//------------------------------// // Chapter Sixteen: Shadow's Play Part Two // Story: Light's Rising, Shadow's Fall // by jwizard //------------------------------// Equestria, Mareago, 03-21-05, 11:57 P.M. A.N.M. (After Nightmare Moon) Rainbow Dash had been waiting with as much patience as she could for whatever was going down to go down. Her patience was finally rewarded as the perimeter spell she set earlier- one that was based off of pegacorn mana -was triggered. A pony that was a dead-ringer for her crept into her and Twilight’s suite from the balcony. Rainbow watched as her doppelganger left a set of documents under the coffee table where they could easily be spotted. The shadow then left the way she came in. Once she was certain she was in the clear, Rainbow dropped the cloaking spell she’d been using for most of the night. She walked over to where the documents were and used the exact same spell to hide them as well. She then placed a manilla folder containing a duplicate of their travel itinerary right on top of the other documents. Rainbow frowned. This was too easy, too simple. Anyone who knew anything would see that something like this was a plant. She did a low sweep of the suite, finding similar folders to the ones that she had just disguised. Rainbow snorted. Twilight wanted to treat her to a meal down in the dining room earlier; a chance to unwind as she said, though she mostly used that time to oversee the abrupt change in management. This would have been plenty of time for a maid to lay several more copies of the same documents, to ensure that the frame job would take. Rainbow searched and found each and every one. Using her pegasus mana, she lit each one on fire, then replaced each one with some innocuous piece of trash; papers, a magazine, a set of pamphlets. Once she was finished, she finally went to her own room. Climbing under the sheets, she dispelled the perception spell she had placed on her pillows. This was mostly so she didn’t have to stare at a disturbing life-like stuffed version of herself. Hugging her pillow to herself, Rainbow briefly pined for the pony in the next room. Before she dozed off, Rainbow did all she could to bury her desires; now was not the time nor the place. Time enough after their journey was finished; after all, she now had all the time in the world. Equestria, Mareago, 03-22-05, 9:42 A.M. A.N.M. (After Nightmare Moon) A pounding at the door of their suite woke Twilight from a sound sleep. Twilight made her way groggily to the door, only to see both Silent Watch and the local Captain of the Equestrian Guard present. She blinked at the stallions in confusion, then let them and the coffee tray a quite familiar mare was pushing into the suite. Rainbow had just gotten out of the shower. When she saw who had invited themselves, she rolled her eyes. Making her way over to the door, she shut it in the muzzles of those that were waiting to come in. The Captain frowned. “Miss Dash, I do not care for the disrespect that you have just shown my stallions. We’re here to conduct an investigation, and the sooner the good Captain deigns to allow it, we’ll be done here.” “With all due respect Captain, it’s not Captain Watch’s approval you need, but mine,” Twilight snapped. “In case you’ve forgotten, you’re in the presence of a Princess of Equestria. I can have you and your entire regiment thrown out of Mareago without reason. You’ll be able to conduct said investigation just as soon as I get told what the buck is going on.” Silent Watch struggled not to sigh; just like her mother, Twilight was something of a grouch without her morning coffee. “We’ll wait until you’ve have had some Java Twily. None of that Captain,” the pegasus snapped at the irritated unicorn next to them. “You’re here to help me run said investigation. Frankly, if it weren’t for how thin my men were stretched, I’d do without your boys.” “I’d help him throw you right out the window,” Rainbow said. “I still owe your boys from treating me like a pariah ever since I got into this city.” Struggle scowled. This was not turning out the way he hoped; he had been hoping that the evidence of Rainbow’s perfidy would be enough to finally take the whole family down a peg, despite what evidence the MCMG had that they weren’t sharing. Twilight finally looked as though she was waking up. She smiled apologetically at Silent Watch before turning her now stern gaze onto the other stallion. “Captain Struggle is it? I should have known you would be leading the charge. So, what’s this about? Haven’t you put Rainbow through enough already? I can already tell you that she was here the whole night.” Silent Watch sighed. “Captain Struggle has evidence that Miss Dash was seen leaving the premises of a local business last evening. Shortly after, a set of important documents were found to be missing. Scouts do report that Miss Dash was seen entering this room; however, no pony saw her leave earlier.” Twilight frowned. “If you weren’t here Captain Watch, I’d tell Captain Struggle to go buck himself. But since you’ve asked nicely, I’ll let them search. You stay right there Captain,” she snapped at Struggle when he made to get up. “I don’t care what your evidence is, the fact that you’re involved makes this whole thing suspect.” Rainbow let the other ponies in to begin the search. They all made their way to different parts of the suite. None of them were Rainbow or Twilight’s rooms, as no documents were planted there. The closest stallion found the folder under the table. He brought it over to Captain Struggle, only to stop as the lavender alicorn scowled at him. He handed it to Captain Watch instead, who promptly started laughing. “It seems as though the thief had only stolen an itinerary, though how begs to be seen,” the stallion said in pauses between his laughter. Captain Struggle took the folder in his aura and blanched as he read the contents. “This isn’t right; our informant was quite specific.” “Sir, we’ve checked all other areas,” a Guard-stallion said, interrupting them for a moment. “All we found was dross; nothing of worth.” Silent Watch nodded. As he did so, Rainbow caught the glint of the pin at the lapel of his bulky action uniform. “Well, it seems as though you’ve wasted your time. Everything went according to plan; we arrested the saboteur who had been posing as Miss Dash early this morning. She had a perception disguise around her that was so full of holes, Cerberus could have snuck through. As was suspected, a smear job.” The Equestrian Guard captain made to leave with his men, only to be stopped by a now angry Silent Watch. “Make no mistake about this Captain; personal vendettas have no business in Guard affairs. I had already informed you that your services would no longer be required, and now that we have two detachment of Lunar Guard here, your battalion will be dissolved. I suggest you go home and pack Struggle; Princess Luna is likely to send you to Fort Last Hope over this.” The unicorn stalked off in a huff. Silent Watch waited until they were all gone before frowning. “I certainly hope that you didn’t destroy that evidence Miss Dash; EIS has been watching this very closely, and whatever is there is critical to our investigation.” Rainbow frowned in sudden recognition. “You’re with EIS huh? Are you sure that’s all Watcher?” Silent Watch blinked twice before a slow grin crept onto his muzzle. “Well, Hope be Praised; you’re just as quick as your Grandpa said you were.” He pulled a scroll and a bag of bits out of his saddlebags. “I received this package from one of our couriers this morning, with instructions to hand it to you Miss Dash. Yes I know; I’ve been Sworn as a Watcher since I was a colt.” Rainbow looked around for a moment, then released the spell she had placed on the documents earlier that day. After retrieving them, she handed them over to Silent Watch. “I’ve only glanced at those briefly, but they corroborate some of the evidence me and Twi have already found. I’m sure we’ll find out more as soon as we investigate the places that were all sabotaged. Bright Knowledge took this opportunity to put her two bits in. “EIS already looked at what you had determined Miss Dash. You were correct; they were gathering the materials needed to build a storm generator. We are not sure what the planned to do with it exactly; none of what evidence we we have gathered has given that detail.” “I think I know actually. It’s the same thing they all want nowadays; to level Ponyville. Though it’s not Ponyville they’re after; they want access to that vein of crystal.” Rainbow smiled; it wasn’t a nice smile. “Just shows how stupid they are; nothing of strife, disharmony, or discord can use such magic.” “Rainbow’s right; it would take more power than in all Creation itself to do any real damage to the Tree at this point.” Twilight said. “Even what Discord did only worked because the Seeds were Unbound. Had they planted them, he’d still be a statue.” “Wait, are you saying that the Elements are actually seeds?” Silent Watch asked in slight shock. “I’d heard that there was more to them than what they were used for, but I’ve never heard of them called that before.” “In actuality, they’ve always been referred to in that manner Captain,” Bright Knowledge said in response. “I believe both Star Swirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever referred to them in that fashion. Though I am not certain as to what planting them would have done.” “Well, look at Twi’s castle; there’s more to that  building than just looking gaudy,” Rainbow said. “All of us in the Friendship Council have our own thrones, complete with cutie marks.” Rainbow shuddered. “Come to think about it, I had a strange dream that there was supposed to be some strange map that would appear in the center, in order to send us out on ‘Friendship Missions’.” Twilight cringed. “A Council of Super-Ponies knock-off  telling us how to solve friendship issues? I’m sure Spike would like that, but the idea of taking direction from a talking map is both silly and disturbing. I find it a little concerning that both you and Pinkie Pie have had the same dream.” “Not so much. Though I cannot speak for Miss Pie as I have little experience with Wild Earth Pony magic, I can say that Miss Dash here may have gotten that as a result of her nature,” Bright Knowledge said. “It is part of the protective instinct that all pegacorns have. Sometimes, seeing into alternate realities better enables us to better prepare for troubles in this one.” “Or it just drives us horse-shit insane,” Rainbow said bluntly. Twilight facehoofed at that. Silent Watch took a wand out of his saddlebags and passed it over the documents. A set of two duplicates flashed into existence. He handed one back to Rainbow Dash, and the other to Bright Knowledge. “Miss Dash, word has recently come that you’ve been having problems. Some of your family retainers are now in the city; they should help you should you have any more trouble,” the teal-colored pegasus said as both he and Bright Knowledge made to leave. “Don’t tarry at those places too long. Oh, and by the by, that bag has a flying permit in it as well. That should be a relief to you, though you still need to watch out for construction sites.” Once the two EIS agents were gone, Twilight bent a stern eye on Rainbow Dash. “When were you going to tell me that you had hid those documents Rainbow Dash? We’re in this together; we really have to learn to trust one another better.” Rainbow sighed. “Twi, I’m sorry I didn’t say anything, but I knew that we- and I do mean the both of us -were being watched. Not all of them were connected to EIS either. I really didn’t know what they were planning completely, or even if ‘they’ weren’t more EIS agents.” Rainbow scratched the back of her head. “And some of it was out of concern for you too.” Twilight tilted her head quizzically. “Me? I’m not sure I understand Rainbow.” Rainbow moved closer to the alicorn. “Twilight Sparkle, you have been under tremendous stress since even before we started this quest. I wanted to keep from adding to it if I could, since all this pegacorn business has already added to it.” Twilight blushed cutely. “Rainbow Dash, you are one of my best friends; almost like a sister in many ways. You are never a chore to help. Fairly trying sometimes, but never a chore. And thank you for thinking of me as you have; it helps to know I’m appreciated.” Rainbow levitated a peanut-covered doughnut to her mouth. “Mmh,” she mumbled around the first bite, “these are pretty good.” She then swallowed. “I sure hope you don’t plan on telling AJ that I’ve been mushy; I do have a rep ya know.” “Oh, I’m sure it’ll get out somehow; that is, unless you find a way to keep me quiet,” Twilight said. Both mares looked at each other for a couple of seconds before they started laughing. “I needed that,” Twilight said after a moment. “You’re right in that I’ve been under a lot of stress. It’s not all ‘rainbows and sunshine’ being a princess. I wouldn’t have it any other way though.” Rainbow got a thoughtful look on her muzzle. “I would have said no, but I do actually see why you didn’t refuse. Your own instincts must be twice that of mine if you took a job you didn’t want because of them.” Twilight nodded. “Somewhat, though I’ve heard that pegacorns actually have it harder; your desire to protect is less defined than that of an alicorn. I don’t know if it’s because you represent magic undefined, or something else.” “Huh, I wouldn’t think that there’s a difference, except I know that there is.” Rainbow titled her head in thought. “I mean, I know that I can feel all pony magic that there is, but there doesn’t seem to be a difference. All except for my pegasus magic; I can tell that apart from the others.” Twilight nodded. “Yes, pegacorns have what us ponies once had; just a powerful connection to the Creative forces. Alicorns have the same, but for us it’s different.” Twilight smiled at the playful eye-roll Rainbow gave her. “I’m serious; where you can use your pegacorn mana to do practically anything, I have all three kinds in equal amounts. True harmony.” Rainbow snorted. “You mean all three pony tribes, right? Are you sure that’s it? Because I think the other pony tribes are getting left out.” “Who says they are? Rainbow Dash, the other tribes have alicorns as well, or at least something similar. I admit that I don’t know the full story, but I do know that there are forms of apotheosis for all those that call themselves pony. Even Saddle-Arabians, and they’re more akin to feral horses.” “Huh. Didn’t think they did.” Rainbow pondered that for a moment before continuing. “Well, I wonder why those that have gone through the same thing you have haven’t come forward.” Twilight scowled at that. “Not because they don’t want to, but because the High Council won’t recognize their sovereignty. Ponies don’t realize that Equestria is actually smaller than what maps show; a lot of the territory we have actually belongs to the other pony tribes. If we handed it over, Equestria would shrink to less than one-third the size it is now. That doesn’t make it right though, but Luna argues with me when I say we need to press their case. She wants to adhere to Celestia’s wisdom in this, flawed as that is.” Rainbow shook her head. “Well, as fun as this little discussion has been, I really think we should figure out where to go from here. We can do the tourist thing for the morning, then start making some official visits to the three businesses not affected by the sabotage, and the one hit the hardest.” Twilight looked confused. “Why the ones not affected? They shouldn’t matter.” Rainbow Dash snorted. “For a smart pony Twi, you miss the obvious a lot. The ones that didn’t get hit either didn’t have anything to offer, or were involved or some way.” Rainbow opened the folder, which contained among the blueprints a manifest of materials. “The one that was hit hardest was hit in thefts; the Dockyards. Looking at this, every single one of these listed were involved in some level; they’re all names of the Five Families. The only one I don’t see listed as having suffered severe losses despite severe theft is Wholesome Shipping; of course, that’s because it’s owned by Suri Polomare. I don’t think she’s involved directly; she's too much of a coward. Her name is likely listed as owner to fob off suspicion.” Twilight facehoofed. “Ugh, you’re right Rainbow Dash; I am under too much stress. I write amateur detective stories; I should have spotted this sooner. Reading has really broadened your horizons.” Twilight grinned at the bashful blush Rainbow Dash gave off at the praise; it was a sweet change from her usual boasts. “Yeah, well, it’s a lot more fun than I used to think. Well, let’s go; I’m sure you want to go visit the Natural History Museum, and I’d like to get the most boring part over with as soon as we can.” Twilight just stuck her tongue out at her at that sally. The two mares gathered those things they would need before they left the suite. Once more they decided to take time to themselves, no matter what Celestia might have said to the contrary. Rainbow Dash seldom liked to be wrong about something. Even worse was doing so publicly. However, being wrong about being bored wasn’t one of those things. It was a surprise though.  The Mareago Natural History and Science Museum boasted exhibits for every pony, and in this they delivered. Not only was Rainbow able to find accurate replicas of every worthwhile artifact that Daring Do had ever discovered, but that there was something else that was a little closer to home. For this museum housed the largest collection of pegacorn-related artifacts known to Ponykind. Rainbow Dash wandered the exhibit, learning everything she could about the kind she was now a part of. Some of it she knew was at best an exaggeration; other pieces outright angered her. Rainbow Dash wondered why such chicanery would be included in a historical exhibit. Her answer came in a rather peculiar form. “I see that this exhibit interests you Miss Dash,” one of the curators said. Honest Truth was something of an enigma. He was the only pegasus currently on staff that was a curator; most were in charge of moving highly placed pieces. “Yeah, I do actually. A pony very close to me has found out that this sort of thing now matters,” Rainbow said. “I just don’t understand why you’ve got contested pieces here. That’s what’s got Twilight all in a huff.” She gestured at the heated discussion between Twilight and the Head Curator. “She doesn’t like it when stuff isn’t accurate, and the stuff that claims that pegacorns are only winged unicorns is definitely not accurate.” The pegasus sighed. “Yes, she’s not alone in that. However, she’s arguing with the wrong pony about them; I myself am the one that set this exhibit up.” He gestured at a display of a treatise on pony tribes. “Take this piece for example; the reason I have it here is to illustrate how ponies take what ‘experts’ write as truth. The author was later found to be mistaken; it was later scientifically proved that winged unicorns and horned pegasi are crippled ponies. Their magic doesn’t work properly; some don’t even have any. Those poor ponies are so crippled that they are among the rare ones that never receive a cutie mark.” “Every piece here is explained in detail on the plaques around the centerpiece. It is an effort to show Equestrian citizens that what we know about our precursors and what we’ve been told are not the same thing. I have a vested interest you see; my personal patron has been a member of the Board of Directors for over three centuries.” Rainbow blinked. “Huh; well, that’s something you don’t hear every day.” She wandered over to the main attraction; a statue found in a dig site to the south of the Everfree Forest. “I guess the only ones that really know are the pegacorns themselves, and they’re not talking.” “Oh, it is more that those in power are not listening properly. Most gloss over the fact that our esteemed Diarchy are of pegacorn descent themselves.” Honest Truth looked up as Twilight approached them. “I heard it tell that you’re responsible for some of the garbage that’s in this exhibit,” she said heatedly. “What, pray tell, can you say to justify having it here?” “I have it here, your highness, for that precise reason; that it is dross. These are those things that are contested or have been proven wrong. However, how long after they are discarded and thrown away will it be before we forget how far we have come? History is full of such things; I keep these pieces here- most of which are part of my private collection -not because of their accuracy, but because of their significance in the greater search for truth.” Honest Truth paused for a moment to take a sip of water from the bottle slung over his withers. “Every piece here has been carefully selected as to its impact; both in terms of how it shaped past- and current, most unfortunately -beliefs. Most important is that all of them have later been disproved. Many of these researchers have been almost forgotten, as many were judged as mavericks and the like. Yet all that current experts accept as fact would not be so were it not for their research into disproving what was commonly understood.” Twilight blinked. She then started to read the plaques surrounding the main exhibit. As she did so, her face turned a bright red with embarrassment. “I think I’ve just made a foal of myself. I’m so sorry.” She then grew excited. “So this exhibit is here to encourage discourse? Quite bold I think.” “Personally, I feel that it’s a colossal waste of time,” the Head Curator huffed. “The space could be better served for more worthwhile exhibits.” “And yet, this exhibit alone generates over 300 bits a day in revenue,” said a new voice. The ponies turned, to see a pale pink pegacorn behind them. Swift Breeze smirked as the unicorn blanched. “Since you seem to find it within your power to ignore a summons, I took it upon myself to find you. You’ve been trying to find ways to remove or close down every exhibit I have personally sponsored. I don’t care really; you haven’t the real authority to change anything here, you’re just a curator. The Board- which is made up of my family -actually owns this museum.” “I told you the last time that I don’t take kindly to the disrespect you’ve shown me ever since I was formally handed Chair-mare of the Board. What you fail to realize is that I was given that position simply because there are no better candidates. Also, it’s the sixteenth time in the last two centuries that I’ve been Chair-mare. But your words aren’t why I’m here; I’d heard that you decided to close down the ‘History of Powered Flight’ exhibit due to lack of funds. You didn’t have the authority; your job is to oversee the museum as a whole, to make certain that the exhibits are properly cared for.” “Each exhibit is the responsibility of the curator in charge of it. They are the ones that decide what does or doesn’t go into it. I’ve mentioned that before, but you don’t seem to understand. Personal vendettas against exhibits here because of me isn’t something my family will tolerate. The Board has terminated your employment. Guards!” Two museum guards escorted the former Head Curator out of the museum. “That was most pleasant; he’s been a thorn in my side ever since I found out that he was trying to replace originals with forgeries. Not enough evidence to convict; then again, the Polomare family has yet to learn to stay out of my affairs. I shouldn’t have sliced off Staliant Polomare’s head all those years ago; the family has been nothing but trouble ever since.” All Twilight and Rainbow Dash were able to do was blink. Swift Breeze smiled. “I’d like for you both- and Honest Truth of course -to join me for tea.” After a moment, the mares both nodded. A few minutes later, the ponies were all seated in a private dining hall just off the main restaurant. Both Rainbow Dash and Twilight were shocked at the spread available. “I see that you’re both surprised. I usually don’t eat all of this; most goes to local soup kitchens. My chef complains that I don’t eat enough; I let him though. He’s Prench; it’s a given for them to complain.” After a moment, Rainbow began to eat the grilled haddock before her. Unusually, she ate slowly; the herbs and seasoning in the fish were causing the same soporific effect that Luna’s tea did. Swift Breezes smirked at the blissful expression on Rainbow’s muzzle. “I see you like that dish; one of my personal favorites. Especially good for a still-growing pegacorn.” She rolled her eyes at the shocked expression on Twilight’s muzzle. “Please princess; I’ve lived for over three centuries. I’ve long since mastered the skills necessary to recognize one of my own. Far better at it than Bright Knowledge is. Of course, I learned from Princess Angela herself years ago, so there is that.” Rainbow set her fork down at the mention of Angela. “Okay, I was wondering when it would come to this. So is this the part where you try and convince me to take Sanctuary? Because it’s not likely; I won’t abandon my friends.” Swift Breeze’s smile faded. “I see that my charms aren’t going to work here. Yes, Miss Dash. I seriously suggest that you do travel there; it would be far better for you at least until all of what’s currently happening dies down.” “Angela herself put you up to this, didn’t she?” Twilight asked, a snap in her voice. Swift Breezes said nothing. “Your silence says it all. Well, she likely knows the mission we’re on, and has her own reasons for wanting Rainbow Dash off it. I’ll say it here, and you can tell her from me; I’m not doing it because Celestia told me to; I’m doing it because I’m an alicorn. I have the same desire to protect My Little Ponies that every other alicorn has. I’m doing it because it needs to be done. Rainbow feels the same way; of course, if she desires to leave, then I won’t stop her.” Swift Breeze said nothing for a few minutes; after a bit though, she started to grin again. “And here Aunt Angie had me convinced that you were Celestia’s attack dog. You’ve certainly been proving that you’re your own mare Twilight Sparkle. I said as much when she asked me to convince Rainbow Dash to leave. You misunderstand though; Angela wants only to help. Following the course will only be harder if you refuse.” “We’re not refusing anything Swifty. I may not be as smart as Twi is, but even I know that we must follow the path given to us.” Rainbow’s eyes grew distant and clouded. “Serenity guides us on this path; it is not yet Angela’s time or place to interfere. She needs to prepare for when we reach the north.” Rainbow shook her head briefly. “What the Hay?! What does that even mean?!” Honest Truth spoke up. “It seems the vision I had last evening was true; Serenity herself is guiding you both. To what purpose only She knows. As frustrating as it is for us, it seems as though you must continue to follow the trail that Star Swirl has left.” Swift Breeze stomped the table with her forehoof. “That stallion is the reason why so many pegacorns quit Equestria. How are we supposed to protect ponies when those in power cling to his prophecies? Over half of them weren’t even his!” Twilight wore an expression of sudden understanding. “Now I get it; much of the defense of Equestria has been guided by those prophecies. It’s no wonder Celestia and Angela disagree so much; one of them has said that ‘Equus will fall so long as the Knowledge of Ages is denied to the populace.’ Celestia wants Sanctuary to return to Equestria in order to prevent that.” “That particular piece of drivel is an example of Star Swirl’s hubris. He felt that the unicorns were the only ones that had the right to disseminate knowledge. And this business of Sanctuary returning to Equestria makes no sense; it was never part of any of the pony kingdoms in the first place. Celestia just doesn’t like it when ponies in power tell her no. Even when it’s one that is far more older and wiser than that brat can ever hope to be.” Swift Breeze rolled her eyes at the shocked look on Twilight’s muzzle. “What, she’s got you fooled as well? Twilight, Celestia is still young in many ways, and she has a naivete that is dangerous to harbor. Willing to give those who have proven themselves to be a threat a chance at redemption is all well and good, but more often than not it backfires. Tirek and Sombra both are examples of this.” The pale pink pegacorn paused for a moment to finish the piece of peanut-butter creme pie she was eating before continuing. “Oh, thinking the best of ponies is noble of her, if a tad idealistic. Trouble is, you can’t extend the same thing to those who have twisted minds.” “Discord’s rehabilitation would show otherwise,” Twilight snapped. She didn’t like the ridicule of thinking the best of others; it was a foundation of friendship. Swift Breeze merely waved her hoof airily. “That chimera was never really a threat. Oh, did you think he was a member of the race he claims to be? I’ve actually met real draconequui; they are an elegant race. Chaotic yes; they have to be to survive in the Plane that they live. He was far more dangerous the first time around; that’s why the Elements sealed him in stone. The one-thousand years or so he was sealed was enough to burn away much of his power; all that was left was only enough to do parlor tricks. Any pegacorn or alicorn who knows how can do the same; our power is nearly the same after all.” Twilight sighed. “Yes, I’m aware of that, though he still has power. It seems as though he’s truly changing though; last time he visited Fluttershy, he was looking more leonine and less serpentine.” Swift Breeze frowned. “Then that would mean that he’s stabilizing. If that’s the case, he may actually transition over. Either to a pony-like form, or even to a true draconequus. And I’m sure that would put a hoof right in the eye of Sombra; it was his influence that led the High Council of Utopia to create him in the first place.” “Another one? Sombra is dead; he shattered into pieces when the Crystal Heart was first reactivated.” Twilight crossed her forehooves in displeasure. “I get why Rainbow Dash thinks that he’s still alive; we never found a body. Of course, that’s because it was completely destroyed!” “First of all Twilight Sparkle, the Heart didn’t destroy all of him; the Guardians of Sanctuary later recovered his horn. Angela herself was forced to Seal it away; she had to. Secondly, all the Heart did was destroy his physical manifestation. He’s tied to the Heart; unless and until all of the Crystal Pony Tribes accept Mi Amore Cadenza as their Guardian Alicorn, he will find a way through the shield.” “Assuming he finds a way to get out of Tartarus first. For all we know, the attack on Ponyville may actually be what he’s after.” Rainbow suddenly froze. “Wait a minute; Twi, isn’t there a Gate of Tartarus not far from Ponyville?” “Yes Rainbow; it’s the same one that Tirek escaped out of.” Twilight froze as well as she realized the same thing that Rainbow did. “One of the pillars of that Gate is the Tree of Harmony. They’re not after the crystal vein because they want to use the crystal; they want to find a way to neutralize the Tree itself!” “Now you see why I say that Celestia is naive; she’s willing to risk everything on the say-so of a pony that vanished years ago, instead of listening to the wisdom of an alicorn that was born years before Roam, Astropolis, and Utopia even existed.” Swift Breeze nodded in satisfaction. “It seems as though Prudence was right; she said to trust that you would be able to see into the shadows.” “I knew my lovely wife was correct; she’s never been wrong often Mother; you know this,” Honest Truth said. Seeing the shocked looks on the other two mare’s muzzles brought a cheeky grin to the pegasus’ muzzle. “Yes, she is my mother. I don’t sit on the Board; I prefer relics and artifacts to counting coins and balancing ledgers. Or herding cats as the case may be. I prefer a coat without scratches.” The ponies all laughed at that. “Princess Twilight, I don’t want to give the impression that I think Celestia is a bad ruler. She has managed to hold this nation together for over one thousand years after all.” Swift Breeze sighed. “I just wish the same thing that both my teacher and friend wishes; that she’d let go of her pride and admit that there are others wiser than her. Even Star Swirl had his moments; most often when he wasn’t listening to those blasted Delphi prophets.” Twilight nodded at that statement. “I will say that Celestia’s pride is a major stumbling block. I just don’t like it when ponies say that thinking well of others is a sign of naivete. I happen to believe that that is one of the cornerstones of Friendship.” “Oh but it is, make no mistake. However, one must be prudent in discerning the intentions of others. Give them the benefit of the doubt when they express a desire to do right, but give no quarter when they show their true colors.” Honest Truth frowned before continuing. “Make no mistake; it was only the fact that the High Council argued that Discord himself was tricked by Tirek’s gesture of false friendship. Had the Warden gotten involved, there would be a dead former High Lord of the Centaurs, and there would be no Diarchy; in fact, you might have even joined Celestia and Luna in Exile. I do believe that the Council argued in both your own and Luna’s favor; the mistakes Celestia has made in the last five years have shown that she hasn’t learned anything.” “I think it shows more that Celestia wants us to solve our problems,” Rainbow replied. “Any foal can tell you that; she’s said as much herself.” “Yes, but that’s the problem in a nutshell; as long as the Diarchy exists, ponies will expect Princess Celestia to protect them. Even though she seldom has, they still expect it,” Swift Breeze snorted. “Sometimes I even wonder if she’ll move to help even if there was a war.” “I don’t think you or Angela realize the problem; because of the autonomy each district has, Celestia won’t interfere unless there’s no other option. Equestria was founded by ponies Breeze; why do you think that we have Princesses instead of Emperors?” Twilight stomped her hoof on the table in emphasis. “Much as I dislike Celestia’s hooves-off approach, I do see where she comes from. Things have actually gotten better ever since Luna returned; the Night Court has allowed for more petitions to be heard. I agree though; Celestia should have handled things with both Tirek and Chrysalis better.” “What should have happened was that we should have listened to you.” The others turned to see that Rainbow Dash was wearing a slightly shameful expression. “I know that you forgave us Twi. I’ve yet to completely forgive myself, and will forever hold Celestia responsible. She never apologized.” More would have been said had Rainbow not glanced at a clock. “Eep! Twi, if we want to get all of our searches done today, we need to leave!” Twilight realized that the itching sensation she’d been having was because they were off the planned schedule. “We’ve got some things that need doing. Breeze, I thank you for the meal; time will tell if I will owe you thanks or not for the words we’ve shared. Let’s go Rainbow Dash. We’ll teleport back to the hotel from the lobby.” The four exchanged pleasantries until they reached the lobby of the museum. Once there, Twilight moved the pair back to their suite. It was time to return to their stated task. Several hours later… It was a pair of very weary ponies that visited the last of the businesses on their lists. So far, their search had borne no fruit; nearly every property on the list suffered huge losses as a result of the sabotage, and no later gain. That changed once Twilight had a look at the official records of the last place on the list. As suspected, Wholesome Shipping had done well despite coming off badly at first. Twilight was busy looking at the books, trying to correlate what was there with what other evidence they’d gathered. Rainbow was staring at a picture of an airliner hanging on the wall. “Twi, I’ve seen this ship before; it was docked in the shipyards shortly after Chrysalis’ second attack. Do you know who owns it?” Twilight looked up. “Oh, that’s one of several owned by Criss Cross Shipping. That’s the company owned by the Lemyre family. Bluey uses that one for longer cruises sometimes; it’s safer on the trade-winds than his personal yacht. YIPE!” Twilight jumped as she said the last bit. “Seriously, I’m beginning to really hate that tome; I’ll read it when I want to, not when it bites me!” Twilight pulled the tome out of the bottomless bag that Marigold had given them. Opening it to the furthest untranslated passage, she read the next phrase with dawning disbelief. “‘Going  North by the path that wanders, she of Friendship and her partner must go to the lands where no pony dare dwell?!’ This is insane; the only thing north that fits that description is the Crystal Wastes. They’re only about a day’s flight from here; less if we hop with teleports. Going by train will take a  minimum of three weeks!” Rainbow groaned. “Ugh, that’s a nightmare!” She would have said more had she not glanced at an open manifest. “I don’t think it will be something we can avoid; if there’s any evidence to be had on that airship, we won’t be able to find unless we get to Northhoofton.” Twilight sighed in frustration. “The old trail into the Wastes starts there, and there aren’t any trains that go there direct from Mareago. The only other ‘path that wanders’ is the old wagon trails first used by settlers.” Twilight placed the book back into her bags before joining Rainbow. “This is going to be long and boring Rainbow Dash. If you want, we can bugger what the damn tome said and charter a ship. It’ll take a week at least.” Then we’ll be waiting around Northhoofton for two weeks before the ship arrives. They’re sure to get word that we’re there on arrival. That will be time to destroy any evidence there may be. Also, I think the ship itself is a danger; the shipyard there is out of the way, so it would be the best place to outfit a storm generator without attracting too much attention.” Rainbow pulled one of the cargo manifests that Captain Silent Watch had given them. “Two of the trains we’re likely to need to switch with are gonna be carrying some of the supplies that they need. Plenty of opportunity for us to do a little bit of sabotage ourselves. And when I say us, I mean the Guard that is still following you.” Twilight frowned. “I wouldn’t chance it; we’re likely going to need the assistance of our pocket spy for anything like that. Once we leave Mareago, the Lunar and Dusk Guard detachments will be flying point as escort. They’re only there to help when we really need them; one of my captains regularly reports to Celestia. I don’t want her to know that I encouraged sabotage, let alone ordered it.” Rainbow smiled grimly. “I like it better this way; EIS is crafty enough to do it without raising suspicion. I don’t know as to whether or not it will come to that though; most of what’s listed is stuff they can get by other means.” Twilight nodded. “As much as this annoys me, the trip will give us some time to get you trained. Not nearly enough; it took me years to get where I am now, and three weeks is hardly enough no matter how much of a quick study you are. Higher level unicorn spells take conscious knowledge of the glyphs used. It looks like the Winding Trail Line is the only way to go.”