> Mark of Baen > by CrypticMetaphor > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > I > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Months can be long for many, but to some, it was like time passed with the blink of an eye. The ponies of Ponyville had gotten along pretty well for themselves, the fact that they had a princess living among them that would be more than happy to hear any grievances they had or just to hang out with eased their nerves greatly. It was also that, and the sheer fact that the rebuilding of Equestria in certain areas had finished a long time ago and life had returned to sense of normalcy. At the moment, Twilight Sparkle was busy running errands in town. Even though she was a princess, she did enjoy the little things in life that made her feel more grounded. Be it from shopping for groceries, straightening up the castle’s library, cleaning the Crystal Mirror, or taking care of Nibbles for Baen. But why did she enjoy taking care of a salamander of all things? Well in truth, it was a reminder that eventually the barbarian in question would eventually return to her and Ponyville. Many ponies of Equestria not only enjoyed Baen’s company, but he was considered a hero among the kingdom. No more than several months ago, he had defeated The Four Harbingers; it was then that his leave started. At first he took a month off to recover and hang out with the six mares and his own friends, doctors’ orders. It was then that he decided to go on his month vacation with his marefriend Coco Pommel to the sea side city of Santa Carta. Both ponies had enjoyed it immensely, the sheer fact that they had all that time to themselves made them closer than ever. Baen then decided to take a couple more months to himself, to venture to the other kingdoms in Equestria and see the sights, he had sent them post cards and said he would return soon and said he missed them. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t miss him as well, she was his Blood Sister and he her Blood Brother, they were almost like family. As she walked from Baen’s home, the salamander known as Nibbles sleeping contently in her mane, she stopped. Her ears flicked slightly as she heard a distant noise. “What is that,” she glanced around, “Come on Twilight; it’s just probably your imagination.” Nibbles clicked a few times before curling in a ball. “You know, you’re kind of cute when you aren’t trying to eat my mane or Spike,” she chuckled as she approached town…though wishing she hadn’t. Ponies were running around frantically in a panic. Screams were heard accompanied by smashing in the distance, she then noticed Applejack filing ponies through the town. “Applejack, what’s going on here?!” Applejack snapped her head around and sighed in mild relief, “Oh Twi, thank Celestia you’re here, we have a BIG problem.” “What is it? Hydra? Manticore? Discord having a sugar rush,” she stopped for a moment, “Pinkie and Discord having a sugar rush while riding a Hydra being led by a Manticore?” “Neither, it’s…well….it’s a,” Applejack froze when her ears flicked. “ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!” The roar shook the glass in every window as a mighty crash was heard. The two ponies turned their heads as the side of a building blew outwards to the street, what emerged made their blood run cold. Standing before them was a massive creature, a good two feet taller than full grown Manticore. “A LION!?” Twilight’s exclamation alerted the massive lion as it turned its head. Two burning yellow eyes fixed on the two ponies. Its fur was the color of spun gold and its claws, which were unsheathed and clicking on the ground, were as dark as the blackest steel. It licked its chops as it advanced; it’s fangs as sharp as any razor. Twilight started backing up as the Lion advanced, “Applejack, where did it come from?” “Ahm not sure to tell ya the truth,” she flinched as the Lion skulked closer, “me and the family were just runnin the stand as usual. The next thing we knew, this here jungle cat surged into town and started tearin into everything like Applebloom into an apple tart.” Twilight couldn’t help but stare at the creature, “I’ve never seen anything like it before. Well I mean I’ve been to circuses, but this lion…it’s almost unnatural.” “Twi,” Applejack stated, “everythin in Equestria that ain’t civilized isn’t natural.” “No I mean last I checked,” she eeped when they backed into a wall, “Lion’s never grew this large.” The beast tensed and made to leap, but was swiftly taken down by a familiar rainbow blur. “Rainbow Dash!” Dash landed on a nearby roof and shook her hind hoof, “Ouch! That thing has a thick jaw,” she glanced at Twilight who teleported AJ and herself beside her friend, “You two alright?” Twilight nodded as the Lion growled up at them, “Yeah,” the Lion started pacing in front of the roof, “Can you fly and get Fluttershy to see if she can reason with this lion?” Rainbow chuckled lightly, “Funny you should mention that,” she then turned around fully to reveal the pegasus in question latched to Rainbow’s side shivering in fright. Fluttershy whimpered, “I…I tried talking to it, but it wouldn’t listen and it tried to eat me!” Twilight gently pried Fluttershy off, “Well that eliminates Plan A,” she then blinked, “Wait…where’s Pinkie Pie and Rarity!?” Applejack raised a hoof, “Calm down sugarcube, they’re safe. Rarity’s in her shop with Pinks, they were having a brainstormin session about a few ideas for,” she waved her hoof as she found her words, “party casual wear.” Dash nodded with a smile, “Yeah, then I flew over to the shop and told her to go into lockdown. It’s just us against big and nasty here.” Twilight bit her lip as she saw the Lion glare up at them, “Oh…” Rainbow noticed her look and nudged her with a cocky smirk, “Relax, we got this in the bag.” Twilight set herself and nodded, “Right,” she glanced around and noted her surroundings, a plan forming, “Alright, I got it.” She looked to Rainbow, “Rainbow, I want you to lure it toward Town Hall but make sure it stays on you and away from anypony else!” Rainbow saluted, “Got it!” Twilight looked to Applejack, “AJ, get your strongest ropes and follow me, and Fluttershy….,” she noticed the trembling pegasus again and smiled and gave her a pat, “just stay here and relax,” she levitated Nibbles down to her, “Here, Nibbles will keep you company and safe.” Nibbles licked Fluttershy’s nose causing the shy mare to smile, “Okay, just be careful.” Twilight nodded as she and AJ teleported away. Dash puffed out her chest and flew in front of the Lion, “HEY FURBALL!” The Lion snapped its head to growl at the cyan pony as Dash wiggled her flank at it, “Come and get me!” She zipped off as the Lion roared and gave chase. * At the train station, a lone afternoon train pulled into the station as a pony disembarked. The pony was wearing a yellow and red tropical shirt and a pair of sunglasses. The pony glanced around and stared at the fact that there was nopony around to greet him. He scratched his wild rose red mane, a rose red rune the cutiemark adorning his flank. “That’s odd,” a large suitcase was deposited beside him, “I thought everypony would be here.” A mint green unicorn ran into view and stopped when she saw him, “OH THANK CELESTIA!” The Stallion raised an eyebrow when Lyra approached, “What’s the problem?” “It’s Princess Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. They’re a fighting a massive Lion alone!” The stallion pulled of his shades as his emerald green eyes sparked, “Where.” * Twilight and Applejack appeared in Town Square and saw two things. The area surrounding the building was wrecked, and Rainbow was literally flying circles around the massive jungle cat. “Come on you flea bag! Try and hit me!” Rainbow dodged around another swipe and laughed. “Alright Applejack,” Twilight gestured to four of the metal banner posts, “I’m going to tell Rainbow to draw it between those and when it passes those first two, get it’s left front paw. Once that’s done get the other,” she levitated a pair of the ropes in front of her, “I’ll work on the back legs.” “Gotcha Twi,” she reared back, “Let’s wrangle us a Lion!” The ponies split as Twilight yelled, “Rainbow, bring it toward Applejack!” “On it,” she flicked a rock at the Lion’s snout drawing its attention and then blew a raspberry before flying for the posts. The Lion roared in anger and was in hot pursuit as Twilight took up position. Right as the Lion went into position; a rope snaked out and ensnared the front paw. Losing one of its legs, the Lion ate dirt as soon its other paw joined its twin. Twilight quickly levitated the ropes to its hind legs and tied all four ropes to the steel posts. The Lion thrashed in its bonds, roaring loudly in frustration and rage. Twilight trotted to her two friends, “Alright. Now we just need to figure out what to do with it.” “I say we stick it in a cage,” Rainbow stated, “let it do some time while we call Princess Celestia.” Applejack nodded, “Seems like the reasonable thing to do, any cages layin around that are big enough?” Twilight taped her chin, “I know a barrier spell that could do the trick, but we have to act fast. Even though I enchanted your ropes, I doubt they’ll hold.” *CRASH!* “….for long….” All three mares turned in fright and saw the Lion free and cutting its bonds, its eyes then fixed on the three as its body tensed like a wound up spring. Its teeth and claws bore as it prepared to pounce…only for something to halt its advance. A pair of shades bounced off its snout. The four creatures turned their heads and saw somepony who they did not expect to see, standing nearby on a roof behind them with a suitcase propped up was none other than the Red Maned Rabble Rouser himself. Baen looked at Twilight and grinned, “I leave for a few months and Ponyville is attacked, you’re slacking off.” Twilight shook her head with a snort, “Good to see you too Baen.” Rainbow smirked, “Took you long enough knuckle head.” Applejack pointed at the Lion as it started its advance anew, “Uh, ah hate to interrupt the banter,” Baen blinked and nodded. “Right,” he ripped off his shirt and kicked his bag. The bag rattled as he leapt from the roof. The lid burst open as armor pieces shot out like miniature rockets and attached themselves to the pony as he landed. His pendant catching the light as his axe landed in front of him in the ground. Twilight nodded as she stood beside her friend, “Well it’s good to see my armoring enchantment is working like a charm.” Baen nodded with a focused look as the others joined him, “It’s quite useful indeed. What is this beast?” Applejack shook her head, “Were not sure, ahm actually hopin you would know.” Baen shook his head, “Haven’t seen it before.” Twilight nodded, “Alright, so it’s going in blind then.” Baen smirked as he wrenched his ax free, “My kind of fight.” Baen rushed the creature, his axe raised high as he swiped at it, his ax made contact…but it bounced off its pelt like it was armor. “What?!” The beast smashed the barbarian hard across his chest plate, the barbarian was like a bullet when he crashed into town hall and into the office of a shocked Mayor Mare. “Hey Mayor, you look good today,” Baen smiled through a bit of pain. Mayor Mare shook her head, “I’ll inform the construction company your back. Oh by the way,” she smiled at the warrior, “please get that feline out of my town.” Baen saluted upside down, “Can do.” He leapt from the hole, but froze. He glanced down and noticed his armor had a huge gash in it. “How could,” he looked up and saw Twilight and the girls attempting to fight back against the beast. Dash and Applejack hurled objects at the Lion, but they bounced off without injury. Twilight fired concentrated magic blasts that only seemed to antagonize it even more. Baen shook his head, what manner of Lion was this? He tapped his chin, no conventional weapons could harm it, and its claws cut through his armor like it was tissue paper. There had to be something….. “BAEN!” Baen looked up and saw Applejack bucking a bench into the beast’s snout, “A little help!?” Baen nodded and stepped forward, noticing a statue nearby, something clicked in his head as he left his ax behind. Letting loose a loud cry, his Wrath aura flared bright as he leapt onto the Lion’s back and grappled it’s head. The Lion thrashed hard in an effort to get the pony off, Twilight and the girls could only stand by and watch as he beat its head with his armored hoof. His hind legs secured around its neck as he rained blows down on it. “Applejack,” he yelled, “Tie its tail!” Applejack nodded and grabbed one of her shorter ropes and lassoed the limb and pulled. “Twilight! Aim for its eyes!” Twilight nodded as she charged a spell. Baen planted his hind hooves on its neck and pushed off and landed behind it as Twilight fired a continuous stream. Baen grabbed the rope in his teeth as did AJ, he ushered Dash over to assist which she did in gusto. Applejack then nodded hard, “PULL!” The three ponies pulled hard as the Lion got closer, Baen then released the rope and slid on the dirt, his aura still active as he got under the Lion. The distraction of having its eyes and tail attacked diverted its attention as Baen placed his hind hooves on its chest and heaved. The Lion roared as it landed hard on its back. Baen sprung, he looked to Twilight as he was in mid air. She nodded and encased him in her telekinetic aura, she then pushed him hard toward the Lion’s head. Baen brought his two front hooves forward. *CRACK!* The sound broke through the air as the Lion went limp. All four ponies panted as the stared down at the unconscious creature. “Did you kill it?” Dash asked as she poked it. “No,” Baen shook his head, “I merely rendered it unconscious.” “How? Your ax, not even my magic could harm it,” Twilight circled the creature and erected her barrier spell. “Well it seemed no mortal weapon or spell could HARM it,” Baen rang his hooves out, “So I concluded that the best method would either be strangling it, or get a massive blow to the head would do the trick.” The girls blinked at him, “Thankfully I went for the latter before the former.” “Well well, there’s a sight for sore eyes!” Baen glanced behind him and stared at Discord, “Ah Discord, you look well.” Discord was about to answer but his eyes lit up when he saw the creature in the magic cage, “A Nemean Lion?” Twilight walked to Discord, “You know what this thing is?” “Well of course,” Discord showed his lion paw, “I am part Nemean after all,” he stroked his beard, “It’s odd though….” Rainbow narrowed her eyes in suspicion, “Why?” “Because last I checked, the last one died out when I took the big boy seat for the first time,” he shrugged as he started poking it with a feather, “frankly I’m surprised you four managed to take it down. These things are notorious for being tough cookies to stop. Also for their high diet of pony meat,” he gave them the thumbs up, “nice job! I’m sure old Sunbutt has a gold star in her saddle bag for each of you.” The three mares sighed, but Baen hugged the four beings with a big smile, “It’s good to be back!” The four beings smiled and hugged him back. Twilight nuzzled him, “It’s good to see you.” Pinkie Pie then appeared with Rarity and Fluttershy. “Oh my!” Pinkie Pie nodded, “I’ll get my jumbo kitty crate!” Baen released his four friends, “Girls!” The three mares smiled, “Baen!” Rarity halted and gasped, “Oh dear your armor!” Baen glanced down at his chest plate, “Oh….yeah, you wouldn’t mind…would you?” Rarity smiled as Pinkie hugged him, “Not at all dear, I feel a tad out of practice,” she glanced at the Lion, “though I appal working with furs. Its pelt is positively divine. Such a shade of gold,” she gasped as the spark of inspiration appeared in her eyes, “Apologies everypony, I must go back to the Boutique!” The girls shook their heads as she yanked Baen’s armor from his body and ran off. Baen smiled as ponies came out of their houses to welcome the barbarian back. After greetings were given, an hour later, Princess Celestia and Luna arrived to survey the culprit of the damage. Celestia stared at the growling Lion, “Such a creature…,” she nodded with conviction, “I’ll take this…Nemean Lion back to Canterlot to be contained and studied. Rest assured we shall not harm it.” Luna backed off as it swiped at her, “Lest it gives us reason to.” The princesses turned as the magic cage was levitated away by unicorn guards and smiled at the seven ponies. “It’s good to see you alive and well Baen,” she glanced at the girls, “once more you have saved my little ponies from death. If this keeps up I may have to pay you on a regular basis.” “Wouldn’t hurt.” Twilight bopped him on the head as the monarchs laughed. * As greetings and jokes were exchanged in Ponyville, the local Diamond Dogs were staring at their most unusual prize. The Rock Emerald. A dog named Thorn had dug it out months ago, but after doing so, he had started acting….funny. He kept calling it ‘My Lady’ and talking to it. At the moment he was in holding and they were still deciding on what to do with it. A Diamond Dog with a red vest known as Fido drummed his claws on the table as the other Dogs stared at it, “I say we keeps it. Stick it in wall.” A smaller dog jumped in his chair, “But Emerald drove Thorn cuckoo, gem is bad!” Fido growled, “I am boss, I decide what we do.” The small dog growled back, “Like grabbing pony?” Fido pointed at the dog, “You swore never to speak of that!” The gem started to pulse with light as small cracks appeared on it. “Don’t like being reminded of failure?” The dogs started bickering, but then the gem exploded. The dogs were sent sprawling as green smoke filled the room. Soon it cleared and a shape became fully visible. The shape was a slender unicorn mare, her figure an envy of many from her time. She was garbed in a green robe with gold trim and a matching clasp. Fixed in the center was a round emerald. Her mane was an emerald green and like her tail, fell in a seductive yet elegant cascade. Her coat was a light white and on her flank was her cutie mark. It was a blue heart encircled by acidic yellow vines with thorns. Atop her head was a gold tiara. The smoke retracted and condensed at the center of her tiara and became a green gem. Her lighter emerald green eyes looked around the cavern with mild interest. Around her hooves were gold rings with intertwining lines engraved on them as she shuffled a little. Fido stood up and pointed, “Where did pony come from! Why you here!” The Mare raised an eyebrow, a small smile appearing as her horn gave off an eerie green light. > II > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The previous day’s events were the talk of the town for a good portion of the early morning and well into the early afternoon. To put it mildly, everypony was getting back into the swing of things after a giant extinct lion ransacked Ponyville, just the normal stuff. However, a specific castle was abuzz with activity. The girls were smiling away as Baen finished regaling them with stories of the places he had been to. “And despite the fact that the Yaks were….excitable,” he stated with a mild smirk, “They found me pretty entertaining.” Twilight chuckled, “I’ll bet. I’ve heard rumours that the Yaks are a bit more of a violent tribe.” Baen shook his head, “Far from it, they just have a bit of temper and are a tad picky.” Rainbow smirked as she flexed her sore wings, “Sounds like a certain pony we know.” Baen snorted as the girls gave a good natured laugh as Baen sipped his cider. He smiled as he stared on at his friends; he shook his head and smiled. Applejack took note of his expression, “Somethin the matter Baen?” Baen smiled at them all as they stared on, “I’m just so happy. I mean,” he sipped his drink, “I think back to how things used to be. Me awoken in this new and strange time, and all of you,” he gestured to the girls who smiled, “so willing to befriend a stranger such as I, but….I was so horrible to each and every one of you. I treated each one of you with such anger and hatred, and all you wanted to do was help me adjust to this new world and to give me friends in a time that I was alone,” he smiled with a great warmth, “now look at us. Gathered in a princess’s castle sipping cider and swapping stories.” Rarity nodded, “Back in your time, I suppose it would seem impossible for a barbarian to befriend a Princess and her friends that wield great power?” Baen smirked, “My tribe would think I was weaving a fable.” Twilight smiled and placed a leg around him and squeezed, “Well Baen, for the record,” she lightly bopped him on the head, “I’m glad that I never gave up on you.” “And I’m glad for that,” he added. Pinkie hugged the two, “Twilight and Baen FOREVER!” The two chuckled and the revelries continued. As the celebration of Baen’s continued between the seven friends, Baen started to wonder the halls, his mind wandering. He glanced around and took notice that Twilight had finally moved all her stuff into the castle. He had to admit, the crystal look was a tad bit of an eyesore at first, but it steadily grew on him. He turned into the grand library and paused, on a nearby table; a book was glowing and vibrating. Turning his head to look behind himself, the sound of the music was a dull drone. Glancing back at the book, he approached it and flipped it open in curiosity. Within, a message appeared word for word as if some unseen hoof was writing it. “Dear Twilight, How’re things going? The girls and I are doing pretty well. Things are pretty quiet over here ever since the sirens were chased off. I got a new outfit; Rarity helped me pick it out. We miss you Twi, and we hope that the visit we talked about can happen soon; frankly I’m REALLY eager to meet this Baen you’ve been talking about. But when you come to visit is all up to, just let me know so I can tell the girls. Hope to hear from you soon. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer.” Baen smiled at the entry, but jumped when he heard a throat being cleared behind him. “You know, it’s rude to snoop Baen,” a smirking Twilight scolded, “If you wanted to read that with me, you could’ve just asked.” Baen chuckled lightly, “now where would the fun be in that?” Twilight shook her head but noticed Baen’s expression. A look of a troubled mind, Twilight knew that look well. “Is something wrong,” she approached and placed a wing on her Blood Brother, “If there’s something wrong Baen, you can tell me.” Baen sighed, “Twilight…..,” he turned to look at his reflection in the Crystal Mirror, “how long have I known you all?” Twilight tapped her chin, “Many months, it’ll be a year after this year’s Summer Sun celebration. Why do you ask?” Baen mulled the words in his head, “Right,” he glanced at her, “and in that time I’ve been going out with Coco, and for those many months I vacationed with her and the time I spent on my own travels gave me time to reflect.” Twilight tilted her head as Baen continued, “Twilight, I’m strong and brave, but even those qualities of me have limits. Twilight….,” he looked at her, “I’m afraid.” Twilight blinked in surprise, “Afraid of what?” “Twilight, I think of all the times you and your friends have done these great deeds,” he gestured to the mirror, “Saving TWO worlds from the brink of destruction, preventing immense tragedies, essentially being more of a hero than I,” he looked down at the ground and sighed, “you all protect the ones you love and care for, but seeing how much this world has changed. I’m starting to doubt my own strength.” Twilight was speechless, “Baen….where did this come from?” “Where you ask,” Baen inhaled steadily, “During my time with Coco, I came to realize how much she means to me,” he placed a hoof on his heart, “my heart burns whenever I’m around her and when she’s back in Manehattan far from me, I feel incomplete,” he looked up at the Mirror and his reflection stared back at him with a steeled expression, “which is why….,” he turned to Twilight, “I’m going to ask her to marry me.” Twilight’s eyes widened in shock. “But Twilight,” he stared at his hoof, “I’m not unstoppable, like any creature, I can be killed. My fear is that there will come a time where you and many others will depend on me….and I won’t be strong enough to protect all of you or the one I love. I’ll fail and….” Twilight placed a calming hoof on her friend, a caring smile gracing her features, “Baen, I understand how you feel and I’m happy you’re telling me this. Despite what you think, you’re just as strong as me and the girls, maybe more than you think. Don’t ever doubt yourself,” she gave him a bit of a shake, “You have a marefriend and friends who care about you greatly and all them have the upmost faith in you,” she straightened up and stood before Baen with her hoof on her chest with a knowing look, “everypony has fears and it’s those fears that make them doubt their own abilities. But they don’t EVER let their fears change who they are, but Baen,” she relaxed her hoof, “I want you to promise me something. If you ever feel like you’re fears are becoming too much, talk to me or the girls about them and we’ll help you anyway we can. Can you do that for me?” Baen nodded with a warm smile, “Yeah.” “Also promise me this,” she placed her hoof on his chest, “Whatever may come in the future, don’t ever change who you are. Always be you, don’t let anypony, anything, or any fear change that.” “Twilight,” he embraced the princess in a hug, “Thank you. I needed that.” Twilight nodded, “Anytime, but back on the previous subject,” she smiled with glee and started hopping in place, “You’re going to propose to Coco Pommel! I’m so happy for you!” Baen waved his hooves, “I’m still considering it! Don’t start rolling out the reception, I don’t want the other to know that I’m thinking of marrying Coco just yet.” “YOU’RE WHAT?!” Baen noticed the girls staring on in gleeful shock. “OH FOR TIEG’S SAKE!” > III > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Far within the Diamond Dog mines, Vida was pouring over books as the diamond dogs were in a trance like haze of bliss. They served her fruits and oats whenever she would beckon them forward, one Dog deposited some more ‘borrowed materials’ at the hooves of their mistress. “Here you go oh marvelous Vida, more pony books,” the dog said with a smile, “has I done good?” Vida smiled sweetly at the Dog and ruffled his head as he panted in happiness, “Indeed you have my loyal pet, now away with you,” she stared at a light brown book that was quite sizable with the royal crest on the front, “Hm…how pray tell did you come across such an official looking tome?” The Dog swelled with pride and made a loud bark. Soon, armored Diamond Dogs dragged in three guard ponies. Two were under the left and right arm of the right most Dog, the left one possessing only one guard. The guards were roughly thrown to the ground, their helmets rolling away from themselves. Vida smiled with mirth as she readjusted herself atop her makeshift throne, two of the guards were pegasai, and the last was a unicorn. The Unicorn stood up, “Who are you?! What is the meaning of this! This is grounds for treason!” Vida lightly giggled as she sauntered fluidly toward the three guards. The two pegasai leapt forward in an effort to restrain the mare, but they were restrained instead by the two Dog Guards. Vida approached the unicorn and eyed him up and down, in a manner similar to a predator sizing up its prey. “Tell me guard,” she mused, “Do you answer to the so called monarchs of the sun and moon?” The Unicorn snorted, “I do, and what you have done this day is grounds for both treason and theft,” he stepped forward, “If you come quietly, I assure you that I will petition Princess Celestia to grant you a fair trial.” Vida graced the stallion with a lidded smile as she slowly wandered around him. The Unicorn didn’t know why, but this mare, she was almost entrancing. Her every movement was like a dance, the times he had heard her voice was like somepony was serenading him with a song. It was if somehow, she was in his mind, and yet she wasn’t. “I must ask,” Vida cooed as she dragged her tail under the guard’s chin, “I’ve been looking into some knowledge, specifically on this time period and magic. But It seems that I am EVER so lost on the subject,” she deftly licked the guard’s cheek and whispered in his ear, “you wouldn’t by chance be able to assist me, would you?” The two pegasai squirmed to get free, but there gaze fixed on their commanding officer. They saw it, it was subtle at first, but they could distinctly see the power he was now under. The mare pressed her lips to his. The look of surprise on his face relaxed as his ears folded back, a soft blush appeared on his face as emerald green rings outlined the edges of his irises. The rings gave off a soft glow, and the mare then pulled away with a victorious smile. “Of course, my lady,” The Unicorn stated with a smile, “I will help in any way I can.” One of the pegasai yelled out, “Gilded! Have you lost your sense!? She had these Dogs kidnap us!” His partner nodded, “She’s a witch! She’s enchanted you! Ensnared you in her dark curse, snap out of it,” the pegasus then when pale as Vida approached him. “Witch….I have not been called that in quite some time,” she smiled sweetly as she caressed the guard’s face with her hoof, “I’ve never liked the term that much. I find it lacking tact and manners,” her eyes flashed dangerously, “and I appal being called Witch.” Nopony outside of the mines heard the loud surge of magic and the blood curdling scream. * Back in Ponyville however, the day had been fairly average. Baen, after returning five days ago and letting slip the news of his intention of proposing to Coco, was currently assisting Applejack at the farm. It turns out that Big Mac had to travel to Manehattan to seal a possible deal for an outside Ponyville expansion of the family Orchard, just by a few yards, but the red tape surrounding it was more his speed due to his discerning eye on fine print. Who knew such a quiet stallion was so well versed in zoning and profits. Applejack whipped the sweat from her mane with a well-executed flick of her head, “Whooo! That was one heck of a day. I’m more tired than a black cat runnin a marathon in a heat wave.” Baen smiled as he booted one last tree, “Agreed. What time is it by the way?” Applejack glanced upwards and shielded her eyes for a moment, “Mah guess….about half past 3 in the afternoon,” she chuckled and playfully nudged the barbarian as she passed him toward the house, “I ought to get ya to help around her more often, ah’ve never finished this early before.” Baen shook his head as he followed the farm mare to her house, “I’ll help if you ever have need of me,” he smiled as she looked back at him, “what are friends for?” Applejack chuckled with a good natured grin, “That’s the spirit! Wanna join me for a late lunch? My treat!” Baen glanced back toward Ponyville but nodded, “Sure, I’m not one to turn down free food.” Applejack chuckled as they both entered the farm house, “You and me both!” Both friends soon arrived in the kitchen and both ponies chit chatted as Applejack whipped something up. Using what they had on hand, some hashbrowns, some eggs, and an assortment of peppers with some pepper, Applejack whipped up a dish Granny Smith referred to as ‘Surprise’. It tasted quite good and was greatly filling. Almost like an omelet, but with vast differences in taste and texture. After their meal, the two went to the living room to sit and merely chat while the food settled. After a bit of friendly chatter, they both lapsed into silence. After what seemed like hours, Applejack cleared her throat. “Alright, ah’m gonna address the elephant in the room,” she stated finally, “About you propsin to Coco. Ah know you don’t want to start sweatin over it, but Baen,” she gave him a concerned look, “are ya sure that ya want to get hitched right now? Ah mean ya said yerself once, you don’t want to be anchored down just yet.” “I know Applejack,” he sighed as he stared at the farm pony, “But it’s more….I want somepony to come home to. Somepony to keep me….me, you understand right?” “Ya just want somepony to make sure your hooves stay on the ground,” she smiled knowingly, “To make sure ya never forget to come back home. Ah understand, but are ya ready to take that step? It’s a pretty big choice that could make or break you.” Baen sat there for a moment, thinking hard on his answer. After a few more minutes of contemplation, he nodded. “I’m sure.” Applejack narrowed her eyes and leaned forward, her green eyes searching own for any uncertainty or lies. Baen started to sweat a bit as she rubbed her chin, her critical eyes searching, prodding his very soul. After a few more minutes she leaned back and nodded with closed eyes. “Eeyup, you’re ready,” she stated finally. Baen exhaled in relief as she smirked with one open eye, “Buuuuuuut, if ya want to prove to yourself that you’re ready,” she hopped down from the sofa and tapped Baen on the chest, “Go ask her as soon as ya can. Quit sittin around on yer flank.” Baen looked to the side and shifted nervously, but then his gaze became steeled as a confident smile appeared. “You’re RIGHT!” He burst outside…..and then fell into a bunch of surprised ponies. Applejack looked down in stunned shock. The rest of the girls were in a tangled mess, with a not to amused Baen staring at them all. “How long were you all listening?” Twilight chuckled nervously, Baen’s gaze fixed on her. “You planned this…” Rarity managed to free herself from the tangle of bodies as did everypony else, “It’s not that we planned it darling.” Rainbow Dash nudged him, “We just wanted to give you the push to just get it over with. I mean, ever since you let it slip all those days ago, you’ve been pretty all over the place.” Twilight nodded, “Baen, we just want to see you and Coco happy,” she smiled and they all lined up in front of him, “We’re here to help you to make sure that you’re not nervous and maybe give you a bit of a hoof.” Baen raised an eyebrow as Rarity levitated a box over to him. It was a small thing made of white material. He placed it on the ground and eased it open, gawking. Resting inside was a golden band with gold etchings on it. Atop the ring were three small gem stones. In the center was a heart shaped gem, one half was ruby red, while the other was a pale blue. On the left and right of the heart gem were smaller circular white gems that glowed with inner rainbow light. Baen looked at the ring and then to the smiling faces of his friends. “How….when?” Pinkie Pie hopped over to him, “Oh it’s nothing much, we all pitched in a little something to help make it,” she hugged him, “Think of it as our wedding present and our welcome home present.” Baen slowly shut the box as the girls stared at the now trembling barbarian. Applejack tilted her head, “You alright Sugar?” Fluttershy looked to the side, “Oh, I think we might have shocked him too much. Or he might not like it….” Baen looked up at them, happy tears falling from his eyes. He embraced the six in a large hug. “What did I do,” he whispered quietly in happiness, “to deserve such good friends as you six.” The mares smiled and hugged him back. Twilight then whispered back, “The train leaves in a couple of hours.” Baen nodded as the seven separated. “Alright,” he stated wiping away his tears and steading himself. “I’ll go home, get cleaned up!” The girls followed him as he marched toward his house with purpose, “I’ll ready the ring, prepare my words,” he raised his front hoof and shook it at the heavens, “Tieg will be with me in this time of great purpose! I WILL PREVAIL!!!” Twilight blinked, “Uh…Baen, you’re just proposing to Coco, not going off to fight an army.” Baen turned around and booped Twilight on the nose, “Ah but my dear Twilight, love is the greatest battlefield of all!” He rushed down the street, “And I’ll stand victorious with the spoils being the blood soaked altar of marriage!” He was almost out of site before he yelled back, “BLOOD SOAKED I SAY!!!!!!” The girls looked after their overzealous friend. Applejack blinked, “Well….at least he’s confident.” “And absolutely insane,” Rainbow added. “Oh come now girls,” Rarity said, “Baen’s just excited. Or perhaps its nerves,” she thought a little more on it, “Or…perhaps he did just lose his mind.” Twilight stood before her friends, “Whatever it is. We promised to be there for him, so we better go prepare for the trip,” she glanced back toward where Baen had vanished to, “Something tells me he’s going to need our support.” * Back in Baen’s house, the barbarian had just finished washing himself at a ludicrous pace. Nibbles rested on the sink as his master stared at himself in the mirror. “This is it old friend,” he stated, “I’m going to ask the mare I love to marry me.” Nibbles yawned. “I can do this,” he muttered. He ran downstairs and grabbed the ring box and his ax before rushing out the door. “I CAN DO THIS!!!!” > IV > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I can’t do this!” Baen was curled up in a shivering ball on the train. Though he was filled with excitement and determination before boarding the train, it had all but quickly melted away when the locomotive left the station. Thoughts started to invade his head, thoughts of self-doubt, nervousness, and the fear of rejection. It all accumulated in Baen attempting to leap off the train, which was miles out along its route, via the caboose. It caused quite the commotion amongst the other travelers when he bolted past everypony like a school filly who just saw a Star Spider for the first time. It took every bit of strength from all six of the girls, including Twilight’s magic, to pull him back inside and keep him restrained. Right now he was curled in a tight ball on the floor muttering that same phrase over and over again as Fluttershy and Rarity attempted to reassure him and calm him down. The others could only look on with concern. Twilight shook her head, “I still can’t believe Baen lost his nerve so quickly,” she stared at her quivering friend, “he was so sure of himself.” Applejack nodded, “It’s just nerves Twi, and we just gotta help him calm him down.” “I just think he’s overreacting,” Rainbow Dash grunted, “Baen’s a tough stallion; he’s just asking Coco if she wants to get hitched with him.” Rarity looked at Rainbow in shock and trotted over as Pinkie took her place at Baen, “Just asking? Rainbow Dash have some compassion, dear Baen here is going to put his heart on the line. Therefore he has every right to be nervous.” Rainbow Dash deadpanned and gestured to the jabbering mess, “There’s being nervous, then there’s being scared stupid.” Rarity glanced over at Baen and sighed, “If you recall Rainbow Dash, you acted the same way at the young flier’s competition remember?” Rainbow stood up and stared in straight in the eye, “And if YOU remember, you caused that.” Rarity backed down with a sheepish blush, “Right…..” Twilight raised her hooves in a calming manner, “Girls, please.” Rarity nodded as Rainbow Dash nodded, but then she looked at Baen and snorted with a steeled gaze. She approached Baen and gestured for the other girls to move aside. Both Pinkie and Fluttershy looked at each other with uncertainty, but they complied. Rainbow stared down at Baen who was now looking directly at her and still whimpering. Rainbow shook her head and picked up the armored stallion so he was sitting on the floor staring directly at her. Then with a smirk, she delivered a swift hoof punch to his jaw, knocking him to the floor. Everypony was gasped collectively as Baen got to his hooves and shook his head, but Dash was already in his face startling him further. “Look at yourself Baen! One second you’re the toughest of the tough and the next,” she starts pacing around him in the fashion of a drill sergeant, “You turn into a whimpering school filly. Grit those teeth and buck up soldier!!” Baen watched her as she was muzzle to muzzle with him with a fierce scowl, “Where’s that fire in your eye?! Where is that resolve of yours!? Where’s that courage everypony knows you for!? “ Baen was about to speak as the train passed out of a tunnel and Manehattan came into sight but Rainbow placed a hoof on his mouth, “If the next words out of your mouth are ‘I can’t do this’ or some other excuse as to why your scared, I’ll buck you off this train myself! Do you love Coco?” Baen nodded. Rainbow leaned in with her blazing eyes, “I can’t hear you!” Baen’s mouth was uncovered, “Yes.” “That’s better,” she trotted away then turned around pointing straight at him, “Does she love you!?” Baen nodded with a firmer voice, “Yes.” Rainbow then spoke louder, “Are you going to ask her to marry you?” Baen’s eyes lit up, “Yes!” Rainbow approached him fast and screamed in his face, “Can you do this!!!!!” Baen yelled back, “Yes!!!” Rainbow pushed her head against his, “Yes what?!” Baen yelled out loud and proud, “YES, I CAN DO THIS!!!” Rainbow nodded and proudly strutted back to her seat as the girls gawked at her, “My work here is done.” Baen sat in his seat with a renewed fire in his eyes. Twilight could only shake her head bewilderment, “What in the hay just happened?” The girls could only share in the feeling as the train pulled into its stop. * Baen stood before Coco’s parent’s house, the familiar front door was there to greet him. He was frozen to the spot, his body refused to move. The girls were on either side of him, Twilight draped a wing over his back and gave him an encouraging smile. “We’re with you,” she stated, “just breathe.” Baen inhaled through his nose and exhaled calmly out his mouth as he knocked on the door. There was silence for a good three minutes. Rainbow gazed around at the property, “Am I the only one wondering why Coco’s parents are so loaded?” Rarity nodded as she tapped her chin, “I am rather curious as well, to be honest,” she waved a hoof though, “But it’s best not to pry.” Baen shrugged, “Coco’s father Masquerade is an actor, and her mother Ginger Bread is a caterer to high society events. It’s fairly simple.” Twilight glanced at Baen, “Well you didn’t go into much detail after your first meeting with them.” Baen nodded with a chuckle, “Fair enough. Ginger Bread is a nice mare once you get to know her. Although she can be a bit….rough around the edges when family is concerned.” Applejack trotted to the door and knocked again, “What about her Pa?” Baen rubbed his chin, “Masquerade is….funny, but a tad….unusual.” “Unusual in what way?” Fluttershy inquired. Immediately after the question was asked, the doors flew inwards and a massive gust of wind billowed out. The wind knocked Applejack’s hat off her head as the roaring wind continued. Standing before them was a stallion with a large wooden mask carved in the fashion of a demonic animal with blood red fangs and glowing red eyes. The pony wore tattered fur robes on its body with a sharp tooth necklace and was hefting a massive tribal like spear as it screamed and flailed it’s forelegs. “WAKA JUKA PLAKA FUKA UKA!!!!!!” Everypony screamed in fright and Baen stood stoic as the masked pony got right in his face. “Hello Masq,” Baen stated with a small smile as he gestured to the outfit, “very interesting tribal look. Sorry though, not scared though.” The pony lowered his arms as the sound of a switch being flicked behind him was heard. The wind died down immediately as the mask was removed to reveal the dark yellow coated Pegasus Masquerade. Although, he wore a disappointed expression as he stared at Baen. “Drat, I thought I had you that time,” he stated flatly, “the Lion Pony of Cratak was one of my most frightening roles,” he then noticed the other girls frozen in terror and chuckled sheepishly, “Oh…sorry there my dears. It’s just a little bet I and Baen have going, if I can scare him during one of his visits, he owes me several drinks. But where are my manners, my name is Masquerade, it’s nice to meet you all. To have the Elements of Harmony grace my home, truly this is indeed an honor of the highest order.” The girls slowly and cautiously walked past Masquerade into the main lobby of the house, though they did take notice of the large stage fan positioned toward the front door. Fluttershy was frozen in complete terror still, almost like her whole body had been converted to stone, Rarity attempted to rouse her from her petrification. “Baen! Girls!” Baen looked to the top of the stairs and smiled as his marefriend bounded down and leapt at him, they both embraced and gave each other a loving kiss followed by a warm nuzzle. Coming in from the sitting room door was Ginger Bread. She smiled at her daughter and nodded at Baen and the girls, then glowered at her husband. “Really Masq? Can’t you go a few hours without giving somepony a heart attack?” Masquerade looked at his wife and smiled as he draped a foreleg over her, “My dear Ginger, my acting ability is both a gift and a curse; I can’t stop being who I am.” Ginger mumbled under her breath, “Why do I put up with your tomfoalery.” Her face then lightened up and glanced to Baen, the note she had received from him making the situation quite clear to her and her husband. She ushered the girls into the next room for some refreshments. Baen and Coco were left alone in the lobby as they both awkwardly glanced around. Coco then decided to break the ice, “So Baen….why did you want to see me today? I thought you might be busy with something.” Baen turned a deep red and stuttered as Baen then inhaled to calm his nerves. He then looked to the side thinking it over in his head. “Coco….we’ve been seeing each other for almost a year now,” he stated as he started to pace back and forth, “and I’ve enjoyed every waking moment with you.” Coco smiled, touched by the sweet words as he continued, “Which is why I’ve been giving this….a lot of thought,” he shook his head with a nervous smile as he facehoofed himself, “I mean, it almost drove me crazy.” Coco raised an eyebrow, “What drove you crazy?” Baen inhaled once more and faced her, looking deep into her eyes, “Coco…you know I’m not a stallion with a lot to offer,” he looked to the sky, “Tieg knows that I should start making a proper profit instead of having the Two Sisters grant me wages,” he looked at her once more, “Though I can’t offer you bits, or stable profession. What I can offer you, is this,” he kneeled before her, “I offer you all the love I can give, my heart, my soul, and my oath as a warrior that I will always stay by your side and be faithful to you. I’ll be there to warm you in the cold, to nurse you when you’re sick, and I will also be beside you in your bed, always.” Coco was shocked at these words, as Baen reached into his armor and produced a small box, “Which is why on this day, I lay my heart bare before you. Coco Pommel, the star of my life,” he opened the box, “would you do this lowly warrior the greatest of honors, and be my bride?” Coco stared on at the ring tears welling up in her eyes as she then stared at the smiling Baen. From the doorway of the sitting room, all ponies were tearing up at the display, even the ever awesome Rainbow Dash was succumbing. Coco shut the box slowly and nodded with a choked voice, “Yes,” she sniffled, “and you’re not lowly,” she embraced him in a warm hug as both ponies’ cried happy tears, “you’re my husband, the knight of my life.” Ginger broke down into happy sobs as Masquerade was dressed in a silver outfit making him look like a tin pony. Masquerade hugged his wife happily, “I know I have a heart.” Ginger chuckled and lightly slugged him, “Shut up Masq and be happy for our daughter.” Twilight smiled on, “Good job Baen.” > V > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The afternoon sun shined brightly as the Ponyville Express chugged through the countryside toward the quaint little village of it’s namesake.  Everypony was seated calmly, enjoying the ride…. well almost everypony. “I’M GETTING MARRIED!!!!” Baen yelled out in excited triumph at the heavens outside as he hung halfway out of the window which Rainbow Dash and Applejack were trying to pull him back through. As the train whizzed past a nearby wheat field, two stallions looked up as Baen pointed at them, “MY FELLOW STALLIONS!!! I’M GETTING MARRIED!!!” One stallion tipped his hat and yelled back, “CONGRATULATIONS PARTNER!!” Rainbow Dash attempted to pull harder with gritted teeth, “How is he this strong!?!” Applejack had Baen’s tail in her mouth as she pulled harder, “Just keep pullin!!” Eventually Baen was yanked inside and smashed to the floor with the two mares landing on top of him. Twilight shook her head with a small smile and levitated the three ponies into the standing position, “Baen I understand you’re happy for your engagement to Coco Pommel, but this is just the first step.” “Indeed Twilight,” Rarity stated with a nod, “Baen darling from here on out, it’s not going to be a cake walk, as the saying goes.” Pinkie Pie popped out from the seat behind Rarity, “But cake walks ARE easy and fun!  It’s like musical chairs, but you win cakes!” Twilight chuckled at Pinkie then looked over at Baen who’s eyes were on her, “What we mean is, a wedding takes a lot of work to undertake.  I mean speaking from experience,” she smiled a bit, “the last wedding I attended was a pretty big procession.  Pony’s were running all over Canterlot.” Rainbow Dash nodded with a small smirk, “Was that before or after the changelings attacked and invaded Canterlot?” Twilight scrunched her face at forgetting that one detail. Baen blinked a few times and his eyes widened in panic, “I’ll have to plan an entire cotillion?!  B-but I thought it was still tradition to merely be married and attend a simple feast!” Rarity calmly patted his back, “Relax darling, in some ways it still is!  It’s just more…..,” she twirled her hoof looking for the right word. “Special.” Twilight added quickly. “Exactly!  I’m not sure how a wedding was done in your time Baen, but here we have grand celebrations,” Rarity said with a knowing look. “Tons of delicious food!” Pinkie added. Rainbow Dash draped a wing over Baen and waved a hoof in a grand sweep, “Amazing entertainment Applejack tapped her chin, “Place settings I figure and decorations.” Fluttershy smiled and raised a knowing hoof, “Delightful music.” Twilight then calmly added, “And dancing.” Baen started to sweat and panic, “When in Tieg’s name did wedding become so difficult?!  All we had to do in my tribe was merely ask a mare to marry.  When they agreed, a feast was prepared and ponies would entertain with feats of skill and steel with plenty of sweat and blood.  Then the two would be married.  And then after the festivities, the married couple would go to their home and copulate from dusk to dawn!” All the girls were silent with blushes on their faces as Twilight raised a hoof, “Leeeet’s just put a pin in that for now,” she quickly shook her head, “Baen, just relax, we’ll help anyway we can.  Right girls?” They all nodded in unison with good natured smiled. Applejack chuckled slightly as she elbowed Baen playfully, “We got yer back Baen, as long as we don’t have to dump a bucket of blood on anypony.” Baen looked at Applejack, “What on Earth are you talking about, that’s disgusting!” The girls laughed. Baen then leaned back in his seat and casually added, “The bucket of hydra blood isn’t dumped on the married couple until the first-year anniversary.” Applejack pursed her lips in utter bafflement as everypony fell silent.                                                                                                 * Vida yawned cutely as she awoke from her slumber in a large bed of furry blanket the Diamond Dogs had retrieved for her.  Upon emerging from the bed, several dogs and the turned guard ponies were around her, dressing her and bringing her water. “Why thank you my dears,” she said with her melodious voice and sipped her water with swan-like grace causing all present to fawn over her. Vida ran her tail under each of her thralls as she passed them staring ideally into space as she came into the main antechamber with her throne.  She sat and stared into the distance in contemplation. “My lady,” a unicorn guard asked in concern, “does something trouble you?” “Yes.  Since I have been awoken in this time, much has changed,” she mused, “however one thing worries me.” The unicorn trotted to his lady’s side, “What is it my lady?” Vida sighed, “Before my horrible imprisonment, I had a book in my possession, a book of stone that possessed all my strongest and most potent spells.  I always had a connection to that book, now I vaguely feel it’s energies, as if they have faded or ARE fading.” The Unicorn Guard kneeled before her, “Is there anything you wish for us to do?  Perhaps seek out this book?” “Oh no, I can retrieve it with ease, all I need is some time and focus,” Vida tapped her chin as her look became lidded and she leaned forward, “However, there IS something you can do for me Captain.  A rare and very treasured feat that very few who are loyal to me get the chance to undertake.  For you see,” she levitated the Guard Captain off his hooves as she trotted back toward her bedchambers dismissing all present before she sealed the chamber, “I have a great need.”                                                                                                 * Two days passed by after Baen arrived back in Ponyville from his successful marriage proposal in Manehatten.  Baen had been in pretty highs spirits for those two days.  A spring in his step and a smile on his face, he didn’t even smash or break anything….it was creepily unnatural for him to say the least.  But one day, when Baen was trotting back home with Nibbles resting comfortably in his mane, Baen noticed his mailbox flag was up.  Raising an eyebrow, he opened the mail box and retrieved the lone letter inside. “Hm,” he noted the royal seal on the fold of the envelope, “I wasn’t expecting something from the princesses…” He trotted inside his home and shut the door, Nibbles scuttling into his small basket inside Baen’s room, as Baen seated himself at the table in his kitchen and examined the letter.  He briefly hummed before breaking the wax seal and opening it revealing the folded note. “Greetings Baen, I, on behalf of the royal house of Canterlot, am pleased to inform you that you have been formally issued this summons to attend-“ Baen’s eyes widened in shock as he brought the letter closer to his eyes. “-a prestigious ceremony where you shall be formally knighted before a royal procession of the present rulers of the Equestrian Kingdom.  Your attendance is mandatory tomorrow and you are welcome to bring all friends or family to attend as your honored guests.  We hope to see you soon. Sincerely her royal highness, Princess Celestia.” Baen dropped the note on the table as he stared into space, speechless. “Knighted….me?” Baen muttered. Baen’s mouth stretched into a massive smile as his eyes lit up, only to notice a small addendum. “P.S. Bring some of your personal cider, for the after party of course.” Baen chuckled, “Celestia you are indeed a clever mare.” The barbarian immediately stood and fastened his axe to his back and ran for the door, “NIBBLES!  I’M GOING TRAVELLING AGAIN!  THE HOUSE IS UNDER YOUR PROTECTION ONCE MORE!  BURN ALL INTRUDERS!!” Nibbles yawned and the salamander curled up into a ball and fell asleep as his owner slammed the door shut behind him.                                                                                                 * The news was passed swiftly to the girls who immediately gathered their things and soon they had once more piled onto the train, with an extra passenger in tow. Spike was sitting beside Baen with a beaming smile, “Wow Baen!  First you save Equestria, then you’re going to get married to the love of your life and NOW you’re being knighted!  That’s so awesome!” Baen pat the dragon on his head, “I must admit, it is pretty…awesome.  But all things considered,” he rubbed the back of his head, “I’m a little nervous.  I’ve honestly never been knighted.” Twilight lowered a small novel she was reading, “Well it’s not as complicated as you’re thinking.  I’ve attended a few knighting ceremonies myself.” “I never went,” Spike stated waving his claw absently, “Twilight said I wasn’t ‘mature’ enough for a ceremony like that.” Twilight blushed lightly but quickly followed with a quick retort, “I only meant that you would get bored really fast and I didn’t want you to cause a scene.” Spike harrumphed, “Cause a scene she says.” Baen chuckled but looked to Twilight, “So then I must ask, what is a knighting ceremony like?” Twilight closed her book and set it down as she placed a hoof to her heart, “Well if you must know I’ll tell you.  First, Princess Celestia will give a small speech to all nobles and attending guests of the one to be knighted for thanking them for attending.  Once that’s done, the presiding Equestrian rulers consisting of Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadance,” she giggled lightly, “and myself take our seats and then you enter.  Princess Celestia will then ask you to take an oath of loyalty to honor Equestria and it’s crowns, all it’s kingdoms and all who live in them and that you will protect all of them to the best of your ability.  Then you’ll be asked to kneel.  Once you do, Celestia will take out the ceremonial solar sword Temperance and then you’ll be knighted.” Pinkie Pie then jumped up near the back, “THEN WE PARTY!!!!” Twilight nodded with a warm smile, “Yes, then we party.” Rainbow Dash playfully slugged Baen in his withers, “It’s funny how you went from a violent jerk to a future knight and a great friend huh?” “Yes, fate works in strange ways,” Baen mused as he looked outside at the horizon. As he watched the horizon, somepony passed behind him, her reflection catching his eye.  He turned as the girls chatted amongst themselves.  The mare in question was wearing a white sun hat and dress combo with gold lilacs on the dress and a pair of refined sunglasses over her eyes.  Her pale coat shimmering in the sun as her emerald green tail swished soundlessly.  Baen titled his head as the mare stopped and glanced at him for a moment.  She lowered her glasses, her light emerald green eyes meeting his darker ones as she winked seductively at him and trotted briskly into the next car. “Baen?  Equestria to Baen,” Twilight waved her hoof in front of his eyes causing him to snap back into reality. “Huh?  What?” Baen said in confusion. Twilight looked where he had been staring and shook her head, “Your engaged remember?  You can’t just go around and stare at other mares like you used to.” Rarity nodded, “As Coco’s future husband you must ALWAYS have eyes for her.” Baen nodded, “I know, I get it.  It’s just…..I feel like I’ve seen her before.” A trainpony came into the car, “Canterlot!  Next Stop!!”                                                                                                 * After disembarking the train, the sun was already setting.  The group was escorted into the main hall and were met by a trio of smiling faces. “Twilight,” the warm voice of Celestia greeted her fellow Princess, “It’s so good to see you as well as all your friends.” Celestia turned and regarded Baen as the girls went to greet Luna and Cadance, “And Baen, always a pleasure.” Baen bowed his head briefly, “Likewise Celestia.” Princess Celestia turned to the groups of ponies and baby dragon, “Luna, Cadance, why don’t you go to the dining hall.  Baen and I shall meet you there momentarily.” Luna nodded, “Of course sister.” Cadance smiled as she led Twilight and the group away, “There’s so much we have to talk about!” As the two led them away, Celestia looked down at Baen, “Come Baen, walk with me.” Baen matched a slow pace beside Celestia as she stared straight ahead.  As they walked, there was a steady silence between the two, the only sound being their hoof steps.  Baen stared at the solar monarch briefly before he cleared his throat. “Celestia,” Baen said calmly, “Why is it that I’m being knighted?” Princess Celestia chuckled slightly, “Well it’s quite simple Baen.  As I said before when you defeated Malachi, you’ve done so much for my kingdom since awakening in this time.  And, with what Twilight has told me about your past deeds, I decided it was time you got the recognition you deserve than a simple thank you and a,” she smirked cheekily, “roll in the hay.” Baen grinned slightly, “Princess you must watch your wording, such language from royalty could prove quite scandalous.” Both ponies laughed as they entered a small sitting room with something wrapped in cloth on a round table in the center of the room. “But all joking aside Baen,” Celestia placed a hoof on his shoulder with a kind smile, “You’ve done so much for us ponies past and present and it’s only fair a stallion who has endured so much be given his due.” Baen smiled but shook his head as he gently removed her hoof, “Though I am entirely flattered by the honor you’re going to bestow upon me.  Seeing everypony free, happy, and able to enjoy their lives is reward enough for me.” Celestia’s kind smile warmed as she tilted her head, “You would make quite the benevolent ruler.  I know your family and friends would be proud of how far you’ve come.” Baen glanced at the dark red teardrop shaped stone on his neck solemn look, “I know.” Celestia levitated the bundle over, “Which is why, though you are to be knighted, I have this token of my gratitude and esteem I wish to bestow upon you.” Baen tilted his head as she unwrapped the bundle revealing what was within.  A simple longsword laid in her magical grasp.  The swords handle and cross guard were made of black iron engraved with ancient Equestrian script with a faded brown grip.  The iron however wasn’t a pure black, it was almost the same black as one would see on the surface of a darkened lake and it even shined like water.  The blade however was what drew Baen’s eye.  The blade seemed to be made of smoothed and sharpened diamond that had an almost otherworldly pull and soft glow about it.  The blade was engraved with magical line leading from tip to guard on either side of the center.  On the hilt was a smoothed sphere of the same material. “What…manner of sword is this?” Baen said in wonder. Celestia regarded the blade with a wondrous look, “Even I, who have seen a great deal of things, don’t even know.  All I know is this relic, though old, is quite powerful.  It once belonged to one of Equestria’s finest sword ponies and most loyal knight.  The blade’s name is Arondight,” she stated. “Why does it,” he leaned over slightly, “glow?” “As I said, even I am not so sure,” Celestia looked at Baen, “However I do know this.  This sword, as I said, is quite powerful.  It can cut through and absorb magic into itself making for a formidable tool in the right hooves.  Which is why for a warrior of your skills and resourcefulness,” she sheathed the blade in a nearby scabbard and presented it to Baen, “I can think of no better hooves for it to be in than yours.” Baen took the blade and fastened it to his side, “Princess, I don’t know what to say.” Celestia gently ruffled his mane, “Don’t say anything, just accept the gift.” Baen smiled at the Princess who returned the smile only for the both of their stomachs to growl.  Both ponies chuckled. “I suppose we’ve kept the rest of them waiting long enough eh?” Baen stated with a raised eyebrow. “Indeed, shall we convene for our evening meal then?  Sir Baen?” Celestia added with a small grin. “After you,” Baen ushered her through the door as the two ponies went for their meal.                                                                                                 * Later that evening, after much merriment, cider drinking thanks to Baen, and eating.  Everypony turned in for the night and slept soundly.  Although, one dragon, found himself waking up with a grumbling stomach. “I knew I should’ve had more helpings,” Spike muttered as he walked through the dark castle halls toward the kitchens. Even though the night guards patrolled the halls, some of the halls were eerily silent and vacant, making the dragon uneasy as he walked through them.  Occasionally he would looked around corners or in darkened open doorways in an effort to alleviate his fears, but to no avail.  Spike jumped slightly as he thought he heard a light tittering somewhere nearby followed by hoofsteps in quick succession. “Come on Spike,” he said to himself as he neared the kitchens, “It’s just…the wind….or Luna doing……Luna stuff.” Spike eventually entered the darkened kitchen and glanced around for an instant before he spotted his target, the fridge.  Rubbing his claws together, he glanced around quickly and rushed to the door and opened it.  Within were the dessert leftovers from that evenings meal including the topaz short cake and emerald muffins he had got a craving for. “I’m sure the Princesses won’t mind if I just have a midnight snack,” Spike pulled out the treats in question. “Such a naughty little dragon.” Spike jumped at the sing song sounding voice and looked around quickly, “W-Who’s there?” “Don’t you know eating sweets this late could give you nightmares?” Spike looked from side to side again, “Rainbow Dash?  Is that you?  I’m not in the mood for a prank right now!  You’re actually scaring me!” “Oh, I’m so sorry if I scared you little one, but my name isn’t Rainbow Dash.” Spike slowly turned around and saw, at eye level with him was a mare he had never seen before…and she was an inch from his face.  Her light emerald eyes staring into his as he jumped back in surprise as she stood up with a sweet smile. “My name is Vida, and I need some assistance.” > VI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight stirred in her sleep and rolled over a few times and groggily sat up.  Giving off a cute yawn, she glanced drowsily over to Spike’s bed and noted he was gone. She chuckled sleepily, “Must’ve gotten hungry…,” her eyes snapped fully open when she heard a very faint yelp followed by a crash. “Spike?”                                                                                                 * Spike backed up slightly as the mare known as Vida tittered at his reaction.  The snacks strewn about the floor from Spike’s yelp of fear. “Such wasteful behaviour,” she stated as her emerald magical aura engulfed the snacks and deposited them in a nearby waste basket, “for shame.” Spike nervously shuffled as he stared at the mare.  Her grace and beauty mixed with the refined way she carried herself almost reminded him of Rarity.  Her voice carried an intoxicating sweetness to it, like a soft yet ear catching melody. “W-well Vida, my name is Spike,” Spike stated nervously, “If you need some help, I-I’ll help anyway I can.” “Aw, such a good drakeling,” Vida said with a sweet smile, “well you see, I’m in need of tracking down a certain book that has left my grasp since I was last among other ponies.” Spike’s tenseness relaxed as she spoke, her voice seemingly calming him, “Well if it’s a book your looking for, I’m your dragon,” he waved a claw in the air, “I mean I AM the assistant to the Princess of Friendship who used to live in a library.  Books are practically my bread and butter,” he paused in confusion as he realized how casually he had stated that to this total stranger known as Vida. Vida’s eyebrow cocked at the mention of the Princess, “Oh really?  Well that is indeed interesting,” she tapped her chin and leaned forward with that same sweet smile, “And where is she now?” Spike looked to the side as his mind became fuzzy, “Uh…well….I mean…..” Vida tilted her head.  She noted that her influence was indeed affecting him, but it seemed like it was….being blocked on a subconscious level by some sort of force. “Is something the matter Sir Drake?” Vida questioned as she approached him, “I thought you said you would assist me.” “OH!  No I will it’s just…..that…..,” he became nervous as she backed himself out into the hallway, “I don’t even know what the book your looking for even looks like Vida.” One of Vida’s eye’s twitched but her sweet smile remained, “Ah yes.  Well you see, the book I’m looking for is made of stone.  It’s has some powerful magics written on it’s pages and I so do miss it.  And you see the reason I am asking for your assistance is because most recently,” he horn glowed softly, “I searched out it’s magical aura and it seemed to lead me here to these royal halls and then strangely,” Spike was levitated into the air slowly as she stared into his eyes, “to you.” Spike’s eyes over the course of her speaking widened from realization to shock, and then to mild fear.  He knew EXACTLY what book she was talking about for he had retrieved that very same book from the depths of the Princesses old castle and given it to Rarity. Rarity…. Vida’s eyes narrowed as she noted her influence being driven off once more, “Tell me young one, where is my book?” Spike shook his head as the fuzziness dulled to a dim feeling in the back of his mind, “It’s kind of gone.” Vida raised an eyebrow, “Gone?  Surely you jest.” “No it’s true,” Spike stated with a clearer voice and mind, “See, a while back, a friend of mine named Rarity who I….care about got into a bit of trouble,” he leaned over slightly, “a bit of creative block,” he then leaned back, “And I thought maybe there would be a spell that might help her.” Vida, though intrigued somewhat by the story, narrowed her eyes in steadily growing annoyance. Spike was placed on the ground as he continued, “And I found your book in the Old Castle of the Two Sisters.  But oh man was that a bad idea, the magic in there drove Rarity bonkers and she started to run wild in town.  So…..I….” Vida leaned forward, her smile gradually decreasing, “Yes?” Spike nervously tapped his claws nervously together, “I kinda…..ate it to save Rarity?” Vida’s expression went blank as she heard those words. “But I learned a pretty big lesson that day,” he nodded in recollection but then noted Vida’s expression, “Uh….Vida?  I’m sorry about your book, if I knew it belonged to somepony else I might’ve tried to find you.  But I knew that thing had to be destroyed.” Vida’s eyes fixed on Spikes, her irises started glow dangerously as a cold tone escaped her lips, “That was a poor choice on your part.”                                                                                                 * Twilight knocked on Baen’s door last as her friends came out of their rooms sleepy. Rainbow Dash yawned noisily, “Twilight, it’s late.  What’s the damage?” Rarity nodded groggily, “Indeed darling.” “Sorry everpony,” she gestured behind her, “I woke up just a little while ago and Spike wasn’t in his bed.  I thought maybe he went to go get some snacks from the kitchens,” she then looked at everypony’s sleepy faces, “then I heard a crash and a yelp and then it got eerily quiet.  I’m just worried.” Applejack yawned as she patted her friends shoulder, “Don’t worry Twilight, Spike probably just dropped some things.” Baen nodded, “I’m sure he’s fine.” “TWILIGHT!!!!!! ANYPONY!!!!!! HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!!!!!!!” Twilight and the gang immediately perked up and whipped around. “I’ll get my ax,” Baen said and ran into his room as the girls scrambled down the hall.                                                                                 * Vida magically gripped the drake against the far wall, “You…..ate my book!?” Vida’s voice was drastically different from a few moments ago, venom and cold hard anger prevalent in each word. Spike struggled in the air, “Let me go!!!” Vida got closer to the drake, like a shark swimming up for it’s kill when she stopped at the sound of hooves coming to a halt at the end of the hallway. “Spike!” Twilight yelled out. “Twilight!  Help!” Spike yelled back. Vida slowly turned her head and glared at the mares who were glaring back at her. “Put Spikey down this instant!” Rarity yelled at the mystery mare. Vida glanced at Spike and smiled thinly, “Very well,” she extinguished her magic and turned fully to face the assembled group. “I don’t know who you are,” Twilight stated as she flared her wings angrily, “or what you’re doing here.  But attacking Spike was a big mistake!” Vida smiled with amusement, “Oh really?  And why is that?” Rainbow landed beside Twilight, “Because Spike’s our friend, and if you attack one of our friends, you attack all of us!” Pinkie Pie pointed at her from the back of the group, “Yeah you Greenie Meenie!!!” Vida then started to laugh.  A chilling laugh that sent shivers up the girls spines as it echoed through the halls. Vida calmed herself, “Am I to assume that you are the defenders of this realm then?” Applejack scraped her hoof on the floor, “Yer darn right we are!” Fluttershy then raised a hoof, “But if you’d prefer to talk this out, we won’t have to resort to violence.” Twilight tilted her head as she stared at the mare.  It was strange, but with this mystery mare, she gave off a familiar air.  An air of power, an air of….something ancient. Vida tittered slightly as she approached the group slowly, “Well I suppose I should inform you as to why I was speaking with young Spike there,” at the mention of his name he hid behind Twilight, “you see.  Spike devoured a very valuable tome of which ownership fell to me.” Rarity’s eyes widened in realization, “You?!  That ghastly book belonged to you?!” “Yes it did,” Vida pointed a hoof at Spike, “And I demand you hand that thief over to me at once so that I might right this wrong.” Twilight stepped forward and stared her dead in the eye with a firm scowl, “Spike stays with us.”  “Is that right little mare?” Vida challenged. Twilight’s horn lit up, “Yes, it is!” Vida’s horn lit up in response, “Are you sure you wish to tread down this path?” “This path your talking about was already chosen the moment you attacked Spike,” she then sent a magic beam at Vida. Vida then casually tilted her head as the blast hit her. “Nice shot Twi!” Rainbow cheered as Pinkie held up a ten score card. “How cute,” Vida’s voice rang out as everypony gasped. The dust settled revealing a green barrier which faded as fast as it had appeared, “Such novice level magic, here,” Vida’s horn glowed bright with darker green electricity, “Have some of mine.” A bolt of magic screeched across the gap and slammed into Twilight with such force she was hurled down the hall. “TWILIGHT!” Vida laughed as she approached the shaken alicorn only to be met with apposition by the rest of the group.  Vida glanced at each one in turn and flicked her gaze to the left as her horn flared to life.  The girls were pulled from their hooves and pinned to the far walls, immobilized. “No!  Girls!” Twilight turned to Vida with her horn sparkling in anger, “Let them go!” “Defeat me and I will,” Vida responded as she blasted another bolt in her direction. Twilight quickly threw up a barrier as the blast grinded against her magic like a rabid dog, “Hrrrrrn!!!!” Vida smirked, “Impressive.  You learn fast,” Vida galloped at her, “but how fast I wonder!” A large blast of emerald magic erupted from Vida’s horn and plowed through Twilight’s barrier, to only be met with a blast of equal size from Twilight’s horn. “I…WON’T….LET…..YOU,” Twilight spoke through gritted teeth as the two beams clashed. Vida’s eyes narrowed as she started to approach Twilight, the alicorn having to back up as the beams crackled with great intensity. “You have talent I’ll give you that,” the two entered the dining hall, “But you see, you lack one thing which I surpass you in all regards.” Twilight’s eyes widened as the magic blast swirled and almost became drill like. “Experience!” Twilight screamed as the blast impacted her and blackened her horn.  The Princess of Friendship was hurled across the dining table and rolled to a halt in it’s center.  Vida levitated effortlessly onto the wooden surface. “I’m not done yet,” horn sparkling to life but with more visible pain and effort. Vida grinned as her eyes glowed, “Sparkles, now it truly is a party.” Vida cackled as Twilight fired magic bolts at the mare.  Vida would casually turn her head; the bolts being deflected in whichever direction she looked in. Vida narrowed her eyes as they continued to glow emitting emerald whips of smoke, spectral green crystal-like swords appearing around her, no hint of her horn having lit up at all.  The weapons flung themselves at Twilight who could only erect a fizzling barrier to defend herself as Vida advanced but then halted in intrigue. “Tell me child, they called you Twilight,” Vida mused, “That wouldn’t be Twilight Sparkle would it?” “What if it is,” Twilight grunted as she condensed a magical blast into a crackling ball and hurled it at Vida. Vida caught the magic in her forehoof and crushed it beneath her like it was nothing but glass, “Well for the sake of etiquette, I am known as Vida.  Take the knowledge that you lasted quite long for a novice against me to the next life with some pride.” Vida’s horn lit up dangerously as the electricity in her magic turned black.  Twilight looked on in fear as she blasted at the mare relentlessly, only to gasp as each blast hit solid magic and dissipated.  Twilight grew desperate as she backed away. “VIDA!!!! ENOUGH!!” Vida whipped around and ducked as an ax swung for her head and Baen landed between her and Twilight, a furious look on his face. “Baen,” Vida’s eyes lit up, “Oh my love, I knew it was you on that metal chariot.” Baen pointed his ax at Vida in a threatening manner, “I am not your love you damned witch!” Vida grimaced at the barbarian, “I can forgive you for that comment my love,” she stared at Twilight, “however that mare is getting between me and my query.” Baen narrowed his eyes as Vida leaned against him and loving circled her hoof on his chest plate, “It’s been so long yet you haven’t aged a day,” her head rubbed against his neck as she got closer to his lips, “come with me my love.” Her eyes glowed as her lips inched closer to his, her one forehoof going for the handle of his weapon.  Baen then roughly shoved her to the table’s surface. “Your enchantments didn’t work on me then,” Vida looked up with anger, “and it won’t work on me now!!  Now prepare yourself!” Baen readied his ax. Vida stood and smoothed her messed mane, “Very well,” her eyes then glanced to the doorway as the girls entered with the princesses and a squad of guards. Celestia stepped forward, “Whomever you are, you will not harm my subjects!” Vida glared at Celestia as a circle of green flames appeared around her and stretched outwards knocking everypony away.  Vida’s eyes then snapped to Spike as a predatory grin appeared on her face.  Spike was then engulfed in her magical aura as he was ripped from the ground screaming toward her.  A ball of green flame appeared above her head as the air in the room seemed to get sucked toward it. “Mark this day well little ponies!  Vida of Emerald Glade has returned,” Spike stared in fear as Vida smirked at him, “and once I have extracted what I need from this drakeling.  I will take this world for what it’s worth!” Twilight went to run for Spike but Baen held her back as Vida cackled loudly.  Her body as well as Spikes converting into flames and being sucked into the fire ball which then imploded. Twilight broke down into tears as Baen brought her into a warm hug.                                                                                                 * Vida appeared in the diamond dog mines, Spike still restrained a she approached Fido. “Have you found what I requested?” Vida asked. “Yes my lady, dogs find it in underground lake,” Fido whistled for the other dogs. Vida stared on with a stoic look as Spike was taken and caged.  The Diamond Dogs dragged in a large pony sized chunk of blue and white ice a shape barely visible within it as it was stood up. Vida ran a hoof over the cold surface, “Who are you?  How did you call to me when I awoke?” Vida then looked to the Diamond Dogs, “Prepare for transport, we head south on the morrow.” Fido raised an eyebrow, “South?” Vida smiled evilly as her eyes sparked, “To my castle.” > VII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following morning, everypony was scrambling about Canterlot Castle.  The knighting ceremony having been put on indefinite hold until the current threat was dealt with.  Twilight was frantic as she poured over every form of history book, atlas, and almanac to find anything that could help her find any trace of Vida.  She groaned in anger as she threw books behind her as the girls stared on with worry. “Twi, you need to calm down,” Applejack ducked an incoming book with a yelp. Twilight whipped around with teary eyes and a messed-up mane, “I can’t calm DOWN!!  Spike’s been dragonapped to Equestria knows WHERE by a crazy mare to do who knows what to him!” She trembled as she touched her bandaged horn, “And….I feel so helpless….” Princess Celestia entered the library behind the girls, “Twilight, I understand your worry for Spike.  But Applejack is right, you need to calm down and think about this,” she draped a wing over Twilight’s withers, “we’re here for you.” The girls came to Twilight and embraced her in a calming hug only for Rainbow Dash to notice Baen in the doorway. “And where the hay have you been mister fearless barbarian?” Dash said annoyed, “Nopony has seen head or tail of you since last night.” Baen stared at the eyes on him with a calm expression, “Isn’t obvious?  I’m prepping for my trip.” Pinkie Pie blinked in shock and grabbed his head and shook it, “A trip?!  RIGHT NOW?!  Not only did you just get back from a vacation that we all super super missed you while you were gone.  But Spike got dragonapped and is probably having a magical whammy dropped on him!!!!!” Rarity nodded, “Pinkie’s right darling!  Why would you ever want to leave now?  Twilight needs our help and support more than ever!  Show some compassion for Celestia’s sake!!!” Celestia blinked at that remark Rainbow Dash slid Pinkie Pie out of the way, “Yeah!  You’re her friend aren’t you?!” Baen leaned forward and butted his forehead to Dash’s, “Yes.  I am.  The fact that you would put that into question is insulting,” he snorted slightly, “I’m preparing for a trip to go get young Spike back and finish what I should’ve started ages ago with that blasted mare!” Rainbow backed up slightly seeing the anger in his eyes, “Okay okay, chill out, I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions alright?” Baen sighed as Twilight stood up, “Baen, who was that mare?” Baen walked over to the table she was at and placed both hooves on it’s surface, “Her name is as she said, she is Vida of Emerald Glade.  She’s a powerful sorceress from my time,” everypony gasped as he turned from them and looked through the shelves, “a sorceress that I should’ve slain.  Tieg damn it Yew, I knew your seal wouldn’t hold indefinitely.” Applejack waved a hoof, “Whoa whoa, slow down sugar, what are ya talkin about?” Baen grabbed a large and very ancient atlas and slammed it down onto the table, “Listen well,” he started to flip through the pages as everypony leaned in eagerly, “A long time ago, when my people and your ancestors walked the earth, there was a unicorn mare named Vida.  She lived in the lush and mountainous village of Emerald Glade where the land’s bounty was plentiful.  She was very much like you Twilight,” Twilight perked up, “studious, magically gifted, and strong in the arcane ways.  But with that strength came a dangerous pride as well as envy.” Fluttershy tilted her head, “Envy?  She was jealous of other ponies?” Baen nodded as he continued to flip through the tome, “Yes, more specifically, the beauty of other mares her age,” Baen stopped flipping, “and the magic that is most powerful indeed, love.” Rarity blinked in fascination, “Oh my.” “Oh my indeed,” Baen continued to flip, “Vida coveted beauty and love in all forms.  She wanted nothing more than for everypony to love her, revere her, and even treat her as royalty.” “Wow,” Rainbow Dash snarked, “she sounds like a real piece of work.” Baen chuckled, “That’s one way of putting it.  But you see, there was one power that even she couldn’t fully grasp, time.  She knew that as the sun set and the moon rose, she would age and eventually she would be old and unappealing and her power that she was prideful in would wane.” Twilight leaned in and tapped a hoof on the table, “So she wanted to fix that.” “Exactly,” Baen groaned and retrieved an even older Atlas and flipped through it, “but to reverse age was an impossible feat.  But Vida found a way.  She managed to suspend her age indefinitely using the dark arts and to further her ambition of being adored, she continued to practice in those wicked magics.  Until it twisted her and turned her into what you saw last night.” Pinkie tilted her head in confusion, “Buuuuuut, she looked like a normal pony.” Baen stared at them for a moment, “That’s merely a trick.  Her beauty is unnatural and her mere voice can ensnare the hearts of the weakest minds, especially stallions.  Her glamour’s and mind-altering spells can bend any she sees fit into her slaves thinking of only pleasing her and stopping all who would dare appose her,” Baen looked to the side, “Only once did I see her true face.  Believe me when I say, I sometimes still see it when my eyes close for my sleep.” Celestia, who had been silent, piped up with a focused look and tone to match, “Then how is she here now?  From your time?” Baen nodded as he slammed the atlas shut, “When I met her, I was with my friends of old.  Yew Evertree, a powerful yet kind mage.  A’Dare Onyx, a rogue of great skill.  Argon Steel, a knight of great strength.  Myself and Lucretcia Falconia, a princess who possessed great combat skills and stratagems.  We came to Emerald Glade to stop her reign of terror and only could stare at the monolithic castle that crested the horizon.  After a grueling battle, Yew sealed her very being in the very gem atop her tiara,” Baen tsked, “If only I had smashed that blasted gem before the castle crumbled around us.” Twilight approached Baen who turned to face her, “You said last night that her enchantments didn’t work on you,” she asked, “how?” Baen tapped his head, “Yew made sure to protect us from her glamour’s and tricks, but my mind can’t be so easily penetrated.  My father thought me how to focus my thoughts and block out all influence of others.  It’s like walking through a dark tunnel.  You just need to focus on the light in front of you and nothing else.” Twilight nodded in mild understanding as Baen furiously grabbed another book and flipped through the atlas and stared at one of the maps of Equestria.  He tapped his chin and went silent, as his eyes scanned the old map. “Hm….,” he mumbled. Celestia approached him and gazed at the map, “What is it Baen?” “This is the oldest atlas you have here correct?” Baen stated without looking up. Princess Celestia nodded, “Unfortunately yes, the oldest tomes go as far back as Discord’s rule.  Any others are either lost to history or beyond the grasps of anypony.” Baen nodded as he scanned the map and slammed his hoof down, “THERE!” The girls crowded and stared at the map with raised eyebrows as Rarity looked at where his hoof was, “But darling, that’s so far south of Equestria’s borders, how can you be sure that’s where that ghastly mare has taken Spikey Wikey?” Baen looked at them with a toothy smirk, “Because despite what you all think, Equestria itself might’ve changed, but the geography stays the same.  That mountain range in this,” he read the section of map, “Mysterious South, is the EXACT same mountain range as the one where Emerald Glade stood.  Knowing Vida, she’ll most likely go to these….Windy Peak Mountains to raise her castle.” Twilight nodded as she tapped her chin, “But that’s a very long trip Baen, to make it to the Windy Peak Mountains, we would have to stop off in Hollow Shades to get supplies and then we would have to stop in Manhatten to catch an airship that goes south to Fleece and catch a ship to get us even close to a port near that mountain range.” Baen nodded, “Exactly,” he blinked in mild realization, “Wait a minute, we?” Twilight stared straight at him with a determined look as she jabbed a hoof at his chest plate, “Yes, we.  I’m going with you!” “Twilight,” he gently lowered her leg, “though you are formidable in your own right, I could never forgive myself if you got hurt.  Plus your horn is still healing from your last fight with Vida.” “I don’t care,” Twilight stared into Baen’s eyes, a familiar fire burning in her very soul, “I’m going with you whether you like it or not,” she started to back Baen into a corner as she advanced on him, “I’m your Blood Sister and Spike is like a little brother to me, you both are family and family doesn’t leave family behind!  Got it buster brown?” Baen fell back as Twilight took him by surprise with the force of her words. “A-alright,” Baen said as he gave a small nervous smile, “you can come.” “Good,” Twilight said with finality. Rainbow Dash flew between the two, “Hold on a minute here.  There’s no way that I’m missing out on a good old-fashioned Quest-style adventure!  I’m going to!” Applejack nodded, “Same here!” Rarity put a firm hoof forward, “Likewise!  That Vida will rue the day she hurt Spike!” Pinkie Pie grabbed Fluttershy in a one-legged hug while the poor yellow pony smiled nervously, “MAGIC QUEST TIME!!!!!!!” Twilight shook her head, “Sorry girls, though I’d love to have you come along, I’m afraid you can’t.” Everypony stared in confusion as Rainbow Dash groaned, “WHY NOT?!” “Look, you all saw how powerful Vida was last night,” Twilight placed a hoof over her heart, “Like Baen said, I could never forgive myself if I allowed you all to get hurt because of me.  Besides, I need you all to hold down the fort, without me and Baen here you all are the last line of defense should Vida come back.” “Alright,” Applejack stated as she walked to her friend and placed a hoof to her withers, “You be careful now you hear?  You may be a Princess, but there’s only one Twilight Sparkle and we’d all be crushed if she never came back.” Baen looked at all the mares in the room, “Rest assured Applejack, all of you, as long as I live and breath.  Twilight and Spike will come back here in one piece.  Count on it!” Rainbow Dash landed in front of Baen and playfully slugged him in the shoulder, “Go give that green witch a run for her money.  And give her some shots for us alright?” Baen hoofbumped the Pegasus with a smirk, “I’ll give her the biggest shot, I’ll even sign it with your name.” “And bring me back something cool will ya?” Rainbow asked, “like a statue or a sword or something.” Twilight giggled, “Maybe.” Baen turned to Twilight, “Alright, we should leave while we can.” Twilight nodded, “Got it, I’ll go pack what I need and you do the same.  We’ll convene in the throne room in twenty minutes and leave for the train station.” Baen sharply nodded as both ponies ran into the hallway and split in separate directions to pack for the journey ahead.                                                                                                 * Meanwhile, across Equestria to the south.  Vida was calmly seated on a cushion being carried by four diamond dogs and flanked by various stallions in emerald green armor.  Spike was furiously shaking his cage and attempting to bit his way out. “You won’t get away with this!” Spike angrily shouted at Vida, “Twilight and the Girls will come for me and if they bring Baen, you are in SERIOUS trouble!” Vida looked at Spike from the corner of her eye, “Am I now?” she tittered lightly, “I sincerely doubt those children could even hold a candle to me.” Spike growled as he continued to gnaw at the bars of his cage, “Twilight’s stronger than you’ll EVER BE!  She’s defeated evil ponies worse than you!” Vida gestured to the dogs to stop as she turned to face the dragon with a small smile, “A certain someone should keep their voice down lest a certain someone,” he eyes glowed dangerously, “Be rendered unable to USE their voice.” Spike stuck out his tongue at the mare who tsked in disgust and made a motion for the group to move on.                                                                                                 * Baen and Twilight sat on the Ponyville Express as it chugged along.   The sun was setting as Twilight gingerly poked her horn which had regained its color.  She winced a bit, the appendage still a bit tender, as she looked over their mapped route again.  Baen however, across from her, was examining Arondight. “So that’s the sword Princess Celestia gave you as a present then,” she questioned with interest, “I remember seeing it once when I was a filly.” Baen glanced up, “Pretty entrancing, isn’t it?” Twilight chuckled, “Scary is more like it,” she pointed at the sword, “That thing scared the daylights out of me when I saw it.  The glowing blade in the dark room, it was pretty jarring.” “I’ll bet,” he muttered as he tapped the crystalline blade. Twilight tapped her front hooves together as she looked out the window, “One thing bothers me.  Vida mentioned extracting something from Spike, and it’s bothering me to no end.” Baen looked up at her, “Most likely, she’s going to siphon the magical energies from his body as well as those of the book that you told me about last night that he ate.” “Siphon!” she yelped. “Aye,” Baen nodded somberly, “She’ll siphon out the energies to forge her book anew and unfortunately….” “Say it,” Twilight pleaded, “Please.” “Spike….won’t survive the process.” Twilight started to tremble only to stop as Baen pulled her into a hug, “Don’t worry Twilight, we’ll stop Vida before that happens.” Twilight smiled but then pulled away, “How can you be so sure?” “Simple Twilight,” Baen leaned back in his seat, “I can see strength and I know for a solid fact that you have much strength inside you.  If anything, if you stopped holding back, you’d surpass even me.” The train turned into a tree shrouded path as Twilight looked at the smiling face of Baen, “Really?” Baen nodded, “Really.” Baen placed his forelegs behind his head, “Besides, if you ever asked me, I’d be happy to train you and the girls in weapon combat.” Twilight chuckled, “There’s a scary thought, Pinkie Pie using a morning star.” Baen trembled, “That’s not even funny, the Pink One would destroy all in her path with a smile and a spring in her step.” Both ponies laughed as the train came to a halt, “HOLLOW SHADES!  EVERPONY DISEMBARK!” Twilight and Baen strode from the train in a casual manner. “I’ve never been to Hollow Shades myself,” Twilight admitted, “I’ve heard it’s pretty pleasant.  Did you know that the sun provides only a fraction of the light in the morning hours?” Baen looked at her as they touched down onto the ramp, “Really?” Twilight nodded knowingly, “Yes.  Hollow Shades natural tree canopy has bioluminescent bobbles which grow from the bark that illuminate the town and gives it an air of mystery and magic.” Baen and Twilight stood on the train platform and beheld the town before them.  It was around the same size of Ponyville.  Large dark wooded three floor or single floored shops and homes dotted the bluish green grassy landscape before them.  Small fireflies flitted in the air as Baen glanced up at the gargantuan trees made of darkened bark and bearing violet leaves with almost eerie bluish white bobbles stuck to the bark.  All of it would have been quaint indeed….if not for the fact everypony within hoof’s reach was running screaming from large ghastly smoke like creatures with claws that bore the rough shape of ponies that chased them relentlessly. Baen pointed at the panicking townsponies, “Um…I’m no expert, but is this supposed to be something that naturally occurs in this village?” Twilight glanced around worried as she ducked one of the creatures, “No!  This is something new,” both ponies ran into the town’s central street as Twilight yelled out over the din, “EVERYPONY QUICKLY GET INDOORS!!!” The townsponies stopped and noted the purple alicorn in their midst and attempted to oblige, only for the smoke creatures to screech and surge at the two interlopers. “Twilight, get ready!” Baen readied his ax as Twilight’s horn lit up. However, the screeches of anger turned to ones of pain as a massive bolt of raw golden light scorched through one of the creatures and obliterated it.  Behind Baen and Twilight stood a mare with a sandy yellow coat, a long wavy bright gold mane and tail with shining blue eyes.  Her bangs were swept behind her rightmost ear as she stepped between Baen and Twilight much to their shock.  Her cutie mark was of a shining golden star leaving a dusty trail behind it. The Mare lowered her head and her horn flared with bright light, “Wraiths!!!  BEGONE!!!!” There was a massive blast of raw light as the Wraiths screeched in agony and were blasted into blackened dust. Everypony emerged from their hiding places as one pony, hiding in a pickle barrel, emerged from it and yelled out with a jubilant smile, “THREE CHEERS FOR STARDUST!!!” Everypony crowded the mare and congratulated her as she smiled sweetly and thanked each one in turn Twilight and Baen both looked at each other and tilted their heads and spoke as one, “Stardust?” The mare called Stardust, at hearing her name, turned to the two strangers, “Yep, that’s me.” > VIII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the panic and rush of fear from the Wraith attacks winded down. Everypony went about their separate ways, while a small crowd congratulated Stardust on her victory over the horrible phantasms that had attacked. Stardust, after politely accepting the last bit of thanks from the townsponies, she approached the duo of Twilight and Baen. “Well not much of a welcome wagon hm?” she tittered lightly, “I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to see…..” She trailed off as she noted Twilight’s Cutie Mark and Baen’s….overall appearance and gawked, “Holy hollyhocks, your Princess Twilight Sparkle and Baen the Barbarian!” Twilight chuckled lightly, “Weeeeell…..yeah,” she noted Baen staring and nudged him. “Um...Yes, it’s nice to meet you Lady Stardust,” Baen intoned politely, though his mind was on...other things. Stardust giggled as she ran a hoof over Baen’s chest plate, “I have to say, the photos of you don’t do you justice.” Baen playfully smirked, “Is that so?” Twilight coughed rather hardly and fixed him with a mild glare as Baen blinked a few times. He then straightened and intoned a tad too deeply, “I am sorry ma'am, but I must inform you that I am currently engaged and therefore cannot entertain any prospects you may have.” Twilight nodded with a pleased smile as Stardust pouted but then her smile brightened, “Well, that moment of horror aside, what brings two famous ponies such as yourselves to our proverble neck of the woods.” Twilight approached the mare, “We’re on an important journey and we need supplies for the road ahead. Mostly essentials, like compasses and-” Baen raised a hoof, “Food will be fine, and maybe some rope and tents.” “Baen, if we’re going to be trekking through the mountains we need far more than rope and tents. We need ACTUAL mountaineer supplies,” she stated mildly exasperated as the barbarian’s nonchalant attitude. “Oh ho, is this a lovers squabble I see?” Stardust grinned playfully as Baen and Twilight blushed bright red. “WE ARE NOT LOVERS!!!” Both quickly yelled. Stardust waved a hoof, “Oh relax, I was just having a little bit of fun. Come on,” she tilted her head in the direction of the town square, “I’ll show you to the market.” As the three ponies ventured forth to the market, Twilight noted how the town seemed to be in a rough horseshoe shape with City Hall at the far back. As they walked, Twilight noticed that everypony seemed to be un-boarding up windows and coming out of hiding. “Soooo, Stardust right? What exactly was happening back there when we arrived?” The Princess of Friendship seriously questioned as Stardust’s pace slowled. “Right…,” she muttered, “Well you see, those nasty spirits you saw were living shadows, the mythology texts of ancient Fleece call them Wraiths. They’ve been attacking Hollow Shades on account of the lack of actual sunlight from above the canopy.” Twilight tapped her chin, “I think I read about those….once. Wait a minute,” she thought, “How’d they even get here in the first place? I don’t think living shadows could traverse long distances easily.” “And you’d be right,” Stardust said with a knowing smile, “but even the locals don’t know. They just showed up one day and then...well...you saw what happened.” Baen tilted his head, “So how’d a mare like you defeat them? I mean no disrespect, but you don’t seem all that strong.” “Ah well, don’t judge a book by it’s cover Baen,” Stardust’s horn lit up with golden light, “When I was a filly, I was always good with light spells. They were always so beautiful, sparkling, bright, and they could be altered for so many amazing purposes!” Twilight giggled a little as she matched pace with Stardust, “Oh I know! I personally love the star trail spell with a minor chromatic enchantment thrown in-” “But I never even expected they would be my special talent,” Stardust continued ignoring Twilight much to her surprise, “If anything, this town is lucky I came here when I did. The most powerful light magic user in Equestria,” she looked down slightly but then perked back up. Twilight snorted a tad at the boast as Baen nodded, “I see,” he looked around and noticed they had arrived in the market. “Well this is where I leave you, It’s been a pleasure. If you ever want to talk some more before you both leave, my house is just at the edge of town,” Stardust added with a smile. As Stardust trotted away, Twilight’s eyes narrowed in thought. The information she’d been given knocking around inside her head. Baen was checking some rope by yanking it taut and loosening it. Twilight however trotted over to one of the towns ponies. “Excuse me,” she asked politely, “I was curious, when exactly did these Wraith attacks start happenening?” The Stallion tapped his chin in thought, “Honestly….it was a few days after Stardust arrived. I can say though,” he smiled as he trotted away, “We’re sure lucky she chose to come here when they did.” Baen finished paying for the supplies as Twilight approached him, “Baen, something’s not sitting right here.” “How so? I made sure to get you a seperate tent,” Baen said somewhat confused. “No not that….though thank you for your consideration on that,” Baen nodded as she continued, “But, don’t you find it rather odd that these Wraiths showed up shortly after Stardust came here?” “What exactly are you saying?” Baen tilted his his head, though Twilight could tell he was putting it together rather fast. “I’m saying that little miss lightshow might not be the hero this village thinks she is,” Twilight intoned in a whisper, “I think she might be responsible for this whole mess.” “Twilight,” Baen said, “it sounds like, to me, that you might be jealous.” Twilight blinked in mild surprise, “Me? Jealous of her? Are you serious!!” Baen started to trot toward another stall, “I saw the way you reacted when she mentioned she was the ‘most powerful light magic user in Equestria’.” “That’s because it was a clear boast! Don’t you find it rather odd that the weakness of these things is light and a mare whose talent is light magic just HAPPENS to show up to stay here?” Twilight stated mildly exasperated. “It is odd yes,” Baen stated, “but we can’t accuse her. It’s as the pink one once said, we have to catch her hoof in the pie.” He blinked for a second,” Or was it something about a jar of cookies….” Twilight rolled her eyes for a second, “Look, metaphors aside, something is clearly going on. We can’t just leave Hollow Shades like this, who knows what might happen if those Wraiths run free,” Twilight looked to the side, “I know Spike is on borrowed time. But I wouldn’t be a Princess of Equestria if I allowed such a threat to exist when I was here to do something about it.” Baen nodded, “True words,” he thought for a moment before turning to face his friend, “What’s our play then?” Twilight tapped her chin in thought, “I know it’s not right, but we need to look around her house.” Baen looked to the side for a moment and then nodded affirmatively. * Twilight and Baen wondered deeper into town and eventually to its outskirts. As they trotted both took notice that the light of the village faded and the natural light of the trees is what lit their way in an odd form of mood lighting. As the two came to a large tree, Twilight was glancing around and then turned to Baen. “Baen...there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you for quite sometime,” Twilight whispered. “Hm...what is it Twilight?” Baen asked curiously as he readjusted his pack, Arondight becoming more secure. “Way back...well when we first met, did you ever….well,” Twilight blushed a tad, “No it’s stupid.” “Twilight, what’s the matter?” Baen asked, “If there is something wrong you can tell me.” Twilight just shook her head slightly, “It’s stupid….it was just a thought that came into my mind a long time ago...I just never said anything. But with us on a quest and you being engaged to Coco got me thinking on it again.” Baen looked at her as she turned to look him in the eyes, the light casting a peaceful glow on the two, “If things had gone differently, if we had been more open with each other….do you think you could’ve ever loved me like you do Coco?” Baen’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, “Where’s this coming from?!” Twilight’s eyes widened slightly and cursed herself mentally, “It’s just...well I was talking with Cadance about some things while you were on your vacation and well. She asked me what you meant to me and if I had any regrets,” Baen stared at her stoically as she continued, “honestly...it took some time to sort it over in my head but I told her my only regret was that I couldn’t be there for you. To be that mare who could give you warmth and love in those early days.” “And what do you feel now?” Baen asked calmly. “I feel bad, because those thoughts were stemmed from selfishness and a little bit of jealousy. I feel stupid because now I’m telling you this after I’ve known you for so long, and I feel even worse because I might’ve just ruined things with-” “Twilight.” Baen stated firmly as she looked up at him to have him embrace her in a hug which shocked her, “Always remember this. You may not be the mare who I’ve given my heart too, but you’re far more special than that.” Twilight blinked as he squeezed a little, “The girls, you, and everpony I know are my friends. But you,” he looked her in the eyes, “are my rock. It’s true you can be nosey and at times pushy, but you always find someway to bring me back. You put a fire in me and everypony,” he smiled warmly, “and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d go to the ends of the earth to find you.” Twilight smiled warmly, and then started to laugh with tears in her eyes, “Wow, that sounded like something from Rarity’s romance novels,” she stared at Baen who was smirking, “That...I of course...don’t read.” Baen chuckled, “Alright alright, as Rainbow Dash would say, enough with the sappy stuff. We have a job to do.” Twilight nodded with a swell of determination and they galloped further down the trail until they came to a two floor cabin, noting the inside currently had a light on in it. “She must be home still,” Baen whispered as he ushered Twilight to a window overlooking the living room. Both ponies peered inside as they saw Stardust inside...her mane frazzled and seemingly panicking. “No no no NO! This wasn’t supposed to happen,” Stardust said with panic in her voice as her eyes darted to a copper urn with strange markings and black images on it, “Why. Why did they have to come here now of ALL TIMES when I was so close!.” She looked around frantically, then turned her head toward the window when a distant sound was heard. Baen and Twilight were plastered against the wall and out of sight. As she yelled toward the noise. The sound of fading hooves and an opening door were heard as a Starlight was apparently talking with somepony else. “Who's she talking too?” Twilight asked as she peeked around the window and gasped at a top hatted elderly stallion, “It’s the mayor!” Baen then heard the hoofsteps heading toward them as Twilight casted a cloaking spell. The two listened closely as the mayor walked with Stardust toward town. “Miss Stardust, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for us,” The Mayor said with a beaming smile. “Oh mister Mayor, I was just doing what any concerned citizen would’ve done,” she tittered lightly as her eyes darted from side to side. “Which is EXACTLY why today I’m going to award you the Hollow Shades trophy of Upstanding Citizenry.” The Mayor said with pride as Stardust placed a hoof on her chest. “Mister Mayor….I’m honored,” she said as the two faded into the distance. Twilight lifted the spell as she looked toward Baen. The two nodded and gave chase. * Meanwhile, across Equestria, Vida was currently standing in front of a large clearing atop a mountain. The caged Spike rattling the bars as Vida tapped her chin, as she glanced around. “Hm...this is the same place,” she turned to Fido, “And you’re positive this is the exact location?” “Yes, My Lady,” Fido said, “Dogs read map exactly as you asked.” Vida nodded as she trotted over to Spike only to stop at a large thump. She turned her head sharply as some dogs and brainwashed ponies in emerald armor hurried to lift the large ice chunk. Her temper flared lightly, “Careful you fools! That thing is worth more than your lives!!” She then inhaled calmly as he smile returned, “Now watch drakeling, you Equestrian’s think you know magic? Allow me to demonstrate what TRUE magic looks like.” Spike narrowed his eyes as Vida stood on her hind hooves and raised her forehooves to the sky, the ends of them glowing in tandem with her horn. Spike and everycreature started to shake as the ground began to quake. A large series of cracks appeared on the ground in front of Vida. The stone heaved and bubbled as the rumbling increased. After a few more seconds, a large crash was heard as large spires of green and grey stone began to erupt from the ground toward the sky. Spike stared in awe as a large castle raised up before all present, “Holy moley.” Eventually the rumbling ceased, and a great castle as large as Canterlot was now situated atop the mountain. Vida smiled in satisfaction as she ushered all inside. “Twilight…” Spike spoke in a hushed whisper, “I hope you get here soon.” The main door then slammed shut with a resounding slam akin to thunder. > IX > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hollow Shades was abuzz with activity as ponies of all ages gathered at the town square which had been decorated with banners, flags, and other assorted decorations.  The ponies were all chatting happily as Baen and Twilight entered the town limits. Both ponies looked around for Stardust, but found no sight of her for the time being. “This isn’t right,” Twilight said, “they’re honoring a pony who’s been deceiving them this entire time.” “Indeed,” Baen said with a nod, “We have to remedy this quickly.  If she is indeed the one who’s controlling the Wraiths, this deception must end, then we must get back on track.” “Right,” the princess stated firmly only to have her attention drawn to a stage as The Mayor took to the podium. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, I come to you today with a grand announcement,” The Mayor stated happily, “For close to a year now we have been beset by those horrible shadows known as Wraiths and for that exact year, with no help coming to us, one mare stood before them,” he gestured his hoof offstage as Stardust entered from stage right giving a nervous, but convincing, smile, “And we are all here to honor her today.” Stardust stood on the stage watching all present until her eyes fell upon Twilight who in turn fixed her with a scowl.  The blonde mare quickly averted her eyes as she continued to stand tall. “Now Stardust, I know you came to live in Hollow Shades and were not technically not born here like the rest of us,” he fanned a hoof to the crowd, “But I think I speak for everypony when I say that we have come to consider you one of our own.” Everypony stamped in agreement while The Mayor brought forth a trophy the resembled Stardust’s cutie mark much to her surprise, “Which is why today I am honored to award you the Hollow Shades Trophy of Upstanding Citizenry which-” “YOU DON’T DESERVE!” Twilight called out causing many ponies to gasp as the crowd parted. Baen stood stoicly as he followed beside Twilight, “This so called Hero of yours is nothing but a shyster!  A fraud,” she looked at all the faces of the ponies present, “she’s been lying to you all!” Stardust grit her teeth in mild anger but quickly regained her composure as she approached the composure, “That’s ridiculous, why would I have any need to these kind ponies?” Twilight rolled her eyes as she trotted on stage and faced the mare down, “Oh I don’t know, how about you explain to them why you have an Urn inside your house with drawings that look ODDLY similar to the Wraiths?  And the fact that you were talking to it not too long ago,” she jabbed her hoof into a now annoyed Stardust’s chest. Stardust narrowed her eyes and smacked her hoof away, “Have you ever heard the old expression to ‘mind your own business?’, I can ignore the fact that you’re throwing around these obviously wild accusations, but the fact that you were spying on me in MY house?  That’s too far. Who do you think you are?!” Twilight butted her head against Stardust’s, “I’m a Princess of Equestria, and it IS my business if ponies are in danger.  Who do you think YOU are?” “A mare who’s beginning to lose her patience,” Stardust growled as the two mares butted heads visibly angry at the other. Baen picked slid both mares apart, “All right let’s not, as Rarity puts it, ‘go splitting hairs.’  We are not your enemies,” he glanced at Stardust, “unless you make us such. We’re merely looking out for these ponies well being.” “Well then you should be doing that instead of harassing me,” Stardust stated, “I only want to...fix this problem, that’s all.” The Mayor curiously approached, “But Stardust, what about this Urn they were talking about?” Stardust straightened up and went wide eyed before she chuckled, “Oh that dusty old thing,” she cast a sideways annoyed glance at Twilight as she muttered, “It’s an old relic I use for decoration.” Twilight snorted, “A likely story.” Stardust was about to to reply scathingly, until the Mayor piped up, “That’ll be quite enough,” he gazed at the three ponies, “Though I do not know exactly what’s going on here, this is supposed to be a happy day, not High Court at Canterlot,” the stallion straightened his suit jacket, “Princess Twilight, Mr. Baen, though your deeds are quite appreciated, I think at this moment,” he stared evenly at the surprised Princess, “I’m afraid you’re coming quite close to overstaying your welcome,” he turned from the two ponies, “since the hour is getting late, you are welcome to stay at our inn and fill your supplies as you see fit.  But I expect you on the next train in the morning.” “But Mr. Mayor I-” Twilight was cut off by Baen who raised a hoof to stop her, he shook his head as the ceremony continued. Starlight turned her nose up at the two and stalked back to the podium. Twilight looked from side to side and groaned in anger as she stormed off toward the Inn. Baen sighed, “I’ll be hearing about this later….” * Twilight was angrily pacing back and forth muttering as Baen organized the supplies.  He tapped his chin as he tried to figure out where to put the compass in their back until Twilight groaned a again. “Twilight,” Baen said calmly, “you’re muttering again.” “OF COURSE I AM!” She shouted causing the barbarian to stop his sorting briefly, “I’m surprised you of all ponies are so calm about this!” “Twilight, what can we honestly do?  Starlight is a hero in the eyes of the townsponies,” he said as he continued to pack the bag, “whatever we say is fruitless without proof, you need to calm down.” “Calm down….CALM DOWN!?  I can’t calm down! Do you have any idea what it’s like for ponies who,” she raised a hoof, “Me and the girls have saved countless times mind you, look at you and not only think you’re a liar, but refer to you as such?!  IT’S INFURIATING!!” Baen sighed and placed the packed bag on the ground, “And what do you propose we do?  We have no way of getting proof, or for that matter, to oust Stardust as the culprit of these attacks.  We’ve hit a wall” Twilight was about to reply back, only to pause and go into deep thought. “I know that look,” Baen said with mild worry, “Twilight...what are you planning?” Twilight’s eyes flicked with an idea, “We do have proof,” she smiled knowingly, “we just have to get it.” Baen blinked as Twilight sighed, “The Urn?  Remember?” Baen tapped his chin, “True...but Twilight, what if you’re wrong?” Twilight stopped for a moment and looked to the side as Baen continued, “If you’re wrong, not only will we have accused an innocent mare, but your standing in the public eye will be tarnished.” Twilight set her jaw and looked out the window to the forest trail, “That’s a risk I’ll have to take,” she stared at him, “you coming?” Baen smiled as he stood up and sheathed his ax, “Do you have to ask?” Both ponies nodded and left their room quickly out into the night. * An hour passed by until the two ponies made it to Stardust’s home.  Twilight scanned the house with her magic for a brief instant before turning to Baen. “There’s no sign of alarm enchantments,” she then curiously added, “Or Stardust for that matter...strange.” “Maybe she went out for a nightly walk?” Baen suggested. “Maybe,” Twilight muttered as the two approached the front door. Twilight stared at the lock and, with a quick spell, made a key out of magical energy and inserted it into the lock.  Twilight and Baen slowly stuck their heads into the open door, gazing into the dark entryway. After a bit of silence, the two silently entered and the door was swiftly shut. “Okay,” Twilight said as she lit her horn, “The study is at the back, near the window we peeked through.  Stick close and don’t break anything.” Baen rolled his eyes, “Break a castle once and suddenly you’re treated like a living wrecking ball,” he muttered as the two made their way through the darkened home.   As the two walked, something out of the corner of Baen’s eyes caught his attention.  A small glint in a hall closet just away from the stairs leading to the second floor.  Baen tilted his head curiously and ventured over and ushered Twilight to his side. Twilight curiously came over as Baen opened the closet and stared in mild shock as Twilight shed some light. “What….,” he muttered. Inside the closet...were tokens, trinkets, and even bags of bits.  The recent trophy sat in the middle of the floor, all the things shining in the light. “Are these,” she picked up a music box, “gifts?” “Why would she keep them in a closet?” Baen wondered as Twilight shook her head and closed the door and turned back toward the study. “It doesn’t matter,” she said as she came to the study door, “we need to get that Urn.” Baen nodded as she opened the study and looked around at the clutter, “Now we just have to find it, figure out how it works, and then we can expose Stardust for the fraud she is.” The two ponies started sifting through papers, opening cabinets and drawers, and found nothing.  Twilight groaned in annoyance. “Darn it,” she said agitated, “Where’s the Urn?” Baen sighed, “Who knows,” the two ponies left the studies and entered the living room, “it might be somewhere in the house, or maybe-” “It’s here with me.” Baen and Twilight sharply turned as all the lights in the house lit up at once revealing a stoned face Stardust, who was currently standing with the Urn levitating near her head.  The door behind her was locked. “I consider myself a reasonable mare,” she stated as she advanced on the two, “I try to be nice, I keep to myself with my studies, and I try not to bother others.  But here I stand now debating whether I should have the local authorities lock the two of you up for breaking in and attempting to steal what’s not yours,” she then lowered her voice, “or forcibly eject the two of you from my house myself.” Twilight’s horn lit up warningly, “Whatever you have planned for this town, I won’t let you get away with it.” Stardust groaned, “What is the matter with you?!” Twilight narrowed her eyes, “Give. Me. The Urn.” Stardust backed away, “No!” Twilight flew straight at the mare and tackled her to the floor as she tried to wrestle the Urn from the mare’s magical grasp.  The two scuffled on the floor as Baen stood there, his mind piecing the whole situation together. The Barbarian looked at the two mares as they continued to wrestle, then something clicked in his head.  Stardust flung Twilight from atop her and into a couch. She made a break for the door, only for Twilight to fire a magic beam in a spur of the moment. “No you don’t!” Twilight yelled. The beam hit Stardust in the barrel and knocked her to the floor, the Urn falling and shattering to the ground. “No...NO NO NO!!!” Stardust crawled over to the Urn and desperately picked up the pieces amidst black sand-like ash, “What have you DONE!? Twilight stood over the mare, “Saved Hollow Shades from you!  Now you’re going to admit to what you’ve done and confess to the Mayor!” “What I’ve done?!  Don’t you get it you moron!” Stardust said in anger, “The Urn of Styx was the only thing allowing me to control those monsters!! Now that it’s broken-” The whole house shook dangerously as a loud creaking and groaning was heard from the foundations.  Stardust looked around in fright as the black sand-ash swirled and churned, a ghastly screech emanating from it.  The three ponies backed up as a skeletal black shape started to take shape. It stood on two cloven hoofed legs, with sharp fingers, four ghastly horns, and a faceless skull.  Black shadows filled in the gaps of it’s bones and covered it’s body in a layer of darkness. The darkness fizzled every now and then revealing the skeleton beneath as it screeched loudly.  More Wraiths surged for from the shadows, beneath the floorboards, from the walls, outside, and even upstairs. The Master Wraith then melted into the shadows with the rest of the Wraiths and surged from the house. Twilight stood shocked, “I...I….What just…” Baen then heard the sound of sniffling as he turned to a teary eyed Stardust. “I didn’t mean for this to happen,” She said with tears falling from her eyes. “You never wanted to bring harm to this town,” Baen said slowly, “Did you?” Twilight looked at a saddened Stardust, “No...I was trying to destroy that stupid Urn.” > X > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Both Twilight and Baen were silent as Stardust swept up the remains of the urn and deposited them in the nearby waste bin.  She sighed before lighting all the lamps in the house and then seating herself in an easy chair and attempted to calm her nerves, tears still flowing.  Twilight bit her lip nervously as Baen kept watch, staring out the living room window in case the Wraith’s came back. “Stardust….I’m sorry, I didn’t know….,” Twilight admitted sadly. “No!  No you didn’t!” Stardust snapped as she then produced some herbal tea and sipped the calming warm liquid. Baen nodded, satisfied with the state of outside, and then turned back to the two mares, “Start from the beginning.  Who exactly are you and how did you come into possession of the earn.” Stardust, finally in a more relaxed state, placed her cup down and looked at the two ponies, “Let me just go on record and say that I intended NO HARM to this place, at all,” she sighed and rubbed her temples, “Before I came here, I was a researcher in Trottingham as a hobby, mostly old antiquities and the like.  One day, I solved a series of clues and deduced the location of the Urn of Styx. The Urn itself was a powerful relic of the ancient world that, supposedly, could manifest and control sentient shadow creatures. I eventually found it in the old ruins of Pone-Henge,” she waved her hoof in the direction of the waste bin, “Honestly I didn’t believe the rumours so I thought it was just some sort of well made pottery.” Twilight sat across from her, “But they were true, weren’t they?” Stardust nodded sadly, “Unfortunately yes…..,” she looked at the two of them somberly, “Originally I came out here to examine the Urn in a more private setting, and since it had something to do with shadows well….this seemed like the ideal place to run experiments,” she looked to the side, “Until that is, I decided to open it.  The first time I did, The Wraiths ran wild and I could barely contain them. They escaped my house and rampaged through town and…..well….,” she smiled weakly, “I used my light magic to deal with them, turn out light spells of significant strength destroys their solid form. But as long as the Master Wraith is intact, they’ll just keep reforming.” Baen nodded, “So I assume whoever holds that Urn controls the Master Wraith and by extension, the Wraiths themselves?” Stardust nodded, “Yes, I managed to put their essences back in the Urn and I was going to explain myself to the townsponies but…..,” she folded her ears, “they treated me like a hero and showered me with praise and gifts….I couldn’t bear to tell them the truth at that point.  I kept saying that, ‘tomorrow I’ll tell them’, but tomorrow never came. Each night’s the Wraith’s would escape and I’d have to contain them, and it just repeated. Several weeks ago I started to look into ways to safely destroy the Urn, but I couldn’t find anything at all. The only way to stop the madness is to destroy the Master Wraith, which I intended to do while it was still dormant….until YOU,” she glared at Twilight, “Broke the Urn and woke it up!” Baen stamped his armored hoof causing both mares to jump as he stared evenly at the two of them, “This is no time for infighting, yes, Twilight made a mistake.  But be that as it may,” he jabbed a hoof out the window, “That THING is going to destroy the town and probably terrorize all of Equestria if we don’t act with haste!  We already have one life hanging in the balance,” he turned to Twilight, “So let’s go clean up this mess and get moving to save Spike.” Twilight hardened her expression in resolution of the deed before them and moved to join Baen, but she stopped noticing Stardust swirling her tea absently, “Stardust?” Stardust lowered her head in shame, “This is all my fault….,” she muttered quietly, “Me and that stupid Urn….” Baen turned to Stardust as Twilight made for the door, “I understand how you feel.  But as the Pink One would say, ‘A pity party is not a party anypony should be invited to.’  You said yourself that your light magic is your special talent and that it’s strong. So if you truly feel remorseful for what you’ve done,” he stepped forward, “Come with us, make it right.” Stardust gave the barbarian pony a forlorn gaze and turned her head away, “I….I can’t face them now…..not like this……” Baen snorted in annoyance, “Can’t?  Or won’t!” Stardust said nothing. Baen shook his head in mild anger, “Well I’m not going to stand idly while those monsters endanger innocent lives.  Come on Twilight,” he said with finality as he walked past her and out the doorway. Twilight lingered on the landing, nibbling her lip in thought before turning toward Stardust, “You know...I once knew a mare like you.” Stardust’s right ear flicked as she slowly sipped her tea. “She was powerful in her own right, studious, and well,” she chuckled, “she wasn’t perfect in any regard when it came to being social.  But one thing she would never do is back down when things got tough. Everypony believed in her with all their hearts, even when she thought so little of herself.  But, in the end, their belief was well placed. So Stardust,” she said with a small smile, “know that those ponies in town believe in you with all their hearts, and I’m sure they’ll understand when all is said and done.” Stardust stared into space, in silent contemplation. Twilight nodded somberly, “Well, I’ve said my piece.” The alicorn turned and slowly closed the door, leaving Stardust in the dark of her home.  Stardust sat up from her chair, hearing the galloping of the two ponies fading into the distance.  She glanced around the empty home and sighed, glancing at her notes and books in silence. As she hopped to her hooves, she lightly paced over to her closet that held the gifts from town and stopped.  She stared at a plaque that read ‘To our town hero, thank you for being the light in our lives!’ Stardust looked to the side in mild shame and then stared once more at the reflective awards, her face staring back at her with uncertainty.  Then she heard it. Screams in the distance. She whipped around with wide eyes. She bit her bottom lip in nervous panic, but then her eyes travelled once more to that plaque.  She smiled weakly at it, her heart fluttering lightly. Then her ears heard the screams once more, then her reflection’s eyes steeled and narrowed. * Everypony was scattering and screaming in terror as the Wraiths screeched through the air overhead attacking any unfortunate pony to cross their paths.  Twilight and Baen skidded to a halt and beheld the mayhem. “This is worse than last time,” Twilight said in shock. Baen nodded as he brought out his ax, “We must act swiftly.  Stardust said if we kill the Master Wraith, the Wraiths themselves can be permanently destroyed.” Twilight glanced around and her pupils shrank as she found the creature in question, perched atop City Hall in all it’s frightful glory. “Well….at least we know where the Master Wraith is…,” Twilight muttered as she and Baen collectively realized the enormity of the situation before them. “Come one, remember Tirek?” Baen nudged her as he had a wild smile, “We’ve fought bigger!” Twilight nodded and the two became determined, “Let’s take that monster down!” “Now you’re speaking my language,” Baen’s Wrath Aura flared to life as he galloped at the creature, “HEY TALL DARK AND GRUESOME!!! FIGHT ME!!!!” The Master Wraith’s eyeless gaze fixed upon the charging barbarian and it leapt from its perch….and it’s skeletal figure changed.  It became more thin, long grabbing claws and spindly arms and legs, and long whip-like tentacles of darkness split from it’s back and whipped back and forth like menacing serpents.  Baen leapt at the creature bellowing in fury and swang wide, his ax blade slicing through the shadowy hide like gelatin. The Beast screeched unnaturally and swiped at the barbarian who, acting swiftly, vaulted over the claw and buried his blade into it’s skull….and hung there by his handle. Baen planted his hooves against the skull and attempted to pull it free, only to see the shadows seep up the blade and soon to the handle. “TWILIGHT!  WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!!” Twilight blasted a bothersome Wraith into oblivion that was attacking two mares as she whipped around, “Baen!  Hang on!” Twilight started blasting her way past numerous Wraiths who now started to focus their efforts on the mare, deeming her a threat.  Twilight started cutting her way through the swathe of oncoming foes with her magic akin to a scalpel slicing deftly through flesh by a precise hoof.  The mare however found herself blocked causing her to stop, but Twilight stood her ground as the Wraiths advanced on her. She looked from side to side, thinking deeply on what to do.  Seeing Baen smacking the Master Wraith as it continued to grab at him, one idea popped into her head. An idea she hoped she would’ve had time to test before implementing, but desperate times. Twilight gritted her teeth, “Come on Twilight, you’ve used complex spells before, this’ll work….I hope.” Twilight shut her eyes and looked inward while concentrating on Baen himself.  She had done this once, only once, before Baen had left for his vacations. For the longest time, the mystery of it had intrigued her as well as The Princesses.  She focused hard, sweat appearing on her brow as her horn lit up with her magic aura as her focus deepened. One day, for a brief moment of meditation and focus, she had felt it briefly.  That feeling that always rose whenever Twilight was near Baen when he used his abilities. The heat, the fury, the ancient power. Baen turned his head to call out again, only for the words to die in his throat.  Twilight felt it, briefly, once more. Akin to a shard of flint striking a rock, she felt the spark, it’s heat. She held onto that feeling and poured all her effort to turn the spark into a ember. Baen’s eyes widened, “By Tieg…” Twilight started to exude steam as her magic aura became more wild and more flame like, traces of red sparks entering it.  The aura spread from her horn to across her whole body as it deepened to a much more dark indigo color, darker than any shade seen by most ponies.  Soon, her eyes snapped open as her irises became a deep red and gave off a familiar glow. Her aura whipped wildly about her as she focused it and fired it straight at the Master Wraith’s head.  The beam vaporized any Wraith unfortunate enough to get in it’s path, the smell of burning ozone filled the area briefly as the Master Wraith’s body slumped. Baen dropped like a stone to the ground, his ax clattering beside him.  He quickly scrambled to his hooves as the Wraiths wailed in fear and fled to their fallen master. Twilight stood rooted to the spot twitching uncontrollably, grunting and growling like somepony possessed. Her magic aura still flared bright with heat and raw untamed power as Baen galloped to her.  Twilight’s body was awash in heat, her muscles felt like hardened wrought iron, the amount of power and adrenaline flowing through her veins made her feel like she could take on an entire army by herself. She continued to tremble as her vision was red, her ears ringing. Then she felt somepony shaking her rapidly. “....” She could barely hear them until her gaze fixed on Baen’s face.  Was he talking? She couldn’t hear, it was like she was underwater. “T...L...T” Twilight felt her body give a heave as the magic aura around her flared larger and hotter.  Baen then looked worried, more worried than she had ever seen him before. Baen shook her harder and gave her a smack. “TWILIGHT!!!” Twilight’s aura abruptly burst out of existence as her eyes stared vacantly for a second.  Her glowing red eyes fading back to her normal violet ones. “Baen….?  Why does my cheek….,” she felt her entire body give out as she slumped against Baen. “Twilight, did you-” Baen’s head snapped to the now moving Master Wraith as it rose high, it’s head regenerating as it’s minions churned around it like a storm.  It stood over the two ponies, Baen looked to a weakened Twilight who could barely muster a spell, her stamina all but gone. Baen saw his ax firmly under the foot of the Master Wraith.  The Barbarian braced for a long fought battle, only for a wagon to break against the monster’s head. “HEY!  OVER HERE YOU FREAK!” The Master Wraith slowly turned and glared down at a furious looking Stardust. “I’m going to do what I should’ve done the first moment I brought you here,” Stardust’s horn flared bright gold as her eyes followed suit. Stardust then spoke loudly, her voice holding great power as her magic swirled about her in a hurricane of light, “Creatures of darkness and woe, harken to me!  By the power of the golden light, that protect the innocent and just, I condemn thee forever more,” ancient runes of light circled her horn in a nexus of magic, “to be that of DUST!” At the final word of her spell, Stardust’s horn erupted with a crystal beam of raw light magic laced with runes.  The Light hit home square in the creature’s chest. The Master Wraith roared in pain and fear as it’s body started to turn to dust.  It reached with spear like claws to impale the Unicorn who stood defiantly in it’s presence. It let out a mighty shriek as the remainder of it’s form crumbled away.  The Wraith’s around it tried to flee, but met with the same fate as Stardust’s spell linked between the creatures. Everypony watched on in awe as the beasts became nothing more than dust piles.  One pony carrying a large broom and dustpan got to work as everypony came out of hiding to congratulate Stardust. But their praise stopped when she raised a hoof. “Everypony, I have something I have to say,” she looked to the side, “I….haven’t been entirely honest...with any of you.  I originally came here to study an Urn that contained those monsters. But then things got out of hoof and they kept escaping every night and I had to reign them in by myself, at the expense of all your safety.  Those rewards, bits, they weren’t well deserved or earned. I should’ve said something earlier,” she lowered her head, “I’m just a fraud. I’m no hero. I’ll return your belongings and...be on my way…..” The mare turned and sullenly began to trek back to her house, only to be stopped by the Mayor. “What you said,” he stated with a critical eye, “Was it all true?” “Yes….,” she stared at him sullenly, “I’ll understand if you want me to leave-” “Leave?  Don’t be absurd,” The Mayor said, “It’s true you lied, but you were making an effort to at least ensure our safety and you admitted the truth.  You might’ve lied, but you’re no fraud my dear,” he smiled as he gestured around, “You proved that in spades tonight.” Everypony nodded in agreement as the Mayor cleared his throat, “However, I will have to be taking back those awards and such until you properly earn them.” Stardust nodded with a small smile, “of course.” The Mayor tapped his chin, “Though, if you are to stay here, you’ll need a proper job…..hm…..,” he glanced around, “The local Crystal Shop is looking for somepony to help run her, if you’re up to it Miss Stardust.” Stardust smiled brightly, “Of course!  If it means I can properly make amends, I’ll do it!” Everypony cheered as Baen and Twilight watched on with smiles. Stardust approached the duo, “Thank you...both of you.  After all that’s happened, I’m so sorry for the way I acted to you both,” she looked at Twilight, “Especially you Princess, you didn’t warrant the treatment I gave when you arrived.” “Oooh no, it’s fiiiine,” Twilight slurred lightly, “Just...remember to be honest….wow everything’s swimming.” Stardust blinked in confusion as Baen smiled sheepishly as he sheathed his ax, “She had a bit of….a magic overload.  She’ll be fine in about an hour or so.” Stardust nodded as she looked to the side for a moment then back at Baen, “You know, I wouldn’t mind staying in touch with the two of you.” Baen beamed a little, “I’m always open to new pen pals,” Baen nudged Twilight, “What about you Twilight?” “Tomorrow is Applesauce day…,” Twilight giggled sleepily. Baen chuckled lightly, “It was nice meeting you Stardust, but we’d best recover before we set out.” Stardust raised an eyebrow, “Where exactly?” Baen looked to the train station, “To Fleece.” * The day came and went, and Baen and Twilight were on the road again.  Though for some reason, the barbarian was much quieter than usual, which made Twilight nervous, he almost seemed worried and anxious when they pulled into Manehatten.  Not wasting time, the two ponies disembarked and ventured to the Airship terminal. After another hour of tense silence, and the occasional side glance from Baen, the two ponies boarded the airship and were off once more.  Twilight sat in silence in their shared cabin as Baen focused on the view of the steadily darkening night sky. Twilight inhaled lightly and made a small smile as she looked at Baen. “So...A new pen-pal for the both of us, that’s good,” she said with that small smile. Baen made no indication he heard her. “I mean, technically, we both helped somepony with a problem and made a new friend.  Plus we’re making some good progress. I thin-” Baen abruptly stood up and walked out of the cabin and toward the main deck. Twilight sat in silence and followed after him, “Baen!  Wait up!” Baen came to the main deck and stood at it’s edge, biting the inside of his cheek. Twilight slowly approached, “Baen?  Is something wrong?” Baen sighed in mild anger, “Yes.” “Is that why you’ve been so quiet since we left Hollow Shades?” Twilight inquired. “Yes,” he spoke through grit teeth. “Well what is it?  You know if you have a problem you can tell me anything,” she offered only to regret it as he whipped around and glared at her. “How long,” he stated coldly. “Excuse me?” she said somewhat shocked. “How long have you been trying to tap into Old Magic?!” Baen demanded. > XI > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight chewed on her lip as Baen continued to stare at her with a look that bled with emotions of mild anger as well as worry.  Twilight did intend to tell Baen about her studies into Old Magic and tapping into it, but recent events prevented her and she felt even worse.  Twilight steadied her breathing, she had a feeling this would happen, or at least his general reaction should the secret get out prior to her telling him.   “Baen….,” Twilight said calmly, “I know your mad.  But you have to understand, after the whole incident with The Four Harbingers, I grew more concerned that other monsters or something worse might appear and so I had to figure out a solution.” “Go on,” Baen said plainly. “Well, after giving it some thought, I concluded since Old Magic is the root of all magic that it shouldn’t be virtually impossible to tap into it,” Twilight said as she paced in front of Baen, “Being the Element of Magic, I thought it should be easy….buuuuut I was really wrong.  It was like I was trying to dig through magical bedrock I couldn’t feel anything,” she looked at Baen, “Until I remembered something.” Baen raised an eyebrow as she continued, “When I was near you all those times you used your Wrath ability, the feeling you exuded.  I knew that if I remembered that feeling, using it as a sort of reference guide, I could work from square one. After a while I….,” she shrunk under Baens glare as he leaned over her. “Put yourself in more danger than you could possibly imagine,” Baen said in a low tone, “What you replicated back in Hollow Shades was a technique you or no pony should ever attempt to use.” “What do you mean?  I thought I just tapped into Old Magic and cast an amplified Blaster Spell,” Twilight said with puzzlement. “It wasn’t.  What you used WAS Wrath,” Baen said, “as I said before, Old Magic was and is a powerful thing.  But to use it, and especially the Wrath ability, without training or even many years of practice is extremely foolish.  You should count yourself lucky that the magic didn’t backfire, if it did, you could’ve….,” his voice trailed off as he turned from her. Twilight looked to the side as Baen looked out onto the horizon, “Baen, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, I meant too, I really did.” Baen sighed as he nodded, “I understand, but Twilight,” he turned to look at her and Twilight stared wide eyed noticing his eyes were a bit watery, “promise me.  Promise me you’ll never use Old Magic again.” Twilight approached her friend and placed her hoof on his shoulder pad, “I didn’t realize the dangers, or that,” she looked at Baen’s eyes, “you felt so strongly about this.  I know you probably have your reasons, but if it’ll make you feel better, I promise I won’t use Old Magic again.” Baen smiled and looked to the horizon once more, the ocean below sparkling, “Well...I mean, I probably would’ve done something reckless in that situation as well,” he playfully bopped her on the head, ‘but remember, being reckless is my thing.  Your thing is being the logical one who puts a damper on the reckless thing.” “Hey!” Twilight sputtered, “I do NOT damper recklessness, I just….offer constructive and helpful criticism on the faults of it.  That’s all!” “Riiight,” Baen said with a smirk. Twilight puffed out her cheeks….and then burst out laughing.  Baen joined her for a good while, until a thought occurred. With a quick gesture, he told the princess to stay put and he went back to their cabin.  After two more minutes, Baen returned with Arondight in tow and placed it at her hooves. Twilight blinked in confusion. “Pick it up,” Baen said plainly as he unsheathed his axe. “What?  I can’t sword fight,” Twilight stated baffled, “I’ve never held a weapon in my life!” “True,” Baen said with a grin, “But it’s never too late to learn the basics.  If Vida’s return is an indication, new threats will most likely show up and they’ll probably be even stronger than her.  There might even come a time where magic might fail you, so you’ll have to be prepared. Just grab it with your magic.” Twilight nodded and unsheathed the blade, the strange blade looking even more mysterious in the light as the inner glow seemed to shift about like water on the surface of a lake.  Even in her magic grip, the sword wobbled a little, the feeling of the weapon was foreign to the mare. “Alright, first of all,” Baen said with mild mirth as he suppressed a chuckle, “don’t treat it like a tool.  A weapon isn’t a mere slab of steel or stone, to treat a weapon as such, means you lack the Will of the Warrior.  Your weapon is an extension of yourself.” Twilight raised an eyebrow as Baen took on a more wisened expression, the likes akin to a seasoned veteran or teacher, “To lack the Will of the Warrior is to admit defeat to yourself and to your enemies,” Baen stamped his hoof at the declaration, “to admit defeat to yourself and your enemies means you will never achieve your final rest.  You will stand before Tieg weak and scared. You must trust yourself and your steel, do this, and you shall never admit defeat.” Twilight could only stare in awe as Baen exhaled, “This is what I and many others must know before the training can begin.” Twilight nodded, “So if one has the Will of the Warrior?” Baen tilted his head, “Well, if they do.  They will appear before Tieg who will weigh his steel against yours.  Should yours balance out the scales or surpass his, you will pass on to the Grand Hall.  That is where all warriors and heroes of Old dwell to fight, drink, eat, and even party to their heart's content.” “That sounds amazing!” Twilight was presently scribbling these things down on a notepad she pulled from somewhere, “I’m learning so much.” Baen sighed and slowly lowered the notepad, “Twilight.  Focus please.” Twilight shook her head, “Oh.  Right,” she lifted the sword again, “sorry.” “Now keep your stance strong, you might not be holding your weapon, but your body must be ready for anything.” Baen instructed as he circled her, Twilight mimicking him. “Oh!  So it’s a similar principal to Prench Fencing or even Griffon saber combat,” Twilight stated with interest as well as an educated tone, “I get it.  Tight, but loose right? For quick maneuvers and dodges.” “Exactly, but since you have wings and magic,” Baen said, “You’ll have to be aware.  Your wings could be injured or removed should you be careless. Your magic will also play into combat, use it to improvise if necessary.  Don’t use it all the time, it’ll drain your stamina and will make it harder to use your sword.” Twilight nodded as Baen stopped moving, “Now, attack me.” “What?  Baen, I’m not going to attack you,” Twilight said with mild concern, “I don’t want to hurt-” Baen swung at her.   Twilight, on reflex, raised her sword to block the swing which bounced off the sword blade in a shower of sparks.  Baen stared narrowed eyed at her. “I’m not your friend here,” Baen said coldly, “I am the enemy and I will not wait for you to debate your course.  Now, ATTACK!” Baen surged forward and swung his axe, the blade flying through the air fast and lethally.  Twilight stumbled as she backed up, her instincts telling her to get away and block the sharp blade.  Twilight’s aura made Arondight fly through the air with expert precision, the blades of both weapons clashing as Baen poured on the pressure.   “B-Baen, hold on a second!  I can’t-” Twilight yelped as she lost her footing and fell on her back, Arondight clattering away from her. Twilight whimpered as she shut her eyes at a massive air pressure that stopped an inch from her neck.  A hard sigh met her ears as she looked up at Baen. “And, you’re dead,” Baen said flatly. Baen helped Twilight to her hooves, “Sorry….I keep forgetting modern ponies aren’t accustomed to martial combat as I am.  I didn’t mean to scare you.” Twilight rubbed her left leg bashfully, “It’s alright, I just wasn’t prepared for...well… for just how intense you got,” she levitated Arondight back into the sheathe, “I guess I’m not much of a swordmare huh?” “Nah,” Baen said but pointed at her as he sheathed his own weapon, “But, you could be.” “What?  Didn’t you see how I was practically stumbling over myself back there?!” Twilight exclaimed in confusion. “True, but your precision and reactions are on par with a seasoned veteran.  With more training, your offence could be just as good as your defense.” Twilight tilted her head with a bemused expression, “You really think that?” “I do,” Baen said with a smile. Twilight gave it some thought as Baen leaned over, “Just between us, you did exceedingly better than Rainbow Dash.” “I...Wha?” Twilight said in confusion. “Mhm, let me tell you,” Baen couldn’t help a snort of amusement, “She lost a little, off the top,” he pat his mane. “Are you serious?” Twilight said with a growing smile. “Yeah,” Baen chuckled, “She got cocky and I skimmed her.  She would NEVER admit it I imagine, probably say I got a lucky shot.” “Or the sun was in her eyes,” Twilight muttered with a giggle. Both ponies laughed, but stopped when the intercom came on. “Attention passengers!  We’re approaching Fleece as we speak!! Please ensure your valuables and other essentials are ready before we disembark!  Oh, and to the Griffon on the fourth level, I’m afraid we’re out of tiramisu.” The airship sank lower toward the ground as Twilight stated, “Don’t worry Spike, we’re almost there!” * Spike continued to rattle his cage, “LET ME OUT!!! LET ME OUT!!!” A Diamond Dog approached and jabbed a finger at the drake, “HEY!  Dragon stop that! Dragon scratch the bars of cage Lady Vida so graciously provided!” “I hope I do!” Spike rapidly scraped his claws against the bars in spite. “Now now young one,” melodious voice said from beside him atop her throne of green stone, “we can’t have you tiring yourself out with such a frivlious temper tantrum.  Only good little drakelings get gems for dinner.” “I don’t want your gems!!!  I want to go home you witch!!!” Spike yelled in anger. Vida’s right eye twitched as a loud crack was heard.  Vida glanced over as the Diamond dogs and green armored ponies she ‘recruited’ chiseled away at the large blue chunk of ice. “What is taking so long.” She demanded with a hint of anger prevalent in her tone. A salmon coated stallion, named Candy Floss, approached, “My Lady, try as we might, we can’t seem to breach into its core.  It seems to be protected by a powerful magic.” “I see,” Vida tapped her chin, “This will be most troublesome indeed.” Spike smirked a little, “What?  Can’t break a big ice cube?” The dragon yelled in shock as Vide stared him dead in the eyes, “You seem to misunderstand, Spike.  The situation you presently find yourself in is not one where you can make jests at my expense.” Spike scampered away into the back of his cage as Vida’s eyes changed with each word she spoke, “I will extract the magic from you, that much is certain, you precious Princess and my love Baen won’t even make it up the mountain by then.” Spike trembled in fear.  Her eyes, the whites of which turned a frightening glowing shade of green, while her pupils lost all light, or more that they swallowed all light.  Her irises were now pale rings that added a fright to the dragon’s heart he had never felt before. “Good,” her voice seemed to echo with an unnatural reverberation, “Now stay silent.” She stood as her eyes and voice returned to normal. “I have business to attend too.” The sorceress left the throne room as Spike curled up and wished Twilight and Baen would hurry. > XII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Baen and Twilight exited down the ramp of the airship, glancing from side to side at the street before them.  Fleece itself, though not immaculate, was a sight to behold. Every building was built to a different size and level of architecture.  Near every building, much to Baen’s surprise was a small garden or some form of beautiful plant life. The streets were composed of simple slats of stone which clicked every now and then when somepony walked.  The walls of each building from shop to home was a stonewashed grey with red clay shingles for roofs. There were no windows the two ponies could see, but shutters more than made up for it. Large marble columns bordered some of the streets with large brass dishes that gave off an aroma of scented oil.  Beyond the city was a vast desert of golden and white sand, but there atop a cresting hill atop a series of marble steps was a large Acropolis adorned with golden tokens to the sun and pearl ones for the moon. Near the far western border of the town was a large opulent villa, and in the dead center of the town, was large looming structure that cast a shadow over the streets bordering it. Twilight’s eyes were alight with wonder as she trotted giddily in place.  Every pony dressed in a toga’s of different hues and colors. Baen merely regarded the whole situation with mild indifference, having been used to such large and ancient seeming cities before.  Guards garbed in bronze armor that was similar to Crystal Empire armor, but had a much smoother look that bled with an antique feel. They were stocky and hefting javelins, standing as still and emotionless as statues.  They wore matching black toga’s under their armor “Isn’t this amazing!?!” Twilight shouted with glee as she zipped to every landmark within her line of sight, “This is phenomenal!  I’ve only ever really read about Fleece and I’ve ALWAYS wanted to come here! The culture, the sights,” she inhaled sharply, “The smeeeeells.  It’s so enriching!” Baen chuckled, “Twilight, as culturally enriching as this is, we have a job to do.” “Right, right of course,” She blushed with embarrassment before composing herself, “We have to stay focused an- OH MY GOSH!!!  It’s the Acropolis of The Sisters!!!!!” Baen rolled his eyes and gingerly took Twilight’s tail in his mouth and pulled her along down the street, much to the mild amusement of the citizenry.  After a bit of dragging, in an attempt to stay on task, Baen eventually released a heavily embarrassed Twilight. “I did it again didn’t I?”  Twilight muttered. Baen raised a hoof, “Just a tad.  But it’s a quality I find...endearing.” “Stop,” Twilight said with mild mirth.” Baen looked around, “So, what’s so special about this place anyway?  I’ve been to plenty of ancient cities.” “What’s so- Really?!” Twilight sputtered before cutting off his path to his surprise, “Fleece is a cornerstone of Equestrian myth as WELL as world history!” “In what way?” Baen said with a raised eyebrow. “Well for one, the ponies of Ancient Fleece still to this day practice the old ways of worship concerning Princess Celestia and Luna.  Even when Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon they would still leave offerings of silver bits, bushels of lavender, and pearl statuettes.”  Twilight said with a knowing expression, the kind she always took whenever she flexed her knowledge for a friend, “Not to mention they’re architecture and agriculture mastery enabled them to maintain such a lush township in the middle of the desert for centuries,” Baen glanced about and noted just that as she continued, “And this, you might find interesting,” she leaned up to Baen with a sly smile, “Fleece is called the ‘City of Heroes.’” Baen stopped, “Come again?” Twilight smirked a little as she spun her hoof in the air, “Ancient Fleece is well known for its myths of old, stories of amazing as well as astounding labours and deeds,” She folded her wing in front of her mouth in a mock mysterious fashion, “daring mysteries and artifacts and creatures of the ancient world that aren’t around today.”   She stood on her hind legs and whipped her legs out, “Because of all these, and the various philosophers, poets, and even hearty warriors that have come and gone, Fleece was and forever is known as the CITY OF HEROES!!!” Various citizens smiled at the display and nodded, happy that somepony took so much love for their city and legends.  Baen nodded in recognition, looking at the city in a different light as the two continue to walk, but slowed when they heard sounds of commotion.  The duo stopped in the shadow of the large bowl like structure in the center of town when a resounding cheer rose up. Baen turned to a mare whose hair was done up in a braid.  The lime green mare smiled up at the building as Baen approached. “Excuse me,” the mare turned as Baen stopped, “Might I ask, what is going on in there?” “Oh!  You must be that barbarian that’s been the talk of Equestria lately,” she said with an odd accent, “Well, since you’re from out of town, this is-” “The Grand Coliseum!” Twilight chimed in much to the mares mild amusement at her eagerness. Twilight giggled bashfully, “Sorry, continue.” The Mare chuckled and turned to Baen, “Well at the moment ‘The Games’ are happening and from the sounds of it, the final match before the main event is just starting.  Which means he will show up again.” “He?” Baen asked with mild interest. “Why, the Champion of The Coliseum of course, Lion Heart,” the mare blushed at his name and swooned lightly, “such a handsome stallion.” Baen tilted his head up at the coliseum as the cheering rang out again, an interested grin appeared as Twilight started to sweat a little, knowing that look all too well. “Baen,” Twilight intoned with concern, “I know that look, remember what Princess Celestia said after you floored the new captain of the guard last time?” Baen rolled his eyes and did a mild imitation of Celestia’s voice, “Please refrain from going barbarian on the subjects of our land...unless of course the situation is unavoidable.” Twilight nodded as she eased her wing onto Baen’s back and subtly turned him away from the large building, “Eeeexactly, so I think we’ll just move away from the den of testosterone and grand-standing and make our way to the Mayor’s villa to acquisition a boat!” Baen however, was undeterred, and stood rooted to his place much to Twilight’s inevitable worry, “I only wish to see these ‘Games’ in person.  What exactly are they?” Twilight sighed in resignation, “The Games, are a bunch of events that show a ponies attributes and skills to all who are present to watch.  It can be sports, wrestling, magical duels, spellcraft, or even sprinting and long jumps. It can vary really. Now the Champion titles themselves are quite simple enough.  Champions are usually contenders who have excelled in one field and remained unbeaten. For example, the Champion of Sprinting, could be a pony that has won every hoof race in the coliseum through skill alone.” “And the Champion of The Coliseum?” Baen questioned as the two approached one of the entrances. “The Champion of The Coliseum is the highest title one can achieve, you’re essentially a celebrity in the eyes of the public,” Twilight’s horned lit up showing to armored ponies, “Usually the ‘Final Game’ is a gladiatorial match between any ponies who are daring enough to challenge the Champion.  Any number can, the event ends when all contenders are defeated, BUT whomever defeats the Champion at the time is crowned the new one and has to wait for the next bout to defend their title.” “The next bout?” Baen asked as he passed a few bits to a guard who ushered them inside. “It’s a bi-monthly sporting event,” Twilight said as the sounds of battle met their ears. Baen and Twilight entered into a lively and roaring coliseum.  The ground below was covered in sand with various items of wood and metal lining the wall, mostly barriers to protect the attendees.  Baen glanced down as he saw two unicorns engaging in a massive show of arcane skill, twins by the looks of them. Both brothers seeking to best the other in a show of magical skill, but neither seeming to best the other.  Baen glanced to the right and saw a lusciously decorated viewing box where a snow white pegasus stallion with a short curled golden mane sat on a quite impressive chair. He wore a pristine white toga and had a golden laurel grown resting on his brow.  His eyes were hetero-chromatic, one a deep orange while the other was a soft indigo. Twilight followed Baen’s gaze. “That’s the Mayor, Cornucopia.  I’ve heard he only recently got elected but he’s a really jolly stallion,” Twilight whispered as Cornucopia cheered with his citizens, “and by the looks of it, a sports fan.  I heard he actually used to live in Canterlot.” “Really?  A Canterlot pony came here?  Hm.” Baen mused. Cornucopia applauded as the Game began to reach its conclusion.  From behind the Mayor, from the entrance to the booth, a unicorn mare with a lavender pink coat and a light wine red mane came to his side.  Her mane was done in an alluring wave of a style as she sat beside Cornucopia and nuzzled him. She was thin but her curves drew some of the guards looks, but they stared straight ahead out of respect.  Her scarlet eyes looking into Cornucopia’s eyes lovingly. Like Cornucopia, she wore a matching toga, but a gold ring across her brow. Baen smile warmly, visions of his possible future with his betrothed running in his mind.  Soon, Cornucopia raised his hoof and stood as every eye fell on him. “Bravo!  Bravo! Such an excellent show of skill!” he said with almost childlike excitement, “Cane Sugar, Hot Spice, as skilled as you two are, a victor must be declared.” Cane Sugar looked at his twin brother and bowed his head.  However Cornucopia smiled warmly. “Which is why I believe you two, being the twins you are, deserve a share of the credit.  Someday, however, only one of you will finally be selected and I cannot wait to see that bout!” Cornucopia proclaimed as everypony stomped in agreement.   Both twins happily embraced each other and galloped out, most likely to begin training.  Cornucopia then addressed the gathered citizens once more. “Fillies, Gentlecolts, and creatures of all ages, It’s now the moment you’ve been waiting for!” Cornucopia proclaimed loudly thanks to his wife’s magic enhancing his voice, “The Main Event!  The Match of Champions is upon us once more!” The audience stomped as both Twilight and Baen noticed a gate beneath Cornucopia’s viewing booth began to open as deep drum beats began to shake the stone of the coliseum, “You all know him, revere him, and applaud him in all his labors here in our great Coliseum!!  HERE HE IS FOLKS!” A stallion emerged from the gate as Cornucopia continued his triage, “THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS!!  THE VALIANT! THE BRAVE!! THE MIGHTY!!! LION HEART!!!!!!” The earth pony stallion in question fully stepped into the light.  He was around Twilight’s age, and was toned with modest muscle. His coat was a dark sand brown, while his mane and tail were black.  His mane was medium length and parted down the middle, but just as wild as the heart of its owner. His coal black eyes scanned the crowd as a toothy grin alighted on his face.  He was garbed in a faded white toga, due most likely to the sun and sandy air. He possessed gold bands on the fetlock of his front legs and a heavy golden necklace around his neck.  The chain was composed of interlocking flat disk like medallions adorned with ancient etchings, on the front however was the molded head of a roaring lion made of the same gold. His cutie mark was also that of a roaring lion head.  He stood on his hind legs and raised his front legs with a bigger smile which caused the crowd to roar in exhilaration. Twilight shook her head with pursed lips. “Wow, I can FEEL the ego on this guy,” Twilight leaned over to Baen, “he and Rainbow Dash would be the best of friends.” Baen stifled a snicker as Lion Heart went back to all fours and looked back at the gate.  Six guards dressed in much heavier bronze armor marched in. Their’s toga’s were wine red with matching mantles trimmed with gold and a matching crest.  They had large round shields across their backs and imposing swords. “Who are they?”  Baen questioned. “The Evzones, their the elite guards for the mayor and by extension, the best of the Fleece Army,” Twilight tapped her chin as the six Evzones parted to make way for various ponies of build and varying armors, “Shining always dreamed of trying to be one, so imagine how elated he was when he was made captain of the guard.” Baen half heard her as his eyes were still on the stallion before him, his gaze focused in deep thought.  Lion Heart smirked at his opponents which caused a good portion of them to back down. Lion Heart rolled his eyes and turned to Cornucopia. “Mayor, may I make a request?” Lion Heart said, his voice youthful but with a very mild deepness to it and a small hint of an accent. “Go right ahead,” Cornucopia replied with a small smile. “Can you bring me an ACTUAL opponent that won’t back down at a glance?  Or at least put up a fight, I’m kind of getting bored with the usual stock,” Lion Heart said dryly. One burly stallion, taken offense, stepped forward with a growl.  Lion Heart merely fixed him with a glare and stepped forward. The stallion whined like a scared animal and backed away. “Well, I suppose...but these nice ponies came to test themselves against you.” Cornucopia said with a bit of a worried expression. “I realize that, and I welcome them to try, but I just want to fight somepony new,” Lion Heart looked at his hoof in a mocking gesture, “I mean I DO want a challenge eventually.” Cornucopia glanced at his wife who nodded slowly to reassure him, “Well, why not,” he said with a big smile as he stood up and addressed the crowd, “Citizens!  For the first time, I am honored to announce that I am opening The Games to all of you! Who among you will step forward to fight our Champion in the first match of the day!  Who will test their might! Their skill! Their-” “I WILL!” All eyes turned in unison to look at a smirking Baen.  Twilight was in shock. “WHAT HAPPENED TO JUST WATCHING!!?” She sputtered in annoyance. Baen stared at her with the same smirk, “I am watching, I’ll just have a front row seat.” Cornucopia’s eyes lit up, “By the sun and moon, Princess Twilight Sparkle!!!  You honor us with your presence!” Cornucopia noticed Baen and smiled even wider, “And Baen the Barbarian!  Oh my this will be quite the fight indeed!” Baen passed his axe to Twilight and cleared the barrier wall in one leap and landed with a loud thud on the sand.  His look hardened and focused, his training already sizing up the young stallion and every opening he could find. “Baen of Ponyville.  Wow,” Lion Heart smiled with eagerness, “Now THIS is an opponent I’ve been waiting for!!!” “Rest assured, you’ll get a fight,” Baen approached Lion Heart and the two stallions started circling each other, “That is if your up for it.” “Oh please,” Lion Heart snarked back, “You may be a hero in your own right, but I’m the Champion of Champions.  Try as they might, sturdier ponies than you have failed to beat me.” “Hm, Twilight was indeed right, your head is quite swollen,” Baen responded plainly causing the crowd to collectively ‘Oooooh.’ Lion Heart pushed his forehead against Baen’s as the younger stallion growled, “The only swollen head here will be yours when I’m through with you!” “You’ve got fire, I’ll give you that,” Baen growled and pushed back, “But I’ve beaten far more threatening opponents than you!” Twilight face hoofed, “Oh great…..” Cornucopia tapped his hoof on the banister in front of him, “Excuse me?  Baen, though it’s a pleasure to have you and Princess Twilight here this day.  We DO have rules,” Cornucopia gestured to Twilight, “Would you care to join us up here?” Twilight sighed and teleported up the box while Baen snorted as he backed away from a smug Lion Heart.  Twilight seated herself on the left of the mayor while his wife was on his right.   Her wife leaned over and offered a hoof to shake, “Lotus Blossom.” Twilight gingerly shook her hoof, “Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Cornucopia raised his front hooves in a grand gesture, “As it is written, the bout shall begin at the sound of the gong.  Once it has begun, it shall continue until one combatant yields or is rendered unable to continue! Now!!” Baen and Lion Heart narrowed their eyes. “BEGIN!!!” The moment the gong rang out, Baen bulrushes Lion Heart with the intent to strike him.  Lion Heart tensed and met both of the Barbarian’s hoofs with his own with a loud clap of raw power.  Baen grit his teeth as he pushed against the younger stallion whom started to stand on his hind-legs with a toothy grin. “What’s the matter Baen?  Too much for you?” Lion Heart jeered. “So you think this is all I have, a foolish thought,” Baen growled back as his Wrath Aura flared to life. Lion Heart’s eyes widened as Baen started to push him back, the sand scraping under him in two lines.  Baen then, with glowering fury, brought his hoof back and smashed the stallion in the jaw. Lion Heart hit the ground hard, kicking up sand.  He managed to sit himself up and wiped some spittle from his mouth as Baen advanced on him. “Nothing but ego,” Baen intoned as he loomed over Lion Heart who glared at him. “Alright,” Lion Heart said as he stood, “My turn.” Baen didn’t see the hoof that hit him in the chin, but he felt the force, and everything in his line of sight was a blur as the wind rushed past him.  Twilight yelled out in shock as Baen flew up into the air, right up to level with her, and then smashed down hard back into the sandy ground. Baen’s Wrath Aura flickered as he shook the stars from his vision. “What devilry is this?!” He wheezed out in shock as the young stallion advanced on him. “What’s the matter?  Not used to fighting somepony STRONGER than you?” Lion Heart sneered as he rushed the stunned stallion. Baen, acting as swiftly as he could, delivered a right hook.  Lion Heart smacked it aside and dodged a rear leg roundhouse kick, Baen channeling a bit of Rainbow Dash.  Lion Heart dodged underneath and countered a follow up right hook with a swift block. He then grabbed the barbarian’s armored fetlock.  Baen could only strangle out a gasp as his head was seized at the same time, and smashed into the ground hard enough to crack it. Lion Heart smirked as he planted a rear leg on Baen’s back and held his front leg still straight behind him. “Stand up Barbarian,” Lion Heart stated in a challenging tone, “We’re not done yet!.” Baen growled as his Wrath Aura flared up once more and he began to shakily stand despite the force pressing on him.  Blood dripped from Baen’s nose as his coat was dirtied with sand and dirt. “BAEN!  STAY DOWN!” Twilight yelled desperately. “I NEVER! STAY DOWN!” Baen yelled back and threw Lion Heart from his back and whipped around on him. Lion Heart shook his head as he got back to his hooves, “You should’ve listened to the princess,” he stated plainly. Baen roared and ran at Lion Heart- He was met with a hard hoof to the chest which shattered his chest armor and sent him flying into the far wall.  A crater formed behind him. Baen’s eyes were wide, the air left his lungs, and he collapsed in a heap on the ground. Cornucopia and the crowd applauded as he proclaimed, “LION HEART WINS!!!” Twilight teleported down to the arena floor to her friend, “Baen!  BAEN!” Baen groaned as an Evzone approached the duo and spoke in a deep voice, “Do not fear Princess, the apothecary is just outside the arena.  Be swift, we shall gather his armor for reforging.” Twilight looked up at a solemn Cornucopia who nodded at her as the Evzone smiled, “By favor of the mayor.” Twilight looked up at Cornucopia as Lion Heart cleared his throat. “Please hurry, I have other matches to get to,” Lion Heart stated plainly. “Listen here you POMPOUS-” Twilight began but Baen stopped her with a hoof and a shake of his head. Twilight heaved Baen away from the arena, glaring at the waving stallion who had damaged him. * “The nerve of that...BIG HEADED- GAH!!” Twilight fumed as Baen was bandaged by some attendants to the apothecary. Cornucopia sat with Lotus as he watched the angered Princess, “I must apologize for Lion Heart’s behavior, he’s rather…” “Full of himself?” Twilight replied with disdain. “Yes...unfortunately,” Cornucopia tapped his chin, “As for your request, I can of course part with a boat to take you where you need to go.  However, I’d recommend at LEAST a days rest before we send you on your way.” “Good,” Baen said as he sat up, “A day’s all I need to beat that cheater.” “Cheater?” Twilight said with a bemused expression, “Baen, he’s many things obviously, but he’s no cheater.  He beat you fair and square.” “No,” Baen stated firmly, “He did not.” All ponies turned at the sound of cheering as Lion Heart was mobbed by onlookers on the street.  Baen snorted and rose from his seat. Twilight, the Mayor, and Lotus followed him out the door as he went to the crowd. “Thank you, thank you,” Lion Heart said with pride, “I do all that I do for all of you, my fellow Fleecian’s!  I am more than happy to be-” “A no good cheat,” Baen chimed in. Lion Heart whipped around and chuckled as he walked through the crowd, “Well, well, if it isn’t the FORMER great Barbarian.  No one likes a poor sport Baen.” “I am NO poor sport, I am a warrior who fights with honor, something you seem to lack,” Baen pointed at him, “You don’t deserve the title of champion, boy!” “Boy?!” Lion Heart replied with growing anger, “Who are you calling BOY!?” Twilight got between the two stallions, “That’s ENOUGH!  You had your battle with each other, let it be!” Lion Heart smirked as he turned back to his fans, “Exactly, you and the Princess should go home.  This is no place for Barbarian’s, only heroes.” Baen narrowed his gaze, “Spoken like a true coward.” Lion Heart came to a halt, “I,” he turned and glared at him, “Am NO coward.” “Then fight me, in a days time, I guarantee you will lose.  Unless of course, you’re as yellow as Princess Celestia’s cutie mark,” Baen jabbed. Lion Heart stalked up to him and slammed a hoof into his injured chest, “One day.  In that time, I’ll show just who the REAL Champion is!” Baen nodded firmly as Lion Heart spoke with a few mares, ignoring the duo.  Twilight turned to Baen. “Baen!  We don’t have time for this!  Just take the loss, we have to go get Spike, remember?” Twilight scolded. Baen looked her dead in the eye, “You wouldn’t understand.  My pride as a warrior has been tarnished, I have to avenge myself against him.  I REFUSE to acknowledge his victory,” he turned to head back into the apothecary. Twilight groaned, “Baen, let it go.  It doesn’t matter!” Baen froze as he looked over his shoulder with a glare that could melt ice, his tone was filled with anger, “It matters to me.  My pride-” “Isn’t worth Spike’s life!  I refuse to entertain this...this ridiculous endeavor!  He beat you, accept that fact that he was stronger than you, and move on!” She growled back. Baen glared at her, “Then leave.” Twilight stepped back like she had just been slapped, “What?!” “If you don’t want to ENTERTAIN me, than you’re free to leave.  I’ll catch up,” Baen muttered with annoyance as he slammed the door behind him. Twilight yelled out in anger, “GAH!! STUPID!!  That stallion can be just so- UGH!!!” Twilight plopped on a bench, exhausted and stared at the retreating crowd of fans.  But her eyes lingered on two individuals. One was a Pegasus mare with a pale lime coat with periwinkle eyes.  Her mane and tail were light chestnut that became darker further down. Her mane was done up in a braided warrior’s ponytail while she wore form fitting leather armor with a bow and quiver on her back.  Her cutie mark was a bronze bow and arrow crossing together. Beside her was a unicorn stallion with a dark midnight blue coat. His mane and tail were long and his mane was parted at the bangs, both were white gold with silver highlights.  He wore a black hooded cloak with constellation markings adorning it. On his neck was a silver necklace with a silver bauble attached with a blue pearl within. His cutie mark was series of stars in the shape of a dream-catcher, while the the strands inside it were made of silver magic swirls.  Wrapped around the stallions eyes was a simple blindfold of black cloth Both ponies watched the crowd go and shook their heads sadly and sulked off. Twilight narrowed her eyes in thought and rubbed her chin. > XIII > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was evening when Twilight came back to the Villa of Cornucopia.  She looked around in mild awe, but stopped in her tracks when she noticed Baen.  He was presently laying on his back lifting a few barbells with some Fleecian guards spotting him.  He stopped for a moment and his gaze met hers. Twilight huffed and looked away as she curtly trotted past him while he just snorted in annoyance.  Baen went back to his workout while Twilight entered the main lobby of the home. Cornucopia was watching Baen from a window when Twilight entered. “He’s been at it since you left,” Cornucopia shook his head, “He’s a stubborn one that’s for sure.” “That’s one word for it,” Twilight muttered as she slowly walked up the stairs which Cornucopia took notice of. “If I might ask Princess Twilight,” he inquired curiously, “Is everything alright?” “Everythings fine,” she sighed, “I just need to get some sleep.” “Lovers spat, I see,” Cornucopia nodded sagely, “It will pass.” Twilight whinnied in surprised and smacked into the doorframe of her room, “Wha!?  No, Baen’s not- He’s ENGAGED!” “Ah, missed your chance then.” Twilight sputtered as she became red in the face. Lotus Blossom came to rest beside the flustered alicorn, “Dearest stop.” Cornucopia noted his wife and the relieved expression on Twilight’s face, “Ah...right.  Sorry about that love.” “Now, come to bed,” Lotus Blossom said with a small smile, “We have much work to do.” “Ah but love, we have company,” Cornucopia quickly added as he was levitated to her side, “show some restraint.” “Well of course,” Lotus Blossom said as she trotted briskly, “Those tax and zoning forms won’t fill themselves out.  We must both conserve our energy, it’ll be a long night.” “....what?” Cornucopia squeaked out as the door shut. Twilight chuckled lightly at the pair which got her thinking back to those two ponies she had seen earlier in the day.  It was clear they had some sort of connection with Lion Heart and, possibly, might no more about him. She nodded resolutely.  She’d find them tomorrow and get to the bottom of this champion. She looked back to the door to the Villa, the dull thunks and grunts of Baen’s workout faintly heard.  She shook her head and her room door behind her. * Twilight came down from her room, after a quick shower and complimentary breakfast, and was face to face with an armored up Baen who was readjusting his plating.  Twilight fixed him with an even stare while Baen looked back at her with an equal look of mild disdain. “So, still going through with it then?” Twilight asked dryly. “Yup,” Baen replied curtly. “Well, just so you’re aware, I’m taking measures to at LEAST figure some things out,” Twilight replied as she walked past him with a flick of her tail to his nose, “So when you decide to drop this ridiculous rivalry with Lion Heart and remember the reason we came here, I’ll be in town for another few hours until the guards come to take me to the boat.” “Don’t wait up,” Baen said with a dismissive wave. Twilight grit her teeth in mild anger as she harrumphed out the door. * “Selfish...pig headed...testosterone fueled DUMBNESS!!!” Twilight flustered out as she stalked through the streets in a sour mood.  She had been asking and searching around for the two mystery ponies for hours with little success. Many ponies could only say they had SEEN them, but not recently. “Spike would help me come up with some more choice terms for it, he’d even admit when HE WAS WRONG! and-,” she perked up and then her gaze went down, “Spike…..” She sat on a bench and looked to the side, “What am I even doing here ...I should…,” she sighed as she placed her face on her hooves, “this isn’t helping anything, I’m just mad at Baen being...himself.  I thought I was over that,” she chuckled as she leaned a little back and looked at the sky, “I guess old habits do die hard.” She looked down and stopped, the ponies she had been looking for staring right at her. “Uh…,” Twilight quickly composed herself, “HI!  I mean,” she cleared her throat, “Hello there, um...you wouldn’t by chance know Lion Heart would you?” The mare rolled her eyes, “Unfortunately.” Twilight tilted her head as The Stallion nudged The Mare, “Shottie, come on,” his voice was almost whispery in tone but loud enough to be heard, “She doesn’t mean any harm, her stars are bright and aligned with ours, she can help us.” “Okay and even if they are,” ‘Shottie’ shot back, “why should we even bother anymore?  Lion Heart hasn’t even given us the time of day for months, he doesn’t even-” “Um excuse me,” Twilight interrupted with a polite gesture, “I can sense there’s some...tension here?  I mean I am the Princess of Friendship and I don’t mean to toot my own horn but,” she leaned in a little, “Friendship problems aaaare my speciality.” ‘Shottie’ sighed and looked at The Stallion, “You’re sure of this?” “Yes.  The stars never lie.” The Stallion replied with a nod. Twilight was a tad confused at the statement, “Huh?” “Oh, forgive us your highness,” ‘Shottie’ said as she gave a bow, “I am Sure Shot, and this stallion to my left,” she waved a hoof at her now small smiling companion, “Is Star Weaver.” Star Weaver gave a polite nod, “Salutations Princess.” “It’s nice to meet you,” Twilight tilted her head as she continued to stare at Star Weaver, “excuse me for asking but...you mentioned the stars.” “Yes.  The stars are many and they shine when fate has plotted it’s course, all creatures big and small are born under series stars.  When the stars of one shine with others, they are threads of fate destined to intertwine,” Star Weaver said calmly, “as is the way of the ever changing star map of life and destiny.” Twilight stared in mild awe as Sure Shot chuckled, “Sorry, he gets like that whenever somepony brings them up.” “No, I kind of figured that out,” she chuckled but then approached the two, “But what I really want to know is about Lion Heart.  Just...who is he exactly?” Sure Shot narrowed her eyes, “Why do you ask?” “It’s nothing nefarious, it’s just my friend is going to...probably get hurt and I wanted to know if there was a way to dissuade him.  That’s all,” Twilight reassured as Sure Shot relaxed. “If you really want to know...well,” she looked at Star Weaver who nodded slowly. “Alright, walk with us.” Sure Shot tilted her head and lead Twilight through the streets. “Before anything, you need to understand something…,” Sure Shot said calmly, “Lion Heart isn’t..a bad guy.  A bit of a hot head yes, but not bad.” Twilight looked at Sure Shot and Star Weaver as the two seemed...saddened. Star Weaver looked at Twilight, or she assumed so through his blindfold, “The three of us...well, we were orphans.  We were raised together at the Golden Laurel orphanage, but we never properly met until one day.” * The three colts shoved a smaller Star Weaver into the mud, the younger colt shivered as he covered his eyes and grasped around for his bandage that covered his eyes. “What’s the matter Weaver?  Looking for your wittle bandage?  Come on! Let’s see those eyes of yours!” The more stockier Colt mocked, “look at us and we’ll give it back.” “Please….,” Star Weaver whimpered, “I can’t see…” “Star Eyes, Star Eyes, Star Eyes can’t see the sunlight!” The colts mocked as Weaver continued to grasp around. “HEY!  LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!” a voice rang out as a much taller but thinner Sure Shot came to his side, “You know he needs that!  What’s your problem?” “What?  We just want to see his eyes, that’s all,” A Colt with a unibrow said with annoyance. “He CAN’T show you his eyes!  You know that! It hurts him!” Sure Shot snorted. “Whatever, move over.”  The Stocky One shoved the filly into the mud causing the group to laugh. “Apologize.” All present turned to see a small colt with a wild black mane glaring at The Stocky One. “What?” The Stocky One challenged as he approached the smaller colt, “What did you say Lion Heart?” “I said apologize.  Teacher always tells us to never bully ponies smaller than you.” Lion Heart shot back, his chest puffed out, “Apologize right now or I’ll never forgive you!” “Get lost squirt,” The Unibrow snapped back, “or you can join them for a mud bath.” Lion Heart hopped in place, “I’m NOT SMALL!  I just haven’t hit my growth spurt yet!” The Stocky One waved a hoof at his friends who went over to grab him. All three colts were sent flying into the mud puddle in an instant. “He’s a freak!! RUN FOR IT!” The Stocky One shouted as his two cohorts ran away in fear. Lion Heart picked up the bandage and came over to the whimpering Star Weaver with a friendly smile, “Here you go!” Star Weaver quickly snatched the bandage and tied it around his eyes. Sure Shot stood up with Weaver, “That was really brave, thank you!  I’m Sure Shot, and this is Star Weaver.” “I’m Lion Heart,” the smiling colt said as he offered a hoof, “Would you two...want to be friends?” “How did you do that?” Sure Shot asked before taking his hoof. “Idunno, I just...kind of can,” Lion Heart started with a shrug. * “Ever since, we were inseparable, or at least I thought so,” Sure Shot said with a grimace, “Ever since he found that stupid trinket of his…” “Trinket?” Twilight questioned. Star Weaver nodded as they came before the arena, “When we were older, we started going on adventures.  Treasure hunting, monster fighting, that sort of thing,” he mumbled. “Then one day we found this old temple and we of course,” Sure Shot said with a hoof wave, “went in, and then that’s when the trouble started.” “The stars told me there was a strong light within, most likely some powerful magic,” Star Weaver intoned and with each word Twilight slipped deeper into thought, “Lion Heart went in first as he always did and found the stone box.  Within was the amulet-” “Amulet….wait,” Twilight whipped around to look at the two, “That amulet!  Was it made of gold and had a lion on it?” “Yes, it what he wears all the time now,” Sure Shot said in mild surprise. “I knew that necklace of his looked familiar!,” Twilight said as small burst of magic produced a book before her, the pages flying fast until it stopped which Twilight tapped, “AHA!” Sure Shot came to her side and gasped at the picture, “The Amulet of Nemea.  That’s it!” “The stars never lie,” Star Weaver replied sagely with a nod. Twilight read the entry, “The Amulet of Nemea, grants the strength of fifty stallions with stamina everlasting to whomever wears it.” “I knew that piece of gold should’ve been given to the Mayor,” Sure Shot cursed under her breath. “So he’s been wearing this ever since you found it?” Twilight asked seriously as the book vanished with a snap of it falling shut. “Yes, and it...started to change him,” Sure Shot said as she looked to the side, “He became more concerned with winning at all costs, his ego got worse, and he became more arrogant.” “Absolute power corrupts,” Twilight draped a wing over Sure Shot’s back, “You’ve been trying to get him to see that, haven’t you?” “It gets harder every time,” Star Weaver nodded with a sad expression, “He’s closed his ears to us.” “Your his friends and I learned a long time ago that any good friendship is worth fighting for,” Twilight smiled at the two, “He’ll listen, you just have to fight.” The sound of the crowd within the area caught their attention causing all three to jump, “Oh no.. The Match!  BAEN!” Twilight ran into the coliseum with Sure Shot and Star Weaver behind her. * Baen walked out onto the sand covered ground, his eyes narrowing as his opponent appeared before him once more. “Look, can we hurry this up?  I have a few very eager mares waiting for me outside,” Lion Heart said with a smirk. “I’m afraid those mares will be left wanting once this day is over.”  Baen shot back with equal cockiness. “You know something?  I’m getting sick of your mightier than thou attitude, you may be a hero from where you come from Mr. Stallion out of Time, but in here!  I’M THE HERO!” Lion Heart proclaimed loudly as the crowd roared with him, “so do what I suggested before and go home.” Baen nodded as he reached up and undid a strap, his chest plate clattering to the ground shocking Lion Heart. “What...what are you doing?” Lion Heart said as Baen shook off the rest of his armor. “A true warrior, an HONORABLE warrior, fights fairly,” Baen said firmly as all gasped at his scars that covered his body, “And as you can see, I’ve seen FAR more fights than anypony in this time could ever hope to fathom.  I’ve danced with death many times over as well. So, if you’re so sure of your abilities,” he threw his axe aside, “Fight me as the day we were born. No vestments, armor, and weapons, we fight like stallions! Not colts!” Lion Heart felt all the eyes on him as a bit of sweat pooled on his brow, but he quickly regained his smirk, “Alright sure, if you’re so eager to lose!  How about we make this interesting! If you beat me here and now,” he threw his toga and other adornments aside, “not only will you be the Champion of Champions, but whoever loses leaves town and never returns!” Lion Heart unclipped his necklace, the metal clattering much heavier to the ground as it should have as Baen nodded when he noticed this, “Deal.” “BAEN!  WAIT!!” Baen turned to look at Twilight, “You can’t fight him he-” Baen fixed her with a look and she stopped.  It wasn’t a look of anger for interrupting, not a look of contempt or even disdain.  The look only said one thing. ‘Sit and watch.’ Baen turned his attention back to Lion Heart as Cornucopia’s voice rang out, “The challenge and terms have been set, at the gong, begin!” The gong sounded and Baen stood firm. “LION HEART!!!!” Lion Heart stopped and looked to see a worried Sure Shot and Star Weaver looking at him, their faces pleading with him not to be foolish.  Lion Heart tched and rushed Baen, yelling- His world was destroyed in an instant. Baen’s hooves seized him mid-run and, remembering the move from his training with Rainbow Dash, lifted him into the air while the barbarian stood on his hindlegs.  Then the two crashed down hard back to the earth. Lion Heart’s vision flashes white as the wind from within him left and came back in a blink of an eye. Baen glared down at him.  Lion Heart, for the first time in his life, trembled in fear beneath the barbarian’s glare. The Wrath Aura illuminated the two as Baen’s eyes glowed red with raw might. His rear hoof came down and crushed the amulet to pieces.  Lion Heart felt tears of shame in his eyes as he looked away from Baen’s glare, refusing to stare him down. “Everypony,” Baen stated loudly as he stood up to his full height, “This stallion has deceived you all and sullied this ground of honorable combat with cheap tricks,” he sharply pointed at Twilight, “Twilight, if you please.” Twilight was flustered as she looked from side to side nervously, “Uh well...he used the Amulet of Nemea to grant himself more strength and stamina to win every encounter...it’s in Vol 12. of Pre-Equestrian Artifacts; Expanded Edition.” Cornucopia looked to his wife who brought his own copy before him and he flipped through it and stopped, “By the Sun and Moon...she’s right.” The booing that followed was immense as Lion Heart picked up his things and looked at his friends and then to Baen who approached him. “You are no warrior, you’re not even a hero,” Baen said lowly, “until you figure out exactly what it means to be either,” he pointed to the exit, “Leave MY arena, and never return.” Lion Heart looked down shamefully as his pride crumbled, “I just...I just…” “Leave,” Baen said firmly, “Now.” Lion Heart turned and ran from the arena as Twilight looked down at the stoic stallion. * “How in Celestia’s name did you know about that amulet being the cause?!” Twilight shouted at a mildly calm Baen as he was flooded by Fleecian’s looking for autographs or a brief word. “Give me some credit,” Baen mused as he signed a picture for a filly, “I’ve fought plenty of ponies who’ve used magic talismans in combat.  I come from a time when that was the norm. Granted it took me a moment to figure it out, but I realized it when we exchanged blows.” “Wait...so when you were mad at me, you were FAKING IT!?!” Twilight yelled out in anger. “Hm?  Oh no, I was legitimately angry,” Baen said with a small grin, “but it took me a while to realize I was acting foalish.  Which is why I wanted to apologize to you.” “Apology accepted, I guess.  Uuugh, I swear, you’ll turn my mane grey by the time I’m my mother's age,” Twilight said as she deflated. “Don’t be ridiculous,” Baen said as he wrapped a leg around her and ruffled her mane, “Grey isn’t your color.” Twilight frowned at him but her attention was then drawn to Sure Shot and Star Weaver who looked solemnly into the distance. “He left,” Sure Shot said quietly, “We tried to stop him but he wouldn’t listen.” “His stars are fading,” Star Weaver said with a saddened tone, “if something isn’t done, he’ll be lost to the destiny the stars he was born under meant for him.” Baen was indifferent as he glanced to Twilight, “When will the boat be ready?” “Another hour or so,” Twilight said as she noted his expression. Baen nodded as his ears flicked, “Wait…” A loud shriek met the group as all turned and heard the sound of crashing, a massive shape emerging from far down the street.  Several guards went flying in all directions as the massive hulking shape stomped forward. It was in the shape of a bull, large and stocky with vicious horns atop its head.  It’s eyes gave off an orange glow as it’s shiny bronze like fur gleamed in the light of the sun. “A Brazen Bull!” Twilight proclaimed as ponies left and right ran for cover, “I’ve only ever really read about these, but their highly aggressive and very destructive.  We need to get everypony clear so-” Sure Shot and Star Weaver leapt past the two and charged forward. “Seems like they have this well in hoof,” Baen said with mild surprise. Twilight went to move forward but Baen stopped her, “What are you doing?!  We have to-” “Wait,” Baen said matter of factly, “This isn’t our fight.” Twilight looked at Baen to object, but the expression on his face was one of assuredness that radiated a strength in the air.  She could tell he was ready to leap in to help, but he wouldn’t, but why? Sure Shot was using her wings to notch her bow and fire at the bull while Star Weaver, whom was off to the side, was chanting to himself as his horn gave off a steady white glow.  Star Weaver’s left front hoof was on the bauble around his neck which also mirrored the magical glow on his horn as his chanting continued.   “ANY TIME WEAVER!!!” Sure Shot yelled out as she managed to hop onto the bull’s head and start to ride it’s neck to keep it occupied. “Luna, hear me, grant me the power to smite my enemy with the dazzling radiance your night bestows.  Grant me favour,” beneath his blind fold a bright silvery glow burst forth, “Grant me STRENGTH!!!” Star Weaver’s horn gave off an unusual hum as his white magic became midnight blue with silvery stars and dazzling white twinkles.  Twilight could only stare in awe. “Oh my gosh!  He’s a Night Seer!!  It makes sense now!” she said with glee. Baen looked at Twilight as Star Weaver’s horn started to glow brighter, “A what?” “Right, I forgot, that magic was after your time,” Twilight watched on as the aura increased in size, “There’s legends that pertain to thousands of years ago that when the Princesses formed their kingdom, Luna assembled a small group of creatures before her.  That day, she bestowed upon them the gift of the Star Sight. The Star Sight, in itself, is an extremely rare magical phenomenon that some colts and fillies might be born with. Their eyes are glazed over with a silvery inner light, but because of this they can’t see in the day or in intense light.  However, whomever possesses it is connected to not only the ethereal plane of Night Magic, but supposedly to Luna herself. It was because of this trait that some became great mystics and even VERY accurate fortune tellers, being able to read the stars of creatures to determine their destiny and sense immense magic.” “And what else?” Baen said as the magic aura bled forth from Star Weaver’s horn to the ground. “They’re also able to...well,” Twilight watched on as the magic formed armored looking unicorns before Star Weaver, “they could shape the night sky itself with raw Night Magic!” Star Weaver pointed, “FORWARD!” The Star Ponies surged as a unit and attacked the Brazen Bull from all sides while Star Weaver blasted beams of his white magic at it.  Both ponies worked as a tight knit unit to bring down their metallic-like foe. Both ponies fought valiantly as the bull thrashed and raged in an attempt to throw Sure Shot from it’s neck and smash the Star Ponies around it.  Star Weaver yelled out as Sure Shot was sent flying into a shop stand, the unicorn stallion rushing to her side as the bull scraped the ground. The Brazen Bull charged as Star Weaver threw up a shield that hissed and broke on contact with the bull.  The sudden mini explosion sent the beast reeling back, a piece of a broken horn slicing Star Weaver’s blindfold causing him to howl in pain and cover his eyes as light hit him from the sun. “I can’t SEE!!  Luna! I CAN’T SEE!!!” he yelled out as he fell beside Sure Shot who shielded him as best she could with her wings. Sure Shot looked on in horror as the bull rose, Baen cursing as Twilight started to ready her horn.  The bull charged, intent to skewer the two ponies before it. Then, there was a loud clang. All stared on as Lion Heart, who had closed the distance before anyone could see, was holding the bull back with his great strength. “Leave!  My friends!  ALONE!!” Lion Heart bellowed in righteous fury. Lion Heart released another mighty yell as he smashed his forehead into the bulls thicker one.  The blow sent the bull skidding back and made the creature dazed, it’s head shaking to clear the stars from its eyes.  Lion Heart turned around and ripped a shred of his toga off with his teeth and quickly wrapped Star Weaver’s eyes. “Weaver!  Weaver! Open your eyes.  Are you okay?” Lion Heart asked with worry. Star Weaver gave a weak nod and gave a small smile, “Yes...I’m fine, it’s good to see you again Lion Heart.” “Look...I’m-” “TALK LATER!! FIGHT NOW!!!” Sure Shot yelled as she pointed behind the stallion. Lion Heart whipped around as the heavy hoof falls came toward them once more.  Lion Heart grit his teeth as he leapt into the air, his hind leg coming down from a frontal somersault.  The hindleg crashed down atop it’s skull, it’s horn dragging through the dirt as it cartwheeled. There was a loud crash as the stone store front off to the side came down atop the stunned and now unconscious bull. Lion Heart turned to his friends as Baen and Twilight approached, “Guys...I wasn’t fair to you, or anyone here in Fleece.  I just wanted to be accepted as a hero so badly I...I got swept up in all the praise and-” “Became a bit of a heel?” Sure Shot said with a raised eyebrow. “Yes…” Lion Heart said with shame. “The stars said you’d come back, well, mostly,” Star Weaver said. Lion Heart smiled as he noticed Cornucopia and several other ponies started to gather.  When the ponies around him fixed him with their stares, Lion Heart’s smile vanished and his ears drooped. “Mayor, what I did was inexcusable.  It’s like Baen said, I dishonored the Coliseum,” Lion Heart turned, “I’ll...just go get my things and be on my way.” “My boy, there’s no need for that,” Cornucopia said causing Lion Heart to look at him with shock, “Yes, it is true that by using that amulet you earned your title by false means.  However,” he smiled warmly and gestured around, “What you did here demonstrates that even without that trinket, you have the makings to be a great Champion once more. With training of course.” “I do?” Lion Heart asked in surprise as Baen came to him. “Yes, you do,” Baen conked him on the head slightly, “I saw it the moment I met you.  You’ve got the same fire I do, and that unnatural strength of yours is also quite formidable as well.” “My strength…,” Lion Heart looked at his hooves, “for the longest time I never knew why I had all this power, even for an earth pony, I might never know.  But I know now that I’ll train and use my strength properly to get my title back,” Lion Heart pointed at Baen with resolve, “rest assured, one day, I’ll beat you fair and square.  COUNT ON IT!” Baen laughed and smiled at the stallion with mild pride, “Well said.  I look forward to that day. But until then,” he leaned over, “I’m still the Champion of Champions.” “He’s right,” Cornucopia rubbed his chin, “But with that being said...how will-” “HEY!  YOU!” Baen pointed at a large stallion with chiseled features who was clearly a stone worker. :”Me?” He said with surprise. “You’re champion now.”  Baen said plainly causing all present to become highly confused and shocked. “I am?  AWESOME!”  The Large Stallion yelled. “But-but Baen, are you sure you should give up-” Cornucopia was cut off by a slight hoof wave from Baen. “I’m a barbarian, I’ve been champion of many things, but I don’t even live here.  It wouldn’t be fair to everypony else and besides,” he looked at Twilight, “We have a dragon to save.” Twilight smiled with a happy squee. Cornucopia coughed a few times, “Ah, right.  The boat, well,” he looked to The Large Pony, “Granite, I’ll swear you in properly when I get back.” “I’M CHAMPION!!! YES!!!” Lion Heart looked to Baen and the two nodded as the younger stallion trotted to join his friends. Baen yelled after him, “Train hard my friend!!! Write me every once and awhile, and then, when you’re stronger.  We’ll settle things!” * After a lengthy goodbye and boarding the jettie, the shore line was far behind them as they began to approach their destination.  Baen’s eyes narrowed as he noticed the approaching shoreline. Baen stood beside Twilight as the dark shadows of the mountain range beyond the shore cast them in darkness. “Hold on Spike,” Twilight said with firmness, “We’re almost there.”