Hear me now, read on what had been written, of homeland threatened, of heroes strong, of enemies hated, and love remembered. The Burning Days are here remembered to remind our enemies why they lost. -Extract from the Book of Amethyst-
In those days, the Wolves, Knights and Hosts all had a limited amount of control over the world. Yet with what little they had, they could perform feats that none could hope to imitate anymore; and they would not wish these then-necessary feats upon anyone.
Yet some things have not changed, and this is for the better. Merit is the center of our society, and all honors and titles must be earned. It is easier nowadays. But you should listen now, hear what trials those before had to endure to earn their places, and ensure your future.
Listen well, my children, for this is the story of the Burning Years. -The Book of Amethyst-
In an explosion of embers and smoke, Captain Rainbow Dash burst from the burning house, an earth pony filly clutched protectively in her hooves. No sooner was she airborne and flapping her wings than the house collapsed in on itself, sending up a wave of flames and sparks that would of torched her. She dropped to the ground and lightly landed near unicorn mare and earth pony stallion, passing the filly to the teary-eyed mother, and then promptly took off before they could thank her. Allowing the ground forces to usher them to safety.
Captain Dash flapped above the houses and looked out to sea. The Discordant fleet was bombarding the coastal town with bale bombs. Inaccurate, yet very demoralizing, those wound up balls of dry twigs and saw dust would fly across the sky like comets and burst open on impact with the ground. The pegusi were doing their best to knock them out before they hit the ground, using metal-and-leather boots to kick them apart, but there were always those that they missed. Sometimes they were lucky and the wind would be against the Discordant, and they would wind up setting themselves on fire. Unfortunately, the wind was very much with them tonight.
No amount of pegasus flapping would change this wind, for it came from the sea, from the untamed lands beyond their shores. One day, perhaps, but until then, they would have to work with it.
Rainbow Dash tilted her wings so the wind would catch under them and rocket her up to intercept a bale bomb. She struck out with a golden boot, shattering it, then closed her wings as she flew through the hot embers. She spread them again once she was past it and looked about to make sure her team was all accounted for. Sometimes a Pegasus would misjudge the timing, and she'd be the one to knock on the family's door with a minister. That was something she hated doing.
Thank the Maker she had only done it a few times in her life. But each broken heart and tear-stained face still haunted her dreams.
Thankfully, they were doing just fine, they were the Wonderbolts after all. Saber Company, known for their precision and recovery speed. Second only to Spitfire's Blaster Battery.
The captain looked to make sure no bale bombs were coming her way, and then turned to survey the ground to look for any pony that might need help. Her blue, fireproof cape billowed and the crow feathers along the top of her helmet twitched in the gale, and the shining pink pearl on her breastplate gleamed in the light of a bale bomb. She put out a golden-clad forehoof and let the burst around it.
She turned her magenta eyes to where it had come from and snorted. "Lucky shot, you bastards."
The evacuation was going well. The ground troops were helping the mares and foals towards the caves just outside the town, where there were emergency supplies and bedding. The unicorns were keeping up shields, while the earth ponies moved obstacles out of the way. It brought a smile to the captain's face, exposing golden canines.
Pegasi, when having passed the trials to become part of the Imperial Guard, had golden fangs implanted, giving them the nickname: Heavenly Wolves. The trials were tough, requiring strength, cunning, and speed to pass base levels. Rainbow Dash was one of the few mares to have succeeded.
The stallions didn't complain, in a society where a pony's own merit earned them privileges, not some bureaucratic legislation, they knew she would be on par with them. Even her rank was all based on her own accomplishments. She had cut her path with the flesh on her back and bones of her wings, and was still determined to climb ever higher. She could easily see herself rising to general in the coming years. That would be a triumph.
BOOM
Captain Dash shielded her face with a hoof as a flare lit up the sky beside her, pulling her out of her musings. Turning with a growl, she followed the sparkling trail inland towards a hilltop where a couple figures sat. "Better have a good reason for this," she hissed. She pulled out a whistle and gave three sharp blows to let her team know she would be gone a moment.
She reached the hill in no time, grumbling and flicking her tail in irritation. "You two really should have started running because I... would... Oh."
A young unicorn mare and filly sat in the grass in utility cloaks, smiling at the captain with a sense of adoration and. The little filly giggled and rushed up to give the pegasus mare a hug, which was returned in a friendly manner.
"What are you two doing up here?" Rainbow Dash demanded after walking up with the filly practically hanging off her left wing.
"Mother is teaching us to about the Discordant's tactic," Amethyst said with a small squee. Rainbow Dash blew a rassberry as she set Dinky on the ground.
"What fun. Say, where is Ol' Geny McMuffins?" She laughed at her little joke.
"Is that what you call me while on duty, Merriam?"
Rainbow Dash almost swallowed her tongue as she whirled around and threw a quick salute to the gray Pegasus mare that was just landed. The her armor was red with scrolling, and a draped across her back was a crimson cape covered in scriptures done in beautiful black calligraphy. Her left eye was covered with a eye patch shaped as the Two Sisters' seal. Golden, clawed shoes touched down on the grass, noise dampening spells keeping her steps silent, and she strode past the captain, head held high as she moved to stand before her daughters, who both embraced the stoic mare in a loving embrace.
Her face betrayed no emotion for anypony outside her family to see. She gave the captain a look that was neither angry nor humorous. "Geny McMuffins?"
"Don't forget 'old'," Dinky chirped happily, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Ditzy almost lost her stoic composure to her daughter's affectionate attitude. "You think I'm old, Captain? Well?"
"N-no ma'am," Rainbow Dash almost squeaked. "I-it's just a..."
"A joke," Ditzy finished for her. She sighed and reached up to remove her helmet. "You're on duty, Captain Dash. You know protocol. I understand some need to keep some regulations more in the spiritual sense, but... really? I am Commanding General Ditzy Doo of the Their Majesties' Heavenly Wolves." She flashed her four golden fangs to Rainbow dash, who couldn't help but prod at her own two. "I think I am deserving of a little more respect than some childish nickname. I could demote you on the spot for that."
Rainbow Dash began shivering as tears threatened to escape her eyes. Her legs started to buckle at the mere thought of being demoted by the legendary general.
General Ditzy turned her head away from the captain and sighed in thought, while at the same time giving a wink to her daughters. "But I'm no cruel officer, am I Captain?"
Rainbow Dash shook her head, speaking rapidly. "O-of course not. You're the greatest general in the history of the empire. Why, I've based my whole life after..."
"General Hurricane," Ditzy said, giving her a sideways glance. She saw the expression on the captain's face. "You can't fool me with flattery, Captain. Don't be afraid. Hurricane was a much better general than I."
"That's not true," Dinky stated, crossing her legs in front of her chest defiantly. "Mommy's the greatest gennal in the history of gennals."
Ditzy couldn't help it any more. Flicking off her helmet, she swept her little filly up into her hoofs, being careful with the claws, and gave her a hug. "Biased little buggy, that's what you are." She looked back at Rainbow Dash, the smile still etched on her face. "I've taken enough of your time, Captain. Just be a little bit more careful about what you say while on duty. That is all."
"Thank you, Commanding General Ditzy Doo Ma'am," Rainbow Dash said with a firm salute. She was about to take off when Amethyst called out.
"Wait, I forgot to give you this."
Rainbow watched as the purple unicorn pulled a long device out from under her cloak and levitated it over to the captain, who took it into her wings and looked it over in awe. "This is why I called you over here. I need you to deliver this to Princess Twilight Sparkle. She ordered it some time ago and I just finished it. Think you could test it out as a little before you deliver it to her?"
Rainbow Dash was about to nod when the general gave a sharp cough.
"No time for that, Captain," she said as she pointed out towards the sea, from where more balebombs were being launched. "We need those waters cleared by yesterday. The Shriekers should be arriving tonight. And we don't need them finding themselves cut off, do we?"
Rainbow Dash looked out at sea and gulped. "You mean... you want me to..."
Ditzy nodded. "Consider it your punishment."
"Don't worry, I'll make another for you," Amethyst said with a chuckle.
"You laugh," Rainbow deadpanned as she pushed the device through her belt and turned towards the town. "Stand back, this is won't be pretty."
The two unicorns ducked behind their mother, who slipped her cape about them as they watched the transformation. Rainbow Dash just stood there, taking a few deep breath and spreading her wings. Then she began to chant.
By winds strong,
Beneath wings divine,
Through clouded peaks you now enshrine,
I call up you,
The strength and will,
Surrender unto me your great skill,
The darkness mine,
Come forth and be chained,
Kneel now my Nightmare.
A strong wind suddenly picked up, making her cape flap and snap like a whip. The gilded armor began to glow, and then expand. Then came the screaming. Her bones began to lengthen, her muscles started pulling and expanding, her teeth became sharper, and her fangs thicker. Her eyes shifted into reptilian pools of magenta spice, and her manes and tail lengthened, darkening with her fur to become dark and shadowy, the element about her neck thrummed with power, shrinking to constrict the neck, giving more agony to the already painful transformation. Finally, her wings lengthened to almost triple their original size, and her feathers became as silk, shimmering in the light of the stars.
Ditzy put a comforting leg around her daughters, holding them close as she watched the beast take a few ragged breaths. "Well? How are you feeling? Nightmare Storm?"
The gigantic Pegasus whirled around and bared her teeth. Dinky squealed in terror. It tried to take step forward, but the element about her neck lit up and lightning coursed about her body, elucidating a cry of pain. She collapsed and spat contemptibly. "You wanted to demote me. The Element of Loyalty, the best flyer in Equestria, and you were going to..."
"Get over yourself, Rainbow Dash is in control," the general said as she nuzzled Dinky. "Don't cry, muffin, mommy's got you." She looked back at the nightmare. "Get going, you have work to do."
Nightmare Storm hissed and turned about. With one flap of her wings, she rocketed into the sky, leaving behind a trail of dark rainbows. Reaching maximum altitude, she looked out at the fleet on ships and sneered in disgust. Even in her warped form, Rainbow Dash hated the Discordant. With roar of fury, she sped forward, unleashing a sonic rainboom that lit up the area, warning everyone to get out of her way.
* * *
There was a beautiful prism, generating a cascade of colors, with a spirit as bright as the morning star. Her strength and courage were admired by all who saw her. But every now and again, the crystal would be taken from the sun, no longer reflecting the light, and her spirit would be become selfish and spiteful. The crystal would appear more like a garnet of little value, yet all who saw this transformation, though still afraid, would love her all the more, looking past the evil shadow at the lovely crystal they knew was still buried within. Though she was tormented by the shadow that enveloped her, she would rise once more in the sunlight, and she would know she was loved. -Extract from the Book of Amethyst-
Captain Spitfire quickly ordered her squad to drop when she saw the sonic rainboom. Not a moment too soon either, a dark shape tore across the sky, splitting the atmosphere, which then slammed shut in its wake. The thunderous noise it made would have shattered glass, if anyone in the town below were rich enough to afford such a luxury. Then the dark shape slowed down and changed its course coming straight for her.
Spitfire gulped and began backflapping, not caring how much everyone said the Elements controlled the Nightmares, they were still terrifying things to behold. But trying to evade Nightmare Storm was like a rock trying to outrun a rabbit in an uphill race. The giant pegasus came to a complete stop just mere fractions from her, their nose practically touching. Spitfire gulped and tried to keep as still as possible. She mentally cursed the necessity to flap her wings.
Nightmare Storm gave her a low growl and then took an object from under her cape and begrudgingly passed it to the golden mare. "For Twilight, from Amethyst. Be sure all the Elements know. I'll be back in an hour. Oh... the Shriekers are coming, get ready to back them up."
Spitfire didn't dare say she already heard about the Shriekers from General Ditzy, as the nightmare was aggressive enough without someone back-talking her. She just nodded and smiled nervously. Then gave a sigh of relief when the giant turned around and headed out to sea towards the Discordant fleet. She looked at the object in wonder, it was quite impressive, and if it was what she thought, it would be a definite game changer. She was tempted to test it out. But she had more self-control than that.
She put it under her cape and turned to search for the nearest field hospital. The reason it didn't fall out was due to the shoelace spell made in two parts from her boots and back armor. The shoelace spell allowed almost any object she touched with her boots to be attached to her armor, and pulled away with the same motion, almost like lacing with a simple pull-string knot. It was one of Clover the Clever's greatest minor triumphs.
She didn't have to search for the field hospital, as it practically broadcast its own position.
A crescent lean-to would be a valid description. Made of thick metal, painted white with a red cross on the outside, it was a collapsible shelter that could be moved in a moments noticed on carts pulled by heavily barded earth pony stallions. A canvas canopy extended from inside the concave side of the structure helped keep patients out of the weather. Tonight wasn't a bad night, as she could see several of the physicians outside, searching for ponies to help. As opposed to being swamped and understaffed like one night a few weeks ago.
The physicians were a military force in their own right. Though far more defensive than offensive. Their wore clean white linens, with spells to keep dirt and grime off, red facial wrappings, and bore wide white shields upon their backs, which always faced the enemy's direction. They were well known for running backwards in heavy combat situations, made safer these days thanks to mirrors placed on their helmets that the Two Sisters' felt well worth the gold. This both kept them and, more importantly, their patients safe while under siege. They were also highly trained in martial grappling to deal with the more disoriented or unruly patients and... well, woe to anyone who tried to harm their charges. The physicians were just as vicious as they were kind, making them a very well-respected and elite group.
Spitfire landed just outside the canopy, and found herself quickly approached by two eager young physicians.
"Is their anything you need healed?" asked one, a unicorn mare, barely past fillyhood. "Even if it is just a scratch. No injury is a waste of our time. There is no shaming here."
Spitfire smiled and patted her on the head. "No, thank you. I'm just here to deliver... something. Is Lady Fluttershy inside?"
The two youngsters looked rather disappointed. It was an enthusiasm to help and comfort that was religiously instilled in them from day one of their training, and something they would keep for life. It was one of the few branches where gender and race didn't matter, the only thing one needed to prove was that they were willing to risk their lives for another.
The other, a pegasus stallion, she could tell because the tips of his feathers peeked out of from under the shield, nodded and sidestepped to open the flap for her.
"Such a gentlecolt," Spitfire said, leaning forward and giving him a peck between the eyes. "When your off duty, take that mare to a nice eatery." She pushed three gold coins into his facial wrappings and stepped inside before he could protest.
"... what do you mean you can't buy happiness? You should have seen the midwife's bill after my daughter was born."
A round of laughter erupted from the dozen or so patients inside the field hospital at the comedic antics and jokes of Battlefield Entertainer(Bat-E for short) Pinkie Pie. The noise dampening spell on the outside of the hospital helped keep everyone calm, which in turn allowed Pinkie Pie to keep their spirits up. Even inside the hospital the physicians kept their backs facing the enemy, but they still laughed at her antics along with their charges thanks a few large mirrors set up inside so they could keep watch of everything.
"Hey, turtlebacks*, are those mirrors not showing everything properly? Here, let me help." Pinkie Pie had been doing a few visual gags along with her jokes, and now she was doing them again, except this time, in reverse. "?lyreporp gnihtreve gniwohs ton srorrim esoht era ,skcabeltrut , yeH" She paused and looked at the crowd with a big grin. "See? I can speak mirror fluently."
That brought on more great laughter from everyone. Even Spitfire had a good chuckle. But she remembered her business.
Even though she saw Pinkie first, she figured she would find Fluttershy rather than halt everyone's good time. She moved around the empty beds, waving off a few enthusiastic physicians as she looked for the shy figure. A flash of strawberry delight mane caught her eye and she moved swiftly towards it.
"There, doesn't that feel better now, little angel?" Fluttershy said softly to the little earth pony filly she had been applying soothing ointment to. She was far too young to really know what was going on, but she felt the sting of her little burns fading away and a contented coo. The buttery pegasus nuzzled her cheek and wrapped a clean white linen around her little form.
She turned her head back to the parents, a unicorn mare and an earth pony stallion and offered them each a bed. "We're not busy tonight, thank the Maker, and, if you would like, you can sleep here with your daughter. I'm sure we'll be safe with those wonderful soldiers protecting us. I would offer you both the same bed, but... we've had a couple couples who thought they were... sneaky. I hope I'm not offending you in any way."
The unicorn mare shook her head. "Not at all, Lady Fluttershy. I would feel much safer here than heading to caves in the dark. But, could the beds at least be next to each other?"
Fluttershy chuckled. "Of course. But, just close enough to hold hooves and kiss. No tongue, though; there are children here. Oh, and this little angel shouldn't be alone," she said as she held up the little filly in her gentle hooves. "Which one of you wants to hold her?"
"I stayed up with her last night," the mare said as she got onto one of the beds. "He can have her tonight."
"At least until she gets hungry," she stallion chuckled as he took his daughter in one hoof and laid upon the other bed.
Fluttershy beamed a smile at the family and looked about the mirrors for someone else to help. Upon seeing a Wonderbolt, she hurried over to see if she needed attention. But found a hoof in her mouth instead.
"No, I don't need any help, thank you, Lady Fluttershy," Spitfire said with a slow shake of her head. She looked down and saw the Element of Kindness about the shy mare's neck. She wondered how such a mare could go through with such a thing. "I just came with a delivery and message from nightmare Storm."
Even though she whispered that last part, she could feel the tension the room rise. No one dared speak, and Pinkie fumbled a bit with her next few jokes. Fluttershy, however, was impassive.
"Was she alright?" she asked in concern.
"She was fine," Spitfire reassured her. "Though she'll a couple days with friends and family to make sure she retains her element."
Fluttershy nodded understandingly. "I'll have a pigeon carry a message to her husband. Now, what's the delivery?"
Spitfire passed her the device. Fluttershy looked it over carefully. "Is this...?" Spitfire nodded. Some might have thought that a physician handling an instrument of death would result in some form of drama. But not in this empire.
"This will save our soldiers?"
Spitfire nodded. "By the thousands."
"Then I will ask for one as well," Fluttershy said with a firm nod.
"Oh, yes," Spitfire said, turning to leave, "you need to gather the other elements and give that the Lady Twilight." With that, she exited and took off into the sky to rejoin the Blaster Battery.
Fluttershy nodded and pushed the device through a strap in her uniform. She looked in the mirror to see Pinkie Pie putting on chainmail barding and leather pads.
"That's all for today's show," the bubbly mare said as she pulled up the hood and then through a thick cloak over top of it all. "I would love to stay longer, but, it looks like that small family is trying to sleep. Congratulations on the filly by the way. I'm hoping for a colt myself. And you all could use some rest as well. So, in case I don't see you. Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, and good night. Love you all."
Jamming her hooves into some metal boots, just right for bucking a Discordant into the hereafter, earth pony style, she moved over to the entrance and waited for Fluttershy. She pawed a bit at the Element of Laughter about her neck, thinking of Rainbow Dash.
"You're pregnant?" Fluttershy asked in shock, running a hoof and wing along Pinkie's belly in search of answers. Anyone other than a physician, or Pinkie Pie, invading another pony's space like this would have been arrested. But this was for medical purposes. Pinkie Pie giggled and waited until they were outside to answer.
"The way Pokey and I've been going at it, I'd better be," Pinkie said, her blunt openness making some of the large earth pony guards blush several shades of red. Two of which moved to escort the mares through the bombardment.
Fluttershy hummed thoughtfully. "Well. Your mammaries are slightly enlarged." The blushes became brighter. Fluttershy pulled her cloth-covered hoof back from someplace only a spouse or trusted doctor would be allowed to touch, and examined her findings carefully. The guards forced themselves to look away. "Some definite fluids. Nothing conclusive. I'll schedule an appointment for tomorrow. Be sure not to tell Pokey, you know how disappointed he'd be if it was a false alarm."
Pinkie smiled and nodded. "Duly noted, Fluttershy. I'll be there bright and early."
Fluttershy wiped her hoof on the ground. Even though the cleansing spell took care of the mess, the guards made mental notes never to touch that spot of dirt. Ever. Fluttershy unbuckled her shield's straps from about her waist and promptly placed it on Pinkie's back. This exposed an assortment of surgeon's tools, hand-crafted, and without magical enhancements as a precaution against anti-magic spells. There was also a small blade attached to her upper right wing for defensive purposes.
"What are you doing Fluttershy?" the pink earth pony asked in confusion. She giggled as Fluttershy tightened the straps, not too tight though. Just enough to keep it secure.
"Protecting a possible future citizen of the empire," Fluttershy declared in her meek voice.
"But I've already got armor, silly," Pinkie chuckled. "You need something to protect you. There's an entire fleet of Discordant ships out there."
"My life is not as important as that of this little one," Fluttershy stated firmly, gently patting the pink pony's side.
"But you said I might not be pregnant," Pinkie said, trying to reason with her. Fluttershy was adamant.
"Whether you are or not, it doesn't matter. I refuse to let a possibly pregnant mare, much less a friend, go anywhere without the best protection I can provide."
Pinkie gave her a hug. "Ah, Fluttershy, you're the best friend a pony could ask for."
Fluttershy smiled and returned the hug. "Don't let Pokey hear you say that. He's sensitive."
Pinkie broke the hug and started trotting parallel with the enemy fleet. "Com'on, I think I saw Rarity this way before the attack. Maybe she knows where Twilight is."
"Oh, okay," Fluttershy said, quickly following her. "Lead the way."
"Uh, Fluttershy? Do you really have to keep walking sideways even without the shield?"
* * *
The prism had many friends, not the least of which were a bottle, constantly bubbling over, and a butterfly, shy and graceful. These two friends were different from the prism, one giving joy to all who drank from her, and the other easing the hearts of those that felt her gentle touch. They would travel the rocky fields together, each baring a lantern, giving light to all that needed it in the dark hours, they were loved by many. But those that loved them knew there was a darkness within them. All it would take was time before the bottle and butterfly would become as the prism. -Extract from the Book of Amethyst-
It turned out Fluttershy didn't have to keep her back to the enemy without the shield, and she trotted merrily beside Pinkie Pies and the two guards. The sound of pegasi battle cries as they broke the bale bombs, and the bright flash as the flaming materials scattered across the sky surrounded them, but none of them were too concerned. Not many bale bombs ever hit the ground, but the Discordant seemed adamant about using them anyway. It was more of a nuisance than anything else, something to keep ponies on the edge.
The four ponies made their way around a group of civilians being led to the caves, Pinkie, of course, tried to cheer them up along the way with a few somersaults and silly dance moves without breaking step with the bodyguards. This got a few chuckles from the adults, and outright laughter form the foals.
"Just'a makin' friends, everywhere I go," Pinkie said proudly, much to Fluttershy's amusement.
"You do seem to have a knack for it, Pinkie," she quietly giggle.
A sudden booming noise in the distance made the meek mare squeal and dash between the legs of one of the earth pony guards, much to his discomfort. Now, earth ponies were the largest of the three tribes(alicorns were considered completely separate), the fact that Fluttershy was a pegasus mare simply made sure she fit easily beneath the large stallion if she were to stand up straight. Pinkie Pie knelt down beside her cringing form and patted her sympathetically.
"There-there, Fluttershy," she said sweetly, "It's nothing to be scared of. Look... it's just Dashie... er, Stormy, taking on the ships."
Fluttershy turned to look out at sea. Sure enough, there was a gigantic fireball, quickly dissipating, that illuminated half of the enemy fleet. A figure could be seen zipping around in circles above the burning ship, forcing air down to fan the pillaring flames. The yellow mare didn't look any less frightened, but she did stand back up and press her side against her friend for comfort. Pinkie was taller than her by a good a head, normal for earth pony mares.
"Those Nightmare forms are still scary," she shivered as she watched the flames die out and the figure become invisible against the night sky. The bale bombs promptly stopped launching as the crews began diverting their focus upon the dangerous monster. She felt a hoof draped about her neck.
"It's okay," Pinkie said comfortingly, "Dashie has it all under control. Just look what she can do with the weather. No other Pegasus can do that."
Fluttershy shivered. "You lost control once."
Pinkie became silent and bit her lip. A couple tears formed in her eyes and she released Fluttershy. "No one got hurt... a-and I had to. It was an e-emer... emergency."
Fluttershy felt back and frantically tried to apologize. "Oh, no-no-no-no-no. I didn't mean anything by it, it's just that... w-we can lose control. If we're not careful. That is..."
"It's alright, Fluttershy," Pinkie said with a forced smile. "I understand. I'm not upset with you. It's just some bad memories." She indicated the path ahead and grunted. "Come on, let's find Rarity. She'll know where Twilight is."
"And Applejack," Fluttershy pointed out. "They wanted us all, remember?"
Pinkie tried to shrug, by the shield really made that rather difficult. "Eh, we'll find her too, somewhere. Oh, and, don't let the Colonel know that you spent some time between another stallion's legs." She chuckled at her own joke even as the stallion took on a horrified expression.
Fluttershy quieted Pinkie with a glare and patted the stallion's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, she's just teasing you. Rather inappropriately, but, you know Pinkie Pie, leaps before she looks. Big Mac wouldn't hurt a fly."
* * *
Further inland, at a training camp, Colonel Macintosh sat in his office. He wore a uniform of green with purple scrolling, and a yellow sash with wooden beads on the ends, bearing scriptures in the same calligraphy as General Ditzy's about his waist. He looked down at his desk, pulverized beyond recognition in his little battle for supremacy over his long-winded enemy. He grinned in satisfaction as he raised his hoof to examine the gooey remains of the foul creature.
The little fly was little more than a smear on his unshod hoof. He took a deep, satisfied breath and made a mental note to order a new desk. Then he sneezed, hard, sending his paperwork all about the room.
"You know, they say sneezing means someone's talking about you," Lieutenant Braeburn said with a snicker.
Big Mac looked at him and narrowed his eyes, watching his cousin begin to squirm under the weight of his gaze. "Clean it up," he ordered as he got up and left the office. Braeburn sulked a bit as he got up from his own desk and began to pick up the papers. The colonel stuck his head back in. "And organize it, cous'."
* * *
"I told you we'd find her," Pinkie said with a dramatic point.
Up ahead was a tall wood and metal tower on wheels, ten pegasi flew about the domed top as aerial guards, metal spikes anchored it in place, and there were harnesses for eight earth pony stallions on each side. Some claims had made that the other two tribes were using the earth ponies as slave labor in their war machinery, and demanded that the other two tribes pull their weight as well. After a demonstration with one hundred unicorns trying to pulled a house, vs. Colonel Macintosh, the protests were quickly quieted. The SJW pegasi and unicorns who made these claims were promptly told to shove off unless they actually knew anything about earth ponies.
The two escorts stayed on the ground, while the two elements ascended a zigzagging staircase on the back that was the only way inside, thanks to a series of metal bars to keep potential flying saboteurs out. After passing the staircase, they came up to a trapdoor in the ceiling with murder-holes for thrusting spears threw. Pinkie Pie gave a quick knock.
"Open uuup," she said in a singsong voice, "two elements about to go Nightmare out here."
There was a huff from inside, and the door was wrapped in a blue aura before being pulled open. "Really, Pinkie Pie, there's no need to get nasty. I could smell you on the way up. Cupcakes and cinnamon rolls are such a giveaway." The earth pony mare bounced through the door and into the spacious dome, right up to the alabaster unicorn.
Unicorns were the smallest of three tribes, with their stallions hardly standing above a pegasus mare, and their mares about a half head shorter than a pegasus mare. Rarity was a little bit taller than average, compliments of an earth pony mare back in her ancestry, and was just below eyelevel with Fluttershy. She wore a purple uniform with golden fringes in the shape of feathers, and a little purple beret. It all went quite well with her element.
"Well?" she asked with groan as Pinkie hugged her. "I am not a filly," she muttered. "What is it you need? We're in the middle of something important. Rainbow Dash has just gone Nightmare, and we've been analyzing her tactics, and I must say that they are quite extraordinary."
Pinkie let Rarity go and patted her on the head, causing the mare to sigh in exasperation. But she took it like an pro and then turned back to gesture about the dome. "It was quite a surprise when she showed up, at first we thought it was going to be another dull night of examining Discordant tactics. Those unoriginal blowhards."
The inside of the dome was full of ponies, and one donkey, looking through telescopes and writing down notes, which were then passed to other ponies, mostly unicorns who read overt he notes and began drawing diagrams for later review. It was a well oiled machine of living creatures looking for strengths and weaknesses.
"But then Dash shows up and starts to show us some more potential with pegasus weather manipulation." Rarity began to get a bit excited. She was practically hopping up and down. "Did you see that flame vortex she did? Why, all she had to do was grab the Discordant's bale bombs, throw them back, hitting the unfired bombs, of course, and then create a wind cyclone, and burn down the entire ship. Ooh."
She suddenly wrote conjured over a piece of paper and quill. She spoke as she jotted something down. "Weather theory: attempt arching the flame vortex so it jumps to another ship, and then another. Recommend more research into fire-proof materials for carrying and safe shifting of flame vortex. Second recommendation: train with creating cyclones over bodies of water for target practice. Could also help in dousing fires as well as spreading them. Baroness Rarity, Year of Our Maker 2336, July 27."
She passed it to a young pegasus mare who had excelled in tactical diagramming. "Here you go, dearie, I think we may just have a breakthrough."
"Another one?" the mare asked excitedly, tucking the note under a wing and hurrying off to draw it up. Rarity laughed at her enthusiasm.
"I think someone's going to get a raise in the near future," she announced to Pinkie and Fluttershy in a false whisper to make sure the pegasus heard. She smiled even wider when the mare let out an audible gasp. She looked back at her two friends. "Now, what was it you're here for again?"
"Oh, let me tell her," Pinkie Pie said, waving a hoof in the air as though she were in school. Rarity rolled her eyes.
"Go on, dear."
Pinkie reached over and pulled the device out of Fluttershy's straps, hoofing it over to Rarity. "Amethyst made one."
Rarity took the device in her magic and spun it around a few time. She looked nonplussed. "Um? It's nice, Pinkie Pie. But, don't you think it's rather... plain?"
"I-it is just a prototype," Fluttershy offered. This didn't do much for Rarity's opinion.
"Very well," she said as she put it back into the straps. "Though, next time, I would like to help in designing these things. Sure, they could be devastating, but when the Discordant see our boys wielding these..."
"And mares," someone piped up.
Rarity groaned. She cleared her throat as she began an explanation. "When one is addressing a group of ponies, the masculine term is used to generalize everyone. Now keep your political trash garbler shut and get back to work." She didn't wait for any reply and addressed her friends again. "When they see our boys using these, they'll be the absolute laughingstock. Granted, an enemy keeling over in laughter is easier to... dispatch. But at the same time, think of those poor boys' morale. It would be devastating."
Pinkie Pie giggled at the look on Rarity's face. "Silly Rarity, the hurt feelings are for foals, not soldiers."
"If only that were true," Fluttershy said quietly to herself, remembering the many broken hearts that had passed through her field hospital.
"Was that all?" Rarity asked, looked between the two of them. "Because that seems more like something for Twilight to see."
"That why we stopped by," Fluttershy said, "we're all, the elements, that is, supposed to go find Twilight."
Rarity's eyes went wide. "All of us? Together? But, the only ones who can order us into one room are... ah, let's go." She zipped past the two, heading for the trapdoor.
"But wait, do you even no where we're going?" Pinkie asked.
Rarity didn't slow down. "Just follow me, I know where Twilight is."
"What about Applejack?"
Rarity was already on the stairs as she answered. "She's with Twilight, now follow me."
Pinkie dove after her, flipping onto her back so she could slide down the stairs tail first on the shield. She squealed with delight, and Rarity shrieked in terror as she hurried to outrun the earth pony. Fluttershy sighed and quietly left the room, shutting the door behind her.
Rarity was still screaming, sitting atop of Pinkie's stomach, somehow, as they rounded the turns. "You crazy mud pony, your tail shall hang above my door as warning to you progeny."
* * *
There too was a diamond, shaped into a perfect lens, that saw things no one else could see. Things that were, and some things that might never come to pass. She was respected and highly admired. With the grace of a lady unchallengeable, she gave aid through observation and desires unto the future. But, like the others, she too held a darkness within her. A blackness would slip through the lens, distorting the visions, perverting intentions. Yet love was never far from the lips of those who saw her even in her darkness. She was selfless and well spoken, but not faultless. For she truly was a righteous being. -Extract from the Book of Amethyst-
"Tallyho," Rarity shouted from her perch upon Pinkie's back, waving a hoof in the air as though she were leading a regiment. Pinkie just giggled at the posh mare's childish antics.
"I just knew you would enjoy the ride," Pinkie said, leaping over a rock.
Rarity cried out in alarm and clung to the mail hood tightly. "Not as though I have much choice. My legs are short and I don't have wings. I would start to... ugh, sweat if I were to run along with you two. That would just ruin my uniform."
Fluttershy kept pace with Pinkie Pie by flying just overhead, where she could catch rarity should she fall. Poor thing didn't have the strongest of bones. "Be careful Pinkie, you know Rarity has a condition."
"Don't worry so much, Fluttershy," Pinkie said aloofly, "Rare's got good balance from all those martial art lessons."
Rarity couldn't help but smile in pride. "It's true."
As they came over a hillside on the outskirts of town, further in land, they paused a moment to look at their destination. A clear field surrounded by grassy hills, with a stone pool in it's center, the crystal-clear water reflected the starlight beautifully. Surrounding the pond were numerous figure carrying what looked like colorful lamps, and someone was standing on the stepping stones in the center of the pond.
"Oh, my," Rarity said with wide eyes. "What do you suppose they're doing that requires all the Elements?"
Pinkie shrugged, almost dislodging Rarity in the process. "One way to find out. Com'on everypony, let's get down their."
Rarity rolled her eyes. "Really, Pinkie? Everypony? What a simply dreadful pun. I suppose everydonkey, or everysphinx is next?"
"Yep," Pinkie said with an enthusiastic nod as she started down the hill at a brisk pace, Fluttershy at her side.
By the time they reached the pool, they could see the figure in the center was Applejack, wearing her element and a determined expression.
"Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity," Twilight called out, emerging from the crowd with an excited smile. She flapped her wings to shoo some guards away. She walked up and gave each of her friends a welcoming hug; she was noticeably taller than Rarity, but still slightly shorter than fluttershy, thanks to her newfound alicornhood that was slowly causing her to grow past the size of the unicorn she had been before. "About time you got here. We've got everything set up and Applejack is ready to go, just need you three, and Rainbow Dash, whenever she gets here, to go stand in the center with her."
"Uuum, why?" Pinkie asked, waving at Applejack, who smiled and waved back in a friendly manner.
"Because it is very important to the Equestrias that you do so," Twilight said hurriedly, gesturing for them to move along with a wing.
Upon seeing the three bearers, the crowd, mostly guards, headed for the hills in a dignified manner, carrying one colorful lantern each. The brilliant colors mesmerized Pinkie for a moment, but a tap on the back of the head from Rarity brought her back to reality. Rarity slid off the shield and onto the ground with a small grunt, prompting Fluttershy to rush to her side.
"Are you okay, Rarity?" she asked worriedly.
"Yes-yes, dearie," Rarity said dusting off her uniform and smiling. "Can't a lady do a few things on her own without someone thinking she's going to shatter?"
"You, Rarity Belle, could shatter," Fluttershy scolded her with a glare. Rarity flinched at it. Fluttershy immediately softened and gave her a hug. "I'm sorry, Rarity, I just don't want to see one of my friends hurt."
"I know, Fluttershy," Rarity said softly, pushing herself away. "This dreadful glass-bone has made life absolutely horrid. I can't even find a nice stallion for fear of my bones shattering on the wedding night. Ooooh. It's so frustrating to think I might never indulge my urges."
A red-faced Shining just so happened to be standing only a few steps away next to his Pegasus wife Cadance. "Uuuh, well, that really is too bad, Rarity, but, um, yeah, we've got work to do right now."
"Oh, don't be so embarrassed, Shiny," Cadance said, wrapping a wing around his barrel and giving him a kiss. They both stood about the same height, him being a unicorn stallion, and somewhat taller than average as well. "Mares stress over these things too, you know. Don't know what I would do if I didn't have you every night... when you're not on duty that is."
Celestia chuckled. "Now, Cadance, you know I try my best to let him off work in time for your escapades." The mares began chuckling at Shining's growing discomfort.
Twilight rolled her eyes in good humor. "Okay, that's enough. Just get into the center and..."
WHAM!
Everyone yelped in shock as Nightmare Storm landed right beside Twilight, growling and baring her teeth like a vicious beast. The element about her neck making sure she didn't hit her desired target on impact. She didn't really scare anyone, but she attempted to intimidate them anyway.
"Hello, foals," she snapped, her golden fangs dripping with saliva. She turned to Shining Armor and Cadance and smiled wickedly. "Well, if it isn't the previous bearers. Tell me, Shining, do you miss me? Loyalty?"
"Yes, in fact," Shining said with a find smile, drawing quire looks from all present. "I miss the fact you were tool at my service."
Nightmare Storm roared and made as if to lunge, but the element electrocuted her, keeping her in place. "Aaaugh. What about you Cadance? Bearer of Laughter and Generosity? Do you miss those things I used to say? About your precious Shining's most intimate desires for you?"
Cadance cocked her eyes humorously. "If anything you helped him be a very confident, if not a dominatingly hot, stallion in the bedroom."
Nightmare Storm drove her hooves into the dirt and spat in rage. "Stop twisting the events. I sent you running in tears. I made Shining weep when he thought he lost you forever. Multiple times. You stupid ponies, I will end..."
Silence. No matter how many times they saw it, everyone was still shocked. Pinkie Pie had stepped up to the Nightmare and threw her legs about her neck in hug. The Nightmare froze in the embrace, eyes wide. Then she frowned, eyes watering, then tears began to flow and she sat down to return the embrace. Pinkie patted her comfortingly.
"There-there, Stormy," she said gently, "there's no need to get so upset. You know we appreciate you, even if you're a monster. You've helped us so much, along with the others. Let Rainbow Dash come back, you need some time to rest."
The nightmare sniffed and used a hoof to wipe her eyes. "Thank you, Pinkie Pie."
With that, she shattered, the excess mass turned to dust, and leaving behind a very bedraggled Rainbow Dash. She groaned and put a hoof to her forehead in confusion. "Ugh, she really went overboard tonight."
Pinkie giggled and ruffled the mare's mane. Rainbow Dash actually stood a little taller than her(puberty had been extremely generous for her). "Silly, that's what you get for summoning your Nightmare in the middle of the night."
Dash chuckled and patted Pinkie's shoulder. "So, what are we doing here exactly?"
Without much explanation, Twilight finally managed to get all of the current element bearers to stand on the stepping stones in the center of the pool. Then the Two Sisters, Twilight and Shining took up positions at all four corners, while Cadance took a lantern of her own and fly up above the five mares in the center. It was hen that the five mares noticed that the guards that had left all stood on the hilltops, evenly spaced apart with their lanterns, facing into the valley. You didn't have to be a unicorn to sense the magic, or a pegasus to notice the air, or an earth pony to feel the ground.
All three alicorns and the one unicorn began chanting in unison.
Above, below, and in-between,
Show and expand potential unseen,
All the lanterns began to glow brighter as the magic, air, and ground hummed with intensity. Fluttershy began to shake nervously.
Grant strength, light, and grace,
So that no one is out of place,
"W-what are you doing?" Fluttershy asked, curling up into a ball. The noise was almost drowning out the voices now.
From one to another burn,
Days pass away to another in turn,
Applejack and the other four placed a comforting hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder to help keep her brave.
Give breath to strength and light
Give strength to breath and light,
Give light to strength and breath,
Grant power as an overflowing wreath.
The humming intensified, and the water about the stepping stones began to rise in a torrent of ten thousand individual droplets. Electricity cracked between the droplets as they began to swirl around the five mares. Shining and the alicorns smiled as they watched the scene, their horns glowing brightly. Then the elements about the five mare's necks began to glow, and looks of hope intensified along with the humming. Then something went wrong.
"Celestia, Luna, we have a situation."
All eyes turned to see a slightly scorched General Derpy flying towards them, her good eye squinting as though something were stuck in it. The three alicorns gasped in horror, then gasped again, harder this time, when they saw Dinky was riding on her mom's back, smiling without a care in the world.
"Get out of here," Celestia shouted at her general in terror.
But it was too late, the magic had been disrupted. There was a blinding flash and the entire valley lit up like day. The lanterns all shattered as they burst into flames from an overload, shocking their bearers. In an instant, the valley was silent, and where there had once been a pool full of water, there was a scorched crater.