Primordial Conflict

by Jumping Jack

Chapter 25: Zalas, Disgraced Dark Shaman of the Wind

Chapter 25: Zalas, Disgraced Dark Shaman of the Wind

Quiet Fire’s POV

The wind fiercely bellowed past me as I was hot on the tail of both Quetzalcoatl and Zalas. We were soaring over the Marsh Lands, the barren land below lifeless and still. I saw Zalas make the first move. The dark fog surrounding her, like a dark cloud, zipped up towards the side of the serpent and began entangling him. Quetzalcoatl hissed and wriggled before his scales glowed brightly and dispersed the fog with his own magic. This is bad. How can I get Zalas to come to her senses? The injuries Quetzalcoatl sustained while being hunted by the Triad were worse than I thought. Harpoon looking sticks jutted out in most places of the serpent, blood trickling from the wounds.

Quetzalcoatl really has been on the run for a few months. I heard Din cackle as we gained a boost of speed, quickly catching up to them. Zalas clashed with the serpent, planting him against a mountain side. Falling rocks and debris broke off and sailed towards me. Din controlled the flight pathing, zigging and zagging over and under the rocks. She even had me blast through some with a quick beam of fire.

Having fun, sister? I know I will once I get my hooves on you!! Din cackled. I heard a deep whinny as the dark cloud began to form into a shape of a massive alicorn. Ventus flew next to Quetzalcoatl and swished her head. The wind gathered at the tip of her horn. Zalas waved her claws around before aiming at the ball of wind, combining the dark fog with it. Ventus flicked her head, tossing the dark ball of wind at the serpent, the latter surprisingly showing nimbleness as Quetzalcoatl twisted his body and dodged over the ball. A giant hole was imprinted into the mountain as we passed by. Quetzalcoatl tackled Ventus, but the alicorn dispersed into clouds and fog, forming right on the other side of Quetzalcoatl.

Ventus reared back and bucked the serpent in the side, causing him a pained roar and crashing between two mountains. We followed after Ventus, trying to keep up with them as Ventus charged and tackled the serpent, crashing through the two mountains and out over the coast. The serpent crashed into the water with a loud splash. Ventus came to a stop, looking down and scanning the water. I burst through the hole and Din took the liberty of hitting Ventus on the side with several bursts of fire, causing her to grunt in pain and turn to face us.

Do not stand in our way, Din! I will fulfill my vessel’s desire! said stated, her tone annoyed. I squinted my eyes. I could see the angry, flaring, glowing eyes of Zalas eyeing me. Her staff levitating around her. She clutched the staff in a claw, waved it and pointed at me. Several volleys of sharp looking waves of wind spiraled towards me. I yelped as Din dodged and flipped me over, around and under, returning fire with her own volley. Ventus dodged and soared towards us as Din sharply turned, narrowly avoiding a punch from Ventus.

I heard Din cackling as I was led to retreat back over to the coast. Ventus gave chase as we soared back over the island. I could see the lighthouse pass under us as well as the bay town of Trottsberg. There were sirens sounding below after Din forced me to twist and turn to avoid Zalas and Ventus launching sharp dark winds at us.

I could feel some of them graze me as we barreled through another mountain and popped out over a jungle area. I darted my eyes below and could see the grove. I pointed down.

“I got an idea! Let’s head down and surprise them!” I shouted. Din growled.

So long as it doesn’t cause me any more frustrations! I wanted a shot at the serpent! she barked. I frowned.

“Quetzalcoatl is the least of our concerns right now!” I retorted. We sailed down and dove. Before I could hit the ground, Din flapped her wings and I stopped, landing gently onto my hooves. I cantered through the foliage and crouched low. I looked up just in time to ser Ventus blow past the mountain and stop. I had to ensure I was hidden completely. I whispered to Din. “I can see the ethereal river. Can Zalas see it too?” I asked. Din snorted.

Ventus’s vessel is too caught up in vengeance to bother checking. Now, tell me your idea. Din hissed. I nodded.

“I was wondering if we can place some traps around the area. Catch Ventus and Zalas by surprise.” I explained. Din hummed. “After the two set off our trap, they’d be too distracted for their own survival. It’ll get us close to Zalas. I have a feeling Ventus’s heart is in the staff. We have to shatter it.” Din grinned.

So long as I get to put Ventus in her place! Alright, vessel. I will do this! she said, smacking her hooves together. That took me by surprise. Ignoring it though, I began creeping through the jungle. Din took the liberty of sending out small spheres of fire throughout areas I stopped at.

Come out, sister! I know you are here somewhere!! I heard Ventus echo above. I glanced in their direction, seeing them circle the area, looking for us. Din hummed after a bit and her wings formed onto my back.

Let’s go greet my sister, shall we? she said with an evil grin. That must mean she had finished placing her last trap. I took a deep breath and felt myself kicking off of the ground. Ventus stopped as she saw us rise up.

Done hiding?! Good, I was getting bored! she barked. Din hummed.

Likewise! But I felt I needed to catch a couple of Zs because of how long it was taking you. Starting to take a page after Aquarius? she taunted. Ventus gave a frustrated roar before charging at us. Din’s eyes widened manically as she swished my head. The ground below us began to glow and like a volley of fireworks, fireballs shot up and popped around the area in a cluster bomb like manner. Ventus screamed in pain as she was hit directly by several of them. Disoriented, she tried to retreat, only to be pelted once more by another form of cluster bombs.

Din laughed wildly as she forced me to kick off the air and charge Ventus. I covered my face as we blew past the dark fog and wind and sailed directly at Zalas. The lizard’s eyes widened. I quickly flipped and brought out my halberd, the fiery form shimmering as it then clashed with Zalas’s shaman staff. She hissed and pushed back.

“I’ll make you all pay for what you have done to me!! My people!! My god!! My land!! My home!!” She bared her fangs at me as I grunted, struggling to push back.

“Zalas, you have to stop all of this!! I understand you are angry, but nothing will come of you fighting this!! It’s not your fault!! It never has been!!” I shot back. Zalas growled before transitioning into a roar. I felt myself bouncing back as she then curled up, the energy gathering around her before she threw her body out, causing the area to shake. I was blown back hard and sailed into a mountain side, crashing through it. I came out the other end and felt myself colliding into the lighthouse. The building crumbled into the ground as I found myself skidding across the coast, a grove carved through.

When I came to a stop, I groaned and shook away my daze. Thank the princesses being a primal had its’ perks. But that still didn’t help that it hurt. I struggled to push myself up and when I did, I saw the clouds turning grey and the sky green. The sirens were blaring loudly in the distance. I gasped as I could see the clouds forming directly where we came from. This is bad! Ventus and Zalas are going to destroy the islands! There were distant panicked screams from the town. I then saw a flash of green from the sky and a volley of arrows fired in the direction of the funneling clouds.

Sharp Eye was engaging. I stood up and nearly fell forward before catching myself.

Tch. Ventus seems to have stepped up her competence since last I saw her. Din hissed. I cocked my head a bit. I then had a thought.

“What if it’s the combined effort of Zalas? She’s a shaman, so she’s probably using her own magic to boost Ventus.” I said. I then smirked. “Time to really use my skills. Let’s go, Din.” Din grinned.

For once, we can agree on something.

She kicked me off of the ground and we soared up into the air. It was on the fly when I was going against Aquarius. But seeing Zalas combine her magic into Ventus’s own, it only made sense to put two and two together. I just hope there won’t be any serious consequences for doing so. As I got higher, I could see the massive funnel hanging dangerously close overhead to the ground of the island. I saw Sharp Eye dodge over and under dark clouds sailing at her as she returned fire with her volley of arrows. She then soared over to me, knocking an arrow and aiming.

“It was only a matter of time, I guess! What took you so long?” Sharp Eye asked me. I adjusted my halberd and looked at the massive funnel. We could see Zalas floating in a sphere of wind in the middle of the clouds.

“We got tied up. Listen, I have to get close to Zalas! The heart of Ventus is her staff! She’s using her dark magic to combine it with Ventus’s!” I explained. We then had to dodge as several dark clouds sailed towards us. You would think clouds wouldn’t harm anything. But this is a primal I am talking about. Sharp Eye cocked a brow.

“You want me to shoot you into the funnel? It isn’t water this time!” She replied. I shook my head.

“We’re going to try something different. Use your magic!” I stated. Sharp Eye balked, ducking as a tree went over us.

“I’m a griffon! I don’t have magic!” She stated. I smiled.

“Red Canyon! You used your screech to summon Gaia’s lackeys!” I said. “Your call of the wild! You even rose a cavern up into a mountain!” We dodged a few pieces of large debris as well as clouds. Sharp Eye looked at me worriedly.

“Are you sure that’ll work??” She asked. I gave her a confident and determined smile. I then imagined myself splitting apart. One by one into multiples of me. When I looked back, I saw four of me now. Each one bearing the halberd and Din’s energy. I turned to Sharp Eye and nodded.

“It’s perfect for you as well! Just use the flying earth around the funnel!” I stated. As I said that, we both got hit by a flying tree. I held onto it while Sharp Eye grunted and twisted her body around. I blinked as I found myself being picked up along with the tree. Sharp Eye dug her claws into the bark and then screeched. Her cry echoing over the roaring wind. I nearly tumbled as I pushed myself away from the tree. The roots from it seemed to come to life and snake through the air. The roots buried into a patch of flying earth with a tree in it and hooked it. The roots then combined with that tree’s root and the tree elongated into the funnel. I gaped at the sight. I saw Zalas nearly get hit by the tree as she bobbed away in her wind sphere.

I looked to Sharp Eye and she looked just as dumbfounded. I smiled.

“Atta’ girl!” I stated before making my own move. My clones followed after me as we dodged and flipped over debris and clouds. Time to see what we can do. Din cackled and to my surprise, my clones begin tossing fire bolts, fire balls and fire beams into the funnel, all aiming at Zalas. Zalas was bobbing and dodging. From the looks of it, she was struggling. We could see the funnel beginning to rise back up. One of my clones flew past me and decided to heave their halberd into the funnel, piercing through the clouds and sailing towards Zalas. It then popped and sent several fire bolts where two managed to hit Zalas while the rest were blown away.

Ventus cried out in pain, her voice booming throughout the island. Her pain turned to a frustrated and an annoyed growl.

You two dare to strike me?!? How are you able to work together?! You hate each other!! Ventus protested. Din sighed.

Believe me, I didn’t ask for her help. she stated. Gaia scoffed as we heard her through our mind.

Hmph! I was enjoying a quiet, peaceful day before you two decided to make a ruckus! She said. Din snickered.

Age doesn’t befit your beauty, sister. She said. Gaia didn’t skip a beat.

Quiet, you! The funnel was beginning to rise back up into the clouds as my clones and I fired volley after volley. Sharp Eye was a quick learner. She took advantage of hopping between patches of earth and trees, even mountain rubble caused a lot of roots and branches to snake out and attack Zalas. She even decided to huck an entire mountain side into the funnel and Zalas had to blow right through it, shattering it. She hissed as she then began to move now. She sailed towards one of my clones, catching her and engulfed her in the dark fog. I grimaced as she seemed to be eaten alive by the fog. Zalas turned to the next one, waving her staff and firing a volley of dark clouds at her.

My clone did her best to dodge, but one cloud managed to entangle around her and she gave a panicked look before being engulfed. The other two flew towards her, halberds at the ready, but Zalas surprised them by spinning and smacking both with her tail. Ventus’s hooves shot out of the clouds and crushed them both. She then looked at me and began charging me. Seeing my many deaths, I decided to do the smart thing. I yelped and dodged as she swiped her claw to grab me. She turned to look at me, getting ready to pivot, but she wasn’t expecting Sharp Eye to zip up right in front of her. She gasped and blocked the rock bow Sharp Eye had swung with her staff.

Seeing her distracted, I rushed her, halberd brought back. Zalas glanced back and I had to change my trajectory as a massive cloud hoof descended upon us. Sharp Eye broke away and got some distance as the hoof came crashing down. I grunted and twirled the halberd in my hooves, aiming at Zalas while Sharp Eye on the other side had knocked an earth arrow and aimed at Zalas. Zalas glared between us.

“You are both impressssive. But you will not deny me my ssssalvation! I will return to my people!” She hissed. I shook my head.

“This has to stop, Zalas! You’re going to destroy the entire island for the sake of something you can't reach anymore! I doubt Malik would be happy to hear how you doomed an entire island of creatures just to be with him!” I stated. Zalas’s fins unfurled as she hissed venomously towards me.

“You do not underssstand!! I cannot be whole without him!! Without my people!! My children!!” She cried. I furrowed my look. I then lowered my halberd. A thought occurred to me. And I couldn’t help but realize something. I sighed.

“You’re right. I don’t understand what it is like to lose your home. To lose everyone you cared about. But there is one thing I do understand. That selfish desire to be whole again.” I rested the halberd up to my chest. “I know what it feels like to selfishly desire something that you know you had to work hard for. I also know what it is like to selfishly love somepony when you know you never had a single clue of what you were thinking. But I ignored that thought and kept it going.” I gave a tired look. “I was lucky to have myself proven wrong and right at the same time and had that selfish desire workout. But if it didn’t, I would have been endangering her life as well as my friends and everycreature else.” I held out my hoof and curled it. “I’m still trying to make that selfish desire work. But it can only workout if I do things the right way.

“I have to be that pony she can call a friend. Who can share her woes and even her happiness with.” I looked at Zalas. “You may have lost that now, but there is always a way to redeem it. I’m not saying to find another mate or be a hero. You’ll be hurting for a long while and you will continue to feel that way unless you decide to face the day. I never wanted any of this to happen. I never asked to be a bearer of a power element. I tried to fight it all. But I had met other creatures who have shown me that they can look onto a better horizon.” I then curled out my hoof towards her, offering it. “You don’t have to be alone in this, Zalas. I’ll be your friend. And you can vent to me as much as you like. We all deal with our frustrations in our own way. But that’s okay. Just cry. Let the universe know your pain.” I smiled softly.

Zalas eyed me, her look of sadness and defeat displayed on her face. I saw her claw clench and she growled. Tears beginning to run down her eyes. Suddenly, the water in the distance exploded and we looked in surprise to see Quetzalcoatl soaring up. His eyes glowing angrily. Din laughed.

The serpent lives!! What luck!! she cackled. Quetzalcoatl roared.

This world has become too unbalanced! I must correct this! Forgive me, my children! May you all ascend to a higher plane! We saw Quetzalcoatl tilt his head up and opened his mouth. Fire began bellowing from his mouth as a familiar orb of fire floated out of him. Din growled as the serpent began to breath flame into it, causing the ball to grow slowly. I gasped and Sharp Eye looked back to me in worry.

“What is that?!” She asked. I pointed to her.

“I’ll explain later! We have to stop him!” I shouted. I looked to Zalas, who seemed to be unable to comprehend everything at the moment. But seeing the serpent, she clenched her claw and grabbed her staff. She took off past us. We exchanged glances before soaring after her. Zalas didn’t hesitate. As if riding on the back of Ventus, they tackled the serpent, causing him to wriggle, but with a giant flap of his wings, Ventus was dispersed. Din growled as we flew towards the serpent.

Using my own powers, serpent!? How dare you!! I felt myself being aimed at the fireball and my eyes widened.

“D-Din? Wh-what are you-“ I began. Din forced me to kick off the air and we went straight into the ball of fire. I was expecting myself to disintegrate upon entering, but seeing as everything wasn’t melting off, I felt a burst of energy. I grunted in unison with Din.

Worthless serpent! My power is mine and mine alone!! Nghhh! I will not share it any longer!!

I could see the fireball beginning to shrink and grow, as if it was breathing quickly. Quetzalcoatl growled.

Walker among the stars! You are a foolish child! You jeopardize the entire laws of balance! Do not fight it! Quetzalcoatl hissed. Din shot a glare at him.

You’re the fool for even daring to test my patience!! I’ve had it with serpents!! Stealing powers that are not yours to use as you see fit!! Sharing them among common grubs!! Our power! Shouldn’t! Be! Shared!! she roared. The fireball began to waver but glowed brightly. I grunted and yelled as I felt a burning sensation flow from me. Celestia’s flank this hurts! I managed to bear the pain a bit to see, to my shock, Quetzalcoatl’s own fire flowing around the ball of fire and beginning to form into a fiery alicorn. A massive image of Din appeared over the ball of fire and whinnied fiercely. Quetzalcoatl’s eyes widened.

Fool! What are you doing!? You defy the very bylaws?! Quetzalcoatl roared. Din reared back a foreleg before planting it hard into the sphere. There was a bright flash as her hoof connected the punch. Din reared back the other foreleg and punched the ball again. Quetzalcoatl grunted as he began to struggle against the raw might of Din’s anger.

“You cannot comprehend the bylaws!! You are not with the stars, serpent!” Din roared. “Insignificant! Little! Mewling! Grub!” At every syllable, Din fiercely punched the sphere, causing Quetzalcoatl to lower further into the ocean, the sheer force causing massive waves in the water. Upon her roaring “grub” she reared back and slammed both forehooves into the sphere and the force caused Quetzalcoatl to bend his serpent body into a coil. Din pushed the ball down onto the serpent, Quetzalcoatl pushing back. Quetzalcoatl’s eyes then glowed brightly and the ball of fire began to grow. Din growled before I saw her spin and from the serpent’s own fire, shot out her hindlegs and bucked the fireball.

It sailed high into the air, spreading the dark clouds caused by our conflict. It didn’t take long as the ball of fire then exploded into a massive burst of fire, clearing the sky of the clouds as it shook the earth. I grunted in pain as the feeling of overwhelming power flowed through me. Quetzalcoatl slithered around Din and lashed out at the alicorn, but Din had quickly dispersed her hold on the serpent’s magic and flowed back into me, causing me to scream in pain. I felt myself being pulled sharply up as there was a loud snap underneath me.

I rolled down Quetzalcoatl’s mane and in instinct, I bit down and curled my hooves tightly around tufts of hair. The wind blowing fiercely past me as the serpent began soaring through the air. I saw him barrel past Sharp Eye and Zalas, snapping at them before turning back around to face them. I held on for dear life as Quetzalcoatl’s surprising stamina and endurance kept the serpent going. Sharp Eye fired a volley of arrows, striking Quetzalcoatl a few times, but not slowing him down. Zalas flew next to us, the dark fog beginning to spew down over the serpent. I felt myself suddenly kicking off the serpent and flying away from Zalas as she aimed her staff and a gust of wind punched the serpent where I was moments ago. Quetzalcoatl roared and Din cackled.

Nice try, sister! Tired of getting shown up? Din taunted. Ventus’s annoyed tone echoed through my head.

Back off from the serpent! He is my prey! My vessel demands absolution! Ventus retorted. Din smirked evilly as Zalas swished her staff and was about to aim. But Din swished my head and fired a beam of fire at Zalas, causing her to aim at me and her dark clouds and winds collided with it. The power cancelling out and sending both of us away from Quetzalcoatl. The serpent took advantage of this and spun in the air, hitting us with his tail and sending us sailing across the island.

I tumbled through the air, yelling as I had no control over myself before crashing into the ground, causing a large skid grove as I was buried a bit into it. I heard Quetzalcoatl roar and began aiming up again, his fire spewing and beginning to swirl and form into a ball of fire. I heard screaming and sirens blaring clearly. I groaned and shook away my daze, looking around. Oh boy… I had crashed into the main plaza of Trottsberg. My body screamed at me as I tried to stand up, only to fall back onto my side and let my body tingle.

Tch. Sloppy, vessel! You’re lucky you are able to withstand even a slap like that from a god. She snorted. I groaned and put a hoof on my head.

“Everything hurts…” I rasped. Din rolled her eyes.

Ugh. Fine. We’ll recover a bit. That serpent needs to build up that power and I want to at least be able to make him eat it without killing ourselves. she hissed. I finally sat up on my haunches and sighed. What can I do? Quetzalcoatl surprisingly has a lot of endurance and magic to back it up. It took three of us to take him on and he’s still able to use that amount of magic. There has to be a way to get everypony to calm down and handle this civilly. Think, Fie, think!

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Thi Billette’s POV

I came to a screeching halt in front of the temple steps. I looked back to Cloudchaser and Flitter. Flitter groaned but finally came too. She looked around, rubbing her head.

“What… happened?” She rasped. Cloudchaser smiled and hugged her sister.

“You’re back with us. That’s all that matters.” She said. Flitter slumped into Cloudchaser’s shoulder.

“I’m so… tired…” she said. Cloudchaser nodded and laid her down.

“Just rest up here. We have something to take care of.” She said. Flitter shook her head and pushed herself up from the seat.

“I can walk… I’m fine… just… dizzy…” she said. Scribble and I exchanged glances.

“Might be a side effect.” He said bluntly. I shrugged and pointed to them.

“Listen Flitter, somethings… happened while you were unconscious. And we will explain to you everything. But we need to stop a bad pony from doing something worse.” I stated. Flitter gave me an understanding look, rubbing her neck. She must have felt the needle holes. Cloudchaser looked at her worriedly. Flitter then gave her a stoic nod.

“I… I can manage, sis. Besides… you can pick up most of my slack.” She said. Cloudchaser blinked before chuckling, wiping her eyes a bit.

“Yeah… I guess it’s my turn to return the favor then.” She said. I gave them a soft smile before looking ahead and frowning. The temple’s top was destroyed due to the giant serpent. And from the thudding booms from the distance, the primals were engaging each other. I hopped out of the wagon and withdrew my arc pistol. Scribble climbed out after and then Cloudchaser and Flitter. The place was barren. Save for the ruined tents and knocked over equipment.

Everypony must have left in a hurry from before. We carefully navigated through the wreckages, arriving at the foot of the massive temple. Scribble frowned and pulled out a rock from his pouch. He waved for us to gather before he dropped it at his hooves and crushed it. The ground rose and Scribble made a brushing motion on the ground, dragging his hoof over the crushed rock. We went sliding up the side of the steps. I whistled and grinned at Scribble.

“Bet not many ponies are creative as you.” I said with an impressed snicker. Scribble furrowed his brow.

“My colleagues were inventive in their own right. I was no different.” He said. I cocked a brow. Now that I think about it, we don’t really know much of Scribble aside from the fact he can skillfully use magic in a creative way, tends to be a stoic pony and really hard to read. Anytime we try to ask him anything personal, he only seems to tell us what we should hear. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. What is his deal? We reached the top in no time, the ground sinking as we transitioned to a trot. I held up my arc pistol next to me as I darted my eyes, taking in everything and looking for any sign of movement.

The entrance to the temple was blocked by the debris from the serpent. I trotted around the side and saw a hole that we could squeeze through. I tried my best to fit in, but unfortunately, any further was blocked by more debris. Cloudchaser was bucking the stones in an effort to dislodge something loose, but to no avail. Flitter sat by, rubbing her head. I then watched as Scribble walked over to the entrance and taking a rock, he tossed it up and reared back his foreleg. I gapped as he caught the rock in his hoof and punched the blockade. The stone shattered and flew away in pieces. Scribble shook his hoof before nodding to us.

“Ladies first.” He said. I shrugged and we proceeded to descend into the temple. I turned on my light spell and Scribble pulled out his ethereal reading crystal. It was glowing brightly and humming. He held it up and aimed the crystal in many directions, frowning. “I can’t tell if it is because of how spiritual this place is or that the primals were in here earlier. There is a lot of river flows in here. I can’t tell which one is strongest to follow.” I rubbed my chin and smirked.

“Try the weakest one. I’m sure Marrow Bone can manage that much.” I said. Scribble aimed the crystal slowly in a motion before seeing the glow flicker a bit. He aimed in the flickering area until he steadied it enough that the glow was dim enough. He pointed in the direction and we followed him. I kept behind him, using my light spell to shine the way. We arrived into an antechamber and looked around. The way forward was blocked again. Scribble tapped the rocks and sighed.

“If I blow through this, I’ll risk having us buried under here.” He said. “And frankly, I don’t have enough runes to bust out of here." I sighed.

“Marrow Bone has to be somewhere.” I said. Flitter motioned around the room.

“The temple is massive! She could be anywhere!” She stated. We then heard a distant, thunderous sound that shook the temple, causing loose dust to fall around us. I looked around and hummed in thought.

“Scribble. What if you concentrate your magic in the center of the rubble? Treat it like a breaching charge.” I suggested. Scribbled cocked his head.

“Like a timed controlled explosive?” He asked. I smirked.

“You said it yourself. You’d risk burying us. So why not just a concussive force of air?” I asked. Scribble rubbed his chin.

“Not a bad idea. But one problem. I don’t have any wind runes and all my supplies have been exhausted to the point I’m feeling lighter than usual.” He stated. I rubbed my chin.

“What if you make one right now? I can probably give you some of my magic to help.” I stated. Scribble arched a brow.

“No offense, but you aren’t talented in arcane. And even then, it’d require dust to use.” He said. I looked down and kicked the sand.

“What about sand dust?” I asked. Scribble scooped up a bit of the sand in his hooves and studied it. He cocked his head.

“It might work. But I’m still lacking ingredients. First off, I’m not artistic. Drawing a rune incorrectly will cause the magic to backfire or have unintended side effects. Secondly, I don’t have anything of magical use. My ethereal reader could be a conduit, but I’d rather not use our guidance item as a casualty of misuse. Thirdly, I cannot combine the dust on my current runes as mixing them in will guarantee a fizzle of the magic.” He explained. I cocked a brow.

“Annnnd? Anything else?” I asked. Scribble sighed.

“I could use the dust from a unicorn horn, but… that’s too dark even for me.” He said. I blinked. What did he mean by that? I hummed.

“Well, it’s not like you’re going to break my horn off. You just need to file some of my horn?” I asked. Cloudchaser and Flitter balked while Scribble shot me a glare.

“How can you be so casual about that?!” Cloudchaser began. I was about to say something but stopped as I completely forgot. These ponies haven’t experienced true horror. I grimly looked at them before sighing.

“Sorry. Just… a bit of a desensitization thing I have.” I stated. Hopefully, that was enough to convince them of my suggestion. Scribble shook his head.

“I’m not going to do anything to anypony’s horn. It’s like a unique print that identifies the unicorn. We have to try something else.” He hummed in thought before bowing his head. “There is… another option. But it’s also unpleasant. It doesn’t require a horn, but something else.” He said. We looked at him as he took a deep breath. “Blood. From a freshly cut wound.” He held up a hoof. “We, as ponies, are tied to the ethereal river. Our magic is drawn from it. It is the life blood of the world and in turn, it flows through us. Not many ponies know it, but even a foal’s blood is overflowing with ethereal magic. A scraped knee. A bite on the lip. Any trace amounts.” I smiled and whipped out the combat knife. I twirled it in my magic.

“I’m game on that option.” I said. Again, everypony gave me a look that I could only slump at. “What? Remember, Fie is out there fighting primals and we are stuck here trying to prevent a bad pony from doing anything worse. And knowing the big bads of the Triad. A fall into a chasm or an explosion from an experiment doesn’t stop them from coming back.” I explained. Scribble sighed.

“I don’t see any other choice. But… are you sure?” He asked. I smiled in reassurance. These ponies are too good for this world.

“Not like you need me to spill my guts. Just a quick poke of the blade.” I stated. Scribble shook his head before breaking off a good piece of rock from the rubble. Tested how easily it can break by rubbing it against his hoof before nodding.

“Now, I just need to learn how to draw.” He said, a hint of dread in his tone. Flitter reached at her wing and plucked a feather from her before walking over to us.

“I can draw pretty well.” She said. Cloudchaser nodded.

“Not Picarto savvy. But she has won several third and second place prizes in art competitions.” She said. I couldn’t help but chuckle. These two were quite the competitive pair. Scribble sighed and placed the rock down on the ground. He then attempted to draw a rune in the sand. The childlike design of what looked like a stick with a head. He motioned at the drawing.

“It’s circle, zag down, half circle to the left of it all the way around to the top of the circle head.” He explained. Flitter nodded and then looked at me. I smiled and flipped the blade before pricking my foreleg. A trickle of blood dotted out. Flitter hesitated before dabbing the tip of the feather in it and then began drawing the run on the rock. When she got the rune down, Scribbled took the rock and took a deep breath. He placed the rock in between a larger rock. Scribble then dislodged a smaller rock from the side and it crushed the rune rock underneath it. He then scurried away as the rock glowed and a loud crumble of rocks blew out into a hole, creating a crawl way. I whistled.

“Nice job, guys. Teamwork makes the dream work.” I said with a smile. I went in first. Better I take the brunt of whatever is on the other end. It led down to more steps. We descended the steps for what felt like a while, going through other rooms before we entered into a large and spacious room. I held out a hoof to my side to stop my friend’s approach and motioned down. The bridge leading to the center part of the room was gone. In fact, with the sun rays shining in, the room looked like it had something massive moving around in it.

In the center platform was a destroyed structure of something big. Cloudchaser and Flitter flew while I conjured my moving platform underneath Scribble and I, making our way to the structure. Upon reaching solid ground, I leaned down and examined a part of the destroyed structure. It had a strange multicolored paint design on it. Taking a better look around, it was safe to assume that this is, or was, the Sun Dial. Scribble blinked and pulled out his ethereal reader. The crystal was now floating, blinking and spinning rapidly. Scribble looked around.

“I’ve only seen it act this way one other time and that was on New Years.” He stated. “I don’t even know where the reading begins or ends.” We then froze as we heard something grunt from below. We turned and saw a hoof reach over and hold onto the edge. I quickly aimed my arc pistol as the face of Marrow Bone hoisted herself up and rolled onto her back, panting before transitioning into a gradual chuckle. My eyes narrowed as I could see a freshly made wound on the mare. Her scarred face was now burnt and peeling. She threw her hooves up and laughed.

“Ahahahaha!! Yeeeesss!! Such power! Such wonderful, wonderful power! Worthy of the Triad might!! I must acquire it! I must bring it back to Sonata!” She cackled. I didn’t skip a beat.

“Game’s up, Bone. Your plan has failed once again.” I stated. It took a bit for Marrow Bone to calm herself before she stood up and adjusted her coat. She grotesquely grinned at me.

“But alas, here I am.” She said. Cloudchaser got low, glaring at the mare. Flitter seemed to shrink back a bit while Scribble was ready to reach into his pouch. Marrow Bone chuckled. “Can you believe it? The power of gods! The power to command mother nature itself! Ancient magic clashing here and there! That lizard has been holding back on us!” She bowed her head, cackling. “A lizard! Ahahahaha! A griffon and a cat! A little pony! I wonder who out there can bear such magic now! Perhaps a snake! A bear! A bunny! Oh, just the thought of wonder and mystery fills me with glee! This power! We must obtain it! My queen shall rule this land with an iron hoof and the gods at her command! Our Supreme Chief! Ahhh, what a worthy heir to such power!” She had gesticulated and threw her hooves out as if trying to present something. But I wasn’t impressed.

“I should have done this long ago, Marrow Bone. You’re too far gone.” I stated. Without hesitation, I pulled the trigger and Marrow Bone’s laugh turned into a shocked gurgle. Her head thrown back and her body fell back into the void. My friends looked on at the sight grimly. I lowered my firearm and sighed. After all of those years trying to stop the Triad, I didn’t even think of how I’d feel taking out a major player in the organization. I had hoped that their own demises should have, in many times, do them in. But like zombies, you have to go for the head. I should feel relief. I should feel some form of liberation that I had just sealed the fate of a bad pony. But all that was left was uncertainty. My friends had suffered so much in the brief moments we were captured by them and none of it feels at all what I had imagined.

I looked up as the thundering sounds in the distance began to intensify and the temple began to shake. A distant roar ever getting closer. I looked to the others.

“Let’s go!”

---

Quiet Fire’s POV

I had sailed through the air, twirling multiple times as Quetzalcoatl snapped at me. The serpent was giving chase. I couldn’t believe how close a call that was. Quetzalcoatl had charged up a big ball of fire and was ready to toss it at the island. When I had recovered, I had met up with Sharp Eye and we proceeded to throw everything we had at the ball, hoping to make it too taxing on the serpent. It worked for a bit, but he still sent it hurling towards the island. It was thanks to Zalas and Ventus combining their powers to create a net and send it back at Quetzalcoatl. The ball erupted into a bright flash as the serpent took the full brunt of the magic. But ever the surprise, Quetzalcoatl seemed to be heavily durable.

He had glared at me and I took that as a sign to convince Din of another idea. Which was to flee and lure him into another trap. I felt myself being pulled this way and that, trying to keep myself leveled with Din’s flying. I was slowly starting to get the hang of it as we soared through the mountains. I looked back over my shoulder and gasped as I quickly brought my lower body up as the serpent narrowly bit off my tail. I then noticed that Zalas was still hot on the tail of the serpent. She rolled her arms and claws, throwing them out as puffs of dark clouds volleyed from her dark fog. Quetzalcoatl hissed and tried to flick Zalas, but she skillfully floated over it and Ventus's hoof shot out, punching the serpent downward. Quetzalcoatl roared as his body was dragged on the ground before coiling and lashing out. Zalas barely dodged it, retaliating with another punch of clouds. Finally catching my second wind, I found myself flying down and panting as I landed on the ground. The sweat dripping from me. I looked around and found we were back in the Marsh Lands. I took cover behind a tree as Zalas kept the serpent distracted. I groaned in frustration and punched the tree, sliding down it and slumping.

"What the hell is this bull!? Why is Quetzalcoatl so durable!?" I rasped. Din hummed in thought. She wasn't happy about it either, but her response caught me by surprise.

He's a primal. But he is not necessarily one either, is he? she stated. I blinked.

"Huh?" I asked.

I am hurting him more than I can manage. But it appears something is keeping him from falling completely. It's almost as if he's being spurred on by... something. She growled. It's infuriating how long this has been going on! I want my victory! I darted my eyes in thought. I peeked back out of my cover and studied the serpent. Something is spurring him on? I squinted my eyes. Scales, fur, wounds that are there but slowly... regenerating? I slumped. But hold on... something is off. Taking another look, I saw the harpoons stuck in his body. They were still trickling blood and the wounds weren't closing. I closed my eyes and concentrated. I reached out to the harpoons stuck in him and washed my magic over the area. I gasped as I saw a flow of ethereal magic spewing from him. His wounds were in geysers of magic. It was like a ball in a spider web high in the sky. But I could see some heavy flow of magic connecting to the Marsh Lands. I tilted my head, following one flow of magic down that was closer to us. I quietly crept through the dead trees and dried mud. I followed the flow straight into an open area where the trees were fallen and it was surprisingly muggier than everywhere else. I wiped the sweat from my brow before trotting over to the concentration of magic. There was something laying on a stack of fallen trees. I titled my head in confusion before reaching out with a hoof and brushing away the charred bark. I pulled out what looked like a wooden toy. It was a snake. The body was sectioned into small circles connected by what appeared to be string.

I turned it in my hooves, humming at the curious little toy. I then closed my eyes and washed my magic over it. It flowed strongly of a strange magic I couldn't make heads or tails of. Din hummed as well.

Curious. This kind of magic isn't physical or ethereal. It's almost... She gasped and began to chuckle. Well, well. Even natural gods have their own weaknesses. This should make it easier to strike down the serpent. I blinked quizzically.

'What do you mean?' I thought. Din smirked.

Just watch. I felt my body lower the toy down on the ground and I aimed my horn at it. I furrowed my look and a sphere of fire began to concentrate at the tip of my horn. I then flicked my ears, hearing something. I cast a glance as I saw a silhouette dash behind me followed by giggling. This also caught Din's attention. Feeling myself in control, I looked around. The toy then glowed brightly and a bright flow of ethereal magic washed over the area. It was like I had just stepped through time. The area wasn't full of dead trees or dried areas. There was water. The mud was wet. We were standing on top of a floating, circular area. In front of me was a shrine. It constructed of stone and wood. I then saw ghostly wisps float out from the shrine, one phasing right through me and causing me to watch it as the wisps gathered and split before me. In a flash, I saw several tall lizards, each with different fin types and war paint. They were bent on the ground, heads buried and reciting a prayer in a dialect I couldn't understand. The front lizard suddenly uncurled from their posture and threw their claws up in the air. From behind the lizard was a tinier lizard. A child.

I stepped aside as the lizard child shyly walked towards the shrine. They were carrying the snake toy. The child lizard meekly offered the toy snake to the shrine. The toy glowed as the waterfolk stood up and held their claws out to the sky. They glowed and I saw a flow of unusual looking ethereal magic wash into the toy. The toy snake finally dimmed as it now was steadily shimmering. The lizard child giggled before getting on the ground and bowing with their head buried slightly. I gasped as I turned around and saw what would have been the home of the waterfolk. Lizards chatting, children playing and the marsh lush with life. And just as it all appeared, it vanished, leaving behind dried mud and dead trees. The distant roar and engagement of Zalas and Quetzalcoatl snapped me out of my daze. Seeing green in the sky meant Sharp Eye finally caught up to us. I looked determinedly at the sight before scooping up the toy.

"Din. Get Quetzalcoatl's attention. Give him a little prick. And I mean a little." I stated. Din scoffed.

Hmph! I know what you are trying to do! I'd rather just burn the magic entirely! She said. I nodded.

"If I was any other pony or affiliated with the Triad, maybe. But I'm a Ponyville pony. And the one thing our community is good at is fostering friendships." I said. Din summoned her wings on my back and took off into the air.

Ugh. Fine! But if it doesn't work, I'm burning it! she growled. We got high up and leveled with the fight. I then aimed my horn at the toy snake and I saw that the river of magic began to turn a fiery color. It branched and spread like roots, finding the similar flow of magic. It worked. Quetzalcoatl suddenly stopped and roared in pain. Zalas backed off and I noticed her look of confusion. I pulled my horn away and the flow of magic returned to normal. Quetzalcoatl turned and spotted me. He hissed and started to come our direction. When he got close enough, I held out the toy snake and aimed my horn at it. Quetzalcoatl stopped and coiled in front of me. He glared angrily.

What have you done!? He rasped. I stoically stared at the serpent, keeping the toy in front of me.

"I wanted to get your attention, Quetzalcoatl. I take it you know exactly what this is?" I began. The serpent eyed me, a cautious look before softly nodding. I saw Zalas float down on the side of Quetzalcoatl and I. Zalas gasped.

"That... toy..." she began. I nodded.

"I think I understand how you are still able to continue on the way you are Quetzalcoatl. You love your children. The people who worshipped you in this marsh. They loved you too. Every day and night was a prayer to your love. You protected them. Cherished their gifts. The Sun Dial... it was your gift to your children, wasn't it?" Quetzalcoatl blinked and titled his head a bit.

What are you getting at? he asked. I looked to Zalas.

"Zalas. You look like you know this toy more than Quetzalcoatl does." I said, aiming the toy up to her. Zalas floated over to us, the dark fog retreating into her staff as she was now just floating with Ventus's wings. She tenderly took the toy into her claw and caressed her claw thumb over it.

"A pressssent for my daughter. Her faith in our god wassss greater than the tribe'ssss combined. Sssshe was going to be the next oracle to the guardian of the sun." Her claw gently closed around the toy snake and brought it to her chest. "Sssshe wouldn't sssstop talking about it. Sssshe would spend endless nightssss awake and practicing for when sssshe would finally meet... you." She turned to Quetzalcoatl. The serpent eyed her. "Oh, gracioussss guardian of our ssssun. Thissss was her gift to you. Her precioussss treassssure. I ssssaw it that day. Your love sssshining in her offer." She wavered and looked at the toy again. "Our family wassss blessssed. We held a cssselebration." She sighed. "Oh.... my beloved S'kal. I... I missss her ssssmile." She looked back at the serpent. "When I wassss ensssslaved by the ponies. I had losssst my faith after sssseing the Ssssun Dial activate. The Triad began to torture me. Ssssay you were jusssst a falsssse god. A blassssphemous disssshonor to their glorious Ssssupreme Chief." She clenched her claw around the toy. "Assss time went, my faith faded. I alwayssss quessstioned why you never came to the onessss who were sssstill loyal to you. Who faithssss never wavered." She held out the toy to him. "My daughter was sssslain by the Triad. I wassss captured. Our newly laid eggssss crusssshed under a pony'ssss hoovessss. My hussssband. Our great chieftain. Had esssscaped into your warming embrace. But why not S'kal?! Why not our unhatched eggssss!?" Tears began to fall from her eyes. "Why did you abandon ussss!? Why are we not allowed to return to our loved onessss!? I loved you jusssst assss much assss the ressst of my people! Yet, you grew sssilent!"

She grabbed her staff with her free claw. I instinctively floated in between her and the serpent. Zalas's eyes fell to me and a look of sadness washed over her. She tenderly placed her closed claw to her head, the toy snake dangling out of her grasp. Her shoulders shook.

"Why?! Why? Why can't I jusssst ssssee them again...?" Zalas sobbed. Quetzalcoatl seemed to ease now.

My child. I did not abandon you all. For a time, I had fallen into a slumber I could not awake from. A communion of the stars. He began. My duty to this realm is a duty to my children. To your happiness. Your Malik made a brave sacrifice to preserve and save this realm. He was awarded ascension for this act. Yet... I could not ascend everyone. Those that were slaughtered... it ached my very heart to see it all. Their souls... I can still hear them throughout this dead land. I nodded and sighed.

"I saw it all too. The moment I came into contact with that toy, it was like it held onto a memory of happiness from before. It... it survived the fallout because the love of your people was so strong. Quetzalcoatl, surely, you can understand Zalas's frustrations? She had no intention at first, but she's been enslaved for only she knows how long. Her faith wavered because you were indisposed of. When you came back and saw what has become of your people... you didn't go after them... because of what reason?" I pointed to the toy in Zalas's hand. "It's because of the spiritual magic still residing in this land. You could hear their voices. Heard their whispers and happiness. While you were asleep, that was all you were hearing I bet. It was so strong that you didn't hear their actual pain." I lowered my head. "When you woke up. It must have been devastating to learn what happened. How much you could have done if you had just been there a little earlier. Zalas." I looked to her. "The memory of your people still reside here. Their faith in Quetzalcoatl living on. If yours was added to it, then perhaps, maybe Quetzalcoatl could redeem himself? And you would be able to see your husband again."

Zalas and Quetzalcoatl were silent. I motioned to them both. "If we continue to fight, no pony will get anywhere. We need to work together on this. It's our duty as protectors of this realm. Your duty, Quetzalcoatl. I have no idea what the future will hold for us. But side by side, we can face that unknown together."

"She's right." a voice said. Sharp Eye floated down next to me and tipped her hat. "We all make mistakes. It's what makes us more than just gods or primals. We live and breathe the very air and land we protect. We cannot save everyone even if we tried. But we have to be our best selves in the end." She motioned to Quetzalcoatl. "A guardian." She then motioned to Zalas. "And a lost mother and wife." I smiled and nodded in agreement. "It'll hurt to accept the fact of the present. But it is okay to cry and deal with that frustration in your own way. Because the future holds a better tomorrow." Zalas darted her eyes in thought. She then turned to Quetzalcoatl. She looked past him and then floated down the serpent's body. She took her staff and waved it, sending out the dark fog to entangle the Triad harpoons. Quetzalcoatl winced as the harpoons were pulled out. Sharp Eye floated over and pulled out another one from the serpent. I went over to the one burrowed near the middle and I surprised myself by how easily I was able to pull out the harpoon. We all removed the harpoons one by one until there was nothing left. Every harpoon we removed; the wounds healed. I could see the flow of magic becoming stable. I nodded in contempt before flying back in front of the serpent. He seemed... pleased. When the last harpoon was removed by Sharp Eye, the serpent stretched and his eyes no longer glowed brightly. Instead, they retained a normal black slit. He hummed.

"The feeling of pain is gone... I feel like my old self! But..." he looked over the Marsh Lands. The valley of dead trees and dried mud with a muggy fog enveloping it. I can never return to my full self, can I? he asked. I sighed and nodded.

"It's a long road to recovery. But take it one step at a time and you'll be back up on your pedestal." I said. Sharp Eye scanned the horizon and smiled.

"Hey, I think I see Thi Billette and the others!" she stated. I blinked before gasping.

"My friends!! I nearly forgot about them!" I panicked. We kicked off from the air, leaving Zalas and Quetzalcoatl behind. I could see my friends pulling themselves out of the temple ruins. When Thi saw us, she grinned and waved.

"Took your time, didn't you?!" she called out. I landed deftly in front of her and smiled.

"You guys are okay!" I expressed happily. I saw Thi's smile become soft before it furrowed into concern. My own smile wavered. She turned to Flitter and Cloudchaser. Flitter looked a little pale. And Cloudchaser seemed a little... different. I don't know why, but I can sense something was wrong. Scribble looked exhausted more than usual, but he retained his stoic look, eyeing us.

"Where's Catlyn?" Scribble asked. Sharp Eye replied.

"She sat out on the engagement. Said she needed to execute her plan now that we were up in the air fighting." she explained, scratching her head. "I don't know what she means, but that was the last I heard of her before meeting up with Fie." Cloudchaser and Flitter walked over, the former pointing.

"What is that?" Cloudchaser asked. I looked back and could see Zalas talking to Quetzalcoatl in the sky. Their looks solemn and understanding. It seems they are taking that first step together in the right direction. I smiled and looked back.

"I'll explain later. But first, you need to tell me what happened while I was dragged out here." I said. My friends seemed to look grimly down to the ground. I arched a worried brow between them. "Did they... hurt you all?" I asked, my concern rising. Scribble closed his eyes in thought before speaking.

"Marrow Bone is dead. Thi finished the job." he said. My eyes widened and I looked to Thi, who didn't seem to deny it. Instead, she nodded solemnly.

"I... I imagined it differently. But... sometimes I guess life just doesn't give you what you want." she said. I looked to Cloudchaser who had a wing around her sister. Flitter seemed to hold her head with a hoof and shake it.

"Sis... I feel funny..." she said. Cloudchaser nodded.

"It'll wear off, Flitter. Don't worry. Just take it easy for now. We'll rest once we get back to the Lion's Mane." she said. Cloudchaser then looked at me and my eyes widened. Her eyes didn't seem to have that sparkle anymore. She gave a concerned look. Something in my heart ached. What happened to them all? I was about to ask them more when there was a loud boom from behind me. I looked and gasped, seeing Quetzalcoatl hit the ground and skid over to us. He came to a stop at the foot of the temple. Zalas descended from the dark cloud forming overhead and landed on the serpent's body. Quetzalcoatl was out cold. I then balked as I could see Zalas's eyes glowing. Primal possession. Zalas held up the toy snake and I watched as it crumbled and fell apart as she let go of it.

Finally! I took down that annoying serpent! Too bad, sister! Ventus echoed. I can't believe I forgot the most important part of being a bearer. Our elements can take control whenever they want. I grit my teeth and stood up, bringing out my halberd. Sharp Eye flicked her claw and her bow appeared in it. She knocked an arrow and aimed. Din sighed.

Well, so much for friendship. Good. I was getting bored of the subject. Din stated. I shook my head.

"Why, Ventus?! Was that just a game to you??" I asked. Ventus echoed from Zalas.

A game? More like a display of domination. Din is always talking big about being the apex as if it was some grand plan of her's! What's it like not getting that chance at all, sister? Ventus taunted. I cocked my head. But Din seemed to answer that question without hesitation.

Lux has too many over us. If it wasn't for my previous vessel, I would have been the top! But don't think you are comfortable because you took down a big ol' mean snake. When you can match up to Ouroboros, then you can come try taking my status away! she cackled. Ventus scoffed.

You?? Matching up with Ouroboros?? That's a laugh. She grinned. Din waved a hoof as she appeared and sat next to me.

I picked well this time. You'll see. she said with a coy smile. Leave it to Din to embody patience and impatience at the same time. Din seemed to vanish when I blinked. I looked back to Zalas as she held onto the staff. I eyed the skull. The dark fog was emanating from all of that. And it seems to have bolstered the power of Ventus by a lot. Zalas then put her staff out in front of her before letting go of it. The staff floated in front of her as she rose her claws to the skies. She floated high above the serpent and the clouds began to gather above her into a sphere. I slumped.

"Why are death bombs every primal's favorite choice?" I rasped. Din cackled.

Flaunting power, of course. she said. Great. Compensating for something then. I then looked to Sharp Eye.

"Together!" I stated. Sharp Eye nodded. "You shoot and I'll throw!" Sharp Eye cocked a brow.

"Not you this time? I just want to be sure!" she said. I nodded. Sharp Eye took aim and released a volley of arrows. A barrier of wind formed around Zalas, but the arrows seemed to pop into grassy roots that made holes in the barrier. I then flipped the halberd around and aimed it like a javelin. I then heaved it and it sailed through the sky, striking true. The tip of the halberd met the skull and in a bright flash, my halberd exploded and the skull shattered. There was a pained cry from Ventus as the clouds began to disperse and form back into the sky. Zalas started to fall but Sharp Eye flew up and caught her just in time. She flew down to us and we watched as the wind around us began to swirl and form into an alicorn laying on her side on the ground, panting. As if on que, Din and Gaia formed over their sister. Gaia studied her while Din grinned and reared back, stomping onto the side of Ventus, causing her to cry in pain. Din cackled.

"Next time you get cocky, know that I'm the best at it! I'll be the apex! Not you! Enjoy second place, worm!" Din hissed. She gave another good kick on Ventus's side before turning around and trotting this time in a huff. I braced myself, feeling the magma like heat course through me as Din retreated back into me. I was able to tolerate it enough but it still reeled me forward. I fell onto my stomach and breathed heavily. I noticed that Gaia sighed and shook her head.

"With none of the respect, you both need to grow up. I swear, it's like Tenebres had split herself somehow." She said. she then retreated back into Sharp Eye, who also braced herself. She blinked quizzically. She didn't reel forward or cry out in pain. She pat her chest in confusion before looking at me. I stood up and shook away my daze. Ventus groaned as she retreated into Zalas, who began to writhe and hiss, startling my friends. That seemed to wake her up as she panted and gasped for air. She clutched her side and growled. It took her a moment to sit herself up properly. She then blinked and looked over to Quetzalcoatl. She balked and stood up, limping over to the edge of the temple stairs. She held out a claw and realized that something was missing.

She clenched her claw tenderly as Quetzalcoatl glowed brightly and vanished. Or so I had thought. At the bottom of the steps was a snake, laying motionless next to a destroyed toy snake. Zalas descended the steps, her tall stature able to easily traverse the steps. When she reached the bottom, she knelt down and gently scooped up Quetzalcoatl along with bits of the toy snake. I exchanged glances with my friends before we descended the steps. When we reached her, she was holding Quetzalcoatl close to her chest and bowing, reciting a prayer.

We watched as Quetzalcoatl began to glow a bright blue. Zalas sat up and gently held the serpent high above her head. I shielded my eyes and stared in awe when the serpent flashed and dimmed. A strong flow of magic snaked high into the air and washed over the area. My friends gasped as the area began to change. It was as if color and life was melting into existence. Trees. Plants. Water. And the sound of an entire community of waterfolk chatting about. Their day-to-day routines being played out around us. Children playing. Hunters bringing back game. Gatherers crushing and mixing plants and herbs. Before us sat several waterfolk holding their claws high into the air, their mouths moving to recite a prayer. Quetzalcoatl glowed brightly and a giant, spectral serpent soared out of him.

It rose high into the sir, coiling before unfurling four sets of wings majestically, the clouds parting and the sun shined down on the Marsh Lands. The water sparkled and the spectral waterfolk scales began to glow along with Zalas. I heard a whistle from Thi as she looked up at the majestic, winged serpent.

“I’ll be damned. Almost how I remember it.” She said. Zalas stood up and watched the ghostly images of her people. She was smiling through her tears. We then saw a child run by the others, giggling happily. They phased through Zalas, her look of recognition as she turned to see us. In front of us a tall, muscularly lean lizard. He laughed as he picked up the child, playfully spinning around with her high in the air before placing her on his shoulders. They both laughed as the child showed off the toy snake. They then looked at Zalas and she fell to her knees. She reached out to them, but they turned around, chatting to one another in their tongue before slowly fading into bright, sparkling wisps. The area began to slowly decay and melt as the other lizards faded in the same manner as the other two. The giant, spectral snake began to fade as if being burned away.

No more laughing. No more chatting. No more prayers and work. Nothing but a barren and charred wasteland. I looked worriedly at Zalas, who was sobbing uncontrollably at our hooves. There was nothing else to be said. We stood in silence as we listened to the pained cry of a mother, a faith giver, say goodbye to the last memories of her life.