An Extended Holiday

by Commander_Pensword

97 - Feathers of Ice

Extended Holiday
Ch 97: Feathers of Ice
Act 13

---

Vital Spark sighed as he sat on a flat boulder next to the meditation pool in the royal gardens. Despite all the amazing adventures he’d been on, part of him could still hardly believe any of this could be real. He had traveled to the Equestrian equivalent of the Orient, met a chi wizard, tasted some of the most fantastic herbal tea he had ever drank in his life, met an incarnation of chaos, met said incarnation’s counterpart, and the list went on. He was learning magic for crying out loud! Something that would have been unheard of back on Earth. It was a great comfort to know that he had friends and people he could count on here to help him, but it was also sad, because he knew he would have to return home soon enough, and when he did, there wouldn’t be any coming back.

He sighed again and shifted his position, doing his best to clear his heart and calm his troubled mind. This was meant to be an exercise in maintaining calm and inner peace. He needed that right now.

“You okay?” Clover asked as she approached from the cobblestone path.

“Just trying to achieve inner peace.” He chuckled as a certain old red panda flashed briefly across his mind.

“You’re not ready for that yet,” she said. “Believe me, it’s not what people make of it.”

“I didn’t mean the whole ‘being one with cosmic energies’ thing. I just meant in the aspect of calming myself and my mind.” He sighed. “I don’t have much time left with my friends, and I’m glad I’ll be able to go home again, to see my family, but at the same time ….”

“You won’t be,” Clover said bluntly. “Because part of you is acclimatized to this world.”

“Pretty much. It’d help if there were some way we could stay in contact or something, but last I checked, interdimensional mail hasn’t been invented yet.”

“Too many problems.” Clover nodded. “But for now, let's move on to lessons, okay?”

Vital Spark sighed as he watched the koi fish circle in the pond. “Whatever you say, Shifu.”

“So today we’re going to be working on some of the basic spells that apparently were not basic enough to be put into Starburst’s One Hundred and Seven Spells Every Unicorn Foal Needs to Learn. Strange, really. You’d figure atomizing objects would be in this book.”

“Why would someone ever want to teach a foal how to break an object down to its molecular structure and disperse it across a room?”

“Because what if they get trapped in a cave or a mineshaft?” Clover asked as though this was entirely too common. Then again, given Equestria’s track record …. “They can destroy rocks and things blocking their path.”

“And there’s no risk of them abusing it at all for their own ends?”

“There is a risk of them abusing levitation for their own ends, too,” Clover said. “Everything is risky.”

“And you want me to be able to use this spell in case I have to face some kind of emergency myself?”

“You're catching on.”

“Nopony’s ever used this spell to … disintegrate a person, right?” he asked nervously, even as he got down off the rock.

“I saw Star Swirl do it once. It was far too messy for my taste.”

Vital Spark paled. “I know it’s up to the user to decide how to use the spell, but … dang.”

“He was taken by surprise, to speak in his defense. One minute we were eating lunch by the road, next minute, there's a troll.”

“Those actually exist here?”

“With everything you’ve seen, you’re questioning a troll?”

“No, I’m just surprised is all.” He shrugged. “I believed in magic a long time before I found evidence it was actually real.”

“Anyway, a few of these spells should come invaluable tomorrow.”

“Um … why?”

“Because I signed you up for a magical contest.”

“You did what?”

“I thought my explanation was straightforward enough. I won’t repeat it.”

“And you didn’t think to consult me on the matter?”

“Hardly seemed worth bothering you about.”

“How is putting me into a contest without my consent something hardly worth bothering about?”

“Because it’s just a contest. Who knows? You might win something.”

“And you never thought to see if I felt confident enough to try a competition like this yet? Seriously, Clover, I’ve only been training under you for a few weeks!”

“Of course you aren't confident enough. No one smart is confident enough before the competition happens.”

Vital Spark facehoofed. “That’s besides the point.”

“Look, we can quibble all day about minor details like what's happening tomorrow, or the fact that it’s nobody's fault, or we can prepare you for tomorrow.”

“All right, first of all, I know you’ll never admit to going over my head because you’re too proud for that, so I guess I’ll leave that to lie for now. Secondly, I’d be a fool not to train with you right now, especially since you’re putting me up against a bunch of Kitsune acolytes, who are natural born creatures of magic, are generally much older than I am, and know a lot more magic than I do right now.” He groaned. “And I know there’s no way you're letting me back down and ruin your good name as my sensei.”

“All of what you just said is true; however, all these acolytes never had one thing going for them that you do.”

“And that is?”

“None of them trained with Clover the Clever.” She smirked. “For them, magic is a straight path, a linear action. Everything is straightforward and sensible. The mages who make these contests are old, Vital Spark. They’ve gotten past the need for the straightforward approach. They see magic as I do, and if I’ve been teaching you correctly, as you do. They make these contests to teach that lesson. They may know every spell on Equis. They may be able to levitate a mountain and not exhaust their mana supply. But in the end, none of them will think outside the box, and that gives us the advantage.”

“So, basically, they’ll be a bunch of special tests that won’t really need or use magic at all, or if they do, they’ll want it in a unique way that doesn’t involve fighting or other basic uses.”

“Now you're catching on.”

“Isn’t it technically cheating to tell me that?”

“No,” Clover said. “There’s never been a rule about it.”

“You do realize that doesn’t necessarily make it right, right?”

“You do realize I don’t necessarily care, right?”

“You should.”

“I should do a lot of unnecessary things, like read the book on this modern ‘magical ethics’ thing, but I don’t, and no one's the worse for it.”

Vital sighed. “Let’s just get the lesson over with already.”

“Very well. Now basic atomization isn’t as complicated….” and Clover began her lecture into the theory.

---

Grif took a deep breath, taking in the beautiful scent of the tea billowing from his cup. “Green tea with orange zest, and a hint of jasmine?” he questioned his host.

“An old recipe, but one of the best,” Haku said as he took his seat next to the Pai Sho board. “It’s a pleasure to have someone else to play with aside from Iroh for once.”

“It’s an honor to play with you,” Grif said. “I’ve actually been hoping to be able to speak with you.”

Haku smiled. “I’m actually rather surprised you didn’t seek me out sooner.” He chuckled, then took another sip of his tea as he laid out his first piece on the board. “I suppose you wanted to give Hammer Strike and I some time to catch up again.”

“I also needed to gather my own thoughts. This is possibly a more unusual meeting than most of the others. Your people have at least some form of diplomacy with Celestia. Last I was aware, your relationship with my kind was much less friendly.”

“I judge based on a person’s actions, Grif. Just because some or many practice evil does not mean that all do.”

“With all due respect, my actions hardly speak better than my race.”

“Perhaps, but then again, you were young. You still are. Young ones often lose their way along the roads of life. It is part of the adventure.” He pointed to a particular square. “You place the next piece there, by the way.”

“Thanks,” Grif said meekly as he placed the tile where indicated. “So Hammer Strike’s a very self-contained person. I was wondering if I could ask about your time with him?”

“A reasonable request. I don’t see why I shouldn’t oblige you.” He smiled as he placed his own. “Remember, the purpose is to shape the lotus around the lotus. Here next,” he casually corrected as Grif accidentally laid a tile on the wrong square.

“I’m sorry,” Grif said, immediately moving to amend the mistake. “You three were together for several years. I guess the best place to start would be the beginning. How did a Pony meet three Kitsune in an unending blizzard?”

Haku sighed as he took another sip of his tea. “It was my first time out on a genuine expedition. I had hoped to remain within the empire and tend to the records instead, but my father would have none of it. Our scouts had taken note of a powerful magic taking root in the three Pony kingdoms, if you could call them that, and that it was spreading. Concerned for events to come, and for the well being of the other lands, we were ordered to investigate, and were given an escort of some of the finest warriors of the day.”

He smiled sadly, and shook his head. “Unfortunately, no one had expected to encounter the windigos as the cause. Worse still, despite our vast knowledge of demons and evil spirits, our kind had never seen their like before. Our guardians fought well … but they died quickly.”

“Hammer Strike burned them when he found you?” Grif asked.

“He … disposed of them.”

“So it was only the three of you?”

“It was nearly only two. Had it not been for Hammer Strike’s unique abilities, Gakushu would have died that very night.”

“How old were you?”

“We were still very young, just barely to the point where we could leave the compounds.”

“That must have been traumatizing”

“It was, but Hammer Strike was surprisingly gentle with us. He made sure we were able to survive, taught us how to fight, built an entire settlement. The facilities we’d managed to build by the end left us surprised at our own potential.”

“He has a way of bringing out stuff you didn’t know about yourself,” Grif agreed with a chuckle. “What were your friends like?”

“Gakushu was timid and afraid, and with good reason. He was the one who had almost died after all. Hammer Strike was the reason he chose to change his career to become a smith in the first place. As for Kurama …” He sighed sadly. “Kurama and I were more like brothers before we even became brothers. He was stubborn about just about everything he chose to do, and even when he knew he was wrong, he’d go through with an action anyways. He was noble, though. You might even say driven. He wanted to protect us, to keep us safe from harm. He felt it was his duty as the last surviving warrior. After events finally hammered our point home, he finally started to settle down.”

“The way others speak of him, he must have been something to see on the battlefield.”

“He found peace at an early age. Overcoming trauma can do that for you, assuming you’re willing to accept and move on. After he accepted his limitations, his magic became much stronger. It helped having Hammer Strike for an instructor. He was able to incorporate new styles that had never been seen before in our country.”

“It must have been hard for you to be alone all this time.”

“Losing them was very difficult for me, yes. But I do still have family and loved ones, and the time will come eventually where I’ll be called to join them.” He placed the last tile and smiled. “And there you have the lotus. I take it you are already familiar with the name of the technique?”

“The White Lotus Gambit.”

“Correct. And the pass phrases?”

“‘I see you favor the white lotus gambit. Not many still cling to the ancient ways, but those who do can always find a friend.’”

“Excellent,” Haku praised. “You know, you’d be surprised how many members we actually have in Gryphonia.” He winked mischievously.

“Well, there is always more to learn.” Grif chuckled “I suppose I shouldn’t be that surprised.”

“Well, considering you’ve already met the one who helped establish the order in your country, I agree.”

“So you are familiar with the wise one. I don’t suppose you know where I might find the thunderbird?”

“You know, I’ve always been fascinated at what perfect hunters you Gryphons are,” Haku said as he poured some more tea. “So polished, so patient. Yet I’ve only met a few of you that employ the full range of techniques involved in the hunt. I believe you call it the third law, if I’m not mistaken.”

“If you cannot chase the prey, make the prey come to you?”

“Exactly. It saves a great deal of useless effort, wouldn’t you say?”

“I suppose there is wisdom in that, but I’m simply not getting it at this point in time.” Grif chuckled.

“Think on your previous encounters. It will come to you.” He smiled as he cleared the board and reorganized the pieces with a snap of his fingers. “Now then, I believe you’re ready for a real game.”

---

Rarity, Pensword, Grif, Lunar Fang, Fox Feather, and Vital Spark were eating lunch in one of the main rooms of their suites. Pensword was looking at a very flushed Fox Feather, who had downed yet another cup of Sake with a plastered grin, shouting a slurred phrase as she slammed the cup down on the table.

“Lunar Fang … that was her tenth cup, and she is only now showing signs of being drunk. I fear for her liver,” Pensword said.

Clover just chuckled. “You can thank one of the ancient Unicorns, Grand Magus Panacea. He created a spell that could heal the liver and cleanse it of all toxins after his master’s brother died from liver failure. She’ll be fine.”

During the impromptu history lesson, Fox Feather had downed two more servings. The Kitsune looked on, intrigued by the Pegasus. Pensword shook his head. “At least we are not taking the good Sake.”

Fox Feather grinned and turned to look at Vital. “Hello, handsome” she said with a grin befitting her first name as she drew uncomfortably close. “What brings you to this great war table?”

“Uh … Pensword, I think she’s had enough,” Vital Spark said as he did his best to back away from what would otherwise prove to be a very awkward situation.

“Best to wait until she passes out. Even the meekest Pegasus can be downright scary when you try to separate them from their drink. One time, Pansy had a little too much, and it took me, Smart Cookie, and Hurricane combined to get her to her room. She gave me a black eye in the process, and I was using magic,” Clover said.

“Military rules state that she can have her fun today,” Pensword answered with a laugh, “But I must say, Vital, you must have something about you. She comes from a very old Pegasus military family. For her to hit on you like that, that is saying something, Mr. Pretty Unicorn.”

Vital Spark blushed violently. “Pensword!”

“What? I am only saying that even when my uncle got drunk, he only hit on Thestrals, even when we had visiting Pegasus hunters, and he still declined hits from drunk mares.” Pensword grinned. “Don’t worry. Lunar Fang and I will step in if she tries to go too far.”

“Why me?” Vital Spark immediately proceeded to smack his head against the table, “Ow …” and got his horn stuck in the table.

“Having troubles?” a voice called from the shadows.

“... Shut up, Hammer Strike,” Vital Spark grumbled.

“Uh ... Hammer?” Pensword looked around and blinked. “I do not see you, and I do not feel your soul. You are not dead. Why can I not see you?”

“Yeah. Stealth’s supposed to be Lunar Fang’s thing,” Grif noted.

Slowly, Hammer Strike’s figure began to pull away from the shadows. After a moment he rolled his neck. “Gah, that is a weird feeling.”

“Aiyah!” one of the servants exclaimed, beating against his heart with a fist as he struggled to get his breathing back under control.

“That’s cool,” Grif noted.

“Cool, but I need to use it more. I’m neglecting one side of magic in my field,” Hammer Strike replied as he shook his head.

Vital Spark grunted as he pushed against the table, but it wasn’t until he felt Fox Feather’s wings wrapping around his torso that he managed to pull himself free, his eyes wide with terror. A dust cloud copy was all that remained of him as he stood with shaking eyes in the corner next to Hammer Strike.

“Aww,” Pensword cooed as he wrapped his wings around Fox Feather, kissing her as she sniggered at Vital Spark’s reaction. He then proceeded to whack her on the nose. “You were acting drunk?”

“What? I wanted to tease the Unicorn.” Her voice was still slurred, but it was significantly better than it had sounded in the last ten minutes. “He’s funny when he’s flustered.”

Pensword hit his head gently against Fox Feather’s neck with a groan. “At least Vital got his first equine female hug from you, Fox Feather, and not some other mare.”

“Um … actually …”

“In a setting that could have been taken as romantic,” Lunar Fang clarified, hiding her muzzle behind a leathery wing. “Clover counted as a friend hug.”

“Wait a minute, how did you know I hugged Clover?”

She grinned. “Lucky guess.”

Vital wasn’t sure if she was referring to a Pony, or the actual act.

With that act of mischief out of the way, Lunar Fang turned to look at Hammer Strike. “So, you’re finally trotting the path of our matron and grand chieftess. How was your first walk?”

“Technically not the first, though the memory of the first is a bit … hazy, as you can guess,” Hammer replied. “Though I’m sure you all have a harder time forgetting it.”

Pensword froze. “When Lord Shawn trounced Princess Celestia and I in combat.”

“Wait, when did this...?” Fox Feather asked perking up looking worried. “You fought your Lord?”

“I remember that,” Pensword spoke with a groan. “Do you remember when Princess Celestia and I had that week long conference in Canterlot?” He sighed. “We were really recovering from Shawn toying with us when something went wrong.

“During one of his experiments, Lord Shawn had been consumed by a dark energy. He took on Celestia and Pensword, holding little back. Luckily, he did not kill them in that state,” Hammer Strike finished.

“Against the plan, I might add,” Grif said.

“In their defense, they didn’t know you had a plan yet.”

“Not much of a defense,” Lunar Fang muttered. “Only an idiot charges in without a plan.”

“To finish the statement from earlier, I, at the time, was … unable to fight, and rather than using my normal field of magic, being solar fire, I was instead using lunar-based magic,” Hammer Strike said.

“Yeah,” Pensword answered. “Still, it worked out in the end.” He sighed. “Maybe we can move on? This is a fairly touchy subject.”

“You would think I’d find it the most touchy,” Hammer Strike muttered just loud enough for a few to hear at the table. “Not too terrible, oddly enough…”

“So you're going to be working with a new branch of stealthy, completely un-Hammer Strike-like magic now?” Grif asked.

“Why, I would never do such a–Yes, I’m going to start as soon as we return,” he replied.

Pensword looked nervous. “Hammer Strike, can ... can I talk to you tonight?” He looked at his plate. “I just ... this conversation dredged up some bad memories.”

“Sure.”

“Thank you.”

“Say, Hammer Strike?” Vital asked.

“Yes?”

“Why is nothing touching me?”

Hammer Strike chuckled. “Not quite right,” he said. Reaching up to his shoulder, he grabbed at nothing. As he pulled his hoof back, a blue blade began to form. Gold streaks had formed the outlines of flames licking away at the metal and seemed practically radiant in the midday sun streaming through the windows.

Vital Spark whistled. “Nice sword.”

“It was one of Gakushu’s last blades,” he said, looking it over once again before chuckling. “I was made for the Pathmaker,” he said before translating the text aloud in Equestrian.

“Wow. I’m suddenly struck by a sense of dejavous. We’re not going to see a talking dog named Bayard any time soon, are we?” Vital asked.

“Who?” Pensword asked, confused.

“It’s a reference to a story one of the humans told me about their movies. I believe he called it Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton.

Grif winced involuntarily at this.

“He somehow made the blade … harmonize with me just by touch. At least, that’s the best way I can describe it,” Hammer Strike continued.

“Well, he certainly had long enough to get a proper read on your magical aura, right?” Vital asked.

“Over a thousand years to remember it as well.”

“... Maybe he had a sample from you?”

“It’s a possibility.” He shrugged.

“With all that has happened, I would not be surprised,” Pensword added with a small chuckle.

“It’s silent,” Grif noted. “I couldn’t even pick up a single grate from the blade.”

“Exactly how he intended it to be made.” Hammer Strike grinned. “It would explain something, wouldn’t it?”

“Why you came in all ninja-ish?”

“I want to use it as it was meant to be used.”

“And how is it meant to be used?” Vital asked.

“Quietly,” Hammer Strike finished as he re-sheathed the blade. The blade suddenly vanished into near-invisibility.

“So, uh … can we interest you in some tea? Or maybe some sushi?” Vital asked.

Hammer Strike chuckled. “Sure.”

---

Pensword looked over at Hammer Strike as the two sat in the garden together. He sighed as he took in the full moon’s light before looking back at Hammer Strike. “I’m sorry.” The tone showed it was Matthew speaking.

“What for?” Hammer Strike asked.

“For ignoring your book and research,” Matthew replied. “It’s taken some time to just get to grips on this,” he said, motioning to himself with a wing and a hoof. “I think I am ready for the old master’s words,” he said, trying his best to disguise what he was referring to in case any of the Kitsune who were about could understand Equish or Dragonic.

Hammer Strike hummed for a moment. “You’ll have to wait until our return if you feel the want to read it.”

“I understand. I’m pretty late to the party, and if you don’t want to teach me, or the like, I can understand.” He frowned grimly.

“I have tried teaching you,” Hammer Strike replied. “You just keep refusing to learn or try it. I will think about teaching you when we get back, but until then, you can just read. Perhaps I could get Grif to help you with some of the basics as well...”

“I understand,” Matthew muttered. He looked out at the lotus blossoms floating on the water. “Are you looking forward to when Discord gets that spell correct? I ... I am trying to keep Pensword from going insane over what to bring back.”

“I don’t know.” Hammer Strike frowned. “To my family it has been … what, five years? To me, it’s been well over sixty since I’ve seen them. Perhaps even longer. I can’t remember how they were, how they acted. I can barely remember their faces.”

Matthew proceeded to hug Hammer Strike. “Take a camera, then. Document it, bring home photos. Also, spend the day with them if you can. Take them on a crazy adventure….” he frowned. “Didn’t you say one of your family members played with fire?” He got a funny look on his muzzle. “Maybe show off?”

“One of them might have…” He hummed. “I don’t even know what I want to do when we get back. Stop by and tell them I can’t stay? I know I can’t tell them the worst part of the news.”

“What is the worse news? They’ll know you are alive. You made a life for yourself, and you are not dead.”

“Each day I stay there on Earth will bring me closer to death, Matthew.”

“You don’t know that,” came the immediate retort.

“Yes, I do. Unless Earth has a field of magic to steadily power my Thaumic field, it will slowly drain, and my body will shut down, bit by bit, until it can’t sustain itself anymore.”

“Then we just pick a set number of days at which point we return, or we have our vitals taken and monitored, and if they drop below a threshold, we get pulled back.”

“We have no idea how long it’ll take to deplete is the problem. Measuring vitals might be a bit easier, but with what is the question.”

“Ask Discord, and he will come up with something, even if it’s as silly as a smiley face sticker that won’t come off.”

“I don’t know… It would probably take him longer to figure something out on this scale before he could even come up with something to monitor thaumic levels.”

“Then it will be simple, life signs, pulse, heart rate, oxygen levels. With what we’ve gone through, drops in that would be clear indications of problems.”

“What will sustain the connection and spell to monitor? Unless we can get something to get that back and forth, or a self system with enough power to bring us back.”

“To take something out of context, It’s Discord. Don’t question it,” Matthew replied with a chuckle. Then he shivered and shook his head. “This feels so weird. You know, the fur and body. And the tail, too. Even after being raised with it, I still haven’t gotten used to it.”

“It takes time after the shock and whatnot. As for not questioning a system like that, it will not work.”

“Then talk to Discord. Talk to Twilight. There has to be some sort of solution.”

Hammer Strike sighed. “I’ll figure something out to monitor our thaumic levels.”

“Thank you.” The two stared off into the stars for a time. “So… you and Rarity. I have to say, if I hadn’t….” he paused happy he still remembered to speak in Draconic. “If this was not happening in front of me, I would call out how impossible it would be.”

“At this point, nothing is impossible.”

“Touche.” Matthew replied. “Still...” He frowned. “What to talk about that is not work related? I am tired of Pensword fretting over the future. Did you know he has literally gone so far as to play for what to do if Equestria faced an alien invasion? He’s even got plans for what to do if he meets a Jedi.” He shook his head. “He has access to our world through me. He views so many things as potential threats, even though they’re fiction. I had to knock him out just to get some peace and quiet.”

“More mental burnout than anything from the sounds of it.”

“Yeah. Can you talk sense into him? Maybe get Lunar Fang to get him to play in the clouds? Honestly, I almost want to learn the Thaumic stuff just to get a little more control over this body and not be a passenger, if that’s even possible. Most of all, though–” he sighed “–I hope we can find a way to get my fingers and toes back.” Matthew paused, then chuckled. “Two different goals, but we can talk about that later. Come on… tell me a joke. Do something. Raise an eyebrow. Just … something from before all this insanity started.”

“I … actually don’t remember any jokes.”

Matthew paused, before grinning. “Do you want to hear some?”

Hammer Strike shuddered. His danger sense was tingling.

“Why won’t you ever go hungry in a desert?”

“... I am suddenly reminded why I don’t know any jokes.”

“Aww, well then I’ll tell you. It’s because of all the sandwiches there.”

“...” Hammer Strike stared into the distance.

“That’s the expression I remember when we met up for that convention.” Matthew happily giggled, cracking up more at his own pun, which more than made up for Shawn and Hammer Strike.

A few minutes later Matthew had calmed down, still rocking in his spot, but looking a bit happier. “Thank you for not killing me. I needed to tell a bad pun, just to get a sense of how things used to be, you know? So thanks.”

Hammer Strike gave a faint grin. “Any time.”

---

The waning moon shone brightly down on the palace grounds as Haku and Hammer Strike walked through the palace shrine. The pair each provided a flame to bob around them and offer the light they needed as they traversed the path leading to the pavilion where the graver markers were kept.

“It’s sad to think how they’re gone,” Haku said. “But I must admit I somehow expected it.” He smiled sadly. “I like to visit here at least once a month when I can, just to tell them about what they’ve left behind and how it’s influencing others. I like to think they’re happy with that.”

“I’m sure they enjoy hearing how their legacy is playing out,” Hammer Strike replied. “To hear of what their choices changed after they have passed.”

Haku chuckled. “I think Kurama will be glad to know what you and Grif have in store for our granddaughter.”

“That’s good to know.” Hammer Strike chuckled. “Better than the opposite.”

“Too true. Though I don’t think he could stop you, even if he did disapprove.” He chuckled. “You always do what you think is best.”

“I do what I think is best, but I can only hope for a good outcome.”

“Don’t we all.” Haku waved his paw and a set of incense holders appeared with sticks and two bowls of rice, all levitating beside them. “So how does it feel seeing me so old?”

“I’ve tried to get used to the feeling… but it still feels odd to me.” Hammer Strike sighed.

“It’s an unfortunate part of life. Destiny and fate have an interesting way of playing with us. Then again, it could just be chance.”

Hammer Strike’s eye twitched as a familiar laughter carried on the wind. “I’d say it’s a mix of all three, yes.”

“It is most strange.” Haku smiled as they entered the gazebo and laid the offerings down in front of the proper markers. With a snap of his fingers, the incense sticks ignited. “Would you like to speak with them first?”

“I wish I had more words to say, but, you know how it is...”

“Difficult to express. You always were one to remain within yourself. Why is that, I wonder?”

“The more I see, the more I lose, the less I feel,” Hammer Strike replied. “Though some feelings will never be silenced.”

“It’s not healthy, you know. I suppose that’s one reason I’m glad you’ve found your mare friend. She seems to be good for you.”

“She’s the only one I’ve felt this way for. And yes, I know the lack of emotion is deemed unhealthy, but it’s hard to change.”

“Hard change is often the best. It was hard for you to change for us, but look what it’s given us. Look what it’s given you, even by changing a little.”

“I just wonder if there is enough time for me to make those changes...” Hammer Strike replied softly. “Sorry. Remembering stuff.”

“That is up to you to decide. But if you want advice from an old fox, I’d say it’s worth it to try, no matter how much or little time you have remaining.”

“Yeah… I’ll try.”

The incense sticks flared, and Haku chuckled. “It would seem Kurama and Gakushu agree.”

“I thought I was the one watching over you three.” Hammer Strike gave a faint grin and raised brow.

“How quickly the roles change as the seasons turn.”

“Over a thousand years. That is some change from winter.”

Haku laughed. “And you’ve got quite a spring ahead of you, if I’m not mistaken.”

Hammer Strike chuckled faintly. “Quite, indeed.”

---

The blacksmith shop was lit by the light of the sun, and the familiar smell of smoke and steam identified louder than words the craft that was practiced in this place. Fox Feather and Lunar Fang both stood to either side of Pensword, who was grinning as he looked at the building. “I think they are done,” he said excitedly. He stopped and knocked on the open doorframe of the blacksmith. “Hello?” he called out.

“Hello? If you're a new customer, we aren't doing new commissions at the moment. If it’s my current customer, just hold on. I’ll be right with you.”

“Of course. I can wait,” Pensword responded. Lunar Fang and Fox Feather did their best to hold back the snickers.

“Something you wanted to say, ladies?” Pensword asked.

The two mares simply laughed and kissed him.

“Nothing, Pensword,” they promised, even as they exchanged knowing smiles.

Several minutes later, the blacksmith exited the forge wiping his paws on his smock. “Here to see what I’ve come up with, huh?”

“That is correct,” Pensword answered with a respectful bow. “If it is not ready, I can wait. I hope you do not mind my checking up on the process.”

“It is no trouble at all, I assure you. The commission is finished for the most part,” the smith said as he went to one of the tables and removed a bundle wrapped in oiled cloth before carrying it over. “I just need to do measurements.”

“Which wing?” Pensword asked as he followed the blacksmith into his shop. Fox Feather and Lunar Fang watched from the sidelines.

“I take it the set you gave me was for the left wing?” the blacksmith asked.

“That is correct.” Pensword nodded. He was going to enjoy using his dominant wing.

The smith nodded as he opened the bundle. The basic design was much like that of a wing blade with the trigger mechanism that read the wing movements and the special armor plates for the wing’s weaker joints; however, the joints were each capped over by an emerald lense. The blades were, as expected, straight and lethal-looking, like a katana blade, though the longest of them were only around a foot, and the majority were much shorter. The blades had been set in an odd pattern that, when Pensword inquired about them, the smith assured him would make sense when he engaged the blades on his wing.

“I left room for inscriptions or a symbol of some kind, should you desire it, but for the most part they are functionally complete.”

Pensword nodded to Lunar Fang and Fox Feather, who were more artistic and fashionable than he was. The pair were already hard at work sketching out the best ideas to suit Pensword’s house and crest.

“Once you have it on properly, we’ll make notes on where the final changes need to be made,” the Kitsune noted.

Pensword nodded. After a slow and steady process to avoid any damage to the wing, he was fully armed. The blacksmith immediately moved to take notes.

“Now why don’t you try and engage them?” the smith said.

Pensword flicked his wing outward, and as he did, the blades clicked into place, shiftin as his wings moved to locking together at different angles until they had formed a single cutting edge down the length of the wing. It looked almost just like the original model with some few ornate additions, yet when Pensword flexed his wing, the blades rippled like a wave, shifting to a new defensive configuration while hardly affecting his range of motion and articulation.

“This ... this is …. This is amazing. Simply amazing.”

“It took me nearly a whole day to get that part right,” the smith said with some notable pride in his voice. “If you disengage it and slide it off, I can probably make the remaining modifications in an hour or so.”

“Very well. I shall give you two,” Pensword said. “In a Thestral culture, that is a sign of respect. By giving more time, it assures no pressure to the smith. After all, without people like you, our people would not have been able to live and hunt.”

The Kitsune bowed. “Arigato. I’ll see you in two hours, then.”

Two hours later saw Pensword, Luanr Fang, and Fox Feather standing there as Pensword donned the Wingblade one more time. It had now been stamped with his cutie mark, as well as the emblem for Mountainside Falls. In a more intricate location, Luna’s cutie mark had been engraved net to the emblem for the coalition of the Thestral Tribes.

“Well now.” The smith gestured to a large rock near the door. “Why don’t you test them out?”

Lunar Fang hissed through her teeth as she saw the test subject. Fox Feather was shocked, while Pensword was curious. Matthew had something tickling his memory, but he just couldn’t quite catch it. He took a battle stance and attacked as he had in the war. He easily used his wing to slice the top of the rock. There was a shower of sparks, but very little resistance as the blades left a deep gouge in the stone.

All the Ponies stood there in dumbfounded shock. They saw the mark. They had seen and heard the sparks. And yet the weapon looked like it had not been damaged. Pensword’s eyes widened in shock. He looked up and promptly gave a deep bow to the Smith. “Lunar Fang, get a tomahawk.” He rose as Lunar Fang brought forth the weapon in question. “Please accept my gift of a weapon from my culture. If any Thestral come across your path, then seeing that in your shop will show you are trusted by a Thestral to make weapons for chiefs.” He bowed again.

“Thank you, my friend. I pray the blades never fail you. Use them well.”

“I shall.” He looked to the interpreter. “Please tell him that he must not stop me.” Once he was sure the confusing instructions had been given, he looked to the roof and let out a piercing yell as he threw the blade. It wedged without damaging the wood, so that only a Thestral knowing what to look for would see it. Noting how well it had landed, Pensword nodded his head in satisfaction. “As one warrior to another of tradition, thank you for not stopping me. Now, if that does fall down, please write to me, and I shall return and fly up there to return it. The throwing is only done once as a ceremony. If it falls, it will in need of a repair.”

After the smith had recovered from his shock, he bowed, and then returned to the back of his shop.

---

The afternoon air was warm and pleasant as throngs of Kitsune, Yokai, and other creatures of Neighpon gathered from the capital and surrounding villages to watch the challenge that was about to unfold. Yakisoba and ramen shacks were busy helping anxious customers as various sweet meat shops and other stalls exchanged the usual currency for their precious goods to fill anxious stomachs as the event drew near.

The emperor himself was to preside over the event, and to present the prize to whoever should win. Many a young Kitsune and Yokai had entered the ranks, including some oxen, a few bears, some weasels, and even a ferret. The grounds had been lined by rope to outline the boundaries of the path, and to prevent spectators from getting too close to the action. A royal pavilion had been raised with a brilliant celestial dragon rendered in pure gold decorating the top. High above, Heaven’s Crest awaited at the peak of the great Mount Kazan, and with it, the trophy which had drawn so many contestants to the event today.

As honored guests, Hammer Strike and his party of friends sat on either side of the emperor and his bride as they looked down on the crowd. When the sun had risen high above the clouds, the emperor rose and waved a hand, sending a blast of white light into the heavens to explode with deafening noise. The gathered throngs immediately settled down.

“Friends, masters, competitors, and honored guests….” The emperor's translator seemed to have a copy of the speech before him all ready as he kept pace with the divinely appointed ruler. “It is with great anticipation that I speak to open today’s event. As some of you may know, the contest today is for a prize that may not be seen again in a lifetime. One month ago some monks came upon an abandoned nest, and within it, the egg of the legendary cryophoenix.”

More than a few gasps filled the air at the announcement.

“Cryophoenixes are secretive about their nests, more so than regular phoenixes,” Clover explained. “The eggs have many possible applications in alchemy and potion making, and they are much more rare, on par with the thunderbird.”

“The thunderbird?” Avalon balked.

“Not that thunderbird,” Clover said. “I meant the more common ones.”

“But wouldn’t using them in such a manner kill the chick before it can hatch?” Rarity asked.

“They don’t think it will be able to hatch,” Clover explained. “A cryopheonix’s body reaches below absolute zero, naturally that kind of cold’s hard to find in nature, so without its mother to create a nurturing environment, the egg will perish.” Clover looked towards the pool of contestants, where Vital looked anxiously at all his fellow competitors. “That's what they think, anyway.” She smiled then.

“Is there something you’re not telling us, Clover?” Avalon asked suspiciously.

“It should be all there for you. Vital Spark’s magic is ice based,” she pointed out. “And I have a whole cask of two thousand year old mauled cider riding on Celestia being wrong about Philomena’s hatching being a one-in-a-million situation.”

“Philomena was a rare hatch? How? I thought she was born the usual way and just chose Celestia because their magic is similar.”

“No. Celestia scared her mother away from the nest when she was young. Her … guardian at the time made her attempt to save the egg as a lesson about consequences.”

“Huh. Who’dve thunk?” Avalon said as she turned back to the contestants.

“Now each of your masters has donated something to this challenge,” the emperor said, addressing the contestants directly. “Before you stands a course riddled with obstacles, rough terrain, and as you get higher up the slope, worse weather. Master anorak has prepared a riddle which has been agreed to be the clue you will use to make your way to the top.”

A large red Kitsune wearing billowing black robes walked up to the podium as the emporer sat down. He cleared his throat, and then as he spoke, three keys began to float about his neck.

“Three hidden keys open three secret gates

Where the errant shall be tested for worthy traits

And those with the talent to survive these straights

Shall reach the end where the prize awaits.”

As he finished, the three keys split into multiple copies of each other before they scattered over the mountain face.

“You may begin when the gong sounds the noon hour,” the emperor said from his seat.

Vital Spark gulped, his stomach tying itself in knots as he prepared for what was surely to be one of the most frightening and potentially embarrassing experiences of his life.

Finally, the gong sounded. Immediately the contestants made for the mountain face.

Vital Spark raced as fast as his hooves could carry him. He did his best not to panic as he tried to stick to the trail while he sought out the keys in question. “All right, Vital, think. How are you going to find your way to these keys?” he muttered, even as he did his best to get away from the stampede of competitors. Once he’d gotten into the forest, he slowed down and sat on the hard earth. He closed his eyes and focused. To get too worked up wouldn’t benefit anyone.

The terrain was sloping upwards now, and snow wasn’t too far off from where he now sat, despite the warmth he still felt. Perhaps the aspect of purity that was imbued in the mountain had caused a permanent blanket to fall on its surfaces to aid the Imoogi as they prepared for the ascension that they so desperately sought. The bushes nearby shuffled and moved, but no one seemed nearby.

He watched as flying clouds and gusts of wind across the mountain indicated the desperate or calculated searches each of the contestants performed. And then he thought of the egg. That poor thing was going to be killed before it even had the chance to live. And then a sudden thought occurred to him, and he had an idea. A beautiful, wonderful, awesome idea. He rose and chuckled as he closed his eyes. When he opened them, they glowed white. He scanned the mountain face for a few seconds, taking in the shifting forms of the many competitors before marking the fields that weren’t moving. He grinned as he let the energies drop and raced as fast as his hooves could carry him. He had some keys to pick up.

Vital Spark smiled as he picked up the first key, which had embedded itself into a large rock. He was still shocked at how easily he’d gotten it to give up the key.

“You wouldn’t happen to know a boulder named Tom, would you?”

In an instant, a massive red streak shot up the center of the boulder until it made contact with the key, and then the key popped out of its place. He’d blinked in shock as he picked it up. It was a small thing, only half the size of his hoof, but it was made from well-polished bronze, and held a small ruby mounted in the very top of the ring.

“Uh … thanks.”

The boulder then proceeded to shake before rolling down the side of the hill and out of sight.

“... The guys are never going to believe this.” He shook his head and made his way back towards the first gate.

And now, there he stood. Before him, hovering in mid-air, attached to absolutely nothing, was a large bronze gate. Through the bars, he could see nothing but darkness, as though some enchantment kept him from making out the other side and the challenge within. Then again, perhaps some enchantment did. He carefully levitated the key into place, then lifted his hoof to turn it himself.

There was a creak as the lock clicked and the doors swung open, leaving a black abyss before him. Taking a deep breath, he passed in, casually noting the many tracks that had blended and stirred the earth behind him. It would seem he was not the first to pass through.

The blackness overcame him for a moment before he found himself standing in a large cavern. In front of him, as far as he could see from left to right was a mirror. Beside him, a small pool of water sat with a little spout pouring from the rock and filling the air with the sound of its fall. Beside the pool, a being he assumed was the guardian stood waiting. She was a tall woman with sleek black hair and wide green eyes. Her hands and feet were webbed, and her skin had been dyed a deep blue to match the stone of the pool. Every few moments it seemed almost as if her form were shifting, and as he drew closer, he realized it wasn’t skin he was seeing, but a construct formed out of pure water.

“Welcome, student.” Her bubbly voice echoed inside Vital’s head. “You have found the first gate, and the first test.”

“Thank you. May I ask what the task is to be?”

“Across the many realms lies a world where to tell a lie is to destroy, but to tell a story is to create and expand. Within that world lies a path to a great oracle with three great tests to enter her presence. This gate is a replica of the second test. It is a place that requires absolute honesty and fidelity with oneself. To pass through this gate is to pass through yourself, with all facades torn away. To pass this trial, you must see who you truly are, and you must accept it.”

Vital gulped. “The mirror of truth.”

“Yes,” the naiad’s voice sighed as it echoed through the space.

“... Great.” He sighed and shook his head. “Well, I guess I already know what I’m probably going to see, so I suppose I won’t be driven insane at least.”

“You need not face it if you do not wish. None will think lesser of you for it.”

Vital shook his head. “I’d likely think less of myself for it. Besides, that egg doesn’t deserve to be destroyed like that.”

“Then approach, and meet your true self.” With her task complete, the guardian returned to the pool, her body melting into the pond until nothing remained and the pool continued to gurgle and plop as the water streamed.

Vital spark gulped. He knew he’d likely see Ronoc soon, and who knew what else. He slowly drew up to the mirror and shuddered as he stared at his reflection. He opened his eyes, surprised to see a trembling Unicorn foal and a shaking human boy clinging together in the blackest darkness he had ever seen. A small spherical lantern sat embedded in the ground between them, and a bright crystal pulsed and glowed brightly as the shadows hovered around. He heard the malevolent chuckle, saw the shadows strike. Sometimes they would break through to land a blow, hurting the children. Then, at other times, the light would arc out instead, breaking the shadows apart, and leading to an angry hissing from the shadows.

“The war of light and darkness, metaphor for the eternal struggle between good and evil.” He sighed and shook his head as tears poured down his cheeks. “I’m always struggling with myself.” Then he took a deep breath, braced himself, and walked through the image.

The bright light of the midday sun was a stark contrast to the cave where he’d been only a moment earlier. He heard the sounds of the scavengers and the cry of battle. It would seem that some few of the pupils were desperate enough to resort to violence to claim their keys, rather than risk wasting time searching for their own. He shook his head. “How sad.” And then he moved on.

This time, he found the key hanging on a long tree branch a couple of stories up a tall pine. The tree seemed almost protective of the key as he gently pulled it loose with his magic, like it was trying to keep it in place.

Vital shook his head, but since he felt guilty, as a parting gift, he used a lesser form of the ice spell Clover had taught him to cover the pine with frosty patterns and decorations. “There. Now you’re one of the most beautiful trees on the mountain. He smiled as he left, not even aware of how the tree shook itself happily as its needles whispered in excitement.

A little ways away he found a similar gate to the bronze one, though this one was much larger and ornate and, true to the last gate, made purely out of jade, just like its key. Vital inserted the key in the lock and turned. As he did so, the jade turned to crystal as bright patterns and rainbow light danced in front of him like a kaleidoscope, blinding him in a great flash of color.

When the light faded, he found himself standing in yet another black space. He could hear groaning and grunts of pain. He could smell blood, and that put his hairs on end as he braced himself for combat, his horn glowing. As he pressed forward, he swiveled from time to time. Something was moving in the shadows, but he never could quite see it. The moaning grew louder, but no matter how hard he searched he could never find the source.

Then came the laughter. It was smooth, almost luxurious as it broke through the silence. Out from the shadows, a great blue ram with glowing red eyes and a bell around his neck approached. He sneered down at the Unicorn with a leer that could curdle milk and turn rocks to dust. A sense of timelessness wrapped around him along with the foul stench of decay. He towered above the young stallion, placing him in his shadow.

“So, another comes.”

“... Grogar.”

“And it knows my name. I thought you and your kind had long forgotten about me.”

“Well, to be perfectly honest … you were a pretty crappy villain.”

“WHAT?” Grogar bellowed.

“An ancient ceremony that would seal the Ponies away in your decrepit kingdom forever, oh dear, whatever shall they do? Let’s see. Knock over the cauldron to delay the spell for one, since you only have a limited time there to fulfill your revenge. Oh yeah, and ring an ancient bell that has the power to literally destroy your focus in one ring. A bell, which, might I add, you kept in the kingdom with you, and didn’t destroy when you had the chance. I repeat, crappy villain.”

“You impudent little whelp! I should strike you down where you stand.”

“But you won’t, because either you’re an illusion, or the Kitsune have you on a very, very tight leash. So why don’t you save us both a whole lot of trouble and we just cut to the chase with the trial?”

Grogar chuckled, then pointed to a Kitsune corpse. Its head had been turned at an unnatural angle, and it groaned where it stood. “I am far from bound, little Unicorn.” He sneered. “So you want your trial, do you?” he crooned. “You want your precious treasure?” He chuckled. “And what are you willing to give to gain the power the egg can grant you, boy?”

“I don’t want it for power. I want it to live.”

Grogar burst into a fit of laughter. “Then you’re a bigger fool than I thought. Nopony has the power to hatch that egg. Only its mother can provide the means.”

“Then I can at least give it the respect it deserves.”

A loud cry sounded off in the shadows, followed by several more.

“You know of my power, boy. That much is clear, so you know what I’m capable of.” He smirked as a heavy cage stuffed with Kitsune and other yokai descended before shuddering to a halt just before the floor and bouncing and swinging. They had been badly wounded, torn, lacerated, beaten, and bruised. The cage’s bars glowed with an unholy green light. “They will die should you choose to continue, boy, and they will die painfully. Then I shall call their souls back from the grave to serve in my army.” He laughed malevolently. “And you can’t do a thing to stop me, little novice.”

“Let them go.”

Grogar chuckled. “And why should I, little foal? What I kill, I claim as my own, and you have noth–” he broke off as he hovered in front of the Unicorn. He sniffed his hair, pulling his mane out of place as he inhaled. “That scent. Your soul is … different. How interesting. How … unique.” He stroked his beard as he took in the Unicorn’s appearance, then turned to face the cave, his eyes darting back and forth. “Yes. Very interesting.”

“What do you want, Grogar?”

“Your soul intrigues me, boy. I should very much like to study it.” He licked his lips. “Chaos and order, self-loathing and confidence, love and hate, so many opposites, so complex. And yet … not quite Pony. There is power in that soul. Yes,” he murmured. “I believe I just might.” He grinned. “You’ve intrigued me, boy. I can’t even begin to say how long it’s been since my curiosity was roused like this.” He chuckled. “My terms are these, boy. One soul in exchange for all of these. Your soul, to be exact.”

“What?”

“One life for many. It’s fairly straightforward,” Grogar said. “Let me kill you, and I get to let all of your little friends go. I’ll even sweeten the deal and release this degenerate flea bag,” he said as he motioned to the groaning Kitsune that had shuffled next to him. He chuckled. “That is my offer. Take it or leave it, boy, but one way or another, somepony is going to die.”

A veritable storm raged within Vital Spark. On the one side, Grogar was demanding an eternity of slavery, never finding peace or rest, always obeying, always serving. On the other side, Grogar would put that same fate on everyone in the room, leaving only his soul to survive and live on. Either way, there didn’t seem to be a right answer.

“Would you like some motivation? I’m sure the spectators would love to input their opinion,” Grogar said with a malevolent chuckle as his bell rang and a magical viewing screen appeared.

A golden long-aged Kitsune looked on in shock before weeping and sounded like she was begging Vital in her native tongue. Thanks to a amulet given at the start of the race, her cries had been translated into a language he could understand, and indeed, she was begging for her son to be freed.

A proud Ox Yokai garbed as a warrior snorted as his image appeared. “They were weak to be captured. The boy must save his own soul to continue. They are doomed no matter what he does. He cannot trust a foe like him.” One of the bears proceeded to deck the ox.

“The lady will save them,” one young kit said, grasping his mother's robes. “The lady won’t let that goat have them, right?” His mother said nothing, but wept silently.

The range continued from mothers or siblings to warriors and scribes all giving their voices, and soon they were beginning to drown out each other. The voices became a tidal wave of noise and sound, all telling him to either give his soul or to walk away and save himself.

There was a strain, a single phrase repeated over and over again. Vital could not hear it at first, but as his ears searched for something other than the noise. It began to grow louder to his ears, until he could hear it. The voice rang of crystals and whispered softly in a manner that made him feel calm and safe.

“‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.’ Is that not so, Vital Spark?”

And then the familiar voice was gone as quickly as it had come. Grogar waved a hoof and the window closed.

“Make your choice,” he ordered. “I will wait no longer.”

Vital Spark gaped for a time. He took a shuddering breath. His horn sparked as he closed his eyes. Then he opened them again to stare up at the necromancer. “... I have my answer.”

“And?”

“... Do it.”

With a booming laugh the ram charged up a display of dark energy, which he unleashed in a bright flash of light.

Vital flinched and closed his eyes as he braced for the inevitable death that was surely to come.

… Only to feel an incredibly tiny paw poke his nose. “Boop.” When he opened his eyes he found himself staring at a small yellow bear-like creature with bright white wings and a band on his left ear and a tail like a lion's.

“... Uwah?”

“Congratulations. You passed the test!” the creature said with a laugh. “You know, there aren’t too many folks with enough honor and compassion to do what you just did.”

“... I almost didn’t.”

“But you did. And because you did, you made it to the final track!”

“Um … thanks and all, but … your name wouldn’t happen to be Kiro, would it?”

“Maybe,” the creature answered with folded arms.

“You wouldn’t happen to know a powerful Kitsune magician named Clow Reed, would you?”

“Enough questions,” he said seriously. “You want to carry on or not?”

“Well, yeah, sure, but … was that all just the Illusion?”

“Give the Pony a prize!” kero said, slow clapping as a door appeared behind him.

“You know, you keep that up, and I won’t offer you a spot at the table with me at the emperor’s feast, and they have all the best sweet foods.” Vital smirked as he made his way towards the door.

“Joke’s on you. I already got a spot,” Kero snickered.

“Then say hi to Sakura chan for me.” He smiled. “And give my regards to Yue, too.” Then he passed through the door.

Snow, snow, snow. Everywhere he looked, the Yokai and Kitsune alike were scrounging, sniffing, digging, searching, scanning, doing everything they could to find the keys. Some holes had reached perhaps a half mile deep for all he could tell with the burrowing going on.

“... What gives?” Vital asked. He walked to where one of the Kitsune were frantically shoveling. “Why is everyone digging like this?”

“The keys are buried somewhere around here,” one of them said as he dug.

“Why make it so easy?” Vital’s horn glowed as he reached out towards the snow, only to feel something shove him sharply back. He plopped onto the snow and rubbed his horn. “... The heck?”

“You can’t use magic here,” the kitsune said. “There’s some sort of enchantment over the clearing.

Vital Spark made note of the pile of glass-like pendants tied to leather strings. “What are those supposed to be?”

“Decoys. The real keys are buried somewhere with them. Ten students already made it through to the third trial.”

“Huh. Is that so? I think I’ll take one anyways. They look awesome.” He casually took one and placed it into his saddlebag. “Well, I guess I’ll see you later.”

Careful to find a secluded patch away from the other diggers, Vital Spark channeled the energy again and looked around. The snowbank was alight with little flickers, but even as he extended his senses, he felt the same power in his satchel beside him. He shook his head and tried to stretch further. And then he heard … felt something? It resonated with him, ringing like a bell or a chime. Knowing his time was nearly up, he locked onto the location and marched off as the glow faded from his eyes.

About five minutes later, Vital Spark stood before a vast gate embedded into the side of the mountain. It glistened with frost, and the light refracted through it to scatter rainbows across the snow and through the air.

“Okay, so the door is crystal this time. Got it,” Vital said, doing his best to shield his eyes from the light. “I think I’ll call this place the Rainbow Vale.” He smiled, then backed off. The light was just too bright. He wouldn't’ be able to see where he was going for much longer at this rate. Unfortunately for him, there wasn’t any warning before the snow gave way and he found himself plummeting down into darkness.

With no idea how long he had, Vital Spark Quickly turned himself over and pointed his horn down. It glowed its usual light blue, then it grew before his horn finally shot out a compact ball. As it fell down and down, it expanded while simultaneously lighting up the ravine. About a minute of freefall later, the ball slammed into the ground and spread and inflated until it stood a good twenty feet tall and wide. Vital Spark soon followed suit, only this time, he was cushioned by the magic, and then was flung back up again, though not nearly so far as he had fallen. He laughed as he finally settled down on the makeshift crash cushion. He took a few breaths to steady himself as he slid back down before the mattress disappeared.

“Okay, that was scary, and fun at the same time. What else is the world going to throw at me?” He chuckled nervously before turning to face a titanic glacier of clear, naturally cut ice, but that wasn’t what held him in place. Deep within the surface, he could make out the massive form of a gigantic bird. Its wings were held wide, its eyes intent with focus and scrutiny. Its beak was held open in a mighty shriek of defiance. “... Phoenix. Big phoenix.” He breathed heavily as he looked at the icy tomb. “Are you … real? Were you that egg’s mother?” He placed a hoof against the surface as he took in the detail of the creature. Its talons were curved protectively, as if it had just taken a kill, but there was nothing there. “Why didn’t they tell me about you?”

Vital Spark sighed and shook his head. “Well, I guess I’d better figure out where I am and where I need to go from here.” He pushed the power into his eyes again and looked around. An icy blue surrounded the figure within the ice. Even in death, the thaumic energies the cryophoenix represented remained potent enough to push through the glacier. He frowned. Something felt … different around that aura as well. At the base, beneath the phoenix. He felt something ... multiple somethings, as a matter of fact.

“Son of a–. Why you clever foxes,” he murmured as he let the power ebb again and viewed the world as it was meant to be seen. “Not sure I approve that they put the keys in your grave, though,” he said to the phoenix. He sighed and shook his head. “But I guess that’s just how it is sometimes.” He took a deep breath and charged his horn. “Thank you, magical resonance,” he muttered as the aura of his magic surrounded him. Then he reached through and his hoof entered the ice like it would water. Taking a deep breath, he pushed harder and expanded the spell to encompass him with a bubble before he passed into the structure.

Vision was different inside the ice. For one, everything was absolutely still. There was no sound, no movement, no life except for him. In a sense, it was peaceful. In a sense, it was eerie. It was like looking up at the word from the bottom of a pool, only for the water to remain perfectly still, so the pattern of light remained the same no matter what. Eventually he came to a large block of ice where a series of pedestals held the crystal keys in place. Each had been embedded with a clear diamond in its loop.

Knowing he likely only had a certain amount of air that the ice would provide him inside his bubble, Vital quickly grabbed one of the keys from its pedestal and stowed it in his pack. As he turned to go, a loud rumble shook the ice, and he looked up to see the great talons of the bird descending. He tried to run, but something shoved his magic aside, causing his hooves to be locked in place, even as the rest of him struggled to find release. The talons rested on top of his bubble and stayed there, sending torrents of cold over it and through the floor to maintain the icy hold.

“What gives?” Vital shouted. Nobody responded. The body of the phoenix had returned to its statuesque state. He continued to struggle until he started to feel lightheaded. Then he forced himself to calm down. “Okay. Okay. Relax. This has to be part of the challenge. They wouldn’t just leave you to be stuck here, so there has to be a solution. Think.”

And as he did so, he thought of another great phoenix locked in ice in another world far, far away. He recalled the pendant and its magic stone that directed a group of heroes to the majestic creature’s resting place. He recalled the magic that stone held, and what it could do, and he smiled.

“So that’s the trick, is it?” Vital chuckled as he pulled open the saddle bag with his teeth and levitated the pendant out. He carefully tied it around his neck, then pumped his magic into it, causing the bubble to contract to make up for the strain. Slowly the pendant began to glow, then the shape of a brilliant blue phoenix formed on the stone. The stone itself darkened and dyed a magnificent blue as the phoenix lightened to stand out against the backdrop of what now was a polished dark navy blue stone. The phoenix on the pendant spread its wings and glowed before a light arced up and into the ice to hit the great bird’s foot. After a few restless moments, the foot began to retract again. The cold dispersed from his hooves, allowing his magic to make him mobile once more as he gradually made his way back out. Everything looked the same, but the phoenix glowed and shifted on the pendant to form an arrow to guide his path.

At long last he emerged from the ice block and collapsed into the snow, breathing heavily as he allowed himself a brief rest. After a good five minutes or so, he got back to his hooves and started the trek back up the ravine. He’d used enough magic as it was. Better to save it up for when he really needed it. It wasn’t like he didn’t have the time with all the others still searching in the meadow. He gave a tired wave and a smile as he passed the hunters by. He’d wanted to tell them what he’d found, but something bound his tongue, just like when he’d tried talking about Harmony with anyone. He was able to explain about his pendant to an extent, but he couldn’t say much more.

When he reached the crystal doors, he gave a tired smile, and pulled out the key. He carefully inserted it before turning the shaft, and let the warm light wash over him.

When his vision cleared he stood in another massive cavern, but this one was far larger than the others, and much more ancient looking. Marble pillars stood proudly along the edges of his vision, and two large stands held blazing fires to light the area. Carved into the opposite wall were two stone doors, and between them, hissing threateningly, was what Vital at first took to be two large serpents. As he drew closer, he soon realised it was a single serpent with two large heads. Its scales were sickly-green with a yellow underbelly, and deadly, sharp fangs hung from its mouth.

“Welcome to the final gate,” one head began.

“The final test yet awaits,” the other head continued with a sibilant hiss.

“Behind one door you will find your prize,” the other hissed.

“Behind the second you will feed the flies.”

“One head tells truths, and the other just lies.”

“One question you ask, and then determine your path,” the cryptic poem ended abruptly.

Vital cocked his head as he looked at them both. Inside, he couldn’t help but laugh. This was the last of the three trials? He’d had to solve this one in the tenth grade! With a confident air about him, he smiled and spoke. “What would the other head say if I asked it which door was safe?”

The head looked at him for a moment before giving a laugh. “Thatsss the firsst time sssomeone’ss assked that all day!” he said, motioning to his brother’s door.

Vital grinned. “Then I guess I’m taking your door.”

“Yes,” the head nodded and hissed his laughter.

“Thanks for the fun. Uh, if you don’t mind, since I already know the right answer and made my choice, how many others have made it through?”

“Half a dozen or so,” the head answered. “Most have been sent back to the start.”

“Wow. Wasn’t expecting that,” Vital said with some surprise. “Well, wish me luck, boys. I’m off to the final test.” He passed into the gate and entered a large plateau looking over the mountain’s edge. A large nest had been woven out of bamboo shoots off to the side, but it was completely empty. Over to the side, he noticed a pair of Kitsune turned to face him.

“Um … hello?” he asked, waving a little hesitantly.

Beyond the ninjas stood an armored winged figure who barred the way, swords crossed, while behind them, a familiar grey kitsune was currently holding the egg and drinking a cup of tea as he expertly moved out of the way of a younger kitsune attempting to grab it. The egg was slightly larger than a baseball, and its shell was edged and faceted like a large white gemstone with small blue sapphire-like bumps sticking out from it.

“So … what’s going on here?” Vital Spark asked as he approached the ninjas.

“None shall pass until the next contestant is done. This test must be handled one at a time, first come first served,” a familiar voice spoke echoed from the armor.

“... Grif? Is that you?” Vital asked as he peered at the armor in question.

"Uh ... no?" Grif’s voice said unconvincingly. “I’ve never heard of this person before.”

“Says the armored figure in Equish.”

“Lots of people speak Equish.”

“Is that so?” he asked casually in Draconic.

“I’m supposed to be neutral in this. Might not seem that way if they realize we know each other,” Grif noted.

“Like I’d actually allow any special treatment anyways. I always follow the rules,” Vital said truthfully as he sat down on his rump. “So how long does the trial go? Till the person gives up?” he asked in Equish.

“Or they manage to get the egg from the one guarding it.”

“We’re going to be here a while, aren’t we?” he asked as he watched a particularly painful face plant take place for the younger Kitsune.

“You just got here. I’ve been here practically all day.”

“... Why would you be up here all day when the challenge started at noon?”

“Set up, last minute planning, complimentary pastries.”

“Now I know it’s you.”

“You know nothing.”

“Your Jedi mind tricks are no match for me,” Vital said, once again in Draconic.

“He who knows does not speak, he who speaks does not know.”

Vital Spark chuckled, then bowed. “Truly, I am no match for your keen wit.”

Two hours later, Vital Spark groaned. “Just how long are they going to keep at this?”

“Your should be up any second now,” Grif said as one of the ninjas flew over his head. “Well look at that. It’s your turn.”

“So what, that counts as a ring out?”

“Well, the guy’s unconscious, so I really don’t think he can argue,” Grif noted, pointing to the limp form.

“... Point taken.” He gulped as he approached the old Kitsune. “Hello, Master Iroh.”

“Ah. Hello, my young friend. I take it you are the next one to try and take this egg?” he asked, sipping his tea.

“I guess so. Aren’t you going to finish your tea? I can wait if you’d prefer.”

“No need. Just try what you will.”

“Mind if I ask a few questions?”

“I encourage you to ask questions, my young friend. I only do not guarantee an answer.”

“So what would happen if I were to try to remove the egg with telekinesis?”

“You can’t,” Iroh said with a simple shrug.

“As in it’s against the rules, or you’d break the spell, or you’d attack, or is there some sort of anti-magic field?”

“Yes,” Iroh said, taking another drink.

“You’ve been spending time with Grif, haven’t you?” Vital asked as he facehoofed.

“Perhaps.” Iroh shrugged noncommittally.

“And what would happen if I were to try to grab the egg while you were distracted?”

“Ninjas work for many years in the art of misdirection and trickery. We all know that tactic worked out so well for them.”

“... Good point. Then what would you suggest?”

“Try something unexpected.”

Vital shrugged. “Fair enough.” He approached the Kitsune and his precious cargo and smiled. “May I please have the egg?”

“Of course you can, my friend,” he said. And he handed the egg to Vital.

In a flash of light, they were back at the base of the mountain again with all the rest of the contestants. Vital was on top of a great pavilion where the emperor stood waiting. Iroh stood by Vital Spark’s side and patted his back while Grif stood fully disrobed of his fancy armor with the runner-ups.

“Congratulations, my friend,” the emperor offered to the Unicorn as he approached.

“Um … thank you, Sir.” Vital Spark bowed his head. “Arigato gozaimasu.”

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Meanwhile, Clover gave a satisfied nod as a hint of a smile touched her lips.

---

Grif looked over the items he had unloaded from the gantrithor, checking them off on a clipboard as he did so.

“Sacred Gryphon statues of gold, silver, amethyst, and platinum; ceremonial weapons; larger gemstones; books; gold; silver; and several casks of wine.” Grif nodded. “I hope this is an okay tribute after everything the emperor has done for us. I probably should have brought more, don’t you think?” He looked to Pensword.

“I think this is a good trade,” Pensword answered. “They will be fine gifts, at least as long as he is not seeing this as Tribute from your clan for his nation. I don’t want an opium war on our hooves,” he muttered as he looked at the dream catchers, swords, tomahawks, and pelts of many different creatures, all non-sentient. “I feel the gifts I bring are not as grand as yours, but they mean a lot in our culture, from one high chief to another.”

“The gifts I bring were torn from the bloody talons of my own people by me, sometimes literally. You didn’t have to kill any Thestrals for yours, so I think at least in a spiritual sense you win there,” Grif offered.

“Let us just drop that subject.” He paused as his right ear twitched. “I hear Vital walking down the hallway. I wonder how he is handling the fact he now owns one of the rarest and most valuable magical reagents in the world. You think Clover is going to teach him some potion or something?” Pensword asked, thinking along the same lines of those that were at the contest.

“Dunno,” Grif said as he finished his checklist. “Do you think some of your people would mind helping with the presentation? I don’t trust any of the Gryphons I brought not to lose their heads in there. It’s a lot to take in.”

“I can give some of my Thestral and old Gryphon Slayers to help,” Pensword agreed. “As long as you are present for the presenting of my Thestral gifts.” He paused. “And Luna’s gift as well.” His eyes moving to a silver chest engraved with motifs of acts committed long ago by the Lunar Princess. “I do not know what is in that chest, but I know I need more than myself there when it is presented.”

“I’m curious, myself. If I remember correctly, Celestia had to offer up everfire to get the emperor to agree to meet with her, and that was over five hundred years ago. I wonder what Luna believes is equal to that.”

“I’m putting my money on moonstones. They’re a rare magical item back on Earth. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were rare here, too. And as symbols of purity, they would act as excellent warding charms against demons and other dark forces,” Vital said as he entered the room. “Working on what to give the Emperor?” he asked inquiringly.

“No, just debating what Luna gave the Emperor. We have our gifts already. With you winning that contest, you are exempt from giving a gift, as you have been given a high honor. You will dine at his table, with Clover at your side.” Pensword smiled at the shocked looks. “What? I listen when I can.”

“You should feel glad.” Grif nodded. “You and Hammer Strike get the glory this time.”

“I’m not so sure. I kinda wanted to hang out with you guys. Besides, I wanted to meet Kero’s master. He never told me whether it was Sakura or Clow Reed.”

“How do you know so many of these Kitsunes’ names already?” Pensword asked in utter bafflement. “You might be unnerving them.”

“Ask Matthew,” Grif said as he finished packing the last chest.

“It’s something that leaked over to Earth. He’d be able to fill you in,” Vital Spark clarified.

“If you say so. I will do that tonight, when I won’t be distracted so easily.” He paused a moment, then smiled. “So how does it feel winning your first contest?”

“Weird,” Vital admitted. “Especially with the third key challenge. Was that supposed to be a conjuration, or was that the real resting place for the egg’s mother? It just … doesn’t make sense to me. … Then again, I cast a spell that let me phase through solid ice like it wasn’t even there. You’d think I’d be used to stuff not making sense by now.”

“We have a Pony back home who warps reality, and may be an eldritch abomination. Yeah, I’d say you should be used to this by now.” Grif shook his head. “As for the phoenix, even if I knew, I couldn’t tell you. They treat cryophoenix with high praise here. Something about the whole controlling ice thing that marvels them.”

“Ice is an opposite to fire. In theory, the cryophoenix has the power to wipe out the entire kitsune empire if it deems that necessary.”

“Well, on that grim note, as soon as everyone's ready, we can go,” Grif said.

“I am ready to go,” Pensword answered as he finished bundling his gifts.

“I guess I need to get over with Hammer Strike and Clover. See you guys at the banquet.”

“See you later.” Pensword smiled and waved.

“... If I survive,” Vital muttered.

“You will. You survived the contest,” Pensword answered with a cheeky grin.

“I hope you get bombarded by nobles when we get home,” Vital said as he slammed the screen door shut behind him.

Pensword frowned. “I am. We are going to announce Moon River’s betrothal.”

“Touchy,” Grif noted, staring at the door.

“I agree. Was I ever that touchy?”

“Yes, but you had just lost everything,” Grif noted.

“Touche,” Pensword answered. “Still, are you ready? Shall we head to the feast?”

“You take the front, and I’ll take the back. We’ll have a bit of a train, but it shouldn’t take too long to get there.”

Pensword nodded in agreement as he flapped his wings to lift the front. He paused to let out a whinny, calling his troops over to help.

The train marched from the Gantrithor’s dock down the street with goods being carried in a central column, every five feet saw four armed guards marching in time beside the train. At the front, one of the Thestrals had taken over for Pensword to allow him the freedom to walk in his full dress armor at the front to present. Concord sat proudly on his back as he marched with Lunar Fang and Fox Feather on either side.

Grif and Avalon followed carefully behind. Avalon wore her usual robes with her focus hanging visibly around her neck, while Grif walked in full battle dress with Vigilance and Vengeance beside him.

“Don’t be nervous,” Grif said to Avalon as they moved, noting some tension in her movements at her focus being on display.

“I know I shouldn’t be, but … I can’t really help it. I guess it’ll go away over time.” She sighed and did her best to loosen up. “Better?”

“Yes. Don’t worry. I’m right here.” It took them close to half an hour before they finally entered the palace. Stopping right outside the banquet hall, Grif and Pensword entered first with their wives, followed by the train of their offerings. “You want to go first or second?” Grif asked in a hushed tone.

“I’d better go first. No offense, but I am one of the ranked officers. So you enter after I do, but we both enter with our wives.” He took a steady breath, smiled, and stepped forward with both mares on either hoof.

“The floor is yours,” Grif said before he and Avalon followed behind.

Pensword entered the room to the halfway point, Bowed low, took five steps forward, and bowed again. Two steps behind him, his wives followed suit. He moved to stand five paces away from the table and bowed, then spread his wings out until their tips touched the ground on either side of his muzzle. He was doing his best to quiet and distract Matthew from this part of the ceremony, and for the moment, it was working. It helped that Pensword had bribed him with the promise of a steamship to play around with whenever he wanted later down the line.

“Please stand and address the emperor,” the translator said after receiving a nod from said emperor.

Pensword rose and began his address. “Supreme ruler of all Neighpon, it is with great honor that I stand before you in your court.” He mentally sighed at having to make it two vessels, adding a stern wheeler to it, as well as a private mini railroad. “I thank you for the generosity of these last few days. I thank you for housing foreigners in your walls. I wish to present you a few small tokens of our thanks. With your divine permission, may I have some of my warriors enter to present these tokens from our chiefs to you?”

With a nod of the vulpine head, Pensword’s friends and warriors from the Third Gryphon War stepped forward and lay down bundles of fur, unwrapping them. They presented furs of beasts, as well as emblems of their tribes, though they were incredibly careful not to include any fox pelts in the process.

Pensword slowly removed a large item from his saddle bags. “I present to you a dream catcher personally crafted by High Chieftess Luna, using feathers from her own wings to add her magic to the wards, as well as mine to add strength.” He laid it down carefully on a small wild rabbit pelt. “It will guard you as you take your path across the dream plane.”

Two burly Thestrals stepped forward, carrying the silver chest Luna had forged on either end like the Ark of the Covenant with two long silver-plated rods.

“Finally, as requested by my own Princess, I present to you Princess High Chieftess Luna’s personal gift and gesture of goodwill.”

The warriors bent low and unhitched themselves from their burden. With the emperor’s permission, Pensword stepped forward to the chest and opened it. Laying on a silver silk cushion sat a single glass wine bottle filled with a silvery liquid that seemed to ebb and flow as if under it’s own invisible current. It glowed gently in an almost calming way. On either side of the bottle, two large ornate gauntlets of a dark blue metal that showed highly detailed images of the animals of the Thestral tribes rested.

The emperor and most of the court could only stare for a few moments before the emperor finally found his tongue.

“We shall look forward to a standard visit by the Princess when possible. Please send our thanks for her gift, and we thank you as well for your own generosity.”

Pensword bowed low again, without speaking. He stepped back a few more steps and bowed another time before stepping to the side to let the next group enter the room. Lunar Fang promptly gave him a playful smack on the back of the head to wake him up out of his daze.

“Not too much, dear,” she warned.

Pensword chuckled nervously. “Yes, dear.”

Much as pensword had done, Grif repeated the ritual, bowing three times. When he was acknowledged, Grif stood tall. “As my friend Pensword has said, you have been generous with us foreigners in your lands. You have given us food, cared for us, and provided for our needs. Unfortunately, I cannot offer the great culture that the commander has given you. I am but a ronin, giving my sword to those who can afford it and taking my enemies’ possessions. I only hope my gift pleases you.” He gave the signal to the door, and the Thestrals proceeded to bring in several large chests as well as four large oak barrels.

“From my time in the Third Gryphon War, I have collected many things. Some are priceless treasures, some mere baubles, but the finest of what I can offer, I have here.” Grif removed Vigilance from its sheath and expertly opened the first chest with a flick of the blade, revealing piles of gold beaks. The crowd didn’t seem impressed. It was just more gold, after all. Grif opened the second chest revealing the many statuettes carved from a multitude of materials. These were considered more impressive, but still not outstanding. The weapons that were revealed next gained a few gasps. Many eyes, including the emperor's, ran over the curved daggers and straight swords curiously. It was the final two chests, however, that got a gasp from the room and a greedy stare from more than a few scholars.

“I have here a collection of fifty two of Equestria's most notable authors and theorists gathered together in over two hundred volumes ranging from fiction to magical theory,” Grif said. “I do hope these books will add to your already spectacular stores of knowledge. And finally, I have four barrels of the finest cherry wine from dodge junction, renowned internationally for their quality red and yellow cherries.”

The emperor nodded his approval.

“We thank you for your gifts. We especially look forward to looking into this new knowledge of which you have spoken.”

With a bow, Grif and Avalon moved over to join Pensword, his wife, and wife-to-be before they were shown to their table.

Next came Hammer Strike, Rarity, Clover, and Vital Spark, the four chosen to have the most esteemed honor of sitting by the emperor and his council at his table. Once more, they had been decked in their finest kimonos, and as they approached, Clover conjured a lotus blossom to place before the empress. Two more orbs of light emerged from its center and flew before the king and Haku before taking the shape of a cherry blossom before the magician, and a snapdragon in front of the ruler.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time here,” Clover said respectfully. “Thank you for letting me observe your culture.”

The emperor gave her a curt nod before returning to his meal as he talked with his current ministers while the four took their place nearby.

The rest of the group proceeded to make their way in to take their seats.

When the feast was well underway, Haku whispered to the emperor. He nodded his head gravely and clapped loudly to get the meeting hall’s attention.

The emperor spoke in Neighponese, and the translator seemed to believe it wasn’t necessary to translate, so only Hammer Strike really picked up what was said. “Master Haku has called the warrior Ping to speak with him.”

It took some time, but at last Ping arrived in full battle armor with sword attached, and bowed, as was customary. “You summoned me, my emperor?”

“Master Haku is the one who has sought your presence, Warrior Ping,” the emperor said. “Speak with him.”

Ping turned to face Haku’s stern and impassive gaze.

“Ping, you have served the emperor well, and you have served me well in escorting Sai to deliver my request. You have escorted a Pony who is beyond the worth of all save my closest treasures, all save for my dear granddaughter.” He maintained a carefully composed expression, even as Ping’s tail twitched. “I have heard that you took some fascination with the peoples of Equestria, its culture, its weapons, its fighting styles, as any warrior would. You have risen through the ranks of your peers with a fluidity and grace that would have made my brother Kurama truly proud. You honor your blade, you honor your family, and now it is time for you to receive your reward.” He smiled knowingly as a tear trickled down his cheek. “I have spoken with my oldest and dearest friend, and he has agreed. Ping, in honor of your services, you shall be given the privilege of returning to Equestria with our visitors to learn at the talons and hooves of the best teachers a warrior can ask for.”

He pulled out an intricately crafted, very long sword from a polished black metal sheath to reveal a diamond-infused blade with the image of a pure white dragon circling a maiden engraved just above the hilt. “Kurama and I had this specially commissioned from Gakushu long ago at the instruction of one of the shrine priestesses. It is time for it and its intended owner to find their own path.” He presented the sword and its sheath to Ping.

“I … don’t know what to say.”

Haku stepped down and placed the sword in Ping’s hands. “Say yes. Do what you have always wished.” He paused, his voice thick with suppressed emotion. “And go with my blessing.”

Ping was silent for a time as he clutched the nodachi. His arms trembled. Then he felt the arms around him, arms that he had always known to be strong and fit, now thin and frail with age, and perhaps with something more. Ping shuddered as he felt the poison slowly infecting the old fox. The wounds may have healed, but the bite would inevitably take its toll in due time.

“Live well, Nanami,” Haku whispered. “For both of us.” Then he broke the embrace and stepped back, clearing his throat. “You have been given leave for the rest of the night. Go pack your things, and prepare for your journey. You leave in the morning.”

“Y–yes, Sir.” Nanami stared, blindsided at what her grandfather had just said and done. She now knew why he had been so intent to visit her, and yet he had never had the courage to tell her. She haltingly made her way past the banquet tables in a daze, the sword cradled in her arms like an old friend.

“And bow to your senseis, boy!” Haku snapped, though there was a playful smirk on his face, even as Nanami turned woodenly to him, and then to Hammer Strike and Grif. She bowed to each, then raced out of the room as quickly as she could manage.

“Was it something I said?” Haku asked. He wiped his eyes as he made his way back to his seat. “My apologies. Come. Let us resume.”

---

The day had finally arrived, and the group was working to finish up their affairs, which in Grif’s case meant handling the movements of crates of tea, random delicacies, and several large iced boxes of frozen sushi.

“It’ll be good to enjoy some of this stuff for a while,” Grif said. “Are you sure you can keep that ice until we get home?”

“Keep it up? No. Conjure to restock, though? That I can do no problem.” Vital smiled as he popped a piece of sushi into his mouth.

“Good, because I am going to enjoy this while it lasts,” Pensword spoke with a grin as he exposed a fang.

“I’m just hoping that some of the chefs will be able to replicate this stuff from examination,” Grif said, helping himself to a spicy tuna roll. “Anyways, this is my cargo. Did you guys have anything that needed loading?”

“Cryo’s already waiting back in the main quarters,” Vital Spark said. “And my stuff is packed up in the drawers, so yeah, all good on my end.”

“Cryo?” Pensword asked in confusion, shooting his head up from chewing on some of the sushi that was provided for them before they were to head out.

“You know, the cryophoenix egg. I had to call it something, so I went with Cryo.”

“You named … you name the egg? Why?”

“Because it’s still a living thing,” Grif said, “or at least we hope there’s still something alive in there.”

“Pretty sure there is. Shawn did a thaumic check on it earlier. Cryo’s alive and well,” Vital said.

“So you just need to release the phoenix inside?” Grif asked with a grin on his face as he started humming a tune.

“You know, it’s funny you should mention that, Grif. You did know about the huge iceberg I had to enter with a certain phoenix inside of it, right?”

“Unfortunately, there is no select group of heroes who could be used to revive it this time, my friend.”

“Wait, you want to release the giant Articuno?” Pensword asked in confusion. He then proceeded to blink rapidly in surprise, followed by, “... What is an Articuno?”

“We’ll tell you when you’re older,” Grif said, patting Pensword on the head.

Vital Spark burst into a fit of laughter.

Pensword pouted. “I feel like you are making fun of me.”

Did you make sure the girls are onboard?” Grif asked Pensword.

“Yes, they are onboard the ship right now.” Pensword looked around him. “I doubt I will be coming back again.”

“Well, we still got to meet with Hammer Strike for a formal goodbye,” Grif noted. “It was fun, but I’ll look forward to getting home.”

“Right.” Pensword paused as his ears twitched. He looked at one of the chests being loaded up. His gaze remained suspicious for a time before he finally shrugged and turned back to Grif again. “Lead the way.”

The group made their way towards where Hammer Strike stood before a small group of kitsune. “We’re all loaded up,” Grif told him. “All cargo present and accounted for.”

“All right, then. Let’s get going. I don’t know how long this’ll take.”

“I hope to have a nice trip home. Also, do you think we could stop for a day for Fox Feather’s and my wedding?” Pensword asked.

“You know there is this little island off the coast Shrial and I found at the end of the war,” Grif said. “I think it might be a good location for a ceremony.”

“With only those friends and family, I like that. That is what she and I wanted,” Pensword answered with a content smile.

“Just need to direct the ship, and we can make that stop,” Hammer Strike replied.

---

The gathering at the Gantrithor was more like a great carnival than an assembly. The emperor and all of his cabinet stood by with Haku as they stared up at the mighty vessel once more. The many citizens of the great capital had emptied to watch the warship take off for its return journey, and to bid farewell to the noble warrior who would doubtless have a great deal of training to come. A virtual palisade of fireworks and cannons had been set up to see the ship off and to help banish evil spirits to see them on the way.

Haku stepped forward to wish a final farewell to his teacher, mentor, and for nearly six years, his father. “I am sorry we couldn’t meet again until now, but I am glad we were able to spend this time together. Live well, Hammer Strike.” He bent down and embraced the Pony lord. “And take care of that egg,” he whispered. “There are many who would seek to steal it.” His eyes darted left and right. “We do not speak of our cousins often, Hammer Strike, and I dare not speak their names here, but that power is a beacon to them. They will come for it. We are the guardians of history and lore. They are the guardians of power, and the knowledge to wield it.”

“Let them come.” Hammer Strike smirked before it turned into a soft smile. “I hope to see you at least one more time, Haku.”

Haku chuckled. “Perhaps fate will be kind enough to let us. Until then, I will at least keep correspondence with you, and I hope you will with me as well.”

“Of course.”

Haku grinned. “My thanks for the dragonfire link.”

“It makes communication so much easier than all those years ago.” Hammer Strike chuckled.

“I still can’t help but wonder how you got the dragons to agree to let you use their fire in such a way.”

“...I have my ways.”

Haku chuckled. “I’m sure you do. Knowing you, you could probably punch right through their scales if you put your mind to it.”

“I’m sure I can, considering I... “ Hammer Strike took a breath. “Yeah, already broken through dragon bone and scale.”

“... I see. We will have much to write about, it seems. Please, give my thanks to your friends for coming to visit our capital. It is my hope that your lives have been enriched by our culture, for you surely have enriched our own with yours over the centuries.” He bowed, using his staff for a support. “I thank you.”

“I’m glad to have helped. And thank you for convincing them to let us visit.”

He smirked. “I had a good teacher. Most stubborn creature I’ve ever met. I guess he had an influence on me.”

“Me? Stubborn? Never.” Hammer Strike laughed.

The Gantrithor lifted off with a great wind as its thrusters activated, causing many kits to fall over as other older Kitsune raised barriers to protect against the buffetings. At last, the ship was far enough in the air that it could hover without difficulty, and the fireworks began to go off, filling the sky with vivid patterns of dragons, phoenixes, and lastly, a picture of a certain scarred Earth Pony with three young kits standing together. With the blessing of the emperor upon the vessel, and the exorcising effects of the fireworks and firecrackers, the ship began its long journey back to Equestria.

---

Surprisingly the liftoff within the ship was smooth, and this time around, the acceleration was gradual enough not to knock everypony to the ground. But somewhere deep in the bowels of the ship’s store rooms, three bundles moved and snickered as they opened briefly to reveal three very different kitsune heads. One was broad and heavy set with chubby cheeks and thick fur around his ruff. The second had a black spot over one eye and perpetually squinted from said eye. The third was thin and reedy with long ears and identical black swirling markings that trailed down from his tear ducts to give him a mischievous look. Carefully, they looked up over the rim of the box they had snuck into to be stored on the ship. As one, their ears twitched, and the three immediately ducked back down and sealed up their hiding places once more.

Kahn stayed quiet as he scanned the area, having already heard the movement, his sharp eyes worked in tandem with his ears to pick up where the sounds could be coming from. His wings hovered over some light blades holstered at his side that could be thrown with the wind his wings generated for lift. After several moments he seemed to turn around and leave the room.

“Is he gone yet?” a mild, calm voice asked.

It was immediately shushed. “Are you crazy, Chien-Po? You’re gonna get us caught!” a more nasally tenor voice whispered.

“Be quiet, the both of ya!” Two grunts of pain followed.

“Sorry, Yao,” they both muttered.

“Yes. Your voices grate on my nerves like cheese against a grater,” a voice said as the sacks were sent tumbling to the floor one by one before they were cut open with a single vertical slice. “Now the likelihood of your heads going to the bridge still attached to your bodies depends on your answer to my next question.” Kahn slammed his talons down on Yao’s chest as he reached for his sword. “Who ... are ... you?”

The middle one slid up on his knees. “His name is Yao, I’m Ling, and that’s Chien-Po. We were just stowing away to stay with Ping, honest! Please don’t kill us!”

“Ling, remind me to kill you later,” Yao growled as he struggled under Khan’s talons.

“Here is what we are going to do, my friends.” In a sudden flash of movement and feathers, Kahn had Ling restrained from behind. One of Ling’s arms was twisted behind him, so he was forced to lean back. Kahn’s other hand held a knife to Ling’s throat. “You two are going to get up nice and slowly, and drop your weapons. You will then move ahead of me out of the cargo hold number fourteen and into the hallway while we take a nice trip to the bridge. Move too slowly, he dies. Move too quickly, he dies. Try anything funny, and...?”

“He dies?” Chien-Po asked.

“Very good. Now then, my friends, let's begin.”

---

“... And kahn brought the three of them down to us,” Grif told the assembled foals, taking slow, deliberate sweeps amongst the crowds. “But by that time, we were too far away to go back. Now what would you have done?”

“Make them walk the plank!” Pipsqueak offered.

“Tempting,” Grif admitted. “Sadly, though, they turned out to be Ping’s friends, so after a long argument, we made them clean up decks nine through fifteen for the rest of the trip. It took several days. They didn’t even get to come up when we stopped for Pensword and Fox Feather’s ceremony.” Grif nodded to the couple in question in their little corner of the Punch Bowl.

Pensword smirked. “Which will be a story for another day. But it deals with lost rings and chaos across three decks.” He chuckled softly as Fox Feather whispered something into his ear. He continued, “Have to admit, those three’s loyalty to Ping is so strong they risked a lot of things and a lot of problems just to stay with them. If anything, they remind me of a few of you,” he spoke, discreetly giving a look to the CMC, Dinky, and Pip.

“But finally, we decided it was best to keep them with us. Naturally, after assuring this wouldn’t start a war, and that's…” Grif, having made his way in front of the group, again turned around and spread his wings wide. “How we saved the world, and are the greatest.”

The adults didn’t get the ending at all, but the foals erupted into loud and thunderous cheering.

Comments

[Mortefleur]

All hail the Cryophoenix

[Booster Spice]

Penswords new wingblades are a seriously impressive piece of kit, acting more like Mystiques form change than Yoyagers active armor? Will the smith make any more of them, or will those be the only pair ever made due to Pensword being the only winged morrtal to pass through his shop?

With Lunas present, are the object either side Gauntlets, as in talon, forepaw defensive armour, or Goblets, drinking vessels? Maybe a bit of confusion in word for word checking ? Either way, its so nice to see Luna offering some of Granny Smiths finest.

I wonder if Grifs book list has any special buried in it, like an accidentally added Spot book. From Earth. Something to make scholars go totally nuts, or then again, no really something he wants to do within the Empire, but how to seed the singulatrity of curiosity so the occasional one asks for and gets permission.

The Trials Of Vital Spark were intresting, if anything they were testing all the other contestants rather than trialing Spark, but meeting the Noble and Peaceful Tom Bombadil, who went off Like A Rolling Stone? Then meeting Suu or Flo? Along with the classic Two Doors, because they handt got the Four Candles. What really got me annoyed at myself though was not recognising the giant ice bird until it was name dropped later, and I remember it as one of the star pics in Pokemon Snap. At least he got to finish with a freindship problem easily solved.

As for the extras, Is Matthew going to nickname them Yingtang, Ninnong and Tiddle-I-Po? And then sing the song quietly over the Ganithors intercom during the night, until Luna demands to know why Discord is being the sensible person in the dream realm?

[ihatehaters1994]

Ok i wish hammerstrike had made a pokeball for vital that would habe been hilarious. Anyone else wondering what would have happened if grif had offered the book The Art of War and or the Holy Bible.

Sadly i hate sushi cant stand raw fish.

[Charedfirescale]

Honestly these past few chapters have reminded me of several stories from the "Chess Game of the Gods" Group. It's a shame the stories stopped updating. At any rate, the specific story (which never got past a few chapters) follows a boy who meets this weird lady (kitsune goddess) in a target. (He's shopping for toys for his sister's birthday.) She asks him if he'd like to go to Equestria. The boy thinks she's crazy and states that if Equestria was real than he was a little girl. She makes a bet with him, he loses, and the next thing he knows he's a female kitsune kit (a little girl). The boy is 16 and his kitsune form is around that, but stretched down due to how kitsune mature.

I just thought about it while reading and thought to share it.

[Vital Spark]

7678121

Thanks for the comment, Pinkie. Fortunately, it's not too late. I'm Vital Spark, the Extended Holiday team's head editor. I'm actually working to slowly revise the original chapters while helping write and prepare the new ones for posting. Your comment has been noted, and I will be making modifications in due course once I get to that chapter. We decided that once I've finished a certain number of the earlier chapters and revised them, we'll post all the revisions at once for our readers to enjoy. In the meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the story. The chapters will get better the further you get in, and significant improvements will likely be noticeable around the forties. Hope you enjoy, and keep commenting. We love to hear what our readers think of our work.

~Vital Spark

[N0U222222]

“ Three hidden keys open three secret gates

Where the errant shall be tested for worthy traits

And those with the talent to survive these straights

Shall reach the end where the prize awaits.”

This suddenly reminds me of a certain book/movie.