> Diaries of a Traitor part 2: The Elements of Disharmony
>  by Paradox Theory
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: The Crystal Empire.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The streets were silent. Everypony was still inside their homes, scared from the recent changeling attack. Me and my friends looked high and low, but there was no sign of Blade. He was gone. Our hearts heavy, we made way to the train station.

"Swift, we will see Blade again, won't we?" Aurora asked, stepping closer to me so that she could whisper.

"Of course, I bet anything that He had a plan before disappearing. After all, he was a bounty hunter." I replied, the train station coming into view.

"Swift!" Twilight called, walking toward me. "Celestia told me your mission. If you ever need any magical help, see me in Ponyville."

Then, a pure white mare with a pink mane approached me, but instead of talking normally, she instead whispered. "I'm really Celestia, but I'm going into hiding for awhile, at least until Luna finds anymore traitors in my guards."

"But Ce-" I tried to ask before getting cut off.

"No, my name in this form is Summer Lights, now go and show us that you were always loyal." Celestia told me, boarding the Ponyville train behind Twilight.

I nodded silently as the train left southwards.

"If you are heading north, then get your tickets ready." The ticket sells pony said from his booth. But I paid him no mind. Celestia had given us passes, we would be ready. My eyes turned north to the horizon. There, I would meet yet another princess. An Alicorn of Love.

I continued to look north until another train stopped at the station.

"All aboard for the Crystal Empire!" The Conductor shouted.





I should have expected my son to turn away from me. He was alone for 18 years. The ideals of those ponies pushed into his head. He will never understand.

But, I have a backup plan, in Saddle Arabia.

"Cardinal, my Changelings have scared the ponies, they don't stand a chance." Chrysalis said, stopping at my side.

"Patience Chrysalis, there's a reason I had you pull back. Equestria has many allies. Even now, I have a force marching to Zebrica." I informed her.

"You promised us Canterlot, yet pulled us away. I hope for your sake this works." Chrysalis said as she walked off.

My plans however, they hitch on Swift. On my child. My blood. And the secret in Saddle Arabia, I take to my grave.





The Empire glittered in the sun. Joyfully unaware or uncaring about the snow storms round it.

My friends and I were silent with aw. None of us had been here before. The building, the rod, even the ponies were made of crystal.

So it was, that me and my friends were marched by guards to the Crystal Palace. There, a pink alicorn with a tri-colored mane of purple, yellow and pink was waiting for us.

"Your Highness." I said as I bowed, my friends following suit.

"Oh that's not necessary Swift, I get enough of that from the crystal ponies." Cadence chuckled, "Besides, you guys are honored guests."

"We are?" I asked.

"Of course! After Celestia told me what happened and who you were, I planned a royal welcome for all of you." Cadence looked around, "But I swear Celestia mentioned six of you. . . "

"Bright Blade, went missing." I informed her. "He was with Aurora when the Changelings first appeared. He stayed behind to do something. He was rather vague."

"I'm sorry to hear that, and I'm correct to assume that you'll be looking for him as well?" Cadence asked.

I nodded as we walked up the stairs to the palace, "Yes, we are hoping to find him during our travels."

"Then I hope our maps and supplies will help you. Please, we have more to discuss. Follow me." Cadence replied, turning away and moving up the stairs at a faster pace.





Cadence had shown us her maps of the northern countries. Yakyakistan, the Empire. and to the far west, The Griffons.

"Though our forces are smaller then the Equestrians, we can still lend our aid. We also have some diplomats up in Yakyakistan to see if they will come fight." Cadence explained.

I looked over the map, "Then I guess we will go west and talk to the griffons first. Then south east to Zebrica. North to Saddle Arabia. then back to Equestria."

"Swift. I know that you had a hard childhood, and that you've been alone for a long time. But as the Alicorn of love, I want you to keep your friends close, and don't be afraid to let love into your heart, wherever you may find it." Cadence  told me, placing a hoof on my shoulder.

I nodded, "I will Princess."

"Then I guess the only thing left to do is rest. It's getting late." Cadence said.

I nodded, me and my friends following a guard to our room.





All of us had to share a room. Aurora and Second Sun shared one bed. Tourmaline was on the couch and Slate had the floor, seeing as he was too big for the furniture.

So, I got a bed all to myself. I sighed. Alone as always. But, I could still hear the breathing of my new friends. It brought a small smile to my face. So as I sit here writing, I think to the one missing friend, wherever he may be.





The caves were dark, like I remembered them. The Changeling in front of me was silent. I could smell the scent of the other changelings growing.

The Changeling stopped. "Are you sure you want this?" He asked me.

"Chameleon, I need to know how big the changeling army is. I have to let them know." I replied.

"Then good luck, Bright Blade."







> Chapter 2: We have to what?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before I write down my day, a word of caution: What I woke up to is in no way my fault.

I felt warmer then usual when I woke today, it almost felt like there were hooves wrapped around me. I opened my eyes drowsily to see hooves wrapped around me, then closed them. Only for them to snap open again.

Aurora was on my bed, her hooves wrapped around me, and her face rubbing my neck. I froze, and several questions raced through my head. How did she get here without my noticing? Why was she snuggling me? And why did I seem to like it? My face heated up as I tried to move, only to fail as she gripped me tighter. Right before I could get lost in thought, Aurora sighed, snapping me back to the here and now. I looked down to see her eyes flutter open, and stare lazily at my fur. The next few seconds went by so slowly, until her eyes widened and she let go of me. She then fell off the bed while trying to get away from me.

"Ow." Came her mutter from the other side of the bed. Stifling a chuckle, I decided to get off the bed as well. Then I realized something. . . . Tourmaline, Second, and Slate, were gone.

"Where are they?" I asked Aurora, who was now on her hooves.

"How am I supposed to know? I was in YOUR bed!" Aurora snapped, her face still red.

I thought for a moment. "Let's try the dining hall."





Sure enough, Second and Tourmaline were chatting at the dining hall. Slate was quietly eating breakfast. Cadence was talking to Shining,  her husband, and smiled at us as Aurora and I walked down the stairs.

"Slept well, I hope?" Cadence asked with a smirk.

I gave her a silent glare as Aurora walked over to Second. 

"Second. . . mind explaining why I was in Swifts bed this morning?" Aurora asked her in an impatient tone.

"Well. . ." Second grimaced, "You were having a nightmare, and you kept kicking me. . . " Second paused as a few of us chuckled, "Then you said something, it startled me."

Aurora raised an eyebrow, "It startled you because I said something?"

"No. . . it was what you said that startled me." Second replied.

"What was it? What did I say?" Aurora asked in a scared tone.

Second blushed, "I don't know if I should say. . ."

"Please. . . " Aurora whispered.

"It's kind of embarrassing. . . " Second muttered.

"I'll give you 20 bits to tell us." Slate said.

"Uh. . .okay. . ." Second said, growing quieter, "She said. . . 'Swift, save me.'"

The hall grew quiet. "S-say that again?" I stuttered.

But Second could only squeak. Her face had turned as red as Aurora's had earlier.

Then the silence broke when Cadence snorted.

I turned to face her, "What?" I asked, "is so funny?"

It took Cadence a few moments to stop giggling.

"Oh nothing, just that it had happened sooner then I thought." Cadence explained, a huge grin on her face.

"What happened?" I asked, feeling my chest tighten in panic, "Y-you don't mean me a-and. . . .?"

Cadence nodded.

"I-I. . . NO!" I shouted, getting my fear back in check, "I mean, I like her, but we are just friends."

Cadence shrugged, "I'm the Princess of love, I'm never wrong on these things."

I opened my mouth to argue, but found it closed as I realized she had a point.

"Besides," Cadence smirked, "How else do you explain her words?"

Again, I couldn't say anything, because I didn't know what to say.

"But I've had nightmares for a long time!" Aurora spoke up, "I've been told by my parents and friends that I have nightmares regularly, why would I suddenly ask for a stallion I only met recently?"

Cadence tapped her chin in thought, "Perhaps it's got something to do with him. What did you dream?"

Aurora fell silent as she thought about her dreams. "It's always the same one." She spoke. "Two ponies being killed by some unicorn. Shouting my name in fear as they died. . . "

"Do you know who they are?" Cadence asked.

"I was told that they were nothing. But I think they might have been my blood parents." Aurora replied.

"Then the stallion who killed them, who was he?" I asked, now extremely curios.

Aurora put a hoof to her forehead, "It hurts to think about this, but I want to say he was their friend, they took him off the street."

I couldn't help but gasp as I remembered what my father had told me in the caves.



"A couple of unicorns, and their young daughter, took me off the street."



"Aurora, I have one last question." I said.

"Yes?"

"When were you orphaned?"





No one spoke as we headed toward the train.

My father, no, that monster had killed Aurora's parents. He had given her nightmares.

But why did he spare her?

Aurora hadn't spoke since I told her. Instead she looked at her hooves. Her mind elsewhere.

"Do you know the way to Griffonia?" Cadence asked me, snapping me out of my own thoughts.

"Yes, I could easily fly or walk there." I told her.

Cadence smiled. "Good luck."

"You too." I replied with a smile.

Then, we boarded the train.





Slate was happy about our arrangements. We had the largest room on the train, making the ride a little more comfortable for the giant of a pony. As he looked out a window, I was talking to Second.

"So you just put her in my bed and she stopped crying?"

Second nodded, "Yes, she then hugged you and said. . .  well. . . 'Don't leave me.' I think she's terrified of the dream."

I shook my head, "But why me?"

Second shrugged, "Maybe because she thinks you're the one who could undo your father's damage?"

I fell silent as I considered this. "But we are talking about death,  he killed them. How am I supposed to fix that?"

Second sighed, "Maybe we'll learn that on the way."

Just then, the train shuddered.

"What is going on?" Slate huffed, standing up.

"I don't know. But I don't like it." I replied.

Just then, the train exploded.





I woke to snow being blown over top of me, the rest of my friends sprawled out beside me.

I looked around for the train, but couldn't see it.

We were lost.

"Guys," I shouted.

"What?" Tourmaline replied, stepping towards me.

"We need someone who can guide us out of this blizzard." I told her.

Second tapped her eye patch. "I could use my eye to look for heat sources, but only for a few seconds."

"Do it." I said with a nod, helping Aurora out of the snow.

Second removed her patch and looked around. "That way." she pointed in a random direction. "There's a fire and a pony, we can get their help."

Just then I heard a moan as Aurora collapsed. I turned to her, but was terrified to see her screaming and thrashing. 

I picked her up and slung her over my back, "Then lead the way Sunny, we need to get Aurora out of this cold."

With a nod, Second began walking in the direction of the fire. Tourmaline behind her, and Slate behind me.

But my mind was only thinking of one thing.

Hold on, Aurora.
> Chapter 3: The Dreamcatcher.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I never felt so cold before. My hooves had lost their feeling. Yet I still walked.

Aurora had fell silent. I was worried. First nightmares and now this? What was wrong in her head?

Then, I saw it. For just a second, I saw a flicker of light. A campfire?

"Did you guys see it?" I hollered, trying to make my voice heard through the blizzard.

"See what?" Tourmaline replied.

"The fire?" I responded in a concerned tone.

"I don't see anything in this blizzard. . . " Slate said from behind, having fallen back due to his weight making him sink in the snow.

"Second?" I asked, worry starting to become clear in my voice.

"Nothing." She replied.

I then noticed the light off to my left. We were walking away from it at an angle. It has to be close. And if I was wrong, well, it didn't look like we'd get out of here anyways. I turned and made my way towards the light.

A few minutes later, I heard the shouts of my friends behind me as the light only grew brighter. Then I noticed why we nearly missed it.

It was in a cave.





I stared dumbfounded at the endless legions of changelings below me, preparing for war. Chameleon was muttering to himself as I tried to get a headcount. But every time I thought I had it, I'd lose track. There were thousands though.

Equestria would not survive alone, they would need as many troops as possible.

"Chameleon," I spoke up, looking to my old friend, "Is the way back safe?"

Chameleon looked towards me. "I'm sorry," He sighed, "But there was nothing I could do. . . you are trapped."

I lunged toward him at full force, ready to break his skull, only for a horde of changelings to pin me down before I could reach him.

"Chameleon, you traitor!" I spat.

Chameleon looked away, "I'm sorry."





The cave was quiet. Mostly because it cut off the wind. I felt heat slowly returning to me. I was still cold, but I could stand it a bit more.

Further ahead was a very bright light, a fire. Not wasting a moment I continued onward. As I neared the fire, I heard an old stallion's voice singing a song I didn't know.

"Oh ye Elder Gods, look over me.
Let your magic flow free.
Teach me your knowledge, that I may know,
with wisdom, to whom I'd bestow."

I finally saw the voices owner as the verse ended. He was old, his coat dull from age. What once would have been a brilliant red, now looks like rust, his mane which was once black is now greying. He was stooped over a large cauldron, stirring it as he sung.

"You took your time getting here." The stallion said, startling me from my hiding place.

"How did you know I was coming?" I asked him.

"I saw it, in a vision. You had with you a great shadow, and an even greater burden." The stallion explained, turning to face me so that I could see that he was an earth pony.

"Right," I managed to say without revealing my inner emotion. "My name is Swift, and this is Aurora." I introduced myself, pointing to Aurora and myself.

The stallion smiled, "I would give you my name, but I've been alone for so long, that I forgot it. But I crafted a new one from my profession. I am Dreamcatcher. I specialize in reading and dispelling dreams."

I couldn't find any words to describe how big of a coincidence this was. instead, all that came out was a "Really?" before my world went dark.





"I think we should've walked from the get go." were the first words I heard after I woke. Nearby, Dreamcatcher was hunched over Aurora, speaking in some sort of foreign tongue and spreading something over her brow.

"There, that will give her a fuller rest." Dreamcatcher explained.

"My head," I mumbled, getting the attention of the rest of my group.

"Ah, young Swift, you gave your friends quite the startle." Dreamcatcher said, drawing some liquid from his cauldron. "Here, drink."

"Why?" I asked, looking at the cup in Dreamcatcher's hoof.

"Because, I cannot teach you what you need to know if you cannot see what I have to show." Dreamcatcher explained, handing me the potion.

"Okay. . . bottoms up!" I said, chugging the potion as fast as I could.

"Excellent!" Dreamcatcher said with a smile, "Now, look into my pot."

I approached the cauldron and peered inside. I saw several ponies walking back and forth in Canterlot. I saw Cadence and a small armada of Yaks heading towards the Empire. I saw the train we were on, ponies and parts were everywhere in the snow. Then I saw a family, a stallion and a mare, with their child. I saw them take a poor skinny stallion off the street, I watched as the fed him and sheltered him. I watched as he attacked a shop owner, as he stopped at a couple of houses, killing ponies left and right. I could only stare in horror as the bloodstained stallion was about to strike again, but paused as he looked at the child of the ponies who cared for him. For a moment, I thought he would spare them. But he turned and struck them down.

A few moments passed before I realized what I was seeing.

I was seeing the past. And I had just viewed the killing of Aurora's families.

But the cauldron wasn't done, it showed me Star Swirl in a very dark cave. Changelings swarmed around him as he screamed that he wanted to be returned to death. I saw Chrysalis approach him and whispered in his ear. She then pointed and the Changelings tied up another pony, one I hadn't thought I would see.

Bright Blade.

I watched in shock as the Queen laughed and left the two ponies there. Then, the picture changed, and I saw mountains. Tall and white. I saw a path, one that would lead me to a cave, the cave that held Blade.

I wanted to look away, but I saw one last thing. One thing that truly scared me. And even though I knew I had to go to this cave, I was afraid to.

Because I know what will happen there.





A few hours had passed since my vision. I told the others everything except the last part.

They didn't need to be brought down.

Aurora was awake again, and around her neck she wore an intricately woven circle thing that Dreamcatcher said would catch the worst of her dreams.

Dreamcatcher gave me a copy of the recipe for his potion of vision, stating that I would need it one more time.

Then, together, we left the cave and headed west. To the mountains north of Griffonia. To the changeling cave. To Bright Blade.

And. . . to my fate.

> Chapter 4: The Forgotten Trail
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"But there's no trails out here!" Aurora shouted, pointing at the map in front of her. "You were just high on that potion."

"Aurora, trust me." I replied, "I saw a trail through those mountains. I know that that is the way we need to go!"

Aurora looked back at the map that Dreamcatcher gave us, it didn't show us any trails near where I said one was. But I knew there was a trail. I saw it.

"And how are you sure that the changelings didn't kill Blade already?" Aurora snapped back.

"I don't know for sure, but they are obviously waiting for something. Either that or they know our goal." I explained.

"So at best, they are expecting somepony else, and at worse we are walking into a trap."  Aurora sighed, "Great."

I nodded. "Yep."

I swear that I heard Second snicker.

"Anyways, we should take a right here and head around the north side of the mountain." I told them, pointing to the north west.

"Or how about we head south west and go straight to Griffonia like we planned?" Aurora suggested.

"And risk our only chance to save our friend?" I asked her.

Aurora started pouting before walking off.

"What's her problem?" Second asked.

"I wish I knew." I sighed. "Maybe it's just something that happens after the dreams stop. . "

Second tapped a hoof on her chin. "Ooor. . . it's that thing Dreamcatcher gave her? What if that is helping her sort out her feelings?"

I looked at Second in surprise, "Well, first was fear, then anger, so hatred may come next?"

Second looked at me, "And she's taking it out on you. So that means. . . "

Although it shouldn't have hurt me too much, I suddenly felt terrible. "She'll hate me."  I whispered.





Much to Aurora's dislike, we soon found ourselves on the northern side of the mountain. Of course, this was only one in a range of mountains, but the trail was on this one. And sure enough, there was a marker for it.


The Forgotten Trail


"So that's why it isn't on a map." Slate mused.

"Alright, from here, we just follow this trail to the cave." I said, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

"And if we are lucky, they won't expect us." Tourmaline added.

"Yeah. . . lucky. . ." I whispered.

With that, we walked silently into the mountain range, the valley behind us disappearing.

The first hour was the easiest as the snow was still thin. But as we climbed, it grew deeper. Second and I couldn't fly due to the wind. Aurora and Slate tried their hardest to cast any spells of warmth. And poor Tourmaline was shaking.

"I think I'm beginning to understand why this trail was forgotten!" Slate hollered, trying to cheer us up.

"Swift, how much further?" Second asked, her hood drawn over her eye-patch.

I looked to the side of the mountain, scanning for any holes. "Should be anytime now." I responded, my jaw rapidly losing feeling.

"Guys, I see something!" Slate called out, pointing ahead. We looked and sure enough, a small house sat beside the trail.

"We can duck in there and wait out the cold spell." I suggested. Nodding as best as they could, the group followed me.





The house, if you could call it that, creaked. The wind could still be heard. Luckily, it had a fireplace with burnable wood. It was warm in no time. Slate, Second and Tourmaline were fast asleep in seconds. But Aurora was glaring out the window.

"Aurora, we need to talk." I said, breaking the silence.

"About what?" She replied, not even turning from the window.

"Your emotions, yesterday you were scared. Now you are angry, at what?" I asked her, hoping that she would calm down enough to talk.

"I'm angry that you let your father live." Aurora said, still looking out the window.

"Excuse me?" I asked, baffled.

"In the Canterlot Caves, you could have tried to kill your father,  you could have ended it!" Aurora exclaimed, turning to face me.

"Aurora, he was an alicorn, I'm a pegasus, there's no way I could've fought him on my own." I explained, "I think you just won't let go of the past."

"And why should I?" Aurora asked, tears starting to form.

I debated for a moment on whether or not to tell her my secret. But then I realized I didn't want it to end like this.

Taking a deep breath, I answered. "Because I have about a day left of life."





Hey, Second here. Aurora is too sad to write, and Swift, well. . . I'll just start the morning after his last entry. . . 

I woke to see a strange sight. Aurora and Swift were hugging. And it looked like both were crying, or had cried. Swift opened his eyes to look at me, before getting up and clearing his throat. Slate and Tourmaline woke and looked towards Swift.

"Guys, I have a confession to make." Swift said, the fear now plain in his voice. "When I looked into the cauldron, I not only saw us rescue our friend. But I also watched one of us fall."

"Who?" Tourmaline asked, her eyes already starting to water.

"Me." Swift replied. "I saw myself die. But I use the potion once more before I do to give you guys instructions."

I didn't know what to say. . . these ponies started to feel more like a family then my old training academy. And now Swift is going to die? I quickly sat down as this information sunk in.

Swift looked up at us, his eyes watering. "I had long thought that ponies would never change and that I would always be an outcast. But you guys stuck with me, even walking up this mountain with me. You guys were my first real friends since my mother died fourteen years ago."

Swift turned to Tourmaline, "I know you'll be honest, and that through you, I'll be redeemed. Thank you for listening."

Next, he turned to Slate, "I always felt safe having a giant dark magic wielder by my side, and hope that he'll be there one more time."

Then, he turned to me, "You taught me that even the lowest of ponies have a sense of loyalty. And that everypony that wants a second chance should at least be heard out. You were sort of like a sister I never had."

Then, finally, he turned to Aurora, "And you, oh you. My first friend. My first ally. My first crush. Aurora, I'll miss you, so much." He sat down next to her and with a hoof tilted her head up to look at him. "I love you." Then, he kissed her.

The whole shack went quiet. Then, we all grouped up and hugged our friend.

"Welp." Swift said, getting to his hooves. "Let's go save out friend. Together!" He put a hoof out, and we all put ours on top of his.

"Together!"




> Chapter 5: The Changeling Hordes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turns out, the cave was only a short distance from the shack.

Swift was silently walking ahead of us, his head held high. He had accepted his fate. Which left me to wonder why. . . why wasn't he acting sad?

We paused in front of the cave.

"Are you guys ready?" Swift asked, his voice quiet and reserved.

"How can I be ready to lose a friend?" Aurora asked.

Swift smiled, "No one is ready."

"But we'll go with you, to the end." I said, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

"And I will tell Equestria of your sacrifice. You won't die in vain." Tourmaline added.

"You'll be hard pressed to lose me."  Slate said.

Swift nodded. "Then here is our game plan: We go down into the nest, we free Bright and Star Swirl. And then you guys get out as fast as you can."

We all nodded in response. But before we could enter the cave, a voice shouted from behind us.

"What in the blazes do you think you're doing?!"





Swift didn't stop staring at the changeling. "You're one of the ones I saw in the cauldron."

"Excuse me?" The Changeling asked.

"Bright Blade, how do we find him?" Swift hollered

"Finding him would mean death." The changeling replied.

"I know." Swift sighed, "But I'm not leaving without him."

The Changeling regarded Swift, "If you really want to free him, then follow the tunnel, a the first fork turn right. Then go left at the second."

"Why not stop us?" Swift asked the changeling as the changeling began to turn.

"Because I wanted nothing to do with the war. I traded Blade for my freedom."

With that, the changeling walked away.

"You heard him, right then left." Swift said, walking into the cave. "We're late."





I watched silently as Chrysalis prances back and forth. "Once Cardinal shows, I can bestow him with a gift. One that will assure his victory!' She then walked up to me and began trailing a hoof up my chest. "A big, strong, stallion. Looking for revenge against the one that killed his wife. Too bad he'll meet his end without knowing who. . . "

As she walked off laughing, Star Swirl looked at me, "Don't worry, I know we'll get out of here."

"Says the guy that died twice and still came back." I scoffed.

"I don't have long this time. I've only been brought back to make another pony ascend." Star Swirl replied.

"What? You mean make another Alicorn?" I asked. 

"Yes." Star Swirl answered as he hung his head. "Cardinal is heading towards Saddle Arabia to get the pony."

"Why that far east?" I asked.

"I don't know. I just don't know."





None of us could believe what we were seeing. 

Hundreds of thousands of changelings were going in every direction. In the middle of the room was Chrysalis and the two ponies strapped to poles.

"How are we supposed to get down there now?" Aurora whispered.

Swift smiled at her. "Who said we were going to hide?"

"N-no, we are not. . . NO!" Tourmaline shouted as loud as she dared. However, a nearby Changeling heard her, and we were caught.

"Well, what a surprise!" Chrysalis chuckled as we were brought to her, "Did you all just give up?"

"Chrysalis, I've been waiting to talk to one of my father's allies for a long time, and the only thing I can ask is, do you trust him?" Swift asked.

"Ha! Trust that power hungry fool? Never." Chrysalis scoffed.

"Then you should've had us killed. NOW!" Swift shouted, jumping into the air.

I followed Swift into the air, occasionally throwing a wing blade into a changeling. Aurora and Slate were blasting magic at any changeling that was too close. Tourmaline was untying Blade and Star Swirl.

Without another word, Blade sprung into action. Moving his cloak aside, he revealed a metal hoof, which he used to crush the skull of a nearby changeling. Things just got interesting.





Changeling after changeling fell to me as I fought them. My drive was to find the one who killed my wife, but it was also to help my friends escape.

"Nice to see you back in action." Tourmaline remarked.

"Feels good to have my friends by my side." I agreed. Then I looked up to see Swift fly over head. "How did you guys find me?"

"Oh, you know. Found a hermit, drank some magic potion, then followed Swifts vision to you." Tourmaline explained.

"So just another day then?" I replied with a smile.

"Pretty much."

Just then, a changeling lunged at Tourmaline, but I was quicker. With a shink, a blade came out of my metal hoof, and straight through the changelings neck.

Tourmaline looked between me and the changeling before commenting, "Remind me to kiss you when we get out of here."

With a chuckle I stood on my hind legs and gestured with my fore-hoof to the other changelings. "Let's dance!"





I couldn't believe what I was seeing, Bright Blade was sword fighting on his rear hooves. How does a pony do that? I saw a changeling try to copy him, but he fell over when Blade cut him in two.

"Is that the best you got?!" Blade hollered, obviously having fun. I saw a changeling sneak up behind him. But before the changeling could do anything, he found a wing blade protruding from his chest.

"Now I owe you one!" Blade called to me.

"We'll discuss that later." I shouted back, doing a mid air flip to avoid an incoming changeling.

"ENOUGH!" Chrysalis shouted. "You will pay!"

She looked towards Aurora, who was facing away. "Swift!" I shouted, not knowing what to do.

He looked to Aurora, and then to me. "Goodbye." He mouthed.

That's when the whole world slowed down and fell silent. I watched as green magic arced out from Chrysalis's horn,  and went straight to Aurora.

"NOOOOO!" Swift shouted, intercepting the beam before it could hit Aurora.

Then his body fell limply to the ground.

"Changelings! Flee to the caves in the south! We no longer have nothing to fear from these ponies!" Chrysalis shouted, flying away with her subjects.

The caves fell silent as the last changeling left.

"Swift," Aurora cried, shaking his body, "Swift! Please. . . "

No pony spoke. We were all in shock.

"And to think he could've been the one. . . " Stars Swirl whispered.

"The one to what?" Slate asked.

Star Swirl shook his head, "It doesn't matter, you need to get to-"

"Saddle Arabia." Aurora cut Star Swirl off. "That's what Swift said."

"How did he know?" I asked in curiosity.

"He drank the potion last night, and shared a dream with me. We don't know anything about the pony's past. But we do know that Cardinal wants her." 

"But we're supposed to go to Griffonia!" Tourmaline objected

"No, the Changelings are headed that way. We can't risk it. We need the pony in Saddle Arabia." Aurora explained.

"Then I guess we go east." Slate sighed, "What should we do with. . . . you know?"

Aurora lit her horn, "We do what I saw." Then, she lit Swift's corpse on fire.

"L- let's go. . . " Aurora whispered, turning to leave the cave. We all followed behind her.

But as we started to leave, I heard Star Swirl whisper, "Now you may fulfill your destiny,"
> Chapter 6: Solace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Going east was easier then going west. Although, with the recent loss, it felt harder.  Aurora said nothing, but seemed to know where to lead us. From the mountains we went southeast. We eventually found the train tracks and followed those. Eventually we saw a sign.


Canterlot 20 miles.


We continued walking. Nothing felt right. I don't even know what to say at this point.

According to Aurora, there would be a train station before we reach Canterlot, and from there we'd go to Manehatten to get a boat.

I fell back until I was next to Star Swirl. "What did you mean 'Now you may fulfill your destiny'?"

Star Swirl looked at me, "When did I say that?"

"You said it when we left the caves. Who were you talking to?"

Star Swirl thought for a moment, "It must've been my rambling again. Being 1,200 years old does take a toll. So does coming back from death."

I shook my head. "Never mind."

And so we continued, more hours spent in silence. Soon, the train station came into view.  A small town was near.

"Guys. Swift wanted us to go to Griffonia, It's not to late to change direction." Slate reminded everypony.

"Me and Swift saw what comes next. We go to Saddle Arabia." Aurora stated.

"And what of the Elements of Disharmony? We're supposed to find them too." Tourmaline interjected.

"I'm willing to wager that more then one of them will be found in Saddle Arabia." Aurora replied, now standing on the boarding platform.

"Alright, fine. But that means that we'll have to go to Zebrica after that." Slate argued.

"That's the plan."

We all looked towards Aurora, I was worried. Any emotion she showed was now gone. Now, all she wanted was to do what she said she saw last night.

As we waited, Bright Blade turned to Star Swirl.

"No offence, but I don't think you'll be capable to travel with us, you should probably head towards Canterlot from here."

"Oh really?"  Star Swirl asked, "Not capable?"

Before any of us could move, Star Swirl had shrunk and captured Bright Blade in a jar.

"I still have tricks up my sleeve. And I must go to Saddle Arabia." Star Swirl informed us.

"Why?" Tourmaline asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"I need to deliver a message to the pony that waits for us there. Whether she knows or not."

"Message?" I echoed.

"That. . . " he paused, and looked at the mountains, "That she won't be alone for long."

"That's it!" I shouted, "You know something! Something to do with Swift! What is it?"

"My dearest Second Sun, you assume that I believe he's not dead?" Star Swirl countered.

"I. . .I don't know, but I know you're hiding secrets from us." I replied meekly.

"I won't try to deny that. There's many secrets I have hidden, and a few that I now hide. But it is not my place to tell you what is going on." Star Swirl sighed, "If Swift were here, he would have you be quiet. He would tell you that all secrets have their time and place."

I couldn't argue with that, it sounds like what Swift would say.

"And furthermore, do not let his passing get you down. He would not like to see you," he paused and looked at Aurora, "any of you, upset."

"So what are we supposed to do? Forget he died?" Tourmaline exclaimed.

"No, you should accept it. You should move on and help save this world. Then when it is safe, you can mourn." Star Swirl explained.

"The for now, we should get moving. We can't waste time." Blade said, pointing a train coming into the station.

"All aboard for Manehatten!" The conductor yelled.





Again, quiet train rides. . . . why is it always quiet? This time though, the Conductor assured us that they checked for bombs after hearing about the train from the Empire that blew. 

Star Swirl was writing, Aurora was asleep, and Tourmaline was talking to Bright Blade.

"Oh, that reminds me." Bright Blade spoke up, "Didn't you ask me to remind you that you owed me a kiss?"

Tourmaline blushed, "I was hoping you'd forget."

"Why would I do that?" Blade asked with the biggest grin I've ever seen. 

"Fine, one kiss, coming up." Tourmaline sighed in defeat and quickly pecked Blade on the cheek.

Meanwhile Slate was just chuckling at this development.

I turned to Star Swirl, "So, Manehatten, do you know any good boats there?"

Star Swirl paused a moment before speaking, "I know the Captain of one ship, and he will be surprised to see me."

"Why's that?" I asked.

"He's older then my dad." Star Swirl replied.

"You mean to tell me this Captain is immortal?"

"In a way. . ." Star Swirl responded. "Don't worry, it's relatively safe."

"Yeah, sure. . . " I mumbled. And although everyone was talking and happy, I could still tell something was missing.

Before long, my eyes grew heavy, and I fell asleep.





This was familiar. I was at my old house. Before the chimera attacked it and I lost my mother. It's been a long time since I've dreamed of this place. I couldn't help but smile as some fond memories came back to me.

"I like it here." Said an all to familiar voice.

I turned to see Swift standing there.

"Are you really. . "

"Inside your dream but not part of it? Yes." Swift finished, "And Star Swirl is right, you need to move on."

"You're watching us?" I asked. 

"For the time being. Right now I'm in limbo, one of the ones from the other side said I had to wait for someone special to meet me." Swift explained.

"Is it good up there?" I asked.

"Boring really." Swift replied, "Very white, and very empty."

"So how can you enter dreams?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity. 

"They told me that those in limbo are allowed to. So that they can comfort and finish up anything else they may have here in the mortal world." Swift replied.

"I wish you were still with us." I sighed.

"In a way, I still am. I'm watching your every step, I'm rooting for you guys to win." Swift assured me.

"Is it only us that you can see, or can you see any of the Elements of Disharmony?" I asked again.

"I suppose I could view my father, or Blueblood. . . " Swift said with a frown.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"They want me back. Good thing I visited you last." Swift explained.

"Wait, what does that mean? That I'll never see you again?!" I exclaimed as Swift became fuzzy, along with the dream.

"Oh Sunny. . . never say never. . . "





True enough, Swift had visited all of us.

"I wonder who he was waiting to meet?" Tourmaline asked as we climbed off the train.

"He said someone special. His mother, perhaps?" Slate wondered.

"Either way, I feel a bit better knowing he's still watching us." I said, looking over to Second Sun, "Is it alright for me to take his journal?"

"Absolutely!" Second exclaimed, "After all, he did say those three magic words."

I smiled, "He did. And still does."

"So," Second chirped, "This boat of Star Swirl's, where is it?"

"This way." Star Swirl announced, walking off through the city.

We followed behind him, weaving through streets and buildings until we came to a run down shack on the port.

"Is Dux Mortis in?" Star Swirl asked the shack.

"The river of death welcomes all." A pony behind the door answered.

"I seek passage to Saddle Arabia for me and my friends." Star Swirl informed the pony.

"Do you have the price to pay?" The pony asked.

"I'll pay it before the ship leaves Saddle Arabia. I have a message to deliver first." Star Swirl explained.

"Then wait for dusk. And we'll be on our way." The pony instructed before disappearing.

"All right!" Star Swirl exclaimed joyfully, "Time to sleep. There's a hotel nearby."

And we followed him to the hotel.

But I can't help but feel that something was off.

What did we get ourselves into?

> Chapter 7: Ghost Ship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You could've told us we'd be on a ghost ship!" Second exclaimed at the sight of the dead ponies shambling about the ship.

"It's the only ship that won't have Cardinal's spies. It's our only choice." Star Swirl explained.

"I have to agree with beardy here, no spies mean a better chance to find this pony in Saddle Arabia." Blade agreed.

"Beardy?" Star Swirl scoffed.

"As much as I hate to admit it, they're right Second." I said.

"I guess we have no choice then." Second sighed.

"None whatsoever, when you deal with these ponies, there;s no going back." Star Swirl said happily.

With that, we walked aboard the ship.





"Welcome aboard the Felix Equus, mortal ponies, I am your Captain. Dux Mortis." Said a ghost pony who wore a raggedy uniform and a large hat. "As long as a deal is struck, my crew will not harm you."

"I've still yet to hear of the deal." Slate commented, earning a wide smile from the Captain.

"That's because the dealer deals with his mind. We know how you will pay for this trip, so no worries." The Captain explained, "Star Swirl here has it covered."

"It's nice to see you too, Roderick." Star Swirl replied.

"Hey! No mortal pony, or cheating one, calls me by my old name. I left that behind." Dux said.

"I know, it was a very disappointing day." Star Swirl responded.

"Hmm. . . boys, see our guests to their rooms. I'm going to take Star Swirl here to my quarters to chat." Dux instructed.

And that was the end of the conversation. Star Swirl and Dux left for the Captains cabin while we went under the deck and towards the rooms.





"You'll have to sleep in the hammocks here. This was a war ship before it was a trolley for mortals." Said one of the ghost ponies before leaving.

I felt bad for Slate, who sighed. "Floor again."

Me and Second clambered into two hammocks, one above the other.

"You know," Tourmaline commented from her hammock, "These things are comfy for being ghost hammocks."

We all shared a chuckle before falling silent.

As I wrote in Swift's, my journal, Second spoke up.

"I wonder if we can be friends with this new pony we're going to get." She wondered.

"Maybe. But we don't even know how old this pony is, or if Cardinal found them first." I replied.

"I hope we get to this pony first. We've already lost too many to him." Second replied. "Good night Aurora."

As her quiet snores reached me, I could only think of one thing, the war.

"And many more will be lost." I whispered to myself.





I woke to an unearthly siren, almost like Death it's self was calling for us.

"Guys!" Star Swirl hollered,  "We've been going too slow, the sun is rising!'

"And that's bad, why?" Blade asked.

"Because the ghosts only exist at night!" Star Swirl exclaimed.

"Then that means. . . " I gasped.

But before I could finish, we were racing toward the ocean.





Have you ever felt so close to death that all you had to do was stop fighting and it would be over? Because I felt that as I swam to the surface.

When my head broke the surface I gasped for air.

"We're going to drown out here!" Tourmaline shouted, swimming towards me.

"Unless another boat finds us soon, we're dead." Second shouted.

"Guys, according to Dux, we are about halfway across the sea." Star Swirl informed us. "Unless another boat left late last night, no boats will find us in time."

We all sat there in defeat. After fighting the changelings, riding undead boats and losing a dear friend, we were going to die in the middle of the ocean. After all that bravado, we were just going to drown. . . 

Seeing as we had nothing better to do, we just drifted, no goal in mind.





I was sitting in the old orphanage. Fillies and colts played around me, but all I could think about were my missing parents. What were their names? What did they do? Were they important? Did they go out with honor? As these questions drifted in my mind, I saw a handsome and cheerful pegasus carrying me through a forest. I saw four other ponies side with him as he delivered some sort of important letter.

The scene shifted to show me in bed with him, hugging him out of fear. It showed us lost and cold in the snow. We cried in a shack on a mountain. 

I saw these things and wondered, "Who was this strange stallion? And why did we go on an adventure?"

I didn't have to wonder for long as a light orange colored face came into view. 

"Wake up miss."





I gasped and sputtered and coughed as water shot out of my lungs. My memories came back and I recalled falling asleep in the ocean.

"Where am I?" I asked the room I was in.

"You are on the Joyful Skipper, and you're lucky to be alive." Replied a cheery voice.

I turned to see a dusty brown unicorn holding a clipboard in his magic.

"You aren't orange." I commented, causing him to jump.

"Orange?" He asked.

"Right before I woke I saw an orange colored face look at me. But you aren't orange." I explained.

"Huh, interesting." The unicorn commented. "It must have been a side effect of the drowning."

"Yeah, it must have been. . . " I murmured, slowly sliding off of the bed I was on.

"When you're ready, your friends are waiting on deck." The unicorn informed me.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because we've landed at Saddle Arabia. And they won't get off without you." The unicorn replied.

"Thank you." I said as I left the room and made my way to the deck.





When I reached the deck, I saw the others talking to a small filly, about fourteen years of age, who darted around asking all sorts of questions.

"Are you guys on a secret mission? Did you almost die getting here? Why are you here? Why are you so big?" She then turned to me, and I braced for a question, but I was met with something more shocking. "Hello miss." She said. That's when I noticed her face.

Her light orange face.

I promptly passed out.
> Chapter 8: Wings and Rags
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Is she gonna be alright?" was the first thing I heard when I woke.

"Don't worry kid, whatever happened, it isn't your fault." Blade said as I sat up.

"Hi miss! Sorry I made you faint. . . " said the little orange pegasus from earlier. Now that I looked at her, I noticed that her mane was a dark red of some sort, maroon, I think. Then I studied her eyes, they were the same color as Swift's eyes, a beautiful green.

"Please sweetie, call me Aurora." I told her, "And your name is?"

"Sempra." The pegasus answered, "Again, I'm sorry about startling you."

"It's fine Sempra." I assured her. "Blade, where is everypony else?"

"They are in a hotel nearby. These Saddle Arabians are rather friendly." Blade replied.

I hopped off the bed. "Good, tell them I'm going to speak to the leaders here."

"Can do." Blade said.

I looked at Sempra, who had her eyes fixated on Blade's metal hoof. "Sempra, do you know your way around here?"

"I sure do!" Sempra chirped.

"Do you think you could guide me to the palace?" I asked her.

"Oh, no problem." Sempra chuckled, "But I need to stop at my place first, it's on the way."

"All right, lead the way."





We had weaved through so many buildings that I would have been lost if I wasn't following Sempra. Her knowledge of the streets was impressive.

Soon Sempra slowed down, and turned to face me. "Stay here, I'll be right back."

With that, Sempra ran up a flight of stairs that seemed abandoned. I waited a minute before following her. 

When I reached the top of the stairs I looked into her house. . . and I couldn't believe what I saw. 

She had several rags in a pile, most likely her bed. There was nopony up here besides us. Sempra glanced around before making a chittering sound with her voice. A few seconds later a monkey dropped onto her shoulder.

"Hey Lorene." Sempra chuckled as the monkey started to look for something. "I have it right here." She said while pulling an apple out from under her wing. "I met some nice people. I'm taking one of them to the palace." She then looked down at her hooves. "Too bad I can't go in."

I decided then to back out of her hovel. As I waited for her to return, I made a plan. I would ask the King to take Sempra with me. Even if she wasn't who I was looking for.

Soon enough Sempra returned, "Ready?"

"Yep." I said with a smile.

And we were off again.

As we traveled, Sempra asked questions about where I came from.

"Is it dry like here? Or wet?" Sempra asked.

"Oh. . dry some months and wet on others." I answered.

"And is there trees and mountains?!"

"A lot of them." I replied.

"And are the Princesses really alicorns?"  Sempra wondered.

"Yes, they are really alicorns." I agreed, watching the curious pegasus bounce around.

"I would like to see those lands. . . but I need money for that. . . . and I'm still too young for most places to hire. . . I'll never leave this sand bowl." Sempra sighed.

I couldn't help but smile as I planned to ask the King about that.

"Aurora! We're almost there!"





The palace was rather grand. Several towers sprouted upwards and a large wall surrounded the place.

A couple of the guards stood in front of the main gate. "Halt!" They barked.

We stopped.

"Name yourselves and your purpose for being here." One of the guards instructed.

"My name is Aurora Sky, I've come to discuss the upcoming war as the representative of Equestria." I stated in a loud, clear voice.

"I-I am Sempra, I just led her here." Sempra stated.

"Oh, it's another street rat. Leave, only guests with permission may enter." The guard said.

"I knew that, I just wanted to say good bye." Sempra huffed. "I'll see you before you leave." She told me, but she found a hoof on her shoulder before she could take off.

"What say I take her with me? Have her as a friend?" I asked the guards, praying for any bit of kindness from them.

"Fine, but if she misbehaves, it's on you." The guard said at last.

Sempra beamed at me, "Thank you."

I smiled back as the gate opened, and a pony that was about Slate's size approached us. He wore a ceremonial piece that was green with patterns, he also had a goatee. His coat was merely a few shades darker then Sempra's and his mane was brown.

"Welcome guests, to my kingdom." He announced in a deep voice, "I am King Omar, and I've been wondering when you'd get to me.





The King brought us to a dining hall where we waited for the rest of the group. When the others arrived Omar had his servants feed us, (even Sempra). He told us about the wars he's seen, and what he thinks will come of the current one.

"So for now I plan to stay out of this one." He finished.

"What?!" I exclaimed while Second spit her juice on Blade's face.

"I'm sorry Aurora, but unless this war threatened my people, I can not interfere." Omar sighed, "With a threat from Zebrica, I cannot spare the troops or supplies."

"The Zebras are threatening you?" Second asked.

Omar shook his head, "No, I haven't heard from them. This threat is a different one." Omar explained.

"Different how?" Slate wondered.

"The threats came from. . . dogs. . . I don't understand why they are amassing in the desert, but they are searching for something. They seem to leave us alone, but they are planning on invading." Omar told us.

"Did they tell you their demands?" Star Swirl inclined.

"Just that we do not pry into their business." Omar replied.

"I see. . . " Blade murmured. "Tell me, what was there position the last time you checked?"

"They were some miles outside of the border, why?" Omar asked.

"Sir!" A guard hollered, running inside the dining room, "The dogs have invaded, they are being led by a dark Alicorn!"

"That's why."  Slate said before hopping to his hooves.

"To arms!" Shouted Omar.

"Aurora, what do I do?" Sempra asked me.

I turned to her and looked her in the eye, "You stick next to me, and don't lose sight of me, okay?"

Sempra nodded as the first explosion was heard.


> Chapter 9: Star Swirl's Legacy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponies, (Saddle Arabian and Equestrian) ran to and fro. Outside the city, smoke could be seen.

"They crossed the borders. This means war." Omar growled. "Aurora, you must leave this place."

"I would, but want to ask if I can take Sempra as my charge." I replied, turning to run with him as we made our way to the front doors.

"Do it." The King said, "This place will soon be unsafe for children."

"Thank you." I told him. I then turned to my friends, "Find a boat and get a sailor to set a course for Zebrica."

"What are you going to do?" Second asked.

I looked at Sempra, "We have something else to pick up."





As the smoke grew closer, Sempra and I stopped at her house.

"W-what are we doing here?" Sempra asked in confusion

"Well, if I'm taking you to see the world, I'd expect you'd want to bring Lorene with you." I told her.

"You knew?" Sempra asked.

"I followed you up to your place. I saw that, and wanted to take you with me. The king let me." I explained to her.

Sempra smiled widely, "Alright, let me go get Lorene.

Sempra ran off to get her pet. I smiled at the thought of taking her to a better life. That's when I heard the cackle. 

Cardinal's cackle.





"Dogs, send out your leader!" King Omar demanded.

Sempra and I watched from afar as the King made his demand.

"Oh Omar, don't you know better then to negotiate at a fight?" Cardinal asked, dropping down right in front of the King.

"I was told to stay out of your business, but you crossed the border, you declared war." King Omar replied.

"Of course." Cardinal said, "After I learned the whereabouts of my last secret, I had to be risky." Cardinal explained.

"What do you mean?" Omar asked.

"One of your visitors has a pony of great value to me. Where are they?"

"I know not what you mean." Omar stated, "Now leave, or die."

Cardinal smirked, "How about a deal? If you give ten minutes for the pony to step forward, I'll call back my hounds."

"Fine, ten minutes, then my sword will have a new home in your neck." Omar finally stated.

"Now listen carefully Saddle Arabians. . . .there is a young orphan pegasus here, she belongs to me. Give her to me." Cardinal said.

"Do we get specifics? We have several orphans." Omar asked.

"She is orange, light orange. Her mane is maroon." Cardinal said, his grin turning into a sneer.

I looked to Sempra as I realized she was the pony I was here for.

"We have to get you out of here." I told her.

"Why?" Sempra whispered.

"Because he needs you for something." I said as I turned to run, only to be caught in Cardinal's magic.

"Oh, my dear Aurora Sky. How have we been?" Cardinal asked me, his breath on my face.

"You piece of shit." I spat, "You dare ask that after all you've done?!"

"Ooh. . .someone's testy." Cardinal chuckled.

"It's because of you that your son is dead!" I yelled at him while straining against his magic.

"Dead? That is good news. Good enough, that I may not need the orphan after all." Cardinal chuckled.

"What are you saying?" I asked in curiosity.

"Allow me to tell you a little history lesson. Because it seems Star Swirl forgot." Cardinal chuckled, "Let me tell you of Star Swirl's legacy."





"Once there was a Unicorn, who showed much promise. The elder gods devised that if Star Swirl could find the true source of power, he would ascend to Alicorn-hood." Cardinal spoke in a slow loud voice, still holding me aloft.

"However, The Unicorn tried to create his own spell. His foolish attempt not only cursed him. It cursed his descendants, that they all must work to ascend." Cardinal had begun to shout.

"I had for a long time thought that I was one of them. But I fear I wasn't. But luckily I had wed one." Cardinal turned to me and sneered, "Swift Justice had a natural birthright to be an Alicorn. And until fourteen years ago, he was the only one."

It was all too easy to piece together what Cardinal was saying. Sempra was Swift's half sister. She had his eyes!

"Yes, you now understand his legacy. One that can never be fulfilled." Cardinal laughed. "Now that I know her brother is dead, I no longer need her."

"You monster. She is not yours." I spat, "She belonged only to her brother. And now, by order of the king, to me."

"Hmm. . . I might still have need of her, and now that the king decreed it, I must kill you." Cardinal surmised, powering his horn.

Before he could kill me, the whole city lit in a bright light.

"Your fight is not with her!" Star Swirl shouted over the spell, "Your fate has been written since your were born! Your blood will be your undoing!"

As he spoke, the light only got brighter. I closed my eyes and sat there for a time. Then everything fell silent, aside from a creaking.





"Aurora, open your eyes." Blade said, breaking my concentration.

I opened my eyes to find myself on a boat.

"Where- I was just-" I stammered.

Star Swirl approached me, "High level teleport. We are far from Saddle Arabia"

"But, you said-" I stammered again, only for Star Swirl to cut me off.

"Only his blood will be his undoing." Star Swirl finished for me, "I know."

"But, Sempra isn't his. She is only Swift's half-sister." I said, "So. . . who then?"

Star Swirl grinned, "That was my message. To Sempra. That her brother would soon be a part of her life."

"But he died!" I exclaimed.

Star Swirl shook his head. "Or so you think. I suspect that he is still very much alive."

"And. . . .ascended." Second finished.

"Then our question isn't what. It's where." Slate said.

"Where is Swift Justice?"

> Chapter 10:  Cat Den
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We all sat in silence.

Swift, he could be alive.

"Well." Star Swirl said, causing us to snap out of our thoughts, "I suppose that now I've delivered my message, it's time I pay Dux the fee for taking us across."

"But, his ship disappeared, how are we supposed to find it?" Slate asked.

Star Swirl smiled. "The payment for that ship is a soul, and mine has been brought back too many times. I offered my own."

"So, that means we're on our own?" Second wondered.

"No. There's six of you here. You are never alone. And as long as you keep each other close, you can never be defeated." Star Swirl told us, a big smile on his face. "Good-bye, my friends."

And with that, Star Swirl disappeared.

"So, now what?" Second asked.

"Well," I said, looking around our group, "We follow the old plan. We'll go to Zebrica, then to Griffonia. If Swift is alive, he'll follow the same route."

"That's still a big if, you did set his body aflame." Blade reminded me.

"I know." I sighed, "But you heard Star Swirl, only Cardinal's blood will be his undoing. So unless Swift already did it, it has to mean he'll be back."

"But then I wonder what we're supposed to do with Sempra?" Tourmaline asked.

"Maybe she's just a back up plan." Slate suggested. "Now that we know what Star Swirl knows, it means that we have another potential Alicorn."

"Uh, guys?" Sempra asked, trying to get our attention.

"But how do we know how to make her ascend?" Blade argued.

"Guys?" Sempra asked more hastily.

"We don't. Let's just go after the Elements of Disharmony first." Tourmaline interjected.

"Guys?" Sempra all but shouted.

"Yeah, because going against one was so great the first time." Second sighed sarcastically.

"GUYS!" Sempra shouted.

"Yes?" I asked.

Sempra pointed behind me, and I turned to see a ton of Cats standing there.

"Oh, don't let us interrupt." The leader stated with a purr.

"Sh-" Blade nearly said as we were all knocked out.





I heard voices in my head. No, not my head, nearby. They spoke in a language I didn't understand.

"Are you sure?" Said a familiar voice. That's when I remembered the cat on the ship.

Wait, a talking cat?

"Pony, wake." The cat demanded

"Why did you bring me here? Where are the others?" I asked it.

"The others are safe. The leader talks to you only." He replied. "Follow."

He turned and walked down a hallway, and I followed. As we walked, I noticed something eerie. This hall was made entirely out of metal.

The light came from some sort of bulbs that hung from the ceiling. Mini-Suns maybe?

Apparently the cat noticed my curiosity, as has said, "This place is old. Ancient. Whatever lived here knew the way of the forge."

I said nothing as we continued to walk. Soon, we approached a set of metal doors. 

The cat turned to me. "If you prove yourself friendly, you will be allowed to leave."

I nodded in understanding as the doors opened.

"Welcome." The cat announced, "To the Metal World."





The room was  huge. You couldn't even see the ceiling. Just how far down did these cats go?

Ahead of me was some sort of raised platform. It was made of wood instead of metal. And is had cracked. On it sat an older cat.

"Ah, at last I see one of the fated," He spoke in an old croaky voice. "Do you know why I had you sent here?"

"No, I don't." I answered. "I was told I'd be answering questions."

The cat smiled. "A few, yes."

"I had a few for you as well." I told him.

"Then here's my deal, an answer for an answer." He replied.

"All right, an answer for an answer." I agreed.

"My first question: where is your leader?" The cat asked.

"I'll need you to be more specific. Do you mean our boats captain? Or just the leader of our group?" I asked in return.

"Of your group. The leader of the fated." The cat replied.

"Swift is. . . dead. Or so I thought. I don't have proof he's alive again." I answered. "My first question: What is your name?"

"I am Ri'Laan." He said, "I am the chieftain of this tribe. And I'm am sorry for your loss. My question: do you know of the tales of the fated?"

"No." I replied.

"Sad." Ri'laan commented.

"My question: Why do you call me "fated"?" I asked him.

"You see, even though there are no books here, there is still knowledge. One of these things," He gestured to some sort of box that had a missing wall. Only bits of glass were left. "spoke of 'research' done by the last of a dying race. He spoke of how he followed a winged horse to a magical and sacred location. He spoke of how he saw the final three stand at the end. How Magic and Knowledge fought, but Wisdom sought another solution. He separated the essence of the three Alicorns into Twelve stones. And goes on to talk about the fated."

I had no words for what I heard. This was unbelievable. The 'Final' Three. . . . could he be talking about Cardinal and Celestia? Or somepony else?

"This 'human' talked about six ponies who would wield the essence of friendship. But that it would not be enough." Ri'laan continued. "That only standing beside the wielders of wisdom may Equus have a chance."

"So what you're saying is that in order to stop Cardinal, there must be twelve of us?" I asked to clarify.

Ri'laan nodded, "Yes. Magic and her five. Wisdom and his."

"Alright, so final question, what is this place?" I asked Ri'laan, who seemed to smile.

"This place was once a safe haven from a distant war. Many of the race called 'human', fled here." Ri'laan explained. 

"Fleeing, from what?" I asked.

"From something that turned the air to fire. Something that warped the face of Equus." Ri'laan whispered, as if it were sacred.

"That sounds. . . powerful." I commented.

"Indeed. These people made may things, and seemed to be fortune tellers." Ril'aan agreed.

"Fortune tellers?" I asked.

"Yes," Ri'laan said. "I say this because it seems my kind did not exist at that point. We were but creations. When I found one of these records, I took my name from it. Along with a name for my people."

"What name?" I asked.

"We are Khajiit." Ri'laan answered. 

"Okay. Now that most of my questions are answered, I have only one more." I told Ri'lann.

"Yes?" He asked.

"Will you help in the war?" 

> Chapter 11: Lost in Sand
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm afraid my answer is no." Ri'laan sighed.

"Why?!" I shouted, "Equestria needs help. You have to help us!"

"Your kind would not trust mine, dear Aurora. " Ri'laan explained, "That, and the Zebras are natural prey to my kind."

I took a step back, "So by joining the war, you'd be turning the Zebras against Equestria?"

"Exactly," Ri'laan nodded.

"So what am I here for?" I asked.

"This," Rilaan answered, "A black crystal, otherwise known as-"

"An element of disharmony." I replied.

Rilaan nodded, "Cruelty, to be exact." 

"How do you know?" I asked.

"Because it was swiped from the one who calls himself 'Cruelty'." Rilaan explained. "You must take this and find him. Then, you must cleanse him to cleanse the stone."

"Well where do I find him?" I asked.

The cat paused, "Him?"

"Didn't you say Cruelty is a him?" I asked.

"I did, but, Cruelty is a female." Rilaan answered, "Keep an eye on the bounty hunter, his greatest trial is coming."

I wondered what the cat could mean by that, but left with the crystal anyways.





"Wait, why is it my trial?" Bright Blade asked as we walked out of the Cat's den.

"I don't know, but it worried me." I told him.

"Hey Aurora?" Sempra asked, "Will we start looking for my brother after this?"

I gave her a sad smile, "I still have to go to Zebrica first. We can start there after the meeting."

"Alright." Sempra sighed.

"Aurora, I sense a very dark magic, you have an element." Slate stated.

"I have Cruelty. I don't know where the actual wielder of Cruelty is though." I explained.

"Hmm. I have an idea. I know of a few places in Zebrica that could look at that." Bright Blade suggested.

"Then I guess we trek across this desert." Second said, "Bright, lead the way."

"But how do we know which way to go?" Sempra asked.

Bright chuckled, "I grew up in Zebrica, I know it's deserts well."

"Then let's start walking." I told everypony.





A few hours had passed, and all we could see was sand. Endless sand. Though it was getting dark, and therefore getting cooler, it was still hard to navigate with the constant wind.

So I relied on Blade to lead us.

Luckily, we all had water in our canteens, so we weren't going to be thirsty anytime soon.

"If it weren't so dark, I'd say that I should fly up and get a look." Second commented, breaking the silence. Just then, another gust of wind went pass.

"Second, doing that while the winds cross the desert will surely blow you away." Blade said.

"So?" Second asked.

"So do you want to risk being lost in the desert the rest of your days?" Blade replied.

"Touché." Second admitted.

"As for the bearer, the pyramids may be a hiding place. Either that or some seedy tavern." Blade explained.

"Either way, we should be careful. We can't risk getting ambushed by Cruelty." I stated, pulling my gaze from the stars.

"Exactly." Blade agreed.





I don't know how it happened, but the impossible happened.

A few short hours after the previous conversation we passed some ancient ruins, I recognized them as the same from the Cat's bunker.

Calling out, I told the others that I was getting a closer look. Inside the buildings were some sort of boxes with lit up screens. I saw some sort of board with keys, similar to a typewriter. I clicked a long blank button, and the box chirped. I looked at the screen, and saw a list of dates.

Pressing the button labeled 'enter', I watched as the words on the screen changed. And now they told some sort of story.




April 5, 2155

I still can't believe how similar this place is to the old world. I thought that the bombs would've destroyed all life, yet there seem to be new creatures. My group are running tests to see if we can survive. I want out of this stuffy suit.

The first test is to use these 'elements' we made to try and change our biology to survive in this world.




I hit the 'enter' key again and it moved to the next date, however it said the account was deleted. So I hit enter a few more times until something caught my eye.




June 6, 2156


More people died. We have to find a success. We have to.

Some of the other labs say that they had turned their subjects into some sort of colorful pony. Balderdash.

. . .

Sorry, the radiation in my body is quite high. I suspect I won't survive long enough for the procedure.

But, I have to wonder if the successful subjects being kids had something adults don't?



I felt my chest constrict. What did it mean 'They were turned into some sort of pony.'?

Does it mean that our race was just some sort of last resort?

I noticed one last post, some few years later, dreading what lay within, I hit enter once more.




July 7, 2160


My world is going dark. But we were successful. We saved the humans.

We saved them by making them ponies of all things. And none of them showed any chaotic tendency.

. . . 

Had another fit, it's getting worse. My two beautiful daughters won't leave my side. But they will surely die this way.

I gave them instructions to follow, and now I'm alone. Lost in sand.

I saw them before they left. They were so small. But one shone like the sun, and the other rivaled the beauty of the moon.

So, they called themselves 'Celestia' and 'Luna'.

Then they forgot everything about the humans. Including me.

I am the last of my kind. One of the three head !@#$#%^, and founder of the 'Elements of Harmony".

And. . . 



"END OF MESSAGES" The box said.

I sat there, only two thoughts in my head. 

And I still couldn't believe what I read.

But that means that this was a long time ago. I began clicking random keys until the screen showed me the current 'date' According to itself.


APRIL 6, 4500


Over 2000 years? We were over 2000 years old? 

My mind now numbed with this information, I began to walk back to my group, only to feel pressure against my neck before I passed out.





I woke to find a group of Zebras talking around the campfire. Near where I lay, the rest of my group were tied up, save for one.

Blade.

"Ma'am, why don't we just tie up this bloke and sell all o' them back to Cardinal?" A Zebra asked.

"Because, I want to teach this pony not to steal from me, or to cross Cardinal." A feminine Zebra replied.

Cruelty, I thought to myself as Cruelty walked up to Blade and smacked him awake.

"Do you remember me?" She asked him, "Because I've missed you, dear."

Dear? I wondered. I then noticed the rest of the group had woken.

"Go ahead, tell your friends who I am, that is, if you do believe I'm really alive." Cruelty chuckled.

"You,  you're the one I've been looking for. The one who murdered my wife. Who broke me." Blade said, his voice shaking. "How was I to know that my dear wife, was never dead?"




> Chapter 12: Cruelty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"WIFE?!" I shouted out, "I thought you said she died?!"

"I thought she was." Blade replied sorrowfully, "But it seems I was tricked in the end."

"Now, seeing as you've been searching for so long, it's only fair I tell you what happened. . ." Cruelty whispered into Blade's ear.






Some few years before Swift encounters the letter. . .


Shi'ara was quietly humming. Her husband was away on business. Which was good, she had a visitor who can't be seen.

"Cruelty, you know that you have to lose that cripple." Deceit said, watching Shi'ara from the couch.

"I know. But I also know my Husband. He'll search endlessly." Shi'ara replied, finishing up the last of the dishes.

"Oh, having second thoughts are you? I thought you wanted me?" Deceit asked in a hurt tone.

Shi'ara smiled, "I do. And that's why I need to make preparations. If I just drop dead, Blade will see right through it!" 

"But, he isn't here right now, and I can't wait for you forever. Besides, what else could be more cruel?" Deceit said with an all-knowing smile.

Shi'ara smiled back, "Then what are you waiting for? Take me."






Present Day. . .
 

I stared speechlessly as Blade stared at Cruelty with disgust.

"Stings, don't it?" Cruelty smirked, "That the wife you loved so much didn't even so much as hesitate to find somepony else. . "

Blade's glare intensified, but he remained silent.

"So, how about a bargain? We fight, one on one. If you win, I'll let you go. You can even take the element." Cruelty suggested, "But if I win, I'm going to show you even more pain. And by the time I'm done, you will wish I killed you."

Blade looked about ready to burst. But he still remained silent. I thought about Swift, I hoped that wherever he was, he was still thinking about me.

Then, the silence broke.

"I have a condition." Blade finally answered, "You'll finish your story first."

Cruelty smiled, "Of course."






The Day Shi'ara died.


Shi'ara was smiling. All of her plans were set. She would leave home, walk down a street, then, be replaced with a burning corpse.

As soon as the clock chimed, she left. It was time.

Time for Shi'ara the Kind to die. And Cruelty to rise.

Shi'ara was walking down the street to the meet up point when she saw it. A zebra child, playing in the street, watching her. Wordlessly, she motioned for the kid to follow her.

When they had walked for awhile, she pulled the foal into an alley. There, others were waiting for her. Near them was a Zebra who was barely alive. Lighter fluid sat in buckets around the poor zebra.

"W-what's happening?" The kid asked.

"Simple, making sure that I get my ticket to freedom." Cruelty responded, before grabbing the foals neck and giving it one yank. With a snap, the foal fell lifeless.

"And that means no witnesses." Cruelty whispered.

"Ma'am, if you'll follow me." Deceit asked.

Cruelty smiled, "One last thing." She walked over to the zebra about to burn, and dropped a wedding band and it's chain on top of  it. The last thing tying her to Blade.

And as she left the city, now with a small smoke cloud above it, Cruelty looked towards the horizon.

Soon, she would have power, and a pony to share it with.






Present Day. . .


Blade snorted, "Now, let's fight." And immediately jumped at Cruelty.

However, Cruelty only laughed. "Does it hurt? Knowing that I caused you all that grief, only to find out I didn't want you anymore?" She asked while dodging Blade's attacks.

Blade gave a small roar was he swung his blade at Cruelty, who merely dodged.

"That's it! Use your anger, show me the cruelty I showed you!" Cruelty cackled as Blade's blade kept barely missing her.

Blade didn't stop trying. I could see the hurt in his eyes. He loathed her. That's when the Cat's words reached me.

"Keep an eye on the Bounty Hunter, his greatest trail is coming." He knew? He knew that Cruelty was Blade's wife? How?

"And the icing on the cake?" Cruelty spoke up, "I had those Cats lie to you!"

"No. . " I whispered.

"I used their petty beliefs to help me meet you again Blade. Just so I could watch you writhe in agony!" Cruelty cackled.

Blade finally had enough. He turned on he hooves and bucked his hind legs at Cruelty. The sudden change in direction threw Cruelty off, and it was enough for Blade's hooves to connect. Cruelty went flying.

Before she could stand up, Blade stood on top of her. Making sure she was pinned.

"Well? Do it! teach me my lesson! Hurt me!" Cruelty laughed sadistically, "Show me YOUR cruelty!"

Blade raised his metal hoof, but he never brought it down. He sat there, his hoof raised as he studied Cruelty's face. Finally, he stood up.

"You, you are not worth it." He told her.

"What?!" Cruelty asked in shock.

"You'd have me hurt you, like you did to me. But, I cannot. Because that's not who I am. Unlike you, I was kind. I spent so much time looking for you, because I didn't want to believe you were dead. But, now I know that my wife died long ago. And it's for her that I spare you." Blade explained, feeling a pulse ring through him. "And now, I'm going to help save Equestria from you and your friends. Laying down my life for Equestria is the kindest thing I can do."

If I was speechless before, I was in pure shock now. As was Cruelty. 

First, Cruelty was quiet, then, she began to hiss. As she hissed, I noticed a soft dark green glow. I turned my head to look at the element. Instead of a craggily black crystal, it was smooth and polished. It was dark green. It was beautiful.

I felt kindness radiate from it.

I turned back to Cruelty, who was now sobbing in the sand. Blade picked up his element, only for it to disappear.

"W-what happened?" I asked Blade. But before Blade could respond, another voice spoke.

"The errors of the past are being mended."


> Chapter 13: In Zebrica.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Where are you?  What do you mean by mended?" I shouted out, looking round for the voice's owner.

Then the ground began to rumble, the remainder of Cruelty's forces started running. Then, with a loud BOOM a creature emerged from the sands. It seemed like a giant scorpion, but it had a face of some sort on it, hidden in plain sight.

"I mean, my mistake is being corrected, Aurora." The creature's deep voice intoned.

"You. . .know my name?" I wondered aloud.

"I do. You see, when I made duplicates of the gems on the tree, I had received a vision of the last great battle. If my vision does not happen, then it seems Cardinal Sin will have won." It answered.

"You. . you were the one writing those journals?" I shouted in surprise.

"I was. And I have been expecting you. Now, listen closely: You're next target is Deceit. He is a terrible pony, he is loyal to no pony. Even Cardinal has a hard time of controlling him." The creature told us. "Deceit waits for you in Zebrica. He knows of your plans. And I have no doubt he knows that you've already defeated Cruelty."

"Well, we're kind of lost at the moment. We have no idea of how to get there." Second Sun informed the creature.

"Ah, but you are not lost, dear Sun." The creature chuckled. "After all, I did just say I was expecting you."

"So, I don't think you know the way to  Zebrica?" I asked the creature.

"Actually, I do know the way." The creature replied, he lowered he body to the sand, "Climb on, I'll take you there myself."

So we all scrambled onto his back.

"Now, hold on dear ponies, the ride won't be smooth." The creature warned us before taking off across the desert.

"So, who amongst us has to go up against Deceit?" Tourmaline shouted over the roaring sands.

"Why, that would be you my dear." The creature replied.

"M-me?" Tourmaline stammered.

"That makes sense. You joined us with the intent to frame us for treachery, then you swore to Swift that you would only say the honest truth." Second explained, "It has to be you."

I noticed the creature was beginning to slow. "Are we there already?" I shouted to him.

"Yes." The creature responded, "After this, I cannot help."

"We understand." Slate answered, hopping off of the creature once it came to a complete stop.

"Aurora. What lies in the city is of vital importance, do not lose it." The creature told me as I climbed down from it.

"W-what is in the city?" I asked it.

The creature chuckled. "I'm afraid I can't say." He turned away from the city, "Good luck."

And with that, he was gone.

I looked around our group, and they looked back at me.

With a deep breath, I entered Zebrica.





It seems the Zebra's were waiting for us.

When we reached the city gates, we were met with much cheering and praise. I heard several words that were spoken in a strange language.

The chieftain, Jabari Oba, had said that he had heard great things about us, and couldn't wait to hear more.

"We welcome these heroes to our fair city, may their time here be great!" Oba announced to his people.

The zebras cheered in agreement as Oba led us to his palace.

"I do hope you all enjoy your time here." Oba told us as we walked to the war camber.

"I actually wanted to ask you a question," I told Oba, "Who told you about us?"

"A stallion. One who made a tough decision. One who followed his heart, and was rewarded." Oba explained.

"He didn't give a name?" Sempra repeated.

"No, he didn't my dear." Oba clarified. "But, he's just inside the war chamber."

"You mean he's here?" Second asked.

Oba pushed open the chamber doors. "See for your self."

I walked into the room. It was well kept. It had seat cushions arranged around a table which depicted Equestria on it.

And there, standing next to the table, was a silver-coated Stallion with dark green hair. He turned to look at me, and I nearly stopped breathing.

Looking back at me, his horn glowing blue, was none other then the stallion I missed the most.

Swift Justice was an alicorn. And he was alive.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"My friends." Swift spoke softly, standing from his seat. "I've been waiting."

Oba bowed to Swift, before speaking, "Prince, I present to you your friends of which you spoke."

Swift nodded to him, "I can see that. And now that they are here, I can tell them what's been decided."

I slowly walked up to Swift and stared him in the eyes for a few moments. Then I raised my hoof, and slapped him.

"Ow! What was that for?" Swift asked.

"That was for leaving me." I told him before pulling him close to kiss him. "And that's for coming back."

Swift gave me a grin, "Well, me being back isn't the only good news. Oba has agreed to send his forces to aid Equestria."

"He has?" Tourmaline wondered.

"I have indeed, ponies." Oba answered, "Only after a certain pony is dealt with."

"Deceit," Swift said. "He's here in Zebrica." 

"We heard." Second retorted.

"But he isn't alone. He brought an army." Oba explained. "He seeks to make us fall before we even leave our home."

"I can keep most of the army at bay with a shield. But only defeating Deceit will stop them." Swift explained.

"Ponies, a battle comes. We need to be strong, sturdy, resilient. But most of all, we need to have faith. Faith, that we survive this as the winners!" Oba told all of us.

"For Zebrica, and Equestria!" Swift cheered.

"FOR ZEBRICA, AND EQUESTRIA!"