//------------------------------// // 12 – The Challenge // Story: No Heroes: Beyond the Everfree // by PaulAsaran //------------------------------// If anypony could maintain an air of confidence in the face of trouble, Pinkie knew it had to be her. Sometimes that proved difficult, but where others buckled and let their smiles falter, Pinkie’s kept going strong. After all, wasn’t that her job? So now, as the sun crept over the horizon, she kept smiling. Even though Luna had sent no message or evidence, even if they were going to have to find another way to get to the Temple – or perhaps even fail entirely – she grinned. But Pinkie didn’t feel like grinning. Behind her smile she was worried sick. The team stood in the largest courtyard Tidal had to offer, facing east as the new day dawned. Standing nearby were the Coven and a small gathering of curious onlookers. Fluttershy appeared on the verge of tears, and Rainbow was busy trying to comfort her. Pinkie stood aside, wondering just what had went wrong. Or, more importantly, why Nye and Fine appeared as confident as ever. She hopped between them with as much energy as she could muster. “So, Luna’s going to do her thing any second now, right?” Nye nodded, paused, then turned to Fine. “Best guess?” Fine was staring intently at the horizon, his eyes shifting in thought. He had that tiny, smug smile that Pinkie had come to know meant he had a scheme hatching and was eager to see the results. “I give it… ten minutes.” Pinkie liked it when Fine smiled that way. It was one of her favorite smiles ever, because when Fine smiled like that, it meant things were about to go well. She trusted Fine’s judgment, so she tried not to worry too much. She even threw an exuberant wave at the watching crowd. They were starting to look disappointed, though. Maybe they were really hoping for some fantastic light show? Nightmare Night aside, Luna never struck Pinkie as the flashy type. Though most ponies might have laughed the thought away, she did understand the concept of subtlety, and Princess Luna seemed to have that in spades. The Elders approached. Pinkie spotted them first, and despite their dour expression she gave them an exuberant wave. “Hey, I was wondering when you guys would join the party. Best seats in the house, right here!” Elder Candid gave her a look of such disgust that she almost lost her smile. “Silence your prattling, pony. You’ve wasted all our time, and we don’t appreciate it.” “I don’t think you can ‘waste’ time,” Pinkie countered with a cocked head. “I mean, does time have an expiration date, like milk and eggs? Oh, if you froze time, would it last longer? But wait, how do you know if time has hit its expiration date if you have to use time to tell? That sounds like a circular descent into madness.” She gave a little gasp and stared wide-eyed at the Elder. “Does this mean you’re crazy?” His gaze was so deadpan it might have held some sort of record for deadpanning, if Pinkie could think up such a thing. He brushed past her without apology, bumping her sideways as he did. At last, her smile faded. Sera and Elder Bright Eyes both shot her apologetic looks before following him, Elders Evergreen and Iron flanking them. Pinkie wanted to say something, to do something, but words failed her. “Alright.” Elder Candid stood before Nye, head high and eyes piercing. “It’s morning, and I see no great sign from above. We had an agreement.” Nye’s smile never faltered. If anything, he appeared quite satisfied. “That we did, but it’s not over yet. We have… Fine?” “Six minutes,” Fine replied, completely ignoring the Coven as he continued to stare at the horizon. Elder Candid’s words were like acid. “The sun is up. That makes it morning.” “Yes. So?” Pinkie flinched; what was Nye trying to do, get them into more trouble? Rainbow flew down to whisper to him, but he waved her off without so much as a blink. Candid appeared about ready to use his fangs, but Elder Bright Eyes placed a hoof on his shoulder. Candid reluctantly retreated as his more level-headed companion took his place. “You agreed to leave in the morning,” Bright Eyes said. Nye’s smile only grew. “No, we didn’t.” The Elder’s eyebrows rose. “Yes, you did. We all heard it.” “Did you?” Nye tapped his own head as if to demonstrate something. “What we agreed to was to leave if the demonstration wasn’t satisfactory. At no point did you specify a time limit to that demonstration.” “Why you arrogant—” Elder Evergreen and Sera grabbed Elder Candid before he could do anything more than sputter. “Calm down, Candid,” Sera whispered. “You’re not of the health to go fighting young bucks anymore.” “And you have to admit, he has a point,” Elder Iron added with a cheeky grin. Ah-ha, Pinkie had an opening! “I know right? Who knew Nye was that good with words. So does this mean—” Elder Candid’s teal hoof was inches from her muzzle. “Would you please shut up? Your inane yammering helps nopony!” Pinkie fell to her haunches as something cold lodged itself in her chest. All her potential replies fell away as he turned from her. “Hey, leave her alone!” Rainbow was in his face. “What do you have to be so mean for, huh?” “Let him be, RD,” Nye said, still having not lost his smile. “He’ll change his mind in...” “Less than a minute, now,” Fine called from over his shoulder. Pinkie stared at Fine. He hadn’t so much as looked at her. His indifference chewed at her heart, adding to the sense of uselessness that now blanketed her. The situation seemed to be crumbling, and she had no way to salvage it. Elder Candid hissed. “I want them out. Now. I won’t stand here and let them insult the Mother of All Night again!” Voices were rising all around, accompanied by gasps and started cries. In spite of her hurt feelings, Pinkie took stock of the crowd and saw faces aimed at the horizon. When she matched their gazes, all her worries vanished. The Moon was rising. “Time,” Fine declared, his voice rising over the crowd just as it fell into a hush. The rise of the Moon wasn’t slow. No, it moved to overtake the Sun with startling speed, only slowing as it neared. Then, just as it cleared the treeline, the two celestial orbs met in the sky, and the eclipse began. Sera, her voice faltering, called out, “Elder Iron?” “I-impossible,” Iron whispered, his eyes like saucers. “To overtake the Sun like this… I… I can’t explain it.” Nye had turned to face the eclipse, standing at Fine’s side with all the poise of an aristocrat. From Pinkie’s angle, it appeared as though the Sun and Moon were colliding right in between the two stallions. Not a sound touched the air as the astronomical event resumed. Every neck was craned back, every eye set upon the ever-moving Moon. Its pace slowed, gradually creeping across the surface of the Sun as if relishing this moment. Pinkie felt the fur of her hackles rise as she felt more than read the message on display: For this one moment, the Moon held superiority. One last flash, and the Sun was naught but a ring of light about its smaller sibling. Some thestrals gasped, some wept, others merely continued to stare in awe. Pinkie could only watch, for she too had never seen an eclipse before. It filled her with a certain trepidation, a haunting worry that she couldn’t fathom. It wasn’t that it felt wrong, so much as it felt… different. Like comparing night to day, only far deeper than that mild contrast. It spoke to her very soul, and she only wanted to hide. The world was dark, and whispers began to circulate all around. Pinkie wanted to move closer to her friends, but when she looked she saw through the shadows that Nye and Rainbow were close to one another, as were Fluttershy and Fine. Not too close, she told herself, but close enough to make her intrusion seem inappropriate. Which itself felt inappropriate. Who was she supposed to go to for comfort? Why did she have to be alone? She fidgeted and scuffed the ground, head low as her eyes turned back to the eclipse. Just when she looked, the darkness that was the Moon shifted and swirled. Moonlight filtered through shadow, until a shape grew clear within the ring of the sun. It was the head of a pony, a profile with a slender horn and an ever-shifting mane. Though there was naught but shades of black and no features to witness, there was no doubt in Pinkie’s mind that this was the stately image of Luna herself. Then, the portrait’s lips moved. When they did, every single thestral gasped, the sound filling the air like a quiet thunderclap. The few thestrals that weren't staring in rapturous wonder had lowered their heads and raised their forelegs high in the now-familiar royal submission. The shadow on the Moon continued to speak. Pinkie heard not a word, but as she looked upon the thestrals, she could see their ears perked forward and their attention focused. Was Luna speaking directly to them? Why couldn’t she hear it? Worry filled her, but when she looked to her friends she found Fluttershy and Rainbow looking back with expressions of bewilderment. Rainbow raised her forelegs in a shrug that seemed to be asking “What’s going on?” Pinkie only shook her head. At least she wasn’t the only one being left out of the loop. Fine and Nye, on the other hoof, were staring and listening with as much intent – if less wonder and awe – as the thestrals. Were they somehow able to hear the princess’s words, as well? If only the quiet didn’t feel sacrosanct. She wanted to speak, to ask what was being said, to know what everypony else did. The urge to shout was so strong she bit her lip to keep it down. This was a good thing. It had to be a good thing. So why did she feel so uncomfortable? Her gaze turned to the shadow on the Moon, hoping that she’d feel better under Luna’s gaze, but all she could think about was how much she wanted to see the sun. The shadow-Luna’s mouth stopped moving. It began to fade away, overcome by the darkness around it. As soon as it was gone, the Moon began to move once more. Pinkie’s eyes widened as the Sun’s rays finally peeked out, basking the world in a golden glow that warmed her very soul. The Moon retreated, not on its normal path, but back the way from which it came. It was as if the Sun were sucking away all the tension in Pinkie’s joints, and her smile returned in full force. She began to bounce from sheer jubilation. Yet her motions were the only ones in the courtyard, for the thestrals were silent. Many continued watching the Moon, but most were exchanging stunned stares or whispering among themselves. “She’s back.” It was only a statement of fact, spoken in the hushed voice of a young mare in the crowd. It proved the crack in the dam. “She’s back.” “Luna’s back.” “The Night Mother has returned!” Cheers and shouting erupted. It started small and grew, spreading like wildfire out from the courtyard and into the town of Tidal, until it was like a great roar that filled the world. Many started to make that curious trilling call, others sang, a few danced. Pinkie watched in grinning fascination as what had once been a quiet, stoic community turned into a joyous riot of creatures determined to release a thousand years of pent up elation. Thestrals took to the skies, circling and weaving and looping through the air. From somewhere in the broken and battered city came music of a sort Pinkie didn’t recognize, but already she was tapping her hooves to the lively beat. Pinkie knew happiness. It was a part of her very being. After having lived an entire life as the premier bringer of cheer in Equestria, she knew that she may never feel such an overwhelming aura of joy again. The sheer energy consumed her until she found herself dancing and singing with the thestrals herself. And they accepted it. She received no frustrated glares or deadpan frowns. As she flung her legs about and tangoed with a stallion who clearly had no idea what she was trying to do to him, she felt nothing but pleasure. He only tried to go with her flow, something even jubilant ponies had difficulty with. Such was the elation in the air that nopony seemed to care that all rhyme or reason had dissipated. Their glorious princess was back. That was all that mattered. There was a rainbow in the sky. It only made Pinkie’s smile brighter, and she laughed at how it appeared to be racing some of the thestrals. Were her other friends taking advantage of this moment like they were? She hoped so. There was so much pleasure to be found in this one beautiful moment, it seemed almost criminal to stand on the sidelines. As if by magic, Fluttershy stood before her. The mare stood apart from all the action, but she still bore a bright smile. “Come on, Fluttershy, join in!” Fluttershy’s cheeks burned and she took a small step back. “Oh, I don’t know. It all seems so wild.” “Well, duh! Everypony’s happy!” Pinkie turned a quick circle, her gaze passing over the throng of excited thestrals. “Where’s Fine and Nye? They’ve gotta get in on—” Her confidence wavered as her eyes fell upon something entirely unexpected: Fang and Elder Candid. The two were huddled at the corner of a building, speaking in with their heads close. Neither of them were smiling. “Pinkie? What’s wrong?” Her smile came back in full force. “What’s wrong is that you’re not dancing! Come on, Fluttershy, shake your groove thang!” The pegasus barely managed to squeak a protest before being caught by Pinkie in a silly, spinning dance routine. Within seconds, she went from fretting to grinning to laughing, falling into the mood of the moment. But out the corner of her eye, Pinkie kept watch on the two wayward thestrals, who looked upon the scene with disgust before disappearing into one of the crumbling city’s shadowy alleyways. And Pinkie just kept smiling. Morning had rolled into afternoon and the city-wide party was in full swing. Pinkie had made more friends in one day than she’d known what to do with, which was saying a lot for her. She danced, sang, played and talked until even she was weary. So it was that she found herself sitting in the Meeting Hall, using a small fan made of some tropical leaves to cool her sweating face. Elder Bright Eyes and Elder Iron were with her, both looking worn out as they slumped against one another on the benches they’d occupied the day before. All three were grinning like foals. “I am far too old for that kind of excitement,” Bright Eyes said between pants. “Speak for yourself,” Iron muttered through his grin. “I just spent an hour prancing around with a my grandfilly like I was her age.” “And it was adorable,” Pinkie threw in. The old stallions chuckled with her, only to grow silent. They listened to the music leaking in through the crumbled ceiling. Pinkie was tempted to go out for a bit longer, but something told her to stick around. Pinkie sense, maybe. “Princess Luna is back,” Iron whispered. Bright Eyes stared at the blue sky. “Yeah.” His companion’s gaze shifted to the floor. “I… I still can’t believe it. In my lifetime, the Mother of All Night has returned.” Pinkie leaned forward, her makeshift fan forgotten. “So what are you gonna do now? What did she say?” The Elders looked at her as one with expressions of mild surprise. It was Iron who asked, “You couldn’t hear her?” When she shook her head, Bright Eyes hmm-ed. “Maybe it was a message meant just for us. What she said was… Well, it was beautiful, but it’s not so important as what we will be doing next. Our Princess has called upon us to aid you in your quest, and that is what we shall do.” A thrill ran through Pinkie, but she had to admit she’d anticipated that. “And after that?” The two elders shared uncertain expressions. “We’ll have to talk about it,” Iron replied. “But I think it’ll be appropriate to send some of us back with you, to meet our princess properly.” “Of course we will. How could you possibly think otherwise?” The three turned just as Sera stumbled into the room, her cheeks a bright pink and her hooves seemingly unable to find the floor. She wobbled and had to lean against the doorway, but she was all smiles. “We gotta go talk at our princess, let’er know how good we been.” Iron chortled at her display. “Sera, I knew you favored the bottle, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you quite this inebriated.” Sera thrust a hoof out. It was probably supposed to be pointing at him, but it instead traced a wild path through the air. “I’m only as drunk as the sit’ation calls for, which t’day means totally.” She belched, and the sound sent Pinkie into fits of laughter. “See? ‘Pletely called for.” “And you wonder why your niece doesn’t follow your wingbeats,” Iron chuckled. As amusing as it was, Pinkie only half-listened to their conversation. They had done it! The thestrals would let them into the temple, and they’d get Discord’s cure. Fluttershy would be thrilled. And Fine would— All happiness fled her as a foreboding sensation dropped on her head like Rainbow Dash after the first day of cider season. It left her confused and alarmed, but it also sapped her energy, so she just slumped on her bench and fiddled with her fan. What was her Pinkie Sense trying to tell her? Whatever it was, it had to do with Fine. Or at least, she thought it did. She was involved, too, and Fluttershy. Why not Rainbow and Nye? Surely they’d also be part of anything the three of them had to deal with. She tried to think of the things that could happen in the near future, but… “Miss Pie? Are you alright?” With a blink, Pinkie raised her head. Bright Eyes was watching her with a gruff expression that failed to hide his concern. She slid off her seat and turned for the exit. “I’m sorry, I just had a doozy. I need to find my friends.” None of the Elders spoke up or tried to follow her. Well, if Sera tried, Pinkie didn’t know it, and she probably didn’t have enough control of her body now to be able to anyway. The Sun shone brightly outside, the pristine blue skies clear of clouds. The party had died down to something more akin to a ‘gathering,’ most of the thestrals having spent all their energies in the first couple hours. Even so, it seemed every soul living in Tidal was outside, chatting, laughing and playing. Compared to the dourness that had met Pinkie when she’d first arrived in town, the place was outright brimming with friendliness. It was as if seeing Princess Luna had unlocked the part of their hearts that remembered pleasure. Yet the sense of dread looming over Pinkie acted as a protective barrier, cutting off the joyous energies that she normally thrived on. Oh, she smiled when thestrals called to her, and laughed when a group of foals rushed around her playing some game, but it was all just an exterior display. She felt like a ponequin, her mouth and legs moving without any real input from her brain. Only her eyes remained alert, moving through the crowds in a constant sweep as she sought the one pony she had to speak to. And, just like that, he appeared. Her eyes met with Fine Crime’s from nearly a hundred yards away, where he stood in the shadowed alley between two ruined buildings. She understood instantly: he had wanted to be seen by her. How she knew that, she had no idea. Pinkie weaved through the chattering thestrals, feeling an almost desperate urge to be close to him. He didn’t move to meet her, nor did he react. His dour expression, however, spoke of a strange awareness. She entered the shadows, and the chatter died down instantly. Only then did Pinkie notice the slight glow of his horn. Perhaps a sound dampening field? “Calm down.” She stared at him, uncomprehending. His expression softened, his voice grew soothing. “Calm down.” Only then did she notice the way her knees shook. Her breath came in small gasps and a nervous energy tingled through her entire body. She could hear the fast beat of her heart in her ears and her throat was strangely dry. Pinkie forced her hind legs to bend, sitting down and taking slow breaths. Fine watched her, his expression calm, but concern still set in his features. Even as she took this in, she became aware of his red eyes upon her. Once more, she had that curious sensation of knowing something without really knowing it, and this prompted her to speak the moment her tension began to ease. “How did you know I was looking for you?” He cocked his head, brow furrowing. “I… don’t know. Maybe I have a ‘Fine Sense.’ I just had a feeling that you were calling for me.” Had she called for him? She didn’t think so, but maybe. “So what’s got you so worked up all of a sudden?” All curiosities were cast aside as the dreadful weight on her shoulders returned to the forefront of her mind. The shaking in her forelegs returned. Why did she feel like crying all of a sudden? “I… I don’t know,” she replied, staring at the cobblestones. “It’s my Pinkie Sense. It’s telling me that something really bad is about to happen to the three of us.” His tone lost its soothing edge, turning hard and focused in an instant. “Which three?” Pinkie sniffed and wiped her nose with the a hoofkerchief. “You, me and Fluttershy. We’re all in big trouble, but I have no idea what kind of trouble. Something bad is coming, I just know it.” Silence ruled over them. Pinkie dug her hooves into the stones, wishing the terrible feelings would go away. They weren’t as strong now, but they continued to linger in the back of her mind. At least her legs weren’t shaking anymore. At last, Fine spoke. “We still have a job to do.” She looked up and saw determination in his features. “B-but, we don’t know what’s coming. Fine, it feels really bad.” His solemn expression was like a barricade against her fears. “What are we supposed to do, Pinkie? Quit? Somepony has to do this, and we’re so very close. Do you think Fluttershy would stop now?” “If we go, something serious might happen!” Her voice became pleading. She took a tentative step closer. “You can’t argue with Pinkie Sense. Nopony argues with Pinkie Sense! Even Twilight knows better than to ignore it.” With a long sigh, Fine closed his eyes tight. He appeared almost in pain, his face scrunched up and his teeth barely showing. But then he relaxed and took a step closer. When he opened his eyes, they were so startlingly close to hers. “You’re right, nopony argues with Pinkie Sense. Pinkie, you understand your abilities better than anypony, so answer me this: when you know something bad is going to happen, it will happen, right?” Her ears folded back. Her lip quavered. “Yes?” “In that case,” he pressed, voice ever patient, “do you really think it matters whether we continue the mission or not?” Pinkie sagged, his point immediately clear. “Something bad will happen regardless. Pinkie Sense already accounts for the choices we will make.” His hoof touched her shoulder, but she didn’t react. Then there was pressure, and Pinkie found herself staring into space as he pulled her into a tight hug. For a fleeting moment, her world stopped; the dread, the weariness, the sunshine, the buildings, everything disappeared. All that existed was the strength of his legs around her shoulders and the warmth of his body against hers. As comprehension steadily dawned, her cheeks began to burn. She might have said something if she trusted her lips to do more than stammer uselessly. His voice pierced her stupor, confident and reassuring. “Whatever is coming, we’ll face it together. We need to have faith that things will be alright in the end.” He was right. She knew he was right. That was the kind of thing she’d normally be telling to others. It felt so good to be on the receiving end for a change. Gently, like water escaping a dam, Pinkie let her tension fade and her chin fall to his shoulder. She took a whiff of his mane, catching the scent of dirt, grass… parchment, perhaps? And the faintest hint of the chemicals in the dye. She gave a weak smile. “Your red is starting to show.” He offered the tiniest of laughs. “I’ll be blazing like a torch by the time we get back.” He was already blazing, he just didn’t know it. She could feel it in his chest; so much heat, so much passion. She loved that fire he so rarely presented to the world. The chill air rushed in as he finally stepped back. She barely restrained her desire to grab him back up. The fire in her cheeks didn’t fade at all as they separated, but at least his were a hot pink too. Fine shuffled about and kicked at the ground with a sheepish smile. “Err, don’t tell anypony I did that, ‘kay?” Pinkie could only giggle, the weight she’d been feeling suddenly so much lighter. “Your reputation is safe with me. But,” she added as an afterthought, “only if you promise to do it again later.” His lips twisted into something between a nervous smile and a disgusted grimace, and he spoke with a slight whine. “Do I have to?” She giggled before turning her muzzle high in her best imitation of Rarity’s indignant pose. “Only if you don’t want me spreading the word that you’re really a softy under all that businesspony.” He huffed and jerked his face away with a truly impressive pout. “Oh, fine, if you’re gonna twist my tail over it.” They exchanged smiles, which turned into giggles and finally grew into all-out laughter. “Okay,” Fine said once they both managed to recover, “I guess the only thing left to do is talk to the Elders about going to the temple.” Pinkie hesitated; despite her acceptance, she was in no hurry to get to whatever it was her Pinkie Sense had warned her about. She raised a hoof to his chest before he could walk past, rapidly coming up with something to stall. Fortunately, there was one question that had been burning in her mind even before the celebrations started. “Could you hear Luna when she spoke to the thestrals?” Once more, Fine cocked his head. “Of course I could.” Her ears fell back once more. “Then… why couldn’t I?” He gave her a blank stare, but it shifted to a smile quickly. “Because you’re one of Celestia’s ponies.” Pinkie could only stare back. The whole of her feelings were soon encapsulated in a simple, “Huh?” “You’re Celestia’s pony,” he repeated, as if this explained everything. Seeing that it didn’t, he pressed a hoof over her heart. She hoped her blush went unnoticed. “In here. Ponies align themselves, even at a subconscious level. Tell me, if Celestia were to take a vacation tomorrow and left Luna completely in charge, would you be comfortable with that?” Now it was Pinkie’s turn to cock her head. “She’s a princess. Of course she can rule.” Fine’s eyebrows rose, his expression both deadpan and expectant. She almost felt as if she’d been caught sneaking a cupcake from the Cakes’ display case, and promptly averted her eyes. “W-well, I would be a little worried. I mean, she’s not Celestia, so…” “There you go. Your faith is in Celestia. You believe in Celestia. You trust her implicitly.” He stepped back and pressed the same hoof over his own heart. “But I have set my heart in Luna’s camp. I would follow her to Tartarus if need be, even in spite of Celestia’s will. Heck, especially in spite of Celestia’s will.” He then reached up to tap the side of his head. “That’s why I could hear her. It was a message meant to be heard only by Luna’s faithful.” Pinkie felt at her chest, staring at it as if expecting to see a stamp of Celestia’s cutie mark there. She supposed his words made a certain sense, and there was no question where her loyalties lay. Or Fine’s, for that matter. Nye seemed capable of understanding Luna as well, and he was her best friend. Then she had another curious feeling; If Fine was loyal to Luna, and she was loyal to Celestia, did that mean… No, that was silly. If that were the case, why would Fine be after Fluttershy? Being more loyal to one princess or another didn’t mean anything when it came to a pony’s relationships… right? Fine turned away. “You round up Rainbow, I’ll get Nye and Fluttershy. We’ll go regroup at the Meeting Hall and talk to the Coven about what’s next… assuming they aren’t out of it after all the fun everpony around here’s been having.” That last sentence had a small bite to it. Pinkie watched him walk back into the crowd, the sound barrier fading as soon as he disappeared. The rumble of conversation washed over Pinkie, but she paid no attention. She was too busy wondering about Fine. He’d probably not participated in the festivities at all. One more troubling thought. Normally, getting Rainbow Dash to join Pinkie was an easy task. Pinkie often said everypony was her best friend, but if she were to speak honestly on the matter, she’d have to say that Rainbow was the pony who truly qualified for that title. The two came to one another’s aid without so much as a second thought. Today, however, things proved difficult, specifically because Rainbow had discovered a special, home-made brew the thestrals served called “Nectar’s Kiss.” It wasn’t Sweet Apple Acres cider, but the one taste Pinkie got of the stuff opened her eyes to its position as a more than adequate substitute. Apparently, Rainbow eagerly agreed with that assessment. “H-hey, Pinkie, since when were there three of ya?” Also apparently, the stuff had a much higher alcohol content too. Rainbow had a leg over Pinkie’s shoulder, rocking back and forth on her hooves wildly. Every step nearly brought the two of them to the ground – which, given Pinkie’s natural agility and earth pony strength, spoke volumes. Not one to lose such an advantage, Pinkie giggled and replied, “Silly filly, there’s always been more than one me! You just didn’t notice ‘cause you’re too slow.” “What?! No way, I ain’t…” Rainbow stumbled, her protests reduced to mere mumblings as she fought to stand straight. She ended up with her legs crossed and had to flap her wings a couple times to straighten them out again. “S-so where are the other two hiding?” “With the other thirty-nine.” “Oh.” Rainbow blinked groggily. Her head rolled back and her eyes crossed. “Will they let me take a nap?” Another giggle. “Sure, they’ve got all sorts of friends to talk to. But first, we’ve gotta meet the others. You don’t wanna miss the meeting where the Elders admit you were right all along, do you?” “Heck, no!” Rainbow tried to do a hoof-pump, the result of which sent them careening sideways. Pinkie just managed to keep her friend from going face-first into a stone wall. “They’re gonna… gonna tell me how awesome I am, yeah? And then Nye will give me a big sappy kiss and ruin it. Which would be awesome.” Whether her cheeks were burning from the image that idea produced or the alcohol in her system was impossible to determine. “Heh. Awesome. I love that word. And that colt. Where is he?” “At the meeting.” Pinkie’s reply was subdued. Rainbow rarely spoke so openly about her feelings for Nye. It left her feeling a little guilty, as if she were somehow eavesdropping on her friend. Worse, it made her think of what Rainbow had, and what she wanted. It all seemed so ridiculous; she’d never wanted such a thing before. Now that she did, and Rainbow had it, all Pinkie could feel was a burning, twisty feeling in her belly. Maybe this was what jealously felt like. Was it wrong to be jealous of Rainbow? She couldn’t say. She’d have to talk to Rarity about it when they got back, she knew a thing or two about jealousy. Maybe she could help. “Hey, stop moving around so much,” Rainbow grumbled, pressing all her weight against a straight-moving Pinkie. “Gotta learn to keep your hooves, Pinks.” “Whatever you say, Dashie.” Pinkie was relieved to see the Meeting Hall come into view before them. Just another minute, and they could get this part of the mission over with. As guilty as the thought left her feeling, she looked forward to dumping Rainbow on Nye and letting him be the one to guide her to a cot somewhere. As Rainbow’s head drooped almost to the floor, Pinkie wondered if the pony would be able to stay awake through the entire meeting. Why was it Rainbow always got sleepy when she got drunk? Maybe it was a pegasus thing. The dread she’d felt earlier lingered, scratching at the back of her mind not unlike how burnt cupcakes would scratch at her throat. What was her Pinkie Sense trying to tell her? She wished she understood it half as well as everypony thought she did. Just as they reached the door, Fine Crime appeared out of the shadows of the Meeting Hall. Pinkie couldn’t tell if he’d been there all along or not; he had to be one of the only ponies who could effectively hide from her. He shot Rainbow a bemused look. “Wow, she’s smashed, isn’t she?” “You don’t smash rainbows, Fine,” Pinkie replied with a roll of her eyes. “You smash smashy things, like pumpkins. Rainbow’s not a pumpkin.” “Clearly you’ve never had the opportunity to crush a pony’s skull.” She blinked, cocked her head. “Have you actually… done that?” The dull, emotionless expression he offered sent a chill down her spine. It brought back long-dead memories, fleeting flashes of the things she’d never wanted to remember again. What Fine had intended with this display, she had no idea, but she was certain that a renewed sense of familiarity and comfort wasn’t part of it. Would he be disappointed if he knew how she felt right now? He turned away at last. “Hey, Nye! You wanna come do your coltfriend duties?” Hoofsteps echoed from inside the Meeting Hall lobby, and then Nye appeared with a lopsided smile. “What’s the damage?” Upon seeing him, Rainbow escaped from Pinkie’s helping hold with a lurch and let out something between a whoop and a warble. “Nye, am I glad ta see you! Get over here, hot tub, RD needs her snuggles.” Pinkie and Fine both burst into giggles even as Nye’s entire face turned bright red, right to his ear tips. “Hot tub!” Pinkie fell to the ground, her giggles erupting into raucous laughter. “That’s the best lover’s nickname ever!” Nye’s gaze dropped to the floor, one hoof gently rubbing his oversized barrel. “It’s not… I mean, I’m not…” Rainbow all but fell on him, wrapping her forelegs and wings around his neck and rubbing her cheek to his with a giddy smile. “C’mon, Nye, play with me!” One of her wings dropped low to rub his tummy. “Hot tub.” She hiccuped, then broke into wild giggles. Fine had a hoof over his mouth, but there was no containing that grin. “I was gonna suggest you take her to her room, but now?” “Actually, that’s the best thing for her right now,” Nye replied with a resigned tone suggesting long experience. He stepped away, and Rainbow nearly fell from his departure. She let out a foalish whine and tried to step closer, wings fanning out to help her balance. They didn’t seem to be doing much. A second later, Nye had moved beneath her with a dexterity that surprised even Pinkie. When he stood up, Rainbow was straddled sideways across his back, her legs kicking feebly at the air. He turned his eye on Fine. “You guys think you can go ahead with the thing with the Coven without us?” “We’ll be fine,” Pinkie said between gasps, only just managing to get her laughter under control. “Sera’s not much better right now. You go tuck your mare in… hot tub!” The laughter came back in full force. Nye groaned and turned away. “I’m never living this one down.” Rainbow gave a feeble flap, her head hanging limply and her eyes drooping. “H-hey, where we going now? Wanna hear the old fogies tell me how cool I am.” Pinkie’s legs wobbled as she more giggles escaped her. “Hot tub. I so needed that.” Fine chuckled along with her. “Someday, I’m going to write a book. ‘A Day in the Life,’ or something like that. Nothing but amusing Rainbow and Nye moments.” She bounced closer to him with a grin. “I bet it would sell well. Oh, can I read the rough draft, huh, huh, can I?” “If I ever get around to writing it.” He paused, his smile fading as he looked around them. “Did you tell her about… you know…” Pinkie’s smile faded and she pawed at the ground. Why did he have to bring that up just when she was starting to feel better? “No, I thought we’d want to talk about it as a group.” “Good.” He nodded, though uncertainty shone in his eyes. “Good. I don’t think she’s ready for that kind of information, anyway. Now, why don’t we—” “Fine Crime!” They both turned just in time for something to land heavily between them and the Meeting Hall entrance. As the dust cleared, the figure turned out to be Fang, crouched in an aggressive pose and her eyes alight with anger. Pinkie and Fine shared confused looks. Then Pinkie noticed the ‘presence.’ Given how Fine’s expression turned solemn, there was no doubt he’d recognized it as well. Anxiety coursing through her, Pinkie turned to Fang. “Hey, Nibbler. What’s going on?” The thestral didn’t so much as look at her, instead baring her fangs at Fine with a loud hiss. “You’ve got some explaining to do.” With a sigh, Fine stepped forward. “What is this all about, Fang? And tell your friends to come out of hiding.” Fang sniffed, then let out a few short trills. Immediately, thestrals rose from the roofs of the nearby buildings. Pinkie turned a small circle to take them all in, quickly doing a headcount. Roughly four dozen, assuming she’d not messed up. They landed all around the ponies, forming a broad circle and glaring. Pinkie shrunk back, stepping close to Fine as she eyed the assorted weapons they carried. Unlike the undecorated armor of the Guardian Tribe, these thestrals wore dark blue leather with black accents. They all had a cat-like blue eye painted on their chests. Fine didn’t take his eyes off Fang. “So, you brought in thestrals from the Night Eye Tribe. Are you even allowed to do that?” “She is if an Elder invites them.” Pinkie and Fine turned just in time to see Elder Candid step into the circle, his expression as dark as those of the thestrals. “Not enough thestrals here would listen to us, so I had to get some outside help.” Hoofsteps echoed from the Meeting Hall once more. Elder Bright Eyes’ voice boomed over the scene. “What is the meaning of this?” He had to push his way through the circle of soldiers, none of them giving him any room. Elder Irons followed close behind, having a much easier time shoving the intruders aside. “Candid!” Bright Eyes stood beside Fine, a fire in his eyes. “What the buck are you doing? Why would you bring a small army belonging to one of our oldest rivals right to the middle of town?” “It wasn’t easy,” Candid replied, his expression growing even more grim. “I had to make a few… concessions. But it was worth it to make sure you and the others don’t make a terrible mistake.” “A mistake?” Iron replied, his brow furrowing. “What mistake?” A sinking feeling came over Pinkie as she looked to each of the three elders. They ignored her, fixated on their long glaring match. Was this what her Pinkie sense had been trying to warn her about? Fine broke the long stalemate. “He means me, elders.” “You?” Bright Eyes asked incredulously. Pinkie took a trembling step forward. “No, Fine, I think you mean—” “Me.” He didn’t so much as glance at her, his intense focus set upon Elder Candid. “Not you, not us. Me. I’m the one with the horn.” “That’s right,” Fang snarled, pawing the ground. “You cast those illusions. You tricked every thestral in the Wilds. You blasphemed against our Holy Mother, using her very image to further your own goals in the name of the Sun Tyrant!” “That’s crazy!” Another familiar voice. Pinkie turned just in time for Polar Aim to land next to her. His eyes were wide, his expression slack. “Fang, surely you don’t think that. In the name of the Moon, you all heard her speak!” “No, you’re crazy.” Fang thrust a hoof at him. “How could you do it, Polar? How could you abandon your principles and pride on the word of these ponies? Have you any idea what that horn is capable of?” “If I could produce an illusion like that,” Fine countered in a dry tone, “I would have just slipped into the temple already and left with my prize.” Fang spat on the ground. “Your words are poison.” Pinkie tensed, praying everypony would remain calm. The Night Eye soldiers were intently focused upon Fine, and a few of them were casting ominous looks in her direction as well. She tucked her tail around her flank and eased closer to Fine Crime. She wanted to downplay this situation, but this wasn’t a bunch of scary trees in the forest, and even she didn’t have the dexterity to avoid all of them. She looked to the elders, silently begging for them to diffuse the situation. “Everypony calm down,” Bright Eyes called, his voice rising over the crowd. “Candid, this isn’t the way to do this.” Candid’s response came out as a growl. “Don’t even try, Bright Eyes. We’re removing the ponies from the Wilds, one way or another. You can’t stop us.” Iron stepped forward, his eyes narrowed and his head low. “Is that what you think? You know the Guardian’s warriors are converging on this spot as we speak. You may outnumber us at the moment, but what about in the next five minutes?” The frown on Candid’s face shifted immediately to a smug smile. “And how much damage do you think fifty Night Eye soldiers can do in the meantime? You’ll have a bloodbath on your hooves, Elder. You think Tidal will be able to protect itself after a fight like that?” Iron hesitated. Pinkie could see the numbers running through his mind. He sidestepped towards Bright Eyes. “He’s got us there, Brighty. Remember, they’ve got three combat wings in the north. This can’t be more than a sixth of their total force.” “Rex be damned, Candid!” Bright Eyes stomped his hooves a couple times and bared his fangs. “What is wrong with you? This is your home. We grew up together! Think of how many thestrals could get hurt! Civilians!” “I would see all of Tidal burn before I permit this desecration of the Night Mother’s image!” Pinkie’s breath caught in her throat at those words. This was it, then; they were going to have to fight. Surely this was what her Pinkie sense had warned her about. There could be no escaping this, and by the looks on everypony’s faces, they all knew it. She turned to Fine. If anything, he appeared more ominous than ever. She stepped even closer, knowing that her only chance of getting out of this alive would probably be to stay within his sphere of influence. Not that she couldn’t defend herself, but… To fight? To really fight? She couldn’t. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t. Her lip quivered as she turned her gaze back to the soldiers. She should have listened to her Pinkie Sense. The moment she felt it, she should have gotten the three of them… Wait, three? Where was— “Wait!” Fluttershy’s cry was so loud that every pony and thestral turned to it. She hovered over the circle, flying back a little with a blush at the sudden attention. The dread came back in full force, and Pinkie waved her away. “Fluttershy, get away! Things are about to get way out of hoof!” Yet Pinkie’s words had the opposite of their intended effect; Fluttershy squared her shoulders, sucked down a deep breath, and calmly drifted to the center of the circle, landing between the Elders Candid and Bright Eyes. “There’s another way to solve this dispute, without excessive bloodshed.” “More pony lies,” Fang hissed. “It’s over, you feeble—” Polar stomped with both forehooves. “Fang, would you shut up? At least hear what she has to say.” “No!” Fang’s wings burst open and she let out a piercing hiss. “That little wretch has insulted us enough! I’m gonna—” “The Right of Lunar Blood!” Fang seemed to choke on her own tongue. Her eyes bulged and she began striking her own chest. Despite his earlier words, Polar moved in quickly to help her. Everypony else was focused on Fluttershy, who trembled under their collective gazes. Pinkie looked at the shocked expressions on all the thestrals’ faces, even the Elders. “Umm, the what?” “The Right of Lunar Blood,” Fluttershy repeated. As unsteady as she appeared, her voice somehow managed to be confident. “A duel. Two combatants face off in battle as a means of determining the outcome of a dispute. If somepony declares the Right of Lunar Blood, the challenged is honor-bound to accept, and the results are final. This law is accepted and honored by all tribes, even across tribal loyalties.” Elder Candid’s scowl deepened. “Who has been lecturing you on thestral law, toothling?” Pinkie couldn’t help but feel a swelling of pride when Fluttershy managed to meet his gaze with only the slightest hesitation. “Elder Serrated Tongue.” He stomped a few times, growls and grunts escaping his clenched teeth. “I should have known she’d find a way to interfere! Where is that ancient hag?” Fluttershy winced, pink filling her cheeks as she looked away. “She’s… um… sleeping. Inside. She had a little too much to drink.” Fang let out a groan and slapped a hoof to her forehead. “The one time I like what she’s thinking, and she had to go and ruin it.” But the rest of the thestrals had lost their biting gazes. The Night Eye soldiers were muttering amongst themselves, many eyeing Fluttershy. At least they didn’t seem so aggressive anymore; Pinkie permitted herself to relax. The situation had been diffused, for the moment. Yet her worries weren’t over yet. By the way the crowd had reacted, Fluttershy’s idea had merit. There was, of course, the catch: only two ponies on their team had any skill at fighting, and one of them wasn’t here to issue the challenge. Her fretful gaze turned to Fine, who had his head high but his eyes low and contemplative. He had to know that there was only one option left to them. It wasn’t an option she relished. “F-Fine, you don’t have to. We can always leave. Peacefully. We can find another way to help Discord.” “He’ll win,” Fluttershy said, and for once her confidence was reflected not only be her tone, but by her appearance as well. She turned and gave Fine a smile that spoke of certainty, her head raised high and her wings spread wide. “There’s no way Fine would lose.” Pinkie wished she could share in her confidence, but those soldiers didn’t look like pushovers. Yet, when Fine stuck out his chest and gave Fluttershy a level stare, she knew there was no stopping it. Pinkie bowed her and stepped away, ears folding back as she awaited the inevitable. Sucking down a deep breath, Fine spoke clearly and loudly. “I hereby declare the Right of Lunar Blood. I claim that my honor has been insulted, my integrity attacked directly. I have conjured no illusions and intended no insult or trickery against any thestrals. For this direct assault on my character, I issue this challenge.” He spun around and pointed. “Nibbling Fang. I challenge you.” Pinkie’s ears perked, her jaw dropped. Out of all the thestrals he could have challenged… “Me?” Fang stepped back, confusion plastered across her face. It lasted only a moment, though, and then she was back in her aggressive stance. “Bring it, bonehead! I’m gonna rip that horn off. Let’s see you perform some of those magic tricks then!” Bright Eyes jumped between them, his forelegs raised high. “Enough! The challenge has been issued and accepted.” He turned to Elder Candid, who was watching the exchange with a piercing gaze. “Will that be good enough for you, Candid?” Elder Candid’s eyes shifted between Fine and Fang. He turned his head, taking in the sight of the Night Eye soldiers he’d brought into the town. Pinkie wondered what kind of deals he’d made to get them on his side. One of the dark-clad thestrals whispered into his ear, but he shook his head. “A moment,” he said, and retreated to speak with three of the Night Eye thestrals. Pinkie took the opportunity to turn to Fine. “You don’t have to do this,” she repeated. “What if you lose?” He just kept staring at Fang. “I won’t have my magic, but I won’t lose.” Fluttershy approached. “What makes you think you won’t have magic?” He was silent for several seconds. “I have a hunch.” Elder Candid stepped back into the circle, his expression grim. “I want to hear the terms before I agree to anything.” Elder Bright Eyes nodded, then turned to Fang. She raised her head and shouted, “I want the ponies – all the ponies – to leave the Wilds and never come back! They will make sure no pony ever enters our territories again. And—” She pointed at Fine’s forehead. “—I’ll be keeping your horn, as a warning to any ponies who think about trying.” Pinkie let out a gasp and spun to Fine. “No, you can’t!” Even Fluttershy flinched. “That’s… awfully steep. I don’t know if we can—” “And if I win,” Fine called back with a firmness to match Fang’s, “we will be permitted to enter the Temple of Tides, retrieve our bounty and return to Equestria unmolested. Furthermore, you will go with us, to learn the truth about the princesses firsthoof.” The mumbling of the gathered audience grew louder, created a buzzing that filled every ear with possibilities and doubts. Fang’s face twisted in a grimace. “You mean go and willingly get brainwashed, is that it?” Fine didn’t so much as blink. “You want to take my horn. By comparison, I think your terms are far harsher than my own.” His opponent considered this for some time, lips curled back and wings twitching. “Fine. I accept your terms.” With a nod, Fine turned his gaze upon Elder Bright Eyes, who in turn looked to Elder Candid. Candid’s face was frozen in a solemn frown, but he only needed a second to consider. “Fang is a Honed Wing. On even terms, she’d never lose to a mere pony. And it would be a dishonor to my tribe to bar this exchange, especially considering the enemy is something as lowly as a pony.” He spat on the ground for emphasis. “I won’t get in the way. Let it be done.” Elder Bright Eyes nodded, then raised his voice once more. “The Right of Lunar Blood has been issued! The duel will be tomorrow at sundown in the Arena of Treebeards. The warriors will refrain from interacting with one another until that time. You are all dismissed.” At first, the thestrals just kept whispering to one another. “Now!” The crowd parted, leaving the scene with dark glowers cast at one another. The Night Eye thestrals gathered about Elder Candid, and the Guardian Tribe thestrals kept their distance. Pinkie hoped the soldiers wouldn’t be staying; she could see a lot of potential for things to go wrong with them here. Yet she had more important things to worry about. “Fine, are you really sure about this?” Fluttershy was at his opposite side with a dour frown. “I can’t believe she wants your horn. That’s… that’s just terrible.” She added quickly, “But I know you’ll win.” Fine stared at the ground, eyes narrow and brow furrowed. Pinkie knew that expression. He was scheming, and if anything comforted her at a time like this, it was the knowledge that he was scheming. At last, he turned away. “Come, we need to get with Rainbow and Nye. Well… Nye. We’ll give Rainbow the details while she’s nursing her hangover later.” “Details?” Fluttershy followed after him with a trot, Pinkie close behind. “Details for what?” He shot her a smirk. “One always needs a backup plan.” Pinkie felt a little better upon hearing those words. Yet her Pinkie Sense was still filling up the back of her mind. And not only that; she looked over her shoulder to find Fang watching her. If looks could kill, Pinkie imagined she’d have been buried ten times from that one second of eye contact. She shivered and turned her gaze forward. She could only pray Fine and Fluttershy knew what they were doing.