a soft chuckle. “You’re the first to say that.”

Alto smiled as she stepped back. Most foals would have lost interest watching the simple monotonous actions of a blacksmith, but the filly just sat there for hours, taking in the process as sparks flew like fireworks across the anvil.


Vital Spark couldn’t help but smile as he made his way through the Crystal Empire. Every way he looked, bright colors, banners, and flashy attractions brought the city to life as every citizen smiled on their way. He could hardly believe the story of how the Crystal heart had saved the day for the Empire, destroying all of Sombra’s evil magic and protecting the Empire to this very day. Briefly, the image of a teenage girl with dumpling-shaped blonde hair and a heart-shaped pendant flashed before his eyes as she held up a crystal of her own to combat her enemies. “Funny how similar the two stories are,” he mumbled to himself as he passed into a veritable sea of shops and stalls. A cacophony of vendors shouted to hawk their wares.

An older-looking mare sat outside a tent by a fire. At her side, a strange looking dual-bladed staff lay waiting to be used. Across from her, on a log, sat a large, annoyed-looking cat whose tail swished agitatedly. She wore outlandish flanged armor enameled with green and black that covered her flanks and her cutie mark. She was a shorter mare with a black coat of fur, a curly brown mane, and flashing eyes. She looked at vital curiously.

“Good evening,” she said to him in a calm, even tone.

“Hello,” Vital returned as he looked to the staff. “That’s a nice focus you have there. I don’t think I’ve ever seen its like before,” he said curiously.

“Well,” her eyes seemed to twinkle, “let’s just say where I come from there are lots like it.” She laughed. “Don’t worry. The crazy old lady isn’t going to wave her hooves around a crystal ball and tell you your future.”

“The thought never crossed my mind. So, what do you do here, if you don’t mind my asking? You’re clearly not from around these parts.”

“For most, I pretend to see the future and tell customers what they want to hear for gold.” There was another twinkle in her eye as she held up a pouch. “But for the more…perceptive customers...” She opened the bag wide enough for him to see the contents.

Vital Spark didn’t understand what he was staring at at first. It looked like a bunch of pale white knobby sticks broken into small chunks until he noticed the engravings. A shudder ran down his spine, shaking him like Pinkie Pie when she felt a doozie coming. He looked up at the mare again, then whipped over to the cat, then back to the mare as his eyes widened and his pupils began to dilate. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered, more out of sheer disbelief for the similarities than anything else. It was positively uncanny.

If the mare caught his true meaning, she didn’t let it show. “Yes, the knuckle bones of a dragon,” she told him. “The only things in existence that can reveal one's future.”

“Aside from oracles, you mean?”

“Even oracles make mistakes,” the strange pony told him. Her grin was the slightest bit unsettling.

“This is going to sound incredibly strange, but you wouldn’t happen to have another weapon by the name of Tinkledeath, would you?”

“It only sounds incredibly strange if you let it,” she told him, laughing but not answering the question. “So, the question is, will you take a dive into the abyss? Be warned. What you find out cannot be forgotten.”

“Why do I get the feeling I can’t say no?”

“Because you’ll be driven mad by the constant ‘what ifs,’” she told him, laughing.

“Trust me, I already do that on a regular basis,” he said with a rueful smile. “Could you give me a minute to decide?”

“Nobody is pushing you to anything,” she said as she folded her hooves patiently and stared into the fire.

“Thanks.” He closed his eyes and stood there bowing his head for a time. After about a minute had passed, his horn sparked and his eyes opened. He took a deep breath. “Alright … I’ll do it.”

“Have a seat.” She gestured to the empty log across from her, next to the cat.

“Thank you,” he said as he cautiously sat down, eying the cat nervously.

She overturned the sack of knuckle bones into the heat of the fire itself. For a moment nothing happened, but then the carvings sparked from the heat. The sparks rose in exotic shades of green, purple, and blue as she ran her hoof through the air, as if tracing patterns. “Well, this is interesting,” she told him. “It’s been quite a long time since I’ve come across a reading this complicated.” She smiled. “Yours is the path of the lynch pin. You are not of this world, but you are not alone. Soon you will find a pathway home. Be wary when you stand at the gate. Though happiness awaits you should you stay with your family, you will seal the fates of your companions that day, though whether for good or for ill, I can’t say. Should you return to this world, many hardships await, and the four of you will survive to decide the path of two homes. There are some portions in the bones that I can’t seem to read. Curious. I haven’t encountered this since a young boy I met a long time ago.” She smiled ruefully. “Ah, here we are. Soon you will meet she to whom you will give your heart, but you will not know it then. Be forgiving. Be strong. Trust the stripes. And above all-” she thrust her face through the smoke “-stay away from blue shellfish.”

Vital Spark struggled not to laugh, but ultimately failed as it burst out of him, bubbling across the clearing. A few crystal ponies turned their heads, then shook them knowingly as they eyed the mare and continued on their way. “Sorry, sorry, it’s just the way you said that last part. Considering how you joked about fortune tellers earlier, it just fit so well.”

The mare rolled her eyes as, without much notice of the heat, she retrieved the bones from the fire and replaced them. “Take it as you will.” She smiled at him, showing she had taken no offense. “I just read the bones.”

When you are in need, look to the history in Canterlot for the weapon of salvation. When you feel the despair of loss, seek the catbirds’ archive to find the inspiration to retrieve what you have lost. The cat purred to itself as the words seemed to echo through Vital Spark’s head.

“Take heed,” the Pony told him. “His advice is rare, and can save your life when you need it.”

Vital Spark nodded, turning to the cat. “Thank you, Solembum.” Then he turned to the peculiar mare. “And thank you, Angela,” he said. “I’ll remember both yours and his. I hope you both find happiness while you stay in this world.” He smiled, bowed his head in respect to each of them, dropped half his bag of bits for extra measure with his usual kind smile, and left on his way.

She watched as the Unicorn walked away from her and pulled her face into a half smile. “Is it chance or fate? I can never decide.”


“Cady, quit it,” Cosy complained as Cadence ran a comb through the young colt’s mane. “It’s dinner with friends. You don’t have to dress up for that,” he sulked, pouting as Cadence levitated a silk band towards his neck and expertly tied it into a perfect bow.

“Cosy, this is serious. If we’re going to go through with the contract arrangements, then you have to follow tradition. That means dressing up for the guests. Now hold still; your buckle is crooked.

“Yeah, but these are Thestral negotiations, Cady. They wear armor to most of their important ceremonies, right? So don’t you think they might wear it to this, too?”

Cadence sighed. “What is it about boys and wearing tuxedos? You’re always happy to strap on a set of plate male, but as soon as the silk and ties break out, you do everything you can to avoid it.”

“Because they’re so tight!” Cosy said as he pulled at the bowtie on his neck. “Besides, I hate dressing up.”

“Well that’s too bad.” Cadence laughed. “Come on, Cosy, cheer up. It’s just for one night, after all.”

Cosy snorted and stomped a hoof. “Fine.”

Cadence levitated the gown she’d worn for Twilight’s coronation off of its mannequin and gracefully slipped into it before running a brush through her mane to make it curl and shine at just the right places. “There we go.” She smiled. “Ready for dinner.”

“Finally,” Cosy said as he made his way to the double doors. “I’m starving.”

“Not too fast, Cosy, you’ll ruin your mane!” Cadence called after him, but Cosy was already out of sight. She sighed and shook her head, smiling lovingly. “Boys will be boys, I guess.”

“Give him time, Cadence, he’ll grow out of it eventually,” Shining said as he emerged from his own quarters.

“To tell you the truth, Shining, that’s what I’m afraid of. He’s growing up so fast.”

Shining Armor smiled as he readjusted his grandfather’s buckle on his chest, his red vest just as crisp and well-kept as it had been on their wedding day. “Don’t worry.” He placed a hoof under her chin and drew her in for a quick kiss. “Come on. We probably shouldn’t keep Pensword and Lunar Fang waiting.”

Cadence’s smile brightened. “You’re right. Those negotiations won’t fix themselves.”

“That’s the spirit.”

The private dining room had been set up with all the proper trimmings. A selection of drinks had been decided on and set aside by the palace staff to tide the guests over until the hors d'oeuvres were served. Cadence took her spot at the head of the table and motioned for Bellacosa to take the spot on her right while Shining Armor took the chair at her other side as they waited patiently.

The double doors opened as two Crystal Pony guards entered and flanked the doors as Lunar Fang and Pensword entered the dining room. Both were garbed in a light dress armor, which was still more armored than the Solar Guards. On top of that, they both wore all the medals and sashes of their stations, revealing the history of their campaigns. What surprised Cadence was that they were wearing Luna’s sash over their hearts. The couple approached the table and waited next to their chairs.

“Please.” Cadence gestured to the open seats at the table.

The two bowed their heads before taking their seats as the goblets were filled with freshly pressed crystal berry wine.

“Thank you for joining us this evening,” Cadence said. “I hope we all have cooler heads than earlier?”

“Agreed,” Pensword replied. “Still...” He looked to Cosy, and then to Cadence. “So, I believe as you are the ones presenting the scroll, you need to begin.”

“Well, I will admit I was surprised when my brother asked about this, but I suppose in our lives everything we do must be politics. I promise you we didn’t come into this with any ulterior motive. With no disrespect intended, we have no advancement in rank or wealth that you can offer us, so please be calmed by the fact that this isn’t an arrangement out of greed.”

Lunar Fang chuckled, “If there were any other reasons behind it, I wouldn’t have accepted the first step as quickly as I did. I know Cosy, and I see the respect he’s earned in my life mate’s eyes, as well as the respect you have earned in mine, Queen Cadence.”

“Very well then. High Duchess, High Duke, this contract is unfortunately written after the old style, as I have no basis for how these things are done currently. The terms are simple: a betrothal engagement between Prince Bellacosa of the Royal House of Orchid to Moon River of the Dream Clan of the Bear Tribe, heir to the Duchy of Ys in the Lunar Kingdom. The contract is to be discharged upon Moon River’s fourteenth year, or to be rescinded upon the express intent of Moon River at any time prior to the marriage date. Her title as heir shall be moved to the next in line, be it sibling or next of kin. In return, she shall be given the southernmost duchy of the empire, and the title of Princess of the Crystal Empire,” Cadence stated as a servant brought a copy for Lunar Fang and Pensword to examine. “These are the terms currently on the table, so I believe it is fair now to let you respond.”

Lunar Fang nodded. “This looks well, and we can pass over one Thestral requirement. You are wishing to marry into the blood of a Thestral Warrior. I would have asked for proof of Bellacosa’s prowess as a warrior; however, as Commander Pensword personally witnessed his actions on the battlefield, we can skip that part.”

Pensword nodded his head with a smile. “Agreed. There is talk within the Bear Tribe of creating an offshoot of the Dream Clan called the Pen Clan, with myself as Clan Leader. This means that in accordance with Thestral standards, it would be not just a warrior, or even one who has been in combat.” He chuckled. “Still, War Prince Bellacosa, that title I call you by is not just because I like it, but because it is a tinkering of a term used for one who is worthy to even think about courting the higher leaders in Thestral society.”

“You … you really think that much of me?” Cosy asked, blushing.

“Yes, Cosy,” Pensword answered. “You have earned a lot of respect with all you have gone through and soldiered on. If you were of Thestral blood, you would already be sitting at the head table at feasts of the tribe and clans.”

“Thank you, Uncle,” he said, still blushing as he took a drink of crystal berry juice.

“If you don’t mind my asking,” Cadence said, “why did you react so strongly earlier?”

“Because I am dealing with a few other things, and my first reaction is to protect my daughter. After being filled in on what is the start of plotting to marry my daughter, I acted on instinct.” Pensword sighed. “I just want to keep her safe.”

“You’ve definitely done a great job so far, Pensword,” Shining said encouragingly. “Though from what I hear, the little lady’s quite a sharpshooter.”

“Yes,” Pensword responded with a laugh. “She smuggled in her crossbow, I think. She might be starting to create caches of bolts as well.”

Shining chuckled. “Like father like daughter.”

“Oh, that reminds me. How goes training and updating the Crystal Empire to modern tactics and weapons?”

“Surprisingly smoothly. I guess it helps that they were already geared up for war when I came. They weren’t affected by Celestia’s disarming.”

“So, then,” Cadence looked to Bellacosa, “I believe all that's left is the formal request from the groom.”

Cosy nodded. “Right.” He reached into the breast pocket on his suit and pulled out a scroll. Using his magic, he levitated the scroll into the air and proceeded to unroll it. Cadence nodded encouragingly and gestured with a hoof. He briefly ran his eyes over the scroll, groaned, then shook his head before tearing up the scroll piece by piece and letting the resulting debris fall like snowflakes to the ground. “I’m sorry, Cady, but half those words, I don’t even know how to say. If I’m going to do a proposal, I should do it my way.” A cheeky tug pulled at the corners of his muzzle, just enough for a wry smile to slip through before he turned again to face Pensword and Lunar Fang. “Uncle Pensword, Aunty Lunar Fang, if Moon River’s okay with it when she’s old enough, will you let me marry her?”

Pensword looked to Lunar Fang, then back to Cosy. “As you have asked both of us, we will both answer. For me, I accept. I happily give you my blessing.”

“And mine,” Lunar fang said gently as she bowed her head to Bellacosa’s level. The slightest hint of tears developed in her eyes. “You are brave and good. I know you will make her happy. But should you ever bring her pain--” her voice dropped just half an octave, but the difference was quite clear. “-- like the lion my tribe reveres, I will hunt you down and tear you apart.” Her voice returned to normal. “Clear?”

Cosy grinned. “As crystal.” Cadence groaned. “What? Comic told me it was a great joke.”
The rest of the assemblage broke into gales of laughter while Cadence plopped her muzzle on the table and shook her head.


Vital Spark stared at the two pillars of crystal jutting down into a pulsing blue crystal shaped like a heart. Its thrum pulsed into the circuit-like roadways of the town and as he approached it, he couldn’t help but marvel. It had to be one of the largest chunks of gemstone he had ever seen in his life. He reached out with his magic only briefly to get a feel for the power that lay there and was surprised to feel something very akin to Harmony’s own presence, though there were several differences. Harmony felt more restrained when he spoke with her, but when he brushed the awareness behind this crystal’s magic, he received the distinct sense of perfect love and a desire to spread it as far as possible. The connections between the crystal ponies felt like colored tethers leading to the heart, then weaving together as they stretched into the castle itself and through the walls. “Must be linked to Cadence,” he muttered to himself. “Makes sense since she’s the Crystal Princess and all.”

“The crystal heart is connected to the empire itself,” a large Crystal Pony stallion said, approaching him.

“I can tell. It’s beautiful, almost like a tapestry, and the heart is the loom.”

“I’m Crystal Text. I do the tour for the heart,” the Pony said, offering a hoof.

“Vital Spark. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Crystal Text, and I’d be honored to hear about the heart and anything else you can tell me about the empire. It’s my first time here, and there’s so much to see.” He couldn’t help but smile as he shook the Pony’s hoof.

“What would you like to hear?”

“Well, how about we start with the more recent history? My friends tell me the empire disappeared for a thousand years before it came back and that Twilight and her friends saved it by giving Spike the heart, right?”

“Yes,” Crystal Text nodded, “but even that wouldn’t have happened without the three Equestrian heroes,” he said. “If they hadn’t destroyed the wall, it would have taken Equestria months to get into the city, and then who knows what would have happened?”

“Three Equestrian heroes, huh? What were they like?”

Crystal Text smiled as he signaled Vital Spark to follow. He lead him to a statue of three strangely familiar figures. “Now, it’s not out of the question for Lord Hammer Strike to appear where needed, but if you had told me that the commander of the Equestrian military and a random Gryphon would be helping to save our people just after the Third Gryphon war, I think most would have put you in an asylum.”

“I’m sorry, did you say Hammer Strike?”

“Yes, Lord hammerstrike; Grif, Son of Graf; and Commander Pensword.”

“And this happened a thousand years ago?”

“Yes, just after the Third Gryphon War.”

“What happened?”

“The three of them appeared at our gates not long after the war. Apparently, their troops had been wiped out by a wild changeling attack. Lord Hammer Strike was exhausted and being supported by the other two. A couple of days later, the current queen’s cousin once removed murdered our beloved Queen Blood Orchid and took over the empire. If it hadn’t been for those three, we’d have all been enslaved, but Lord Hammer Strike and Grif managed to get many ponies underground to the mines while Commander Pensword got others out of the city, as well as our Queen Cadence and her two siblings. Over the next week or so, Grif led guerrilla attacks across the empire on Sombra’s men while Lord Hammer Strike set things up to take down the wall. When the Equestrian army was outside our borders, they blew up the entire outer wall that used to surround the city using explosive crystals. Equestria took the empire within days, Sombra was turned to shadow, and then the tyrant performed his wicked spell, and you know the rest.”

“So he cast a spell that flung the entire kingdom a thousand years in the future? Where did he get that kind of magic?”

“Nopony knows for sure, but some of us suspect it was from the Equestrian envoy’s laboratory.”

“Who was this envoy?”

“Starswirl the Bearded,” Crystal Text supplied. “His laboratory has been sealed ever since.”

“Where’s it located?”

“It’s inside the Crystal Palace, just left of the dungeon stairs.”

Vital Spark’s eyes lit up. “Awesome. I’ll have to visit there next. Thanks for the history lesson, Crystal Text.” He immediately began to run back towards the palace. “Oh, and I’ll tell Hammer Strike and the others you say hi!” he shouted over his shoulder as he continued to race.

“H…” the Pony was unable to get Vital Spark’s attention as he left. He shook his head “Tourists,” he mumbled as he went back to the entrance for the next group to teach. “... Wait, did he just say Hammer Strike?”


Pensword looked outside the window. The northern lights shone as the Crystal Ponies gathered beneath the tower to show thanks and joy at the three heros’ return to the Empire. He watched the sky for a time, taking in the ribbons in their dance, then turned away sadly. Memories of what he had seen, what he had experienced when their adventures had only just begun, haunted him. He could still recall the cold sting of the snow blowing into his flanks as he marched resolutely through heavy drifts to reach the outpost and activate the Scattered Wind Protocol. “I wonder if it still stands,” he whispered to himself. He trotted slowly towards a long cushioned bench, sat down, and started removing his dress armor.

“So this was the place?” Lunar Fang asked him.

“Yes, dear,” Pensword answered with a sigh. “This Villa, well, I never visited this location, but the others...” He moved to the window. “I can still trace where the great wall used to be. I can see the scars faintly there as outlines. I can see the tops of the buildings that used to tower over the path I took out of the city. I can hear the cries, the growls, the gurgling of corruption taking form ... taking over good guards and civilians.” He looked to the palace that towered over all. “I also am happy to know that the true rulers sleep within the walls of the palace again. That Cady turned out to be Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or Candance to all of her friends and family. That Cosy,” he chuckled, “did you know Cosy and Alto came with us through the stone spell? They were…” he frowned as he moved a wing where an old wound from that war had been. “They saw the battle and the war.” He shook his head to clear it of the ghosts of the past before returning to his uniform. In a matter of moments, he’d removed the rest, risen from the makeshift chair, and carried the armor to a nearby closet to hang it back up on some hangers.

“That explains far too much about Bellacosa,” Lunar Fang said.

Pensword exited the closet only in his fur and feathers. “How so?” he asked as he landed at her side. Soon after, she took a seat at a desk that had been provided for them. An oil lamp burned brightly as Lunar Fang viewed the scattered scrolls. “Looking over the contract?”

“I trust them well enough,” Lunar Fang replied. “I meant how you described him in battle. Perhaps his ferocity is linked to the experience. You still draw from your anger during the Gryphon wars in a fight, after all.”

Pensword nodded his head. “Then I will have to take him out, maybe to a meadow or to an abandoned outpost and just let him fully attack something.” He shuddered. “That anger is a two-edged sword. You have seen me when I was lost to it. You saw the aftermath in Mountainside Falls.” He glanced at a painting of the Crystal Empire landscape from before the rise of Sombra. “Where is Fox Feather?” He asked.

“She wanted to look around for a while. I think she still feels awkward.”

“Don’t blame her. I think she saw me as a fruit she could not have, and yet, here you are, my wife, placing it into her hooves for her to take.” He shook his head. “While I am okay with that, Matthew is making it awkward in my head. I have had to remind him that I fall under Equestrian laws, not American ones now.” He grimaced. “Yes, I know you are still loyal to your nation,” he whispered, “but you were giving me hints even before you woke up in that war. We made our cloud nest, now we get to sleep in it. Also… it is expected of me in Thestral society to have two blood lines incase something happens to one. There are higher chances of the line surviving to carry on the legacy that way. You know that.” He sighed. “Lunar Fang… talk sense into the human. You did it back when he was two-legged, can you do so now?” He snorted and flicked both ears. “Patience, Matthew. The Princesses are working on getting you at least to be human a little bit. Of course we didn’t know your heart would not go back to normal.” He sighed and rubbed a hoof to his temple. “Grif warned me not to separate the two of us, but at the moment, till I can reconcile this situation, our minds are not gelling, as Matthew would say.”

She looked at him silently for a good ten minutes before she moved in and wrapped her hooves around him gently. “We will get through this, my heart. Remember that no matter what happens, the moon still travels the night. The stars change, but the moon's path is always the same. Your stars have shifted a little. Don’t worry about what it means; just look for the new constellations.”

Pensword nodded and wrapped his hooves around her, nuzzling the side of her muzzle. “I know, my dear Moonshade,” he said, using her old name for the first time in a very long time. “I just need to learn the new constellations, and teach them to the old stickler as well.” He chuckled. “Do not think I have not heard you call me the Blood General,” he muttered into the air. He shook his head. “We act like siblings, honestly. In a way, you are married to two stallions in one body.” He shook his head. “Matthew refuses to do what Grif did. He wants to find our own path.” He grinned. “Maybe that is why, seeing as it was all Matthew in this place. He is a little stronger in my mind lately. You have no idea how much I want to get out and see the sights, consequences be put in Tartarus. I can face the crowds. They will never be as nasty as Fort Triumph.”

“Grif was struggling to overcome two sets of rage, two sets of pain. That's not the same problem you face,” Lunar Fang reminded him. “Your path needs to find a way you both can agree to; a partnership of sorts.”

“Agreed. A sort of joint command, so to speak. Still, he aches to show you his world as you have shown him yours.” He grinned suddenly and kissed her muzzle. “The good thing about staying inside is I get to spend so much time with you, my wonderful Thestral.”

“Well, I am pretty great, human,” she told him, smirking. “Soon things will work out. Just hang in there and have a little faith, okay?”

“Oh, I know, it is just Matthew and I ... we don’t like being cooped up, and I can see it as well in your own wing twitches.” He moved closer to her. “At least they perfected the heating spells, or we would have to be sharing our body heat,” he whispered as he tickled the inside of her ear.

“Well, it is somewhat chilly,” she said, smirking slyly back.

He returned the smirk with one of his own. “That it is. Maybe the Crystal Ponies don’t notice due to them, well, being part Crystal?”

“Perhaps we should still share some body heat?” she asked him.

“I would not be opposed to that,” he answered, running a wing tip down her spine as he nipped playfully at her ear.


Grif yawned as he worked the stove in front of him. Scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, french toast, and other breakfast dishes sizzled as the Gryphon worked. While Grif had little talent for cooking save stews and roasts over a campfire, Taze had cooked for himself enough to prepare a very enjoyable breakfast if he did say so himself. It had been a good long time since Grif or Taze had had the opportunity to work the kitchen, however, and the Gryphon had decided he would put some time in this vacation into sharpening those skills. The kitchen was filled with several different aromas that seemed to permeate the entire villa.

As he worked, he hummed an old song to himself. He idly flipped a few pancakes over before grinding pepper over the eggs. The Gryphon wondered idly to himself where everyone was, seeing how he knew Hammer Strike was likely awake before he was. Putting those musings aside, he shrugged and returned to work.

Looking out the kitchen window, he found himself remembering back to their first visit to the empire and the events that had happened during that brief stay. He found himself idly thinking back to Starswirl's laboratory. It had been taken with the rest of the empire when it vanished. Was it still in the castle? Had Cadence even had time to explore the old wizard’s domain during the months of ruling the nation? Casually, Grif made a note to himself to suggest he and Hammer Strike make a short visit to said lab. Perhaps Starswirl would have some knowledge he could expend from beyond the grave regarding this prophecy Grif had encountered in Gryphonia. He would have kept thinking on the subject had a loud crackling not reminded him of his current task. Fortunately, he could save the scrambled eggs. Hammer Strike liked his food cooked well anyway, right?

Grif heard the sound of two sleepy Ponies entering the villa’s kitchen. “Grif?” Pensword started. He could hear him sniffing the food. “Do you need any help in here?” He did not have to turn around to know that Lunar Fang was moving to set the table, as she had during the Third Gryphon War to allow tighter privacy during conversations.

“Everything’s fine,” Grif told him. “Could you get that orange juice from the ice box?”

“Sure,” Pensword answered with a chuckle as he moved to the ice box. “I see three jugs. How many do you want me to pull out?”

“Probably just the one. Most people will drink coffee, I think,” Grif said.

“Sounds good,” Pensword answered as he grabbed a jug of orange juice.

“You know, this is nice, just making breakfast as a family,” Grif said.

“Agreed,” Pensword answered with a laugh.

“I’m glad we got sent on this mandatory vacation,” Grif said. “The last few months have been … tiring.”

“I agree,” Pensword muttered. “I get time to spend with my wife. She is pushing me along the Thestral culture,” he answered cheerfully. “But yes, this is going to be a nice vacation.”

“You holding up okay?” Grif asked him as he loaded the scrambled eggs onto a plate before reaching for a second batch he had prepared and pouring it into the pan.

“Yeah, just… trying to actually get used to not being in a war stance,” he admitted. “I am also chomping at the bit for Luna’s bill to make its public debut in the halls of government.”

“You're eager to return to active duty as the commander, huh? Well, you're going to need more than unity to train an army.”

Lunar Fang laughed softly as she reentered the kitchen. “Well, when the bill comes through, there will be recruitment drives, and he will have to use New Unity as a temporary training base till the academies are built.” She sighed. “Looks like our days together as a group are numbered.”

“That’s not a nice thought,” Grif said, parts of the prophecy echoing in his mind.

“Lunar Fang,” Pensword spoke in a hushed tone, “don’t speak like that.”

Lunar Fang giggled. “You used a contraction.” She kissed him on the muzzle full-on. “Still, we are going to be moving on in our lives, and that means not all of us will be stationed in New Unity forever.”

“So how long before River’s up?” Grif asked as he worked.

“Well, soon,” Lunar Fang admitted. “She’s a little put out with Fizzpot not being able to come, but Fox Feather’s been able to get a little on her good side, so she’s sleeping in her room.” They heard hoof steps coming to the Kitchen. “And there they are,” she said happily.

“Can one of you let Hammer Strike know that there is food whenever he needs to eat?” Grif asked.

“Pensword, would you kindly?” Lunar Fang asked, not seeing Grif’s facial expression.

Pensword smiled and nodded before he turned around and headed towards the forges as Fox Feather and Moon River entered the Kitchen. Pensword smirked, then kissed Fox Feather on the side of the muzzle before kissing Moon River on the forehead. “Be safe today,” he whispered to them both before fully exiting the kitchen.


Hammer Strike gave a small grin as he strapped the final plate onto the dummy in front of him. He looked over the set he had just made. It was a simple design, but he didn’t have any commission for it, no real defined Pony for it to go to. For once, he just felt like making it.

“When did you start that?” a familiar voice asked from behind.

“Five hours ago or so,” Hammer replied, turning to Alto.

“But I heard Shiny’s armourer say that it could take weeks to make a good suit of armor,” Alto said.

“Weeks of on and off work. I… honestly have nothing else to do other than this, so…” Hammer sighed. “Keeps me preoccupied.”

“It doesn’t look like the armor the guards wear,” Alto said, tilting her head.

“Because most of their armor isn’t fit for real battle,” Hammer replied as he pointed towards specific sections. “Chainmail between open segments of plates, proper ear protection. If I wanted to, I could add protection for the eyes by a simple diamond visor.”

“Why does it need plates and chain mail?” she asked “Don’t they both block stuff?”

“But if you just have one, you are open to what the other blocks. Chainmail, for example, isn’t well off with protection against projectiles such as bolts and arrows, but plates are. Meanwhile, plates have the slight issue of leaving gaps open at segments where you require the ability to move. They cut off flexibility.” He pointed to the gaps in the armor, poking the chainmail that lay in between. “Put them together, and you have a more flexible point for joints, and a more solid foundation for projectiles. While not perfect, it defends better than just one or the other.”

“Is it com- compli- is it hard?” Alto asked.

“Until you get used to it. Then it becomes as easy as it is to make a dagger.”

“How do you make a dagger?”

Hammer Strike glanced at the material he had available. “Rather than explain, how about I show you?”

“Really?” Alto’s eyes lit up at the offer.

“Yes, really.” Hammer Strike grinned.


Grif moved as quietly as he could while pushing a cart holding two dining trays. Silently, he opened the door to the large double room he, Shrial, and Avalon shared. “Room service?” he said carefully as he entered.

“Well well, the prodigal husband finally returns,” Avalon said pleasantly, smirking as her tail twitched behind her.

“What took you so long, Grif?” Shrial asked, chuckling as well. “We didn’t scare you that much, did we?”

“You, Shrial, my dear, never,” Grif said before turning to Avalon. “She scares me sometimes, though,” he said as he placed a tray gently in front of Shrial. He tapped her talons when she went to open it. “Uh-uh, wait until you both have yours. It’s a surprise,” Grif said as he brought the second tray over to Avalon.

“What do you have hiding under there, husband mine?” Avalon asked, a playful glint in her eyes as she observed her tray.

“Well, where my other half comes from, they have taken their omnivorous ways to a much more extreme extent than Gryphons have begun to imagine, yet in doing so they have discovered combinations the likes of which your pallet cannot begin to fully imagine. It is true Equestria has something like this, but I assure you Equestria also has nothing like this.” Grif grabbed a lid in each talon and lifted them. The aroma of seared meat, vegetables, and seasoning entered the room instantly, making the Gryphons’ mouths start watering.

As the covers lifted, a large bun cut in two pieces met their vision. Resting in between the pieces, two large rounded disks of venison sat one on top of the other. On top of each patty, stacked in a criss-cross pattern, were four strips of fresh boar bacon with a large piece of melted cheese. Next to both burgers stood a pile of something that seemed to resemble salted hayfries.

“What … are these things?” Shrial asked curiously as she picked up one of the strange objects. It proved surprisingly soft, and her talon pierced through its skin with little difficulty.

“They are potato fries, or if you prefer, french fries, freedom fries, or chips,” Grif said. “It really depends on the culture you come from.”

Shrial took a small bite to test them. “Hmm … mildly salted, a little bit of garlic, and just a hint of olive oil?”

“You like it?” Grif asked her.

“They’re … interesting, but a little heavy in the mouth. They need something moist to balance it out.”

From behind his back, Grif produced a bottle of ketchup and handed it to her. “Try this.”

“Ketchup?” she cocked an eyebrow as she poured a small portion onto her plate before dipping the fries in and sampling. Her eyes immediately widened. “The tart and the sweet mix perfectly with the salt.” She quickly speared five more, rapidly dipped them, and popped them one at a time into her mouth before chewing and swallowing with a large bulge showing as the food went down her throat. She smirked. “And the girls seem to like it, too.”

“And you, Avalon?” Grif inquired.

Avalon let out a delicate burp as she ran a napkin over her beak. Her plate had already been cleared of the entire burger. “And you’re certain that humans are omnivores? That was one of the most delicious couple of venison patties I’ve ever eaten, and the bacon was heavenly, but why put them between two slices of bread?”

“The bread acts as a thermal separation. Unlike Gryphons, humans have fleshy fingers, so they can’t lift hot meat bare-handed easily.”

“Interesting. And I will admit, the quality of the bread does add another layer of texture and flavor to contrast with the meat,” she said as she ate one of the fries. “Could you please pass the ketchup, Shrial?” Shrial nodded and shoved the bottle Avalon’s way, too busy enjoying her meal with her other talons to acknowledge Avalon directly.

“So, my dear,” Grif smiled at Avalon, “am I forgiven?”

Avalon leaned in and kissed Grif beak to beak before breaking off. “Not even close.” She smirked. “But you can work on that with us tonight in bed.”

“Perhaps there is something else we can also work on tonight?” Grif asked, caressing a talon gently over her lower belly.

“I thought you said you wanted to wait.”

“Until we left Gryphonia,” Grif reminded her. “We’re not there anymore.” He moved close to her and wrapped her in a wing.

“Oh, Grif,” Avalon said, her cheeks flushing.

Shrial chuckled. “Tonight’s going to be fun.”

“But we can talk about that later,” Grif said as he let Avalon go and got to his feet. “I need to pull some pork for tonight's meal. You girls enjoy.” He smirked as he left the room.


Pensword snuck through the streets, a cloak covering his body. He’d had enough of staying in the villa. He wanted to see the sights, to know how the empire had changed since he last had been there. He trotted through the main thoroughfare, looking where the old gate once had been. He could still remember the feel of the harness around his barrel as he pulled Cosy, Alto, and Cadence to safety in Starswirl’s cart all those years ago. His first action would be going to visit the tavern he’d stayed at; then he would take the back streets and explore. He sighed, stopping momentarily to enjoy the moonlight as it beamed onto his face before pressing forward. He paused in confusion as he turned one corner. “Wait, that was not there,” he murmured, confused. A guard post stood before him. He leaned forward and squinted. “Okay… a poor representation of a guard post,” he muttered. It was probably one of the foals playing.

“Who dares approach the well made guard post of Parchment and Cor?” a white Unicorn stallion with a short orange mane called out. His eyes glowed a neon orange. On his back, a small yellow filly with a brown mane and blue eyes stood, attempting to look serious in her blue-and-red striped sweater.

“A Pegasus tourist,” Pensword answered. “I am just enjoying the sights and paths.”

“Be careful around these parts, there could be danger around any corner! But fear not, for I, Parchment, and Cor, shall keep watch and defend everypony.” Parchment gave a smile as the filly on his back stood on his head, one hoof on her forehead as she scanned for danger.

“I feel safer already,” Pensword answered, humoring the pair as he tried to keep from laughing. “I shall be on my way.”

“Have a good night!” Parchment responded. Cor gave a grin and waved.

“Thank you.” Pensword was happy the encounter had gone by so very quickly and without any problems. He sighed with relief and continued on his way. His ear twitched and he turned to look back at the guard post. He heaved a sigh. He could not let it go. Knowing he would regret it, he clopped back and took the plunge. “Why are you in a guard post? What danger could there be? Sombra is defeated.”

“Sombra may be gone, but you never know what lurks here,” Parchment replied as Cor nodded. “So, I and Cor have decided. If I am to join the guard some day, I should get some practice in!”

“Interesting,” Pensword answered. “And how goes that adventure?”

“A sound night!”

“Sounds good. Also, I am wondering, how goes the journey of joining the guard?” He spoke with a smile.

“I’m being trained by the captain at least twice a week.”

“Oh? You know the Prince?” He asked with shock.

“He said he likes how determined I am.” Parchment smiled. “I went to talk with him, but I had to wait until morning, so I did! Right outside until the crack of dawn.”

“That seems interesting,” Pensword whispered to himself. “Well, I think I am going to keep that in mind,” he said pleasantly. “But I think I should be heading forward. I would like see the Crystal Heart. I need to see it back in its proper place,” he said, his voice growing dark. “Grif and Hammer Strike would like to know it is safe.”

“Oh, goody! Hammer Strike and Grif are in town?” Parchment’s smile grew. “I should see them at some point. I’m sure they’d love to hear I’m still doing a good job!” Cor grinned and nodded in agreement, seemingly liking the idea.

“I’ll see that the message is passed forward. Now, good evening.” Pensword offered a salute and turned towards the palace and the crystal heart.

“Till next time!”

“Very well.” Pensword waved negligently as he walked away.


Pensword entered the Crystal Heart Sanctuary, sighed, then smiled as he began to walk around the great gemstone. “Oh, nice…” He sighed again as he looked up at the ceiling, then returned his attention to the heart. The unique sound of celestial iron horseshoes on the floor alerted him to Shining Armor’s approach. He smiled happily as he turned to the Prince and Captain. “Prince Armor, how are you doing?” he asked casually. “Look, can I ask a question?”

“Yes?” Shining Armor narrowed his eyes at the hooded Pony. “Who are you?” he demanded as his horn lit up and the handle of a blade glowed. Pensword threw his hood off briefly before pulling it back up. Shining’s eyes widened. “Right, we can talk in my office.” He swiftly led Pensword into the palace to one of the upper rooms, where Shining opened a door to reveal a fairly ornate office. Badges and medals from his former days in the Royal Guard hung from wooden plaques, each marked with an engraving in dedication of the day he received them. A series of bookshelves lined the semicircular room, breaking up the wall of awards for an efficient, symmetrical organization. A large desk made of solid crystal glinted a pale purple with a large cushioned chair to hold and comfort him as he bent over paperwork for hours on end. A pair of smaller chairs flanked the door on either side for visitors to pull up should they wish.

“So,” Shining Armor said, taking his seat. “What’s on your mind, Pensword?”

“Do you know about a Crystal Pony by the name of Parchment?” Pensword asked. Shining’s eyes widened, then he groaned, following up immediately with a facehoof. “I thought so. I take it you are humoring him?”

“It’s the only thing I can do. He’s always at the gate of the barracks three days a week at sunrise. He just can’t seem take a hint. And every time we try to tell him what he’s doing wrong, he won’t even listen. Besides, how can I train somepony that nice? He wasn’t meant for battle, let alone war. You’ve seen how he takes care of his ward. He won’t even kill a fly.” He sighed. “What did he do this time?”

“He built a guard post near the traveler’s tavern,” Pensword answered with a sigh.

“He did what?” Shining jumped to his hooves. “I never gave him authorization!”

“It looks very poorly made, but yes. You may want to have him change it so folks know it is not a real outpost.”

Shining groaned again and rubbed a hoof between his eyes. “I’m just going to have to figure out how to say it right. If I don’t, Comic will withdraw his technical support, and we need him right now to help rebuild and reinforce. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have recovered nearly as much technology as we have. Though he did mention something about a missing crystal bot he made once that’s still missing. I think he called it … Crystrap?”

Pensword froze. “He created that thing?” He groaned. “I met it on a ship as we headed to the Gryphon Empire. I think we left it there. I warn you. Do not let it stay. Parchment is nothing compared to Crystrap.”

Shining looked dumbstruck at Pensword. “I find that hard to believe, but I’ll take your word for it. Anything else Parchment said that I should know about?”

“Yes,” Pensword spoke hesitantly. “He ... knows that Hammer Strike and Grif are in town … thanks to me. So, you might be having a holiday for a bit. Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry that those two will have to, well, I guess it would be remake his acquaintance. Faust have mercy on the both of them.” He shuddered. “I hate to think what would happen if he managed to make them snap.”

“Faust help us all,” Pensword swore fervently.