Ditzy Dream

WARNING

The following contains spoilers up to Chapter sixteen of the Dresden Fillies: False Masks. Unlike the first three stories this one is actually canon, and occurs concurrent to False Masks, giving another perspective on some of those events.

Ditzy Dream

Derpy Hooves was in love.

At least, she thought she was in love. She wasn’t really certain, because she’d never been in love before. Still, the signs from the romance novels she occasionally read were all there: rapid heartbeat, constant blush, anxiety, and the inability to get him off her mind. Clumsiness was another sign, but she didn’t count it. Derpy was clumsy all the time, in love or not.

It had struck like a bolt out of the clear blue sky. She had just been delivering mail on her normal route when he appeared. The window of Rarity’s boutique flew open and he stuck his head out, examining the street around him.

He was tall, even for a stallion, and his horn came to a wicked point. His jawline was hard and angular, giving way to leanly muscular neck. His eyes smoldered red-orange and his messy white mane stirred in the slight breeze. His scowl was heavy, but not mean, and Derpy wondered what could have caused it. He was the archetypical ‘bad colt’, but unlike most of them, he pulled the look off without even a hint of effort. As though everything she saw was just him in his natural state.

Without even realizing it, her hoof moved to wave at him. Mortified, she was stuck between two desires: both hoping he hadn’t seen her staring, yet wanting him to notice her. One of her two wishes was granted as he spotted her. His scowl vanished as he gave an amused snort. A voice from inside the building, probably Rarity, called out, and he disappeared back into the room.

Derpy’s heart thudded in her chest like a booming thunderstorm. What did his reaction mean?! Was… was he laughing at her? But his scowl had disappeared. Was he relieved? Did he think she was cute?

Of course not, her insecurities whispered. Even if he missed the eyes, there’s no way he’d miss the messy mane. Or the extra pounds from eating one too many muffins. There’s no way a stud like him would be interested in you.

You don’t know that! she argued. But all the same she poked herself in the flank, feeling a little bit of jiggle. It wasn’t like she was fat, but still she probably – no, definitely – could stand to exercise more and lay off some of the more sugary pastries.

The clock boomed out the hour, and her responsibilities came back to her in a rush. She needed to be going. Introspection didn’t get mail delivered or routes finished.

………

“I heard Blackstone is staying at the library with Twilight Sparkle,” Sugar Leaf said, too busy with her gossip to notice Derpy. Normally, being ignored miffed her, but she didn’t mind this time. Derpy wanted to hear what they were talking about, and speaking up would interrupt them.

Blossomforth rolled her eyes. “That’s old news. Everypony’s known that for at least an hour. I heard he’s a Prince from one of the nomadic Mustangian herds. And,” she added with a sly smile, “that he’s here in Equestria to look for a bride.”

Sugar Leaf frowned. “I heard he was the disowned heir of a Saddle Arabian sheik, forced to wander the world making his way with only his wits and his magic.”

Those were two of the more reasonable tales that Derpy had heard as she delivered mail. The rumor mill was working overtime in Ponyville, and its products ran the gamut from possible to unlikely to completely outlandish. Most ponies took what they heard with a grain of salt, at least. Honey Drop was the only mare crazy enough to believe that Blackstone was an inter-dimensional wanderer transformed into a pony for the purpose of sharing his wisdom − and passion − with the mares of Equestria.

Derpy suspected something far more ordinary was true. His rough appearance and air of danger probably came from exploring the badlands at the edge of Equestria. Twilight was one of the foremost ponies in the field of magical research, and he was probably conferring with her on some kind of ancient and mysterious artifact discovered during one of his adventures into uncharted territory. Blackstone must live out in the wild frontier, armed with only a sharp mind and sharper quips, escaping savages and defeating monsters with a single well placed spell. But the nights on the frontier were lonely, and no matter what artifacts he found, he couldn’t fill that empty place in his heart. Until, of course, he found the right mare. Somepony to brave the dangers with him. Maybe a pegasus. Maybe a certain gray-coated pegasus named−

“Derpy. Hello, Equestria to Derpy,” Blossomforth said, waving her hoof in front of Derpy’s face. The mailmare flushed in embarrassment as she realized what had happened.

“M-mail for you,” she stuttered, shoving a hoofful of envelopes at Sugar Leaf. “Sorry about that. I just zoned out there for a second.”

“Thinking about muffins?” Blossomforth teased, as Sugar Leaf rifled through her mail, checking to make sure that everything there belonged to her.

Derpy bristled at that, but she fought not to show it. Blossomforth hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings, though she had been insulting. Just because Derpy liked muffins − okay, loved muffins − didn’t mean they were all she thought about.

“Thanks for the mail, Derpy,” Sugar Leaf said tucking it behind one ear. All the letters had been correct; Derpy had made sure they would be. Still, her eyes made reading difficult and it wasn’t uncommon for her to slip up. “See you girls later. I’m headed home for the moment.”

“Why?” Blossomforth asked, echoing Derpy’s unspoken question.

Sugar Leaf grinned. “They say the way to a stallion’s heart is through his stomach. I plan to put that to the test.” She balanced her purchases from the market on her back and trotted off.

“Not a bad idea,” Blossomforth murmured, pondering something. “I think I’ll head home, too. Have a nice day, Derpy.”

“Thanks,” Derpy said, glancing at her saddlebags and thinking about the special muffin she had been saving for lunch. Sugarcube Corner always sold out of Double Chocolate muffins early, but thanks to her mail routes, she was always awake in time to snag one. Still, it wasn’t doing her waistline any favors, and Sugar Leaf was probably right about the fastest way to a stallion’s heart…

………

Blackstone was amazing.

Derpy had been in the market finishing up the last of her morning deliveries when it had happened. Rear Axle had lost control of his cart-moving spell and sent the entire vehicle barreling towards Blackstone and three little fillies. Everypony in the market froze with shock and fear as the fillies screamed. Then Blackstone had stepped forward, put a shield around the fillies huddled behind him, and smashed the dangerous contraption like it was nothing. He even seemed embarrassed at how thoroughly he had crushed the cart in defending them.

As the crowd gathered around him, everypony wanting to thank and congratulate him, Derpy slipped into their midst. She frowned as she saw Carrot Top bump against him a few times in the press, running her hoof across the new coat he must have gotten from Rarity. She would have thought better of her friend, but Blackstone didn’t even seem to notice. Then Applejack surged through the crowd, her little sister and Applebloom’s friends solidly in tow. She nearly tackled him in a hug, and for a second, every mare in the crowd bristled with restrained anger and envy. Soon, though, it became apparent they were friends − just friends, as far as Derpy could tell. The stallions and foals began to drift away, getting back to work, shopping or play. Some of the older mares left too, but there were plenty of young ones still hanging around. Everypony wanted a chance to introduce herself, but at the same time, nopony wanted to seem desperate or too forward.

Applejack left with a smile and a wink to all the hopeful mares. Blackstone seemed confused by her last statement until he turned around and saw all of his admirers waiting for him. Shock, then nervousness flitted across his face before he settled on resignation. He looked at something outside the crowd, before calling Roseluck forward and asking her something. Everypony waited anxiously as they talked. Bon-bon was practically dancing hoof to hoof as she nervously clutched a small bag, probably filled with her candy.

Roseluck gave him one of her roses, which he tucked into his coat pocket like a gentlecolt out of a story. Then Daisy offered him flowers, which he also accepted. That opened the flood gates and mares surged forward, each one pressing a gift on him. Derpy once again thought of the delicious muffin she’d been planning to have for lunch.

Who are you kidding? her insecurities asked. Roseluck is prettier than you. Cloudkicker is in better shape. Bon-bon is a better cook. Lemon Hearts is smarter. Lily is funnier. Blackstone could choose almost any mare in town. Why would he pick you?

Derpy wished she had a good answer for that, but she didn’t. So she turned and left while the rest of the mares were still busy plying Blackstone with their presents. Maybe she’d head over to the park and eat her lunch there.

Alone.

………

Somehow, Blackstone had pulled a vanishing act. Two days ago he had arrived in town, sweeping all the single mares off their hooves, then the next day he was gone. Derpy had heard there had been a fight between him and a bunch of out-of-towners at the library. She had also heard that the Royal Guard had gotten involved for some reason, because more than a few ponies had seen them arrive at the library.

Yesterday, there had been nothing. No guards, no Blackstone, no Twilight Sparkle or her friends. The whole town had gossiped and worried, but nopony had known anything. This morning, at least one of those questions had been answered. The front page story of Equestria Daily read, “Princess Celestia’s Student Kidnapped by Secret Society!” Derpy had slowly and carefully read over that title twice to make certain her eyes weren’t fooling her. It sounded like a tabloid article, but it would certainly explain where Twilight had gone.

She was halfway through the article when her boss, Boxy Brown, stormed into the employee’s ready room, his saddlebags overflowing with heart-decorated letters. “Attention, mail-carriers!” he barked. Everypony put down their breakfasts or newspapers and stopped talking. “Who in the nine pits of Tartarus is this ‘Blackstone’ character? We’ve got a ton of mail addressed to him, some of it directed to the public library, most of it without any address listed. Does anypony know where he lives?”

“I wish,” one mare said, tittering softly. Everypony else just shrugged their shoulders.

Derpy thought hard. She didn’t know for sure, but if her suspicions were correct…

Twilight had been kidnapped and taken away the same day that Blackstone had fought those strange ponies. He had been staying at the library with Twilight, and now she was in Canterlot at the Royal Palace. She raised her hoof.

Mr. Brown glanced quizzically at her. “You got a question, Miss Hooves?”

Derpy shook her head. “No. I’m volunteering. I don’t know where Blackstone lives, but I think I know where he is right now.”

Everypony seemed surprised at that, and a low buzz of conversation started. Boxy Brown, though, adjusted quickly. “Okay, good. While Derpy deals with that, I want some ponies covering her normal route. Wind Whisperer, your route is slow this time of year, I’ll need you to pick up this slack.”

“Oh, c’mon, boss,” one stallion complained. “Are you seriously taking her word that−”

“Yes,” Mr. Brown interrupted. “And unless you’ve got a better idea about Blackstone’s whereabouts, Derpy’s the mare for the job.” He turned towards her and his voice became admonishing. “But I do expect results. Don’t make me regret this.”

“No, sir!” Derpy saluted, transferring the copious amounts of fan mail into her satchel. Ponies could say what they wanted about her − and a few of the more insensitive ones did just that − but nopony had ever accused her of being lazy. If there was a job to be done, then she would do it.

And if it meant she got to see Blackstone again, that was just a bonus.

………

The security measures at the Royal Palace were surprisingly intense. Derpy had never delivered anything there before, but she had not expected nearly so much magical poking and prodding. At last, the guards were satisfied that her delivery was harmless and her employee ID was valid. They let her go with an apology for the necessity and directions to Blackstone’s room. That last part had caused her to flush slightly. His room. Oh Tartarus, what would she do if he invited her in?!

Wake up from your daydream, her insecurities told her coldly. Derpy pushed that thought to the back of her mind, but still her spirits weren’t quite so high as they had been a moment ago.

At last she reached the doorway, though she hesitated to knock. It was a little after nine, still early for some ponies. Yet, she needed to get this delivered so she could get back to her regular route. But her mane was a mess from flying here.

She had a job to do. Who cared about her mane?

Blackstone might…

Derpy nervously sought out a bathroom and did what she could to make herself a little more presentable. Five minutes later she stood outside his door again, but still couldn’t bring herself to knock. It took several deep breaths and what little ‘psyching-up’ she could manage before she gave three timid knocks.

There was no response.

Only the desire to justify Mr. Brown’s faith in her kept Derpy from fleeing. The guards had confirmed that Blackstone was here. She couldn’t let this become just another of her ‘derp-ups’. A slow breath, counting to ten as she did, served to calm her. Then, before she could think about it, her hoof darted forward and laid a firm, but courteous, beat on Blackstone’s door.

There was grumbling and groaning on the other side of the door. She had woken him up. Oh, Tartarus, she’d woken him up. She froze in shock, wings clamped to her barrel, which had the fortunate side effect of preventing her from flying away.

Eventually, the door opened and a bleary-eyed Blackstone emerged. He regarded her with suspicion as he fought back a yawn. “Yeah?” he asked.

“Good morning, sir,” Derpy replied, years of ingrained speeches saving her from having to think about what she was saying. “I have a delivery of thirty-seven letters from Ponyville for you. If you wouldn’t mind signing for them, I can be on my way and out of your mane.” Running on full autopilot, she even added a professional smile at the end.

He looked her over, glancing at her eyes, but not staring at them. He seemed to be evaluating her somehow. After a few moments, Blackstone shrugged and waved her forward. “Okay, bring it in. I’ve got a pen in here somewhere.”

Carefully not thinking about what she was doing, Derpy followed him in and sorted his mail out of her satchel. By the time she was done, he had a pen gripped in his magic and was finishing his signature.

“Thank you, sir,” she said, glancing down at her clipboard. Either her eyes were playing tricks on her again, or Blackstone’s hornwriting was terrible. His ‘Blackstone’ looked like it read ‘Harry Dresden’, whatever that meant.

“No worries,” he said through another yawn. Derpy turned to walk towards his open door, staring pointedly ahead. Nothing exciting had happened, but she was more than relieved that everything had just gone smoothly.

She should have known her good luck wouldn’t last that long.

What she slipped on, she didn’t know. Why she spun around to crash into Blackstone, she didn’t know either. How they had tumbled across the room together to end up with him straddling her in a position that would politely be called ‘compromising’, she still didn’t know.

Like always, she just didn’t know what went wrong.

Even then, the situation would have been salvageable. If only she had apologized for knocking him over, they could have shared an embarrassed laugh about the whole situation. But the weight of a stallion, the smell of another pony so close to her, the feeling of his hot breath on her shoulder all conspired with her ‘not thinking’ frame of mind. And the result…

“Please be gentle,” she squeaked.

Blackstone shot upwards like she had zapped him with a lightning bolt, slamming his head into the edge of the table above them. He started cursing in pain as Derpy realized what she had said. Her face flushed beet red, and she scooted out from under him in a panic.

Dear. Sweet. Celestia.

Had she just said that? Had she really just said that?!

She had, and from Blackstone’s reaction, she was sure he had heard it, too. Derpy was beyond mortified. She wanted to be anywhere – anywhere – but here right now. So why wouldn’t her wings work?

Blackstone finished complaining about the table and looked at her, a nearly undetectable flush coloring his dark cheeks. “I’m not−”

“I’m sorry!” Derpy blurted out, her eyes watering. “I didn’t mean to bump into you or fall like that or say that. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I know you’re important and smart and powerful, and I’m just me. I-I shouldn’t have come here. I’m sorry.” Derpy grabbed her bag and started to run, tears now flowing freely. But she felt a tug that grabbed her tail and pulled her back.

She turned, still sobbing, to see Blackstone look at her with sorrowful eyes. “No. I’m sorry. I know that I’m attractive, but I’m a book you can’t judge from the cover. You don’t want to obsess over me. It will only get you hurt.” Her tears slowed, as he turned from her, still speaking. “This isn’t a romance, and I don’t have a heart of gold beneath my gruff exterior.”

He shuddered. “I’ve done bad things. Things I regret. I don’t know you, but I can guarantee you deserve someone better. I’m not boyfriend material.” He gave a hollow chuckle, devoid of any mirth, and murmured to himself, “Just ask Susan.”

Derpy wiped away the tear tracks left on her face and stared at him.

Yeah, right. He’s nice enough to spare your feelings but –

Stop.

She looked at Blackstone with new eyes. He had power, knowledge, looks, and highly placed connections. But despite all that, she could see the same poisonous self-doubt in him that she had always fought. He wasn’t trying to spare her feelings. He honestly thought he was a bad pony and that she deserved better.

Derpy took two steps forward then wrapped Blackstone in a hug that surprised him. His back stiffened, though he didn’t fight to free himself. She just grinned and squeezed a little tighter, refusing to let the hug be awkward.

“You’re right that I shouldn’t obsess over you, but you’re wrong on everything else. Someday you’ll meet a mare who’s perfect for you. Somepony that’ll make you smile even when she isn’t there. I can tell that I’m not her, but don’t lose hope. You’ll find her.”

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and ran while he was still fumbling for a reply. In minutes, she soared above Canterlot wild and free as the wind, only her satchel and clipboard weighing her down.

Tears streamed from her eyes, and Derpy couldn’t say if it was from the wind shear or not. Maybe when she got back to Ponyville she’d see if Sugarcube Corner had any Double Chocolate muffins left. And maybe she’d see that cute clockmaker in line there. You never knew, after all.

Blackstone would find his special somepony; Derpy was sure about that.

Was it crazy to believe that someday she might find hers too?

Obsidian Journeys

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WARNING: The following contains minor spoilers for the Dresden Files up to Book Fourteen (Cold Days). This chapter is some slight backstory for Obsidian during the events of False Masks, and is actually canon to the Dresden Fillies. Shake well and enjoy.

Obsidian Journeys

Lord Obsidian Spire, the former Prince of Unicornia, shuddered as his heart beat within his chest.

What had once been a sign of life was now alien and unpleasant. The black vapor that coursed through his veins in place of blood surged at the call of the entity that had gifted Obsidian with his unnatural life. The various creatures that served the unicorn lich recognized the signs of his displeasure and scuttled away from him in fear.

His Mordite heart pulsed, sending vibrations coursing through his body. When they reached the bones of his inner ear, they became a voice that he alone heard. “Abandon your search for now. I have another task for you.”

Loathing rushed through him. Once, he could have refused that command. Once, he would not have even heard it. But with each new life, each new body, he fell more and more under the Walker’s sway. “Do you wish that I return to the Gates? I already have sentries waiting there should any part of their defense weaken,” he replied stiffly. The sound of his words resonated in his chest, reaching his heart − and through it his master.

“No. An opportunity has arisen elsewhere. A door was opened to the world of your birth, and I discovered something very interesting.” The voice turned hard, and pain − another almost-forgotten sensation − swept through Obsidian. “Why did you never tell me that the Banished Sisters had settled in your world?”

Nausea gripped Obsidian in addition to the torment wracking his body. “I don’t know them!” he forced out, straining against his treacherous heart. He cast his mind back, remembering what little he knew of Equestria from each of his returns. “You mean the Royal Sisters?” he guessed. “How do you know of them? Alicorns are native to my world, and uncommon even there.” The pain ended, and Obsidian staggered upright with a gasp. Old hatred flared within him at such treatment.

“Of course you would be blind to the truth,” He Who Walks Behind mused.

“The truth?” Obsidian asked. “They were strong, yes, but I have killed alicorns before. I even stole the magic of one and bound it within an amulet. Why do those two concern you?”

“It is not your concern. That was not the opportunity to which I referred. The Starborn has left his world for theirs.” Knowledge of an alien world and the path to it entered Obsidian’s mind like pickaxe driven into his skull. He bit back a howl of pain, gritting his teeth hard enough to chip a few of them. “Visit it. There will be someone to help you cross over at the specified place. The Gatekeeper and other, lesser wizards will confront you. Kill them, but let one of his mages survive to tell the tale. I want the Starborn to know that you did this.”

“And what will I get in exchange?” Obsidian asked. Without warning he was immersed in enough agony to make his earlier torment seem like a mild ache. Minutes or hours passed; time was lost to Obsidian as his mind was occupied with pain. Eventually, the torture stopped, and he dropped to the ground like a discarded toy.

For a few minutes, he only lay still. Then, hurt but undaunted, Obsidian spoke again. “For centuries I have searched the Astral Plane for my world so that I may take my birthright. I have assaulted the Outer Gates at your command, fought the Gatekeeper time and time again, and died many deaths for your cause.” He struggled to his hooves, refusing to show weakness even before a power that could crush him. “If I do this, you must guide me to my world. No longer will I wander this benighted place.”

Obsidian braced himself, but the pain did not come. “I could erase you this second,” He Who Walks Behind stated. Not threateningly, but as though explaining a simple fact to a slow student. “I could drown you in pain and give you an eternal punishment that even the most damned of souls would shudder at. Would you still seek to defy me?”

“You could, but if you do,” Obsidian replied. “You lose one of your finest pawns.”

Obsidian’s heart rumbled with laughter. “Hardly my finest, yet you are not without use. The Sisters have guarded their new home well, and another opened the door to me, so I still do not know its exact location. But I can give you knowledge that may lead you to your world. Of course, only once I am satisfied will I share it.”

Obsidian’s muscles spasmed and twitched, his long-dead nerves on fire. He fell to the ground and writhed there, helpless to stop something far worse than mere pain. His heart beat in a frenzied rhythm, sending waves of acid washing through his veins. Obsidian gasped and choked, primal fear eclipsing any other emotion he might have felt. When it was over, however long that took, he was frozen in shock, paralyzed with terror. For the briefest of moments, He Who Walks Behind had connected their minds, and Obsidian had gotten his first true look at the master he had served for so long.

“But remember,” the voice whispered possessively. Obsidian could almost imagine dark tendrils twining around his form as He Who Walks Behind spoke. “You are mine, and even a useful tool will be unmade if it refuses the master’s hand. Do you understand?” It was a long time before any response came.

“Yes,” Obsidian whispered, burning with fear and hatred.

At last his heart slowed and stopped. The connection between them was severed, for now. Slowly, he rose to his hooves, carefully testing every part of his body. There were no wounds, which only made sense. He Who Walks Behind would not damage his tools before setting them to their work.

Obsidian barked an order, his voice reaching far and wide. Creatures of every description – most of them predators and parasites of one sort of another – assembled before him, twitching nervously. He inspected his demonic horde carefully, checking that none had run away during his episode. Those who did would be hunted down and killed before any other move was made. It was an excellent way to vent one’s spleen, and Obsidian was in dire need of such an activity at the moment. However, there were no deserters this time. He would have to relieve his stress another way.

He reviewed his troops again, disregarding any that were especially valuable for their intelligence, strength, ferocity, or other attribute. Eventually, he settled upon a creature that looked like a stick insect mixed with a praying mantis. It was made crystal and chitin, and the anticipation of that material breaking under his hooves calmed his nerves considerably. “You,” he said, dragging the demon forward with an ebony aura. It screeched in fear as the rest of his creatures closed ranks, preventing any sort of escape.

Obsidian’s aura disappeared, and the stick-mantis rose to its considerable height, some fourteen or so feet. Obsidian waited patiently until it was ready. The lesser demon glanced behind itself at the nearly silent crowd. Hopefully, it would know better than to try running. He began with a light beam of magic, enough to hurt and enrage without dealing any real damage.

The lesser demon hissed and screeched, but refused to be goaded. Obsidian shot another, then another beam, each one a little more powerful than the previous. The mantis dodged the second and third, skittering in a quick zigzagging pattern, but Obsidian tracked its motions and scored a direct hit on the fourth. It screeched again, but this time the fear was tinged with more anger. Good. It wasn’t any fun until they fought back.

Obsidian charged, roaring as he did so. The mantis flinched but stood its ground against him. The moment he came within its considerable reach, it struck out with barbed and hooked claws. Those long legs allowed it to attack from half a dozen different angles. A shield spell guarded his left side, and he stabbed out with a needle thin lance of energy on the right. Two of those limbs withdrew quickly, but the third wasn’t fast enough and snapped like glass at the second joint.

A pillar of crystal and stone shot upwards from the ground, hoping to catch him by surprise. As though he hadn’t seen that coming. Never pausing, he leapt over the attack and body-checked the mantis demon. Once, he could not have done that, but his resurrections within the Astral Plane had changed him. He was a head again taller than his original body, and had been gifted with a wider, stronger build. The spiral in his horn was no longer delicate fluting, but a trench more similar to the blood groove of a sword. His mane and tail had changed into living flames, cool to his own skin, but blisteringly hot to any other. Predatory fangs sprouted in his mouth, and the hairs of his coat were covered in hooks and barbs like the skin of a shark.

Waiting patiently for the mantis to rise again was difficult, but he forced himself to do it. Once the lesser demon had staggered upright, it let out a hiss of rage and rushed him without reservation. This time, it feinted right, then twisted and threw several stabs from the left. The shield spell Obsidian used was a version of his own devising. Instead of starting from one point and spreading outward, it started from six separate points that each bloomed toward one another. It wasn’t nearly as fast as a simple shield, but that was part of its purpose. His enemies had just enough time to thrust at him before his shield closed like a vise on their limb or weapon. Crystal and chitin splintered and broke as the fields of energy sheared off five stick-thin arms. The mantis screeched in pain. Obsidian smiled as some of its ichor splattered on him. Dismissing the shield, he strode forward, no longer bothering to hurry.

The crowd roared in approval and his creatures beat their chests or carapaces or whatever they possessed, egging him on to the finale. The mantis tried to move, but it had lost too many limbs. One or two desultory attacks were deflected with minor bits of telekinesis. A jet of acid sprayed towards his face, but a quick wind spell hurled it back into the lesser demon’s mandibles. Its hisses turned soft and garbled as the caustic liquid ate away at its mouthparts. Obsidian grinned, knocking aside the last feeble attempts to harm him. The last of its resistance broken, he settled in to finish it off with his bare hooves.

Long ago, he would have considered such a brutal way of fighting beneath him, fit only for mud ponies and half-bird freaks. Time had changed his tastes considerably, and defeating an opponent in such a visceral manner was one of his few joys these days. Crystal cracked and chitin shattered beneath his hooves long after the cries of pain had died off. His own followers had grown silent in that time, the more intelligent among them cognizant that they could have just as easily been the one he chose.

An imperious hoof tap brought forth a furry hide, which Obsidian used to wipe off the worst of the ichor that covered him. There were no fine linens or towels in these hinterlands, but the hide did its job well enough. Once clean enough, he stabbed one hoof towards the tree line of a distant forest that bordered the moors they currently roamed.

“We march!” he roared to his creatures, and they howled, screeched, and grunted their approval in reply. The scouts loped or flew ahead and the rest shambled back to gather the few items and food of their primitive encampment. Obsidian considered their numbers. He had a few dozen at the moment, neither the least nor the most he had ever commanded. It should be enough. Far from the Gates, the Gatekeeper would lose the bulk of his strength. The clever old ape would still be a force to contend with − the lich was not so foolish as to belittle his enemy’s abilities − but it would be manageable.

His palanquin came forward, carried on the shoulders of his most brutish demons. He teleported on top of it and began to plan strategy. With any luck, they would find a few demons that could be pressed into service on their way to this world. These wild places were full of freaks and monsters that were neither strong enough to claim their own territory nor attached to any of the civilizations of the Astral Plane. Still, he could not plan to gain any more than a hooffull of followers.

The Gatekeeper should be able to sense his presence and his alone. The old ape might bring a small group with him, counting on speed and surprise over pure strength. Such a group could be easily overwhelmed. However, the Gatekeeper might choose to marshal an army and march in full strength. In either case, Obsidian needed an isolated country; one that would be difficult to approach unseen, but not so empty that he could not hide his own troops.

Should the Gatekeeper attempt a surgical strike, Obsidian would act as bait and his demons would flank the wizards, cutting off retreat and their heads. Should an army threaten them, Obsidian would merely retreat from that field, having the more maneuverable force. From there, he could assault unfortified towns and such. It would be simple to wreck them, slaughter the population and move on to the next before the Gatekeeper’s army could pin him down. The Gatekeeper’s soft heart would force him to garrison those towns against such attacks, and then… Well, it was best to keep such plans fluid for now.

Time worked strangely within the Astral Plane, and not even centuries of life here had fully adjusted Obsidian to its whims. All too soon, they reached the indicated point, having met little in the way of resistance on their way here.

The Way was being held open by another ape. This one was lean and wolfish, a predatory glint in his eyes. He was not as tall as the Gatekeeper, but Obsidian had seen few of these ‘humans’ that were. Stepping from the Astral Plane into a real world again was strange yet familiar, like using a spell he had memorized long ago for the first time in decades. A tingle washed over him, and his body shivered at the life of this new world. Once he was through, and satisfied that his warriors would survive the transition, he waved them on. One by one, with growls and curses and shoving, they filed through.

They were somewhere in the mountains, thick coniferous trees filling the valley around them. Knife-edge ridges stretched towards the sky, and though the season appeared to be late spring or early summer, there was still a chill in the air. The first step to a successful campaign, as his tutors had told him so long ago, was knowledge about the field of battle. Obsidian turned to the native of this world to extract exactly that. “Greetings, I am Lord Obsidian. Have you been told of my purpose here?”

The ape reacted calmly to him, though Obsidian could sense an undercurrent of fear in his posture. Those small eyes paled slightly, fading from light blue towards a more silver color. “I was merely instructed to open the Way for you by my Master, but he did tell me to render any reasonable aid necessary. You may call me Malvora.”

“Very well, Badeater,” Obsidian said, ignoring the glare from the ape. Just like the mud ponies and half-birds, his kind would know their place soon enough. “Do you have maps of this area?” The ape did, proving his limited worth.

Obsidian took them along with a compass made of an unfamiliar material. From there he began to plan. The country appeared perfect for his purposes, plenty of cover but limited means of entry. True, this area lacked any towns, but ‘British Columbia’ to the south seemed to have enough, should an army move against him. His strategy soon secure, all he had to do was wait.

It was only a day later when his scouts reported the Gatekeeper’s presence. He had taken the bait and brought a laughable number of his fellow apes to confront somepony of Obsidian’s power. A mere four had entered the valley, two of them without the slightest aura of magic. Of course there would be other wizards with them, hidden somehow, but it would not have been possible to smuggle more than eight or ten of them without notice.

The course from here was simple. Obsidian would confront the four of them and wait until they sprung their trap before revealing his own. Orders were sent to his creatures, which concealed themselves. Obsidian chose to wait at the end of a large clearing he had prepared. The ground had been razed down to the bedrock and every piece of cover eliminated. They would have to face him here, upon the field of his choosing, or he would simply set fire to the forest and laugh as they burned.

The Gatekeeper was the first to emerge from the concealment of the trees, three apes following his lead. They were shorter than him, but each of them was a brawny specimen. The shorter mage was a wizard of no small means, but a puppy compared to the lich he faced now. The other two were mere mortals, and carried themselves as such. One was dressed in shining armor with a sword slung from his belt, for all the good such toys would do. The other, darker ape carried not only a sword, but a sort of compact crossbow called a ‘gun’. Badeater had explained such armaments before leaving, but Obsidian had no doubt that he could curse such a thing into useless scrap before a single ‘bullet’ could be fired at him.

“Obsidian,” the Gatekeeper said, sounding tired. Obsidian grinned. So much was always hidden beneath that hood, but he could read the age and weariness in the clever old ape’s voice. In some ways, time was Obsidian’s finest weapon, as it ground all but him into dust.

“Lord Obsidian,” he corrected, as the other three flinched at the sound of his voice. “Four little apes are all you brought? Has age enfeebled your mind, or dulled your senses?”

“I am fine, thank you for asking,” the Gatekeeper replied with the barest hint of humor in his voice. “Years of fighting, and finally we come to our last battle. How many times have I killed you before?”

“Do you forget my title, ape? Have you forgotten that I am Obsidian the Undying!? This will be our last battle, but this time, victory shall be mine. We are far from your precious Gates, and the faeries cannot save you here.” He drew upon his power and darkness swelled around him. “This ends today!”

“So it does,” the Gatekeeper said quietly, power thrumming in the air around him. “At whatever cost, this chapter closes.” Obsidian knew the cost. It would be measured in the blood and bones of these apes.

And then the magicless humans drew their swords, unleashing a light so pure that it was painful. Shading his eyes against the glare, Obsidian began to wonder if he had made a mistake.

Ruined Utopia

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Ruined Utopia

Author: psychicscubadiver
Editor: Silentcarto
Pre-reader: Coandco

“Our mages have issued their report on the Conversion Project, your Highness.”

Princess Celestia nodded regally, her calm mask betraying little of her underlying excitement. “And the results?”

The messenger scanned down the scroll and broke into a smile. “A perfect transformation. Every one of the test humans have become healthy Equestrian citizens. The doctors want to wait a few days, run some more tests, and confirm that the process is completely safe, but they are being very hopeful about the results.”

Princess Celestia allowed herself a small smile. At last, after years of planning, she could begin the purification of this world. When the professors of her academy had first approached her with a spell capable of reaching other worlds almost a decade ago, she would never have believed it would have come to this. Yet, after seeing the downtrodden realm of the humans, her heart had been moved. It was her – no, all of Equestria’s − duty to bring enlightenment to such creatures.

The messenger continued reading. “They would like more subjects for testing, to confirm and perfect the process.”

Princess Celestia flinched internally, though the emotion never made it to her face. She had wanted to perform testing only on those humans who were already near death, so that if the potion failed, nothing was truly lost. However, her mages insisted that they needed healthy subjects. It was with a heavy heart that she had granted their requests. It was a sacrifice that could never be repaid, but would always be remembered. “Very well. Tell Lt. Shade to retrieve the lowest estimate of humans the doctors say they need. He should only take those without homes or family that would miss them.”

Though they didn’t know it yet, those humans would pave the way for a better tomorrow. Her heart soared as the future unfolded before her eyes. It would be the work of years, maybe even decades, but eventually she would transform these creatures into pure-hearted Equestrian citizens. Against their will, if necessary, but she devoutly hoped it would never come to that. She didn’t pretend that the task would be easy, but she and her country were more than equal to whatever obstacles would appear.

Before her messenger could continue, the great doors of her throne room were thrown open in panic. “Your Highness!” bellowed a guard as he charged towards her, performing only the barest minimum of a proper bow. “Your Highness, there is a human at the gates!”

Princess Celestia carefully concealed her slight irritation. Her guard was running as though Discord himself was on his tail. True, it was disconcerting that a human had found the island, as it should be invisible to both man and machine, but such theatrics were an overreaction. “Have you taken them into custody yet?”

The guard flinched at the question, but stammered out his reply. “I-I’m sorry, but we tried to. He shattered our weapons and froze our hooves to the ground with a single spell. He let me go to tell you that he is the Emissary of Queen Mab, and that his liege instructed him to secure an audience with you immediately.”

“He did what?” Princess Celestia asked in shock, but she quickly schooled her face into a blank mask. She had thought humans to be magicless, dependent upon their technology. She had evidently been wrong. Still, there was no reason to assume the worst. “Very well, then. Bring this human before me.”

………

Twenty minutes later, a knock came at the door of the throne room. A herald stepped forth to announce their ‘guest’. Celestia saw no harm in giving the human proper diplomatic concessions. She had hoped to delay a formal first contact for several more weeks, but perhaps she could still salvage something from this unexpected turn of events. The revelation that humans had magic was the more important consequence.

Still, she did have to wonder about this Queen Mab. From what she had learned of human governments, few of them were ruled by monarchs. More often, squabbling and ineffectual groups of politicians guided the countries of this world. The nations that still had royalty had reduced them to little more than figureheads. It was possible that this Queen Mab was another figurehead, but Celestia doubted it. Her messenger had spoken of being her emissary, not the emissary of his country. If this meeting went well, she could be seeing her first group of converts to the Equestrian cause, though she would be satisfied with a polite exchange of formalities.

“Announcing the Knight of Winter, former Warden of the White Council, Za Lord of the Lesser Fae and… ” the herald sputtered a bit, but continued reading the titles the human had given him, “the Once and Future Burger King, Harry Dresden. He is here on behalf of his Mistress, the Queen of Air and Darkness, Ruler of the Unseelie Fae, and Monarch of Winter, Queen Mab, to entreat with Equestria’s reigning Princess, the Unconquered Daystar, the Bringer of Dawn, the Unwavering Light, the Sovereign of all Equestria, the Eldest and Greatest of the Alicorns, the−”

“The modest, the humble,” murmured a voice from beyond the closed doors. Celestia’s supernatural hearing barely caught the quiet words, but she could still read the amused sarcasm in the speaker’s voice.

“− Princess Celestia!” the herald finished as the doors were swept open. The human strode forward as though he owned the palace, and Celestia got her first look at him. He was tall, even for a human. Their bipedal structure put many humans on Princess Celestia’s eye level, but this one exceeded her height by several inches, nearly reaching seven feet. He was thin as well, all of his features sharp and angular. A strong chin was covered in thin stubble which extended up to his high cheekbones. Small, dark eyes glimmered with interest as he inspected her in return. He carried a carved oaken staff almost as tall as himself in one hand. Unknown symbols covered its surface, lending it an exotic appearance. His clothing was unremarkable except for his long coat of black leather. Both the coat and staff buzzed with magic, but neither was half as strong as the man. Sir Dresden moved with a predator’s easy grace as he strode smoothly into the room.

Celestia’s eyes considered him curiously. Everything she had learned told her that humans were magicless, but this man obviously proved otherwise. His strength was on par with that her greatest mages, though Twilight had greater potential. Still, as surprising as it was, she had no need to fear him. He was more powerful than her guards, certainly, but he did not even begin to reach her level. If he were half as observant as he appeared, then he would know that too. Hopefully that would keep any of the aggression humans were prone to exhibit under control and they could have a pleasant conversation.

Sir Dresden stopped a touch closer to the throne than was appropriate and bowed. “Greetings, your Highness. My Queen has sent me here to extend her welcome, deliver some messages, and explain the rules of the game to you.”

Princess Celestia was confused. “The game? You have come all this way and demanded an audience just for some royal human’s pastime?” If there was a joke in this, she did not understand it.

He grinned wolfishly, a fact she found mildly unsettling. “Not quite. For starters, my Queen is not human, she’s Fae, one of the Fair Folk.” He chuckled. “And their games are matters of life and death. In this case, the existence of this island and possibly the realm which you come from as well.”

At this, her eyes narrowed and she glared at him. Celestia neither liked nor trusted those who opened diplomatic channels with threats, whether subtle or direct. “For what reason do you threaten me and mine? We have done no harm to you or your queen.” Her guard bristled with anger and more than a few spears were readied for action.

“I do not intend to threaten you,” he replied. “I merely mean to let you know the danger you’re in.” Despite his reassuring words, he eyed both her and her guards carefully. Then he reached for something within himself, something Celestia only saw through her mystic senses. It was a wellspring of power, but not a source she had ever felt before. It was colder than the most remote mountain of the Northern Wastes, stronger than even the greatest Windigo. The magic did not come from him, though he was able to draw upon it, holding the merest fraction of its might within him. Celestia abruptly understood why his Queen was called the Monarch of Winter.

As impossible as it seemed, Princess Celestia had found an equal in this world.

She calmed herself, and regarded Sir Dresden with much greater interest. His queen was someone of consequence, though that made it even stranger that Celestia had never heard of her. Even more intriguing was his assertion that his queen was not human. So far as Equestria had been aware, humans were the only intelligent species on this world.

“Be at peace,” Celestia commanded her guards. They reluctantly relaxed, but still glared at him. “I apologize for taking your warning the wrong way. I had thought it an implied threat. However, I would be very grateful if you would explain this danger to me. We were unaware we faced any such thing.”

“And I should know better than to kick a hornet’s nest,” Sir Dresden mumbled under his breath. He let that cold power slip away from him, and relaxed from his defensive stance. Aloud he went on. “Pardon me, your Highness, but I didn’t mean that as a threat. I only meant to impress upon you how serious the situation is. My Queen does not wish conflict with your people, she only wishes to welcome you to our world and address an issue of your arrival: you and your nation are not signatories of the Unseelie Accords.”

“Unseelie Accords?” Celestia asked, once confused. This human had brought all sorts of yet unknown information. Privately she wondered how her scouts had missed such things. “I have heard of the Geneva Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and a number of other international statutes, but no word of these ‘Accords’ has ever reached me.”

“They couldn’t have, because the vast majority of people don’t even know they exist. Most of the world believes that magic is a myth, but it thrives only inches beneath society’s mundane surface. Whether they are good, bad, or indifferent, the supernatural nations hide themselves from mortal eyes even as they continue to exert significant influence on human countries. In fact, the Red Court of Vampires used to rule the entire continent of South America from the shadows.”

Curious, Celestia frowned. “Used to? What happened to them?”

That was evidently a cue Sir Dresden had been waiting for, because his smile grew even wider and more wolfish. “I did.”

The Princess of Day frowned at him. Even assuming his boast was true, what sort of person bragged about slaughtering an entire people? It was one more unpleasant foible that humankind would leave behind after they embraced her changes. “No doubt,” she stated, her tone unimpressed. “However, that tells me little about these ‘Accords’.”

He shrugged. “They are similar to the Geneva Convention. They let everybody settle disagreements without all-out war or centuries-long blood feuds. Not that battles and vendettas don’t happen anyway, but the Accords minimize the casualties.”

Celestia mused over his words. The assertion that these shadowy, violence-driven nations secretly influenced humans would explain the cruelty and entrenched vices of this world. Clearly she would have root out the source of the humans’ depravities before reforming them, but to work with the very creatures poisoning this world made her stomach turn. “If Equestria were to join, then what would be expected of us?”

Sir Dresden nodded seriously, seemingly ready to dispense with word games and get down to business. “I have brought a copy of the Accords for you to review. My Queen understands that you will likely need some time before making your decision. I can give you the Cliff Notes, though, if you’d like.”

The phrase was one with which Celestia was unfamiliar, or perhaps it was an idiom that Clever Lingo’s Loquacious Language Learner spell found untranslatable. Either way she was able to guess its meaning from context and nodded for him to continue.

“The big one is secrecy,” he announced, dropping into an informal, although not improper, tone. “Nobody wants the normal world to know we’re here, so no announcing your presence. Next is the code for interacting with other supernatural nations. Basically, it lets you get a mediator when conflicts arise, and gives some indication for who’s at fault and what reparations are appropriate. It covers everything from personal duels up to all-out war. Also, there is no spirit of the law in the Accords,” he said bitterly, as though he had personal experience with that fact. “There is only the letter and it is ironclad.”

Princess Celestia watched him through half-lidded eyes. All this talk of war and secrecy only confirmed her thought that these Accords and the nations they served were the root of all the evil in this world. Besides, were she to reform this world she could not remain forever in its shadows. Equestria was a beacon of hope for these people; no wonder these Accords sought to hide it away. Celestia softly shook her head. “You do not need to wait for my answer. Equestria will not join into this compact.”

Sir Dresden’s eyebrows raised considerably. “You sure?” he asked, in a tone of voice that made it clear he doubted her sanity. “If you aren’t part of the Accords, then it’s open season on you and your country. That would be a bad idea even if you weren’t facing a laundry list of complaints.”

“Complaints?” the Princess asked, both insulted and confused. “We only entered your world a few short weeks ago, and I have never left this island.”

“Uh huh,” he snorted, obviously unconvinced. “Here, I’ll read the list off to you.” He paused and drew out a small, battered slip of paper, clearly a personal reminder rather than any formal list. “First and foremost the Fomor accuse you of trespassing in their territory, and seizing their land.”

“Preposterous. I raised this island from the ocean depths myself. These Fomor could not possibly have a claim to it.”

“That might be true,” Sir Dresden drawled, a sardonic tone to his voice, “except that the Fomor are aquatic. This area of the ocean is under their control. The land you took to make this island was uninhabited, but they are still angry that you violated their borders. If not for my Queen’s intercession they would have already declared war.”

Princess Celestia had not considered that possibility, but if it was as he said, then she was in the wrong. “Perhaps reparations can be made there. It was not my intention to take that which belonged to anyone. And the other complaints?”

He stared at her with a thoughtful look, then continued reading. “The White Council has some concerns over the wards you have been building into the island. I’m no expert, but their wizards claim that those wards are designed to destroy humans and anything of human manufacture.”

“The Barrier is for defense only. We are aware of the missiles and bombs humans have developed. Should I allow us to be defenseless before them?” Celestia said.

“Right. And I’m sure you’d stop at ‘defending’ this island.” He shook his head and continued before Celestia could speak. “Next, the White Court of Vampires has complained about you ‘poaching their prey.’ They claim you stole some people in thrall to them. Normally, I’d applaud that all day long, but those people haven’t reappeared since the vamps reported them missing.”

Sir Dresden shook with suppressed anger even as his voice became cold as the heart of a blizzard. “It’s a little convenient that you managed to build something capable of specifically targeting humans after only a ‘few weeks’ in our world. A suspicious wizard might even wonder why you would start construction unless you know it works.”

The accusation in his question was impossible to miss. With a heavy heart Celestia sighed. “It is true we took those humans, but not for the reasons you think. They were not used to test the Barrier. Such a thing would be barbaric and disgusting. Instead we have tested potions on them, making sure that the Transformation will work.”

“The transformation?” he asked, skeptical, but less hostile.

“Yes,” she said. This would be her chance if only she could impart in this man her passion to help this world. “You see, we come from a peaceful, prosperous world unlike this one. Wars, crime and violence are almost nonexistent. There are of course malcontents and other dangers – Equus is not a perfect world – yet we do not have even a tenth, even a hundredth of the conflict that occurs here. I have studied you from afar for some time now and come to the realization that something within your very nature compels you to this wrongdoing. Humanity also has good within it – many of your religions and philosophies embrace that goodness – but it is all too easily overshadowed by evil. The Transformation would change your body and certain primitive parts of your minds. The result would be the same individual, only better; less aggressive, more friendly, and not as ruthless.”

“And you get that result how? By alchemically lobotomizing us?” Sir Dresden seemed less receptive than Celestia would have hoped. However, it was a valid concern if one was untrusting, and given the world they faced, distrust was only rational for a human.

Celestia shook her head. “Of course not. We were not even familiar with such a practice until your race introduced us to the concept. It would simply change the consumer into a pony – age, gender and personality unchanged. The race of pony would depend upon the human, but each one would be happy and healthy in their new, improved body.”

Sir Dresden’s hand curled into a fist so tight that she could see his bones press to the surface. “How many people didn’t survive this potion?” His voice was quiet and unshaken, yet all the more terrible for its calmness.

There she could not blame him. “Fifty-three. Carlos Aguero, Josephine Paulson, Timothy McGovern…” She listed every one of them. Celestia had forced herself to learn the name of every human who died in their attempt to help these poor people. It was the least she could do for them. Sir Dresden remained silent as she recited. Celestia gave the last name, and raised her eyes to meet that of those of the human mage. “I am sorry, and if there had been any other way we would have taken it. Monkeys or chimps would not have worked; we had to use humans. I know that such a sacrifice can’t be repaid but–”

“Don’t call it a sacrifice,” Sir Dresden said, his voice hard. “They didn’t make that choice willingly.”

Silence ruled the room before Celestia gave a diplomatic nod. “Call it what you will, but we shall always be grateful to them. They have paved the way for this planet’s rebirth. For its redemption.”

“Look,” Dresden said, any diplomatic tone gone. “Aside from your insane racism or xenophobia or whatever, you don’t seem evil. I’m not willing to call you good, but hell, the White Court probably kills that many people every day, and they aren’t the worst offenders by a long shot. If I were you, I’d turn around, go back to your perfect human-free world, and forget about us. That solves everyone’s problems. If you’re really stubborn enough to stay, then sign the Accords. You’ve made an enemy of at least three powerful factions, and you’d be adding a fourth by turning down my Queen’s attempt at diplomacy. I doubt you and your soldiers will survive the week.”

His anger still simmered beneath his surface, Celestia could read that from his body language alone, but he seemed earnest. He truly believed in what he was saying. As much as he hated her, he did not wish to see her dead. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. It was something she could build on. “I understand, and I thank you. It means very much to me that you do not wish to see us dead. Yet, I cannot go. These factions may be powerful, but we will weather this storm. If you wish to change a world, you must be that change. I cannot help humanity while bowing to the powers that hold them bondage. Convey my highest respects to your Queen, as I wish no violence to come between us, but I cannot and will not sign her accords.”

Sir Dresden sighed and massaged one of his temples with his free hand. “You’re crazy, and it’s going to get you killed. But you can’t say I didn’t warn you.” His hand fell to his side and his formal tone returned. “I will give your response to my Queen. I’m certain the Dragons will be glad to hear you refused her.”

“Dragons?” the Princess asked. She was unaware their worlds shared that common trait.

“Dragons,” he confirmed. “They can smell all the gold and gems you’re storing. They held back because of the Accords. Now they will come for them.”

Celestia frowned at him. “I have fought dragons before.”

He chuckled darkly, and it echoed in the otherwise silent chamber. “Not like these.”

“The greatest fire can begin with but a spark. I will cleanse this world and bring it peace and prosperity. Against that, all else is meaningless.” Her guards nodded. They were volunteers and believed in the reformation of humanity as strongly as their Princess.

Sir Dresden shook his head sadly and murmured something to himself. Even with her hearing Celestia was only able to catch one word: ‘Aurora’. Without a word of farewell, he opened a rift in reality and stepped through it.

In less than eight hours, the Fomor launched their first offensive.

………

Three weeks later, the island was no longer a tropical paradise. It was barren battlefield.

Celestia sat in the remains of her castle on a rebuilt throne. She was dozing as Lt. Ice read the latest casualty report, but nopony interrupted her. Their Princess had been lucky to snatch an hour or two of sleep between the constant attacks. Five hundred guards had accompanied her to this world; eighty-four of them still lived. They had aged years in those long weeks, becoming veterans more proficient and deadly than anypony in Equestria.

The sight of her little ponies, killing and being killed, wounded Celestia to her core. It was only those ponies best suited to conflict and slaughter that had survived this long. She still loved the remaining guards of course, but those ponies who had showed mercy, fear, or hesitancy had not lasted long. She struggled to pay attention, wanting to remember the name of each soldier who had died under her care. They deserved so much more, but that honor was the least she could do for them.

Despite her fine words to Sir Dresden, she knew it was well and truly time to return home. Not forever, but certainly long enough rest and heal. She would return better prepared to deal with the puppetmasters that pulled this world’s strings. Unfortunately, that option was not open. The painstakingly constructed portal had been destroyed by the second dragon attack.

Sir Dresden been right that they were not like the dragons she had known. They had been stronger and more aggresive than even the fiercest of drakes in Equestria. She would have given either of them every jewel on the island if they had only asked, but both had attacked without preamble. She had been forced to kill both of them, sadly, but neither battle had been easy. In addition to wrecking the portal, the second dragon had broken one of her wings, shattering the delicate bones within. Ninety-five of her ponies had died in those battles, and the island had been torn to shreds.

Unnatural screeches reached her ears from the shore line as the Fomor abominations attacked their defenses again. The spells she had woven and re-woven into the very bedrock of the island released their energy again and again, killing dozens of the monstrosities. She winced. The spells had to be deadly; nothing could drive them away and a barrier could only hold so long against ten thousand brutal fists. The guards on duty handled the few monsters who survived the field of death that surrounded the island. That was more like a slaughter than any battle, weakened as the abominations were. Yet they couldn’t be underestimated. More than one pony had died to a creature they had believed harmless. Eventually, the Fomor sorcerers would puzzle out her latest spells and weaken them in time for another attack. But that was later and she was so tired now.

Princess Celestia had killed dozens of Fomor mages and hundreds, maybe thousands, of their twisted creatures, but there always seemed to be more waiting in the murky depths. Even more terrifying was their practice of stealing the bodies of fallen ponies. Nopony knew what they did with them, but it couldn’t have been pleasant. Funeral pyres had become mandatory, and even now Celestia could smell one of them burning.

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” she croaked, and gestured for a guard to bring her water. He brought it forward, careful to avoid bumping her broken wing. “How goes the work on the portal?”

He grimaced. “Too slowly. The mages swear they are moving as quickly as possible, but it won’t be completed for another three days at least.” The mages and scientists of Equestria had fared better than the guards, but more than half of their number would never return home.

“We will hold,” Princess Celestia commanded and her guard saluted. “We must hold,” she whispered, more to herself than anypony else. Saying, however, was easier than doing. She was just so damned tired. Without warning, a rift in reality tore open; gray-cloaked humans armed with staves and pale, beautiful humans covered in blue-white armor and armed with swords poured into the room.

“Force them back into the rift!” Celestia shouted, seizing several in her telekinesis and tossing them back. If she could reach the portal, she could close it against these invaders. Her guards were already firing off spells at the humans or charging them. The cloaked ones brought forth shields of energy, most of which held, and the beautiful ones dodged with alien grace before relying with a quick counter-attack. A few humans sprawled bonelessly to the ground, but more and more continued to pour from the rift. The remains of the Royal Guard reacted with incredible speed, but they would soon be outnumbered.

Celestia turned, her horn glowing like a miniature sun. She would close the portal now, and they would simply have to fight the humans that had made it through. She never noticed the attack until it slammed into her. Alicorns were strong enough to defeat even the brawniest of earth ponies, but the force that crashed into her was far beyond that. She slid backwards several steps, losing the spell she had almost finished.

“I told you to leave,” Sir Dresden said, flat and emotionless. He moved with even more of a predator’s eerie grace, and his eyes were cold.

“I would like to,” Celestia replied, her mouth twisted into a wry grimace, “but our way home was destroyed.” She paused and sighed. “You don’t have to do this; you can rise above your base human nature.”

Sir Dresden said nothing, merely gathering that icy wellspring of power within himself. The blast of cold magic was met with her own jet of flames. The two forces struggled for dominance, but even exhausted, Celestia was able to force his spell back, her magic overcoming his. Until another blast of arctic power hit her from the side.

The beautiful humans had surrounded her, and that first blast was only the beginning. Wave after wave of winter magic washed over her, and she was forced to focus on defense. Thinking quickly, she teleported out of the ring of attackers. Celestia had barely reappeared before another spell hit her. She realized with stark clarity that they must have watched her fight with the dragons and expected such tactics.

“No! My dream cannot die here; it will not!” she shouted, fire streaming from her in a burst that melted every shard of ice the humans had summoned. A group of humans, both cloaked and beautiful, were heading towards the basement, where the mages were frantically trying to get the portal working. She landed among them with a crash and the heat surrounding her killed them instantly, setting their clothing afire. She turned her head, looking for the next threat to her ponies. But she was tired and her reactions had slowed.

Sir Dresden appeared before her in the throng of battle and ice poured from his outstretched hands, quenching the blazing heat around her. She fought against him, keeping that creeping cold at bay, but other humans followed his lead. Frozen power poured from them in a mighty stream. Celestia concentrated the heat around her, melting anything that came close, but their assault didn’t weaken. If anything, it only grew stronger as time went on. The cold begin to break through, spots of frost forming on her coat, shards of ice gathering in her mane and tail.

Slowly, Celestia sank to her knees, her power still active but waning. It was cold, so cold, and she was exhausted. The light around her horn faded, flickered and died as her long-overworked magic finally gave out.

The freezing blasts stopped, but she was still frigid. Her body was unable to respond to the simplest of commands. She reached for more power, but found only emptiness. One of the humans neared her, his eyes hard but strangely sad.

“I just wanted to help,” she whispered. “I would have given humans utopia.” Her eyes closed, and small tears trickled from them, freezing as they reached her cheeks.

Sir Dresden laid a gentle hand on her, but she felt no warmth from it. “You meant well, but you couldn’t build a utopia. Forcing people to change would have torn this world apart. I’m sorry it had to be this way.”

He stood and his hand withdrew. Celestia gave a hollow laugh. “Is this justice for the humans who died? Do you really believe in washing blood with blood?”

“No, it’s just the way of this world. Welcome to the jungle, Princess.”

He might have said more, but all she heard after that was the sound of swords being unsheathed. And then she didn’t hear anything at all.

Foundation Conundrums

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SCP - 3152

Class: Euclid

Special Containment: SCP 3152A is to be kept in an acrylic cube 5 cm thick, measuring 1m by 1m by 1m. The room containing SCP 3152 must contain no less than eight UV-capable sunlamps covering every part of the room and a sprinkler system with a capacity of no less than 70 liters per minute. Both sunlamps and sprinkler system must be capable of remote and manual activation with no manual deactivation. SCP 3152 is to be guarded at all times by two Agents with Level 2 clearance that have been proven loyal to the Foundation. It is suggested that these Agents be male. Any female Agent must score at least ██ on the ██████ test.

Description: SCP 3152A is a human skull carved with a great variety of symbols. Some of them are alchemical in origin, some are Judeo-Christian, some resemble Norse runes, and others resemble no symbols currently known. The skull appears to come from an adult Caucasian male and has been carbon-dated to the 14th century. SCP 3152 is an entity that appears to be made of orange light that does not register on thermal imaging, gas spectroscopy, or electromagnetic sensing (aside from the visible spectrum). SCP 3152 is easily seen and heard by human senses. Visuals and audio can likewise be captured with normal methods. SCP 3152 sounds like an American male baritone in his mid-thirties without regional dialect or accent (unless such language is used deliberately). SCP 3152 can speak and understand seemingly any known language except for those recently created (formerly unknown languages include Klingon, Elvish [from Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’, as SCP 3152 can speak an unknown, musical-sounding language that it claims is ‘real Elvish’], Binary, etc). SCP 3152 does not have an accent in any language it speaks, but often uses archaic forms and words, appearing ignorant of modern slang. SCP 3152 resides within SCP 3152A and obeys whomever ‘owns’ SCP 3152A. Possession of or even touching SCP 3152A is considered sufficient for ownership, and thus SCP 3152A is not to be removed from its cube without permission from Dr. ██████.

History: SCP 3152A fell out of a ‘rift in space’ in ████████, China. SCP 3152 began swearing in modern English, then continued cursing in several dead languages and some unknown languages. It then turned to face the crowd that had gathered at its arrival and asked them for assistance in perfectly fluent, although somewhat archaic, Chinese. The crowd fled and news of the event spread quickly. This came to the attention of Agent ███████ stationed in █████. She acted quickly and obtained SCP 3152 with little trouble, although repressing news and memories of the event required two weeks and three full response teams. SCP 3152 was transported to Site 17 where Incident SCP 3152-1 took place (see below). SCP 3152 claims to be at least twelve centuries old, although it cannot give an exact number. SCP 3152 claims to be from an alternate universe where ‘magic’ exists.

Function: SCP 3152 is a non-corporeal entity that describes itself as a ‘spirit of air and intellect’. It claims to be a ‘wizard’s assistant’ specializing in ‘magical theory and research’. When asked further about this, SCP 3152 related the creatures and abilities native to its home universe. There was a considerable amount of information going back several centuries, and SCP 3152 was willing and able to answer almost any question. When informed that magic does not exist SCP 3152 laughed for several minutes and mocked the researcher speaking to it for the rest of the session. SCP 3152 has furthermore stated that our universe is ‘weaker but still has some magic’, and that Agents ████, █████████ and Dr. ██████ could be ‘practitioners’ if SCP 3152 was allowed to teach them. When asked to explain further SCP 3152 expounded on the varying levels of ‘magical talents’ humans are capable of possessing; the named personnel would not be ‘wizards’ but could nonetheless ‘wield minor magic’ according to SCP 3152’s judgement. When asked how SCP 3152 could determine their latent ability, SCP 3152 claimed to be able to ‘read their aura’. This was doubted by the researcher, and SCP 3152 diffidently stated that it could also be referred to as ‘life force, chi, soul, or whatever term you want’.

Note: Could this have any connection to the gaseous substance SCP 158 is capable of extracting from humans? Also, Agents ████, █████████, and Dr. ██████ should be evaluated for possible SCP status.

SCP 3152 can detect any SCP objects that it deems ‘magical’ at a distance proportional to their ‘magical strength’. Check list 3152-1 for a full accounting of all items SCP 3152 considers ‘magical’ and the distance at which it detected them. If exposed to the extra-normal abilities of any SCP item that SCP 3152 does not consider ‘magical’ SCP 3152 will become extremely curious about the object and request repeatedly to leave SCP 3152A to ‘investigate [the item] more closely’. These requests can occur even days or weeks later. Ever since the [REDACTED] incident with SCP ███ these requests are not to be granted no matter how often SCP 3152 makes them.

It is worth noting that on [DATE REDACTED] SCP 682 was temporarily in transit at Site 17 where SCP 3152 was being held. The presence of SCP 682 was unknown to most of the staff and there is no way SCP 3152 could have been informed by any Agent. Nonetheless, SCP 3152 displayed extreme nervousness while SCP 682 was in the facility and had to be ordered in triplicate to exit SCP 3152A. It continually requested to return to SCP 3152A and only relaxed after SCP 682 was moved to another Site. At no point was SCP 682 closer than 500 meters to SCP 3152, a greater distance than any other SCP object in list 3152-1.

SCP 3152 is generally cooperative, although its statements and suggestions to female staff are often unwelcome. SCP 3152 displays an eidetic memory and advanced puzzle solving skills, as great or greater than even very intelligent humans. SCP 3152 scored over 200 on an IQ test and has demonstrated considerable multi-tasking ability by defeating Drs ████████, ███████████, █████, and ██████ in four simultaneous chess games. SCP 3152 also displays a profound ignorance of human morals and ethics. It can describe extremely evil actions such as the Holocaust as ‘bad’ but otherwise has difficulty judging right vs wrong. This becomes very important considering that SCP 3152 will obey any order within its capability given by the person ‘owning’ SCP 3152A, and we do not have a firm grasp of SCP 3152’s limits. Dr. ██████ should remain the ‘owner’ of SCP 3152A to prevent possible abuse of SCP 3152’s abilities.

Some orders may be fought or refused unless given in triplicate (SCP 3152 claims that the repetition has symbolic and magical importance). If the order is impossible by SCP 3152’s judgment it will not be bound to try, even if ordered in triplicate. If SCP 3152 is given an order it does not wish to fulfill, then it will bicker with the researcher and if forced (ordered in triplicate by Dr. ██████ ), it will perform the order to the letter, but typically in a way that does not achieve the desired effect. SCP 3152 will then be sullen and uncooperative for several days. The only enforced order that has never been misinterpreted is ‘return to your skull’ which forces SCP 3152 to return to SCP 3152A.

SCP 3152 is very talkative and enjoys having an Agent or researcher to converse with. SCP 3152 also shows considerable obsession with sexual intercourse, female anatomy, and erotica in general. Female Agents or researchers assigned to SCP 3152 can expect to be sexually harassed several times each day. Said harassment is verbal only unless SCP 3152 is currently in possession of a host. SCP 3152 can be rewarded with pornographic material and displays a fondness for erotic novels over other forms of media.

No known solid material can stop SCP 3152 from freely moving. When allowed exit from SCP 3152A (only the ‘owner’ may give permission), it can pass through the acrylic cube as if it did not exist. This ability has been observed with any and all tested material, including SCP 148. Curiously, SCP 3152 will refuse to enter certain rooms while in its free state, claiming that it ‘cannot pass through a threshold’. This only occurs with rooms designated as living quarters. However, if SCP 3152 is invited in, whether in its incorporeal state or currently possessing someone, it may pass through. SCP 3152 is no longer allowed anywhere near the female Agents’ housing (whether incorporeal or possessing someone) after Incident 3152-2 (see below).

SCP 3152 can, with permission from the ‘owner’ of SCP 3152A, possess any sentient creature. This includes all forms of animal life and any human regardless of their willingness to be possessed. Any animals and willing subjects experience no ill effects of possession regardless of length of time possessed. Subjects that resist possession experience mental trauma up to and including paranoia, phobia of the color orange, nymphomania, audio/visual hallucinations, and in extreme cases schizophrenia and death. Possessed subjects adopt the speech patterns of SCP 3152 and there is a notable, but faint, orange tint to the eyes of any possessed being. In low or no light areas, the eyes of possessed beings will glow faintly orange. A helmet made of SCP 148 did nothing to stop or slow the possession, whether the subject was willing or unwilling. Experimentation of this possession ability with other sentient SCP objects was suggested and is ~~pending further review~~ denied.

Conventional weapons and memetic agents alike have no effect on SCP 3152. However, SCP 3152 claims that ‘running water’ and sunlight will damage it (in addition to ‘thresholds’ and ‘magic’) while outside of SCP 3152A.

Addendum: Due to Incident SCP 3152-3 (see below). SCP 3152 and 3152A are no longer under the control of the Foundation.

Incident 3152-1: Upon SCP 3152’s containment Dr. ██████ interviewed it. Personnel D-7777 was used to handle SCP 3152 as its properties and possible dangers were yet unknown. During the interview SCP 3152 was very forthcoming about any question asked. The subject of ‘ownership’ over SCP 3152A was explained and SCP 3152 diffidently stated that since the last person to touch SCP 3152A was D-7777 SCP 3152 technically belonged to him. D-7777 wasted no time taking advantage of this and commanded SCP 3152 to ‘get me out of here. SCP 3152 took possession of Agent ███████ and opened the door of the room before laying down suppressive fire, causing 3 casualties and allowing D-7777 to run into the hallway. Dr. ██████ quickly grabbed SCP 3152A and ordered SCP 3152 to stop. SCP 3152 complied and D-7777 was chased down and immediately terminated by Agent ███████, preventing a containment breach. Dr. ██████ has claimed ‘ownership’ of 3152A and due to the frequent need for SCP 3152 to be ordered by the ‘owner’ of SCP 3152A, this has been allowed.

Incident 3152-2: During experimentation Dr. ██████ was not entirely specific with instructions to SCP 3152, allowing it to subtly retain control of a D-class personnel after the experiment was finished. It then used the possessed D-class personnel to make its way to the female Agents’ housing and somehow elicited an invitation. The resulting [REDACTED] lasted 5 days and involved ██ Agents, resulting in a 49% reduction in productivity on the site. Any researchers, Agents, or D-class personnel sent to disrupt the [REDACTED] joined it instead. During the following weeks SCP 3152 was heavily evaluated for mind-altering abilities, but outside of the already known possession (which only affects one person at a time) no abilities were discovered. SCP 3152 claims, even under triplicate order, that ‘the alcohol was just as much to blame as I was’. All further experiments with SCP 3152 must double check to ensure that SCP 3152 has been returned to SCP 3152A before the experiment concludes. Antibiotics and therapeutic counseling were made available to all personnel involved in the [REDACTED].

Incident 3152-3: On [DATE REDACTED] a very tall man of Caucasian appearance, dressing in a leather duster and holding a staff carved with several unknown symbols, approached the entrance to Site 17. This individual identified itself as █████ ███████ hereinafter referred to as SCP 3152B and was accompanied by a large dog of unknown breed (although later analysis noted a distinct similarity to Caucasian Mountain Dogs) hereinafter referred to as SCP 3152C. The Agents on duty refused entrance to SCP 3152B and brought their weapons to bear. SCP 3152B murmured a word that sounded Latin in origin, but matched no actual words in the language, and the equipment of both Agents failed immediately. Electronics went dead, tasers refused to spark, and their guns jammed. [This is congruent with how SCP 3152 describes ‘mortal magic’ interacting with technology in its home universe]. The Agents attempted to apprehend SCP 3152B and SCP 3152C with hand-to-hand combat but were quickly rebuffed with more quasi-Latin words from SCP 3152B and physical attacks from SCP 3152C. SCP 3152B and SCP 3152C then assaulted the facility, causing all complex technology (especially electronics) to fail in their wake.

The duo headed directly towards SCP 3152 despite the knowledge of its location being secure. Thanks to the electronic breakdown, most of the security measures against intrusion at Site 17 failed. Those that triggered, like the release of odorless, colorless nerve gas, multiple high-caliber machine-guns, and the active intervention of several Agents, were deftly countered with currently unexplained abilities, including but not limited to, precognitive danger sense [SPC 3152C], manipulation of wind/air [SCP 3152B], ‘force field’ capable of stopping bullets [SCP 3152B], deafening ‘bark’ that disabled personnel despite ear protection [SCP 3152C], and production of high intensity flames [SCP 3152B]. The Agents on duty in the containment room of SCP 3152 were quickly subdued by SCP 3152C as SCP 3152B went about destroying the acrylic cube containing SCP 3152A. SCP 3152 seemed happy to see SCP 3152B and limited conversation caught before the microphones in the room malfunctioned indicates a previous relationship. According to Agent █████████ who was conscious during the events (only sustaining superficial wounds from SCP 3152C) after melting one side of the cube and taking possession of SCP 3152A, SCP 3152B ‘tore open a rift in space’ through which a strange stone-lined hallway rimmed with frost could be seen. SCP 3152A, SCP 3152B, and SCP 3152C exited through that opening and no trace of their passage remained. The direct casualty count from the incident was zero as both SCP 3152B and SCP 3152C seemed to deliberately subdue personnel in non-fatal manners. Unfortunately, the electronic systems failure caused by the presence of SCP 3152B caused containment breaches or other failures in the control of several other SCP objects resulting in 7 casualties and 22 injuries. SCP 507 has been informed of the existence of SCP 3152 and what we know about its home universe. SCP 507 has been instructed to ‘keep an eye out’ for SCP 3152, but has not been ordered to retrieve it given the risk of another incursion from SCP 3152B and SCP 3152C.

Note: Seriously, we had a talking skull willing to teach us magic in exchange for a little porn, and we spent our time experimenting with its ability to pass through objects and possess class-D personnel?

Tempting Kindness

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Edited by: SilentCarto
Proofreader: Coandco

Fluttershy peered at the strange object, trying to decide what to do with it. She had simply been expanding her little garden patch when her trowel had turned up something that looked like a silver coin. It was blackened in most places, but from what little she could see of it, the profile underneath the tarnish wasn’t a pony. The silver spaces where it wasn’t tarnished almost looked like a funny sort of hourglass. Maybe it was a foreign coin? Though, she had to wonder how it had ended up in her backyard.

With one wing she carefully brushed the dirt off and picked it up. Maybe Twilight would be interested in it. Or she could ask around – well, ask Rarity to ask around – if anypony in town collected coins and might want it.

Hello, whispered a velvet soft voice.

Fluttershy jumped at the sudden sound of the voice and almost dropped the coin. She looked this way and that, but couldn’t see anypony. The wind blew softly out of the north and some of the trees moved lazily, sending a few birds into the air, but otherwise everything was still and quiet. “W-who said that?”

Sorry, the voice said, a note of sincere apology in its tones. I didn’t mean to startle you. I’ve just been waiting a long time for someone to find me.

Fluttershy blinked in surprise and stared at the coin cupped in her curled feathers. “You’re a coin?”

A melodious giggle echoed in her mind. Not quite, my dear. I’m a spirit bound to the coin and destined to help those who are worthy.

“Oh,” Fluttershy said. It was a strange story, but she had seen and heard many stranger ones since she took up an element of Harmony. “I guess that makes sense. Are you invisible?”

Strictly speaking, no. I’m a being of mind and soul without a physical body. But if you’ll let me, I can manifest myself to your eyes.

There was a second of hesitation, but Fluttershy nodded. Then as quickly as blinking, there was a new pony standing a few feet in front of her. The spirit was a pegasus mare a little bit taller than Fluttershy. Her coat was a light caramel color except for the white tips at the end of her wide, strong wings. She brushed aside a lock of her deep pink mane to reveal her beautiful ruby red eyes. The same hourglass symbol from the coin was emblazoned on her flank in silver. She wore a kind, gentle expression, but everything about her posture radiated strength and confidence. She was also one of the most beautiful ponies Fluttershy had ever seen.

“Thank you,” the spirit said, her full voice just as lovely as her earlier whispers had been. “I was afraid I’d be trapped in the dirt and darkness forever.”

It took Fluttershy a moment to find her voice, but eventually she said, “Oh, that would have been awful. I’m glad I found you. How did you get there?”

The spirit frowned thoughtfully. “I could not tell you how I found myself here; this land is strange to me.” She paused for a moment then asked longingly, “But for now, may I stay with you?”

Fluttershy nodded again, a warm feeling welling up inside her. “Of course. I’d be glad to help however I can.”

The spirit smiled warmly. “Thank you, Fluttershy. My name is Lasciel, and it is a pleasure to meet you.”

………

After finishing her work and returning to the cottage, Fluttershy made some tea. Something full of spices yet soothing. “Would you like a cup, Lasciel?”

“The offer is appreciated, but I’m afraid you’d just be wasting tea. My manifestation only exists to your senses,” Lasciel said, settling into a chair with all the appearance of having a real body despite what she said.

“Only to my senses?” Fluttershy asked. She glanced at her animal friends scattered here and there about the room. Most of them looked concerned or confused. “You mean I’m the only one who can see you?”

Lasciel gave another soft smile. “Precisely. I can only communicate with the one who holds my coin. You may do as you wish, but I would not suggest speaking to me aloud when others are present.” She grimaced, and slowly shook her head. “It’s all too likely that they would think you are insane. It would be safer to speak within your mind.”

Fluttershy squeaked and almost dropped her teacup. “You can read my mind?”

“Not in the way you’re thinking,” Lasciel said, making gentling gestures. She blushed and looked to the floor. “I’m bound inside the coin and can’t speak like a normal pony. The only way I can communicate is telepathically. I can see and hear anything you perceive, and I can sense thoughts that are directed at me, but I can’t go looking around in your mind, if that’s what worries you. Although, of course, I can understand how even that little amount of mental contact could be unpleasant. You have only to put down my coin, and I will never bother you again.”

Fluttershy’s heart thudded as she watched the spirit. Those beautiful ruby-red eyes were downcast, though Lasciel held herself back from any tears. The spirit had been alone for goodness knew how long, and yet she still offered to leave, if that was what Fluttershy wanted.

“Oh, please don’t,” Fluttershy said. “I’m sorry, I was just a little scared. I just–” she stopped as Angel bunny poked her hindhoof. He looked up at her with a worried expression. Fluttershy’s face turned red as she realized how silly she must look, talking to nopony. She gave Angel a sheepish smile. “I’m okay, it’s just a… a magic pony thing.” Angel stared at her a bit longer, his expression disbelieving, but eventually he shrugged and hopped off.

Lasciel brought a hoof up to her face and giggled demurely as she watched Angel leave. “He is a little sweetie, isn’t he? So worried about you.”

Fluttershy almost opened her mouth to agree, but caught herself just in time. She thought very hard about her new guest. Yes, he is. Um… if I’m doing this right that is.

“Perfectly!” Lasciel said with a quick clap of her hooves and a warm smile. “You are a natural, my dear.” Fluttershy blushed, pleased with herself and embarrassed.

I hope you don’t mind me asking, but where do you come from?

“A distant land, one very different from yours, and yet eerily similar in many ways. But if you meant how I was bound to the coin?” Fluttershy nodded. “It is a long and sad story, but to put it briefly, I was once part of the court of a great king of spirits. He was a tyrant who demanded absolute loyalty and unquestioning obedience from all of his vassals, myself included. Many happily bowed to his every whim, but some of us saw his true nature. We attempted to reason with him, but he would hear none of it. We banded together, hoping to free ourselves from his tyranny, but we were discovered, and thus began a great war.” She paused for a moment, staring out the window. Her expression was solemn and tired. Physically, she only appeared to be one or two years older than Fluttershy, but for a moment her eyes looked ancient. “Brother fought brother and sister fought sister as we tried to free everyone, but all too many of his vassals remained blind to his faults. In the end, all who opposed him were banished from our beautiful home to a barren, desolate place. But some of us were determined to spread the truth no matter what. We allowed ourselves to be bound to these coins to spread the word and assist all those worthy of our power.”

That’s so sad, Fluttershy thought, fighting back the urge to cry. Is there anything we can do? I could go tell Princess Twilight about it right now and I’m sure she would–

“No, no,” Lasciel interrupted smoothly. “It was long, long ago in a land so distant that I couldn’t even rightly tell you how to get there.” She paused and gave Fluttershy a heartfelt smile. “But it means very much to me that you would offer to do so for my sake.”

Of course! But I do want you to meet her. She’s one of my best friends.

Lasciel suddenly looked uncomfortable, and a lock of dark pink hair drifted over one of her eyes. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, but I’m afraid that isn’t possible. You touched the coin, and so I’m bound just to you. To talk to another pony, first you would have to reject me and discard my coin.” Lasciel’s wings moved forward unconsciously to protectively wrap partway around her. She bit her lip and shuddered as if remembering something unpleasant. “And that would be very painful,” she said in a quiet voice.

I’m sorry, oh you poor mare. I’d never want to hurt you like that. I wonder if Twilight could make some way for you to talk? I should ask her.

“Do you think she would believe you?” Lasciel asked. She quickly put up her forehooves in a placating gesture. “It’s not that I doubt you or your friendship with her, but in my experience, when a pony starts talking about a voice that only they can hear other ponies start thinking they’re crazy. Even their friends.”

Fluttershy frowned. That was a good point. She had certainly wondered something similar about Pinkie Pie on a few occasions. Then, let’s just take your coin to Twilight and ask if it’s magical? Once she senses a spell on it, I can explain all about you!

“An excellent idea, Fluttershy!”

………

“Nothing that I can detect,” Twilight said, setting the coin down on the table in front of her. They were in the library, or rather one of several libraries, in the Crystal Castle. Fluttershy had been busy with chores all of yesterday so she couldn’t come then, but this morning she had come straight to her friend’s new home... after feeding the chickens, collecting their eggs, cleaning the rabbit hutches, and making sure all of her other animals friends were properly fed.

That answer was not what Fluttershy had been expecting at all, but Twilight was still speaking. “There isn’t any magic in the coin, but it is a very interesting find. Some of those characters look Minotaurin, but even with the heavy weathering I can tell the profile doesn’t have any horns.”

Fluttershy blinked in surprise. “None at all?” Lasciel, why can’t Twilight sense anything? Fluttershy waited for a reply but there was only silence. Lasciel?

Twilight gave a small laugh. “It isn’t enough to find ancient treasure? It has to be enchanted too?” Fluttershy pouted a tiny bit at that, mostly because Lasciel still hadn’t responded, and Twilight gave her a sheepish smile in return. “I can understand why you’d be worried, but I scanned it with every detection spell I know, and the coin is clean. Have you given any thought about what you’d like to do with it? I know plenty of museums in Canterlot that would be happy to add it to their collections.”

“No, thank you,” Fluttershy replied, reaching for the coin with one of her wings. The moment she touched it a small sense of peace washed over her. It felt right to be holding it again. “I’d prefer to keep it as a little souvenir.”

Twilight’s expression stayed neutral but her new wings twitched in slight annoyance. Fluttershy had noticed that Twilight’s wings were more expressive than most pegasi, but then she probably hadn’t learned to conceal her reactions with them yet. “Well, it is your coin. You can do what you want with it.”

“I don’t think she’s entirely happy with your decision,” Lasciel said, sauntering through the far doors and into the room.

Fluttershy almost shouted, but held her tongue at the last moment. Lasciel!? Where were you?

The spirit looked regretful for a second. “Ah, I should have mentioned that. I can only talk to you or appear before you while you hold my coin.”

A great sense of relief swept through Fluttershy. Her new friend hadn’t been ignoring her. She had just been unable to respond. That’s okay. I was just worried when you didn’t say anything back.

“Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. She was looking between Fluttershy and Lasciel in confusion.
“Whoops,” Lasciel said then disappeared. That was my fault. She couldn’t see me, but you could and now she’s wondering what you were looking at.

A blush worked its way across Fluttershy’s face. “Oh, s-sorry, Twilight. I just had my head in the clouds for a moment.”

Twilight gave her a funny look, but she must have believed Fluttershy because she didn’t ask anything further. “Okay. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve got a ton of paperwork to do. Have a nice day and say hi to the girls for me!”

Fluttershy gave her a warm smile. “Of course. I’ll see you at Pinkie’s party tomorrow.”

“I’ll be there,” Twilight said. They exchanged a quick hug and Twilight turned to do her paperwork. Fluttershy began trotting to the door.

“Really though, that coin belongs in a museum.” Twilight mumbled a tiny bit bitterly in a voice that she probably thought was too soft for Fluttershy to hear. Fluttershy felt a tiny sting of guilt and embarrassment and hurried her way out of the castle, flying above the streets once she was out in the open.

It’s okay, she didn’t mean anything by it, Lasciel thought. She just doesn’t know why you want to keep it. And after she said it wasn’t magical, trying to explain about me probably would have made you sound crazy.

I know, Fluttershy thought back. But still…

“Hey, hey don’t worry,” Lasciel said, materializing besides her and easily keeping pace with long easy sweeps of her powerful wings. “We’ll figure this–”

She cut off suddenly as Fluttershy felt the coin slip out of her wing’s grasp. She gasped and dove to catch it. Fluttershy fumbled with the coin for a moment in mid-air, but it tumbled between her hooves and dropped to the ground. She landed not-too-softly and swept the coin up into one of her wings again.

Lasciel reappeared, but her perfect hair was a windblown mess, as if she had been tossed through a hurricane, and her eyes were crossed. “That wasn’t much fun.”

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry! Fluttershy thought.

Lasciel just laughed and patted Fluttershy’s shoulder with a wing. “It’s okay, Fluttershy, it’s okay. I’m not hurt, just a little rattled. But I can show you a little trick to keep it from happening again.” She spread her wings wide and flared a few feathers. “The coin is pretty small and light so you could tuck it up here, between these feathers, and I doubt it would fall out again.”

Fluttershy didn’t think keeping things up in your feathers was the best idea, but really, she just needed to get home without dropping Lasciel’s coin again. And besides, it wouldn’t hurt to try it just this once. Fluttershy spread her wing and flared her feathers just like Lasciel had shown her, tucking the coin carefully in between two of them near the base. She folded her wings and trotted off, surprised to find how comfortable it was. Within a few minutes of walking she had forgotten it was even there.

………

“Then I told her ‘Pinstripes with that hat? Darling, you can do so much better!’ and I rolled out some of my latest Business Chic and she loved it!” Rarity exclaimed, as they relaxed together in the spa. Pinkie’s party last night had been very fun and Twilight hadn’t mentioned anything about Lasciel’s coin again. There were no big events or worries in the near future and for a change Fluttershy just felt very content with her life.

So content that she nearly dozed off and missed what Rarity just said. “I’m sorry Rarity, what was that?”

“Head in the clouds again?” Rarity said her tone playful. “You’ve been doing that quite often the past few days.” Then a startled look of realization swept across her face and she gasped loudly enough to make Fluttershy’s ears fold back in reflex.

“Darling, is it the first stirrings of love? Is there some stallion that has caught your fancy?” One perfectly manicured hoof landed on Fluttershy’s shoulder and brought her face-to-face with her friend’s starstruck expression. “Oh, you must tell me everything!” Rarity was a friend, and Fluttershy loved her dearly, and yet she still felt her throat clenching and her face turning bright red.

“Goodness,” Lasciel said, delicately laughing from across the room as she lounged on an unused chair. “I’m glad I’m not the one who’s telling her that isn’t the case.”

Fluttershy nodded, fervently, still unable to speak. Lasciel seemed to take notice of that and her expression changed to one of concern. “Oh dear, you really are embarrassed and afraid to tell her. I understand. Nopony wants to let down their friends.” She paused for a moment thinking hard. “I could help you if you wanted. It’s not much in the way of magic, but I could use a little charm to let you speak your mind more easily. But only if you wanted me to.”

A flashback of the many times Fluttershy had been unable to say something or her shyness and awkwardness had led to some misunderstanding seemed to flash before her eyes. Would it… would it make me mean? I don’t want to sound like I’m ungrateful, but I’ve tried some things to help before and, well… sometimes I took things a little too far…

“Nothing like that. It just eases away a little bit of fear and anxiety.” Lasciel said, sitting up from her chair with a look of concern. “If you don’t like it I can always reverse it. I just want to help if I can, Fluttershy.”

She did help. Lasciel always listened to her and seemed to know her as well as any of her other friends despite having only meet her a few days ago. Fluttershy nodded. Lasciel smiled and disappeared again. It had been only seconds since Rarity’s question, and Fluttershy suddenly felt her throat loosen. It wasn’t that her fear disappeared entirely or that she felt a magical rush of confidence. It was just… easier to say what she wanted to. “No, Rarity. Sorry, but there’s nopony new in my life.”

There was a moment of disappointment on Rarity face, but it quickly disappeared into a smile. “A shame, darling. Here I was all set to dress you in the finest fashion!” Before Fluttershy would have been even more worried about disappointing her friend, but now – somehow – she could tell that Rarity was not truly upset, just teasing her.

“Thank you, Rarity,” she said with a smile, relaxing back into her spa bath. Aloe came from somewhere around the corner and laid a pair of cucumber slices across her eyes. Disaster had been averted all thanks to her new friend.

“Of course it shouldn’t surprise me. It’s like not you’re outgoing enough to find a stallion without my help,” Rarity said lightly.

Fluttershy flinched at that, but Rarity just began humming to herself, giving no thought to what she had just said. It… it was true, but did she have to say it like that?

“Hey,” Lasciel said, her tone kind and encouraging. “Don’t let that get you down. I think you’re a beautiful mare that any stallion would be lucky to have.”

A warm feeling flowed through Fluttershy, pushing back the cold hurt she’d felt at Rarity’s blunt assessment. Thank you, Lasciel.

“Of course, my host.”

……….

Pinkie Pie was a wonderful pony. Fluttershy reminded herself how lucky she was to have her as a friend whenever her high energy was hard to deal with. Not that she didn’t love her friend, but sometimes…

“Oh! I’m so excited that you’re finally here! I mean, I know you’re actually three minutes early, but I’ve been so excited about us having a baking day together that I’ve been awake since four o’clock which isn’t actually that strange since I normally get up at four o’clock to help get the bakery ready for the breakfast rush, but that’s still a super long time to be waiting to spend some time with one of your bestest friends! We are going to have the abso-tively best time making dog biscuits!”

Fluttershy’s ears lay almost flush to her skull, trying in vain to shut out just a little of Pinkie’s voice. Lasciel wasn’t much different, as Fluttershy saw her pull a pair of ear plugs out of nowhere and insert them into her ears. Fluttershy had to fight back a giggle at that sight. Lasciel mimed a breathing exercise and Fluttershy nodded before copying her.

“It’s good to see you too, Pinkie,” Fluttershy said in a firm confident voice that was just a tiny bit louder than her usual voice.

Pinkie beamed at her, Lasciel gave her an approving smile, and Fluttershy felt ready to face the world by making the best dog biscuits Ponyville’s pooches had ever tasted.

“Let’s get baking!” Pinkie said. Fluttershy blinked and suddenly the table in front of her was filled with ingredients when only moments ago it had been entirely empty.

“How?” Lasciel asked sounding dumbfounded for the first time since Fluttershy had met her. “I watched her through your eyes and this somehow happened in the time it took for you to blink.”

That’s Pinkie for you. Fluttershy thought with a mental giggle.

Lasciel pouted at her, crossed the room, and squinted at Pinkie, giving her a few pokes that passed straight through her. “There has to be some explanation…”

“Hehehe! That tickles!” Pinkie exclaimed. Fluttershy almost jumped out of her feathers, and Lasciel nervously backed away from the pink Earth pony.

“What tickles?” Fluttershy had been trying to find a way for her friends to see or hear Lasciel for almost a week now. Had Pinkie finally given her a clue?

Pinkie blinked at her then thought for a second. “I dunno. Sometimes you just get the tickles, y’know?” Fluttershy didn’t know. With a sigh, she dismissed the incident as another example of Pinkie being Pinkie.

They went to work making dog biscuits, but Pinkie must have been used to a more experienced partner in the kitchen. She was calling out instructions and ingredients, in addition to mixing and making her own batches, faster than Fluttershy could handle. She struggled to keep up, but quickly found herself overwhelmed.

“Geez louise!” Pinkie said, while Fluttershy was turned all around and trying to find the right spices in the cupboard. “If you can’t keep up with the beat, then get outta the kitchen!” It was light and playful, like most of what Pinkie said, but Fluttershy couldn’t help but feel a teensy bit of anger. Nopony, not even Rainbow Dash, could keep up with the pace Pinkie was setting.

She turned back to tell Pinkie just that, when things seemed to slow down to a crawl. Fluttershy watched as individual particles of flour froze to a halt in mid-air.

Lasciel came out of a corner of the room, a concerned expression on her face. “Please, Fluttershy, don’t fight with her. You know she didn’t mean anything by it. She’s just… being Pinkie.”

Embarrassment raced through her. Lasciel was right. Had she been about to be unkind to her friend over something so small? You’re right, she thought. But she really is going too fast.

“Maybe for regular ponies, but you’ve got a super special spirit on your side,” Lasciel said with a wink. “Right now, I’m slowing down your perception of time enough to have this conversation, but I could permanently increase your reaction time and reflexes.” She paused and grinned sheepishly. “Not quite to this level – your mind can only handle this for a short time – but what I can do will let you keep up with Pinkie Pie.”

Fluttershy felt a grin coming on. Pinkie was about to see which pony could ‘keep up with the beat’. Thank you, Lasciel. I’d be grateful for a little help.

Lasciel gave her a smile worthy of a movie star. “Then so shall it be.” Then, she disappeared and things began moving once more. The clouds of flour resumed their movement and Pinkie’s mouth continued to run, but now Fluttershy could make sense of every word.

Her hooves moved easily and lightly, snatching this, that, and the other thing as soon as Pinkie could list them. She felt quick and capable, which after a lifetime of stumbling awkwardness was headier than the best cider. After a few minutes of keeping pace with the pink dervish, her friend finally seemed to notice. “Wowee, Fluttershy! When did you get the moves like that? You’re the first since Cheese Sandwich that I didn’t need to slow down for.”

Lasciel reappeared in a corner of the room and gave her a big wink and smile. “Oh, you know. Here and there,” Fluttershy replied with a smile.

………

“Quick, everypony, look behind you!” Fluttershy said menacingly as she pulled the lever that dropped all of the cardboard cutouts she had made for her Nightmare Night spooktacular. For some reason her friends weren’t reacting how she had expected.

“Uh, what are those,” Rainbow Dash asked, sounding entirely unspooked.

“They’re unplanned guests. Your woooorst nightmare. You don’t have enough food for them!” She tossed an adorable wind-up cat up to the table to complete the horror. “Oh, no! There’s a tiny kitten that needs a home! But you are over-scheduled right now. You don’t have time to help!”

There were no screams or gasps, much to Fluttershy’s surprise. Maybe she hadn’t been clear. “I said ‘You don’t have time to help!’ This should appear to scare you!” There was only continued silence so she glanced over her love seat to find all of her friends looking unimpressed. They tried to soften the blow, but it was quickly clear that none of them had found her ‘very spooky tea party’ at all scary. Fluttershy admitted defeat with a sigh and told her friends to go on without her. It was better that they enjoy Nightmare Night without her than be bored here.

“Eh, it’s funny. I actually thought she had an idea for something really scary for a second there,” Pinkie said on her way out.

Applejack followed her close behind, her back to Fluttershy. “She definitely tried her hardest,” Applejack agreed. “Too bad her hardest weren’t good enough to scare a baby bunny.”

Fluttershy stared for a moment, but her friends were just trotting away without any more thought to her so she closed the door. “I did try my hardest.”

“Did you really?” Lasciel asked as Angel started thumping his foot. He must be hungry, but he could wait for just a moment.”

“Or, maybe not,” she admitted. “I suppose I could have gone with something a bit scarier.”

Lasciel and Angel both nodded. “Of course you could have. Social anxiety is nothing to scoff at, but real fear is something different. If you want to scare your friends you’ll have to embrace that.”

“You’re right!” Fluttershy declared. “I’ve been taking baby steps! I think it’s time for grown-up ones!” Then she realized just how out of her depth she was when it came to ‘real fear’. She grinned sheepishly and looked to Lasciel. “I don’t suppose you have any ideas how I could do that?”

Lasciel gave an almost sinister chuckle and flared her wings to their full span. “Oh, dear heart. Do I ever… but you’ll have to be ruthless to make this work.”

“Ruthless?” Fluttershy squeaked, swallowing a lump in her throat.

Now it was Lasciel’s turn to wear a sheepish grin. “Okay, maybe not ruthless, but we have to do something about all that fear and hesitancy. I know my charm helped a little, but if you let me I can strengthen it to the point that you’ll have no trouble going out into Nightmare Night and scaring your friends.”

It was a little worrying to have to rely on a magic charm to be brave, but Lasciel had always been kind and considerate to her. The spirit only wanted the best for Fluttershy, and refusing her help would be rude. Okay, she thought. I’m willing to try your charm out.

Lasciel beamed, and Fluttershy felt a rush of warmth somewhere deep inside her. “Already done,” Lasciel said, resting a comforting hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Now let’s get out there and give those ponies the best Nightmare Night they’ve ever had!”

“Woo-hoo!” Fluttershy quietly cheered. She felt a rush of excitement and happiness inside herself, and for once, fear was completely absent. She felt like she could do anything, and with Lasciel by her side, who could say that she was wrong?

………

Fluttershy soared through the open air a mile or two outside of Cloudsdale as the sun set in the distance with Rainbow Dash on one side and Lasciel on the other. She enjoyed the breeze and view, which was a pleasant change from the last time she had flown here.

“Thanks for coming with me to Cloudsdale, Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash said. “Especially since you had to wait during that Winter Prep meeting. That was a major snoozefest.” She stuck out her tongue and flipped upside with a swoop, acting like she was dead mid-flight. “Ugh, they’re just gonna deliver the snow like always; everypony already knows how to get their towns ready.”

“That’s fine,” Fluttershy said. She glided easily with just a few flaps to keep her stable. Her new reflexes let her easily react to the slight shifts in the breeze, and without her fear of falling she didn’t overcorrect for every little bit of turbulence anymore. She would never join the Wonderbolts, but it was a far cry from the awkward and clumsy flying she’d done all her life. “I had lunch and caught up with my mother. She’s doing well and so is Father. He’s close to retirement, and they’re both looking forward to that.”

“And Zephyr?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Lasciel rolled her eyes. “She should already be able to guess the answer to that.”

Agreed. Fluttershy tried and failed to fight back a sigh. “Same as always.” Dash snickered, and Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. Her brother wasn’t her favorite pony in the world, but Dash didn’t need to be like that. “But at least he visits home occasionally. You should visit your parents more often, Dash.”

Dash was so surprised her wings stopped beating and she fell a few feet. She hurriedly beat her wings and regained the altitude easily, but she still looked shocked. “Who are you and what did you do with Fluttershy?”

Lasciel laughed daintily in the background as Fluttershy stuck her tongue out at Rainbow Dash. “I’m just feeling more confident lately. Goodness knows, I’ve learned that lesson more than once. I guess it just took a while to sink in.” And the help of a special friend, she thought with a mental wink to Lasciel.

“It looks good on you!” Dash said, punching her lightly in the shoulder. “You’ve really cleaned up your flying too. I bet you’ve doubled your wingpower since the last time we measured. Heck, maybe we should race back to Ponyville! You might even beat me.”

Fluttershy stuck out her tongue again and quietly said. “Very funny.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and did another lazy loop-de-loop, swooping behind Fluttershy. “I know! There’s not a chance in Equestria that you could ever keep up with me.”

An odd little spike of anger made Fluttershy’s feathers bristle. Nopony could keep up with Dash. Wasn’t it enough that she had improved? Did Dash have to rub it in her face that she was still better?

“That’s not actually true, you know,” Lasciel said conversationally, frowning at Dash’s antics.

What do you mean?

“Do you remember what I said when you first found me?” Whether or not she did, Lasciel continued to explain. “I am bound to share my power with somepony that I deem worthy. With that power you would easily be able to outrace even your friend.”

That would be nice, but I wouldn’t expect you to do that for me just because we’re friends. Once you find somepony worthy, you can give it to them.

“I’ve only known you for two weeks, Fluttershy, but I can’t imagine anypony more worthy than you.” Lasciel looked directly into Fluttershy’s eyes, and she felt a shiver chase down her spine. Far from her usual playful personality, Lasciel looked entirely serious. “Power is a burden, but I believe you are more than qualified to bear what I have to offer. Will you accept it, Fluttershy? Will you accept me?”

I… I don’t know. Fluttershy felt some of her old fears and insecurities resurfacing. It was one thing to have a little charm here or there to help her out. This was a big step.

“I do,” Lasciel told her confidently. “I trust you with this, Fluttershy.” Her eyes were as red as a perfect rose, as red as fresh blood, and Fluttershy couldn’t look away. “Do you trust me?”

I do.

Lasciel gave her a comforting smile, then began fading into sparkling motes of dust. You’ve made the right choice.

A powerful feeling of joy, pride, and complete freedom boiled up within Fluttershy and exploded. It was the best feeling she had ever felt before. Better than good tea, better than the finest pastries, better than critter cuddles, better than a Pinkie Pie song meant just for her, better than anything.

She felt like laughing and for once didn’t care who was listening or what it would look like. She was fiercely, wonderfully alive and Equestria had better laugh with her or get out of the way.

“Uh, Fluttershy are you feeling– WOAH! What happened to your w–”

“I accept,” Fluttershy said confidently flexing her wings, feeling the air currents in a way she never had before. Be careful, Lasciel told her gently. Your natural magic has been greatly boosted, and I can help you to a degree, but experience is something you still lack. Fluttershy accepted that with a nod, but didn’t let it spoil her mood. She didn’t think anything could make her feel bad right now.

“What?” Rainbow Dash said.

“The race to Ponyville,” Fluttershy said patiently, pointing to the still distant town with one wing tip. They seemed a little different than she remembered for some reason. She grinned toothily at her friend and felt a dizzying, tumbling rush as the magic built within her. “Catch me if you can.”

Fluttershy spread her wings and with one mighty beat rocketed towards the horizon, easily leaving a surprised Rainbow Dash in her dust.

………

“- ignoring the point! There was something wrong, I’m telling you!”

Fluttershy’s improved hearing let her hear her friends arguing within the Map Room of the Crystal Castle. It was probably about her. She had not even realized that her acceptance of Lasciel’s power had changed her appearance until she had gotten home and had to bend just to enter the front door. But it was a brand new morning, and she was a brand new Fluttershy, so there was no sense crying over spilled rainclouds.

She had come at the time she had promised Rainbow but it seemed like everypony else had gotten here much earlier. Oh dear, Lasciel said. I should have warned you ahead of time what drawing on my power would do.

It’s okay, Fluttershy reassured her. It was silly of me to get that worked up about a race. At least, I have proof now when I tell them about you.

Yes, Lasciel replied happily. I’m very eager to be formally introduced to your friends. Fluttershy felt a surge of worry from Lasciel. I hope they like me.

Of course, they will! Fluttershy thought back. I’m certain they will be glad to know all about how much you’ve helped me become a better pony.

She reached up and knocked politely on the door to the Map Room. All conversation inside stopped instantly. The door opened to reveal Spike looking up at her warily. She gave him a pleased smile. “Good morning, Spike.”

He stared at her. “Well, she doesn’t look any different or sound like a Changeling.”

“Spike!” Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash all yelled.

“What!? Don’t tell me none of you weren’t thinking about it.”

This will be a fun meeting, Lasciel thought dryly. Fluttershy put a hoof to her mouth to hold back a giggle.

“No, I’m not a changeling. I’m the same Fluttershy you have always known, just… a bit different.”

“Oh! Oh!” Pinkie said hopping up and down. “You’re from the future where we all get superpowers! Or a different timeline where we replace Celestia and Luna as rulers of Equestria! Or an alternate reality where everypony is an alicorn!”

“Pinkie, I doubt any of those are the real reason,” Applejack said.

“And you should really stop getting your ideas from Spike’s comic books,” Twilight said, shaking her head.

“Whatever!” Dash said, banging her hooves on the map table. “Can we get to the point already? I wanna know what’s up with that transformation thing and how you flew so fast!”

Fluttershy did giggle this time. “Oh, Rainbow, it was just a little race. Nothing to get worked up over.” Rainbow’s face turned bright red and everypony else just stopped what they were doing and stared at her. Even Pinkie.

“You didn’t apologize or shy away,” Rarity said in wonder.

“You giggled at somepony gettin’ angry with you,” Applejack said in confusion.

“You beat Dashie in a race!?” Pinkie exclaimed, popping out of her seat.

“What happened, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, her tone suddenly suspicious. There was a slight, almost-there glow around her horn. Not a spell at the ready, but she was ready to start casting if she didn’t like the answer she heard.

Fluttershy fought down a spike of annoyance with her friends. They just didn’t understand yet, but they would soon. “Twilight, do you remember the coin I asked you to examine?”

Twilight nodded. “I remember, but there weren’t any enchantments on that coin.”

“Maybe none that you could detect, but there was a spirit bound inside the coin, and once I touched it, she could talk to me. She was imprisoned there by a bad spirit king, but she can share her power with a worthy pony.” Pride and happiness welled up within her. “And she chose me! Look at this, everypony!” Fluttershy reached down within herself and felt that amazing, intoxicating power from yesterday and embraced it. She opened her eyes and saw all of her friends watching on in amazement.

Fluttershy stood almost as tall as Celestia now, but her frame was slimmer, with a lean, lithe body that led to perfectly slender legs. Her mane and tail spilled down like coral waterfalls, full and luxurious, almost touching the floor. Her coat had also darkened a shade from a pale yellow to a color like golden sunlight. Then her wings unfolded. Most pony wings were rather small for their body; even Celestia’s great swan-like wings were a bit under-sized. Fluttershy’s wings were each longer than her entire body, and had chiseled tips like the wings of a swallow. The butterflies on her cutie mark had turned silver and changed their wing shape to resemble Lasciel’s hourglass-like symbol. And a pair of glowing purple dots, like little eyes, appeared on her forehead.

She wasn’t a pony given to vanity, but right now Fluttershy felt beautiful and powerful. Perfectly at ease with herself for the first time she could remember. Beneath that she felt a strange sort of vulnerability and nervousness, but she didn’t pay it any mind. She knew it was silly to be worried when she had friends who loved her no matter what.

“Y’know, that makes you sound two apples short of a bushel there, sugarcube,” Applejack said bluntly.

“Don’t be so judgmental, Applejack,” Rarity said reproachfully. “Clearly, such a sudden change taxed her mind dreadfully and she invented this ‘spirit’ to cope with it.” Her eyes turned toward Fluttershy, sparkling with joy. “But a coin that can transform a pony into such physical perfection is truly a wonder.” She sighed. “I suppose sometimes it is better to be lucky than smart.”

Rainbow Dash seemed much calmer than she had been. “Oh, so you cheated. Finally, something about all this makes sense, because there’s no way you could’ve outflown me otherwise.” She nodded smugly to herself. “Yeah, it’s just like when Trixie – a total nobody – beat Twilight because she had the Alicorn Amulet.”

“Wow! An artifact capable of altering a pony like that is an amazing find. Especially since it couldn’t even be detected by my normal spells,” Twilight said, her nose already buried in a notebook scratching notes. “You have to let me borrow that coin and run more tests on it. Maybe send it to the unicorns at Celestia’s school for further study. The auditory hallucinations might impede its usefulness, but I’m sure we can find a spell to fix that. You’ll get it back within two months, three at the worst, I promise!”

“Hey!” Pinkie yelled, popping up beside Fluttershy, making her flinch. Pinkie stared deeply into one of Fluttershy’s eyes, like she was trying to see what was on the other side of it. “You don’t really hear voices in your head, right? Because, I’m the most loco pony-o in town and even I’m not that loopy,” Pinkie said with a giggle.

Fluttershy’s voice had been frozen, but now suddenly it seemed to burst out of her in a sob. “Why don’t any of you believe me?”

“Because it sounds completely nuts,” Spike said bluntly.

Fluttershy felt Twilight’s levitation field envelop her. “Fluttershy, we’re going to need you to calm down. Or we’ll need to take you to the hospital.” The tone in her voice left no doubt about which part of the hospital she was talking about either.

“We oughta take that coin away,” Applejack said. “That seems to be the cause of all this ruckus.”

“Ooh, I volunteer to check if she has it on her,” Rarity chimed in. “I’m rather curious to see my appearance under the coin’s enchantment.”

“That’s not how it works!” Fluttershy cried, tears now streaming from her eyes. “Lasciel gave it especially to me! Why won’t anypony believe me? I’m not crazy!”

Fluttershy felt the gentle field around her body tighten slightly as she was lifted up and the doors of the map room opened. “Okay, it’s clear that we need to go to the hospital. Don’t worry Fluttershy, I’m sure they’ll be able to help you.”

Sorry, Fluttershy, Lasciel thought sadly. I never imagined it would turn out this way. But you’re not crazy and you’re not alone. I believe you and I believe in you. I always have.

A sob of despair wracked Fluttershy’s body and a fresh stream of tears poured from her eyes. I’m glad somepony does.

You don’t deserve to be treated like this, Lasciel thought, her voice growing heated.

The thought sent a realization rippling through Fluttershy. You’re right, I don’t.

She didn’t have to lay down and let her friends bully her like this. Maybe the old Fluttershy would have given up, but with Lasciel on her side it was a different story. She felt Lasciel’s power well up inside her, and she poured it into her legs and wings. Twilight obviously hadn’t expected any kind of struggle, because Fluttershy easily tore free with a sudden burst of strength. Before Twilight could react, she was gone, scraping her wide wings against both sides of the castle hallway as she made good her escape.

“Somepony grab her before she hurts anypony!” Twilight yelled, missing her with a stun spell by only inches.

“On it!” Rainbow Dash barked. She rocketed across the hall, easily closing the distance. Fluttershy’s new wings were too wide to navigate the hallways and Dash would bring her down in seconds.

Let me, Lasciel said, her tone firm. Fluttershy relaxed, letting her friend take control of their flight. Fluttershy spun around and with a single flap sent hurricane force winds barreling down the hallway. Rainbow Dash was an experienced flyer, but she was completely unprepared for the massive windstorm and went crashing into Twilight.

Applejack advanced grimly, staying low and gritting her teeth against the wind. “Consarn it, Fluttershy. We’re doin’ this fer your own good!”

Fluttershy didn’t want to fight her friends, and Lasciel evidently agreed as she turned tail and flew. She built up speed, faster and faster, headed directly for a huge window at the end of the hall. Fluttershy mentally squeaked in fear, but Lasciel never wavered. At the last second, her wings came forward, sheltering her face and body as she crashed through the window. Then she was in the open air and soaring free, her wings unscathed. Rainbow Dash tried again to catch up, but another blast of wind sent her hurtling back into the castle. Lasciel gave Fluttershy control back over her body, and she flew as fast as she could back to her cottage.

Once at the cottage, Fluttershy landed with a thump and let go of Lasciel’s power, turning back into her normal self. She hurried through the door, shutting and locking it behind her. Not that that would stop any of her friends if they were truly determined. All of her precious animals could tell she was upset and they followed her into the bedroom. All of the emotions from before caught up with her and Fluttershy collapsed to the bed in tears.

Why? I just don’t understand it. How could – how could they treat me like that? They’re my friends!

I know, Lasciel told her sadly. It seems strange to me also. They may just need time to adjust.

Fluttershy bit her lip so she didn’t say anything unkind about her ‘friends’. They wanted to send me to a mental hospital! That’s – It’s – I have half a mind to go back there and give them a real talking-to!

I don’t think that would help. Yelling at them and being confrontational might just convince other ponies that they’re right. I think we should leave for a little while. Give them some time to come to grips with how things have changed. Rarity and Rainbow were clearly just jealous of your new beauty and athleticism. Let them get used to the idea of the new you and they’ll accept it. They’re your friends, after all.

Go away? A childish impulse made the idea sound so appealing. She could leave and everypony would feel bad about how they had treated her and regret everything they had done to drive her off. It sounded perfect, but adult responsibilities reared up in the back of her mind. But who would take care of the cottage and all of my animal friends? What about my tea parties with Discord? What if Equestria is threatened and they need my help?

You couldn’t very well do any of that if they put you in a mental hospital either, Lasciel pointed out, then paused. Except for tea with Discord, maybe. One of your friends will take care of the cottage in your absence or the Princesses will hire somepony to do it. Goodness knows, you’ve saved Equestria enough times to have earned that at least. And if your friends need you to save the world then I’m sure the Map will alert you to the danger. Just like it did with Starlight.

Fluttershy had to admit that Lasciel was making a lot of sense. And it would be nice to get away for a week or two. No worries or responsibilities. Exploring the ins and outs of these new powers that Lasciel had given her. It was all very tempting.

Just imagine it, Fluttershy, Lasciel thought. You could leave them a letter explaining everything, and just fly off. Free from responsibility or worry for a little while. There are uncounted places in the wilderness to see, strange and wonderful animals to encounter, time and space enough to relax and simply enjoy yourself.

Fluttershy had always wanted to visit the Smokey Mountains and look for the mysterious Skunk Ape. Maybe this was the time to finally do it.

You’ll never have a better time, Lasciel thought.

You’re right, Fluttershy agreed. Ponyville and… even my animal friends can survive without me for a little while. It’s not awful to want a little ‘me time’ after all I’ve done for everypony.

You go, mare! Lasciel cheered.

That decided, Fluttershy got out her nicest stationary and penned a short letter for Twilight. She didn’t say that she was taking a vacation because of how awful all of her friends had treated her, but she suspected that the timing would be all the hint a smart pony like Twilight would need. She packed lightly, double checked that the pantry was stocked, and hugged each of her animals goodbye. They were understandably upset that she was going, but an explanation that she was just leaving for a little while to rest and recover reassured them.

Even with her bag packed and everything ready to go she hesitated at the front door. Fluttershy glanced back at the animals waving goodbye, and she bit her lip in anxiety. Will they really be okay without me? Part of her knew she wasn’t just talking about her animals.

I don’t know, Lasciel answered. Will they?

Fluttershy breathed in deeply and used a technique Lasciel had taught her to quiet her fears. Yes. It’s silly to think that everypony is so dependent on me that they can’t take care of themselves for a little while. There was still a part of her worried, but there would always be a part of her that worried. Doing nothing because she worried about everything was what the old Fluttershy would have done. It was time to do something new.

Fluttershy gave her animals one last smile and wave before she stepped through the door and left.

………

Fluttershy hadn’t found any Skunk Apes just yet, but the air was wonderfully fresh, and she had discovered several beautiful waterfalls, meadows, and plenty of friendly critters in the few short days she had been in the Smokey Mountains.

And now that she held Lasciel’s power full-time even just flying was a joy. She had practiced every day, and she had come to realize why Dash loved it so much. Her ability to manipulate the wind and weather had likewise improved beyond her wildest dreams. Lasciel had coached her through everything, and for once Fluttershy felt like a real pegasus.

Fluttershy landed with a clatter in front of the little boarding house in the Smokey Mountains, south of Tall Tale, and walked inside. Her host tottered out of one of the back rooms when he heard her. “Good afternoon, miss. Fancy some tea and snacks?” Mr. Last Stop said as Fluttershy entered the old house. Mr. Stop had once rented rooms to miners back when the town had a working mine, but the seam had played out decades ago. Now he was the only pony left, making ends meet by servicing the few ponies that visited the Mountains.

“Good afternoon,” Fluttershy replied. “No thank you, I had plenty of tea this morning.”

Mr. Stop sighed, then tsked. “You oughta eat more, young lady. I can’t imagine how you got so tall when those skinny legs show you ain’t eating enough to be healthy.”

Yes, I can’t imagine how that happened, Lasciel thought drily.

Mr. Stop was half-blind and either he hadn’t noticed that Fluttershy switched between a normal size and twice the height of the average mare, or he didn’t care.

“I’ll try,” she promised the lovely old stallion as she headed up to her room, letting Lasciel’s power drain away and returning to her normal size. Fluttershy refreshed herself at the room’s basin, and gently preened her wings, thinking about what she should do for today. She was just considering taking a long nap and exploring later tonight in case Skunk Apes were nocturnal, when her train of thought was interrupted.

“You’ve got a gentlecolt caller, miss!” Mr. Stop shouted from downstairs. Fluttershy had only a moment to be curious before her unspoken question of ‘who’ was answered.

“Fluttershy!” cried a familiar voice. “Twilight is having an absolute fit over your transformation and disappearing act. I’m always glad to see her go neurotic – because let’s face it, that girl has more than a touch of Chaos in her no matter how hard she tries to deny it – but I think I know what’s really going on here.”

Discord! Fluttershy thought happily. This is wonderful. He can help us prove I’m not crazy and clear up this entire misunderstanding. It’s a shame to end our vacation early, but I imagine my friends have had enough time to realize their mistakes by now.

“It’s more than a bit ridiculous, honestly,” Discord said, the stairs squeaking under his weight as he came up. But then his voice seemed to shift slightly. It became flatter, deeper, and sort of… tinny. He sounded quietly furious. “I begrudgingly share you with your Element buddies and all your animals, and I’ll even make an allowance for that ‘Treehugger’ girl, but another new friend? One that gets to live in your head and keep you all to herself?” The noise from the stairs which had been growing louder and louder completely cut off. Fluttershy unconsciously took a step back, away from the hallway and felt her rump bump into something.

Discord was standing behind her, wearing an ancient Mexicolt sacrificial mask like something out of Daring Do. Blue-white flames wreathed his claw and paw and the room grew dark, as if Discord had somehow turned down the brightness of the sun. “That’s a step too far,” he said, looming over her threateningly. “I’m going to rip that sorry excuse of a spirit right out of your head. You’re my friend and nobody else’s.”

We need to run! Lasciel thought urgently, and Fluttershy didn’t fight her for control of her body. Lasciel’s power rushed through her and before Fluttershy knew what had happened, she was outside and there was a huge hole in the side of the boarding house. Discord followed close on her hooves, still wearing the mask, still wreathed in fire. Lasciel swept both wings forward and summoned another powerful gale. Discord tumbled backward for a moment, but then his upper body melted into a stubby cone and his tail coiled into a cylinder. Huge tongues of flame began to shoot of his tail-cylinder and he propelled himself forward through the powerful winds.

Lasciel had already turned to flee and soon they were above the Smokey Mountains and flying southward. The mountain peaks rushed towards them, the ground below a green blur, and Fluttershy felt her eyes watering from the speed. But now Discord was riding the giant Discord-rocket, and he was closing the distance. Even stranger, he was still wearing the mask and saying nothing. Fluttershy could hardly ever think of a time when Discord didn’t talk, no matter what was happening around him.

Clouds began to stream off of Fluttershy’s wingtips as Lasciel poured her power into the surrounding air. She suddenly spun around and the clouds gathered into a dense, crackling ball. A bolt of lightning leapt from the cloud ball straight towards Discord. He split in half suddenly, the lightning streaming between his left and right sides. Another bolt shot out and Discord’s head sucked into his body, dodging it again.

Lasciel growled in anger and slammed both hooves into the cloud ball just as Discord closed the last of the distance between them. A web of yellow-white electricity burst from the cloud ball, surrounding Discord entirely. He twisted like a snake, trying to slide between two forks of lightning, but just couldn’t manage it. Discord twitched and shook as he was shocked, his skeleton flashing white and somehow showing through his skin and fur.

Fluttershy wished she could look away, but Lasciel kept her eyes trained on Discord, wary of any trick. Discord just stood on thin air, coughed out a black ring of smoke and disintegrated into ash. Fluttershy only had a moment to be horrified before Lasciel twisted around in a swooping dive, just barely dodging a swiping claw from Discord as he dropped from overhead.

“Enough of this,” Lasciel growled with Fluttershy’s voice. Then she began to speak words that weren’t words. They came from her throat, and yet Fluttershy was somehow certain that they weren’t sounds. They went past sound into something completely silent that vibrated the inside of your head instead.

Discord snarled and snapped his talons, making a metal muzzle appear around her mouth, but the non-sounds tore it to pieces, and Lasciel didn’t miss a beat. He rocketed towards her, once again trying to swipe with his claw, but Lasciel twisted around in a dive, dodging him even as his arm stretched out to chase her. A rain of eels appeared over Fluttershy, sticky with mucus, an attempt to gum up her wings and weigh her down. But Lasciel dove beneath and blew the cloud, eels and all, away with another gust of wind. The entire time she had not stopped her litany of non-sounds, and finally the chant spiked in intensity and she finished with a wordless, triumphant yell.

The ancient Mexicolt mask finally fell away as Discord was frozen in place by bands of white energy stained in places with black and orange speckles. A blindfold covered his eyes, a muzzle sealed his jaw, a straightjacket secured all six of his limbs, and even his tail was bent backwards and bound to his back. He tumbled from the sky, and crashed into a craggy ravine far below.

Fluttershy gasped mentally. They were very high up, and regardless of how he had just acted, she hoped he wasn’t hurt.

He’ll be fine, Lasciel thought. She sounded winded, as if whatever it was she did to Discord had been exhausting. But we need to leave. There’s no telling who else will come after us if he knew where we were. Or if he’ll come back in a few days. Here, you fly. I need to rest.

Fluttershy blinked in surprise. She hadn’t known that Lasciel was capable of rest, much less needed it. Whatever she had done to Discord must have been very draining. Then she felt control of her own body return to her and she wanted a rest too. Her wings ached, her fur felt rubbed raw by the wind, her hooves still crackled with residual electricity, and her throat felt like somepony had scrubbed every inch of it raw with sandpaper. But she took her bearing and angled her flight towards the southern side of the Smokey Mountains. They would have to find shelter somewhere in the forest below the slopes.

She did more gliding than flying for the next two hours, gradually losing altitude. Her hooves were almost scraping the top of the pines when she finally spotted a little cabin in a nearby clearing. Gratefully, she set down and stumbled towards it, letting go of Lasciel’s power and assuming her normal form.

It was a strange-looking little cottage, with one round window and one square. The door was much smaller than the door frame, the roof was half shingles and half thatch, and the kindest thing that could be said about its colors was that they were certainly bright. But it was a place to rest, and Fluttershy desperately needed one of those right now so she wasn’t going to be choosy.

“Anypony home?” she called as she knocked on the door. Fluttershy winced at how raspy her voice sounded. Hopefully, whoever lived here had some herbs and soothing tea she could use.

“A visitor?” wheezed a high-pitched voice from somewhere inside. “Oh dearie me, do come in. It’s so nice to have company.”

Lasciel stirred at the back of her mind. Be careful, Fluttershy. Something about that voice puts me on edge.

It sounds like a little old lady, Fluttershy thought back. And I’d hate to be rude to her.

Lasciel said nothing else and Flutershy took that as agreement. The front door easily swung open into a living room full of old, mismatching furniture. “I’m in the kitchen, dearie,” the old lady said from somewhere further in the house. Fluttershy heard the burble of a pot bubbling and the scrape of spoon stirring it. She sighed in contentment, closing her eyes and breathing in the smell of whatever was cooking.

Strawberries and hot asphalt?

She re-opened her eyes in time to see Discord finish phasing through the wall before he viciously backhanded her with his paw.

Only, his expression wasn’t one of rage. It was one of desperate fear and hope, anger only coming in a distant third. And his paw actually hadn’t harmed her at all. It had gone through her entirely, yet somehow sent Lasciel sprawling.

“Fluttershy?” he said his tone terrified. “Are you all right?”

“Discord? Why did you do that? Why can’t you accept that I still care about you no matter how many friends I make?” It was good to see that he didn’t really want to hurt her, but his ridiculous jealousy had to stop.

He paused, blinking at her in confusion. Then his face darkened. “Is that what you heard?”

“This is impossible,” Lasciel growled as she fought her way back to her hooves. “How did you escape? And how did you strike me?!”

Discord twisted to face her and bristled like a cat, his back arched and fur on end. Fluttershy couldn’t help but notice that he put himself between her and Lasciel. “I’m the Spirit of Chaos, sweetheart. I do six impossible things before breakfast every day.” He snorted in derision and straightened back into a bipedal stance. “Oh, and those restraints?” He pulled the blindfold of white energy out of nowhere, spun it around one talon, and let it fall to the floor where it shattered into pieces. “Maybe next time don’t depend on magic that you no longer have any claim on. Changing dimensions didn’t fix your ugly little heart.”

“Discord! Stop it! Stop treating Lasciel like an enemy!” Fluttershy shouted, surprising everypony in the cabin, including herself. But there was no excuse for the way Discord was acting.

“Fluttershy, do know what this thing is?” he asked in exasperation.

“A friend,” she said decisively, and Lasciel smiled back at her.

Discord’s expression just darkened. “Oh, she might be pretending to be your friend, but I can promise you she isn’t. I’ve done more than my fair share of dimension-hopping, and I recognize what she is and where she’s from.” He suddenly smiled as if at a fond memory. “A chatty bartender filled me in on everything I needed to know about that little corner of existence.”

“And for all you know, that bartender was one of the servants of the wicked spirit king that banished her. Lasciel has been nothing but a good friend since I found her.”

“Has she?” Discord asked. “Then why do you think I was jealous of you ‘making a new friend’? Why did you have some sort of disassociation fit back at Twiggly Wiggly’s castle? Why did she use your body like a puppet to fight me when I all I wanted to do was talk?”

Lasciel rolled her eyes. “Please, he can’t even lie well. Fluttershy, you don’t believe him, do you?”

Discord hissed at her and snorted. “Lying, am I? Let’s go to the tape.” And without warning he jammed his arm into Fluttershy’s ear right up to the elbow. Fluttershy’s eyes crossed, she heard a pony yodeling backwards somewhere in the distance, and everything tasted distinctly purple for a second.

“Aha!” Discord crowed, pulling out a long strip of film, one end of which was still attached to her ear.

“What are you doing? Get out of her head, you monster!”

“Oh, please. That’s the pot calling the kettle full of fish. You live in her head, and the only reason she can even see you is because you’re altering her perceptions!” He paused and offered the film strip to Fluttershy. “These are your memories, uncut and unedited.” He glared at Lasciel, then snapped his talons and a projector, screen, and movie seats appeared on one side of the cabin. “Just watch them and you’ll know I’m telling the truth.”

“Fluttershy, he’s obviously trying to trick you. Your real memories? Those are clearly images that he made up.”

Discord stuck out his tongue. “You know I can still hear you, right? Besides, the choice whether or not to watch them is hers. You and I are going to have a little heart-to-heart while she looks them over.” With that he grabbed Lasciel and yanked her over to something that looked like a teleportation booth from one of Spike’s comics.

“What? No! Put me down! How is this possible?!” Lasciel screamed.

“Spirit of Chaos, baby!” Discord cried before they disappeared with a strange ‘vhorp’ noise.

Fluttershy stood there for a moment. Lasciel? she thought, searching for an answer. There was no response. She could still feel Lasciel’s presence in her mind, but it was… distant.

The spool of film still stuck out of her ear and her curiosity tugged at her. Maybe Lasciel was right and Discord was making things up. Or maybe Discord really had brought out her memories. But why was he convinced they would prove he was telling the truth? She had already seen and heard everything, and he had acted like a perfect beast the whole time.

Either way, she found herself feeding the film into the projector and starting it up. It played backwards, rewinding her argument with Discord, then discovering the cottage. More and more film pulled out of her ear as the memories went further back in time. She fiddled with the controls and found a way to make it play forwards. Discovering the cottage and arguing with Discord after he smacked Lasciel went exactly how she remembered. She fiddled with the controls some more and found a way to make run quickly in reverse. She sped through her flight over the mountains and back to the fight between Lasciel and Discord. She let out a gasp and the film stopped on one frame.

Discord wasn’t wearing the Mexicolt mask.

He was crying.

She rewound back to the beginning when she was still in her room at the boarding house.

“Fluttershy! Twilight is having an absolute fit over your transformation and disappearing act. I’m always glad to see her go neurotic – because let’s face it, that girl has more than a touch of Chaos in her no matter how hard she tries to deny it – but I think I know what’s going on here. It’s more than a bit ridiculous, honestly,”

The stairs began squeaking under his weight.

“They should have figured out that you were clearly just trying to liven up their dull little meeting with some kind of performance art. Two phalanges up for that because, believe me, they were flustered. But as much fun as you had screwing with their heads and taking a much-needed vacay, they really are worried and could use some calming down. Not everyone appreciates comedic genius like I do.”

The noise from the stairs which had been growing louder and louder completely cut off. Fluttershy watched herself step back, away from her stairs.

Discord was standing behind her, his face set in a curious frown. “Well, that’s odd.” he said, leaning over her and peering at her forehead. “I’d swear that transformation magic almost feels familiar. I’ve seen it somewhere before, but I’m drawing a blank on the details.”

Then her viewpoint exploded through the wall of the room and the fight began. Discord wasn’t silent at all in these memories. He constantly called for her, begged her to say something, screamed at her to fight off Lasciel’s control.

And she hadn’t heard any of it.

Fluttershy returned to the controls of the projector and rewound her memories further, back to the meeting with her friends.

“What happened, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. This time her tone was worried, not suspicious and there was no glow around her horn.

“Twilight, do you remember the coin I asked you to examine?”

Twilight nodded. “I remember, but there weren’t any enchantments on that coin.”

“Maybe none that you could detect, but there was a spirit bound inside the coin and, once I touched it, she could talk to me. She was imprisoned there by a bad spirit king, but she can share her power with a worthy pony. And she chose me! Look at this, everypony!” She transformed in the memories and then everything changed.

“Boy howdy, I wouldn’t’ve believed if it weren’t starin’ me in the face. Guess that shows what I know,” Applejack said. She was smiling this time with no trace of the contempt from before.

“You look divine, darling!” Rarity thrilled. Her expression was starstruck instead of jealous. “Oh, I’m already full of ideas for how to dress you for the Gala. You certainly owe your new spirit friend a debt of gratitude, and I’m pleased that you met someone so kind.”

Rainbow Dash wore a smirk rather than a sneer. “Okay, spirit boost or not, you only won because you caught me off guard. Next time, we need to have a real race to see just how good you are.” Suddenly she squealed. “This is so cool! I always wanted us to race and compete but I could never get you into flying!”

“Hmm… an evil spirit king? That doesn’t sound like any part of Equestrian history or mythology that I’m familiar with. Although, it did appear to be a foreign coin, so I should probably check sources from elsewhere. Or perhaps Celestia would know more about it.” Twilight looked pensive and stared right at her. “I hope I can find a way to allow your friend to talk with us. It does make me a bit nervous that you’re interacting with an entity that the rest can’t even perceive, but if you vouch for her then I’m sure she’s a good pony.”

“Hey!” Pinkie yelled, popping up beside Fluttershy, making her flinch. “I never held a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party for her, did I? Ohmigosh, that explains this new Pinkie Sense feeling I’ve been having since forever and half. No wonder I couldn’t figure it out!”

“Why don’t any of you believe me?” Fluttershy screamed, and her friends suddenly looked very shocked. An awkward silence fell in the room.

“Fluttershy? Are– are you okay?” Spike asked nervously.

Twilight looked concerned instead of annoyed this time. “Fluttershy? What do you mean? We believed you. I don’t understand what’s wrong.”

“She’s puffin’ like a steam engine,” Applejack said worried. “And her muscles look tense enough to spring right outta her skin.”

“Is she alright? She looks dreadful, like she’s having some kind of fit. We need to get her to the hospital,” Rarity said. “Twilight, be ready to catch her in case she falls down.”

“That’s not how it works!” Fluttershy cried, tears now streaming from her eyes. “Lasciel gave it especially to me! Why won’t anypony believe me? I’m not crazy!”

Twilight’s levitation field surrounded her body and gently lifted her. “It’s okay, Fluttershy,” Twilight said in the same tone a worried mother used to comfort a scared filly. “We’re going to get you help. She might be having a stroke so we need to get to the hospital now. Dash, fly ahead and let them know we’re coming.”

Fluttershy stopped the film and mechanically rewound it to another time. Another scene, another memory. At first there were a dozen instances where her memories didn’t match what appeared on the screen. Then two dozen. Then three. Eventually she lost count.

So many little things that she remembered, but nopony had actually said.

“I know! There’s not a chance in Equestria that you could ever keep up with me.”

“Too bad her hardest weren’t good enough to scare a baby bunny.”

“If you can’t keep up with the beat, then get outta the kitchen!”

“Of course it shouldn’t surprise me. It’s like not you’re outgoing enough to find a stallion without my help.”

“Really though, that coin belongs in a museum.”

Fluttershy didn’t know how long she had spent watching her memories, but the sun was close to setting. Discord and Lasciel weren’t back yet so she sat and waited and thought.

Eventually, Lasciel burst back through the front door of the cottage. Her mane and fur were mussed with dirt and a little blood. She had a black eye and one of her wings was missing half its feathers, but she looked happy to be back. “Fluttershy! I’m so pleased to see you again. We should leave quickly before he catches up.”

As if in response, Discord poured out of a hole in the ceiling and reformed lying down. “Yeah, you better run,” he said, weakly shaking his fist at her. He was sporting two black eyes, had a splint around one leg and his antler had been snapped off at the base.

“Lasciel,” Fluttershy said quietly. “Why did you lie to me?”

Not a hint of recognition crossed Lasciel’s face. “Lied to you? Oh Fluttershy, don’t tell me you believe those ‘memories’ that Discord created.” She gestured to her injuries. “Look at what he did to me, in an attempt to keep us apart.”

“Pot, kettle, fish,” Discord replied from somewhere on the floor.

“Lasciel,” Fluttershy said perfectly calm. “There were memories that Discord wasn’t present for. Details that he couldn’t have known. Things that happened weeks ago that were accurate except for certain things that my friends didn’t say, but that I remembered, because they had hurt.”

Lasciel’s face went blank as she studied Fluttershy. Then, she realized that Fluttershy wasn’t going to be convinced otherwise and hid her face in shame. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry! I was worried that you’d abandon me so I wanted you to be dependent on me. I thought that if I was your best friend that you’d never leave me, but you already had so many friends and I was so jealous. I was just scared of being alone again. If could take it back I would, but I can’t. The only thing I can do is promise to never do it again.” She was crying, her face a portrait of perfect, tortured sorrow. It tugged Fluttershy’s heartstrings to see a friend she loved so deeply be hurt.

“Don’t believe her,” Discord said drunkenly as he climbed into an armchair. “She doesn’t deserve a second chance.”

“How can you say that of all creatures?” Lasciel said with a gasp. “You turned her against her friends, took advantage of her attempt to reform you, and then betrayed her to join Tirek!” He flinched as she said that and settled further back in his chair.

“Maybe, but I’m still better than you,” Discord murmured quietly. Only his voice was tinny again.

Like it had been in her room at the boarding house earlier today.

“Lasciel,” Fluttershy said again. “All of that is true, but Discord never lied about who or what he is. Even when he did something bad I understood why. What I can’t understand is how the pony I grew to love and trust did all of this.” A sob built at the back of her throat and finally it burst through her shocked calm. “Did you ever actually care about me? If you did, how could you do this to me? Why did you hurt me again and again and pretend it was my friends? When would you have felt I was ‘dependent enough’ to stop lying to me?”

Fluttershy opened her wing and flared her feathers where she had placed Lasciel’s coin weeks ago and forgotten about it. The coin had grown into the skin, somehow, and only a silver tip was showing. “I’m sorry, Lasciel. Maybe you are sincere and you do deserve a second chance, but I can’t risk all of my other friendships just to give you one.” She bent her head down to her wing, and opened her mouth.

“No!” Lasciel screamed before disappearing. Suddenly her presence was fully there in Flutterhy’s mind. Time slowed down again as Fluttershy’s teeth neared the edge of the coin. Don’t do this, Fluttershy! Think about everything I’ve done for you. All of the help and magic I’ve shared. Remember how weak and afraid you were before me? I made you strong! How could you bear to go back to what you used to be?

Fluttershy’s mind flashed back to all of the times she had been scared, all the times she had failed, all of the ponies she had let down.

I’ll change, I swear! And what about the future? You and your friends face danger almost every week! My powers could protect everypony. Think about how many ponies could be hurt because you’re throwing my gifts away.

A series of scenes like something out of a nightmare flashed past her eyes. Twilight beaten, Dash missing a wing, Pinkie in a coma, pony after pony injured when she could have prevented it.

Fluttershy, you need me.

An endless moment passed.

Fluttershy’s teeth closed on the coin.

I thought you were a friend who wanted to help. But you didn’t make me strong. You gave me a crutch to hide my weakness.

And I am weak.

But I’m strong enough to do this.

Fluttershy whipped her head forward and the coin tore out of her wing, taking a few feathers with it. There was screaming in her head and Fluttershy couldn’t tell if it was her or Lasciel doing it. Blood dripped from her wing, but that didn’t seem very important right now. Fluttershy found a small jar, spat the coin into that, and clumsily screwed the lid on after a few tries.

The screaming in her head had stopped at some point, but the bleeding hadn’t, so she rinsed her wing off in the sink. The water flowed up instead of down, but it worked well enough for her needs. She wrapped her wing in some dish towels and moved back out to the living room. Discord was still in the armchair, and it had morphed into a recliner at some point. “I knew you could do it,” he said proudly, but tiredly.

“What did she do to you?”

“Hey, I gave as good as I got!” Discord said, before groaning and shutting his eyes. “Okay, so maybe not, but I had to fight on her turf to keep her from interfering, and she’s got one heck of a home field advantage in that coin.”

Fluttershy couldn’t tell if he was being serious or not, but she still nodded and put her hoof on his knee. “Thank you for doing it.”

He gave slow, genuine smile. “No problem. Just give me a minute to catch my breath and I’ll throw that jerk back to the dimension she came from.” He seemed to sink deeper into the recliner. “Yup, any minute now I’ll pop back up and do just that.” Fluttershy said nothing and climbed into the chair with him, settling on his lap and resting her head on the armrest. “Well, I guess it could wait just a little while.”

“Thank you,” Fluttershy repeated. She started crying then. Not because she hurt, not because Discord had been hurt, not even because Lasciel had betrayed her. Fluttershy cried because she still cared about Lasciel, even now. It didn’t make sense, but maybe it didn’t have to.

Discord held her gently and said nothing as she cried herself to sleep.

Author's Notes:

It began with an innocuous comment from a reader whose name I can't remember.
"What if Fluttershy picked up a Blackened Denarius?"

The thought sat in the back of my mind for years until a full formed story evolved around it. I resolved to get the story written down once I had the time. I expected it to take about 6K words or so. The story above is a testament to how many words it actually took to capture everything I dreamed about that question.

It was interesting, yet painful to envision, because, of course, there was only one coin that Fluttershy could encounter, and Lasciel is too smart to offer her power outright. Instead, she manipulates Fluttershy in a way similar to all too many abusive spouses. Fluttershy sees through the lies with the help of a friend and rejects Lasciel, but the encounter leaves its marks on her in a way that I'm glad I don't have to explore further.

Wizard Royale

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Edited by: SilentCarto
Proofreader: Coandco

“That is the last time I listen when you talk about a ‘shortcut’, Dresden,” Murphy groused as we struggled our way through the forest underbrush.

“Hey, what was the other option? We were already late for the movie and previews last ten minutes at best,” I replied. It’s possible that trying to find a way to the theater through the Nevernever hadn’t been my brightest idea, but some risks have to be taken for the premiere of a new Star Wars movie.

Even if those risks turned out to be a massive troop of man-eating monkeys. I probably could have taken them, especially with Murphy, Butters, a half-pack Werewolves, and Mouse as back-up. But Maggie was there too, and it would only take one of those little bastards to hurt her. I thought that being the Winter freaking Knight would’ve earned me a little respect in the realm of the Fae, but the Vearens were either too dumb to know about Court loyalties or too vicious to care. So I tore open a portal back to Earth.

Butters shrugged. “I dunno. If what I’m hearing online about the movie is true, it might be just as well that we missed it.” Beside him, Wolf-Andi nodded.

“Bite your tongue,” I scolded him.

“That would explain why Georgia volunteered to stay home with the baby,” Will said, scratching his chin.

“I liked Force Awakens,” Maggie said. That’s my girl. Sure, the story was mostly a rehash of a New Hope and it had plotholes that didn’t mesh with the Original Trilogy, but dangit, Star Wars was back and it couldn’t be worse than the prequels.

Marcy came through the woods ahead of us, done with her scouting, and jerked her head forward and right.

I couldn’t help myself. “What is it, girl? Timmy’s trapped in the old well again?” I got treated to a lupine eye-roll and she jerked her head once more before turning around and walking that way. “I think she wants us to follow her!”

“You are such an ass, Dresden,” Murphy said, shoving past me to follow Marcy’s lead.

The rest of the group had similar reactions, but Maggie just looked confused. The poor girl probably didn’t know who Lassie was. Ah, my darling daughter, you still have so much to learn in the ways of the Snark.

We quickly discovered that Marcy was leading us to a well-used trail covered in hoofprints. We’d come out onto some kind of horse-riding trail in a national forest or park. That bolstered my spirits; wherever we were, it wasn’t lost in untouched forest hundreds of miles from civilization.

Another twenty minutes of walking and we exited next to an apple orchard. I looked for a sign to identify the trailhead while Marcy and Andi transformed in the privacy of the trees, but there weren’t any signs to be found.

My first worry was that we were on private land or maybe in another country entirely. That worry was completely erased when I saw an orange horse come around one of the apple trees.

A melon-headed, big-eyed, three-foot-tall horse.

Wearing a cowboy hat.

So we clearly weren’t on Earth, but I still wasn’t expecting the pseudo-horse to grin and say in perfectly fluent English, “Howdy, y’all! Boy, ain’t you some funny-lookin’ critters?”

“Did that horse just say hello?” Butters asked.

“In English?” Andi added.

“With a Southern drawl?” Marcy finished.

I felt everyone’s attention turn to me. That’s problem with acting like you know everything. Every once in a while they expect you to back it up. I cleared my throat and stepped forward. “Hello, my name is Dresden and we’re lost. Is there a wizard or something that we can talk to?”

The pseudo-horse frowned and scratched her head. “I don’t know about a wizard, but Twilight knows more about magic than just about anypony I can think of. If that’s the kinda pony you’re looking for I can introduce you right quick.” She seemed to realize something and gave me a sheepish grin. “But I’m forgettin’ my manners. My name is Applejack, and it’s a pleasure to meetcha, Prince Dresden.” Then she doffed her hat in a bow or curtsy or something. Before I could react she popped back out of it and gestured for us to follow her as she began to trot away.

“Prince Dresden?” I asked incredulously, but Applejack didn’t seem to have heard as she kept trotting, and I had to start walking to keep up. I glanced back at my friends. “What just happened?”

“We’ve made first contact with an alien species of intelligent horses-” Butters started.

“Ponies,” Maggie interrupted with a huge smile.

“Okay, ‘ponies’ – and the farmer pony just assumed you’re the prince of all humans, and she’s apparently good friends with the local witch.”

“Are we just skipping over the fact that she speaks English with a Southern drawl?” Marcy asked.

“Yes,” Will stated. “Also, she might not think Harry is the prince of all humans. ‘Prince’ might just be the title for leaders here. There was a sci-fi series that did that if I remember right.”

“I loved those books!” Andi said, then her expression soured. “Too bad the ending was awful.”

“Can we focus?” I asked, hurrying to keep up with the pseudo-horse. Then I noticed Maggie wasn’t at my side. She had run to catch up with Applejack.

“I really like your mane. Can I-”, she stopped and shrunk back in on herself. But then she squared her jaw and kept speaking. “Can I touch it?”

“Aw shucks, it ain’t much, ‘specially compared to a pony like Rarity. But you wanna, then then go ahead.” A look of absolute delight spilled across my daughter’s face and she reached out – gingerly at first – to touch Applejack’s mane.

“Okay, maybe the questions can wait for just a minute.”

………

It turned out that the pseudo-horses also came in pegasus and unicorn varieties, because things weren’t weird enough already. We attracted a crowd as we followed Applejack through the streets of their bizarrely modern and medieval village. Oh, and Applejack’s friend Twilight was apparently much more important than ‘local witch’.

“Am I crazy, or is that a castle made out of crystal?” Marcy asked.

“Yes to both,” Will replied, then he shuddered. “I can’t be the only one getting ‘She-Ra’ vibes from all this.”

“I dunno whatcha mean by that, but I s’pose it is a bit of a shock the first time you see it. Grown from the power of the Tree of Harmony after we put a whuppin’ on Tirek,” Applejack said.

“I’m getting flashbacks to Rainbow Brite,” Andi said. Most of the group gave her a side-long glance. “Don’t judge me!”

“Then strap yourselves in for the Crystal Palace playset, because we’re going in,” I said.

“Nah, this is the Crystal Castle, or Castle of Friendship, technically. The Crystal Palace is way up north,” Applejack unhelpfully explained. Either way, she gave a quick knock on the door, then strode in without waiting for an answer.

The group hesitated. “Do we just walk in?” Marcy asked

“Why not? I’m a prince, apparently,” I said and followed my words with action.

Maggie hurried to keep up with me, Mouse chuffing happily at her side. “So, if you’re a Prince, does that make me a Princess?” Maggie was normally such a quiet child, but she’d been all smiles since we’d met Applejack.

I leaned over and ruffled her hair. “Of course. You’ll always be my Princess.” Say what you want about dad lines being corny, but the absolute joy in her expression made any amount of corniness worth it.

“Hey Twilight!” Applejack yelled as we entered a library or study or something. “I found these fellers coming out of the Everfree, and they said they’re lost. One of them’s a Prince or something and I figured entertainin’ foreign dignitaries were part of your Princessin’ duties so I brought’em along.”

Twilight, who was apparently a Princess, was a combination pegasus and unicorn (pegacorn?) a little bit taller than Applejack. She stopped levitating a quill and turned to greet us.

“Thank you, Applejack,” she said her voice bright and energetic. “I’ll do my best to help.”

Applejack chuckled. “About what I thought. Y’all? This is Princess Twilight. Twilight, this is Prince Dresden and his friends.”

I waved. “We’d be grateful for any help, but to be honest with both of you, I’m not a prince. Just a wizard who got his friends lost.”

There was an uncomfortable moment were both ponies just stared at me.

“Are you sure?” Twilight asked.

I blinked. “What?”

“Are you sure you’re not a Prince? No unexplained parentage or family secrets?”

I shook my head. “No.”

“No magical accidents or sudden transformations that you couldn’t explain?”

I scowled. “Not unless you count puberty.”

Both ponies continued to stare at me.

“Then how come you’re so tall?” Applejack asked in an almost accusatory tone.

Of all the questions I could’ve been asked that was not the one I expected. “I what? I mean humans are just naturally tall. All of friends, even my daughter is taller than the two of you.”

“Not compared to us,” Twilight explained. “In comparison to other humans.” She gestured to my friends.

I still didn’t understand. I was the tallest person there by at least a foot, but I no idea what that had to do with anything. “I just am. Why would being tallest make me a Prince?”

With a flash of purple light a series of pictures that looked strangely similar to flashcards appeared in front of me. In the first, a huge white pegacorn stood surrounded by shorter guards and supplicants. “Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria.”

The next was a sinister-looking black bug-horse surrounded by shorter bug-horses, “Queen Chrysalis of the changelings,” the picture flipped to a pastel bug-horse surrounded by more pastel bug-horses, “and Thorax, her successor.”

Then a dragon literally the size of a small mountain. “Dragon Lord Torch”

A hippocampus surrounded by slightly smaller guards. “Queen Novo”

A dragon-horse or something surrounded by shorter dragon-horses “and Rain Shine, leader of the Kirin.”

There was more silence until Murphy finally broke it by asking, “Are you serious? Size is the only thing you require to be a ruler?”

Applejack shook her head. “Don’t be silly. Size comes with leadership, not the other way ‘round. Twilight used to be my height, but ever since she became a Princess she’s been growin’ like a weed.”

I felt a throbbing headache start to form just behind my eyes. “This has got to be one of most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard. Murph, back me up here.”

Instead, she focused on Applejack. “So what exactly would I have to do to become a Princess here?”

The Dresden Fillies: Extra Stuff

by psychicscubadiver

Holiday Present

Foolish Mistake

Kindred Spirits

Ditzy Dream

Obsidian Journeys

Ruined Utopia

Foundation Conundrums

Tempting Kindness

Wizard Royale