//------------------------------// // 78 - Through the Looking Glass // Story: An Extended Holiday // by Commander_Pensword //------------------------------// Extended Holiday Ch 78: Through the Looking Glass Act 10 “Thank you so much for the help, Doctor Cerulean,” Vital Spark said as he drank another glass of water. “As much as I appreciate Cor and Parchment’s help, I think I prefer not getting a glass of water flung in my face every time I start to fall asleep.” The Unicorn sat straight up in bed, the familiar green of hospital curtains comforting as he thought back to New Unity and working with Little Willow in the infirmary. “It’s no trouble at all, I assure you. You’d be surprised just how many patients Parchment brings in on a weekly basis,” a deep sky-blue Crystal Pony in a doctor’s lab coat said as he rolled his eyes. “Well, at least this time it wasn’t his fault, right?” “I wouldn’t be surprised if he was somehow involved,” Doctor Cerulean said as he ran a glowing crystal over the Unicorn. For the most part, the crystal remained clear with a gentle white pulse, but as it approached the head, it switched to an ugly purple. “Just as I suspected,” he said, putting the crystal back into his lab coat pocket. “You, sir, have a very serious concussion. Whoever it was that knocked you out wanted to be very thorough, indeed. Hold still.” He reached a hoof up to prod at Vital Spark’s head. “Ow!” Vital Spark winced. “Yes, several bruises and contusions across your scalp, and particularly near the horn. You’re going to be inflamed and woozy for a few days. Tell me, what’s the last thing you remember before you returned to consciousness?” “I was exploring the Crystal Palace. I’d never been here to the Empire before, and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ordered us on holiday. Since I’d already visited the square and the crystal heart, I wanted to see what else might be around. I was just poking into some sort of storage room when I … well, I’m assuming that’s when it happened.” “What do you recall from that moment?” “Pain.” Vital moved to rub a hoof against the throbbing in his skull, only to feel a strong crystal hoof pull it down. “You musn’t touch. Not until your body has had the time it needs to heal.” “And make sure to keep sitting up straight and not fall asleep for what … twenty-four hours?” “No, we just need to keep you for observation and make sure your condition remains stable. It’s surprising how many ponies make that mistake when they’re brought in.” Vital smiled sheepishly. “Guess I misremembered. It has been a few years since my last first aid training. I think … about twelve or so?” “A first aid program focusing on some of the more difficult aspects of Pony accidents? At that age? I’ve never heard of it before. Still, that might not be such a bad idea,” Doctor Cerulean mused. “To be fair, it’s hard to get others to focus in on it, just like normal schooling,” Hammer Strike commented as he entered the room. “The trick is to get the attention of the class, which health tends to not.” “Hammer Strike? How’d you find me? I don’t remember asking for someone to get you. … Did I do that, Doctor?” “No, no, you’re fine, Mister Spark. None of my staff reports you making any such request. Your memory is still intact.” Vital Spark sighed in relief. “So how did you find out I was in trouble?” “Parchment isn’t exactly quiet about what he is doing,” Hammer replied. “Grif will be here in a moment as well. Parchment had some things he wanted to talk to him about.” “Why the look?” “Grif gave him a task awhile back. He now wants to show him how good of a job he was doing.” “What was the job?” “I asked him to watch over the east wall of the large cavern we held up in within the crystal mines. And no, there weren’t any caves in that area. It just seemed like a task that would keep him happy,” Grif answered as he entered the room. “Is Parchment with you right now?” Vital asked. Meanwhile, down in the crystal mines... “Nyeh heh heh! I can’t believe Grif gave me a promotion! The west wall, Cor!” Parchment could hardly contain his glee. “I get to watch the west wall now. That’s closer and closer to being an actual guard of the streets!” ...Back to the hospital. “... I gave him something to do.” Grif shrugged. “Good. I’d hate to cause offense, but does he seem a bit … overly flamboyant to you?” “He is incompetent, loud, obnoxious, and by far one of the most annoying people I have ever met.” Grif nodded. “But he is also sincere and kind. He sees the good in positively anyone, and he’s one of the best damned uncles I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t exactly tell him he couldn’t help during the rebellion because it would break his heart.” “You know, if Shrial and Avalon were here right now, they’d be all over you for being so romantic.” Vital Spark smirked. “I always knew you had a soft spot, Grif.” “I have plenty of those. That’s what the armor’s for.” He chuckled. “The point is Parchment will grow on you, and, provided he’s not stuffing his god-awful spaghetti down your throat, you’ll find it hard to do or say anything that would hurt him.” “Well, I guess we could always ham it up with him sometimes. I know a certain Gryphon with dramatic tendencies.” “Drama is fun.” Grif smiled. “Besides, you know the world would be so dark without me.” “Of course. We need the wind to blow away all the storm clouds, and you’re the biggest bag of hot air we’ve got.” Vital smirked. “And if you need a little help … well, I might be willing to jump in from time to time.” “I’ll keep that in mind. Meanwhile, I’ll go see the other docs, see if there’s anything to sign to get you out of here,” he said, walking off. “Thanks, Grif.” The three heroes plus one friend were gathered in the main hallways dressed up for the coming Masquerade. Each smiled at the other, masks in hooves, with the exception of Vital Spark, who fumbled with his gold crystal-encrusted cape and suit. He felt like a prince, and that made him nervous as the cream of the fabric and the gold of the crystal worked together to create a bold impression reminiscent of a certain white knight from an anime involving a silver crystal and a star-crossed love. Pensword nodded to Lunar Fang, who had dressed to accent her bat wings with black gossamer, using pages from the horror books in the Crystal Empire library for inspiration. She slid down her blank white mask. When she turned to face the others, the eye holes were completely empty, blacker than night, and showing no hint of the eyes looking out from behind. She laughed, her voice altered by the mask’s glamour to sound male. “This is going to be fun.” Pensword nodded as he slid down a golden lion mask while dressed in an outfit that would have been more suited for Baron Blueblood with its gold trim, silver buttons, and lavish folds and lapels. His voice sounded much deeper than normal, with something that would remind a certain group of another masked villain who hid behind a black helmet, but the whole image was ruined by the propeller hat on his head. Grif stood up straight, wearing a large black long-tailed suit coat with a rusty-red vest and waistcoat beneath. A large red silk tie was tied around his neck under a pressed white collar. His talons were covered in sheathed white cloth gloves. He slid a mask over his face made of polished aluminum. It moved carefully to hook around the right side of his beak and the bottom of his face while leaving the left side of the face under the eye exposed. His crest had been slicked back into a ponytail. Avalon wore a white silk dress bedewed with clear, smooth gems handpicked by Rarity herself. A silver circlet woven in branches adorned her head while a blue mask bespeckled with sapphire and other water related gems covered her beak. On her left hand, a single glowing ring shone with a brief illumination charm. Her voice flowed out like the ushering of many waters through rivers and streams. “Shall we press on, my love? The festivities await.” Shrial wore an ornate ball gown covered in pearls, the silver and the tiers designed in such a way to disguise the size of her body and any weapons she might choose to carry on her person. Her mask was designed with a hood of feathers, trailing backwards to form the illusion of braided hair. The mask itself was a fiery orange like the sun as she turned to her husband. “Yes, shall we, my angel of music?” “But of course, my lovelies.” Grif smiled as he wrapped them in his wings. Hammer Strike wore a white suit and tie with a black dress shirt for contrast. A charcoal-black mask sat on his face, carved to resemble a skull. The rest of the mane six looked on with their coronation dresses and simple masks designed to follow their cutie marks and backgrounds. “Absolutely breathtaking if I do say so myself. And I do because I designed them,” Rarity said, giving herself a thorough pat on the back. “But Vital Spark, why aren’t you wearing your mask?” “... People are going to laugh.” “Oh, come on, it can’t be all that bad.” Vital Spark sighed as he pulled it on. A sudden cascade of Spaneish guitar chords played mesmerizingly. His voice came out with a hispanic accent. “Now, my friends,” he drew a blunted sword from its sheath at his side and pointed ahead. “Group up. And hit it till it dies!” he groaned and pulled off the mask as Grif struggled not to laugh outright. “Then there’s the other setting our lovely princess over here decided to add.” He tapped a jewel on the Mask’s pinnacle and put it on again, this time bowing to Rarity. “Are you unharmed, my lady?” he asked, his voice a perfect impersonation of the most ingratiating noble. Rarity squealed with delight. “Oh, Twilight, it’s positively perfect!” Twilight blushed, rubbing one forehoof against the other foreleg. “It wasn’t that hard to do. It was just a simple voice modification spell blended with a minor glamour. Basic magic 101.” “I liked the first one better,” Pensword muttered behind his mask. “So, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said, adjusting her mask. She wore her gala dress with a modified faceplate from an old royal guard helmet. “What’s with you and that Pegasus guard?” she asked, nudging her friend teasingly with a hoof. Twilight could only blush and look around, spotting Fox Feather as she walked into the room. She was dressed like an Arctic Fox with horse shoes made to look like paw prints. Her mask was lupine in design and the glamor spell on it turned her eyes a hypnotic yellow with black irises. Her dress was made up from light white faux fox fur and the train of the dress was made to be more akin to five tails to mask her own. “Why not talk to Fox Feather? I heard she’s dating the Commander,” she said quickly, trying her best to change Rainbow Dash’s attention. “What?” Rarity’s eyes widened as she eyed Fox Feather. “Why, darling, why didn’t you tell me?” Rarity asked, scandalized. “Why, I would have made that costume far more majestic had I known. Oh, and now it’s too late. Of all the worst things that could happen, this is the worst possible thing!” Her horn glowed as a giant couch muscled its way over just in time for her to faint on it. “It’s pefect,” Fox Feather responded, raising a hoof in protest. Her voice changed to have a slight accent to it that was hard to place. “I like the pun on my own name, to be honest, and I do feel like a rather,” she cleared her throat, “foxy princess,” she admitted with a laugh that sounded much like bells mixed with a sharp bark. “Come on, everypony, let’s get to the party!” Pinkie yelled exuberantly, cutting off all options for further conversation as she stretched her hooves around the whole group against the laws of physics and proceeded to push them all forward. The great hall had been decorated with the four colors of the princesses: white, blue, pink, and lavender. Flowers were tastefully wrapped around the main pillars in combinations of two of the four colors as large silk banners hung from the ceilings. Only a few Ponies had been allowed in at the time, and they seemed to be mostly staff as they ran to and fro checking decorations and inspecting tables laden down with food. Cadence stood near the center of it all giving last minute instructions. She wore a shimmering gown of rose-colored silk with a simple red and gold mask that covered the top of her face, reaching up to the base of her tiara. The costume was further enhanced by the crystal effect of the empire, giving her a rather stunning form. Grif managed to stop Pinkie moments before she reached the dessert table by grabbing her tail. “Well, your majesty, things certainly look regal here.” He gave a short bow. Pensword paused and looked about the hall. “I do agree, I have to say. I hope this will be as fun as the party happening around the base of the castle.” He chuckled softly, his modified voice sending chills down the collective Ponies’ spines save for those who knew what he was referencing. “Oh, it will be, Pensword, I can promise you that.” Cadence smirked. “Unfortunately, the princesses won’t be able to participate so well, except maybe for Twilight. Our magic destabilizes the field of the spell. But since Princess Twilight is still adjusting to her new Alicornhood, she should be able to dance without revealing herself just yet.” Cadence winked to the purple Alicorn. “Make sure to have fun. Maybe find yourself a handsome stallion?” Twilight turned beet red beneath her mask. “So when do we start?” Vital Spark asked. “The gates open in a half hour. Until then, feel free to enjoy yourselves. The glamour will activate as soon as the gates open.” “Oh, and Pensword, I had the chefs make you a special soup tonight,” Grif said. “Oh? Can I ask what the soup is? Or shall it be a surprise?” “Nobody likes it hotter.” Grif winked as he headed off in another direction. Pensword paused before evil, uncontrollable laughter echoed among the walls of the mighty hall while the guards observed the Commander of the Equestrian Military sinking to the floor in what appeared to be a fit of malevolent giggles. Music played throughout the great hall, echoing along the dance floor as Pony after Pony stopped at the entrance and whispered into the seneschal’s ear. “The Margravine Liselle, and her escort, Silk,” he boomed as a Pony in black doublet and hose bowed beneath his long beak-nosed mask, a playful smirk along his muzzle. “My lords and ladies, I can honestly say that it is truly an honor to be in such … distinguished company. Why, the collective hot air in this room could provide enough lift to raise all Equestria to Cloudsdale.” Meanwhile, the so-called Margravine curtseyed, her honey-blonde mane flowing gracefully behind her as she took her escort’s hoof. “Forgive my dear Silk. He always did have a quick tongue. I’ve been trying to get rid of that cynical streak of his ever since we were married.” She laughed as his face suddenly grew somber, much like that of a martyr. The Margravine then promptly kicked one of his legs, causing him to bite his lip as they entered the dance floor. “Her Royal Highness, Princess Buttercup, and the Dread Pirate Roberts!” A pony dressed all in black with a black cloth mask flourished his sword and smirked. “Will any dare challenge me for the hoof of my princess? No? Good.” “Oh, come now, my dear, sweet Westley, let’s just enjoy the party.” The mare laughed in her white ballgown and simple cloth mask as they descended onto the marble floor. “Well now, those certainly seemed ... familiar,” Vital Spark noted, his mask still in place as his Hispanic accent and guitar accompaniment surrounded him. To complete the ensemble, Rarity levitated a red rose into his hooves as he gave a dramatic flourish of his cape. “... I do believe I could get used to this,” he said as more than one of the single mares swooned. “Calm down there, Casanova,” Grif told him, clapping his back lightly as he shooed a few of the mares away. “The night’s just starting, after all.” “It’s not like I plan to make love to every girl I run across. I just want to have a little fun. Besides, were it not for this costume, this voice, I would not stand a chance.” Grif rolled his eyes as he turned to Avalon. He reared onto his paws and tucked one talon behind his back as he offered a hand with an elegant bow. “May I have this dance, my lady?” he asked her. “You offer it to me freely.” Her eyes danced like water in the lights. “I accept.” She smirked as she, too, rose to her hind paws and laid her own taloned hand into Grif’s. “Just don’t forget to ask your angel next.” “But of course,” Grif said as they headed to the dance floor, leaving Vital alone. A slow waltz played across the room as Rarity stood next to Hammer Strike, staring longingly out onto the floor. “So, Rarity,” Hammer Strike started. “Would you like to dance?” Rarity gasped. “Hammer Strike! Oh, I’d absolutely love to.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you so much.” She then proceeded to drag him onto the dance floor as the four of them spun and twirled in time to the music. Pensword and Lunar Fang were both dancing a slow ancient waltz that confused the newer nobles while the Crystal Ponies murmured their approval. The pair danced around the crowd, circling wider and wider from one another as they crossed the floor until Lunar Fang reached out to the mare in the fox costume and pulled her in. The fox stumbled and blushed, but Lunar Fang persevered, spinning her into the center of their circle as Pensword and Lunar Fang slowly spun closer and closer while Fox Feather looked from one to the other, swaying back and forth in a strangely synchronized dance, as if uncertain which to go towards, even as they drew ever nearer to her. At last, the pair closed in completely, their hooves connecting around Fox Feather before they collapsed in a traditional embrace at the dance’s end. A collective cheer arose from the Crystal Ponies in the audience as they clapped at the sight. The past had been brought to the present once more. “Welcome to the family, Fox Feather,” Lunar Fang whispered. Foxfeather simply cried through her mask as the three stood there together. From one part of the ballroom, one of the ponies wearing a flowing white robe with papier mache wings and a simple mask with a papier mache horn attached at the top. He turned to look at another of the clapping Ponies. “Uh ... what was that?” “An ancient custom. Those two just made a proposal to add her to their herd. Isn’t it just beautiful?” A mare in a tattered blue dress dewed with sapphires at the bottoms and gossamer wings on her back said as she wiped a tear away from her eye. The would-be-Alicorn merely hummed in response. A sudden fanfare broke the happy moment as a flaring mare in a great poofy dress accented with artful slashes to take on the appearance of flames appeared. Two great fake golden Pegasus wings were attached to her back and covered in glitter. Her mask was covered in gold sequins that reflected the light as an almost-orange light seemed to glow from within the holes. The mask itself appeared to lick and shift like living flames with just a hint of black at its edges. The colors of a setting sun accented all of her garb and she smirked as the collective Ponies gasped at the intricately woven gold horn and bejeweled crown, causing many an envious mare to glare at her practical radiance. A large diamond at the tip of the horn indicated the beginnings of a powerful spell about to be cast. Yellow and red highlights glowed down her tail and mane like a miniature corona, a perfect touch to her interpretation of an Alicorn princess. Further gems studded various points on her dress, multiplying the effect as a dazzling array of colors beamed onto the ceiling and walls. She smirked, then a brief glow coursed up the horn and into the gem before the colors dissipated. She whispered into the seneschal’s ears, his poofy white wig and ancient dusty tuxedo implying a great deal of age, even as his stubborn and creaky voice echoed across the halls behind his mask. “My Lady, is this correct?” He whispered in her ear and she nodded, albeit while glaring. “O-okay, then, apologies, my lady.” He cleared his throat. “Lady Solis Occasum of the Evening Sun,” the seneschal called out. Hammer Strike’s ear twitched at the name, causing him to jerk to a halt mid-step on the dance floor. “Solis Occasum?” He hummed quietly. “Argute reperta… Sed vos iniuriam existimarent,” he finished with a frown as he scrutinized the new arrival. She quickly descended onto the dance floor and was easily lost in the crowd, though the occasional glint of light on her diamond-mounted horn helped those who were watching to keep an eye on her progress. He looked to Rarity. “I’m so sorry, but there’s something I need to do real quick. I’ll be right back.” “But Hammer Strike,” Rarity whined. “Rarity, not now.” What warmth had been in his eyes at the start of their dance had fled, replaced by the steely glint of a warrior bracing for battle. “I … I’ll be waiting over there,” she said, somewhat fearfully. “It’s not too serious, is it?” “Either it isn’t, or it’s going to be. I’ll tell you when I get back.” Sunset Shimmer carefully made her way over to the punch bowl to get herself a drink. Keeping her head down, her horn glowed faintly with a simple warding charm. It was a simple small spell matrix that would misdirect the charm surrounding the room: small enough not to be noticeable, simple enough to keep going without much concentration, and powerful enough to keep her safe. Casually, she lifted a glass and filled it with most of her back pointed towards the crowd. “Solis Occasum, correct?” She heard someone ask from behind her, soon followed by a dark chuckle. “Callidus…” A cold chill followed by a burning sensation ran down her spine as Sunset nearly dropped her glass. Her eyes grew wide as she turned around, barely able to keep herself from causing a scene as she scanned the crowd. “No, no, no, not him!” she thought desperately “An interesting name, considering it’s origin… Tell me, Sunset, why would you need to hide your name through a language not native to Equestria?” Unable to locate the source of the bone-chillingly familiar voice, Sunset Shimmer scanned the crowed carefully, locating a Unicorn she didn’t recognise who was clearly alone. She put her glass down and grabbed his hoof. “You. Me. Dance. Now,” she said in no-nonsense tone. “Watch yourself, because I have a feeling you’re going to do something you’ll regret,” the ghostly words said, even as Sunset began to tug on the Unicorn. Without waiting for the Unicorn’s reply, she pulled him onto the dance floor, her eyes darting wildly behind the concealing lights of her mask. Vital Spark was just minding his own business by the refreshments table, getting his own drink after dancing a while through the crowd … if you could call it dancing. It was more like floundering, and he was grateful to finally have gotten his obligatory five minutes across the floor over and done with. All of a sudden, he found himself being yanked away from the glorious coolness of his refreshing beverage, leaving behind a spinning cup in midair while the beautiful mare in the Alicorn costume dragged him onto the dance floor. Wait … did he just think of a mare as beautiful? Technically, she was. Her coat was unique, almost like fire licking away at the air. And the costume design was absolutely marvelous. “I … am flattered, Miss, that you would wish to dance with me, but … I am afraid I am not very good.” He blushed, looking down to the floor as the Spaneish guitar music continued to play behind his Hispanic accent. “Just stay calm and follow my lead,” Sunset told him as they reached the dance floor. “It’s a simple waltz, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.” Several minutes later, Sunset was sorely regretting her decision. “Sorry! Sorry,” Vital apologized for the tenth time as he yet again knocked his hooves against Sunset’s shins. Sunset grumbled under her breath before stopping. She needed to keep up the act. “I told you calm down. Now take a deep breath.” He did so, she gritted her teeth, and they started again. “One two three, one two three,” she repeated softly as they slowly shifted around on the floor, her moves careful and slow so the stallion could observe them. “Slowly, carefully, don’t panic,” she whispered as they moved. After a couple more minutes, she allowed herself a grin. “Now your getting it.” The music ended, and Vital bowed to the mare. He tapped the gem on his mask once, switching to his noble accent. “Thank you for teaching me, my lady. I wish I didn’t have such clumsy hooves, but unfortunately, I do. Might I make it up to you by getting you a drink? Perhaps some food as well? The name’s Vital Spark, by the way. I don’t think I got to introduce myself before.” “Thank you,” Sunset said, offering a curtsey, “but I really need to go. Thank you for the dance.” With that, the mare carefully slipped away into the crowd. Vital Spark trembled as he sat down at a nearby table, taking deep breaths as he tried to slow his rapidly beating heart. “Soon you will meet she to whom you will give your heart, but you will not know it then.” Vital shook his head violently, dispelling the haunting prophecy, at least for now. “No, no, and definitely no.” “Everything okay, buddy?” Grif asked as he approached Vital from behind. “I just got dragged onto the dance floor by a mystery mare, and then a different mysterious mare’s prophecy decided to bounce in the back of my head.” Vital groaned as he plopped his head on the table and laid his hooves on top. “Why me?” “So you met a mysterious mare at a ball and then she vanished?” Grif said, turning to look at the clock. “Did she leave a horseshoe or something?” “Grif!” Vital hissed. “You know I can’t do that sort of thing, even if it were to happen. I’m human first, and I’m going home soon. I can’t do that sort of thing with a Pony.” “It’s a joke.” Grif chuckled dryly before deadpanning. “I do that!” Vital sighed. “Sorry, Grif. I’m just a little … high strung right now. I just kicked my dance partner in the shins a good ten times at least. Ten times!” He groaned again. “Could she still walk afterwards?” “What do you think?” Vital asked, fixing him with a stinkeye. “Then that's a plus.” Grif grinned at his friend. “Grif, if you weren’t my friend, and your wives wouldn’t kill me immediately, I’d be sorely tempted to pluck every feather off your head and breast, then throw you into the town square with a poodle cut on your fur and tail.” “Geez. Sorry for trying to cheer you up.” Grif sighed before turning to leave. Vital harrumphed and nursed his mug of crystal berry juice. “Great. Now I feel worse.” Pensword stood outside in the cool night air as the aurora danced in the night sky. He could hear the sounds of the carnevale at the base of the castle drifting on the breeze and he sighed as he remembered one of the few times he had been allowed to see the ballrooms of Baron Happy Hooves. The music was the same, with flares of the modern mixed in, but rather than causing pain, it proved a soothing balm to his mind. He breathed in and slowly let it out in a deep hiss. He chuckled at hearing his own disguise. “Enjoying yourself?” Grif asked as he exited the room. His tone was a bit sharp. “Yes,” Pensword started before turning to his friend. “What noble offended you?” He looked to the sky and created a sound that would possibly freeze even Sombra’s heart. He sighed. “It seems I cannot whistle properly with this … alteration.” “No noble,” Grif responded. “I guess I just took it too far with Conor. He legitimately threatened me in there.” “Grif, he is a Pony, a Unicorn, and a Human. He knows he is leaving soon, and he is finding that it is not so cut and dry in detaching himself emotionally.” He growled and began to remove his mask. “I sound like I am lecturing you and berating you.” Grif stopped Pensword from removing his mask as he used his other taloned hand to motion for Pensword to continue. “Anyway, Grif, how many dances has he had? How well does he know the waltz and dances of the courts with his body? He most likely has caused bumps and bruises.” He growled again. “Still, he is not fully off the hook on threatening, but we... “ he stopped and began to chuckle, disturbing a small cluster of crystal bats as they flew away, their shimmering wings chiming in the air.  “This is a battlefield we are not used to. We are all high strung. The last time I was at a party like this, I was a foal in Mountainside Falls.” “Sometimes I miss war.” Grif sighed. “War was always so simple.” “Yes, and no,” Pensword answered. “I had the help of some higher-ups back then. Otherwise, I could have made mistakes. I could have let supplies slip, or even attacked a civilian group.” He sighed. “Grif, I am happy we do not have to fight the old ways, that all we have to remind us are these old customs and dances. If anything, when word spreads who did that courtship dance of the herd, it will make a stronger tie. I can see already that the Lunar Court is having a much quicker and easier time with the Crystal Court than the Solar Court, but time will come, time will change, and the courts of today will not survive tomorrow. Eventually, we will have a hybrid of the two: past and present to create (hopefully) a better future.” “Maybe,” Grif said, “but there was a lot less politics back then.” “Maybe with the Gryphons, but I assure you, politics were a little more messy in Equestria. Happy Hooves allowed the Thestrals to hunt on his land, to camp on his land, to live off it and contribute to it by keeping it healthy. His brother, on the other hoof, only wanted the wealth, to expel the Thestrals, and targeted any family that was half breed. However, he could not target families of those who had served or were actively serving in the military. Grandma told me much later that there was an entire plot behind me being expelled so my family’s land could be confiscated and given to a minor noble farming family.” He snorted and pawed at the ground. “That was the old way of doing things. I say good riddance to them.” Grif had never heard this from Pensword. Judging by Lunar Fang’s gasp as she walked out from the shadows, neither had she. Silently, she approached Pensword and hugged him with a wing. “And yet, during the war itself, we were untouchable, not bogged down by all this pomp and infighting,” Grif said. “We did what was necessary, and the consequences be damned.” “Agreed,” Pensword said, his voice still altered by the effects of Twilight’s spell. “Still, we must realize that this is another phase, and I look forward to it, or rather…” he tapped a hoof to his head. Grif knew who was looking forward to the politics and maneuvering to come. “Maybe.” Grif nodded. “But I still miss the simplicity.” “So do I, my friend. So do I.” He paused and shook his head. “Do you hear drums and chanting?” He paused to listen for a moment, his ears swivelling to hone in, but it was gone. “That was odd.” “Gryphons always hear the drums, my friend. You’ll have to be more specific.” “I cannot. I just... “ He frowned and twitched an ear in an odd manner. “Matthew thinks he recalls it… something about dragons…” He shook his head. “Whatever that means.” “Well, I’d best get back in there,” Grif said. “The girls will wonder what happened to me.” “Sounds good. I think I shall enjoy the night with my little--.” He did not get to finish as Lunar Fang kissed him. Her eyes twinkled knowingly as she wrapped her hooves around him. Vital Spark approached the Margravine and Silk, then did a double take as he noticed the monocle trailing down behind the mask, and the wavy honey-blonde mane was clearly dyed as a few stray pink and white hairs broke through. “... Fancypants? Fleur Dis Lee? Is that you?” “Do we know you, sir?” Fancy Pants asked in a confused tone as he regrettingly removed his mask. “No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure, but I am a friend of Hammer Strike’s. He has told me much about you.” “How the devil would you have been able to pick us out under the effects of the charm, then?” Vital shrugged. “I merely noticed the monocle and the stray hairs. I think you might want to find a better stylist to dye it next time, your ladyship, if you’ll forgive my boldness. But what possessed you two to become these characters?” “We thought it might be a pleasant change. We discovered them in a series of books that were recently published by a stallion named Dagwood Endings. And since we both have a little difficulty stomaching the nobility back home, we thought this would make for a pleasant change. Besides, I haven’t been able to treat my husband like this in years, and I must admit, it is rather fun,” Fleur de Lis said, giggling mischievously at the mock pained expression that came over Fancy Pants’ face. “Yes, quite the amazing fellow, that,” Fancy Pants said. “Clearly,” Vital Spark said, smirking behind his mask. “He’s one of my favorite authors, actually.” “Mine, too!” Fleur exclaimed. “We simply must get together to discuss the books later. I assume you must be from Equestria as well to know Hammer Strike personally. “I … wouldn’t say I am a native to Equestria. However, Hammer Strike has taken good care of me after an incident separated me from my family. It would be an honor to discuss these books with you, madam, especially when I love them so much. I will make sure to send you a letter after we return to Equestria to iron out the details.” Fleur nodded her head. “I shall anxiously await the invitation, sir.” She smiled kindly as she removed her mask. “I don’t believe we got your name, my friend,” Fancy pants said. Vital smiled slyly. “Now now, Fancy Pants, if I were to tell that here, then I would have to remove my own mask, and that wouldn't be very sporting now, would it?” The guitar music playing in the background yet again added a mysterious air about him as he turned with a dramatic flourish of his cape. “We will be in touch. Enjoy the rest of your festivities. I highly recommend the crystal berry punch.” “Enjoy the evening then, my friend.” The noble nodded as his wife and the pair left the dance floor. Vital continued to roam the dance hall for a time before taking a seat at one of the side tables. A white Unicorn stallion with a padded stainless steel mask chewed his salad slowly as he took in the crowd. An emerald green cloak surrounded his main body as glinting armored leg pieces shone in the ballroom’s light. “Well guessed,” the figure said in a deep muffled voice. “Excuse me?” Vital asked, startled. “It’s not easy to guess the identities of others under the charm, yet you almost seemed to know them on sight,” he noted. “I had a good description of them before I left Equestria,” Vital said, somewhat defensively. “From Lord Hammer Strike?” the voice seemed so much more curious about this subject. “Yes. He took me in after I was separated from my family by Discord. He is very kind.” “I… see. You are very privileged. Not many ponies can get so close to Lord Hammer Strike.” “Really? From what I’ve seen of his compound, almost everyone is. They respect him as a leader, and love him like a brother. Though, I suppose only a few really get to see his true face. Most of the time he’s guarded when he’s away from home. I can’t say I blame him, though. He’s faced so much.” “Possibly. He’s simply a mystery to those of us who do not live close by.” “Yeah, I noticed that. I think it has to do with all the nobles in Equestria. Everypony’s trying to get an angle on him in one way or another. Well, at least most of the nobles in Canterlot.” “Well, then,” the masked figure said, raising from the table and turning to leave. “Enjoy your evening.” “A moment, please,” Vital said. “Your costume’s name. What is it?” “Baron von Groom, a popular villain from the, ahem, Power Ponies series. My servants thought it would be a most fitting costume for a masquerade.” “It is. He reminds me of a villain from my own homeland. Farewell, sir. And thank you for the conversation.” Rarity tugged Hammer Strike along as ten layers of magically enforced cloths lay tied around his head. She smiled as she slowly trotted across the old crystal floors and looked around the ancient tapestries. “Just a little farther, dear. Then we can take those dreadful things off. Or you can burn them. Whichever you prefer.” “We’ll see what comes first, hmm?” “That’s why I enforced them with magic, dear,” she said as one of them burned away and smoke drifted up from the cloths in question. “We’re nearly there, anyways, and I have something special planned for you.” “Can’t wait to see it.” “That and you’re glad to be away from the crowd at the dance floor, aren’t you?” She stopped a moment and drew his muzzle to hers for a brief kiss. Hammer Strike gave a grin as they separated. “You know me so well.” “Only as much as you know me.” She caressed his face with her tail before pulling him further into the depths of the palace, leading him down a series of stairs before a familiar heavy creak of metal hinges caused the corners of his lips to pull up ever so slightly. “We’re here, darling.” In an instant, the blindfolds were incinerated and Hammer Strike stared at the crystal forge. One of the work tables had been carefully cleaned off and the tools hung in each of their respective places, carefully polished, oiled, and cleaned. A simple, yet tasteful table cloth reached halfway to the ground. On top of it, a large pan steamed in the middle next to a crystal decanter. Two simple steel cups lay on the table, carefully etched, but otherwise unadorned with a pair of plates. The scent of freshly cooked tomato sauce and melted cheese wafted through the room. “It’s … not much, but I hope you like it.” “It’s perfect.” He gave her a smile. “Really?” Rarity asked as her eyes began to water. “You couldn’t do anything but perfection.” “Oh now you’re just teasing.” Rarity smirked, then kissed him again. “My little sister may not be the best cook in Equestria, but I’ve managed to learn a good recipe or two over the years. I hope eggplant parmesan is to your liking? And afterwards, perhaps we can … fire things up a bit.” “Sounds wonderful.” “Well, then … right this way.” Rarity giggled as the pair walked to the table together, her magic shutting the doors with a certain finality before a sign materialized on the outside labeled Do Not Disturb. Pensword looked about as the last guests left and he allowed himself some time to just let his form sag a little. “That….” he growled in frustration and removed his mask, gasping for air as his normal voice returned to everypony’s ears. “I never want to wear that mask again.” He shuddered. “It unnerved my own ears hearing my voice sound like that.” He looked at the others and then to the four princesses. “This was an interesting night,” he muttered. “Only the Solar Court was trying to find out who I was all night.” “Could have been worse,” Grif said as he removed his mask piece from his face. “Nothing blew up, nobody died, nothing spontaneously combusted. Honestly, it was almost a boring night for us.” “And you jinx us,” Pensword muttered. Grif shrugged. “I think we’ll live, buddy.” “Say, anybody seen Hammer Strike?” Vital asked, relieved to finally not have that annoying guitar accompaniment to his voice, though he did miss the Hispanic accent just a bit. “Last I saw, Rarity was leading him off the dance floor,” Lunar Fang said. “Oh, in that case, everything’s fine. So what’s next in our fine and busy schedule, m’ladies?” Vital Spark asked as he gave a satirical bow. “Princesses, or Royal Highness,” Pensword growled out in annoyance. “I think sleep,” Luna said, looking to the other three yawning princesses. “We have a long week ahead of us.” Luna looked to Pensword. “It is allowable, High Duke.” “Of course,” Pensword answered as he bowed his head. “So when does this summit start anyways?” Vital asked. “Tomorrow.” Cadence yawned. “So it definitely seems like a good idea we all get some rest.” Grif nodded as he looked to Shrial and Avalon, who were both yawning. “Not just the princesses. I think we all could use the rest. I don’t think these two will make it back,” he said in a somewhat teasing tone as he gave each gryphoness a nuzzle. “I’d appreciate it if you three would stay here in the palace tonight,” Cadence said, thinking quickly to make it seem more for her sake than theirs. “I’d feel safer knowing you were close by.” “I guess I’ll be making my way back to the villa by myself then,” Vital said, sighing. “No.” Pensword shook his head adamantly. “Oh no. I am not trusting you getting home on your own. You’ll find some shiny something and go off and worry me sick. No, you are going to take one of the rooms and stay here. Besides, you still need to rest from what happened earlier.” He smirked at Vital’s confused look. “Grif told me about the concussion. If we stay, you stay.” “I don’t want to be an inconvenience…” “A concussion? When did this happen?” Cadence asked in a shocked tone. Turning to Vital, she shook her head. “You’re not leaving until my doctors have a look at you.” “But I already got checked out once.” Vital practically deflated. Pensword placed a consoling wing over his friend’s back. “But are you going to pass up on getting treated by a royal doctor? Free of charge, too. And I think you will enjoy this evening. We can have you checked out tomorrow while we are stuck in meetings all day.” “Using me as an excuse to get out of boring diplomatic duties, Pensword? I’m shocked.” Vital chuckled, then broke out into full-throated laughter at Pensword’s expression. “Relax, Pensword, I was just joking.” “Who said anything about being there with you? You get to be there all on your own.” Pensword’s expression swiftly turned unreadable. Lunar Fang looked between the two before putting a hoof to her forehead. “Brothers,” she muttered. “Oh, Cadence, where is Moon River? Or did you plan on us staying here from the start?” she asked, her tone layered with a heavy sweetness. A collective shudder ran through the room. “I may have instructed the guard to bring her to a spare room where she could sleep until you two were free.” “Take us to her,” Pensword said. A pair of crystal guards approached and gestured for the two parents to follow, leading them silently from the hall. “And can we get a guide to our room?” Grif asked as another set of guards hopped to attention. “... I guess I’ll ask for the same service? Or am I supposed to go straight to the royal infirmary?” As Vital, Grif, and his wives left the room, Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and the Mane Six minus Rarity proceeded to head towards their own rooms, leaving the massive ballroom empty. Pensword walked beside Lunar Fang as they clopped through the corridors of the Crystal Palace. It seemed that the pillars of the structure led both up and down, and some of the quarters provided had been set up underground. He was very pleased at that. Fox Feather trotted slowly behind. As soon as they reached the indicated room, the guards pushed the doors open and Lunar Fang swiftly made her way through the room. At first sight, she hadn’t seen Moon River. It wasn’t until a second glance that she noticed the foal sleeping happily in the center of a large pile of stuffed animals. Letting out a sigh of relief, Lunar Fang approached the bed, nuzzling her daughter gently amongst what she could only guess were her carnevale prizes. Pensword look to one of the guards questioningly while Fox Feather proceeded to squee and quickly moved to cuddle on the other side of the pile of stuffed animals. “She did very well with the carnival games,” one of the guards said, answering Pensword’s unspoken query. “Of course, she also managed to charm a few of the vendors as well.” “Charm?” Pensword asked, a worried expression forming on his muzzle as he pondered just what his daughter was learning. He might have to teach her things a lot earlier then he had first planned. The second guard, a slightly smaller crystal mare, spoke up. “With all due respect, Commander, she is ridiculously adorable.” “That is true. All I need to know,” Pensword answered. “As for the other parts, the carnival games… How did she win those? Even I had trouble playing a few of them earlier today.” “Your daughter has good aim, Sir,” one of the guards chuckled. “We learned that the hard way.” “What did you do?” Pensword asked, finally loosing a chuckle of his own. “What earned you the hard lesson?” His tone, while light, still held the weight of a father worried for his daughter. “It seems your daughter had a crossbow on her.” The stallion laughed. “Yes, I cannot seem to get it out of her hooves. Most likely, it is buried under that pile with her. Still, did you not read the report I had to give to any guards assigned to watch her?” “Yes, Sir,” they saluted. “So why is a crossbolt such a surprise to you all?” Pensword asked. “And tell me, what did she do?” He asked, using a wing to signal the narration to continue. “Her looks are very deceptive,” the mare noted. “We didn’t even realize it was her the first time.” Pensword saw the flick of his wife’s ear and spoke the next question, doing his best to suppress a grin. “Why? You are her guards and escorts. You should be able to spot her in a crowd, even when she is trying to be deceptive. You are not in trouble. The fact that you all survived is a testament to your prowess. Just know that you have already volunteered to be her guards for the rest of our stay here.” The guards were unsure how to respond. They simply saluted. “Well, what happened the first time?” Pensword repeated again. “We were in the stands. When we turned to scan the surroundings, something hit me on the neck, but when I looked back, your daughter was sitting where we put her, looking up innocently. I stayed behind while my partner went to scan the surroundings. I turned my head for only a moment and my partner got shot in the flank. Your daughter is fast, but fortunately, not quite fast enough. I turned back just in time to catch her hiding the crossbow. Pensword chuckled and nodded. “Excellent, excellent. You’re dismissed for the evening. Good night. May you do well, and we’ll see you in the morning.” He turned around and slowly trotted down to the head of the pile of plushies. “See what my daughter does with her mountain of prey,” he said, chuckling as he cooed over the sleeping child. “Goodnight, Sir.” The guards saluted again before turning to leave. Sunset Shimmer snuck silently through the halls of the Crystal Palace. The hallways were desolate and empty save for a guard here and there. Making her way through them was easy. Her earlier reconnaissance had granted her a chance to get both the location of her target as well as the movements for the guards. Carefully timing her own movements, she made her way through the dark until she reached the room of one Princess Twilight Sparkle. The plan was going perfectly. She even managed to steal the element of magic and replace it with the fake she had procured from her school. She had almost knocked over a lamp, but caught it in her magic before it landed.  Unfortunately for her, in the dark of the room she stumbled and ended up smashing into the tail of the baby Dragon sleeping nearby. Sunset growled as she heard the Dragon stir before he shouted in alarm. She grit her teeth and took flight just as she heard the calls from the princess. “My crown! She’s got my crown!” Sunset didn’t look back as she heard more calls spread through the palace. The place was coming alive, and that meant she had to get out of there fast. She was surprised as the princess appeared before her in a purple flash, but only momentarily before she fired her own horn and teleported past. She was shocked for a moment, realizing her cloak was no longer with her. Looking back in her gallop, she discovered it had been nailed down with a feather-shaped knife holding it to the crystal floor. She continued to run, only to encounter a large black Gryphon standing a few feet away with a throwing blade in his talons. Sunset ignited her horn for a second time and teleported past him. Grif swore under his breath as he took off after the mare. He had been fortunate enough to have his throwing blades on him, but was without Vigilance and Vengeance. They lay back in his room. As he continued the chase, he reached out and tore a weapon from the wall. Checking, he cursed again, seeing the plain epée. The wind picked up as he forced himself in front of the fleeing Pony, only for her to teleport once again in front of him. Annoyed, he accelerated again, this time swinging as he stopped before her. His epée hit air as her horn ignited and she teleported again. He turned to chase, only to trip as ice climbed up and covered his back paw. Grif looked to Twilight as he worked to get his paw out. “Go, go; I’ll catch up!” From behind, he heard Pensword’s wings flapping as the Thestral-Pegasus hybrid landed next to him. Pulling out a trusty dagger, he quickly began to chip away at the ice. “Sorry I don’t have anything better,” Pensword said. Grif managed to break the ice a few seconds later and rushed forward again just in time to see a flash of gold as something went through the mirror, followed moments later by the yellow and red Unicorn. Without thinking, he pushed forward with more speed, and his friends watched as he vanished into the glass. Pensword froze as he saw the tip of Grif’s tail disappear into the mirror. Soon after, Celestia trotted in with Luna and the others. He sighed. “I do not see Conor. I’ll go get him.” He paused before a smile crept onto his own muzzle. “I am so going to enjoy waking him up.” He turned around and trotted out the room as he nodded to Lunar Fang, Moon River, and Fox Feather. “I’ll see you soon.” “What in the world is going on?” Hammer Strike called out as he entered the room. Rarity yawned right behind him. “Yes, and why did it have to interrupt my beauty sleep?” Celestia sighed. “I’ll explain everything once everyone is gathered. It’s … going to take some time.” “So let me get this straight. Starswirl succeeded with his experiments, created a portal to another world, you kept this mirror completely unguarded in Equestria with a minimal guard after you transferred it here to the Crystal Empire, and on top of it all, you let your prized student go instead of running after her to bring her home, which was completely irresponsible and guaranteed to bite you back in the butt, which it now has in a big way that could completely destroy the entire fabric of order in Equestria. What the buck were you thinking?” Vital Spark yelled. “Only Grif can do that, Conor,” Pensword said, a pained expression crossing his muzzle as he listened to the triad. “Please, please show respect, as you are still the only representative we have for Earth.” “Says the Pony that woke me up with a bucket of water!” “You wanted me to play Revile in your room?” He asked with a smirk. “I did try to shake you, talk to you, yell at you even. Despite all of that, you still were sleeping.” “I was recovering from a freaking concussion! And besides that, I’m not the only one who’s pissed. We’re not the only ones who’ll notice this, Celestia, and you know exactly who I’m talking about. Before Pensword’s oh-so-generous waking methods, I was in a very deep conversation with a certain mother who was very frantic for one of her children, and reaching out this far made her very, very tired.” Pensword gave Vital a sideway glance. “Concussion or not, you were still expected to wake up when talked to. My, how times have changed.” Pensword paused and gears turned in his head. “Hold on…” He stopped, before looking suspiciously back at Vital. “We shall talk later.” He turned to look at Celestia. “Shall I pull up a squad to go after the element?” “No, Pensword, to do so would only serve to cause fear and panic. This kind of a mission requires a delicate touch. Luna, Cadence, and I will work on crowd control and media. We’ll make sure none of this gets out. Fortunately, since Sunset Shimmer left the fake crown, we can act as if nothing is wrong and proceed with things as normal. Meanwhile, Twilight, you need to go into this new world and retrieve the element of magic. Without its power here, Equestria is virtually defenseless.” “If that’s the case, then we’re going with her. Ain’t that right, girls?” Applejack asked. Celestia shook her head. “No, Applejack. I’m afraid that’s not possible. The balance will already be disturbed enough as it is with one element gone. If all six of you were to leave at once, there could be dire consequences. We need you five to stay here. This is a task Princess Twilight will need to carry on alone.” “Yeah … no,” Hammer Strike replied. “Sending someone who has no idea what is on the other side on a mission like this? Not going to happen.” “So,” Pensword spoke up. “When do we leave?” “Isn’t it obvious?” Vital asked. “As soon as possible. Get your gear and return to the mirror,” Hammer Strike Responded. “I’m coming, too,” Lunar Fang said. “Fox Feather, you and Cadence will watch Moon River. It’ll help her get more familiar with your presence.” She turned her head to glare at Hammer Strike. “I’ve missed quite enough of my mate’s adventures. I am going, and that is final.” “I don’t care. You want to go, then get your gear as well. We’re wasting time,” Hammer Strike said. “Lunar Fang, pack our gear. I am going to pack with Vital and get him a bug out bag for this and any future adventures.” His wife nodded and kissed him on the muzzle before taking off to their quarters. Pensword looked to his daughter. “Be nice, Moon River, and I will get you a gift from my adventure.” Moon River just booped his nose in response and smiled. “She’ll be in good hooves. After all, we have the world’s best foalsitter here to help.” Celestia smiled weakly. “And you, Twilight.” Hammer Strike turned towards her. “I don’t care what is on the other side. While we are all there, you are listening to my orders, understood?” “I--of course,” Twilight said, taken by surprise by Hammer Strike’s forthright attitude. “Now remember, you’ll only have five days before the portal closes again, and then you’ll be trapped for another thirty lunar cycles. You must reclaim the crown and return to Equestria before then. And … if possible, please … bring Sunset home.” “Wonderful. Add on a time limit and an extra.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Primary priority is the element. Secondary is her.” “... I understand.” Celestia bowed her head. “Good luck. And may Faust prosper your journey.” “So … who’s gonna take the plunge fir--and he’s gone,” Vital said, watching the ripples across the mirror. Hammer Strike had passed through before Vital could even finish the question. They had returned with their gear within thirty minutes of their little discussion. Pensword approached the mirror next. “Well, you asked, so you get to go next. Thank you for volunteering yourself.” Vital rolled his eyes. “You’re still not getting off the hook, mister,” he said as he passed through the mirror’s surface. Spike clung to Applejack’s leg, trembling as the time came for each Pony to pass through. Pensword looked to Lunar Fang. After a final check on their bags, they approached the mirror together. Pensword paused and looked at portal. “Through the Looking Glass,” Pensword whispered with laugh. “Dear, if we meet a talking cat, we had better be ready for playing card guards.” And with that, Pensword broke into a fit of giggles as the pair stepped through, one after the other, and vanished in a sea of silver. Twilight passed through the mirror last, looking back nervously for one final time before she disappeared into the silver ripples. Just as she finished, fear gripped Spike and he made for the mirror, slipping through before anyone could have the chance to stop him.