Primordial Conflict

by Jumping Jack

Chapter 24: The Winged Serpent

Chapter 24: The Winged Serpent

Quiet Fire's POV

I don't know how long it has been anymore. Is it day? Is it night? Has it been a week? My body was screaming in agony. I slumped forward in the chair. The Raptorians had used every single relic at their disposal, some with strange effects and some with very painful degrees. But unfortunately for them, they didn't get nothing out me. Yet, I was almost ready to give up. Everything hurt. I was feeling numb. In between the Raptorians messing with the relics, Marrow Bone had come back and used me as a stress reliever once again. Apparently, Thi Billette had escaped and had caused a lot of damage and men in the process. Me taunting her during her fuming made her hit harder. She even took the liberty of using Malevolence's Scepter as more than a cattle prod. I felt like I nearly had a heart attack with how many voltages kept going through me. The Raptorians had finished up gathering the relics before stepping out, leaving Zalas and me alone again.

The lizard was always meditating while the others were having their fun. My guess is she was conversing with Ventus. Din was quiet on my end. Though, when Malevolence's Scepter was being used, I could hear Din painfully grunt. Something about the scepter's magic seemed to harness an unusual affect against her. The Raptorians mentioned Excalibur when it was presented. If only Thi was here to explain things a bit better. My head was killing me. My thoughts began to think about my friends. I hoped they were okay. Flitter had me very worried. Who knows what the vile mare was doing to her? I know Flitter can handle herself, but she's a pony from Cloudsdale. She's not used to intense confrontation like Thi. Usually, the heroes of Equestria would solve almost everything conflicting. I looked over to Zalas and rasped weakly.

"Can you... check on Flitter?" I asked. Zalas opened her eyes and studied me.

"I cannot leave thissss room." she said. I slumped.

"But you already know everything now... Why continue to monitor me?" Zalas shook her head.

"Triad have different planssss. They are currently hunting a wounded god." she said. I cocked my head.

"Wounded... god?" I asked. Zalas's entire atmosphere changed. I could see the anger in her eyes and the grip on her staff tighten.

"My people'ssss god. Quetzalcoatl. The winged sssserpent." she said. My eyes widened, wincing as I did.

"Your... god?" I said. Zalas nodded.

"I did not lie in my sssstory. My people vanisssshed after activating the Ssssun Dial. The Marssssh Landssss do not exisssst anymore. Quetzalcoatl watched over our landssss assss we prosssspered. When the Triad invaded, it took them a few monthssss to track our god. They've been hunting him every ssssince." I could swear her staff looked ready to cave at any moment. Her grip lessened and her head bowed. "I... I want to return... to ssssee for mysssself. I only saw the rayssss of the Ssssun Dial. We've been told that the Ssssun Dial can eradicate the region if ussssed incorrectly." She said. The door opened and Marrow Bone entered, startling the lizard.

"Lucky for you, dear Zalas. We do not plan on using it to eradicate. Merely preserve. Your people's heritage is fascinating. So many old relics. So much ancient magic." she said with a coy smile. I glared at her, Marrow Bone casting a sideways glance at me. "Do not fret, fire elemental. I'm not here to... relieve myself of anger this time. As fun as it was, I have another use in mind. In fact, it'll really stick it to that Thi Billette." She smirked and looked to Zalas. "You want to see what happened to your people? How you believe they vanished? You've done well enough here that I will grant you your freedom in exchange you help us bring down your god." Zalas looked at her. "We fixed the Sun Dial." Zalas balked.

"Fixed??" she stated. Marrow Bone nodded.

"I'll explain along the way. But do me a quick favor and tend to our friend here. She'll be quite valuable in this expedition." She waved at us. "Don't take too long!" she then turned and closed the door behind her. I looked to Zalas, whose expression showed she was having many thoughts all at once. I shook my head.

"Zalas. You don't have to do any of this. Your people wouldn't want one of their own to ruin their culture. I know it seems impossible right now, but trust me. The Triad will have much more to worry about than the Sun Dial." I explained weakly. Zalas darted her eyes. She then waved her staff before tapping the ground. A dark fog bellowed from the pony skull. I struggled a bit, feeling panic as I wasn't sure what the fog would do. I grunted in pain as the fog washed over me. I struggled and pulled against my restraints, feeling my body ache and scream. For what felt like a good ten minutes, the feeling of agony faded and I slumped, panting tiredly. Despite feeling like I was pulled through a shredder, I did feel a strange sense of energy. And now that I realized, I don't feel tingly or numb. I blinked and looked up at her. She pulled out a fang dagger and with a quick swipe of it, cut my restraints loose. I stumbled forward, standing on all fours. I rolled my neck and shook my hooves and legs, wincing. "Ow, ow! Everything's asleep!" I rasped. Zalas then jabbed me with the bottom of her staff.

"Do not keep the watchdog waiting." she hissed. I sighed and was led out of the room. the cobblestone walls were decayed and mossy. A red withered carpet beneath my hooves showed how much age has passed. The hallway was long and only lit by torches. Suites of pony armor dawned the hallways. I looked around in awe.

"Where the hell are we?" I asked. I was jabbed in the back of the head again and led down the hall. "Ow! Okay, I'm moving!" I said with annoyance. I sighed. I have to think of something. From what this Sun Dial sounds like, it shouldn't be in the hooves of anypony.

---

Thi Billetter's POV

I peeked around the corner of the hall. A brass iron door at the end of the hall meant we were going the right way. It took us a good three hours to get over here. And that was a task in of itself. The Triad were consistently persistent. Though, I have to give credit to where credit is due. Cloudchaser and Scribble certainly held their own. There were a few times I worried that they were cornered. But in Scribble's case, he used his environment to help him. I've never seen him use it to such advantages. And Cloudchaser was a beast in close combat. It probably helps that she's focused on saving Fie and Flitter. We took out the Triad as we made our way up. When we came to a map room, we took one of the Triads hostage and got them to spill everything. Now that we are here, all it is is to get past the mountain path and head to the castle. It was a relief to hear that Flitter is in the castle along with Fie. Though, the pony decided it was a good idea to taunt us about her. Cloudchaser returned it with a hefty buck across the face that knocked several teeth out. We dashed around the corner and galloped towards the brass door.

I spun and bucked it open as Scribble, Cloudchaser and Lo Mein hopped out and were ready to attack. Only, there was no pony to greet us. We were outside. A road leading up the mountain path from the side along with a bridge that we could cross to get to the other side, where another part of the facility lie. Scribble hummed.

"We better make sure we are able to scale the mountain in time. We still got a ways to go." He spoke. I nodded. We began to gallop across the bridge, finding it stable enough to do so. When we reached the other end, we had to take cover behind a concrete barricade. Triad were patrolling the mountain sides. I darted my eyes, scanning the area. Lo Mein peeked her head out and eyed the guards standing in front of the gate. She sighed and zipped her suite down halfway. I cocked a brow, curious as to what she was doing. She reached in and pulled out a very thin looking pipe weapon. Cloudchaser tilted her head.

"What is that?" She whispered. Lo Mein zipped her suite back up to normal before assembling the pipe weapon.

"A makeshift dart launcher. Amazing how you can piece together something with just common debris, which the Triad have so gratefully provided." She said boredly, holding up the weapon. It really did look like a scrap weapon combined with various cheap materials. I smiled.

"Gotta' learn how to do that myself sometime." I grinned. That does seem like a neat skill to have. Lo Mein scrunched her muzzle slightly before flipping the pipe down and loading what appeared to be a dart with liquid inside of it. She pulled back on the bolt like spring and took aim. With amazing precision, she pulled the trigger and with a soft thump, the dart hit the guard in the neck. She deftly flipped out another dart and popped it into the weapon before cocking and firing again at the other, who had no idea the other guard was beginning to slump over. With both guards knocked out, she motioned to us.

"Let's move." she said, vaulting over the barrier and galloping towards the gate. Scribble rubbed his chin.

"An interesting mare, to say the least." He said. I rolled my eyes.

"Keep it tucked away, egghead." I said, vaulting over the barricade and galloping over. We braced by the wall and peeked around the corner. It appeared to be a wagon depot. In fact, it looked like several heavy pieces of equipment were stored on the back of several of them. I flicked my ears, hearing no hoof steps nearby before dashing in, keeping to the shadows. I crawled under the wagons, slipping by as the patrolling guards went about their way. There has to be a way to get to the castle quicker. I then saw it. Through the slight fog of a low cloud, I saw what looked like wagons being loaded into carts and then being pulled along by a line. It appeared to be heading directly to an area near the castle. I beamed. I looked over and saw Lo Mein had carefully positioned herself behind a stack of munition crates. I pat my chest to signal I'd be the distraction once again. Lo Mein shrugged and lowered herself, withdrawing an arc pistol. I waited until one of the guards passed by before grabbing them by the hind leg and dragging them in. They yelled, causing the nearby guards to take notice. The pony struggled with me a bit, but I managed to roll them into a choke hold, cracking their neck and causing them to go limp. I pushed the pony off before rolling out from under the wagon as three guards came over to check it out.

I aimed and hit two of them, causing their bodies to hit the ground while the other aimed and fired around me. I rolled on my side to the next wagon under and popped the hoof of the guard, causing her to scream in pain, bouncing a bit before falling over. When she did, she looked at me with hated surprise. I fired and she went limp. The alarms started to blare as I then crawled out of the wagon and dashed out, popping two that were unable to react in time before flicking my head down. I sailed through the air, landing right on top of a guard that had stepped out to see what was going on and I stomped on her head, causing her to go limp and fall unconscious. I rushed into the warehouse, only to see Lo Mein quickly zip in and out of cover, knife flashing wildly with skill as she flipped and twirled through guards unable to keep up. I looked to see one of the Triad guards drop their firearm and cower.

"M-m-m-monsters!" he said. I shrugged and stepped in front of him.

"I mean, Lo Mein does have that tendency to be a total bitch every now and then." I smirked and pointed my arc pistol at him. He panicked before I pulled the trigger. I blew the barrel of my arc weapon and turned around, seeing Lo Mein trot over to me.

"At this point, the Triad won't have much left." she said. I nodded and looked over to the entrance of the warehouse and nodded.

"Coast is clear, guys." I said. Cloudchaser and Scribble stepped out of cover. Cloudchaser walked hesitantly, wincing at the sight of what we had left. I sighed. At least Scribble seems to stoically hide himself enough. Though, I could tell it did bother him. I wonder what's going through his mind right now? Cloudchaser rubbed her foreleg as she joined up with us. Lo Mein eyed her.

"You should have taken my advice, pony." She said. Cloudchaser looked at her, concern and worry on her face. I then smiled and pat her on the shoulder.

"This is why we are doing the dirty work. I'd rather you stick to slaying primal monsters than uhhh... actual ponies." I said, trying to put it as nicely as possible. Scribble looked between us.

"And yet, not a single ounce of hesitation." He said. I titled my head. I could have sworn that sounded like hate in there somewhere.

"These ponies would not have hesitated in the slightest. It's better to take them out first before they do you." Lo Mein stated casually. Cloudchaser rubbed the back of her head, trying her best not to look back at the carnage.

"You... couldn't have avoided all of this? A-are they really that bad? The one just now seemed to... be terrified." she said. I exchanged glances with Lo Mein and rubbed the back of my head.

"I understand your thoughts right now, Cloudchaser. Believe me, I tried to do so when I first really started going after them. It was only when they truly threatened my life that I was able to pull the trigger." I looked grimly at the sight. "I honestly wished the Triad never have gotten involved in all of this. But the power-hungry tyrants cannot walk away from ancient magic." I wish there was a better way to do all of this to save them the trauma of it all. This is exactly why I wanted to tell Fie that her choices would matter when we started this. This wasn't going to be a sunshine and rainbow quest. The fate of our world is at stake. I'm glad she was able to satisfy her selfish desire to have Cloudchaser along. But it would have been a whole different story if Cloudchaser and Flitter weren't able to handle themselves. I then began going through some of the fallen guards, refilling my pouches with equipment. I was down to only my two arc pistols. Which is fine by me. Though, at some point, I want to try and snag me one of those arc launchers. Just something about the one before just made so many feelings flow through me. I pat Cloudchaser on the shoulder once I was done and motioned with my head.

"We're almost there, CC. Just a little bit longer." I said. We trotted over to the carts and stepped in. Lo Mein pulled the lever and we began ascending up to the next area. Lo Mein and I readied ourselves. Whatever happens now is all or nothing.

Quiet Fire's POV

I was led outside to the castle's main courtyard where an auto wagon was waiting for us. I stepped inside and sat uncomfortably between two Raptorians, who were squished in as well. Across from us was Zalas and Marrow Bone, who seemed to be enjoying tea. She poured a cup and held it out to me. I shot her a glare and she sighed.

"You know, I am trying my best to be a humble host. Didn't little ponies like you ever be taught proper manners?" she asked. I snorted.

"Hate to say it, but my folks never really cared for a time." I said. Marrow Bone took a small sip of her tea and handed the one meant for me to Zalas, who took it, being just a little squished to the side. She eyed it as Marrow Bone continued.

"Tough folks? I understand that all too well. My parents always wanted to hold me back from achieving greatness. Doing things in the Pony Land Security Service really hindered my rise to power. So, I did the best thing I could do to get away from it all." She smirked. "Attend school. Get the highest grades possible. Enlist in the Pony Land Royal Army and work my way up. When that didn't suffice, I left and decided to do freelance work. That's where the greatest ruler in all of Equestria found me and brought me in. I've been a good watchdog ever since." she said. I frowned.

"Greatest ruler? Forgive me if I come off as blasphemous, but Pony Land has a ruler?" I asked. Marrow Bone chuckled and waved a hoof at me.

"It's understandable considering you aren't native to Pony Land. Yes, we do have a ruler. Two to be exact. Not like the princesses. There is a north and south kingdom of Pony Land. To the north lies the Kingdom of Fenice. Ruled by the illustrious and powerful King Plutonium. A master of all things mechanical and celestial. His kingdom has advanced far into crystal power technology. In fact, he's the sole reason of introducing said power sources to Mainland Equestria. To the south lies the glorious and valiant Kingdom of Euclides. Ruled under the iron banner and might of the beautiful Queen Moonlight Sonata." She looked at me with an amused look as I gasped a little too sharply. She nodded. "That's right. Perhaps you heard of her? The men here do like to brag about it a little too much. Majestic. Powerful. Brilliant like the glow of the Nightmother's moonlight. She's the sole reason King Plutonium has military power in his own kingdom. In exchange for this little deal, they were to work with her to provide technological advances. Pony Land is slowly on its' way to being the Land of Tomorrow. From Flutter Valley to the Land of the Giants. Mainland Equestria still has a bit of ways to go from their... Renaissance Era. But through time and effort, they'll come to work with the might and technology of Pony Land." she explained.

I couldn't believe it. Our neighboring country Pony Land is the sole reason for the activities of the Triad?? And Moonlight Sonata is the actual ruler of the place!? Well, southern ruler. But still, this news did make me throw a worried look. Marrow Bone crossed her leg and a milky eye glinted.

"Do not worry. You'll see her soon enough if you behave. I bet Thi Billette is having the time of her life going at my men like a savage animal. Her lust for bloodshed outweighs even the dirtiest individuals known to ponykind." she said with a smirk. I glared at her.

"Thi has dealt plenty of blows to you. She'll do it again and again until you are stopped." I said coldly. Marrow Bone chuckled.

"Cute. She'll get her come uppance in due time. Just enjoy the ride to the Marsh Lands. It's not everyday most ponies get to sit comfortably with the iron will watchdog Marrow Bone." she said, patting her chest. I looked at the two Raptorians, who seemed to disagree with their expressions. I sighed and shook my head. I looked to Zalas, who hadn't drunk her tea one bit. She met my eyes before closing them. Everypony... please becareful.

---

Thi Billette's POV

Cloudchaser punched and chambered her kicks, knocking out two guards as they approached her. I then sprang in and launched myself into two more approaching her. I wrestled with one, getting picked up. As the pony did, I smacked the other in the chin and then brought my hind hooves down onto the face of the pony, pulling out of her grasp and delivering a hefty buck kick in the jaw. I heard the bones crack and she stumbled back. Lo Mein jumped forward, twisting the neck before rushing over to the next advancing guards. Scribble crushed the rocks in his hooves and planted them into the ground. The earth shook and the ground rose, sending several Triads flying back. He ducked and stepped back as one came at him with a knife. His look stoic and calm. It impressed me how much he seemed cool under pressure. He whipped out a rock and crushed it against the wall he was backed up into and threw out his hoof, sending a hoof like protrusion to shoot out and smack the Triad away into the air. I finished off the pony by stomping the head and causing the pony to go limp. I looked around.

The castle foyer was massive. I don't even know where to begin to look. I bit my lip in frustration.

"Argh! Which way do we go?" I asked. Cloudchaser panted, flicking her ears. We then heard a scream. Cloudchaser's eyes widened and she looked up to the second story.

"Hold on, Flitter! I'm coming!!" She called out, taking off into the air.

"CC, wait!" I called out, my hoof raised to stop her. Lo Mein shook her head.

"Still unable to take this seriously." she said. I trotted over to her and Scribble met up with us. I flicked my head down and we sprang up before I conjured and angled springboard platform that sailed us in the direction of where Cloudchaser had bucked open the oak wood doors. We landed deftly before transitioning to a gallop. Cloudchaser was ahead of us, picking up speed.

"CC, slow down!!" I called out. No use. Cloudchaser stopped at a cross way path and looked around, her look panicked and worried. We caught up to her and I bit on her tail, pulling her down. She turned to me and glared.

"Let me go, Thi! That was Flitter!" she hissed. I spat her tail out and returned her glare.

"I understand your worry, but you have to becareful here. The Triad may have rigged this place with plenty of traps. I don't want your sister to know I had to scrape you off a wall." I retorted. Cloudchaser grit her teeth and snorted, tossing her head down.

"Dammit..." she said. There was another scream, coming from our left. I put a hoof on Cloudchaser's shoulder and shook my head. I withdrew my arc pistol and decided to take point. We galloped down the path before coming across a partially opened pair of oak wood doors. There was the sound of somepony mumbling.

"Subject appears to be responsive to the dosage of the serum. We will begin the next form of tests. Bring me the hallucinogen and Sombranite." a voice said. We crept towards the door and I peeked through. Cloudchaser gasped.

Inside was a laboratory. Beakers and glass vials boiled and bubbled along a table. Bookshelves surrounded the room and some strange looking stuff in preservative jars along with equipment dawned the shelves. In the center of the room on a table was Flitter, strapped down and looking stunned. The life in her eyes fading. I then saw a Raptorian wheel in a green syringe and a solid black rock. The pony adjusted the table to have Flitter face the rock. The pony in the lab coat held up the syringe, tapping it before administering it to Flitter at the neck. Flitter gasped and her entire body slumped. Cloudchaser growled and flew back. I looked grimly and nodded to the others as Cloudchaser flew through the doors, knocking them off their hinges and startling the pony and the Raptorian. She tackled the pony into the shelves, knocking over the preservatives and began to wail on the pony. No, this is bad.

I dashed out and froze, seeing that the Raptorian had my bat hanging by the side of his belt. Scribble rushed over to Flitter, only to have the Raptorian withdraw a sword and point it at him. He readied himself, but I quickly withdrew my arc pistol and shot the blade, causing it to shatter and break. The Raptorian blinked in confusion before looking to me. I growled.

"Scribble, stop Cloudchaser and help Flitter. I'll deal with tall and ugly here." I said. The Raptorian grinned and unsheathed my bat.

"Little pony thinks she can play? Then... what are you waiting for..." he growled. I smirked.

"Fetch boy." I said, pulling the trigger. The Raptorian was quick, tilting his head before lunging at me. I side flipped away from his talon, aiming at him as I landed and fired. The Raptorian skillfully dodged my bullets. Damn, this is going to be tricky. The quick reaction of these guys are no joke. I glanced over to see Scribble pull a huffing Cloudchaser away from a beaten and bruised pony cowering under her. I glanced back to the Raptorian, just in time to duck under a swipe of my bat. I bobbed and weaved before aiming the firearm up and grazing the wolf-like head. He growled and flapped his wing arms to get behind me, but I backflipped away from the creature, firing and managing to pelt the creature in the chest. My eyes widened as I saw the arc holes mesh back together. Regeneration? I slumped. I am really starting to hate ancient magic more than birds. I dodged and felt my check get grazed, wiping the drawn blood. I then coughed and fell to a knee. A part of my body was not able to move. I take it back. I hate birds more than anything else. I grit my teeth, looking up as the Raptorian readied the bat high over his head. There was a loud pop and the Raptorian's head jolted before he fell over. The bat clattered onto the floor and I looked to see Lo Mein walk down the stairs, holstering her arc pistol. She trotted over to the bat and picked it up, tossing it this way and that, studying it.

"Last I saw, this thing was rotten to the core. Why does it seem like it has a fresh varnish on it?" she asked, a curious tone in her voice. I grunted and tried to get my body to move, only to stumble and catch myself.

"That's... because Ouroboros... cleaned it up..." I rasped. Lo Mein eyed me from the side. I looked to her and the bat. "Give the bat back, Lo." Lo Mein tilted her head slightly.

"Really now? After everything, you still are after this bat? Is it worth tearing through an entire facility to get too? Were you not just concerned for your friend's wellbeing earlier? I saw you stop when you noticed it. Telling Scribble to tend to the others." she said. I grit my teeth and shook my head.

"No, Lo. I do worry about them. I never lied about rescuing them. But that bat... that bat needs to be kept away from anypony else. I have to... I have to take care of it." I panted. Lo Mein frowned, her cold look dropping entirely.

"You're just about as worst as General Lilac. You disgust me." She tossed the bat down and it clattered towards me. The green, slit eyes rolling before looking around and then meeting mine. I heard soft whispers in my head. I painfully grunted and reached down with my head, taking the handle in my teeth and painfully dragging myself over to the others. Cloudchaser and Scribble had unfastened the belts and Cloudchaser pulled Flitter away, cradling her.

"Flitter! Flitter! Hey, it's me, Cloudchaser! Come on, wake up!" She said, shaking her a little. The mare lolled her head, groaning. When she opened her eyes, she blinked and looked up at Cloudchaser.

"Sis...? Is that... you?" she rasped. Cloudchaser sniffled and nodded, brushing her bangs aside.

"Yeah, it's me sis. I'm here for you." she said. I looked over to Scribble, who seemed a little tired. I then noticed the scientist pony stand up and growled.

"Subject! Hail to your king!" the pony barked. I cocked a brow, but then I noticed Flitter stiffen. Cloudchaser looked at her.

"Flitter?" she began. Flitter suddenly tackled Cloudchaser, placing her hooves around the mare's neck. I balked and looked over to the scientist, who took advantage of the sudden surprise and was already escaping via a secret exit. I winced, unable to move my body properly, but Lo Mein dashed forward and into the escape tunnel. I rasped and looked over to see Scribble trying his best to pull Flitter off of Cloudchaser, who was struggling for air. I saw Flitter, having a smile on her face but tears rolling down her eyes.

"I... must obey... my king..." she stuttered, unmoving as Scribble tugged as hard as he could. Not even his earth pony strength could do anything. I grit my teeth. Dammit, why do I have to do this!? I reached with my magic to the bat and swished my head, swinging the bat right over Flitter's head. Flitter gasped and her body then slumped over Cloudchaser, finally letting go of her. Cloudchaser gasped for breath, holding onto her sister. Scribble stepped back, panting before looking between us. His stoic and calm demeanor no longer in play. I fell to the ground, feeling my body beginning to freeze up. Scribble looked worriedly between us before rushing over to me and helping me up. He looked over to Cloudchaser.

"CC, lay her over here." He said, his tone changed. He really did look tired. Cloudchaser grit her teeth, looking worriedly at Flitter. She sat up and carried her on her back to move her out into an open part of the room. She laid her down gently and put a hoof on Flitter's cheek.

"Flitter? Flitter!" she said. Flitter remained motionless. Cloudchaser put an ear to her mouth and sighed in relief. "Still breathing..." she said. She then looked at me as I was led to sit up into a stool. We then heard struggling as a pony was being led up the escape exit.

"Easy! Easy! I'm very delicate!" the pony said with frustrated agitation. Lo Mein pushed the pony forward, who adjusted their goggles. They noticed us and I saw Cloudchaser shoot an angry glare at the pony. Lo Mein tapped the pony's head with the arc pistol and forced the pony to sit down. The pony then grinned. "Amazing, isn't it? Conditioning to the fullest! I would have completed the test with the Sombranite too if you hadn't showed up!" the pony hissed. Cloudchaser stood up and turned to them. Her look angrier than ever. Scribble went over and put a hoof on her shoulder, shaking his head. Cloudchaser didn't say anything but stepped back and sat down. Scribble motioned to Flitter.

"Conditioning? Drugging her up too much to really condition anything." he said. The pony hummed.

"The subject had to endure small doses of the serum X-423. Once she was starting to show signs of change, I kept upping it to a full thirty ccs worth." they said. Cloudchaser looked up.

"What is this serum?" Scribble asked, looking worriedly at Cloudchaser. The pony growled.

"As if you're undeveloped brains could even comprehend the genius of it all. But to put it shortly, it is an experimental hallucinogen extracted from morphosis catagora. A flower grown native to Pony Land. Said to inhibit properties that not only to act as a muscle relaxant, but used and extracted in a certain way, it can produce a potent form of hallucinogen that allows any creature to see their desired wishes. I was tasked to use a live experiment for the drug." They motioned to the Sombranite rock. "Mixing in the properties of Sombranite with the serum, we could potentially bring back an entity to empower and influence the actions of ponies. Causing them to 'listen' to their king. In this case, King Sombra." they explained. I frowned, but Cloudchaser was shaking as she spoke.

"So, you drugged my sister. Got her to believe she is listening to the voice of King Sombra and upon command, would attack even their closest loved ones?" She asked. The pony sighed.

"Like I said. Your brains cannot even begin to comprehend the genius behind it. To put it simply, prescribing this serum as over the counter stimulants, we'd be able to amass more ponies to the Triad cause." they said. Scribble narrowed his eyes.

"As muscle relaxants? Is that what you mean?" he asked. The pony nodded, grinning.

"Just imagine. The hard-working ponies of Equestria working tirelessly to their dead-end jobs. Pretending to enjoy and prosper from it. But after a long day of work and no play, a pony needs to relax every now and then. But how would you do so? Go to a spa? Lounge on the couch? These could work, but why spend a few bits at the spa or waste away when you can spend a couple of bits for over-the-counter relaxants? Just relax and let your mind wander and imagine." The pony chuckled. "Creatures from the Badlands to the Crystal Empire would eat this stuff up. Increasing demand and product. Financially stabilizing the Triad to fund for further tests. Further research. The Triad will have loyal followers to their cause when the day of judgement arrives!" Cloudchaser was so quick that even Lo Mein blinked in confusion a bit. Cloudchaser pinned the pony against the wall by the throat with her foreleg. She glowered.

"I can't believe ponies like you even exist in this world... What sick and twisted mindset do you have to cause you to do this!? To ponies who are just living day to day life?! Why do all this just to increase the Triad agenda?? What the hell does the Triad want!?" she said coldly. The pony struggled for breath, holding onto her foreleg.

"What does the Triad... want??" The pony rasped before laughing. "Foolish, filly! The Triad's goals are beyond your understanding! Supreme Chief Sonata will lead Equestria into a new era! Where we would no longer live through native means! We will bring forth our knowledge to expand the horizons and minds even further! Not even Princess Celestia and Luna would fight against the might and technology of the Triad! Our great Euclides! We walk in the shadows to bring forth the light!" the pony laughed and Cloudchaser started to breath heavily.

"And that gives you the right to drug up my sister!?" She shouted, taking the pony and tossing them over onto the table. The pony rolled and crashed into the side table. Cloudchaser hopped over and walked towards the pony as they scrambled to get up. But Cloudchaser bit the pony by the mane and brought them around before slugging them hard across the face. The pony tumbled to the stairs and began to panic, crawling up the stairs as Cloudchaser followed them. "Whatever the Triad think they can do, they are dead wrong!! Equestria won't fall to likes of you!! As a Wonder Bolt, it is my duty to protect Equestria! You drugged my sister in hopes of testing this botched experiment!" The pony got halfway up the stairs before Cloudchaser turned them around and socked them again across the face. "Thi Billette is right. Your damned organization is evil. You have no care or remorse for the ponies around you. You think you can just do whatever you want!? Kidnapping creatures! fillies, colts, kits, griffons, buffalo? Parents? Elderly? Even damned monsters taken from their habitat!! You're not doing Equestria a favor. You're killing it." The pony looked terrified as the mare I thought was Cloudchaser stood over them. I went to stand up, only to fall forward to be caught by Scribble. Scribble saw my look and he turned to Cloudchaser.

"Cloudchaser! They aren't worth it! Don't let this be something you'll regret! Flitter wouldn't want you to go down this path!" he said. Cloudchaser didn't hesitate.

"No. After all we've been through. I thought this would be something I would want to do. But seeing as that dream is going to lead to something like this." She sighed and looked back to Lo Mein. "You're right. I'm not ready to take a life. Not even to scum like this pony. But that doesn't mean I don't have to hold back." Cloudchaser then picked up the pony and quickly spun around, bucking them hard in the chest that they went sailing out of the room. I heard the sound of a window crashing and I balked. Scribble looked worriedly and getting me to lean on him, he hurried up the steps and we saw Cloudchaser looking down at the pony hanging on for dear life through the broken window. The pony panicked and tried to pull themselves up. Cloudchaser stared down in disgust.

"Walk through the shadows to find the light. No pony will miss you." She said coldly. The pony's eyes widened.

"N-no, please! I have so much left to research! Equestria's technology relies on my genius!" They said. Cloudchaser snorted and turned around, walking away from the window.

"With the money you're giving them, they'll find somepony brighter." she said. Her eyes met ours and I saw an uncaring look to her. This isn't the Cloudchaser I know. We then heard the scrape and the sound of a pony yelling. Scribble looked grim as there was now only the sound of the rushing wind. Lo Mein walked up the steps and past us. She then cast a sideways glance at Cloudchaser.

"You've should have taken my advice. Now, there is no going back." she said. Cloudchaser bowed her head, a look of realization spreading across her face. Her eyes darted in thought before she walked past us and down the steps to retrieve Flitter, who was still unconscious. Scribble and I exchanged glances before I looked to Lo Mein, who retained her usual cold and uninterested look. We then heard Cloudchaser gasp. We looked to see the Raptorian stand up, cracking their neck and growling. I looked to Scribble.

"Scribble, help her! Lo Mein! Help them!" I pleaded. Scribble set me down by the door before rushing down, but Lo Mein remained where she was. I looked to her, rasping. "Lo Mein! Help them!" I repeated. Lo Mein stood up and walked over to me. She then reached into a pouch and pulled out a vial. I looked between her and the vial. She held it up and studied it in the dawning light. I read the tape on it:

X-423

I narrowed my eyes. "Lo Mein, what are you doing?" I asked. Lo Mein tossed up the vial, caught it and pocketed it. She looked at me and then turned around, walking away. I balked. "Lo Mein! Lo Mein! What the hell are you doing!? Are you backstabbing us!? Real dick move!!" I called out. Lo Mein turned the corner and with no words uttered or said, I watched as her shadow grow smaller and smaller. I grit my teeth before looking over to see Scribble and Cloudchaser readying themselves. The Raptorian snarled.

"You ponies don't seem to understand the predicament you find yourselves in. I can't wait to eat you up!" He said, getting low and growling. Scribble was quick, crushing a rock in his hoof before he swung his hoof around and a firebolt launched out. The Raptorian wasn't expecting it and got hit in the face. He reared back, whimpering and brushing his snout. Cloudchaser dashed forward, flapping once to reach his level and chambered her kicks from a bucking motion. The Raptorian stumbled back while Scribble crushed another rock in between his hooves and planted them on the ground. The floor froze into a pathway line. The Raptorian, who was stumbling, ended up slipping on the ground and Cloudchaser curled into a ball, flipping once before flapping and dropping her full weight into a downward buck. I must have heard ribs cracking as the Raptorian howled in pain. Cloudchaser flew back over towards Scribble, who was already holding out another rock in ready. The Raptorian then shot up a claw and rasped.

"I give! I give!" he said. Cloudchaser and Scribble exchanged glances before narrowing their eyes at him. The Raptorian sat up with a wince and scratched the back of his head. "Damn. What a hell of a way to fight... Since when did earth ponies learn to use magic like that? And since when can pegasus fight like that too?" He asked. He then frowned. "And the two unicorns... Since when did ponies become fighters? What happened to all the silly rainbows and girly things?" Scribble cocked his head.

"Oh, girly things and rainbows still exist, mind you. It's just not everypony has the tendency to harness rainbow powers unlike our ancestors." He said. He then crushed the rock and flicked his hoof, pelting the Raptorian with water. The Raptorian shot him an annoyed look as his fur was dripping wet.

"Tch. It used to be so easy. But now it's just too much of a hassle. All this new technology and the ponies here just more hostile than ever. What even happened to this place? Just re-encase me back into glass and let me sleep through a next generation of ponies. Princesses knows what will happen in two hundred years from now. Wouldn't it be a surprise if magic just doesn't exist at all then?" he said. Cloudchaser furrowed her brows. She looked back to her unconscious sister before looking back to the Raptorian.

"Where's Quiet Fire?" she asked. The Raptorian looked up at her.

"The fire maned pony? Last I heard, Marrow Bone was beating her to near death and using all kinds of ancient magic on her to trigger her element. Never seen a durable pony in my life." he explained. I grit my teeth.

"Is she alive?" I said. The Raptorian waved a claw in a shoo-like manner.

"The watchdog isn't that dumb. The pony has the same powers as Zalas. She's going to find a way to either harness her power, or torture her enough to control it themselves. Kind of like what the doc did with that one there." He motioned to Flitter. Cloudchaser flew down and stood in front of Flitter, glaring at the Raptorian.

"Where's Marrow Bone now?" She asked. The Raptorian tapped his head.

"Well, she's been in and out of the castle a lot. I know she's been getting some ponies to fix this Sun Dial." he began. I balked.

"The Sun Dial? It's here?" I asked. The Raptorian nodded.

"That lizard's tribe worship some sun god named Quetzalcoatl. Their Marsh Lands prospered for years. That was until the Triad tricked the tribe leader to the place and began ransacking and kidnapping. Heard the chief activated the Sun Dial and dried up the Marsh Lands. Broke it into pieces as well before they vanished. Or, so the fish-lizard tells us. She doesn't seem to know exactly. Only saw the effects of the Sun Dial activation and with the way the Triad were unable to locate anymore of her people, she could only assume what happened. This was three years ago. It was only recent that that lizard began to develop ancient magic. Which was beneficial to the Triad as she was already a captive to them." I darted my eyes in thought.

"Has this Zalas been in and out of the castle as well?" I asked. The Raptorian shrugged.

"She was last interrogating the fire maned pony. Never left the room." The Raptorian then stood up, his ears flicking. He smirked. "Seems the watchdog's auto-wagon is on the move. With any luck, she's transporting the two to Quetzalcoatl’s Temple. If you're looking for your pony friend, you might want to ask the watchdog herself." The Raptorian then looked to me and pointed at the bat. "Neat bat you got there. Care to do me a favor?" he asked. I arched a brow at him. "The magic contained inside it does counteract the ancient magic that the Triad like to use. But only to some degree. Since me and my brothers are back due to ancient magic, I want you to reverse it. Turn me back into glass. I've had enough of this whole pony domination thing. I just want sleep. It was fun while it lasted." I slumped.

"Are you for real?" I asked. The Raptorian nodded.

"There's nothing here worth fighting for anymore. My brothers are trying to make it work, but I don't see how it can go on any longer. We were once a tribe ourselves. The chief was brutal. And like the rest of our tribe, we were encased in glass due to a simple mistake by the chief. But honestly, I'd prefer that then having to deal with another stuck up, egotistical and power-hungry tyrant." He chuckled. "Glad Porcina isn't around anymore. Serves her right." he said. Scribble scratched his chin. I sighed and found myself able to move properly. I got up and reached for the bat with my magic. I walked down the steps and stood in front of them, looking at the Raptorian. I then waved the bat over my head, seeing the eye light up with green fire as it got brighter and brighter. The Raptorian stood up and struck a simple but comfortable pose. "Gotta sleep comfortably. Good night." he said, closing his eyes. I then swung the bat and with a loud clack, the green fireball hit the Raptorian, washing over him and we watched as the Raptorian began turning into glass from the head down.

With the glass statue display of the Raptorian, I lowered the bat and looked to the others. Scribble sighed, looking even more exhausted.

"He does realize that Procina became a hairstylist after renouncing her ways? Even paved the way for better mane grooming and such that is still used today." he said. I shook my head.

"Nah, I don't think he really cared. But we have other things to worry about right now." I said. Cloudchaser hoisted Flitter onto her back. "We need to go after Marrow Bone. If what the Raptorian said is true, then I know exactly where the Sun Dial would be." I said. Cloudchaser motioned to me with a hoof.

"How do you know?" she asked. I smirked and pat my chest.

"I've been by the Marsh Lands a few times before. I've said it already, but just a reminder." I then motioned with my head. "Let's go."

---

Quiet Fire's POV

We had arrived at a strange, open area. The ground was dry and the trees around the half buried and cracked stone courtyard were burnt and dead. It was also extremely muggy and humid for some reason. Marrow Bone, Zalas, The Raptorians and I walked through what appeared to be a research encampment belonging to the Triad. It must suck to work out here. Before us was a massive temple. The burnt and faded stones making it look like a black obelisk sight. Marrow Bone turned to Zalas.

“Once again, I find your people fascinating. Taking the land down with them is a genius move. Your people would have been welcome additions to the banner of The Triad.” She marveled, looking around. Zalas seemed hesitant. I narrowed my eyes. Didn’t Thi say the Triad are an all pony only organization? I frowned. Equestria may have been founded by ponies, but we welcomed any and all, that is for sure.

“It hassss…. Been a while.” Zalas said remorsefully. Marrow Bone nodded, as if she understood.

“Tis a shame, for sure. Regardless, the show must go on, as they say.” Marrow Bone said, leading us up the steep steps of the temple. It was easy for the Raptorian’s and Zalas to scale the steps while Marrow Bone and I had to do some small hops up the steps. Which was odd to me. Why would a Triad higher up inconvenience herself travel? When we finally reached the top, I shielded my eyes as the sun rays began to poke through the clouds. Being a set of islands in between Mainland Equestria and Pony Land, the weather wasn’t so bleak. But here, my guess is the Sun Dial is responsible. We approached the entrance that led down into the temple. We descended through many twists and turns, chambers and rooms filled with ancient decor and paintings. We even passed what I would guess was a burial ground. Stone coffins and even wrapped bodies. I saw Zalas recite something under her breath.

I could only imagine what is going on in her mind right now. We went through several more rooms and halls before finally arriving at an open chamber room. A ray of sun shining down onto a colorful looking stone being inspected by several Triad ponies. When they saw Marrow Bone approach, they stopped and saluted.

“High Command on scene!” One pony yelled out. The rest then followed the salute, Marrow Bone returning it before trotting over to another pony I recognized from the warehouse dock in Manehatten. The pony adjusted his glasses before holding up a clipboard.

“Status?” Marrow Bone asked. The pony didn’t skip a beat.

“Reconstruction of the Sun Dial fully completed. Signs of magic restoration minimal, but there. Have yet to begin activation testing.” He said, reading off the clipboard. Marrow Bone smiled.

“Excellent. We’ll begin activation test once our guests have settled.” She said, looking over to me and Zalas. I narrowed my eyes and looked to Zalas.

“Zalas, you can’t go through with any of this. Your people wouldn’t want the Sun Dial to be used with malicious intent! Think about what’d that do to Equestria!” Zalas looked to me as I continued. “Your people would rather erase their history to prevent your people’s knowledge from getting into the hooves of evil. You can’t let the Triad take control over you, Ventus and your culture!” I said. I felt a claw be placed onto my shoulder and I looked over to see a Raptorian stare down at me.

“I suggest you quiet, pony. You’re here for one reason alone.” The Raptorian said. I glared at him but Marrow Bone tapped her hoof on the ground to get our attention.

“Our Raptorian friend is right, Quiet Fire. We’ve tried to work with you in getting your element to trigger. But it appears to be… dormant. Such a shame. I want to see the power that displayed out in the Red Canyon and the Meridian High Seas.” She smiled grotesquely. I didn’t say anything. I cast a glance over to Zalas, who was now walking slowly towards the Sun Dial. She held up a claw and gently caressed the stone. I could see the colorful paintings glow dimly. Zalas remained silent. Marrow Bone cleared her throat.

“By all means, take the time to ready yourselves. We have all the time in the world.” She said. I heard Din shuffle in my head. I blinked and found myself back in the pitch-black void of Din’s domain. Din was sitting quietly next to me, staring out into the void. I looked up at her and cocked my head.

I admire your endurance through the torture bestowed upon you. You do remind me of him. she said. I tilted my head a bit.

‘Who?’ I asked. Din shook her head.

Tis not important right now. What I’m curious about is this Sun Dial. The magic resonating off of it is tremendous. But it is no more than a mere glimmer at the moment. she said with a curious hum. I sighed and shrugged.

‘Beats me. I don’t know how I can see any of the magic displayed.’ I said. Din rolled her eyes.

You have my eyes, yet you don’t use them. It doesn’t even require that much insight to use. She sighed. I furrowed my brows and blinked, finding myself back into reality. I frowned and looked at the Sun Dial. The massive stone structure dimly glowed. I tilted my head and concentrated. Treating it like the way I use my clone spell, I imagined myself reaching out, not grasping the object, but washing over it. I then brushed the object with my magic, seeing something flow back towards me. My eyes widened. I could see it. All around use, spectral, starry rivers of magic. It was almost as if we were in a web. A beautiful, flowing web of magic.

I stared in awe, seeing an accumulation of the flow of magic emanating from the Sun Dial. I looked to Zalas, who had closed her eyes and was reciting a prayer. I could see some of the flow of magic softly flowing around her and converging into her claw. I looked around and could see vast amounts of magic of varying density flowing off of the ponies and the Raptorians. Marrow Bone’s flow of magic seemed different. It was low, but emitting a dark flow that slightly corrupted a tiny area around her.

I then saw some rats scurry about nearby. Their flow of magic was very small. Harmless. Above the rats I could see a snake and several spiders, all emitting some form of aura. But the snake that was eyeing the rats was… different. The aura resonating off of it was bright and fiery. The rats began to scamper off as the snake pulled back defensively at the Triad ponies that got too close as they were moving some boxes around.

I heard the pony hiss and shake his hoof.

“Ow! A freaking snake just bit me!” He rasped. His co-worker snickered.

“Suck out the venom, cry baby.” The stallion said. The pony proceeded to do just that as I watched the snake slither over towards the Sun Dial. For whatever reason, this snake was much more interesting to look at. What kind of aura is that? I sighed as it then slipped into a small hole underneath the Sun Dial. How interesting. I wonder what else I can see with these eyes? Before I could get around to playing with my eyes a bit more, Marrow Bone turned as a pony trotted up to her and whispered into her ear. Her eyes balked.

“What?! One of the Raptorians has been re-encased in glass?!” She turned to the pony and grabbed him by the scuff of his coat. “How is that possible?!” I saw the Raptorians beside me exchange glances. Their eyes widening before looking back to Marrow Bone. The pony stuttered.

“W-we don’t know, ma’am. The team sent after Thi Billette found the Raptorians encased in glass in the laboratory.” He explained. Marrow Bone seemed to turn red a bit.

“And the doctor? The serum?” She asked. The pony shook his head.

“The team reported no signs of the doctor or the serum. Only the Sombranite and documents were recovered.” He said. Marrow Bone growled and shoved the pony away.

“That pony has had one too many luck streaks!” She fumed. I was bracing myself for her to turn on me and start beating me, but she seemed to straighten up and take a deep breath. She adjusted her coat and dusted herself off. “No matter. Thi Billette won’t be able stop us this time. We have two of these fabled power elements in our care.” She then turned to me and I stoically looked at her. “Quiet Fire. Be a dear and ask your element nicely to lend us a hoof? We would like some progress today.” She said. I smirked.

“Oh, sure. Let me ask Din.” I said. I put a hoof to my head and closed my eyes. “Hey, Din. Would you do me a solid and help out this pony activate the Sun Dial? No rush or anything.” I said. Din hummed.

Very well. she said. I balked.

‘N-no, don’t! I just wanted to be snarky!’ I thought in panic. Din cackled and shook her head.

I did say I was curious about the Sun Dial. Perhaps I can harness that magic into my own. Only one way to find out.

Oh, buck me.

I felt my body move on its’ own and I found myself walking towards the Sun Dial. Of all the times for Din to listen to me! I saw Zalas look back at me, stepping aside. I lifted my head up and a ball of fire concentrated at the tip of my horn. It got bigger and bigger before levitating high into the air. The Triads watched on in awe as Marrow Bone laughed.

“Oh, wonderful! Just simply wonderful!” She cried. I growled.

‘Din!! I’ll make it my life mission to ensure you get your flank handed too by one of your sisters!’ I thought. Din grinned maniacally.

I welcome the challenge! Then after, I get to burn you alive! she cackled. The giant fire ball floated overhead and Din charged another ball of magic. She shot out a thin beam and the ball began to glow and send out a ray of fire over the Sun Dial. I could see the Sun Dial begin to glow brightly. Marrow tapped her hoof.

“Get to work! Get me my readings! Get me my samples! Get me everything!” She ordered. The Triad ponies began scrambling about. I grunted as I tried to wrestle control of myself. Zalas studied me.

"Why do you fight your element?" she asked. I was beginning to burn up. The stone started to twist and turn.

"Because... grh... Because she'll doom us all!" I grunted in response. I was trying my best to push Din away, which was getting on her nerves.

You are starting to irritate me, vessel! Do you not want the power to defend your realm!? she barked at me. I shook my head.

"I want... the power... to stop you! To stop all of this! I want to... I want to go home again! I want to have a home to go to!!" I shouted. Zalas's eyes widened as I then felt a sudden surge of energy. The temple began to shake as I started to feel my hooves leave the ground. The ball of fire above me was beginning to flare. The Triad ponies began panicking. Marrow Bone looked on in awe, her awe turning into a grotesque, gleeful smile. I was doing my damndest to wrestle control. Din glared at me, her fang teeth bearing at me.

Foolish vessel! I shall burn you here and now!! She shouted. My eyes widened as I then felt my head begin to swish and the massive fire ball above descended upon me. I braced myself. I guess this is the end for me.

Duck! I balked and Din's eyes widened.

What!? I sensed a very strong aura emitting from the Sun Dial. And in a glorious explosion of stone, a giant serpent shot out from the Sun Dial, hissing before chomping down on the fireballs. I felt Din had instinctively ducked, but at the same time, I had the same thought. I hit the ground and curled into a ball to cover myself as a massive body of a serpent began coiling around the area. Ponies were screaming. I looked up and gasped. I saw Marrow Bone looking explicitly like a child in a theme park. The Raptorians that were beside me got hit with my small spits of fire when the serpent chomped down on the fireball and they were quickly encased in glass, their expressions in panic. Something unfolded at the serpent's sides as the eyes darted the area. I could see wounds on the serpent's body as if it has been through a fierce battle against creatures. The serpent then locked eyes with me. It studied me, tongue tasting the air. I looked over and saw Zalas suddenly bent on a knee, head bowed and began praying. The serpent took notice of the lizard before looking over to Marrow Bone.

You mortals have no place here! Begone with you! You've done enough damage as is! The serpent shook the temple area as it seemed to speak without moving anything. Marrow Bone cackled and tossed her hooves up to the serpent in a grandiose manner.

"Can it be!?" She stated. She grinned widely. "Our hunt!" The serpent hissed and bared sharp fangs.

Your kind is not welcome in this land! You've tarnished the sun god's domain more times than I can count! I should have given my righteous judgement sooner! Marrow Bone grinned.

"Au contraire! Your wounds say otherwise, Quetzalcoatl!" she said. The serpent hissed before looking down to me.

You dare goad power you cannot control to activate the Sun Dial?! You're a foolish pony to look down upon the domain of the stars! Quetzalcoatl stated. He then looked down at Zalas and his eyes dilated.

My people mourned those that lost their lives to these creatures! Yet, you chose to aid them!? Defiling your ancestor's rites!? You are no child of mine, shaman! Your judgement is nigh! Zalas balked and got on all fours, bowing her head.

"Great Sssserpent! I-I had no choice! I thought I losssst everything when the chief activated the Ssssun Dial!" she said, her tone desperate. "F-forgive me! I did not have the sssstrength to carry on!" Quetzalcoatl tasted the air before coiling around the room, changing positions.

Then allow me to show you what really happened.

The serpent's eyes glowed and we saw a bulky lizard taller than Zalas. The lizard had fins dawning the face and war paint over his body and other parts. He held a spear and staff as he looked down at us.

"We go now to the Ssssun God'ssss domain. Thesssse invaderssss will not have our knowledge of the dial. Nor the knowledge of our heritage. Quetzalcoatl! Sssserpent of the Ssssun! Grant ussss wings sssso that we may prossssper under your light! We will pay tribute to the onessss lost with our own bodiessss! I pray for my mate'ssss ssssafety assss well assss our late children." The chief then began to speak an ancient dialect I couldn't understand before we saw wings similar to Quetzalcoatl's sprout from his back. Zalas shot out a claw.

"Malik! Don't go!! I'm here!! I'm right here!!" Zalas shouted. I could see tears in her eyes. She was desperately trying to catch the claw of the chief, but her claws went right through him. The image of the chief began to flash brightly and then vanished into a sparkle. Quetzalcoatl's eyes stopped glowing and coiled around the room again.

Do you understand now? They are safe with the sun father. I would have let you join us, but you chose to aid evil instead. Your heart is dark, child. I cannot allow an impure heart into the sun god's domain! Quetzalcoatl hissed. I finally stood up and walked towards her. But Zalas suddenly tightened her claws and picked up her staff.

"You deny me passssage to my mate? To my people?" her voice shaky as she spoke. I then began to see dark fog begin to spill from the staff. She looked up at the serpent, her eyes now filled with hate. "Ensssslaved to poniessss. Dissssgraced and humiliated ever ssssince. Not knowing my people were welcomed into the Ssssun God'ssss domain." She then bared her own fangs, waving the staff around before slamming it down and a strong gust of wind blew the dark fog around us. I shielded myself. Quetzalcoatl hissed.

You dare raise your magic against me, impure child!? Very well then! Judgement for all!

There was a loud whinny as from the dark fog and strong winds shot out a hoof that punched the serpent in the jaw, causing the serpent to wriggle wildly as the dark hoof dragged the serpent against the wall before slamming it down, blocking the entrance entirely. I gapped, seeing Zalas suddenly float and her eyes glowing as dark, cloudy wings sprouted from her back.

"I will carve my own path into the Ssssun God'ssss domain. I... I cannot allow you to sssstop me!" Zalas shouted, letting go of her staff and letting the dark fog thicken as it swirled around us in a funnel. I grit my teeth.

"Din!!" I shouted. Din didn't skip a beat.

Useless vessel! You dare ask me for help!? I started to walk slowly towards Zalas, burying my hooves into the ground as I did.

"Look, we both screwed up here! But we can fix it! We have to work together on this one! It's not just Ventus flaunting power! You have a natural primal in play!" I explained. Din grinned.

So be it! I always welcome a challenge! Time to show them who's the real apex of the world is! I felt a burst of energy and felt my hooves leave the ground. Din's wings flapped on my back as Quetzalcoatl tried to fight back against the dark fog. I then felt my body shift a bit and my head aimed at Marrow Bone, who was too busy admiring the marvel around her. But first. A little payback! I saw a small sphere of fire form at the tip of my horn and then a beam shot out. Marrow was laughing maniacally before getting struck in the face by the beam. Her body sailed through the air and landed motionless one the breaking ground. The ground crumbled and Marrow Bone fell with the debris. With the ground gone, I saw Quetzalcoatl break free from the dark fog swirling around it before crashing into the ceiling, escaping to higher ground. I saw Zalas as the area around her distorted, strong winds enshrouding her as she turned to face where the serpent escaped and took off after him. I grit my teeth and kicked off from the air, sailing after them. Din maybe out for the challenge. But so long as I can work with it, we can stop this whole island from getting destroyed. I just hope my friends are somewhere safe.

---

Thi Billette's POV

The auto-wagon bounced and swerved as we sped down the road. We had made it out of the mountain path and onto stable road. We were speeding through what appeared to be a barren wasteland of dead trees and cracked mud. Our destination was the Quetzalcoatl Temple. I've been there a few times. But I never thought the Sun Dial would be held there. I grit my teeth as I pulled the levers, swerving this way and that as we barreled past other wagons. Cloudchaser was holding onto Flitter, who was slowly coming too, but still rather dreary. Scribble was bracing onto a hoof hold to keep himself from sailing out the wagon.

"Did you ever get your license?!" he said worriedly. I shook my head.

"Nope! But I've managed one before! It's pretty easy! You just pull this one!" I pulled down a lever and did a drift to make a sharp turn. "And you have the right turn! This one for left!" I stated, pulling down another lever and the wagon twisted before straightening out. "The rest... well... I dunno what the others do. But I can manage one!" Cloudchaser looked out the side of the wagon and cocked her head.

“Aren’t those Triad ponies?." She pointed out. I looked with my eyes, indeed seeing that the ponies rushing past us were Triad. There was a loud crash and the earth shook. I pulled down on a lever and came to a skidding halt as a loud roar sounded. We stopped fully on a hill overlooking the temple. The temple exploded in dust and stone as a massive, winged serpent flew high into the air. Quickly behind it was a dark fog and something from the dark fog chasing after it. We then saw it. The fiery gleam of a familiar element. It was following just a bit behind, but there was no doubt about it. Fie was engaging into another primordial conflict. I stared on in awe as Triad ponies rushed past us.

"W-we’ve toiled in the god’s domain!!” One pony shouted in panic as they galloped by us. Scribble shook his head.

"It can’t be… Quetzalcoatl is real? That dark fog... isn't that the one that lizard used before we were captured?" he asked. I furrowed my look and nodded. No doubt about it. And considering the Raptorian mentioned that this Zalas individual has the same powers as Fie. It could only mean one thing. I quickly pulled down the levers and we took off down to the temple. While Fie manages that fight, we have another of our own. I looked to Scribble.

"We have to stop Marrow Bone. She'll most likely be in the temple and is gathering as much data about this encounter. We can't let that info get back to Sonata." I said. Scribble looked to Cloudchaser, whose eyes darted. I could tell she was struggling with earlier. But she nodded and brushed the bangs out of Flitter's eyes.

"Hang in there, sis. We're almost done here." She said with a soft smile. Flitter groggily groaned before slumping. I looked over to the massive serpent being chased by both Fie and the other power element. The Nilneigh Islands are going to have one hell of a spectacle to talk about.