Discord's Game

by Scribblestick

Book 6: Cloudsdale

Book 6: Cloudsdale

“So you’re saying I wasn’t wrong?” Luna asked the stallion called Mezzo Tint. The gray earth pony had his blue mane styled into what had to be the worst mane cut ever, but it seemed he certainly knew how to do research.

“You were on the right track,” Mezzo Tint said as he showed Luna his notes. “It’s obvious there are more than two of these orbs, but they are powerful magical artifacts, as you said, and we believe they can be used to defeat Discord.”

“How?” Celestia asked.

“Of that, we are not yet sure,” Scrollkeeper said. “However, we have found clues. Several records speak of a spark of magic that can unlock the power of the orbs.”

“What kind of magic?” Luna asked.

“As far as we know, any kind,” Mezzo Tint said. “From what we can tell, these orbs will vastly increase the strength of any spell cast through them.”

“So, now we can use them?” Luna asked.

“Patience,” Scrollkeeper said. “We still don’t know what the six magics are. I do have a theory, but I need some time to confirm it.”

“What is this theory?” Celestia asked.

“Well,” Scrollkeeper said, “based on these two orbs you brought back, I believe–”

Scrollkeeper was interrupted by the loud slam of the door as Galeforce barged in, slightly out of breath. “You,” he said, nodding towards the alicorns. “I need your help.”

“What’s wrong?” Celestia asked.

“No time,” Galeforce said. “Village… under attack.”

“Attack?” Scrollkeeper said. “How? We still have two days before our month is up.”

Galeforce shook his head. “Not Discord.”

“Then who?”

Galeforce sucked in a couple breaths before answering. “Cloudsdale.”

---

“My pegasi are holding them off, but they won’t last long,” Galeforce said as the two alicorns followed him towards the distant battle. “Cloudsdale was the center of Equestria’s army, and these attackers have obviously been trained well.”

“How many?” Celestia asked.

“A dozen,” Galeforce said. “I recognize some of them, but most are new recruits.”

“Do you know what they want?”

“No idea,” Galeforce said with a shake of his head. “They were saying something about a red mare, but I have no idea what that means.”

As they drew closer, they saw that the Everfree pegasi were losing severely. Only three remained in the sky, and the Cloudsdale pegasi were making short work of them. One took a brutal kick to the head and went down like a rock. Two of the Cloudsdale pegasi grabbed a second by his front legs and forced him into a deep dive, slamming into the ground before making a sharp turn and soaring back to their companions. The last pegasus tried to lose his pursuers in the clouds, but one of the Cloudsdale pegasi began kicking them with his back legs, causing lighting to shoot out in random directions. There was a scream, and the last Everfree pegasus started to fall, his mane and tail trailing smoke.

Galeforce put on a burst of speed and caught his falling soldier in midair. “Hold them back!” he yelled to the alicorns as he descended.

The Cloudsdale pegasi started to pursue, but Luna cut them off with a dark blue bolt of energy. “Stop right there!” she shouted.

The pegasi scowled and made a hard turn, angling themselves to strike the alicorns at full speed. “Hold on, Luna,” Celestia said as her sister prepared to attack again. “I’ll take care of this.” The yellow aura burst around her horn as she tried to remember the little combat training she had. When the pegasi were almost on top of them, she cast a powerful barrier spell around herself and Luna. Half the pegasi were able to turn in time to avoid the magical wall, but the other half slammed into the spell head-on and fell to the ground, stunned.

“Six down, six to go,” Celestia said. Luna shot several blue energy bolts at their assailants and managed to hit two. Celestia took down another with her own energy blast, but the other three were just too agile. “We’ll have to get closer,” Celestia said. “You take that one. I’ll take the other two.”

Luna nodded and flew after her target while Celestia made a sharp turn and dove after the other two. They were flying just above the trees, and Celestia knew one wrong move could send her crashing into the forest. She quickly closed the distance between herself and the Cloudsdale ponies and shot several more energy bolts at them. One of them made a hard turn to the right, but Celestia ignored him for the moment. Let’s take care of this one first, she thought as she lined up her next spell. Then I can – “Ahh!”

Just as she cast her spell, the second pegasus hit her hard from the side, throwing her sideways into the woods. She felt the bones in her right wing snap as she slammed into a tree and hit the ground in a heap. She quickly got to her hooves, ignoring the searing pain in her wing, and scanned the sky for her assailants. The two were turning around and coming towards her. She braced herself and tried to think of a spell that would stop them. They won’t fall for the barrier again, she thought, but the pain made it difficult to come up with another plan.

Suddenly, a black blur shot across the sky and collided with one of the pegasi, sending him spiraling into the trees. “That’s for my soldiers!” Galeforce shouted as he banked hard to follow the second. The other pegasus looked behind him for a split second, and Celestia cast her spell. The energy blast hit him before he knew what was happening, and he crashed into the ground just feet from Celestia’s hooves.

“Tia!” Luna cried as she landed nearby. “Tia, are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” Celestia said, gritting her teeth. “Just a broken wing is all.”

“That’s all?” Luna said, her eyes widening when she saw her sister’s crumpled wing. “How can you say that’s all?”

“It’ll heal,” Celestia said, wincing as she tried to walk. She suddenly found herself feeling a lot more sympathy for her sister and her sprained wing.

They heard Galeforce’s battle cry somewhere in the forest, followed by loud crashing. “Get back here!” Galeforce yelled. “I’ll make you pay for what you did to my soldiers!” The crashing grew louder until a familiar, red-coated mare with a stained-glass window on her flank stumbled out of the trees with an angry black pegasus hot on her tail.

“No! Stop!” the mare shouted. “It’s me, Fireflash!”

Galeforce flared his wings and hovered in the air above her, a look of confusion on his face. “Fireflash?” he repeated. “The mare from Canterlot?”

“Yes,” Fireflash said, gasping for air. Celestia noticed the mare moved with a heavy limp and caught a glimpse of blood on her left front leg. “Please, I need your help.”

Galeforce took several deep breaths as he descended to the ground. “I see,” he said. “Let’s, um, find some shelter then.”

---

After some quick reconnaissance, Galeforce determined that the best destination was Grainthresh’s farm. After a long and painful walk, they arrived at the farm house to find Grainthresh and Color Wheel watching the skies nervously. The two immediately helped the injured ponies into their house while Galeforce explained what had happened. After some discussion, Grainthresh went to Everfree to inform the Security Council while Galeforce patrolled the skies in case more pegasi arrived. Meanwhile, Color Wheel set herself to bandaging their injuries as best she could.

“Hold still,” Color Wheel said as she placed a hoof gingerly on Celestia’s broken wing. “I need to set the bone. This is probably going to hurt.”

“This is all my fault,” Fireflash said, staring miserably at her bandaged leg. “They followed me here.”

“Why were they following you?” Luna asked.

“To keep me from getting here,” Fireflash said. “A whole bunch of pegasi attacked us during the night. I managed to escape, but they found me before I could get to the forest. One of them cut my leg, and if you ponies hadn’t show up…”

“Shh,” Color Wheel said as tears began to fall from Fireflash’s eyes. “None of this is your fault, dear.”

“Why did they attack you?” Celestia asked before stifling a scream as Color Wheel did something painful to her wing.

“I don’t know!” Fireflash said. “I don’t know what’s going on!”

“It’s going to be all right,” Color Wheel said softly as she wrapped Celestia’s wing with a white bandage.

“No, it isn’t!” Fireflash said. “They destroyed our shelters and took our food. Who knows how many ponies got hurt? Who knows what happened to Crystal or Dream Catcher or – or –” Fireflash’s voice gave out, and she broke into uncontrolled sobs.

“There, there,” Color Wheel said, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”

Right on cue, Galeforce pushed open the door and walked inside. “Luna, come with me,” he said.

“Why? What’s happening?” Luna asked.

“We’re going to Cloudsdale,” Galeforce said. “I don’t know why they’ve turned against us, but we’re going to find out.”

“Are you crazy?” Color Wheel asked. “You can’t go there, not after this!”

“We don’t have a choice,” Galeforce said. “If we don’t do something about this now, it will only get worse.”

“But what about Luna?” Celestia asked. “You can’t possibly–”

“I need her to accompany me,” Galeforce said. “All my pegasi are injured, and the Council won’t let me go alone.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Celestia said. “I won’t allow it!”

“When do we leave?” Luna asked.

“What?” Celestia stared at her sister with wide eyes. “No! Luna, this is far too dangerous!”

“If we don’t stop them, they’ll keep hurting innocent ponies like Fireflash,” Luna said.

“But–”

“I was brave when you left me,” Luna said. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

“Luna, wait!” Celestia’s plea fell on deaf ears. Luna and Galeforce had already walked outside and taken to the skies. Celestia tried to follow, but a stab of pain from her wing stopped her before she even left the bed. “Please,” Celestia whispered. “Be careful.”

---

Luna and Galeforce flew for a few hours in silence. At first, Luna tried to make small talk, but it soon became clear that Galeforce was too upset to speak. I can’t imagine what he must be feeling, she thought. Cloudsdale is his home, and now it’s turned against him.

“We’re almost there,” Galeforce said. Luna was glad to see his voice had lost some of its angry tone. “Pegasi are proud warriors, so be on your guard. Follow my lead, and everything should be fine.”

“Where is it?” Luna asked, scanning the ground for signs of a village. “I don’t see anything.”

“That’s because you’re looking the wrong way,” Galeforce said. “It’s right in front of us.”

At first, all Luna could see was clouds. Then she spotted a massive puffy white building and gasped. “You mean it’s actually made of clouds?”

“Sure is,” Galeforce said, smiling despite his anger.

“But – how?”

“Before Discord came, we pegasi were masters of the weather,” Galeforce said. “We built this city during the early days of Equestria, before we fully accepted the other tribes as our allies. Now we use it to make everything we need to manage the weather all over Equestria – at least, we did until Discord shut us down.”

Luna wanted to admire the cloud columns and walkways, but she knew there wasn’t time. The two flew through the city until they were stopped by a pair of armored pegasi. “Who are you, and what do you want?” one of them asked.

“My name is Galeforce,” the black pegasi said. “This is my companion, Luna. I’m here to see Commander Goldfeather.”

“And what makes you think you can just fly up here and see the commander?” the second soldier asked.

“Well, a dozen of your soldiers were seen harassing several ponies near Everfree this morning,” Galeforce said. “Seeing as they have been imprisoned there indefinitely, I thought Commander Goldfeather would like to know why his soldiers are missing and, more importantly, what they were up to.”

“We’ll be sure to tell him,” the first soldier said.

“I don’t think you quite understand,” Galeforce said. “These ponies’ actions constitute an act of hostility against Everfree, an act we cannot ignore. The Everfree Security Council has sent me to investigate under whose orders these actions took place so that we may take appropriate action.”

“What are you saying?” the first soldier asked, his eyes narrow.

“I’m saying you’d better have a good explanation as to why twelve of your soldiers attacked my village.” Galeforce’s voice was soft, but his tone was filled with pent-up rage. The soldiers backed up a few feet and exchanged nervous glances. “Now, will you take me to Goldfeather or not?”

After a brief, hushed conversation with his partner, the second soldier said, “Very well. Come with us.” Galeforce and Luna followed the two through the city. This is incredible, Luna thought. Despite the situation, she couldn’t help but admire the city’s architecture. How do they keep all these clouds together?

“Pay attention,” Galeforce muttered, interrupting Luna’s sightseeing. The two soldiers had led them to a large dome at the center of the city. Luna saw at least fifty armored pegasi flying into, out of, and around it. “That’s the Commander’s Hall,” Galeforce explained. “All of Cloudsdale’s leaders will probably be there.”

“What should I do?” Luna asked.

“Let me do the talking,” Galeforce said. “Goldfeather used to be my captain. Let’s hope he remembers me.”

Luna didn’t find his words very reassuring, but she kept her mouth shut as they flew through the dome’s arched doorway. A second door was set into a wall just inside, and two guards stood waiting. “These two have come from Everfree to see the commander,” one of their escorts said.

“What is your business?” one of the guards asked.

“I have come to determine the cause of hostilities perpetrated by Cloudsdale soldiers in Everfree’s skies this morning,” Galeforce said.

The two guards glanced at each other and then at the escorts before pushing the doors open. Galeforce and Luna walked inside. Six pegasi sat at a long table, arguing with each other. Rows of cloud benches ran along the perimeter, where dozens of pegasi had taken their seats and were watching the conflict below. The opening doors had drawn everypony’s gaze, so the two ponies from Everfree suddenly found themselves at the center of attention.

“What is this?” asked a bright yellow pegasi with a neatly-cut black and gray mane standing at the head of the table. His colleagues dropped their conversations and turned to look at the newcomers. “I specifically told you not to interrupt us.”

“Galeforce and Luna of Everfree, Commander Goldfeather,” one of the soldiers said. “They say our soldiers attacked their village this morning and have come to find out why.”

The commander stared at Galeforce with a frown. “Galeforce, you say?”

“Hello, commander,” Galeforce said. “It’s been a while.”

“Soldiers, you’re dismissed,” Goldfeather said. The two soldiers nodded and left, closing the doors behind them. “It has been a while, hasn’t it,” the commander said. “How long have you been living in Everfree?”

“Since I left Cloudsdale,” Galeforce said.

“I see.” Goldfeather rearranged some papers on the table in front of him as he sat back down, hiding the comet-shaped mark on his flank. “Very well. I suppose we should hear what you have to say.”

“Thank you,” Galeforce said, clearing his throat as he stepped forward. “As my pegasi were doing their usual sweep of the forest this morning, they came across twelve Cloudsdale soldiers harassing a farmer about the location of a red mare. When my ponies tried to intervene, these soldiers became aggressive and attacked them. By the time I arrived on the scene, the soldiers had severely wounded all of my pegasi. With the help of Luna and her sister, we subdued the soldiers and are now holding them in our custody.”

“I know nothing of this,” Goldfeather said.

“There’s more,” Galeforce said. “After the battle, we located the red mare the soldiers were seeking. She is a resident of Canterlot and a good friend of some of our citizens. She told us your soldiers attacked them last night, destroying their shelters and supplies and possibly wounding several ponies.”

The ponies began to murmur at his words, and Luna wasn’t sure whether they were more shocked, outraged, or curious. The ponies at the table began talking as well, though their voices were lost to Luna’s ears. “I see,” Goldfeather said as raised a hoof to quiet the crowd. “Is there anything else?”

“No, sir,” Galeforce said. “The Everfree Security Council asked me to investigate the matter, as your soldiers’ actions constitute an act of hostility against–”

“Yes, yes, I understand,” Goldfeather said.

Galeforce and Luna waited to see if he would say more, but the commander remained silent while everypony else continued to talk in hushed whispers. “Is it true that your soldiers attacked the Canterlot ponies?” Galeforce finally asked.

“Yes,” the commander said. The other ponies at the table glared at him, but he ignored them. “Four dozen of my soldiers raided their camp last night. There were a few injuries, but no casualties.”

Galeforce’s jaw stiffened, and his eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“That is none of your business,” said the pegasus sitting to Goldfeather’s right.

“Your soldiers made it my business when they chased a wounded mare into my forest and assaulted my citizens,” Galeforce replied.

“I regret that my soldier’s actions caused your citizens harm, but they were instructed to prevent any ponies from leaving the city, no matter what the cost,” Goldfeather said. “Now, I must ask you to leave. We have important business to discuss.”

“This is an outrage!” Galeforce shouted. “I demand to know why you have turned your soldiers against your fellow ponies!”

“You are in no position to make demands of me, Galeforce,” the commander said. “I am the leader of Equestria’s armies, not you.”

“Don’t you dare pull rank on me!” Galeforce yelled. Several soldiers drifted closer in case things got out of control. “You have betrayed your own kind, and I demand an explanation!”

“I do what must be done to protect this city and this country,” Goldfeather said, his calmness standing in stark contrast to Galeforce’s anger. “That is the only explanation I will give you. Now, I’ll ask you one more time to leave. Don’t make me ask again.”

Galeforce glared at the commander for several seconds while the soldiers inched closer. “I will have an answer, Goldfeather,” he said. “That’s a promise.” Galeforce turned and stormed out of the hall with Luna close behind. Before she could speak to him, he opened his wings and launched himself into the sky.

---

“Halt! What business do you have here?”

Luna had grown very tired of that question, but she did her best to hide her frustration. She’d lost sight of Galeforce shortly after leaving the dome and had been looking for him all day. “I’m looking for a pegasus named Galeforce,” she said. “He has a black coat and a blue mane, and his cutie mark is a tornado.” The term ‘cutie mark’ was unheard of among alicorns, but the ponies here tended to ignore her if she tried to explain it any other way.

“Haven’t seen him,” said the soldier in question. “What business do you have with him?”

“Why does every soldier in this city have to ask me what I’m doing?” Luna demanded, releasing a bit of her pent-up anger. “Can’t a pony fly in peace?”

The soldier scowled at her, but he went on his way. It’s like they think I’m a criminal, Luna thought as she looked around for any sign of her companion. Everything about this city is strange. A part of her wondered if this was what Celestia had felt in Las Pegasus, and she hoped this adventure wouldn’t end the same way.

She caught a flash of black out of the corner of her eye and turned to see Galeforce gliding past behind some pillars. She followed him to a small, well-guarded building, where he began to argue with the soldiers standing outside. After a few moments, the two guards stepped aside and let him in. Luna swooped in behind him before these guards could begin questioning her, too. “Galeforce,” she said. “Where have you been?”

“Blowing off steam,” Galeforce replied as they entered a small chamber. “You?”

“Looking for you.” Luna looked around the chamber, wondering what could be so important that it required constant guarding. The only thing in the room was a small black box sitting on a pedestal of cloud. “What is that?” Galeforce didn’t answer her immediately. He walked up to the pedestal and stared at the box for several minutes, lost in thought. “Galeforce?”

“A long time ago, a centaur tried to cover Equestria with an eternal night,” Galeforce said. “We pegasi fought him valiantly, but we were no match for his power. In desperation, we begged the unicorns and earth ponies for help, and they willingly came to our aid.”

Cleansweep told this story in Canterlot, Luna realized. What does it have to do with this box?

“The unicorns used their magic to seal the centaur’s powers in an enchanted scroll,” Galeforce said, as if sensing her unspoken question. “This scroll was in turn sealed inside this box with some of the most powerful magic known to ponykind. It has been kept here ever since under constant guard to ensure that nopony opens it unleashes its power again.”

“I thought you said you didn’t know where it was,” Luna said.

“I said I couldn’t say,” Galeforce replied. “We keep its existence a secret so that nopony tries to steal it. It is a reminder of the greatness we ponies can achieve, but only if we work together.” Galeforce bowed his head and let out a sigh. “Unfortunately, it is also a reminder of what will happen should our alliances fall apart. I do not know why Goldfeather attacked Canterlot, but it is clear that this city has abandoned all its allegiances to the good of Equestria.”

“There’s still time,” Luna said. “Perhaps we can convince him to join us.”

Galeforce’s gaze returned to the black box. “We of all ponies should know better than to betray our allies,” he said.

Luna returned her attention to the box as well. It doesn’t look very dangerous, she thought. Then again, neither do those orbs.

Orbs, you say? Oh, do go on.

Luna let out a small scream as Discord’s voice echoed through her head. “What is it?” Galeforce asked.

“N-Nothing,” Luna answered, shaking her head. “It’s nothing.” I must be hearing things…

Hearing things indeed, my dear.

Luna managed not to scream again, but she couldn’t help but scan the chamber for any sign of the draconequus. Where are you? What do you want?

Oh, just checking up on this artifact. Discord’s voice spoke directly to her mind, making her wonder which thoughts were hers and which were his. I can’t let something that powerful fall into the wrong hooves. The results might be hazardous for my health.

Luna had to fight hard to make sense of his words. You mean this scroll is more powerful than you?

Well, you didn’t think I’d just leave it sitting there if I could do something about it, did you? Discord’s laughter filled her head, making her wince in pain. I really hoped you wouldn’t find out about it, but I guess that can’t be helped now. Alas, my carelessness may have led me to my downfall.

Luna had to shake her head vigorously before she could form a coherent thought. What do you mean?

Think about it for a minute, my dear. You’re a smart pony.

I would if you’d leave me alone for two seconds. Despite her newfound headache, Luna tried to put the pieces together. This scroll is more powerful than Discord. Its power can be unlocked by opening it. Suddenly, all the pieces fell together. We can use this to beat him.

Oh, drat, you’ve figured it out! Discord’s loud sigh sent a new wave of pain shooting through Luna’s brain. I knew I’d been too careless. Ah, well. I suppose all that’s left is for you to open that scroll and become the most powerful –

Shut up! Luna covered her head with her hooves, though she knew it wouldn’t help. That scroll is too dangerous. Galeforce kept it a secret for a reason. I don’t know what it can do.

Oh, come now. You’re not going to let one pegasus’ opinion get in the way, are you?

If that scroll could stop you, he would have used it a long time ago.

Ah, I’m afraid only the strongest of ponies can unlock its power.

Liar! Luna gritted her teeth and tried to mentally push Discord out of her mind, though she had no idea if that was even possible. I don’t need that scroll. Tia and I will beat you on our own!

Celestia? Please. She couldn’t even beat a politician and a common soldier without somepony coming to her rescue. She doesn’t even trust you to do more than deliver food to starving ponies.

You’re wrong!

Am I? Think, Luna. With this scroll, you will become more powerful than even me. Think of all the good you could do with it.

I’m not listening to you!

Discord let out a grumpy sigh. Very well. It’s your eternal enslavement, I suppose.

Go away! Leave me alone!

Discord’s laughter left her skull rattling, but the draconequus finally fell silent. Luna cracked open her eyes to see Galeforce and a couple soldiers standing over her. Galeforce leaned over and looked her in the eye. “Luna, what’s wrong?”

“Huh?” Luna realized she had collapsed and shakily got to her hooves. “Oh, um, nothing. Just feeling a little woozy, that’s all.”

Before Galeforce could ask another question, they heard somepony shouting their names. The two turned to see several soldiers coming towards them. “Your presence is required in the Commander’s Hall immediately.”

“Why?” Galeforce asked. “What is this about?”

“You will come with us,” the soldier in charge said as the others surrounded the pegasus and the alicorn.

“Are we under arrest?” Galeforce asked. “If so, Cloudsdale law requires–”

“Commander Goldfeather orders you to come to the Hall,” the soldier said.

“I am no longer his soldier,” Galeforce said. “Unless you can provide a reason for this arrest, you are in violation of your own laws, and I am under no obligation to–”

“Galeforce, stop,” Luna said. “This isn’t helping.”

Galeforce glanced at the soldiers around them, who looked ready to drag him to the Hall if needed, and then back to Luna, who was still shaken from her conversation with Discord. “Very well,” he said. “I will come of my own accord, but I will expect an explanation.”

The soldiers said nothing as they led them out of the chamber and through the darkening sky. Luna’s heart began to race as they approached the cloud dome. What if this is a trap? she wondered. Can Galeforce and I escape with so many soldiers around?

There was no time to ponder these questions. The soldiers escorted them through the doors and into the dome, which was now packed with pegasi. The same six ponies were seated around the table, and there seemed to be a lot more soldiers hovering near the ceiling.

“Commander Goldfeather,” said the soldier in charge of the escort. Goldfeather looked in their direction and nodded. The pegasi backed away from the two strangers, though not very far.

“Galeforce, Luna, please come forward,” Goldfeather said. The security pony and the alicorn did as they were told. “As you both know, unrest has been stirring in Equestria,” the commander said. “It began in Everfree and has since spread to other villages, threatening the stability of our nation. If the rumors are to be believed, the cause of this disturbance is the news of two alicorns capable of overthrowing Discord and restoring order.”

Luna and Galeforce remained silent as the ponies began to mutter amongst themselves. “In order to maintain the safety and welfare of this nation, this council has reached two conclusions,” Goldfeather said. “Firstly, you two are to be taken into our custody until the peace has been restored, effective immediately. You will not be permitted to leave this city until this council decides otherwise.”

“What?” Luna cried. “You can’t do that!” She looked to Galeforce for help, but the black pegasus just stood there, waiting.

“Secondly,” Goldfeather said, raising his voice and hoof to quiet the crowd, “the village of Everfree must be put in its place. As commander of Equestria’s armies, I am ordering a full strike be made against Everfree to ensure the ponies there do not disturb the peace.”

“No!” Galeforce took off and flew towards the commander, but five soldiers were waiting to pin him down. “How could you?” the enraged pegasus screamed. “How could you turn against your own kind?”

“You are the traitor, not me,” Goldfeather said. “Your actions brought Discord’s wrath on Trottingham, and he will destroy everything we love if we allow you to go free.”

“You think he’ll leave us alone?” Galeforce asked. “You think he’ll leave any of us alone if we don’t stop him?”

“If we don’t put an end to this rebellion, our destruction is assured!” Goldfeather yelled, slamming his hoof against the table.

“This isn’t fair!” Luna shouted, but it was no use. She felt a hoof on her shoulder and jerked away, kicking the soldier with her hind legs. “No! Get off!” she screamed as several more grabbed her legs and wings. In desperation, she yelled the only thing she could think of. “What would your ancestors say?”

The soldiers paused at her outburst, giving her the chance she needed to slip out of their grasp. “What do you mean?” Goldfeather asked.

“Your ancestors,” Luna said. “Long ago, this land was threatened by a centaur even the pegasi could not overcome. Your ancestors called on the unicorns and earth ponies for help, and they came to your aid.”

“We all know the story,” Goldfeather said. “What is your point?”

Luna’s mind raced, trying to come up with an answer. “Your brothers in Everfree are asking for your help now,” she said at last. “And not just Everfree, but Canterlot and Manehattan and Trottingham as well. They answered your ancestor’s call in the past. Is this how you honor their legacy?”

The dome fell eerily silent as every eye turned to Luna. Even Galeforce stopped struggling to stare at her. She knew she’d struck a deep chord with the pegasi, and she could only hope it would be enough. “My sister and I can defeat Discord,” she said. “We can free you from his reign of chaos, but we can’t do it without your help.”

“And how, exactly, do you plan on doing that?” asked one of the pegasi at the table. “The unicorn’s magic pales in comparison to Discord’s power. Even the centaur wasn’t that strong.”

“Every obstacle is unique,” Luna answered, “but unity is the only way to succeed. If you are loyal to each other, we will drive Discord from Equestria. I promise!”

“How?”

A flash of light filled the room, and every eye turned from Luna to the air above her. A stone orb slowly descended until it rested on the cloudy floor in front of her. Luna stared at it for a moment until the muttering began anew. “This orb is the answer!” she shouted. “My sister and I have gathered four others from all over Equestria. Together, they hold a power far greater than Discord’s. With these orbs, we can set you free.”

“So, that is your plan?” Discord’s unmistakable voice filled the chamber and silenced the crowd once again. “My dear Luna, I’m so disappointed.” The draconequus appeared above the table, reclining on a puff of cloud. “You should have taken my advice.”

“Discord,” Goldfeather said. “This is a private meeting. I must ask you to leave at once.”

“Private? Half of Cloudsdale is here!” Discord said, gesturing towards the ponies crowded along the perimeter. “Besides, I want to see what you do with these little upstarts.”

Goldfeather looked from Galeforce, who was still pinned to the floor, to the ponies watching above, before his gaze finally rested on Luna. “I will do nothing with them,” he said at last.

“I’m sorry,” Discord said as he cleared an ear with a talon. “Are you saying you’ve decided to reject my offer?”

“The alicorn is correct,” Goldfeather said. “The ponies of Equestria have achieved the impossible in the past. Though I may not understand her plan, it would not be right for us to turn against our fellow ponies now that their hope has been rekindled.”

“So you’d rather see your precious Cloudsdale destroyed?” Discord asked. “Oh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I hear that scroll you’ve been guarding can be quite… delicate. I’d hate for anything bad to happen to it.”

Goldfeather shot a glance at Galeforce, who simply nodded. “I am the commander of Equestria’s armies,” Goldfeather said. “As such, it is my responsibility to act in the best interest of my country, and if that means sacrificing my home, it’s a sacrifice I’ll have to make.”

To Luna’s surprise, Goldfeather’s words were greeted with loud cheers from the crowd. My speech must have been better than I thought, she thought, and despite the situation, she couldn’t help but smile.

“Well, it seems everypony agrees,” Discord said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “I was looking forward to picking up some new slaves tomorrow, but I suppose it can wait until I wipe this city off the face of the sky.”

Tomorrow? Already? It can’t be! Luna tried to count the days in her head, but after everything that had happened, she couldn’t focus long enough to be sure.

“Then you’ll have to go through me,” Goldfeather said, crouching low to the ground. “Soldiers! Attack!”

Everything was a flurry of feathers and screams as every pegasus in the dome converged on Discord. The draconequus dodged and wove his way through the mob, cackling as he went. Luna wrapped the stone orb in a levitation spell and bolted for the door. I have to get this back to Everfree, she thought. We have to be ready when Discord comes!

Luna skidded to a halt as the doorway collapsed in front of her. “This is almost as good as Canterlot!” Discord yelled with glee as the dome began to collapse. Chunks of cloud rained down on the pegasi, knocking them around and injuring some. Luna could only watch in horror as she pressed herself against the wall.

“Luna!” The alicorn felt a hoof on her shoulder and turned to see Galeforce standing beside her. “Come on, we have to get out of here.” Galeforce kicked the wall with his back legs, creating a hole just big enough for a pony to crawl through. Luna followed the security pony outside and saw that Cloudsdale was already falling apart. Cloud pillars toppled into buildings while innocent pegasi took to the sky. “Fly that way until you’re clear of the city,” Galeforce said, pointing with his hoof. “Whatever you do, don’t wait, and don’t look back.”

“What about you?”

“I have something I need to take care of,” Galeforce said. “Land in the mountains and start a fire. I’ll find you.”

Before Luna could speak, the black pony shot into the air and disappeared against the dark sky. Luna made sure her magic had a secure hold on the orb and took off. She’d never tried to fly and use magic at the same time, and she didn’t think this was the ideal situation to learn how. Just fly above the city, she thought as she beat her wings against the cold night air. Once you’re clear of the clouds, you’ll have a straight shot to the mountains.

I’ll see you soon, Luna. The alicorn shook her head, trying to clear Discord’s voice from her mind. The pegasi may have bought you some time, but it will not save you or your sister. Soon, the both of you will be mine.

Comments

[Grif_Bladefeather]

honesty, laughter, generosity, kindness, and loyalty, now just need the spark and this party can begin.

[Starscape]

Ooh, this is where it gets interesting.