185 - Have it Your Way
Extended Holiday
Chapter 185: Have it Your Way
“Say, Hammer Strike,” Vital Spark started as he gazed out the train window, “I’m curious, do you know how the magic in the crystal heart manages to keep the cold away from the empire? I mean, by all scientific reasoning, it should basically be a frozen wasteland up there.”
“It’s somewhat difficult to explain, but the best way to explain it would be that it’s thermal control inside a shield,” Hammer Strike replied.
“So, basically an artificial environment?”
“Basically.”
“Huh. The more you know.” He shrugged, then turned to his wife. “So, Trixie, are you ready to see an ancient civilization literally transplanted from the past?”
“Of course. Trixie is ready to wow a whole new crowd!”
“You know, she just might,” Fox Feather said with a smile. “I doubt there have been many illusionists in the city before.”
“It could make for some great half-time entertainment, too,” Pensword added.
Grif was running over forms and routines. Standing on top of the train, used to the cold, and protected from the wind and momentum, he felt no issue even as the landscape sped by around him.
Shrial folded her arms impatiently. “I just want to see these games get underway already. I can already imagine some of the events, and I can’t wait to see how the sparring matches unfold.”
“I’m actually sort of surprised you didn’t sign up for an event yourself, Shrial,” Vital Spark noted. “Isn't that sort of your thing?”
Shrial shrugged. “I can’t always take the glory.”
Fox Feather chuckled. “Modest as always.”
“Pride is very important to my culture, you know,” Shrial said with a smirk.
“Just be careful not to let it trip you up,” Yharon warned from his place in the car’s aisle. His tail curled lazily around his frame as he peered over the seats and blinked his four eyes.
“That’s what I have Grif for. We cut each other down and raise each other up.”
“How romantic.” Vital couldn’t help but smile. “Sounds familiar. Wouldn’t you say, Trixie?” he asked, then kissed her.
“Well, you do tend to be dense, sweetie,” Trixie said.
“Fortunately, not where it counts most.” He smiled and wiggled his eyebrows. “And I seem to recall a certain mare doing some pretty hairbrained things of her own before we met. Isn’t it great to know we’ve both grown since?”
“Yes,” Trixie said, nuzzling him. “It really is.”
“Ah, yes, young love, one of the most beautiful and delicate creations in all the worlds. Few, if any, manage to get the recipe just right. But it is not in conformity, but rather in the unique that true wonder is found.” Edna smirked. “It seems you all have been lucky in that field.”
Fox Feather chuckled. “Some of us took longer than others. Pensword took more than a thousand years before he finally got it through his head,” she teased.
“In my defense, you never dropped any hints,” Pensword shot back with a laugh of his own as he nuzzled the mare.
“A girl is supposed to play hard to get, isn’t she?” Fox Feather teased.
“Then why in Bonnie's name did you throw yourself at him?” Lunar fang teased Fox Feather.
“I was drunk.” She shrugged. “It got the job done, didn’t it?”
“Hmm. Say, Hammer Strike, a thought occurs to me. We got swarmed last time we were here and barely got away by the skin of our teeth with Cadence and Shining’s help. This time around, we have even more famous Ponies with us. Do you have a plan to avoid that this time?” Vital asked.
“I’ve got a few tricks I can use, don’t worry,” Hammer Strike replied simply.
“Including using all the other competitors as a cover?”
“Correct.”
“Well, this is going to be fun.” Vital chuckled.
“Hopefully,” Trixie added. “You never can tell with something this big.”
The train finally pulled up to the station, and the VIPs waited in their car as the other carts unloaded to flood the platform with contestants and a certain little purple Dragon helper.
Vital whistled. “That’s a lot more competitors than I expected.”
“With everything going on, it sparked competitors to action,” Hammer Strike commented.
“And the Crystal Pony guards that are clearly charging up to Spike?” Yharon questioned.
“They have some fascination with Spike.” Hammer Strike shrugged.
“Well, at least they’re carting him off in style,” Vital noted. “I … guess that makes him the sacrificial lamb in this case so the rest of us can get out and do our thing?”
“Then we shouldn’t waste the opportunity, should we?” Shrial asked as she rose. “You all coming? I’d like to see my husband to our quarters. And I’m guessing there are places you’d all like to visit, too.”
And so the royal car prepared to disembark and begin their journey in the first step of the Equestria Games.
“NYEH HEH HEH!” Parchment laughed victoriously as he walked out of the mine’s entrance and into the sunlight, where the crystals in his coat sparkled. His orange mane waved in the air as his eyes flashed with excitement. “I can’t believe our good luck, Cor! Hammer Strike himself came to relieve me of duty and even praise my dedication! Surely, a greater position in the guard will follow!”
Cor smiled and nodded, pumping her tiny foreleg in affirmation as she fixed a papier mache medal badge onto her adopted uncle’s chest.
“Why, Cor, is … is this for me?”
Cor nodded and beamed her smile again.
Parchment’s lips wobbled as tears welled up in his eyes. “It’s … it’s … perfect. I’ll treasure it every day I serve in the guard!” he bawled as he picked up the filly and hugged her close.
Cor just smiled and nuzzled her uncle, even as she struggled to breathe.
Back in the cave, Edna couldn’t help but smile and shake her head. “Incredible what a few millennia can do for a Pony’s evolution, isn’t it, Hammer Strike? I never would have expected so much to spring from something so artificial. You did well.”
“It took a while, but they really are alive after all this time.” Hammer Strike gave a small smile.
“So, what was it that you needed to show me here?” Edna asked.
“One moment.” Hammer Strike looked toward one of the nearby walls as his eyes flashed briefly. Shortly afterwards, the crystal split and dissolved as it revealed a chamber hidden beneath the empire.
“Hmm. You were able to gain this level of sophistication to make it appear as a natural formation. Very clever.”
“The crystal fabrication system is very interesting to work with, to say the least.” Hammer Strike gestured for her to enter.
“Ever the gentlecolt. It’s a wonder you don’t have half the kingdom clawing after you.” Edna smirked as she passed through the divide and entered the chamber. Unlike the exterior, this room was lit up in a rainbow of colors as crystal shards jutted. Hammer Strike tapped his hoof once, and the crystals that had jutted so threateningly at them retracted back into the walls to leave them perfectly smooth and reflective. “Huh. So that’s what that feels like.”
“Sorry. With the death of the Alicorns here, there have been some failsafes put in place,” Hammer Strike replied.
“I would be disappointed if you did anything less.”
“Vega, engage speakers within the ‘backrooms,’” Hammer Strike called out as he sealed the passage behind them.
“Of course, Hammer Strike. I hope the copy of myself you downloaded proved useful on your journey,” the AI responded.
“So, you are Vega.”
“And you are Edna Mode, an Alicorn with exceptionally high security clearance and one of the highest surveillance priorities in the empire. According to records, you were a prime candidate for recruitment to Project Gungnir, though your previous sentiments left the council hesitant to grant you full access. Some records indicate that you are as old as—”
“Vega, darling, even as an AI, you should know it’s never polite to talk about a mare’s age.”
“Is that meant to be a reference to a desire to keep your estimated age a secret?”
“Yes, darling, it is.”
“If Hammer Strike agrees, then I will update my parameters immediately and seal the pertinent files. However, he will be able to access them in the future, should he so choose as the bearer of the highest administrative access keys.”
“Yeah, go ahead and lock it down,” Hammer Strike replied.
The sound of crystal chimes resonated through the air. “And done. Is there anything else I can do to be of service to you today?”
“I am intrigued,” Edna said as she pondered the AI. “Would you be willing to share the information on your programmers? They must have been very skilled.”
“I was created based on a primary algorithm drafted and composed by Doctor Light as a practical joke. My original purpose was to function as a virus to infiltrate core systems in the empire and grant him complete control at any point he required it. When I was discovered embedded in the systems after my first field test, rather than delete me, my primary algorithm was repurposed, and Doctor Light was sanctioned by administrative staff. His response was less than flattering.”
Edna smirked. “That does sound like something he would do.”
“He was once a student of yours, was he not?”
Edna nodded. “One of many. Even among the other Alicorns, he was a special one. As I am certain Hammer Strike recalls.”
“He certainly was interesting, to say the least,” Hammer Strike chuckled.
From what I’ve seen of your friend Grif, the two of them would have gotten along very well.” She sighed. “It’s always hard to lose children you love, especially when so many of them have lost their way.”
“Recent developments indicate that it may be possible for the race known as Alicorns to repopulate again through the process known as ascension. However, without a male Alicorn to complement the females who have already transformed and the two remaining natural-born Alicorn females, probabilities of the Alicorn strain carrying into the next generation are 8.221 percent at best.”
“Some things are better left as they are, Vega,” Edna warned. “I have no desire to invite destruction to rain a second time.”
“As you wish. Is there any other way in which I might be of service to you, Hammer Strike?”
“I need you to give Edna access to the crystal fabrication system,” Hammer Strike replied. “Beyond that, an administrative rank for here should be good enough.”
“Certainly.” The walls of the chamber flashed briefly in sequence as Vega processed the request and updated his archives. “I’ve officially registered Edna and given her the necessary authorizations. The system will acknowledge any request she sends to it within the parameters you designate. Shall I place a safeguard requiring prior authorization over a certain point of fabrication?”
Hammer Strike looked to Edna for a moment before turning back. “No. I don’t think we’ll need it.”
“Very well, Hammer Strike. Welcome to the Forward Operating Crystalline Facility, now dubbed the Crystal Empire. It is a pleasure to have you aboard this project, Edna.”
“And is there a project, Hammer Strike?” Edna asked with a hint of a smirk.
Hammer Strike hummed for a moment. “How about we get you some new tools and equipment? Stuff that you’re used to.”
Edna grinned. Her eyes glinted with excitement and an almost desperate hunger as her wings flapped and one of her hooves twitched. “A new tool kit fresh from the replicator? Darling, you just made my day.”
Grif checked his outfit one last time. Being dressed in a simple suit with only mild armor beneath the surface left him feeling vulnerable as he headed to the camp for the imperial athletes. He attempted to remain low-key, only talking to those he had to and stealthing past any others until he found the tent he was looking for. He gave a polite knock on one of the tent posts and waited.
“I recognize that knock.” A familiar voice heralded the blue feathers Grif had come to love and respect over time.
“Well, I hope so.” Grif chuckled. “As after this is over, you’ll need to get very used to it.” He leaned in and kissed her.
“It’s been a long wait, but definitely worth it. This has to be the longest engagement I’ve ever had in my life.” She smirked. “So, you’re still going for fencing, huh?”
“Yup,” Grif said. “Though I'll tell you right now, I'm not gonna dedicate the victory to your honor. You're a strong girl. You can get your own.” He chuckled.
Genevieve quirked a brow. “Do you honestly think that would work on me, anyway?”
“I imagine you had plenty of males who tried.” Grif chuckled. “I always want your victories to be your own.”
“At least until we seal the deal. Then we get to be on the same team.” She licked her beak. “And I am definitely looking forward to having a repeat of that last night we had in Canterlot.”
“I’m glad.” He chuckled. “I got incredibly lucky when you found me.”
“Are you calling me a good luck charm?” She smirked.
“No.” Grif chuckled. “I’m acknowledging the fact that your cousin strongly encouraged me to marry someone from the imperial clan, and I found someone who was both beautiful and intelligent.”
“And don’t forget sporty and independent.”
“Oh, I could never forget that.” He kissed her again. “I love you, Genevieve Bladefeather.”
Geneviee smirked. “What happened to wedding and a cake first?”
“Those will come, but I want to get used to saying it.”
“Oh? Is it going to come that quickly?”
“I thought, if you’d be willing, we’d have a small ceremony done after the closing ceremonies, and I could take you back to Unity as my wife.”
“Speaking of which, where are my soon-to-be-sisters?”
“Shrial, my first, is here. The other two are back at Unity. “ Grif smirked. “We had triplets born a week ago.”
“Six cubs already?”
Grif nodded. “Four boys, two girls.”
“You have been busy.” She chuckled. “And do you have pictures this time?”
Grif fished a few from his pockets for her.
“Inquisitive,” she noted as she gazed at the curious eyes of the twins and the ponderous gaze of Tazeer. “And three newborns? Have you been able to take any pictures of them yet or did you decide to wait till later?”
“Not yet, unfortunately,” Grif said. “But they are adorable,” he assured her. “I hope you like kids.”
She shrugged. “I’ll adapt. Kind of what competitions’s all about.” Then she smiled. “So, when do I get to meet Shrial?”
“Tonight, if you have the time. Otherwise, probably tomorrow night after the ceremonies.”
“Dinner for three?”
“Made by myself.” Grif offered her his hand.
“Is that a good or a bad thing?” she asked playfully.
“You enjoyed it last time I cooked for you,” he pointed out. “At the Equestria Game trials?”
“You know you’re going to have to let us do some of the cooking every once in a while, too, right?”
“Yes. But if I can't make it a treat for you, then I'd be a poor suitor.”
“Don’t you mean a poor chef?” she teased.
“Coming?” Grif asked.
“I thought you said it was tomorrow after the opening ceremonies.”
“If you couldn’t come tonight,” Grif said. “Guessing you can’t?”
Genevieve nodded. “Unfortunately. I did say I was going to give these games my all. I wouldn’t be a proper competitor if I slacked off now.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He gave her a kiss. “I love you.”
Genevieve shuddered in delight. “Winds, I missed that.” She grabbed him forcefully and planted one more kiss more heavily and passionately than before. Finally, she broke off. “There. Not quite enough to make up for the wait, but it’ll do for now.” She smiled and preened his feathers briefly. “See you tomorrow, lover boy.”
“See you tomorrow, beautiful.” And with that, Grif vanished into the night.
The air was alive with the dull murmur of the crowd as they waited for the opening ceremony to commence. The VIP box was laden with a number of influential figures representing various factions throughout Equestria and the lands beyond. Mayor Mare, Prince Blueblood, Fancy Pants, Fleur, and others each had their places to gaze on the field below and oversee the events of each of the chosen teams participating. Naturally, this also included a delegate from Gryphonia to oversee events and ensure fair and honorable play. Four thrones sat in the topmost tier, each marked with the symbol of the princesses who occupied them. In a tier above that, a great crystal throne fashioned after Hammer Strike’s own throne in Unity stood prominently with a large divan-like structure at its side.
Hammer Strike sighed as he entered his portion of the royal box and glanced out to the arena and surrounding crowds. After a moment, he finally turned and took his place upon his crystal facsimile of a throne. A few moments later, a small gasp emanated from the VIPs as a somewhat larger figure strode out of the shadows and approached the royal tier. His orange feathers were glossy and flashed with their fiery accents as he drew near the royals. He bowed his head respectfully to the princesses and winked at Luna and Celestia, who nodded in turn before he strode onto the divan and laid there on all fours to peer at the crowds beyond. From above, a lone phoenix gradually circled before settling its talons atop Hammer Strike’s throne and gazing over the gathering.
Yharon chuckled. “Well, on the plus side, at least I get to turn a few heads and put people on edge. That’ll make all the pomp and circumstance a little more bearable, wouldn’t you say, Father?”
“Certainly,” Hammer Strike agreed.
“So, how much longer do we have to wait for the events to start?”
“Shouldn’t be long now.”
The crowd roared as delegation after delegation surged onto the field to plant their flags. Appleloosa came in with ropes twirling and showgirls leaping through in a series of coordinated acrobatics. The cherries rolled in on wagon wheels with skillful dance and manipulation whilst balancing atop them, much to the surprise of the audience. A show of arms like an honor guard marched forth to escort the Gryphon competitors as they surged through to plant their standard and raise their swords and spears in a salute to their emperor and his chosen representative in Equestria. One by one, delegations both foreign and domestic each put on their shows. Day Moon and his brothers strode out proudly to wave their flags, each wearing armor to symbolize the three great branches in the original training that had formed the backbone of New Unity and laid the foundation for Hammer Strike’s return. As one, the children led the soldiers and competitors behind them in the familiar cry, We are the Ursas. And last, but not least, the CMC brought up the rear to raucous applause and cheers as they planted their flag and welcomed Team Ponyville into the arena for the lighting of the torch.
As the crowd’s fervor died, a small purple figure with green spikes down his back climbed up the tall ladder leading to the great torch for the games. Whether it was the wind or the motion of the small Dragon’s climbing that shook the ladder was unknown, but the drake managed the climb slowly and steadily as he focused on the torch and kept his gaze on the rungs, rather than the many eyes that had fastened their gazes on him.
As Spike reached the top, he coughed a few times, creaked his head like a lighter, and finally, when that didn’t work, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, they shone with determination as a green flash passed over them briefly. He breathed deeply and unleashed a torrent of green flame that filled the bowl and ignited the torch with light and warmth. There were a few singes on his face, but he smiled victoriously as he slid down the ladder to face the apparent praise of the stern looking Pony and guards that approached to escort him off the field. He waved and smiled at the crowd’s cheers and hastened toward the exit.
Yharon smiled. “It seems our little brother took my suggestion to heart.”
“So it would seem.” Hammer Strike gave a small smile.
Yharon chuckled. “Fighting for the people you love. Works every time. You taught me that, Father.”
“So that was the speech you gave him,” Hammer Strike hummed. “I was wondering about that.”
“If we can learn to deal with it for the sake of our family and subjects, I figured Spike could, too. He did help to save this place in his own way, after all. And he had no trouble calling his fire then.”
“I’m glad to hear young Spike has started to find his warrior’s center,” Luna commented with a smile.
“If there’s one thing a Dragon will always do, it’s protect what it deems most precious,” Yharon agreed. “And now, we can all enjoy the ceremonies together while Spike gets the royal treatment.”
Cadance smiled and waved to her husband as his voice boomed over the crowd.
“Let the games begin!”
Moon River bounced excitedly on her father’s back as the family strode through the great crystal halls of the palace. Crystal guards saluted and otherwise offered their greetings as the family passed until they reached the royal quarters. The moment the door opened, the filly squealed in delight and dove with the swiftness of a plummeting eagle to tackle a familiar form. Cosy winced and chuckled as he rose slowly to his hooves and looked back to Pensword.
“Hi, Uncle, Aunties,” he greeted, even as the filly wrapped her forelegs around his neck and nuzzled him before nibbling at his ear again. “It’s been a while.”
“A little too long, I think.” Pensword smiled sadly. “We missed you, Cosy.”
“Don’t forget me!” An adorable golden filly charged into Pensword’s side and seized his foreleg in an iron grip before nuzzling him.
“Hello, Alto!” Lunr fang smiled. “keeping up your smithing?”
“Every day.” She grinned. “I’m getting really good at making knives!”
“Your brother-in-law must be proud,” Fox Feather said with a smile.
Alto nodded. “I can’t wait to show Hammer Strike what I can do now. I’m making all kinds of tools and things. Nails, screws. You know, for building things.” She peeked behind the mares to look at the three young colts that waited patiently. “Who are they?” she asked and pointed to the boys.
Pensword smiled. “These are our foster sons. Princess Luna placed them in our care with their father’s permission to give them the chance to learn about their mother’s side of the family. Their names are Cristo, Inigo, and Day Moon. Say hello, boys.”
All three colts bowed their heads formally. “Hello,” they greeted.
Day Moon looked to Cosy. “Grif tells me you’re really good with a sword.”
Cosy chuckled. “Well, Uncle Pensword calls me the War Prince. I don’t know if I’d say I’m the best, but I know how to use it at least.”
“Maybe you can show me what you know sometime. I’d love to try sparring with you if you’ll let me.”
“Me, too!” Inigo jumped in.
“If you want, I can see about having Uncle Shining give us some pointers. He’s the one who helped me learn what I know. Well, him and my tutor.”
“The one who covered all of Canterlot in a magical shield for a whole week without stopping?” Cristo’s eyes widened with surprise.
“Yup, that’s the one,” Cosy laughed. “He doesn’t like talking about it too much. Something to do with Changelings.” He shuddered and shook his head. “We have a lot of love up here, so there are a lot of ferals that try to feed. There aren’t many that can make it through the snow, but we’ve had to deal with a few that breached the walls before.”
Pensword frowned. “Have they told Hammer Strike about this?”
“I don’t think they felt the need. These Changelings couldn’t speak. They’re more like animals than Ponies.” He frowned. “Can hunger really make a Pony like that?”
“You’ve never been told of a wendigo, have you?” Lunar Fang asked.
“You mean Windigo?” Cosy asked.
“No. A Wendigo,” Lunar Fang said, being careful to anticipate the difference. “It’s what happens when a Pony is possessed by a spirit of hunger and commits the heinous act of cannibalism.”
“You mean a Pony was actually willing to eat another Pony?” Cosy’s face paled at the thought.
“Yes.” Lunar Fang nodded. “They grow massive, thin, but incredibly strong, and very few things can stop them.”
“I can,” Day Moon said as his eyes hardened. “Or at least I will after my apprenticeship is over.”
Pensword laid a wing gently on the colt’s back. “One step at a time, son. Even a cub knows when to cut its teeth and when to wait and learn. And we both have a lot yet to learn, don’t we?”
Day Moon smiled sadly. “Yeah.” He sighed. “Is it bad for me to wish we didn’t have to, though?”
This time, Fox Feather was the one to intervene. “No, Day Moon. It just means you have something to fight for. We protected Equestria from the Gryphons when they chose to be monsters. You’ll protect Equestria from creatures that never chose to question their nature, so everypony else will have the chance to grow in the light. And one day, I think you and the others you work with will be able to make that wish a reality.” She offered her foster son a smile of encouragement.
“All right, everypony, let’s drop the grim talk. We came here to celebrate the games, after all. Let’s focus on the fun we can have right now. Save the rest for another day,” Pensword said as he gave Day Moon and Cosy both a noogie, followed by booping Moon River on the nose.
Cosy couldn’t help but giggle. “Yes, Sir,” he said and offered a playful salute. And so the two families went about reestablishing the ties that duty and honor had kept them from being able to renew for far too long.
The old house was still the same, despite the innovations that contact with Equestria had brought back to the city. Jäger still sat in his wheelchair with a blanket over his legs, almost as if he were napping. The only signs of life seemed to emanate from the streets beyond and the gentle pulse of energy that passed inherently through the crystalline structures of the home.
“Hello, old hunter,” Grif said as he sat across from Jäger.
“It’s been some time,” Jäger responded. “Come for more information of some kind?”
“More for a request for help,” Grif admitted. “We have a problem.”
“Enough of a problem to come to an old hunter for?” Jäger hummed as he looked over Grif. “Let’s hear it.”
“Sombra opened a door and sent out an invitation,” Grif said, passing a file over to the aged Gryphon. “He didn’t manage to bring back everything, but he brought back a lot.”
Jäger frowned as he took hold of the file and began looking it over. After some time, he frowned. “So, the nightmare begins again.” He sighed. “What is it you need of me? It’s not as if I can lunge into hunting once more.”
“No, but you and I both know this is likely to be something to outlive both of us. We’re gonna need a new generation to pick up the slack when we’re gone. I don’t have time to teach them, but you do.”
Jäger frowned as he thought over what Grif had said. “I suppose the newest hunters here could manage in my absence.” He sighed. “Give me some time to think over how long I would need.”
“Take the time you need. I have a place ready for you when you decide you're ready,” Grif promised.
“It may be some time, but I’ll see to it. This current generation could use more refinement, but that takes practice.” He looked back at Grif. “How much have you established so far?”
“I have a facility for our kind to come and receive direction and payment. Likewise, I’ve been expanding to include an area where they can stay and interested volunteers can be trained.”
“That’ll do well enough, then. I’ll at least need a place ready by my arrival, but I figure you’ve already put some thought into all of that.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t come to you unprepared. That’s not our way.”
“Then I’ll send you a letter before I depart from here.”
“I’ll keep an eye out,” Grif said. “And thank you for hearing me out.”
“Listening is easy. What comes next is not.”
Grif prepared himself with a few stretches and some quick practice movements as he waited for his chance to be called out for the gold medal match of what had been a long day of fencing.
The crowd roared its appreciation for the thrill of the battles that had come before. Grif had taken on the gauntlet and won. Now he had but one challenger to remain. Pokey Pierce had been practicing in Ponyville for ages. He was supposed to be a stallion of some skill. Of course, that remained to be seen.
…
Particularly when the cloaked individual who arrived tossed aside the cloth dramatically to reveal the glossy white coat and purple mane of a very familiar mare. Rarity Belle Strike smiled sweetly at her instructor as she pulled her epee from its sheath and bowed. “Hello, Grif. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“What a shocking development! In a last minute substitution for the Equestrian team, Lady Rarity Belle Strike has stepped into the ring to tango with Grif Bladefeather himself. The Element of Generosity versus one of the greatest war heroes of Equestrian history. Will she live up to the title by spreading a butt kicking or will she fall gracefully to her opponent’s blade? Either way, this is going to prove to be a fine match, ladies and gentlecolts!” the announcer cried.
“Well now, this is a surprise.” Grif grinned as he flourished his eepee. “How’d you end up here?”
“Now, Grif, darling, you didn’t think I’d let you have all the fun, did you? I had a lot of practice disguising myself after the Mare Do Well incident, and I must say, it’s come in handy for the games. No favoritism and all skill. Just the way we like it.”
“Well, then.” Grif held his epee vertically before pointing it to the ground in a salute. “Allez!”
Rarity returned the gesture, and the combat began in earnest. The two began with circling one another and probing gently with their swords. The two weapons hissed as they crossed and rubbed against one another, waiting for the first flick to herald the beginning of what was bound to either be a slaughter or a very entertaining match. Rarity made the first move with a swift disengage, followed by a lunge toward Grif’s torso.
Grif parried the lunge, though with more effort than he’d had to do with others. Rarity was surprisingly fast. With his parry, he proceeded to feint to the left before attempting to hit her chest.
The mare seemed to anticipate that, however, and jumped backward with enough space to allow her sword to meet the Gryphon’s blow. From there, it was a matter of running her sword up Grif’s blade and a forced advance toward the edge of her box. The shift was subtle, but years in the art of sewing and design as a seamstress had granted her the finesse necessary to maneuver her blade just enough to shift underneath the guard at Grif's hand and thrust toward his chest.
Grif dodged backwards before pulling down and to the side, then used the underside of his guard to pull her blade out of the way of its intended path. Releasing her blade, he thrust for her exposed side.
Rarity grit her teeth as the blow landed home and the judge cried, “Arret!” Both fencers pulled back. “A clean hit. The first point goes to Grif Bladefeather!”
Rarity smiled and huffed lightly. “Nicely done, Grif.”
“You’re doing well, Rarity.” Grif smirked. “Some of those lessons actually took.”
“Did you honestly expect them not to? You should know I stick to the job until it’s done, Grif. Even if I do sometimes get a little upset under pressure.”
The two set up for the second bout. Once more, they saluted. Once more, the judge cried out his signals, and the pair began again.
Grif started this time with a jab at the mare’s side. Rarity was swift to bat the blow aside and return to her ready stance. This time, she kept to the defensive and waited to deflect enough blows till an opening could rise. If the two were given open space, the arena would have been treated to a mighty dance. As it was, however, they would have to be satisfied with the song of steel cutting the air and clashing against its fellows. At long last, Rarity found an opening and twisted her fetlock, diverting Grif’s blade with a vicious jerk before lunging in to connect with Grif’s breast.
“Point!” the judge cried.
“Well fought,” Rarity said. Her smile was radiant, and the crowd amped up its cheering as the two fighters gauged one another with a casual but calculated intensity.
“Impressive. You have skill.” Grif smirked.
“I had a good teacher.”
“True.” Grif chuckled and gave an impressive flourish. “He may have taught you everything you know, but did he teach you everything he knows?”
“I suppose we’ll just have to find out, won’t we?” Rarity grinned as she raised her epee in salute. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Grif returned the flourish and, when the signal was given, proceeded to lunge for her, releasing a quick string of jabs and thrusts. To her credit and that of her teacher, Rarity managed to hold her ground for a while, but the flurry of blows gradually became faster and faster. It was not the speed for which Grif had come to be known. He had sworn not to use those abilities in the course of the competition. However, it was a speed which his father had taught him to use during their training, and a speed he had worked to refine ever since. Side to side, up and down, back and forth the two danced and flurried and spun like marionettes. The crash of their epees clattered and rang through the arena as the crowd held its breath and the two lashed at one another.
Grif slid his epee under the guard of Rarity’s and, with a careful flick, disarmed her before lunging and getting his final point on her chest.
The crowd gaped in stunned silence, then erupted in a roar of cheers and excitement. Rarity bowed respectfully to her teacher and approached to raise his arm into the air.
“And in an amazing bout that will doubtless be remembered as one of the closest in the history of the games, Grif Bladefeather clinches the medal for New Unity!”
“Well played, darling,” Rarity congratulated him.
“Well done yourself. I’m proud of your progress.” Grif gave her a bow.
“Just wait until the next games.” She smirked. “I may just have a few new surprises for you.”
Grif held up Rarity’s hoof for the crowd in turn. “Who knows? You might beat me next time.”
“I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Grif ran a few stances as he wound down from the fencing event. Technically, it was still being judged, and the results wouldn’t be revealed until the very end of the games, but Grif was fairly certain he’d gotten the gold medal. He was feeling amazing after that fight with Rarity and seeing how far she’d come. He still had his magic and thaumic fields repressed, and was simply going off skill alone as he waited for the adrenaline to wear off.
“You performed very well in the arena, Grif,” a posh voice complimented. “The epee may not be your sword of choice, but you wield it competently. That’s more than can be said for most.”
“Thank you,” Grif said. “I pride myself on adaptability. So what brings you out here Octavia?”
“I’ve been given a task,” she replied simply as she opened a long leather case at her side and pulled out what, to the casual observer, appeared to be a simple bow. “It’s not one that I particularly relish, but I’ve been asked to as one who bears a closer connection to you and your friends,” she noted as she twisted the mechanism to tighten the metal that glinted in place of the normal hairs that should have been there.
“Never thought you for an assassin,” Grif said, bringing the epee up.
“Grif, if I wanted to assassinate you, I could have done it hundreds of times over by now,” Octavia said bluntly. “That is not what I do, nor is it what the organization I am associated with approves of, save for in the most dire circumstances.” The strange sword whistled in the air, and the rushing of the wind left a thrumming hum in its wake. “I have been instructed to teach, not to kill. And I always deliver on my instructions.”
“Really?” Grif chuckled as he circled her slowly. “Seems unlikely to happen with a violin bow.”
“Cello, actually,” Octavia corrected clinically. “I find it has much better reach. Are you ready to begin?”
Grif gave a salute and signaled her to go ahead.
He just barely blocked her initial strike and found himself backpedaling as three lighting-fast and well-placed strikes followed. Before he could gain ground to counter, she smacked the epee from his hand and let it fall to the ground with the razor wire stopping a hair's breadth from his neck.
The two stood there, quietly taking the other’s gaze in before Octavia pulled back and pointed to the patch of earth where Grif’s epee had fallen. “Take up your sword, Grif. And this time, don’t let your pride trip you up.”
Grif grimaced as he retrieved the blade. This time, his stance was more firm, his body set. This was no casual bout; not anymore. He didn’t give her a chance this time, and moved into the opening gambit with a flurry of blows. “Huh. You’re using Ponetti's defence against me.”
Octavia leaped onto a jutting flower box from one of the buildings and continued to parry the blows. “I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain.”
“So then you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro,” Grif commented as he pushed forward with more numerous rapid strikes.
“Naturally. But I find Thunderbolt cancels out Capo Ferro. Don’t you?” she asked casually as she parried the blows with expert care and the barest hints of effort, never lunging, and always just barely pushing Grif’s blows aside to avoid damage. When Grif rose onto the box to join her, she leaped down onto the street again.
“Unless your opponent has studied his Agrypha,” Grif said, doing a flip as he dodged a slash, aiming for his feet and returned to raining blows. “Which I have.” Grif continued pushing, both gaining and losing ground as Octavia answered him parry for blow and dodge for thrust. “You are wonderful,” Grif said.
Octavia smiled as she twirled down the street in a dervish to swiftly block a flurry of thrusts. “Thank you. I’ve worked hard to become so.”
“I must admit, I cannot best you.”
As the two drew nearer to an alley, Octavia returned Grif’s blows with a set of her own, pushing him back and limiting his flight space overhead with the closeness of the walls. “Then why are you smiling?”
“Because I know something you don’t.” Grif Smirked as he was backed into a wall.
“And what is that?”
Grif unsheathed a blunted dueling stiletto from his bandolier “I am not left handed.” he pushed back with both blades, moving in with a punishing dual flurry.
Now Octavia was on the retreat as Grif pushed her back with blow after blow. Every trick she tried only managed to slow the Gryphon’s progress, not halt it. Their battle led them through the street and back to a set of stairs, which Octavia was forced to take upward. Every blow was parried, every feint seen through, every thrust dodged. None of her counter strategies seemed to work. “This is the Grif I wanted to see.” And despite the harrying situation, a grin spread across her face. “You’re amazing!”
“I ought to be after two score and four years,” Grif said.
Octavia grunted as she was shoved against a wall. Her smile still didn’t waver. “There’s something … I ought to tell you.”
“And what is that?” Grif asked.
“I’m not left-hoofed either.” There was the spark of magic as Octavia grabbed the end of the bow with both hooves and pulled. A seam appeared where none had been and continued up the weapon until it split into two full sized versions of her sword. With a great thrust of strength belying her tiny form, she pushed Grif away and assumed a proper pose before going on the offensive in a whirling dervish of blows, feints, and parries, even going so far as to knock both of Grif’s weapons out of his hands and send them flying several feet behind him to skitter across the ground.
Grif eyed the mare carefully, and his tail twitched briefly like a snake before he leaped into the air, somersaulted, and landed to reclaim his weapons. Octavia chuckled at the sight and, in a show of skill, flung her swords at the ground, where they embedded themselves. She then leaped from building to building on either side in a series of acrobatics before finally landing gracefully between the two swords and picking them back up to resume the fight. The pair battled valiantly in the streets, and the very air seemed almost to sing with their strokes until, at last, both epee and stiletto went skittering to the floor, and Grif was left to stand alone against the twin bow-blades.
With no other choice, Grif wilted and signalled his surrender. For the first time in an age, he found himself bested by a single opponent.
Octavia nodded and restored the blade to its original state, then extended a hoof to Grif. Both were sweating as they locked gazes with one another. “Resourceful, honorable, focused.” She nodded again. “There’s potential to grow, if you’re of a mind to be taught, though not by me.” She smiled. “Your spies have been trying to infiltrate our little group for some time now. We thought it best to come to you directly.”
“So what happens now?”
“That depends entirely on you. Our organization is something akin to a certain group you came to know in the far east. We study the blade for the purpose of peace. And we believe that all are worthy to learn, no matter the race or creed, provided they are willing to abide by the ideals that we uphold. You have proven enough through your deeds to show your loyalty to Equestria and to Hammer Strike. He, in turn, has shown his dedication to preserving peace. Now that we have fought, I know you better than any interview could possibly allow. If you wish, you may establish ties with us and sharpen your skills, as well as forge an alliance. The latter, however, will not be for me to decide. I’m simply a messenger. One who awaits your response.”
“I’ll think about it,” Grif said.
Octavia nodded. “You know where to find me once you reach your decision.”
Grif nodded. “May I go?”
“What made you think I was trying to stop you?” She smiled. “Though I would appreciate a ride back to my cello case, if you can spare the time.”
Grif nodded. “Hop on.”
The sun blazed bright over the arena on the second day as a veritable rainbow of colors refracted from the gemlike coats of the Crystal Ponies to cast an aurora over the courses. The relay race stood at the ready with a series of spiraling up and down drafts designed to waylay the flyers that sought to race toward the top. In this game’s case, rather than doing one or the other, both events would be run simultaneously. The time would only be able to wind down to its end if all elements of the team arrived at the designated finish line.
Ponyville, New Unity, Gryphonia, and other teams awaited the arrival of the referees with equal bouts of excitement, nerves, determination, and calm that cycled at random intervals. Lightning Dust was flanked by a Pegasus and a Thestral from their barracks. Rainbow Dash reamined with her team and psyched them up with pep talk. Before the match officially began, Lightning Dust approached the trio.
Lighting dust gulped as she stared Rainbow Dash down. “Best of luck to you,” she said nervously.
Rainbow looked intently at Lighting Dust. Finally, she extended a hoof. “Hammer Strike’s not someone who’ll pick a player just to win. If he thinks you’re a good captain, then I trust him. Good luck to your team. Lead them right, okay?” It wasn’t quite an apology. And it wasn’t quite forgiveness either, but it was a foundation. And that was all someone needed to be able to start to build.
Lighting Dust Took the hoof and shook it carefully. Then both Ponies nodded to each other.
The trumpet sounded, and the competitors gazed intently at the announcer as he approached. The rules were explained, and the racers took their marks. With a final cry, the signal was flashed, and the competitors flew for all that they were worth. Fluttershy and Bulk worked on the relay while Rainbow zipped through the maze of drafts. Genevieve darted in and out of the cloud banks and air currents with practiced ease, even going so far as to literally tie some of them in knots along the way. Bulk biceps punched through cloud after cloud, easily bucking them to smithereens along the course while Fluttershy floated timidly in search of the rings to assemble the upward trajectory toward the finish line. Having learned from her mistakes before, Lightning Dust zipped around the clouds, but rather than attempting to clear them, she herded them in one place and compacted them together until the rings were forced to fall with the vapor like water squeezed from a rag.
In the end, the tunnels were set, and the competitors flew together through each ring toward the summit where the stopwatches waited at the top of the course. When the relay teams had finished, they watched from above as the maze of currents buffeted the other contenders below. Riptides and whirlpools of air tossed and yanked and pushed as the competitors flew with all the strength they could muster. Genevieve pressed slowly and steadily against one of the currents and thrust with every effort to push herself ever higher. Rainbow streaked with her famous trail behind her as the winds continued to shift and adapt in an effort to halt her advance. At long last, the cloud burst open, and Genevieve gasped as she clawed at the edge of the cloud and pulled herself to the surface to seize the second stopwatch for her team. Shortly afterward, Rainbow Dash punched through the clouds at mach speed to join them. Bringing up the rear, Team Unity’s flyer forced through for the third.
“That. Was. AWESOME!” Rainbow crowed.
Genevieve couldn’t help but chuckle. “It … wasn’t a bad event,” she agreed. “I guess we’ll be facing off against each other in the final race, then.”
Rainbow grinned. “I’m looking forward to it. Don’t hold back on me, though.”
“Please. The Winds would never forgive me if I did.”
The teams shook hooves and hands one with another and took their rest to await the next heat to come and the final race to decide who would win which medals. Regardless of the outcome, however, the competitors were proud of themselves and all that they had accomplished. It was a good day to fly.
Genevieve’s claws and talons clicked along the surface of the crystal floor of the castle as she strode beside her fiancé. The engagement ring stood out prominently on her finger, and she butted against her future mate playfully as they progressed through the corridor.
“So, I finally get to meet the stallion behind the warrior.” She smiled. “Should I be nervous?”
“Not really.” Grif shrugged. “He may come across as stern, but he’s actually pretty cool-headed.”
“Except for when his ire gets roused. But I’m guessing that goes without saying.”
“I mean, I'm quite terrifying when I get angry, too.”
“Yes, but you didn’t hold the threat of undead and utter destruction over our heads either, even if you did lop off enough wings to feed a titan.”
Grif entered the room as they got to the door, not bothering to attempt to knock. “Hello, Hammer Strike.”
“Hello, Grif, and … Genevieve, if I remember correctly?” Hammer Strike greeted.
Genevieve nodded. “It seems I’m going to be under your employ soon. Thank you for agreeing to see me.”
“It was no problem. I’m sure you’ll fit in well enough.” He gave a small smile. “Was there anything in particular you wanted to discuss?”
“I just wanted to introduce you to her, since we’ll be getting married relatively soon,” Grif said
“Fair enough. I’m sure you’ll both be quite ... happy,” Hammer Strike trailed off as he looked to the side, furrowing his brows as he looked around.
“Everything okay?” Grif asked.
“That’s peculiar,” he muttered before turning back towards= the two. “Sorry. It seems something’s shown up.” He opened a rift to his side. “Feel free to come along. Shouldn’t be too dangerous.”
“You mean other than the raging snow storm,” Genevieve noted with a smirk. “What do you think, Grif? Up for a romp in the snow?”
“Always.” Grif laughed, hopping through.
The snow was brutal as the cold winter winds whipped up the powder and shot it like tiny daggers toward the trio. Snow drifts, hard earth, and mountains stretched far in the distance, but there appeared to be no sign of any form of monster or threatening creature. That was when they heard it, a great detonation of thunder. In the southern reaches of Equestria, such a phenomena was not unheard of. But in the cold wintery grasp of the tundra, the very concept of a thunder snow storm was nigh-unthinkable.
A great bolt of lightning suddenly rent the air, filling the surrounding area with the scent of ozone. When the light finally faded and their vision returned, a message was scorched into the ground in Gryphic.
“Let those who seek the blessing of thunder earn their passage to stand before the Child of the West,” Genevieve read.
“Well, I suppose it was a good thing you came along, Grif,” Hammer Strike spoke up.
“The thunderbird,” Grif said.
“I suppose I leave this in your hands, as I’m sure just having me around is going to be interesting enough.”
“You mean you don’t want to face certain peril and danger with just a hint of adventure and mystery?” Genevieve asked with a smirk.
“Part of that implies there is danger here for me,” Hammer Strike remarked. “While I can sense the divine presence, I doubt it will be used against us, especially given the invitation.”
“Grif, have you been expecting this?” Genevieve asked curiously.
“I’ve met the bird of paradise and the quetzalcoatl,” Grif said. “I need to meet with him, and then with the roc.”
“Well, we are technically in the roc’s territory. Maybe we’ll see him here, too, while we’re visiting.”
“Yes, but competition is the thunderbird's sphere of influence,” Grif noted. “I didn’t suspect the games would bring it this close.”
Genevieve smirked. “Well, it’s not good to keep a god waiting, now is it?” She launched herself into the cloudbank before Grif could have the chance to stop her.
“Kinda funny really,” Griff laughed as he chased after the brave, albeit somewhat reckless Gryphoness.
“That depends on if you’re willing to let me in on the joke!” Genevieve called from higher up. “Mind the lightning!”
Grif’s form was struck, and then faded as he appeared beside her. “I met the bird of paradise the morning after my honeymoon with my first wife, after we made love all night during a hurricane.”
Genevieve smirked. “Setting the bar for our honeymoon, Grif? You know how much I love breaking records.” An arc of lightning looped into a hoop that she dove through with the grace of a well-practiced flyer. Her fur and feathers seemed almost to glow with an iridescent sheen as the reflection lit up her orbs with a wild beauty.
“The funny part is I ended up running into the quetzalcoatl in Griffelheim shortly after I married my second wife Avalon.”
“I suppose we can call this your third lap, then.” She jumped from cloud chunk to cloud chunk like a pinball off a series of bumpers, lunging and soaring as she timed the buildup of energy and maneuvered through the drafts.
“Yeah.” Grif chuckled. “Think it’s some kinda sign of approval?”
“Or a test. Or coincidence.” Genevieve shrugged as another bolt of lightning was halted in its tracks by Grif’s maneuvering of the wind to change the air’s ionization. “You know, I’m not so sure that’s what the thunderbird wanted when he said to earn passage.”
“Maybe he simply wanted us to not be able to waltz in?” Grif shrugged. Eyes sparking with inspiration, he flew in close and grabbed her arms as he began to turn and twist, dodging the lighting as he guided her in even smooth motions.
“A waltz, Grif? You know, … I much prefer the tango.”
Grif smirked and flawlessly swapped the tempo of his movements.
“Not bad,” Genevieve complimented before shifting stance and seizing him in a grip of her own. “But let the lady lead.”
“Be my guest,” Grif said, letting her take control as they moved through the air.
The pair swooped gracefully through the air, sometimes breaking up pieces of cloud, other times dodging bolts of lighting or neutralizing the explosion. “I suppose we could call this a warmup for the wedding dance,” Genevieve bantered.
“No. For you, that will be something even more special.”
“Careful, Grif. You’ll make the thunderbird jealous if you keep talking like that.”
“I respect the gods and honor the gifts they gave to us,” Grif said as he pulled her in closer. “But my family is my first priority. If he gets jealous, then he’ll live with it. Nothing’s too good for my family.”
She grinned. “Is that so? In that case, how about we corkscrew our way through the rest of the cloud and finish this little challenge, hmm?”
“Sure,” Grif said as he let her lead. Leaning forward, he locked his beak with hers and kissed her. Together, the two maneuvered their wings and spun in the air until they took on the appearance of a spinning projectile, literally drilling their way through the cloud until they finally broke through into the open air.
A great arc of lightning glowed and surged before them in a constant stream that branched from the floor to either side of the sanctuary, ensuring a continual supply of energy that fueled the storm beyond the walls and served as a perch to their host. The creature that stood before them was as intense as its sister was gentle. The thunderbird’s great wings flared as white electricity wreathed and jumped between golden feathers. His dark orbs were black as the darkest cloudbank and polished as the surface of a lake before a storm. One beat of his wings was as a vast storm front thrusting all before it.
Releasing Genevieve, Grif lowered his beak to the mighty beast. “My lord Thunderbird.”
“Grif, son of Graf.” The lesser deity’s beak twisted into a smile. “Long have I waited for this meeting. It has been worth every minute of the race, even if you did end up taking a few shortcuts along the way. It’s been a merry chase. Rise, Avatar. You and I both know this is only another checkpoint on the road to twilight, and there is only so much time to rest before the race resumes.”
“My lord.” Grif smirked. “This is my fiancé Genevieve, of the imperial clan.”
“I know.” The thunderbird turned his gaze on the Gryphoness. “Hail and well met, little sister. You have made our father proud with your endeavors, and you have waited patiently, as all good hunters must in order to win the prize that is most sought. This has also pleased me. And it will please me even more when you two finally tie the knot, so my sister will stop complaining. As you are well aware, Grif, she is very much a mother, and like all mothers, likes for things to be just so.”
“Yes, I am aware.” Grif laughed. “Four wives, four directions, four points on a compass.”
Genevieve bowed her head. “I prepared myself for the possibility of seeing you or one of your siblings after what Grif told me happened with his other wives. It’s an honor to know I bear such esteem.”
“Good. And now that the opening events are finished, we can get down to the business at hand. Formalities are well and good at the beginning of a race, but I much prefer the event itself. Words are just that, words. Actions always speak louder, and more often with purer intent. So, let’s be frank, just the three of us. As a member of the imperial family, Genevieve, there are those who will try to dispute your marriage on Equestrian soil, even if it is performed by a Gryphon of the empire.” He smirked. “However, while they may dispute against a fellow Gryphon, they won’t be able to dispute against me. And as the west is my domain, so, too, are the skies of Equestria. My elder brother has been kind enough to allow me to fly in his territory to fulfill this responsibility while the games are being held. So, let’s get down to business, hmm?”
“... My lord?” Genevieve asked in some confusion.
“I’m going to marry you, Genevieve. It’s not that difficult to understand.” He looked at Grif. “You do have the bloodstone, don’t you?”
Grif produced the gem. “Of course.”
“Good. In that case, I’m going to give the two of you the short version. The longer I stay in my brother’s territory than necessary, the more upset he’ll be. And beside that, you two would probably prefer to focus on a different sort of sport after I’m gone.” He smiled as the cloud jutted into a makeshift altar with energy coursing through it. “Place the gem on the cloud and we can begin.”
Grif placed the gem where indicated and stepped back, taking Genevieve's talons in his own.
“So, do we call this a bonus round, then?” Genevieve joked as she kissed his cheek.
“I think we call this the platinum medal.” He winked at her.
“I thought we only had gold, silver, or bronze.”
“Remind me to introduce you to some games later.”
“After the honeymoon, Grif. Or more specifically, after our wedding night.”
“It’s a date.” He smirked.
“Okay, make that the short short version.” The thunderbird chuckled. “Grif, do you?”
“I do.” Grif continued to smirk.
“Genevieve, do you?”
Genevieve chuckled. “I do.”
“Good. Let’s cut to the chase. Literally.”
“Genevieve, I know we’ve been separated by duties and by life, but today marks the start where our roads come together. I promise you will always have an equal share in my heart, and my love will never be lacking. I promise to be your shield and sword, and to defend you till my last breath,” Grif said, looking into her eyes.
“We already promised we would be together for this life and the life to come, Grif. And I know that’s a promise that we’ll keep together. As the Thunderbird said, actions speak louder than words. This will be my first act of many to come.” She nicked a finger with her talon and brought it toward the channel on her side as electrical energy raised the bloodstone to hover in the air. “And I look forward to sharing them with you and with my future sister wives.”
As the blood fell into the channel and mixed with the rest, the hole closed up. Grif approached her and pulled her into a passionate kiss. When they finally broke, he grinned at her. “Hello, Genevieve Bladefeather.”
“Hey, wait till you cross the finish line,” the Thunderbird joked. Then he cleared his throat. “By the authority vested in me by me and by my father, the West Wind, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Now you can kiss the bride.”
“Allow me.” Genevieve returned Grif’s kiss with one of her own as the two reversed roles. A smile pulled at her lips, and she held him there for a time until both finally had to come up for air.
The Thunderbird chuckled. “Excellent. Now then, time for the prize.” He reached with his beak and plucked a feather charged with lightning. An arc of electricity shot from the clouds to levitate the feather into Grif’s hands. “I give this gift to you, Grif Bladefeather. You will know when to use its power when the time is right. And as for my other gift, your previous questions about the origins of your trusted blades has been answered, I believe. Or will be soon. What more do you seek?”
“Just a meeting with your brother,” Grif said reverently, taking the feather.
“That is something that is up to him to grant. He will come in his own time, and at a place of his choosing. A word of caution to you, however, Grif. My brother’s aspect is rage. Be careful not to rouse his ire. He’s already upset with you for past grievances. Though he is pleased that you’ve made peace, it’s hard for him to let go of grudges. He may require a service of you in turn before he grants that which you will need.”
“Then I shall be ready to offer myself readily.”
“A quick answer. We will see how it holds in time.” He smiled and bowed his head. “My blessing on the both of you in your union. May the long race of life treat you well in success, and may you have the fortitude and strength to overcome its challenges and obstacles together.” The bloodstone flew toward Grif with a flick of the Thunderbird’s talon. Grif caught it quickly. “And may the mark of my blessing stand over your bloodstone to prove my and my father’s will concerning your union.”
“I thank you for your generosity, lord.”
“We both do,” Genevieve added.
“Good. You can show it by the usual means. After all, my sister wants you to have many children, Grif.”
“Well, I’ll do my part, but deciding that belongs to the Gryphoness.” He smirked.
“And don’t you forget it,” Genevieve added with her own smirk as she nudged him playfully.
The Thunderbird chuckled. “Get a room, you two. Preferably not in my cloud, unless you want to miss the rest of your little sporting event.”
The newlywed couple took the hint and gave their farewells. As the pair descended with feather in tow, they soon found themselves back at the base of the cloudbank, where Hammer Strike stood waiting expectantly.
“Everything dealt with?” Hammer Strike asked.
“More than you think.” Grif smirked.
“Then let’s head back.” Hammer Strike opened a rift at his side. “Still have plenty to do.”
“Yes,” Grif agreed. “We really do.”
Genevieve laid a wing over Grif’s side and pulled him close. “And I know just where to start.”
The following day, the final events pulled up, including the accidental misfire of an ice arrow into a cloud bank that had been left behind after the Thunderbird’s visit. While some Ponies screamed and panicked, and other Pegasi scrambled to get people to safety or otherwise help cushion the cloudberg’s descent, Spike did what came naturally, leaping without thought into the danger and blasting it in a great gout of green flame that vaporized the threat.
With the resolution of the danger, Spike officially earned his title of Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious. But his friends just called him Spike. That night, the closing ceremony was to be one that would be remembered for years to come, because not only was there a king to rule, not only was there a new royal sibling, but heroes new and old had acted for the sake of protecting the innocent, proving once again the importance of having properly trained armed forces.
“Ladies and Gentlecolts!” Shining Armor’s voice rang through the stands as he addressed the crowd. “Today has been a truly memorable day in the Crystal Empire. Not only have we seen incredible competitors at work, but we were privileged to witness the heroic acts of Ponies and one very special Dragon in action.”
“In honor of their bravery and heroism it is our privilege to grant each of them a just reward for their efforts,” Cadance continued as each of the winning teams lined up on their pedestals and the heroes stood atop their platforms. With greetings of, “Congratulations,” and, “Thank you for your service,” the queen of the empire bedecked each of the champions with their rewards. “Citizens of Equestria and the Crystal Empire, I give you your champions!”
Yharon smiled and leaned his head toward his father’s throne as the crowd erupted in applause and the fireworks began to launch. “So, did you anticipate that outcome and decide to let Spike take care of it, or was there another reason you didn’t act?” he asked curiously.
“A little confidence boost wouldn’t hurt him.” Hammer Strike gave a small smile. “He just needs a little guidance from time to time.”
“Are you saying you arranged for that arrow to go awry?”
“Nope. But, a little in-the-moment thinking did occur.”
Yharon chuckled. “Of course it did. So, what comes next now?”
“Plenty, but perhaps for now we’ll just see to the event ending safely.”
“And possibly update the parameters of the anti-magic field those Unicorns designed.”
“Well, of course.”
“Out of curiosity, Father, what day is it today?”
“Thursday.”
Yharon nodded. “I thought so. A curious anomaly, given the statistical course of events I’ve uncovered. Most of the threatening events seem to take place on Tuesdays.”
“Statistical anomalies are more common than you’d think in this age,” Hammer Strike replied with a faint chuckle.
“You do tend to shake things up, don’t you?”
“It’s too easy.”
“... Didn’t you tell us never to say that?”
“No, I said don’t tempt Murphy. In this case, I’m just stating a fact that has already come to pass.”
“Given the fact you literally performed a bloodless coup, I don’t really have any ground to stand on to argue that point.”
With the award ceremony finished, and having rewarded Spike for his incredible mastery of fire and act of heroism, Hammer Strike had significantly more time to himself to spend in the empire. In this case, that meant meeting up with Edna for another one of her little visits. Vega’s hidden room was the same as they had left it before the games began. Crystal glittered and glowed to provide artificial light to the space as Edna looked up to Hammer Strike.
“I believe it is time for us to address the Minotaur in the room,” Edna started.
“Considering where you wanted to meet, it’s about this facility, isn’t it?” Hammer Strike sighed.
“Yes,” Edna agreed. “You and I are both aware of what this facility was meant to become. Given the amount of recent activity of a less than savory nature, I believe it’s time we put our cards on the table.” She gazed intently at Hammer Strike. “I want you to complete it.”
Hammer Strike clenched his jaw for a moment. “You’re asking me to complete a planetary weapon.”
“For a planetary threat, darling. I may not have your clearance, but I am high enough to be able to see the readings Vega took. Something is probing the veil, and we both know what that can lead to without proper precautions.”
“Edna. They’ve been watching me since the day I arrived—”
“Watching and acting are two different things, Hammer Strike. They are getting bolder.”
“I know. As I was trying to say, I don’t deny that they have been more active in recent times. Especially with Sombra calling upon them as he did.” Hammer Strike sighed. “But this? This could kill the planet itself if we aren’t careful with it, let alone an entire species.”
“Which is why you have to be the one to design it,” Edna said. “You are the only one, and I do mean the only one, I have ever met who hasn’t let power go to his head for literal millennia. The gods themselves consort with you on a regular basis. You are perhaps the only Pony that can be trusted to know when to use this power and how to direct it.”
“If I might make a suggestion, Hammer Strike, while the weapon was originally meant to be used to destroy civilizations, it does have the capacity to counter such threats by essentially overloading their method of consumption. The resulting explosion would result in a similar effect to what is already performed by the Crystal Ponies when they activate the crystal heart to distribute that magic better throughout the hemisphere,” Vega noted.
“Theoretically, It would overload them,” Hammer Strike started. “We don’t have an exact way to measure the potential these things have.” He took a moment and rubbed the side of his head. “It’s already bad enough for what I can do. But this? I’m terrified of the concept.”
“If one of those things should return, we will need a terror to match it. You and I both know what happens otherwise.”
“Damn it,” he growled out. Edna had hit the nail on the head, and despite his augments rushing through calculations and probabilities, the odds still leaned heavily in favor of Edna’s argument. “Fine. I’ll … I’ll figure something out.”
“And when you do, I will help you, if you wish it. If you would prefer to keep the method of its construction to yourself, I will respect that choice. I know the less who know how it works, the better.”
“You’ll know. I couldn’t be the only one burdened with this. Its concept alone is more than I could handle.”
“Then don’t handle it alone.” Harmony’s translucent form appeared immediately before the stallion. “That is what you have friends for.” Her horn touched his forehead, sending waves of the familiar peace to calm the roiling surge of his anxiety. “And it is why you have me.”
“Yeah.” He sighed softly as he rubbed his forehead. “Thanks.”
“Any time, darling. I put a lot of effort into this world. I’m not about to let it go to waste now,” Edna said.
“No, I—” He sighed once more. “I keep forgetting nobody else can hear her. Mind drawing more power just for the brief conversation? Makes it easier for them to see you when explaining this,” he asked Harmony.
“As you wish,” Harmony replied. The air seemed almost to waver for a moment, and then she stood there in the physical realm in all her multifaceted glory. The projection wasn’t physical, but it was visible. “Hello, Edna. I am Harmony, the sister of Discord. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, even if it isn’t technically in person.”
Edna stared at the astral Alicorn for a time. “My gods, he actually did it.” Edna laughed. “Andre, you rascal.”
“Hammer Strike is the one I have to thank for my survival. Were it not for him, I might have been destroyed. And without me, well … let’s just say the method would have been lost in my brother’s madness.”
“We established a tether for her to use power from myself for manifestation and growth of her physical form,” Hammer Strike explained.
“And she can reach this far, despite being bound to a physical form?” Edna asked, intrigued as she began to study the projection up close.
“She’s tied to me, so wherever I am, she can manifest.”
“You have been busy,” Edna said as she glanced slyly at the stallion.
“We helped each other to grow during those days. It seems only right that I provide my support to him again now.”
“With the four of us working together, then, we’ll have this project finished in no time.” Edna smirked. “When did you want to get to work?”
“Give me time to look over the blueprints.” Hammer Strike frowned. “I need to figure out how I’m going to set this up.”
Edna nodded. “Very well. I’ll have my assistants on standby when you’re ready,” she promised.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He sighed. “I have a feeling one of the trio is going to have some major questions.”
“Which trio would that be?” Edna asked.
“Sleipnir, Bonnie, and Faust. Maybe Bahamut as well.”
“In that case, you’ll be just fine.”
“Yeah, sure, they’ll just accept what I’m going to be building,” Hammer Strike remarked flatly.
The sarcasm was palpable, but Edna remained nonplussed as she leveled a serious gaze at the stallion. “Exactly.”
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Glad to see an update, we going back to earth soon?
I'm still waiting for them to go back to Canterlot High, though I feel Vital should have some focus, since nothings really happened to him lately. He's really only been along for the ride
Yaassssss
After a while i just figure our illustrious author binge watches the movie classics so they can meme and reference them here for our amusement.
Spike vs The Iceberg,
Because even Hammerstrike couldnt get hold of Joe Vs The Volcano?
Whats in the box? What kind of Legacy weapon is Hammerstrike going to be considering out of the half dozen reality killers to start with, followed by dozens universe killers, then into to myriads of lesser class systems?
And of course being very careful to forget there was even a mention of Pink Class?
Were Pinkie?
There Pinkie.
There Cupcake.
Still think the polymorphs/transformations needs a fix/nerfs in this story😑🤷🏽♂️🤣!
11100957
Explain, do you mean the bracelets/armbands/jewelry that they use to switch from human to equis forms?
11105643
Yes do magic too many wonderful things there's always a cost to the Mind Body or Soul or at least damage to the item or wear and tear.
11105830
The items themselves were create specifically for that purpose and they were created by Celestia and Luna. As thanks to their thaumatic fields the natural magic of the world was kept back keeping them human. The devices incorporated Equis's world magic to give them Equis forms while maintaining their human ones. Second the characters do not wear said items constantly, though many of them keep the item on their person. They are only used when they have to become human and for the most part everyone has chosen to primarily remain in their Equis forms. Especially since to the public the humans have gone home. Third Taze/Grif has had changes to his human form making him almost unrecognizable. Vital/Connor is no longer bald, though that's only a minor change. Finally due to Matthew's mechanical heart he CAN'T change back without dying. Celestia and Luna are doing their best to fix that but its slow going.
So I believe you have no argument.
11105972
Hay chill I'm just pointed out the lack of wear and tear in your Universe I'm not saying it's wrong I'm just saying even in my mind I've always played games read books about always there being a cost it's not a cost wear and tear if not wear and tear almost like why not like Fullmetal Alchemist or Elder Scrolls the world may be full of magic but they're still a cost everything. I won't bother you no more from this infinite magic usage and 0 degradation because it's your world you make it however you want. I'm just trying to understand because usually there's something but it's cool that's how it works alright your the boss. Can't wait to read the next chapter.
11106162
Please use proper grammar.
The devices themselves are only being used as a switch between bodies and nothing else. Which isn’t something that would cause wear and tear. It’s not a weapon after all.
Also I’m just a fan who knows the story’s lore. The writers are busy rewriting the first few chapters and probably won’t answer you
If the Alicorn Dr. Light is based off of Megaman; does that mean we’ll see a Cyborg Dr. Wiley appear with an army of Robots? Or Rock, Roll, and Proto? I ship Rock and Tron
11106162
Hi, Shortcaveman, I'm Vital Spark, the editor for An Extended Holiday. It seems you may be under the assumption that Charredfirescale is one of the writers for the story. He is not. Though he does raise some important points. When it comes to the magic involved in the transformations for shifting back and forth between human and equestrian forms, that spell is used in a very limited capacity in the story. And as for the artifacts themselves, we also included little in the way of wear and tear due to the fact that they are not actually activated too often by the characters.
Equestria is a world that is basically a font of magic that is incredibly potent, hence why every creature is able to use magic to a greater or lesser degree. This magic itself is able to be used to feed many spells, including recharging magical artifacts that otherwise might die from using the power stored within. I believe this is a feature that was included as part of the design in the artifacts to ensure that they can still function when needed and not degrade over time. Since they were forged by Celestia and Luna, they are also potent and well-crafted.
And you're correct, there is a price involved with magic. We've seen those prices and showed them at various instances in the story, including when the human Conor first turned into Vital Spark as Equis was changing him to match it. Depending on the types of magic used, there is a toll that can be invoked. Exhaustion is the most obvious one, and we do show that quite often when spellcasting is performed. There is also a mental strain that can be involved depending on the type of magic or artifact that may be included, as evidenced with what happened to Trixie when she had the Alicorn Amulet. Shawn also experienced a form of corruption due to exposure to darker/corruptive forces that had to be purged with the use of a higher power. We do try to balance our system of magic to ensure that there is a proper efficiency included as part of the spellcasting, etc. It's just a matter of remembering when we show them, and to what degree of strain the magic pushes toward between rest periods.
I hope that helps answer some of your concerns/questions over the story. Please, feel free to reach out and comment again if you have more questions. We'll try to answer them as best we can as time allows us.
Thank you for enjoying our story!
~ Vital Spark
So I happened to be rereading “Mission to the Pony Planet”, again when it dawned on me what they did with Sunset’s family The author maybe Chancellor Neighsay Sunset and Sunburst’s father. So in regards to this story considering the theme. If Neighsay is Sunset’s father in this story. Than could it be possible that Spitfire who’s only parent is Stormy Flare could be a half sibling? All three have a Sun theme in names and have similar coat and mane colors. With the parents being a darker color with a red mane. Which would fit nicely with Chancellor Neighsay having a “type”.
Just thought it could make for an interesting story thread.
11109306 I would like to apologize, I’ve told Shortcaveman before or at least I think I did that I was just an overzealous fan of the story. I’m only apologizing now because I’ve only now come upon this conversation.
Sorry for being a bother and thank you for understanding
Oof, what a journey that was. Finally cought up, 2kk+ words after I found it.
Initially it felt like it won't be particularly interesting to my tastes, but by the gods, it escalated spectatularly : ) Not a fan of random crossover elements though, but I feel like you have them incorporated into the lore so kinda works?
Great story nevertheless, and in many ways should I say : ) Keep it up, patiently waiting for more!
So I’ve taken to rereading this story again from Chapter 52; which is when Connor shows up and the writing jumps in quality. At chapter 58, Rainbow Dash comments about how Gilda was there for her when her mother died. You might want to go back and change that detail
It seems Octavia swings both ways, considering how she acted around Vital. I suppose he could be the donor if they ever decide to have foals. Octavia and Vinyl seem to trust him enough
So since Vital is connected to Harmony and is marked by her like the main 6; shouldn't he be able to communicate with her like Hammerstrike can? He is after all in a similar deal, even if its much younger.
Don't remember anything about Solembum's advice
; being used in the story.
Ha, just realized that Grif broke his oath. He made that oath saying he wouldn’t act out of greed and cowardice following the events visiting the Farflyer clan Grif broke that oath when he went to earth. I wonder If that is what the Roc is angry about
I think the biggest issue I’ve had with Hammerstrike with the last few chapters since his return is that we don’t see him with Rarity as a married couple. Whenever the family gets together it’s just Hammerstrike, Clover, and the kids. Feels like Rarity is being excluded
My current final thoughts are on Pensword and Trixie.
For Pensword I hope he regains both his human form and his thermayulgic field at some point.
With Trixie, I feel that her coronation and acknowledgment of her Alicorn status has been held back long enough. I mean it should be an open secret at New Unity anyway. Plus I would think that Luna would take Trixie under her wing in regards to combat. Plus with her Lunar theme it would make sense she’d be associated with the Lunar court. As I would think the Threstal nobility would support her
11171744
Actually, the first half of that prophecy was already fulfilled with the Zebrica Arc. When Vital Spark was kidnapped and restrained without his magical weapons, he seized the staff from the display in the historical society. Hence looking to the history of Canterlot for salvation. As for the latter portion of the prophecy, yes, that one has yet to be fulfilled. But the words will prove useful at a certain point that we have yet to reach.
11173657
Alright that seems reasonable
11173657
I just realized that Hammerstrike revealed that he and Shawn are the same being to Chrysalis when she first attacked New Unity. Due to that she should be smart enough to connect Mathew with Pensword and Taze with Grif.
I guess I’m just wondering if Chrysalis will be able to use that to her advantage sometime in the future.
My own theory is possibly forging an uneasy alliance with Baron Blueblood; one that they both plan to break. Since Celestia and Luna never publicly admitted that Shawn, Taze, and Matthew weren’t what they were dressed up as; if Baron Blueblood could find someone heard that it could undermine their authority
You know, I think the Sirens might double down on trying to get Vital, even after they lose their powers. From what I've seen the Dazzlings are pretty stubborn, especially since they've continued their music career even after losing their magic. So if they really want to get with Vital they'll push for it.
Just some random thoughts;
Sirens: It’s never really been made clear why they were terrorizing Equestria for power or why they were doing it in the Battle of the bands. If they wanted to return to Equestria, the portal was open and I’m sure they could have bum rushed the statue and fled out of Ponyville before anyone realized what was happening. If it had to do with the social aspects of their species it might make more sense. Where there was a pod hierarchy based around power. That might even extend to breeding rights. So maybe only the most powerful females in a pod could mate and have offspring. So the Sirens might have done it in order to better compete against other females.
Tirek and Scorpan: Considering that it’s quite likely that Starswirl was imprisoned in limbo during the invasion. It’s more likely that it was Vital who befriended Scorpan and it was attributed to Starswirl over the centuries
Faust: If Lauren Faust is the goddess Faust. Than since she’s married, her husband has no idea and that her parents probably don’t know she’s married either
So when will new chapter come out
11339219
Hopefully it won't be much longer from now, but at this time we have been rewriting the entire beginning of the story to make it easier for new and old readers to enjoy.
11342864
I just become nervous because pensword didn't log in last half a year and i didnt want this story to be abandoned
Well I haven't rambled around since April, just looking around too see how the rewrite is going.
I kind of hope that when you reach the Rainbow Rocks saga you give some backstory to the Sirens over motivation. They just show up and cause havoc before Stygian created the Pillars of Equestria. Since sirens as a species are still some what of a blank slate it be interesting to see what you guys come up with
Everytime I re-read this story, I start at chapter 52, when Conor comes into the story. Between then and the most recent chapter there’s been some character bloat and some storylines left unresolved.
Like the pony version of Dr. Strange and Glyph Reader’s vendetta against Daring Do. I suppose I’m wondering if the main 4 will ever realize the strangeness of Dr. Strange. As for Glyph Reader, will we ever see that played out?
I finally figured out who the "Storyteller" is! Storyteller
Didn't know there was a show
Does anyone know what is referenced in Chapter 97, "Feathers of Ice"?
Theres a part about a phoenix frozen in ice and its referenced that a group of heroes freed it. When I looked it up all i could find was something about Monster Rancher in this link Suzaku. Is this what is being referenced?
And thus here, the story sleeps. I hope it is not dead, I've really enjoyed this journey.
11486240
Clover is married to Hammerstrike. Vital’s relationship with Clover is an apprentice master relationship. Which is closer than a student teacher relationship
11486240
Don't worry, the project is far from dead. We've just been spending a lot of time rewriting the original chapters so that it's not nearly so much of a slog for new readers. It may be a few more months before we're able to finish, but we are getting very close. And once they're finished and published, we'll get back in the saddle for writing and publishing new chapters to pick up where we left off.
11445267
You sir, deserve a cookie, and a prize. Yes, it was a Monster Rancher reference. That was a favorite of mine when growing up, and it made sense to make reference to it since we were dealing with a phoenix of our own.
Getting close to finishing the story again. So just wanted to post on what I hope to see in the future once the rewrites are done.
is this dead or not?
11547841
I hope not.
So, what's the current status on the rewrite? Is there a discord for the authors that post progress updates? I do hope this story isn't dead.
11640384
Not dead. We've just been very, very hard at work on revising the original thirty chapters. And that process is near conclusion. Within the next month, we are hoping to finish the final chapter. Then I just have to proof the rewrites, and we'll be able to post them and resume production of the later chapters.
11585968
No need to worry. It's not dead. The story still lives, and we have been working very hard to finish the rewrites of the initial chapters for a smoother experience in reading. Hopefully, within about a month, we should finish the last chapter that needs rewriting. Then I just have to proof them before we post them. A brief hiatus will follow after working our butts off on the rewrites for so long, and then we will resume writing and posting new chapters.
11693025
Thanks for all your comments on the story so far. I apologize that you didn't enjoy the first few chapters in the fic. That's one reason why the story has been paused for so long. We, the writers and editor, have been working very hard to rewrite chapters 1-30 with the specific purpose of improving the writing, cutting out needless content, and otherwise tailoring the writing to better fit our style and quality that was developed as the story progressed.
Please, feel free to re-read again once the new chapters replace the old ones. If all goes well, it should be in about another month or so give or take, depending on personal circumstances for each of the writers involved.
Thank you again.
🗿👍👁️
11696985
Ello o/
Just a small question. Witch chapters were rewritten? thx
11785319
The first thirty chapters have been rewritten. I am currently working on the final edits for them before we do a mass replacement/re-publishing of said chapters. it should make for a much smoother experience to readers old and new, and it incorporates all the skills we've honed together since the project began.
11547841
Still alive and kicking. We finished rewriting the original thirty chapters. I'm currently editing them before we do a mass re-post for them. After that, we'll take a small break to recuperate and then begin writing and posting new chapters again.