CAPTAIN LAPIS
O.N.S.S. Analytical Mein, Observer Ship, Lalandean Space
This was it, the big moment. She along with the Proteans, was about to travel to Earth. She hadn’t been there since- well, she didn’t like to think about what happened back then. She refused to believe that she’d lose anyone that she’d drawn close to this time. She had to believe that, no matter if her heart doubted such. She had to ensure that she could do this. This was what all those tests had led up to. Along the way, her pure intentions had allowed her to make a few friends, but her reservations kept her from getting closed to the majority of the landing party. It somewhat comforted her that some of them were on the same ship as her. She knew, deep in her heart, that anyone on this ship could very well die. However, she decided to put that out of her mind. It was almost time to launch beyond the EarthGate. She had to be ready for anything once they reached the other side. No matter what, she had to be ready. And she swore that she would.
SAPPHIRON
Everfree Forest, Equestria, Planet Equus
I started to trot at a somewhat normal pace. I’d always been a fast healer, but this had taken about half the night to get this far. I knew that soon, the Solar Flares would set up camp. I couldn’t afford to have them take Trix to Celestia. Her punishment her all of what she’d done would be extremely painful to be sure. But, by some stroke of luck, I started to be able to slowly gallop. This allowed me to find their camp. The site that was before me made me shudder. There were eight guards around the cage they’d put Trix in. Around her horn was a high-caliber Magic Suppressor. I saw that there were also eight guards around the perimeter to the camp. Flare Strike, the leader of this particular unit, was in the center of camp, with the keys to the cage. Around him were eight other members of the Flares, all asleep. However, that gave me no solace. The Solar Flares were known to be very light sleepers, so a sleep spell was out of the picture. There weren’t many options that I had, at least, those that didn’t involve me using the magic of my locket. But, I figured something out, and decided to do something rash. I went to a nearby tunnel, one that I knew connected to the nearby waterfall. It was risky, but this plan had .01% chance of failure. So, once I was behind the waterfall, I announced myself. “Hello, members of the Solar Flares. Remember me?”
Flare Strike snorted. “Bah. You recovered fast, Sapphiron. No matter.” He then pointed a hoof in my direction. “Get him!”
All 24 other members started to swarm my position. Trix was watching the scene from beyond the bars, a look of worry on her face. I then smirked, and my horn flashed with turquoise magic. I released a stampede of doppelgängers that mowed down the enemy, until only Flare Strike was left conscious.
He then gasped. “H-how did you…? A normal unicorn can’t cast such a spell! Who are you…?”
I then chuckled. “Heh. You seemed to have your suspicions when we first talked, but it seems you haven’t put the puzzle pieces together. Allow me to enlighten you.” I then stepped through the waterfall, letting it wash away all the dirt and grime that had accumulated, as well as providing cover for me to dispel the magical rust on my locket. I stood tall and proud, in my pristine crystalline form, with a grin on my face as I saw Flare’s eyes widen.
When he saw my cutie mark of a Sapphire, a Ruby, and an Emerald in an arc he knew for certain who I was. “Y-You’re…!”
I then finished his statement. “Yes. I am Sapphiron Rubeus Emerald. Go tell Celestia if you wish, I care not.” I then knocked him out, and took the keys. I then let Trix out of the cage.
She then hugged me and spoke. “Thank you. I was so scared.” She then backed away. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were a Trigem?”
I then spoke. “Well, I wanted to get to know you a little while I was just ‘some random pony.’ I always knew that I’d have to tell you sometime, but I didn’t think that it’d be this soon.”
As we walked she asked me another question. “Did you fight in the war?”
I sighed. “Yes. But, that was back when I still believed that Celestia was right about the humans. However, when I saw what the potion did to that civilian…” I then shuddered. “Let’s just say I sometimes have nightmares about that day.”
Trix then asked one final question. “Did you lose anyone close to you that day?”
I then chuckled darkly. “You’re a perceptive one, aren’t you?” I sighed deeply. “Yes. Lapis, Topaz, and I all lost someone precious to us that day. Lapis and Topaz blamed the humans. I, however, blamed Celestia, but mostly myself.” I then paused for a bit, and then continued. “And, before you ask, let me just tell you who it was.” We’d gotten back to Zecora’s hut, and the night hours were almost ending. “It was my other half-sister, Tourmaline Covellite Garnet. She died to save my life that day.” I then yawned. “Let’s get some sleep. I don’t like to talk about what happened that day too much. G’night.” I then drift slowly off to sleep, feeling Trix’s eyes pierce into me with a sorrowful look.
CELESTIA
New Manehattan, New Equestria, Planet Earth
This was the place that Celestia figured the Proteans would attack next. So, she posted Birthright and her army there, as well as Topaz. After all, Celestia was quite certain that Lapis would appear in this particular battle. So with those preparations underway, she spoke to the troops. “My little ponies, it is imperative that we defend our converted citizens from attack. No matter the cost, that is what is important. Also, I want the Traitor, Lapis Opal Amethyst, killed at all costs. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”
A chorus of “Yes, Your Majesty!” rose up from the army.
Celestia then spoke again. “Good.” She then turned to Birthright. “I leave this in your capable hooves, Birthright.”
Birthright bowed a little. “Of course, Your Majesty.” Celestia then left for Canterlot.
LUNA
Equus’ Moon
Luna had been too indecisive for too long. She realized now what she must do. She must journey to Ponyville to meet Twilight and the others to help. No matter her reservations about going against her sister, she knew in her heart that she must do what was right. And in this scenario, that “right thing” was to stand against her sister and help to bring the Humans-turned-Newfoals back to their old selves. She decided to depart for Ponyville tomorrow. However, she dared not think as to what would happen if they failed...