An Extended Holiday

by Commander_Pensword

118 - Life goes on

Extended Holiday
Ch 118: Life goes on
Act 18

---

Pensword looked out on the courtyard as Vital, Twilight, Trixie, and Clover the Clever all practiced magic. Due to the intensity of the studies and the general effects of their combined fields, no other Ponies were allowed to enter the courtyard, until further notice. Since the guards couldn’t spy directly, they watched from the sidelines, instead. He glanced above them as a giant green magic Eastern Dragon construct battled a purple Western Dragon. Another part of the courtyard had a giant bird of pure ice battling an avian constructed from flowers and vines.

Pensword’s ear twitched. “I still cannot believe Clover is forcing Twilight to use the Western style Dragon. I guess she wants to see how she handles the disadvantage. Then again, she would probably be beaten, no matter what dragon form she uses. This is Clover, after all,” he mused.

“It’s not the dog in the fight; it’s the fight in the dog,” Grif retorted as he took another beakful of popcorn.

“Yeah, but we already know who has more fight. The real question is how long do you think she’ll last? I say another twenty minutes.” He smiled as the fight continued. “What about Trixie and Vital? Who do you think will win?”

“Clover will beat Twilight in about … five minutes, I’d say. Trixie will beat Vital in two,” Grif said.

Pensword looked at the fight. “I say it will be a tie between the two, and it will be in five minutes.”

Two minutes later, Vital and Trixie had their staves locked in combat, leaning in to push against each other as their constructs clashed above them. Suddenly, Trixie leaned in, and kissed Vital’s nose. Vital Spark experienced a momentary shock, and wound up on the ground a few seconds later.

“Told you,” Grif chuckled.

Pensword cackled gleefully at the kiss. “How long do you think till he gets tied to this land?”

“Like threading a needle, some things happen with time, not pressure.” Grif shrugged as he smirked.

“Yeah, still, there is the chance he goes back and stays on Earth,” Pensword countered as Vital threw down a set of pellets that burst apart into thick blue smoke. When the smoke had cleared, Vital was on top of Trixie, holding her down with his staff as he winked mischievously at her.

“Hey, you two, enough with the flirting! Your enemies aren't going to give you time to make out!” Grif shouted, before taking more popcorn from a vender who’d made a mighty fine business for himself passing out snacks during the combat lessons in the arena.

Pensword smirked, and winked at Grif. “Unless you are a Thestral. Then the battlefield is a date.” He furrowed his brow. “What happened to all is fair in love and war?”

The two Ponies below quickly separated as they looked away with heavy blushes on their cheeks. They then proceeded to glare daggers at Grif and Pensword, before looking to one another, and smirking.

Pensword saw the glow, and he pulled Grif down. “DUCK!” He yelled as they hit the ground. The space they had filled just moments before was suddenly covered in ice and blue flowers with yellow centers. Their presence seemed to only augment the effect of the cold as the ice spread from their roots, coating the floor and the wall behind them. Pensword looked to Grif. “So … should we prepare a secret file for if they do get married?” he whispered.

“Pensword, what makes you think I would ever have a secret file containing possibly blackmail worthy information on those two?” Grif acted shocked, before turning back to the fight with a smirk. “I have five.”

“I have two for each of them. Still, the magic that would come from that line, let alone if Twilight marries, or Clover, actually … well, that is a good question. How vital are ponies?” He paused. “I’d better check if she had any offspring, and find where they are today. That is scary.”

Pensword poked over the edge of the balcony in time to see Clover make her move. With a wave of her focus, she overpowered Twilight’s construct as the Eastern Dragon wrapped itself around the Western and squeezed. The magic in Twilight’s horn flared as sweat poured down her face, before the purple construct began to contort, then redistribute between the pressure points, before finally bursting like a giant balloon as purple sparkles rained down over the field. Clover smiled as she raised her focus, and dismissed her construct, before dipping her focus in acknowledgement of Twilight’s skill. Twilight’s focus wobbled as she returned the gesture with crossed eyes and ragged breath. Still, despite the strain, and the loss itself, the princess of friendship smiled.

“She did well,” Grif chuckled.

“Indeed.”

---

Moon River stifled a giggle as she and two others hid in an open box. The now familiar sounds of construction work thrummed around them. She bared a fang-filled grin as she tried to show some of the tricks she’d learned to the two young gryphonesses who had recently become her partners in crime.

Athena and Gentle Wing looked at each other, then back at Moon River, before both of them smiled widely. Their beaks opened to reveal the short, but sharp, teeth already beginning to line their gums.

Moon River pointed up as she looked down at the cross bow, suction cup darts, and throwing darts they had brought together. After all, Athena and Gentle Wing had yet to learn the joy that came with suction cup weaponry. That was a most grievous error that simply had to be corrected. She let out an annoyed hiss as Gentle Wing poked her with one of the darts for the tenth time, then motioned outside the box with an exasperated expression. Gentle Wing just giggled in response.

Athena examined a dart curiously, before she plopped it on her sister's head, and joined Gentle Wing in a fit of giggles.

Moon River repeated a move she had seen many a grownup do when something went wrong, and put her hoof to her nose. Unfortunately, in her enthusiasm, she struck herself a little too hard, which led first to shock, then to sniffles, then to tears, and finally a full blown bawl.

Gentle Wing looked confusedly at Moon River, then rose to her paws, approached the crying blue foal, and wrapped a down-covered wing gently around her. Athena soon followed her sister’s example.

Moon River didn’t know how to react. The tears stopped a moment as she felt the unusual sensation of soft down against her fur. When she managed to get her breathing under control, she sniffled, then used a hoof to point gingerly at her nose, being careful not to make contact. “Hurt,” she said.

Gentle Wing warbled a bit as she tried to comfort Moon River like Momma always did for her, remembering the gentle lullabies and beak stroking along her feathers and back.

Moon River shuddered, then sniffled again at the strange sensation that was baby Gryphon talons and beaks running through her white-streaked mane. Eventually, her eyes began to grow heavy as her two companions purred and warbled on either side. She nearly succumbed to the drowse, when a shadow suddenly passed over them. The three children looked up to see what could be blocking their light, only to hear a familiar voice.

“So that's where you three got to.” Grif chuckled as he looked down on the three playmates. His face changed when he saw Moon River’s salty cheeks. “What's wrong, Moony?” he asked as he picked her up gently, while the two Gryphon cubs stayed on the bottom of the crate, surrounded by the darts. Moon river sniffed again, and mimicked the motion that had caused her so much pain in the first place. Grif couldn’t help but chuckle at the antic. “Save that for when you’re a little older, Moony. Trust me, it’ll be a lot easier then,” he promised as he kissed her gently on the nose. “And aim a little higher next time. The hoof is supposed to go to the bridge of the nose, not the snout.” His eyes passed over the crate and his two daughters as they played with the darts together, poking one another, and his heart nearly stopped. It was clear he had just narrowly avoided a terrible fate, one filled with suction cups, and possibly tree sap.

Moon River pouted sulkily as she noticed her godfather’s reaction. It was clear the game was up.

“Hey now, Moony, those two have a while yet, before they can help you with your little operations,” he told her. Then he ruffled her mane with a wing. “Not everybody’s as ahead of the game as you are.”

She pouted. “Clan!” and huffed with conviction, as if that one word was enough to explain what drove her. “CLAN!” She repeated louder.

“Thats sweet, Moony.” Grif chuckled as he put her on his back, before retrieving the twins, and setting them each on a wing. “How about we see if we can get you some ice cream?” he offered. “That sounds like fun, right?”

She paused, before using her wings to point to the other two. “Cream?”

“They can’t have ice cream yet.” He shook his head. “They’re too young.”

“Treat. All Treat,” Moon River said. Then she repeated again. “All treat. All Treat.”

“Moony, calm down, and think about this,” Grif insisted softly. “Have I ever lied to you before?”

“. . . No,” she grudgingly admitted. The she scrunched her face up in thought. “Treat later?” she finally asked.

“Okay.” Grif nodded his assent. “Consider it a date. Now come on, little Miss Mastermind. Let's get you three back home. It’s almost time for these two to take their nap.”

The two cubs began to voice their protest, but Moon River looked at Grif very cutely. “Nest, too?” she asked, “or cave?”

“If that's what you want, we can all go to the nest.” Grif chuckled as he started off towards the compound and their home, where two loving mothers and an extremely mischievous houseguest awaited. Using their innate feline instinct, the twins carefully balanced their way across Grif’s back to lay beside Moon River, before snuggling up and warbling happily.

Moon River did her best to coo in response, trying to replicate their sounds as the trio watched the land pass by. After all, naps weren’t so bad when they were with friends, and usually meant snacks and playtime with the family afterwards. And this time, she’d be able to share it with Grif and his wives. She could hardly wait.

---

Pensword found that being a commander with feathers meant one thing that he had never expected. Pegasus Culture indicated that military rank was still one of the most important aspects in life. The higher the rank, the more important the individual was. That held especially true for a warrior of the past like Pensword. Unfortunately, as one of the oldest and most decorated living members of Equestria’s former, and hopefully soon-to-be-remilitarized, armed forces, he would have to preside over the laying of the cornerstones for the Hall of Paragons. Clouds had been gathered with some difficulty for observers to watch the dedication ceremony from above. Pegasi, Thestrals, and even a few Gryphons had come to watch the historic event.

Pensword stood in his ceremonial armor fashioned after that of the pre-unification era as he looked on a series of cubic white granite stones that had been carefully cut and placed along the edge of a trench that had been dug with assistance from some of the most skilled craftsponies available. As tradition demanded, one of the stones had been covered in a series of carvings that would never be seen again, once the construction had begun properly.

Thankfully, all Pensword had to do was cut four cords with his short sword. The pulleys and wheels would take care of the rest. A female Pegasus wrapped in a puffy white robe and wearing a laurel wreath on her head finished reading a litany of prayers, and nodded to the commander. Pensword nodded in return, unsheathed the short sword, and swung. The first cord gave way with little resistance. Wood groaned as the counterweights that had been tied off with the rope pulled the stone into the air, moved in a carefully calculated arch, and then lowered it into the foundation, right where it needed to land. Spectators oohed and aahed at the sight.

Pensword nodded in approval as the ropes released, and the cornerstone finished settling. As they moved towards the next cornerstone, he looked around the site. He saw the materials that had been set aside to mine and transport the stone that would make up the outer wall. Thanks to the concept sketches and plans he had been presented with, he could picture the fluted columns, sturdy steps, and bas reliefs that would form the outer portion of the hall. Between the outer wall and the building itself, beds of flowers, artificial streams, brooks, and fountains would dot the landscape. Some would be filled with water, others with liquid rainbow. Thanks to the scouting and destruction that had occurred as a result of Chrysalis’ invasion, the remains of the original Hall of Paragons from Unity had been uncovered, and excavations were underway. More than a little inspiration had been drawn from those decrepit ruins.

Pensword finished off the other cornerstones in quick order. The ceremony concluded with the Pegasi spectators taking their chunks of cloud from the gathering, and moving them over the site to combine with the other participants’ clouds. Together, they bucked the clouds as one, causing the vapor to disperse into dew-like droplets that sprinkled down over the site. Another trench led down deeper into the base at an incline to meet a large circular hole.

“That,” the mare in the robes began, “will be the site of the main meditation pool. We’ll have a fountain on the eastern end of the hall to symbolize the beginning of life. The water will flow steadily down a channel from this fountain towards the western side, here. As I stated earlier, this will make the central pool. Drains will be added to cycle the water back up to the fountain in a proper loop, and protective enchantments will ensure the plumbing has the proper resistance to corrosion, while maintaining the cleanliness of the water.”

She motioned out to four wooden pegs, each embedded in the earth at four symmetrical corners from the pool’s location. “These markers indicate the location of the ceremonial pools of virtues, one for each of the paths a Pegasus can choose. And newborn foals will be washed under the waters at the fountain.” She smiled, and her hazel eyes twinkled merrily as she turned to face some rather confused-looking Earth Ponies and Unicorns. “The Hall of Paragons is designed for all Pegasi to learn and grow. When the time comes, they commit to their future by bathing in these four pools. As life moves, so, too, will a Pegasus. Those who commit themselves to a path, but find that their heart no longer sings the song of that flight, can return to commit themselves to a different path, or to seek what it really means to fly. In other words, this is a sacred place, not only to reflect on the deeds of our ancestors, but to choose or alter your own path as you see fit. A place of rebirth, if you will.”

Pensword nodded his head. “I assume that, as the Commander, I am to dedicate something?”

The mare smiled knowingly at him. “Yes. As I said, each of these pools represents one of the four main paths. When the basin is properly constructed, we’ll have the tiles laid over the stonework to portray each of the symbols: the sword for the military, the scroll for the politician and orator, the paintbrush for the artisan, and the feather for life and marriage.” She chuckled as she looked over the site. “Once the pools’ installation is complete, you’ll be called upon as the highest military authority in the land to dedicate the sword pool. After all, where better for one to dedicate one’s life than in the eyes of great ones of the past and the present? Especially when the war prevented you from doing so in your own time.”

“You mean … I am to be the first to use the pool?”

“Yup,” she giggled.

Pensword gulped.

---

“When light and dark unite as one, an evil power shall be undone, but which of the choices will then hold sway, to swathe in shadow or light of day? Only one can make that choice. Will she save, or just destroy?” Vital Spark queried playfully as he approached a familiar blue mare in the middle of practicing balancing the two sides of her magic. The cool Autumn breeze played through his mane, and he couldn’t help but chuckle as Trixie jumped in the air, knocking her hat off her head, and leaving her mane in a mess as the sphere she had been forming burst apart to sprinkle the clearing with a sparkling grey dust. The gnarled dark branches of the Everfree’s trees stretched mournfully up to the sky as their crowns rattled together.

“Don’t do that!” Trixie shouted, punching him in the shoulder.

“You know that just makes me want to do it all the more,” Vital teased. “It’s fun seeing how you react. And besides, it’s kinda cute,” he said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Vital, this is real, right? Trixie means ... you're not just humoring her?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Let’s just say I’m feeling this out,” Vital conceded. “I still have to adjust to the whole part time human part time Pony thing, and how that works for relationships. That, and it’s just plain fun to tease you sometimes. Which I ... think is a good sign? I don’t really know. I’ve … never actually been in a relationship before.”

“I suppose Trixie will have to live with that,” she said as she took a seat, and looked up at the passing clouds. “This is a first for Trixie as well.”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie never went on a date with one of her many admirers?”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie's many admirers preferred to keep a respectful distance.” Trixie almost sighed as she said this.

“... You weren’t just looking for adoration, were you? You were looking for friends.”

“Life can be … difficult when you work as a traveling magician,” Trixie admitted.

“And your family?” he asked as he moved in closer, and took a seat next to her.

“Trixie hails from Neigh Orleans, raised by Trixie’s father, and chased out at sixteen for acting better than everypony else with my ‘fancy shmancy magic show, and talking all proper like.’ Trixie hasn’t been back since.”

“Ouch.” Vital winced. “That’s rough.”

“Life is rough.” Trixie shrugged.

“Have you at least tried to keep in contact?”

“It was made clear that would be a bad idea,” Trixie said. “Just as well. Trixie doesn’t want to think what they’d say about her failure at being a magician.”

“You’re being trained by one of the most powerful Unicorns to ever live, and you’re serving in one of the most famous noble houses in all of Equestria. I wouldn’t exactly call that a failure,” Vital pointed out.

“I also got my cart destroyed in a giant bear attack, and tried to take over an entire town,” Trixie responded.

“Growing pains?” Vital offered by way of explanation. That got a laugh out of the enchantress-in-training. “Seriously, though, the first was a learning experience, and the second was more the fault of the amulet than you. It’s good to be hard on yourself, but be careful not to let it go too far. Trust me, I speak from experience,” he said as he laid a supportive foreleg over her shoulder.

“Trixie appreciates that.” She gave Vital Spark a half smile.

“And Vital is happy to help,” he returned with that same gentle smile he always used. “Is a sense of protectiveness natural in most stallions with mares here, or is that just for when they have feelings for one another? I’m … not exactly certain how it works here compared to Earth.”

“Trixie isn’t quite sure either, as Trixie hasn’t been in a relationship before, but she imagines that might be it.”

“The former or the latter?”

“The latter.”

“You know, I know this is a potentially romantic moment, but now I can’t help but feel an unusual urge to try and conduct a study on the topic,” Vital mused. “Why do I get the feeling Clover and Twilight are rubbing off on me?”

“Probably because they are,” Trixie giggled.

“Think you can handle hanging out with a nerd?”

“If that nerd is you.” Trixie smiled at him.

“Um … there’s something else you should probably know about.” He chuckled nervously. “You see … I … kind of met this girl when we were in that other world, and she’s from here originally, but she kinda kissed me, and I don’t know how to feel about it, because I’ve never been kissed before, and it’s really kinda making me guilty and crazy, and uncertain, and–.”

“And?” trixie asked in a genuinely confused tone.

“I … might have felt an attraction there, too?”

“Trixie doesn’t believe she’s following.”

“Well, where I come from, that’s usually a cause for concern. Most girls have issues if a guy has seen another girl previously and still has feelings for that girl, and doesn’t bring it up. I … don’t know if I do or not. It’s sort of complicated, but my conscience won’t give me a minute’s peace about it.” He took a deep breath, and sighed to prevent himself from hyperventilating. “So … yeah. I … kinda felt I had to tell you. Is … that okay?”

Trixie laughed “Trixie doesn’t see the problem with you having feelings for this other mare. You still have feelings for Trixie, don’t you? How does you having feelings for her change things? You're a very silly Pony, Vital Spark.”

“Well what did you expect? I wasn’t born as one.” He chuckled nervously. “I was kindof raised to believe in a monogamous relationship. It’s … difficult adjusting to the fact that’s not quite the same here, culturally speaking. I mean, there’s precedent for those kinds of things on Earth, but it’s not a commonly held practice anymore, and usually frowned upon.” He sighed. “I guess what I’m trying to say is this is going to take some adjusting to. My morality’s going to need some sorting out, probably. So … yeah, if I’m a little awkward at first, let me just apologize in advance,” he said as he rubbed his mane nervously.

“You probably come from a species with a more equal gender ratio,” Trixie noted. “If Equestria tried that, the Pony population would die out.”

“You know, I always wondered why there were so many more mares than colts. Is it just more common for a girl to be born?”

Trixie nodded. “It has been, as far as Trixie knows, since recorded time.”

“That explains so much.” Vital took another deep breath, and exhaled. “So, um … wanna hang out?” he asked as he smiled awkwardly.

“You had to ask?” Trixie smiled at him.

“Well, it is the gentlemanly thing to do. Or is it gentlepony-ish? Just how the heck do you call that here, anyways?” Vital asked as his muzzle scrunched up in confusion.

“Gentlestallion.” She giggled again. “Lead the way.”

“If fair lady desires an escort, then an escort she shall have. Tally ho!” Vital shouted boisterously as he did his best to impersonate a posh noble accent to hilarious effect, then promptly tripped over a tree root, and landed flat on his face. “Ow….”

And Trixie giggled.

---

Grif sat behind his desk, and sighed as he reviewed the paper Dagger had just delivered. This latest correspondence from the empire had just been through decoding, and he was updating himself on the current news. He’d already sent a message to Pensword to arrive at his convenience about one message in particular.

A few moments later, Grif heard the expected knock. “Come in,” he said, “and close the door behind you.”

Pensword opened the door, turned around, and closed it as requested, using a wing to lock the door, before he settled down on a nearby pillow that had been set aside for Pony guests. “So what’s the deal?”

“Well, imperial troops discovered a large pocket of resistance hauled up in the Eastern Fortress. They have a strong position, and it looks like the siege may go on longer than expected. As such, the wedding is going to be moved back at least a month to allow Daedalus time to deal with the issue.”

“Ah. I am sorry to hear that,” Pensword said with a sober nod. “I hope his attack goes well. I speak from experience when I say sieging for months is never fun.” He shook his head. “Is he asking for any assistance?” He paused as he grated his teeth together out of habit. “He is the only other Gryphon I would say this for, other than your clan and my Gryphon slayers, but what assistance can we be for him?”

“He won’t need it,” Grif assured him. “His force is superior, and they have no way to hunt or import supplies. He’s confident they’ll break it. There’s nothing we can do for him there. That being said, there is a favor he has asked that I think you’d enjoy.”

“Oh? What is that?” Pensword asked as his ears stood at attention.

“Well, see, as I’m sure you're aware, all my messages from Daedalus come to me in cypher, and go through a heavy decryption process before I can review them. But what you and most here don’t know is I have given Daedalus a deeper set of code, so he can send me private messages not to be read by either of our coding experts. This one had a very… unusual request added to it.”

Pensword motioned with a wing for Grif to continue.

“The message reads thus: The bearers of these messages are spies, please have them killed.”

“Bearers, and … spies. That means plural.” Pensword slowly put it together, and a manic grin spread across his face. “Can I have one? I would like to see if I can get any information out of mine.”

Grif chuckled, and threw him a brass key. “All three are currently drugged in a holding cell in the fortress. Seeing as these Gryphons are messengers, it would be … uncouth for a clan lord such as myself to have their blood on my talons. As Matthew is aware, humans like to say, ‘don’t shoot the messenger.’ However, they have not been messengers to you.”

“So you want me to deal with all three of them?” Pensword’s grin widened further as his eyes lit up with excitement.

“I could ask for volunteers in the clan, but I figured you might be willing, as a favor between friends?” Grif chuckled.

“As friends, and to show any spies that, if the Demon learns about them, he will come down on them. The Emperor has earned my respect, and his life from my fangs. I will not let others undo the blood I spilled to save his.”

“These three’s last memories will be passing out at a meal. I played everything off as though nothing were happening. Their wine was drugged with a fast-acting, tasteless concoction I got from Zecora. I figured you might enjoy the shock and surprise.”

“Oh…” Pensword’s voice was tinged with a smugness not heard since the end of the Third Gryphon War. “I am going to enjoy this. And if they die before I get all I want, I think some of my friends on the other side could keep them here till I do get the information. I think this enemy spy ring is one I want Daedalus able to crack and destroy. You could say this would be my wedding gift to him,” he said as he rose from the cushion. “Was there anything else you wanted to discuss, before I go to meet our ‘guests?’”

“Only for you to enjoy yourself.” Grif chuckled. “It’s not every day an opportunity like this falls into your hooves.”

“True, and trust me … I will enjoy this. It is time some Gryphons learn that I am still the Demon. I am still the Commander that can beat them at their own games and haunt their nightmares for eons after.” WIth that, Pensword stood up, and his ice-blue eyes hardened. “I won’t be back for a while. I think Lunar Fang would enjoy this as well, and Fox Feather, too,” he mused as he made his way out the door to the bonding time he knew both mares would love. It was so kind of Daedalus to provide three spies. Now they wouldn’t have to share.

---

“You know, Clover,” Vital mused as he looked over one of the great mage’s many bookshelves, “it looks almost as if you put a special emphasis on summoning. Are these supposed to be decoy books, or do you just conjure up bookshelves from a subspace pocket as you need them to cycle through?” he asked curiously.

“Remember when I told you about how the size of your pocket dimension can be increased exponentially through use of the crystals from Bellephorn Nine? I spent three days in those caves, before The Doctor found me. I don’t have a pocket dimension, so much as a pocket library.”

“So you only gathered so many crystals to build said library, and couldn’t expand further, or did the library just fill all the space? Also, was this your first encounter with The Doctor or an adventure he dragged you out on later down the line?”

“It was after first meeting him, but still relatively early on in our adventures. I was only … twenty-six, I think. Ah, to be young and naive again.”

“It can be fun,” Vital agreed with a playful smile, “when it doesn’t blow up in your face.”

“Sooner or later, everything blows up in your face. The question is, are you the sort to scream about your singed eyebrows, or do you wipe the soot off, repair the nerve damage, regrow your facial fur, and try again?” Clover noted.

“Why am I not surprised that happened to you?” Vital asked as he looked over the volumes one last time, before returning to the work table, where Clover awaited him. He knew better than to try looking at magic Clover didn’t deem him ready for. After all, she’d very nearly targeted a very sensitive area with a bolt of lightning. He hated to think what might happen if she sought to actually hurt him. He snorted as his brows furrowed together in preparation for the lesson to come. “So what’s on the docket today, then?”

“First off, how did it go? Were you able to see this Gryphon deity?”

“Well, yeah. She’s the one who gave me my newest addition to my cutie mark.”

“What addition?” she asked curiously.

“The big honking … oh, that’s right. She said she could do that. Man, The Doctor must hate how easily she’s able to do stuff like that. At least, I assume so, since it’s technically meddling with time. Though it does make me wonder … does that mean she has the secret to that deity code? Oh, what did The Doctor call it again?” he mused.

“We can hypothesize on this later. First, what was the change, second, were you successful?” Clover pressed.

“Oh, sorry.” Vital blushed as he realized how he’d gone off track. “The mark on my flank with the outline of the bird stretching its wings behind the sun and star. That was her doing. As for whether it was a success, yes, I’d say it was. She told me what I needed to do. Now it’s just a matter of waiting till the egg is ready to hatch.”

“Fascinating. You know, you are the only Pony known who’s ever seen one of the four Gryphon deities,” Clover noted.

“She was kind of nice, but I think she viewed me more like a child than anything else. Considering she’s on a whole separate plane of existence, it makes sense,” he said with a shrug. “I did have to make a promise to her, though.”

“Well, you couldn’t expect her to help you for free,” Clover noted. “Any magic gained that easily would be worthless.”

“Even the magic of friendship?” Vital asked teasingly.

“The fruit of harmony? Why, Vital, I figured you’d have clued in by now. There is a hefty price taken upon those who would wield them. Some might say the worst price possible.”

“Are you referring to long life, or is this going to turn out to be some sort of joke?”

“Long life? Vital Spark, to wield the elements is to give up your mortality, to become ageless, and walk the Earth until you are either destroyed or time ends.” Vital could swear she shivered at this thought.

“Then doesn’t that mean you were under, and likely still are under, the same toll? You were one of the first to use the elements’ power, weren’t you?”

“First off, did it occur to you the glaring flaw in your theory that both Smart Cookie and Pansy died of old age? They both reached surprisingly old ages for their tribes, yes, but they did die of age. Also, as you can plainly see, I continue to age myself. Even if the process is slowed, my body is showing signs already. Secondly, and most important, what we created wasn’t from the elements. It was the fire of friendship, a single brilliant flame, and it nearly killed the three of us.”

“I thought it was the windigos that nearly killed you.” Vital sighed, and rubbed the bridge of his muzzle. “Okay. I probably should have asked you this a long time ago. What really happened back then?”

“Well, we didn’t set off all conveniently at the same time in groups of two, find each other, argue over the land, and then get forced into a cave to make nice,” she said as she pulled out a flask, and emptied a generous portion into her tea.

“For starters, it wasn’t an argument that summoned the Windigos, it was a war. The Earth Ponies had rebelled, and in doing so, had cut off the food supply. Without food, the Pegasi became desperate, and turned on us. Arrows, spears, and spells flew for days, with no side gaining a clear victory. The Pegasi were better trained, of course, but an army marches on its stomach, and despite how the modern books paint it, Unicornia had a nice fine film of arrogance and neglect around it. The only effective spell casters fit for combat were in the royal guard. The rest could barely make a shield. As for myself, I was forbidden to get involved. Star Swirl made it clear it was not our place to foster the stupidity of any one tribe, even our own. Still, what can I say? I had the misfortune of being the princess’ companion, and thus, at that age, my loyalties were mixed and confused. Then there was the damned meeting….” Clover took a drink from her tea, then a second hit from her flask.

“As you heard, the windigos came, though we didn’t realize it at the time. And with them came the ice and the snow. At first, we figured it was some type of Pegasi tactic, but when they started freezing to death, well, when a species that lives in higher and colder altitudes starts freezing to death, you know something's wrong. Finally, Bullion came to Star Swirl, literally on his knees, begging him to do something. And what did my genius mentor do? He used the respect he had amongst the three tribes to arrange a peace summit. Now don’t get me wrong. The idea was okay. Hurricane was many things, but he wasn’t stupid, and the chancellor was an eccentric, not a sadist. Things would have been fine, if the king had sent the royal ambassador to the meeting, or a trained diplomat. But no, he decided to send his arrogant, stuck-up, self-aggrandising, center-of-her-own-universe daughter. Now the modern telling of the tale tells you blame is to be spread equally, but keep in mind most history books are scribed by Unicorns, my student.”

“And some Unicorns are still rather biased?”

“When we entered the hall, Platinum threw a fit, because, well, her guards bowed, the Unicorns bowed, I bowed, but the Pegasi refused to bow. They saluted with their spears, instead. I tried to tell her this was a show of respect, but, at the risk of sounding repetitive, no. She insisted they bow. It took fifteen minutes to get her to let that go, and we started the meeting right off the bat with a third of the group angered. But then you’d think that surely, at the table, being a Princess, Platinum would know to show proper respect in her speech and actions, right?”

“Based on how much you’ve disparaged her thus far, I’m guessing not,” Vital mused as he used his magic to shift a pair of chairs for the two to sit in.

Clover sat down, took another calming sip, and resumed her narrative. “She called them Feather Brains and Mud Ponies. The entire time. It was the most embarrassing thing I’d ever seen. At first, there was talk of lower taxes, better land distribution. The Earth Ponies wanted a fair compromise of having an Earth Pony representative party in all official meetings. Hurricane just wanted the food to be available again. At first, I thought Platinum was considering these issues. She just sort of sat there, stone-faced, listening.” She groaned, and shook her head. “Oh, how wrong I was, Vital. How wrong I was. Out of nowhere, she suddenly asked Hurricane when they can expect the Pegasi to stop killing everypony with the cold, and the chancellor about when the Mud Ponies could ‘return to their proper places.’ As you can guess, things sort of … exploded.”

“The kind of explosion you mentioned earlier about destroying your face, and requiring hard work and grit to get back again?”

“Good. You’ve been paying attention. Anyway, after that point, things went pretty much the way the story says. They argued, blame started getting flung around, and then each leader stormed out, giving their aides little more than enough time for me to give them apologetic smiles. The king was … unhappy with his daughter's actions. Star Swirl was beyond furious. He ranted and raved for a solid day about the stupidity of her actions, and my lack of action. That’s not an exaggeration, either. He didn’t stop talking for a full twenty-four hours. I clocked it.” Clover chuckled at the memory.

“After that, the king met with me and Star Swirl privately to discuss what could be done. We needed fertile land. With time, we could grow our own crops with spells, but not through the ice and snow. Also, Platinum needed to disappear for a while, lest she not survive the next few months. The plan was actually Star Swirl’s. He would take an expedition to explore lands to the south, but it would seem as though Platinum were leading the party to everypony but the highest ranking Unicorns with us. The hope was that this action would regain her some small amount of favor with the populace. It was quite possible that, should we succeed, free land would become our bargaining chip for calming the Pegasi and the Earth Ponies. So we left by nightfall in a convoy of fifty or so. We traveled for weeks. Pairs of two would take turns scouting the road ahead, looking for the path. It was on one of these scouting missions with Star Swirl that I first met a Pony who would change everything I believed about how the world worked.”

“Hammer Strike.”

“Yes.” Clover nodded. “But Star Swirl decided to leave him be, for the time being, which made sense. Who knows what Platinum would have done to an Earth Pony using magic and farming in the middle of winter? So, eventually, the snow ended, and we found green grass and leafy trees in a valley at the foothold of the mountains. These footholds were filled with caves that dripped with gems. We camped, we fed, and we celebrated our victory, only to find out days later that an Earth Pony camp had been spotted at the other end of the valley, and a Pegasus platform was hovering somewhere near the center. We were a simple expedition. We had maybe five battle mages amongst us. Pegasi were a military society. How much of a chance do you think we’d have had in a fight?”

“Probably not much,”Vital conceded.

“Our saving grace, of course, was Star Swirl. We could be confident his reputation would keep them at a distance, at least for a while, but … the valley was only so large. Foraging parties eventually came into conflict, and then … the ice and snow returned. Ponies went from being at each others’ throats to finding any resources they could, before they froze. Finally, as the play says, we found the cave, and our three glorious leaders had their heads so far up their plots that they argued themselves to a near-death cryofreeze. Now here is the start of things. Cookie, Pansy, and I had met several times before, during Star Swirl’s many pilgrimages to magical spots of power. I liked them. We got along well. So, with our leaders out, we put our heads together, using each other for warmth as we tried to work out a plan. I tried every fire spell I could think of. It wasn’t until I was nearly out of mana, when Cookie offered his for me to use. Pansy stepped in to say I could use hers, instead. In the end, I pointed out we could extend the supply, if I used a little from each of them. When I did, and combined it with my own mana, well … yeah. You know the story from there.”

“By the power of three was the darkness undone with three parts of the whole cast by the creator. And thus shall her children stand against all who wish their end, provided that harmony remain,” Vital said. “Sorry about that. I like to wax poetic sometimes, even if what I say isn't necessarily true.”

“Now, what you think you know is, after that, the three tribes were united, and we built Unity around Celestia and Luna. That’s a lie perpetrated by someone who wanted to disappear from history. Care to take a guess as to who that might have been?”

“Do I even want to know?”

“You already know,” Clover said. “You just don’t know him yet. Or rather, you don’t know the him that I knew. He has to become him, before he can be him.”

“Time travel?”

Clover took another long drag from her flask, and a minimal sip from her teacup. “Let me put it this way, Vital. The person you know as Hammer Strike, he’s most definitely the person Star Swirl and I met that day, but he isn’t the one I worked for. He’s part of it, but there was much more … muchness to come.”

“Oh, you did not just pull an Alice in Wonderland reference on me,” Vital said.

“I think we’re done for today,” Clover said with a surprisingly melancholy sigh. “And for the record, Vital, don’t judge Platinum too harshly. She was young in those days. We all were. She mellowed out afterwards, and ended up doing a lot of good.”

“Anything I can do to help? That didn’t sound like one of your usual sighs.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m just an old mare looking back on old regrets.”

“Well … if you need someone to talk to, I’m always around,” Vital offered as he made his way towards the door. “I like the people I care about to be happy.”

“I’ll see you later, Vital,” she said tiredly as she turned to stare into space.

“... Goodbye, I guess, Clover. Just … feel better soon.”

---

Grif took a deep breath as he sat in the dark of a clearing deep, deep inside the Everfree Forest on his haunches. His tail was carefully wrapped to avoid any possibilities of hurting it. His paws were crossed on the ground. It had taken considerable work, but the bottoms of both paws were facing upwards.

Before him, several books and scrolls were splayed out, some of them volumes he’d brought from Earth detailing theories about internal energies: chi, ki, chakra, all that crazy anime stuff. The scrolls, however, were what made him crazy enough to be out here. Celestia had taken these from Minotaurs and Goats, and each described similar phenomenon being used by their most holy and seclusive shamans.

It was not easy getting these from the Canterlot archive, but, thankfully, with the wedding in the castle, Grif had been given an opportunity to look for useful information. It had been a slow process, of course. A few scrolls here or there, never enough to draw suspicion from the guards. Lastly, he had his thaumic book opened to the chapter on suppressing one's field laid before him. A double brass ring covered two of his claws. It had taken a lot to convince Twilight to make it for him, as magic-suppressing rings were highly restricted. It felt wrong not being able to feel his magical field, but from what he’d read so far, it would act as interference to what he was trying to discover.

Grif took several deep, controlled breaths, then brought his talons together as he tried desperately to clear his mind. One reason after another for his current situation flashed through his mind: all the battles, everything he had faced, the fact that magic was finite, and while thaumaturgy was efficient, his understanding of it would take years before he’d be able to use it to the same degree as Hammer Strike. However, if his theory proved correct, this method might help to fill the gap. These scrolls referred to physical energy. It was generated by one's stamina, and how good one’s physical shape was. Fortunately for Grif, he was in great shape. Long years of training in running, aerobic, and physical exercises combined with intense weapons training had left him with strength, endurance, and great physical form. If he could harness this new force, he’d have a weapon in case things got desperate.

Having finally pushed those reasons through his mind, he let them go, and pushed the other thoughts away, focusing on what was around him, instead: the sound of the night wind, the chill in the air, the music of the spheres above. Of course, this was far from his first time. He’d been attempting this experiment since they’d returned from the wedding, and he always fell short of what he needed. Still, he could swear he was getting close. Even now, he found that internal hum, the cool motion within. Sometimes light, like a breeze. Sometimes violent, like a typhoon. He tried to move it, to leash it to his will, and it fought him. He attempted to gently prod and coax it, and it ignored him. Every attempt had been met with failure. Twice, he thought he’d gotten it, only for it to evaporate through his metaphorical fingers.

Frustration finally overtook him, and he snapped back to reality, growling as he relaxed his posture. “It’s there, right in front of me, so why is it I can’t take control?”

“You are doing well from what I can see,” a familiar voice spoke up, “but you are your own worst enemy.”

Grif turned his head to see Zecora’s serene expression as she sat in the same position Grif had taken, only she lay atop her vertical staff in perfect balance.

“Oh, so what, you’re an expert on manifesting physical energy now, too?” Grif asked in an unamused tone.

“When you have traveled the world as much as I, there are many things that catch your eye, many creatures with good techniques, and teaching styles most unique. I have learned a thing or two, and perhaps my experience will be of help to you,” Zecora said with a half smile. “You cannot fight where the wind will roll. It is better yet to surrender control.”

“Meaning?” Grif asked.

“If your power you would subdue, then submission first must come from you.” Zecora pointed a hoof forward, and a small beam of blue light shot from her hoof, knocking a branch off a nearby tree. “Humility will be your key.”

“So you're saying I shouldn’t try to take control, but I should let it give me control?” Grif raised an eyebrow.

Zecora said nothing, grinning as she gestured with a hoof, as though to say, ‘try it and see.’

Rolling his eyes, Grif took a breath, brought his talons in, and tried again. Once more, he dove into his being, and found that cool billowing energy within. He submerged himself in it, let it flow around him, then let himself go. It was difficult at first. His mind constantly rebelled against him, demanding to make the power his tool, to command it, bend it to his will. Still, the more he let go, the better he felt as the energy washed over him like an early spring breeze. He felt it in his ethereal feathers, and through his fur as it caressed his wings, and his physical form extended them without his realising it.

Unseen by the meditating Gryphon, a pinprick of light formed between his talons. It glowed a bright bluish-white, and grew slowly, gaining in size and luminosity, until he held a small ball of energy the size of a baseball between his two hands. When Grif finally opened his eyes, they widened in surprise as he observed the energy between his fingers. Sadly, at that point, he lost his concentration, and the connection to the force evaporated.

“A great journey begins with a simple act. Your path is begun, and you know what you lacked.” Zecora smiled kindly at him.

“Well, if it’s a journey, I could use a guide.” Grif looked at her, his unsaid question hanging in the air.

“In this quest for knowledge, I will gladly aid you, but prepare yourself. We have much to do. The ways of the shaman may take its toll, but it is an art I have known since I was but a foal.” Zecora smiled, a smile that Grif would very much come to despise in the coming weeks of nightly training.

---

“Somebody, get the Commander!” Me-Me’s voice echoed through the caverns and hive mind, not for the first time, as she worked around the medical pod. Several Changelings ran helter skelter around her in the hubbub of the rapid flashing from the cocoon and the tsunami of anxiety and worry that flowed from their queen. By now, all of them were the same rusty red color, including Me-Me herself. The former royal carapace had been set aside, until the hive could decide what to do with it. Currently, mixtures of crystalized love, Pony food, and royal jelly were being hastily prepared by the many Lings that had been serving in the kitchens. Several praetorians stood by, in case the patient reacted violently upon hatching. They did not wish to risk the warrior harming himself. A Changeling who had absorbed the combined available knowledge on therapeutic techniques was also on hand, ready to react at a moment’s notice with compounds, reagents, and a few basic spells that might prove useful, should the need arise.

Pensword bolted into the cavern with ragged breath, and a giggling Moon River on his back as she clung to his mane. One crossbow smacked against Pensword’s flank, while moon River clutched possessively at her own, clearly indicating the practice the pair had been engaged in when the call came. “So,” he panted, “what’s the sitrep?”

“We’ve got rudimentary alpha brainwaves,” Me-Me explained. “That means he’s going to be waking up within the next few minutes. We wanted him to have a familiar face, and … well, he looks up to you most, Pensword.”

Pensword nodded his understanding. He turned his head back to look very seriously at his daughter. “Now Moon River, when he is ready, and Me-Me says you can, I want you to give him a big hug, understood?”

Moon River nodded cutely as she watched the cocoon with a fascinated curiosity that only the very young seem capable of replicating. Pensword couldn’t help but smile as the hint of tears began to appear in the corners of his eyes. The gambit had pulled off. Silver Spear was alive, and would soon awaken. Now it was his job to make sure the soldier didn’t hurt himself in the process.

There were several tense moments, and then, suddenly, a hoof poked out from a normally indiscernible slit in the cocoon. It only took a few seconds for it to reach the ground, but to the watchers, it seemed like hours. Slowly, but surely, Silver Spear emerged in a flood of nutrient and love-enriched liquids. His fur and chiton were soaked, his movements staggered and jerky, and his long mane obscured his vision, but it was clearly him as he slowly stood to his full height with a dazed expression.

Pensword raised an eyebrow. “You’ve grown.” It was all he could manage, given the circumstances. “You ... feeling okay?”

“I … don’t know, Sir. What … what happened?” Silver Spear lifted a hoof to pull back his mane, revealing the left side of his face had been covered in the same jutting chiton. The beginnings of a mandible reminiscent to the Changeling guards’ carapace armor had pressed out the side of his jaw, and twitched slightly in the cold drafts of the caverns. His left eye had become a multi-faceted solid blue orb, and the chiton on his left shoulder jutted upwards in a strangely flame-like pattern. The copper-colored plating hadn’t stopped there, though. In his body’s urge to adapt to the rapid changes, the chitin had spread to cover the other side of his chest, his right shoulder, and even a ways down his back and barrel, granting a natural armor that would prove useful in future battles, should the need arise. “The last thing I remember, I was fighting Chrysalis, the swarm … and then … then….” He winced, and reached up to prod his horn with his new hoof, only for his eyes to widen as he felt the curve, and noticed the suddenly furless condition of his appendage.

“You ... you were surrounded. You almost died. When … when Grif found you–.” Pensword paused, and took a deep breath to steady himself. “I need you to keep calm, Silver Spear. Can you do that for me?”

“Sir … what did you do to me?”

Pensword winced. “We used an untested procedure to save your life. I ... that is to say, we all hope you are not too mad about it. We couldn't afford to lose such a good officer … and a good friend.”

“And he definitely means we,” Me-Me said as she stepped forward. “Welcome back, Silver Spear. It’s good to see you up on your hooves again. I speak for the entire hive when I say we couldn’t bear to lose you.”

“I … almost died? Why can’t I remember?”

“First off, with the injuries you sustained, it is a miracle you were pulled off the field alive. That could account for some of the memory loss. There was also … some brain damage. Me-Me and her hive did what they could, but, as we said, this procedure was experimental at best. To repair what you lost, your body adapted by developing Changeling cells that were compatible with your regular ones.”

“Cells?”

“Think of it like a transfer of magical essence,” Me-Me explained, “only this transfer affected you physically, rather than magically. It worked to restore what was lost, but as you can see, it left a mark, so to speak.”

“As a result, you may lose some memories from the battle. They could simply be repressed for now, or they could be completely gone.” Despite this news, Pensword grinned. “Fortunately, from what I can see thus far, your personality and mental faculties are still the same. That is good, considering what is likely to occur for you. There will be some … adjustments for you to make.”

“Adjustments?” Silver Spear asked as he blinked in surprise, then chuckled as a blue blur clung to his leg, and nuzzled up against him. “Hello, Moon River. I see you’ve grown.”

Moon River just looked up at him with that cheeky grin of hers, and stuck her tongue out.

“According to Me-Me, the parts of you that are Changeling, including your brain, will give you a link to the hive mind.”

“But … I don’t hear anything. Are you sure I’m supposed to be connected?”

“I’ve muted your connection for now,” Me-Me explained. “Best not to overwhelm you too much on your first day. We’ve prepared a variety of potential foods for you to try, just in case your tastes may have changed,” she said as she motioned towards the piles of food and royal jelly. “Doubtless, you must be hungry, and you’ll need sustenance to help build up your strength again. Your body has been in a coma for the last several months.

“Months?” Silver Spear balked.

“We’ve kept things running, and everyone has been rooting for you to pull through. We also informed your father, and have given him regular status updates about your condition. Now that you are no longer in stasis, we can inform him that the procedure was a success. We will likely need to give you time to adapt, before we can let him see you, but once you’ve gained control of yourself and any new abilities that may surface as a result of the treatment, we’ll arrange for you to meet.”

“My father?”

“Yes. And we’re going to be having a very long chat about a certain set of paperwork that seems to have mysteriously been lost in its transmission to my desk, Colonel Silver Spear.”

“Yes, Sir.” Silver Spear’s face fell with the news, before suddenly zipping back upwards with alert eyes as his horn sparked. “Wait, what did you just say?”

Pensword chuckled. “I said Colonel Silver Spear. Congratulations. You’ve been promoted. Also, due to your unique position with our Changeling associates, and their high regard for you, I have taken counsel with the princesses. They agreed with my suggestion. As soon as you are fully recovered, you are to begin your official duties as an Equestrian ambassador and teacher for the Everfree Hive. You will help them to adapt to Equestrian culture, and teach them how to make friends and function in our society. Oh, and by the way, be ready for a full ceremony of commendation when you return. Your service is to be acknowledged and celebrated with all the activities that entails.”

“Sir, I … I don’t know what to say.” At that moment, Silver Spear’s stomach rumbled loudly, echoing its demands throughout the cavern for everyone to hear. He blushed heavily. “Excuse me,” he said somewhat timidly.

Moon River burst into a fit of giggles, followed by everyone else as the tension broke, and happiness and mirth filled the room.

“Welcome home, Silver Spear,” Pensword finally said with a truly relieved smile.

“Thank you, Sir. It’s … it’s good to be back.”

---

The four members of the CMC looked bashfully at Vital Spark, who was currently stuck in a solid layer of ice in the basin of the Ponyville fountain. The dirt surrounding the structure smoldered with the remains of the flames that had somehow been stirred up there. It certainly didn’t help that Vital’s white coat had been covered in purple polka dots, and the fountain had somehow been painted a deep forest green. Six wheels, scraps of wood, and half a propeller had been embedded in a wall of hay bales. Nobody knew what had become of the other half. A wagon had been practically shattered by a spire of earth jutting from the ground, and, finally, everything but the fountain was dripping in some type of hybrid between syrup and tree sap.

“Sorry, Mister Spark,” Applebloom muttered as Sweetie Belle chipped at the ice. It didn’t help that Button was poking his head up over the hay bales with his muzzle dropped open in shock. His beanie’s propeller spun slowly.

“Sweetie Belle, could you please back away?” Vital asked in a carefully controlled tone the filly knew only too well. She did so immediately as Vital’s horn flared to life. In a matter of moments, the ice wavered like a mirage, before returning to its liquid state once again, leaving the polkadotted Pony rather thoroughly soaked. “Now then,” he said primly as he stepped out of the basin, and shook the water as best he could from his coat. Unfortunately, the other changes still remained. “What have we learned about trying to use big Pony magic?”

The Four ponies looked at each other, and then Dinky cocked her head. “Who are you asking? There are five of us here. Six, if we count you.”

“Honestly, I expected this from Sweetie Belle, Dinky, but you know better,” Vital sighed as he shook his head. “Just look at all this.” He groaned as he levitated the chunks of lumber and other parts out from the hay bales, then laid them on the ground. “Magic makes for great shortcuts sometimes, but it’s easy to lose control of, if you don’t have the proper practice and discipline, especially when it’s more advanced. You’re still much too young to be focusing on advanced elemental transmutation, Sweetie. Just look at the changes you made to the area, not to mention to me on a molecular level, I might add,” he said as he pointed to a giant polkadot on his face.

Uh… that was actually my fault with the potion,” Apple Bloom said as she scuffed a hoof nervously on the ground. “Sorry about that. I guess you had an allergic reaction? Only thing that makes sense, really. All it was suppose to do was make your coat sparkle.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes from her spot in the only tree in the area, which was not the source of the sap, but was covered in tinsel. “Still,” she said as a manic grin crossed over her muzzle. “Did you see how high I got off the ground? That was epic!”

Button cleared his throat. “Uh … I came up with the original idea,” he added sheepishly. “Should I be down there, too?”

Sweetie Belle blushed, before looking at Button. “Why isn’t your hat covered like the rest of us?”

“Anti-stain spell,” he explained. “Some bullies spilled pomegranate juice on it, and Mom helped fix it. Twilight helped with the magic,”

“First of all, I want two things. I want a list of the ingredients you used for the potion, along with the book you took it from. Then I want that spell book you used, so I can set all this chaos right. Honestly, it’s like you were trying to make an offering to Discord.”

“Did somepony call my name?” Discord asked as he flashed into existence, and spread his arms wide. “Tada!” Then he looked at Vital, and smirked. “Ooh, Vital, love the new look. Did you do something with your fur? Wait, don’t tell me. You went and got it cut. No, that can’t be it. Hooves polished? Mane brushed? Spa package?” With each item listed, a tool or object associated with the feature poofed out of thin air, and began to work on Discord, before poofing out of existence.

“Ooh, and the square’s never looked better. What brilliant architect arranged this little masterpiece?” the Draconequus asked as he spun around in the air. When the blur that was his body returned to normal, a painter’s smock and black beret hung on his body and between his horns respectively. A thick paintbrush had been clutched in his lion paw as he shut his left eye, and shifted his taloned hand like one trying to gain perspective as a canvas and easel appeared to his right, and a paint pallet hovered next to him. “Such delicious chaos. I simply must capture it for future generations.”

“Speak of the devil. Great,” Vital growled.

“Aww, Vital Spark, why so glum, chum?” Discord flicked a talon under the Unicorn’s chin with his usual smirk.

“Aside from the fact I narrowly avoided an elemental explosion the likes of which hasn’t been seen since Twilight’s little outburst at Celestia’s School for Gifted Foals?”

“I do like the look, you know. Spots are all the rage this year.”

“Beside the point, Discord. Think you could maybe help us out?”

“Well now, that depends. Are you asking me, or telling me?”

“I think we both know the answer to that question, Discord,” Vital pointed out. “You know how I feel about ordering you around.”

“So, just to be clear, you are asking me?”

“That would be a yes. Besides, Hammer Strike isn’t here to police you right now, and a bit of good behavior like this could go a long ways towards getting on his more tolerant side.”

“Oh, all right,” Discord said as he rolled his eyes. “But you owe me, Vital Spark.”

“How about I bake you some of my famous chocolate chip cookies?”

Discord stiffened as he took a heavy gulp to prevent the sudden spurt of saliva from shooting out his mouth with the strength of a fire hose. “With milk?”

“I should think so, though I prefer eating my cookies by themselves, personally.”

Discord zoomed uncomfortably close to Vital as he narrowed his gaze and lowered his voice to his more conspiratorial tone. “Make it a double batch, and we’ve got a deal.”

Vital Spark extended his hoof. “Then we have an accord. Or should I say … Discord?” he asked as he wiggled his eyebrows.

Discord shrugged. “Meh. I’ve heard worse.” Then he shook Vital’s hoof. With a snap of his fingers, everything was made right again. It was as if the chaos had never been. Meanwhile, the painting’s canvas had been filled to the brim with the chaotic scene and an ominous shadow in the background with a single glinting snaggletooth.

“Not bad,” Vital complimented. “You really captured the essence of the moment.”

“Well, I’m no timelord, but I do try my best.”

“It definitely shows. Now then, as for you five,” Vital said pointedly as he rounded on the children, “you’re all going to apologize to every Pony you’ve upset today with your antics, and then we’re going to take you directly to Twilight, where you will personally apologize to her for taking that book without permission, and performing magic without proper supervision. I will also be making sure to alert your parents or guardians to your irresponsible behavior.”

Dinky chuckled nervously. “Actually, this … isn’t Twilight’s book. It’s mine. Just not yet.” She muttered the last part, so only Vital could hear. “This one was … kind of set in stone,” she said. “Sorry.”

Vital facehoofed. “Now why did you have to go and say that?” He groaned, and shook his head. “Okay, fixed point will be taken into consideration, but there’s still a consequence that needs to be enforced. As such, you five will be working in community service to those who faced damages from your antics, and I will be expecting an apology to be sent to every person affected, either written or in person. What form that service may take will be decided between your parents and the individuals affected. And no complaining or whining, kids. Be grateful nopony was actually hurt. Magic can fix a lot of things, but it has its limits just as much as any other art or science.”

“Yes, Vital,” the five said as they deflated, and slumped their heads forward.

“Good. If you five are good, I might even see about persuading Discord to be your parole officer. I hear he’s very good at making things fun.”

Discord chuckled wickedly as he rubbed his hand and paw together. “Oh, Vital, you always say the nicest things.”

Comments

[Dravkwn]

Wow! So many different points in this chapter that have further opened the floodgates of hope and romance as well as some more history.

[Booster Spice]

Eithre there is some horrendously powerlful protection spells around that training area or Clover etc aint going anywhere near flat out. Is there plans made for a proper combat training area some distance away thats large enough to have artifacts or equivalent power spell carriers big enough to contain World Crackers? Could come in handy for certain accidental discoveries.

Moonriver is having fun with her coiterie but she might be getting impatient with the sous vide chicken instead of flash fry. Just hope she doesnt try alternate routes to try and change that fact. Not enough tree sap in the world.

Does Trixie have, or is getting a replacement cart, and this time will it have a last stop save point or similar so at least she can recover most of her stuff in future?

Pensword is having so much fun restating his position, power and abilities to his enemies. And for the family as well. Griffs multilayer encryption, possibly in Dimwell Arhymic Speech which then has the normal encryption applied to it, would make all the cryto harder to break?

WOnder what Clover, or even the Doctor would do, if a certain book turned up, about the size of a large hardback, that was filled with nothing more than page after page of digits, forming a single multi million digit number, and the title of the book is Here And Now. Every time the book is opened, the last half of it changes. The great things about pocket dimentions, is if you seet them up carefully enough, you can not only cause its intersection to appear anywhere else, but cause that intersection to pretty much take any form within pretty large bounds. Just watch out for remembering to compensate for Hawking Radiation. That, and irate Orangutans.

Zecora is going to have so much fun with Grif. I suspect she is going to keep at him until he is giving her less bull than what she has at home.

Silver Spear. We can rebuild him. We managed to save the arm. He will not stop until you are dead. Plate mail looks so good on you. But for now, time to eat. Next, comes briefing and retraining.

There is an algorithmic function governing the idea of fixed points, but it involves, as far as I can work out, generalised world lines and deterministic chaos functions. Theres at least one in the entire Multiverse even in those parts that appear to go to infinity. Thanks to 1970s Open University infinity modeling. I take it they are Double Choc Choc Chip with at leas three different Chocs and maybe even choc filling like a pop tart? So what else is in Dinkys book that isnt temporally encrypted?

At least Discord is enjoying himself. After all, a happy Discord isnt usually a bored Discord. And a bored Discord usually goes out of his way to make life, Intresting.

[ihatehaters1994]

Ahha i was right about vital and multiple mares. Now he must choose or break the social taboo that is modern society's rule of polygamous relationships are bad. Also do you guys have a pic of moon river done up?

[Skydancer]

Why do I have the impression that Vital is the one who goes time-traveling to the Founders Valley?

[Mordred]

8338887
Vital will be going with Hammer Strike to the Zebra lands, and he'll be Zecora's shaman idol

[Teraunce]

Discord being the CMC's parole officer brings to mind scarily hilarious images.