//------------------------------// // Ch. 25: Cloudsdale Lost // Story: Legacy of the Pegasi // by secret89 //------------------------------// Legacy of the Pegasi: Ch. 25: Cloudsdale Lost Soarin' landed roughly onto the roof of a small cloud building. Less than a second later, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo landed behind him. Soarin' put a hoof to his lips, signaling the other two to remain silent as they stealthily joined him near the edge. The hidden trio peered across a vast plaza that separated the smaller and demure structures from the Cloudsdale Senate Chambers. The largest single structure in all of Cloudsdale, the Chambers projected a supreme sense of power and majesty, as if demanding fealty from those in the city and beyond. It's four towers stood stalwart, proudly bearing flags of the city's standard. Even the regal, setting sun seemed to notice, its rays casting the supreme seat of pegasi political power in Equestria in an exalted glory. Soarin's eyes lowered from the Chambers, scanning across the plaza. His eyes lit up. “There! Look!” Rainbow and Scootaloo followed the stallion's pointing hoof. Through the crowds below, there was a steady and unimpeded stream of black cloaked pegasi walking up toward the Chamber's entrance. Cheers filled the air as the crowds called out their support for the Tempest Guard. Slowly the crowds followed the marching Tempest Guards into the Chambers. “They're cheering for them?” Scootaloo said. “Don't they know who these guys are?” Rainbow added. “Apparently not,” Soarin' said grimly. A flicker of movement caught Soarin's attention. Something that seemed familiar. Several structures to the trio's right bounded several teams of Wonderbolts. Each were clad in black uniforms and heavily armed and armored. With tactical precision they moved across the roof tops, making their way toward the Senate Chambers. “But they do,” Soarin' said, pointing toward the Wonderbolts. “Holy crap,” Scootaloo remarked. “Those guys are packing some serious firepower.” “This is bad,” Soarin' said. “Even with all that, they won't be able to take on the Archon.” “Umm, guys?” Rainbow Dash said. “It's about to get worse.” She pointed toward the of the plaza. Now deserted of the crowds, the plaza was empty. Princess Luna stuck out like a rusty horseshoe as she lightly landed in the expanse. Her gait betrayed her intent, as she marched quickly toward the Chambers. “Bad? This is great!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “This totally evens the score!” “Scootaloo keep quiet!” Soarin' hissed. Scootaloo hovered into the air. “We just need to get her atten- OOF!” Soarin' jumped into the air, tackling Scootaloo to the ground. He placed his hoof over her mouth as gently as he could, though from Scootaloo's squirms and muffled protests, she was far from appreciative. “You were going to give us away,” Soarin' said evenly. Scootaloo stopped moving, looking at the Wonderbolt in confusion. “Look outs at the towers,” Rainbow deadpanned. Scootaloo got to her hooves, shooting Soarin' dirty looks. Her face fell though when she saw the black robed Tempest Guards posted at each tower of the Senate Chambers. “Ponyfeathers! What are we going to do now?” “We have to get inside,” Soarin' stated. “Do we have a plan once we do? An Archon, Princess Luna, Tempest Guards and a Wonderbolt hit team?” Rainbow listed. “It's like walking into a super powered war zone.” Soarin' inwardly grimaced. In truth, he didn't have any idea what they would be able to do. “Luna can take care of herself. At the very least we can try to intercept the rest of the Wonderbolts and convince them to get to Los Pegasus. Beyond that, well,” Soarin' trailed off, smirking. “We're pegasi. We'll wing it and hope for the best.” Rainbow grinned, her wings fidgeting in excitement “Now you're talking. Let's do it!” I can't lose them. Scootaloo's voice sounded in Soarin's ear. “Huh?” Soarin' looked at Scootaloo. “Lose what?” Rainbow and Scootaloo shared an odd look at Soarin'. “Um, what?” Scootaloo asked. “Didn't you say something?” Scootaloo looked oddly at Soarin'. “Um, no.” “Oh. Um. Okay,” Soarin said. I have to protect them. Soarin's eyes widened. No doubt that was Scootaloo. But the mare's mouth hadn't moved, even as the words reached his ears. A light bulb went off in Soarin's head. Not my ears. In my head. “You okay Soarin'?” Rainbow asked. “Yeah,” Soarin' shrugged. There would be time to speculate later. “Stay close to me and follow my lead,” he ordered. With a heavy downward flap, Soarin' thrust himself straight up into the air, making a beeline for the nearest cloud. With Rainbow and Scootaloo just behind the trio bounded from cloud to cloud, higher and higher above the Senate Chambers. Eventually Soarin' stopped, positioning the trio above two of the towers. Soarin' pointed to the left tower. “Rainbow you take that one, I'll take the other. Hit them hard, fast and silent.” Rainbow nodded. “Got it.” “Scootaloo, you stay here. Follow us when you get the signal.” “But-” Scootaloo began to protest. “No buts!” Soarin' snapped. Soarin' had to tear his eyes away from Scootaloo's scowl. Soarin' peered over the edge judging the distance as he eyed his target. If all went well they would slip inside unnoticed. “Ready Rainbow?” Soarin' asked, glancing to the mare. Rainbow crouched low, angling her wings in a windswept posture. She grinned back at the Wonderbolt. “Always, flyboy.” Soarin' allowed himself a small smirk. He crouched low, mimicking Rainbow's posture. He took a deep breath and refocused on the black cloak below. “Go.” Soundlessly Soarin' dropped off the edge of the cloud, Rainbow in tandem at his right. For several seconds both pegasi remained close to one another, only the rushing of wind between them. As the towers neared Rainbow canted her wings, peeling off toward her target. Soarin' adjusted his wings, guiding him toward his tower. As he got closer he angled his wings against the fall, level out and placing the Tempest Guard squarely between his outstretched hooves. By Soarin's estimate he was only five seconds out from the tower. Aided by the setting sun and hidden in the shadow of the tower, he hadn't been seen. The Tempest Guard stared out from his post, completely unaware that several of his bones were about to be forcibly rearranged. Soarin' grinned. His eyes narrowed. Two seconds from impact Soarin' snapped his wings shut. In the span of a second the Tempest Guard's face went through a flurry of emotions: curiosity, alarm, panic and finally, fear. Soarin's outstretched forehooves impacted the Tempest Guard's chest at high speed, one aimed just under the stallion's neck, the other several hooves lower. Several loud snaps accompanied the dull thud as the Tempest Guard impacted the wall. Collar bone. Soarin' thought casually. The Tempest Guard coughed roughly, blood mixed with his spit. And a couple ribs. With the wind knocked out of him, the Tempest Guard began to double over. Soarin' quickly pushed himself off the stallion with a flap of his wings. With his residual momentum Soarin' spun and brought his rear hoof around in a vicious kick that met with the Tempest Guard's face as he fell forward. The force flung the stallion like a rag doll and into the adjacent wall with a dull thud and several more cracks. Defeated, the Tempest Guard laid in a crumpled heap. Soarin' looked out across to the other tower. He couldn't see Rainbow or the Tempest Guard from where he was. He resisted the urge to fly across; Rainbow's aura was focused and in control. And he's down. Too bad Soarin' wasn't here to see it! Rainbow's exuberant voice fazed in and out through Soarin's head. Soarin' shook his head. “Egh, still weird. But...” Soarin' thought for a moment, then focused his aura in a tight cone toward the other tower. Um, Rainbow? Rainbow's head popped out from the tower. Soarin' was just able to make out the confused look on her face. He smirked, waving her over. Half a minute later Rainbow and Scootaloo joined Soarin'. “Guard didn't know what hit 'em,” Rainbow reported. “Good work,” Soarin' said. “This passage will lead straight to the upper rafters of the Senate Chamber,” he said, gesturing to the staircase. Rainbow shivered, recoiling slightly. “Ugh. Stairs.” “From there we should be able to spot the Wonderbolt team. Stay close, stay silent, and don't make a move unless I tell you to.” Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo nodded. “Alright,” Soarin' said, turning toward the darkened staircase. He took a deep breath, and plunged into the darkness, Rainbow and Scootaloo followed, hot on his hooves. Crystal lights lit the archway as the trio approached the end of the staircase. The drone of an impatient crowd filled Soarin's ears. Good. Nothing's happened. Yet, he thought. Slowly Soarin' sided up against the doorway. With a quick peek and a pulse of his aura he confirmed the way ahead was clear. Soarin' dashed ahead silently, slowing to a stop and crouching low against the half wall that ringed the interior of the rafters. Relatively unlit, the rafters were noticeably marked in shadows while vibrant lights from the Chambers below beamed upward, creating a stark contrast between above and below. Thankfully, the general commotion of the ponies beneath Soarin', Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo and their shrouded perch played in their favor. Soarin' waved Rainbow and Scootaloo over. “Now what?” Rainbow said. “We wait.” “Wait?” “Yup.” “That's it?” “Yes. Wait and watch,” Soarin' said, looking over the edge of the wall to the Senate below. The Senate Chamber was packed with pegasi. In the Senate proper every seat was filled, apparently the arrival of the Tempest Guard a momentous enough of an occasion for each Senator to fill their seat. So too it seemed for the spectators, as every viewing seat for the citizenry was packed to the brim, a significant number relegated to standing room. The Tempest Guard already occupied the interior of the Senate Chamber, situated within the horse shoe seating of the Senators. Theirs was a place of honor it seemed, Tempest Guards lining either side of the central walkway into the horse shoe, while more senior members stood near the central podium at the very heart of the Senate. “Seems like the Tempest Guard has made themselves right at home,” Soarin' said. “What the heck is wrong with these ponies?” Rainbow asked. “Can't they see black cloaks? Hay, the name Tempest Guard? These guys practically ooze evil cult! Bad guy 101!” “Might have something to do with their place in history as the Last Archon's body guard. The guy's kinda popular in the legends.” “Um, so what happens when we add an Alicorn?” Rainbow said. Things end up REALLY complicated, Soarin' thought. Sure enough Princess Luna strode into the Senate Chambers. The drone and commotion of the crowed stilled. All eyes followed the midnight mare. Luna walked between the rows of Tempest Guards, not giving them a second glance. She stopped at the bottom of the central dais at a small podium, staged before the Cloudsdale Senate. Princess Luna took a moment to regard the body before her. She then spread her wings wide, genuflecting low. Then slowly rising, she spoke. “Salutem caelum bellatorum. I formally request audience with the High Pegasus Senate of Cloudsdale,” she said in a loud, but not disrespectful voice. Gasps and murmurs wove through the crowd. “A monarch has never greeted this body in one of the ancient rites,” a pegasus stallion responded from within the central dais. He rose from his seat, taking a place behind the receiving podium that towered above Princess Luna. The brown and beige stallion smiled a little too warmly down at Luna. He spoke into the enchanted podium, his voice booming throughout the Senate. “Though your visit is unexpected Princess Luna, it is not unwelcome. In fact, it is well that you should be present for this occasion,” he said. If there was any reaction from Princess Luna, Soarin' couldn't see it. “Who is that guy?” Rainbow asked. “Quick Wit, the Cloudsdale Consul,” Soarin' replied, his eyes still glued to the stallion. “Him?” Rainbow regarded the politician. “I don't like him. Something about him rubs me the wrong way.” Soarin' nodded. “Yeah.” He seems way too comfortable with the Tempest Guard, he thought. The Cloudsdale Consul was the elected governor of the city, chosen by his peers from amongst the Senate. Given his station, he wielded significant political power. “So how does he fit in all this?” Scootaloo asked. “I'm not sure,” Soarin' replied. “But I've already got a bad feeling about it.” Consul Wit turned to the Senate. “The Senate recognizes Princess Luna, diarch of Canterlot.” “That's Princess of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash seethed under her breath. The Consul returned to his seat. He whispered to the senior Tempest Guard seated next to him, shooting concerned glances toward Luna. The hooded pegasus, merely laughed, seemingly reassuring the Consul. A chill ran down Soarin's spine. “The Consul looks worried,” Rainbow observed. “It's more than that,” Soarin' said darkly. “The Tempest Guard has control of the government.” “What?” Scootaloo exclaimed. Soarin' made to reply, by Luna's booming voice interrupted. “I come before you today in the hope of healing,” Luna spoke evenly. “The pegasi have always been an integral part of Equestria, and of that, Cloudsdale is the heart.” Jeers and insults from the citizenry rose and fell, all directed at Princess Luna. Low murmurs filled the Senate, neither in approval or reproach. Despite this, the assembly seemed to regard Luna with a singular steely gaze. Soarin' didn't need his aura to feel the tension that filled the air. “The contributions of the pegasi to Equestria are beyond measure,” Luna continued. “From the early days of Strife when Commander Hurricane and the proud aerial legions aided in the defeat of Discord to the tireless care of the cycle of seasons that allows our fair country to flourish.” Further insults and yells flew from the crowd at Luna. Luna took a moment to pause, regarding the Senate as a whole. Her gaze rested on the Consul and his guests before continuing. “That is why I implore you; do not remove one of the three pillars of the great Harmony of Equestria. Do not allow this corruption,” Luna thrusted a hoof toward the Tempest Guard beside the Consul, “to infect and destroy all we have built. It has already brought tragedy and death. Only more will follow, and all will suffer, including the pegasi, if this assembly remains undeterred.” Luna paused. She glanced up at the trio of statues above her. Finally she spoke. “I am not a pegasus though I bear wings. I am not a child of the stars though I shepherd them. But I knew many. Pegasi of great character and resolve. Strength and honor. I ask you, not as a Princess of Equestria, but as one who has seen war and devastation, to embrace your ancestors' wisdom. Excise these demons,” Luna said sharply, pointing once more to the Tempest Guard, “and preserve the legacy of the pegasi.” Silence. Soarin' watched the Consul like a hawk, trying to discern even a hint of the pegasi's intent. Quick Wit stood up. “Well spoken, Luna,” the Consul said with no small amount of snark. “But your pleas fall on deaf ears.” The Senate rumbled, murmurs billowing amongst the Senators. Citizens cheered and hollered. “You speak of harmony, but I only hear the shackles that have chained our independence.” More cheers, now from many of the Senators. “You speak of the pillars of Equestria, but I see only one that can stand on its own.” Waves of cheers filled the Senate, nearly drowning out the Consul. “You speak of harmony, yet accuse one of our own,” Quick Wit beckoned to his Tempest Guard companion, “as a disease.” The Senate suddenly quieted, cheers replaced by murmurs of uncertainty and disbelief. Quick Wit turned to the hooded Tempest Guard beside him. “The Senate recognizes Senator Silver Wings.” The Tempest Guard lowered his hood. A pegasus with a silver coat and mane. Gasps filled the Senate. “Hey!” Rainbow pointed, “he's from-” “The Everfree Forest,” Soarin' finished. “The leader of the Tempest Guard is a Senator.” “That makes things... worse?” Scootaloo asked. “It means if it wasn't already, Cloudsdale is lost,” Soarin' started, his eyes scanning the crowd. “We need to get to Princess Luna and get out of here.” “We're going to need to move quickly then,” Scootaloo said. “Look!” Soarin' followed Scootaloo's hoof. The Wonderbolts stealthily bounded amongst the upper level of the Senate Chamber, just below the rafters opposite of Soarin' and the other two. With practiced skill they kept to the shadows, taking up positions behind the many statues and columns that lined the upper reaches of the Senate Chamber. Above, a pair of Wonderbolts emerged from the tower staircases and onto the rafters at the far edge of the Chamber, each shouldering crystal snipers as they took up positions peering into the crowd below. “This complicates things,” Soarin' said, still watching his fellow Wonderbolts closely. Where is colonel Pilus? Silver Wings voice boomed through the Senate. “My fellow Senators, citizens of Cloudsdale and esteemed guest,” Silver cast a sidelong glance to Luna. “I stand before you not as a Senator, but as the Captain of the Tempest Guard.” Greater murmurs and hushed commotion came from the crowd. “As you can see,” Silver gestured to the robed pegasi, “our legend is true. As is our mission.” “You bring only ruin!” Luna shouted. “Ah ah ah, a breach of etiquette, Luna,” Quick Wit interrupted. “The Senate no longer recognizes you.” Soarin' could see the smug smile upon the Consul's face. And likely never will again, he thought. Silver nodded to the Consul, turning once again to the crowd. “You know the legends of the Tempest Guard, from where we came. For whom we serve.” The muttering of the crowd intensified. 'Archon' passed in hushed tones. “Our journey has been one of thousands of years, an unbroken mission to bring back our lost glory!” Silver bellowed. “The time has come. As we now have secured our independence from these,” Silver looked squarely at Luna, “false monarchs, we deserve true leadership, one worthy of the pegasi.” Silver turned to the Senate. “The Tempest Guard has dutifully reclaimed the pegasus champion of old.” He bowed low. “I humbly request that this Senate-” “Surrender the Tempest Guard to me,” a firm voice bellowed from the entrance. A lone pegasus walked into the Senate. A brown stallion with a slightly darker mane, he wore black armor, the same as the Wonderbolts above. His helmet was tucked under one wing, with blades lining his primary feathers. Silver oak leaf cluster insignia rested upon his shoulders. The pegasus strode past Princess Luna, rendering the monarch a curt nod before squarely setting his gaze on the Consul. “It's the colonel!” Soarin' said. “What they hay does he think he's going to down there by himself?” Scootaloo asked. “Not talk them down, that's for sure,” Rainbow commented. Her wings bristled as she watched. “Colonel Pilus, what is the meani-” Quick Wit began. “I believed it was obvious when we initiated the Hurricane Contingency,” Pilus said. “You have traitors in your midst Consul Wit,” Pilus said, gesturing to Silver Wings. He looked around the Senate. “Though it seems you have failed to address the Senate of the Contingency.” “A change of plans, colonel,” Quick Wit replied. “Your contingency is no longer necessary.” Soarin' could see the unease on the colonel's face. Through his aura Soarin' could feel Pilus stiffen, as the colonel pieced together the scene before him. “What have you done?” Quick Wit simply looked to Silver Wings. A manic grin spread on the Tempest Guard's face. “A restoration to our lost glory.” Silver turned to the Senate. “I present to you, Typhonis, Lord Archon of Storms!” Soarin's stomach twisted. His aura ran cold as an all too familiar presence immediately filled the Senate. Typhonis walked into the Senate from the opposite entrance. Each hoof step created tiny storm clouds that faintly rumbled and sparked with lightning. With head held high the magnified pegasus stopped in the very center of the Senate Chamber. Gasps filled the Senate as those assembled marveled at the larger than life pegasus. Others pointed, hushed whispers passed amongst them. He's not like he was before, Soarin' thought, taking in the Archon's appearance. If he's physically revived, I'll bet his powers have too. “Do your best to mask you aura,” Soarin' whispered to Rainbow and Scootaloo. “I don't know if the Archon can sense us or not.” All assembled were stunned into silence. Soarin's eyes narrowed on the Archon, his body and aura tense as he waited with baited breath. Typhonis merely gazed across the Senate. As he looked on, a small smile on his face grew into a massive grin. But it wasn't malicious, nor was there any kind of duplicity that Soarin' could discern. As much as he watched with his eyes, he saw with his aura. Pride swelled from Typhonis. Pride and sorrow. “Is he... crying?” Rainbow whispered. Tears fell from the Archon's face, evaporating into ice flakes. Soarin' shivered again. “Salutem filii et stellas,” the Archon spoke in his native tongue, bowing his head to the crowd. “Greetings, children of the stars. I am Typhonis,” the pegasus finally started, “the last member of the Council of Archons that presided over the Legacy Stream and the Skythan Empire. Through the tireless efforts of my personal guard, I come before you, to serve the nation once more. I am...” Typhonis took a moment to compose himself, his massive wings fidgeting with random sparks. “I am happy to see everypegasi. You have endured in my absence, despite everything. I could not be prouder.” Murmurs filled the Senate. Word of 'myth' and 'legend' abounded. Even brave shouts crying for proof. Typhonis rendered a slow nod to the Senate. “Much time has passed, more than even I could have imagined. And though it pains me to see such a loss to our history, your doubts are justified. Allow me to assuage your skepticism.” “S-Soarin'?” Scootaloo said worriedly. She inched closer to the Wonderbolt, never taking her eyes from the Archon. “What's he doing?” Soarin' carefully prodded his aura. He still didn't know much about how their powers worked, but there was no reason to take any chances. Through is own, Soarin' could feel the Archon's aura, its power completely flooding the Senate. But there was no surge of power, nothing that he would expect before any kind of attack. Instead the Archon's aura hummed in a blissful state of harmony, reaching out subtlety to each and every pegasus in the Senate. “He's not going to hurt them, that's for sure,” Soarin' said. “Yeah,” Rainbow agreed in almost disbelief. “It's like, like he's calling to each of them, almost caring for everypegasi here...” “It's vile,” Scootaloo sneered through barred teeth. “That's what it is.” Below the Archon waved his wings about, immediately commanding the clouds around his hooves. Small tufts of cloud rose to his eye level. Gasps filled the crowd. The Archon extended his wings. Lightning jumped in arcs about his feathers. Greater gasps came from the crowd. As if on command, the lightning shot forth from the Archon's wingtips, electrifying each of the clouds. “The elements are mine to control,” Typhonis announced. “From the lightning in the skies,” he gestured to the tiny storm clouds that floated lazily about, “to all the powers of the tempest,” he said, looking above the entrance to the Senate Chamber. The unexpected flash of lightning and a massive thunderclap sounded just outside. All eyes followed the Archon, punctuated by greater cries of wonder and disbelief. The Archon waved his wings again, the very building blocks of the entrance to the Senate parting with his strokes. The open view gave way to the empty courtyard, now occupied by an eerily still storm cloud. With both wings outstretched, Typhonis ensnared the cloud within ropes of lightning. Soarin' winced, rubbing his neck with his hoof. Rains and wind suddenly came forth as the cloud rapidly surged in size. Massive lightning bolts shot forth striking dangerously close to the Senate, while thunderclaps boomed through the Chamber. Screams of terror filled the air. A tornado spun savagely about from the storm cloud, snaking viciously toward the assembly. Typhonis snapped his wings shut. In an instant the tornado disappeared. The winds ceased and the storm cloud dissipated into nothingness. Typhonis waved his wing a final time, restoring the structure of the Senate. Silence filled the assembly. The Archon turned once more to the pegasi around him. He bowed low, with wings outstretched. “I wish to serve the Legacy Stream and the pegasi nation once more.” Quick Wit turned to his peers. “The legends of the Last Archon are true! He has returned to the pegasi just as we have wrested control from the Royals! You have seen this power; there can be no other to lead us!” Soarin' watched as the Senate changed before him. The aura of the Archon molded and wafted about the those of the pegasi, starved auras that flourished under Typhonis' touch. Try as he might, Soarin' could not find any sign of corruption or coercion. The realization made his blood run cold. He didn't have to change anyone. It was all already there... Cheers erupted from the crowds. Cheers of support for the Archon. Waves of applauding hoofbeats cascading down from the Senate. The patriotic fervor was infectious. “He just won without a fight,” Soarin' stated. “What!” Rainbow turned on Soarin'. “We can't just give up on Cloudsdale!” “It's too late.” “You are all deceived!” Luna cried out desperately, trying to stem the tide. But her words only served to stoke the crowd further. Typhonis turned to Luna. “I see you've been quite busy since the last time we met Luna,” he said. “Forging a nation in the wake of Discord's defeat. Most impressive. I'm told you had quite the tantrum a millenia ago. A pity I wasn't there to see it.” Soarin' could see Luna rap her hoof against the ground in anger. Things were quickly getting out of control. “Perhaps I can show you what you missed,” Luna spat back. She flashed a wicked grin. “Tell me, Typhonis, what are your nightmares?” “Boast all you want, little monarch. I'll not suffer a unicorn with false wings!” The tension was unbearably thick. Silver Wings leaped into the air to address the Senate. “I do not see any reason to put this to a vote. Typhonis, Lord Archon will lead from this moment onward!” “I will not follow.” Soarin's eyes followed the defiant voice to Pilus. The armored Wonderbolt stood his ground before the Senate, a barely contained Luna by his side. “Nor will any other member of the Pegasi military. This Archon is the product of the Twin Storms,” he said, pointing to Typhonis. “The Hurricane Contingency is clear: the Tempest Guard and Typhonis are under arrest. This Senate is hereby dissolved under the authorization of Commander Dark Shot.” “Are you out of your mind?!” Quick Wit screamed at Pilus. “We have guaranteed our future, and you choose now to cling to that ancient and decrepit shred of orders?!” Pilus' gaze narrowed on the Consul. “They are as real as the so called Archon who stands beside you.” “I order you to submit!” Quick Wit snarled. “You no longer have the power to do so,” Pilus shot back. Luna's wings bristled as she set her stance beside Pilus. “Canterlot stands by the pegasi military. We will not entertain such madness!” Quick Wit's eyes bugged in his skull. “Do you all see it? We are all betrayed! The military has conspired with the Royals against Cloudsdale and her pegasi!” Cries filled the Senate, screams of treason and betrayal amongst them. Typhonis stepped toward the Wonderbolt. “Even now I sense Hurricane's presence about your aura, pervasive in its corruption.” He turned to Senate. “Know this: the hero of Commander Hurricane that you know is false. It was he who abandoned Skythus to ruin. He who sold the pegasi race to the Equestrian monarchs, what you know as the migration to Equestria. My best friend, who betrayed me.” Soarin' watched, but the colonel made no reply. Instead he nodded toward Princess Luna, then roughly set his helm upon his head. Soarin's eyes widened. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the Wonderbolts fidget in anticipation. He felt the warning through his aura, but there was nothing he could do. Colonel Pilus whipped his wing pointedly. A pair of crystal beams shot from the rafters, shrill, high pitched sears filling the air. Two Tempest Guards fell, wisps of smoke billowing from their skulls. Soarin' watched as Wonderbolts dove into the Senate, tackling Tempest Guards, crystal beams continuing to pour from the snipers. The Senate erupted into chaos. Screams of terror filled the chamber. Soarin' reacted. Without a thought he ran along the length of the rafters, closing the distance where Pilus and Luna would be below. Hoofbeats sounded behind him. “Treason! TREASON!” Silver Wings screamed into the noise. “Pilus has betrayed us to that wretch Luna! They all have!” “Stop them!” Quick Wit yelled. The Tempest Guard began to move toward Pilus and Luna. Soarin' moved without thinking. In a flash he had vaulted over the wall, immediately falling into a dive. “Soarin' wait!” Rainbow's voice seared across Soarin's mind. But there was no time to wait. Soarin' landed into a defensive stance just in front of Luna and Pilus. Less than a second later Rainbow and Scootaloo were by his side. “Soarin'?” Pilus asked. “What are you doing here?!” “Getting you and the Princess out of here sir!” “My mission is to bring the Tempest Guard in. I won't be leaving empty hoofed.” “Nor will I,” Luna seethed, her horn lighting fiercely. Soarin' backed toward the colonel and Luna, Rainbow and Scootaloo tightening the semi-circle at his flanks. Soarin's aura flared haphazardly, traces of Rainbow's amongst it. A Tempest Guard vaulted for Pilus. Rainbow leaped with her wings, bringing her rear hoof around in mighty kick. Her hoof met the attacker's jaw, sending the Guard flying back toward the center of the Chamber. Rainbow remained aloft, both forehooves raised. “Getting kinda of dicey here Soarin!” Soairn' gritted his teeth. Another Tempest Guard made a lunge for the group, Soarin' quickly intercepting the foolish Tempest Guard with a super-pegasus buck. At the same time another charged toward Scootaloo. Mid strike, Soarin' could see Rainbow try to intercept the mare, but even she wasn't fast enough. Scootaloo abruptly ducked low, sweeping her rear hooves at the attacker. Surprised, the mare was unable to stop in time. Her hooves buckled beneath her her, falling to the ground at Scootaloo's hooves. Scootaloo immediately followed the strike, bringing her forehoof across the Guard's face. Barely conscious, the mare made a lazy swipe with her hooves, catching air. Scootaloo roughly grabbed a hold of the mare; brows furrowed in anger and teeth bared. With a vicious snarl she spun into the air and flung the Guard into the wall. Soarin' was momentarily stunned from the display. Scootaloo's aura raged darkly, breaking harshly in and out of the stream between the trio. Scootaloo landed roughly, breathing heavily through bared teeth. “We're outnumbered colonel!” Soarin' called over his shoulder, trying to focus on the task at hand. “And we can't match with the Archon!” Luna bristled. “Do you forget who I am, Wonderbolt?” She spread her wings, her eyes joining her horn with a menacing glow. “I will bring him to his knees!” “Do try, winged rimor calva.” Soarin's eyes snapped to the center of the Chamber. The Archon stood motionless, unperturbed by the chaos around him. His eyes moved from Luna, to Soarin', to Rainbow and Scootaloo. Abruptly the Archon's demeanor shifted. His eyes narrowed, not to Soarin', but onto Rainbow and the armor she wore. Immediately Soarin' felt the entirety of the Archon's aura, which up till recently had filled the Senate Chamber in a lazy and rhythmic pattern, completely refocus in a sharp cone onto Rainbow. Rainbow screamed, falling to the floor and clutching her head. Soarin' and Scootaloo gasped, feeling only a fraction of the Archon's aura feed through Rainbow's. “Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo yelled, her anger replaced with panic. A midnight blue sphere appeared around the group. “Won't... help...” Rainbow sputtered. “S'not... magic.” Soarin' reached out to Rainbow, trying to lighten the load of the Archon's attack. It weakened, but the two of them would not be enough. “Scootaloo, help me!” Soarin' said. “I'm trying!” Scootaloo said, struggling to maintain her composure. She looked terrified. Complete helplessness as Rainbow writhed at her hooves. Out of the corner of his eye, Soarin' saw the Archon look up toward the statues of Hurricane, Ice Wing and Lightning Streak above, then back to the trio below. Shock and disbelief marked his face. “No. It can't be.” The Archon's aura waved through again. Soarin' felt the dark energy tear through his aura, fearfully searching. In an instant it had reached the core of Soarin's aura. Fear morphed into recognition and panic. “You!” The Archon's voice bellowed. Typhonis' aura snapped back like it had been burned. Soarin' helped Rainbow to her hooves, the Archon's aura no longer among them. “You. You three,” The Archon seethed, still looking at Soarin' and the others as if they were a ghost. His gaze refocused, narrowing harshly. “No...” He thrust his wings open, arcs of electricity exploding outward. They grew in intensity, covering Typhonis' wings in an electrical cloak, joined by the bluish volts that danced from his eyes. “No, not again!” He yelled, two massive bolts of electricity shooting forth from his wing tips, carving along Luna's barrier. “Ah!” Luna exclaimed, dropping to a knee. The barrier flickered as the streams buzzed and hummed. Soarin' could see the strain on Luna's face as she struggled to maintain the shield. “His power is... substantial,” Luna said through gritted teeth. The Archon slowly began to advance toward the group. With each step the arcs of electricity grew larger, snaking and snapping more violently around Luna's shield. Additional streams erupted from the Archon's hoofs, traveling through the cloud below and erupting in lightning pillars, chewing into the base of the magical sphere. A violent surge nearly dispelled the barrier completely. The force nearly knocked Luna from her hooves. “Luna? Can you hold on?” Rainbow asked. “He should not be this powerful! Magic of this intensity would rip the host apart!” “Curse you Hurricane,” Typhonis seethed. “Your meddling ends here. I will destroy the legacies once and for all!” With wings drawn wide, Typhonis gathered greater power, his entire body engulfed in electrical currents. Then, with a final heave of his wings, channeled the power through the streams. The electrical intensity engulfed the barrier, bluish light barring sight. The lightning snapped and hissed, sharp arcs assaulting the shield. Soarin' could feel the vibrations in the air, his coat standing on edge. Luna stood defiant, her eyes and horn glowing bright to match the Archon's power. The shield flickered again after another violent slash of lightning. Luna's legs wobbled. Soarin' only caught a moment. An arc of lightning piercing the barrier, instantly connecting to Luna's horn. A flash of purple-bluish light and searing heat. A blood curdling scream. The space around the group exploded in a blue magical wave, hurling Soarin' and the others outward. Soarin's body slammed into the cloud wall, his head taking the brunt of the impact. Stunned from the hit and his sight still blinded from the Archon's blast, Soarin' felt for his aura. “Rainbow, Scootaloo?” “Yeah, I'm okay,” Rainbow replied, her voice fading in an out. Scootaloo's was silent, but her aura hummed in assent, if only sporadically. Soarin' refocused his aura. His senses cleared immediately. A glowing hoof coated in electrical sparks entered his vision. His aura flared in warning. Soarin's barely avoided the strike as he dodged deftly into the air. The Tempest Guard's diving punch impacted the wall, exploding the cloud into a crater. The failed strike didn't slow his attacker. Another warning shot through Soarin' as the cloaked guard's amulet glowed, rapidly pooling electrical power around his hoof. Soarin' thrust his wings again, just as a column of lightning erupted beneath him. The Wonderbolt beat his wings several more times, distancing himself from his attacker. Landing hard on the ground, he was finally able to survey what had descended into a one sided battle. A smoking crater was all that remained from where Luna's shield had been. Residual electricity crawled along it's edges. Wonderbolt commandos continued to dive from the rafters, engaging the Tempest Guard, but they were woefully outnumbered. Luna immediately flew over head, dodging haphazardly about. Typhonis chased after her, continuing to fire blasts of lightning. Luna could only dodge and deflect with magic barriers. Soarin' could see the restraint on her face; she was unwilling to fire back with so many ponies still within the Chamber. Across the Chamber Rainbow and Scootaloo were engaged in their own fight. Rainbow with Silver Wings, while Scootaloo juggled several Tempest Guards. Colonel Pilus was no where to be seen. Soarin' began to run toward Rainbow and Scootaloo, calling out with his aura. Break off, get to me! We're leaving! Rainbow and Scootaloo's aura's flared in and out, indistinguishable words and a flurry of mismatched emotions. Soarin' tried to refocus his aura, but the link was failing. Damn it! Why now?! He broke into a gallop, trying to close the distance to Rainbow and Scootaloo. “RAINBOW! SCOOTALOO! OVERHE-” Out of nowhere Soarin's attacker pummeled into the stallion, charging from the side and driving him into the ground. “You're not going anywhere.” Soarin' looked up at his attacker. There was no malice on his face, only a dry determination. Almost misplaced. Even his words only a statement of fact, nothing more. There was more. He recognized this stallion. From the Everfree, he thought. Confusion, fear and shame. That's what Soarin' had felt back at the Everfree from this nameless Tempest Guard. Despite the severe lack of said emotions from his opponent, Soarin's aura still indicated some kind of significance in front of him. Just as it had before. Urged by his aura, Soarin' spoke. “Who are you?” The Tempest Guard bared his teeth, light beginning to glow once more from his amulet. “I am Windswept, a loyal servant of Typhonis.” He raised his hoof, a sickly green lance forming at the tip and leveled it at Soarin's face. Soarin' kicked with his hind legs, connecting with Windswept's knees. The Tempest Guard flailed as he cried out. The lance at his hoof shot off into the air, exploding into the rafters. Soarin' kicked again, striking the dazed Tempest Guard in the side. The force knocked Windswept several yards away, tumbling roughly as he hit the ground. Surprisingly, the stallion got up quickly. His amulet glowed again. Soarin' popped his wings, thrusting himself onto his hooves. “You're out of your mind!” Soarin' yelled, squaring his stance low at Windswept. “The Archon's vision may seem that way to you,” Windswept stated, leveling his hoof at the Wonderbolt again. “It will be a reality.” “Thousands died!” Soarin shot back. Windswept lifted into the air, hovering above Soarin'. His other hoof began to glow to match the first. “Regrettable, but the lesser races are expendable,” Windswept said casually. Soarin' barred his teeth. “You talk like someone put those words in your mouth. Pegasi died too!” Windswept's face fell. “What? No... Typhonis said...” The glow at Windswept's hooves faltered. Soarin' aura flickered. He charged. Caught off guard, Windswept threw his lances too quickly. Both missed Soarin', landing at his sides. Soarin' pushed faster, trying to close the gap. Windswept snarled, as he hailed a repeated flurry of lances at the Wonderbolt, heaving again and again with his hooves. His amulet flashed rapidly, charge after charge of power pulsing at his hooves. Soarin' dodged, but the closer he came the more quickly Windwept hurled the lances. It didn't help that the Tempest Guard was awkwardly flying backwards, trying to put distance between himself and the Wonderbolt. Light flashed from Windswept's hooves. A pair of lances streaked toward Soairn'. Soarin' aura surged. For a moment, he was no longer in control. His reflexes moved as one with his aura. Power flowed to his wings. They opened, curved like shields at his sides. Raised high, the lances struck his wings, reflecting away. Soarin' caught the look of disbelief in Windswepts eyes. The Tempest Guard roared in anger, answering with a hail of lances. Soarin' charged ahead, deflecting every lance. Com'on, he grinned, just give me one good pitch! He was nearly upon Windswept. He could see the lance leave the Tempest Guard's hoof. There! Soarin' slammed on the brakes, and spun around with his wing wide. The lance connected mid swing, reflecting toward its caster. Windswept's eyes bugged in his head as the lance rocketed back at him. The scream of the lance tore through the air, effortlessly puncturing clean through his left wing. The Tempest Guard screamed, falling to the ground. Soarin' rushed forward, head low. Just before Windswept hit the ground Soarin' struck, his head connecting with the Tempest Guard's chest. A deep crack sounded from Windswept as he was thrown from Soarin's strike. Soarin' didn't stop, still galloping toward Windswept before the latter had even hit the ground. Soarin' leaped into the air just as Windswept's tumbling came to a stop. He landed heavily on the Tempest Guard's back. Windswept cried out, spitting blood. Soarin' flipped Windswept over roughly. The Tempest Guard barely had time to look before Soarin' struck him with a vicious right hook to the face. The strike would have likely broken his neck were it not for the amulet he wore, passive magic barriers triggering to protect him. That didn't mean the pain wasn't substantial. Soarin' struck again as the Tempest Guard squirmed beneath him. “Why are you doing this?” Soarin' screamed. Why are you different from the others? He thought. “I...” Windswept stammered, clearly afraid. Then from nowhere his fears tempered, “I will see the pegasus nation restored!” He declared triumphantly. Soarin' stared at the fanatic. There was almost a glazed look in the Tempest Guard's eyes. Not working. Need to try something else. His aura provided the answer. Only one way to find out, he thought. Soarin' focused his aura, directing it narrowly about Windswept's head. Windswept's amulet flashed in a panic. The wards around the Tempest Guards head fizzled. Windswept's mouth opened in a soundless scream. The sensation of falling from a great height over took Soarin' as his aura pulled him into the Tempest Guard's mind. Soarin' felt himself carried along a current. It felt like something old, ancient, but natural. Like the connection was something inherent to pegasi. It reminded him of gliding, how it felt to catch the updrafts beneath his wings. He could see Windswept's aura. It shone bright, radiant, almost pure. If Soarin' didn't know any better he would have compared it to Spitfire's aura, only a touch less than his own. A sense of ancient lineage wafted about it, generations of the same bloodline carried on. It would have shone bright, were it not for the cloud of red-purple that hung like a haze throughout Windswept's aura. Protected by his own aura and within the ethereal stream, Soarin watched the haze fester in Windswept's mind. It very much resembled the Archon's own, and yet, it seemed to compliment Windswept's aura. The haze amplified Windsept's aura, pushing the latter brighter, stronger, more radiant. And yet, in the undercurrent, the haze seemed to feed on Windswept. Like a hidden parasite. Another part revealed itself to Soarin'. It seemed as if a separate aura, rising deep from within Windswept's own. It carried the same bloodline and lineage, but far older. It seemed immune to the Archon's influence, but floated about weakly. Only a fragment, Soarin' was barely able to make out the teal colored silhouette of an armored pegasus. “Bearer of the Legacy...” Faint words reached Soarin's mind. “The splinter...” Soarin' wasn't sure what to do. “Who are you? What is the splinter?” The visage of the pegasus flickered, the silhouette beginning to fade. “He,” the pegasus gestured toward Windswept's aura, “must heal the splinter.” “But what is the splinter?” Soarin' said again. His aura radiated around this figure, hung upon its every word. The pegasus faded from view. “Free him, Legacy Bearer...” What was that all about? Soarin' thought. His eyes returned to Windswept's aura. Why are you doing this? Soarin' thought. Images of Ponyville destroyed filtered from his mind through to the stream in Windswept's, dissolving and multiplying into more. The rubble of the destroyed town. The tornadoes. Countless dead. The pegasi Soarin' couldn't save. Soarin' winced, trying to hide from smell of burnt flesh, charred from lightning. It too filtered from his aura to Windswept. Windswept's aura twisted and convulsed. Like it was drowning, struggling for air. Soarin' felt a force pound upon his aura. And again. And again. Stronger with each blow. Without warning, he was cast from Windswept's mind, the sensation of being thrown at a hundred miles an hour. It wasn't just a sensation. As Soarin' came to his senses, he found himself on his back several yards from Windswept. The latter was struggling to his hooves. His face was drenched in sweat. The pegasus heaved deep breathes, holding his head in his hooves. “No,... no that can't be right... isn't right...” Can't mess around with this anymore, Soarin' thought. Need to leave. “No!” Windswept screamed at Soarin'. “It isn't right!” The amulet around Windswept's chest began to glow again as the stallion began to charge Soarin'. “LIES! ALL LIES! IT WON'T BE RIGHT! I WON'T LET IT!” Soarin' frowned. Or not. Windswept charged with wild abandon. Instead of lances, lightning shot from the stallion's outstretched wings, powered by his amulet. Soarin' leaped into the air, dodging arcs of electrical bolts. Crap! I need to get rid of that amulet, but brute force won't do it! I need... Soarin' aura tingled. Chunks of ice formed at his hooves, yanking him from the air and nearly pulling him into a lightning bolt. “Hey, hold on damnit!” Soarin' swore, trying to clamp down on his aura. It still threatened to boil over, pushing harder at its elemental powers and reaching out frantically for it's counterparts in Rainbow and Scootaloo. Soarin' pulled into a tight backflip, dodging another lightning bolt. Alright, alright I get! Let's give this a shot. As Soarin' looped over, he could see Windswept galloping below him, the Tempest Guard's electric wings angled up toward him. Lightning flashed, a hail of bolts searing up toward him. Soarin didn't even think the word 'protect', 'defend' or 'shield'. His aura honed in on the concept alone. Soarin' felt the telltale sign of creeping ice along his wings, along with the rhythmic hum of Rainbow and Scootaloo's joined aura. He immediately curled his body tight into a ball, moving into free fall and positioning his wings in front of him The lightning struck, but did no harm. Instead, it struck a massive barrier of thick ice that coated Soarin's wings. Got it! Now I just need to- Soarin' pulled at his wings. They wouldn't budge! The ice continued to grow, fusing his wings together. Soarin' barely had time to see a wide-eyed Windswept below him as the Wonderbolt hurled toward him. Tartarus. Windswept dove out of the way as Soarin' impacted the ground wings first, the ice shattering into fragments. Soarin's tumbled harshly along the ground, finally landing on his back, hooves and wings sprawled out. Damn, Soarin' thought. Well it worked. Kinda. Galloping hooves reached his ears. Windswept charged the Wonderbolt again. His amulet continued to glow, once more bathing the Tempest Guard's wings in electricity. Soarin' pushed himself to his hooves quickly. His body ached, and while his wings were responsive, it was safe to say there probably a few broken bones. Windswept was nearly upon him. The Tempest Guard leaped into the air, trailing lighting from his wings. But instead of coming down with his hooves, Windswept angled his body, preparing to bring the leading edge of his wing down on top of Soarin'. The link to Rainbow and Scootaloo was strong. Soarin' aura roared with power. But not in defense. Bluish-white lightning surged to life along Soarin's wings. He sidestepped, leaned low and brought his right wing up, ignoring the pain. Windswept's strike was vicious, but the Tempest Guard buckled awkwardly as his wing met Soarin's parry. Soarin' rushed left, letting his right wing drop, and bringing the left around in a heavy swing. Windswept ducked as Soarin's attack sailed over his head. He stepped backward a short distance, facing Soarin', then charged the Wonderbolt once more, electric wings level and wide. Left or right? Soarin's eyes darted between Windswept's wings. No signal from his aura. Left or right!? Soarin' mentally yelled. Silence. Wha-shitboth! Soarin' braced himself as Windswept swung both of his wings forward, aimed for his neck. With barely time to react, Soarin' stepped forward, and with blinding reflexes, shot both wings up to block Windswept's decapitation. Wonderbolt and Tempest Guard were nose to nose, only an inch between them. Windswept's face convulsed and twisted, his amulet blinking brighter as he pushed harder against Soarin's wings. Soairn' heaved, holding his own. The lightning at his wings flickered. Suddenly, Windswept's power pushed Soarin' to a knee. Scootaloo's aura flickered first, followed by the young mare's scream of rage. Rainbow's aural link dove after it, trying to maintain the connection, but there was no shielding Soarin' from the ethereal tug in the chain. Rainbow! Scootaloo! Soarin' called out. Soarin' I, Rainbow replied. Scootaloo! Scootaloo! Rainbow's voice trailed off. Windswept continued to bear down on Soarin', staring daggers at the Wonderbolt. His wings inched closer, threatening to crush Soarin's neck with his own wings. “You have no idea what you're trying to stop!” Windswept said through clenched teeth. “No,” Soarin' replied shakily. “The Archon isn't... everything he says he is...” “LIAR!” Windswept bellowed, pushing harder against Soarin's wings. The lightning at Soarin's wings flickered again. It dulled, great bolts and arcs of electricity reduced to a thin veil of sparks. Soarin' gritted as the heat started to reach his wings. “You saw...” Soarin' pushed back defiantly. “In your aura, you saw what I've seen...” “SHUT UP!” Windswept screamed again. Soarin' didn't quit, even the heat intensified at his wings. “You're not meant for this... you need to... heal the splinter,” Soarin' hissed through clenched teeth. Windswept's eyes went wide. “ENOUGH!” Time seemed to freeze. All eyes turned to the Archon at the center of the Senate. Colonel Pilus lay on his stomach, pinned at the neck by the Archon's heavy hoof. “Surrender,” Typhonis called out, broadcasting his voice into chamber. “Or he dies.” “Kill this bastard!” Pilus yelled out. Before anypony could think, the ceiling directly above the Archon exploded. Those civilians and senators that still remained gasped as large portions of the stone-cloud ceiling began to collapse. A column of the destroyed cloud seared toward directly toward Typhonis, the distinct sound of wings and scraping metal screeching through the air. Columns of wind brought on by the flapping wings cleared the haze of cloud. The Archon no longer stood above Pilus, instead there stood a massive armored pegasus, equal in size to Typhonis. It crouched protectively over Pilus, it's back to Soarin' as it faced the Archon. Soarin' didn't wait any longer. The Wonderbolt punched with his forehoof, striking Windswept just under the chin in a vicious uppercut. Windswept cried out, dropping his wings and staggering backward. Immediately Soarin' felt himself enveloped in a tingle of midnight blue magic, followed by a bright flash of white light. A second flash announced his greeting and arrival to the floor, as he was thrown to the ground, landing upside down. Even though the world was upside down, Soarin' quickly spotted Rainbow, Scootaloo and a very ragged and worn out Luna around him. Despite a few nasty gashes, they seemed to have escaped serious injury. Soarin' jumped to his hooves. “Luna, I know you want to stop the Archon, but we're not ready. We have to go!” The moon princess clenched her jaw. “I detest admitting defeat. But the situation is beyond our control.” “Can you teleport us out of here?” “With difficulty,” she replied, as her horn began to glow. “Not yet! I need to rescure Pilus!” “Soarin', have you seen that thing?!” Rainbow shouted pointing toward the center of the Senate. Despite Rainbow's concern, Soarin' began to move where Pilus lay. He didn't get very far. The armored pegasus took a step forward, squaring up against Typhonis. Soarin' could see the rage on Typhonis' face. His eyes narrowed on the armored pegasus. “Aeterni,” he sneered. “How did it survive?” Silver Wings called out from across the room. One of his wings was badly mangled. He limped awkwardly on the ground. “We destroyed them all!” Typhonis took several steps forward. “Nothing but an old relic that would dare chain me once more.” The Archon's wings flared with lightning. He raised them high. The armored pegasus shot forward with blinding speed. One second it had stood still, the next it was like a bullet flying through the air with wings extended. The metal wings glowed bright, as Soarin' felt an unknown aura pulse from the armored pegasus. Taken aback by the sudden move, Typhonis lashed out hastily in an attempt to deter his attacker. Lightning bolts flew past, others simply glinting off the armored pegasus. Rather, it seemed as if the lightning were reflected, bouncing off a projection of the being's aura. Typhonis stumbled backward as the armored pegasus suddenly reared upward, flapping it's massive metal wings to a halt. In that moment the light from its wings erupted into a searing white light that filled the room, then sudden refocused into a sharp cone onto the Archon. Typhonis cried out, stumbling further as he shielded his eyes with his wings. But it was enough. With the Archon stunned, the armored pegasus immediately turned around. It made a beeline for the unconscious Pilus, though not as quick as before. The strike at the Archon seemed to have drained its power, smoke streaming from its wings. Soarin' was finally able to see who it was that had come to their rescue. Or, who it wasn't. Black emptiness filled the armored helm. But neither was there the steely interior of the helm. The blackest black filled it, and Soarin' immediately thought of the horror stories of demonic possession. What in Tartarus? Yet, his aura was the exact opposite. Joyfully it sought out the armored construct that was barreling his way, now with Pilus carefully hoisted over its shoulder. A shimmering silver light faintly hung about the armor's chest. Soarin's mind was made. He turned, galloping back toward the group. The Archon's yells lessened. The Tempest Guard had regained their resolve, moving once more on the group. Green lances poured from the chamber, filling the space between the retreating pegasi. “Luna, be ready!” “What?” Scootaloo called out. “Are you insane?! That thing is coming right for us!” “Soarin we don't even know what that thing is!” Rainbow added. “Trust me!” Soarin' replied. He turned to Luna, silently pleading with her. Luna nodded curtly. Her horn began to glow, the blue teleport bubble expanding just enough to house the small group. She trembled as the sphere pulsed, straining well beyond its capabilities, yearning to be released. The galloping metal pegasi neared the bubble. The Archon leaped into the air, a vicious sneer on his face. A pair of lightning bolts fired from his wing tips, reaching for the metal pegasus. The titan heaved its metal wing, thrusting itself forward and into the bubble. Luna's eyes shot open, filled with white light. Soarin's vision faded as the teleport released in a flash of white.