Chapter 1: A fresh start

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Fresheye took a slow, deep breath as he looked at his assignment for the day. Right off the bat, throwing him to the wolves. He didn't know WHY he kept getting this assignment. He didn't deserve it. NOPONY deserved it. He wondered if his boss was just mad at him? Was it because he'd been one of the unmarked? It wasn't his fault. He'd gone to prison willingly. Maybe it was because he was a bat pony. Probably that. Darn them pegasi and their bat pony hate. Ugh, he missed the days when Ironwing was in charge. Now there was a pegasus who would have made sure to deal with this, no problem. Wouldn't have dumped it on the lower ranks.

Instead, Fresheye took a deep breath, adjusted his Shadowbolt uniform, and made his way through the halls of the complex towards the holding cells. Outside it were two very familiar mares, looking in. He barely glanced at them as he pushed open the door and stepped inside. To his doom.

There the pony sat, sipping his tea. With that straight faced, unmoving unicorn right behind him. He didn't know who was worse. The mad pony, or the assistant. She wasn't even under arrest, he didn't know why she demanded to be here with him all the bucking time!

He sat across from the pony and glared. “Dr. Alicity. This is your... oh buck. FIFTH escape? This month? What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Technically it hasn't been determined if I actually belong in prison,” the earth pony said happily. “For all you ponies know, I'm completely innocent.”

“We have a confession.”

“Extorted under duress, extreme duress. And the only one who heard it was Sunburst and he has... well, disappeared.”

Fresheye gave another sigh. Yup, it was going to be one of those days. “We have proof.”

“You have proof that some unnamed pony was helping these horrible terrorists, but no proof as to who it was. And I am sure whoever this pony was, they were smart enough to cover all of their tracks. Or at least enough to form a reasonable doubt.”

The bat pony ground a hoof into the ground. “The council has been more than willing to give you... certain privileges thanks to your cooperation, but the case against you is still quite large. You can NOT break yourself out whenever you feel like it!”

“But it wasn't because I felt like it! Today was the most momentous of occasions!”

Fresheye face desked. “Really? And what was it this time?”

“We have perfected the hoof free can-opener! No longer will non unicorns have to use the awkward, magic based can-openers with their hooves!” he said proudly.

“Be that as it may, we-- wait, what? Really? How does it work?”

“Simple, my good pony! Secretary, can! And opener!”

The unicorn behind him stepped forward, her horn glowing and a small metal can and weird little disk landed on the table.

“Now, I'm sure you know the problems with modern can openers, correct? How they all seem to be designed for unicorns or creatures with, well, opposable thumbs?”

Fresheye nodded. “Yeah, I end up slipping and cutting myself on them all the time.”

“Exactly! But with this amazing invention!” Dr. Alicity reached out, grabbed the disk and put it on the can. He tapped it twice and it rattled, before latching onto the can and spinning around a few times. It then popped off, taking the lid with it. “And presto, easy peasy. No more cut hoofs for us less magically inclined! Now, it does require one of our patented mana crystals every few weeks, but I don't see why that would be a problem.” He then tossed it to the bat pony. “Here, take a prototype. They'll be on the market in a few days.”

“Wow, thanks! I can--” Fresheye blinked, then glared. “Hey, stop that! You're still in trouble!”

“Really? For what?” Dr. Alicity asked with the most innocent of smiles.

“BREAKING OUT!”

“Are we still on that? Really, that's old news. Now, in two weeks--”

------

Silver Spoon, a small little gray earth pony mare with a white mane, rested her head on the window. She was covered almost hoof to head in metal armor, with metallic wings across her side and a silver horn thrusting from her forehead. “Daddy... do you have to do this every time? Why, why does he do this to me? He's going to end up getting in real trouble one of these days,” she said, glancing to her companion. Her companion was a bit different from other ponies.

Her name was Diamond Tiara, the Avatar. Her coat was a light pink and her mane a mix of pink and white. From her head sprouted a small horn and across her sides were two little wings, about half the size of an average pegasi's. “I can't believe he broke out. Again,” the alicorn said with a shake of her head. “Didn't Secretary promise to keep him out of trouble this time?”

“She's probably the only reason he was back before they managed to find him,” Silver said with a groan.

Diamond moved over and patted her on the back. “There there. I'm sure it'll be fine. Besides, after all the help your family and company has been providing, it's not like the council is in any rush to really punish him.”

“Yet!” Silver said with another shake of her head. “He's going to get us both in a lot of trouble at this rate.” She smiled to her friend. “Thanks for coming with me for this. It's... just not easy to talk with him alone. You know?”

“Yeah. Honestly, I'm pretty happy to get out of the house for a while.” She shook her head.

“Ironwing and Prism going at it again?”

“Every. Bucking. Morning,” Diamond said with a shudder. “He really, really needs to get a new place set up soon. Or a new job. A new anything. I think they may eventually kill each other. Why would they have him move in there, anyway?”

“Well... Blaze did suggest it... along with the council...”

“And I think she's about this close to snapping both their necks, too. This whole... temporary housing thing is just not...” She rubbed her head. “I can't wait for all the repairs to the city to be done.”

The door to the room opened and Fresheye stepped out, looking as annoyed as possible. He took a deep breath and then forced a smile, looking to the two. “Miss Spoon. Avatar. The... prisoner will see you now.” He turned and walked off, grumbling under his breath. “Prisoner my flank. Might as well be a low security resort at this point. Let me dangle him out a window for half an hour, see him make escape attempts then...”

Silver chuckled nervously. “I think he might be pushing a bit too much...”

“Hey, the can opener almost won the guard over,” Diamond said with a grin. “I for one approve of such an item. Maybe I'll get one for Ironwing, he seems to love cooking.” She paused. “Though it might just be because the frying pans and knives are close. I've seen the way he eyes Prism when his back is turned...”

“It's only a matter of time,” Silver said with a nod as she stepped into the room. “Daddy!”

The stallion perked up. “Oh, Silver my darling little girl, how is my little--”

“Oh don't you even start,” the earth pony snapped as she walked forward and stood on her hind legs, driving her fore hooves into the table. “You broke out. AGAIN! Do you have ANY idea what it's like to have your work ruined by hearing that? I was in the middle of setting up another contract!”

The stallion wilted. “B-but, angel. My little darling girl, I was merely--”

“You were merely, once AGAIN, stomping your way into the business and looking over my shoulder to make sure that I did EVERYTHING right! Do you really trust me that little?”

“W-what? No! Of course I do! Oh, my little baby--”

“Don't you try sweet talking me!” Silver snapped, going back to the floor. “I'm tired of this. Just, please. You can't keep testing the council like this. Sooner or later there is going to be real consequences.”

“Now dear, they wouldn't dare--”

“You don't know that! Daddy, I can't... I can't keep going through this. I just...” She wiped her eyes, the tears welling up in them. “I just... I just want to... I don't know if I can keep doing this.”

“Darling...”

“Every time they come to find me, I'm terrified something bad has happened. If you keep pushing the council, something WILL happen. Why can't you just trust me? I won't destroy the company, I can manage it until you're out. I'll be fine. I just...” She reached out and put her hoof on his. “I just want... my daddy to be safe...”

“Oh Silver...” he said with a soft sigh, lowering his gaze.

“Just one month,” she asked softly.

“Dear?”

“One month. Promise you won't cause any trouble for the next month. No escapes, no running, nothing.”

His eyes widened. “B-but in one month is the final unveiling of the--”

“Yes. And I have everything under control. If it comes down to it, Secretary can help me,” she said, motioning to the unicorn. “But for now, just stay here, where it's safe. Where you won't get in trouble. Please. For me? It's our last open project for a while, let me prove that I can handle this. Please.”

The stallion looked up into his daughter's eyes, before slowly lowering them again. “Very well. For you, my dear, anything. But I want reports. If there are any problems--”

“I have a long list of contacts and helpers I can call on. Daddy, I'll handle this. It'll be fine, you'll see. Promise?”

He sighed. “I promise.”

She nodded before walking around the table and giving him a hug. “Thank you, daddy.” She rested her head in the crook of his neck. “And... thank you for everything. I know you've officially not been proven guilty... but I know you did it all for me.”

“I'd do anything for my little girl,” he said firmly. “Not that I did do anything, but if I did, I would, for you.”

Diamond rolled her eyes and face hoofed, before looking to the Secretary. “He does know we all know he's guilty as sin, right?”

“Nothing has been proven yet,” Secretary said firmly.

The Avatar sighed again. “I'm going to go check on Meadowbrook, see if there's any new developments. Enjoy your time together,” she said before walking out of the room. She did give a sad glance back, however.

Whatever the doctor had done, she knew it had been for Silver. She couldn't hate him for it. Even if his help had nearly gotten her and who knew how many others unmarked.

------

Diamond slowly walked deep into the tower, down past the ground floor and into the underground layers. The halls were darker and she swore she could feel ponies watching her, staring out from the shadows. For all she knew, they were. The Shadowbolt costumes made them almost invisible in the darkness. There were thick, metal doors here. The prisons of the city's greatest villains.

At least, they would be if they ever actually HAD many villains. As it was, only two or three of them were in use. However, one housed probably the greatest threat to the city. Two guards were stationed outside it, both pegasi and wearing matching uniforms. They glared at her for a moment.

“Has there been any change?”

“No, Avatar,” the one on the right said. “Would you like to see her, again?”

“Please,” Diamond said. The door was slowly unlatched, three locks clicking open. Then it slowly swung open. In the back of the room was a single pony, wrapped in a straight jacket. She had a light pink coat with a purple and white streaked mane. However, both her coat and mane were unkept and wild. She rocked back and forth in the corner, her blank flank just barely visible from the angle. Her eyes were completely glazed over, as if she couldn't see anything that was in front of her. “Meadowbrook?”

The mare didn't respond, she just kept rocking back and forth, muttering under her breath. Diamond slowly stepped closer until she was about halfway to the mare, finally able to hear it.

“Unmarked, save, equality, chaos, unmarked, save, equality...” Over and over she said it.

The alicorn sighed and slowly backed up again, unwilling to get any closer. The door shut with a resounding echo. She walked forward and rested her head on the wall, groaning. “Yep, no changes. I wish I could figure out what happened to her...”

“There's no question of what happened to her, Avatar,” one of the guards said. “She snapped. She was humiliated and dishonored in front of all the ponies who tried to follow her. She obviously unmarked herself and just wasn't able to handle it.”

Diamond glanced back to the doors. She could still remember what that mare was. How powerful and dangerous. The way she looked down on her. The feeling of having her cutie mark removed. She then glanced down at her own cutie mark, at least her new one. The one fourth of it that she managed to not lose. “I just... wish I knew exactly what happened...”

“Your cutie marks will be found, Avatar,” the pony said with a smile. “Whereever they are, the whole world is looking for them. They can't remain hidden forever.”

She sighed and then gave a weak smile. “Yeah. I... I suppose. Thank you,” she mumbled before turning and walking away. She wished she could feel as confident as they did. After all, it wasn't THEIR cutie marks that were still missing. She slowly spread out her wings and felt the air flow around them. She'd felt bad enough being an Avatar with only three elements, how could she possibly be one with just one?

She stopped and took a deep breath, gently tapping herself on the head. “Bad Diamond,” she muttered under her breath. “Not going down that line again. Productive thoughts, productive. Just... go talk to Zecora. Do what you can do.” She then blinked and looked around. The stairways were empty, though she couldn't shake the feeling she was still being watched. She quickly scampered up the steps and away from the darkness.

------

Button let out a yelp as he rolled backwards, the dirt and stone molding around him to knock the water blast away. The young brown earth pony then thrust a hoof forward, lunging with it as the dirt and rocks shot through the air at his opponent, a blue unicorn with a yellow mane. Acrylic.

Acrylic rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast before sending a burst of water out, forming little blades of ice as they went. Button stomped a hoof down and a wall of stone rose up, before thrusting it forward and sending the stone wall streaking at the unicorn.

Acrylic yiped and jumped to the right. However, before he could land the ground beneath him rippled. “Oh bu--” Pillars of stone rose up and caught him in the stomach, tossing him into the air like a rag doll. He landed on the ground, clutching his stomach and groaning. He tapped the ground a few moments later. “G-give.”

“Wooo! I did it!” Button yelled cheerfully as he did a little victory dance. “What does it make it now? Seven to ten? I'm catching up!”

Acrylic wheezed a little and gave a nod. “Y-yep. Ow. That was... that was a pretty good shot.”

The earth pony nodded and walked over, holding out a hoof to his friend. “Well, of course. After all, if I'm going to be the coltfriend of the Avatar I have to really work on my bending, don't I?”

The unicorn groaned and took the hoof, slowly getting to his hooves. “Y-yeah, I suppose,” he said nervously. “Listen, Button... you haven't really been... well...”

“What?”

“Well... I mean... I know the Avatar confessed her love to you and all but... are you sure she's really...”

“Oh, don't worry about that at all,” Button said with a smirk. “I already talked with her, we have a date this weekend and everything!”

“Oh? Really?” the unicorn asked, his eyes going wide with surprise. “I didn't... wow. Well, congrats buddy. Go get her.”

“I will!” Button said before moving forward and patting his friend on the shoulders. “And don't worry. Even when me and the Avatar eventually get married, we'll still always be bros. If you ever need me, I will be there for you. Okay?”

Acrylic rolled his eyes. “I wouldn't get ahead of yourself...” He shuddered to think of a life time married to Diamond of all ponies would be like. He wouldn't wish that on anyone, especially not Button.

“Oh, come on. It's perfect! We can have a duo wedding! Me and Diamond, you and Silver!”

Acrylic's cheeks turned bright red. Maybe Button did deserve it a little bit. “I-I didn't, we haven't, we've never, s-shut up!”

The earth pony snickered. “Oh come on, you just need to have a little confidence. If you need me to, I could ask her out for you. Even--” The stallion let out a yipe as his hooves were yanked out from under him, sending him sprawling onto his back. “Ow.”

“Let's do a bit more training, okay?” Acrylic muttered darkly. “I think I have a few new moves I want to... test.”

“W-whimper...”

------

Vinyl groaned and she held her face in her hooves. She almost longed for the days of Cadence, or even running for their lives from the Water Nation. Buck, having Nightmare Moon appear in the room would have been preferable to this. She gave a wilting smile to Octavia. “H-how much longer?”

“Oh, relax dear. We still have three more hours,” the earth pony said calmly.

The unicorn moaned and slammed her head down on the table. Just about anything would have been preferable to this. War. Death. Taxes. Sunburst, the fire bending representative, was gone. That meant it was election time and a new candidate would have to be decided. That, in and of itself, wasn't so bad. The fire bending ponies could choose their candidate, a few weeks of voting, done. Or a month. Or months. Either way, it was just a small thing.

But he had also been the head of the council. The voting for THAT would take much longer. Weeks. Months. Hours of each day wasted as the fifteen(currently fourteen) member council weighed the decisions of who they'd vote for. They had to judge each and every one of them, as WELL as all the fire bending candidates.

But it wasn't only that. The Moon Raisers had been gone for a while, so all of her paperwork as the water bending representative had been delayed until her return. Sure, she could dump a lot of it on Tittering, the Moon Raiser's current leader, but she still had to do most of it herself.

Then, on top of THAT, the unmarked had done a number on the city. So much property had been destroyed, homes wrecked. So many ponies trying to reform their lives and struggling to make ends meet and it fell to them to try and find these ponies homes. Repairs were going quickly, but not nearly as quickly as they needed to be. It would be a few more months before the city became less crowded.

Council sessions tended to last eight to twelve hours a day now, six days a week. Sometimes even seven. Vinyl could feel herself aging five years with every week that passed. She could only hope for the cold, sweet hands of death at this point to release her from her torment.

“Vinyl, pay attention,” Octavia said with a sigh. “This is important.”

The unicorn groaned, but slowly listened as the pony in the middle of the room droned on and on about a point two percent tax increase to help pay for all of the repairs.

Maybe she could make a run for it. Hide in the Fire Tribe lands again. They'd never find her.

------

Two pegasi glared at each other from across the table, their eyes locked in a great struggle for dominance. A light blue pegasus with a dark blue mane, Prism. And his current housemate, a red coated pegasus with a dark purple mane, Ironwing.

Their eyes refused to waver. A contest of wills.

“You ate the last of the cheddar,” Ironwing growled.

“I wanted a nacho,” Prism rebuttaled.

“It had my name on it! I was saving it!”

“Is that what that was? I thought somepony had a stroke and stabbed it with their pen.”

“AHHHHH!” Ironwing jumped the table.

“RAHHHHH!” Prism did as well.

The two fierce warriors met in the middle, both their hooves lashing out wildly as they drew their heads back and proceeded to try to slap the every loving buck out of each other.

------

Diamond gently reached out and tapped on the door to the tree house. She didn't understand why the zebras liked homes like this, crafted directly into a tree. Though she felt oddly comfortable whenever she came here. She felt there needed to be more books, though. The door opened and a zebra greeted her.

“Ah, young Avatar of the air, please, please come in if you dare,” she said before moving aside.

A large cauldron was set up in the middle of the room, bubbling and filling the air with a thin, green mist. Diamond was tempted to comment on the rhymes, but she knew better than to antagonize the zebra. She walked inside and sat down on a small cushion.

“I did not expect to see you again so soon, to what do I owe this boon?” Zecora asked as she walked over to the cauldron and poured some herbs in it.

“I needed to get out of the house again.”

“Ah, those of wings still hold much strife? At least the young Shadowbolt gets along with Prism's wife.”

“Oh, yeah, Blaze and Ironwing are getting along just peachily,” Diamond said curtly. “Probably because Prism and Ironwing are at each other's throats so much that there's no room for a second feud. I can't wait until all this is settled and he can move... anywhere else!”

“Mmmm, indeed. I figured the bat ponies would have welcomed him in this time of need.”

“Yeah, that's what Blaze said too. But apparently there's a bunch of things about favoritism and just... ugh. Technically the building is owned by the council so there's really nothing that can be done about it until everything is settled. Besides, she was the one who suggested it, thought it would help break their feud. Not pour oil on the fire. But I swear, one of these days I'm going to come home and they're going to have killed each other.”

------

Ironwing lunged forward with the spatula as Prism parried with the egg beater.

------

“How is your training going young Avatar? I trust that it has risen, the new bar.”

“Huh? Oh! Yeah, the wings are nice. I actually managed to glide a full three feet today,” she said proudly, before sighing. “Air bending is going pretty good too. It's... easy, even.” She held her hooves together, before drifting them apart and forming a little ball of wind. “As easy as the other elements were. It was so hard before, you know? I couldn't do it. I just couldn't. Now it's as easy as breathing.”

“Mmmmm?”

Diamond sighed and shook her head. “I know what you're going to ask. I can't... feel Twilight any more. Or, well, I can. But it's like... I just... ugh!” She face hoofed again. “It's like she's there but not there? I could hear her, so clearly. It was as if she was right there when I needed her. But... the connection broke so quickly. I had so many questions I wanted to ask her. So many things I needed to know!”

“Perhaps all of your questions will be answered in time,” Zecora said before walking to a small dangling basket. “Avatar, friend, would you like a lime?” She held out a small green fruit.

Diamond chuckled. “No. Thank you. It's just not... right. I'm only a fourth of an Avator. One small fragment of one. How can I possibly hope to protect the world if I can't... properly bend?”

“Indeed this is a conundrum most fierce, but I believe to the heart of the matter we should pierce. Your desires to go to the lands of the bad, have you told all of your friends including the lad?”

The alicorn shook her head. “No. It's stupid. It's just...” She looked to Zecora, who remained quiet as she cut up some lime slices. “When I called to her, when I needed her, I formed a connection. I got the help I needed. I think she's still out there, trying to help me. But... somethings stopping her. If I could just... go to her. If I could see what she saw...”

Zecora nodded. “The old Avatar felt much the same, she desired to go after her foe who would maim. The loss of the elements was quite painful, a connection severed most disdainful.”

Diamond nodded and gave another sigh. “I... guess. It's just... you told me she had trouble connecting with her past lives after they were broken, but it just doesn't feel right. She at least knew what it was like before the elements were broken. She knew what a proper connection felt like. I don't have that. I don't know if I'm trying to connect correctly and it's the connection that isn't working, or if I'm doing it wrong and I just need to find the right way.”

“You have practiced and learned much in these sessions, so I believe the fault is not in these lessons.”

Diamond eyed the zebra for a moment. Just once she wished she could have a straight talk with the mare. “I'm not sure I'm doing any of this right, though.”

“To the world of the spirits you have gone a few times. Perhaps you're worried about past crimes?”

The Avatar flushed. “I-I've... I mean, I-I've gotten a lot better. A lot better. Since... everything. A-and I said I was sorry! Really, really sorry. I just...”

“Overconfident you held in much abundance and carried with zeal, to abandon it all will not help you heal. Better than others you are not, but there are things in this world that you must do, lest it rot.”

Diamond groaned and leaned back, banging her head on the wall slightly. “I swear sometimes I just want to... it's just hard, you know? I thought I was the biggest, the toughest, the best. Now... now I'm not even sure I'm in the top ten,” she muttered. “How do you go from being the number one to... being just like everypony else?”

Zecora didn't answer. Instead she walked over and held out a small bowl filled with green goo. The alicorn sighed and gave a nod. “Yeah, yeah. Look into myself, connections, all that. I'll figure it out, I'm sure. Rhymes and mystic talk, blah blah,” she grumbled darkly before sitting down and taking the bowl. “Did Twilight ever get mad at you for this?”

“Your past life had much more patience and always desired that she learned. But then, when I helped her, her greatest enemies had all been beaten or turned.”

Diamond nodded and looked at the goo. “I hope mine have been, too. Well, bottoms up.” She brought the goo to her lips and downed it. It tasted nasty and stuck in her throat a little, but she downed it all. She slowly put the bowl down and closed her eyes, already feeling the numbness spread across her body. She looked forward to the day she could do this without having to use the potion.

She slowly felt herself pull away from her body and lift up, into the air. The world gently flowed around her, sending tingling sensations through her body. She didn't open her eyes again until she felt it stop.

She slowly took a deep breath and opened her eyes. “Hello?” she called out. She stood in the middle of a rocky, barren wasteland. “Anypony here?”

There was no response. She didn't know what she expected, but just once she wished she'd hear something answer her back. She started walking again. She wished Zecora could enter with her, too, but the zebra said she just didn't have the skill. The potion only helped with the transfer, it couldn't give somepony the ability if they didn't have it. Most ponies, sadly, lacked the ability. Zebras too, it seemed.

It would have made things so much easier if she could. Twilight had left written records of the spirit world. Great, massive trees, flowing lakes and creatures of all kinds. Nothing like the bleak and empty void she now walked through. She wondered if maybe there was a second Spirit World and she'd somehow come through that.

That made her snicker. A few months ago that would have made her super excited. The first pony to ever come to the second Spirit World, a feat most impressive. Now all she felt was doubt that she was doing any of this right. She'd probably screwed up, somehow. There had to be some kind of life here.

She kept walking until she came to a large clearing with strange colored stones. She sat down on it and closed her eyes, slowly meditating.

“Twilight, can you hear me? I need you,” she whispered softly. “I need your help. I need your guidance. Something... I feel something is happening. Something big. And I need you to help me fight it. I can't... do this on my own. I'm not like you. I'm not... as strong as you. Or smart. I don't... know all those things you did. I couldn't fight all those ponies you did. Buck, the only reason I beat Meadowbrook was due to luck. Sheer stupid luck. If my friends hadn't...” She shuddered and lowered her head. “I... don't want to fail any more. Not for me, but for them. They... the world needs me. They need me. They need a pony who's strong, who's capable. One who can keep them safe. They need a pony like you.”

She swore she could feel something there, just on the edge of her mind. Calling to her. Directing her. Trying to speak with her. But something was holding it back. Something was always holding it back. She sat there for hours, or at least it felt like it. Her legs were cramping and she groaned, shaking her body out. “Not even a real body, not fair that it can--” Her mane stood on end and she heard something fall behind her. She held her breath, listening for whatever the source was.

There.

She turned and ran, galloping after the source. A black shadow darted away, quickly leaping into the air and beginning to fly off. She grinned and jumped up after it, her small wings spreading out. She still couldn't fly in the real world, but in this one the rules worked differently and she had long since learned that it was less about being able to fly and more about believing she could fly. It was also the number one reason she kept face planting when she returned to the real world and forgot she couldn't quite do it there, yet.

She flew at the creature and tackled it from the sky, knocking it down and slamming them both to the ground, her hooves holding it down. It let out a pained squeak and lifted its strange, hole-filled hooves to cover its face.

It was like nothing she'd ever seen before. Like a bug mixed with a pony, having a black, chitin hide. But its body was filled with holes and its gossamer wings were as well. It trembled under her for a few moments as she stared. “Can you... understand me?” she asked softly.

It merely whimpered, but didn't answer.

“Hey, I'm sorry for hurting you, I just needed to...” Alarms went off in her head. She remembered hearing about these creatures. They'd been mentioned in Twilight's notes. Changelings. She jumped off it, looking around wildly for any sign of danger. The creatures traveled in packs, with their queen.

The single changeling just laid there, cowering weakly as it kept its face hidden.

She waited a few more minutes before moving closer. “You're a changeling, right?”

It didn't answer. As she came closer she could see it was all skin and bones. Odd, she didn't know they had bones in the spirit world. Its body just seemed odd, too. Now that she looked at it, it was smaller than her and she was hardly the largest pony. There was no buzzing of others, either. She looked around worriedly. “There are more of you, aren't there?”

It didn't respond. It just shook. Then, slowly, it lowered its hooves and looked at her. It cocked its head to the side. She waved back slowly. “H-hi. My name is Diamond. It's nice to meet you.”

It slowly got up, eying her cautiously.

“I'm not going to hurt you, honest. I'm just... looking around. You're the first spirit I've seen here. Have you lived here long?” She then blinked. “Of... course you have. I'm in the Spirit World and you're a spirit. You've lived here your whole life. Or... well... whatever... spirits have for life times. Anyway. You're here, right? So... ummm, where's the rest of your... hive? I think they have hives?”

The changeling just stared at her blankly.

She slowly held out a hoof. “So, I'm going to call you... ummmm... Onyx. Yeah, Onyx I think suits you. Since you're with all the rocks and... do you know what happened here? Why is it so barren? Where are the other spirits?”

Slowly the changeling lifted a hoof and pointed it at her. A green glow formed around it, but it sputtered a little and the changeling fell back, whimpering.

Diamond cringed and moved forward, reaching a hoof out to touch it. The creature recoiled and rolled back, getting to its hooves and running away. She sighed, but didn't pursue it this time. “Well... at least I know there's something here. This is definitely the Spirit World then.” She looked around. “But what happened here?”

Her eyes widened. The changeling had pointed right at her. Was it trying to say this was HER fault?

She shook her head. “Okay, no. There's no way this could possibly be your fault. Just... no.” She looked around none the less. “Onyx, I'm going home now! If... you need me, I'll be back! All you have to do is ask! Or... sign me. Or whatever. Something.”

------

Silver sighed as she looked over the reports lining her desk. Despite her father's problems with jail and the shareholder's panic following the event, their company was doing quite well. Enormously well, in fact.

It most likely had to do with the fact they were the premier creators of the horns and wings that everypony wanted to get their hooves on. That, and they had most of the repair contracts in the city, the connections to get them done quickly and efficiently and the council's current willingness to work with them during these trying times. They'd likely come out of this whole ordeal stronger than ever. But then, war always was good for business. Even a minor war. Granted, she'd of course cheated as well. But nopony had to know that.

She closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, a small smile forming on her lips. One month. That was all she needed. She slowly climbed out of her chair and moved to the right wall, pulling on a little statue, which caused a small door to open. Inside was just a tiny little closet, holding three large jars.

In each jar was a small cutie mark. Diamond's cutie marks. She hummed before slowly picking up the blue one and eying it. “Yes. I think you'll do nicely.” Her eyes glowed with a green wispy light. “Oh Diamond, it's time we both got what we wanted, isn't it? You've been a one element show for just far too long...”

Chapter 2: Making plans

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Diamond pulled her blankets tight around herself. Mmmm, so warm, so comfy, so--

“THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING?!” a voice yelled from downstairs, followed by the slamming of... something. Then the sound of shattered glass.

The Avatar's eyes opened. Dang. Nab. It. Again. She glanced out the window. The moon was high in the sky, it had to be past midnight. How could they be going at it again? She slowly climbed out of bed, yawned softly, and trotted down the stairs. She could already hear the two continuing their yelling fits.

“You stole my cinnamon bun!” Ironwing snapped.

The alicorn groaned.

“You stole my last box of cinnamon cubes!” Prism countered.

“I did no such thing, I wouldn't touch those... those nasty squares!”

“Don't you--”

“ENOUGH!” Diamond yelled as she slammed open the door. “Do you two have ANY idea what time it is? It's-- eep!” She recoiled at the glare she received from the two of them. If looks could kill, she'd have been a charred pool of hair and feathers. There was only one thing to do in this situation. “I'm getting Blaze!”

“Wait, no!” Prism yelped. But it was too late, she was already racing back up the stairs towards the room. She swung open the door.

Blaze was laying in her bed, a pair of earmuffs over her ears. Diamond walked over, yanked them off. The pegasus rolled over and glared. “Diamond. There better be a good reason for this. Someone better be bleeding or dying. Or they will be soon.”

“I'm going to kill your husband and friend,” the alicorn said with a growl.

Blaze face hooved. “Again? What is it about this time?”

“He started it!” two voices came from below.

“...” Blaze groaned and rolled over. “Kill them if you want. I'm tired. Don't even care.”

“I would but I don't know Ironwing's weakness.”

“He turns to the left slowly. Attack from there,” Blaze grumbled before grabbing the ear muffs and yanking them on. “Now let me get some sleep.”

Diamond grumbled and trotted back down the steps. When she made it to the kitchen, only Prism was there. “Where'd Ironwing go?”

“He ran off, the coward. Probably going to visit his mom or Styx,” Prism grumbled darkly. “You didn't need to wake her up. I had it handled.”

“You two were screaming in the dead of night. This is the exact opposite of handled,” Diamond grumbled. “Why can't you two just let it go? I get it, your mom got hurt. But it doesn't seem like--” She yiped at the glare she received. “Fine, whatever. Try to find him somewhere else to stay, or have him move out. I really don't care which,” She said before face hoofing. “The entire bucking thing is just driving me nuts.”

Prism sighed and moved to the table, sitting down. “Only a few more months, then it'll all be over. Things'll be settled, everypony will have their homes back and we can get back to living our lives.”

Diamond nodded. “Yeah, another month or two,” she said softly, sitting down across from him. She stared for a moment. “Prism?”

“What?”

“I've been... thinking. My training has been going pretty well, right?”

“I'd suppose so. You still have a long way to go before your wings are ready, but you're picking up air bending at an astounding pace for a pony who couldn't even do the basics.”

She nodded. “Exactly. And you know I've been having trouble with... well, with everything. I mean... the spirit world.” She took a deep breath. “Connecting to my past lives. Connecting to Twilight. I think... I mean... I've browsed through some of the books she left behind. All the notes, the information. The mare was a massive book worm, by the way. But there are just...” She shuffled her hooves a little. “I want to... I want to go where she went.”

“I'm sorry?”

“The Badlands. I want to travel to the Badlands, find out what happened to her. I--”

“You are not going to the Badlands alone!” he snapped, his wings going up in an aggressive stance.

Diamond flushed and shook her head. “N-no! Of course not! I just... I thought I could go with my friends. Maybe... get some help. Find out what happened to her.”

There was a momentary pause, before Prism nodded. “Oh. Well, I suppose that wouldn't be so bad. I'd suggest talking with Zecora about getting a guide. Or maybe Styx.”

She blinked and smiled. “So... you're not mad?”

He shook his head. “Why would I be mad? If you wish to learn more about Twilight, I have no objections. So long as you do it safely and tell us your plans. That's the important thing. You're important, but your connection to your past lives is one of your greatest strengths. If you feel that visiting that site will make it stronger, who am I to object?”

She grinned up at him. “Really? I thought you'd be furious!”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Why? As strange as the Badlands are, it's hardly a suicide mission. As long as you keep up your training, I see no problems with it. And if it makes you stronger, that's good. You need that.”

She nodded and smiled up at him. She couldn't believe it. She could actually do this.

------

Diamond frowned as she stared at the small letter on the breakfast table.

“Are you going to open it?” Prism asked.

“Yeah, of course. Just... working up to it,” the mare mumbled.

It was from her father. The father she had accidentally completely forgot to send any notes, letters, packages or messages to since she'd arrived in the city. It wasn't that she hadn't wanted to, but things had gotten a bit hectic and out of control. Then by the time she thought about it, she felt so guilty she kept pushing it off. Besides, she knew her aunt, Sassy, was sending messages back home about her. So it wasn't that she NEEDED to send him some.

But then things had gotten out of control and worse and worse. The mail had been delayed and this was the sixth letter she'd received this week(though the first five had been delivered late). This one was new. Almost brand new. Had arrived apparently only a few days prior.

“It's just a letter from home. It'll be fine,” he said with a chuckle.

“It's been months since I've talked with daddy. Sent him anything. It...” She took a deep breath. “It feels like it's been years since I've seen him. I've changed so much. What if he's changed a lot? What if he doesn't... approve of me like this?”

“Have you told him what's been going on?”

She fidgeted slightly in her seat. “I'm... sure my aunt has...”

Prism face hoofed. "I thought you were going to write him a letter?"

"I... was. I started one a... few times. A dozen times. But it just never... felt right. And I was so busy and I know my aunt was going to write him..."

“When's the last time you talked with Sassy?”

She fidgeted a little more. “W-well... I... saw her... the day we were celebrating the defeat of Meadowbrook.”

The pegasus groaned. “And... since then?”

“...”

“Diamond...”

“I-I've been busy! There's so much going on! I-I've seen her, sometimes. She's with the council a lot, too. So I know she's busy also. I just haven't... talked directly with her. Or to her. Or much of... we've both been very busy and I'm a horrible daughter and niece aren't I?”

He took a slow, deep breath. “Read your letter. Then go see your aunt. And write a letter home. I'm sure they'll both be... disappointed in you. But in the end, you're family. They aren't going to hate you. Buck, at this point they'll probably be so happy to hear from you they won't even care that it's taken so long.”

She groaned, but gave a nod. Slowly she peeled open the envelope and pulled out the letter. She paled and whimpered. “O-oh no.”

“What is it?” he asked, frowning.

“Daddy... he's here! In the city! He wants to... he wants to check up on my training!” she said, her voice filled with horror.

The pegasus stared at her, unamused. “So?”

“So? Daddy is here! He's going to see my wings and... and realize it took me forever to learn air bending!”

The stallion gave a soft sigh. “Diamond... just go.” He then blinked. “Wait, you're only NOW figuring out he's here? Why hasn't Sassy tried to contact you?”

The alicorn shuffled in place, her eyes lowering.

“Avatar... why are you avoiding your family?”

“I'm... not. I've just been so busy and just...” She slowly put the letter down. “I... I don't think I should go. I mean, there's a lot to do still, training and--”

“Diamond,” he said firmly, making her stand at attention. “What is it? Tell me. Now.”

She chewed on her lower lip. “I don't... want him to see me as a failure...”

Prism blinked a few times before softly chuckling. “Oh Diamond, how could anypony see you as a failure? In the short time I've known you, you've matured incredibly well. You've developed your air bending to great heights, helped save the city from destruction under Meadowbrook's hooves--”

“Managed to lose most of my cutie mark, alienate almost everypony who tried to help me, ruined so many lives, did nothing to help stop this civil war, cost one of my new friends her cutie mark, broke--”

“Most of that isn't your fault,” Prism said firmly. “And those that were, you've fixed. You've changed, Diamond. For the better. You've matured, gotten smarter, wiser, more tolerable. You're a pleasure to be around at times and, frankly, a much better mare than you were when we first met. I remember the first week we were together. There was a lot of talk of just dropping you off a cloud.”

She frowned. “You wouldn't have, would you?”

“As tempting as it was, I wouldn't. But I honestly at the time thought you were beyond redemption. That a pony like you would never be the Avatar, would only cause problems. I am happy to say, I was wrong. In a very short time you grew. You learned to show empathy to those around you, helped those in need, cut down on your arrogance and... just about every way possible you became more of the Avatar you needed to be. The kind of Avatar we needed for our world. At a time we needed you most.”

Diamond groaned. “To be fair, that was mostly Twilight. I needed her and she just... poofed, right there. I wonder if she'll...” She shook her head and smiled. “You're right. I know you're right. My dad'll be over joyed to see me. After all, I am the Avatar. Even if I'm not the most important thing in the world anymore, I know to him I always will be,” she said with a soft chuckle, before looking down at the letter. “Want to uhhh... come with me?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “I think it would be best if you went on your own, Avatar. Talk with your family, re-open those bridges. After all, it's never too late.” He then frowned. “Or rather... it's best to do it before it is too late.”

She nodded and slowly got to her hooves. “Right, you're right. I know you're right. Wish me luck,” she said before walking off. She then paused, galloped around the table and gave him a hug. “Thank you.”

He hugged her back, smiling. “Of course, Avatar. That is why I'm here.”

She pulled back, before galloping off. She could do this. She was... sixty percent sure.

------

Acrylic took a slow, deep breath as he let the water swirl around himself. It spun and shaped itself to his needs, creating a vivid tapestry of water, the streams mixing together, yet managing to remain separate all the same.

“I'll never understand why you try working on things like that,” Vinyl said, making him jump. He dropped the water over himself and turned back.

“Mom? What are you doing home?”

“Council business was done early today, for once,” she said with a smile. “I figured you'd be with Button. That some new pro-bending training?”

He shook his head. “No. He was... busy. I needed to just...” He scuffed the ground with his hoof. “It's... control practice.”

Vinyl nodded and walked over, gently brushing his mane out of his eyes before stomping a hoof down, sending the water scattering off him. “Control practice?”

He nodded slowly. “Y-yeah. I wanted... I need to develop my control more.”

“Mmmmm hmmm. This isn't because Button has suddenly been rocking your world, has it?” the mare asked with a grin. “Octavia has been gushing about him to just about everypony.”

Acrylic blushed. “W-what? She...” He then frowned. “She hasn't, has she?”

“Well, no. She said like, three words,” Vinyl said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “But for her, that was practically jumping up and down with excitement. Doesn't look like it'll be much good for pro-bending, though.”

He nodded and glanced down at the water. “I... think we might... not be entering the pro-bending league next year.”

Vinyl paused, her eyes widening slightly. “Why not? The Fighting Notes were amazing! You three made it all the way to the finals!”

He nodded and gave a little sigh. “We did. And... I think we could have won, maybe. But...” He chewed in his lip and looked down at the water surrounding him. “Bending and... pro-bending aren't the same, are they?”

“Oh?” Vinyl asked with a grin. “You aren't saying my pro-bending wasn't good, are you? Just because I'm old and a little creaky in some places doesn't mean I can't still whoop your flank, hon.”

He shook his head, cheeks flaming. “NO! I'd never say that!” he said firmly, waving his hoof frantically. “I just...” He gave another soft sigh. “Mom I... I want to become one of the Moon Raisers.”

Her eyes lit up. “That's wonderful, I can--”

“No! Not like that!”

She blinked and cocked her head to the side.

“I want to earn it. Really earn it. I... want to become a better bender. A real bender. A fighter. Not just... a pro. When the fighting happened, when it was time to face all those ponies, I did okay. But that was it. Just okay. As much as I hate to say it, there were a lot of times when Button was saving my flank. Practically carrying our little team. He's gotten a lot better and... I think I've been standing still.”

“Acrylic, don't--”

“No, I mean it mom. I've got a long way to go. I still have so much to learn, so much training I need to do. My control isn't nearly as good as it could be, I still have trouble when I shift from water to ice. Don't even get me started on my mist bending. And I think it's time I focused on all of my bending, not just my water bending.”

She snickered, before reaching out and ruffling his mane. “Well, fine. You go and do that. To be honest, your ice bending is pretty lame.”

He cringed.

“But that doesn't mean you can't ask for help. To be honest, I used to not be that good a bender. Well, a horrible mist bender, at least. My ice bending was amazing, though,” she said proudly. “Probably the only reason Nightmare Moon wasn't too keen on fighting me.”

Acrylic blinked a few times. “What? But you were the... you lead the Water Nation's army!”

“So? That didn't mean I was a good bender,” Vinyl said with a snicker. “In the Water Nation back then, it was all about politics. It didn't matter how good you were, it mattered how good OTHERS thought you were. Most ponies thought I was two or three times better than I really was. That's the only reason I got away with half the stuff I pulled.” She grinned and gave a soft sigh. “But some ponies were just... better at that game.”

“Trixie?”

“Oh buck yeah. Now there was a mare who knew how to play the system. To tell you the truth, it wouldn't have surprised me one bit if she'd eventually managed to oust Nightmare Moon. Well, I guess she kind of did. But I mean without using Discord and everything,” Vinyl said with another chuckle. “But my point is, keep practicing, keep learning, do whatever you need to do. But don't expect to be the best there ever was. Nopony is. Buck, even the Avatar isn't the best half the time. She sure knew how to surround herself with some of the best, though.”

He chuckled, nodding. “Yeah. I guess the old Avatar was something special. She surrounded herself with princesses, creators of new styles, all kinds of powerful ponies.”

“And this new one has you and Button,” Vinyl said with a wide grin. “A fair trade, if you ask me.”

Acrylic rolled his eyes. “Moooooom.”

She reached out and grabbed him by the head, putting him in a quick headlock. “On that note! You've been hanging out with a nice, pretty mare lately. Are grandkids in the future?”

Acrylic's cheeks turned bright red. “MOM!”

------

Diamond took a slow, deep breath as she reached out and knocked on the door. It only took a few moments before it was opened. She gaped for a moment.

Her aunt lived in a rather nice building, multiple floors with dozens of rooms. Last time she had been here the place had almost been empty, aside from a few servants. Now it seemed almost packed. Little foals were set out on the ground, playing with toys and making a general mess of the area. Down the hall she could see a few ponies talking besides a... haphazardly glued back together statue. She could hear yelling from down the hall on the right and a few ponies disappeared up the stairs.

“I... I'm here to see Sassy Saddles. A-and my father, Filthy Rich,” she said weakly as she stared.

“Ah, young Avatar,” the pony holding the door said with a smile. “She is currently having tea in the study, if you'd follow me.” He turned and walked through the halls. She followed behind, struggling to avoid stepping on anything or anypony. As she walked by the other rooms, she could see they were packed with ponies as well. Most of the portraits and decorations throughout the house had been removed, leaving plenty of empty places for ponies to crash. She couldn't help but note all the sleeping bags as well. The pony led her to the study and pushed open the door, making Diamond gape.

Her aunt was sitting behind her desk in the room. As was just about every valuable thing the mare had. The portraits were stacked up against the wall, silverware was bundled up in front of it and plenty of little sculptures and vases were on the opposite side. Sassy looked annoyed as she glanced up, but it evaporated the moment she saw Diamond. “Ah! Diamond! You've come!”

Diamond opened her mouth, but the words died when she saw her father, sitting on the side. The stallion got to his hooves and quickly galloped forward, reaching out and hugging her tightly. “Oh my little girl!” he said softly, hugging her so tight she couldn't breath. “I am so, so, so sorry. I knew I shouldn't have let them take you. Oh, this is all my fault.”

“D-daddy,” she said weakly, trying to push him off. “C-can't... breathe...”

He eeped and pulled back, but didn't fully let her go. “I'm sorry. Oh, darling, are you okay? I heard everything! The disaster, the trouble, the fighting. You've had to be through so much.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You poor, poor little angel. Don't you worry, daddy is going to take care of everything.”

“Err... h-hi daddy,” she said softly, a bit overwhelmed. “I uhhh... wait, what?”

He smiled down at her. “Yes. After the recent events I've talked with the empress. She has agreed to let me take you away from here, to--”

“No!” Diamond said quickly, startling the stallion and allowing her to pull away. “I'm not leavi... well, okay, I might be. But not because I'm going home or somewhere safe. Just...” She took a deep breath. “Daddy, I like being the Avatar.”

He stared for a few moments, before nodding. “Of course you do. Darling, you are the Avatar, the most important pony in the--”

“No, I'm not!” she said firmly, stomping a hoof down. She took a slow, deep breath, before staring at him straight in the eyes. “Daddy... things have changed. Things have changed a lot. I'm not the same as I once was.”

“Ex... cuse me?” he asked softly. “What do you mean?”

“All those things you taught me? About how I was the best? The greatest? How ponies would admire me? That...” She closed her eyes. “That I was better than them? They were wrong. In the last few months here I've learned so, so much. More than anything, I've learned how weak I am and how long I have to go.”

“What? Diamond, that's not true. You're the--”

“I'm not!” she said firmly, stomping a hoof down. “Do you... know what it's been like? When I got here, I thought I was the most important, powerful thing in the world. I've gotten my flank kicked more times than I can count, pissed off more ponies than I knew existed and, to top it all off, gotten my friends hurt. But... I've also learned. I've adapted. I have a long, long way to go, daddy. But here I can make it as the Avatar. It's hard work and it'll take a long time, but I'm making my way through, one day at a time. And daddy, there's still so much for me to do. So much for me to learn. In the last month alone I've learned so much about Twilight I feel I could almost write a book about her! The moon knows she wrote at least a dozen herself. And there's still so much more for me to learn. More importantly, there might be other threats out there. Other... dangers. Things I need to protect ponies from. Things ONLY I can protect them from. And I can't do that if I'm hiding away back home with my tail between my legs.”

Filthy stared at her, his mouth falling open. “D-Diamond... I...”

“I'm... I'm thinking of going to the Badlands.”

“WHAT?!” he roared. Sassy stood up from her chair, looking ready to leap the desk.

“I want to know what happened to Twilight, where she went. More importantly, I want to... strengthen the connection between me and her. I need my past lives.”

“You do not! Dear, you're the Avatar, you don't need anypony. You most definitely don't need some old fool who got herself killed going--”

“She was not a fool!” Diamond snapped, stomping her hoof down. “Trust me, I KNOW. I've felt her. Had her inside me! She was... amazing. And I'm still just learning the beginnings of what she was capable of.”

Filthy took a slow, deep breath. “Dear, be reasonable. You can't--”

“Daddy. I can do whatever I like,” she said firmly before sitting down and staring him in the eyes. “I am the Avatar. Like it or not, the fate of the world may one day rest on my shoulders. I only barely managed to defeat Meadowbrook and, frankly, it was more luck than anything else. Whatever new threats arise, I need to be able to stop them. And I'm going to need my past lives to do it.”

“There's no need to put yourself at risk, to--”

“Yes, there is!” she snapped. “I'm the Avatar! It's my job to be at risk! That's why I have four elements! Or... well, had four elements. And so many other tools. I'm supposed to be fighting things, to defeat the big bad monsters that others can't! Being at risk is my job and... and...” She paused and then lunged forward, hugging Filthy. “I-I'm so sorry d-daddy...”

Filthy froze in place, but slowly raised his arms around her. “D-Diamond... I... I don't... you have nothing to be sorry for. I'm sorry. I just...” He took a slow, deep breath. “Diamond, you're my little girl. You've always been my little girl and always will. I... I can't honestly say I'm happy about... this. Any of this. But if... if you say you have to do it, then you have to do it.”

“Filthy!” Sassy snapped. “You can't be serious, she could be killed!”

Diamond sighed. “No. I won't. I'm not an idiot. I'm not the idiot I once was. I have my friends now. They watch over me, they help me. They guide me at all times, keeping me safe. I'm not saying I want to go into the Badlands alone.” She slowly pulled back from the hug and wiped her eyes, staring up at him. “But... I have to do this. Every day I just feel a... a little more sure. A little more tug towards there. And I won't go alone. I will talk with my friends and they will help me. Buck, I'll probably have half an army with me when I go. But I... I HAVE to know what happened to Twilight. I have to fix this connection.” She reached up a hoof to her throat. “And... more importantly, I have to know if there's anything else I can do to fix the Elements. Twilight tried but... she went alone. I won't make that mistake.”

Filthy sighed and then reached out, giving her another hug. “Oh, my little Diamond... you really have grown up, haven't you?” he asked sadly, before giving a slow nod. “I don't like it. In fact, I hate it with every fiber of my being. But... you are the Avatar. In the end, this is your decision. If this is what you want to do, I can't stop you. I won't stop you.”

She nodded and smiled. “Thank you, daddy.” She then grinned. “Daddy?”

“Hmmm?”

She held up her hooves and he smiled, meeting hers with his. “Bump, bump, sugar lump, rump,” they said as they bumped hooves before finishing by bumping rumps.

“He won't stop you, but I will!” Sassy yelled as she jumped over the table, galloping to Diamond. “Child, have you lost your mind? You're the Avatar! You can't run off and risk your life over some... some childish foaly! The Badlands are no place for you, or anypony, they--”

“I will go if I wish,” Diamond said before turning to her aunt. “I am the Avatar. It is my duty to do whatever I can to protect this world and those in it.” For a moment, she felt a small swirl in her heart, as if that connection was reforming. Sadly, it evaporated a moment later. “And this is something I must do. Something I have to do. You don't have to like it. You can even fight it, if you wish. But it won't change anything.”

The mare glared, digging her hooves into the ground as she stared down at the filly. But then, slowly, she gave a soft sigh before her glare softened. “Very well. As you wish, Avatar. I... won't try to stop you. But please, allow me to speak with the council on... your behalf. If you insist on this dangerous journey, I wish for you to have the greatest protectors our city can offer. For every resource available to be at your disposal.” She then paused. “And... please wait a while before leaving. There is somepony I wish for you to meet.”

Diamond blinked. “Really? Who?”

Sassy smiled. “One of the old Elements of Harmony. The current ruler of the Water Nation, Water Lord Rarity, will be making her way to the city within the month. I think it would behoove you to meet one of the past Avatar's friends.”

The alicorn's eyes widened. “W-wait, she's... she's coming here?” She felt a light twinge on her heart.

“Yes, along with her children. It is... currently hidden from the general public. So I trust you two will keep it under wraps?”

“O-of... of course,” Diamond said weakly. A chance to meet one of the legendary Elements of Harmony. There was no way she could pass this up, not now. “I-I'll delay until she gets here, that's fine.”

Sassy nodded and gave a smile. “Good. Thank you.”

Diamond let out a sigh of relief, before nervously shuffling her hooves. “Soooo... uhhhh... I can't help but notice the place is packed. What happened?”

Sassy gave a small smile. “This is a trying time for all in Harmony. Many have lost their homes. I could hardly leave my doors unopened while ponies were stuffed into homes already too full, now could I?”

There was a crash from outside.

“Though... I will admit my new guests can be... trying at times. But in times like this, nopony can give too much.”

Diamond nodded, before pausing. “That's... odd. I've been to Silver's a few times, but I didn't see anypony there.”

There was a twitch from the mare. “A-ah. That... compound. Due to Dr. Alicity's eccentricities it was decided it was far... safer... to take the space offered and use it for storage while other compounds in the city were used.”

Diamond opened her mouth to object. Then remembered when she broke into the facility. The cursed water underground. Who knew what else Dr. Alicity had prepared? She slowly nodded. “Yeah. Maybe that's for the best. No idea what traps are down there...”

------

Silver wiped the pie off her face as she glared at the, now quite broken, booby trap. “Dang it daddy.”

Chapter 3: A 'date'

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Button pranced nervously in pace, chewing on his lower lip as he looked towards the doors for at least the hundredth time. She should have been here by now, she had to be here by now. Where was she? Was she late? It was already... okay, it was only ten seconds late, but seriously, he couldn't take this much longer.

His heart was pounding so hard he was certain it was going to burst out of his chest. He'd made special reservations the moment they'd returned from getting everypony's cutie marks back and she'd confessed her love.

It had taken over a month for it to come through, but it had been the fanciest restaurant in town. The Golden Laddle. He hoped making her wait a month hadn't been too rude. What if she thought he didn't care? Oh, of course she knew he cared. He'd been giving her doe eyes ever since. He couldn't believe it, he had a date with the AVATAR.

Buck that, he had a date with DIAMOND. Avatar or not, he would have sworn she was out of his league. She was so awesome and radical. Confident, too. Tough as nails. Probably one of the strongest ponies he knew. He smoothed down his tie again and took a deep breath. He could do this. It was going to be cool, it was going to be--

“Diamond to Button Mash. You there?” Diamond asked.

He blinked, then yiped and took a step back. She was right in front of him! His cheeks turned bright red and he stumbled a little bit, squirming. “I-I was, I just, err, I-I thought, I mean--” He coughed into his hoof. “S-sorry, was day dreaming.”

“Sorry for being so late,” she said with a nervous laugh. “I got caught up with Ironwing and Prism. Had to stop them from trying to fillet each other with a couple of carrots.”

Button blinked. “With... carrots?”

“Blaze locked up the knives.”

“Ah. So, m'lady, our table awaits,” he said before bowing his head and turning. He gulped as he looked at her. She... wasn't wearing much. Just her little tiara now. But she had wings AND a horn, she didn't need a fancy outfit. The waiter directed them to the table and Button quickly pulled out the chair for her.

Diamond looked at the small two-pony table in confusion, but took the seat. She then glanced to him. “Soooo...”

“Yes?” he asked as he sat across from her, a wide grin on his lips.

“Where are Acrylic and Silver?”

He blinked. “W-what?”

“Well, it wouldn't be much of a hang out with just the two of us, would it?”

He blinked a few times as he felt cracks crawl across his heart. “A... a... hang... out?”

“Well, yeah. They are coming, aren't they?”

He stared at her as his mind tried to think of an excuse, anything. “N-no.” Dang it mind!

“What? Why? Just the two of us here, it's almost like a date,” she said with a light chuckle. Then she noticed the look on his face. The smile slowly left her face. “B-Button. This isn't a... it's... oh. Oh Button.” Red flooded her cheeks. “I... I didn't... I thought... why...?”

“You... you said you loved me,” he squeaked. “You... kissed me.” He sunk into his chair.

She blinked a few times. “I... I did? When? I think I'd remember that. Are you sure it wasn't a dream?”

His heart broke into a hundred thousand pieces. She didn't even remember. She didn't have any clue.

“Button? Button! Don't cry, I'm sorry, I thought we were just, BUTTON!” she shrieked as he turned and fled.

The earth pony raced as fast as he could, kicking back the moment he was outside and making the stone rush up from the ground, blocking the door. He then galloped off into the night.

------

Acrylic grumbled darkly as he walked towards the door, the incessant pounding having finally driven him to get up. He swore whoever it was better be dying, or he'd rectify that situation.

He opened the door and saw Button. He almost screamed at him, until he saw the tears.

Then he got tackle glomped. “Ack! Bro, what's wrong?”

“D-Diamond d-didn't know i-it was a date s-she thought we were j-just hanging out a-and she and she d-didn't even remember the kiss!”

Acrylic laid there for a moment, before giving his friend a hug. “Err... there... there. I uhhh...” He was going to kill her. He didn't care if it probably counted as treason. He was going to kill her.

“Oh, hey!” Vinyl said as she walked out. “Oh, you two boys an item now? Sweet, you know I supp--” The words stopped in her throat when she saw the tears. She frowned. “I'll go put some coffee on.” She turned and walked out.

Acrylic sighed and patted Button on the back. “There there, bro. Come on, let's go get something to drink. What happened?”

The stallion sniffled, getting snot and tears over the unicorn's coat. “I-I went t-to the restaurant a-and she met me there b-but s-she thought all of u-us were going t-to be there a-and she didn't know i-it was a d-date and she l-laughed about it a-and now she thinks I-I'm an idiot a-and I am an idiot n-no pony a-as cool as that w-would ever like me a-and I made a t-total foal of myself!”

Acrylic slowly pushed the stallion off, getting to his hooves and directing him to the kitchen. “Well, Button, trust me. You dodged a bullet, there. It...” He paused as that just made the stallion cry harder. “Let's get something to drink. A lot to drink.” He was going to mega kill her. Super mega skill her. With sprinkles. That were secretly bombs. And on fire.

------

Silver groaned as she wiped her eyes, slowly making her way towards the door. She swore to the stars if her father had escaped jail again she'd kill him. Assuming he survived recapture. Maybe she should send an alibot after him.

'Ugh, no. I may be chaos incarnate, but even I don't wanna try making one of those things.'

She opened the door and saw a frantic looking Diamond. “Avatar? What's wrong?”

“I... I screwed up. I screwed up big.”

The mare's eyes widened. “What? How? What happened? Are you okay?”

Diamond shook her head. “N-no. It's Button. He... well... he... he thought we were going on a date! He took me to a restaurant and everything and I think I might have said the wrong thing!”

Silver blinked a few times and cocked her head to the side. “What? You two are dating?” She glanced back into her house. “I might be spending a bit too much time working here.”

“We aren't dating! He seems to think we were and... and I didn't know and... I think I hurt his feelings.”

“Oh, what'd you say?”

“I uhhh... kinda... laughed at the idea.”

Silver cringed. “Yeah. That'd do it. Uhhhh... so why?”

“I-I don't know! I thought... I thought it was a joke! I thought you and Acrylic were coming, it was going to be a big friend get together. I didn't know he was asking me out. Then he said I kissed him and told him I loved him, I don't know what he's even talking about.”

“You KISSED him? You told him you loved him?”

“What? No! Of course I didn't,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “I think I'd remember that.”

Silver nodded. “Ah. Okay then. I think I'm going to make some coffee, it's... going to be a long night. I assume you'll be staying for a while?”

“If it's not any trouble?”

“Of course, Diamond. You're my friend, you're always welcome here,” Silver said before turning and trotting towards the kitchen. “Come along. We can talk everything out. You... uhhh... do... you have any feelings for Button? Like that?”

“What? No, ew. He's like a brother to me.”

Silver cringed. “That's... nice and all. But perhaps... don't say ew next time.”

“Oh. Right. It's just...” Diamond gave a soft sigh. “You, Acrylic, Button. You're all my friends. I mean... I guess... I kind of have other friends. Zecora now, Prism, Blaze, and well... others. But they're more... Avatar friends. You three are my real friends, though. My close ones. I know I can trust you three.”

Silver hesitated at the door for a moment, before pushing it open. “Of course. After all, you're the Avatar. Who wouldn't want to be your friend?”

Diamond snickered. “Considering how I was when I first got here? A lot of ponies. But... you guys stuck with me. Even when I didn't deserve it. I... I never thought of Button like that. I like him, but only as a friend. But I don't know what to do now! I think I really hurt him with that. I never wanted to. I... never meant to. How do I make this better?” She stared at the earth pony expectantly.

“I... don't know,” Silver said as she started brewing up the coffee, motioning towards the chairs to the alicorn. “It's Button, though, so you're in luck. He's pretty tough, he'll probably bounce back pretty fast.”

The Avatar nodded as she sat down. “Y-yeah. I guess... he probably will. He's always been... well, he'd forgive just about anything. Heck, I bet he'd even have forgiven Meadowbrook.”

“Perhaps he might have even forgiven Discord.”

Diamond snickered, shaking her head. “I don't think anypony would be able to do that. I mean, they have a yearly festival to celebrate the destruction of the guy.”

Silver snickered as she made her way towards the table, a tray with two cups on it. She slid them onto the table and gently nudged one towards Diamond. “Of... course. But Button is tough, and doesn't allow much to get to him. He has been turned down by more mares than I can count. You should be fine after a few days.”

Diamond sighed. “How about a few months?”

Silver cocked an eye. “Hmmm?” She asked before taking a small sip of her drink.

“Well...” The alicorn gave a soft sigh. “It's just... well... I might be leaving soon. Within a month, actually.”

The earth pony froze. “What? Why? Where are you going?”

She shuffled her hooves. “Well...” She took a slow, deep breath. “I... didn't want to bother you guys with it until I knew for sure. I mean, we've all been really busy lately. You've been working really hard, Acrylic and Button are doing their own things. I have a ton of work too, I just--”

“You're dodging the question, Diamond,” Silver said with a friendly smile, before reaching out to put her hoof over hers. “Please, you can tell me. We're friends. I always have time for you.”

The alicorn sighed. “I... want to find out what happened to Twilight. I plan to go to the Badlands.”

Silver shuddered, her eyes going wider. “When? How? Why?”

“I-it's not set in stone!” Diamond said quickly, shaking her head. “I-I know it's dangerous, but I'm planning. Really. Sassy is trying to find me some proper guards. Water Lord Rarity is coming, as well. Not with us, but she'll be visiting the city. If everything is set in stone, I'll probably be going soon after then. I just... don't know when and... I didn't want to bother you and the others.”

Silver's hoof tightened over hers, before she let out a soft sigh. “I... think it's an excellent idea.”

“Really? You do?” Diamond asked, perking up.

“Of course. You're the Avatar, if anypony should want to know about what happened to Twilight, you should. I... can't deny I am a little curious myself.”

The alicorn smiled. “Thank you. It means a lot to me. But... maybe I should wait. Until Button feels better. I mean... I'd rather not leave with bad blood between us. It--”

“Nonsense!” Silver said with a shake of her head. “Give it a month, tops. Just wait a little bit, then go. Besides, I can come with you, then.”

Diamond's eyes widened. “W-what? But you have a company to run! You can't just--”

“Oh, relax,” Silver said with a roll of her eyes. “It'll be fine. Honestly, after this month I should have everything running smoothly and I have a few ponies I can trust to maintain things while I'm away. We don't have anything big coming up after our reveal this month.” She then tapped her hoof lightly. “Besides, you're my friend. This is a big deal to you. Just what kind of friend would I be if I wasn't there to support you through it?”

“But--”

“Also, I'm rich. I can have a top of the line airship prepared for this trip. One that will get us through the Badlands in record time with only a fraction of the danger.”

Diamond felt something inside her shudder, but ignored it. “R-really? I... I guess that would be pretty awesome.”

“Oh, it would be excessively awesome,” Silver said with an even wider grin. “It'll be worth it. Although... I will want any rights to whatever it is we dig up. Non-Avatar related, of course. Badland artifacts can go for quite the pretty penny and who knows? If we find something truly wonderful, it may fund the entire expedition.”

Diamond gave a light chuckle, before nodding. “I suppose that's fair. But I'll expect really, really good transport.”

Silver chuckled and gave her own nod. “Of course. It'll be clear skies, I assure you.”

------

Silver hummed as she lightly spun the jar around in her hoof, staring inside to Diamond's cutie mark. “My oh my, your owner is quite unpredictable, isn't she? Choosing to go to the Badlands all on her own? And here I thought I was going to have to force her hoof.” She stared intently at it, before sighing. “Though, the appearance of the Water Lord can... make things a bit more difficult. Might make her change her mind.” She placed the jar on the desk, before shrugging. “Well... I was planning to do it anyway. An extra little nudge could be all we need. Isn't that right, 'Trixie'?” She paused and perked her ears up.

She gave another soft sigh. “You know, sometimes I wonder if I ever heard you at all...”

------

Diamond smiled as she slowly trotted back towards the island. After having her nice, long talk with Silver she felt much better. She had a plan on where to go and what to do. Her friend was ready to go with her, so that was excellent. Button would probably calm down within a month, easy. Then he and Acrylic could probably come.

“DIAMOND!” a vengeful voice of anger roared through the streets at her. She froze in place and got ready to bolt, until she realized who it was. Acrylic. Her body locked up before she could bolt. She looked down the street at the stallion, racing after her.

“H-hey Acrylic, I--”

“Don't you 'hey Acrylic' me. Do you have ANY idea what I've been doing the last few hours?”

“Comforting Button?” she asked softly, her gaze lowering.

“No, I've been...” He paused. “Wait, yes. Comforting Button.” He stopped in front of her. “What is the big idea, leading him on like that? You broke his heart!”

“I-I didn't mean to!” she said quickly, her cheeks bright red.

“Then why did you kiss him? And tell him you loved him?” he asked, glaring at her.

“I didn't! I think I'd remember doing that!”

“Really? It's all he can remember! Apparently when you two were under ground while rescuing the cutie marks, you confessed your love and kissed him. Ringing any bells?” he asked bitterly.

She opened her mouth, before slowly paling. “O-oh. Oh no.” The memory flashed into her mind. “He... but he... I-I told him not to read into that! Not to take it the wrong way!”

He stared at her flatly. “And what is the right way to take a confession and a kiss?”

“Well... it...” She shuffled her hooves and then looked down. “I'm... I'm sorry. I just... I remember. B-but you don't understand.”

“Oh? Then explain it to me? What could have made that possibly okay?”

“I-I thought I was going to die! I-I was so close to death, there was nothing I could do. T-then Button came and grabbed me, he saved my life. I was so scared at the time, but he saved me. It was... I was overcome, okay. I was just so happy to see him and I hugged him and... I-I never meant anything by it. I didn't even think about it after that happened!”

“Then why did you accept a date from him?”

“I-I didn't! I thought it was just a friendly get together. I thought you and Silver were going to be there, too. He never said it was a date. I just...” She shuffled her hooves. “I-I'm sorry. I never, ever would have hurt Button like this. I mean it.”

He glared at her for a few more seconds, before lowering his eyes. “Well... you did. You hurt him a lot. I... guess... it was an accident. Doesn't make you any less of a bitch.”

She cringed. “I'm aware. I didn't...” She then blinked. “Hey, you didn't slap me this time.”

“Last time you deserved it. Kinda. This...” Acrylic sighed. “Button's done this before. I just thought... really? You kissed him? Button? You know what he's like. There was no way for him to not take it that way. Why didn't you say anything?”

“I-I was so busy, I never thought... how... ummm... how long was he planning this date?”

“...”

“Since... the kiss?”

“Eeyup...”

“I...” She nudged the ground. “I kinda... screwed this up, didn't I?” she asked softly. “I-I didn't mean to, really!”

Acrylic glared back at her. “You're sure this isn't another one of your 'I'm better than everyone else' moments, right? Because I swear if you--”

“No!” she said quickly, shaking her head. “I would never... I never wanted to hurt Button. He's my friend. He's kinda like... a brother to me at this point, I guess. He's a bit goofy, but I swear I would never, ever lead him on like that. He doesn't deserve that.”

Acrylic sighed and shook his head. “You know, I really wanna hate you right now, but... fine. I can accept that. But you're going to have to talk to him.”

She cringed. “You... errr... are you sure?”

“Yes. I'm sure. He's kind of... asleep right now, on my bed. Probably knows I'm here by now, too,” he grumbled.

“Wait, here? Where were you going?”

“To visit you, obviously. And tear your head off. Where were you?”

She blinked and looked to the side. “Kind of... talking it out with Silver. She uhhh... yeah. I screwed things up. I didn't mean to! I thought it was all a big joke, I didn't think he was... I thought... ughhhhh!” She face hoofed. “You know, all these things were a lot easier before I had friends.”

“Yeah, that's what happens when you get friends. They save your life but then you have to have awkward talks with them,” Acrylic said with a roll of his eyes. “Now come on, we're talking to Button.”

“Wait, what? Now? But he--”

“He's been crying into my bed for the last few hours. My mom actually ran off on 'council business'. My MOM went to work to ESCAPE this. We're dealing with this now.”

She groaned, but gave a nod as he trotted off and she followed after him. “I didn't mean to, you know. I mean... I'd never want to hurt any of you. Any more.”

He nodded. “I know.”

“I... I know in the past I've been a bit...”

“Self-centered? Obstinate? A massive pain in the flank? Rude? Crude? An awful dude?”

“Oh I swear by the heavens if you start rhyming at me too I WILL throw you in the lake,” Diamond grumbled darkly. “But yes, all those things. Wait, dude? When do you call ponies dude?”

Acrylic sighed. “It's late, I'm tired, and I live with my mother.”

“Touche. So, uhhh... how bad is he? Is he going to... I mean...”

“Pretty bad. But it's for the best, doing it like this. If we don't, then he'll spend the next month dreading, worrying, hoping it'll just blow over.”

Diamond perked up. “Wait, letting it blow over is an option? Can we just--” She let out a yelp as a rope of water grabbed her and she was dragged along. “Hey! Eep!”

“No, it is not an option.”

“But it's what's best for meeeeee,” she whined.

“Too bad. So sad.”

“Stop rhyming!”

“Stop fighting.”

“Ugh, fine!” Diamond grumbled before she started trotting again. “Won't Button get upset that you're... well, doing this?”

“Probably. But he needs to get this out of his system now before he has another breakdown. Besides, he'll probably end up hating you a lot more than he hates me.”

Diamond frowned. “That's not comforting...”

“Comforts me, plenty.”

------

Diamond took a slow, deep breath as she stood outside the door. At least this was only the second scariest encounter she'd ever had to face. Compared to Meadowbrook, this was almost easy.

Almost.

She reached out and gently knocked on the door. “Button?”

There was a squeak from the other side. Then a high pitched, obviously fake voice answer. “There is no Button here! Only... ummm... Pin...needle.”

Diamond blinked a few times before face hoofing. “Yeah... no. Not doing this. Button, open up. We need to talk.”

“But I don't wanna!”

“I don't wanna either, but we need to.” She paused a moment, before sighing. “For me? Please?”

There was silence for a few moments before, finally, the door slowly opened. Button answered it and Diamond cringed.

The poor stallion looked horrible, his eyes blood shot and his fur all matted. She wanted to make a comment. Instead she just raced forward and gave him a tight hug.

“D-Diamond?” he asked softly.

“Oh, you...” she said softly, before pulling back. “I'm sorry. I'm so, so, so sorry. I never, ever meant to lead you on like that.”

His cheeks turned red. “I just--”

“No, let me finish,” she said firmly. “I'm sorry, but I really don't feel that way for you. You're like... you're like a brother to me. An awesome brother, but a brother. I don't feel that way about you. I'm sorry I forgot about the kiss, really. I was just happy I wasn't going to die and you came through for me. I didn't think you'd actually... thought anything by it. And... I do love you. But as a friend.”

“Oh by the stars,” Acrylic muttered from down the hall. “This is only going to make it worse...”

Button lowered his eyes and shuffled his hooves. “I-I'm sorry, I just... I was just... it was stupid of me. To think someone like you would be interested in--”

“Oh don't you dare finish that sentence,” Diamond said firmly. “You're awesome, even if I'm not...” She sighed and face hoofed. “Listen, I have a lot on my plate right now. Really, I do. I haven't even looked at any pony in that way. Even if I wanted to, I don't really have the time for anything resembling a relationship. Even... if I did, I don't think I'd really want to with you or Acrylic. You're awesome. Acrylic is okay. But I don't really... feel that way about you two.”

“Hey, I'm awesome!” Acrylic objected.

Button gave a sigh. “Right, right, I get it. The it's not me, it's you speech.”

“... The what? No, never mind. Button, I mean it. You're awesome. You're smart, talented, a great bender, forgiving, fun. You're a lot of things, a great friend too. But... I'm just not... I don't feel that way about you.” She then shuffled her hooves. “And I am so sorry I hurt you. I... I really hope we can still be friends.”

He shuffled his hooves as well. “I-if you still want to. I mean, I kinda... messed things up and...”

“I kinda messed things up, too.”

The two stood there for a few minutes, looking off to the side.

“Soooo...” Button said softly.

“Yeah...” Diamond responded cleverly.

“You two done? Kiss and make up?” Acrylic called down, before face hoofing. “Not... that... ugh, never mind. Feel better?” he asked as he walked down to them.

“A little,” Button mumbled.

Diamond nodded, before perking up. “Actually, I might have some news for you. But you both have to promise no matter what, not to tell anypony. Okay? Promise?”

“Hmmm?” Button asked. “Sure, what is it?”

“I suppose,” Acrylic said with a shrug.

“Apparently Water Lord Rarity will be coming to the city in a few weeks, her and her family.”

Button's eyes widened. “W-wait, Rarity? Her daughters?” Button's eyes got even wider. “I-I've heard about them! They're all supposed to be--” His cheeks turned bright red and he quickly looked away.

“Quite attractive,” Acrylic said with a roll of his eyes. “I've never actually seen them myself, but mom has mentioned them a few times. Three of them, I think.”

Diamond nodded. “Yeah. And, as the Avatar, if you two wanted, I could probably get you a meeting with them, too?” she asked with a big smile, eying Button hopefully.

It took a few seconds, before the stallion gasped and he let out a little eeee. “Ohhhh! That'd be awesome! Really? I've heard even though Water Lord Rarity is really old, she's really pretty too!”

------

Rarity froze and whipped around, her eyes narrowed. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt the need to unleash bloody vengeance on some pony. Alas, there were no targets in proper range. She shrugged and went back to her book.

------

Diamond grinned. “Trust me, after this, I owe you. Who knows, maybe you'll woo one of the princesses.”

Button's cheeks turned bright red and he shuffled. “I-I don't think I... I mean... errr...”

“I could put in a good word for you? The word of the Avatar, after all, has to count for something?”

“Eeeee! You're the best, Diamond!” Button yelled before lunging forward and giving her a hug. She let out a sigh of relief. It sure beat him crying, at least. Heck, she'd marry him to the princesses if it would help cheer him up.

“I try,” she said before patting him on the back. “There... is something else I should let you guys know.” Button backed off and she saw the worry flash on his face. “I'm... well, it looks like I'll be heading to the Badlands soon. It's about the last Avatar, Twilight. I never really...” She nudged the ground. “I told you about the connection I felt with her, right?”

“A little bit,” Acrylic said. “But there haven't really been any updates on it.”

“Well... that's the thing. It kinda turns out...” She gave a soft sigh. “I... haven't been able to connect since fighting Meadowbrook. Thanks to some help from Zecora, I've been able to get into the spirit world. But getting any connection with Twilight or, really, any of the past avatars has been impossible. I seem to just... there's some kinda block or something. Or maybe it's too weak. I want to try and find out what happened to her, where she went, what she did. I've talked with Silver, she said she'll get me an airship and fund it, but she wants to come. Also, my aunt wants to get the city involved. To make sure we're safe. I uhhh... was curious if you'd wanna come?”

Acrylic paled. “Wait, be stuck on a ship with you for months? Oh buck--”

“Yes!” Button said with a grin. “Going to the Badlands? This'll be like, the most awesome adventure EVER! Do you think we'll see one of those giant worm things?”

Diamond blinked a few times. “The... what?”

“Giant worm things! I heard some of the buffalo talk about them. Apparently they're super awesome and huge! Also, eat ponies. So the airship should be good.”

Acrylic groaned and face hoofed. “Fine. Whatever. I'll come. It should be good practice, anyway. Maybe I'll learn a few things...”

Diamond grinned. “Thanks. I uhhh... should probably head home. Make sure Ironwing and Prism didn't kill each other. And if they did, help Blaze hide the bodies. Sorry again, Button. I really am.” She gave him one last hug and then trotted out. She grinned as she walked out the door, she couldn't believe it. It had all worked out so nicely.

------

Acrylic yawned as he glanced to Button. “You sure you wanna go home, buddy? It's pretty late.”

“Yeah, I should probably get home. Mom's probably worried about me. You know how she can be.”

The unicorn paused, trying to imagine Octavia getting worried about anything. “Err... sure. So, you're okay?”

“Of course. Dude, we're going to meet PRINCESSES! How could I NOT be okay?”

“Yeah. I guess that is pretty cool. But... I mean, Diamond--”

“She's not interested, not her fault,” Button said with a shrug. “But hey, we're still friends, so it's all good. I mean, how many people get to be best friends with the Avatar?”

Acrylic nodded. “I... guess.” He patted him on the withers. “Well, walk safe. Have a nice night. You sure you don't want me to walk you home? I don't mind, really. I can just--”

“Dude, relax. I'm fine.”

“Well... if you're sure.” Acrylic gave one last smile, before closing the door.

Button turned away, his eyes slowly lowering as the smile wilted. “Yeah. Just... fine. Friends are... cool,” he muttered to himself as he trotted away.

Chapter 4: Water Lord

View Online

Icepick let out a light yawn as she stared out over the dark waters. It was cold and the unicorn wanted to be back inside the ship, wrapped in her blankets. Instead she was stuck on watch duty. She grumbled darkly as she looked towards the other ships in their fleet. Almost a dozen of them, all with their own watch guards. She couldn't much see the point.

This was a full Water Nation fleet and they were less than an hour from Harmony, anypony who wanted to attack would have done it ages ago. Now would be suicide. Heck, they'd be meeting with the representative of Harmony at any moment most likely.

She huddled tighter into her coat. She didn't understand WHY their arrival had to be timed for night. Even if they did have a special bond with the moon, it was bloody cold and she wanted to be warm. She almost envied the fire benders and their precious sun at this point.

A small blue light in the distance drew her attention, making her smile as she watched it. Finally, the welcoming ship from Harmony. Hopefully a full fleet. That meant hot drinks and lots of rest inside. And warmth, precious warmth.

Their ship was at the front, so she leaned forward to try and get a proper view of the blue light. “Helloooooo?” she yelled out over the waters.

“Mwa ha ha ha ha!” a voice rang out, chilling her to the core. “Such foalish ponies, coming to my territory! It's time you learned what the Great and Powerful Trixie is capable of!”

Icepick stared at the light. “What?” She let out a shriek and stumbled back as a whip of water came flying at her, missing by inches. There was a soft thump from the helm and she looked up.

Her blood turned cold as she stared at the figure.

She'd heard stories, even seen pictures of this mare. But there was no way it was possible. A blue unicorn in a great blue star-speckled hat and cloak. Her entire body seemed to glow, her strange blue tiara cutie mark especially. Still, the pony seemed fuzzy, as if she was being looked at through a smudged glass. But there was no mistaking who she was.

The once powerful tyrant of the Water Nation, second only in power to Nightmare Moon. Trixie.

------

Diamond groaned as she tried to fix her mane. “Is all this really necessary?” She was wearing brown armor across her hooves and side. It was very frustrating because her wings were finally at full size after the last month and she was, barely, able to fly now.

Well, it was more like falling with style. And a bit of gliding. But so long as she air bent downwards a lot she could get a bit of impressive air. She was learning. However, with the earth bending armor on, flying was a dream. “I'd have rather have worn a Wonderbolt uniform.”

Prism sighed and shook his head as he sat on the beach, wearing his own Wonderbolt uniform. “Hush, Avatar. This is an important meeting with the Water Lord. Your first meeting. You are a member of the Earth Kingdom, so you represent them. After the initial meetings are done, you can go.”

Diamond grumbled darkly, but didn't say another word. Every member of the council was here now, minus the fire bender representative who had still yet to be chosen. Prism and Ironwing were here as well, though only due to being children of friends of the Water Lord. Of course, the meeting was taking place on the island and since the two lived there, they could hardly be told to leave. The representatives of the Shadowbolts, Moon Raisers and metal benders were there as well.

They were all done up in their finest garments, representing their races and cultures. Diamond, unfortunately, was finding her own quite annoying. She'd had to choose something combat ready, but without her earth bending it didn't feel like she was at all ready to combat anything in such armor.

“What's that?” Ironwing asked, his hoof pointing up.

Diamond squinted, trying to see what the stallion meant. After a few moments she was able to barely make out the flying pegasus. He was wearing the blue armor of the Water Nation.

And he looked panicked. He dove down towards them, skidding along the ground. “Ambush! Trixie! Water Nation fleet!”

“What?” Blaze called out, staring.

“It's Trixie! She's here, she's attacking the fleet!”

Diamond felt a shudder go through her body. She turned back, but before she could she felt a pair of hooves on her side. She let out a yipe as her armor was torn off. “Hey, don't-- Vinyl?” she asked, confused as she stared at the water bender representative.

“Talk less, move now. FLY!” the mare yelled, giving Diamond a shove.

The alicorn was about to object, but then realized what was going on. She yelped and galloped off, taking to the air with a burst of air bending directed down. Her wings spread out and she haphazardly wobbled through the air, barely managing to keep above the water but slowly making her way up with heavy flapping of her wings and generous application of air bending. When she looked down, Octavia and Vinyl were already ahead of her, racing across a bridge of water the latter had made. Ironwing, Blaze and Prism zoomed past her, nearly knocking her off track as they raced towards the Water Nation fleet.

She just wished she knew who this Trixie was. She remembered hearing about a mare by that name in Twilight's notes, but there was no way it could be the same pony. That was impossible, she was sure of it.

------

When Diamond arrived on the scene, she couldn't help but gape. The fleet had been beached, shoved onto the shore and tipped over, struggling desperately to help free those who were hurt and get those out of the water who were still stuck in it.

Namely because of what was going on in the water. A blue glowing unicorn and two white unicorns twirled along in the river, creating pathways of ice that they used to skid along with ease as they directed attack after attack at each other. The blue unicorn was powerful, launching out great waves of attacks, striking with enough ferocity that it was easy to see how the ships had been beached.

But the two white unicorns seemed almost as if they were dancing, nimbly moving aside or redirecting the attacks, before launching their own much smaller, but more precise strikes. She let out a yelp as a skewer of ice sailed into the blue unicorn.

And right through her, not leaving a mark. “W-what?” Diamond said, her mouth falling open. Then she saw the mare's cutie mark. Her eyes nearly bulged as she dove down at the pony, rage blinding her.

That was HER cutie mark! 'HOW DARE SHE!' She flew down and sent a powerful burst of air at the mare.

Who jumped back and then thrust her hooves up. A pillar of ice flew up.

“Oh bu--” The pillar slammed into Diamond, sending her flying through the air. She hit the shore and bounced three times before coming to a complete stop.

“Diamond? Diamond, are you okay?” Blaze asked as she landed by her.

“Did... did anyone catch... catch the... name on that a-air ship?” the alicorn asked weakly, her head rolling from side to side. “I... I think I'm g-gonna sue...”

“Yeah, good luck with that. I think we're going to need you for this.”

The Avatar groaned and shook her head, before slowly rolling to her hooves and standing. She wobbled a few feet, before nodding. “Right! I'm here. Mostly. Kinda. What's going on? Who is that?”

“Trixie. Sorta. Those two fighting her are Water Lord Rarity and Princess Sweetie.”

Diamond nodded. “They're... good,” she said softly. She'd never seen a pony fight like that as they dove and skimmed along the water, almost as if they were dancing.

“I'd hope so. They're two of the best, now. Back in... anyway. Moving on. They're mostly a distraction for now. That's not really Trixie. Their attacks are going right through it.”

“What does that mean?”

“It's a spirit. You need to go to the spirit world and stop it.”

“W-what? Me? But I don't have my potion! I can't do it without the potion! I need the potion!”

“We don't have time to get the potion, we need you to get in the Spirit World, now!”

“W-well, why don't you?” Diamond asked softly. “It's not a... I-I can't be the only one who can do it, I mean, there's--”

“Diamond!” Blaze snapped, making the Alicorn stand at attention. “This thing is dangerous. We need you to fight it and we need you to do it, now. Are you going to help, or are you going to stand there?”

She chewed on her lower lip, before sighing and giving a little nod. “R-right. Sorry. I just... I'll do my best.”

“Good. Hurry. I don't know how long they can hold up.”

Diamond glanced back towards the fight, before slowly sitting down. She slowly closed her eyes and tried to push out the thoughts of the fight on the river. She took slow, deep breaths as she tried to focus on the Spirit World. On lifting her body up, out of its shell and going to the world beyond. A world unlike theirs, where the rules didn't apply correctly.

It didn't seem to be working, but she tried to ignore that. She continued to breath, slow and steady. She could do this. She would do this.

She felt herself lifting! She was moving, she was--

Being dragged off. Her eyes opened and she let out a yelp as she realized Blaze had her grasped in her hooves and up in the air. Trixie was standing over where she had been, spikes of ice impaled on the ground. “Gahhh!” the alicorn shrieked.

“Diamond, I thought you were in there?”

“No, I'm not! What in the world, I thought they had it!”

“The moment you started going all meditation, she came after you! Here, catch yourself!”

“Huh?” Diamond asked, moments before she was dropped. She spread her wings out and steadied herself. “I don't think it's going to work!”

“Well... we'll think of something!”

Shards of ice were hurtled at Trixie from the two mares, though the spirit merely moved aside or let a few go through her. Diamond frowned, before pulling in her wings and diving down at the mare. She was on land now, so there was less water. But the unicorn still managed to gather what was near her and form a whip with it, swinging it at the alicorn.

Diamond blew out hard, forming a burst of wind and slowing her descent, as well as scattering the whip. She landed on the ground and raced at the mare, ducking down under a second strike of water. She spread her wings out a few inches, balancing herself perfectly before leaping up and over the mare.

“Stand still, Avatar!” Trixie yelled.

“Buck yourself!” Diamond yelled back as she landed. She stepped forward and bucked the other mare right in the cutie mark.

There was a moment's pause before the world exploded. Diamond shrieked as she was sent hurtling forward, flipping head over hooves, before crashing into the ground and skidding a few feet. “Owwwww... why... me?” Even worse, her flank was burning now, too. She slowly dug her head out of the ground and turned back.

Trixie was gone. All of her was gone. Then her eyes were drawn to her glowing flank. Her cutie mark! The green was mixing with the blue, making a cyan cutie mark on her flank. She held her breath and slowly looked towards the water. She reached out a hoof and tried.

The water shot up into the air, making her shriek. “MY WATER BENDING IS BACK! MY WATER BENDING IS BACK! I'M A WATER BENDER AGAIN!” She then thrust out her hooves, trying to form fire. Nothing happened. She stomped her hoof to make a stone block shoot up, but again nothing. She took a deep breath before shrugging. “You know what? Two is better than one.”

“Avatar, are you okay?” Prism asked before he landed by her. “We saw a flash.” He let out a yipe as she raced forward and hugged him.

“I've got my water bending back! It was in that... fake Trixie!”

“That is quite the interesting development,” the elder of the white unicorns said as she trotted forward, smoothly moving to stand before the alicorn. Despite the fight, she seemed completely calm and still, not a hair out of place and barely breathing heavy. How she maintained it the Avatar couldn't guess. “Avatar Diamond Tiara, I presume? I am Water Lord Rarity.” She bowed her head politely. “I was a good friend of your previous incarnation.”

Diamond nodded and opened her mouth, before pausing. She... couldn't believe it. She'd heard of Rarity, but the mare had to be old enough to be her mother. Yet she still looked so young, and beautiful, with barely the slightest wrinkle. “O-oh. Nice to... nice to meet you,” she said softly before clumsily bowing.

“This is my younger sister, Princess Sweetie Belle,” she said before motioning towards the younger of the white unicorns, who bowed. “Alas, my eldest child, Princess Colgate, is back at home, monitoring the nation while I am away. But allow me to introduce my younger twins, Princess Celestia and Prince Luna.” She motioned towards two ponies who could have easily been clones of each other, except one had a white coat while the other had a dark blue coat. Their manes glimmered like silver and they looked every bit as beautiful as their mother.

Diamond suddenly felt severely self conscious. “Nice to meet you,” she said softly. “We should probably pull back to the island, in case... any more of... whatever that was, happens.” She couldn't help feeling a little giddy though. Her water bending was back, another attack like that might give her back her fire bending or her earth bending.

“What an excellent idea,” Rarity said before looking back. “I'll have the soldiers--”

“I'll take care of it, get everypony working,” Sweetie said quickly.

“What? But--”

“Please. You have a lot to discuss with the Avatar, I can handle a bit of damage control and tend to the wounded. Go, go.” The young mare shood her away.

“Very well. Avatar, shall we?” Rarity said before turning and trotting down the river bank.

Diamond nodded, following after the mare who somehow managed to seem so calm and dignified despite what just happened. She wished SHE could do that.

------

“Hmmm,” Rarity said as she gently tapped her hoof to her chin and looked into her tea. “This... is quite interesting. Regaining your bending like that is... quite unique. Whoever has them now must be very powerful and tied closely with the Spirit World.”

“Have you dealt with the Spirit World before?” Diamond asked softly.

“A little, yes. My... aunt was far more adapt at it than I was. A few of our higher level mages can enter as well, but it is difficult. Twilight was always the best at it and even she developed it later in our journeys. But we did face a creature like that Trixie, as well. Once. Though at the time it was a giant bear. Ironically, it was Trixie who commanded the creature.” A frown came over her face. “And when we defeated the bear, we believed Trixie was gone forever. It... seems we may have been wrong a second time.”

Diamond nodded rapidly. “So you think she has my cutie marks?”

“It is possible. Trixie was...” Rarity rubbed her chin. “Interesting. Very, very interesting. I knew her before her initial fall. She was... cruel and twisted. A monster. She reveled in hurting others and tearing them apart, proving her superiority over them. I was... sadly... disabled for much of her second reign, but judging by what the others have told me, she was no less cruel in her second incarnation. Especially with the power of Discord flowing through her.”

“So you think she's returned?”

“It is possible. We never did find out what happened to her. I'd always hoped she'd met her end in the Badlands. But, as this was a creature of spirits, perhaps she has merged herself with the Spirit World and now she is a spirit. I... tremble to think of the destruction she could cause there.”

Diamond nodded. “Well... I guess I have a second reason then.”

“Hmm?” Rarity asked.

“Oh, err...” She glanced over to Sassy, who looked just a tiny bit furious enough to spit. “I'll be heading to the Badlands shortly, in order to see if I can uncover any connection with Twilight, my previous life. I need to know what happened to her and find out if there's any way to... well, fix our connection.”

Rarity blinked a few times before giving a nod. “I see. Well, that is quite the interesting development,” she said before taking a sip of her tea. She then glanced towards the other gathered ponies. “There is no need for silence, feel free to add in your own thoughts. I represent the new Water Nation, we are no longer to be feared.”

“HOWWWWWW?” Vinyl asked, finally.

“Hmm? How what?”

“Seriously, there's like... three wrinkles on you. No pony ages like that. I saw what you'd been through. Come on, mare to mare, you've got to tell me your secret.”

Rarity chuckled, a hoof coming to her lips. “Oh, Miss Scratch, always the kidder. I assure you, I was just lucky.” She then paused and her eyes narrowed. “Not the... luckiest in our... group I'll attest... darn you Pinkie...”

“I think what my cohort MEANS to say,” Octavia said with a bit of annoyance. “Is we've, for the most part discussed this with the young Avatar. We've spent many, many hours discussing it, but have yet to have come to a conclusion and have decided to leave the decision in the Avatar's capable hooves.”

Diamond couldn't help but feel a little proud. Octavia had called her capable.

“But perhaps with this new attack, it would be best if she stay here,” Blaze said suddenly.

“W-what? But you said you were okay with it!” Diamond said quickly.

“I was. But this... thing was dangerous. If Trixie is involved, there's no doubt she'll be coming after you, Diamond. Going to the Badlands is just what she'd want. You'll be vulnerable there.”

The alicorn closed her eyes and shook her head. “No. I need to go, now more than ever. If Trixie is out there... I have to find out what happened to Twilight. I have to face her, too. She may be the very thing holding my connection to Twilight back. I can't just hide here.”

“I agree,” Rarity said suddenly, drawing a soft gasp from the group. “To both sides, oddly. It is too dangerous to go, Avatar. But you can't not go, now can you?”

“Err... yes? No?” Diamond said in confusion.

“As such, I will offer what assistance I can. Celestia, Luna?” she called out, glancing back to her children. “Would you like to do your mommy a favor?”

“Keeping the Avatar alive would be an honor,” Luna said with a nod.

“Besides, I've always wanted to kick Trixie's flank! I just never thought I'd get the chance,” Celestia said with a chuckle.

Rarity nodded, then glanced back to the Avatar. “If you will accept the help of the Water Nation, of course? I assure you, my children are both fine benders in their own right.”

Diamond nodded. “E-err... o-of course. I don't see why not.” She was starting to lose track of just how many ponies were going on this trip after all. “We'll be leaving in a few weeks. Tomorrow Industries will be funding the incursion and a ship is being prepared as we speak. After next weeks demonstration, it should be prepared and we'll be good to go.”

“Delightful,” Rarity said with a small smile. She paused and then looked back, glancing over the assorted representatives. “Would... you all allow us a moment alone, please? I'd very much like to discuss something private with the Avatar.”

“What? Why pony want talk with alicorn?” Rover asked, the dog stomping a paw. “Pony plotting against city?”

Blaze coughed into her hoof. “Need I remind everypo... everyone, that Water Lord Rarity was once one of Twilight's closest friends? I believe she can be more than trusted. Come along.” She turned and walked out from the room, the others slowly drifting out after her a moment later.

Once the room was empty, Rarity turned towards the Alicorn. “Child...” She took a slow, deep breath. “To... be honest, I'd hoped we'd never meet.”

“I'm... sorry?” Diamond said softly.

“No, it's not that. You are just... if you are here, it means that there is truly no chance that my dear friend is still alive. We held out for many years that she would come back.” She put a hoof to her forehead. “If only the Water Nation hadn't needed me so, perhaps she would have invited me and...” She closed her eyes again before taking a deep breath. “I... am thankful for this opportunity. If... you can discovered what happened to our dear, lost friend, it would mean the world to more than just you. All of us she left behind have... wondered. Always wondered what happened to her. She was quite the mare, Twilight. Brave, strong, impossible to deter. Wise. A bit.. anti-social at times, but her heart was in the right place. If you are even half the pony she was, I know the world, and this mission, will be in capable hooves.”

Diamond blushed. “T-thank you. I think.”

Rarity smiled before reaching out to put a hoof over hers. “Do not be afraid, child. I'm sure you're still confused about a lot of things. Heaven knows Twilight barely knew what she was doing half the time, but she pushed forward and got done what needed to be done. I know you shall, too.”

The alicorn's eyes widened. “W-wait, she did? But I thought... I always thought all of this came so... easy to her.”

“Oh, heavens no. Her journey was rife with trouble, danger and...” Rarity gave a sigh. “All manner of horrible encounters. Many of which, I am sad to say, I was the cause of. I don't know what stories you've heard, but Twilight did not always win, did not always have the answers and was most definitely not perfect. What she was, was persistent. She knew the world needed to be fixed and she never, ever gave up on trying to fix it. Even when it hurt and almost killed her, she would stand against all the forces of the world to try and set it right. Even when it DID kill her, she never gave up. I... do not know what life has in store for you and I couldn't begin to imagine the dangers you will face.” She squeezed the hoof slightly. “All I can tell you is never give up. You are the Avatar and the world depends on you. You don't need to be perfect, you don't need to fix every problem in the world. As long as you keep trying and keep your friends close, I am sure you'll succeed and right whatever wrongs the world has in store for you.”

Diamond gave a small, weak nod. “Thank you. I... honestly... I have failed quite a few times. I--”

“We all make mistakes, dear. I know that more than anypony. But do not allow them to hold you back, Twilight... rarely did.”

“Rarely?”

“All of us deserve our little moments to grieve, child. Just always remember, you're not alone in your journey. The Elements of Harmony may be destroyed, but there was always more to friendship than just those.”

Diamond smiled and gave a small nod. “T-thank you.”

“Of course.” Rarity slowly got to her hooves. “I'd best go take a rest. After that voyage, I feel stiff as a board. I do so look forward to seeing more of this city. I'd love to see the fashions of Harmony. Good bye, Avatar. Until next we meet.”

The alicorn nodded, watching the mare go. She couldn't deny feeling a small, warm feeling in her chest. She wondered if it was those words, or a connection with Twilight. Either way, she couldn't help feeling stronger and more confident than she had before.

Chapter 5: New technology

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Diamond glanced towards the clock dangling over the entrance, a little worry starting to flow through her mind. Button was soooo late she was afraid he'd miss the whole event.

It had been a few days since the arrival of the Water Nation and, fortunately, the attack had left nothing more than a few broken bones. Noponies had been killed or seriously hurt, though quite a few had been hospitalized. Diamond couldn't help being thankful for small miracles. Lots of behind the scenes politics were happening, but she wasn't privy to that.

What she was privy to was the fun stuff. Well, 'technically' fun stuff. While not necessarily fun in application, a party was supposed to be fun. She was sure. The stadium had been redone into a massive ball room temporarily and just about every noble family from the city were here, as well as most of the council members and their families.

Acrylic and Silver were already here, of course. As was Octavia. The latter had told her Button would be here soon, as he was just getting ready.

That was over an hour ago. He was so incredibly late she wanted to smack him upside the head. If he was much later, Rarity would take her family and go. She took a deep breath.

Well, his loss then. She trotted over to Silver and Acrylic, who were talking over by the snack table.

“Assuming all goes as planned, our new project should be quite the new revenue stream for us,” Silver said casually. “It's not quite what we're known for, but with all of our testing on magic and its containment and storage, this new device was bound to be created.”

“Are you sure it's safe? All that... magic sounds dangerous.”

“Of course it's safe. Illusionary magic is one of the safest types of magic, you know. We're sticking to the visual spectrum for now, though. We're hopeful in the future we'll be able to store sound and even smell at the same time. We can already send it fair distances, but storing it long term is proving to be a bit more difficult.”

“How about touch?” Acrylic asked with a cocked eye.

“That'll be far more difficult. After all, that would be an application of physical force and far, far more dangerous. We're not sure we'll be willing to take the liability that it could raise. Perhaps someday in the future. Still, the revenue streams would likely be more like revenue rivers at this point. We estimate within five years, everypony in the five kingdoms will want one of the home models. They're amazing, only taking up about one large room. That isn't even mentioning the military applications.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Diamond asked as she stopped behind Silver.

“Ah! Diamond!” the mare said before turning around and smiling to her. “Just discussing Tomorrow Industries upcoming press release with Acrylic.”

“What's that thing you were talking about?” the alicorn asked, before putting on a small pouty face. “You haven't told me anything about it, why are you telling him?”

Silver chuckled. “Because Acrylic has been assisting me in a number of small projects, he'd have to know about them.”

Diamond's eyes widened and she glanced to the stallion, who looked off to the side, suddenly finding one of the guest's hats extremely fascinating. “Really? He never mentioned any of this to me.”

“I don't have to tell you everything,” Acrylic grumbled, his cheeks red. “I don't have to tell you anything.”

“Eesh, testy. So, are you two ready to meet the Water Lord?”

“I thought we were waiting for Button?” Silver asked.

“We were, but I'm not even sure he's coming any more. They're really nice, though. I'm sure you'll like them. Come on!” Diamond said before turning around and trotting to where the Water Lord and her children were standing, discussing something with Blaze.

The pegasus paused and waved to the approaching ponies. “Ah, Avatar. Is all well?”

“Of course. Water Lord, if you have a moment?”

The mare glanced over and smiled. “Of course. What can I do for you, child?”

“I'd like to introduce my friends. This is Silver Spoon, current CEO of Tomorrow Industries.”

The earth pony stepped forward and curtsied. “A pleasure.”

“This is Acrylic, son of Vinyl Scratch.”

The stallion stepped forward and bowed his head. “Delightful to meet you, Water Lord. My mother has often spoken well of you.”

Rarity smiled. “Truly? The son of Vinyl? I do believe we have met, though you were just a young foal at the time.”

His eyes widened. “You... knew me as a child? I don't suppose you knew my father?”

The Water Lord froze, the smile wavering slightly. “I'm afraid I do not. Your mother was always quite tight lipped of that whole affair, though I always had my suspicions. Still, you have obvious grown up to be quite the strapping young stallion. Now, allow me to introduce myself. I am Water Lord Rarity, and these are my youngest children, Princess Celestia and Prince Luna.”

The two younger unicorns bowed.

Rarity's eyes fell on Silver. “And the new CEO of Tomorrow Industries. I must say, I've always found your company quite impressive. Your creation of artificial horns and wings are positively fascinating. A... shame such technology did not exist when I first became the Water Lord.”

Silver nodded. “Indeed. However, the plight of the Fire Tribes have always been a great inspiration for my father, as non-bending earth ponies, my family has always understood the plight and trouble of those with... less obvious forms of magic.”

Rarity nodded. “Indeed. I must admit, I've often been impressed by the ingenuity of earth ponies. I would absolutely love to hear about what else your company has in the works.”

The mare chuckled and shook her head. “I'm afraid I cannot divulge that information, my father would be absolutely furious. But we will be having a reveal and small demonstration of our newest creation in a few weeks, if you'd like to attend?”

“I'm afraid I cannot, I truly must return home. But perhaps my children could attend. Celestia, Luna?”

The two bowed their heads. “Of course, mother,” Luna said quickly.

“If that is quite alright with you?” Rarity asked with that soft smile.

“My offer extends to them as well, of course. I must say I--” she paused and glanced to the right at the sound of galloping hooves fast approached.

Diamond blinked a few times and tried not to snicker as Button galloped towards them. He was in a great brown suit. Over that, he was wearing ceremonial earth garments, the greens and browns. She imagined he couldn't decide which to wear, so of course he wore both.

“Sorry I'm late, I got held up,” he said before he skidded to a stop, turning to the three ponies, a smile on his lips.

“Err... who are you?” Rarity asked.

“Oh, right,” Diamond said before motioning towards her friend. “This is Button Mash, another friend of mine. He's the son of Octavia.”

“Ah! Octavia's child, a pleasure to meet you. I'm afraid I didn't know your mother that well, but what I did know, I found quite pleasant. A pleasure to meet you. I am--”

“The great and beautiful Rarity,” Button said in the suavest voice he could, before reaching forward and taking her hoof, placing a kiss on it. “And these must be your ravishing daughters, Luna and Celestia.” He said before taking their respective hooves and mimicking the gesture he had for their mother, leaving them all a tad stunned.

Rarity blinked a few times, before shaking her head with a bit of red in her cheeks. “Mmmm. Quite the young charmer, I see. I never would have imagined Octavia to raise such a forward young thing.”

Diamond, meanwhile, just stared at him along with her other friends. Who was this pony and what had they done with the real Button? “Err, right. Well... um, yes. He's just... full of surprises.”

Button nodded and took a step back, before nudging Acrylic. “So, how do I look?”

That snapped the unicorn out of it. “Huh? Err, you look good. Why are you wearing two outfits?”

“I couldn't decide what to wear. Better to stick out than blend in, right?”

“... Well... you most definitely stick out.”

Rarity smiled. “Well then, I suppose it's best I leave you all to get acquainted. I still have some work to get done.”

Diamond blinked and then gasped. “O-oh, right. I completely forgot. Button, Acrylic, Silver. Celestia and Luna will be joining us on the trip, at their mother's request. I'm sorry, I should have asked sooner, I just--”

“That's more than fine,” Silver said with a wave of her hoof. “The more the merrier and all that. I'm sure we could use them on the trip. Actually... I did hear the most... interesting rumor about you two. That... ahhhh...”

“Yes, I am a fire bender, like our father,” Celestia said with a cocked eye.

“O-oh. I'd... heard it was... err...”

Luna chuckled, a hoof to his mouth. “Oh, no. I'm afraid while my dear sister shares the family colorations, I was the one gifted with water bending. Though I assure you, her fire bending is quite extraordinary. Perhaps she could even teach you a few things, Avatar. I hear you are quite talented at the art itself.”

Diamond cringed. “I... will admit I always preferred fire bending while I was training. Sadly, I don't have it anymore.”

“Really? Fire was your favorite? I would have assumed earth bending was,” Silver said with a cocked eye, before looking to Luna. “Err... if... you don't mind me asking. I'd also heard a few... other things. Namely... about your... grand mother... and you.”

Luna blinked, before sighing. “Yes, it is quite true. I do take after our grand mother in appearance. Depending on what rumors you've heard, they are not true. I do not have a heart of ice, I do not intend to overthrow my dear, elder sister and I only feast upon the hearts of foals when I am feeling particularly peckish.”

Celestia nodded. “And if you start calling either of us Nightmare Moon or Solar Flare, you will suffer. Luna may be patient with such things. I, on the other hoof, am not.” There was a light spark from her horn.

Silver shook her head. “Of course, I would never dream of such a thing.”

“You could eat my heart any day,” Button said quickly, drawing the gazes of everypony there. The only sound of Acrylic face hoofing.

“... Quite,” Luna said carefully. “Silver, was it? Do you mind if we call you that? To be honest, the need of constant titles can be... annoying. Feel free to call me Luna and her Firebutt.”

“Celestia!” the mare snapped, glowering.

“Of course. You may call me Silver.”

“And you can just call me Diamond, please,” the alicorn said. “I'd love it if we could all become friends.”

“That sounds positively delightful, Avatar,” Luna said with a smile. “And we look forward to attending this event of yours, Silver. Until then, however, we'd best meet with a few other ponies before we retire.”

Diamond nodded and the four waved at them as they went.

“Oh my gosh, they are so, so, sooooo hooooot!” Button said with a little sqwee. “Diamond, you are the best friend ever!”

“H-hey!” Acrylic objected.

“Especially Luna. I never really noticed water benders, but... wow.”

“HEY!” Acrylic snapped.

Diamond blinked a few times. “Err... Button, you know Luna is a--”

“Yeah, yeah, don't worry. It's fine.”

“Oh. Well, ummm... more power to yah,” she said, eying him. Odd, she didn't think he was into that.

Button hummed happily as he walked towards the snack table. 'Bah, I don't know what Diamond is so worried about. So what if Luna is royalty? She's totally cute and we'll be on a boat together for months. I've got to have some chance with her.' The smile slowly faded though. 'Unlike... some other pretty mare.'

------

Sweetie gave a soft sigh as she sipped her drink, glancing out over the city from the balcony. She tapped her hoof a few times and then glanced towards the clock. “Ten more minutes,” she muttered softly, before leaning forward.

After about six, she heard the balcony door open and the sounds of the party filtered out before it closed. “I'm so, so, so sorry!” Scootaloo said before she galloped forward, skidding along the ground for a few moments. “It's just been hectic as, well, you know.”

Sweetie nodded before the two moved closer, giving each other a hug. “Of course. Being a council mare isn't exactly easy, I'd imagine.”

“Ugh, tell me about it. I'm starting to understand why you were always so up tight, miss general,” the pegasus said, panting slightly from exertion. “Though, nopony has really tried to kill me, yet.”

“They better not,” Sweetie said with a nod. “Heavens forbid what you'd do to them. Heaven forbids what I or Flowerbloom would do to them.” She gave her drink another sip. “So, I take it you've been well?”

“As can be expected.”

“After everything that happened, I worried--”

“It's fine, it's all fine. Hornclipper... well, his wings won't come back. But the replacement ones are pretty cool. You could come by and see him sometime.”

Sweetie blinked, before looking to the side. “Yeah... I... should. I suppose. I doubt he'd much want to see me, though.”

Scootaloo sighed and moved over, putting a wing over her back. “Hey, come on. You're not like that any more. No need to get upset.”

“Mmmm hm.”

“You're not. That was Discord's influence. Besides, you gave the Fire Tribes a chance when you were there. I'm sure in the long run, you would have--”

“Oh, I know exactly what I would have done,” Sweetie said before swirling her drink. “I would have crushed the world.” She downed the drink before smiling. “But that was then, this is now. There's a new world, a new Avatar and no Discord. So that's in the past. How has your son been?”

“Ugh, uptight as always. Been trying to get him and Prism to be friends again, but I swear he's the most stubborn pony I ever met.”

“Mmmmm hm. I wonder if he gets that from his mother or his father...”

“I was never that stubborn! I was just dedicated. There's a difference.”

Sweetie snorted, before glancing up. “So... tell me the truth. This new Avatar, do you think she can... do you think she'll succeed?”

“Succeed with what?”

“Nothing... everything. Sometimes I don't even know...”

Scootaloo sighed, before nodding. “She's a brat. Like, total brat. But... I don't think she's bad. Though I swear sometimes I wanna stick her in a mud puddle and hold her there for a bit. But she's growing fast. Buck, as Avatars go, I think we could have done worse.”

“Good. Have you heard from Flowerbloom in a while?”

“Alllll the time. She was actually down here a few months back, brought her stallion friend. Raintail or Cloudbutt or something.”

Sweetie giggled into her hoof. “Oh dear, another one? I swear she's had more coltfriends than she's had students. How's Applejack doing?”

“Still in complete denial. You should have seen her when Flowerbloom and her coltfriend were making googly eyes at each other. Managed to look at anything but them. Don't know why, though. I mean, she is Big Mac's little sister and I'm sure you've heard the rumors about him.”

Sweetie snorted. “Oh heavens, yes. What was the newest joke? 'In three generations, one out of three earth benders will be directly descended from the Apple Family'?”

Scootaloo nodded. “I've heard some ponies say one out of two. Dear heavens, do you remember when he was singing? I think his voice might have almost gotten ME pregnant.”

The unicorn broke into a little fit of giggles. “Now, don't let Flowerbloom hear you say that. It is her brother, after all.”

“Of course. But dang. If I didn't have Hornclipper...” She then gave a little snort. “You know, maybe I should introduce him to Ironwing.”

Sweetie snickered. “Oh heavens I would pay good bits to see that.”

Scootaloo nodded before looking out over the city, letting their chuckles die down. Finally, her tone turned serious a moment later. “I uhhh... I heard some more rumors about Dazzling. She's not...”

“No. She made another escape attempt, but she didn't come close to it. She's not going anywhere.”

“That's... that's good.”

“Mmmm...”

“Aw, don't make that face. I was just curious.”

“I'm not... upset. I'm just... thinking. Things have changed a lot since we were foals. Do you remember?”

“Of course.”

“Did you ever think it would come to this? You in Harmony, Flowerbloom in the Earth Kingdom and me back home.”

“No, not really. I mean, we were separate a lot, but I always thought we'd be Water Nation. But... I think this is for the best.” Scootaloo reached out and put a hoof on her shoulder. “After all, even if we're not all together, at least we're all us, now.”

Sweetie nodded. “True. And there's nopony else I'd rather be.”

Scootaloo snickered. “I don't know. I might want to be Rainbow sometimes. But then, she is pretty awesome.”

The unicorn snickered before glancing back over the city for a few moments. “You know, we really must get back together again, soon. All three of us. We've all been so busy but... I think it's time. Do you think Flowerbloom would be interested?”

“Of course. If you want, I could send her a letter. It'd be nice to have the full gang together, rather than us just meeting one by one.”

Sweetie nodded, a smile playing on her lips. “Yes. Friends as good as us... well... we've gone far too long without having a big get together.” She glanced to her empty glass. “I think I'm going to go get some more punch, join me?”

“Always.”

The two turned and walked back into the party, the sound of lightly chatting ponies washing over them.

------

Silver took a long, slow breath as she stared at herself in the mirror. She could do this. She WOULD do this. Why in the world was she so scared? It was just a public announcement. She'd been through dozens of them before.

But her dad had always been there. They'd always been his announcements.

She shook her head and lightly slapped her cheeks. “No. Silver, no. You are the CEO now, this is your job. You do not get worried, you do not get anxious. You have this all under control.” She put her hooves against the mirror and leaned her head against it. “You are an extremely powerful and destructive spirit of chaos in a pony's body. You will NOT get worried over one tiny, insignificant public announcement. You've practiced this a hundred, thousand times. You've got this. You've. Got. This. You don't need daddy holding your hoof.” She then pulled back and smiled at her reflection.

She had this.

------

She did not have this. As she was driven through the city towards the city center, where the announcement would take place, she began to make out the crowds of gathered ponies. Thousands of them. All waiting for her announcement. Her heart started pounding faster and she felt sweat forming under her fur. None the less, she took a few slow, deep breaths and tried to calm herself. “You've got this, you've got this. You CAN do this.

“Miss, are you okay?” her driver asked.

“Fine, I'm fine. Just... a little anxious.” Last she heard, her daddy was still locked up, so he wouldn't interfere. She was really beginning to wish she hadn't moved her attack ahead of schedule to ambush the Water Lord. A nice spirit attack would be pretty swell right about now and at least if it went wrong then, no pony would know it was her fault.

She shook her head and patted her cheeks. “Focus, Silver, focus.”

Slowly the crowd parted for the vehicle, allowing it to slowly drive towards the stage. When it stopped, metal benders surrounded the vehicle and slowly pushed the crowd back. Once she had room, she pushed open the door and slowly stepped out, a forced smile on her lips. There was nothing she'd have liked more than rushing back into her vehicle and closing the door, locking the rest of the world out. But she'd be bucked if she'd do that. Slowly, she trotted towards the giant stage set up against one of the back walls. A few dozen feet in front of it a large tower had been constructed and behind it, a massive curtain and large cloth wall had been set up.

Everything was going well, amazingly well even. Not an ounce of disharmony or chaos anywhere. Yet she couldn't make her heart stop pounding. She walked up the steps to the stage, standing behind the curtain, and took a slow, deep breath.

“Are you ready for this?” Diamond asked, making her jump.

To Silver's shame, she felt relief as she looked to the mare. “Yeah. Just... a tiny bit of anxiety. That's all.” She glanced past the mare. Acrylic was by the edge of the counter, glancing out. Button was stuffing his face at the snack table, which oddly made her smile as she watched. “So, you all came.”

“Of course we came, that's what friends do for each other. You've got this, Silver. I'm sure whatever thing you've been working on, it'll be a massive success.”

“Y-yeah. A success.” Silver took a deep breath, forced a smile on her face, then walked out onto the stage. The crowd erupted with their cheers.

Of course, they loved her. After all, it was her company that was doing most of the repairs in the city and making sure supplies were being distributed correctly per the council's wishes. With proper application of good publicity, even her father's... misdeeds could be forgotten by most. She stepped up to the podium and smiled as confidentially as she could muster. She took a slow, deep breath before speaking into the microphone. “Hello ponies of Harmony!”

A cheer broke out from the crowd, enough to nearly knock her over.

“I'm happy so many of you were able to make it to this announcement. First, what I am sure you all should know and be excited about. The completion on the repairs of Harmony are almost complete. Within one month, you should all have homes and businesses returned to working order.” That cheer actually did knock her back a foot and made her ears ring. “However, that is not what I am here to announce.”

A hush slowly fell over the crowd.

“As anypony who has lived in this city can tell you, Tomorrow Industries has always worked to be the cutting edge in the technological field. We have worked tirelessly to make Harmony one of the most advanced cities in the world, including some of the fastest ships, trains and air ships. We have also worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi.” She spread out one of her metallic wings to demonstrate. “Worked tirelessly to create artificial bending.” Her metal horn glimmered for a moment and a small ball of fire flew off, exploding into the air. “At Tomorrow Industries, we always look to the future, but never fail to learn from our past.” She pointed a hoof forward and the little tower across the plaza began to glimmer. “And, sadly, as most of you have seen, our past has been on our minds too much lately. The last few months have been filled with pain and suffering, with families torn apart. Thankfully, due to the efforts of the Avatar and her friends, peace has once again been restored and we can look towards a bright future.” Suddenly, a great light shot out from the tower, illuminating the wall behind her. “And it is in this bright future that I wish to tell all of you that, once again, Tomorrow Industries has managed to crack the magic code and reveal the secrets of unicorn magic in new ways.”

Suddenly, the wall behind her came alive, revealing a color image of her.

“Now, I'm sure you're not impressed. You've all surely seen such things before, thanks to unicorn magic. However, this is new.” She held up her hoof, the image behind her doing the same. “For you see, this is our newest model. We have worked long and tirelessly to create a portable system that allows the user to record and play events on these special screens. Without a single drop of unicorn magic.”

A gasp slowly rippled through the crowd.

“Yes, that's right. We have refined the process to extents never thought possible. Now all ponies will be able to record and distribute their own moving pictures, without depending on the magic or memory of unicorns. Not only that, this technology will soon allow sound illusions as well, allowing both sight and sound to be transferred and recorded.” A grin formed on her lips as she looked over the crowd. Now it was time to drop the ball. “And within one year, we estimate that we will be able to send these sights and sounds along the magical leylines that run throughout our world. Meaning a pony in the Water Nation would be able to send both sights and sounds to somepony in, say, the Earth Kingdom, and everywhere in between.” The eruption from the crowd made the stage rattle as she merely smiled at them. “This is the future, my dear citizens. A world where we're no longer held back by the weakness of modern communication. A world where we can see and hear each other, no matter where we may be. A world where we can view the history of the world, as it's being made before us. No longer just hear it, but actually see it as it happens!”

There cheer and stomping hooves made her ears rattle, but she kept the smile on her face. “Now, for any questions?”

It took a few moments for the ponies to calm down enough for any of them to be heard, but when done she pointed towards a pony who raised their hoof.

“Has there been any news about Dr. Alicity's release or imprisonment?”

She barely managed to avoid sighing. Here was a new breath taking advancement in magical manipulation technology, and all they wanted to know about was her father. “Any questions about our new advances?”she asked, before pointing to the next pony and skipping over that one. It was technically rude, but she'd dealt with enough reporters to know that, half the time the only way to get through to them. Sure, plenty of the articles put her in a bad light, but she was the best friend of the Avatar and the face of the company that was setting the city back in order. There was only so much damage they could do.

It took nearly an hour before she nodded and waved a hoof for silence. “Now, it's time to draw this to a close. I appreciate everypony who took the time and energy to come out and see us today. As always, food and drinks are supplied by Tomorrow Industries and free of charge. Do enjoy your evening and have fun.” She then gave them a wave and walked away amidst the cheers.

The moment the curtain closed behind her, she let out a sigh of relief.

“You were amazing out there,” Diamond said with a grin. “You had them in your hoof the whole time.”

“I hope not, they were so sweaty I don't think I could have held a piece of gum,” Silver said with a soft chuckle. “Thank you, though.”

“It's true,” Acrylic said as he walked up. “I had chills listening to that. This new technology is really going to change a lot.”

Silver nodded. “In more ways than one. The militarily applications are spectacular. If we can get it set up correctly, then there won't be a need for special unicorn units to send these visual messages across the world any more. Imagine what the countries could do with that extra hoof power. The lives they could save without having to waste their magic on such things, not to mention the time saved not trying to find one of those ponies.” A frown formed on her face. “You... haven't heard any news about my daddy, have you? He hasn't broken out or anything, right?”

“It doesn't seem like it,” Diamond said with a grin. “Unless he left a doppleganger in his place.” She blinked and then frowned. “Again. But... he wouldn't do that a second time, would he?”

Silver sighed and face hoofed. “If he did, I'm going to kill him.”

“I must say, that technology is quite impressive,” Luna said as he trotted behind the curtain.

“Hope you don't mind, the guards just let us through,” Celestia said with a nod. “Being a diplomat has its advantages.”

Silver nodded. “Oh, that's quite alright. Would you like some--” A brown blur wooshed by and Button was suddenly in front of the two unicorns, holding out a pair of cups.

“Would you two like some... punch?” he asked with a saucy grin.

Celestia rolled her eyes and walked by him, but Luna took it with a smile. “Thank you, punch sounds delightful.”

“We came here to ask about the plans for the voyage,” Celestia said as she came to a stop in front of Silver. “While it's not that we dislike this city, we are anxious to get this journey on its way.”

Silver chuckled, a hoof coming to her lips. “The preparations are almost set, we will be leaving in a week. Most of the seats have been chosen, but we're still waiting on a few more. As well as our guide.”

“No guide has been chosen?” Celestia asked, cocking an eye. “That sounds... troublesome.”

“We are going to one of the most dangerous places in the world,” Luna said as he walked forward, sipping his drink. “A place even our country refused to tread during the hundred year war. A proper guide could mean the difference between life and death.”

Silver nodded. “Exactly. We were hoping for Zecora, but as a council member she can't really leave. She's working with the other non-ponies to choose. The Badlands are said to be... strange, in a manner similar to the Everfree Forest. We can't take it too easy while in such a place.” She then glanced to Diamond. “Besides, considering some of the crew, we need to make sure there aren't any opportune moments for them to kill each other, right?”

“Huh?” Diamond asked.

“Have you seen the newest roster?”

The alicorn face hoofed with a groan. “They changed it again?”

“Yep. And you won't believe which two pegasi are coming with us.”

“W--” Diamond's eyes widened. “Not... Prism and... Ironwing?”

She gave a nod.

The alicorn moaned. Then grinned. “Think you can assign them a room together? That'd be hilarious.”

“I considered it, but the vessel will be small enough without that.”

Diamond sighed as well. “I guess. After all those fights of theirs. They woke me up at two in the morning the other day! And... who knows, maybe if we're lucky they'll kill each other.” She then stepped forward and gave her friend a hug. “So... I'd best head home. Start getting ready. One week, right? Anything else I need to know?”

“Just bring whatever you feel you'll need. It's going to be a long trip, so pack light but comfortable.”

“Of course!” Diamond said before racing off. She could hardly believe it.

It was almost time. Soon they'd have all the answers they were looking for.

Chapter 6: Packing

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Diamond groaned at the incessant knocking. Finally, she had gotten the day to herself. Blaze was at work, Prism and Ironwing were out(killing each other if she was lucky). Luna and Celestia were staying on the island, but those two tended to stick to themselves so they might as well not have been here at all. Her packing was done, so now she was getting some well deserved rest.

So of course, some pony came knocking at their door. She grumbled darkly as she trotted down the stairs and swung it open. “Can I he--” She paused and stared. It was two wonderbolts. She definitely had not expected that. “I... help you?” she asked curiously. “Do I know you?”

The larger(much larger) of the two stepped forward. “Ma'am, yes ma'am! I am apprentice Wonderbolt Leadwing!” He had a gray coat and a black mane. He saluted smartly. “This is my cohort, True Breeze!” He motioned to the blue coated, green maned pony besides him, who waved feebly. “We are here to see Wonderbolt Blaze, ma'am!”

Diamond blinked a few times. “Errr... I... see? I uhhh... she's doing council stuff right now, I think. Can I ask what this is about?”

“Ma'am, yes ma'am! We have been assigned to serve under her for the time being, ma'am! And help aid in the restoration of Harmony, ma'am!”

Diamond blinked a few times and looked to the other one. “And you?”

“H-hi Avatar,” the stallion said softly. “It's an... honor to meet you. What he says is true. The Air Nomads wish to lend their aid and support during this trying time, especially with all the... damage that has occurred. While we are students, I assure you our training has been of the highest degree and we will aid this country in any way possible.” He kneeled politely.

“Ah. Ummm... that's... nice. Would you like to come in? There's some... coffee I think. It's probably a bit cold by now, but we can probably warm it up.”

“Ma'am, yes ma'am! That would be delightful, ma'am!”

“Please stop calling me ma'am.”

“Yes sir!”

Diamond face hoofed. She was too tired for this. “Just... keep it down. Blaze should be home later.” She turned and started trotting back upstairs. More Wonderbolts around would be interesting, at least. She wondered what drove the Air Nomads to have such interest now.

'Meh. It's probably nothing important.'

------

“Okay, have you got your sexy underwear?”

“MOM!” Acrylic snapped, his face turning red. “I don't even HAVE sexy underwear!”

“Oh. Right,” Vinyl said with a hum. “Wanna borrow some of mine?”

“MOM!” he shrieked again, his pitch going very high. “This is a serious, dangerous journey!”

“Come oooon. You're going to be on a boat for weeks with pretty mares and I want grand kids.”

“I am not going to... anything with the mares on the boat!” he shrieked.

“Fine, find a nice stallion. You can always adopt. But they have to take the family name!”

Acrylic face hoofed. “Please. Tell me I was adopted.”

“Nope, afraid not. You've got a little bit of Scratch in you.”

“Oh dear heavens. Just... just let me pack in peace, please?”

“Fiiiiine,” Vinyl said before walking out the room... she soon opened the door just a crack and peered inside before it slammed shut.

Acrylic sighed and locked the door. He then pulled out a second, identical bag. “Okay, real bag I'm taking, good. Decoy bag that mom will get into and replace half the stuff of, good.” He quickly got to work.

------

“Mom, do you think this is masculine enough?” Button asked as he held up a brown cloak.

Octavia just stared. “Why would it need to be masculine?”

“I'm gonna be on a boat with some of the prettiest mares in Harmony for like, months! It's my chance to stand up and really show I'm stallion!” he said proudly.

Octavia just kept staring. “Darling, you're already a stallion. You'll be fine.”

“But I need to look the part! Do you think maybe I should get some chest plates? Armored ones to give myself a broader chest?”

“Plates that big would just make it awkward to move,” his mother said with a sigh as she slowly packed his clothing into his bag. “The Badlands are a strange place with ever shifting weather, pack for that. Not for looks.”

“But moooooooom.”

“You will find the right mare eventually. But for now, just focus on surviving.”

“But--”

“But nothing,” Octavia snapped, making the stallion stand at attention as she turned her glare on him. “You are going to a place I would prefer you never even saw. You are an adult now, so I can't stop you. Nor will I try. But you WILL take this seriously. Do I make myself clear?”

He yelped and slowly nodded.

“Good. Now, bring your canteen. You never know where you might have to travel.”

He sighed and gave a nod, scooping it up and tossing it to the bag.

------

Silver took a slow, deep breath as she stared at the dozens of crates of 'equipment' that was being brought onto the ship. In one of those crates, Diamond's cutie marks were stored, waiting for the right moment.

She could barely believe the water one had worked so wonderfully, she was a little disappointed about how easy Diamond was able to retrieve it, but it did its task. It piqued the Avatar's interest, helped set her mind to the task ahead. Her hoof moved to her throat as she stared.

The avatar thought she was the only one with something to gain on this trip, she was wrong. The Alicorn Amulet was a true prize worth just about any price, and soon it would be all hers.

She then glanced up at her air ship. It was massive, larger than most buildings and able to house a few hundred ponies. It had dozens of specially made and protected balloons that were woven into the frame rather than dangling from it, enough cannons to fend off an army and could travel at speeds rivaled only by pegasi. Even lightning couldn't hurt it, there were so many lightning rods on it that it would be a one in a million chance of it actually hitting the ship, let alone hitting something important. It was one of, if not the, most advanced airships in the sky. A veritable flying fortress. Unsinkable.

Finding the right name for it had been difficult and taken her weeks, but now it stood clear as day.

The Promise would take to the heavens and be the herald by which she rose to power. And the Avatar would be there to help her every step of the way.

------

Ironwing grumbled darkly as he rocked back and forth in his chair. “I shouldn't be going on this trip,” he muttered.

“Honey...” Scootaloo said as she sipped her tea. “It was you or your father. And he's still not...”

“The artificial wings are fine,” Ironwing grumbled even darker. “I don't want to be on a ship with... them for months! I'll kill one of them! Prism, most likely!”

“Good, then bury the hatchet when you bury him,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “Really, you need to let this go. Besides, you're a good fighter, you'll be useful, and--”

“And there are better ponies who can do this,” he grumbled.

“And you have nothing else to do. Besides, you're one of the few representatives that both the pegasi AND bat ponies trust. Even if you're not a member of the Shadowbolts at the moment, a lot of them remember the things you did and have respect for you.”

“Why does Prism have to go, then?”

“Wonderbolt, one of the few we have that's a real part of Harmony. Come on, it'll be fine.”

“Ughhhhh,” Ironwing crossed his arms and just glowered at her.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Oh, stop your pouting.”

“I'm not pouting. I am glaring. There is a difference.”

“If you're going to be like that, I could always just tickle you. That's one way to--” The door slammed shut and she chuckled, a hoof to her mouth. “Running won't always save you, honey!” She eyed the door for a moment before sighing. “Dang it. Rainbow, you really chose the worst time to leave, didn't you?”

------

“Make sure you brush every day. And comb your mane, I know how you like to get bugs in your hair, but no. And wash your uniform at least once a week. Nothing spicy after sunset, you'll get stomach acid problems,” Blaze said as she followed Prism around the house.

“Blaze, I know. I know. And I know. Relax, I can handle this. I know how to take care of myself.”

“Oh don't even try that. You're just like your mother, one week on your own and bam, you'll be getting up at three in the afternoon, closest thing to an actual bath being when you cannon ball in a random lake. I expect my nice, sexy Prism home when you get back. Not the second coming of a tsunami.”

“I bathe!”

“Uh huh. One week away from me, and you'll go back to your old ways. I am not having that,” Blaze grumbled as she helped pack his bags. “Don't think I forgot about our times training together. I swear, it was the only time I ever saw both the student AND teacher playing hooky together.”

“I-I've matured since then!”

She sighed, before giving a little smile. “I suppose. As far as I know, you never played hooky with the Avatar's training. And I know you'll help keep her safe, even if things get rough. Still... it's sometimes hard to believe that carefree, wild stallion I married has gotten so...”

“Dependable?”

“Hmmm. I was going to say boring, but yes, depen--” She let out a shriek as he jumped on her.

“Boring? I'll show you boring! Rawr!” he yelled before nibbling her neck, one hoof reaching down to her stomach and tickling.

“EEEEEE! STOP THAT! I'M TICKLISH STOOOOOOOOP!”

“Please, do stop that,” Luna said with a sigh, making both pegasi separate with shrieks before they flew around the room once, landing on opposite sides of the room.

“Weweren'tdoinganythingwhatareyoudoinghere?!” Prism asked rapid fire as he quickly tried folding his clock.

Luna stared, eying the stallion as the clock soon submitted, the sound of broken metal and plastic filling the room. He then gave a soft sigh. “I merely came to inform you that my sister and I will be departing shortly. Do try to be... quick, if you please. We very much wish to be on our way.” His eyes turned to Blaze. “Though I would advise closing your door next time.” He then turned and walked out of the room, the door closing behind him.

“I can't believe that is Rarity's kid,” Prism mumbled softly. He then let out a yelp as Blaze tackled him, kicking the door shut as she flew by it.

------

Diamond let out a low gasp as she walked into the Tomorrow Industries grounds. The ship stood out like a giant flying fortress, the armor plating across its hull glimmering in the sunlight. She didn't take her eyes off it as she made her way towards the group of ponies near the loading zone. “How... how did you even make something like that?” she asked softly.

“Impressive, isn't it?” Silver asked, glancing back. “The Promise. The first ship of its type. Cost a fortune, but I give my personal guarantee that NOTHING will bring this ship down. You could strike it with lightning, launch a dozen fire benders at it, buck, even hit it with a tidal wave and it would survive.”

The Avatar still couldn't shake a small feeling of dread as she stared at it. Something was wrong. She just couldn't place it. None the less, she grinned. “It's amazing. How many ponies can it hold?”

“It requires a crew of fifty to properly maintain, can house five hundred. Or... three hundred and one well sized dragon,” Silver said with a wide grin.

The alicorn froze. “Wait, a dragon? What do you mean a--” Her eyes went wide. “We're... going to the Fire Tribe lands?”

“We have to stop by there anyway and it was a request from Water Lord Rarity. Now, if he'll agree to come, that's--”

“Oh my gosh! I'm going to be able to see a REAL dragon? This is the most awesome day ever!” Diamond squealed, before rushing forward and hugging the other mare.

Silver blushed, nodding. “I... I try. Would you like me to show you to your room? The uhhh... others should be arriving soon. We can go once they--” She paused, looking towards the entrance of the compound. “Oh no. Oh no no no NO. He wouldn't. He COULDN'T!”

Diamond glanced back and her mouth fell open. Dr. Alicity and Secretary were trotting towards them. She recognized most of the ponies escorting him. One was an earth pony with a red coat and a black mane, Copper Shield, the leader of the metal benders. The other was a unicorn with a blue coat and yellow mane, Tittering Splash, leader of the Moon Raisers. Vinyl, Octavia, Zecora, Acrylic and Button were with them as well. Which only left a zebra, with a yellow and red coat.

“DADDY!” Silver screeched, making the alicorn fall back with ringing ears. “What do you think you're doing here?!”

Tittering stepped forward, before clearing her throat. “Ahem. As representatives of the council and leader of the Moon Raisers, it falls on me to announce the council's decision on the punishment for his crimes.”

Silver blinked, paling. “W-wait, punishment? But... he was... he...”

Tittering gave a little giggle. “I'm sorry, but please. Wait for the punch line.”

Diamond had a bad, bad feeling.

“For his crimes against the city in aiding and abetting the terrorist known as Meadowbrook--”

“Allegedly!” Alicity said quickly.

“Not NOW daddy!” Silver shrieked, the worry evident on her face.

“His crime has been decreed as such. On this journey, rife with danger for the young Avatar, Dr. Alicity must, and shall, aid the Avatar to the best of his abilities. Should his efforts prove sufficient, then on his return, his crimes will be considered cleared.” She then took a deep breath, before smiling. “And, as one of the ones who had to hold him imprisoned, I do believe miss Golden Shield has a few words to say.”

“... Nnnnnope.”

“Really? Well, okay. To paraphrase what her soldiers have been saying... ahem. 'Ha ha, he's your problem now.'”

Silver blinked a few times, before taking a deep breath. Then she glared at Alicity. “Daddy. You're behind this, aren't you? I had this handled!”

“Ah, my little buttercup, please, I merely wished to--”

“Don't you buttercup me! I can smell your hooves on this from a mile away! Who did you bribe? You really couldn't let me go on my own, could you? I know what I'm--”

“Silver, enough,” Vinyl said with a shake of her head. “Your father has nothing to do with any of this. As much as it pains me to say this, the doctor is...” She hmmed and then grinned. “Clever. Quite clever. There's no telling what you might encounter on this journey, so the council decided it was best you had every available resource in your hooves. Besides, he's not doing anything here aside from driving the rest of us bonkers, so we figured this was the best way to deal with him. Gets him out of our manes for a while so we can finish fixing everything.”

Silver groaned, then looked to Button and Acrylic. “You too?”

“We can always toss him overboard into a lake or something,” Acrylic offered.

Silver nodded. “I suppose. We will be flying over a few lakes...”

Alicity cringed. “H-honey, now, let's not be drastic...”

“Quiet, daddy. This doesn't involve you.”

“I'm... feeling pretty involved.”

Silver sighed, before glaring to them. “Fine, any other surprises?”

“Only one,” Tittering said before pointing back towards the zebra. “I would like to introduce you to Altena, your new guide. Hoof picked by Zecora herself and approved by the rest of the council.”

The zebra stepped forward and bowed her head politely. Diamond held her breath and waited. “A pleasure to meet all of you, I will do my best to help you, too.” The alicorn groaned. Rhymes. Not rhymes. Anything but rhymes.

“So is that everypony?” Diamond asked, glancing towards the ship.

“Just about. Still waiting on Prism,” Silver said with a grin. “Here, let me show you to your rooms.” She then glared at her father. “And YOUR cell.”

“Oh... my daughter, always such a kidder,” he said with a nervous chuckle.

The large group walked into the ship and Diamond couldn't help but gasp in fascination as she looked around. The metal glimmered with an odd, blue light. Long pipes ran through almost every inch and giant tubes filled with the balloons were set throughout the structure. “As you can see, there are plenty of internal compartments for the balloons as well,” Silver said as they walked. “Now, this ensures that even if by some horrible accident every external balloon was destroyed, as impossible as that may seem, the internal balloons will still keep the Promise afloat, albeit not forever. Why, the only way to force us to land would be if one of the larger internal balloons were destroyed, and they are coated in armor with only a single hatch to access them. There are also dozens of enchantments fueled by some of the most powerful mana crystals that Tomorrow Industries has available.”

“W-wow,” Diamond said softly, her mouth falling open. “How did you manage to make something like this?”

“Oh, this is just the first design,” Silver said with a chuckle. “Well... first... working design. Prototype, if you will. Once we manage to perfect it, we imagine vessels like these will replace all current air ships within twenty to thirty years. Pending some disaster, of course. Smaller, more mobile versions are already in use in some countries, the Earth Kingdom especially is fond of such things.”

“Are you sure it's alright doing this?” Diamond asked softly. “I mean, this seems like a lot of money to be spending on... me.”

“Your quest is more than worthy,” Silver said firmly. “Besides, we'll likely make far more than we spent once this journey is over. Trust me, I have quite a few plans.” She giggled into her hoof. One by one she showed the ponies their rooms(Diamond couldn't help but notice how much smaller Alicity's room was) until she came to a small grouping of four rooms. “Now, I may have gone a little overboard on these. But only the best for my friends.” She pushed open one of the doors. “This one is yours, Diamond.”

The first thing she noticed was it was pink. Very, very pink. Like her coat. The bed was massive, with the softest pillows, blankets and cushions she'd ever seen. She had a small armoire, as well as a desk, a few books and a personal tub. “W-wow...”

“I hope you like it.”

“I... I love it,” she said softly as she stepped inside.

“Wonderful! Button, Acrylic, if you'd follow me?”

Diamond blinked and couldn't resist following, though her eyes kept being drawn back to her room. Acrylic and Button's rooms were much like hers, except the former was more a dark blue while the latter was a light brown.

“Are you sure this is okay?” Acrylic asked, staring at the room. “This is... it's like living in a hotel suite.” He paused. “Is... is that a mint on the pillow?”

“Yep,” Silver said with a nod.

“Oh my gosh this is AWESOME!” Button yelled before he galloped into the room and jumped on his bed. “Ohhhh! Are these cloud beds?”

“Enchanted weave, of course.”

Diamond gulped as she looked back to her room. Not that long ago, she would have expected this. No, demanded this. But now... “Silver... I don't deserve this. I--”

“You're my friend. It's not about what you deserve,” she said with a chuckle. “It's about what I can do for you. After all, we're in this together, aren't we?”

The alicorn nodded slowly. “Y-yes. Thank... thank you.”

Silver nodded and turned around. “Settle in and unpack. I'll go make sure everything is ready. An announcement will go off when we're departing, so please stay in your rooms for now.”

“Okay,” Diamond said as she trotted into her room. There was a little piece of chocolate on her pillow too. She pulled it over and gasped as she took a bite, shuddering as it melted on her tongue. “O-oh...” She put a hoof to her cheek, shuddering. “Best. Friend. Ever.”

She then trotted to her bags and pulled out one of her books, humming softly as she tossed it onto the bed. She laid down besides it, flipping it open. “Oh Twilight. Let's see what new bits of wisdom you have for me today.” She gave a soft yawn as she read through the first line. “I know you were super smart and all, but you were really long winded. I swear you could turn a sentence like the sky is blue into a full page summary.” She then blinked and glanced towards her book bag. “Actually, I think you did.”

She was on the third page when a loud horn went off through the hallway. She paused and braced herself. Slowly she felt a little pressure, but it was gentle and very slow. Within a few minutes it was gone. “Huh. I expected... more. I guess that's one of the perks of having such a nice ship.” She flipped to the next page. “Twilight, do you think this is right? I mean, not like I can change it now. But going after you and all. Is it the right thing to do? Will I find anything good? Buck, will I find anything at all?” She rolled onto her back. “How long were you gone when I was born? A day? A month? A year? Ten years?” She nudged the book again. “Just... what happened out there? What was it you saw in the Badlands? What will you show me?”

As always, all she received was silence. However, after a few moments she felt an odd stirring in her stomach.

Chapter 7: Sick

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Button took a deep breath while he stood outside the door, a small bouquet on his back. He tapped his hooves nervously, chewing on his lower lip. He could do this. He would do this. He slowly reached out and tapped on the door.

After a moment it opened and Luna stared at him. The stallion blinked a few times, before glancing to the flowers. “Can I... help you? Knob, was it?” He sighed. “Are you here for my sister?”

“N-no! I'm here for you! I, errr...” He held out the flowers. “I, err, w-wanted to know if you'd... like to come to the poop deck with me. A-and it's... Button. Button Mash.”

Luna blinked, his mouth falling open. “... Mister... Mash. This vessel does not have a... poop deck. You are not quite familiar with the designs and terms of naval vessels, are you?”

“A... little bit?”

“The poop deck is...” He sighed and took a deep breath, before blinking. “Wait, you've come here for I?”

“Ummm... yes,” Button squeaked.

Luna stared, cocking his head to the side. “Are... you quite sure you did not come for my sister?”

“Yes?”

The prince rubbed his chin, eying the stallion for a moment. He then shrugged. “Very well, if you so wish I shall accompany you to the UPPER deck.”

“Hmmmm? Luna, who is it?” Celestia called from her room.

“Nopony you need worry about, dear sister. I am heading out.”

“Okay! Can you see about picking up some snacks or something while you're out?”

“Of course,” Luna said before stepping out, closing the door. His horn glowed as he picked up the flowers, looking them over. He then pushed the door open, tossed them to his sister and stepped back out. “Very well, shall we?”

“O-of course!” Button said, a great grin on his face. He couldn't believe that worked. This was going to be awesome. “So, how do you like the trip so far?”

“I must admit, it is far different than I expected. I have only ever traveled on water bound ships. Traveling through the sky like a bird is... quite thrilling. Though I will admit I expected more. It is smoother, though.”

Button nodded. “Oh yeah. I used to go on boat rides with Acrylic and his mom, but I hated it. I always got really sea sick and I'd spend half the time bent over the edge of the ship, throwing up. Really nasty and I just said that out loud, didn't I?” He face hoofed.

Luna stared for a few moments before a grin formed on his lips. “My my, Button, you have quite the way with words. Sea sick, however? You would not last long in our nation. We travel everywhere on the seas.”

“What? Oh, I think I'd get used to it, eventually. If I had to, I mean. So, uhhh... how do you like everything so far? Outside of the... Water Nation?”

Luna paused, before sighing. “I... will admit, I have found it quite charming. The... ponies are much more tolerable than in my home country.”

“Tolerable?”

“Indeed. They do not recoil in fear at the sight of me.”

“What? Why would ponies be scared of you? You're so pretty!” he blurted out, before cringing.

Luna stared at him, a stare that could have bent iron. But, slowly his gaze softened. “As... you might have guessed, my sister and I bear a striking resemblance to our grandmother and... grand aunt I believe is the term? Great aunt? I bear the appearance of the previous Nightmare Moon, who's name I share. Many ponies have good reason to fear that name and what it entails.”

Button cringed. “But... that's not fair. You seem really nice to me. Why would your mom... do that?”

He shrugged. “When we were born, I believe our mother saw a way for them to live again, so to speak. I did not know my grandmother well, but in her later years I hear she became a good, kind soul. But still ponies feared her for what she once stood for. Perhaps in giving me this name, she hoped I would live to turn the name and memories of our grandmother into something ponies would cherish, rather than flee from.”

“Oh. Well... ummm, if it helps, I wouldn't flee from you. Just to you!”

Luna sighed, but smiled none the less. “You have quite the way with words. Like a drunken timber wolf struggling desperately to find a tree in a pond.”

Button blinked a few times. “Thank... you? I think?”

------

Alicity hummed as he trotted through the ship, looking around skeptically. Secretary followed close behind. “Secretary, make a note of that valve. The grip isn't properly coated. Also, that pipe needs another coat, some of the paint is chipping. Let them know they need to inflate that balloon a little more.”

“Yes sir,” Secretary said as she trotted up behind him. “Sir, are you sure this is wise? Your daughter worked very long and hard on this vessel. I'm not certain she'll... appreciate... your aid on its matters.”

“Nonsense. My daughter is a...” He paused. “How mad?”

“Our room is effectively the size of a closet, sir.”

“Hm? Oh, it's fine. You don't mind sleeping in the chair, do you?”

She gave an exasperated sigh. “No sir.”

“Of course not. Now, don't worry about Silver. She'll get over her little tantrums quickly enough once she sees all the improvements I can make to her design. And--”

“DADDY!” the voice rang out through the halls. He looked up and saw her, the little mare standing at the end of the hall.

She looked furious, ready to tear him apart, her eyes narrowed into slits. “Just WHAT do you think you're doing?”

“E-errr... n-nothing, my little turtle dove. I am merely... a-admiring your... vessel,” he said softly, giving a little grin as he backed up.

Silver walked up to him and glared, staring him in the eyes. “And just what notes are you having Secretary take? Hmmm? It wouldn't be about my ship, would it?”

“W-what? No! No no, no. Of course not. No. I am merely... working on some side projects. Y-you know me, always... d-dreaming up something new. Eh heh. Errr... like... lime... binoculars!”

“Lime... binoculars.”

“Yes! Yes, of course! You see, binoculars... you can grow! Like limes! Secretary?”

The mare blinked and held up her notepad, displaying a picture of a tree with little growing binoculars.

“Ah. I see. Carry on then,” Silver said before trotting off. “We have a lab on the fifth deck, by the way.”

“O-of course, honey. We'll make our way there immediately!” he said before letting out a sigh of relief.

“She'll appreciate your aid, sir?” Secretary asked with just a hint of smugness.

“I... may have... misjudged, slightly. To the lab-or-a-tory!”

She gave another sigh. “Yes sir.”

------

Acrylic coughed as he flipped through his book, looking over all the water bending styles. Still, he couldn't help thinking about what his mother had said. After all, he was going to be alone on the ship for months with at least one very special mare.

After all, it was her ship. She wouldn't be going anywhere. Maybe he could get a tour of the ship, find out what was available on it. The two of them could have a long talk. Maybe once the sun set, the two could go for a little dance on the upper deck, he'd heard airships were very romantic for that.

Maybe he could even try--

A sudden pounding on the door made him shriek, tossing the scroll into the air. “What? Who? Who's there? What?”

“It's me!” Diamond called in.

He blinked and then face hoofed. “Ah. Of course. What is it, Diamond?” His horn glowed and his door popped open. He jumped to his hooves and ran to her side. “Holy... Diamond, what happened to you?”

“Do... I-I really look that b-bad?” she asked softly. Her face had taken on an unprecedented shade of green and she was wobbling slightly. He barely caught her before she fell over.

“You look horrible. Was it something you ate?”

“I... I don't know,” she said with a groan. “I was... I was fine a little bit ago. I was reading and then... then my stomach started to feel bad and then... and then...” Her head went over his withers and he heard, and felt, her stomach emptying itself. “Awww... bye bye... chocolate... sorry.”

Acrylic sighed. “You're sick, so I'll let that one slide. But I swear between you and Button, I get covered in all the fluids.” He looked down at the floor, paled and quickly looked away. He grabbed his trash bin in his magic and pulled it over. “Come on, let's get you to the medical room. Or... whatever this has. I'm sure it has... something like that.”

“If it doesn't, can you just toss me overboard? Please?”

He shook his head. “I'm afraid not. Mom would kill me if I killed you.” He chuckled. “Besides, you have wings. I don't think the fall would kill you.”

“Only if there is mercy left in this--” The rest of her words were cut off by yet another fit.

“Straight to the doctors. Then I am going straight to the showers. And if they don't have them, then I am going to build some myself. Just... wait here for a moment.” He trotted to Silver's door and knocked on it a few times. “Hey, Silver, you back?”

He received nothing but silence, making him shake his head. “Well, guess we're hoofing it again. Come on, it'll be fun.”

The Avatar answered by heaving into the can.

------

Ironwing and Prism glowered at each other from across the bar, each sipping their drinks slowly, occasionally their eyes wandering over the many blunt instruments nearby. The nearby staff gulped and tried desperately to avoid getting caught between them.

------

Celestia grumbled darkly as she flipped through her book, occasionally glancing at the remains of the flowers besides her. She was bored, but there was nothing to do. She'd been on hundreds of ships before, they'd lost their allure long ago. Even flying ones. The rooms came with a bunch of different books, though they were all random and she'd only grabbed a small romance one because it happened to catch her eye. It was doing little to alleviate her boredom.

She finally rolled out of bed and jumped to her hooves, stretching out. Well, she knew of at least one thing that might be pretty fun. She trotted out of her room, glancing down the hallways before trotting along. A grin formed on her lips the moment she saw the Avatar a few halls down.

It disappeared a moment later when she heard the retching noises coming from the mare. “What happened to her? Has she been poisoned?” she asked, glancing to the stallion besides her. Acid, she thought his name was. No, wait, plastic. Acrylic! Yes, that was it.

“Air sick, I think,” Acrylic said with a sigh. “Or food poisoning. Do you know where the medical... area is?”

“Nope. That's a shame, I was hoping to talk with her.”

“Oh, trust me, this is probably the best time to talk to her, she can't really talk back,” Acrylic said.

“Buck-- blerg... you... Acrylic...” Diamond said into her can. “Don't... mock the... dying...”

“You're hardly dying. Come on, Avatar,” Acrylic said as he trotted along.

Celestia sighed, but followed along anyway. At least it was something going on. “So... you're... Acrylic, right?”

“Mmmm hm. And you're Princess Celestia.”

“Just Celestia, please. My mom told me about your mom, she used to be pretty awesome, I hear. Great bender. You any good?”

“Not as good as my mother, if that's what you're asking. But I can hold my own. Why?”

“After we drop off Diamond, you wanna have a little fighting match?”

That made the stallion pause. “I'm sorry?”

“You, me, kicking each other's flanks. Or trying to, at least.”

“Why would--” He then sighed. “Ah, right. Because I was a pro-bender. I'm sorry, I don't do that anymore. I'm trying to learn how to more effectively normal bend. You know, ice, water, mist, all of water.”

“You were a pro bender?”

“Blargghhggghhhhh...” Diamond exhumed.

Acrylic shuddered. There was some splash to that one. “Yes, I was. Not any more, though. Diamond, what did you eat? How are you not empty?”

“I don't knowwwww...” the alicorn moaned. “It just won't stooooooop!”

“Is everypony okay? I thought I heard--” Silver called as she turned a corner. She then paused, her eyes going wide. “Diamond? What happened to her? She looks like... w-was she poisoned?”

Acrylic let out a sigh of relief. “Nope. Well, I don't think so. Either food poisoning or air sickness. Can you take us to the medical area? She... really needs to be looked at.”

Silver nodded. “Of course. Follow me. We have both an earth AND a water based healer on board, so it should be fine. Unless she's air sick, but what are the chances of that? I mean, she has wings. That'd be just silly.”

“Also, showers?” Acrylic asked softly. “There's been... splash,” he grumbled darkly.

Silver nodded. “I'll take you to those as soon as we drop off Diamond.”

------

Prism tried not to laugh as he eyed the Avatar. He failed miserably as he covered his mouth with his hoof. “H-how... how can you be air sick?”

“Shut up,” Diamond groaned as she kept her eyes closed, trying to steady herself.

“I mean, really? You have wings. You fly... sorta... all the time.”

“I would light you on fire if I could.”

“How did you not know?”

“N-never really... b-been on an air ship before,” she grumbled darkly, just trying to keep focused on anything but her turning stomach. Nearby a nasty smelling brew was being made by the doctor to help steady her stomach. “E-except with... Meadowbrook. Wasn't long... then. Either...”

“But you can fly! You have wings! What kind of alicorn gets air sick?”

“I blame Twilight...”

“How is it Twilight's fault?”

“Every time I go near one of these... urp... things, get this... jump in my stomach. I-it's her... I know it...”

“Well... I will admit, your past life did not have much... luck with flying, or so the stories go. But I hardly think she could make you sick.”

“Hate... her... for this... will find a way... make her suffer...” Diamond moaned as she rolled over onto her side.

He sighed and moved over, putting a wing over her. Gently, he rubbed her back. “Very well. If you wish, blame her if it makes you feel better. It will be okay, Diamond. They're making some medicine for you now.”

“I-I can't e-endure this for months...” she whined.

“You won't have to. No pony would ask you to. And, if worse came to worse, we could always walk the trip once we got to the Badlands.”

“N-no. Silver... worked hard on this ship... not... a-any other... ugh... way...”

He nodded and kept soothingly rubbing her back. “Of course. How about we focus on something else. Are you excited to meet the dragons? Have you ever met one?”

“N-no. Never... seen one before. N-never been to the... fire lands...”

“Oh, that's a shame. They're truly spectacular creatures. Some of them have scales that glimmer like jewels, not surprising considering what they eat. They can bathe in lava, in fact many of the eggs are hatched near them. The fire benders are the only ones who can properly raise them.”

“Mmmm... hmmm... and they... urg... fly?”

“Yes. Some of them can. The last hundred years have not been kind, but they are slowly beginning to repopulate. In fact, I believe the first new eggs were created about five or six years ago.”

“Mmmmm?”

“Yes. Granted, there likely won't be many eggs for another hundred or so years. But sometimes there are early bloomers,” he said with a chuckle. “Their population is increasing, however. And I think you'll like their current leader, Spike.”

There was another jump in her stomach and she groaned. “R-really?”

“Yes. He was the very Spike from the stories about Twilight. Now the eldest of all the living dragons, though even he is still not very old, in dragon years. Not even a hundred yet.”

She chuckled. “Is he... cool?”

“I hear he's kind of a nerd, honestly. But mom loved to tease him and when I met him he was pretty awesome. Big, too. Bigger even than the minotaurs.”

“That's... pretty big.”

“The Great Dragon was huge, as big as a sky scraper. They have a... monument of him and his skull is on display, watching over the city. Or at least, that's what they say. I don't know if its the real skull, or just a stone likeness of it. But its still pretty impressive.” He softly patted her back. “You will be okay, I promise. If we have to, we'll hoof it.”

“Can't... Silver worked--”

“Silver is your friend and she cares about you. She won't want you to be miserable on this trip.”

“Dangerous... too...”

“Everything is dangerous.”

“Done!” the doctor said proudly before holding out a small green cup. It bubbled ominously and smelled like mud. “Pinch your nose and drink it down. The after taste can be pretty bad, but choke it down. And no matter what you do, don't throw up.”

Diamond whimpered and took the drink in both hooves. Prism smiled and reached out, pinching her nose for her as she drank it down.

Her eyes went wide with horror. It tasted like moldy socks mixed with gravel and possibly sewage. Also, just a hint of eggs. It took everything she had to keep swallowing it down, but soon the cup was empty and a new one filled her hooves.

“Here, it'll wash away the taste.”

She downed the second cup much faster, the taste of mint over powering but still far preferable to that other thing. She then collapsed into her bed. “I don't feel very... very...” Her eyes closed and she lightly snored.

“Err... is... she going to be okay?” Prism asked softly.

“She'll be fine in an hour or two, probably sleep for a lot longer, though. Few days, at the most, depends how bad she has it,” the doctor said proudly. “It has a bit of a kick to it, but when she wakes up she'll feel a lot better. Won't be completely gone, but at least she should be able to eat and move about. You can head back to your room, if you like.”

Prism shook his head. “No, I'm her teacher. It's best I keep an eye on her for now.”

“Whatever you wish,” the pony said before trotting off.

The pegasus glanced down at the alicorn and smiled. “Don't worry, Diamond. We're all here for you and we'll keep you safe.”

------

Acrylic let out a soft gasp as he followed Silver into a small indoor arena. “How... why do you even have something like that?”

“Yeah, why would a ship filled with a ton of benders, including their teachers, possibly have an area designed for them to practice?” Silver asked with a cocked eye.

“Point taken. Also, smart flank,” he said with a grin. “This ship is pretty awesome, though. I can't believe you went to all this work for us.”

“Of course I would, you're my friends,” Silver said with a wave of her hoof. “Besides, this ship is supposed to be a moving fortress. Now, it's not quite as large or impressive as some of the things the pegasi can make, but it can be used by anypony, so I think it balances out. That, and it's a lot more durable.”

Acrylic nodded, before trotting to the opposite side of the arena. The ground was made of actual dirt and there were buckets and a water spigot. He took one and started filling it.

“Now, remember,” Silver said quickly. “Once you're done, gather all of the water up and drop it in the drain. We have a number of purification systems on board, so it'll take the water there. Got it?”

“Of course,” the stallion said before looking to Celestia. “So, I haven't fought very many fire benders before, but I--”

“Don't worry,” she said with a shake of her head. “I won't be sending lightning at you or anything like that. I'm looking for a sparring match, not a murder.” She smiled at him none the less. “Though, I do hope you don't mind that my... style is a tad unique. As far as I know.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Sadly, my father was... not quite able to give me many practical demonstrations. I've spent my life around water benders, so I've learned to pick up a few of their tricks. So don't fret about holding back against me.”

He nodded, soon having filled up three buckets of water, before turning to her. “Okay then. Ready?”

“Ready,” she said, before charging forward. He took a single step back, the water in the nearest bucket shooting into the air, before attaching to his horn and forming a whip. He slashed it at her once, aiming at her ankles.

To his amazement, she didn't even try to dodge it. As the whip came closer, instead she stomped her hooves down and a burst of flame erupted over her body and as the whip hit her, it instead sizzled and turned to steam. She then twisted around, sweeping her hooves out and sending a small tendril of flame at him. He yelped and lowered the water down, forming a wall of ice to catch the flame. More steam filled the air as he rushed at her, the other two buckets of water swirling up and around him. He formed a quick halo of ice around his body and charged her.

Flame coated the mare's body and she rushed at him as well, the flames searing and quickly evaporating the water of the halo, forcing him to take a step back. He stared, his eyes widening. “That's... a very interesting technique. I've never seen such a thing.”

The flames disappeared and she smiled. “Truly? It's... difficult, I won't deny. But it is powerful and one of the best ways I've found to fight water benders, evaporating their attacks. If you'd like, we could stop here?”

“I'd--” He blinked, before frowning. “No. You know what? This is what I've been looking for. A way to... fight actual benders.” He gathered the water that remained, forming a ball over his head. “This is something I need to learn.”

Celestia nodded. “Very well then.” She took another step back, the flame gathering on the tip of her horn. “Let's.” She sent her horn forward, sending the flame at him.

------

“Wowwwwwww,” Button said, his mouth open as he stared out over the edge of the ship. He swore he could see forever, the world looked like a great big map so far out. Not only that, it was all moving by so fast. They were already passing over the desert. “I don't think I've ever seen a ship move so quickly. This is amazing.”

Luna nodded. “It is quite the sight. Though I won't deny I would prefer something less... bright,” he mumbled as he shielded his eyes from the glimmering sands. “I can't imagine how the Fire Tribes can endure such temperatures, either. This heat is positively--” He paused as he realized Button was suddenly fanning him with a big, green fan. “Where... did you get that?”

“Found it!” he said proudly. “H-helping?”

Luna chuckled and reached out, putting a hoof to the fan. “Cease, the breeze from the moving ship is enough. Moving like that will only tire you out, Button.” He then looked down across the vast expanses of sand. “Though... it does oddly remind me of home. A sea of a different variety.”

“Your dad's a fire bender, right? Did he talk about this a lot?”

Luna blinked, then frowned. “No. His relationship with his... home was not the strongest. In fact, to many there he was considered a traitor. I imagine he still is. His relationship with my mother and his works of diplomacy did little to cease those questions.”

“What? Really? Why?”

“In the war, many ponies did horrible things for horrible reasons. My father did many things to maintain his power. However, according to him, my mother helped cleanse his heart of such darkness and, with time, create the pony we grew to know and love. But there are many who will not forgive and let go of the misdeeds ponies have done, regardless of what they do and how much time has passed.” He gave a soft sigh. “Regardless of what a pony suffers through, they will always believe a pony must suffer more.”

“Oh... what... ummmm...” Button coughed and looked off to the side. “I'm sure he's a great guy. I mean, I've met his wife and... errr...”

Luna smiled. “Are you familiar with the story of my mother? Who she was during the great quest of the Avatar?”

“Yeah!” Button said quickly. “Her story was awesome! Obeying the Water Nation until the right moment came and then, bam, striking out to help the Avatar, right?”

Luna chuckled, a hoof coming to his mouth to stifle. “Oh, if only. My mother's own tale of redemption was... quite a bit more drastic.” She then hummed and glanced to him. “For a hundred years the Water Nation was not a very nice place, Button. Our current rulers are now those many would consider traitors to their people, at one time or another. Much of the destruction and damage has been, to the best of their ability, stomped out. But there is still much that must be done.” He moved closer. “There are even those who suspect that my sister and I will mimic the histories of those we are named after and rise up against our eldest sister in a war for supremacy.”

“W-what?” Button asked softly. “O-oh... I... ummm... I'm sorry.”

Luna cocked an eye. “Mmmm. Knowing all this... do you still wish to pursue me?”

His cheeks turned bright red. “W-w-w-w-w-what?”

“Do not think I have not... noticed your advances, little stallion. They are... cute, I will not deny. But you are, as they say, barking at the wrong tree. It is a dangerous goal you have set yourself.” He then paused, before waving a hoof dismissively. “Though, I will not deny I am quite... flattered. I will not begrudge you your chance to try, if you so wish. But I imagine little good will come of it.”

He stared, his mouth falling open. Then a wide grin formed on his lips. “I-I'm willing to try! I'm really willing to try!”

Luna chuckled softly, before nodding. “Very well then, Button. Shall we watch for the approach of Fillydelphia, then? I believe we shall arrive in a few days.”

“Y-yeah. Let's... uhhh, watch,” Button said with a squeak as he turned and looked out over the side of the ship. Well, it wasn't a straight rejection, so at least it was better than Diamond's reaction.

------

Acrylic groaned as he rubbed the lotion across his burned skin. “Ow, ow, ow ow, ow,” he grumbled.

“You were really doing far better near the end, Acrylic,” Celestia said with a chuckle. “That was a lot of fun. Though you might want to talk with my brother.”

“Huh? Why?”

“If you're looking for applicable methods of water bending, he was trained by our mother and aunt. Now, while neither of us can truly compare to their abilities, those two are some of the best. He would be able to give you plenty of tips in regards to real world fighting.”

He nodded. “Thank you. So... ummm... how did I do?”

“Well...” Celestia coughed into her hoof. “Your ice control is extremely sloppy and not nearly cold enough. I was able to melt it far too easily. Using mist against someone like me was just silly and just using water was ineffective against my style.”

He nodded. “I'm used to pro bending. We aren't really... allowed to use ice bending in the arena.”

“That's stupid.”

“It's more about safety than fighting.”

“Again, stupid. How can it be called pro bending if you ignore half the stuff that goes into bending? That would be like a fire bender without lightning or a earth bender without rocks.”

He chuckled and gave a nod. “Yeah. That's... part of the reason I don't do it, anymore. I still have a long way to go before I can be a true bender. And you can't use lightning in the arena and earth bending is... well, a lot different, too.”

She smiled. “You are a true bender. Perhaps not a master, but you are strong. Don't let anyone tell you differently.” She then paused and reached out, taking a bit of the lotion and putting it on his face. “I am sorry for that last shot.”

“It hurts less than it looks,” he said with a chuckle. “I'm... going to get some rest. Okay?”

She nodded and turned away. “It was fun fighting with you, Acrylic. I'm hopeful we can do this again sometime.” She paused for a moment. “You have fought with the Avatar, yes? How good is she?”

“Diamond? About a tenth as good as she thinks she is,” he said with a chuckle, before sighing. “But... even then she's still pretty good. I know I tease her a lot, but she's gotten a lot better in the short time I've known her and she just keeps getting better. Heh, sometimes I used to worry that she'd even become a better water bender than me.”

She nodded. “Interesting. Thank you. Perhaps when she isn't sick, she and I can have a little match.”

“Ugh, do it before she can fire bend. Trust me. She'll burn you a lot worse and won't even feel bad.”

Celestia gave a light chuckle. “I'd love to see her try.” She then turned and walked out the door, trotting through the halls. On her way back to her room, she was surprised to find Luna as well. “Brother? Heading back already?”

“Yes. I'm feeling a little tired, all this travel is just... never pleasant,” he said with a shrug. “Where have you been?”

“Training.”

“Oh dear, I hope you didn't kill the pony.”

“Of course not! It was one of the Avatar's friends, Acrylic. Interesting water bender. Needs a lot of work, but he's still quite good. I can see that he's Vinyl's son alright, judging by the stories mom told us.”

Luna nodded. “Really? Perhaps Button and I should have a training match, then. I'd love to see how his style compares to the legendary Octavia. It should be simple enough to get him to agree.”

“Oh? Soooooo...” Celestia said, glancing off to the side. “You... do know he's flirting with you, right?”

“Indeed.”

“And you're okay with that?”

“Why would I not be?”

“Well... you know... because he's a... well...”

“A what, dear sister?”

“You know... an earth bender. Isn't that kind of... weird?”

“Our father was a fire bender and our mother is a water bender.”

“Well, yeah, but they were still both... you know... unicorns.”

Luna snickered. “Those prejudices no longer have a place in our nation, dear sister.”

“Of course not. But you know I worry about you. If the gossips hear about this back home, they'll--”

“Say nothing worse about me than they already do. Besides, it's not as if I intend to wed the stallion. Nor do I imagine he has any such intentions with me. I see no problems with having a bit of fun with a fun, delightful young stallion. Stars know you've done that often enough.”

Celestia shrugged. “Fine, fine, just looking out for you. I guess he is kinda cute. In a dorky way.”

“Mmmm hmmm, he is quite dorky. Still, he is a smart lad. He knows what he's getting into.”

------

Button mentally eeeeed as he laid on his bed, rocking back and forth.

He couldn't believe it, he had the go ahead to flirt with an actual princess! A PRINCESS! She was interested in him! They were going to get married one day and have a hundred foals and this was going to be the best thing ever!

Chapter 8: Manehattan

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Diamond groaned when the alarm went off. She rolled over and let out a shriek as she fell out of her bed. “Who? What? Where am I? What?” She then looked up. “Helllooooooo?” She slowly got to her hooves and nearly fell over, shaking her head. Her stomach felt hollow and a little jumpy.

“Ah, finally up?” Prism asked as he trotted into the room. He put a hoof to her forehead and grinned. “Feeling better?”

“Uh huh,” she mumbled as she looked around the sterilized room. “How long was I out?”

“A few days. Well, you've been in and out of it a lot. Don't worry, that concoction was pretty strong. How does your stomach feel?”

“A... little mild.” She looked down. “Sorry. I didn't mean to--”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. We all get sick sometimes.”

“... Did I throw up on Acrylic?”

“Okay, you have a little to be sorry for. But, I have good news.”

“Oh?”

“We've landed outside Manehattan now. Most of the others have already gone on ahead. The others are waiting for us, now. I believe Silver is working on some negotiations.”

Her eyes widened. “W-wait, you mean the dragons? They're--”

“Here. Yes. Do you want to meet them?”

Her stomach did a flip for another reason and she nodded, before stopping. “Can... I get something to eat, first?” she asked with a sheepish smile. “It's... been a while, I think.”

He nodded and turned to trot off, she followed closely behind.

“So... ummm... it's... I mean, I was... when I woke up, you were there awfully fast.”

“I've been sleeping in the infirmary until you got better.”

Her cheeks turned red. “Wait, really? But... why?”

“You needed somepony to take care of you, and I had nothing better to do. Silver wanted to, but she has a ship to watch over. The reason I'm even here is to keep you out of trouble, so I volunteered.”

“Oh... uhhh, thanks.” She gave him a little smile. “Sorry to be such a bother.”

“You being sick was not a bother, Diamond. Sometimes a pony just needs somepony to take care of them. Besides, at times you were almost cute.”

“W-what? Cute?”

“'Dadddyyyyyy, my tummy is all gurgglyyyyyy!'” he said in a mock Diamond voice.

“I... I didn't.”

“Oh, you did,” he said with the wickedest of grins. “I could tell you some other things you said, if you like.”

She put a hoof over her beet red face. “Please. Just... just let me fall of the air ship next time. Falling to my death would be preferable.”

He chuckled as he led her through the ship. They made a brief stop at the galley so she could grab a quick snack, before heading towards the exit. Soon they stepped out onto the exit ramp and she stopped. “O-oh, wow. That's... big,” she said softly.

The city of Manehattan was likely twice the size of Harmony, possibly even larger. The ship had landed just outside it and a massive wall surrounded it, keeping the entire city enclosed. Though she couldn't see the buildings themselves, she could make out the giant head of a dragon peering out over the wall. “Is... is that the--”

“Yes. The skull of the Great Dragon, according to rumors. Now, do you want to see the city first, or the dragons?”

“Dragons! Dragons dragons dragons!” she yelled with a squeal, before blushing. “I-I mean, if t-that's okay. The dragons would be... kind of cool.”

“Oh, the dragons are very cool,” he said with a chuckle. “The others will be happy you're awake, though. We agreed to wait until you woke up to meet with them.”

“O-oh. I'm sorry... I... didn't even think about... that.”

“You were sick, you weren't thinking of much.”

“R-right,” Diamond said with a small smile. She then paused. “This... dragon knew Twilight, right?”

“Spike? Of course. Some ponies even called him her assistant. Why?”

“What... uhhh... what if I don't measure up?” Diamond asked softly. “I mean... I'm not...”

He hummed for a moment, before shrugging. “Twilight was pretty amazing. But that doesn't mean you're not. You two were just... amazing in different ways. Now, if you're hoping he'll like you more than Twilight, not going to happen. But there's no reason for him not to like you.” He glanced over. “You've matured into quite the nice young lady, Diamond. In such a short time you've gone from a spoiled brat to a pony who actually cares about others and understands her limits. Usually.”

Diamond chuckled. “Yeah. Getting my face smashed into the dirt a few dozen times'll do that.” She grinned up at him. “But... thank you. So, where are the others?”

“Here and there. We won't all be going to see Spike, though. There are plenty of dragons here to see. But I imagine he'll want to meet the new Avatar and her friends, not to mention the children of Water Lord Rarity, so they'll be coming as well.”

“Oh. Where are they, then?”

“With Silver, most likely. Come on,” he said as he trotted towards the city.

------

Diamond couldn't help being over whelmed when she walked through the city. She thought the buildings in Harmony were tall, but the ones in Manehattan went all the way up to the great wall itself, as well as were packed so tightly together that the entire city was cast in a constant shade.

Not that it helped completely, the city was still extremely hot, but the sand was far from burning underhoof. However, some of the buildings were equipped with the strangest devices, great towers of ice that filled massive tubes, when the wind blew through them it made the building far cooler. A few dozen water benders still remained in the city and it seemed they had found their niche in this new world.

Silver was in one of the market buildings, negotiating with some pony. Diamond could only barely follow the conversation, but she was sure the pony wanted access to their artificial bending devices. They weren't the best, yet, but the development was well underway. Once they arrived, the negotiations only lasted a few more minutes before the group made their way to a small diner, Acrylic, Button, Luna and Celestia all sitting around one of the many tables and eating some strange green plant strips.

“What... is that?” Diamond asked softly.

“Cactus,” Prism said with a smile. “Want to get some? It's really quite sweet and moist. A delicacy in these parts.”

Diamond nodded quickly, her stomach suddenly growling in anticipation and making her blush. Even though she'd had a few things to eat back at the ship, her body was far from satisfied.

They were then led slowly through the city, until coming to a sudden stop, Acrylic raising his hoof. “Wait. Something's... something's wrong.”

“What is it?” Diamond asked, looking around and spreading her wings slightly.

“I don't know. I just felt... we're being watched. This feeling of... unease. Danger. It's...” He paled. “Oh no. We're--” He never had a chance to finish his sentence. Suddenly a pink blur charged in, tackling him to the ground in the most massive of hugs.

Diamond's eyes widened as she looked at the pink pony, spreading her wings out, before stopping. She felt an odd mix of... excitement and trepidation.

“Miss Pinkie! Please don't run off like that!” a unicorn mare with a green coat and blue mane yelled as she galloped up, panting lightly.

“Prism!” the pink mare said as she sat up, grinning down at him. “Where have you been? It's been sooooo long! Ohhhh, we have sooooo many birthday parties to make up for!” She then proceeded to put a kazoo in his mouth.

He coughed it up, shaking his head. “H-hello, Pinkie. Err, stand down. She's safe. Not like you'd probably be able to hit her, anyway,” he said with a sigh. “Could you get off me? Please?”

“Mayyyyyybe? What's the magic word?”

He sighed. “Cupcake?”

“You remembered!” She then stuffed a cupcake in his mouth, before hopping off and looking towards them. Prism coughed, trying not to choke on the treat.

Then she was suddenly in front of them, hooves wrapping around Diamond and Silver as they let out yipes. “Ohhhh! Diamond and Silver! I should have known you two would be here! I was really voting for Nyx, to be honest. But I guess this is fine, you're probably doing a really good job, anyway!” She then dashed forward and hugged both Acrylic and Button. “Acrylic, Button! I haven't seen you two in ages!”

Diamond wobbled from side to side before shaking her head. “W-who? You... know me?”

“Of course I know you, Diamond. You're the Avatar. It's a good thing, too. I mean, if not for this you probably wouldn't be here, what with the CMC already getting their appearance. Ohhhh, are you here to see Spike or Rainbow?”

Prism blinked a few times, before jumping to his hooves. “Wait, Rainbow? Rainbow Dash? My mom? She's here? Where?!”

Pinkie opened her mouth to speak, but then the smile slowly faded. “O-oh. You don't... know. I... shouldn't tell you... I was supposed to keep that quiet...”

“Pinkie, where's my mom? Is she okay? She's not--”

“She's not okay. I don't even think a hundred parties would make her okay. Trust me, I've tried,” the mare said with a frown, her ears drooping.

“She definitely has,” the other unicorn said, before smiling to them. “A pleasure to meet you all, I'm Gracious Warmth, Miss Pie's assistant.” Her eyes wandered to Diamond. “And you must be the new Avatar. A pleasure to meet you.” She bowed her head politely.

Pinkie giggled. “Oh, Gracious.” She then eeped, pointing a hoof at Prism. “I... wish we could talk more, but this isn't my story. I can't give away too much, you know? But... Spike knows where Rainbow is. So you might want to say hi. Besides, this is just a cameo for now! I can't be here too long or ponies will get upset.”

Prism nodded with a gulp. “I... I will.”

“Okay! Bye bye!” the pink pony said before hopping away.

Diamond just stared at the pony as she disappeared. “The... buck was that?”

“Pinkie Pie. One of Twilight's old friends, Element of Laughter,” Prism said, his eyes lowered.

The alicorn snickered. “No, really, who was that?”

“I just told you.”

“But... but she looks my age! How old was she?”

“About as old as our mother, I do believe,” Luna said with a shrug. “I... must admit, we have met her a few times. She has never seemed to be affected by time. It infuriates our mother greatly. She is quite the character, however. I believe at the last record she had... seventy-five children?”

“... Adopted?” Diamond asked.

“That is the most popular theory,” Celestia said with a shrug. “But with that mare, there are quite a few other theories. One of which involves a magical duplication lake. Also, alternate dimensions. One theory believes she may have the powers of Discord as well.”

“A what now?”

“Let's go,” Prism cut in. “If my... mother is here, then we need to find her.”

Diamond blinked a few times. “Wait, if she is? You don't know?”

“She hasn't reached out to us in years. The only times I ever see her is when she decides to...” Prism sighed and shook his head. “Just... come on. If she's been staying here, I need to know.” He started trotting quickly, the others following slowly behind.

Diamond glanced back, cocking an eye at Silver. “Is something wrong? You look... scared.”

“That... pink pony. I don't know why, but she kind of... scares me,” Silver mumbled softly. “A lot. Did you feel any... thing?”

“She was a bit hyper, I'll admit. But I don't think she meant anything bad,” Diamond said with a shrug. She then grinned. “Don't worry, if she attacks, I'll protect you.”

Silver chuckled, though her eyes lingered where the pink pony had disappeared.

------

Diamond let out yet another gasp as they left the main part of the city and came to a massive hole in the ground. It was still within the city walls, but the heat was almost overwhelming. The hole led deep into the ground, though rather than darkness, a red glow seemed to emanate from within.

Prism didn't allow them to wait a he started trotting in. A few unicorns stood outside, but motioned them past with only a second look.

Once they entered the caverns, Diamond's breath caught.

It was boiling. The heat was so intense she had to blink again and again to keep her eyes from drying out and it only took a few seconds before she started panting. As hot as it had been outside, the cave itself was far, far hotter. She couldn't imagine being in here an hour, let alone a life time. It soon became apparent why.

They came to a massive, open chamber filled with pits of lava. She let out a little gasp at all the dragons, flying and splashing about in the pools. “O-oh my gosh,” she said softly.

They were ADORABLE! She let out a little sqwee at the sights, the only thing stopping her from running forward and hugging one was the fact she would literally die in a fiery, and painful, blaze. She couldn't stop staring none the less. “They are so tiny and cute!”

“Spike!” Prism yelled. “Where are you?”

“Please, don't yell,” a nearby unicorn stallion said. “You'll startle the younger ones.”

“Where's Spike?” the pegasus asked. “My name is Prism, son of Rainbow Dash. Please, let him know I've come to talk with him.”

“Oh, of course,” the stallion said before bowing his head. “I do believe he has been expecting you. I will go and retrieve him immediately. Please wait here, where it's safe.” The pony then turned and started walking past the pools of lava. Diamond couldn't imagine how the stallion could stand the heat, she felt like passing out from here, yet he acted as if he was walking through a slightly brisk, sunny meadow.

She noticed some of the larger pools, further from the entrance, also had larger dragons. She gasped softly at the size of one, easily twice as big as the minotaurs from back home and curled up inside one of the pits, most of its body hidden away. Some of the younger dragons had taken to using its back as a slide. Prism didn't seem to notice any of this, too busy pacing back and forth, angrily.

“Prism, why are you so mad?” Diamond asked softly.

“If she's been here all along... she just... ugh!” Prism face hoofed. “She just... she does this. Doesn't think and then just... does what she wants. What she feels like and...” He shook his head. “I... didn't know if she was hurt or dead or...” He sat down. “I just want to... talk to her.”

Diamond moved over and gently patted his withers. “It'll be okay. You can talk to her. We have time, right? Just...”

“Just what?”

The alicorn took a deep breath. “I'm... not sure what happened, I know it was bad and really upset you and Ironwing. But it's not your fault and it's not his.”

He harrumphed.

“Every pony around you is saying that, do you think maybe they might know?”

Prism sighed and shook his head. “Diamond, you have no idea what happened or what we did. So don't act like you have a stake in this.”

“I'm not, I just think you should--”

“I don't care. This is between me and my mother.”

“I just think--” She paused as suddenly thick, black smoke began to swirl around them. “W-what's going on?”

Prism shook his head. “Really?”

“Well well well. Who are these little ponies who dare to intrude upon my realm?” a voice boomed through the chamber. The smoke cleared as a great wind washed over them. Diamond gaped as the massive creature appeared. He was most definitely a dragon, though he stood so tall his head touched the roof of the cave, forcing him to bend down. His scales glimmered like dull gems, a dark purple. Across his back and head spines that looked as if they were crafted of emeralds glimmered. He was at least as big as a small house. He was still incredibly small compared to the great statues throughout the city, though.

“Hi Spike, really?” Prism asked with a cocked eye. “You KNOW me.”

“But the other ponies don't, I wanted to make an entrance,” the dragon whined before sitting down, making the ground rumble slightly. “What brings you here, anyway?”

“I hear my mother is nearby. Do you know where she is?”

Spike cringed. “Ah. Yeah... Rainbow's here. You uhhhh... did she send for you?”

“No. I came to the city to find you. Then I met Pinkie.”

The dragon face clawed. “Yeah, that'd do it. Listen, Prism, I wanted to let you know, but--”

“My mother likes her alone time. I know. Spike, where is she?”

“South, a few miles away. But she's not really--”

“She's not in the mood, I know. What am I looking for?”

Spike sighed again. “Big, flat mountain. Wasn't always flat, but... you know Rainbow. Likes to make a scene.”

“Of course she does.” He turned to walk away, but a hoof grabbed his withers.

“Prism, we should come with you,” Diamond said softly.

“I don't need you.”

“Yes, you do. Remember? Friends? This... sounds like it's painful. You shouldn't be alone during this time.”

He gave a soft sigh and shook his head. “I'll be fine. Really. It's just my mother. Talk with Spike and... do whatever you want.” He walked away, leaving the others behind.

Diamond sighed, before looking to Spike. “So, you're Spike? I've heard of you. Though uhhhhh... you were much... smaller in the stories.”

The dragon pounded his chest. “Yeah. Years of eating the best gemstones the fire benders could dig up really helps you grow up big and strong. Speaking of, you guys want any? There's always more to share.”

“Errrr, no, not at all.” She looked around nervously, but the others merely waved their hooves away. She took a deep breath, before smiling. “I am Avatar Diamond Tiara, and we are on a quest. We are traveling to the Badlands to try and uncover what happened with my previous incarnation.” She held out a hoof. “And we would like to invite you to join us.”

The dragon froze in place as emotions flashed across his face, before finally sadness stayed. “Don't... offer me that.”

“I'm sorry?”

A claw moved up to cover his eyes. “Don't offer me that. If you do... I... just might accept.”

“That's wonderful, you can—”

“No, I can't,” he said firmly, shaking his head. “You... really don't understand what you're asking.”

“I'm sorry?”

“I cannot leave the dragons, not now. Not at this stage.” She couldn't be sure, but she had a suspicion he was crying behind those claws. “They need me. I have to stay here.”

“But--”

“Twilight was one of my best friends. I was her number one assistant and... if she had asked me, I would have come with her. I would have... given up everything to go with her. She knew that. I know she did. That's why she never asked, why she left without me.”

“But this is--”

His claw slammed down on the ground, making the ground rumble. The dragons around the cave turned towards them, slowly sinking into the lava to avoid notice. “I am the eldest of the dragons now. I have a responsibility not just to myself, but to all of my kind. We have come back from the brink to repopulate. I cannot, will not, risk this for my own feelings. Avatar, while I appreciate the offer, I will have to decline.”

Diamond opened her mouth to object again, but then looked into his unhidden eyes. Tears had welled up and it was obvious the dragon was only barely holding them back. She looked away, nodding. “Very well. I can understand that, your kind need you. But... when we discover what happened, we will return. I promise you. And we will let you know what happened to your friend.”

“Thank you, Avatar. I... will look forward to your return.”

The alicorn quickly turned back and trotted out of the room, the others following closely behind her. The moment they were out, a high pitched squeal filled the air.

“Oh my gosh that was so COOL!” Button yelled. “He was so big and awesome and did you see his scales? They were like jewelry!”

“Quite impressive, I won't deny,” Acrylic said with a nod. “Though I can't imagine how they tolerate that heat.”

Celestia gave a shrug. “It wasn't that bad.”

“Says the fire bender,” Luna said with a light chuckle.

“Well... this was a bust,” Diamond muttered. “But... still happy we came. I didn't think he'd say no and...” She glanced to Silver. “Looks like we'll have a lot more space, at least.”

“Probably for the best,” the mare said with a shrug. “I... may have underestimated the size of him. We would have had to adjust some plans in order to fit his great girth. Though, I am still a little worried about Prism. Do you think he'll be okay?”

“Probably,” Diamond said softly. “He's smart, he won't get himself in much trouble. Probably. As long as Ironwing isn't with him, it should all be fine.”

------

Prism flapped his wings as hard as he could as he raced south. Even though the sun beat down on him relentlessly, he could barely feel it. All he could feel was that his mother was close. So very, very close. He couldn't believe she'd been hiding out here all this time, near the dragons.

Though, he supposed it kind of made sense. There weren't a lot of air benders who came this deep into the Fire Tribe lands these days and she was far enough out that most probably didn't realize she was even here. Which was good. Less ponies to witness when he MURDERED her.

It didn't take him long to see the long line of mountains in the distance and, soon enough, the flat topped one. He wondered how long it had taken his mother to make it that way. Probably have taken most air benders years, but his mother would have never waited that long. She probably wrecked it in a few days.

Then his heart nearly stopped as he saw two pegasi sitting there. One with a red coat, Ironwing. The other had a blue coat, a rainbow mane and was covered in wrinkles. Prism flapped his wings again, giving himself another burst of speed as he dove to the mountain. “Ironwing! What are you doing here?”

The other stallion just looked up and then turned to Rainbow. “I merely came to offer my respect to Rainbow. When I heard she was here, I--”

“How dare you!” Prism shouted, charging the stallion. “After what you did, you shouldn't go near her!”

“After what I did?” Ironwing asked before rolling to his hooves and charging right back. “You were the one who--”

Before either of them could get close enough, they both found themselves on the ground, their sides hurting and aches spreading throughout their bodies. Rainbow was now standing, her wings out and head cocked. “Really, you two? You come to visit me and decide to spend the whole time whining at each other?”

“He started it!” Ironwing said, yelping as another burst of wind caught and tossed him into the air.

“And I'm finishing it. Now knock it off before I crack open both of your skulls.”

“Ugh,” Prism grumbled before getting to his hooves and shaking his head. “Mom, how can you even talk to him? After what he did?”

“What he did?” Rainbow asked with a shake of her head. “Now, I may be a bit old in years, but my memory is as keen as it ever was.” She turned her blind, milky eyes towards Prism. “Blast was my student, not his.”

“But if he had brought the Shadowbolts about quicker, and--”

“I knew what she was capable of. I knew what could happen, and I didn't deal with it properly. That's my fault,” she said with a wave of her hoof. “The ponies who died? Your father? Those Wonderbolts? The trainees? My...” She shook her head. “All of them are on my hooves. I trained her, I taught her each and every secret she needed. I bucked up, not him. And certainly not you. Now, you two, hug and make up.”

“Not a chance!” the two said in unison.

Rainbow sighed and both wings flapped. Two gusts of wind struck out, catching the two pegasi and flinging them into each other so they collapsed into a heap. “Yeah, wasn't a request.”

“Get off me!” Ironwing roared.

“You get off me!” Prism yelled right back.

“Ahhhhh!” The two engaged in yet another slapping fight, their hooves lashing out wildly.

Rainbow just face hoofed. “Seriously? What brings you guys out here, anyway? I figured you'd still be in...” She frowned when she realized they were too busy hoof slapping each other to listen to her. Her wings flapped again and bother were separated and tossed off the cliff. “Seriously, children?”

After a few moments the two flew back up. “M-mom, stop doing that,” Prism groaned.

“Act like an adult, and I will. Now, again. What brings you two down here? I figured you guys would still be in Harmony and what not.”

“Yeah... about that,” Prism muttered. “Some things happened and... well, we're here with the Avatar.”

“Wait, Twilight?” Rainbow asked. “She's alive? I thought--”

“The new Avatar,” Prism added quickly.

“O-oh,” Rainbow said, before sighing. “Yeah... I guess... that makes sense. First Fluttershy and then... I just kind of always hoped she'd...” She shook her head again. “Let me guess, came down here to beg me to train her? My training days are done, kids. I just don't have the energy for it anymore.”

Prism's face turned red. “I-I'm training her, mother. And I'm doing a good job of it, too!”

“Yeah, she's a spoiled little brat just like her teacher,” Ironwing snapped.

“I'll kick your flank!” Prism roared before the two charged at each other. They barely made it a few feet closer bfore a great wind slammed them into the ground.

“I said knock it off!” Rainbow yelled, stomping her hoof down. “Really, what is wrong with you? No, you know what? I know what's wrong with you. So grow the buck up!” She walked over to them, glaring down as best her eyes could. “This is MY fault, not either of yours.”

“But mom, he--”

“Don't you 'but' me, mister, I--” Rainbow blinked. Then flapped a wing and sent him tumbling off the cliff again. “My gosh, you make me sound like a mom. Do you have ANY idea how annoying that is? I'm going to sound like Rarity next! I swear, I will NOT forgive that! I'm wayyyyy too awesome to just be a mom!”

Prism slowly climbed up, groaning before laying on the ground, panting. “Yeah... well... if I had any doubts you were my mom, the bruises are pretty familiar.”

“Far too familiar,” Ironwing agreed.

“Good, you two good?”

“...” The two remained silent together.

“Are you at least going to stop trying to kill each other? Because next burst I send you both to the foot of the mountain and you can climb back up the hard way.”

“Fine,” Prism mumbled.

“Whatever,” Ironwing mumbled as well.

“Good. Now! How have my two favorite stallions been? Prism, how's your lovely wife? Keeping you in line as ever?”

The air bender chuckled and nodded. “Of course. You know how she is, always worrying, but makes sure I get whatever I need to, done.”

“Wonderful. And you, Ironwing, how have you been? Still running the Shadowbolts through their paces?”

The stallion cringed. “I... was actually... removed from the Shadowbolts.”

Rainbow chuckled. “Yeah, right. Seriously, how have they... wait, you're serious?”

Prism lowered his gaze. “A... lot has happened in the last year, since the Avatar reappeared. We'd better tell you about it.” He took a deep breath. “I... suppose it all started with Diamond, she's the new Avatar...”

Chapter 9: Rainbow

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Rainbow hummed, while laying on her back with her eyes closed. It had been a while since Prism and Ironwing had finished their story, leaving the mare in quiet contemplation. Finally, she gave a soft sigh. “So the Avatar is missing two of her elements?”

“Yup,” Prism said softly.

“No idea where they are, but hoping that finding out what happened to Twilight will give some hint, or at least help the Avatar get stronger?”

“That about sums it up,” Ironwing said with a nod.

“Well... this is a nice little mess you've all ended up in,” she said before flapping her wings and going into the air. “I guess there's nothing more to say for it. I think I'd better meet this Avatar. Is she really as bad as you say?”

“Not anymore,” Prism added quickly. “She used to be horrible, but now... she has really matured. I'm beginning to see why she was chosen. Meadowbrook was a tough foe, but she really helped the Avatar come into her own.”

“Yeah, the right enemy can do that for a pony. Interesting little trick she had there, stealing a pony's cutie mark. Vicious little ability. So, where's the Avatar now?”

“Probably on the air ship. I can take you, if you like?” Prism offered.

“Okay. Race you!” Rainbow yelled, before taking off like a bolt.

Prism blinked, then took off after her. “Hey! You don't even know where it is!”

“That'll make it all the better when I beat you!” the pegasus yelled back.

Ironwing sighed and face hoofed, before getting to his hooves and racing after them.

------

Diamond stared at the ramp onto the ship. Just the thought of it made her stomach want to turn.

“Come on, Diamond,” Silver said with a comforting smile. “You're better now, it'll be fine.”

“But what if the potion didn't work? What if once we take off again I start... all over again?”

“It's fine. I've seen that potion used dozens of time. You'll be okay, I promise,” the mare said before giving her a pat on the back. “Besides, the ship is barely moving now. If you get on, it'll give your stomach more time to adapt.”

The alicorn nodded and stared. It was true, she knew it was true. She still didn't want to have to go up there. “Can't we just... wait for everyone else to get back before boarding? It might not be... safe, with so few of us.”

“Avatar, if you are so frightened we cannot force you,” Luna said calmly. “But do remember, if we are forced to walk, the dangers of the trip will be greatly amplified. Somepony could very well die in such a situation.”

Diamond nodded slowly, though the frown never left her face. Gingerly, she stepped forward and began to walk up the platform, step by step making her way into the vessel. A light shudder went through her body, but she did her best to ignore it.

The ship moved slightly from side to side and memories of being bent over the trash can filled her mind, but she did her best to ignore them. Her stomach felt slightly uneasy, but not nearly as uneasy as it had last time. In fact, it was likely just the nerves of being on the ship. “Okay, I'm in.”

“In the door, come on,” Acrylic said before grabbing her tail and yanking her inside. “We'll go and drop you off in the infirmary just in case. You'll be fine. Worse comes to worse, you can take another little potion of theirs and sleep the whole way there.”

Diamond nodded, though she couldn't help giving a slight whimper as she tried to follow after him. Her stomach didn't feel any worse, at least, just the small bit of unease. In fact, she was pretty sure if she needed to, she could eat something. Though the idea of food right now made her so nervous she wanted to run.

She stepped into the infirmary and climbed into the bed, laying down and taking a slow, deep breath. “How do you feel?” Silver asked softly.

“Better, honestly. I'm... sorry for putting all of you through this. I never meant to--”

“We know,” Acrylic said with a smile. “Besides, it's not your fault.”

“Yeah. It's mine. If I'd known you were... this, I could have tried to fix it, some how,” Silver said, hanging her head. “Maybe I could have--”

“It's not your fault, Silver,” Diamond said quickly. “There is no possible way you could have known. It'll be fine. Worse comes to worse, I'll just take some more of that potion and sleep the whole way there. It beats throwing up all over the place.”

Silver nodded. “Right. Sorry. I just... sorry.”

Diamond closed her eyes and laid back, taking a soft breath. “I really don't feel bad now, either. A bit nervous, but nothing severe. So it's fine.” She reached down and rubbed her stomach. “Though I'm a little worried about when we leave...”

“It'll be fine,” Acrylic said with a nod. “As long as you're unconscious, shouldn't be any issues. Do you want to get some rest?”

“Please,” she muttered.

The ponies nodded and, one by one, walked out from the room. Once there, Button turned to Luna. “Soooo, I got you something.”

The stallion blinked and then cocked his head to the side. “Truly? There was no need for that.”

“I-I know, but, well, errr... you're my... kinda...” The earth pony blushed and shuffled in place. He then reached back and pulled out a small red and yellow circlet. “It's a uhhh... Fire Tribe tail ring. I thought... you know... I-I know your dad was from the Fire Tribes, so, ummmm...”

Luna paused for a moment, before smiling and plucking it up. “Thank you, it is delightful.” He didn't have the heart to tell the stallion he already had dozens of such things back home. He glanced to Silver. “We will be departing shortly, correct?”

“Yeah. The Fire Tribes offered us some supplies to aid in our journey, so they're still being brought on board. After that we'll probably leave. Well, assuming Prism and everypony else is back. Still have a few out there, but they should be back soon.”

“Delightful. I think I shall retire to my room with one of the books I picked up.” He walked a few steps before pausing. “Button? If you'd like, you may join me for dinner on the evening.”

Button blinked, then nodded. “Yes, I'd like, I'd like!”

Celestia quickly galloped after the prince, walking besides him and then glancing over once they were out of ear shot. “Okay, really? He is sooooo dopey. How can you like a guy like that?”

“Yes, he is very dopey. But... he has a certain charm to him.”

“You know that tail ring is just a cheap knock off, right? I don't think it's even metal, probably some cheap plastic and the symbol is all wrong.”

Luna nodded. “Indeed. But it is the thought that matters, is it not?”

Celestia shrugged. “Yeah, but when there's barely a thought in that head of his...”

“Sister, I don't complain about the consorts you spend your time with,” Luna said briskly. “However, if you wish me to bring up a few, perhaps the week you spent with Sir Goldenbeak, that pirate.”

“Fine, fine!” Celestia said with a shake of her head. “But he was a pretty cool unicorn, you know. Obsessed with griffons, but still cool.”

“Yes, yes.”

------

“Oh, poor thing, she looks exhausted,” Prism muttered as he looked over the sleeping Avatar. “I'm sorry, mom, but--”

“HEY! WAKE UP!” Rainbow yelled in Diamond's ear.

The alicorn shrieked and sat up, her hooves waving out frantically as she looked around for whoever was attacking her. “Ahhh! Yah! Who, what? What are you, who? You!” She pointed at Prism. “And you!” Then at Ironwing. “What are you and...” She blinked and looked to the old, blind mare. “... Your... grandma?” she asked blearily.

Rainbow blinked a few times before bursting into laughter. “Hah! Grandma, that's cute. Do I really look that old?” she asked, looking to Prism and Ironwing.

The two shared a look, before coughing into their hooves. “No comment.”

That knocked the smile off the mare's face. “I'd like to see how you look after dealing with half the junk I have. Aaaaaanyway. You must be the newest incarnation of Chickenwings. Nice to meet you, I'm Rainbow Dash.”

Diamond's eyes widened. “My name isn't Chickenwings!” she said instinctively, before pausing. “I mean... my name is Diamond Tiara. So... you're... that Rainbow Dash?”

The mare grinned, nodding. “So, you've heard of me? Master air bender? Amazing Wonderbolt? Developer of wind sight? First non-avatar to perform the sonic rainboom? One of the Elements of Harmony? Tell me, kid, which of my awesome stories have you heard?”

“Ummmm... mostly that you're the reason Ironwing and Prism keep trying to kill each other.”

The pegasus froze and turned towards those two. “Really? REALLY? You guys are at each other's necks so much that you're actually drowning out my AWESOME?”

Prism took a step back. “E-err, mom, I can explain, we--” A sudden wind blew through the air, slamming Prism and Ironwing into each other.

“I don't know what the buck I did wrong raising you,” she said with a shake of her head. “I told you a dozen times. It was my problem. My fault. You two need to let this dog lie.” She turned back to Diamond, who was now giggling into her hoof. “So, kid, tell me. Just how bad are those two?”

“They've just about killed each other a few times. Like all the time, even.”

Rainbow sighed and put a hoof to her face. “Yeah, shoulda--”

“Not like you have much room to talk,” Diamond muttered.

The pegasus froze. “Ex... cuse me?”

“I don't know the full story, only because nopony will tell me anything. But you run off after... something happens, abandon your family for years and just expect them to take that all lying down.”

Rainbow frowned. “Hey, kid, you've got no idea what you're--”

“No, I don't. Again. Because NOPONY WILL TELL ME. But I can see that it did a lot of damage. Look at those two! Or... whatever it is you do. Listen to those two. They were apparently the best of friends! Now Blaze has to hide the silverware so they don't kill each other! What the buck happened to you to make them so... like this? Is it because you're blind? Is that what happened?”

The pegasus sighed and shook her head. “Listen, kid, you don't--”

“Yes, I do. I want to know exactly what's going on. I'm stuck in the middle of this, helpless and watching. If I have to suffer through it, I want to know why.”

Rainbow sighed and shook her head. “I screwed up, okay? It cost me my husband, the lives of those under my command, and my...” She took a slow, deep breath. “It cost me a lot. It didn't cost me my sight, that was something else. Buck, I probably deserved that one. Charging in like that. But I didn't...” She shook her head. “But I was the one who screwed up. It was my fault.”

“Mom, it wasn't your fault. If Ironwing had the Shadowbolts move out when he had the chance--”

“The Shadowbolts?” Ironwing snapped, “She was a Wonderbolt problem. If you hadn't hidden what she was capable of, I would have sent more ponies after her. I--”

“Enough!” Rainbow roared. “She was my student! My mistake! There was nothing you could have done to her! The Shadowbolts didn't have a chance and Prism, if you had been there you'd have just gotten in the way. You weren't nearly strong enough to fight somepony like her.”

Diamond sighed. “And this is what happens when things go wrong and you just... run off,” the alicorn muttered, waving a hoof towards them. “Why were you hiding out like that, anyway?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I... wasn't going to be gone that long,” she muttered. “I just needed a bit of time to cool my head. A few days... turned into weeks, then months and then...” She sighed. “Listen, I just don't... I felt things and...” She shook her head again. “Listen, kid. You aren't Twilight, don't act like her. I don't have to explain myself to you.”

“Fine, then don't. But you should at least explain yourself to them,” Diamond said before pointing towards Ironwing and Prism.

Rainbow glanced towards them, before giving one last exasperated sigh. “Yeah... buck it. I should. Come on you two brats. Let's go have a nice, long talk.” She trotted out of the room, the two following behind her nervously, rubbing their heads.

Diamond collapsed back in her bed, closing her eyes as she tried to drift back into merciful sleep.

------

Rainbow took a slow, deep breath as she stared at the two across the table from her. As well as a blind pony could, at least. “So, you two. You guys used to be the best of friends, now you're like... this. Why?”

Both ponies looked away, their eyes towards the ground.

“You know, just because I'm blind doesn't mean I can't see,” Rainbow muttered. “Come on, you two. None of this is your fault, I was the one who just... ran. I couldn't handle what happened. Buck... honestly I still don't think I can.” She ground a hoof into the table. “Everytime I think about Blast and how hard I trained with her, how... much effort and time I put into her. How hard we...” She shook her head. “I just feel this... hatred and sadness in my core. And it was my fault.”

“Mom, it wasn't your fault. We--”

“You were a little brat and the Shadowbolts were nowhere near prepared to handle something like that. All that would have happened if you two had been quicker was more ponies would have died. Heck, I was there and even I ended up getting caught in it, almost dying. In the end, it all comes down to the mistake I made. If I had just ended her when I had the chance the first time, none of this would have happened. All those ponies would still be alive. Including your dad and...” She shook her head. “Anyway. It's not your fault. Its mine. So knock it off! This isn't the kind of friendship I taught you about. Friends don't push each other away when they need it and they most definitely don't try to hurt each other.”

“We're not friends,” Prism grumbled. “He abandoned us.”

Ironwing glared. “I abandoned you? You were the ones who--”

“ENOUGH!” Rainbow yelled. “Seriously! Let it go! Things happened, ponies got hurt and died. There was nothing you two could have done about it, buck, I should know. I was there!” She waved a hoof dismissively. She then gave a soft sigh and buried her face in her hooves. “Damn it. This is my fault too, isn't it? If I hadn't left, I just...” She sighed.

“Mom... it's not your fault,” Prism said softly.

“You've given more than anypony could ever ask you,” Ironwing said with a nod. “None of this is your fault.”

“Oh, finally, something you two can agree on. Arguing with me,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “Just... buck. You two. I thought you'd all be okay without me. Why would you... ugh.” She put a hoof over her eyes. “I'm sorry, okay? I just... after all that, after it... happened and I just... I just couldn't handle it. It all just added up to too much and I needed some alone time. I needed to get away. Couldn't breath and I just... ugh.”

“Mom, it's okay,” Prism said before getting to his hooves and walking over, giving her a hug. “You've given up more than anypony I know to help this world. If you needed alone time, if you needed to be alone... then that's fine. That's what you needed. Nopony could possibly blame you.”

Rainbow sighed, before giving him a light shove off her. “Yeah, yeah. Bucking... I've been spending too long moping around anyway. Ugh. Twenty, thirty years ago I would have pounded myself into the ground for this. Turning into a big whiner... well, buck it. I've been out of the game too long anyway. What're you all doing again? Trying to find out what happened to Twilight? I'm in.”

Prism paused. “Err... what? But, mom, you... errr...”

“If you say I'm too old, I can and will dangle you off this ship.”

“N-no! I just, I mean, it's... err... its been...” The stallion coughed. “T-that sounds... wonderful.”

“Good. How about you, Ironwing? Got any objection?”

“Of course not,” the stallion said quickly, shaking his head. “I know better than that.”

“See? You two are pretty smart kids. You're going to make up on this trip, too. One way... or another.”

The two shared nervous looks, gulping.

------

Silver hummed as she laid in her bed, staring up at the roof. She'd never have imagined the Avatar would have such a simple weakness. 'Air sickness? How does a flying pony get air sickness? She'll be the laughing stock of the Avatar line!'

She glanced towards the safe in her room, locked and hidden behind a portrait of her. 'If I unleashed one of the spirit marks now, it would be simple. I could capture her and make her do what I want. Fire would be the obvious choice. But that might tip my hooves too soon,' she thought to herself. 'Slow and steady. There's no telling what I'll need her for later. The old Avatar was clever. There are any number of traps I might need Diamond for.' She sighed and stared up at the roof. 'Besides, the potion should help. If I really, really need her to be sick again, I can just... do something. Find a way to neutralize that. There's no harm in letting her be okay for now.'

'Is there?'

She rolled over onto her side, grumbling lightly to herself. She blinked as she heard a loud alarm go off through the intercoms. “Well, looks like everypony is back on board. Time to get back to work,” she mumbled to herself before sliding off the bed and trotting towards the door.

Chapter 10: The Badlands

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Diamond took a slow, deep breath as she stared out over the edge of the ship. She wasn't the only one, either. About half the crew had made their ways up towards the top deck in order to see.

The Badlands were in sight, just a little bit off. They looked so normal, though there remained a strange coloration difference between the sands of the Fire Tribe lands and the Badlands. While the former looked normal, the latter seemed almost darker. As if it was tainted or had something else within it. Diamond couldn't tell why, but it filled her with unease.

She held her breath as the ship pushed on, second by second getting closer. Then, finally, they flew over the barrier between the two.

Nothing happened. The ship didn't shudder or shake, she didn't feel the pressure drop, in fact, it was as if they were still just flying over the Fire Tribe lands. A collective sigh of relief released from the crew, before the ponies started going their own, separate ways.

“How are you feeling?” Acrylic asked as he moved up behind Diamond.

“Hmmm? Oh, better. A lot better. That potion of theirs really did the trick,” the alicorn said as she kept looking out over the lands below. “I still feel a bit of a rumble in my stomach and I'm not very hungry, but it's far better than the alternative.”

“Ah, Avatar! Well, we're still in the air, so I guess the curse hasn't hit you,” Rainbow called as she trotted up.

“M-miss Dash,” Acrylic said, quickly bowing his head.

“Oh, knock that off,” the pegasus said with a wave of her hoof. “I used to change your diapers, kid. Well, I didn't, but I used to laugh at Vinyl when she had to do it. Just call me Rainbow.”

“Curse?” Diamond asked.

“Oh yeah. Twilight was absolutely cursed when it came to airships. I swear, every single one she rode in, bam, straight to the ground. Just her, too. The rest of us? Rode in dozens of them, no problems. But the moment she herself went into one, ker blam. Made her a bit nervous after a while, think she even tried to develop one that couldn't fail. Wonder how that went.”

“I hear it got struck by lightning,” Diamond said with a chuckle.

“Sounds about right,” Rainbow said with a grin. “Ah, I miss ol' Chickenwings. No offense, kid, I hear you've got quite the talent, too. But you know how it is, missing your old friends. I'd love to hear a bit more about this Meadowbrook, she sounds like a real chaos rouser.”

“Yeah, she... was something else,” Diamond said with a nod. “Crazy now, though. She has been locked up. No... telling what'll happen to her now.”

Rainbow nodded, before smiling. “I'm going to go get some grub. Meet up with me later sometime. I'll see about showing you a few tricks my son probably left out. Oh, and if it comes to it, if you see Prism and Ironwing duking it out, knock them upside the head for me. 'Kay?”

“It'll be my pleasure,” Diamond said as she watched the mare leave, before looking to Acrylic. “Okay, she is nothing like Rarity. Honestly, she reminds me a... little bit more of Pinkie.”

Acrylic chuckled. “Yeah, I hear Twilight had a really weird bunch of friends. Still, you know...” He glanced after her. “Rarity was...” He coughed into his hoof. “So, ummm... Button and Luna. About that...”

“I think they're cute together,” Diamond said with a nod. “Though, I'll be honest. I didn't know Button was into stallions.”

“Me... either honestly. You don't think he was... crushing on... well...” Acrylic's cheeks turned bright red.

“You? Oh, don't flatter yourself,” Diamond said with a light snicker. “We all know where your eyes have been set and I couldn't see Button trying to break that up.”

The stallion's cheeks turned bright red. “S-shut up.” He looked down at her stomach. “So... haven't seen you throw up in a while, how you been feeling? I mean, if you're not eating much, how are you keeping your strength up?”

“Stomach still feels a little jumpy but as long as I keep myself to just eating broth and things that are easy on it, I can keep it down.”

Acrylic nodded and reached out, patting her withers. “That... does sound pretty miserable.”

“I bucking hate it,” she groaned. “But compared to how I was BEFORE I took the potion, I might as well be a hundred percent and jogging across the world. That was miserable. I almost preferred my time being held captive by Meadowbrook.”

He chuckled. “I'll have to take your word for it. I wasn't...” He frowned and squinted. “Do... you see that?”

“Hmm?” She glanced over the horizon, into the Badlands. The land looked fine, albeit there were a group of strange clouds quickly coming towards the airship. Still, it looked like they were just a bit of rain, other than that the desert looked normal.

Then she gaped and squinted. “Is... is that snow?”

“It... certainly looks like it. How in the world can it be snowing?” he asked softly.

“This is a strange place, isn't it? Maybe it--” Suddenly the ship jarred heavily to the left, making her lunge out and grab Acrylic. “Something hit us! We're going down! We're going to crash and burn and I am going to throw up on myself!”

The unicorn just stared, digging his hooves into the ground. After a few moments he shook his head. “We're good. We're fine. I don't think there's anything to worry about. Look, the ship isn't shaking anymore. Just one good jar.”

There was a light beeping, then the intercoms came alive. “Everypony please remain calm. That was just a heavy bit of turbulence, there is no danger and we are now out of it. We will be flying higher to avoid these strange weather patterns and a few pegasi will be heading off to ensure our path stays clear.”

Diamond watched as three pegasi suddenly ran up from below deck and took to the air. She let out a sigh of relief.

“Diamond?” Acrylic asked.

“Yeah?”

“Can you let go now?”

She blinked a few times before recoiling. “R-right, sorry. I just... yeah. Let's just... pretend that didn't happen.”

“Fine with me. Wanna go get some broth?”

“Honestly, I want to go climb into bed and wait for this whole trip to be over,” she grumbled before turning around. “I'll be in my room. Just... tell somepony to get me if I'm needed, okay?”

“Of course. Sleep well.”

“Mmmm...” she mumbled darkly.

------

Alicity stared out over the great wastes before them. “Can you look at that, Secretary? Marvelous. Simply marvelous.”

“Of course, sir,” the mare said with a light nod. “What exactly am I looking at?”

“Everything! Nothing! Just look. A whole new country. A whole new world! A place that even during the hundred year war, the Water Nation wouldn't dare tread. Imagine what secrets this world held. Imagine what wonders!” He glanced towards Altena. “You, my young zebra friend, you must have many stories to tell us of this place!”

Altena sighed as she glanced out over the world. “This... land is strange, but powerful. Far to the north there is a portal of sorts, that is said to connect our world with that of the Spirits. That is where we are headed. However, very few travel to it and it has been many, many years since anything has come out from it. The legends speak of great spirits that once guarded this and that land, who ruled the world and kept all beings safe. Of a hidden village that guarded it as well.” She paused for a moment and glanced towards the earth pony. “According to the legends, they greatly favored the ponies over all other species, granting them the power of bending. It is with this power that your ancestors swept to the south, creating the four nations and taming the lands there.”

Alicity nodded. “Fascinating! Is it true?”

“I don't know. I can only speak of the legends. However...” She frowned and looked out towards the clouds gathered on the horizon. “I have never been here, I have only been told by my people of what lies in this strange land. During the hundred years of darkness, it is said the heat never left this land, that the spirits themselves kept us warm and safe. Or perhaps the connection to the Spirit World did it. The magic here will be different from the kind you ponies have harnessed, but it should be no less potent. The Avatar, as well, may find herself quite at home in this place.”

Alicity nodded. “Truly fascinating. To imagine there was all this still up here. How long do you imagine it has been since our ancestors swept to the south? We have very few legends of this place, aside from the 'stay the buck out' sort. I wonder if it would be possible to tap into whatever magic lay here, imagine the devices I could create. A new Alibot, even! One that--”

“Sir, no alibot, please,” Secretary said flatly.

“Oh, Altena, my dear. I must ask you. Sometimes you talk in rhymes, otherwise you talk normal. I haven't known many zebras, so I'd love to hear the reasoning.”

The zebra chuckled. “I assume you mean the manner in which Zecora speaks, yes? It is a game, of sorts. When young, we teach our foals to speak in such a way as to develop quick tongues and quicker minds. I am, sadly, but a novice in the skill. But Lady Zecora is a pure master, a mare deserving great respect for her talents in it.”

“Fascinating,” Alicity said with a nod. “I wonder if there's any connection between this game and your species natural magic. I'd love to study a few of the zebras living out here if we meet any.”

Altena nodded, staring out over the wastes. “There are likely many tribes still here, living off the land. Rumor has it that after the events of the war, when peace returned, many of the pirates that once fought moved their operations up to this realm as well.”

“Ohhhh, pirates!” Alicity said with a little squeal, clapping his hooves together. “Can you imagine? Actual pirates, Secretary!”

“Delightful, sir,” the unicorn said flatly.

The zebra glanced over. “I... have often wondered. Miss, is Secretary your real name?”

“Hmmm? Of course not, it's--”

A boom split the air and the ship jarred hard to the right, followed by two more booms.

Secretary pointed towards the port side of the vessel. “Sir, it looks like you may get your chance to meet pirates sooner than you thought.”

“Oh, how delightful!”

Off in the horizon, three ships could be seen, breaking through the cloud cover just a short distance from the larger vessel. They were older models, supported by massive stitched-up balloons overhead. Alarms started going off throughout the ship.

“All non-vital personnel get below deck. All combat personnel report to the main deck. This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill. All non-vital...” the intercoms blared.

“Sir, we should retire,” Secretary said quickly.

“Nonsense! They're just pirates, what's the worst that could--” The ship rumbled again as a cannonball slammed into the side. “Hah, wasn't anywhere near us! We--” He let out a yelp as he was telekinetically lifted up and dragged below deck.

------

Diamond galloped up to the deck, her stomach turning slightly every time the ship jarred from one of the attacks. Down below she could hear the booms as their vessel returned fire. She let out a soft gasp as one of the vessels were hit in their balloon, blowing a hole clean through it and sending it spiraling down towards the ground.

The crew quickly abandoned the vessel, pegasi and griffons taking to the sky and rushing straight at them. She spread her wings and readied herself for combat.

Then suddenly a rainbow blur descended on them, spinning around in a tight circle and creating a tornado around them. The fliers quickly tried to fly away, struggling to escape the great wind tunnel, but they never stood a chance, the spinning blur circled around rapidly without showing the slightest hint of slowing.

The blur kept spinning, tugging the tornado along with it as it made its way towards the other vessels. They tried shooting their cannon balls at it, but they missing the rapid blur by a mile, not even coming close to stopping the thing. Instead the balls flew uselessly through the air, the only thing able to pull free from the winds. Within a few moments, the second and then third airship were tugged into the tornado.

Diamond gasped as it then began to descend, the entire tornado flying through the air before slamming towards the ground, spilling the griffons, pegasi and the torn remains of their ship across the desert. The blur then rose up to the sky.

“Ha! Is that really all you've got? You lot don't have anything on Gilda! Come on, who's next?” Rainbow yelled before she pounded her hooves together.

Diamond could barely believe it as she watched the pirates turn tail and run, flying as fast as they could away.

“Did... did she just... she did, didn't she?” she asked softly. “She... she took them ALL out by herself. How did she do that? How? She was just... that was... how?”

“Yeah, I am pretty awesome,” Rainbow said as she landed by her.

The alicorn shrieked, jumping back. “H-how? I didn't even know a pony could do that!”

“Well, I'm not just a pony, now am I? But that was nothing! You should have seen me in my prime, I would have wrecked them in half the time and I would have gotten all three ships, BEFORE that first one could have hit the ground,” she said with a chuckle.

Diamond just stared, her mouth falling open, before turning to Prism. “How?! Why can't YOU do that?”

The pegasus blushed. “I-I... I'm not... m-my mother was always... unique and...” He shuffled his hooves.

“Oh, knock it off,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “Prism, you're a fine bender. Buck, you're one of the better ones. I've just... always been a cut above the rest. Its all the fighting I had to do back when I was with Twilight. Nothing quite motivates you to get good like having your life and the lives of your best friends in constant danger.” She gave a light chuckle. “It was sooooo awesome. And so was I.”

“I-I believe it,” Diamond mumbled, before glancing back towards the ships in the distance. They didn't look too bad, all things considered. Balloons were shredded and the ships had been popped open into three or four chunks each. She imagined the pegasus could have turned them into splatters if she'd wanted. They probably were in no rush to follow them now, though. “Can... you teach me to bend like that?”

“I can try,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “But, lets be honest. I traveled with Twilight for years and, while she was amazing, when it came to air bending she had nothing on me. There's only so much awesome you can teach, you know.”

“I-I wanna learn!” the alicorn said quickly. “Please! I... I need to.”

The pegasus gave a nod. “Well, if you want. The first thing I'll teach you is air sight. That's a nifty little trick.”

“Okay!” Diamond said with a nod. “What is it?”

The pegasus just grinned. “Let's... call it a test.”

Chapter 11: Cursed

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Diamond groaned as she laid on her back, her eyes little swirls. She made yet another mental note.

Training with Rainbow bucking sucked.

For one, the mare was extremely lazy and seemed to spend more time just slacking off than actually training. Second, when she DID train, she seemed to expect Diamond to keep up with her in EVERYTHING she did. Speed, strength, control. She couldn't imagine how a mare could be both so amazing AND so lazy at the same time. Third, the mare liked to laugh at her and, in her words, 'wreck her'. She seemed to be completely devoid of any tact.

Worst of all. She was just. So. Arrogant. Diamond was really starting to see why ponies had gotten so mad at her before. It was like looking in a mirror of her past self.

On the up side, while she still had no idea how to work this 'air sight' ability the mare talked of, the few days she'd spent training with her had advanced her ability to fly by leaps and bounds. Mostly out of necessity. And survival.

After a particularly grueling session(which to Diamond's annoyance, had left her too sore to move and Rainbow with barely a drop of sweat lost), she laid on a small bench and struggled to catch her breath, glancing over to Prism. “You... trained with her... as a kid? How did... you survive?”

He chuckled and glanced to her. “Could it be? Perhaps you are starting to appreciate my training methods now?”

“No pony... should get up... at the crack of dawn.”

“Wait, what was that?” Rainbow asked. “Prism, up at the crack of dawn? Surely you mean the crack of two thirty, right?”

Prism blushed and covered his face. “No, mother. I've gotten a bit more... mature since last we spoke.”

“Bucking... who gets up at DAWN though? If we were meant to rise with the sun, mornings wouldn't be so cold,” the mare said with a shake of her head. “That's not the Prism I knew.”

“Well, sometimes we change. Now I get up at dawn and take care of my responsibilities before I start horsing around.”

“That's perfect, that leaves you plenty of time in the day to make up with Ironwing then.”

“W-what?” the pegasus said, before shaking his head. “Oh no, I am not talking with that--”

“Oh yes you are,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “You two are making up nice and quickly. Because I said so.” She walked over, grabbing his hoof and tugging him along. “Now come on. I think the Avatar is done for now.”

He refused to budge, pulling his hoof back. “No, mother. I told you, let this go. We're not--”

“Too bad,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “Listen, I get it. You two fought, big time. I'm sorry I was at the center of that, but...” She took a deep breath and turned towards Diamond. “You should hear this too, Avatar.” She then turned back to her son. “Friendship isn't something you just let die. I remember you two. You were inseparable. Buck, I remember your little special mega bolt training, or whatever you called it. Shady wonder I think. You two were good, bucking good. When you worked together, even I would have hesitated to go up against you two. And I'm ME. I'm bucking awesome.”

Prism sighed and shook his head. “That was then, this is now. We're adults now, mature and--”

“Since when does 'mature' mean having a stick up your flank? Listen, I get it. You two had a fight and let it stew for... well, years. But it's a grudge and you need to let it go. Like it or not, you still like him.”

“I do not!”

“Of course you do. If you didn't like him, you wouldn't be so bitter and up tight about it. I've been there, more or less.” She put a hoof to her chest. “I've felt like I was betrayed, like my friends all turned against me. Buck, I've been to the point where I thought they didn't care about me at all. But you know what? That doesn't matter. Sometimes, you need to be the pony to go and say you're sorry. You need to talk things out, before they get out of hoof. Though it seems they already are.”

Prism pulled away, shaking his head. “It's too late for that, mom. Me and him, we're done.” He stormed off, leaving them behind.

“Ugh, he is so stubborn,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “He gets it from his father. Stars know I'd never be that pig headed.”

Diamond snickered, covering her mouth with her hoof.

“Something funny, Avatar?” the pegasus asked dangerously.

“N-no Miss Rainbow,” Diamond said quickly, the smile vanishing.

------

Silver couldn't keep the frown off her face as she looked over all the reports. It didn't make any sense. They were bucking lost. Worst than that, every few hours something on the ship was breaking.

Altena had tried to keep them on a steady course, but it wasn't her fault. Nothing worked right here. The weather was unpredictable, sending hail the size of cupcakes at them one second, then blistering heat the next. The ship had been struck by lightning at least a dozen times(thank goodness she'd put lightning rods on the vessel to protect a city or it would have sunk long ago) and they'd nearly been caught in four tornadoes as it was. Even with all the defenses, they had still been hit a few times as if the weather itself was targeting them. The scouts weren't making any real headway, because everything just seemed to materialize out of nowhere. The only reason the ship was flying still was because it was staying above the cloud cover, but they'd sprung so many leaks she wasn't sure if they could hold on much longer. They needed to land for repairs, but she wasn't sure how long they'd last if it came to that.

It didn't help that none of their navigation tools worked, either. It was as if the stars themselves moved randomly across the night sky. Their compass spun in all random directions and there was no real signs of them making steady progress. For all she knew, they were less than an hours travel from the Fire Tribe lands. Or they could have been days away. Even weeks away depending on winds.

There was nothing that could be done about it, they'd have to land soon. But as bad as the weather was up in the sky, down on the ground it was far, far worse. She closed her eyes and leaned back, taking a slow, deep breath.

It was almost as if Discord himself was trying to ruin everything, setting the world around them off and unleashing his chaotic magic on them. Except if that was the case, she'd have felt it. She'd have been able to stop it. This was something else, something possibly worse. Something bad had happened in the Badlands and she had no idea what it could be.

Her eyes widened and she got to her hooves, a grin forming on her lips.

She might not know, but there was one other way to find out, she was sure. She trotted through the ship, glancing back and forth as she made her way towards the storage hold. Once there it only took her a few moments to find the large jars containing thick, green liquid. She'd asked Zecora to make a few batches of her special Spirit World potion, in case the Avatar needed it. She couldn't see why it wouldn't work for her.

Her metallic wings slowly reached out, gripping the nearest bottle and pulling it close. “Hello, my darling, I--”

“What are you doing?” Acrylic asked, making her jump and nearly drop the bottle.

“Gahhhh!” She turned around, placing the bottle back. “Acrylic? What are you doing in here?”

“I uhhhh, haven't seen you much the last few days, I wanted to see how you were doing. There hasn't been any news of changes, so... I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Are you okay? You seem a bit jumpy.”

Silver nodded. “I'm fine. I...” She paused, before taking a deep breath. The best lies were always the ones based on the truth. She picked up the bottle. “Promise not to tell the others, especially not my father?”

He frowned and nodded.

“I... think we're lost. Something is wrong out there.”

“I know, the Badlands are apparently always like this.”

“No, I don't just mean... bad. I mean very bad.” She looked towards him and shuffled her hooves. “I... think it might be something with the Spirit World. I want to check.”

“Huh? What do you--” His eyes glanced to the potion. “Wait, what is that stuff?”

“You know about the potion Zecora has made for the Avatar to help her travel there? Well, this is it,” she said before holding it up. “I... want to try it.”

“That's dangerous! You could be killed, you—”

“Please, Acrylic!” She rushed forward, covering his mouth with her wing. “Not so loud, you'll let everypony know!”

He slowly nodded. “You can't, it's dangerous. There's no--”

“I know, I know. It's dangerous, but I have to try. And it's not THAT dangerous. I just want to take a little peep and then come back, that's all.”

“But normal ponies can't go there! It takes years of training and a natural talent to--”

“And that's what the potion is for,” she said with a nod. “And... well, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. But if it does work, I might be able to find out what's going on. Why things are so... weird here.”

“We should get Diamond, she--”

“The Avatar is sick, so sick she can barely stand. If she went to the Spirit World she'd be worse off than me. I'm at least able bodied.” She put a hoof over his. “Please, Acrylic. You're my friend. I... want you to help me with this.”

He stared for a few moments before shaking his head. “No. It's too dangerous. It... it's...”

She looked away. “I see how it is. You're just like my father, aren't you? You don't have any faith in me either.”

“W-what? No, that's not it, I think you're amazing, you--”

“Then why? I just need to know if I can. The Avatar can't and I just want to take a peep. I know what's in there, I've studied the Spirit World plenty of times.”

“You have? When?”

The earth pony paused for a moment, her mind reeling as she struggled to think of a reason. “All the time. It's the Spirit World, you never know when something from there could be useful. Besides, it's fascinating, you should read some of the books on it.”

Acrylic eyed her for a few moments, before sighing. “Fine. But... I want to come with you.”

Silver paused, before shaking her head. “No. I... want you to keep watch for me. Please. I... don't want the others to know.” Her metallic horn glowed and she gingerly picked up the bottle.

“Why?”

“Because this is my fault. It's my fault we're lost, I was the one who designed this ship, I should have been better prepared for what we're encountering. That means it's my job to take the risks. Please. For me?”

The stallion chewed on his lower lip for a few moments, eying her. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Fine. I don't like any of it, but fine. I'll do what you want. Just this once, okay?”

She lunged forward and gave him a hug. “Thank you! You're the best, Acrylic!”

He yiped a little, nodding. “O-okay. I uhhh... heh heh. F-for you, a-anything.”

“Okay, let's go. We can do it in my room.” She trotted out of the room, the stallion following behind him. She looked at a the bottle, a wide grin on her face.

She was thankful it was him who found her. She knew Button would have helped her too, but he would have probably blabbed to everypony. Acrylic was far more subtle. She couldn't imagine why he'd agreed so readily, though. She'd thought it would have been harder.

------

Silver took a slow, deep breath as she eyed the potion. On the one hoof, she'd have given just about anything to know what was in it and how to concoct such a brew, it could be very useful in the future.

On the other hoof, she was about to drink it, so it was probably for the best that she had no idea what was in it. Whatever it was, it smelled nasty and made her wanna gag when she took a sniff. She glanced towards the door with a little worry.

Acrylic was outside, keep an eye out in case there was any trouble. She wasn't expecting much and she seriously doubted she'd be gone for long, but she still wanted to keep this as hidden as possible. “Not that any of them would believe I was doing anything... dishonest, anyway,” she mumbled before she swirled the potion. After a moment she closed her eyes. “Well... to the best.” She took a small swig.

Oh, she was wrong. She was so very, very, very wrong. She didn't want to ever know what went into the nasty concoction. She quickly closed the bottle up and barely managed to swallow, the aftertaste refusing to leave her tongue and instead just made her shudder. She laid back and closed her eyes, waiting for it to take effect.

She didn't have to wait long until she felt slightly detached from herself. As if she was floating out of her body. She didn't fight the sensation, struggling to keep herself focused while slowly she began to lift into the air.

When she opened her eyes she was greeted with destruction. A barren, empty wasteland. She took a step back, her claws clattering across the ground. She glanced down and froze.

Her front right hoof was instead a great clawed paw, her left hoof was a bird's talons. She glanced back to her wings and froze. One was leathery like a dragons, the other feathery like a pegasus. Her paw reached up to her face, but she shook her head and closed her eyes. “No no no no. Not... no,” she whispered weakly, taking a deep, slow breath. “Of... course I look like this. Nothing is wrong,” she said softly, before lowering her paw to the ground.

“I am the Avatar of Discord. It is only natural I would take on such an appearance. There is no need to panic, nothing is wrong,” she repeated to herself. “Just need to focus. Just need to...” She opened her eyes and looked down. Her legs were hooves again and when she looked back, the wings were now metal, like her suit in the real world. “There. Better. More me,” she said firmly before looking around. “Hello!” she yelled out.

She received no response, though she wasn't surprised. She started trotting around, not that there was anything to see. The place was absolutely devoid of any life, not even a tumbleweed. The deserts they had flown over were downright brimming with life in comparison. “Is anything here? Anything at all?”

She squinted off towards the distance. Far, far away she swore she could make out a small hint of green, but it looked as if it was days away by hoof. She didn't have time to go searching through every little thing trying to find something. Still, she spread her wings and slowly flapped them.

Despite the fact they were metal, she could still feel them as they moved, the wind brushing through them and ruffling the metal bits. It made her feel uneasy, but slowly she began to rise into the air and go up, into the sky. She let out a soft sigh of relief as she moved up and began to get a wider view of the area.

Barren in almost all directions, except that small big of green off in the distance. Except, as she rose she could soon she it wasn't quite as small as she initially assumed. In fact, the green seemed to spread out for miles, great, massive trees as far as the eye could see. The more she stared, the larger they seemed to become, even though she wasn't moving any closer.

She longed to go explore them and get answers, but instead she slowly descended back to the ground. “That's enough for now,” she said softly, before closing her eyes.

She sat up in the real world, gasping. A hoof rose to her heart and she felt it pounding. “A-Acrylic?” she called out.

The door opened a moment later and he stepped in. “Is everything okay?”

“Y-yeah. I just... yeah. It's all okay. Just...” She took a slow, deep breath and slid the potion into the cupboard. “It seems I'm capable of going there, though.”

“What was it like?” Acrylic asked softly.

Silver glanced to the cupboard. “You... can try it, if you like. You're probably able to--”

“No, no no,” he said with a shake of his head. “I like being here, really.” He sat down besides her. “What did you see?”

“It was all... barren and empty. Dead as far as the eye could see. Like nothing had lived there for years.”

“Really?” Acrylic asked, frowning. “That's... weird. We should tell Diamond.”

“No!” Silver said quickly.

“Silver?”

“I don't want her know I went in there. She'll worry and fret.” She took a slow, deep breath. “We'll wait until we land and then give her the potion. There didn't seem to be anything dangerous there, so I'm sure it'll be fine. It's not like anything will change between now and when we land, anyway.”

The stallion chewed on his lower lip, glancing away. “I... don't know. This sounds pretty... well... spirits are big to Avatars, aren't they? Isn't this kind of stuff important?”

“Y-yes. But if she knows I went in without her, she'll start to panic and worry. You know how Diamond is, she doesn't like it when other ponies... well, do stuff that she can do. She'll probably lecture me about the danger, tell me not to do it again, or make a big deal about nothing.”

Acrylic sighed. “But it was dangerous, I shouldn't have--”

“I can take care of myself,” she said firmly. “Just because I'm not a bender like you guys doesn't mean I'm helpless.” She spread out her wings, the metal tips flaring with electricity. “Besides, I was careful. Very careful. So please, don't worry so much.”

“It's... hard not to worry about you,” he said with a small blush.

“Why?” She rolled her eyes. “Don't be like my dad. I know how to take care of myself, I'm not helpless. There is absolutely no reason to worry about me. Okay?”

“But I just... it's just...” He gave a sigh and nodded. “Right, sorry. I know you're... capable. I just... I...”

“You what?”

“I...” He blushed and then leaned in and kissed her on the lips.

Her eyes went wide and she barely managed not to shriek. After a moment, a loud zap filled the air and he collapsed. She shrieked, her face bright red. “I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I panicked, you kissed me and I panicked and I'm sorry I didn't mean to zap you, you just kissed me and I just, I'm sorry I'm so sorry I didn't mean to! Acrylic?” She nudged him gently. “Errr... Acrylic? Buddy?” She nudged him a few more times. “Oh dear...”

------

Diamond trotted into the infirmary, despite the fact she knew she shouldn't be, she felt quite good. Namely because she was here for someone other than her this time. “Heyyyy Acrylic. How you feeling?” she asked with a big grin.

“Like I just got zapped by ten thousand volts,” the unicorn grumbled.

Silver blushed and looked down. “I-I said I was sorry, I kind of... I didn't mean to...”

Diamond cocked an eye. “So, what happened, anyway?”

“Hardware malfunction,” the two said in unison, their faces bright red.

“Uh... huh. Where's Button? I figured he'd beat me here.”

“With Luna, probably,” Acrylic said with a sigh.

------

Celestia sighed and glanced towards Luna and Button, the latter who was trying, and failing, to serenade the former with a badly tuned banjo.

------

“Makes sense,” Diamond said before sitting down at the foot of the bed. “How you feeling? I know those things can kinda hurt. Got any twitches?”

“I'll be fine,” Acrylic mumbled, his right hind leg twitching slightly. “How'd you find out, anyway?”

“Prism called me. Said he saw you being hauled to the infirmary with Silver chasing you and apologizing the whole time. I put two and two together.” She then glanced to Silver. “Are you sure your dad hasn't been messing with your wings again? Maybe he has it set to zap anypony who comes within a few feet.”

“Shouldn't you be in bed?” the earth pony grumbled, her eyes lowered.

The alicorn opened her mouth, then closed it. She looked between the two. “Is... something wrong? You two seem... odd. Extra angry and--” Her eyes widened and a hoof went up to her mouth. “N-no way. Acrylic... you... you confessed, didn't you?”

Both ponies cringed.

“A-and Silver, you zapped him for it?”

There was a long, long moment of silence. Diamond face hoofed. “And here I thought I handled Button badly.”

“I-it took me by surprise! He kissed me! He didn't warn me, he just kissed me!”

“I-I was in the moment,” Acrylic said, his face even redder.

Diamond blinked, a grin forming on her lips. “W-wait. He... kissed you? Just flat out kissed you? Wow. Way to go, Acrylic. I didn't think you had it in you.”

“S-shut up! I was just, in the moment and I thought, I was...”

Diamond snickered, before glancing to Silver. “So... ummm, what does this mean for you two? Did you kiss him back?” She paused, a wider grin on her lips. “Was he a good kisser?”

The earth pony groaned, her cheeks bright red. “D-Diamond, please. Stop... being evil.”

“Oh, come on, this time the drama isn't my fault! I want answers! Did he sl--” She let out a yelp as suddenly the ship jarred to the right, sending her into the wall. A heavy booming echoed through the hall.

“Oh, thank heavens, literally anything else,” Silver said with relief. She raced to the nearest intercom and pushed a few buttons. “This is Silver, what's the situation?”

“Err... Lady Silver, we're going to have to land.”

Silver blinked. “What? Why? What happened?”

“Lightning has struck one of the balloons, erupting it. It needs to be replaced and refilled if we want to head back above.”

Silver let out a groan, before nodding. “An external balloon? That should be--”

“It struck an internal balloon. One of the big ones.”

The earth pony paused and stared. “How the buck did it... I hate this place. Acrylic, we can talk later, I need to go deal with this, okay, bye!” she said before racing out the door.

Diamond chuckled as she watched her go, before turning to Acrylic. The smile vanished a moment later. “Acrylic? Are... are you crying?”

“N-no,” he said with a sniffle, wiping his eyes. “It's just the... electricity.”

She moved over to him, sitting down. “Acrylic...”

“S-shut up...”

“What's wrong?”

“It's obvious what's wrong. I was stupid and I just... acted without thinking. I-I should have said something and tested the waters and... ugh. I acted like my mother!” He brought his hooves to his face, shaking his head. “So stupid stupid stupid!”

“Acrylic, you aren't stupid,” Diamond muttered before reaching out and patting his knees. “You were just... impulsive. And you've like Silver for a long, long...” She paused. “Actually, I've only known you a few months. How long HAVE you liked her?”

His cheeks flared red yet again.

“Never mind. It doesn't matter. I bet it just came as a shock, she's probably just trying to figure it out. Once she does, she'll talk with you. She's pretty smart, and...” Diamond coughed into her hoof. “So... uhhh, just flat out kissed her? Really?”

“It was stupid and I regret it and it was so awesome and I hate my mother.”

Diamond chuckled and patted his side again. “Who knows? Maybe she thought it was pretty awesome too.”

“I doubt it...”

The alarms suddenly blared. “Prepare for an emergency landing, everypony, please brace yourself. Repeat, prepare for an emergency landing.”

Diamond glanced up and gripped the bed. “It's fine, Acrylic. Really. Worse that can happen is she rejects you and you're just friends.”

“How is that supposed to help me?” he grumbled, covering his face with his hooves.

“Well, now it's out in the open. Before it was in hiding, you were cowering away and not letting her know. Now at least she knows. If she doesn't feel that way about you, then... you're back where you started. Except you'll know nothing can happen between you two, so you can move on. Find somepony else to pine over. Like... I don't know. Zecora.”

He glanced up and glared at her. “Why would I pine over Zecora?”

“I don't know. You seem like someone who would have a thing for rhymes.”

“She's as old as my mother!”

“Also, you have mommy issues,” she said with a grin.

He glared at her, but after a moment he smiled and gave a soft chuckle. “You know, Avatar, sometimes I hate you.”

“I know. But do you hate me right now?”

“Not much more than normal.”

“Then that's progress.” She gave his side another pat. “So, uhh... are you still hurting? I mean, that whole zap and all...”

“Honestly? Mostly just my pride, it's--” The ship suddenly jarred heavily, sending them both scattering to the ground. Acrylic groaned from the ground. “O-ow... landed... on a bed... pan... now I hurt...”

------

Silver steadied herself as the ship managed to both crash and land on the ground below. It skidded along, sending ripples through the ship as it went.

The damages had been far, far worse than they had hoped. She couldn't understand how the lightning had hit the balloon, it should have been impossible. Physically impossible, there were dozens of lightning rods set up throughout the ship, protecting them from such a possibility. It wasn't magic, as best she could tell. A few bolts had hit the ship before, but it was as if this bolt had targeted that balloon directly.

It was as if the very balance of the world had been thrown off here, something terrible and just... strange. Even for her. She'd had no choice but to make an emergency landing. They'd managed to slow and delay it as long as possible before making their way towards the stablest area they could. Their scouts had managed to find a small patch of grass nearby and they'd barely managed to land on top of it.

Unfortunately, the ship was damaged and there was no telling how long it would take to repair it, nor how much damage had been done from the explosion.

But, possibly worst of all, Acrylic had kissed her. Silver had no idea what to do. She couldn't imagine why he'd done such a thing, he'd never expressed the slightest interest in her. At least, not in that manner. She'd have to talk with him eventually, but that was not something she was looking forward to.

'Ugh, all I want to do is defeat the Avatar and unleash the world into chaos, why does he have to make it hard?' she mentally whined, before glancing towards the captain. “I... guess everything is in your hooves, now. Get us into the air as soon as you can, but don't rush things. Better to get it done right than have to crash down again.”

“Of course,” the pegasus said.

Silver took a deep breath and made her way towards the boarding ramp, her mind swirling. She wished she had some point of reference to compare it with. She considered for a moment talking with her father about it, but the mere thought sent a shudder through her body.

By the time she made it to the ramp, it was already open and a dozen ponies were already outside, looking over the damage. She joined them and cringed.

The bottom of the ship was designed to minimize damage in such a case, with a reinforced hull, no jutting parts and special springs to reduce the impact to the rest of the ship. It still didn't look too good. Parts of the ship had been torn off, the ship had dug a very deep hole and the skid marks had torn a long trail through the fields. Still, the ship was in mostly one piece and nothing integral seemed to have snapped off. In a few hours it could probably be replaced and fixed before they headed off again.

She took a slow, deep breath before spreading out her mechanical wings and taking to the air. She could fly pretty quickly now, thanks to all the improvements that had been made since Meadowbrook's attack. It took her only a few moments to find where the lightning had struck the ship. Namely thanks to the big black smoldering hole it left in the side of the ship. “Buck,” she said softly.

It wasn't the largest internal balloon in the ship, but it was one of them. It traveled through the entire vessel and was blocked off through a big, metal hatch. A few earth ponies wearing the same kind of metallic wings she did were already working on getting the hatch open.

When they did, smoke and the smell of burnt rubber filled the air. “Buck,” she said again as she walked over and peered inside.

The tunnel was covered in deep black burn marks. “That's not good,” she muttered. “How long until a pony will be able to get in there?”

“Probably about twenty minutes until it cools off enough. We're trying to vent the system now, but we have to be slow so nopony gets hurt.”

She nodded. “Take as long as needed, I don't want anypony getting wounded over this.” She then glanced to the two lightning rods right next to the balloon. The ones the lightning had avoided entirely.

She really, really hated this place. She wondered if maybe there was a bit to those rumors about Twilight's curse.

Chapter 12: Worming out

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“Ahhhh, land. Wonderful, amazing, delightful dirt and grass!” Diamond cheered as she jumped from the ramp and landed on the ground, hugging it as best she could.

“No matter what you do, don't eat any!” Silver yelled down.

“What? Why?”

“These are the Badlands! There's no telling what kind of strange things thrive in this realm!” the earth pony yelled. She frowned as her eyes wandered back to the sky. It was sunny now, but there was no telling how long that would last. The ponies has already put up a small shelter around the damaged part of the ship, so it would at least stay dry if they began to get rained on.

For now there was nothing she could do but wait. It was times like this she wished she had all of Discord's power. Turning off the chaotic weather would have made everything better and easier.

“So, any idea how long this will take?” Diamond asked as she trotted over, a big grin on her face. “It's an absolutely pleasant day for--” All of a sudden the skies opened up and rain began to pelt them. Her mouth fell open and she stared. “H-how... no, really, how? The skies were clear and sunny just ten seconds ago!”

“The Badlands,” Silver muttered, before grinning. “Hey, while we're here, though, maybe there is something you can do to help.”

“Oh? What?”

“Well... the weather here is really strange and this land is supposed to be connected to the Spirit World, right?”

“Zecora told me it was, but I haven't seen any spirits here. Why?”

“Well, perhaps if you were to go to the Spirit World, you could find out if there's anything there we need to worry about. Maybe there's some angry spirit or something following us and that's how the ship got hit.”

“I... suppose I can,” Diamond said with a nod. “I'll need a potion, though. Did Zecora--”

“A whole batch of them. Come on, follow me,” Silver said with a chuckle, before trotting back into the ship. A low rumble ran across her hooves, making her stop. “Did... you feel that?”

“Feel what?” Diamond asked. “Solid ground? Oh yeah. It's awesome.”

“No, I thought I just felt a...” She shook her head. “Nothing, never mind. Come on, let's go get you that potion.”

------

“Would you like me to get you something to drink? Something to eat?” Button asked Luna, a big grin on his face.

The stallion shook his head as he reclined under the shade of the shelter Button had made for him. “No, thank you. You have done more than enough already, Dear Button,” he said with a smile as he glanced back to his book. “You need not fret over me so.”

“It's fine, really, that's what coltfriends are far,” he said proudly.

Luna chuckled and nodded. “Odd, I never did much of that. But then, I suppose that's the joys of being a--”

“Button!” a voice called out, interrupting the prince. The two glanced over to Alicity, who was racing over and wearing a big metal helmet with a screen over it. “Quick, do the thing!”

“The what now?” he asked with a cocked eye.

“The thing! Do the thing! You know, the thing!” Alicity said, tapping his hoof expectantly.

“He means the earth sensing,” Secretary said flatly.

“Huh?” Button asked, before shaking his head. “I uhhh... I'm not really good at it. It's... kinda one of the reasons I have so much trouble with metal bending. Since... well...”

“It doesn't matter, do it!” Alicity yelled. “I've been taking measurements since we landed and, if I'm not mistaken, there's a big hollow area under us!”

Button blinked, before tapping the ground. “I'm not very good, just--” He froze, his hoof on the ground. Slowly the color began to drain from his face. “Errr... d-doc. How uhhh... what kind of measurements?”

“Oh, you know, standard things. Soil samples, vegetation samples, bug samples, seismic activities. The moment we parked I had Secretary start unloading everything. But this chamber could be a huge find! There's no telling what is buried under neath us!”

“I think your equipment is off,” Button said with a little gulp. “That's... that's not hollow.”

“Of course it's hollow!” Alicity said before holding out his papers. “Just look, the lines are...” He paused and flipped it open. “Oh. Oh dear.”

Button tapped it again, before gulping. “I... I think we chose the wrong place to land.”

“What is it?” Luna asked before sliding to his hooves.

The earth pony glanced to the others. “Get to the ship. We need to get out of here, now. There's no telling what--”

The ground began to shake and rumble under them, nearly knocking the ponies to the ground.

“Go go go!” Button yelled, tapping his hooves and making the ground rise up, shoving them towards the ship.

The ponies ran while the ground shook and rumbled violently. The ponies were almost to the ship when it suddenly began to rise into the air. The ponies on it quickly jumped away, their mechanical wings taking them away as the ship rose up and up and up. A great purple tube seemed to have become attached to the bottom, carrying the vessel. Then it violently shook to the right, tossing the ship aside and revealing itself in all its glory.

It was the biggest worm, or possibly snake, Button had ever seen. The majority of its body was purple, but its head was pink. It had a red flower-like mane around its neck(or at least, the closest thing it had to a neck) and it seemed to have three faces. Then its face divided into three different parts, each one having its own pair of eyes with red streaks by them. It roared, revealing a mouth filled with long green tentacles and teeth. So many teeth.

Button squeaked, staring at the thing. “A-Alicity, do you have anything to deal with that?”

“A-actually, yes. Unfortunately, all of them are on the ship,” the stallion said nervously. “Secretary, do the thing!”

“Of course, sir,” she said before her horn glowed. A moment later a great ball of electricity shot out from the ship, slamming into the creature's side. It seemed relatively unharmed.

“Ah. In that case. Do the OTHER thing!” he yelled before turning and fleeing, Secretary in tow.

“What's the thing?” Button called after him.

“Fleeing for our lives!” Secretary yelled back.

The giant worm let out another roar before it lunged after them, swimming through the dirt with ease, rising up out of the ground directly behind them. Its massive jaws opened again as the tentacles lashed out at Button.

A rainbow blur burst from the ship and slammed into the back of the creature, sending its attack off course and slamming its head into the ground. “Hey, ugly! What do you think you're doing?” Rainbow called up at it, rubbing her hoof.

The worm turned towards her and roared, its tentacles lashing out at her. She dove away with ease, pulling up and into the air. She sent a burst of air at it, but it just bounced off the creature's face with ease.

“Ha, you think you can keep up with me? I'm Rainbow Dash!” the pegasus yelled, before doing a tight turn up and looping back around the creature's face, slamming both her front hooves into its side. She cringed again and darted away before it could grab her. “Heh... heh. Tough little guy, aren't yah?” she asked, rubbing her hooves. She quickly flew up, narrowly avoided the creature as it lunged after her. She flew out of reach, panting slightly. “Come on, guys, get to the ship!”

“R-right,” Button called, before turning back around and racing towards the ship with the others. Rainbow dove and weaved around the creature, trying to keep its attention but unable to break through.

“Ha! You're nowhere near as tough as the Great Dragon and I used to pound my fists into his face all the time!” Rainbow yelled before bucking it in the side again. She let out a startled yelp as a tentacle lashed out, wrapping around one of her hooves. “H-hey!”

The creature lunged forward, its tongue pulling her in as it came closer, maw gaping. Rainbow yelped and covered her face, a moment before the pressure was relieved from her hoof and something slammed into her chest.

“You okay, mom?” Prism asked.

“Took your time, didn't you?” she asked with a snort. Green goo leaked from the sliced tongue wrapped around her hoof. Ironwing hovered a few feet away, his wing blades covered in the goo.

“Sorry, we didn't expect the ship to be suddenly flipped upside down,” Ironwing grumbled, before charging towards the creature. He was slower than Rainbow, but his wings managed to slice through the tongues when they came close, making the creature roar all the angrier.

“They're trying to get it back up, but there's no telling how long that'll take. We can't go to max height like this,” Prism yelled before letting his mother go and racing at the worm. He turned and slammed both his back hooves into its side, knocking it off kilter a moment later. The worm slammed down to the side, hitting the ground with a painful thump. It lifted its head for only a moment, before diving it back down and disappearing into the ground.

“Is that it? Is it gone?” Rainbow asked.

“I think so. I don't see it anywhere,” Ironwing muttered. “I think we--” A massive shriek tore through the ground before the creature lunged out of the ground, its whole body flying at them as it broke through to the surface. The three scattered, avoiding the creature.

The worm twisted and writhed in the air, wiggling about and giving loud, angry roars. Then it came crashing down.

Prism's eyes widened. “Oh no.”

The worm landed tail first, hitting the ground before the rest of its hulking mass came down after it, directly onto the airship as it struggled to right itself and get back into the air. The ship never stood a chance, it slammed into it as metal, glass and fabric tore away, the ship crumbling in the center. The worm roared again, writhing on top of the ship and shattering more of it before finally crossing over the crippled vessel, diving head first into the ground.

“Buck!” Rainbow yelled before flying at the ship. “We need to help them, before it--”

The worm rose once again, its head rising up over the ship while its tail began come out the other side. The tail quickly looped around the ship and the dent it caused, slowly crushing it.

“Stop it!” Rainbow yelled, racing down at it and slamming her hooves into its face again. Prism and Ironwing followed suit, jamming themselves against its body. It shook them off, constricting its tail tighter and slowly crushing the ship. It opened its mouth, its tongues lashing out and slowly reaching towards the holes that were beginning to form and lashing at the ponies trying to escape through them.

Suddenly a brown blur crashed down on its face, directly between the top eyes. A brown pegasus with a gray streaked mane looked around with a cocky grin on her face. She was wearing a brown shirt and a simple white hat. “Well, aren't you a big one?” the mare asked before reaching into her shirt and pulling out a small vial. “But you know what they say!” She slammed it down on the creature's face, before jumping into the air moments before a thick dust filled the air. “Big ones are all cry babies!”

For a moment nothing seemed to happen as the giant worm kept crushing the ship. Then it let out a sneeze, freezing in place. Then it let out a second and third sneeze, its body slowly going still. By the fourth sneeze it started to writhe and shake its head, its tail unlatching from the ship as it struggled to clear itself, shaking violently about before diving into the ground.

“... Okay, who is that?” Rainbow asked, pointing towards the pony.

“I... have no idea,” Prism said.

“You know, not to be a stickler or anything,” the pony said before pointing to the ship. “But I did arrive a bit late. Shouldn't you be trying to help all your friends stuck in that?”

“Oh buck...” Ironwing said, before diving down towards the ship.

------

Silver was not crying. She was so, so past crying as she hugged the Promise, or at least what remained of it. “M-my baby! My beautiful, one of a kind baby! It's not fair! It's not f-fair!” she wailed, hugging the hull. “We were going to see the world, we were going to see everything! H-how? How could you be taken from me so soon? It's not fair!” she screamed.

Diamond coughed, slowly moving up behind the earth pony. “It's... not so bad, Silver. I mean, there were a lot of wounded, but at least nopony was killed.” She put a hand on her withers. “We could--”

“DON'T YOU TOUCH ME!” Silver screamed, knocking the hoof away, turning her hate filled gaze on Diamond. “This is YOUR FAULT! It's your stupid Avatar curse! Just like Twilight and her air ships! Do you have ANY idea how long it took me to make this? How many bits have been spent on it? The sleepless nights, the ensuring everything was perfect! I worked... I worked so hard and it's just... it's...” She trembled, the tears flowing down her face.

Diamond stood there, stunned as she looked at her friend. She then lunged forward and hugged her as tight as she could. “Silver... I am so, so sorry. I... I never wanted any of this to happen. It's going to be okay though, I promise. We can make a new Promise. We--”

“I-I don't want a new Promise! I want THIS Promise! She was perfect, she was beautiful a-and she was glorious,” the mare wailed, sobbing into the alicorn's withers. Diamond just held her, gently rubbing her back and doing her best to comfort the stricken mare. Slowly, the wails broke down to crying, then sobbing then finally small hiccups. She gave a few last sniffles and then pulled back. “S-sorry. I just--”

“It's okay,” the alicorn said with a smile. “We're friends, we're always here for each other.”

Silver nodded, before wiping her eyes and looking towards the crew and passengers, all of which were doing their best to avoid looking at her and focus on gathering what they could. She took a slow, deep breath. “Okay, well, there's no use crying... any more... over the ship. We'll have to gather up what we can and make for...” She blinked, and then looked to the pegasus that had saved them. “Actually, yeah. Before that. Who are you? And do you know where we can get shelter near here, especially away from that big... thing?”

“Oh, the tatzlwurm? I wouldn't worry about that. Deadly buggers, but extremely sensitive noses. It won't be back for a day or so.” She stepped forward and held out her hoof. “Name's Daring Do, a pleasure to meet you little lady.”

“Silver Spoon,” the earth pony said back. “Would you mind telling me exactly... where you came from?”

“My village. It isn't very far from here,” she said with a grin, before glancing towards Diamond. “So... I can't help but notice a lot of you seem to have horns and wings. But... well, hers are a lot less metal. Is she... well, you know. Who I think?”

“I am the Avatar, yes,” Diamond said with a nod. “You're familiar with me?”

Daring nodded. “Of course. My mom said if I ever met the next Avatar, me and my sister better do our best to help.” She then glanced down to Silver. “But... I didn't know they made metal ones. I thought there was only supposed to be one.”

“My horns and wings are artificial,” Silver said firmly. “You're familiar with the legend of the Avatar?” She then blinked. “Wait, I don't suppose you're familiar with Twilight Sparkle, the previous Avatar?”

The pegasus chuckled. “Well, I'd better have been. She was my mom, after all. Wish I'd known the Avatar was with you a few days back, I'd have shown myself a lot sooner. Probably stopped you from running into... that... you all okay?” She waved a hoof in front of Silver's face. “Hello? Anypony in there?”

Rainbow was the first to recover. “TWILIGHT'S YOUR MOM?!”

Chapter 13: Daring

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“I'm not buying it,” Rainbow grumbled as she circled the pegasus. “You're not... you don't...”

“I don't what?” Daring asked, a frown on her face.

“There's no way you can be Twilight's kid. For one, Twilight is... well, Twilight. Only thing I could imagine her having a kid with is a book. Two, you're not nearly egg-headed enough. I don't even think you have glasses.” She flapped her wings, putting a gust of wind over the mare. “Yeah. No glasses.”

“Mom didn't have glasses...”

“Yes, but she was still a massive nerd. Okay, fine. If you're Twilight's kid, who am I?”

“Rainbow mane, arrogant, slashed up eyes, I'd have to say Rainbow Dash,” Daring said casually. “To be honest, you're the main reason I even ran out to help. Until I saw you, I thought you guys were just fancy pirates and was just following you to make sure you stayed away from the village.”

Rainbow frowned. “A lucky guess. Though everypony knows who we are, there's no need to--”

“You know what? Listen. If you don't wanna believe I'm mom's kid, that's fine. I don't care. But you have wounded ponies, I've agreed to help you, so how about you come with me before somepony up and dies?”

The blue pegasus growled, but slowly nodded. “Fine. We can talk this out later. But if you try anything, you'll regret it. I may be blind but that doesn't mean I can't break you.”

Daring nodded before looking over the gathered ponies. “Okay, we aren't that far away, so how about you gather up your wounded who can be moved and we can head to the village, okay? We don't have any healers, but we do have medicine. Those who can't move, stay here and I'll send some ponies here to help.”

“I'll stay,” Silver said before glancing to the others. “I need to organize a... salvage operation,” she said with a shudder. “There is still plenty on the Promise that can be useful. Medical supplies especially and... and my beautiful ship, w-why did you have to--” She shook her head. “Anyway. Still plenty to do here.”

“I'll stay too,” Acrylic said with a nod. “I can--”

“No, no no, no,” Silver said firmly, shaking her head. “Y-you go with the Avatar. You're one of our better fighters and there's no telling what they might encounter.”

“That's reason enough for me to be here,” the stallion said, stomping a hoof.

“No! I'll be fine, just go!”

“But--”

“NO! I need some time away from you, OKAY? I need to process... THIS! All of this! GO!”

Rainbow turned towards Prism. “You... ever get the feeling you're missing something?”

“All the time,” he said with a sigh. “I'll stay and keep an eye out. If anything happens, I'm one of the fastest here--” His mother coughed, he glared. “One of the fastest here, so I'll come and get help.”

Acrylic ground his hoof into the ground, before giving a sad sigh. “Fine...” He turned away and walked to the rest of the crew, helping to gather up the wounded.

Diamond looked to Daring. “So uhhh... you've been following us all this time?”

“For a while. Picked up on your trail after I came across three broken ships. Figured there was another turf war between all of them.” She gave a snicker. “Hardly the first time. Didn't expect to meet the new Avatar, though. So, tell me, how good are you? Mom was pretty amazing, so I bet you must be pretty good. Right?”

Diamond sighed. “If I was half as good as I once thought I was, things would be a lot better. I've still got a long way to go until I can... fix anything,” she muttered before waving her hoof. “I try my hardest, though. I'm making a lot of progress, too.”

“Ah, don't worry so much,” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “Twilight used to suck pretty bad, too. When I first met her she was always getting herself blown up, captured, beaten, or anything else. Buck, she used to light herself on fire to escape half the time. Scary thing was how often that worked...”

Daring chuckled, nodding. “She told me about that. Also... well, Rainbow. She told me a lot about you. Is it true? She said you were the only pony able to do the... sonic rainboom?”

Rainbow blinked, then her head lowered. “Yeah... I... used to be.” She shook her head. “That's not important, though. There are a lot of way, way cooler stories about me than that old tale. Besides, I want to know about Twilight! How'd she go and have kids? I never imagined she'd... well, that.”

Daring sighed. “She wrote a few... books on the subject if you want the in depth analysis.” She shuddered. “Very, very in depth.”

Rainbow blinked, before bursting into raucous laughter. “Oh, wow. Okay, I take it back. That is too much Twilight for ANYPONY to fake.”

“We're ready!” Button called out. Diamond glanced back to see the majority of the wounded ponies were now standing, supported by others. However, there were plenty of them still laying on the ground, hurt and wounded as the healers did their best to help them. Thank heavens the infirmary wasn't near the center of the ship and had avoided being crushed.

The alicorn moved back to help one of the wounded, letting them lean on her. “Okay, Daring, lead the way!”

The pegasus nodded before lifting into the air and flying off, albeit slowly so they could keep up.

------

Silver watched as the last of them disappeared off in the distance. Only her, the wounded and a sizable portion of the remaining crew remained. And Prism, she supposed. She glanced towards her ship.

Her beautiful, expensive, state of the art and positively destroyed ship. She felt tears welling up in her eyes again, but quickly wiped them aside. “No, no. Focus now, grieve later. First, salvage. Yes. Get whatever you can get and... yes,” she said before taking a deep breath. “Okay! Everypony, first thing is power! Keep to using telekinesis for now and cast aside anything that's broken too badly. The... hull is shattered, but many of the components are probably still usable. We might not have transport, but we will still have supplies. Enough supplies to get us home a dozen times over. We also have parts. We can--” There was the sound of scraping metal as another chunk of the ship fell off.

“We can... salvage enough to get something working. We have emergency, smaller vessels as well. We can use those to get the more heavily wounded to safety and, eventually, get us back home. The...” She gave another shudder. “The hull is... damaged beyond repair. But... who knows? We may be able to... do something with it. Use it. We just have to find a way to do it.” She pointed towards it. “So, let's get to work. And remember, careful! We have time for now. First we need our mana crystals so we can make sure we have the power to keep all of our equipment moving. They were in cargo hold one, four and seven. After that, start gathering whatever equipment we have that still works, focusing on our escape vessels and anything that can help with the heavy lifting. Go!” she ordered, before trotting towards the remains of her beautiful ship.

So magnificent. And now a junk heap. She used her metallic horn to telekinetically push aside some debris and slowly walk into the mess.

------

Diamond let out a soft gasp as the village came into view. Namely because it just suddenly appeared out of nowhere. One moment they were walking across barren, lifeless desert with the occasional blade of grass, then the next moment they stepped into a field full of the stuff, in the center of which lay a great village. While it was nowhere near the size of Harmony, it was still larger than the village she grew up in and she couldn't imagine what magic must have gone into keeping it hidden. The buildings themselves were shaped like domes.

“GAHHHH! GRASSHOPPERS!” Rainbow yelled, going low into a combat stance and spreading out her wings.

“Wait! Wait wait!” Daring called out, shaking her head. “They're fine! They're nice, don't worry!” Suddenly the air filled with little tiny green blades of glass. The seemed to be leaping to and fro, landing on the ponies before jumping off in random directions. “They don't mean any harm, really. They're very friendly around here.”

The pegasus paused, before coughing. “E-err, right. Yeah. Just... errr... had a bad experience with their kind before and... yeah. Really? Grasshoppers? Why here?”

“They help the plant life grow,” Daring said as she trotted towards the village. “Welcome to Sanctuary, the village of spirits.”

Diamond paused and barely managed to avoid rushing forward. If she hadn't been helping to support a wounded pony, she would have. “You mean there are spirits here? Really?”

The mare paused, then shook her head. “Sadly, no. There used to be, long, long ago, or so the legends say.” She pointed off, past the village, to a great forest. “That is the Forest of Spirits. It's the magic of that which keeps us hidden away and safe from the rest of the world.” She trotted forward and took a deep breath. “HEY! EVERYPONY! WE'VE GOT VISITORS! COME OUT!” she bellowed at the top of her lungs.

“Daring! The buck are you doing?” another voice answered her. Diamond turned to the right in time to see a yellow unicorn with a red and yellow striped mane come running from the other side of the village. “You led people here? How could you?” Flames started to materialize on her horn.

“Whoa, whoa! Sunset, calm down!” Daring said, waving her hooves. “It's not what you think! It's the Avatar!”

That made the flames disappear and the unicorn skidded to a stop, her eyes widening. “Wait, mom? She's alive? She's--”

“No. The... new Avatar.”

That made the unicorn freeze, before cringing. Her eyes narrowed and she stood up straight. “Of course. Who is it?” Her eyes wandered over the ponies, flames searing from the tip of her horn. Daring pointed at Diamond, who waved. “So, you're the Avatar, then?” She took a deep breath. “Well, listen up! All of you! My name is Sunset Shimmer, daughter of Twilight Sparkle. I am the guardian of Sanctuary. Until you speak with the elders, you cannot, will not, step one hoof into the town.”

“Sunset, they have wounded. Mom would want us to--”

“Mom isn't here,” Sunset said coldly. “I am the guardian, this is MY responsibility.” She then looked towards them. “Avatar, I... understand your importance and you will be welcomed into the village. But the rest of you are to remain here. Assistance will be granted, as needed. But if any of you cause trouble, you will be expelled. Forcibly if need be.”

“I'd like to see you try,” Rainbow snapped, standing up straight and spreading out her wings. “I don't care if you claim to be Twilight's kid, she was never too old to thrash, and you certainly aren't.”

Sunset glared back. “This is my home, if you think I'm going to--”

“Enough!” Diamond yelled, stomping her hoof down. “Sunset, that's fine. All we want are our ponies who are hurt to get the care they need. If you don't want us in your village, that's acceptable. However, we do have more ponies who still need care. They're back at our ship.”

The unicorn nodded. “Of course.” She turned back. “Okay, everypony. You can come out. It is the Avatar. She's come, like mom said she might one day. They have wounded.”

Slowly the doors began to open and revealed, to Diamond's amazement, only a few normal ponies. Bat ponies and zebras made up the majority. They came out slowly at first, a few stepping forward to help the wounded.

Sunset stepped towards Diamond and held out a hoof. “So, Avatar, I always knew we would meet. Mom was sure of it. If you'll come with me?” She turned and started trotted towards the main buildings. “We need to negotiate.”

“Negotiate?” the alicorn asked, before giving over her wounded to one of the zebras.

“Of course. I assume you intend to stay here for a few years,” Sunset said as she led the alicorn into the city. “We don't have nearly enough space and food to house all of your ponies, so you'll also need a way to get them back home. I'm not sure how well we can help with that. Daring can probably assist, though. But while you're here, you'll need to follow our rules and customs, as well as--”

“Wait, wait wait wait!” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “I can't be here for years, the world needs me! Well, it might. I'm only here for now because I'm trying to find out what happened to Twilight. What she found out, what she did, if she succeeded. I don't know if I can...” She stopped when she stepped into the boundaries of the village. It washed over her, an icy, cold chill that froze her down to the core. “W-what's that?”

“What's what?”

“I don't know... I just... it's...” She shuddered and looked around. The feeling slowly washed away. “I don't know what it was, but it was awful.”

“I don't know,” Sunset said before leading her to the largest of the domed buildings. “You'll need to speak with the council, of course. They'll decide if you'll be allowed to stay and if you'll be granted access to my mother's writings.”

“Oh, so-- wait. Mother's writing?”

“Yes. You'll see,” the unicorn said before pushing the door open. Inside a large platform stood with five figures standing behind it. They were wearing great, black robes.

“Sorry I'm late!” a sixth figure said as he bumped into the alicorn, his black robe hiding his features as he rushed up to join the others. There was the sound of collective face hooves from the other five.

“So then, you are the Avatar, reborn,” one of the figures said, stepping forward.

“Errr... yes?” Diamond said, stepping before the council. She couldn't believe it. Hundreds, thousands of miles from Harmony. And still she was stuck answering to councils. “My friends and I have come to your village seeking aid. Our ship has been damaged and many of them have been wounded.”

“Of course, Avatar. We will give you aid, under one condition.”

The alicorn gave a sigh. Here it came. She wondered how these ponies would try to use her.

“Daring is... rash at times, but we are not so easily fooled. If you are the Avatar, prove it.”

Diamond face hoofed. “Prove it? How? Want me to take on some great spirit? Fight off a herd of timber wolves? Hoping I'll destroy some great mountain with one hoof?”

“... You are a bender, are you not? Use the elements.”

Diamond blinked a few more times. “Err... wait, really? That's all?”

“Of course. Only the Avatar is capable of such feats. Using multiple.”

“Well... yeah, but that's easy. Do you have any water?”

A small cup of it was brought before her and her horn glowed as the water lifted up into the air, turning into a ball of ice. She then spread out her wings, flapping them a few times and sending great gales through the room. She was a little disappointed as she failed to knock off any of the robes, though Sunset's mane and tail were now frizzy and on end.

“Quite.. spectacular, Avatar,” one of the cloaked figures said before adjusting their cloak back into position. “Now, earth and fire bending?”

Diamond sighed and face hoofed. “Yeah... about that. I, at the moment, can't do either of those.”

There were a few shocked murmurs across the council members, before once again another stepped forward. “You've come seeking us before your training is complete? Very well, we will teach you the art of fire bending. Sunset Shimmer shall be your teacher.”

“No,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “My training is complete. Well, okay, maybe not complete but I know HOW to fire bend. I just can't.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I... had a fight recently. A bad fight. Against a very, very powerful pony with magic that, frankly, I can't believe existed. She managed to divide my bending, take away my fire, earth and water bending. I've managed to regain my water bending, but the others have still eluded me.”

“Such a thing is possible?”

“She was using an artifact of Discord.”

There were plenty of fearful murmurs then as the ponies whispered amongst themselves. Diamond leaned closer to Sunset. “Ummm... so, why the cloaks?”

“Air of mystery, thing,” the unicorn said. “Just go along with it. It makes them feel special and if you don't, you'll hurt their feelings.”

After a few moments the ponies stepped forward. “This... artifact sounds quite interesting. Did you manage to recover it?”

“I... kind of destroyed it.”

“W-what? A relic of such power and you destroyed it!”

“It was being used to strip the cutie marks of ponies. It was also stealing the magical properties of other species as well! Buffalo, diamond dogs, everypony. I didn't have any choice but to destroy it to stop her. Besides, it was something of Discords, there couldn't have been any good from it.”

There was a long pause as this time the cloaked figures just kind of wiggled about. “We see. We have heard there is a bond between each Avatar and their previous incarnation. Have you spoken with Twilight?”

“Only once and only for a short while,” Diamond said, lifting a hoof to her heart. “When... I needed her most, she was there. But the bond broke after only a few moments. That is one of the reasons I came here, to find her. I want to... no, I need to know what happened to her. How she died, what things she faced.”

“That, Avatar, we can only partially answer. When last we saw her, she had traveled into the Forest of Spirits in pursuit of a pony known as Trixie. A pony who wielded an amulet of Harmony and Discord, the one known as the Alicorn Amulet.”

Diamond blinked a few times. “I... what? The Alicorn Amulet is one of the Avatar's tools, it has nothing to do with Discord.”

There was a light chuckle. “Truly, you have not spoken with Twilight. Well, Avatar. Sunset, you spent the most time with your mother, you know the myths better than anypony. It would be best for you to show her.”

“Show me?” Diamond asked, looking to Sunset.

The unicorn nodded. “Yes.” She held out a hoof. “My mom came here in pursuit of Trixie, at least that's what she said. But she stayed for one important reason. To learn the origins of Discord and Harmony.”

Diamond blinked. “W-wait, what? But that's... Discord was just a spirit. A powerful spirit, but one none the less. He--”

“Was the ruler of the Spirit World,” Sunset said with a shake of her head. “In fact, he was the main reason the Spirit World was locked away, with only one portal remaining. My mother spent years researching and finding out everything she could about him, traveling deeper into the Forest of Spirits than anypony has in centuries. Now I--”

“Wait, wait wait,” the alicorn said. “This... is fascinating, it really is.” The unicorn glared at the interruption. “But it's not fair.”

“Fair?”

“All of my friends made this trip possible. They came with me, risked their lives for me. They deserve to hear this as well.” Diamond gave a little smile. “Can we wait until we've all gathered up to tell the story?”

The unicorn gave a sigh, before smiling. “Yeah, I suppose that's fine. There's a lot we've got to tell you, too. And show you. Mom was... well, she was very... adamant about finding everything she could. And she made darn sure I knew everything I could as well.” She glanced to the council. “Is that okay?”

“The Avatar is the chosen pony of Harmony, friend to all who reside in Sanctuary. You and your friends will find as much aid as is required. So yes, Sunset, please go and aid them. Gather whoever you need.”

Sunset nodded and then turned to Diamond. “Come on. Let's go get the rest of them.”

Chapter 14: Origins

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Silver let out a soft sigh of relief while she walked through the halls of the vessel. Perhaps she had been a bit too worried. The hull of the ship was totaled, there was no doubt. But the majority of the components were safe. If damaged. It would take a week or two to get everything out and ready, but that wouldn't be the real problem.

The biggest problem was that every single balloon had been damaged. They couldn't even try to move the ship if they wanted. Not only that, almost half of the emergency crafts had been lost, shattered along with so many other supplies when they'd been tossed about. Fortunately the village wasn't very far and they had already managed to move all of the wounded under proper shelter, so there wouldn't be any unnecessary deaths.

But, perhaps the most important thing, was one of the jars holding the Avatar's elements had been damaged. It hadn't broke, but it had been cracked. She was tempted to try switching it to a new jar, but it was acting strangely now. Ever since they'd come to these strange lands, it had pulsated and fought against its containment. Letting it free now might cause her more trouble than she dared risk.

If she wanted to use it, she'd have to use it soon. She'd managed to store them in with one of the crates to be hauled, she just hoped it would remain trapped for now.

As she walked the halls of her ruined vessel, she couldn't help but mentally count every broken component. So many bits down the drain. After deducting the price of what could be salvaged it wasn't too horrifying(although it still made her want to blanch), but that wasn't what made it so horrible.

She rested her head against the wall and sighed softly, sitting down and letting her head sink. “I'm a failure. All my planning, all my hard work, and I couldn't even get us to our destination without crashing. Why? I did everything right! At... least I thought I did,” she said softly, before lightly banging her head on the wall, then kicking it. “You stupid hunk of junk! I put everything I--”

A panel above came down, slamming into her head and making her collapse, a small trail of blood dripping down her head. “W-what?” she said softly, her head rolling from side to side. She shoved it off and shook her head, sending a spark of pain through it. “O-ow. S-stupid, vengeful ship...”

She rubbed her head and started walking down the hall again, giving a sad sigh when she passed a shattered light. Just like so many others, destroyed and expensive.

A scream tore through the ship, making her freeze. The screaming didn't stop, either, allowing her to quickly locate the source. She galloped down the hall towards the cargo hold eight, quickly poking her head inside.

It only took her a moment to locate who was screaming. A pony was in there. The floor had collapsed and some of the crates had broken, sending broken pieces of equipment all over the place and turning the floor into a veritable death trap, with shards of metal sticking out. Her eyes then turned up and she paled.

The pony moving the equipment was up above. It looked like he had been moving things, judging by how he was dangling from one of the off tilt crates. He was wearing the same metal wings she did, except the left one was sparking and misshapen. His left side was covered in bruises and when she looked down she could see where one of the crates had slid off, smashing against the ground, breaking its contents and sending the broken shards of metal and glass across the ground.

“It's okay!” she called out before stepping into the room. “I'm here, others should be on the way,” she called out.

“Help me!” the stallion shrieked as he tried to hold on, his hooves struggling to keep a grip. He was sliding though, slowly but surely.

Her heart nearly froze when she realized something else. There were more crates on the stack he was on and they were sliding down towards him. He'd be crushed.

“No no,” she whispered, taking a step forward, before leaping into the air and spreading her robotic wings. The crates were closer than her and sliding nearly as fast. Despite what she wanted to believe, she couldn't make it in time. The poor pony was going to be crushed.

“Buck that,” she whispered.

Her eyes glowed yellow for a moment, then a loud crack filled the room. On the opposite end of the crate the stallion was clinging to, the wood of the crates gave way and the sliding crates fell into the new groove. The sounds of expensive equipment shattering into a thousand pieces filled the room, but she tuned it out as she flew forward, wrapping her hooves around the stallion. Her wings hummed as more energy flowed through them, before she pushed off and hauled him back towards the entrance.

Behind her she could hear it all collapsing. So many destroyed bits. So much money gone in an instant. She gently dropped him and took a slow, deep breath. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah. Yeah, I think so,” he said weakly. “It just... came out of nowhere. They weren't moving at all, then the next moment they all came flying at me.”

“Yeah, just... happy you're okay,” Silver said. A lever flew by her head and she yelped. “Actually let's get out of here before something explodes,” she said quickly before pushing him ahead. They stood outside the room for a moment and she cringed as every smashing, crushing, destroying sound echoed out of the room. Once it finally stopped she gave a smile to him. “So, you'd better go see the healers, get that side looked at. Then see about replacing those wings.”

“Right, of course,” the pony said, though he didn't take his eyes off her for a few moments. Finally, he coughed. “Thank you, Lady Spoon. I... I think... no, I know I'd be dead now if not for you.”

“Yeah, if not for me you wouldn't even be here, either,” she muttered. “Just go get yourself looked at, okay? There's still a lot of work to be done and I don't want anypony getting killed out here. Oh, and make sure you have a partner next time! No solo work.”

“Of course,” he said before giving her a bow and limping off.

Silver watched him for a moment, before slowly looking back into the room. The crates and their contents laid spilled across the floor, shattered, busted, broken. The cost ever growing. She still felt relieved, though. At least a body hadn't been added to them. She turned and trotted down the hall. “Going to have to have a talk with the captain. This is wayyyy too dangerous for ponies to be working alone.”

------

The earth pony frowned when she stepped out of the ship and caught sight of Diamond. “What is it now?” she asked a lot more coldly than she'd meant to.

The mare cringed. “I'm really, really sorry about your ship. I... I know it meant a lot to you. But I have good news!”

Silver blinked. “Really?”

“Yes! You're never going to guess who we met!”

“Twilight's daughter?”

“Well, yeah. But she had a SECOND daughter!”

“Okay?”

“And she may know the origins of the Elements of Harmony and possibly even Discord!”

Silver's heart thumped and she had to struggle to keep herself from showing too much excitement as she quickly changed her tone. “R-really? That does sound interesting.” She glanced back towards the ship. “But I really need to focus on this for now. There's still a lot of gathering we need to do.”

Diamond nodded. “I had a feeling you'd say that. But, you are the funder of this little excavation so I think you should be there when we get the rewards,” she said with a grin. “So, I'm here to help. Put me to use, boss!” She gave a mock salute.

Silver blinked a few times. “I'm sorry? What about the origins?”

“I told her I'd wait until my friends were ready to hear it, too. So that's what I'm going to do.”

Silver gave a soft smile before nodding. “Thank you, then. You know, I think I might have some things you can help with. It... shouldn't take too long now, I think.” She gave a sad look towards the ship. “Especially since we lost almost all of cargo hold eight now. But I'll see what I can use you for.”

------

It took one more day before, finally, everything had been transferred to the safety of the village. The once beautiful Promise now lay as an empty, sad husk in the Badlands, a sad reminder that in this place, there was no such thing as 'safe' and 'foal proof'.

Still, true to her word, Diamond waited patiently until Silver was able to come with them, aiding in the gathering and transfer of equipment. Ponies from the village came as well, helping to gather what they could and haul it back to the village. They lost two more of their escape vessels in the move due to sudden weather shifts, but aside from a few broken bones there wasn't too much destruction to the crew.

It was finally done. Silver couldn't help but give a sad smile as she stared at the small base they'd set up. A few dozen or so tents had been set up, allowing the ponies to sleep and plan. They were assured that the location was safe and secure, so now it was time for everypony to relax and figure out what to do next.

A backup radio had been set up(the main one had been destroyed in the crash), though they'd been unable to contact home. The weather was having too much of an effect on their broadcasts. But they had food, they had shelter and they had ponies who knew the area now. They were going to be fine, probably.

They also had hundreds of thousands of bits in lost assets, laying spread out across the Badlands, but she was doing her best to ignore that part.

“Are you ready?” Diamond asked as she trotted up. “I mean, do you want to go now? Or do you wanna get some rest first?” There was a bit of an edge to her voice, though she seemed to be trying to keep it calm and steady, Silver could tell the mare didn't want to wait.

The earth pony was tempted to make her, but slowly gave a nod. “Honestly? I've wanted to hear what she has to say since you told me. Let's go.” She turned and followed the alicorn into the village.

Before long, all of the ponies were gathered who were going to listen and they were brought to the council chamber that Diamond had been to recently. Anypony who wanted was free to come, but only Alicity, Secretary, Luna, Button, Celestia, Prism, Rainbow and Silver seemed to be interested. Though Diamond suspected Acrylic didn't want to come because he was scared to face Silver right now. She couldn't imagine why Ironwing didn't want to come, but she never really understood what went on in that stallion's mind anyway.

Sunset glanced over the gathered ponies before sighing. “Is there anypony else you'd like to invite? Perhaps you have a nice batch of children you normally foalsit? Or maybe some of the elderly?”

Diamond cringed. “I'm sorry?”

“This is supposed to be between you and I, Avatar. There is no need for an audience.”

The alicorn huffed. “They're my friends, they're the only reason I'm here.”

“You're here because you need to be here,” the unicorn said with a sigh. “They're merely here to aid you. But very well.” She waved her hoof dismissively. “If the Avatar wishes for me to explain this to all of you, then I will. But do try to keep your questions to a minimum and don't interrupt. My mother spent years gathering this knowledge.” Her horn glowed and she lifted up a small book in her magic. On the cover were six small circles, one housing a six point star, one with three balloons, one with a lightning bolt, one with three diamonds, one with three apples and the final one having three butterflies. “This book is for you, Avatar. All of the knowledge here is... well, special. While all of the information has been gathered in her many, many, many, many, many, MANY other tomes, this is the one she had made for me to one day pass on to you.” She gently placed it down. “I have read it a... hundred times,” she said with just a hint of sadness to her tone. “But it will be far easier to just tell you this story than have you read it. My mother has been known to go into... excessive detail, at times.”

“Ain't that the truth,” Rainbow said with a snicker.

“And while she was brilliant, she tended... this is the kind of book you'd want to study, slowly. Not rush through,” Sunset said, ignoring the pegasus. “Now, first I should mention this. Most of what she discovered was just... belief. Our people have had a long, long history with Discord and Harmony, but it is millenia old. How true or accurate it is is up to debate, something my mother informed me often. But these are her findings and beliefs using a mix of old records she found in the Forest of Spirits as well as our own records and histories.” She took a slow, deep breath. “The first thing I suppose we should start with, are the spirits of Discord and Harmony.”

Both Silver and Diamond tensed.

“According to our legends, the two were the guardians of the worlds. Harmony was the guardian of this world. Ponies were her chosen ones and she granted us bending. Fire and water bending to the unicorns, earth bending to the earth ponies and air bending to the pegasi. Now, before you ask I don't know why it is the four nations came into being, or why only the pegasi of the air nation are able to bend. In fact, according to our legends, ALL of those ponies should have been able to bend. At least, the ones that left the Badlands.”

“Wait, all of them? But what about the nations?” Diamond asked.

“I don't know,” Sunset said with a shrug. “Neither did mom. But she did have theories. One that Discord's power was involved, after the destruction of Harmony, the magic that granted ponies their bending was... dampened and weakened. When the ponies divided themselves, it's possible their bending went with it. It's also possible that they can, in fact, bend. But that there's some kind of block on them, again, likely caused by Discord or the divide that initially created the four nations.”

“So then the creation of the four nations...”

Sunset shook her head. “Unfortunately, mom had no idea and we have next to no records of the four nations. Whatever caused it must have been quite severe, however, as long ago all of the ponies lived together.” She smiled. “You see, Harmony was the guardian and protector of all in this world. Ponies like us were her chosen, meant to guide and protect it. All of the races have their own magic to them, as I'm sure you've noticed, but our magic helped us get more in touch with Harmony than any of the others could.” She then frowned. “However, it also led to great destruction in the Spirit World.”

Sunset glanced down to the book. “As Harmony was the guardian of this world, Discord protected the Spirit World. There are rumors, even, that he created it. Though I imagine that is unlikely. But he was the most powerful of all the spirits, aside from Harmony. He... created a strange, chaotic world, unlike the one us ponies were used to. One that, most of us, couldn't survive in. But then, spirits are a different breed entirely. In fact, the majority of them are immortal. Or, at least, they don't die from age or easily.” She gave a soft sigh, before flipping open the book and showing a picture that took up two pages.

“These are the generals of Discord. Four spirits that were said to be extremely powerful, if not invincible. They served him well.” She motioned to the two on the left. “This was the Shifter.” It looked like a pony mixed with a bug. “I believe my mom had met her. It was said that she and her armies could take any form.”

“Chrysalis? Oh yeah, we all became acquainted. Had to beat her out of Twilight, once,” Rainbow said with a chuckle.

“Quite. The next is the Never ending.” She motioned to a drawing of a small blob. “Now, he doesn't look like much, but it is said he was immune to magic itself and could devour anything, nothing could stop him aside from Discord. There were rumors that he could devour a ponies... spirit, if they were lost in the Spirit World. Leaving them empty, cold husks in ours. The next...” She motioned to the other page, a picture of a centaur with great horns stood. “The Devourer. It is said he had the power to steal the magic and power of any creature, ponies especially. Including their cutie marks.”

“W-wait, what?” Diamond asked. “He could steal cutie marks? I knew it! Discord was behind that staff!”

Silver cringed. “Y-yeah. Discord... must have made it. Using his general, right?”

“Perhaps,” Sunset said before motioning down to the last one. It looked like a great monkey with an extra hand sprouted from its tail. “And the guide. This one was the one that ponies met with the most. He would lead them into and out of the Spirit World, at Discord and Harmony's request.”

Diamond nodded. “So... these four are still around, then?”

“Possibly. If one survived, it is likely that the other three survived as well.” Sunset closed the book again. “Now, Discord is... well, he was a strange creature. We still don't know why he did what he did, but we can guess. You see, ponies and spirits didn't always get along. Discord especially was... known to... well...”

“Be evil, sadistic, cruel, monstrous, pretty much everything wrong with the world?” Rainbow asked with a snort.

“Yes, I suppose,” Sunset said with a shrug. “He was a creature of pure chaos. Not... so much evil and cruel, as just uncaring. To a being like him, ponies were seen as little more than play things and toys. Even then, there were apparently stories and warnings about going to his realm. Some ponies survived, just shaken. Others were... changed for his amusement. They were often turned back, it seems, but I hear it still left scars. The only thing that truly curbed him was Harmony. In fact, were it not for her... the events of the last Avatar's fights may have very well been the only history we'd ever known. A world eternally ruled by his chaos.”

“Now there's a nightmare for you,” Rainbow muttered.

“But curb him, she did. Discord remained in his Spirit World and rarely came to ours, never interfering with it aside from when his aid was needed.”

“Wait, what?” Diamond asked, stomping a hoof down. “But he invaded us! Even I know that, that's what the whole fight with Twilight was about!”

“In modern times, yes. But then there were checks to his power. Harmony protected this world. The ponies who traveled into his... well, they were toyed with for his amusement. Of course...” She tapped the book. “Then the War of the Spirits happened.”

“The what?”

“Before the Avatar came, ponies tried to develop new magics. Why they did this, I cannot say. But they found ways to trap and bind spirits, absorbing and enslaving them to their will. This was said to grant the pony great power, as well as extend their life span. It apparently started small, but ended with a great war against the Spirit World, where hundreds of ponies invaded and absorbed thousands of spirits, binding and capturing them. This is one of the things we are... most certain of, as when the spirits still came to our village, they would sometimes talk of this war. It was why many spirits didn't trust ponies even long after the war.”

Diamond gasped, a hoof coming up to her mouth. “T-that's not... r-really? But... how? Why?”

“For power and immortality many ponies would give up much,” Sunset said, before shaking her head. “What happened to those ponies there are very few records of. We know the war happened, and that it ended, but the details we have little info of. The ruins my mother found state that they were defeated, but how or what happened to those spirits bound to them, I can't say. What I can say is that it was after this that things changed. It was then that Harmony created the first Avatar.”

“R-really?” Diamond asked softly.

Sunset nodded, before glancing to the alicorn. “Indeed. A young mare by the name of Nyx.”

Diamond froze and felt a soft tug at her heart. That name seemed to echo through her mind, tearing and scratching through her, as if it was a torn off band aid yanked through her body. But it felt good, as if something was there, just beneath the surface, waiting to come out. But it faded quickly. “W-wow. Who was she?”

Silver sat there, huddled and trying to control her breathing. That name had sent ripples through her as well, but they were not pleasant. A cold, dark feeling went through her. Hatred. Cold, unrelenting hatred. She tried to keep her face steady, to not show it, but she was forced to lift a hoof up to rub her forehead, hiding behind it.

“Unfortunately, I can't tell you much about her. The Avatar was given the elements and many other great powers by Harmony, but in doing so she weakened herself. It was then that Discord struck. He destroyed her, breaking her to pieces and absorbing her powers for himself. Were it not for the Avatar, the world may have been destroyed then. Instead, after those events the portals connecting the two worlds were closed, with only the one in the Forest of Spirits remaining. All of the spirits of the world were sent back to there. Discord was defeated, albeit not permanently, and locked away in that world.” She glanced down to the book. “After that, what happened is unknown but my mother had many theories. The Avatar was a guide and leader to the ponies, without the spirit of Harmony to watch over them anymore, fear and chaos likely spread. That is likely why the ponies abandoned the Badlands, heading to the south, away from their home, to settle new lands. Then as time went on, the four elements divided themselves and history forgot about Discord and these great battles. Leaving it poised and ready for his return over a hundred years ago.”

Diamond nodded. “I... I see.”

“Of course, my mother has mentioned she had found records of Discord, even before his return. Previous Avatars had encountered him, it seems. However, his true power and abilities seemed lost to them. It wasn't until Starswirl the Bearded that he finally made his move. Before then, he played himself as just another spirit.”

“Why did he wait so long?” Diamond asked softly.

“As I said, spirits don't age like we do. But they can be hurt. When Harmony was weakened, the two fought. Even though he destroyed her, I don't imagine it was an easy battle. After that, he was defeated by the Elements of Harmony and the first Avatar. There is no telling how long he was lying in wait, plotting and scheming.” She glanced down at the tome. “In fact... my mother believed that he had been lying in wait for Starswirl and his friends.”

“What do you mean?”

“Discord had met many other Avatars, according to records. But he had hidden his true power, appearing as little more than a powerful and benign, if chaotic, spirit. But he struck during Starswirl's era, where he was sealed in a comet. She believed he had been waiting for all these millennia to find an Element with a weakness. Someone he could shift and corrupt. He knew facing the Elements again was impossible, they'd beaten him once and it was quite possible he'd never fully recovered after his battle with Harmony. So he waited, seeing each new Avatar after a time, once the world had forgotten about him. Then he saw his opening and struck. He cast our world into chaos and torment, all in an effort to get his freedom and destroy the last vestiges of Harmony.”

Diamond sighed and lowered her eyes. “So... Twilight never discovered how to repair the Elements of Harmony, did she?”

“No, I'm afraid not,” Sunset said with a shake of her head. “Discord and Harmony are both gone, for good. My mother made sure of that. But that power is gone as well. There should never again be a need for it. She told me what happened, in that final battle. He had been imprisoned before, but she worked hard to destroy him for good, this time."

“And good riddance,” Rainbow muttered. “I barely even knew him, but that pony never did anything good. I really wish I could have given him a firm smack in the face.”

Sunset nodded. “Fortunately, he is gone and there will no longer be... well, there is at least one more known trace of him.” She glanced towards Diamond. “You've come here for the Alicorn Amulet, have you not?”

“Well, partially. It would be nice if we could find it.”

“I should warn you, the amulet is a tool of Discord AND Harmony. Created even before the Avatar existed. For what purpose, my mother could never discover. She had her theories, but they were just that. It is a powerful object that can be used by both pony and spirit, making them extremely powerful.”

“So, it's not just something to give a pony the power of the Avatar?” Diamond asked softly.

“No. Though it has been used to that effect. It... is quite possible that if you were able to get a hold of it, that it could amplify your power enough to restore your... well, connection. Maybe even return your elements.” Sunset then pointed towards the book. “I'll give you this to study. It has everything my mother wanted you, the next Avatar, to know. It should hopefully help you along your path.”

“Of course,” Diamond said before slowly stepping forward and picking up the book. “So you know a lot about... all this then? I mean, if Twilight taught you...”

“I probably know more about the Avatar than any pony alive,” Sunset said firmly. “My mother made sure of that. Perhaps sometime you and I can practice together and I can show you exactly what I'm capable of.”

“That'd be wonderful,” Diamond said with a grin.

“Now, that is just the legend of Discord to our people, there are others of course. Is there any questions you have?”

“Well... did she ever find the amulet? Because that could make things a lot easier if you know where it is, now.”

Sunset shook her head. “No. She had theories but... Trixie traveled through our lands, with the amulet. But she headed into the forest. My mother searched for her often, but never did manage to find her. The... last time I saw her, the last time any of us saw her, she was... going to try to find her again. If she did find her... I cannot say. But if you're here, that means whatever happened on that journey was...” She took a slow breath. “Likely more than she could handle. If you'll excuse me.” She briskly turned and headed towards the exit.

“W-wait,” Silver asked suddenly, making the other mare pause. “I uhhh... I actually do have one question, it's probably silly, but...”

“Yes?” Sunset asked, glancing back.

“The Avatar, well, if Twilight studied them, was there ever a case of like a... bad Avatar?”

Diamond cringed. “O-ow, I'm not that bad, am I?”

“No!” Silver said with a shake of her head. “I mean like, an Avatar that... went against the balance of the world. That didn't try to... well, you know. Just a bad pony.”

Sunset paused, before shaking her head. “No, not that I'm aware of. However, my mother did often state that many ponies who were the Avatar did die at very young ages, judging by how sometimes the cycles didn't match up right. It is very possible that one of them may have grown up to be bad ponies. However, she held to the theory that the Avatar was chosen because they were needed. That they embodied the spirit of Harmony, in one way or another, and would become protectors and guardians of the world due to their very nature.”

Silver nodded, before giving a grin to Diamond. “See? I told you. You're destined to be the hero.”

The alicorn blushed and poked at the ground. “O-oh. I guess. Just... y-yeah. I guess sometimes...” She then gulped when she realized everypony was eying her. “S-shush you!” She grabbed the book and headed towards the exit as well.

------

Daring hummed softly as she flipped through her journal, writing a little on the pages and occasionally giving a small yawn. She then gave a soft, sad sigh.

“What are you doing?” Rainbow asked, making the mare jump and nearly drop her book.

“W-what? When? How long have you been there? I-it's just a diary, you didn't--” She paused, looking into the other pegasus' slashed eyes. “Ah. Right. You can't... yeah.”

“See? Nope. So, why are you up here writing? I figured you'd be trying to get to know Diamond now. You know, being the Avatar and all.”

Daring gave a soft sigh and flipped over her book, writing again. “Yeah... I guess. But hey, she's with Sunset now. She'll be able to deal with it.”

Rainbow sat down besides the other mare. “Uh huh. So... you're really Twilight's daughter? I mean... yeah. I never really thought she'd... you know...”

“What?”

“Procreate,” Rainbow said with a shudder. “Are you sure she didn't grow you in a vial or something?”

“Well... to be honest, I can't remember anything aside from when I woke up inside that big plant in the Spirit World. But mom promised me I was definitely her daughter and that I did have a dad. Totally didn't grow me or anything.”

Rainbow coughed into her hoof. “Sooo... you're smiling now, right? Cause I could reallllllly see Twilight doing that.”

Daring giggled and gave a nod. “Yeah, you can meet my dad later if you want. I'm her daughter, trust me.” She gave another sigh. “I'm not a bender though, if that's what you're hoping. Sunset's the only one with THAT particular honor,” she grumbled darkly.

“Really? Not even a bit of air bender in you?”

“Not even the tiniest bit. Sunset is the only one in the village who can bend and just...” She gave a sad sigh. “Did you need something?”

“Well, I just thought we could talk. Sunset seems pretty... well, focused at the moment. Besides, you were pretty awesome fighting off that big worm. And trust me, I KNOW awesome. Did Twilight teach you that?”

Daring snorted. “Pfft. No. Not a bender, mom never taught me any of those kinds of moves.” She glanced over to the pegasus. “It's a really, really small village. There's not a whole lot to do here, so from time to time I go... exploring. First time I met one of those worms, nearly got eaten. I picked up a few things.”

“Oh? How'd you pick out that trick?”

“Oh, it's a pretty funny story. Dad always made me these sandwiches whenever I went around, one day I was just eating in a nice field. Next thing I know, BAM! The tatzlwurm attacks!” She flew up into the air, lifting her hooves high. “I, of course, flew out of range quickly, but my lunch wasn't so lucky. It got my lunch all over its face! Here I am, glaring down at it and ready to beat it down, then it starts sneezing and coughing. You should have seen it, it was hilarious. I started working on it then, after a few weeks I got the brew down. Haven't had any problems since.”

Rainbow snickered. “Really? Wish I could have seen that. Well, or seen much of anything, honestly. How long ago was that?”

“Oh, a long, long time ago. I was just a filly, then.”

That made the pegasus freeze. “Wait, Twilight let you go out into the badlands when you were a filly?”

Daring shook her head. “Nah. But she really never noticed what I did. Besides, I was always a strong flier, so I never met anything I couldn't handle. Dad would have freaked out, though. But I always told him I was just out in the clouds.”

“That was very dangerous,” Rainbow said, scolding the mare. “This place is... freaky. It's like Discord is everywhere.”

“So? I've lived here my whole life,” Daring said before landing on the cloud. “Trust me, it would have been a lot more dangerous for me if I had to lay cooped up in the village all the time. Besides, trust me. It's really not THAT dangerous. You just have to be careful, then you're fine.”

“Our air ship was destroyed.”

“Yeah, your big, clumsy, awkward air ship. Of course it was wrecked. But I'm fast, agile and awesome.” A wide grin formed on Daring's face. “You know, I've even been to the Spirit World a few times.”

Rainbow froze. “Wait... you have? When? How?”

“The portal, silly. Don't tell anypony, though. Even Sunset doesn't go there, ever since mom... well, you know. But I go in there all the time. You know those little pictures of the generals in mom's book? I've met one of them. The guide.”

Rainbow froze. “Wait... really? You have?”

“Oh yeah. His real name is Ahuizotl.”

“Achoitle?”

“Ahuizotl. Though I call him sneezy. He really, really, really hates ponies. I mean, like wow. First time I met him, he tried to toss me into this river of slime,” she said with a big snicker. “I meet him every so often, but he's never been able to catch me. He's still pretty fun, though.”

Rainbow snickered. “You know, you should talk with the Avatar about this kind of stuff. I bet she'd find it fascinating.”

Daring blinked, then gave a sigh and shook her head. “Yeah... no thanks. Trust me, she's got Sunset, she's better off.”

“What? Why?”

“Sunset has... been to the Spirit World too. But mom took her. Buck, mom took her everywhere. Trained her to guide and help the next Avatar out when the time came.” She held up a hoof. “Besides, I can't even do any of that fancy bending stuff.”

“So? Lots of ponies can't bend.”

“Yeah, but you can. I know you can, mom always talked about you. Said you and Applejack were the toughest in their team. Well... and Fluttershy. Is it true that she once stared down a dragon?”

Rainbow blinked, before nodding. “Oh yeah. It was awesome. I ran up, bucked the Great Dragon right in the face. It barely even flinched, aside from getting mad. Then BOOM! Fluttershy is right there in its face, glaring at it, telling it to knock that stuff off. You should have seen it, I'd never seen anything so big and tough try to look apologetic,” she said with a big grin. “But... Fluttershy was like that. She was... always like that. She was kind of... weak. A lot. Scared. Buck, I once saw her hide from her own shadow. But when the time came... when she needed to act, when she had to fight, she would be there right besides the rest of us.”

“She died, didn't she?”

The air bender froze at the sudden question. She then took a deep breath before nodding. “Yeah. I... wasn't there for it. But... I could feel it. It was like... well...”

“Like the world suddenly became a sadder, less kind place,” Daring muttered. “Mom... knew.”

“She knew? But she never--”

“She said she could feel it. It was... before she left. Just one day she... said she could feel it. Something was wrong. She was... she hid away a lot that week. That's when she started that book. The one your Avatar has by now. After that she...”

“What?”

“That's when she started really looking for Trixie. Before that she'd done a little bit of looking. But I think she settled here. I think she was happy. She had a family, she had the bender she always wanted. She always used to talk about taking us to meet the rest of her friends when we grew up. But... all that stopped once that happened. She'd disappear for days at a time. She wouldn't take Sunset with her any more. Then one day... she just never came back. We waited but... we knew. We always knew it could happen but...” She took another soft, deep breath. “It sucked, you know? I mean, we knew, but we never really knew. Not until... well... now. I always... kind of hoped I'd find her out there. That I'd one day turn over a leaf and there she'd be, maybe hurt, but alive. But... yeah, I guess that's not going to happen.”

Rainbow nodded, before slowly her wing reached out and went over Daring's back. “Yeah. I... know that feeling. But... hey, I mean, you're still awesome, right? And I know Diamond may not seem like much and she flies like a drunk brick with a parachute, but she's not half bad. I'm sure your mom would be proud of you if she had stuck around..”

Daring chuckled softly.

“So, you've been to the Spirit World? What's it like? How was it your first time?”

That made the pegasus perk up. “Ohhhh, I could tell you stories.” She held up her book. “In fact, I've kept whole journals of them. I always kept them in case... well, in case mom ever came back. She always like to read more than talk. First time though? Almost got eaten by this weird plant, the size of a building. Slow, too. It was like stepping on glue, while I was on it. But fortunately, we were in the forest and I had my hat. So I...”

------

When night fell, Silver stood by the crates, slowly unpacking supplies and checking to make sure the jars were still there. The crack on the one housing the fire mark had gotten larger. She stared at it wistfully for a moment, her eyes getting watery. She then shook her head. “Embodied the spirit of Harmony, huh? Fine then.” She stared intently at the fire mark. “If this is our destiny, at least I'll make sure I win. If the last Avatar wanted Diamond to have that book so bad, then I guess I want to make sure she doesn't.”

She looked around to make sure there was nopony around, though fortunately most were still asleep and the rest were in their tents and homes. Slowly, she pulled the top off the jar, making the cutie mark inside sizzle.

Chapter 15: Burned

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Diamond nestled up in her bed, curled up into a little ball. She hated to say it and she couldn't deny feeling guilty for thinking it, but she was really happy that her bed had survived the crashing ship. Her happiest moment had been when she had it all set up in her tent and was allowed to relax. She'd kept a small lamp lit in her room and spent a few hours trying to... digest Twilight's book.

It felt like trying to digest rocks. The mare was obviously brilliant. There were so many pages on bending theory and ideas. Things that Diamond had never even considered. Not... all of it was safe. In fact, there was a whole chapter on something known as blood bending, a defensive water bending technique to counter poison bending. However, some of Twilight's theories on it were quite frightening and the mare talked adamantly about how she'd best warn Rarity about it in the future. There were charts and tables galore.

The new Avatar had only barely been able to skim the surface, reading a few things here and there about the different bending techniques, before finally closing up and giving herself a small break. She hadn't even gone into the history or discussions about previous Avatars or the Alicorn Amulet. Nothing about Harmony and Discord.

Twilight was brilliant, a genius. Diamond most definitely was not. The mare couldn't help but feel inferior as she glanced over at the book besides her bed. She could hardly believe she once thought she was so smart, so brilliant. That she was destined to be the most amazing Avatar ever. In that one book, Twilight had overshadowed every accomplishment that Diamond had ever achieved.

How could she ever hope to live up to a mare like that? A mare who had single hoofedly defeated a nation and the greatest enemy the Avatar had ever known. In fact, defeating the very evil creature that had destroyed the creator of their very powers. She had so much to live up to and she was beginning to wonder if it was even possible. What if she couldn't? What if she--

Screams stirred her from her thoughts, followed by yells. Then an explosion. She quickly jumped to her hooves and galloped outside the room, looking around frantically.

Her heart caught in her chest when she saw the pony, flame rising from her horn. There was no doubt who that was, no question. They'd all seen the pictures.

Twilight Sparkle, the previous Avatar. The alicorn stood in the middle of the camp, shooting fire out through the tents and scorching the ground where ever she stood. Diamond froze, then her eyes were drawn to the mare's cutie mark. It was her cutie mark. Another spirit.

Her eyes narrowed into slits and she raced at the mare. “How dare you!” she screamed, galloping at the mare. A burst of fire shot out at her, but Diamond dispersed it with a flap of her wings. “My cutie mark is not some tool to be used for destruction!” She flicked her horn forward and grabbed the water from a nearby bucket, forming a blade of ice and sending it spinning at the creature. It went into, and then through the spirit without leaving a mark.

Flames gathered on Twilight's horn, before compressing into a small ball. She sent the ball sailing at Diamond, who jumped aside. It exploded a moment later, sending the alicorn flipping hoof over horn, landing in a painful heap. “O-ow...” she said with a groan. The other alicorn stood over her, horn glimmering with fire. Then a pony leaped in front of her.

“Who are you?” Sunset asked, before turning and bucking out with both her hooves, fire searing at the spirit. They went through it, though it took a step back. “How dare you use my mother's form!” She then whipped back about, flames searing out from her horn and forming a whip, before slashing at the other pony.

“T-the cutie mark, aim for the cutie mark,” Diamond said before getting to her hooves. The other alicorn spread her wings and took to the sky, another ball of flame forming on the tip of her horn. She thrust her horn down, sending it careening at them. Diamond flapped her wings at the ball, trying to disperse it. The ball fizzled a little, but still exploded, sending the two ponies flying back, slightly singed. “Ow...”

Sunset rolled to her hooves and formed a ball of fire on her horn as well, compressing it before sending it hurtling up at the spirit. It exploded, sending the creature hurtling down and crashing into one of the tents. It thrashed about, before tearing the tent apart.

It was then doused in water, before a giant hoof of stone crashed down on it, slamming it into the ground.

“Hey guys, what we miss?” Button asked as he trotted up, besides Luna.

“Not much!” Diamond yelled before charging at the mock-Twilight. The other alicorn exploded out, shattering the stone before forming flames over her horn. Most of the ponies were out of their tents now, either rushing in to help or fleeing to try to get out of the way. She leaped into the air, spreading her wings and darting after the other mare.

The spirit was smacked down to the ground, hard, when a burst of air shot down at it. Prism hovered up above. “Diamond, see if you can get close!”

“I'm working on it!” she yelled, pulling in her wings and diving at it. The spirit looked at her, before flames formed around its horn again. It began turning its head around, sending flame in all directions and alighting the tents. A big ball of fire formed on its head when she came close. It then jumped to the right, sending the ball sailing straight at her. Diamond spread out her wings and went up into a twist, feeling the heat when the ball seared past her, but narrowly avoiding it.

For a moment she felt proud, until she saw the ball sail out and straight into her tent. It exploded, erupting it in flames. Her eyes widened and she turned straight towards it, going a few feet before whipping back around. “Someone put that fire out! The book, it's in there!” she yelled. As much as she wanted to go put the flames out, she had to stop this spirit, now. She dove straight at it, but more fire erupted out, shooting off in all directions, singeing her. She barely managed to avoid being fried, but she kept going, diving in and sending out bursts of air to deflect what she couldn't dodge. Small burn marks formed across her body, but she finally made it in. She leaped into the air, over the alicorn, and sent a powerful burst of air down to stun the creature. She then kicked down, bucking the cutie mark.

Once again the world exploded, though this time she was ready for it. It still didn't make it much better, though, when she was flung back, flying horn over hooves and slamming into the ground with a groan. Her cutie mark was burning, so she imagined that was a good sign. “Ow...” she said with a moan. Once the burning stopped, she looked around and cringed. There were little fires all over the place, some things burned to ash.

Her heart nearly stopped when she saw her tent. Or where her tent had been. With a grunt, she rolled to her hooves and galloped over to it.

It was surrounded in ash. “No no no no,” she said softly, reaching out. Her room didn't have much, just the book and her bed. The former was just a few singed pages, nothing legible. The latter was nothing but a husk.

“Avatar, what was that?” Sunset asked when she trotted up. “It... took the form of my mother, but it fought nothing like her. What--” She was hushed when Diamond raised a hoof.

“The... the book. Your mother's book. It's... it's gone. It destroyed it. That... that fake Twilight destroyed it!” She punched the ground as hard as she could. “WHY?!” she screamed.

------

Silver took a slow, deep breath as she held Twilight's book clasped in her hooves, hugging it tightly. Her eyes glowed yellow for a moment and then the cover changed, turning black and the words 'Diary' forming on the cover. She then let out a soft sigh, grinning down at it. “Don't worry, Twilight. Everything you wanted to teach her will be learned. Just not by the pony you hoped,” she said with a little grin. She stored it besides the jar with the other cutie mark, before putting on her game face and rushing out towards the flaming tents.

“Is everypony okay?” she called out.

------

Diamond sat by the fire, staring into the flames while tending to her burns. “I can't believe it. After all this... it's gone. All of it is gone. Imagine what I could have done with that knowledge...”

“Avatar, as I told you, there is no need to fear,” Sunset said with a shake of her head. “I have read that book many times. Everything in it, I can teach you.”

“I... I guess,” the alicorn muttered. “But it's just not... it's not the same. Reading it, I could almost... it was a connection. It was a way for me to... see into Twilight. To understand Twilight. As if she was right here. As if we could talk. I haven't had anything like that since... since Meadowbrook. I thought that, for just a little bit, she and I could be...” She shook her head. “It's silly, I know. But I kind of thought... learning about her would maybe strengthen the bond. Help me connect.”

“You will learn about her,” Sunset said firmly, reaching out to put a hoof on her shoulder. “I will teach you everything I know. There is nopony who could do it better.”

Diamond nodded. “I... guess.”

“Besides, your bending is atrocious. My mother would never let herself be so lax.”

“... What?”

“Your water bending, for one. So... blunt and crude. Water bending is about grace and poise, smooth, flowing movements. Yours was too direct. I fear to think how your fire bending will be.”

Diamond harrumphed. “My water bending is fine. What do you know about it, anyway? You can't even water bend.”

“So? My mother taught me all of the elements. Even if I can't use them to bend within the traditional sense, it doesn't mean I don't know how they work. Tomorrow I'll show you.” She glanced towards the ash. “Would you like to rest in the village tonight?”

Diamond glanced towards the destroyed tent. Before she could answer, there was a voice from behind her.

“There's no need for that,” Silver said as she walked up behind her. “Diamond, you can sleep in my tent tonight. The bed is more than big enough for two and it... well...” She glanced towards the charred bed, mentally tallying the bit cost. “Isn't on fire.”

The alicorn smiled and gave a nod, before turning to her friend. “That sounds good. Is everypony okay?”

“I think so,” Silver said with a sigh. “I wish we knew where these attacks were coming from, though.” She gasped. “You... don't suppose it was what damaged the ship, do you? If it was able to track you all the way out here...”

Diamond paled when she considered that thought. If it was her fault that the air ship had been destroyed... She shuddered and shook her head. “I... I doubt that's what happened. I mean, this one seemed kind of... I think it was after me. If it had come after me there, I don't think it would have stopped.”

“I suppose that's probably true.” Silver then turned to Sunset and smiled. “Thank you for your help and concern, but we should be fine now. With the Avatar and everypony working together, this should all be cleared in no time.”

The unicorn nodded, before turning to trot away. Once she was out of hearing, the earth pony glanced to the Avatar. “Diamond?”

“Yeah, Silver?”

“Well... I just think...” She frowned and shook her head. “No, never mind. It's silly.”

“What is it? Is something wrong?”

“Well... I was just thinking... I hate to think it, but... I... well...” Silver shuffled her hooves for a few moments before sighing. “Sunset got here awfully fast, didn't she?”

“I'm sorry?”

“Well, when that thing attacked us, she was here so soon. She couldn't have been at the village...”

Diamond's eyes widened. “Y-you aren't... you don't think she could be behind these attacks, do you? I mean, she's Twilight's daughter!”

“Of course! Well, allegedly her daughter. But, no. I more meant... you don't think she's spying on you, do you?”

The alicorn glanced towards the unicorn, disappearing in the distance. “Spying... on me?”

“Yes. If she got here so quickly, she must have been nearby. Maybe... it'll be best if you don't go anywhere alone with her. I mean, we don't actually know she's Twilight's daughter. They claim that, but for all we know they're a bunch of... Discord lovers. Or something. We are near the Spirit World here and you heard what they said about him.”

“That he didn't care about ponies?”

“They said he wasn't evil and he was the guardian of the Spirit World. Maybe... they were on his side. If we're so close to the Spirit World here...”

Diamond shuddered, turning back towards the village again. “I... I guess it's feasible. You don't think they... well... I mean... that book, it seemed like something Twilight would have written.”

“And it got destroyed before you could read it, leading Sunset to 'teach' you all of the things in it. Right?”

Diamond nodded, narrowing her eyes. She then smiled to Silver. “You're right. Don't worry, I'll be careful around her. Thanks.”

“Of course, Diamond. After all, friends look out for each other. Besides, I'm probably just being paranoid. At least, I hope I am.” The earth pony turned and started trotting towards her tent. “Come along, let's get some sleep.”

“Right,” the Avatar said, though she found her eyes drawn back towards the village.

'Can Silver be right? What if this really is all just a trap?'

Chapter 16: Training

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The next morning Diamond woke up bright and early, huddled up tightly in the blankets. When she opened her eyes, to her surprise, she was all alone. She groaned and shoved the blankets off and gingerly crawled out of bed, looking around slowly before trotting towards the exit. She couldn't believe Silver was such an early riser. With a dad like Alicity, she couldn't imagine facing the world before noon.

The camp definitely looked better after the clean up. There were less tents, but most hadn't been damaged to the extent hers had and could still be used as covers. Others were being fixed and patched up, so they could be used later. Even though the sun hadn't been up for long, the camp was already bustling with energy, ponies walking about and beginning their day. The smell of something sweet filled her nostrils and made her sniff the air. It took her only a few minutes to find the source.

Pancakes. They were having pancakes for breakfast. “How?” she managed to ask, staring with amazement.

“Most of our food supplies survived,” the cook said before dishing her up a few. “We'll be fine for a few weeks out here. Though most of it won't be fresh.”

“Mmmmm,” Diamond said before sniffing it, then looking around for her friends. She saw Silver at one end of the camp and Acrylic at the other. Luna and Celestia were off on their lonesome. She couldn't even see Rainbow, Prism or Button, she imagined they were still asleep. She gave a sigh before trotting over to the mare and sitting down. “Hey Silver.”

“Hmmm? Hello Diamond. Are you enjoying your breakfast?”

“Of course,” the alicorn said before sitting by her. “Can we talk? About Acrylic?”

The earth pony cringed. “I'd... really rather not.”

“I know you'd rather not. But this is something we need to talk about. More importantly, it's something you need to talk with him about.”

“Well... how?” Silver asked, shaking her head. “I didn't even know he... had feelings like that. He certainly never showed it!” She blinked. “W-why are you laughing?”

“I-I'm sorry, but he's shown it hundreds of times. Buck, even I figured it out within like a week of meeting the two of you.”

Silver's face turned scarlet. “W-what? F-for that long? I thought it was just, I thought he just—”

“Oh, no. He's been crushing on you, hard, for a looooong time.”

The earth pony squirmed in her seat, her eyes focused on her pancakes. “W-well, that's just, I mean, that's silly, why would he--” She then blinked and scowled. “It's... because of the company, isn't it? Because of Tomorrow Industries?”

Diamond cocked an eye. “Really? Silver, I know you're panicking a bit, but that's... well, that's just mean. You and I both know that Acrylic is NOTHING like that. If he likes you, it means he likes you. And trust me, he likes you. He wanted to kill me when I... well... when I got your cutie mark stolen.”

Silver glanced down at her mark, before looking back to her food. “That's... so...” She sighed and buried her head in her hooves. “Why? Why me, then? I mean, I'm not--”

“You're awesome. You're kind, generous, loyal to a fault. Buck, if the elements still existed I'd say you'd probably be two or three of them.”

Silver chuckled at that, a hoof over her mouth. “Oh, wouldn't that be ironic?”

“Nope, you're great. And... I think Acrylic sees that. But... well... remember Button?”

“What, is he crushing on me too?”

“No! When he was... crushing on me,” Diamond said with a little blush of her own. “It... wasn't easy. But I had to tell him I wasn't interested in him like that. And now look at us, we're great friends, he's got a cute coltfriend. Sorta. Are those two actually dating?”

Silver snickered. “I honestly don't know. To be blunt, I never imagined him the sort. I really thought he was only interested in mares.”

The Avatar shrugged. “But see? It's good. He's now completely over me.”

The earth pony cringed. “Diamond... he's not over you.”

“What? Of course he is. He--”

“When is the last time the two of you talked or hung out?”

“What? We do all the time, in fact just last...” She paused. “Well... I mean... when we... errr... I guess...” She looked to her pancake. “He's been... focused on Luna, so we haven't really...”

“He still has feelings for you, Diamond. He's just trying to bury them. It's painfully obvious.”

The alicorn sighed. “I'm going to have to talk to him again, aren't I?”

“Yes. Yes you are. It sucks, but...” Silver blinked. “N-no, don't have to talk to him. Maybe it'll just blow over if you wait.”

Diamond scowled. “You're just saying that because you're hoping it'll blow over with Acrylic, aren't you?”

“Yes,” Silver said with a sigh. “How about we just hide away from them together? We can go off to some far off land where they've never heard of the Avatar. Paint dots on each other, say we're special zebras. What do you say?”

“Nope. You're right, I need to talk with Button. And you need to talk to Acrylic.” She pointed a hoof towards him. “Now go. Do the mature, responsible thing.”

Silver groaned. “But I don't wanna be mature and responsible!”

“Go do it or I'll have to ask Dr. Alicity to help you.”

She snickered. “You think daddy can do mature OR responsible?”

“Sure. He's responsible for more than a few explosions I've seen,” Diamond said with a smirk.

Silver sighed and got to her hooves before trotting towards Acrylic. “Stupid Avatar and being all... nosy and right.” She stopped a few feet from him. “Is uhhh... this seat taken?”

The unicorn glanced up, before looking away. “Go ahead. The uhhh... ground is free for anypony.”

She nodded and sat by him. The two sat their in silence, looking at anything they could aside from each other. “Listen,” they both said in unison before quickly going silent, their faces bright red and struggling to keep their eyes lowered.

Silver took a slow, deep breath. “We... need to talk. About what happened. About... the kiss.”

He sighed and gave a nod. “I... figured we would.”

“Well... I just... I... I need to know. How long?”

Acrylic took a deep breath and then looked over to her. “You... remember about... you remember your dad's automatic window opener?”

Silver cringed. “Oh yeah, now that was a waste of good bits and--” She paused. “W-wait, since then? But we'd only known each other a few weeks!”

“Yeah, I know. But... I remember watching the prototype explode. Before any of us had even moved you jumped to the left and tackled me out of the way. I mean... you could have gotten really hurt and I... remember seeing that. You barely knew me and then you did that. That was when I really started to notice you.” He poked his hooves together. “And... then I found so many other things to like. You... were always so shy, a bit soft spoken. But whenever something important to you came up, you were so... tough. So strong. When you believe in something, you just... push for it so well and...” He squirmed a little in his seat. “You're... kind. Dedicated. I mean, you've only just met the Avatar and you created an airship the likes of which the world has never seen, just to help her on her journey.”

Silver looked away, her eyes lower. “I'm not... I don't... I...”

“I know you'll never admit it.” He reached out and put his hoof over hers. “But you're a sweet, kind, generous mare. I... I know I don't deserve somepony like you, but--”

“Don't... just... please, don't,” Silver said, shaking in place. “I can't... I won't...”

He sighed and pulled his hoof back. “I... understand. I'm sorry. I never wanted to make you uncomfortable or hurt you.” He gave a little smile. “If you're not interested, it's fine. We can still be friends.”

She nodded. “Right. Friends. I just... Acrylic, I'm not...”

He nodded. “Don't worry about it. I uhhh... I need to go get some practice in. Okay?” He got to his hooves and trotted off, leaving her alone.

She watched him go, before her eyes lowered to the ground. “I'm... not... as good as you think I am,” she whispered.

------

Button woke with a yawn, groggily rubbing his eyes and slowly sliding out of his bed. “Mrgl...” he grumbled before stepping out into the camp.

He sniffed the air and licked his lips. “Mmmmm. Pancakes!” he said happily before trotting towards the breakfast line. He paused for a moment when his eyes saw Luna, off with Celestia. He grinned wide and trotted over, abandoning his food for now. “Good morning beautiful.”

“Good morning,” the two said in unison.

Button blinked, before shrugging and sitting by Luna. He reached out and gently put a hoof on his. “How are you doing this morning?”

“It has been a fine morning, so far,” Luna said with a shrug. “Though I must admit, I am quite... excited to learn more about this place. So close to the Spirit World, it is all I can do to avoid running into this Forest of Spirits.”

“If you want, we can go together,” Button said with a wide grin.

There was a pause, before the prince sighed. “No. Such... movements would ultimately be futile, possibly disastrous. We are here for the Avatar, to support her. For now, we must lick our wounds and regather what we can, repair and prepare for the voyage home. Only when we are ready, should we venture into such a dangerous place.”

Button nodded rapidly. “Right, of course. You're as wise as you are beautiful, and you are beautiful.”

Luna's cheeks reddened just a hint. “Of course. You should go get something to eat, Dear Button. There is no telling what dangers or tribulations we'll face today, so best not to face them on an empty stomach.”

“Mmmm hm!” Button said before trotting off.

Celestia snickered. “Dear Button? My oh my. Are you really starting to get feelings for him?”

“While I have not agreed to any... particular romance... I must admit I am beginning to find it tempting. That stallion has... quite a charm about him. He is far from perfect, of course. But... his serenades are... fascinating.”

“And off key.”

“My my, sister, could you be jealous?”

“... Maybe a little bit. I haven't had any ponies showing me any interest in a while,” she grumbled darkly.

Luna gave a soft little giggle, a hoof to his mouth. “We are out in the middle of nowhere. There are very few ponies who could, or would. Our... lineage makes it an even more complex matter.”

“Button doesn't seem to mind.”

“Button seems to be... quite the unique stallion.”

“Simple, you mean. He does know that... at best he could likely be a consort. Right?”

Luna scowled. “Sister...”

“Fine, fine,” she muttered before leaning back. “Really, I'm happy for you. I'm just... well, bored. I keep missing all the exciting stuff! Pirates attack, already trashed by the time I get to the main deck. Giant worm, I spend the entire fight buried under my luggage. We even had a giant fire bending thing yesterday, and I slept right through it! I wanna do something, I wanna get in on some of the action, too!”

The prince gave a soft giggle before shaking his head. “Of course you do, sister. You will get your chance, I am certain.”

Celestia nodded. “Yeah, I'm sure. Just wish something fun would happen when I was there to enjoy it.”

------

Daring snored softly as she lounged about on her cloud, the sun nice and warm today. She had a second cloud hovering over her, giving her shade while she relaxed.

To her annoyance, the shade was removed and she stared up at the smirking face of Rainbow. “Ughhhhh. It's like... not even noon yet, what do you want?” the mare asked before rolling over.

“You and I need to talk.”

“Fine, then talk, but give me back my shade.”

“Oh, also, you're coming with me.”

“I don't wanna!”

“You're gonna wanna when you find out what I have in store.”

Daring buried her head in the clouds. “No.”

Rainbow chuckled. “You know, the other day you got me thinking. Did Twilight teach you any fighting?”

“Of course not. I told you, I'm not a bender. There wouldn't be much point in me learning to fight with my sister here.”

Rainbow gave another soft snicker. “Really? Then Twilight never told you about the Shadowbolts, did she?”

The mare froze, before nodding. “Y-yeah. She told me a few things about them. The anti-benders. Deadly, dangerous. Able to take away a ponies bending. What about them?”

“You're going to learn how to fight like one of them.”

Daring gave a loud laugh, shaking her head. “Oh, you're hilarious. Why would I want to learn something like that? I--”

“You want to leave this place, don't you? Go out into the world, see new things, live an adventurous life. Like your mom?”

Daring turned back to the blind pegasus. “Yeah. But what does that have to do with anything?”

“This is your chance. There's a Shadowbolt master here, who can train you. If you ever wanted to learn how to fight, how to really fight, this is your chance.”

“There's no point,” the pegasus grumbled. “I've tried fighting, it doesn't work. Sunset always kicks my flank.”

“Then you need this even more. Here's your chance to be able to kick her flank.” Rainbow held out her hoof. She then pulled it back. “But hey, if you'd rather not learn, that's your business. I figured this was a once in a life time chance for you, but hey, if you'd rather--”

“Do you really think I could beat Sunset? I mean, she--”

“She's a fire bender. With practice and time, yeah. Bending is strong, but it isn't all there is. With the right training, a Shadowbolt can take on any bender.”

“Oh? Even you?”

“Of course. Granted, I've never met the Shadowbolt who could handle this much awesome. But I'm sure if there was one as awesome, talented and worked as hard as me, then they'd have a decent shot. But good luck with that.”

Daring slowly got to her hooves and stretched out. “Well... okay. So then, who is this trainer?”

“Good ol' stick in the butt. Ironwing. Don't mind him, though. He's a bit... intense, but you get used to it. He's really just a big softie once you get to know him. Besides, I've still got... plans for him, anyway.”

“So uhhh... why do you care, anyway?”

Rainbow sighed. “You're Twilight's daughter. That's... really reason enough.” She grabbed the other mare's hoof and jumped off the cloud, dragging her along.

“Ack! Hey! Stop!” Daring shrieked, but had no choice but to come along.

Rainbow ignored her, zooming down towards the ground before charging at one of the tents. She stopped just outside it, before flapping her wings once and send a big gust inside.

After a few seconds Ironwing stumbled out, wrapped up in his blankets and looking frazzled. “Dang it, Prism! I swear I'm going to--” He paused. “Rainbow?”

“Hey, Ironwing. You've been sleeping too long.”

“If you're up, I really must be. Is it noon already?”

The air bender scowled. “Oh, ha ha. No, it's not.” She dropped Daring, who yelped and hit the ground. “Gotta remember to use your wings. So, Irownwing, I've got a job for you.”

“I'm not going to have anything to do with--”

“It doesn't involve my son.”

That made the stallion pause, before he nodded. “Okay. What is it, then?”

“I want you to train Daring all those fancy anti-bending tricks of yours.”

Ironwing chuckled. “You're kidding, right? Shadowbolt training isn't a toy! It is a dedicated, graceful art that--”

“Either do it or I will make you the target of ever new prank I can think of for the next month.”

The stallion glared, but finally sighed and gave a nod. “I... suppose you do make a compelling argument. Or at least blackmail well enough. Very well.” He turned to Daring. “Tell me. Did Twilight give you any training?”

“Only how to read and write.”

“Of course. Daughter of the Avatar, can't even--”

“Hey, she fights just fine,” Rainbow interrupted. “She took on that giant worm well enough.”

Ironwing sighed and put a hoof to his head. “Why can't you train her, Rainbow? You're a far better fighter than I.”

“One, I'm blind and even if I make do well enough, I can't make out all that precision that I'd need. Two, she's not a bender. No bending, no bending techniques. But you have all that fancy Shadowbolt stuff and I KNOW how dangerous that junk can be.”

Ironwing nodded. “Fine. Daring, come with me. Let's see what you can do.”

Daring trotted after him, though she glanced back to Rainbow for a moment before looking back. “So uhhh... thanks. I heard of the Shadowbolts from my mom.”

“We're a lot different than the ones she encountered, most likely. For one, we no longer affiliate ourselves with the Water Nation. Two, we no longer make ourselves a pegasus only group. Three, well, our techniques have changed. Been refined. The zebras actually had their own art that has been incorporated into our style to create a few new techniques. I should tell you now, though. This kind of training isn't easy. Even if you succeed, to fight a bender you have to out think them. Sometimes you won't even be able to get close enough to hit them with the moves I'll show you, you'll have to plan and scheme. Even fight dirty. Do you think you can do that?”

Daring snickered and gave a nod. “Thinking fast? Oh, trust me, I do everything fast.”

“Oh heavens. Are you sure you're not Rainbow's daughter?” he asked with a shudder. He stopped a little from the tents and then stopped, turning to her. “Try to hit me, however you please. You'll only get one chance, though.”

She dove forward, flying forward as fast as she could. His eyes widened, but he swiftly ducked down, moving around her hooves before reaching out, tapping her leg three times as it sailed by. When she landed, her front hoof went out on her and she fell face first into the dirt. “Well, you are fast, at least. I will give you that. A bit... direct, though. Tell me, have you ever fought a pony before?”

“I've fought the pirates around here plenty of times.”

“Really? I imagine they aren't ones for finesse, then.”

Daring slowly got to her hoof. “What did you do to my leg?”

“Disabled your magical flow. It's what we use to disable benders. Hitting them in the right spot eliminates their ability to use their magic. Hitting other places can disable limbs or other things.” He tapped the ground. “Now, it won't last long, I didn't hit it too hard. But the important thing to know about benders is they all have a weak point.”

“Really? Where's the fire benders?”

“The upper half of their horn. If you pay attention, you'll notice that their horns tend to glow from the tip when they use their fire bending. A water benders, in contrast, is the base of the horn. Most of their water bending covers their entire horn. An earth benders is in their hooves and an air benders, obviously, is in their wings. Even partially disabled, strong benders can sometimes use their bending, I'm sure you've seen--” He paused. “Actually, I suppose you wouldn't have. However, some ponies learn to use them from other parts of their body, such as their mouth. Also, these techniques can work on non-benders, as I just demonstrated. The effects are... a little different, but not too much. It's most often used against non-bending unicorns to stop them from using their magic to teleport and other things.”

Daring nodded and shook her hoof. “It still feels all tingly.”

“It will for a while. Did you mom teach you anything about air bending? Mayb--”

“NO! Okay, no, she didn't. I'm not a bender so she just didn't bucking care, okay? Sunset was the only one who she thought thought was important enough to teach this kind of stuff to!” Daring yelled.

Ironwing just stared back, unflinching. Finally, he nodded. “Well then. I guess we should start with the basics. Dodging.”

“Dodging? How is that the basics?”

“Because when a pony throws lightning, shards of ice or boulders the size of trees at you, you either dodge or you die.”

Daring nodded. “Okay, so how do you do that, then?”

“The important thing is to watch the bender, first. Track their movements, find out how they move, what weaknesses they have. For example, most fire benders tend to drive their bodies forward when they attack. They use big explosions, break things, hit as hard as they can and as often as they can. It makes them very dangerous if you get hit, but very, very predictable.”

“Really? So how do you fight them?”

“It depends on the location and the fire bender. They have two common weaknesses. One, the tip of their horn. If you can get close enough to strike it, you can usually disable them. The second is their hooves.”

“I thought you said earth benders were the ones who had their magic in their hooves?”

“They do, but the fire benders share a lot with them. When they attack, they push their bodies forward and try to break through things. Explosions, blasts, fire balls, all of them require stability. A clumsy fire bender tends to have their attacks blow up in their own face a lot. But a good fire bender will keep themselves planted and stable, they'll make sure they don't trip or fall. You need to make sure they do. Distract them, disorient them, drive them somewhere with wet ground.” He spread out his wings. “You have wings, use them. Most fire benders are stuck on the ground, they have no way to catch you in the air, aside from fake wings. Or... well...”

“Fire hooves?” Daring asked.

“Yeah. I've... seen a few benders who could do that. But the good news is that takes a lot of energy to maintain and most can't do it for long, nor are they nearly as precise as true flight. I imagine Twilight could do it?”

“No. But Sunset can,” Daring said bitterly. “Mom never needed to use it, but she made sure that Sunset learned it. She can't do it for long, though.”

“There are ways to fight them. But to beat a bender, you need to be a better bender than them. You need to know their skills, their techniques, inside and out. More importantly, you will get hurt. But you need to make sure they get more hurt than you do.”

“What? You'll get hurt? But then how do you win?”

Ironwing smiled. “Some things benders can do are almost effortless, others not so much. For example, I've fought quite a few air benders in my time. When they go all out, there is literally nothing I can do. If they want to blow me away, I can't stop them. Especially when they decide to go all tornado and create a wind tunnel around themselves. In that case, I just have to wait them out. Even Rainbow can't maintain something like that forever, and she's one of the greatest air benders to have ever lived. You'll often get hurt a little, but if they're too exhausted to stand and you just have a few bruises, you'll be fine.”

Daring nodded, licking her lips. “I... I see. What if someone... doesn't fight like a normal bender?”

Ironwing chuckled. “All benders have a style. The truly good ones can switch it around and know multiple kinds. But when you know them just as well, you'll learn how to fight them.” He glanced to the side. “Shadowbolt training is not easy. In fact, very few ponies ever get past the stage of initiate.”

“What are you?”

“I'm, at best, an adept. I still get hurt a...” He cringed. “Well, I've made more than a few mistakes and gotten hurt quite a few times. But I can take out most benders with enough time to study them and learn their weaknesses.”

“But not the Avatar, right?”

“Who, Diamond? No, she's easy. She's far too direct and leaves herself open in a dozen areas, at least. Frankly, I'm amazed she was even able to beat Meadowbrook, but then, that is another important thing a Shadowbolt must learn.”

“Hmmm?”

“Teamwork. A good Shadowbolt can work alone. A great Shadowbolt has people they can fall back on to help them. Most work in teams of two or three.”

“Really? Who do you depend on?”

“Styx,” he said instantly, before cringing with a little red in his cheeks. “Well... I often work alone. It can be done. Shadowbolts all go through similar training, so when the time comes we can work together, even if we don't know the other team mate too well. We'll get to that eventually, if you want to learn.”

“If I get this training, do you think I'll be able to take on my sister?”

“Oh, of course. It's a ton of fun when you get to beat the pains in your flank after a few years,” he said with a grin.

“Cool. Then let's get started! Teach me how to dodge!”

------

Diamond took a slow, deep breath while she stared across the small field at Sunset. The wind was soft and gentle as it blew around them, gently swirling her mane. The other mare stared at her intently. “So... uhhhh, should I just use fire bending?”

“No. You have three of the elements, do you not? Use them all,” the unicorn said as her eyes slowly looked her up and down.

“All three? But... I uhhh...” She coughed into her hoof. “That's not really fair. I mean, you can just fire bend and--”

“My mother was an alicorn with all four elements and years of experience. Do you really believe, even for a second, that you can compare to her? Are you truly that prideful?”

Diamond ground a hoof into the ground, wanting to yell yes. Slowly though, she nodded. “You're right. Probably not yet. Three elements it is.”

“I'll let you make the first strike, attack me when you're ready. And yes, you may fly as well. My mother never held back against me, I'll expect nothing less from you.”

The alicorn nodded, eying the other mare for a few moments. She smiled. 'It can't hurt to go a little easy on her, at first. Three elements on one is hardly fair.' She let flame burst from her horn, sending it propelling at the mare. Sunset spun around and kicked out with her back hooves, sending a raging blast of fire at the Avatar, enveloping the flames without stopping.

Diamond yelped, spread her wings and took to the sky, barely avoiding the flames. A shadow fell over her and she looked up to see Sunset over her, flames sprouted from her hooves and rocketing her into the heavens. The flames died and she spun, driving her back hooves into the alicorn. Diamond yelped before she was sent rocketing to the ground, hitting it hard. A moment later Sunset landed on her back, driving her even harder into the ground.

“There. Now, will you take this seriously, or shall I do that again?” Sunset asked.

“W-whimper...”

“Well?”

“I-I'll... b-be serious... as soon as I-I can... s-stand...”

“Good.”

------

Diamond shrieked as she galloped through the field, flaming rocks pelting her from all sides. Explosions tore around her. Worst of all, however, was Sunset wasn't kidding. She truly did know how to use all of the elements. Whenever her explosions tore through the ground and sent rocks flying into the air, she'd jump up and strike them, sending them rocketing at the alicorn. It felt like she really was fighting an earth bender. Except one that was on fire. Which somehow made it worse.

It didn't help that her friends were watching her get her flank kicked.

“So, how's she been doing?” Silver asked as she trotted up.

“This... Sunset has a very unique style,” Luna said cautiously. “I have never known a fire bender to fight in such a manner. It is quite the sight.”

“It's bucking awesome,” Button said with a grin. “I wonder if I could ever do that. Make like... fiery rocks or something. Like... I don't know...”

“Lava bending?” Celestia asked.

“Yeah, something like that!”

“I do believe there was a pony who was able to do that, a student of Miss Applejack,” Luna said, before frowning. “Sadly, he went much the way that Dazzling did.”

“He died?”

“No, believed he was too powerful and tried to kill his teacher. Locked away, now. But I believe such a skill is possible, albeit rare.”

Button chuckled. “Cool. But I'd never be able to do something like that. I mean, I can't even metal bend.”

Luna shrugged. “Some ponies are more gifted than others, but that doesn't mean much. We all have special talents of our own.”

“Eeee,” Button said before giving him another little nuzzle. Luna blushed slightly and looked to the side.

Silver cringed when Diamond was sent hurtling forward, before having a boulder drop on her. “That... looked like it hurt.”

“It probably did,” Acrylic said softly, his eyes scanning over the battle. “She's... amazing. How is she able to do those things? It's really like she is bending with all the elements, not just fire.”

“Well, her mom was the Avatar,” Button said with a shrug. “Probably had all kinds of neat tricks she developed over the years. I wonder what kind of earth bending tricks she made.”

Acrylic nodded, before glancing towards Celestia. “Hey. Would you mind having another sparring match with me? I... think there's some more things I wanna try.”

“Again?” Button asked, cocking an eye. “Man, bro, it seems like all you do these days is practice. You're already pretty awesome, why not take a break?”

“I've still got a long way to go,” Acrylic muttered.

“Sure, it'll be fun. I hope your ice has gotten colder,” Celestia said with a smirk.

The water bender nodded before trotting off with her. He'd never really paid much attention to the other elements in his training, aside from how to fight them. But now he was beginning to see a whole new world to them. Button used to be one of the worst benders he'd ever known, but since he'd learned to mix fire bending practices with his earth bending, he'd improved dramatically. Sunset mixed all four with her fire bending, Celestia mixed water with hers. Was it possible that his focus on just water bending was holding him back?

His mother had always been an amazing water bender, far better than he had ever dreamed. He had thought that meant he would be one as well, but what if he wasn't? Maybe it was time he started to examine the other elements, to find where his mix was. Where his talents truly lied. Once they were a bit away from the others, he glanced to Celestia. “Hey... uhhhh... I know this might sound odd, but could you teach me a bit of fire bending?”

“Huh? Why?”

“Well... it's just...” He sighed. “I know I can't fire bend, I'm a water bender. But watching you and Sunset, it got me thinking. Maybe... learning the basics wouldn't be so bad for me.”

She gave a nod. “Sure! I don't think you'd be much of a fire bender, though. I mean, you're kind of... wellllll...”

“Kind of what?”

“Puny. I mean, you're kinda small, thin, your bending isn't very strong. It's precise, I'll give you that, but it's not very fire bendery. But hey, maybe that's just it. Maybe you need a bit of fire bending to give you that extra oomph. Right?”

He sighed, but nodded. “Yeah, maybe.”

“I'm not really much of a trainer, but I can give some of the basic run downs. First, basic fire bending is about power. But more than that, it's... well...” She tapped her chin. “Let's compare it to earth bending. Earth bending is never being shoved around. Fire bending is shoving everything around, you know? So we'll start with that.”

Chapter 17: Rusty bolts

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Silver stared at the pages before her, shaking while she held the book open. She felt tears welling up in her eyes as she read over Twilight's message for the Avatar. The message about Trixie.

'Avatar, I will try to find Trixie and recover the Alicorn Amulet. I know she's in the Spirit World, hiding. I don't know where, yet, but I've found signs of her. So many signs. If I fail, I'm sorry. I really want to do this, to give you something to face the world with.

The Elements are gone and it's my fault, I know it's my fault. I should have suspected Discord had something up his sleeve, he always did. He could have stopped us. So many times he could have stopped us. But he didn't. He let us continue, let us keep going. And like a foal, I walked right into his trap. He was a monster like no other, and I don't regret what I did. He had to be stopped, permanently. If I could have stripped him of his powers, I may have done that. But I couldn't. I had to destroy him, I had to end his reign, so he could never rise again.

Trixie isn't that powerful. Not only that, I think she can still be saved. She has been closer to Discord than any pony I know. His corruption probably traveled through her for... so many years. For all we know, he infected her like he had Nightmare Moon. He hurt her, just like he hurt everypony else.

I hope I can help her. I can heal her. But... if it comes down to it, I'll do what has to be done. I'll kill her if I have to, just like I did to Discord. Because I am the Avatar, and this is what I have to do. Never forget that. We are of the world. It is our job to protect it. To save it. There will be times where you'll fight things, horrible monsters. Possibly even fragments of Discord himself. When the time comes, you'll have to strike. You'll have to kill and choke that part of yourself that says to show mercy, to show forgiveness. It hurts me to say this, but I've seen his power, the destruction it can cause. Worse than anything, you'll have to accept that not everypony can be saved. Just as in every nation there are good ponies, even amongst your enemies, there are still bad ones who have to be stopped by any means.

You are the Avatar. When the time comes, you must act. Even if it hurts.'

Silver closed the book and wiped the tears off her face. “You killed Trixie too, didn't you?” she asked the book softly. “You... were right. We are horrible monsters. But... Diamond won't strike. I won't let her. I'll be stronger.” The book disappeared. “I'll win. Discord and Trixie failed, but I won't. If... if I have to be the bad pony, then I will be the ruler. And I won't let anypony stop me.”

------

Diamond nodded as she listened intently to Sunset. “So... Twilight really said that?”

“Yes,” Sunset said before taking a sip of her drink. “She denied it, but I do believe she was still... quite upset about her fight with Discord. She never wanted to have to kill anything. Or anypony. She said she and her friends had killed many, but she never took pride in it. Were Discord not so powerful, she likely would have spared him. But she knew at the time, if she spared him, she doomed the world. The power she had then may have only worked once, she couldn't risk giving him a second chance. Not after all the destruction he'd already caused.”

She nodded. “Really? I always imagined... well, she was so powerful. So... tough. I figured she'd barely bat an eye at killing a pony.”

The unicorn snickered. “Oh, as if. My mother felt guilty about killing anything aside from book worms. Those she could with fire. But even bugs she'd usually just catch and toss outside. She... well, she always told me before her journey, when she'd been training, they'd always been taught that life was precious and she believed that. Fire is life, after all.” She held up a hoof, the flames forming on it. Diamond cringed. “Oh, relax. Our practice is done, I'm not going to light you up again.”

“R-right, sorry. It's life?”

“Of course. From the ashes of death, new life will spring up. Mother... always told us, what happens, happens for a reason. For every life lost, a new one should be made. While it may seem horrible, sometimes one life must be taken to save thousands, even millions. But that never made it easy for her. It sometimes even made her hesitate. Tell me, have you ever taken a life?”

“No. I don't think I'd want to, though. I... never really thought about it.”

“It's not something most ponies want to think about. Well, I imagine some ponies would enjoy it, even revel in it. But I doubt they'd have become the Avatar. But, as my mother said, it is only something you should do if you must. To save the world, strike them down if you have to. But... if you're strong enough, you won't need to.”

Diamond nodded, staring at her lunch, a nice bowl of soup. “I... don't know. What if one day I had to do something like... fight one of my friends? Or... kill one of them? What if something like... that happened?”

Sunset snickered into her hoof. “Oh, don't be preposterous. They are your friends, why would you ever need to do something like that? My mother's warnings were only about threats. TRUE threats to the world. Ponies who wished to destroy it. Could you imagine any of them doing that?”

The alicorn blinked, and then giggled. “Well, I could see Button doing it accidentally. But no, you're right. I worry too much. Did your mom ever do that?”

“Allll the time. In fact, for a while she tried doing this... weekly lesson thing with me and Daring. Every week she'd try to teach us something new. One week she forgot, spent the whole day fretting and worrying that she had no life lesson, nearly burned the village down in a panic. Ironically, taught us a lesson about schedules being fine, but don't chain yourselves to them,” she said with a smirk. “Mom was... great at what she did. When she really set herself to something, she'd be amazing at it. She'd worry a bit too much about failing, have a few panic attacks, but always come through in the end.”

“Yeah,” Diamond said before taking a small sip of her soup. “I'm starting to see that. I mean... everypony I've talked to who has met her, talks about how amazing she was. How great. How...” She sighed. “You know, I'm starting to wonder if I'll measure up.”

“Oh, you won't,” Sunset said with a shrug. “Mom was amazing, but that was because she had to grow into it. She had to stop a world spanning war, free her ponies from imprisonment, re-raise the sun and a moon and then, after all that, defeat one of the greatest forces in the history of the world. I mean... what did you have to do? Fight some pony who had a fancy stick?”

“There... there was a bit more to it than that,” she said softly.

“My point is, my mom had to rise to a world ending circumstance. You, on the other hoof, don't. You're lucky, life should be a lot easier for you, accordingly. Don't worry about it, don't get upset. Enjoy it. You'll have to face some challenges, but nothing like she did. There's no great evil waiting to destroy the nations, everypony has had their fill of war for now. You'll probably have to deal with a few crazies here and there, but that's it. So... enjoy yourself. Be thankful you have it easy.”

Diamond nodded, glancing to her soup. “I... guess I never really thought about it like that.” She chuckled. “Maybe... you know, maybe it's just my job to find the Alicorn Amulet, so the cycle can be fixed. Or... as near fixed as it can be.”

“You'll have to travel into the Forest of Spirits to do that.”

“Then that's where I'll go. Once I'm prepared and we're all ready. I want to make sure we're settled and there's no more need to fix things, before I do. I'd also like to see if we can get some kind of connection back home.”

“Your radios are still not working?”

“Our main one was destroyed,” Diamond said with a sigh. “The backups aren't working in the slightest. Rainbow and Prism tried taking them out, but even outside the... whatever field this place has, didn't help. They still won't work.”

“The Badlands are a strange place. I'm hardly surprised none of your stuff works,” Sunset said before glancing towards the camp. “It's been almost a week since you've arrived, how has... everypony been handling our home”

“For the most part, good. I mean... well, good. Alicity is working on something to try and get some of us back home. I mean, we've found what we came for. Sorta. Without a ship, we don't need most of the crew. I know a lot of them would probably be happy to get back to their families.”

“Some of us could escort them home. It might be dangerous, but they'd have a decent shot.”

“If we're going to do that, we're going all at once.”

“Then you'd best prepare for the long haul. This... world is not safe. This area, in fact, is the only place that truly is.”

Diamond nodded, then looked up. “I've been meaning to ask about that. I noticed, well... the weather here. It's always so... nice and sunny. Comfortable, even. Why? It's nothing like the rest of the Badlands.”

“I believe it is the Forest of Spirits. Whatever it is that keeps us hidden, it also keeps the area safe and hospitable. In fact, your group is the largest group we've had arrive in... likely a few hundred years.”

“Really? What about pirates?”

“Those are few and far between. I don't think a full ship has ever come over the boundaries into the village itself. We've had a few who got lost and found their way in, but... unless you live here, this place can be hard to find. Impossible even. Some of the pirates stay, others leave and never return and some try to bring their brethren here and fail miserably.”

“You said you're the guardian, what exactly do you guard, then?”

Sunset sighed and lowered her eyes. “Nothing, to be honest. Mother... always had plans for me. For us. When she recovered the Alicorn Amulet, she wanted to take me with her to the Fire Tribe lands and re-establish contact with the outside world. She felt we were... too isolated here. The village doesn't really need either of us, despite what they may say. But then she disappeared and there was nothing left to be done. Daring and I were stuck here.”

Diamond nodded. “When we go, do you want to come with us? I'm sure the Fire Tribes would be happy to have you. I hear Twilight is kind of a hero to them. For obvious reasons. Not to mention you could meet an actual dragon.”

The unicorn chuckled. “Mom talked about dragons all the time. Especially... one in particular. A... Spike, I believe?”

“He is huge!”

“Really? She told us he was only about the size of a large melon.”

Diamond snickered. “Well, if he was, he grew up fast. He is... well, one of the biggest I've ever seen. And his hide glimmers like jewels. It's pretty amazing to see.”

“I'd like to see that,” Sunset said. “I also need to help you on your training. Mother always wanted me to take care of that.”

The alicorn sighed. “Yeah, I know. But I already have teachers, they--”

“Then they have failed. Your form is sloppy.”

Diamond blanched. “I-it's not--”

“It is atrocious. You left a dozen weaknesses across your form. You fail to mix any of the other elements together, in fact in all bending you act just short of a novice fire bender. You are an earth bender by nature, correct? You know earth, water and air bending, yet your defenses are atrocious. You don't know how to properly block, dodge OR parry. Frankly, I am a little ashamed to even call you a bender. Even by fire bending standards you are far, far too aggressive.”

“T-the best defense is a good offense, it--”

“That is a stupid saying. The best defense is a good defense. If you're too offensive and you miss, you'll be crushed. Being able to attack is good, but if you can't defend yourself, all you'll do is get yourself and others around you hurt.”

Diamond sighed and lowered her eyes. “I... I guess I could use a bit more... training. I'm mostly just out of practice. I mean, I only just got fire bending back, so I--”

“And you favor it over the other elements, even when you're using the others. You are the Avatar. You have the unique ability to use ALL the elements, something nopony else can claim. You can develop styles and techniques nopony else can even begin to try. Yet you fight like a sloppy fire bender.”

Diamond grumbled and nudged her plate around. As much as she hated the words, she hadn't managed to land a hoof on the other mare, so she knew there was at least a little truth to her words. “Fine then. What would... your mother have had me do?”

“That much is simple. We will practice. You will learn.”

The alicorn gave an exasperated sigh.

------

“Ah ha! It is perfect!” Alicity yelled, lifting a hoof to the air. He stared down at the emergency craft, one of the few they had left, before patting the small glowing box he had attached to it. Secretary stood a good five feet away, ready to shield them in the event it exploded.

Silver was there almost instantly. “Daddy, what are you doing to the ships? I told you not to break anything, you promised me!”

He nodded. “Of course! And I haven't broken anything! Well, I haven't broken the ships!” He pushed the button on the box. “In fact, I have improved it!” It began to hum ominously. “It'll take a moment to charge up.”

Silver backed up nervously. “I... see. Improved it how, exactly?”

“Well, on the way here we got hit by how many lightning bolts? Far, far too many!” He said before tapping the box a few more times. “But what are they? Energy! Remember my generators back home?”

Silver sighed. “Yeah, the ones you used to charge those special batteries? It was a failed invention, daddy. While... lightning isn't a bad energy source, magical batteries are far more easier to charge, any unicorn can power them.”

“Yes, yes. Buuuuut--” A purple bubble formed around them. “If we combine the two, we can do this!”

Silver blinked and reached out, but her hoof went right through the bubble. “What... is this?”

“A magical barrier! Now, it won't protect against solid things, but lightning? Oh yes, it protects against that just fine! In fact, it'll absorb the power of a lightning strike to keep itself charged! Even better, the majority of the charge, once it's been hit once, will be supplied by the lightning itself, with only a fragment of it coming from the mana gem, or even a novice unicorn.”

Silver stared at it nervously. “I... don't know. That seems... kind of dangerous.”

“Bah, it'll be fine! Now, just to test it.” He jumped into the cockpit. “Come, we--”

“No no no no!” Silver yelled, shaking her head. “Daddy, you are NOT taking that out there, buck no! If that thing fails, you'd be killed!”

“It won't fail, it--”

“I said no!” She sighed. “Let's... go ask Celestia if she'll fling lightning at it, or something. That'll be a test AND you won't need anypony to be inside the thing in case it explodes.”

He frowned, but slowly nodded. “I... suppose that will work.”

“I'll go get her,” the earth pony said, before glancing back to Secretary. “Don't let him go anywhere, okay?”

“Of course,” the mare said, before turning to the doctor. Once the other mare was gone, she sighed. “You didn't tell her about your cannons, either.”

“Bah, those are just to help discharge the excess energy from a lightning bolt,” he said before frowning. “Though I'd better make sure they are ready. Besides, they aren't REALLY guns.”

“And you made them shoot magical blasts just because that's the most beneficial way to release the excess energy then, sir?” she said flatly.

Alicity coughed. “Well, once these barriers are complete, it will take the air ship world by storm. No longer will ponies need to have crude lightning rods. In fact, if I'm correct, it will protect against magical energy itself. Everypony will want them for their ships. Combine the cannons and the shields and you'll have vessels that can't even harm each other. A perfect combination.”

“Mmmm hmm,” Secretary muttered, taking a few notes.

Silver galloped back, panting heavily. “S-she's... on her... way... don't you... dare try... to leave.”

“Of course not, darling, I made a promise,” Alicity said with a nod, before hopping off the ship and trotting out of the barrier. “Fantastic though, isn't it? With such a thing, we may finally be able to tame these wild lands.”

“Knowing our luck, we just won't hit any lightning storms anymore, just hail,” Secretary muttered.

“Is this the device?” Celestia asked as she lightly trotted up, an eye cocked. “Such a fascinating barrier. And you wish me to strike it with lightning?”

“As hard as you can!” Alicity said with a nod.

Celestia glanced to Silver, who nodded. She shrugged before pulling her head back, slowly spinning it in a tight circle until lightning crackled from the tip of her horn. She then shot it forward. The lightning hit the barrier and for a moment the color began to fade. Then it went a dark purple, the lightning sparking off the barrier.

“It works! Marvelous!” Alicity yelled.

Then a loud hum filled the air.

“Oh buck.”

A ball of purple energy shot out of the side of the ship, crashing through two of the other emergency vessels and turning them to scrap wood. The ponies just stared.

“S-spectacular!” Alicity said softly, before turning to Celestia. “Amazing! Truly, truly amazing. You must be a very powerful bender!”

“D-daddy,” Silver said softly.

“I mean, to overcharge the shields so much that the energy release was THAT powerful!”

“Daddy.”

“Just imagine what a REAL lightning bolt could do! I'll need to work on the containment a bit more, though. Larger batteries to store it, but--”

“DADDY!” Silver screamed, cutting the stallion off.

“Errr... yes, darling?”

“YOU DESTROYED TWO OF OUR SHIPS!”

“W-well, I errr... it was for a good cause!”

“WE NEEDED THOSE SHIPS!”

“But think about it! Once I get these shields fully prepared, we'll be able to travel home without fear!”

“WITH TWO LESS SHIPS!”

“Well, the first voyage will be... smaller, but we can get more ships! A-and, err...”

“What the BUCK WAS THAT THING?!”

“The uhhh... emergency... charge release...”

“It looked like a cannon!”

“It... well, was the most efficient way to release the energy... and... and it has practical uses...”

Silver narrowed her eyes to slits. “Like... what?”

“W-well, with these new vessels, we can, errr, with the cannons... errr...”

“Pirates,” Secretary offered.

“Right! We can use them to help fend off pirates! Yes! I can create some kind of... power storage unit, to store the energy. And, err, then discharge it in the event of a pirate attack. I mean, one good shot of that would deter even the most... errr... violent of... criminals,” he said with a squeak, cowering from his daughter's gaze.

Silver glowered at him, eyes narrowed to slits. But, finally, she shook her head and pulled back. “Fine. You know what? That's okay. Just... no more exploding the other ships. AIM that thing properly.” She glanced to the ship. “What would have happened if the emergency release hadn't worked?”

“Well, it would have exploded, likely taking us with it judging by the destructive force the cannons unleashed.” His daughter glared. “I-I mean the emergency release unleashed.”

The earth pony sighed, but gave a nod. “Fine, fine. Do what you want. I... actually, I don't trust you. Secretary? Please keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn't blow up any MORE of our ships?”

“Of course,” Secretary said as she watched the other mare walk off. She then turned towards Alicity. “I thought you said you had the emergency release aimed towards the sky?”

“It seems it still requires a bit of fine tuning. I'll--”

“THAT WAS AWESOME!” Celestia finally shrieked, before running towards the ship and jumping into it. “How do you do it? Can I try again? Mom is going to flip when she finds out about this! Alicity, we'll take a dozen, no, buck that, I'LL take a dozen! The Water Nation will probably take a few, too. So, how does it work?”

Alicity blinked, before grinning wide. “Of course! I'll explain everything!”

------

“I... really thought I had you this time,” Daring muttered from her position on the ground, her entire body numb and paralyzed.

Ironwing shook his head, though his own wings were laying limp on his sides and his front right hoof was twitching. “You've improved dramatically in the last week, I'll give you that. You seem to have a natural talent, even. But talent is not enough. You're far too cocky. When you got my wings, you thought you had me beat and it made you careless, reckless. You should have pulled back, used your extra maneuverability to put me at a disadvantage.” He paused. “Though... still, not bad for a rookie. I wish I had more students like you,” he said before sitting down. “You've managed to learn most the of key points already. In a few months, you'll be a true terror on the battlefield. You'll need a better teacher then, too.”

Daring nodded before, slowly, getting to her hooves. Feeling was slowly returning and she could already feel parts of her body coming under control, albeit with difficulty. “T-thanks. It's not as hard as I thought it'd be, though. It's pretty fun!”

“It seems you have your mothers ability to learn, at least,” Ironwing said with a nod. “I... am impressed at how flexible and agile you are, though.”

“Spend your life dodging pirates and tatzlewurms and you'll be pretty quick, too,” she said with a chuckle. “Wanna go get a drink?”

Ironwing gave a nod. “You know what? That sounds kind of nice. Wanna lean on me?”

“Hah! No, I'm not THAT helpless,” she said with a snicker before lightly walking behind him, with a heavy limp. Slowly they made their way towards the village.

When they passed a small house, she caught sight of Button chatting it up with Luna. Their eyes met and they shared a small nod. She moved forward, onto his left side. “So uhhh... did you know my mother well?”

“No. Honestly, she left before I was even born. My mother spoke of her often, though.”

“Mmmm, that's cool. You know... you really are a good teacher.”

“Thanks.”

“But... well...” When they passed a house, she gave him a firm shove. He let out a yelp, toppling in. “Sorry!” She slammed the door shut and stepped back, moments before Button jumped forward, hitting the ground. Stone rose up and covered the whole building, even the roof.

Ironwing groaned and got to his hooves, before glaring back. “What the bu--”

“You!” Prism snapped.

Ironwing turned back and saw Rainbow and Prism sitting at a table with drinks. “You...” Ironwing said back.

“Yes, yes, you, you and me, that's nice,” Rainbow said before taking a drink. “So! It's time to work this out.”

“Mom? What's the meaning of this? You said you just wanted to chat!”

“I do. Well, I want you two to chat. And we're settling this, now.”

“We've already settled it,” Prism snapped. “Ironwing can go--”

“ENOUGH!” Rainbow roared, slamming her cup down and making them both jump. “I have had it up to HERE with you two! Seriously, what is this about? You two used to be thick as thieves, now you're like... oh my gosh. If Discord was still around, I'd think the two of you got discorded or something.”

“I've had enough with this,” Ironwing said, before kicking the door.

“There's only two ways out of here. You two make up, or you two manage to beat me,” Rainbow said before picking up her glass and taking another drink. “So what's it going to be? Talking, or getting your flank beat by an old blind mare?”

Ironwing grumbled, but slowly came and sat at the table.

“Good, so you're at least smart enough to not try fighting me. You know, if you two could work together like the old days, you might even have a shot. A small shot, but one none the less,” the mare said with a snicker before pouring him a glass. “Now drink up, it's good apple juice.”

Ironwing sighed and picked his up, taking a drink and then choking. “T-that's n-not apples.”

“Yeah, they just have cucumber juice. Tastes nasty, but what can you do?” Rainbow said with a shrug. “Just pretend it's apple juice and talk it up.”

Neither of them said a word.

“Do it or I'll make you two KISS and make up.”

Both of them paled. Prism sighed. “He... screwed up and--”

“Yeah, no, we're not doing that again,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “I know you two. There's a lot more to this than just thinking the other messed up. Shining Blash was my student, my responsibility. Buck, she is the only other mare who can do the sonic rainboom, do either of you really believe you would have had even the slightest chance against her?”

“If the Wonderbolts had let us know what she was capable of,” Ironwing mumbled softly. “Maybe--”

“No, you couldn't have,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “Ironwing, I told you already, you were young. Well, younger. There was literally NOTHING you could have done. The Shadowbolts just weren't built for such a thing. She would have taken you down like flies. None of you should have even been involved.” She then glanced to Prism. “Prism, look me in the eyes.”

“Mom--”

“Do it.”

He sighed and did. It always made him cringe as he stared into those empty, white voids, the pupils so faded and cut they were almost non-existent. “There. I'm doing it.”

“Now, tell me. Do you really think the Shadowbolts could have done anything? You trained with Shining. You knew what she was capable of. Buck, she was almost like a daug--” She choked on those words. “She... was very important to me. As powerful as she was, do you really think she could have been stopped by them?”

“Maybe if they had acted--”

“Do you. Think. They could have. Stopped. Her?”

“... No,” Prism said softly, lowering his eyes.

“Do you think they would have even slowed her down?”

“No.”

Ironwing cringed. “But you said--”

“I know what I said!” Prism said, closing his eyes. “I had just lost my dad and my mother, been betrayed by a pony I saw as a friend, lost so many others, okay? I was hurt, I was angry and I just... I lashed out at you. I needed somepony to blame and you were... you were just there. I'm sorry, okay?” He grabbed his drink and downed it, cringing. “Buck, mom. Why do you always have to be so... so...”

“A bitch?” Rainbow asked with a shrug. “It's that hard headed side of me. Now, Ironwing. You well... you never really met Shining before then. I'm sure you heard about her, but you still didn't have any idea what she was capable of. The Shadowbolts got involved, and I am sorry about that. But if anypony is to blame, it's me. I was the one who tried to take this myself. I got the team together. More importantly... when it came down to it, I hesitated. I had her beat, if I had just... ended it there, none of this would have happened. Nopony would have died. I did that, not Prism.”

“Lady Rainbow,” Ironwing said softly. “You cared for her, it--”

“So? I made mistakes. Other... ponies paid the price for it,” she said softly. “Innocent ponies. I was the one who saw her potential. I was the one who pushed her again and again to be the strongest, to be the fastest. I fed her ego, I ignored the signs of her getting... too cocky. Of believing she was too good. Me. If I had used a bit more... control. If I had taught her better, none of this would have happened. But I didn't. If Prism had been there, I would have lost another kid that day and... I don't know if I could have handled that. Do you really believe a pony who did THAT to me, would have lost to Prism? Especially how he was back then?”

Slowly Ironwing shook his head.

“Then why do you blame him?”

Ironwing lowered his eyes and buried his head in his hooves. “I just... I was...”

“Ironwing, answer the question,” Rainbow said softly.

“I... I was hurt then. I... tried to help. Each and every pony who I sent out there, who I told to go after her, their blood is on my hooves. I... was foalish. I thought the Wonderbolts had just bucked up, that she was just another bender gone bad. I thought... a large team would be enough. I thought if they were careful, they...” He took a slow, deep breath. “You... know what a sonic rainboom does to ponies when they're that close to it? When it... unleashes on them? I saw it. I had to look at each and every one of those ponies as they laid there on the ground. I had to go to their families and... and tell them what happened. How my mistake had cost them their lives. If I had just... If I hadn't sent them, if I'd gone myself I...” He shuddered. “When... when I came to you then, Prism, I wasn't... I wasn't trying to get... I wasn't trying to cheer you up. I didn't even know about Rainbow then. I... I wanted you to help me. I couldn't take it. I wanted to leave the Shadowbolts, to give command to somepony better... more...” The tears welled up in his eyes. “But then... when you blamed me I just... I...”

Prism stared, the tears in his eyes starting to fall. “I... I didn't know... I thought... I thought you...”

“O-of course you didn't,” Ironwing whispered softly. “When you... when you just... I just--”

“And that's why you don't lash out at each other when you're hurting. Now, hug you two,” Rainbow said. They both glared at her. “Do it, or I will follow through on my kissing threat.”

Slowly, the two got to their hooves and hugged, before quickly pulling apart and looking off to the side. Prism took a slow, deep breath. “I... I'm sorry, Ironwing. I didn't... I never even thought about how you felt. When they'd... How much you were... hurting over... I just thought...” He shook his head.

“Really, you two should have blamed me if you were going to blame anypony,” Rainbow muttered. “We all know it was my fault. I mean, buck, she was my student. Can't get much more responsible for what happened.” She got to her hooves and trotted to the door. “I... think you two have a lot to talk about and you don't need some old mare looming over you. But you're not getting out for a while, so try to actually talk it out and see where you can go from here. You don't have to be friends, but you DO have to be able to tolerate each other. Friendship comes after,” she said before knocking on the door. “Go ahead, let me out!” she called out.

The door opened and Rainbow stepped out, moments before closing it herself. “Okay, lock it back up. I fully intend for them to be in there for a while, like it or not. So, Daring, Button, thanks for the help.”

“Any time, Miss Rainbow!” Button said with a salute.

“Yeah. It uhhh... well, it was good training. I'd been watching him for a while, found the perfect way to get under his guard,” Daring said with a smirk. “So, what now?”

“Now? They try and see if there's any fuel left in that friendship of theirs. If they're lucky, things can go back to normal. Or, at least, close to it. Time has passed, they're different ponies now. But... well, friendship isn't something you should just let die.” She gave a soft sigh. “Wanna practice against me for a bit? I'll go easy on you,” she said with a teasing tone.

“You're on,” Daring said with a smirk. “Just a warning, I am a lot tougher!”

“Oh please, I could take your teacher with one hoof behind my back,” she said with a snicker before trotting off towards the field.

Chapter 18: Out of this world

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Trixie whimpered softly as she rocked back and forth, struggling to stay warm despite the night's cold chill.

They're coming, she heard echo through her mind. It was Discord's voice, it was always his voice. Always watching over her. Talking to her. But he was gone, she knew he was gone. She'd heard the stories, even felt it when he had died. He was gone.

And yet he still wouldn't leave her mind. Still wouldn't give her peace. Always told her they were coming, that they'd find her. That she had to run and run and run, never stop running, never let them find her. She was the anti-Avatar, or at least she had been. For a year she had ruled, for a year she had been the most powerful pony in the world.

Yet now, look at her. Covered in dirt and mud, her hair frizzled beyond repair, skin sticking to her bones. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd eaten anything more than a bit of grass.

She hadn't even seen any ponies, either, just--

No. She had seen ponies. A few of them. But what she'd seen had... horrified her. Or rather, what she felt. Something about them scared her and she'd merely hid, watching them go. She didn't know why. She had the Alicorn Amulet, she was the most powerful pony in the world. Second only to... them. To those horrible, horrible six. She felt the amulet again and considered, for the hundredth time, taking it off. She suspected it was what was making her hear the voices. It probably wasn't even Discord. It was just her own abused mind mixed with his corruption and magic.

But she couldn't. Whenever she came close to removing it, she felt that hollowness inside. That empty void that she had felt ever since she had been defeated by the Avatar in the Spirit World. When she had... fallen into that horrible blob. Discord and the amulet had filled that void and she couldn't bear the thought of it returning. Slowly her hoof lowered and she closed her eyes, trying to stay warm. She didn't even know why she was here. She just felt this... pull to the north. As if there was something there, something she needed. Calling her. Not like she had anywhere else to be, after all.

She wished she had been born a fire bender, it would have been easy, then. Just like Twilight.

Her eyes narrowed. “Buck you, Twilight. Buck you right in your smug, arrogant face. Why did you have to fight me? I won! I'd finally won! Why couldn't you just have the good sense to die and STAY dead?” she asked the nearby rock. “Stupid, stupid, STUPID! You never deserved ANY OF THIS! Twilight! You were just... you're just a lucky mare! You had everything GIVEN to you!” She laid her head back and whimpered. “I'd have made a much better Avatar than you ever were. I'd have ruled this world, brought all the nations under my control. I'd have been the most powerful pony to have ever exist.”

She rocked her head back, cracking it against the stone wall, even though it hurt. She was so focused on her suffering that she didn't even notice the two pegasi and griffon walking up to her.

“Well well well, what do we have here?” one of them said, making her stop.

She stared at them for a few moments. Slowly a grin spread across her face. “It's my lucky day,” she said coldly as her eyes focused on the canteen around the griffon's neck.

“I'd hardly say that,” the griffon said. “Cute little thing like you, you--” He never finished the words before the water in his canteen shot out and turned to ice, impaling him through the head. Trixie flicked her hoof and the ice split in two, one blade impaling the first pegasus while the second found its way to the last's throat. The remaining pegasus just stood there, his eyes wide with horror.

“I've been having a very, very bad time lately,” Trixie said before getting to her hooves. “Frankly, I think I should kill you anyway.”

“P-please... please don't,” he said softly.

“I'm really... really in the mood to,” she said softly. “I'm in a... real kill all non-unicorns mood. Even wanna kill a few of them, you know? But, you know what? How about we make a deal. I'm hungry and thirsty. Maybe if I have a full stomach, I'll feel a lot more merciful.” Her eyes glimmered with a yellow light. “And do please tell me there are more of you in hiding. I'm absolutely in the mood for a bloody night. Now lead.”

The pegasus gulped and turned around, his head held high as the razor edged ice stood at his throat.

------

Silver sat up in bed, covered in a cold sweat. Her hooves wrapped slowly around herself and she trembled, hugging the blankets close as she could. It had all felt so real, as if she had BEEN Trixie for a moment. She hadn't had visions or dreams like that since she was just a foal.

It didn't fade now that she had awoken, either. If anything, it felt more clear than ever. She slowly crawled out of her bed and made her way towards the door, slowly walking out of her tent. The night air was cool and crisp and she could feel it, a soft, strange hum to the north. The same thing that had lured Trixie here. The forest. She took a deep breath and shuddered. “I hate this place,” she whispered to herself. Ever since she had come here, she'd felt it. The strangeness. The way her body reacted to it, her powers as well.

Worse than that, she knew Diamond's were reacting as well. Her cutie mark was fighting the jar, trying to break free. It couldn't, she was pretty sure at least. But it was trying. All it would take was one little crack in the jar and she was sure it would find a way out. She had to be careful, now more than ever. She took a step towards the forest.

“You're up late,” Button's voice came, making her jump. She turned around and gave a nervous smile.

“O-oh, Button. What are you doing up this late?”

“I'm going moon gazing with Luna. She's soooo smart. You know she has a bunch of names for all the stars?”

“Yeah, yeah, stars,” Silver said dismissively as she tried to think of a way to ditch him. “I just couldn't sleep, had a nightmare. You should go to bed when you can. So Luna is still up?”

“I... just told you she was. Are you okay? Wanna chat for a bit?”

“Not really. I think I'm going to just go for a little walk, clear my head. Maybe get something to drink.”

“Are you sure? I can--”

“I really wanna be alone right now, Button,” she said as firmly as she could, before looking back to him. The hurt was evident on his face and she instantly felt guilt. “Wait, no. Button, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that.”

“No, it's fine, I--”

“No, it's not. I'm just... I need some time with my thoughts. A little bit of time to clear my head. I just... want to be alone.”

“Okay,” he said, before sighing. “Is... it about Acrylic?”

She blinked as an opening prepared itself. Slowly, she nodded. “Yeah. I just... I... need to think about--”

“Say no more, I completely understand,” he said with a nod before turning around. He paused. “You know... Acrylic... he really does like you. I... don't know if it means much, but if you gave him a shot, he'd do everything he could to make you happy.”

Silver sighed and felt a fresh burst of guilt in her body. “I'm sure he would,” she said before she started trotting off. She chewed on her lower lip and she occasionally glanced back, trying to see if anyone had seen her. Fortunately, most of the camp seemed quiet tonight. Her eyes wandered towards the forest.

It was calling her, telling her to come. The Spirit World wanted her. When she stepped near the edge of the forest she felt a sudden surge of deja vu. She shuddered and then frowned. “You stepped here, didn't you, you blabbering airhead?” she asked Trixie. If the mare could hear her, she didn't respond. Silver gave another shudder before stepping inside.

She wasn't lost, even if she couldn't see a thing. She had never been here before, but she knew where every root and stone was. She never tripped, she never faltered. Even though she didn't know what she was looking for, she could still feel it. Like a great beacon, calling her forward.

It was too dark to see, but she knew when the Spirit World and the normal world began to mix. The grass turned blue, the trees gained polka dots. There was even a strange bunny with antlers. Yet she couldn't see any of it, but she could feel it, as if she was connected to this place on a strange level. “No, it's not her,” she whispered softly to herself. “Not... Trixie.”

She shuddered. It was something else, she just didn't know what it was. She pushed on, through the darkness.

------

Diamond sat up in her cot, covered in cold sweat. She looked around frantically, alarm bells going off in her head. She didn't know why, though. Something just felt off and wrong. She reached out with her mind, trying to grab whatever that feeling was to find the source. But, slowly, it melted away and the tighter she tried to hold it, the more it faded. She finally laid back down and closed her eyes, trying to drift back to sleep. But she quickly found she couldn't.

Something was wrong, she just didn't know what it was. She got to her hooves and trotted towards the door of her tent, stepping out into the cold night air. She felt it wash over her and it made her feel a little better, but not much. She didn't like this place in the slightest. She had woken up here in the same way plenty of times. As always, she found her eyes drawn towards the forest, as if it was calling her. Telling her to come. A part of her wanted to go there now, to try and find out what it was that happened to Twilight.

But another part of her, a part deep in her core, told her to stay away. Something bad had happened there. Something horrible and terrifying. She knew if she went there, she'd find what happened to Twilight. But she also knew it wouldn't be pleasant. The other Avatar was dead, long dead. But there was still that small bit of connection between the two of them. And however the mare had met her end had not been pleasant.

Another shudder went through the alicorn before she turned towards the village. She'd made excuse after excuse, but she knew she couldn't do it forever. They came here for that, for Twilight. Once she found out what happened, they could go home. Maybe.

She took another slow breath and headed towards the small, damaged field they'd practiced in so often. To her amazement, she wasn't the only one. Sunset was standing in the middle of it, her hooves aglow as she danced and weaved around the area.

“You're up late,” Diamond called out.

The other mare didn't even look up. “I'm practicing. Something you should spend more time doing,” the unicorn said before spinning in the air and kicking a burst of flame into the sky.

“I know, I know,” the alicorn said with a shrug before trotting over. “Can you tell me a bit about Twilight?”

“I've already told you plenty. She was one of the most powerful Avatars to ever live, she mastered all four of the--”

“No,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “I don't mean about her bending, or her fights. I mean... about her. Can you tell me about her, personally?”

Sunset faltered slightly and then turned, the flames dying. “I don't understand.”

“What kind of pony was she? What kinds of... things did she like?”

The unicorn gave a sigh. “Ah. For something like that, you will want to speak with Daring.”

Diamond stared for a few moments, cocking her head to the side. “I'm... sorry?”

“My mother was very, very focused in everything she did. She always had a plan, a goal, something to achieve. Something to do. Since the moment I was born, she knew exactly what my life would be, what I would be. What I would do. How I would do it. She trained me each and every day, until the day she left, to achieve this. To be a bender who would one day help to train you.” The mare stepped forward, stopping in front of Diamond and looked down at her. “I am one of the greatest fire benders you will ever meet, because that is what my mother trained me to be. She did everything she could to make my training a success, to teach me everything I needed to learn.”

“That... doesn't really--”

“My point is, I never had time to learn... those kinds of things about mother. When it came to me, she was all about business. Her likes, her dislikes, things like that she never deemed important enough to discuss with me. That... kind of focus she only shared with Daring.”

Diamond blinked. “I... really? But I thought you were her--”

“I was her student before all else. She taught, I learned. Like I will teach, and you will learn. Now, do you wish to train, or do you wish to return to your bed? Either way, there is no point to this conversation.”

The alicorn sighed, before nodding. “Fine, let's train. Just a little bit! No burning me alive or anything.”

Sunset's horn burst into flame. “I make no promises.”

------

Silver gave a soft gasp when she came to it. It looked like a great, white oval, suspended in the air, longest top to bottom. She couldn't see on the other side, but she could feel it. She took a slow, deep breath before stepping forward and closing her eyes.

A light chill went over her body when she stepped inside, feeling as the world shifted slightly. There was no leaving of her body, though. Once she felt she was completely inside, she slowly opened her eyes and looked around.

She was in the Spirit World. She let out a soft gasp and looked around at all the trees. They ranged from every color, from green, red, blue, yellow, orange. The world was aglow, though if it was from a sun she couldn't tell. The shade seemed to work strangely as well, since even though she was under the trees and the light from above was blocked out, it still seemed to get to her just fine. She started walking.

Everything here felt so... good. So right. And yet so wrong at the same time. This was where she belonged, her home. But it wasn't correct. Something was wrong with it, there should have been so much more life, so much more activity. She couldn't feel any of it. No spirits. She sighed and kept walking, going towards her destination, though she still didn't know what or where it was. She just knew she was close.

Closer than she thought. She froze when she saw it, her mouth falling open. An island surrounded on all sides by a great purple lake appeared through the trees. However, what was on the island caught her attention.

A massive tree, hundreds of feet tall and at least a dozen feet wide. Its many branches reached out to the sky, hundreds of them. It looked like it was made of crystal. However, there was something else about it.

It was dead. It was very, very much dead. The crystal didn't shine or glimmer, it was darkened and black. There were no crystal leaves. A hole had been cut into the base, allowing a pony to walk inside. She spread her wings and flew over the moat, landing on the other side. She took a slow, deep breath and walked forward, stepping into the hole.

And slammed face first into an invisible barrier. She stumbled back, holding her nose and letting out an indignant whine. “Hey!” She punched out a hoof, hitting the barrier and making it glimmer for a moment before it once again went invisible. “Let me in!” she shrieked. Whatever she was looking for, it was there. Inside. She could feel it. She hit and bucked it as hard as she could, but it refused to move and finally she was left there, panting with exhaustion. “Stupid... bucking... barrier. Just open up and--”

A giant blue hand grabbed her, lifting her into the air and dangling her upside down, making her yelp. She was soon staring into the yellow eyes of a blue monkey/cat like creature. “Well well well,” he said softly. “Looks like another pony has made their way through the barrier.”

She stared for a few moments. Her eyes widened. “Ahuizotl,” she said softly.

His eyes widened slightly, before narrowing into a glare. “Ah, of course. A friend of that little pegasus, I take it?” He slowly lumbered towards the purple moat, before chuckling. “Well, dispensing with you is easy enough. Oh Smooze, I've got a new snack for you.”

Silver's eyes widened even further. “Wait, the Smooze?” she asked, before looking to the ooze. “No! Stop! Don't!”

The creature laughed, before flicking his hand out and tossing her into the lake. She yelped, trying to spread her wings out and catch herself, but she was too slow. The moment she came close, the gunk reached out and grabbed her, pulling her in. She thrashed and fought, but it was hopeless. She was dragged deep into the goo, helpless. With a sickening blorp, she disappeared under the surface.

She thrashed, but already she could feel it beginning to dissolve her. It was worse than she imagined. It didn't start on the outside, absorbing her body. Instead she could feel it inside herself, taking her spirit, or at least her magic. She shuddered and tried pulling away, but it was everywhere. There was nothing she could do.

Silver frowned and felt her magic surge within her. She opened her eyes and they turned yellow. The glop receded, putting her in a bubble and only holding her hooves. A smile formed on her lips. “Ah. Smooze. You know who your master is, don't you?” she asked, before reaching out and touching the goop. “Take me back up.”

Slowly the bubble began to rise, lifting her up and back into the surface. When she came up, the giant monkey stared, his mouth gaping open. “H-how? You should be dead!”

The earth pony started trotting forward, before turning her yellow eyes on him. “The Smooze knows who its master is. The important question is, do you?”

He stared at her for a few moments, confusion on his features. Then he gasped and stumbled back, before falling to one knee. “M-master Discord! I... I didn't realize you had been reborn, I thought the last pony--”

“I am not Discord. I am his chosen one, the Avatar of Chaos,” she said before stepping onto the land. “And you tried to kill me.”

“I-I thought you were a normal pony, I thought--”

“If you ever try to kill a pony again, I will tear you apart.”

He froze. “But, master, I--”

“Any. Pony. At all.” She stepped forward, reaching out and gripping his face, making him look her in the eyes. “I will be reborn, again and again, a hundred times, a million times. Just like Harmony's Avatar. If you ever try to kill another pony, I will destroy you. It will not be fast. It will not be pleasant. And you will not enjoy it. If you believe you cannot die because you are a spirit, you are sorely mistaken. Do I make myself clear?”

She saw it then, the fear in his eyes. The realization that he was fairly sure she could do it. “As... as you wish.”

“And stop calling me master. Do I look like a stallion to you?”

“Forgive me, ma-- mistress. You ponies do all look alike.”

She hmphed, before pointing towards the tree. “There, what is it?”

“That is the corpse of Harmony,” Ahuizotl said softly, relief in his tone as the subject shifted away from him. “Once she was a powerful spirit, much like Master Discord. Now, however... this is all that remains.”

“I... see. Why can't I go in it? Is it her power?”

“No, her power is long gone. That is the seal placed by the previous Avatar. She and your... last incarnation had one great, final fight here. But before entering, the Avatar sealed it, so none could enter or leave.”

“And my last incarnation? Trixie?”

“She was... unable to escape.”

Silver nodded, before stepping forward. She put a hoof to the barrier and slowly spread her magic out, trying to force it to shatter. Nothing happened, her magic was not even able to touch the barrier, just fizzling off it. She sighed. “Wonderful. That means I'll need...” She paused. “Other entrances into it?”

“There are many throughout the tree branches. But when she sealed it, all of the entrances were sealed.”

“Of course they were,” Silver muttered. “That means I'll probably need Diamond to break it. But...” She glanced to the spirit. “Tell me. Did Trixie have the amulet? The blue unicorn?”

The creature nodded. “Yes. She bore the Amulet of the Pact.”

“Amulet of the...” She paused before smiling. “You knew Discord, didn't you?”

“Of course. I am his most loyal subject,” he said proudly.

“Then we have much to talk about. I want to know...” She looked around. “I want to know what happened here. I want to know what happened so long, long ago between Discord and Harmony. And... I want to know about my forces, about my generals.”

He paused. “Err... mistress, do you not already know? You are--”

“I am the Avatar of Discord. But when he was destroyed, much of his knowledge went with him.” She held up a hoof. “I still hold much of his considerable power, however. As well as the training and practice on how to use it,” she warned.

He nodded slowly. “I... see. Very well, mistress. Allow me to... enlighten you. I will tell you all that happened so long ago. The fall of the traitorous Harmony and first defeat of the great Discord.”

“I'm on a time limit here, so less of the 'Great and Powerful' and more just getting on with it.”

He blinked, before nodding. “Very well.”

Silver sat down and eyed the creature, taking a slow breath. If nothing else, at least this little trip would prove to be enlightening.

Chapter 19: The Guide

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Ahuizotl took a deep breath before starting, looking over the mare. He could barely believe such a small, fragile thing held the essence of his once glorious master. But then, Discord always did have a sense of humor. “I cannot tell the birth of either my master, or the treacherous Harmony. Or even how our two worlds became connected. I was the third of Discord's creations, after the conniving Chrysalis and treasonous Tirek. Before he changed me, I was but a spirit lemur, barely aware of the world around me.”

Silver blinked. “Tirek? Who is that?”

“A foolish, wicked creature, Discord's first creation. He was the strongest of us and, when Discord was at his weakest, he tried to take his power for his own.”

The earth pony cocked an eye. “I take it he didn't succeed?”

“Our master turned him to stone with barely a wave of his hand, binding the creature for an eternity.”

Silver nodded. “That seems about right. I'd like to know more about him after. Why were you created?”

“To be a guide to... ponies,” he said disdainfully. “Their sort were always wandering into our lands. Discord wanted to toy with them, and often he would. But that foolish Harmony liked them for some reason. I can't imagine why. Dreadful, short lived creatures, better off dead and buried. Err, present company excluded.”

“You are on thin ice, general. I'd be more careful of your words.”

“A... a thousand apologies.”

“If Discord didn't care for them, why make you?”

“To placate Harmony. But that was all that ever happened,” he grumbled before turning to the tree. “The ponies came to our world, so she traveled to theirs to protect them and guide them. She granted them boon after boon, and they just kept taking more and more.”

“I heard of a spirit war, what was that about?”

He sneered. “Ponies! They found a way to bind my brethren to them, to enslave them. It made them live longer, made them stronger, made them heal. They took one of us, then two, then three, then entire armies of them came, binding us away!” He growled and shook his head. “Discord punished them, but Harmony demanded mercy! MERCY! For what they did to us, they deserved to be destroyed! Then... then the ultimate betrayal by that... by that spirit!” His eyes turned to Harmony. “Her... Avatar. That... Nyx.” He said the name as if he was spitting out something foul.

Silver felt that cold rush of hatred through her again. “Who... was Nyx?”

“The creator of the spells that bound us to them. Discord should have destroyed her, instead he merely toyed with her and let her free.” All three of his fists clenched.

The earth pony shuddered. “Wait. The first Avatar was the one who bound the spirits to them? She... she created the spells after she became the Avatar?”

“No. That was before. Harmony... chose her, once the war was over.”

“And... that was when Discord destroyed her?”

“Harmony was weak! She gave so much of her power to aid these filthy ponies even after they harmed us so! When Discord had his opportunity, he moved in and destroyed her! We should have been there!” He punched the ground. “Once Harmony was gone, he moved to destroy the Avatar, but Harmony was tricky. These... ponies managed to drive him back. They forced him back to the Spirit World and then divided our world!” He gave another roar, punching the ground.

“Divided the world? How?”

“She sealed us and Discord into one part of the Spirit World, closed off all the entrances. She only left this area open." He scoffed. "To add insult to injury, the Avatar and other despi... ponies could still enter our world through other means, but we were trapped here. It remained as such until the...” He frowned. “The purple pony. The one who sealed away Harmony's corpse came. She released the seal so we could access the portal. But it was already too late.”

Silver looked around, a cold chill going through her before she looked around. “Where... are the spirits?”

“Bound. Drained. Gone,” Ahuizotl said with a shake of his head. “I don't know. But those spirits were connected with the pony world. Whatever happened to them could not have been good. Perhaps the pony... mortality infected them and they died off.”

Silver sighed, shaking her head. “So Discord destroyed Harmony because of Nyx,” she mumbled before glancing to the tree. “But why would Harmony choose a pony like that?” she asked before walking to the corpse and reaching out, putting a hoof to it. “Why is it for every answer I get, another dozen questions come up?” She then glanced back to the monkey. She wondered if she could even trust him, after all, he obviously hated Harmony. For all she knew everything he said was a lie. “Tell me about my generals. Tell me about... Tirek.”

The monkey growled. “A traitorous creature. He was once the most powerful of us, able to absorb the magic of other spirits and the ponies. However, when our master, Discord, returned from destroying Harmony, Tirek rose up against him. Using the Amulet of the Pact--”

“The Alicorn Amulet,” Silver corrected.

“... The Alicorn Amulet, he tried to absorb our master's power while he was weak. The master defeated him with ease, sealing him away in a statue where he could spend an eternity, thinking over the great horror he had committed.” He then sneered. “Perhaps if he hadn't betrayed the master, the Avatar would have been defeated then, rather than trapping the master.”

Silver nodded. “I... want to see this statue. I want to see Tirek. Maybe he'll be useful and--”

“Mistress, no,” the creature said. “He was powerful and wicked, his tongue his second strongest weapon after his magic. Even if you could unseal him, he would do nothing but trick and deceive you until you were at your weakest, then he would strike.”

The earth pony nodded. “That... may be so. But... I have to know. I have to see.” She held out her hoof to him. “And you will take me.”

“But I--”

“You WILL take me,” she reiterated.

The giant monkey dug his fist into the ground, before nodding. He turned, gripping her in his tail-hand, before lumbering off with her. “As... you wish.”

------

Diamond groaned, panting softly as she laid on the ground, bruised and battered. “S-Sunset, how do you do that?”

“Do what?” the mare asked, staring down at her.

“Get... so good? I just...”

“My mother left me with a task to perform, to train you. I've taken it very seriously.”

The alicorn sighed, closing her eyes. “Do... you mind me asking you something? It's a little... well... personal.”

“What?”

“How old were you and Daring when Twilight... left?”

The other mare went silent for a moment, staring at the alicorn. Finally, with a great sigh, she spoke up. “You... can see the difference in your age and mine. Must you really ask?”

“You were just a foal then, weren't you?”

Sunset didn't answer.

“Then how did Twilight teach you all of this?”

The unicorn took a slow, deep breath. “I was... a filly, not a foal. My sister was a foal. And my mother took great pains to teach me. From the day my horn first sparked to the day she left, she trained me in these arts. She taught me everything she could about how to bend, how to fight. She made sure that not only did I know what my destiny held, but that I would be ready to face it.” She stepped forward and sat down by her. “My mother never managed to complete my training, but she left me plenty of information on how to do it. Tomes and tomes of it. Once she was gone, I studied and I studied. I practiced. I learned. Every day, every hour I dedicated myself to what she knew I would one day need. That is how I became this 'good'.”

“That sounds boring and tedious,” Diamond grumbled.

“It is my destiny to lead you, and I intend to fulfill it.”

“What about Daring? Did she ever--”

“She did nothing of the sort!” Sunset said bitterly. “She is a lazy, uncouth, ragged pegasus who would rather spend her days sleeping than pursuing anything mom wanted.”

Diamond cringed. “I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... I mean, she seems pretty... okay. I know she's been working pretty hard with Ironwing.”

“Oh, of course she is. But where was she when mother was training us, hm? When we had to learn of the history of the Avatar, when we had to train? Nowhere to be found! She's a selfish, spoiled mare who cares nothing about our mother's legacy. She only cares about what she can do to further her own little adventures and have fun.” The unicorn snorted to the left. “Do not take any lessons from her, Avatar. It will only lead you to ruin.”

Diamond sighed and gave a nod. “Right, sorry. I uhhh... just...”

“You are the Avatar, the guardian of our world. A protector. It is a task filled with danger and responsibility. You cannot ignore it, cannot play around it, cannot push it aside when it is inconvenient. It is a heavy burden to bare, but you must. Because if you fail, there won't be any other pony around to pick up the pieces. Do you understand?”

The alicorn nodded slowly before getting to her hooves. “R-right. Yeah, I get it. Let's... let's go again.”

“Very well.”

------

“So Pinkie goes, 'I took the secret cave up here'! Can you believe it? I swear, Pinkie was always doing stuff like that,” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “Then, before we knew it, the entire place starts coming down. And there it was, the egg holding your mom. Well, the rock. But it was like an egg. Huh, you know, I wonder how she just... stopped aging in it and whatever. Eh, unicorn Avatar magic I guess.”

Daring chuckled and nodded before taking a bite of her cucumber. “Oh man, you've got the coolest stories.”

“Hey, you've got a few of your own, you know,” Rainbow said with a snicker. “I bet a lot of ponies would be interested in those little adventures of yours.”

“Oh, please. They're nothing compared to the stuff you and mom went on,” the pegasus said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “She used to tell us all about them, every night.”

“Hmm? Which ones?”

“Any of them she could. She wrote down everything, you know. At least, what she could remember.” She gave a sigh. “I used to read them all the time. I... I kind of hoped, if she ever came back, I could tell her about my adventures and stuff. Maybe... you know. Do the things she used to do.”

Rainbow snickered. “I'll be honest, I didn't think Twilight even LIKED those adventures.”

“Well... I don't know how much she did. But I know she loved you guys. Being with everypony. She always told us it was tough, but...” She gave a sad sigh. “I... really wish I could have gone on one with her. Been like her. But she never would have wanted that,” Daring said softly.

“Daring... I'm sure she--”

“I wasn't a bender,” Daring said softly. “She wouldn't have wanted me to do anything, I'd have just gotten in the way. At... least, that's what she thought. I just...”

Rainbow reached out and patted her on the head. “Hey, take it easy. I knew Twilight and, trust me, she wouldn't have cared. Bender or not, you've been on some awesome adventures. She'd have loved hearing about them.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Now, how about you tell me about the golden chalice again? The one you showed me?”

“Oh yeah. So, there I am, with a sprained wing and...”

------

Acrylic sighed as he slowly flicked through the book, shaking his head. He'd tried doing some of the training exercises that Celestia had taught him, but they didn't seem right. For one, he already knew how to breathe. He didn't need an exercise to teach him how to do it slower. He'd tried to imitate her style, her force, but it hadn't worked either. If anything, it made him worse. Unlike Button, he didn't have that aggressive stance or power, he couldn't turn his water into a raging river, like Celestia called it.

He was half tempted to ask Diamond what she thought now. The mare had been the one to teach Button how to do it, but even she was having trouble now. She liked fire bending, that was probably why she was able to see the fire bending inherent in Button's style.

But he wasn't a fire bender. Worse, he was starting not to feel like a water bender. He couldn't help but feel like it was right under his nose, the answer was just waiting there for him.

“Hey, Acrylic? You up?” Prism's voice came from outside his tent, startling the stallion.

“Uhhh... yeah. Come in,” he said softly.

The tent flap opened and the stallion stepped inside. “Hey... uhhhh... just... errr...”

“What?”

“Have you seen my mom? Been trying to find her for a while and she seems to have just vanished.”

“Probably with Daring again. Those two have been hanging out a lot lately,” Acrylic said before flipping the page.

“Maybe. I just... is that a book on fire bending?”

“Yeah,” Acrylic mumbled, before shaking his head. “It's just... studying.”

“I never imagined you would show interest in that. Your style isn't really compatible with theirs.”

“I'm starting to see that,” the stallion muttered.

“It's no problem, most water benders tend to be less direct, coming at things from different angles and knocking stuff away,” he said with a smile. “Heck, as light on your hooves as you are, you'd have a lot more in common with air benders than fire benders.”

“Probably,” Acrylic mumbled as he flipped through the page. “But I've gotta at least try. I mean, look at Button. Ever since he started training in fire bending, he's been getting leagues better.”

“True enough. Getting a feel for the other elements can't hurt, anyway.”

“Yeah. So uhhh, I heard about what your mom and Button did. So are you and Ironwing okay?”

Prism stopped, lowering his eyes. “Okay is... a strong word. I wouldn't use it. But... I think... I think we're done. I still can't... really...” He closed his eyes. “It still hurts for now. But... I think my mom was right. It was time to let it go.”

“That why you're trying to find her?”

“Kinda. I just can't really... sleep. I think it's going through the camp, honestly.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I saw Silver wander off towards the village earlier. Diamond headed off to that burnt field, too. Button and Luna are off on their lonesome as well.”

Acrylic chuckled. “Well, I'm happy for him. He deserves a bit of romance in his life.”

Prism frowned. “He... does know that... well...”

“What?”

“Luna is a prince... right?”

Acrylic blinked. “Of... course he does?”

“I mean more... well... Luna is royalty. It's all well and good to have a little fun now, but there's a lot that goes into a relationship like that. There... might not be a place for Button back in the Water Nation.”

The unicorn paused and looked up. “What do you mean? I... heard that the Water Lord married a member of the Fire Tribes. Can't get much different from that, can you?”

Prism shook his head. “In many ways, their marriage was political. It showed that the Water Nation had changed, that the new rulers were trying to save the Fire Tribes now, that they would be allies. Rarity also had the perks of being a war hero, one of the saviors of the world and a personal friend to the Avatar. It did help that both she and her sister worked effortlessly to tear apart the old regime and instate a newer, far friendlier version. To talk out against her would have been political suicide. Luna... probably won't have that.”

Acrylic nodded. “I uhhh... hadn't actually thought about that.” He closed the book, before sighing. “I'll try to have a talk with him tomorrow.”

“That's probably for the best,” Prism said before turning and trotting out. “I'll try looking in the clouds again. Maybe she went and hid inside one this time.”

Acrylic nodded and focused once again on his book. He wished he could figure this out. He just knew he could find the right mix if thought about it long enough, he was sure it was dangling just out of reach. He wished he had somepony who could just come out and tell him what his style was.

------

Button nuzzled Luna affectionately as the two sat and stared out into the Badlands. “It's a beautiful moon tonight,” he mumbled affectionately. “The one in the sky is pretty nice, too.”

Luna snickered. “You know, that's the third time you've used that joke on me.”

“Do you dislike it?”

The stallion shook his head. “No. I... don't know why, but when you say it, it is mildly endearing.”

He gave a little sqwee and nuzzled her again.

He stared out into the world and then gave a soft sigh. “Dear Button?”

“Yes, oh Radiant Luna?”

“I... think it is time we... discussed things.”

“Hm?”

“This journey is... well, not nearly as long as I first imagined it would be. I imagined we would be here for months, but... I believe we are almost finished. The Avatar has discovered what happened to Twilight and will likely wish to return, soon. Once we travel into the Spirit World after her. The deranged doctor friend of yours has almost perfected his little shield system.”

“Mmmm hmm,” Button said as he kept nuzzling his throat.

“Once we return... I do not know how long it will be until I will see you again.”

That made the earth pony stop. “Huh?”

“The... Water Nation has changed quite a bit in my mother's reign. But it is still far from perfect. While... it would no longer be deadly, it would be quite difficult for you there.”

“I'm not sure I understand,” Button said softly.

Luna gave a sigh. “While... I have found your affections quite... enjoyable, I cannot guarantee there will be a future for us, back home. Or that you could be happy there.”

Button blinked. “O-oh. I... uhhh, I get it. It's the uhhh... it's not you, it's my country talk, right?”

Luna nodded slowly. “Indeed.”

He took a deep breath, before shrugging. “Eh, so what? How about we worry about that when we come to it?”

The prince gaped. “Button?”

“Well, it's not yet, is it? We have a while before we return, and who knows? Maybe you'll get tired of me by then,” he said with a grin. “Buuuuut... for now, I really like you, and you really like me. We're here together, enjoying ourselves. So why let what's all the way back there get in the way of us being happy for now?”

Luna blinked, before nodding. “You... know you have the most delightful way of thinking about things, Dear Button,” he said before resting his head on Button's shoulder. “And... who knows? As a prince, I am expected to have a few consorts. Even... long distance ones. It may not be a full relationship, but it could be part of one.”

Button nodded. “Mmmm hmm. Being a prince is--” He paused a few times, blinking. He then looked down at the other stallion. His eyes widened for a moment before he gulped.

“Is something wrong?” Luna asked.

“Hmmm? Oh, uhh, nothing,” he said softly, laying his head on his. “Just, errr, thinking. I uhhhh...” He blinked, then sighed. “Besides, there's no such thing as a perfect relationship. So why worry too much?”

“Mmmm hmm,” the prince said before giving another nuzzle. “The stars truly are beautiful today. And you, Dear Button, are charming as ever.”

“And you're just as beautiful.”

------

“Impossible,” Ahuizotl said as he stared at the fragments of stone buried deep, deep below the earth in a cave. They'd even had to travel outside the Spirit World to find it, but now it seemed it was all for naught.

“So this is where he is supposed to reside?” Silver asked before she trotted up, kicking a piece of stone. “It seems... lackluster.”

“He should be here. He MUST be here,” the spirit said before stepping forward. “He couldn't be moved, he couldn't be destroyed! Discord's magic was all powerful! None could destroy it!”

“Discord's magic is gone,” Silver said coldly, shaking her head. “Aside from what resides in me. Whatever enchantment or... magic he wrought has likely been weakened.”

“If... Tirek has escaped...” The creature looked down at her. “He will come for you and the Avatar. He will try to steal the magical essence that makes you strong. He is a treacherous, conniving creature of evil. Greedy and selfish. Mistress, you cannot--”

“What is he?”

“I'm sorry?”

“What does he look like?”

“He has the lower half of a pony, but the upper half of--”

“Yeah, a centaur. Seen it. We've got a few legends about them.” She frowned, then her eyes widened. “Can... he steal cutie marks?”

“Cutie marks?”

“The marks on a ponies flank. Can he steal them?”

“He has the power to steal all magic from other creatures. Both spirits AND ponies. If these marks are a source of that, then they would be stolen as well.”

Silver nodded, rubbing her chin. “Then... maybe Meadowbrook... but the unicorns still had their magic, so maybe not? But she did learn that spell from...” Her eyes widened. “HAH! I knew there was something off about him! I bucking knew it! Ohhhh, he thought he had everypony fooled, but not me, I--” Her eyes widened. “Wait, does he know about me? Maybe he's plotting to... buck. This could be annoying. If he comes back, I'll need to strike first and--” She paused and glanced to the spirit, who was just watching her with confusion. “I might have already met Tirek, though his form was that of a pony. Would he be able to do that?”

“It would be simple enough.”

Silver nodded, glowering at the stone fragments. “This will make things a... little more difficult, but it doesn't change what I need to do now. The Alicorn Amulet is the goal of this mission and I have to get it.” She looked to him. “And you're going to help me.”

“Mistress?”

“If we need Diamond to break open the seal on the place... then I know just how to make her do it. After all, friends help each other.” A grin formed on her lips. “Now, here's what we'll do...”

------

Acrylic glared at the book, about ten seconds from just throwing it at the wall and wishing he could light it on fire. Ironically. He couldn't understand why this was so hard. There had to be something he was missing.

“Hey, Acrylic?” Button's voice came.

The unicorn sighed. He wasn't in the mood. “Button, I'm kind of busy, can it wait?”

“I... errr, it's kind of important. I... I just need to ask you a question.”

Acrylic let out a frustrated growl, before nodding. “Fine, make it quick. Just the one, right?”

Button stepped inside and nodded. “Yeah, just the one question... it's kind of... well... errr... I know it's kind of stupid, but uhhh...”

“Just spit it out already!” Acrylic snapped.

“Is Luna a guy?”

The unicorn blinked. Slowly his horn glowed and he closed the book, putting it on the ground besides his cot. He then took a slow, deep breath. “O... kay then. You now have my complete attention. Come again?”

“Is... err, is Luna a guy? You know... ummm... The... prince or... princess?”

Acrylic slowly nodded. “Yes, he is. You... err... you didn't know?”

“No! How could I know?”

“You're... dating... him, sorta.”

“Not really dating, but, ugh,” Button face hoofed, before looking to Acrylic. “I... I'm an idiot, aren't I? I mean... first the Avatar, now her. I mean, him. I mean, Luna just... he looks like and I thought...”

“I... I see. So you didn't know? So... ummm, are you going to break up with him, then?”

Button blinked, before trotting over and sitting at the foot of Acrylic's bed. “I... I really don't know. I mean, I was... I thought I was going to... be... I mean...” He closed his eyes. “I don't know what I'm going to do. I thought Luna was a mare and this is really shocking. But... err... I just...”

“Yes?”

“I... still don't want to break up with her. Him. I... I like him. I really, really almost said something stupid when I found out, but I managed to catch myself and now... I don't know what I want to do. I mean, I don't like guys. Or... or I thought I didn't. But I know I like Luna. I... really, really like Luna. A lot. And I... I kinda think I still want to make this work out. But if I can't, I mean... what if I can't? What if it's all just a stupid, silly idea and me... doing that is...” He face hoofed. “I don't know. What would you do?”

Acrylic took a deep breath. “If you don't like stallions, that's fine. But... if you like Luna, that's fine, too. As long as you're you and you're happy, it doesn't matter what you do.”

Button groaned and fell back, laying on the bed. “I just don't knowwwww. I wanna wallow in something, but I don't know what ponies wallow in! Uggggggh! Ugh, how did I miss something so... like that?”

“I really don't know,” the unicorn mumbled with a shrug. “But hey, if he makes you happy, why ruin it?”

Button blinked, then perked up. “You know what? You're right.”

“Huh?”

“When we go home, we might have to break up anyway. I've been imagining he's a mare all this time anyway, why worry about it?”

“Errr...”

“Things might not end up working out in the end anyway, so uhhh... why stress? For now I'm happy, he's happy, we're both happy. Let's just enjoy ourselves.”

“Ummm, Button, I didn't mean it like--”

“Thanks, Acrylic, it really helped to talk it out,” the stallion said before trotting off. Acrylic face hoofed.

“I didn't mean go into denial... ugh. Dang it, Button.”

------

Silver hummed happily as she trotted back towards her tent, a grin on her face. She had a plan, she had a goal. She finally had an idea of who Sunburst really was. She felt so good she wasn't even going to monologue to herself despite the fact nopony was around. She let out a yipe when suddenly a smoking, smouldering Diamond landed in front of her. “D-Diamond? Are you okay? What happened?”

“Sunset... is... evil...” the mare said with a groan. “My everything hurts...”

“Want me to go get the medics? Or... haul you of to the medics?”

“Avatar, are you okay?” Sunset called out as she galloped up. “I didn't realize you, well, I thought you were more focused! I didn't mean to... oh dear heavens I thought I killed you!”

“I... I think I'll be fine,” Diamond groaned. “I... think something broke, though.”

Silver sighed. “Come on, let's get you to the healers,” she said before leaning down and helping to scoop her friend up. “Sometimes I worry about you, you know. You need to be more careful.”

“S-sorry,” Diamond said, cringing as the two mares supported her and hauled her towards the healers.

Chapter 20: The Alicorn Amulet

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“Three days,” Alicity said proudly before he waved a hoof over the ships. Or at least the ones that remained. “Then our vessels will be more than adequate to return home.”

“Mmmm hmm,” Diamond said softly, rubbing her chin. “Are you sure they'll be safe?”

“As safe as they can be,” the stallion said with a chuckle. “We won't have enough for everypony, however. And it will be exceedingly dangerous. All together we have five ships remaining, we could take back only a few dozen ponies. With the shields and new weapons, they should be safe to deal with any threats, but...”

“But they're still basically life boats and not made for long voyages,” the alicorn said with a nod. She glanced over at the other ponies of their group, her friends and some of the commanders. She gave a sigh. “I'll go with it, then. This entire mess is my fault anyway, if anypony has to risk themselves on this voyage, it'll be me.”

“Of course I'll be going,” Silver said with a nod. “You'll need my help to prepare the return voyage to pick up those left behind. We also need to see about setting up some kind of communications system so we can talk with the ponies and let them know what's going on.”

“I'll be coming too!” Daring said quickly. “You'll need a guide to get back here, anyway. A guide who can actually navigate this place. No offense,” she said to Altena.

The zebra shrugged. “None taken. I'm afraid my addition to the crew has been... large superfluous. It seems this truly is a place you cannot understand until you have been, or lived, here.” She shook her head. “I only wish I could have been more useful.”

“If you intend to leave soon, then there is only one thing that can be done,” Sunset said softly. “You must travel to the Spirit World now, and attempt to find what you came here for.”

Diamond cringed. “A-ah. Right. Yeah, I guess... now is the time, huh? Wouldn't want to go home and... have missed our chance. Eh heh.” She received a few looks from the group, but quickly shook her head. “Right. Sunset, will you be able to take us today? It'll only be our first time, so we'll need to take it nice and slow. I'd rather not risk anypony getting hurt if we can avoid it.”

The mare gave a swift nod. “Of course. Keeping everypony safe will be simple. We can keep our group small, however.”

Rainbow glanced to Daring and thwapped her wing out, nudging the pegasus forward. Daring let out a soft yipe, but slowly stepped forward. “I... I want to come too.”

The unicorn's eyes narrowed and she glared at the mare. “Daring, it's not the time. This is very important. This is part of mom's legacy and a vital step of the new Avatar's development.”

The pegasus nodded. “I know! I can help, I've been to the Spirit World a few times, I've dealt with the things there. I can help.”

Sunset's eyes narrowed even more. “This isn't a game or some random adventure.”

“Of course it's not! This is very important, something mom would have done. That's why I want to do it, why I want to help,” Daring said quickly, before glancing to Diamond. “I know I can be useful. I have experience there, I know what to expect.”

Sunset opened her mouth to object, but quickly found herself interrupted. “I say we take her,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “She's told me a bunch of stories about the place. We only have two ponies with experience there, anyway. So we'd be better off taking them both. What do you say, Diamond?”

“I can't see how it could cause any problems. The more ponies who know their way around could be useful,” Diamond said with a nod before glancing to Sunset.

The unicorn looked like she had swallowed a lemon. “Very... well. Avatar, we leave for the Spirit World in a few hours. Gather what supplies you need. We won't be staying there after dark.”

“Of course,” Diamond said with a nod, watching the other mare as she stormed off. She then glanced towards Daring. “Is everything okay?”

Daring gave a sigh. “It'll be fine. Just uhhh... get ready to go and stuff. Just... yeah.” She turned and lightly trotted off.

Diamond sighed, watching them go. She looked to the others, who were starting to walk away as well. She trotted up towards Silver. “So, any idea what we'll need?”

“Food, mostly,” Silver said with a shrug. “Medical supplies as well. Going to bring one of our healers, too. An earth bender, probably. Useless at fighting, but she is probably one of the best I've ever seen at healing. There's no telling what we'll encounter here and it's best we be very careful. If we're not going to be there after dark, then we won't need too much for supplies.” She glanced over. “If you'd like to just wait for us to gather what we need, you can.”

“Nah, I'd rather help you,” the alicorn said with a nod. “Frankly, I think if I have to sit around... well, I'll go nuts.”

Silver nodded. “Well then, let's go get ready. There's a... lot left for us to still learn, after all. The sooner we start, the better,” she said with a smile.

------

Diamond took a slow, deep breath as she stared into the woods, eying the tall trees with trepidation. “So uhhh, it's all in there, then?” She, Sunset, Silver, Alicity, Button, Prism, Ironwing, Rainbow, Daring, Luna, Celestia and one of their healers had all made the journey here.

“Yes, Avatar,” Sunset said with a nod. “Come, stay close.”

“So, uhhh, what is the Spirit World like, here?” the alicorn asked softly as they walked forward.

“A bleak, empty land,” Sunset said with a sigh. “My... mother never quite understood what happened. Apparently in her home, the world was vibrant and full of life. But the spirits have been disappearing here for decades. A few hundred years ago it was said that a few dozen different spirits could be found here. But now, there are none. In all my times going into the Spirit World, I have never encountered another creature. I doubt any exist any more.”

Daring coughed.

“What?” the unicorn asked.

“Ahuizotl.”

Sunset snorted. “Ah, right. Your little 'monkey',” she said derisively. “I said real creatures, not something you made up.”

“I did not make him up!”

“Of course. If he was truly here, then why didn't I ever see him? Why hadn't mother?”

“I... I don't know! He just... never appears to you. I guess. Maybe he doesn't want to face a bender!”

Sunset harrumphed. “A likely story.” She glanced around, pointing towards the trees with her horn. “As you can see, the connection to the Spirit World still affects the physical world. Notice the strange colors of the trees. We're getting close.”

Rainbow walked faster, catching up with Daring. “Hey... you never told me that... well... you told your sister.”

“I wish I hadn't,” Daring muttered. “She never believes me, anyway. If she hasn't experienced something, she just believes it doesn't exist.”

Rainbow gave a grin and reached out with her wing, putting it over the other mare. “Hey, I believe you.”

“Really?” she asked with a smile.

“Of course. I knew Twilight, there's no way she'd have raised her child to be a liar. This is probably good, though.”

“Oh? Why?”

“If this giant monkey doesn't want to cause problems for Sunset, she's not going to want to lay a hoof on the full group,” the pegasus said with a smirk. “Granted, me being here alone would be enough to trounce him.”

Daring snorted. “Well, that doesn't mean much. He's so slow half the time I feel I should blindfold myself to at least give myself a challenge.”

“Oh by the stars,” Prism said with a groan. “Mother, Daring, please, stop hanging out. You're starting to sound like each other and, frankly, it's horrifying.”

“Truly what the world needs is more Rainbow Dash,” Ironwing said with a shudder. “Could you imagine? Nopony getting up before noon.”

“Everypony staying up until way past midnight,” Prism said with a sage nod.

“Butting into other pony's business without invitation,” Ironwing added.

“Finding reasons to nap even after only working three, maybe four minutes,” Prism said with a sager nod.

“Every barrel of apple cider barren for a fifty mile radius,” Ironwing added.

“Ow!” the two said in unison when Rainbow's hooves descended on their heads.

“As I was saying, at least this means this'll probably be easy.”

“We're here,” Sunset said as she stopped outside the portal, pointing towards it. “I'll go first. Just try to stay close, okay?”

The ponies nodded and, slowly, they stepped into the portal one by one. Diamond let out a soft gasp and looked around. Rainbow shuddered when she stepped in. “Well... buck. That's disappointing.”

“What? Why?” Daring asked.

“Thought I'd be able to see right. Spirit body and all that.”

“We're not in spirit bodies,” Sunset said with a shake of her head, before holding out her hoof and making it burst into flame. “Going through the portal allows us to maintain our normal bodies. That means we can bend, as normal. However, it also means the normal rules apply. That means no teleporting or flight without wings.”

“Wait, teleporting?” Silver asked, her eyes going wide. “You can do that?”

“N-no,” the unicorn said. “But... my mother said she had seen some do it. Or at least, found records of it. So she was certain that it was possible. Some unicorns who aren't benders can do it too, I hear. At least, the powerful ones. Anyway, the important thing to remember here is we are physical. So you need to be careful, you can't escape back to the physical world like this.”

“Ugh, wish everything here was physical,” Rainbow grumbled. “Everything is just so... fuzzy.”

“Fuzzy?” Daring asked.

“Yeah, like... it's not really there, or something,” the pegasus mumbled before flapping her wings.

Prism glanced back. “Mom, maybe you shouldn't be here. If you can't see--”

“I can see well enough to take care of myself,” the mare snapped quickly. “I'm not helpless. Buck, even when I was fully blind I wasn't helpless.”

Sunset growled before she started walking. “Don't see why we needed to bring a full herd for this,” she muttered. “Avatar, come on. Let's start looking.” She paused and glanced back. “Avatar?”

Diamond's eyes were wide and she stood there, staring off into the distance. “I... I can feel it. Feel...”

“Feel what?” Sunset asked, staring.

“Her. Twilight,” the alicorn said, her hoof going up to her heart. “I... I think it's her. At least... my heart, it's pounding so... fast. I just can't...” She took a slow, deep breath before looking to her friends and chewing on her lip. “I... I think I know where we need to go. Where she is. Follow... follow me.” She started walking, heading through the trees. Silver watched the mare with wide eyes, her own heart hammering.

The other mare was going right towards the tree of Harmony. Was it all really going to be that easy?

------

Diamond's heart pounding harder and harder as she walked through the woods. She could feel it, could feel her. Twilight. Somewhere in this place the other mare was waiting for her. Calling to her. There was something blocking the connection, but she could still track it. She was almost there. Almost to her.

She froze when she finally burst through the trees and a fresh horror washed over her. A great lake of purple slime surrounded a great island holding a tree. “She's there,” Diamond said softly.

“I'm sorry? Who's there?” Sunset asked.

“Twilight.” Diamond stepped forward and reached a hoof towards the slime, letting out a yelp when Daring tackled her.

“Don't touch it! Don't you know what that is?” the pegasus snapped.

“Sister!” Sunset snapped.

“That's the Smooze! If you touch it, it'll devour you!” Daring yelled, ignoring Sunset. “It's dangerous and deadly!”

“How can you possibly know that?” the unicorn asked, stomping a hoof down. “Mom never--”

“Because I've almost been tossed into the bloody stuff,” the pegasus snapped, before looking towards it. “It's deadly, trust me. If you go into it, then that's it. You're over.”

“If mom's... if mom's body is down there, we can't leave it,” Sunset said softly. She turned towards the Smooze before her horn lit up in flames. She thrust her horn forward and flames thrust out, exploding against the slime. It barely sizzled under the assault. “Impossible...”

Silver rubbed her chin and eyed the lake for a moment. She couldn't deny it was an interesting development. She backed away slowly as Alicity, Button, Luna and Celestia moved forward to aid them. The pegasi remained back, with her. They attacked the smooze, but it was like trying to attack a lake with a stick, all they could do was splash it about.

Button tapped his hooves and made the ground rise up, creating a small bowl that scooped up the Smoooze before forming walls so it couldn't flow back. Diamond nodded. “Perfect, just like that, it--”

The earth began to crumble and Button let out a yipe, stepping back and wrapping his hooves around himself, panting.

“What's wrong?” Luna asked, reaching out a hoof to touch his withers.

“It... it felt like... I was... when I just... when it...” He shuddered and shook his head. “At first it was fine, but then it felt kind of like it was... draining my bending and... no, not draining. Like it was latching onto it and just...” He shuddered again when the Smooze began to fill in the hole he'd made.

“It's like enchanted water, then,” Luna said softly. “Tainted. It may be best that we don't try to bend against it, then.”

“We can't just leave it here,” Diamond yelled, stomping her hooves. “Twilight's down there. I can feel her. I think... I think this is why I couldn't talk with her. Or... what's been stopping me. What's been affecting me.”

Silver watched for a few moments, licking her lips. She gave a slow nod.

Rainbow's head shot up. “Look ou--”

But it was too late. Silver let out a shriek when a big blue hand wrapped around her, yanking her into the air. Ahuizotl laughed as he stood in the trees, Silver raised into the air, held tightly in his tail's grip. “Ah, Avatar. I knew you'd one day show your face here.”

“Ahuizotl!” Daring yelled, spreading her wings. She froze when the giant spirit gave Silver another squeeze, the sound of her metal wings snapping filled the air.

“Now now, you be quiet stupid winged pony,” he said with a grin, before turning towards Diamond.

“Put my friend down,” the alicorn said with a growl, flame forming on the tip of her horn.

“Oh, I'll put her down, alright,” Ahuizotl said, before leaping into the air, sailing over them and landing in front of the lake. He held Silver over the Smooze. “Perhaps she could go for a nice swim?”

“D-Diamond!” Silver shrieked, struggling in the grip, trembling. The spirit was squeezing her a lot tighter than he was supposed to. She could feel her broken metal wing digging into her side.

“No!” the Avatar shrieked. “Stop, stop. Please. Don't hurt her.”

“If you want your friend back, then you'll have to give me something I want,” Ahuizotl said as he backed away. “And the rest of your friends had best wait here. This is between you and I, Avatar.”

“Not a chance,” Rainbow growled, spreading her wings. “I'll--”

“Don't,” Diamond said, narrowing her eyes. “I'll deal with this,” she said before slowly stepping forward. “What do you want, spirit?”

Ahuizotl grinned and pointed a hand towards the tree. “Meet me inside there, Avatar.” He turned around and then ran off on all fours, Silver held tightly in his tail. “If you ever wish to see your friend again!”

Diamond growled, before galloping after him. She made it only a few feet before Prism moved in front of her, blocking the way. “Hold on!” he said.

“He has Silver!” she snapped angrily. “I can't--”

“You're marching right into a trap!” he snapped. “It's too dangerous, we'll come with you and--”

Diamond lifted a hoof and pushed it to the side, a gust of wind making him move to the side. She galloped after the spirit. “Give me ten minutes! If... we're not out by then, come rescue us!” she called back.

Prism ground a hoof into the ground, gritting his teeth.

“Let her go,” Sunset said firmly. “She's the Avatar, he is but one spirit. She'll be fine.”

“He's not really a tough fighter, anyway,” Daring said with a frown. “But...” She rubbed her chin as she watched the monkey bound over the bridge, then run to the tree, quickly climbing up it and disappearing into the branches. “This... really isn't his style.”

“His style?” Rainbow asked.

“He's never been the type to--”

“Enough, Daring!” Sunset snapped. “Don't pretend you have any idea about any of this. Mother didn't have any notes on him, she--”

“So? She never met him!” Daring snapped back. “Maybe if you'd spent a bit more time traveling like her, rather than--”

“Okay, going to put a full stop on this right now!” Rainbow said, lifting up a hoof. “Girls, I will send you BOTH to time out. Don't think I won't.” She pointed a hoof towards the tree. “Diamond doesn't want our help, that's fine... for a bit. We give her ten minutes, then we charge the place.”

“But mom--” Prism started.

“She's the Avatar. If she can solve this on her own, that's all well and good,” Rainbow said firmly. “We'll give her the chance. But if she DOES need us, we'll be ready to move and help, either way. Got it? She's a big girl, she at least needs the shot.”

“I don't like it,” Prism grumbled.

“Let's... get ready to go, at least,” Acrylic said softly. “I'm... I'm sure Diamond won't let anything happen to her. Not... again,” he muttered, before galloping towards the bridge.

------

Diamond made her way to the tree, looking around before slamming head first into an invisible barrier and bouncing off, her eyes little swirls. She laid there for a few moments as she let the pain slowly ebb away. “Ow.” She took a deep breath before getting to her hooves and reaching out, putting her hooves to the barrier.

It shimmered under her hooves. She frowned, wondering how the monkey had gotten around it. She then shook her head and pushed her hooves forward, forming fire at the tip of her hooves.

The barrier began to shimmer more as she pushed into it, though she had a feeling her fire had nothing to do with it. In fact, the more she touched it the more she felt she had a connection with it. The barrier seemed connected to her, somehow. Her eyes widened and she smiled. “Break.”

She felt the barrier crumble, allowing her to stumble forward with a yelp, face planting to the ground. “Ow.”

------

Silver's eyes widened when she felt it. “It's... it's gone. So easily,” she said softly, glancing to Ahuizotl. “Let's go.”

The giant spirit nodded before reaching down, grabbing the small jar hidden amongst the tree branches, before bounding into the tree, through one of the many holes that had been unsealed.

The earth pony coughed and sputtered when dust filled the air. She couldn't imagine how long it had been untouched. But she could feel it, the emptiness, the hollowness. The place seemed to be soaked in death. Worse than in the real world. There, when something died new life would rise. Even in dead trees, bugs would find a home, fungus would grow, new things would blossom forth.

But there was none of that here. There were no flowers to take part, no bugs to rise again. This tree was dead, had been dead for millenia. And there was no life that would spring up here. Not even the hope of life that would spring up here. Just emptiness, a void that stood out amongst the rest of the world.

“Mistress, you're shaking. Is something wrong?”

“J-just... just keep going,” Silver said softly, focusing on what she could feel, like a beacon calling her as the monkey traveled through the corpse. If he could feel what she felt he didn't say.

------

Diamond shuddered as she walked through the halls of the tree. Nothing in this place felt right. She swore she could feel Twilight here, as well. Or remnants of her, fading away. She tried to ignore it though as she slowly walked through the barren, empty tomb. Fire formed on the tip of her horn, guiding her way. She glanced at the ground. It was just as dead as the tree, dried and black.

“Spirit! Where are you? I came, now give me back my friend!” She didn't receive an answer, though. She gave a soft sigh and kept trotting forward, her hooves quivering slightly. She felt as if she was walking through a corpse, but she didn't know why. It was just an old, dead tree. She was surprised there weren't any bugs in it. She wondered if the Spirit World even had bugs. She'd have to look into that, maybe do a bit of studying. If they didn't have bugs, it would make an excellent vacation spot.

The hall she was traveling through opened up into a wide, open chamber. She looked around, a frown on her face, but nothing happened. “Hey! Spirit! I'm here!”

She heard a thump from up above and barely jumped back in time to avoid being crushed by Ahuizotl. He grinned down at her. “So, you truly did come alone.”

“Yes, I did, now let Silver go!” Diamond snapped, flame forming from the tip of her horn.

“Of course, of course. All in due time,” Ahuizotl said before reaching back behind himself. He pulled out a small jar, holding it up for her to see. “But first, I think we have some other business to attend.”

“Business? What could--” The words locked in Diamond's mouth when she realized what the jar held. Her cutie mark. Her heart started pounding faster. “H-how... how did you...”

“You'd be amazed what shows up in our borders,” the spirit said with a grin. “Now, how about we finish this, yes?” He crushed the jar between both his hands, the cutie mark floating into the air.

Silver grinned, her back to Diamond. Her eyes began to glow. She knew exactly what form to give this mark, the perfect one. It had been on her mind for the longest time.

Diamond stared up at the mark, digging her hooves into the ground. The last one, she knew this had to happen eventually. She just hadn't expected it to happen here. All she had to do was beat it, and she'd be complete. She watched as green magic enveloped the cutie mark and a new form began to appear. She gulped, eying it. She could deal with whatever it was, she was sure. Probably Button, or maybe her dad, or maybe--

The form finished and she froze. The mock pony landed on the ground and smirked at her. “My my, what is this we have here? A stupid little pretender? Oh ho!” the spirit said, before laughing into her hooves. “I hope you're ready to get crushed, after all, you're just a NORMAL pony. Why me? I'm the most important pony to ever exist.” The fake Diamond Tiara stomped a hoof down and the dirt rose up under the alicorn, slamming into her chest and sending her flying out of the chamber, before the spirit galloped off after her.

Silver groaned. “Finally. Now, put me down,” she snapped.

“Of course, mistress,” Ahuizotl said before releasing her, making her drop to the ground.

The earth pony yelped, before shaking her head and turning towards one of the chambers many halls. “Come on, we don't have much time. I don't expect that mark to hold her for long.”

“Of course.”

The two galloped down the hall.

------

Diamond jumped back with every attack, the spirit sending piles and pillars of rock and dirt at her with every moment, making her jump back again and again and finally forcing her out of the tree. “Knock it off!” she cried at it.

“Oh? Sorry, am I going too hard on you? Well, maybe you should try to think next time before you fight perfection,” the mare said with a laugh as she stepped out.

“Oh my gosh, there's two of them! But which could be the real one?” Button asked.

Every eye turned to him with flat looks. “The... one... obviously not earth bending,” Luna said slowly.

“Oh. Wait. Yeah, right. Heh, forgot,” the stallion said with a chuckle.

“A little help?!” Diamond shrieked before blasting some of the flying rocks with bursts of flame. The earth bending spirit thrust a hoof forward, making the bridge under the alicorn start to fall apart as more of the stones rose up against her. She yiped and flew into the air. “Remember, attack the cutie mark!”

“Where's Silver?” Acrylic called after her, before flinging his horn forward and shooting shards of ice at the spirit.

“Inside! The spirit unleashed this on me and got away with her! We need to fight it off!”

Sunset hmphed and thrust her horn forward, sending a burst of electricity at the creature. It narrowly stepped to the side, before thrusting out a hoof and sending a wall of stone at the unicorn. Button jumped between the two and thrust his own hoof out, making a wall rise up from the bridge to block it.

“Is this really the best you can do?” the mock Diamond asked. “Soooo pathetic. I could beat all of you with my eyes closed.”

“Shut up!” Diamond shrieked before diving at it. She sent out a burst of fire at the spirit, but it was blocked with a wall of rock, before being sent hurtling at her. She yiped and flew back, narrowly avoiding the attack.

“Woo, finally a fight! Come on!” Celestia yelled before galloping forward with Luna. The two charged in, thrusting their horns forward together, making water and fire surge forward, twirling around each other before circling around the spirit, whirling and lancing through its body in a dozen different areas. The mock Diamond yelped and jumped back, surrounding herself in a dome of rock.

The dome then exploded outward, before the mock Diamond slammed her front hooves on the ground. Cracks formed all across the bridge as rock and stone began shooting off in random directions, the bridge collapsing into the Smooze.

“Quick, get back to land!” Diamond yelled, before sending bursts of flame down at the spirit. It tapped its hooves and sent more rocks up to block the blows, its eyes narrowing on the retreating ponies. A grin formed on its lips.

“Ugh, you're all a hundred years too early to fight me,” she said, before stomping her hoof.

A pillar of stone suddenly lanced out besides Celestia, slamming into her side and sending her slamming into Luna. The two stumbled to the edge, yelping, before managing to balance themselves. Celestia shook it off and started running, but stopped once she realized Luna wasn't besides her. She turned back and froze.

Luna's hoof was stuck in the purple goop, the ground under her already collapsing. “Luna!” the princess shrieked before turning to run back, her horn aflame.

The stone collapsed under the prince and he let out a shriek before he was pulled into the Smooze, disappearing under the surface in moments. Her eyes widened and she galloped forward, her horn alight before she sent bursts of flame flowing at it, trying to burn away the Smooze. Even as the ground around her collapsed, she didn't stop, eventually letting out a yelp when a pair of hooves wrapped around her and pulled her into the sky, dragging her away from the collapsing bridge.

She stared in horror at where her brother disappeared, then gasped when a brown blur blew past her, slamming into the Smooze where her brother had disappeared.

“Button!” Acrylic yelled. “You idiot!”

“Let me down!” Celestia shrieked. “My brother, he's in there! He's IN THERE!”

“Not a chance, you'll get yourself killed too!” Rainbow snapped, flying her towards land and dropping her off with the others.

“That's what happens when you fight the best,” the mock Diamond said with a laugh. “Sooooo sorry about that~”

“SHUT UP!” Diamond screamed before diving back down at the spirit. More stones flew at her, but she enveloped her body in fire and blew them aside, bucking and kicking them away. She hit the ground hard, but didn't stop. She charged at the spirit, screaming as her hooves lashed out. “I'LL DESTROY YOU!”

------

Silver shuddered when she finally arrived at her destination, the thing she'd been feeling for so long.

Trixie. The mare was laying on a stone platform, her skin sticking to her bones. She didn't look dead, but she did look half starved. Silver walked forward and looked down at the mare. Her coat was still blue, her mane was still white. She looked tired, as if she was just asleep. However, around her neck the Alicorn Amulet rested. Red and silver, with a unicorn's head and the wings of a pegasus on top.

The earth pony's breath stopped when she slowly reached down, a part of her expecting Trixie to reach up and try to stop her. Yet the other pony didn't move. Even as Silver slowly unlatched the amulet, drawing it from her neck.

Silver let out a yipe and stepped back as Trixie's body began to decompose. Within seconds, the mare was nothing more than dust and then a few moments later, even that was gone. She shuddered, but slowly put the amulet on.

Silver barely held back the cry of pain when magic flowed through her body. She fell to her knees, feeling her own power grow as her eyes went yellow and a surge of magic flowed through her. She panted with exertion as it flowed through her body, expanding her reserves inch by inch.

Then, just as quickly as it started, the pain was gone and she felt better. Stronger. She was Discord's Avatar. And she now had all the tools she needed. She slowly got to her hooves and blinked a few times as her eyes returned to normal. A cold sweat covered her.

She took a deep breath, before lifting a hoof up. The amulet disappeared from sight, though she could still feel it there. She then smiled. “Is it gone?”

“Yes, mistress,” Ahuizotl said softly. “How do you feel?”

“Like a winner,” she said with a smirk, before glancing to him. She then held out her hoof and green light formed around it. After a moment, a new Alicorn Amulet formed in it and she held it out to him. “Take this.”

He stared but slowly held out his hoof. “You... wish for me to--”

“It's not the real one, don't be stupid,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “It's a fake. I want you to leave, get as far from here as possible. Let them see you if you wish, but do NOT let them catch you. As far as they'll know... you'll have the Alicorn Amulet and escaped. She'll never find you, I'll never have to worry about her suspecting me. Now go.” She said, before flicking her hoof away. “I'll call you when I need you again.”

The spirit stared for a few moments, before nodding. He turned and ran away, disappearing higher into the tree.

Silver shuddered, before walking back the way they'd come. She could feel it, Discord's power flowing through her, stronger than it ever had. She could also feel a connection, stronger than ever before. She was tempted to open it, to connect with her past life. But now wasn't the time, she had to see the others. She couldn't risk them finding out, not after everything that had happened.

------

Button reached out, his hooves shaking as he sunk into the purple goop. He didn't know why he had done it, it was stupid. Buck, it was probably the stupidest thing he'd ever done, and that was a very long list.

But he'd just acted. He'd seen Luna be sucked in, and he had to go after her, him. After him. He still didn't even know if he loved him or not, but he knew he couldn't bear to see him die.

And now they were both going to die. He kept reaching, desperate to find the prince in the purple goop. Then he felt something solid and he grabbed, pulling it to him. His heart pounding faster when he felt him. The prince. He hugged Luna tightly and, unsurprisingly, the prince hugged him back.

There was nothing he could do, though. They had each other, but there was no way to escape. He couldn't bend them out of this, no matter how much he tried. He tried to bend the ground under them, but it fought him, drained him. This stuff really was like enchanted water, it made it brutal.

He shook and held onto the prince, refusing to let him go even as he felt whatever the goop was begin to dissolve him. It didn't feel like his body was being dissolved, though. It felt like his magic, his spirit, his very being was being eaten. He shuddered, holding tighter to Luna as the two drifted in the soul sucking muck.

At least if they were going to die, they wouldn't die alone. The only thing worse than Luna dying, would have been if--

Buck that.

Button thrust his back hooves down. He didn't care if he had to die, he'd chosen to risk it. But Luna hadn't. And he'd be bucked if they were going to go out to a bunch of purple jello.

------

Diamond screamed angrily as she launched fire blast after fire blast at the mock her. When the spirit tried to fight back, she either took the hit, or blew it away with a flap of her wings or blast of fire. She forced it back without mercy, striking violently, even though her attacks just went through it.

Finally, the spirit was pushed back to the edge of the island and stopped, unable to go back as Diamond pushed forward. She didn't care that the Smooze was there. Her friends were... “ARGH!” She thrust forward, slamming her hoof against the cutie mark.

Once again there was an explosion and she was sent hurtling back, skidding across the island and landing with a groan. Her body ached, but she didn't care. The thrill of having all of her elements back and the all too familiar burn on her cutie mark didn't matter either. She slowly got to her hooves and tapped them to the ground, shaking her head before trying to force the ground to rise up against the Smooze.

Pain shot through her and the ground barely moved, making her step back. “N-no. No no no!” she screamed. “Button, Button!”

------

Silver stepped out from the tree, limping slightly as she made her way forward. “H-hey,” she called out, putting on a weak smile. She wasn't hurt, but she knew she had to act like she was to avoid suspicion.

But the others weren't rushing to her side. Instead, they were trying to fight the Smooze. She frowned as she looked around and watched them pelt it with fire, water and wind, trying to force it away. It was silly, she knew. There was nothing that could stop the--

“Button! Luna! Answer me!” Prism yelled before sending another burst of wind through the purple sludge.

Silver's heart froze. She looked around wildly, her eyes widened as she tried to find them. Diamond was sitting on this side of the now broken bridge, struggling to hold out her hooves. The earth pony galloped forward, grabbing the alicorn.

“D-Diamond, what happened? Diamond?”

The alicorn blinked. “S-Silver? You escaped? Oh thank the--” She froze, but then pointed towards the goop. “It's Luna. He was... dragged in when the spirit destroyed the bridge. Button jumped in after him, but they... we can't... The Smooze won't let them go.” She gave another shudder.

Silver's breath went faster and she turned towards it. “Smooze--” She then froze. She could release them, the Smooze would obey her.

But if she did, they'd know. They'd all realize what she was. She couldn't just control the Smooze in front of them and then hope they wouldn't notice.

If she did, all of her plans would be ruined.

But Button and Luna were stuck in there, her friends. She couldn't let them die. Her heart started pounding faster. She took a step back before taking a deep breath. Her eyes started to turn yellow.

A pained, agonizing scream filled the air, making them all pause. The area of the Smooze the benders were circling began to bubble and pop before another scream tore through the air. It took Silver a few moments to realize the Smooze was screaming. It was in pain.

Then the bubbles spread out and the Smooze began to withdraw. Magma shot out from the hole, crashing down against the Smooze before the smell of burning gunk filled the air. Button was sitting on the ground, his hooves wrapped around Luna, a circle of lava surrounding the two, while the purple spirit tried to withdraw, retreating from the magma. Button kicked the ground and more of the lava turned to it, driving the ooze back.

The others stared with wide eyes. Silver shook her head. “GET THEM!” she screamed.

Prism and Ironwing dove down, grabbing the two and hauling them out of the mess. They quickly hauled them to the shore. Silver stepped forward, her eyes returning to normal. She tugged on Diamond's wings. “Come on, we need to go check on them.”

“H-huh? Oh! Right!” Diamond said before grabbing the earth pony and hauling the two over the broken bridge.

“Y-yeah. That's what... that's what... you get...” Button said groggily from the ground, his hooves still wrapped around Luna. “Just... just gonna... lay here a bit... Luna... you... you okay...”

“Hurt... so much...” the prince said softly.

“Yeah... me... me too... just... gonna... rest a... little...” His eyes drifted closed.

“Well, earn your keep!” Rainbow snapped, nudging their healer forward. The mare yiped and stepped forward, reaching out as her hooves began to glow.

“Soooo...” Celestia said softly. “He uhhh... he just lava bent, didn't he? Did... anypony know he could do that?”

“Nope,” Acrylic said with a shake of his head. “I didn't even think he... well, it saved their lives, at least.” He then looked over as Diamond landed. “Silver! You're okay! What happened?”

“That giant monkey let me go once he...” Silver froze, before looking to Diamond. Her eyes lowered. “I'm sorry...”

“What? Silver, what happened?” Diamond asked, new dread filling her.

“I... I got captured and...” She closed her eyes. “The... the Alicorn Amulet was in there. He took it and he ran.” She waited for the out burst, the yells. Not that she minded. She had the amulet now, it didn't matter if Diamond was mad.

The alicorn stared for a few moments, then lunged forward and hugged Silver. “You know what? I don't care. All of my friends are okay. You, Button, Luna. I'll track the spirit down and get the amulet later. But you're okay. That's all that matters,” she said calmly, a wide grin on her face. “Just... next time... stay close to the group, okay? I don't wanna know what would have happened...” She shook her head. She then pulled back. “Okay, everypony, we're going back!”

“What?” Sunset asked, stomping a hoof down. “That Alicorn Amulet is still out there, we can't just--”

“We'll come back for it, later,” Diamond said firmly. “My friends are hurt, two of them almost died and there's no telling what that... thing did to them.” She then glanced towards the Smooze. “I... also want to get Twilight out of there. We'll need some help with that, though. But we can do it, we will do it. When we come back.” She looked towards Button. “As soon as they're safe to move, we go.”

“Avatar, you can't--”

“This is not up for negotiation,” Diamond said coldly. “The most important thing is my friends, and they're hurt. I won't keep risking them on this.” She glared at Sunset. “Understand?”

The unicorn ground a hoof into the ground. “My mother would have never--”

“Twilight would have done the same thing,” Diamond said firmly. “Her friends were the most important thing in the world to her. Way more important than some silly necklace.” She turned and walked to the hurt ponies, sitting down besides them. “I'm not leaving until I'm sure we can all go back together, Sunset. I'm not splitting up the group and risking somepony else getting hurt. So just leave it alone.”

The unicorn gave out a frustrated growl, but sat down none the less. “Very well. As you WISH, Avatar.”

Chapter 21: Back to rest

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Diamond let out a soft sigh while she stared into the flames of their fire pit. The sun had gone down hours ago, long after they'd returned from the Spirit World. Sunset was avoiding her, not really surprising after their little spat. The others were staying around Button and Luna, though it seemed the two would be okay. In fact, Button seemed super excited, having learned how to lava bend. He couldn't wait to tell his mom.

Diamond kept staring at the fire, giving a soft sigh. “Is something wrong, Diamond?” a voice asked, making her jump. She glanced back to Silver and smiled.

“No... no, I'm fine. I just... have a lot on my mind.”

“It's been a difficult day, I'm not surprised.” She sat down besides the alicorn. “I... really expected you to go after the spirit. After all, he had the amulet. What if he gets away?”

Diamond dug her hoof into the ground. “I... wanted to. I really did. I...” She leaned against the earth pony's side. “Silver? I'm sorry. I'm... so, so, so sorry.”

“What? Why?” the earth pony asked, cocking an eye. “You didn't do anything wrong, I was the one who made you lose the amulet. If I hadn't gotten captured, he never would have escaped with it.”

Diamond took a deep breath, before shaking her head. “When... when you were captured... I... when I saw my cutie mark I almost... I...” She shuddered, tears welling up in her eyes. “I'm so sorry...”

Silver blinked, reaching out to wrap her friend in a hug. “Diamond?”

“I hesitated. I was so excited, for a moment. I actually didn't even... for a second, I didn't care that you were captured. That you were... in danger. I just knew my cutie mark, the last cutie mark, was there. Waiting for me to grab it. I was going to be a full Avatar again. Then... then it turned into me.”

The earth pony gulped. “You... were just becoming yourself, you--”

“No, I wasn't,” the mare said softly. “You... you always say I'm supposed to be the hero, right? But... what kind of hero cares more about their own abilities, cares more about their own power, than their friends? When Sunset said to go after him, I almost did. I knew if I left, you guys would be vulnerable. I didn't want to stay. I wanted to grab the strongest and go after him, to chase him down. To get the amulet back. I mean, I'd almost lost you, Button and Luna, yet all I could think about was that the amulet was there, waiting for me. That I might finally get the power I wanted.” She shuddered, the tears flowing slightly. “What kind of... I'm not...”

“Diamond...”

“I'm not a hero. I'm nothing like Twilight. How can I do any of this? I'm slow, stupid, I'm not even that good a bender, not like I thought I was. I care... I care more about myself than I do my friends. How can any of you ponies even stand to be near me? I thought that... I thought I was over that part of myself. I thought I was--”

Silver covered the alicorn's mouth with her hoof. “Diamond, enough. Stop this. Look at me.” Slowly the alicorn turned to her. “You ARE the Avatar. You have strange thoughts sometimes, but you are still the Avatar. You are a hero. It is your destiny, your very nature. Harmony flows through your veins, or at least her remnants do.” She drew the hoof down, placing it to her heart. “You may have times where you... break against it at times, but it changes nothing. It is who you are, no matter what.”

“But I--”

“You still chose us in the end, right? You ignored the amulet for us. Because that is what you are. The hero. The chosen one. I know you don't feel like you can do it now, but that's fine. It's your destiny, you can't change it. More importantly, it's a good destiny. Why would you want to go against it?”

Diamond sniffled and wiped her eyes. “Do... do you really think so?”

“I know so,” Silver said with a smile, patting her head. “You're the Avatar, the savior of the lands. You'll always make the right decision, even if it takes a little work to get there.”

The alicorn sighed and gave a nod. “You... know, you're pretty good at this. I uhhh... I'm happy my destiny involved you.”

That made the smile falter on Silver's face, though she gave a nod. “Y-yeah. It... uhhh... definitely does. So uhhh... what do you want to do now? We still have two days.”

Diamond sighed. “I don't know. I need to go after the amulet, but I have no idea if I'll be able to find it. I... also need to get Twilight out of there. I... don't know if I can do that or not. I mean, Button was able to move it back but uhhhh... I can't ask him to try that again.”

“Really?” Silver asked with a cocked eye. “But what if it's the only way?”

“I tried... bending the earth around it. Around that creature. It hurt, so much. I can't ask him to do that. The fact he was able to lava bend like that at all must have been incredibly painful. Sure, he seems fine now, but... that's just Button. He always laughs that stuff off. Besides. I... don't want to make my friends have to do any of that anymore. It was so... dangerous. I almost lost him. This is my problem, my responsibility and I can't put him through it.”

Silver nodded slowly. “R-right. I... I'm sure that...” She gave her a pat on the shoulders. “We'll figure it out, okay? Maybe I can make something to get her out. Or, well, my dad can. We have some stuff here. Maybe some kind of... arm grabbing thing. Oh! Or my dad's cannons! I'm sure he can build up a portable version.”

“Oh buck no,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “Just, no. I think I'll stick to bending on this. Less chances of explosions and somepony getting killed.”

Silver chuckled and gave a nod. “Okay. But... don't worry. I know it might be hard, but I know you can get Twilight back. This... Smooze doesn't have anything on you.” She then gulped. “Sunset seemed a bit... well...”

Diamond groaned. “Furious at me? Yeah, I noticed. Do you think I was too harsh? I just...”

“No, I think you did the right thing. She's just... her mom taught her to do all these things, but that doesn't mean she's doing them right,” the earth pony said with a smile before patting her head again. “You're the Avatar, after all. In the end, you need to do what you think is best. Others can just guide you. We can't control you.”

Diamond chuckled softly. “Yeah. You know, though, I used to think my way was the best way and only way. I kind of miss those days.” She frowned and looked to Silver. “Do... you ever feel like... well, everything you're doing is kind of... out of your control? Like there's things you have to do, no matter what? And if you fail them, horrible things will happen?”

Silver blinked a few times, before nodding and looking away. “Yeah. I think... I think everypony feels that way. But... I guess being an Avatar would make it worse. A-after all, you have a really... big destiny. A destiny that... no other pony could really have. One you can't really stop.”

The alicorn nodded and slowly got to her hooves. “Yeah. I uhhh... do you think I could ever be like Twilight?”

Silver looked to the ground. “If... it came down to it, if you had to... I think you could. I think you'd destroy Discord given the chance. I think you'd be the hero everypony wants,” the earth pony said softly.

“Thanks, Silver. I uhhh... I'm going to go get some sleep, okay? Got a long day of searching tomorrow. Night.”

Silver nodded, a hoof gently rubbing her neck. It was her turn to stare into the fire.

------

“I can't believe this,” Acrylic muttered to himself as he flipped through his fire bending book, his frustration mounting. “Lava bending, he actually learned lava bending. Maybe if I could learn poison bending, I would have been able to do something.” He flipped the pages again before sighing.

He shook his head. He'd been taught about poison bending and the darkness one had to let into their hearts in order to use it. Even if he had the capability to use such a type, he wasn't sure he'd want to. His mother wasn't too happy about the fact she could use it.

He sighed and closed the book, dropping it on the ground. “This is all just so... stupid. There has to be something I'm missing,” he muttered before holding up his hooves. “I've seen earth bending, it's nothing like my style. Fire bending isn't either. All that's really left is air bending and I can't fly. Maybe... I'm just not cut out to be a bender at all.” He closed his eyes and pulled his blanket over himself before reaching out to put out his lamp. “Wouldn't that be wonderful, one of the greatest water benders in history, and her son the useless... non-bender.” He froze, midway to his lamp.

“Wait. A non-bender. That's... that's it!” He started to slide out of bed and let out a yelp as his hooves got tangled in the blankets. He wiggled about a bit, before jumping back up. “Of course! A non-bender, that's the answer!” He galloped out of the tent, a wide grin on his face.

------

Daring banged her head on the cloud. “She never listens to anything I say, at all,” the pegasus snapped.

“Mmmm hmm,” Rainbow said with a shrug.

“See, if she'd listened to me from the start, there wouldn't have been any problems. We would have dealt with the big monkey, would have the amulet, the Smooze wouldn't have been a problem. But noooo, Sunset, as always, had to take over and act like she knew everything.”

“Hey, sometimes things go wrong, it happens,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “Don't sweat the small stuff.”

“It's just so, so, SO annoying!” she snapped again. “I knew EXACTLY what to do and she wouldn't listen to a word I said! And even now, she doesn't care. She never even apologized about disbelieving me. I told her that spirit was there, but noooooo, she never saw it so it couldn't possibly exist!”

The air bender chuckled. “You need to relax, take some deep breaths. We got a few knocks, but hey, nothing too bad happened. We found... well... your mom. Maybe. And we at least know where the amulet is. Diamond got her last bending back, too. All in all, not the worst day ever.”

“Ugh, but if she had just listened to me from the beginning, we might have gotten the amulet, too. Aren't you annoyed at all?”

“Eh. I'll be honest, when I was with Twilight we had some pretty rough days. I mean, like wow. This isn't even really in our top ten. Buck, at one point your mom actually DIED. Then there was the whole me going blind thing. Fillydelphia falling. Cloudsdale getting absolutely wrecked. Discord waking up... you know, a whole wide list of things that just went bad, one after the other. Sure, today sucked, but we've had worse and we'll get through this just fine, trust me.”

Daring sighed and laid back down. “Fine, I guess. It's still so annoying, though. We should have won this one.”

“Nopony died, we came out pretty far ahead. All in all, more of a tie. Heck, we might have won a bit, too,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “Trust me, Daring. Any day when a pony doesn't die, you're doing good.” The smile fell from her face. “Believe me. I'd know.”

------

Sunset spun and twirled, flames surrounding her as she practiced. She sent out bursts of fire from her horn and hooves, pounding imaginary enemies as she went through all of her forms one by one.

“Stupid Avatar. Mom trained me for this, I KNOW what I'm doing,” she muttered darkly. She spun around and kicked a burst of flame into the air. “Mom worked hard for that stupid amulet and we'd have it now if she'd just listened to me. Mom would have never lost her cutie marks to begin with, none of this would have happened.” She whirled her head around, forming lightning from the tip and sending it crashing down.

“In a foul mood?” a voice called out, making her jump. She turned back, her cheeks red, and looked at Ironwing.

“What? No, I'm just... training.”

“Mmmm hm,” the stallion said as he walked forward, glancing at the destruction. “Quite loudly, I might add. I couldn't really make out everything you said, but I got enough. You know, if you're frustrated with the Avatar, you can always tell her. Stars know I've told her more than a few times how annoyed she makes me.”

The unicorn hmphed, but merely shrugged. “Whatever. She's just... she doesn't understand anything that she's doing. The amulet--”

“May have made the Avatar stronger, yes. But Twilight got by without it for years, thanks to her friends. This Avatar will be no different,” Ironwing said with a shrug. “Don't tell her I said that.”

Sunset dug a hoof into the ground. “It's really none of your business, I--”

“Are throwing a tantrum, something I'm sure your mother tried to avoid letting you do,” Ironwing said with a shrug. “Also, you're making so much noise it's hard to sleep.”

“Then go back to your lodging area, it'll be quieter there,” Sunset said coldly.

Ironwing sighed and shook his head. “You didn't fail, you know.”

The unicorn froze. “O-of course I didn't, I--”

“What happened wasn't your fault. Silver got captured, the Avatar's last cutie mark was being held captive by that spirit. Button and Luna almost got killed falling into that gunk. Just about everything that could go wrong, went wrong. Nopony would possibly blame you for anything that happened.”

Sunset's face turned even redder. “I don't--”

“Your mom wouldn't, either.”

The unicorn dug her hoof in deeper. “I-I'm not--”

“I know what it's like to live in your parent's shadows,” he said firmly. “Trying to be... as good as them. Or better. But you can't control everything, either. What Diamond does, she'll do. You can try to guide her, try to give her advice, but I can tell you now. Half the time, she will likely ignore you. She barely even listens to Prism and he's been training her for... well, not very long, honestly. But from what I've seen, she doesn't listen to anypony.”

“It has nothing to do with that,” Sunset snapped. “I'm fine. I--”

He stepped forward and smiled at her. “What Diamond does, Diamond does. We lost the amulet today, but we can get it later.” He paused and looked her over. “And... we can find out what happened to your mother, too.”

Sunset froze, before turning away. “Go... away. I want to practice in peace.”

He sighed. “Sunset--”

“GO AWAY!” she shrieked. “You know nothing, Ironwing.”

He sighed and turned away. “If that's what you wish, very well.” He shook his head as he trotted off. He paused a few feet away. “I wouldn't push everypony away, though. It'll just make things a lot harder for you in the long run. Trust me, I know.” He then continued on.

Sunset sent out another burst of flame from her hoof, before taking a slow, deep breath. “You all know nothing.” She turned and trotted towards the village, veering towards the forest.

------

Silver gulped and pulled her blankets over herself, closing her eyes. She looked around nervously, her eyes glowing yellow for a moment before the tent flap sealed itself. She then laid back, closing her eyes. “It's... okay. No one will know. You can do this. It's safe.” She still reached down and touched her throat, before pulling her hoof back.

Slowly, she reached out and opened the connections between her and Trixie, letting the past life flow into her.

------

Trixie groaned and limped forward, panting weakly with exhaustion. Despite the fact the sun had been down for hours, she still walked on. As powerful as she was, she'd underestimated just how dangerous the pirates were. The long wound down her right leg was proof of that.

Still, she'd managed to get supplies out of it and there was no way the survivors would find her now. She only barely managed to avoid scarfing down all her food in hunger, though. She reached down and scratched her leg again, frowning slightly at it. It was getting worse, she wondered if it was infected. Probably. She didn't have the supplies to tend to it and it was deep. Every step she took sent more pain through it.

“Stupid Discord,” she grumbled to herself. “If I was still an alicorn, I could have just flown away. Left all of this behind, or blown up those pirates without any of them getting close. This is all your fault, you know,” she muttered darkly.

Still, she felt that pull to the north, drawing her further and further. She then glanced back. “Stupid ponies and griffons. I would have let them live. None of them had to die. If they had just... done what I said, given me what I demanded...” She sighed and shook her head again. “This is all Twilight's fault. I shouldn't even be here. I should be in the capital, being waited on by-- AYEEEEE!” She let out a loud shriek when the weather suddenly shifted again and icy cold water streaked from above. Her horn glowed and the water flew off her body, gathering around her to form a barrier against the cold. “Stupid bucking weather. I don't deserve any of this, you hear me? None! I'm the most powerful... bender to ever live,” she mumbled softly. She shook her head again, the pain in her leg getting worse. She brought some of the water to her mouth, taking a deep drink of it.

Her stomach at least wasn't empty now, so it wasn't so bad. She just kept walking.

Then froze, her ears twitching. Years of combat training set off every alarm she had. She quickly started walking again, trying to be as subtle as she could.

Somepony was watching her, she could feel it. She wondered if it was those pirates. She had thought they would have learned their lesson the hard way after the last encounter. The rain cleared away and she let it fall to the side, keeping her head forward, but ready for the attack. The ground was soaked now, it would be simple to slaughter whoever came.

But nopony did. She finally stopped, glancing up. She wondered if it was all in her imagination. She swore she could feel it though, somepony watching her. Something still seemed off. She looked around and--

She heard a small rustle from the nearby bushes. Her horn whipped around and she gathered up the water, forming it into a dozen small blades of ice before hurtling them at the bushes. She heard a yipe, but not the pained sound of a pony being impaled. She gathered more water and charged at the bushes, lifting a blade up.

She froze when she saw the figure, cowering back, having narrowly avoided the ice blades. A zebra. He lifted a hoof, shaking his head. “W-wait, please, don't!”

Trixie felt the urge to slam the blade forward and skewer the zebra, but he was the only one here as far as she could tell. He also seemed to be unarmed. Slowly she lowered the blade at him, but didn't pierce his hide. “Are you another one of those pirates?”

He quickly shook his head. “N-no, I'm not.”

She eyed him for a few more moments before, slowly, drawing the blade back. “Are you... sure?” she asked again.

“Yes, I'm sure. I'm not a pirate, I swear. I'm just--” The words died in his throat when his eyes lowered. “You're... hurt.”

“What? This? It is but a scratch to the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

“Are... ummm... are you a pirate?”

The unicorn laughed, drawing her hoof to her mouth. “Oh ho ho h...” She sighed, before shaking her head. “No. I am the greatest water bender the world has ever known. I would not... associate myself with such creatures.” She lowered her hoof, cringing.

The zebra slowly got up and walked towards her. He then smiled. “You're hurt. Please, I'll help you,” he said before holding his hoof out.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't need YOUR help.” The blade went forward, in front of his face. “If she did, she would demand it!”

He gulped, slowly nodding as his eyes eyed the tip. “I... I see. Would... you... allow me to aid you, then?” he asked softly.

Trixie stared for a moment, before slowly lowering the blade and then dropping it, letting it fall to the ground. “Very... well. If you insist, the Great and Powerful Trixie will permit you to aid her. Just this once. But only because she is as generous as she is powerful.”

He nodded. “Thank you. My name is Presca. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Yes, yes. I'm sure for you it is.”

“My village is this way. Sanctuary. I can clean out your wound and tend to it.”

------

Silver's eyes opened and she sat up, breathing heavily. She looked down at her hoof, the same one that had been infected. She looked around, before collapsing and closing her eyes. “D-dang it, Trixie. So you did pass through here, huh?” she asked softly, before groaning. “You went and caused a lot of trouble for everypony, didn't you? Twilight... me... Diamond... I guess I caused most of that, huh?” she asked softly, before reaching up to touch the amulet. She then rolled onto her side and curled up into a little ball. “I... I want to know, though. What happened to you two? Did you... kill her?”

She felt the answers there, just on the edge of her mind. All she had to do was reach out and touch them and she could see the visions a second time.

She shook her head. “Being you once a night is enough. Maybe... tomorrow. Or maybe...” She tapped the amulet. “I'll just have the Smooze let her go. Let... my friends win for once. I mean, let the Avatar win.” He cheeks went red and she rolled over again. “Ugh, I'm monologuing again, aren't I? I'm as bad as you are, you giant wind bag.”

Chapter 22: Ancestors

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Diamond blinked while she slowly snuck up behind Acrylic. “Hey,” she whispered softly.

The stallion didn't respond, instead he remained in his sitting position, his head collapsed into one of the many books that he was now drooling over while sleeping.

The alicorn grinned and moved up directly behind him, leaning into his ear. “HEY! ACRYLIC! MORNING!”

The stallion shrieked and jumped up, flailing his hooves about and whipping around, looking wildly before narrowing his eyes on her. “Dang it, Diamond! What the buck are you doing?”

Diamond snickered into her hoof. “We're going back to the Spirit World, wanted to know if you're interested in coming with us. Or would you rather keep eating your book?”

The stallion's face turned red. “I-I wasn't, I was just, s-shut up!” he squeaked.

“What is that on, anyway?” Diamond asked, trying to peek over him to see. He shoved her back and turned, growling.

“None of your business. And no, I'm not interested in coming. I'd rather stay here with Button. He... is staying, isn't he?”

“Yes,” the alicorn said quickly, before sighing. “Honestly... he says he's fine after what happened, but... well...”

“But what?”

“Luna isn't. At least, he says he isn't. He says he still feels weak and drained after what happened, whatever the Smooze did to them. So... I think Button might be feeling that way too, and is just trying to hide it. So for now... they're just going to wait here and rest. Celestia isn't coming either, she wants to be near her brother.”

Acrylic nodded. “Can't blame her. So... just you and Sunset then?”

“No, Daring, Silver, Prism and Ironwing are coming too. Rainbow said she'd come, but she can't do things properly there so she decided it'd be best if she stayed out of the way. I think she's pretty mad about it, though. She made some vague threats to Prism and Ironwing if they let anything happen. I think Silver is dragging along one of the healers, too.”

“You're bringing Silver again? What if she--”

“She insisted,” Diamond interrupted. “I... didn't want her to. But I couldn't really tell her no. She... well, has just as much right as any of us do. She got her wings fixed, too. Hopefully...” She closed her eyes. “We'll be more careful this time. That's all there is to it. We'll be more careful. Are you sure you don't want to come?”

Acrylic was silent for a few moments, staring down at his book. He then slowly shook his head. “I'm sure. Good... luck.”

“Thank you,” the alicorn said before walking out of the tent, leaving him before.

Acrylic sighed before glancing back down to his book and reading over the pencil summoning spell again. It didn't look too complex, he was sure he could get it to work.

------

Sunset paced back and forth, before finally letting out a growl of frustration when Diamond came into view. “You're late! We've been waiting for you!”

“Sorry,” the alicorn said quickly. “I just had some things to take care of. Well, let's go see about getting Twilight out, okay?”

“No, we're going after the amulet,” Sunset said. “Going after my mother just... isn't a possibility.”

“What? Why?”

“I tried,” the unicorn said with a sigh, before turning towards the forest. “I went there last night and... there was nothing I could do. Whatever the Smooze is, it is more powerful than we could--”

“Well, I still want to try,” Diamond said firmly. “Whatever that thing is, I think it might be what's making the connection between the two of us so... strange. Besides, I'm a full Avatar again, I have all the elements. I might be able to do something. Maybe.”

Sunset ground a hoof into the ground, before nodding. “Very well. As you wish, Avatar.” She started walking forward, her teeth grounding together.

Ironwing trotted up besides her, glancing over. “You went to the Smooze after I left?”

“It's none of your concern.”

“You could have been hurt, or killed.”

“It's none of your concern.”

“You should have asked one of us to come with you, to watch your back. What if the spirit had attacked?”

She didn't respond, she just walked ahead and made him give a soft, annoyed sigh as they made their way through the forest.

------

Diamond gulped when once again the Smooze came into view. The purple gunk was as disgusting and ominous as she remembered, like giant homicidal jello. She stepped closer to it, gulping nervously before she held out a hoof towards it. “O-okay. You, Smooze, I want you to open up right now and give us back Twilight, you hear me? Or... well, her body!”

It bubbled dismissively.

“Oh yeah? Well, I'm the Avatar and you're going to do what I say! Do you know why?”

Silver moved up near the lake, sighing softly before leaning in while the others focused on Diamond.

“Because if you don't, I'll have to make you. I am one of the strongest benders around and I will force you to release the body of the last Avatar if I have to.” Fire formed on the tip of her horn. “I don't know what you did but--”

The Smooze withdrew, making her yipe.

“Y-yeah, that's what I thought! You better back off!” Diamond said, eying the purple gunk as it slowly withdrew, creating a small path for her to walk through.

“Don't go,” Sunset warned. “It's probably a trap.”

“I-I know that!” the alicorn said quickly. “I'm just watching for now!”

She stared at the slowly opening path, watching the ground appear. The ground was stained purple from its presence and filled with stones. However, after a few minutes, near the island where Harmony's corpse rested, a small purple body appeared.

Sunset and Daring gave a soft intake of breath, before the latter took to the air.

“Daring! Stop!” Sunset screamed out, but the other mare ignored her. Prism and Ironwing flew after her. The mare dove down, grabbing the body and flying back out a moment later. Once she was clear, the Smooze quickly fell back into place, collapsing in on itself and filling the path back up. “You idiot!” the unicorn snapped while the pegasus made her way back. “What if it had collapsed on you? You would have been... you...”

Daring ignored her, instead landing by them and gingerly dropping the purple body on the ground.

Diamond stared at the corpse, a hoof moving to her mouth. It was Twilight, there was no doubt about that. She looked like the pictures she'd seen. The striped mane, though now it was slimier than before and missing a lot of hairs. The dark purple coat, though she imagined the Smooze had something to do with that. The one thing off was the gaping hole through her chest.

Daring didn't even try to wipe the droplets of Smooze off herself, she just stared at the body. “Mom...” A few tears welled up in her eyes.

Sunset eyed her. “Did she... die before the... before she landed in that...”

“We'd need to do an autopsy to determine that,” their healer said. “But it may have been too long ago. To be honest, the body looks to be in astounding condition for how long it has likely been dead. The wound looks extremely deep, however. It was probably instantly fatal, or at least close to it. If we--” The bender's mouth was covered by Ironwing's hoof.

“We should take her back to the town,” Ironwing said. “She deserves a burial. A proper burial.”

“... Right,” Diamond said with a nod. “We can--”

“N-no,” Sunset choked out. “You can take her back, but the Avatar and I need to keep looking for the Alicorn Amulet.”

“Sunset,” Daring said softly. “Mom would understand, she--”

“She wouldn't want us to waste--” The unicorn choked on those words, closing her eyes. “Wouldn't... want us to w-waste time grieving. She's dead. We knew she was dead for a long... long time. Come on,” she said before turning.

Diamond sighed and looked at the body. “Sunset, there's no need to--”

“Mom would keep looking, so I will. I'll do it with, or without you.” Her voice was thick with sadness and she kept her back to them.

The alicorn gave a sigh before nodding, then looking to the others. “Can you guys take her back? I don't... well... I don't want to leave Sunset on her own.”

“I'll come with you,” Silver said quickly.

Diamond blinked. “Silver, you don't--”

The earth pony walked up besides her and grabbed her hoof, dragging her off quickly. She then leaned in. “Listen, all three of them have a history with the last Avatar, in one way or another. Especially once they meet up with Rainbow. I think it's best to give them a bit of privacy.”

The alicorn sighed. “I... guess, but what about--”

“I'll be fine. I've got my armor, I've upped its capabilities for shocking things, too. If that monkey tries to grab me again, bam, he won't know what hit him. Okay?”

Diamond nodded, before glancing back towards the body. “Okay...” She then turned and trotted after Sunset. To her amazement, none of the others raised any objections to Silver's decision, instead just continuing about their duties. Before long, the three were going through the woods again. “So, uhhh, any idea where the spirit would have gone?”

“South,” Sunset said firmly.

“South? Why that way?”

“Because we're already almost as far north as you can go. You see, the Spirit World... it doesn't work like most places,” Sunset said before glancing back. “There is an end, but it's not really an end so much as you just...” She shuddered. “I was there, once. Mother and I went there. She'd heard stories and wanted to see it for herself.”

“What happens when you get there?”

“You just... stop going. If you walk forward, you'll end up turned around and you won't know how you got turned around. You can walk on a straight line, and you'll still end up turned around. Mom even made a giant twenty foot pole to make sure she was going straight. She STILL ended up turned around. It's just the way it works. To the south, however, are the other lands. We never traveled all the way to them, but mom said she'd been to a few of the other locations.” She tapped the ground a few times. “Here, it's bleak and desolate. But she always told me the other places weren't like this. There were so many spirits. Though... well...”

“What?” Diamond asked softly.

“She said... it kind of reminded her of the Fire Tribe and Water Nation lands. She said it was nowhere near as bad as here, but both regions had low spirit activity. They were recovering, of course, but it took time. The Spirit World and our world are connected. For example, during the war and immediately after, the Spirit World was frozen over in the Water Nation lands. There were great, icy spirits she called windigos that traveled there, casting their ice over the world. When she'd first gone, they were the size of buildings. However, when she'd left there the final time, she said they were still there, but the ice was thawing. They were far smaller, only the size of normal horses and other spirits were appearing as well.”

“Really? Why?”

“Mother didn't really know. But she had her suspicions. Namely, that us ponies are directly tied to them in one way or another,” Sunset said before glancing over. “When the Water Nation was cold and merciless, those spirits of ice were fed, strengthened. As they grew more powerful, they may have even fed the pony lands as well, sucking the warmth from them as well. Maybe not physically, but emotionally. She often told me about how ponies seemed different there, after the war and once the ice began to melt. Even a single decade was enough to create drastic changes in how the ponies there lived.”

Diamond nodded. “That's fascinating. But... it's also worrying. You see, the Spirit World is... a lot like this. In Harmony. At least what I saw. I only ever encountered one other spirit and I'm pretty sure it was a changeling.”

“A changeling? Truly?” Sunset asked. “My mother told me of them, but I've never seen one. If... the spirits have abandoned that city, it does not bode well. There could be any number of reasons for it.”

“What kind?” Diamond asked softly.

“Well, the most obvious is there could be a danger to them. Perhaps something stalking or capturing them. That, however, is unlikely. Discord is probably the only creature for the last millenia that could hope to pose a real threat to the spirits and I doubt he would.” She waved a hoof. “Another... possibility is that they are dying.”

“Dying?”

“Yes. Spirits don't age and are supposed to be immortal. At least, to an extent. But, well... it's just possible they aren't. There is very little information on what they are, so it is completely possible that they are, somehow, dying off. Some great disease or even the great shifts in our world having negative effects on theirs. Perhaps even the final destruction of Discord or the Elements of Harmony.”

Diamond shuddered. “I... I never thought of...”

“You're the Avatar, are you not? Perhaps you should visit the other countries and see how they are doing. Perhaps it is not quite as barren and bleak as you worry. It may be they are abandoning the area because of you.” The alicorn cringed. “Harmony is composed of all the countries, as well as all the different races that live in our world. The connection between our world and the Spirit World must be quite erratic there. Since my mother wasn't there, she was unable to settle whatever problems could have arisen. It's likely the spirits there left, heading off towards the four countries and less turbulent areas.”

“H-how is that my fault?” Diamond asked softly.

“It is the Avatar's job to act as a... go between the spirits and the pony world,” Sunset said with a shrug. “You seem to be quite behind on your training, at least in that field. Were you not, perhaps you could have discovered what the problem was and stopped it in time. Or at least have approached the spirits in the other countries and found out what was going on.”

“It's not her fault,” Silver said firmly. “Diamond's doing her very best, you can't blame her for stuff that's out of her control.”

“She is the Avatar, she--”

“Yes, she is the Avatar. But you know what? There's no set guide lines or rules she has to follow as it. There have been hundreds of different Avatars and they all do things their own way, including your mother. Her ways may not always seem like the right ways and I'm sure she makes a ton of mistakes along the way, but she's doing her best. And she's doing a dang good job of it, too.”

Sunset scowled. “I'm sure she's passable, but--”

“No, she's not. She's amazing,” Silver said with a shake of her head. “She had a bit of a rough start, but she swung right into it. She's growing at an amazing pace and she is going to be a great hero one day. The kind... ponies will really look up to. She's not Twilight, but she doesn't need to be.”

“My mother was a great Avatar, she'd be lucky to be half as good as--”

“Then maybe the world doesn't need another Twilight. If it did, somepony like her would have been chosen. Instead--” The earth pony stopped and blinked. She looked around, before turning back to see Diamond, standing and staring at the sky. “Diamond? What's wrong?”

“Does... anypony else see that? Am I imagining it?” the alicorn asked before pointing up and ahead. Her companions looked up at well, quickly finding their argument evaporating from their minds.

A small trail of smoke, faint but still clearly visible, could be seen off in the distance.

“Let's go!” Sunset yelled, before galloping ahead through the trees.

------

Diamond gasped when they finally broke through the trees and came to the source of the smoke. It was a cottage. A small, tiny cottage with a long table outside it, with a few dozen chairs. More importantly, there were spirits sitting at the chairs. At least, she was pretty sure they were spirits. They came in all shapes and sizes, some as big as minotaurs while others were barely the size of the tip of her hoof.

However, when the three burst through the trees, the spirits turned to them, before letting out a dreadful ruckus that made them pause. Two blurs burst from the house, making her gape. It was Celestia and Luna. Except, they seemed older.

“Who are you?” Luna asked, glaring at them and standing between them and the spirits. “Have you come to threaten these spirits as well? Know that if you attempt any such harm, you shall not pass.”

The other pony, however, eyed them. “Sister... I... do believe these ponies are friends.”

“Luna? Celestia?” Diamond asked, staring at them. “What happened to you? How did you get here? I thought you were back at camp?”

“How do you know our names? Who are--” Luna asked, before pausing. Almost instantly she calmed down, her eyes widening. “Avatar?”

Diamond nodded slowly.

“My apologies. We believed... please, do join us for tea,” the mare said before gesturing a hoof towards the table.

“S-sure. But... again, what happened? I mean... I thought...” She cocked her head to the side. “Huh?”

Silver gasped softly. “Diamond... I think these may be Luna and Celestia. Not the ones we know, but their predecessors. The original. As in the last Nightmare Moon.”

Luna cringed.

“W-what? But how? They should be dead! They'd be like... ancient by now,” Diamond said. “Oh, sorry.”

Celestia sighed. “Yes, we are quite... aged in years. But that is one of the reasons we came here,” she said with a gentle smile. “Please, join us for tea. It is not often we have guests from the real world. In fact, it feels as if many life times have passed. Tell me, how many Avatars have come since young Twilight?” She turned and trotted to the table, slowly pouring a glass of tea with her mouth.

The three slowly moved to sit, looking over them. “I uhhh... I'm the one right after Twilight,” Diamond said softly.

“I'm sure you have plenty of questions,” Luna said with a small smile.

“Uh huh. Namely... well, how?” Diamond asked. “I mean, are you spirits?”

“In a manner, yes,” Luna said, before glancing to her sister. “And in others, no. You see... the Spirit World is different from the real world. Here, aging and such does not occur in the same way. However, we are no longer true ponies, nor are we spirits. We can no longer use our magic, nor travel to the physical world. However, we do not age very quickly and are quite difficult to harm.” She gave a soft smile. “Our bending is gone as well. Though we are still... quite dangerous. To those who would wish these spirits harm.”

Diamond nodded. “W-wow. How?”

“I can answer that,” Celestia said before slowly sliding the cups of tea forward. “We lived long... difficult lives. Both of us had quite a few things to make up for, but it was quite apparent that we would never be able to do it in the physical world. At least, not before we passed on. So... I decided that I wished to travel here, to one day become a guide to the ponies of the world. I will admit I was... frightened of the ordeal.” She then glanced to her sister. “At least, at first. However, when my dear sister realized what I intended, she offered to come with me. I was able to train her on how to enter the Spirit World. Once here, it was quite simple. We abandoned our earthly forms and ascended to this new state of being.”

“You... can do that?” Diamond asked. “So it's a form of immortality?”

“In a way,” Celestia said. “We are far from it, however. It is likely that one day even these forms will fade. Or perhaps we will change and become true spirits. There is really no way for us to know.”

“But this is the path we have chosen and we do hope it can help to make up for our past sins,” Luna said with a nod. “We... have not met any others like us, however. So we cannot say how long these forms will last.”

Diamond nodded and sipped her tea. To her surprise, it was good.

“Did... you ever meet my mother?” Sunset asked softly.

“Your mother? I do not know, child,” Celestia said. “Who was she?”

“The last Avatar. Twilight Sparkle.”

Both of their eyes widened. “Ah,” Luna said softly. “We had... met. Though not in this form. I'm afraid our appearance in these areas are quite new. Once the barriers came down, we decided to come here and see what had happened, as well as help new spirits come to inhabit these lands.”

“We... cannot deny, we were stunned to see the state of this place,” Celestia said with a frown. “We had imagined it to be far more vibrant and filled with life. Instead, we found this... almost barren, empty land. We couldn't find any spirits to tell us what happened, either.” She looked down at her tea and swirled it slightly. “I wish we could have met with Twilight and asked her opinion, but alas, it was not meant to be.”

“We are not far from my mother's resting place. She was... killed near here. In a great tree to the north.”

Celestia froze. “A-ah. The... Tree of Harmony. We have seen it, but rarely do we go to such a place. If... you do not mind, Twilight was a dear friend. How did she...?”

“Stabbed through the chest,” Sunset said bitterly. “Likely by Trixie.”

“Trixie is here?” Luna asked, her eyes widening.

“Was here,” Silver said quickly. “She's... gone now. Her body was... it's gone now. It was destroyed when that monkey took the amulet.” Every eye fell on her. “W-what?”

“Trixie's body was there?” Sunset asked.

“Yes.”

“Why didn't you tell us?”

“We were fleeing from the area, some of us had almost died. I just hadn't really thought about it at the time, sorry,” the earth pony said.

“But--”

“Wait,” Diamond interrupted. “Celestia, Luna, you have been here for a... while then, right?”

“Indeed.”

“Then, do you by any chance... well, have you seen a blue monkey spirit traveling through here? It would have an amulet with it.”

Celestia shook her head. “No, we haven't seen any such thing. However, if you would allow us a moment...” She turned towards the opposite end of the table. “Friends? Have any of you seen such things? A great monkey spirit?”

The spirits made all kinds of strange, weird sounds that the alicorn couldn't begin to understand. Though the two elder ponies merely nodded along, before finally turning towards them.

“I'm afraid this spirit passed through well over a day ago and he did have some sort of amulet with him. He's headed to the south but...”

“But what?” Diamond asked.

“I do not believe you'll be able to catch him,” Celestia said with a shake of her head. “If you wish to have him, you'll need to draw him out. What did he have that makes him so valuable?”

The alicorn groaned. “He stole the Alicorn Amulet. We need it back.”

Luna nodded. “We could ask the other spirits to look out for him, but... well, he is one of them. We could promise nothing. They may not wish to aid you, after all.”

Diamond sighed and shook her head. “Wonderful. Well... I guess... this might be it, then,” she said before looking to the others. “If he is heading south, there's no telling if we'll be able to find him in time. Especially with that big a lead on us.”

“I told you we should have gone immediately,” Sunset muttered.

“Maybe. But my friends were hurt and I couldn't risk them,” Diamond said before her eyes widened. “W-wait. You two, you went to the Spirit World before, right? I mean, in your bodies? Could... you teach me?”

The two blinked and looked at each other, before looking to her. “You are already there, child,” Luna added.

“No, not like... well, this. I mean... See, I'm physically here. This is my real body. I can't separate myself from the physical world, though. I need a special zebra potion in order to do it.”

“Ahhhh, I see,” Celestia said with a nod. “Something like that would be easy for me to teach you. I used to teach quite a few ponies growing up, of course.” She looked to the others. “If you like, I could teach you as well. It's a good art to have, though some ponies cannot do it. It requires a... special bond with this place.”

Sunset blinked, then looked away. “I'm... afraid I'm not capable.”

Celestia blinked. “I'm sorry?”

“My mother... tried teaching me. But I was never able and I just...” She got to her hooves. “Time is of the essence. I will head south, perhaps I can catch this creature. If I can't, I'll return. Just learn what you can, Avatar.”

The alicorn shook her head. “What? Not a chance. We can't separate now, if something happened to you--”

“I'll be fine,” Sunset said with a small smile. “I've been here dozens of times. Maybe not... this deep, but I know how the Spirit World works.”

Celestia and Luna shared a look, before the latter nodded. “Very well, if you wish to go while my sister trains the Avatar, that is fine. I'll have to come with you, however.”

Sunset frowned. “There is no need for--”

“I insist. There are plenty of places where a pony could get lost in this place. Passages between spaces. Areas where up is down, down is up. Or even where it may be a foot in distance in one area, and miles in the other. You could leave for a few hours, and take days to return. For your own safety, it is best I come with you.”

Diamond gasped. “Is... that true? Are there really places like that?”

“Indeed. You are quite fortunate not to have fallen into such areas.”

Silver coughed, sipping her tea. “I'd uhh... like to join in the spirit thing. If that's okay. I think it would be fascinating seeing how the process worked. If... you don't mind. I mean, I know I'm not a bender... but...”

“That's quite alright,” Celestia said with a nod. “Many ponies who can do it aren't benders at all. Though it normally is unicorns who have the most success. I have heard of some earth ponies and pegasi who could do it as well.”

Sunset sighed and sipped her tea, cocking an eye. “What do you make it out of, anyway? The tea, I mean. I haven't seen any tea leaves.”

Luna chuckled. “Oh, child. Trust me, in matters such as this... you would rather not know.”

The three guests paused, before turning to their drinks with looks of horror.

------

“The first step is clearing your mind,” Celestia said softly. She, Silver and Diamond sat in front of the small cottage, relaxing as best they could. “I suggest counting, slowly. One. Two. And so on. After that, comes trying to separate your mind from your body. It is not a simple thing, especially for ponies who are attached to the world.”

Diamond nodded, keeping her eyes closed. “I... know that part. But there's more to it, isn't there?”

“Well... no, not really,” Celestia said with a shrug. “We all have little tips and such that work for us, but it can vary by pony. One thing I like to do it... well... move my shoulders slightly.”

“Huh?”

“I like to focus on slowly moving my shoulders the tiniest amount. Such a small amount that I can't tell if I'm actually moving them, or just imagining them moving. Then I do it in small, tight little circles and focus on that. I sometimes try doing it with the rest of my body, too.”

“That's... strange,” Diamond said.

“We all have different methods. The important thing is clearing your mind and focusing. Letting yourself drift off, abandon the physical world and focus on the next. Also, there is never a need to rush it. It can take a few minutes, or even a few hours.”

“I need to sit here for hours each time?” Diamond asked, whining.

“Sometimes, yes. At least when learning. There is no telling how long it may take until you finally understand what you need to do.”

Silver just sat there in silence, focusing on the task at hoof. It didn't seem that hard to her. Separating her body and mind seemed almost too simple, she couldn't imagine why Diamond was having so much trouble with it. She wasn't having any actual success in transferring herself, though. “Will we be able to enter the Spirit World while we're already here?”

“No, sadly,” Celestia said with a shake of her head. “But you may find this helpful for other reasons. Perhaps as a means to contact your past lives, as well.”

Diamond's eyes shot open. “You... you know about the difficulty I've been having? How?”

The unicorn smiled. “I talked often with Twilight during the time of peace. She told me much of her own difficulty contacting her old lives after the destruction of the Elements. I imagine it is much the same with you, correct?”

The alicorn nodded. “Uh huh.”

“Connecting with your past lives and with the Spirit World function in much the same way. You must clear your mind. However, to enter the Spirit World you must leave your body behind. To meet with your past lives, you must instead go deeper within yourself. The same principle, but going in different directions.”

Diamond nodded, closing her eyes again. “Then... I guess I can try that.”

Celestia nodded before sipping her tea. “Take your time, I'm certainly not going anywhere.”

------

“You met my mother, right?” Sunset asked as she trotted besides Luna.

“Of course, she was quite the mare. I... do wish I had spent less time trying to kill her, though.”

The unicorn nodded. “Yeah, she told me quite a few times about you. How dangerous and deadly you were. She told me every time she fought you, she just felt like she was going to die. That you just had this massive killing intent that made it hard to breath.”

Luna chuckled coldly. “Y-yes. I was... quite the pony back then. Fortunately, your mother managed to save me. Twice, in fact.”

“So... what was it like?”

“What was what like?”

“Discord's... influence. She told me that... well, you were a completely different pony under it. How... did it feel?”

The unicorn sighed and closed her eyes. “To... be honest it is not something I enjoy speaking about. But... I suppose you are her daughter, you would have questions. She was always the inquisitive one. Discord's corruption was... subtle. I believe that was the best word for it.”

Sunset chuckled. “Really? The way she talked about him, I didn't think he'd know the meaning of the word.”

“Oh, he was a spirit of pure chaos, there is no doubt about that. But he was also quite... brilliant. He knew exactly where and how to poke a pony to do what he wanted them to do. I... often wondered if his powers over chaos allowed him powers of precognition as well. Perhaps he was able to see where the pieces would fall, so he knew exactly where to put his own. But, as I was saying. He knew where to poke and prod. I... did not become the Nightmare Moon feared by all, overnight. It started small and subtle. One poor decision here, another there. Annoyance turned to anger and then hatred. Mercy was slowly snuffed out, piece by piece. Until eventually I became a pony who was so proud and hate filled that I was willing to ignore my own daughter in order to maintain my glory.”

“But that was just Discord, right?”

Luna sighed and shook her head. “If only. No, while... his influence made the decision easier, nothing I did was something I was incapable of doing on my own. Even now, though I am free of his taint, I occasionally have those same thoughts. Killing, destroying, pride and anger. All of those flow within me and, if I let my guard down, could return. Discord's taint didn't turn me into a pony capable of those atrocities. They only made the decision easier to ignore and justify. Now I find it horrifying how easy it truly was, to shut off those morals and push myself that extra little bit. To justify what I did just because I didn't see those ponies...” She shuddered.

Sunset nodded. “I... see. But mom always said how... nice you were. Once you were free.”

“I can still feel my sins crawling on my back, young mare. As much as I wish I could say that it was just his taint, and as much as my sister and your mother tried to tell me otherwise, I know what I am and was capable of. Denying it will do nothing aside from easing my conscious, but it would be a lie. Frankly, I am done with such things. I have sinned, greatly. But I will not deny it. Instead I will face my faults and do whatever I can to redeem myself, to fix the damage I have wrought.” She glanced to Sunset. “If there is one thing your mother has taught me, it's that no pony is beyond redemption. I... may not be able to ever truly fix the mistakes I've made. But as long as I try, and never give up, maybe one day I may be able to make up for some of it.”

Sunset nodded. “Huh. Yeah, my mom was pretty awesome. A shame she didn't know you were here. She probably would have introduced us. Maybe you would have been able to help her when it came time to... face Trixie.”

The elder spirit sighed. “Perhaps. But I know not what I could have done against Trixie. Without my bending, I was no where near as dangerous a threat. She... was something likely only your mother could face.” She glanced off towards the horizon. "Perhaps not even her..."

Sunset lowered her gaze. "I... suppose if... that is how she met her end, then you are right." She closed her eyes and shook her head. "But I cannot hope but wish that..."

"Do not let your wishes consume you," Luna said with a shake of her head. "Unless you have the capability to change them. What happened in the past... none of us could change."

Sunset nodded slowly, moving a little closer to the mare in silence.

Chapter 23: Past lives

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Trixie took quick, shallow breaths as she slowly rocked back and forth, sitting on a small platform inside the corpse of Harmony. A small pool of water was on the ground besides her. She was trapped, she knew it. She could feel that magic surrounding them, Twilight's magic. It wrapped around the tree and kept them stuck within.

It was only a matter of time, now. She could hear the other mare, slowly walking through the tree towards her. Hear the clop clop of her hooves as they echoed through the chambers of the long dead spirit. The unicorn sat up, brushing her wild mane from her eyes, staring towards the hall that led to the room.

Then she saw her, the powerful alicorn. Twilight. She smiled. “Ah, Twilight. It has been... so long, hasn't it? You look well.”

“You... look horrifying. Trixie, what happened to you?”

“Hm? Oh, living alone, off the land. Haven't had a proper shower in years, you know?” Trixie said with a soft chuckle, before shaking her head. “But, that's not why you're here, right? I mean, if you want advice on hygiene, I'm really not the pony to ask. I could probably find you the right one, but it'll cost you.” She gave a light chuckle, before laying down. “You and I have to fight now, don't we?”

“No, we don't. Trixie, I want to help you,” the alicorn said with a sigh. “Please, let me.”

The unicorn frowned, staring at the ceiling. “Really? You come here and you ask... just to help me? Why?”

“Because you're hurt. You're... damaged. Discord is gone, there's no more need for you to fight.”

“Gone? GONE? He doesn't feel gone. In fact, sometimes I can still hear him. Or, at least, I could. Before. I can't so much anymore. I wonder if I had lost my...” Trixie blinked and shook her head, before tapping the amulet on her neck. “But this is why you're here, isn't it? Your precious Alicorn Amulet? A nice little trophy for the Avatar who has everything.”

“I am here for that, yes,” Twilight said before taking a step forward. “But that's not the only reason I'm here. Trixie, please. You're not beyond redemption. You can be saved. Come with me, back to civilization. We can help you.”

“Help me? HELP ME? Why would I want to be helped?” Trixie screamed, her horn glowing before blades of water shot up, leveling in front of the alicorn and making her stop. “I am the Great and Powerful Trixie! The greatest general the Water Nation has ever known! If not for you, I would have ruled the world!” Her eyes narrowed to slits. “Instead I'm... this! Lost, beaten, half starved. Living off the land like some... pathetic earth pony!”

Twilight shook her head. “Trixie, there is good in you. I know there is. I heard about your visit to the village. You never hurt anypony. You just--”

“I stole what I demanded and left. I could have killed them, if I'd wanted. But what would have been the point? They were weak. I was strong. It was just as easy to take what I want.”

“And you could have hurt them in the process, but you didn't,” Twilight said with a shake of her head, before waving her hoof and making the ice turn to water and drop on the ground. “Trixie, come on. Please. There's no need for us to fight. There no need for us to be enemies anymore. The Water Nation isn't a place of tyranny and strife any longer. There is no Nightmare Moon. Discord is gone. You don't have to hide away.”

Trixie whimpered, her hooves over her eyes. “Why? Why do you care? Why try to save me? I just... I...”

“Because you're still a pony, just like any of us. You're not beyond redemption, not beyond being saved.” Twilight held out her hoof. “Please, Trixie. Come with me. The world could use a pony like you, using your abilities and talents for good.”

The unicorn blinked a few times before slowly sliding off the platform. She stared at the hoof, before gingerly reaching out to take it. “Can... I really be saved?”

“Of course.”

No no no no!

Trixie stepped in closer, closing her eyes and hugging Twilight. “Thank you,” she said softly as she felt the Alicorn hug her back. A moment later there was a sickening squishing sound and blood splattered across Trixie's chest. She pulled back and grinned at the startled eyes of Twilight.

The alicorn held her chest, the large shard of ice impaled within. “T-Trixie... W-why...”

“You really do care too much, Avatar,” the unicorn said, shaking her head. “Why would I ever care about redemption or anything like that? Please.” Her horn glowed again and the spear of ice turned dark purple. “After all, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie. You really should have seen this coming.”

------

Silver gasped and fell back, her heart pounding. Celestia glanced over. “Miss? Are you okay?”

“H-huh? O-oh. Y-yeah. I just...” She shivered, shaking her head. “D-daydream, I guess. Went a little too...” She shook her head and got to her hooves. “I... I need to go clear my head.”

“Okay,” the unicorn said, cocking her head to the side. “Are you sure you're okay? You look quite pale.”

“No, I... I'm fine. Yes, I'm fine. I just...” Silver shook her head and trotted away, panting lightly. Her heart was beating a mile a second and it was all she could do to focus ahead. Once she was a good distance away, she turned and bucked the nearest tree. “Buck it. Buck buck buck it,” she said softly, before collapsing to the ground. “Stupid... why do I care? I don't... I just...” She covered her face with her hooves.

“We... are too far gone, aren't we?”

------

“Hello, Diamond,” Twilight's voice rang out through the alicorn's mind, making her stop and look around.

She was floating in a black void, alone. “H-hello?” she tried nervously. “Twilight? Is that... you? Can you hear me?”

“Yes, I can,” the older alicorn said, a moment before appearing before her. She gave a small smile. “It has been a long time, child.”

“Y-yeah. Not since Meadowbrook. I... uhhhh... thank you for that. I mean, since I...” She took a slow, deep breath. “Yeah. I really thought I was a goner there.”

“I'm sorry I couldn't help more.”

“Trust me, you helped plenty,” Diamond said with a small smile before sitting down. “Twilight... I... well, are you okay with me calling you that?”

The other alicorn chuckled, a hoof to her mouth. “Of course.”

“Twilight, did you ever... doubt?”

“Doubt?”

“Yourself. I mean, were you ever afraid that you just wouldn't... measure up?”

The mare blinked a few times, before bursting into a small fit of giggles. “Oh, heavens no! I KNEW I wouldn't measure up! Oh, trust me. I'm sure by now Rainbow has told you dozens of the stupid, silly things I've done.”

Diamond chuckled and nodded. “A few.”

“I made soooo many mistakes while I was doing this. Heck, I... even made a few at the end, too.” She took a slow, deep breath. “Our connection is shaky, now. So I'm sorry I'm not aware of everything, but... well... if you're here, have you...?”

“Found your body? Yeah. And... I've met your daughters.”

“O-oh. Are they...?”

“Awesome. Very awesome. Rainbow seems really fond of Daring and Sunset is helping to train me.”

“Really? That's good,” Twilight said before walking over and sitting by her. “But, yes, child. I was often afraid and doubted I could succeed. To be completely honest, from the very beginning I felt overwhelmed. I... still tried, of course. But there were so many times when things just felt like no matter how hard I tried, no matter how long I worked, that I'd never have been able to make a difference.”

“You did, though! You saved the world!”

Twilight snickered. “Oh, of course I didn't.”

“W-what?”

“I could have never, ever done it on my own.” She put a hoof on her heart. “My friends were there, every step of the way. Has Rainbow ever told you about the times I ran off on my own? I mean, I almost got killed every single time! Or I got captured, beat up, lit on fire, almost lacerated, just... well, it wasn't pretty. The Avatar is not meant to work alone.” She smiled down at her. “I'm sure you've noticed.”

“Y-yeah. I do tend to do a lot better when my friends are nearby.”

“Of course you do. See, that's just it. That's the important thing. As powerful as we are, we're just one pony. When I set out to change the world, I honestly did very little. Every single major accomplishment, defeating Discord, fighting off the Water Nation, purifying Nightmare Moon, none of those were things I did on my own. Frankly, they would have been impossible for me to do on my own. One pony just can't change the world like that.” She held up a hoof. “But I made friends and allies. I served as a beacon, something for the ponies of the world to gather behind. A flag for them to raise, to rally behind. That's where my power came from. That's how I succeeded. If not for that, I would have failed. But thanks to that, we were all able to succeed and fight back the darkness. There are things only we can do, as Avatars. But you'll find that often, what we do is less important than what we give others the courage to do.”

Diamond nodded, a smile on her lips. “Yeah, friends are pretty awesome. I... don't know what I'd do without them.”

“Of course. They're your greatest weapon as the Avatar. They support you when you feel weak, fight by your side so you never have to be alone. Just remember, no matter what happens. When it comes down to it, don't run off alone. You need them to stay with you and help you. Otherwise...” Her smile faltered. “You'll fail.”

Diamond cocked her head to the side. “What's wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing. I just...” She gave a soft sigh. “We can't maintain this connection forever. Please... tell my girls I love them, okay? And I'm proud of them? No matter... what they do. I want them to know they were always on my mind.” She then frowned. “If I have a mind now, I suppose. I often wondered if...” She blinked and shook her head. “Never mind. That's a theory for another time.”

“I will,” Diamond said with a nod. “Will we talk again?”

“Eventually, I'm sure. It won't always be easy, but if you reach out to me, I'll try to answer you.”

“Thank you,” Diamond said. A moment later, the mare was gone and she sighed.

------

The alicorn's eyes opened and she looked around. “I... uhhhh, I talked to Twilight.”

“That's wonderful,” Celestia said with a smile. “How is she?”

“Dead. A spirit. Sorta. I guess. Not really sure. Other than that, fine. She seemed moderately happy, though. I uhhh... huh? Where's Silver?”

“Your friend? Off behind the trees. She seems upset. I've been trying to give her space, but I can't deny being a little concerned. I thought it best to wait for your return before acting.”

Diamond nodded and got to her hooves, trotting towards the tree. “Hey, Silver?”

The earth pony cringed, before looking up. “Y-yeah? What is it?”

“Is something wrong?” The alicorn looked her friend over closely. The mare seemed upset, though she wasn't crying.

“I'm fine. Just... had a really bad daydream.”

“Really?” The alicorn sat by her. “Let me guess, a great evil attacked the world and I was the only one who could stop it? Yeah, that'd scare me, too,” she joked.

Silver sighed, not even cracking a smile. “Something like that...”

Diamond stopped, before reaching out and patting her back. “Hey, Silver. Come on. We're buddies. Besides, if some great evil anything attacked, I'd take care of it. And I know you, Button and Acrylic would be at my side the whole time, helping me. Prism would probably be there too, but I think he'd more be nagging me the whole time and telling me to get my flank back in gear.”

Silver snorted. “Yeah. We'd all be there alright.” She slowly got to her hooves. “So, you think you've got it down, then?”

“Uh huh. I talked to Twilight.” The other mare froze, the smile locking into place. “Something wrong?”

“N-no. What'd she say?”

“Oh, trust in my friends and to tell her daughters she was proud of them. You know, basic Avatar stuff.” She held out a hoof. “You wanna talk about it? What you were day dreaming about?”

“Honestly, I just want to forget it,” Silver muttered before taking her hoof. “Maybe... have some more tea. Nice warm tea sounds nice.”

“I think Celestia would be fine with that. Come on. I'm sure Sunset will be back before we know it. Possibly... really mad, too.”

------

“GAHHHHHH!” Sunset yelled as she trotted back to the small cottage, her face contorted into the biggest frown she could make.

“No success?” Diamond asked before she sipped her tea.

“Not one bucking sign of the spirit!” she roared.

“I'm sorry,” Luna said, her eyes lowered.

“It's not your fault,” Sunset muttered. “I knew I should have gone after him yesterday. I just knew it. We'll never find him now.”

Diamond shrugged. “It's fine.”

“No, it's not fine. This is why you came here! To find the amulet!”

“I came here to advance my training,” the alicorn said with a shake of her head. “Since arriving, I've regained my fourth element, met the daughters of the last Avatar and have their help, managed to free my predecessor from the grips of the Smooze, possibly found a way to access the Spirit World on my own and, possibly most important, I finally managed to form a connection with my past lives. All in all, not bad for a trip. None of us got killed, either, so I still feel pretty good about this. Best of all, it hasn't even been that long. We'll probably get home and nothing will have changed.”

Sunset sighed. “You are far too--” She then paused. “W-wait, you talked with my mother?”

“Mmmm hmm,” Diamond said with a nod. “Not for long, but we did talk. Given time, I'm sure I'll be able to talk with her a lot more. The connection still isn't the... strongest in the world. But I think that distortion is gone. The Smooze...” She frowned. “It's a very, very strange creature.”

“I... I see. Did... she say anything? About... me?”

“Yes. She wanted me to let you and your sister know she is very proud of both of you. She thinks you two are amazing and... frankly, I agree. You've done a lot to help me in the short time we've know each other and I can't begin to imagine what I'd have done without you.” She gave a little smile to the mare. “All in all, not a bad trip at all. When we get home, I'll work on trying to find the amulet then.”

Sunset nodded, sitting besides her. “Fine. We'd best return, then. It'll be dark soon and the others will worry about us.”

“Mmm hmm,” Diamond said before glancing towards their hosts. “Celestia, Luna? I actually wanted to talk with you two about one more thing before we leave.”

“Oh? What is it, Avatar?” Luna asked.

“Well... your grandaughter and grandson are here. Would it be okay if they were to come down here and meet you? I mean... I guess they have met you before, but I just thought it would be--”

“That would be delightful,” Celestia interrupted. “It has been far too long since we have seen any of our family.”

“I too would much enjoy seeing how they have grown. I am sure my daughter has raised them to be fine, delightful children filled with honor and kindness,” Luna said with a nod.

“So... uhhh, curious. Do you two have anything against having a fire bender in the family?” Diamond asked softly. “I mean... I guess you two knew but uhhh...”

“Hm? Oh, of course not,” Luna said with a snicker. “I... will admit, during my... earlier days as Nightmare Moon I would have. But now...” She lowered her gaze. “I am... just happy my daughter has managed to avoid many of the same mistakes that I ran head first into.”

“That Blueblood always was an interesting fellow,” Celestia said with a nod. “I would be interested in finding out how their relationship has gone so far. And how my niece has been.”

Diamond nodded. “I'll make sure to bring them back here tomorrow, then.” She slowly got to her hooves. “We should head back. Thank you for your hospitality.” She paused. “We'll go back the same paths we came, so it should be safe.”

“Do be safe, young Avatar,” Celestia said with a nod. “Please, return again one day. It is always nice to catch up on old times.”

“Next time, we'll see about having some biscuits made as well,” Luna said with a sigh. “Sadly, cooking in this realm is... more of an art than in the real world.”

“Spirits can live on tea alone, dear sister,” Celestia said with a grin.

“Can is not the same as should.”

Diamond chuckled before she turned and trotted off, the others following behind her.

After a few minutes of walking, Sunset walked up besides her. “So... you really talked with my mom? What... I mean... was that all she said?”

“We mostly just talked about what she did before. She told me to keep my friends close, that there really wasn't much I'd be able to do without them. I'm sorry we didn't talk much about you and Daring. She was worried about you two, but the connection didn't last long. I'll try to get in contact with her more, though. Make it stronger. I'll ask more about you two, as well.”

Sunset nodded, before she suddenly shook her head. “No.”

“No?”

“My mother... is gone. She passed away long ago. While I appreciate the sentiment, I cannot allow myself to... focus on that. Trying to have her live again through you.”

“Sunset...”

“No. You told me she is proud of me, that is enough. You are the Avatar, the connection exists to aid you in your journey. Not to allow me a chance to relive old times.”

“You don't have to--”

“I said no. And I meant it,” Sunset said before walking a little faster. “Now come on. Let's get out of here. The others are probably waiting for us and... I want to see the grave.”

Diamond sighed, before giving a small nod.

Your daughters are really something, Twilight. Sometimes I just don't know what it is.

Chapter 24: Grave

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Luna sipped from his water and occasionally eyed across the medical tent at Button. He struggled to stop it, but he couldn't help but feel a low warmth in his chest when he looked at the stallion.

He still couldn't believe he'd actually jumped in after him. There was only one other stallion he could imagine doing something like that, his father.

Of course, it was a foalish, stupid, dangerous and just all around useless action to take. Yet, Button had managed to succeed and save them both. That just seemed to be his way, though. Bashing his head against the world and hoping the world gave in first. Or he passed out and forgot why he was bashing it to begin with.

Despite Luna's earlier trepidation, he couldn't help it. He was actually falling for the stallion. He felt this warm glow in his stomach whenever he saw him now(and being in the medical tent together, they saw a lot of each other). Even if at first it had been a small little fling accepted only because Luna had been flattered by the attention, now it felt like so much more.

Button looked up and Luna quickly looked down, his own cheeks red. He couldn't believe he was being so emotional, practically broadcasting his thoughts like this. The other stallion could probably read him like a book.

------

Button glanced up at Luna. He really wished he had any idea what was going through the prince's head. The unicorn kept looking over, but then looking away.

Maybe he was mad? Oh gosh, was he going to break up with him? That made Button's heart beat a little faster. He still didn't know what he wanted. He was still pretty sure he wasn't into stallions. But he knew he was definitely into Luna. He wondered if that was a thing, could a pony be attracted to mares and in one special stallion?

'Ugh! Why does everything have to be so confusing? Would it kill you to just make things simple for once, universe?' He swore sometimes it felt like Discord was personally involved in his life in some way. Fortunately, even he wasn't gullible enough to actually believe that was possible.

He face hoofed again and again.

“Button? Is something wrong?” Luna asked.

He yiped, blushing red before slowly looking up at him. He gingerly shook his head. “No. I just... thinking.”

“O-oh. Okay. If... you need any help, do ask.”

Button nodded, before blinking a few times. He took a slow, deep breath. Maybe he just needed to talk it out with him. Luna was smart, he'd know what to do. “Luna, can I--”

“Luna, Button!” Celestia yelled when she galloped inside, panting slightly. “I'm so, so, so sorry. I should have come here when I first heard, but it's just, well, you're not going to believe it!”

Button quickly shut up, glancing to the princess. “What is it?”

“Twilight, they got her body. They'll be having a funeral later when the others get here. They're burying her now, though. I uhhh... well, I thought you might want to come.”

The earth pony blinked, before slowly nodding. “I uhhh... didn't really know her, but she was really important. I wouldn't want to miss the funeral. I know my mom would want to be here for it, if she was able.”

“I as well,” Luna said with a nod. “We owe her much for all that she has done for our people.”

Celestia nodded, before trotting over and sitting at the hoof of Luna's bed. “So, what are you two up to?”

“Button was about to ask me something,” Luna said, glancing to the stallion.

Button froze, gulping nervously. He then gave a little, weak smile. “I uhhh... I just... errr... I just... I wanted to k-know if you'd like to get a bite or something later. I mean, I'm feeling a lot better now, eh heh. Maybe... if you want.”

Luna's cheeks turned just the slightest tint of red. “If you like, that sounds positively delightful. After the funeral?”

“Yeah. That uhhhh, sounds nice. The bite to eat part, not the funeral. The funeral part sounds... yeah.” The earth pony poked his hooves together.

Celestia snickered. “Aw, you two are just adorable when you're shy. Is he always like this when you two plan meals together?”

“Quite often,” Luna said with a nod. “It is quite endearing and adorable. He is such a shy colt.”

Button gave a little squeak, burying his face in his hooves.

“So, tell us. Did you... see the body? How... ummm...”

“Stabbed through the chest, likely by ice,” Celestia said with a sigh. “Trixie, most likely. But... the body itself looked oddly well preserved. Aside from being covered in purple goop. I don't know what the Smooze is, but it doesn't seem to digest things very quickly. Possibly at all.”

“It sure felt like it was digesting us,” Button muttered, a hoof rubbing his chest.

“Digesting our magic, at least,” Luna said softly. “It was... an interesting experience. One I do not wish to repeat.”

“Well, luckily you won't have to,” Celestia said with a chuckle. “Besides, your colt friend was the only one who managed to fight it off, that's gotta mean something. I bet your mom'll be pretty amazed when she hears about it.”

Button chuckled. “Yeah, can't metal bend to save my life, but can lava bend to--” The words caught in his throat and his cheeks flared.

“Save mine?” Luna offered.

He squeaked and nodded, his face red and he glanced towards Luna. He wished he could figure out at all what the stallion was thinking. The smallest hint, that's all he wanted.

------

“Sir, are you sure this is... wise?” Secretary asked before she handed Alicity a wrench. “They shouldn't all need cannons.”

“Bah!” the doctor said with a shrug. “This is for defense! Besides, there's no telling how many of them will get hit by lightning.”

“All of them. Over and over,” she muttered darkly.

“That's the spirit!”

The unicorn sighed and shook her head. “Sir...”

“Besides, who knows what they could be useful for? What if one of them crashed?” He grinned up at her. “I guarantee you, if I only set up a cannon for one of them, then that would be the only one to crash in the first ten minutes. If they all have cannons, either they'll all make it through or they'll all explode in a fiery explosion!”

Secretary blinked a few times, before sighing. “It scares me, sir, that that is most likely... accurate.”

“Of course it is. You need to prepare for the hundred to one odds, Secretary! Always! Now, get me the thing.”

“Yes, sir,” she said before giving him the screw driver.

------

“Hey, kid,” Rainbow said as she landed on the cloud behind Daring. “How you holding up?”

“Huh? Oh, I uhhh... I'm fine,” the mare said with a weak smile. “Just... just thinking. You know how it is. Just...” She sighed. “Just... never thought...”

“You'd see your mom like that?”

“No. I just... well... I did. I mean... I-I knew she was gone. I knew she was dead a... a long time ago,” Daring muttered, her hooves wrapping around herself. “I mean, it makes sense. She wouldn't just... disappear l-like that otherwise. You know? So... so she had to be gone. She just...” She took a slow, deep breath. “There was never any... doubt about it. There was hope, but never doubt.” She glanced back. “How uhh... how are you holding up? I mean... she was your friend and... all?”

“Ehhhh. I'm fine. I've lost more than a few over the years,” Rainbow said with a chuckle before laying down on the cloud. “I mean, it sucks. Twilight was pretty awesome, and trust me, I know awesome. But... we all gotta go sometime. I already knew she was gone anyway, so there's that. Sorta... seeing the body sucked. Or at least, sensing it. But well... you know. If you wanna talk about it though, I'm here. I know this can't be...”

“Is your mom still alive?”

Rainbow froze. “I'm... sorry?”

“Is she still... alive? I mean, do you... well...”

The pegasus took a slow, deep breath. “Yeah... no, she's not. Parents passed on a few years back. Quite a few, actually.” She coughed into her hoof. “We were... never really close, though. I mean, I pretty much went on this big, epic journey across the four countries and didn't even really say bye. Or try to. Just... you know.”

Daring sighed and gave a nod. “We... said bye. When mom left, she said she'd be back in a few days. We hugged, kissed, couldn't wait to see each other.” She took a slow, deep breath again. “It was the last time I'd ever see her. I have... so much I wish I could have told her. And yet at the same time, I don't think I would. I just... you know?” She shook her head. “I feel... guilty that I don't feel worse. I feel I should be crying but... I'm not. I just feel kind of sad.”

“That's pretty normal,” Rainbow said, reaching out and patting her back. “I think everypony feels like that. Like they should feel worse. But... you already knew she was gone. Sorta. I mean, you grew up without her, so... it's not like...”

Daring wiped her eyes. “I just... I wish I could talk with her one more time, you know? Ask why she thought she had to do this. Why did she have to... leave us like that? I... I know it's stupid, but I can't help but feel that... that maybe it was something we did.” She held up a hoof. “I know it's not. I KNOW it was Avatar stuff. I know she didn't want to go, probably. But I still just... can't help feeling like it's my fault. Like if I had been a better daughter, she never would have left. She would have waited. That I could have gone with her. Helped her. I just... I just...”

Rainbow lunged forward, hugging her tight. “You're right. It's not your fault. I get it, you have doubts and worries, but Twilight would NEVER have wanted you to think any of what happened happened because of you. I knew her. She was one of the greatest mares I ever knew. I know you would have meant the world to her. There is absolutely no way that what happened had anything to do with you.”

“I know, I know,” Daring muttered, leaning against the other mare. “It just... feels like I'm partially responsible. Ugh, this is so annoying.” She closed her eyes. “I wish mom was here.”

“You know... I wish Twilight was here too,” Rainbow muttered.

------

Ironwing sighed softly as he looked down at the grave. “Twilight deserved better.”

Prism looked around at the other grave stones from the village. They were all simple things, many with their stones long since faded. “Yeah, she did. She deserved a massive statue over her grave stone that let all ponies know who she was. Savior of the four countries.” He then shook his head. “But I think she would have liked this more. She was never... really one for all the ceremony and stuff. She was more...” He waved his hoof from side to side. “I think she'd like being here. Where her family was, where the Spirit World portal is. I... think in the end this is the kind of thing she'd like a lot.”

The other stallion nodded, looking down at her grave. “You going to stick around for the ceremony?”

Prism shook his head. “No. I... I've already said what I need to say. I think... I think the ponies just need a chance to say good bye and I'd rather not intrude on that. They deserve a chance to say good bye in peace. You?”

Ironwing shook his head. “No. Hauling her back was... I think about as much as I could stand. You know, mom used to tell me so many stories about her.”

“Yeah, me too. I never thought I'd... carry her body and just...” Prism sighed, before glancing over. “So... I uhhh... how have you been? Doing... okay?”

“I'm fine. You?”

“Good, good. How is your... current...”

“We're doing fine. I guess on a break since this trip, but we're fine. Surprised you knew.”

“Please, everypony knows. You'd have to be blind not to see it.”

The two sat in awkward silence for a few minutes. Finally, Prism spoke up. “So... do you think you'll try to become a Shadowbolt again?”

Ironwing nodded. “Yes. Right now it's just best I'm not there. Too many ponies might cause problems for the new boss if I'm there. Comparing us and everything.”

“Uh huh. Do you know who--”

“No. I don't want to know. Until I'm ready to start again, I don't want to be involved with them.”

“Right, right. So... how about Daring? You seem to be enjoying training.”

Ironwing grinned. “Yeah. I... miss it, to be honest. I haven't been able to really get my hooves dirty and practice in the longest time. It was always either paperwork or... stuff like that. I was usually just security detail, at best, or another political flank to fill a seat. Actually getting my hooves dirty and working on things... really feels good.”

“Good, good. That's... uhhhh... good.”

Once again the two sat in awkward silence, looking away from each other. Finally, Ironwing coughed and looked over. “So uhhh... where do we go, from here?”

“I honestly have no idea.”

“Yeah... me either.”

“... Wanna ask Blaze when we get back home?”

“You mean put this off longer? Yes, most definitely.” Ironwing nodded rapidly.

Prism chuckled and quickly got to his hooves, trotting away.

The remaining pegasus sighed and glanced towards the grave. “Twilight, I wonder if you ever had times like this. Heh. Judging by the things my mom said... probably all the time.” He got to his hooves and trotted off as well.

------

Acrylic took a slow, deep breath as he eyed the small orb of ice on his desk. He closed his eyes and focused, leaning his horn forward before it started to glow. “Come on, come on... you can do it. Come on...”

The orb of ice just laid there. He chewed on his lower lip, growling as more magic surged through his horn. “DO IT!”

The orb disappeared. “YES! I--” It landed on his head, cracking in half and falling to the side. He whimpered and fell back, clutching his skull. “O-ow...” He laid there for a few moments, a grin on his face despite the pain. “Heh. Still, I did it. I am the best. N-now, let's see what else I can teleport.” He got to his hooves and looked back at the book, reading over the notes again. “All about focus...”

He grinned down at it. “Now, turning an apple into an orange.” He suddenly felt a chill go down his spine. “Let's just stick with teleportation for now.” He levitated the chunks of ice over, putting them on the table.

------

Diamond glanced over to Sunset, nervously chewing on her lip. They were almost back to camp now and the mare had barely spoken since they'd left the two. “So uhh... how are you doing?”

“Fine,” the unicorn said.

“Are you feeling okay? I mean, I know--”

“I said I'm fine.”

“Okay,” the alicorn said, before glancing to Silver. “How uhh... are you feeling?”

“A little nauseous, to be honest,” Silver said with a smile. “I think I should have brought more snacks for us to eat. But uhh... more or less, fine. I uhhh...” She chewed on her lower lip. “Diamond?”

“Hmmm?”

“What do you think... caused this? The whole... Spirit World thing? Everything being so... broken here? Empty?”

The alicorn blinked, before lowering her eyes. “To... be honest? I think it might be... kind of my fault.”

“What? Yours? How?”

“Well... I just... I mean, I'm the Avatar, right? I'm supposed to be able to go to the Spirit World and do things there. Fix things. But I haven't been. I mean, until recently I never even thought about trying to enter. When Twilight... did things, there was probably a lot of stuff that changed. The spirits probably needed an Avatar who would monitor it closely. Who would be there to help. But when they lost Twilight...” She sighed. “What if they've been trying to contact me? What if all this time, the Spirit World needed me, and I've just been ignoring it? Ignoring my... duties?”

Silver sighed. “Diamond, this isn't your fault. I mean... really? Not everything that goes wrong is your fault.”

“It sure feels like it is, sometimes. Sunset? What do you think?”

“Huh? Oh, right, yeah,” the unicorn said dismissively.

Diamond rolled her eyes and glanced back to Silver. “But... I kinda wanna fix things now. I wonder if... well, I wanna talk with the others about it.”

“Oh?”

“Well, what if I can enter the Spirit World now? If I can, I need to. And... more importantly, I want you guys to come with me. You, Button, Acrylic.”

Silver's eyes widened. “Ex... excuse me?

“Well, it might be hard, right? Let's be honest, most of my success comes when I work together with everyone. Doing things alone backfires alllll the time. So this time, why not nip it in the bud and go straight to getting help from my friends?”

Silver smiled and gave a nod. “I... I'll think about it. But... it might be fine. Do you think you can fix it?”

“Maybe. I can't help but think... well... Discord was important to the Spirit World. I don't know how much of what I heard was true, but he was connected. What if him being gone... is killing it? What if... that world needed him? I might have to do something major to fix it. When we get home, I want to focus on that.”

“And finding the amulet?” Silver asked.

“Of course.” Diamond blinked. “Now that I think about it, though... if I do find him and get the amulet back, I wonder if I'll even be able to bring it with me? I mean, it's a physical object and... ugh. I wish I understood the Spirit World more.”

“It's a very confusing place,” Silver said with a shrug. “I... wouldn't mind coming with you, though. Entering the Spirit World and helping you on your journey. I don't know how much help I'll be, though. I can't bend.”

“When I enter through this way, I can't bend either, so it'll be fine. As long as I'm there with my friends, I know things'll work out in the end.” Diamond stared ahead. “That's what Twilight told me. I need to count on and depend on my friends. I can't just... run off on my own. That'll just cause problems for everypony.”

Silver nodded, glancing off to the side. “I'll... try to help as best I can, then. I'm sure the others will, too.”

Diamond nodded and then let out a sigh of relief as the exit of the forest came into sight. “Finally. I feel like we've been walking for days. I guess we were pretty lucky, though. I mean, we didn't run into any of those... weird spots that Celestia mentioned.”

Silver smiled knowingly. “Yeah, lucky.”

The alicorn giggled. “Our Celestia and Luna are going to be soooo thrilled when they find out who we met. I bet they won't be able to wait to go visit them.”

“I know I wouldn't,” Silver said with a grin.

She glanced back to Sunset. “Maybe she can use some alone time too, okay? How about we head over to the medical tent, talk to Luna first?”

“I think that would be for the best.”

“Sunset, we're going to go talk to Luna. Try to uhhh... get some sleep. Okay?”

“I'm fine,” the unicorn mumbled, before trotting away from the two and towards the small training area.

“I don't know how she can spend so much time practicing, I'd go nuts,” Diamond muttered, before turning towards the medical tent and trotting along. The camp had gotten oddly quiet. She saw other ponies sitting around and eating, but none of them were really talking. She couldn't blame them, though. The past Avatar had been quite loved, most of them had probably grown up hearing stories of how awesome she was.

Instead all they got was Diamond, an Avatar who kept screwing up. She sighed and shook her head as she headed into the tent, clearing her mind. Her eyes widened when she saw Celestia in there with Luna and Button. “Well, hello.”

“Oh? Avatar? You've returned! Any luck?” Luna asked, a smile on his lips.

“Not with the amulet, but we were pretty lucky,” Diamond said with a smile, before glancing towards the door. “But uhhh... about... Twilight. Have they...?”

“She's buried. They even put on a grave stone with it, earth bent,” Celestia said quickly. “There's plans for a ceremony, we were holding it off until you got here. But uhhh... I think most of the people are talking to her now. I've seen quite a few walking over towards it, then leave. So... not sure how big a ceremony it'll be. She has been dead for years.”

“It's helpful to get closure,” Silver said softly. “Sometimes that's all a pony needs. Diamond, I believe there was something you wanted to tell them?”

Diamond blinked, before nodding. “A-ah, right. Yes. You two won't believe who we saw while we were in the Spirit World.”

“A platypus duck?” Button offered, drawing every eye towards him. “What? If I was anywhere, that's the last thing I'd expect to see!”

The alicorn face hoofed. “No. Luna and Celestia.”

“Yes?” the two said together.

“No no, I saw them.”

“How could you see us? We're right here,” Luna offered, cocking an eye.

“No! Not you, Luna and Celestia! I saw them!”

“Avatar, you're making no sense,” Celestia said, shaking her head. “Perhaps you were in the Spirit World for too long?”

“No! Not...” Diamond face hoofed.

“She saw your predecessors. The once Nightmare Moon and General Celestia,” Silver added.

The two ponies froze, before slowly looking to each other. Luna spoke first. “That's... impossible. They're dead. Our mother told us long ago that the two of them...” He took a deep breath.

“Moved on from this world,” Celestia finished.

“They did,” Silver said with a nod. “And moved onto the Spirit World. They ascended, I guess you could call it.”

Celestia and Luna shared another look.

“I can take you to meet them tomorrow,” Diamond offered with a smile. “If you want. I know you must be... well, pretty anxious to meet them yourselves. To find out if it's true.”

“I was... unaware such a thing could happen,” Luna said softly. “Are you quite certain it is really them? It... could be a spirit playing some sort of trick.”

“Well, I've never met the two, so I guess it's possible,” Diamond admitted. “But they seemed pretty... nice. They really didn't seem the sort to play such a trick on a pony. You've met them before, right?”

“When we were young,” Celestia said softly. “I... would very much like to meet them. To see if they are... as you claim.”

“You can have as long as you like, tomorrow,” Silver said with a nod. “We probably won't be leaving until the morning after tomorrow, so that leaves you as much time as you need, then.”

Luna nodded. “Thank you, Avatar. This... will be something of great interest to us.” He slowly climbed out of bed and got to his hooves, a bit shakily. “I... think we'd best get ready, though. The ceremony will begin soon.”

Diamond nodded, turning towards the door. “I uhhhh... I'll meet you there.”

------

Diamond eyed the grave stone, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Rainbow had given the eulogy, short but sweet. Told a few small stories about the adventures they'd gone on, how great Twilight had been. Everypony had said their good byes. She couldn't help but notice how small the turn out had been. Only a few dozen or so had been there, though she noted the majority of other ponies were hanging on the outskirts, apparently not sure if they wanted to come to the eulogy or hide away.

She couldn't blame them. Were she not the Avatar, she probably would have stayed away. It just didn't feel real to her. She'd just talked to Twilight, not even a day ago. Yet she'd seen the mare's corpse before that.

It felt as if the mare wasn't really dead, that instead she was just... moved. She wondered if that was how it would be for her one day. Would all her friends and family grieve over her grave, while the newest Avatar sat over her tomb, chatting with her about the flowers or something mundane? Would they want to talk with her, or would they try to ignore her like Sunset was doing to Twilight?

“Is everything alright?” Silver asked.

“Huh? Oh, yeah... no. It's not. I...” She took a slow, deep breath. “I... don't think an Avatar should be at another Avatar's funeral.”

The earth pony smiled and leaned forward, giving her a hug. “It's okay. It's not your death.”

“I... I know. It just... raises so many questions.” She glanced over. “If... I die first, would you miss me?”

Silver blinked a few times, her eyes quickly lowering. “D-Diamond... I... of course I would miss you. You're my friend. You'd miss me, wouldn't you?”

“Of course I would,” Diamond said before giving her a hug. “But let's be honest, I'm wayyyy more likely to die first. I mean, I am the Avatar.”

“And I am Dr. Alicity's daughter.”

The Avatar blinked a few times before shuddering. “Oh my gosh you're right. You're going to die first. It's going to be horrible. There will probably be cheese cake or lima beans involved. Somehow. The last thing you'll hear is 'Secretary, get me the thing'.”

Silver snickered and gave her a shove. “That was horrible. I'm going to bed, try not to stay up too late, okay?”

“Fine. Have you seen Sunset? She isn't... well, she's not still practicing, is she?”

The earth pony froze, before giving a small nod. “I... think so. She's very... focused. I guess it's the right word.”

“Do you think I should go talk to her?”

“No,” Silver said with a shake of her head. “I think this is something she needs to work out for herself. Seeing her mom and just...” She shuddered. “I'd just let her figure things out as she needs to.”

Diamond nodded and looked back towards the grave. “Okay. I uhhh... I'll probably turn in too. It's... well, going to be an interesting day tomorrow. But it should at least be easy.”

The earth pony chuckled. “When are your days ever easy?”

Chapter 25: Ancestral Meeting

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“Hiyah!” Button yelled before leaping through a bush, posing dramatically while his eyes scanned the area. He then nodded and gestured a hoof forward. “Okay, all clear. It's good to go, ladies. And Luna.”

“Wonderful,” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes as she kept walking forward, Celestia, Silver and Luna besides her. “You know, there's really no need for this. I've been here a few times, if anything was going to hurt us, it'd probably, you know... have to exist first.”

“What about the evil monkey?”

“The evil monkey spirit that is likely days away by now and, if it attacked, would be actually good for us since we'd be able to get the amulet? Yeah, I don't think he's much of a threat,” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes. “Relax, we're almost there.” She looked up. “See? We're almost to the smoke trail.”

Button sighed, sitting and pouting. “But I'm just trying to be useful...”

Luna walked up besides him and gave him a little nuzzle on the nose. “I think you're being very useful, Dear Button.”

His cheeks turned red and he gave a little nod. “O-okay. A-as long as I-I'm useful to you,” he said with a little squeak.

Celestia rolled her eyes. “Oh, gag me with a spoon. If you two are going to make out, I'm telling grandma on you.”

“Oh?” Luna asked with a cocked eye. “Perhaps I should tell her of some of your past indiscretions? Perhaps with that minotaur, what was his name again?”

“Point taken!” Celestia said quickly, her cheeks turning bright red. “A-and it was just one date and you shut your mouth.”

The water bender snickered and then smiled to Button. “Come along, there's no need to scout ahead for us. Besides, I'm feeling far better now, there's no need to be so protective.”

He nodded. “I-I know. I just... worry a bit cause... stuff and...” He looked off to the side.

“And I appreciate it. You treat me marvelously, darling. But I am more than capable of taking care of myself, giant monsters of purple ooze aside.”

“We're here!” Diamond called out, pointing towards the small cottage. The table was set up outside, but there were no signs of the two elder unicorns. She frowned and trotted forward, knocking on the door. “Hello?”

After a few moments, the door opened and the elder Luna stood in it. She smiled down at them. “Ah, Avatar. A pleasure to see you again. Did you...” The words trailed off and she looked over at the others. “Oh, my. Could it be? Tia, sister. You're going to want to see this.”

“Hmmm?” elder Celestia came out and gasped. “My goodness. It is like looking into a tiny, age regressing mirror.”

“I'm... going to let you four get re-acquainted,” Diamond said quickly before trotting away and tugging Button and Silver behind her. “Come on, there's some great... trees over this way to see.”

“What? Trees? But I want to see them--” Button started, but was thwapped on the back of the head by Silver.

“Shush, you,” the earth pony said quickly.

“O-oh, right,” Button said, his face red. The moment they were out of sight, he sighed and sat down. “So, uhhh... how you two been?”

“Pretty good. You know, doing Avatar things,” Diamond said with a shrug. “Which I'm finding seems to usually mean nearly getting me and everypony I care about killed. But other than that, pretty good.”

Button chuckled. “Hey, we always pull through in the end.”

The alicorn nodded. “So uhhh... you and Luna. You two are cute together. I never really thought... well...” She coughed into her hoof. “Err... never mind.”

“Huh? What?” the earth bender asked, cocking his head to the side.

“Nothing. Don't worry about it,” she said with a shake of her head.

“Come on, Diamond, you can tell me.”

“It's nothing, really.”

“Diamond...”

“Just forget it.”

“Come on, we're friends, you can tell me--”

“Oh my gosh!” Silver said with a shake of her head. “She thought you just liked mares, okay? She was surprised you liked stallions, too.”

The earth bender blinked, his cheeks turning red before he poked his hooves together. “I... I do. Just... uhhh... like mares.”

Both the other two ponies blinked a few times, before staring at him. “What?” they asked in unison.

“I mean, I did. I uhhh...” His cheeks turned scarlet. “I... kinda... thought that... well... Luna was a...” He chewed on his lower lip for a moment. “A mare.”

“WHAT?” the two said in unison, louder.

“Shhh!” he said quickly, shaking his head. “It's not... well...” He face hoofed. “I just don't know any more, you know? She was... I mean, he was really cute. And... and he responded to my advances and I just... I mean, I-I didn't really notice much and... I guess I just wasn't paying attention, okay? Or maybe I was just in denial. It's not exactly like ponies are really interested in me... normally. So... maybe I just denied it since he was, okay?”

“Oh Button,” Diamond said with a sigh. “You're a great stallion, plenty of mares would--”

“Be happy to have me as a friend, I know,” the earth bender said with a roll of his eyes. “But... Luna wasn't like that. I just found out a few days ago and I just... I don't know what to do. I mean... well... I think I know what to do. I didn't before but...” He lifted a hoof to his chest. “When he fell in the Smooze, I didn't think, I just acted. The thought of him... dying, it tore me up inside and I couldn't let it happen, no matter what. I would have given anything to keep him safe. And I...” He tapped the ground nervously. “I don't know... you know? I mean... I like mares. I didn't think I liked stallions. But... I think I like Luna. I really, really do and I have no idea what to do about it.”

“Well... maybe you do?” Silver said with a shrug. “Maybe he's just... the exception to the rule? He is pretty feminine. I mean... he's the splitting image of his grandmother.” She moved around to see around the trees, eying the four ponies sitting at the table, discussing the past few years. “Yeah. Pretty much exactly like her. So... maybe you just like feminine stallions too?”

Button nodded slowly. “I... guess. So, uhhh... what do I tell him?”

“Nothing,” Diamond said.

“The truth,” Silver said.

The two blinked and stared at each other.

“What?” they said in unison.

Button groaned. “Well, that's clear as mud.”

“He can't tell him,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “It'll just hurt Luna's feelings, make him feel inferior. Buck, it'll probably make him think Button won't like him the moment some pretty mare comes along.”

“Luna has a right to know,” Silver said with a shake of her head. “This can, and probably will, lead to problems down the road if he just hides it from him. A loving relationship like that can't be found on a basis of lies and hiding things. It needs to be based on trust. Mutual trust.”

“Why would he want to know something that might hurt him?”

“Because look at Button,” Silver said with a gesture of her hoof. “He's panicking and anxious because of this. It's already affecting his relationship. It's just going to get worse and worse until he gets everything out in the open. Otherwise, this'll be hanging over his head the entire time and--” She blinked. “Speaking of hanging over his head. You two still need to talk.”

“W-what?” the two said in unison.

“Button, you're still crushing on Diamond. Like, horribly crushing. You're avoiding her now, anypony can see that. You two need to work this out. Diamond, you're... well, you want him as your friend, don't you? That means all of this, ALL of it, needs to be cleared and settled. Okay?”

Diamond gulped and looked to Button, who looked as worried as she felt. Finally, she took a deep breath and nodded. “She's right.”

“N-no she's not, I don't have any, I-I mean, I--”

“No, Button, she's right. What I did...” The alicorn took a deep breath. “I'm sorry. I know... I know rejecting you probably hurt. But please, you have to understand, it had nothing to do with you.”

He blinked, then sighed. “Yeah, yeah. I--”

“No, I mean it.” Diamond stepped forward and put a hoof on his shoulder. “I want you to look at yourself. You're an amazing bender, a lava bender now. You're one of the kindest, most forgiving ponies I know. You're generous, inventive, sometimes a bit silly. You're dating a prince, even if the circumstances are a bit odd, and he likes you a lot. Trust me, it's pretty obvious.”

“W-wait, he does?” Button asked, perking up. His cheeks then turned bright red. “I-I mean, err... o-of course he does. I-I knew that.”

“Yes, he does. It's obvious he does. I see the way he keeps looking at you. You're amazing and you're one of my closest friends. I'm sorry we can't be more. But...” She took a slow, deep breath. “I don't even know what I want right now. I don't know if I'm going to want anything. Romance is the last thing on my mind, especially with everything that's going on. If... it weren't, well, I might have--” She shook her head. “No, that's not right, either. You're with Luna now. I want you to be happy. I want us to be friends. I'm sorry I hurt you. I am so, so sorry. And... I'm sorry I forgot about the kiss. When... I did it, I was just so scared I thought I was going to die. I barely remembered anything then about it, except for you saving me. I should have realized I was leading you on when I did it and I never, ever intended for that to happen. I would never do that to you.”

Button sighed, lowering his eyes. “I... know. I should have known that... you wouldn't...”

“Don't,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “You're amazing. It's perfectly reasonable for me to have fallen for you. Buck, I might have if things were different. But... can we just be friends? Please? You have Luna, I want you to be happy. And I don't want to come between that.”

He sighed and gave a small nod. “I... I know. It's just...”

“What?”

“I thought...” He nibbled his lower lip. “I thought you... I mean... it's usually... ponies don't tend to go for ponies like me. They usually go for... the tougher guys. Ponies more like... Big Mac, I guess. Strong. Big. Powerful. I'm not really...”

“You're an amazing pony. You're plenty strong and powerful,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “You're a bucking lava bender for goodness sake. How many earth benders can say that? You're also very, very cute. Need I remind you that you have the attention and affection of a prince? How many ponies do you know have that?”

Button kicked the ground with a hoof. “Not... many, I guess.”

“You're charming and awesome and you deserve all the love and happiness in the world.” She leaned forward and gave him a hug.

“T-thanks,” he said softly, chewing on his lower lip. “I'll try and... you know... get over it. Just... well...”

“I know. I'm really sorry I hurt you,” Diamond said with a small smile. “You mean the world to me, as a friend. And I'd never want to do anything to endanger that.”

“I know, I know.” He then sat down, gulping a bit. “So... do you both... think I should tell him? Really... uhhh, talk with him?”

The alicorn groaned. “As much as I hate to say it, Silver has a point. It's affecting your relationship now.” She then smiled. “You made a mistake when you first started dating. You're confused, but you risked your life to save him. If that doesn't prove you care about him, what would?”

Button nodded, chuckling a bit. “I... guess you're right. I uhh... so, when?”

“Tonight,” Silver said firmly.

“W-what?” he asked with a squeak.

“We're going to be on a long trip the next few days,” the earth pony said with a shake of her head. “You two won't have much privacy during that. Once we get back, there won't be much time either. I'll see about getting you two a nice, private dinner and you two can talk it all out, okay?”

Button whimpered. “I... I don't know. I-it's pretty soon and--”

“Best to strike while the iron is hot,” Silver said with a nod. “Otherwise, you might chicken out and panic. Is that what you want to do?”

“Yes. Yes it is.”

“Is that what Luna deserves?”

The earth bender groaned and face hoofed. “Buck... no. He deserves all the... ugh. Why does everything have to be so complicated?”

Silver smiled. “I don't think it's complicated at all. You like him, he likes you. So what if things aren't how you initially thought they were? It's not like it matters.” A knowing grin flashed on her face. “Besides, he's not heir to the throne so I don't think he's required to have children of his own.”

Button's face turned bright, bright red. “SILVER!”

The mare snickered into her hoof. “S-sorry, I just couldn't resist.”

Diamond snickered as well, shaking her head. “Besides, adoption is always an answer.”

The earth bender groaned into his hoof, his cheeks flaming red. “I-I don't really want to talk about this with you two.”

The alicorn just grinned. “Awwww, you'd make an adorable dad. I could see you out there, tossing the dirt clump around with--”

“Not. Talking. With you two. About this,” he said firmly, banging his head into his hoof.

Silver's eyes widened. “Oh dear. I don't think the aspect of children had really occurred to dear Button. Your mom has told you about how they are made, has she not?”

“I will bury you both,” Button said, his cheeks bright red.

Diamond grinned wider. “You see, when a stallion and... well, in this case a stallion love each other very much--” She let out a shriek when a wave of dirt rose up and buried her. After a few moments she dug her way out, coughing out some dirt. “Point taken.”

Button turned to Silver, who eeped. “I'm done!” she said quickly and flailed her hooves about.

“Good,” the earth bender said. “So, how about we talk about something other than my love life. Silver, how about we talk about yours?”

The earth pony blinked, then rolled her eyes. “Ugh, no. I'm really not interested in any pony right now. I've still got soooo much I need to do before I even consider dating.”

“Like what?” Button asked.

“Taking over the world, obviously,” she said with a grin, making the other two chuckle. “So, Button, have you been practicing your lava bending?”

“Huh? Oh, uhhh, no. Not really,” the stallion said with a nervous chuckle. “To... be honest, after... well...” He took a slow, deep breath. “After what happened, I haven't done any bending. I've mostly just been resting. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help when you guys went back here, I just--”

“Don't,” Diamond said with a wave of her hoof. “After falling into that thing, I can't blame you. I think anypony would need a nice, long rest after that. Are you actually feeling better, now?”

“Yes. I... mostly am. I mean...” He put a hoof over his chest. “It just... felt odd. You know? I keep thinking about it. It felt like I was being eaten from the inside. Can you imagine?”

“Yes,” Silver said softly.

“Huh?” Button asked.

“I-I mean, it had to feel... weird, right? I imagine it would feel really weird and awful. Thank goodness it's over now, right?”

“Yeah. I wouldn't wish that kind of... thing on anypony.”

Silver chuckled darkly. “Yeah, it does seem like a horrible way to go. But I imagine it won't be much of a threat to anypony now. I mean, we all know about it and... well, what other ponies would come here of all places? That spirit left it behind, too. So there's no point for us to be near it. Right?”

“Yeah,” Diamond said with a nod. “Silver, are you okay? You're acting a bit... odd.”

“What? No I'm not! I'm just... stressed. Worried, that's all. L-leave me alone,” she said quickly, looking away.

The alicorn blinked, looking to Button. She then sighed. “Ohhhh, I see what it is.”

“You... do?”

“Yeah. Don't worry, though,” Diamond said before patting her on the head. “We're going to be fine tomorrow, okay? I mean, your dad might be... eccentric, but he's really pretty smart. I think. He's so good at building a lot of those... things. The stuffs. I'm sure the boats will work just fine. And if they don't... well, most of us have wings so we'll be fine.”

Silver chuckled softly, covering her mouth with a hoof. “Y-yeah. I guess most of us do, huh? And I'm sure daddy will... probably have this all figured out. It's still hard not to worry.” She glanced back. “Do you think we should go check on them, make sure they're doing okay?”

“Nahhhh,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “It's been a long time, they probably have so much to catch up on.”

------

“Mom says once she retires from being the Water Lord and Colgate takes over, she'd like to open her own boutiques across the world. She already has a place in Canterlot she's been eying and she has been tossing around the idea of opening one in Manehatten, in honor of dad,” Prince Luna said before sipping his tea. “She also said she'd love to open one in Ponyville, the Fluttershy Memorial Boutique, but she's a little worried her friend wouldn't have appreciated that.”

“Wow,” the elder Luna said, sipping her tea. “My daughter has certainly been keeping herself busy,” she said before shaking her head. “I'm delighted to hear she's keeping out of trouble.” She then gave a sigh. “I do hope all the trouble I caused over the years hasn't caused her too much grief. I know I hardly left the Water Nation in the... best condition.”

Princess Celestia snickered. “Oh, please. We all know that was more Discord than you. Mom and aunt Sweetie have everything under control. Heck, between the two of them we haven't had much trouble. Well, aside from the Dazzling incident.”

“Dazzling incident?” the elder Celestia asked. “What was that?”

“A-ah,” Prince Luna said nervously. “A... well... how to put it. Dazzling Sapphires. He was mother's... student. Sorta. He was...” He then shook his head. “He was an assassin. A... relic of the previous age. Back when the Water Nation... was different. He'd been trained from birth to...” He sighed. “Well, it's no matter. Mom tried to fix him. Auntie did too. But it just wasn't... for all his talents, he just wasn't... his training wasn't...”

Elder Luna frowned, her eyes lowering. “Say no more. I can... imagine a pony like that.”

“Yeah. They managed to stop him, but he was just...” Princess Celestia said softly. “What he could do to a pony just... wasn't pretty.”

Elder Celestia smiled and patted her sister on the back. “There there. The Water Nation has had a long, horrible history with assassins. Those times will, hopefully, fade into memory. I am sorry that this pony has caused such troubles, however. I trust my nieces were more than capable of stopping him?”

“Oh yeah,” Prince Luna said with a nod. “Mom was able to crush him with ease. She's one of the greatest water benders around now, you know. She used to tell me how bad she was, is it true?”

Elder Celestia snickered and shook her head. “Oh, heavens no. Rarity was quite talented, she just refused to ever see it, or believe it. But she had quite a few skills and talents. In fact, her skill with that weapon of hers was just incredible. She knew just how to mix her magic, physical and bending talents together. A shame she never quite understood how impressive she was.”

Princess Celestia snickered. “Well, I'm not surprised. If half the stories she told us about you two were true, she had quite a bunch to live up to.”

“Oh, I was nothing special,” Elder Luna said with a shake of her head. “My power came from the corruption I had with Discord. My sister was always the skilled fighter of us.”

“Oh, you underestimate yourself, dear sister,” Elder Celestia said with a shake of her head. “Don't listen to her. She was a marvelous water bender, she had far more grace than I ever did. I just happened to have more raw power.”

Elder Luna snickered. “Oh, of course. I heard all the stories about you out in the battlefield. Why, even our father wouldn't have wanted to fight you and he wasn't afraid of anypony.”

“He was only afraid of being shamed. I would have never stood a chance against a pony such as him,” Elder Celestia said before sipping her tea. “If I could have... perhaps things could have gone differently. Anyway. Rarity was incredibly skilled, just not always in water bending. Even so, I heard about her fight during the... well, during some of the darker events in their past. I imagine she has developed all kinds of new styles since her crowning.”

Prince Luna shook his head. “No, I'm afraid not. She barely even trains any more, to be honest. Well, she does a little, but it's mostly just practice. She's still amazing, though. But actually inventing new things... well, no. Her... applications of blood bending haven't been very... far taught, either.”

Elder Celestia nodded, giving a soft sigh. “Yes. I imagine such a skill would... not be something she'd want spreading far. Were it not for poison bending, such a technique would never have had to be created. I still can't believe how powerful she had become, to be able to use it in such a manner.”

Princess Celestia shook her head. “She can still sometimes use it like... that. But she only teaches it as a defensive technique. But, it's still not something... she's been trying to have poison bending stripped from our country. Not... forcefully, but it is no longer allowed, legally. Such a horrible technique.”

“Tell me, can you poison bend?” Elder Luna asked, glancing Prince Luna over.

“I can, but it is quite difficult for me and not something I enjoy,” the prince said, putting a hoof over his chest. “It... is quite painful. Allowing your suffering to overtake you and envelop every inch of your being. Allowing it to corrupt your magic and bending is just not something I find pleasant. But I do know how to use it and, more importantly, how to fight it. Mother made sure of it, just in case I ever had to deal with any... such attacks.” He shook his head. “But, I never use it, as we said, it is no longer legal.”

Elder Luna sighed, swirling her tea in its cup. “I... am sorry. Perhaps if I had been a... better ruler, the assassins would not have thrived so well during my rule to last into--”

Princess Celestia snorted. “Really? I doubt that. Mom has told us stories about how the Water Nation had been even before you were Nightmare Moon. The assassins would have been there regardless of what you'd done. So long as Discord's taint was there, that darkness would have as well.”

Elder Luna sighed, closing her eyes. “Perhaps. But there was plenty I could have done after... after all of that. But it does no good to dwell on the past. Is there anything else going on with your lives?”

“Luna has a coltfriend,” Princess Celestia said quickly, making her brother's cheeks flair red.

“CELESTIA!” the prince shrieked, then cringed when both of his elder's eyes turned on him.

“Ohhhhh? A coltfriend? My my,” Elder Celestia said with a sly grin. “Is he cute? Does he look like your father?”

“Oh by the stars,” Prince Luna said, covering his face with a hoof. “He is... not unsightly. He is that stallion who... escorted us here. The earth pony.”

Elder Luna froze. “You're... dating an earth pony?”

“Yes.”

The elder mare gave a nod. “I... see. I suppose such... things are no longer as taboo as when I ruled. Are there really no unicorns you could be dating? I mean, you seem like a fine prince. Do you really need to settle for--”

“I am not settling,” Prince Luna said coldly, going deathly still. “Button is an absolute delight. Not only that, he's an amazing bender. Even if he wasn't, he's kind, sweet, charming and brave. He has plenty of good qualities that anypony would love to have in their consort. More importantly, while I cannot guarantee that a relationship between the two of us will work out, his earth ponyness will have NOTHING to do with that decision. I've met hundreds of unicorns who couldn't even hold a candle to him.”

The elder mare cringed, giving a nod. “O-of course. My mistake. I merely meant that... never mind. I made plenty of mistakes in my time, I have no right to speak.”

Elder Celestia face hoofed. “Dear sister... no.”

“What do you mean, mistake?” Prince Luna snapped.

“I merely meant--”

“Button is NOT a mistake! He is a marvelous, wonderful stallion who treats me amazingly.” Though his tone never shifted, the anger was evident in his eyes. He got to his hooves and started to storm off.

“W-wait, please! Prince, please,” Elder Luna begged, getting to her hooves. “I didn't mean... please come back. I don't want perhaps the last time we see each other to end like this.”

Prince Luna paused, then sighed, slowly turning back around and trotting over, sitting back down. “Right. Sorry. I just...”

The elder mare shook her head. “I... grew up in a time when such things were... deplorable. For a water bender to be with an... earth pony or pegasus was just unheard of. But I suppose under the rule of my daughters times have changed. For the better,” she added quickly. “I was merely shocked that one of my... grandchildren would be in such a relationship. I did not mean to imply it is a mistake. Stars know I have no right to speak of any such thing.”

Prince Luna sighed, grumbling a bit before nodding. “I... suppose. Let us talk of something else. I don't want this meeting to be--”

“Why not invite the young colt over?” Elder Celestia asked, drawing every eye to her. “It would do us well to meet your new consort and learn about him. Perhaps that'll help put my sister's mind at ease?”

Elder Luna's eye twitched slightly, but she grudgingly nodded. “Right, indeed. I believe my sister is correct. If I can meet this stallion, it would help to put my mind at ease.”

Princess Celestia grinned. “HEY! BUTTON! GET YOUR FLANK OVER HERE!” she bellowed, making the other three jump.

Button squeaked before he came out from the trees, his face red. “Err... I was summoned?” he asked, looking confused.

“My... grandmother wishes to meet you,” Luna said coldly, looking him over, before patting the seat besides himself. “Come.”

The earth pony gulped and came over, smiling nervously as he sat down. He swore he was getting the oddest feeling of killer intent from the elder Luna now. The older Celestia looked like she was going to burst into laughter as she drank her tea, though. He wondered what the joke was.

“Well, you three have a nice, fun talk. I'm going to go hang out with the cool kids,” Princess Celestia said before trotting over the direction Button had come from. “Hey, Diamond! Silver!”

Button gulped and smiled up at them. “H-hi. Errr... I'm Button Mash. A pleasure to meet you two. I uhhh, I heard a lot about you.”

“Oh? How, dear child?” Celestia asked. Elder Luna just had a forced grin on her face and Prince Luna had a face as frozen as ice.

“My mom used to tell me all about you two. Oh, I'm the son of Octavia Melody. I'm not sure if you remember her.”

That made Elder Luna blink and the killing intent began to fade. “Really? As in one of the founders of Harmony? I've heard quite a bit about her, in fact.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yes. In fact, your mother and I fought once.”

Button cringed. “Yeah, she told me about that. It uhhh... well, yeah. It wasn't exactly... pleasant.”

“Indeed. But she was still quite skilled. Are you familiar with Vinyl Scratch? I do believe the two were once friends and she was one of my most prized generals for the longest time.”

“Oh, of course! My best friend is her son, Acrylic. She's totally like, the coolest mom ever. N-not that mine isn't, mom's really cool, too. But Vinyl is just like... awesome.”

Elder Luna nodded. “Of course. So then, you are a high ranking member of Harmony, then?”

“Actually... I'm uhhh... not a member of anything in Harmony. I can't even metal bend, like my mom.”

Elder Luna's smile wavered. “I... see.”

“He can lava bend, though,” Prince Luna said quickly. “In fact, his ability to lava bend is the only reason I'm still alive. When I was knocked into the Smooze, he dove in after me and managed to drive it back with such a skill.”

“Lava bending?” Celestia asked with a cocked eye. “My my, that's quite the unique talent. I haven't heard of a pony being able to do that since Hothoof. Even before that the number I could think of who could could be counted on my hooves. Tell me, how did you do it?”

“W-well, I uhhh... I just... it's nothing, really,” Button said, blushing.

“No, do tell us,” Elder Luna said again, her eyes narrowed and making him eep a bit.

Button gulped and lowered his eyes, his face going redder. “It just... happened. When I was in there, I realized I couldn't do anything. I tried to bend, but it just hurt. But...” He looked to Luna and smiled shyly. “I didn't... want Luna to die. I mean... I just... so long as he was okay, I felt like it would all be okay. And I wanted the Smooze to let him go. To let us go. And I just got... mad and angry. I hated it. I kept trying to bend and then just... boom. It happened. It--” He let out an eek as suddenly Prince Luna moved in close. “What? I--”

Prince Luna kissed him on the lips. It lasted for only a second, but it made Button's face go so hot he though it might burst into flames. The prince pulled away, his cheeks a hint of red as well. “I... never... did properly thank you for saving me, anyway.”

Button just squeaked.

“Dear Button?”

He just squeaked again.

“I do believe you have broken the child,” Celestia said with a small smile. “Developing lava bending without any prior training in the art? That's quite a talent. Tell me, did you ever have any such skill before? Perhaps an inclination?”

Button gulped, looking to the elder mare. “N-n-not really,” he said squeakily. “I-I didn't even know it could be done, honestly. I-I mean, I'd heard of it, but I'd never... s-seen it. But... I mean, I guess... I earth bend like a fire bender, sorta. So... it kinda makes sense. I guess that might be the secret?”

“Oh my,” Celestia said, a hoof coming to her mouth. “Was that your first kiss?”

“W-what? No!” Button said, eyes wide. Then they lowered. “Just... my first ummm... from somepony I'm... dating and... oh gosh.” He covered his face with his hooves.

Celestia snickered and glanced to her sister. “I like him. He seems like quite the interesting child.”

Elder Luna sighed and gave a nod. “If... he makes my grandson happy, I have no objections. Besides, if he is such a powerful... earth bender, then there should be no damage done.” She looked to Prince Luna. “I... am sorry for my earlier comments.”

The prince nodded. “I know. It has been wonderful meeting with you. We should probably leave soon, though. We have a long trip back ahead of us.”

“Really? It's not that lo--” Button said, then yiped when his hoof was kicked. “Yup, very long.”

“It has been a pleasure meeting with you, elders,” Prince Luna said before bowing his head. “I... do hope we can meet again in the future. I know mother would very much like another chance to speak with you.”

Elder Luna sighed. “I... would enjoy speaking with my daughters again as well. I am happy to know she is running her kingdom wonderfully. I know she is a very capable mare and there is no end to the glory she will bring to the nation.” She closed her eyes slowly. “Though, sometimes I wish it wasn't a burden she had to bear.”

Celestia smiled. “I know my nieces are doing marvelously and no matter what happens they will continue to do so. Please, if you ever need advice, do not hesitate to return to us.” She then paused. “Celestia? Young princess? Please come back?” she called out. Once the other returned, she smiled to both of them “Never think we do not love you, children. Both of us. No matter where life may take you or what decisions you make, we will always be there with you, our hearts besides you. So worry not. And I know no matter what happens, your mother will be there to guide and help you through life. Trust me, she is far wiser than she'd ever care to admit.”

The two gave their nods, before quickly bowing. “It was awesome meeting you two,” Princess Celestia said before getting to her hooves and stretching. “Colgate is going to flip when she hears about this. She's going to be soooooo jealous.”

Prince Luna nodded, giving a wave before standing up as well. “And I imagine you will show absolutely no hesitation in rubbing it in her nose, yes?”

“What? Innocent ol' me? I would never!” the princess said with a snicker. The group turned and trotted away.

“Thank you for waiting for us,” Celestia said once they'd traveled a good deal away. “Haven't seen those two in a long time.”

“I didn't even know a pony could do a thing like that,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “I wonder if I could.”

“Probably not,” Silver said quickly. “You're the Avatar, remember? Your spirit is integral to the future of all pony kind. If you did something like that... well, who knows? The new Avatar might never be born. Wouldn't that be horrible?” She then blinked a few times, pausing. “It might... even end the cycle...”

“I guess. Silver? You're acting weird again?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry, I just have a lot on my mind. I uhhh...” She groaned. “I'm just a little worried. What if we get back and the village is in ruins? Daddy's probably fixing up the last of the boats right now and... well...”

Diamond shuddered and shook her head. “I'm sure it's... manageable. Probably. As terrifying as it is with him working on it, Secretary is watching over him.” She then blinked. “Wait, actually. Ummmm... Silver, this might seem kind of odd... I mean... well...”

“What is it?” Silver asked, cocking an eye.

“Well... I just...” She sighed and shook her head. “Secretary... are uhhh... is he and... well...”

“What?”

“Are Secretary and Dr. Alicity...” Diamond gulped, getting a little red in the cheeks. “Does she do most of the work?” she finally asked, chickening out entirely.

“Huh? No. I know my dad is a bit... wild at times, but he really does know what he's doing. She's more a... safety precaution. Though, they have been working together for years. Even before I was born, I think.” A frown crossed over her face. “I think she was a friend of my moms, actually.”

Diamond gulped. “What ever happened to--” She yiped when Button covered her mouth and he shook his head. She blinked a few times, before nodding. He pulled his hoof away. “What happened to that uhhh... can opener invention of his?”

“Huh? Oh, there were a few minor problems so we had to pause production. Was the strangest thing. They'd open most cans just fine, but wouldn't touch cans with lima beans.”

The alicorn blinked, cocking her head to the side. “What? Why?”

“I have no idea.”

------

Secretary hummed as she trotted over to the last of the boats, two bowls of soup held in her magic. “Sir, I brought supper.”

“Wonderful!” he said before sitting up, wiping the grease off his hooves. “Did you make sure to--”

“I had all the lima beans taken out, as always.”

“Wonderful, and--”

“It has been cooled slightly to avoid burning your tongue.”

“Delightful! And--”

“Your crackers, sir,” she said before holding them out.

“With--”

“No salt.”

“Marvelous,” he said before taking a sip. “Ah, I don't know what I'd do without you, Secretary.”

“You'll never need to know, sir,” she mumbled.

“What was that?”

“Probably starve, sir,” she said.

He chuckled softly. “Quite right, quite right.”

------

“Most of them are based off Secretary's magic, so maybe she just doesn't like lima beans,” Silver said with a shrug.

Diamond snickered. “Really? That sounds kind of silly.”

“Probably. But still, we're thinking of offering some discount models. We already have quite a few food storage businesses begging us to offer them private deals, but we're going to make the can openers available to all.”

“Really? That's generous.”

“Generous? HAH! No, we're going to make huge bits off them! Just about every single family of earth ponies and unicorns are going to want to get their hooves on one of these, that's not even counting the crystals. We're expecting to make back all of our bits on research and development within the first month! After that, our prices will probably go down once the knock offs hit the streets, but even by then we'll probably have something new in development AND still be making a heavy profit. Best of all, the fact we spent all this time and effort even designing the thing is going to give us a lot of good publicity amongst ponies. It's a win win win for us.”

Celestia snickered. “You're quite passionate about such things. Here I'd heard the daughter of the renowned Dr. Alicity was so calm and level headed.”

“I am very, very calm and level headed comparatively,” Silver said with a snort. “But I am also a business mare. My daddy taught me all the ins and outs of how to run this business and I can do it just as good as him. If not better. Besides, he's more of a builder and inventor. I, on the other hoof, am a planner.” She grinned wickedly. “I know just how to plot and scheme, clawing my way to the top, crushing all the ponies who think they can stand in my way and--” She blinked a few times. “Errr...”

Diamond snickered. “I guess you must, knowing the way your dad does things I'm not surprised you're behind the scenes helping.”

“Ugh, he causes problems sooooo often,” Silver said with a whine. “I can't tell you how many times we'll have a new invention coming out and he'll just test run it in the middle of the city. Or some other way of giving everypony a view of it before it's ready. Not to mention the sheer number of times he's nearly gotten himself blown up. I swear, if it wasn't for Secretary, he'd have gotten himself killed up by now. Even when I was growing up, she was the one who always kept him on track. She probably knows like, half a dozen shield spells, one for every kind of thing he could blow up.”

“I'm sure it's not that--”

“He once created explosive water. Not magical water that exploded. Not explosives mixed with water. Water. That. Exploded.” She shuddered. “Thank heavens he was never able to recreate it.”

“How... what was he trying to make?”

“A pogo stick!”

Everypony went quiet as they tried to process that. Finally, Diamond spoke up. “How... was water... involved?”

“A pogo stick a pony could use to hop around on water.”

“... And now I have even more questions.”

“That'd be awesome,” Button said softly, her eyes glimmering. “Did it ever work?”

“No. But he did manage to use the power source for it to create the alibot.” Silver shuddered. “And that is yet another reason that invention was doomed for failure.”

Diamond snickered, before slowly moving back in the group and nudging Button. She pointed her head towards Luna, gesturing him forward.

Button coughed, before gulping. “H-hey. Uhhh, L-Luna?”

“Hmmmm?” the stallion asked, glancing back. “Yes, dear?”

“I uhhh... tonight. You want to have dinner with me?”

“Oh, that'd be delightful, but I believe we already were.”

“I mean... a private dinner. Just uhhh, you and me. No pony else.”

Luna blinked, before turning his head ahead and avoiding eye contact. “Very well, I do not see why not.”

“Ohhhh, he's going to make his move,” Celestia said with a grin. She then yelped when everypony turned to glare at her. “Right, sorry, never mind.”

“Pardon my sister, she doesn't believe in... tact,” Luna said coldly.

Diamond snickered, before smiling at the two. “I uhhh... you know, I can't help but notice... you two have been a lot more relaxed around us lately. A lot less... well... mysterious, I guess.”

Luna blinked, before giving a little shrug. “I... know not what you mean. But... I do suppose we are perhaps more comfortable now with you than when we first met. More able to be ourselves. More... willing to be open,” he said before glancing back towards Button.

“Yeah, you guys are a lot less judgmental than the ponies back home. That or you at least hide it a lot better,” Celestia said with a shrug. “You're all kind of fun, even. It's gonna suck when we have to go back home.”

Diamond blinked, then frowned. “O-oh. I guess... yeah. I forgot. Once we're done, you're going back to the Water Nation, aren't you?”

Luna sighed, before giving a nod. “Indeed. There's no telling when we'll be able to return to Harmony again. Though... uhhhh... if any of you wished to return with us or visit... we could... the castle has plenty of rooms for guests. The Avatar or any of her friends would be more than welcome to stay as long as they wished.” His cheeks practically glowed.

“Really? Won't that kind of annoy your mom?” Button asked.

“She'd be fine with it. Trust me. She'd be more than fine with it,” Luna said, glancing towards his sister's knowing smirk.

“Cool. Maybe we can all go on vacation or something there!” Button said. The other ponies all face hoofed. “What?”

Chapter 26: Return trip

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“It's finished!” Alicity finally said to the ponies he'd called, standing tall and motioning his hooves towards the small boats. “Judging by our speed and distance we'll need to travel, it'll only take a few days to get to the border. Once we get to the Fire Tribes, I can gather a few more ships and begin working on setting up communications and travel between here and the two. It won't be hard, but we'll need a guide who can get us here to--”

“I'll do it,” Sunset said, drawing all of their eyes to her.

“What?” Diamond asked, her mouth falling open. “I thought... you were set on training me?”

“I... am, eventually,” the mare said softly, before looking away. “But I just...” She took a slow, deep breath. “This shouldn't take long and I need some time to clear my head. Meeting and aiding the Fire Tribes and my village in communications should be helpful. It's... something my mother would have wanted. Besides, you've got your connection with my mother now, amongst... other aid,” she said before glancing over. “And I am unable to enter the Spirit World away from the portal. I'll be useless to you out of here. When all this is finished, I'll join with you.”

“Perfect!” Alicity said with a nod. “That'll make things a bit easier.” He glanced to Daring and Sunset. “Once we're near the border, we can split into two separate groups. I'll take Sunset and two of the ships to head south to Manehatten. Avatar, you can head south-west to Harmony.”

“Assuming we can even make it to the boundary in one piece,” Diamond muttered.

“Hah, you worry too much! These are my inventions!” Alicity said proudly. “Even if things go wrong, the chances of us all dying are only twenty-two percent!”

“...” The alicorn face hoofed. “Delightful.”

“We'll be leaving tomorrow morning then, everypony,” Silver called out, smiling. “I'll set about on deciding who's going home. We'll be taking needed staff for this first trip, along with those who need to return to Harmony, with the Avatar. Everypony, make sure you get a lot of rest, for tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.”

------

Button gulped and nervously leaned forward, lifting up his cup in his hooves and taking a small drink. No matter how much water he had, he couldn't seem to stop his mouth from getting dry. He nervously smiled at Luna. “So... I uhhh... how have you been?”

“I have been well,” the prince said, giving him the smallest of smiles. “But I take it there is more you wish to talk about than that?” He then sighed. “Is... this about the end of our journey coming upon us?”

“Yes. No. I...” Button sighed and then poked his hooves together. “I... I owe you... an explanation. And an apology.”

The stallion blinked, sighing. “Ah. I see.”

“Huh?”

“This is... about my royal lineage, right?”

Button just stared.

“If you were only interested at first due to my... relationships and status in the Water Nation, I understand. Even so, the fact you were willing to risk your life and nearly die for me... shows you do care. Quite a bit.”

Button giggled, shaking his head. “Nahhhhh. I asked you out because you were really hot and I didn't think you'd give me the time of day, but then you did and I kind of--” He blinked and blushed, his cheeks burning. “But... I uhhh... your royalty had nothing to do with it. With any of it. I swear.” He lowered his eyes. “Luna... I just... I...”

Luna cocked his head to the side. “Yes, Dear Button? Whatever is the matter?”

“I... really don't deserve to be called dear. Listen. When I first started dating you... I thought... I...”

“What's wrong?”

Button took a slow, deep breath. “I thought you were a mare and I'm really sorry!”

The prince blinked a few times, before lifting up a hoof and snickering into it. “Truly? I hardly find that offensive. You would hardly be the first to make that mistake.”

“I... thought you were one up until a few days ago.”

The snickers stopped. “You... mean after... the Smooze incident?”

“What? No, no no. Before that. Like, right before that, actually. I just...” He sighed again.

“How? Dear Button, you must be one of the most inattentive--” Luna froze. “Wait a moment. Do you mean to tell me you are not... interested in one such as I, then?”

Button gulped, poking his hooves together shyly. “I... I don't... know. I mean, I-I like mares. I know I like mares. I never thought I liked stallions before. But... I just... you're... different. When I'm with you, when I think about you, I feel happy. If I'd known you were a stallion from the get go, I never would have flirted. But now... now I don't know what I think. I...”

“Why are you telling me this?” Luna asked, his voice turning cold.

“I... didn't want to lie to you. You deserved to... you deserve the truth,” he said gently, closing his eyes. “I know it would be easier if I just... kept it to myself. But I don't know what I'm thinking any more. I don't know what I'm doing. I just know... I do like you. I know I definitely like you.”

“But you don't know if there is truly any future for our relationship?”

Button slowly nodded. “I'm sorry. I wish I... could tell you I had this all figured out. I-I'm trying, but I don't want to... hurt you.”

Luna sighed and glanced to the side. “I do not know what you wish for me to say.” A little red came to his cheeks. “I... do like you, Button. But if there is no future for us, it is best that this ends now.”

“I...”

“Don't,” the prince said, raising a hoof. “Perhaps in... the future. When you decide what it is that you want, there will be a future for us. A real future. But... for now, our time together was bound to fade anyway. Let us let it end like... this. Mutually.” He got to his hooves. “Goodbye, Button.”

The earth pony stared down at his plate, sighing softly as he heard the stallion walk off. “This is for the best, isn't it?” he asked himself. “I... I don't like stallions... do I? I thought I...” He groaned and reached for his cup of water, trying to take a drink. It slid down the glass, a solid block of ice, hitting him in the face. “Ow!” he squeaked, putting it down and holding his mouth. He then groaned and face tabled. “Guhhhhhhh. Why are relationships so harrrrrrrd?”

------

Celestia glanced up as the tent flap opened. “Hey, Luna. What's--” She paused when she saw the stallion's face. It was completely blank and emotionless. “Heyyyyy. What's wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said coldly, before walking to his cot and plopping down on it.

“Come onnnnn. You can tell me. Did Button do something stupid?”

“No. I... broke up with him.”

The mare blinked a few times, before looking down at him. “You... what?”

“I... broke up with him.”

“What? Why? What could possibly possess you to do that? You were happy with him! Sorta. Buck, you were being snippy to our grandma about him. Just today, even. Why would you break up?”

“It was... bound to happen, anyway. Our relationship would never truly be approved by the Water Nation. He is an earth pony and I--”

“Oh, don't you give me that buck,” Celestia said with a shake of her head. “Those ponies can go suck an egg for all either of us care. Come on, tell me what it is. What really happened?”

Luna closed her eyes. “He was going to break up with me, anyway. I could see the signs. I merely... beat him to it.”

“Why would you say he was going to break up with you?”

“He... told me...” Luna poked his hooves together and then rolled onto his side. “He doesn't like stallions. He thought I was a mare.”

Celestia blinked a few more times, then cocked her head to the side. “... Wait, really? He told you he didn't... I'm going to kill him,” she said with a growl, turning around and storming towards the door. She let out a yelp when her tail was grabbed.

“N-no,” Luna said softly, shaking his head. “He... just... he said he didn't know what he liked. He didn't think he liked stallions, but he said he liked me and he just... it was in the cards. He was going to break up with me when he finally realized it and just...”

Celestia blinked a few more times, before face hoofing. “So... he likes both stallions and mares, but he thought he only liked mares? You broke up with him because of that?”

“No. Yes. I don't know!” Luna said, shaking his head. “I am a prince, he is a... pony from Harmony. There are no alliances to be won, I just--”

“Don't even try that royal duty with me,” the mare said before trotting over and sitting by him. “Luna... come on, what's bothering you. Really? There's more to it than that, isn't there?”

“... I do like him. I... like him a lot,” Luna said gently, poking his cot with his hoof. “What if... what if I start to like him even more?”

“So? You're dating and--”

“And then he decides he doesn't like me after all?”

Celestia sighed. “How... long has he known?”

“He says he found out just before the... Smooze incident.”

The mare cocked her head to the side. “So he knew, and he still jumped into the Smooze after you? It sure sounds like he likes you.”

“For now. But what happens when a mare appears he likes more?”

“We hide the body, obviously.”

“Sister!” Luna snapped, sitting up, his face bright red.

“I'm kidding of course! Come on,” Celestia said, reaching out and patting his shoulder. “Don't write him off like that, though. You seem pretty happy with him and he's definitely happy with you. He nearly got himself killed trying to save you.”

Luna groaned, collapsing on the bed and hugging his pillow to his chest. “I know. I know. I want to but...” He glanced down. “What if he tries to leave me for... you or Colgate?”

“... Then we hide HIS body,” Celestia said dead pan. “That's not going to happen. He likes you, he's just confused. It happens to all of us.”

“It didn't happen to me.”

“Well, aren't you the lucky one?” she said flatly. “Don't let a good thing go just because he's confused. Do you really think he'll dump you?”

Luna sighed and buried his head in the pillow. “Tomorrow we're leaving, and--”

“And you'll only have a few more days with him before we return home. Then it'll probably be months before you can see him again. Do you really want to waste that time fretting about what might happen?”

“Noooooo,” came a muffled answer.

“Then I think you should go talk to him again.”

“I don't want tooooo...”

“Then I will,” Celestia said, getting to her hooves, before letting out a yipe when she was pulled back by her tail.

“Tomorrow,” Luna said with a shake of his head. “We... can talk tomorrow. I just... right now I just want to sleep...”

The mare eyed him for a moment before sighing. “Fine. But tomorrow, you better talk to him or I will. And trust me, I won't hold back any punches.”

“You never do...”

------

Diamond glanced up after hearing a light few smacks against the side of her tent. “Yeah?”

“Hey uhhhh... it's me. Daring. You mind if we talk?”

“Huh? Oh! Come on in, it's not locked! Not... even sure it can be!”

The tent flap opened and Daring stepped inside. The mare looked off to the side, nervously. “Hey. I uhhh... I wanted to... talk with you. If that's okay. I mean, I know that...”

“It's fine, I won't be sleeping for a bit anyway. What's wrong?”

“Nothing's wrong. I just wanted to talk with you and ask about...” The pegasus nudged the ground with her hoof. “I mean, I just... okay! So you talked with my mom, right? I mean, you were talking with her?”

Diamond cocked her head to the side. “Yeah? After I got her out of the Smooze, she was just fine.” A smile spread across her lips. “Ohhh, I see. It's like I told you. She said she was proud of you.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. I just... it's silly, I know. Kind of... stupid. But I just...” She sighed and rubbed her head. “I just... I need to know, you know? It won't change anything. I don't know if she'll want to talk about it. But I have to know.”

The alicorn blinked a few more times, just looking confused. “What? Know what?”

“How... how did my mom die? I need to... I need to know. I just...”

Diamond froze. “Daring. I don't think that's--”

“I know, I know! It's not... really important. She's dead. She's gone. Nothing can change that. But... I just... I mean, if your mom died and you just...”

Diamond's eyes lowered. “My... uhhh... my mom is dead.”

“O-oh. I... I'm sorry... how...?”

“I don't know. Dad doesn't really... like to talk about it. But I never really knew her. She died when I was... young. Really young. I can't even really remember her and--” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “No, it's fine. I understand. If it'll help bring you peace, I'll try, okay? Just uhhh... it might take a bit. I'll try tonight, but I probably won't have anything until tomorrow. Promise to try and get some sleep?”

Daring nodded. “Of course.”

“Okay. Then I'll try my best.”

“Thank you, Diamond,” Daring said before turning and walking out of the tent.

Diamond sighed and sat up. “Well, not like I have anything better to do,” she muttered to herself. “Silver is getting everything organized, so I just need to lay here and wait, I guess.” She closed her eyes and took slow, deep breaths. She blushed and slowly started trying some of Celestia's advice, gently swaying her body from side to side, just enough she wasn't sure if she could feel it, or if she was imagining it.

------

Diamond opened her eyes, once again in the dark void. She took a deep breath and looked around. “Twilight? Are you here?”

“That was quick,” the purple alicorn said, appearing in front of her. However, she didn't look nearly as solid, her body almost see thru and occasionally parts of it disappearing entirely.

“What happened?”

“Our connection is no longer as--” She disappeared and reappeared a moment later. “-as once was. It can be difficult without much time between. Please, tell me what it is you need, quickly.”

Diamond took a deep breath. “I need to know how you died.”

Twilight blinked. “Diamond, that--”

“It's not for me. It's for Daring. She... wants to know. She needs to know. She needs the closure.”

The purple alicorn froze in place, before slowly lowering her eyes. “Very--” Once again she faded. “--for Daring. It will be easier for me to show you.” The alicorn reached out, putting her hoof to Diamond's chest. After a moment, there was a small flash.

------

Diamond gasped and fell out of bed, her hoof over her chest as she panted with exertion. She could almost feel it, the blade of ice as it pierced her chest, moments before turning to poison and burning through her veins.

She could definitely feel the pain and confusion, the surprise. The betrayal. She had offered Trixie a way out, a way to have a life again. Yet the mare had betrayed her, cut her down under the guise of accepted friendship. She laid there on the ground, her blood pumping in her ears as she tried to calm down, but her heart was pounding too heavily for that. She finally rolled to her hooves and stepped out of the tent.

It was late, very late. The camp was all packed up and quiet for the night. There were a few ponies still working to pack up the boats, but even they were already almost done. She considered going back to her bed, crawling in. It was so late that nopony could possibly be up.

But she couldn't, her mind was going a mile a minute and she needed somepony to talk to. Daring and Sunset were out, they were a bit too close to the subject matter. So instead she went to what she realized was becoming her default choice, Silver. She trotted through the camp and reached out, knocking on the tent wall. “Silver? Are you up?”

“Hnnng?” a groggy voice asked. “Diamond, is that you?”

“Yeah. I uhhh... can we talk?”

“What time is it?” Silver asked, before giving a small yawn.

“Late, I think. Sorry, I can go if you want, I just... I need somepony to talk to.”

Silver blinked, before sighing. “Come in.”

The alicorn stepped inside and gave a small smile to the other mare. “Sorry. I just... well...”

“What is it?”

“I talked with Twilight.”

“Mmmm hmm.”

“And... well...” Diamond walked over and sat on the edge of the cot. “I just... Daring asked me to see how Twilight died. She just... wanted to know how she died.”

Silver froze, her eyes widening. “You... were able to?”

“Twilight showed me. I... think it tired her out a lot, though. But yes. I saw and...” She lowered her eyes. “Trixie. It was... Trixie.”

“How did it... happen?”

“You won't believe this. Twilight went to her. She offered to save her. She offered to HELP her! And you know what Trixie did? She stabbed her through the chest! Stabbed and poisoned her! She held out her hoof in friendship and the mare just killed her for it. Can you believe it?”

“No, I can't,” Silver muttered softly.

“I just... ugh. Is this what it's like? What if Trixie had still been alive? Would she have tried that on me?”

“I-I don't think she would have. I mean, she and Twilight had a past. A deep past.”

“I know, but she still just killed her.” She glanced to Silver. “This is what I'm going to have to do, isn't it? When the time comes, what happens when my Trixie comes around? What about Meadowbrook? If I had just... maybe I should have finished her? What if now she decides to strike? What if she tries to kill me when I offer her help?”

Silver gulped. “D-Diamond, you're not Twilight, you don't need to--”

“When the time comes, I won't be,” the alicorn said softly. “If... if I have to, I'll have to learn to strike first. To kill... enemies, I guess.” She shuddered. “I don't know if... I don't know if I want to, though.”

“Not all ponies are like Trixie, though. She was... she was different, right?”

“She said she still had Discord in her,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “Or at least, she heard him. Could you imagine that? Hearing him of all things?” She shuddered. “I hope I never meet a pony like that.”

“What would you do, if you did?”

The alicorn shrugged. “I guess I'd have to strike first. Either... kill them or just... stop them. Somehow.” She put a hoof over her chest. “I could almost feel it. Feel the blade of ice pierce my chest. It was terrifying. Why did she have to do it? Twilight was going to help her! Was going to save her! And she just turned around and stabbed her in the heart! I could... see it. I felt it. It was all...”

“I don't... I don't know,” Silver said softly, before reaching out and patting her side. “Maybe she just... she was a bad pony. A horrible, awful pony. But... you learned, right? If the time ever comes... you'll just strike first. You need rest. You're... shaken up. Really bad. You need to just... calm down.”

Diamond nodded. “Yeah, I'll... huh? Silver? Are you okay?” She reached out and patted the earth pony on the back.

“H-huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine, just... tired,” the mare said, wiping her eyes. “You know how it is. I'm sorry you had to go through that. It seems pretty horrible.”

“It was horrible. I don't... think I want to see how any of the other Avatars died.” She sighed and leaned back. “In a few weeks, I want to try digging deeper, though. Or talk to Twilight more. Learn about my past better and all that. Well, the Avatar past.”

Silver nodded, a forced grin on her face. “That's... wonderful. It is pretty late, though. I really need to get some sleep. I think you do, too. After that... ordeal. Is there anything else you need, or is that all?”

Diamond grinned. “That's all, but if you're okay with it, I'd like to talk more. I--”

“Not tonight, please,” Silver said with a shake of her head. “I am really tired and tomorrow is going to be a busy day, okay? I just... really need some sleep.”

Diamond blinked, before nodding. “O-oh. Right. Yeah, uhh... thanks for this. For talking with me. It... really has helped.” She got back to her hooves. “So... see you in the morning?”

“Yeah, yeah. See you in the morning.”

Diamond turned and walked out, glancing back after a few moments. She couldn't help but feel she'd upset Silver somehow, though she couldn't imagine how. She hoped the mare wasn't anxious about their trip tomorrow. She still couldn't feel like going to bed, though. Her heart was still pounding and she felt horribly uneasy.

------

Button grumbled darkly as he pushed his breakfast around on his plate, his mind flickering back to Luna again and again. He tried to figure it out, tried to understand it, but he just couldn't. He imagined himself kissing other stallions, but that had just kinda icked him out a bit. He'd imagined dating other stallions, it had done nothing but seemed awkward. He'd seen a few stallions over the years he had noticed were attractive, but even now they didn't interest him in the slightest.

But Luna did. He wanted to snuggle and cuddle him. He wondered if it was because the prince was so feminine? Or maybe because he'd returned his advances? Or at least allowed them? And he'd hurt him for it.

But what if it was none of that? What if he just LIKED Luna, no matter what he was? But what if he didn't like stallions? He flicked a potato slice off his plate in annoyance.

“Not hungry?” Luna asked as he sat by him.

“No, just got a lot on my mind. You know, about--” He then yiped and tossed his plate into the air, the unicorn deftly catching it in his magic. “L-Luna, you're... uhhhh...”

The prince blushed and slowly lowered the plate. “I'm here. I... think we should talk.”

“Listen, about last night, I--”

“No. Let me go first,” Luna said before taking a slow, deep breath. “What you said last night it... hurt. The fact you don't... know if you liked me or not, it cut. Deeply.” He gently reached out and put a hoof on his. “But... I... don't want that to... I don't want it to end because of that. If it's going to end, I want it to end because... we just aren't good for each other. Besides, we... still don't know what's going to happen over the next few months. When I return to the Water Nation... it could be months before we can see each other again.”

Button nodded slowly. “So... what are you saying?”

Luna smiled softly to him. “I... still like you. I don't know how you feel about me, and I don't think you know either. But we have to part ways soon and... I don't want to regret it. So... I... ummm...” He gulped. “I think for now we should stay... broken up. I'll give you time. If you decide... you want to... continue our relationship, then perhaps we can. But...” He then lunged forward, grabbing his withers and pushed forward, their lips connecting. He held the kiss for a few moments before pulling back, his cheeks red. “I... hope that'll help.”

Button squeaked.

Luna gave a small smile. “But now, I think it is best we have space, Button. This voyage will be best for that.”

“Hey, Luna, Button, you two will be on the third ship, okay? We're having all the non-fliers be there,” Silver said as she trotted up.

The two blinked a few times before sharing looks. They then simultaneously face hoofed.

------

Diamond let out a soft sigh as slowly the boat began to rise into the air. There were only five of the ships and each one could only comfortably hold about ten ponies, so the majority of their forces were staying behind. There was just the one deck on each boat, the majority of it taken up by their supplies for the voyage.

But it would be enough to get them home. Her airship housed her, Silver, Alicity, Secretary, Luna, Celestia, Acrylic, Button, Sunset and one of the healers. The majority of their remaining forces were either pegasi or a few non-pegasi who had artificial wings.

Once the five vessels were in the air, Alicity cleared his throat. “Okay! Everypony! Flip the red switch!”

For a moment, there was a long, ominous hum as the engines sprang to life. Everypony held their breaths as they waited and watched.

Then, one by one, the barriers appeared around the ships. A long sigh of relief escaped the ponies. “And it's ready! Go! Onward!” Alicity yelled, thrusting a hoof forward.

Diamond looked around worriedly as they started to head out of the protective barrier that surrounded the small village. The five ships remained close together, ready for any dangers that would hit them. Now all that remained to be seen was if the barriers would hold against the weather.

------

“Oh my gosh you have got to be kidding me!” Silver yelled, glaring at the sky.

“Oh, fret not, daughter!” Alicity said proudly. “We will face this ordeal with the stiff upper lip of our family!”

Secretary sighed and shook her head. “It seems they work, at least. If they didn't, we would have been hit already, sir.”

It had been nearly a full day of travel and the weather had been passable the entire time. They'd been hit by a bit of hail and the winds made sure that the five boats had to keep a decent distance from each other, with the pegasi flying from boat to boat to make sure there weren't any problems. But not a single thunder cloud had appeared.

“What is wrong with you?” Silver yelled at the weather. “You think this is funny, don't you? Argh!” She covered her face with her hooves. “I hate this place. With every fiber of my being.”

Diamond chuckled, before glancing across at Button. “You got any threes?” Some cover had been set up near the back, allowing everypony to relax without getting hit by the sudden weather shifts.

“Nope, go fish,” he said before glancing off towards the right. Celestia and Luna were off on their lonesome, talking. The two had spent the majority of their time there, reading books and chatting amongst themselves. He then glanced a little further to the very back of the ship. Acrylic was sitting with his back against one of the crates, a magic book in front of him that he skimmed over.

“Button? You okay?” Diamond asked.

“Huh?” the earth pony asked, glancing up. “Oh, uhhh... got any threes?”

“Didn't I just ask you that?”

“What? Oh! Right, uhh... twos? You got any of those?”

“Go fish. Are you okay?”

“I'm... fine,” he muttered softly, drawing a card.

“If you wanna talk about it--”

“I don't. Your move.”

Diamond sighed and gave a nod.

------

A loud bell went off, waking the ponies up. The sun had been down for hours, making them groggy and confused as the bell wailed. “W-who? Wah?” Diamond asked softly.

“Pirates! There are pirates!” a voice rang out.

The alicorn stood up quickly, racing to the front of the vessel. She squeaked when the vessel came within sight, no lights on it and it was almost upon them. The five life boats were tied together in the night, to ensure they wouldn't accidentally veer off from each other. Unfortunately, it made them slower and a bigger target. It seemed nopony had noticed them until they were almost upon them.

“Buck it! Fire the cannons!” Alicity yelled.

“We haven't been hit by any lightning, there's no charge for them, sir,” Secretary said. Diamond couldn't imagine how the mare looked as prim and proper still, not a single hair out of place. Had she been awake all night?

Diamond groaned and then jumped into the air, spreading her wings and flying at the vessel. It took only a moment, but four more blurs joined her. Prism, Rainbow, Ironwing and Daring.

“I know these guys,” Daring said with a chuckle. “Redbeak. Don't worry, he's dumb as molasses and his crew ain't any better. They won't start firing unless they think they're in trouble with how small our ships are. I can start disabling them and--”

“I'll come with you,” Rainbow said quickly. “Kids, see about getting them off the boat's flanks!”

Diamond nodded, her horn blazing to life as she flew out over the top of the vessel. The flames illuminated the griffons and pegasi on board. “On it!” Diamond yelled, before sending a searing ball of flame forward and erupting it against their balloon. To her disappointment it dispersed against it. “Bucking...”

“Get them!” one of the griffon's yelled, pointing a scimitar at her. She glanced back at Ironwing and Prism.

“We'll cover you, Avatar,” Prism said quickly. “Just see about breaking that balloon! Ironwing!” he called out.

“No,” the other pegasus said.

“Come on.”

“I don't even think we can--”

“Just trust me, okay?”

“Ugh, fine! But if you screw this up, I'm going to break your wings in three places!”

“I won't!”

Diamond looked confused, then yiped as Ironwing darted in front of Prism. The air bender then kicked out with a hoof, propelling Ironwing forward like an arrow. The pegasus twisted in mid air, his hooves connecting with a few of the griffons and pegasi as he rocketed forward, sending them flailing to the ground. He flew right at the griffon with the scimitar, who took a swing. Ironwing flared out his wings, changing his trajectory and spinning around the blade, arcing himself over the griffon and onto his back. Three quick taps later and the griffon collapsed to the ground, twitching.

Prism darted forward next, sending out a burst of air as he joined his comrade.

Diamond yelped, shaking her head and looking up at the balloon. She still had a job to do. She flapped her wings and propelled herself up at it, spinning around while flames enveloped her body. She rammed into the balloon, horn first.

The balloon started to give, making her grin.

Then it bounced back, making her yipe, before sending her rocketing back to the ground. She slammed into the deck and bounced three times before coming to a skidding stop, swirls in her eyes. “Owwwww...”

A blade flashed at her head and she barely rolled to the side in time to avoid losing it. She yiped and spun, sending out a small circle of flames around her body. A few griffons had her surrounded, blades raised.

A moment later three of them were sent flying into the air by a cannonball of Ironwing. Then another three were sent flying when Prism slammed into them, sending out bursts of wind. “Avatar, what is the problem?”

“The balloon won't pop!” she said defensively. “I've been trying, but it's not--”

“Then attack the attachments for it!”

Diamond blinked and looked up. The balloon was tied to it with ropes and attached to a great wooden platform. She face hoofed. “Oh.” She flew to the air, enveloping her body in flames again as she rocketed forward. She turned and bucked as hard as she could into the wooden platform, plowing clean through it with ease. She yelped, flailing her hooves wildly as she tried to slow herself, but slammed straight into the rigging. “Eeeee!”

She hit it, squeaking softly and fighting against the ropes, before once again shrugging, and spewing fire in all directions until finally the ropes snapped, releasing her.

“Avatar, Avatar!” a voice called out, making her freeze in place while Prism hovered a few feet above her.

“What?”

“We've won,” the stallion said, motioning below.

The crew were staring up at them with looks of horror, their weapons thrown at the ground. The ship had veered off heavily to the right, the balloon having lost most of its attachments now. “So they gave up? Already?” She cringed as she eyed some of the crew on the deck, strewn out and nursing plenty of bruises. Ironwing flew up towards her as well. Neither of the two had a mark on them.

“Indeed. We're letting them go to ground, then destroying the balloon. If we had the space, we'd take them with us, but we can't.”

She nodded slowly.

“So, you two still got it, then?” Rainbow asked with a grin, making Ironwing and Prism freeze.

“Mom? How long were you--”

“Most of that,” she said with a snicker. “Had to make sure you two weren't screwing anything up or getting hurt. See? I knew you two were good. You always were naturals, born to fight together,” she said with a chuckle. “Reminds me of when the two of you were kids, when you had your little... mega bolt thing, or whatever it was.”

Ironwing covered his face with a hoof. “Miss Rainbow...”

“Oh, don't you give me any of that. Come on, let's deal with these pirates. I ever tell you about Lightning Dust? Now she was a pirate. Bit rough around the edges, but...”

------

Diamond sighed when she finally crawled back into bed. Dealing with the pirates had been simple, if tedious. Once the ship had been grounded, they'd tried launching a surprise attack.

The fact the ship was now far away enough from their ships to not get caught in Rainbow's wind tunnels meant the attack only lasted a few seconds before they gave up. They'd tripled the night watch and were now keeping an eye out for any signs of pirates. Rainbow had joined in the night watch as well, using her air sensing to help.

Of course, that did mean they were still vulnerable. They had wonderful shields and cannons to protect themselves against the pirates and any magical attacks they may have, but without the lightning hitting them, there was no way to get the cannons to work. At least, at first.

“GAHHH DON'T DROP ME!” Celestia's voice screamed out.

Alicity had come up with the perfect solution to charge them up and right now the poor fire bender was one by one charging the ship shields, using her lightning bending. She'd have to do it a few times a day, something she was not exactly thrilled by, especially since it was being done in mid air. Still, they were suffering far less damage than they had on the way here, even if they were no where near as comfortable on such small ships.

------

Button coughed as he gently reached out a hoof, nudging Luna.

“I am awake,” the stallion said softly. “What do you want, Button?”

The earth pony yiped, his cheeks going red. “I just... I wanted... I mean, I-I...”

“Yes?”

“I uhhh... I... I don't know...”

“I'm becoming startling aware of that fact.”

“No, I mean I don't... know what I want,” he muttered and poked his hooves together.

“I know. We've talked about this.”

“But... I think... I think I want... I want to... try. I uhhh...”

“Huh?” Luna asked, glancing to him.

“We still... have a few days and... I mean, it'll be a while before we can arrive at Harmony and... I uhhh...”

“Yes?”

“If we have to separate when we get to Harmony anyway...” He took a slow, deep breath. “Can... we keep... going until then?” His face turned even brighter red. “I just mean since... I want to get to know you more. Better. I want to know all the little things about you. What you like, what you do. How ummm... you feel about... stuff. If that's okay.”

Luna stared at him intently. Then, slowly, he lifted up the side of his blanket. “Very... well. If you so desire we can... speak. Here, come out of the cold.”

The stallion smiled and slid into the covers next to him. “So, uhhh, what's your favorite flower?”

“Sunflowers.”

“Wait, really?”

------

“Oh my gosh, did you see that? I was totally awesome!” Daring said as she flew in a tight circle around Rainbow. “That griffon was all 'I'm gonna get you!' and I was all like 'Woosh, right between the legs, can't touch this!' and he was all 'Where'd you go?' and then I was all 'Ha, behind you, you over sized canary!' and then bam, straight buck to the head!”

Rainbow chuckled as she rested on one of the crates, occasionally sending out weak bursts of wind to sense around the vessels. “Yeah, you were pretty awesome.”

“You were super cool, too,” Daring said with a nod. “The way you just sent a burst of wind out and bam, slammed all those cannons back. I wish I could do that, I'd be an awesome air bender.”

The air bender shrugged. “Eh. I don't know, you're pretty awesome already. It's a shame you missed Ironwing's fighting. I did see you use a few of his strikes, though. Not bad for a FUTURE Shadowbolt, eh?” she said with a teasing smirk

“Oh yeah, he's been drilling into me. 'Dodge, always dodge!' and you know what? It's working pretty good. If they can't touch me, then bam, all I need to do is make that counter attack and I've got them toast.”

Rainbow snickered, nodding. “Pretty much.”

------

“Sir, I've puffed your pillow,” Secretary said before sliding it back under Acrylic's head. “Is there anything else you require?”

“Hm? No. I--” His eyes shot open and he sat up. “Secretary, take some notes!”

“Sir?”

“I just had the most fascinating idea! What if we could set up these cannons as propulsion devices?”

“I'm... sorry?”

“Imagine,” Alicity said before putting a hoof over her shoulder while the other motioned towards the horizon. “The artificial wing technology, but on a grander scale.”

“Errr, you have, sir. Remember, it wasn't feasible?”

“Yes, yes, because the ships were too large. But what if instead of just flying on the magic in the air, we used it to help feed special cannons to propel forward?”

Secretary blinked. “I... don't know if it'll work, sir.” Her horn glowed and she lifted up her notebook and pen. “But whatever you need.”

“Wonderful! Now, see if you can find any coffee. Tonight is going to be a long one.”

She gave a soft sigh. “Of course, sir.”

------

Diamond gave a soft yawn as she looked out over the horizon, before quickly lowering her eyes. All five of the ships had been tied together again, due to the fierce weather. Lightning struck across the barriers, again and again, as if they were trying desperately to break them. Fortunately, they hadn't managed to have any success. The five ships had expanded their barriers out, allowing the lightning to strike across and then disperse with ease. Now that the shields were charged, it seemed the weather was trying to break them for real.

Every few seconds the cannons would go off as well, sending off great fireworks into the distance. In a way, it was quite beautiful, a marvelous sight of light and electricity.

On the other hoof, it was giving her a head ache and loud as buck. Many of the others had taken refuge under cover, dampening the sound as best they could. Those who were forced to bee out in it were wearing sun glasses and sound dampening devices over their ears. It didn't help that it was pouring ice cold rain, freezing most of them to the bone and making those on watch all the more miserable.

------

Diamond sipped from her canteen, wiping the sweat from her brow. It hadn't even been a day and they'd gone from fierce lightning and rain, to so sweltering and hot that she was sure she was going to drown in her own sweat. It felt like they were back in the Fire Tribe lands, the heat so bad that she was beginning to worry they'd all dry up like prunes.

------

Snow. So much snow.

------

She was boiling in her skin, she could feel it.

------

So much hail, she couldn't believe nothing was breaking.

------

Snow.

------

Sun.

------

Rain.

------

The border, they were almost there. Diamond held her breath as one by one they traveled over the border. They'd done it. They'd made it across, safe and sound. All five boats had made it across without any casualties. None of them had exploded. The shields had held together, the cannons worked. Everything was going right. She looked around anxiously as the ships began to spread apart and Sunset left them to travel with Alicity and Secretary, but nothing happened. They didn't get so much as a broken hoof. Then, finally, the three remaining vessels began to make their way towards Harmony.

Their radios had unfortunately been cannibalized to make the shields, but they would probably be able to stop somewhere on the way to send a message home and let them know. The Avatar was coming home.

Chapter 27: Surprises

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Diamond glanced over to Button and Luna who were snuggled up in the corner, whispering and talking to each other. She grinned and then walked over to Silver. “So, all in all, this trip wasn't so bad. Right?”

“It has cost me sooooo many bits,” the earth pony said with a sigh. “But, no. I suppose all in all it wasn't so bad. Those magical barriers daddy worked on will probably be enough to pay for the whole thing, even. The world is going to want those. With fine tuning, they'll probably be able to block out physical things, too.”

The alicorn nodded. “Yup. I ummm... I am sorry I got your super expensive flying fortress destroyed. I really didn't mean--”

“You didn't,” Silver said with a shake of her head. “It was just bad luck. That place hates us. Hates everypony, I think. It would have probably crashed the ship whether you were there or not.” She then chuckled. “Besides, I've spoken with Daring. Most of the pirates there lived there their whole lives, with ships designed for that place. They still crashed all the time. As foal proof as I thought the ship was, I just didn't know what I was facing, so there wasn't much any of us could do.” She frowned. “Aside from making something cheaper.”

Diamond nodded. “But nopony died, so you still did plenty.” She then glanced towards the back of the ship. Prism, Ironwing, Rainbow and Daring had all managed to form some kind of pegasus sleep pile, lounging on some clouds they'd managed to attach to the boat. “And... well, Prism and Ironwing can stand each other. Mostly. They haven't tried to kill each other with any sporks, at least.”

Silver chuckled and glanced back as well. “Yeah, they are almost adorable, you know. Like giant winged cats. I think Rainbow and Daring are infecting those two, though. Up all night, sleeping all day.”

“Mmmm hmm. When's the last time you saw Ironwing doing his exercises? Well, except when he's training Daring?”

The two shared a look and burst into giggles moments before the ship on their left exploded in a circle of rainbow colored light, the hull cracking into small pieces of wood. The burst of magic sent their ship veering hard to the right as the barrier around their boat struggled, and failed, to absorb the full force. A rainbow colored line zoomed off, circling around them.

Chaos reigned as the ponies tried to regather themselves. Diamond was sent flying back against the side of the boat, hitting it so hard she was sure a rib cracked. She could see the exploded ship falling to the ground, the ponies in it not moving, plummeting with it. Many having been impaled by wood fragments. She could hear screams from all sides.

The rainbow colored line then turned back towards them, racing forward.

“Shining!” Rainbow screamed before she flew out towards the front of the ship. The rainbow light veered back, slowing down before coming to a stop, a good twenty feet ahead of the other mare.

“Ah, so you WERE on this ship, eh?” the other pegasus asked. She had a wild, erratically colored coat and her mane was long, wild and silver. “Long time no see, old rust wings.”

“How are you here? You're supposed to be in prison!” Rainbow asked, her wings twitching.

Diamond finally fell forward, her entire body aching. The ship finally stopped shaking and she could slowly get to her hooves, though it hurt. She crawled to the other side of the small ship, peering over the side towards the ground below.

She could see the ponies and the ship on the ground. Nothing seemed to be moving, or if it was, not much.

“I let myself out, what can I say? Prison was boring.” She turned back around. “Why don't you come and try to stop me?” she taunted before taking off like a bolt.

Rainbow let out a roar of frustration before racing after the mare.

“Mom! Don't!” Prism yelled as he finally disentangled himself. “Buck it! Daring, Ironwing, we need to--” He stopped when he looked down and saw them. “Ironwing?”

The stallion was wrapped up into a little ball, his eyes closed as he rocked back and forth. “No no no no no...”

“Ironwing? Come on! We need to go help them! They got hit!”

“No no no no,” he said softly, shaking his head. “I... I can't... please...”

Daring looked down at him, before diving over the side of the boat towards the crashed vessel. Prism shook him again. “Ironwing, come on!”

“I... I can't... I can't... I just...”

“Ugh! You're useless!” Prism yelled before taking to the air and racing after Rainbow.

Silver frowned as Rainbow and Shining veered through the air, going lower and lower towards the ground. She couldn't tell if the former was driving her down, or if the latter was leading her. It was just--

Her eyes widened and she felt a surge through her heart. She quickly raced to the controls of the boat, slowly turning the ship to the right. “Diamond!”

“W-what?” the alicorn rasped.

“Get on the cannon, fire it up!”

“W-what? But--”

“Just do it!”

Diamond blinked, but slowly crawled to the cannon. She glanced back towards the other side of the ship. The others were crawling out of the collapsed supplies, at least looking better than she felt. But then, they had been surrounded by blankets and pillows.

------

If Rainbow could see, it would be nothing but red. She raced after Shining, her hooves out as she tried to catch up on the mare. She was gaining, slowly, but Shining had a small lead.

“Come on, you old hag! Try to keep up!” Shining yelled as she raced lower and lower towards the ground, skimming just above the sand.

Suddenly, as she passed a sand dune, it exploded out. Three ponies were inside it, though that didn't worry her.

Until one of them stepped forward and lifted a hoof towards her.

It felt as if her entire body split in two separate directions. Her bones and skin wanted to keep going, but all the liquids in her body stopped and started going in the opposite direction. She slowed down and stopped, whatever the magic was holding her slowly making her spread out, gasping with pain.

Shining chuckled as she lowered herself to the ground. “Wow, teach. What do you think of my new friend? He's a blood bender, pretty cool, huh?”

“Will you cease your incessant prattling and kill her already?” the pony asked.

“Ugh, fine.”

------

Diamond stared down at the ponies, her eyes wide with horror. The unicorn was wearing white robes and had a glimmering silver mane and a blue coat. There was an earth pony with them as well, he had a red coat and black mane. But the last one was what had her frozen in place.

Meadowbrook. The mare stood there, a new staff in hoof, her mask over her face and cloak over her body. Slowly the mare looked up at her and the alicorn froze in place.

“Diamond! Shoot! Shoot them!” Silver yelled.

“H-huh?” the Avatar asked, before getting shoved aside. Silver took the cannon, turning it directly at Meadowbrook before flipping the switch. An ominous hum filled the air, moments before a magical bullet shot out of the chamber.

Meadowbrook and the earth pony leaped away, the blast leaving a crater in the ground and sending sand flying through the air. Shining flew back and the unicorn holding Rainbow was sent flying to the side, allowing the mare to fly back. She didn't waste any time, flapping her wings once and sending a blast of air at the unicorn, hurtling him across the sand.

“T-that's... that's impossible...” Luna said softly as he gazed over the side of the ship. “How can Dazzling be here?”

Silver tried to reposition the cannon and once again the hum filled the air. “Celestia! Hit our shields with your lightning bending again! I need to charge it, quickly!”

Shining raced across the sand, grabbing Dazzling and then hauling him back. Meadowbrook and the earth pony gathered up. Rainbow sent a burst of wind at them, but a wall of solid sand launched up, enveloping the four.

A moment later, the sand fell and they were gone. Rainbow flapped her wings, sending the sand scattering into the air but there was no sign of them. She let out a roar of frustration so loud they could even hear it on the ship, before turning around and racing towards the broken ship.

------

A somber silence had fallen over the remaining vessels as they slowly made their way towards Harmony. The attack had been quick, but violent. Of the ten ponies on the ship that had crashed, only three had survived, and even they were in critical condition. Their healer was doing the best he could, but they needed to get real medical help if they were going to have any chance of survival. Not just a bit of healer bending.

Diamond didn't think she'd ever forget the sight of those who hadn't survived. They'd been inches from the sonic rainboom when it'd gone off. The boat they'd been on had been torn to pieces, wood chunks everywhere. The ponies had been skewered by the wood, torn apart by the rainboom and then fallen hundreds of feet to the sand below. The fact there had been any survivors had been a miracle.

Rainbow and Ironwing were both a mess, now. The former was furious and kept flying off on her own, trying to find any sight of the four. The latter was on the other ship, buried in blankets and refusing to come out. At first Prism had been angry with him, but now they were starting to get concerned. Something was definitely wrong with the pegasus and there was nothing they could do about it until they got to Harmony.

Yet Diamond couldn't shake a feeling of dread as they kept flying over the horizon towards the city. Something horrible must have happened back home. Meadowbrook was free. Shining Blast had somehow escaped and joined forces with that mare. The unicorn was Dazzling Sapphires, if Luna and Celestia were to be believed. The last pony was most likely a stallion known as Hothoof, another great threat and student of Applejack.

Whatever Meadowbrook had planned, it couldn't be good. Gathering together ponies that powerful didn't bode well for any of the countries.

------

The four ponies burst from the ground, miles away near a large mountain range. Shining took to the air, circling around and shaking the sand from her feathers. “Ugh, was all that really necessary? I'm going to be picking sand out of my feathers for weeks.”

“Please stop your inane chatter,” Dazzling said before he started walking towards a small cave in the side of the mountain. “If you had acted quicker, Rainbow would be dead and we wouldn't have to worry about her.”

“Bah, you worry too much,” Shining said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “Trust me, she's good, but she's nowhere near as good as me. She--”

“Remains a dangerous threat and it would have been best to eliminate her now, while we have the element of surprise. Now that she knows we are here, she'll get in the way.”

“Yah know, yah two should jus' start makin' out already, the way yah two fight,” the earth pony said.

Shining groaned, shuddering. “With him? Ewwwwww. I'd rather kiss a minotaur.”

“Hothoof, please keep such ridiculous notions to yourself,” Dazzling said with a shake of his head. He then glanced towards Meadowbrook. “Now, Lord Tir... Mistress Meadowbrook, did we succeed?”

The mare nodded and trotted towards the cave, holding the staff in front of herself. “Perfectly. Discord's little chosen one is right where I suspected, near the Avatar. Now all I need to do is narrow down who it is,” she said coldly.

The cave was small, with a few baskets of food and sleeping bags. In the corner opposite the entrance a pink mare sat, rocking back and forth. Meadowbrook walked over and lightly tapped the staff on her head. “Hello, Starlight.”

“Unmarked, save, equality, chaos...”

“Yes, yes, truly fascinating,” the mare said with a shake of her head. “Sometimes I wonder why I ever saved you to begin with. You'll be happy to know we've found your cutie mark, though. And soon, we'll have the Avatar and... the other one in our hooves.”

“An' then we'll be in control, right?” Hothoof asked, a big grin on his face.

“Of course,” Meadowbrook said with a nod. “All your greatest dreams will come true once they are gone. Riches beyond your wildest dreams.”

“So, where we going next, then? We got the Avatar's attention, there's a next part to this plan, right?” Dazzling asked.

“Of course,” Meadowbrook said with a smirk. “Now we get to have a bit of... fun.”

------

Diamond's heart beat faster as she was led through the streets of Harmony. They'd come straight to the city, not even stopping at the outposts for help, so they could get the wounded to the best hospital available. Once they were safe, Shadowbolts had come down to gather her and her friends.

The city wasn't in shambles, but ponies were watching her closely as she walked. They looked scared. She couldn't blame them. If Meadowbrook was free, there was no telling what would happen now.

She let out a soft gulp once she was led into the council building, the seats all filled. She let out a yipe when Blaze rushed forward and hugged her. “Oh, Diamond! Thank heavens you're okay!”

“Ahem?” Prism asked, cocking an eye.

“I knew you were okay, you're not an idiot,” Blaze said.

“Hey!” Diamond objected. “I-I'm not an, just shush,” the alicorn said huffily.

The pegasus chuckled and took a step back. “Avatar, we--” She then paused, her eyes going over to Rainbow. “L-lady Rainbow. I... I had no idea--”

“Oh, don't you 'lady' me, Blaze,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “It's Rainbow, that's all. Now, I think you have a job or something for the Avatar?”

“Ah! Right, Avatar,” the pegasus said before flying back and landing in her chair. “It's disastrous. Meadowbrook has escaped and--”

“We know,” Diamond said with a nod of her head. “We were attacked by her, and a few other ponies.”

Blaze blinked, before slowly nodding. “Yes. Shining Blast, Dazzling Sapphires and Hothoof. Every one of those ponies are extremely dangerous, with powers beyond what most ponies could ever hope to have. I... have no idea how Meadowbrook even knew about them to begin with. While they all have a... well known history, their imprisoned locations were...” She sighed and rubbed her temple. “I suppose even they were well known enough. But for her to be able to release all of them. No, even worse than that. Meadowbrook's magic has gotten stronger.”

Diamond's eyes widened. “Wait, stronger? What do you mean?”

“She's not just stealing cutie marks anymore. The ponies she steals them from have lost all their magic.”

“W-what?”

“Every single ounce of it. The pegasi can no longer fly, the unicorns can't even do the smallest amount of magic, the earth ponies become sluggish and worn. Their minds are left unaffected though, it seems. But this is still quite dangerous, even deadly. One of the greatest threats Harmony has ever known has managed to draw three of the greatest threats the world has ever known under her banner.” She gave Diamond a nervous grin. “I'm... afraid to say, this is no longer just a threat for us to deal with.”

“What do you mean?”

Blaze took a slow, deep breath. “We've reached out to all the other nations and they are offering what assistance they can. Wonderbolts are out, constantly looking for them. And... well...”

There was a light knock on the door.

“That'd be them.” She gave a nod and the guards pulled the door open.

In the doorway stood Rarity, Sweetiebelle, Scootaloo and two orange earth ponies. One with a yellow mane and a cowpony hat, the other with a red mane and a big ribbon in her mane

“Applejack, Rarity!” Rainbow called out, a wide grin on her face.

“Rainbow? What are yah doin' here?” Applejack asked, her eyes widening. “An' here ah heard yah gone an' disappeared!”

“Well, you know me, always there when you least expect it,” Rainbow said with a big grin.

Rarity opened her mouth, before coughing. “Errr, as much as we'd love to go down memory lane, there are more important matters at hoof.” She turned towards Diamond. “Now, Avatar, normally I would never dream of stepping on your hooves and intruding on your matters, but... I'm afraid in this situation I truly must. Dazzling is a problem of the Water Nation and, even more so, he is a problem of my sister and I. We cannot allow him to continue. So we really must insist your allowance on aiding in this matter.”

Applejack snickered. “Allow nothin'! Hothoof is a plum idiot, but he's a mighty tough idiot. More'n that, he was mah student an' that makes 'im partially mah responsibility. Ah ain't gonna stand around while he goes an' gets somepony killed. Yah are welcome tah take the help of me an' mah sis, but if yah ain't, well, too bad.”

“Rainbow Dash...” Scootaloo said in awe, her eyes wide.

Diamond coughed into her hoof, quickly shaking her head. “A-ah. Uhhh... sure. I mean, I'd be... very grateful to have your help.” She bowed her head politely. “Thank you.”

Rarity chuckled into her hoof. “Oh, it is no matter, Avatar. We could hardly just stand back and say it's not our problem anymore, now could we?”

Rainbow grinned and then turned to the side. “Well, since most of the group is here together, I guess now's as good a time as any. Allow me to introduce Daring Do. Twilight's younger daughter.”

Silence reigned in the room for a few minutes as Daring raised her hoof in a small wave.

Finally, everypony spoke at once. “WHAT?!”

Avatar: Legend of Diamond Tiara. Book 2: Discord

by Jeweled Pen

Chapter 1: A fresh start

Chapter 2: Making plans

Chapter 3: A 'date'

Chapter 4: Water Lord

Chapter 5: New technology

Chapter 6: Packing

Chapter 7: Sick

Chapter 8: Manehattan

Chapter 9: Rainbow

Chapter 10: The Badlands

Chapter 11: Cursed

Chapter 12: Worming out

Chapter 13: Daring

Chapter 14: Origins

Chapter 15: Burned

Chapter 16: Training

Chapter 17: Rusty bolts

Chapter 18: Out of this world

Chapter 19: The Guide

Chapter 20: The Alicorn Amulet

Chapter 21: Back to rest

Chapter 22: Ancestors

Chapter 23: Past lives

Chapter 24: Grave

Chapter 25: Ancestral Meeting

Chapter 26: Return trip

Chapter 27: Surprises

Book 3 is out!